📖 Absinthium (HMT) Introduction

The main action of Absinthium is on the brain. It is very useful in epilepsy. In the epilepsy associated with bluing of the body (Cyanosis) and violent twisting of th e hands and feet (as in Cuprum), Absinthium may also be indicated. Before the epileptic fit, there is intense nervousness, res tlessness, nausea, visual hallucinations and delusions. The body trembles and the tongue may be caught between the teeth. There is froth at the mouth and then the patient becomes unconscious. In addition to the mental anxiety, there is loss of sleep. Hysteria may also ensue. The clinic al picture of Absinthium epilepsy is similar to that of having inge sted poisonous mushrooms. One should be very careful in picking mushrooms from the fields because many of them are very poisonous. Only the experts can properly recognise them. The Absinthium patient is afraid of going into the open and being at high altitudes. He feels dizzy and may fall backwards. His memory is weak and he is very superstitious. He becomes indifferent to everything. His mind is confused. The pupils are unequal in size and move in different directions. The vision is blurred and there is pain at the nape of the neck (as in Gelsemium). The Absinthium patient also exhibits gastric symptoms such as loss of appetite, indigestion, belching, nausea, vomiting, fullness of the stomach and intense flatulence. The patient is usually constipated. There is frequent urinat ion and the urine is de ep coloured and has a foul, pungent odour. Sometimes, th e tongue becomes swollen and protrudes out of the mout h. It trembles and speech is difficult. There are symptoms of numbness and weakness. Women who go into menopause prematurely will benefit from Absinthium. It will reinstate their menstrual cycle if other basic features of Absinthium are also present. There is a heaviness in the chest over the area of the heart. The heartbeat is rapid but irregular. Th e throat feels scalded, sore and swollen, and the person feels as if a ball is stuck in the throat. The feet are very cold, the back and shoulders hurt, the muscles quiver and there may be tonic convulsions. Potency: 30 or more, or less according to the experience of the homoeopath.