Materia Medica de A a Z

RUTA GRAVEOLENS (ruta)

"I do not propose to adopt the usual way by beginning with /Aconite/ and ending with /Zincum/, but to follow the bent of my inclinations, or, as it is sometimes expressed, the movings of the spirit; and may I not here invoke the aid of the spirits of the immortal Hahnemann, Boenninghausen and the galaxy of bright names that adorn the fair page of the history of Homoeopathy to help me."

First: NUX VOMICA (nux-v)

Previus: RHODODENDRON (Rhod)

Next: LEDUM PALUSTRE (Led)

This remedy which has already been mentioned as to its prominent action in the periosteum, especially in injuries and effects therefrom, also, like Arnica (Arn), has a "bruised, lame sensation all over as after a fall; worse in limbs and joints," and also "all parts of the body upon which he lies are painful, as if bruised." Like Rhus tox (Rhus-t), the Ruta patient wants to change position frequently. The pains and lameness of Ruta seem to have a particular liking for the wrists. Here also must Eupat. perf (Eup-per) be remembered.

These pains in the wrists of Ruta are, like Rhus toxicod (Rhus-t), agg. in cold, wet weather, and amel. on motion. There is no remedy oftener useful for eye-strain from close study, sewing, etc., than Ruta. The eyes feel weary and ache as if strained, or they burn like balls of fire. Two other remedies must be remembered for eye-strain, viz.: Natrum muriaticum (Nat-m) and Senega (Seneg). An understanding of these three remedies may save many cases of asthenopia or weakness of accommodation from the abuse of spectacles. Ruta is also one of our best remedies for PROLAPSUS OF THE RECTUM.

Ignatia (Ign) stands closest here. Both are agg. on stooping, lifting, or at stool. Muriatic acid (Mur-ac) and Podophyllum (Podo) should also be remembered; with the former the prolapsed organ is very sore and sensitive to the least touch, even of the sheet on which he lies, and the rectum comes down even when urinating (Aloe). The prolapse of Podophyllum (Podo) is almost always accompanied by the characteristic diarrhea, but may be the result of strain by lifting, when the uterus may also prolapse. These uses of Ruta make it a very valuable remedy.