In "Homeopathic Remedies," Asa Hershoff states that 9 percent of Americans experience migraines. Hershoff reports the causes of migraines include eyestrain, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, toxicity and chemical sensitivities. Conventional therapy for migraines may include pain killers and symptomatic treatment, but Hershoff suggests homeopathy, including the use of bryonia, may be a safe alternative. Homeopathic bryonia can be found in health food stores, pharmacies and on the Internet as a holistic approach to health. Be sure to consult a health care professional before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
Origin
In "The Complete Homeopathy Handbook," Miranda Castro reports that bryonia alba is a perennial also known as wild hops. Castro explains that although the plant is poisonous to man and animals, it has been used medicinally in measured doses for thousands of years. Castro explains homeopathic bryonia is prepared by pounding the root of the plant into a pulp. The pulp is mixed with alcohol and left to stand for several days. In the homeopathic procedure known as succussion, this diluted tincture is vigorously shaken. The tincture goes through a series of further dilutions and successions to reach the desired potency. According to homeopathic methods, the more a remedy is diluted and successed, or shaken, the stronger it becomes.
Physical Indications
In, "Concordant Materia Medica," Frans Vermeulen reports bryonia is indicated for the type of migraine that is described as a heavy pressing or bursting sensation in the head. If the pain worsens with the slightest movement, comes on gradually, or is present when you wake up, bryonia may be helpful. Bryonia may be indicated for a migraine that occurs with changes in the weather or from over-exposure to the sun.
Mental Indications
In, "Discovering Homeopathy," Dana Ullman explains homeopathic remedies are chosen according to personality and behaviur, as well as physical signs and symptoms. In "The Complete Homeopathy Handbook," Miranda Castro says the personality type that responds well to bryonia has been nicknamed "the bear," for their tendency to become irritable if disturbed from sleeping. If you tend to sleep without moving in any way, are especially irritable if disturbed, and want to be left alone when you have a migraine, bryonia may be helpful.
Other Uses
Boiron Natural Supplements says bryonia may be useful for a number of ailments besides migraines. The company suggests bryonia for sore, aching joints and muscles, abdominal pain, coughs and flu-like symptoms as well as violent headaches. Symptoms that come on slowly and are increased with movement may be particularly responsive to bryonia. Homoepathics may prescribe bryonia for pneumonia, chest pain, and constipation.
Precautions
Herbs2000 reports the white bryony plant is toxic in nature and oral ingestion of the plant could result in kidney damage, nausea or seizure. Because of this toxic nature, the plant is prescribed in homeopathic preparations rather than herbal formulations using the whole plant or parts of the root. In "Discovering Homeopathy," Dana Ullman explains in the homeopathic preparation method of dilution, no molecules of the substance remain, unlike herbal preparations where the plant is actually ingested.
References
- "Homeopathic Remedies";Asa Hershoff,ND;2000
- "The Complete Homeopathy Handbook";Miranda Castro;1990
- "Concordant Materia Medica";Frans Vermeulen;2000
- "Discovering Homeopathy", Dana Ullman;1991
- Herbs2000.com
