Pyrethrum parthenium
Tanacetum parthenium · Plant · Asteraceae
The remedy picture is largely derived from a poisoning case in a child, showing intense nervous excitation with convulsions and delirium. Cooper also used the related Pyrethrum roseum for subacute rheumatism, suggesting a broader musculoskeletal application.
Key symptoms
- Loquacious delirium with incessant talking for hours
- Tetanic convulsions with muscular twitchings of the limbs
- Diarrhoea with pain and tenesmus, followed by involuntary mucus-blood stools
- Rapid, feeble pulse (120 to 130 beats per minute)
- Profuse perspiration with restlessness
- Stupor alternating with excitability
- Subacute rheumatism of hands and small bones
Chrysanthemum parthenium (Bern.). Feverfew. N. O. Compositæ. Tincture of fresh plant.
Clinical
Convulsions. Delirium. Dysentery. Fevers. Loquacity. Rheumatism.
Characteristics
Pyr. p. "has bitter tonic properties like those of Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis); and is a popular remedy in slight fevers (whence the name 'Feverfew'). The smell of the whole herb is said to be particularly offensive to bees" (Treas. of Bot.). Some popular "insect powders" are made of the dried flowers of Pyrethrum roseum. Radix Pyrethri, or Pellitory of Spain, which is used as an irritant and as a toothache cure, is the root of Anacyclus pyrethrum. The roots of the genus have a hot taste, whence the name Pyrethrum (πΰρ, fire). One observation has been recorded with Pyr. p. A boy, 3 1/2, took 50 minims of the tincture. It nearly proved fatal, causing diarrhœa, convulsions of a tetanic nature, twitchings, loquacious delirium, restless, rapid, and weak pulse, and profuse sweat at night. Some observations of Cooper's will be found in the Schema. Cooper has also cured cases of subacute rheumatism with P. roseum.
Classical texts are in the public domain. Educational reference only — not medical advice.
