Source: Vegetable kingdom
Common Name: Stinging Nettle
Family: Urticaceae
Prover: Dr. Hahnemann in 1816
Miasm: Psora
Temperament: Irritable
Diathesis: Rheumatic & Gouty
Thermal: Chilly
Duration of Action: 1 to 7 days
Active Principle: Urticaria (Stinging substance)
Inimical to: Apis mel
Side Affection: Right-sided more than left side
INTRODUCTION
Urtica Urens is a remarkable polychrest remedy in homeopathy, used widely for various conditions like skin disorders, rheumatism, and allergic reactions. Known for its therapeutic benefits in cases of stinging pain, burning sensations, and skin eruptions, it has earned its place in the medical repertory. Hahnemann described it as a remedy closely related to Rhus Tox and Bryonia Alba, with similar modalities, but more focused on intense skin reactions and burning sensations.
GUIDING SYMPTOMS
- Intense Restlessness: The person is restless, and has a strong urge to keep moving, as this provides relief from pain and discomfort.
- Stinging and Burning Sensations: This is a key feature of Urtica Urens, especially in skin conditions. The skin feels as though it has been stung or burnt, with a distinct burning and tingling sensation.
- Joint Pains: Often, there is a sensation as though the joints are being scraped or burnt, and the pains can be severe.
- Chronic Urticaria: The remedy is often used when Rhus Tox fails to work, especially in chronic cases of urticaria (hives).
- Skin Conditions: Urtica Urens is especially effective in cases of skin eruptions with burning, itching, and vesicular rashes that may spread from left to right.
- Sore and Stiff Muscles: Soreness, stiffness, and rheumatic pains in the joints, especially in the morning or after lying down.
- Excessive Thirst: A strong thirst for cold drinks, often with a dry mouth.
- Sensitivity to Cold and Dampness: The remedy is particularly effective for patients who are sensitive to cold weather, damp conditions, or after being wet.
- Restlessness at Night: The patient feels very restless in bed, needing to change positions frequently, similar to Rhus Tox, but with more burning sensations.
MIND / MENTAL SYMPTOMS
- Anxiety: The patient experiences anxiety and restlessness, particularly in the evening.
- Emotional Sensitivity: There is a tendency for sadness, irritability, and sudden emotional outbursts.
- Forgetfulness: The person has trouble remembering recent events or experiences.
- Delirium: In severe cases, delirium may set in, where the patient talks about their daily activities or work incessantly, like Bryonia.
- Restlessness of Mind: The mind is constantly moving from one thought to another, jumping from subject to subject without focus.
FEVER
Urtica Urens is indicated in several types of fever, including:
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Intermittent Fever:
- Before Chill: Dry, teasing cough with a taste of blood.
- During Chill: Intense thirst with a dry tongue.
- Heat Stage: Blisters may appear around the corners of the mouth, with burning pain.
- Sweat Stage: Exhaustion and relief from the fever after sweating.
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Continuous & Remittent Fever:
- Causation: Exposure to cold, damp weather or wet conditions.
- Mode of Onset: Fever often begins insidiously, resembling the onset of typhoid.
- During Fever: Restlessness and an inability to remain in one position.
- After Fever: The patient may experience paralysis in the muscles or the lower limbs.
RHEUMATISM
- Causation: Often triggered by damp or cold weather, or after getting wet.
- Sensation: The joints feel as though they are scraped with a knife.
- Location: Primarily affects the joints on the right side.
- Concomitant Symptoms: Stiffness, restlessness, and anxiety.
- Better in: Walking or moving around.
SKIN
- Genital Area: Burning, inflammation, and intense itching.
- Vesicular Eruptions: Small, yellow, blister-like eruptions that spread from left to right, with a lot of swelling, burning, and itching.
- Worse at Night: Skin conditions worsen at night and in rainy weather, but are relieved by warm applications.
Skin Symptoms of Urtica Urens
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Burning Sensations:
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Intense burning and stinging sensations on the skin, as though it has been exposed to stinging nettles or a hot substance.
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Vesicular Eruptions:
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Small, yellowish, blister-like eruptions that often start on the left side and spread to the right. These blisters are accompanied by burning, swelling, itching, and stitching pain.
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Itching and Inflammation:
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Severe itching, particularly in the genital area and other sensitive regions. The skin may also show signs of inflammation, redness, and irritation.
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Chronic Urticaria:
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In cases of chronic hives (urticaria), Urtica Urens is indicated when remedies like Rhus Tox fail to bring relief. It helps in cases with persistent itching and burning.
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Worse in Rainy Weather:
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Skin conditions, especially rashes and itching, worsen in rainy, damp, or cold weather. The symptoms are aggravated by wet conditions or exposure to cold air.
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Worsening at Night:
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The skin symptoms are aggravated at night, particularly the burning and itching sensations. This may disturb the patient’s sleep and create restlessness.
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Blisters Around the Mouth:
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Blisters or ulcers may appear at the corners of the mouth, accompanied by burning and soreness. These are often associated with fever or cold conditions.
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Skin Eruptions and Sensitivity:
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Skin eruptions may be sensitive to touch and are often aggravated by scratching or friction. The skin is typically red, inflamed, and tender to the touch.
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Relief from Warm Applications:
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The skin conditions respond well to warm applications, which help soothe the burning, itching, and inflamed skin.
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MEMORIZING TIPS
- T: Tongue with imprint of teeth, triangular red tip.
- O: On waking up, there is lameness and stiffness in the joints.
- X: Extremely anxious and restless, especially at night.
- I: Inimical to Apis mel.
- C: Corners of the mouth ulcerated with blisters.
- O: On getting wet in the rain, paralysis sets in.
- D: Dreams of great exertion or physical labor.
- E: Eruptions spread from left to right.
- N: Nighttime agitation and terror.
- D: Daily occupation recurring in dreams.
- R: Restlessness, unable to stay in one position.
- O: Of rheumatic diathesis.
- N: Numbness in limbs, especially after sleeping.
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