Dictamnus albus

It is found in Himalayas from Kashmir to Kunawar and in West in Germany, France, Spain and Austria. It is also available in Korea. It is a perennial deciduous herb with woody base, succulent roots, small erect stem, alternate leaves with 9-13 ovate serrate leaflets. Large flowers staked with purple when rubbed give lemon peel smell. It abounds in volatile oils so much so that the atmosphere around it becomes inflammable in summer.

It contains an alkaloid dictamine which is toxic, a saponin and plenty of volatile oils containing estragol and anethole.

A homoeopathic tincture is made from the bark of the root and rootlets. It is covered by Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of United States. It was introduced by Dr. Stoerck, Dr. Noack and Dr. Trinks. It is generally used in stiffness of muscles and respiratory problems in homoeopathy. Uses in intermittent fever, nervous diseases and amenorrhoea are reported. Pharmacologically, it is antidote to venoms and is antispasmodic. It has similarity to Ruta in action. Reported to be inducing menstruation and relaxing the guts. Historically used to stimulate uterine muscles, 202 promote urine flow, and ease the colicky pains of constipation.

Recommended dose: 3x and higher. Ø/1x under strict medical supervision.

Caution: The phytochemicals are reported to be abortive, as such, it should not be used during pregnancy.

References:

1. Andrew Chevallier, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, 1st Edition, 1996, Dorling Kindersley, London.
2. P. N. Varma, Indu Vaid, Encyclopaedia of Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia, Updated edition 2007, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.
3. W. Boericke, New Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica& Repertory [with Relationship of Remedies], Second Re-Augmented & Revised Edition Based on Ninth Edition, Reprint Edition 2002, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi
4. J Written By: N. Phipps, Edited By: Bronwyn Harris, http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-medicinal-uses-of-dictamnus-albus.htm