Arundo donax

Arundo donax is a tall perennial reed belonging to the Poaceae family, native to the Mediterranean basin and widely naturalised in warm and temperate regions worldwide. It is known for its immense height, often exceeding six metres, and its hollow, bamboo-like stems. In homeopathy, the fresh rootstock is employed for trituration, tincture, and subsequent potentisation [Clarke]. Its toxicological features include mild irritant properties; when chewed raw, the pith can cause slight burning in the mouth and increased salivation, pointing to its affinity for mucous membranes [Hughes]. The plant contains silica, essential oils, and resinous compounds which help explain the dryness, itching, and catarrhal conditions noted in the proving [Allen]. Its pharmacological relationship with mucous secretions and cutaneous eruptions renders it particularly relevant in catarrhal states, ear affections, and cutaneous itching disorders [Hering].

The proving of Arundo donax was first conducted by Dr. C. R. Franz in the 19th century, under the direction of Hahnemann’s disciples [Allen]. The provings demonstrated distinct action on mucous membranes of the nose, ears, and mouth, as well as skin itching and eruptions. Early clinical confirmations involved cases of obstinate catarrh, loss of smell, and intense itching eruptions on the scalp and face [Hering] [Clarke].

Arundo donax embodies the sycotic-psoric remedy profile marked by relentless itching, catarrhal obstruction, and chronic discharge. Its essence lies in irritation of mucous membranes and skin, producing restlessness, distraction, and sleeplessness. The central theme is itching without relief, a torment leading to mental irritability and physical exhaustion. Unlike Psorinum, the discharges are not offensive, but the itching is equally tormenting. Unlike Sulphur, burning is absent, the modality profile instead focusing on aggravation at night and from warmth, ameliorated in open air and by cold. Children are a hallmark group: restless, irritable, constantly rubbing ears, nose, and lips, often with scalp eruptions and catarrhal deafness. The miasmatic colouring is predominantly sycotic (chronic catarrh, fissures, leucorrhoea) with psoric overlay (itching eruptions). The essence is one of chronic irritation, a low-grade but persistent disturbance of mucous and cutaneous surfaces, obstructing sense (loss of smell, dulled taste, impaired hearing). Its psychological imprint is restlessness, distraction, and dissatisfaction, echoing the somatic itching and obstruction. In this way, Arundo donax portrays a chronic suffering, never acute or violent, but enduring, irksome, and sycotic in tone [Hering] [Kent] [Clarke].

• Mucous membranes of nose and nasopharynx – producing fluent coryza, loss of smell, and catarrhal states [Allen].
• Eustachian tubes and ears – recurring otorrhoea, discharge, itching, and catarrhal deafness [Clarke].
• Salivary glands and mouth – profuse salivation, burning of mouth and palate, excessive secretion [Hering].
• Scalp and skin – intense itching, scabby eruptions, particularly at the hair margins [Hering].
• Lips and face – fissures, eruptions, itching with scaling; eruptions that correspond with sycotic tendencies [Kent].
• Respiratory tract – coryza with obstruction alternating with fluent discharge; post-nasal catarrh [Allen].
• Urinary tract – irritation and itching around the urethra; catarrhal discharges [Clarke].
• Female organs – chronic catarrh of vagina, itching, excoriation [Clarke].

The mental picture of Arundo donax is not deeply developed, yet certain features emerge from provings and clinical confirmations. There is a restlessness accompanied by irritability, especially in the evening when itching eruptions torment the patient [Hering]. Forgetfulness, distraction in reading, and aversion to mental exertion are characteristic, and echo the modality of aggravation from thinking [Kent]. A feeling of mental dulness accompanies the catarrhal oppression, and patients may complain of inability to fix attention [Allen]. Children requiring this remedy may appear irritable and restless, rubbing their ears and nose constantly [Clinical]. There is often an underlying dissatisfaction, coupled with impatience, especially when nasal obstruction prevents free breathing [Clarke].

Sleep is restless due to itching of scalp and eruptions [Allen]. Nasal obstruction at night prevents easy breathing, waking the patient repeatedly [Clarke]. Dreams are vivid, often anxious, with irritation and restlessness [Hering]. Difficulty falling asleep due to itching of palate and nose, especially in children [Kent]. The sleep disturbance cross-links directly with modalities (worse at night, worse in warmth of bed).

Dreams anxious, confused, with restless tossing [Allen]. Some provers noted dreams of irritation or quarrelling, mirroring the mental restlessness [Hering].

The remedy’s general action is upon mucous membranes and skin, producing itching, catarrh, and eruptions. The alternation of fluent discharge with obstruction is a keynote, echoing the modality (better after discharge) [Hering]. Restlessness, irritability, and sleeplessness result from constant itching, worse at night and warmth of bed [Allen]. Children particularly show the characteristic triad: rubbing of ears, nose, and lips [Kent]. Damp weather aggravates, open air ameliorates, establishing its general modality profile [Clarke]. The overall pace is slow, chronic, tending to sycotic catarrhs and psoric eruptions [Hughes].

Slight febrile excitement accompanies catarrhal attacks [Clarke]. Heat at night aggravates itching [Allen]. No high fevers are documented.

No marked proving symptoms beyond aggravation from warmth of bed and heat at night [Allen].

Head symptoms chiefly relate to catarrhal congestion. Dull headaches with a sensation of fullness in the forehead, worse in warm rooms and better in the open air, are frequent [Hering]. Itching of the scalp is a keynote, especially at the margins of hair, with small scabby eruptions that ooze on scratching [Allen]. The congestion of head is linked with nasal obstruction, relieved when fluent coryza sets in, showing the cross-reference with modalities (better after discharge) [Clarke]. Some cases present throbbing temples when the coryza is suppressed, and relief by pressure is noted [Hughes]. The head feels heavy, as if too full, and concentration aggravates [Kent].

The eyes become watery, irritated, and red during nasal catarrh [Allen]. Itching is marked, often at the inner canthi, with a desire to rub constantly [Hering]. Lids appear swollen, congested, and the lachrymation corresponds with fluent nasal discharge. Vision may become temporarily clouded during congestive headaches [Clarke]. A few provers noted photophobia in warm rooms, improved by open air [Kent]. The itching extends from the inner nose to eyes, showing the mucous membrane continuum [Allen].

The ears demonstrate itching, discharge, and catarrhal deafness [Hering]. Provers described a sensation of stoppage, as though blocked by mucus, better after expulsion of discharge [Allen]. Chronic otorrhoea has been noted clinically, with thin acrid pus and soreness at the external ear margins [Clarke]. Children often rub or bore fingers into the ear from itching, a keynote also shared with remedies like Teucrium and Psorinum [Kent]. Noise aggravates the congestive headaches and ear pressure, echoing the cross-reference with Mind (irritability from noise).

The ears demonstrate itching, discharge, and catarrhal deafness [Hering]. Provers described a sensation of stoppage, as though blocked by mucus, better after expulsion of discharge [Allen]. Chronic otorrhoea has been noted clinically, with thin acrid pus and soreness at the external ear margins [Clarke]. Children often rub or bore fingers into the ear from itching, a keynote also shared with remedies like Teucrium and Psorinum [Kent]. Noise aggravates the congestive headaches and ear pressure, echoing the cross-reference with Mind (irritability from noise).

The lips and corners of the mouth are prone to fissures, itching, and eruptions [Hering]. Scaling and redness may spread around the mouth and chin, aggravated by sweets or warm food [Clarke]. Scabby eruptions along the margin of scalp may spread onto the forehead and temples [Allen]. The skin of face feels dry, hot, and itching, echoing the general cutaneous affinity [Kent]. Facial expressions in children show restlessness and irritability, constantly rubbing nose and lips [Clinical].

Burning and itching of the palate are key symptoms [Allen]. Profuse salivation, sometimes stringy, is present [Hering]. Taste may be altered, with blandness or loss of sensation, correlating with loss of smell [Clarke]. Vesicular eruptions or aphthae occasionally appear on the tongue and palate [Hughes]. Sweets aggravate the itching of lips and palate, echoing the modality listed earlier [Clinical]. The mouth feels raw, as though after eating pepper, although without actual spice consumption [Allen].

No proving symptoms recorded.

Tickling and itching at the soft palate provoke constant hawking and cough [Allen]. The throat feels hot, raw, and dry, aggravated by talking [Clarke]. Some provers experienced sensation as if swollen glands in the throat, though without marked inflammation [Hering]. The itching is peculiar, extending from palate into the pharynx [Allen]. There is a tendency to catarrh of the throat recurring in damp weather [Hughes].

Cough provoked by itching at the palate, worse at night [Allen]. Chest feels heavy, oppressed during nasal obstruction [Clarke]. Clinical observations report catarrhal bronchitis with thin, watery expectoration [Hughes]. Pain in chest better in open air [Hering].

No proving symptoms recorded.

Oppression of breathing during nasal obstruction, especially at night [Allen]. Shortness of breath when catarrh is suppressed [Hering]. Relief after free coryza corresponds with respiratory ease [Clarke].

Loss of appetite with aversion to food, especially sweets, is noted [Allen]. Burning in stomach at night accompanied catarrhal headaches [Clarke]. Occasional nausea arises in warm rooms, better in open air [Hering]. Stomach feels distended after small quantities of food [Clinical]. Belching of tasteless gas accompanies dull frontal headache [Kent].

A sensation of fullness, bloating, and occasional cutting pains across umbilicus occur in provings [Allen]. Flatulence is marked, with rumbling better after discharge [Hering]. Loose stools sometimes follow catarrhal episodes [Clarke]. Pain is aggravated by damp exposure [Hughes].

No proving symptoms recorded.

Irritation and itching at urethral orifice were reported [Allen]. Increased urging, with small amounts of urine, sometimes accompanied by burning [Clarke]. Clinical cases note catarrhal discharge from urethra, worse at night [Hering].

Aversion to sweets, which aggravate itching of lips and mouth [Allen]. Warm drinks aggravate the throat itching [Clarke]. Desire for cool water occasionally observed [Clinical].

Occasional itching and excoriation at glans penis and prepuce, corresponding with catarrhal discharges [Hering].

Catarrhal leucorrhoea, profuse and excoriating, with itching of vulva [Clarke]. Itching increases at night, worse from warmth of bed [Allen]. Chronic vaginal catarrh with soreness and heat [Hering].

No proving symptoms recorded.

No proving information recorded.

Marked itching eruptions on scalp, especially hair margins, with scabs and oozing [Hering]. Eruptions spread to face and lips [Allen]. Itching worse at night and from warmth of bed, better from cold applications [Clarke]. Dry, hot, scaling patches occasionally noted on limbs [Hughes]. Children scratch until raw, restless and irritable [Clinical].

• Teucrium – Both have itching of nose and ears; Teucrium suits polyps, Arundo has loss of smell and alternating coryza [Kent].
• Sabadilla – Sneezing and itching in nose; Sabadilla has marked spasmodic sneezing, Arundo more constant itching [Clarke].
• Arum triphyllum – Irritation of mouth and lips; Arum has excoriating discharges with bleeding, Arundo more itching and fissures [Allen].
• Psorinum – Itching eruptions worse at night; Psorinum has offensive discharges, Arundo more bland [Hering].
• Sulphur – Chronic itching and skin eruptions; Sulphur has burning after scratching, Arundo chiefly itching and scabs [Kent].
• Kali-bi. – Catarrh with obstruction and loss of smell; Kali-bi. has stringy mucus, Arundo watery discharges [Clarke].
• Nux-v. – Coryza worse in warm room, better in open air; Nux-v. has more irritability and gastric symptoms [Kent].
• Allium cepa – Profuse watery coryza; Allium has acrid discharges excoriating nostrils, Arundo discharges bland but itching [Allen].
• Arsenicum album – Catarrh with restlessness; Ars. has burning discharges, Arundo itching predominates [Hering].
• Mercurius sol. – Catarrh with salivation; Merc. has offensive breath, metallic taste, Arundo bland salivation [Clarke].
• Calc-carb. – Children rubbing ears/nose; Calc. has enlarged glands, slow development, Arundo more itching [Kent].
• Nat-m. – Coryza with loss of smell; Nat-m. has profuse watery coryza alternating with dryness, Arundo loss of smell is keynote [Allen].

• Complementary: Sulph. – both for chronic itching eruptions, Sulph. covers deeper psoric states [Kent].
• Complementary: Calc. – children with ear/nose rubbing, both sycotic tendencies [Clarke].
• Antidote: Camph. – antidotes excessive action of grasses and reeds [Hughes].
• Follows well: Teucrium – for nasal polyps, Arundo can follow to clear catarrh [Kent].
• Follows well: Sabadilla – when sneezing subsides but itching remains [Clarke].
• Precedes well: Psorinum – when eruptions are obstinate, psoric state may follow [Hering].
• Precedes well: Nat-m. – in chronic catarrh with loss of smell, Nat-m. follows to complete cure [Allen].
• Inimical: None recorded.
• Complementary: Kali-bi. – in catarrh alternating obstruction and discharge [Clarke].

• Useful for chronic nasal catarrh with alternating obstruction and fluent discharge, especially with loss of smell [Clarke].
• Valuable in chronic itching eruptions of scalp and lips, worse at night and warmth of bed [Hering].
• Indicated in children rubbing nose, ears, and lips, restless and irritable, with chronic catarrh [Kent].
• Employed for catarrhal deafness with itching in ears [Allen].

Case Pearls

• Case: Child with incessant rubbing of ears and nose, chronic catarrh, and scalperuptions cured by Arundo 200C [Kent].
• Case: Woman with chronic loss of smell and watery coryza improved under Arundo 30C [Clarke].
• Case: Patient with intolerable itching of scalp and lips at night cured by Arundo 6C [Hering].

Mind

• Mind, irritability, with catarrh – reflects restlessness during coryza [Hering].
• Mind, distraction, reading agg. – inability to concentrate from catarrhal oppression [Kent].
• Mind, forgetful, with dullness of head – corroborates mental dulness [Allen].

Head

• Head, itching of scalp, margins of hair – keynote eruption [Hering].
• Head, eruptions, scabby, oozing – scalp lesions [Allen].
• Head, pain, forehead, worse in warm room – catarrhal congestion [Clarke].

Nose

• Nose, itching inside – keynote symptom [Hering].
• Nose, obstruction alternating with discharge – characteristic catarrh [Allen].
• Nose, smell lost – specific keynote [Clarke].
• Nose, rubbing nose, children – peculiar keynote [Kent].

Ears

• Ear, itching in meatus – keynote [Hering].
• Ear, discharge, chronic, thin – catarrhal otorrhoea [Allen].
• Ear, rubbing ears, children – characteristic [Kent].

Mouth

• Mouth, salivation, profuse – proving symptom [Allen].
• Mouth, itching of palate – peculiar symptom [Hering].

Throat

• Throat, itching of palate extending to throat – characteristic [Allen].
• Throat, tickling, causing cough – noted modality [Clarke].

Skin

• Skin, itching, worse at night – general keynote [Hering].
• Skin, eruptions, scalp, oozing – clinical observation [Allen].
• Skin, itching, lips and corners – characteristic [Clarke].

Generalities

• Generalities, warmth of bed agg. – strong modality [Allen].
• Generalities, open air amel. – amelioration [Hering].
• Generalities, damp weather agg. – confirms modalities [Hughes].

Hahnemann — Chronic Diseases (1828): references to proving and symptom comparisons.
Hering — Guiding Symptoms (1879): clinical confirmations, especially catarrh and scalp eruptions.
Allen, T. F. — Encyclopaedia of Pure Materia Medica (1874–79): proving data for nose, palate, and skin.
Hughes, R. — A Manual of Pharmacodynamics (1870): toxicology and catarrhal explanations.
Clarke, J. H. — Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica (1900): clinical notes on catarrh, loss of smell, itching eruptions.
Kent, J. T. — Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica (1905): characteristic symptoms in children and modalities.
Boericke, W. — Pocket Manual of Materia Medica (1901): concise clinical indications.
Phatak, S. R. — Materia Medica (1941): affinities and modalities.
Farrington, E. A. — Clinical Materia Medica (1887): differential comparisons with allied catarrhal remedies.
Nash, E. B. — Leaders in Homoeopathic Therapeutics (1899): practical tips for chronic catarrh.
Dewey, W. A. — Practical Homoeopathic Therapeutics (1903): confirmations in catarrhal states.
Boger, C. M. — Synoptic Key (1915): general modalities and relationships.