Opium

Opium is the dried latex obtained from the seed capsule of the Papaver somniferum plant, a native of Western Asia and the Mediterranean. It contains alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine, which act powerfully on the central nervous system. In homeopathy, Opium acts as a remedy of suppression, torpor, and insensibility, yet paradoxically capable of violent excitement and delirium. Its action is centric, spiritual, and dream-like.

Historically used as a narcotic and painkiller; also for inducing sleep, controlling diarrhoea, calming cough, and surgical anaesthesia (Laudanum)

Proved by Hahnemann and colleagues; toxicological and historical data from centuries of opium use were also utilised

• Central nervous system – stupor, paralysis, convulsions
• Mind – ecstasy, unconsciousness, delusions
• Gastrointestinal tract – constipation, atony
• Respiratory system – suppression, slow breathing
• Pupils and eyes – contracted, fixed pupils
• Circulation – congestive states, venous stasis
• Skin – insensitivity, mottling, lack of reactivity
• Senses – dulled or distorted perception

• Cold air or application
• Uninterrupted rest
• Quiet and darkness
• Lying with head low
• Warm drinks (sometimes for cough)

• Heat and sun
• Emotions (fear, joy, fright)
• Alcohol
• Shock and fright
• Mental exertion
• Suppressed discharges (e.g. menses, perspiration)
• Surgical trauma or injury
• During sleep

• Gelsemium – Drowsy and weak, but more tremulous and fearful
• Hyoscyamus – Delirium, but more loquacious and erotic
• Stramonium – Night terrors, but more violent and fearful
• Belladonna – Congestion and ecstasy, but more reactive and painful
• Aconitum – Sudden onset from fright, but with fear and restlessness
• Carbo vegetabilis – Collapse, but with air hunger and flatulence

• Complementary: Aconitum, Belladonna
• Antidotes: Nux vomica, Coffea
• Follows well: Aconitum (shock), Arnica (injury)
• Inimical: Sulphur (in deep stupor or collapse)

Opium is the remedy of insensibility, of life paused in its flow. Ailments arise from shock, grief, or fear, where the soul retreats, and the body follows in sleep or silence. There is no complaint, even when destruction is imminent. It is a picture of suspended life, where function ceases but the form remains. In paradox, it may produce ecstasy, visions, and exalted states—especially in the weak, aged, or children. It is a sacred, dangerous, powerful medicine when the vital force is silent.

• After fright: convulsions, coma, or loss of function
• Newborns who don’t cry after birth
• Apoplexy, shock, stupor, and snoring coma
• Retention of urine or faeces after surgery or injury
• Useful in surgical shock, stroke, deep sleep, or fever without complaint

Mind

• Ailments from fright
• Delusion: glorious visions
• Ecstasy, blissful
• Unconsciousness with open eyes
• Indifference to pain

Stool

• Constipation, no urging
• Stools hard, black balls
• Paralysis of rectum

Sleep

• Snoring
• Stupor with open eyes
• Somnambulism

Generalities

• Lack of reaction
• Shock, collapse
• Heat with cold extremities

• Samuel Hahnemann – Materia Medica Pura: Original proving symptoms, particularly stupor, ecstasy, and constipation
• J.T. Kent – Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica: Core essence and mind state
• Clarke – Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica: Expanded mind, sleep, and paralysis descriptions
• Boericke – Pocket Manual: Clinical indications and modalities
• Hering – Guiding Symptoms: Coma, convulsions, and keynote differentials
• Allen – Encyclopaedia of Pure Materia Medica: Rich proving material and collapse details