Bufo – Toad

The attenuations are prepared from the dried poisonous secretion of the cutaneous glands of the common toad, Bufo bufo L. N.O. Bufonidae.

The main therapeutic indications are:

Shamelessness. Childish, foolish behaviour. Purulent blisters (Pemphigus) on the skin and mucosa.

A sheep, a cat and a dog which were injected with Bufo, died in a few minutes with violent cramps, torpor and convulsions alternating. Death occurred suddenly.

In humans, toad poison is said to induce a kind of imbecility (Heinigke), in which all moral stability is lost, the patient tends toward masturbation, and epileptiform at- tacks occur. Before these symptoms appear, a peculiar state of agitation is noticed. The patient speaks disconnected words, and is very sensitive when he is not under- stood. Deep sleep after the convulsions. A further consequence is said to be impo- tence. American Indian squaws administer the poison to their husbands in food and drink, in order not to be molested by them.

Offensive perspiration and discharges are typical of Bufo, and they are noticeable particularly in inflammations.

Bufo patients tend to angry outbursts, during which they bite things. Music is in- tolerable to them. The patient cannot bear the sight of shining objects.

There is burning in the lungs and palpations. A sensation as if the heart were too big; it feels as if tied up. (cf. Cactus). Complaints appear particularly at the menses, likewise epileptiform attacks, sexual excitement, burning in the womb and in the ovaries.

Pemphigus appears especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Paronychia, with pains which move up the arm.

Aggravation in a warm room, on waking (cf. Lachesis). Amelioration after bathing or in cool air.

Bufo is particularly indicated if the states occur in conjunction with sexual excite- ment, during the menses, after masturbation and in feeble-minded children.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Bufo bufo, Bufo, Bufo rana, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Fed- eral Gazette) for bufo: spasmodic conditions and cerebral seizure disorders; glandu- lar and dermal inflammations accompanied by a tendency toward suppuration; nerv- ous cardiac complaints.