Question

Great sensitiveness to open air, putting the hand from under the bed cover brings on cough is a keynote of :

• A. \( \text{Pulsatilla} \)
• B. \( \text{Psorinum} \)
• C. \( \text{Rhustox} \)
• D. \( \text{Camphor} \)

Hint:

\textbf{Homeopathy: Peculiar Symptoms.} In homeopathy, peculiar and striking symptoms, especially those that seem illogical or unusual, often serve as strong pointers towards the correct remedy. The extreme sensitivity to open air triggering cough in *Rhustox* is one such peculiar symptom.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The peculiar symptom of great sensitiveness to open air, where even putting a hand out from under the bed cover can trigger a cough, is a well-known and characteristic keynote of the homeopathic remedy Rhus toxicodendron (*Rhustox*). This extreme sensitivity to drafts and open air, often worsening the cough, is a strong guiding symptom for this remedy, particularly in respiratory complaints. Let's briefly consider why the other options are less likely to have this specific keynote: Pulsatilla: While *Pulsatilla* patients often desire open air and feel better in it, they are not typically characterized by a cough triggered by such minimal exposure as putting a hand out from under the covers. Their cough is often dry at night and loose in the morning. Psorinum: *Psorinum* is known for its sensitivity to cold air and drafts, and patients often feel chilly despite warm surroundings. They can have various skin and respiratory complaints, but the specific trigger of cough from such slight exposure is not a primary keynote. Camphor: *Camphor* is often associated with a feeling of coldness and a desire to be covered warmly. It can be used for sudden colds and collapse, but the extreme sensitivity to open air triggering a cough in this manner is not a typical keynote. Therefore, the peculiar sensitivity to open air, causing cough even from uncovering a hand, strongly indicates *Rhus toxicodendron*.