Fence beet belongs to the cucurbit family. Its scientific name is Bryonia alba and Byonia dioica (white and red fence beet). Due to its toxic effect, the wild plant is used exclusively in homeopathy.
Occurrence and cultivation of the fence beet
The name “fence beet” characterizes both the root species and the location. The poisonous wild plant grows above ground with strongly climbing shoots. The white flowers develop into red or black berries in female plants. The massive, underground beet root is very effective against rheumatism. Two species of fence beet are found in Central and Southern Europe. The dioecious red fence beet with red berries is more common than the monoecious white fence beet with black berries, which grows preferably in the Mediterranean region. The thick, turnip-like root is the namesake of the wild plant. In spring, the devil’s beet can shoot up to four meters in height. To reach this height, it requires climbing supports such as hedges, walls or fences. This growth habit refers to the Greek and German names. “Bryo” stands for “to sprout,” meaning rapid height growth. The name “fence beet” characterizes both the root type and the location. Its tendrils grow rapidly and can overgrow other plant species, becoming a threat. In vineyards, fence beet is a dreaded weed. The leaves are heart-shaped lobed, resembling vine or hop leaves, but are rough and hairy. From June to September, fence beet blooms with small green and white flowers. Male and female flowers grow on different plants. The male flowers are in the form of long-stalked racemes, while the female flowers grow in small clusters. Only the female flowers develop the red or black berries. They first grow in green color and later change their appearance to the typical bright red or black. The gourd plant is also known by the popular names white gentian, fence vine, fence vine, devil’s beet, gout root, fire root and holy turnip.
Effect and application
The use of fence vine proves effective against ailments in all parts of the body. It has a diaphoretic, laxative, expectorant and analgesic effect. Its healing power has been proven in migraine and flu headaches, as well as in mastitis (inflammation of the mammary glands), dry and painful cough, inflammation of the respiratory tract, pneumonia, rhinopharyngitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat), pleurisy. Diseases in the gastrointestinal area such as flatulence colic, stomach pain, liver disease and constipation can also be relieved with fence vine. In case of limb pain as a result of gout, rheumatism, arthritis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis or tension in the neck, its use is considered proven. It also relieves back pain, sciatica, tendonitis and lumbago pain. The psyche also benefits from its effect on anxiety, worry and sleep disorders. Children’s diseases such as rubella, measles can be treated with the fence beet as well as dry eyes or pericarditis. As ingredients act alkaloids, bryonicin, bryonin, bitter glycosides, bitter substance, triterpenes, tannin and saponins. The collecting time is in spring, the roots are used. The clinical picture is characterized by dry mucous membranes, holding the chest during a strong coughing fit, stabbing pain, thirst for cold drinks, hard bowel movements and cracked lips. The homeopathic appearance of Bryonia is an often dark-haired type with a sallow complexion, often plagued by existential anxiety. He sweats even with little exertion and in cold air. People for whom treatment is indicated often suffer from left-sided headaches that spread from there through the back of the head throughout the body. They are often preoccupied with material values and constantly feel that they have not yet completed their tasks satisfactorily. Fence vine is available as a homeopathic medicine in the form of tablets, globules, drops and dilution.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Self-responsible use of fence beet should be refrained from due to its poisonous effect. Mild symptoms of poisoning result in diarrhea and vomiting. More severe poisoning entails symptoms of inflammation.Excessive blood flow occurs, mucous membranes may show bleeding. Central nervous system disorders and tatanus-like convulsions are also observed. Heart palpitations occur more frequently, which in rare cases can lead to death. The visit to the doctor is indicated. Favorable effect on the general condition is vomiting. Due to the toxic effect of its poisonous plant components, white gentian is offered exclusively as a finished preparation, in homeopathic form, as an ointment or tincture. The homeopathic dosage form is D6 to D12. However, it should be noted that Bryonia alba (white bryony) is much more effective than Bryonia dioica (red bryony). During pregnancy, homeopathic preparations are given for severe constipation (constipation), headaches and aching breasts. In general, it is a broad-spectrum homeopathic, as its action goes beyond the usual use. Bryonia Alba can be combined with other homeopathic medicines to complete the treatment of various diseases. In order not to limit the effect or to get into a drug trial with other homeopathic medicines, it should be taken on one’s own responsibility only if sufficient knowledge in this field is available. It is advisable to consult a homeopath in order to achieve maximum individual effect. During lactation, Bryonia is an important remedy for healing inflamed breasts. There are no known risks or side effects. Only hypersensitivity to the original substance is possible in some people. In this case, self-medication must be refrained from. The dosage depends on the symptoms. For depth potencies up to D10, the administration of five globules or drops up to five times a day is appropriate. In case of acute complaints, the intake every fifteen minutes is without hesitation. The dosage of the follow-up treatment depends on the further course of the complaint. If there is a visible improvement, one dosage every two hours and a reduction of three doses daily can be resorted to. Improvements occur with pressure, lying on the sick side, fresh air, cold drinks and rest. Deteriorations occur with heat, stress, compresses, and exercise.
