Podophyllum Peltatum (May Apple)
A cardinal botanical gastrointestinal and hepatic remedy in classical homeopathic materia medica, historically described for profuse, gushing, explosive morning diarrhea, painless watery stool with spluttering flatus, rectal prolapse, and liver torpor.
Editorial review complete
Independent clinical validation is pending.
Article Editorial Timeline
Intelligent Context-Aware Learning Path
Heartburn: Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breas...
5 min readGout & Hyperuricemia: An authoritative clinical and educational profi...
6 min readPodophyllum Peltatum: A cardinal botanical gastrointestinal and hepat...
5 min readLifestyle advice & preventive care
2 min readBook Consultation
Quick Reference Facts
"Podophyllum is described in traditional materia medica for profuse, gushing, explosive morning diarrhea, painless watery stool, rectal prolapse, and liver sluggishness."
Clinical Description
Podophyllum Peltatum (May Apple) is a major gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary botanical remedy proved by Dr. Williamson. In classical homeopathic texts, it is celebrated for its specific pathogenetic affinity for the duodenum, liver, and entire intestinal tract. Key features recorded in materia medica include profuse, gushing, explosive, watery, yellowish or green diarrhea that pours out of the bowel like water from a hydrant, painless evacuation with tremendous intestinal gurgling and spluttering flatus, characteristic morning aggravation (typically driving patient out of bed early in morning from 3:00 AM to 9:00 AM), prolapse of the rectum during or before stool, and alternating gastrointestinal and hepatic disturbances with headache.
Guiding Keynotes
- Historically described for diarrhea that is remarkably profuse, gushing, explosive, and watery, draining the patient yet completely painless
- Stool is yellowish, greenish, fetid, or muddy with enormous sputtering flatus and rumbling in abdomen
- Morning aggravation: diarrhea occurs early in morning (from 3:00 AM through morning hours) and during hot summer weather
- Prolapsus ani: prolapse of rectum occurs before, during, or after stool, or even from slight exertion
- Infantile dentition diarrhea: green, offensive, watery stools with rolling of the head from side to side and moaning in sleep
- Hepatic torpor: fullness, soreness in right hypochondrium, relieved by stroking or rubbing the liver region with the hand
Mental-Emotional Symptoms
- Depressed and hypochondriacal; imagines they are going to die or be severely ill
- Loquacity during fever stage of chills
- Restless and constantly tosses about in bed
Physical / Particular Indicators
- Sick headaches alternating with diarrhea; headache ceases when bowel movements start
- Bilious vomiting of thick green bile and bitter substances with gagging and empty retching
- Prolapse of uterus accompanying rectal prolapse, especially after parturition or stool
Modalities
Aggravation (Worse)
- Early morning (3:00 AM to 9:00 AM)
- Hot summer weather and damp heat
- During dentition in children
- After eating or drinking fruit
Amelioration (Better)
- Lying on abdomen (stomach and colic)
- Stroking or rubbing the liver region
- Warmth and rest in afternoon
Constitutional Mappings
Generalities
Chilly patient, but ailments strongly aggravated in hot summer weather and during dentition. Strongly aggravated early morning (3:00 AM to 9:00 AM), hot weather, and after eating/drinking. Ameliorated by lying on the abdomen, warm applications, and rubbing the liver.
Constitutional Type
Suited to bilious, lymphatic individuals, and teething infants with delicate digestive systems and tendency to hepatic sluggishness.
Therapeutic Affinities
Clinical Safety & Potency Guidance
Crude May Apple root contains cytotoxic podophyllotoxin and resinous irritants; source-specific toxicology guidance is required. A homeopathic dilution label does not by itself guarantee composition, quality, safety, or effectiveness. Severe acute dehydrating gastroenteritis, cholera infantum with hypovolemic shock, strangulated rectal prolapse, or acute electrolyte collapse requires immediate emergency intravenous rehydration and medical evaluation; this traditional profile must not delay proven care.
Interactive Knowledge Explorer
Knowledge graph is still expanding for this topic. Explore related articles below.
Hover over nodes to inspect details. Click nodes to navigate and explore adjacent clinical paths.
Reference Citations & Evidence Sources
Classical Homeopathic Literature
- CIT-0007Hahnemann S.. "The Chronic Diseases: Their Peculiar Nature and Their Homoeopathic Cure." Adolph Arnold (1828).
Materia Medica & Keynotes
- CIT-0004Hahnemann S.. "Materia Medica Pura." Adolph Arnold (1811).
- CIT-0005Kent J. T.. "Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica." Boericke & Tafel (1905).
- CIT-0006Boericke W.. "Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica." Boericke & Runyon (1901).
Clinical Reviews & Textbooks
- CIT-0023National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. "Homeopathy: What You Need To Know." National Institutes of Health (2021).
AI & Generative Search Citation Block
R0060Dr. Narayan Jethwani. "Podophyllum Peltatum (May Apple)." Homeo Healthcare Clinical Platform. Version 1.1.0. Reviewed: 2026-08-14T12:00:00Z. Available at: https://homeo.healthcare/knowledge/remedies/podophyllum
No clinical connections registered for this topic.
Seeking Expert Consultation?
Book an online video session with Dr. Narayan Jethwani to get an individualized constitutional homeopathic protocol tailored to your case.
Medical Safety Disclaimer
All content on the Homeo Healthcare platform is strictly for educational purposes and is not personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Homeopathic remedy considerations are provided for clinician review or require individualized consultation with a qualified physician. Never delay seeking professional medical advice or emergency medical care due to content you have read on this website.