Effect of homeopathy on recovery of feverfew plants, Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz Bip, under water stress.

Abstract

Plants of feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium, grown in pots of 3 L, after a month of water conditioning (65% and 90% of field capacity), received 200 mL/pots of homeopathic solutions of Natrum muriaticum CH2 and nosode CH2, or ethanol 70% (control). The daily application of homeophatic preparation were done at 6 pm, in the soil, after dilution in water. The plant height, leaf number, and chlorophyll and proline contents were evaluated every 12 days. After the period of water conditioning, the plants conditioned at 65% of the field capacity had smaller height (57%) and 80% less leaves, comparing to plants conditioned at 90% of field capacity. The chlorophy content of these plants, however, increased at 40% and the proline content increased at 100%. The homeopathic solutions, applied after this, didn't result in significant increase in the growth variables, but they reduced the chlorophyll and proline contents. The plants submitted to the water conditioning at 90% of the capacity of field had an increase in the chlorophyll and proline contents, alter application of the homeopathic solutions, indicating that the effect of this solution in plants should not just be evaluated in the healthy considered plant.