This plant was introduced to Europe from Siberia, where it had traditionally been used as a herbal treatment for rheumatism and gout. The homeopathic remedy was proved in 1831. People who need the remedy, which is used for a variety of ailments, are affected badly by the approach of a thunderstorm. Gout, arthritis, and rheumatism are the main complaints treated by Rhododendron. Symptoms include swelling and rheumatic, tearing pain in the ligaments, cartilage, and joint tissue. It is also given for fever, delirium, headaches, neuralgic pain in the eyes, and testicular inflammation. People who need the remedy are nervous and dread thunderstorms. Any symptoms they may have are worse before a thunderstorm, and improve when it breaks.