For very
particular, careful, zealous persons, inclined to get excited or angry,
spiteful, malicious disposition, mental workers or those having sedentary
occupations.
Over-sensitiveness,
easily offended; very little noise frightens, cannot bear the least even
suitable medicine; faints easily from odors, etc.
Twitchings,
spasms, convulsion, < slightest touch.
Chilliness,
even during high fever; least uncovering brings on chilliness. Very red face.
Persons
addicted to stimulants, narcotics, patent medicines, nostrums, debauchees, etc.
Frequent
and ineffectual desire for stool or passes little at a time, > after stool.
Modalities:
< uncovering, mental work, after eating, cold air, dry weather, stimulants, 9
A. M.; > wet weather, warm room, on covering, after stool.
Spasm
(from simple twitchings to the clonic form); sensitiveness,
nervous and chilliness are
three general characteristics of this remedy.
Anxiety
with irritability and inclination to commit suicide, but is afraid to die.
Sleepy in
the evening, hours before bedtime; lies aware for an hour or two, at 3 or 4 A.
M., then wants to sleep late in morning.
Awakens
tired and weak and generally worse, with many complaints.
Stomach:
Pressure an hour or two
after eating as from a stone (immediately after, Kali
bi., Nux m.).
Convulsions
with consciousness (Strych.); < anger,
emotion, touch, moving, alternate constipation and diarrhea (Ant.
crud.).
Menses: Too
early, profuse and lasting too long, with aggravation of all other complaints
during their continuance.
Nux vomica
acts better when gived at night, during repose of mind and body; Sulph.
in the morning.
* * * * *
Among the
symptoms called characteristic, as given by Constantine Hering, are these:
“After
aromatics in food or as medicine, particularly ginger, pepper, etc., and after
almost any kind of so-called ‘hot’ medicines (Goullon).” Also, “will
also benefit persons who have been drugged by mixtures, bitters, herbs and
so-called vegetable pills, etc. -(B.)”
This is
putting it in too wholesale a fashion. It would be true if said that Nux
vomica will often benefit such
cases. The fact is that it will benefit those cases in which the use of such
drugs, aromatics, pills, etc. has brought about a condition that simulates the
symptoms produced in the provings of Nux vomica,
or in cases to which it is homoeopathic and no others. Another fact is that
things often do produce such a condition, and that is one reason why so many
physicians are invariably prescribing Nux vomica
the first thing, in cases coming from allopathic hands, without even examining
the case, but it is unscientific. We have a law of cure and there are cases in
which the Nux vomica condition is not
present but another more similar remedy must be given. It does not alter the
case to say, “Well, I did not know what had been given,” for Nux
vomica will neither antidote the effects of the drug poison nor cure
the disease condition unless it is homoeopathically indicated, especially given
in the dynamic form.
Here are
two more of Hering’s card symptoms, in which are given the temperaments that are
most susceptible to the action of Nux:
“Oversensitiveness,
every harmless word offends, every little noise frightens, anxious and beside
themselves, they cannot bear the least even suitable medicines – (B).” And,
“For very particular, careful, zealous persons, inclined to get excited and
angry, or of a spiteful, malicious disposition.”
This is a
graphic picture of what is called the “Nervous temperament,” and
practice corroborates the truth of the value of these temparametic indications
for this remedy; but there are a number of remedies that have as markedly this
so called nervous temperament, such as Chamomilla,
Ignatia, Staphysagria, and others.
So no
physician would be justified in prescribing Nux
vomica on temperament alone, be the indication ever so clear. The whole
case must come in. There seems to be another kind of condition
belonging to this nervous group of Nux vomica
that has not so much of excitability in it. “Hypochondriasis, with studious
men, sitting too much at home, with abdominal complaints and costiveness.”
Now if you
take a second look at these cases, you will find that a very little irritation
will arouse their kind of their hypohondriac gloom and make them angry or
irritable similar to the first condition, so that on the whole the first proves
to be the predominant one.
If the
gloomy or hypochondriac condition of mind persist, we will more likely have to
look to such remedies as Aurum, Nat. mur.,
etc., to find the true similimum. These nervous symptoms of mind and body are
wonderful leaders to the selection of the right remedy.
“Frequent
and ineffectual desire to defecate or passing but small quantities of fæces at
each attempt.”
This
symptom is pure gold. There are a few other remedies that have it, but none so
positively and persistently.
It is the
guiding symptom in the constipation to which Nux
vomica is homœopathic, and in my experience will then, and then
only, cure. Carroll Dunham wrote over twenty-five years ago on this symptom. He
said, in effect -while Nux vomica or Bryonia
are equal remedies for constipation there was never any reason for confounding
them, or alternating them, as they were so different. The Nux
vomica constipation was caused by irregular peristaltic action of the
intestines, hence the frequent ineffectual desire; but the Bryonia
constipation was caused by lack of secretion in the intestines. There was with Bryonia
absolutely no desire, and the stools were dry and hard as if burnt.
And the
above symptom is found not in constipation alone. It is always present in
dysentry. The stools, though very frequently consisting of slimy mucus and
blood, are very small and unsatisfactory. Dr.P.P. Wells pointed out the very
reliable additional symptom for Nux vomica
in dysentry -that the pains were very greatly
relieved for a short time after every stool. This is not so with Mercury,
but the pain and tenesmus continue after the stool, as it is sometimes well
expressed as “a never-get-done” feeling. But it makes little
difference whether the patient is afflicted with constipation, dysentry,
diarrhoea or other diseases, if we have this frequent ineffectual desire for
stool present we always think of Nux vomica
first, and give it unless other symptoms contra-indicate it.
“Catamenia a few days before time, and rather too copious, or keeping on
several days longer with complaints at the onset, which remain until after it is
over.”
This is
also an oft verified symptom of Nux vomica.
Of course there are many other remedies for too early or too copious
menstruation. Calcarea Ostrearum is not
at all like Nux vomica. I have found that
patients that required Nux vomica., for
this condition could hardly ever take Pulsatilla
for anything. For instance, if the patients had green, bland, thick discharge
and you gave them Pulsatilla it would
often bring down too early and profuse menses. In such cases I had to give Sepia
which would act like a charm on the catarrh and not aggravate the menses.
These cases
calling for Nux vomica. often occur in
young girls or women at the climacteric. We often have the characteristic rectal
troubles also present (Lilium tig.). The
pains are pressing down and extend to the rectum and sometimes also to the neck
of bladder. Inefficient labour pains,
extending to the rectum, with desire for stool or frequent urination, are
quickly relieved, and become efficient, after the administration of a dose of Nux
vomica 200.
If, in
addition, your menorrhagic patient is costive, has gastric troubles, and
especially if generally < in the morning, we have an almost sure remedy in Nux
vomica.
“Feels worse in the morning soon after awaking (Lach.
and Nat. mur.), also
after mental exertion (Nat carb.,
vertigo; Calc. ost., Sil., occipital); after
eating (Anac. card., reverse) and
in cold air (Puls.,
reverse)” If Bœnninghausen had never done anything but given us his
incomparable chapter on aggravations and ameliorations, this alone would have
immortalised him.
It seems to
me, after profiting them in a practice of over thirty years, it is impossible to
over estimate them. But some one will say perhaps -there are twenty-eight
remedies in Allen’s Bœnninghausen., in
large caps, that are worse in the morning. That does not seem like coming very
close to the choice of the remedy.
But when we
look at those that are worse in the evening, we find thirty-eight remedies, and
only eight of them occurring under both
morning and evening, and these eight are worse not generally,
but rather in some especial symptoms. For
instance, in Rhus the loose cough is
worse in the morning, the tight dry one in the evening.
So you see
we are quite on the way to making a choice after all. But now take all the
aggravations of Nux vomica as regards
time, mind, gastric (symptoms), temperature etc., where can you find the
combination so prominently under any remedy? Of course those physicians who are
not able to appreciate anything but pathological symptoms have not much use for
these modalities. But one thing is certain, they cannot do as good homœopathic
work without as with them.
“Great heat, whole body burning hot, especially face red and hot, yet the
patient cannot move or uncover in the least without feeling chilly.”
This condition of feverishness is of common occurrence and yields to Nux
vomica with a promptness that would delight the heart of a Lippe. It
makes no difference what the name of the fever, whether inflammatory, remittent
or fever accompanying sore throat, rheumatism, or any other local trouble, if we
have these indications, we may confidently give this remedy and will not be
often disappointed with the result. It took me years to learn the value of this
symptom, because I was a routinist and thought that Aconite,
Belladonna, or both in alteration, must be given in all cases where
high fever was present. So I have some sympathy for young physicians now, who
from false teachings have been led to the same error. But let me say here, for
the benefit of all such, that there is a much better way: namely -to closely
individualize, which is not always difficult; give the single remedy in the
potentised form, giving it time to act, and wait for reaction before repeating.
Of course
low potencies will often cure, and that in spite of alternation, over dosing and
frequent repetition. But they will often fail, and in the great majority of
cases will not accomplish anything like the satisfactory results of the true
similimum, the single remedy and the single dose.
“After eating: (Kali bich., Nux
moschata) sour taste pressure in the
stomach an hour or two afterward, with hypochondriacal mood, pyrosis tightness
about the waist; must loosen clothing (Lachesis, Calcarea, and Lycopodium),
confused cannot use mind two or three hours after meal, epigastrium bloated,
with pressure as from a stone in the stomach.”
This is a
group of symptoms as given in “Guiding Symptoms.” There are so many
symptoms given under the digestive organs that it shows that Nux
vomica has really very wide range of action in gastric troubles. And
there are no really characteristic and peculiar symptoms to mention, unless it
be the peculiar aggravation of the stomach symptoms “an
hour or two after eating,” instead of immediately after as is
the case with Nux moschata and Kali
bichromicum. The pressure as from a stone occurs also in Bryonia
and Pulsatilla.
More stress
may be placed upon the cause of the stomach, liver and abdominal complaints for
which Nux vomica is the remedy. For
instance, coffee, alcoholic drinks, debauchery, abuse of drugs, business
anxiety, sedentary habits, broken rest from long night watching (Cocc.,
Cup. met., Nit. ac.), too high living etc. So we find that Nux
vomica is adapted to complaints arising from these causes, which is
abundantly verified in practice.
One thing
is very apt to be present in these cases: namely -the very characteristic rectal
symptoms already noticed.
We ought
not to leave Nux vomica without speaking
of its great efficiency in headaches and backaches.
The
headache often occurs in conjunction with gastric, hepatic, abdominal and hæmorrhoidal
affections. Here also the modalities, more than the character of the pain,
decide the choice. The aggravations are: from mental exertion, chagrin or anger;
in open air (opposite Pulsatilla), on
waking in the morning, after eating, from abuse of coffee or spirits, sour
stomach, in the sunshine, on stooping, from light and noise, when moving or
opening the eyes (Bryonia), from coughing
high living or highly seasoned food, in stormy weather, after drugging, from
masturbation, from constipation or haemmorhoids.
These
headaches may or may not localize in any part of the head.
The patient
is just as apt to say in one part of the head as another, and will often say, in
no particular part, “it feels badly and aches all over.”
The pains
in the back are more peculiar. The patient is apt to have backache in bed, and
must sit up to turn over; as turning or twisting the body, aggravates when
standing (Sulphur) (worse when sitting, Kobalt,
Pulsatilla, Rhus toxicod., Zincum) or sitting is especially painful.
The pain is mostly located in the lumbar region, though it may be in the dorsa,
and is often in connection (like Æsculus hipp.)
with hæmmorhoids. Æsculus is especially
< from walking or stooping. Backache caused by masturbation (Kobalt,
< sitting; Staphysagria, lying at
night) finds one of its best remedies in Nux vomica.
We might here launch out into a description of the general action of Nux
vomica upon the spinal cord, including the motor and sensory centers,
etc. but that can all be found in other works. So now we will leave Nux,
except as we refer to it in comparison while writing of other remedies. In
reviewing of what we have written, we are impressed that some may be led to
think that we have narrowed down the sphere of this truly great remedy too much.
Let us say here, that it is not our aim in this work to write exhaustively upon
any remedy, but to point out a few of the chief virtues and the characteristic
symptoms, around which all the rest revolve.
To write
exhaustively would be to write a complete materia medica.
In actual
practice there are two kinds of cases that come to every physician. One is the
case that may be prescribed for with great certainty of success on the symptoms
that are styled characteristic and peculiar
(Organon § 153.) The other is where in all the case there are no such symptoms
appearing; then there is only one way, viz, to hunt for the remedy that, in its
pathogenesis, contains what is called the “tout
ensemble” of the case. The majority of the cases, however, do
have, standing out like beacon lights. Some characteristic or key note symptoms
which guide to the study of the remedy that has the whole case in its
pathogenesis.
Mild,
gentle, yielding disposition; sad and despondent, weeps easily, sandy hair, blue
eyes, pale face, muscles soft and flabby.Changeable
remedy, pains travel from one joint to another; hæmorrhages flow and stop and
flow again, no two stools alike, no two chills alike, no head nor tail to the
case-mixed.
Bad taste
in the mouth, < mornings, with great dryness, but no
thirst.
Stomach
easily disturbed, especially by cakes, pastry or rich fat foods.
Thick bland
discharges from all mucous membranes.
Catamenia
too late, scanty or suppressed, particularly by wetting the feet.
Modalities:
< in warm room, warm applications, abuse of Iron; chilliness with the pains,
> by cool open air, walking slowly
around, cold food or drink, tying up tightly > the headache.
Pains
accompanied with constant chilliness, and the more severe the pain the harder
the chill (with profuse sweating, Cham.;
with fainting, Hepar sulph.; with
frequent micturition, Thuja; with
delirium, Verat. alb.).
* * * * *
The mental
picture of Pulsatilla is almost the
opposite of that of Nux vomica. Nux
vomica is called the man’s remedy and Pulsatilla
the woman’s remedy. This means simply that the complaints of one are found
oftener with men, while those of the other are found oftener with women.
Now to call
attention to another of Hering’s characteristics, and I know of no one who has
expressed them better, we have -“Mild, gentle
and yielding disposition; cries et everything; is sad and desponding; creeps
about everything; can hardly give her symptoms on account of weeping.”)
And again: “Sandy hair, blue eyes, pale face,
inclined to silent grief with submissiveness.” (Silicea
is its chronic). Here we have a description of the Pulsatilla
temperament as near as words can express it, and it is a fact that when you find
it in a patient, no matter what the pathological condition, Pulsatilla
will almost surely help. There are few exceptions. So we learn not to put too
much stress on pathological states to the neglect of symptomatological
conditions.
Pulsatilla
is a remedy of wide range of action. Farrington mentioned its use in
seventy-three different affections, and has not by any means exhausted them all;
and if you study Pulsatilla in Hughes’ Pharmacodynamics
you will notice that, although he recommends it in many diseases, he does not,
and evidently is not able to, talk as much from a pathological standpoint
especially from the provings of the drug as he does of many other remedies. It
seems to me like folly to undertake to pose as either an exclusive pathologist
or symptomatologist. Both pathology and symptomatology are valuable and
inseparable; neither can be excluded. Pathology is what the doctor
can tell (sometimes); symptomatology is what the patient
can tell.
There is
another condition of Pulsatilla which may
be considered Characteristic, and which Hering does not mention in his cards,
viz., changeableness of symptoms (Ignat., Nux mosch.).
All that Hering said was “wandering pains shift
rapidly from one part to another, also with swelling and redness of the joints.”
Now if this occurs in rheumatism (Manganum acet.,
Lac caninum, Kali bichrom., Kalmia lat.), and especially if in the Pulsatilla
temperament we may perform a miracle of curing with this remedy. But this
shifting or changeableness is not confined to the pains, which may be either
rheumatic or neuralgic, but is found in the disposition. The patient is now
irritable, then tearful again, or mild and pleasant; but, even with the
irritableness, is easily made to cry. The hæmorrhages flow, and stop, and flow
again; continually changing. The stools in diarrhœa Constantly change in color;
they are green, yellow, white, watery or slimy; as Guernsey expresses it
-“no two stools alike.” (Sanicula).
This is often found in the so-called cholera-infantum or entero-colitis of
children in hot weather.
We
sometimes have patients come into the office, and find, in trying to take their
case, no “head to tail” to it. It is mixed. The suffering and pain is
now here, now there. The symptoms are contradictory, as we term them. This
condition should always call attention to Pulsatilla
and it will often clear up and cure the case. Ignatia
also has these ever-changing, hysterical and contradictory symptoms, both
pre-eminently woman remedies.
Pulsatilla
like Nux vomica is a great remedy for
disorders. of digestion. Symptoms -“Bad taste
in the mouth, especially early in the morning, or nothing tastes good, or no
taste at all.” (Bryonia,
bad taste with coated tongue and thirst; Pulsat., no thirst).
“Great dryness of the mouth in the morning, without thirst. Stomach
disordered from cakes, pastry, rich food; particularly fat pork.”
(I would say -fat meats generally). These are reliable symptoms, as given in
Hering’s cards, and are not very much like the symptoms of Nux
vomica, which is not disturbed by fats, but on the contrary likes
them and they agree. With Nux vomica warm
food agrees best; with Pulsatilla, cold
things.
The bad
taste in the mouth is persistent and the loss
of taste is frequent, as is also the loss of smell. How peculiar that Pulsatilla
should have dry mouth and no thirst, while Mercurius
should have characteristically moist mouth with intense thirst. There is no
accounting for taste, as the man said when he saw a fellow kiss his
mother-in-law.
I do not
know that I could give a satisfactory pathological reason for this. Is it not a
good thing that we do not have to give the pathological explanation for such a
symptom before we can use it to cure our patients? To be sure there is always a
reason for these things, but we do not need to know what it is before we can
utilize the symptom.
The merest
tyro in prescribing could hardly mistake the symptoms of Pulsatilla
for those of Nux vomica and yet I have
found physicians prescribing these remedies in alternation, at intervals of two
or three hours.
Having
called attention to the action of Pulsatilla
on the digestive organs, which are lined with mucous membranes, we now wish to
notice that it has a peculiar action on mucous surfaces generally. This
peculiarity consists in the character of the discharges
from them. They are thick, bland and
yellowish green. These are found in nasal catarrh; leucorrhœa; expectoration;
gonorrhœa; in ulcers; from the ears and eyes; in short, from every mucous
outlet of the body.
The
expectoration of pulsatilla, which is
thick, green and bland, tastes bitter, while that of Stannum
is sweet and that of Kali hydroiodicum
and Sepia salty. One of Schuessler’s
tissue remedies (Kali sulphuricum)
greatly resembles Pulsatilla in the
character of its discharges, and not only that, but also in its wandering pains,
evening aggravations and ameliorations in cool, open air. Kali
hydroiodicum is also ameliorated in open air and worse in a warm
room. Now that we are on the subject of greenish discharges, especially the
expectoration, we will mention also Carbo veg.
Lycopodium, Paris, Phosphorus and Sulphur.
Of course, the other symptoms must decide the choice between several remedies
having one symptom in common.
A certain
physician in Albany, N. Y., was called in consultation on a so-called case of
phthisis pulmonalis. The case was in allopathic hands. After carefully examining
the case, he was asked: “What is your diagnosis, doctor?” “Stannum,”
said the doctor. “What!” “Stannum,”
replied the doctor. Stannum was the
diagnosis of the remedy, not the disease. It was given and cured
the patient.
Now we come
to the curative action of Pulsatilla in
affections of the female genital organs. The fact that it has such a decided
action upon these, added to the womanish disposition of this remedy, is
additional reason why it is called the woman’s remedy, as we said when writing
upon the disposition and temperament. “Catamenia
too late and scanty, or suppressed, particularly by getting feet wet,”
and “Painful menstruation with great restlessness, tossing in every
possible direction,” and we have already mentioned the changeable
characteristics in the flow of the menses, viz., they stop, and flow, stop and
flow again, etc. So, also, the menorrhagia.
In these
menstrual troubles of Pulsatilla the
wetting or chilling of the feet is of prime importance and, acting upon it, you
may save your patient from consumption as a result of such exposure and
suppression. Now don’t pour down mother tincture of Pulsatilla
by the ten-drop doses, as is the manner of those who do not believe in
potentized remedies. You may give Pulsatilla
in the high, higher, and highest potencies, and confidently expect the best
results. I have often seen the delayed menses of young girls of Pulsatilla temperament appear promptly and naturally under the
M. M. of Swan and C. M. of Fincke (also with Kali
carbonicum, Tuberculinum, and others). so also have I seen them
restored after suppression, by the same. Now if you should try one of these very
high potencies in a case of menstrual difficulty, and it should not succeed,
don’t jump to the conclusion that I have been mistaken, for Pulsatilla
is not the only remedy for such cases. Homœopathy is too often blamed when the
blame lies in the stupidity and malpractice of the prescriber. Magnesia
phos. will relieve more cases of painful menstruation than Pulsatilla, and that is not a cure-all, either. Study
up your case.
But after
all, the prime characteristic of this wonderful remedy lies in its modality.
“Better in cold air and from cold applications.”
The patient is not only better generally in the open, cool air and worse in a
warm, closed room, but local affections also, as, for instance, the vertigo;
pain in head, eyes, ears; itching of eyelids; roaring; coryza; pain in face;
toothache; colic; labor pains; sciatica; ulcers, are all better in open air.
These affections that are > in cold air are also especially > while
walking or moving slowly about (Ferrum)
in open or cool air. Remember that Pulsatilla
as well as Rhus toxicodendron is
ameliorated by motion, but Pulsatilla in
cold or cool open air, while Rhus tox.
wants motion in warm dry air.
With
Pulsatilla warm applications aggravate, warm room oppresses, heat of bed
aggravates itching (Mercurius) and
chilblains; cold drinks retained, warm vomited.
Other
remedies have aggravations from heat; but Pulsatilla
leads them all. The relief from cold and cool, open air is as positive as that
of warmth or heat is for Arsenicum.
Now to
close our remarks on Pulsatilla we will
give a few choice symptoms without any particular comments upon them.
“Affections
consequent on the abuse of Iron.” “Chronic affections following cases
of badly managed measles.” “Pressure, or tying up tightly, relieves
the headaches.” (Argentum nit., Apis mellifica).
“Increased inclination to micturate, < when
lying.” “Metastasis of gonorrhœa to testicles.”
“Chilliness, with pains, yet wants cool room.” “One-sided
sweats.” “Inflamed parts bluish,” (Lachesis,
Tarantula Cub.) “Pulsations through the whole body.”
“Metastasis of mumps to mammæ or testicles.” In any of these local
affections we should expect to find the mind and modality of this remedy present
or not be very confident of a brillant cure.
All
complaints < on motion.
Dryness of mucous
membranes generally (lips, mouth, stomach, wants drink in large
quantities, at long intervals; intestines, dry hard stools as if burnt).
Effusions in
serous membranes (meninges, pleura, peritoneum, etc.).
Constipation
(no desire) or diarrhœa, < mornings on beginning to move.
Stitching
pains, especially in serous membranes and joints.
Sitting up
causes nausea and faintness.
Modalities:
< from motions, warm weather after cold. > from quiet, lying on painful
side.
Suitable to
dry, spare, nervous, slender persons, of irritable disposition; rheumatic
tendency. Complaints in hot weather, or exposure to dry, cold air, in wet
weather (Rhus tox).
Cough, dry,
hard, racking, with scanty expectoration; with splitting headache; delirium,
about the business of the day; (typhoid) headache; < stooping; ironing; hot
weather; coughing; motion, vertigo; with nausea, and faintness; < from
sitting up after lying down. Pressure, as from a stone, at pit of stomach
relieved by eructation.
Vicarious
menstruation; nose bleeds when menses should appear (Phos.).
Mammæ
heavy, of a stony hardness; pale, but hard; hot and painful.
Rheumatism
of joints, with pale swelling, great paint worse on touch or least motion.
* * * * *
As in Pulsatilla, so in Bryonia,
the leading characteristic lies in its “modality.” Three words express
it –aggravation from motion.
What is
aggravated on motion? Sufferings of almost any and every kind. We will not
undertake to enumerate them. All that Hering says in his cards on that line is
-“Joints red, swelling, stiff with stitching
win from slightest motion,” and this so far as it goes is
genuine, but it is only the beginning of all the ailments that are < on
motion.
Look in
“Guiding Symptoms,” under “Motion,” and see the long list of
symptoms aggravated by motion, and even these do not cover all. Now we begin to
realize the value of this modality.
It makes no
difference what the name of the disease, if the patient feels greatly > by
lying still and suffers greatly on the slightest motion, and the more and longer
he moves the more he suffers, Bryonia is
the first remedy to be thought of, and there must be very strong
counter-indications along other lines that will rule it out.
Nor does it
make much difference what organ or tissue is the seat of the disease, mucous,
serous or muscular, the same rule applies.
Another
very valuable modality of Bryonia is
again expressed in three words –amelioration from
pressure. This is the reason the patient, much to the astonishment of
the nurse, wants to lie on the paintful side
or part. (Opposite Belladonna,
Kali carbonicum).
No one can
realize the value of these two modalities until he has often met them at the
sick bed and witnessed the prompt relief from the use of Bryonia.
When
writing upon Pulsatilla, we noticed the
characteristic action of that remedy upon the mucous surfaces. Here Bryonia
acts just as characteristically, but it is so different. With Bryonia
it is excessive dryness or lack of
secretion in them. It begins in the lips, which are parched,
dry and cracked, and only ends with the rectum and stools, which are hard
and dry as if burnt. The same condition is undoubtedly present in the
stomach. which is evidenced by the excessive thirst; which can only be satisfied
by large draughts of water; a little does
not satisfy.
The same
condition obtains in the lungs and bronchia, which causes hard,
dry cough with little or no expectoration, and with soreness
and pain in the chest when the patient coughs. (Natrum
sulphuricum has loose cough with soreness).
The urine is scanty and only exceptionally (or as I would express it
reactionally) copious. We must remember that every remedy has a dual action.
These two actions are termed primary and secondary. I think that the so-called
secondary action is only the reaction of the organism against the first or
primary (so-called) action of the drug. For instance -the real action of Opium is to produce sleep or stupor, the reaction is
wakefulness; of Podophyllum, Aloes, etc.,
catharsis; the reaction constipation, and I think that the truly homœopathic
curative must be in accord with the primary (so-called) effects of every drug in
order to get the best and most radical cure, but if given for the secondary
(so-called) symptoms, the primary ones having passed by, we should carefully
inquire for all the symptoms which have preceded those which are present; and
taking both past and present, let them all enter into the picture whose
counterpart is to be found in the drug which is to cure. Any other method is
only palliative and not curative.
Bryonia
has also a very decided effect upon the serous
membranes. It is very useful in the second stage of inflammation,
after the stage of serous effusion has set in. In most of these cases the first
stage has been attended by symptoms calling for the exhibition of such remedies
as Aconite, Belladonna, Ferrum phos.,
etc., but not always; and right here let me call attention to the most
characteristic pains of this remedy. They are stitching
pains. Now observe, the characteristic pains of inflammatory
affections of the serous membranes are stitching
pains; this is the reason why Bryonia
comes to be such a regal remedy in pleuritis, meningitis, peritonitis,
pericarditis, etc. The subjective symptoms corresponding to the remedy must go
down before it, and the objectives must as surely follow. Only one remedy can
equal Bryonia for stitching pains, viz, Kali
carbonicum. (Stitching pains in chest are particularly found under Bryonia,
Kali carb., Natrum mar., Squilla and Mercur.
viv.). And there is this difference between them: The Bryonia
stitches come on or are aggravated by the least motion, while those of Kali
carbonicum will occur whether the patient moves or not, (Bryonia
> by pressure, Kali carb., not). But
in both remedies they cry out sharply with the pains. Apis
has pains which cause the patient to cry out sharply, but they are stinging
pains –like a bee sting. All these three
are great remedies for effusions into serous cavities, and Sulphur
precedes and follows equally well anyone of them.
A word
right here in regard to interpolating Sulphur,
when, as we express it, “the seemingly indicated remedy does not act.”
Some would stumble over that, and ask -as they would have a right to do- how
about your similia, etc., in such a use of Sulphur?
I answer –Sulphur is a remedy of wide
range of action, and covers more perfectly those conditions and symptoms which
are the outgrowth of psora than any other remedy; so it does meet the case
complicated by psora very often, and either cures it or removes the complication
so that the other remedies may act. But remember it will not always do it, and
other antipsoric remedies must be chosen. It must be the simillimum for the
psoric condition.
Bryonia
stands alongside of Nux vomica and Pulsatilla
for disorders of alimentation. All three remedies have a sensation as of a stone
in the stomach, Bryonia and Nux
vomica more so than Pulsatilla.
Bryonia leads in thirst, Nux
vomica less, and Pulsatilla
little or none. All have bad taste in the mouth; Bryonia
and Pulsatilla bitter and Nux
vomica sour. All have nausea and vomiting; Bryonia
worse on motion, as rising up, Nux vomica
in the A. M. and after eating, Pulsatilla
in the evening and also after eating.
The gastric
derangements of Bryonia often occur as a
result of dietetic errors, especially when warm weather sets in after cold.
Those of Nux vomica more from continued
over-eating and inactivity, the abuse of drugs, coffee, tobacco or alcoholics; Pulsatilla
from too rich foods, pastries, fat foods and ice cream (in excess); a little ice
cream feels good in the Pulsatilla
stomach, but much overdose the matter, because it is too
rich.
All three
remedies have attacks of diarrhœa, although constipation is most characteristic
of Bryonia and Nux
vomica, and is only exceptionally found under Pulsatilla.
Bryonia
diarrhœa is worse in the morning, on movement, and open occurs as an effect of
over-eating in the heat of summer. Nux vomica
diarrhœa is also apt to be worse in the morning, is mostly caused by
over-eating and is apt to put on the dysenteric type. The Pulsatilla
diarrhœa is more apt to occur in the night, from causes above mentioned, and is
attended with great rumbling of the bowels.
All have
white, sometimes very thickly-coated tongue, but taking into account the causes
of these gastric and bowel troubles, temperament and modalities there should not
be much difficulty in choosing the right remedy for any case.
So far as
temperament is concerned, Bryonia is like
Nux vomica, but Bryonia
has much more of the “rheumatic diathesis.” Both are easily irritated
or angered, and are oftenest found indicated in spare, dark-complexioned
subjects. Both are aggravated generally on motion, by Bryonia
very much the more so, while Pulsatilla
is sometimes like Rhus toxicodendron
relieved by motion.
Now a few
special indications for Bryonia and we
will have it:
“Bursting
headache, as if it would split the head open, aggravated by stooping; coughing;
ironing; opening or moving the eyes; moving any way; in hot weather. Nausea and
faintness when rising up, relieved when lying still.”
“Epistaxis
instead of menses (vicarious menstruation), also blood spitting.”
“Mastitis;
breasts pale, hot, hard, heavy and painful.”
“Suppression
of lochia with bursting headache.”
“Suppression
of milk, menses, measles or rash of scarlatina, or where all these are slow in
appearing; of course the other Bryonia symptoms must be present.”
“Frequent
desire to take long breath; must expand the lungs. (Cactus,
Ignatia, Nat sulph.).”
“Cough
dry, < after eating, sometimes math vomiting;
< moving; < coming from open air into warm
room. (Nat. carb).”
“Cough
hurts head and chest, holds them with hands.” (Eupatorium
perf., Natrum sulph.).
These are
some of the peculiar symptoms which cannot be ranged under any general head, and
are excellent leaders to the consideration of Bryonia,
all and each of which will be found associated with the more general
characteristics already noticed.
The
dominant school do not know what they have lost in not being acquainted with the
virtues of this remedy, as developed in our provings and clinical use, but we
know what we have gained.
ANTIMONIUM
CRUDUM.
Thick,
milky white coating on tongue (in many complaints).
Derangements
from overloading the stomach, especially fat food; nausea.
Crushed
finger-nails: grow in splits like warts and with horny spots.
Corns and
callosities on soles, with excessive tenderness; can only walk with pain and
suffering.
Alternate
constipation and diarrhœa in old people, especially with the characteristic
tongue.
Child
cannot bear to be touched or looked at, fretful, cross.
Feverish
conditions at night.
Headache;
after river bathing; from taking cold; alcoholic drinks; deranged digestion;
acids, fat, fruit; suppressed eruptions. Mucus; from anus, ichorous, oozing,
staining yellow; mucous piles. Cannot bear heat of sun; < from exertion in
sun; exhausted in warm weather.
* * * * *
This
remedy, like the three of which we have been writing, has a strong affinity for
the alimentary canal. Its leading characteristic is in its thickly-coated,
white, very white, white as milk, tongue.
Many
remedies have white tongue, but this one leads them all. It is also a great
stomach remedy, and in disorders of this organ arising from over-eating, where
there is much nausea, distress, and especially the characteristic tongue, it is
to be thought of before any of the three of which we have written. It is
especially to be considered if the gastric derangement is of recent date. The
process of digestion is hardly under way; the eructations taste of the food as
he ate it, and the sufferer feels as if he must “throw up” before
there will be any relief. In such a case a few pellets of Antimonium
crudum on the tongue will often settle the business, save the loss of
a meal, and all further suffering.
Diarrhœa
may often follow these dietetic errors, especially during the heat of the summer
season, and then the stools are peculiar in that they are partly solid and
partly fluid, showing that digestion has been only partially performed in the
whole length of the canal Antimonium crudum
and Bryonia sometimes present about equal
claims in a case of summer complaint; but the case in its entirety must decide
the choice between them.
There is a
form of diarrhœa which alternates with constipation, oftenest found with old
people, where Antimonium crudum is the
only remedy. Then it is also one of the best remedies for mucous piles; there is
a continuous oozing of mucus staining the
linen, very disagreeable to the patient.
There are
some mind symptoms that are very peculiar, “the greatest sadness and woeful
mood with intermittent fever”; again, “sentimental mood in moonlight,
ecstatic love,” and again, “child cannot
bear to he touched or looked at.”
Of the
first two symptoms I can say nothing from experience or observation, but of the
last, that it is a gem. Many times in cases of gastric or remittent fever, for
which Antimonium crudum is a very
excellent remedy, I have been led to its use by this very condition of the mind:
the child is cross, but not like Chamomilla
wants to be carried and soothed, but will scream and cry, and show temper at
every little attention. Another thing that I have noticed in many of these cases
is, that the fever runs higher at night and is accompanied with great thirst;
the white tongue is almost always present. Such children are quite apt, even
when around the house, to have “sore, cracked
and crusty nostrils, and corners of the mouth,” and so this may
appear when sick.
There is a
peculiar constitutional condition found in some people which calls for this
remedy. It is found in the extremities ; finger-nails
grow in splits, like warts, with horny spots (Silicea
nails crippled, on fingers and toes; Graphites
nails become thick, crippled; Thuja
nails brittle, crumbling, distorted), and if by accident one becomes injured or
split, it does not repair as it should, but grows out of shape. Then the
toe-nails are brittle and grow out of shape also, or shrivel up and do not grow
at all. The feet are covered on the soles with corns
and callosities which are VERY TENDER, can hardly walk on them on
account of this tenderness.
Some of the
worst cases of chronic rheumatism have been cured by this remedy, guided by the
excessive tenderness of the soles of the feet. (Baryta
soles get sore from foot sweat; Pulsatilla
soles pain and are tender; Ledum heels
and soles tender when walking; Medorrhinum
couldn’t walk except on knees; Lycopod.
soles swollen and painful). Horny excrescences anywhere on the skin make one
think of Antimonium crudum. The remedy is
oftenest found indicated in the extremes of life, in children and old people.
Now the
peculiar modalities which deserve particular mention are: First, the troubles
are often caused or aggravated by heat, and especially by the heat
of the sun. (Bryonia, Glonoine, Gelsem.,
Nat. carb). The patient feels exhausted during warm weather; the
gastric troubles come on, or are worse; such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhœa.
The cough is worse, and, like Bryonia, is
worse on coming into a warm room from cold air. These affections are
particularly worse in sunshine, but also from radiate heat of the fire, so that Antimonium
crudum takes a high rank as a not weather remedy. Second, cold
bathing aggravates or causes trouble. (Rhus
tox., Sulphur) “Child cries when washed or bathed in cold
water.” Cold bathing causes headache, cold in the head, gastric catarrh,
diarrhœa, suppressed menses, toothache, etc. When any case of long standing
comes to us, and the patient dates the beginning of the trouble to going in
swimming or falling into the water, we think of Antimonium
crudum and examine for further indications for the drug.
Now a few
scattering symptoms that have found their remedy in Antimonium
crudum: “Copious hæmorrhage from the bowels, mixed with solid
fæces; chronic redness of the eyelids; toothache in decayed
teeth, worse at night; gastric trouble after acids, sour wine,
vinegar,” etc.
Swollen,
flabby tongue, taking imprint of the teeth; gums also swollen, spongy or
bleeding; breath very offensive.
Sweats day
and night without relief in many complaints.
Creeping
chilliness in the beginning of a cold, or threatened suppuration.
Sliminess
of mucous membranes.
Moist
tongue, with intense thirst.
Glandular
swellings, cold, inclined to suppurate; ulcers with lardaceous base.
Modalities:
< at night in warmth of bed, while sweating, lying on right side.
Bone
diseases; pains worse at night.
Dysentery:
stools slimy, bloody, colic, fainting; great tenesmus during and after, followed
by chilliness, and a “cannot finish sensation.” The more blood and
pain the better indicated.
Affects
lower lobe of right lung; stitches through to back (Chel.,
Kali c.).
Intense
thirst, although the tongue looks moist and the saliva is profuse.
In low
potencies, hastens suppuration; in high, aborts suppuration, as in quinsy.
* * * * *
As in Antimonium crudum, so in Mercurius,
the leading characteristic is found in the mouth, or, I might rather say,
characteristics, for the gums are swollen, spongy,
sometimes bleeding; the tongue is also swollen,
flabby, taking the imprint of the teeth (Arsenicum,
Chelidonium, Podophyllum, Rhus tox. and Stramonium),
generally moist, yet with intense thirst; the whole mouth is moist with
salivation which is soapy or stringy, and the odor from the mouth is very
offensive; you can smell it all over the room. No remedy has this
condition of mouth in any degree equal to Mercury.
It is found in very many complaints, and if anything corroborative of the truth
of “similia,” etc., were desired the curative power of Mercury,
when indicated by these symptoms, ought to be satisfactory. Many a time have I
given great relief to my patient, and great credit to Homœopathy, by brilliant
cures of that painful affection, quinsy, guided by these symptoms. Of course, in
addition to the above symptoms the tonsils were greatly swollen and often
apparently on the verge of suppuration. Right here let me warn against giving Mercurius
too low, for if you do, it will hasten suppuration instead of
aborting it. If anyone is skeptical as to the efficiency of the very high
potencies, I invite him to a test in just such a case. Give a single dose, dry
upon the tongue, or if you must seem to do more, dissolve a powder in four
tablespoonfuls of water and give in half-hourly doses. Then Wait.
I have done in many times and am convinced. If the patient has that other strong
characteristic of Mercurius, viz., profuse
perspiration, without relief of the suffering, success is doubly
sure. (Sweat relieves, Arsenicum, Natrum mur.,
Psorinum.) I wish right here, as perhaps the most appropriate place,
to disclaim being an exclusive high-potentist. The questions of dose is, and I
believe must remain, an open one as long as different degrees of susceptibility
are found in different diseases and persons. I have experimented along the whole
line and know that both the high and the low are efficacious in certain cases.
The preponderance of evidence, however, is greatly in favour of the high and the
highest. This is my opinion. You may differ, and are welcome to do so.
The fever
symptoms of Mercurius are notable,
especially in the sweats. The chill also is peculiar as I have observed it. It
is not a shaking chill, but is simply creeping
chilliness. Often when this creeping chilliness is felt it is the
first symptom of a cold that has been taken, and, if left alone, the coryza,
sore throat, bronchitis of even pneumonia may follow; but, if taken early, a
dose of Mercurius may prevent all such troubles. The chilliness is felt
most generally in the evening and increases into the night if not removed by Mercury.
It also alternates with flashes of heat; first chilly, then hot, then chilly,
etc., like Arsenicum. It is often felt in
single parts. Then again it is felt in abscesses and is the harbinger of pus
formation. If pus has already formed, especially much of it, the only thing Mercury
can do is to hasten its discharge; but if little or none is actually formed a
dose of Mercury high will often check the
formation and a profuse sweat often follows with a subsidence of the swelling
and a rapid cure of the disease.
Now the
sweats. They are very profuse and do not relieve like the sweats of inflammatory
diseases generally do, but no the contrary the complaints increase
with the sweat. (Tilia.). In
what diseases is this condition found? It may be found in almost every disease:
In sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, pleuritis, peritonitis, abscesses,
rheumatism, etc., to the end of a long list. In short in any disease in which
this profuse and persistent sweating without relief is present Mercurius
is the first remedy to be thought of. Worse at night,
and especially in the warmth of
the bed, is another strong characteristic of Mercurius.
(Ledum pal.) There is a long list of
remedies that have aggravations at night, but not so many from warmth of the
bed. I have cured many skin diseases of various names guided by this modality.
The glands
and bones also come strongly under the influence of this remedy. The glandular
swellings are cold, inclined to suppurate, having these chilly creepings
aforementioned. These with the bone-pains in the exostoses and caries are all aggravated
at night in the warmth of the bed.
The mucous
membranes are everywhere affected; the discharges from them are at first thin
and excoriating, even from the catarrh of the nose to the diarrhœic, or
dysenteric, discharges. Afterwards they become thicker or more bland, like the Pulsatilla
discharges. Where are worse at night also, even the leucorrhœa.
Hahnemann
ranked Mercury (first) for syphilis, as
he did Sulphur for psora and Thuja
for sycosis, and no doubt justly so, for Mercury
in its various forms symptomologically covers more cases of that disease than
any other remedy. but it must be remembered that Mercury
is no more a panacea for syphilis than is Sulphur
for psora or Thuja for sycosis, else
there would be no truth in similia similibus. The case in hand must simulate Mercury,
or that remedy is not “in it,” but some other remedy is. Experience
abundantly corroborates this and proves the truth of the law, Similia
Similibus Curantur.
Most
persistent and terrible tenesmus before, during and after stool; stool scanty,
mucus tinged with blood.
Tenesmus of
the bladder and rectum at the same time; urine passed in drops with much pain.
Throat
intensely inflamed, swollen, burning, with swollen gums, which bleed easily.
* * * * *
While we
are on the subject of mercury we may as well notice the various combinations of
the drug. Mercurius solubilis and vivus
are so nearly alike that with the same indications some use one and some the
other preparation. It is claimed by some that the vivus
is better adapted to men and solubilis to
women. I have not observed it, but do think that the solubilis
works better in skin troubles. Of Mercurius
corrosivus we have to say that it leads all other remedies for tenesmus
of the rectum. This tenesmus is incessant. Stool does not relieve it,
and this is what decides between it and Nux vomica
in dysentery. It has also severe tenesmus of the bladder, and may here vie with Cantharis,
Capsicum and Nux vomica,
especially in dysentery.
Other
symptoms must decide the choice.
This severe
tenesmus may begin in the rectum and extend to the bladder or vice versa.
It is a
very efficient remedy in gonorrhœa, in the second stage, when the greenish
discharge has set in and the burning and tenesmus continues.
It seems to have gained some reputation in Bright’s disease. I have no
experience with it here, but would expect it to do good if
it were indicated.
It seems,
according to the testimony of others, to be a useful remedy for catarrhal
affections of the eyes and nose. Here also I have no testimony to offer, but
would not cast doubt upon it for that reason. I do not desire to place my own
experience ahead of that of others. We are co-laborers. Let each add to the
general store of medical knowledge, that all may draw freely from it as occasion
demands.
Dr. Beck,
of Monthey, in Switzerland (I think it was), first brought this remedy to notice
as of great value in that much-dreaded disease, diphtheria. Von Villiers claimed
to have had astonishing success with it in Germany, losing only two per cent.
(if I remember correctly) of the cases treated With it. He recommended the 30th
potency, but others have used the 6th and claim equally good results. There are,
so far as I can find, no very marked characteristic symptoms by which to choose
it. It seems to spread its action all over the buccal cavity. Dr. T. F. Allen
published a good cure with it, and then claimed that he chose this preparation
of Mercury on account of
the remarkable prostration, which he attributed to the cyanogen
element in it. This looks reasonable. But I think we must investigate further to
bring out its true characteristics. There is a chronic condition of the throat
in which I have found it very efficacious. It is in the so-called cases of
public speakers. The throat feels raw and sore, and examination reveals a broken
down appearance of the mucous membrane bordering on ulceration. It is nor
granulated, but looks raw in spots, as if denuded of membrane. I have helped
this kind of throat, so that the patient wanted me to remember what it was I
gave him so that I could repeat the prescription if the trouble returned. I
forgot to state that it hurt the patient to speak, and there was also
hoarseness. This is all I know of this remedy, but I believe it well worth
proving and study.
Tongue
coated thickly yellow at the base; tip and edges red or pale; takes the imprint
of the teeth.
Swelling of
the throat; begins on the right side (diphtheria) (left, Lachesis).
Genuine
Hunterian chancre (l,000th clinical.).
* * * * *
It is a
preparation that has a every reliable and prominent characteristic. It is “Tongue
coated thickly, yellow at the base.” The tip and edges may be
red or pale and take the imprint of the teeth, like the other Mercuries.
Of course, other remedies have a yellow-coated base of the tongue like Kali
bichromicum, Natrum phos. and Chelidonium,
so that this symptom would not indicate Mercurius
Protoiodide to the exclusion of all others, but I think I am safe in
saying that this remedy has it in the greatest degree.
In
diphtheria the swelling of the throat and the formation of membrane begins on
the right side, like Lycopodium, and the
fœtid breath and flabby tongue, showing imprint of teeth, are generally
present. Now if you have the thick yellow coating at the base of the tongue you
need not hesitate to give this remedy. In regard to dose, I have seen good
results from the 3d trituration to the C. M. potency. For myself I prefer the
high, and have had abundant opportunity to test all the different potencies. If
you are so prejudiced that you cannot give anything above the 12th because you
cannot discover the drug with the microscope, don’t give it too long; withdraw
it after a few doses and give the powers of reaction a chance.
But
diphtheria is not the only disease in which the yellow base of the tongue is an
indication for the use of this remedy. Stomach and liver troubles often produce
this appearance of the tongue. It is also a good remedy for Hunterian chancre,
and no secondary symptoms follow its proper use. Here it must be given high.