SECTION 103.
NUX VOMICA.
General Indications
Irritable state of mind with desire to be alone, in the dark, quiet and undisturbed ailments worse early in the morning, and especially from thinking or studying - numbness in the parts affected - constant urging for a passage, often ineffectual - desire for fat food and stimulants - aversion to tobacco.
Minute Dose
See Section 56, B - C - D.
Officinal Dose
Adult, 5 to 20 drops of the tincture. Child, see Section 56, B.
Hypodermatic Dose
Formula - Strychninae sulphatis 1 grain; Acid carbolic 1 grain; Aquae 1 ounce, mix. Adult 5 to 10 minims or 1/96 to 1/48 grain; and in rare cases up to 1/25 grain, or even 1/16 grain - (overdose produces rigid spasm and profuse sweat.)
Used especially in the treatment of diseases having their seat in the spinal cord, after acute symptoms have subsided. Local spasm, not recent, decided benefit - Facial Paralysis, complete success. Chronic Hemiplegia and Paraplegia - Progressive muscular atrophy. Of no use in case of contraction of the palsied limbs, or paralysis from softening or tumor in the spinal cord - Infantile paralysis, exceedingly valuable - Wrist - drop, paralysis from lead - Wrist cramp - Paralysis of the bladder, with dribbling of urine - Paralysis of the sphincter ani - Prolapsus Ani - Chronic Neuralgia - Gastralgia, no remedy equal to it, 1/20 to 1/60 grain doses - Ileus - Amaurosis paralytic - Amblyopia; functional paralysis of the retina as after diphtheria. In alcohol and tobacco amaurosis, no good may be expected if none manifested after four daily injections.
Chloral hydrate and strychnia mutually antidote each other, and respectively save life in case of a fatal dose of either - 1/96 grain of Strychnia is equivalent to 15 grains of chloral. In case of poisoning in man, 30 grains of Chloral subcutaneously given was sufficient to allay the spasm and avert death from 4 grains of Strychnia. Recovery from narcotic poisoning is much quicker when the patient is kept as warm as possible, especially in warm bath. Heat increases the action of the heart. In Chloral poisoning it is best to begin with 1/60 grain of Strychnia and give in each succeeding dose 1/120 grain, every 1/2 hour, until the maximum is approached.
(A) Nux vomica is minute doses, is our most reliable remedy for Photophobia - Morning Headache - Frontal Catarrhal Headache - Clavus - Headache from Constipation - Constipation, with frequent ineffectual urging to stool, or with piles - Prolapsus ani - Prolapsus uteri - Debility, especially in hot weather - Dyspepsia - Hypochondriasis - Sufferings from dissipation - Acute Alcoholism. Delirium Tremens. "Strychnia in large doses, in part hypodermatic, has come to be considered a specific for delirium tremens. It may be necessary in some obstinate cases to give 1 2/3 grains in the course of 24 hours, in order to control the affection; when the patient will fall into a refreshing sleep, without the slightest sign of poisoning. "
(B) Gastralgia - Pain in the stomach - Sufferings from Indigestion. Take Nux vomica, in minute doses, every quarter hour during attacks, and before meals to prevent them. Cocculus indicus, adult, drop doses of the tincture, taken every 1/4 hour, is a reliable remedy for Colic, coming on during or soon after meals; also for menstrual colic. "For pain in the stomach after eating, occurring usually from a quarter of an hour to an hour after meals; (a condition that may continue for months and even years). Bismuth is a good remedy; but there is a medicine that does not constipate and is therefore better; and that is purified Oxide of Manganese. This remedy taken by adults in 10 grain doses, 3 times a day before meals, is sure to give relief. It must be continued for months if necessary, until it cures. The same is excellent for Heartburn and Water - brash. For Distressful feeling like a lump, or something hard, lodged in the stomach or chest, that cannot be removed; the true prescription is Tincture of Abies Nigra 1 drachm; Pepsin pure 1/2 drachm; Glycerine 1/2 ounce; and Water 4 ounces; mixed, adult, take a teaspoonful immediately before meals, and in obstinate cases, repeat the dose directly after meals. Viburnum compound is a sure thing for colic - magnificent for Baby's colic, soothes like a charm, and there is nothing safer to use. "
Premature Cessation of Labor Pains. Nux vomica, minute dose (Sec. 56, A), will renew the pains in 10 minutes. If there should be no pains to expel the after - birth, the same will induce them directly. Tedious and distressing labor may be obviated by teaspoonful doses of the Fluid Extract of Ustilago, taken every 1/2 hour, until the pains become vigorous and effective.
False Labor Pains. Take a hot sitz bath, remain in until profuse sweat is induced and pains gone, then wrap in blankets and get into bed, and sleep. Gelsemium tincture, drop doses, after each pain arrests false labor.