GASTRO-1NTESTINAL DISORDERS.—T110 preparations of nux vomica, like other bitters, produce a sensation of hunger, and, 011 account of an inherent slight ir ritant action upon the gastric mucous membrane, increase the digestive secre tions and thereby promote digestion. They are found useful in cases of debility, and in convalescence, where the tongue is more or less coated and the digestion weak. One or two drops of the tincture in a teaspoonful of water every two hours or oftener, for twenty-four to forty-eight hours, will clear the tongue, improve the digestion, and prepare the way for stronger tonics and more liberal diet (Ringer).
Flatulence and heart-burn generally yield to small doses of the tincture given three or four times daily. In acute gas tric catarrh accompanied by sick head ache, but without much nausea, due generally to some error in diet or to con stipation, pro-mpt relief is obtained from aux vomica. One drop of the tincture in a teaspoonful of water every five or ten minutes, for eight to ten doses, and then continued at longer intervals, will often mitigate this kind of headache, and in a few hours remove it, when otherwise it would have continued severe all day (Ringer). In chronic gastric catarrh and the morning sickness of drunkards, nux vomica is next in value to arsenic; it is best given with the mineral acids (Bar tholow). The poor appetite, feeble di gestion, and the nervousness and trem bling which follow the sudden with drawal of alcoholic stimulants are re lieved by frequent, small doses of the tincture. To diminish the craving for stimulants and sustain the nervous sys tem, Bartholow advises 5 drops of the %%1111 15 drops of the eap:ieniii, given every four ..• rs. 11 ttstinal indigestion and tlatu : may e removed by the tincture of 1:11\ IlliCa. ...Will(' dyspepsia, due to a iarL;ic Londition of the muscular coat of the bowel, is relieved by this drug in int :nation with other appropriate rt t d .es.
ln constipation nux vomica is a useful addition to purgatives, for its stimulating and tonic effect upon the muscular coat f the bowel. In some forms of epidemic LIN senttly this drug is indicated where there is a depressed condition of the vital forces associated with tympany and prune-juice stools.
In the threatening collapse of cholera, nux vomica combined with opium and the mineral acids is indicated; it is also u-eful as a prophylactic during the pre liminary diarrhcea.
In s.unoner diarrInca where the stools are watery and in colliquative diarrhcea the same combination is efficient; if much rain be present, the quantity of opium nal.y be increased or a double dose given at first. Bartholow suggests the follow ing:— 1: :::trychninm sulph., 1/, grain. Acidi sulphurici dil., :jss.
Morphinw sulph., gr. ij.
Aq. camph., M. Sig.: A teaspoonful every hour or ovo, well diluted.
TTERiNE DisoctumiS.—The neuralgic form of dysmenorrhcea is permanently removed by the administration of nux vomica during the intervals. Nrix vom ica is given in many eases of amenorrhcea for its tonic action on the pelvic viscera. In post-partum liFemorrhk_,e Fordvee Barker's well-known formula is: Tinct ure of nux vomica, 20 drops; fluid extract of ergot, 30 drops; to be given everv half brut: until the uterus is well contracted Not more than two or three doses of this would be necessary or safe.
IlLoOD Disounmis.—Nux V0/111Ca iS useful to improve the quantity of im poverished blood, as it stimulates the blood-making organs. Combined with iron and quinine, it is of great value in anxmia, chlorosis, purpura, and in the hxmorrhagic diathesis. In intermittent fever it is employed as an adjuvant to quinine.
NERVoUs DisOuDEas.—In impotence due to mere relaxation and atony of the erectile tissue, and not to organic effects, mix vomica is indicated. Incontinence of urine, when due to a paretic state of the sphincters, may sometimes be cured by nux vomica. Nocturnal incontinence —when not relieved by belladonna, ergot, and iron—may be benefited by nux vom ica. Amaurosis either from lead poison ing or from the abuse of alcohol or to bacco may be cured by this drug. Eye strain from insufficiency of the ocular muscles yields readily to the influence of nux vorniea. De Schweinitz advises the use of ascending doses of the tincture, beginning with 3 drops, three times daily until distinct physiological effects are produced. Sometimes GO drops may be taken in twenty-four hours after toler ance is reached.
After the occurrence of brain lesions this drug is useful to maintain the nutri tion of the paralyzed member. It is not safe, however, until after repair of the lesion, nor useful if electrical reaction is absent.