Franciscea
Clarke, A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica, 1900, Vol. I, p. 789
Brazilian Manaca-root. N. 0, Scrophulariaceae. Closely allied to Brunfelsia. Tincture of fresh root. An alkaloid, Franciscea, is also used. GUaieal*— Headache. Pericarditis. Rheumatism. Syphilis.
Characteristics
Franciscea u. is a Brazilian remedy of great local repute as an anti-syphilitic and anti-rheumatic. It is filled " vegetable mercury." In large doses it is a poison, causing "riokot purgation and emesis. Many cases of acute, sub-acute, and chronic cases of rheumatism have been reported cured with the tincture by homoeopaths ; also pericarditis complicating rheumatism. Hauaea gives these symptoms as characteristic, though I do not know of any proving : ' Intense headache like a band around the head, pain in occiput, neck and spine, lancinating, sticking ; terrible aching aU over, with great heat, followed by profuse sweat, which > all symptoms."