Rhamnus Catharticus

Rhamnus catharticus. Buckthorn. N. O. Rhamnaceae. Tincture or fluid extract of ripe berries.

Clinical

Appendicitis. Colic. Constipation. Diarrhœa. Tympanites. TyphUtis.

Characteristics

The common Buckthorn produces black, shiny, four-sided berries, with an acrid taste. From these a syrup is made, and forms the Rhamni succus of the old school. It produces "copious watery stools and occasions a good deal of nausea and severe tormina. Was formerly given in dropsy, but owing to the severity of the drug is now Little used" (Mine). The Schema is made up of symptoms observed in a boy poisoned by eating the berries. The ileo-caecal symptoms seem to point to it as a possible remedy in cases of appendicitis. Homoeopaths have found Rham, cath.6 in doses of a few drops a useful palliative in cases of constipation.

Relations

Compare : Cascara, Cean. In appendicitis, Ir. t.

Eyes

Eyes glistening and injected.

Face

Trembling of lips. — Commencing trismus. 8. Bfoufh.«-Coated tongue. — Extremely bitter taste.

Throat p. 972

Scraping in throat.

Stomach p. 972

Complete loss of appetite.

Abdomen p. 972

Violent rumbling and griping, esp. cutting pains in ileo-caecal region and in transverse colon.---Colic. — At)domen hard; tympanites.

Stool and Anus p. 972

Diarrhoea.— Liquid stools.

Urinary Organs p. 972

Urine highly coloured.

Respiratory Organs p. 972

Respiration short, anxious.

Heart p. 972

Pulse variable. 91. Limt»s. — Weakness and prostration in all limbs.

Generalities p. 972

Unable to rise ; seemed to desire to press his head against the wall.

Fever p. 972

Violent chilliness.---Skin at one time warm, at another cold.