Ergotinum (Derivative)
Ergot of rye.
Ergotin.
The alkaloid of Secale cornutum,
Trituration.
Clinical (Ergotinum)
Anal incontinence.
Gangrene.
Hmorrhages.
Heart, paralysis of.
Sphincters, paralysis of.
Characteristics (Ergotinum)
Ergotin is best known by its physiological use as a hmostatic in uterine and pulmonary
hmorrhages.
It acts by causing contraction of the arterioles, and its effect is produced most promptly when
it is administered by subcutaneous injection.
Its homopathic uses are in the main identical with those of Secale, but Ergotin will
sometimes succeed when Secale fails.
Koeck, of Munich, has recorded a case in point (H. Monatsbltter, Sept. , 1898).
Secale, like Phosph. , has "wide-open anus" in its symptomatology. Koeck's patient had
suffered from diarrha since the Franco-German war, and latterly had lost all power of
retention. It was for this that the doctor was consulted.
The rectum had lost all sensation, so that the patient had no warning and was never clean. The
odour may be imagined. Old-school treatment had failed to relieve him.
He was about to be pensioned by his employers, and had thoughts of suicide. Secale 3x
ameliorated slightly ; the 2x had the same result. "
Remembering Kafka's advice to use the alkaloid when the indicated drug did not seem to act,
he prescribed Ergotin 2x. "
After taking this for four days the patient regained control.
Dmange (La Semaine Md., January, 1886) records the case of a young lady suffering from
typhoid fever and threatened with heart paralysis.
Stimulating injections of ether and of rum, and frictions completely failed to rally her.
Cyanosis increased rapidly and threatened the trunk. Fainting spells occurred in rapid
succession, pulse filiform. Ergotin was then injected and the pulse rose, and the symptoms of
collapse disappeared.
(Most of the symptoms of this patient may be found under Secale. )
Nectrianinum.
Dilution.
Nosode of cancer of trees (Nectria ditissima).
Trituration of the parasite.
Clinical (Nectrianinum)
Carcinoma.
Epithelioma.
Characteristics (Nectrianinum)
Nectrianinum is a clear liquid of a yellowish-brown hue which was prepared by Bra and
Chauss (Med. Rev. of Rev. , April, 1900, quoted H. M. , XXXV. 533) as follows :
Cultures (of Nectria) of two months of age, on grape broth, are evaporated on a water bath
until reduced to one-third of their original volume. They are filtered through paper and again
through porcelain.
The liquid is then taken to the autoclave at a temperature of 120 C. This assures that all
spores are killed. Injected into healthy animals in 5 c. c. doses several times a week no result
is observed. In cancerous men and animals, on the contrary, the injections cause a rise of
temperature in from two to four hours of 1 to 3.
If the dose is increased the hyperthermia is accompanied by chills, sensation of cold,
accelerated pulse, palpitation, headache, thirst.
The crisis terminates after some hours in polyuria and profound sleep. In very advanced
cancer reaction may not occur. In a summary of the results the observers say that
Nectrianinum has caused :
"Arrest or diminution of hmorrhages ; suppression of fetid discharges ; a tendency at times
to epidermisation of the neoplasm with a corresponding well-defined arrest in its evolution. "
The patients were < when treatment was discontinued and > when it was resumed. A maximum
of 4 c. c. per day was never exceeded.
Relations (Nectrianinum)
Compare :
Scirrh., Epitheliomin.
Secale Cornutum.
Ergot of Rye.
N. O. Fungi.
Secale cornutum.
Spurred Rye.
The black, horn-like spur into which the grains of Rye (Secale cereale, N. O. Gramine) are
changed by the fungus Claviceps purpurea.
Tincture of The fresh spurs collected just before harvest.
Clinical (Secale Cornutum)
Abortion, threatened.
After-pains.
Albuminuria.
Anus, incontinence of ; open.
Asthenopia.
Bladder, paralysis of.
Boils.
Carbuncles.
Cataract.
Chilblains.
Cholera ; infantum.
Chorea.
Convulsions.
Cramps.
Diabetes.
Diaphragm, cramp in.
Diarrha.
Distortions.
Dysphagia.
Epilepsy.
Epistaxis.
Feet, cramps in ; burning of ; coldness of.
Fibroma.
Gangrene.
Gastritis.
Glands, swelling of ; suppuration of.
Goitre.
Hmaturia.
Hmorrhages.
Hmorrhagic diathesis.
Heart, palpitation of.
Hiccough.
Hysteria.
Impotence.
Liver, enlargement of.
Lochia, fetid.
Lumbago.
Menstruation, excessive.
Metrorrhagia.
Milk, suppressed.
Miscarriage.
Morvan's disease.
Myelitis ; diffusa.
Nails, degeneration of.
Neuralgia.
Night-sweats.
Numbness.
sophagitis.
Ovaries, tumours of.
Paralysis ; post-diphtheritic ; spastic.
Placenta, retained.
Post-partum hmorrhage.
Pregnancy, false pains of.
Purpura.
Raynaud's disease.
Small-pox, hmorrhagic.
Spinal irritation.
Stammering.
Stomach, cancer of.
Strabismus.
Stricture, spasmodic.
Thrombosis.
Tongue, biting of.
Typhoid.
Ulcers.
Uterus, inertia of ; neuralgia of ; prolapse.
Characteristics (Secale Cornutum)
Rye and grasses are apt to be affected with the Ergot disease in damp seasons, and when
grown on damp, ill-drained lands. If breeding cows are turned on pastures where infected
grasses grow they are very liable to drop their calves.
Ergot has been known as a hastener of parturition from remote times. Its other actions have
been for the most part learned from the terrible epidemics of "Ergotism" which have
occasionally devastated districts in which Rye infected with Ergot has been ground into flour
and eaten by the population. Death takes place in convulsions ; or else from gangrene and
consequent exhaustion ; or from exhausting hmorrhages or discharges, as diarrha.
Many who escape immediate death are reduced to a cachectic state, from which they never
recover ; are paralysed, have limbs distorted and senses impaired. In general the sufferer
retains a clear intellect and a good, even abnormally good, appetite to the last. The nervous
symptoms of Sec. are convulsive. The body is at times rigid ; at times rigidity alternates with
relaxation.
This is especially seen in the hands, which are either clenched or have the fingers spread
widely apart (a keynote symptom). The muscles of the face and abdomen twitch. There is
incontinence or retention of urine. Spasmodic retching, the stomach is violently contracted.
Through the like action on the vaso-motor nerves there is first contraction and then dilatation
of blood-vessels ; the fingers turn bluish black. This stagnation leads to dry gangrene of the
parts. Sec. shrivels up the skin, makes it dry and harsh ; sallow complexion. It is therefore
suited to thin, scrawny women, feeble and of cachectic appearance ; women of irritable,
nervous temperament ; of pale, sunken countenance. To very old, decrepit persons.
On the other hand, it is also suited to : Irritable, plethoric subjects. Women of very lax
muscular fibre ; everything seems loose and open ; no action, vessels flabby : passive
hmorrhages, copious flow of thin, black, watery blood. For Sec. lessens the coagulating
power of the blood. and produces a hmorrhagic diathesis ; persistent, offensive bleeding.
Small wounds bleed persistently. Purpura comes within this category.
One grand characteristic of Sec. , which will determine its selection in many cases, is :
"< By external heat. "
This applies to cholera, purpura, gangrene, and any condition which may present symptoms of
Sec. In cholera cases calling for Sec. the patient is cold, almost pulseless ; there are
spasmodic twitchings of muscles in various parts (especially spreading of fingers), eyes sunk,
features pinched ; surface harsh, shrivelled, dry, as though no moisture were left in the body.
Though cold to the touch, cannot bear to be covered. In spite of this coldness, Sec. has
burning among its characteristic sensations : burning in all parts of the body as if sparks were
falling on the patient.
Another characteristic sensation is numbness ; tingling as if ants crawling all over, > from
rubbing. This may accompany hmorrhages, loss of other fluids, debility, or skin affections.
In the later stages of ergotism there is ansthesia.
The discharges are exhausting and offensive. Diarrha is peculiar, involuntary ; with wideopen anus. The boils in which Sec. is indicated are small and painful, with green contents,
mature very slowly, heal slowly, and are very weakening.
The eyes are affected in various ways : Pustulous conjunctivitis ; suppuration of cornea ;
dilated pupils, distortion, and strabismus ; ptosis ; suppressed tears. Catarrh has been caused
in many instances. "< From warmth" will be the leading indication in many eye cases requiring
Sec.
Exophthalmic goitre has been cured with it ; the heart being acted on by Sec. as other hollow
viscera, and violent palpitation induced. Sec. has a great affinity for the uterus, whether gravid
or not. Though its use in ordinary doses in obstetric practice is attended with danger, it may
be used on its homopathic indications with perfect safety. It is indicated : (1) In threatened
abortion, especially at the third month ; prolonged, bearing-down, forcing pains. (2) During
labour when the pains are irregular, too weak, feeble, or ceasing ; everything seems loose and
open, but there is no expulsive action ; fainting. (3) For after-pains when too long, too
excessive ; or when there is hour-glass contraction of the uterus. (4) For suppression or nonappearance of the milk. The menses of Sec. are irregular ; copious, dark, fluid ; accompanied
by labour-like pains in abdomen ; there maybe a continuous watery discharge of blood during
the whole time between the periods.
Teste records this case :
A lady, 50, fat, very soft flesh, had flooding which nothing could stop. After several useless
attempts, Teste gave large doses of Sec. with scarcely any effect. The patient asked for
infinitesimal doses. At that time Teste had no faith at all in infinitesimals, but he yielded to the
patient's request, and gave one drop of the 6th. The flooding ceased immediately and
permanently.
Peculiar Sensations of Sec. are :
Anus as if locked up.
As if contents of uterus would fall forward.
As if eyes were spasmodically rotated.
As if fingers asleep.
As if intoxicated while undressing.
As if limbs had been a long time in hot water.
As if mice creeping under skin.
As if sacrum would be forced out.
As if soft air were creeping through back.
As if something alive creeping under skin.
As if sparks of fire falling on different parts.
As if testes being drawn up to inguinal ring.
As if there were some resistance to be overcome in speech.
As if tongue paralysed.
As of a heavy weight in stomach.
As of a solid plug in nose.
Fuzzy feeling in limbs.
Region of stomach as if contracted.
Uterus as if burnt.
Sec. is indicated in Suppressions : tears ; lochia ; milk ; sweat.
Averse to fat and meat.
Desires lemonade and sour things.
Thirst with dry mouth or burning.
The symptoms are :
< After eating.
< By touch.
Unnatural appetite, even when dying from exhausting discharges from bowels.
Stomach (Secale Cornutum)
Burning sensation in scrobiculus and epigastrium.
Continuous nausea ; < after eating.
Cramp in stomach.
Disgust, esp. for meat and fatty things, and nausea.
Easy vomiting.
Excessively painful sensibility, distressing oppression (as from a weight), and anguish in pit of
stomach, with ineffectual want to vomit.
Frequent risings.
Great anxiety and pressure in pit of stomach, with great sensibility to touch.
Hmorrhage from stomach.
Hiccough.
Inflammation and cancer in stomach.
Inflammation and gangrene of stomach.
Nausea and inclination to vomit.
Retching and vomiting of bilious, crude matter.
Stomachache.
Vomiting of black bile.
Vomiting of dark brown, coffee-grounds fluid ; of all food and drink.
Vomiting of food, with great debility.
Vomiting of lumbrici.
Vomiting of mucus.
Abdomen (Secale Cornutum)
Abdomen excessively inflated and tight.
Borborygmi.
Burning (or coldness) in abdomen.
Burning sensation in abdomen.
Colic, with pains in sacrum and thighs, frequent risings, and vomitings.
Suppression of milk.
Swelling and warts on the cervix uteri, which is partially open.
Too long and too painful after-pains.
Vagina hot or cool.
Respiratory Organs (Secale Cornutum)
Anxious and obstructed respiration, with sighs and sobs.
Expectoration of blood during violent efforts to breathe.
Feeble voice, inaudible, stammering.
Heavy, anxious breathing, with moaning.
Painless aphonia in morning, as the day goes on he gets hoarse (produced. R. T. C. ).
Spitting of blood, with or without cough.
Voice hoarse and hollow.
Chest (Secale Cornutum)
Dyspna and oppression of chest.
Suffocating oppression of chest, with cramp in diaphragm.
Heart (Secale Cornutum)
Painful sensation over heart.
Prcordial anxiety.
Prcordial tenderness.
Pulse small, very rapid, contracted ; frequently intermittent ; fluttering, slow, depressed.
Violent spasmodic palpitation of heart.
Neck and Back (Secale Cornutum)
Lumbago.
Pain in back and small of back.
Profuse miliary eruption on nape of neck and chest.
Sensation of coldness in back.
Severe pain in (lower) back < when walking much or sitting long in same position. R. T. C.
Stiffness of nape of the neck.
Ustilago.
Corn-smut.
N. O. Fungi.
Trituration.
Ustilago maidis.
Clinical (Ustilago)
Agalactia.
Alopecia.
Climaxis.
Dysmenorrha.
Fibroma.
Galactorrha.
Headache, menstrual.
Masturbation.
Menorrhagia, at climaxis.
Menstruation, excessive ; vicarious.
Characteristics (Ustilago)
Burt, who proved Ust. on himself and others, introduced the remedy to homopathy. It had
been observed that pregnant animals feeding on maize affected with smut were very liable to
abort.
Roullin had noted that shedding of the hair, and sometimes of the teeth, occurred in animals
and men ; that mules fed on it cast their hoofs, and that fowls laid eggs without shells. The
provings brought out a specific affinity for the generative sphere of both sexes, and especially
for the left ovary and uterus. Ust. congests the uterus and produces hmorrhages, generally
passive or in clots. It is in uterine hmorrhages, menstrual, post-partum and climacteric that
Ust. has been most successfully employed.
It has also relieved vicarious menstruation, bleeding taking place from the lungs and bowels ;
and bleeding between the periods with left inframammary pain.
Hurndall (H. W. , XXXVI. 27) relates the case of the small bitch which brings out many features
of Ustilago action.
About a fortnight before he saw the patient she had aborted five ftuses, at about the fifth
week of gestation. Since then there had been passive hmorrhage of dark clots. Moreover,
she was a perfect specimen of alopecia, not having a hair of any sort on her body and only a
little about the head. Os uteri soft, spongy.
Great tenderness about the posterior parts when manipulating the hind-quarters. Ust. 3x was
prescribed, five drops three times a day. In two days the hmorrhage was completely
arrested, tenderness reduced, spirits revived, and general health improved. At the end of three
months there was a nice coat of hair growing, which in due course became perfectly normal.
Loss of hair and nails is a keynote for Ust. , and combined with the other symptoms made the
correspondence perfect.
Among the Peculiar Sensations are :
As if forehead would burst open.
As if head were being lifted off.
As if intestines were being tied in knots. (This last symptom was produced in a patient of mine.
)
As if something were under root of tongue pressing upward.
As of a lump behind larynx.
Stomach (Ustilago)
Burning in sternum and cardia.
Cutting in stomach.
Distress in stomach in forenoon ; in afternoon, > by supper.
Eructations : of sour fluid ; of sour food.
Hmatemesis, passive, venous, accompanied by nausea, which is > by vomiting.
Pain in epigastrium with drawing pain in joints of fingers.
Pain in stomach : frequently in afternoon ; on full inspiration.
Abdomen (Ustilago)
(Pain as if intestines were tied in knots. ).
Distress in umbilicus and right hypochondrium.
Drawing pain in right hypochondrium all day.
Pain : in right lobe of liver ; in umbilicus ; in umbilicus before natural stool ; in left groin when
walking.
Periodical cutting in umbilical and hypogastric regions at 6 p. m. , < at 8 p. m. by a constipated
stool, afterwards grumbling pains in whole abdomen.
Stool (Ustilago)
Constipated.
Light-coloured diarrha.
Loose stool at 4 a. m. , with pain and rumbling in abdomen.
Natural stool at 4 a. m.
Soft stool, next day dry, lumpy, two days later black, dry, lumpy.
Urinary Organs (Ustilago)
No desire, but uneasiness.
Tenesmus of bladder and incontinence of urine.
Urging, urine light-coloured.
Urine : increased ; scanty, red ; acid, high-coloured.
Male Sexual Organs (Ustilago)
Chronic orchitis, irritable testicle.
Desire depressed.
The scalp became one filthy mass of inflammation, two-thirds of the hair came out, the rest
matted together, with oozing of watery serum from scalp, eruption like rubeola on neck and
chest, gradually extending to feet, thickest on chest and joints, itching < night, rubbing any
part brought out the eruption, on face and neck it was in patches like ringworm, but not
vesicular.
Sleep (Ustilago)
Difficult falling asleep and then unpleasant dreams.
Restless night ; with fever ; with troubled dreams.
Sexual dreams ; without emission ; and disgusting, waking him, arose and urinated with
difficulty and tenesmus.
Fever (Ustilago)
Burning in face and scalp.
Chills running up and down back.
Heat at night.
Internal heat ; with vertigo ; < eyes, which are inflamed and sensitive to light, eyeball sore to
touch ; intermittent, < eyes.
Skin dry ; at night ; and hot.