Cocculus Indicus

COCCULUS INDUCUS
William Boericke
Henry C. Allen
E. B. Nash
John Henry Clarke
James Tyler Kent
Farrington
Adolf Zur Lippe
Dunham
64 | P a g e Homeopathic Medicines From Material Medica :: Compiled by Dr. Shah Faisal : 0322-7371711
COCCULUS INDICUS WILLIAM BOERICKE
(Indian Cockle)
Within the sphere of action of Cocculus are many spasmodi and paretic affections,
notably those affecting one-half of the body. Affects the cerebrum, will not cure
convulsive seizures proceeding from the spinal cord. (A. E. Hinsdale.) PAINFUL
CONTRACTURE of limbs and trunk; tetanus. Many of the evil EFFECTS OF NIGHT-
WATCHING are relieved by it. It shows a special attraction FOR LIGHT-HAIRED
FEMALES, especially during pregnancy, causing much nausea and backache. Unmarried
and childless women, sensitive and romantic girls, etc. All its symptoms are worse riding
in a carriage or on shipboard; hence its use in seasickness. Sensation of HOLLOVMESS,
or emptiness, as if parts had gone to sleep. Feels too weak to talk loud.
Mind
Capricious. Heavy and stupid. TIME PASSES TOO QUICKLY; absorbed in reveries.
Inclination to sing irresistible. Slow of comprehension. Mind benumbed. PROFOUND
SADNESS. Cannot bear contradiction. Speaks hastily. Very anxious about the health of
others.
Head
Vertigo, nausea, ESPECIALLY WHEN RIDING or sitting up. Sense of emptiness in
head. Headache IN OCCIPUT and nape; worse, lying on back of head. Sick headache
from carriage-riding, cannot lie on back part of head. Pupils contracted. Opening and
shutting sensation, especially in occiput. Trembling of head. Pain in eyes as if torn out of
head.
Face
Paralysis of facial nerve. Cramp-like pain in masseter muscle; WORSE, OPENING
MOUTH. Prosopalgia in afternoon, with wide radiations of pain.
Stomach
Nausea from riding in cars, boat, etc., or looking at boat in motion; worse on becoming
cold or taking cold. Nausea, with faintness and vomiting. AVERSION TO FOOD, drink,
tobacco. METALLIC TASTE. Paralysis of muscles preventing deglutition. Dryness of
oesophagus. Seasickness. (RESORCIN. 1x.) Cramp, in stomach during and after meal.
Hiccough and spasmodic yawning. Loss of appetite. Desire for cold drinks, especially
beer. Sensation in stomach as if one had been a long time without food until hunger was
gone. Smell of food disgusts. (COLCH.)
Abdomen
Distended, with wind, and feeling as IF FULL OF SHARP STONES WHEN MOVING;
better, lying on one side or the other. PAIN IN ABDOMINAL RING, as if something
were forced through. ABDOMINAL MUSCLES WEAK; it seems as if a hernia would
take place.
Female
Dysmenorrhoea, with profuse dark menses. Too early menses, clotted, with spasmodic
colic. Painful pressing in uterine region, followed by haemorrhoids. Purulent, gushing
leucorrhoea between menses; VERY WEAKENING, can scarcely speak. So weak during
menstruation, scarcely able to stand.
Respiratory
Sensation of emptiness and cramp in chest. Dyspnoea as from constriction of trachea, as
if irritated by smoke. Choking constriction in upper part of oesophagus, oppressing
breathing and inducing cough.
Back
Cracking of cervical vertebrae when moving head. PARALYTIC PAIN IN SMALL OF
THE BACK. Pain IN SHOULDER AND ARMS AS IF BRUISED. Pressure in scapula and
nape. Stiffness on moving shoulders.
Extremities
Lameness; worse by bending. TREMBLING and pain in limbs. Arms go to sleep. One-
sided paralysis; worse after sleep. Hands are alternately hot and cold; numbness and
cold sweat now of one, now of the other hand. Numb and unsteady. KNEES CRACK ON
MOTION. Lower limbs very weak. Inflammatory swelling of knee. Intensely painful,
paralytic drawing. Limbs straightened out, painful when flexed.
Sleep
Spasmodic yawning. Coma vigil. Constant drowsiness. After loss of sleep, night-watching,
nursing.
Fever
Chill, with flatulent colic, nausea, vertigo, coldness of lower extremities, and heat of
head. Sweat general. Nervous form of low fever. CHILLINESS, WITH
PERSPIRATION, AND HEAT OF SKIN.
Modalities
WORSE, eating, after loss of sleep, open air, smoking, riding, swimming, touch, noise,
jar; afternoon. Menstrual period. After emotional disturbance.
Relationship
Antidotes: COFFEE; NUX. Compare: PICROTOXIN-alkaloid of Cocculus-(epilepsy,
attacks in the morning on leaving horizontal position, hernia, locomotor ataxia, night-
sweats); SYMPHORICARPUS (morning sickness); PETROL; PULS.; IGNAT.
Dose
Third to thirtieth potency.
COCCULUS INDICUS HENRY C. ALLEN
COCCULUS INDICUS MENISPERMACEAE
For women and children with light hair and eyes, who suffer severely during
menstruation and pregnancy; unmarried and childless women.
Adapted to book-worms; sensitive, romantic girls with irregular menstruation; rakes,

onanists and persons debilitated by sexual excesses.
Nausea or vomiting from riding in carriage, boat or railroad car (Arn., Nux m.), OR
EVEN LOOKING AT A BOAT IN MOTION; sea-sickness; car-sickness.
Headache: in nape and occiput; extending to the spine; as if tightly bound by cord; with
nausea, as if at sea; at each menstrual period; < lying on back of head.
Sick-headache from carriage, boat or train riding.
Diseases peculiar to drunkards.
Loss of appetite, with metallic taste (Mer.).
TIME PASSES TOO QUICKLY (too slowly, Arg. n., Can. I.).
Great lassitude of the whole body; it requires exertion to stand firmly; feels too weak to
talk loudly.
Bad effects: from loss of sleep, MENTAL EXCITEMENT AND NIGHT WATCHING;
feel weak if they lose but one hour's sleep; convulsions after loss of sleep; of anger and
grief.
Trembling of arms and legs; from excitement, exertion of pain.
Vertigo, as if intoxicated upon rising in bed; or by motion of the carriage (Bry.).
Sensation: in abdomen of cutting and rubbing on every movement, as of sharp stones; of

hollowness in head and other parts (Ign.).
During the effort to menstruate she is so weak she IS SCARCELY ABLE TO
STAND from weakness of lower limbs (Alum., Carbo an.) ; after each period
haemorrhoids.
Leucorrhcea in place of menses, or between periods (Iod., Xan.) ; like the washings of
meat; like serum, ichorous, bloody; during pregnancy.
Cannot bear contradiction; easily offended; every trifle makes him angry; speaks hastily
(Anac).
When fever assumes a slow, "sneaking," nervous form, with vertigo; with disposition to
anger.
Relations
Compare: Ign. and Nux, in chorea and paralytic symptoms; Ant. t, in sweat of affected
parts.
Has cured umbilical hernia with obstinate constipation, after Nux failed.
Aggravation
Eating, drinking, sleeping, smoking, talking; carriage riding, motion or swing of ship;
rising up during pregnancy.
COCCULUS INDICUS E. B. NASH
Weakness of cervical muscles, can hardly hold the head up.
Weakness in small of back as if paralyzed; gives out when walking; can hardly stand,
walk or talk.
Hands and feet get numb; asleep.
Headache with nausea and vomiting; gets faint and sick on rising up or riding in carriage
or boat.
General sensation of weakness; or weak, hollow, gone feeling in head, stomach,
abdomen, etc.; < by loss of sleep or night watching.
Great distention with flatulent colic, wind or menstrual colic; crampy pains, inclined to
hernia.
Modalities: < sitting up, moving, riding in carriage or boat, smoking, talking, eating,
drinking, night watching; > when lying quiet.
Farrington says: "COCCULUS acts on the cerebro-spinal system, producing great debility
of these organs. It causes a paralytic weakness of the spine, and especially of its motor
nerves; thus we find it a certain and frequent remedy in paralysis originating in disease of
the spinal cord. It is especially indicated in the beginning of the trouble, when the lumbar
region of the spine is affected; there is weakness in the SMALL OF THE BACK as if
paralyzed; the small of the back gives out when walking. There is weakness of the legs,
and by the legs I mean the entire lower extremities; the knees give out when walking,
the soles of the feet feel as if they were asleep, the thighs ache as if they were pounded;
first one hand goes to sleep, then the other; sometimes the whole arm goes to sleep and
the hand feels as if swollen. These symptoms lie at the foundation of the
symptomatology of the whole drug; they all seem to depend upon spinal weakness."
Dunham says: "Its sphere of action is preeminently the system of animal life; the
voluntary muscular system first, and then the sensorium are the primary seats of action.
Nausea extending to the point of vomiting and accompanied by faintness and by severe
vertigo when lifting the head is a characteristic symptom." Hughes says: "It influences
the voluntary muscles rather than the intellectual powers; with this Hahnemann's
provings entirely agree." Pareira says: "It acts rather on the voluntary muscles than the
intellectual powers." We have given these quotations from different authors in order to
find whether they afforded us much help from a practical standpoint. Dr. Hughes says
the provings of Hahnemann corroborate these generalizations. We quote from the
provings:
Weakness of the cervical muscles with heaviness of the HEAD, MUSCLES SEEM
UNABLE TO SUPPORT THE HEAD." (CALC. PHOS., VERAT. ALB.) Paralytic pain in
the small of the back, with spasmodic drawing across the hips, which prevents walking.
His knees sink down from weakness, he totters while walking and threatens to fall to one
side.
At one time his feet are asleep, at another the hands. The hand trembles while eating,
and the more the higher it is raised. Now one hand, now the other, seems insensible and
asleep. The soles of the feet go to sleep, while sitting. General attacks of paralytic
weakness, with pain in the back.
All these are verified symptoms from Allen's ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PURE MATERIA
MEDICA. They are in the simplest terms, and while they do agree with the statements
of the above quoted learned men, acting upon the spine and motor muscles, could be
applied to the cure of the sick according to the directions of Hahnemann by any layman
of ordinary intelligence. Thus is the practice of curative medicine simplified, being
delivered from speculative theorizings of dreamers, and if it will cure the sick in the case
of a COCCULUS patient, it will by the same unerring law of "symptom covering" do it in
every curable case.
We might sum up the whole action of this remedy upon the nervous system in one word,
viz., PROSTRATION, but what does that amount to for purposes of prescribing. Many
remedies prostrate fearfully, but each one has its PECULIAR KIND of prostration, and
when men, like I heard a celebrated surgeon in a homeopathic college do, make their
boast that they prescribed on physiological ground, without any regard to
symptomatology, I can but feel that such know little or nothing of the art of homeopathic
prescribing, no matter what their other attainments. According to Hahnemann's teachings
symptomatology leads in scientific prescribing, no matter what the pathological condition.
Aside from the symptoms which attend the general prostration and spinal trouble, or
coupled with them, we have the following which are characteristic. "Confusion or
stupefaction of the head, increased by eating and drinking." "Vertigo, as if intoxicated
and confusion of the mind." "Whirling vertigo on rising up in bed; which compelled him to
lie down again." "Sick headache with nausea and inclination to vomit." "All these
symptoms are made particularly worse by riding in carriage or boat." Sea-sickness. (Sea-
sickness > on deck in fresh cold air.) (TABAC.) The headaches and vertigo
of COCCULUS are different from BRYONIA, notwithstanding the fact that both are
made worse by rising up in bed. In BRYONIA and some other remedies the sickness at
the stomach precedes the headache which in COCCULUS is exactly the reverse. Painful
sensation of weakness or EMPTINESS in the head is found under COCCULUS and is in
keeping with the general weakness. This sensation of EMPTINESS, which is another
name for WEAKNESS, is a general characteristic of COCCULUS, and is found in head,
abdomen, bowels, chest, heart, stomach; in short, in all internal parts. The nausea
of COCCULUS, which is so constant a symptom of the headaches, is something like that
which is so characteristic of COLCHICUM, viz.: "Extreme aversion to food, caused even
by the smell of food, although with hunger." With COLCHICUM there is more
pronounced nausea, as well as aversion. The patient is nauseated EVEN TO
FAINTNESS. There is with COCCULUS a metallic taste in the mouth.
The sensorium comes under the same profound depression that invades the general
nervous system. The patient is sad, absorbed within himself, brooding, moody, silent, sits
in a corner buried in sad thoughts, etc. This is particularly the case in nervous
fevers. DEPRESSION, DEPRESSION, DEPRESSION. COCCULUS has some very
important symptoms in the abdominal and uterine regions.
One is GREAT DISTENTION OF THE ABDOMEN. This is found in both flatulent colic
and dysmenorrhoea. In flatulent colic, for which it is so valuable a remedy, the patient
complains of a sensation as if the abdomen were full of sharp sticks or stones. The
attacks are often at midnight. The flatus seems here and there, and passage of it does
not seem to relieve much, for new forms again take its place.
Then again there seems to be great pressure in the inguinal region as if HERNIA would
occur. In dysmenorrhoea, in addition to the distention, there are GRIPING,
CRAMPING pains, which are very severe, and also a remarkable degree
of WEAKNESS. SHE IS SO WEAK THAT SHE CAN HARDLY STAND, WALK OR
TALK. This is very characteristic and, so far as weakness goes, resembles CARBO
ANIMALIS, but in COCCULUS it is in line with the general prostration of the remedy,
while in CARBO ANIMALIS the flow weakens her. In COCCULUS the flow may not be
at all excessive, but on the contrary may grow less and less and a leucorrhoea appear in
its stead, or even between the menses also. This is the way we have to differentiate
between remedies if we are successful in practice.
Now, if I were to give the four great characteristic symptoms of this remedy they would
be these:
1. Weakness of cervical muscles, with heaviness of head.
2. Affections caused or < by riding in cars, carriage or boat.
3. Sensation of weakness, or hollowness in various organs.
4. Ill effects from loss of sleep, night-watching or over-work. (CAUSTICUM, CUPRUM
MET., IGNATIA, NITRIC ACID.)
COCCULUS INDICUS JOHN HENRY CLARKE
Cocculus Indicus. N. O. Menispermaceæ. A tincture is prepared from the powdered
seeds, which contain a crystallisable principle Picrotoxine (which see), a powerful poison.
Clinical. Anger, effects of. Bones, affections of. Cerebro-spinal meningitis. Chorea. Colic.
Convulsions. Debility. Faintness. Fear, effects of. Hæmorrhoids. Headache. Hernia.
Intermittent fever. Knee, weakness of; cracking in. Memory, weak. Mental excitement,
effects of. Menstrual headache. Menstruation, painful. Overstrain, bodily or mental.
Palpitation. Paralysis. Parotitis. Phthiriasis. Rheumatism. Riding in carriage, effects of.
Sea-sickness. Sleep, affections from loss of. Somnolence. Spasms. Spinal irritation.
Tympany. Vertigo. Vomiting.
Characteristics. Cocculus has been used from ancient times as a poison for stupefying
fish, and making them easy to catch. Correspondingly we find it produces great
disturbance of the sensorium in human beings, and all the symptoms of intoxication. It is
commonly used as an adulteration of beer to heighten its intoxicating properties. A very
characteristic symptom is a sensation of hollowness or emptiness in the head or other
parts. Allied to this is a sense of lightness of body. Another characteristic is an opening
and shutting sensation, especially in the occiput. Along with the vertigo is nausea and
vomiting which bring it into close relation with sea-sickness and carriage-sickness. Coccul.
corresponds perfectly to the sensitive condition caused by loss of sleep and night-
watching, and is the first remedy to think of for removing this. "Irritable weakness" is a
leading note in the Cocculus effects. The Cocculus patient is very sensitive to fear, anger,
grief, and all mental disturbances; also to noise and touch. Enlargement of liver after
anger. Easily startled. Fear of ghosts and spectres. Stinging pains, stitches, constriction;
in the hands a pithy feeling. Many symptoms are < at menstrual period; piles during
menses. Cocculus has cured a case of delirium at onset of menses during first and
second days; the patient said, "I always see something alive, on wall, floor, chairs, or
anywhere, always rolling, and will roll on me." Cocculus is suited to persons of mild and
sluggish temperament; light-haired persons; hypochondriacal, timid, fearful, and nervous
persons. Other prominent features of Coccul. are: Paralytic pains, or pains as of
dislocation. Paralytic weakness; lax-muscles. "Weakness of neck muscles with heaviness
of head." Sensation as if single parts had gone to sleep. Immovability of parts affected.
Of localities, the right hypochondrium (especially liver), inner hypogastrium, inner
forehead, back, upper arm, and bones of arm are chiefly affected. This has been verified:
"Spasmodic, flatulent colic, about midnight, flatus passed without relief," recurring
several nights; promptly cured by Coccul. 3x. Lippe cured a case of enlargement of the
liver after parturition, the indication being "the liver was more painful after anger." The
sensitiveness to touch is very great and serves to indicate Cocculus in preference to other
remedies in many affections where this is pronounced, in articular rheumatism, in ulcers,
in neuralgic affections of bones. The least jar is unbearable (travelling by land or sea). <
By touch, pressure, or jar. < From motion generally; moving body; rising from bed;
bending over or stooping. < Kneeling; walking; swallowing saliva. Sitting > some
symptoms. Many symptoms are < evening and night, especially about midnight and 1
a.m. Sensitive to air either hot or cold. Longs for cold drinks, but eating or drinking
anything cold = tearing in limbs. < Open air. < From sun. < By warmth of bed. > In a
room. A decoction of Cocculus is a domestic remedy used locally for destroying head- or
body-lice.
Relations. Antidoted by: Camph., Cham., Cupr., Ign., Nux v., Staph. It antidotes:
Alcohol, Tobacco, Cham., Cup., Ign., Nux v., and the fever of Thuj. Incompatible with:
Caust., Coffee. Compatible: Follows well Aco. (endocarditis with fearfulness); Cham.,
Nux, Ign. Compare: Aco., Act. r.; Ant. c. (gastralgia), Agar. (somnolency), Ant. t., Ars.,
Bell., Calc., Carb. v. (parotitis), Cham., Coff., Cupr., Ign. (headache), Ip., Iod., Lach.,
Merc., Mosch., Nitr., Nux mos. (somnolency), Oleand., Petr., Puls. (headache), Rhus,
Sabi., Sassafras, Scutel., Silic., Stram., Tab., Val., Ver. In effects from noise, Nux, Nit. ac.
Sense of lightness, Asar., Can. ind., Calc., Gels., Sticta, Sil., Thuj.; menstrual sick
headache, Lac. def.; fear of ghosts, Aco., Ars., Bro., Carb. v., Lyc., Pho., Pul., Sul., Zn.
Umbilical hernia, Nux (without urging, Bry., Nat. mur., Ver.); < from kneeling, Mag. c.,
Sep.; nausea constant, Ip., Kali c., Sul., Ign., Acet. ac.; uterine spasm, dysmenia, dark
flow, Ign. (Coccul. is distinguished by having weak, lame feeling in small of back; as if
about to be paralysed; trembles on beginning to walk); weak from talking, Ver., Sul.,
Calc.; functional paralysis from fatigue or mental emotions, Ign., Pho., Nat. m., Collins.;
in occipital headache, Gels., jug. c. Weakness of neck muscles, Ant. t.; > putting head
back, Seneg. (<, Clem., Cinnab.). Compare also: Picrotoxin and Picric acid in paralytic
sensations and effects of fatigue. Teste places Coccul. in his Causticum group.
Causation. Anger. Fright. Noise. Sleep, loss of. Seasickness. Travelling. Over-strain,
mental or bodily. Sun. Tea-drinking.
SYMPTOMS.
1. Mind. Pre-occupation of mind, and sad and melancholy reflections, as if the patient
had sustained wrongs. He sits as if wrapped in deep sad thoughts, and does not take
notice of anything; anxiety. Loss of will and power to decide on any action.
Hypochondriacal humour; despair. Strong, anxious apprehension, inquietude, and fear of
death. Disposition to be frightened. Excessive susceptibility. Disposition to take
everything in bad part and to be angry. Mania. Mistakes concerning the lapse of time; it
passes too quickly.
2. Head. Confusion of the head, esp. after eating or drinking. Dulness in the head,
increased by reading or meditation. Vertigo, as from intoxication, or on rising up in the
bed, with inclination to vomit, which forces the patient to lie down again. Fits of vertigo,
with nausea and loss of consciousness. Headache, with inclination to vomit or vomiting,
and pain as from a bruise in the intestines. The headache is aggravated after sleeping,
eating, or drinking (coffee), in the open air, while riding in a carriage; and is relieved in a
warm room, or when becoming warm in bed. Violent aching pains, esp. in the forehead.
Stupid feeling in the head (cold perspiration on forehead and hands). During motion,
headache, as if the eyes were being torn from the sockets, with vertigo. Pain in the head,
which seems, as it were, empty and hollow, or sensation of constriction in the brain.
Pulsative pains, sometimes in the crown of the head, sometimes in the temples.
Convulsive trembling of the head, caused by weakness of the muscles of the neck; worse
after sleeping and in the open air, from coffee and tobacco; better in the warm room.
3. Eyes. Pressure and pain, as from a bruise, in the eyes, and difficulty in opening the
eyelids at night. Pain in the eyes, as if they were torn out of the head (with headache).
Convulsive rolling of the balls of the eyes during the spasms. Pupils very much dilated; or
contracted. Dryness of the eyelids. Inflammation of the eyelids. Eyes prominent and
glassy. Dim-sightedness (after reading a short time the print is all blurred). Confusion of
sight, with black spots before the eyes. Phantoms before the eyes.
4. Ears. Buzzing in the ears, with hardness of hearing, and sensation as if the ears were
stopped; with noise as from rushing water. The r. ear feels closed. Swelling of the
parotids.
5. Nose. Swelling of the nose, sometimes semi-lateral (r.). Coryza, with ulcerated
nostrils. Very acute sense of smell.
6. Face. Face of a burning red, puffed and hot. Transient heat in the cheeks. Flushes of
heat in the face after drinking. Blue circles round the eyes. Face convulsively contracted.
Cramps in the cheek-bone and in the masseters. Swelling and induration of the sub-
maxillary glands.
7. Teeth. Pains in carious teeth, but only when eating. Looseness of the teeth, with
swelling of the gums.
8. Mouth. Dryness of the mouth (in the night), without thirst. Foam before the mouth,
forming bubbles. Tongue loaded with a yellow coating.
9. Throat. Difficulty of speech, as from paralysis of the tongue. Dryness of the throat.
Excessive sensitiveness of the palate; the food seems to be too strong, or too salt.
Constriction in the gullet, which seems to be paralysed. Burning pain in the œsophagus,
and in the throat, with sulphurous taste in the mouth.
10. Appetite. Metallic, copperish taste. Acid taste, esp. after a meal, or when coughing.
Acid taste of bread. Bitter taste of tobacco. Desire for cold drinks, and esp. for beer.
Thirst during a meal. Excessive loathing of all food and drink. Repugnance to all acids.
Bulimy.
11. Stomach. Risings, with pain in the stomach and in the epigastrium. Risings with
inclination to vomit. Frequent empty eructations, leaving a bitter taste in the mouth and
throat. Eructations with nausea and sticking pains in the pit of the stomach. Empty, or
fetid and putrid risings. Attacks of nausea inducing syncope. Inclination to vomit on rising
up in the bed, which compels the patient to lie down again. Inclination to vomit during a
meal, or in consequence of a chill, with abundant accumulation of saliva. Vomiting and
nausea from the motion of a carriage, or of the sea. Sensation of fulness in the stomach,
with difficulty of respiration. Violent cramp-like pains, squeezing, as if from a claw and
cramps in the stomach, sometimes a short time after a meal. Anxious oppression and
pinchings in the epigastrium, with difficulty of respiration.
12. Abdomen. Pain in the hypochondria as from a bruise. Pressive pain in the hepatic
region, aggravated by coughing or stooping. Shootings in the hepatic region. Abdominal
pains, as if the intestines were bruised, or as from an internal abscess, when moving.
Pressure, as from a stone, in the umbilical region, and in the abdomen. Sensation in the
abdomen, as if it were hollow and empty. Inflation of the abdomen. Contractive pinchings
in the upper part of the abdomen, with suspension of respiration. Burning pains, pullings
and tearings in the abdomen. Cramp-like pains in the abdomen. Hysterical spasms in the
abdomen, in women. Flatulent, cramp. like colic, esp. at night, aggravated by coughing,
or by stooping forwards. Tendency to protrusion of inguinal hernia.
13. Stool and Anus. Constipation, with tenesmus. Evacuation hard and difficult.
Ineffectual desire for stool, with constipation. Contractive pain in the rectum, preventing
sitting (in the afternoon). Diarrhœa, with emission of flatulency before the stool. Loose
evacuation of a putrid smell. Fæces soft and yellow, which cause burning in the anus.
14. Urinary Organs. Aqueous urine with urgent inclination. Frequent want to make
water, even in pregnant women. Frequent desire to
urinate, with small discharges.
15. Male Sexual Organs. Itching in the scrotum. Pulling pains as from a bruise in the
testes, on their being touched. Great sensibility and excitability of the genital parts, with
desire for coition.
16. Female Sexual Organs. Premature catamenia, with cramps in the abdomen. Painful
catamenia, with abundant discharge of coagulated blood, followed by hæmorrhoids.
Suppression of catamenia, with spasmodic and pressive colic, flatulency, paralytic
debility, oppression, anxiety, cramps in the chest, fits of nausea, even to fainting, and
convulsive movements of the limbs. Catamenia too scanty and irregular, with leucorrhœa
in the intervals. (Metrorrhagia.). Discharge of sanguineous mucus from the uterus, during
pregnancy. Leucorrhœa like blood. Leucorrhœa, similar to water in which meat has been
washed, intermixed with a sanious and purulent serum. Cramps in the uterus.
17. Respiratory Organs. Fatiguing cough, from oppression of the chest, which
manifests itself only during the cough. Oppressed breathing, from contractive sensation
in the trachea, as if irritated by smoke, causing constant coughing. Periodical cough,
every fourth night, towards midnight, or about two o'clock in the morning, with
constriction in the throat which brings on coughing.
18. Chest. Suspension of respiration, which stops in the pit of the throat, as if from
constriction of the throat. Tightness and constriction of r. side of chest. Stitches in the
chest (sternum) when walking. Short, intermittent respiration. Pressure on the chest, as
if from a stone. Hysterical spasms in chest. Cramps in chest, with sighs and groans.
Tensive constriction in the chest, sometimes on one side only, with difficulty of
respiration. Gurgling and sensation of emptiness in the chest. Fatigue of the chest, from
reading aloud. Congestion in the chest, with anxiety. Red spots on the chest.
19. Heart. Palpitation of the heart; nervous, with anxiety.
20. Neck and Back. Cracking of the vertebræ of the neck, during movement. Weakness
of the muscles of the neck, which are inadequate to the support of the head. Red spots
on the neck. Paralytic tearings (in the back and) in the loins. Pullings and tearings in the
back, esp. when speaking, walking, and stooping. Tremor in the back. Shootings between
the shoulder-blades, and in the loins.
22. Upper Limbs. Lancinations in the shoulder-joint, and in the arm, during repose.
Lancinating pains in the arm, proceeding from a wounded finger. Convulsions of the arm,
with retraction of the thumbs. Paralysis of the arms. Palpitation of the muscles of the
arm. Pain, as from a bruise, in the bones of the arm, during movement (when lifting
them up, and when touching them). Lameness of the arm (cannot write). Hot and
arthritic swelling of the hands.
Numbness, or heat and cold alternately, of one or other of the hands. Tingling of hands
and paralytic trembling. Torpor of the hands. Cramp-like contractions, and starting of the
fingers.
23. Lower Limbs. Paralysis of the lower limbs, proceeding from the loins. Drawing
tearings in the knees, feet, and toes. Pain as if from a bruise in the thighs, during
movement. Pain in the heel (os calcis) as if bruised. Cracking in l. hip-joint. Cracking of
the knees, during movement. Inflammatory swelling of the knee, with transient
lancinations. Burning sensation in the feet. Hot and itching swelling of the feet,
sometimes in the evening. Numbness in the feet. Cold and perspiration of the feet.
24. Generalities. Pullings and paralytic tearings, by fits, or continuous, in the limbs and
in the bones. Paralytic immobility of the limbs, with drawing pains in the bones.
Convulsive movements of the muscles in different parts. Aching, digging pains in the
limbs. Pains, as from a bruise, even in the internal organs. Sensations of hollowness; as if
bruised in outer parts; same in bones; numb feeling of outer parts; sensation as if single
parts had gone to sleep. Affections of the r. hypochondrium (particularly of the liver);
inner hypogastrium, inner forehead, back, upper arm, bones of the arm. Aversion to open
air; hysterics; paleness of the skin, red spots; shuddering in general. Sensation of
hollowness or of constriction in the internal organs. Painful sensibility of the limbs to the
slightest touch. Painful stiffness and crackings in the joints. Semi-lateral sufferings.
Rheumatic pains, with hot swelling of the parts affected. Attacks of gout, with swelling of
the affected parts. Shooting pains in lymphatic swelling. Engorgement and induration of
the glands. Hæmorrhage. Cramps and convulsions of the limbs, and of the whole body,
sometimes induced by ulcers, or by wounds, painfully sensitive to the touch, or on using
the parts affected. Convulsive movements of the limbs and of the muscles, as in St. Vitus'
dance. During the convulsive fits, face red, puffed, and hot. Trembling of the limbs.
Attacks of epilepsy. Paralysis, chiefly semi-lateral, with insensibility of the parts affected.
Aggravation of the sufferings by sleep, speech, drinking, and eating, but esp. on taking
coffee or smoking tobacco, as well as by cold air. Hysterical spasms, with anguish.
Weakness and loss of strength, after the least bodily fatigue, movement, or the
interruption of sleep. Want of vital energy. Fainting fits. Numbness, sometimes of the
hands, sometimes of the feet, in transient fits. The open air is insupportable, whether it
be warm or cold. Emaciation.
25. Skin. Great itching, esp. in the evening, or when undressing, or at night in bed. Red
pimples, like grains of millet, with itching in a warm temperature. Eruption of hard and
knotty pimples, with red areolas and burning pain. Induration, cold swelling of the
glands, with stinging pains. Ulcers very sensitive to contact. Red spots in the chest and
on the side of the neck. Pale (chlorotic) colour of the skin.
26. Sleep. Obstinate inclination to sleep in the morning. Sleeplessness on account of
anxiety and bodily restlessness. Spasmodic yawning. Sleep retarded in consequence of a
great flow of ideas. Half sleep, like coma vigil. Sleep interrupted by frightful anguish and
inquietude. During sleep, starts, cries, convulsive movements of the hands, of the eyes,
and of the head. Vivid dreams, exciting fear. Anxious, frightful dreams, dreams of death,
of disease, &c. Fear of ghosts at night. Sleep unrefreshing, with frequent waking.
27. Fever. Shivering, and sensation of cold, with trembling. In the evening, shivering and
shuddering in the back. Chill in the afternoon and evening, principally on the legs and in
the back; not relieved by heat. Dry heat during the night. Perspiration during the night,
which is only cold on the face. Morning sweat, esp. on the chest. Intermittent fever, with
colic and lameness of the small of the back. Fever, with tendency to become chilly,
though the skin is hot to the touch. Chilliness alternating with heat. Burning heat and
redness of the cheeks, often with cold in the feet. Fever with cramp-like pains in the
stomach, and paralytic weakness in the loins. Easy perspiration during movement, with
great fatigue. Sweats night and morning. Pulse full, hard, and frequent. Pulse small and
spasmodic; sometimes it cannot be felt.
COCCULUS INDICUS JAMES TYLER KENT
We will study the general system and the mind as usual. Cocculus slows down all the
activities of the body and mind, producing a sort of paralytic weakness. Behind time in all
its actions. All the nervous impressions are slow in reaching the centres. If you pinch this
patient on the great toe he waits a minute and then says "oh," instead of doing it at
once. In response to questions he answers slowly, after apparent meditation, but it is an
effort to meditate. And so with all nervous manifestations, thought, muscular activity, etc.
He cannot endure any muscular exertion, because he is weak; he is tired. First comes
this slowness, then a sort of visible paralytic condition, and then complete paralysis. This
may be local or general. There are certain causes which produce these effects. A wife
nursing her husband, a daughter nursing her father, becomes worn out by the anxiety,
worry and loss of sleep. She is exhausted; unable to sustain any mental or physical
effort; weak in the knees, weak in the back, and when the time comes for her to sleep
she cannot sleep. Sickness brought about in this manner is analogous to that caused by
the Cocculus poison, and hence Cocculus from the time of Hahnemann to the present
time has been a remedy for complaints from nursing, not exactly complaints that come
on in the professional nurse, for Cocculus needs the combination of vexation, anxiety and
prolonged loss of sleep, such as you have in the mother or daughter who is nursing, or
the nurse when she takes on the anxiety felt by a member of the family; a wife nursing
her husband through typhoid, or other long spell of sickness. At the end of it she is
prostrated in body and mind, she cannot sleep, she has congestive headaches, nausea,
vomiting and vertigo. That shows how a Cocculus case begins. One who is thus
exhausted in body and mind goes out for a ride. She gets sick headache, pain in the
back, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. She gets into the car to take a journey. Sick
headache comes on. She goes on a mile or two and will have nausea, vomiting and sick
headache. She feels weak all over, feels as if she would sink away.
The Cocculus patient gets into a wagon to ride, sick headache, nausea, vertigo come on.
The Cocculus patient cannot endure motion. Aggravated by talking, by motion, by the
motion of the eyes, by riding. Wants plenty of time to turn the head cautiously to see
things. Wants plenty of time to move, to think, to do everything. The whole economy is
slowed down, inactive.
Tremulous, tired, excitable. The hands tremble when taking hold of anything, or he takes
hold of it awkwardly and drops it. Incoordination runs through this remedy, and hence it
has been used with good effect in locomotor ataxia. It has staggering and numbness.
Numbness is quite a feature of this remedy. Numbness of the lower extremities, in the
fingers, in the shoulder, of the side of the face. Complaints from anxiety.
Extreme irritability of the nervous system. The least noise or jar is unbearable. You have
heard that BELL. is worse from a jar. So is Cocculus, and quite like BELL. Cocculus is
also like BELLADONNA in its sleeplessness, and other general conditions. This sensation
of seasickness and dizziness is sometimes felt all over the body; a sort of faint feeling
which is followed sometimes by loss of consciousness, or a paralytic rigidity. Stiffness of
the joints is a common feature in Cocculus. It belongs to the limbs in general. But it is
such a strong symptom I will mention it here. Limbs straightened out and held there for a
while are painful when flexed. Persons who have been suffering from anxiety, prostrated,
will lie on the back, straighten out the limbs, and get up only with great difficulty. The
doctor comes and he discovers what is the matter. He bends the limbs and she screams,
but she is relieved after the bending, and then she can get up and move about. You
cannot find that anywhere else. It is entirely without inflammation. It is a sort of a
paralytic stiffness, a paralysis of the tired body and mind. The Cocculus headaches and
backaches, pains and distress are present. A man will stretch out his leg on a chair and
he cannot flex it until he reaches down with his hands to assist. Such things are strange.
Faintness on moving the body, fainting from pain in the bowels, from colic. With all this
slowing down of the thoughts and activities the patient remains extremely sensitive to
suffering, sensitive to pain.
Spasms through the body like electric shocks, convulsions after loss of sleep. This patient
goes on with nervousness and excitement, anxiety and loss of sleep until convulsions
supervene. Tetanus. Cholera, attacks of paralytic weakness with pain, paralysis of the
face, of the eyes, paralysis of the muscles everywhere, paralysis of the limbs. Even
diphtheria has been known to induce a state very much like I have described as due to
loss of sleep and anxiety. I remember a case of paralysis of the lower extremities that
was prescribed for by a very careful homeopathic physician many years ago. It was one
of the things that surprised me in the early days of my prescribing and observation. It
was the case of a little girl with paralysis of lower extremities after diphtheria and no
hope was given. But Doctor Moore (he was then an Octogenarian) looked over the case.
I was acquainted with the family and with the doctor. He studied the case carefully and
gave Cocculus C.M. It was not many days before the child began to move the legs, and
the condition was perfectly cleared up, and I have never ceased to wonder at it. It was a
good prescription, perfectly in accord with all the elements of the case. Doctor Moore was
one of the pupils of Lippe and Hering.
You can readily see what is coming when the mental activities are slowed down, from
anxiety, and loss of sleep, such as we have in nursing. The mind appears like
approaching imbecility, and as you look upon the true Cocculus case you wonder if that
patient has hot been growing insane for a year or two, because the mind seems almost a
blank. He looks into space and slowly turning the eyes toward the questioner answers
with difficulty. It occurs in nervous prostration, in typhoid fever. It is so nearly
like PHOSHORIC ACID that the two remedies must be carefully individualized. Time
passes quickly. He cannot realize that it has been a whole night. A week has gone by,
and it seems but a moment, he is so dazed. Slowness of comprehension; cannot find the
right word to express his thoughts, so slowly does his mind work; what has passed he
cannot remember; forgets what he has just read; cannot talk; cannot bear the least
noise; cannot bear the least contradiction. The tongue will not respond. There is
confusion of mind and difficulty of articulation. An idea comes into his mind and becomes
fixed. He cannot convert it or move it, but it just stays there, and if he speaks he will say
something that will cause you to realize that that same idea is holding on to him. So he
appears to be in a state of imbecility. Mental derangement with vertigo. With most all the
mental symptoms there is vertigo. He lies in a state of apparent unconsciousness, yet
knows all that is going on and at times is even able to remember and describe what was
going on, but does not even wink; does not move a muscle. There is an appearance of
ecstacy, a smile upon the face. Knows what is going on, yet with complete relaxation of
the muscles without speech or apparent recognition of anyone. Perfectly relaxed, and yet
knowing what is going on. That resembles catatonia. Unable to think. Fears death. Feels
as if some awful thing was about to happen. All this is the result of grief, anxiety,
vexation, prolonged loss of sleep. The vertigo is usually attended with nausea. A Cocculus
case cannot look out of the car window, cannot look down from the boat and see water
moving, without nausea immediately.
Perhaps you can even now surmise what the head symptoms are to be. With the
headaches comes dizziness, extreme nausea and gastric symptoms. Headaches brought
on from riding in a wagon or riding in the cars or on shipboard; headache from motion.
Cannot accommodate the eyes to moving objects; dizziness and whirling and headache.
Congestion of the head, pressing, throbbing headache. Headache as if the skull would
burst, or like a great valve opening and shutting. Sick headache with vertigo. Headache
again from working in the sun. Sick headache from riding in a carriage.
Dim sightedness and disturbance of vision. Paralytic weakness of the muscles of the
eyes, as well as the muscles of accommodation. The face becomes pale and sickly. Pale
as death, with pains in the face, vertigo and nausea. Tearing pains in the face. Neuralgia
of the face. Face bloated. Quivering and twitching of the muscles of the face. Paralysis of
the muscles of the face. Numbness of the face. Twitching, jerking, numbness, paralysis,
tearing pains.
Prostration and nervous exhaustion accompany most of the complaints of Cocculus.
Stomach symptoms. Loathing of food. Metallic taste in the mouth. Bitter taste in the
mouth. Sour, nauseous taste in the mouth, and no food tempts him. He lies there sick
with a little fever or a "cold." Headache, vertigo, nausea, loathing. Intermittent fevers
with pains in the limbs, especially in the knees and bones of the legs, with that peculiar
stiffness, nausea, and loathing of food. In intermittent fever or perhaps a low typhoid
state, we have this loathing of food with nausea. You go to the bedside and you ask the
nurse, "What have you been feeding the patient?" and the patient gags. The thought of
food makes the patient gag. The nurse will say that every time she mentions food the
patient gags. The thought of food or the smell of food in the other room, or in the
kitchen, will nauseate the patient. Two medicines have this — Cocculus
and COLCHICUM.
Paralytic conditions. Paralysis of the oesophagus. Cannot swallow. "Paralytic condition of
the throat after diphtheria." Sore throat with low forms of fever. The fever is gone but
the patient does not rally, there is much nervous trembling, numbness, twitching of
muscles and great weakness. Sensation as though a worm were crawling in the stomach.
Spasms of the stomach. Violent attacks of gastralgia, violent cramp of the stomach.
Griping, pinching, constrictive pain. The pain in the bowels feels as if the intestines
were PINCHED BETWEEN SHARP STONES. This causes fainting and vomiting. Colicky
pains in the bowels; great distension of the abdomen, such as is found in typhoid fever;
tension of the abdomen after drinking; flatulent colic. Tearing, cutting, spasmodic pains
in the bowels. Radiating pains in the bowels accompanying diarrhoea. A paralytic
condition of the rectum. Inability to press at stool. Urging to stool and burning in rectum.
Disposition to stool, but peristaltic motion in upper intestines is wanting.
Copious menstrual flow, menses too soon; last too long. Catamenia two weeks before the
time. In women prostrated from grief and from anxiety, and from prolonged loss of
sleep, menses come too soon, are copious and prolonged. Headache, vertigo, nausea.
Violent, cramping pains in the bowels, clutching pains in the uterus during menstruation.
Again, just such a patient as described will have a suppression of the menstrual flow, or
for weeks and months will have no menstrual flow; or just at the time the menstrual
period should come on there is a copius LEUCORRHOEA THAT TAKES THE PLACE OF
THE MENSES. The woman is emaciated, and grows more and more sickly and chlorotic.
The face is of greenish, yellow, sallow hue. "Leucorrhoea in place of the menses," or
"copious leucorrhoea between the menstrual periods."
The heart is weak, pulse feeble. Paralytic weakness in the limbs, numbness, jerking of
the muscles, twitching, quivering, loss of sensation, loss of power, muscular weakness in
all the limbs. Numbness and paralytic feeling in the limbs. Awkwardness of the fingers
and hands. On attempting to grasp the one hand with the other there is migratory
numbness, or a more permanent numbness associated with paralytic weakness,
sometimes changeable; sometimes one side is numb and the other paralyed. The soles of
the feet go to sleep. Numbness of the soles of the feet, such as we have in locomotor
ataxia; cold feet. The knees give way from weakness. Totters while walking and
threatens to fall to one side. Knees stiff. Paralysis of the lower extremities, proceeding
from the small of the back. Arising from cold, from the abuse of MERCURY. Paralysis of
the lower limbs, with stiffness, numbness and bruised feeling.
Sleeplessness from long nursing and from night watching; that is a symptom that I have
called your attention to so often. Anxious, frightful dreams; ill effects from loss of sleep
and night watching. "Slightest loss of sleep tells on him."
COCCULUS INDICUS FARRINGTON
Cocculus indicus owes its properties to an active principle called PICROTOXINE, this
term being derived from two words meaning when combined, "bitter poison." You will
notice by the schedule on the board that I have arranged the symptomatology of the
remedy under two heads, first the nerves, and secondly, the organs in general.
Now, whatever individual characteristics you may have for a drug in an individual case,
these characteristics should agree with the general effects of the drug ; otherwise, you
are making a partial selection. To illustrate : Under BELLADONNA, you know of the
symptom, "sleepy, but cannot get to sleep ;" that is characteristic of the remedy. But we
find the same symptom under CINCHONA, FERRUM, and APIS. How are you to
distinguish between them ? By taking the general effect of Belladonna as a groundwork,
into which the particulars must fit.
Now, we shall find under Cocculus symptoms that are under many other drugs, but in no
other drug do they hold the same relation as they do here. What, then, is the general
effect of Cocculus indicus ? This effect is the well-known action of the drug on the
cerebro-spinal system, it having very little influence on the nerves and the ganglionic
system. How can you find this out? Not very easily, I confess, but yet this has been done,
by studying the drug as a whole, by endeavoring to discover, by means of physiology,
pathology, or any other science that bears on the subject, on what portions of the body it
acts, what functions it alters, and what tissues it changes. Then you have a strong basis
on which to build your symptomatology.
Cocculus acts on the cerebro-spinal system, producing great debility of these organs; the
action of the drug on the brain itself I will explain to you when I come to speak of its use
in typhoid fever. We will now consider the remedy as it affects the spinal cord. It causes
a paralytic weakness of the spine, and especially of its motor nerves ;' thus we find it a
certain or frequent remedy in paralysis originating in disease of the spinal cord. Especially
is it indicated in the beginning of the trouble, whether it results from functional or from
severe organic disease of the cord ; whether the disease be spinal irritation from loss of
seminal fluid, softening of the spinal cord, or locomotor ataxia. It is especially indicated in
these cases when the lumbar region of the spine is affected; there is weakness in the
small of the back, as if paralyzed ; the small of the back gives out when walking. There is
weakness of the legs; and by legs I mean the entire lower extremities; the knees give out
when walking; the soles of the feet feel as if they were asleep ; the thighs ache as if they
had been pounded; first one hand then the other goes to sleep; sometimes the whole
arm falls asleep, and the hand feels as if swollen. These symptoms lie at the foundation
of the symptomatology of the whole drug; they all seem to depend upon spinal
weakness. We find these symptoms common enough in women with menstrual
difficulties, when the back gives out in the morning, after venereal excesses, and also
from loss of sleep. There is a concomitant symptom which you almost always find
associated with those just mentioned, and that is a feeling of hollowness in some one of
the cavities of the body, either in the head, chest, or abdomen. It is more than a
weakness; it is an absolute feeling as though the parts were hollow. Talking tires these
patients very much.
The debility of Cocculus is of spinal origin. Especially is it apt to follow loss of sleep; the
patient cannot sit up even one or two hours later than usual in the evening without
feeling languid and exhausted throughout the entire day following.
Let me next enumerate the typhoid symptoms of Cocculus; under this heading I shall
speak of those of the brain. You would not expect Cocculus to be indicated in a case of
typhoid fever when the changes in or ulceration of Peyer's patches were marked, or
where there were profuse diarrhoea, pneumonia, and similar complications. But in the
nervous type of the fever, when the cerebro-spinal system is bearing the brunt of the
disease, Cocculus becomes one of the remedies that will help us through the case. The
symptoms indicating it are the following: The patient complains of great vertigo, and this
is made worse when sitting, or when attempting to change from a reclining to a sitting
posture. It is often associated with nausea, inclination to vomit, and even
fainting. BRYONIA also has this symptom. So far as the symptom itself is concerned,
there is no difference between Bryonia and Cocculus, yet, if you examine the case
thoroughly, you will find that in Cocculus it is weakness of the cerebro-spinal nerves that
gives origin to the symptom. There is great confusion of the mind ; a sort of bewildered,
heavy state might better explain what I mean. It requires a great effort to speak plainly.
In some cases they cannot find the words they wish, to convey their meaning. Generally,
such patients lie quietly wrapped in thought; the eyelids are heavy, as though they could
hardly be lifted. Here is a symptom reminding you of Gelsemium. If the patient is still
conscious enough to describe to you his condition, he will complain of a feeling of
tightness of the brain, as though every nerve in the head were being drawn up tightly. At
other times, he has this empty, hollow, vacant feeling in the head. Any attempt to move
the patient produces faintness or even fainting away. The tongue is usually coated white
or yellow; there is bitter taste in the mouth. The abdomen is greatly distended and
tympanitic; this tympanites under Cocculus is not the same as under CINCHONA,
CARBO VEG., COLCHICUM, SULPHUR, or even LYCOPODIUM.
There are several origins of tympanites. It may come from the bloodvessels, from the air
swallowed with the food, from changes in the food itself, and also from its retention. The
latter condition is the cause of the tympany under Cocculus indicus. It is not to be
thought of as a remedy when flatus results from decomposition of food. That calls
for CARBO VEG. Cocculus has considerable oppression of the lungs, this being of
nervous origin. It is usually referred by the patient to the walls of the chest. The patients
are sleepless, or at least business thoughts crowd on the mind and keep them in a half-
waking state, here again resembling BRYONIA. These are the symptoms which lead you
to Cocculus indicus in typhoid states.
The next division for consideration is "Spasms." COCCULUS INDICUS is useful in
spasmodic affections when the patient is greatly debilitated as to the cerebro-spinal
nervous system. Irritable weakness is the condition which gives rise to the spasms, for
which Cocculus is the remedy. It is especially useful when spasmodic symptoms ensue as
a result of prolonged loss of sleep. This condition we meet with more frequently in
women than we do with men. The former are also more subject to spinal weakness. You
may also use Cocculus for spasms after suppressed menses. The eyes are usually closed
during these convulsions, and there is rapid oscillation of the eyeballs beneath the closed
lids. But the woman must be of a weak, nervous temperament, or Cocculus is
decreasingly indicated.
Under the heading "Organs" we still have a word to say about Cocculus. First, as to the
headache. Some years ago there was an epidemic of spotted fever in this city. During
that epidemic many children died, especially in its earlier days. After a while there was
discovered a symptom characteristic of the epidemic, and that was intense headache in
the occipital region, in the lower part of the back of the head, and in the nape of the
neck. The intense headache was manifested in various ways. Children in a stupor would
manifest it by turning the head back, so as to relieve the tension on the membranes of
the brain; others, who were conscious, would put their hands to the back of the head;
while still others complained of pain in the back of the head, as if the part were
alternately opening and closing. That symptom was under Cocculus. There were very few
fatal cases after Cocculus was used. Occipital headaches are hard to cure. Cocculus is a
good remedy. GELSEMIUM is another. In the latter there is passive arterial congestion,
by which I mean that the arterial blood flows freely to a part, the pulse being full and
round, and not hard and tense, as under BELLADONNA or ACONITE. There is often
thick speech, too, with Gelsemium.
Still another remedy for occipital headache is the JUGLANS CATHARTICA, sometimes
called JUGLANS CINEREA, or the butternut. This I consider to be the best remedy for
sharp pains in the occipital region.
We have already anticipated some of the symptoms of Cocculus pertaining to the female
genital organs. Still there are others. The menses are either profuse, and coming too
often and with a gush, and very debilitating, or they are tardy in their appearance, and
the patient suffers each month from what has been termed menstrual colic. We have a
little group of remedies, of which Cocculus is one, for this condition. The others
are PULSATILLA and CHAMOMILLA. First let me describe the symptoms of Cocculus.
This remedy is indicated by a colic, in which the pain is as if there were sharp stones
rubbing against each other in the abdomen. There is very often with this colic excessive
distension of the abdomen from accumulation of flatus. The colic is especially liable to
come on at night and awaken the patient. It is relieved by belching, but returns again
from the reaccumulation of flatus. The patient is, of course, irritable.
Under CHAMOMILLA the menstrual flow is very dark. The mental symptoms described
to you in my lecture on that drug are necessarily present.
PULSATILLA has scanty menstrual flow, coming by fits and starts, griping pains
doubling the patient up; but the disposition is mild and tearful.
CYCLAMEN is similar to Pulsatilla. It has chilliness with the pains ; crying, tearful mood;
dyspepsia, made worse by eating fat food and pastry ; scanty menses ; menstrual colic.
But we make the distinction here: Cyclamen does not have relief in the cool air or in a
cool room, and in many cases Cyclamen has thirst. The resemblance between Cocculus
and Cyclamen is that both remedies suit a depressed condition of the cerebro-spinal
nervous system. Those of Cyclamen are these: The patient feels dizzy; is weak from any
motion ; is highly anaemic; and usually worse when sitting up. These symptoms are
usually associated with dimness of vision. We also find under Cyclamen this flatulent
colic, arising of wind in the bowels, coming on at night, and only relieved by getting up
and walking about. Compare also, in menstrual colic, IGNATIA and NUX VOMICA.
COCCULUS INDICUS ADOLF ZUR LIPPE
Mind.-- He sits, as though' buried in deep thought, and takes no notice of his
surroundings. Time passes too rapidly. Mild, indolent temperament. Sadness during the
sufferings. Intense anxiety. Intolerance of noise. Timidity, easily startled. Bade effects of
grief with anger. Dull confusion in head everything seems unreal.
Vertigo.-- With qualmishness when raising up in bed, or moving. As if intoxicated.
Head.-- Sense of emptiness or hollowness in. Inward pressing, or sticking ache in

forehead. Throbbing in forehead. Convulsive trembling of, from weakness of cervical
muscles and neck. Dull compression in either temple or half of forehead, as if brain were
screwed in. Headache with nausea. Worse: During and after meals, drinking, evening,
carriage riding, cold or open air, after sleep, coffee, tobacco. Better: In house, when
quiet, warmth of bed.
Eyes.-- Pain as though' they would be torn out of head. Inability to open them at night.
Contracted pupils. Dim vision, and black spots before. Progressive amaurosis.
Nose.-- Increased sensitiveness of smell.
Face.-- Burning heat of, with red cheeks. Distorted features. Swelling and induration of
submaxillary glands.
Mouth.-- Dryness in, and in throat. Impeded swallowing, as from paralysis of throat.
Bubbling foam from. Difficult speech, as from paralysis of tongue.
Appetite: Aversion to food, drink and tobacco. Great thirst, especially when eating.
Aversion to all sour foods.
Taste: Sour, in mouth, after eating and coughing. Sulphurous, in mouth, Bitter to
tobacco.
Eructations: With pain in epigastrium and nausea. Hiccup, at once after eating.
Nausea, etc. - Attacks of, ending in fainting. Nausea and vomiting. from driving (riding),
and becoming cold.
Stomach.-- Spasm in, during and immediately after eating, with intense clutching and
squeezing. Fullness and pinching in, and in abdomen with oppression of breathing.
Abdomen.-- Constrictive pain in upper and lower. Sense of emptiness in. Hysterical
abdominal spasms in women. Painful soreness in. Protruded and incarcerated inguinal
hernia.
Flatulence: Nightly, spasmodic, wind colic especially worse coughing. Pushing upward.
Stool.-- Hard, every other day. Retarded. ineffectual urging, from want of peristaltic
action in upper intestines. Bright colored, pale stool by day only.
Rectum.-- Intense tenesmus of, after stool.
Urine.-- Watery. Frequent urging to urinate, with scanty discharge.
Sexual Organs.-- Sensitiveness of, with greatly excited sexual desire. Bruised pain in
testicles.
Female.-- Menses: Too early, with intense, spasmodic pain sin abdomen. Suppressed wit
abdominal colic.
Respiration.-- Difficult, as from constriction of larynx
Cough.-- Racking, with oppression of chest which comes on during cough. Irritation to,
as from narrowing of trachea
Chest.-- Sticking pain in. Spasmodic constriction of. Burning in, ascending into throat.
Sense of emptiness in. Anxious palpitation. Trembling about heart.
Back.-- Paralysis of spine and lumbar region (tabes dorsalis).
Neck: Weakness of muscles of. Snapping of cervical vertebrae.
Upper Extremities.-- Bruised pain in bones of arms on raising them. Asleep feeling in
arms. Hot swelling of hands.
Lower Extremities.-- Paralytic immobility, and paralysis below lumbar region. Bruised
pain in thighs. Inflammation and swelling with stitches in knee. Burning in feet. Hot
swelling of feet.
Generalities.-- Paralytic immobility of limbs with drawing bone pains. Unilateral

paralysis with deadness of limbs. Hemiplegia. Sense of emptiness or constriction of
internal parts. Hysterical spasms with sadness. inclination to tremble. Gouty pains without
swelling of affected parts. Great fatigue, even to fainting, from slight exertion.
Intolerance of open air, warm as well as cold. The Sufferings are intensified by driving,
eating, drinking, sleeping, talking, and smoking. Twitchings, numbness and extremes
sensitiveness to cold.
Tissues.-- Hard, cold, swollen glands, with sticking pains.
Bones.-- Bruised pain, or tearing and burrowing in.
Skin.-- Anaemic paleness of. Ulcers, very sensitiveness, on account of anxiety and bodily
restlessness. Anxious dreams. Greatly refreshed by an undisturbed sleep. Feels much
better at night than by day.
Fever.-- Pulse: Small and spasmodic, often imperceptible, seldom hard, and somewhat
accelerated. Chill: Very frequently alternates with heat. Internal, with shuddering over
whole body, most on back and legs, not relievable by external heat, in afternoon and
evening. Constant chilliness, with hot skin. Heat, Dry, through the whole night. Over
running, with burning heat of cheeks and cold feet. Intermittent fever with spasms of
stomach and lameness of small of back. Sweat: The whole night, it is cold on face only.
In early morning, most on chest. Exhausting, over whole body from least movement. On
painful parts.
Relationship.-- Allied Remedies: Agar., Ant-t., Bism., Calc-c., Caust., CHAM., Cupr.,
IGN., Ip., Kali-c., Mos., Nux-m., Nux-v., Oleand.
Complementary: Petr.
COCCULUS INDICUS DUNHAM
Menispermum cocculus, Cocculus indicus, Cocculus suberosus, Anamirta cocculus." The
seeds or berries are the parts used in medicine.
This substance was employed by the ancients as a poison for fish, stupefying them, and
rendering it easy to catch them. It is stated that the half-ripe, bruised berries, being
formed into little pellets and thrown into the water, are eagerly devoured by the fish,
which thereupon are soon seized with dizziness, and, after whirling around, remain
motionless, and float on the surface of the water. It is stated that if the fish have eaten
any considerable quantity of the Cocculus before succumbing to its influence, their flesh
becomes poisonous.
The active poisonous principle of Cocculus is stated to be picrotoxin. Recent toxicological

experiments have been made with this substance. It is probable, however, that this does
not comprise the entire active principle of the Cocculus, any more than strychnia does
that of Nux vomica or quinia of Cinchona.
In consequence of its use as a means of stupe-fying fish, and also as the basis of an
infusion for the destruction of pediculi and other vermin, cases of poisoning with it have
been recorded from time to time. It has been, and still is, extensively used in Great
Britain for the purpose of adulterating malt liquors, it being supposed greatly to increase
their intoxicating properties, and also to prevent the secondary fermentation.
Cocculus was first introduced into the materia medica, and used as a remedy in the
treatment of diseases, by Hahnemann.
He published, in 1805, in the " Fragmenta de Viribus Medicamentorum Positivis,"—the

germ of the "Materia Medica Pura,"—156 symptoms of Cocculus, together with a few
observations from other authors.
He had already, in an " Essay on a new Principle for ascertaining the Curative Powers of
Drugs," published in Hufeland's "Journal of Practical Medicine," in 1796, stated, on the
authority of Amatus Lusitanus, some symptoms produced by Cocculus in the healthy
subject, and had used this language: "Our successors will find in Cocculus a very
powerful medicine when the morbid phenomena it produces shall be more accurately
known."
In "Hufeland's Journal," in 1798, Hahnemann published a case of poisoning, occurring in

a healthy man, from a single grain of the Cocculus seed. To this we shall recur at a later
period, only stating here that Hahnemann relieved the man with Camphor.
In volume one of the " Materia Medica Pura," Hahnemann published a proving of
Cocculus in 1811. Some additional symptoms were contributed by Hartlaub and Trinks, in
their " Pure Materia Medica," and Hahnemann incorporated these (with three exceptions)
into his own proving in the second edition of the first volume of his " Materia Medica
Pura," published in 1830. This last publication we shall make the basis of our study.
In the introduction, Hahnemann says that " Cocculus will be found curative where the
symptoms correspond, in certain forms of sneaking, insidious, nervous fevers; in so-
called abdominal cramps ; and so-called spasmodic pains of other parts of the body, etc.,
etc. ; in not a few cases of paralysis of the extremities, and in mental affections." From
the publication of this proving to the present day, the records of the Homeopathic
Clinique have furnished, from time to time, cases in abundance corroborating these
statements; and yet, in 1848 (Canstatt's " Jahresbericht," p. 137), Tschudi announces the
discovery that Cocculus " acts chiefly on those parts of the nervous system which control
muscular action," and has the impudence to claim as original the suggestion to use
picrotoxin " in paralysis of the extremities and of the sphincters;" and Reil, acting on this
suggestion, employed a tincture of the seeds of Cocculus, with success, in chorea, in
hemiplegia from cold, and in paralysis of the bladder from the same cause. (" Materia
Medica der reinen Pflanzenstoffe," p. 220.)
Turning now to Hahnemann's proving of Cocculus, in volume one of the second edition of
the "Materia Medica Pura," we proceed to make, in conformity with a schema for the
study of the materia medica published in the "American Homeopathic Review," vol. 3, the
following
Special Analysis
HEAD. SENSORIUM, Vertigo. Cocculus produces a well-marked vertigo, described as

like drunkenness. It occurs when sitting up in bed, is a whirling vertigo, is always
accompanied by nausea, which, together with the vertigo, compels a resumption of the
recumbent position; accompanied by a peculiar dullness in the forehead, as if there were
a board in front of the head.
In the condition of circumstance this vertigo resembles that of Bryonia (it occurs when
sitting up in bed, and compels a recumbent posture).
INTELLIGENCE. Dullness ; distraction ; difficulty in understanding what is heard or

read, and in appreciating the lapse of time; the prover sits as if sunk in thought, not
regarding what occurs about him.
MEMORY. Weakened. As a general thing the symptoms of the sensorium are aggravated
by any mental effort of any kind.
HEADACHE. Location; chiefly in the forehead and temples; somewhat in the vertex.
Pains pass from over the right eye into the head; also, pressing pains extend downward
in the whole head; from the temples inward.
Sensation. The chief and controlling sensations are dullness, pressure, compression,
constriction ; a headache is also described as compounded of the above sensations,
together with digging and boring. There are also stitches in the temples, and in the right
frontal region. Hahnemann gives a special prominence to the following symptom: "
Headache, as if the eyes would be torn out."
Conditions. These sensations, both the dullness and the pains, and particularly the
pressing pain in the head and forehead, occur in the forenoon; are very much aggravated
by reading and thinking, and particularly by eating and drinking; also by walking.
The muscles of parts of the head are affected in a manner which we shall see to be
characteristic of Cocculus. There is cramp-like pain in the left temporal muscle; pain as if
the eyes were forcibly closed ; convulsive trembling of the head.
EYES. Lids. Pressing pain, with inability to open the eyes at night. Dryness.
Globe. Stitches from within outward; feeling as if the eyes were torn out.
Special sense. The pupils are contracted. Muscae volitantes; a black figure seems to float
before the eye, moving as the eye moves, yet without impairing vision. Hahnemann
emphasizes the symptom "obscured vision."
In the symptoms of the head we perceive no evidence of organic change. The symptoms
are such as accompany gastric disturbances and the dyscratic conditions on which
continued fever is supposed to depend. No organic changes seem to be produced in the
eye; but the symptoms of the special sense point to commencing amaurosis, a paralytic
condition of the optic nerve, similar, perhaps, to that produced by Cocculus in the
muscular nerves.
EARS. Attacks of deafness, and of noise in the ears like the rushing of water, attended
by deafness.
These symptoms have the same significance as those of the head.
NOSE. Increased sensibility to odors.
FACE. The pains are confined to the region of the malar bone and the masseter muscles,
where they are pressive and benumbing and cramp-like, increased by opening the jaw.
Redness of the cheeks and heat in the face, without thirst. Swelling of the sub-maxillary
glands. The features are sometimes distorted.
TEETH. The teeth are long and loose.
MOUTH. Dryness without thirst. The saliva is frothy.
Taste. Coppery, metallic, sour after eating and coughing; bitter taste on the base of the
tongue.
TONGUE. Yellow coat upon the tongue. The tongue seems paralyzed, so that speech is
difficult; pain at the base of the tongue when stretching the tongue out.
THROAT. Externally. Stiffness of the cervical muscles. Paralytic drawing of the sides of
the throat. The muscles seem weak and the head heavy ; he must support the head; is
most relieved by leaning it back.
Internally. Dryness and roughness, especially when swallowing. Dryness high in the
fauces. Burning in the palate. Sensation of swelling at the root of the tongue. A feeling of
constriction in the fauces which impedes respiration. A kind of paralysis, preventing
swallowing.
The above symptoms point to no organic changes, but indicate rather a kind of paralysis
of isolated groups of muscles, E. G., the sterno-cleido-mastoid, the constrictors of the
pharynx, the lingual.
STOMACH. In the epigastrium, over the stomach and extending to the hypochondria
and into the chest, a pressing, pinching, constricting, cramp-like pain, which takes away
the breath ; occurs and is worse after eating and drinking; also when walking; is worse
from cold ; is accompanied by nausea.
Appetite. Loss of appetite; disgust for food, the very smell of which is offensive ; at the
same time a sensation of hunger at the epigastrium; aversion to acids; bread tastes sour.
Thirst. Aversion to drinking, and yet great thirst.
Nausea. Great nausea is a characteristic symptom of Cocculus. It is provoked by eating,

drinking, by motion, by becoming cold, especially by driving in a wagon; by sudden
change of posture. It occurs in connection with the headache and the pains in the
intestines.
Eructations. Bitter, putrid, causing sore pain in the epigastrium and chest. Incomplete
eructation, hiccough and spasmodic yawning.
The attacks of nausea sometimes produce fainting.
ABDOMEN. Pressure ; sticking and cutting pains in various parts of the abdomen, chiefly
around the navel. Feeling of emptiness in the abdomen.
FLATUS. Rumbling in the abdomen; great distention ; incarceration of flatus ; severe

flatulent colic at night.
HYPOGASTRIUM. Constricting pain, with pressure toward the genitals, and

qualmishness in the epigastrium. Disposition to inguinal hernia, with pain and soreness.
Rupture-pain worse on the right side; fullness in the groin, with a sensation as if all
would give way there. (Singular and characteristic symptoms.)
STOOL. Constipation. Stool followed by violent tenesmus in the rectum, producing

faintness, also diarrhoea; small frequent stools, each accompanied by flatus.
RECTUM. Disposition to stool, but th'e peristaltic motion in the upper intestines is
wanting.
ANUS. Itching.
URINARY ORGANS. Frequent discharge of watery urine.
GENITAL ORGANS. Sore and sticking pains in the testes. Itching of the scrotum.
Alternate excitement and depression, the former being probably the primary action.
Menses suppressed. Menstruation difficult, attended with violent spasmodic pain in the
abdomen and loins, increased by motion, cold and contact.
RESPIRATORY ORGANS. Dyspnoea, as if from constriction of the larynx. Sneezing,

coryza, disposition to cough, from an irritation high up in the larynx ; from constriction of
the chest. The cough is increased by indulging the disposition to cough, as is the case
with the cough of Ignatia. Fine stitches in various parts of the chest; feeling of emptiness
in the chest; palpitation and anxiety.
In the above symptoms no local organic affection is evident. They may all be ascribed to
an affection of the spinal marrow or nerves (functional or organic).
BACK. Spasmodic constriction through the whole length of the spine, especially on
motion.
SACRUM. Paralytic pain extending over the hips, interfering with walking, along with an
anxious, apprehensive disposition.
LOINS. Paralytic pressure, tearing, drawing as if broken, as if stiff. All these pains are
increased by motion and by cold.
UPPER EXTREMITIES. Paralysis of the hand when writing. Pains in the bones, as if
bruised ; in the arms, felt on lifting the arms. The arms go to sleep. Hot swelling of the
hands.
LOWER EXTREMITIES. Paralytic immobility, extending from the sacrum. Sore pain of
the thigh. Inflammation and swelling of the knee (?). Burning in the feet.
SLEEP. Coma. Coma vigil. Absence of sleep from anxiety and bodily restlessness.
Anxious dreams.
FEVER. No definite typical fever. Constant chilliness, while yet the skin is hot. In the
evening chills run down the back. Exhausting sweat during motion.
DISPOSITION. Mild, indolent, despondent in the face of difficulties, excessive anxiety,

fearfulness; intolerance of noise or any disturbing influence.
General Analysis
VITAL POWER. Cocculus exercises what may be called a purely depressing action upon
the vital power. This action is called pure because it is not, so far as we know, dependent
upon any change in the organic substance. Thus the sensorium is benumbed, as the
marked vertigo and confusion show. Of the special senses, that of vision is so distinctly
impaired as to remind one of incipient amaurosis ; but the most marked action of this
character is exhibited in the voluntary muscular system, paralysis more or less complete
being produced in the eyelids and in the muscles of the face, the tongue, the pharynx,
and of the extremities, particularly of the lower extremities; of this nature, perhaps, are
the symptoms of the inguina, resembling hernia.
ORGANIC SUBSTANCE. While the action upon the vital power is, as has been seen,
very marked and definite, that upon the organic substance is scarcely perceptible. The
circulation is but little affected. The evacuation is scarcely altered, though, as might be
expected from the depression produced in the general vital power, the secretion from the
surface of the intestine is diminished. Eruptions are mentioned in the proving, but in so
indefinite and isolated a way that we can hardly attach to them any physiological
significance.
SPHERE OF ACTION. Pre-eminently the system of animal life. The vegetative system is
hardly affected at all. The voluntary muscular system first, and then the sensorium, are
the primary seats of action. In addition to the above, and not evidently connected with it,
must be mentioned the action of Cocculus upon the stomach and digestion. Nausea,
extending to the point of vomiting, and accompanied by faintness and by severe vertigo
when lifting the head, is a characteristic symptom. The nausea is felt from the
epigastrium to the throat. It is accompanied by a sensation of constriction around the
waist, is aggravated by eating, drinking, by motion, by mental exertion, and in the open
air. The taste is bitter and metallic.
The appetite is completely wanting.
SENSATIONS. A general sensation of lassitude, which makes the least exertion, even
standing, very irksome. Syncope often follows any bodily exertion. In the extremities,
drawing and digging pains in the bones, but more frequently a weakness as if paralyzed.
Sometimes this sensation is accompanied by twitchings of isolated groups of muscles.
PERIODICITY. Not at all marked in Cocculus.
PECULIARITIES. The symptoms of Cocculus in general, and particularly those of the

head, are aggravated by eating, drinking, any bodily or mental exertion, by tobacco
smoke, and by cold air. They are accompanied by a great intolerance of fresh air; in fact,
all the functions of animal life seem to be more or less torpid, and intolerant of any
stimulus. There is a constant disposition to sleep, and yet the sleep is restless,
interrupted by frequent wakings and startings, so that in the morning one is still sleepy.
As regards the disposition, the prover seems sunk in deep thought of an unpleasant and
rather sad character. Nevertheless he is easily roused to anger.
In many respects Cocculus reminds one of Pulsatilla, which also depresses the vital
power, but the symptoms of Pulsatilla are ameliorated by cold and by motion, and the
disposition of Pulsatilla is gentle and yielding. In its action upon the digestive organs,
Cocculus resembles Nux vomica; the characteristics, particularly the conditions of
aggravation, distinguish them. Moreover, Nux vomica affects the vegetative system quite
as much as the animal. Cocculus resembles Ignatia somewhat in the almost simultaneous
appearance of seemingly incongruous symptoms. It is probable that we shall find a closer
analogy to Cocculus in Tobacco than in any other remedy.
Applications
Hahnemann recommends Cocculus in certain kinds of insidious, nervous fevers. In this

Hartmann agrees with him, and says: "Particularly in cases which have been produced by
frequent fits of anger, or are accompanied by great disposition to anger." Hahnemann
recommends it also in several kinds of spasm, as, for example, in menstrual colic,
resulting from sudden suppression, or hindered coming on of the menses; in spasmodic
flatulent colic. Its chief application, perhaps, is in the treatment of paralysis of the
extremities, particularly in hemiplegia. Cocculus has proved a very valuable remedy in
sea-sickness; and has cured many persons of a tendency to nausea and faintness from
riding in a wagon. Dr. Curie has found Cocculus a valuable remedy, along with Nux
vomica and Antimonium crudum, in the various forms of dyspepsia from over eating and
drinking, which are common among a certain class of the English people.
The following remarks by Dr. Wurmb ("Clinische Studien," 1, Typhus, p. 124) give a clear
picture of that kind of slow nervous fever to which Cocculus is adapted:
After dividing typhus into several groups, in all of which the systems of vegetable and
animal life are affected to an equal extent, he says that other cases occur which may be
divided into two groups. " In the one, the system of vegetable life is profoundly involved,
while the animal life is scarcely at all affected. For this group Veratrum is the chief
remedy. In the other, the animal life is pre-eminently involved ; vegetation is hardly
affected. For this group Cocculus is appropriate." He says: "The patients complain at first
of lassitude, prostration after the slightest exertion, difficulty in thinking, loss of memory,
loss of appetite, and invincible disposition to sleep. They soon feel so weak that they
must keep the bed, and they fall into an apathetic condition, which ends in actual coma.
If awakened out of this, they complain of vertigo, of a feeling as if a heavy load were
pressing upon the head, of weakness, and a paralyzed feeling in the limbs, but especially
in the eyelids, which they can hardly keep open. Sometimes, instead of the paralyzed
feeling, there is a sensation of twitching and jerking. The patients think correctly but
slowly. They soon fall back into the comatose condition; the expression of countenance is
devoid of all signs of mental activity. This condition is not uninterrupted; for there occur
sometimes intervals of moderate excitement, during which the patients, awakened from
their stupor, look eagerly around, move themselves quickly, and, by the hastiness of their
replies, seem to seek to hide their lack of force; sometimes there is mild, uneasy
delirium.
"In this torpid condition of the nervous functions the rest of the organism participates but
little. The pulse is weaker, it is true, but seldom sinks below the average frequency, often
even rises above it. The temperature remains normal or changes but little; the skin is
pale but lax; the tongue moderately coated, sometimes even clean ; the bowels generally
constipated, diarrhoea rarely present; the respiratory mucous membrane almost never
involved.
"Symptoms of a blood dyscrasia, such as exanthemata, decubitus, haemorrhages, are

never observed. The spleen is always swollen."
Among the applications of Cocculus must not be forgotten its use in inguinal and femoral
hernia, of which several cases are recorded as cured by Cocculus ; among them one in
which four herniae existed simultaneously. Precisely what cases are curable by Cocculus
it is not easy to say A PRIORI. Other remedies, as, for example, Nux vomica, Aurum and
Nux moschata, have also cured hernia. Until the functional pathology of hernia shall be
better understood, it will be impossible to divide the affection into groups corresponding
to the different modes of treatment, or different remedies which experience has shown to
be useful. While the affection is, by most practitioners, regarded as exclusively a
mechanical accident, to be met by surgical methods, the history of many cases and
experience in their cure, shows them to be amenable to dynamic agencies.
In all of these applications, as in others which may be made of Cocculus to the treatment
of diseased conditions, the similarity of the symptoms must be our only sufficient guide.

Cocculus Indicus

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Cocculus Indicus

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COCCULUS INDUCUS

Adapted to book-worms; sensitive, romantic girls with irregular menstruation; rakes,

Sick-headache from carriage, boat or train riding.

Diseases peculiar to drunkards.

Loss of appetite, with metallic taste (Mer.).

Trembling of arms and legs; from excitement, exertion of pain.

Vertigo, as if intoxicated upon rising in bed; or by motion of the carriage (Bry.).

Sensation: in abdomen of cutting and rubbing on every movement, as of sharp stones; of

Prostration and nervous exhaustion accompany most of the complaints of Cocculus.

Vertigo.-- With qualmishness when raising up in bed, or moving. As if intoxicated.

Head.-- Sense of emptiness or hollowness in. Inward pressing, or sticking ache in

Nose.-- Increased sensitiveness of smell.

Rectum.-- Intense tenesmus of, after stool.

Urine.-- Watery. Frequent urging to urinate, with scanty discharge.

Respiration.-- Difficult, as from constriction of larynx

Back.-- Paralysis of spine and lumbar region (tabes dorsalis).

Neck: Weakness of muscles of. Snapping of cervical vertebrae.

Generalities.-- Paralytic immobility of limbs with drawing bone pains. Unilateral

Tissues.-- Hard, cold, swollen glands, with sticking pains.

Bones.-- Bruised pain, or tearing and burrowing in.

The active poisonous principle of Cocculus is stated to be picrotoxin. Recent toxicological

He published, in 1805, in the " Fragmenta de Viribus Medicamentorum Positivis,"—the

In "Hufeland's Journal," in 1798, Hahnemann published a case of poisoning, occurring in

HEAD. SENSORIUM, Vertigo. Cocculus produces a well-marked vertigo, described as

INTELLIGENCE. Dullness ; distraction ; difficulty in understanding what is heard or

These symptoms have the same significance as those of the head.

NOSE. Increased sensibility to odors.

TEETH. The teeth are long and loose.

MOUTH. Dryness without thirst. The saliva is frothy.

Thirst. Aversion to drinking, and yet great thirst.

Nausea. Great nausea is a characteristic symptom of Cocculus. It is provoked by eating,

The attacks of nausea sometimes produce fainting.

FLATUS. Rumbling in the abdomen; great distention ; incarceration of flatus ; severe

HYPOGASTRIUM. Constricting pain, with pressure toward the genitals, and

STOOL. Constipation. Stool followed by violent tenesmus in the rectum, producing

URINARY ORGANS. Frequent discharge of watery urine.

RESPIRATORY ORGANS. Dyspnoea, as if from constriction of the larynx. Sneezing,

DISPOSITION. Mild, indolent, despondent in the face of difficulties, excessive anxiety,

The appetite is completely wanting.

PERIODICITY. Not at all marked in Cocculus.

PECULIARITIES. The symptoms of Cocculus in general, and particularly those of the

Hahnemann recommends Cocculus in certain kinds of insidious, nervous fevers. In this

"Symptoms of a blood dyscrasia, such as exanthemata, decubitus, haemorrhages, are

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