Introduction
Aralia racemosa, L. Spikenard. Nat Ord., Araliacea.
Provings
1. Dr. S. A. JONES took, at 3 p.m., 10 dr. of tinct. in of water. On retiring at midnight was seized with a violent fit of asthma; which, as he is subject thereto, can hardly be ascribed to the drug. He says, indeed, that “the programme was different” from that to which he is accustomed; but he does not specify the points of distinction. Two days later, repeated dose at 1.30 p.m. No symptoms that night; but on rising next m. had faintly-defined nausea in throat and stomach, and sensation in bowels as if diarrhea would set in.. “At 3.15 p.m. went to closet, expecting from my feeling a loose stool; evacuation was soft, yellow, in small quantity, and expelled with great difficulty. Mucous membrane of rectum came down like a tumour (have had haemorrhoids). After stool, aching pain in rectum, extending upwards, and on the left side. Feel weak, prostrated, half sick, and filled with a vague nausea.” (HALE, New Remedies, 3rd ed., p. 471.)
2. Dr. HERRING, Aug. 29th, took mj at 6 and 10 p.m. No symptoms. 30th-At 8 a.m., 3 and 5 p.m., mij. Had a slight aperient effect, stool preceded by belching. 31st. -At 9 a.m., 1 and 6 p.m., miv.. At 4 p.m. some griping pains; at 10 some discomfort of stomach with flatulency. Sept. 1st. -At 9 a.m., mvj; at 10 p.m., mvij. Slight griping pains again, and some mucous discharge from rectum, which continued next d. In n. irritation of anus. On 2nd, at 9 a.m., mvii. Slight nausea during day, and relaxation of bowels. On 3rd all symptoms had disappeared. At bedtime took 12 drops. Remained awake greater part of n., but perhaps not in consequence of having taken drug. Headache, but not severe; the usual gastric irritation, as indicated by flatulency, also an aperient effect as before. Next evening a severe cold came on, without apparent cause; no cough. A few doses of Nat. mur. 1 removed it by next morning. (MS. communication.).