Amygdalus communis. Bitter Almond. *N. O. Rosaceae. An ounce of alcohol is added to a pound of bitter almonds, then add six pounds of water and distill down to three pounds. (Hydrocyanic acid is formed by the action of water on the amygdaloides.).
Clinical
Asthma, Coma, Diphtheria. Epilepsy. Headache. Syncope. Tetanus. Urticaria.
Characteristics
The symptoms of *Amygdala are not very distinguishable from those of *Hydrocyanic acid, but these may be taken as indicating its use: An excessively brilliant appearance of the eyes without corresponding mental expression. Heaviness in forehead (also *Lauro.) Dullness of left half of the head (*Hydro.ac., right). Head drawn backward. Eyes drawn to left side. Burning heat in laryngopharyngeal region. Lancinating pains through tonsils (Farrington). Palate and fauces dark red. Swallowing impossible. Vomiting of undigested food and bile. Convulsive and at intervals very short respiration, with fear of suffocation. Jerking, hesitating speech: “What’s the mat-matter with me?” Cough with soreness of chest extending down to stomach. Stitches under left nipple, going deep in, making exhalations more difficult. Opisthotonos. Snoring. Surface cold, clammy, pallid or blue. Urticaria.
Relations.
*Compare: The Prune and Pomeae of the Rosaceae, Laurocerasus, Hydr-ac., Opium (spasms, stertor, slow pulse, stupor), Stramonium, Tabacum, Antim tart., Lachesis, Naja (heart). *Antidoted by: Opium (convulsions), strong coffee, cold water poured over head.