The primary action of Nux Vomica is exerted exclusively upon the Nervous System, inducing, first, variation in the intensity of action of that system, viz., excitation, soon followed by torpidity, and secondly, alteration in its mode of action.
The Motory or Centrifugal factor of the nervous system is especially affected. The Central portions (the ganglia and the spinal cord themselves) are more affected than the peripheric, and above all the abdominal ganglia and those parts of the spinal cord in immediate connection with the diaphragm.
1. Spinal Cord. The action of Nux is chiefly on the motory or centrifugal factor, producing spasm, especially in the abdomen and lower extremities, rather tonic than clonic, induced by very slight exciting causes, even by change of weather. Individual Symptoms. Jerkings, stiffness, cramp, spasm of the pharynx, and of the anus, erection of the penis, spasm of the bladder, in a word, of all the half voluntary muscles, spasmodic distortion of the face and mouth. Trismus, spasm of the tongue (followed by partial paralysis) of the oesophagus and rectum. All of these symptoms are followed by torpidity and temporary partial paralysis.
2. Vegetative System, Motory Factor. Dilatation and contraction of the iris, spasm of the stomach and intestine. The chief malady of this system, bearing close relation to the symptoms of Nux is cardialgia, both presenting us eructations, nausea, vomiting, constriction and protrusion of the intestine, painful anti-peristaltic motion, palpitation, puls momentarily irregular.
3. Cerebral System. The character of the phenomena induced by Nux in this system is similar to that above depicted, but the phenomena are less strongly pronounced. They are the reflex of those induced in the spinal and vegetative system. The Organs of Sense are strongly influenced, but those functions which are peculiarly cerebral (i.e., sensorial functions, phantasy, etc.) are but slightly affected. Susceptibility to mental and sensuous impressions is greatly increased; this condition is soon followed by one of apathy, in which, however, consciousness is preserved. (N.B. Under the action of Stramonium and Hyoscyamus, in a corresponding condition, consciousness is lost.)
4. The Pains and Sensations excited by Nux are such as usually accompany spasm cramp-pains, jerkings, etc. A feeling of exhaustion, a sensation as if beaten, is very constantly observed.
Phenomena of the Vegetative Life generally.
1. Vascular System. Increased activity, soon followed by exhaustion, hence Nux rather retards than accelerates the circulation (causing congestions). The general effects of Nux in this respect resemble those of Cocculus and Ignatia. The frequently observed phenomenon of external cold with internal heat (and vice versa) is important, as showing this state of partial excitation and partial torpidity.
Character of the Fever. Violent chill, external heat with internal cold, and vice versa. The thirst is slight, or there is great thirst at the period of greatest coldness (showing that the latter is a consequence of alteration of nervous functions, and not of an immediate vascular excitement; this is shown, too, by the fact that drinking rather aggravates than relieves the thirst).
2. Assimilation. The effects of Nux are very complex, its especial action being upon the abdominal ganglionic system. A habitus gastricus is the chief indication for its administration; a skin yellowish or earthy, eyes yellow or dirty-looking, tongue coated, teeth yellow, irritability of temper, hypochondriasis, hysteria.
3. Gastric Phenomena. These depend on alteration in the mode of action of the nervous. The gastric secretion is modified, the odor of the breath is unpleasant, the taste is salt or bitter. These phenomena depend on the condition of the stomach, and not upon any altered state of the mouth (as appears from the fact that the sense of taste retains its full power of distinguishing different articles and qualities of food, a characteristic of Nux), bulimy or anorexia. While eating, nausea, headache, tormina; after eating, these symptoms are aggravated, eructations, vomiting, which is never profuse, but is generally sour or bitter mucus. Thirst, yet drinks are not well endured. Although these symptoms occur after eating, they are also manifested at other times an evidence of the alteration of nervous action.
Morning Vomiting. The secretion of the stomach and intestines, especially of the latter, is diminished in quantity (hence constipation), as well as altered in quality (hence irritation and tenesmus). Faeces are diminished in quantity, hard, dark, and compact.
Hepatic System. On this system Nux acts powerfully. Its effects are rather dynamic than organic. The secretion of bile is markedly increased.
Genital System. Erethism, manifested by pollution, and too rapid emission; or again, as the result of over-excitement, by loss of erectile power Menstruation too early and too copious.
Respiratory System. Spasmodic action. The secretion of the mucous membranes is diminished; they are irritable, hence a cough is easily produced; a dry, tickling cough, with scanty, thick, tenacious expectoration. A frequent sensation of constriction, arising partly from spasm, and partly from congestion.
Characteristics. 1. High excitement of the whole nervous system, especially, however, or those parts of the spinal and ganglionic system which lie below the diaphragm; especial relation to the motory sphere; hence spasm, both tonic and clonic.
2. Vascular System. Excitation and impediment, each of these phenomena having the character of partiality.
3. Powerful effects upon the vegetation, especially in the digestive canal; hence gastric affections predominate. In general, diminished secretions (hence constipation); irritation of the thoracic organs; sexual erethism; too early menstruation. Seldom pain, with the exception of headache; rather, sensations are produced.
Administration. Nux is especially appropriate to diseases of men, lean, of strong fiber, who take rich food, are given to spirituous drink, and to mental labor; in following diseased conditions.
1. Nervous Affections. Spasm, general or partial, especially of the lower part of the body, especially those which involve, at the same time, the muscles of both animal and vegetative spheres; in all cases where Nux is indicated, consciousness must be retained; cases in which pressure or warmth applied to the vertebral column provokes the spasms. Tonic spasm, in the forms of tetanus, trismus, eclampsia infantum, etc. Nux is a very important remedy in case of trembling induced by metallic poisoning, (1 1For poisoning by Arsenic, with trembling of the hands, in hat-makers, they give, in the General Hospital (Allopathic) of Vienna, sulphur, in drachm doses, and relieve the patient generally in about four days. – C.D.) and in saturnine colic. Spasms of the pharynx and larynx, and of the diaphragm; angina pectoris. Spasm of the stomach; spasmodic vomiting, with scanty evacuation; vomiting during pregnancy. Hernia. Flatulent and menstrual colic.
Over excitability of the senses. Irritation of the spinal cord.
2. Intermittent Fever. Nux is probably indicated in nine cases out of every ten. (2 2It will be remembered that these lectures were delivered in a suburb of Vienna, in which a peculiar form of Intermittent Fever is endemic.- C.D.). These cases are distinguished by certain gastric phenomena; the complexion is of a light icteric hue; there is obstinate constipation, with violen pain in the loins. The cold predominates. Thirst is present, yet drinking aggravates the symptoms.
3. In Typhus, Nux is only sympathetically indicated, when there is continued constipation, or in the mild form of typhus, attended by the peculiar gastric symptoms of Nux.
4. Sub-acute and chronic muscular rheumatism; certain forms of delirium tremens; nervous vertigo, depending on abnormal affections. Morning vomitus after a debauch. Headache after meals; the cephalic congestion always, if conjoined with gastric phenomena.
5. In gastric derangements from use of coffee; dynamic affections of the liver. In hernia, both free and incarcerated. In haemorrhoids. In neuralgia. In catarrh, with dry, laborious, tickling cough; with spasm, and even vomiting.
Dr. Dunham graduated from Columbia University with Honours in 1847. In 1850 he received M.D. degree at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York. While in Dublin, he received a dissecting wound that nearly killed him, but with the aid of homoeopathy he cured himself with Lachesis. He visited various homoeopathic hospitals in Europe and then went to Munster where he stayed with Dr. Boenninghausen and studied the methods of that great master. His works include 'Lectures on Materia Medica' and 'Homoeopathy - Science of Therapeutics'.