INTRODUCTION
(Blue Cohosh).
COMPARE
Cimicifuga, Helonias, Pulsatilla, Senecio, Secale-
cornutum. Trillium, Collinsonia-canadensis.
INFORMATION
We prepare a dark-brown tincture of the root. We likewise prepare triturations of the pulverised root, and use the resinoid Caulophyllum and triturations of the same.
Although this drug had been extensively used by botanic and eclectic physicians, yet it remained unnoticed at the hands of homoeopathic physicians until Professor Hale directed their attention to its admirable curative virtues in the first edition of his New Remedies.
This drug has been recommended of rheumatism, more particularly of the smaller joints, and seems to be distinguished by its specific influence upon the uterine functions. Some of our best physicians testify to its virtues as an anti-rheumatic agent. Dr. Burt’s provings show that Caulophyllum is specifically homoeopathic to sub-acute rheumatism of the carpal, metacarpal and phalangeal, as well as of the tarsal, metatarsal, and toe- joints. Dr. Ludlam thinks that in the cases of rheumatism which he has treated with this drug, it has seemed more effectual in the case of female than in the case of male patients. Dr. Hughes suggests, in his Manual of Pharmacodynamics, that “Caulophyllum will probably rank with Pulsatilla and Sabina, as a remedy for that peculiar form of chronic rheumatism described by Dr. Fuller as secondary to uterine disorder.”
Professor Hale regards this drug as primarily homoeopathic to dysmenorrhoea, uterine cramps, congestion, spurious labor-pains, abortion, premature labor, after-pains, when these diseases are caused by exaltation of natural function or hyper-stimulation. Pathological conditions of this kind are distinguished by the character of spasm, and as a general rule, comparatively small quantities of the drug, such as a few drops of the tincture, or even of the first or second decimal attenuation, are adequate to their removal. Secondarily, Caulophyllum is homoeopathic to uterine conditions resulting from exhaustion or atony of the uterine fibre, such as menorrhagia, metrorrhagia. When prescribed for conditions of this kind, larger quantities of the drug may be required.
In dysmenorrhoea, with horrid spasms, icy coldness of the extremities, nausea and vomiting, excessive tenderness of the abdomen, we have prescribed Caulophyllum sometimes, with instantaneous relief. We have likewise administered it as a prophylactic, and have frequently succeeded in regulating the catamenial periods to the perfect satisfaction of the patient.
A similar result has been obtained when the catamenial discharge was too profuse and too frequent.
We have likewise found it very useful in moderating after-pains when they caused the patient to moan or lasted too long; and we have found Caulophyllum an excellent means of changing the spasmodic character of labor-pains to normal pains, recurring at proper intervals, and gradually increasing to regular expulsive pains.
As a preventive of miscarriage we have never yet used Caulophyllum alone, but either in alternation with Aconite or Secale-cornutum.
After miscarriage the nervous system of the patient sometimes remains considerably shattered. Under these circumstances Caulophyllum, or its resinoid, Caulophyllum, may prove an excellent means of restoring it to its normal condition. In Hale’s work on Abortion, we fine a case reported by Dr. Ludlam, where, among other ailments, the patient was suffering with an incurable insomnia. This was speedily cured by means of a few doses of Caulophyllin 2.
In metrorrhagia we have used it with partial benefit. From what we have seen of the effects of Caulophyllum in an accident of this kind, we are prepared to affirm that it is endowed with remarkable remedial powers in this direction, but we are not by any means of the opinion expressed by some enthusiastic admirers of every thing new, that Caulophyllum supercedes Secale by its superior power to induce uterine contractions. In a case of desperate flooding, which occurred suddenly about three hours after delivery, and where the uterus had contracted perfectly, Caulophyllum seemed utterly powerless to stop the flow of blood, although it was administered in proportionably small as well as what might very properly be called heroic doses. Secale likewise seemed to have very little effect. Trillium and other remedies were likewise powerless. Nothing saved the patient’s life but dashing snow against the abdomen, plugging the vagina with pounded ice, grasping the womb with the hand, applying stimulants to the nose, and supporting the patient with small quantities of broth, port-wine,. It was the most desperate case of flooding it has ever been our lot to witness. This patient, a young primipara, passed through a slow course of adynamic fever, with metro-peritoneal inflammation, a sort of puerperal typhus, but made a perfect recovery under the almost exclusive use of Digitalis and Belladonna and suitable hygienic means.
How far Caulophyllum may be relied upon as a means of arresting the uterine haemorrhages which often occur during the critical period in a woman’s life, we have no positive means of affirming. We have tried it faithfully in some very severe cases, and, we believe, have seen good effects from it; but we have not been able, in a single case, to get along without the additional use of such drugs as Secale, Cinnamon-water, with Sulphuric-acid, Aconite, Arsenic, and others.
During the session of the Western Institute of Homoeopathy, held in Chicago, May, 1864, Dr. Burbank, of Illinois, related a case of paraplegia which he cured with Caulophyllum. The patient was a middle-aged lady. On the ninth day after her confinement she was attacked with water her allopathic physician designated as metritis. Under the nasal old-school treatment this affection subsided, but left her almost completely paraplegic. There was almost complete loss of sensation, and the power of motion was almost entirely lost. She was unable to move her limbs in bed, or to stand upon them. The patient was emaciated, anaemic and very much debilitated. When the Doctor first saw the case, two years after the patient was first taken sick, she was getting steadily worse. Nux vomica, Cocculus, the Citrate of Iron, Strychnine, had no
effect. An examination showed retroversion, congestion and enlargement of the uterus. Caulophyllin 2, was administered and its use persisted in for six months, until the patient was entirely restored to health to health.
