Euphorbia Lathyris

In the Medical Press of May 3, 1893, Dr. George Foy gives an account of this

medicine. Gray in 1817 mentions it as a remedy for syphilis and for venomous bites. Marsset, of

Paris, experimented with the aqueous extract on guinea-pigs. None of the irritant effects common

to most Euphorbias were produced, but a powerful action on the heart-first an alarmingly quick

pulse and then a sudden chill. It has been used by old-school practitioners in asthma, hay asthma,

and bronchitis, chiefly in considerable doses. In the Universal Homeopathic Annual, p. 57, Dr.

Cartier gives this account: "Euphorbia Pilulifera has given excellent results in cases of acrid

leucorrheea, aggravated by the least motion, especially useful for pale, delicate, and sensitive

women (Jacaranda). In gonorrhea, when there are intense pains at each micturition, burning

pains which oblige the patient to sit down or to keep quiet; violent desire to pass water

(Cannabis, Cantharis). Humid asthma with prostration and restlessness. Heemorrhages caused by

sunstroke or traumatism."

Delirium and hallucinations. Stupor, coma.

Almost closed from oedema of lids.

End of nose very much inflamed externally. Very sensitive and oedematous mucous membranes with ulceration.

At first ruddy glow on cheeks, afterwards death-like pallor. Cold perspiration in beads on forehead. Red, puffed, and in spots suppurating. Erythema, beginning on face, gradually extending into the hair parts, and then spreading over whole body, taking eight days to do so; eruption glossy, rough oedematous, with burning and smarting; aggravated by touch and cold air; ameliorated by close room and sweet-oil applications. Fine bran-like desquamation. Sensation of cobwebs. Stinging, smarting, and burning of face when touched.

After a week, phlegmonous erysipelas under |. eye, spreading downwards and

forwards.—Five or six pustules are on forehead, one on each ala nasi, one on root of nose, one on

• ▸1.
• ▸elbow, burning pain in all.
• ▸—Lower half of nose red, swollen, inflamed, shiny.
• ▸—Lips parched,

slightly swollen, covered with a crop of small pustules; another large pustule appears on upper

lip midway between mouth and nose.

Tongue coated, slimy; acrid taste. Breath cold, musty odor.

Mouth so much inflamed the doctor thought it due to mercurial remedies.—In several

days pain intolerable, compelling cries and indescribable agitation, patient unable to sleep or

drink.

Nausea and vomiting of copious clear water, intermingled with white, gelatinous lumps.

Drastic purgation from large doses; mild laxative condition from smaller doses; followed several weeks afterwards by obstinate constipation. Stools of white, transparent, gelatinous mucus; later mingled with blood.

Copious flow of urine.

Inflammation of scrotum resulting in deep acrid ulcers, with intense itching and burning; worse, touching the parts from washing.

Labored breathing. Breath cold, musty odor. Cough; first, a hacking, as from inhalation of sulphur; later on, paroxysmal, like whooping-cough, in regular paroxysms, ending in diarrhoea and vomiting, with sleepiness between each paroxysm.

Weak and fluttering heart-action. Pulse 120, full, bounding, somewhat irregular.

More pustules developed I. side of neck, becoming hard boils, and slowly going away

without breaking.

Euphorbia Pilulifera.

• ▸E.
• ▸pilulifera.
• ▸N.
• ▸O.
• ▸Euphorbiacez.
• ▸Tincture.

Erythema, beginning on uncovered parts, on face, and spreading over whole body; glossy, rough, oedematous, with burning and smarting. Fine bran-like desquamation following in the wake of the erythema. Eruption rough, scaly, smarting, and burning; when scratched forms deep, ragged ulcers; skin where ulcerated remains red.

Restlessness at night. Sleep disturbed, anxious dreams.

Temperature increased. Body bathed in profuse perspiration, standing out like beads on forehead; later, cold, clammy perspiration on forehead.

Pallor and coldness of surface.—Skin burning hot; glowing hot cheeks.

Euphorbia Peplus.

• ▸Petty Spurge.
• ▸N.
• ▸O.
• ▸Euphorbiaceé.
• ▸Effect of juice and local application of leaves.

Antidoted by Rhus tox (skin symptoms); Veratr alb (vomiting, purging, cough and coma).

Third to thirtieth potency.