Polygonum

Polygonum punctatum is a remedy of considerable value. We presented some good articles on its action last year. I find an article in the New England Medical Gazette which presents its symptomatology very clearly. When indicated for severe cold in the head there is burning in the eyeballs, some inflammation in the edges of the eyelids; a feeling of rawness or tickling within the nose; there is frequent sneezing; there is a sensation of fulness or swelling within the nostrils and the nostrils are red and inflamed, with a sensation of fulness through the eyes and through the nasal tracts.

When indicated for respiratory troubles the throat is swollen but very dry; there is a sensation of heat and dryness in the throat; the symptoms are aggravated by cold, and there is a sense of constriction in the larynx; there is much dry bronchial irritation with a sensation of roughness in the throat with a constant tendency to hacking with hoarseness; the cough is worse at night, and all the symptoms are worse in damp weather.

When the remedy is indicated for kidney or bladder trouble there is usually some fever with alternate chills and heat. There is aching in the loins with a drawing or tearing sensation; lameness and soreness of the muscles, an acute drawing in the back or in the lower extremities.

The remedy seems to be indicated for dilated veins. A case is given where a sailor was covered with varices, which were cured by the use of polygonum. It has been used with much success in the treatment of piles, especially where there was hemorrhage. A general relaxed condition of the mucous membranes of the rectum with fulness and a dark discoloration are relieved by this remedy. These indications are similar to those which demand collinsonia and witch hazel and no doubt they could be given together satisfactorily.

Ellingwood's Therapeutist, Vol. 2, 1908, was edited by Finley Ellingwood M.D.