Bryonia Alba.

Properties: In medicinal doses it assists other sedatives to control fever, when indicated. In large doses it is a hydragogue cathartic.

Physiological action: In full physiological doses it is a powerful hydragogue cathartic, being so irritating that it may produce gastro-intestinal inflammation. It excites the peripheral nerves and capillaries to such an extent as to produce irritation and even inflammation. In toxic doses it will cause dizziness, lower temperature, pulse becomes weak, cold perspiration over the body, delirium, dilated pupils and a general depression of the nervous system.

Indications: Hard, quick pulse; short, quick, harsh, hacking cough, quick, sharp, cutting, stitching pain, aggravated by movement, transient pain increased on inhalation. Flushed face, especially the right cheek. Frontal pain extending to basilar region; orbital or supra-orbital pain; hemicrania; headache of rheumatic origin. Being of special use in inflammation of the serous and synovial membranes, it can be readily seen why it is indicated where pain is aggravated by motion of the affected parts.

Use: In acute serous and synovial membrane inflammation, with or without exudation. Retards exudation and encourages absorption if exudates have formed. A remedy of great value in the treatment of all acute inflammation of the thoracic viscera, in which case it is alternated or associated with other indicated remedies. The remedy in pleurisy and pneumonia and influenza. In rheumatism in any part of the body when indicated. When there is pain in the liver, of a cutting nature it has proved of value. Bryonia should never be given in as large doses so as to get its hydragogue. cathartic effect. The average dose of v to xx drops in 4 ounces of water, teaspoonful every 2 to 4 hours answers for all medicinal purposes.

The Materia Medica and Clinical Therapeutics, 1905, was written by Fred J. Petersen, M.D.