Anthracinum, Causticum and Opium.
ANTHRACINUM.
Very useful in the treatment of punctured wounds after Ledum has done its work, but does not go deep enough. “A small red spot, sometimes with a blackish point in the middle, gradually becoming more sensitive, has to scratch, it reddens more and more, swells and forms a small pustule or blotch.”–Allen. “The excoriated spot dries up, becomes brown and livid and a local eschar forms.”–Allen. “Erysipelas gangrenose.”–Allen.
Insect sting on face which patient scratched: secondary infection set in, leaving black scar surrounded by bright red inflammatory streaks, with much burning. Treated by Ledum, Ars., but persisted for two weeks. Anthracinum 200, one dose cleared up whole trouble in three days.
CAUSTICUM.
Ailments from long-lasting grief. (c.f. Ignatia, Nat. mur.). Intensely sympathetic to sufferings of others. Worse in cold dry weather. Better, damp, warm. (compare Rhus, etc.) Contracted tendons. Rheumatic tearing in limbs : better warmth, especially heat of bed. (reverse Sulph., etc.) Cracking and tension in knees; stiffness in hollow of knees–as if tendons shortened. (c.f. Cimex.). (Several cases of this lately–all worse in cold, dry weather–seems to be a concomitant of long continued strain !).
OPIUM.
The remedy par excellence for FRIGHT and THE FEAR OF THE FRIGHT REMAINS. Vivid anxious dreams. Indifference to work and duty to others. The fear has paralysed all effort. Especially in those who try to drown their fear in beer ! One dose of Opium 10m worked wonders in such a case.
AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS.
ACONITE.
Sudden fright. Anguish : restlessness. Fear at night. Fear to go where there is excitement, or many people.
Anxiety felt in the region of heart, Sleepless from fright. ARSENICUM. Fear : anxiety : fearful restlessness.
Case : After an air raid in the war, a frantic patient. “Where could she go? What could she do? If she stayed here, they might come again. If she went into the country, they might come there !”.
Arsenicum gave immediate calm; and she was no more trouble. ARGENTUM NIT. Anticipation : internal trembling. Apprehension disorders stomach. Diarrhoea from apprehension (Gels). HURRY.
GELSEMIUM.
Great lack of courage. TREMBLING. Diarrhoea from anticipation (Arg. nit.).
IGNATIA.
May act as a charm; especially where there is grief and sighing.
