Franciscea uniflora
by John Henry Clarke — A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica
Historical reference for practitioners and students. The statements below reflect the named author’s homeopathic teaching and do not establish treatment effectiveness. This text is not medical advice and must not replace appropriate diagnosis or care.
Brazilian Manaca-root. N. O. Scrophulariaceæ. Closely allied to Brunfelsia. Tincture of fresh root. An alkaloid, Franciscein, is also used.
Clinical
Headache / Pericarditis / Rheumatism / Syphilis
Characteristics
Franciscea u. is a Brazilian remedy of great local repute as an anti-syphilitic and anti-rheumatic. It is called "vegetable mercury." In large doses it is a poison, causing violent purgation and emesis. Many cases of acute, sub-acute, and chronic cases of rheumatism have been reported cured with the tincture by homœopaths; also pericarditis complicating rheumatism. Hansen gives these symptoms as characteristic, though I do not know of any proving: "Intense headache like a band around the head, pain in occiput, neck and spine, lancinating, sticking; terrible aching all over, with great heat, followed by profuse sweat, which > all symptoms."