Rhamnus Catharticus

Buckthorn. N. O. Rhamnaceæ. Tincture or fluid extract of ripe berries.

Clinical

Appendicitis / Colic / Constipation / Diarrhœa / Tympanites / Typhlitis

Characteristics

The common Buckthorn produces black, shiny, four-sided berries, with an acrid taste. From these a syrup is made, and forms the Rhamni succus of the old school. It produces "copious watery stools and occasions a good deal of nausea and severe tormina. Was formerly given in dropsy, but owing to the severity of the drug is now little used" (Milne). The Schema is made up of symptoms observed in a boy poisoned by eating the berries. The ileo-cæcal symptoms seem to point to it as a possible remedy in cases of appendicitis. Homœopaths have found Rham. cath. Ø in doses of a few drops a useful palliative in cases of constipation.

Relations

Compare: Cascara, Cean. In appendicitis, Ir. t.

3. Eyes

Eyes glistening and injected.

6. Face

Trembling of lips. Commencing trismus.

8. Mouth

Coated tongue. Extremely bitter taste.

9. Throat

Scraping in throat.

11. Stomach

Complete loss of appetite.

12. Abdomen

Violent rumbling and griping, esp. cutting pains in ileo-cæcal region and in transverse colon. Colic. Abdomen hard; tympanites.

13. Stool

Diarrhœa. Liquid stools.

14. Urinary Organs

Urine highly coloured.

17. Respiratory Organs

Respiration short, anxious.

19. Heart

Pulse variable.

21. Limbs

Weakness and prostration in all limbs.

24. Generalities

Unable to rise; seemed to desire to press his head against the wall.

27. Fever

Violent chilliness. Skin at one time warm, at another cold.