Aethusa cynapium

Is one of our best remedies for vomiting in children. The milk comes up as soon as swallowed, by a great effort, after which the child becomes greatly relaxed and drowsy; or if the milk stays down longer it finally comes up in very sour curds, so large that it would seem almost impossible the child could have ejected them. If this condition of the stomach is not cured the case will go on to cholera infantum, with green, watery or slimy stool, colic and convulsions. The convulsions of this remedy are peculiar, in that the eyes turn downward instead of up or sidewise. If the case still progresses unfavorably there is an appearance of sunkenness in the face with linea nasalis, which is a surface of pearly whiteness on the upper lip, bounded by a distinct line from the outer nasal orifice to the angles of the mouth.

This last symptom is more characteristic of Æthusa than any other remedy, Æthusa has complete absence of thirst. The prostration and anxiety are very marked, but the absence of thirst rules for Æthusa instead of Arsenicum album.

Vomiting of large curds (sour) is also found under Calcarea ostrearum, but with this remedy we have at the same time sour stools, and then sweaty head, and open fontanelles as well as Calcarea temperament would generally be found in the case.

There is another very peculiar symptom of Æthusa that has been cured twice to my knowledge by this remedy, viz.: Imagined she saw a rat or mouse run across the room. In both these cases the symptom occurred in hard worked, nervous women, but the symptom was very persistent and annoying. Æthusa not only cured the aberration but improved the general health. I always use it in the 200th potency.