Colchicum autumnale

This remedy is to be thought of when we see a patient suffering from the effects of night watching; from the effects of hard study.

Rheumatism; chronic rheumatism; rheumatic gout; dysentery occurring in the fall of the year. Arthritic pains in the joints, especially when knocking the joints, makes the patient scream with pain, or when stubbing the toes hurts exceedingly. Affects largely the periosteum and synovial membranes of joints; small joints. Redness, heat, and swelling of parts affected. Tearing pains worse in the evening and at night.

Urine.--Urine dark, scanty.

Generalities.--Dropsy of outer parts. Tingling in outer and inner parts. Dryness of the skin, particularly when accompanied by dark and scanty urine. Tingling itching. Want of perspiration.

Worse.--In the evening; in the night; while drawing breath; during expiration; on moving; from touching the parts; during walking.

Better.--After evacuation, as in dysentery, there is generally relief (but in typhus fever, e.g., sometimes a terrific spasmodic pain of the sphincter ani comes on after stool. This may occur in common diarrhœa.); while taking an inspiration; while reposing; when sitting; stooping.

Remedies following:--Nux vom., Mercur., Pulsat., Rhus tox., Sepia.

Antidotes:--Nux vom., Pulsat.