Conium Maculatum

Conium maculatum acts as a depressor of the cerebro-spinal system. It develops a paretic state which spreads from below upwards, the lower part of the body giving out before the upper. When the drug is taken in poisonous doses we find at first a difficulty in walking, as though the legs could not be moved. As the action of the poison in- creases, other and more vital organs are involved. The lungs are attacked; there is dyspnoea; the pulse is irregular, showing the fitful action of the heart muscle. Up to this time the mind is perfectly clear. Finally unconsciousness ensues, and the patient dies from pa- ralysis of respiration.

We may utilize Conium in those exhausted states of the system re- sulting from old age. It may also be used after severe diseases, as

44-8 A CLINICAL MATERIA MKDICA.

diphtheria and typhoid fever, and for the sequelae of that vice of vices, masturbation. In the paralyses of Conium, sensation is but little in- volved. Its analogues here are Gelsemium and Cocculus, which pro- duce functional motor paralysis and are prominent remedies in post- diphtheritic paralysis.

In the treatment of the effects of sexual excess, we find Conium of great utility by reason of its mental symptoms. It produces a perfect picture of hypochondriasis. The patient is melancholy, averse to society, yet fears to be alone. Conium may also be given when this mental condition arises from celibacy.

Zinc oxide is here very similar to Conium. The latter is a depress- ing remedy, while the former is irritating as well as weakening.

You may use Conium in vertigo, when it is the result of cerebral anaemia and when it is characterized by exacerbations on turning over in bed. It is often associated with a numb feeling in the brain, as if that organ were stupefied.

Acting as Conium does upon the glandular system, we would ex- pect it to be a scrofulous remedy. It is indicated in scrofulous oph- thalmia; a characteristic symptom calling for it in this trouble being intense photophobia disproportionately severe to the degree of inflam- mation present. In addition to this there are ciliary neuralgia and prosopalgia, usually on one side, and worse from cold, under the in- fluence of which the cheek becomes of a dark red color and swells.

Conium affects the wax in the ears, increasing it in quantity and making it a dark color, something like chewed-up paper.

The proper treatment in these cases is to remove the accumulation of wax by careful syringing, and then give Conium to prevent its for- mation anew.

Conium does not act very prominently on the chest. However, we find it useful in consumptives when they find it impossible to expec- torate the sputum; they must swallow it again. It is especially use- ful for tormenting night cough, from tickling as from a dry spot in the larynx, which is relieved as soon as the patient sits up in bed. There is scarcely any cough during the day.

Conium weakens the heart, causing the pulse to be one moment full and regular and the next soft, weak, and irregular. This symptom is not an uncommon indication for Conium in aged people.

The use of Conium in glandular diseases and in malignant forms of tumors comes from its power of producing enlargement of the glands,

UMBEIvLIFER^. 449

adenomata. The glands affected are of a stony hardness. These in- durations are quite common in the mammae, in the testicles, and in the uterus. Usually, there is little or no pain; although, sometimes, there may be darting pains. Conium is indicated in the beginning of scir- rhus. It is also indicated after contusions or bruises when induration is the result.

There is an inflammation of Conium which closely simulates that of malignant disease. In the mouth it gives us a picture of noma; the tongue and mucous surfaces are swollen, with offensive discharge; the parts have an ashy, grayish hue, and may even be gangrenous. There is great difficulty in swallowing, with spasm of the throat.

In cancer of the stomach, there is vomiting of blood, and of a gray- ish-black substance which is made up of decomposed blood and broken- down gangrenous tissue.

Conium is complementary to Nux vomica in constipation, especially when there is faint feeling after stool.