American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

of the back, in myalgia, in severe colds, in neuralgia from cold, in
rheumatic headache, and in neuralgia of the ovaries; also with women in
the intense muscular aching preceding the menses.
Cimicifuga operates directly upon the reproductive functions. In the
female it is valuable as above indicated, in dysmenorrhea of a congestive
character always, and in amenorrhea. In these cases aconite will aid its
action greatly, if the condition be induced by sudden cold; and pulsatilla
will do likewise if the conditions be caused by nervous shock or
functional irregularity extending over a longer period. Helonias may be
given with it, if there be weight and dragging in the lower abdominal
region. If leucorrhea be present with the above indications, it is
especially valuable. It is valuable to promote uterine contractions, and in
subinvolution. In the aggravating rheumatic pains of parturition, or of the
later stages of pregnancy, which deceive by closely simulating those of
labor in some ladies of rheumatic diathesis, this is positive and prompt.
In hysterical conditions of the menstrual epoch, in hypochrondriasis or
melancholia at these times, with congestive dysmenorrhea with the above
indications, it is specific. In puerperal hysteria with great nervous
excitement and the above conditions, or with excitable mania or
incipient puerperal insanity, it is a most efficient remedy, having a
desirable sedative influence on the nerves of the womb.
The agent is excellent in relieving irregular pains and uterine distress
occurring during the course of pregnancy. It may be given in small
doses, and it thus prepares the patient for parturition and undoubtedly
contributes largely to a short, easy and uncomplicated labor. The agent,
either as the fluid extract, or from two to five grains of the resinoid, is a
most efficient partus accelerator. It increases the expulsive pains in a
regularly intermittent and normal manner, without spasmodic irritation.
While the normal pains are increased, all erratic, rheumatic, irregular
and nagging pains are relieved. It promotes uterine involution and
hastens normal recovery.
Knox observed the action of this remedy as a partus preparator in a
hundred and sixty cases. His observations, summed up, are that the
remedy has a positive sedative influence upon the parturient women,
quieting reflex irritability, nausea, pruritis and insomnia. It has a positive
anti-spasmodic effect, correcting neuralgic cramps, and irregular pains
of the first stage of labor, sometimes terminating the labor precipitately, if
given in too large doses, often without prodomic symptoms.
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 124