American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

inflammations of the thoracic viscera or of the pleura. In pleuritis its
indications are usually all present. Uncomplicated cases will yield to this
agent alone. Occasionally, though, more rapid results will be
accomplished by alternating it with aconite or with asclepias tuberosa. It
must be continued if effusion be present.
One physician, in two cases of pleurisy where there was at least a pint of
serum in the pleural sac of each, gave bryonia alone, and persistently
using it for a reasonable time, the entire quantity in both cases was
absorbed, and the patient made an excellent recovery.
In bronchitis, with short, quick cough, with quick, sharp pains, especially
if the sputum be bloody or frothy, bryonia acts directly. It should be given
in small doses, at short intervals, and should be persisted in. It will
subdue the pain and the cough promptly and exercise as marked an
effect on the fever as any special sedative known.
In pneumonitis it may be positively indicated. If used in combination
with other specific remedies, abatement of the symptoms will be even
more rapid in these cases. Although opposed to complex medication, the
author has used the following combination in these conditions in infants
and children with the most happy results. The two prescriptions should
be given as specifled in alternation. In severe cases in small children, or
during severe paroxysms, it is very desirable to give a yet smaller dose
and alternate the remedies every twenty or thirty minutes:
Rx— Tinct. Aconiti, U. S. P. 5 drops
Tinct. Belladonnae, U. S. P. 8 drops
Aquae Dest. 32 ounces
M. Sig. Half of a teaspoonful every hour, alternated with the following
prescription every half hour:
Rx— Tinct. Bryoniae 8 drops
Tinct. Ipecacuanhae 4 drops
Aquae Dest. 32 ounces
M. Sig. Half teaspoonful every hour, alternated with the above as stated,
every half hour.
I have in late years been using bryonia in acute neuritis. I have found in
many cases the precise indications for the use of this remedy, and in one
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 84