Macrotys in Chorea.

Botanical name: 
Problems: 

The most of our practitioners have had experience with the use of macrotys, in the treatment of chorea. When this condition occurs in conjunction with rheumatism, the specific indications for this remedy are more pronounced. The case reported was that of a girl of thirteen, who was in constant motion when awake, she could not use her hands; her speech was imperfect; the trunk was bent and twisted in violent contortions; the face was greatly distorted; and during the night there was severe pain in the hands. This case was treated with the tincture of macrotys. Ten drops, three times a day, was given; almost from the first there was an apparent improvement which continued until within a few weeks there was complete cure. Our method would have been to give five drops every two hours. I think results would have been more rapid.

Tremors of any kind, if treated early, with the sulphate of sparteine, can often be controlled and the tendency overcome.

A most excellent auxiliary to the treatment of almost any form of persistent dry cough, is the inhaling of the vapor of the oil of turpentine, five drops on a square of loaf sugar dissolved slowly in the mouth, and the saliva swallowed.

I have found hydrogen peroxide, a small quantity in a pitcher of cold water, administered to typhoid fever patients ad libitum, to be a most excellent method of supplying oxygen and administering an antiseptic at the same time.

At one time the extract of belladonna was almost universally advised in the treatment of rigid os uteri. Now from ten to twenty drops of the tincture of belladonna are given internally, every hour or two, for the same condition.


Ellingwood's Therapeutist, Vol. 2, 1908, was edited by Finley Ellingwood M.D.