Convulsions Health Dictionary

Fever, or PYREXIA, is the abnormal rise in body TEMPERATURE that frequently accompanies disease in general.

Causes The cause of fever is the release of fever-producing proteins (pyrogens) by phagocytic cells called monocytes and macrophages, in response to a variety of infectious, immunological and neoplastic stimuli. The lymphocytes (see LYMPHOCYTE) play a part in fever production because they recognise the antigen and release substances called lymphokines which promote the production of endogenous pyrogen. The pyrogen then acts on the thermoregulatory centre in the HYPOTHALAMUS and this results in an increase in heat generation and a reduction in heat loss, resulting in a rise in body temperature.

The average temperature of the body in health ranges from 36·9 to 37·5 °C (98·4 to 99·5 °F). It is liable to slight variations from such causes as the ingestion of food, the amount of exercise, the menstrual cycle, and the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere. There are, moreover, certain appreciable daily variations, the lowest temperature being between the hours of 01.00 and 07.00 hours, and the highest between 16.00 and 21.00 hours, with tri?ing ?uctuations during these periods.

The development and maintenance of heat within the body depends upon the metabolic oxidation consequent on the changes continually taking place in the processes of nutrition. In health, this constant tissue disintegration is exactly counterbalanced by the consumption of food, whilst the uniform normal temperature is maintained by the adjustment of the heat developed, and of the processes of exhalation and cooling which take place, especially from the lungs and skin. During a fever this balance breaks down, the tissue waste being greatly in excess of the food supply. The body wastes rapidly, the loss to the system being chie?y in the form of nitrogen compounds (e.g. urea). In the early stage of fever a patient excretes about three times the amount of urea that he or she would excrete on the same diet when in health.

Fever is measured by how high the temperature rises above normal. At 41.1 °C (106 °F) the patient is in a dangerous state of hyperpyrexia (abnormally high temperature). If this persists for very long, the patient usually dies.

The body’s temperature will also rise if exposed for too long to a high ambient temperature. (See HEAT STROKE.)

Symptoms The onset of a fever is usually marked by a RIGOR, or shivering. The skin feels hot and dry, and the raised temperature will often be found to show daily variations – namely, an evening rise and a morning fall.

There is a relative increase in the pulse and breathing rates. The tongue is dry and furred; the thirst is intense, while the appetite is gone; the urine is scanty, of high speci?c gravity and containing a large quantity of solid matter, particularly urea. The patient will have a headache and sometimes nausea, and children may develop convulsions (see FEBRILE CONVULSION).

The fever falls by the occurrence of a CRISIS – that is, a sudden termination of the symptoms – or by a more gradual subsidence of the temperature, technically termed a lysis. If death ensues, this is due to failure of the vital centres in the brain or of the heart, as a result of either the infection or hyperpyrexia.

Treatment Fever is a symptom, and the correct treatment is therefore that of the underlying condition. Occasionally, however, it is also necessary to reduce the temperature by more direct methods: physical cooling by, for example, tepid sponging, and the use of antipyretic drugs such as aspirin or paracetamol.... fever

A metalloid with industrial use in glass, wood preservative, herbicide, semiconductor manufacture, and as an alloy additive. It may be a component in alternative or traditional remedies both intentionally and as a contaminant. Common in the environment and in food, especially seafood, arsenic is odourless and tasteless and highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin contact. It binds to sulphydryl groups inhibiting the action of many enzymes (see ENZYME) and also disrupts oxidative phosphorylation by substituting for PHOSPHORUS. Clinical effects of acute poisoning range from severe gastrointestinal effects to renal impairment or failure characterised by OLIGURIA, HAEMATURIA, PROTEINURIA and renal tubular necrosis. SHOCK, COMA and CONVULSIONS are reported, as are JAUNDICE and peripheral NEUROPATHY. Chronic exposures are harder to diagnose as effects are non-speci?c: they include gastrointestinal disturbances, hyperpigmentation and HYPERKERATOSIS of skin, localised OEDEMA, ALOPECIA, neuropathy, PARAESTHESIA, HEPATOMEGALY and jaundice. Management is largely supportive, particularly ensuring adequate renal function. Concentrations of arsenic in urine and blood can be measured and therapy instituted if needed. Several CHELATING AGENTS are e?ective: these include DMPS (2, 3-dimercapto-1-propanesulphonate), penicillamine and dimercaprol; DMPS is now agent of choice.... arsenic

A rare disorder in which convulsions occur during late pregnancy (see also PREGNANCY AND LABOUR – Increased blood pressure). This condition occurs in around 50 out of every 100,000 pregnant women, especially in the later months and at the time of delivery, but in a few cases only after delivery has taken place. The cause is not known, although cerebral OEDEMA is thought to occur. In practically all cases the KIDNEYS are profoundly affected. E?ective antenatal care should identify most women at risk of developing eclampsia.

Symptoms Warning symptoms include dizziness, headache, oedema, vomiting, and the secretion of albumin (protein) in the urine. These are normally accompanied by a rise in blood pressure, which can be severe. Preeclamptic symptoms may be present for some days or weeks before the seizure takes place, and, if a woman is found to have these during antenatal care, preventive measures must be taken. Untreated, CONVULSIONS and unconsciousness are very likely, with serious migraine-like frontal headache and epigastric pain the symptoms.

Treatment Prevention of eclampsia by dealing with pre-eclamptic symptoms is the best management, but even this may not prevent convulsions. Hospital treatment is essential if eclampsia develops, preferably in a specialist unit. The treatment of the seizures is that generally applicable to convulsions of any kind, with appropriate sedatives given such as intravenous DIAZEPAM. HYDRALLAZINE intravenously should also be administered to reduce the blood pressure. Magnesium sulphate given intramuscularly sometimes helps to control the ?ts. The baby’s condition should be monitored throughout.

Urgent delivery of the baby, if necessary by CAESAREAN SECTION, is the most e?ective ‘treatment’ for a mother with acute eclampsia. (See PREGNANCY AND LABOUR.)

Women who have suffered from eclampsia are liable to suffer a recurrence in a further preganancy. Careful monitoring is required. There is a self-help organisation, Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC), to advise on the condition.... eclampsia

Lead and lead compounds are used in a variety of products including petrol additives (in the UK, lead-free petrol is now mandatory), piping (lead water pipes were once a common source of poisoning), weights, professional paints, dyes, ceramics, ammunition, homeopathic remedies, and ethnic cosmetic preparations. Lead compounds are toxic by ingestion, by inhalation and, rarely, by skin exposures. Metallic lead, if ingested, is absorbed if it remains in the gut. The absorption is greater in children, who may ingest lead from the paint on old cots

– although lead-containing paints are no longer used for items that children may be in contact with.

Acute poisonings are rare. Clinical features include metallic taste, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, ANOREXIA, fatigue, muscle weakness and SHOCK. Neurological effects may include headache, drowsiness, CONVULSIONS and COMA. Inhalation results in severe respiratory-tract irritation and systemic symptoms as above.

Chronic poisonings cause gastrointestinal disturbances and constipation. Other effects are ANAEMIA, weakness, pallor, anorexia, insomnia, renal HYPERTENSION and mental fatigue. There may be a bluish ‘lead line’ on the gums, although this is rarely seen. Neuromuscular dysfunction may result in motor weakness and paralysis of the extensor muscles of the wrist and ankles. ENCEPHALOPATHY and nephropathy are severe effects. Chronic low-level exposures in children are linked with reduced intelligence and behavioural and learning disorders.

Treatment Management of patients who have been poisoned is supportive, with removal from source, gastric decontamination if required, and X-RAYS to monitor the passage of metallic lead through the gut if ingested. It is essential to ensure adequate hydration and renal function. Concentrations of lead in the blood should be monitored; where these are found to be toxic, chelation therapy should be started. Several CHELATING AGENTS are now available, such as DMSA (Meso-2,3dimercaptosuccinic acid), sodium calcium edetate (see EDTA) and PENICILLAMINE. (See also POISONS.)... lead poisoning

In?ammation affecting the membranes of the BRAIN or SPINAL CORD, or usually both. Meningitis may be caused by BACTERIA, viruses (see VIRUS), fungi, malignant cells or blood (after SUBARACHNOID HAEMORRHAGE). The term is, however, usually restricted to in?ammation due to a bacterium or virus. Viral meningitis is normally a mild, self-limiting infection of a few days’ duration; it is the most common cause of meningitis but usually results in complete recovery and requires no speci?c treatment. Usually a less serious infection than the bacterial variety, it does, however, rarely cause associated ENCEPHALITIS, which is a potentially dangerous illness. A range of viruses can cause meningitis, including: ENTEROVIRUSES; those causing MUMPS, INFLUENZA and HERPES SIMPLEX; and HIV.

Bacterial meningitis is life-threatening: in the United Kingdom, 5–10 per cent of children who contract the disease may die. Most cases of acute bacterial meningitis in the UK are caused by two bacteria: Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus); other bacteria include Haemophilus in?uenzae (a common cause until virtually wiped out by immunisation), Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (see TUBERCULOSIS), Treponema pallidum (see SYPHILIS) and Staphylococci spp. Of the bacterial infections, meningococcal group B is the type that causes a large number of cases in the UK, while group A is less common.

Bacterial meningitis may occur by spread from nearby infected foci such as the nasopharynx, middle ear, mastoid and sinuses (see EAR, DISEASES OF). Direct infection may be the result of penetrating injuries of the skull from accidents or gunshot wounds. Meningitis may also be a complication of neurosurgery despite careful aseptic precautions. Immuno-compromised patients – those with AIDS or on CYTOTOXIC drugs – are vulnerable to infections.

Spread to contacts may occur in schools and similar communities. Many people harbour the meningococcus without developing meningitis. In recent years small clusters of cases, mainly in schoolchildren and young people at college, have occurred in Britain.

Symptoms include malaise accompanied by fever, severe headache, PHOTOPHOBIA, vomiting, irritability, rigors, drowsiness and neurological disturbances. Neck sti?ness and a positive KERNIG’S SIGN appearing within a few hours of infection are key diagnostic signs. Meningococcal and pneumococcal meningitis may co-exist with SEPTICAEMIA, a much more serious condition in terms of death rate or organ damage and which constitutes a grave emergency demanding rapid treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment are urgent and, if bacterial meningitis is suspected, antibiotic treatment should be started even before laboratory con?rmation of the infection. Analysis of the CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF) by means of a LUMBAR PUNCTURE is an essential step in diagnosis, except in patients for whom the test would be dangerous as they have signs of raised intracranial pressure. The CSF is clear or turbid in viral meningitis, turbid or viscous in tuberculous infection and turbulent or purulent when meningococci or staphylococci are the infective agents. Cell counts and biochemical make-up of the CSF are other diagnostic pointers. Serological tests are done to identify possible syphilitic infection, which is now rare in Britain.

Patients with suspected meningitis should be admitted to hospital quickly. General pracitioners are encouraged to give a dose of intramuscular penicillin before sending the child to hospital. Treatment in hospital is usually with a cephalosporin, such as ceftazidime or ceftriaxone. Once the sensitivity of the organism is known as a result of laboratory studies on CSF and blood, this may be changed to penicillin or, in the case of H. in?uenzae, to amoxicillin. Local infections such as SINUSITIS or middle-ear infection require treatment, and appropriate surgery for skull fractures or meningeal tears should be carried out as necessary. Tuberculous meningitis is treated for at least nine months with anti-tuberculous drugs (see TUBERCULOSIS). If bacterial meningitis causes CONVULSIONS, these can be controlled with diazepam (see TRANQUILLISERS; BENZODIAZEPINES) and ANALGESICS will be required for the severe headache.

Coexisting septicaemia may require full intensive care with close attention to intravenous ?uid and electrolyte balance, control of blood clotting and blood pressure.

Treatment of close contacts such as family, school friends, medical and nursing sta? is recommended if the patient has H. in?uenzae or N. meningitidis: RIFAMPICIN provides e?ective prophylaxis. Contacts of patients with pneumococcal infection do not need preventive treatment. Vaccines for meningococcal meningitis may be given to family members in small epidemics and to any contacts who are especially at risk such as infants, the elderly and immuno-compromised individuals.

The outlook for a patient with bacterial meningitis depends upon age – the young and old are vulnerable; speed of onset – sudden onset worsens the prognosis; and how quickly treatment is started – hence the urgency of diagnosis and admission to hospital. Recent research has shown that children who suffer meningitis in their ?rst year of life are ten times more likely to develop moderate or severe disability by the age of ?ve than contemporaries who have not been infected. (See British Medical Journal, 8 September 2001, page 523.)

Prevention One type of bacterial meningitis, that caused by Haemophilus, has been largely controlled by IMMUNISATION; meningococcal C vaccine has largely prevented this type of the disease in the UK. So far, no vaccine against group B has been developed, but research continues. Information on meningitis can be obtained from the Meningitis Trust and the Meningitis Research Foundation.... meningitis

n. a drug that prevents or reduces the severity and frequency of seizures in various types of epilepsy; the term antiepileptic drug is now preferred since not all epileptic seizures involve convulsions. The choice of drug is dictated by the type of seizure and the patient’s response, and the dosage must be adjusted carefully as individuals vary in their response to these drugs and side-effects may be troublesome. Commonly used antiepileptic drugs include *carbamazepine, *lamotrigine, *phenytoin, *sodium valproate, levetiracetem, topiramate, *gabapentin, pregabalin, and oxcarbazepine. Phenobarbital is no longer commonly prescribed.

Certain anticonvulsants have shown efficacy in treating bipolar disorder and chronic pain, as in postherpetic neuralgia or *peripheral neuropathy, and can be used to prevent migraine and other primary headache syndromes.... anticonvulsant

Willd.

Synonym: A. alba Willd.

Family: Mimosaceae.

Habitat: Native to West Indies; now occurring throughout India.

English: Cassie Flower, Cassie Absolute, Sweet Acacia.

Ayurvedic: Arimeda, Vitkhadira.

Unani: Vilaayati Kikar, Gandbabuul, Guyaa Babuul, Durgandh Khair.

Siddha/Tamil: Kastuurivel, Vedday- ala.

Action: Bark—astringent, demulcent, anthelmintic, antidysenteric, anti-inflammatory (used in stomatitis, ulcers, swollen gums, dental caries, bronchitis, skin diseases).

Ripe pods contain tannins and several polyphenolic compounds. Essential oil from pods—direct muscle relaxant, cardiac depressant and sedative.

Various plant parts are used in insanity, epilepsy, delirium and convulsions.

Family: Mimosaceae.

Habitat: Dry regions of the country, especially in Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

English: White Babul.

Ayurvedic: Arimeda, Arimedaka, Arimanja, Irimeda, Vitakhadir, Godhaa-skandha, Raamaka.

Unani: Kath Safed, Vilaayati Babuul, Guyaa Babuul.

Siddha/Tamil: Valval, Velvayalam.

Folk: Safed Babuul, Safed Kikar, Renvaa.

Action: Bark—bitter, demulcent and cooling; used in biliousness and bronchitis. Seeds—haemaggluti- nating activity has been reported. Leaves—antisyphilitic and antibacterial. Gum—demulcent.

EtOH (50%) extract of aerial parts— hypotensive and central nervous system depressant.

The rootbark contains leucophleol, leucophleoxol and leucoxol.... acacia leucophloea

(Linn.) Wight and Arn.

Synonym: A. paniculata Colebr.

Family: Menispermaceae.

Habitat: The Khasi Hills, Orissa and peninsular India.

English: Fish Berry, Levant Berry, Poison Berry, Crow Killer.

Ayurvedic: Kaakaadani, Kaakamaari.

Siddha/Tamil: Kaakkaikkollividai.

Action: Insecticide, antifungal; highly valued in skin diseases; used externally to kill lice and other parasites.

The leaves and fruit contain picro- toxin (up to 5%) and alkaloids. Pi- crotoxin (sesquiterpene glycoside) is a powerful poison and nerve stimulant. It is rarely taken internally. Coccu- lus (a tincture prepared from the powdered seeds of Cocculus indicus) is used internally as a homoeopathic medicine for convulsions, neurological disorders and psychosis-related fear.

Picrotoxin at 20 mg is toxic, and two to three berries are lethal. (Francis Brinker.)... anamirta cocculus

Physical or psychological reliance on a substance or an individual. A baby is naturally dependent on its parents, but as the child develops, this dependence lessens. Some adults, however, remain partly dependent, making abnormal demands for admiration, love and help from parents, relatives and others.

The dependence that most concerns modern society is one in which individuals become dependent on or addicted to certain substances such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco (nicotine), caffeine and solvents. This is often called substance abuse. Some people become addicted to certain foods or activities: examples of the latter include gambling, computer games and use of the Internet.

The 28th report of the World Health Organisation Expert Committee on Drug Dependence in 1993 de?ned drug dependence as: ‘A cluster of physiological, behavioural and cognitive phenomena of variable intensity, in which the use of a psychoactive drug (or drugs) takes on a high priority. The necessary descriptive characteristics are preoccupation with a desire to obtain and take the drug and persistent drug-seeking behaviour. Psychological dependence occurs when the substance abuser craves the drug’s desirable effects. Physical dependence occurs when the user has to continue taking the drug to avoid distressing withdrawal or abstinence symptoms. Thus, determinants and the problematic consequences of drug dependence may be biological, psychological or social and usually interact.’

Di?erent drugs cause di?erent rates of dependence: TOBACCO is the most common substance of addiction; HEROIN and COCAINE cause high rates of addiction; whereas ALCOHOL is much lower, and CANNABIS lower again. Smoking in the western world reached a peak after World War II with almost 80 per cent of the male population smoking. The reports on the link between smoking and cancer in the early 1960s resulted in a decline that has continued so that only around a quarter of the adult populations of the UK and USA smokes. Globally, tobacco consumption continues to grow, particularly in the developing world with multinational tobacco companies marketing their products aggressively.

Accurate ?gures for illegal drug-taking are hard to obtain, but probably approximately 4 per cent of the population is dependent on alcohol and 2 per cent on other drugs, both legal and illegal, at any one time in western countries.

How does dependence occur? More than 40 distinct theories or models of drug misuse have been put forward. One is that the individual consumes drugs to cope with personal problems or diffculties in relations with others. The other main model emphasises environmental in?uences such as drug availability, environmental pressures to consume drugs, and sociocultural in?uences such as peer pressure.

By contrast to these models of why people misuse drugs, models of compulsive drug use – where individuals have a compulsive addiction

– have been amenable to testing in the laboratory. Studies at cellular and nerve-receptor levels are attempting to identify mechanisms of tolerance and dependence for several substances. Classical behaviour theory is a key model for understanding drug dependence. This and current laboratory studies are being used to explain the reinforcing nature of dependent substances and are helping to provide an explanatory framework for dependence. Drug consumption is a learned form of behaviour. Numerous investigators have used conditioning theories to study why people misuse drugs. Laboratory studies are now locating the ‘reward pathways’ in the brain for opiates and stimulants where positive reinforcing mechanisms involve particular sectors of the brain. There is a consensus among experts in addiction that addictive behaviour is amenable to e?ective treatment, and that the extent to which an addict complies with treatment makes it possible to predict a positive outcome. But there is a long way to go before the mechanisms of drug addiction are properly understood or ways of treating it generally agreed.

Effects of drugs Cannabis, derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, is a widely used recreational drug. Its two main forms are marijuana, which comes from the dried leaves, and hashish which comes from the resin. Cannabis may be used in food and drink but is usually smoked in cigarettes to induce relaxation and a feeling of well-being. Heavy use can cause apathy and vagueness and may even cause psychosis. Whether or not cannabis leads people to using harder drugs is arguable, and a national debate is underway on whether its use should be legalised for medicinal use. Cannabis may alleviate the symptoms of some disorders – for example, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) – and there are calls to allow the substance to be classi?ed as a prescribable drug.

About one in ten of Britain’s teenagers misuses volatile substances such as toluene at some time, but only about one in 40 does so regularly. These substances are given o? by certain glues, solvents, varnishes, and liquid fuels, all of which can be bought cheaply in shops, although their sale to children under 16 is illegal. They are often inhaled from plastic bags held over the nose and mouth. Central-nervous-system excitation, with euphoria and disinhibition, is followed by depression and lethargy. Unpleasant effects include facial rash, nausea and vomiting, tremor, dizziness, and clumsiness. Death from COMA and acute cardiac toxicity is a serious risk. Chronic heavy use can cause peripheral neuropathy and irreversible cerebellar damage. (See SOLVENT ABUSE (MISUSE).)

The hallucinogenic or psychedelic drugs include LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE (LSD) or acid, magic mushrooms, ecstasy (MDMA), and phencyclidine (PCP or ‘angel’ dust, mainly used in the USA). These drugs have no medicinal uses. Taken by mouth, they produce vivid ‘trips’, with heightened emotions and perceptions and sometimes with hallucinations. They are not physically addictive but can cause nightmarish bad trips during use and ?ashbacks (vivid reruns of trips) after use, and can probably trigger psychosis and even death, especially if drugs are mixed or taken with alcohol.

Stimulant drugs such as amphetamine and cocaine act like adrenaline and speed up the central nervous system, making the user feel con?dent, energetic, and powerful for several hours. They can also cause severe insomnia, anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, and even sudden death due to convulsions or tachycardia. Depression may occur on withdrawal of these drugs, and in some users this is su?ciently deterrent to cause psychological dependence. Amphetamine (‘speed’) is mainly synthesised illegally and may be eaten, sni?ed, or injected. Related drugs, such as dexamphetamine sulphate (Dexedrine), are prescribed pills that enter the black market. ECSTASY is another amphetamine derivative that has become a popular recreational drug; it may have fatal allergic effects. Cocaine and related drugs are used in medicine as local anaesthetics. Illegal supplies of cocaine (‘snow’ or ‘ice’) and its derivative, ‘crack’, come mainly from South America, where they are made from the plant Erythroxylon coca. Cocaine is usually sni?ed (‘snorted’) or rubbed into the gums; crack is burnt and inhaled.

Opiate drugs are derived from the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. They are described as narcotic because they induce sleep. Their main medical use is as potent oral or injectable analgesics such as MORPHINE, DIAMORPHINE, PETHIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE, and CODEINE. The commonest illegal opiate is heroin, a powdered form of diamorphine that may be smoked, sni?ed, or injected to induce euphoria and drowsiness. Regular opiate misuse leads to tolerance (the need to take ever larger doses to achieve the same e?ect) and marked dependence. A less addictive oral opiate, METHADONE HYDROCHLORIDE, can be prescribed as a substitute that is easier to withdraw.

Some 75,000–150,000 Britons now misuse opiates and other drugs intravenously, and pose a huge public-health problem because injections with shared dirty needles can carry the blood-borne viruses that cause AIDS/HIV and HEPATITIS B. Many clinics now operate schemes to exchange old needles for clean ones, free of charge. Many addicts are often socially disruptive.

For help and advice see APPENDIX 2: ADDRESSES: SOURCES OF INFORMATION, ADVICE, SUPPORT AND SELF-HELP – National Dugs Helpline.

(See ALCOHOL and TOBACCO for detailed entries on those subjects.)... dependence

The term covering certain conditions in which there are signs of cerebral irritation without any localised lesion to account for them. Examples are HYPERTENSIVE ENCEPHALOPATHY, SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY, WERNICKE’S ENCEPHALOPATHY and lead encephalopathy. In the ?rst, which occurs in the later stages of chronic glomerulonephritis (see KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF), or URAEMIA, the headache, convulsions and delirium which constitute the main symptoms are supposed to be due to a de?cient blood supply to the brain.... encephalopathy

A popular name for a sudden convulsive SEIZURE, although the term is also extended to include sudden seizures of every sort. During the occurrence of a ?t of any sort, the chief object should be to prevent the patient from doing any harm to him or herself as a result of the convulsive movements. The person should therefore be laid ?at, and the head supported on a pillow or other soft material. (See CONVULSIONS; ECLAMPSIA; EPILEPSY; FAINTING; HYSTERIA; STROKE; URAEMIA; APPENDIX 1: BASIC FIRST AID.)... fit

Pyridoxine, or vitamin B, plays an important part in the metabolism of a number of AMINO ACIDS. De?ciency leads to ATROPHY of the EPIDERMIS, the hair follicles, and the SEBACEOUS glands, and peripheral NEURITIS may also occur. Young infants are more susceptible to pyridoxine de?ciency than adults: they begin to lose weight and develop a hypochromic ANAEMIA; irritability and CONVULSIONS may also occur. Liver, yeast and cereals are relatively rich sources of the vitamin; ?sh is a moderately rich source, but vegetables and milk contain little. The minimal daily requirement in the diet is probably about 2 mg. (See APPENDIX 5: VITAMINS.)... pyridoxine

A colourless liquid, also called ethanol or ethyl-alcohol, produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates by yeast. Medically, alcohol is used as a solvent and an antiseptic; recreationally it is a widely used drug, taken in alcoholic drinks to give a pleasant taste as well as to relax, reduce inhibitions, and increase sociability. Taken to excess, alcohol causes much mental and physical harm – not just to the individual imbibing it, but often to their family, friends, community and work colleagues.

Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and disturbs both mental and physical functioning. Even small doses of alcohol will slow a person’s re?exes and concentration; potentially dangerous effects when, for example, driving or operating machinery. Drunkenness causes slurred speech, muddled thinking, amnesia (memory loss), drowsiness, erectile IMPOTENCE, poor coordination and dulled reactions – thereby making driving or operating machinery especially dangerous. Disinhibition may lead to extreme euphoria, irritability, misery or aggression, depending on the underlying mood at the start of drinking. Severe intoxication may lead to COMA and respiratory failure.

Persistent alcohol misuse leads to physical, mental, social and occupational problems, as well as to a risk of DEPENDENCE (see also ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE). Misuse may follow several patterns: regular but controlled heavy intake, ‘binge’ drinking, and dependence (alcoholism). The ?rst pattern usually leads to mainly physical problems such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, liver disease, heart disease and impotence. The second is most common among young men and usually leads to mainly social and occupational problems – getting into ?ghts, jeopardising personal relationships, overspending on alcohol at weekends, and missing days o? work because of hangovers. The third pattern – alcohol dependence – is the most serious, and can severely disrupt health and social stability.

Many researchers consider alcohol dependence to be an illness that runs in families, with a genetic component which is probably passed on as a vulnerable personality. But it is hard to disentangle genetic, environmental and social factors in such families. In the UK there are estimated to be around a million people suffering from alcohol dependence and a similar number who have di?culty controlling their consumption (together about 1:30 of the population).

Alcohol causes tolerance and both physical and psychological dependence (see DEPENDENCE for de?nitions). Dependent drinkers classically drink early in the morning to relieve overnight withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, nausea and vomiting, and tremor. Sudden withdrawal from regular heavy drinking can lead to life-threatening delirium tremens (DTs), with severe tremor, hallucinations (often visual – seeing spiders and monsters, rather than the pink elephants of romantic myth), and CONVULSIONS. This must be treated urgently with sedative drugs, preferably by intravenous drip. Similar symptoms, plus severe INCOORDINATION and double-vision, can occur in WERNICKE’S ENCEPHALOPATHY, a serious neurological condition due to lack of the B vitamin thiamine (whose absorption from the stomach is markedly reduced by alcohol). If not treated urgently with injections of thiamine and other vitamins, this can lead to an irreversible form of brain damage called Korsako?’s psychosis, with severe amnesia. Finally, prolonged alcohol misuse can cause a form of dementia.

In addition to these severe neurological disorders, the wide range of life-threatening problems caused by heavy drinking includes HEPATITIS, liver CIRRHOSIS, pancreatitis (see PANCREAS, DISEASES OF), gastrointestinal haemorrhage, suicide and FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME; pregnant women should not drink alcohol as this syndrome may occur with more than a glass of wine or half-pint of beer a day. The social effects of alcohol misuse – such as marital breakdown, family violence and severe debt – can be equally devastating.

Treatment of alcohol-related problems is only moderately successful. First, many of the physical problems are treated in the short term by doctors who fail to spot, or never ask about, heavy drinking. Second, attempts at treating alcohol dependence by detoxi?cation or ‘drying out’ (substituting a tranquillising drug for alcohol and withdrawing it gradually over about a week) are not always followed-up by adequate support at home, so that drinking starts again. Home support by community alcohol teams comprising doctors, nurses, social workers and, when appropriate, probation o?cers is a recent development that may have better results. Many drinkers ?nd the voluntary organisation Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its related groups for relatives (Al-Anon) and teenagers (Alateen) helpful because total abstinence from alcohol is encouraged by intensive psychological and social support from fellow ex-drinkers.

Useful contacts are: Alcoholics Anonymous; Al-Anon Family Groups UK and Eire (including Alateen); Alcohol Concern; Alcohol Focus Scotland; and Alcohol and Substance Misuse.

1 standard drink =1 unit

=••• pint of beer

=1 measure of spirits

=1 glass of sherry or vermouth

=1 glass of wine

Limits within which alcohol is believed not to cause long-term health risks:... alcohol

Opposing spasms or convulsions... antispsmodic

A rare complication of MEASLES due to infection of the brain with the measles virus. It develops 2–18 years after the onset of the measles, and is characterised by mental deterioration leading on to CONVULSIONS, COMA and death. The annual incidence in Britain is about one per million of the childhood population. The risk of its developing is 5–25 times greater after measles than after measles vaccination (see MMR VACCINE; IMMUNISATION).... subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

An alkaloid (see ALKALOIDS) structurally similar to CAFFEINE, and found in small amounts in tea. Its main use is for the relief of BRONCHOSPASM, where beta-2 adrenoceptor stimulants have failed. It is given intravenously in combination with the stabilising agent ethylenediamine (as aminophylline) for the treatment of severe ASTHMA or paroxysmal nocturnal DYSPNOEA. Formerly used in the treatment of left ventricular failure, it has been largely superseded by more e?ective DIURETICS. When indicated, aminophylline should be given by very slow intravenous injection; acute overdose may cause convulsions and cardiac ARRHYTHMIA.... theophylline

Turpentine; used in energetic cleansing and spiritual healing practices; derived from pine trees; known eye, mucous membrane and skin irritant; toxic if inhaled in large amounts or ingested; central nervous system depressant; can cause convulsions.... trementina

Asphyxia means literally absence of pulse, but is the name given to the whole series of symptoms which follow stoppage of breathing and of the heart’s action. Drowning is one cause, but obstruction of the AIR PASSAGES may occur as the result of a foreign body or in some diseases, such as CROUP, DIPHTHERIA, swelling of the throat due to wounds or in?ammation, ASTHMA (to a partial extent), tumours in the chest (causing slow asphyxia), and the external conditions of su?ocation and strangling. Placing the head in a plastic bag results in asphyxia, and poisonous gases also cause asphyxia: for example, CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) gas, which may be given o? by a stove or charcoal brazier in a badly ventilated room, can kill people during sleep. Several gases, such as sulphurous acid (from burning sulphur), ammonia, and chlorine (from bleaching-powder), cause involuntary closure of the entrance to the larynx, and thus prevent breathing. Other gases, such as nitrous oxide (or laughing-gas), chloroform, and ether, in poisonous quantity, stop the breathing by paralysing the respiration centre in the brain.

Symptoms In most cases, death from asphyxia is due to insu?ciency of oxygen supplied to the blood. The ?rst signs are rapid pulse and gasping for breath. Next comes a rise in the blood pressure, causing throbbing in the head, with lividity or blueness of the skin, due to failure of aeration of the blood, followed by still greater struggles for breath and by general CONVULSIONS. The heart becomes overdistended and gradually weaker, a paralytic stage sets in, and all struggling and breathing slowly cease. When asphyxia is due to charcoal fumes, coal-gas, and other narcotic in?uences, there is no convulsive stage, and death ensues gently and may occur in the course of sleep.

Treatment So long as the heart continues to beat, recovery may be looked for with prompt treatment. The one essential of treatment is to get the impure blood aerated by arti?cial respiration. Besides this, the feeble circulation can be helped by various methods. (See APPENDIX 1: BASIC FIRST AID – Choking; Cardiac/respiratory arrest.)... asphyxia

A group of drugs which depress the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM by inhibiting the transmission of impulses between certain neurons. Thus they cause drowsiness or unconsciousness (depending on dose), reduce the cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen, and depress respiration. Their use as sedatives and hypnotics has largely been superseded by more modern drugs which are safer and more e?ective. Some members of this group of drugs – for instance, phenobarbitone – have selective anticonvulsant properties and are used in the treatment of GRAND MAL convulsions and status epilepticus (see EPILEPSY). The short-acting drugs thiopentone and methohexitone are widely used to induce general ANAESTHESIA. (See also DEPENDENCE.)... barbiturates

Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade) is a relatively rare plant and severe poisoning is not common. The berries, which are black, ripen from August to October and are the most commonly ingested part of the plant. However, all parts of the plant are toxic. The berries contain ATROPINE and other unidenti?ed ALKALOIDS, the leaves HYOSCINE and atropine, and the roots hyoscine. All these alkaloids have an ANTICHOLINERGIC e?ect which may cause a dry mouth, dilated pupils with blurred vision, TACHYCARDIA, HALLUCINATIONS and PYREXIA. There may also be ATAXIA, agitation, disorientation and confusion. In severe cases there may be CONVULSIONS, COMA, respiratory depression and ARRHYTHMIA. Clinical effects may be delayed in onset for up to 12 hours, and prolonged for several days. Treatment is supportive.... belladonna poisoning

(Singhalese: beri = extreme weakness.) Formerly a major health problem in many Asian countries, beriberi is a nutritional de?ciency disease resulting from prolonged de?ciency of the water-soluble vitamin, THIAMINE (vitamin B1). It is often associated with de?ciencies of other members of the the vitamin B complex (see APPENDIX 5: VITAMINS). A major public-health problem in countries where highly polished rice constitutes the staple diet, beriberi also occurs sporadically in alcoholics (see WERNICKE’S ENCEPHALOPATHY) and in people suffering from chronic malabsorptive states. Clinical symptoms include weakness, paralysis – involving especially the hands and feet (associated with sensory loss, particularly in the legs) – and ‘burning sensations’ in the feet (dry beriberi). Alternatively, it is accompanied by oedema, palpitations and a dilated heart (wet beriberi). Death usually results from cardiac failure. Thiamine de?ciency can be con?rmed by estimating erythrocyte transketolase concentration; blood and urine thiamine levels can be measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography.

Treatment consists of large doses of vitamin B1 – orally or intramuscularly; a diet containing other vitamins of the B group; and rest.

Infantile beriberi This is the result of maternal thiamine de?ciency; although the mother is not necessarily affected, the breast-fed baby may develop typical signs (see above). Optic and third cranial, and recurrent laryngeal nerves may be affected; encephalopathy can result in convulsions, coma and death.... beriberi

Necrosis. Fatal disease in which the substance of the liver is destroyed. Incidence is rare since the public has been alerted to the dangers of certain chemical toxins, fumes from synthetic glues, solvents, and poisonous fungi.

Symptoms: jaundice, delirium and convulsions.

As it is the work of the liver to neutralise incoming poisons it may suffer unfair wear and tear, alcohol and caffeine being common offenders.

Treatment for relief of symptoms only: same as for abscess of the liver.

Treatment by or in liaison with a general medical practitioner. ... liver – acute yellow atrophy

A group of drugs used to treat or prevent seizures. They are used mainly in the treatment of epilepsy but are also given to prevent seizures following serious head injury or some types of brain surgery. They may be needed to control seizures in children with a high fever (see convulsions, febrile).

Anticonvulsants may produce various side effects, including impaired memory, reduced concentration, poor coordination, and fatigue. If the side effects are severe, they can often be minimized by use of an alternative anticonvulsant.... anticonvulsant drugs

A state of confusion accompanied by trembling and vivid hallucinations.

It usually arises in alcoholics after withdrawal or abstinence from alcohol.

Early symptoms include restlessness, agitation, trembling, and sleeplessness.

The person may develop a rapid heartbeat, fever, and dilation of the pupils.

Sweating, confusion, hallucinations, and convulsions may also occur.

Treatment consists of rest, rehydration, and sedation.

Vitamin injections, particularly of thiamine (see vitamin B complex), may be given.... delirium tremens

D. Don.

Synonym: B. bhojpattra Wall.

Family: Betulaceae.

Habitat: Temperate Himalaya from Kashmir to Bhutan.

English: Himalayan Silver Birch, Indian Paper tree.

Ayurvedic: Bhuurja, Bahulvalkala, Bahuputa, Lekhyapatraka, Charmi, Chitrapatra, Bhutahaa.

Folk: Bhojapatra.

Siddha/Tamil: Boorjapattram (leaves).

Action: Resin—laxative. Leaves— diuretic; used in the form of infusion in gout, rheumatism, dropsy, and as a solvent of stones in the kidneys; used in skin affections, especially eczema. Bark—used in convulsions. Oil—astringent, antiseptic.

Key application: (B. pendula) In irrigation therapy for bacterial and inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract and for kidney gravel; supportive therapy for rheumatic ailment. (German Commission E, ESCOP.)

European Silver Birch is equated with Betula alba L., synonym B. pendula Roth. Astringent, diuretic, anti- inflammatory, bitter, cholagogue; contains salicylates. Used for kidney and bladder complaints, sluggish kidney functions, rheumatism and gout. Methyl salicylate is obtained by distillation of the twigs. In an Indian sp., B. acuminata, methyl salicylate (92.8%) has been reported in the essential oil of the bark. B. utilis is also a close relative of B. pendula.

Dosage: Bark—3-5 g powder; decoction—50-100 ml (CCRAS.)... betula utilis

(Linn.) DC.

Synonym: Oxalis sensitiva Linn.

Family: Oxalidaceae.

Habitat: Throughout tropical India.

Ayurvedic: Lajjaalu (var.) Vipareet Lajjaalu (non-classical), Alam- bushaa (Hindi commentators have equated it with Gorakh Mun- di, Sphaeranthus indicus Linn., Asteraceae.)

Folk: Lajoni, Jhalai, Lakajana.

Action: Plant—used in insomnia, convulsions, cramps, chest-complaints, inflammations, tumours, chronic skin diseases. Ash—in stomachache. Leaves— diuretic, astringent, antiseptic. Paste is applied to burns, contusions and wounds. Decoction is given in strangury, asthma and phthisis. Roots—decoction is given in lithia- sis. Mature leaves are recommended in diabetes; contain an insulin-like principle.

A saline extract of leaves showed hy- poglycaemic activity in rabbits.... biophytum sensitivum

Baill.

Synonym: B. sempervirens Linn.

Family: Buxaceae.

Habitat: The Western and Central Himalayas and Punjab.

English: Himalayan Boxwood tree.

Folk: Chikri, Shamshaad. Paapari (Garhwal).

Action: Wood—diaphoretic. Bark— febrifuge. Leaves—purgative, diaphoretic; used in rheumatism. Poisonous. Not a safe drug for "purifying blood". Symptoms of poisoning are severe—abdominal pain, vomiting, convulsions and death.

The mixture of alkaloids is referred to as buxine. Buxenine-G is cytotoxic.

There is preliminary evidence that a specific Boxwood leaf extract (SVP 30) might delay disease progression in HIV-infected patients. The extract is available through internet sources or AIDS Buyers' Clubs. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)... buxus wallichiana

Linn.

Synonym: C. roxburghii Griff.

Family: Palmae; Arecaceae.

Habitat: Central and South India.

English: Rotang, Rattan, Chair Bottom Cane.

Ayurvedic: Vetra, Abhrapushpa.

Siddha/Tamil: Pirambu.

Action: Astringent, antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory (used in chronic fevers, piles, abdominal tumours, strangury), antibilious, spasmolytic. Wood—vermifuge.

The plant is used in convulsions and cramps. The presence of a saponin in the stem, an alkaloid in the leaves and a flavonoid in the root is reported.... calamus rotang

Feverish or related to fever, as in febrile convulsions.... febrile

A tear at the lower end of the oesophagus, causing vomiting of blood. The syndrome is commonly caused by retching and vomiting after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Less often, violent coughing, a severe asthma attack, or epileptic convulsions may be the cause.

An endoscope is passed down the oesophagus to confirm the diagnosis. The tear generally heals within 10 days and no special treatment is usually required. However, a blood transfusion may sometimes be necessary.... mallory–weiss syndrome

A common infectious disease, probably viral, that mainly affects children aged 6 months to 2 years.

There is an abrupt onset of irritability and fever.

The temperature drops to normal after 4 or 5 days.

About the same time, a rash appears on the trunk, often spreading to the neck, face, and limbs, before clearing up within 1–2 days.

Other symptoms may include a sore throat and enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck.

Convulsions (see convulsion, febrile) may occur during the fever, but there are no serious effects.

The only treatment is to keep the child cool and give paracetamol.... roseola infantum

A group of drugs, such as aspirin and benorilate, with antiinflammatory, fever-reducing, and mild analgesic action.

Overdose causes hyperventilation, tinnitus, sweating, abnormal bleeding, biochemical disturbances, and, in severe cases, convulsions and coma.... salicylate drugs

Animal bites are best treated as puncture wounds and simply washed and dressed. In some cases ANTIBIOTICS may be given to minimise the risk of infection, together with TETANUS toxoid if appropriate. Should RABIES be a possibility, then further treatment must be considered. Bites and stings of venomous reptiles, amphibians, scorpions, snakes, spiders, insects and ?sh may result in clinical effects characteristic of that particular poisoning. In some cases speci?c ANTIVENOM may be administered to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Many snakes are non-venomous (e.g. pythons, garter snakes, king snakes, boa constrictors) but may still in?ict painful bites and cause local swelling. Most venomous snakes belong to the viper and cobra families and are common in Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. Victims of bites may experience various effects including swelling, PARALYSIS of the bitten area, blood-clotting defects, PALPITATION, respiratory di?culty, CONVULSIONS and other neurotoxic and cardiac effects. Victims should be treated as for SHOCK – that is, kept at rest, kept warm, and given oxygen if required but nothing by mouth. The bite site should be immobilised but a TOURNIQUET must not be used. All victims require prompt transfer to a medical facility. When appropriate and available, antivenoms should be administered as soon as possible.

Similar management is appropriate for bites and stings by spiders, scorpions, sea-snakes, venomous ?sh and other marine animals and insects.

Bites and stings in the UK The adder (Vipera berus) is the only venomous snake native to Britain; it is a timid animal that bites only when provoked. Fatal cases are rare, with only 14 deaths recorded in the UK since 1876, the last of these in 1975. Adder bites may result in marked swelling, weakness, collapse, shock, and in severe cases HYPOTENSION, non-speci?c changes in the electrocardiogram and peripheral leucocytosis. Victims of adder bites should be transferred to hospital even if asymptomatic, with the affected limb being immobilised and the bite site left alone. Local incisions, suction, tourniquets, ice packs or permanganate must not be used. Hospital management may include use of a speci?c antivenom, Zagreb®.

The weever ?sh is found in the coastal waters of the British Isles, Europe, the eastern Atlantic, and the Mediterranean Sea. It possesses venomous spines in its dorsal ?n. Stings and envenomation commonly occur when an individual treads on the ?sh. The victim may experience a localised but increasing pain over two hours. As the venom is heat-labile, immersion of the affected area in water at approximately 40 °C or as hot as can be tolerated for 30 minutes should ease the pain. Cold applications will worsen the discomfort. Simple ANALGESICS and ANTIHISTAMINE DRUGS may be given.

Bees, wasps and hornets are insects of the order Hymenoptera and the females possess stinging apparatus at the end of the abdomen. Stings may cause local pain and swelling but rarely cause severe toxicity. Anaphylactic (see ANAPHYLAXIS) reactions can occur in sensitive individuals; these may be fatal. Deaths caused by upper-airway blockage as a result of stings in the mouth or neck regions are reported. In victims of stings, the stinger should be removed as quickly as possible by ?icking, scraping or pulling. The site should be cleaned. Antihistamines and cold applications may bring relief. For anaphylactic reactions ADRENALINE, by intramuscular injection, may be required.... bites and stings

Linn.

Family: Calsalpiniaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India, up to an altitude of 1,500 m.

English: Coffee Senna, Foetid Cassia, Negro Coffee.

Ayurvedic: Kaasamarda, Kaasaari.

Unani: Kasondi.

Siddha/Tamil: Paeyaavarai, Thagarai.

Folk: Kasondi (bigger var.).

Action: Purgative, diuretic, febrifugal, expectorant, stomachic. Leaves—used internally and externally in scabies, ringworm and other skin diseases. A hot decoction is given as an antiperiodic. Seeds— used for cough, whooping cough and convulsions. Roasted seeds (roasting destroys the purgative property) are mixed with coffee for strength.

The pods contain sennosides and anthraquinones; seeds polysacchari- des, galactomannan; leaves dianthron- ic hetroside; pericarp apigenin; roots emodol; plant xanthone—cassiolin; seeds phytosterolin; flowers physcion and its glucosides, emodin and beta- sitosterol.

The volatile oil obtained from the leaves, roots and seeds showed antibacterial and antifungal activity.

The seeds, when fed to animals, resulted in weight loss and also were found to be toxic to experimental animals. Leaves are preferred to quinine as a tonic, seeds are considered as a hae- mateinic toxic and root is used as a hepatic tonic.

Dosage: Seed—3-6 g powder; leaf—10-20 ml juice; root bark— 50-100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... cassia occidentalis

n. poisoning from the bite of a spider. Toxins from the less venomous species of spider cause only local pain, redness, and swelling. Toxins from more venomous species, such as the black widow (Lactrodectus mactans), cause muscular pains, convulsions, nausea, and paralysis.... arachnidism

n. addiction to drugs of the barbiturate group. Signs of intoxication include confusion, slurring of speech, yawning, sleepiness, loss of memory, loss of balance, and reduction in muscular reflexes. Withdrawal of the drugs must be undertaken slowly, over 1–3 weeks, to avoid the withdrawal symptoms of tremors and convulsions, which can prove fatal.... barbiturism

n. an involuntary contraction of the muscles producing contortion of the body and limbs. Rhythmic convulsions of the limbs are a feature of major *epilepsy. *Febrile convulsions are provoked by fever in otherwise healthy infants and young children.... convulsion

n. any of the notoriously poisonous salts of hydrocyanic acid. Cyanides combine with and render inactive the enzymes of the tissues responsible for cellular respiration, and therefore they kill extremely quickly; unconsciousness is followed by convulsions and death. Hydrogen cyanide vapour is fatal in less than a minute when inhaled. Sodium or potassium cyanide taken by mouth may also kill within minutes. Prompt treatment with sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulphate or dicobalt *edetate may save life. Cyanides give off a smell of bitter almonds.... cyanide

This is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, nonirritating gas formed on incomplete combustion of organic fuels. Exposure to CO is frequently due to defective gas, oil or solid-fuel heating appliances. CO is a component of car exhaust fumes and deliberate exposure to these is a common method of suicide. Victims of ?res often suffer from CO poisoning. CO combines reversibly with oxygen-carrying sites of HAEMOGLOBIN (Hb) molecules with an a?nity 200 to 300 times greater than oxygen itself. The carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) formed becomes unavailable for oxygen transportation. In addition the partial saturation of the Hb molecule results in tighter oxygen binding, impairing delivery to the tissues. CO also binds to MYOGLOBIN and respiratory cytochrome enzymes. Exposure to CO at levels of 500 parts per million (ppm) would be expected to cause mild symptoms only and exposure to levels of 4,000 ppm would be rapidly fatal.

Each year around 50 people in the United Kingdom are reported as dying from carbon monoxide poisoning, and experts have suggested that as many as 25,000 people a year are exposed to its effects within the home, but most cases are unrecognised, unreported and untreated, even though victims may suffer from long-term effects. This is regrettable, given that Napoleon’s surgeon, Larrey, recognised in the 18th century that soldiers were being poisoned by carbon monoxide when billeted in huts heated by woodburning stoves. In the USA it is estimated that 40,000 people a year attend emergency departments suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. So prevention is clearly an important element in dealing with what is sometimes termed the ‘silent killer’. Safer designs of houses and heating systems, as well as wider public education on the dangers of carbon monoxide and its sources, are important.

Clinical effects of acute exposure resemble those of atmospheric HYPOXIA. Tissues and organs with high oxygen consumption are affected to a great extent. Common effects include headaches, weakness, fatigue, ?ushing, nausea, vomiting, irritability, dizziness, drowsiness, disorientation, incoordination, visual disturbances, TACHYCARDIA and HYPERVENTILATION. In severe cases drowsiness may progress rapidly to COMA. There may also be metabolic ACIDOSIS, HYPOKALAEMIA, CONVULSIONS, HYPOTENSION, respiratory depression, ECG changes and cardiovascular collapse. Cerebral OEDEMA is common and will lead to severe brain damage and focal neurological signs. Signi?cant abnormalities on physical examination include impaired short-term memory, abnormal Rhomberg’s test (standing unsupported with eyes closed) and unsteadiness of gait including heel-toe walking. Any one of these signs would classify the episode as severe. Victims’ skin may be coloured pink, though this is very rarely seen even in severe incidents. The venous blood may look ‘arterial’. Patients recovering from acute CO poisoning may suffer neurological sequelae including TREMOR, personality changes, memory impairment, visual loss, inability to concentrate and PARKINSONISM. Chronic low-level exposures may result in nausea, fatigue, headache, confusion, VOMITING, DIARRHOEA, abdominal pain and general malaise. They are often misdiagnosed as in?uenza or food poisoning.

First-aid treatment is to remove the victim from the source of exposure, ensure an e?ective airway and give 100-per-cent oxygen by tight-?tting mask. In hospital, management is largely suppportive, with oxygen administration. A blood sample for COHb level determination should be taken as soon as practicable and, if possible, before oxygen is given. Ideally, oxygen therapy should continue until the COHb level falls below 5 per cent. Patients with any history of unconsciousness, a COHb level greater than 20 per cent on arrival, any neurological signs, any cardiac arrhythmias or anyone who is pregnant should be referred for an expert opinion about possible treatment with hyperbaric oxygen, though this remains a controversial therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy shortens the half-life of COHb, increases plasma oxygen transport and reverses the clinical effects resulting from acute exposures. Carbon monoxide is also an environmental poison and a component of cigarette smoke. Normal body COHb levels due to ENDOGENOUS CO production are 0.4 to

0.7 per cent. Non-smokers in urban areas may have level of 1–2 per cent as a result of environmental exposure. Smokers may have a COHb level of 5 to 6 per cent.... carbon monoxide (co)

(Linn.) Nees & Eberm.

Family: Lauraceae.

Habitat: A tree native to China and Japan and often grown as a hedge plant.

English: Camphor tree.

Ayurvedic: Karpura, Ghanasaara, Chandra, Chandra Prabhaa, Sitaabhra, Hima-valukaa, Hi- mopala, Himakara, Shashi, Indu, Tushaara, Gandhadravya, Shital- raja.

Unani: Kaafoor.

Siddha/Tamil: Indu, Karupporam.

Action: Camphor taken internally in small doses (toxic in large doses) acts as a carminative, reflex expectorant and reflex stimulant of heart and circulation as well as respiration. Also used as a sedative and nervous depressant in convulsions, hysteria, epilepsy, chorea. Topically used as a rubefacient and mild analgesic.

Key application: Externally in catarrhal diseases of the respiratory tract and muscular rheumatism; internally in hypotonic circulatory regulation disorders, Catarrhal diseases of the respiratory tract. (German Commission E.)

The plant contains a volatile oil comprising camphor, safrole, linalool, eugenol and terpeneol. It also contains lignans (including secoisosolari- ciresinol dimethyl ether and kusunoki- ol). Safrole is thought to be carcinogenic.

The leaf oil is a natural source of linalool (94.9%); also contained cit- ronellal (2.4%).

Camphor in concentration of 500 mcg/ml completely inhibits the growth of vibro parahaemolyticus, one of the causative agents of diarrhoea and dysentery. Ethanolic extract (50%) of fruits show antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The essential oil from the plant possesses antifungal activity against many fungi. Camphor is toxic at 2-20 g.

Dosage: Concentrate—125-375 mg (CCRAS.)... cinnamomum camphora

n. an *antibiotic, active against a wide range of bacteria, that may be used as supporting treatment in resistant tuberculosis. Side-effects, which can be severe, include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, convulsions, and mental confusion.... cycloserine

(Roxb.) DC.

Family: Rutaceae.

Habitat: The sub-Himalayan tract from Garhwal to Sikkim; also in Chakrata range.

Folk: Ratanjot (var.), Rowana. Surasi is a doubtful synonym.

Action: Bark—anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic; used in veterinary medicine for wounds and sprains.

Aerial parts contain coumarins— clausmarins A and B. Coumarins exhibit spasmolytic activity. The root also contains coumarins. Root and stem bark of Clausena excavata Burm. f. Eastern sub-Himalayan tract, Orissa and Bihar) also contain coumarins— clausenin and clausenidin. The root bark exhibits antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacteria.

A related species, C. anisata (Willd.) Oliver, is reported from Uttar Pradesh. Ethanolic extract of the aerial parts exhibited spasmolytic activity. The fu- ranocoumarins, anisolactone, xantho- toxol, indicolactone, imperatorin and 2', 3'-epoxy-anisolactone have been isolated from the extract.

In West African traditional medicine, the decoction of the root is given to control convulsions in children. The anticonvulsant agent has been found to be heliettin, extracted from the stem bark and roots.... clausena pentaphylla

Linn.

Synonym: C. viscosa Linn.

Family: Capparidaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India; Tripura, West Bengal and Gangetic valley, as a weed.

English: Wild Mustard.

Ayurvedic: Tilaparni, Hurhur (yellow var.), Aadityabhakta.

Unani: Panwaar, Hulhul.

Siddha/Tamil: Nayikkadugu, Nalvellai.

Action: Seed—carminative, antiseptic, anthelmintic (for round worms). Leaf—sudorific. Bark— externally rubefacient, vesicant. Root—vermifuge.

The aerial parts contain a macro- cyclic diterpene, cleomaldeic acid, and a bicyclic diterpene, cleomeolide. The seeds contain coumarino-lignans, cleomiscosin A,B,C and D. The leaf extract exhibited fungitoxicity against ringworm causing fungi with reported mycelian inhibitions.

The aqueous extract of seeds exhibited significant analgesic and local anaesthetic activities in mice and guinea pigs, respectively. It failed to protect rats against convulsions induced by picrotoxin, though it potentiated the barbiturate sleeping time.

The purple var. of Hurhur is equated with Cleome monophylla L. (Bihar, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu).... cleome icosandra

W. & A.

Synonym: C. cordifolia Cogn. Cephalandra indica Naud.

Family: Cucurbitaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu; wild in many parts of India.

English: Ivy-Gourd.

Ayurvedic: Bimbi, Tundi, Tundikaa, Tundikeri, Kunduru, Raktaphala, Piluparni, Dantchhadaa.

Unani: Kanduri.

Siddha/Tamil: Kovvai.

Action: Carminative, antipyretic, galactagogue. Powder of root is taken with water to stop vomiting. Juice of leaves—antispasmodic and expectorant. Applied externally in eruptions of the skin. Root— antiprotozoal. Fruit, leaf and root— antidiabetic. Various plant parts are used in slow pulse and convulsions, also against infective hepatitis.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the whole plant for oedema, anaemia, disorders due to vitiated blood, cough and dyspnoea.

The fruit yielded beta-amyrin and its acetate, lupeol and cucurbitacin B.

Dosage: Whole plant—3-6 g powder; 5-10 ml juice. (API Vol. III.)... coccinia indica

Cyanide inhibits cellular RESPIRATION by binding rapidly and reversibly with the ENZYME, cytochrome oxidase. E?ects of poisoning are due to tissue HYPOXIA. Cyanide is toxic by inhalation, ingestion and prolonged skin contact, and acts extremely quickly once absorbed. Following inhalation of hydrogen cyanide gas, death can occur within minutes. Ingestion of inorganic cyanide salts may produce symptoms within 10 minutes, again proceeding rapidly to death. On a full stomach, effects may be delayed for an hour or more. Signs of cyanide poisoning are headache, dizziness, vomiting, weakness, ATAXIA, HYPERVENTILATION, DYSPNOEA, HYPOTENSION and collapse. Loss of vision and hearing may occur, then COMA and CONVULSIONS. Other features include cardiac ARRHYTHMIA and PULMONARY OEDEMA. Patients may have a lactic ACIDOSIS. Their arterial oxygen tension is likely to be normal, but their venous oxygen tension high and similar to that of arterial blood.

Treatment Administration of oxygen when available is the most important ?rst-aid management. Rescuers should be trained, must not put themselves at risk, and should use protective clothing and breathing apparatus. In unconscious victims, establish a clear airway and give 100 per cent oxygen. If breathing stops and oxygen is unavailable, initiate expired-air resuscitation. If cyanide salts were ingested, mouth-to-mouth contact must be avoided and a mask with a one-way valve employed instead. Some commercially available ?rst-aid kits contain AMYL NITRATE as an antidote which may be employed if oxygen is unavailable.

Once in hospital, or if a trained physician is on the scene, then antidotes may be administered. There are several di?erent intravenous antidotes that may be used either alone or in combination. In mild to moderate cases, sodium thiosulphate is usually given. In more severe cases either dicobalt edetate or sodium nitrite may be used, followed by sodium thio-sulphate. Some of these (e.g. dicobalt edetate) should be given only where diagnosis is certain, otherwise serious adverse reations or toxicity due to the antidotes may occur.... cyanide poisoning

n. a disease caused by the presence of tapeworm larvae (see cysticercus) of the species *Taenia solium in any of the body tissues. Humans become infected on ingesting tapeworm eggs in contaminated food or drink. The presence of cysticerci in the muscles causes pain and weakness; in the brain the symptoms are more serious, including mental deterioration, paralysis, giddiness, epileptic attacks, and convulsions, which may be fatal. There is no specific treatment for this cosmopolitan disease although surgical removal of cysticerci may be necessary to relieve pressure on the brain.... cysticercosis

Coleus spp.

Lamiaceae

The genus Coleus of the family Lamiaceae (Labiatae) comprises a number of herbaceous medicinal plants which are particularly employed in home remedies for various ailments. Three species are most popular and commonly cultivated. They are Coleus aromaticus, C. vettiveroides and C. forkoshlii.

1. Coleus aromaticus Benth. syn. C. amboinicus Lour., Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng.

Eng: Country borage, Indian borage;

San: Karpuravalli, Sugandhavalakam;

Hin: Patharchur;

Ben: Paterchur;

Mal: Panikkurkka, kannikkurkka;

Tam: Karpuravalli;

Kan: karpurahalli;

Tel: Sugandhavalkam.

It is found through out the tropics and cultivated in homestead gardens. It is a large succulent aromatic perennial herb with hispidly villous or tomentose fleshy stem. Leaves are simple, opposite, broadly ovate, crenate and fleshy. Flowers are pale purplish in dense whorls at distant intervals in a long slender raceme. Fruits are orbicular or ovoid nutlets. The leaves are useful in cephalagia, otalgia, anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, diarrhoea, cholera, halitosis, convulsions, epilepsy, cough, asthma, hiccough, bronchitis, strangury, hepatopathy and malarial fever (Warrier et al,1995).

2. Coleus vettiveroides K.C. Jacob, syn. Plectranthus vettiveroides (Jacob) Singh & Sharma.

San: Valakam, Hriberam;

Hin: Valak;

Mal: Iruveli;

Tam: Karuver;

Tel: Karuveru,

It is seen in tropical countries and cultivated in gardens. It is a small profusely branched, succulent aromatic herb with quadrangular stems and branches and deep straw coloured aromatic roots. Leaves are glandular hairy, broadly ovate with dentate margins and prominent veins on the bark. Blue flowers are borne on terminal racemes. Fruits are nutlets. The whole plant is useful in hyperdipsia, vitiated conditions of pitta, burning sensation, strangury, leprosy, skin diseases, leucoderma, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, ulcers and as hair tonic.

3. Coleus forskohlii Briq. syn. C. barbatus Benth.

Hin: Garmai

Kan: Maganiberu, Makandiberu

Guj: Maimul

It is a perennial aromatic herb grown under tropical to temperate conditions for its carrot-like tubers which are used as condiments in the preparation of pickles. Its tuberous roots are an exclusive source of a diterpenoid forskolin which has the unique property of activating almost all hormone sensitive adenylate cyclase enzymes in a biological system. It is useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure, glaucoma, asthma, cancer and in preventing immature greying of hair (Hegde,1997).

Agrotechnology: The Coleus group of plants grows in tropical to subtropical situations and in warm temperate climatic zone on mountains of India, Nepal, Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Africa. It comes up well on the sun exposed dry hill slopes from 300m to 1800m altitude. A well drained medium fertile soil is suitable for its cultivation. it is propagated vegetatively through stem and root cuttings. Vine cuttings to a length of 10-15cm from the top portion are most ideal for planting. The land is ploughed or dug to a depth of 15-20cm and ridges are formed 30cm apart. Vine cuttings are planted on the ridges at 30cm spacing after incorporating basal manure. 10t of FYM and NPK at 50:50:50kg/ha are incorporated into the soil. Top dressing of N and K is also suggested for improved yields. Weeding and earthing up at 45 days after planting along with topdressing is highly beneficial. Bacterial wilt and root knot nematode are reported in the crop. Drenching the soil with fungicide, deep ploughing in the summer, burning of crop residues and crop rotation are helpful to tide over the disease and pest problem. The crop can be harvested after 5-6 months.

Properties and activity: The medicinal property of Coleus amboinicus is attributed to codeine, carvacrol, flavones, aromatic acids and tannins present in the plant. The essential oil from the plant contains carvacrol, ethyl salicylate, thymol, eugenol and chavicol. Leaves also contain cirsimaritin, -sitosterol- -D-glucoside and oxalacetic acid. Leaves are bitter, acrid, thermogenic, aromatic, anodyne, appetising, digestive, carminative, stomachic, anthelmintic, constipating, deodorant, expectorant, diuretic and liver tonic.

Coleus vettiveroides is bitter, cooling, diuretic, trichogenous and antipyretic.

Coleus forskohlii roots are rich in diterpenoids like forskolin, coleonols, coleons, barbatusin, cyclobutatusin, coleosol, coleol, coleonone, deoxycoleonol, 7-deacetylforskolin and 6-acetyl-7-deacetylforskolin. Its root is spasmolytic, CNS active, hypothermic and diuretic. Forskolin is bronchodialative and hypotensive (Hussain et al,1992). Forskolin is also useful in preventing the clotting of blood platelets, in reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma and as an aid to nerve regeneration following trauma (Sharma, 1998)... coleus

(chlorophenothane, dicophane) n. a powerful insecticide that was formerly widely used against lice, fleas, flies, bed bugs, cockroaches, and other disease-carrying and destructive insects. It is a relatively stable compound that is stored in animal fats, and the quantities now present in the environment – in the form of stores accumulated in animal tissues – have led to its use being restricted. Acute poisoning, from swallowing more than 20 g, produces nervous irritability, muscle twitching, convulsions, and coma, but only a few fatalities have been reported.... ddt

n. a *corticosteroid drug used principally to treat severe allergies, eye inflammation, rheumatic and other inflammatory conditions, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Side-effects include sodium and fluid retention, muscle weakness, convulsions, vertigo, headache, and hormonal disturbances (including menstrual irregularities). In the form of an implant into the vitreous humour, it is also used to treat oedema associated with *retinal vein occlusion. Dexamethasone is also used in a series of tests for Cushing’s syndrome (see dexamethasone suppression tests).... dexamethasone

n. a long-acting *benzodiazepine used for the short-term relief of acute anxiety and insomnia and in the treatment of delirium tremens, status epilepticus, and febrile convulsions; it is also used as a *premedication. Diazepam is administered by mouth, injection, or rectally and can cause dependence; side-effects include drowsiness and lethargy, confusion, and muscle weakness.... diazepam

n. iodine poisoning. The main features are a characteristic staining of the mouth and odour on the breath. Vomited material may be yellowish or bluish. There is pain and burning in the throat, intense thirst, and diarrhoea, with dizziness, weakness, and convulsions. Emergency treatment includes administration of starch or flour in water and lavage with sodium thiosulphate solution.... iodism

Linn.

Synonym: D. fastuosa Linn.

Family: Solanaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India, particularly in waste place.

English: Thornapple, Downy Datura.

Ayurvedic: Dhattuura, Dhuurta, Dhastura, Unmatta, Shivapriya, Harapriya, Hema, Haatta, Dhustuu- ra, Dhustuuraka, Kanaka, Maatula. Also equated with Raaj-dhatuura. (white var.)

Unani: Dhaturaa.

Siddha/Tamil: Oomatthai, Karu- voomatthai.

Action: Various plant parts are used in headache, hemiplegia, epilepsy, delirium, convulsions, cramps, rigid thigh muscles, rheumatism. Leaf— antitumour, antirheumatic. Leaf and corolla—anti-inflammatory. Flower—antiasthmatic. Seed, leaf and root—anticatarrhal, febrifuge, antidiarrhoeal, antidermatosis; also used in cerebral complications. Seeds—used in asthma. Limited use in kinetosis (excessive salivation, nausea and vomiting).

Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIndia indicated the use of the whole plant in dysuria and alopecia.

The plant accumulates more hyos- cine than hyoscyamine. Hyoscine content of dried leaves and flowering tops—between 0.02-0.55%. Alkaloid content of leaves—0.55%; stem—0.4%; seeds—0.19%; pericarps—0.8%; root at flowering of the plant—0.77%.

Hyoscine in large doses causes delirium and coma.

Dosage: Seed—30-60 mg. (API Vol. III.)... datura metel

Most of the people have already used it for cooking, but now it is time to consider drinking fennel as a tea. In ancient times it was believed that this herb had mysterious vitalistic properties. About fennel tea Also known as Foeniculum vulgare, fennelis a perennial, edible herb, green and crunchy like celery, with feathery leaves and small yellow flowers. It ressembles to dill as well. Its bulb is white or pale green with closely superimposed stalks. Originated from the Mediterranean regions now it grows almost everywhere. It is rich in vitamins A, B-complex, C and D, antioxidants and it is a great source of amino acids, fatty acids, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, sodium, sulfur and zinc. Generally, the seeds are used to make fennel tea but some might use the leaves as well. How to make Fennel tea A cup of fennel tea will offer you a world of benefits due to its healthy constituents. For a tasty tea, take one teaspoon of fennel seeds and pour one cup of boiled water. Let the tea steep for about 10 minutes allowing the water to extract the oil from the seeds and then use another cup to drain the tea. Benefits of Fennel tea There is a wide range of health benefits for drinking fennel tea. Find out below some of the most important ones. Fennel tea stimulates milk production (lactation) and has the same impact on the body as estrogen. It also improves the hormone balance and alleviates symptoms of PMS and menopause. Fennel tea has been shown to be diuretic, bile-producing, pain-reducing, fever-reducing and an antimicrobial fighter. The seeds and the tea can help with digestive problems by relaxing the smooth muscles of the intestine and it is often used by people to alleviate bloating, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, and gas. Fennel tea is effective at reducing the symptoms of cold and flu, soothing sore throats, clearing up congestions in the chest and expelling excess phlegm. It is believed to improve the eyesight. Side effects of Fennel tea A part from the many benefits that it has, fennel tea also has some precautions that are better to be taken into consideration. The consumption of fennel in excessive quantities is not indicated because it can lead to muscular convulsions and even hallucinations. Pregnant women should avoid drinking fennel tea because it can act as an uterine stimulant. Do not apply fennel directly to your skin because it can irritate it. Fennel tea is mostly safe for regular consumption as long as you do not drink more than 3 cups a day. Do not ignore its precautions if you want to have a healthy experience.... fennel tea

a magnesium salt used in the form of mixtures or powders as an osmotic *laxative for rapid evacuation of the bowel. It is also administered intravenously to treat magnesium deficiency and serious *arrhythmias and to prevent the recurrence of convulsions in *eclampsia.... magnesium sulphate

Regel.

Synonym: F. assafoetida Linn.

Family: Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.

Habitat: Native to Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. F. narthex occurs in Kashmir.

English: Asafoetida.

Ayurvedic: Hingu, Hinguka, Raamattha, Baahlika, Jatuka, Sahasravedhi, Vedhi.

Unani: Hilteet, Hing.

Siddha/Tamil: Perunkaayam.

Action: Olea-gum-resin—stimu- lates the intestinal and respiratory tracts and the nervous system bark. Used for simple digestive problems such as bloating, indigestion, constipation; for congested mucus, bronchitis, whooping cough, also for neurological affections, epilepsy, cramps and convulsions.

Key application: In dyspepsia, chronic, gastritis, irritable colon; as spasmolytic. (The British Herbal Pharmocopoeia.) Contraindicated in bleeding disorders, pregnancy, infectious or inflammatory G1 diseases. (Sharon M. Herr.)

Ferula foetida contains: resins about 40-60%, consisting of asaresionotan- nols and their esters; farnesiferols, ferulic acid and other acids; about 25% gum; about 6-17% volatile oil, major constituent being sec-propenyl- isobutyl disulphide; sulphated ter- penes, pinene, cadinene and vanillin; sesquiterpenoid coumarins. Some compounds from Ferula sp. ehibit an- tifertility activity.

Dosage: Detoxified oleo- gum-resin—125-500 mg. (API Vol. I.)... ferula foetida

a viral disease caused by the West Nile virus (a *flavivirus), which is spread by the Culex pipiens mosquito. It causes encephalitis, with influenza-like symptoms, enlarged lymph nodes, and a bright red rash on the chest and abdomen. In patients with a weakened immune system (such as the elderly) it can progress to convulsions, coma, and paralysis.... west nile fever

prevents and eases spasms or convulsions.... antispasmodic

Linn.

Family: Fumariaceae.

Habitat: Native to Europe and North America. Found at high altitudes in Nilgiris and Salem (Tamil Nadu).

English: Fumitory.

Ayurvedic: Parpata (related species).

Unani: Shaahtaraa.

Action: Antispasmodic and amphicholeretic. Stimulant to liver and gall bladder; used for eczema and other skin diseases. Also diuretic and mild laxative.

Key application: In spastic discomforts in the area of gallbladder and bile ducts, as well as the gastrointestinal tract. (German Commission E, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

The herb contains indenobenzaze- pine alkaloids—fumaritrin and fu- marofine.

Other alkaloids include (-)-scou- lerine, protopine, fumaricine, (+)-fu- mariline. The plant also contain rutin, fumaric acid and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives.

Protopine exhibits antihistaminic, hypotensive, bradycardic and sedative activity in small doses, but excitation and convulsions in large doses. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)

The seed oil contains myristic 4.2, palmitic 17.6, stearic 2.7, oleic 19.6, linoleic 55.7 and linolenic acid 0.2%.

The upper flowering part of the herb is used for biliary disorders, various skin diseases and fevers. The herb can also treat arteriosclerosis by helping in lowering blood cholesterol level and improving the elasticity of arterial wall.... fumaria officinalis

In?ammation of the STOMACH and intestines (see INTESTINE), usually resulting from an acute bacterial or viral infection. The main symptoms are diarrhoea and vomiting, often accompanied by fever and – especially in infants – DEHYDRATION. Although generally a mild disease in western countries, it is the number-one killer of infants in the developing world, with more than 1·5 million children dying annually from the disease in India – a situation exacerbated by early weaning and malnutrition. Complications may include CONVULSIONS, kidney failure, and, in severe cases, brain damage.

Treatment This involves the urgent correction of dehydration, using intravenous saline and dextrose feeds initially, with continuing replacement as required. Antibiotics are not indicated unless systemic spread of bacterial infection is likely. (See also FOOD POISONING.)... gastroenteritis

Viola tricolor. N.O. Violaceae.

Synonym: Wild Pansy.

Habitat: Cultivated fields.

Features ? Stem short, square, smooth, branched. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, crenate. Flowers in June, petals of differing sizes, usually wholly yellow but occasionally purple upper petals with dark stripes on lower; single, violet-like flower to each flower stalk. Three carpel fruit.

Part used ? Herb.

Action: Diaphoretic, diuretic.

The mildness of action makes it applicable in infantile skin eruptions, for which the ounce to pint infusion is given in doses according to age.

It has been said that the medicine will ward off asthmatic and epileptic convulsions, but there would appear to be no reliable confirmation of this. The claim may have originated with Culpeper, who writes, concerning Heartsease ? "The spirit of it is excellently good for the convulsions in children, as also for falling sickness, and a gallant remedy for the inflammations of the lungs and breast, pleurisy, scabs, itch, etc."... heartsease

A neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by disease of the LIVER, and occurring most often in patients with CIRRHOSIS – see also LIVER, DISEASES OF; it also occurs in acute form in acute failure of liver function. The disorder is believed to be the result of biochemical disturbance of brain function, because the condition is reversible and pathological changes in brain tissue are rarely found. The patient’s intellect, personality, emotions and consciousness are altered but neurological signs may or may not be identi?ed. Apathy, confusion, drowsiness, sometimes CONVULSIONS, speech disturbance and eventually COMA mark the progress of the condition. The principles of treatment are to remove the precipitating causes. These include: URAEMIA; sedative, antidepressant and hypnotic drugs; gastrointestinal bleeding; too much protein in the diet; infection; and trauma (including surgical operations).... hepatic encephalopathy

Linn.

Habitat: Native to Europe and Asia. Occurs in the temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Garhwal.

English: Indian Henbane, Black Henbane.

Ayurvedic: Paarsika-yavaani, Yavaani, Madkaarini, Turushkaa, Khuraashaanikaa, Khuraasaani Ajwaayin.

Unani: Barz-ul-Banj, Khuraasaani Ajwaayin.

Siddha/Tamil: Paarseekayavani, Khurasani Omam.

Action: Sedative. Narcotic drug. Used for convulsions. Action similar to Belladonna.

Key application: In spasms of gastrointestinal tract. (German Commission E, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

The leaves and flowering tops contain tropane alkaloids, 0.045-00.14%, the principal ones being hyoscyamine and hyoscine. The alkaloids are para- sympatholytic, with similar actions to Belladonna, although with less cerebral excitement.

The seeds show inhibitory activity against digestive enzyme, lipase in vitro.

Contraindicated in tachycardias, prostatic hyperplasia, narrow-angle glaucoma, acute pulmonary oedema, stenosis of gastrointestinal tract, maga colon.

Dosage: Seed—3-5 g powder. (CCRAS.)... hyoscyamus niger

Linn.

Family: Iridaceae.

Habitat: On river banks, by the side of lakes, ponds. Native to Great Britain.

English: Yellow Flag.

Folk: Paashaanabheda (Gujarat).

Action: Cathartic and acrid. Used in dysmenorrhoea and leucorrhoea. Juice of the root—used for obstinate coughs and convulsions.

Rhizomes contain a glycoside, irisin, iridin or irisine, reportedly present, with myristic acid.... iris pseudacorus

Linn.

Family: Compositae; Asteraceae.

Habitat: Native of Europe; grown in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

English: German Chamomile, Chamomile. German chamomile flower is equated with Matricaria recutita L. (synonym Chamomilla recutita L.) and Roman Chamomile flower with Anthemis nobilis L. (synonym Chamamaelum nobilis L.)

Unani: Baabunaa.

Action: Sedative, anticonvulsant, carminative, antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic. See also Anthemis nobilis.

Key application (German Chamomile) ? In inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and gastrointestinal spasm. Externally, in skin, mucous membrane and ano-genital inflammation and bacterial skin diseases. (German Commission E, The British Herbal Compendium.) As anti-inflammatory and anti- spasmodic. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

The flowers of German chamomile gave volatile oil up to about 2%, containing alpha-bisabolol up to 50%, azu- lenes including chamazulene, guiazu- line and matricine; flavonoids including apigenin and luteolin and their glycosides, patuletin and quercetin; spiroethers; coumarins; polysaccha- rides.

The flowers are used as herbal tea for cough and cold and for promoting the flow of gastric secretion and bile. In chamomlile extracts, chamazulene has been found responsible for anti- inflammatory activity. Matricine and (-)-alpha-bisabolol also show anti- inflammatory and analgesic activity. Bisabolol exhibits ulceroprotective effect. Natural (-)-alpha-bisabolol has been shown to be significantly effective in healing burns; (-)-alpha-bisabolol, spiroethers and apigenin exhibit spasmolytic effect comparable with that of papaverine.

The polysaccharides are immunos- timulating and activate macrophages and B lymphocytes; play an important role in wound healing.

Crude aqueous extract of the plant has been reported to significantly delay the onset of convulsions and reduce mortality rate produced by picrotoxin experimentally.... matricaria chamomilla

(Roxb.) Royle.

Synonym: Anilema scapiflorum Wt. A. tuberosum Buch.-Ham.

Family: Commelinaceae.

Habitat: Temperate and tropical Himalaya, upper Gangetic plains and Peninsular India.

Folk: Siyaah Musli; Sismulia (Gujarat); Kureli.

Action: Root—astringent, febrifuge; used in headache, giddiness, jaundice. Root bark—diuretic, antispasmodic, (used in asthma, colic, infantile convulsions.)... murdannia scapiflora

Linn.

Family: Labiatae, Lamiaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated in Britain and the USA. Occurs in Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal at 2,000-3,300 m.

English: Catnip, Catnep, Catmint.

Action: Leaves and flowers— gentle nerve relaxant and sedative, carminative, antispasmodic, an- tidiarrhoeal, diaphoretic, febrifuge. Used in restlessness, convulsions, nervous headache, colic, early stages of fever, colds and influenza. The herb is to be infused (not boiled).

Catnip contains iridoids, tannins and volatile oil, major components being alpha- and beta-nepetalactone (up to 42%), citronellol and geraniol.

The catnip response in the domestic cat is being attributed to iridoid lac- tones, nepetalactone, dihydronepeta- lactone, iso-dihydronepetalactone and neonepetalactone. Its reputation as a hallucinogen has been disputed, but a few studies have shown behavioural effects, although weak, in young chicks, rodents and cats. (Potter's New Cyclopaedia.)

Neptalactone is structurally related to valepotriates found in valerian. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)... nepeta cataria

MORPHINE and CODEINE are natural opium ALKALOIDS found in the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). The other opioids are either synthetic or semi-synthetic analogues of these. Their main use is in the treatment of moderate to severe PAIN, but they are also used as antidiarrhoeal and antitussive agents. As a result of induced tolerance (see DEPENDENCE) and great individual variability, the amount of opioid substances required to cause serious consequences varies enormously.

The most common effects of opioid overdose are vomiting, drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, BRADYCARDIA, CONVULSIONS and COMA. Respiratory depression is common and may lead to CYANOSIS and respiratory arrest. HYPOTENSION occurs occasionally and in severe cases non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and cardiovascular collapse may occur. Cardiac ARRHYTHMIA may occur with some opioids. Some opioids have a HISTAMINE-releasing e?ect which may result in an urticarial rash (see URTICARIA), PRURITUS, ?ushing and hypotension. Activated CHARCOAL should be given following overdose and NALOXONE administered to reverse respiratory depression and deep coma.... opioid poisoning

Once known as infantile paralysis, this disease is caused by a viral infection involving the BRAIN and SPINAL CORD. Since the development of e?ective vaccines in the 1950s (see IMMUNISATION), polio has been practically eliminated in most developed countries. People who have not been fully vaccinated, however, may get the disease: it remains a serious risk for unvaccinated travellers to Africa, Asia or southern Europe. Most reported cases are now from sub-Saharan Africa.

Pathology There are three types of virus, infection spreading by the stools-contaminated hands-mouth route. Children are most susceptible.

One attack usually produces permanent immunity, and second attacks are rare. The virus typically affects the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord, especially those in the lumbar region; the grey matter of the brain stem and cortex may also be damaged.

Vaccination is given to infants at two, three and four months: a booster dose is given at around the age of ?ve. The vaccine contains all three types of polio virus. Two types of vaccine are available: inactivated polio virus (IPV) contains dead virus and is administered by injections; oral polio vaccine (OPV) contains live, harmless strains. The latter is used in the United Kingdom.

Symptoms The incubation period is around 7–14 days, the onset being marked by a mild fever and headache which improves after a few days. In around 85 per cent of infected children there is no further progression, but in some – after approximately one week – the symptoms recur, together with neck sti?ness and signs of meningeal irritation (see MENINGES). Weakness of individual muscle groups is common, and may progress – to a variable extent, depending on the distribution of the virus – to widespread PARALYSIS. Involvement of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles may lead to respiratory failure and rapid death unless arti?cial respiration is provided. Involvement of the cranial nerves and brain may lead to nystagmus (see under EYE, DISORDERS OF), hoarseness and di?culty in swallowing, and CONVULSIONS may occur in young children. The CEREBROSPINAL FLUID shows an early increase in lymphocytes, followed by a rise in protein concentration.

Treatment There is no e?ective drug treatment for the infection. Treatment involves early bed rest, followed by PHYSIOTHERAPY and orthopaedic measures as required. At the onset of respiratory diffculties a TRACHEOSTOMY and arti?cial ventilation should be started. (In the 1950s, when polio epidemics were occurring, respiratory diffculties were treated by placing patients in an ‘iron lung’ – a large, airtight, cylindrical container in which the air pressure was raised and lowered to simulate normal breathing.) In cases of severe paralysis with persistent wasting of the limbs, surgery may be necessary to minimise the resulting disability.... poliomyelitis

Linn.

Family: Rosaceae.

Habitat: Native of Eurasia; cultivated in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Kumaon for edible fruits.

English: Sour Cherry.

Ayurvedic: Elavaaluka (var.).

Folk: Aalu-baalu, Gilaas.

Action: Fruit—diuretic, anti- inflammatory. Used for genitourinary inflammations, cystitis and urine retention. Bark—febrifuge, antidiarrhoeal. Fruit stalk—diuretic. Fruit stalk and stem—pectoral. Bark and fruit stalk—astringent. Kernel—nervine. Leaf—an infusion is given for convulsions in children.

Key application: Heartwood—in skin eruptions, erysipelas, obstinate skin diseases, haemorrhagic diseases. As a tonic for promoting conception. (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.)

The leaves, fruits and bark gave flavone glycosides. The bark contains 5-7% tannin. The kernel contains a considerable proportion of hydrocyanic acid. The leaves contain amyg- dalin. (Amygdalin, a nitrile glycoside, has been reported to inhibit the growth of Sarcoma-180 cells in culture.)... prunus cerasus

A condition, now rare, which occurs predominantly in young children following a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract or a viral infection such as CHICKENPOX or INFLUENZA.

The cause is not known, but there is evidence that ASPIRIN may also play a part in its causation. Doctors recommend that children should be given PARACETAMOL in place of aspirin. The initial feature is severe, persistent vomiting and fever. This is followed by outbursts of wild behaviour, DELIRIUM and CONVULSIONS terminating in COMA and death, often from liver failure. The MORTALITY rate is around 23 per cent, and 50 per cent of the survivors may have persistent mental or neurological disturbances. The younger the patient, the higher the death rate and the more common the permanent residual effects. Since aspirin has no longer been licensed for use in children and young people the incidence of the condition has fallen dramatcally. Some cases, previously thought to be Reye’s syndrome, have subsequently turned out to have been due to certain inherited metabolic diseases and to be unconnected with aspirin.... reye’s syndrome

Sm.

Family: Rosaceae.

Habitat: Punjab to Assam, extending southwards into the Western Ghats and Deccan.

English: Gach Strawberry.

Folk: Hinsaalu, Anchhu. Gouri-phal (Kashmir), Tolu, Aselu (Nepal).

Action: Root and young stem— administered in colic pain.

Extract of the leaves showed anti- convulsant activity against electrical- induced convulsions, potentiated hypnotic effect of pentobarbitone sodium and had positive inotropic and chronotropic effects. (Compendium of Indian Medicinal Plants, Vol. 5.)... rubus ellipticus

Linn.

Family: Rutaceae.

Habitat: Native to Southern Europe and North Africa; cultivated in Indian gardens. (Most of the reports of the Garden Rue, cultivated in India, refer to this species and not to Ruta graveolens.)

Unani: Jangali Sudaab.

Siddha/Tamil: Arvada.

Action: Plant—antispasmodic, sudorific. Stimulates the nervous system; commonly used in decoction in convulsions and fever. Also used as a fumigant in infant catarrh.

The plant gave an essential oil which contains chiefly methyl heptyl ketone (while Ruta graveolens contains 8090% methyl nonyl ketone and methyl heptyl ketone in small amounts). Rutin is the most important active principle of the plant, responsible for its anti- inflammatory and tumour-inhibiting effect.... ruta chalepensis

This disorder is caused by the erythrogenic toxin of the STREPTOCOCCUS. The symptoms of PYREXIA, headache, vomiting and a punctate erythematous rash (see ERYTHEMA) follow a streptococcal infection of the throat or even a wound. The rash is symmetrical and does not itch. The skin subsequently peels.

Symptoms The period of incubation (i.e. the time elapsing between the reception of infection and the development of symptoms) varies somewhat. In most cases it lasts only two to three days, but in occasional cases the patient may take a week to develop his or her ?rst symptoms. The occurrence of fever is usually short and sharp, with rapid rise of temperature to 40 °C (104 °F), shivering, vomiting, headache, sore throat and marked increase in the rate of the pulse. In young children, CONVULSIONS or DELIRIUM may precede the fever. The rash usually appears within 24 hours of the onset of fever and lasts about a week.

Complications The most common and serious of these is glomerulonephritis (see under KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF), which may arise during any period in the course of the fever, but particularly when DESQUAMATION occurs. Occasionally the patient develops chronic glomerulonephritis. Another complication is infection of the middle ear (otitis media – see under EAR, DISEASES OF). Other disorders affecting the heart and lungs occasionally arise in connection with scarlet fever, the chief of these being ENDOCARDITIS, which may lay the foundation of valvular disease of the heart later in life. ARTHRITIS may produce swelling and pain in the smaller rather than in the larger joints; this complication usually occurs in the second week of illness. Scarlet fever, which is now a mild disease in most patients, should be treated with PENICILLIN.... scarlet fever

An involuntary, and, in severe cases, painful contraction of a muscle or of a hollow organ with a muscular wall. Spasm may be due to affections in the muscle where the spasm takes place, or it may originate in some disturbance of that part of the nervous system which controls the spasmodically acting muscles. Spasms of a general nature are usually spoken of as CONVULSIONS; spasms of a painful nature are known as cramp (see under MUSCLES, DISORDERS OF) when they affect the muscles of the limbs, and as COLIC when they are situated in the stomach, intestines, ureters or bile duct, or other organs of the abdomen. Spasm of the heart is called ANGINA PECTORIS, and is both a serious and an agonising condition. When the spasm is a prolonged ?rm contraction, it is spoken of as tonic spasm; when it consists of a series of twitches or quick alternate contractions and relaxations, it is known as clonic spasm. Spasm is a symptom of many diseases.... spasm

An alkaloid (see ALKALOIDS) derived from Strychnos nux-vomica, the seeds of an East Indian tree, as well as from the seeds of several other closely allied trees and shrubs. It is a white crystalline body possessed of an intensely bitter taste, more bitter perhaps than that of any other substance, and it is not very soluble in water. It stimulates all parts of the nervous system, and was at one time widely used for this purpose. Strychnine poisoning is fortunately rare. It shows itself in CONVULSIONS, which come on very speedily after the person has taken the poison. The mental faculties remain unaffected, and the symptoms end in death or recovery within a few hours.

Treatment The patient should be kept quiet. Arti?cial respiration may be necessary and intravenous BENZODIAZEPINES to prevent convulsions may also be needed. (See POISONS; also APPENDIX 2: ADDRESSES: SOURCES OF INFORMATION, ADVICE, SUPPORT AND SELFHELP.)... strychnine

Tansy Tea is a very good and natural vermifuge, used mainly to treat children. Tansy is a perennial plant, with long narrow leaves and bright yellow flowers. Originally from Asia, Tansy is now grown all over the world and used for medical purposes, even if physicians all over the world are being reticent when it comes to recommending it to patients. For a very large amount of time, Tansy Tea was used in order to induce miscarriage and many women died drinking too much of it. Tansy Tea Properties The main substances of Tansy Tea (tanacetin, volatile oil, tannic acid, parthenolides)are toxic in large quantities, so if you’re thinking about starting a treatment based on Tansy Tea it’s best to keep track of how much you drink per day. The parts that can be used for medical purposes are the leaves and the flowering tops and you can either make a tea out of them or use the leaves freshly picked. Tansy Tea Benefits Although the main use of the Tansy Tea was to treat worms in children, the modern applications of the alternative medicine point towards using it as a cooking ingredient that can be added in small amounts to a variety of salads and omelets, thanks to its cinnamon-like taste. Tansy Tea can also be used as a natural cosmetic product able to lighten skin and decolorize the unwanted sunspots. Today, the medical uses of the Tansy Tea have been loudly discredited, although you can still find it on markets and it’s legal to grow it in your own yard. However, it’s safe and actually indicated that you use Tansy in order to keep your vegetables pest-free rather than buy some random chemical repellent. How to make Tansy Tea Infusion When preparing Tansy Tea Infusion, you need to make sure that the concentration is not going to do you any harm (use a very small amount). Poor boiling water over the Tansy leaves and wait for about 5 minutes. Only take the tea as long as you’re sick (not more than a cup per day) and do not turn it into a daily habit. Tansy Tea cannot replace coffee and it’s toxic in high dosages. If you’ve taken this tea for a while and there are still no results, see a doctor immediately and stop taking Tansy Tea! Tansy Tea Side Effects Tansy Tea has many side effects. In fact, few physicians are brave enough to prescribe Tansy tea to their patients. It can cause spasms, hallucinations, convulsions. In very high dosages, it can cause death. Tansy Tea Contraindications Do not take Tansy Tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding under no circumstances! Also, a very strong cup of Tansy Tea can cause death. There have been many reported cases of young women who died after ingesting a concentrated solution of this tea. Before making any moves towards using Tansy leaves or flowers, ask your doctor about the risks. If Tansy Tea seems a bit strong for your organism, next time you’re looking for a natural repellent, take it into consideration. It’s a very cheap method that will keep all worms away from your delicious vegetables!... tansy tea - a dangerous vermifuge

Strychnos nux-vomica

Loganiaceae

San: Karaskara;

Hin: Kajra, Kuchila;

Mal: Kanjiram; ;

Tam: Itti, Kagodi, Kanjirai Mar:Jharkhatchura;

Kan: Hemmushti, Ittangi;

Tel: Mushti, Mushidi; Ori: Kora, Kachila

Importance: It is a large deciduous tree, with simple leaves and white fragrant flowers.

Strychnos is highly toxic to man and animals producing stiffness of muscles and convulsions, ultimately leading to death. However, in small doses it can also serve as efficacious cure forms of paralysis and other nervous disorders. The seeds are used as a remedy in intermittent fever, dyspepsia, chronic dysentery, paralytic and neuralgic affections, worms, epilepsy, chronic rheumatism, insomnia and colic. It is also useful in impotence, neuralgia of face, heart disease, spermatorrhoea, skin diseases, toxins, wounds, emaciation, cough and cholera. Leaves are applied as poultice in the treatment of chronic wounds and ulcers and the leaf decoction is useful in paralytic complaints. Root and root bark used in fever and dysentery (Nadkarni, 1982; Kurup et al, 1979).

Distribution: The plant is distributed throughout India in deciduous forests up to 1200m. It is also found in Sri Lanka, Siam, Indochina and Malaysia.

Botany: Strychnos nux-vomica Linn. is a large tree belonging to the family Loganiaceae. Leaves are simple, opposite, orbicular to ovate, 6-11.5x6-9.5cm, coriaceous, glabrous, 5 nerved, apex obtuse, acute or apiculate, transverse nerves irregular and inconspicuous. Inflorescence is many flowered terminal cymes, 2.5-5cm across. Bracts (5mm) and bracteoles (1.5mm) small. Flowers are white or greenish white and fragrant. Calyx 5 lobed, pubescent and small (2mm). Corolla salver shaped, tube cylindrical slightly hairy near the base within and greenish white, tube much elongate than the lobes. Tube 7mm and lobes 2.5mm long. Lobes 5 and valvate. Stamens 5, filaments short, 0.1mm long. Anthers 1.5mm subexerted, linear oblong. Ovary 1.5 mm, pubescent, 2 celled, ovules one to many. Style 9mm, stigma capitate. Fruit is a berry, 5-6cm diameter, globose, indehiscent, thick shelled, orange red when ripe with fleshy pulp enclosing the seeds. Seeds 1-many, discoid, compressed, coin like, concave on one side and convex on the other, covered with fine grey silky hairs.

The leaf fall is during December (do not shed all the leaves at a time) and new foliage appears in February. Flowering is during March - April and fruiting during May - December. Fruits take about 8-9 months to mature.

Properties and activity: Strychnine and brucine are the most important and toxic alkaloids present in the plant. They occur not only in the seeds but also in roots, wood, bark, fruit pulp and hard fruit shells. The minor alkaloids present in the plant are vomicine, -colubrine, -colubrine, pseudostrychnine and N-methyl-sec-pseudobrucine (novacine). Loganin a glycoside is also present (Warnat, 1932; Martin et al, 1953; Guggisberg et al, 1966; Bisset and Chaudhary, 1974). Chatterji and Basa (1967) reported vomicine as the major constituent alkaloid along with unidentified alkaloid in leaves and identified another alkaloid kajine (N-methyl pseudostrychnine) from the leaves of very young plants.

Root bark of S. nux-vomica yeilded 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy strychnine, 4 hydroxy strychine, nor-macusine, a new alkaloid 12 , 13 dihydro-12 -hydroxy isostrychnine named protostrychnine (Baser et al, 1979) methoxy strychnine, and mavacurine (Guggisberg et al, 1966). Leaves and root bark also yeilded 11 new alkaloids. 10-hydroxy strychnine, 3-12-dihydroxystrychnine, 12-hydroxy–11- methoxy strychnine, 3-12-dihydroxy- 11-methoxy strychnine,12-hydroxy strychnine-N- oxide 12-hydroxy-11-methoxy strychnine- N-oxide-19,20–dihydro isostrychnine, 16 , 17 dihydro-17 -hydroxy isostrychnine, O- methyl-macusine B, 16-epi-o-methyl–macusine B and normelinone B (Baser and Bisset, 1982).

De and Datta (1988) isolated 5 tertiary indole alkaloids viz. strychnine, brucine, vomicine, icajine and novacine from S.nux-vomica flowers. Bisset et al (1989) isolated and identified two phenolic glycosides salidroside and cuchiloside – a compound consisting of salidroside and an attached xylose unit, from the fruit of S.nux-vomica.

Rodriguez et al (1979) isolated an indole alkaloid from the seeds of S. nux- vomica and identified as a 3-methoxy icajine. A new alkaloid 15-hydroxy strychnine has been isolated from the seeds and the structure of the alkaloid established by spectroscopic data (Galeffi et al, 1979). Cai et al (1990a) isolated 4 new alkaloids isobrucine, isobrucine N-oxide, isostrychnine N-oxide and 2 hydroxy–3-methoxy strychnine from the heat treated seeds of S. nuxvomica and the structure of the alkaloids were determined by 13 CNMR (Cai et al, 1994). Cai et al (1990 b) studied the changes in the alkaloid composition of the seeds during drug processing. Saily et al (1994) determined the mineral elements in Strychnos nux-vomica. Corsaro et al (1995) reported polysaccharides from the seeds of Strychnos species.

Seeger and Neumann (1986) reviewed the physico-chemical characteristics, occurrence, identification, utilisation, poisoning, toxicity, kinetics, differential diagnosis and therapeutic uses of strychnine and brucine. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus and Pencillium citrinum showed regular association with Strychnos seeds and effectively deteriorated the alkaloid content of the seeds (Dutta, 1988; Dutta and Roy, 1992). Nicholson (1993) described the history, structure and synthesis of strychnine which occur in the seeds of S. nux-vomica. Rawal and Michoud (1991) developed a general solution for the synthesis of 2- azabicyclo (3.3.1) nonane substructure of Strychnos alkaloids.

Villar et al (1984) and Hayakawa et al (1984) developed HPLC method for the analysis of strychnine and brucine. Graf and Wittliner (1985), Kostennikova (1986) and Gaitonde and Joshi (1986) suggested different methods for the assay of strychnine and brucine. Biala et al, (1996) developed new method for the assay of alkaloids in S. nux- vomica.

The seeds are bitter, acrid, alexeteric, aphrodisiac, appetiser, antiperiodic, anthelmintic, digestive, febrifuge, emmenagogue, purgative, spinal, respiratory and cardiac stimulant and stomachic. The bark is bitter, and tonic and febrifuge (Nadkarni, 1954; Kurup et al, 1979; Warrier et al, 1996).

The quarternery alkaloid from the root bark of the Sri Lankan plant exhibited muscle-relaxant activity (Baser and Bisset, 1982). Antimicrobial activity of indole alkaloid isolated from the Strychnos nux-vomica was studied by Verpoorte et al, 1983. Shukla et al (1985) evaluated the efficacy of Rasnadigugglu compound consisting of S. nux-vomica, on rheumatoid arthritis and found to be effective in reducing inflammatory oedoma and rheumatoid arthritis. It also exhibited analgesic activity. A compound Unani formulation containing S. nux-vomica significantly attenuated withdrawal intensity in morphine dependent rats (Zatar et al, 1991). Shahana et al (1994) studied the effect of Unani drug combination (UDC) having Strychnos nux-vomica on the abstinence syndrome in moderately and severely morphine dependent rats. The UDC strikingly suppressed the abstinence syndrome was seen to possess central depressant and analgesic action.

Melone et al (1992) reported brucine-lethality in mice. Panda and Panda (1993) and Satyanarayanan et al (1994) reported antigastric ulcer activity of nux vomica in Shay rats. Banerjee and Pal (1994) reported the medicinal plants used by the tribals of plain land in India for hair and scalp preparation and S. nux-vomica being used to cure alopecia (baldness) by the tribals. Tripathi and Chaurasia (1996) studied the effect of S. nux-vomica alcohol extract on lipid peroxidation in rat liver.... strychnine tree

Acorus calamus

Araceae

San: Vaca, Ugragandha, Bhadra;

Hin: Bacc, Gorbacc;

Ben: Bach; Mal:Vayampu;

Tam: Vasampu;

Kan: Bajai;

Tel: Vasa Vadaja

Importance: The sweet flag is an important medhya drug, capable of improving memory power and intellect. It is used in vitiated conditions of vata and kapha, stomatopathy, hoarseness, colic, flatulence, dyspepsia, helminthiasis, amenorrhoea, dismenorrhoea, nephropathy, calculi, strangury, cough, bronchitis, odontalgia, pectoralgia, hepatodynia, otalgia, inflammations, gout, epilepsy, delirium, amentia, convulsions, depression and other mental disorders, tumours, dysentery, hyperdipsia, haemorrhoids, intermittent fevers, skin diseases, numbness and general debility. It is reportedly useful in improving digestion, clearing speech and curing diarrhoea, dysentery, abdominal obstruction and colic. It is also useful in infantile fever, cough bronchitis and asthma. The drug is reported to cure hysteria, insanity and chronic rheumatic complaints. The rhizome is an ingredient of preparations like Vacaditaila, Ayaskrti, Kompancadi gulika, Valiya rasnadi kashaya, etc.

Distribution: The plant is a native of Europe. It is distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics, especially in India and Sri Lanka. It is found in marshes, wild or cultivated, ascending the Himalayas upto 1800m in Sikkim. It is plentiful in marshy tracts of Kashmir and Sirmoor, in Manipur and Naga Hills.

Botany: Acorus calamus Linn. belonging to the family Araceae is a semi -aquatic rhizomatous perennial herb. Rhizome is creeping, much branched, cylindrical or slightly compressed, light brown or pinkish brown externally, white and spongy within. Leaves are bright green, distichous, ensiform, base equitant, thickened in the middle and with wavy margins. Flowers are light brown and densely packed in sessile cylindric spadix. Fruits are oblong, turbinate berries with a pyramidal top. Seeds are few and pendant from the apex of the cells (Warrier et al, 1993).

Another species belonging to the genus Acorus is A. gramineus Soland, the roots of which are used in tonic, antiseptics and insecticidal preparations (Chopra et al, 1956).

Agrotechnology: Acorus is a hardy plant found growing from tropical to subtropical climates. It needs a good and well distributed rainfall throughout the year. It needs ample sunlight during the growth period as well as after harvest for drying the rhizomes. It may be cultivated in any good but fairly moist soil. It is usually grown in areas where paddy can be grown. It comes up well in clayey soils and light alluvial soils of river bank. The field is laid out and prepared exactly as for rice, irrigated sufficiently and after ploughing twice, watered heavily and again ploughed in the puddle. Sprouted rhizome pieces are used for planting and pressed into the mud at a depth of about 5cm at a spacing of 30x30cm. The rhizomes are planted in such a way that the plants in the second row comes in between the plants of the first row and not opposite to them. FYM is to be applied at 25t/ha. Fertilisers are applied at 25:50:60 kg N:P2O5:K2O/ha/yr. Whole of FYM and 1/3 of N, P2O5 and K2O are to be added in the field during March - April as a basal dose. The remaining 2/3 of nutrients is to be given in two equal split doses at 4 months and 8 months after planting. The field is to be regularly irrigated. About 5 cm of standing water is to be maintained in the field in the beginning. Later, it is to be increased to 10 cm as the plant grows. The field is to be regularly weeded. About 8 weedings are to be carried out in all. At each weeding the plants are pressed into the soil. The plant is attacked by mealy bugs. Both shoot and root mealy bugs can be controlled by spraying the shoot and drenching the roots of grown up plants with 10 ml Methyl parathion or 15ml Oxydemeton methyl or 20ml Quinalphos in 10 litres of water. The crop is ready for harvest at the end of first year. The field is to be dried partially so that sufficient moisture is left in the soil to facilitate deep digging. The leaves start turning yellow and dry, indicating maturity. The rhizome will be at a depth of 60cm and having about 30-60cm spread. Therefore, harvesting is to be done carefully. The rhizomes are to be cut into 5-7.5cm long pieces and all the fibrous roots are to be removed. Yield of rhizome is about 10t/ha (Farooqi et al, 1991).

Properties and Activity:Rhizomes, roots and leaves yield essential oil. The important constituents of the Indian oil are asarone and its -isomer. Other constituents are and -pinene, myrcene, camphene, p-cymene, camphor and linalool, sesquiterpenic ketones like asarone, calamone, calacone, acolamone, iso-acolamone, acoragermacrone, epishyobunone, shyobunone and iso- shyobunone. Alcohol present is preisocalamendiol. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons like elemene, elemane and calarene are also present. Tricyclic sesquiterpenes present are caryophyllene, humulene, guaiene, S-guaizulene, arcurcumene, -cadinene, cadinane, calamenene, calacorene, dihydrocalacorene(calamenene), cadalene and selinene. Roots yield acoric acid as a main constituent in addition to choline. Plant also yields a flavone diglycoside- luteolin 6,8-C-diglucoside.

-asarone is the ma jor constituent of essential oil from rhizome (Dandiya et al, 1958,1959; Raquibuddoula, 1967).

Rhizome is insecticidal, pisicidal, spasmolytic, hypothermic, CNS active and analgesic. Essential oil is anticonvulsant. Rhizome is acrid, bitter, thermogenic, aromatic, intellect promoting, emetic, laxative, carminative, stomachic, anthelmintic, emmenagogue, diuretic, alexeteric, expectorant, anodyne, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, antiinflammatory, sudorific, antipyretic, sialagogue, insecticidal, tranquillizer, sedative, analgesic, antithermic, antiasthmatic, hypotensive, respiratory depressant, aperitive and tonic.... sweet flag

Tea is the perfect choice for a breakfast beverage. Even if coffee might help you sober up, tea is healthier and much more natural. Find out more about teas for breakfast! Why drink tea for breakfast During winter, starting your day with a hot beverage is the best solution. Tea is a better choice than coffee; even teas that are made from the Camellia sinensis plant (which contains caffeine) have smaller caffeine content than a normal cup of coffee. With so many flavors, you are bound to find something that will suit your taste. You can choose the tea you want to drink based on possible health problems, as well. Also, during summer, you can start the day with a cool, refreshing glass of iced tea. Proper teas for breakfast Considering the many varieties of tea that exist all around the world, it’s hard to choose just one and say it is the best for breakfast. Tea choice differs from one person to another, based on each of our preferences. There are various blends which are often recommended during breakfast. Two of them are English Breakfast tea and Irish Breakfast tea. They are both black tea blends with quite high caffeine content. Generally, teas made from the Camellia Sinensis plant (black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and white tea) are often drunk during breakfast. They count as a natural replacement for coffee, thanks to their caffeine content. These teas for breakfast include Rooibos tea, Bai Hao oolong tea, Earl Grey tea, Assam tea, Ceylon tea, or Japanese green teas (sencha tea or matcha tea). It is recommended that children should not drink teas with caffeine content. In their case, fruit-flavored teas are the best choice for a hot, morning beverage. Benefits of teas for breakfast Each type of tea comes with its own health benefits, which should encourage you to enjoy a cup of warm tea every morning. Health benefits of teas for breakfast which have caffeine content include mental alertness. The caffeine found in tea helps us wake up and focus even during the early hours of the morning. Other health benefits of teas with caffeine content (made from the Camellia sinensis plant) are: reducing the risk of getting cancer, lowering high blood pressure, helping us lose weight. Side effects of teas for breakfast Just like health benefits, side effects also vary from one type of tea to another. However, the main ones are related to the caffeine content found in teas for breakfast made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Caffeine content can lead to headaches, nervousness, sleep problems, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, irregular heartbeats, tremors, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or convulsions. Don’t drink any of these teas (black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong tea) if you know caffeine is not good for you. Also, it is recommended not to give any of these teas to children, pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding. In this case, choose an herbal or fruit-flavored tea. Though even in this case, make sure you talk to a doctor first, as they can have their own side effects, as well. Tea is definitely a must when taking breakfast. Whether cold during summer or hot during winter, it is the ideal beverage. No matter the flavor, enjoy your tea for breakfast!... tea for breakfast

Roxb.

Family: Rubiaceae.

English: Pale Catechu, Gambier.

Ayurvedic: Khadira (related species).

Folk: Chinai Katthaa.

Action: Intestinal astringent. Uses similar to Black Catechu (Acacia catechu). The extract of the leaves and shoots contains tannins, mainly catechins up to 35% and catechu tannic acid up to 50%; indole alkaloids including gambirine, gambiridine; flavonoids such as quercetin; pigments and gambirfluorescin.

Gambirine is reported to be hypotensive; d-catechu constricts blood vessels. Catechins protect the liver from infection.

A related species, U. rhynchophylla, native to China, known as Gou Teng in Chinese medicine, is used for eclampsia, headache, dizziness, convulsions, high fever and hypertension. (WHO.)... uncaria gambier

The clinical state which results from renal failure (see KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF). It may be due to disease of the KIDNEYS or it may be the result of pre-renal causes where a lack of circulating blood volume inadequately perfuses the kidneys. It may result from acute necrosis in the tubules of the kidney or it may result from obstruction to the out?ow of URINE.

The word uraemia means excess UREA in the blood; however, the symptoms of renal failure are not due to the abnormal amounts of urea circulating, but rather to the electrolyte disturbances (see ELECTROLYTES) and ACIDOSIS which are associated with impaired renal function. The acidosis results from a decreased ability to ?lter hydrogen ions from blood into the glomerular ?uid: the reduced production of ammonia and phosphate means fewer ions capable of combining with the hydrogen ions, so that the total acid elimination is diminished. The fall in glomerular ?ltration also leads to retention of SODIUM and water with resulting OEDEMA, and to retention of POTASSIUM resulting in HYPERKALAEMIA.

The most important causes of uraemia are the primary renal diseases of chronic glomerular nephritis (in?ammation) and chronic PYELONEPHRITIS. It may also result from MALIGNANT HYPERTENSION damaging the kidneys and amyloid disease destroying them. Analgesic abuse can cause tubular necrosis. DIABETES MELLITUS may cause a nephropathy and lead to uraemia, as may MYELOMATOSIS and SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE). Polycystic kidneys and renal tuberculosis account for a small proportion of cases.

Symptoms Uraemia is sometimes classed as acute – that is, those cases in which the symptoms develop in a few hours or days – and chronic, including cases in which the symptoms are less marked and last over weeks, months, or years. There is, however, no dividing line between the two, for in the chronic variety, which may be said to consist of the symptoms of chronic glomerulonephritis, an acute attack is liable to come on at any time.

Headache in the front or back of the head, accompanied often by insomnia and daytime drowsiness, is one of the most common symptoms. UNCONSCIOUSNESS of a profound type, which may be accompanied by CONVULSIONS resembling those of EPILEPSY, is the most outstanding feature of an acute attack and is a very dangerous condition.

Still another symptom, which often precedes an acute attack, is severe vomiting without apparent cause. The appetite is always poor, and the onset of diarrhoea is a serious sign.

Treatment The treatment of the chronic type of uraemia includes all the measures which should be taken by a person suffering from chronic glomerulonephritis (see under KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF). An increasing number of these patients, especially the younger ones, are treated with DIALYSIS and/or renal TRANSPLANTATION.... uraemia

Uva Ursi Tea has been known to practitioners around the globe for many centuries thanks to its active constituents that bring relief in case of liver malfunction. Uva Ursi, also known as bearberry (because the bears seem to be very fond of these berries), is a shrub with wide branches, pale green leaves and pink flowers. The fruits are usually round and red, with black seeds. It’s not very tall: usually, it doesn’t grow taller than 3 to 6 inches and you can find it mainly in the rocky areas. Uva Ursi Tea Properties Uva Ursi Tea is a well known treatment for internal conditions of both the digestive and the respiratory system. The parts used to make tea are the leaves and sometimes the stem fragments which contain phenolic glycoside or arbutin, a strong astringent with antiseptic effects. The pharmaceutical companies used the Uva Ursi extract to facial cleansers and acne treatments. Thanks to its other important ingredients, hydroquinone, tannins, hyperoside, monotropein and triterpenes, Uva Ursi Tea became more popular every year, being used many times as a panacea. Uva Ursi Tea Benefits Aside from its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, Uva Ursi Tea is a great remedy in case you are suffering from one of the following conditions: - Urinary tract infections or vaginitis, by disinfecting the affected area and enhancing the alkaline level. - Kidney infections caused by accumulations of uric acid that may also lead to kidney stones and other related problems. - Bronchitis and nephritis, by calming the inflammations and inhibiting the mucus and phlegm production. - Back pains, thanks to its elevated vitamin C level that refreshes the entire system and helps you maintain a good general health. - Lithuria, cystitis, dysuria, pyelitis and other internal problems. How to make Uva Ursi Tea Infusion When you are preparing Uva Ursi Tea, there’s one thing you need to keep in mind: Uva Ursi leaves are slightly impervious to water, so what you want to do is soak them in hot water first. Use one teaspoon of leaves for every cup of tea you want to make. Put the herbs in a teapot, add water and let it boil for 15 or 20 minutes. Uva Ursi leaves are quite woody so you need to wait a little longer for the active ingredients to be released. Drink it hot or cold, but not more than 2 cups per day. Uva Ursi Tea has a gentle, aromatic and citric flavor. Uva Ursi Tea Side Effects When taken properly, Uva Ursi Tea is safe. However, high dosages may lead to a number of allergic reactions or problems, such as nausea, vomiting, discoloration of the urine, liver damage, convulsions and even death. If you are experiencing an unusual episode after taking Uva Ursi Tea, ask a specialist and don’t try to treat it yourself at home! Uva Ursi Tea Contraindications Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking Uva Ursi Tea. Also, if you are allergic to vitamin C, don’t start a treatment based on Uva Ursi Tea under no circumstances! It may cause you irreparable damages. Before taking any kind of herbal treatment, talk to a herbalist or just ask your doctor. If he says it’s ok, add Uva Ursi Tea to your shopping list and give it a try! Enjoy the wonderful benefits of this tea responsibly!... uva ursi tea - bronchitis treatment

Ait.

Habitat: The temperate regions of northern hemisphere; introduced in Jammu and Kashmir for cultivation.

English: American Hellbore, Green Hellebore.

Action: Rhizomes and roots— cardiac depressant, hypotensive. (Contraindicated in cardiac disease. Large doses cause bradycardia.) Used in the treatment of convulsions, headache, neuralgia, inflammatory affections of respiratory tract; and as sedative. Formerly used for high blood pressure, especially associated with toxemia of pregnancy.

Ceveratrum-type alkaloids, found as esters, are hypotensive and cause vasodilatation (probably by inhibition of vasomotor centre and stimulation of the vagus). Overdoses cause vomiting. Alkaloids are teratogenic.... veratrum viride

Linn.

Vernonia patula Merrill.

Synonym: V. chinensis Less.

Family: Compositae; Asteraceae.

Habitat: The Aka hills of Arunachal Pradesh, as a weed.

Action: Leaves and roots— decoction used in colds and fevers. Young plants—used for the treatment of convulsions in children.

Family: Scrophulariaceae.

Habitat: Western Himalayas and Kashmir at 2,700-3,600 m.

English: Brooklime.

Folk: Titalokiyaa, Tezhak.

Action: Antiscorbutic, blood purifier, alterative, diuretic. Used for scurvy, scrofulous affections, swollen piles, lithiasis, skin diseases, burns, ulcers.

The plant gave iridoid glycosides including aucubin; bitters and tannins. Aucubin has been reported to stimulate the uric acid secretion of the kidneys.... veronica beccabunga

Valerian Tea has been known for centuries as a very good remedy when it comes to calming and tranquilizing the affected areas of the human body. Although the first ones to use its wonderful benefits were the Chinese, Valerian Tea became soon popular around the globe. Many painkillers found today in drug stores contain Valerian extract. Valerian is a plant with green pin-like leaves and pink flowers that grows mainly in Asia and Northern Europe. Although the entire plant can be used for medical purposes, the alternative medicine has a cult for its roots that can be used freshly picked, dried or turned into powder. Valerian Tea Properties The best thing about Valerian Tea is that it contains a lot of active ingredients that are able to treat external damages, such as localized pains. Also, a treatment based on Valerian Tea can bring relief in case of internal problems as well. Valerian Tea has a peculiar taste that is both spicy and sweet, so you can add honey and lemon in order to make it more adequate. However, if you can handle the taste, you’ll have to deal with the smell. There have been many complaints about the strong and rather unpleasant smell. Valerian Tea Benefits Valerian Tea may come in hand in many health problems, thanks to a great alkaline level and to the ability to treat affections in almost no time. Unlike other teas, Valerian Tea has a very rapid effect on your health system. This tea could be a great help if you are suffering from one of the following conditions: - Chronic insomnia and sleeplessness, by allowing endomorphins in your body to be released easier. - Affections of the nervous system such as hysteria and restlessness. - Menstrual pains, by calming the affected areas and increasing the blood flow. Also, Valerian Tea can bring relief to abdominal muscles - Irritable bowel movement, by soothing the intestine pains and preventing stomach cramps. - Convulsions and muscle spasms, by lowering the blood pressure and enhancing the muscular elasticity. - Valerian Tea is a good tumor growth inhibitor. How to make Valerian Tea Infusion When preparing Valerian Tea you need to make sure that the roots you are using are from a trusted provider. There are many roots of unknown provenience sold as Valerian on the market, so pay attention to that. If you have the good ingredients, use about a teaspoon of herbs for every cup of tea you want to make. Add boiling water and wait for 10 or 15 minutes. If the roots are dried, wait another 5 minutes for the health benefits to be released. Drink it hot or cold, but don’t drink more than 2 cups per day. Remember this is a medical treatment and Valerian Tea cannot replace coffee! Valerian Tea Side Effects When taken properly, Valerian Tea has almost no side effects at all. However, high dosages may lead to a number of complications such as severe headaches or upset stomach. Also, if you’ve been taking a treatment based on Valerian Tea and you’re experiencing vomiting episodes, talk to your doctor as soon as possible! Valerian Tea Contraindications Do not take Valerian Tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The same advice if you are suffering from a severe disease and need to take blood thinners. In this case, Valerian Tea may lead to coronary problems due to cell walls damaging. Also, if you have a decreased liver function or preparing for a major surgery, avoid this tea at all costs! If you have a doubt concerning Valerian Tea, talk to a specialist before making any move. Other than that, there’s no reason not to try Valerian Tea and enjoy its wonderful health benefits responsibly! Follow our instructions and give it a try next time you’re in a teashop.... valerian tea - insomnia treatment

White Sage Tea has been known for centuries as a great remedy for fever or to induce perspiration. White Sage is originally from Northern America. Native Americans used this plant for religious ceremonies thanks to its purifying properties. Since the place where all divine rituals needed to be done had to be a clean one, White Sage was a good choice. This herb has a strong fragrance, silver and green leaves and white or purple flowers. White Sage Tea Properties The most important property of White Sage Tea is that this decoction can sanitize your entire body with just a small amount of liquid. The active substances of this tea are: diterpines and triterpenes, including carnosic acid, oleaolic acid and ursolic acid which you can only find in the leaves. Thanks to these two acids, you can use white sage leaves to sanitize localized infections, such as open wounds or cuts. White Sage Tea Benefits Aside from its cultural and ritual uses, White Sage Tea is also an important piece when it comes to alternative medicine. Some say that White Sage Tea can bring relief if you are suffering from one of the following conditions: - Sinus infections, by clearing all respiratory tracks and sanitizing the lungs. - General organism malfunctions, by inducing sweat and eliminating the toxins. - Nervous system problems, by nourishing your nerves and enhancing your neuronal connections. - Arthritis and other problems of the coronary system, by preventing clotting. - Stomach pains and parasites, such as hemorrhoids. - Premenstrual syndrome pains, by purifying the uterus and increasing the blood flow. How to make White Sage Tea Infusion Making White Sage Tea infusion doesn’t take a lot of time and the steps you need to follow are very few. First, you need White Sage flowers. It doesn’t matter if you’re using them dried or freshly picked. Just use a teaspoon of herbs for every cup of tea you want to make. Put the flowers in a teapot and add boiling water. Wait for about 10 or 15 minutes and drink it hot or cold. Never take more than a cup of White Sage Tea per day! White Sage Tea Side Effects When taken properly, White Sage Tea is safe. However, high dosages may cause convulsions and irritated stomach. If you’ve been taking White Sage Tea for a while and you’re experiencing some unusual health episodes, talk to a doctor as soon as possible! White Sage Tea Contraindications Do not take White Sage Tea if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. However, if you are in one of these conditions and still determined to go through with a treatment based on White Sage Tea, ask a specialist before making any move. Once you have your doctor’s approval, add White Sage Tea to your shopping list and enjoy the wonderful benefits of this great purifier!... white sage tea benefits

White Peony Root Tea is one of the most important herbs in Asian medicine, being used since ancient times to treat liver problems and to improve women’s general health. White Peony Root Tea can be made from a plant called Chinese peony or common garden peony, a perennial herb that grows in Eastern China, southern Tibet and Siberia. You can recognize it after its big white flowers and yellow stamens. The leaves are deep green and medium sized. White Peony Root Properties The best thing about White Peony Root Tea is that its properties contribute to a better general health of the human body, thanks to a high concentration of acids and amino-acids and also to a great alkaline conductivity. The main ingredient in White Peony Root Tea is paeoniflorin, a substance that has a high anti-spastic action in many areas of your system. The other active substances that can be found in this tea and enhance the paeonflorin’s effect are flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, tannins and polysaccharides. White Peony Root Benefits White Peony Root Tea has anti-inflammatory, sedative, analgesic and diuretic properties. This tea is a great help if you suffer from one of the following conditions: - Liver malfunction, by energizing it thanks to its alkaline property and helping it flush away all the toxins. - Bad blood circulation or poor blood nourishment. Also, White Peony Tea can lower your blood pressure. - Menstrual problems that consist of heavy bleedings and aggravated abdominal pain, by calming the affected area and by bringing relief. - Abdominal and chest pains, dizziness, headaches. - Epilepsy, by stopping seizures and convulsions and by nourishing your nervous system, so that the negative reaction can be eliminated. How to make White Peony Root Tea Infusion Preparing White Peony Root Tea infusion is very easy. Use a teaspoon of White Peony Root for every cup of tea you want to make. Put the herbs in a teapot and add boiling water. Wait for 10 or 15 minutes (depending on the amount of water you’re using) and drink it hot or cold. Don’t take more than 3 cups per day. White Peony Root Tea Side Effects White Peony Root Tea is safe as long as you take it for a short amount of time. Taken in high dosages, it may cause rashes and problems of the nervous system. White Peony Root Tea is not to be taken unsupervised and it’s a medical treatment. Do not drink it as often as you drink your coffee! Also, a higher dosage will not make your general health improve any faster. Follow our recommendations and talk to a doctor before making any move. White Peony Root Tea Contraindications If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take White Peony Root Tea, because it may cause uterine contractions and blood clotting. But if you have the green light from your doctor, there’s no reason not to try White Peony Root Tea. Add it to your medicine cabinet, follow our instructions and enjoy the wonderful benefits of White Peony Root Tea responsibly!... white peony root tea benefits

Notifiable disease. Infectious disease of wild and domesticated animals, with malignant pustule and splenic fever caused by Bacillus anthracis. Its discovery in 1850 by Dr Pollander was one of the brightest events in the history of infectious disease. A disease of cattle passed on to man.

Attack is sudden. If unchecked may be fatal within three days. The germ usually enters the body through a scratch or wound penetrating the skin or internal membrane. A tiny papule may appear where skin has been injured which burns and itches angrily as inflammation spreads. The lesion fills with blood and serum which dry to form bluish scabs. Symptoms of glandular infection follow along the course of the lymphatics with enlargement of the spleen.

Symptoms. Severe chill introduces high fever, rapid breathing, vomiting, stomach pains, diarrhoea and severe prostration. Heartbeat rapidly falls. Pulse is feeble. Nerve distress may end in convulsions and delirium.

While it is the belief that no cure exists apart from inoculation with antiserum, successes with plant medicines appear in medical literature. Dr W.L. Lewis, Canton, Pennsylvania, USA, records a treatment given by doctor pioneers of the ‘out-back’ where they had to do ‘everything’ in emergency. “I claim,” he writes, “to have discovered that Echinacea (cone flower) is a cure for anthrax if a physician has faith in it, and knows how to properly use it. I have used it on cases where its action has been a great wonder. Liquid extract: 1 teaspoonful every 4 hours throughout the day and night.”

This experience is sustained by Dr Finlay Ellingwood who also achieved similar success. (Ellingwood’s Therapeutist: 8, 10, 1914, 394)

To be treated by a general medical practitioner or hospital specialist. ... anthrax

A form of arthritis associated with systemic lupus erythematosis in young girls. An auto-immune disease which may involve the heart, kidney, CNS or other systems.

Symptoms: Joint pains with feverishness, loss of weight, anaemia and red raised patches of skin on nose and face (butterfly rash). Swelling of the joints resembles rheumatoid arthritis. Chest and kidney disease possible. Personality changes with depression followed by mania and possible convulsions.

Treatment. Standard orthodox treatments: aspirin, steroids. Alternatives: Echinacea (rash), Valerian (mental confusion), Lobelia (chest pains), Parsley Piert (kidney function).

Tablets/capsules. Echinacea. Poke root. Dandelion. Valerian. Wild Yam. Prickly Ash bark.

Powders. Echinacea 2; Dandelion 1; Wild Yam half; Poke root quarter; Devil’s Claw half; Fennel half. Mix. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily. In water or cup of Fenugreek tea. Tinctures. Dandelion 4; Valerian 1; Prickly Ash half; Poke root half; Peppermint quarter. Mix. Dose: 1 teaspoon thrice daily, in water or cup Fenugreek tea.

Tincture. Queen’s Delight BHP (1983) 1:5 in 45 per cent alcohol. Dose 1-4ml (15-60 drops).

Topical. Plantain Salvo. Castor oil. Oil Cajeput or Sassafras. Comfrey or Chickweed cream.

Diet. Young girls may require diet for anaemia.

Supplementation. Daily. Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D. Dolomite (1500mg). Calcium Pantothenate (500mg). Iron: Men (10mg), women (18mg). ... arthritis, lupus

Devil’s Dung. Ferula asafoetida L. German: Stinkasant. French: Ferule asafe?tide. Italian: Ferula del sagapeno. Spanish: Asafe?dita. Chinese: A-wei. Oleo-gum resin of the odour of fresh truffles.

Action: powerful expectorant, carminative, antispasmodic, nervine stimulant. Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory. Anticoagulant (Vitamin K antagonist). No pain-killing activity.

Uses: To expel mucous during bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough. Intestinal colic with wind. Hysteria, nervous excitability, restlessness, convulsions, autonomic imbalance, mental depression. To reduce sexual excitability. To neutralise effects of mercury, as from dental fillings. Stress situations. Research study of mixed group of 30 rheumatoid and osteoarthritic patients showed improvement was obtained in 28. (Dr Finiefs, 1966)

Preparations: Tincture BHC Vol 1. 1:5, 70 per cent ethanol. Dose: 2-4ml.

Tablets. Combination. Skullcap 45mg; Hops 45mg; Asafoetida 30mg; and the aqueous extractive from 120mg Gentian and 90mg Valerian. Special reference to shingles.

Ferula Extract (Nelson). ... asafoetida

Catnep. Nepeta cataria L. Leaves and flowers. German: Katzenkraut. French: Cataire. Spanish: Ne?beda. Italian: Cataria. Chinese: Chi-hsueh-ts’ao.

Action: anti-diarrhoeal, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, diaphoretic, carminative, gentle nerve relaxant for release of tension. To reduce temperature in simple fevers by inducing a free perspiration thus sweating- out toxins via the skin.

Keynote: crises of childhood.

Uses: Children: colic, restlessness, hyperactivity, convulsions, early stages of fever, hysteria with crying and violent twisting of the trunk, middle ear infection, sinuses. Colds, influenza, congestion of respiratory organs. Physical results of emotional disturbance.

Preparations: Two-hourly in acute cases, otherwise thrice daily.

Tea: (popular method) One heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 10 minutes. Half-1 cup. In its absence use Chamomile.

Liquid Extract: 30 drops to 1 teaspoon in water.

Enema: 2oz to 2 pints boiling water; for elimination of toxic wastes from colon.

Beloved by cats, making them frolicsome, amorous and full of fun. Not given in pregnancy. ... catmint

Wild Chamomile. Matricaria recutita L. German: Hundskamille. French: Camomille. Italian: Camomilla. Spanish: Camomile. Part used: flowerheads. Contains chamazulene which is active against staphylococcus aureus.

Constituents: volatile oil, flavonoids, tannic acid.

Action. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic (mild), anti-peptic ulcer, anodyne (mild), antispasmodic, bitter, carminative, vulnerary. Mild nerve sedative but tonic to the alimentary canal.

Uses: Internal use. Nervous excitability, convulsions, restlessness, hyperactivity in children, insomnia, early stages of fever, measles (warm tea), travel sickness, pin and thread worms, peptic ulcer, gastro- intestinal spasm – calms down digestive system, pre-menstrual tension, hysteria from womb irritation, Candida albicans, inflammation of respiratory and gastro-intestinal tracts, sore throat and mouth. Psychosomatic illness: see CHAMOMILE ROMAN. May be used in pregnancy.

External use. “Inflammation and irritation of skin and mucosa, including the oral cavity and gums, respiratory tract and anal and genital area.” (EM) Conjunctivitis (cold tea). Gangrene (poultice with few drops Tincture Myrrh).

Combinations. With Valerian, Passion flower and Hops (equal parts) for nervous excitability. With Liquorice 1 and Chamomile 4 for gastric ulcer and chronic dyspepsia. Chamomile works well with Peppermint and Balm; equal parts.

Preparations: One teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes; one cup freely. Powder. Quarter to half a teaspoon; tablets/capsules.

Liquid extract BHC Vol 1. 1:1 in 45 per cent ethanol. Dose: 1-4ml (15-60 drops). Tincture. 1 part to 5 parts 45 per cent alcohol. Dose: 5-10ml (1-2 teaspoons).

Oil of Chamomile. Prepare as for OILS – IMPREGNATED.

Essential oil (Aromatherapy). Externally for neuralgia.

Compress: See: CHAMOMILE FLOWERS, ROMAN. Rinses. Gargles.

Chamomile bath. Add strong infusion to bath water for irritable skin rash, eczema.

Chamomile enema. 1 tablespoon flowers in 2 litres (3 and a half pints) boiling water; infuse, strain and inject warm.

Side-effects: rare contact skin allergy. ... chamomile flowers (german)

Anthemis Nobilis. Chamaemelum nobile L. German: Romisch Kamille. French: Chamomille romaine. Italian: Camomilla odorosa. Spanish: Manzanilla.

Constituents: sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids.

Action: antispasmodic, analgesic (mild), anti-inflammatory (simple acute), bitter, carminative, de- sensitiser (skin), tranquilliser (mild), anti-convulsant, anti-emetic, sedative (mild). One of the chief medicinal plants used by the phytotherapist.

Uses: Children’s convulsions, physical stress, hyperactive children. Indigestion in excitable females. Nausea and indigestion from emotional upset. Facial neuralgia. Insomnia. Meniere’s syndrome. Gastro- intestinal irritation with diarrhoea. Travel sickness (cup hot tea). Wind. Vomiting of pregnancy. Loss of appetite. Sore mouth, nasal catarrh. Infertility (sometimes successful). The oil is active against staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Skin disorders (steam face with hot tea). Autonomic imbalance. Hot tired feet (strong tea used as a footbath). Hair loss: strong tea, externally. Inflammation of the skin. Psychosomatic:– keynote: irritability. “Cannot bear it”; temper, everything seems intolerable, uncivil, impatient in sickness.

Preparations: As necessary. 4-6 flowerheads to each cup boiling water infuse 15 minutes; half-1 cup. Tincture BHC Vol 1. 1:5, 45 per cent ethanol. Dose: 3-5ml.

Oil of Chamomile. Prepare as for OILS, IMPREGNATED. For cracked lips, dry hands and feet, massage or deodorant.

Essential oil (Aromatherapy): widely used as an inhalant.

Compress. Half-1oz flowers to small muslin or linen bag; immerse in half a pint boiling water; wring out and apply bag over affected area. Repeatedly moisten bag when dry.

Large doses emetic. Not used in pregnancy. Enema. See: GERMAN CHAMOMILE.

Chamomile ointment. Nappy rash, dry skin, irritation. ... chamomile flowers (roman)

One of the areas in which herbal medicine proves safe and effective is childbirth. Before days of modern medicine herbalism was the only method of assistance. Although the modern hospital has taken over the management of the case, powerful plant parturients are still available for the enlightened physician.

Raspberry leaf tea (iron absorption) should be taken the last 3 months of pregnancy (1oz to 1 pint boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; all drunk at intervals during the day). Taken hot at expectation of delivery the tea favourably assists.

For last month of pregnancy to ensure easy delivery Blue Cohosh should also be taken: (Helonias or Pulsatilla in its absence).

Blue Cohosh. Strengthens muscles of the womb and pelvis. Assists labour pains and all aspects of childbirth. (An old veterinary stand-by to reduce piglet mortality.) Where labour is delayed, the os rigid, painful spasms, “all worn-out by fatigue”, 10 drops Liquid Extract or 20 drops tincture in water every half hour favourably assists.

Pulsatilla. For inefficient labour, to accelerate delivery. Safe and reliable for weak and distressing pains. Thirty drops tincture or 15 drops Liquid Extract in water every 15 minutes to half hour. Even if ineffective, its action is harmless. Believed to act as well as Ergot. At time of delivery, place 20-30 drops tincture or liquid extract in 4oz water; dose – 1 teaspoon every 15 minutes as circumstances dictate. Given once daily, last month of pregnancy, 5 drops tincture or liquid extract powerfully assist women whose labour is expected to be difficult.

For sickness. Black Horehound tea.

Convulsions of childbirth: see, ECLAMPSIA.

Severe haemorrhage: Yarrow tea, as much as tolerated. OR:– Combination. Equal parts: Helonias, Black Haw, Cypripedium.

Powders: Quarter of a teaspoon.

Liquid Extracts: 30-60 drops.

Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons in water or honey, hourly.

Sponge-down. A sponge saturated with Marigold (Calendula) tea after delivery is most comforting to the new mother. ... childbirth

Guelder rose. Snowball tree. Viburnum opulus L. German: Schling. French: Obier. Spanish: Rosa da qu?eldres. Italian: Viburno loppo. Dried bark.

Constituents: coumarins, hydroquinones.

Keynote: cramp.

Action: antispasmodic, astringent, nerve and muscle relaxant, sedative.

Uses: Muscular cramp, spasmodic pains in abdomen, womb, ovaries, back, stomach, intestines, bladder. Convulsions in children. Epididymitis. Painful menstruation, flooding menses of the menopause. Polymyalgia. Nervous irritability. Heart cramp (angina), intermittent claudication, arteritis, palpitation. Earache. Acute bronchitis, asthma. Muscular rheumatism. Bedwetting.

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Tablets. Two 200mg tablets before meals.

Decoction. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup water: simmer 15 minutes: dose, half-1 cup.

Powder. 2-5g.

Liquid extract. Half-2 teaspoons in water.

Tincture BHP (1983) 1 part bark to 5 parts 70 per cent alcohol. Dose: 5-10ml in water. ... cramp bark

Massive and long continued medication should be avoided, parents acquiring some ability to distinguish between the purely miserable and the critically ill. It is easy to become alarmed at the sight of a child in the throes of a convulsion or feverishness when there may be a tendency to over-prescribe. German Chamomile tea is a splendid children’s remedy. Liquid Extract and Tincture doses for children are 1 drop and 2 drops, respectively, for each year of age.

Anti-depressants should not be given for bed-wetting, drugs for sleep problems or strong laxatives for the chronically constipated. Mild herbal alternatives exist. Fresh carrot juice daily helps a child to avoid some complaints. Some herbs are not advised for children under 12, except under the care of a qualified practitioner.

Parental smoking habits are known to be responsible for crying and digestive symptoms in infants. Sleeplessness. German Chamomile or Balm tea: children 2-10 years quarter to half a cup; over 10 years: 1 cup. Babies: 3-6 teaspoons in feeding bottle – sweeten with honey if necessary.

Night seizures, with screaming: Passion Flower tea. 1 heaped teaspoon to cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes. Strain. A few teaspoons at bedtime. When a brain storm starts place pinch of salt on the tongue. Calcium deficiency. Nettle tea. Carrot juice. Cod Liver oil with fresh orange juice.

Colic. Any tea: Dill, Catnep, Spearmint or Fennel. Few teaspoons frequently. Abdominal massage: 3 drops Chamomile oil in teaspoon olive oil.

Constipation. Prune or carrot juice. Dandelion coffee.

Cough. Oil of Thyme – few drops in water.

Crusta Lacta (milk rash). Weak teas: Plantain, Heartsease, Red Clover. Anoint with St John’s Wort oil. Buttermilk, Wheatgerm.

Diarrhoea. Teas: Yarrow, Tormentil. Breast feeding during the first 4-6 months of life reduces the risk of children’s diarrhoea.

Digestion, weak. Teas: Fennel, Caraway, Dill. 1 teaspoon crushed seeds to cup boiling water. Infuse 15 minutes in a covered vessel. Teaspoon doses for under 2s; half-1 cup thereafter. Also for flatulence. Feverishness. Alarm at a baby’s fever and fractiousness may attract complete medical treatment including nose drops, cough linctus, antipyretics and antibiotics, together with something to let the parents get some sleep. Avoid where possible. Mild fevers: teas – Yarrow, Marigold, Thyme, Elderflowers and Peppermint, Catmint, Carragheen Moss. Sweeten with honey. Topical: Flannels wrung out in these hot teas. Zinc can cut short the common cold. Echinacea tablets/capsules offer antiviral protection.

It is common for a child to convulse with fever. A feverish child, kept cool, is less likely to have convulsions. Remove most of child’s clothes so he can lose heat through the skin. Fruit juices (Vitamin C) in abundance. Do not feed solid foods. Wash in lukewarm (not cold) water.

Eyes. Deep hollows under the eyes reveal exhaustion, for which blood and nerve tonics and iron supplements are indicated.

Growth problems. Under-developed children respond well to herbal aids: Gentian, Ginseng, Horsetail, Marigold, Oats, German Chamomile, Wood Betony, Kelp, Alfalfa. Supplementation with brewer’s yeast, Calcium, Pollen and Zinc yield convincing results.

Hyperactivity. Nerve restoratives for highly-strung children: Teas: Lime flowers, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, B-vitamins. Porridge. Tablets: Passion flower, Valerian, Skullcap. Vitamins B6 and C. Powders: formula. Passion flower 2; Valerian 1; Liquorice 1. Dose: 250mg (one 00 capsule or one-sixth teaspoon) thrice daily.

Irritability and impaired school performance may be due to Tartrazine and other additives, sugar, and anticonvulsant drugs. See previous paragraph.

Infection. Infection of the upper respiratory tract may manifest as inflammation of the middle ear, nasal discharge or tonsillitis. Echinacea tablets, powder or liquid extract indicated. For specific infection such as measles, see under MEASLES, or other appropriate entry.

Skin. Reject cow’s in favour of goat’s milk. See appropriate entry for each skin disease (ECZEMA, etc). Care of skin after bathing: St John’s Wort oil, Evening Primrose oil. ... children

One third of those taking tranquillisers become addicted. One of the problems of psychological dependence is the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.

Symptoms. Tremors, restlessness, nausea and sleep disturbance. The greater potency of the drug, the higher the rebound anxiety. Many drugs create stress, weaken resistance to disease, tax the heart and raise blood sugar levels.

Drugs like Cortisone cause bone loss by imperfect absorption of calcium. Taken in the form of milk and dairy products, calcium is not always absorbed. Herbs to make good calcium loss are: Horsetail, Chickweed, Slippery Elm, Spinach, Alfalfa.

Agents to calm nerves and promote withdrawal may augment a doctor’s prescription for reduction of drug dosage, until the latter may be discontinued. Skullcap and Valerian offer a good base for a prescription adjusted to meet individual requirements.

Alternatives. Teas: German Chamomile, Gotu Kola, Hops, Lime flowers, Hyssop, Alfalfa, Passion flower, Valerian, Mistletoe, Oats, Lavender, Vervain, Motherwort. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; half-1 cup thrice daily.

Decoctions: Valerian, Devil’s Claw, Siberian Ginseng, Lady’s Slipper. Jamaica Dogwood, Black Cohosh.

Tablets/capsules. Motherwort, Dogwood, Valerian, Skullcap, Passion flower, Mistletoe, Liquorice. Powders. Formulae. Alternatives. (1) Combine equal parts Valerian, Skullcap, Mistletoe. Or, (2) Combine Valerian 1; Skullcap 2; Asafoetida quarter. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily. Formula No 2 is very effective but offensive to taste and smell.

Practitioner. Tincture Nucis vom. once or twice daily, as advised.

Aloe Vera gel (or juice). Russians tested this plant on rabbits given heavy drug doses and expected to die. Their survival revealed the protective property of this plant: dose, 1 tablespoon morning and evening. Aromatherapy. Sniff Ylang Ylang oil. Lavender oil massage for its relaxing and stress-reducing properties.

Diet. Avoid high blood sugar levels by rejecting alcohol, white flour products, chocolate, sugar, sweets and high cholesterol foods.

Supplements. Daily. Multivitamins, Vitamin B-complex, B6, Vitamin C 2g, Minerals: Magnesium, Manganese, Iron, Zinc. Change of lifestyle. Stop smoking. Yoga.

Notes. “Do not withdraw: insulin, anticoagulants, epileptic drugs, steroids, thyroxin and hormone replacement therapy (the endocrine glands may no longer be active). Long-term tranquillisers e.g., Largactil or any medicament which has been used for a long period. Patients on these drugs are on a finely-tuned medication the balance of which may be easily disturbed.” (Simon Mills, FNIMH)

Counselling and relaxation therapy.

The Committee on Safety of Medicines specifically warns against the abrupt cessation of the Benzodiazepines and similar tranquillisers because of the considerable risk of convulsions. ... drug dependence

An epileptic fit is a temporary spasmodic disturbance in the brain of sudden onset caused by a spurious discharge of electrical energy by brain cells. Can be sparked off by an excess of zinc. Loss of consciousness signalled by an aura and a fall to the ground with a cry. Breathing is noisy, eyes upturned. General causes: hereditary, severe head injury (even before birth), chronic disease, stroke, tumour, hardening of the arteries, drugs, lack of oxygen. An attack may be triggered by the flickering of a television or computer screen. Screen-addicted children may develop photosensitive epilepsy, suffering fits while using electronic games.

Three forms: major (grand mal); temporal lobe; and minor (petit mal). In petit mal the period of unconsciousness consists of brief absences lasting less than 15 seconds.

Treatment. Orthodox medical: Carbamazepine, phenytoin and many other drugs.

Alternatives. BHP (1983) recommends: Grand mal: Passion flower, Skullcap, Verbena. Petit mal: Hyssop. Standard central nervous system relaxants are Hops, Lobelia, Passion flower, Vervain, Valerian, Skullcap. Wm Boericke used Mugwort. Peony leaf tea had a long traditional use. In nearly all epileptics there is functional heart disturbance (Hawthorn, Lily of the Valley, Motherwort). Mistletoe can help in the struggle to control seizures and improve the quality of life.

Two important remedies are Skullcap and Passion flower. Both work quickly without risk of respiratory arrest. If dose by mouth is not possible insert gelatin capsules containing powders, per rectum, child or adult lying prone. This method is particularly suitable for feverish convulsions or Grand mal.

Repeat after 5 minutes if patient continues in convulsion. Where neither of these powders are available, Chamomile, Valerian or Mistletoe may be used.

“The remedy I have relied on most,” writes C.I. Reid, MD (Ellingwood’s Journal) “is Passion flower. Use this alone or in combination with Gelsemium – more often alone. I cannot say I obtain an absolutely curative effect, but the spasms disappear and do not return while the remedy is continued. It has none of the unpleasant effects of other medicines. I give the liquid extract in doses from 25-30 drops, 3-4 times daily, for continued use. It may be given more frequently for convulsions.”

Alfred Dawes, MNIMH. Green tincture of Mistletoe, 3-5 drops. Or, combine equal parts: Liquid Extract Skullcap, Valerian and Black Horehound.

Finlay Ellingwood MD combines White Bryony, Prickly Ash, Skullcap and St John’s Wort.

Samuel Thomson MD. Lobelia 2; Cayenne 1; (antispasmodic drops) given at the premonitary stage. 1-2 teaspoons.

Edgar Cayce. Passion flower tea. Hot Castor oil packs.

Excess acidity and intestinal toxaemia. There is considerable opinion that these trigger an attack. Combination: Liquid Extracts – Skullcap 15ml; Mistletoe 10ml; Meadowsweet 10ml; Elderflowers 10ml. Two 5ml teaspoons in water thrice daily.

West African Black Pepper. (Piper guineense) is used by traditional Nigerian healers to good effect. Associated with imperfect menstruation. Liquid Extracts, single or in combination: Black Cohosh, Life root, Lobelia. Dose: 5-15 drops thrice daily.

Associated with mental weakness. Liquid Extract Oats (avena sativa). 2-3 teaspoons in water thrice daily.

Aromatherapy. (Complex partial seizures) Massage with essential oils found to be beneficial. (The Lancet, 1990, 336 (8723) 1120)

Diet. Salt-free lacto-vegetarian. Oatmeal porridge. A cleansing 8-day grape juice fast has its advocates. Vitamin E. In 24 epileptic children refractory to anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) with generalised tonic- clonic and other types of seizures, addition of Vitamin E 400iu daily to existing AEDs was accompanied by a significant reduction in 10 of 12 cases. (Epilepsy 1989; 30(1): 84-89)

Supportives: osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments.

Note: A number of Italian physicians linked a salt-rich diet with epileptic fits. Number and violence diminished when discontinued and did not recur for weeks. Dr W.P. Best found that, in children, circumcism made a valuable contribution.

Drug-dependency. Herbal medication may offer a supportive role to primary medical treatment. Under no circumstances should sufferers discontinue basic orthodox treatments except upon the advice of a physician.

Information. British Epilepsy Association, 40 Hanover Square, Leeds LS3 1BE, UK. Send SAE.

To be treated by or in liaison with a qualified medical practitioner. ... epilepsy

Yellow Jasmine. Gelsemium sempervirens L. German: Gelber Jasmine. French: Gelse?mie luisante. Spanish: Gelsomina. Italian: Gelsomino della Carolina. Chinese: Hu-wan-ch’iang. Dried root and rhizome.

Constituents: alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, iridoids.

Action: powerful relaxant to the central nervous system, vasodilator, analgesic; to calm down physical violence in hysteria and reduce a dangerously high pulse rate. Antispasmodic, hypotensive (transient). Tranquilliser. Combines well with Hawthorn for cardiac arrhythmias. No evidence of dependence in clinical use.

Use s. Pressive nervous headache (constrictive migraine). Facial neuralgia, cramp, intermittent claudication, pain in womb and ovaries, temporal arteritis. Pain in tail bone at base of the spine (coccydynia). Spasm of the osteopathic lesion. Great restlessness, convulsions, contracted pupils and circulatory excitement.

Avoid in heart disease and low blood pressure. Practitioner use. Tincture Gelsemium, 2-5 drops, 2-3 times daily. Pharmacy only sales.

A weaker tincture may frequently be used with good effect: 5 drops to 100ml water – 1 teaspoon hourly. (Dr Finlay Ellingwood) ... gelsemium