The most important physiological effect of this drug is to produce more or less complete motor paralysis depending upon the size of the dose taken. Practically all of the symptomatology of Gelsemium may be explained by this effect. It is poisonous and a great depressant, both motion and sensation being affected. Consciousness is retained, except after very large doses, yet a mild benumbing of the sensorium is quite characteristic. It contains the alkaloids gelsemin and gelseminin. The former produces strychnin-like effects; the latter acts like coniin. Following physiological doses of Gelsemium the individual becomes dizzy, has double vision, ptosis, dilated pupils, flushed, suffused face, difficulty in swallowing; involuntary evacuation of feces and of urine; lowered blood pressure, weakness; the vagus is paralyzed, and in fatal cases death is due to paralysis of respiration.

Many of these effects of Gelsemium bear a close similarity to cases of post-diphtheritic paralysis; influenza; typhoid fever, and, in general, to diseases due to the absorption of toxins of bacterial origin.

Therapeutics

Gelsemium, or the yellow jessamine, is indigenous to our southern states and is in a general way, useful in the sluggish, febrile disturbances so often found in hot relaxing climates. Thus, when its characteristic indications are present, this remedy will be of great use in the bilious remittents of the South.

The Gelsemium patient, when ill, feels sick all over, dizzy, dreadfully weak, heavy, relaxed, sluggish. This is clearly shown in his countenance, which is dusky with heavy, listless eyes and expression. His limbs are so weak and heavy that they tremble and refuse to obey the impulse of the will. The upper eyelids are heavy as though paralyzed and tend to droop or close. In keeping with this lethargic state, we find a soft, compressible, rather slow pulse. In cardiac neuroses, the Gelsemium patient fears that his heart will stop beating unless he moves - just the opposite of the symptom found in Digitalis.

Another strongly emphasized characteristic of this remedy, is the almost total absence of thirst during fever. This symptoms is also present in Pulsatilla and Apis, but the accompanying symptoms are different and easily distinguished. The fever of Gelsemium is remittent and also continuous. Chills run up and down the back, and during the chill the patient wishes to be firmly held. Bruised soreness of the body is present.

In influenza or la grippe the remedy is of great importance, and is very frequently indicated when the symptoms as above portrayed, are found. The same remark applies to its use during the early stage of typhoid fever. Here soreness, prostration and mental hebetude are likewise present.

Gelsemium is of value in ocular disturbances, particularly those of a paralytic nature where diplopia and ptosis are present. Soreness of the eyeballs, vertigo and sluggishness of accommodation, are further suggestive symptoms. Strabismus or ptosis following diphtheria, will often need this drug; likewise retinal detachment, for which Gelsemium is useful.

In eve diseases where Gelsemium is re-quired, a dilated pupil will be a corroborative symptom.

Acute coryzas whether associated with influenza or not, or those associated with oncoming measles, often require gelsem-ium. The eyes are watery, at times bloodshot, there is frequent sneezing, running of the nose, watery discharge, which may be excoriating or not, languor and chilliness. No thirst.

In slowly advancing labor, with pains which run up the back, chilliness in the back or up and down the spine, dull, heavy, dusky countenance, firm rigid os uteri which refuses to soften and dilate, this remedy is valuable.

The three guiding symptoms, dullness, dizziness and drowsiness, should always call Gelsemium to mind, no matter what the clinical condition may be. Absence of thirst during fever, is always suggestive of this remedy.

Characteristic Symptoms Of Gelsemium

1. Heaviness of the head, relieved after profuse emission of watery urine.

2. Partial paralysis of the eyelids, tongue, or organs of deglutition.

3. Fullness in head, heat of face, chilliness, thick speech, brain feels as if bruised.

4. Diarrhea after sudden emotions, such as grief, fright, bad news, or at the anticipation of an unusual ordeal.

5. Inefficient labor pains, or none at all, or widely dilated, complete atony, or delayed by a rigid os.

6. Fever heat with drowsiness. Sleep with half waking and murmuring frequently. Little thirst, feels very languid, and wants to lie still. Dusky countenance.

7. Febrile chilliness, cold extremities, heat of the head and face. Chills run up and down the spine.

8. Trembling and weakness; muscles refuse to obey the impulse of the will.