Ignatia contains as its chief active ingredient considerable amounts of strychnin, hence its physiological action resembles very closely that of Nux vomica and does not need to be restated. Yet Ignatia has an action peculiar to itself, the differences between it and Nux being more apparent when the effects of small physiological doses of the two drugs are carefully compared. In this manner it is seen, that the main difference between the two medicines consists in the fact that Ignatia produces a condition of contrariness which permeates its entire symptomatology. Thus, a frontal headache relieved by stooping, fever without thirst, sore throat relieved by swallowing, are examples of the contradictory character of its effects. Ignatia seems to act upon the emotional element more than does Nux vomica, producing a condition of hysteria. "It destroys the harmony of action between different portions of the organism and perverts the co-ordination of function."

Therapeutics

Ignatia is so to speak, a remedy of contrariness. It, therefore, suits females, especially of neurotic or hysterical natures. Women who laugh immoderately at one moment and burst into tears the next. Patients with unstable nervous systems.

But the patient requiring Ignatia is also apt to be silent and sad, particularly when the sadness has been caused by grief. The ill effects of grief, such as the tearful sadness, the hysteria, the oppressed breathing, or the insomnia often caused by it, will first of all need Ignatia, and it is surprising how efficacious the remedy can be, under these circumstances. As might be expected, globus hystericus is prominent and the Ignatia patient will indulge in frequent sighing as though she must draw a long, full breath.

Hysterical complaints in general, will call attention to this remedy. Migraine or semilateral headaches which have a sensation as though a nail were penetrating the brain, will need Ignatia and headaches which end with the emission of a large amount of pale urine, may also require it. Gelsemium has a similar symptom and must not be forgotten in this connection. The headache which needs Ignatia is aggravated by light and noises, by odors, by coffee or tobacco, by external impressions in general, yet is often relieved by stooping or by lying down and by lying upon the painful side.

Tonsilitis of the cryptic variety, particularly in dark haired, nervous individuals, will at times demand this medicine. There is then likely to be present, pain ameliorated by swallowing, illustrating the contrary nature of the remedy. The crypts of the tonsils will be filled with yellowish-white exudate. Pain which shoots toward the ear, is common.

Sensations of emptiness at the stomach; hiccough after eating or drinking; eructations of food and of bitter fluid; sour taste in the mouth, are all symptoms of aid in directing attention to Ignatia in gastric disorders.

Nervous, convulsive, muscular twitch-ings and jerkings, occurring in chorea or in hysteria, will need Ignatia when the trouble is of nervous origin and has been caused by disappointment, grief or fear. The remedy suits an annoying spasmodic cough, in which the more the patient coughs, the more he must do so.

Rectal prolapse, caused by even moderate straining at stool, often is relieved by Ignatia and sharp, shooting pains, extend -ing up the rectum, together with constrictive soreness at the anus, caused by hemorrhoids and worse after stool, demand its administration also. The Ignatia constipation is marked by much fruitless urging to stool.

Complaints such as gastric neuroses, when caused by the excessive use of tobacco, will usually require Ignatia first of all. The remedy should always be thought of in the treatment of neurotic patients, whose troubles have been excited or caused by worry, disappointment, fright and especially by grief.

Insomnia from the latter cause, with jerking of the limbs as the patient finally dozes off, will be well met by this useful remedy.

Characteristic Symptoms Of Ignatia

1. Full of suppressed grief, seems weighed down by it; broods over imaginary troubles.

2. Ailments from grief, or suppressed mental suffering.

3. Slight blame or contradiction irritates and excites him to anger.

4. Headache as if a nail were driven out through the side of the head, relieved by lying on the painful side.

5. Headache increased by smoking tobacco, or being where another is smoking.

6. Sensation of weakness and sinking in pit of stomach.

7. Frequent sighing; constant desire to take a deep breath.

8. Every time he stands still during a walk, he coughs.

9. Sleepy after each coughing spell. 10. Spasmodic affections of children, consequent on being put to bed soon after punishment.

11. Change of position relieves pain.

12. During the chill, thirst; external warmth is pleasant; during the heat, no thirst; external warmth intolerable. Red face during the chill.