Indian Hemp (Cannabis In-Died). Haschisch

Symptoms

Much the same as those of opium, but are of a much more pleasant nature to the patient, being associated with delightful dreams and visions.

1. Cuckoo Pint.

Arum Maculatum.

2. Henbane.

Hyoscyamus niger.

3. Meadow Saffron.

Colehicum anmtmmale.

4. Woody Nightshade.

Solanum Dulcamara.

Treatment

Much the same as in the case of poisoning by opium.

Cases of poisoning by this plant are very rarely met with in England. In hot climates, however, it is frequently met with, especially in India.

Laburnum (Cytisus Laburnum)

Symptoms

Pain in the stomach, followed by vomiting and severe convulsions if the dose has been a large one. There is also shivering, great feebleness, and severe purging.

Treatment

The vomiting should be encouraged by mucilage, milk, white of egg, flour and water.

Should the feebleness be very great, cordials and brandy should be given in repeated small doses.

The bark and seeds of this plant are poisonous, and owe their deleterious properties to an active principle called Cytisine.

Meadow Saffron (Colchi-Cum Autumnale)

Symptoms

A burning pain in the gullet and stomach, violent vomiting, and sometimes bilious purging.

Treatment

Give some mild emetic, thus: -

Ipecacuanha wine, ounce.

Honey, 1 tablespoonful.

Milk, a teacupful. Stir up and mix thoroughly, and let the patient take it at a draught. This should be repeated every quarter of an hour till vomiting sets in. Of course the dose of ipecacuanha wine should be smaller for children, one-half or one-fourth of the above quantity being ample for a child under five years old.

Then give opium as follows (to adults only): -

Powdered opium, 3 grains.

Confection of dog rose, sufficient to make a small mass with the opium. Divide this into six pills, and let the patient have one every four hours, until the symptoms of poisoning abate.

Or, Tincture of opium, 1 fluid drachm.

Water, to 6 fluid ounces. Mix. Two tablespoonfuls to be taken every two hours.

Mushrooms (Fungi)

Symptoms

Pain in the stomach accompanied with vomiting, giddiness, drowsiness, dimness of sight, and debility. The patient appears to be intoxicated.

Treatment

This cannot better be expressed than in the terse and plain terms of Professor Taylor. They are: "The free use of emetics and castor oil".

Nux Vomica (Strychnine)

Symptoms

An intensely bitter taste in the mouth. Tipsy manner, sickness, headache, jerking of the arms and legs, and twitching of the body. Lockjaw, great difficulty in breathing, with intense pain in the chest, and a sense of suffocation.

Treatment

Evacuate the stomach and bowels. Give vinegar (See Deadly Nightshade) and other acidulous drinks. If the spasms be very severe and constant, and do not yield to the emetics, etc., then try injections of infusions of tobacco, as follows: -

Tobacco (shag), 30 grains.

Water, 8 fluid ounces. Mix, and allow to stand for half an hour, occasionally shaking. Then strain, and inject into the bowel in the interval of the spasms.

Strychnia is one of the most deadly poisons, a very small quantity being capable of killing a strong man.