as are accompanied by spasmodic action, convulsions, morbid irritability, and irritative mobility, as in
cholera, epilepsy, pneumonia (should never be given in the latter stages of pneumonia, as it lowers blood
pressure and is relaxant to muscles already in a weakened condition), puerperal fever, neuralgia, etc.,
producing these effects without stupefying the system or producing torpor, as opium is known to do.
As an emetic it is slow but certain and efficient, rousing the liver to action like other emetics, without
being cathartic. It is peculiarly adapted as an emetic in whooping cough, croup, asthma, scarlet fever, and
in all cases where there is much febrile or inflammatory action.
CAUTION: Poisonous in doses larger than those indicated below.
DOSE: Veratrum is usually given in the form of a tincture, the formula being: dried root 8–16 ounces,
diluted (83.5 percent alcohol), macerated for two weeks, then expressed and filtered.
To an adult male 8 drops are given, which should be repeated every 3 hours, increasing the dose 1–2
drops each time until nausea or vomiting, or reduction of the pulse to sixty-five or seventy, ensues, then
reducing to half in all cases. Females and young people between fourteen and eighteen should commence
with 6 drops and increase as above. For children from two to five years, begin with 2 drops and increase
by 1 drop only. Below two years of age, 1 drop is sufficient. If taken in so large a dose as to produce
vomiting or too much depression, a full dose of morphine or opium, in a little brandy or ginger, is a
complete antidote.
In pneumonia, typhoid fever, and many other diseases, it must be continued for three to seven days after
the symptoms have subsided. Administration of this medicine should be closely watched, and when the
pulse begins to recede, or if nausea or vomiting occurs, it is a signal of alarm and the administration
should be stopped. In typhoid fever, while using Veratrum, quinia is absolutely inadmissible.
HOMEOPATHIC CLINICAL: Tincture of fresh root, gathered in autumn, for amaurosis, amenorrhea,
apoplexy, asthma, bunions, cecum (inflammation of), chilblains, chorea, congestion, convulsions,
diplopia, diaphragmitis, dysmenorrhea, erysipelas, headache (nervous, sick), heart (affections of), hiccup,
hyperpyrexia, influenza, malarial fever, measles, meningitic menses (suppressed), myalgia, esophagus
(spasm of), orchitis, pneumonia, proctalgia, puerperal convulsions, puerperal mania, sleep (dreamful),
spine (congestion of), spleen (congested), sunstroke, typhoid fever, uterus (congestion of).
RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE: Chemeritza lobelia is among the several kinds of hellebore growing in Russia.
American hellebore is valued highly and cultivation is possible. Folk medicine: Decoctions or nastoika
(vodka and hellebore) and preparations of ointments are used in painful rheumatic conditions, especially
in sciatica. A word of caution should be observed as it is poisonous in wrong amounts. Clinically: Used
very carefully and only under prescription. Veterinary: The agent is strong and effective if mixed with
agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) for parasites and pests. It is toxic, and personal protection should be
taken when preparing or spraying solution; a wet mask is advised.