[Illustration]
This bush grows spontaneously in the provinces of Rio Janeiro, along
roads and in cultivated places. It is from 10 to 16 inches high; its
branches which bifurcate regularly, are, while young, covered with strong
thorns growing from above downwards. Leaves slightly pubescent, cordate,
with five obtuse lobes; their nerves are furnished with a few irregularly
distributed thorns. The flowers are supported by peduncles arising from
the axils of the leaves in groups of two or three. Calix with five parts,
very prickly on the outside; corol with five divisions; five stamens; a
style. Berry red, fleshy, with two chambers, containing a large number
of small seeds. Roots fibrous, arising from a common rhizoma. We use the
leaves.
1. Loss of appetite. Superficial ulceration below the left nipple.
Vertigo after bathing. Painful boil below the right axilla. 5. Pain at
the pectoralis major. Suppuration of the boils. Headache. Slight fever.
Swelling of the stomach. 10. Difficult digestion. Urticaria. Dreams about
quarrels and murders. Waking with a start. Doughy mouth in the morning.
15. Constant thirst. Impatient and irritated by trifling causes. Redness
of the face, and rush of blood to the brain. Flash of heat all over.
Paleness and greenish color of the skin after a few days of proving. 20.
Swelling of the axillary glands. Lancinations in the breasts. Glandular
tumor in the right breast.