Spigelia is given chiefly for problems of the heart and the nervous system, especially if symptoms affect primarily the left side of the body, and if there are intense, violent pains. Spigelia may be given for frequent palpitations that are violent, visible, and audible, for heart murmurs or valve disorders, and for rheumatic heart disease. Spigelia is also used for angina with constricting chest pains that extend down one or both arms, into the chest, and up to the throat. In addition, the remedy may be used for headaches, migraines, sinus infections, or neuralgic or rheumatic pain, especially if the symptoms are worse on the left side. Pinkroot contains certain alkaloids that are used in the herbal treatment of heart disease. This plant was first introduced as a medicine in 1751 by Dr. Browne, who commented, "it produces sleep almost as certainly as opium." It was also known to have poisonous properties similar to those of strychnine and was used in the 17th century as a key ingredient of poisons. The fresh plant has an offensive odor, which may have a narcotic effect in an enclosed space. The main uses of this remedy are to treat heart disorders with anginal pain, such as coronary artery disease, as well as migraines, neuralgia, and iritis (inflammation of the iris), the symptoms of which include violent, radiating, sharp or throbbing pain, typically affecting the left temple and left eye. When ill, people who need this remedy have a fear of sharp, pointed objects, such as needles.