Chapter II: Remedies for Disease (2)

JABORANDI (_Pilocarpus Pinnatus_). Jaborandi increases the flow of saliva, causes profuse perspiration, and lowers the temperature of the body. In doses of from twenty to sixty drops of the fluid extract, administered in a cup of warm water or herb-tea on going to bed, we have found it very effectual for breaking up recent colds. We have also found it valuable in whooping-cough, in doses of from three to ten drops, according to the age of the child, given three or four times a day. The fluid extract may be obtained at almost any drug-store.

MAY-WEED (_Maruta Cotula_), is also known as Wild Chamomile, and Dog-fennel. It is not much used, though it is a powerful diaphoretic. _Dose_--Of infusion, one to two ounces.

CATNIP (_Nepeta Cataria_). A deservedly popular, domestic remedy, always acceptable, and certain in its action. The warm infusion is the best form for its administration. It may be drunk freely.

GINGER (_Zingiber Officinale_). The hot infusion may be sweetened and drunk as freely as the stomach will bear.

DR. PIERCE'S COMPOUND EXTRACT OF SMART-WEED. This is unsurpassed as a diaphoretic agent, and is much more certain in its operation than any simple diaphoretic.

DILUENTS.

Any fluid which thins the blood or holds medicine in solution is called a diluent. Pure water is the principal agent of this class. It constitutes about four-fifths of the weight of the blood, and is the most abundant constituent of the bodily tissues. Water is necessary, not only for digestion, nutrition, and all functional processes of life, but it is indispensable as a menstruum for medicinal substances. It is a necessary agent in depuration, or the process of purifying the animal economy, for it dissolves and holds in solution deleterious matter, which in this state may be expelled from the body. In fevers, water is necessary to quench the thirst, promote absorption, and incite the skin and kidneys to action. Its temperature may be varied according to requirements. Diluents are the vehicles for introducing medicine into the system. We shall briefly mention some which prove to be very grateful to the sick.

VARIOUS VEGETABLE ACIDS AND JELLIES may be dissolved in water, as apple, currant, quince, grape, or cranberry.

THE JUICE OF LEMONS, ORANGES, PINE-APPLES, AND TAMARINDS, is also found to be refreshing to fever patients.

SASSAFRAS-PITH, SLIPPERY-ELM BARK, FLAX-SEED, AND GUM ARABIC make good mucilaginous drinks for soothing irritation of the bowels and other parts.

BREWERS' YEAST mixed with water in the proportion of from one-eighth to one-fourth is a stimulant and antiseptic.

THE WHITE ASHES OF HICKORY OR MAPLE WOOD dissolved in water make an excellent alkaline drink in fevers, or whenever the system seems surcharged with acidity.

DIURETICS.

_Diuretics_ are medicines which, by their action on the kidneys, increase the flow of urine.

MARSH-MALLOW (_Althea Officinalis_) is used in irritable conditions of the urinary organs. The infusion may be drunk freely.

GRAVEL-PLANT (_Epigea Repens_), is also known as Water-pink, Trailing-arbutus, or Gravel-root. _Dose_--Of decoction of the plant, one to three ounces; of fluid extract, one-fourth to one-half teaspoonful.

STONE-ROOT (_Collinsonia Canadensis_), is also known as Knot-root, Horse-balm, Rich-weed, or Ox-balm. This is a mild diuretic, slow in action, yet effective in allaying irritation of the

FOXGLOVE (_Digitalis purpurea_) slows the action of the heart, lowers the temperature, and acts indirectly as a diuretic. It is especially valuable in the treatment of scarlet fever and in dropsy. _Dose_--Of infusion, one-half drachm to one-half ounce; of the fluid extract or strong tincture, from two to ten drops. It should be used with caution. A poultice made of the leaves and placed over the kidneys is an effectual method of employing the drug.

QUEEN OF THE MEADOW (_Eupatorium Purpureum_), is also known as Gravel-weed, Gravel-root, or Trumpet-weed. This is a most valuable diuretic. _Dose_--Of the infusion, one to three ounces; of fluid extract, one-fourth to one-half teaspoonful; of the concentrated principle, Eupatorin (_Purpu_), one-half to two grains.

BUCHU (_Barosma Crenata_). The leaves are used. This agent has been extensively employed, generally in compounds. _Dose_--Of infusion, (steeped for two hours or more) one to two ounces; of fluid extract, the same; of the concentrated principle, Barosmin, one to three grains.

PIPSISSEWA (_Chimaphila Umbellata_), or Prince's Pine. This is a tonic to the kidneys, as well as a diuretic and alterative, and is a mild, but very efficient remedy. _Dose_--Of decoction, one ounce from four to six times a day; of fluid extract, one-fourth to one-half teaspoonful; of the concentrated principle, Chimaphilin, one to two grains.

WATER-MELON SEEDS (_Cucurbita Citrullus_). _Dose_--Of infusion, the patient may drink freely until the desired effect is secured.

PUMPKIN SEEDS (_Cucurbita Pepo_). They are mild, unirritating, yet effective diuretics. An infusion of these may be drunk freely.

SWEET SPIRIT OF NITRE (_Spiritus Ætheris Nitros_), is diuretic and anodyne. _Dose_--One-fourth to one-half teaspoonful, diluted in water, every two or three hours.

SALTPETRE (_Potassæ Nitras_). _Dose_--Powdered, five to ten grains.

ACETATE OF POTASH (_Potassæ Acetas_). _Dose_--Ten to fifteen grains, largely diluted in water. It is more frequently used for this purpose than the nitrate. It is a most valuable diuretic.

EMETICS.

These are medicines which cause vomiting and evacuation of the stomach. Some of the agents of this class, termed irritant emetics, produce vomiting by a local action on the stomach, and do not affect this organ when introduced elsewhere. Others, which may be termed systemic emetics, produce their effects through the nervous system, and, therefore, must be absorbed into the circulation before they can produce vomiting. In cases of poisoning, it is desirable to empty the stomach as quickly as possible, hence irritant emetics should be employed, for they act more speedily. Draughts of warm water favor the action of emetics.

MUSTARD (_Sinapis_) acts promptly and efficiently as an emetic, and may be employed in poisoning. _Dose_--From one to two teaspoonfuls of powdered mustard, stirred up in a glass of tepid water. It should be quickly swallowed and diluents freely administered.

SULPHATE OF COPPER (_Cupri Sulphas_) is a prompt, irritant emetic. It should be given in doses of ten grains dissolved in half a glass of water, and its action assisted by the free use of diluents.

SULPHATE OF ZINC (_Zinci Sulphas_) is similar in its effects to sulphate of copper, but less powerful, and may be taken in the same manner, and the dose repeated if necessary in fifteen minutes.

YELLOW SUBSULPHATE OF MERCURY (_Hydrargyri Sulphas flava_), commonly known as _Turpeth Mineral,_ is an efficient and most desirable emetic in membranous croup. It is an active poison, but, as it is quickly thrown up with the contents of the stomach, there is no danger from its administration. _Dose_--It should be given to a child in doses of from three to five grains, in the form of powder, rubbed up with sugar of milk.

IPECAC (_Cephælis Ipecacuanha)._In large doses Ipecac is a systemic emetic. In small doses, it exerts a specific influence upon the mucous membranes, relieves nausea and irritation, and subdues inflammation. In cholera infantum it is an invaluable remedy, if given in very small doses. By allaying irritation of the stomach and restoring tone and functional activity to it and the bowels, it gradually checks the discharges and brings about a healthy condition. It is also valuable in dysentery, and is borne in large doses. As an emetic the dose is, of powder, five to ten grains in warm water; of fluid extract, ten to twenty drops.

LOBELIA (_Lobelia Inflata_), sometimes known as Indian Tobacco, or Emetic-weed. The herb and seeds are used. This is a powerful, systemic emetic, but very depressing. _Dose_--Of the powdered leaves, fifteen to twenty grains; of the infusion, one to three ounces; of the fluid extract, ten to fifteen drops.

BONESET (_Eupatorium Perfoliatum)._ _Dose_--Of the warm infusion or decoction, two to three ounces; of the fluid extract, one teaspoonful in hot water: of the concentrated principle, Eupatorin, two to five grains.

EMMENAGOGUES.

Emmenagogue is a term applied to a class of medicines which have the power of favoring the discharge of the menses. We shall mention only a few of those which are best adapted to domestic use.

PENNYROYAL (_Hedeoma Pulegioides)._ Pennyroyal, used freely in the form of a warm infusion, promotes perspiration and excites the menstrual discharge when recently checked. A large draught of the infusion should be taken at bed-time. The feet should be bathed in warm water previous to taking the infusion.

BLACK COHOSH (_Cimicifuga Racemosa)._ Black Cohosh, known also as Black Snake-root, is an effective remedy in uterine difficulties. _Dose_--Of the tincture, twenty drops; of the fluid extract, ten drops.

TANSY (_Tanacetum Vulgare)._ Tansy is beneficial in suppressed menstruation. _Dose_--Of the infusion, from one to four fluid ounces.

ERGOT (_Secede Cornutum_) in very small doses acts as an emmenagogue, and in large doses it checks hemorrhage. The dose as an emmenagogue, of the fluid extract, is from two to five drops, and to arrest hemorrhage, from half a drachm to two drachms, repeated in from one to three hours.

LIFE-ROOT (_Senecio Gracilis._) Life-root exerts a peculiar influence upon the female reproductive organs, and for this reason has received the name of Female Regulator It is very efficacious in promoting the menstrual flow, and is a valuable agent in the treatment of uterine diseases. _Dose_--Of the decoction, four fluid ounces three or four times a day; of the fluid extract, from one-fourth to one-half teaspoonful.

MOTHERWORT (_Leonurus Cardiaca_). Motherwort is usually given in warm infusion, in suppression of the menses from cold. _Dose_--Of the decoction, from two to three fluid ounces every one or two hours.

DR. PIERCE'S FAVORITE PRESCRIPTION is an efficient remedy in cases requiring a medicine to regulate the menstrual function. Full directions accompany every bottle.

DR. PIERCE'S COMPOUND EXTRACT OF SMART-WEED is an excellent emmenagogue. Dr. Eberle, a very celebrated medical writer, and author of a work on medicine which is very popular with the profession, says that he has used the "Extract of Smart-weed" in twenty cases of amenorrhea (suppressed menstruation), and affirms "with no other remedy or mode of treatment have I been so successful as with this." Full directions accompany every bottle. It is sold by all druggists.

EXPECTORANTS.

Expectorants are medicines which modify the character of the secretions of the bronchial tubes, and promote their discharge. Most of the agents of this class are depressing in their influence and thus interfere with digestion and healthy nutrition. Their application is very limited, hence we shall dismiss them without further consideration.

LINIMENTS.

Liniments are medicines designed for external application. The benefits arising from their use depend upon their derivative power, as well as upon the anodyne properties which many of them possess, rendering them efficacious for soothing pain. We cannot mention a more valuable agent of this class than

DR. PIERCE'S COMPOUND EXTRACT OF SMART-WEED. As an external application this preparation subdues inflammation and relieves pain. For all wounds, bruises, sprains, bee-stings, insect and snake-bites, frost-bites, chilblains, caked breast, swollen glands, rheumatism, and, in short, for any and all ailments, whether afflicting man or beast, requiring a direct external application, either to allay inflammation or soothe pain, the Extract of Smart-weed cannot be excelled.

NARCOTICS.

A narcotic is a remedy which, in _medicinal_ doses, allays morbid sensibility, relieves pain, and produces sleep; but which, in overdoses, produces coma, convulsions, and death. The quantity necessary to produce these results varies in different individuals. We shall mention a few of those most frequently employed.

HENBANE (_Hyoscyamus Niger_). The leaves and seeds are used. Henbane, in large doses, is a powerful narcotic and dangerously poisonous. In medicinal doses, it is anodyne and antispasmodic; it allays pain, induces sleep, and arrests spasms. _Dose_--Of the fluid extract, five to ten drops; of the solid extract, from one-half to one grain; of the concentrated principle, Hyoscyamin, from one-twelfth to one-fourth of a grain.

INDIAN HEMP (_Cannabis Indica_). An East Indian plant. _Dose_--Of the extract, from one-fourth to one-half grain, of the tincture, from three to eight drops; of the fluid extract, from two to five drops. The plant known as Indian Hemp, growing in this country, possesses very different qualities.

STRAMONIUM (_Datura Stramonium_). Stramonium, also known as Thorn-apple, in large doses is a powerful narcotic poison. In medicinal doses it acts as an anodyne and antispasmodic

_Dose_--Of extract of the leaves, from one-half to one grain; of the fluid extract, from three to six drops.

NERVINES.

These are medicines which act on the nervous system, soothing excitement and quieting the condition known as "nervousness."

HOPS (_Humulus Lupulus_). _Dose_--Of infusion, one to three ounces; of the fluid extract, one-fourth to one-half teaspoonful of the concentrated principle, Humulin, two to three grains.

SCULL-CAP. (_Scutellaria Lateriolia_). The herb is used. It is also known as Mad-dog Weed. This is a valuable remedy. _Dose_--Of infusion, one to two ounces, of the fluid extract, ten to twenty drops; of the concentrated principle, _Scutellarin_, one to two grains.

LADY'S SLIPPER (_Cypripedium Pubescens_). The root is used. _Dose_--Of the infusion, one-half to one-ounce; of THE fluid extract, one-fourth to one-half teaspoonful; of the concentrated principle, Cypripedin, one to two grains.

PULSATILLA (_Pulsatilla Nigricans)._ We employ the German tincture, prepared from the green herb. In many of the distressing nervous complications to which both males and females are subject in certain diseases of the generative organs, we have found it very effectual. The dose is from two to eight drops.

DR. PIERCE'S FAVORITE PRESCRIPTION. This is a tonic nervine of unsurpassed efficacy, combined in such a manner, that, while it quiets nervous irritation, it strengthens the enfeebled nervous system, restoring it to healthful vigor. In all diseases involving the female reproductive organs, with which there is usually associated an irritable condition of the nervous system, it is unsurpassed as a remedy. It is also a uterine and general tonic of great excellence. It is sold by all druggists.

SEDATIVES.

Sedatives are a class of agents which control excitation of the circulation, and diminish irritability of the nervous system.

ACONITE (_Aconitum Napellus_), The parts used are the root and leaves. Aconite slows the pulse, diminishes arterial tension, and lowers the temperature of the body in fevers. It is an effectual remedy in acute inflammation of the tonsils and throat, in acute bronchitis, in inflammation of the lungs, and pleurisy, in the hot stage of intermittent and remittent fevers, in the eruptive fevers, in fever arising from a cold, and in some forms of neuralgia. Acute suppression of the menses from a cold, may be relieved by the tincture of aconite in drop doses every hour. _Dose_--Of the tincture of the root, from one-half of a drop to two drops, in a spoonful of water, in acute fevers and inflammations, from one-half drop to one drop should be administered every half hour or hour, according to the severity of the symptoms.

PEACH TREE (_Amygdalus Persica_). Peach tree leaves and bark are slightly sedative, but the chief use which we have found for these articles is to control nausea and vomiting arising from irritability of the stomach. It also possesses mild, tonic properties. _Dose_--Of infusion at the bark of the small twigs or of the leaves, from two to six teaspoonfuls.

AMERICAN HELLEBORE (_Veratrum Viride_) is also known as White Hellebore, Indian Poke, or Swamp Hellebore. The root is the part used. It is a most valuable agent with which to control the frequent, strong, bounding pulse common to many febrile and inflammatory diseases. When the pulse is hard, incompressible, and bounding, this remedy is more effectual than aconite. _Dose_--Of the tincture and fluid extract, from one to two drops, repeated every half hour to two hours, according to the severity of the symptoms. This remedy should be given in very small doses, frequently repeated, if we would secure its best effects. Our favorite mode of administering both veratrum and aconite is to add ten drops of the tincture to ten or fifteen teaspoonfuls of water, of which one teaspoonful may be administered every hour.

YELLOW JESSAMINE (_Gelseminum Sempervirens_). The root is the part used. Through its controlling effect over the sympathetic nervous system, this agent exerts a marked influence in controlling morbid excitability of the circulatory organs. It allays irritation, and determination of blood to the brain, indicated by flushed face, contracted pupils, irritability, and restlessness, a frequent condition in diseases incident to childhood. Its concentrated principle, Gelsemin, is an efficient remedy in bloody-flux or dysentery. It should be administered in very small doses to secure the best results. Only one-sixteenth to one-eighth of a grain is required, repeated every two hours. It should be triturated with sugar of milk or with common white sugar, in the proportion of one grain to ten of sugar. _Dose_--Of tincture, from five to fifteen drops; of fluid extract, three to six drops; of Gelsemin, as a sedative, one-fourth to one-half grain.

STIMULANTS.

Stimulants are medicines which have the power of increasing the vital activity of the body. Some have a very transient action, while others are more permanent in effect.

CAYENNE PEPPER (_Capsicum Annuum_). Cayenne Pepper is a powerful stimulant. _Dose_--Of the powder, from one to six grains, administered in milk; of the tincture, from five to ten drops, largely diluted in milk or water.

BLACK PEPPER (_Piper Nigrum_). Black Pepper is a warm, carminative stimulant. _Dose_--From five to fifteen grains; of the fluid extract, from ten to fifteen drops.

PRICKLY-ASH (_Xanthoxylum Fraxineum)._ Prickly-ash bark is a stimulant and tonic. The parts used are the bark and leaves. _Dose_--Of the fluid extract, from five to fifteen drops; of the tincture, ten to twenty drops; of the active principle, Xanthoxylin, one to two grains.

ALCOHOL is a powerful stimulant. It is never used in its pure state in medicine, but when diluted forms a useful remedy in many diseases. It is generally employed in the form of whiskey, gin, rum, brandy, and wine.

AMMONIA is an excellent stimulant. _Dose_--Of the carbonate, from three to five grains; of the sesquicarbonate, from five to ten grains; this is the same as the carbonate, which has been exposed to the air and slacked (powdered hartshorn); of the aromatic spirit, from one-half to one teaspoonful. The Aqua Ammonia and Liquor Ammonia are of such variable strength that they are seldom employed internally, but may be applied externally and taken by inhalation.

DR. PIERCE'S COMPOUND EXTRACT OF SMART-WEED. This quickly diffusible stimulant and genial anodyne we have spoken of under the head of Anodynes. But its medicinal properties equally entitle it to a place and mention under the class of stimulants. As a stimulant it spurs the nervous system and arouses the circulatory forces. Congestion of the lungs, liver, bowels, or uterus, embarrasses the functions of these organs. Frequently this congestive difficulty may be entirely obviated, and the circulation of the blood restored to the surface of the body, by the administration of a few doses of this pleasant remedy. Thus it often acts like magic in giving relief, promoting the circulation, and restoring the organs to their accustomed functional activity. Full directions accompany every bottle.

TONICS.

Tonics are remedies which moderately exalt the energies of all parts of the body, without causing any deviation of healthy function. While stimulants are transient in their influence, tonics are comparatively permanent.

WHITE POPLAR (_Liriodendron Tulipfera_), called also American Poplar, or White Wood. The part used is the inner bark. This is a mild but valuable tonic for domestic use. _Dose_--Of the infusion, from one-half to one ounce; of tincture, from one to two teaspoonfuls.

CHAMOMILE (_Anthemis Nobilis_). The part used is the flowers. This is a mild, unirritating tonic. _Dose_--Of infusion (one-fourth ounce of flowers to a pint of water) one-half to one ounce.

GENTIAN (_Gentiana Lutead_). The root is the part used. This is a favorite domestic tonic in many localities. _Dose_--Of powdered root, five to ten grains; of the tincture, ten to twenty drops; of the fluid extract, five to ten drops, four or five times a day.

NUX VOMICA (_Strychnos Nux Vomica_), or Dog Button. This is a powerful tonic. It increases innervation and is particularly valuable in cases marked by feeble circulation and general impairment of muscular power. In overdoses it is poisonous, and hence must be employed with much caution. _Dose_--Of the tincture, three to five drops; of the fluid extract, ONE TO THREE DROPS.

WILLOW (_Salix Alba_). Willow is a tonic and an astringent. _Dose_--Of the decoction, from one to two fluid ounces; of the concentrated principle, Salicin, from two to four grains.

DOGWOOD (_Cornus Florida_). Dogwood, also known Boxwood, is tonic, astringent, and slightly stimulant. _Dose_--Of the solid extract, from three to five grains; of the infusion, from one to two ounces; of the fluid extract, from ten to twenty drops.

WAFER-ASH (_Ptelea Trifoliata_), also called Swamp Dogwood. The bark is used. This is a pure, unirritating tonic. _Dose_--Of tincture, one-half to one teaspoonful; of fluid extract ten to twenty drops; of the infusion, one to two fluid ounces.

GOLDEN SEAL (_Hydrastis Canadensis_). Golden Seal is a powerful and most valuable tonic. It is a valuable local remedy when used as a general injection in leucorrhea. _Dose_--Of the powder, from ten to thirty grains; of the tincture, from one-half to one fluid drachm; of the fluid extract, from ten to twenty drops; of the concentrated principle, Hydrastin, from two to three grains; of the muriate of hydrastia, from one-half to one grain.

AMERICAN COLOMBO (_Frasera Carolinensis_). American Colombo is a simple tonic. _Dose_--Of the powdered root, from ten to fifteen grains; of the infusion one-half to one fluid ounce, three or four times a day; of the active principle, Fraserin, one to three grains.

GOLD THREAD (_Coptis Trifolia_). Gold Thread is a pure and powerful, bitter tonic, and is also efficacious as a wash for sore mouth or as a gargle. _Dose_--Of the decoction, from two to six fluid drachms; of the tincture, from one-half to two teaspoonfuls; of fluid extract, from ten to twenty drops.

IRON (_Ferrum_). Different preparations of iron are frequently prescribed by physicians. They are particularly valuable in anæmic conditions of the system. The following are a few of the preparations of this metal most generally used:

IRON BY HYDROGEN (_Ferri Redactum_). _Dose_--One to two grains.

CARBONATE OF IRON (_Ferri Carbonas_). _Dose_--One to three grains.

CITRATE OF IRON (_Ferri Citras_). _Dose_--One to three grains.

PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON (_Ferri Pyrophosphas_). _Dose_--One to three grains.

TINCTURE OF MURIATE OF IRON (_Tinctura Ferri Chloridi)._ _Dose_--Three to twenty drops.

DR. PIERCE'S FAVORITE PRESCRIPTION. The Favorite Prescription, in addition to those properties already described, likewise combines tonic properties. In consequence of the never ceasing activities of the bodily organs, the system requires support, something to permanently exalt its actions. In all cases of debility, the Favorite Prescription tranquilizes the nerves, tones up the organs and increases their vigor, and strengthens the system. Directions for use accompany every bottle.

DR. PIERCE'S GOLDEN MEDICAL DISCOVERY. In addition to the alterative properties combined in this compound, it possesses important tonic qualities. While the Favorite Prescription exerts a tonic influence upon the digestive and nutritive functions, the Golden Medical Discovery acts upon the excretory glands. Besides, it tends to retard unusual waste and expenditure. This latter remedy tones, sustains, and, at the same time regulates the functions. While increasing the discharge of noxious elements accumulated in the system, it promptly arrests the wastes arising from debility, and the unusual breaking down of the cells incident to quick decline. It stimulates the liver to secrete, changes the sallow complexion, and transforms the listless invalid into a vigorous and healthy being. At the same time, it checks the rapid disorganization of the tissues and their putrescent change, while it sustains the vital processes. It is, therefore, and indispensable remedy in the treatment of many diseases.

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