The People's Common Sense Medical Adviser in Plain English Part 26

Poison Parsley, as it is sometimes called, is an anodyne, narcotic, and an excellent alterative. _Dose_--Of fluid extract, two to six drops; of solid extract, one-fourth to one-half grain.

BELLADONNA (_Atropa Belladonna_) or Deadly Nightshade. The herb or leaves are a valuable agent. In overdoses, it is an energetic, narcotic poison. In medicinal doses it is anodyne, antispasmodic, diaph.o.r.etic, and diuretic. It is excellent in neuralgia, epilepsy, mania, amaurosis, whooping-cough, stricture, rigidity of the os uteri, and is supposed by some to be a prophylactic or preventive of Scarlet Fever. Its influence upon the nerve centers is remarkable. It relaxes the blood vessels on the surface of the body and induces capillary congestion, redness of the eye, scarlet appearance of the face, tongue, and body. _Dose_--Of fluid extract, one-half to one drop; of tincture, one to two drops; of concentrated principle, Atropin, one-thirtieth to one-sixteenth of a grain; of the _Alkaloid, Atropia_, one-sixtieth of a grain. Even the most skillful chemists are very cautious in compounding these latter active principles, and the danger of an overdose is great.

CAMPHOR. This drug is an anodyne, stimulant, and diaph.o.r.etic, and, in large doses, a narcotic and an irritant. It is an excellent stimulant for liniments. _Dose_--Of the powder, one to five grains; of the tincture, ten to twenty drops, given in simple syrup.

HOPS (_Humulus Lupulus_). This is an excellent remedy in wakefulness, and may be used when opium is contra-indicated. A bag of the leaves, moistened with whiskey and placed as a pillow under the head, acts as an anodyne. _Dose_--Of the infusion of the leaves, from one to four ounces; of the fluid extract, one-fourth to three-fourths of a teaspoonful; of the concentrated principle, Humulin, one to three grains.

DR. PIERCE'S COMPOUND EXTRACT OF SMART-WEED. This anodyne compound is made by uniting several of the most valuable agents of this cla.s.s, and its medicinal qualities are rendered still more efficacious by the addition of certain stimulating articles. It is free from narcotic properties which are liable to produce deleterious results, and has been found to be not only harmless in its action, but very genial and effectual withal, and most reliable as a stimulant and diaph.o.r.etic remedy.

ANTHELMINTICS.

Anthelmintic means "against a worm," and is a term employed to designate those medicines which destroy or expel worms. It means the same as _Vermifuge_. Little is understood concerning the origin of worms. There are five distinct varieties described by authors as being more common than others. There is the long worm, the short, or pin-worm, the thread-worm, the tape-worm, and the broad tape-worm peculiar to some countries of Europe. Irritation of the alimentary ca.n.a.l, from whatever cause usually produces an abundant secretion of mucus, which is thought to be a condition favorable for their production. Therefore, those medicines which remove the cause of this irritation tend to diminish the number, if not to entirely destroy the worms. Some medicines kill the worms, others expel them alive. The remedies which successfully remove one kind of worm, have little effect upon another, and to meet these different conditions, we have a variety of worm-destroying medicines.

The pin-worm, inhabits the r.e.c.t.u.m, and may be destroyed by injecting into it a strong solution of salt, or decoction of aloes, and when it is allowed to pa.s.s away, the r.e.c.t.u.m should be anointed with vaseline, b.u.t.ter, or lard. The eggs of this worm are developed around the orifice of the large intestine, and when this latter precaution is not practiced every time there is a pa.s.sage from the bowels, they will multiply as rapidly as they can be destroyed. Generally, vermifuge remedies should be taken when the stomach is empty, and should be followed by the administration of a cathartic in two hours after the last dose is administered.

SANTONIN. This is decidedly the most reliable anthelmintic known to the medical profession. It is deservedly a popular remedy for worms, and when combined with Podophyllin, is very efficacious in removing the pin-worm. _Dose_--For an adult, two to three grains of the powdered Santonin, repeated every three hours until four or five doses are taken, when it should be followed by a cathartic.

SAGE (_Salvia Officinalis_). Sage is a common and excellent domestic remedy for worms. Make an infusion of Sage and Senna leaves, and drink freely until it acts as a cathartic.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 117.

Pink Root.]

PINK-ROOT (_Spigelia Marilandica_). Pink-root is one of the most active and certain anthelmintics for children. It is indigenous to the United States. When taken in too large quant.i.ties, it is apt to purge, give rise to vertigo, dimness of vision, and even to convulsions; therefore, it should be combined with some cathartic. _Dose_--Of the infusion, one ounce at night, followed by physic in the morning.

COMMON SALT (_Chloride of Sodium_). Common table salt is an anthelmintic, and may be used in an emergency. Salt water is a very common domestic remedy for worms. _Dose_--In solution, one-quarter to one-half teaspoonful.

BALMONY (_Chelone Glabra_). This is also tonic and anthelmintic, and is valuable in debility, dyspepsia, jaundice, and hepatic affections. It also is known as Snake-head. _Dose_--Of the infusion, one to two ounces; of the concentrated principle, Chelonin, from half to one grain.

MALE FERN (_Aspidium Filix Mas_). Male Fern is the anthelmintic which is considered especially effectual in removing the tape-worm. _Dose_--Of the powder, one to two drachms, given morning and evening in syrup, followed by a brisk cathartic. The dose of the tincture of the buds in ether is from eight to thirty drops.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 118.

Aspen.]

POPLAR (_Populus Tremuloides_). The White or Aspen Poplar is a common tree, and contains active principles termed Populin and Salicin, both of which are tonic. An infusion of the bark is a remedy for worms.

_Dose_--Of the tea made from the bark, one to four ounces; of Populin, from one-half to two grains.

ANTIPERIODICS.

It is well understood that malarial diseases are characterized by a periodicity which indicates their nature. Antiperiodics prevent the recurrence of the periodic manifestations, and hence their name.

QUININE (_Sulphate of Quinia_). Quinine is a tonic, febrifuge, and antiperiodic. It should generally be administered during the intervals between the febrile paroxysms. It is beneficial also in all diseases accompanied by debility. The dose varies from one to six grains according to indications. Frequently it is given in much larger quant.i.ties, but we cannot advise such for domestic use.

PRUSSIAN BLUE (_Ferri Ferrocyanidum_). Ferrocyanide of Iron is an excellent tonic and antiperiodic remedy, and often is combined with quinine. _Dose_--From two to five grains.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 119.

Boneset. ]

BONESET (_Eupatorium Perfoliatum_), or Thoroughwort. This is tonic, diaph.o.r.etic, aperient, and possesses some antiperiodic properties; the warm infusion is emetic. _Dose_--Of the infusion, one to four ounces; of the fluid extract, from half to one teaspoonful; of the active principle, Eupatorin, one to three grains.

THE "GOLDEN MEDICAL DISCOVERY" has gained an enviable reputation in malarial districts for the cure of ague. From observing its action in the cure of this and other miasmatic diseases, and knowing its composition, we are thoroughly satisfied that it contains chemical properties which neutralize and destroy the miasmatic or ague poison which is in the system, and, at the same time, produces a rapid excretion of the neutralized poisons. One strong proof of this is found in the fact that persons who are cured with it are not so liable to relapse as those in whom the chills are broken with Quinine or other agents. No bad effects are experienced after an attack of ague which has been cured with the "Golden Medical Discovery." This cannot be said of Quinine, Peruvian Bark, a.r.s.enic, and Mercurials, which comprise nearly the whole list of remedies usually resorted to by physicians for arresting ague. The "Golden Medical Discovery" not only has the merit of being a certain antidote for miasmatic diseases, but is pleasant to the taste, a matter of no small importance, especially when administered to children. To break the chills, this medicine should be taken in doses of four teaspoonfuls three times a day, and if this treatment pursued for three days, does not entirely arrest the chills, these doses may be repeated in alternation with five-grain doses of quinine for the three succeeding days. But in no case should more than this amount of the "Golden Medical Discovery" be given.

ANTISEPTICS AND DISINFECTANTS.

Antiseptics prevent, while disinfectants arrest putrefaction. Oxygen is a natural disinfectant, but a powerful inciter of change. Although this element is the cause of animal and vegetable decay, yet oxidation is the grand process by which the earth, air, and sea are purified. A few substances are both antiseptic and disinfectant. Heat up to a temperature of 140 Fahr. promotes putrescence, but above that point, is a drier or disorganizer, and destroys the source of infection.

YEAST (_Cerevisiae Fermentum_). Yeast is an antiseptic, and is effective in all diseases in which there is threatened putridity. Used externally, it is often combined with elm bark and charcoal, and applied to ulcers, in which there is a tendency to gangrene. _Dose_--One tablespoonful in wine or porter, once in two or three hours.

CREASOTE. This is a powerful antiseptic. It is used in a solution of glycerine, oil, water, or syrup. _Dose_--One to two drops, largely diluted.

CARBOLIC ACID is a crystalline substance resembling creasote in its properties. It is an antiseptic, and is used both internally and externally. _Dose_--One-fourth to one-half drop of the melted crystals, very largely diluted. Externally, in solution, one to five grains of the crystals to one ounce of the solvent.

WHITE VITRIOL (_Zinci Sulphas_). White vitriol is a valuable disinfectant, as it will arrest mortification. In solution it is employed in ulcers and cancers and also as a gargle in putrid sore throat. _Dose_--One-half to two grains in a pill; in solution, one to ten grains in an ounce of water.

PERMANGANATE OF POTASH (_Pota.s.sae Permanganas_). This substance is an energetic deodorizer and disinfectant. A solution containing from one to twenty grains in an ounce of water is used as a lotion for foul ulcers.

_Dose_--One-eighth to one-fourth of a grain.

WILD INDIGO (_Baptisia Tinctoria_). The root is the part used. This plant possesses valuable antiseptic properties. It is an excellent lotion for ill-conditioned ulcers, malignant sore throat, nursing sore-mouth, syphilitic ophthalmia, etc. It is sometimes administered in scarlet and typhus fevers, and in all diseases in which there is a tendency to putrescence. _Dose_--Of the infusion, one-fourth to one-half ounce; of the fluid extract, from three to ten drops, and of the concentrated, active principle of the plant, Baptisin, from one to two grains.

ANTISPASMODICS.

Antispasmodics are a cla.s.s of remedies which relieve cramps, convulsions, and spasms, and are closely allied to nervines. Indeed some authors cla.s.s them together. The following are a few of the most important antispasmodics:

a.s.sAFETIDA (_a.s.safetida Ferula_). This is a powerful antispasmodic. It is employed in hysteria, hypochondria, convulsions, and spasms, when unaccompanied by inflammation. _Dose_--Of the gum or powder, from three to ten grains, usually administered in the form of a pill; of the tincture, from one-half to one teaspoonful.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 120.

Yellow Jessamine.]

YELLOW JESSAMINE (_Gelseminum Sempervirens_). The root is the part used.

This is a valuable remedy in various

diseases when a.s.sociated with restlessness and a determination of the blood to the brain; also in the neuralgia. _Dose_--Of the fluid extract, three to eight drops; of the concentrated principle, Gelsemin, one-fourth to one grain. The use of this drug by non-professional persons should be attended with great caution.

VALERIAN (_Valeriana Officinalis_). The root is the part used. Valerian is an effective remedy in cases of nervousness and restlessness.

_Dose_--Of the infusion, (one-half ounce to a pint of water) one-half ounce; of the tincture, one-half to two tablespoonfuls; of the ammoniated tincture of valerian, from one-half to two teaspoonfuls in sweetened water or milk; of the valerianate of ammonia, one-half to three grains.

YELLOW LADY'S SLIPPER (_Cypripedium p.u.b.escens_). The root is the part used. This is a useful remedy in hysteria, ch.o.r.ea, and all cases of irritability. _Dose_--Of the powder, fifteen to thirty grains; of the infusion, one ounce; of the fluid extract, fifteen to thirty drops; of the concentrated principle, Cypripedin, one-half to two grains.

WILD YAM (_Dioscorea Villosa_). The root is the part used. This is a powerful antispasmodic, and has been successfully used in bilious colic, nausea, and spasm of the bowels. _Dose_--Of the infusion (two ounces to a pint of water), one to two ounces; of the fluid extract, five to fifteen drops; of the concentrated principle, Dioscorein, one-half to one grain.

HIGH CRANBERRY (_Viburnum Opulus._) The bark is the part used. It is also known as Cramp Bark. This is a powerful antispasmodic, and is effective in relaxing spasms of all kinds. It is a valuable agent in threatened abortion. _Dose_--Of the infusion, one-half to one ounce; of the fluid extract, one-half to one teaspoonful; of the concentrated principle, Viburnin, one-half to two grains. These doses may be increased if necessary.