Felters Materia_Medica-E

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ECHINACEA.

The dried root ofBrauneriaangustifolia , Linn (Echinaceaangustifolia [DeCandolle],

Heller). (Nat. Ord. Compositae.) In rich prairie soils of western United States,

from Il l inois westward through Nebraska and southward through Missouri to

Texas.

C o m m o n N a m e s : Narrow-leaved Purple Coneflower, Purple Coneflower,

Coneflower.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .Minute traces of an unimportant alkaloid and an acrid

body (1/ 2 to 1 p er cent), probab ly of a r esinou s ch ara cter link ed with an organ ic

acid. Th e lat ter is th e chief act ive prin ciple of th e dru g.

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. S pecific Medicine Echina cea. Dose, 1 to 60 drops, the smaller

doses being preferred. Usual method of administration: Rx. Specific Medicine

Echinacea, 1-2 fluidrachms; Water, enough for 4 fluidounces. Mix. Sig.: One

teasp oonful every 1 to 3 h ours .

2 . Echafolta. (A preparation of Echinacea freed from extractive and most of

the coloring matter. It also contains a small added quantity of tincture of iodine.

The label states that is iodized). Dose, 1 to 60 drops. Usually administered the

same as the specific medicine; except when iodine is contraindicated, or is

undes i red .

3 . Echafolta Cream . An ointm ent for externa l u se .

Spec i fi c In d ica t ions .Bad blood; to correct fluid depravation, with

tendency to sepsis and malignancy, best shown in i ts power in

gangrene, carbuncles, boi ls , s loughing and phagedenic ulcerat ions,and the various forms of septicemia; tendency to formation of multiple

cel lular abscesses of a semi-act ive character and with pronounced

asthenia; foul discharges with emaciation and great debili ty; dirty-brownish tongue; jet-black tongue; dusky, bluish or purplish color of

the skin or mucous t issues, with a low form of inflammation. I t is of

special value in typhoid states, in which it is indicated by the

prominent typhoid symptomsdry tongue, sordes on tongue and teeth,

menta l d is turbances , tympani tes and d iar rheal d ischargesand in

ma lign an t carbu n cle , pyosa lp in x , an d th ecal ab scesses .

Action .The physiological action of echinacea has never been

satisfactorily determined. I t has been held to increase phagocytosis

and to improve both leukopenia and hyperleucocytosis . That i t

s t imulates and hastens the el iminat ion of waste is cer tain, and that i tpossesses some ant ibacter ial power seems more than probable. Upon

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the mucous t i ssues echinacea causes a qui te pers i s ten t d isagreeable

t ingl ing sensat ion somewhat al l ied to , but less severe, than that of

prickly ash and aconite. I t increases the salivary and the urinary flow,but sometimes under diseased condit ions anuria resul ts while i t is

being administered. In the doses usual ly given no decided unpleasant

symptom s h ave been produ ced; an d n o reliable cases of fata l poison in gin human beings have been recorded from i ts use. Occasional ly

burs t ing headache, jo in t pa ins , dry tongue, reduced tempera ture and

gastrointest inal disturbances with diarrhea are said to have resul ted

from lar ge doses of th e dru g.

T h e r a p y .-External . Echinacea is a local ant isept ic , s t imulant ,

deodorant , and anesthet ic . Alcoholic preparat ions appl ied to denuded

surfaces cause considerable burning discomfort , but as soon as thealcohol is evaporated a sense of comfort and lessening of previous pain

is experienced. I ts deodorant powers are remarkable, especially whenapplied to foul surfaces, carcinomatous ulcerations, fetid discharges

from the ears, and in gangrene. While not wholly masking the odor of

cancer and gangrene i t reduces i t great ly , much to the comfort of the

s ick and the a t tendants . Echinacea i s usefu l as an appl ica t ion where

decay is imminent or taking place, reparative power is poor, and the

discharges saneous and unheal thy. I t is especial ly valuable in

sluggish ulcers, bed sores, st inking tibial ulcers, and ulcers of the

nasal mucosa, due ei ther to ozaena or to syphil is . The greater the

tendency to l i felessness and dissolut ion of the t issues and the morepronounced the fet id character of the discharges, the more appl icable

is echinacea. Used by spray it is effective to remove stench and to

st imulate repair in tonsi l l i t is , the angina of scar lat ina, and though not

alon e capa ble of cu r in g diph th er ia , e ith er by extern al or intern al u se, it

st imulates the near-necrosed tissue to activity and overcomes the fetid

odor , thus contr ibut ing in a large measure to aid more specif ic agents.

A 10 to 50 per cent s olu t ion m ay be u sed to clean se a bscess cavit ies , to

app ly to ragged wou n ds from b arb ed wire, t in , an d glas s, wou n ds which

for some reason are very painful and heal sluggishly. For this purpose

we prefer Rx. Echafolta (or Echinacea), 1 fluidounce; Asepsin, 15grains; Tincture of Myrrh, 2 f luidrachms; Sterile Water, enough tomake 4 fluidounces. Mix. Apply upon sterile gauze, renewing at

reason ab le per iods. Th is also ma kes a good m outh wash for foul breath

and to remove odor and stimulate repair in pyorrhea alveolaris, spongy

and b leeding gums, and aphthous and herpet ic erupt ions . Echinacea

is sometimes of value in eczema, with glutinous, st icky exudation, and



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general body depravity; to give relief to pain and swelling in erysipelas,

mammitis, orchitis, and epididymitis; to allay pain and lessen

tumefaction in phlegmonous swellings; and to dress syphili t icphagedena. As a local application to chilblains i t has done good

service, and in poisoning by Rhus Toxicodendron is relied upon by

m an y as one of th e bes t of local medicin es. We ha ve fou n d it esp eciallyuseful in dermati t is venenata af ter denudat ion of the cut icle when

ulcers form and the neighboring glands swell . Echinacea has a greater

record for success than any single medicine for snake bi tes and insect

bi tes and st ings, and i t may be used ful l s t rength to rel ieve the

intolerable i tching of urticaria. Some have asserted that i t will abort

boils. For the treatment of carbuncle, after thoroughly incising, a 50

per cent solution to full strength echinacea or echafolta may be freely

used, syringing the channels with it. This gives great relief from painan d in su res a qu icker recovery.

For a ll th e above-n am ed pu rposes eith er echin acea or echa folta m ay be

used: the lat ter is usual ly preferred where a cleanl ier appearance is

desired. Moreover, in most of the conditions named repair takes place

much sooner and in better form if the remedy is given internally

concomitant ly with i ts external use.

Internal. Echinacea is s t imulant , tonic, depurat ive, and especial ly

strongly antiseptic; i t is in a lesser degree anesthetic and

antiputrefactive. The necessity for remedies that possess a general

an tis ep tic prope rty and favor the elimination of caco-plastic material is

most marked when one is t reat ing diseases which show a depraved

condition of the body and its f luids. Such a remedy for blood

depravation, if we may use that term, is echinacea. No explanation of

i ts act ion has even been sat isfactor i ly given, and that a s imple drug

sh ould possess su ch var ied an d rema rkable therapeu t ic forces a nd not

be a poison i tself is an enigma st i l l to be solved, and one that must

come as a novelty to those whose therapy is that of heroic medicines

only. If there is any meaning in the term alterative i t is expressed in

the therapy of echinacea. For this very reason has a most excel lentmedicine been lauded extravagantly and come near to damnationthrou gh the extravagan t pra ises of its adm irers.

Echinacea is a remedy for autoinfect ion, and where the blood stream

becomes slowly infected either from within or without the body.

Elimination is imperfect, the body tissues become altered, and there is



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developed within the fluids and tissues septic action with adynamia

resulting in boils, carbuncles, cellular t issue inflammations,

abscesses, and other sept icaemic processes. I t is , therefore, a drugindicated by the changes manifested in a disturbed balance of the

fluids of the body resulting in t issue alteration: be the cause infectious

by organisms, or devitalized morbid accumulations, or alterations inthe blood itself . I t is pre-eminently useful in the typhoid state, and

many physicians administer i t regardless of any other indication

throughout enter ic fever as an intercurrent remedy. Echinacea is

especial ly to be thought of when there are gangrenous tendencies and

sloughing of the soft t issues, as well as in glandular ulcerations and

u lcers of th e skin. It is n ot by any m ean s a cu re-al l, bu t so im portan t is

i ts antiseptic action that we are inclined to rely largely on it as an

auxiliary remedy in the more serious varieties of disease-even thoseshowing a decided malignancyhence its frequent selection in

diphtheria, small-pox, scarlet fever, typhoid fever and typhoidpneumonia, cerebro-spinal meningi t is , la gr ippe, uremia, and the

surgical and serpent and insect infections. Foul smelling discharges

are deodorized by it and the odor removed from foul smelling ulcers

and carcinomata, processes not alone accomplished by i ts topical use

but aided greatly by its internal exhibition. In puerperal fever, cholera

infantum, u lcera ted sore throat , nasa l and o ther forms of ca tar rh and

in eczema an d erysipelas it fu lfills im porta n t ind icat ion s for an t isep sis .

Echinacea was introduced as a potent remedy for the bi tes of therat t lesnake and venomous insects . I t was used both external ly and

internal ly. Within bounds the remedy has retained i ts reputat ion in

these accidents, i t probably having some power to control the virulence

of the venom, or to enable the body to resist depression and pass the

ordeal successfully; nevertheless fatali t ies have occurred in spite of i ts

u se. For ordin ary st ings an d b ites i ts in terna l as well as externa l u se is

advisable.

In the acute infect ious diseases echinacea has rendered great service.

Throughout typhoid fever i t may be given without special regard tosta ted per iods , bu t wherever a dr in k of water is desired b y the pa t ient ,from 5 to 10 drops of Specific Medicine Echinacea may be given in it.

Having no toxic power, and act ing as an intest inal ant isept ic , this use

of i t is both rational and effective. Cases apparently go through an

invasion of this disease with less complications and less depression

when the drug is so employed. The same is true of i t in typhoid,



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pneumonia, sept icaemia, and other sept ic fevers. I t has the credi t of

regulating the general circulation, and particularly that of the

meninges in the slow forms of cerebrospinal meningitis, with feeble,slow, or at least not accelerated pulse, temperature scarcely above

normal, and cold extremities; with this is headache, a peculiar periodic

flushing of the face and neck, dizziness, and profound prostration(Webster). It is evidently a capillary stimulant of power in this dreaded

disease, in which few remedies have any saving effect. Echinacea has

aided in the recovery of some cases of puerperal septicemia. Obviously

other measures are also required. In non-malignant diphther ia ,

echinacea, both local ly and internal ly, has appeared to hasten

convalescence, but in the l ight of present day therapeutics i t is folly to

expect echinacea to cure the malignant type. A wide experience with

the drug in such cases convinces us tha t we are leaning upon as lender reed when we t rus t a lone to such medic ines as echinacea and

lobel ia in malignant diphther ia . As many non-malignant cases tend toquick recovery, the use of good remedies l ike echinacea undoubtedly

hastens the process. But to assume that i t wil l cure every type of the

disease because i t succeeds in aiding the milder forms to recover is to

bring a good medicine into unmerited discredit . Moreover, when these

claims were originally made, and probably in good faith, there was no

exact means of establ ishing the bacter ial nature of the disease, hence

many tonsillar disorders were called diphtheria. The latter were, of

course, benefited by it, for in tonsillitis, particularly the necrotic form

with stinking, dirty-looking ulcerations, i t is an excellent remedy.Echinacea is said to be a good agent in a malignant form of quinsy

known as black tongue; and in mountain fever, closely allied to

an d often diagn osed a s typhoid fever .

Echinacea is just ly valued in catarrhal condit ions of the nasal and

bronchial t racts , and in leucorrhoea, in al l of which there is a run-

down cond it ion of th e system with fet id d isch arge, an d often as sociated

with cutaneous erupt ions, especial ly of an eczematous and strumous

type. Chronic catarrhal bronchitis and fetid bronchitis are disorders in

which it h as been u sed with ben efit , an d i t is sa id to a m eliorate some of the u n pleasa n t ca tar rh al complica t ions of pu lm onary tu berculos is , andpart icular ly to render easier expectorat ion in that form known as

grinder 's consumption. Patients suffering from common nasal and

bronchial catarrhs have been great ly improved by echinacea when

taking the drug for other disorders. I ts s t imulat ing, support ing and

an tisept ic proper t ies would m ak e echin acea a rat ion al remedy for su ch



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disorders, particularly if debili ty and general t issue depravity were

coexisten t with th e catar rh .

As a rule echinacea is of l i t t le or no value in agues, yet physicians of

malarial distr icts assert i t is of benefit in chronic malaria when of an

asthenic type. Altogether likely its value, if it has any, lies in thebet terment of the asthenia, rather than to any effect i t may have upon

the protozoal cause of the disease. In so-called typho-malarial fever i t

does good just in proportion as the typhoid element affects the patient.

Both it a n d qu in in e wou ld b e ra t ion al medica t ion .

Echinacea possesses no mean ant i fermentat ive power, and by i ts local

anaesthet ic effect obtunds pain. When an offensive breath, due to

gaseous eructat ion, and gastr ic pain are present , i t proves a goodmedicine in fermentative dyspepsia. The symptoms are aggravated

upon taking food. It is also serviceable in intestinal indigestion withpain and debi l i ty and unusual ly foul f latus, and has been

recommended in duodenal catarrh. We can see no reason why i t

should not have some salutary effect in both gastr ic and duodenal

ulcer, for i t antagonizes putrefaction, t issue solution, and pain. In

ulcerat ive stomati t is and nursing sore mouth, in both of which i t is

very effectual, i t should be used both internally and locally. When

dysentery, diarrhea, and cholera infantum occur in the debi l i tated and

the excret ions are more than commonly foul , both in odor and shreds

of t iss u e, echina cea is a serviceable ad ju n ct to oth er t reatm ent .

The dose of either specific medicine echinacea or echafolta ranges

from 1 to 5 drops; larger doses (even 60 drops) may be employed, but

small doses are generally most efficient if frequently repeated. They

may be given in water or syrup, or a mixture of water and glycerin, as:

Rx Specific Medicine Echinacea, 1-2 fluidrachms;Water, to make 4

flu idou n ces. Mix. Sig.: Teas poonfu l every 1/ 2 or 1 h our in acu te cas es;

every 3 or 4 hours in chronic affections. If these preparations are to be

dispensed in hot weather , or are to be used in fermentat ive gastro-

in testina l disorders , the su bs titut ion of 1/ 2 ou n ce of pu re glycerin for1 flu idou n ce of th e water is a dvisa ble.

Ec h a f olt a (now iodized) should be given internally only when iodine

is not contraindicated, or is desirable. Formerly, before being iodized,

i t was used in ternal ly in the same manner and for the same purposes

as Echina cea. Th e Echa folta sh ould be reserved for externa l u se.



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Echafolta Cream is an ad m irab le form in which to u se Ech afolta , wh ere

an ointment is desired, being a useful unguent in the var ious skindisorders in wh ich E cha folta or Ech in acea is indicated.

ELATERIUM.

The feculence of the juice of the fruit ofEcballiumElaterium (Linn), A. Richard.

(Nat. Ord. Cu cu rbitacea e.) A tra iling vin e of sou th ern Eu rope.

C o m m o n N a m e s (of fruit): Squirting Cucumber, Wild Cucumber, Wild Balsam

Apple.

D e s c r i p t i o n .Light, brittle, flat flakes, pale-gray with a greenish or yellowish

t inge , a tea - like odor , an d an in ten sely b i t ter tas te .

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t .The neutral purgative principle elaterin (C20H28O5)

presen t to the ex ten t o f 20 to 25 pe r cen t .

P r e p a r a t i o n .Specific Medicine Elaterium . Dose, 1 to 20 drops .

D e r i v a t i v e .Elaterinum , Elaterin. (Odorless, very bitter, and slightly acrid, white

scales or crystals; permanent in the air. Very soluble in chloroform; sparingly in

alcohol, an d almost ins olu ble in water.) Dose, 1/ 40 to 1/ 8 grain. Of th e Trituratio

Elaterini (e la ter in , 1 ; su gar of milk , 9), 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 gra in .

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Chronic cystit is with pain in the neck ofbladder , the ur ine passes in a torrent , and af ter mictur i t ion there is

violent cramplike aching extending from the bladder into the pelvis

and thighs; deep soreness or tenderness in the bladder , per ineum, or

throughout the pelvis , with tenesmic voiding of mucus or muco-pus-

laden urine; dropsies of plethora; cerebral congestion; pulmonary

edema.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .Elater ium is the most powerful and the best of

the hydragogue cathartics. As such it is indicated only in individuals

strong enough to stand deplet ion, and is always contraindicated in theweak and feeble. Overdoses-even a few grains-may produce a diffuse

gastro-enterit is, with violent vomiting, cramps, and watery purgation.

In medium doses only copious watery stools are produced, but with

considerable depression. The treatment for excessive action of

elater iu m is t h at for gas tro-en ter it is in gen eral .



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In medium doses elater ium has been, and is s t i l l to a lesser extent ,

used as a dehydrat ing cathar t ic in chronic dropsies of hepat ic or

abdominal origin, and in chronic nephrit is. When the l iver is involved,with congestion or torpor, it may be given with podophyllin; if there are

heart complications, with digitalis. I t is quite certain to reduce the

asci tes; but when the lat ter is dependent on destruct ion of t issue, i tdoes not , of course, cure the disease, of which the dropsy is but a

symptom. It is often useful in dropsy after scarlet fever, if the patient is

n ot grea t ly exh au sted; a n d i t is m ore especia l ly in dica ted wh en u remic

convulsions threaten or are present . Elater ium is a useful purgat ive

when a revu ls ive is n eeded in cerebra l congest ion .

The small dose of elaterium is preferred for other specific purposes.

Elaterium is the remedy for chronic inflammation of the bladder, asf i rst announced by King. When indicated the ur ine rushes f rom the

ure thra as in a tor rent and i s accompanied by constant pa in radia t ingfrom the neck of the bladder to the surrounding t issues, and

micturition is followed by violent pelvic and femoral cramps. This

condition is frequently associated with general pelvic dragging and

tenderness, and the ur ine is character ist ic of chronic subacute

inf lammation-ropy with mucus or mucopus. The dose should be small

enough not to provoke emesis or catharsis . The usual prescr ipt ion is :

Rx Specific Medicine Elaterium, 10-20 drops; Water, enough to make 4

flu idou n ces. Mix. Sig.: On e teas poonfu l 3 or 4 t im es a da y.

For hydragogue purposes Elaterin is preferred by some physicians,

though elater ium, notwithstanding i ts impuri t ies , seems to be more

gener a lly efficient th a n its der iva tive.

EPIG A.

The leaves of Epigaea repens , Linn (Nat. Ord. Ericaceae). A small, trailing,

sh ru bby p lan t o f the eas te rn ha lf o f the Un ited S ta tes . Dose, 5 to 60 gra ins .

C o m m o n N a m e s : Trailing Arbutus, Gravel Weed, Gravel Plant, Ground Laurel,Mayflower.

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s .Th e glu cosides arbutin (C12H16O7), urson (C20H52O2),

a n d ericolin (C26H30O3); and tan n in .

P r e p a r a t i o n .Specific Medicine Epigaea . Dose, 5 to 60 drops.



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Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Uric and li thic acid deposits; debili tated and

relaxed bladder , with mucus in the ur ine; i r r i table vesical membrane;voiding of u r ine conta in in g blood or m u co-pu s.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .Trai l ing arbutus is a useful diuret ic when theurine is loaded with deposi ts of red, sandy mater ial , mucus or muco-

pus. I t renders the urine less irr i tating, and is valuable to relieve

irr i tat ion of the mucous membranes, vesical tenesmus, dysur ia , and

stra n gu ry. Th e u r in e is of h igh er th an n orma l gravity and m ay con tain,

besides deposited salts, l i thic acid gravel and broken down blood. I t is

especially useful where the bladder wall becomes dense and irr i tated

and the condit ion easi ly lapses into a chronic muco-purulent cyst i t is .

Th e sp ecific m edicin e or th e flu idextr a ct m a y be given in h ot water.

Trailing arbutus is one of the plants fast disappearing from our f lora,owing to i ts reckless gathering by wood-despoiling vandals. Thus a

beautiful wild flower, as well as a good medicine, is threatened with

exterminat ion .

EPILOBIUM.

The leaves and tops ofEpilobium angustifolium , Linn, and Epilobium palustre,

Linn (Nat . Ord. On agra ceae). North Am erica. Dose, 10 to 60 grain s.

C o m m o n N a m e s : 1. Willow Herb, Great Willow Herb, Rose Bay, Wickup. 2.

Wickop, Swamp Willow Herb, Marsh Epilobium.

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s .Th e plant s h ave not been sa t is fac tor i ly exam in ed.

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. Infu s um Epilobii, Infusion of Epilobium (1 ounce to water, 16

fluidounces). Dose, 2 flu idra chm s to 1 flu idou n ce.

2 . S pecific Med icine Ep ilobium . Dose, 10 to 60 drops .

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .-Diarrhoea with colicky pain; feculent

discharges with tenesmus; diarrhoea with contracted abdomen;chronic diarrhoea with harsh, dirty-looking, contracted skin;

diarrhoea of typhoid fever; typhoid dysentery.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .Epilobium is a remedy for the diarrhoea of

debili ty and irr i tabili ty of the intestinal mucosa. I t is the most certain

and kindly remedy we have ever used to control the diarrhoea of



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typhoid fever; and the experience covers a period of years. The

diarrhoea does not entirely cease, but becomes reduced to fewer

m ovemen ts an d of an in creased consis ten ce .

It has long been recognized as a valuable agent in camp or army

diarrh oea; and in domest ic pra ct ice it is in comm on u se in s ome pa r tsof the country to check the summer diarrheas of young chi ldren

mucoenterit is, enterocolit is, gastro-enterit is, and cholera infantum.

The experience of physicians justif ies these claims. The indication is

greenish discharges of half-digested food and mucus. I t is equally

u sefu l in chron ic dysentery an d in th at of a typh oid type. In m ost cas es

of intestinal irr i tation it acts well , and is indicated by a slick,

contracted tongue with nearly effaced papillae and pinched emaciated

features. I t is also of service in impaired digestion with uneasysensat ions in the abdomen, somet imes amount ing to pa in and even

colic , and accompanied by a persistent diarrhea. The infusion is thebest preparat ion. I t may be prepared in the usual way, and aromatized

with essence of peppermint and preserved with a small quant i ty of

glycerin.

EQUISETUM.

The plant, Equisetumhyemale, Linn (Nat. Ord. Equisetaceae). A peculiar leafless

plant found throughout the nor thern and western par ts of the Uni ted Sta tes in

dam p an d wet s itu a t ions . Dose, 5 to 60 gra ins .

Co m m o n Na m e s : Scou r ing Ru sh , Horse Tai l, Sha ve Gras s .

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .A large amount of silica, a soft green resin, and

equ is etic acid (aconitic acid).

P r e p a r a t i o n .1. S pecific Med icine Equise tum . Dose, 5 to 60 drops.

2 . Infusum Equiseti. In fu s ion of Equ ise tu m. Dose, 1 to 2 flu idou nces .

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Cystic irr i tation; tenesmic urging to urinate;

n oc tu rn a l u r ina l in con t in ence ; r en a l ca lcu l i.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .Equisetum is diuretic and astringent. I t is

asserted to greatly relieve irr i tation due to the presence of gravel and

the tenesmic urging to ur inate in acute inf lammations of the geni to-

renal t ract . When the bladder becomes so i r r i table that the pat ient ,

upon dropping to sleep, loses control over the urine i t is said to be

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specially serviceable. I t has restrained hematuria and is of service in

acute prostati t is and in the prostatorrhea which follows it . The infusion

(1 ounce to Water, 16 fluidounces) is the preferred preparation.

ERECHTITES.

The entire plant and oil of Erechtites hieracifolia, Rafinesque (Nat. Ord.

Com posi tae .) A ran k weed throu ghout th e Un ited Sta t es .

Co m m o n Na m e : Fireweed.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t .A volatile oil (Oleum Erechtitis ).

P r e p a r a t i o n .Oleum Erechtitis , Oil of Fireweed. Dose, 5 to 10 drops.

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Catar rhal s ta tes and pass ive hemorrhages;

albuminurea, dropsy, pale waxy skin, swelling of the feet, scanty

urine (Watkins).

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .True oil of fireweed (much that is sold is oil of

f leabane) improves the appetite and digestion, st imulates the functions

of the gastrointest inal glands and pancreas, and causes f ree and ful l

alvine evacuations, rendering it useful in chronic constipation,

especially when acid fermentation and flatulence are present. I tsultimate effect upon the circulation is to raise vascular tension. I t is

el iminated most largely by the lungs, and to a lesser extent by thekidn eys an d s kin . Th e clas s of disorders it ben efits are th ose at ta ckin g

the bronchial and renal mucosa, i t being effective in relieving chronic

bronchit is , pulmonic catarrhs with cough, and geni to-ur inary catarrh,

pyelit is, and cystit is. I t has been suggested in chronic nephrit is, with

pale, waxy skin and pedal edema. For this purpose the dose should not

be over one drop of the oil, in emulsion, well diluted. Usually the oil is

adm in i s t ered on s u gar .

ERIGERON.The whole plant ofErigeron can ad en s e , Linn (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A common

and t roublesome weed through the nor thern and centra l par ts of the Uni ted

S t a t e s .

Co m m o n Na m e s : Canada Fleabane, Colt 's Tail , Pride Weed, Scabious.



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P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .A volatile oil (Oleu m Erigeront is ) , and tannic and gall ic

acids.

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. Specific Medicine Erigeron . Dose, 1 to 60 drops.

2 . Oleum Erigerontis , Oil of Erigeron. Dose, 5 to 30 m inims, on su gar .

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .(Oil) capillary or passive hemorrhages,hematur ia , hemoptysis , epistaxis , hematemesis , and metrorrhagia;

painful diseases of the kidneys and bladder , and in diseases of the

mucous membranes at tended by free discharges (Scudder) . Infusion,

choleraic discharges, sudden, gushing, and watery, at tended with

th i r s t an d cram ping pa in , a nd somet im es s t reaked with b lood.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .Erigeron restrains excessive bowel and kidney

discharges. An infusion is a deservedly popular remedy for profuse

summer diarrheas of infants , especial ly that of cholera infantum and

gastroenter i t is . I t is indicated by the suddenly gushing and copiousevacuat ions, with cramps, or with but l i t t le pain, but of ten with the

presence of slight amounts of blood. The infusion is better than

alcoholic preparations for these purposes; besides i t supplies water to

take the place of the natural f luids so greatly depleted by the

discharges. I t is also useful in dysentery with passages of mucus and

blood. As a remedy for slight hemorrhages, as from the bowels and

kidneys, i t is rather weak, but sometimes effectual; the oil is a much

surer act ing hemostat ic . Both may be used as a diuret ic in gravel ly

condit ions as well as in chronic nephri t is , when the ur ine is t ingedwith blood, or even where passive hemorrhage is present. I t has

restrained the pathologic flow of urine in polyuria, or so-calleddiab etes in s ip idu s .

The oil of erigeron is a good internal hemostatic. I t sometimes checks

qu ite s evere u terin e h em orrh ages, a n d for very sm all oozin gs of blood it

is one of the very best agents to control the flow. It is also indicated in

epistaxis and moderate bleeding from the stomach, bowels, and

kidneys. Given in syrup i t is useful as a cough medicine when there is

bloody expectora tion .

ERIODICTYON.

The dried leaves ofEriod ictyoncalifornicum (Hooker and Arnott), Greene (Nat. Ord.

Hydrophyllaceae). A shrubby plant of California and northern Mexico. Dose, 5 to

30 grains.



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Co m m o n Na m e s : Yerba Sa nta , Moun ta in Balm.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .Resin, volatile oil, the glucoside ericolin , and

eriodictyonic acid.

P r e p a r a t i o n .Specific Med icine Yerba San ta . Dose, 5 to 30 drops.

Spec i fi c In d ica t ions .Cough with abundant and easy expectorat ion

(Scudder). Chronic asthma with cough, profuse expectoration,

thickening of the bronchial membrane, loss of appetite, impaired

diges tion , em a cia tion (Wa tk in s ).

Act ion and Therap y .A st im u lat in g expectoran t h avin g a kind ly an d

ben eficial act ion u pon digest ion . It is to be emp loyed wh ere th ere ar e

excessive catar rh al disch arges of th e bronch ial an d ren al t racts . It m ay

be u sed wh ere th ere is ch ronic cough with free secret ions , as inchronic bron chit is , b ronchorrhea , hu mid as th ma , and the cou gh of

ph th isis . Some cases of chronic catarrh of th e stomach an d catar rh al

cyst it is h ave been su ccessfu lly t reated with it .

ERYNGIUM.

The rhizome ofEryn gium y uccifolium , Michaux (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). A swamp

an d wet pr air ie plan t foun d from Virgin ia t o Texas. Dose, 10 to 40 grains .

C o m m o n N a m e s : Eryngo, Water Eryngo, Button Snakeroot, Ratt lesnake's Master,

Corn Sn akeroot .

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s .(Has n ot been an alyzed.)

P r e p a r a t i o n .Specific Med icine Eryn gium . Dose, 5 to 40 drops .

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Burning pain, with renal, vesical or urethral

irr i tabili ty; painful micturit ion, with frequent urging to urinate;

f requent , scanty and scalding ur inat ion; scanty ur ine, with f requent

and ineffectual at tempts to ur inate; deep-seated pain in bladderextend in g in to the lo in s ; profu se m u cou s d isch arges .

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .The root of eryngium, when chewed, causes a

profuse flow of saliva; in large doses it is emetic. Its chief properties are

those of a diuretic and expectorant. While of considerable value in

chronic laryngit is and bronchit is with f ree and abundant secret ion of Fel t e r s Mat e r ia Medica - (E) - Page 1 3


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muco-pus, i t is of most service in irr i tation of the bladder and urethra,

with i tching, burning, and constant urging to ur inate. I t is also useful

in dysuria with tenesmus. For that condit ion in women during orfol lowing menstruat ion, or dur ing the menopause, when sudden

chill ing throws the burden of excretion upon the kidneys, i t is

invaluable to control the bladder symptomsas ful lness, burning,itching, frequen t a t temp ts at u r in at ion , or when every movemen t of th e

body is accompanied by the involuntary passing of urine. We know of

no remedy that acts so promptly and sat isfactor i ly in such condit ions.

In the male i t rel ieves uneasy sensat ions, with burning and i tching

throughout the vesical , prostat ic , and urethral t racts , especial ly when

following gonorrhea or gleet. It is not contraindicated by inflammation

and is of great value in acute cystit is, with deep-seated, burning pain,

and where normal secret ion is scanty and pathologic catarrh is moreabundant. I t acts well with apis or gelsemium, with the latter especially

when th ere is a h yperaem ic sta te of th e blad der . It relieves th e bu rn in gpain of urination in gonorrhea. It is indicated to relieve the difficulties

of voiding urine from the presence of gravel and of chronic nephritis;

and it restrains the excessive discharges of chronic cystit is. When

spermatorrhea. is provoked by urethral i r r i tat ion, eryngium serves to

lim it t h e frequ en cy of loss es.

Sometimes eryngium will be found useful in digestive disorders, with

persistent gastr ic i r r i tat ion and mucous diarrhoea. In these cases the

tongue i s red and tender , nausea i s marked, and there i s a s t rong forfood.

EUCALYPTUS.

The leaves ofEucalyptu s Globulus , Labillardiere. Collected from the older parts of

the tree. (Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae.) A native tree of Australia; cult ivated elsewhere.

Co m m o n Na m e : Blu e Gu m Leaves.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .A volatile oil (Oleum Eucalypti) composed largely of

eucalyptol (cin eo l) (C10H18O), an d a res in .

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. Oleu m Eucalyp ti, Oil of Eucalyptus (contains a large proportion,

not less than 70 per cent, of eucalyptol). it is colorless or pale yellow, aromatic

an d pu ngent , an d ha s a sp icy, cooling tas te . Dose, 1 to 10 drops .

2 . Eucalyptol, a neutral body derived from the oil. It is a colorless, spicy,

ar oma tic flu id, with a cooling tas te. Dose, 1 to 10 drops.



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3 . Specific Medicine Eucalyptus . Dose, 5 to 30 drops.

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Cold extremities and cold perspiration;

perspiration during chill ; sense of coldness and weight in the

in tes t ines ; chronic mucous or muco-purulent d ischarges; pus in the

urine; pasty, bad-smelling tongue; fetid excretions; fetid sore throat;fet id catarrhal s tates of the broncho-pulmonary t ract ; chronic ague

with exh au st ive disch arges.

Action .Eucalyptus, and its oil and derivative, are gentle stimulants

when given in small doses. Large doses are i r r i tant and may cause

gastrointest inal inf lammation and renal congest ion. Muscular

prostration occurs from overdoses. Blood pressure is lowered by full

doses. All the secretions are stimulated when these agents are given in

medicinal amounts. All preparat ions of Eucalyptus are considered

an tiper iodic an d th e plan t in g of groves a n d t rees in m ias m atic swamp san d low groun ds is th ought to ren der th e air free from m alar ial miasm .Th e probabilit ies a re th at th e enormou s qu an tit ies of water abs orbed by

these t rees does good by dry ing the swamps and thus making them

poor breedin g places for ma lar ia-bea rin g in sects . It is s aid th at a pa rt of

the deadly Roman Campagna has been rendered habi tab le by the

in trodu ct ion of Eu calyptu s groves.

T h e r a p y .External. Eucalyptus prepara t ions are an t i sept ic and

disinfectant. They may be sprinkled or sprayed upon offensive material

and used to disinfect and deodorize the sick room. They also may form

an ingredient of ant isept ic poult ices and ointments. Dropped upon hotwater, or used in suitable oil dilution in sprays, they are useful as

throat and pulmonary ant i sept ics and s t imulants . Eucalypto l i s

especial ly much employed in subacute inf lammations and chronic

diseases of the bronchopulmonic tract, with fetor, relaxation and

abundant secre t ions . Used upon cancerous sur faces they mask the

fetid odor and give some relief from pain. The following is an ideal

va gin a l was h for offen s ive leu corrh ea: Rx. Sea Sa lt, 1 lb.; Flu idextr act of

Eu calyptu s or Sp ecific Medicin e Eu calyptu s, 1/ 2 flu idou n ce. Mix in aglass or t in container. Sig.: One tablespoonful to 1 pint of hot water,

and inject with a glass syringe. All preparations of eucalyptus may be

used from ful l s t rength to any desired di lut ion upon old ulcers,wounds, gonorrhoeal discharges, ozoena, sept icemia, and gangrene;

all with free but fetid discharges. Inhalations of them are especially

u se fu l in pu lm onary gangrene .



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Internal. Eucalyptus is a f ine stimulating expectorant for

bronchopulmonary catarrhal disorders, when no very act iveinflammation is present. I t restrains discharges, facil i tates

expectorat ion, and deodorizes and ant isept icizes the sputum. Chronic

bronchitis, bronchorrhea, and the debili ty, with difficult expectoration,l inger ing in the wake of bronchopneumonia and lobar pneumonia are

cond ition s in which it is of very grea t value.

Agents of this type, which may be compared to the turpent ines, and

which inf luence the respiratory membranes, usual ly are valuable for

similar uses in the ur ino-geni tal t ract . Thus we f ind eucalyptus an

al terat ive and ant ipyic in pyel i t is and in catarrhal and purulent

cystit is, particularly in the aged. Being eliminated by all the mucoussu rfaces, it exer ts its an t isept ic in flu ence u pon th em in al l par ts of th e

body. Wh ile th e oil an d eu calyptol are popu lar with m an y, we prefer th esp ecific med icin e or the flu idextra ct for mos t pu rpos es.

Eucalyptus is a stimulating antiseptic for the angina of scarlatina, for

which by some it is administered internally. This should be done with

great care, however, for the drug is l iable to produce congestion of the

kidneys, one of the dreaded complications which is easily provoked in

the acute exanthemata. I f acute desquamative nephri t is is present i t

should not be employed; in the advanced stage of chronic nephrit is

with very marked fetor in the urine, and scanty secretion of urine, verysmall doses of eucalyptus may be caut iously t r ied. Eucalpytus and i ts

preparat ions are dist inct ly contraindicated when acute inf lammation

of an y part exist s.

The antimalarial properties of eucalyptus are taken advantage of in

cases of malarial infection that do not respond to quinine or in which

the quinine has an otherwise undesired effect . The more chronic the

caseswithout distinct cyclesthe better the drug seems to act. I t is

also naturally used for many of the complications or results of chronic

malarial cachexia, as periodic headache and neuralgia. I t is only inoccasional cases of malarial fever that it does a great deal of good,especially acting best if there are exhaustive discharges, but i t is never

without some beneficial power. I t is not to be compared to cinchona

medication in the ordinary run of malarial fevers. Used according to

indications as given above, eucalyptus is a very satisfactory and

pleas an t m edicin e. It is b est given in syru p or glycer in .



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EUONYMUS.

The bark of the root ofEuonymusatropurpureus , J acqu in (Nat. Ord. Celastr acea e.).

A sm al l sh ru b o r bu sh o f the Uni ted S ta tes . Dose, 5 to 60 gra ins .

Co m m o n Na m e s : Wah oo, In dian Arrow-wood, Bu rn in g Bus h , Spind le Tree.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .A bitter glucoside euonymin, closely resembling

digitalin; asparagin , and euonic acid. (Euonymin should not be confounded with

th e res inoid of th e sa me n am e emp loyed by th e ear ly Eclect ics .)

P r e p a r a t i o n .Specific Medicine Euonymus . Dose, 5 to 60 drops.

Speci f ic Indica t ions .Yellow-coated ton gu e; an orexia; in digestion

and constipation, due to hepatic torpor; prostration with irr i tation of

th e nerve centers ; per iodic diseas es, to su pplemen t th e act ion of q u i n i n e .

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .Wahoo sharpens the appet i te , improves

digest ion, s t imulates the hepat ic funct ion, and increases nutr i t ion. I t

has decided laxative properties and is to some extent antiperiodic.

Locke declared it one of the few good stomach tonics. I ts antimalarial

influence is best displayed after the chill has been broken by quinine.

It m ay th en b e given as a ton ic, an d i t ma ter ial ly ass ists in prevent ing a

recurrence of the paroxysms. However, i t is not a major remedy inintermittents, and general tonic effects are chiefly to be expected. It

acts much better in the gastric debili ty following intermittent fevers

than during the act ive at tacks. Euonymus is a good stomachic bi t ter in

atonic dyspepsia with malar ial cachexia, or when due to faul ty andtorpid action of the l iver. Many value i t in so-called chronic ague, and

in the constipation and gastric debility associated with or following it.

Eu onym u s is a n eglec ted b it te r .

EUPATOR IUM PE RFOLIATUM.

The flowering tops and leaves of Eup atorium pe rfoliatu m , Linn (Nat. Ord.

Compositae). Swamps and low meadows throughout the United States. Dose, 5 to

60 grains.

C o m m o n N a m e s : Boneset, Thoroughwort, Indian Sage, Ague Weed, Through-

Stem , Th orough -Wax, Cross wort , Vegeta ble An timon y.



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P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .Volatile oil, tannin, and a soluble, bitter

glucosideeupatorin .

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. Specific Med icine Eupa torium . Dose, 5 to 60 drops.

2 . Infus um Eupa torii, In fu s ion of Bones et . Dose, 1 to 4 flu idrach ms .

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Large full pulse, the current showing little

waves; skin hot and full , with a tendency to become moist , even during

the progress of fever; deep-seated aching pain (so-called bone pains)

in muscles and per ios teum; cough, embarrassed brea th ing , and pain

in the chest ; ur ine turbid and ur inat ion frequent; inf luenzal cough

an d ach ing pa in .

Action .Eupator ium, in small doses, acts as a s imple bi t ter ; in large

doses i t is emetic . Given in hot infusion i t causes both emesis and

profu se d iap h oresis; sometim es ca th ars is also resu lts . In cold in fu sion ,or small doses of the alcoholic preparations, i t is tonic and aperient. I t

a lso h as ma rked bu t u nexpla in able an t imalar ia l proper t ies .

T h e r a p y .Eupator ium is an old American drug that has found i ts way

into general medicine through aboriginal and domest ic usage.

Formerly i t was a favorite emetic and was successfully used at the

outset of fevers of the bilious remittent and intermittent types. I ts

antiperiodic properties were well known and used to advantage in

ague distr icts many years ago. I ts property of relieving deep-seatedpain was also early recognized, obtaining for i t the vulgar name of

Boneset. I t is now seldom, or never, used as an emetic chieflybecause emetics are not of ten employed, and also on account of the

bitterness of the drug and the quantity of infusion required. I ts

thoroughness as such , however , cannot be quest ioned, and i t has no

poisonous or depressing qual i t ies . Eupator ium is now used in malar ial

affect ions of th e ir regu lar an d m as ked types, a n d p ar t icu lar ly th ose n ot

benefited by quinine. The chill and succeeding fever are slight, the

skin dry, and not, as a rule, followed by perspiration; there is deep-

seated, aching pain, as if in the bones, praecordial oppression, and

great thirst. If, however, the fever lasts all day, slight sweating may

occur at night. An added indication in ague is vomiting, especially of

much bile. Formerly the hot infusion was given to emeto-catharsis, andfollowed during the intermission with tonic doses of the cold infusion.

This is now known to be unnecessary, ful l doses, shor t of nausea, of



19/26

the alcoholic preparations being fully as efficient. Malarial headache,

with ir regular in term it ten ce, is also relieved b y sm all doses of th e dr u g.

Eupator ium is an admirable remedy to break up a common cold,

especial ly when accompanied by deep-seated, aching pain and sl ight

or no fever. If there are pleurit ic pain and hoarseness, i t is alsovaluable. In every epidemic of influenza it has been used with great

advantage. During the severe pandemic of 1918-19 i t was one of the

safest and most successful remedies employed and contr ibuted much

to the successful management of the disease under Eclect ic t reatment .

By many it came to be used as a prophylactic, persons taking it freely

apparently escaping attack. Notwithstanding this, i ts prophylactic

power, i f i t has any, is as yet unexplained and should not be ser iously

rel ied upon. That cases were rendered milder , deep-seated painpromptly relieved, cough and respiratory irr i tation lessened, and

recovery expedited under the l iberal administration of eupatorium is amatter of record. It is especially valuable to relieve the intolerable

backache and pain in the l imbs. Eupator ium often rel ieves per iosteal

pain of a neuralgic type, particularly if associated with malarial

infection, but i t renders no service in that caused by inflammation or

by syph ilit ic or oth er organ ic cha n ges in th e per iosteu m .

In respiratory affections boneset is efficient to relieve cough, acting

best in that occurr ing in the aged and debi l i tated, where there is an

abundance of secretion, but lack of power to expel it. It also relieveshoarseness, and sometimes benef i ts in humid asthma. I t is one of the

best of medicines to relieve the irr i table cough of measles, but care

must be taken not to push i ts effects to nausea and vomit ing. For

chi ldren i t is best administered in an aromatized syrup. In pneumonia

i t rel ieves chest pains and cough, and for these purposes may be

employed in the early stage of acute lobar, but more effectually in

broncho-pneumonia. After the act ive stages have passed i t again

becomes useful to allay the irr i table after-cough and to assist in

expectorat ion when bronchorrhea occurs. Being tonic and stomachic,

when given in small doses i t improves the appetite and digestion andth u s favors a m ore rapid an d perfect con valescence.

EUPATOR IUM P URPUREUM.

Th e root ofEupatorium purpureum , Linn (Nat. Ord . Compos itae). Low mea dows a n d

woods of th e Uni ted Sta tes . Dose, 5 to 60 gra ins .



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C o m m o n N a m e s : Queen of th e Mea dow, Gra vel Weed, Gra vel Root, J oe Pye

Weed.

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s .Volat i le oil an d a res in (eupatorine).

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. Sp ecific Medicin e Gr a vel-Root. Dose, 1 to 60 drops.2 . Decoctum Eu pa torii Purpureii , Decoction of Gravel Root (1 ounce to Water,

16 flu idoun ces). Dose, 1 to 3 f luidounces.

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Vesical irritation; incontinence of urine,

painful and frequent ur inat ion; pain and weight in loins extending to

the bladder ; scant and milky ur ine with admixture of blood and

m u c u s .

Ac t i on a n d Th e r a p y .While of some value in chronic gastro-intestinal

irr i tation, with catarrhal secretion, and in some forms of cough, withfree expectoration, the chief use of gravel-root is to relieve chronicir r itat ion of th e u r in ary pa ss ages. For th is pu rpose it is one of th e m ost

satisfactory of medicines. I t is adapted to cases in which there is

constant urging to pass ur ine, accompanied by a sense of obstruct ion,

and the excret ion is mixed with mucus and blood. Though not

cu rat ive, it is often in valu ab le in ch ronic neph rit is , to m eet m an y of th e

u n pleasa n t u r in ary symptom s. For the u r ic acid diath esis gravel-root is

one of the best of drugs. I t will not, as has been claimed, dissolve

gravel, but by its diuretic action it eliminates those particles which

may form the nuclei of larger concretions. Besides, i ts effects upon

irr i tated or inf lamed par ts due to such deposi ts when present is tosoothe and heal them. It especially relieves the deep-seated pelvic

per ineal aching common to sufferers f rom cyst i t is and subacute

prostat it is , For pas sive h ema tu r ia it is one of th e best d ru gs we poss ess.

When hydragogues have been used to deplete the body in asci tes,

gravel-root , by st im u lat ing diures is , great ly retards th e reesta bl ish m ent

of the effusion.

Gravel-root relieves the urinary disturbances of pregnancy so far asdifficulty in voiding urine is concerned. It is also very useful in

prostat it is , a ct in g best a fter th e acu te in flam m atory condit ion h as been

su b d u e d .

Gravel-root is a neglected drug and often should be employed in

ur inary disorders where less eff icient and more harmful agents are



21/26

displayed. High-colored urine, with blood and solids and voided with

pain, and milky-looking urine, should lead one to hope for good

results from its use. If the specific medicine is administered it shouldbe given in hot water. The decoction is often the best form of

administration. It acts well with the special sedatives, and if fever is

present or the skin is hot, dry, and constricted it may be given withaconi te or ge lsem iu m .

EUPH OR BIA COR OLLATA.

The bark of the root ofEuphorbiacorollata , Linn (Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae). Dry

fie lds a n d woods of Can ad a an d th e Un ited Sta tes .

C o m m o n N a m e s : Large Flowering Spurge, Blooming Spurge, Milk Purslane, Snake

Milk.

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s .Resin , caou tchouc, a nd probably euphorbon .

P r e p a r a t i o n .Specific Medicine Euphorbia . Dose, 1 / 10 to 10 d rops .

Speci f ic Indica t ions .Persisten t gas tric irr i tat ion; irr ita tive diarr h ea of

catarrhal discharges, with debili ty; long-pointed tongue, with

prominent papi l lae; uneasy sensat ion in the stomach; cholera

infantum, with hot , tumid abdomen and constant desire to defecate,the stools being greenish and irr i tating; irr i tation of the respiratory

tract, especially the glottis, with persistent cough and tough andtenacious secre t ion .

Ac t i on a n d Th e r a p y .In full doses euphorbia is a comparatively mild

emetic; in overdoses i t causes drastic emeto-catharsis. I t was formerly

used to fulfi l l the purposes of an emetic and purgative in dropsical

conditions. It is now used chiefly in small doses for irritation of the

gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. I t often relieves diarrhea and

dysentery, with full and tenesmic passages. I t is especially useful in

cholera infantum, with hot , tender abdomen and constant desire to go

to stool, the discharges being greenish and irr i tating. Euphorbia is agood gas troin test ina l sed at ive an d ton ic, an d is m ost effect ive when th e

tongue is red, long and pointed, and there is persistent vomiting. In

m oderate doses i t ma y be u sed in obst ina te con st ipa t ion, with eviden ce

of gastric irr i tation. Euphorbia is contraindicated by active

inf lammation.



22/26

Bowles ( Eclectic Medical Journal, 1921, page 459) praises Euphorbia as

an excellent sedative for persistent, irritative cough following

in flu enza, an d th at du e to ch ronic catarr h al in flam m ation of th e larynxand pharynx. The glottis seems especially irr i table and the cough is

exasperatingworse from riding or walking in the cold air, or is

aggravated by exertion after a full meal. There is but little secretion,and tha t i s tough, tenacious , and g lu t inous , and requi res pers is ten t

hawking to aid in i ts expectoration. One or two drops may be taken

upon the tongue and slowly swallowed; or 40 drops of Specific

Medicine Euphorbia may be added to 4 ounces of water , and of this a

teaspoonful may be taken every 2 hours. Bowles also used it , with

phytolacca and phosphate of hydrast in , to reduce enlarged tonsi ls

following t on s illitis .

The American species of Euphorbia furnish a r ich field for restudy.

Formerly some of them were quiet extensively used as medicines, butseem to h ave been crowded ou t by s im ilar ly-act ing foreign d ru gs.

The chief indicat ions for Euphorbia are: profuse mucous discharges,

whether from th e pu lm onic, gas tro-in test in al , or u r in o-geni tal mu cosa ;

or the tough, glut inous t racheo-broncho-pulmonic secret ions, with

irri tation.

EUPHOR BIA HYPE RICIF OLIA

The entire plant Euphorbia (Chamaesyce) hypericifolia, Linn (Nat. Ord.

Euphorbiaceae). A common weed in rich soils of gardens and waste places

th rou ghout the United S ta tes .

Co m m o n Na m e s : Large Spotted Spu rge, Gard en Sp u rge.

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s .Tan nin, gallic acid, an d a caou tchou c-like b ody.

P r e p a r a t i o n .S pecific Med icine S potted S pu rge . Dose, 1 to 10 drops .

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Gastro-intestinal irr i tation with greenish andirr i tant passages.

Ac t i on a n d Th e r a p y .Tru e, test in g this plan t u pon h im self, foun d th e

infusion to produce a full frontal headache, similar to but less severe

than tha t caused by macrotys , wi th an unpleasant fu l lness wi th

oppression at the epigastr ium, and a sense of languor and drowsiness.



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Intense constipation followed. He concluded that i t is a cerebral

st imulant , and secondari ly a sedat ive to the brain and sympathet ic

nervous sys tem.

The drug is valuable in gastro-intestinal irr i tation with watery and

mucoid discharges, having been used most successful ly in cholerainfantum, cholera morbus, muco-enter i t is and dysentery, af ter the

acu te in flam m ation h as su bsided. For th e first -n am ed ch ilds disorder

it is on e of th e mos t certa in of sed a tive-as tringen ts .

EUPH OR BIA IPE CACUANHA.

The bark of the root ofEuphorbiaIpecacuanha , Linn (Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae) A

perennial found in dry sandy soils on the Atlantic seaboard from Long Island

sou th a nd wes t to the Midd le S ta tes .

C o m m o n N a m e s : American Ipecac, American Ipecacuanha, Wild Ipecac, Ipecac

Spurge.

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s .An active resin an d euphorbon.

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. Fluidextractum Euphorbiae lpecacuanhae Fluidextract of

Euphorbia Ipecacuanha. Dose, 1 to 10 drops.

2 . Tinctura Euph orbiae Ipecacuan ha e , Tincture of Euphorbia Ipecacuanha (8

ounces to Alcohol, 76 percent 16 fluidounces). Dose, 1 to 10 drops. ( Us ua l form of

Administration.Tincture of Euphorbia Ipecacuanha, 20 drops, Water to make 4

flu idou n cesoun ces . Mix. Sig .: One t easp oon fu l every 2 or 3 hou rs .)

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .This is an old American medicine that was

formerly employed as a substitute for ipecac. I t is less active than

Euphorbia corol lata , but l ike i t produces emeto-catharsis . In small

doses i t quiets i r r i tat ion of the mucous membranes, proving useful in

both gastrointest inal and bronchial disorders. The indicat ions anduses are pract ical ly the same as those given for Euphorbia corol lata ,

which see. Besides, i t has been advised in irr i tative dyspepsia, and

jaundice with obst inate hepat ic torpor . For the lat ter purposes the

lar ger dos es a re to be emp loyed.

EUPHORBIA PILULIFERA.

The whole plant Euphorbia pilulifera (Chamaesyce hirta ), Linn (Nat. Ord .

Euphorbiaceae). A plant of tropical cl imes and throughout the gulf s tates of the



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Uni ted S ta tes .

Co m m o n Na m e s : P ill-bear ing Spu rge , Cats Hair , Qu eens lan d Asth m a Weed.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .Resins of a glucosidal character , tannin, and salts of

po tass ium, s od iu m, m agnes iu m, a nd s i lica .

P r e p a r a t i o n .Sp ecific Med icine As thm a Wee d. Dose, 1 to 30 drops .

Speci f ic Indica t ions .Spa sm odic an d dyspn eic breath in g with

bron chial ir r i tat ion .

Ac t i on a n d Th e r a p y .A remedy for spa sm odic as th m a an d cou gh s of a

convulsive character due to recent colds. I t is somewhat anodyne as

well as ant ispasmodic and expectorant , and is asser ted useful in theirri tative, teasing, and paroxysmal coughs of the chronic bronchitis of

old persons and consumptives. I t is also said to relieve dyspnea ofcardiac or igin and to be of some use in emphysema. I t may be

ad m in istered in s yru p, if des ired.

EUPHRASIA.

The plant Eup hras ia officina lis , Linn (Nat. Ord. Scrophulariaceae). Europe and

America. Dose, 1 to 30 grains .

Co m m o n Na m e : Eyebrigh t.

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s .An acrid, bitter principle and a volatile oil.

P r e p a r a t i o n .Specific Medicine Euphras ia . Dose, 1 to 60 drops.

Spec i fi c In d ica t ions .Acute catarrhal diseases of the eyes, nose, and

ears; f luent coryza with copious discharge of watery mucus. Secretion

of acr id mucus f rom the eyes and nose wi th heat and pain in the

fron ta l s in u s (Scu dd er).

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .An admirable remedy for acute catarrhalinf lammations of the nasal and ocular membranes, with profuse,

watery secret ion or abundant f low of acr id mucus, and at tended with

heat , pain, burning, and sneezing. I t is one of the most cer tain agents

in acute coryza and in mucous ophthalmia , wi th abundant

lacrimation. I t is equally effective when acute catarrhs extend to the

ears through the Eustachian passages , and are a t tended by earache ,Fel t e r s Mat e r ia Medica - (E) - Page 2 4


25/26

headache, sneezing, and coughing. Euphrasia is useful both to prevent

and to relieve, in the early stages, acute frontal sinusitis. During or

following measles i t controls the distressing catarrhal symptoms. In alldisorders i ts most direct indication is profuse watery discharge with

acute inflammation or irr i tation. I t is less valuable in the catarrhal

disorders of th e gastro- in test ina l t ract .

Euphrasia is a s t r iking example of a s imple drug that has acquired a

great and exaggerated reputat ion in folk-medicine. Euphrasia means

good cheer, or delight, and refers to its reputed effects upon the

spirits through its benefits to the sight (Millspaugh). It once enjoyed a

great but unsustained reputat ion as a cure for al l diseases of the eye,

even becom in g th e th em e of th e poets pen Milton referrin g to it in

Paradise Lost, as purging the visual nerve. It came into Eclecticmedication from Homeopathic sources, but with some modifications of

symptomatology. The characteristic symptom calling for it is acridity ofthe discharges, and this is emphasized by Homeopathic wri ters . I t

matters l i t t le whether the discharges be thin and watery, or thick and

yellowthey are free, bit ing and excoriating, making the l ids red and

sore. I t is essentially a remedy for catarrhal states and for superficial ,

not deep, eye disorders. Accumulation upon the cornea of sticky

mucus befogging vision is a euphrasia indication. With such ocular

disorders is usually more or less coryza, which may be far less hot and

biting, or may be bland. The drug has proved especially useful in the

epidemics of la grippe in recent years to control the profuselachrimation. Euphrasia sometimes proves serviceable in hay fever,

h avin g the cha rac ter is t ic d isch arges a bove m ent ion ed.



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m o n o gr a p h s e x t r a c t e d fr o m

Th e Ec le c t i c Ma t e r ia Me d ic a , P h a r m a c o lo gy a n d Th e r a p e u t i c s

by Harvey Wicke s Fe l ter , M.D. (19 2 2)

NOTE: Throughout these monographs are references to Specific Medicines.

In some respects Specific Medicines are the single reason that Eclecticismsurvived so long in the face of Organized Medicine and were still being

manufactured for the surviving Eclectic M.D.s as late as the early 1960s.

Using u p t o eight organ ic solvent s a n d th e Lloyd Extra ctor, Specific Medicin es

represented the strongest possible concentration of the bioactive aspects of

botan icals th a t wou ld s tay in a collo ida l so lu t ion .

Perfected over fou r d ecades by J ohn Uri Lloyd, each Specific Medicin e was

prepared according to the nature of THAT specific plant. You cannot translate

a Specific Medicine into tincture or fluidextract. The latter are GENERIC

or standard strengths applied across the board to ALL botanicals. A Specific

Medicine represented the greatest s trength, without degradation, for aPARTICULAR plant, using anywhere from several to all of the solvents to

achieve this . The Eclectic physician was trained to use botanicals in an

oftentimes rural sett ing, and these medicines had to resist breakdown in the

deepest winter and the hottest summer. Since they needed to contain even

the most ephemeral consti tuents of a plant remedy, Lloyd approached each

plant separa te ly .

The amazing quali ty of these preparations assuredly maintained the Eclectic

Movemen t long after oth ers h ad fad ed. Lloyds recipes were Paten t

Medicines, were not official, and when relatives finally closed down the

Lloyd Broth ers Pha rm acy in Cincinn at i, thes e form u lae disa ppea red. On e of

the hottest topics for many years amongst professional herbalists in North

America and Europe has been So who has the Lloyd Formulas, already?

Since we cannot access them, the best approach is the use of well made

tinctures, capsules or tea. I might suggest the preparations and doses

recommended in my Herbal Materia Medica 5.0 as a start ing place.. . in many

respects I am perhaps a Neo-Eclectic at heart, and have tended to follow

th e la ter Eclect ics in m y app roach to p lants an d dosa ges .

Michael Moore

Bisbee, Arizon a

October, 200 1

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