Felters Materia_Medica-L

8/2/2019 Felters Materia_Medica-L

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LACTUCARIUM.

The dried or concrete milk-juice ofLactuca viros a , Linn (Nat. Ord. Compositae).

Sou th a nd Cen t ra l Europe . Dose, 5 to 20 gra ins .

Co m m o n Na m e : Let tu ce Opiu m.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .Lactucin (C11H14O4), lactucerin (lactu cone),

lactucopicrin , lactucic acid, and a comphoraceous volati le oil .

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. Tinctu ra Lactucarii, Tincture of Lactucarium, (50 per cent

s t rength) . Dose, 30 to 60 drops .

2 . Syrupus Lactucarii, Syrup of Lactucarium (prepared from Tincture). Dose, 1 -

3 f luidrachms.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y . -A non-constipating calmative and feeble

hypnotic, sometimes proving useful in insomn ia from mental overworkand, as a syrup, in the cough of phthisis . Even garden let tuce (Lactuca

sativa) rel ieves i r r i tat ion of the broncho-pulmonic membranes and hasa tendency to induce drowsiness. Lactucar ium is of ten iner t ; when a

good preparation can be obtained it is fairly sedative for irritable

ch i ld ren .

LAPPA (Arc t iu m lap p a ).

The root and seeds ofArctiumLappa , Linn (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Europe, Asia,an d America. Dose, 5 to 60 gra ins .

Co m m o n Na m e : Bu rdock.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .The glucoside lappin , fixed oil, inulin , and an a l tered

tannin ca l led phlobaphene.

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. Specific Medicine Lappa . Dose, I to 60 dr ops.

2 . Tinctura Lappa e S em inis , Tincture of Lappa Seeds. (Seed, 4 ounces; 75 per

cent Alcohol, 16 fluidou n ces.) Dose, 1 to 60 drops.

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Feeble cutaneous circulation; dry, scaly skinerupt ions; aphthous u lcers ; recur rent boi l s and s tyes ; ur inary

irri tation ; ps orias is.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .Lappa is a potent but neglected alterative and

diuretic. I t relieves urinary and bronchial irr i tation, favors the

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elimination of waste material , and secondarily proves tonic. Lappa is

especial ly valuable in psor iasis , crusta lactea, s tubborn eczema,

obst in a te u lcers , an d in ca tar rh al and aph thou s u lcera t ions . It is one of the best of agents for recurrent boils and styes. Bronchial cough, with

much irr i tation of the pulmonary tract, is relieved by it , and it is

sometimes beneficial in dyspepsia due to irr i tation of the stomach incachectic individuals. As it gently stimulates the kidneys and

promotes waste i t should be largely used in st rumous and cachect ic

condit ions, with tendency to dry, scaly, cutaneous erupt ion and low

grades of cellu lar in flam m at ion, with feeble circu lat ion in th e sk in .

LAVANDULA.

The flowers ofLavandulavera , De Candolle (Nat. Ord. Labiatae). Dry sterile soils

of mountainous elevations in southern Europe and northern Africa; cult ivated in

the Uni ted S ta tes .

Co m m o n Na m e s : Lavender, Lavender Flowers.

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

acetate, linalool (C10H18O) an d cineol or eucalyptol.

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. SpiritusLavandulae, Spirit of Lavender (5 per cent oil). Dose, 10

to 60 minims .

2 . Tinctura Lavandulae , Composita, Compound Tincture of Lavender.

(Compound Spirit of Lavender.) (Contains Oil of Lavender, Oil of Rosemary, Clove,

Myristica, Saigon Cinnamon, Red Saunders, Alcohol, and Water.) Dose, 10 to 60

drops .

Ac t i on a n d Th e r a p y .External. Spirit of lavender is an agreeable and

soothing lotion for the headache of debility and in fevers. The

compound t incture is f requently added to carbonate of ammonium,

and constitutes smelling salts for the relief of headache and

tendency to faint ing.

Internal. Oil of lavender , the spir i t and the compound t incture aredelightful st imulants and carminatives. They are extensively employed

to al lay gastr ic uneasiness and nausea, in f latulent col ic , hyster ia ,nervous debili ty, general languor and tendency to fainting. For

nervous and weak individuals , who faint easi ly and are prone to

hyster ical seizures, they are simple and safe preparat ions. The

compound t incture is added to many mixtures to give color , and al l of



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the lavender preparat ions are used as corr igents and adjuvants of less

agreeable medicines. Scudder valued the compound t incture in

nervous irr i tabili ty in children, and incorporated it in a soothingsyrup descr ibed under Cypripedium, which see.

LEONURUS.

The tops and leaves of Leonu rus Cardiaca , Linn (Nat. Ord. Labiatae). Asia,

Europe , and comm on in the Uni ted S ta tes .

Co m m o n Na m e : Moth erwort .

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s .Resin s, a b it ter pr in ciple, an d pr obab ly an alkaloid.

P r e p a r a t i o n . Infusum Leonuri, Infusion of Leonurus. (1 ounce to Water, 16

fluidounces). Dose, 2 to 4 flu idrach ms .

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .A simple emmenagogue and ant ispasmodic,

evidently having considerable control over the nervous system. It has

been advised in nervous debi l i ty with i r r i tat ion and unrest , tendency

to chore ic movements or spasms, pe lv ic and lumbar uneasiness and

pain, and in bear ing-down pains and the discomforts incident to

debility of the female reproductive organs. A warm infusion may be

used in amenorrhea, and King praised i t for the restorat ion of

suppressed lochia. I t deserves restudy to determine its value in

n ervou s a ffections .

LEPTANDRA (Ver on ica st ru m virgin icu m ).

The rhizome and rootlets of Veronicastrumvirginicum (L.) Farw., (Leptandravirginica ,

Nuttall), (Nat. Ord. Scrophulariaceae). A tall perennial plant indigenous to the

eas te rn ha lf o f th e Uni ted S ta tes . Dose, 10 to 60 grains .

C o m m o n N a m e s : Culver's Root, Black Root, Culver's Physic, Bowman Root, Tall

Speed well , etc.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .A resinoid called leptandrin , formerly used but now

largely disca rded by Eclectic pra ctit ion ers, a n d a bit ter pr in ciple.

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

D e r i v a t i v e .Lepta n drin (Resin oid). Dose, 1/ 4 to 2 gra ins.



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Spec i fi c In d ica t ions .Tenderness and heavy pain in the region of the

liver, with drowsiness, dizziness, and mental depression; skin, yellow;

tongue coated white; bi t ter taste , nausea, f rontal headache and coldextremities; thirst with inabili ty to drink; diarrhea with half-digested

passages, or clay-colored stools; enfeebled portal circulation, with

las s i tude , g loom , an d m enta l depress ion .

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .Leptandra is a gastro-hepat ic and intest inal

st imulant . The fresh root is viciously cathar t ic and has produced

bloody stools and abortion. Drying, however, deprives the drug of its

drastic quality and it becomes a safe cholagogue, laxative, and

cathar t ic . Apparent ly in ordinary doses i t s t rengthens the funct ional

activity of the intestinal glands, does not debili tate nor produce large

stools, a n d if th e circu lat ion is feeble, with a t en den cy to sta sis, it h as adec idedly ton ic effect.

Leptandra is a remedy for intestinal atonyespecially duodenal atony

associated with hepat ic torpor . I t has been employed in dysentery and

chronic diarrhoea, dependent upon const ipat ion of the upper bowel , or

upon imperfect elaboration of the food. These cases are accompanied

by dizziness, headache, visceral pain, mental depression and cold

extremities. In atony of the stomach and liver with the preceding and

the following symptoms it is decidedly stimulant and tonic. There is a

dry, hot skin, with cold feet, abdominal plethora, pale, white coated or

furred broad and thick tongue, heavy or dul l aching in the hepat icregion and the left shoulder, and a bit ter , disagreeable taste. In fact

with any of the preceding symptomsand yellowness of the skin and

conjunctiva and nausea, leptandra will prove very useful in atonic

dyspepsia, acute hepat i t is , acute duodenal catarrh, diarrhea of half-

digested aliment, muco-enterit is, and chronic enterit is. I t will be

evident from the guides given that leptandra, is a remedy for the

complex known as bi l iousness. I t a ids chionanthus, and sometimes

podophyllin to dissipate jaundice. In the early period of Eclectic

medicine i t was valued in typhoid fever, when ushered in with

cons tipa tion a n d before ma rked involvemen t of Peyers p at ch es h adbecome established. I t is questionable whether any laxative should beresor ted to in such condit ionsan enema is to be preferred. But for

pre-typhoid symptoms, not amounting to enteric fever, i ts use is

justifiable and even beneficial. Leptandra is better as a laxative in

malarial fever and prepares the system for the more kindly reception of

antiperiodic medication. I t is no longer employed in anasarca and



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asci tes, bet ter agents having supplanted i t . I t is a good medicine and

i ts f ield of usefulness has narrowed down to gastro-hepato-duodenal

atony, and at tendant or resul t ing disorders, in which i t proves anadmirable stimulant and corrective. I t acts well with hydrastis,

podophyllum, chionanthus, dioscorea, or chel idonium when these are

also indicated. I t is especially valuable in the diarrhoea of dentit ion.The nervous irr i tabili ty may be controlled with matricaria and the

followin g adm in istered: Rx Com poun d Syru p of Rhu ba rb a n d Potas sa , 3

fluidrachms; Specific Medicine Leptandra, 1 fluidrachm. Mix. Ten to

20 drops every hour unt i l the diarrhea ceases. Glyconda may be

su bs t itu ted for the n eu tra lizin g cordial , if su gar is con tra in dicat ed.

LEUCANTHEMUM.

The whole plant of Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. (Chrysanthemumleucanthemum ,

Lin n ) (Nat . Ord . Comp ositae.) In trodu ced into Am erica from Eu rope.

Co m m o n Na m e s : Ox-eye Daisy, Field Daisy.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .Probably an acid, aromatic, volatile oil, and a bitter

principle.

P r e p a r a t i o n .Infus um Leucanthemi , Infus ion of Leucanthemum. Dose, freely.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .An infusion of leucanthemum is tonic and

should be considered in cases of colliquative sweating in which it isn ot desirab le to us e th e act ive an t ih ydrot ics, as atropine, mu scar in e, orcamphoric acid.

LIATRIS.

The rhizomes of several species of Liatris (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Middle and

sou th ern Uni ted S ta tes . Dose , 10 to 60 g ra ins .

Common Names: Button Snake Root (L. spicata); Blazing Star (L. s qua rrosa ); Gay

Fea the r (L. scariosa); Deer 's Tongu e (Carphe phorus odoratis s im us [L. odoratissima]).

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .Resins, volatile, bitter principle, and in some coumarin

(C9H6O2), a principle having a vanilla odor.

P r e p a r a t i o n .Infu s um Liatrid is , Infusion of Liatris (1 ounce to 16 fluidounces).

Dose, 1 to 4 f luidounces.



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A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .This drug is st imulant, bit ter tonic, diuretic,

an d em m ena gogu e. It is s ometim es u sed a s a gas tr ic tonic in dyspeptic

conditions associated with renal inactivity. Rarely it is used to relievepain in spasmodic bowel complaints and colic in children, in

backache in adul ts , and to rel ieve dysmenorrhea. I t is seldom

employed. Button snake root der ives i ts name from i ts t radi t ionalIndian reputation as a local alexipharmic (freshly-bruised root) for

rat t le-sna ke bi te , a m yth , it is n eedless to sa y, as yet u n ver ified.

LIGUSTRUM.

The bark and leaves ofLigus trum vu lgare , Linn (Nat. Ord. Oleaceae). A beautiful

shrub in woods and thickets in the eastern half of the United States; also

cult ivated. Dose, 10 to 60 grains .

Co m m o n Na m e s : Privet, Privy, Prim.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .The glucoside ligustrin (syringin), a bitter crystalline

body, ligustron , and an amorphou s b it t e r , syringopikrin .

P r e p a r a t i o n . Decoctum Ligustri, Decoction of Privet (1 ounce to Water, 16

fluidounces). Dose, 1 to 4 flu idou nces .

Speci f ic Indica t ions .Aph th ous sore mou th ; relaxed sore throat.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .External. Next to coptis the most useful

application for thrush in infants and of value in pallid sore throat with

t iss u e relaxat ion , and in aph thou s sore mouth .

Internal. An astr ingent tonic of much value in ulcerat ive and catarrhal

condit ions of the mucous membranes of the stomach, bowels, and

rena l t ract .

LILIUM.

Th e whole plan t ofLilium tigrinum (Na t. Or d. Lilia cea e). Native of J a pa nan d Ch in a, bu t lar gely cu lt ivat ed.

Comm on Nam e : Tiger Lily.

Prepara t ion .Specific Medicine Tiger Lily . Dose, 1 to 10 dr ops.



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A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .This remedy has been acquired from

Homeopathy and is reputed slowly effective in controlling uterine

irri tation and congestion, being employed also to allay the nausea ofpregnancy and of uterine irr i tabili ty, in congestive dysmenorrhea, and

chronic ovarian neuralgia with darting, burning pain in the ovaries. I t

is also said to be of service when pelvic weight and prolonged lochiaaccompany a tardy recovery f rom par tur i t ion and in the bear ing-down

discom fort in ciden t to prolap su s u ter i.

LIMON.

The juice and outer rind of the fresh ripe fruit of Citrus m ed ica Lim onum (Risso),

Hooker filius (Nat. Ord. Rutaceae). Northern India, and cultivated in subtropical

coun t r ie s .

Co m m o n Na m e : Lemon .

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .A pale-yellow or greenish-yellow, fragrant oil (Oleum

Limonis ); an d a bit ter pr in ciple, hesperidin (C22H26O12)

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. Lim onis S uccus , Lemon juice. This may be prepared by slightly

boiling strained lemon juice to remove mucilage, etc., and pouring it into

previously sterilized bottles filled to the neck; fill the neck with pure olive, sweet,

or almond oil, and cork tightly. Keep the bottle in an upright position. This, while

slightly bitter, will keep for several weeks. Another method is to add 10 per cent

of bra n dy to the s t ra ined ju ice . Dose, 1 / 2 to 4 flu idounces .

2 . Lim onis Cortex , Lem on Peel. A flavorin g agen t on ly.3 . Oleu m Lim onis , Oil of Lemon. Pale-yellow or greenish, having the taste

and odor of lemon peel. If i t has the odor of turpentine i t should not be used.

Average Dos e , 1 to 5 m in ims .

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Elongated, reddened tongue with prominent

papillae; scorbutus; fevers with red, long tongue; excessively red,

inf lamed surfaces in inf lammatory rheumatism, with alkal ine ur ine

an d lon g, red ton gue, th in ly coated wh ite .

Ac t i on a n d Th e r a p y .Lemon juice and citr ic acid are the best knownprophylactics and curative remedies for scurvy (scorbutus). The juice

m ay be given in d oses of 1/ 2 to 2 ou n ces a d ay as a p revent ive, an d indoses of 2 to 4 ounces, three t imes a day, as a cure. The act ion of

lemon juice and citric acid is not exactly identical, probably owing to

the presence in the former of mucilage and citrate of calcium, but for

most purposes requir ing the acid, lemon juice is used and preferred.



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For preparation of the juice for long voyages, see above (Preparations).

Dilu ted lem on juice m ay be u sed in obst in ate h iccou gh , h epat ic torpor

and acute jaundice when the tongue i s red and the ur ine a lkal ine .Under l ike condit ions i t is useful in acute ar t icular rheumatism when

the parts inflamed are deeply red and the general indications for acids

are present. Lemon juice upon sugar will alleviate distressing cough,especially a persistent explosive cough, with spasmodic contraction of

the throat upon lying down; when rel ief comes a sl ight t ranslucent ,

jelly-like mass is expectorated. Lemonade is a delightfully refreshing

refrigerant drink for fever patients when acids are indicated and bowel

conditions will permit the use of large quantities of acidulated fluid. It

also sometimes rel ieves sick headache, and a hot lemonade is a

popu lar rem edy to brea k u p a cold.

LINUM.

The ripe seeds of Linumusitat issimum , Linn (Nat. Ord. Linaceae). Levant and

sou th ern Eu rope; cul t iva ted .

Co m m o n Na m e s : Flaxseed, Linseed.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .Mu cila ge, a fixed, viscid oil (Oleu m Lini), proteids (25

per cent), an d a minu te t race of am ygdal in .

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. Oleu m Lini, Linseed Oil, (Oil of Flaxseed, Raw Lipseed Oil). A

yellowish oil of a bland taste and peculiar odor, gradually thickening anddarkening in the a i r and acquir ing a s t rong tas te and odor . Dose, 1/ 2 t o 1

fluidou n ce. Raw (n ot boiled) oil on ly sh ou ld be u sed .

2 . Farina Lini, Lin seed Meal, (Flaxseed Meal). For pou lt ices.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .External. Flaxseed and its oil are emollient. A

flaxseed poultice (Cataplas m a Lini) applied early upon inflamed and

painful surfaces will relieve pain, cause relaxation, and sometimes

resolution. If applied after pus begins to form it will hasten

suppurat ion. Deepseated inf lammation can of ten be aborted by the

ju diciou s u se of a flaxs eed p ou ltice. Th e da n ger of fa vorin g seps is whenused upon open or abraded t i ssues should be borne in mind. Equal

parts of linseed oil and lime water form Carron Oil, the bes t pr imarydressing for burns and scalds. Linseed meal added to the wash water

will ass ist in rem ovin g the odor of iodoform from th e h an ds .

Internal. An in fu sion of th e seeds (1/ 2 ou n ce to Boilin g Wat er, 16



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fluidounces) is an excellent demulcent forming a pleasant

mucilaginous drink for inflamed or irr i tated membranes. I t is

especial ly useful in gastro- intest inal and renal inf lammations, and asa lenitive after acute poisoning by irritants. The addition of licorice

root or lemon juice and sugar makes of the foregoing an agreeable

linctus for irr i tative coughs and acutely inflamed bronchial mucousm embr an es. Lin seed oil is a good laxat ive an d is som etim es u sed as an

enema to remove ascar ides. Hemorrhoids have been cured by the

laxative influence of linseed oil given in daily repeated doses of 1 to 2

ounces. Linseed oil may be given freely in poisoning by alkalies, when

other b land oils a re not a t h an d.

LIQUIDAMBAR.

The balsamic exudate or concrete juice ofLiquidambarstyraciflua , Linn (Nat. Ord.

Hamamelaceae). The sweet-gum tree of the United States, Mexico, and CentralAmerica.

Co m m o n Na m e : Swee t Gum .

D e s c r i p t i o n .An opaque, almost black, soft , adhesive, resinous mass, or hard

masses breaking with a resinous fracture, of the pleasant odor of benzoin, and a

bit terish, pungent, benzoinic taste. I t softens in warm weather; becomes hard in

cold weather. Soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and fats and oils. Dose, 1 to

15 grains.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .The resin styrol, cinnamicacid, styracin , and storesin, acomplex alcohol.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .External. King highly valued an ointment ofl iquidambar and lard or tal low, equal par ts , as a sof tening and

antisept ic appl icat ion to ulcers and in anal f is tulae with indurated

edges, and especially for indolent ulcers and old sores upon the legs.

Like many balsamic preparations i t is said to benefit in parasit ic skin

diseases, as r ingworm of the scalp and porr igo scutulata . I t is also

reputed to give relief in hemorrhoids. I t should be tr ied in anal f issure,

as i t acts without causing pain. To render i t more efficient, though

probably at the r isk of causing some pain, we would suggest the

addition of a small amount of salicylic acid.

Internal. Like most balsams it is effectual in chronic coughs andcatar rhs .



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LOBELIA.

The leaves, tops, and seeds of Lobe lia inflata , Linn (Nat. Ord. Lobeliaceae).

Abu nd an t in th e Uni ted S ta tes . Dose, 1 to 60 gra ins .

C o m m o n N a m e s .Lobelia, Indian Tobacco, Wild Tobacco, Puke Weed, Emetic

Weed, E m etic Herb, Vom it Weed, etc.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .The unstable liquid alkaloid lobeline , combined with

lobelic acid; f ixed and volati le oil , and an unimportant nonbasic substance, inflatin .

The so-called lobelacrin of En ders is pr obab ly lobelin e lobeliate.

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. S pe cific Med icine Lobe lia . Dose, 1/ 10 to 60 dr ops. (Usu al form of

administration: Rx Specific Medicine Lobelia, 5-30 drops; Water, enough to make

4 fluidou n ces. Mix. Sig.: On e teas poonful every 1 to 3 h ou rs .)

2 . S ub culoyd Lobelia . Dose, 1 to 30 drops. Designed chiefly for hypodermaticu s e .

3 . Pulvis Lobelia Com pos itus , Compound Powder of Lobelia (Emetic Powder).

Contains Lobelia (6), bloodroot (3), skunk cabbage (3), ipecac (4), capsicum (1).

Dose , as an emet ic , 2 drachm s in broken doses of 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 drachm , in warm

water, every 15 m inu tes. Used chiefly locally.

4 . Tinctu ra Lobelia Comp osita , Compound Tincture of Lobelia, (Acetous Emetic

Tin ctu re, Expectoran t Tin ctu re). Dose, 1 / 2 to 3 flu idrachm s.

5 . Libradol. For external use .

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Fullness of tissue, with full veins and full

arterial f low; full labored and doughy pulse, the blood current movingwith difficulty; short, labored breathing; sense of suffocation; dyspnea

with praecordial oppression; pain in chest of a heavy, sore, or

oppressive character; pulmonary apoplexy (full dose); mucousaccumulat ions in the bronchi; dry croupal cough, with scant or

oversecret ion; asthmatic seizures; short , lancinat ing pain radiat ing

from hear t to lef t shoulder and arm; spasmodic muscular contract ion;

m u s cu la r r igidity; in fan tile convu lsions from irri ta tion of th e bowels , or

from respiratory obstruction; hysterical convulsions; r igid os uteri with

thick doughy and unyielding rim; perineal and vaginal r igidity during

labor; angina pectoris (full doses).

Action .Lobelia apparent ly acts upon the central nervous system, the

myoneural junction of the muscles of volit ion, and the sympathetic

nerve ganglia, and by some is classed with the nicotine group inpharmacological effects. It is a powerful gastro-intestinal irritant,

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producing emesis. Should i t fail to vomit, which is rare, purgation may

result . In large doses a state of near-collapse is induced. Small doses

act u pon th e cardiac in h ibitory ap pa ratu s, s lowin g th e hear t a ct ion, bu tthis is followed by a more or less accelerated pulse. During the

depressive stage bloodpressure is lowered, but subsequently becomes

increased. Small doses st imulate, and large doses paralyze therespiratory centers and the vagal terminals and ganglia in the bronchi

and lungs, death, when it occurs ( in animals), resulting from

respiratory paralysis (asphyxia). Lobelia is most largely eliminated by

th e kidn ey, thou gh som e is th ought to be excreted by th e skin.

If lobelia be chewed it causes an acrid, prickling, and persistently

pungent sensat ion in the throat and fauces, accompanied by sl ight

nausea and a feel ing of warmth and distent ion along the esophagealtract and in the stomach. The sensat ion is not very unl ike that

produced by tobacco. The sal ivary glands and those of the mouth areimpressed , pour ing out sa l iva and mucus in abundance . A sense of

epigastric depression succeeds, followed by profound nausea, and if

the amount chewed be large enough, severe and thorough emesis

resul ts . The gastr ic mucus is secreted in great abundance and ejected

with the contents of the stomach. The emetic action of lobelia is

extremely depressing, and is usual ly accompanied by profuse

perspirat ion. Oppres sive prostra t ion, relaxat ion of th e m u scu lar system,

and a languid pulse accompany the emetic stage. The depression,

h owever, is of sh ort du ra tion, a n d is imm ediately followed b y a s en se ofextreme sat isfact ion and repose. Under i ts act ion the mental powers

are unusual ly acute, and the muscles are powerful ly relaxed. The

circulation is enfeebled by large and strengthened by small doses, and

th e bron chia l secre t ions a re au gm ented .

Lobelia, in the ordinary sense of the term, is not a lethal poison.

Und oubtedly it s in ju dic iou s u se h as an d m ight produce death , bu t the

same is t rue of many other drugs that are not ordinar i ly considered as

poisons. That the alkaloid lobeline will kill animals has been fully

dem ons tra ted. A drop of th e alkaloida l solu t ion placed u pon t h e ton gueof a strong, healthy man instantly vomited him. To this property of i tsalkaloid is undoubtedly due the failure of lobelia to act upon man as a

lethal agent . I ts emetic act ion is so prompt and decided that the

contained alkaloid does not , under ordinary circumstances, produce

fatal results. Given in cases in extremis, the resulting exhaustion from

repeated emesis would very l ikely hasten death, but death would be



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more likely due to the act of vomiting exhausting the patient than to

any poisonous effect of the lobelia.

T h e r a p y .External. Infusion of lobelia, or the alcoholic preparations

di luted and constant ly appl ied by means of compresses, are among the

most efficient applications in rhus poisoning. A lotion or a poultice(with flaxseed or elm) often relieves insect bites and stings, articular

pain, the pain of bruises and sprains, and sometimes causes relaxat ion

in strangulated hernia, and relieves the discomfort of erysipelatous

inflammation. Powdered lobelia sprinkled upon a larded cloth and

applied warm, or the compound emetic powder similar ly used, is an

invaluable local application to the chest in acute thoracic diseases,

and gives marked rel ief f rom pleural and muscular pains and

alleviates the sense of suffocation and fullness accompanied by afeeling of soreness within the chest. Libradol is a more cleanly

application and owing to the presence of glycerin is more or lessdehydrating, thus making it a preferable application in swellings,

bunions, and inflammatory affections of the joints. Libradol, or a lotion

of equal parts of glycerin and the specific medicine, provides a grateful

application to relieve pain and reduce tumefaction in orchitis and

epididym itis; th e lotion is th e m ore eas ily app lied.

Libradol is an exceedingly efficient local application in many

disorders, to relieve pain and reduce local inflammations. I t is not a

cure-all, but covers two definite fields of action-the relief of diseasecon di t ions p resen t in g:

(1) Pain and inflammation, with or without exudation, as occur in

pneumonia, broncho-pneumonia, bronchit is , croup, pleur isy, acute

pharyngitis, tonsillitis, orchitis, ovaritis, arthritis, synovitis,

inflam m atory rh eum at ism , boils , a nd bu nion s .

(2) Localized pain, along nerve courses, in joints, and in the muscular

s t ruc tures , as in some forms of rheumat ism (subacute , non-

inflammatory, articular, etc.) , lumbago, facial , subscapular, andin tercosta l n eu ra lgia , p leu rodyn ia , an d n eu r it is .

The specific indications for Libradol are: Pain with or without swelling

or inf lammation; inf lammation with serous or mucous exudat ion;

sh arp , lan cin at ing pain in th e chest , a ggravated by respiratory or oth er

movements; congest ion and engorgement of par ts; dyspnea; soreness



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in the pectoral region; dul l , aching pain; subcutaneous and thecal

in flam m at ions ; pain of syph ilit ic n odes a n d lym ph at ic swellin gs.

Pulv i s Lobe l i ae Compos i tus or Com poun d Em etic Pow d er is seldom

used for the purpose indicated by i ts name a purpose for which i t was

originally intended and which it admirably fulfills. It is for its effectswhen ap plied local ly in bron ch o-pu lm onic affect ions th at it is s o h ighly

valued and that has caused i t to out l ive many other old Eclect ic

compounds. How i t actshow i t can produce the resul ts i t

doesremains yet a mystery and can not easi ly be explained

scientifically, but that it does act, and very decidedly, is a well attested

clinical fact, and its certainty makes i t a remedy that we will not be

likely to part with. I t is the first application thought of by many when

desir ing an outward appl icat ion in acute bronchit is , pleur isy,pneumonia, pleurodynia, and soreness of the pectoral walls. A well-

larded cloth is sprinkled with the powder. This is then well warmedand applied directly to the chest. Goose fat probably is the best

penetrating medium for i ts exhibition, and singularly recent scientif ic

tests of th e pen etra bility of fat ty bodies h as yielded th e h igh est place to

goose fat . Once more has science recognized the wisdom of the

domestic medicationists, whose only claim to skill rested on their

discriminatory clinical observation. The emetic powder may be freely

used without danger of unpleasant consequences. I t takes the place of

the heavy poultices and thus gives l i t t le or no discomfort to the patient.

If a cotton jacket (best prepared by lining an undershirt or waist with auniform layer of cotton) be worn over the larded cloth the effects are all

that can be desired f rom external appl icat ions. Petrolatum is

su bs t itu ted for oth er greas es by some ph ysician s.

Internal. From the early days of Eclecticism lobelia, through

Thomsonian introduct ion, has been a valued medicine. Many

properties were once ascribed it of which li t t le note is now taken. I ts

chief uses, however, were as an emetic, expectorant, and

antispasmodic, fulfilling all of these offices to the admiration of its

prescr ibers. As an emetic i t was regarded as not only prompt butefficient, but in order to render it safer and more efficacious, it wasoften combined with other substances, notably capsicum and

ipecacuanha. Ei ther as an expectorant or emetic , as the urgency of

cases required, i t was in f ree use in croup, whooping cough, asthma,

dyspn ea s imu la t ing as th ma , an d pn eum onia . In fevers it was u sed as a

relaxan t a n d to m odify the circu lat ion . Wh en u sed a s an expectoran t it



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was usually combined with t incture of bloodroot, syrup of senega, wine

of ipecac, or oxymel of squill. Doses of lobelia sufficient to excite

nausea and relaxat ion were employed in epi lepsy, chorea, cramps,hyster ia , te tanus, s t rychnine poisoning, and other convulsive at tacks.

Internally, or by enema, it was largely employed to overcome rigidity of

the uterus during labor, but i ts specific applicabili ty, as now known,was not then differentiated. As a relaxant, when employed by rectal

enema and in fomentat ions, i t was highly regarded in t reat ing

strangulated hernia and other intest inal obstruct ions; and to release

muscular contracture in tedious labors, and to faci l i ta te the set t ing of

fractures and reducing of dislocations. In extreme cases, oil of lobelia

was employed and entered into l iniments for severe neuralgic and

rheumatic complaints . The infusion was used in ophthalmia; the

t incture local ly in sprains, bruises, rheumatic pains, erysipelatous andsimilar inf lammations, eczema and other cutaneous diseases, and in

poisoning by ivy. Poultices of lobelia were similarly employed. Thesewere the days prior to the advent of specific medication through which

a bet ter u n dersta n din g of th e u se of lobelia was a cquired. Of th ese u ses

only the occasional employment sti l l survives for the same purposes in

crou p, as th m a, whoopin g cough , dysp n ea, children s convu lsion s, r igid

os , an d th e local su r face d isorders n am ed.

Lobel ia is nauseant , emetic , expectorant , relaxant , ant ispasmodic,

diaphoretic, sialagogue, sedative, and, secondarily, occasionally

cathar t ic and diuret ic and astr ingent . I t is in no sense a narcot ic . Asan emetic lobelia is now seldom employed. In selected cases where a

systemic emetic effect is desired it may still be employed with benefit.

By a systemic emetic we mean one which, l ike lobelia, not only causes

emesis , but reacts profoundly upon the nervous, circulatory, and

secretory appa ratu s of th e wh ole body, so th at m ark ed relaxat ion tak es

place and the stomach yields up a great quant i ty of thick, ropy mucus.

Su ch a n effect is s ometim es desirable as a p repara tory t reatm ent for the

better receptivity of medicines that would otherwise remain

unabsorbed by the stomach, or when antiperiodics act indifferently or

irr i tatingly unless a good cleaning of the stomach and relaxation ofnervous tension are f i rst insured. This is notably t rue of quinine, andoften of the special or arterial sedatives. Though momentarily

depressing, the reaction is decidedly beneficial , and it may well be

used when depression is not too great to begin with, and the tongue is

expressionless and foul ly coated at the base. In such instances we

believe it should sti l l be used in emetic doses in some chronic



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disorders of the stomach, and especially in the incipient stage of

intermittent and other all ied fevers. We have seen it arouse from a

general sluggish condition of atony those who have been il l for monthsand star t them on the way to bet ter heal th. When the emetic act ion of

lobelia is desired, small doses of specific medicine lobelia, or of the

powder in warm water , should be f requently administered unt i lprofound nausea i s induced; then the medic ine should be pushed

ra pidly to em esis. Lar ge drau ghts of warm (n ot h ot) water will h as ten its

action and render the act of vomiting easier. Lobelia should never be

given to children or the old and feeble as an emetic; nor is i t

admissible in ordinary cases of poisoning, where depression may be

in creas ed by it . Su ch a re to be t reated with st imu lat ing emetics.

The powerfully relaxant properties of lobelia make it an efficient drugwhere the s pa sm odic elemen t is a factor . As of old, n au sean t doses m ay

be given to relax hysterical convulsions, worm convulsions, theconvulsions of dentit ion, and other convulsive disorders of children.

When mildly asthenic, lobelia may be used alone; when sthenic,

bromide of potassium or gelsemium may be given with i t . Usually,

however, the indications are present for all three medicines. The best

combination of drugs we have personal knowledge of for the relief of

convulsions of chi ldhood caused by errors of diet , such as the

ingest ion of half-comminuted bananas, nuts , or shredded cocoanut

cakes, or of fresh flour dough, is the following: Rx Specific Medicine

Lobelia, an d Specific Medicin e Gelsem iu m , 1 flu idra chm ea ch;Potassium Bromide, 1 drachm; Water, enough for 4 f luidounces. Mix.

Sig.: One teaspoonful every five minutes until complete relaxation is

insured; then every two hours for a day. The warm bath and the enema

should not be neglected. If convulsions are due to dentit ion or to the

onset of infectious diseases, good will have been accomplished by

placing the system in repose and giving a better receptibil i ty for other

medication. Lobelia is of little value in epileptic convulsions, and is

rarely of service in tetanus. I t has been used in st rychnine poisoning,

but is not to be commended, especially if given late, lest attempts at

emesis provoke the already greatly excited reflexes and precipitaterepeated paroxysms; and less than emetic doses would have absolutelyno value. In puerperal eclampsia, in which it has also been advised, i t

is not to be compared with veratrum, gelsemium and chloroform in

efficiency. When intestinal obstructions are due to a spasmodic state of

the intest ines i t may be of service, as in intussuscept ion and fecal

impact ion; and i t may relax and rel ieve a st rangulated hernia. Too



16/25

much t ime must not be consumed in a t tempts a t medica t ion in these

ser ious disorders, and an ear ly resor t to surgery is advisable.

Spasmodic col ic in both adul ts and chi ldren is sometimes quicklyrelieved by lobelia. In fact very small doses prove the very best

treatment in colic of very young infants. For spasmodic croup and

spasmodic as thma lobel ia in nauseant doses i s wi thout a peer in drugtherapeut ics .

Lobelia is the drug for angina pector is , neuralgia of the hear t , and

pulmonary apoplexy. Though evanescent in i ts action, large doses of

specific medicine lobelia (about 20 drops) may be administered with

the expectation of relieving the patient. The dose may be repeated as

necessary. Lobelia is a cardiac stimulant, therefore we class i t with the

sedatives, for all arterial or special sedatives in medicinal (small) dosesare hear t s t imulants . When the circulat ion exhibi ts a markedly slow

pu lse-wave it will be b etter corrected by lobelia th an by an y oth er dr u g.In fact the most prominent indication for lobelia is the full , oppressed,

sluggish, doughy pulse. Associate this with praecordial oppression,

thoracic pain, difficult breathing, soreness or bruised feeling within

the chest , nausea with tongue heavi ly coated at the base, ful lness of

t iss u e, an d we h ave before u s a fair ra n ge of th e action of th e dru g. It is

a good remedy in ca rd iac congest ion .

Lobelia is of specific value in obstetrical practice. It powerfully subdues

muscular rigidity. It is one of the remedies to overcome a rigid os,dur ing par tur i t ion, and at the same t ime i t relaxes the per ineal t issues,

thus defending the parts against lacerations. This specific effect of

lobelia has won many converts to specific medication. This i t does

when there is fullness of t issuea thick, doughy, yet unyielding os

uteri; when, however, the edge of the os is thin and closely drawn,

sharp like a knife edge, full doses of gelsemium are indicated. For this

ant ispasmodic act ion lobel ia may be given in nauseant doses,

preferably in h ot water , by mouth an d by rectum .

Lobelia is a stimulant to the sympathetic nervous system. It improvesinnervat ion of the par ts supplied by both the pneumogastr ic andsympathet ic nerves. The appet i te and digest ion are augmented by i t

and peristalsis of the whole gastro-intestinal tube greatly stimulated.

All this i t does best in small and repeated doses; and for these specific

purposes i t should be so employed and not for i ts nauseat ing and

emetic effects, which it causes by pushing this stimulation to i ts l imit.



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The conditions in which such violent and disturbing action is desired

are sufficiently set forth above. Specific medication has proved that

lobelia is indicated by the full , slow, labored, and doughy pulse,showing that the blood current moves with difficulty. Over the chest,

and par t icular ly in the praecordium there is a sense of oppression and

weight and often a dull , heavy pain or soreness of an oppressivecharacter and always associated with difficulty in breathing. Mucous

rales in the bronchi are prominent and the cough is aggravat ing, but

followed by free and full expectoration. The tongue is full, pallid, broad

and f labby-expressionless, nausea is a common indicat ion, and sick

headache with nausea f requently encountered. The sympathet ic and

the vagus are always below par when lobelia is indicated. With any or

several of these indications lobelia proves most valuable in the gastric

and respiratory disorders named below. Even in this specific f ieldcomes partly i ts beneficent action in angina pectoris, though

relaxation even to nausea apparently intensifies i ts amelioratingeffects.

The small dose of lobelia is of distinct value in atonic types of

indigestion and dyspepsia. In similar doses i t may relieve sick

headache due to gastr ic derangement , and is then indicated by a

feeling of qualmishness and nausea. Though sometimes overlooked

when we are seeking a drug to overcome intestinal atony, experience

has proved lobelia, continued for some time in moderately small doses,

to be one of the best agents at our command to gradually relievehabitual constipation. Rx Specific Medicine Lobelia, 1 or 2 drops, every

2 or 3 hours. This is accomplished by improving the innervat ion and

peristalsis , and st imulat ing the secret ions of the intest inal glands, as

lobelia is in no sense a laxative in such doses. Administered with

podophyll in and other cathar t ics i t tends to prevent the af ter-

cons tipative resu lts th at frequen tly follow th e u se of bowel pers u ad ers

when given in p u rgat ive am oun ts .

Lobelia is of value in common colds with a dry, irritative cough. It

ranks with the best of ant iasthmatics, and is equal ly serviceable inspasmodic as thma and in humid as thma, wi th scanty secre t ion in thefirst an d over-secret ion in th e lat ter . In as th m a, which is b u t a symptom

of some grave body wrong, the urine should be examined for albumin,

which, together with the asthmatic paroxysms, are sometimes the only

early evidence pointing to nephrit is. Nasal obstructions and

deformities requiring removal by the nasal specialist should also be



18/25

taken into account, as well as other causes for reflex excitation. With

these absent lobelia is signally effective; it often fails in part or

al together when th ese a bn orma lit ies r ema in u n corrected. Lobelia is anequally certain remedy for the relief of spasmodic croup and the

as th m atic form of acu te laryngit is in chi ldren . In lobar p n eu m onia an d

in broncho-pneumonia i t renders good service when there is muchcongestion and breathing is greatly oppressed. In chronic respiratory

disorders i t is valuable either to increase or decrease secretion,

accordingly as the fuller or lesser doses are used, and to relieve cough.

For cou gh s, when dry, ba rkin g, or h acking, or wh en lou d m u cou s ra les

are heard, but there is difficulty in raising the sputum, lobelia may be

employed alone, or in mixtures or syrups as indicated. For chronic

coughs requiring lobelia a good form is the compound liniment of

stillingia (which see), which contains the so-called oil of lobelia. Forthe cough of measles, when a sluggish circulation and imperfect

eruption are factors, i t proves useful in quieting the laryngealirr i tation, controlling the catarrhal features, and more perfectly

bringing out a tardy efflorescence. In both scarlet fever and measles,

lobelia, by causing determination of blood to the skin, promotes the

erupt ion when tardy and re-establ ishes i t when retrocession occurs. I t

modif ies many cases of whooping cough where abundant secret ions of

a str ingy character almost strangle the sufferer. In short lobelia is a

most admirable resp i ra tory s t imulant when the mucous membranes

are dry, or when relaxed and secretion is free but difficult of

expectoration. I t should not be forgotten as one of the most valuablemedicines in all stages of la grippe and epidemic influenza, as a vital

stimulant, to regulate an imperfect circulation, and to control cough

and expectorat ion. I t is an admirable drug in post-gr ippal catarrhs,

following the specific indications as given. Lobelia is seldom indicated,

n or is i t well born e, in a dvan ced pu lm ona ry tu bercu losis .

It h as been a ss u med b y som e tha t lobelia poss esses th e proper t ies of an

antitoxin in the sense that that term is now employed in biologic

medicat ion. This assumption we bel ieve to be unwarranted without

definite and exact biological experimentation. Such unsupportedvagaries bring into discredit otherwise good and efficient drugs. Thatqui te remarkable resul ts have been obtained from i ts use in grave

blood -disorganizing and specific diseases seem probable. But lobelia

is essent ial ly a vi tal s t imulant , and this proper ty, more than an

antitoxic action as now understood, better explains i ts beneficent

effect in d iph th er ia a n d other dep ress in g sept icaem ic disea ses .



19/25

Hy poderm atic Us e . For the so-called antitoxic and other general action,

lobel ia , hypodermatical ly administered, has come into prominent usein late years in many of the disorders for which the drug is given

internally. In this manner the probabili ty of nausea and vomiting is

lessened, while i ts relaxant properties seem not to be diminished. Inspasmodic asthma i t sometimes gives prompt rel ief , and we have

observed its effects most beneficially in gall-stone colic of a

continuously nagging, though not very severe, type. We have also

observed a remarkable increase of ur ine f rom the drug used in this

way. To catalogue the conditions in which many have obtained

asserted good effects would be to restate all the uses of lobelia given in

th is ar ticle, except th at of em esis.

The subject of hypodermatic medication, involving a large number of

vegetable medicines, has been purposely omitted from this work. Theauthor is unal terably opposed to this too general pract ice because of

the dangerous react ions tha t occur of ten enough to make one

caut ious. Thoughtless, and of ten unscrupulous, commercial ism in

medicine on the par t of a few has brought about a demand from

physicians for these hypodermatic forms of medicines, and to meet this

demand reputable manufacturers of drugs have unwil l ingly yielded

an d h ave su pplied a score or m ore of su ch p repara t ions. Realizin g tha t

such prepara t ions under the bes t of pharmacal care are l iab le to

deleterious change or disintegration, or to the development of toxicmater ial , the thoughtful manufacturer is unwil l ing to cont inue the

supply of such drugs. Certain vegetable proteins may, and of ten do,

become as obnoxious and dangerous as some animal pro te ins , and

may produce allergic, or anaphylactic effects, as well as direct

poisoning; and occasional ly the most unhappy and near fatal

consequences have resulted. Apparently lobelia and ergot are the

safest of these preparat ions and they should not be recklessly or

unnecessar i ly used, when other methods of medicat ion may be just as

effectu a lly em ployed.

Acetous Em etic Tinctu re . Like the Compound Emetic Powder, this agentis now seldom employed as an emetic . On the contrary i ts reputat ion

rests on i ts value as a remedy in coughs, colds, and broncho-pulmonic

complaints. I t is of service when the indications are present for both

lobelia and sanguinaria. These drugs are more effective when

tinctured with a certain proportion of vinegar, hence the superiority of



20/25

this compound over the plain t inctures. Emetic t incture added to syrup

will often render good service when a cough mixture for irritative

cough, with deficient secretion, is desired. The dose of the t incture isfrom 20 to 60 drops.

RELATED MEDICINE.

Tobacco (Nicotiana Tabacum , Linn) and Nicotine . Tobacco was once used to a

considerable extent upon painful inflammatory swellings and to relax

strangulated hernia. I t is seldom employed as a drug at the present day. When

unaccustomed to i ts use in chewing and smoking i t acts profoundly, causing

vomiting and great depression; toleration is soon established. Nicotine is of

toxicological interest chiefly, but rarely it is used to subdue pain. A solution of

the combined alkaloids of tobacco, containing 1 per cent of nicotine, is on the

marke t a s Dynamyne, a preparation devised by Lloyd and Howe. It is a green-

colored hydro-alcoholic liquid designed for external use only, a solution of 1 to 4

fluidrachms in a pint of water being applied by means of a compress uponlocalized inflammations, and to relieve the pains of neuralgia, pleurodynia,

rheumatism, felons, abscesses, etc. Some persons are very susceptible to

nicot ine , hence th is prepara t ion must be used with great caut ion, and care

should be had in handling or inhaling it. A combination of tobacco alkaloids is an

ingredien t of Libra dol.

LUPULINUM.

Lupul in .

The glandular powder separated from the strobiles ofHum ulus Lupulus , Linn

(Nat . Or d. Can n ab aceae), th e comm on Hop. (See Humulus .)

D e s c r i p t i o n .Brownish-yellow (becoming yellowish-brown), resinous granules,

having the aromatic odor and bit ter taste of hops. I t is readily inflammable, and

deter iora tes u pon long keepin g. Dose , 5 to 20 gra ins in caps u le or p i ll.

P r e p a r a t i o n .S pecific Med icine Lupu lin . Dose , 5 to 30 drops .

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Nervousness, irritability, disposition to brood

over trouble, delir ium, insomnia, cerebral hyperemia; genital andmental irr i tabili ty associated with spermatorrhea; fermentative

dyspeps ia, with acid eructa t ions .

Ac t i on a n d Th e r a p y .Lupulin is administered in disorders for which

infusion and tincture of hops were formerly given. It is a remedy for

nervousness, to allay irr i tation and to produce sleep. I t gives a sense ofFel ters Mater ia Medica - (L) - Page 20


21/25

mental t ranquil l i ty which makes i t a valuable agent in nervous unrest

due to nocturnal seminal emissions, and relieves irr i tation of the

genital tract when associated with the latter . I t relieves irr i tation of thebladder, with frequent urination, and is quite efficient in chordee.

When del i r ium tremens is accompanied by cerebral hyperemia i t is of

considerable service. Insomnia due to nervous debili ty or to worry, orheadache associated with active cerebral circulation, is benefited by

lupulin; while for painful conditions i t may be employed when they

depend upon nervous debi l i ty . For the lat ter reason i t has been given

with success in dysmenorrhea, and other painful condit ions of the

uterus and in af ter-pains. Lupulin checks fermentat ive changes in the

stomach, thus proving useful in yeasty indigestion with acid

eructa t ions and d i la t ion of the s tomach, and in the headache due to

su ch gas t r ic d is tu rban ce.

LYCOPODIUM.

The spores ofLycopodiumclavatum , Linn (Nat. Ord. Lycopodiaceae) or Club Moss,

a creeping perennial found in most parts of the earth; gathered mostly in

Germa ny, Ru ss ia , an d Switzer lan d.

D e s c r i p t i o n .An odorless and tasteless, very mobile, light-yellow powder,

impervious to but floating on cold water, sinking when boiled with water, and

bu rn ing with a su dden flas h wh en in con tact with f lam e.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .Nearly 50 per cent of greenish-yellow fixed oil; sugar,2 to 3 per cent , an d a t ra ce of monomethylamine (CH3NH 2)

P r e p a r a t i o n .Specific Med icine Lycopodium . Dose, 1 / 10 to 30 d rops .

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions . -Extreme sensi t iveness to the touch; ur ine

deposi ts red sandy or phosphat ic par t icles and readi ly stains the

clothing; water-brash; borborygmus.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .External. Lycopodium forms a good protective

and absorbent dust ing powder for i r r i tated and inf lamed surfaces, forwhich purpose i t is largely used in excoriations, intertr igo, herpes,

erysipelas, dermatit is, eczema, ulcers, etc. Possessing moisture-

repellant qualit ies i t is used in preparing pills of hygroscopic

chemicals, to facili tate the manipulation of pil l masses, and to keep

pills from adhering to each other. I t is also employed as the pulverulentba se of m an y in su fflat ions .



22/25

Internal. According to Scudder, lycopodium is adapted to disorders

showing extreme sensitiveness of the surface; sensitiveness of a partand care to prevent i t being touched; slow, painful boils; nodes or

swellings; external sensitiveness of the organs of special sense, with

pale, livid, or dirty complexion.

Lycopodium is of much value in obscure forms of malarial fever, with

af ternoon exacerbat ions, and deep-red, scanty ur ine, which readi ly

stains the garments. The fever is not act ive, but very depressing and

intractable, and may be accompanied by sore throat , col ic , diarrhoea,

dysentery, or constipation. Used according to the specific indications,

i t is a useful gastric sedative, when in addition there is a sense of

fullness and tenderness of the stomach. I t often proves effective inpyrosis a n d ferm enta t ive in digest ion , with borborygm u s.

Lycopodium frequently relieves renal disorders with blood in the

urine, and is of service in catarrh of the bladder in adul ts with painful

micturit ion and grit ty concretions. I t should be given a fair tr ial in the

lith ic acid diath esis , when th e pas sa ge of u r in e is a t tend ed by pain a n d

red, sand-like particles are voided. The small dose, from the fraction of

a drop to f ive drops of the specific medicine, is the most advantageous

form of ad m in ist ra tion .

LYCOPUS.The whole herb Lycopu s virginicus , Linn (Nat. Ord. Labiatae). Common in shady,

mois t an d boggy places throu ghout th e Uni ted Sta tes . Dose, 1 to 60 gra ins .

Comm on Nam es: Bu gle Weed, Sweet Bu gle, Pau ls Beton y.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .Tannic and gallic acids, a crystallizable glucoside,

res in, a n d a volati le oil .

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

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Vascular exci tement , with rapid, tumultuous

act ion of the hear t , but lacking power; hemorrhage, passive and insmall quantit ies, resulting from determination of blood to the lungs,

kidneys, or gastro-intestinal canal; chronic debili tating cough, with

weak a nd rapid h ear t ac t ion a nd expectora t ion of mu cus or mu co-pus ;

morbid vigilance and wakefulness, with inordinately active but weak



23/25

circulation; albuminuria with the above characteristic circulatory

disturbances; polyuria and some cases of diabetes with rapid hear t

act ion.

T h e r a p y .Lycopu s is seda t ive, su ba str ingent , an d ton ic. No other dru g

exact ly du plicates its value in circu lat ory distu rba n ces. App ar en t lygits force is ch iefly expend ed on th e vas cu lar s t ru ctu res a n d th e

symp ath et ic nervou s s ystem . Its s edat ive act ion is most cer ta in when

th e circu la t ion is excited-even tu m u ltu ous -with lessen ed card iac

power. Th is eviden t wan t of h ear t-en ergy, with qu icken ed velocity, is

th e mos t direct in dication for lycopu s. For th is p u rp ose esp ecially it is

great ly valu ed in th e advan ced sta ges of acu te disea ses with great

debi lity , an d in ch ronic disea ses with frequ ent pu lse. Its a ct ion u pon

th e stom ach is k in dly, an d being a m ild gas tr ic tonic th e app et ite issharpened and digestion facili tated. Normal secretion is favored by it ,

an d b lood-ma kin g an d n u t r it ion improved. Upon th e card io-vas cularsystem it h as been com pa red in a ct ion to d igital is , th ough it is far less

powerfu l tha n tha t dru g, an d bes ides i s non-poisonou s a nd n ot

cu m u lat ive. Th e in flu en ce of lycopu s exten ds t o all pa r ts u n der cont rol

of th e vegetat ive ch a in of n erves.

Lycopus is preeminently useful in passive hemorrhage, when the

bleeding is f requent and small in amount . Thus i t has acted well in

epistaxis , hematemesis , hematur ia , metrorrhagia, and intest inal

bleeding. I ts greatest uti l i ty, however, is in passive pulmonaryh emorrh age (h emopt ysis). It p roba bly acts by controllin g th e ra pidity of

th e blood-curren t . In th e first -n am ed h emorrh ages it m ay also act u pon

the u ns t r iped m u scu lar fibers , bu t in the pu lmona ry form these s mooth

f ibers are largely absent in the small vascular terminals where the

bleeding is most likely to occur. Therefore the control over the velocity

of the circulation, and not i ts vaso-motor effects, seems the most

rational explanation of i ts control in bleeding from the lungs. Whatever

th e cau s e of its a ction , it is n everth eless m ost d ecided ly effective.

Lycopus, by lessening irr i tation, allaying nervous excitement, andslowing and strengthening the hear t , and consequently reducing feverand pain, is of ten successful ly used in acute pulmonic complaints . I t

is more valuable, however, in chronic lung affections, to fulfill the

same purposes, besides control l ing or tending to prevent hemorrhage.

In chronic bronchitis, with copious expectoration, and in chronic

intersti t ial pneumonia, i t has rendered good service. While by no



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means to be ra ted as an ant i tubercular agent , i t s card io-vascular

control and ant ihemorrhagic power make i t an agent of unr ivaled

worth in those who show every evidence of tending toward a phthisicalend, a n d we believe it will do as m u ch as a m edicin e can do to stay th e

distressing ravages of pulmonary tuberculosis . When establ ished i t

aids in relieving cough, pain, fever and the rapid and excited heartact ion. In pulmonary hemorrhage we have frequently used with i t

specif ic medicines ipecac and cinnamon with the happiest of resul ts .

The chief guides to i ts selection in respiratory therapeutics are the

h em orrh age an d circu lat ory excita bi lity .

In hear t disorders, both funct ional and organic, lycopus should not be

disregarded. I t may be used where digitalis cannot be employed on

account of i ts offensive action upon the stomach. Administered topatients suffering from endocarditis and pericarditis i t has sometimes

subdued the inf lammation. I t is a good remedy in cardiac palpi tat ion,depend ent u pon ir r ita t ion of th e card iac n erve centers , or when ar i s in g

from organic lesions. I t is best adapted to those forms of heart disease

characterized by irr i tabili ty, irregularity, and weakness, with dyspnea

and praecordial oppression. Lycopus powerfully increases the

contract ion of the non-str iated muscular f ibers, par t icular ly those of

the hear t and ar ter ies, hence i ts value in cardiac di latat ion and

hypertrophycondit ions which have been known to undergo marked

improvement under i ts administration. I t quickly relieves the suffering

and anxiety near ly always exper ienced in hear t diseases; and is of especial value to relieve the rapid heart action of excessive smokers.

Lycopus is a remedy for morbid vigilance and insomnia attendant

upon either acute or chronic diseases; and is especially serviceable

when sleep is prevented by the exaggerated force of the heart . I t has

been il l-advised, and is largely over-rated, for the cure of diabetes and

th e relief of chr onic neph rit is. The m ost i t can do in th ese con ditions is

to a l lay unpleasant hear t symptoms and quie t nervous unres t . I t has

favorably influenced the circulatory aberrations in exophthalmic

goitre, but far more often it has failed. Painful and distressing forms ofindigestion are sometimes relieved by it , and it has been employedwith advantage in simple diarrhea (l ientery), dysenteric diarrhea, and

especial ly in the diarrhea of phthisis , and the gastr ic disturbances of

t h e d r u n k a r d .



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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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