Hydrastis Canadensis

(GoMen. Seal.)

DESCRrpTioN, — An indigennus plant found growing in shady woods, in rich soil and damp places. The root is of a beautit\il yellow color, and imparts its virtues to water or alcohol.

[The Muriate of Hy/lrastia is a valuable preparation, especially as a topical appiicntion. The medicinal properties of the root of Hydrastis Canadensis depend upon two Alkaloids, bolh of which are now well set-

dbyGoogk'

3BS HTDEASTIS CANADElsaiS,

tied principles in their ultimate nomposition aod nomenclature. For Bome j'ettvs tlie precipitate occurring when muriatic acid was added to an infu- sion of this root was collected, dried, and sold as Hydrastin, by manufac- turers of the Eclectic Scliool of Medicine — subsequently a definite exam- ination of this substance by Dr, Mahla, of Chicagc), proved it identical in its reactions and composition with the Alkaloid Berberina, obtained from t)ie bark of Berberis Vulgaris, and now known to exist in several genera and species tf five natural orders of the vegetable kingdom Berberina and ita salts are hut spajlngly soluble in cold water or alcohol They dissolve to quite an extent m both liquids when heated and separate in minute \ellow cr} stall when coolma

J Dyson Perron says {Jimmal of the Ohemieal Society ) DoubtlP^ia its therapeutic effects ment much careful mvestigation Naturd instinct has pointed out lEiv^lue for the alleviation of human sufferings to nations widely separated and enjoying different degn,e« of civilization The polished dreeks the semi bai barons nations of Hindotstan «nd China the North Amencan Indians and tlii- i atives of tropical Afiica, have been all impressed with the medicinal value of Berbeima In the West India Islindi and in American pharmacy its virtues havL long been recognized though derived tVom different plants and veiled under errone- ous names certainly it holds a place in European pharmac3 but one of little prominence, yet it seems to possess properties scarcely inferior to quinine itself. I am persuaded that nature has not placed Berberina in nearly every country witliont some adequate purpose,"

Hydrastia, the "White Alkaloid of Hydrastis, was discovered by Mr. A. B. Durand, of Philadelphia, but was flrst prepared in a pure state bj' Dr.

Mahla, who determined its formula. When perfectly pure it separates &om its hot alcoholic solution in tasteless, white prismatic crystals of great brilliancy. It dissolves readily in acids, forming soluble, nncrystal- llzable salts, bitter, and of a peculiar, somewhat metallic, aftertaste. It is generally used in the form of muriate.

In the preparation of tliis salt it is not necessary to carry the practice of re-crystallizstion, or bleaching with animal charcoal, to a sufficient extent to insure a product purely white, as it is considered profitless. It is essential that physicians, in pre- scribing these Alkaloids, do not confound them, as the insoluble yellow principle (Berberina) is often sold under tlie improper title of Hydrastia. The therapeutic action of the two principles is widely different — Berber- ina having no medicinal action upon diseased mucous tissues.

Sphere op Action. — (1.) The mucous membranes generally, which it stimulates to higher secretion, erosion and ulceration. (3.) The muscular tissues, increasing their nutrition, and imparting tonicity.

Officinai. Pbkpakationb. — Tincture of the root; dilutions; triturationa of Hydrastin, and Muriate of Hydrastia.

AHAixjQCEa. — Aletris foiri/tosa. Ammonium miiriaticwm, BerberU vulg., Copth, GMna, Oornia Jtorida, Selonias, Iodine, Kali Affdntjodidum, Mer- 9>iri-ua Jodatue, Nitric acid. Muriatic add, Phytolacca.

dbyGoogle

HTDRAaTIS CANADENSIS. 857

* Dull, heavy frontal headache.

* Constant dall headache, with pain in the hypogasti'inm and

small of the back of a dull, aching character.

Shai-p, entting pain through the templee, with dimness of vision.

Feeling as if intoxicated.

° Headache of a nervous, gastric character, almost constant.

" Mjalgic headache, in the integuments of the scalp and mus- cles of the neclr.

Pace.

Flushes of heat, followed by an erysipelatous eruption; mouth, lips and nose very much swollen, and pimples around the mouth and chin.

Eruption similar to all stages of small-pox.

Erysipelatous rash on the face, neck, etc.

° Pale face, with worn, weary expression. IToae.

* Constant discharge of thick, white mucus, with frontal head-

ache,

* Secretions so profuse ae to be removed in long tenacious

shreds or pieces.

* Stuffed up, smarting sensation in posterior nares, with dis-

charge of thin, clear mucus.

* Sharp, raw, excoriating feeling in both naree, witli constant

inclination to blow the nose, with hoarseness. " Fluent coryza, followed by thick catarrhal discharge. '(Es(Bna, -with ulceration, bloody or mixed purulentdiseharge;

(applied with a douche or syringe.)

* Mucous membrane of theeyehds much congested; discharge

of large quantities of thick, white mucus.

* Profuse secretion of tears; smarting of the eyes; burning of

the eyes and lids.

* Catarrhal inflammation.

° Acute eoujunctivitis, with or without ulceration.

° Scrofulous ophthalmia; (used as a collyrium, and giving the

anti-psorics internally, hastens the cure.) (Ilale^ ' Opacity of the cornea.

dbyGooglc

Roaring in the ears, like cog-wheels, or the drumming of a

° Otorrlicea, with thick mucus discharge.

" Tiimitiis aurium, from catarrh of the inner ear.

" Manj diseases of the outer canal of the ear, with bad dis- charges; (used as an injection.)

Mouth sticky, with yellow coat on the tongue.

Aphthse on the mucone membrane of the lips and mouth.

Taste as of pepper in the month.

Excessive secretion of sticky, tenacious mucus from the buccal cavity.

Tongue seems large, and marked by the teeth.

" Stomatitis of children, with weakness.

° Stomatitis materna, with general dehihty; {used as a wash;) gr. X of the muriate to ^ iv of water.)

' Mercurial salivation, an excellent topical application, after chlorate of potassa. (Hale.)

° Cancerous affections of the tongue.

Fauces, Throat, etc.

Sticky mucus in the iauces, with bad taste.

* Hawking up of tenacious, yellow or white mucus, with raw-

or tenacious mnctis secretions, resembling diphtheria, ac-

companied or not by ulceration. It is not a remedy for

with violent and long continued palpitation of the heart.

dbyGooglc

HYDEASTIS CANADENSIS. 359

Painless gurgling in the stotnaeb.

'' Chronic inflammation of the atomafh.

" Indigestion from an atonic state of the stomaeh.

° Indigestion, with acidity, and general weakness,

"Chronic; gastric catarrh, the most general cause of so-called

° Chronic ulceration of the nmcons membrane of the stomacli. ° Gastralgia and dyspepsia, followed by an epigastric tumor,

supposed to be scirrous, {Dr. L& Brunm-e^

Torpor of the liver, with pale, scanty stools.

° Catarrhal inflammation of tlie raucous linings of tlie gall

* Severe cutting pain in the hypogastric region, extending into

the testicle, occurring after stool, with taint feeling. Dull pains in the hypogastrium and email of the back worse from moving, with rumbling in the bowels.

* Constant dull, aching pain in tlie stomach, with faintness.

* Sharp pain in tlie region of the spleen, with constant dull

pain in stomach and bowels, with hot, burning sensation.

* Sharp pain in the region of the ccecum.

* Griping, with profuse light- colored diarrhcea.

* Griping, with light acrid stools.

* Intestinal catarrh, followed by ulceration. " Flatulent colic, accompanied by faintness. ° Chronic catarrhal enteritis.

" Soft stool, followed by severe cutting pain in the hypogaa- triuni, with dull aching in the testicles, with faint feeling.

Soft stool, with great rumbling in the bowels.

Obstinate relaxation of the bowels.

Tenesmus, with acrid, greenish stools.

Profuse light-colored diarrhcea, with griping.

° Constipation — "A precious remedy, far superior to ITnx vomica." {Hughes^

° Gonstipation, with piles.

dbyGooglc

360 HTDEASTIB

" Constipation following rheumatic fever.

° Constipation attended witli dyspepsia and hemorrhoids.

° FisBurea of the anus.

" Excoriation of the anus.

TTrinary Organs.

* Urine smells decomposed.

Dull aching sensation in the region of the kidneys.

Urine increased and neutral.

° Cystitis, chronic.

" Gonorrhcea, in the second stages, after the inflaui- mation has subsided, and the discharge is thick and yellow; use also an injection of the Mv/natea.

° Gleet, with obstinate, thick discharge; (use as above.)

" Debility following sperm atorrhtea.

Worne/i. — ° Tenacious viscid l&ucorrhma, nterine or vaginal.

" UlceraUon of the as, cervix, and vagina.

" Uterine diseases, with sympathetic affections of the digestive organs.

" Cancer of the mammse (palliative in many eases); use topi- cally and internally. [Injections of an infusion of the root, or the Muriate, are better than

the tincture in water (1 dr. to aqua 8 oz,) For ulceration or erosion I prefer

to apply with a brusli or on cotton, or a aoliitiou of the muriate of Hydrastia

in glycerine, gr. y. or x. to 1 oz. — Hale.]

Larynx, Chest, etc.

Bronchial catarrh, with debility, loss of appetite, etc,

° Catarrhal cough, rough, harsh and rattling, day and night.

Constant tickling of the larynx, with harsh, dry cough.

" Thoracic or intercostal myalgia.

Back and ETeck.

Great soreness and lameness of the muscles of the neck.

Flushes of heat on the face, neck and hands.

dbyGooglc

HTDROFHYIIOM VIHGINICCM. 361

Dull aching aensatiou in lumbar region.

Baot and Upper Extremities. * Pain in the small of the back.

Aching in the lower region, with weariness in the arms. " Crick " in the right elbow, also in the phalanges of the left

hand, on waking at night, and quite painful. Sharp cutting pains in the elbows and biceps muscles, with

feeling of contusion and lameness. Ehenmatie pains in elbows, forearms, right shoulder, and first

fingei- of left hand. Intense aching pain in the small of the back.

Ziower Extremities. Legs feel very weak, and aehe.

Pever. Heat of the skin, with flushes of heat on the face and neck,

Erysipelatoid rash on tlie face, neck, palms of the hands, joints

of the fingers and wrist, with burning heat and exfoliation

HYDROPHYLLUM VIEMNICUM.

(Wnisr-!eaf.)

Desckiption.— A smooth plaat, one to two feet high.; leaves pinnatoly

dbyGooglc

363 , HYPOPHOSPHITB OF LIMB.

HYPOPHOSPHITB OF LIME.

{GaUi» Hypophotphii)

ANALOOTJEa. — Calcarea eairboitica, Golca/rea pJtoaphoriea, Kali carbonictv, LycapodiTtra, Phoaphorua, Phosphoric acid, Bumex, Sanguinaria, Su^Auir.

A well marked increase of nervona force. Kemai'kable sensation of healtii and strength. *lfervoii6 prostration, with depression of spirits.

* Cerebral congestion — tendency to (in scrofulous children). ° Phthisis pnlinonalis, in the first and second stages,

" Palliates phthisis, even in last stage. " INight sweats from any debilitating disease. Calm and profound sleep (in constimption). The quaUty and color of the urine improves.

* In larffe doses tend to cause the development of tlie pulmon-

ary inflammation unhappily so frequent and fatal among

consumptives. {J)r. OAurcAUl.) Plethora, with tendency to hemorrhages. {!(>.) Hiemorrhoids bleed for tlie first time, or recommence under

its excessive use. {Tb.) Profuse epistaxis. ij>rimtm/.) Pulmonary hemorrhage, (do.) Profuse and too frequent menses, {do.) " Scanty and delaying menses, {seoondary^ ' The thoracic pains of consumptives, (do.)

dbyGooglc

LIME. 363

" Expectoration and night sweats diminish, {do.)

" Incipient tubercular meningitis in children, with the Ibllow- ing symptoms: Congli for several months; congh diy and recurring in paroxysms; loss of appetite and flesh, and depression of spirits; can scarcely walk, required to he held constantly; complains much of tlie head, says tliat it pains her in front; disposition capricious and variable, clianges suddenly from sadness to laughter, often bursts into fits of violent weeping; perspires very freely, espec- ially about the head and neck; she sleeps badly at night, wakee with a start, suddenly, uttering piercing cries, after whiclt she relapses into a species of syncope, becomes quite pale and cold, face pale and sad; eyes preternatu rally large and deep set, with a haggard wild stare, pupils much dilated; skin alternately burning and hot tlien cold. (Sev- eral cases cured in from ten to twenty days with one-half grain four times a day.) [Chv/rchill. Hale.)

" H.ydroc6phaloid diseases in children, when the symptoms call for Cal. c, and Phos, ac.

° llydrocephaloid disease in a child after pneumonia, with great prostration, pulse feeble and too frequent to be counted; unconaciousof all surrounding objects; constant moaning; arms constantly sawing the air; occasional muscular spasms; eyes either strongly drawn to one side, or strabismus; eyes open, but no evidence of seeing; pupils alternately contracted and dilated. (Cured by 1-20 gr. every two hours; recovery was slow.) {Dr. Gibbs.)

* Face pale, wan and emaciated.

* Eyes dull and lustreless. (See, also, cas.es under " Head.")

dbyGooglc

■36i nTFOPIIOSPHITE.OF LIMB,

" Ulceration of the nasal cavltiee in tuberculous children, or from catarrh.

* Appetite and digestioii greatly increased.

* Haemorrhoids, bleeding profusely.

Increases the reproductive power.

* Menses too profuse, high colored and frequ^it. " Scanty and delaying menses,

° Chronic, irritating leuoorrhcea,

° Leiieorrhcea in young children,

Bespiratory Organs.

° Cough of a child, several months, dry and recurring in par- oxysms; loss of appetite, flesh, and depression of spirits, ugh associated with tubercular meningitis.

" Cough in phthisis pulmonalis.

*Haimoptysis of oneday's duration.

° I*ulinonary conaum/ptionj the strength increases, cough, sweat, and hectic diminish, the tubercles are absorbed and disappear, leaving no trace, (in some cases. Hale^)

°The pains, in the chest which many consumptive patients feel so acutely, cease or very considerably diminish in a few days.

*A state si/mvlating the development of that pulmonary ynfiam/mation uiihappHy so frequent and fatal among

° Acute ulceration of the lungs after pncumouia.

Pains down the back in the muscles and ligaments. " Spinal curvature in its inci])ient stage, from antemia, in Btrn-

raous children. " Uleeration of the vertebras.

dbyGooglc

HTPOPHOSPHITE OF PI.ITASH. 365

° Psoas abscesses, with great debility and anfemia.

Inci-eased circulation of blood in the limbs,

FiiHiiess of the blood-vessels of the hands and feet.

* Jlabitiial coldness of the extremities/ (a characteristic indi- cation for this remedy in all conditions of debility from exhansting discharges and in tuberculosis.) {Sale.)

" Torpid and extensive abscesses on the lower limbs, with pro- fuse suppuration.

HTPOPHOSPHITE OF POTASH.

(Kah Hj/pophoH ) Hypopliosphite of Pota'isa 13 a niiitc delique«ent silt opaque very soluble in water and alcohol Its jirpaler tendency to absorb moistura renders it less eligible for preseripiion tlian t!ie lime salt Its compo. sition isKO + SHOPO

Officinal Pbepakatioks — Aqueous solution 10 a;i8 to gtts 100, aqueous dilutions to the 8°, then alcoholic

Anaixjoukb,— Cuisor&i carbontea. Galea reaphftphcrica, Kali '•aibomciim, Phosphorus, Phoiphorf acid TodiSe cf Potimtn, Biimex, Bangyiitana, Sulphur.

{No provinga.) Spesial Indioations,

* Melancholy and hypochondria.

" Great debility, especially when attended hy marasmus, and wasting of musoula/r tissue.

* Muscular debility, with myalgia and loss of muscular tonicity. " Extreme prostration from profuse expectoration.

" Under its use the cough reappears, when it has ceased fi-om debility.

"Deep thoracic pains; shortness of breath; muscular and arthritic pains in the limbs, the result of excessive tea- dunking and want of phosphatic food,

* A painful feeling in the anterior pai't of the thorax.

" Asthniatie difficulties occurring in phthisis or clironic bron- chitis, always with great muscular debility (many cases). ' Chronic bronchitis, with scanty, tough expectoration. ° Chronic pneumonia, with myalgic pains, " Useful in all cases of loss of the phosphates, namely, from

dbyGooglc

866 HTPOPHOSPHITE OF POTASH.

long lactation ; leucocythsemia and general anfemia; den tition of strumouB children; catarrhal and leucorrhceal diecharges; all inordinate secretions of pus; dyspepsia.

° Pleurodynia, from muscular debility.

"Ailments from nnrsing; pain and stitches in the back, chast, and abdomen; dimness of vision; nausea at the sight of food; despondency and a painful sense of dragging in left breast; (cured by one grain three times a day.) {Taylor.')

" Obstinate chronic bronchitis, with thick, fmtid expectoration. {Sherwood.)

" Oxaluria, with dyspepsia, increased density of urine, despon- dency, impoverished blood, emaciation, -and an abundance of crystals of oxalate of lime in the urine. (/J-)

" Diseases of children, characterized by debility, fretfulness, diarriicea, want of firmness in the bones, non-appearance of the teeth, and delayed closing of the fontanelles; relieved promptly by the 2d dilution, five drops in miili, three times a day. {Ifale.)

" AHmente from excessive tea-drinking: shooting pains about the chest and scapula, tendeniess on the hypochondrium, bilious vomiting, constipation, painful flatnlence, despon- dency, aversion to food, palpitation of the heart, etc.; (one grain, three times a day, cures nearly all cases, {Jb.)

" Anmmia; pains through the chest and limbs; palpitation; short breathing; giddy on rising in the morning; can scarcely dress herself; pulse 60, slow and weak; counte- nance pale; catamenia irregular; (removes these symp- toms in a week or two generally).

" Great debility and nervous prostration after parturition, with non-appearance of, or sc'anty milk, cold and damp skin.

" Ilydrocephaloid disease in debilitated, emaciated, poorly nourished children.

" Incipient tubercular meningitis in thin, pale children.

" Chronic myalgia — commonly called " chronic mnecnlaT rheumatism."

dbyGoOglc

IBEEig AMAEA. 867