Gallbladder & Bile Duct Powder

The Dispensatory of the United States of America, 1918, Edited by Joseph P. Remington, Horatio C. Wood and others. - Gravel Root

Eupatorium. N. F. IV (U. S. P. VIII). Boneset. Thorough-wort. Herba Eupatorii Perfoliati. Indian Sage. Thorough-stem. Cross-wort. Thorough-wax. Sweating Plant. Herbe d'Eupatoire perfoliée, Berbe a fievre, Herbe parfaite, Fr. Durchwachsener Wasserhanf or Wasserdost, G.—"The dried leaves and flowering tops of Eupatorium perfoliatum Linne (Fam. Compositae)." N. F. This is an indigenous perennial plant, with numerous herbaceous stems, which are erect, round, hairy, from two to five feet high, simple below, and trichotomously branched near the summit. The leaves serve to distinguish the species at the first glance. They may be considered either as perforated by the stem, perfoliate, or as consisting each of two leaves, joined at the base, connate. In the latter point of view, they are opposite and in pairs, which decussate each other at regular distances upon the stem; in other words, the direction of each pair is at right angles with that of the pair immediately above or beneath it. They are narrow in proportion to their length, broadest at the base where they coalesce, gradually tapering to a point, serrate, much wrinkled, paler on the under than on the upper surface, and beset with whitish hairs, which give them a grayish-green color. The uppermost pairs are sessile, not joined at the base. The flowers are white, numerous, supported on hairy peduncles, in dense corymbs, forming a flattened summit. The involucre, which is cylindrical and composed of imbricated, lanceolate, hairy scales, encloses from twelve to fifteen tubular florets, having their border divided into five spreading segments. The anthers are five, black, and united into a tube, through which the bifid filiform style projects. This species of Eupatorium inhabits meadows, the banks of streams, and other moist places, growing generally in bunches, and abounding in almost all parts of the United States. It flowers from the middle of summer to the end of October. All parts of it are active, but the herb only is official. It has a faint odor, and a strongly bitter, somewhat peculiar taste. It is described as "usually more or less broken; leaves opposite, the pair united at the base, from 8 to 20 cm. in length and from 1.5 to 5 cm. in breadth, tapering regularly from near the base to an acute summit, crenate-serrate, rugosely veined, rough and bright green above, yellowish-gray-green, tomentose and resinous-dotted beneath; flower-heads small, numerous, corymbed, with a campanulate involucre of lance-linear, imbricated scales and with from ten to fifteen tubular, yellowish-white florets having a bristly pappus in a single row. Odor faintly aromatic; taste strongly bitter. Eupatorium yields not more than 10 per cent. of ash." N. F. The virtues of the plant are readily imparted to water and alcohol. W. Peterson found it to contain a peculiar bitter principle, chlorophyll, resin, a crystalline matter of undetermined character, gum, tannin, yellow coloring matter, extractive, lignin, and salts. (A. J. P., xxiii, 210.) George Latin (A. J. P., Aug., 1880) found a glucoside, eupatorin, and a crystallizable body of the nature of wax. O. F. Dana, Jr., obtained 3.80 per cent. of extract with petroleum benzin; 4.60 per cent. with ether; 33.80 per cent. with alcohol; 24.80 per cent. with water; 5.80 per cent. with alkali. (A. J. P., 1887, p. 229.) Shamel (Am. Chem. J., 1892, p. 224) published an analysis of the nitrate of the crystalline principle giving the formula C20H25O36HNO3. Eupatorium is, in large doses, emetic and aperient. Because of its nauseating action, the warm infusion tends to increase perspiration and has been used to abort attacks of muscular rheumatism or general cold. H. S. Wilkins has found the infusion useful in the expulsion of tapeworm. (A.J.P., 1874, p. 295.) As an emetic and cathartic, a strong decoction, prepared by boiling an ounce with three half-pints of water to a pint, may be given in doses of from four fluidounces to a half-pint (120 to 240 mils), or more. (See Fluidextractum Eupatorii, N. F., Part III.) Dose, twenty to thirty grains (1.3 to 2.0 Gm.). Eupatorium purpureum L., Joe-Pye Weed, Trumpet Weed, or Gravel Root, is a perennial herbaceous plant, with a purple stem, five or six feet in height, and furnished with ovate-lanceolate, serrate, rugosely veined, slightly scabrous, petiolate leaves, placed four or five together in the form of whorls. The flowers are purple, and consist of numerous florets contained in an eight-leaved involucre. It grows in swamps and other low grounds, from Canada to Florida, and flowers in August and September. The root has, according to Bigelow, a bitter aromatic and astringent taste, and is said to be diuretic. Its vulgar name, boneset, indicates the popular estimation of its virtues. J. U. Lloyd found in it an apparently new, yellow, neutral, crystalline principle, euparin. (A. J. P., 1890.) This euparin, with a number of derivatives, has been prepared by C. C. Mauger (A. J. P., 1894, 120) and analyzed. The formula C12H11O3 is assigned to it. Eupatorium verbenaefolium Michx., commonly called wild horehound, is also an indigenous perennial, with an herbaceous stem, which is about two feet high, and supports sessile, distinct, ovate, acute, scabrous leaves, of which the lower are coarsely serrate at the base, the uppermost entire. The flower-heads are small, white, composed of five florets within each involucre, and arranged in the form of a corymb. The plant grows in low wet places from New England to Georgia, and abounds in the Southern States. It is in flower from August to November. The whole herb is used. In sensible properties it corresponds with E. perfoliatum, though less bitter and disagreeable, and has been used for similar purposes and in like manner. E. incarnatum and E. aromaticum are said to contain an aromatic principle similar to, if not identical with, coumarin, obtained by Guibourt from Dipteryx odorata, or Tonka bean. (See P. J., Oct., 1874, 303.) The roots of E. aromaticum are said to be sold in the Western United States under the name of white snake-root. E. cannabinum of Europe, the root of which was formerly used as a purgative, and E. triplinerve Vahl (E. Aya-pana Vent.), of Brazil, the leaves of which at one time enjoyed a very high reputation, have fallen into neglect. The Aya-pana is an aromatic bitter, like E. perfoliatum, but weaker, and is said to be still occasionally met with in European commerce. (A. J. P., 1887, 154; Ph. Era, 1898, 293.) E. villosum is used in Jamaica, under the name of bitter-bush, in the preparation of beer, as a tonic, and as a stimulant in low zymotic diseases. (P. J., Oct., 1866; A. J. P., 1887, 155.) E. collinum is included in the Mexican Pharmacopoeia.

King's American Dispensatory By Harvey Wickes Felter and John Uri Lloyd 1898 - Marshmallow

Botanical Source.—Althaea officinalis is a peculiarly soft and downy, hoary, green herb, having a tap-shaped, rather woody root. It has several erect, simple stems, from 2 to 5 feet in height, round, leafy, tough, and pliant; the leaves are ovate or heart-shaped at the base, of various breadths, plaited, 5-ribbed, unequally serrated, petioled, soft and pliable, and more or less deeply divided into 5 acute lobes, The flowers are large, in very short, dense, axillary panicles, rarely solitary, of a delicate, uniform, blush color. The involucre has 8, 9, 10, or 12 divisions. The 1-seeded fruit is formed of numerous capsular carpels, closely and circularly arranged around the axis. History and Description.—This perennial herb is found commonly on the banks of rivers, and in salt marshes. It is indigenous to Europe, and portions of Asia, in some parts of which it is cultivated in great quantities for medical use; and moist, sandy soils are preferred. It flowers from July to September. The whole plant, but especially the root, abounds with mucilage. Although the plant grows to some extent in the United States, the root is principally obtained from Europe for medical purposes, that which comes from Germany being much whiter but not so thick as that from the south of France. As found in commerce, the root is in pieces 3 or 4 inches long, or more, roundish, about ½ inch in diameter, with a feeble odor and very mucilaginous taste. It should be chosen plump, and little fibrous; with a very white surface, well cleared of its yellowish epidermis, downy from the mode of dressing it with files; and possessing no moldy, acid, nor musty odor, and no acid taste. Sometimes it is met with divided lengthwise. The plant contains nearly 20 percent of mucilage—(Ed., Duncan). Both the flowers and leaves are occasionally employed by the Europeans. The root should be gathered in the early spring or autumn of the second (not later than the third) year's growth, and only the fleshy portions retained, the older, woody roots being valueless. The Pharmacopoeia of the United States directs that Althaea shall conform to the following description: "In cylindrical or somewhat conical pieces, from 10 to 15 Cm. (4 to 6 inches) long, 10 to 15 Mm. (.039 to .059 inch) in diameter, deeply wrinkled; deprived of the brown, corky layer and small roots; externally white, marked with a number of circular spots, and of a somewhat hairy appearance from the loosened bast fibres; internally whitish and fleshy. It breaks with a short, granular, and mealy fracture, has a faint, aromatic odor, and a sweetish, mucilaginous taste"—(U. S. P.). Chemical Composition.—Althaea-root contains starch, pectin, mucilage, sugar, lignin, calcium phosphate, fixed oil, a viscid material, and asparagin (A. Buchner). Asparagin (C4H8N2O3.H2O), is a colorless, crystallizable body, without taste or odor. Ether and alcohol do not dissolve it, but it is extracted from the root with water, from which it may be crystallized by concentrating the solution. Its reactions prove it to be amido-succinamic acid, having the formula: CO2N.CH2.CHNH2.CONH2. When boiled with acids or alkalies, it splits into ammonia and amido-succinic acid or aspartic acid (C4H7NO4). Asparagin is distinguished by its optical activity, being laevo-rotatory in aqueous solution, which changes to dextro-rotatory by the action of acetic acid. Asparagin, when pure, is stable in solution, but is susceptible to fermentation in the presence of albuminoid substances, whereby it is converted into ammonium succinate. Asparagin was discovered by Vauquelin and Robiquet, in 1805, in the juice of the asparagus plant, and in the marshmallow root, as althein, by M. Bacon, in 1826. It is identical with agedoite, found by Caventou in liquorice root (Jour. de Pharm., xiv., 177), and is found in many other plants, e. g., comfrey, dahlia, potatoes, the roots of Robinia Pseudacacia, etc. The mucilage (free from starch) of the root is extracted with cold water; the starch by boiling water. Ɣ Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—The root of this plant, as well as of each of the below mentioned plants described as substitutes, is demulcent and diuretic, and may be used indiscriminately, the one for the other. They will be found valuable, in the form of decoction, in diseases of the mucous tissues, as hoarseness, catarrh, pneumonia, gonorrhoea, vesical catarrh, renal irritation, acute dysentery, and diarrhoea. In strangury, inflammation of the bladder, hematuria, retention of urine, some forms of gravel, and indeed in nearly every affection of the kidney and bladder, their use will be found advantageous. Much use is made of them combined with equal parts of spearmint, in urinary derangements. They are likewise efficacious in gastro-intestinal irritation and inflammation. As the decoction soon decomposes, or becomes moldy or acid, it should always be made in small quantities, not more than 1 or 2 pints at a time, according to the temperature of the weather. Ɣ Externally, marshmallow root is very useful in the form of poultice, to discuss painful, inflammatory tumors, and swellings of every kind, whether the consequence of wounds, bruises, burns, scalds, or poisons; and has, when thus applied, had a happy effect in preventing the occurrence of gangrene. The infusion or decoction may be freely administered. Photo: Alcea ficifolia 4.Related Species.—Althaea rosea, Cavanilles. (Alcea rosea, Linné). Common garden hollyhock. Native of China. Cultivated for its beauty in gardens. The flowers, capsules, and root are used for similar purposes as the marshmallow. The purple flowers are preferred, a concentrated infusion of which colors white bibulous paper a fast purple-blue, which is turned a blue-green by alkalies, and red with acids. The root contains a considerable amount of mucilage, and is sometimes used as an emollient and demulcent. Althaea taurinensis, De Candolle. South Europe. Use, same as of Althaea officinalis. Photo: Malva sylvestris 12.Malva sylvestris, Linné. Common mallow. This is a perennial, hairy herb, sometimes called High-mallow; has a tapering, branching, whitish root, and an erect, round stem 2 or 3 feet high. Leaves alternate, deep-green, soft, downy, serrated, plaited, with 7 acute lobes, oil hairy petioles; uppermost with fewer, but deeper and more acute lobes than the lower ones. Flowers large, numerous, of a shining purple, veiny, on simple, aggregate, hairy axillary stalks. Calyx 5-cleft. Petals 5, inversely cordate, thrice the length of the calyx. Stamens indefinite, monadelphous. Pollen large, whitish. Ripe carpels reticulated at the back.—(L.—G.). Malva rotundifolia, Linné. Low-mallow, or Round-mallow, called by children who are fond of eating the fruit, cheeses; has a fusiform root and prostrate stem; leaves of a fine, delicate texture, roundish, cordate, or somewhat reniform, crenate, obtusely 5 or 7-lobed, on long, hairy petioles. Flowers pale-pink, deeply-notched petals, on aggregate, axillary peduncles. Fruit depressed-globose, composed of the numerous carpels arranged circularly (W.). The M. sylvestris is a native of Europe, and is naturalized in this country, growing abundantly in fields, roadsides, and waste places, and flowering from May to October. The whole plant, especially the root, abounds in mucilage. The M. rotundifolia, a very common, troublesome plant, growing around dwellings and in cultivated rounds together with other species of this genus, possesses similar properties, and they may be substituted for each other. The herb and flowers are inodorous, with a weak, herbaceous, mucilaginous taste. Water extracts their mucilage, and acetate of lead precipitates the solution. The root and seeds maybe also used, as they contain much mucilage. Ɣ The blue infusion, or tincture of the flowers, is turned green by alkalies, and red by acids, thus forming an exceedingly delicate indicator. Mallows possesses the properties common to mucilaginous herbs. An infusion forms an excellent demulcent in coughs, irritations of the air passages, flux, affections of the kidneys and bladder, etc. It may also be used in injection. The herb, bruised, forms a good emollient cataplasm to boils and inflammatory conditions of external parts. Low-mallows makes a good ointment for use on sores in horses. Photo: Malva neglecta.Malva vulgaris, Fries. (Malva neglecta, Wallroth). Europe. Together with leaves of M. sylvestris, the source of German official Mallow-leaves. Abutilon Avicennae, Gaertner. (Sida Abutilon, Linné). Indian mallows. Velvet leaf. Indigenous to the Levant. Naturalized in Europe and the United States, where it is a common weed. Emollient and diuretic. Cultivated in China as a substitute for hemp. Hibiscus Moscheutos, Linné (Hibiscus palustris). Marsh rose hibiscus. U. S. Marsh hibiscus has a root very much resembling that of the Marshmallow, possesses exactly the same properties, and may be as effectually used. It is a tall, showy, perennial plant, growing in salt marshes, near salt springs, and on wet prairies, and flowers in August. Hibiscus virginicus, Sweat weed. Marshes along the Atlantic from New York southward. Has the mucilaginous properties of the Althaeas. Hibiscus esculentus, Linné (Abelmoschus esculentus, Guillemin and Perrotett). (See Hibiscus). Abelmoschus moschatus, Moench (Hibiscus Abelmoschus, Linné). (See Hibiscus). Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis, Linné. China rose. The bark of the stem is reputed emmenagogue, while the root is employed in the Eastern world like Marshmallow. It is a cultivated species. Photo: Hibiscus trionum.Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Linné. Africa. Red sorrel. Cultivated in tropical climes. It is known in the Mexico-Texan regions as Jamaica. The calyx, which contains mucilage, malic, tartaric, and possibly oxalic acids, in a free state, is the part employed. Sida floribunda, Peru. Contains an abundance of mucilage. The leaves, which are thickly beset with minute, stiff spines, are reputed a mechanical vermifuge (Martinet). Sida rhombifolia. Queensland hemp. Jelly leaf. Contains an abundance of mucilage, and is employed as a poultice and a remedy in respiratory complaints. Species.—SPECIES PECTORALES (N. F.), Pectoral Species. Species ad infusum pectorale. Breast tea. (German Pharmacopoeia). Formulary number, 344: "Althaea, peeled, 8 parts, coltsfoot leaves, 4 parts; glycyrrhiza, Russian, peeled, 3 parts; anise, 2 parts; mullein flowers, 2 parts; orris root, 1 part. Cut, bruise, and mix them. Note.—Coltsfoot leaves are derived from Tussilago Farfara, Linné. Mullein flowers are from Verbascum Thapsus, G. Meyer. Infusum pectorale (pectoral infusion, or infusion of pectoral species), is made by infusing 1 troy ounce of the above preparation, in the usual manner, so as to obtain 10 fluid ounces of strained product"—(Nat. Form.) As the name of this preparation implies, it is employed by the Germans in various pulmonic complaints, attended with cough. SPECIES EMOLLIENTES(N. F.), Emollient species. Emollient cataplasm. (German Pharmacopoeia). Formulary number, 342: "Althaea leaves, mallow leaves, melilot tops, matricaria, flaxseed, of each, equal parts. Reduce them to a coarse powder, and mix it uniformly. Note.—Mallow leaves are derived from Malva vulgaris, Fries, and Malva sylvestris, Linné. Melilot tops are the leaves and flowering branches of Melilotus officinalis, Desrousseaux, and Melilotus altissimus Thuilliers"—(Nat. Form.). This is designed for the ready preparation of an emollient poultice for various inflammations, swellings, etc.

The Family Herbal, 1812, was written by John Hill. - Parsley Root

Botanical name: Petroselinum crispum Petroselinum. Also see: Parsly - Macedonian Parsly. A very common plant in our gardens, useful in the kitchen, and in medicine. It grows to two feet in height. The leaves are composed of many small parts: they are divided into three, and then into a multitude of sub-divisions: they are of a bright green, and indented. The stalks are round, angulated, or deeply striated, slender, upright, and branched. The flowers are small and white; and they stand in large tufts at the tops of the branches. The seeds are roundish and striated. The root is long and white. The roots are the part used in medicine. A strong decoction of them is good against the jaundice. It operates powerfully by urine, and opens obstructions.

Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World, 1919, was edited by U. P. Hedrick. - Turmeric

Curcuma longa Linn. Turmeric. Tropical Asia. This plant is extensively cultivated in India for its tubers which are an essential ingredient of native curry powders, according to Dutt. The substance called turmeric is made from the old tubers of this and perhaps other species. The young, colorless tubers furnish a sort of arrowroot.

The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics Written by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D. 1922 - Ginger

Botanical name: Zingiber officinale The dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale, Roscoe (Nat. Ord. Zingiberaceae). Southern Asia; cultivated in tropical regions of Asia, Africa and America. Dose, 10 to 30 grains. Common Names: Ginger. (There are many kinds and grades: Jamaica Ginger, African Ginger, Calcutta Ginger, Calicut Ginger, Cochin Ginger, and Japanese Ginger.) Principal Constituents.—An aromatic volatile oil (Oil of Ginger), 2 to 3 per cent giving to ginger its flavor; resin, and gingerol, the pungent principle. Preparations.—1. Specific Medicine Zingiber. Dose, 1 to 30 drops. 2. Oleoresina Zingiberis, Oleoresin of Ginger. Dose, ½ to 1 grain. 3. Tinctura Zingiberis, Tincture of Ginger. Dose 5 to 60 minims. 4. Syrupus Zingiberis, Syrup of Ginger. Dose, 1 to 4 fluidrachms. Specific Indications.—Anorexia; flatulence; borborygmus; gastric and intestinal spasms; acute colds; painful menstruation; cold extremities; cool surface in children's diseases. Action.—Ginger is a local irritant and rubefacient. It causes an increased flow of saliva and gastric juice and increases muscular activity of the stomach and intestines. It is much used to conceal the taste of nauseous medicines and to prevent tormina. Ginger is sometimes used as an ingredient of so-called "spice poultices". Therapy.—Ginger is an admirable local stimulant, sialagogue, diaphoretic and carminative. Powdered ginger in a large quantity of cold water, taken upon retiring, will frequently "break up" a severe cold, and a hot infusion or ginger tea is a popular remedy for similar use and to establish sluggish menstruation or mitigate the pains of dysmenorrhea. Ginger is an excellent agent in gastric atony, and good results may be had from it in atonic states of the digestive tube, with loss of appetite, rolling of gases in the bowels, and painful spasmodic contractions of the stomach and intestines. In acute dysentery and diarrhoea, and in cholera morbus and sometimes in cholera infantum with atony and nausea, vomiting and cold extremities and surface, small doses of ginger preparations are extremely valuable. Cramps in the stomach and bowels due to undigested food or to cold are speedily relieved by small doses of ginger. Ginger combined with magnesium oxide or sodium bicarbonate is a good gastric stimulant and corrective in persistent flatulency with sour stomach, and given alone is useful for old people with feeble digestive powers and enfeebled and lax habit. Rarely, tincture of ginger or specific medicine zingiber is serviceable in fevers, when the salivary secretions are scanty and there is pain and movement of gases in the intestines. It relieves by stimulating secretion, the ultimate effect being sedative. In such states it acts much like capsicum, but is not so efficient. Oleoresin of ginger may be added to pills to prevent griping and tormina; and the syrup is an agreeable vehicle for stomachic and sometimes for expectorant mixtures.

King's American Dispensatory By Harvey Wickes Felter and John Uri Lloyd 1898 - Lobelia

Botanical Source.—This plant, generally known as Wild, or Indian tobacco, is an annual or biennial indigenous plant, nore commonly the latter, with a fibrous, very hairy yellowish-white stem, in theroot,full-sized and an plant erect, angular, much Fig. 163. branched, and from 6 inches to 3 feet in height. The sº §§ late, leavesserrate, are alternate, veiny, andscattered, hairy. sessile, The flowers ovate-lanceo- are Nf, §2 % WWºº small, numerous, pale-blue, on short peduncles, each & \ N. originating from the axil of a small leaf. The calyx º § º consists of 5, subulate segments. The corolla is tubu- º lar, small, slit on the upper side, ventricose at the base; the limb bilabiate; tube prismatic ; segments spreading, acute ; two upper ones lanceolate, three lower ones Oval. The anthers are united into an ob long, curved body, and of a purple color; filaments white. Style filiform ; stigma curved, 2-lobed, in closed by the anthers. The capsule is 2-celled, ovoid, inflated, striated, 10-angled, crowned with the persistent calyx. The seeds are numerous, small, oblong, and brown (L.-B.—W.). History.—Lobelia is very plentiful throughout the United States, and is usually along roadsides, found thriving in dry soil - in dry fields, and old LObella inflata. pastures, as well as in woodland grazing grounds. It flowers from July to September, or until frost checks its blooming. It grows from a few inches to 2 feet in height, and is peculiar in that it will blossom when the flowering time arrives, even iſ it be but an inch in height. The plant has alternate leaves, and flowers of a light blue color, inconspicuous, yet very pretty when closely examined, having the characteristic split corolla tube (along the upper side) seedlºelia of the Lobelias. The fruit is an inflated pod, resembling a small 8. balloon, easily compressible, and contains an innumerable number of minute brown seeds. The plant, when broken or cut, exudes an acrid, milky juice, imparting a taste very much resembling that of tobacco. The whole plant is active, but the leaves and seeds are more usually employed. The root is sup posed to be more emergetic, medicinally, than any other part of the plant. The Fig. 164. 1200 - LOBELIA. proper time for gathering the plant is from the last of July to the middle of October, during which period the seed-vessels are in great abundance. The plant should be dried in the shade, and then be preserved in packages, or covered ves sels, more especially if it be reduced to powder. When dried, it has a faint, nau seous, rather disagreeable odor, and a strong, acrid, nauseous taste developed by chewing, somewhat similar to that of tobacco, which powerfully affects the throat and fauces, occasioning ptyalism and sickness at stomach. The leaves form a greenish powder; the seeds a brownish. Hot water, vinegar, ether, or alcohol take up its medicinal principles, but boiling dissipates them. Few drugs are more favored among Eclectic physicians than lobelia, and cer tainly none others have so interesting a history. This plant is vulgarly known as Indian tobacco, though why it should have this name is difficult to say, as there is no distinct record as is the case with other plants (unless we accept the statements made that it was known to the Penobscot tribes), that it was ever employed as a medicine by the natives. As the plant resembles somewhat in taste the common tobacco (Nicotiama Tabacum), and was for this reason called Wild tobacco, the authors of “Drugs and Medicines of North America” advance the opinion that if known as Wild tobacco it was but a step farther to call it Indian tobacco, on the presumption that a tobacco that was wild would be used by the Indians. The earliest botanists did not use a common name for lobelia, and it was not until 1810 that we find the first popular name—Bladder-pod—given it by Aiton. Following this came Inflated lobelia and Bladder-pod lobelia for obvious reasons. So much for names suggested by the plant itself. When it came to be used in medicine a new set of popular names, having reference to its properties, were applied. Thomson and Cutler called it Emetic weed and Emetic herb. These names suggested those to follow—Puke weed, Vomit weed, and Gag root. Although the term gag root was employed, the root was never used in medicine, statements to the contrary notwithstanding. One of its very old names is Eye-bright—a name properly belonging to Euphrasia officinalis, and, from its use as an anti-asthmatic, some writers have referred to it as Asthma weed. Its generic name—lobelia—was given it in honor of Matthias de Lobel (de l'Obel), a distinguished botanist of the sixteenth century; its specific name—inflata—on account of its inflated seed pods. Though lobelia grows nearly all over this country, much of the drug supply of commerce comes from the mountainous districts of North Carolina. Dobelia was known to the Penobscot Indians, and was also extensively used by the people in New England in domestic practice, long before the time of Samuel Thomson, its assumed discoverer. Though used by a few in domestic practice, the credit for the introduction of lobelia into medical practice is due to Drs. Manasseh Cutler and Samuel Thomson. The latter claims to have been the first to employ it and, indeed, it would seem probable that Cutler learned the use of it from Thomson. As before stated, few drugs have been so notoriously historical as the one under consideration. It became widely known to the people during the early part of the present century, through the famous trials of Drs. Thomson and Frost. ... The name of lobelia became so odious, that to be known as a “lobelia doctor” was sufficient to subject the physician to all manner of ridicule. The prosecution of Thomson was brought at the instigation of a jealous physician–Dr. French— backed by a jealous profession. While under treatment by Dr. Thomson, one Ezra Lovett, of Beverly, Mass., died after a tedious course of medicine applied after the peculiar method of Thomson. The prosecutors charged the latter with killing Lovett with lobelia. Thomson denied it, claiming the drug employed to be marsh rosemary. The prosecutors showed their ignorance by exhibiting to to the court some of the powder alleged to have been employed, which powder actually proved to be marsh rosemary. Judge Parsons instructed the jury to acquit Thomson. The memory of lobelia was again revived, in 1837, by the trial of Dr. R. K. Frost, of New York City, for the alleged killing of T. G. French. The charge against Frost was that he put French into a “vapor bath” and “adminis tered to him poisonous decoctions of lobelia, and giving deleterious herbs which no reasonable man would administer to a dog.” He was tried for manslaughter, the trial lasting ten days, and the jury found him guilty (in the fourth degree), but recommended him to the mercy of the court. The court sentenced him to three months' imprisonment. LOBELIA. 1201. The first published account of the use of lobelia in regular medicine, is by the Rev. Manasseh Cutler, LL.D., in his “Account of Indigenous Vegetables” (1785), stating that the leaves, if chewed, “produce a giddiness and pain in the head, with a trembling agitation of the whole body.” Cutler was a great sufferer from asthma and found this drug to give him more relief than any other, and as Thomson had been in the habit of using lobelia for this complaint, and prac ticing so mear to the home of Cutler, in Massachusetts, it is fair to presume that the latter derived his knowledge of the drug from Thomson. As early as 1820, the first edition of the U. S. P. recognized lobelia and it has continued official until the present time. Description.—The U. S. P. officially describes lobelia as follows: “Leaves alternate, petiolate, the upper ones sessile, ovate or oblong, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, irregularly toothed, pubescent, pale-green; branches hairy, terminating in long racemes of small, pale-blue flowers, having an adherent, 5-toothed calyx, which is inflated in fruit, a bilabiate corolla, and 5 united stamens; Odor slight, irritating; taste mild, afterward burning and acrid"—(U. S. P.). LOBELIA SEED.—Lobelia seeds are not official, excepting as included in the inflated pods of the plant. Lobelia seeds, viewed under the microscope, are about # of an inch in length, gºs of an inch in breadth, of a dark-brown color, oblong, with ridges and furrows, somewhat resembling basket-work; the only seeds which resemble them are those of the L. cardinalis, which are not so dark-colored, but are oval, or almond-shaped, reticulated with irregular, oblong-square, or rectan gular reticulations not so well defined, and are of larger size (P-F. Curtis). Lobelia in the powdered form enters into the composition of the compound emetic powder, and is a constituent of the compound tincture of lobelia and capsicum (King's Antispasmodic), and the acetous emetic tincture. The oil, as before stated, is contained in the stillingia limiment. Specific lobelia, the pre ferred preparation of this plant, has a deep wine color and a peculiar fatty odor. When dropped into water it produces a white turbidity, forming a yellowish white, milky liquid, when viewed by reflected light. It mixes with alcohol without change. The taste is peppery and persistent, leaving a disagreeable acrid impression in the throat and fauces. A few drops only will sicken some persons and even produce emesis. Specific lobelia contains a large amount of oil of lobelia, which preserves the alkaloid in the preparation. Investigations made by Prof. Lloyd demonstrated that solutions devoid of the oil were inferior, being altered by age. Specific lobelia retains its emergies indefinitely. Chemical Composition.—The active principle of lobelia is an acrid, irrita ting, unstable alkaloid, called lobeline, first obtained by Wm. Procter, Jr. (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1838, p. 98, and 1841, p. 1), as a yellowish liquid of faintly aromatic taste, soluble in water and exhibiting an alka line reaction. It exists in combination with a vegetable acid—lobelic acid—form ing precipitates with solutions of metallic salts (Pereira, 1842). Lobeline and its salts are exceedingly active emetics. Though stable when thus combined, it readily decomposes when freed from contact with the other constituents of the plant. Heat applied to either an aqueous preparation or an alcoholic tincture of lobelia, destroys this alkaloid, hence a decoction or hot infusion of this plant is irrational, Lobeline was obtained by Prof. Lloyd (see D. and M. of N. A., by J. U. and C. G. Lloyd, Vol. II, pp. 75 and 76), by depriving lobelia seeds of fat by means of benzin, abstracting the seeds with alcohol acidulated with acetic acid in a percolator, and evaporating and extracting the alkaloid with ammoniated ether. As thus obtained, lobeline, after further purification, is a colorless, odorless, amorphous, and non-hygroscopic alkaloid, of an alkaline reaction, soluble in alcohol, chloroform, benzol, ether, and carbon bisulphide. It is also somewhat soluble in water and exhibits in solution alkaloidal reactions. No crystallizable salts could be obtained, though Prof. Procter (loc. cit.) alludes to a crystallizable muriate, sulphate, nitrate, and oxalate of lobeline. Paschkis and Smita obtained from lobeline benzoic acid by oxidation with potassium permangamate (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1890, p. 339). Crystals of Inflatin, typical form. 76 1202 LOBELIA. H. von Rosen (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1889, p. 393), isolated two alkaloids, one liquid (lobeline) and another solid. According to Prof. Lloyd, the plant also contains a crystallizable, non-basic substance, to which he gave the name inflatin. This body exists in the plant, intimately associated with the alkaloid and some volatile oil (see below). Inflatin is tasteless and odorless, “insoluble in water, or glycerin, but soluble in carbon disulphide, benzol, chloroform, ether, and alcohol, in the order given" (Lloyd, D. and M. of N. A.,Vol. II, p. 78). It is not important in a medical sense. The lobelacrim of Enders (1871), which was obtained in warty tufts of a brown color, was regarded by W. H. D. Leurs (Pharm. Jour. Trams., Vol. VIII, 1878, p. 562), as probably lobeliate of lobeline. Lobelia contains a non-acrid, volatile oil of a pungent odor, possessing but little taste and no acridity. It was named lobeliamin by Pareira in 1840. In addition, the plant contains about 30 per cent of non volatile oily matters. The impure oil (so-called) of lobelia, so extensively em ployed by Eclectic doctors, is simply a syrupy extract of lobelia made with stronger alcohol, preferably acidulated with acetic acid. This so-called oil is the active constituent of that favorite Eclectic preparation, the compound stillingia liniment. The pure or true fived oil of lobelia is non-acrid and bland, but as usually obtained (impure), is acrid and of a green color. The fixed oil of lobelia (impure) may be obtained by bruising the seeds between heated rollers, and press ing while hot in a strong linen cloth, between proper iron plates. Its consistence is nearly like that of linseed oil, and eminently possesses the drying qualities common to many fixed oils. It possesses all the medicinal properties of the seeds. Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Lobelia, in the ordinary sense of the term, is not a poison. Undoubtedly, its injudicious use has, and might produce death, but the same is true of many other drugs that are not ordinarily considered as poisons. That the alkaloid lobeline will kill animals, has been fully demon strated. A drop of the alkaloidal solution placed upon the tongue of a strong, healthy man, instantly vomited him. To this property of its alkaloid, is undoubt edly due the failure of lobelia to act as a toxic agent. Its emetic action is so prompt and decided, that the contained alkaloid could not, under ordinary cir cumstances, produce fatal results. Given in cases in extremis, the resulting exhaus tion from repeated emesis would very likely hasten death, but death would be more likely due to the act of vomiting exhausting the patient, than to any poison ous effect of the medicine. If lobelia be chewed, it gives rise to an acrid, prickling, and persistently pungent sensation in the throat and fauces, accompanied by slight nausea and a feeling of warmth and distension along the esophageal tract and in the stomach. The sensation is not very unlike that produced by tobacco. The salivary and buccal glands are impressed, pouring out saliva 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 results. The gas tric mucus is secreted in great abundance and ejected with the contents of the stomach. The emetic action of lobelia is extremely depressing, and is usually accompanied by profuse perspiration. Oppressive prostration, relaxation of the muscular system, and a languid pulse accompany the emetic stage. The depres sion, however, is of short duration, and is immediately followed by a sense of extreme Satisfaction and repose. Under its action the mental powers are unusu ally acute, and the muscles are powerfully relaxed. The circulation is enfeebled by large and strengthened by small doses, and the bronchial secretions are aug mented. When the drug does not prove emetic, it is said that it usually purges. Death, when due to lobeline, is said to result from respiratory paralysis. Lobelia is nauseant, emetic, expectorant, relaxant, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, Sialagogue, sedative, and, secondarily, occasionally cathartic and diuretic and astringent. It is in no sense a narcotic. The earliest use of lobelia, as will be seen from its history, was that of an emetic, and for this purpose it is still em ployed when we desire the action of a systemic emetic. Though momentarily depressing, its beneficial after-effects cause it to be preferred above other agents, ipecac not excepted, when such an agent is required. Its action is somewhat modified by combination with ipecacuanha, and other vegetable emetics, and rendered safer and more effectual. Such a combination is the emetic powder. LOBELIA. 1203 It may be used in forming stages of febrile affections, and is especially indicated by a general sluggishness of the whole system with an oppressive feeling, and the tongue is heavily and foully coated at the base. In some chronic diseases its emetic action is salutary in arousing the system from its atomic state. When its emetic action is desired, small doses should be frequently administered until profound nausea is induced, and then the drug should rapidly be pushed to emesis. Copious draughts of warm water will hasten its action and render the act of emesis much easier. Spasmodic movement is incompatible with nervous and muscular relaxation, hence we find prompt relief in many spasmodic con ditions by the use of this drug. The powerfully relaxant properties of lobelia render it a very efficient agent in several conditions, whose chief feature is the spasmodic element. For its control over spasmodic movement, nauseant or emetic doses must be given. For this purpose it may be exhibited in chorea, tetanus, “worm fits” of children, hysteric and infantile convulsions, epileptiform and other convulsive disorders. For puerperal eclamp sia, chloroform by inhalation, and morphine subcutaneously injected, give better results than lobelia, though the latter drug has been used with success in some cases. Lobelia is of value in obstetrical practice. It powerfully subdues muscular rigidity. It is the remedy to overcome a rigid os uteri during parturition, and at the same time it relaxes the perimeal tissues. This it does when there is fullness of tissue—a 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 its antispasmodic action it may be given by mouth and by rectum. Intestinal obstructions have been overcome by lobelia when other agents would have been inadmissible, hence it is of value in the reduction of Strangulated hermia, an enema being employed. Intussusception and fecal impaction may be treated with this drug when cathartics would result fatally. It is for its antispasmodic effects that it is given in asthmatic paroxysms, spasmodic croup, and whooping-cough. It has been successfully used to overcome the violent convulsions resulting from Strychnine pois0ning. Chloroform and ether excepted, it is the best antispasmodic drug in the materia medica, and much safer than either of these. In the so-called “worm fits” it should be carried to nausea and then followed by Santonin, after which a mild purgative may be given. Lobelia is a stimulant to the sympathetic system. It improves the inner vation of the parts supplied by both the prleumogastric and sympathetic nerves. The appetite and digestion are improved by small doses of the drug. It will fre quently be found indicated in indigestion and dyspepsia. We have frequently used it in small doses for sick headache due to gastric derangement. It is indicated by the feeling of “qualmishness” and nausea present. Though frequently over looked when we are looking for a drug to overcome intestimal atomy, lobelia will be found one of the best drugs at our command for the relief of habitual constipation. B. Specific lobelia, gtt. i-ij, every 2 hours. Administered with podophyllin it tends to prevent the costiveness so frequently the result after using a “bowel persuader” in cathartic doses. It increases peristalsis. Small doses of it relieve infantile colic. Lobelia is the drug for angina pectoris, newſralgia of the heart, and pulmonary apoplexy. Though evanescent in its action, large doses of specific lobelia (about 20 drops), may be administered with the expectation of relieving the patient. The dose may be repeated if necessary. Lobelia is a cardiac stimulant, thus we class it with the sedatives, for all sedatives in medicinal (small) doses are heart stimu lants. When the circulation exhibits a markedly slow pulse-wave it will be better corrected by lobelia than by any other drug we possess. In fact the most promi ment indication for the drug is the full, oppressed, sluggish, doughy pulse. Asso ciate this with praecordial oppression, thoracic pain, difficult breathing, Soreness or bruised feeling within the chest, nausea, with tongue heavily coated at base, fullness of tissue, and we have before us a fair range of the action of lobelia. It is a good remedy in cardiac congestion. Perhaps the most important use for this drug will be in the treatment of respiratory affections. For this class of diseases no remedy is more highly valued by physicians of our school. “Lobelia is an admirable pectoral remedy. As a nauseant expectorant it has no equal. When an emetic is desired in pulmonary 1204 LOBELIA. complaints it is one of the most efficient that can be employed. It has come to be the first of remedies for spasmodic asthma, and is not without utility in whoop ing cough. It improves innervation and the circulation, and is one of the best remedies to employ in congestive conditions. It is frequently indicated in pleu risy and pleuro-pneumonia. As a sedative it ranks between veratrum and aconite. Acute pneumonia, with tendency to congestion, the breathing being oppressed, is quickly relieved by lobelia. All chronic forms of sore throat, especially when ulcera ted, are benefited by it. Chronic pneumonia, bronchitis, and laryngitis are all con ditions in which lobelia will be of great service. In asthenic laryngitis of children it is exceedingly useful. It is a remedy of great value in chronic catarrh, dry, hard, or barking coughs, colds, and all forms of irritation of the respiratory tract, with oppression. It relaxes the tissues, favors expectoration when a large quantity of mucus is secreted and there is want of power to remove it. The indications for this drug are the full, oppressed, or small, feeble pulse, præcordial oppression, with difficult respiration, oppression anywhere in the chest, with accumulation of the bronchial secretions, cough with loud mucous rales within the chest. The “ace tous emetic tincture,” which contains this agent, may be used to fulfil most of the indications for this drug. Powdered lobelia seeds or leaves, or the “com pound powder of lobelia and capsicum,” are the best local applications that can be employed in acute pulmonary complaints, and give great relief in chronic cases with a sense of suffocation and fullness, accompanied by soreness within the chest” (Felter). When in the eruptive diseases retrocession takes place, lobelia, by promoting determination of blood to the skin, will promptly bring the eruption to the sur face. It is also indicated in Scarlatina and measles when the eruption is tardy in making its appearance. Lobelia was formerly used to a considerable extent in the eruptive skin diseases. In the Western Medical Reformer for 1838, we find it lauded as a local wash for “herpes, lichen, eczema, mettlerash, and erysipelas.” There is one condition in which its use should not be overlooked, and that is in poisoning by Rhus Toxicodendrom. An aqueous solution of specific lonelia, or an infusion of the plant should be freely used by wetting the cloths in the lotion and applying frequently to the affected parts. Externally, the infusion has been found useful in ophthalmic affec tions; and the tincture is a valuable local application to sprains, bruises, rheumatic pains, erysipelas, and erysipelatows inflammations, tetter, and other forms of cutaneous diseases. A poultice of powdered lobelia and slippery-elm bark, with a weak lye water, will be found valuable in erysipelatous diseases, bites, and stings of poisomous insects, spasmodic affections of the limbs, pains, and to produce muscular relaxation. Tincture of lobelia, painted upon the parts before suppuration has begun, is said to abort felons. The oil of lobelia is valuable in tetanus and some other extreme cases, as it is easy to introduce enough upon the tongue to relax the whole system immediately. On account of the tendency to produce inflammation of the stomach, it should not be employed alone as a common emetic, but a few drops of it should be triturated with sugar, and diffused in chamomile, boneset, or other emetic infusion. One drop of the oil, triturated with 20 grains of sugar, and divided into from 6 to 12 doses will be found highly useful as an expectorant, nauseant, sedative, and diapho retic, when given every 1 or 2 hours, as may be required. As a local application, much benefit may be derived from it, where a particular nerve is to be quieted, or a muscle to be relaxed. An excellent liniment may be made of a mixture of ounce, each, of oils of amber and sassafras, 1 drachm of oil of lobelia, and drachm of ethereal oil of capsicum. To be used in painful meuralgic and rheu matic affections. That lobelia is a valuable remedy will be conceded by all, and that it has been notoriously misrepresented is apparent to all. Carefully used according to its specific indications, it will be better appreciated the more it is used. As an emetic, dose of the powder, from 20 to 60 grains; of the tincture, from 2 to 4 fluid drachms; as a nauseant and expectorant, from 5 to 20 grains. The dose of specific lobelia ranges from 1 to 40 drops, according to use, taken in a little water. When lobelia does not act as an emetic, it is very apt to purge. The relaxation caused by lobelia may be counteracted by the stimulating and tonic influence of capsicum. ; LOTIONES. 1205 Specific Indications and Uses.—Lobelia is specifically indicated by the full, labored, doughy pulse; the blood moves with difficulty; pain in chest of a heavy, Sore, or oppressive character; angina pectoris; cardiac neuralgia; pulmonary apoplexy; mucus accumulation in bronchiae; convulsive movements; rigidity of muscular tissues; rigid OS uteri, with thick doughy edges; rigid perineum, or vagi. nal walls; nausea; oppressive sick headache, with nausea. As an emetic when tongue is heavily coated at base. Related Species.—There are other species of Lobelia, as the Blue lobelia (Lobelia syphi litica, Linné), and the Red lobelia (L. Cardinalis, Linné). The first is diaphoretic, emetic, and cathartic; also diuretic and antisyphilitic, and a strong infusion of it has cured gomorrhoea. It has likewise been used in dropsy, diarrhoea, and dysentery. . The root is the part used; dose, from 20 to 60 grains of the powder. The L. cardinalis is said to be anthelmintic, nervine, and antispasmodic. These two varieties are seldom, if ever, used in medicine. Wm. Procter, Jr. (1839) obtained a bitter, acrid, aromatic, oily, liquid alkaloidal body from this plant. It was probably a mixture of the alkaloid with impurities (see D. and M. of N. A.,Vol. II, p. 106). Lobelia Kalmii is the plant shown to Mr. Kalm by Col. Johnson, as the one used by the Indians of Some parts of North America to cure syphilis; and he was likewise informed that Syphilis was known among them previous to their acquaintance with the Europeans, and that they cured it very readily, even when “the patient is half rotten and insupportable to be approached” (General Practice of Physic, by R. Brookes, M. D., 7th ed., 1777, Vol. II, pp. 67–71).