felters materia_medica-v-z

8/2/2019 Felters Materia_Medica-V-Z

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VALERIANA.

The d r ied rh izom e an d roots of Valerian a officinalis , Linn (Nat. Ord .

Valerian acea e). A n at ive of Eu rope, bu t cu lt ivated in En glan d a n d th e United

S t a t e s . Dose, 30 grains .

Co m m o n Na m e s : Valerian , Grea t Wild Valerian .

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s .A volatile oil (Oleum Valeriana) com pos ed ch iefly of

born eol an d pinen e, from 1 t o 2 per cent, a n d valeric acid.

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. S pecific Med icine Valerian . Dose, 1 to 30 drops .

2 . Tinctura Valeriana , Tincture of Valerian. Dose, 1 to 2 flu idrach ms .

3 . Tinctura Valeriana Ammoniata , Am m oniated Tin ctu re of Valerian . Dose, 1 to

60 drops .

Spec i fi c In d ica t ions .Cerebral anemia; hysteria; chorea; hemicrania,al l with mental depression and despondency; mild spasmodic

movements .

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .Valerian is a good cerebral and spinal

st imu lan t . It a lso s t im u lates th e gastro- in test in al secret ions an d favors

digestion, unless given in too large doses or too long continued. It is

one of the best of calmatives for that collective condition termed

nervousness. To act well i t should be given when the brain

circulat ion is feeble and there is mental depression and despondency.

With such symptoms i t proves useful in hyster ia and hypochondria,nervous headache, and hemicrania. I t is one of the best medicines we

possess in the t reatment of chorea. I t should be given with an equal

quantity of specific medicine macrotys, about ten to f if teen drops of

each, three or four t imes a day. I t controls hyperaesthesia bet ter than

actual convulsive attacks; therefore, it is of little value in epilepsy, for

which i t has sometimes been suggested; and in chorea i t should be

persisted in when the movements are mild, in order to prevent more

pronounced muscular incoordinat ion. In mental depression, due to

worry or imaginary wrongs, valerian is an admirable drug. Owing to i tsvolatile oil it is a good carminative in flatulence, with nervous unrest,

and relieves the disagreeable sense of fullness felt after a meal bycausing a r if t ing of gas. The oil and the ammoniated tincture are

u sefu l agents in faint ing an d n ervous pa lpi tat ion of th e hea r t .

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VANILLA.

The fruit of Vanillaplanifolia , Andrews (Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae). A native Mexican

vine, grown in many tropical countries, but on a commercial scale in Guadaloupe.

Dose, 1 to 10 gra ins .

Co m m o n Na m e : Vanilla.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .The fragrance of vanilla is due to vanillin (C8H8O3)

an d to the pres ence of a s ma ll qu an t i ty of ba lsa m.

P r e p a r a t i o n .Tinctura Van illa , Tin ctu re of Van illa. Dose, 1 to 10 drops.

D e r i v a t i v e Vanillinum , Vanillin, is methylprotocatechuic aldehyde, occurring

naturally in vanil la beans, or may be produced synthetically from several

orthodihydroxy-benzene derivatives. It forms fine white or very pale yellowish,

needle crystals having the characteristic taste and odor of vanilla; soluble inwater and freely in alcohol, glycerin, ether and chloroform. It forms the whitish

frost observed on vanilla. Dose, 1 / 4 to 1 gra in .

Ac t i on a n d Th e r a p y .Vanilla is an aromatic stimulant, but is seldom

used as a medicine. I t is said to promote wakefulness, increasemuscular energy, and to powerfully stimulate the sexual appetite. I t is

used chiefly as a f lavoring agent for medicinal syrups and tinctures,

con fect ions , an d pa stry.

VERATRINA.

Verat rine, Verat ria.

A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seeds of S choen ocaulon officina le , Asa

Gray (Sabadilla officinarum , Brandt ; Asagrea officinalis (Chamisso and

Schlechtendal) Lindley; (Sabadilla seeds) (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Tropical regions

from Mexico to Venezuela.

D e s c r i p t i o n .A white or grayish-white, non-crystalline powder, without odor,

but causing violent irr i tat ion and sneezing when even a minute quanti ty comes incontact wi th the nasal mucosa . It should not be tasted. Veratrine is slightly

hygroscopic, though very sparingly dissolved by water (1,760 parts). It is very

soluble in chloroform, alcohol and ether.

Action .Locally, veratrine (or its salts) is a violent irritant closely

resembling aconitine in action. Applied in alcoholic solution,

ointment, or oleate, i t excites a singular sense of heat and tingling, or



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prickling pain, which, however, does not last long, but is followed by

coolness and more or less numbness; there is seldom redness or

vesicat ion unless the preparat ion is s t rong and applied with br iskfriction. Inhaled, even in minute quantity, i t occasions severe coryza

and excessive sneezing. Muscular twitching has resulted from its

application in ointment to the face, and sometimes it gives r ise toheadache, nausea, gr iping, s l ight diarrhea, and depression of the

action of the heart . When swallowed it is a violent, irr i tant poison,

causing great acr imony in the par ts over which i t passes, sal ivat ion,

pecul iar pr ick l ing numbness of tongue and mucous membranes ,

violent vomiting, profuse and sometimes bloody, and bilious diarrhea

(sometimes constipation); weak, irregular and quick pulse; cardiac

depression; pallor of face and great faintness; cold sweats; muscular

twitching and aching pain along the spine; contracted abdomen andpupils; and occasional ly extreme prur i tus and t ingl ing which may

persist for weeks. In so-called medicinal doses i t produces a feeling ofwarmth in the s tomach and bowels , which extends to the ches t and

extremities. In poisoning by it , the stomach should be thoroughly

evacuated, and tannin solut ions f reely given and pumped out .

Stimulation should be resorted to to overcome the depression; for this

purpose alcoholics, aromatic spir i t of ammonia, ammonium carbonate,

ar tificial res pirat ion, etc. , m a y be em ployed.

T h e r a p y .External. Veratr ine should be used only as an external

application, and then rarely, in superficial functional neuralgia,myalgia, herpes zoster , chronic ar thr i t is , acute gout , and other painful

local inflammations. I t is less effective than aconitine, but both are

equal ly dangerous and great care should be exercised that i t is not

applied where the epiderm is denuded, nor should i t be al lowed to

com e in to con tact with or even b e u sed n ear th e eye, on accoun t of th e

violent conjunctivit is caused by it . A 2 per cent solution in equal

qu a n tit ies of olive oil a n d oleic acid is u s u a lly emp loyed.

Internal. Vera t r in e sh ould not be us ed as a n in terna l m edic in e .

VERATR UM VIRIDE.

The dried rhizome and roots of Veratrum virid e , Aiton (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). An

in digenou s p lan t of swam ps, low groun ds , a nd mois t mead ows. Dose, 1 grain.

C o m m o n N a m e s : American Hellebore, Swamp Hellebore, Green Hellebore,



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Ind ian Poke.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .A power fu lly toxic a lka loid veratrine (C32H49NO 9), or

cevadine, ocurring in both crystall ine and amorphous forms; protoveratrine

(C32H51NO 11), also extremely poisonous; jervine, vertroidine, pseudojervine ,

rubijervine (s ternuta tory) and res in .

P r e p a r a t i o n .Specific Medicin e Verat ru m . Dose, 1/ 20 to 5 drops .

Spec i fi c In d ica t ions .Pulse full , frequent, and bounding; pulse full ,

rapid, corded or wiry; pulse full , strong, and intense, with throbbing of

the carotids; pulse rapid and beating so forcibly that sleep is prevented;

t issues ful l , not shrunken, and surface f lushed with blood; increased

arterial tension, with bloodshot eyes; erysipelas resembling anordinary inflammation; cerebral hyperaemia; sthenic fevers and

inflammations; irr i tation of nerve centers due to an excitedcirculation; convulsions, with great vascular excitement, full pulse,

and cerebral hyperaemia; puerperal eclampsia; red str ipe down center

of the tongue; weight in the epigastrium, with forcible circulatory

pulsa t ions .

Act ion and Tox ico logy .Veratrum is a powerful circulatory

depressant. The exact action of the individual alkaloidal constituents

is yet undetermined, as well as the effect each produces in the sum

total of the effects of the root. According to Wood, the drug is a spinal

and ar ter ial depressant having no direct act ion upon the spinalcenters; the direct act ion of jervine upon the hear t-muscle, and the

stimulation of the inhibitory nerves by veratroidine lower the pulse-

rate; the force of the heart-beat is lowered by the direct action of jervine

upon the hear t-muscle, while the same const i tuent , according to dose,

produces a more or less complete vaso-motor paralysis. The depression

of the spinal motor centers is attr ibuted to jervine. The emetic action of

veratrum is said to be due to the combined act ion of veratroidine and

the resin. All vaso-motor depressants and al l agents which diminish

th e vita l force, favor th e action of verat ru m . Nau sea is always th e sign al

for suspension of the administrat ion of the drug. Death f rom veratrumis cau sed by asp h yxia.

Veratrine and cevadine are identical. The veratrine of commerce,

however, is variable in composition, but i ts action is probably mostly

due to the amount of t rue cevadine present . Late invest igat ions show



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th at m ost of th e action of verat rin e is th at of cevad in e, thou gh verat ru m

does not furnish the veratrine of commerce (see Veratrina ). One of the

peculiar effects of veratrine is that of muscular contracture producedwhen in contact with the hear t and the voluntary muscles. I t is

exhibited in a prolongation of relaxation following the contraction of

the muscle, appearing almost l ike a tetanic effect, but i t is free fromany rigidity or spasmodic qualityin reality a prolonged contraction

in which there is a long and gradual relaxation several t imes longer in

du ra t ion tha n tha t occur r ing in the u np o isoned m u sc le .

American hellebore exerts an influence upon the system quite similar

to that of White Hellebore (Veratrum album). Veratrine does not

represent the act ion of this plant , which contains but a small

proportion of this body. Applied to the skin, veratrum is rubefacient;and to the nose, exci tes sneezing. Small doses of veratrum appear at

first not to affect the frequency of the pulse, but to lower its force; itafterwards slows the pulse, i t becoming moderately full and soft , and

remaining so, unless the pat ient , dur ing this s tage of depression,

at tempts to r ise or make any exer t ion, when the pulse becomes very

rapid, small , thready, and sometimes almost impercept ible. During the

s tage of depress ion there i s marked muscular weakness and

relaxat ion, and nausea and vomit ing take place, the contents of the

stomach being evacuated f i rst , and then those of the gal l -bladder .

Occasional ly a watery diarrhea is caused by veratrum, sometimes

amount ing to hypercathars is , bu t as a ru le purging i s not produced.The nausea produced by veratrum is intense, and the vomit ing severe

and of ten persistent , making i t , therefore, an unsafe emetic . The most

characteristic action of veratrum is i ts effects upon the movements of

the h ear t an d u pon vascu lar tonu s . The pu lse-ra te ha s been lowered to

thirty-five beats -a minute with this agent, a corresponding depression

of force accompanying this action. When such depression is reached, i t

is seldom that emesis can. be prevented. In large doses i t is a very

dangerous agent, yet, singularly, fatali t ies from its use are rare. Toxic

doses produce an exceedingly weak hear t-act ion, almost

indist inguishable, running pulse, reduced temperature, cold, clammysweat, extreme retching and incessant vomiting, dizziness, faintness,failure of sight, pupillary dilatation, complete muscular prostration,

slow, shal low breathing, s leepiness, coma, and unconsciousness, with

sometimes ster torous breathing. The prompt emesis induced by this

agent u n dou btedly preven ts leth al effects .



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In poisoning by veratrum, withdrawal of the drug and free stimulation

will quickly overcome the depression. Large draughts of warm water

may be given to encourage and assist emesis unt i l the stomach hasbeen thoroughly washed out. This should be followed by undiluted

whiskey or brandy to check the vomit ing. Opium or morphine may be

given by mouth or otherwise, ammonia and alcoholics may be used byenema or hypodermatically, and strychnine or digitalis may be given

by the lat ter method. External heat , s inapisms, f r ict ion, etc . , must be

ut i l ized, and under no circumstances must the pat ient be al lowed to

r ise from th e recum ben t posi t ion, n ot even to raise the h ead to vomit .

T h e r a p y .External. Painted upon boi ls , felons, carbuncles, abscesses,

inflamed acne, celluli t is, and other local inflammations, veratrum will

f requently ease pain and faci l i ta te resolut ion, or hasten suppurat ion.For erysipelas showing much tumefact ion and redness, and appear ing

much l ike an ordinary inf lammation, veratrum is one of the besttopical applications. I t should be given internally at the same time.

Similarly used, i t sometimes relieves herpes labialis and herpes zoster.

It is one of th e local m edicin es th at occas iona lly relieves th e derm at it is

of rhus poisoning. Used by means of a spray i t may abort acute

tonsill i t is and modify i t after i t is established. But small quantit ies

sh ou ld be u sed .

Internal. Veratrum is a remedy of great value and power, though qui te

transient in i ts effects. Small doses do good work when indicated, butthey must fol low each other at shor t intervals , so that a cont inuous

act ion may be kept up. Owing to i ts tendency to induce gastr ic

irr i tabili ty, with nausea, large doses are not tolerated, and small doses

are contraindicated when the tongue becomes long and pointed and

reddened a t the t ip , and nausea and o ther unpleasant gas t r ic

phenomena are present . Veratrum increases secret ion from the lungs,

kidneys, and liver, but depresses the circulatory system. It is not

adapted to asthenic t roubles, but proves an admirable remedy in

s the nic cond itions , with th e fu ll, bou n ding pu lse.

Therapeutically veratrum is one of the chief special or arterialsedatives. The so-called sedative action of this group of remedies, so

im porta n t in sp ecific m edicat ion, is in real ity th at of gen t le st imu lat ion

of the nerves control l ing the hear t and circulat ion, and depends

wholly upon the manner of using them. In the smallest medicinal

doses they are arterial or special sedatives; in the large doses they are



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card iac and c i rcula tory depressants , and are then dangerous

remedies. To this group belong the tr inityveratrum, aconite, and

gelsemium. Each has i ts own special f ield, and no one of them willexactly duplicate the effects of the others. Aconite and veratrum have

been s aid to act s im ilar ly. In a m easu re only is th is t ru e, and th ere are

many properties peculiar to each. To do the kindly therapeutic workthat veratrum accomplishes in small and safe doses would require a

dangerous dose of aconite. Full doses of aconite will bring down the

full , strong pulse in sthenic disorders, but i t does so only in a dose

which imperils the patient. So long as aconite is reserved for use in

small doses for the small frequent pulse, without capillary resistance

one need have no cause to fear i ts act ion in the least . But one must

hesitate at the large dose required to reduce a full , vigorous pulse, for

there he is taking an unsafe r isk; besides, we have in veratrum a drugth at will m eet the condit ion bet ter a n d d o it with out th e least da n ger to

the patient 's health or l ife. A long experience has convinced us fully ofthe confirmation of the truth that the great specific indication for

vera t rum is the full, boun d ing p ulse w ith or w ithout inflam m ation or

elevation of tem peratu re .

Verat ru m is a rem edy for s the nic cond itions , whether it be a fever of any

of the commoner types, an inflammation, iodiopathic or traumatic, or

puerperal septicemia, or puerperal convulsions. The prime indication

is th e fu ll, bou n din g, rap id p u lse, h ard an d rope- like in ch ara cter , with

or without fever or inflammation. I t is the remedy where there is freeaction of the heart , with active capillary circulation; serous

inf lammation with hard and ful l pulse, or ful l and bounding pulse; or

even with wiry or corded pulse. I t should not be administered freely

when there is gastric irr i tabili ty, but fortunately, as a rule, when

verat ru m is in dicated t h is irr i tability is n ot often pres ent . Th e effects of

veratrum are of short duration; therefore, i t should be frequently

ad m in istered in sm all doses for its cont inu ou s effects .

The winter season is particularly a t ime when veratrum is l ikely to be

needed most. The majority of cases of acute infectious pneumonia,which prevai l most largely dur ing the cold months, come on suddenlywith the full , bounding pulse. Veratrum wonderfully controls the

circulatory and febrile conditions and aids in checking the

inflammatory ravages of the disease. I t should be given in the early

stages only and in the cases markedly sthenic. The dose should be

small and frequently repeated unt i l the temperature and circulat ion



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respond, when the pain wil l be found to have been lessened, nervous

excitation allayed, secretion reestablished, and cough controlled. I t is

probably of tener indicated in acute pneumonia than any other agentexcept bryonia. In pleurisy, veratrum sometimes acts l ike magic, and

in la grippe (epidemic influenza) it is, perhaps, the safest of all the

circulatory sedatives and the most frequently indicated. At the onset oftonsill i t is the conditions are usually sthenic and indications

prominen t for veratru m .

Paint ing veratrum upon the tonsi ls , or using i t di luted by means of a

spray, is often a great aid in controlling the inflammation, allaying

pain and abort ing abscess (quinsy) . In al l acute sthenic sore throats i t

is a most valuable agent. The facili ty with which veratrum controls the

si tuat ion in acute respiratory disorders of a s thenic type, is a s t r ikingconfirmation of the truth of specific medicationthe pulse slows and

softens, the temperature comes down without shock, expectorat ion isfaci l i ta ted, pain is al layed, cough is lessened, and the nervous unrest

gives way to peace and comfort , and in curable cases the bat t le is half

won at the beginning. In chronic lung disorders we occasionally f ind

veratrum of use when acute exacerbat ions occur and the circulat ion is

augumented and tempera ture he ightened. But as a remedy for o ther

purposes, except occasionally to control nervous unrest, we have not

found i t so valuable in chronic pulmonary t roubles as others have

reported it to be. Veratrum should not be overlooked in hemoptysis,

when there is great excitement of the circulation, the pulse being fullan d b oun ding. Here it jus t ifies t h e claims m ad e for it .

Veratrum is a most important agent in acute inf lammatory disorders.

Acute articular rheumatism of a sthenic type is well treated when

veratrum forms a part of the medication, and if endocardial or

myocardial inflammation accompanies or follows, we have never

known it to do harm, but rather to be of benefit . In hypertrophy of the

h ear t , a ccom pa n ied or n ot with fever or in flam m ation , it is an ideal an d

sa fe a gen t. Erysipelas of th e violen t type, with fu ll, bou n ding pu lse a n d

vivid redness, will f ind in veratrum one of the best medicines, using itboth internally and locally. In peritoneal inflammation, due to blowsupon the abdomen, vera t rum is the bes t remedy known, and in sept ic

peritonitis i t assists greatly in controlling the circulatory excitement

and inf lammatory process , and cont r ibutes as much as any medic ine

can to a favorable termination of the disease. In any visceral

inflammation, particularly pelvic, it is often indicated to control the



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blood current and modify the inflammatory action. Occasionally i t

proves valuable in gonorrhea and to prevent or alleviate mastit is,

orchitis, a n d ovar it is.

We have used veratrum with great satisfaction in individuals whose

l ives have been such as to task the circulat ion to i ts utmost , and whohave before them the probabili ty of a future chronic nephrit is and

arteriosclerosis. In these prenephrit ics, we will call them, a correction

of vicious habits and the judicious use of small doses of veratrum will

often avert disaster. If arteriosclerosis has not already obtained it may

be warded off , the integrity of the kidneys maintained, and the l ife

current guided past the point of danger. Small doses of specific

m edicin e veratr u m sh ould b e given for a prolonged per iod.

A remarkable instance of the therapeutic power of veratrum in high

blood pressure was in that of a man bleeding from the gums. Thepatient, a blacksmith of middle age, indulged in occasional sprees and

drank more or less al l the t ime. The pulse was hard and ful l as a rope

and whipping along vigorously and fast , nervous agitation was

extreme, and blood was oozing from the spongy gums around every

tooth in his head. The carotids were pulsating strongly, the eyes

bu lgin g an d injected, an d th e h ead felt a n d looked as if it wou ld b u rst .

Veratrum, in the ordinary dose, completely relieved this man in less

than two hours, with no return of the t roublethough the pat ient s t i l l

cont inued his devotions at the shr ine of Bacchus. Veratrum may beem ployed in sm all doses for th e relief of a certain form of n ervous n ess .

The patient has a full circulation, throbs, feels the beating of the heart ,

the abdominal aor ta and the carot ids. When ret i r ing to rest , s leep is

prevented by the throbbing pulsa t ions in the head and ears , so

distressing that sleep is prevented or delayed. Small doses of veratrum

do wonders for th ese bad ly-sh ak en pa t ients .

In the treatment of the common fevers, except the febricula, we have

not found veratrum of much service; in fact, not often indicated. In our

experience it has rarely been needed in typhoid fever, but occasionallyis indicated in acute malar ial intermit tents . In the threatened at tacksof sunstroke (not in heat exhaustion with pallor, cool skin, and weak

pulse, but in the robust, full blooded, overheated individual, with

bounding pulse and rope-like circulation), a few small doses of

veratru m sh ould be given at in tervals of ten or fifteen m in u tes.



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We are among those who bel ieve that veratrum has some vir tues

outside of its power over the circulation, for it has alterative powers of

great valu e. J u st h ow it acts is n ot kn own ; poss ibly its circulatorycontrol aids also lymphatic elimination. While not prepared to go as far

as did Howe in claiming it the only alterative in tubercular conditions,

we believe it could be profitably restudied for its power of eliminatingmorbid products in many chronic ai lments depending upon faul ty

elimination. Some have valued it in chronic bronchitis and so-called

chronic pneumonia. As an al terat ive in chronic broncho-pulmonary

disorders small doses of veratrum may be given for several days; and

then omitted for a few days; or i t may be administered every other day,

syrup of lactophosphate of calcium being given on the days when the

veratru m is orn it ted.

When convulsive disorders depend upon an excited circulation,

verat ru m m ay prove a u sefu l an ticonvulsive. It is som etim es of valu e inspinal i r r i tat ion, with spasms, and in acute mania and cerebro-spinal

meningitis, all with violent circulatory excitement. If accompanied by

fever and there is hyperaemia, i t may relieve neuralgic headache;

otherwise i t fails. When the pulse is full and bounding, the eyes

bloods h ot and su ffu sed, an d with a sta te border in g u pon inflam m ation ,

it m ay restore qu iet an d a llow sleep in d elir iu m t rem ens .

Veratrum is our most important agent to control puerperal

convulsions. We have injected a half drachm of specific medicineveratrum every half hour for three hours in a case of post-par tum

eclampsia, with puerperal mania, with the result of being complete

m as ter of th e situ at ion . In th is disorder the fu ll pu lse m u st be s u bdu ed

and kept subdued unt i l the convuls ions cease . I t i s the one ins tance

in which the large or extreme physiologic (near toxic) dose of veratrum

is a bsolu te ly dem an ded.

For the purposes above named, except where otherwise directed,

veratrum should be given to control indications as revealed by the

pulse , and then i t s adminis t ra t ion should be s topped; and thefractional dose (15 to 20 drops in four ounces of water; dose, ateaspoonful every fif teen, thirty, or sixty minutes, as required) is much

m ore sa tisfactory th an lar ge doses a t lon g in tervals. Verat ru m will slow

the pulse down to a very few beats. Usually, however, emesis will then

take place. This is why veratrum seldom or never poisons. Only in

except ional cases are the large doses permissible, as in puerperal

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eclam ps ia, in which, s in gular ly, it s eldom occas ions vomit in g.

Veratrum is less valuable than aconite in simple cardiac hypertrophy,though i t quiets palpi tat ion when blood pressure is high and the

trouble is not due to valvular incompetency. I t sometimes relieves the

irri table heart of excessive tobacco users, especially when the heartaction is strong and erratic. By retarding the velocity of the blood

current and reducing vaso-motor tonus i t does some good in

aneurism. In all heart and circulatory disorders, especially in

hypertrophy, i t does good when the pulse is full , strong, and intense,

the carotids beat forcibly, the eyes are bloodshot, and there is cough,

headache, and weight in the upper epigastr ium, while the hear t may

beat so violently as to shake the bed, and sleep is entirely prevented. I t

rel ieves the exci tement , the hear t-act ion approaches the normal , thecou gh is a lla yed, a n d t h e pa tient is in every way bet ter . (Locke.)

VERATR UM ALBUM.

The rhizome and roots of Veratrum album , Linn (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Europe,

especia lly in th e Alpine a n d Pyrenean dis t r ic ts .

Co m m o n Na m e s : White Hellebore, White Veratrum.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .Protoveratrine (C32H51NO 11), intensely poisonous;

protoveratridine , jervine ( the most abundant principle) , pseudo-jervine, a n d

rubijervine. No cevadine (veratrine) is present.

P r e p a r a t i o n .Hom eopa thic Mothe r Tinctu re of Veratrum Album . Dose, fractional (see

below).

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Gushing, watery diarrhea, with spasmodic or

cramp-like action of the intestines and belly-walls; cold face, sunken

eyes, a n d bod y covered with a cold s weat.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .Though closely resembling Veratrum viride in

effects, this agent is used for entirely different purposes, based uponHomeopathic usage. These are choleraic diarrhea, cholera morbus,

cholera infantum, and Asiat ic cholera, to control the gushingdischarges and check vomit ing. The Homeopathic mother t incture in

3x dilution in the proportion of thirty drops in four ounces of water is

the usual form of administration, the dose being a teaspoonful of this

mixture every fif teen to thirty minutes. I t is not often used in this



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count ry .

VERBASCUM.

The leaves and tops of Verbas cum Thaps us , Linn (Nat. Ord. Scrophulariaceae). A

bienn ia l comm on in th e United S ta tes . Dose, 5 to 30 gra ins .

Co m m o n Na m e : Mullein.

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s .A volati le oil, a bit ter p rinciple, mu cilage an d r esins .

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

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Nervous and bronchial irr i tation, with cough;

an d u r in ary i r r ita t ion with pa in fu l mic tu r it ion .

Ac t i on a n d Th e r a p y .Mullein is demulcent, diuretic and sedative. I t

is also thought to have feeble anodyne properties. A syrup of mullein,

prepared with the addition of lemon juice, is a fairly good sedative for

ir r i tat ion of the t rachea and bronchi with persistent cough. I t is

appl icable to dry, hoarse coughs which annoy the pat ient when lying

down, as wel l as to cough associa ted wi th abundant ca tar rhal

discharges. The specif ic medicine may be used for the same purposes.

A so-called oil of mullein, or rather mulleinized oil, prepared bysteeping the blossoms in oi l in the sun, has a fabulous reputat ion of

being curative in earache from otit is media. A truer preparation isprepared by exposing the blossoms alone in a bot t le to the heat of the

sun. Owing to the small yield and the consequent high pr ice i t is

seldom used, and probably is no more efficient than mulleinized oil , a

con coction of very dou bt fu l u ti lity.

VERBENA

The whole plant of Verbenahastata , Linn (Nat. Ord. Verbenaceae). A common

wayside an d fie ld weed in th e Uni ted Sta t es .

Co m m o n Na m e s : Vervain, Comm on Vervain , Wild Hyss op, S imp lers joy.

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s . -No sa t is fac to ry ana lys i s h as been m ade .

P r e p a r a t i o n .Fluidex tractum Verbena e , Fluidextract of Verbena. Dose, 10 to 60

drops .



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A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .This drug is said to relieve gastro-intestinal

i r r i tat ion and st imulate menstruat ion. In recent years i t has beenlauded as a remedy for epilepsy characterized by cerebral anemia,

instead of congestion, and therefore applicable to conditions

contraindicating bromide medication. I ts value remains to beestabl ished.

VIBURNUM OPULUS.

The bark of Viburnum Opulus , Linn (Nat. Ord. Caprifoliaceae). A shrub of

Nor the rn Uni ted S ta tes an d Cana da .

Co m m o n Na m e s : Cram p Bark, High Cranb erry.

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s .A bit ter , n eu tra l principle, viburnin, and valeric acid.

P r e p a r a t i o n .Specific Med icine Vibu rnum . Dose, 5 to 60 drops.

Spec i fi c In d ica t ions .Cram ps; spa sm odic u ter in e pain; pain in th igh s

and back; bear ing-down, expulsive pain; neuralgic or spasmodic

dysmenor rhea .

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .Like black haw, this species of Viburnum is auter ine sedat ive and tonic and may be used where there is a

predisposition to abortion, or as a partus praeparator. I t is believed tohave s t ronger an t i spasmodic proper t ies than the b lack haw, and the

special indication is cramps or cramp-like contraction of the hollow

viscera, as well as of the voluntary musculature. I t allays uterine

irri tation with a tendency to excite hysteria, and for spasmodic

dysmenorrhea i t is highly regarded by competent practit ioners. Briefly,

th e th erap eu tic scope of th e dru g covers cra m ps , especially of th e calf of

the leg, spasmodic uterine pain, bearingdown or expulsive pain,

difficult , spasmodic or neuralgic dysmenorrhea, spasmodic

contraction of the bladder, hysteria, and some mild forms of

convuls ions .

VIBURNUM PRUNIFOLIUM.

The dried bark of the root of Viburnumprunifolium , Linn. The U.S.P. admits the

dried bark of this and also of the ViburnumLentago, Linn, or Wayfarer's Tree (Nat.

Ord. Caprifoliaceae). Beautiful shrubs found in thickets of the eastern half of the



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Uni ted S ta tes . Dose, 5 to 60 gra ins .

C o m m o n N a m e s : (1) Black Haw, Sloe, Sloe-leaved Viburnum, Stag Bush; (2)

Wayfarer's Tree, Nanny Berry, Sheep Berry.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .A brown, bitter resin; greenish-yellow, bitter, viburnin ,

va leric acid, tannic acid, ci trates, malates, oxalates, sulphates, and chlorides ofca lc iu m, m agnes iu m po tass iu m, an d i ron .

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. Specific Medicine Black Haw . Dose, 5 to 60 drops.

2 . Black Ha w Cordial (Howes). (Cont ain s Black Ha w, Wild Ch err y,

Aromatics, Brandy and Syrup). Dose, 1 / 2 to 2 flu idrachm s.

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions . -Uterine irr i tabili ty and hyperaesthesia; uterine

colic; threatened abortion; dysmenorrhea, with cramp-like pelvic pain,and scanty flow; severe lumbar and bearing-down pelvic pain; painful

contraction of the pelvic t issues; false pains and after-pains; obstinatehiccough.

Ac t i on a n d Th e r a p y .Black haw is a remedy of Eclectic development

and is praised by practitioners of all schools of medicine for its virtues

in disorders of women. I t is both tonic and antispasmodic, well-

sustaining the t ime-honored meaning of those terms. While a tonic to

the gastrointest inal t ract and a good one, black haw is bet ter adapted

to atonic states of the female reproductive organs, and as a sedative for

spasmodic pain and weakness in diseases of women. As a tonic i t acts

kindly and is pleasant to take. I t causes no const i tut ional symptoms,such as sometimes come from the use of cinchona, nux vomica, and

the more energet ic tonics. I t is agreeable to the stomach and tends to

restrain unheal thy discharges. I t a l lays the nervous unrest so

commonly associated with pelvic weakness; and its effect upon cramp-

l ike contract ion of both the tubular organs and the voluntary

musculature of the body is s imilar to that of cramp bark or Viburnum

Opulus .

As a uter ine sedat ive and tonic, black haw is used, perhaps, of tener

than any other drug. I t seems to improve the uter ine and ovar iancirculation, giving better innervation and more perfect functioning,

and evidently promotes pelvic nutrition. In relaxation of pelvic tissues,

with more or less congest ion, or tendency to undue discharges and

passive hemorrhage, i t is one of the best of medicines. For painful

menstruation, whether due to debili ty with relaxation, or to engorged



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t issues with cramp-like pain, the physician will f ind almost daily use

for black haw. Sometimes the menstrual f low is scanty, but more often

i t is profuse and accompanied by severe bear ing down, intermit tentand expulsive pains. Few agents give greater relief in such conditions.

In cases in which the menses are imperfect in funct ion and pale in

qual i ty , and there is an associated cardiac disturbance, usual lypalpitation; and in some cases of amenorrhea, in anemic girls with

pa llor an d s u bject to in termit ten t cram pin g pain , the a ct ion of th e dru g

is very positive. It is equally valuable in chronic uterine inflammation,

in subinvolut ion, in boggy, congested uterus, and for the associated

leucorrheal discharges. As a remedy for passive hemorrhage its use

will be governed largely by the cause. If due to polypi, fibroid or

carcinomatous tumors, but l i t t le can be expected from i t or any other

medicine. But even here, in combinat ion with cinnamon, i t sometimesrestrains the f low. Such cases are surgical and should be surgical ly

treated. Many a good medicine, l ike black haw, has been brought intodiscredit becau se of its failu re to do wh at a careless or fau lty diagn osis

has led one to hope for from its exhibition or to attempting physical

impossibili t ies with such medication. Black haw is a good tonic during

pregnancy, and through such act ion proves a fair ly good par tus

praeparator . I t is one of the most cer tain remedies for nocturnal

cramping of the muscles of the leg. I t does not act so well when due to

pregnancy, as that is a pressure condit ion that can only be rel ieved by

su pp ort in g th e abd omen or a ch an ge of posi t ion in reclin in g.

Many pract i t ioners, whose opinions we value and whose exper ience

has been wide, report success with black haw in restraining the

expu lsion of th e produ ct of conception . Our own experience lead s u s to

dou bt its repu ted value in th at cond it ion, bu t th is in n o way dispa rages

the statements of others who may have been more successful with i t .

Rest in b ed an d qu iet in g agents , I su ch a s Dover 's powder , ma y en ab le

the product to be retained; perhaps black haw may aid. But we have

utterly failed in every attempt to prevent miscarriage with the agent

where there was any considerable hemorrhage or where enforced and

prolonged rest was n ot in sisted u pon. If an y resu lts are to be expectedfrom it in habitual abortion it must be in cases of functional debili ty ofthe reproduct ive organs, and not in those due to inher i ted taints or

syphilitic infections, or criminal operative interference. We believe,

however , that much may be done with black haw to st rengthen

condit ions in cases having had a previous miscarr iage, and in uneasy,

cramp-l ike sensat ions occurr ing during pregnancy, but with no



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considerable hemorrhage. It will, however, be of service in controlling

the nervous phenomena associa ted wi th such threa tened accidents

and aid psychologically in preventing that which undue nervousagitation might precipitate. I t is a good agent for false pains and for

ovarian irr i tation and congestion. Black haw cordial is an ideal

seda t ive for spa sm odic dysmen orrhea .

Black haw is of very great value in treating those having a craving for

alcoholic drinks. The specific medicine black haw, with essence of

cin n a m on or of cloves , or pr efera bly Howes Bla ck Ha w Cordial ma y be

given. I t relieves the discomfort experienced in the throat and the

gn awin g distres s in th e stoma ch, from which th ese u n for tun ates s u ffer .

For most purposes the specific medicine black haw is given in dosesranging from five to sixty drops, two, three, or four t imes a day as

indicated; the black haw cordial in doses of one half to twofluidrachms.

VISCUM.

The leaves and branches ofVis cum flaves cens , Pursh (Nat. Ord. Loranthaceae). A

pa ras it ic p lant foun d u pon fores t t r ees , especia l ly the oaks in America .

Co m m o n Na m e s : Mistletoe, American Mistletoe.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t .Viscin, a viscous substance also known as bird glue orbird lime.

P r e p a r a t i o n .Specific Medicine Mistletoe. Dose, 1 to 30 drops.

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Determination of blood to the brain, f lushed

face and oft-recurring headache; paroxysms of tearing, rending

neuralgic or rheumatic pains; weak, irregular heart-action, with

cardiac h ypertroph y, valvu lar in su fficiency an d s h ortnes s of breath .

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .Viscum has toxic properties. Vomiting andbloody and tenesmic catharsis , prostrat ion, contract ion of the pupils ,

muscular spasm, convuls ions and coma have been repor ted f romeating the plant and berries. I ts action would suggest i ts possible value

in nervous disorders, and i t has been used l ike st rychnine in hear t

disorders with feeble pulse, dyspnea, edema, and inabili ty to l ie down.

I t is also asser ted to possess par tur ient proper t ies, but they do not



17/22

compare with those of ergot , and the drug is almost never used for

these purposes. I t should be reserved for the condit ions mentioned

u n der Specific In dicat ion s, an d even in th ese it n eeds fu r th er s tu dy.

XANTHIUM.

The whole plant of Xan thium sp inosu m , Linn (Nat. Ord. Compositae). An

introduced weed common along the coasts of the United States. Dose, 5 to 30

grains.

Co m m o n Na m e : Spiny Clot-Bur .

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .Possibly an evanescent alkaloid and considerable

n i t ra te o f po tass iu m.

P r e p a r a t i o n .Specific Med icine Xan thium S pinosu m . Dose, 1 to 60 drops.

Spec i f i c Ind ica t ions .Ague, with profuse sweating; prophylactic

against malar ia , and to prevent the recurrence of chi l ls ; nervousexcitation, with profuse sweating; bloody urine, with urination

painful ly tenesmic and frequent; ur ine heavi ly loaded with mucus and

gravelly deposits.

Ac t i on a n d Th e r a p y .Clotbu r is u sed ch iefly as a sooth in g diu retic, to

allay irr i table conditions of the bladder, and is especially

recommended in chronic cyst i t is and haematur ia . I t is f requently usedin conjunction with t incture of red onion, for irr i tation of the urinary

tract with bloody, painfully voided urine loaded with mucus and grit ty

deposi ts . I ts other uses cover the indicat ions given above, unnatural

sweat in g being an esp ecial in dicat ion for th e dru g.

XANTHIUM STRUMARIUM.

The whole plant ofXanthiumstrumarium Linn (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Waysides in

the Uni ted S ta tes .

Co m m o n Na m e : Broad Bu r-Weed.

P r e p a r a t i o n .Fluidextractrum Xanthii Strumarii, Fluidextract of Xanthium

Strumar ium. Dose, 5 to 60 drops.

Act ion an d Th erapy .This a gent a c ts m u ch like c lo tbur , a nd h as been



18/22

used with advantage in painful ur inat ion, with scalding, and marked

sensi t iveness of the urethra and bladder , with f requent mictur i t ion. I t

is a lso s aid to be of service in h emorrh ages, as pa ss ive h emorrh age fromthe bowels and the epistaxis of purpura hemorrhagica. For the last-

named disorders i t is probably of l i t t le value, though it should be tr ied

where oth er mean s a re u n availin g.

XANTHOXYLUM.

The bark and berries of (1) Xanthoxylumamericanum , Miller, and (2) Xanthoxylum

Clava-Herculis, Lamarck (Nat. Ord. Rutaceae). Shrubs of North America. Dose, 5 to

60 gra ins .

Co m m o n Na m e s : Prickly Ash ; (1) North ern Prickly Ash ; (2) Sout h ern Prickly Ash .

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .A green acrid oil, a white crystallizable resin, a soft

ac r id res in , t an n in , an d a b it t e r su bs tan ce though t to be an a lka loid .

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

Spec i fi c In d ica t ions .Hypersecretion from debility and relaxation of

the mucosa (small doses); atony of the nervous system (larger doses);

capillary engorgement in the eruptive diseases; sluggish circulation;

tympanites in bowel disorders; intestinal and gastric torpor, with

deficient secretion; dryness of mouth and fauces, with glazed surface;

flat u len t colic; Asiat ic ch olera ; u ter ine cra m ps an d n eu ra lgia.

Action .Prickly ash impresses the secret ions and the nervous and

circulatory systems. The bark, when chewed, imparts a sweet ish

aromatic taste, followed by bitterness and persistent acridity; theberries act similarly. The drug has remarkable sialagogue properties,

inducing a copious flow of saliva and mucus. Swallowed, i t warms the

s tomach and augments the secre t ion of the gas t r ic and in tes t ina l

juices, and probably increases hepatic and pancreatic activity. The

act ion of the hear t is s t rengthened by xanthoxylum, the pulse sl ight ly

quickened, and the glands of the skin are st imulated to greateract ivity . Th e u r ine is d ecidedly in creas ed b y pr ickly a sh .

T h e r a p y .Preparations of prickly ash bark are to be preferred when

stimulant, tonic, sialagogue, and alterative properties are desired; that

of the berr ies when a carminat ive st imulant and ant ispasmodic isn eeded, especial ly in disorders of th e stom ach an d bowels.



19/22

Xanthoxylum is particularly grateful in stomach disorders. I t is an

ideal gastric stimulant, and as a remedy for simple gastric atony itranks well with capsicum. When food ferments readily and gaseous

accumulat ions distend the stomach, and there is much belching, f rom

five to fifteen drops of specific medicine xanthoxylum may be given,preferably in hot water, one hour before and one hour after meals. Both

hydrast is and capsicum, or each of them, may be given with i t , i f

indications are clear for them, and together the three agents offer

comfort to th ose wh o su ffer th e distres s of so-called flat u len t d yspeps ia.

It is a remedy of m u ch worth in a tonic dyspeps ia a n d in gastr ic cata rrh ,

when there is enfeeblement and relaxat ion of t issues and

hypersecretion. I t is also of value in constipation when due to deficient

secretion (small doses). Formerly i t was greatly valued in spasmodicconditions of the bowels with colic, and in cholera morbus in weak

individuals , and to restore tone and normal secret ion af ter at tacks of epidemic dysentery, a disease once more prevalent than at the present

time. King introduced the t incture of the berries as. a remedy for

Asiatic cholera, in which it proved phenomenally successful; and for

tympanitic distention of the bowels arising during peritonitis. As a

ru le, h owever , it s h ou ld n ot be given in in flam m at ory cond it ions .

As a st imulant to sluggish membranes pr ickly ash may be given

internally (and used locally) in dry, glazed pharyngitis with crusts of

adherent , dr ied mucus. Of i ts al terat ive power there is no quest ion,and pr ickly ash is an ingredient of a popular compound known as

Trifolium Compound, which has been extensively used in chronic

syphil i t ic dyscrasia . I t is not to be assumed that i t has ant isyphil i t ic

virtues, but i t exerts a favorable alterative action which renders

syphili t ics more amenable to reparation of t issues. Sometimes a

t incture of pr ickly ash berr ies is the best drug that can be given in so-

cal led chronic muscular rheumatism; and i t is not without value in

lumbago and myalgia. Chewing pr ickly ash bark is a domest ic custom

for th e r elief of tooth ach e.

Xanthoxlum should also be remembered where nerve force is low andin the recuperative stage from attacks of neurit is or other forms of

nerve involvement in which function is greatly impaired but is yet

capable of restoration. Xanthoxylum deserves further study, chiefly as

an alterative.



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ZEA.

The styles and st igmas ofZea May s , Linn (Nat. Ord. Gramineae). The common

Indian corn of America.

Co m m o n Na m e : Corn Silk (Stigmata Maydis ).

P r in c i p a l Co n s t i t u e n t s .Volatile oil and maizenic acid.

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. Infusum Zea, Infusion of Corn Silk. (Silk, 2 ounces; Boiling

Wat er, 16 flu idou n ces). Dose, Ad libitum .

2 . Specific Med icine S tigmata May d is . Dose, 1 / 2 to 2 flu idrachm s.

A c t i o n a n d Th e r a p y .Zea (Stigmata Maydis ) is d iu ret ic, s ligh tly

anodyne, and is said to exer t a s t imulant effect upon the hear t and

blood vessels. The infusion, the best preparation, is an efficient

stimulating diuretic in urinary irr i tation and inflammation, pyelit is,and catarrh of the bladder . I t is especial ly valued when the ur ine

contains phosphat ic and ur ic acid concret ions, and there is adisposition to dropsical accumulations. I ts action is quite positive in

pyelit is, chronic cystit is and to relieve ardor urinae in gonorrhea. For

th e bladd er a ffections of children it is on e of th e m ost valued of u rina ry

sedatives, and may be freely administered where there is a disposition

to decomposition of the urine while sti l l in the bladder. The virtues are

at t r ibu ted m ost ly to the ma izenic acid presen t .

ZINGIBER.

Th e dried rh izome ofZingiber officinale, Roscoe (Nat. Ord. Zingiberaceae). Southern

Asia; cultivated in tropical regions of Asia, Africa and America. Dose, 10 to 30

grains.

C o m m o n N a m e s : Ginger. (There a re ma ny kinds an d grades: J am aica Ginger,

African Ginger, Calcu tta Gin ger, Calicut Gin ger, Cochin Ginger, a nd J apa n ese

Ginger.

P r i n c i p a l C o n s t i t u e n t s .An aromatic volatile oil (Oil of Ginger), 2 to 3 per centgivin g to gin ger its flavor; res in, a n d gingerol, the pu ngent p r inciple .

P r e p a r a t i o n s .1. S pecific Med icine Zingiber. Dose, I to 30 dr ops.

2 . Oleoresina Zingiberis , Oleoresin of Ginger. Dose, 1 / 2 to I gra in .

3 . Tinctura Zingiberis , Tincture of Ginger. Dose 5 to 60 m in ims .

4 . S y rup us Zingiberis, Syru p of Ginger. Dose, 1 to 4 flu idra chm s.



21/22

Spec i fi c In d ica t ions .Anorexia; flatulence; borborygmus; gastric and

intest inal spasms; acute colds; painful menstruat ion; cold extremit ies;cool surface in chi ldren 's diseases.

Action .Ginger is a local irr i tant and rubefacient. I t causes anincreased flow of saliva and gastric juice and increases muscular

act ivi ty of the stomach and intest ines. I t is much used to conceal the

taste of nauseous medicines and to prevent tormina. Ginger is

som etim es u sed as an in gredien t of so-cal led sp ice pou lt ices.

T h e r a p y .Ginger is an admirable local st imulant, sialagogue,

diaphoretic and carminative. Powdered ginger in a large quantity of

cold water, taken upon retir ing, will frequently break up a severecold, and a hot infusion or ginger tea is a popular remedy for similar

use and to establ ish sluggish menstruat ion or mit igate 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, roll ing of gases in the bowels, and painful spasmodic

contract ions of the stomach and intest ines. In acute dysentery and

diar rhoea , and in cholera morbus and somet imes in cholera infantum

with atony and nausea, vomit ing and cold extremit ies and surface,

small doses of ginger preparations are extremely valuable. Cramps in

the stomach and bowels due to undigested food or to cold are speedi ly

relieved by small doses of ginger. Ginger combined with magnesiumoxide or sodium bicarbonate is a good gastric stimulant and corrective

in persistent f latulency with sour stomach, and given alone is useful

for old p eople with feeble digestive powers a n d en feebled an d lax h ab it .

Rar ely, t inct u re of gin ger or sp ecific m edicin e zin giber is s ervicea ble

in fevers, when th e sal ivary secret ions a re scan ty an d th ere is pa in an d

m ovemen t of gases in th e in test ines . It rel ieves b y st im u lat in g

secret ion, th e u lt im ate effect bein g seda t ive. In su ch sta tes i t a cts

m u ch like ca ps icu m , bu t is n ot so efficient . Oleoresin of gin ger m ay be

ad ded to pills to prevent gr ipin g an d tormina ; an d th e syrup is a nagreeable vehicle for s tom ach ic an d s ometimes for expectoran tmixtures .



22/22

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

felters materia_medica-v-z

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