American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

sallow skin, puffy and expressionless face, pain in the liver or spleen with
hypertrophy of either or both organs, and constipation, it has a direct and
satisfactory influence, especially if the conditions are of malarial origin.
Therapy—It overcomes indigestion and malassimilation under these
circumstances, by its influence upon the portal circulation, and is thus a
stomach remedy of much value.
It is not so direct a remedy in acute inflammations of the liver and
spleen. When the above specific indications are present as a complication
of any chronic condition, or with syphilis or scrofula or in general
glandular disarrangements, the agent is indicated. Bronchitis, chronic
pneumonitis and asthma are found present with the above general
symptoms. Ovarian and uterine irregularities with such conditions will
also be benefited by its use.
CEANOTHUS. Ceanothus thrysiflorus.
Synonyms—California Lilac, Deer Bush.
Therapy—Henderson has written a very interesting article which was
published in the Annual. He says he has employed an infusion of the
leaves in conjunctivitis, and as an application in inflamed eyes he has
applied the steeped leaves themselves. At one time he contracted a severe
cold, which caused hoarseness, burning pain and a dry constricted
throat, with much difficulty in swallowing. He gathered some of the
berries from this tree, and eating them noticed a pleasant influence upon
the throat and an ability to swallow with less difficulty. He determined to
try them in other cases of throat disease, and had a tincture prepared
from the berries.
Shortly after, in a severe epidemic of malignant diphtheria, he treated
eighteen cases without the loss of one, using the ceanothus in all cases.
He has used it since in diphtheria, pharyngitis, tonsilitis, and nasal
catarrh, with good results. He gives it in diseases of the mucous surface
where the discharge is profuse, thick and tenacious. For a gargle he uses
two drams of the tincture to four ounces of water. It foams in the throat
like the peroxide of hydrogen, and must be used with care. It removes all
accumulations, leaving the membranes clear and clean.
He has further employed the remedy in the treatment of subinvolution,
and evaporating it on a water bath, has made an ointment which is
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 105