American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

tendency to hemorrhage, and in a free discharge of blood, a ten-drop dose
is usually sufficient, or it may be repeated.
In hematuria ergot is a prompt remedy if from traumatism, or if from
active congestion, but gallic acid is usually better in passive conditions,
and in conditions due to structural change.
In paralysis of the walls of the bladder after retention of urine, causing
over-distention, ergot serves a good purpose. If hemorrhage be present it
is quickly controlled and the muscular atonicity of the walls is greatly
benefited.
Ergot is given in urinary incontinence when the cystic walls are greatly
relaxed, or when there is a mild form of local paralysis.
Ergotin in full doses has quite a prompt influence upon diabetes
insipidus. It is also useful in diabetes mellitus, but is not depended upon
alone. In children afflicted with the latter disease it may be given in
positive doses for a time, but should not be given continuously.
In that form of spermatorrhea where there is a tendency to fullness of the
circulation of the parts, with erratic and spasmodic erections, and undue
sexual excitement, the emissions quickly occurring after erection, there
is no better remedy known than ergot. It should be given in about twenty
drop doses at bedtime, and its influence is increased and a soothing
influence upon the nervous system induced by giving it with ten grains
of the sodium bromide.
In the treatment of aneurism, and of enlarged veins, and of varicocele,
ergot is much used. Its influence is more positive though upon the
arterial than upon the venous coats. It is used with good results in
hemorrhoids. Bartholow and others injected it into the dorsum of the
penis to contract the veins there and overcome impotency.
ERIGERON. Erigeron canadense.
Synonym—Fleabane.
COINSTITUENTS—
A bitter principle, tannin, volatile oil.
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 202