American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

in atonic conditions of the nerves, or of the mucous membranes of the
body, or great general weakness and prostration. It should be classed as
an antiseptic, and in the same class with baptisia., echinacea, etc.
Therapy—It is of much service in scarlet fever, especially the malignant
form, in typhoid, and other types of low fever and in low forms of acute
inflammation. With special reference to the action of ailanthus as a tonic
to the nervous system, it is efficient as a remedy in some cases of asthma
as well as in epilepsy, and in many cases of epileptiform contraction of
the muscles, etc. Frequently ailanthus will relieve nervous palpitations
and severe cases of singultus, that for a long time have withstood other
remedies.
With the Chinese, a decoction of ailanthus is a most, favored remedy in
tapeworm, dysentery and diarrhoea. Because of its special tonic effect on
mucous membranes it is an excellent remedy in some cases of
leucorrhea, etc. For the same reason it has been praised as a remedy in
many dyspeptic troubles.
ALETRIS. Aletris farinosa.
Synonym—Star Grass, False Unicorn Root, Starwort.
CONSTITUENTS—Not analyzed.
PREPARATIONS—
Extractum Aletridis Fluidum, Fluid Extract of Aletris. Dose, from
ten to fifteen minims.
Specific Medicine Aletris. Dose, from one to sixty minims.
Action—Emetic, narcotic, cathartic, tonic.
Aletridin. Dose, from one-half to one grain.
Specific Symptomatology—The conspicuous influence of this agent is
upon the womb. It is indicated when the patient complains of extreme
weakness in the uterine structures, when there is general feebleness
induced from overwork or from oversexual indulgence, or from too
frequent child bearing. In hyperactivity of the womb and ovaries from
lack of tone, deficient menstruation, or sterility from this cause, pale
insufficient flow at protracted intervals; anemia and chlorosis, with
insufficient menses in young girls, the agent is of great service.
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 20