American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

following measles. It will prevent other sequlae of measles, as catarrhal
conjunctivitis, catarrhal deafness, and chronic nasal catarrh. It is
indicated where there is abundant secretion of thin acrid mucus, from
the eyes and nose, with pain and heat in the frontal sinus.
It is especially indicated in that form of recent colds that spend their
force on the mucous surfaces of the nose and throat with fullness of the
frontal sinus.
In acute coryza the agent exercises a specific action. It should be given
in ten drop doses of the tincture every hour or two. In “snuffles,” so called
in very young infants, five or ten drops of the tincture may be dropped
into a half of a glass of water, and a teaspoonful given every ten, fifteen or
thirty minutes. Relief is often immediate. In the coryza of measles it is of
much benefit, and the bronchial and pulmonary irritation caused by this
disease is ameliorated also by its use.
A reliable indication is a red and watery condition of the eyes— irritation
of the lachrymal structures. Any unpleasant after influence of measles
upon the eyes is relieved by the use of Euphrasia. Its internal use will
benefit many cases of conjunctivitis, especially those of recent origin in
children. The specific indications for this agent, plainly suggest its use
in certain well marked cases of epidemic influenza. It should be given a
careful, thorough trial in this, often most serious disorder.
A writer reports a chronic case of catarrh, in which the patient for many
months had seemed to be persistently renewing an acute cold in the
head. There was persistent sneezing, a constant inclination to blow the
nose, and a profuse watery secretion which, when lying down,
continually ran from the posterior nares. Five drops of specific euphrasia
every two hours, cured this patient within a couple of weeks. In children
the smaller dose is preferable, and a dose of ten drops will cure most of
the acute cases. But some of the chronic cases will not be benefited until
they are given large, full doses. It is claimed also that it has cured
chronic catarrh of the intestinal tract.
It is excellent also as a collyrium in blepharitis, and conjunctivitis,
twenty drops in four ounces of water applied freely. It is given internally
at the same time. It is a tonic, improves the appetite, and conduces to a
general sense of well being.
It is asserted that epilepsy has been successfully cured by giving four
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 214