American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

advised it in both acute and chronic pulmonary disease, through its
influence upon the nervous system. Probably it influences the
circulatory and respiratory functions, supporting them under the strain
of protracted inflammation. The remedy has been used in stomach
disease, diarrhea, in dysentery, and in cholera. When the nervous
system is enfeebled in hysteria, and in delirium tremens, it is a good
remedy. In chlorosis, anemia with nervous phenomena, in leucorrhea
and gleet, it is to be advised.
FRANCISCEA. Franciscea uniflora.
Synonyms—Manaca; Vegetable Mercury.
Dr. Williams of Bristol, Conn., has used manaca for twenty years. He finds
it especially valuable in chronic stiffness of the muscles. Where from
muscular contractions the joints are stiff. He does not think it curative in
actual arthritis. In one case, there was contraction of muscles of the
shoulders with inability to raise the arms, with severe neuralgic pain,
weakness of the nervous system, and violent attacks of the heart. There
were rheumatic pains in the feet and lower part of the legs which
prevented the patient from walking except with the aid of a crutch. The
patient was anemic; had heavy urine full of uric acid. This patient was
given melilotus, sticta and manaca. There was gradual improvement, and
the patient ultimately made a satisfactory recovery.
Dr. Cowen gives manaca in fifteen-drop doses, with salicylate of sodium
in acute rheumatism.
Manaca is a valuable remedy for gonorrhea and for gonorrheal
rheumatism.
Dr. Hopkins gives manaca in muscular rheumatism in four-drop doses
every two or three hours. He often combines it with cimicifuga. In either
case, the results are satisfactory.
FRASERA. Frasera canadensis.
Synonym—American Columbo.
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 218