American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

The agent will relieve cerebral hyperemia, arterial sclerosis, and
hematogenous jaundice. It will be found valuable in atony of the
intestinal tract, especially if nervous phenomena seem to depend upon
that condition.
The following is Dr. Morrill's treatment for acute rheumatism: Kava-kava
five drams, cimicifuga three drams, citrate of potassium, four drams, elixir
of pepsin, sufficient quantity to make four ounces. Give one dram well
diluted every three hours. If there is profuse sweating, he includes
hyoscyamus, two drams in the prescription, instead of the citrate of
potassium. He wraps the joints in cotton, and insists upon rest in bed and
an extreme non-nitrogenous diet. He gives no salicylates in acute
rheumatism. He claims that this course will prevent all cardiac
complications.
He believes much of tile severity of the condition depends upon gastrointestinal
faults, and these must have constant attention.
PISCIDIA Piscidia erythrina
Synonym—Jamaica Dogwood.
CONSTITUENTS—
Piscidin, Resin, Oil, Calcium Oxalate.
PREPARATIONS—
Extractum Piscidiae Fluidum, Fluid Extract of Piscidia. Dose, from
a half to two drams.
Physiological Action—In moderate closes, Piscidia lessens sensation,
induces sleep and increases the saliva and perspiration. In toxic doses it
destroys sensation, paralyzes the respiratory centers, reduces the heart's
action; first increases, then diminishes arterial tension and decreases
the pulse rate. It first contracts, then dilates the pupils in full overdoses.
It causes dyspnea, spinal convulsions, general paralysis and death. It
reduces reflex action, including tetanic spasm, by excessive stimulation
of the spinal cord.
Felter and Lloyd quote Dr., Ott as giving the following concerning the
physiological action of this remedy: It increases the salivary and
cutaneous secretions, slows the pulse, increases the arterial tension, its
action being succeeded by reduced tension, which is due to a weakening
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 350