American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

Inactive engorgements, or stagnations of the circulation, are general
conditions pointing to the use of this agent. Scudder gave as its
indications full, flabby, sallow tissues, impaired circulation, glandular
enlargement and other impaired functions from lack of tone.
Therapy—The older writers of our school lauded this remedy as of much
importance in rheumatism. Others spoke of it favorably in the same class
of cases in which phytolacca is used. Dr. Pruitt used it in the form of an
ointment, in inflammation of the mammary glands, and other glandular
inflammations, especially if abscesses had formed. The specific influence
of the remedy, however, as agreed by all writers, is upon enlargement of
the spleen. This gland is influenced in chronic malarial conditions, in
scrofulous diseases and in tubercular difficulties. It is upon the malarial
form of splenic enlargement that it acts to the best advantage.
It should be used freely internally, and externally the hot infusion must
be applied. Other marked indications may be met with selected remedies.
It is indicated also in the glandular and structural hypertrophy of other
organs. A chronically enlarged inactive engorged liver, with tenderness
on pressure, is quickly and satisfactorily cured by it. A womb enlarged
from subinvolution or other hypertrophy, yields satisfactorily to its
influence.
It has been used in mastitis or “caked breast” so-called, to excellent
advantage, but its prolonged use may suppress the secretion of milk. It is
an active stimulant to the removal of waste in all the conditions
mentioned. The removal of chronic inflammatory deposits stimulates the
capillary circulation to better action and relieves the aching pain and
soreness common to such conditions.
It has been praised most highly in the treatment of rheumatism, lumbago,
myalgia, and other painful conditions dependent upon the imperfect
removal of the products of retrograde metamorphosis. It is a remedy of
much value in scrofulous conditions with glandular indurations or
abscess.
Its external application has relieved many cases of severe spinal
irritation, especially if present with the general conditions named above
as indicating the use of this agent.
Dr. Scudder gave the following list of disorders, in which it had a direct
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 360