American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

vesical renal or urethral irritation; acute or chronic Bright's disease in
its incipient stage. Leucorrhea, with relaxed vaginal walls. Menorrhagia
and amenorrhea; hemorrhoids, with bloody discharge, atonic gastric and
intestinal dyspepsia; passive hemorrhages.
Of specific achillea the dose is from five to ten minims.
Therapy—While the profession has used yarrow but little, we find an
individual physician occasionally who depends upon it for sonic very
important conditions. Dr. Lakin of England uses it in hematuria. He
claims that it is good in all forms of passive hemorrhage, whether of the
lungs or of the kidneys, or uterine hemorrhage. Yarrow is advised by
Webster in uterine hemorrhage. It is a mild astringent, probably acting
also as a tonic. It is useful in passive hemorrhage when not persistent in
character.
It is a beneficial remedy in diseases of the mucous surfaces, relieving
irritation and profuse secretion. It soothes intestinal irritation and
overcomes mild forms of diarrhea. It is of benefit in improving the tone of
the urinary apparatus, relieving irritation, overcoming strangury and
suppression of the urine.
It acts best in strong infusion and its use must be persisted in. In general
relaxed conditions it is a cure for leucorrhea, where there is a profuse
discharge, or thick, heavy mucus from enfeebled mucous membranes.
Dr. John Fearn, of Oakland, California, claims that it has but few
superiors in its influence upon the skin. He says it has a stimulating
action which will be a revelation to those who have not used it. It causes
the sudoriferous glands to literally pour out their secretions, and with
but little depression.
He claims that it will take the place of pilocarpine, with less unpleasant
results, and no danger. In fevers, he says, especially of the sthenic type,
when we desire to arouse the skin, nothing can surpass this remedy. The
patient is covered warmly in bed and a hot infusion of Yarrow is given in
frequent doses. When the skin begins to soften the medicine is
continued, but in less doses. If there are evidences of autoinfection, from
retained secretion, a little capsicum can be added to the infusion. In
cases of severe fever, in the first stage, intermittent or bilious fever, it will
cause the secretions to be poured out so freely as to discolor the bed
clothes.
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 3