American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

cannot give the dosage, exact in each case, but it is small always, usually
much less than the commonly prescribed dose, and the dose should be
frequently repeated. With apocynum this may be observed with twenty
drops of the specific medicine in four ounces of water, a teaspoonful
given every hour. With elaterium from one-thirtieth to one-fortieth of a
grain should be given every hour. The fact that there is no prostration,
that the patient's strength and vital forces are. retained by this process, is
a strong argument in favor of a knowledge of it, and of its adoption. We
must look for this influence with other remedies.
ARALIA. Aralia hispida.
Synonym-Dwarf Elder.
CONSTITUENTS—Has not been analyzed.
PREPARATIONS—
Specific Aralia. Dose, from five to twenty minims.
Specific Symptomatology—It is prescribed in dropsies of serous cavities,
and diffuse anasarca from hepatic or renal inefficiency.
Therapy—A valuable, but infrequently used, remedy in dropsy. In
anasarca, if given in active doses, it produces catharsis as well as
diuresis, greatly augmenting the flow of urine and causing an excretion
of water to a most serviceable extent. An infusion of aralia, given with
other agents suggested for dropsy, will exercise a most immediate
influence in the removal of the fluid. In suppression of urine it is an
unirritating stimulant of much value. In gravel It is of some benefit, and
may be given freely in combination with remedies directly indicated for
other existing conditions.
ARALIA. Aralia racemosa.
Synonym—American Spikenard.
CONSTITUENTS—
Volatile oil, resin, sugar, pectin, starch.
PREPARATIONS—
Specific Medicine Spikenard. Dose, from five to forty minims.
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 45