American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

facilitated. The pain and distress abate, the cough disappears, the
respiration becomes free and natural, the inspiration being especially
pleasant; the heart takes on increased tone, and the entire contents of
the thoracic cavity seemed benefited. I have treated with this remedy the
“stitch in the side,” which had been present for many months after
pleurisy, and have removed it satisfactorily.
This agent will cure pains in the chest unaccompanied by prominent
symptoms, acute, sharp and cutting, recurrent or persistent in their
character, if given in doses of half a dram every two or three hours and
persisted in for a few days.
Therapy—It is beneficial in acute pleuritis specifically, also in
bronchitis, pneumonitis and peritonitis. It has distinct expectorant
properties. In tight and painful coughs with difficult respiration,
especially where there is a general suspension of secretion, with dry skin
and mucous membranes, and in soreness of the chest from coughing, it
is a most excellent remedy. In all these conditions if there is the least
elevation of temperature its influence will be greatly enhanced if given in
conjunction with aconite.
It was in great repute among the older Eclectic physicians in the
treatment of acute pleuritis, as suggested above. They also used it in
acute inflammations of serous membranes, especially if there were acute,
quick pains, and a tendency to serous effusion. Its eliminative action
upon the skin greatly enhances its influence in these cases.
If the powdered asclepias be combined with ipecac and camphor, a powder
is produced with diaphoretic properties of an Improved Dover's Powder.
To obtain active diaphoresis, asclepias should be given in strong, hot
infusion. Its influence in acute rheumatism should not be overlooked. It
may be combined with such agents as cimicifuga and colchicum, and will
markedly intensify their action, especially if aconite be indicated.
ASPIDIUM Aspidium felix-mas.
Synonym—Male Fern.
CONSTITUENTS—
Felicic, felixolic, felosmylic, tomaspidic and pteritannic acids,
volatile oil, wax, chlorophyll, gallic acid, albumen, pectin, starch, gum,
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 59