American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

hot infusion during the course of acute exanthematous disease, it
quickly determines the eruption to the surface and promotes
convalescence.
Because of its selective action upon the nervous structure which supplies
the reproductive organs, it will be found to allay nervous excitement,
nervous palpitation of the heart, insomnia and mental weakness, or
failure and general debility caused by masturbation, over sexual
indulgence, or onanism. It is a sovereign remedy in impotency. This
writer has had better satisfaction in the use of this agent in the temporary
impotence of young newly married men, than from any other single
remedy or combination of remedies. If there be prostatic or other local
irritation, a combination of this agent with saw palmetto will cover the
field.
In uterine or ovarian disorders with hysterical manifestations it is of
much service. The nervous headaches of the menstrual epoch, especially
those accompanied with burning on the top of the head, and sick
headaches apparently from disordered stomach at this time, or in fact
sick headache at any time if accompanied with nervous weakness, are all
promptly benefitted by Avena Sativa, provided gastric acidity is
neutralized. In atonic amenorrhea with great feebleness, it is valuable. In
neuralgic and congestive dysmenorrhea, with slow and imperfect
circulation and cold skin and extremities, it is an excellent remedy.
Dr. Simmons of Toledo, Ohio, in the Gleaner, mentioned the use of avena
in acute coryza. His method resulted in a manner highly satisfactory in
every case. Those who are subject to colds in the head, he furnishes with
a small vial of specific avena. With the first indication he has them take
twenty drops of hot water. This may be repeated or increased to thirty or
forty drops in two hours, but the third close is usually sufficient to
remove every evidence of coryza if present, and to prevent its occurence.
The first evidences of its action may appear in five minutes. If twenty
drops do not produce a feeling of warmth in the face and flushing of the
skin, the next dose is increased.
This agent exercises a restorative power in overcoming the habits of
alcohol, tobacco, morphine, and opium. It will enhance the value of other
prescribed agents.
In the treatment of the morphine habit, our subsequent experience has
not confirmed our early anticipations, and yet it is a useful addition to
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 73