American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

the treatment. It should be used in conjunction with capsicum,
strychnine, xanthoxylum, or hyoscyamine hydrochlorate, and sustained
in its action by persistent concentrated nutrition.
In conjunction with cactus, or apocynum, as these remedies are indicated,
it will be found of much service in the treatment of weak heart, and the
resulting complications. Webster lays much stress upon its action as a
remedy to prevent the recurrence of cardiac rheumatism. This influence
would be facilitated by combination with specific alteratives, and
remedies that will facilitate the elimination of uric acid, without
depressing the action of the heart.
The persistent use of this remedy, especially if conjoined with capsicum or
minute doses of strychnine, will be found of great assistance in certain
cases of paralysis. Its nerve restorative and persistently tonic properties
are exercised fully here.
In a case of cerebral hemorrhage, from which recovery was not to be
expected, Dr. French used ergot and avena with bromide as an occasional
sedative, with satisfactory results. He says: “I also give avena for the
symptoms of nervous breakdown and exhaustion, regardless of the name
of the special disease from which they may be suffering. Some patients
claim to realize almost instantaneous effects on taking it while others are
less easily affected. In all well-known cases selected for the indications
of paralysis and deficiency of nerve power, it seems to me to be good.”
Co-operatives—It works in harmony with strychnine in its stimulating
influence, but is more permanent in its effect. It exercises an influence
Similar to quinine after prostrating fevers and is similar to coca and
phosphorus in its restorative powers. Zanthoxylum will enhance its
general stimulant influence, and it may be combined with cimicifuga and
scutellaria and gelsemium in chorea. It is antagonized by nerve
depressants and nerve sedatives which exercise no stimulant or
restorative influence.
There is no danger of forming the habit of taking the drug, as it can be
suddenly abandoned at any time without evil consequences, even when
given in large quantities.
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 74