American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

BUCHU. Barosma betulina,
B.crenulata, B.serratifolia.
CONSTITUENTS—
Volatile oil, rutin, resin, gum, albumen.
PREPARATIONS—
Extractum Buchu Fluidum, Fluid Extract of Buchu. Dose, from ten
to sixty minims.
Therapy—The agent acts directly upon the urinary apparatus,
stimulating the kidneys, and increasing both the watery and solid
constituents by its tonic and restorative influence. It is also valuable
when there is greatly increased action from debility, as it lessens the
quantity of water secreted in such cases. It relieves irritation of the
bladder and urethra, and is valuable in catarrh of the bladder, pyelitis
and gonorrhea. In chronic cases of irritable bladder it has long been
used, especially if caused by persistent excess of uric acid. It controls the
irritation, reduces the excess of acid, and relieves the urinary
incontinence depending upon it. It relieves irritation of the bladder
sphincter, increases the tone of the muscular structure and overcomes
any existing paralysis.
It has been advised as a general tonic, a stomachic and an antidyspeptic,
but we would hardly depend upon it for any positive curative
influence in these cases.
BENZOIN
The Tincture of Benzoin has been a popular remedy in the past. It is
given in doses of from one-half to one dram. The compound tincture,
composed of benzoin, storax, balsam of tolu, and purified aloes with
alcohol is advised for its influence in laryngeal and bronchial
difficulties. The dose is from one-half to two fluid drams of the official U.
S. P. preparation.
The Compound Tincture is vaporized in hot water, and the vapor is in.
haled in chronic and acute laryngitis. It is useful in many forms of
bronchial irritation without secretion. Its antiseptic properties are not
great, but are apparent where there is a scanty, fetid expectoration.
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 79