Individual Drugs. ABIES (Tsuga canadensis). - Southwest School of ...

Action and Therapy.—Owing to the confusion that has long existed
resulting from the unwitting substitution of aletris, for Helonias
(Chamaelirium) the virtues of the latter, as a remedy for various
disorders of the female reproductive organs, have been ascribed also to
the former. It is probably nothing more than a gentle stomachic and
tonic, and as such may be employed to promote the appetite and aid
digestion. It is accredited with value in atonic dyspepsia, with
flatulence and borborygmus. Even the carminative effects thus
ascribed would seem to belong to helonias rather than to aletris, which
is neither bitter nor aromatic like the former.
ALLIUM CEPA.
The fresh bulb of Allium Cepa, Linne (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Common in cultivation
everywhere.
Common Name: Onion.
Principal Constituent.—A colorless oil, composed chiefly of a sulphur
compound (C6 H12 S2).
Preparations.-1. Tincture of Red Onion. 5 to 60 drops.
2. Syrup of Onion. Dose, 1 to 2 fluidrachms.
Action and Therapy.—External. Onion is rubefacient. A poultice of
onion with vinegar gives relief to inflamed corns and bunions. Roasted
onion makes an efficient poultice for acute broncho-pulmonic
inflammations, especially of young children, when local applications
are desired. Onion poultices are objectionable only when made too
heavy, carelessly applied, or when applied to open surfaces.
Internal. Onion is stimulant, expectorant, and diuretic. A syrup of
onion, prepared by drawing the juice with sugar, is a very effectual
expectorant cough medicine for infants, young children, and old
persons. If given in moderate quantities it is very soothing; if too freely
administered it may cause nausea and disorder digestion. It, together
with the onion poultice, are among the good things inherited from
domestic medication, and might well be considered in preference to
less safe and less depressing pulmonic medication. A tincture of red
onion is useful in gravel and other urinary disorders with passages of
blood, pus, and mucus. The dose is from 5 to 10 drops in water. It is
Felter’s Materia Medica - (A) - Page 19