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

old persons, asafetida is extremely satisfactory. Tympanites occurring
during fevers is often relieved by it, for its carminative influence is
especially effective upon the lower bowel. Owing to its expectorant
qualities it is occasionally serviceable in the bronchitis of the aged, in
which secretion is free but the power to expectorate is weak. It is also
an ideal sedative for the nervous cough following the active stage of
whooping cough. It relieves the nervous irritability of dentition. On the
whole asafetida is a simple and efficient remedy best adapted to
disorders with nervous depression, more or less feebleness, and
particularly if associated with constipation, flatulence, or tardy or
imperfect menstruation. Asafetida is contraindicated by inflammation.
It may be given in emulsion, tincture, or pill or capsule.
ASARUM CANDENSE.
The rhizome and rootlets of Asarum canadense, Linne (Nat. Ord. Aristolochiaceae).
A native perennial of the United States found in rich soils in woods, mountains,
and along road sides. Dose, 5 to 30 grains.
Common Names: Wild Ginger, Indian Ginger, Canada Snakeroot.
Principal Constituents.—An acrid resin, a spicy volatile oil, and thought to
contain among other fractions, methyl-eugenol, a principle not before found in
nature.
Preparations.—1. Tinctura Asari, Tincture of Asarum. Dose, 1/2 to 2 fluidrachms.
2. Infusum Asari, Infusion of Asarum (1/2 ounce; Water, 16 ounces). Dose,
ad libitum.
3. Syrupus Asari, Syrup of Asarum. Dose, 1-2 fluidrachms.
Action and Therapy.—A very pleasant stimulating carminative,
diaphoretic and emmenagogue, of considerable value in amenorrhea
from recent colds, in atonic dysmenorrhea, and in flatulent colic. A
warm infusion is a very good diaphoretic with which to “break up a
cold”. Asarum may be added to cough mixtures, and with syrup forms a
very agreeable vehicle for the administration of pectoral medicines to
be used in the chronic coughs of debility to aid expectoration. It is
contraindicated by gastro-intestinal inflammation.
ASCLEPIAS INCARNATA.
The root of Asclepias incarnata, Linne (Nat. Ord. Asclepiadaceae). Common in damp
Felter’s Materia Medica - (A) - Page 38