178 FLORA HOMCEOPATHICA. 



snake root, or the rattlesnake root, is imported from the United 

 States in bales. It varies in size from a writing quill to that of 

 the little finger. It is contorted, presents a number of eminences, 

 and terminates superiorly in an irregular tuberosity, which 

 exhibits traces of numerous stems ; a projecting line extends 

 the whole length of the root. The cortical portion is corru- 

 gated, transversely cracked, of a greyish-yellow colour. The 

 taste of the root is at first sweetish and mucilaginous, afterwards 

 acrid and pungent, exciting cough and a flow of saliva; its 

 odour is peculiar and nauseous. According to Guevenne's 

 analysis, Senega root contains polygalic acid, virgineic acid, 

 tannic acid, pectic acid, cerin, fixed oil, yellow colouring 

 matter, gum, albumen, woody fibre, salts, alumina, silica, 

 magnesia, and iron. The best way to prepare this root is to 

 make the first three attenuations by trituration. 



Physiological Effects. — According to Pereira, Senega 

 possesses acrid and stimulant properties. In small doses it is 

 diaphoretic, diuretic, and expectorant. In large doses, emetic 

 and purgative. Sundelin took a scruple of powdered Senega 

 root every two hours for six hours ; it caused irritation of the 

 back part of the tongue and throat, and produced an increased 

 flow of saliva. These effects were soon followed bv a consider- 



m 



able burning in the stomach, nausea, and vomiting. The skin 

 became warmer and moister ; there was griping pain of the 

 bowels, followed by watery evacuations ; the secretion of urine 

 was increased, and a feeling of heat was experienced in the 

 urinary passages. For some days after there was gastric un- 

 easiness, with loss of appetite. In larger doses, it caused burn- 

 ing pain in the stomach and bowels, violent vomiting, purging, 

 anxiety, and giddiness. 



Medical Uses (Homceofathic)— This drug was added to 

 the Homoeopathic Materia Medica by Stapf (vide Add. to Mat 

 Med., trans, by Hempel). He says : - The above list of diseases 

 (vide supra), and against which Senega has been employed by 

 allopathic physicians, when compared to the subsequent symp- 



