LIST OF MEDICINES. .463 



(xinseng enters into the prescription for lock-jaw. It is 

 antispasmodic and alterative. 



Ginger is a fine stimulant, and seems to improve the tone of 

 the stomach, and promote its digestion. It is much used to 

 improve the action of other remedies, or to prevent them from 

 griping. The powdered ginger is used. The dose is from two 

 to four drams. The tincture of ginger may be used in doses 

 of from one-half to two ounces. 



Golden- seal, called also yellow root, the botanic name being 

 hydrastus canadensis, is the best tonic known for mucous 

 surfaces. It has a most extensive range of application. As 

 a tonic, it may be given with equally good eifect when inflam- 

 mation is actually present and after it has subsided. In 

 chronic diseases of the bowels, indigestion, and loss of appetite, 

 there can be no superior to golden seal. It is also useful in 

 diseases of the kidneys and bladder and chronic cough. It is 

 given in powder, in doses of from one to three drams twice 

 a day. Half a dram of powdered golden seal, mixed in 

 half a pint of boiling water, and allowed to settle, is one of 

 the best applications to sore or inflamed eyes. Golden seal, 

 with an equal quantity of charcoal, is an elegant remedy for 

 flux, or dysentery, and scouring, where there is a tendency to 

 putrescence. To be given in doses of two drams each, twice 

 a day. 



Gum-arabic. — This is a white substance, found in the shops 

 in the form of hard grains or fine powder. It dissolves in cold 

 water, forming a mucilage. It is sometimes used in combina- 

 tion with other medicines to make them mix well, or to pre- 

 vent their acting as irritants to the coats of the stomach and 

 bowels. A mucilage of gum-arabic, formed by dissolving two 

 or three table-spoonfuls of the pulverized article in a gallon of 

 water, forms a good drink in cases of inflammation of the stom- 

 ach, bowels, lungs, or kidneys. It has a very soothing efiect 

 in such cases. 



