92 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



NAUSEATING EXPECTORANTS. 

 The emetics, generally, prove expectorant, in consequence of the 

 relaxation produced ; only two, however, are much employed with 

 this view, tartar emetic and ipecacuanita ; the dose of the former is 

 g grain, or of antimo7iial wine, 15 to 25 drops every two hours; 

 the dose of ipecacuanha is 1 to 2 grains, or of the wine, 25 to 30 

 drops. 



STIMULANT EXPECTORANTS. 

 Seneka. — (Senega, U. S.) 



Root of the Poly gala senega, indigenous in the United States. A 



small herbaceous perennial, with 

 ■^'S- 24. alternate smooth leaves. The 



root consists of a thick, knotty 

 head, with the radicles much 

 twisted, with a projecting, keel- 

 like line. Colour, yellowish- 

 brown externally, whitish within. 

 The cortical portion contains the 

 active principle, named senegin 

 ov 2)olygalic acid. Odour, pecu- 

 liar ; taste, at first sweetish and 

 mucilaginous, then acrid. Water 

 and diluted alcohol extract its 

 virtues. 



Effects. — A stimulant, expec- 

 torant, and diuretic ; large doses 

 act as an emeto-cathartic ; some- 

 times also produce diaphoresis 

 and cmmenagogue effects. Used 

 as an expectorant, when there is 

 no inflammation, in latter stages 

 of bronchitis, humoral asthma, 

 secondary croup, &c. An in- 

 gredient in Coze's Hive Syrup. 



Dose, 10 to 20 grains ; of decoction (3j to Oiss. water, down to Oj) 



f3j to f3ij, three times a day ; of the syrup, f 3j. 



SauiLL. 



Already described as a diuretic. As an expectorant, it much 

 resembles senega, and is used in similar cases. May be advan- 

 tageously combined with ipecacuanha or tartar emetic. Dose, gr. j, 

 several times a day ; of the vinegary f 3ss. to f 3j ; of the syrup or 

 oxymely the same dose ; of the tincture, 20 to 40 drops. Coze's 

 Hive Syrup, (Syrupus Scillce Compositus, U. S.,) contains equal 



