160 CHAMOMILE. 



We shall now speak of the external application of Chamomile, 

 which is still very general, particularly as a fomentation. 



It has been a prevailing opinion among medical practitioners 

 of late years, that the only good resulting from fomentations 

 was owing entirely to the heat which they conveyed to the part, 

 and practising on this theory, it has been usual to employ hot 

 water only. Physiological experiments, however, have shewn 

 that vegetable substances, as well as others, are absorbed from 

 the surface, and being received in this manner into the system, 

 produce precisely the same effect ; Hence, the fomentations made 

 by a strong decoction of Chamomile, poppy^ieads, and other 

 similar plants, will be found much more effectual in relieving 

 pain than the simple application of hot water. 



Fomentations of Chamomile are used in colic, local and intes- 

 tinal inflammations, and to phagedenic idcers * ; and the infusion 

 is also found to be a useful addition to emollient anodyne glys- 

 ters, in flatulent colic, and in irritations of the rectum proditcing 

 tenesmus. 



In the form of a cataplasm, Bodard recommends it to pain- 

 ful tumours of the breast. It has also been found of great ser- 

 vice as a bath for the feet and legs, both in very painful and dan- 

 gerous colics, and in some violent headaches. In all kinds of 

 contusions, and in the tumefactions which succeed to dif- 

 ficult and protracted births, small bags filled with the flowers 

 boiled in wine or water, are strongly recommended to be ap~ 

 plied hot. 



Besides, the infusion and decoction of the flowers of Chamo- 

 mile, there is also prepared an extract and oil. 



The dose of the powdered flowers is from half a drachm to 

 two drachms, twice or thrice a day. 



INFUSION OF CHAMOMILE f . 

 Take of Chamomile flowers, two drachms ; 



Boiling water half a pint. 



Macerate for ten minutes in a lightly covered vessel, and strain. 

 A good stomachic and tonic, which may be given in doses 

 of from one to two ounces, two or three times a day. When 

 exhibited warm it excites nausea, and is occasionally employed 

 to assist the operation of emetics. 



* Bodard extols them as antiseptic. 



t Infusum Antheraidis. Pharm. Land. 



