rue. 275 



by S. Pauli, that such a stimulant would be injurious rather 

 than beneficial, when these complaints are owing to irritation 

 of the alimentary canal, as not infrequently happens. Cullen *, 

 however, had no doubt in asserting its anti-spasmodic powers ; 

 hence in some cases of spasmodic colic, &c. it may unquestion- 

 ably be useful. Rue is likewise much lauded in epilepsy, 

 hysteria, and other nervous diseases. Alexander of Tralles, 

 Valeriola, Boerhaave, and many others, knew it to be success- 

 ful in these affections. Its effects are not less praised in dis- 

 ordered menstruation ; and both in ancient and modern days it 

 has been regarded a powerful emmenagogue ; indeed its influence 

 over the sexual organs has caused it frequently to be adminis- 

 tered both in satyriasis and nymphomania. It is moreover 

 said to be anthelmintic, and the success which different ob- 

 servers attribute to it against worms, especially ascarides, appear 

 well authenticated, and ought to engage the attention of practi- 

 tioners. " Externally the fresh leaves have been applied to the 

 temples for headaches, and to relieve deep-seated pain. A 

 decoction of it in wine, used as a gargle, is a good remedy for 

 a scorbutic state of the gums and carious teeth." -j* 



Rue may be taken in substance in the proportion of from ten 

 to forty grains, or in the form of an infusion. 



INFUSION OF RUE. 



Take of Rue, dried one ounce ; 



Boiling water two pints. 



Infuse for half an hour and strain. — Dose, one to three ounces every 

 four or six hours. 



CONFECTION OF RUE J. 



Take of Rue, dried 1 



Caraway seeds f of each an ounce 



Bayberries ) ^ahalf; 



Sagapenum half an ounce ; 



Black pepper two drachms ; 



Honey sixteen ounces. 



Rub the dry ingredients together to a very fine powder and preserve them. 

 As often as the confection is to be used add the honey, and mix them well. 

 Employed chiefly in clysters for children labouring under 

 convulsions, abdominal spasms, flatulent colic, &c. From a scru- 

 ple to a drachm or more, to half a pint of gruel should be used. 



* Cullen, Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 365. 

 f Waller's Brit. Dom. Herb. p. 296. 

 X Pharmacopoeia Londinensis, 1836. 



