Botanic Remedies 77 



danger of sepsis. Tannin checks excessive secre- 

 tion from the sweat glands and limits secretion in 

 the mouth and throat. Large doses cause indi- 

 gestion in the stomach; in the intestine peristalsis 

 is diminished, and the stools are increased in con- 

 sistency owing to absorption of fluid, and a mild 

 antiseptic action is exerted. As tannin is changed 

 to gallic acid in the upper bowel, no appreciable 

 astringent action results from its administration by 

 the time it reaches the lower bowel. Tannin pos- 

 sesses no remote astringency through circulating in 

 the blood-stream, and it is not an urinary antiseptic. 



THERAPEUTICS. Pure tannic acid is applied to 

 wounds, ulcers, and bleeding surfaces in the form 

 of dusting powders in which tannin may be the 

 chief ingredient. Ointments are commonly made 

 10% (U. S. P. ointment 20%); lotions, 2 to 5%. 

 Weeping ulcers and subacute inflammatory condi- 

 tions, the hardening of the skin to prevent bed- 

 sores, and many other indications are met with 

 local applications of tannin. Various bougies are 

 used for applications to the urethra and vagina, 

 and suppositories in the palliative treatment of 

 hemorrhoids. The U. S. P. glycerite of tannic acid 

 (20%) is a most eligible preparation to harden 

 sore and inflamed nipples in nursing women. In 

 the mouth, in tender gums., tonsillitis, laryngitis, 

 etc., tannin is a valuable local application in 2% 

 gargles or 5 to 10% sprays. 



Various g astro-enteric troubles are suitably treated 

 with tannin or tannin derivatives. Here it is proper 

 to say that the vegetable astringents often act 

 more kindly than does a chemical salt. Gambir, 

 krameria, geranium, kino, and others are applicable. 



