Botanic Remedies 107 



THERAPEUTICS. In 10- to 30-minim doses fl., is 

 stomachic and of value in atonic dyspepsia. Its 

 astringency, as well as its bitter properties, make 

 its use rational in g astro-intestinal maladies char- 

 acterized by an excess of mucus. In other words, 

 the bitters and berberis is a good one are clin- 

 ically valuable in slight catarrhal conditions and 

 minor functional disturbances of the alimentary canal; 

 they are not available in the incidence of serious 

 anatomic changes. These bitters are always better 

 taken in liquid form, preferably just before meals. 



BERBERINE HYDROCHLORIDE is the alkaloidal rep- 

 resentative on the market; it is not made from 

 Berberis aquofilium, but from Berberis vulgaris and 

 Hydrastis Canadensis. Very large doses are toxic; 

 but as much as 20 grains have been taken with little 

 effect except purgation. Dosage ranges from 1 to 5 

 grains. 



BRYONIA 



BRYONY, Bryonia dioica. Not official in any ex- 

 cept Homeopathic and Eclectic standards. In these 

 two schools bryonia is a prominent drug. The 

 National Formulary lists it. Bryonia is an active 

 hydrogogue cathartic formerly employed in doses 

 of from 10 to 60 grains. It has been wholly dis- 

 placed in such indications, jalap serving the purpose 

 better. 



PHARMACOLOGY. Bryonia is an irritant drug, 

 especially to the serous and mucous membranes. 

 Introduced into the pleural cavity of animals, it 

 caused death from fibrinous effusion. The cerebrum 

 is irritated and the heart depressed. So far as the 

 action in small doses has been investigated, it seems 

 to lessen arterial tension and the frequency of the 



