Botanic Remedies 123 



alike in action, except that the bitter principle of 

 the former is emetic in full dosage. 



The volatile oil, found in both plants, has the 

 power of reducing reflex excitability in frogs, even 

 after its excitation by strychnine (Wilcox). The 

 bitter and tonic properties are similar to those of 

 the bitters generally. See "Gentian." Matricaria 

 is preferable to anthemis because full doses are not 

 nauseating. 



THERAPEUTICS. Fomentations of the crude drug 

 are much used in domestic practice as a soothing 

 application in sprains, bruises, abscesses, etc., and 

 it serves well in this connection. 



The infusion and decoction are mildly stimulant 

 and tonic, but chamomilla is inferior to other bitters 

 in this indication; but it is an effective diaphoretic 

 in the form of hot "tea," more especially in the 

 exanthems of children. It is largely employed to 

 "bring out the rash" of measles. The hot infusion 

 in full dosage is quite effective in dysmenorrhea, 

 especially the non-obstructive type. Indeed, this 

 agent is often more effective than valerian cer- 

 tainly it is more agreeable in the uterine reflex 

 disturbances of women. A good fl. serves quite as 

 well as does the infusion in this class of troubles; but 

 10- to 15-drop doses must be given. 



In somewhat smaller doses of the fl. (5 to 10 

 drops), it tends to relieve the nervous irritation 

 and false pains of the later months of gestation. 

 Some cases of nervous dyspepsia and the "sick head- 

 ache" of the menstrual period are much relieved 

 by chamomilla. It seems to be an effective nervine 

 and mild antispasmodic adapted to the neurotic 

 type of women. The drug is harmless and more 



