172 Botanic Drugs 



ursi. It was used preparatory to operation and dur- 

 ing the lying-in period. It is really useful, especially 

 in the transient albuminuria of pregnancy. Use 

 average doses of the crude drugs in making the 

 decoction. Dose: Frangula fl., 10 to 30 minims. 

 Valuable in chronic constipation. Indications the 

 same as cascara. 



GALLA 



NUTGALL, Quercus infectoria. Average dose, 7% 

 grains; but gallic and tannic acids have supplanted 

 it. The drug is mentioned here simply to call 

 attention to the UNGUENTUM GALLAE, U. S. P., 

 an admirable astringent ointment of value in the 

 treatment of external hemorrhoids. If the hemor- 

 rhoids are irritable, the addition of belladonna ex- 

 tract is an advantage. 



GAMBIR 



Ourouparia Gambir. Official in England, Japan, 

 the Netherlands, and the U. S. Takes the place 

 of CATECHU of the earlier editions. Average dose, 

 15 grains. Tannic acid combines with proteid 

 matter in the stomach; the tannin of gambir is 

 protected by the presence of gum and extractives, 

 and so passes into the intestine, at least in part. 

 (Geranium maculatum has a similar action. Give 

 its fl. in 15-minim doses.) The TR. GAMBIR 

 COMP. is a valuable intestinal astringent given in 

 1-fluidrachm doses. It is also incorporated in troches 

 containing 1 grain gambir. The fluid preparation 

 is used in the treatment of diarrhea and the troches 

 in sore throat. 



Also see " Tannic Acid." The National Formulary 



