Botanic Remedies 237 



a less degree. Muscarine inhibits heart action by 

 stimulating the vagus nerve-endings. It is antag- 

 onized by atropine. 



MYRRH 



Commiphora myrrha. Almost universally official. 

 C. Africana, BDELLIUM, official in France and Spain. 

 The action is due to a volatile oil, which is carmina- 

 tive, stimulant, and tonic in small doses, and in 

 large doses a gastric irritant. It is excreted by the 

 mucous membranes, thus giving expectorant and 

 uterine influences. 



THERAPEUTICS. Myrrh stimulates indolent ulcers 

 and eczema when applied externally. The tincture 

 is used in dilution. The undiluted tincture is applied 

 to ulcerated gums, aphthous patches, and relaxed 

 conditions of the uvula, pharynx, and in ptyalism. 

 It is an ingredient of dentifrices. 



Internally it is employed in bronchorrea, and 

 sometimes in tuberculosis. It is combined with pur- 

 gatives of the aloe type to modify the action. Atonic 

 dyspepsia is often favorably influenced by myrrh; 

 it is commonly combined with bitters in this indi- 

 cation. In the treatment of amenorrhea, it is com- 

 bined with iron or aloes. 



Myrrh is given in doses of 2 to 10 grains. The 

 tincture is effective in 10- to 20-minim doses; tinc- 

 ture aloes and myrrh in twice this dosage. 



NARCISSUS 



DAFFODIL, various Amaryllidaceae, especially the 

 Narcissus pseudonarcissus. Common garden bulbs 

 that cause violent vomiting and diarrhea if ingested, 

 and may cause an eruption if applied externally. 



