238 Botanic Drugs 



The bulbs, at certain stages of growth, contain 

 alkaloids analogous to atropine. Homeopathic phy- 

 sicians employ narcissus in coryza, whooping cough, 

 and bronchitis. 



NUTMEG 



Myristica fragrans. The kernel of the ripe seed 

 almost universally official; the oil in the U. S. and 

 a few other countries; NUTMEG BUTTER (fixed oil 

 of Nutmeg) in five countries; the seed arillus known 

 as MACE in four countries, and the OIL OF MACE in 

 seven countries. 



Nutmeg and mace are aromatic stimulants used 

 in atonic states of the gastrointestinal tract. Nutmeg 

 is given in doses of 2 to 10 grains; the oil is admin- 

 istered in an average dose of 3 minims. In large 

 doses these agents are dangerous narcotics. 



NUX VOMICA 



Strychnos Nux vomica. Universally official. Ig- 

 natia, another strychnine-bearer, is separately con- 

 sidered. See it for the pharmacology of brucine. 

 There are numerous other plants bearing strychnine 

 and brucine, but they are of no vogue in medical 

 practice in this hemisphere. 



PHARMACOLOGY. Strychnine is powerfully anti- 

 septic, but is too dangerous to use in this direction. 

 Even in minute doses it manifests the properties 

 of the bitters. See "Gentian." In small doses nux 

 vomica is one of the best of the bitters. Lacking 

 aromatic properties, it should be combined with 

 other bitters. 



Small doses increase intestinal peristalsis. Strych- 

 nine elevates the body temperature. A cumulative 



