326 Botanic Drugs 



in the mountains of California, has similar prop- 

 erties. 



The extract of uva ursi is given in doses of 5 to 

 15 grains; it is not official. The fl. is given in an 

 average dose of 30 minims. 



VALERIAN 



Valeriana qfficinalis. Universally official, the 

 volatile oil in Austria, and Valeriana Wallichii, 

 INDIAN VALERIAN, in Great Britain. 



Valerian in large doses depresses the central 

 nervous system. The activity, due to the volatile 

 oil, is not of a character demonstrable by experi- 

 mental pharmacology. It is thought its action in 

 medicinal dosage is a reflex one, and it is classed 

 as an antispasmodic and nervine. 



THERAPEUTICS. A carminative valuable in hys- 

 terical conditions. Valerian has an established 

 reputation in the treatment of the hysterical and 

 hypochondriacal, as well as in functional "nervous- 

 ness." Some cases of neuralgia yield to the drug. 

 In these indications the fl. is given in an average 

 dose of 30 minims, the tr. in doses of 1 fluidrachm, 

 and the ammoniated tincture in doses of 30 minims. 



THE VALERIANATES (ammonium, iron, sodium, 

 quinine, zinc), officially (ammonium and zinc) known 

 as valerates, are preferred by many, especially in 

 the treatment of neuralgia, chorea, and epilepsy. 

 Ammonium valerate is given in an average dose of 

 8 grains, zinc valerate 2 grains, the ferric salt 1 to 

 3 grains, and the quinine salt 1 to 3 grains. A soda 

 salt is little used. 



OIL OF VALERIAN is given in 2- to 5-minim doses. 

 It is the better form of the drug when used as a 



