Botanic Remedies 337 



fortunately, it does not tend to upset practical 

 knowledge." 



So, then, pharmacologists differ, as do clinicians. 

 It would appear that Viburnum prunifolium is to be 

 preferred over other species named here, and that 

 the drugs of the valerian type are in need of serious 

 and more extended study. 



THERAPEUTICS. A bitter aromatic causing nausea 

 and vomiting in large doses. In smaller doses it is 

 antispasmodic and nervine. It is classed as a 

 uterine sedative, relieving irritable conditions of 

 the womb, much as does valerian. It has little 

 effect upon the menstrual flow. Dose of fl., 30 

 minims. 



XANTHOXYLUM 



PRICKLY ASH, Xanthoxylum Americanum, NORTH- 

 ERN PRICKLY ASH, and Fagara Clava-Herculis, 

 SOUTHERN PRICKLY ASH. Official only in the 

 United States. The name "fagara" has been 

 dropped, and the spelling xanthoxylum changed to 

 ZANTHOXYLUM, thus following the recent works on 

 botany. 



The activity is probably due to an acrid resin 

 which acts much like guaiac. See "Guaiacum." 

 It is an aromatic bitter, sialogogue, and diffusible 

 stimulant that acts reflexly, even to raising arterial 

 tension. 



THERAPEUTICS. A prompt diffusible stimulant 

 probably not superior to capsicum. The fl. in 5- to 

 30- minim doses causes a warm glow and is prompt 

 in relieving inert conditions of the gastro-intestinal 

 tract. Given with other drugs, it promotes their 

 absorption. Small doses given over a considerable 

 period are reputed to be alterative and are employed 



