145 CEPHAELIS IPECACUANHA 



Other emetic roots are also known in Brazil under the 

 same name Poaya as that of the true ipecacuanha, and some 

 of these spurious ipecacuanhas, as well as those of other 

 countries, are occasionally forwarded to Europe and the United 

 States. The kinds usually met with are the Large Striated or 

 Black Ipecacuanha, from Psychotria emetica (Rubiaceae), a native 

 of New Granada ; Small Striated Ipecacuanha, which, according to 

 Planchon, is probably derived from a species of Eichardsonia ; 

 and Undulated Ipecacuanha, from Richardsonia scabra (Rubiaceae). 

 All these are very inferior in their properties to the official 

 Ipecacuanha, and may be readily distinguished from it by their 

 non-annulated appearance and other well-marked characters. 



Medical Properties and Uses. In large medicinal doses ipeca- 

 cuanha is emetic ; in small doses expectorant and diaphoretic ; 

 and in intermediate doses nauseant. Locally applied to the skin 

 it acts as a counter-irritant. From its stimulant action on the 

 alimentary canal it has always been in repute as a remedy in 

 chronic dysentery and diarrhoea; and in large doses of 30 grains 

 and upwards it is regarded in India as almost a specific in acute 

 dysentery. In very small doses it has been recommended by Dr. 

 Ringer, in the vomiting of pregnancy ; small doses are also often 

 useful in atonic dyspepsia. As an expectorant it is in frequent use in 

 catarrhs, chronic bronchitis, whooping-cough, and other pulmonary 

 affections. As a diaphoretic it is generally combined with opium, 

 which is generally supposed to increase its action, hence in the 

 form of Dover's powder it is commonly employed in catarrhal, 

 rheumatic, and neuralgic affections, and in other cases. On account 

 of the sedative effect on the vascular system which follows its 

 use as a nauseant, it is frequently serviceable in haemorrhages, 

 more especially in that from the uterus. As an emetic ipeca- 

 cuanha acts with certainty and safety, and without depressing the 

 system so much as tartar emetic. It is well adapted for children 

 and delicate persons when our object is to remove crude and 

 indigestible matters from the stomach. In febrile chest affec- 

 tions, as bronchitis, phthisis, and croup, it is especially valuable 

 as an emetic. It does not act so speedily as sulphate of zinc or 



