APHRODISIACS AND ANAPHRODISIACS 321 



spring. For this purpose laxatives, potassium iodide, alum and tan- 

 nin may be of more use if at the same time the feed is gradually re- 

 duced and the interval between milking increased and finally stopped. 

 Oil of rosemary or hemp in the form of local applications have 

 some reputation for this action. 



APHBODISIACS AND ANAPHRODISIACS 



Synonym. Ecrotics 



Aphrodisiacs are agents which stimulate the sexual desire and in- 

 crease the virile power. Since sexual impotence may be the result 

 of various conditions, the treatment must vary accordingly. As a 

 general rule the cause of impotency in animals iinless due to some 

 lesion of the tract can be traced to some fault of the nutrition of 

 the body, such as obesity, which usually results from too little exer- 

 cise and a too liberal diet or errors in diet. In some cases it may 

 be due to anemia, and in others to a phlegmatic nervous disposition. 

 Earely is impotency in animals due to nervous depression and psy- 

 chic influences as in man. 



In some of the above cases dietary measures are all the treat- 

 ment necessary. In others, exercise is needed. If there is reason 

 to believe that there is nervous depression, some of the nerve stimu- 

 lants should be used. 



The most important aphrodisiacs are : 



ISTux Vomica and Strychnine Cantharides 



Phosphorus Damiana Yohimbine 



Nux Vomica. This drug serves two purposes. It exerts a 

 general tonic effect and at the same time stimulates the sexual cen- 

 ters in the cord. 



Phosphorus. Phosphorus has quite a reputation as an aphrodis- 

 iac. It is supposed to produce its action through a stimulation of 

 the nervous system. There is no doubt but that it is frequently of 

 considerable service in impotency due to lowered nervous conditions. 



Cantharides. This drug produces whatever action it may have 

 as an aphrodisiac simply by irritation of the bladder and urethra as 

 it is excreted. It frequently causes sexual excitement and erections 

 but for this effect it is necessary to use large (unsafe) doses. 



* Damiana. This is unofficial. It has long been held as an effi- 

 cient aphrodisiac. It probably produces any benefit by stimulation 

 of the nervous system. 



* Yohimbine. This is an alkaloid or a mixture of alkaloids ob- 

 tained from the bark of a tree, the yoUmbe, or Cameroon tree. _ It 

 is indigenous to the Cameroons. The salt used is the hydrochloride 

 and can be obtained only through Lehn and Fink, of New York. 



* Unofficial. 



