64 
POLYGALA SENEGA. 
Tennant, observing that pleuritic symptoms are generally produced 
by the action of this poison, inferred that the rattle-snake root might 
also be an useful remedy in pneumonia, and some diseases related to 
it; he accordingly tried it, and, from the experience of himself and 
others, found it a useful medicine in those disorders ; but on account 
of its stimulant properties it should not be employed till after the 
resolution of the inflammation by depletion and evacuations. It 
proves roost serviceable in the advanced stages of those disorders, 
(when further depletion is forbid from the debility of the patient,) by 
promoting expectoration and relieving the tightness of the chest. 
It has also been prescribed with much success in dropsies and 
rheumatism. Dr. Cullen says, " We have had some instances of its 
being useful, especially where it operated by producing sweat,"* We 
are told by Dr. Bree, that he found the decoction of Senega emi- 
nently useful in asthma, when administered to old people ; but in the 
paroxysms of young persons he found it too irritating. In America 
it has been much used, and with seeming success, in croup. In this 
disorder it is usually given in decoction, in divided doses repeated at 
intervals, until it operates either as an emetic or cathartic ; it is also 
used as a stimulant gargle in the same disease. Dr. Brandreth of 
Liverpool has also prescribed the extract of Senega in combination 
with carbonate of ammonia, with some success, in cases of lethargy. 
It may be given either in powder or decoction ; the former in doses 
of from ten grains to one drachm, the latter in doses of from one to 
two or three ounces three or four times a day. It is often prescribed 
in combination with opium, camphor, or aromatics, which check the 
nauseating effects it frequently produces. 
Off. The Root. 
Off. Pp. Decoctum Senegae, L. 
* Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 288. 
