Anemopsis. Anemopsis californica.

Synonym—Yerba Del Manza.

This is highly valued by the native Indians of Southern California and Mexico. The California observers have used it extensively.

The remedy possesses tonic astringent and antiseptic properties.

The dose of anemopsis specific medicine is from five to thirty drops. The root is the part used in medicine.

It is a tonic not only to the gastro-intestinal tract, but also to the respiratory and renal organs. It has an aromatic warming and astringent taste, not at all unpleasant. It seems to possess properties very much like those of piper methysticum, and it can be used in the same conditions, as a tonic; combined with very small doses of specific nux vomica it is very efficient. In tuberculosis, it has repute among the natives, and especially in tuberculosis with great weakness, and tendency to hemorrhage. If it be added to specific medicine lycopus, it will give good results.

For feebleness of the mucous membranes, with a tendency to breaking down of the tissues, given internally and as far as possible applied locally, it gives good results. In gonorrhea and such urinary troubles where cubebs are given, anemopsis is good. In painful diarrhea and dysentery with passages of blood and mucus, also in bad cases of typhoid, Dr. Oliver spoke very highly of it. The doctor in these cases used it in decoction, and so prepared it can be given freely.

In bad bruises, in tibial ulcers, and also in syphilitic sores, it makes a good local application.

Dr. Munk of Los Angeles used it for some time in nasal catarrh. He adds from ten to thirty drops of the, fluid medicine to a two-ounce prescription, consisting of glycerin, one dram, aqua dest. to make two ounces. This is used as a spray in the head and the throat every two to four hours. He has had considerable success with it.

The specific indications for its use in catarrh are, "a full, stuffy sensation in the head and throat."

It is a mucous membrane remedy, and whenever we have cough with expectoration, or wasting discharges from the bowels, or urinary tract, it is indeed a good remedy. When using it locally, as in catarrh, be sure and give it internally. The compound syrup of the hypophosphites makes a splendid vehicle in which to administer it.

The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919, was written by Finley Ellingwood, M.D.
It was scanned by Michael Moore for the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.