Eryngium. Eryngium aquaticum.

Synonym—Button Snakeroot.

CONSTITUENT—

Volatile oil.

PREPARATION—

Specific Eryngium. Dose, from one to ten minims.

Physiological Action—Diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant, emetic.

Specific Symptomatology—Irritation of the bladder and urethra, dysuria, atonic dropsy, gravel, chronic nephritis, chronic bronchitis with profuse expectoration, chronic gonorrhcea, nymphomania and satyriasis, phthisis with profuse expectoration, chronic laryngitis, mucous diarrhea and summer complaint, epidemic influenza, scrofulous ophthalmia, hemorrhoids and prolapsus ani.

Therapy—Eryngium is a general stimulant, being diaphoretic and diuretic, with a special affinity for the mucous membranes. It has been given in infusion as a diaphoretic, in dropsy, gravel and jaundice, and in the commencing stage of catarrhal inflammation, such as occurs in the upper air passages in epidemic influenza. It must be given early in acute cases as a diaphoretic.

In chronic disease of the respiratory organs, with a relaxed condition of the mucous membranes, it acts as a stimulating expectorant like senega.

It is especially valuable in chronic irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes; and on the urinary passages it has been shown to possess specific powers, as in dysuria from stricture, and in gleet and chronic gonorrhea.

It also acts as a tonic upon the reproductive function, and is a very positive remedy in nymphomania and satyriasis.

It may be given as a tonic in cases of weak digestion, and to promote the appetite in general debility, and in convalescence from fevers.

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.