Scrophularia. Scrophularia nodosa.

Synonyms—Carpenter's square, Scrofula plant, Figwort, Heal-all.

CONSTITUENTS—

According to Prof. Lloyd, there is present an alkaloid, a fixed oil, and a brown amorphous resin. From the alcoholic extract all amorphous, yellow powder has been obtained, which has some of the properties of digitalis.

PREPARATIONS—

A fluid extract is prepared, and a tincture.

Specific scrophularia may be given in doses of from five to thirty drops.

Specific Symptomatology—Marked evidences of cachexia. Depraved blood from any cause: glandular disorders of a chronic character, accompanied with disease of the skin. Ulcerations, eczema, excoriations from chronic skin disease. Those cases in which there is a peculiar pinkish tint, or pink and white tint to the complexion, with puffiness of the face, with full lips of a pallid character, are benefited by this remedy.

Therapy—The agent is administered in that class of cases, with the indications named, where a pure blood alterative is demanded. Its influence is perhaps more general than that of some of the better known remedies, but demands more time In the accomplishment of its results.

In disease of the glandular organs, resulting in dyscrasia; in general scrofula, in some cases of secondary syphilis, in depraved conditions of the system, where dropsy follows the remedy is demanded. Gross claimed that it was especially curative where from blood dyscrasia, ulceration would readily follow contusions, or wounds would not heal readily. It has been used to correct difficult menstruation and restore the lochial discharge. In the form of all ointment, it is applied to glandular inflammations, especially those of the mammary gland, and testicle, to bruises, ring worm, piles and chronic, painful swellings or enlargements. The agent should have more general use.

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.