Senecio. Senecio aureus.

(Some of the Senecio species contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. More info here: Livertoxic PAs --Henriette.)

Synonym—Life Root.

CONSTITUENTS—

A bitter, acid principle, tannin, mucilage.

PREPARATIONS—

Extractum Senecionis Fluidum, Fluid Extract of Senecio. Dose, from half a dram to one dram.

Specific Medicine Senecio. Dose, from one to forty minims.

Physiological Action—Its specific influence is exercised upon the reproductive organs of the female, whether there be amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia or metrorrhagia—a disordered condition of the uterine functions—it is regulated by this agent; a general out-of-tone condition of the uterus or appendages, a relaxed condition of the supports to the womb, resulting in mild forms of displacement. It may be given between or during the menstrual periods. In a general hyperaemic, irritable and atonic condition of the pelvic organs, it works to the best advantage. The results are not immediate, but they are marked when they do occur.

It is of value in engorged, atonic conditions of the male sexual organs also; it increases functional activity, and is of value in impotency, although but mildly so. It is a reliable diuretic. It adds tone to, and increases the function. of the urinary apparatus, and overcomes urinary irritation; in stranguary it has a direct influence.

Therapy—The agent is specifically a tonic to the nervous and muscular structure of the reproductive organs in the female. It regulates the periodical discharges, overcoming irregularity in the quantity of the monthly flow. It will render valuable assistance in the permanent cure of leucorrhea. It removes the sensation of weight and engorgement experienced by many ladies in pelvic disorders, especially accompanying uterine displacements, giving great relief.

It will be found of value in gonorrhea, gleet and prostatorrhea, and also in the sexual irritability, and impotence of the male.

Senecio has an influence on the mucous surfaces, relieving congestion and correcting catarrhal disorders. It assists digestion, stimulates the secretion of gastric fluids and overcomes the conditions which cause the food to lie heavily in the stomach. In the accumulation of frothy saliva it is useful and in a constipation accompanying uterine disorders it is especially valuable.

The agent has exercised an active influence in a number of cases of capillary hemorrhage. It has been given in haematuria in spoonful doses of the fluid extract, three or four times a day, with positive results. In albuminuria, with occasional attacks of haematuria, especially if occurring during pregnancy, the agent will act promptly. In hemorrhage of the lungs, or from the stomach of a passive character, it will work well. In menorrhagia or metrorrhagia it is directly indicated.

Co-operatives—In acts in harmony with viburnum, helonias, aralia, mitchella repens, and other agents of this character.

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.