Haematoxylon.
The heart-wood of Haematoxylon campechianum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). Jamaica and the West Indies.
Common Name: Logwood.
Principal Constituents.—Tannin and haematoxylin, an alkaloidal indicator.
Preparations.—1. Decoctum Hamatoxyli, Decoction of Logwood (Logwood, 1 ounce; Water, 16 fluidounces). Dose, 1 to 2 fluidounces.
2. Extractum Hamatoxyli, Extract of Haematoxylon. Dose, 5 to 30 grains.
3. Specific Medicine Logwood. Dose, 5 to 30 drops.
Action and Therapy.—A mild, unirritating astringent and tonic formerly much used in chronic diarrhoea and summer complaint of children, and in passive hemorrhages, and colliquative sweats. It is now seldom employed.