Viscum Album.
Syn.—Mistletoe; Viscum Flavescens.
P. E.—Leaves, twigs and bark.
N. O.—Loranthaceae.
N. H.—Asia, Europe and America.
Properties: Parturient, emmenagogue, antispasmodic. Physiological action: It stimulates the vaso-motor nerves, contracting the arterioles. Having a special action upon the uterus. Stimulates heart's action and thus proves a good remedy where. its action is weak and there is low arterial tension. In diseases of the brain or spinal cord of a congestive nature it is of great value on account of its stimulating effect, consequently in active congestion or active hyperemia it should not be used. Where there is a lack of tone or passive congestion it is a good remedy.
Indications: Where there is flow of blood to the brain, flushing of the face and frequent headache. With above conditions it is of great value in amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea and other diseases of women.
Use: It is a good cardiac tonic, especially in cases where dropsy is associated with heart trouble. In hypertrophy of the heart with valvular insufficiency with dropsy of extremities, small, weak pulse, dyspnea, it sometimes gives astonishing relief where other remedies fail. In chorea it is a good remedy, in doses of 1 to 5 drops 3 to. 5 times a day, especially where there is a condition of atony and lack of vitality. If it increases the trouble, decrease the dose. In some cases of spasms and convulsions it has relieved where other remedies failed. It may be given in v to x drop doses 2 to 3 times a day.
The Materia Medica and Clinical Therapeutics, 1905, was written by Fred J. Petersen, M.D.
