Erigeron.

The plant of E. heterophyllum, E. philadelphicum.—U.S.

Therapeutic Action.—These species of Erigeron are diuretic, tonic, diaphoretic and astringent. The two species possess identical medical properties, and are highly esteemed by many practitioners in gravel, nephritic affections and certain forms of dropsy. Dr. Wistar of Philadelphia used them with much advantage in hydrothorax complicated with gout. The infusion or decoction of fleabane is said to have increased the secretion of urine in a single day, from twenty-four to sixty-seven ounces. From this we may infer that it possesses no ordinary amount of diuretic power. It affords relief in strangury produced by cantharides, suppression of urine, gravel, diabetes, chronic nephritis, and other urinary affections. It has also been recommended as a diaphoretic in cutaneous diseases, rheumatism, etc., and as an astringent in hemorrhages and chronic diarrhoea, though it is not equal to the Canada Fleabane for this latter purpose. It is also said to have been serviceable in coughs and catamenial obstructions.

The American Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1898, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.