Gillenia.

Bark of the root of Gillenia trifoliata.—U.S.

Preparations.—The powdered bark, a tincture of the recent root-bark.

Dose.—As an emetic, from grs. x. to grs. xxx, repeated every fifteen minutes; as a cathartic, grs. v. to xv. The tincture maybe employed as an emetic in doses of half a teaspoonful; as a laxative in doses of gtt. x. For the relief of irritation of mucous membranes, whether of digestive or respiratory apparatus, gtt. x. to xx. In water ℥iv.; a teaspoonful every one or two hours.

Therapeutic Action.—Gillenia is emetic, cathartic, diaphoretic, expectorant, and tonic. It is a mild and efficient emetic, and may be prescribed wherever a gentle agent of this kind is demanded. As an emetic, diaphoretic, expectorant and tonic, it may be used as a substitute for Ipecacuanha, which agent it closely resembles in its therapeutic action. In some sections of country it has nearly superseded the use of this article.

In intermittent and bilious remittent fevers, in inflammatory diseases of the respiratory organs, in rheumatism, dysentery, etc., it may be employed, first, with a view to its emetic influence; secondly, as a diaphoretic and aperient. In dysentery, Dr. Eberle speaks very highly of it in small doses, in combination with opium, as a sudorific. It may also be used with nitrate of potash and opium, as a diaphoretic in fevers.

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