Prunus.

The bark of Prunus virginiana.—U. S.

Preparations.—Tincture Prunus. Syrup Prunus Virg.

Dose.—Of either, the dose will be from gtt. v. to ʒj.

Therapeutic Action.—The Prunus Virginiana is tonic, astringent and sedative.

The bark of the wild cherry is regarded as one of our most valuable indigenous remedial agents. It is a mild, an irritating aromatic tonic, and very acceptable to the stomach. Its first impression seems to be that of an excitant, agreeably to the testimony of Drs. Morris and Eberle, but it is not generally supposed to be possessed of excitant properties. It is are mild and valuable tonic, used with advantage in cases of dyspepsia; especially when connected with an irritable state of the stomach, or when attended with general irritability of the nervous system, over which it exerts a manifestly sedative influence. It is well suited to the debility which follows many inflammatory diseases, in which cases it is admissible at an earlier period than the more stimulating and energetic tonics. It has been employed very successfully, as a tonic, in the treatment of intermittent fevers, but is inferior to the cinchona.

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