Scrophularia.

The leaves and roots of Scrophularia marylandica.

Preparation.—Tincture of Scrophularia.

Dose.—From five drops to one drachm.

Therapeutic Action.—It is said to be alterative, diuretic, emmenagogue, discutient, vulnerary, emetic, and cathartic.

In chronic cutaneous diseases, used both internally and topically, it often affords relief. Obstinate ulcers, the result of a depraved state of the fluids and solids, are frequently benefited by its use. Secondary or ternary syphilis calls for its exhibition. In chronic glandular diseases and visceral obstructions, it has been found eminently beneficial, especially in hepatic torpor, and other morbid or deranged states of that viscus. In menstrual obstructions or irregularities, dysmenorrhea, etc., some esteem it almost a specific.

Scrophularia is applied topically as a local anodyne, discutient, or resolvent and vulnerary agent. The fresh or even dried leaves may be bruised and simmered in milk and applied to cuts, bruises, painful and irritable ulcers, piles, swelling of the mammary glands, local inflammations, cutaneous eruptions, and abrasions of the surface, to relieve pain, allay irritation and inflammation. The root is also made into a poultice or fomentation, and employed to discuss indolent tumors and glandular swellings.

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