Epilobium Palustre.
For general use the infusio is the preferable form for administration; but we have a tincture prepared with dilute alcohol, employing pressure.
The Epilobium exerts a specific influence upon the intestinal mucous membrane, relieving irritation, and promoting normal function. Thus, it is employed in acute diarrhoea and dysentery, and in colic, with advantage. I have also prescribed it to quiet the irritation and check the diarrhoea in typhoid fever, with marked benefit.
It is especially valuable, however, in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery; sometimes effecting cures where all other means had failed. Thus, I employed it extensively in the treatment of the chronic diarrhoea during the recent war, and with a success not to be obtained from other remedies. I do not pretend to account for its action, but its curative influence is well established.
Specific Medication and Specific Medicines, 1870, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.