Silphium Gummiferum. (Rosin Weed.)

Preparation.—Prepare a tincture from the fresh plant, ℥viij. to Alcohol 76° Oj. Dose, from gtt. j. to gtts. x. The tincture of the root may be employed in some cases of cough, but is not so good as from the plant.

The Rosin Weed exerts a direct influence upon the respiratory tract, especially upon the nerve centers controlling the function. Its principal use thus far has been in the treatment of asthma, in some cases of which its action has been very decided. I think the cases in which it has proven most beneficial, are those in which there is a spasmodic dry cough, with sensations of dryness and constriction in the throat. I have not found it beneficial in lymphatic persons, or where there was congestion of mucous membranes, or profuse secretion.

I have employed it in the treatment of cough, with some advantage, but can not specify the cases in which it was useful or those in which it failed. It deserves thorough investigation, and will probably prove a valuable remedy. The tincture of the root has been furnished the profession by druggists, and the want of success with it is no evidence that the preparation from the plant is not anti-asthmatic.

Specific Medication and Specific Medicines, 1870, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.