Part 37 (2/2)

By antispasmodics are meant those articles that a.s.sist, through their physiological action, in relaxing the nervous and muscular systems.

Hence the reader will perceive, by the definition we have given of this cla.s.s of remedies, that we cannot recommend or employ the agents used by our brethren of the allopathic school, for many of them act pathologically. The cla.s.s we use are simple, yet none the less efficient.

Professor Curtis says, when alluding to the action of medicinal agents, ”Experiments have shown that many vegetable substances, which seem in themselves quite bland and harmless, are antidotes to various poisons.

Thus the skullcap (_scutellaria laterifolia_) is said to be a remedy for hydrophobia, the _alisma plantago_ and _polemonium reptans_ for the bites of serpents, and lobelia for the sting of insects. They are good; but why? Because they are permanently relaxing and stimulating, and depurate the whole system.”

Natural antispasmodics are warmth and moisture. The medicinal ones are lobelia, Indian hemp, castor musk, ginseng, a.s.safoetida, pleurisy root, Virginia snakeroot, camomile, wormwood. The above are only specimens. There is no limit to the number and variety of articles in the vegetable kingdom that will act as antispasmodics or relaxants. They may be given internally or applied externally: the effect is the same.

FOMENTATIONS.

This cla.s.s of remedies is usually composed of relaxants, &c., of several kinds, combined with tonics, stimulants, and anodynes. They are very useful to relieve pain, to remove rigidity, to restore tone, and to stimulate the parts to which they are applied.

_Common Fomentation._

Wormwood, } Tansy, } equal parts.

Hops, }

Moisten them with equal parts of boiling water and vinegar, and apply them blood warm.

_Use._--For all kinds of bruises and sprains. They should be confined to the injured parts, and kept moist with the superabundant fluid. When it is not practicable to confine a fomentation to the injured parts, as in shoulder or hip lameness, constant bathing with the decoction will answer the same purpose.

_Anodyne Fomentation._

Hops, a handful.

White poppy heads, 1 ounce.

Water and vinegar, equal parts.

Simmer a few minutes.

_Use._--In all painful bruises.

_Relaxing Fomentation_

Powdered lobelia, 2 ounces.

Boiling water, 2 quarts.

Simmer for a few minutes, and when sufficiently cool, bathe the parts with a soft sponge.

_Use._--In all cases of stiff joints, and rigidity of the muscles.

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