Part 43 (1/2)

OLEUM LINI, (flaxseed oil.) This is a useful aperient and laxative in cattle practice, and may be given in all cases of constipation, provided, however, it is not accompanied with chronic indigestion: if such be the case, a diffusible stimulant, combined with a bitter tonic, (golden seal,) aided by an injection, will probably do more good, as they will arouse the digestive function. The above aperient may then be ventured on with safety. The dose for a cow is one pint.

OLIVE OIL. This is a useful aperient for sheep. The dose is from half a gill to a gill.

OPODELDOC. The different preparations of this article are used for strains and bruises, after the inflammatory action has somewhat subsided.

_Liquid Opodeldoc._

Soft soap, 6 ounces.

New England rum, 1 pint and a half.

Vinegar, half a pint.

Oil of lavender, 2 ounces.

The oil of lavender should first be dissolved in an equal quant.i.ty of alcohol, and then added to the mixture.

PENNYROYAL, (_hedeoma_.) This plant, administered in warm infusion, promotes perspiration, and is good in flatulent colic.

PEPPERMINT, (_mentha piperita_.) An ounce of the herb infused in a quart of boiling water relieved spasmodic pains of the stomach and bowels, and is a good carminative, (to expel wind,) provided the alimentary ca.n.a.l is free from obstruction.

PLANTAIN LEAVES, (_plantago major_.) This article is held in high repute for the cure of hydrophobia and bites from poisonous reptiles. The bruised leaves are applied to the parts; the powdered herb and roots to be given internally at discretion.

PLEURISY ROOT, (_asclepias tuberosa_.) We have given this article a fair trial in cattle practice, and find it to be invaluable in the treatment of catarrh, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, and consumption. The form in which we generally prescribe it is,--

Powdered pleurisy root, half a table-spoonful.

” marshmallow roots, 1 ounce.

Boiling water sufficient to make a thin mucilage. The addition of a small quant.i.ty of honey increases its diaph.o.r.etic properties.

POMEGRANATE, (_punica granatum_.) The rind of this article is a powerful astringent, and is occasionally used to expel worms. A strong decoction makes a useful wash for falling of the womb, or fundament.

Given as an infusion, in the proportion of half an ounce of the rind to a quart of water, it will arrest diarrhoea.

POPLAR, (_populus tremuloides_.) It possesses tonic, demulcent, and alterative properties. It is often employed, in our practice, as a local application, in the form of poultice. The infusion is a valuable remedy in general debility, and in cases of diseased urinary organs.

PRINCE'S PINE, (_chimaphila_.) This plant is a valuable remedy in dropsy. It possesses diuretic and tonic properties. It does not produce the same prostration that usually attends the administration of diuretics, for its tonic property invigorates the kidneys, while, at the same time, it increases the secretion of urine. The best way of administering it is by decoction. It is made by boiling four ounces of the fresh-bruised leaves in two quarts of water. After straining, a table-spoonful of powdered marshmallows may be added, to be given in pint doses, night and morning.

PYROLIGNEOUS ACID. See _Acid_.

RASPBERRY LEAVES, (_rubus strigosus_.) An infusion of this plant may be employed with great advantage in cases of diarrhoea.

ROMAN WORMWOOD, (_ambrosia artemisifolia_.) This plant is a very bitter tonic, and vermifuge. An infusion may be advantageously given in cases of general debility and loss of cud. A strong decoction may be given to sheep and pigs that are infested with worms. If given early in the morning, and before the animals are fed, it will generally have the desired effect.

ROSE, RED, (_rosa gallica_.) We have occasionally used the infusion, and find it of great value as a wash for chronic ophthalmia.

The infusion is made by pouring a pint of boiling water on a quarter of an ounce of the flowers. It is then strained through fine linen, when it is fit for use.

Sa.s.sAFRAS, (_laurus sa.s.safras_.) The bark of sa.s.safras root is stimulant, and possesses alterative properties. We have used it extensively, in connection with sulphur, for eruptive diseases, and for measles in swine, in the following proportions:--