Protection, Exorcism
Action: febrifuge, diaphoretic, bitter tonic, laxative, immune stimulant.
Keynote: children’s fevers. Induces heavy sweating to reduce a raised temperature and eliminate toxins via the skin. Antispasmodic to the respiratory organs. Was official in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia for nearly a century, 1820-1916. Reported to be anti-neoplastic. (Indian J. Chem., 13, 541 (1975))
Uses: Fevers, “ache-all-over” influenza. Acute pain in the bones (from which it derives its name). Fractures, to promote healing of broken bones. Used with success in malaria (Virgil Vogel). Dengue fever. Bronchitis.
Skin diseases accompanying children’s fevers (measles, chicken pox, etc). Acquitted itself well in combating yellow fever epidemic, Philadelphia, 1793.
Combines well with Yarrow or Elderflowers or Composition for colds and feverishness in children. Preparations. Thrice daily.
Tea. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes; half-1 cup every 2 hours (acute). Thrice daily (chronic).
Liquid extract. 15-30 drops in water.
Tincture BHP (1983) 1:5 in 45 per cent alcohol: dose 1-4ml.
Powder. 375mg (quarter of a teaspoon).
Habitat: Damp places.
Features ? One or more erect stems, branched at top. Leaves opposite, lanceolate, four to six inches long, united at base, crenate edges, tiny, yellow resin dots beneath. Flowers August to October. Persistently bitter taste.Part used ? Herb.Action: Diaphoretic, febrifuge, tonic, laxative, expectorant.
Influenza and feverish conditions generally, for which purpose it is very successfully used by the American negroes. Also used in catarrhs. The infusion of 1 ounce to 1 pint boiling water may be given in wineglassful doses frequently, hot as a diaphoretic and febrifuge, cold as a tonic.F. H. England, of the College of Medicine and Surgery, Chicago (Physio- Medical) says ? "It is a pure relaxant to the liver. It acts slowly and persistently. Its greatest power is manifested upon the stomach, liver, bowels and uterus."
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