Liatris. Liatris spicata.

Synonyms—Gay Feather, Colic Root.

PREPARATIONS—

Extractum Liatris Fluidum, Fluid Extract of Liatris. Dose, from one-half dram to one dram.

Specific Medicine Liatris. Dose, from ten to sixty minims.

Infusion Liatris. Dose, from one to four drams.

Physiological Action—The agent has the properties, to a mild degree, of a bitter tonic. It is said to act as an antispasmodic to spasm of the muscular structure of the intestines, relieving spasmodic colic. It stimulates the kidneys and has been used in dropsies. It may be used in the latter stages of fevers as an eliminant.

Therapy—Liatris stimulates the stomach mildly, and is a tonic and antispasmodic to the entire gastro-intestinal apparatus, relieving colic and soothing irritation, after fevers and after other acute prostrating diseases, restoring healthy glandular action. Its eliminative action is quite marked, it having been often used in syphilis and scrofula.

It is a prompt diuretic, relieving kidney irritation and assisting in the removal of dropsical effusions, but we have more direct and efficient remedies.

The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919, was written by Finley Ellingwood, M.D.
It was scanned by Michael Moore for the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.