Note on Stomachics.

Note—Among the agents of the second and third divisions of the first group of remedies in this book are several such as nux vomica, strychnine, capsicum, zanthoxylum, hydrastis, quinine, and avena, which serve a first purpose as stomach tonics although otherwise classed. Three or four of the above named remedies have been popular as such in the entire profession for many years. Other than these, the remedies here included in this and the following chapter although presented at some length, are mild in their action and possess properties, which are without doubt included in the influence of the remedies first above referred to, which possess an essentially wider and more positive influence.

There is great similarity in the action of such remedies as cornus florida, ptelea, liatris, frasera, asarum, and others of this character, which is mild throughout the entire field of their operation. They have no pronounced action.

Those in this first chapter at least have specific individual peculiarities that make them distinctive.

In the administration of the pure stomach tonics, if the indications for an acid are present, as shown by deep-red membranes, and a dark, narrow thin tongue, the agents of this group are best given in conjunction with hydrochloric or nitro-hydrochloric acid, or if the indications are those described in the specific symptomatology of this agent, indicating an excess of acids, certain alkaline remedies, as the sodium, potassium or ammonium salts, will increase the influence of these vegetable tonics.

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.