Specific Indication for Sodium Phosphate

The phosphate of sodium is a valuable remedy, but mild in its action and somewhat slow in accomplishing results. Its field is similar to that of other liver remedies generally considered, that is, it is beneficial where the liver is inactive, where the skin is sallow, where the bowel movements are pale or clay colored.

In the following conditions it is also a specific. In catarrhal conditions of the upper bowels, with colicy pains in the abdomen; where there is irregular action of the bowels with sour or acrid eructations three or four hours after eating; where there is a sensation of weight and fullness in the region of the liver, with great discomfort when lying on the left side, which is described as a dragging or pulling sensation in the region of the liver.

Also, in summer diarrheas, where there is large, colorless, watery discharges, with a chalky like deposit on napkins upon drying; or where the discharges are greenish or feculent. If cystitic irritation is present with the above named symptoms, or if such irritation is induced by the presence of uric acid, this agent is curative.

To an adult, from fifteen to thirty grains in a half a glass of hot water before meals is a satisfactory method of administration. To infants, from ten grains to a dram in three ounces of water, a teaspoonful every three hours is the proper dose.

At various times suggestions have been made in favor of the use of cranberries in the treatment of both acute and chronic rheumatism. It has been suggested as positively an anti-rheumatic remedy. A decoction is made of the berries in conjunction with both the leaves, the stalk and the root of the plant, in the proportion of two ounces to six ounces of water. The above quantity is drunk every 24 hours, from four to ten weeks, this time required to cure chronic cases. Acute cases will yield readily if at all. The influence of the agent is slow and increases gradually from time to time, and it is advisable to continue the agent quite a little time after the symptoms have disappeared.

Ellingwood's Therapeutist, Vol. 3, 1909, was edited by Finley Ellingwood M.D.