Spigelia Marilandica.
Syn.—Spigelia; Maryland Pink.
P. E.—Roots; also the rhizome.
N. O.—Loganiaceae.
N. H.—United States.
Properties: Anthelmintic.
Use: This is claimed to be a specific for the removal of worms from the intestinal tract. Diet should be light while it is used. The fluid extract is what is generally given; the dose being 20 to 30 drops in proper menstruum ½ to 1 hour before breakfast and before retiring, to be continued for 2 to 3 days, when it is followed by a good non-irritating physic. It appears to be our best remedy for the removal of lumbricoides from the intestinal tract. They may be expelled as a slimy mass or in parts. In overdoses it has a narcotic effect which may be aborted by combining it with some cathartic.
The Materia Medica and Clinical Therapeutics, 1905, was written by Fred J. Petersen, M.D.
