Cinnamomum.

The bark of Laurus cinnamomum.—Ceylon.

Preparation.—Tincture of Oil of Cinnamon.

Dose.—From ten drops to one drachm.

Therapeutic Action.—Cinnamon is stimulant, tonic, stomachic and astringent. It is one of the most grateful of the aromatic stimulants; pleasant to the taste, it produces a sensation of warmth in the stomach, promotes the function of assimilation, and in full doses acts as an excitant to the vascular and nervous systems. Like other aromatics, its local excitant action exceeds its general influence as a stimulant.

For medicinal purposes it is often added to bitter and tonic infusions and compounds, and also to purgatives, to improve their taste, and prevent nausea or griping. It is useful to allay nausea, arrest vomiting, and prevent flatulence.

As an astringent, it is useful in diarrhoea, especially where a topical stimulant is required at the same time. As a cordial and stimulant, it is sometimes employed in the advanced stages of fever, and becomes especially valuable if there is diarrhoea.

We have used the cinnamon in the form of an infusion with very good effect in checking redundant menstrual and lochial discharges, and also in cases of uterine and other passive hemorrhages. The tincture is deservedly a popular remedy in post partum hemorrhage, and many physicians would not feel safe without this remedy in their cases.

The American Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1898, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.