Guarana.

The prepared seeds of Paullinia sorbilis.—Brazil.

Preparation.—Tincture of Guarana.

Dose.—The dose will vary from one to ten or even twenty drops.

Therapeutic Action.—The action of Guarana is somewhat analogous to Caffeine. Its primary effect is that of an excitant to the brain and spinal cord, and this is followed by a sense of exhaustion and a disposition to sleep.

Its principal use thus far has been as a remedy for headache, for which it was advertised as a specific. In my opinion it relieves those cases where we would give ether or ammonia. But I have seen it given in doses so large that the cure might depend upon its secondary narcotic action.

It has also been used and recommended as a tonic, a remedy for dyspepsia, diarrhoea and dysentery, leucorrhoea, and painful menstruation.

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