Aralia hispida. (Dwarf elder.)

The Dwarf Elder has been extensively and successfully employed in dropsy. The infusion has usually been employed, and given freely.

I would suggest a tincture of the recent bark, in dilute Alcohol, in the proportion of ℥viij. to the Oj.; dose gtts. x. to ʒj.

I have employed it to but a limited extent, yet with good results. It has a very positive influence on the circulation, and upon secretion. Does it not act on them through the sympathetic nervous system? and may we not influence all the vegetative functions with it, as we do with some others? It is deserving thorough investigation.

Specific Medication and Specific Medicines, 1870, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.