Lycopus Virginicus. (Bugle Weed.)

Preparation.—Prepare a tincture from the fresh plant gathered in July and August at the time of flowering, using ℥viij. to Alcohol 76° Oj.

The tincture of Lycopus prepared as above, will be found a very valuable remedy, and will take place with Veratrum and Aconite. It is a very certain sedative, where increased frequency of pulse is dependent upon want of power. For this purpose we employ it in all forms of chronic disease with frequent pulse, and in the advanced stages of acute disease where there is great debility. No remedy is more certain in its action in these cases; and we will find that as the pulse is reduced in frequency; it is increased in strength, and there is a more regular and uniform circulation of blood.

The remedy evidently acts upon the sympathetic system of nerves, and we not only have an improvement in the circulation, but every vegetative function feels its influence. Thus it improves the appetite and blood-making, nutrition and secretion.

It has been employed more extensively in the treatment of hemoptysis than in any other disease. In these cases its action is slow, hut very certain, and its influence seems to come from its sedative action—in this it resembles Digitalis. Employed in phthisis, we find it relieving the cough, checking night sweats and diarrhoea, lessening the frequency of the pulse, improving the appetite and giving better digestion. We observe the same influence from the protracted use of Veratrum in these cases, evidencing the relationship between the remedies.

Those who live where the Bugle weed can be gathered, should not neglect the opportunity of procuring the fresh plant and preparing a tincture for the coming year. I am satisfied that it will well repay the trouble.

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