Prunus Virginiana. (Wild Cherry.)

The tincture of Prunus should be prepared from the fresh inner bark, in the proportion of ℥viij. to Alcohol 50° Oj. Dose from gtts. v. to ʒss.

In addition to its tonic influence, which it possesses in common with many of our indigenous bitters, it has other valuable medicinal properties. It allays irritation of mucous membrane, both of the gastro-intestinal canal, the respiratory tract, and urinary apparatus. This will probably prove its most important use. The influence upon the circulation and upon secretion is not decided, but in atonic states will sometimes be found very desirable. In some of these cases I have combined it with the Tincture of Nux Vomica or Solution of Strychnia, with excellent results.

The remedy is so common, and so easily prepared, that it should find a place in every office, and I have no doubt that as it is employed, other uses than those named will be developed.

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