Rheum Palmatum. (Rhubarb.)

Preparation.—Prepare a tincture from the best Russian, Turkey, or India Rhubarb, in the proportion of ℥viij. to Alcohol 50° Oj. Dose, from the fraction of a drop to ten drops.

It is not worth while to speak of the common use of Rhubarb, as there is no remedy better known and more used. But it will be noticed that we have recommended a wholly different preparation, and we propose to dispense it in small doses for its direct action.

In the proportion of Rx Tincture of Rhubarb, ʒj., Water, ℥iv., a teaspoonful every half hour or hour, it will be found one of our best remedies to control irritation of the stomach, and arrest vomiting. In children it is especially useful, where there is nervous irritability, manifested by restlessness, screams, and convulsive contraction of muscles.

In the same doses, less frequently repeated, it will prove an excellent tonic, strengthening the functions of both stomach and intestines, giving improved digestion. In indigestion, with some diarrhoea, of a papescent character, it will be found a good remedy.

In some cases it will prove our best remedy in the treatment of obstinate constipation. The cases are those in which there is an unnatural sensation of constriction in stomach and bowels, and contraction of the abdominal muscles. I prescribe it in these cases in doses of ten drops in a large glass of water, on rising in the morning. In the severer cases it is associated with thorough fatty innunction over the abdomen, and friction.

I employ it as a restorative, where there is special need of increased nutrition of nerve tissue. It is thus associated with the preparations of Phosphorus and with Cod Liver Oil.

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