Ammonium valerianicum

Volume I — Special Symptomatology

(Ammonia Valerianas.) Obtain, from the Muriate of Ammonia, placed in a suitable vessel, in coarse powder, and an equal weight of lime, previously slaked and in powder, gaseous ammonia, and cause it to pass, first through a bottle filled with pieces of lime, and afterward through four fluid ounces of Valerianic acid, contained in a tall, narrow, glass vessel, until the acid is neutralized: set the vessel aside that crystals may form. Break the salt in pieces, drain it in a

glass funnel, dry on bibulous paper, and keep in a well stopped bottle. It is now white, pearly, four-sided crystals, perfectly dry, of an offensive odor, like Valerianic acid, and a sharp, sweetish taste. Effloresces in dry air, deliquesces in a moist atmosphere. Very soluble in water and alcohol.

Officinal Preparations. — Triturations. Tincture ; dilutions. ° Violent neuralgise with great nervous agitation.

(See Therapeutics.)

Volume II — Special Therapeutics

This medicine has not been used to any extent in our school, but allopathists value it very highly in those severe neuralgic headaches which are attended by great nervous agitation, conjoined to physical prostration.

It is equally useful in prosopalgia, when the pain is insupportable, the face is cold and pale, the extremities cold, and great nervous erethism exists.

Some of the Ammonia salts seem to have specific power over neuralgise. The bromide is efficacious when congestion of the head is present ; the muriate when the liver is the seat of the original disorder ; and the valerianate when the cranial nerves are especially involved.

This salt will be found useful in certain kinds of sleeplessness, especially when it arises from emotional excitements, hysterical conditions, or excessive indulgence in the drinking of green tea or coffee.

The first decimal dilution, in doses of ten drops, or a teaspoonful, is usually sufficient. The allopathists use the Elixir ; each teaspoonful containing ten grains, which they give at each dose, repeating it every two or three hours.