Verbena hastata

Volume I — Special Symptomatology

(Blue Vervain.)

Officinal Preparations. — Tincture of the leaves or root ; dilutions* (Infusion for external application.) Analogues. — Arnica (?), Bryonia (?).

[The uses of this remedy are given iu a paper contributed to the trans actions of the New York State Homoeopathic Society, by Dr. S. M. Griffin, accompanied by beautiful engravings of the plant. See Vol. VIII, 1870, page 324.]

° Rhus poisoning. Dr. Griffin reports many cases of persons who were suffering severely from poisoning by poison ivy, cured in a very short time by the external application of an infusion, or the tincture largely diluted. He says the swelling, itching and burning are relieved in a few hours.

° Promotes the absorption of blood effused in bruises, and allays the attendant pain. {King.)

Vesicular erysipelas. (?)

[The country people call this plant Ague-weed, from its supposed value in intermittents. It is as bitter as Quinine, and I have known many instances of old agues being arrested, not to return, by the use of the infusion.— Rale.]

Volume II — Special Therapeutics

This plant, commonly known as Ironweed, grows profusely on the prairies and low bottom lands all over the United States.

It is a popular domestic remedy for ague, especially when chronic. The root is intensely and disagreeably bitter.

Dr. Griffin, of New York, introduced it into our practice, in a paper read before the New York State Homoeopathic Society, as a remedy for the poisoning of Rhus tox. and other species of Rhus. He relied upon its external application. If it has any specific powers over Rhus poisoning, I do not see why it should not prove curative in vesicular and erysipelatous eruptions in general. I trust you will test its value in such cases. A weak infusion is, after being strained, applied constantly to the affected skin. It should be given internally at the same time in small

doses. If a distilled extract, prepared as Hamamelis is, was made officinal, I think it would be the most eligible application. I hope the whole plant will be proven soon.