100 THOMSONIAN SYSTEM
Pleurisy Root
Asclepias Tuberosa
A diaphoretic that is always safe and certain in its action and when given in sufficiently large doses and in hot water is the ideal medication in pneumonia and pleurisy. In these acute conditions it must be combined with another agent such as Scutellaria. Asclepias should always be administered in the form of a hot infusion, or the tincture given in water hot as the patient can drink. It is an entirely safe sweating agent, and should be used freely until free perspiration is secured. In high temperature, especially in pneumonia, where quick action is desired, the regular dose should be administered every half hour or oftener. After free perspiration has been established, the dosage may be decreased, given less frequently, but always in warm water until the temperature is near normal and the lungs free from congestion.
"Asclepias is the diaphoretic, and is associated with a sedative when an increased action of the skin is required.
"Asclepias has a decided influence over serous and mucous membranes, hence it becomes exceedingly useful as an associate remedy in pleurisy, and alone is a decided remedy for catarrhal affections of the pulmonary and gastro-intestinal tracts, when due to colds. For these purposes it is especially adapted to the stomach and bowel disorders of children, exhibited by weakness, mucous discharges, and gastric irritability, with general nervous unrest. It is a remedy for vaso-disturbances in the parts supplied by the bronchial arteries, and is a prompt remedy for intercostal pain.
Next Page (97)