TRINER’S AMERICAN ELIXIR OF BITTER WINE
Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry
Triner’s American Elixir of Bitter Wine is a wine to which bitter drugs and laxatives have been added. Though evidently intended for public consumption, it is also advertised to physicians, and consequently the Council publishes this report.
Some recent advertisements read:
“It Acts Well and Is Very Palatable. These are the reasons why so many physicians recommend TRINER’S AMERICAN ELIXIR OF BITTER WINE. Free from any chemicals. Prepared from bitter herbs roots and barks of eminent medicinal value and pure natural red wine. A safe relief in auto-intoxication, constipation, weakness, etc. Price $1.00. At drug Stores. Samples gratis upon request only to physicians.”
“A Laxative Tonic. In cases of constipation and its sequelæ, autointoxication, weakness and nervousness you should try Triner’s American Elixir of Bitter Wine. This preparation consists of Cascara Sagrada, Dandelion, Gentian Root, with Licorice in Pure Red Wine as a base, with Aromatics.”
Triner’s American Elixir of Bitter Wine is put up in bottles said to hold 1 pint, 51⁄3 fluidounces. The label declares the presence of from 16 to 18 per cent. alcohol by volume, and states that “no special tax is required by the laws of the U. S. for the sale of this medicinal preparation.” The circular contains the following recommendations for its use:
“... It should be used in all cases calling for a safe evacuation of the bowels, without weakening the body or causing any pain or other discomfort; in loss of appetite, nervousness and weakness.”
“Triner’s American Elixir of Bitter Wine consists of two principal ingredients, viz., Red Wine and Medicinal Herbs.”
“Red Wine strengthens the intestines and regulates their work. It also increases the appetite, stimulates and strengthens the body.”
“Use Triner’s American Elixir of Bitter Wine always when a thorough cleaning out of the intestines is needed. Arrange the dose to suit your condition and habits.”
“In Chronic Constipation the dose of Triner’s American Elixir of Bitter Wine should be increased or taken oftener.”
“Many Female Troubles are caused or aggravated by constipation and ladies should always pay good attention to this fact.”
In addition to Triner’s Elixir of Bitter Wine, the circular—in English, Polish, Russian, Spanish and other languages—advises the use of Triner’s Angelica Bitter Tonic, Triner’s Red Pills, Triner’s Liniment and Triner’s Cough Sedative.
The composition of this “wine”—some bitter drugs, a laxative and a tannin-containing, constipating red wine—and advertising propaganda all tend to the continued use of this alcoholic stimulant and thus to the unconscious formation of a desire for alcoholic stimulation. As the medical journal advertisements may lead physicians to prescribe this secret and irrational preparation and thus unconsciously lead to alcoholism, the Council authorized publication of this report.—(From The Journal A. M. A., July 14, 1917.)