ANTHELMINTICS.
Anthelmintic means "against a worm," and is a term employed to designate those medicines which destroy or expel worms. It means the same as Vermifuge. Little is understood concerning the origin of worms. There are five distinct varieties described by authors as being more common than others. There is the long worm, the short, or pin-worm, the thread-worm, the tape-worm, and the broad tape-worm peculiar to some countries of Europe. Irritation of the alimentary canal, from whatever cause usually produces an abundant secretion of mucus, which is thought to be a condition favorable for their production. Therefore, those medicines which remove the cause of this irritation tend to diminish the number, if not to entirely destroy the worms. Some medicines kill the worms, others expel them alive. The remedies which successfully remove one kind of worm, have little effect upon another, and to meet these different conditions, we have a variety of worm-destroying medicines. The pin-worm, inhabits the rectum, and may be destroyed by injecting into it a strong solution of salt, or decoction of aloes, and when it is allowed to pass away, the rectum should be anointed with vaseline, butter, or lard. The eggs of this worm are developed around the orifice of the large intestine, and when this latter precaution is not practiced every time there is a passage from the bowels, they will multiply as rapidly as they can be destroyed. Generally, vermifuge remedies should be taken when the stomach is empty, and should be followed by the administration of a cathartic in two hours after the last dose is administered.
Santonin. This is decidedly the most reliable anthelmintic known to the medical profession. It is deservedly a popular remedy for worms, and when combined with Podophyllin, is very efficacious in removing the pin-worm. Dose—For an adult, two to three grains of the powdered Santonin, repeated every three hours until four or five doses are taken, when it should be followed by a cathartic.
Sage (Salvia Officinalis). Sage is a common and excellent domestic remedy for worms. Make an infusion of Sage and Senna leaves, and drink freely until it acts as a cathartic.
Pink-root (Spigelia Marilandica). Pink-root is one of the most active and certain anthelmintics for children. It is indigenous to the United States. When taken in too large quantities, it is apt to purge, give rise to vertigo, dimness of vision, and even to convulsions; therefore, it should be combined with some cathartic. Dose—Of the infusion, one ounce at night, followed by physic in the morning.
Common Salt (Chloride of Sodium). Common table salt is an anthelmintic, and may be used in an emergency. Salt water is a very common domestic remedy for worms. Dose—In solution, one-quarter to one-half teaspoonful.
Balmony (Chelone Glabra). This is also tonic and anthelmintic, and is valuable in debility, dyspepsia, jaundice, and hepatic affections. It also is known as Snake-head. Dose—Of the infusion, one to two ounces; of the concentrated principle, Chelonin, from half to one grain.
Male Fern (Aspidium Filix Mas). Male Fern is the anthelmintic which is considered especially effectual in removing the tape-worm. Dose—Of the powder, one to two drachms, given morning and evening in syrup, followed by a brisk cathartic. The dose of the tincture of the buds in ether is from eight to thirty drops.
Poplar (Populus Tremuloides). The White or Aspen Poplar is a common tree, and contains active principles termed Populin and Salicin, both of which are tonic. An infusion of the bark is a remedy for worms. Dose—Of the tea made from the bark, one to four ounces; of Populin, from one-half to two grains.