TONICS.
Tonics are remedies which moderately exalt the energies of all parts of the body, without causing any deviation of healthy function. While stimulants are transient in their influence, tonics are comparatively permanent.
White Poplar (Liriodendron Tulipfera), called also American Poplar, or White Wood. The part used is the inner bark. This is a mild but valuable tonic for domestic use. Dose—Of the infusion, from one-half to one ounce; of tincture, from one to two teaspoonfuls.
Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis). The part used is the flowers. This is a mild, unirritating tonic. Dose—Of infusion (one-fourth ounce of flowers to a pint of water) one-half to one ounce.
Gentian (Gentiana Lutead). The root is the part used. This is a favorite domestic tonic in many localities. Dose—Of powdered root, five to ten grains; of the tincture, ten to twenty drops; of the fluid extract, five to ten drops, four or five times a day.
Nux Vomica (Strychnos Nux Vomica), or Dog Button. This is a powerful tonic. It increases innervation and is particularly valuable in cases marked by feeble circulation and general impairment of muscular power. In overdoses it is poisonous, and hence must be employed with much caution. Dose—Of the tincture, three to five drops; of the fluid extract, one to three drops.
Willow (Salix Alba). Willow is a tonic and an astringent. Dose—Of the decoction, from one to two fluid ounces; of the concentrated principle, Salicin, from two to four grains.
Dogwood (Cornus Florida). Dogwood, also known Boxwood, is tonic, astringent, and slightly stimulant. Dose—Of the solid extract, from three to five grains; of the infusion, from one to two ounces; of the fluid extract, from ten to twenty drops.
Wafer-ash (Ptelea Trifoliata), also called Swamp Dogwood. The bark is used. This is a pure, unirritating tonic. Dose—Of tincture, one-half to one teaspoonful; of fluid extract ten to twenty drops; of the infusion, one to two fluid ounces.
Golden Seal (Hydrastis Canadensis). Golden Seal is a powerful and most valuable tonic. It is a valuable local remedy when used as a general injection in leucorrhea. Dose—Of the powder, from ten to thirty grains; of the tincture, from one-half to one fluid drachm; of the fluid extract, from ten to twenty drops; of the concentrated principle, Hydrastin, from two to three grains; of the muriate of hydrastia, from one-half to one grain.
American Colombo (Frasera Carolinensis). American Colombo is a simple tonic. Dose—Of the powdered root, from ten to fifteen grains; of the infusion one-half to one fluid ounce, three or four times a day; of the active principle, Fraserin, one to three grains.
Gold Thread (Coptis Trifolia). Gold Thread is a pure and powerful, bitter tonic, and is also efficacious as a wash for sore mouth or as a gargle. Dose—Of the decoction, from two to six fluid drachms; of the tincture, from one-half to two teaspoonfuls; of fluid extract, from ten to twenty drops.
Iron (Ferrum). Different preparations of iron are frequently prescribed by physicians. They are particularly valuable in anæmic conditions of the system. The following are a few of the preparations of this metal most generally used:
Iron by Hydrogen (Ferri Redactum). Dose—One to two grains.
Carbonate of Iron (Ferri Carbonas). Dose—One to three grains.
Citrate of Iron (Ferri Citras). Dose—One to three grains.
Pyrophosphate of Iron (Ferri Pyrophosphas). Dose—One to three grains.
Tincture of Muriate of Iron (Tinctura Ferri Chloridi). Dose—Three to twenty drops.
Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription. The Favorite Prescription, in addition to those properties already described, likewise combines tonic properties. In consequence of the never ceasing activities of the bodily organs, the system requires support, something to permanently exalt its actions. In all cases of debility, the Favorite Prescription tranquilizes the nerves, tones up the organs and increases their vigor, and strengthens the system. Directions for use accompany every bottle.
Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery. In addition to the alterative properties combined in this compound, it possesses important tonic qualities. While the Favorite Prescription exerts a tonic influence upon the digestive and nutritive functions, the Golden Medical Discovery acts upon the excretory glands. Besides, it tends to retard unusual waste and expenditure. This latter remedy tones, sustains, and, at the same time regulates the functions. While increasing the discharge of noxious elements accumulated in the system, it promptly arrests the wastes arising from debility, and the unusual breaking down of the cells incident to quick decline. It stimulates the liver to secrete, changes the sallow complexion, and transforms the listless invalid into a vigorous and healthy being. At the same time, it checks the rapid disorganization of the tissues and their putrescent change, while it sustains the vital processes. It is, therefore, and indispensable remedy in the treatment of many diseases.