Now that we understand the physiological properties of Coca and Cocaine, we come to the study of the different morbid states in which these substances may be usefully employed.
DISEASES OF THE MOUTH.
Gazeau advises the use of Coca for inflammations of the mouth and gums. Pain is assuaged, ptyalism removed, and the inflammation itself favorably influenced. He cites, in support of his opinion, the use which the Peruvians make of it in affections of the mouth, and mentions cases of mercurial stomatitis treated with this agent and cured in a short time, in his practice.
Demarle[14], before him, expressed himself thus: "I have used Coca for mercurial stomatitis. The affection disappeared on the third day of treatment; nothing else had been administered."
In cases where the gums are soft, fungous, ulcerated, or bleeding, and these changes depend on local or constitutional conditions, Coca is equally indicated. Gazeau prefers it even to potassium chlorate.
According to Dr. Colombe[15], Coca is a potent factor in the treatment of syphilis.[16] "It is demonstrated that potassium iodide and potassium chlorate undergo double decomposition in the system, and thus interfere with each other's action. Coca, substituted for the chlorate under such circumstances, would not be open to the same objection. It would find its application, therefore, when the mixed treatment is found necessary."
DISEASES OF THE THROAT, PHARYNX AND THE LARYNX.
As regards the anginæ, the acute inflammations of the larynx and pharynx, we might repeat what has been said about inflammations of the mouth. In particular, the pain, so violent in certain anginæ, calls for this method of treatment. The same is true of the dysphagia which accompanies them.