This is a mild tonic, calculated to meet the indications alike with the other bitters of its class. It is a very good and pleasant tonic in indigestion and dyspepsia, improving the appetite and digestion. It is given in infusion and in substance—1 ounce of the pulverized root infused in a pint of boiling water. A small wine glass full of the infusion may be taken once in 2 hours, or from thirty to sixty grains of the pulverized substance, in sweetened water, from 3 to 5 times a day; but the most common way of using the columbo is in combination with other tonics, such as gentian, orange peel, and columbo, of each 1 ounce powdered, then add to them 1 quart of whiskey, of which bitters a tablespoonful may be taken in water three times a day, as a tonic in cases of debility.
BLACK ALDER.
The berries of this plant are sometimes used, but the bark is the proper medicinal part of the shrub. It is best adapted to the cure of flabby, ill-conditioned ulcers and mortifications, in which a strong decoction is freely used with great benefit. It should be given internally several times a day, as well as applied as a wash and poultice to the parts. A saturated tincture, both of the bark and berries is used internally.
THE PRICKLEY ASH.
Its Medical Properties and Use.
The prickley ash has a good reputation in the United States as a remedy in chronic rheumatism. In that disease its operation seems analogous to that of mazorion and guaiacum, which it nearly resembles in its sensible properties. Many physicians place so much confidence in it that it is generally kept by the apothecaries. It is most frequently given in decoction—an ounce being boiled in a quart of water and taken in small quantities, frequently repeated. Dr. George Hayward, of Boston, took it in his own case of chronic rheumatism with evidently good effect; he took a pint of the decoction a day, diluted with water so as to weaken its pungency. The powdered bark may be taken in doses of from 10 to 20 grains, and frequently repeated. Dr. Bigelow says it is also given with good effect in cases of old indolent sores; it is given internally and applied to the sore in the form of a wash. Doctors Barton and Thatcher both speak highly of this medicine.