Astringents are medicines which condense and coagulate the tissues, thereby arresting discharges. When taken into the mouth, they produce the sensation known as puckering. They are used internally and locally. The term styptic is used as a synonym of astringent, but is generally employed to designate those astringents which arrest hemorrhage, or bleeding.
Logwood (Hoematoxylon Campechianum). Logwood is a mild astringent, well adapted to remedy the relaxed condition of the bowels after cholera infantum. Dose—Of powdered extract, five to ten grains; of the decoction, one ounce; of the fluid extract, fifteen to thirty drops.
Blackberry Root (Rubus Villosus). This astringent is a favorite, domestic remedy in affections of the bowels. Dose—Of the infusion (bruised root), one-half to one ounce, sweetened.
Witch-hazel (Hamamelis Virginica). The parts used are the leaves and bark. This is a most valuable astringent and exerts a specific action upon the nervous system. It arrests many forms of uterine hemorrhage with great promptness, is a valuable agent in the treatment of piles, and is useful in many forms of chronic throat and bronchial affections. Dose-Of the infusion, one-fourth to one-half ounce; of the fluid extract, eight to fifteen grains; of the concentrated principle, Hamamelin, one fourth to one grain.
Cranesbill (Geranium Maculatum). The root is used. This plant is also known as Crow-foot, and Spotted Geranium. It is a pleasant, but powerful astringent. Dose—Of the fluid extract, ten to thirty drops; of the concentrated principle, Geranin, one to two grains.
Hardhack (Spirea Tomentosa), Spirea, or Meadow Sweet. The stem and leaves are used. It is a tonic and an astringent, and is used in diarrhea and cholera-infantum. Dose—Of the infusion, one-half to one ounce; of the fluid extract, three to six drops.