721. Catechu
Catechu is a most valuable astringent.
It is
used externally
, when powdered, to promote the contraction of flabby ulcers. As a local astringent it is useful in relaxed uvula, a small piece being dissolved in the mouth; small, spotty ulcerations of the mouth and throat, and bleeding gums, and for these two affections it is used in the form of infusion to wash the parts.
It is
given internally
in diarrhœa, dysentery, and hemorrhage from the bowels.
Dose
, of the