WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Vanilla
BALSAMUM PERUVIANUM
A balsam obtained from Toluifera Pereirae (Royle) Baillon. San Salvador in Central America; called Balsam of Peru because first exported to Europe from Peru. Common Names: Balsam of Peru, Peru Balsam. Description.A dark brown, heavy fluid of syrupy consistence, without stickiness and non-hardening in the air, and having a vanilla-like odor, and an acrid, bitter persistent taste. It is soluble in alcohol and chloroform. Principal Constituents. Cinnamein or benzylic cinnamate (C9 H7 (C7 H7) 02) constitutes 60 per cent of Peru balsam. Other constituents are vanillin, styracin, a fragrant oil and a large proportion of resin. Action.Skin eruptions have been produced by applying the balsam to the skin, as hives, eczema, and erythema; sometimes the latter results from its internal use. These effects are thought to be due largely to impurities in the factitious drug, which is oftener sold than the genuine balsam. A good and true product allays dermal irritation and that of the mucosa, and has decided antiseptic and parasitic properties. Large doses cause gastro-intestinal irritation, with vomiting and diarrhea. Internally it causes increased circulation, some cutaneous warmth, and augments the flow of urine and the bronchial secretions. It is excreted by the respiratory mucosa, skin, and kidneys, upon which it probably exerts an antiseptic effect. Therapy.External. Balsam of Peru is a good parasiticide and has given the best of satisfaction in scabies and for the destruction of lice. For the former it may be combined with the sulphurated ointments, or may be used alone, with an oleaginous and petrolatum base (balsam, 25 parts; olive oil, 50 parts; petrolatum, 100 parts). We prefer the former preparations. The latter combination is useful in pediculosis, both to kill the nits and the lice. Balsam of Peru, either full strength or in desired dilution with oils or petrolatum, may be used to cure ringworm of the scalp and other forms of tinea, in chronic eczema, and is splendidly effective in senile and other forms of pruritus, especially pruritus vulvae, and in chilblains. As a stimulant to ulcers of low vitality and pus-oozing granulations following operations, and similar conditions in burns, abscesses, and wounds, the old-time use of the balsam has been revived in surgery, applying it in 5 to 15 per cent solutions in castor oil, and covering well with several layers of gauze to allow of free drainage. This method is one of the best forms of treatment for old tibial ulcers, due to varicosis, but the patient must be compelled to rest the leg in a horizontal position for some weeks in order to insure results. The same solution may be poured into small granulating sinuses, produced by drainage tubes, that refuse to heal. Beef marrow, 1 ounce; quinine, 10 grains; and balsam of Peru, 1 drachm, has been advised in alopecia. Internal. Balsam of Peru is a stimulating expectorant and is of some value to restrain secretion in the bronchorrhoea of the aged. It has a similar restraining effect upon catarrhal conditions of the gastrointestinal and renal tracts and is sometimes of advantage in stubbornly resisting gonorrhoea. Peru balsam should not be used in inflammatory or febrile conditions; and its use should be discontinued if it produces gastro-intestinal irritation.1
A balsam obtained from Toluifera Pereirae (Royle) Baillon. San Salvador in Central America; called Balsam of Peru because first exported to Europe from Peru. Common Names: Balsam of Peru, Peru Balsam. Description.A dark brown, heavy fluid of syrupy consistence, without stickiness and non-hardening in the air, and having a vanilla-like odor, and an acrid, bitter persistent taste. It is soluble in alcohol and chloroform. Principal Constituents. Cinnamein or benzylic cinnamate (C9 H7 (C7 H7) 02) constitutes 60 per cent of Peru balsam. Other constituents are vanillin, styracin, a fragrant oil and a large proportion of resin. Action.Skin eruptions have been produced by applying the balsam to the skin, as hives, eczema, and erythema; sometimes the latter results from its internal use. These effects are thought to be due largely to impurities in the factitious drug, which is oftener sold than the genuine balsam. A good and true product allays dermal irritation and that of the mucosa, and has decided antiseptic and parasitic properties. Large doses cause gastro-intestinal irritation, with vomiting and diarrhea. Internally it causes increased circulation, some cutaneous warmth, and augments the flow of urine and the bronchial secretions. It is excreted by the respiratory mucosa, skin, and kidneys, upon which it probably exerts an antiseptic effect. Therapy.External. Balsam of Peru is a good parasiticide and has given the best of satisfaction in scabies and for the destruction of lice. For the former it may be combined with the sulphurated ointments, or may be used alone, with an oleaginous and petrolatum base (balsam, 25 parts; olive oil, 50 parts; petrolatum, 100 parts). We prefer the former preparations. The latter combination is useful in pediculosis, both to kill the nits and the lice. Balsam of Peru, either full strength or in desired dilution with oils or petrolatum, may be used to cure ringworm of the scalp and other forms of tinea, in chronic eczema, and is splendidly effective in senile and other forms of pruritus, especially pruritus vulvae, and in chilblains. As a stimulant to ulcers of low vitality and pus-oozing granulations following operations, and similar conditions in burns, abscesses, and wounds, the old-time use of the balsam has been revived in surgery, applying it in 5 to 15 per cent solutions in castor oil, and covering well with several layers of gauze to allow of free drainage. This method is one of the best forms of treatment for old tibial ulcers, due to varicosis, but the patient must be compelled to rest the leg in a horizontal position for some weeks in order to insure results. The same solution may be poured into small granulating sinuses, produced by drainage tubes, that refuse to heal. Beef marrow, 1 ounce; quinine, 10 grains; and balsam of Peru, 1 drachm, has been advised in alopecia. Internal. Balsam of Peru is a stimulating expectorant and is of some value to restrain secretion in the bronchorrhoea of the aged. It has a similar restraining effect upon catarrhal conditions of the gastrointestinal and renal tracts and is sometimes of advantage in stubbornly resisting gonorrhoea. Peru balsam should not be used in inflammatory or febrile conditions; and its use should be discontinued if it produces gastro-intestinal irritation.1
LIATRISLIBO7
The rhizomes of several species of Liatris (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Middle and southern United States. Dose, 10 to 60 grains. Common Names: Button Snake Root (L. spicata); Blazing Star (L. squarrosa); Gay Feather (L. scariosa); Deer's Tongue (Carphephorus odoratissimus [L. odoratissima]). Principal Constituents.Resins, volatile, bitter principle, and in some coumarin (C9H6O2), a principle having a vanilla odor. Preparation.Infusum Liatridis, Infusion of Liatris (1 ounce to 16 fluidounces). Dose, 1 to 4 fluidounces. Action and Therapy.This drug is stimulant, bitter tonic, diuretic, and emmenagogue. It is sometimes used as a gastric tonic in dyspeptic conditions associated with renal inactivity. Rarely it is used to relieve pain in spasmodic bowel complaints and colic in children, in backache in adults, and to relieve dysmenorrhea. It is seldom employed. Button snake root derives its name from its traditional Indian reputation as a local alexipharmic (freshly-bruised root) for rattle-snake bite, a myth, it is needless to say, as yet unverified.1
The rhizomes of several species of Liatris (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Middle and southern United States. Dose, 10 to 60 grains. Common Names: Button Snake Root (L. spicata); Blazing Star (L. squarrosa); Gay Feather (L. scariosa); Deer's Tongue (Carphephorus odoratissimus [L. odoratissima]). Principal Constituents.Resins, volatile, bitter principle, and in some coumarin (C9H6O2), a principle having a vanilla odor. Preparation.Infusum Liatridis, Infusion of Liatris (1 ounce to 16 fluidounces). Dose, 1 to 4 fluidounces. Action and Therapy.This drug is stimulant, bitter tonic, diuretic, and emmenagogue. It is sometimes used as a gastric tonic in dyspeptic conditions associated with renal inactivity. Rarely it is used to relieve pain in spasmodic bowel complaints and colic in children, in backache in adults, and to relieve dysmenorrhea. It is seldom employed. Button snake root derives its name from its traditional Indian reputation as a local alexipharmic (freshly-bruised root) for rattle-snake bite, a myth, it is needless to say, as yet unverified.1
MELILOTUS
The leaves and flowering tops of Melilotus officinalis, Willdenow (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). A common weed found everywhere in the United States. Dose, 1 to 30 grains. Common Names: Yellow Sweet Clover, Yellow Melilot, Yellow Melilot Clover. Principal Constituents.An active substance of a vanilla-like odor, coumarin, associated with melilotic acid; orthocoumaric acid, and a volatile oil, melilotol. Preparation.Specific Medicine Melilotus. Dose, 1 to 20 drops. Specific Indications.Idiopathic, atonic headaches and chronic neuralgias; coldness, tenderness, lameness or marked soreness of tissues; painful menstruation or menstrual colic with soreness and coldness; ovarian neuralgia. Action and Therapy.Melilotus is a remedy for pain associated with a sensation of coldness of the extremities and marked tenderness, lameness, or soreness to the touch. With these indications it is very effectual in some cases of ovarian neuralgia and dysmenorrhea. Though it may relieve headache due to gastric disorders, it is best adapted to painful states not resulting from reflexes, but rather those of an idiopathic type. Following the specific indications it has proved a remedy of worth in menstrual and intestinal colic, gastralgia, neuralgia of the stomach, visceral neuralgia, painful dysuria, and sciatic neuritis. It frequently cuts short recurrent neuralgia when induced by cold, and benefits in rheumatoid lameness or soreness.1
The leaves and flowering tops of Melilotus officinalis, Willdenow (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). A common weed found everywhere in the United States. Dose, 1 to 30 grains. Common Names: Yellow Sweet Clover, Yellow Melilot, Yellow Melilot Clover. Principal Constituents.An active substance of a vanilla-like odor, coumarin, associated with melilotic acid; orthocoumaric acid, and a volatile oil, melilotol. Preparation.Specific Medicine Melilotus. Dose, 1 to 20 drops. Specific Indications.Idiopathic, atonic headaches and chronic neuralgias; coldness, tenderness, lameness or marked soreness of tissues; painful menstruation or menstrual colic with soreness and coldness; ovarian neuralgia. Action and Therapy.Melilotus is a remedy for pain associated with a sensation of coldness of the extremities and marked tenderness, lameness, or soreness to the touch. With these indications it is very effectual in some cases of ovarian neuralgia and dysmenorrhea. Though it may relieve headache due to gastric disorders, it is best adapted to painful states not resulting from reflexes, but rather those of an idiopathic type. Following the specific indications it has proved a remedy of worth in menstrual and intestinal colic, gastralgia, neuralgia of the stomach, visceral neuralgia, painful dysuria, and sciatic neuritis. It frequently cuts short recurrent neuralgia when induced by cold, and benefits in rheumatoid lameness or soreness.1
VANILLAVANIL
The fruit of Vanilla planifolia, Andrews (Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae). A native Mexican vine, grown in many tropical countries, but on a commercial scale in Guadaloupe. Dose, 1 to 10 grains. Common Name: Vanilla. Principal Constituents.The fragrance of vanilla is due to vanillin (C8H8O3) and to the presence of a small quantity of balsam. Preparation.Tinctura Vanilla, Tincture of Vanilla. Dose, 1 to 10 drops. DerivativeVanillinum, Vanillin, is methylprotocatechuic aldehyde, occurring naturally in vanilla beans, or may be produced synthetically from several orthodihydroxy-benzene derivatives. It forms fine white or very pale yellowish, needle crystals having the characteristic taste and odor of vanilla; soluble in water and freely in alcohol, glycerin, ether and chloroform. It forms the whitish frost observed on vanilla. Dose, 1/4 to 1 grain. Action and Therapy.Vanilla is an aromatic stimulant, but is seldom used as a medicine. It is said to promote wakefulness, increase muscular energy, and to powerfully stimulate the sexual appetite. It is used chiefly as a flavoring agent for medicinal syrups and tinctures, confections, and pastry.1
The fruit of Vanilla planifolia, Andrews (Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae). A native Mexican vine, grown in many tropical countries, but on a commercial scale in Guadaloupe. Dose, 1 to 10 grains. Common Name: Vanilla. Principal Constituents.The fragrance of vanilla is due to vanillin (C8H8O3) and to the presence of a small quantity of balsam. Preparation.Tinctura Vanilla, Tincture of Vanilla. Dose, 1 to 10 drops. DerivativeVanillinum, Vanillin, is methylprotocatechuic aldehyde, occurring naturally in vanilla beans, or may be produced synthetically from several orthodihydroxy-benzene derivatives. It forms fine white or very pale yellowish, needle crystals having the characteristic taste and odor of vanilla; soluble in water and freely in alcohol, glycerin, ether and chloroform. It forms the whitish frost observed on vanilla. Dose, 1/4 to 1 grain. Action and Therapy.Vanilla is an aromatic stimulant, but is seldom used as a medicine. It is said to promote wakefulness, increase muscular energy, and to powerfully stimulate the sexual appetite. It is used chiefly as a flavoring agent for medicinal syrups and tinctures, confections, and pastry.1
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.