Dropsy
Edema means swelling caused by fluid in your body's tissues. It usually occurs in the feet, ankles and legs, but it can involve your entire body.
Causes of edema include:
- Eating too much salt
- Sunburn
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Liver problems from cirrhosis
- Pregnancy
- Problems with lymph nodes, especially after mastectomy
- Some medicines
- Standing or walking a lot when the weather is warm
To keep swelling down, your health care provider may recommend keeping your legs raised when sitting, wearing support stockings, limiting how much salt you eat, or taking a medicine called a diuretic - also called a water pill.
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only.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 Dropsy
ADONIS VERNALIS
...nt venous stasis, with increased back-pressure, and feeble intermittent or irregular pulse; cardiac dropsy, with weak heart. Action.Fresh adonis is irritant and vesicant. Upon the circulation it act......employ them. It is especially commended where arryrthmia with feeble cardiac force and dyspnoea and dropsy are present. It has long been a popular remedy in Russia for dropsies of both heart and kidne...1
...nt venous stasis, with increased back-pressure, and feeble intermittent or irregular pulse; cardiac dropsy, with weak heart. Action.Fresh adonis is irritant and vesicant. Upon the circulation it act......employ them. It is especially commended where arryrthmia with feeble cardiac force and dyspnoea and dropsy are present. It has long been a popular remedy in Russia for dropsies of both heart and kidne...1
APOCYNUM CANNABINUM
The root of Apocynum cannabinum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Apocynaceae) gathered in autumn after the leaves and fruit have matured. Grows throughout the... / ...c effects. Early in the last century it was employed by the botanic practitioners for the relief of dropsy. Later the Eclectic school developed its specific uses in dropsy and affections of the heart ... / ...may be looked for. Under these circumstances we have removed enormous dropsical swellings with it, giving quick relief from dyspnea and1
The root of Apocynum cannabinum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Apocynaceae) gathered in autumn after the leaves and fruit have matured. Grows throughout the... / ...c effects. Early in the last century it was employed by the botanic practitioners for the relief of dropsy. Later the Eclectic school developed its specific uses in dropsy and affections of the heart ... / ...may be looked for. Under these circumstances we have removed enormous dropsical swellings with it, giving quick relief from dyspnea and1
ARNICA MONTANA
The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ...eat power in anemia, with weak heart and capillary feebleness, and marked depression, diarrhoea and dropsy, but no inflammation. During mild forms of so-called chronic rheumatism, with cold skin and g...1
The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ...eat power in anemia, with weak heart and capillary feebleness, and marked depression, diarrhoea and dropsy, but no inflammation. During mild forms of so-called chronic rheumatism, with cold skin and g...1
CONVALLARIACONVA
...s due to mechanical impediments; mitral insufficiency; feeble circulation and low arterial tension; dropsy of cardiac origin; palpitation and vehement heart action, with arrythmic movements, dyspnea, ......vessels, as well as by its secondary effect of increasing renal activity, it acts extremely well in dropsy of cardiac origin. Palpitation and irregular heart movements, dyspnoea, diminished urinary se...1
...s due to mechanical impediments; mitral insufficiency; feeble circulation and low arterial tension; dropsy of cardiac origin; palpitation and vehement heart action, with arrythmic movements, dyspnea, ......vessels, as well as by its secondary effect of increasing renal activity, it acts extremely well in dropsy of cardiac origin. Palpitation and irregular heart movements, dyspnoea, diminished urinary se...1
CRATAEGUSCRAN6
The ripe fruit and bark of (1) Crataegus Oxyacantha, Linné, and (2) other species of Crataegus. (Nat. Ord. Rosaceae) 1. England and other parts... / ...icarditis, valvular incompetency with or without enlargement of the rings, rheumatism of the heart, dropsy depending on heart disorders, neuralgia of the heart, tachycardia, and in atheromatous condit... / ...trial; and as yet with no rational explanation of its reputed powers. The smaller doses are suggested as more likely to succeed than full doses.1
The ripe fruit and bark of (1) Crataegus Oxyacantha, Linné, and (2) other species of Crataegus. (Nat. Ord. Rosaceae) 1. England and other parts... / ...icarditis, valvular incompetency with or without enlargement of the rings, rheumatism of the heart, dropsy depending on heart disorders, neuralgia of the heart, tachycardia, and in atheromatous condit... / ...trial; and as yet with no rational explanation of its reputed powers. The smaller doses are suggested as more likely to succeed than full doses.1
DIGITALIS
The leaves of Digitalis purpurea, Linné (Nat. Ord. Scrophulariaceae), carefully dried and preserved away from light, in close containers. Europe;... / ...ut feebly by slight excitement; continuous labored breathing with weak pulsation; renal and cardiac dropsy; desquamative nephritis, with weak heart; capillary hemorrhage; poisoning by aconite, muscari... / ...pulse becomes very slow and irregular. The ventricle dilates more completely, thus prolonging the diastole; the systole becomes erratic in force,1
The leaves of Digitalis purpurea, Linné (Nat. Ord. Scrophulariaceae), carefully dried and preserved away from light, in close containers. Europe;... / ...ut feebly by slight excitement; continuous labored breathing with weak pulsation; renal and cardiac dropsy; desquamative nephritis, with weak heart; capillary hemorrhage; poisoning by aconite, muscari... / ...pulse becomes very slow and irregular. The ventricle dilates more completely, thus prolonging the diastole; the systole becomes erratic in force,1
ELATERIUM
The feculence of the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Elaterium (Linné), A. Richard. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) A trailing vine of southern... / ...atter is dependent on destruction of tissue, it does not, of course, cure the disease, of which the dropsy is but a symptom. It is often useful in dropsy after scarlet fever, if the patient is not gre... / ...is preferred by some physicians, though elaterium, notwithstanding its impurities, seems to be more generally efficient than its derivative.1
The feculence of the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Elaterium (Linné), A. Richard. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) A trailing vine of southern... / ...atter is dependent on destruction of tissue, it does not, of course, cure the disease, of which the dropsy is but a symptom. It is often useful in dropsy after scarlet fever, if the patient is not gre... / ...is preferred by some physicians, though elaterium, notwithstanding its impurities, seems to be more generally efficient than its derivative.1
ERECHTITES
The entire plant and oil of Erechtites hieracifolia, Rafinesque (Nat. Ord. Compositae.) A rank weed throughout the United States. Common Name:... / ...ose, 5 to 10 drops. Specific Indications.Catarrhal states and passive hemorrhages; albuminurea, dropsy, pale waxy skin, swelling of the feet, scanty urine (Watkins). Action and Therapy.True o... / ...edema. For this purpose the dose should not be over one drop of the oil, in emulsion, well diluted. Usually the oil is administered on sugar.1
The entire plant and oil of Erechtites hieracifolia, Rafinesque (Nat. Ord. Compositae.) A rank weed throughout the United States. Common Name:... / ...ose, 5 to 10 drops. Specific Indications.Catarrhal states and passive hemorrhages; albuminurea, dropsy, pale waxy skin, swelling of the feet, scanty urine (Watkins). Action and Therapy.True o... / ...edema. For this purpose the dose should not be over one drop of the oil, in emulsion, well diluted. Usually the oil is administered on sugar.1
JALAPA (Ipomea jalapa)
The dried tuberous root of Ipomoea jalapa, Nuttall; (Ipomoea purga, Hayne; Exogonium jalapa, Baillon; Exogonium purga, Bentham). Nat.... / ...pation when a stimulating cathartic cannot be employed. The chief use of jalap is for the relief of dropsy from any cause. It is commonly used with cream of tartar, which increases both the cathartic ... / ...that modification of the compound powder as advised by Locke are desirable forms in which to use jalap. Jalap alone purges in about 3 to 4 hours.1
The dried tuberous root of Ipomoea jalapa, Nuttall; (Ipomoea purga, Hayne; Exogonium jalapa, Baillon; Exogonium purga, Bentham). Nat.... / ...pation when a stimulating cathartic cannot be employed. The chief use of jalap is for the relief of dropsy from any cause. It is commonly used with cream of tartar, which increases both the cathartic ... / ...that modification of the compound powder as advised by Locke are desirable forms in which to use jalap. Jalap alone purges in about 3 to 4 hours.1
JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS
The fruit (berries) of the Juniperus communis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Cupressaceae). An evergreen tree of Europe and America. Common Names: Juniper,... / ... heart, liver, and kidneys, to stimulate the sound tissues to functionate and relieve the attendant dropsy. Usually they are combined with agents like citrate or acetate of potassium or with spirit of... / ...or even uremic convulsions may result from its use.1
The fruit (berries) of the Juniperus communis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Cupressaceae). An evergreen tree of Europe and America. Common Names: Juniper,... / ... heart, liver, and kidneys, to stimulate the sound tissues to functionate and relieve the attendant dropsy. Usually they are combined with agents like citrate or acetate of potassium or with spirit of... / ...or even uremic convulsions may result from its use.1
OXYDENDRON
The leaves of Oxydendron arboreum, De Candolle (Nat. Ord. Ericaceae.) A handsome tree of the eastern third of the United States. Dose, 1 to 60... / ...ract of Sourwood. Dose, 3 to 6 grains. Specific Indications.Anasarca, ascites, and other forms of dropsy; urinary difficulty of old men; painful, burning micturition, with scanty flow of urine. Acti... / ...rests largely upon its asserted value in anasarca and other forms of dropsical effusion, conditions in which it has been somewhat overrated.1
The leaves of Oxydendron arboreum, De Candolle (Nat. Ord. Ericaceae.) A handsome tree of the eastern third of the United States. Dose, 1 to 60... / ...ract of Sourwood. Dose, 3 to 6 grains. Specific Indications.Anasarca, ascites, and other forms of dropsy; urinary difficulty of old men; painful, burning micturition, with scanty flow of urine. Acti... / ...rests largely upon its asserted value in anasarca and other forms of dropsical effusion, conditions in which it has been somewhat overrated.1
PILOCARPUSPILOC
The dried leaflets of (1) Pilocarpus Jaborandi, Holmes; or (2) Pilocarpus microphyllus, Stapf (Nat. Ord. Rutaceae). Brazil and Paraguay. Dose, 20... / ... soreness and stiffness of joints in subacute rheumatism; dry, harsh cough; tenacious sputum; renal dropsy with deficiency of urine; uremia; uremic poisoning, with convulsions; itching, with jaundice;... / ...bronchial and lachrimal flow. The saliva contains an abundance of ptyalin and salts and readily converts starch into sugar. At times the mucous 1
The dried leaflets of (1) Pilocarpus Jaborandi, Holmes; or (2) Pilocarpus microphyllus, Stapf (Nat. Ord. Rutaceae). Brazil and Paraguay. Dose, 20... / ... soreness and stiffness of joints in subacute rheumatism; dry, harsh cough; tenacious sputum; renal dropsy with deficiency of urine; uremia; uremic poisoning, with convulsions; itching, with jaundice;... / ...bronchial and lachrimal flow. The saliva contains an abundance of ptyalin and salts and readily converts starch into sugar. At times the mucous 1
PIPER METHYSTICUM
The root of Piper methysticum, Forster (Nat. Ord. Piperaceae). South Sea Islands. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common Names: Kava-Kava, Ava, Ava-Pepper... / ...rh of the bladder. It is also of some value in acute vaginitis, chronic bronchitis, rheumatism, and dropsy due to renal inefficiency. Piper methysticum is a remedy for neuralgic pain, especially of th... / ...or testicular diseases, or pectoral neuralgia arising reflexly from nervous dyspepsia are cases for the exhibition of Piper methysticum.1
The root of Piper methysticum, Forster (Nat. Ord. Piperaceae). South Sea Islands. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common Names: Kava-Kava, Ava, Ava-Pepper... / ...rh of the bladder. It is also of some value in acute vaginitis, chronic bronchitis, rheumatism, and dropsy due to renal inefficiency. Piper methysticum is a remedy for neuralgic pain, especially of th... / ...or testicular diseases, or pectoral neuralgia arising reflexly from nervous dyspepsia are cases for the exhibition of Piper methysticum.1
SAMBUCUS
...; indolent ulcers, with soft edematous edges; mucous patches with free secretions; post-scarlatinal dropsy; low deposits in or depravation of tissues. Action and Therapy.External. An ointment of sam......ts of cacoplastic material. Sambucus is useful in catarrhal nasal obstruction in infants and in the dropsy following scarlet fever. It deserves further study in edematous conditions. A strong decoctio...1
...; indolent ulcers, with soft edematous edges; mucous patches with free secretions; post-scarlatinal dropsy; low deposits in or depravation of tissues. Action and Therapy.External. An ointment of sam......ts of cacoplastic material. Sambucus is useful in catarrhal nasal obstruction in infants and in the dropsy following scarlet fever. It deserves further study in edematous conditions. A strong decoctio...1
SCILLASCILL
...). Dose, 5 to 30 minims. Specific Indications.Chronic cough with scanty, tenacious expectoration; dropsy dependent upon a general asthenic condition and without fever; scanty, high-colored urine, wi......g and harsh medication by drastic renal hydragogues. Squill is one of the most certain remedies for dropsy of cardiac origin, or from congestion (not inflammation) of the kidneys; and is proportionate......phritis to excite the surviving cells to activity and thus increase the output of urine. When renal dropsy depends upon general atony of the system-the kidneys included and the disorder is one of func...1
...). Dose, 5 to 30 minims. Specific Indications.Chronic cough with scanty, tenacious expectoration; dropsy dependent upon a general asthenic condition and without fever; scanty, high-colored urine, wi......g and harsh medication by drastic renal hydragogues. Squill is one of the most certain remedies for dropsy of cardiac origin, or from congestion (not inflammation) of the kidneys; and is proportionate......phritis to excite the surviving cells to activity and thus increase the output of urine. When renal dropsy depends upon general atony of the system-the kidneys included and the disorder is one of func...1
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.
Physician's Materia Medica on Dropsy
AMERICAN IVY (Ampelopsis)
The bark of the root of PARrrinNOCrssUs QUINQUEFOLIA, (Lin.) Planch. Alterative, tonic, expectorant, astringent. Used in dropsy, in pulmonary diseases and in strumous affectious.2
The bark of the root of PARrrinNOCrssUs QUINQUEFOLIA, (Lin.) Planch. Alterative, tonic, expectorant, astringent. Used in dropsy, in pulmonary diseases and in strumous affectious.2
BRYONIA
The root of BRYONIA ALBA, Lin. Hydragogue cathartic, irri. tant, emetic. Its principal use is in dropsy. It is prescribed also in chronic intermittent fever with enlargement of the spleen, in chronic bronchitis, in the early stage of whooping cough and in atonic dys pepsia.2
The root of BRYONIA ALBA, Lin. Hydragogue cathartic, irri. tant, emetic. Its principal use is in dropsy. It is prescribed also in chronic intermittent fever with enlargement of the spleen, in chronic bronchitis, in the early stage of whooping cough and in atonic dys pepsia.2
BUCKTHORN BERRIES
The fruit of RHAMNUs CATHARTICA, Lin. Hydragogue cathar tic, liable to be harsh in operation. Should be combined with car minatives. Used in dropsy, rheumatism and gout.2
The fruit of RHAMNUs CATHARTICA, Lin. Hydragogue cathar tic, liable to be harsh in operation. Should be combined with car minatives. Used in dropsy, rheumatism and gout.2
CANADA SNAKE-ROOT
The root of APOCYNUM CANNABINUM, Lin. Emetic, cathartic. diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant. Used chiefly for its diuretic action in albuminuria and dropsy, occasionally as an antiperiodic.2
The root of APOCYNUM CANNABINUM, Lin. Emetic, cathartic. diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant. Used chiefly for its diuretic action in albuminuria and dropsy, occasionally as an antiperiodic.2
GAMBOGE
A gum-resin obtained from GARCINIA HANBURII, Hook. fils, Irritant cathartic, acting also upon the kidneys. Generally associat ed with other cathartics. Sometimes prescribed in dropsy for its hydragogue action.2
A gum-resin obtained from GARCINIA HANBURII, Hook. fils, Irritant cathartic, acting also upon the kidneys. Generally associat ed with other cathartics. Sometimes prescribed in dropsy for its hydragogue action.2
JALAPIPPU6
The tuber of EXOGONIUM PURGA. (Wend.) Lindl. Hydragogne cathartic, used especially in dropsy in combination with potassium bitartrate.2
The tuber of EXOGONIUM PURGA. (Wend.) Lindl. Hydragogne cathartic, used especially in dropsy in combination with potassium bitartrate.2
POISON OAK (Rhus Toxicodendron)TOXIC
The leaves of RHUS RADICANS, Lin. Laxative. diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant to nervous system, cardiac sedative. Used in paralytic affections, in erysipelas, eczema, the various exanthems, dropsy, in eneuresis and in typhoid pneumonia and other adynamic fevers.2
The leaves of RHUS RADICANS, Lin. Laxative. diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant to nervous system, cardiac sedative. Used in paralytic affections, in erysipelas, eczema, the various exanthems, dropsy, in eneuresis and in typhoid pneumonia and other adynamic fevers.2
POTASSIUM BITARTRATE (Cream of Tartar)
Refrigerant, laxative, diuretic. Used especially in combination with J alap in dropsy, occasionally combined with Sulphur as a laxa tive in case of hemorrhoids, also used in combination with Spirit of Juniper in chronic nephritis. Dose, as diuretic, 4 to 8 Grm. (1 to 2 drachms); as cathartic, 15 to 30 Grm. (96 to 1 oz.).2
Refrigerant, laxative, diuretic. Used especially in combination with J alap in dropsy, occasionally combined with Sulphur as a laxa tive in case of hemorrhoids, also used in combination with Spirit of Juniper in chronic nephritis. Dose, as diuretic, 4 to 8 Grm. (1 to 2 drachms); as cathartic, 15 to 30 Grm. (96 to 1 oz.).2
SAXIFRAGESAXIF
The root of PIMPINELLA SAXIFRAGA. Lin. Aromatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, stomachic, emmenagogue Used in amenorrhea, dropsy, as a masticatory for toothache. etc.2
The root of PIMPINELLA SAXIFRAGA. Lin. Aromatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, stomachic, emmenagogue Used in amenorrhea, dropsy, as a masticatory for toothache. etc.2
SOURWOODOXYDE
The leaves of OXYDENDRON ARBOREUM, (L.) DC. An active diuretic, reputed also tonic and refrigerant. Prescribed in dropsy.2
The leaves of OXYDENDRON ARBOREUM, (L.) DC. An active diuretic, reputed also tonic and refrigerant. Prescribed in dropsy.2
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.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Dropsy
DROPSY
General treatment depends on the cause, which may be in disease of the heart, of the kidneys or less commonly of the liver. For im mediate relief prescribe active diuretics if the st ate of the kidneys permits, the most eflicient being Tonic Pilocarpine Compound; digi talis, canadian hemp, squill (these acting primarily on the circula tion), or hydragogue cathartics, elaterium. compound jalap powder, magnesium sulphate (in concentrated solution) are efficient remedies.2
General treatment depends on the cause, which may be in disease of the heart, of the kidneys or less commonly of the liver. For im mediate relief prescribe active diuretics if the st ate of the kidneys permits, the most eflicient being Tonic Pilocarpine Compound; digi talis, canadian hemp, squill (these acting primarily on the circula tion), or hydragogue cathartics, elaterium. compound jalap powder, magnesium sulphate (in concentrated solution) are efficient remedies.2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.