Gangrene
Gangrene is the death of tissues in your body. It happens when a part of your body loses its blood supply. Gangrene can happen on the surface of the body, such as on the skin, or inside the body, in muscles or organs. Causes include:
- Serious injuries
- Problems with blood circulation, such as atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease
- Diabetes
Skin symptoms may include a blue or black color, pain, numbness, and sores that produce a foul-smelling discharge. If the gangrene is internal, you may run a fever and feel unwell, and the area may be swollen and painful.
Gangrene is a serious condition. It needs immediate attention. Treatment includes surgery, antibiotics, and oxygen therapy. In severe cases an amputation may be necessary.
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only.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 Gangrene
BAPTISIA
The recent root and leaves of Baptisia tinctoria, Robert Brown (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae), a perennial shrub-like plant, indigenous to North... / ...s of tissue, with dusky, leaden, purplish or livid discoloration, tendency to ulceration and decay (gangrene); sepsis, with enfeebled circulation; fetid discharges with atony; stools resembling “prun... / ...healing of the ulcerated surfaces. In all of the local disorders mentioned, baptisia should be given internally as well as applied locally.1
The recent root and leaves of Baptisia tinctoria, Robert Brown (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae), a perennial shrub-like plant, indigenous to North... / ...s of tissue, with dusky, leaden, purplish or livid discoloration, tendency to ulceration and decay (gangrene); sepsis, with enfeebled circulation; fetid discharges with atony; stools resembling “prun... / ...healing of the ulcerated surfaces. In all of the local disorders mentioned, baptisia should be given internally as well as applied locally.1
CALAMUSACCA4
The rhizome of Acorus Calamus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Acoraceae). Common in wet and muddy grounds everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Dose, 5 to 40... / ...ary. It is non-irritating and non-poisonous. Its advocates claim that it reduces the probability of gangrene occurring, prevents or lessens the formation of pus, and promotes the prompt healing of wou... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
The rhizome of Acorus Calamus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Acoraceae). Common in wet and muddy grounds everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Dose, 5 to 40... / ...ary. It is non-irritating and non-poisonous. Its advocates claim that it reduces the probability of gangrene occurring, prevents or lessens the formation of pus, and promotes the prompt healing of wou... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
CALENDULA
The florets of Calendula officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Southern Europe and the Orient; largely cultivated as a garden flower. Dose,... / ...ary. It is non-irritating and non-poisonous. Its advocates claim that it reduces the probability of gangrene occurring, prevents or lessens the formation of pus, and promotes the prompt healing of wou... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
The florets of Calendula officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Southern Europe and the Orient; largely cultivated as a garden flower. Dose,... / ...ary. It is non-irritating and non-poisonous. Its advocates claim that it reduces the probability of gangrene occurring, prevents or lessens the formation of pus, and promotes the prompt healing of wou... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
CANTHARIS
The dried beetles, Cantharis vesicatoria (Linné), De Geer. (Ord. Coleoptera.) Southern Europe. Dose, 1 grain. Common Name: Spanish Fly; Synonym:... / ...is first reddens then slowly blisters. Its final action may be so intense as to cause sloughing and gangrene; or by absorption to cause strangury and acute nephritis. Small doses stimulate the excreti...1
The dried beetles, Cantharis vesicatoria (Linné), De Geer. (Ord. Coleoptera.) Southern Europe. Dose, 1 grain. Common Name: Spanish Fly; Synonym:... / ...is first reddens then slowly blisters. Its final action may be so intense as to cause sloughing and gangrene; or by absorption to cause strangury and acute nephritis. Small doses stimulate the excreti...1
CARBO LIGNI
Charcoal prepared by burning soft wood. It must be kept in tightly-closed vessels. Common Names: Charcoal, Wood Charcoal; Synonym: Carbo... / ...isinfectant, but not antiseptic. It is used very largely to deodorize foul ulcers, carcinomata, and gangrene, possessing the advantage of being an odorless deodorant. It is frequently added to poultic... / ...the belly-wall tumid and doughy, the tongue expressionless and pale with little coating and lenticular spots, or the coating may lift in patches.1
Charcoal prepared by burning soft wood. It must be kept in tightly-closed vessels. Common Names: Charcoal, Wood Charcoal; Synonym: Carbo... / ...isinfectant, but not antiseptic. It is used very largely to deodorize foul ulcers, carcinomata, and gangrene, possessing the advantage of being an odorless deodorant. It is frequently added to poultic... / ...the belly-wall tumid and doughy, the tongue expressionless and pale with little coating and lenticular spots, or the coating may lift in patches.1
ECHINACEA
...”; to correct fluid depravation, with tendency to sepsis and malignancy, best shown in its power in gangrene, carbuncles, boils, sloughing and phagedenic ulcerations, and the various forms of septicem......ly when applied to foul surfaces, carcinomatous ulcerations, fetid discharges from the ears, and in gangrene. While not wholly masking the odor of cancer and gangrene it reduces it greatly, much to t...1
...”; to correct fluid depravation, with tendency to sepsis and malignancy, best shown in its power in gangrene, carbuncles, boils, sloughing and phagedenic ulcerations, and the various forms of septicem......ly when applied to foul surfaces, carcinomatous ulcerations, fetid discharges from the ears, and in gangrene. While not wholly masking the odor of cancer and gangrene it reduces it greatly, much to t...1
EUCALYPTUSEUAN12
...th to any desired dilution upon old ulcers, wounds, gonorrhoeal discharges, ozoena, septicemia, and gangrene; all with free but fetid discharges. Inhalations of them are especially useful in pulmonary......angrene; all with free but fetid discharges. Inhalations of them are especially useful in pulmonary gangrene. Internal. Eucalyptus is a fine stimulating expectorant for bronchopulmonary catarrhal diso...1
...th to any desired dilution upon old ulcers, wounds, gonorrhoeal discharges, ozoena, septicemia, and gangrene; all with free but fetid discharges. Inhalations of them are especially useful in pulmonary......angrene; all with free but fetid discharges. Inhalations of them are especially useful in pulmonary gangrene. Internal. Eucalyptus is a fine stimulating expectorant for bronchopulmonary catarrhal diso...1
QUERCUSQUAC3
The bark of Quercus alba, Linné (Nat. Ord. Fagaceae). Indigenous. Dose, 5 to 20 grains. Common Names: Oak Bark, White Oak Bark. Principal... / ...n used in decoction or poultice upon ill-conditioned ulcers, with stinking, spongy granulations, in gangrene, as an astringent for relaxed uvula, with flabby or ulcerated sore throat, and as an inject... / ...the bowels may first be flushed by means of castor oil or magnesium sulphate, after which the decoction of oak bark may complete the cure.1
The bark of Quercus alba, Linné (Nat. Ord. Fagaceae). Indigenous. Dose, 5 to 20 grains. Common Names: Oak Bark, White Oak Bark. Principal... / ...n used in decoction or poultice upon ill-conditioned ulcers, with stinking, spongy granulations, in gangrene, as an astringent for relaxed uvula, with flabby or ulcerated sore throat, and as an inject... / ...the bowels may first be flushed by means of castor oil or magnesium sulphate, after which the decoction of oak bark may complete the cure.1
SINAPIS NIGRA
The ripe seeds of Brassica nigra (Linné), Koch (Nat. Ord. Cruciferae). Asia and southern Europe; cultivated. Dose (emetic), 1 to 3... / ...pplied it will blister, and cause inflammation, sloughing and deep ulceration; and not infrequently gangrene. To a degree local anesthesia is produced in some instances and the patient is then not awa... / ...mustard internally is to cause emesis in cases of narcotic poisoning. Besides acting as a prompt emetic, there is the added value of reflex st1
The ripe seeds of Brassica nigra (Linné), Koch (Nat. Ord. Cruciferae). Asia and southern Europe; cultivated. Dose (emetic), 1 to 3... / ...pplied it will blister, and cause inflammation, sloughing and deep ulceration; and not infrequently gangrene. To a degree local anesthesia is produced in some instances and the patient is then not awa... / ...mustard internally is to cause emesis in cases of narcotic poisoning. Besides acting as a prompt emetic, there is the added value of reflex st1
THUJA
The branchlets and leaves of Thuja occidentalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Cupressaceae). Indigenous to Canada and the United States, on the rocky borders... / ...re), bed sores, sloughing wounds, fistulae, and to overcome the stench of senile and other forms of gangrene. It has a good record in curing papillomata and condylomata (upon the nates) when soft and ... / ...when home treatment is carried out, and constitutional remedies administered when conditions warrant them. Internal. Thuja is stimulant, subas1
The branchlets and leaves of Thuja occidentalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Cupressaceae). Indigenous to Canada and the United States, on the rocky borders... / ...re), bed sores, sloughing wounds, fistulae, and to overcome the stench of senile and other forms of gangrene. It has a good record in curing papillomata and condylomata (upon the nates) when soft and ... / ...when home treatment is carried out, and constitutional remedies administered when conditions warrant them. Internal. Thuja is stimulant, subas1
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 Gangrene
ACID LACTIC
Classed as tonic and astringent. Used in some forms of gas tric and intestinal indigestion and for relief of diarrhea in children. Locally acts as a cauterant, and formerly much used in treatment of chancres, chancroids, phagedenic ulcers and gangrene. Dose of the official diluted acid (10%), 0.6 to 1.6 c. c. (10 to 25 M).2
Classed as tonic and astringent. Used in some forms of gas tric and intestinal indigestion and for relief of diarrhea in children. Locally acts as a cauterant, and formerly much used in treatment of chancres, chancroids, phagedenic ulcers and gangrene. Dose of the official diluted acid (10%), 0.6 to 1.6 c. c. (10 to 25 M).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 Gangrene
GANGRENE
Bromine is the most e lcient escharotic; chromic acid and nitric acid are often used. Carbolic acid applied in full strength, followed by alcohol to limit its action, with subsequent dressing with Iodosyl has given excellent results. For cleansing, hydrogen peroxide is eflicient. Ichthyol and boric acid may be used in dressing, but Iodosyl is better. Internally guaiacol and creosote to guard against p yemia.2
Bromine is the most e lcient escharotic; chromic acid and nitric acid are often used. Carbolic acid applied in full strength, followed by alcohol to limit its action, with subsequent dressing with Iodosyl has given excellent results. For cleansing, hydrogen peroxide is eflicient. Ichthyol and boric acid may be used in dressing, but Iodosyl is better. Internally guaiacol and creosote to guard against p yemia.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.