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ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA.
.
Mat. Med.) says in one case it was discharged from the bowels wform of indurated nodules, which were at first regarded as biliary c ^cretions. A remarkable case is mentioned by Dr. Ward, of a woman ^whom this oil does not act as a purgative, but exudes from every P arher body ( Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. x. p. 377). . a ]j
Uses. —Castor oil is used to evacuate the contents of the bowels incases where we are particularly desirous of avoiding the product 101 ),abdominal irritation (especially of the bowels and the urino-georgans). The principal, or I might say the only, objection to its usethese cases, is its nauseous taste. The following are the leading caseswhich we employ it:—
1. In inflammatory affections of the alimentary canal, as enter nJt .s
peritonitis, and dysentery, a mild but certain purgative is oftentn ^indicated. No substance, I believe, answers the indication better,few so well as castor oil. . tuS ,
2. In obstructions and spasmodic affections of the bowels, as u 1 t
susception, ileus, and colic, especially lead colic, this oil is the ieffectual evacuant we can employ. j e ,
3. After surgical operations about the pelvis or abdomen (for eX<alithotomy, and the operation for strangulated hernia), as well as aparturition, it is the best and safest purgative.
4. In inflammatory or spasmodic diseases of the urino-genital °' r 9
inflammation of the kidneys or bladder, calculous affections, gononstricture, &c., castor oil is a most valuable purgative. . ^
5. In affections of the rectum, especially piles, prolapsus, and stric
no better evacuant can be employed. j py
6. As an anthelmintic for tape-worms, castor oil was first empl°J) e Jr
Odier. Amemann, however, has shown that it possesses no pecuhspecific vermifuge properties. mJ-
7. As a purgative for children it has been used on account of itsness, but its unpleasant taste is a strong objection to its use. ^ ij e j)
8. In habitual costiveness, also, it has been recommended. Dr. t- ^observed that if castor oil be frequently repeated, the dose nug'U^jgradually diminished; so that persons who, in the first instance, reffhalf an ounce or more, afterwards needed only two drachms.
Administration. —The dose of castor oil for children is one ° rtea-spoonfuls; for adults, from one to two or three table-spoonlub^.cover its unpleasant flavour some take it floating on spirit (e?I )e ^ 0 ngin), but which is frequently contra-indicated; others on coffee? a ,ipeppermint or some other aromatic water; or it may be made i’ 1emulsion by the aid of the yolk of egg or mucilage.
Euphor'bia, Linn.; An undetermined species yielding Euphorbia »*>
Euphorbia officinarum, L. Euphorbia canariensis, D.
Sex. Syst. Dodecandria Trigynia, Linn .; Monoecia, Monandria, Smith•(Euphorbium; gummi-resina. L. D. Concrete resinous juice, E.)