Mucuna

Cowhage

Cowhage. The hairs of the pods of Mucuna pruriens. This remedy is now rarely if ever used. It is administered in the form of electuary, mixed with molasses. A tea-spoonful or more of the mixture should be administered fasting, and after the action of a cathartic. When several doses have been taken a brisk purgative should be given.

When cowhage is applied to the skin it excites intense itching, inflammation in the skin, and pustulation. It has been proposed as a counter-irritant, but a more disagreeable one could hardly be conceived. It is very irritant to the intestinal mucous membrane, as it is to the skin, and an action is speedily set up for its expulsion. When by the use of a purgative, and by reason of fasting, intestinal worms are uncovered and exposed to attack, it is held that the mucuna-hairs pierce the parasites and irritate them, so that their stay in the intestine is rendered intolerable. In consequence of the active peristaltic movements induced by the cowhage, and by the purgative with which it is followed, the worms are hurried out with the remaining contents, if any, of the intestines.