These remedies possess the quality called tonic; they invigorate digestion, and promote constructive metamorphosis. They differ from the simple bitters in containing aromatic constituents, and in being astringent to a greater or less degree, owing to the presence of tannic and gallic acids. They are indicated in the same kind of cases as, and under similar conditions to, the simple bitters; but they are supposed to have, in addition, some specific properties derived from their volatile and odorous constituents.

Serpentaria is occasionally used as a stimulating tonic in typhoid-and typho-malarial fevers. It is more frequently prescribed as a stimulant expectorant in capillary bronchitis and in pneumonia of low grade, when carbonate of ammonia is combined with it. Formerly it was used locally to the throat, as a gargle in diphtheria, and given internally as a stimulant, but it is now very rarely employed in such cases.

Wild-cherry is an excellent stomachic tonic, and may well be used as a substitute for calumba in the class of cases to which the latter is considered specially applicable. It has long been held in great esteem in domestic practice, as a remedy in catarrhal states of the bronchial mucous membrane, and in phthisis. Owing to the prussic acid which its cold infusion contains—produced by the reaction between the amygdalin and emulsin—it exercises some influence over cough. That it has any special virtues in the treatment of phthisis is hardly to be credited. The sirup is much used as an ingredient in cough-mixtures.

As regards canella, there has been no proper study of its physiological actions. The success which has, apparently, attended its use in certain hemorrhagic states indicates that canella has properties analogous to erigeron: antiseptic, vaso-motor, stimulant, etc. Formerly, it was in considerable repute as a remedy for certain pelvic disorders in< women, and was much prescribed in the form of hiera picra (vulgarly hickery pickery), pulvis aloes cum canella. Recently, Dr. Cheron has revived its use, and extols it much as a remedy for menorrhagia and metrorrhagia of chlorosis, for the menorrhagia occurring during pregnancy in weak, lymphatic women, for the menorrhagia of cancer, and for the persistent bleeding after delivery, due to the inefficient involution of the uterus, in some weak subjects. It is also often highly useful in the dysmenorrhoea of congestion, and the amenorrhoea of similar origin. If constipation coexist, the combination with aloes acts well.

Authorities referred to:

Cheron, Dr. J. Revue de Therapeutiquey October 15, 1885, p. 350. Huseman, Drs. August und Theodor. Die Pflanzenstoffe, op. cit. Porcher, Dr. Francis Peyre. Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests, Charleston, 1869.