This section is from the "A Practical Treatise On Materia Medica And Therapeutics" book, by Roberts Bartholow. Also available from Amazon: A Practical Treatise On Materia Medica And Therapeutics
Kousso. The female inflorescence of Hagenia abyssinica Bruce (Nat. Ord. Rosaceae). (U. S. P.) Brayére anthelminthique, Fr.; Kussoblüthen, Ger.
Fluid extract of cusso. Dose, 3 ij
Infusion of cusso (six parts to one hundred of water). Dose, oz iv— oz viij—Oj, or more. (Not official.)
Brayera contains an active principle (kosin, or koussin), which crystallizes in rhombic prisms. Kosin appears to be inert of itself, and is active only when combined with the other constituents of the drug.
Kousso is used solely as an anthelmintic. Opinions vary as to its utility. On the whole, it may be said that the first enthusiasm which attended its introduction into practice has died away. It brings the segments, but rarely expels the head of the parasite. It is necessary to take it in large quantity—half an ounce— mixed with water. It is retained with difficulty, and produces much intestinal distress. When successful, the worm is brought away without the action of a purgative.
 
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