Epigaea. Epigaea repens.

Synonym—Trailing Arbutus.

CONSTITUENTS—

Arbutin, urson, ericolin (identical with those found in uva ursi), formic acid, gallic acid, tannin.

PREPARATIONS—

Extractum Epigaea Fluidum, Fluid Extract of Trailing Arbutus. Dose, from thirty to sixty minims.

Specific Epigaea. Dose, from five to thirty minims.

Specific Symptomatology—This agent should be freely employed where there is excess of uric acid; where the "brick dust" deposit is marked; where the extreme and nauseating backache suggests that the crystalline constituents of the urine are not well dissolved and washed out of the tubules; or where there is renal sand or gravel in the bladder; where the urine is dark and heavy, and there is irritation, causing congestion of the kidneys, which in some cases induces hemorrhage; where precipitated solids irritate the bladder, and induce cystitis with thickening of the walls, and formation of pus. An infusion of epigaea freely drunk in these cases will relieve the entire train of symptoms, inducing a grateful sense of relief from irritation and distress.

Any of the preparations in sufficient doses will accomplish satisfactory results in the above conditions, but the infusion is more immediately active. Fifteen drops of specific Epigaea in an ounce of hot water, drunk hot, will act most promptly.

If the patient is closely confined and constipated, with dark, sallow skin, and inactive liver, add thirty grains of sodium phosphate and note the most gratifying results. This latter agent is itself a renal tonic and stimulant, with a soothing action. Its specific influence upon the liver greatly facilitates its effects on the kidneys when there is a fault in the hepatic conversion of the nitrogenous waste. In addition to its influence upon the kidneys, epigaea is a carminative of much value. It is a stomach tonic, and it soothes gastric irritation. It will quickly relieve persistent eructations of gas, and will cure many chronic cases that have resisted other treatment. When there is noisy rumbling in the bowels so distressing to ladies, when present, this agent may be successfully administered.

The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919, was written by Finley Ellingwood, M.D.
It was scanned by Michael Moore for the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.