Erythronium.

The leaves and root of Erythronium americanum.

Dose.—The dose of the recent root is from gr. xx. to xl.

Therapeutic Action.—The Erythronium is not much used as a medicine. It is said to be emetic, emollient, nutritive, and vulnerary. Dr. Eberle says that all parts of this plant are possessed of active properties. It is said to be an emetic of peculiar virtues in the early stages of dysentery.

The green leaves and roots are very valuable in scrofula, administered internally, and as a local application. For this purpose boil the plant in milk and apply it as a poultice to the scrofulous tumors, or ulcers; it is said to heal the ulcers, discuss the tumors, if not too far advanced, and if so to rapidly hasten the suppurative process. At the same time a decoction or infusion of the plant should be taken, which will facilitate the cure. The green leaves may be bruised and applied with advantage to ulcers and fresh wounds.

This agent loses its active properties by long keeping, and is then said to be nutritive.

The American Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1898, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.