Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Astringent, expectorant, sedative, antispasmodic, and antisyphilitic. It is used in gonorrhœa, dysentery, asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping-cough, and other pulmonary affections. Dose of a strong decoction, 1 tablespoonful 3 or 4 times a day. It has likewise been successfully used as a wash and gargle in the aphthæ of children, sore mouth subsequent to fever, and in ulceration of the fauces attendant on scarlatina.
Besides the old uses, as given above, ceanothus has been found to be a useful gastric, hepatic, and splenic stimulant, and it is in splenic troubles that its action is most favorable. Scudder (Spec. Med.), states that it is indicated by splenic enlargement, with sallow, doughy skin, and expressionless face. Webster gives as indications, deep-seated splenic pain, though no enlargement be detectable, and for the pain of splenic hypertrophy, as well as for sympathetic, painful conditions depending upon splenic wrong. Its action is compared to that of carduus marianus, influencing the hepatic, and more so the splenic vessels, overcoming congestion. Hypertrophy of the spleen and splenitis of malarial origin are met with it. The cases of splenitis to which it is specially adapted are not acute, but rather sub-acute, after the active symptoms have passed, and when pressure does not markedly aggravate the pain. It was much used during the Civil War for malarial splenitis. Copious catarrhal profluvia in non-inflammatory conditions are benefited by its astringency. For hepatic and splenic disorders the tincture of the leaves is preferred. Dose: Strong decoction, fl℥ss 3 times a day; specific ceanothus, 1 to 10 drops.
Specific Indications and Uses.—Enlarged spleen; sallow, doughy skin; expressionless countenance; non-inflammatory, catarrhal states, with profuse secretion.