Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Of the physiological action of this agent little is known. To the taste it is bitter, and slightly aromatic. Large doses sometimes produce nausea and vomiting, and by some observers is said to produce contraction of the uterine muscular tissue. That it has a decided affinity for the female reproductive organs is well established. By Dr. D. L. Phares, of Mississippi, who brought the remedy forward, it was described as having nervine, antispasmodic, tonic, astringent, and diuretic properties. To these Prof. King adds alterative. Decoctions of the drug were formerly used as a gargle in aphthæ, as a wash in indolent ulcers, and in various ophthalmic disorders. By its astringency it has proved of value in diarrhœa and dysentery. It has been recommended in jaundice, but we have a better agent in chionanthus. Palpitation of the heart is said to have been relieved by it. Such cases are sympathetic disturbances, generally near the menstrual period. Its principal use at the present day is in disorders of the female organs of reproduction. As a uterine tonic it is unquestionably of great utility. It restores normal innervation, improves the circulation, and corrects impaired nutrition of these organs. In the hyperæsthetic, or irritable condition of the uterus incident to highly nervous women, or as the result of over-work, it will be found an admirable agent. It is called for in weakened conditions of the body, with feeble performance of the uterine functions.
Dr. Phares, who introduced it as an antiabortive, states that it will prevent abortion, whether habitual or otherwise—whether threatened from accidental cause or criminal drugging. He considered it to completely neutralize the effect of the cotton bark when this is used for the purpose of causing abortion. It was for a long time customary for planters to compel their female slaves “to drink an infusion of black haw daily whilst pregnant to prevent abortion, from taking the cotton-root” (Scudder, Spec. Med., 266).
Two excerpts from one long paragraph. Left out between them: the book's list of menstrual and pregnancy uses and doses (end of p. 2060 and top of p. 2061); left out after them: the rest of the paragraph and the sections that follow.