The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1884-09-27

The tipcture of arnica, SO extensively
employed as an outward application to
sores and bruises, Is prepared from
plants nearly related to the common
wild asters. There are numerous spe-
cies, mostly natives of Europe, with two
or three OF North American origin.
The one most valued is the Arnica mon
tana, common throughout the greater
part OF Northern Europe and Asia, from
the Sea level to the region of perpetual
snow on the mountains. 1t is peren-
NAL, hairy plant, with large entire OPP
posite leaves. the lower ones obovate-
oblong, with fine nerves. The stems
are branching, each bearing q terminal
cluster of yellow flowers. 1t is viru-
lent plant, possessing powerful narcotic
properties, which are said by Lindley.
in his Medical Flora" to be due to
the presence of an acid substance known
as cytesine.
The active properties of arnica have
probably been greatly exaggerated. fol
in some parts OF Europe, especially in
Germany, it is supposed to cure fever
and ague, palsy and dysentery. Some
OF the German physicians are enthusiast
tic in its praise, considering it almost q
specific in many diseases, although the
proof of its curative powers has not On
~ been questioned, but contradicted.
1t doubtless possesses curative proper
ties that have their influence under
proper conditions. In Russia it is a
popular remedy for myctalopia, dis
ease of the eye, and is said to cure it in
a few days. In the north of Europe
and in the United States tincture of ar
MICA is popular remedy for wounds.
bruises and sprains, kind of family
medicine or ''cure all'' for ordinary ac-
cidents to the flesh. 1t is powerful
and somewhat poisonous preparation,
and should not be placed within the
reach of children or persons ignorant Of
its various properties.
For sores on horses or cattle, especially
sore shoulders and bruises on the legs,
1t is used to advantage with sulphate of
zinc, in the proportion of two drachms
OF the latter and one of the arnica tinct-
ure in ten ounces of water. This prep
aration is believed to be more efficacious
than the arnica alone, and every farmer
and owner of animals should keep it on
hand in case of need. or something of a
similar nature. Arnica t.ncture is also
given internally. as it is stimuIant and
diuretic, drachm being considered 3
dose for a horse or OK, and about ten
drops for dog; but it is mostly used
for external applications, being cooling
and soothing. 1t is an excellent lotion
for applying to the udders of cows
affected with garget, as well as for other
ailments already named. Hllay Dun,
q noted veterinary authority. says in his
great work on veterinary Medicines,
their Actions and Uses," that arnica is
irritant and stimulant, and for external
use on horses with sore shoulders,
bruises and wounds. he advises diluting
the tipcture with cold water at the time
of application, enc ounce of the tincture
in twenty of water when applied TO q
raw sore.
The peasants of the Pyrenees are said
to smoke the leaves as a substitute for
tobacco; hence one of the French names
is Tabac des vorges. Some of the North
American species of arnica are very
similar to the European-A. montana,
and the A. mullicade, or naked stemmed
arnica is common from Pennsylvania
southwark, and doubtless possesses sim
liar properties to the European species;
but as the latter thrives everywhere in
the Northern States. there Is no neces-
sity of gathering the native plant.-N.
y Sun.