Negundo

NAT. ORD., Sapindaceae.



COMMON NAMES, Box Elder. Ash-leaved Maple.



PREPARATION.--The bark of the root is macerated in twice its weight of

alcohol.



(In the California Medical Journal, 1898, Dr. O. S.

Laws, of Los Angeles, California, writes of a new "pile"

remedy, Negundo):



I suggested that we have a "Symposium," in Our Journal, on singl

remedies. They are the backbone of whatever science there is in

therapeutics, and should be kept in view. As a starter I offer one that

is entirely new to the medical fraternity, as I cannot find it in any

medical work.



In botanical language it is known as Negundium Americanum. The common

name is "box elder." It is a native of Kansas. It is a distant relative

of the Acer family. I had just fairly begun to test its value when I

left Kansas for California, and not finding it here, except as a shade

tree on the sidewalks, I cannot get any of the root bark, which is the

part used. From the short experience I had with it I conclude it is the

best internal remedy we have for hemorrhoids. I have used Colinsonia

and AEsculus without ever being impressed with their prompt action. But

Negundo goes at it as Colocynth does in its specialty, so that the

victim who has been writhing with an engorged rectum "will arise up and

call you blessed." So you see this is not only a single remedy, but a

"fundamental" one. The bark of the root in the yearling plants is what I

prefer.



Recent cases of hemorrhoids can be completely cured in this way, and the

old hard cases temporarily relieved. So, gentlemen of the medical

profession, I hereby introduce to you my friend Negundo.