Galls

Galls possess peculiar astringent qualities on account of the large quantity of tannin which they contain. They are chiefly used in gargles, lotions, injections, and ointments. Reduced to fine powder, and made into an ointment, with a little powdered opium, and lard, they are a valuable remedy for the piles.

The tincture of galls in mucilage is sometimes given with good effect in cases of diarrhoea; the dose of this preparation is from 1 to 2 drachms. A drachm of powdered galls, with a scruple of sulphate of copper, and 1 ounce of lard, makes a good ointment for ringworms. They form a useful injection in whites and gleet, and are of much use as an astringent in prolapsus of the anus and womb. In bleeding from the bladder, gallic acid is the best remedy-5 grains in solution of gum arabic, repeat as required.