Guiacum

Foreign; guiacum 0fficinalis.alignum vitae is a west indian tree. The wood and gum are both used for the cure of chronic cutaneous and syphilitic diseases, for gout and rheumatism. From the rasped wood is prepared a decoction, to be taken from 2 to 4 ounces at a time. It is also one of the ingredients of the compound decoction of sarsaparilla, and other diet drinks for purifying the blood.

Guiacum is often extremely useful in rheumatism. Dr. Graham thus describes a compound by which lord amherst was cured of rheumatism. Guiacum, 1 drachm; powdered rhubarb, 2 drachms; cream of tartar, 1 ounce; flowers of sulfur, 2 ounces; one nutmeg finely powdered, made into an electuary with 1 pound of honey. Two large spoonfuls to be taken night and morning. The best form of administration is the tincture, which may be given in one or two teaspoonful doses at bed-time. Milk is the best vehicle for its administration. The tincture is excellent for painful menstruation.