Peruvian Bark

The bark most generally used is the peruvian, or jesuits' bark, cinchona. It is a powerful tonic, febrifuge and antiseptic, very useful in intermittent fevers and in general and nervous debility, typhus fever especially when tending to gangrene. In confluent small-pox, it promotes languid eruption, and suppuration, diminishes the fever, and prevents putrescence and gangrene; the same in gangrenous sore throats.

In contagious dysentery after due evacuation, it has been used, taken internally and by injection, with and without opium. Many eminent physicians have great confidence in it, joined with sulphuric acid, and the tincture of cayenne pepper, in cases of phthisis, scrofula, ill-conditioned ulcers, rickets, scurvy, and in states of convalescence.

In dropsy it is often alternated or conjoined with diuretics or other evacuants, and by its early exhibition after the water is once drawn off, or even begins to be freely discharged, a fresh accumulation is prevented, and a radical cure obtained.

In ague and typhus fever the bark is one of the most valuable remedies. The powder is more powerful when taken as an infusion in port wine, or mixed with strong brandy and water. Externally, cinchona bark is used as an application to bad carious, or gangrenous ulcers. The powder is an excellent dentrifice for spongy and bleeding gums and the decoction is an excellent gargle or wash.

It is given in the form of powder, infusion, decoction, or tincture. Dose of powder, 10 grains to 2 drachm. In agues, begin with 15 grains, and repeat in 3 or 4 hours.