-PETERSEN F. J.,
Syn.-California Laurel; Spice-brush; Spice-tree; Bay-tree; Pepperwood-tree.
P. E.-Leaves.
N. O.-Lauraceæ.
N. H.-California.
Properties: Stimulant, antispasmodic, anodyne.
Physiological action: This is not well proven as yet. Inhaling of the tincture however will produce an unbearable frontal headache. Taken internally in large doses it will cause irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Use: In passive congestion if indicated. In atonic diarrhoea, cerebro-spinal meningitis, cholera morbus it has proven a good remedy in doses of 3 to 10 drops in glycerine, simple syrup or milk, 2 to 5 times a day as the case demands. The writer prefers smaller doses, but in emergency even larger doses may be used. For muscular cramps and muscular rheumatism it may be used locally and internally. In nervous headache it may be inhaled and often will relieve promptly. It is contra-indicated in active inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract.