Oleum Erigerontis

A volatile oil distilled from the fresh flowering herb of Erigeron canadense Linné (Nat. Ord. Gompositae).

Oleum Erechthites

A volatile oil obtained from Erechthites-hieracifolius (fireweed).

I am informed by Prof. J. U. Lloyd, the distinguished pharmacist of Cincinnati, that the oil of erigeron is much adulterated with the oil of erechthites (fireweed). As these volatile oils have similar properties physiologically, there is probably no great harm done by the substitution. I am indebted to Prof. Lloyd for pure specimens of each. They differ in odor and in appearance. Erigeron-oil is reddish yellow in color, while erecthites is pale yellow, or nearly colorless.

Properties

These oils are hot and somewhat pungent to the taste, and give off a characteristic odor. They grow darker in color, and thicker in consistence, by age. They are soluble in ether and in absolute alcohol. The principal constituent is a terpene.

The ordinary dose is five drops, or from three to ten drops, and the best mode to administer the oil is to drop the dose on a lump of sugar, and swallow with a large draught of water, or it may be put into gelatine capsules, or made into an emulsion with gum.

Actions

Oil of erigeron has long been known to have considerable power to arrest haemorrhage, but a knowledge of this fact has been confined to a few physicians of Philadelphia, and has not been acted on to any considerable extent. No adequate explanation has been offered of the nature of this property. Some recent investigations have satisfied me that the physiological actions consist in stimulation of the vaso-motor system, and at the same time of the inhibitory function of the vagus terminals. In consequence of these effects the amount of blood passing through the arterioles in a given time is much lessened.

Erigeron-oil, also, stimulates the renal functions, and promotes the cutaneous transpiration—both effects being due, probably, to contact with these organs during the process of elimination.

Oil of erigeron has considerable antiseptic power, prevents decomposition, and is destructive of microbes to some extent. There are other agents, however, more powerful as germicides, but under some circumstances erigeron-oil may be utilized for this purpose.

Therapy

Recent experiences have confirmed former opinions that erigeron-oil has a distinct antihaemorrhagic property. In menorrhagia and metrorrhagia it has proved very effective in numerous instances, but it sometimes fails. In purpura it is distinctly beneficial. In fact, whenever haemorrhage is more especially venous in character, in what site soever it may occur, erigeron is likely to do good.

The author has ascertained, also, that oil of erigeron is, in a high degree, useful in the chronic forms of albuminuria. It lessens the waste of albumen, sometimes remarkably, and at the same time improves the general condition of the patient. An acute congestion of the kidneys is probably a contraindication to its use, but in all the really chronic cases, united by the common symptom—albuminuria— it may be expected to render real service.

In catarrh of the genito-urinary mucous membrane, pyelitis, cystitis, etc., it has acted well, probably, because of coming into actual contact with the mucous membrane in the process of elimination. In small doses it has apparently allayed irritability of the bladder, as it occurs in women, and the author has seen it give much relief in cases of prostatic irritation.

As a stimulant expectorant, erigeron-oil is entitled to much consideration. It is nearly, if not quite, as useful in chronic bronchitis, winter cough, etc., as is terebene, and may be given under the same conditions, and to supply the same indications. Here, again, the explanation of its utility may be found in the actual contact with the diseased surface which takes place in the process of elimination.

Authorities referred to:

Bartholow, Dr. R. The Physician and Surgeon, Ann Arbor, April, 1887.