Remarks on the siruba, or native oil of laurel, its production, uses, &c / [John Hancock].

  • Hancock, John, 1808-1890
Date:
1830
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Remarks on the siruba, or native oil of laurel, its production, uses, &c / [John Hancock]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    most violent sprains and bruises have been cured in a few days. The Indians esteem it as their best remedy for cramp, and apply it by smart frictions with the hand over the part affected, covering it warm. It is said to be a capital cosmetic, removing eruptions and giving a softness to the skin, by rubbing in a few drops once or twice a day. Although I have not tried it with this view, I am convinced the report is correct, because of its well-known power in removing scorbutic blotches, ring¬ worm, and many other skin diseases, by rubbing it on the eruptions, and taking small doses inwardly, as five to ten drops, at bed-time. In sore throat and inflammation of the tonsils, it is introduced on a soft feather, keeping the throat warm. In gout and rheumatism, whether acute or chronic, it is extolled as a valuable remedy, taking fen, twenty, to forty drops, twice a day, and applying it by friction to the parts affected. One or two grains of opium may also be taken for a few nights. In these cases, it is continued till it induces a general perspiration. When the parts are swollen or in¬ flamed, and painful to the touch, they ought not to be rubbed or disturbed, but may be smeared with the oil, or with equal parts of the oil and spermaceti ointment, wrap¬ ped in flannel, and kept as quiet as possible till the ten¬ derness has abated. When gout attacks the stomach, the inward use of the oil is a useful remedy. Its chief use, however, in gout, is in preventing the fit or paroxysm, by removing the gouty diathesis, and for which it is best taken in a small dose each night, with the use of the Sarsa, diluent drinks, and a cooling regimen. In pulmonic cases, attended with cough, soreness of the chest, spitting of blood, or purulent expectoration, this oil may be taken internally, and (mixed with an equal quantity