ERYTHROXYLON COCA-The Coca plant-

Sunday, 02 July 2006

Herbal treatment Catarrh, Cold Asthma etc Habitat----This South American shrub is now being cultivated in the tea districts of India and Ceylon. Parts Used----Leaves and their alkaloid Cocaine. Constituents----The leaves contaiD an alkaloid Cocaine, along with other substances. Action----The leaves are stimulant, carminative, sialagogue, expectorant, aphrodisiac and emmenagogue. The alkaloid cocaine is locally anaesthetic; it produces mydriasis. It and its salts are nerve stimulant and restorative. It is an antidote to alcohol, opium and tobacco habits. It is a great digestive tonic. Uses----The leaves are chewed by S. American Indians as they have great sustaining power. Coca leaves if chewed strengthen and preserve the teeth. As digestive they are chewed after heavy meals. For infants suffering from colic, warm milk in which the leaves are stirred is given. In throat affections such as catarrh, cold asthma etc , the leaves are chewed or smoked as cigarettes, or used in hot decoction. Cocaine is injected hypodermically and painted externally to produce local anaesthesia. It is used in minot operations especially in ophthalmic surgery. The anaesthetic effect commences in about 3 minutes and lasts for about half an hour.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 02 July 2006 )

 

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