Cacao

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. Holly leaves are tonic and febrifuge; said to be very efficient in the treatment of intermittent fevers, in doses of 60 grains of their powder administered 1 or 2 hours previous to the chill. The infusion has also proved beneficial in icterus, pleuritis, catarrh, variola, arthritis, etc. The berries are said to be emeto-cathartic and cholagogue; from 8 to 15 of them will act as a hydragogue. According to Dr. Rousseau, ilicin acts decidedly upon the spleen, liver, and pancreas, producing a sedative effect, and is a cheap substitute for quinine. Its dose is 10 grains in pill form, gradually increased to 30 grains.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. Oil of theobroma is emollient and nutrient. It forms a good dressing for wounds and abraded or excoriated parts, and on account of its melting at the temperature of the body, furnishes a good base for suppositories for the relief of rectal, vaginal, and uterine lesions. Internally, in 5 to 30-grain doses, it has been employed in chronic bronchial and intestinal disorders.

Preparation and Description. Butter of cacao must not be confounded with cocoanut oil from Cocos nucifera; with palm oil from Elaeis guineensis; nor with coca, the dried leaves of Erythroxylon Coca; it is obtained by two or three processes, one of which is to roast the seeds, and, after removing the testa, grind the seeds, put them in canvas bags, expose them to steam, and press between hot iron plates.

History and Chemical Composition. The holly is found growing throughout the United States from Maine to Louisiana, in moist woodlands, and flowering in June. It is quite common to the Atlantic states, especially New Jersey. The viscid substance of the inner bark, like the mistletoe berry, furnishes an adhesive material known as birdlime.