Polymnia uvedalia (Smallanthus uvedalius) - Bearsfoot, leaf-cup, yellow leaf-cup
"CONSTITUENTS: -
PREPARATIONS: Extractum Uvedaliae Fluidum, Fluid Extract Uvedalia; not miscible with water. Dose: three to fifteen drops every three hours, gradually increased. Specific Medicine Uvedalia. Dose: two to ten drops.
Therapy: The older writers of our school lauded this remedy as of much importance in rheumatism. Others spoke of it favorably in the same class of cases in which phytolacca is used. Dr. Pruitt used it in the form of an ointment, in inflammation of the mammary glands, and other glandular inflammations, especially if abscesses had formed. The specific influence of the remedy, however, as agreed by all writers, is upon enlargement of the spleen. This gland is influenced in chronic malarial conditions, in scrofulous diseases and in tubercular difficulties. It is upon the malarial form of splenic enlargement that it acts to the best advantage.
It should be used freely internally, and externally the hot infusion must be applied. Other marked indications may be met with selected remedies.
It is indicated also in the glandular and structural hypertrophy of other organs. A chronically enlarged inactive engorged liver, with tenderness on pressure, is quickly and satisfactorily cured by it. A womb enlarged from subinvolution or other hypertrophy, yields satisfactorily to its influence.
It has been used in mastitis or "caked breast" so-called, to excellent advantage, but its prolonged use may suppress the secretion of milk. It is an active stimulant to the removal of waste in all the conditions mentioned. The removal of chronic inflammatory deposits stimulates the capillary circulation to better action and relieves the aching pain and soreness common to such conditions.
It has been praised most highly in the treatment of rheumatism, lumbago, myalgia, and other painful conditions dependent upon the imperfect removal of the products of retrograde metamorphosis. It is a remedy of much value in scrofulous conditions with glandular indurations or abscess.
Its external application has relieved many cases of severe spinal irritation, especially if present with the general conditions named above as indicating the use of this agent...."
(Finley Ellingwood: The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1915)