Emmenagogues, drugs used to promote the menstrual function. No drug has the power to do this directly and independently of the efforts of nature. Some medicines, such as aloes and other cathartics, produce a congestion in the neighborhood of the uterus which may be shared by this organ. Local warmth has a similar effect. Savin, tansy, rue, and to a less degree other aromatics, act as general stimulants, and under favorable circumstances assist the natural function. But tonics, and especially iron, are in many cases of much greater use than any of these. The local application of electricity is often of service. The name emmenagogue is in some classifications made to include ergot and other drugs which have no effect upon the secretions of the uterus. Certain emmena-gogues are used as abortifacients, but fortunately are but little to be relied upon for this purpose. Ergot alone is inefficient as an abor-tifacient. Tansy and savin are not only dangerous, but frequently fail to produce abortion, even when they destroy the life of the mother. The root of the cotton plant (gossypium) has been much used in the southern states for the purpose of regulating and promoting the cata-menial discharge, and when properly administered is not without value for this object.

Whenever there is local disease of the ovaries or uterus, which disturbs and checks the menstrual function, the best emmenagogue is an appropriate local treatment.