WESTERN CLASSIFICATION of the MATERIA MEDICA
2N. REPELLENTS
Repercussives, Repulsives
They are opposed to Attractive medicines. They prevent the flux of humors into a part, or drive them back to their source. They are primarily used to ‘repel Vapors’, and stop the beginning and increase of Inflammations, Discussive medicines being used after.
Salmon noted: ‘But if the Matter be venomous or pain be great, take heed of Repulsives, or forbear them till [after] due purging’. (Doron Medicum, 1668)
Their effect comes mainly due to Cold and Astringent effects. Many of them are Anti-inflammatory.
