What Is “Viavi”? by J. R. LEADSWORTH, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jan 2, 1908

What Is “Viavi”?

By J. R. LEADSWORTH, M. D.

J. R. LEADSWORTH, M. D.

Doubtless every physician has had to answer this question many times during the last six years. Its remedial qualities have been so highly lauded by both the religious and the lay press that to believe half of what is said of it, one would, without investigation, be inclined to imagine that its discovery by some enterprising manufacturer was equal in importance with that of chloroform or ether. What are the agents that have been so skilfully compounded in this preparation that it can be said to be harmless and still act almost as a specific in many of the diseases peculiar to women?

The question at the head of this article was recently put to an audience made up almost entirely of physicians, nurses, and ministers—an audience far above the average in knowledge of therapeutic agents. Out of this assembly numbering about one hundred, not more than twelve had any definite idea of the composition of this compound. In a number of instances the writer has known of good, conscientious Christians who not only use this remedy upon themselves, but recommend it unqualifiedly to their neighbors. In some instances such persons have accepted an agency for the mixture, and then spent a large part of their time in introducing it to afflicted humanity wherever found. But what are the constituent elements of this therapeutic agent?

According to a contribution in the Western Druggist, which was quoted in the “Standard Formulary,” relative to viavi, “a mixture of tannin, opium, and cocoa butter put up in capsules resembles this remedy. It is sold as a cure for female diseases.” The same ingredients are combined in an ointment which is applied with more or less friction and rubbing. The capsules, or ointment, are usually applied to those cavities adjacent to the pelvic organs. Being lined with mucous membrane, the same as is the mouth or lungs, their absorbing surfaces are proportionately active. A capsule containing opium, introduced into these cavities, will place an individual under the influence of the drug almost as readily as if it were introduced into the stomach. Then if a tired, overworked, nervous wife and mother finds her symptoms somewhat relieved after a few applications of this compound, it can be readily understood why such relief is experienced.

A man might be suffering intense pain from the destructive action of a cinder or a piece of steel in the eye, and be entirely relieved by a few drops of cocain, but that would not stop the destructive work of the foreign body. By keeping up the applications of cocain to the eye he might imagine that all was going well. But any one with ordinary intelligence would know that the rational thing to do, would be to relieve the eye by removing the cause of the pain and discomfort and derangement of function. The cocain might strangle the delicate sense nerves, those faithful body-guards which are always on the alert to give warning when anything goes wrong. But how much better it would be to give heed to their alarm and endeavor to remove the cause that is giving rise to the disturbance.

The same reasoning will hold good relative to the aching body, and tired, overwrought nerves that so frequently make life almost unbearable for worn-out mothers. Applications of a mixture including opium might relieve for a time the symptoms, and the rubbing incident to the treatment might do some good by relieving congested blood-vessels, but the applications will in no wise remove the cause of the distressing symptoms. One application or treatment will simply create a condition which will demand another. Then one goes on accustoming herself to the hypnotic effect of one of the most subtle and dangerous drugs known to medical science. The large army who have become enslaved to the use of this drug ought to be sufficient warning to all that it is hazardous to experiment with such a remedy. It is so much better to find out the cause of any diseased condition, and then work from cause to effect.

When it comes to dealing with diseases for which viavi is so highly extolled, it will be found much safer and more satisfactory to work from this standpoint. If the mother is carrying too weighty burdens in the home, other members of the household should be on the alert to render relief and make it possible for the good housewife to have periods of complete rest and relaxation. To get away from arduous cares and duties occasionally gives her renewed strength and ambition in taking up the work again.

The backache and tired, dragging sensations may be due to overloaded, constipated bowels, in which case that certainly ought to be remedied. These symptoms may be due to undue relaxation of the abdominal muscles. This could be remedied by a well-fitting abdominal supporter. Whatever the cause may be in any diseased condition, it should be sought out and removed if possible. Then there will be little occasion for using patent or proprietary medicines, of which viavi is a sample.

Loma Linda, Cal.