ALETRiS FARINOSA. 
scattered flowers, and at base surrounded with a circle of lanceos 
late, sessile leaves, which spring immediately from the foot and 
spread on the ground in the form of astar. Hence have origi- 
nated the popular names of star-grass, blazing star, and mealy 
star-wort, by which the plant is known in different parts of the 
country. The leaves are entire, pointed, very smooth, longitu- 
dinally veined, and of unequal size, the largest being about four 
inches in length. ; 
CHEMICAL AND MEDICAL PROPERTIES AND USES. 
The root of Hetontas Diorcra is the part principally used, and 
is highly celebrated as a tonic, and general strengthener of the 
system. Dr. Roeerrs says it relieves colic, stranguary, rheuma- 
tism, and jaundice. It affords an excellent female medicine, 
and has a powerful tendency to prevent abortion, and they who 
are liable to accidents of this nature, ought to make frequent 
use of it. Half a tea-spoonful of the powdered root may be 
taken three times a day, in a gill of warm water, or for ordinary 
use, a portion of it may be added to the bitter tonic. It is also 
_ highly valued in suppressed menstruation. 
The Unicorn-root is also an excellent remedy for coughs, con- 
- sumptions, and all complaints of the lungs, promoting expecto- 
ration and insensible perspiration. The constant use of it, how- 
ever, sometimes makes the mouth sore, when it must be laid 
aside, and some other expectorant used till the mouth gets well, 
and then it may be again resumed, 
The root of the ALerris Farrnosa, is the official portion em- 
ployed as medicine. It is a very bitter and valuable tonic and 
stomachic, promoting in small doses the appetite and digestion ; 
‘but in large doses is apt to produce nausea and vomiting. 
Twelve grains of the powdered root is the largest dose. 
: The bitterness appears to reside in a resinous matter, which 
is fully imparted in the tincture, to alcohol, which it renders ex- 
tremely bitter, whilst water is rendered much less so. The 
= , tincture becomes turbid by the addition of water. 
‘The star-grass may be given in tincture, decoction or sub- 
_ stance, though the first and last forms are undoubtedly the best; 
or it may be incorporated into cordials or syrups. It is useful 
in all cases of _ and loss of. em eas suns = : 
