CORIANDRUM SATIVUM. 
which is extensively used by confectioners, druggists and dis- 
tillers, in large quantities. 
The seeds are sometimes used in flatulencies, but principally 
to cover the unpleasant taste, and correct the griping quality of 
some cathartics. 
Dr. Cullen considered coriander as more powerfully correcting 
the odor and taste of Senna than any other aromatic ; and hence 
it was formerly a constituent of the compound infusion of Senna, 
though now ginger is substituted for it. It is only employed in 
medicine as an adjuvant or corrigent. It is a constituent of the 
confectio senne, which when properly prepared is a mild and 
pleasant purgative, and well adapted for those who are afflicted 
with habitual costiveness. 
CorrANDRUM Sativum is carminative, and therefore the follow- 
ing observations respecting medicines of that class are introduced 
for the use of the general reader. Carminatives are those 
medicines which usually dispel flatulency of the stomach and 
bowels by stimulating the inner coat of these organs. They in 
general produce only temporary relief, for if the diseased con- 
dition of the alimentary canal be not removed by appropriate 
remedies it will very speedily become again distended with 
flatus. The articles generally employed as carminatives are 
infusions or tinctures of the aromatic seeds and vegetables. The 
principal carminatives are ginger, cardamon, anise and caraway 
seeds ; several of the essential oils, as those of peppermint, anise, 
ctuiaier: and juniper. Ardent spirits and especially aromatic 
tinctures. The use of these articles is decidedly injurious in 
every instance in which the stomach or intestines are in the least 
degree inflamed, or when their sensibility is morbidly increased, 
They are however very favorite prescriptions with nurses and 
mothers, to allay the gripings with which young children are so 
frequently afflicted, and under these circumstances a great deal 
of mischief is caused by their indiscreet ailministration. Whole- 
some food, cleanliness of person, protection from cold and damp, 
and sufficient exercise will most generally prevent a flatulent 
_ state of the bowels of infants ; when, however, it depends upon 
- the the disease « of these parts carminatives will seldom do much good 
but will often i increase the a of f the little patient. 
