EPIPETALEA. 323 — 
‘Mepicinat Properties. — There are two principles 
found in the Umbellifere: 1. An aromatic resinous prin- — 
ciple, containing a volatile oil,.and found chiefly in the 
seeds; this renders them tonic, stimulant, and carminative, 
and useful as articles of diet when mixed with much saccha- 
rine or mucilaginous matter, as in the Carrot, Parsnip, Pars- 
ley, &c. ; those which furnish the gum-resins are of the aro- 
_ matic species; 2. A bitter extractive principle, which gives 
them the character and properties of narcotic poisons, as we 
find in Hemlock. The seeds of Dill (Anethum graveolens), 
Sweet Fennel (Feniculum vulgare, or 4. feniculum), Ca- 
raway (Carum Carui), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), 
Cumin (Cuminum Cyminum), and Anise (Pimpinella Ani- 
sum), are warm, aromatic, and carminative; they all con- 
tain a volatile oil, on which their properties depend. The — 
fruits of Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) “ are remark- 
able for their large size and powerful fragrance ; and, as Sir 
J. E..Smith well observes, make a part of the humble 
luxuries and simple medicines of the mountain cottager.”— 
Hooker, The root of Angelica Archangelica is deemed 
an excellent aromatic. The root of Burnet saxifrage 
(Pimpinella saxifraga) is diuretic. The seeds of Ginanthe 
Phellandrium are aromatic, and regarded as febrifuge, 
and equal to Peruvian Bark by some. The root of Parsley 
is diuretic and diaphoretic; and the root of Celery is also 
diuretic and antiscorbutic. Gum galbanum was formerly 
