oint, and dissolves congealed blood in bruises, ble 
these purposes, it should be applied in strong decoction 
The juice destroys worms in the ears, when dropped in 
_ Arse-smart may be drank in decoction without any ill effe 
has been used in gravel and other obstructions of urine with 
benefit: for curing coughs and colds it is remarkably efficacious. 
It has also been used as a vermifuge. Tie piles may be cured by 
this herb, taken internally and applied externally, 6 > © to eri 
- 
ASARABACCA. Asarum: Americaium. The leaves and 
&c. ‘This is a humble stemless plant, the leaves rise immediately 
from the root, and are usually two in number, resembling a colt’s 
foot. The flowers proceed from between these leaves, and are large, 
purple and bell-shaped. The root is fibrous, of a grey brown color 
externally, but white within, It grows throughout the United States, 
in shady woods and rich soil. Both the root and leaves have anau- 
seous, bitter, acrimonious, hot taste. ers 
American asarabacca is aromatic, stimulant and diaphoretic, c 
dial emmenagogue, tonic, errhine, &c. but not smetic, 
the European species, though a large dose will op te as an 
emetic and cathartic. It is useful in debility, melancholy, palpita- 
tions, low fevers, convalesence, obstructions, hooping-cough, &c. 
The doses must be small and often repeated, since it becomes nau- 
seous in larger doses. It may be-given in decoction, or in cordial. 
The principal use of this plant, among modera practitioners, isasa_ 
sternutatory, being one of the strongest of all vegetable errhines, and 
very useful in all disorders of the head and eyes. Snuffed up the 
nose, in quantity of a grain or two, it causesa large evacuation of ~~ 
mucus. ‘ 
Inp1aAn Arrow Root. The root. 
This root is imported from the West Indies, and has been much 
used as a diet for sick people. It is nutritious and mucilagindus, 
and good in bowel complaints ; but is more an article of luxury than. 
of necessity, and its place may be supplied nearer home. 
~ 
Assaratiwa. The gum resin. 
a- 
