23-2 
Only three other plants of this order are proven and find place in our Materia 
Medica, viz.: The seeds of the European bitter Candytuft (/ber’s amara, Linn.), 
extolled as a remedy for cardiac hypertrophy, but needing further corroborative 
proving; the Buenos Ayres Pepperwort (Lepidium Bonariense, D. C.), used in 
Brazil much as arnica is among the laity here; and the British Rape or Cole Seed 
(Brassica napus, Linn.). 
Many species, however, find a place in domestic practice, principal among 
which are: The South European Scurvy Grass (Cochlearia officinalis, Linn.), long 
known and used as an anti-scorbutic; C. armoracta, Linn., our common horse- 
radish, is much used as a counter-irritant, diuretic, diaphoretic, and stimulant: the 
dried flowers of the Cuckoo Flower (Cardamine pratensis, Linn.) have been recom- 
mended for the cure of epilepsy in children; and the seeds of the Oriental Aradis 
Chinensts are considered by the natives stomachic, and are said to cause abortion 
In pregnant women. 
Many species afford vegetables of value as foods, or, more properly, relishes, 
notably the Cresses, of which the following European species are most used: The 
Common Water Cress (Nasturtium officinale, R. Br.); Winter Cress (Larbarea 
vulgaris, R. Br.); Belleisle Cress (2. precox, R. Br.); and the Common Cress 
(Lepidium sativum, Linn.). The edible Pepperwort of New Zealand (L. olera- 
ceum) is greatly valued, as also are the Chinese Mustard (Srzapis Chinensis, Linn.), 
and the British Sea Kale (Crambe maritima, Linn.). The most useful species, 
however, for relishes, and nourishment as well, are the Turnip (Brassica Rapa, 
Linn.), and the Cabbage (2. o/eracea, Linn.), with its numerous varieties by culti- 
vation, prominent among which stands the Cauliflower as var. Botrytis, Dec. 
History and Habitat White Mustard has as yet hardly become naturalized 
in this country from its European and Oriental haunts, but has escaped from cul- 
tivation here in many places, and grows the life of what is commonly known as a 
roadside weed, 
The previous uses of the seeds of this plant are intimately connected with those 
of S. zzgra, as they are usually mixed in the preparation of Sizafis or mustard 
flour, which is used as an emetic, diuretic, stomachic, and gastro-intestinal stimu- 
lant; and externally applied, wet with vinegar, as a rubefacient and vesicant. The ~ 
power of vesication resides in the oil to a high degree. The unground seeds of 
this species have held a high place in former practice as a remedy tn atonic dys- 
pepsia, and various kindred complaints where there appeared to be a torpid state 
of the alimentary tract, as they were known to increase peristaltic activity; but 
the exhibition of the seeds proved dangerous, as they are liable to become im- ‘ & 
pacted in the bowel and set up a fatal inflammation. , 
The seeds, though mentioned, have no officinal preparation in the U. S. Ph.; 
in the Eclectic Materia Medica their use is as Cataplasma Sinapis. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The ripe seeds, prepared as noted 
under the next (Sinapis Nigra, p. 24-2), yield a tincture having a light, clear orange 
color by transmitted light; a sinapic odor and taste, biting and burning the tongue; 
and an acid reaction. 
