89-2 
mouth and fauces, and for quinsy. A hot decoction proves pectoral and some- 
what anodyne, as well as sudorific in early stages of fevers. A cold infusion has 
been much used in diarrhoea, dysentery, and hemorrhage of the bowels, and is 
somewhat vermifugal ; it is also recommended in leucorrhcea, The fresh juice is 
considered anti-venereal. Hot fomentations of the herb have been used like Arnica, 
for sprains and bruises, and form a good vulnerary for painful tumors and un- 
healthy ulcers. The dried flowers are recommended as a quieting filling for- the 
pillows of consumptives. 
Of Antennaria plantaginifolia, Hook. (Gnaphalium plantaginifolium, Linn.), 
Rafinesque says: “Fora small fee, the Indians, who call this plant Svzjachu, will 
allow themselves to be bitten by a rattlesnake, and immediately cure themselves 
with this herb.” 
Gnaphalium is not officinal in the U.S. Ph.; in the Eclectic Dispensatory, the 
preparation recommended is: /zfusum Guaphalit. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole fresh plant, gathered when 
the flowers are still young, should be treated as directed for the root of Inula.* 
The resulting tincture should have a brownish-orange color by transmitted light; 
a pleasant, slightly balsamic odor; a taste at first aromatic, then bitter; and an 
acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—No analysis to determine the character of 
the bitter principle has been made. The herb contains a little resin, a volatile 
oil, a bitter principle, and tannin; and yields all its sensible qualities to both water 
and alcohol. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The symptoms following the ingestion of from 
15 drops to a half ounce of the tincture, at the hands of Dr. Woodbury,} were 
essentially as follows: Slight abdominal griping, vomiting and purging; profuse 
diarrhoea, dark-colored offensive passages. Experiments with small doses of the 
triturated dry flowers and leaves, at the hands of Dr. Banks,} corroborated the 
above symptoms, though the result was less severe, and gave the following symp- 
toms beside: Giddiness, especially on rising; dull, heavy expression of counte- 
nance; diminished appetite; rumbling of flatus, increased urine; sexual excite- 
‘ment; intense sciatic pain; weakness, and languor. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 89. 
i Sapa bs of plant, Binghamton, N. Y., Aug. roth, 1886. 
2. A leaf (from a plant gathered by Chapman in Florida). 
. Outer 
. Inner 
. Floret. 
. Stigmas, 
. Seed. 
\ scale of involucre. 
a NU WwW 
(3-7 enlarged. oe 
s - Page 81-2, + Trans. Mass. Hom. Soc. M.A. Four. Hom., 7, 383. 
