121-2 
Although this plant has been used from ancient times, and is mentioned by 
Dioscorides and Pliny, yet it has received but little thought or experiment. The 
principal uses as a drug are all mentioned in a few words by Gerarde, who says :* 
“Archangel, stamped with vinegar, and applied in manner of a pultis, taketh away 
Wens and hard swellings ; the King’s Evill, inflammation of the kernels under the 
ears and jawes, and also hot fierie inflammation of the kernels of the necke, arm- 
holes, and flanks. It is good to bathe those parts with the decoction of it... .. 
The later Phisitions thinke that the white flowers do staie the whites, and for the 
same purpose divers do make of them a conserve.” 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—Two parts of the fresh leaves, and one 
part of the fresh blossoms are to be chopped and pounded to a pulp, enclosed in 
a piece of new linen, and subjected to pressure. The expressed juice should then 
be thoroughly mixed with an equal part by weight of alcohol. After allowing the 
mass to macerate eight days in a well-stoppered bottle, in a dark, cool place, the 
tincture may be separated by filtration. This tincture should be opaque. In thin 
layers, it has a reddish-brown color by transmitted light; its odor is sourish and 
herbaceous, reminding one of old buckweat honey-comb; its taste very like its 
odor, and followed by a bitterishness; and its reaction strongly acid. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—Lamium contains a bitter principle and a 
volatile oil, but neither have as yet been isolated. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Little is known of the action of this plant, the 
provings of Hahnemann and others giving few characteristic symptoms, Its action 
seems to be spent upon the mucous membranes in general, and upon the female 
generative organs in particular, where it causes a sort of inflammatory excitement. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 121. 
_ 
. Top of plant, from Salem, Mass., Aug. 6th, 1885. 
. A leaf, under surface. 
. Flower. 
. A portion of the corolla, showing the appendage. 
5 and 6. Anthers. 
7. Stigma. 
8 and 9. Carpels. 
(3-9 enlarged.) 
wih 
* Herball, p. 568. 
