754 ORD. XLV. Scitamine@. | AMOMUM ZINGIBER. 
fixed nature; for a watery infusion of this root being boiled down 
to a thick consistence, dissolved afresh in a large quantity of water, 
and strongly boiled down again, the heat and pungency of the 
root still remained, though with littlé or nothing of its smell. 
Ginger is generally considered as an aromatic, less pungent and 
heating to the system, than might be expected from its effects 
upon the organs of taste. Dr. Cullen thinks, however, that there 
is no real foundation for this remark.* It is used as an anti- 
spasmodic and carminative. The cases in which it is more imme- 
diately serviceable, are flatulent colics, debility and laxity of the 
stomach and intestines, and in torpid and phlegmatic constitutions 
to excite brisker vascular action. It is seldom given but in com- 
bination with other medicines. In the Pharmacopceias it is directed 
in the form of a syrup and a condiment," and in many composi- 
‘tions it is ordered as a subsidiary ingredient. 
& Cullen’s Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 206. 
» For this purpose the root should not be older than four or five months. Of 
the very young roots the aromatic taste is peculiarly grateful. ‘* Junior recens 
crudaque radix in Martinica in mensis apponitur, parvaque ejusdem portio solet 
cum bubnula elixa comedi, Est etiam tunc insigniter acris, sed aroma longe 
gratius possidet, quam exsiccata.” Jacquin. |. c. 
Sana nineetiins 2. sossceeeeeeEaREE 
AMOMUM REPENS, OFFICINAL CARDAMOM. 
seu CARDAMOMUM. 
SYNONYMA. Cardamomum minus. Pharm. Lond. & Edinb. 
Gerard. Emac. p. 1547. Park. Theat. p. 1576. Cardamomum 
simpliciter in officinis dictum. Bauh. Pin. p. 414. Cardamo- 
mum cum siliquis seu thecis brevibus. J. Bauh> Hist. vol. ii. p. 
205. Amomum repens, seu Le Cardamome de la Céte de 
“Malabar. Sonnerat Voyage aux Indes oriental. tom. ii. p. 240, 
tab. 136. Alia species est Amomum Cardamomum L. scape 
simplicissimo brevissimo. 
