NAT. ORDER. — DUMOS^. 



17 



cuttings of them root freely under a hand glass m sand ; those of 

 tlie stove species require heat 



Medical Properties and Uses. The berries of the Sunacli are 

 astringent and refrigerant: a tincture or an infusion from them is 

 highly useful in febrile complaints, and forms a pleasant gargle for 

 inflammation and ulceration of the throat. It is also recommended 

 as a specific for the sore mouth attending inordinate mercurial 

 salivation. 



Both the leaves and berries are diuretic, but the latter is the 

 most efficient. They may be used in connection with other medi- 

 cines, for all the purposes of an astringent." The bark of the root, 

 says Dr. Smith, is considered a valuable antiseptic : in the form of 

 a poultice for old ulcers, it is scarcely equalled by any other 

 remedy. Taken internally, it operates like a purgative. The 

 excrescences which form upon the leaves of this shrub, are nearly 

 equal in astringency to galls ; and, if finely powdered, and made 

 into ointment with fresh lard, affcrd a soothing application for piles. 



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