NAT. ORDER. MENISPERMACE^. 87 



hence, it is easily detected by the agency of iodine, which does 

 not alter its color ; by its changing black with sulphate of iron ; 

 and by its infusion reddening turnsole paper. 



Medical Properties and Uses. Calumba root is considered a 

 powerful antiseptic and tonic, and also possessed of some astrin- 

 gent properties ; on which account it is highly recommended in 

 diarrhcEa, cholera morbus, general debility, and in the last stages 

 of phthisis pulmonalis, and in hectic fever ; it has been found to 

 check colliquative diarrhoea, to allay nervous irritability, and to im- 

 part some degree of vigor to the stomach. It has also been con- 

 sidered useful in allaying the distressing nausea and vomiting 

 which accompany pregnancy ; and in the low stage of puerjjeral 

 fever. It is also an excellent remedy in dyspepsia. Calumharoot 

 may be given in powder, in doses of from fifteen to thirty grains, 

 and repeated once in four or six hours. It is usually, however, 

 taken in the form of infusion, either alone, or in combination with 

 neutral or alkaline salts, aromatics, or ojiiates, according as cir- 

 cumstances may indicate. By the natives of Mosambique, and 

 also by those at a remote distance, this root is considered almost a 

 specific for every disorder of long standing ; but more especially 

 for dysenterial and venereal disorders. 



The calumba root is considered a most valuable tonic, and is 

 most commonly prescribed in the state of infusion. The dose of 

 the powder is from ten to thirty grains, and can be repeated three 

 or four times a day. It is frequently combined with powdered 

 ginger, carbonate of iron, and rhubarb. 



Infusion. — Take of calumba root, bruised, one ounce ; water, 

 half a pint. JNIacerate for six hours in a close vessel, and strain. 

 The dose of the infusion thus prepared is one fluid ounce. It 

 should be remembered that all infusions of roots prepared in wa- 

 ter very soon spoil : therefore, there should be added sufficient 

 alcohol to keep it. 



