CHINESE MATERIA MEDICA 41 



extract is taken as a tonic, aphrodisiac, and a certain cure for 

 colds, all in one. The dried flower-buds of this tree called 

 " Yu-p'o " yield an extract by boiling which is taken by women 

 to correct irregularities of menstruation. 



The bark of Eucommia ulmoides, " Tu-chung " or " Tsze- 

 mien," is pounded and boiled, the extract being taken with 

 wine and pork as a cure for troubles of the kidney, liver, and 

 spleen. It is also supposed to be a diuretic and aphrodisiac, 

 and is a valuable general tonic. The bark of Picrasma 

 quassioides, " Ku-lien-tzu," yields, on boiling, an extract 

 which is used in cases of colic and pains in the stomach gener- 

 ally ; also as a febrifuge. The bark of Phellodendron chinense, 

 " Huang-po " or " Huang-peh," is a complete materia medica 

 in itself, it being used internally and externally as a general 

 remedy for almost every ailment known to the Chinese, and, 

 being cheap, is a poor man's " cure-all." 



These selected examples, although few in number, are 

 perhaps suf&cient for the purpose of this chapter. Un- 

 doubtedly many of the drugs used by the Chinese possess 

 sound medicinal properties, and their proper investigation is 

 well worth the attention of Occidental pharmaceutists. 



