682 CYTINACE. 
Properties and Uses.—These plants contain-a bitter principle 
and a volatile oil, and generally possess tonic, stimulant, and 
acrid properties. Many of the species are regarded in various 
parts of the world as useful in curing the effects of snake- 
bites. 
Aristolochia, Birthwort.—Several species have been employed for cen- 
turies in medicine, principally on account of their supposed emmenagogue 
properties, and hence the name of Birthwort which is applied to the genus. 
‘Lhe roots of A. longa, A. rotunda, A. Clematitis, and others, have been thus 
used. They all possess stimulant and tonic_pro- 
: r ' perties. The powdered root of .4. longa was an 
pate ISO PGs WEE ingredient in the once celebrated ‘Dike of Port- 
land’s powder for gout. Several of the species 
have been reputed specifics for snake-bites, but 
without any satisfactory proof.—A. anguicida is 
supposed by Lindley to be the celebrated Guaco 
of the Columbians. The juice of its root, as well 
as that of many other species, is said so to stupefy 
snakes that they may be handled and played 
with.—A. Serpentaria, Virginian Snake-root. 
The dried rhizome and rootlets are official, together 
with the similar parts of A. reticulata, in the 
British Pharmacopeeia, under the name of Serpen- 
tary Rhizome. Serpentary rhizome was originally 
introduced into this country and elsewhere as an 
antidote to snake-bites, but it has no efficacy in 
such cases. It is, however, a valuable stimulant, 
tonic, and diaphoretic, and is especially useful in 
fevers of a low or typhoid character. The allied 
species, A. reticulata, is a native of the Western 
United States, and is also now official, as already 
stated, in the British Pharmacopeia. It yields 
Texan or Red River Snake-root, which has similar 
properties to the ordinary Virginian Snake-root. 
Fig.1045. Vertical section — A, indica is in high repute in India as a stimu- 
of the flower of the com- Jant, tonic, and emmenagogue.—A. bracteata is 
mon Birthwort(A7istolo- =e : ; = pte: Iminti A 
chia Clematitis)——Fig. regarded in India as an anthelmintic.—A. re- 
1046. The gynecium ana curvilabru is the source of the drug which is 
andreecium of the same. highly esteemed by the Chinese, and known as 
Fig. 1047. Trans- ‘Green Putchuk.’ It is reputed to be a powerful 
verse section of the seed. purgative, emetic, and anthelmintic. It is prin- 
; cipally employed as an antidote against snake- 
bites, and likewise as a remedy for burns and indigestion. It is also largely 
used for the purpose of making incense sticks. 
Asarum.— A. europeum, Asarabacca, possesses acrid properties. It has 
been employed in medicine as an emetic, and as an errhine in headache and 
ophthalmia. Its powder is supposed to constitute the chief ingredient in 
cephalic snuffi—A. canadense, Canada Snake-root or Wild Ginger, has 
aromatic properties. The rhizome is used in the United States as a tonic, 
diaphoretic, and aromatic stimulant. 
Bragantia.—The juice of the leaves of B. Waillichii is regarded as an 
antidote in snake-bites, but more especially of those of the cobra.—B. tomen- 
tosa is used by the Japanese as an emmenagogue. 
Fie. 1047. 
Order 2. Cytrnack®, the Cistus-rape Order.—Character. 
—Root-parasites destitute of chlorophyll, and with a fungoid 
texture. Flowers hermaphrodite or unisexual, and either soli- 
