610 SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



employed by the cook for flavouring, &c., such as Thymus 'vulgaris 

 (Grarden Thyme), Thymus cUrudorus (Lemon Thyme), Salvia 

 officinalis (Sage), Origanum vulgare (Marjoram), Majorana hor- 

 fensis (Sweet Marjoram), Satureja montana (Winter Savory), 

 Satureja hortensis (Summer Savory), &c. The fleshy under- 

 ground stems of Stachys palusiris and of a species of Ocymtun 

 are edible. 



Anisomelos maJaharka is in great repute in Southern India in intermittent 

 fevers, catarrhal affections, &c. 



Hedeoma pulegioides, American Pennyroyal, is much used in the United 

 States as an emmenagogue, and also occasionally as a stimulant and carmi- 

 native. 



Lavandula. — The flowering heads of L. vera, Common Lavender, yield by 

 distillation with water English Oil of Lavender, which is largely used in 

 perfumery, and also in medicine as a stimulant, stomachic, and carminative. 

 The flowers are likewise occasionally employed as a sternutatory. The 

 flowering heads of L. spica or latifolia, French Lavender, yield Oil of Spike 

 or Foreign Oil of Lavender, which has a much less agreeable odour than 

 the English Oil, and is not employed medicinally, but principally by painters 

 and varnish-makers, and to adulterate English Oil of Lavender. L. Stcecha.i 

 also yields by distillation an essential oil, which is commonly distinguished 

 as the True Oil of Spike. 



Marrubium vulgare, Common Horehound, is much employed as a domestic 

 remedy in coughs, &c. 



Melissa officinalis. Common Balm, possesses mild stimulant properties. It 

 is used as a diaphoretic in fevers, as an exhilarating drink in nervous affec- 

 tions, and as an emmenagogue. 



Mentha, Mint. — Several species are used in medicine, and as sweet herbs. 

 The volatile oils of two species are officinal, namely, of M. viridis, Spearmint, 

 and of M. piperita. Peppermint. M. Pulegium, Pennyroyal, M. rotundifolia, 

 M. aquatica, M. arvensis, &c., have similar properties. All the Menthas are 

 stimulant and carminative. 



Micromeria theasinmsis is used in France as a substitute for China Tea. 



Monarda. — M. punctata, Horsemint, is used medicinally in the United 

 States. In its properties it resembles the ordinary mints, but it is more 

 stimulating. M.fistulosa is said to be febrifugal. The leaves of M. didyma 

 and M. purpurea are used in North America as tea under the name of Oswego 

 Tea. The flowers of M. didyma are said to contain the same colouring 

 principle as cochineal, and may be used for the preparation of carmine. 



Ocymum. — 0. album is used in India as Tea, which is known as Toolsie 

 Tea. 0. sanctum, 0. Basilicum, and other species, are reputed throughout 

 India to possess stimulant, diaphoretic, and expectorant properties. 



Origanum.— 0. vulgare. Common or Wild Marjoram, has simi'ar properties 

 to the other labiate plants. The thied leaves have been employed as a sub- 

 stitute for China Tea. Hanbury has shown that the! red volatile oil sold 

 usually in the shops as Oleum Origan i, or Oil of Thyme, is obtained by dis- 

 tillation from Thymus vulgaris. This oil is imported fi-om the south of 

 France. Several species of Origanum are used by the cook for flavouring, 

 as 0. vulgaris. Common Marjoram, 0. Majorana or Majorana hortensis, Sweet 

 Marjoram, &c. 



Fogostemon Patchouli, Pucha-Pat or Pa'-chouly.— This plant is a native 

 of Silhet and the Malayan Peninsula. The dried tops are imported and 

 yield by distillation a strong-scented volatile oil, called Oil of Patchouli, 

 which has been much employed in p Tf umery. The coarsely powdered herb 

 is also used for making sachets. The odour of Chinese or Indian Ink has 

 been erroneously stated to be due to Patchouli. 



Rosmarinus officinalis. Common Rosemary. — The flowering tops contain 

 a volatile oil, which imparts to them stimulant and carminative properties. 

 Rosemary is however chiefly used in perfumery, and by the hairdresser. 

 The flavour of Narbonne Honey is said to be due to the bees feeding on the 



