144 VENEZUELAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
loss to find out a nexus rerum. The American Spanish language has a 
number of obscene expressions, and in great many instances these 
names are of that nature. As a considerable nnmber of names are 
genuine Spanish, I have adopted throughout the Spanish way of 
spelling. And I may here observe that the great work of Humboldt, 
13onpland, and Kuuth, as well as the 'Synopsis;' contains many ortho- 
graphical errors, — more than two-thirds of their vernacular names 
being incorrectly rendered. 
4 
Acedera (Riimex Aceiosa, L.). Sometimes cultivated for tlie sake 
of its edible leaves, wliich are also used as au antiseptic and laxative. 
Acelfftt {S/macia oleracea, L.). Cultivated. The expressed juice of 
the root sniffed up, is said to give relief in catarrh. In Spain the name 
Acelga is applied to a different plant. 
AcJwte, Onoto {Bixa Orellana, L.). Both words are derifed from 
the Aztec Achiotf, whence also the English con-uption "Arnotto." 
The leaves cure headache, and the country-people generally put them 
in their hats before they go to work in the hot sun. An intelligent 
planter assures me that no other tree gives such a refreshing shade as 
the Onoto, although it does not grow either very high, nor has so 
thick a foliage as, for instance, the Mango. Tlie red arillus is put 
into soups or sauces, but principally into a national dish, called " Mon- 
dongo," to which it imparts a saffron-like colour, and a rather peculiar 
flavour. 
Agenjo {Artemisia Absinthimn, L.). Well known for its aromatic 
properties, and sometimes cultivated. A decoction is used as a vermi- 
fuge, and taken in doses of two or three spoonfuls before breakfast ; 
eaid to be efl&canious even against tcenia. 
Aguacato (Fersea grafissima, Gsertn.), derived from the Aztec word 
'Ahuatcatl.' Cultivated and valued as a dessert-fruit. The astrin- 
gent kernel, cut in pieces, roasted, and reduced to powder, is recom- 
mended in diarrhoea and dysentery; ten or twelve grains of it, mixed 
with a decoction of Cliilca {Eupatorium Chilca, H. B. K. ?), and Llanten 
{Plantago major, L.), are taken three times a day. 
Ajonjol {Sesamum orientale, L.). Cultivated. An emulsion pre- 
pared from the seeds is efBcacious in diseases of the chest and lungs; 
it is given also to nurses to increase the milk. 
Ajo {Allium sativum, L.). Garlic is anthelmintic when poumled 
