895 



pains. They are mildly astringent and vermifuge; and are good in 

 dysentery. The gnaphaliums have different names, such as white 

 plantain, poor robin, rattlesnake plantain, squirrel ear, &c. They 

 are used in cases of poisoning, and of the bite of the rattlesnake. 

 Rafinesque says the Indians will, for a trifle, allow themselves to be 

 bitten, and cure themselves at once with this plant. 



139. Artemisia. Seventy-two species; 18, 2, L. 



Artemisia absinthium. Wormwood. Off. Much has been said 

 in the medical journals in favour of wormwood in cases of epilepsy. 

 It does not, however, answer the high encomiums bestowed upon it. 

 It is considered to be antiseptic, stomachic, detergent, vermifuge, 

 and emmenagogue. Given in the form of infusion or powder, it has 

 been used in all these affections. The leaves, bruised and steeped 

 in spirit and vinegar, are valuable discutients ; and I know of no 

 more soothing application in bruises and wounds. 



140. Artemisia Canadensis. Southern wood. This is also use- 

 ful in the same cases. It is called mugwort. 



141. Anthemis. Forty-two species ; 18, 3, L. 



Anthemis cotula, synonym Maruta cotula. May- weed ; wild cha- 

 momile. Sec. It is a mild tonic, possessing, in some degree, the 

 properties of the genuine chamomile. According to Dr. Ashley, 

 in the Philadelphia Journal of Pharmacy, it is a powerful vesicant. 



142. Chrysanthemum. Thirty-five species ; 18, 2, L. 

 Chrysanthemum leucanthemum. Ox-eyed daisy; white-weed. 

 This is a pestilent weed in grass fields. The young leaves may 



be eaten in salads. When bruised, they afford a good application 

 to scirrhous tumours. It is said that if a decoction of them be 

 taken by a person subject to the jaundice, immediately after coming 

 from the tepid bath, it will tend to restore his natural colour. A 

 decoction increases the urinary discharge. It is of service in de- 

 bility attended with sweating, if drank freely, and the patient is 

 kept cool. It is used for wounds, asthma, consumptions, and tinea. 

 It is a principal ingredient, under the name of Pissabed, in Stewart's 

 vegetable ointment, for the cure of salt rheum, and other cutaneous 

 eruptions. 



143. Achillea. Forty-eight species. Syng. Superf., L. 



