89T 



fusion in spirit for rheumatism. A species called squawroot has 

 been used by old women as a partus accelerandum. The asters 

 may be profitably employed as equivalents to valerian in nervous 

 affections, in epilepsy, spasms, hysteria, &c. Raf. 



152. Solidago. Forty-eight species; 18, 2, L. 



Solidago odora. Sweet-scented golden-rod. Off. The golden-rods 

 are very abundant here, blossoming late in the fall; but this species 

 is scarce. This is aromatic, stimulant, carminative, and diuretic, 

 when given in warm infusion. An oil is obtained from it which is 

 very pleasant, and much resembles the oil of anise. It is proper in 

 all those cases where the latter is used. The flowers make an 

 agreeable tea. 



153. Bidens. Twenty-one species ; 18, 2, L. 



Bidens aroma. Water-beggar-tick. This is a troublesome weed 

 in our gardens and fields. The ticks, or beggar-lice, as they are 

 sometimes called, boiled in water and strained, mixed with syrup of 

 sugar or honey, form a most excellent expectorant for hooping 

 cough, other kinds of coughs, and catarrhal affections. 



154. Ambrosia. Nine species ; 25, 5, L. 



Ambrosia elatior. Rag-weed ; hog-weed ; wild wormwood. This 

 plant is considered to be emollient and antiseptic when used in 

 fomentations. It is a troublesome weed in gardens and fields. 

 Most animals, except the hog, refuse it ; and, if cows eat it, it makes 

 their milk bitter. It is said to give a bitter taste to bread when 

 mixed with the wheat. 



155. Ambrosia trifida. Called horse-weed. According to Rafi- 

 nesque, it is used by the Indians to make a kind of hemp and ropes. 

 Used in after-pains, and nervous and hysterical affections. 



156. Xanthium strumarium. Sea-burdock ; clot-burr. The 

 leaves are bitter and astringent, and are useful in scrofula, herpes, 

 and erysipelas. They dye a yellow colour. 



ORDER 180. STELLATE. 



157. G-alium. Seventy-seven species ; 4, 1, L. 



G-alium asprillum. Rough bedstraw. This has been extensively 

 used as a diuretic, and has been employed most successfully in all 



