440 COMPOSITE. 



retic, diuretic, and alterative. The leaves of Carduus Benedictus, 

 Blessed Thistle, were formerly used in medicine as a stomachic and 

 diaphoretic. The blanched stems and leaf-stalks of Cynara Cardun- 

 culus, Cardoon, are eaten, and so are the young succulent receptacles 

 of Cynara Scolymus, the Artichoke. The dried flowers of Carthamus 

 tinetorius constitute Safflower, which yields a pink dye. The genus 

 Carduus includes the various species of Thistle. What is denominated 

 by gardeners the Scotch Thistle, is Onopordum Acanthium, a doubtful 

 native of Scotland, but not uncommon in England. 



917. Suborder Corymbiferce. The plants of this section have the 

 general bitterness of the order, and some of them have an aromatic 

 odour, from the presence of volatile oil. The flowers of Anthemis 

 nobilis, Chamomile, are odoriferous, and yield a volatile oil, which is 

 at first greenish or bluish, but afterwards yellowish brown. They 

 are used as materials for fomentation, and an infusion of them acts as 

 a diaphoretic and emetic. An extract is made from them, having 

 bitter tonic qualities. The essential oil is an excellent carminative. 

 Anthemis tinctoria supplies a yellow colour used for dyeing. Pyre- 

 thrum Parthenium, common Feverfew, is aromatic and stimulant. The 

 root of Anacyclus Pyrethrum, Pellitory of Spain, or perhaps of A. 

 officinarum, is an irritant and sialogogue; its properties depending 

 on the presence of a volatile oiL Tussilago Farfara, Coltsfoot, has 

 been used as a demulcent. The root of Inula Helenium, Elecampane, 

 has stimulant and expectorant qualities. It contains a white amyla- 

 ceous matter called Inulin. The species of Artemisia are remarkable 

 for their strong odour and bitter taste. The heads of flowers of Arte- 

 misia Absinthium (Absinthium officinale, and vulgare), or Wormwood, 

 and those of Artemisia Santonica, and of other species, tinder the name 

 of Wormseed, are used as anthelmintics and tonics. Several of these 

 species contain a crystalline bitter principle. Artemisia mutellina, 

 and spicata, are used in the preparation of a tincture or distilled 

 spirit, called in France, Eau or Creme d'Absinthe, which is in re- 

 quest among those who are addicted to the pleasures of the table. 

 The woolly leaves of Artemisia Moxa are used in China to form the 

 inflammable cones or cylinders called Moxas, which are employed 

 as counter-irritants. Artemisia Dracunculus, Tarragon, is used in 

 pickles and salads, and in the medication of vinegar. A. Abrotanum 

 is commonly called Southernwood, and is used on the continent in 

 the preparation of beer. The leaves of Tanacetum vulgare, Tansy, 

 have stimulant antispasmodic properties. They contain a bitter resin, 

 and an aromatic volatile oil. Arnica mantana, Mountain Tobacco, 

 or Leopard's-bane, is an acrid stimulant. Its flowers, leaves, and root- 

 stock, are administered in nervous diseases, as well as in gout and 

 rheumatism. The seeds (properly fruits) of Helianthus annuus, common 

 Sunflower, contain a bland oil, and when roasted they have been used 



