VERATKUM FALSE HELLEBORE. 



273 



tannin, etc., trillium contains a peculiar acrid principle which requires 

 further investigation. 



Reparations. Used in powder and in infusion. 



Medical Propeilies and Uses. Trillium is said to be astringent, tonic, 

 and alterative. From its supposed action upon the uterus it derived the 

 name birth-root. It has been employed to check hemorrhages, as epis- 

 taxis, haemoptysis, and menorrhagia, and as an astringent and stimulating 

 application to ulcers, etc. It is little used except by eclectic practitioners. 



VERATRUM. FALSE HELLEBORE. 

 Ve rat rum viride Aiton. American Hellebore. 



FIG. 159. Veratrum viride. 



Description. Flowers monceciously polygamous. Perianth of 6, sepa- 

 rate, spreading, yellowish-green, persistent sepals. Stamens free from, and 



