42 AROMATIC HERBS. 



Mineral medicines have superseded, in a great degree, the 

 use of herbs. 



Wormwood is still used, mixed with rum, for allaying 

 feverish excitement incident to bruises and sprains. 



The Oil of Rosemary is at present an ingredient in certain 

 lotions. 



Poppy is yet in merited esteem. An infusion of white 

 poppy leaves for bathing weak eyes is often beneficial, and 

 poppy leaves laid on the top of poultices for healing purposes, 

 have a soothing effect. 



Hyssop tea is used for infantine disorders, and joins with 

 Catmint in making a nourishing drink for infants. 



Motherjkvort tea continues to be considered a harmless 

 tonic, and Thoroughwort a wholesome purgative, while 

 Chamomile plays an undisputed part in restoring tone to 

 a weak stomach. 



Pennroyal is generally dried on the stalk, and hung up 

 in paper bags. It makes a soothing and agreeable tea. It 

 is much used as a defence against wood-ticks and fleas, 

 and is sometimes put round a horse's harness to keep the 

 flies off. 



Tansy, though not able to come to amicable terms with 

 every stomach, is drunk by many as a tonic, and to extermi- 

 nate worms. Meat rubbed with tansy leaves is said to keep 

 off the visits of the flesh-fly. Many books give us receipts 

 for making tansy pudding, but I have never seen the person 

 who has eaten one, that is, to my knowledge. 



Herbs are dried for winter use in an oven, quick and 

 thoroughly, taking care not to burn them ; take the leaves 

 from the stalks, pound and sift, and bottle them closely, or 

 put them into close-fitting tin boxes. 



Vinegars are frequently flavored with herbs ; they make 

 a nice seasoning for some sauces, hashes, and ragouts. 



Gather the leaves fresh on a dry, sunny day, and pick 



