170 MEDICINAL AND POISONOUS PLANTS 



however is of remarkal)le strength. One part of saffron 

 shaken up with 100,000 parts of water gives a distinct yellow 

 tinge. The principal use of the drug is to impart an attractive 

 color and flavor to mfnUcinal preparations. Most of the 



Fig. 168, II. — Siiffron Crocus {Crocus saticus, Iris Family, Iridacecp). Plant 

 in flower. Same, cut vertically, Style and stigma.s. (Baillon.) — 

 Perennial herb about 15-25 cm. tall; leaves hairy on the edge; flowers 

 lilac or white, with style-branches bright red, appearing in autumn; 

 fruit dry. Native home, Asia Minor. 



volatile oils above mentioned are used in medicine mainly 

 for their stimulating effect or for imparting a pleasant flavor 

 to other drugs. 



61. Poisonous drugs comprise substances which depend 



