76 MATERIA MEDICA. 



Dandelion. — (Taraxacum, U. S.) 



Root of the Leontodoti taraxacum, an herbaceous, perennial plant. 

 The root is spindle-shaped, several inches long, of a brownish colour 

 externally, lighter within ; all parts abound in a milky, bitterish 

 juice, particularly the root, which is more powerful in the fresh state. 



Effects. — Tonic, diuretic, and laxative; believed to have a specific 

 influence over the liver ; used in dyspepsia attended with derange- 

 ment of the liver ; and in certain forms of dropsy. 



Decoction. — 3j of the fresh, or 3ij of the dried root, in Oj water; 

 — dose, f3ij several times a day. 



Extract. — Prepared by macerating the fresh root in boiling water ; 

 — dose, 20 to 30 grs. 



Fleabane. — (Erigeron, U. S.) 



Herbaceous parts of the E. heterophyllmn, and E. Philadel- 

 phicAmi, indigenous plants. They are gently diuretic, and are 

 chiefly employed as adjuvants in dropsy, and in chronic nephritic 

 disorders. Best given in decoction, 3j to Oj water, — the whole to be 

 taken in the course of the day. 



Wild Carrot. — (Carota, U. S.) 



Seed of the Daucus carota, an indigenous, perennial plant. The 

 flowers are in umbels, which are flat at first, but afterwards contract 

 so as to form a cup. The seeds are brow^nish, of an oval shape, 

 with stiff hairs attached. Odour, slight; taste, aromatic and bitter; 

 contain a volatile oil which may be separated by distillation. 



Effects. — A moderately stimulant diuretic ; used as an adjuvant 

 in dropsy, in the form of infusion. 



The garden carrot has similar properties, though feebler. It is 

 sometimes used, grated, as a poultice. 



Parsley Root — Petroselimim — has also diuretic properties ; the 

 same is true of horseradish and mustard. Sometimes an infusion 

 of several of these is given, in cases of dropsy of an enfeebled cha- 

 racter. 



The only sedative diuretic much employed is Digitalis. It does 

 not succeed so well in dropsies attended with much plethora, as in 

 those of a relaxed debilitated character. It is useful in cases accom- 

 panied with albuminous urine. Its diuretic powers are increased by 

 combining it with squill and calomel. It is not very speedy in its 

 operation, generally requiring several days to produce its diuretic 

 effect. Dose of powder, one grain twice a day ; of the tincture, 10 

 drops ; of the infusion, f 3ss. 



