VEGKTABLE KINGDOM. I 67 



used in medicine. Astringent, anodyne, anthelmintic, and cor- 

 rective powers are ascribed to the drug, and it is especially 

 prescribed in menstrual and post-partum hemorrhages, and iu 

 pernicious malaria. 



EUPATORIUM.— ^ m (Tse-lan), 1355, ff ]^ Han- 

 ts' ao). Faber makes the latter of these to be Eupatorium 

 lindlcyanuni. The species of the former is unidentified, and 

 the term may refer to more than one species. In the Pentsao^ 

 which discusses the two under separate headings, a large 

 number of synonymous names is given in each case ; in some 

 instances the same name being found under both headings. Li 

 Shih-chen says, " TheZ^/z-Z-yV^and the 7j-<^-/«;7 are two species 

 of the same genus, and both grow on the borders of water 

 courses or in swamps. They have perennial roots, purple, 

 branched stems, with red joints, and opposite, slightly serrated 

 leaves issuing from the joints. But the Lan-ts^ao has a round 

 stem, long joints, and glabrous leaves, whilst the Ts^-Ian has a 

 nearly square stem, short joints, and leaves covered with hair. 

 The flowers are in spikes, and are reddish-white." The parts 

 used medicinally in each case are the leaves. Diuretic, anthel- 

 mintic, and restorative properties are ascribed to the leaves of 

 the Lan-ts' ao^ and they are used in colds and general debility. 

 They are also considered to be antidotal to various poisons, 

 and when made into a pomade will promote the growth of the 

 hair. The leaves of the Tse-lan have similar properties, and 

 are used, as well, as an anodyne and nerve sedative in the 

 disturbances of pregnancy and the puerperal condition. They 

 are highly recommended for their constructive properties. The 

 roots, which are called j^ ^ (Ti-sun), and are sometimes 

 eaten for food, are considered beneficial to the circulation, and 

 restorative to women after child-birth. The seeds are prescribed 

 for the thirty-six diseases of women. 



EUPHORBIA HELIOSCOPIA.— P f^ (Tse-ch'i). This 

 is the same as Euphorbia liumlata. The Chinese name means 

 "marsh varnish," and refers to the white, viscid juice which 

 the plant contains. It is a common wayside plant in mid- 

 China. The floral leaves are round and yellow, resembling the 



