202 CHINESE MATERIA MEDICA. 



tog-ether. From its extraordinary reputation amongst military 

 and figliting men, the root of this plant is very costly. The 

 last name, "gold no recompense," refers to this fact. The 

 drug comes from Kuangsi and Yunnan, where it is cultivated. 

 It occurs in tapering pieces of from three-quarters of an inch to 

 an inch in length. The yellow external surface is wrinkled, 

 marked with small nodules and ridges, and the interior is of a 

 pale yellow color. The taste is bitter and slightly saccharine, 

 something like that of ginseng, to which it is likened by the 

 Chinese. Vulnerary, styptic, astringent, and discutient prop- 

 erties of a very high degree are attributed to this drug. It is 

 recommended in all forms of hemorrhage and wounds, includ- 

 ing tiger and snake bites. The leaves have similar properties, 

 and are often combined with the rhizome. 



