VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 219 



is the same as that of the plants and the common indigo, but it 

 is held in rather higher esteem than the others. Swellings, 

 bruises, stings, strumous glands, and tumors in general are 

 treated topically with this remedy. Fevers, fluxes, worms, and 

 infantile disorders are treated internally with it. It is a re- 

 markable fact that the Chinese recommend it in convulsive and 

 nervous disorders, when we remember that it had quite a vogue 

 among western physicians some years ago for this purpose. 

 Also, the domestic use of the bluebag in western countries for 

 stings of insects, is paralleled by the Chinese recommendation 

 of this substance for the same purpose. 



Mixed up in the Pentsao with the discussion of these indi- 

 goferous plants, is mentioned "jj ^ (Kan-Ian) or ^ ^ (Lan- 

 ts'ai), which is a variety oi Brassica oleracea^ much grown in the 

 Yellow river plain. Its use as a vegetable is regarded as highly 

 beneficial to the body, giving strength and vigor to the vital 

 organs, and brightening the intellect. It is recommended to be 

 eaten in jaundice. Soporific qualities are attributed to the seeds. 



INULA CHINENSIS.— :^ H 1^ (Hsiian-fu-hua), 475. 

 This seems to be the same as Inula britanica^ or English ele- 

 campane. It is indigenous to North China, Mongolia, Man- 

 churia, and Korea, and a variety is also found in Japan. The 

 Chinese name should not be confounded with that of Calys- 

 tegia. Other names are ^ ii ^ (Chin-ch'ien-hua) and ^ 

 ^ ^J (Chin-ch'ien-chii), applied most properly to the cultivated 

 plant, which much resembles Calendula. Other names refer 

 to the color of the flowers, or to its resemblance to the chrysan- 

 tkenium. The flowers are the part chiefly used in medicine. 

 Tonic, stomachic, alterative, deobstruent, carminative, and 

 laxative properties are ascribed to the drug. Sometimes the 

 whole dried plant, including stalks, pappose fruits, and roots 

 are found for sale in the shops. The stalks have a bitter 

 aromatic taste. The leaves and roots are considered to be 

 vulnerary and discutient. 



IPOMCEA AQUATICA.— ^ % (Yung-ts'ai). This is 

 cultivated as a garden vegetable in central China. It is grown 

 either in water or on marshy ground. A small raft of reeds 



