VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 385 



(Niu-she-ts'ai), ^ H (Tu-ts'ai), ^$%±^ (Yang-ti-ta-huang), 

 and the seeds are called ^ |g ^ (Chin-ch'iao-mai), "goldeu 

 buckwheat." At Peking this is Riimex crispus. It grows in 

 marshes and at the side of water courses, to the height of three 

 or four feet. Its leaves somewhat resemble those of Lactuca^ 

 but are darker in color. The stalk is purplish-red, and it 

 bears a greenish-white flower. The seeds are borne on a spike, 

 and are three angled. The root is reddish-yellow, and resem- 

 bles that of Rheum. It is used as a parasiticide, insecticide, 

 and antiseptic remedy in skin diseases, ulcers, and the like. 

 It is also used internally in constipation. The leaves are used 

 as a demulcent food, and are recommended in diarrhoeas and 

 intestinal worms. The seeds are used as a demulcent and 

 carminative in dysentery and flatulence. 



RUTA GRAVEOLENS.— :g ^ % (Yun-hsiang-ts'ao). 

 This grows in Yunnan. Two kinds are described, one with 

 five leaves (compound), and one with leek-like leaves. Its 

 action is considered to be counterpoisonous, and it is recom- 

 mended in malarial poisoning. The name is derived from that 

 of the resin secured from Syniplocos priinifolia^ to the odor of 

 which that of this plant is likened. 



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