O ARROWROOT — ASAFETIDA — ASARABACCA — ASH. 



ARROWROOT. Maraata arundinacea. 



Synonym — Bermuda Arrowroot, Maranta. 



Part used — Rootstarch. 



Action — Demulcent, non-irritating, nutritive. Well 

 suited for infants and convalescents. Two or three 

 tea spoonfuls may be boiled in a pint of water or milk 

 and seasoned to taste, with sugar, lemon juice, fruit 

 jellies, essences, or aromatics. Other kinds are the 

 Natal and St. Vincent Arrowroot. 



ASAFETIDA. Ferula fcetlda. 



Synonym — Asafoetida, Gum Asafetida. 



Part used — Gum-resin from root. 



Action — Stimulant, antispasmodic, expectorant. 

 Useful in infantile convulsions, croup, and flatulent 

 colic. It allays gastric irritation, hysteria, and spas- 

 modic nervous diseases. Owing to its nauseous taste, 

 it is mostly given in pill form. 



Preparations — Powdered gum-resin : Dose, 5-20 

 grains. Tincture B.P. : Dose : £-1 drachm. 



ASARABACCA. Asarum Europseum. 



Synonym — Hazlewort, Wild Nard. 



Part used — Root, herb. 



Action — Emetic, purgative, sternutatory. Is stimu- 

 lant in doses of 10-12 grains; emetic in doses of 1-2 

 drachms. In France it is said that drunkards use it to 

 produce vomiting. 



ASH. Fraxinus excelsior. 



Synonym — Common Ash, European Ash, Weeping 

 Ash. 



Part used — Bark, leaves. 



Action — Antiperiodic, laxative, purgative. At one 

 time the bark was extensively used in intermittent 

 fevers, ague, &c. The leaves are used with success in 

 gouty, arthritic and rheumatic complaints. 



