ASPARAGUS — AVENS — BAEL — BALM. 9 



ASPARAGUS. Asparagus officinalis. 



Part used — Root and fresh shoots. 



Action — Diuretic, laxative, cardiac sedative. It is 

 said that this plant produces a copious diuresis, and it 

 has been recommended in dropsy, enlargement of 

 heart, &c. The fresh expressed juice is taken in table- 

 spoonful doses. It can be made more palatable in the 

 form of a syrup and is used as such in doses of 1-2 

 tablespoonfuls. 



AVENS. Qeum urbanum. 



Synonym — Colewort, Water Avens, Herb Bennet. 



Part used — Herb and root. 



Action — Astringent, styptic, tonic, febrifuge, 

 stomachic. Its constant use is said to have a highly 

 restorative power in weakness, debility, &c. Also use- 

 ful in diarrhoea, sore throat, and leucorrhcea. The 

 infusion is made of 1 ounce of powdered herb or root to 

 1 pint of boiling water and taken in wineglassful doses 

 three or four times a day. 



Preparations. — Fluid extract herb : Dose, 1 drachm. 

 Fluid extract root : Dose, £-1 drachm. 



BAEL. ^Egle Marmelos. 



Synonym — Bel, Indian Bael, Bengal Quince. 



Part used — Unripe fruit. 



Action — Astringent. An Indian remedy and almost 

 a specific for diarrhoea, dysentery, &c. It does not 

 constipate. 



Preparation — Fluid extract : Dose, ±-2 drachms. 



BALM. Melissa officinalis. 



Synonym — Sweet Balm, Lemon Balm. 

 Part used — Herb. 



Action — Carminative, diaphoretic, febrifuge. Induces 

 mild perspiration and makes a pleasant and cooling tea 



