12 BARLEY — BASIL — BAYBERRY. 



BARLEY. Hordeum distichon. 



Synonym — Pearl Barley, Perlatum, Hordeum vul- 

 gare and pratense. 



Part used — Decorticated seeds. 



Action — Nutritive, demulcent. As an article of 

 diet for the sick and convalescent it is largely used. 

 Barleywater is a demulcent food beverage for children 

 suffering from diarrhoea, catarrhal inflammation of 

 bowels, &c. The decoction made from the washed 

 Barleycorns — 2 ounces to a pint of water — is an unirrita- 

 ting food in chronic exhausting diseases. Extract of 

 Malt is largely manufactured from Barley and is a 

 medicinal form of administration by itself and in its 

 various combinations. 



BASIL. Ocitnum basi licum. 



Synonym — Sweet Basil, Clinopodion hortus. 



Part used — Herb. 



Action — Aromatic, carminative, cooling. Although 

 generally employed in domestic circles for cooking 

 and flavouring purposes, it has occasionally been used 

 with success in medicine for mild nervous disorders. 

 In South America the fresh juice is used as a vermifuge. 



BAYBERRY. Myrlca cerifera. 



Synonym — Candleberry, Waxberry, Waxmyrtle. 



Part used — Bark. 



Action — A powerful stimulant, astringent, and tonic. 

 If not absolutely the most useful article in botanic prac- 

 tice, it is certainly nearly so. It enters largely into 

 many of the compound powders and forms the basis of 

 the celebrated Composition Powder. In cases of cold- 

 ness of the extremities, chills, clamminess, &c, it will, 

 combined with cayenne, cause that action in the system 

 which generates heat and will induce perspiration. For 

 canker of the stomach and bowels it is invaluable, being 

 an effectual deobstruent and cleanser. The powdered 



