l6 BIRCH — BIRTHWORT — BISTORT — BITTER APPLE. 



BIRCH, EUROPEAN. Betula alba. 



Synonym — White Birch. 



Part used — Bark. 



Action — Bitter, astringent. The bark by destructive 

 distillation yields Birch Tar, which is used in preparing 

 Russia Leather. From this tar a volatile oil — oleum 

 Rusci, oleum betulinum — is distilled. This oil has been 

 used successfully internally for gonorrhoea, but is most 

 highly esteemed as a remedy in cutaneous affections, 

 especially those of eczematous nature. 



BIRTHWORT. Arlstolochia longa. 



Part used — Root. 



Action — Aromatic, stimulant. Used in rheumatism 

 and gout. 



Preparation — Powdered root : Dose, \-i drachm. 



BISTORT. Polygonum bistorta. 



Synonym — Snakeweed, Adderwort. 



Part used — Root. 



Action — Astringent. Used chiefly in hemorrhages 

 and mucous discharges as a medicine, injection or a 

 gargle. 



Preparations — Powdered root : Dose, \-\ drachm in 

 water. Fluid extract: Dose, £-1 drachm. 



BITTER APPLE. Cltrullus Colocynthldls. 



Synonym — Colocynth Pulp, Bitter Cucumber. 



Part used — Peeled fruit. 



Action — Cathartic, irritant, drastic purgative. Seldom 

 used alone, mostly in conjunction with other laxatives 

 and anodynes, such as Aloes, Henbane, &c. Useful in 



