108 MULLEIN — MUSKSEED — MUSTARD. 



febrile diseases, as it checks the thirst and cools the 

 blood. It was official in B.P. 1885 as such and in the 

 form of syrup. The bark of the tree is purgative and 

 vermifuge. Leaves of the white variety are used as 

 food for silkworms. 



MULLEIN. Verbascum t haps us. 



Synonym — Blanket Herb. 



Part used — Leaves, flowers, root. 



Action — Demulcent, astringent, pectoral. Both leaves 

 and flowers are useful in cases of pulmonary diseases, 

 coughs, consumption, bleeding of the lungs and bowels. 

 The infusion of 1 ounce to a pint of boiling water is 

 taken in wineglassful doses frequently. 



Preparation — Fluid extract: Dose, £-1 drachm. 



MUSKSEED. Hibiscus Abelmoschus. 



Synonym — Abelmoschus moschatus. 



Part used — Seeds. 



Action — Aromatic, insecticide. By the Arabs the 

 seeds are used as a Coffee flavour. In India they are 

 used as adulterants for Musk and in perfumes. It is 

 also known as an insecticide, being dusted over woollens 

 to protect them from moths, &c. For medicinal pur- 

 poses they are made into a paste with milk and 

 employed as a remedy for itch. 



MUSTARD. Brassica alba, Brassica nigra. 



Synonym — Sinapis alba, Sinapis nigra. 



Part used — Seeds. 



Action — Irritant, stimulant, diuretic, emetic. Used 

 chiefly as a poultice in acute local pains, pneumonia, 

 bronchitis, and other diseases of the respiratory organs. 

 The volatile oil is a powerful irritant, rubefacient and 

 vesicant, and combined with other remedies is an 

 excellent application in rheumatic pains, colic, &c. 



Preparation — Mustard paper (leaves). 



