126 PRICKLY ASH— PRIMROSE — PRUNE. 



PRICKLY ASH. Xanthoxylum Americanum. 



Synonym — Toothache Tree, Yellow Wood, Suter- 

 berry, Xanthoxylum fraxineum. 



Part used — Berries, bark. 



Action — Stimulant, alterative, tonic, diaphoretic. The 

 berries are considered the more active, and are besides 

 carminative and antispasmodic. May be used wherever 

 a general stimulant is required, and will be found of 

 especial service in the treatment of rheumatism and 

 skin diseases. 



Preparations — Fluid extract, bark : Dose,|-i drachm. 

 Fluid extract, berries: Dose, 10-30 drops. Xanthoxylin: 

 Dose, 1-2 grains. 



PRIMROSE. Primula vulgaris. 



Part used — Root, herb. 



Action — Astringent, antispasmodic, vermifuge. In 

 the early days of medicine this plant constituted an 

 important remedy in muscular rheumatism, paralysis, 

 and gout. Now it is seldom used. In America, Prof. 

 Scudder used a tincture of the fresh plant in bloom, in 

 a strength of 10 ounces to a pint of alcohol, in doses of 



1 to 10 drops, in extreme sensitiveness, restlessness, and 

 insomnia. The infusion of root is taken in tablespoon- 

 ful doses. 



PRUNE. Prunus dotnestica. 



Synonym — Plum Tree, Prune Tree. 



Part used — Dried fruits. 



Action — Laxative, refrigerant. Prunes are often 

 added to cathartic decoctions, improving their flavour 

 and promoting their effect. In leucorrhcea, irregular 

 menstruation, and in debility following miscarriage, the 

 following has been used : Small Raisins or Currants, 



2 ounces ; Aniseed, Mace, and Cinnamon, of each £ ounce ; 

 and 1 Nutmeg powdered. Prune brandy, 1 quart. 



