SENNA — SHALLOT — SHEEP-SORREL. 141 



SENNA. Cassia acuti folia. 



Synonym — Alexandrian Senna, Cassia angustifolia, 

 East Indian Senna. 



Part used — Leaves. 



Action — Laxative, cathartic. Is generally combined 

 with aromatics and stimulants to modify its griping 

 effects. The following may be regarded as a good 

 formula for making an infusion : Senna leaves 2 ounces, 

 Ginger 1 drachm, boiling water 1 pint. Let it stand for 

 i hour, strain through muslin and take in wineglassful 

 doses. 



Preparations — Powdered leaves : Dose, i drachm. 

 Fluid extract : Dose, £-1 drachm. Compound mixture, 

 B.P. : Dose, 4-16 drachms. Compound liquorice pow- 

 der, B.P. : Dose, 1-2 drachms. Confection B.P. : Dose, 

 1-2 drachms. Fluid extract, pods: Dose, £-1 drachm. 



SHALLOT. Allium Ascalonicum. 



Synonym — Eschallot. 



Used chiefly as an ingredient in the preparation of 

 sauces. 



SHEEP- SORREL. Rumex Acetosella. 



Synonym — Field-Sorrel. 



Part used — Herb. 



Action — Diuretic. The fresh plant juice is refrigerant 

 and diaphoretic, and is of use in urinary and renal 

 diseases. 



SHEPHERD'S-PURSE. Capsella bursa- pastorls. 



Synonym — Shepherd's Sprout, Mother's Heart. 



Part used — Herb. 



Action — Antiscorbutic, stimulant, diuretic. Chiefly 

 used in kidney complaints and dropsy, &c. Also useful 

 in chronic diarrhoea. The infusion of 1 ounce to a pint 

 of boiling water is taken in wineglassful doses. 



Preparation — Fluid extract : Dose, J-i drachm. 



