TORMENTILLA — TRAGACANTH — TREE-OF-HEAVEN. I57 



TORMENTILLA. Potentilla Tormentilla. 



Synonym — Septfoil. 



Part used — Root, herb. 



Action — Tonic, astringent. The root being the 

 stronger is mostly used, and may be given in all cases 

 of relaxed bowels, diarrhoea and cholera, &c. The 

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

 taken in wineglassful doses as required. As a lotion it 

 is applied to ulcers and old sores as a wash. The fluid 

 extract acts as a styptic to cuts, wounds, &c. 



Preparation— Fluid extract, root : Dose, ^-i drachm. 



TRAGACANTH. Astragalus gummlfer. 



Synonym — Gum Tragacanth, Syrian Tragacanth. 

 Part used — Gummy exudation. 



Action — Mucilaginous, demulcent. Occasionally it 

 is used as a remedy in cough or diarrhoea where demul- 

 cents are desirable, but mostly in the shape of a 

 mucilage for the purpose of suspending heavy, water- 

 insoluble powders, such as bismuth or zinc preparations. 

 The powder forms an ingredient in most lozenges and 

 in many emulsions. 



Preparation — Mucilage of Tragacanth B.P. and 

 U.S.P. 



TREE-OF-HEAVEN. Allan thus glandulosa. 



Synonym — Ailanto, Chinese Sumach. 



Part used — Bark, rootbark. 



Action — Antispasmodic, cardiac depressant, astrin- 

 gent. The bark has been used with success in dysen- 

 tery, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, leucorrhcea, and also for 

 tapeworm ; but its nauseating effects upon human 

 beings render it undesirable. The rootbark is employed 

 in heart complaints, asthma, and epilepsy. The doses 

 should not exceed 20 grains of the powder. 



