WATER DROPWORT — WATER FENNEL. 163 



WATER DROPWORT. Oenanthe crocata. 



Synonym — Hemlock Water Dropwort, Water Lovage, 

 Hemlock Dropwort, Dead Tongue. 



Part used — Root. 



Action — Narcotic, poisonous. This is an exceedingly 

 poisonous plant, producing severe gastro-intestinal dis- 

 turbances and convulsions. A tincture made from 2 

 ounces in a pint of diluted alcohol has been used with 

 benefit in epilepsy, resulting from injury, the dose 

 being 1-5 drops, administered with great caution. 



WATER FENNEL. Oenanthe Phellandrlum. 



Synonym — Phellandrium aquaticum. 



Part used — Fruit. 



Action — Expectorant, alterative, diuretic. In chronic 

 affections of the air passages, such as asthma, laryngitis, 

 catarrh, &c, this is considered to have a beneficial 

 effect. The powder may be given in doses of 4-5 grains, 

 cautiously administered, as large doses produce dizzi- 

 ness, pains in head, and other undesirable symptoms. 

 Dr. Turnbull, of Liverpool, recommends it highly in 

 bronchitis to relieve cough, ease expectoration, and 

 produce sleep. 



WATER FERN. Osmunds regalis. 



Synonym— Royal Fern, Royal Flowering Fern, Buck- 

 horn Brake. 



Part used — Rhizome. 



Action — Mucilaginous, tonic, styptic. Useful in 

 diarrhoea, dysentery, and in chronic coughs with pro- 

 fuse perspiration. It is also reputed of service in female 

 weaknesses, anaemia and leucorrhcea. For internal use 

 the powdered roots are combined with spices such as 

 ginger, cinnamon and a decoction made therefrom. 



