VERATRUM FALSE HELLEBORE. 



273 



tannin, etc., trillium contains a peculiar acrid principle which requires 

 fui'ther investigation. 



Preparations. — Used in powder and in infusion. 



Medical Projjeriies and Uses. — Trillium is said to be astringent, tonic, 

 and alterative. From its supposed action upon the uterus it derived the 

 name birth-root. It has been employed to check hemorrhages, as epis- 

 taxis, haemoptysis, and menorrhagia, and as an astringent and stimulating 

 application to ulcers, etc. It is little used except by eclectic practitioners. 



VERATRUM.— False Hellebore. 

 Veratrum viride Alton. — American Hellebore. 



,/ 



Fig. 159. — Veratnim viride. 



, Description. — Flowers monceciously polygamous. Perianth of 6, sepa- 

 rate, spreading, yellowish-green, persistent sepals. Stamens free from, and 



