ASARABACCA. 31 



Medical Properties and Uses. — Botli the leaves and root, 

 in their recent state, are emetic and cathartic, and have been em-< 

 ployed as a substitute for ipecacuanha. Dr. Gilibert says that 

 ten grains of the fresh root powdered, make as good an emetic 

 as ipecacuanha. He goes on to state, that judiciously adminis- 

 tered, whether in powder, infused in water, or digested in white 

 wine, it is an excellent remedy in intermittent fevers, obstruc- 

 tions of the liver and spleen, dropsies, and certain cutaneous 

 diseases*. Notwithstanding these encomiums, it is seldom em- 

 ployed internally, and is principally used as an errhine. Being 

 formed into a fine powder and taken as snuff, it occasions a most 

 profuse discharge of mucus from the pituitary membrane of the 

 nose, by which means head-aches, drowsiness, giddiness, and 

 catarrhs, are often speedily and effectually relieved. It has also 

 given great relief in certain species of deafness, arising espe- 

 cially from catarrhs. Geoffroy, who first learned its virtues 

 from an English physician, found it extremely useful in his own 

 practice. He gave from three to four or five grains to be 

 snuffed up the nose going to bed. The use of it, contrary to 

 that of most other snuffs, is not followed by sneezing, or any 

 other immediate effect : but the following morning, a consider- 

 able quantity of serous discharge issues from the nose, which 

 continues for some time, and, in some instances, even two or 

 three days, with great relief to the patient. 



Geoffroy relates a case of paralysis of the mouth and tongue 

 effectually cured by a single dose of it. He recommends 

 it strongly in heavy pains of the head, and all complaints at- 

 tended with habitual drowsiness. Persons of full and plethoric 

 habit, should, however, be very cautious in the use of this 

 powerful errhine as it may act with dangerous violence on the 

 vessels of the head. Exposure to cold during its use must be 

 carefully avoided. 



The powder of the root is much stronger than that of the 

 leaves, and must consequently be taken in smaller quantity. 

 Two grains are sufficient for a dose. The leaves however are 



* He also asserts, that the root, after being kept six months, loses its 

 emetic property, and is merely purgative ; after two years this likewise dis- 

 appears, and it is then diuretic. Another writer states, that, when finely 

 powdered, it acts as an emetic, but when coarsely poivdered, it passes the 

 stomach and becomes cathartic. 



