40 BALM. 



tangular, striated, the upper lip tridentate ; the lower shorter, 

 and cut into two acute teeth. The corolla is white, yellowish, 

 or flesh-coloured, bilabiate, somewhat inflated at the throat; the 

 upper lip somewhat vaulted, rounded, bifid ; the lower with 

 three lobes, the central one nearly round. The stamens are 

 four, inserted into the corolla, tvvo of them shorter, furnished 

 with roundish anthers. The germen is deeply four-lobed, with 

 a simple style, terminated by a bifid stigma. The fruit consists 

 of four small nuts, inclosed within the persistent calyx. Plate 

 II. fig. 4. («) the flower seen in front; (6) the same viewed 

 sidewise; (c) the tube of the corolla, opened to show the 

 stamens ; (d) the ripe fruit. 



This plant is a native of the South of Europe, growing in 

 hedges and on the borders of woods. It is not indigenous to 

 this country, but has been cultivated in gardens from time im- 

 memorial, and is generally well known. It is perennial, and 

 flowers from June to September. 



It derives the name by which it is distinguished in most Eu- 

 ropean languages, from the Greek, y.iXKra-a, a bee, because of the 

 fondness of bees for its flowers. 



Qualities. — The leaves of this plant have an agreeable aroma- 

 tic odour, resembhng that of lemons ; which is most perceptible 

 just before flowering*, and is almost lost in drying. They are 

 slightly aromatic and bitter to the taste. Its odour depends on 

 a volatile oil, which it yields in distillation with water. It also 

 contains a bitter principle, which is slightly soluble in water, and 

 appears to be of the nature of gum resins. The watery infusion 

 slightly reddens litmus paper, and affords a deep brown with 

 nitrate of silver. 



Medical Properties and Uses. — Balm has tonic, cephalic, 

 cordial, and stomachic properties. It was first used by the 

 Arabs to strengthen the nerves and to promote cheerfulness. 

 " It acts as a tonic upon the stomach, increases the appetite, and 

 facilitates digestion ; its secondary eftectsare to augment the cir- 

 culation, the secretions, and nutrition ; hence it has obtained the 

 titles of stimulant, diuretic, diaphoretic, and emmenagogue." 

 It is frequently employed, more or less successfully, in vertigo, 



* This indicates tho time at wliicli the herb should be gathered for me- 

 dicinal purposes. 



