^"° BUCKBEAN. 



cohol and water, either by infusion or maceration. The root 

 affords a small portion of volatile oil, and a gum-resinous sub- 

 stance, which, in addition to its bitterness, exhibits consider- 

 able acidity and astringency ;— this is not perceptible to the 

 taste, but is rendered very evident by the dark colour pro- 

 duced in the decoction, by sulphate of iron. It also contains a 

 small quantity of fecula, to which its nutritive properties are 



owms. 



Linnaeus informs us, that in some parts of Lapland, where the 

 Buckbean abounds, the roots are dug up and given to cattle, 

 who eat it freely, instead of their usual food. In times of scarcity, 

 the dried and pulverized roots, mixed with a little wheaten flour, 

 are not less useful as food for the distressed inhabitants of that 

 country ; but the bread thus made, is designated by Linnaeus 

 as very bitter and detestable. The peasants of Westrogothia 

 frequently use the leaves instead of hops for preserving their 

 beer, which is thus rendered of an agreeable flavour as well as 

 defended from acescency. It has been recommended for the 

 same purpose to the poor of this country ; two ounces of the 

 dried leaves being reckoned equivalent to a pound of hops. 

 In dyeing, they afford, according to Bechstein, a green and 

 yellow colour. 



The Buckbean is eaten by goats, and occasionally by sheep. 

 It has been asserted, that sheep aflTected with the disease called 

 rot, are quickly recovered by feeding in the marshy meadows 

 where this plant abounds. 



Medical Properties and Uses. — Like most of the Gen- 

 tianeae and other bitter plants, the Buckbean acts as a powerful 

 tonic on the animal economy, either by augmenting the vital 

 energy of certain organs, or by more abundant secretions. Hence 

 the detersive, diuretic, deobstruent, emmenagogue, and other 

 properties which have been attributed to it. Its exciting in- 

 fluence upon the stomach and intestines, when administered in 

 a large dose, is such as to produce vomiting and purgations ; 

 as observed by Willis, when it was given in powder to the 

 extent of two scruples ; but in a small dose its action is very 

 different. 



In many countries, •especially in Germany, this plant has been 

 used medicinally for a long period, and esteemed almost a pa- 

 nacea. Its efficacy has been extolled in nenous diseases, such 



