CUMIN. 239 



amenorrlioea and fluor albus. Their power of resolving spellings 

 of the testicles and of the female breast, as well as cold and 

 indolent abscesses, has been asserted but has not received much 

 credence. " If their infusion taken very hot has sometimes pro- 

 voked cutaneous perspiration, excited the secretion of urine, 

 and facilitated the menstrual evacuation, it has only been in 

 cases when the skin, the kidneys, and the uterus were in a state 

 of debility and needed a stimulant to enable them to fulfil their 

 functions. Moreover, applied in little bags to the skin, these 

 seeds have sometimes contributed to the resolution of scrofulous 

 tumours and other lymphatic enlargements ; while the volatile 

 oil obtained from them, by its action on the nervous system 

 may well assuage head-ache, tooth-ache, &c. : but the statement 

 of its dissolving grumous milk in the breasts of females is pro- 

 bably fabulous."* 



The seeds are given internally, powdered, in the dose of 

 half a drachm, and of the aqueous or vinous infusion one 

 drachm. Of the volatile oil three drops may be given in any 

 proper excipient, and it is applied externally -j- in a stronger dose 

 mixed with the oil of sweet almonds, in the form of a liniment. 

 A plaster is also prepared with the seeds, which has been much 

 celebrated, 



CUMIN PLASTER J. 

 Seeds of Cummin . . ^ 



Caraway. . 'of each . . . .three ounces ; 



Laurel berries .... 3 



Burgundy Pitch three pounds ; 



Yellow Wax three ounces. ^ 



Melt the pitch and wax together, then add the other ingredients in pow- 

 der and mix. 



This plaster is reckoned stimulant, carminative, and discu- 

 tient. It is applied to the lower belly in hysteria, flatulence, 

 and a cold feeling of the bow-els, and also to indolent tumours. 



* Flore Med. torn. iii. p. 125. 



f A rustic remedy for the colic is three or four drops of this oil upoif 

 toasted bread applied to the navel. 



J Emplastrum Cumini. — Pharm. Lond. 



