294 FENNEL. 



also been commended in obstructions of the viscera, in small- 

 pox and measles, and for shaking of the hands and other 

 symptoms following the abuse of mercury. 



The moderns have found it useful in provoking the secretion 

 of the urine, and the efflux of the menses, in arresting hic- 

 cough and vomiting, and removing flatulence ; but this success 

 is considered to be owing to its stimulant exciting effects. If 

 these affections, observes M. Broussais, are the consequences of 

 a general state of irritation or local phlogose, or exuberance 

 of the vital forces, it is calculated to do harm*. As a topical 

 application, cataplasms or decoctions of the herb have been 

 found useful in resolving indolent tumours and chronic swell- 

 ings. The root of this plant was considered one of the five 

 greater aperient roots, and was esteemed by Boerhaave equal 

 to the far-famed Ginseng. Its expressed juice, or a decoction of 

 it in wine, was reckoned diuretic and repellent, and was given 

 in intermittent fevers and eruptive disorders. 



The seeds powdered may be given in the dose of half a 

 drachm to a drachm : taken in a glass of wine immediately 

 before or after dinner, they promote digestion, and obviate the 

 unpleasant symptoms frequently complained of after eating. 

 The seeds are also useful correctives of purgative medicines, 

 such as senna. The distilled water is a good carminative for 

 infants, and a vehicle for nauseous remedies ; it has also been 

 recommended as a collyrium for weak eyes. The essential oil 

 given in the dose of two to to six drops on a lump of sugar, is 

 serviceable in flatulencies and colic. Externally it has been 

 used in tooth-ache, pain of the ear, and other deep-seated 

 pains. A syrup prepared with the expressed juice, is useful in 

 asthma and old coughs : for this purpose it should be slightly 

 acidulated with lemon-juice or vinegar. 



Several galactopoietic powders, principally compounded of 

 fennel-seeds, for augmenting the milk of nurses, are recom- 

 mended on the continent. Fennel was an ingredient in the 

 Theriaca Andromachi and the Mithridatium. 



* Flore Medicale, torn. iii. p. 219. 



