384 HliLLEBORE. 



EXTRACT OF BLACK HELLEBORE ROOT*. 

 Take of Hellebore root, any quantity ; having sliced and bruised it, pour 

 upon it eight times its weight of boiling water, boil down to one half, 

 express the liquor strongly, and strain it. Evaporate the decoction imme- 

 diately to the consistence of thick honey, in a bath of boiling water, satu- 

 rated with common salt. 



To produce its cathartic effects, from ten to twenty grains are 

 necessary ; as an emmenagogue, from three to ten grains. 



The dose of the root, as a purgative, is from ten to twenty 

 grains, but as an alterative for attenuating viscid humours, 

 promoting the uterine and urinary secretions, &c., from two to 

 three grains are sufficient. Of the decoction made with two 

 drachms of the root to a pint of water, an ounce may be given 

 every three or four hours. The tincture is thus prepared : — 



TINCTURE OF BLACK HELLEBORE. 



Take of Black Hellebore root, bruised four ounces ; 



Proof spirit two pints. 



Macerate for fourteen days, and filter. 



Recommended in uterine obstructions, and in gout. —Dose, a 

 tea-spoonful twice a day. 



Bisset asserts that an infusion of the leaves of Black Helle- 

 bore, in the dose of a drachm when fresh, or from fifteen to 

 twenty-four grains in a dried state, forms an excellent febrifuge 

 for children, persevered in for some days. 



* Extractum Radicis Hellebori nigri. Pharm. Ed. 



