bb LAVENDER. 



ercises on the animal economy a prompt, and more or less vivid 

 excitation both of the nervous and sanguineous systems. It has 

 been commended in syncope, palsy, palpitations of the heart, vertigo, 

 lethargies, spasms, convulsions, colic, suppression of the menses, and 

 a host of other affections. How far the eulogia so profusely passed 

 upon its panaceatic powers are merited needs no comment, for 

 we cannot but perceive that Lavender can only be useful in nervous 

 debilities, and in those affections which proceed from a want of 

 energy in the animal functions, and that it is inadmissible where 

 there is plethora, heat, or irritation. Cullen* considers it to affect 

 the nervous system only, but in this opinion he is not well sup- 

 ported ; neither does its allowed emmenagogue quality tend to 

 prove that point. As a cephalic it is unquestionably most grate- 

 ful and efficient. Taken internally, it excites appetite, removes 

 flatulency, and in certain cases increases the action of the skin, 

 kidneys, and uterus. It . induces diaphoresis, accelerates the flow 

 of urine, and promotes menstruation. An infusion may prove 

 useful in chronic catarrh and rheumatism. The tincture may be 

 given in general paralysis and paralysis of the tongue, and for the 

 last, the leaves masticated will sometimes be beneficial, through 

 the salivation they induce. The dried plant, enclosed in bags, has 

 been empirically applied to the head in apoplexy, but more ration- 

 ally to bruises and to favour the suppuration of tumors. The 

 essential oil is powerfully stimulant, and forms both an odoriferous 

 and suitable adjunct to liniments and pomades. The distilled 

 water also is an elegant perfume for the sick-chamber. 



The following preparation is well-known under the domestic 

 synonymes of Red Lavender or Palsy Drops I — 



COMPOUND TINCTURE OF LAVENDER.f 



Take of Spirit of Lavender % a pint and a half; 



Spirit of Rosemary half a pint ; 



Cinnamon, bruised \ two drachms and a half 



Nutmegs, bruised J of each ; 



Red Saunder's wood five drachms. 



Macerate for fourteen days and filter. 



* Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 148. 



t Pharmacopoeia Londinensisj 1836. 



X Spirituous Lavender Water. 



