MEL1L0T. 121 



principle to water, either by simple infusion or distillation ; and 

 though the distilled water is not very odorous, it has been observed 

 that it increases the perfume of other aromatics. The aqueous 

 infusion has also the leguminous bitterish taste of the plant 

 itself, and is of a straw colour, which is slightly reddened by 

 turnsol, and becomes of a greenish-brown by the addition of 

 sulphate of iron. We have no accurate analysis of its consti- 

 tuent principles. 



Medicinal Properties and Uses. — Emollient, diuretic, ano- 

 dyne, and carminative properties have been attributed to this 

 plant, and it has been commended in dysentery, colic, obstruc- 

 tions of urine, fluor albus, inflammations of the uterus, perito- 

 neum, and abdominal viscera, and other widely differing affec- 

 tions, but without any just claim to regard, and its internal use 

 has accordingly fallen into desuetude. Indeed, Haller * attri- 

 butes an acrid property to the seeds from observing that a decoction 

 combined with linseed, and exhibited in a case of angina, caused ir- 

 ritation instead of acting as a demulcent. Externally, in fomenta- 

 tions and cataplasms, it has been more rationally prescribed, as an 

 application to inflammatory tumours and swellings, pleuritic 

 and gouty pains, &c. ; and as a lavement in colic. A plaster 

 of Melilot has from the time of Galen and Mesue, enjoyed 

 much reputation for discussing tumours, &c. Several of the 

 continental pharmacopoeias still retain a discutient plaster com- 

 posed of Melilot, resin, wax, and olive oil. The powder of the 

 dried plant is also added to plaster of cantharides, to modify 

 its effects f. 



The infusion may be made with an ounce of the plant to a 

 pint and a half of water. For fomentations it may be combined 

 with chamomile flowers and mallow, and for cataplasms with 

 the bulbs of white lily, linseed, or fenugreek seeds. GeoffroyJ 

 recommends an infusion of the flowers, to which is added a 

 few drops of camphorated spirit, as a collyrium for weak or 

 inflamed eyes. 



* Hist. Stirp. Helv. n. 362. 



-f- Murray, Apparatus Med. torn. ii. p. 477* 



£ Mat. Med. torn. iii. p. 836. 



