SORREL. 303 



approved and practised by Sydenham, and the most eminent 

 of the old school, and is confirmed by modern practice."* 



Externally the bruised leaves are sometimes applied to putrid 

 ulcers, and a vinous decoction made from them is adapted to 

 remedy a scorbutic or flabby state of the gums. 



The best form of exhibiting this remedy is the expressed 

 juice, either diluted with water or whey. The juice may be 

 preserved by allowing it to stand for a time, then pouring off 

 the clear liquor into bottles, to which a small quantity of al- 

 cohol may be added, if it is designed to be kept long. A de- 

 coction of the leaves, in whey, forms a useful drink in in- 

 flammatory fevers. A conserve may also be made with the 

 leaves, and the juice may at any time be made into a syrup 

 with a proper addition of sugar. 



The root of Sorrel is reputed to remove obstructions, and 

 promote the secretion of urine : the seeds are enumerated 

 among the cardiac medicines, and reputed useful in alvine 

 fluxes and dysentery ; but are not used in the present day. 



* Waller, Brit. Dom. Herb. p. 323. 



