374 VERVAIN. 



Haen * relate that they had cured several cases of severe head- 

 ache. A few years since, a Mr. Morley wrote a pamphlet to 

 recommend its use in scrofulous affections. He directs the root 

 to be tied with a yard of white satin ribbon round the neck, 

 where it is to remain till the patient recovers. He also had 

 recourse to infusions and ointments prepared from the leaves. 



Rejecting all the fabulous assertions respecting this plant, we 

 can only admit that the expressed juice and the extract may be, 

 to a certain extent, febrifuge, as stated by Tournefort -j- and 

 Chomel J ; the infusion may also be serviceable as a collyrium 

 to weak and inflamed eyes, as a gargle in sore throat, and possi- 

 bly as an astringent lotion to slight ulcers and tumours, but we 

 have many preferable remedies. A strong decoction or infusion 

 made into a syrup is commended in obstinate coughs, and will 

 certainly do no harm. 



« Rat. Med. P. 6. p. 292. 

 f PL de Paris, t. ii. p. 120. 

 J PL Usuelles, t. 2. p. 86. 



