WALNUT. 383 



testinal canal, promoting its contractions, and thus expelling 

 worms. It was renowned in ancient times as an anthelmintic, 

 and its powers in this respect have been confirmed by Plater *, 

 Fischer f, and others. Externally it is resolutive and deter- 

 sive. The expressed juice diluted, or the decoction, has been 

 used as a gargle in relaxation of the uvula, inflammation of the 

 tonsils or palate, ulcers in the mouth and throat, and to swollen 

 gums. I n powder it has also been recommended to sprinkle 

 over atonic and sordid ulcers. The juice mixed with honey is 

 a good application to aphthous ulcers, and forms with vinegar 

 a useful gargle. 



The inner bark is reputed to be strongly cathartic and emetic, 

 but its properties have not been sufficiently investigated. The 

 thin epidermis of the kernel is styptic like the rind, and has 

 analogous though less powerful effects J. 



The kernel deprived of its epidermis is nutritive, and by vir- 

 tue of the oil and mucilage it contains, may be considered re- 

 laxing, demulcent, and lubricating. Taken in large quantities, 

 it was observed by Hippocrates to expel worms. It has these 

 properties, however, only in its recent state, as with age it 

 becomes rancid. 



The expressed oil has more decidedly the properties of the 

 kernel from which it is obtained, like that it becomes rancid 

 with age, and irritating in its effects. In large doses, it is 

 certainly anthelmintic §. The external application of it is 

 said to be useful in leprous and other cutaneous affections ; 

 it is ordered to be rubbed on the affected parts twice or thrice 

 a day. 



The rind of the fruit may be given in decoction, but as it is 

 rather uncertain in its effects, the extract appears the best form. 



* Prax. Med. t. 3. L. 2. p. 13. 



f Comm. de verm. Stadce, 1751, p. 14. 



$ " The roots of the Walnut-tree, laid bare and perforated, in the month 

 of February, yield a copious juice, concerning which Ettmuller says, the 

 properties are truly wonderful ; it relieves chronic pains of the teeth, and 

 even cures the pain of gout, and affords an almost miraculous relief to 

 those arising from stone and gravel, both externally applied and internally 

 drank : in the latter case, it carries off the cause of the disease by urine. 

 Many persons keep this liquor as a secret remedy for many chronic dis- 

 eases." Waller. 1. c. p. 354. 



§ See Murray, App. Med. torn. i. p. 92. 



