430 WORMWOOD. 



The infusion, with a few drops of the essential oil of the plant, 

 is reputed to be useful in preventing the hair from falling off. 



The dose of the powdered herb is from one to two scruples : 

 the infusion made by macerating three drachms in six ounces of 

 water may be taken at three or four doses in the course of the 

 day. It may also be infused in beer or wine, or macerated in 

 spirit. When the simple bitter, without the narcotic proper- 

 ties of the oil, is required, the decoction or extract, as ordered 

 by the Dublin College, is the best form. The dose of the ex- 

 tract is from ten to twenty grains, and it may be given in pills. 

 The conserve made with the fresh leaves or flowers retains all 

 their virtues. The essential oil in the dose of a few drops is a 

 reputed sedative for spasmodic pains and for allaying vomit- 

 ing*. 



The salt obtained by lixiviating and evaporating the ashes 

 of the plant, — formerly much used and highly celebrated, by 

 the name of " Salt of Wormwood," is merely carbonate of pot- 

 ash. It was much praised as a resolvent, antacid and diuretic. 

 A scruple of this salt dissolved in water with a little sugar, poured 

 upon a spoonful of lemon-juice, constituted the famous u sa- 

 line draught " used for allaying vomiting, diminishing febrile 

 heat, and quieting nervous irritability. Salt of tartar (car- 

 bonate of potash) is now usually substituted for salt of worm- 

 wood, but the latter is said to agree better with some stomachs. 



The root of Wormwood seems to be undeservedly neglected 

 in this country ; it is much commended in Germany for the 

 cure of epilepsy. It is powdered only when wanted for use, 

 and is given in the dose of a drachm in hot beer an hour before 

 the paroxysm is expected. The sensible effect is profuse 

 sweating -f. 



* Fr. Hoffmann. Opusc. Phys. Chem. p. 355. 

 f Hufeland's Journal. 1824. 



