PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 115 



now rarely used medicinally excepting as popular remedies in certain 

 countries. 



486. Ligusticum sp.? Umbelliferce. 



Indians use a decoction of the roots of an unknown species of Ligusti- 



Km as a cough remedy. 

 487. Ligusticum filicinium Wats. "Osha." Colorado cough root. 

 nbelliferce. 

 The large aromatic roots are much used as an expectorant tonic. 

 By some considered a specific in the treatment of coughs and colds. 

 Well worthy of more careful study. (See, also, "Osha.") (Am. 

 urn. Pharm., 1890 and 1891.) 



488. Ligusticum levisticum L. Lovage. Umbelliferce. 



An extensively cultivated well-known European plant. A stimulant 

 omatic used as a carminative, diaphoretic and emmenagogue. 



489. Ligustrum vulgare L. Oleacece. 



This and other species are extensively cultivated as ornamental 

 >lants. The leaves are astringent and bitter, used as a decoction in 

 the treatment of sore throat, ulcerations of the mouth, etc. Berries 

 are said to have purgative properties, and are used for dyeing pur- 

 poses. 



490. Lilium species. Liliacece. 



Extensively cultivated throughout the State as ornamental plants, 

 including those of medicinal value. An ointment made from L. can- 

 didum used in the treatment of dropsy. 



491. Limodonmi giganteum K. Swamp orchid. Orchidacece. 

 Indians drink a decoction to combat manias and severe cases of 



illness. (Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 7: No. 3, 330.) 



492. Linanthus ciliatus Greene. California gilia. Polemonacece. 

 Indians use an infusion of this plant in the treatment of coughs and 



colds and it is said to be a blood purifier. (Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 

 7:\o. 3,381.) 



493. Linum species. Flax. Linacece. 



Common flax (L. usitatissimum) is readily cultivated in the State. 

 The following species are native: L. lewisii (blue flax), L. adeno- 

 phyllum, L. spergulinum, L. micranthum, L. californicum, L. con- 

 ges turn, L. brewerii. 



494. Linum catharticum L. Purging flax. Linacece. 



Much used as a mild cathartic; useful in muscular rheumatism, 

 catarrhal affection, dropsy and diseases of the liver. 



