128 PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



acid. According to others ' ' Osha ' ' is the root of a Mexican umbellif er, 

 which is said to contain oshaic acid. Requires further study as to 

 medicinal value. (Am. Journ. Pharm. 1867, 1868, 1873.) 



604. Osmorrhiza brachypoda Torr. Sweet cicely. Umbellif erce. 

 The roots are highly aromatic. A root decoction is much used as a 



cough medicine. Seeds should be examined for oil of anise. 



605. Osmorrhiza longistylis T. and G. Uinbelliferce. 



This plant is introduced from Canada. The seeds contain oil of 

 anise. (U. S. D.) 



606. Oxalis species. Sorrel. Geraniacece. 



Rich in acid potassium oxalate, and may be used as an acid refrig- 

 erant, like 0. asetosella. 



607. Oxalis acetosella L. Wood sorrel. Geraniacece. 



The inspissated juice used as a cautery to remove cancerous growths 

 of the lips. (Am. Journ. Pharm., page 252, 1882.) 



608. Oxalis corniculata L. Yellow sorrel. Geraniacece. 

 This plant has the property of the sorrels. 



609. Oxalis oregana Nutt. Redwood sorrel. Geraniacece. 

 Requires further study as to the nature of the acid. 



610. Oxytropis (Astragalus) lamberti Pursh. Loco weed. Legu- 

 minosce. 



A poisonous plant producing the symptoms of the loco weeds proper. 

 (U. S. Geog. Surv., Wheeler's Rep. Bot. 6:43.) 



611. Paeonia brownii Dougl. Peony. Ranunculacece. 



A rare herb. The Spanish Californians considered the roots, which 

 are eaten raw, an excellent remedy for dyspepsia. The powdered roots 

 are made into a decoction and given for colds, sore throat, etc. A root 

 decoction is also used as a horse medicine. The constituents and thera- 

 peutic properties require further study. Perhaps similar to P. offici- 

 nalis. (U. S. D.) 



612. Paeonia californica Nutt. Peony. Ranunculacece. 



The roots of this plant are said to be a tonic, antispasmodic, useful in 

 nervous disorders. Also used in indigestion. (King's Dispensatory.) 



613. Paeonia officinalis L. Peony. Ranunculacece. 



A common garden herb, well known medicinally. The roots have 

 a strong, peculiar odor, and a nauseous, bitter taste, said to be useful 

 as an antispasmodic. The seeds are purgative and antispasmodic. 



614. Palmae. Palms. 



Numerous species of palms thrive well in the State. The palms and 



yuccas give the California flora a tropical appearance, not in accord 



. 



