ASAFETIDA ASARABACCA. 15 



jellies, essences or aromatics. Other kinds are the 

 Natal and St. Vincent Arrowroot. 



Distinctive character A white powder containing 

 small masses consisting of the starch obtained from the 

 root. Under the microscope seen to consist of irregularly 

 oval grains, having the hilum at the larger end or near 

 the middle. Average diameter, 30-40 /t. 



ASAFETIDA. Ferula foetida, Regel. 



N.O. Umbelliferte. 

 Syn. Asafcetida, Gum Asafetida. 



Action Stimulant, antispasmodic, expectorant. 

 Useful in infantile convulsions, croup, and flatulent 

 colic. It allays gastric irritation, hysteria, and spas- 

 modic nervous diseases. Owing to its nauseous taste, 

 it is mostly given in pill form. 



Preparations Powdered gum-resin : Dose, 5-20 

 grains. Tincture B.P., U.S. P. : Dose, -1 drachm. 

 Emulsion U.S. P. : Dose, 4 drachms. 



Distinctive character Distinguished by its power- 

 fully alliaceous odour. Occurs in more or less sticky 

 lumps of variable size, sometimes with a pinkish tint. 

 Immersed in water, and ammonia added, a bluish 

 fluorescence appears ; touched with nitric acid it gives 

 a green colour. It is the gum resin of the roots. 



ASARABACCA. Asarum Europseam, Linn. 



N.O. Aristolochiacece. 

 Syn. Hazelwort, Wild Nard. 



Part used Root, herb. 



Action Emetic, purgative, sternutatory. Is stimu- 

 lant in doses of 10-12 grains ; emetic in doses of 1-2 

 drachms. In France it is said that drunkards use it to 

 produce vomiting. 



Distinctive character Leaves kidney -shaped, 

 leathery, stalked. Flowers solitary, bell-shaped, with 



