1 6 ASH ASPARAGUS. 



three segments, purplish within. Rhizome slender, 2-4 

 inches long and inch thick, quadrangular, tortuous, 

 thickened at intervals where rootlets are given off, with 

 stem scars on the upper surface. 



ASH. Fraxinus excelsior, Linn. 



N.O. Oleacea. 



Syn. Common Ash, European Ash, Weeping Ash. 

 Part used Bark, leaves. 



Action Antiperiodic, laxative, purgative. At one 

 time the bark was extensively used in intermittent 

 fevers, ague, &c. The leaves are used with success in 

 gouty, arthritic and rheumatic complaints. 



Distinctive character Bark thin, greenish or 

 greyish brown, in curved pieces about | inch thick 

 and about i inch broad, with distant longitudinal 

 furrows, inner surface pale brown, laminated, transverse 

 section showing many thin layers, outer surface rough 

 and scaly in older bark. Taste, faintly bitter. Odour, 

 none. American white ash bark has numerous small 

 circular depressions externally, and a slightly less 

 laminate fracture. 



ASPARAGUS. Asparagus officinalis, Linn. 



N.O. Liliacea. 



Action Diuretic, laxative, cardiac, sedative. It is 

 said that this plant produces a copious diuresis, and 

 it has been recommended in dropsy, enlargement of 

 heart, &c. The fresh expressed juice is taken in table- 

 spoonful doses. It can be made more palatable in the 

 form of a syrup and is used as such in doses of 1-2 

 tablespoonfuls. 



Distinctive character Root about 2 inches long 

 and ^-3 thick with loose laminate texture internally, 

 giving off long compressed tough rootlets several inches 

 long, and ^-J inch in diameter, nearly hollow, with a 

 central woody cord. Taste, insipid. Odour, none. 



