22 BASIL BAYBERRY. 



is a medicinal form of administration by itself and in its 

 various combinations. 



Distinctive character Two forms of decorticated 

 barley are sold, known respectively as Scotch hulled or 

 Pot Barley, which is not entirely deprived of the husk, 

 and Pearl Barley. Pearl Barley should always be 

 washed before being boiled as it is apt to accumulate 

 dust. 



BASIL. Ocimum Basilicum, Linn. 



N.O. Labiate. 

 Syn. Sweet Basil. 



Part used. Herb. 



Action Aromatic, carminative, cooling. Although 

 generally employed in domestic circles for cooking 

 and flavouring purposes, it has occasionally been used 

 with success in medicine for mild nervous disorders. 

 In South America the fresh juice is used as a vermifuge. 



Distinctive character Stems obtusely quad- 

 rangular. Leaves opposite, oval, lanceolate, about i 

 inch long and inch broad, stalked, greyish green 

 beneath and dotted with dark oil cells. Calyx with 

 upper lobe rounded and spreading. Seeds brown and 

 obtuse. Taste, aromatic, recalling tarragon. 



BAYBERRY. Myrica cerlfera, Linn. 



N.O. Myricacea. 

 Syn. Candleberry, Waxberry, Wax myrtle. 



Part used Bark. 



Action A powerful stimulant, astringent, and tonic. 

 If not absolutely the most useful article in botanic prac- 

 tice, it is certainly nearly so. It enters largely into 

 many of the compound powders and forms the basis of 

 the celebrated Composition Powder. In cases of cold- 



