BLUE MALLOW BOLDO. 35 



where the cup-shaped stem scar is seen, with numerous 

 rings formed of leaf scars above, and with scars of 

 rootlets below. Fracture short, brownish, the vascular 

 bundles scattered through the central column. Taste, 

 acrid and nauseous. Odour, none. 



BLUE MALLOW. Malva sylvestris, Linn. 



N.O. Mcilvacea. 

 Syn. Common Mallow. 



Parts used Flowers, herb. 



Action Demulcent, mucilaginous, pectoral. The 

 infusion is a popular cure for coughs, colds, &c. 



Preparation Fluid extract : Dose, -2 drachms. 



Distinctive character Leaves stalked, roundish, five 

 to seven-lobed, hairy with stellate hairs, veins prominent 

 below. Flowers mauve-coloured, with dark veins. 

 Calyx with three separate outer bracts. Fruit many- 

 celled, disciform, each cell one-seeded. Taste, muci- 

 laginous. Odour, none. 



BOLDO. Peumus Boldus, Molina. 



N.O. Monimiacez. 

 Syn. Boldu, Boldea fragrans, C. Gay. 



Part used Leaves. 



Action Tonic, stimulant, antiseptic. Used chiefly 

 in chronic hepatic torpor and dyspepsia. Is also given 

 in catarrh of the bladder, gonorrhoea, &c. The virtues 

 of the drug seem to be due to an essential oil. 



Preparation Fluid extract : Dose, - drachm. 



Distinctive character Leaves oval, shortly stalked, 

 rather thick, rigid and brittle, recurved at the margin, 

 about 2 inches long and ij inch wide, rough with 

 points bearing stellate hairs. Taste, slightly lemony. 

 Odour, recalling lemon and coriander. 



