68 CHICKWEED CHICORY CHINA. 



CHICKWEED. Stellarla media, Cyrill. 



! 3Htf XT r\ r LI 11 



JN.O. Caryophyllacea. 

 j i ./ 



Syn. Alsine media, Linn., Starweed, Star chickweed. 

 Part used Herb. 



Action Demulcent, refrigerant. The fresh leaves 

 have been used as a poultice to indolent ulcers, with 

 most beneficial results. Has also been employed as an 

 application in ophthalmia and as an ointment in 

 cutaneous diseases. ^ ^ 



Distinctive character Stems jointed, with a line of 

 hairs down one side only. Leaves ovate, about inch 

 long by i inch broad with flat stalks below, stalkless 

 above. Flowers singly in the axils of the upper 

 leaves, petals white and narrow, shorter than the calyx. 

 Taste, slightly saline. Odour, none. 



CHICORY. Cichorium Intybus, Linn. 



o TH7-U c N.O. Composites. 



Syn. Succory, Wild Succory. 



Part used -Root. 



Action Tonic, diuretic, laxative. A decoction of 

 i ounce of the root to a pint of boiling water and taken 

 freely has been found effective in jaundice, liver enlarge- 

 ments, gout, and rheumatic complaints. 



Distinctive character Root brownish, with tough, 

 loose, reticulated white layers surrounding a radiate 

 woody column. Often crowned with remains of the 

 stem. Taste, bitter, mucilaginous. Odour, none. 



.JfiJ 



CHINA. Smilax China, Linn. 



Part used-Root. N '- Liliace *' 



Action Alterative, antisyphilitic. Used occasionally 

 as a substitute for Sarsaparilla and for similar purposes. 



Distinctive character Tubers cylindrical, some- 

 what flattened sometimes, 4-6 inches long and i or 2 



