76 COHOSH, BLUE COLCHICUM. 



COHOSH, BLUE. Caulophyllum thalictroides, Mich. 



N.O. Berberidacece. 

 Syn. Pappoose Root, Leontice thalictroides, Linn. 



Part used Root. 



Action Demulcent, antispasmodic, emmenagogue. 

 Very efficacious in rheumatic affections and female com- 

 plaints. The Indian women use it largely to expedite 

 parturition and to induce menstruation. 



Preparations Fluid extract : Dose, 10-30 drops. 

 Solid extract : Dose, 5-10 grains. Caulophyllin : Dose, 

 2-5 grains. 



Distinctive character Rhizome brownish grey, 

 about 4 inches long and -f inch thick, and knotty with 

 short branches, with numerous, crowded, concave stem- 

 scars, on the upper side ; furnished below with long, 

 pale brown, tough rootlets about & inch thick ; internally 

 whitish, with narrow woody rays. Taste, sweetish, 

 then bitter and acrid. Nearly inodorous. 



COLCHICUM. Colchicum autuainale. Linn. 



N.O. Liliacece. 

 Syn. Meadow Saffron, Naked Ladies. 



Parts used Root, seeds. 



Action Antirheumatic, cathartic, emetic. Its repu- 

 tation rests largely upon its value in acute gouty and 

 rheumatic complaints. Mostly used in connection with 

 some alkaline diuretic. Also given in pill form. Over- 

 doses cause violent purging, &c. 



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Preparations Powdered root : Dose, 2-5 grains. 

 Extract B. P. : Dose, J-i grain. Liquid extract, root : 

 Dose, i -10 drops. Fluid extract, seeds, U.S. P. : Dose, 

 i-io drops. Tincture B.P. : Dose, 5-15 drops. Wine 

 B.P. : Dose, 10-30 drops. Solid extract, root, U.S. P.: 

 Dose, i grain. Acetic solid extract : Dose, J-i grain. 



Distinctive character The corm or root is usually 

 sold in transverse slices, notched on one side, and some- 



