78 COMBRETUM COMFREY. 



bitter tonic is required, as it gives tone to the whole 

 system and is reputed to relieve obstinate constipation. 

 The infusion may be taken in doses of a wineglassful 

 three to four times a day. The dose of the powder is 

 from 20-60 grains. 



Preparation Fraserin : Dose, 1-3 grains. 



Distinctive character Root in pieces, 3-4 inches 

 long and about ^--i inch thick, often split longitudinally, 

 the thick bark overlapping on the edges, pale brownish 

 grey and transversely wrinkled externally above and 

 longitudinally below. Transverse section pale yellowish 

 brown or fawn colour. Fracture short and rather 

 spongy. Taste, sweetish then bitter ; flavour resembling 

 Gentian. 



COMBRETUM. Combretum Sundaicum, Miq. 



N.O. CombretacfO". 

 Syn. Opium Antidote. 



Distinctive character Leaves 4-5 inches long and 

 about 2$ inches broad, with 8-10 lateral spreading nerves, 

 perforated in the axils, surface minutely scaly on the 

 young leaves. Taste, slightly astringent and tea-like. 

 Odour, none. 



COMFREY. Symphytum offlcinale. Linn. 



N.O. Boraginaccce. 

 Syn. Nipbone, Knitbone. 



Parts used Root, leaves. 



Action Demulcent, astringent. Is very highly es- 

 teemed as a remedy in all pulmonary complaints, 

 hemoptysis, and consumption, and forms an ingredient 

 in a large number of herbal preparations. Wherever a 

 mucilaginous medicine is required this may be given. 

 Has been used of late by the medical profession as a 

 poultice to promote healing of obstinate ulcerous 

 wounds. A decoction is made by boiling -J-i ounce of 



