82 CORNFLOWER CORN SILK. 



&c. Useful in spermatorrhoea, amenorrhcea, dysmenor- 

 rhcea, and other menstrual derangements. Dose, 

 1-20 grains. 



Preparation Fluid extract : Dose, - drachm. 



Distinctive character A blackish powder in ir- 

 regular globose masses, somewhat lobed, and sometimes 

 6 inches or more in thickness. Powder consisting of 

 inumerable fungus spores, with portions of the blackish, 

 enclosing membrane. The spores are rounded, with a 

 rough surface, as seen under the microscope. Taste, 

 unpleasant. Odour, heavy. It should be kept dry, 

 and obtained fresh every year. The name Corn smut is 

 more applicable as the name Ergot is applied to a solid 

 form of fungus mycelium. (See Ergot). 



CORNFLOWER. Centaurea Cyanus, Linn. 



N.O. Composite. 



Syn. Bluebottle, Bluebow, Hurtsickle, Bluet, Fr. 

 Part used Flowers. 



Action Tonic, emmenagogue, stimulant. Its action 

 is very much alike to that of Holy Thistle, which see. 



Distinctive character The flower-heads are globu- 

 lar, with closely overlapping fringed scales, and bright 

 blue tubular florets, of which the outer are trumpet- 

 shaped, seven-lobed, and about f inch long. Taste, 

 scarcely any. Odour, none. 



CORN SILK. Zea Mays, Linn. 



N.O. Graminacea. 

 Syn. Stigmata maidis. 



Part used Flower pistils. 



Action Demulcent, diuretic. Recommended as a 

 valuable remedy in many urinary troubles, bladder 

 affections, &c. Especially useful in purulent decompo- 

 sition of urine in the bladder. The infusion of 2 ounces 



