COWHAGE COWSLIP. 85 



Also recommended in gout and rheumatism. The infu- 

 sion, made from i ounce in a pint of boiling water, is 

 taken in wineglassful doses several times daily for 

 feverishness, &c. 



Preparation Fluid extract : Dose, -2 drachms. 



Distinctive character Rhizome slender, tubular, 

 about T iy inch in diameter, stiff, shining pale yellow, 

 smooth, with nodes at intervals of about an inch. It is 

 met with in commerce, cut up into short lengths of and 

 J inch, and dried. Taste, slightly sweet. Odour, none. 



COWHAGE. Dollchos prurtens, Linn. 



N.O. Legnminosa. 

 Syn. Cowage, Cowitch, Mucuna pruriens, D.C. 



Part used Hairs of pods. 



Action Anthelmintic, rubefacient. In doses of half 

 to i teaspoonful in honey, syrup, &c., it expels in- 

 testinal worms. In the form of an ointment it acts 

 similarly to Croton Oil, producing no inconvenience. 



Distinctive character The hairs of the pod are 

 brownish, about -fa inch long, and consist of a conical, 

 sharply-pointed cell, about -$ inch in diameter, barbed 

 at the apex. Considerable caution should be used in 

 handling this drug as the hairs are extremely irritating 

 to the skin. 



COWSLIP. Primula verts, Linn. 



N.O. Primulaceo;. 

 Syn. Paigles. 



Part used Flowers. 



Action Sedative, antispasmodic. Useful in rest- 

 lessness, insomnia, &c. See also Primrose. 



Distinctive character The corolla, which is the 

 part used, is tubular and yellow and about inch across, 



