96 ELDER. 



gangrene, &c., internally and externally. Is a good 

 appetiser and improves digestion. Used in fermenta- 

 tive dyspepsia. Of special importance in typhoid and 

 other fevers. 



Preparation Fluid extract : Dose, |-i drachm. 



Distinctive character Root greyish brown, exter- 

 nally more or less twisted, furrowed longitudinally, 

 J-^ inch in diameter. The transverse section shows a 

 thin brown bark, a yellowish porous wood in narrow 

 wedges, with numerous slender black fibres which give a 

 greyish appearance to the broken surface. Taste, 

 slightly aromatic, bitterish, with a tingling sensation 

 like Pellitory Root. Odour, none. 



ELDER. Sambucus nigra, Linn. 



N.O. Caprifoliacece. 



Syn. Black Elder, European Elder. 

 Parts used Bark, flowers. 



Action Alterative, diuretic. An infusion of i ounce 

 of bark or flowers in a pint of water is taken in wine- 

 glassful doses. Has been successfully employed in 

 epilepsy. 



Preparations Fluid extract bark : Dose, \- 1 drachm. 

 Water B.P. 



Distinctive character Bark light grey, soft and 

 corky externally, with wide fissures, inner surface white 

 and smooth. The transverse fracture shows a pale brown, 

 outer portion in thin layers, and a thinner, white, finely- 

 radiate, inner portion. Taste, sweetish at first, then 

 bitter and nauseous. The flowers are wheel-shaped, 

 small, with five oval obtuse segments, pale yellow when 

 fresh, becoming of a pale brownish yellow when dried. 

 Taste, mucilaginous. Odour, slight, but characteristic. 



