FIGWORT FIREWEED. 105 



of dried figs in milk is said to remove unpleasant 

 odours from ulcers and cancers. 



Distinctive character The fleshy inflorescence, or 

 sycemis, called a fig, contains the minute ovaries or so- 

 called seeds, each of which is the result of one of the 

 single female flowers with which the cavity is filled. 

 The male flowers occupy the minute tubular orifice at 

 the apex of the figs. 



FIGWORT. Scrophularia nodosa, Linn. 



N.O. Scrophulariacea. 

 Syn. Rosenoble, Throatwort, Carpenter's Square. 



Part used Herb. 



Action Diuretic, depurative, anodyne. This is called 

 the Scrofula plant on account of its great value in all 

 cutaneous eruptions, abscesses, wounds, &c. The leaves 

 should be applied as a poultice, and an infusion of 

 i ounce to a pint of boiling water taken internally in 

 half-wineglassful doses. 



Preparation Fluid extract: Dose, -1 drachm. 



Distinctive character The herb has a square stem, 

 opposite, stalked leaves, 4-5 inches long and 1^-2 inches 

 broad, rounded, but unequal at the base and tapering to 

 a point above, margins sharply but unequally serrate, 

 the veins and veinlets prominent beneath and depressed 

 above. Taste, bitter. Odour, narcotic. The knotty 

 rhizome and acutely-pointed leaves distinguish this from 

 the water figwort (S. aquatica.). 



FIREWEED. Erecbtites hleraclfolla, Rafin. 



Parts used-Plant, oil. N '' C P sit ' 



Action Astringent, alterative, tonic. Finds a use 

 as a remedy in relaxed states of mouth and throat. 

 The oil is antispasmodic, and recommended as such in 

 spasms, colic, hiccough, and externally for piles. The 



