124 GROUNDSEL GUAIACUM. 



GROUNDSEL. Senecio vulgaris, Linn. 



,, r* j , N.O. Composite. 



Syn. (jroundsei. 



Part used Herb. 



Action Diuretic, diaphoretic. Relieves bilious pains 

 and in a strong infusion acts as a purgative and an 

 emetic. 



Distinctive character Stem angular, branched. 

 Leaves oblong, wider and clasping at the base, with short 

 lateral angular-toothed lobes. Flowerheads about J 

 inch long and inch broad, cylindrical, with black-tipped 

 linear, involucral scales. Florets all tubular, receptacle 

 dotted, not hairy. Taste, saline. Odour, none. 



GUAIACUM. Quaiacum officinale, Linn, 



and Guaiacum sanctum, Linn. 

 NO. Zygophyllacea. 

 Syn. Lignum Vitae, Lignum Sanctum. 



Parts used Wood and resin. 



Action Diaphoretic, alterative. Is considered a 

 valuable remedy in gout, chronic rheumatism, impurities 

 of the blood, &c. It is generally used in conjunction 

 with Sarsaparilla and enters into most blood-purifying 

 compounds. The dose of the infusion (of wood) of i 

 ounce to a pint of boiling water is a wineglassful. 



Preparations Fluid extract : Dose, -1 drachm. 

 Tincture B.P. and U.S. P. : Dose, -1 drachm. Am- 

 moniated tincture B.P. and U.S. P. : Dose, -1 drachm. 

 Resin: Dose, 5-15 grains. Mixture B.P. : Dose, ^-i 

 ounce. Lozenges B.P. 



Distinctive character The wood is usually sold in 

 shavings or raspings. The heart wood, of a dark 

 greenish brown, is heavy and sinks in water ; it has an 

 aromatic and irritating taste. Odour, slightly aromatic 

 when rubbed or warmed. 



