LIPPIA. 167 



sweetened, may be taken in wineglassful doses. The 

 crushed seeds make a valuable poultice in bronchitis, 

 alone or with mustard. The addition of a little 

 powdered Lobelia Seed makes it of value in ulcers, 

 boils, &c. The oil is used externally as an application 

 for burns, scalds, &c. 



Distinctive character The seed varies much in 

 size and in tint, a yellowish variety occurring in India. 

 The English and Dutch varieties are usually imported 

 as being more free from weed seeds and dirt. If con- 

 taining more than 4 per cent, of weed seeds, linseed may 

 be considered to be adulterated. Of English and Dutch 

 seeds, about twelve weigh one grain, but of some of the 

 Indian and Mediterranean varieties, which are nearly 

 twice as large, about six weigh one grain. The seed is 

 brown, oval, pointed at one end, polished, and i- inch 

 long. The taste is mucilaginous and slightly unpleasant. 

 Inodorous, except when powdered. The seeds yield 

 about 6 per cent, of mucilage, which is contained in the 

 seed coat. The seed itself contains oil. The meal of 

 the seeds is sold in two forms, viz., crushed linseed, and 

 linseed meal made by powdering linseed cakes from 

 which the oil has been expressed. The former is pre- 

 ferable for poultices. 



LIPPIA. Lippia dulcis, Trev. 



N.O. Vtrbenaca. 

 Syn. Yerba duke. Mexican Lippia. 



Part used Leaves. 



Action Demulcent, expectorant. It is an excellent 

 remedy in coughs, colds, whooping cough, and bronchial 

 affections in general. It also seems to act upon the 

 bronchial mucous membrane as an alterative. 



Distinctive character The leaves of Mexican Lippia 

 are derived from Lippia dulcis, Trev. They are 1^-2 

 inches long, ovate, narrowed into the petiole, pointed, 

 serrate above, with prominent veins and are glandular 

 hairy^ The odour and taste are agreeably aromatic. 



