igO MOUNTAIN FLAX. 



flamed tonsils. A decoction of the bark is given in 

 diarrhoea, and used as a vaginal injection in leu- 

 corrhaea, &c. 



Distinctive character. The fruit is red and globose, 

 with calyx teeth at the apex, and two to three-seeded 

 cells. The bark has a soft, spongy, yellowish grey 

 outer layer, and an inner thicker portion, with many 

 layers of a light brown colour. The transverse section 

 shows that the layers have abundant stone cells but are 

 without visible radiate structure. Fracture rough, 

 short, and coarsely granular with few fibres. Taste, 

 bitterish. Odour, none. 



American Mountain Ash bark is derived from Pyrus 

 Americanus, DC. 



MOUNTAIN FLAX. Linum cathartlcum, Linn. 



N.O. Linactff. 

 5yn. Purging Flax. 



Part used Herb. 



Action Laxative, cathartic. Is preferred to Senna, 

 though the action is very similar. Used in cases of 

 constipation, gravel, dropsy, &c., generally combined 

 with other herbs. Also recommended in muscular 

 rheumatism and catarrhal affections. The infusion of 

 i ounce in a pint of boiling water is taken in wineglass- 

 ful doses. 



Preparation Fluid extract: Dose, -1 drachm. 



Distinctive character Stem simple, 2-6 inches high. 

 Leaves opposite, small, the lower obovate, the upper 

 lanceolate entire. Flowers small, white, five-parted 

 with serrate sepals, and pointed petals arranged in a 

 forked, loose panicle. Taste, bitter and acrid. Odour, 

 none. 



