PLANTAIN. 221 



constipation, dyspepsia, menstrual complaints, &c. An 

 infusion of I ounce to a pint of water is taken in doses 

 of a tablespoonlul to a wineglassful as may be required. 

 Has lately achieved a great reputation as a prophylactic 

 against and a cure for small-pox. 



Preparations Powdered root : Dose, 10-30 grains. 

 Fluid extract : Dose, -1 drachm. 



Distinctive character The pitchers are 6-8 inches 

 or more long, and are formed from the leafstalks and 

 stipules, the latter forming a sharp wing on the inner 

 side, the leafblade forming a roundish, heart-shaped 

 hood. The taste is bitter and somewhat astringent. 

 Odour, none. 



PLANTAIN. Plantago major, Linn. 



N.O. Plantaginaccte. 

 Syn. Ripple Grass, Waybread. 



Part used Leaves. 



Action Cooling, alterative, diuretic. The fresh 

 leaves rubbed on parts of body stung by insects, 

 nettles, &c., will afford relief and will stay bleeding of 

 minor wounds. Useful in diarrhoea, piles, &c. The 

 infusion of i ounce to a pint of boiling water is taken 

 in wineglassful doses. 



Preparation Fluid extract : Dose, -1 drachm. 



Distinctive character Leaves ovate, blunt, abruptly 

 contracted at the base, with a long, broad-channelled 

 petiole. The blade is 4-8 inches long and 3-6 inches 

 broad, with five to eleven strong fibrous ribs ; the margin 

 is sometimes entire and sometimes coarsely and un- 

 equally dentate-serrate. The inflorescence is a dense 

 spike of four-parted flowers, with purple anthers and 

 about two to four seeds in each cell of the fruit. Taste, 

 astringent. Odour, none. 



