246 SARSAPARILLA, AMERICAN AND INDIAN. 



deeply into five irregularly trifid and serrate lobes, 

 which are broadly wedge-shaped below. Taste, bitter, 

 astringent, subsequently acrid. Odour, none. 



SARSAPARILLA, AMERICAN. 



Aralla nudicaulis, Linn. 



Part used Root. N -- ^alioctte. 



Action Alterative, pectoral, diaphoretic, sudorific. 

 Though quite distinct from Jamaica Sarsaparilla, it will 

 be found a very efficient substitute and by many is 

 regarded as superior in alterative properties. It may 

 be used in all cases of syphilis, skin diseases, and 

 rheumatism, and is best given in the form of a decoction, 

 made from i ounce of root boiled in a pint of water for 

 half an hour, in wineglassful doses frequently. For 

 coughs, colds, &c., it should be used as a syrup. 



Preparation Fluid extract : Dose, i drachm. 



Distinctive character Rhizome about inch thick, 

 with cup-shaped disks at alternate intervals of about 

 inch, with a greyish, scaly epidermis, easily removed 

 from the whitish bark, which itself does not adhere to 

 the wood when dry ; the woody centre is finely porous 

 and encloses a small pith. Taste, slightly aromatic and 

 bitterish. Odour, none. Described by Maisch as 12 

 inches or more long, i J inch thick, annulate above, with 

 cup-shaped scars. Bark light grey, brown, exfoliating, 

 internally whitish, with yellowish wood and spongy pith. 

 Fracture short. Taste, mawkish and slightly aromatic. 



SARSAPARILLA, INDIAN. 



Hcmidesmus Indicus, R. Br. 



N.O. Asclepi&dacea. 



Syn. Hemidesmus, Country Sarsaparilla. 

 Part used Root. 



Action Diuretic, alterative. Used in constitutional 

 debility, chronic rheumatism, and syphilitic skin 



