SELF-HEAL SENEGA. 255 



urinary complaints. The decoction of the powdered 

 root, i ounce to a pint, is given in doses of a wine- 

 glassful. 



Distinctive character Root large, spindle-shaped, 

 or branched, compact, rough, of a purplish brown 

 colour. Taste, bitter and astringent. Odour, none. 



SELF-HEAL. Prunella vulgaris, Linn. 



-rj , ,, N.O. Labiate. 



Syn. Healall. 



Part used Herb. 



Action Astringent. Is useful in sore and relaxed 

 throat also in internal bleeding, leucorrhcea, &c. The 

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

 internally in doses of a wineglassful. Externally it is 

 used as a gargle and injection. 



Distinctive character Herb 4-8 inches long, 

 branched, with square stems, dense, oblong-ovate, 

 obtuse leaves, about i inch long and inch broad, 

 usually entire, with scattered, appressed hairs. Flowers 

 purplish blue, in a dense terminal spike, with two broad 

 kidney-shaped acute bracts under each whorl. Upper 

 lip of calyx with short truncate mucronate teeth. 

 Taste, saline, faintly bitter. Odour, none. 



SENEGA. Poly gala Senega, Linn. 



N.O. Polygalacea. 

 Syn. Seneka, Senega Snakeroot. 



Part used Root. 



Action Diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, emetic. 

 Very useful in chronic catarrh, chronic bronchitis, 

 asthma, and croup. Recommended as local stimulant 

 in sore throat. The infusion of i ounce to a pint of 

 boiling water is taken in tablespoonful to wineglassful 

 doses. 



Preparations Powdered root : Dose, 5-20 grains. 

 Tincture B.P. : Dose, \-i drachm. Fluid extract : 



