262 SNAKE ROOT. 



&c. The infusion made by pouring a pint of cold water 

 upon i ounce of leaves is taken in wineglassful doses. 



Preparations Fluid extract : Dose, 1-2 drachms. 

 Tincture : Dose, 2-4 drachms. 



Distinctive character Stem 1-2 feet high. Leaves 

 lanceolate, alternate, entire. Inflorescence a drooping, 

 slender, interrupted raceme of small greenish flowers. 

 Leaves with a pungent biting taste. Odour, none. 



SNAKE ROOT. Aristolochia Serpentaria, Linn. 



N.O. Avistolochiocece. 



Syn. Aristolochiareticulata, Nutt., Virginia, Red River 

 or Texas Snakeroot. 



Part used Root. 



Action Stimulant, diaphoretic, anodyne, antispas- 

 modic, tonic, nervine. Is a valuable remedy in all 

 cases of fever, especially in typhoid, and will be found 

 to agree with the digestive organs when Peruvian Bark 

 cannot be taken. It may be employed with advantage 

 wherever it is desirable to promote perspiration and in 

 bilious complaints. The infusion of ^ ounce to a pint 

 of boiling water is taken in 1-2 tablespoonful doses. 



Preparations Powdered root : Dose, 10-30 grains. 

 Fluid extract: Dose, -1 drachm. Tincture B.P. and 

 U.S. P.: Dose, -1 drachm. Infusion B.P. : Dose, $-1 

 ounce. Cone, solut. B.P. : Dose, -2 drachms. 



Distinctive character Rhizome about i inch long 

 and inch thick, with numerous, filiform, matted, 

 branching roots below, 2 inches long or more and fur- 

 rowed longitudinally, and on the upper side the short 

 bases of stems of the previous year. Taste, aromatic, 

 camphoraceous, bitterish. Odour, aromatic. 



The Texas Snakeroot, which is often sold for it, is 

 derived from A. reticulata, Nutt. It has coarser, nearly 



