264 SOAPWORT SOAPWORT ROOT SOLOMON'S SEAL. 



SOAP WORT. Saponaria officinalis, Linn. 



N.O. Caryophyllacete. 

 Syn. Soaproot, Bouncing Bet, Fuller's Herb. 



Parts used Leaves, root. 



Action Alterative, detergent. Used as a remedy for 

 venereal diseases, scrofula, and skin diseases generally. 

 Is said to be superior to Sarsaparilla. A decoction of 

 2 ounces boiled in a pint of water is taken in doses of 

 1-2 tablespoonfuls three to four times a day. The root 

 is used for producing a head on beers. 



Preparations Fluid extract : Dose, J-i drachm. 



Distinctive character The leaves are opposite, 

 entire, and smooth, elliptical-lanceolate, about 2 inches 

 long and f inch broad, the longitudinal nerves curved 

 towards the apex of the leaf, greyish green when dried. 

 Taste, bitter and acrid. Odour, none. 



SOAPWORT ROOT, EGYPTIAN. 



Qypsophila Struthium, Linn. 



Distinctive character The root occurs in pieces 

 4-6 inches long, and from ^-i inch in diameter, of a 

 yellowish white colour, longitudinally furrowed exter- 

 nally, with paler spots where the cortex has been 

 rubbed. The transverse section shows a radiate and 

 concentric structure. Taste, bitter, then very acrid. 

 Odour, feeble. Powder very irritating to the nostrils. 

 A smaller root, but with similar structures and properties, 

 comes from Spain. 



SOLOMON'S SEAL. 



Polygonatum multlflorum, Allem. 

 N.O. Liliaeca. 

 Part used Root. 



Action Astringent, demulcent, tonic. Useful in 

 female weakness, fluor albus, &c. Combined with other 



