SPEEDWELL SPIKENARD SQUAW-VINE. 267 



SPEEDWELL. Veronica offtcinalls, Linn. 



N.O. Scrophularicicea. 

 Part used Herb. 



Action Alterative, expectorant, diuretic. Useful in 

 coughs, catarrhs, &c. It promotes menstruation and is 

 a simple and effective remedy in skin diseases. 



Distinctive character Stems slender and shortly 

 hairy. Leaves opposite, oval, obtuse, serrate, shortly 

 stalked, -f inch long, and J-f inch broad. Flowers 

 small, blue, in axillary spikes. Taste, bitter and astrin- 

 gent. Odour, slightly tea-like when dry. 



SPIKENARD, AMERICAN. Aralla racemosa, Linn. 



N.O. Avaliacece. 



Syn. Spignet, Pettymorrel, Indian Spikenard. 

 Part used Root. 



Action Alterative, diaphoretic. Used in rheumatic, 

 pulmonary, syphilitic, and cutaneous disorders. The 

 infusion of \ ounce in a pint of boiling water is taken in 

 wineglassful doses. 



Preparations Fluid extract : Dose, ^-i drachm. 



Distinctive character Rhizome oblique, 4-6 inches 

 long, with prominent, concave stem scars, about i inch 

 broad in diameter. Roots about i inch thick at the 

 base, pale brown, wrinkled. Fracture short and whitish. 

 Taste, aromatic. Odour, similar. 



SQUAW-VINE. Mitchella repens, Linn. 



N.O. Encacece. 



Syn. Partridgeberry, Checkerberry, Winter Clover, 

 Deerberry. 



Part used Herb. 



Action Parturient, diuretic, astringent. Used in 

 dropsy, diarrhoea, and suppression of urine. Has been 



