ST. JOHN'S WORT STAR-ANISE. 269 



ST, JOHN'S WORT, Hyperlcum perforatum, Linn. 



N.O. Hypericacea. 

 Part used Herb. 



Action Slightly astringent, expectorant, diuretic. 

 Useful in coughs, colds, consumption, and all lung 

 diseases generally. It is highly esteemed in affections 

 of the urinary passages. The infusion of i ounce to a 

 pint of boiling water is taken in wineglassful doses. 

 The fresh flowers infused in Olive Oil make the Oil of 

 St. John's Wort, a healing application to wounds, sores, 

 ulcers, and swellings. 



Preparation Fluid extract : Dose, -1 drachm. 



Distinctive character Stem angular, i-i foot 

 high. Leaves opposite, sessile, oval, and oblong, with 

 small black dots on the edges, and numerous transparent, 

 round oil glands immersed in the surface. Flowers 

 yellow, with numerous stamens arranged in three 

 bundles, and the ovary has three dark red styles. Taste, 

 aromatic, bitter, and astringent. 



STAR- ANISE. HUcium verum, Hook, f. 



N.O. Magnoliacece. 



Syn. Chinese Anise, Star-Anise Fruits, Badiana, 

 Anisa stellata. 



Parts used Seeds, oil. 



Action Stimulant, carminative, diuretic. For uses 

 see Anise, which it resembles very much in properties 

 and action. The dose of the powdered seeds is from 

 10-20 grains, of the oil i-io drops. 



Distinctive character Fruits about i inch in 

 diameter, formed of eight boat-shaped carpels, open 

 when ripe, each containing one smooth, oval, polished 

 brown seed. Pericarp brown, wrinkled below, and 



