SWAMP-MILKWEED TAG ALDER. 277 



possess similar properties, and may be given in doses of 

 10-15 drops, or more, two to three times a day. 



Distinctive character Seeds, or more correctly 

 fruits, opaque white in colour, obovate or shortly 

 wedge-shaped, broader and truncate at the apex, but 

 convex, compressed on two sides which meet and form 

 two sharp margins. The black variety has a black 

 glossy surface and is rather larger and thinner as a rule, 

 but otherwise does not differ from the white variety, 

 which sometimes has black longitudinal stripes. Seed 

 white, oily. Taste, nutty. Odour, none. 



SWAMP-MILKWEED. Asclepias incarnata, Linn. 



N.O. Asclepiadacea. 



Syn. Swamp-Silkweed, Rose-coloured Silkweed. 

 Part used Root. 



Action Emetic, cathartic. Has been recommended 

 in rheumatic, asthmatic, and catarrhal affections, and as 

 a vermifuge. It acts as a good stomachic and a quick 

 diuretic, and is taken as an infusion, hot or cold, made 

 of ounce of root in powder to a pint of boiling water. 

 The dose of the powder is from 15-60 grains. 



Distinctive character Rhizome about i inch in 

 diameter, irregularly globular or oblong, yellowish 

 brown, hard, knotty, with a thin bark, tough whitish 

 wood, and rather thick central pith. Rootlets about 

 4 inches long, light brown. Taste, sweetish, acrid, and 

 bitter. Inodorous. 



TAG ALDER. Alnus serrulata, Willd. 



N.O. Betulacete. 



Syn. Common Alder, Smooth Alder, Red Alder, 

 Alnus rubra, Desf. 



Part used Bark. 



Action Tonic, alterative, astringent, emetic. Used 

 in syphilitic and scrofulous conditions. Also of impor- 



