WINTER CHERRY WINTERGREEN. 303 



WINTER CHERRY. Physalis Alkekengl, Linn. 



N.O. Solanacea. 

 Syn. Alkekengi, Strawberry Tomato. 



Part used Berries. 



Action Diuretic, febrifuge. Has been employed 

 with success in intermittent fevers, also in urinary 

 disorders caused by rheumatism and gout. 



Distinctive character The dried berries are dull 

 red, about %-% inch in diameter, globular, two-celled, 

 containing numerous whitish, ovoid, flattened seeds. 

 The red inflated calyx, about i inch in diameter, is 

 sometimes left attached to the berries. Taste, sweet 

 and bitterish. Odour, none. The plant sold in pots 

 as Winter Cherry is Solatium pseudo-capsicum. 



WINTERGREEN. Gaultheria procumbeas, Linn. 



N.O. Ericacea. 

 Syn. Teaberry. 



Part used Leaves. 



Action Aromatic, astringent, stimulant. A very valu- 

 able remedy in the treatment of rheumatism, for which 

 it is often used, especially in combination with other 

 herbal agents. May be employed in diarrhoea, and as 

 an infants' carminative. The infusion of i ounce in a 

 pint of boiling water is taken in wineglassful doses. 



Preparations Fluid extract : Dose, -1 drachm. 

 Oil: Dose, 5-15 drops. Spirit U.S.P. : Dose, 30 drops. 



Distinctive character The leaves are obovate or 

 broadly elliptical, short-stalked, faintly serrate at the 

 margin, leathery, glossy green above, paler beneath. 

 Taste, astringent and aromatic. Odour, that of methyl- 

 salicylate. 



