306 WOOD-SORREL VVORMSEED. 



menstruation. The infusion of i ounce in a pint of 

 boiling water is taken warm in wineglassful doses. 



Preparation Fluid extract: Dose, -1 drachm. 



Distinctive character Stems obtusely quadrangu- 

 lar. Leaves opposite, stalked, ovate, with a cordate 

 base, obtuse, crenate-serrate, the upper surface reticu- 

 lated with prominent veinlets beneath ; about i inch 

 long and f inch broad. Taste, bitter, resembling that 

 of hops. Odour, slightly aromatic. 



WOOD -SORREL. Oxalis Acetosella. 



N.O. Geraniace0. 

 Syn. Common Wood-Sorrel. 



Part used Herb. 



Action Diuretic, refrigerant. Reputed of value in 

 febrile diseases, urinary affections, catarrh, gonorrhoea, 

 and haemorrhages. The herb may be infused with 

 water or boiled in milk and administered freely, 

 although excess should be guarded against. 



Distinctive character Leaves trifoliate, stalked, 

 the leaflets broadly obcordate and emarginate, reflexed 

 when dry, the leafstalk slender, often reddish toward the 

 base. Flowers white, bell-shaped, with delicate purplish 

 veins. Taste, pleasantly acid. Odour, none. 



WORMSEED. 



Chenopodium antheiminticum, Bert. 



N.O. Chenopodiacea . 



Syn. American Wormseed, Chenopodium ambrosioides, 

 Linn. 



Part used Seed. 



Action Anthelmintic, antispasmodic. Chiefly used 

 to expel intestinal worms. It should be given at bed- 



