Botanic Remedies 



used as a substitute for opium, being effective in 

 some cases. The average dose of the tincture is 

 30 minims. The syrup, in Yi to 2-drachm doses, 

 is of some value in controlling irritable cough, more 

 particularly in children. 



LAPPA 



BURDOCK ROOT, Arctium Lappa. Official in Aus- 

 tria. Has been deleted from the U. S. P. IX. Con- 

 tains inulin and a bitter principle. Burdock is 

 diuretic and alterative. It is one of the Compositae, 

 several of which have a reputation as alteratives, 

 though few are toxic. The Compositae should be 

 given scientific investigation. Burdock, for in- 

 stance, has no scientific status, yet it is empirically 

 used and highly esteemed by many physicians. 

 In my own hands it has served quite well as a 

 diuretic alterative in the treatment of chronic skin 

 diseases and the nebulous class of chronic troubles 

 commonly, but erroneously, termed "Chronic rheu- 

 matism." Give the fl. in 5- to 30-minim doses for 

 a considerable period of time, and results will prob- 

 ably justify the effort; but don't expect too much 

 of burdock. 



LAUROCERASUS 



CHERRY LAUREL, Prunus Laurocerasus. The 

 leaves are official in six countries, the oil in the 

 Netherlands. For other species of prunus see 

 "Amygdala" and "Prunus." APRICOT SEED, P. 

 armeniaca, official in Italy. PRUNES, P. domestica, 

 official in the Netherlands. PEACH BARK, Amyg- 

 dalus Persica t is another hydrocyanic acid-bearer 

 used in 1- to 10-minim doses fl. in the U. S. for 

 irritated gastric states and nausea. 



