308 Botanic Drugs 



The cruciferae, of which mustard is the principal 

 member, has other species of somewhat similar 

 nature. Nasturtium officinale, WATER CRESS, a 

 stimulating salad, promotes the appetite and is a 

 mild antiscorbutic. Nasturtium armoracia, HORSE- 

 RADISH, acts similarly but more intensely; it is 

 employed as a counterirritant, and there was for- 

 merly a compound spirit of horseradish official in 

 England. Capsella bursa-pastoris, or Thlaspi, SHEP- 

 HERD'S PURSE, yields an oil identical with that of 

 mustard, and to this it adds astringent properties; 

 it is of some value in passive hemorrhage and in 

 hematuria, as well as in atonic dyspepsia. All of 

 these agents are rather definitely diuretic, but are 

 irritants in large doses. 



THERAPEUTICS. Mustard and its volatile oil are 

 our most valuable counterirritants; they act deeply 

 without being destructive of tissue. In sufficient 

 strength vesication is produced, but the lesion is 

 painful and heals slowly; cantharides is superior as 

 a vesicant. 



Mustard is a valuable non-depressing emetic most 

 effective in case of poisoning, as it is thorough in 

 action and reflexly stimulates the heart and respi- 

 ration. The ground mustard is given in considerable 

 lukewarm water. The seeds, swallowed whole, are 

 laxative. Mustard plasters are too well known to 

 require discussion, their revulsant and counter- 

 irritant action being ideal in many internal inflam- 

 mations. The black mustard is used for external 

 purposes and as an emetic; the white mustard is 

 regarded as emmenagogue. Both are used as condi- 

 ments. The oil should be employed with the utmost 

 of care. 



