ARNICA. 277 



Preparations. 



1. Decoctnm Taraxaci. 1 of dried root in 20. Dose, 2 to 4 



fl.oz. 



2. Extraction Taraxaci. A fresh extract. 100 of fresh root 



in 8, by expression, separation of albumen, and evapora- 

 tion. Dose, 5 to 15 gr. 



3. Succus Taraxaci. Fresh iuice, 3; Spirit, 1. Dose, 2 to 



4fl.dr. 



ACTION AND USES. 



Taraxacum combines the properties of its two principal 

 constituents, the bitter taraxacin and the alkaline salts, i.e. it is 

 at once a simple bitter and a mild laxative. It is therefore 

 indicated, and was formerly extensively given in atonic dys- 

 pepsia attended by habitual constipation ; and its preparations 

 may be added to stomachic mixtures and laxative pills. Until 

 recently taraxacum was believed to be a cholagogue ; but this 

 effect, rf it exist at all, appears to be indirect only. 



Lactuca LETTUCE. The flowering herb of Lac- 

 tuca virosa. a native of Britain. 



Composition. Extract of lettuce contains, besides many 

 other ingredients, a crystalline bitter principle, lactucin, and 

 lactucic acid, of uncertain composition. 



Preparation. 



Extraction Lactucse. A green extract. 1 in 1. Dose, 5 to 

 10 gr. 



ACTION AND USES. 



Lactucin is slightly hypnotic.- The extract may cause 

 some confusion of mind, headache, and diaphoresis ; and acting 

 as a mild sedative and carminative, it makes an excellent pill- 

 basis for some purgatives, such as calomel. 



Arnicse Radix ARNICA BOOT. The dried 

 rhizome and rootlets of Arnica montana. Collected 

 in the mountainous parts of middle and southern 

 Europe. 



Substances resembling Arnica : Valerian, known by smell ; 

 Serpentary, with very many contorted rootlets; Veratrum 

 Yiride, with thicker rootlets. 



