53 



of the luM-1) is (liuix'lic. It also is used to stimulate the 

 appetite aiul aid digestion. 



94. Ambrosia arleniisiifolia L. (Roman Wormwood, Ragweed). 



This plant is best known as a cause of Fall hayfever. 

 It is gratif\'ing to know that it has some useful qualities. 

 The fluidextract of the flowering herb is astringent and 

 used locally to stop bleeding. It is a bitter tonic some- 

 times used for dyspepsia. 



95. Achillea Millefolium L. (Common Yarrow). The flowering 



herb is used usually in hot infusion, as a stimulant and 

 tonic. 



96. Tanacetum viilgare L. (Common Tansy). The leaves and 



tops are prepared especially as a hot infusion for a tonic, 

 the removal of worms from the intestines and as a febri- 

 fuge in mild fever. 



97. Tussilago Farfara L. (Coltsfoot). The decoction or infusion 



of the leaves is demulcent and tonic and is used in bron- 

 chial affections. The root is smoked to relieve coughs. 



98. Senecio aureus L. (Golden Ragwort). A decoction or infusion 



of the rhizome and roots or of the aerial parts has been 

 used as an emmenogogue. 



99. Arctium. Lappa L. (Great Burdock). A decoction of the root 



is diuretic. It also alters the course of diseases such as 

 gout, rheumatism, syphilis and scrofula. 



100. Taraxacum officinale Weber (Common Dandelion). A 



fluidextract of the root is tonic, laxative and slightly 

 diuretic. It is used in treatment of dyspepsia and con- 

 stipation. 



Preparation for Use 



Medicinal plant materials usually require special prepara- 

 tion to facilitate administering and to concentrate or isolate the 

 active principles but the fresh or dried drug is sometimes used 

 as such, without any special preparation. The majority of 

 materials are brought into solution before using. The chief 

 methods by which this is accomplished may be summarized 

 briefly as follows: 



1. Decoction — a method of extracting the active principle by 



means of actively boiling water. 



2. Infusion — a method of separating the desired constituents 



