534 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



Description. — Oblong, nearly cylindrical, from 4 to 8 Mm. 

 long ; brownish or greenish-brown ; odor and taste aromatic, 

 anise-like. 



Constituents. — A volatile oil of almost similar action and 

 composition to oil of anise, oleum foeniculi. A colorless, or 

 pale yellowish liquid, having the characteristic aromatic 

 odor of fennel, and a sweetish, mild and spicy taste. Soluble 

 in alcohol. 



Dose of fennel and its oil, same as that for anise and its 

 oil. 



FoENUGEEEK. (Non-official.) 



The seeds of Trigonella Foenum Grsecum, cultivated in 

 France and Germany. They are oblong, cylindrical, some- 

 what compressed, obliquely truncated at each end ; 1 to 2 

 lines long; of a browuish-yellow color, and have a strong, 

 peculiar odor, and oily, bitterish taste. Foenugreek contains 

 both a volatile and fixed oil. 



Dose. — Same as for anise. 



ACTIONS AND USES OP GAEDAMOM, COEIANDEE, FENNEL AND 

 FENUGEEEK. 



These drugs resemble anise in actions, uses, and doses. 

 They enter into the composition of many popular tonic or 

 "condition" powders and drinks, and, by their stomachic 

 and carminative properties, aid digestion. Ginger is perhaps 

 in more frequent demand than other agents of this class, by 

 the profession. 



Class 3.— Used Mainly for Their Antispasmodic 

 Action in Stimulating the Nervous System. 



Valeeiana. Valerian. 



Synonym. — Valerianse rhizoma, B.P. ; valeriane, Fr. ; 

 baldrianwurzel, G. 



The rhizome and roots of Valeriana officinalis Linne 

 (nat. ord. Valerianese). 



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