ADDEND.] BUTCHERS BROOM. Ml 



Gerard tells us, that it formerly grew upon 

 Hampstead-heath, and it may still be found 

 in many places in the southern and midland 

 counties of this country ; but it will not thrive 

 in northern countries, nor will it bear the 

 winter of Sweden. 



It is also a native of Asia and Africa, and was 

 in ancient times greatly esteemed for its me- 

 dicinal qualities, the root being recommended 

 as an aperient and diuretic in dropsies, urinary 

 obstructions, and nephritic cases. 



Dioscorides highly extols its deobstruent 

 and diuretic powers. Riverius relates a case 

 of dropsy successfully treated by a decoction 

 of the roots. Bauchin and several other 

 writers give strong cases of its effects in 

 dropsy ; but it is in the early stage of dropsy 

 that this medicine is of the most value. 



Etmuller strongly commends this plant 

 as a valuable remedy in scrophulous tumors 

 and ulcers ; he recommends a drachm of the 

 powdered root to be taken every morning. 

 It is but little used in modern practice ; but 

 may perhaps be again restored to its former 

 celebrity, when some other simples are dis- 

 carded from the Materia Medico. 



x 4 



