01 NEW-YORK. 49 



Polygonacea:, Juss. — (The Buckwheat Tribe.) 



Polygonum* Fagopyrum, Linn., (Buckwheat). Furnishes nu- 

 tritive seeds, not so nutritive as the cereal grains, containing only half 

 its weight of fecula. 



P. Hydropiper, Linn., (Smart Weed). Recommended by Dr. 

 Eberle, and others, as a powerful emmenagogue, in form of saturated 

 tincture ; also, stimulant and diuretic. (See Eberle's Practice, 4th 

 ed., v. 1, 441.) 



P. Aviculare, Linn, (Knot Grass). A mild astringent, formerly 

 employed as a styptic and vulnerary. 



We have seventeen species of this genus growing in this State, the 

 leaves of many of which are acrid and pungent, and will vesicate 

 when applied to the skin. They lose this property, however, by dry- 

 ing. The roots of some of these species will probably be found good 

 alteratives. Off. U. S. P. 



Rumex Crispus, Linn., (Curled Dock). R. Britannica, Willd., 

 (Yellow-rooted Water Dock). R. Obtusifolius, (Broad-leaved Dock). 

 R.Verticillatus, (Long-stalked Water Dock). These species have 

 similar medicinal properties, which are astringent and mild tonic ; also 

 alterative and depurative ; useful in all chronic cases where sarsapa- 

 rilla, is usually recommenced. The Britannica is the Aquaticus, or 

 Water-Dock of Willdencw. The Crispus, and Obtusifolius combine 

 laxative with tonic and astringent properties, like rhubarb. The 

 Crispus is very useful in decoction or ointment in the treatment of 

 itch, and other cutaneous diseases. The root forms a good denti- 

 frice when the gums are spongy. Decoction best form of administra- 

 tion. The R. Acetosella or Sheep Sorrel, contains a large quantity of 

 binoxolate of potash, which renders it agreeably acid. Off. U. S. P. 



Phytolaccace^:, R. Br. — (The Poke Weed Tribe.) 



Phytolacca"}" Decandra, Linn., (Poke Weed). An acro-narco- 

 tic emetic, and purgative ; as an emetic its operation is very slow, 

 causing much nausea and distress ; in small doses alterative ; tincture 

 useful in rheumatism. An ointment made of the leaves, is recom- 

 mended in psora, tinea-capitis, and other cutaneous diseases. (Am. K 

 Jour. ofPharm. XV. 169.) Off. U. S. P. 



* From the Greek polys, many, and gonu, joint ; the stem having numerous 

 joints. 



t From the Greek phyton, a herb, and lachanon, pot-herb* in allusion to the 

 BBe made of the young herbs. 



4 



