36 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 



than the sepals. Ovaries 2-5, rarely more, many-ovuled, style 

 short, stigma pointed. Follicles \ in. long, flat, tipped with 

 the persistent style. Seeds 6-8 (Collett). 



Part used ' — The root. 



Uses: — The root is said to be poisonous. In Siberia, it is 

 used to drive away bugs and fleas. " Under the name of a 

 nearly allied plant (Actaea spicata\ I have already referred to 

 this plant, and I have done so chiefly with the view of attracting 

 attention to these useful, but apparently neglected plants." 

 (Watt). 



Garrod in his Materia Medica, calls Cimicifuga racemosa, 

 Linn., the Black Snake Root, and remarks that it is a remedy 

 much used in America. He gives the dose of the tincture as 

 30 to 40 minims. He remarks : — " Its use is said to have been 

 attended with much success in rheumatic fever, in chorea, and 

 in lumbago, and in some forms of puerperal hypochondriasis. 



There seems every reason to expect that the Indian species, 

 which differs from C. racemosa only very slightly, will be 

 found to possess all its medicinal virtues. C. racemosa is 

 chiefly prescribed in the form of tincture and employed in 

 rheumatic affections, dropsy, the early stage of phthisis, and 

 chronic bronchial diseases. Externally, a strong tincture has 

 recentlv been u^ed to reduce inflammations. See (Year-Book 

 of Pharmacy, 1872). The root contains a resinous active prin- 

 ciple which has been termed Cimicifugin or Macrotin. In its 

 action this drug resembles hellibore on the one hand, and 

 colchicum on the other. It is most useful in acute rheumatism, 

 and a powder of the root is perhaps the best mode in which to 

 give the drug, in doses of 20 to 30 grains. (Royles Mat. Med. 

 by Rarley.) 



A poultice prepared from the fresh leaves is used here, and 

 said to be very useful in rheumatic affection of joints (Surgn. 

 Meadows, Bar i sal). 



28. Pceonia Ernodi, Wall, h.f.br.i., I. 30. 

 Syn : — Pseonia officinalis, Hf. and T. 



