LYCOPUS WATER HOREHOUND. 209 



Preparations. — Of peppermint : Aqua mentlise piperita* — peppermint 

 water ; oleum lnenthre piperita! — oil of peppermint ; spiritus nienthaj 

 piperitse — spirit of peppermint ; trochisci mentlise piperita — troches of 

 peppermint. Of spearmint : Aquae menthse viridis — spearmint water ; 

 oleum menthae viridis — oil of spearmint ; spiritus mentlne viridis — spirit 

 of spearmint. — United States Pharmacopoeia. Both species are also fre- 

 quently used in infusion. 



Medical Properties and Uses. — The aromatic, stimulant, and carminative 

 properties of peppermint and spearmint render them useful in a great va- 

 riety of gastric and intestinal disorders characterized by colic pains. The 

 only difference between them is one of degree, spearmint acting much 

 more mildly than peppermint, and its flavor being to some people more 

 agreeable. 



LYCOPUS.— Water Horehound. 



Character of the Genus. — Calyx 4- to 5-toothed. Corolla nearly equally 

 4-lobed, about the length of the calyx. Stamens 2, with rudiments of 2 

 more. Achenia truncate at the apex. 



Perennial herbs resembling mints,. but wanting their aroma, and having 

 but 2 perfect stamens. 



Lycopus Virginicus Linne. — Bugleweed. 



Description. — Calyx-teeth 4, ovate, obtuse, without a spine, shorter 

 than the achenia. Stem 6 to 18 inches high, obtusely 4-angled. Leaves 

 broadly-lanceolate, serrate, tapering at both ends, short petioled. Entire 

 plant smooth, often purplish. Flowers very small, in small capitate clus- 

 ters, appearing in midsummer. 



Habitat. — In wet places ; common. 



Lycopus Europaeus Linne. — Water Horehound. 



Description. — Calyx-teeth 5, triangular-lanceolate, rigid and pointed, 

 longer than the achenia. Stem 1 to 2 feet high, sharply 4-angled. Leaves 

 oblong-lanceolate, or lance-ovate, acute, sinuate-toothed or pinnatind, 

 more or less petiolate. Flowers small and very numerous, in dense axil- 

 lary whorls. A very variable species. 



Habitat. — In wet places ; common both here and in Europe. 



Parts Used. — The herb of both species — not official. 



Constituents. — These plants probably possess the ordinary constituents 

 of the labiate, though there is evidently much less volatile oil than in 

 many plants of the order, and more bitterness. 



Preparations. — Commonly administered in infusion. 



Medical Properties and Uses. — Bugleweed is said to be sedative, tonic, 

 astringent, and narcotic, but upon what authority it is difficult to deter- 

 mine. Water horehound is said to be remedial in intermittent fever, but 

 the authority for the statement is doubtful. By virtue of their bitterness, 

 both these plants may probably produce tonic effects ; and through their 



