46 MEDICINAL PLANTS 



10 grains of the root purge ; might be given in extract, A favorite 

 remedy with some botanic doctors. (Wood 4* Bache.) 



SoLANACEJE, JuSS. — (TlIE NlGHT-SHADE TrIBE.) 



Nicotiana* Rustica, Linn., (Wild Tobacco). A naturalized plant, 

 probably introduced by the Indians ; contains nicotina, like common 

 tobacco. 



Datura Stramonium, Linn., (Jamestown Weed). A powerful 

 acro-narcotic ; the seeds and leaves both contain the active principle 

 daturia; a useful article in neuralgia and rheumatism, externally and 

 internally used ; also in asthma ; it is slightly laxative ; used to diflfce 

 the pupil. Cataplasms and ointment made of the leaves are also 

 useful preparations, the latter in piles and painful ulcers, etc. 



HvoscYAMUsf Niger, Linn.. (Common Henbane). A powerful nar- 

 cotic, antispasmodic and anodyne, with laxative properties. Its 

 poisonous effects are owing to an active principle, hyoscyamia; our 

 most valuable anodyne, next to opium. Exotic. 



Solanum Dulcamara, Linn., (Bitter-sweet, Woody Night-Shade). 

 Supposed to possess deobstruent and alterative properties, very slightly 

 narcotic, not poisonous, also diuretic and diaphoretic ; given in decoc- 

 tion. 



Solanum Nigrum, Linn., (Common Night-Shade.) A powerful 

 narcotic ; poisonous ; introduced from Europe. 



S. Tuberosum, Linn., (Common Potato). The stalks possess nar- 

 cotic properties, also the epidermis of the tubers, especially when 

 much exposed to light. A good preventive of scurvy when eaten raw 

 with vinegar ; its nutritious properties depend chiefly on starch. 



GENTIANACE.E, JuSS. (THE GENTIAN TRIBE.) 



Gentiana:): Soponaria, Linn. (Soap Gentian). G. Quinque- 

 flora, Laur. Five-flowered Gentian. G. Crinita, Large fringed 

 Gentian. Pure bitter tonics, fully equal to the imported Gentian, 

 (Lutea,) and might be substituted for it ; stomachic. In a fresh 

 state they prove laxative. We have three other species, equally 

 medicinal. 



Frasera§ Caroliniensis, Walt., (American Columbo). A good 



* From John Nicot, who introduced the weed into Europe. 



t From hyos, a hog, and cyamos, a bean, because hogs are said to feed on the 

 fruit, which resembles a bean. 



X From Gcntius, a king of Illyria, who brought the plant into use. 

 § From John Fraser, a collector of North American plants. 



