ELECAMPANE HOREHOUND. 



141 



ELECAMPANE. 



Invla Hdenium. — Inule^ Fr. — Invle. G-er. 



The Elecampane is a strong-growing perennial plant, a na- 

 tive of Britain, rising from three to five feet high. It is cul- 

 tivated in most gardens, and delights in a moist or shaded sit- 

 uation. It can be propagated by dividing the root in the 

 Autumn. The roots are thick. Carrot-shaped, and aromatic ; 

 when dried, ground, and made into a tea. it is considered an ex- 

 cellent remedy for a cold. In some countries the root is can- 

 died and used as a stomachic for strengthening the tone of the 

 viscera. 



HOREHOUND. 



Marrubium vulgar e. — Mar rube. Fr. 



Common in many parts of the world, on waste ground, and 

 among rubbish, in hot, dry, and dusty situations. The plant 

 is annual, and may be raised by sowing the seeds in any of 

 the Spring months. The leaves have a moderately strong 

 smell, of the aromatic kind, but not agreeable : their taste is 

 very penetrating, bitter, and durable in the mouth. This herb 

 was extolled by the ancients for its efficacy in removing ob- 

 structions of the lungs. It has been chiefly employed in hu- 

 moral asthmas, obstinate coughs, and pulmonary consumptions. 

 Its use is also said to be beneficial in affections of the liver. 

 Lozenges made of the juice of this herb and sugar are esteemed 

 good for colds. Though Horehound possesses some share of 

 medicinal power, its virtues do not appear to be clearly ascer- 

 tained, and it is now rarely prescribed by physicians, 



