TRAVELS IN BRAZIL, 97 



used by the colonists as a purifier of the blood, and likewise 

 as a diuretic and sudorific, particularly in decoction. 



27. The root of the Cissampelos Pareira, L., which is 

 sometimes called by the general name of Caa-peba, and 

 sometimes Biitua^ is used by them in the same manner. 

 The genuine Butua {Ahiita riifescens, Aubl.) is not found in 

 these parts of Brazil. 



28. Carqueja DOLCE e AMARGA are two allied species 

 of Baccharis geiiistelloides, Lam., and venosa^ Pers. On ac- 

 count of the considerable quantity of bitter extractive mat- 

 ter which they contain, and which is combined with a 

 specific aroma, they are particularly useful in all inter- 

 mitting fevers, and for all disorders in which artemisia is 

 employed in Europe. Both the extract and the decoction 

 are used. It is particularly serviceable in chronical dis- 

 eases of horses, which are very fond of this herb. 



29. CoRA^AO DE Jesu. MUcania qfficirialisj Mart. 

 [Glabra^ caule subsimplici erecto, foliis suhtriangulari^ovatis, 

 sinu grosso cordatis^latere dentatis^antice integeryimis^ decus- 

 satis, cernnis, -paniadis corymbosis terminalibus.) The leaves 

 of this beautiful plant have a beneficial mixture of bitter, 

 mucilaginous, and aromatic ingredients, and are therefore 

 used, with great success, like Peruvian bark and cascarille. 

 It is said to be particularly efficacious both in remitting 

 fevers and weakness of the stomach. It is taken both in 

 decoction and extract. 



30. Gajamarioba, Cassia occidentalis and falcata, L. 

 and Fedegozo, Cassia hirsuta, L., are extremely common 

 plants, which grow everywhere near human habitations, 

 and spread rapidly. The root greatly stimulates the lym- 

 phatic system, and is therefore very beneficial in obstruc- 

 tions and weakness of the storAach, and incipient dropsy, 

 against which disease it is used as a diuretic. The seeds 

 roasted, like coffee, and used in similar cases, are said 



VOL. II. H 



