38 THE NEW ZEALAND FAMILY HERB DOCTOR. 
hours, leaving the patient refreshed and restored. As soon as 
the heaviness or partial closing of the eyes has been induced, 
no more of the remedy is necessary, even if this should occur 
after the first dose. If carried to such an extent that the 
patient cannot open his eyes, the reaction may be too great 
for the system to recover from, hence its use should cease as 
soon as the above symptoms appear.” We have heard it 
asserted, however, that no one ever was poisoned with it. 
The dose of the simple tincture is from five drops for a child to 
one teaspoonful. We shall speak further of it im treating 
diseases. 
MOTHERWORT (LeEonvurvus Carpraca). 
This plant is known to possess antispasmodic properties, 
as well as others, which prove its value as high amongst 
medicinal herbs. Its chief use is in hysteria, and to 
promote the menses; given in a strong infusion warm and 
sweetened, it relieves painful menstruation. In feebleness of 
the heart it is also excellent. Thesolid extract, formed into 95 
grain pills, and one or two taken three times a day, has been 
found to do much good in heart affections. As its name, 
‘“‘ mother’s herb” indicates, it is a friend to women generally. 
The ancients called it Cardiaca, because it strengthens the 
heart and cures palpitation. 
THE MISTLETOE (Viscum Arsvm). 
Wewill close this list with the above oldremedy mentioned by 
Pliny and others. The powdered leaves are given in epilepsy. 
A patient continuance of the infusion has effected a cure in some 
bad cases. The juice of the plant evaporated makes bird- 
lime. Applied to tumours it softens and heals them; while 
mixed with rosin it is said to make a good ointment in ulcers. 
It can be seen growing in clusters on the branches of trees. It 
is a parasite, and will only grow on them. The leaves are 
small, of a pale green colour. In season it has small white 
berries which some aver are of a poisonous nature. A case is 
