CATHARTICS, 55 
green atthe top. The medicinal part isthe juice of the plant, 
dried and powdered. The dose is from three to ten grains if 
¢aken alone, but, on account of its extreme bitterness and 
‘griping tendency, it is best given with stimulants and 
‘carminatives, Inthe making of pills aloe is almost universally 
employed, as its effects are chiefly on the lower bowel; it is 
not advisable to take it if troubled with piles. It is said to 
have a beneficial effect in indigestion, lowness of spirits, 
female obstruction, &c., &c. 
The other kinds of aloes are very similar to the above. 
RHUBARB (RueEvo.) 
This is the same domestic garden plant that everybody 
knows. The root is used alone in medicine, although the 
stalks have also an effect on some people, causing looseness. 
While it cannot be doubted that the rhubarb known as turkey 
1s superior to ours in strength, still the prejudices of people 
have a good deal to do with the neglect of our own, which 
has undoubted medicinal properties. 
Rhubarb is a good medicine for indigestion. It 
is often carried in the pocket. A small bit the size of a pea 
is chewed and swallowed as often as is desirable to gently 
open the bowels, or it may be taken in powder from a quarter 
to a teaspoonful if it is desired to act on the bowels quickly ; 
the powdered form is the best. 10 grains of bicarbonate of 
potash will make it more effective and partially cover its taste. 
Rhubarb in the fresh roots may be made into a decoction by 
scraping and slicing an ounce in a pint and a half of water to 
a pint ; drink a wineglassful of the cold strained decoction two 
to four times aday. A favourite mixture with mothers is a 
quarter ounce of the powder with one ounce of magnesia. 
Dose for a child, asmall teaspoonful in water. 
Rhubarb enters into many of our compounds. 
MANDRAKE (Poporpuyrttum Petratvum.) 
This plant is a native of America, growing throughout the 
States. The stem is about one foot high, round and smooth, 
