o8 THE NEW ZEALAND FAMILY HERB DOCTOR. 
fluid extract in teaspoonful doses is a good and easy way to 
take it. 
MOUNTAIN FLAX (Linum Catuarticum),. 
(Purging Flax). 
Dr. Robinson describes it as a pretty little herb, growing 
on hilly pastures and in the fields. The stalk is about 8 inches 
high, round form, divided at the top intosmall branches. The 
leaves are small, oblong, two at each joint. The flowers are 
small and white. The plant resembles the chickweed, but on 
examination it is seen to be of the flax kind. The root is small 
and thready. It makes a strong but safe purge, owing to the 
drastic principle in it called dinim in the old country. The country 
folk boil it in beer as a remedy for rheumatic pains, and for 
coughs, dropsy, &c. It is a good antibilious physic where a 
good cleansing of the bowels is wanted. It may be taken in 
extract or pills, 4 to 8 grains, two or three times a day; or in 
infusion, a wineglass three to four times a day. It is a good 
thing to put into other mixtures when a relaxing effect ts 
desired, or when a binding effect 1s not. 
NEW ZEALAND FLAX (Puormium TENAX). 
There is no need to describe this plant to our New Zealand 
readers, as it grows in most parts of the colony. It 1s 
becoming a valuable article of commerce, and is not now 
likely to be cut down and destroyed, as it was at one time. 
It has been found to contain medicinal prineiples. The root, 
washed, cut into pieces, and boiled, is aperient, although not 
markedly better than any of the previously described; yet if 
people in the bush are out of the ordinary opening medicines, 
it may be tried. Prepare it as above; cover the roots with 
water, let them simmer half an hour, strain through a cloth or 
fine wire-strainer, and if desired sweeten. Take a tablespoonful 
one to three times a day; if not sufficient take more, if too 
much take less. The same decoction is good to bathe chil- 
blains with, while it is warm. We are told by a gentleman 
