AROMATIC AND CARMINITIVE. | 63 
may be thought that these only pleased the taste. This they 
did, but without doubt they also acted as carminatives. These 
seeds are a wholesome spice added to biscuits, cingerbread, &e. ; 
powdered we use them in some of our compounds. The 
essential oil is the strongest, of which 5 drops may be taken 
3 times a day on sugar as a carminative. 
DILL SEED (Avernum GRAVEOLENS). 
The essential oil is used in medicine. Fifteen drops 
rubbed up in a mortar with magnesia $ an ounce, and water 
one pint, filtered through blotting-paper or French filtering- 
paper, make the dill water which may be termed the babies’ 
comforter, Crying babies are generally dosed with it. The 
quantity varies with the age of infants. While we cannot say 
it is the best, it is good and safe for babies. There is nothing 
better than the Mother’s Friend. (See compounds.) A 
decoction of the dried herb is good to stop vomiting and 
sickness of the stomach; also to assist in bringing on the 
monthly term in females. 
FENNEL SEED (Fenicutum Vunears.) 
This plant has a tall erect round smooth stem, from which 
many branches spread out. It can hardly be said to have 
leaves, as they are more like small branches ending in small 
yellow flowers, looking much like a wild parsnip. It grows 
abundantly in broken ground, especially on the reclamations 
at Wellington, Napier, and Auckland, where we have seen it 
covering acres about the railway stations. The seeds powdered 
make a good carminative. A teaspoonful infused in a cup of 
boiling water will expel wind and ease griping pains. Of 
late the compound liquorice powder has come into favour as 
a mild aperient; fennel seed powder is an important 
ingredient init. The essential oil, which can be seen under 
the microscope when the seed is cut across, is the active 
principle; the dose of which is from one drop for an infant to 
five or even ten in extreme cases for adults, The water is 
prepared in the same way as dill water. In taking rhubarb 
