DIURETICS. : 15 
power in gravel It is said to have a small fibrous root, 
which continues in the ground for many years, from which many 
leaves rise along the surface. The stems are 9 to 12 inches 
high, but so thickly covered with small leaves that they can 
hardly be seen ; they are about the size of a finger nail and 
toothed at the edges. The flowers are small, so also are the 
seeds. The whole plant is used in infusion of an ounce of the 
dried herb or two ounces of the green. (This rule of two of 
the green for one of the dry holds good in nearly all cases). 
The dose, one or two wineglassfuls three or four times a day. 
Dr. J. Skelton says it is exce:lent in obstructions of the urine, 
liver, and jaundice. 
PARSLEY ROOT (Perrosetineum Sativum). 
The top, used as a vegetable, has some diuretic effect, but 
the root is well-known to possess it. The roots should be used 
if they are to be had fresh; cut up and boil gently, strain, 
and drink the decoction freely. In obstruction of the kidneys, 
liver, &c., the leaves are held in high repute by some. 
Bruised and applied as a poultice to contusions, inflamed 
breasts, and swelling of glands, they have a beneficial effect. 
The powdered seeds sprinkled on children’s heads kill vermin. 
A poultice of the bruised leaves is used to dry up the milk in 
women’s breasts, when it is desirable to do so. 
PELETORY OF THE WALL (Parteraria OFFICINALIS). 
It is so called on account of its affinity for old walls and 
ruins as growing places. Dr. Robertson thus describes it : 
“It rises with brownish, tender, weak, and almost transparent 
stalks two feet high, on which grow at the joints two leaves, 
rather broad and long, of a dark green colour, rough and 
hairy, as the stalks are also, At the joints from the middle 
of the stalk upwards, where it spreads into branches, stand 
many purplish flowers in hairy, rough heads, after which 
come small black seeds, which will stick to any garment that 
comes againstthem. Therootis rather long, with small fibres 
of a dark reddish colour.’ This is one of the best diuretics 
