DIAPHORETICS. 83 
The medicinal virtues of this plant are undoubted. It is 
good for hysteria and fits; also for headaches caused 
through colds. A strong infusion sweetened with honey 1s 
good forcoughs; a poultice of the bruisedleaves is recommended 
for piles. Infusion, 2 ozs. of green or 1 oz. of dry tothe pint. 
Drink freely if a perspiration is desired. 
HYSSOP (Hyssopus OFFICINALIS). 
A garden herb cultivated by the country people in Britain 
and elsewhere. : We have grown it in Dunedin. It is a small 
plant, at the highest about 18 inches. The leaves are small 
and dark green, sharp pointed, and opposite the flowers, 
which are of a blue purple colour. The leaves and tops are 
the medicinal parts. They should be gathered just as the 
flowers begin to come out. 
Hyssop, in addition to its diaphoretic property, is a 
pectoral, that is, for the chest. It is good for sore throats. 
In combination with sage, which has similar properties, the 
bruised leaves applied to bruises relieve the pain and remove 
the discolouration. It is also a good expectorant and may be 
taken in infusion and decoction, usual doses. 
THYME (Tuymus Vutaaris.) 
This pleasant smelling little plant is a favourite with cooks 
and sausage makers, on account of the agreeable flavour it 
gives to stuffing, &c.; it is also a diaphoretic of some value. 
The warm infusion will bring outa perspiration. If sweetened 
it is pleasant totake. In this respect it may be given to young 
people who would not take some of the stronger. The wild 
thyme is stronger and better for some ailments. Whooping 
cough, asthma, bronchitis, and gout are said to be benefited 
and sometimes cured by it. An infusion used as a foot and 
leg bath, with the same drank freely, is generally successful 
in removing obstructed menses. The essential oil of thyme 
is a reputed cure for toothache; a drop is put into the aoe 
tooth and repeated if necessary. 
