498 THE NEW ZEALAND FAMILY HERB DOCTOR. 
eyes failing them were to use this plant they might do with- 
out ‘‘specs”’ for a few years longer. ‘The juice dropped into 
the eyes relieves inflammation... We usually recommend our 
customers to use the infusion asa lotion, at the same time 
drinking a wineglassful three times a day. Infusion: One 
ounce to a pint of water. 
FIGWORT (ScropHuaria). 
This is said to be the best remedy for scrofula and swelling 
of the glands. ‘The root mashed and applied as a poultice to 
external piles is a good remedy. An ointment may be made 
of the leaves for ulcers and sores. The herb is a good general 
blood purifier. Infusion: one ounce to pint of water. 
Decoction: 2 ozs. to the pint. A wineglassful of the former. 
Tablespoonful of the latter. 
SOAPWORT (Saponarta OFFICINALIS). 
Its properties are similar to the above in purifying the 
blood. It is affirmed to surpass sarsaparilla, guaiacum, 
especially for venereal affections; being diuretic it is good for 
dropsy. The decoction of the root, two ounces to a pint of 
water. Dose: from half to a wineglassful. The decoction, 
when shaken, generates a foam similar to soapy water, hence 
its name soapwort. 
HOPS (Humvurvus Lupvtvs). 
The virtues of the hop are so well known that we need only 
say that as a tonic and nervine it is a good medicine. The 
simplest way to extract its virtues is by infusion. One ounce 
to a quart of water, and half a teacupful taken three times a 
day will prove its virtue, which is similar to camomile. 
FLUELLIN (Antirutven Exatrye). 
This is a very common herb in Europe, where it is well 
known as possessing good blood-cleansing properties. Dr. 
Fox gives a remarkable case cured by it of an eating ulcer of 
the nose. The herb was drank in decoction, and the juice 
