Potter's cyclopaedia of botanical drugs and preparations / by R.C. Wren.

  • Wren, R. C. (Richard Cranfield), 1864-1931.
Date:
[1915]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Potter's cyclopaedia of botanical drugs and preparations / by R.C. Wren. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    66/388 (page 22)
    is a medicinal form of administration by itself and in its various combinations. Distinctive character—Two forms of decorticated barley are sold, known respectively as Scotch hulled or Pot Barley, which is not entirely deprived of the husk, and Pearl Barley. Pearl Barley should always be washed before being boiled as it is apt to accumulate dust. BASIL. Ocimutn Basilicum, Linn. N.O. Labiates. Syn.—Sweet Basil. Part used.—Herb. Action—Aromatic, carminative, cooling. Although generally employed in domestic circles for cooking and flavouring purposes, it has occasionally been used with success in medicine for mild nervous disorders. In South America the fresh juice is used as a vermifuge. Distinctive character—Stems obtusely quad¬ rangular. Leaves opposite, oval, lanceolate, about i inch long and J- inch broad, stalked, greyish green beneath and dotted with dark oil cells. Calyx with upper lobe rounded and spreading. Seeds brown and obtuse. Taste, aromatic, recalling tarragon. BAYBERRY. Myrica cerifera, Linn. N.O. Myricacecz. Syn.—Candleberry, Waxberry, Wax myrtle. Part used—Bark. Action—A powerful stimulant, astringent, and tonic. If not absolutely the most useful article in botanic prac¬ tice, it is certainly nearly so. It enters largely into many of the compound powders and forms the basis of the celebrated Composition Powder. In cases of cold-