OCR Text |
Show 166 OFFICINAL BUGLOSS, OR ALKANET. rata et omnibus morbis pulmonumprodest, foliaet radices in i cessu in pleuritide datur.>—** A decoction of the leaves and root Bi is ———— decoctis pectoralibus adhibentur, succus ejus cum magno suc. se 3 maT of the alkanet is advantageous in inveterate coughs, andall dis. orders of the chest. Itis both demulcent and pectoral, and the expressed juice is given with great. success in pleurisy.” Chomel relates, that boiled with milk it is efficacious in dysentery. Being of a glutinous nature, it is probable that it may beof some use, although of no great medical virtue, What surprises most is the vaunted accounts of its efficacy in the cure of melancholia and other hypochondriacal diseases. But then it must be steeped in strong ale and wine: —‘“¢ Quo vino inditum animi voluptatis augere, hilaritatemque offerre creditur.”—Dios. 1. iv. c. 128. Hence it is reckoned as one of the four grandcordial flowers. But as Dr. Woodville justly observes, the efficacy of warm water as a diluent, and of wive as a true cordial, cannot be denied, and this will explain te us the varied-accounts of certain plané acting according to the vehicle employed. COMMON BUGLOSS > BORAGO OFFICINALIS. Class V. Pentandria: Order I. Monogynia. Essent; GEN. Cuar. Corolla rotate: the throat closed with rays. Spec, Cuar. Calyx patent: all the leaves alternate. 2eclepeeL DESCRIPTION. Tuts plant rises to two feet, stalk much branched. Leaves undulate, hairy, ciliate, vaginant. Flowers conspicuous, blue, pendent. Calyx cut into five segments, permanent, Corolla monopetalous, wheel-shaped. Border cut into five large spreade i pointed segments. ‘The mouth closed with five prominences, Oe notched at the end. The calyx serves the office of cape ule, and contains the seeds, which are four, of an irregular shape. HISTORY. audio . perennial plant, and although not indigenousto this Amale, as stolen out of the gardens, and is to be found in a eae and on old walls, usually near the residence of Stk agen rs relates, that a decoction of borage leaves, evapot ‘ consistence of a syrup, andset by for a few days, yielded saline crystals, partly in formof fine needles, and partly |