Family Herbal - Electric Scotland

FAMILY HERBAL. 331
leaves, Willi an odd one at the end ; these are singly,
blong, and of a dark green,
and serrated at the
edges. The flowers are white ; they grow in very
large, thick, and long clusters, and are succeeded
hy flat seeds, hairy and roundish and of an austere
astringent taste. There are several other kinds of
sumach in the gardens of curious people, some of
them much more beautiful, hut this is the kind that
is to he preferred for its medicinal virtues.
The seeds, dried and powdered, stop purgings,
and the overflowings of ihe menses. The fresh
tops have also great effect in strengthening the sto-
are best taken in infusion.
mach and bowels ; they
The hark of the root has the same virtue ; but the
seeds have it in the
greatest degree.
S wallow-wort. Asclepias.
A common plant in gardens,
but native of
the warmer climates. It is two feet high. The
stalks are round, slender, of a dark colour, and
jointed ; the leaves are large and longish, and of
a deep green; they stand two at each joint, The
flowers are small and white, and each is succeeded
by two pods growing together ; the root is fibrous
and spreading.
The root is used ; an infusion of it fresh is good
against the jaundice ; it works by urine and opens
obstructions. Dried and given in powder, it ope-
rate; } sweat, and is good in fevers .
'iAC.VM.niie Tree. Tacamahdca
A large a,w! beautiful tree, native of the
East, and of America. It is
fifty or sixty fee*