Читать книгу Madame Young's Guide to Health - Amelia Young - Страница 55

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Description.—The stem of this plant twists around bushes, shrubs and trees, and shoots out to a great extent; its tendril leaves are very large, diminishing gradually to the top one; palmated lobes, pointed irregularly, and standing upon long foot-stalks; flowers of a yellow green, male and female, and from the alaæ of the leaves, which are striped with green veins, turns into a red berry. It grows in low meadows and swamps; the roots are white and large.

Medical Properties.—The root is a powerful drastic purgative; it was formerly much used by the celebrated Dr. Sydenham as a hydragogue purge in dropsies.

Directions.—In all dropsical swellings and suppressions of urine, the patient may take 2 to 3 drachms, which will work sufficient without griping; take soup as a drink.