Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Woodroof

WOODROOF, the Sweet, or Asperula odorata, L, an indigenous perennial, growing in woods and shady places; where it flowers in the month of May.—This plant possesses an exceedingly grateful odour, that increases on being moderately dried: it has a sub-saline, and somewhat austere taste; which, together with a peculiar, fine flavour, it also imparts to vinous, liquors.—According to Linnæus, the smell of this herb, expels ticks, and other insects.

The sweet woodroof is supposed to attenuate viscid humours, and strengthen the bowels; to remove obstructions of the liver and biliary ducts; and was formerly esteemed a medicine of great efficacy in epilepsies and palsies.—The plant is eaten by cows, horses, sheep, and goats; having the remarkable property of increasing the milk of animals, and especially of those first mentioned.—See also Tea; p. 194.