somewhat like ivy, but more agreeable ; taste bitter and aromatic, peculiar (Dymock),
Uses. —At the Mauritius, it is in great repute, and the leaves are considered as alterative and antiscorbutic. An infusion of the leaves has an agreeable and somewhat spicy taste, and is a good drink, when fresh and bruised. They are one of the best applications I know of for cleaning the face of a foul ulcer (Ainslie).
For long it held a high position as a medicinal plant, but the exaggerated ideas of its virtues have now exploded. It is a good simple stimulant, tonic and diaphoretic. In cholera, it has been used to restore warmth to the body, and it is said also to be used internally and externally in the treatment of snake-bite (Ph. Ind.).
Ayâpâna may be compared with chamomile in its effects ; it is stimulant and tonic in small doses, and laxative when taken in quantity ; the hot infusion is emetic and diaphoretic, and may be given with advantage in the cold stage of ague and in the state of depression which precedes acute inflammatory affections. The infusion may be made with 1oz. of the herb to a pint of water, and be given in 2oz. doses, every three hours (Dymock).
632. Solidago Virga-aurea, Linn, h.f.b.l, iii. 245.
Habitat : — Temperate Himalaya, from Kashmir eastwards, alt. 5— 9,000ft. Khasia Mts, alt. 4— 6,000ft.
A perennial, glabrous, or pubescent herb ; stem erect, stout, subsimple 6-24in. Lower leaves petioled, ovate or oblong subserrate, upper smaller, narrower entire, heads 1-4 on short axillary peduncles collected in a long leafy panicle. Involucre-bracts narrow, acute. Ray-flowers about 8, Achense glabrous or puberulous.
Uses :— In English the plant is called Woundwort, from its reputation as a vulnerary. The flowering herb contains a volatile oil, is of an aromatic odour and a bitterish and astringent taste.
