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CHAP. 56.—THE ERYTHIRODANXU: ELEVEN REMEDIES.

The erythrodanus,1 by some called "ereuthodanus," and in Latin, "rubia," is quite a different plant. It is used for dyeing wool, and skins for leather are prepared with it. Used medicinally, it is a diuretic, and, employed with hydronel, it is turative of jaundice.2 Employed topically with vinegar, it leals lichens; and a potion is prepared from it for sciatica and paralysis, the patient while using it taking a bath daily. The root of it and the seed are effectual as an emmenagogue the act astringently upon the bowels, and disperse gatherings. The branches, together with the leaves, are applied to wounds inflicted by serpents; the leaves too have the property of staining the hair.3 I find it stated by some writers that this shrub is curative of jaundice, even if worn as an amulet only, and looked at every now and then.

1 "Red rose;" our madder. See B. xix. c. 17. Beckmann is of opinion that the "sandix" of B. xxxv. c. 12, is our madder, and identical with the rubia. It is not improbable, however, that in reality it was a mineral. Fée Beckmann's Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 110, Bohn's Ed.

2 Fée sys that it does not possess this property.

3 Major has no coloring matter which can produce any effect upon the hair.

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