MOUNTAIN FLAX. Linum cartharticum. N.O. Linaceae Synonym : Purging Flax.
Habitat : Heaths, moorlands ; occasionally meadows and pastures.
Features : Stem simple, up to eight inches high. Leaves opposite, small, lower obovate, higher lanceolate, entire. Flowers small, white (June to September), five- parted with serrate sepals, pointed petals. Taste, bitter and acrid.
Part used : Herb.
Action : Laxative, cathartic.
In constipation, action similar to Senna, and sometimes preferred to the latter ; rarely gripes. Occasionally prescribed with diuretics, etc., for gravel and dropsy. Combined with tonics and stomachics such as Gentian and Calumba root, makes a first-rate family medicine. Dose, wineglass of the ounce to pint infusion.
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