RED CLOVER. Trifolium pratense. N.O. Leguminosae.
Synonym : Purple Clover, Trefoil.
Habitat : Fields and roadsides.
Features : This is the common clover of the field, long cultivated by the farmer, and is found growing to a height of one foot or more. The leaves, composed of three leaflets, grow on alternate sides of the stem. The leaflets themselves are broad, oval, pointed, and frequently show a white spot. The stem is hairy and erect, and the red (or, perhaps, purplish-pink) flower-heads (the part of the plant employed in herbal practice) are formed by a large number of separate blossoms at the end of a flower stalk. Both taste and odour are agreeable.
Action : Alterative and sedative.
The infusion (1 ounce to 1 pint of boiling water, which may be drunk freely) makes a reliable medicine for bronchial and spasmodic coughs. The alterative character is best brought out in combination with such agents as Burdock and Blue Flag.
Fernie writes of Red Clover : "The likelihood is that whatever virtue the Red Clover can boast for counteracting a scrofulous disposition, and as antidotal to cancer, resides in its highly-elaborated lime, silica, and other earthy salts." RED SAGE. Salvia officinalis. N.O. Labiatae.
Synonym : Garden Sage.
Habitat : Cultivated in gardens.
Features : Stem and leaves reddish, grows up to about twelve inches. Stem quadrangular, slightly hairy. Leaves stalked, oblong-lanceolate, rounded at ends, crenulatc at margins, reticulated both sides. Flowers labiate, reddish-purple. Taste, powerfully aromatic.
Part used : Leaves.
Action : Aromatic, astringent, tonic, stomachic.
In the treatment of laryngitis, inflammation of throat and tonsils, and ulceration of mouth and throat. The 1 ounce to 1 pint infusion in frequent wineglass doses is given as an internal medicine, the gargle and mouth wash being made as follows : Pour pint of hot malt vinegar on to 1 ounce of the Red Sage leaves, adding pint of cold water.
Both Red Sage and the green-leaved variety are extensively used in the kitchen as a flavouring and digestive.
Red Sage will also tend to darken grey hair—see "Toilet Recipes." RHUBARB, TURKEY. Rheum palmalum. N.O. Polygonaceae.
Habitat : China.
Rheum palmalum was once transported from China through Persia to Turkey and was consequently known as "Turkey Rhubarb" ; when conveyed via India it was called "East Indian Rhubarb." This Chinese root is the popular medicinal Turkey Rhubarb of to-day, the best kind being that from the Shansi Province of China.
Features : The root is smooth and heavy, and arrives in this country peeled. It is identifiable by the dark brown spots and a reticulation of white lines. The Canton rhubarb is more fibrous, unspotted, and the white network is less prominent than that from Shansi. The quality of these roots is judged by the fracture, which should show bright, the inferior kinds being a dull brown.
Action : Aperient, stomachic, astringent, tonic.
Small doses of the powdered root are used in diarrhoea, larger quantities acting as a thorough yet gentle purgative. Dose of powdered root, 3 to 30 grains.
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