TOAD FLAX. Linaria vulgaris. N.O. Scrophulariaceae.
Synonym : Butter and Eggs, Flaxweed, Pennywort. The name "Toad Flax" because of a supposed similarity between the mouth of the flower and that of the toad.
Habitat : Hedgerows and cornfields.
Features : Stem one to two feet high, upright, only slightly branched. Leaves numerous, grass-like, tapering to a point. Stem and leaves are smooth, with a pale bluish hue. Flowers shaped like the snapdragon (antirrhinum), pale yellow, mouth closed by projecting orange-coloured lower lip ; clustered togetherat top of stem.
Part used : Herb.
Action : Hepatic, alterative, astringent, detergent.
To some extent in prescriptions for jaundice, hepatic torpor and skin diseases. Is also sometimes included in pile ointments. The I ounce to 1 pint infusion is taken in doses of 2 fl. ounces.
| 
