Hydrastis

[Gr. hudor, water; the plant grows in watery places. ( Bot.) A genus of plants, order Ranunculacex. One species only is known, namely, H. Can a dens is, the Golden Seal, Orange-root, or Ground Raspberry. This is a low, perennial herb, indigenous to this country, and found in bog meadows from Canada to The American Dictionary and Cyclopedia Kentucky. Its rhizome, or root-stock, sends up, in early spring, a simple stem, from six inches to a foot high, which is two-leaved near the summit, and bears a single terminal greenish-white or rose-colored flower. The fruit is of a red color, and somewhat resembles an unripe raspberry. This little plant has of late attracted much attention, and almost every well-known pharmacologist has written upon its medicinal properties. Two active principles, hydras tina and berberine , have been extracted from the rhizome. Another preparation, called hydras tin , is much used by the medical men of America, who style themselves Eclectics ; it is procured by the solvent action of alcohol. The preparations of H. Can a dens is are stated to have a specific influence over the mucous surfaces, and to be useful in gonorrhea, gleet, dyspepsia, piles, constipation, ophthalmia, catarrh, and various other diseases. There can be no doubt as to the valuable tonic properties of this plant. The rhizome may be used as a dyeing agent.