Verbascum.

The leaves and flowers of Verbascum thapsus.

Therapeutic Action.—Verbascum is diuretic, demulcent, emmollient, pectoral, diaphoretic, and is said to be antispasmodic and alterative. A decoction of the leaves acts upon the urinary organs, promoting an increased secretion of urine. It is a mild and simple diuretic, well calculated to relieve irritation and inflammation of the genito urinary mucous membrane. Gonorrhoea, dysuria, suppression of urine, etc., are much benefitted by its use.

The leaves and pith are employed externally, made into fomentations and cataplasms, in cases of white swelling, hemorrhoids, indurated glands, and other inflammatory swellings The pith is regarded as an important ingredient in the fomentation recommended in Beach's Practice, in cases of hydrarthrus.

The American Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1898, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.