Sonchus. Sonchus oleraceus. Common sow thistle.

Sonchus. Sonchus oleraceus L. Common Sow Thistle. (Fam. Compositae.)—A coarse weed, having runcinate-pinnated leaves clasping by a heart-shaped base and producing corymbs of pale yellow flowers in summer and autumn. This European plant is commonly found in waste places around, dwellings in the United States. The brownish gum left after the evaporation of the juice of this plant is said to be a powerful hydragogue cathartic, in doses of from two to four grains (0.13-0.26 Gm.). Combined with aromatics or belladonna, it may be used instead of elaterium in dropsy. (Med. Bull., July, 1888.) It has also been used as a so-called cure for the opium habit. (Pac. Pharm., 1908, 113.)

The Dispensatory of the United States of America, 1918, was edited by Joseph P. Remington, Horatio C. Wood and others.