QUALITIES. This root is full of joints, crooked, and flattened on the
sides, internally of a white colour, and loose spongy texture. _Odour_,
fragrant and aromatic. _Taste_, bitter and pungent, qualities which are
improved by exsiccation. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. The principles in which
its qualities reside appear to be essential oil, and bitter extractive;
the root likewise contains fecula, which is copiously precipitated from
its infusion by sub-acetate and acetate of lead. Watery infusion
extracts all its virtues, but decoction impairs them. Spirit is also an
appropriate solvent, and a resinous extract may be produced accordingly.
USES. It is not employed so frequently as it deserves;[435] it would be
a useful addition to many of the compound infusions of vegetable
stomachics. DOSE. A cupful of the infusion made by adding ʒvj of the
dried root to f℥xij of boiling water. It is so favourite a remedy with
the native practitioners of India, in the bowel complaints of children,
that there is a penalty incurred by any druggist who will not, in the
middle of the night, open his door and sell it, if demanded.