291. Ailanthus.—Tree of Heaven. Chinese Sumac.
Botanical name:
291. AILANTHUS.—TREE OF HEAVEN. CHINESE SUMAC. The bark of Ailanth'us glandulo'sa Des Fontaines, a common shade tree. The powder is of a greenish-yellow color, and has a strong, narcotic, nauseating odor. A powerful nerve-depressant and antispasmodic, used in asthma, hiccough, twitching of the muscles, epilepsy, etc. When chewed, it produces a general sense of uneasiness, weakness, dazzling, cold sweats, shivering, nausea, etc., similar to that produced by tobacco. These effects depend upon a volatile oil, which is so powerful that persons preparing the extract are often thus affected by the vapor. Dose: 15 to 30 gr. (1 to 2 Gm.).
