220. Laurocerasus.—Cherry laurel.
Botanical name:
220. LAUROCERASUS.—CHERRY LAUREL. The leaves of Pru'nus laurocera'sus Linné, an ornamental shrub native to Western Asia. They contain an amygdalin-like principle, laurocerasin, and a ferment. Odor bitter, almond-like; taste aromatic and bitter. Used in making cherry-laurel water, a preparation much employed in Europe as a sedative narcotic, much as the dilute hydrocyanic acid is used here.
