226. Gillenia.—American ipecac.
Botanical name:
226. GILLENIA.—AMERICAN IPECAC. The rhizome of Gille'nia stipula'cea Nuttall. Habitat: Western United States. A knotty rhizome, with numerous tortuous, annulate rootlets, the thick bark of which is in two reddish layers and incloses a tough, whitish, finely-rayed wood. Gillenia trifoliata Moench, growing east of the Allegheny Mountains, is a smaller and less knotty rhizome, and the rootlets are nearly straight and smooth. Both rhizomes are similar in medical properties, being mildly emetic and cathartic, somewhat resembling ipecac in action. Dose: 15 to 30 gr. (1 to 2 Gm.).
