417. Kalmia.—Mountain laurel. Spoonwood.
Botanical name:
417. KALMIA.—MOUNTAIN LAUREL. SPOONWOOD. The leaves of Kal'mia latifo'lia Linné, an evergreen shrub common on the hills and mountains of North America. They are lance-oval, acute at both ends, about 50 to 75 mm. (2 to 3 in.) in length; petiolate; coriaceous; both surfaces smooth, green. In medicinal doses kalmia is astringent, sedative to the heart, and antisyphilitic; also used externally in skin diseases. From its affirmed effect upon sheep and other small animals it is supposed to have toxic, narcotic properties, but no such principle has yet been found. Dose: 10 to 30 gr. (0.6 to 2 Gm.).
