392. Phellandrium.—Water Dropwort. Five-leaved Water Hemlock.
392. PHELLANDRIUM.—WATER DROPWORT. FIVE-LEAVED WATER HEMLOCK. The fruit of a European aquatic plant, Oenan'the phellan'drium Lamarck. From 2 to 3 mm. (1/12 to 1/8 in.) in length, terete, oblong, narrowed at one end, and crowned with the stylopodium; yellowish-brown or blackish-brown in color; taste aromatic, slightly acrid; odor strong, somewhat caraway-like, but disagreeable. Its aromatic properties depend upon a volatile oil, but there are indications of a narcotic alkaloid, possibly coniine, as the characteristic mouse-like odor is developed when the powdered seeds are rubbed with a solution of potassa. Slightly narcotic, stimulant, but more particularly used in chronic affections of the air-passages, as bronchitis, etc. Dose of powder about 5 gr. (0.3 Gm.), cautiously increased.
