Herb Bennet

Avens. Tonic and astringent. Dose, of the powdered root, 1/2 oz. to 1 oz. or more.

Benzoin

Stimulant and expectorant. Dose, 1 to 3 dr. But seldom used. Externally it is applied, in balsamic tinctures, to wounds, ulcers, etc. See Tincture of Benzoin.

Birthwort

A gentle stimulant, supposed to act especially on the uterine system. Dose, 1/2 oz. It is given to cows in cleansing drinks, but it is of doubtful utility.

Bistort Root

Astringent. Dose, 4 to 8 dr. [or 2 oz., Moiroud]. The decoction is used also as an astringent and cleansing lotion.

Bitter-Sweet

Dulcamara. Diuretic, narcotic, and alterative. Dose, 1/2 oz. in decoction.

Bitter Apple

See Colocynth.

Bleeding

The quantity of blood usually extracted from the horse is from 2 to 4, or, in some cases, 6 to 8 quarts; or until faintness is produced. From cattle, from 2 to 6 quarts, or till faint. Sheep, 16 oz. Lambs, 4 oz. Dogs in the proportion of 1 oz. for every 3 lb weight. [Or 1 or 2 oz. from a very small clog; 7 or 8 oz. from a larger one. - Mr. Youatt.]

Blistering Fly

See Cantharides. Blisters are applied in the form of ointments, or liniments, to excite superficial inflammation, followed by vesication; and are intended to draw away inflammatory action from more deeply seated but not distant parts. Also to excite the action of the absorbents, and to promote suppuration. See Blistering Ointment, and Liquid Blister, in the Formulary.

Blue Vitrol

See Copper, Sulphate of.

Armenian Bole

Slightly astringent, and absorbent. Dose, 1/2 oz. to 2 oz. in diarrhoea, bloody urine, etc. A common ingredient in drenches to dry the milk of cows. Dose, 1 to 3 oz. It is also used outwardly as an astringent and desiccative.

Borage

A decoction of the plant is pectoral and demulcent.

Borax

Detergent. Applied to sore mouths, mixed with honey. It is supposed to be a uterine stimulant, but is not often used in veterinary practice as an internal remedy. It is a useful antiseptic.

Box Leaves

They are given, chopped with corn, as a vermifuge. They are also used as a preventive of hydrophobia. (See the Vet. Formulary, and " Hydrophobia "in the Index.) The rasped wood is considered sudorific, and prescribed in rheumatic and skin diseases, and even in farcy and glanders.

Bran

Mucilaginous, and slightly laxative: given in mashes.

Brandy

See Spirits, Ardent.

Briony

White briony root is poisonous. 1/2 oz. killed a dog.

Bromine

Poisonous. 5 gr. killed a dog. Its medical use is not well ascertained, but appears analogous to that of iodine.

Broom

The Spanish broom, and particularly the seeds, are supposed to produce inflammation of the bladder in sheep and cattle.

Buckbean

A bitter tonic and purgative. The powdered plant has been given to sheep for rot, in 1-dr. doses. - [Dr. Paris.]

Buckwheat

Slightly laxative, but chiefly used to fatten poultry.

Buckthorn

Purgative; principally administered to dogs. Dose of the juice, 2 or 3 dr.; but it is usually given in the form of Syrup. (See Medicines for Dogs, No. 8.) The berries are more active, hut seldom employed.