The root of Rumex crispus and of other species of Rumex.

Characters. - From eight to twelve inches (20 to 30 centimetres) long, about half an inch (12 millimetres) thick, somewhat fusiform, fleshy, nearly simple, annulate above, deeply wrinkled below; externally rusty-brown, internally whitish, with fine, straight, interrupted, reddish medullary rays, and a rather thick bark; fracture short; odour slight, peculiar; taste bitter and astringent.

Composition.- It contains tannic acid and rumicine, which is identical with chrysophanic acid.

Preparation.

dose.

Extractum Rumicis Fluidum.....................................

30-60 min.

Action. - It is astringent and bitter, and is supposed to possess alterative properties, which render it useful in scorbutic diseases.