Castanea. - Synonym. - Chestnut. The leaves of Castanea dentata (Marshall) Sudworth (nat. ord. Cupuliferae), collected in September or October, while still green.

Habitat

North America, from Ontario south to Florida, and west to Arkansas and Michigan.

Characters

From 15 to 25 cm. long, about 5 cm. wide, petiolate, oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, mucronate, feather-veined, sinuate-serrate, smooth; odor slight; taste somewhat astringent.

Constituents. - (1) Tannic acid, about 9 per cent. (2) Albumin. (3) Resin. (4) Gum.

Dose, 1/2 to 2 dr.; 2. to 8. gm.

Preparation

Extractum Castaneae Fluidum. Fluid Extract Of Castanea

By maceration with Boiling Water, percolation, evaporation, and addition of Glycerin and Alcohol.

Dose, 1/2 to 2 fl. dr.; 2. to 8. c.c.

Action And Uses Of Chestnut Leaves

Chestnut Leaves are mildly sedative, they are used only in whooping-cough, because they are supposed to possess anti-spasmodic and expectorant properties.