Cypripedium. - Synonym. - Ladies' Slipper. The rhizome and roots of Cypripedium pubescens Swartz, and of Cypripedium parviflorum Salisbury (nat. ord. Orchideae).

Habitat

North America; in swampy places.

Characters

Of horizontal growth, bent, 10 cm., or less, long; from 3 to 5 mm. thick; on the upper side beset with numerous circular, cup-shaped scars; closely covered below with simple, wiry roots, varying from 10 to 15 cm. in length; brittle, dark brown, or orange-brown; fracture short, white; odor peculiar, heavy; taste sweetish, bitter and somewhat pungent.

Composition

It contains - (1) A volatile oil. (2) A volatile acid. (3) Two resins. (4) Tannic acid.

Dose, 15 to 30 gr.; 1. to 2. gm.

Preparation

Extractum Cypripedii Fluidum. Fluid Extract Of Cypripedium

By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation.

Dose, 15 to 30 m; 1. to 2. c.c.

Action And Uses Of Cypripedium

Cypripedium is a gentle, nervous stimulant, resembling valerian in its action. It has been used for nervous diseases, epilepsy, hypochondriasis and neuralgia.