Pyrethrum. - Synonym. - Pellitory. The root of Anacyclus Py-rethrum (Linne) De Candolle (nat. ord. Compositae).

Habitat

Highlands of Northern Africa.

Characters

From 5 to 10 cm. long, and 1 to 2 cm. thick, somewhat fusiform, nearly simple, annulate above, wrinkled below, externally dark grayish brown; internally brownish-white; fracture short; bark rather thick, containing two circles of resin-cells, and surrounding the slender wood bundles and medullary rays, the latter having about four circles of shining resin-cells; inodorous, pungent and very acrid. Resembling Pyrethrum. - Taraxacum, which is darker and has not a burning taste.

Composition

The chief constituents are - (1) Two volatile oils. (2) An acrid, brown Resin. (3) Inulin, 50 per cent., which in many plants replaces starch.

Dose, 1/2 to 1 dr.; 2. to 4. gm.

Preparation

Tinctura Pyrethri. Tincture Of Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum, 200; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1000.

Action And Therapeutics Of Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum is a powerful sialogogue, and causes a burning sensation in the mouth, followed by numbness and tingling. Small quantities give a pleasant taste to tooth powders.