Stavesacre. Louse Wort. Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae. Linn. Syst. Polyandria Tri-gynia. Hab. Southern Europe and Asia Minor.

Med. Prop. and Action. The seeds are cathartic, emetic, and anthelmintic in small doses, but are so violent in their operation that they are very seldom given internally. In large doses they are an acro-narcotic poison. When chewed, they cause a great, flow of saliva, and have consequently been used as a masticatory. Externally the bruised seeds have been used to destroy lice: hence its English name. Active principle, Delphinia (which see).

Dote, gr. iij. - gr. x. in powder or decoction; rarely prescribed.

1082. Therapeutic Uses

In Scabies, Staphisagria seeds have obtained great repute as a certain remedy. M. Bourguignon, who prefers it to all other remedies, directs 300 parts of finely-powdered Staphisagria to be stirred into 500 parts of boiling lard, and the temperature to be kept up at 212° F. for twenty-four hours. After straining, a little essence may be added. Baths should be taken before and during the treatment, and the frictions should be made four times daily. Under this treatment, the average duration of cure is four days. Dr. Burgess bears testimony to the value of a strong alcoholic solution of Staphisagria.

* On the Med. Prop. of the Ranun-culaceae, pp, 114 - 118.

Brit. and For. Med. Chir. Rev., Jan. 1851.

Lancet, April 4, 1S46.