The Common Fig. Nat. Ord. Urticaceae. Linn. Syst. Polygamia Dicia. Hab. Asia and Europe. The dried fruit is imported from Smyrna.

Med. Prop. and Action. The dried fruit is gently laxative, but sometimes produces griping and flatulence. In the form of decoction (strained) it is demulcent.

Offic. Prep. Confectio SennAe. (See Senna.)

1272. Therapeutic Uses

In Pulmonary. Nephritic, and Calculous Affections, a decoction of Figs is a useful demulcent.

1273. In Habitual Constipation, dried Figs prove useful; they form an important article in Confect. SennAe.

* Companion to the Pharmacopoeia, p. 88.

Cyc. Pract. Med., vol. i. p. 663. Lancet, Oct. 25, 1862.

334 filix.

1274. To Abscesses and Boils, Figs, boiled and split open, are occasionally used as cataplasms. The most ancient poultice on record is directed to be made of Figs.*

1275. In Cynanche Tonsillaris, When Suppuration Has Taken Place, 3ij

of Figs boiled in fvj. of water, and strained, forms a useful gargle. (A. T. Thompson.)