Eriodictyon. - Synonyms. - Yerba Santa. Mountain Balm. Consumptive's Weed. The leaves of Eriodictyon glutinosum, Bentham (nat. ord. Hydrophyllaceae).

Habitat, - California.

Characters

Oblong lanceolate, 5 to 10 cm. long, acute at the apex, and below narrowed into a short petiole, the margin sinuately toothed to nearly entire; upper surface green, smooth, and covered with a brownish resin; lower surface reticulate and minutely white-tomentose; odor somewhat aromatic; taste balsamic and sweetish.

Composition

The chief constituents are - (1) Volatile Oil, (2) Resin, acrid, greenish-yellow, containing Ericolin, C34H56O21, (3) Tannic acid, 8 per cent.

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

Preparation

Extractum Eriodictyi Fluidum. Fluid Extract Of Eriodictyon

By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation.

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

Action And Uses Of Eriodictyon

Eriodictyon has long been used in California as a bitter tonic, and as a stimulating expectorant. It has been found useful in chronic bronchitis. It is an excellent vehicle for quinine, concealing its bitter taste.