LIVERWORT.

Description:

Lichen Vulgaris.—Botanists reckon on upwards of 300 species of Liverwort. Common Liverwort grows close, and spreads much upon the ground in moist and shady places, with many small green leaves, or rather sticking flat to one another, very unevenly cut in on the edges, and crumpled; from among which arise small slender stalks an inch or two high at most, bearing small star-like flowers at the top; the roots are very fine and small.

Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Uses of Liverwort:

It is a singular good herb for all diseases of the liver. It is to be given in strong decoction, and is very effectual in yellow jaundice. Bruised and boiled in small beer, it has the same effect. It is a good remedy for diseased kidneys, the whites, and very appropriate in the first stages of consumption. It is good to stay the spreading of ring­worms, and other running sores and scabs, and is an excellent remedy for those whose livers are corrupted by surfeits, which causes their bodies to break out, for it fortifies the liver, and makes it impregnable. It grows on old walls, in wells and other damp places.

LIVERWORT,—ASH COLOURED.

Lichen Caninus.—It spreads on the ground, consisting of a leather-like substance, ash-coloured, and appears as if covered with farina, divided into lobes, woolly underneath, and veined. It is found in dry pastures, woods, and on heaths.

It has been used for the bite of a mad dog, ending in hydro­phobia. It was combined with black pepper, one part of the latter to two of the former. By the authority of Sir Hans Sloaane, it was published in the Philosophical Transactions, and afterwards, at the request of Dr. Mead, it was adopted in the London Pharmacopoeia.