MEDICINAL PLANTS IN ENGLAND.
83
for the present no longer be imported from central Europe.
Supplies of drugs, especially of belladonna leaves and root, are
much in demand, but in the case of other Continental drugs
grown in England the shortage is not so serious."
The most important species are Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger
L.), Thorn-Apple (Datura stramonium L.), Belladonna (Atropa
belladonna L.), Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea L.), Aconite (Aconi-
tum napellus L.) Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.), and
Fennel (Foeniculum capillaceum Gilbert), which latter is largely
used for cattle condiments.
The price of belladonna has risen seriously (more than 100
per cent.) since the outbreak of war, and as it takes at least two
years to grow this drug in quantity the drug grown next year
is likely to realise high prices. This applies in lesser degree to
chamomile, dill, dandelion, and valerian. The prices of Colchi-
cum, digitalis, fennel, henbane, stramonium, and "botanical
herbs" must also be considerably affected.
"Botanical Herbs" for sale by chemists and medical herbalists
are understood to be in steady demand and those grown in Eng-
land are the best and are preferred, and can be readily cultivated.
The following, amongst others, may be mentioned:—
Balm (Melissa officinalis, L.), for herb; Comfrey (Sym-
phytum officinale, L.), for root; Feverfew (Chrysanthemum
parthenium, L.), for herb; Greater Celandine (Chelidonium
majus, L.), for herb; Germander (Teucrium scorodonia, L.)
for herb; Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis, L.), for root and
leaves; Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris, L.), for root; Pennyroyal
(Mentha pulegium, L.), for herb; Rue (Ruta graveolens, L.),
for herb; Southernwood (Artemisia abrotaneum), for herb;
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare, L.), for herb ; Wormwood (Artemisia
absinthium, L.), for herb; Yarrow (Achillea millefolium, L.),
for herb.
The Board's circular adds that "considerable demand will
occur next year, owing to short supply, for buckbean leaves,
centaury, coltsfoot leaves, feverfew, figwort, marshmallow leaves
and root, meadowsweet, wild carrot fruits, and yarrow. These
include some of the commonest British wild plants, but in the
ordinary way few are collected in England except by herbalists,
or by herb gatherers on behalf of a few agents for wholesale
firms."