Serpeutaria. Serpentary. The dried root of Aristolochia Serpentina, Serpentary, or Virginian Snake-root; Lin. Syst., Gynandria hexandria; grown in Virginia and other parts of the United States.

Description. A small root-stock with numerous small radicles, about three inches long, of a pale grayish-brown colour; aromatic and camphoraceous odour, and bitter camphoraceous taste.

Prop. & Comp. Serpentary contains a volatile oil and resin; also a bitter extractive matter; the latter soluble in water, the former in spirit.

Off. Prep. Infusum Serpentariae. Infusion of Serpentary. (Serpentary, a quarter of an ounce. Boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [A pint of infusion is prepared by percolation from half a troy ounce of powdered root, or by maceration for two hours with boiling water. U. S.]

Tinctura Serpentariae. Tincture of Serpentary. (Serpentary, bruised, two ounces and a half. Proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.)

Serpentary is contained also in Tinct. Cinchonas Comp.

Therapeutics. A stimulant and tonic: also diaphoretic and diuretic. It is sometimes used in atonic dyspepsia, chronic rheumatism, in low febrile states, and to promote eruption in the exanthemata.

Dose. Of the powdered root, 10 gr. to 20 gr. or more; of the infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz.; of the tincture, 1/2 fl. drm. to 1 1/2 fl. drm.

Asarum Europaeum, or Asarabacca, belongs to this order; the leaves were formerly used as an errhine: they cause powerful vomiting and purging when administered internally.