The dried bark of Croton Elu-teria. Bahama Islands.

Fig. 219. - Cascarilla.

Characters. - In quills, two or three inches in length and about 1/6 to 1/2 inch in diameter, dull brown, but more or less coated with white crustaceous lichens; breaks with a short resinous fracture; is warm and bitter to the taste; and emits a fragrant odour when burned.

Composition. - The active principle is cascarillin, a bitter substance, soluble in hot spirit or ether. Besin, gum, and a small quantity of volatile oil are also present.

Preparations

Action and Uses. - Cascarilla is aromatic, stimulant, and tonic. It is also a stimulant to the mucous membranes, and is used as an expectorant in chronic bronchitis. It is useful in atonic dyspepsia and as a general tonic to the system.