Centaure'e. Tausendguldenkraut.

No. 481. - This is a small annual herbaceous plant, which grows wild. It is about a foot high, having a branching stem which divides above into pairs, and bears oval, smooth pointed leaves, direct from the stem. The flowers are rose colored. The herb has no odor, but has a strong bitter taste, and its tonic properties are similar to those of gentian. It is used in cases of dyspepsia and fever. The roots make a valuable yellow dye. The flowers are gathered in bunches, hung in a dark, airy, warm room, and when thoroughly dried are kept in boxes, in a dry place. They are used in diet drinks (tisanes), see Article LXXXII.