220 Glechoma hederacea
later,^141 that custom had gradually disappeared, following the arrival of hops
(Humulus lupulus); he accepted, however, that the herb had the power to clear
the brain, usually within twenty-four hours. Many subsequent authors have
attested to its action on the mucous membranes, which have caused it to be
extensively prescribed and used for cleansing the system as a whole as well
as, more specifically, as an expectorant or inhalant for colds, coughs and res-
piratory complaints in general. Records of its folk use for this last purpose
Glechoma hederacea,
ground-ivy (Fuchs
1543, fig. 503)