Charles Hahn M.D. Collection of Apothecary Jars

Botanical name: Picrasma excelsa

Tall, deciduous West Indian tree. After European importation began in the 1700s, became a popular bitter tonic for indigestion and other stomach upsets. Used for intestinal worms, topically for lice, as a flavoring agent in many aperitifs, liqueurs, and wines, and by gardeners as an insecticide.