GEOFFRAEA, in botany: A genus of the decandria order, belonging to the diadelphia class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 32d order, Papilionaceæ. The calyx is quinquefid, the fruit an oval plum; the kernel compressed. There is only one species, viz. the inermis, or cabbage-bark tree, which is a native of Brasil and Jamaica. The wood of this tree is used in building; but it is chiefly valued for its bark, which is administered as an anthelmintic medicine. From this medical property it is also called the worm-bark tree. This bark is of a grey colour externally, but black and furrowed on the inside. It has a mucilaginous and sweetish taste, and a disagreeable smell. It is given in cases of worms, in form of powder, decoction, syrup, and extract. The decoction is preferred; and is made by slowly boiling an ounce of the fresh dried bark in a quart of water, till it assume.
Geoffrey. same the colour of Madeira wine. This sweetened is the syrup; evaporated, it forms an extract. It commonly produces some sickness and purging; sometimes violent effects, as vomiting, delirium, and fever. These last are said to be owing to an over-dose, or to drinking cold water; and are relieved by the use of warm water, castor oil, or a vegetable acid. It should always be begun in small doses. But when properly and cautiously administered, it is said to operate as a very powerful anthelmintic, particularly for the expulsion of the lumbrici, which are a very common cause of disease in the West-India islands; and there it is very frequently employed. But it has we believe been but little used in Britain.