to treat certain skin diseases.

quassia
Tropical American shrub (Quassia amara) with bright scarlet flowers. A
bitter substance from its wood is used in medicine and as an
insecticide.

Queen of the meadow (Meadowsweet)
European herbaceous plant (Spiraea Ulmaria). North American shrubs
(Spiraea alba or S. latifolia) having umbel-shaped clusters of white
flowers. Perennial herbs of the genus Filipendula in the rose family.

quinine
Bitter, colorless, powder or crystalline alkaloid, C20H24N2O2-3H2O,
derived from cinchona barks and used to treat malaria.

quince
Western Asian shrub or tree (Cydonia oblonga) with white flowers and
hard apple-like fruit.

quinsy
Acute inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding tissue, often leading
to an abscess.

rabies
see hydrophobia

ranunculus bulbosus
Perennial Old World buttercup with yellow flowers in late spring to
early summer.

red precipitate
Mercuric oxide (HgO) a heavy red crystalline powder formed by heating
mercuric nitrate, or by heating mercury in the air.

repousse
Ornamented with patterns in relief made by pressing or hammering on the
reverse side;

resorcinol (resorcin)
White crystalline compound, C6H4(OH)2, used to treat certain skin
diseases and in dyes, resin adhesives, and pharmaceuticals.

Rhamnus Purshiana (Cascara buckthorn )
Buckthorn of the Pacific coast of the United States, which yields
cascara sagrada.

rhatany
Dried root of South American shrubs (Krameria lappacea or K. argentea)
used as an astringent and in toothpaste and mouthwash.

rheumatic fever
Acute inflammatory disease occurring after an infection from group A
streptococci, marked by fever and joint pain. Associated with
polyarthritis, Sydenham's chorea, and endocarditis; frequently causes
scarring of the heart valves.

rheumatism
Painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues. Chronic
auto-immune disease with inflammation of the joints and marked
deformities.

rhus
Genus of vines and shrubs including poison ivy, poison oak, and poison
sumac.

rickets (rachitis)
Childhood disease caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium and from
insufficient exposure to sunlight, characterized by defective bone
growth.

Rochelle salts
Potassium sodium tartrate; colorless efflorescent crystalline compound,
KNaC4H4O6.4H2O, used in making mirrors, in electronics, and as a
laxative