The Cherokee Physician - Section 4-B



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DEWBERRY.--(Robus Procumbens.) 
[OO-TO-SEE-NER-TUH.]
   The root of the Dewberry brier is astringent and tonic, and are 
valuable in the treatment of venereal. A decoction of this root and the 
root of the blue flag, has often cured this dirty complaint in a few days. 
The root boiled in new milk or water, is good for persons afflicted with 
chronic, or old bowel complainsts, particularly in aged persons, and such 
as have weak or debilitated constitutions. The tincture is good for 
persons of weakly phlegmatic habits, perhaps better than the decoction. 
The decoction sweetened with honey, makes a healing wash for sore throat 
and mouth, and will sometimes cure the thrush.

   The Blackberry possesses the same medicinal properties that the 
Dewberry does, but in a less active degree.

SWEET-GUM TREE. 
[TSE-LAH-LEE.]
   The Sweet-Gum is too well known to need a description: it grows in 
great abundance in many places in the U. States, generally in rich bottoms 
or low lands. The inner bark, leaves and rosin, or gum, are the parts used 
for medicine: the rosin or inner bark is excellent for diarrhoea, 
dysentery or flux. When the bark is used, it should be boiled to a strong 
decoction in new milk or water, and the decoction taken in tea-cupful 
doses every hour until relief is obtained. It may perhaps be necessary to 
cleanse the stomach and bowels with a cooling cathartic previous to taking 
the Sweet Gum tea: the rosin is valuable in bowel complaints, but must be 
used with caution, lest it should prove too binding, and thereby produce 
too much excitement in the system. The leaves bruised and steeped in cold 
water, is a good wash for scald head: the gum or rosin, forms an excellent 
ingredient in salve for wounds, sores, ulcers, &c. It is also good mixed 
with sheep or cow's tallow for itch: it seldom fails to cure the itch if 
applied perseveringly.

PERSIMMON.
   The Persimmon grows in most parts of the Union and is well known to 
almost every person.

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   The bark of the tree and root and unripe fruit are highly astringent. 
The bark of the root forms an ingredient in the decoction or beer for 
venereal, as may be seen in the treatment of that disease. A strong 
decoction of the inner bark sweetened with honey is a valuable remedy for 
sore throat and mouth. Made into syrup, it is good for thrush, and may be 
made better by mixing with it a liitle finely pulverized Borax. The 
decoction is a good astringent wash in all cases where astringents are 
required, used as a wash or bath to the fundament it is an excellent 
remedy in case of piles; it may be applied by wetting lint in the 
decoction and applying it to the fundament.

COMFREY.--(Consolida.) 
[OO-STER-OO-STE-LUR-E-STEE]
   Of this plant there are two kinds, the wild and garden Comfrey. Of the 
two species the garden comfrey is some the best, owing to its containing 
more mucilage or jelly, and not being quite so hard and tough as the wild.

   A handful of the roots boiled in new milk and drank freely, is good for 
flooding after child-birth. A gill of the milk in which comfrey root has 
been boiled, given every half hour, is amongst the best remedies for flux 
or dysentery. The root sliced and steeped in water and used as a common 
drink is good in clap (gonorrhea,) also for strictures, or heat, in making 
water it is excellet. The root infused in cold water and made a constant 
drink, is valuable for pregnant women who are troubled with heart-burn, 
costiveness, &c. It is also excellent for such females as from sexual 
weakness are troubled with menstrual discharges and other symptoms of 
abortion during pregnancy. A poultice made by brusing and boiling the root 
is valuable to reduce inflammation and prevent mortification. The writer 
can bear testimony of the efficacy of this poultice, it having removed the 
inflammation from a wound for him, after it had thrown him into high 
fevers, without the aid of other remedies. The poultice is made by 
pounding or bruising the root fine, boiling it in new milk or water and 
thickening it with wheat bran or corn meal. The bruised root wet with 
vinegar is excellent applied to sprains, bruises and bealings; it will 
often drive back the worst of bealings when other applications fail.

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AGRIMONY--STICK-WORT. 
(Agrimonia Eupatoria.)
   Agrimony has a dark; fiberous, perennial root; its stem is round and 
hairy, growing from one to two feet high: leaves are alternate, rough, 
hairy, ragged and unequal, the lower ones the largest. The blossoms grow 
on a long terminal spike, which is merely a continuation of the main stem--
they are of a yellow color; and produce a small bristly brier, which in 
the fall of the year sticks to clothes that comes in contact with it.

   The root reduced to powders and combined with other articles, is much 
used in the treatment of pox, as may be seen by referring to that head. It 
forms an ingredient in the nerve powders. A decoction of the root is 
valuable in habitual diarrhea or looseness, and in all cases of extreme 
debility.

PRINCES FEATHER--AMARANTH. 
(Amaranthus Sanguineous.)
   The Prince's Feather is much cultivated in the gardens of this country 
for its beautiful appearance. It grows from two to four feet high, the 
whole plant, more or less, exhibits a red appearance, but the bloom is of 
a beautiful bright red.

   The leaves are the part mostly used, and rank among the most active 
astringents, often relieving floodings and profuse menstruation when other 
remedies have failed.--The decoction is the best mode of using it. The 
quantity taken must be regulated by the effects produced.

CRANE'S BILL.--(Geranium Maculatum.)
   This plant is found growing mostly in meadows and low, wet grounds; its 
root is generally crooked and knotty, blackish on the outside, and reddish 
within; it has a rough taste, leaving an aromatic flavor behind; its 
stalks are slender, from six inches to a foot high; bearing seven long, 
narrow leaves at a joint.

   The root is the part mostly used, pounded fine and made into a poultice 
with cold water, it is the best thing to stop bleeding that I have ever 
tried. The Cherokees, as well 

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as several other tribes of the Natives, place unbounded confidence in this 
root as a styptic. It is said by some of the whites to be valuable in 
profuse menstruation, whites, gleet and obstinate diarrhoe; also, bleeding 
and hemorrhages of all kinds. I have never tried it any other way than to 
stop bleeding from a wound, but its promptness and activity, in checking 
the flow of blood from an artery, induces us to believe, that when 
properly tried, it will prove a valuable medicine in the class of 
astringents.

WATER PLANTAIN.--(Alisma Plantago.)
   This Plantain is found growing mostly in wet soil, or in the margin of 
stagnant waters. The root remains through the winter--(perennial.) Its 
leaves are of a light green color, and very much resemble the common 
plantain.

   A decoction of the root is valuable in all bowel complaints, after a 
gentle purge has been taken to cleanse the stomach and bowels. But the 
most important use made of this root is, as an external application to old 
sores, wounds, bruises, swellings, &c. The roots should be washed clean 
and then boiled until soft, mashed up and applied in the form of a 
poultice; the affected part should be bathed in a decoction of the root, 
before the poultice is applied. This treatment will seldom fail in 
reducing inflammation, and preventing mortification. It is a most 
excellent application to old, foul, and ill conditioned ulcers, cleansing 
them and disposing them to heal.

YARROW.--(Achilla Millefolium.)
   Yarrow, both grows wild and is cultivated in gardens; it is so well 
known as to render a description needless. The leaves are the part used; 
they are astringent, and will be found good taken in decoction, in gill 
doses, four or five times a day for hemorrhages, such as spitting blood, 
bloody piles, bloody urine, immoderate flow of the menses. Also good for 
bowel complaints, and a weak relaxed state of the system.

CINQUEFOIL.--(Commonly called sinkfield.)
   This vine grows in old fields and fence corners, and is something 
similar to the strawberry. Each stalk bears 

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five leaves, hence it is sometimes called five finger; its blossoms are 
yellow. The root is astringent, and may be boiled in water or new milk, 
about a handful to a quart; this decoction is good in fevers and acute 
diseases when there is great debility: also in dysentery and bowel 
complaints generally, it sometimes proves beneficial in profuse 
menstruation.

SKERVISH, FROST-ROOT. 
(Erigerom Philadelphicum.
   Frost-weed is found in great abundance in the United States; it 
generally grows in fields, which it sometimes entirely overruns--it is 
seldom found in the woods. The root is yellowish, composed of many 
branching fibres; the stem rises from one to three feet high, branched 
near the top; the leaves are oblong, largest near the ground, becoming 
smaller as they ascend the stalk or stem: the flowers are numerous, of a 
yellowish white, sometimes of a purplish blue, and of a downy appearance. 
This plant continues in bloom until the autumnal frosts, from which 
circumstance it has derived one of its names, Frost-weed.

   The principal use made by us of this plant, is for gravel, and diseases 
of the urinary organs, but for the further information of the reader, I 
give the following, which is taken from the writings of different 
physicians among the whites:

   "This plant is astringent, diurretic, and sudorific in a high degree: 
there are several species of this valuable plant possessing the same 
medical properties, and indiscriminately used; though distinguished by 
their botanical or technical names, but not by their common. The medical 
powers of these plants are very active, and require cautious use. They may 
be employed fresh or dry, in decoction, infusion, tincture, extract, or 
oil:--the oil is considered one of the best styptics in medicine. The 
diseases said to be relieved by this article, are dropsy, suppression of 
the urine, inflammation of the kidneys, gravel, gout, suppressed 
menstruation, coughs, hemorrhages, dimness of sight," &c.

   I cannot say from personal experience that this article is an 
infallible remedy for all the above complaints; but I do believe from 
personal experience, that as active properties 

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as a medicine, render it worthy the further attention of those engaged in 
the healing art.

CAT-PAW, OR POLE CAT BUSH. 
[TSU-KIR-TAH-LOWL-TEE.]
   This bush or tree, is found growing on water courses, such as rivers 
and large creeks; it grows to about the size of a common peach tree; the 
bark is of an ash color, variegated with dark spots: it bears a white 
bloom, which is succeeded by a three, and sometimes a four square pod.--
The bark has a very bitter taste, and an offensive smell. It is called by 
some cotton-wood, by others white wood; it is easily known by the pod:--
the bark is the part used.

   It is tonic, astringent, antiseptic and expectorant. Taken in bitters, 
it is good for breast complaints, spitting blood, &c. Boiled to a strong 
decoction and made into a poultice with rye meal or wheat bran, it forms 
the best application in my knowledge for white swelling in the first or 
forming stage.

RASPBERRY.
   There are several species of the raspberry, all good for medical 
purposes. We have been in the habit of using the common black raspberry, 
but white practitioners prefer the red raspberry:--the leaves are the part 
used, and are highly astringent. A decoction of them is good for bowel 
complaint; it is an excellent wash for old and foul sores or ulcers. A 
strong tea of the red raspberry leaves is said by the whites, to be a most 
valuable article in regulating the pains of women at or near the period of 
child-birth.

BAMBOO-BRIER. 
[E-TSOG-CAH-NI COH-LER.]
   This brier grows in most parts of America: it has a small long vine, 
full of very sharp spines, the vine and leaves are an ever green, it bears 
small dark berries, which in the latter part of the fall bear a strong 
resemblance to the winter grape.

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   The bark of the root of this brier is astringent and slightly tonic. It 
is valuable in the treatment of pox, when combined with other articles, as 
is fully shown in the treatment of this disease. A decoction of the leaves 
is an excellent wash for scalds, burns, and other foul sores; a salve made 
by stewing the leaves, or bark of the root in hog's lard with a little 
beeswak is good for burns, scalds and other sores.

RED-ROOT. 
[A-LE-SKAH-LAH.]
   This valuable herb grows in great abundance in every part of the Union 
with which I am acquainted. It grows most abundant in uplands which are 
tolerably thin, and inclined to be shady, and in such lands as produce 
pine and hickory, in the Middle and Southern States; but it grows in great 
plenty north of the Ohio river where there is no pine. Its roots are long 
and large, covered with a hard, rough, red bark, the whole root, is of a 
hard woody nature. The top or stem grows from one to two feet high, much 
branched and crowned with numerous leaves; its blossoms are white, and 
appear in June and July.

   The root is the part used, and is a valuable astringent. A strong 
decoction of the red-root is my choice wash for cancer; it also forms an 
ingredient in the decoction for venereal, as is fully shown in the 
treatment of that complaint. It is excellent in decoction for old bowel 
complaints, spitting blood, flooding, bloody piles, &c. It is also good 
for sore mouth and sore throat, in decoction sweetened.

HORN-BEAN--IRON WOOD. 
[OO-LI-NER.]
   The Iron-wood is a very common growth in most parts of the Union, and 
is so well known, that any particular description would be needless; it 
grows to about the size of the dog-wood.

   The inner bark is astringent, and forms an ingredient in the decoction 
for flux.

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ALUM-ROOT--(Heuchera Americana.) 
[TSE-NO-SCAH.]
   This little and useful plant is found growing in most parts of the 
United States, generally in the woods or forest, seldom in cultivated 
lands. The stem grows from three to six inches high, of a greyish color. 
The root is short, and bears some resemblance to puccoon root, not so 
long, and more of a brownish cast, rough and wrinkly.

   The root is the part used, it is very astringent, taken in decoction, 
or in spirits as bitters; it is very good for old bowel complaints; in 
decoction, it is good for immoderate flows of the menses; piles, and 
hermorrhages in general; the pulverized root applied as powders is a most 
excellent application to malignant ulcers; the decoction made into syrup 
with honey is good for thrush and other sore mouths. It acts powerfully, 
as an astringent tonic, and taken in spirits of a morning on a fasting 
stomach, adding a dram before dinner and supper, it has done wonders in 
curing dysenteries, after the remedies prescribed by skilful physicians 
had failed.

WHITE HICKORY.
   The inner bark of this tree is a good astringent and detergent, boiled 
until the strength is extracted, and the decoction reduced over a slow 
fire, to the consistence of molasses, is one of the best dressings for a 
cut, (which is not too much inflamed) in the world. When they are ruptured 
or cut blood vessels, it will, in most instances, stop the bleeding, 
cleanse and heal the wound. It should be kept in readiness by every 
family; this may easily be done, by adding to the syrup, a little brandy 
or proof spirits; it should be applied by dipping lint in the syrup, and 
binding it to the wound.

KNOT ROOT.
   Knot root has a large, woody root, with small roots or fibres issuing 
from the caudex or head. The stalk and cane bear some resemblance to the 
rattle weed. It puts up an erect stem, which bears on the top a beautiful 
tassel of white flowers.

   The root is the part used, and is very astringent, reduced 

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to a very fine powder, it is an excellent article to remove proud and 
fungous flesh.

GREEN SWITCH--YELLOW ROOT. 
[TSU-WAH-TO-HAH.]
   This bush grows on the banks of streams. The root is yellow; stem rises 
from three to six feet high, smooth, slim, of a beautiful green color; it 
is evergreen and in the spring puts forth many greenish blossoms--leaves 
painted, and slightly indented. It is an astringent and tonic; a tea or 
decoction of the root is good for the piles. The ashes burnt from the 
green switch is an excellent application to cancer.

CLASS No. VI.
SUDORIFICS AND DIAPHORETICS.
   Diaphoretics and Sudorifics are medicines that promote prespiration, 
strengthen the living power, and give firmness to the muscular fibres.

   Sudorifics are such as produce copious sweating.

   Diaphoretics are such as produce only gentle perspiration or moisture 
of the skin, but they will both be placed in one class.

SENEKA SNAKE ROOT--(Polygola Senega.) 
[OOYER-LEG.]
   The stalk of this plant grows about a foot high, upright and branched; 
its leaves are somewhat oval and pointed; flowers white; the root is 
variously bent and twisted, rough and of a jointy appearance, thought to 
bear some resemblance to the tail of a rattle snake; hence it is sometimes 
called rattlesnake root; several opinions have been given 

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as to how it first received the name, seneka snake root.--Some say, it was 
called, for the tribe of Indians who first used it, as medicine; others 
that it obtained its name from its efficacy, in the cure of the bite of 
the snake.

   The different tribes of Indians have long ascribed to this root medical 
proprieties of the most active and important kind; it is thought by them 
equal, if it does not surpass any root in the American forest, for its 
various and useful effects on the human system, as a medicine. This 
opinion has been sustained by many respectable physicians among the whites 
at Percival, Millman, Chapman, Tenant, Archer and others. It is sudorific; 
diuretic, emmenagogue and cathartic.

   It is certainly one of the most valuable remedies in the world for 
obstructed menses. It may be taken in decoction or combined with other 
articles, and used as bitters--if when taken in decoction, it should 
produce sickness or vomiting which is sometimes the case, when the stomach 
is weak and irritable--add to the decoction, a little angellica, calimus 
or ginger.

   It is good in colds, pleurisy, acute rheumatism, and inflamatory 
complaints. In all dropsical swellings, it is an excellent article, as it 
increases the tone and strength of the urinary organs, while at the same 
time, its laxative properties keep the bowels in a proper state.

   For colds, croup, and menstrual obstructions, it should be taken in 
moderate doses, often repeated, until the desired effect is produced. It 
may be given with safety and advantage in all cases, where a sweat is 
required, after the stomach and bowels are prepared for it, except to 
females in a state of pregnancy, in this case, it should never be used, on 
such as are subject to immoderate flow of the menses.

   This root forms an ingredient in Dr. Wright's famous beer for 
consumption. We use it in the Chalybeate pill.

   The root should be pounded or pulverized, as it is very slow to yield 
its strength.

   Much has been written with regard to its virtue in the cure of the bite 
of the snake; we have never used it for this purpose, believing that the 
remedies prescribed for the treatment of animal poisons are superior to 
this root, but should a case occur where this root was at hand, and the 
remedies prescribed under that head could not be obtained, 

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we would give it a fair trial; the mode of using it is internally in tea 
or decoction, and externally, to the wound

INDIAN CUP-PLANT. 
[OO-TAH-NER-CAH-NE-QUAH-LE-SKEE.]
   This plant has a large, long, crooked perennial root, and forms a joint 
where the old stalk grew, which leaves a hole in the root where it decays, 
and from each of these joints issue fibers. The stalk is square, with the 
sides concave, which makes the corners very sharp, and grows from six to 
eight feet high--leaves are very large, grow opposite and are indented on 
the edges with large deep teeth, they are united at the stalk or base with 
the edges so raised as to form a cup, which would contain a spoonful or 
two of water, and found growing mostly in rich bottom lands.

   The root is the part used, and requires long steeping to extract the 
strength. It is one of the most valuable articles in the Indian Materia 
Medica to promote perspiration and give vigor to the living power; it is 
tonic, and is an excellent remedy for weakness, inward bruises, &c. For 
ague and fever and bilious fevers in the last stages where tonics are 
needed there is nothing better. It is the most efficient medicine in our 
knowledge to dissolve and carry off ague-cakes.

PENNYROYAL.--(Hedeoma Pulegiorides.) 
[COH-WAH-SUR-GEE-SU-SLE.]
   This plant grows in great abundance in every part of the country, and 
is so well known that I need not describe it. A decoction of this plant is 
a warm stimulant and diaphoretic. It is expectorant, the expressed juice 
sweetened with honey or sugar is useful in colds, coughs, particularly 
whooping cough. The tea drank freely just before going to bed is a 
valuable article for obstructed menses, its use should be continued until 
relief is obtained. Pennyroyal tea is often used to advantage as a drink, 
in promoting the operation of emetics. A free use of the decoction at the 
commencement of fever, will often throw it off and give entire relief. The 
essence of Pennyroyal is valuable in all cases in which I have recommended 
the decoction or tea.

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   The herb should be gathered just before, or about the time it blooms, 
tied up in small bunches or bundles and hung up where it will keep dry; it 
makes one of the most pleasant and useful teas in common light family 
sickness with which I am acquainted.

SPICEWOOD.--(Laurus Benzoin.) 
[NA-TAH-TLAH.]
   The Spicewood is found in most parts of America, and is so generally 
and so well known, as not to need a description. It is generally found in 
rich, uncultivated, marshy places, about the edges of branches and ponds.

   A decoction of the twigs, bark or root is a good diaphoretic, and may 
be used to advantage in colds, coughs, phthisics, croup, &c., taken in 
gill or half pint doses, every hour or two, it is good in female 
obstructions; in this case it should be taken occasionally as much as the 
stomach will bear, and the feet bathed on going to bed. A strong decoction 
of the bark or root sweetened to syrup and given to a child on the first 
symptoms of croup will generally give speedy relief. The berries boiled in 
bark is good for dysentery and bowel complaints and it some times expels 
worms. But all has not been told yet about this useful shrub; it is a most 
valuable article in the treatment of white-swelling, although the whites 
think themselves perfectly acquainted with the medical properties of this 
bush, yet they appear entirely ignorant of this important medical virtue; 
for the manner of using it in white-swelling, refer to the treatment of 
that disease.

RATTLE-WEED.--(Botrophis Serpentaria..) 
[OO-LE-LAH-STEE.]
   This berb is called by different names, such as squaw-root, squaw-weed, 
&c.; it is found in every part of the Union, growing mostly on the sides 
of rich hills, and mountains, also in rich bottom wood-lands. The most 
common name in the western country is squaw-root, I believe, and is said 
to derive it from the extensive use the Americans saw the Indian women 
make of it in the settling of America. The stalks grow from two to six 
feet high, nearly round, smooth, and branched at top; it bears a kind of 
tassel 

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or bunch of berries, which when ripe on being shook, makes a dry 
shattering noise, and from this fact it is called rattle-weed.

   The root is the part used, it is sudorific, tonic, diuretic, anodyne, 
emmenagogue, and slightly astringent. It may be given either in powders, 
decoction or tincture. In decoction it is valuable for colds, and female 
obstructions, when the obstruction is of long standing, and the general 
health impaired by it, this root should be used in tincture or bitters, 
and may be advantageously combined with other articles. It is valuable in 
coughs and consumptions. Obstinate bowel complaints have been speedily 
relieved by drinking a decoction of this root. It may be used in bitters, 
combined with spikenard, in the latter stages of pregnancy to great 
advantage, but its use should not be commenced before the end of the 
seventh month. It is an excellent article in the treatment of rheumatism, 
in acute or inflammatory rheumatism it should be taken in decoction; for 
chronic rheumatism in tincture or bitters it is much the best.

HEART LEAVES. 
[LE-SQUAW-CLA.]
   The top, root and blossoms of this well known plant all possess medical 
virtues. A tea of the leaves, roots or blossoms, taken a pint morning, 
noon and night, is useful to relieve hysterical or nervous debility, and 
strengthen women of sexual weakness. This tea is excellent for girls whose 
periodical evacuations are not regularly established, and for women whose 
courses are about to leave them from their age, according to the laws of 
nature.

   The strong tea taken in large quantities and as often as the stomach 
will bear is good in typhus fever, and chronic cases of ague and fever, it 
should be commenced just before the chill is expected, and continued until 
perspiration or sweating is produced. Its diaphoretic property renders it 
valuable in colds, coughs, and in fact all cases where diaphoretics are 
needed. A valuable salve is made by bruising the root and stewing it in 
mutton or deer suet. The whole herb has a bitter, aromatic taste, not very 
disagreeable, and quite a pleasant smell.

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SHELL-BARK HICKORY.
   The Shell-bark Hickory is found in most parts of the United States, 
growing in strong, good soil.

   The ross or outside bark of this tree makes one of the best diaphoretic 
teas or sweating medicines that we have. A decoction of the outside bark, 
not only acts as a sweating medicine, but is also good to correct the 
bile, and invigorate the stomach. Taken in very large doses it will 
operate as an emetic.

   It is excellent to remove cold and female obstructions, and may be 
advantageously employed in any cases where a sweating medicine is needed.

PEPPERMINT.--(Munthea Piperita..)
   Peppermint is a perennial plant, and is cultivated in most gardens; it 
is also found in many places in low, wet lands and is the strongest of all 
mints. It is said that the roots of the peppermint should be transplanted 
every three years, or it will degenerate into the flavor of spearmint.

   Peppermint is a warm stimulant to the stomach, and through that medium 
to the rest of the body. A tea of it drank copiously promotes 
perspiration, and is useful to check vomiting, relieve hysterics, and 
remove sickness at the stomach. The essence of peppermint ranks among the 
best medicines in the world for expelling wind from the stomach; it is 
beneficial in allaying spasmodic affections of the stomach and bowels, 
dispelling flatulence or wind, and in removing all colicy pains. It will 
often relieve cramp, which sometimes takes place during the operation of 
an emetic. A few drops taken in spirits or water is very good to remove 
feeble feelings of a morning. Smelling it and wetting the temples with it 
will often relieve nervous head-ache. The green leaves infused in spirits 
or water, and applied to the pit of the stomach, and over the belly, will 
aid in checking vomiting, and in relieving spasmodic affections of the 
stomach and bowels.

SPEARMINT.
   Spearmint grows in great abundance in most parts of America, on the 
banks of streams and in wet lands. It has a strong aromatic smell, and a 
warm, rough, bitter taste 

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It possesses properties similar to those of the peppermint, but in a 
smaller degree. It may be used in decoction, oil or essence. The roots of 
the spearmint or peppermint, boiled to a strong tea and sweetened with 
loaf sugar is an excellent remedy for puking and purging in infants--
(called cholera infantum.)

   The spearmint is said by some to be an efficacious remedy for 
suppression of urine, gravelly affections, &c.; it is prepared by bruising 
the green herb and adding enough of the fourth proof Holland gin to make a 
saturated tincture--dose, a wine glassful taken as often as the patient 
can bear it. It is also said that cotton wet with this tincture and 
applied to the fundament, will give immediate relief in case of the piles. 
I have never tried it myself, but have mentioned it here, in order that 
those who wish to try the remedy can do so.

MOUNTAIN DITTANY. 
[SUN-THEY-E-YOU-STEE.]
   This useful herb is found in most parts of the United States, growing 
amongst rocks on hills and mountains. It has a yellow, fibrous, perennial 
root, and a smooth slender brittle stem, growing from six to twelve inches 
high, much branched at top, branches nearly opposite. Leaves are small, 
smooth and opposite, the upper surface of a deep green, and the under 
surface of a bluish green. Its flowers are numerous, small, of a pink 
white or a bluish purple, growing in terminal clusters.

   The whole plant has a warm fragrant, aromatic, pungent smell and taste, 
and may be used in a warm infusion or tea advantageously in colds, head-
aches, fevers, and in all cases in which perspiration is to be excited. 
Mountain Dittany is sudorific, tonic, stimulant and nervous, and may be 
used to advantage in all cases that require the use of such articles. It 
is very good for snake bite; in this case the tea should be drank freely, 
and the bruised leaves applied externally to the wound. A strong tea of 
this herb is valuable in increasing labor pains, and facilitating child-
birth.

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WINTER CLOVER, ONE BERRY, PARTRIDGE BERRY.
   This is a small evergreen vine, lying close to the ground. It is mostly 
found in shady woods, often growing in beds or mats. Its leaves are small 
and round and grow out in pairs, the flowers grow out in pairs also, they 
are white and downy within, succeeded by light scarlet red berries. By the 
whites it is sometimes called Squaw vine from their having seen the indian 
women make much use of it.

   The most common mode of taking it is in decoction, made by boiling it 
in new milk. It is diaphoretic, or produces sweating; as a diuretic it 
increases the discharge of urine; it is also slightly astringent and may 
be used to advantage in dysentery, piles, &c. The decoction taken freely 
is an excellent article to facilitate child-birth, it should be used daily 
for two or three weeks before that period.

BLACK DITTANY. 
[TAH-TO-NE-GA-AH-TSE-HUS-SKEE.]
   This herb is found mostly on dry stony ridges and hills, stem round, 
being much branched and growing from one to two and a half feet high, 
leaves are opposite, hairy and indented with unequal teeth so as to give 
it a very ragged appearance, the branches come out first above the leaves. 
It flowers in the latter part of summer and beginning of autumn, the 
flowers are tubular yellow on the out side, with a bright red spot within, 
the whole plant has a rough downy appearance, and when pressed by the hand 
it appears to be covered with a kind of rosin or sticky substance, it has 
but little smell or taste.

   The leaves and branches are the parts used in decoction. it is a 
valuable diaphoretic, and may be used to advantage in all cases which 
require sweating medicines. It is one of the best articles in the world 
for child-bed fevers, when the stomach and bowels are prepared for 
diaphoretics or sweating medicines. It is good in colds, coughs, and most 
light family sickness. It increases the urine gently, also the menstrual 
discharges in females.

Page 251

LONG-ROOT.
   This root is perennial, large, branched--sending off finers. The root 
has pits or scars remaining on it where the old stem grew; stem round, 
smooth and shining, growing from two to three feet high--several from one 
root--generally found growing in rich uplands or bottoms.

   The root is the part used; in a strong tea or decoction, it produces 
sweating--good in colds and obstructions. It is an excellent anodyne, and 
may be used to advantage in pleurisy and sharp darting pains; but in 
spirits it makes an excellent tonic bitter, useful in all cases where a 
bitter tonic is required. The tea sweetened is given to infants to relieve 
pain and produce sleep.

CEDAR. 
[OH-TSE-NAH.]
   This is a beautiful and well known tree, growing in most parts of the 
Union, particularly in the Middle Southern and Western States, and is too 
well known to require a description. It is a diaphoretic. A tea made of 
the leaves and twigs taken internally, at the same time stoving over the 
tops, is good for cold, female obstructions and measles. The berries 
boiled in sweet-milk will often expel worms. A very good ointment for itch 
and other cutaneous diseases, may be made by stewing the leaves and 
berries in sheep or deer's tallow, or hogs lard. But the most valuable 
medical property of this ornament of our forest has not yet been told. The 
oil of the tree is far the most useful part for medical purposes, and as 
an external application ranks amongst the best remedies for White 
Swelling, Rheumatism, and pains generally. It is also good to drive back 
bealings, and for diseases of the skin, such as ring-worm, tetter-worm, 
itch, scald-head, &c. For the manner of applying it in White Swelling and 
Rheumatism, look at the treatment of these diseases. The oil is obtained 
by filling a large pot with dry cedar finely split, and placing its mouth 
down wards on a rock; next exclude the air by means of mortar around the 
mouth of the pot, leaving a place at the lower side for the oil to run out 
at, then build a large fire on the pot. The oil may be used when fresh and 
after it has become old with equal 

Page 252

success, if it is kept well corked. It should be kept in, glass bottles, 
or in well glazed earthen jugs, as it will readily penetrate wood. This 
oil put into the hollow of an aching tooth, will generally give relief in 
a short time.

PENNYWORTH. 
[AH-TAH-NE-SEE-NE-TO-HA.]
   This is a well known vine; it has a roundish leaf, inclined to be rough 
or hairy. It is diaphoretic. Good in colds and coughs: it is also good for 
children that are troubled with colic arising from cold. Either the green 
or dried leaves made into a tea is the form of using it.

GOLDEN ROD. 
[TAH-O-NE-GA-AH-TSE-LUH-SKEE.]
   Golden Rod is found in most parts of the U. S. with which I am 
acquainted, and is too well known to require a particular description. It 
grows from one and a half to two and a half feet high; they are long, 
narrow, of a deep green color, flowers numerous, small and yellow. The 
whole plant has a pleasant aromatic smell and taste. Taken in tea or 
infusion, it is good for colds, coughs, &c., owing to its diaphoretic or 
sweating property: it is also tonic, stimulant and nervine, valuable in 
measles, fevers, and female obstructions.

WATER BIG LEAF. 
[OO-CAH-LO-KA-QUAH-AH-MY-QUAH.]
   This plant is generally found in creeks, though sometimes in spring 
branches. The root is large, from two to four feet in length, with small 
or fibrous roots issuing from the main root: Generally two leaves grow up 
from one root; they always grow to the surface of the water, where they 
lie flat; they are large, roundish, fleshy, and of a dark green color. The 
root is the part used for medical purposes; it is diaphoretic, diuretic 
and antiseptic. A tea or decoction of this root, is a certain remedy for 
that dreadful disease Small Pox.

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CLASS NO. VII.
DIURETICS.
   DIURETICS are a class of medicines which are employed to produce an 
increased discharge of urine. They are valuable in all disorders of the 
urinary organs which prevent the secretion of the proper quantity of urine.

HORSE-MINT. 
[SUN-STE.]
   This plant is found growing almost everywhere, and is well known by 
almost every body:--there are several kinds, all possessing the same 
medical properties.

   The leaves and top are the parts used. A decoction of the Horse-Mint, 
midling strong, is excellent for weak bowels and stomach; it is diuretic, 
producing a free and easy discharge of urine in a short time after 
drinking it. As a diaphoretic, it is good to promote perspiration, which 
means sweating, giving relief in colds and female obstructions. It is also 
carminative, giving relief in cholic, flatulency and hysterics.

STRAW-BERRY.--(Frigaria.)
   This is a small well known plant or vine, which bears a most delicious 
fruit of a cooling laxative nature. The fruit is the most useful part for 
medicine, but when it cannot be had, the vine may be used. It is valuable 
in diseases of the kidneys and bladder, and a good aperient in suppression 
of urine and viscernal obstructions; also in jaundice, scurvy, &c. The 
fruit, if held in the mouth for some time, is said to dissolve the 
tartareous concretions on the teeth.

TOBACCO.--(Nicotian Tobacum.)
   This plant has been in use among the Indians or natives of the American 
continent time immemmorial, both as a luxury and medicine. It possesses at 
least eight grand medicinal properties. It is diuretic, emetic, cathartic, 
antispasmodic, sudorific, expectorant, anthelmintic, and errhine. 

Page 255

All these properties it possesses in a most powerful degree, yet its 
narcoctic effects on the system render it a dangerous medicine to tamper 
with. I have followed the example of some of my predecessors in classing 
this plant among diuretics, as it is generally given to act upon the 
urinary organs, notwithstanding it possesses some other of the above named 
properties in an equally active degree.

   As a diuretic, it is not surpassed by any article in the compass of 
medicine. The urine discharged after the use of this plant, is entirely 
over the quantity of fluid taken into the stomach. This circumstance 
alone, is a conclusive proof that it acts powerfully on the urinary 
organs, and dislodges the dropsical fluid from the system: all the 
objection that can be urged against the use of this plant in the treatment 
of dropsy generally, is that of its being so active and powerful, as to 
require great caution and skill in administering it. I will give one 
remarkable cure of dropsy, which is recorded by different writers among 
the whites. It was performed by Dr. Cutbush, physician of the American 
Marine Hospital at Syracuse. The subject of this cure was a young woman, 
who had previously consulted thirty-three physicians of Italy, all of whom 
had given her over as incurable. The solemn entreaties of her parents 
determined her to make a trial, and as a last resort, he directed the 
leaves of Tobacco recently gathered, to be steeped in vinegar and applied 
over the abdomen. The first application produced sickness at the stomach, 
vomiting, swimming in the head, copious sweating, great depression of 
muscular strength, and a loose state of the bowels.

   As soon as the above symptoms appeared, he removed the tobacco. This 
application he continued for several days twice a day, removing the 
tobacco, as soon as the above symptoms occurred, and in twenty days his 
patient was completely cured.

   Where poisons have been taken into the stomach, which prevent the 
operation of emetics taken internally, tobacco leaves pounded and steeped 
in vinegar, or warm water, and applied over the pit of the stomach, will 
greatly assist the operation of the emetic taken internally.

   ANTISPASMODIC.--In cramps, locked-jaw, spasms or colic, it seldom fails 
to give speedy relief, producing great relaxations of muscular powers, and 
unusual prostration of 

Page 256

strength. Where colic is followed by obstinate constipation of the bowels, 
likely to terminate in inflammation, and consequent mortification, tobacco 
clysters may be used with the happiest effects, after the most powerful 
purges have been taken into the stomach, and have proved ineffectual--they 
should be given, one or two table-spoonfuls, in half a pint of new milk or 
thin gruel, repeating the clysters every half hour until relief is 
obtained, or sickness at the stomach produced.

   As an ANTHELMINTIC, tobacco leaves applied over the stomach, have often 
removed worms when other remedies failed: it has even expelled the tape 
worm, but it is the most sickening application in the world, and should 
only be used as a last resort. This article may be used as an emetic by 
applying the leaves over the stomach in cases where laudanum has been 
swallowed for the purpose of destroying life. In such cases, the laudanum 
prevents the operation of emetics taken internally. As cathartic, it is 
used in clysters, as above directed.

   SUDORIFIC AND EXPECTORANT.--It is never employed for these purposes, 
though it always produces these effects when exemplified for other 
purposes. The leaves cured in the common manner, is equally good as those 
recently taken from the stalk I believe. The tobacco steeped in vinegar, 
is the best application I have ever tried to the bee, wasp, and other 
poisonous insects, giving immediate ease to the pain.

RUSH. 
[CAH-NO-YAH.]
   The Rush is an evergreen, growing in most parts of America. It grows in 
shady places along the banks of creeks and in the swamps of the South, and 
also in the cold and dreary prairies of the North west. The stalks are 
hollow, commonly about the size of a goose quill, and gradually taper from 
the root to the top, terminating almost in a sharp point. They have 
something like joints, and appear utterly destitute of leaves: it is said 
by some to be destitute of flowers and seeds also; as to the seeds I am 
not prepared to say, but I have seen it in bloom in the month of April. 
The branch or footstalk, which supports the bloom, puts forth from the 
joint towards the top of the stalk.

Page 257

   A decoction of the rush is a valuable diuretic, producing a copious and 
easy flow of urine, generally giving immediate relief in gravel. In the 
use of this article, the only directions for a dose is, be sure to drink 
enough, there being no danger whatever in its use. It is good for dropsy, 
taken daily in large quantities.

   As a diaphoretic, it produces mild perspiration, or sweat. It may be 
gathered at any season of the year, and lay them where they will receive 
the fresh air, and they will keep sweet a great while: they are better for 
use when dry than when green.

SMART WEED. 
[OO-NE-TA-WE-TAG-TSE-KER.]
   Of this weed there are two kinds, the great white and little red. The 
big white smart weed is perfectly inoffensive in smell and taste, 
accompanied with no strong sensation; but its stem and leaves are full of 
a slippery, mucilaginous substance. A decoction of this kind is diuretic, 
and is very useful in gravel and suppression of the urine, and very 
especially in strangury, or painful discharge of water. The decoction 
thickened with wheat bran or corn meal, forms an excellent poultice for 
swelled and inflamed parts, allaying the fever, and giving almost 
immediate relief.

   The red or small kind, is very pungently acrid, and biting to the 
taste, and in appearance is about like the other, only a size smaller. 
Many persons place great confidence in this kind, as being a valuable 
remedy for discharges of bloody urine, but I have never tried it; it is 
useful in decoction or teas. The only use we make of it is a wash, and 
ointment for scald-head, as is fully shown under that head.

INDIAN HEMP. 
[CAH-TER-LAH-TAH.]
   This plant is found growing in the woods, and on the borders of 
meadows. The stalk generally grows from 3 to four feet high, and is bare 
for some distance up; it then divides into several branches clothed with 
leaves; the 

Page 258

flowers are numerous, of a whitish color, similar to buckwheat, which are 
followed by the seeds, somewhat resembling a cucumber.

   The root is the part used, and is a valuable article in the treatment 
of pox, when combined with other articles; for further information on this 
subject, refer to that head. An infusion of the root taken in gill doses, 
every three or four hours, operates as a diuretic, by increasing the 
discharge of urine, and is good in dropsy and uterine obstructions. It is 
also diaphoretic, or sweating, and will be found beneficial in rheumatism, 
asthma and coughs, especially whooping cough. If the dose be sufficiently 
increased, it will produce both puking and purging. As an emetic and 
cathartic, it is very severe, but in the latter way, it produces the 
happiest effects in pox when combined with other articles.

FLAX SEED.
   This valuable article is cultivated extensively in many parts of the 
United States, for domestic purposes; the seeds are the parts used. Flax-
seed is diuretic and expectorant. As a diuretic, it is good in gravel or 
burning in making water. As an expectorant, it is a valuable drink for 
persons afflicted with violent colds, coughs, and diseases of the lungs 
generally.

   A syrup made by adding a pint of honey to a quart of strong flax seed 
tea, and simmering it slowly over a gentle fire, for an hour, taking off 
the scum as it rises, is a valuable medicine for diseases of the breast 
and lungs, taken in doses of a table spoonful every hour, if the cough be 
troublesome.

SUMACH, BLACK AND WHITE.--Improperly called Shumake.--(Rhus Glambum.) 
[QUHH-LO-GUH, TAH-LO-HEE.]
   This is a shrub well known in the United States. Some practitioners 
prefer the white, others the black,--with us the white is generally used, 
though when it cannot be had the black is considered almost equal. The 
root of sumach forms a part of almost every preparation used by 

Page 259

us for clap, and may be relied on as a valuble medicine in this dreadful 
complaint. The manner for preparing and using it in disease, is fully 
shown. As a diuretic, it acts well on urinary organs, and is valuable in 
strangury or painful discharges of the urine, and is also cathartic, 
antiseptic, tonic, and diaphoretic.

   The white shrub may be used as medicine: the leaves are good to smoke 
in case of asthma and phthisic. A decoction or infusion of the berries is 
a valuable tonic in ague and fever. The bark of the root acts on the 
bowels, as a purge, more actively than any part of the shrub. In cases of 
gleet or ulcerated bladder. A decoction of the root taken three times a 
day, a half pint at a time, is very excellent.

   The decoction forms an excellent wash for foul ulcers, a poultice made 
by thickening flour or meal in a strong decoction of the bark or roots, is 
a valuable application to risings; it either suppresses them or draws them 
to a head immediately, giving great ease to the pain. An ointment made by 
stewing the inside bark of the root of black sumach, in fresh butter, 
until the strength is extracted, is a most excellent application, for 
swelled or inflamed breasts.

SILK WEED.--(Asclepias Syriasa.) 
[OO-THUR-LOH-LAH.]
   The Silk-Weed, sometimes called Milk-Weed; is found in all parts of the 
country, growing mostly in rich grounds, the stem rises from two to four 
feet high, and bears a large pod, containing, when ripe, a silk like 
substance.

   The root of the Silk-Weed acts powerfully on the urinary organs when 
taken in decoction, and is valuable in venereal or clap. It acts well as a 
sweat, when combined with other articles, as is fully shown in the 
treatment of the different diseases. The root taken in large doses is 
emetic and cathartic; it is also tonic and is not surpassed by any root in 
my knowledge for a laxative bitter tonic. Persons afflicted with gravel or 
dropsy, will derive great benefit from its use; it has of itself without 
the aid of other remedies cured many cases of both dropsy and gravel. When 
gathered it should be kept carefully or it will loose its virtues.

Page 260

WHITE-ELDER, SWEET-ELDER.--(Sambicus Niger.) 
[OOH-YOU-SUDK-UH.]
   The common Elder grows so plentifully and is so well known in this 
country, that any description whatever would be useless. The bark, flowers 
and berries all possesses medicinal virtues; they are diuretic or 
increases the discharge of urine, cathartic or purgative, emetic or 
puking. A tea or decoction of the inner bark has relieved obstinate cases 
of dropsy after other remedies had failed. The whites use this bark in 
tincture, made by digesting two handsful of the inner bark of the common 
Elder in a half gallon of wine twenty four hours. Dose, one gill twice a 
day, and increase the quantity if the stomach will bear it, until relief 
is obtained. We have never tried this tincture, but can bear ample 
testimony of the efficacy of the Elder bark in decoction. Digested in 
wine, it will be more palatable and grateful to the taste, and I presume 
equally as good as a diuretic or increaser of the urine.

   A decoction of the flowers, is a mild, sweating, purgative anodyne, 
very useful for light sickness among children. An ointment or salve, made 
by stewing the inside bark in lard or fresh butter, is a valuable 
application to burns and most eruptions of the skin--it may be rendered 
better for burns by adding to it while stewing an equal portion of the the 
root of bears-foot.

PUMPKIN.--(Cucurbita Pepo.)
   A decoction of the common Pumpkin-seeds is diuretic, or increases the 
quantity of urine, and is very good in gravel, dropsy and diseases which 
require medicines of this class. The oil of the Pumpkin-seeds is said to 
be much better than the decoction. I am not prepared to say from personal 
knowledge which is the best, but I copy the following from Dr. Smith, who 
professes to be well acquainted with its virtues as a medicine. "It is 
perhaps without exception, the most certain and most efficient diuretic we 
possess," giving immedite relief for the scalding of the urine and spasms 
of the urinary passage. Dose of the oil is from six to twelve drops, 
repeated as often as the violence of the symptoms require it.

Page 261

QUEEN OF THE MEADOW.--(Spered Ulmaria.)
   This plant is found growing mostly in wettish ground, though sometimes 
on high, dry land. It has a long fibrous root, which remains in the ground 
all winter, it is of a white or brownish color. In the spring several 
stems grow out from the same root from three to six feet high, they are 
round, smooth, jointed--of a purple color around each joint, bearing many 
pale reddish blossoms on the top in clusters. Its leaves grow out around 
the stalk at the joints in whorls, from three to five in a whorl, they are 
large and indented or jagged.

   The root of this plant is the part used, and is a most powerful 
diuretic, useful in all dieases of the urinary organs, dropsy, gout, 
rheumatism and female obstructions. It is used in a strong decoction, and 
when taken freely is an almost certain remedy for gravelly complaints, as 
it seldom fails to carry off the calculus or stone with the urine in a 
dissolved state.

PARSELY.--(Apium Petroselium.)
   This well known plant is cultivated in most of our gardens for culinary 
purposes, and therefore needs no description. The top and root are both 
used in form of a decoction; it is diuretic; the root is some the best. It 
is good in inflamation of the kidneys and bladder, in all ordinary cases 
of suppressed urine. A constant drink of this decoction has cured 
obstinate cases of dropsy at an advanced stage. It is one of the best teas 
in the world for infants afflicted with suppression or painful discharges 
of urine. It is also very good for female obstructions, and for lying in 
women, whose discharges are too scant.

CAT-TONGUE. 
[WE-SEK-KAH-CHAR.]
   This plant has a clear smooth root, with but few fibres, running 
horrizontal in the ground; about the size of a goose-quill, it is white, 
or of a clear watery transparent appearance, the root is not killed by the 
frosts of winter. Generally but one stem rises from each root, it is 
small, round, erect, covered with hair or down, and grows from one to two 
feet high. The leaves grow out opposite, alternate, 

Page 262

spear shaped, and like the stalk are covered with a down or hair--blossoms 
are white. The root is the part used, the best mode of taking it is in 
strong decoction. It is diuretic, or valuable in producing an easy and 
copious discharge of urine. In diseases of the kidneys and bladder, 
suppressed urine and gravelly complaints generally; it seldom fails in 
giving speedy relief. It is also good in dropsy.

TWIN LEAF.--(Jeffersonia Odorata.) 
[OO-NA-KER-OO-NAH-STA-TSE.]
   Twin-Leaf has a small root, full of fibers, the root is perennial, that 
is, it is not killed by the frosts of winter. It has many leaves, which 
grow out on long foot-stalks, divided into two equal parts, which 
circumstance has given it the name of Twin-Leaf. The flower stalk produces 
a single flower, which is white. The most common mode of using this plant 
is in tea or decoction, but it may be employed in tincture or syrup if 
preferred. It is good for dropsy, suppression of urine, and gravelly 
complaints generally. It is an excellent external application, to sores, 
ulcers and inflamed parts.

WILD POTATOE.--(Convolvulus Panduratus.) 
[TE-CO-WE-SKEE.]
   The Wild Potatoe has a large root, sometimes more than three inches in 
diameter and two or three feet long, branched at the bottom, of a rough 
appearance, having grooves running lengthwise. The root is of a yellow 
color, containing a milk like juice; it is perennial, that is the root 
remains in the ground all winter, and is not killed by the frost. Its stem 
is a climbing vine, running from three to twelve feet long, of a purplish 
color. Its leaves grow out alternate, and are somewhat fidddle-shaped, of 
a deep green on the upper and pale on the under side. The flowers resemble 
the morning-glory and are of a white or purplish color. This vine is 
mostly found in poor, loose, sandy soils, in open grounds.

   The root is the part used, and may be taken in decoction or powder. As 
a diuretic, it is useful in dropsy, gravel and suppression of urine. It is 
a mild cathartic or laxative, 

Page 263

and expectorant, and is valuable in coughs, asthma or phthisic and 
consumption.

CLAP WEED, COCK-UP-HAT. 
[OO-STEE-CAH-NE-QUAH-LE-SKEE.]
   The root of this plant is small, dark, and fibrous, and has an uncommon 
pungent, biting taste, and on being chewed produces a great flow of 
spittle. The stem grows from one to three feet high, leaves small, rough, 
pointed, rather oval. Its flower is about the size of a thumb, of a purple 
color and bears some resemblance to the sunflower, only it is more bulbous 
or round on the face than the sunfloower.

   The root is the part used, and taken in decoction, tincture, or even 
the root chewed perseveringly, is a specific for veneral or clap in its 
worst forms.

POOR ROBBIN'S PLANTAIN.
   This plant is generally found growing in low grounds, it grows from 4 
to six feet high, and often climbs on bushes near it. The upper part is 
white, armed with sharp spines or prickles. The flowers are small, 
succeeded by a fruit rather large, composed of two berries, slightly 
adhering together and covered with prickles.

   The leaves are the part used, in decoction it is a most valuable remedy 
for suppressions of the urine and for all gravelly complaints. It is 
astringent and may be used for spitting of blood with the happiest effect, 
it is also good for epilepsy or fits. Dose, a half pint every hour until 
relief is obtained.

HIGHLAND BIG-LEAF. 
[OO-KAH-TO-GE-A-QUAH.]
   This plant is found in great abundance in all parts of the United 
States with which I am acquainted. I do not know that it has any name by 
which the whites would know it. The Indians, when asked by the whites for 
a name, call it Highland Big-Leaf, but say they never saw it used by the 
whites for medicine. It has a large rough, woody root, which when broken, 
appears of a dirty purplish 

Page 264

or black color, it is very hard to dig; the root is perennial. The leaves 
are from three to five in number and put out from the root, supported on 
long foot-stalks, the stem or foot-stalk is generally of a purplish color. 
The leaf is broad at the base terminating in a point--the edges are 
indented with unequal scallops, the foot-stalks and leaves, particularly 
the under side of the leaves are covered with a kind of hair or down. 
During the summer it sends up a round naked flower stalk, from two to four 
feet high, which is crowned with numerous flowers, of a yellow color, 
succeeded by seed vessels not very disssmilar to those of the common 
tobacco stalk. It is mostly found on poor rocky lands and dry hill sides.

   The root is the part used: it forms an ingredient in the antibillious 
pills, and is diuretic and cathartic. It is a valuable remedy for venereal 
or clap, as may be seen under that head. A decoction of it is good for 
gravel and diseases of the urinary organs generally.

HOT VINE.
   This is a large, lengthy vine, turning itself to whatever is in its 
reach. It is a garden plant, and is too well known to require a further 
description. A strong infusion or tea of the hop is one of the most 
valuable remedies we have for gravel, and inflammation of the kidneys and 
bladder, it is narcotic or anodyne, that is it alleviates pain and 
produces sleep. It is good in rheumatism, and breast complaints, it gives 
tone and strength to the stomach, and invigorates the system generally. It 
is also valuable in female complaints, especially where the womb is 
debilitated, and for such females as are afflicted with the falling of the 
womb. It may be used in decoction or in spirits as the patient may prefer.

[OO-NA-STAH-LAH-CAH-TSEE-LE-SKEE.]
   This plant grows in all parts of the United States with which I am 
acquainted. It grows on uplands and bottoms where the soil is good, mostly 
in fence corners. The root is hard to dig, has many roots issuing from one 
head, they are smooth, and inclined to be spindle shaped, with but few 
small fibres: on being exposed to the sun they turn of a 

Page 265

red color, and when dry, are wrinkled and dark. The bark of the root 
contains a kind of rosin or sticky substance, which in taste is something 
like pine rosin. The stem is erect growing from four to eight feet high, 
much branched towards the top, bearing numerous yellow blossoms. The stalk 
is round but has four and sometimes five welts, or feather like edges 
dividing it into so many equal parts, which gives it the appearance of a 
four or five square. I have never heard any name for it amoug the whites 
though it is growing in great abundance on many of their farms; they have 
never used it as a medicine, so far as I have been able to learn, unless 
it is the same weed that Turk recommends so highly for gravel, in a 
pamphlet published by him in 1843, he describes it as "having the 
appearance of a four square." The circumstance of its having sometimes 
five welts or feather edges might have been over looked by him, as every 
other particular mentioned by him is applicable to the Oo-na-stah-lah-cah-
tsee-le-skee.

   The root is the part used, and is one of the most powerful diuretics 
with which I am acquainted, it is an excellent remedy in gravel, and in 
all diseases of the kidney and bladder. It is also valuable for female 
weakness, such as flooding after or before child birth, in this case give 
it in tea or decoction until relief is obtained. This root should be kept 
at hand by every midwife, and by every physician who attends as a midwife, 
it is the most efficient remedy known to the Cherokees for floodings, and 
in their hands has never failed to give relief. For gravel or diseases of 
the urinary organs where there is not too much excitement, it may be taken 
in spirits as bitters, in this way it makes quite a pleasant drink. The 
quantity taken for gravel is not limited, only be sure to take enough. In 
female diseases, the quantity must be regulated by the effects produced.

SOUTHERN YAUPON.
   This is a well known shrub or bush in the southern states, it grows 
from twelve to fifteen feet high, its branches are numerous, upright and 
stiff, covered with a smooth whitish bark. Its leaves are evergreen, small 
and saw edged, flowers small, white, growing out irregular among the 
leaves, and are succeeded by small red berries, which become 

Page 266

red in the fall and remain so all the winter. The leaves of the Yaupon 
makes a pleasant tea, and when freely used, produces a copious and easy 
flow of urine and is a most valuable article in the cure of dropsy and 
gravelly complaints. The leaves toasted and made into decoction is a most 
valuable and pleasant drink. The Yaupon tea is as grateful to the taste as 
the Bohea tea, if not more so, and may be cured and preserved for use a 
great while, and is quite a convenient article of transportation.

BURDOCK.--(Arctium Lappa.)
   This plant grows around rich yards, horselots, barns, and in other rich 
places, and is well known. The roots or seeds may be used. In decoction, 
it is a mild cathartic or purge; produces sweat, and a copious flow of 
urine. It is valuable to cleans the blood, and is admirably adapted to old 
venereal diseases, mercurial complaints, rheumatism, gravel, scurvy. &c. 
The root infused in spirits forms a valuable bitter for weakly females.

WILD RATS BANE, WINTER GREEN. 
[OO-NAH-TSA-LER-E-TRA-TA-KEE.]
   This is a common plant throughout the Union, but is most abundant in 
the eastern and middle states, growing in sandy plains, and where pine 
timber abounds. Its root is woody, creeping, sending up stems at different 
distances. Its leaves are long narrow, wedged shaped, of a dark green 
color, variegated with light or whitish stripes, surface smooth and 
shining, with notched or indented edges. The flowers are white or of a 
light purple color, growing on the top of the stem, and are succeeded by 
brown seeds resembling allspice, it is an evergreen. The top and root are 
both used medicinally. In decoction or bitters it is diuretic, and will be 
found an excellent remedy for dropsy, and diseases of the urinary organs. 
A decoction of this plant is good for rheumatism scrofula, cancers, 
ulcers, &c. --it should be taken internally; in doses of half a gill, 
several times a day, and externally for bathing or washing the affected 
parts. Stewed in hog's lard it is said to cure tetter and ring-worm.

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BEAR-BERRY, WILD CRANBERRY.--(Uva Ursi.)
   This is a low, evergreen shrub, which grows and spreads itself near the 
surface of the ground; its branches are pensile or hanging; bark is of a 
reddish or pink color, and is thickly set with oblong, oval, and entire 
fleshy leaves. The flower is oval shaped, broader near the base than the 
mouth, the edge of the flower is scolloped into five divisions, small, 
blunt and curled points. It produces fruit every two years; it is a 
roundish, red colored berry, similar in appearance to the small wild 
cherry, it contains five seeds and no more, they are hard, and with plain 
sides. This plant bears a strong resemblance to the bilberry or red 
myrtle, and good botanists often mistake the red-myrtle for the uva ursi. 
The only difference which can be depended upon, is this: the uva ursi has 
ten stamina or uprights, and the berries contain only five seeds each, 
while the bilberry or red myrtle has but eight stamina in the flower, and 
sometimes twenty seeds in the berry. Uva ursi is to be met with in the 
coldest countries and on the highest mountains, and elsewhere. The leaves 
and bark have a bitter astringent taste, and by those who have tried them 
are considered one of the best remedies now known for all diseases of the 
urinary organs, whether of the kidnies, ureters or bladder; many wonderful 
cures are on record, that have been performed by this wonderful plant. It 
is also good for dropsy--dose, a tea-spoonful of the powdered leaves in 
hot water, three or four times a day, or a decoction of the fresh leaves 
may be taken in teacupful doses several times a day. This article can 
always be had genuine in the shops, in this and most other countries where 
it is not to be found in the woods.

(ENGLISH NAME NOT KNOWN.) 
[AH-SQUAH-NA-TA-QUAH.]
   This valuable herb grows in rich mountains at the head of small 
streams--it grows from three to five feet high, the blades or leaves 
resemble the blades of corn; the roots many, small, of a dark, brown color.

   The root is the part used for medical purposes. It is diuretic, and is 
an infallible remedy for dropsy. It also possesses the extraordinary 
property of reducing very 

Page 268

fleshy persons down to their ordinary size, without impairing the health 
or effecting it in any way. The mode of using it, is the bruised root in 
cold water; it should be used daily, until the desired effect is produced: 
As it has no disagreeable sensation whatever, it will generally reduce the 
flesh sufficiently in the course of six months. The quantity taken each 
day is not at all material, but it should not fall short of a pint a day. 
The herb grows in great abundance on the Coahutta Mountain.

PINEY WEED. 
[NO-TSE-E-YAU-STEE.]
   This plant has a whitish fibrous root, stem erect, growing from five to 
eight inches high, and very much resembles young flax, and bears a 
purplish or whitish blossom on the top, found growing in pine and hickory 
soil. The whole plant may be used for medicine.

   It is diuretic and diaphoretic, the decoction taken internally and the 
bruised herb applied externally, will cure the bite of the copper head or 
rattle-snake; it is also good for venereal, conbined with highland big-
leaf it seldom fails to cure that disgraceful disease. It may be taken in 
powders or decoction.

RATTLE-SNAKES' MASTER. 
[E-NAH-LE-UP-LOH-SCOCH-LA-NUR-WA-TEE.]
   Rattle-Snakes master is found growing in considerable abundance in many 
parts of the United States. It has a perennial root nearly bulbous, about 
an inch in length, the lower end decayed giving off many fibres. Its 
leaves or blades put forth from the root, they are smooth fleshy, 
generally from five to eight inches in length, of a beautiful green color. 
The whole plant contains a kind of mucillage. The mucillage in the leaves 
will rope a considerable distance when the leaf is broken crossways. This 
herb is a most powerful stimulant a diaphoretic, it is also antiseptic. It 
is one of the most powerful and certain remedies for snake bite now known.

Page 269

WILD MERCURY.
   This herb is found mostly in cultivated lands, but sometimes in the 
woods. The main root is roundish, from 1 inch to an inch and a quarter in 
diameter, many small or fibrous roots issue from the main caudex or head, 
the whole root is of a brownish color--stem rises from two to four feet 
high, hairy and erect. Its leaves are large and pointed; flowers are 
yellow, with a round black middle--when the leaves of the flower fall off 
they leave a black burr.

   The root is the part used for medicine. It is diuretic, antisceptic and 
diaphoretic. Useful in dropsy, gravel and the like. This root seems 
peculiarly adapted to that disgraceful disease the pox, as may be seen in 
the treatment of that disease.

CLASS NO. VIII.
EXPECTORANTS.
   Expectorants are a class of medicines, used to promote the discharge of 
mucus or any other irritating matter from the lungs, and are useful in 
consumption, asthma, coughs, and in all cases where the excretions are not 
sufficiently active to throw off their contents.

ELECAMPANE.--(Inula Helenium.)
   This plant is found mostly along road sides, and about houses, it is 
also culvitated in some gardens; its leaves are large, flowers large and 
yellow, appearing in July and August.

   The root is the part employed medicinally, and when dry has an aromatic 
smell, and a bitterish aromatic taste, and not very unpleasant. It is a 
valuable stimulating expectorant, and is an excellent remedy in disorders 
of the lungs, as coughs, asthmas and consumptions. It promotes an 
increased flow of urine, acts gently on the bowels as an aperient. It is a 
strengthning restorative medicine, and a gentle diaphoretic. The root 
finely pulverized and mixed with honey is the best mode of using it--dose, 

Page 270

a tea-spoonful morning and night; or it may be taken in syrup as follows: 
Boil a half pound of the root in a gallon of water, down to half that 
quantity, strain or filter that decoction, add a pint of honey or 
molasses--dose a table-spoonful taken morning, noon and night. It is also 
valuable for female obstructions, where the general health is impaired, 
and for pregnant women of weak habits, such as are afflicted with weak 
bowels and womb. It forms an ingredient in the chalybeate pill.

RED PUCCOON.--(Sanguinaria Canadensis.) 
[RED-LAH-NO-TA-HAH.]
   Sometimes called Indian plant, blood root, &c. This plant is a native 
of North America, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and perhaps of no 
other portion of the globe. The root is perennial; it has a fleshy root, 
of a reddish brown outside, but on being broken, or cut, it emits a bright 
red juice, resembling blood, hence the name blood root; it is about the 
size of the little finger, very tender, and the lower end of the root has 
the appearance of being cut off or broken, in taking it from the ground. 
The leaves grow out from the root, and are supported on long foot stalks, 
heart-shaped, of a pale light green, streaked with veins of an orange 
color; it produces a single white flower, succeeded by numerous seeds, 
which are round and pointed. The leaves and seeds of the Puccoon plant, 
are poisonous, and must never be used. The root appears to contain all its 
medicinal qualities, and in many respects is closely allied in its effects 
on the human system, to the seneka snake root. A decoction of the root 
taken in small doses, acts as an expectorant, and is valuable in coughs 
and inflammation of the lungs; this decoction given in table spoonful 
doses every fifteen minutes, until it produces puking, is a most excellent 
remedy in croup, or the powdered root, may be administered in broken 
doses, until the desired effect is produced. This in powder from twenty to 
thirty grains, is an active emetic for grown persons. It is diaphoretic, 
that is, a valuable sweating medicine, when given in broken doses. The 
dried root in spirits, makes a good strengthening, or tonic bitter, and is 
much used in our practice; in this way when combined with other articles, 
such as rattle root, star root, &c.; in all cases 

Page 271

of obstructed menses; where the general health is impaired, and tonics or 
strengthening medicines are required. It is good in colds, pleurisies, 
rheumatism, liver complaints and other inflammatory disorders. The 
decoction is a good wash for indolent ulcers, and the dried powdered root 
sprinkled on ill conditioned sores, seldom fails to produce a healthy 
discharge, and a disposition to heal.--The root sliced and steeped in 
vinegar, eight or ten days, is a certain cure for tetter worm. It is said 
that the pulverized root, snuffed up the nose, will remove polypus, a 
fleshy or gristly substance, which grows in the nostril, gradually 
increasing in size until breathing becomes difficult, and sometimes unless 
removed, ends in suffocation. The best time for gathering the root for 
medicine, is when the seeds are ripe, which is in May or June.

LIQUORICE.--(Glycyrrhiza Glabra.)
   This plant is a native of both Europe and America, and is said to grow 
spontaneously in the north western part of the United States. The root is 
the part for medicinal use; they are long and large, of a tough or woody 
nature, and have a little the appearance of spikenard roots; they are of a 
brownish yellow color, and when chewed, they yield a sort of waxy 
substance, of a pleasant sweetish, and at last, a slight bitter taste. 
Both the root and extract is useful in coughs, asthma and hoarseness, as 
it loosens the phlegm, and promotes expectoration.

   The extract is made by steeping the root in water, or by boiling it it 
until the strength is extracted, then strain the decoction and reduce it 
to the proper consistence by boiling or simmering it over a slow fire.

(THE ENGLISH NAME NOT KNOWN.) 
[CULSAY-TSE-E-YOU-STEE.]
   This plant is found growing in rich bottoms and along the borders of 
meadows. It has a fibrous, perennial root, of a pale or whitish color, 
stem rises from four to six inches high, is decumbent or bending, the 
leaves grow out on the sides of the stem, and when the stem is 
straightened or made stand erect, the leaves stand edgeways in the same 
manner as the tansy leaf; they are smooth, of a deep 

Page 272

green color, somewhat pointed; at the extremity of the stem there are 
three leaves, the next two grow out opposite, and the remainder alternate. 
The whole plant and root is used, and in decoction is an infallible remedy 
for whooping-cough.

ONIONS.
   The Onion is extensively cultivated in the gardens of this country, as 
an esculent root. The onion is expectorant and diuretic, is valuable both 
as an internal and external remedy. The onion juice prepared by putting a 
small quantity of brimstone in the middle, or heart of the onion, then 
wrap in leaves or wet cloths and roast it perfectly, then press out the 
juice; this is excellent for hives and croup among children. The onion 
bruised and mixed with or stewed in lard, is one of the best external 
applications in the world for croup, colds, sore throat, phthisic, &c. The 
throat should be annointed and well rubbed with it in the above cases. 
When taken in any reasonable time, the juice taken internally, and the 
bruised onions mixed with or stewed in lard, applied externally, rarely 
fails in giving relief even in very obstinate cases, and this mode of 
treatment has proved successful where other remedies prescribed by 
physicians of high standing, appeared to have but little effect. Persons 
afflicted with liver complaint, will derive much benefit from the daily 
use of this root as food. It is said that a gill of the red onion juice 
taken morning and evening, a half hour after taking each dose drink a pint 
of horsemint tea, will entirely cure gravel and dropsy. The onion poultice 
applied to the feet in nervous fever, and acute diseases, is an excellent 
application to produce a revulsion from the head; it is also a good 
application to the throat and breast, in colds, where the throat and 
breast is much affected.

LINCHEN OR LUNGWORT.
   This is a thin skin or shell, which grows on the bark of the white-oak 
tree, and is thought to bear some resemblance to the lungs, from which it 
has taken the name of Lung-Wort.

   A strong decoction of this article made into a syrrup with honey, taken 
in gill doses, several times a day, is 

Page 273

good for whooping-cough. It is also valuable in consumption and other 
diseases attended with a cough.

WHITE HOARHOUND.
   This is a well known plant, the leaves are remarkably bitter and 
unpleasant to the taste. A syrrup made by adding to a quart of the 
decoction, a pint of honey, and simmering it over a slow fire one hour, is 
good for hoarseness, colds, coughs, and breast complaints.

HYSSOP.--(Hyssopus.)
   This is a well known garden herb, and a tea of it is good in fevers and 
in most inflammatory cases for sweating; it is also good to bring on a 
regular flow of the menses. A syrup made of the strong decoction of 
expressed juice, mixed with honey, is a most pleasant and valuable 
expectorant, useful in all cases where expectorants are needed, as in 
colds, coughs, asthma, and other diseases of the breast and lungs, 
accompanied with inflammatory symptoms. In tea or decoction, it is a mild 
and pleasant drink.

TAR.
   The common Tar which is obtained from the rich pine roots or knots of 
the common pine tree of this country, is one of the most valuable 
expectorants in the world. The water of tar, is a valuable drink for 
persons afflicted with consumption or breast complaints. Tar is a 
principle ingredient for consumption, as may be seen in the treatment of 
that disease. The tar plaster is a valuable external application to scald-
head, letter-worm, stone-bruise and full or ill-conditioned sores or 
ulcers, also for inflamed sores.

MAIDEN FERN, MAIDEN HAIR, SPLEEN WORT.
   This weed grows mostly on stony, shady bluffs, to the height of from 
six to ten inches, stem slender, smooth, erect, of a dark black or purple 
color; the leaves grow in the same manner of those of the highland Fern, 
they are fine, soft, and of a pale green or yellowish color.

Page 274

   An infusion of this plant, made by pouring a quart of boiling water on 
the dry herb, sweetened with honey, is valuable for coughs and diseases of 
the breast generally; also for acrid humors, and irregularities of the 
menses.--Persons afflicted with the liver complaint will derive great 
benefit from its daily use. It may be prepared as above directed, and 
taken in tea-cupful doses several times a day, or combined with other 
articles.

LIVER WORT.
   This little plant is so well known as to render a description 
unnecessary. It is expectorant and diaphoretic, it also acts on the liver. 
Persons laboring under a diseased liver will derive a great advantage from 
its use. The proper mode of using it is a tea of the leaves.

MILK-WEED, MILK-WORT. 
[OO-NA-KAH-OH-TSE-LUR-SKEEE.
   This herb is found mostly in stubble lands. The root is about the 
thickness of a goose-quill or some thicker.--There are two kinds, white 
and black, they cannot be distinguished by the top, but by the root alone, 
they both possess the same medical proprieties. Its stem rises from two to 
four feet high, leaves small, of a beautiful green color, flowers white.

   The root is the part used. In tea, decoction, or powders it is a good 
expectorant, it is also cathartic when taken in large doses; but it cannot 
be recommended for a purge being too severe and drastic. It forms an 
ingredient in the anti-billious pills.

CLASS No. IX.
ANTISPASMODICS AND NERVINES.
   Antispasmodics are a class of medicines employed to 

Page 275

prevent or relive spasms of every kind. Nervines act on the same 
principle, though in a less powerful degree.

FIT-ROOT, ICE-PLANT.--(Monotropa Uniflora.)
   This plant grows in the woods of the western country, generally to the 
height of six or seven inches. It is a most singular plant in its 
appearance, several stalks spring up from the same root and turn white in 
September; the stalk is like frozen jelly, and when held in the hand 
dissolves like ice.

   The root is the part used; pulverized and given to children it has 
proved beneficial in curing fits. Either used alone or combined with 
antispasmodics it is useful in epilepsy and convulsions. Dose, half a tea-
spoonful of the pulverized root every half hour until relief is obtained.--
The expressed juice mingled with water, is a good wash for sores eyes.

GINSENG.--(Panax Quinquefolium.) 
[OH-TAH-LE-GAH-LE.]
   The root is called by the people generally, San or Ginsang, though 
improperly. It is found in great plenty among the hills and mountains of 
Tennessee, mostly on the north side of rich shady hills and ridges. A few 
years since the root of this plant was exported to China, where it was 
sold for four times its weight in pure silver, and in 1784, the price at 
Pekin, is said to have been eight or nine times its weight in pure silver. 
The chinese attributed great virtues to this root--they considered it as a 
sovereign remedy in all diseases incidental to their climate and country, 
and had no confidence in any medicine that was not combined with it; 
thousands of lives were lost among the poor (as they superstitiously 
believed) for the want of it. The stalk is smooth, growing from twelve to 
eighteen inches high, divided at the top into three branches, each branch 
bearing five leaves. Its leaves are oblong, broadest towards the outer end 
and indented on the edge; its flowers are small and white, succeeded by a 
large red berry, root spindled-shaped, of a yellowish color. It is also 
good for weakly females and for weakness of the womb, and nervous 
affections, convulsions, palsy, vertigo 

Page 276

and dysentery. In these last named cases, it may be taken in spirits if 
preferred.

MOCCASIN FLOWER.--(Cypripedium Luteum) 
[COOK-QUEH-OO-LAH-SU-LOW.]
   The whites have a great many names for this plant' such as Valerian, 
Lady-Slipper, Umbil, &c. It is said to grow in every State in the Union, 
and in all kinds of soil. Several varieties of this plant are found, some 
smooth and some rough or hairy. From one to four or five stems put up from 
the same root, and grow from one to two and a half feet high, bearing each 
from three to seven leaves, which grow out alternate, sheathing the stem. 
The leaves have many nerves or fibres-running through them, giving them a 
rough uneven appearance. The flower in shape resembles a moccasin. The 
root is of a pale yellow or brownish color, having a large cluster of 
long, round, crooked fibres growing in a mat.

   The roots are the only part of this plant used as medicine, and should 
be gathered in the fall, when the top begins to die, or in the spring, 
when it first puts up. It is a most excellent nervine and antispasmodic, 
useful in all cases of nervous irritation, spasms, fits hysterical 
affections, &c. It acts admirably well as an anodyne in relieving pains, 
quieting the nerves, &c. Its effects on the human system, in quieting the 
nerves, and relieving spasms, are superior to those produced by opium 
while it does not produce any of the narcoctic or stupifying effects of 
that drug. Dose a table-spoonful of the pulverized root, repeated as often 
as the case requires it--it may be combined with other medicines, and all 
act equally well in allaying and keeping down nervous irritation, or when 
used alone; this is one great advantage, for its treating disease, it is 
often necessary to give such medicines as produce nervous irritation, 
which difficulty may easily be overcome, by combining with such medicines 
a portion of the Mocasin flower root. When gathered, it should be well 
washed and dried, then pulverized, and kept in well corked bottles, or it 
will loose part of its virtues.

CHAMOMILE--(Anthemis Nobiles.)
   The Chamomile is cultived in the gardens of this country, 

Page 277

for family medicine, and is too well known to require a description. Its 
flowers have a strong, aromatic smell, though not unpleasant; they have a 
very bitter nauseous taste.

   A strong decoction or tea made of the flower or herb is good in female 
obstructions, hysterical affections, colics, vomiting, bowel complaints 
attended with much pain, and nervous irritation; it is also a good 
stomachic or tonic bitter. It is excellent in poultices for obstinate and 
foul ulcers, hard swellings, &c.

BLUE-BERRY--(Caulophyllum Thalictroides.) 
[TE-SO-QUAH-LA-GAH.]
   This plant has many names among the whites, such as blue-cohash, 
pappoose roots, &c. Its stem is upright, straight smooth and divided at 
the top in two or three branches; each bears three leaves, in the centre 
of which grow out its flowers, (their color not remembered,) they are 
succeded by dark blue-berries, which enclose a hard stone or seed. The 
root is yellow inside, brown outside, hard and irregular, having many 
small fibres.

   The root is the part used, and is perfectly safe, and harmless in its 
effects on the system, it may be employed in decoction, tincture or syrup, 
and is valuable in every species of fits, hysterics, collics and nervous 
irritation generally. It is a most excellent medicine for females in 
promoting child-birth, and allaying inflamation, and in preventing 
mortification of the womb. Pregnant women should use this root for two or 
three weeks previous to the expected time of child-birth, by this means 
that painful event will be rendered comparatively easy and safe.

CATNIP--(Nepeta Cataria.)
   Catnip is a well known herb, and needs no description. A tea or 
decoction of this plant is good for female obstructions, hysterics, worms, 
spasms, colics and the like. It is a valunble external application in 
poultice to swellings.-- The bruised leaves steeped in vinegar, applied 
externally is good to ally inflammation, reduce painful swellings, &c.

   A syrup made by adding a pint of honey to a strong decoction of catnip 
is good for coughs and colds which affect the lungs.

Page 278

ASAFOETIDA.
   The article commonly known in this country by the name of asafoetida is 
the resinous gum obtained from the roots of a plant, that is a native of, 
and grows spontaneously in the mountains of Persia, and is technically 
called Ferula Asafoetida. It has a strong, unpleasant smell, and a bitter, 
acrid, biting taste. That is reckoned the best which is of a clear or pale 
reddish color, variegated with a number of white pustules, like tears. Its 
action on the system is both quick and powerful, generally affecting 
speedy relief in spasms, cramps, flatulence and hysterical affections. In 
all spasmodic affections which are produced by a torpid or inactive state 
of the bowels it is a most excellent remedy. It sometimes relieves 
whooping-cough and asthma, its action on the system is similar to that of 
garlic, though much more active and powerful. It is stimulant and 
expectorant, and in some instances answers well as a worm medicine. Such 
as are troubled with frequent attacks of colic, may rid themselves of the 
return of this painful complaint by making daily use of this article in 
spirits, taken one or two drams a day, as bitters. Sucking infants whose 
mothers make a free use of this bitter, are apt to grow much faster and 
enjoy much better health, than the children whose mothers use no such 
bitters; such children are seldom troubled with colic or pains in the 
stomach, they have little or no use for laudanum, Bateman's drops, 
paregoric, and such like preparations, it may be given to children by 
dissolving it in water.

   It may be administered to grown persons in tincture, in pills, or 
dissolved in water; if taken in pills, one pill of the common size should 
be taken at a time, and repeated as often as circumstances require it; if 
the tincture is to be used, from a half to a whole tea-spoonful is the 
proper quantity, to be repeated at intervals of a half hour until relief 
is obtained.

   A sufficient quantity of this article put in whiskey to make it a 
proper strength for bitters is one of the best family bitters it the world.

Page 279

CLASS NO. X.
ANTISEPTICS.
   Antiseptics are a class of medicines that are used to prevent 
mortification from taking place, or remove it after it has taken place. 
The articles of this class, furnished by the vegetable kingdom, are both 
numerous and valuable, and are far more active and efficient, than any 
thing yet known in the mineral kingdom. It would be a very strange sight 
indeed, to see the red man of the forest, maimed with the loss of a limb 
to prevent mortification. Their knowledge of the active antiseptic 
properties of the herbs, roots, and plants of the forest, render such 
painful operations unnecessary. They have but to resort to the woods, 
gather, apply and be healed.

SLIPPERY ELM.--(Ulmus Albus.) 
[TAH-WAH-TSI-LUH.]
   The white or slippery-elm is a well known tree of the American forest, 
and America produces no tree superior to it for medical purposes.

   The inside bark is the part used. As a poultice nothing is superior, 
particularly to old sores, burns, and wounds, either fresh wounds or such 
as have become inflamed.-- The application of the elm poultice to fresh 
wounds or burns will, in almost all cases, be followed by a discharge of 
matter. When there is any appearance of mortification, the bark should be 
pounded, and boiled in water and made into a poultice, and applied cool. 
Taken internally it is cooling, and soothing to the stomach and bowels. It 
is an aperient or mild laxative, and may be used to great advantage by 
pregnant women that are troubled with heart-burn; in dysentery and chronic 
bowel complaints, there is nothing better than the slippery-elm jelly, 
made by pouring hot water on the inside bark. Where there are symptoms of 
inflammation in the stomach or bowels, this jelly should be used freely as 
injections and by the mouth, this mucilage or jelly is very nutritive, and 
will answer admirably as nourishment for those who have been borught very 
low by acute disorders. It is good for dyspepsy or indigestion, 

Page 280

quinsies, colds, catarrhs, coughs, consumptions. It is a certain and 
astonishing remedy in all bowel and breast complaints, and may be freely 
administered to children with the happiest effects.

LYNN TREE. 
[E-TAH-HAH.]
   The Lynn is a native of America, and is found in almost every part, 
growing mostly in rich bottoms. Its wood is very soft, white and juicy. 
The inside bark and twiggs are the parts used: they afford a rich, well-
tasted jelly, but little, if any, inferior to the slippery-elm bark. It is 
a most excellent article for pregnant women that are troubled with heart-
burn, weak stomach and bowels. The jelly made by boiling the inside bark 
or twiggs, is good for coughs, consumptions, and in fact all cases where 
the elm is recommended, both for external and internal use. When the 
stomach has been over heated by the too free use of spirituous liquors, it 
is a most excellent remedy.

SHEEP SORREL, WILD SORREL. 
(Rumex Acetosella.)
   This is a well known plant, growing in the woods and shady places, in 
every part of the country; its leaves and blossoms have a very pleasant, 
though extremely sour or acid taste.

   The leaves and blossoms bruised and applied to old foul sores, have 
affected some wonderful cures, after many other applications had been 
tried to little or no purpose; it is very active and powerful in allaying 
inflammation, and producing a healthy discharge from the sore or wound, it 
is an excellent antiseptic and may be advantageously employed in all cases 
where articles of this class are needed.

GREEN PLANTAIN.--(Plantago Major.) 
[OO-STAK-KAH-YAH-TUH-TSE-SKEE.]
   This plant grows in great abundance in most parts of this country, 
about yards, barns, and in fence corners.

   The leaves bruised and applied to sores, inflamed wounds, bruises and 
the like, is good to reduce the inflammation 

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and produce a disposition to heal. The tea taken internally, and the 
bruised leaves or expressed juice applied externally, is an excellent 
remedy for poisonous bites and stings--if applied immediately after being 
bit by a snake, and the tea drank freely, it will in most cases give 
entire relief without the aid of further remedies. The tea or decoction is 
good for bowel complaints, and bloody urine, it should be drank freely, 
there being no danger whatever in it. The expressed juice is good for sore 
eyes.

BEAR'S FOOT. 
[CAH-TO-YAH-STEE.]
   This plant is found in most parts of the United States, but is most 
abundant in the middle, southern and western states. The root is blackish 
without, and whitish within, resembling in size and shape, a small sweet 
potatoe; they grow several small roots from one main root or head, in a 
manner similar to the sweet potatoe, from which head, spring up several 
stems, or stalks, close together, growing from five to six feet high; 
leaves are about the size of a man's hand, but in shape they resemble a 
bear's foot, whence it has received the name of Bear's Foot.

   A poultice made of the root of this plant, is very good to scatter 
bealings, and allay inflammations. The bruised root applied to burns, will 
extract the fire and give relief. It forms an ingredient in a very 
valuable salve, made as follows: Take of sheep's tallow, fresh butter, and 
a small quantity of beeswax, melt them together, to which add the bruised 
root of bear's foot, a small quantity of sweet gum rosin, and pine rosin, 
also the bruised root of heart leaves, stew them well together and strain 
for use. This salve will be found good for cuts, burns, &c. An oil made by 
stewing the bruised root of this plant in fresh butter or sweet oil, is 
good for ear-ache, it will give relief in some cases of pained joints, the 
ointment should be applied to the pained part, and bathed in with a warm 
iron. The root infused in spirits forms a valuable bitter for rheumatism. 
This root is said by some authors to possess the property of curing the 
white swelling. We have never tried it in white swelling, but we have 
cured cases of white swelling, where it had been perseveringly applied, 
and had utterly failed to do any good whatever. We 

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deem it a very good poultice for inflammations of the skin and flesh, but 
wholly useless in diseases of the bone, or the membrane which covers it. 
The bruised root stewed in hog's lard, gives relief in some cases of itch.

YELLOW-DOCK, NARROW DOCK. (Rumex Crispus.) 
[OO-NUH-TSA-THU-TSI-KEE.]
   Dock is a well known plant growing about barn-yards, in fence corners, 
and about houses. There are two kinds, commonly distinguished as the wide 
and narrow Dock.--They possess similar medicinal virtues, the narrow is 
generally thought to be the best. The root taken internally in tea or 
bitters, is aperient, and an excellent corrector of the fluids. The 
bruised root made into a poultice, is a most excellent application to old 
sores or ulcers, hard tumors and inflamed parts. The root bruised and 
stewed in hog's lard, is useful in curing eruptions of the skin, itch, 
&c.--Drinking a tea of the bruised root while applying the above ointment, 
will greatly facilitate the cure. The roots and seeds made into decoction 
are good for dysentery, and bowel complaints generally. The expressed 
juice of the root applied twice a day for a length of time, will seldom 
fail to cure ring or tetter-worm.

SASSAFRAS--(Laurus Sassafras.) 
[CUN-STAH-TSE.]
   This is a well known tree, in most parts of the Union. The root in a 
strong decoction, or infused in spirits, taken moderately, is excellent to 
purify the blood where acrimony of the blood exists--it is also good in 
diseases of the skin. It has often been sucessfully used in rheumatism; 
for this purpose, drink freely of the tea, and bathe the affected parts in 
tea of the same, until a high state of perspiration is produced, then wrap 
up warm in a blanket and cool off by degrees. The tea is a good drink in 
venereal. The root, bark and flowers, make a very pleasant and wholesome 
tea when taken in moderate quantities, but when drank to excess, it 
produces weakness and debility. A valuable ague pill is made by boiling 
the sassafras and mullen leaves to a strong decoction, then straining it, 
and 

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reducing it by slow boiling to the consistence of wax, or a proper 
thickness to make into pills. Dose: three or four pills morning and night.

   A strong decoction of this root thickened with wheat bran or meal, and 
applied to inflamed wounds, or sores of any kind, will act powerfully in 
allaying the inflammation, and preventing mortification. The bark, or 
pith, taken from the stem or trunk, and steeped in cold water, is a 
cooling and a very pleasant wash for sore eyes.

MULLEN--(Verbascum.) 
[TSO-LAH-E-YOU-STEE-TUH-LO-NE-GA-AH.]
   The mullen is a very common and well known plant, and therefore needs 
no description.

   The leaves boiled in sweet milk are a valuable remedy for bowel 
complaints, particularly among children. The leaves dried and pulverized, 
and applied to proud or fungous flesh, will destroy it. The leaves stewed 
in fresh butter, make a valuable ointment for the rectum, or gut, in case 
of the piles. The doction of the leaves is good to allay inflammation, and 
reduce swellings; for this purpose, bathe the affected part with the 
decoction, then make a poultice with the same and apply; this treatment 
should be followed until relief is obtained.

INDIAN BALM--(Trillium Latifolium.)
   This plant has a short, thick, perennial root, resembling the Indian 
turnip; it is wrinkled, of a brown color, giving out many small fibres; 
the stem is smooth, erect, and grows from four to eight inches high. The 
leaves are oval, three in a whorl, growing at the top of the stem; it 
bears one flower on the stem above the leaves. The flower is bell-shaped, 
varying in color, according to the species, as red, white, purple; all 
possessing the same medical qualities; the flower is sweetened by a small 
berry that contains the seed. A decoction of the root of this plant is 
very good for profuse menstruation or flooding among females; it is useful 
in all kinds of hemorrhages, coughs, asthma, and bowel complaints. The 
pulverized root may be given in hot water, if prepared.

   A poultice made of this root is good to prevent mortification, and it 
will be a valuable application to putrid ulcers, tumors, and inflamed 
parts.

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BUCK TREE. 
[GEO-TLAH.]
   The beach is a native of North America and grows in great abundance in 
most parts of the United States. It is so generally and so well known, 
that the inhabitants of this continent would laugh to see a description of 
it. It is one of the greatest ornaments of the American forest, as well as 
one of the most powerful antiseptics known.--The principal use made of it, 
is in the form of poultices, made by thickening a strong decoction of the 
bark or leaves with wheat bran, rye or corn meal; it is good in all 
inflamed wounds, bealings, ulcers, &c., the part should be well bathed 
every twelve hours in the decoction, and the poultice made and applied as 
above directed. It is among the best applications that can be made to an 
inflamed or bealed breast.

POKE-WEED.--(Phytolucca Kecandria.) 
[TAO-YAH-TA.]
   The poke-weed is found in great abundance throughout the United States, 
growing in any kind of rich land. Its root is perennial; it is large, 
generally branching, covered with a very thin, brownish bark. Several 
stems spring up from the same root, growing very large, at first green, 
afterwards turning purple. It is one of the most grand, bold and beautiful 
looking herbs in America, when filled with ripe berries. The roots and 
berries have been employed with the best effects in old or chronic 
rheumatism. The sound ripe berries put into spirits with a little sulphur 
added, is a most valuable bitter for the rheumatism: it should be taken in 
drams three times a day. A poultice made of the roasted root is an 
excellent application to the feet in the last stages of nervous fever and 
acute disorders; it is also good, applied to ulcers, swellings, and 
rheumatic joints. A poultice made by thickening a strong decoction of the 
poke and buck-eye roots, with rye meal or wheat bran, is the best poultice 
for white swelling with which I am acquainted, as is fully shown under 
that head. The poke root is the principal ingredient in Turk's rheumatic 
ointment. The expressed juice dried in the sun to the consistence of a 
salve, forms a good plaster for cancers, and ulcerous ulcers.

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BUCK-EYE.
   This is a well known tree in all parts of the U. States where I have 
been and thought to notice for it. The bark of the root boiled to a strong 
decoction and thickened to a poultice, is a very excellent application to 
inflamed parts, such as white swellings, sprains, tumors, &c. The only use 
we make of it is in poultices; taken internally it is poisonous, but as a 
poultice it is a most excellent article to extract the fever and prevent 
mortification.

BLACK SARSAPARILLA. 
[EE-LE-YER-SAY-HIS-TEE.]
   The black Sarsaparilla differs very much, both in appearance and 
medical properties from the white or yellow Sarsaparilla: the root is 
somewhat larger and of a darker color than the white or yellow 
Sarsaparilla. The vine is of an ash color, climbing bushes or saplings 
that may be in its way. Its leaves resemble the leaves of the apple tree: 
the root is the part for use, and should not be taken internally, as it 
might produce some unpleasant symptoms: the only use we make of it is in 
decoction, used as a bathe for the feet and legs, of persons addicted to 
swelling in those parts. It will allay the inflammation, and assuage the 
swelling in a short time, if properly attended to.

SPRUCE PINE.
   This species of pine has somewhat the appearance of the common Pine of 
the forest, and also of the cedar. The leaves grow in broad, flat fans or 
bats. Its seeds or berries are nearly like cedar berries to look at; they 
have a pungent, acid, bitterish, aromatic taste. A strong decoction made 
of the bark or leaves, and made into a syrup, is good for pregnant women 
that are troubled with a cough; it is also a good drink for catarrh or 
ulcer of the lungs. A strong decoction of the inner bark drank warm, is a 
very good sweating medicine in chronic rheumatism. The berries infused in 
spirits, is good for chronic rheumatism, and in venereal diseases. A 
fomentation of the Spruce Pine, is a good application to the swelled 
testacles, caused by the mumps, and also the swelled breasts of females, 
produced by the same cause. It is astringent, and stimulant 

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or tonic. The oil, or essence is useful in colds, and externally in 
bathing preparations for pained joints.

SWAMP LILLY. 
[GE-GAH-GA-AH-TSE-LUR-SKEE.]
   The Swamp Lilly is a well known plant, growing in swamps and marshy 
places--sometimes about springs.--The root is the part used; bruised and 
boiled in water, and thickened in meal or wheat bran, is an excellent 
poultice for inflamed wounds, sores, bealings, &c.

HIGHLAND FERN. 
(Improperly called Highland Ferrin.) 
[YOH-NEX-TSA-STO.]
   This plant grows in great abundance in many parts of the Union, and is 
generally well known. It has a dark perennial root, running horizontally 
in the ground, and when broken it is very mucillaginous. Its stem is 
smooth, green, growing from one to two feet high, dividing at the top into 
several branches, leaves green, growing out along the sides of the 
branches, similar to the tanzy leaves. The whole plant has a beautiful 
green and shiny appearance. It grows mostly on hill sides and on uplands; 
when the top is tender in the spring, it contains a mucilage similar to 
that of the root.

   It is a valuable application to inflamed swellings, wounds, &c. There 
are several modes of applying it:--the roots may be washed clean, bruised, 
and mixed with wheat bran and cold water, to the consistence of a poultice 
and applied, the face of the poultice being first smeared with sour cream: 
or it may be bruised, boiled and thickened with wheat bran and applied as 
above directed; or, the root may be well bruised, smeared with cream and 
applied. It makes a very cooling and pleasant poultice in all cases where 
there is inflammation. I use it a great deal in the treatment of white 
swelling, after it has commenced running, and still continues inflamed.

BALSAM OF FIR, OR SILVER FIR TREE OF AMERICA.--(Pinus Balsamea.)
   This tree is very common in the northern climates; it is 

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also found in great plenty about the west end of North Carolina, and east 
end of Tennessee, particularly on what are called the Smoky Mountains. It 
has somewhat the appearance of the white pine, and yields a most valuable 
balsam, which exudes from the tree like other turpentine, and is collected 
for medical use. When fresh it is almost transparent or clear, but after 
standing, it assumes a beautiful yellow appearance, and looks very much 
like sweet oil. It is known by the name of Canada Balsam, or Balsam of Fir.

   It is a valuable remedy for complaints of the breast and lungs, 
particularly where it is accompanied with pain soreness or cough. Dose: 
half a tea-spoonful at a time, twice a day. It is good for females 
afflicted with flour albus, or whites, falling of the womb, weak backs, 
&c.--Also for venereal, and diseases of the urinary organs. It is 
aperient, or loosens the bowels, and cleanses and heals internal ulcers.

   It is a very excellent external application to fresh wounds, I know of 
no article that will heal a fresh wound quicker than this balsam applied 
when first tied up. It is also a good application to ulcers, old sores, 
and the like; it forms an excellent ingredient in healing salves.

WILD INDIGO.
   The wild indigo is a large weed, resembling the common Indigo. A 
decoction of the leaves given in large doses is a good puke, in smaller 
doses it is a good purge. In poultices or fomentation, it is to allay 
inflammation and stop mortification. The root may be used in the same way.

CHARCOAL, OF WOOD.--(Carbo Lingi.)
   Charcoal is a vegetable production, and is one of the most valuable and 
innocent medicines we possess. Prepared Charcoal is one of the most 
powerful antiseptics known in the compass of medicine. The best mode of 
preparing Charcoal is as follows: Take the common Charcoal well burnt of 
good sound green wood, (that used by smiths will answer as well as any,) 
reduce it to powder, put this into a vessel that can be tightly covered, 
raise the heat under the vessel until the coal becomes red hot, then take 
off the vessel and let it cool with the lid on. When the Coal 

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is cool enough, put it into bottles for use, the bottles must be kept 
tightly stopped or it will loose part of its virtues. It is a valuable 
article taken internally for dropsy and for costive habits. It is good in 
bowel complaints of a putrid nature. For internal use, great care should 
be taken to pulverize it fine, or it will irritate the tender surface of 
the bowels. It is an excellent antiseptic application to foul and ill-
conditioned ulcers and mortifying wounds or sores.

VINEGAR.
   Vinegar is possessed of very strong antiseptic powers; as an external 
application, it is used to moisten antiseptic poultices, It is 
successfully employed to correct the putrid tendency of the fluids in 
putrid fevers, &c.

CLASS NO. XI.
ANTHELMINTICS.
   Anthelmintics are a class of medicines used to destroy or expel worms.

THE CHINA TREE.--(Melia Azendarach.)
   The China tree is a native of China, and was brought from that country 
to America, and is now the common yard tree of South Carolina, Georgia, 
and many parts of Alabama and Tennessee.

   The bark, and especially that of the root, is one of the best worm 
medicines in the world. It should be boiled to a strong tea and sweetened 
to a syrup, and given in table-spoonful doses every hour untill the 
desired effect is produced. The fruit mashed and put into spirits and 
given to children every morning before eating is good to expel worms, the 
bark or bark of the root may be used the same way. The syrup acts well in 
removing worm fever.

   The pulp of the fruit stewed in lard is said to be go good for scald-
head, ring and tetter-worm, and the like.

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JERUSALEM OAK--(Chenopodium Anthelmintic.) 
[OO-SUR-GA-AH-SOO-YER-TI-MUH-WO.]
   This plant is said to grow in every State in the Union, and is too well 
known to require a description.

   Every part of this plant is used as a worm medicine, the roots, leaves 
and seeds are the best. The best mode of preparing it is by boiling the 
roots, leaves or seeds, in sweet milk, sweeten it with honey or sugar, a 
table-spoonful of this to be given before eating, morning, noon, night, 
and at bedtime give a large dose of castor oil or American senna to work 
it off; antibilious pills will answer quite well. The oil of this plant 
has been long considered a valuable medicine to expel worms, but the 
decoction in sweet milk is in my opinion equally good if not better.

CAROLINA PINK--(Spigelia Marilancici.) 
[GEE-GAR-GA-AH-TSE-LUR-SKEE.]
   This plant is so well known to the people of Tennessee, and the 
Carolinians, as to render a description of it almost unnecessary. Its root 
is branched and very fibrous, its stem is smooth, erect, rising from one 
to two feet high, bearing long, smooth and oval leaves, outer points 
acute. The whole plant may be used, it is an acute vermifuge or worm 
medicine.

   The most common mode of using it, and as good a plan as any, is in 
decoction, about two ounces of the plant and root together when green, or 
about a half an ounce of the dried root, put into a quart of water, and 
boiled until tolerable strong, sweeten it well and to a child from six to 
eight years old, give from one to two table-spoosnful for a dose, repeated 
three times a day until relief is obtained.--Writers on this subject, 
appear to entertain various and contradictory opinions; some esteem it as 
a good medicine, while others pronounce it very dangerous indeed. The 
Cherokees have no idea how long this plant has been employed by them as a 
worm medicine, and that with the happiest effects. It possesses strong 
narcotic or stupifying properties, and when the system retains it too 
long, produces very alarming effects by stupifying the child, swelling the 
eyes and enlarging the pupils or sights of the eyes; for the above reason, 
it is better to administer it in 

Page 290

large than in small doses, it acts well on the bowels as a purge, and is 
not retained so long in the system as when given in small portions. It 
appears reasonable, that it must produce this sickening, narcotic effect 
on the worms; yet it does not expel or cause them to be discharged, and by 
retaining both the medicine and dead or sick worms in the bowels, even if 
the medicine should have no bad effects medicinally, all retained together 
would certainly excite fever, and produce evil consequences. But if given 
in large quantities it first acts on the worms, and secondly expels them 
by its cathartic powers. And even should you employ a large portion, and 
it should not purge, but act on the eyes of the patient in the above 
manner, you have only to discontinue the use of the pink-root, and give 
castor oil, to aid it in passing off. If the fever should become high and 
the symptoms alarming, aid the operation of the oil by injections, and 
feel assured that the evacuations of the contents of the bowels will 
remove every unfavorable symptom, in a very short time.

WORM WOOD.
   This plant is well known in this country, being generally cultivated in 
gardens for its medical virtues. The juice of the plant, sweetened with 
sugar, or honey, administered in table-spoonful doses, frequently 
repeated, and a poultice of the bruised plant externally on the stomach of 
the patient, is an excellent remedy for worms, especially where the bowels 
are much pained. It is also good for cramp colic. The decoction is good 
for grown persons troubled with hysterics and cramp colic, and for females 
afflicted with painful menstruation. A poultice made by bruising the herb 
or by boiling and thickening the decoction with wheat bran or corn meal, 
is good to prevent mortification, and heal up wounds, old sores, and the 
like.

COMMON GARDEN RUE--(Ruta Graveolens.)
   This is a well known garden herb. The top or leaves boiled to a syrup 
with honey or sugar and given to children troubled with worms, is a most 
excellent remedy, it should be given every morning, in doses of from a tea 
to a 

Page 291

table-spoonful, according to the age and constitution of the child, when 
worms produce violent pains in the stomach and about the naval; a poultice 
of the bruised leaves applied externally over the pained part will greatly 
aid in giving relief. It quickens the circulation removes obstructions, 
promotes secretions. Persons troubled with hysterics will derive great 
benefit from the use of it in whiskey, as a bitter; it is also good in 
palsy where this disease is produced by debility or some obstruction.

   Applied in poultices to the feet, in the last stages of accute 
disorders it is excellent to produce a revulsion from the head, it will 
sometimes draw a blister. A poultice made by bruising the herb, or 
thickening the strong decoction with meal or wheat bran, and applied to 
inflamed or gangrenous parts, is excellent to prevent mortification.

DIRECTIONS, FOR SELECTING, GATHERING AND PRESERVING MEDICINES.
   ANNUAL ROOTS.--That is, such as grow from the seed every year, should 
be gathered just before the flowers put out, as they are then in the 
highest state of perfection.

   BIENNIAL ROOTS.--That is, such as grow from the seed the first year, 
live through the winter, and bear seed and die the second should be 
gathered either in the fall of the first year or spring of the second.

   TRIENNIAL ROOTS.--Should be gathered in the fall after the Ieaves begin 
to die or in the spring before they put forth.

   Roots intended for medical purposes are to be washed clean, and not 
kept long in the water as this will diminish their virtue; after being 
washed clean, spread them in the sun a short time to dry the water off, 
then spread them out in a dry place. When perfectly dry, pack them away to 
exclude the atmosphere.

   Herbs and leaves intended for medicine should be gathered 

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about the time of flowering, as they are then at their greatest 
perfection. Flowers should be collected when in perfection. Herbs, leaves 
and flowers, must be cured in the shade.

   Barks, designed for medicine, should be gathered either in the fall or 
spring, from young thrifty trees, shave off the rough or outside bark, dry 
it in the shade, and preserve it from rain and dew.