_Pleurisy root. Radix._
[The root of this plant, which is very abundant in every part of the
United States, is the part used in medicine. It has a bitter taste, and
its most soluble portions are fecula and a bitter extractive matter. Its
best menstruum is boiling water. Its medicinal properties are
expectorant and diaphoretic. The diseases in which it has been found
useful are catarrh, bronchitis, the passive stage of pneumonia, and in
rheumatism. In substance it may be taken in doses from ℈j to ʒss. Of the
decoction, made by boiling half an ounce of the root in water, a tea cup
full may be taken frequently during the day.]