[Illustration: MADAME YOUNG, M. D.]
MADAME YOUNG’S
GUIDE TO HEALTH;
HER EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICE
FOR NEARLY FORTY YEARS;
A TRUE
FAMILY HERBAL,
WHEREIN IS DISPLAYED THE TRUE PROPERTIES AND MEDICAL
VIRTUES OF ALL THE ROOTS, HERBS, &c., INDIGENOUS
TO THE UNITED STATES, AND THEIR COMBINATION
IN ALL THE DISEASES THE HUMAN
BODY IS HEIR TO; ALSO, AN
EXPLANATION OF THE HUMAN BODY,
ITS LIABILITY TO INJURIES THROUGH IGNORANCE
OF US STRUCTURE.
DEDICATED EXCLUSIVELY TO HER SEX.
ILLUSTRATED WITH DESCRIPTIVE ENGRAVINGS.
_I’ll be as happy as my fortune will permit, and make others so,
if I can._
ROCHESTER, N.Y.:
PRESS OF A. STRONG & CO., DEMOCRAT AND AMERICAN OFFICE.
1858.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858
BY AMELIA YOUNG,
In the Clerk’s Office of the Northern District of New York.
STEREOTYPED BY
CHAS. H. M’DONELL,
ROCHESTER. N. Y.
INDEX.
Abdomen, the, 124
Abortion, 131
After Pains, 106
Ague, 23
Angelica, 12
Alder, Black (See Errata below.), 16
Do Dwarf, 24
Alterative, 27
Anti-bilious Physic, 54, 57, 98
Do Pills, 49
Do Female Pills, 59
Appetite, loss of, 12, 32, 101, 104
Do Regular, 17
Asparagus Roots, 89
Asthma, 21, 30, 38, 39, 55, 83, 105
Asthmatic Elixir, 79
Astringent, 31
Avens, 39
Back, pains in the, 18, 28, 34
Do weak, 87
Balmory, or Snakehead, 12
Balsam of Honey, 96
Do Fir, 23
Do of Life, 46
Bathing, 140
Do Anodine Solution, 92
Beer, 86
Do Indian, 60
Beggar Lice, (Nervine), 12
Beth, or Pappoose Root, 28
Bitters, Anti-scorbutic, 55
Bitter Root, 21, 28
Bitter Sweet, 35
Bladder, derangement of, 23, 31, 32
Do Stone in, 77
Bleeding, to stop, 69
Blisters, Butternut for, 41
Blood, cleansing the, 13, 20, 24, 26, 28, 29, 34, 82, 86
Do Root, 95
Do Spitting, 25, 36, 105
Do to warm the, 81, 93
Do Vomiting of, 48
Bloody Flux, 27, 53, 89
Blue Flag, 13
Boils, 56, 57, 68
Bones, broken, 78
Bone Ointment, 95
Bowels, complaints of the, 20, 90
Do Inflammation of, 47
Do Pains in the, 22, 41
Do the, 161
Do to regulate, 63
Do weak, 19, 35
Breast, Cancer in the, 36
Do Pain in the, 85
Do Sore, 23, 76, 82
Bronchites, 30
Bruises, poultice for, 23, 68
Bryony, White, 25
Buckthorn, 32
Burdock Root, 28
Burns or Scalds, 25, 33, 70, 77, 78
Cachexies, 31, 32
Camomile, 33
Cancer, 36, 65, 68, 75, 98, 99
Canker, 22, 30
Carbuncles, 109
Carrot Seed, 23
Carroway Seed, 23
Catamenia, 85
Catarrh, 26, 91
Catnip, 18
Cathartic, 28, 29, 32
Celandine, 24
Chest, formation of, 115
Do Pains in the, 17, 24
Chick Weed, 34
Chilblains, 86
Children, Diet of, 177
Cholera Morbus, 87
Cholic, Billious, 23, 24
Do Wind, 12, 19, 23, 39, 72, 80, 111
Chronic Disorders, 27
Chylification, 164
Chymification, 163
Clap, 37
Coffee, Medical, 53
Cohosh Root, 27
Comfrey, 36
Colds, 34, 66
Composition, 42, 61
Convulsions, 25
Consumption, 33, 78, 84, 86
Consumptive Complaints, 62, 71
Do Females, 85
Do Persons, 19, 25, 38, 97
Cordial, Neutralising, 90
Corns, 103
Costiveness, 39
Cough, 11, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 34, 44, 63, 66, 104
Do Drops, Acid, 50
Do Mixture, 43, 72, 91
Do Powders, 51, 53
Do Syrup, 84
Cramps, 25
Cranesbill, 24
Crosswort, 20
Cucumber, Wild, 107
Dandelion, 20
Deafness, 62, 100
Debility or Languor, 12, 20, 22, 34, 39, 86, 104
Decline of Life in Females, 28
Diabetes, 47, 83
Diaphoretic, 21
Diaphragm, 121
Diarrhœa, 22, 36, 39
Diet, Children’s, 31
Digestion, 19, 55
Do Time of, 184
Digestive Organs, 159
Diuretic, 26, 32, 88
Dragon’s Claw, or Fever Root, 15
Dropsy, 14, 24, 26, 31, 32, 47, 49, 65, 61, 73, 95, 108
Do Hydrogogue purge for, 25
Do of the Brain, 54
Do of the Chest, 48
Dysentery, 21, 27, 28, 36, 37, 39, 42, 59, 98
Dyspepsia, 12
Ear-ache, 24, 68
Elecampane, 25
Elm, Slippery, 25
Elixir Pro, 65, 78
Emetic, 21, 28, 29, 42, 109
Do Anti Drops, 52, 93
Epilepsy, 40
Eruptions, Cutaneous, 19
Essences, to make, 58
Evacuation, 165
Evergreen, or Wintergreen, 13
Expectorant, 19
Extracts, ordinary, 220
Eye Water, 60, 68
Eyes Inflammation of the, 13, 24, 63
Eyes, Film on the, 107
Do Sore, 32, 57, 58
Do Weak, 56
Eye Wash, 43
Febrifuge, 15, 39
Feet, Cold, 87
Female Difficulties, 14, 22, 28
Do Weakness, 87
Fevers, 11, 17, 19, 20, 24, 32, 33, 34, 93
Do Cathartic for, 110
Do Indian Remedy for, 111
Do Intermittent, 39
Do Root, 15
Do Sores, 51
Do Typhoid, 139
Fits, 32, 40, 82, 86, 106
Flatulence, 19
Flooding, 27
Fluid Secretions, 16
Fluor Albus, 37
Flux, 37, 77
Fœtus, Development of, 5
Food, remarks on, 181, 184
Foxglove, 37
Fruit, to Preserve, 58
Fumatory, 20
Gall, Ox, 64, 95
Gall Cake, to loosen the, 21
Gestation, period of, 9
Gleet, 19
Goitre, or Adam’s Apple, 93
Golden Rod, 31
Do Seal, 32
Gonorrhœa, 19
Gooseberry, 34
Gout, 33, 51
Gravel, 18, 23, 24, 43, 95
Gruel, 31
Gullet, the, 123
Hair, to promote the growth of the, 98
Headache, 17, 20, 24, 44, 79, 91
Head, Bald, 25
Do Cold in, 24
Hemlock, 34
Herb Tea, 142
Herbs, Plants, etc., 191
Hips, Basket of the, 126
Hives in Children, 100
Hops, 22
Huckleberry, 23
Humors, 20, 89, 94
Hydrogogue, 21
Hypochondria, 32
Hysterics, 32
Ice Plant, 32
Indigestion, 82
Indian Women, hardihood of, 112
Infants, 169
Inflammation, 25, 33, 34, 51, 62
Injections, 42, 105
Ippecacuanha, 21
Itch, 25, 36, 102
Jacob’s Ladder, 18
Jaundice, 12, 23, 24, 32, 33, 36, 102
Joints, Swelling of, 69
Do Weak, 77
Kidneys, 19, 21, 23, 31, 32, 125
King’s Evil, 24, 70, 86
Lavender, 88
Laxative, 19
Leek, Garden, 18
Legs, pain in, 81
Lilly, Pond, 33
Lobelia, 21
Lockjaw, 41
Lime Water, 63
Liver, Derangements of, 20
Do Inflammation of, 48
Do to Strengthen, 93
Do the, 123, 161
Lumbago, 110
Lungs, Soreness of, 24, 30
Madder, 33
Maiden Hair, 22
Malefern, 35
Mandrake Powders, 49
Marks on Children, 84
Marsh Mallow, 30
Marsh Rose Moss, 19
Mallows, 43
Masterwort, 19
Mastication, 161
Masturbation, 133
Mayweed, 27
Measures, 50
Medicamentum, Young’s, 90
Melancholy, 32
Menses, Obstructed, 36
Do Suppression of, 13, 17, 47
Menstrual Discharge, 19
Mercury to cleanse from the blood, 101
Milk, or Silk Weed, 26
Monthly Courses, 23, 24
Mortification, 19, 80
Moss, Ground, 45
Mouth, the, 160
Mucous, Cold, 17
Mustard Seed, black and white, 17
Narcotic, 22
Nervine, 30, 32
Nervous Fevers, 15, 17
Nerve Ointment, 42, 91
Nettles, 28, 44
Nipples, Sore, 62
Nose, bleeding at the, 49
Oak, white, black and yellow, 31
Oats, 31
Ointment, Rheumatic, 45
Do Vegetable, 50, 56, 102
Do Universal, 92
Ointments, 222
Opodeldoc, 81
Opium, 153
Opthalmia, 13
Ovaries, affections of, 28
Do the, 127
Pæonie, Garden, 40
Pain in the Side, 23
Pains, Bathing for, 64, 98
Parsley, 32
Peach Leaves, (for Cough), 11
Pectoral, 22, 28
Pennyroyal, 13
Perspiration, 18, 19, 28
Peruvian Bark, (See White Oak), 31
Physic, Family, 52, 70
Phlegm, 21
Phlegmatic Temperament, 27, 28
Phthisic, 21, 25, 41, 81
Physiology, 115
Pigeon Berry, 29
Piles, 24, 63, 79
Pillwort, 24
Pills, Antibillious, 49, 52, 96
Do Family, 108
Plaster, 46, 83, 85
Pleurisy, 31, 103, 105
Poisonous Bites, 66
Poplar Bark, 20
Polypus, 58, 65
Poultice, 34, 77
Poke Root, 29
Powders, Mandrake, 49, 51
Do Compound, 81
Do Soda, 81
Pregnancy, 107
Prickly Ash, 12, 34
Prolapsus Uteri, 99
Prejudice, 145
Properties Explained, 223
Purge, 16, 25, 33, 39
Queen of the Meadow, 21
Raspberry, red, 22
Relax, 45, 51
Do in Children, 59
Relaxation of the Solids, 84
Remittent Fever, 15
Rheumatism, 12, 13, 26, 27, 33, 36, 43, 46, 69, 76, 78, 80, 94
Do Chronic, 94
Do Inflammatory, 29
Do Outward application for, 24
Rheumatic Powders, 59
Rheumatism, its causes, 149
Rickets, 28, 78, 110
Roots and Herbs, how to collect and Preserve, 135
Rose, 13
Ruptures, 36, 97, 100
Salts, Volatile, 64
Salt Rheum, 46, 54, 75, 82, 106
Salve, 42, 59, 68, 96
Sassafras Bark, 26
Sarsaparilla Root, 27
Do Syrup, 88
Scald Head, 54, 62
Scitica, 52
Scoke Root, 30
Scrofula, 26, 27, 30, 33, 35
Scrofulous Sores, 96, 99, 111
Senna, 38
Side, Stitch in, 28
Single-celled Berry, 14
Sinews, Shrunk, 23, 25
Small Pox, 104
Snake Root, black, 19
Do do Canada, 27
Snake Weed, 29
Soap Oil, 96
Sudorific 27, 28, 90
Sore Mouth, 22, 29
Do Eyes, 23
Sores, all kinds, 23, 24, 25, 33, 56, 92, 93
Sorrel Extract, 93
Southern Wood, or Old Man, 17
Spasmodic Affections, 18
Spasms, 49
Spearmint, 19
Spikenard, 34
Sprains and Bruises, 47, 90, 94
Strengthening, 31, 86
Stimulant, 17, 26, 27, 28, 32
Stimulating Embrocation, 80
Stomach, Complaints of, 32
Do Sickness of, 13, 68
Do Soreness of, 24, 39, 41, 49, 82
Do Sour, 50
Do Tincture, 63
Do The, 160
Do Weak, 85
Stone Root, 32
St. Anthony’s Fire, 93, 109
Succory, 19
Summer Savory, 12
Sweat, 24
Sweet Fern, 28, 35
Swellings, 23, 25, 36, 68, 72, 73, 87, 91
Synonyms, 211
Syrup, Alterative, 65
Do Cleansing and Strengthening, 60
Do Flax Seed, 84
Tamarack, 34
Tar Syrup, 97
Tar Water, 60
Teeth, Aching or Decaying, 25
Do Insensible to pain, 64
Testicles, Rupture of, 100
Thoroughwort, (Fevers), 11, 44
Throat, Sore, 41, 109
Tincture, Dewey’s, 80
Tonic, 20, 32, 91
Toothache, 12, 13, 24, 47, 64
Tooth Powder, 91
Thistle, Canada, 44
Tumors, 35
Turnip, Indian, 28, 95, 97
Typhus Fever, 15
Ulcers, 23, 28, 30, 36, 63, 68, 73, 77, 92, 99
Unicorn Root, 29
Urinary Organs, diseases of, 18
Urine, Flow of, 19, 32, 37
Do Incontinency of, 48
Do Regulator of, 21, 31
Do Retention of, 18, 25, 24, 28
Uva Ursa Leaves, 19
Venereal Disease, 27
Vervain, 20
Virgin’s Bower, 26
Viscera, Obstruction of, 20
Do Secretions of, 31
Vomit, 33
Vomiting, 48
Vermifuge, 22, 26, 35
Wash, 31
Water Fennel, 30
Water Trefoil, 33
Waters, Double-distilled, 222
Weakness, 35, 99, 103
Whites, 36, 37
Whooping Cough, 75, 104
Wind, 23
Wine, Currant, 88
Do Elder, 91
Wintergreen, 13
Witlows, 57
Womb, and Appendages, 126
Do Diseases of, 129
Do Derangement of, 35
Do Falling of, 22, 28
Worms, 12, 17, 32, 35, 41, 43, 64, 74, 101
Wormwood, 32
=ERRATA.=--The two line paragraph near top of page 17, should follow
the fourth paragraph on page 16,—“for children, in coughs and
costiveness, &c.,” should be followed by “the above is also very good
for children, &c.”
PREFACE.
MY BELOVED SEX:
I have taken upon myself a great task, at the age of sixty-two, through
love for you and the rising generation. The Scripture teaches,—_Where
much is given, much will be required_; that is the case with me.
Nature’s gift was liberal, and this gift I had ample means to cultivate.
I left Boston, my native place, and kind parents, at the age of
fifteen, for Montreal, there to acquire and master languages which my
native home could not bestow. Here I devoted three years to French
and Latin, as they were absolutely necessary for my advancement in
Philosophy and Botany. I remained here some years, and frequently
visited the Iroquois tribe, learning much of them in the healing art.
I began to keep a regular manuscript of all I could possibly learn from
every tribe and nation, not allowing myself to be biased by prejudice.
My beloved friends, daily do I read books that are styled Herbal, on
the Virtues of Roots, Herbs, &c., and have not only discovered in
them an almost innumerable quantity of errors and defects, but also a
multiplicity of directions for their uses which my own knowledge and
practice proves ineffectual in the cure of the complaints to which
these treatisers have directed their applications.
I likewise give you a description of the human body, or, in a word, the
Living Animal, easy and comprehensive, that it may be understood by
every one who reads it. I have written it in a plain, easy and familiar
style, adapted to all capacities. It is the sincere wish of my heart,
that it may prove a blessing to all.
MADAME YOUNG, M. D.
[Illustration: Plate 1. Development of the fœtus]
DEVELOPMENT OF THE FŒTUS.
WHEN conception first takes place, an ovum is detached,
which is carried through the fallopian tubes or oviduct, to the uterus,
and has been observed in that organ by Sir E. Home, eight days after
impregnation.
About the fourth week, it resembles a tadpole, the appendage or tail
being probably the spinal marrow; a small point is perceived below the
head which pulsates and indicates the region of the heart; below this
the abdomen appears. Thus, the brain, spinal marrow and heart are first
called into action, the other parts being brought forward as required
by nature.
About the sixth week, two small, black spots proclaim the development
of the eyes; the mouth appearing about the same time; the upper
and lower limbs soon become discernable. The intestinal tube is
perpendicular, running along the spine.
At two months, all parts of the child are present; the eyes and
eyebrows are visible; the limbs are developed; the fingers are closed
on each other, though flimsy; the head now forms comparatively the
third part of the body, in size. Its weight is about half an ounce, and
length about three inches.
Between the ninth and tenth weeks, the mouth is plainly defined, the
lips drawn closely together; the eyelids close the eyes; the opening of
the ears begin to appear; the spinal tail shortens, and the fingers and
toes assume their proper shape and position.
Towards the third month, the face is distinct; the front part of the
chest is covered in by the iternum; the intestines, hitherto contained
in the umbilical cord, enter the abdomen; the skin begins to be
organized; the embryo is now from four to six inches in length, and
weighs from one and a half to two ounces.
At the fourth month, the upper and lower extremities are equal; the
skin is downy; the bones and muscles are so far formed as to be under
the control of, and are now moved by the fœtus. It measures about seven
or eight inches in length, and weighs between seven to eight ounces.
About the fifth month, the auricles and vesicles of the heart are
equal; the toe and finger nails are marked; the skin is still red;
the features become plainly developed. The length of the fœtus is ten
inches, and the weight about sixteen ounces.
At the sixth month, the hair appears; the brain becomes homogeneous;
the nails may be plainly distinguished; the form of the child is now
distinct. The length twelve inches, and the weight nearly two pounds.
At the seventh month, the skin is of a rosy color, cellular substance
becomes developed; the eyelids are covered; the bile is bitter; every
part of the fœtus is enlarged, and so far developed that if born at
this time it will be able to breathe, cry and nurse, but very difficult
to raise, or bring up, requiring, as it does, a great amount of care,
and constant attention. Lacking animal heat, it must be imparted to it
by being kept wrapt in a soft, flannel blanket, and in the lap of
the nurse, or lay close to its mother, as its own power of generating
heat is very feeble, therefore that heat necessary to its existence
must be supplied to it. It is very seldom they are strong enough,
bodily or constitutionally, to endure washing or dressing. Natural, or
animal heat, is far preferable to fire heat. The length of the body
fourteen inches, and weight about three pounds.
[Illustration: Plate 2.Development of the fœtus]
At the eighth month, all the parts are more developed; the infant
measures sixteen inches, and weighs between four and five pounds.
At the ninth month, the infant has acquired the perfect form of the
human species; the two substances of the brain are quite distinct;
the muscular system well developed, the bones are strong, the motions
of the child quick and lively, the heart pulsates rapidly, and the
circulation has become very active. The length of the body is generally
twenty inches, and the weight seven or eight pounds; the crown of
woman’s bliss--the true effects of wedded love.
[Illustration: Plate 3. Woman showing position of fœtus]
[Illustration: Plate 4. Woman showing position of twins]
PERIOD OF GESTATION.
THE usual period of gestation, (carrying the child
in the womb,) as derived from extended observation by medical
statisticians, is found to be forty weeks, or 280 days. Ladies
generally count nine solar months, which is a little short of 280 days.
The difficulty of determining from which particular act of cohabitation
conception took place, and still more, the impossibility of knowing on
what day the semen of the male impregnated the ovum of the female, (as
this may not occur for some days after copulation,) renders certainty
upon the length of gestation, to a day, quite out of the question in
any case. But by close observation, and taking a great number of cases,
it may be ascertained, to within a brief period, when conception has
occurred, and from thence the average deduction of gestation may be
drawn. But upon this point, as upon all others connected with the
subject of gestation, it will be found that there is no fixed period
for parturition to take place. It may occur before the expiration of
280 days; it may not happen till after that period. There have been
undoubted instances where gestation has been prolonged to 300 days.
The law of France fixes 300 days as the period, after death, or absence
of the husband, wherein the child shall be considered legitimate. In
Scotland, the term is ten months. In one case in this country, a child
born 311 days after the decease of the husband, was decided by the
Court to be legitimate; but physiologists would be dubious upon the
legitimacy of the infant in a case so prolongated as this.
On the other hand, children are often born before the expiration of the
280 days. Seven and eight months’ children, that live, are by no means
uncommon; and there have been recorded cases of children born at even
so short a period as twenty-four weeks after conception, which lived;
the child itself, from the formation and ossification it presented,
giving evidence that it had not been a longer period than that in the
womb. A Church Court, in England, decided a child legitimate born
twenty-seven weeks after marriage. In cases of this kind, the child
itself is the best evidence; the appearance it presents showing, to
the medical man, generally, very near its fœtal age. There are so
many instances recorded, and well attested cases, where children have
been born at a much less time, after conception, than nine months,
that no woman should be accused or suspected of wrong in giving birth
to a child a little short of the usual period, after marriage. It is
exceedingly unjust to do so. The mortification which many sensitive
ladies, entirely innocent of evil, experience, and the mental anguish
they endure from such thoughtless remarks as the ignorant, upon these
points, are too prone to make, leads me to hope that men and women
will hereafter better inform themselves upon this subject, and from a
better knowledge be induced to abstain from unjust conversation and
condemnation.
[Illustration: Plate 5. Diagram of womb]
[Illustration: Plate 6. Diagram of womb]
FAMILY HERBAL.
THOROUGHWORT
Has been introduced extensively into practice throughout the United
States, and appears to be superior to camomile as a sudorific tonic,
and far preferable to bark, in the treatment of the local autumnal
fevers of the country, prevalent near the streams, lakes and marshes,
often curing when other tonics failed. A warm decoction of boneset,
till it vomits freely, is generally sufficient to break up almost any
fever in its commencement; it cleanses the stomach, and excites the
secretive organs; relaxes constriction, produces a free perspiration,
and, of course, throws off the disease. For colds, it is a complete
remedy, always observing to take a draught of the cold tea after the
sweat is over, which will prevent an additional cold on exposure.
Boneset may be managed to act as a tonic, a sudorific, a laxative, or
an emetic.
PEACH LEAVES AND TWIGS
Are useful in a bad cough. Steeped down to a strong tea, with about
half of the quantity of skunk-cabbage, add the same quantity of good
molasses as there is of tea, and take half a wineglass three or four
times a day. I have cured an obstinate cough with this medicine.
Peach pits, or meats, are very useful in bitters to assist the
digestive organs, and prevent inflammation of the kidneys and bladder.
The leaves and twigs have the same properties as the meats, and will
answer when the meats cannot be obtained. A strong tea made of peach
leaves, will stop excessive vomiting.
BALMORRY, OR SNAKEHEAD.
This herb is found in moist fields, frequently near small streams or
rivulets, and has a very bitter taste. It is much used for bitters;
for correcting the bile, it is a tonic and anti-bilious, much used in
jaundice, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, general languor and debility;
good for children troubled with worms. It is one of the ingredients in
my spiced bitters. An even teaspoonful of the powder is a dose.
ANGELICA
Is found in all parts of the United States. Its medical properties are
the same as the garden angelica of Europe.
SUMMER SAVORY,
An annual plant, growing without cultivation in the south of Europe;
is cultivated in our gardens; principally used to season food. It is
stimulant, and has a tendency to remove pain and wind.
PRICKLY ASH.
The bark and berries of the prickly ash are stimulant, tonic, and
energetic. It has been highly esteemed as a remedy for chronic
rheumatism, and is a celebrated remedy for the toothache; a very
common ingredient in bitters; it possesses somewhat the properties of
guaiacum. By a long continuance in taking this bark, it is said to
produce salivation. The dose to be taken is from ten grains to half a
drachm, to be repeated three or four times a day.
EVERGREEN, OR WINTERGREEN.
An excellent remedy for cleansing the blood. The oil is good for the
toothache, and is used to disguise many popular panaceas.
ROSE.
The flower is tonic and astringent. Dr. Beach prescribes the rose water
in connection with the pith of young sassafras twigs, in ophthalmia, or
inflammation of the eyes.
PENNYROYAL.
Found all over the United States, and in Canada. It is gently
stimulant, produces universal perspiration when taken in large
quantities, warm, and we consider it the best drink to accompany
the lobelia emetic. In cases of sudden suppression of the menses, a
tumblerful of this drink, with an even teaspoonful of black pepper,
powdered fine, sweetened and drank warm, after soaking the feet in
weak ley, will rarely fail producing the desired effect. It is useful
to qualify, or mix other medicines for sickness at the stomach, colds,
&c., and may be drank freely.
BLUE FLAG.
Found throughout the United States, by the side of streams and wet
places. It flowers in June, has a very handsome blue flower; grows
about two feet high. The Oneida Indians make much use of this root
for the cure of rheumatism. Make a strong tincture of the blue flag
root, by putting it into spirits, or alcohol; let the patient take
a teaspoonful three times a day, after eating, increasing the dose
gradually. If it should produce slight pains in the head and breast,
take less at a time.
BEGGAR LICE.
The virtues of this plant has never, to my knowledge, been thoroughly
understood. As a nervine in all female difficulties, and a valuable
medicine when used for any derangement in the monthly courses, it has
not many equals; it will remove pain immediately, and quiet the nerves.
DIRECTIONS.--Take a handful of the flowers and leaves, and half the
quantity of tanzy; make a good strong tea, and take a quantity on going
to bed, if you can; if not, take it, but do not go out in the cold. The
best time is bed time.
SINGLE-CELLED BERRY.
Grows in hedges, and along the road sides, in almost every part of
America; flowers in July and August; the berry contains three irregular
shaped seeds.
MEDICAL VIRTUES.--A decoction of the berries and roots, has been found
most efficacious in curing dropsies.
PREPARATION.--Boil two ounces of the dry root, in two quarts of rain
water, down to one half, and strain the liquor. In dropsy, a gill of
the decoction must be taken morning and night. A gill of the juice
made from the inner, or green bark, works powerfully, both upwards and
downwards, and has frequently cured dropsies. One ounce of the inner
bark, dried, and one ounce of the dry roots, may be boiled in four
quarts of rain water, down to two quarts; a teacupful, taken three
times a day, works powerfully as a diuretic, and is an excellent remedy
in suppression of the urine.
DRAGON’S CLAW, OR FEVER ROOT.
This is a newly discovered plant, known to but few botanists in the
United States. It rises six or seven feet; the leaves grow in a cluster
from the root to the top; blossoms, yellow; roots, small and black,
about the size of cloves, and very tender, very much resembling the
claws of an animal, and so full of nitre that the powder of the root,
if kept in the open air, will liquify.
HISTORY.--This plant grows upon mountains and the sides of hills, in
the Genesee country, and about Albany: the leaves ovate, and are two or
three inches long.
MEDICAL VIRTUES.--It is a powerful febrifuge, and I have found it a
sure and quick medicine in exciting perspiration, without increasing
the heat of the body. The root is effectual in all remittent, typhus,
and nervous fevers, and will relieve the patient of all pains caused by
colds.
PREPARATION.--After prescribing a mild puke of the American
ipecacuanha, and the physic has done working, I give one or two ounces
of the root, to be put into two quarts of rain water, and boiled
down to one, and giving the patient, in bed, a teacupful of the
strained liquor every hour, which causes a plentiful perspiration, and
generally stops the fever in a few hours. The night-hectic fever, in
a consumptive patient, I have relieved by the above treatment. It is
an excellent medicine in pleurisy, and a sure remedy in erysipelatose
fever.
Pulverize the root, sift the powder through a fine hair sieve, and put
it in bottles, well stopped from the air. A teaspoonful of this powder
may be taken every two hours, in a teacupful of black snakeroot tea, in
order to raise a speedy diaphoresis, or perspiration, in pleurisies and
fever, when they are violent.
BLACK ALDER
Rises to the height of a small tree, and is much branched towards
the top; the young shoots are full of pith--the old ones empty; the
leaves are pinnated, consisting of two or three pair, with an odd one
at the end; flowers, sweet smelling, white, and produced on large,
flat umbels, or clusters. The fruit is a round, succulent berry, of a
blackish purple color, and contains three seeds.
HISTORY.--This tree grows in hedges and clumps, along the borders of
meadows or flats, in every part of the United States; flowers in July,
and the berries are ripe in September.
MEDICAL VIRTUES.--An infusion, in wine, of the inner bark of the trunk,
or the expressed juice of the berries, in a dose of an ounce, will
purge moderately, and, taken in small doses,--say a teaspoonful every
hour,--proves an efficacious diabetruent, capable of promoting and
assisting all the fluid secretions. The following is a good medicine in
families, for the cure of recent colds and coughs:—
Take of the juice of elderberries, strained, ten pounds, and add three
pounds of loaf sugar; evaporate in a bake pan, over a slow fire,
into the consistence of thick honey. A tablespoonful or two may be
taken at bed time; and two teaspoonsful, for children, in coughs and
costiveness, will prove effectual.
taking a teaspoonful or two every hour.
In erysipelatosed fever, a teacupful of the infusion of dry flowers,
(made by pouring a quart of boiling water on a handful of the flowers,)
may be taken every hour, and the parts wet with the following
wash:--Boil four ounces of beech drops, in four quarts of rain water,
down to one half; strain the decoction, and add to it a teaspoonful of
sugar of lead. The face and arms may be wet with a linen rag, dipped
in this lotion, four or five times a day, which never fails to cure,
after necessary evacuations.
The above is also very good for children having the whooping cough, by
SOUTHERN WOOD, OR OLD MAN.
There are few who are ignorant of the existence of this plant, or
unacquainted with its aromatic fragrance. It is to be found in almost
every garden; flowers of a lilac-tinged, grayish color.
MEDICAL PROPERTIES.--There are very few who really know how useful this
plant is. It is stimulant, sudorific, antiseptic, anti-hysterical,
and, I consider it, a great nervine. It is an excellent remedy for the
headache, and to check a too profuse flow of the menses; is also good
for worms.
BLACK MUSTARD SEED.
Take a handful, pound and mix with rye meal; good for pains in the
chest, or elsewhere. Mix with water only; put the poultice on the soles
of the feet.
WHITE MUSTARD SEED.
Very little known; it is a valuable medicine,--simple and efficacious
in all cases where the stomach is weakened by taking too much medicine;
it creates warmth in the stomach, that is, it expels wind and removes
that cold mucous from the stomach, assisting the digestive organs in
their functions, and creates a regular appetite. I have found it good
for worms.
DIRECTIONS.--Take two large tablespoonsful of seeds, clean and free
from dirt, and put them into a half teacupful of spearmint tea; take
a teaspoonful morning, noon, and bed time. Keep the decoction covered
close, and should they become dry, add more tea. You must not chew
them, but swallow them whole. Follow this treatment for fifteen
days in succession. Give less to a child, in proportion to age and
constitution, sweetened with sugar or molasses.
CATNIP.
Notwithstanding this plant is but little thought of in regular
practice, it is a very valuable herb. I have used it, with motherwort,
for menstruation, and found it gave relief instantly, especially where
they were swollen or bloated. I have often used it successfully in
treating children in cases of fits, caused by worms. Make a half pint
of strong, catnip tea, add an even teaspoonful of fine salt, two or
three tablespoonsful of molasses, one tablespoonful of sweet oil, or
hog’s lard; inject two-thirds of it, and keep it up ten or fifteen
minutes, which may be done by compressing the parts with the hand. It
will bring away the super-abundance of mucous slime which, in such
cases, collects on the internal surface of the intestinal canal.
Catnip tea is very useful in fevers, producing perspiration without
increasing the heat of the body; it is also an excellent remedy in
spasmodic affections. I have used it instead of pennyroyal for an
emetic; but I prefer pennyroyal in all cases where a vegetable emetic
is to be given.
GARDEN LEAK.
Though having a very offensive smell, is good for the gravel and all
diseases of the urinary organs.
JACOB’S LADDER.
Good for retention of the urine, pain in the back, loins, &c.; can be
taken as a tea.
UVA URSA LEAVES
Are excellent for consumptive persons, and, I would say, drink
plentifully of the tea, by steeping it well; add a little licorice root.
SPEARMINT
Is a native of the States. It is warming and exhilarating in its
nature, and has all the properties of the peppermint, but works more on
the kidneys, and causes a copious flow of urine and perspiration.
MASTERWORT.
The roots and seeds are aromatic, expectorant and laxative; they are
good to promote menstrual discharge. I can highly recommend it to
all who are troubled with cholic and flatulent disorders; it helps
digestion, and warms the stomach.
MARSH ROSE MOSS.
This I have used successfully in cases of gleet and gonorrhœa; use a
decoction made from the roots.
SUCCORY.
This plant grows wild, and is generally found in pastures; has long
leaves, with a rib down the middle; very bitter. The wild succory
is the strongest, and I generally prefer it in my practice. It is
laxative, and excellent in fevers, cutaneous eruptions, and weak bowels.
BLACK SNAKE ROOT.
This root is diaphoretic, very warming, and promotes perspiration; in
a word, it is a strengthening cordial for all feeble persons. Steep it
and sweeten with sugar; good as a drink in all fevers; its use will
prevent mortification in a fractured limb.
WILD POPLAR BARK.
A great tonic, as well as a pleasant bitter; valuable, and far superior
to peruvian bark for intermittent fever. Take it when the fever is off.
Put a handful of the inner bark in a quart of luke-warm water, and let
it stand a few hours; take a wineglassful in the morning, at noon, and
at bed time.
DANDELION.
The roots and leaves are opening, cleansing the liver and gall; it
opens all the secretions of the viscera, cleanses the blood, and is
good in fevers and general debility.
VERVAIN.
This herb is good for headaches. Steep in good vinegar, and bind on
externally.
CROSSWORT.
This herb is excellent in all bowel complaints, and is a good drink
with your meals. The Shakers use this instead of tea and coffee; it
makes a very pleasant drink when made weak; boil, or steep it in hot
water, ten minutes, in order to make it palatable.
FUMITORY
Is an excellent herb, and makes a good, pleasant tea; is cooling; good
for humors, and all cutaneous eruptions of the skin.
QUEEN OF THE MEADOW.
Leaves and flowers possess the same virtues. It is very seldom
used by females in the United States. This herb should be in every
collection; an excellent regulator in all urinary difficulties, where
the evacuations are scant, or too profuse; strengthens the kidneys and
bladder.
BITTER ROOT, OR AMERICAN IPECACUANHA.
Grows in wood bogs, and on low, sandy land; is emetic, and an excellent
hydragogue, causing the water to pass off freely; is diaphoretic,
possessing the same virtues as the English Ipecacuanha, but I prefer
it as it is rather milder. It is the bitterest root we have it Botany.
In another part of this book may be found a recipe for making the
tincture. When properly administered, it is good in almost all ailments.
LOBELIA,
Sometimes called “emetic weed,” or “Indian tobacco.” I have used this
herb with success; not sufficient to cause vomiting, but merely to
loosen the phlegm and the gall cakes, or gall stones, which are formed
by inward heat. It will act as an emetic and diaphoretic, but always
have some balsamic herb with it, when used as such.
I have found it excellent in asthmas, whooping cough, and phthisic.
Take the seeds, mandrake root, and blood root, equal parts of each,
say 2 oz., and put them into a quart of good rum or whiskey; add
a teaspoonful of coriander seeds, pulverized fine; let them stand
ten hours near the fire, shaking often; give a half teaspoonful in
sweetened water; give six to ten drops to a child having the rattles,
or croup; it will loosen colds immediately, and act beneficially on
the whole system. Keep this herb always at hand; do not be afraid of
it; give a little at a time, until relieved; I have saved the lives of
hundreds with it. In severe cases, put boiled, or bruised onions on the
soles of the feet, and, likewise, take a half teaspoonful of spirits
turpentine, added to a tablespoonful of goose grease, or hen’s oil,
and rub it in briskly between the shoulders and on the breast; repeat
often if necessary, but this will not be required except in very severe
cases. Lobelia is also good to smoke for asthma.
RED RASPBERRY.
The leaves are the only part of this that is used in practice, although
the berries are very healthy in their season. I have used the leaves in
combination with those of mullen, for canker, dysentery, diarrhœa, and
sore mouth, both in adults and babes; it heals and removes all canker
from the bowels. Let the patient drink plentifully of it.
HOPS.
Narcotic, but very useful in poultices; they are good for pain in
the bowels and intestines, and in falling of the womb. Steep hops in
whiskey, heat them hot, and spread on a cotton cloth, sprinkle on a
little black pepper, and apply to the abdomen. Drink a strong tea made
of hops, at bed time, for nine nights in succession. A pillow made of
hops is excellent for persons having weak nerves, and is far healthier
than feathers; so, also, is sweet fern.
MAIDEN HAIR.
This herb is pectoral and vermifuge; an excellent remedy in coughs, and
for all female complaints,--general debility, &c. For a cough, take a
handful, the same of upper mullen leaves, a half handful hoarhound,
three cents’ worth licorice; put these into one quart of water and
boil six minutes, then strain, adding two teaspoonsful cider vinegar
and half pound of honey. Take a tablespoonful every time the cough is
troublesome.
HUCKLEBERRY, OR WHORTLEBERRY.
This berry is very beneficial in retention of the urine, and
derangements of the kidneys and bladder. Make a tea of it, and use as
occasion requires.
FIR BALSAM.
This balsam grows mostly in Maine. I can highly recommend it in coughs,
for which take a little on sugar. For sore breast, anoint the nipples
every night on going to bed, or, it may be used during the day, though
I prefer the former. It is good for all kinds of sores, and may be used
internally and externally, without danger, being simple and efficacious.
CAMOMILE.
For pain in the side, take the flowers, pulverize, and mix with honey
and sweet oil; good in agues, swellings, shrunk sinews, and in colic,
jaundice, bilious colic, and gravel.
CARROT SEED.
Good for wind, and as an assister in monthly courses. The leaves,
pounded, are good for sores and ulcers; the juice of the root is
excellent in salves, as it is both cleansing and healing.
CARAWAY SEED.
May be effectually used for retention of urine, and for wind; also, in
poultices for bruises.
CELANDINE.
Boil in rain water until the strength is out, then mix with old rum, is
excellent for sore eyes; for film on the eye, make a salve with it and
fresh butter; or, the juice may be squeezed into the eye, and for the
same purpose, it can be mixed with breast milk.
A decoction, in wine, is good for jaundice; the root is good for
dropsy, and when powdered and put into a hollow tooth will stop the
toothache. The leaves, made into a tea, are good for a sweat, to be
taken on going to bed; for a fever, if taken in its early stages, and
as a component part in ointments.
PILLWORT.
This is a smaller species of Celandine and is highly recommended as a
wash, or ointment, for king’s evil.
CRANESBILL.
Excellent for bilious colic, gravel, and soreness of the stomach and
lungs. The leaves, pounded and scalded, are good to cleanse and heal
sores and fresh wounds; and wet in rum or hot vinegar, makes a good
outward application for rheumatism.
DWARF ALDER.
A tea, made of the inner or middle bark, is good for dropsy, for
coughs, and for affections of chest and lungs. The leaves are good for
inflammation of the eyes. The juice of the berry, boiled in honey,
and a few drops put in the ear, will stop the earache or headache. A
tea, made from the roots, will assist the monthly courses, and remove
obstructions; is also good to bathe the head when affected by cold. A
tea, made from the blossoms, I recommend in retention of urine, for
the piles, and to cleanse the blood. Striping the bark _up_, it will
act as an emetic,—_down_, as a physic.
SLIPPERY ELM.
The bark from the root, scraped fine, relieves swellings,
inflammations, and contracted sinews; the root should be boiled some
hours, skimmed and allowed to cool. A poultice, made of the bark from
the root, boiled one hour and strained, is good for bald head, and will
make the hair grow; also, an excellent application for burns, scalds,
and inflammations, inwardly or outwardly.
ELECAMPANE.
This is one of the best roots we have in coughs and consumption, or
phthisic, when used as a syrup. It is good for the teeth, preventing
their aching and decaying; good as an ointment for the itch, and, used
with tobacco, is good for all kinds of sores. The tops, made into beer,
are good for the sight, cramps, convulsions, spitting of blood, &c.
WHITE BRYONY.
DESCRIPTION.--The stem of this plant twists around bushes, shrubs and
trees, and shoots out to a great extent; its tendril leaves are very
large, diminishing gradually to the top one; palmated lobes, pointed
irregularly, and standing upon long foot-stalks; flowers of a yellow
green, male and female, and from the alaæ of the leaves, which are
striped with green veins, turns into a red berry. It grows in low
meadows and swamps; the roots are white and large.
MEDICAL PROPERTIES.--The root is a powerful drastic purgative; it was
formerly much used by the celebrated Dr. Sydenham as a hydragogue purge
in dropsies.
DIRECTIONS.--In all dropsical swellings and suppressions of urine, the
patient may take 2 to 3 drachms, which will work sufficient without
griping; take soup as a drink.
VIRGIN’S BOWER.
This plant rises about two feet in hight; the petals white; the seeds
are attached to their stamens, giving them the appearance of feathered
tails.
MILK, OR SILK WEED.
This has a square stalk, and rises three feet in hight; flowers yellow,
which terminate in a pod.
MEDICAL VIRTUES.--The root has been found effectual in the cure of
dropsy. I have used it with success in all dropsical cases.
MILKWEED
Is also an excellent vermifuge for children. I have found it good in
catarrhal, cachectic, scrofulous and rheumatic disorders.
PREPARATION.--You can steep it as a tea; (I only use the roots) make it
strong, according to age. When it is used for suppression of the urine,
drink plentifully; if for worms, give it night and morning to children,
sweetened with molasses.
SASSAFRAS BARK.
This is well known to all mankind, and grows plentifully in the United
States. I would say, as to the medical virtues of this bark, it is
Sudorific, diuretic, warming and stimulating, and very little should be
used at a time. There are very many who chew it for a sweet breath, but
it injures the habits, therefore be careful, use it for it is good, and
take a little at a time, and not too much; it cleanses the blood.
SARSAPARILLA ROOT.
This root is so well known to every individual that I deem it little to
the purpose to say much about it; it is alterative in its properties,
and more dependence has been put on its virtues than really could be
relied on as a cure; but mixed with other roots of the same virtues,
has always been found by me the best for all tumors, scrofulas, or
venereal diseases. I think snakehead, or fisherworth, can be relied
on for more virtue than sarsaparilla; but even if you have confidence
in this root alone, I say make a decoction, or tea from it, strong. I
prefer our own American sarsaparilla to the Spanish, and as a rule,
prefer all roots, barks, berries, &c., from our own native soil.
MAY WEED.
This weed is well known to all; it resembles camomile, and is called
by some, wild camomile. It has a very disagreeable smell and taste;
although little used in practice, I consider it very useful in
dysenteries or chronic disorders; it will instantly give relief in
bloody flux and flooding; is Sudorific. If you have a case, and need a
good sweat, drink a pint of tea made by steeping the weed.
CANADA SNAKE ROOT.
Very heating; has a beautiful smell; is stimulating, and excellent for
the aged, and for all persons of cold or phlegmatic temperaments.
COHOSH ROOT.
There are four kinds of cohosh,--white, blue, red and black,--all
possessing the same virtues. They are all diobstruents, sedative and
tonic. As a general medicine for females, use the white and blue; the
black, years past, was considered a great remedy for rheumatism, and I
have found it so myself. Take equal parts of cohosh and prickley ash,
and a very little mandrake, is good for aged persons.
BETH, OR PAPPOOSE ROOT.
This root is generally known; is good in falling of the womb, and
troubles in the ovaries. Add it in every syrup you make for diseases of
females.
SWEET FERN,
Boiled in milk, is good for the dysentery and rickets.
NETTLES.
A tea made of nettles relieves stich in the side and back.
BLOOD ROOT, OR DRAGON’S CLAW.
This is one of the most useful roots we have, and no one should be
without it; it is emetic, cathartic, pectoral and sudorific; in fact,
it possesses many virtues; it will cure all internal and external
ulcers.
BURDOCK ROOT.
The roots and tops are of the same medical properties, although we use
the roots more in syrups than the leaves. The roots I consider of a
cleansing and detergent quality, promotes sweat, is good in almost all
syrups, and more especially for females in the decline of life.
INDIAN TURNIP.
This root is very acrid, pungent and heating; it promotes the watery
excretions; its use quickens the circulation in individuals of cold
or phlegmatic habits. For a cough, take a tablespoonful of the root,
pulverized, to which add two tablespoonsful of pulverized loaf sugar,
and a teaspoonful of flour of sulphur; mix well together, and put it
into a jar, covered close. Take half teaspoonful five times a day. This
will cure your cough, and quicken the action of the digestive organs.
Take a green piece of this root, mixed with blue flag, pound them both
together, and it will cure a fellon, on the finger or elsewhere. Apply
three times.
UNICORN ROOT.
It grows on the side of mountains and frequently in swamps; I have
found it very strengthening in all female weaknesses. Combined with
white cohosh, an ounce of each, put into one quart of wine, I have
found good for hysteria cholic. Take half a wine glass full at morning
and at bed time.
SNAKEWEED.
This is certainly the most astringent that grows. Great care must be
taken when using it, and give a cathartic if it proves too binding. It
can be used with honey as a wash for sore mouths.
POKE ROOT, OR PIGEON BERRY.
Few country people are unacquainted with this root. Many persons use
it for greens in the spring. Every one should be prudent, and not use
it too freely as it is emetic and cathartic; it will vomit severely
when taken in large doses, but when used with moderation it will purify
the blood, and is an excellent remedy for inflammatory rheumatism, for
which cut the root into slices and apply it on all parts of the body
which are affected. For internal use, take one quart of the berries
and half an ounce of mandrake root, in two quarts of whiskey, and add
two ounces of prickley ash bark; drink a wine glass full in the same
quantity of cold water, mornings and at bed time; begin with half a
wine glass at first. It will be found good for males or females. In
hysterics or fits, it will give instant relief.
SCOKE ROOT.
This root is very different from poke root, and grows in swamps; is
very hard to dig, and is called by some white hellebore; is a great
nervine. I have known many put it into snuff, but it is very harsh; it
has been used by many in case of mania, but as I do not recommend any
poisons, would say to all, let it alone. If you have the seven years’
itch, you may add a little of it to the following wash: Take 2 ounces
of pulverized blood root, in 2 quarts of best cider vinegar, and add
quarter of an ounce of scoke root; shake well, and wash all over at bed
time. Let this wash stand near the fire for several days before using
it, shaking it frequently. When too thick, add more vinegar. Do not
shake it when you wash with it, but turn it off clear.
WATER FENNEL.
This is anti-scrofulous; is excellent for all diseases of the lungs,
internal ulcers and asthma; it will remove the mucus from the bronchial
tubes, and heal them; for ulcers or sore legs, drink it freely, and
wash the sores with the same; add a little white maple bark with it;
always use the inner bark, next to the wood.
MARSH MALLOW.
These grow in our gardens; the low mallow possesses the same medical
virtues; are both good in canker, mild and loosening; for canker in
children add a little catnip and coriander seed. Children have more or
less canker in the bowels.
WHITE OAK.
This bark is very strengthening; and so, also, is the black and yellow
oak. They are good to make washes. I use them internally, as I think
them as good as peruvian bark, and safer.
OATS.
How few there are acquainted with the virtues hid in oats. Very many
lives have been saved by using oat meal gruel, but of late years it
is entirely laid aside. Oats are healing and cooling, and, therefore,
healthy. Make puddings of the meal for your children every night, and
they will be healthy and robust. Boil two quarts of oats in two gallons
of water four hours, add a handfull of succory, let it steep ten hours,
then strain off and add one pint of good molasses; boil half an hour,
and drink, say a tumbler half full, night and morning, before dog days,
and through that season. I will warrant no sickness will trouble you.
It will cleanse the kidneys. Oats are good in pleurisies, and removes
all obstructions from the viscera. Take two vegetable pills at bed time.
GOLDEN ROD.