HERB DEPARTMENT

OVER ONE HUNDRED (100) MEDICAL HERBS

Partially Illustrated, with Full and Detailed Explanation as

to Their Internal and External Uses, Part to Be Used,

When to Gather, Time of Flowering,

Where Found, Preparation for Medicine,

Teas, Etc., and Full Directions for Using.

In preparing this department we have been governed by two essential

observations. First, that the tendency in American and Canadian homes is

to the return to the good old home remedies that mother and grandmother

used so successfully. We have, therefore, tried to choose in this list of

over one hundred herbs, the most common ones, ones that could be prepared

at home easily and quickly and which would be perfectly safe for the

average person to administer as medicine.

Second, upon a close examination of the herb departments of practically

all of the medical works or receipt books sold for family use today we

discovered that only general information and directions were given. In

this connection, we have endeavored, and we believe successfully, to

supply what other books have neglected,--definite directions for the

preparation, dose, etc. Should a physician leave a bottle of medicine at

your home without directions you would not think of using it, and it is

just as useless and indiscreet for a young mother to attempt to use herbs

from the field without explicit directions for their preparation and

administration.

We give below a few important directions for gathering, keeping and

preparation of herbs, etc., for reference when using herbs not in this

list. Those in the list are explained under their respective headings.

Drying and Preserving Roots, Herbs, Barks, etc.--Gather herbs when the

weather is fine, when there is no dew upon them, when the flowers are in

full bloom or the seeds are ripening. By gathering the herbs yourself you

are assured of their being fresh although, if living in the city, you can

purchase them ready prepared in ounce packages for about five cents at any

drug store. Should you gather them yourself dry them in the shade, after

which they should be kept from exposure to the air by wrapping up in paper

or keeping in paper bags, tied and hung up in the attic or other dry

place. If hanging exposed in your home for a long time watch them that

moths do not gather in them and make their nests.

[Illustration: BLOODROOT]

[Illustration: ELDER FLOWERS]

[Illustration: PLEURISY ROOT]

[Illustration: SNAKE HEAD]

[Illustration: SENECA SNAKE ROOT]

[Illustration: GINSENG]

[Illustration: MANDRAKE OR MAY-APPLE]

[Illustration: WAHOO]

[Illustration: SCOURING RUSH]

[Illustration: BONESET]

[Illustration: ROCK ROSE]

[Illustration: TANSY]

[Illustration: BEARBERRY]

[Illustration: ST. JOHN'S WORT]

[Illustration: WORMWOOD]

[Illustration: TRUE CHAMOMILE]

[Illustration: INDIAN TOBACCO OR LOBELIA]

[Illustration: CANADA FLEABANE]

[Illustration: MARSH MARIGOLD]

[Illustration: AMERICAN WORMSEED]

[Illustration: ELECAMPANE]

[Illustration: MUSTARD]

[Illustration: PARTRIDGE BERRY]

[HERB DEPARTMENT 409]

Roots should be dug in the spring when the sap is rising if you wish to

make extract; or they may be gathered in autumn when they have ceased to

vegetate. To dry for winter use they should be sliced, dried and kept from

the air.

Barks should be stripped when the tree is in full leaf and dried in the

shade. The bark of the roots should be taken in the fall, when the sap has

descended.

Flowers and Seeds.--Flowers should be gathered when in full bloom and free

from the dew and should be kept from exposure to the air. Be sure that

seeds have fully matured; dry them also in a shady place and keep ready

for use.

Preparation of Herbs for Medicine.--There are many different methods of

preparing herbs for medicine,--Infusion, Decoction, Fomentation, Ointment,

Plaster, Poultice, Powder, Essence, Tincture, etc. Only five of these,

Plaster, Poultice, Fomentations, Decoction and Infusion are commonly used.

An infusion is more commonly called "tea."

Infusion or Tea, to make.--Usually about one ounce of the herb to a pint

of water is used for an infusion. Sometimes cold water is poured over the

herb, but the most common method is to pour boiling water over the herb

and let stand for a short time, just as you would make common tea for the

table. Sometimes a little sugar may be added to make the tea more

palatable. An infusion or tea should be used while fresh.

Decoction, to make.--Make same as for infusion and boil for some time,

just as you would make coffee.

Essence, to make.--Take about an ounce of the essential oil of the herb

and dissolve in a pint of alcohol.

Fomentations, to make.--Dip cloths or heavy towels in the infusion or

decoction, wring out and apply locally to part that you wish to cover.

Ointments or Salve, to make.--An easy method to make a salve or ointment

is to take about eight parts of vaselin or lard or any like substance and

add two parts of the remedy you wish to use. Thus, if you were to make a

sulphur salve you would use eight ounces of vaselin and two ounces of

sulphur; stir and mix well while hot and when cool you would have a

regular sulphur salve or ointment.

Plasters, to make.--Bruise the leaves, root, or other part of the plant

and place between two pieces of cloth, just as you would a mustard

plaster, and apply to the surface you wish to cover.

[410 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Poultices, to make.--Poultices are used to apply heat (moist heat), to

soothe or to draw. Usually a soft substance is used, such as soap and

sugar, bread and milk, mustard, etc. Some cause a counter-irritation, some

draw the blood from a congested part and thus relieve pain. In the chapter

on nursing many different poultices are given with methods of preparing

them.

Powder, to make.--The part to be used is crushed, pounded, or ground until

it is made very fine. It is best to have substance dry if to be prepared

for powder.

Syrups, to make.--After preparing the substance for a tea boil for some

time, then add considerable sugar and stir until all is nicely dissolved.

To each pint of this syrup add one ounce of glycerin and seal up in

bottles or cans as you would fruit.

Tincture, to make.--Take one ounce of the powdered herb and add 4 ounces

of water and 12 ounces of alcohol, let stand for two weeks. A dram of

glycerin may be added. After standing for two weeks pour off liquid and

bottle for use. If it is necessary for you to use a tincture we would

advise that you buy it at a drug store, as it is not often made properly

at home. The above is a safe method for making a tincture and would not be

especially strong. Should the herb used have a very weak medicinal power

one to four ounces of the herb may be used for the above amount of water

and alcohol.

ALDER, SPOTTED.--Snapping Hazelnut. Winterbloom. Witch Hazel. Hamamelis.

Internally used for.--Falling of the womb, sore mouth, falling of the

bowel, piles, bleeding diarrhea.

Externally used for.--Sore eyes, ulcers, sores, enlarged veins, sprains,

bruises and ivy poisoning.

Part used.--Leaves and fresh bark.

Gather.--In the fall.

Flowers (when).--From September to November.

Grows (where).--In all sections of the United States, especially in damp

woods.

Prepared (how).--As a poultice, ointment, decoction. Make a decoction by

using one and one-half ounces of the fresh bark or leaves, boiled in a

pint of water. The medicine can be bought at any drug store.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For sore mouth, throat, leucorrhea, falling of the

womb and bowel, use the decoction strong locally. It should not cause any

pain. For falling bowel, use a full strength injection and apply locally

with cloths on the sore bowels. Used locally for bleeding from the nose or

from pulling teeth. For piles, an ointment can be made by using strong

decoction and cosmaline mixed. Apply decoction locally on varicose veins

or varicose ulcers. It is often used in the form of "Pond's Extract." For

diarrhea one to three ounces every three hours. Good also applied locally

for burns, old sores, eczema, ivy poisoning, bruises.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 411]

BALMONY. Snakehead. Fish Mouth. Turtlebloom. Bitter Herb. Salt Rheum Weed.

Chelone Glabra.

Internally used for.--Dyspepsia, weak digestive organs, jaundice.

Part used.--Leaves are best for medical use.

Gather.--In the fall.

Flowers (when).--From July to late Autumn.

Grows (where).--Found in the United States in wet grounds.

Prepared (how).--Leaves made into a powder or tea. One ounce of the leaves

to a pint of boiling water to make the tea. Let steep.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of the powder, for above-named diseases,

one-half to one even teaspoonful, four times a day. Dose of the tea for

the above diseases, one to two ounces three or four times a day. The tea

is the best to use. Gentian can be added to this remedy, if desired, when

a more active bitter tonic is wanted. Use same amount of each and make

into a tea. Dose of combination, one to two ounces before meals.

BAYBERRY.--Wax Myrtle. Waxberry. Candleberry. Myrica Cerifera.

Gather.--Collect it late in the fall, dry without exposure to moisture,

pound with a hammer to separate the bark, powder and keep in dark, sealed

vessels.

Grows (where).--In damp places in United States, especially in New Jersey.

Prepared (how).--As a powder, poultice, decoction. To make decoction use

one ounce of the bark to a pint of water and boil.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For jaundice, use the decoction, one to three

ounces, every two to five hours. For diarrhea and dysentery one-half ounce

every two hours. For blood diseases and scrofula, take two ounces four

times daily. Poultice for scrofulous tumors and ulcers, alone, or with

elm. For sore throat, mouth and gums gargle freely with the decoction. A

plaster can be made and used on ulcers. Dose of powder: twenty to

thirty grains, three times a day.

BEARBERRY. Upland or Wild Cranberry. Mountain Box. Red Berry. Arbutus Uva

Ursi.

Internally, used for.--Its special use is in kidney and bladder troubles.

It may be used in diarrhea, dysentery, leucorrhea, but as stated it is

better for cystitis, urinary trouble, etc., gonorrhea.

Part used.--The leaves.

Gather.--In autumn, and use only the green leaves.

Grows (where).--On mountains and dry land in United States, Europe and

Asia.

[412 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Prepared (how).--As a powder or decoction. For decoction use one ounce of

the leaves and boil in one and one-half pints of distilled water. Boil

down to a pint.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--One to three ounces every two to four hours for

gonorrhea, with bloody and mucous discharges and pain in the bladder. For

cystitis one ounce every two hours. For kidney troubles one ounce four

times a day. If taken long or in too large doses it irritates the kidneys.

BEECHDROPS. Cancer Root. Epipegus Virginiana.

Internally, used for.--An astringent for bleeding from the bowels and

womb, and for diarrhea.

Externally, used for.--Erysipelas and skin eruptions, ulcers, and also

good as an injection in leucorrhea.

Part used.--Roots and tops.

Flowers (when).--In August and September.

Grows (where).--All parts of North America.

Prepared (how).--As a powder, decoction, and poultice. To make a decoction

take one ounce of the root to a pint of water and boil. Keep adding water

to make a full pint.

Diseases, Doses, etc.--The decoction has been used in erysipelas, one-half

to one ounce every two hours. Same dose for bleeding and diarrhea. Dose of

powder ten to fifteen grains, four times a day. Decoction can be used

locally in erysipelas. This is also good for ulcers and wounds, and for

skin affections applied locally; or a poultice can be used. A poultice of

this remedy, poke and white oak, equal parts, is very good for old sores.

Useful locally also for sore mouth and throat, and as an injection for

leucorrhea.

BETHROOT. Birth Root. Ground Lily. Lambs Quarter. Wake Robin. Indian Balm.

Three-Leaved Night-Shade. Trillium Purpureum.

Internally used for.--Astringent, tonic, antiseptic. For bleeding from

lungs, kidneys and womb, for leucorrhea and for confinement. Also for

diarrhea, nose-bleed.

Externally.--The root is used as a poultice for tumors, lazy ulcers,

buboes, carbuncles, stings of insects.

Part used.--The root. This contains volatile oil, tannic acid, etc.

Gather.--In autumn.

Flowers (when).--In May and June.

Grows (where).--In middle western and southern states.

Prepared (how).--As a poultice, powder and infusion. Use one to one and

one-half ounce of root to a pint of boiling water for infusion.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For female weakness, bleeding, leucorrhea, and

bearing down particularly, bloody urine, two to four ounces, of the strong

tea, four times daily, and also used as an injection in leucorrhea, once

daily. For bleeding from the lungs, one ounce every hour for a few doses.

For dysentery and diarrhea boil one ounce in a pint of milk and use two

ounces every two to four hours. Powdered root, given in hot water, may be

used in doses of one-half to one teaspoonful three times a day, instead of

infusion. Taken after confinement, use the infusion four times a day,

smell of the red bethroots.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 413]

BLACKBERRY. Dewberry or low blackberry. Red Raspberry.

Internally, used for.--Tonic and astringent, diarrhea, bleeding from the

bowels and womb, injection for leucorrhea.

Externally, used for.--Gonorrhea, gleet.

Part used.--Leaves of the raspberry and the bark of the other two.

Flowers (when).--Spring.

Grows (where).--Almost everywhere.

Prepared (how).--Use one ounce of the leaves of raspberry or bark of

either of the others, to a pint of water and boil to make a decoction.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For diseases mentioned, such as diarrhea, take one

tablespoonful every four hours. For injection use the decoction. This is

used once daily for leucorrhea, gleet, gonorrhea, falling of the womb and

bowel. Internally it is also used as a diuretic.

BLACK HAW. Viburnum Prunifolium.

Internally, used for.--Tonic, astringent, diuretic and alterative. Tonic

for the womb, for threatened abortion and prevention of miscarriage. Good

for severe after-pains, and for bleeding from the womb.

Part used.--Bark of the root.

Flowers (when).--From March to July.

Grows (where).--Most abundant in the middle states and southern.

Prepared (how).--As an infusion and tincture (or fluid extract). Prepare

infusion by adding one ounce of bark of the root to a pint of boiling

water.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For threatened abortion or miscarriage use infusion

three or four times daily, in two teaspoonfuls doses, a week or two

before, it usually has occurred; or the tincture in ten to twenty drop

doses five times daily. For bleeding from the womb take ten to twenty

drops, four times daily, a few days before the time for the flow.

BLOOD ROOT. Red Puceoon. Red Root. Sanguinaria Canadensis.

Internally, used for.--Tonic, emetic, and for sick headache.

Externally, used for.--Ulcers, ringworms and warts.

Part used.--Root and should be kept dry.

Flowers (when).--Appears early in March and April.

Grows (where).--Most parts of United States in woods, groves, in shaded

banks, in rich light soil.

[414 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Prepared (how).--An Infusion and powder. For an infusion one ounce to one

pint of vinegar.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of powder as an emetic, ten to twenty grains.

Dose of infusion as an emetic one to four teaspoonfuls: For ringworm,

tetter and warts, it is applied locally, freely. Applied to ulcers and

growths, it often cures, and removes the growths. As a tonic for the

stomach, the dose should be small, one to one and one-half teaspoonful of

the infusion four times daily, and for sick headache it should be half as

much and not repeated oftener than twice, a half hour apart.

BLUE FLAG. Flower de Luce. Flag Lily. Snake Lily. Liver Lily. Iris

Versicolor.

Internally, used for.--Chronic liver troubles, sick or bilious headache,

cathartic, catarrh of the upper bowel, jaundice, round worms, indigestion,

chronic rheumatism.

Part used.--The root. Make a tincture immediately or dry it quickly before

the fire, clean, powder, and bottle tight for use.

Gather.--In the fall. It must be kept fresh.

Flowers (when).--May or June.

Grows (where).--Found in all parts of the United States, growing in wet

places, in meadows and borders of swamps. Prepared (how).--In powder,

tincture or fluid extract. They can all be bought.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--As a cathartic, five to twenty grains of powder. If

it nauseates, mix with it a few grains of capsicum or ginger. Dose of

saturated tincture, ten to sixty drops. Fluid extract, twenty to sixty

drops. For sick headache one drop doses every hour. For chronic liver

troubles, five to ten drops of tincture, four times daily. Same dose for

all chronic diseases. For round worms, large doses must be used, enough to

move the bowels. Following is good for indigestion and biliousness: Fluid

extract of blue flag and golden seal each; one-half ounce, simple elixir,

one ounce. Take a dessertspoonful in hot water, before meals.

BONESET.--Thoroughwort. Fever Wort. Sweating Plant. Cross Wort. Indian

Sage. Ague Weed. Vegetable Antimony. Eupatorium Perfoliatum.

Internally, used for.--Ague, malarial fevers, influenza, colds, tonic,

cathartic.

Externally, used for.--A fomentation.

Part used.--The top and leaves.

Gather.--When at its best in early autumn.

Flowers (when).--In August and September.

Grows (where).--All over the United States.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 415]

Prepared (how).--Powder. Infusion, one and one-half ounces to a pint of

water.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For malarial fever, a hot strong infusion taken

freely as hot as possible. Teacupful at a time often enough to produce

sweating. Same way for colds and influenza. Use the cold infusion as a

tonic and laxative. As a tonic it is useful after fevers, etc. Dose of

powder ten to twenty grains. Dose of infusion two to four ounces. It can

be combined with tansy and hops and makes splendid fomentation.

BROOKLIME. Veronica Beccabunga.

Internally, used for.--Scurvy and for the menses, obstructed menstruation.

Part used.--Leaves and top.

Gather.--Early autumn.

Flowers (when).--From April to August.

Grows (where).--Eastern and northern states, and grows in small streams

and near watercourses.

Prepared (how).--As a decoction, and it may be used freely.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For scurvy used to purify the blood. It is used in

decoction to regulate menstruation, and should be taken freely and warm

and begun a day before the menstrual period.

BUCHU. A South African plant of the genus Barosma.

Internally, used for.--Bladder troubles. In irritable bladder and urethra,

due to increased sand in the urine, inflammation.

Part used.--Leaves.

Gather.--Buy in drug store.

Grows (where).--In Africa.

Prepared (how).--Infusion; make it by putting one ounce of the leaves to a

pint of boiling water and let it steep.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose is two to four ounces, three or four times a

day in chronic cases of bladder trouble, or one ounce every two or three

hours in acute cases. It is very good when the urine is not free or is

painful to pass. In acute and chronic inflammation, but more especially in

the acute form. If it injures the stomach it can be used in alternation

with pumpkin seed tea.

BURDOCK. Arctium Lappa.

Internally, used for.--Kidney troubles, rheumatism, syphilis, skin

diseases. Must be used a long time.

Externally, used for.--Can be used as an ointment.

Part used.--Roots and seeds.

Gather.--In the spring.

Grows (where).--Almost everywhere.

Prepared (how).--As a decoction, two ounces to a pint of water or fluid

extract can be bought.

[416 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of decoction: This should be used freely as it

is not strong, one pint can be taken in twenty-four hours. Used as an

ointment for skin diseases; the juice, of the leaves, is mixed with lard,

cream or vaselin. This remedy is used frequently in combination with other

blood remedies, for the above named diseases and is very beneficial.

CARROT. Wild Carrot. Bird's Nest. Bee's Nest. Daucus Carota.

Internally, used for.--Dropsy, chronic kidney troubles and gravel.

Externally, used for.--Ulcers: as a poultice.

Part used.--Roots and seeds. Garden carrot, only the root is used.

Flowers (when).--June to September.

Grows (where).--In neglected fields and by roadsides.

Prepared (how).--In infusion (tea) by using one ounce to a pint of boiling

water and allow it to steep, but not to boil.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose, two to four ounces of the infusion, three or

four times a day, for diseases mentioned. When the infusion is made from

the seeds the dose is only about one-third of a teaspoonful four times

daily. For external use for troublesome ulcers, scrape or grate the root

and apply to the ulcers.

CATNIP. Catmint. Catwort. Nepeta Cataria.

Internally, used for.--Sweating, nervous troubles, colic and tonic.

Externally, used for.--Poultices and fomentations.

Part used.--Leaves and top.

Gather.--Early autumn.

Flowers (when).--June to September.

Grows (where).--Grows in dry neglected places, about old buildings and

fences.

Prepared (how).--The infusion should be prepared by adding one ounce of

the plant to a pint of boiling water, Do not let it boil, but only steep;

stand only a few minutes; when wanted as a tonic, use it cold. When used

for sweating purposes, etc., it must be used hot.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Drink as freely as the stomach will permit. It is

frequently used for colic in babies in doses of half to one teaspoonful,

warm. To produce sweating it should be used hot and freely taken. A

combination of catnip, lady's slipper and skullcap, equal parts, either in

the infusion or fluid extract, one dram doses, is good for nervous

headache, hysteria, chorea. Leaves are used as a fomentation. The

expressed juice of the plant is good for amenorrhea in one to two

teaspoonful doses five times daily.

CELANDINE.--Tetter Wort. Chelidonium Majus.

Internally, used for.--Liver and skin troubles.

Externally, used for.--Warts, corns, salt rheum.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 417]

Part used.--Herb and root. Latter is the best.

Flowers (when).--Throughout the summer.

Grows (where).--In the United States in waste places.

Prepared (how).--It is best used internally in the tincture, powdered

root, or fresh juice.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For liver disease, it is especially good where the

pain is under the right shoulder blade. Use the tincture in ten-drop doses

three times a day. Externally rub the juice on the corn or wart. Make an

ointment from the root and rub this on the skin for salt rheum. It is said

to be good for piles also. Dose:--Powdered root ten to twenty to thirty

grains. Tincture, ten to twenty drops, and of the juice ten to twenty

drops.

CHAMOMILE. Roman Chamomile. Anthemis Nobilis.

Internally, used for.--Tonic in small doses, dyspepsia, colic, cramp,

diarrhea, dysmenorrhea.

Externally, used for.--Fomentation, boiled in vinegar and applied to

painful swellings.

Part used.--Leaves and herb.

Gather.--When in bloom.

Flowers (when).--Summer.

Grows (where).--Native of Europe. It grows wild in the United States.

Prepared (how).--As an infusion use a half ounce to a pint of boiling

water, steep and take freely.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Use cold infusion in dyspepsia; warm infusion for

colic and cramps, and for diarrhea in children, especially of the green

kind of stools. Dose:--One teaspoonful every two or three hours. Good for

nervousness in teething children. An oil also is used, two to five drops

on sugar. This is given for colic, cramps, and in painful dysmenorrhea.

CLEAVERS. Goose Grass. Catch Weed. Clivers. Bed Straw. Galium Aparine.

Internally, used for.--Suppression of the urine, gravel, inflammation of

the kidneys and bladder, and for scalding urine in gonorrhea.

Externally, used for.--Freckles.

Part used.--The plant.

Gather.--Early autumn.

Flowers (when).--From June to September.

Grows (where).--Common in the United States, growing on cultivated

grounds, moist thickets, and along fences and hedges.

Prepared (how).--Infusion. Use one and one-half ounces of the herb in a

pint of warm water and allow it to steep for two hours.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Take two to four ounces of the infusion three or

four times a day, when it is cold. The dose can be lessened and taken

oftener. It may be sweetened with sugar when taken for the diseases named

above. Also equal parts of cleavers, maidenhair, and elder blows, steeped

in warm water for two or three hours and drank freely when cold forms an

excellent drink in erysipelas, scarlet fever and measles. An infusion made

with cold water is good to remove freckles; wash the parts several times

daily for two or three months.

[418 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

CLOVES. Caryophyllus.

Internally, used for.--Flatulent colic, diarrhea, cholera morbus,

toothache, (oil of cloves).

Gather.--Collect flowers in October and November, before they are fully

developed and dry quickly.

Grows (where).--In tropical climate.

Prepared (how).--Boil two or three teaspoonfuls of the ground cloves in a

half pint of milk.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Two to four teaspoonfuls every twenty to thirty

minutes for gas colic, or diarrhea where the bowels need tone. The oil can

be used in three to five-drop doses. Also good to place in hollow teeth.

Put a little of the oil on cotton and insert into the tooth. It is also

good to add to other medicines to stop griping and nausea.

BLUE COHOSH. Squaw Root. Papoose Root. Blue Berry. Caulophyllum

Thalictroides.

Internally, used for.--Nervous affection, rheumatism, womb troubles, such

as amenorrhea, leucorrhea; used previous to labor it is beneficial and

also good for afterpains.

Externally, used for.--Sore throat. Part used.--Root.

Gather.--Latter part of summer or in autumn.

Grows (where).--All over the United States in low moist rich grounds, near

running streams, in swamps, etc.

Prepared (how).--As an infusion or decoction. It can be bought in the

fluid extract form. Make a tea by adding one ounce of the root to a pint

of boiling water. Decoction is made by allowing it to boil some length of

time.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of fluid extract fifteen to thirty drops. Dose

of tea, two to four ounces, three or four times daily. Dose of decoction,

one-half the amount. When used in acute disease, the dose should not be

more than one-fourth as much and given every one or two hours. For

rheumatism it is especially valuable, when small joints like the fingers

and toes are involved. It is very good in the chronic womb diseases named

above. It should be used in small doses several weeks prior to labor. It

is said to assist in making labor easier.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 419]

BLACK COHOSH. Rattle Root. Black Snake Root. Squaw Root. Rich Weed.

Cimicifuga Racemosa.

Internally, used for.--Chorea, dependent upon rheumatism; rheumatism,

amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, leucorrhea, afterpains.

Part used.--Root.

Gather.--Early in the autumn and dry in the shade.

Flowers (when).--In June and July.

Grows (where).--Native of United States. Grows in shady and rocky woods,

rich grounds and on sides of hills.

Prepared (how).--Powder; decoction, one ounce to a pint of water; and

tincture.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of decoction half to one ounce; of powder ten

to twenty grains. For chorea, use powder, twenty grains, three times a

day. Use tincture or fluid extract or the decoction for womb affections.

Dose of tincture, thirty to sixty drops three times daily. Fluid extract,

ten to thirty drops three times daily; for afterpains give half as much

about every three hours. In making the decoction you can make it stronger

by boiling longer. The dose must then be less, according to the strength.

This is a very useful remedy. For rheumatism, especially the chronic kind,

it is often beneficial.

COMFREY. Healing Herb. Gum Plant.

Internally, used for.--An astringent and soothing agent in diarrhea,

dysentery, coughs, lung affections, female weakness, leucorrhea, and

urinary diseases.

Externally, used for.--Bruises, ruptures, fresh wounds, sore breasts,

ulcers and swellings.

Part used.--Root.

Flowers (when).--May or June.

Prepared (how).--It is boiled in water or wine or it can be made into

syrup. For external use bruise the root and apply it to the diseased part.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of the syrup one to four ounces, two or three

times a day. For the diseases named it is best to take it in smaller doses

and oftener, say four teaspoonfuls every hour or two; children in

proportion.

CORN SILK. Zea Mays.

Internally, used for.--Diuretic, quieting to the urinary passages.

Congested kidney, dropsy from heart disease, chronic nephritis,

suppression of the urine, renal colic, haematuria, cystitis.

Prepared (how).--Make a tea and drink freely. Fluid extract can be bought.

Diseases., Dose, etc.--Dose: One to two teaspoonfuls of fluid extract

three or four times a day, or drink freely of tea for above diseases.

[420 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

CRANBERRY (High). Cramp Bark. Viburnum Opulus.

Internally, used for.--Cramps and spasms of all kinds, asthma, hysteria;

cramps in the legs, especially during pregnancy, or at labor.

Part used.--Bark.

Gather.--Early autumn.

Flowers (when).--In June.

Grows (where).--In Canada and northern United States, in low rich lands,

woods, borders of fields.

Prepared (how).--Use an ounce of the bark, powdered, to a quart of wine.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Take half a wineglassful four times a day for

continued use. For hysteria attacks, asthma spasms, less should be used

and taken oftener for a few doses. The following combination is effective

for the spasmodic attacks, above named: Cramp bark two ounces, scull cap

and skunk cabbage one ounce each, cloves one-half ounce, capsicum two even

teaspoonfuls. Powder all, and bruise and add to them two quarts of good

native wine. Dose: one or two ounces two or three times a day; oftener and

smaller doses for hysteria, etc. It should be taken for two or three

months during pregnancy.

CRAWLEY. Dragon's Claw. Coral Teeth. Fever Root. Chicken Toes. Albany

Beechdrops. Corallorhiza Odontorhiza.

Internally, used for.--Sweating purposes in fevers and inflammatory

diseases, acute erysipelas, pleurisy, low stages of fevers, amenorrhea and

dysmenorrhea, in afterpains, and suppressed lochia.

Part used.--The root.

Gather.--In the fall.

Flowers (When).--In July. No leaves.

Grows (where).--Found on barren hills and shady uplands in northern states

and Canada.

Prepared (how) .--Powder and keep it in well closed bottles.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of powder, from ten to twenty grains in hot

water and repeated every hour or two as needed. Combined with blue cohosh,

it is very beneficial in amenorrhea, etc., as above stated. In fevers,

Culver's root can be added to it, if the bowels need regulating. It is

also good for flatulent colic in twenty-grain doses. Some combine pleurisy

root with it in pleurisy. It should be given in acute diseases every one

to two hours as needed.

CRANESBILL (spotted). Crowfoot. Tormentil. Storkbill. Alum Root. Geranium

Maculalum.

Internally, used for.--Second stage of dysentery, diarrhea in an infusion

of milk; in bleedings, sore mouth, leucorrhea, gleet, menorrhagia and

excessive mucous discharges, nose-bleed, bleeding from extracted teeth,

piles, bleeding after labor, sore throat.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 421]

Part used.--The root.

Gather.--Collected in late autumn.

Flowers (when).--From April to June.

Grows (where).--In United States in open woods, thickets and hedges.

Prepared (how).--Powder. Use one and one-half ounces of the root and boil

it in a pint of water or milk.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose: one to two tablespoonfuls. Use the watery

decoction as a gargle for sore mouth and throat. For piles:--Inject a

strong decoction and retain as long as possible; or apply an ointment of

two ounces of the root to tobacco ointment seven ounces, and apply three

or four times a day. Nose-bleed and bleeding from teeth extraction:--Apply

the powder or strong decoction to the part. Bleeding from the womb:--

Inject strong decoction or apply on gauze or cotton to inner womb.

Decoction, two parts to one part blood root, forms a good injection for

leucorrhea and gonorrhea. Good in latter stages of diarrhea and dysentery

of children, boiled in milk, given in teaspoonful doses, every one to

three hours.

CULVER'S ROOT. Veronica. Black Root. Culver's Physic. Tall Speedwell.

Leptandra Virginica.

Internally, used for.--A laxative, bilious fever, dyspepsia due to

inactive liver and bowels.

Part used.--Root. Age impairs its virtues. The dried root is safest to

use, if not too old.

Gather.--In the autumn.

Flowers (when).--In July and August.

Grows (where).--In limestone lands and in rich moist places, woods,

thickets, and barrens.

Prepared (how).--As a powder, extract and infusion. Fluid extract can be

bought. To make decoction, use one ounce of the powdered root to one pint

of water and let boil. If you use the green root put one ounce in cold

water, and let it remain there for one hour.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of the powder of dry root, one small

teaspoonful as a cathartic. This will bring away a black tarry discharge.

Then it is better to use the decoction; one to two teaspoonfuls every two

hours. Dose of extract is one-fourth of a grain. This is a good form to

give, when the liver is acting badly. Good also for indigestion, in this

form when due to inactive liver and costive bowels.

DANDELION. Leontodon Taraxacum.

Internally, used for.--Liver when it is torpid and engorged. It is also

laxative and tonic.

Part used.--Root. The green plant is good to use in the form of greens.

Milky juice is also good when fresh.

[422 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Gather.--July, August and September.

Flowers (when).--During spring and summer.

Grows (where).--Everywhere, it seems.

Prepared (how).--Juice is used, also infusion, extract and fluid extract.

Infusion, two ounces of root to the pint of water.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of infusion one to two ounces. Juice, ten drops

to one-half teaspoonful. Extract, ten grains. Fluid extract, one to two

teaspoonfuls. It should be taken often enough, when the liver is torpid,

to move the bowels once or twice a day. If the infusion is used, begin

with a half ounce and take every three hours; increase or decrease as

necessary. The extract is pleasanter and less bulky and best to use in

winter. Take two or three grains every three hours more or less.

DEVIL'S BIT. False Unicorn Root. Drooping Starwort. Blazing Star. Helonias

Divica. Somewhat similar to true unicorn root.

Internally, used for.--Used mainly in womb troubles, strengthens the womb

and prevents miscarriages. Good also for leucorrhea, amenorrhea and

dysmenorrhea.

Part used.--Root. Root is two to two and a half inches in length.

Gather.--In autumn.

Flowers (when).--June and July.

Grows (where).--In low grounds in United States and Canada.

Prepared (how).--Powdered root and decoction.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--It is a tonic to the womb and should be used for two

months before the time the miscarriage usually occurs. For the other womb

troubles, it should be taken four times a day. The fluid extract can be

bought at any drug store, and can be used. Dose: Fifteen drops, four times

daily. Dose of powder, ten to twenty grains. Decoction, one to two ounces.

ELDER (Sweet). Black-berried Elder. Sambucus Canadensis.

Internally, used for.--Erysipelas, kidneys, for sweating purposes, blood

diseases and scarlet fever.

Externally, used for.--Burns, scalds, ulcers, skin diseases and weak eyes.

Part used.--Flowers and berries. Bark of the root also is used.

Gather.--Gather when in flower and when berries are ripe.

Flowers (when).--In summer.

Grows (where).--Grows in all parts of United States and Canada.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 423]

Prepared (how).--Infusion, one ounce of the flowers or root to a pint of

boiling water.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Use warm infusion for sweating and for erysipelas,

half teaspoonful every three hours. Too much taken will move the bowels

and also cause vomiting. Same for scarlet fever in adults. Infusion of the

bark of the root may be taken in doses of half ounce twice daily, to act

as a cathartic. Local, use inner bark of the limbs and steep with cream

and apply freely and often for burns, sores, etc. For weak eyes make a tea

from the flowers and use as an eye wash for children.

ELECAMPANE. Inula Helenium.

Internally, used for.--For sweating, expectorant, bronchitis, dyspepsia

and dysmenorrhea.

Part used.--Root of the second year.

Gather.--Autumn.

Flowers (when).--In July and August.

Grows (where).--In Europe and Japan. Cultivated in United States and grows

in moist places and about houses. Prepared (how).--Use half ounce of the

powdered root to a pint of boiling water and boil to make a decoction.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For bronchitis, dyspepsia and dysmenorrhea, take

half ounce doses four times daily. For sweating and painful menses take

two teaspoonfuls of the hot decoction every two hours until relieved.

FLEABANE. Pridewood. Blood Staunch. Mare's Tail. Colt's Tail. Fireweeds.

Erigeron Canadensis.

Internally, used for.--Diarrhea, dysentery, gravel, painful urination,

piles, bleeding from the womb and bowels.

Part used.--The whole plant.

Gather.--Collect while in flower.

Flowers (when).--July and August.

Grows (where).--In United States and Canada. In fields and meadows, by

roadsides, etc.

Prepared (how).--Powder, oil and infusion. To make infusion, use one ounce

to pint of boiling water.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--The infusion, one to two ounces, should be used

three or four times daily; powder, ten to twenty grains, the same. The oil

is more effective in bleeding and dysentery and bleeding piles. Oil is

very good, in doses of one to five drops every three hours for acute

diseases, or three times a day for chronic cases. Put on sugar.

GARLIC. Allium Sativum.

Internally, used for.--Nervous children, coughs, colds, hoarseness, worms,

croup, nervous vomiting.

[424 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Externally, used for.--Poultice.

Part used.--The bulb.

Gather.--When ripe.

Grows (where).--Native of Asia and Egypt; now cultivated.

Prepared (how).--Juice, syrup, powder, or may be taken whole. Juice or

syrup is the best form.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For coughs, bronchitis and worms, should be taken

five times daily; croup, every half hour for a few doses. Nervous cough

and vomiting only a few doses. Local.--Bruise bulbs and apply warm as a

poultice in bronchitis, croup and tumors. For retention of urine, place a

poultice in the perineum or over bladder on the abdomen. Dose of juice,

twenty to thirty drops. Dose of syrup, ten drops to one teaspoon; this is

very destructive to round worm.

GENTIAN. Gentiana Lutea.

Internally, used for.--Tonic appetizer, dyspepsia, ammenorrhea.

Part used.--Root used and imported. Grows (where).--In the Alps.

Prepared (how).--Powder, tincture and infusion. To make infusion, use one

ounce of the root to a pint of boiling water.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of powder, ten to twenty grains. Tincture, one

teaspoonful. Infusion, one to two ounces. Taken before meals for dyspepsia

and loss of appetite. It should not be taken when the stomach is

irritable. It is a good bitter tonic.

GINSENG.--Red Berry. Five Fingers. Panax Quinquefolium.

Internally, used for.--Gravel, general weakness, poor appetite.

Part used.--Root.

Flowers (when).--In May.

Grows (where).--In United States, in rich soil and in shady places.

Prepared (how).--Powder. Infusion is made by adding one ounce to a pint of

boiling water.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--It should be taken three or four times a day for

gravel or general weakness. As an appetizer it should be taken before

meals. Dose of powder, ten to sixty grains. Dose of infusion, one to three

ounces.

GINGER. Zingiber Officinale.

Internally, used for.--To increase gastric juice secretions, stimulating

tonic, diarrhea, dysentery, flatulency, cramps and nausea.

Externally, used for.--Ulcers.

Grows (where).--Native of Asia.

Prepared (how).--Powder. Infusion made by adding half ounce of the

powdered or bruised root to a pint of boiling water.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 425]

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For diarrhea, dysentery and cholera infantum, mix it

with rhubarb, equal parts, or take alone. If with rhubarb it should be

stopped if it becomes too laxative. Used alone for want of tone of

stomach, flatulency, cramps and colic. It tones up the stomach and bowels

temporarily, but should not be used long or frequently. Dose of powder,

ten to twenty grains. Dose of infusion, one to two ounces.

GOLDEN SEAL. Orange Root. Yellow Puccoon. Ground Raspberry. Turmeric Root.

Hydrastis Canadensis.

Internally, used for.--Tonic in dyspepsia, chronic stomach and bowel

trouble. Torpid liver, sore mouth; gonorrhea (injection), leucorrhea,

gleet.

Part used.--The root.

Gather.--In autumn.

Flowers (when).--In May or June.

Grows (where).--United States and Canada.

Prepared (how).--Powder, infusion, tincture, fluid extract. Use half ounce

of root to a pint of boiling water for infusion.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Of the powder, five to ten grains; of infusion, one

ounce; of tincture, half to one teaspoonful and of fluid extract, five to

twenty drops. When it is called for, the tongue is generally coated

whitish; it will soon clear that. Diarrhea, etc., due to stomach and bowel

troubles are benefited by it. Two parts of the decoction of golden seal

and one of cranesbill used as an injection is good for gonorrhea, gleet,

and leucorrhea. Same is good for chronic cystitis. If too strong, weaken

it. Good in this form, mixed with cranesbill, for diarrhea and dysentery;

taken in two teaspoonful doses every three hours.

GRAVEL PLANT. Gravel-Weed. Mountain Pink. Ground Laurel. May Flower.

Trailing Arbutus. Epigea Repens.

Internally, used for.--Gravel and irritable bladder, causes more urine to

flow, just as buchu does.

Part used.--The leaves.

Gather.--In summer.

Flowers (when).--Appear in April and May.

Grows (where).--Canada and United States, on sides of hills with northern

exposure.

Prepared (how).--Infusion, and fluid extract which can be bought. Use one

ounce of the leaves to one pint of boiling water and let it steep to make

an infusion.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose: One to two teaspoonfuls. For gravel, take one

teaspoonful every three hours. For irritable bladder take half teaspoonful

every three hours.

[426 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

HOPS. Humulus Lupulus.

Internally, used for.--Nervousness, sleeplessness, hysteria, in

afterpains, to prevent chordee.

Externally, used for.--Used as a fomentation in many inflammatory

diseases.

Part used.--Cones.

Gather.--In the fall or when fully ripe.

Grows (where).--Native of North America and Europe.

Prepared (how).--Infusion, tincture and fluid extract lupulin.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of infusion, two to four ounces; tincture one

to four drams. Fluid extract, five to twenty drops. For nervous troubles,

take one ounce of the infusion, or one dram tincture, every hour or two

until quiet; same for sleeplessness. In delirium tremens, infusion drank

with some red pepper in it settles the stomach and quiets the craving for

drink. Following is good for chordee, etc.:

Lupulin 1 dram.

Camphor monobromate 1 dram.

Cocoa Butter, sufficient.

Make twelve suppositories and insert one in rectum every three or four

hours. Take at the same time, the infusion or tincture every two or three

hours. Fomentations are good in pleurisy and many other inflammations.

Inhale steam in throat and chest troubles.

HORSE CHESTNUT. Aesculus Hippocastanum.

Internally, used for.--Rheumatism. Used especially for piles.

Part used.--Bark and fruit which contains tannin.

Gather.--Late autumn.

Flowers (when).--In May and June, and fruit ripens late in autumn.

Grows (where).--Native of Asia. Naturalized here.

Prepared (how).--Powder of the rind of the root or powdered fruit.

Decoction made of the bark by using one and one-half ounces to a pint of

water and boiling.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose: For rheumatism two ounces, three times a day.

For piles, make an ointment of the powdered nut and apply. This is very

good.

HOARHOUND. White Hoarhound. Marrubium Vulgare.

Internally, used for.--Coughs, colds, bronchitis, chronic asthma,

sweating, hoarseness.

Part used.--Whole herb.

Gather.--When fresh.

Grows (where).--Naturalized in United. States. Grows in dry sandy fields,

waste grounds, roadsides; etc.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 427]

Prepared (how).--Infusion hot and cold by adding one ounce to pint of

water; fluid extract.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of infusion, two to four ounces; fluid extract,

one to two teaspoonfuls. A syrup is also made; dose, two ounces. Infusion

used hot for sweating, freely and often; cold and chest troubles about

every two to four hours; or use fluid extract. The hot infusion should be

used in asthma, amenorrhea, and hoarseness.

JUNIPER. Juniper Communis.

Internally, used for.--Dropsy, and to increase flow of urine in kidney

troubles.

Part used.--Berries.

Gather.--August.

Flowers (when).--In May and June and ripe in August.

Grows (where).--Grows in United States and Canada, in dry woods and hills.

Prepared (how).--In infusion or oil. For infusion, use one ounce of the

berries to a pint of boiling water. It can be made more effective by

adding half ounce of cream of tartar to the infusion.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--It should be used within the twenty-four hours for

above troubles, dropsy, etc. The oil can be bought and used in doses of

five to twenty drops, three or four times a day.

LADY'S SLIPPER. American Valerian. Yellow Umbel. Nerve Root. Yellow

Moccasin Flower. Noah's Ark. Cypripedium Pubescens. Internally, used

for.--Hysteria, chorea, nervous headache, nervousness, delirium,

hypochondria.

Part used.--The root.

Gather.--In autumn, cleanse from dirt and dry in the shade. Virtue

impaired by boiling.

Flowers (when).--In May and June.

Grows (where).--Most parts of United States in rich woods and meadows.

Prepared (how).--In infusion, powder and tincture.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of powder, thirty to sixty grains in hot water.

Tincture, one to two teaspoonfuls. Infusion, one to four ounces. For

chronic cases large doses three or four times daily. For acute cases half

as much every two or three hours. For nervous headache two doses, half

hour apart. Following is a good preparation for nervous or sick headache:

catnip, scullcap and lady's slipper, in powder, of each one-half ounce.

Pour on a pint of boiling water and steep for fifteen minutes, and take

half ounce every half hour, for three or four hours.

[428 MOTHERS' REMIEDIES]

LIFE ROOT. Rag Wort. Squaw Weed. Female Regulator. Senecio Gracilis.

Internally, used for.--Mainly for menstrual disorders, when suppressed or

too profuse, dysmenorrhea.

Part used.--Root and herb.

Gather.--In autumn.

Flowers (when).--May or June.

Grows (where).--Northern and western United States on banks of creeks and

in low marshy grounds.

Prepared (how).--In infusion, by adding half ounce to a pint of boiling

water and let steep and take throughout twenty-four hours. Take four or

five days before menstruation is expected.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea it may be combined

in equal parts with savin and wild ginger, and take one to two ounces four

times a day some days before menstruation. In menorrhagia--too much

flow--cinnamon and raspberry leaves can be combined with it. Dose, two to

four ounces four times a day.

LOBELIA. Wild or Indian Tobacco. Emetic Herb. Puke Weed. Asthma Weed.

Lobelia Inflata.

Internally, used for.--Asthma, emetic for croup (but very weakening), and

lung diseases.

Part used.--Leaves and seeds. Dry carefully in the shade. Keep whole or

powdered.

Gather.--August or September.

Flowers (when).--July to September.

Grows (where).--Very common, growing in fields and roadsides.

Prepared (how).--As an infusion, one ounce to pint of water, steeped; also

tincture.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of the tincture, five to ten drops. Infusion,

one to two teaspoonfuls. It should not be used strong enough to produce

vomiting, as it is too weakening. In small doses and given often in

infusion it produces sweating and relaxation of the tissues, thus helping

in asthma and lung diseases; For asthma, dose:--Ten drops of tincture

every ten minutes at the onset until better or until there is a little

nausea, and then lengthen the interval.

MAIDENHAIR. Adiantum Pedatum.

Internally, used for.--Expectorant, tonic and cooling uses; in fevers,

erysipelas, and pleurisy, coughs, hoarseness, influenza.

Part used.--Part above the ground.

Gather.--In autumn. Grows (where).--In United States in deep woods, on

moist rich soil.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 429]

Prepared (how).--As a decoction or syrup. Take an ounce of the herb to a

pint of boiling water and boil to make a decoction.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Use freely. For feverish conditions use one to two

ounces every two hours. In coughs and hoarseness, take four to five times

daily. For influenza and pleurisy enough to produce perspiration.

MANDRAKE. May Apple. Wild Lemon. Indian Apple. Raccoon Berry. Podophyllum

Peltatum.

Internally, used for.--A cathartic, alterative action in liver troubles in

chronic hepatitis; in blood diseases as syphilis, rheumatism; clears

liver; for constipation.

Part used.--Root.

Gather.--In autumn soon after fruit has ripened.

Flowers (when).--May and June and fruit ripens in September.

Grows (where).--In all parts of the United States, in damp and shady woods

and sometimes in dry and exposed places.

Prepared (how).--In powder and tincture. To make tincture: Gather the

fresh root before the fruit is ripe, chop and pound to a pulp, and weigh.

Then take two parts of alcohol by weight, mix the pulp thoroughly with

one-sixth of the alcohol and then add the rest of the alcohol. Stir all,

pour into a well stoppered bottle, let stand eight days, in a cool place.

Pour off, strain, filter.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--The resin, called podophyllin, can be obtained, and

is used in one-fourth to one-eighth grain as a laxative; one-sixteenth of

a grain can be taken four times a day for chronic liver trouble. Take ten

drops of tincture four times a day for chronic diseases. Some can take

more. For blood diseases., rheumatism, etc.

MARSHMALLOW. Mortification Root. Altheae Officinalis.

Internally, used for.--Hoarseness, gonorrhea, irritated bladder, acute

dysentery, and diarrhea, blood in urine and gravel.

Externally, used for.--Poultice for painful swellings, bruises, scalds,

burns, poisons.

Part used.--Root.

Gather.--Autumn.

Flowers (when).--July to September.

Grows (where).--Europe and this country.

Prepared (how).--Poultice; cut up finely and apply hot. Decoction half

ounce to two pints of boiling water and boil down to one pint.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Take one to three ounces four times a day for

chronic diseases, and one ounce every two hours for acute troubles

mentioned above. It is a mild soothing drink and medicine.

[430 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

MARIGOLD. Calendula Officinalis.

Externally, used.--As a local remedy for cuts and wounds, applied

constantly, it is the best remedy I know.

Part used.--Leaves and flowers.

Gather.--When in full bloom.

Grows (where).--Well-known garden plant.

Prepared (how).--Make a tincture of the flowers and leaves, or buy it. To

make tincture: Take the fresh leaves at the top of the plant with the

blossoms and buds, chop and pound to a pulp, enclose in a piece of new

linen and press. Shake the expressed juice, with an equal part of alcohol

by weight, allow it to stand eight days in a well stoppered bottle, in a

dark cool place and then filter.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Use freely on clean linen or gauze on wounds, cuts,

etc.

MILKWEED. Also called Silkweed. Asclepias Syriaca.

Internally, used for.--Dropsy, retention of urine, scrofulous and

rheumatic troubles.

Part used.--Root. Plant gives out a milky juice when wounded.

Gather.--In autumn.

Flowers (when).--July and August.

Grows (where).--Common in United States and grows in sandy fields, on the

roadsides and on bank of streams.

Prepared (how).--Powder, decoction and tincture. Decoction is made by

using three ounces of the root to one quart of water, and boil.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Take as directed four times a day. Dose of tincture,

ten to thirty drops four times a day. Can be bought. Dose, of the powder,

ten to twenty grains. Decoction, two to four ounces.

MOTHERWORT. Leonurus Cardiaca.

Internally, used for.--Menstrual disorders, nervousness, cramps,

amenorrhea from colds, suppressed lochia, hysteria, pains peculiar to

women, disturbed sleep.

Externally, used for.--Used as a fomentation over womb in dysmenorrhea.

Part used.--Tops and leaves.

Gather.--Early autumn.

Flowers (when).--May and September.

Grows (where).--In fields and pastures.

Prepared (how).--Decoctions, use two ounces of dried herb to a quart of

water and boil down to a pint.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--One to two tablespoonfuls every two hours. Smaller

doses can be used for nervous women every hour, and when there are painful

menstruations, suppressed lochia, hysteria, sleeplessness, etc.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 431]

MUSTARD. Sinapis Alba.

Internally, used for.--As an emetic, condiment, hiccough.

Externally, used for.--Counter-irritation.

Part used.--The seeds or leaves.

Gather.--While fresh, so the leaves can also be used. Seeds when used

should be ripe.

Grows (where).--Almost everywhere.

Prepared (how).--In many ways, poultices, plasters, etc.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Mustard leaves dampened with cold water are good for

pleurodynia, lumbago, neuritis, cramps in legs, inflammations, croup,

etc., applied locally. For apoplexy and convulsions, mustard poultices of

the seeds to feet, and mustard foot baths, handful of ground mustard to

hot water. Same is good in colds, sleeplessness, dysmenorrhea, headache.

Mustard water is good for poisoning as an emetic. Hiccough: Teaspoonful of

mustard in four ounces of boiling water, steep for twenty minutes, and

take in four doses.

OAK BARK. (Red and White). Quercus Alba.

Internally, used for.--Leucorrhea, piles, diarrhea, sore throat and mouth.

Externally, used for.--Sores on man or beast.

Part used.--The bark; white oak is more astringent.

Prepared (how).--Decoction.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--This decoction is used as an injection in

leucorrhea, piles and as a gargle in sore mouth, etc. Its astringent

property is due to the tannic and gallic acid it contains.

ONION. Allium Cepa.

Internally, used for.--Coughs, catarrh, croup, laxative.

Externally, used for.--Poultice for boil, inflammation, earache, etc., raw

and roasted and used locally.

Part used.--Bulb. It contains many constituents, such as citrate of lime,

allyl sulphide, volatile oils, sulphur.

Gather.--In autumn.

Grows (where).--Native.

Prepared (how).--As a poultice, raw; when boiled volatile oil is cast

off.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Juice mixed with sugar is good for colds, coughs,

catarrh, croup, chronic bronchitis. Roasted Spanish onion is good, eaten

at bedtime, as a laxative; fried in lard and applied locally it makes a

splendid poultice. Roasted in coals it makes a good poultice for earache,

toothache, sore throat and sore chest.

[432 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

PARSLEY. Rock Parsley. Petroselinum Sativum.

Internally, used for.--Dropsy, especially following scarlet fever,

retained urine, painful urination, gonorrhea.

Externally, used for.--Seeds and leaves sprinkled on the hair, in powder,

destroy vermin. Bruised leaves applied as a fomentation, cure the bites or

stings of insects.

Part used.--Root, seeds and leaves.

Gather.--In autumn.

Grows (where).--Cultivated.

Prepared (how).--Infuse the whole plant, or a decoction can be made of the

root and seeds.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Drink freely of the infusion or decoction. Dose, two

to four ounces three times a day, or less dose and oftener. The oil can be

bought and used, two to three drops three or four times, daily.

PARTRIDGE BERRY. Squaw Vine. Checker Berry. One Berry. Winter Clover.

Deerberry. Mitchella Repens,

Internally, used for.--Dropsy, suppressed urine, tonic and alterative

action on womb.

Externally, used for--Cure for sore nipples.

Part used.--The vine.

Gather.--During the season.

Flowers (when).--June and July.

Grows (where).--In United States and Canada; in dry woods, among hemlock

timber and in swampy places.

Prepared (how).--Infusion, tincture, fluid extract, decoction. Infusion,

one ounce to pint of boiling water. Tincture: chop fresh plant and pound

to a pulp and weigh. Then take two parts, by weight, of alcohol; mix pulp

with one-sixth part of it thoroughly and rest of alcohol added, stir all

well, pour into a well stoppered bottle and let stand eight days in a dark

cool place; pour off, strain and filter.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of tincture, one-half to one teaspoonful. For

chronic diseases take one to two ounces of infusion four times a day. For

suppressed urine take half ounce every two hours. Dose of infusion, from

one to two ounces every three hours. To tone the womb and make labor

easier, the Indians used to take it several weeks before confinement. For

sore nipple: two ounces (fresh, if possible) and make a strong decoction

in a pint of boiling water. Boil down thick and apply on nipple after each

nursing.

PEACH TREE. Amygdalus Persica.

Internally, used for.--Constipation, tonic to the stomach and bowels,

leucorrhea, worms, inflammation of stomach and bowels, irritable bladder.

haematuria, dysentery.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 433]

Part used.--Leaves and kernels.

Gather.--When ripe.

Grows (where).--Cultivated.

Prepared (how).--By infusion; put ounce of leaves in one pint of cold

water and let it steep.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For inflammations take one tablespoonful of the cold

infusion every hour or two. For bladder and urinary troubles and

leucorrhea, put four ounces of the kernels in a quart of brandy;

dose,--teaspoonful three or four times a day. For bowel troubles use half

ounce of the flowers and half ounce of the kernels to a pint of water;

boil to make a decoction and sweeten; dose,--teaspoonful occasionally,

until relieved; for teething children and for worms use about five doses.

PENNYROYAL. Squaw Mint. Tickweed. Hedeoma Pulegoides.

Internally, used for.--Stimulant, sweating, menstrual troubles, suppressed

lochia, suppressed menses, flatulent colic in children.

Part used.--The herb. Gather.--In fall. Flowers (when).--June to October.

Grows (where).--In dry sterile places in calcareous soils. In all parts of

the United States, etc.

Prepared (how).--An infusion, one ounce to a pint of boiling water and

only steep, not boil.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Use infusion freely. Dose of oil two to five drops.

For menstrual troubles, checked lochia and perspiration, take a hot foot

bath in bed and drink freely of the tea until sweating occurs. It is

frequently taken at bedtime for painful menstruation, etc.

PEPPERMINT. Mentha Piperita.

Internally, used for.--Tone stomach, colic, spasms, or cramps in stomach,

to check nausea and vomiting.

Externally, used for.--Fresh herb bruised and laid over the abdomen, to

allay sick stomach and diarrhea of children.

Part used.--The whole herb.

Gather.--Early autumn.

Flowers (when).--July to September.

Grows (where).--Native of England, cultivated here and grows wild in wet

places.

Prepared (how).--Essence, oil; infusion made by adding one ounce of herb

to a quart of boiling water and steep.

Disease, Dose, etc.--One to two ounces of infusion at a dose. The best

form is the essence or oil. Dose of the essence five to ten drops; of oil

one to five drops. It should be used carefully.

[434 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

PLANTAIN. Plantago Major.

Externally, used for.--It is better used externally; the bruised leaves

are good for poisonous wounds, bites of snakes, spiders and insects,

ulcers, sore eyelids, salt rheum, erysipelas, poisoning from ivy and other

skin affections.

Part used.--Roots and tops.

Flowers (when).--From May to October.

Grows (where).--Well known and grows in rich moist places.

Prepared (how).--Tincture, infusion, bruised leaves for external use.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Some claim the infusion is good for snake bites or

the expressed juice can be used. This, to my mind, is doubtful and I would

advise the usual remedies first. The tincture is good for some kinds of

toothache, in one to two drop doses. The bruised leaves or the tea may be

used for other diseases mentioned as poultice or wash.

PLEURISY ROOT. Butterfly Weed. Wind Root. Tuber Root. Orange Swallow Wort.

Asclepias Tuberosa.

Internally, used for.--Pleurisy, pneumonia, catarrh, acute rheumatism,

diarrhea, dysentery, sweating and expectorant, falling womb.

Part used.--Root.

Gather.--Autumn.

Flowers (when).--July and August.

Grows (where).--In gravelly and sandy soils.

Prepared (how).--Infusion, one ounce to a pint of boiling water and let

steep. Tincture; buy powder.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of powder, ten to thirty grains three times a

day in womb diseases. For falling womb use one ounce pleurisy root and

one-half ounce unicorn root (true), mix powder and give in twenty to

thirty grain doses three times daily; and an injection of the same, in

infusion, may be given once a day. For pleurisy, etc., in first stage give

the warm infusion to promote sweating. Dose,--Four teaspoonfuls every half

hour, until sweating is produced. Following is good for diarrhea and

dysentery: Tincture pleurisy root two ounces, brandy one ounce, syrup of

raspberry three ounces. Half to one teaspoonful everyone or two hours.

POKE. Garget. Coakum. Pingeon Berry. Scoke. Phytolacca Decandra.

Internally, used for.--Chronic rheumatism, syphilis, sore throat, sore,

inflamed breasts, scrofula.

Externally, used for--For fat people. Caked breasts, felons and tumors.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 435]

Part used.--Root, leaves and berries.

Gather.--Root late in November, cut in thin transverse slices and dry with

moderate heat. Berries, when ripe.

Flowers (when).--July to September.

Grows (where).--Native of United States along fences in newly cleared

spots, in cultivated fields, roadsides, etc.

Prepared (how).--Juice of plant. Powdered root, poultice, fomentation.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--One to five grains of powdered root as an alterative

in chronic blood diseases, syphilis, etc. Juice of plant, half teaspoonful

three times a day, for same diseases can be used. For caked breasts one to

three drops of the tincture every one to three hours, at same time

applying the root (roasted in ashes until soft) mashed and applied as a

poultice; good also for a felon or can apply a hot fomentation of the

leaves instead.

PRICKLY ASH. Toothache Tree. Xanthoxylum Fraxineum.

Internally, used for.--Chronic rheumatism, syphilis, skin affections,

dysmenorrhea.

Externally, used for.--Decoction used as a wash or gargle in sore throat.

Part used.--Bark and berries.

Gather.--Autumn or earlier in some climates.

Flowers (when).--April and May.

Grows (where).--United States in woods, thickets and moist shady places.

Prepared (how).--Tincture. Powder. Decoction of root one ounce to a pint

of water and boil.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose,--half ounce every four to five hours. Tincture

of the berries is also used for nervous diseases, dysmenorrhea, etc., in

ten to thirty drops every two to four hours. Good also in blood diseases,

four times a day. Powder for same troubles in doses of five to ten grains

four times a day.

PRINCE'S PINE. Wintergreen. Ground Holly. Pipsissewa. Rheumatism Weed.

Chimaphila Umbellata.

Internally, used for.--Kidney and bladder troubles, chronic rheumatism,

syphilis, scrofula, gout, gleet.

Part used.--Whole plant.

Gather.--In autumn or late summer.

Flowers (when).--June and July.

Grows (where).--United States, etc., under the shade of woods and prefers

a loose sandy soil enriched by decaying leaves.

Prepared (how).--Decoction and tincture; put a pound of the dried herb

into a quart of water and three quarts of spirits; let stand for twelve

days, and then turn off the liquid. This makes a tincture. To make

decoction use one ounce of plant to a pint of boiling water and boil.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Take one to two ounces of the decoction three or

four times a day; fluid extract can be bought, dose fifteen drops four

times daily. Dose of tincture, one-half to one teaspoonful.

[436 MOTHERS' REMEDIES ]

PUMPKIN. Cucurbita Pepo.

Internally, used for.--For tape worm and for urinary troubles, suppressed

or retained urine.

Gather.--When ripe.

Grows (where).--Common.

Prepared (how).--A tea can be made of the seeds, or an oil gathered from

them.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--A tea strong or weak as the age and case demand, may

be given freely and is very effective. Do not bruise the seeds, as the

virtue resides in the covering. An oil can be gathered from the seeds and

is good for same purpose. Dose.--Six to twelve drops several times daily

or three drops every two hours. For Tape worm, see article on another

page. If it is best to take it as an emulsion get druggist to make it.

Taken at night with fasting. In the morning take dose of salts. Watermelon

seed tea is also good for kidney trouble.

QUEEN OF THE MEADOW. Purple Boneset. Gravel Root. Trumpet Weed. Joe-Pye

Weed. Eupatorium Purpureum.

Internally, used for.--Gravel stone in the bladder, kidney or stone colic,

or other urinary troubles.

Part used.--The herb.

Gather.--Autumn.

Flowers (when).--August to November.

Grows (where).--In wet places in United States.

Prepared (how).--Fluid extract; or an infusion, one ounce of the dried

leaves or plant in a quart of boiling water and steep.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Half teacupful of the infusion may be taken every

hour or two as hot as possible. This is a splendid remedy. Drug stores

keep the fluid extract, which can be bought and given in doses of fifteen

to thirty drops every three or four hours. Some claim it relieves the pain

in the kidney stone colic; the Indians used it for that purpose.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 437]

QUEEN'S ROOT. Queen's Delight. Yaw Root. Cock-up-Hat. Stillingia Sylvatica.

Internally, used for.--Secondary syphilis, scrofula, chronic skin

diseases.

Part used.--The root.

Gather.--Autumn.

Flowers (when).--April to July.

Grows (where).--In United States, etc.

Prepared (how).--An infusion of the fresh root, or use the tincture or

fluid extract. One ounce of root to pint of water for infusion.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of infusion one to two ounces. Tincture; dose,

twenty to sixty drops. Extract; dose, ten to thirty drops; smaller doses

given every two or three hours; larger dose three or four times daily.

This is a good remedy. It can be given with other remedies like poke root,

sarsaparilla, etc.

RED CLOVER. Trifolium Pratense.

Internally, used for.--Blood diseases and is often used with other

remedies; good drank warm in whooping cough.

Externally, used for.--Ulcers.

Part used.--Blossoms.

Gather.--When fresh.

Flowers (when).--Throughout summer.

Grows (where).--Common.

Prepared (how).--In infusion and salve.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Use blossoms to make tea and drink freely; tea

boiled down thick makes a good salve for ill-conditioned looking sores.

ROCK ROSE. Frost wort. Frost Plant. Cistus Canadensis.

Internally, used for.--Scrofula and blood diseases.

Part used.--The herb.

Gather.--In autumn early.

Flowers (when).--From May to July.

Grows (where).--In United States in dry sandy soil.

Prepared (how).--Infusion. Fluid extract. Decoction, use four ounces of

the dried leaves to one quart of boiling water and boil.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of infusion or decoction, one ounce three times

a day. Fluid extract is the best form, can be bought and given in doses of

half to one teaspoonful three or four times a day. The following

combination is good one for secondary syphilis: Rock rose, turkey corn,

Queen's root, equal parts; either the infusion, decoction or fluid

extract.

SAGE. Garden sage. Salvia Officinalis.

Internally, used for.--To stop sweating in consumption, used cold; and

used warm to sweat. Gargle in sore throat, colds, coughs, etc., alone or

combined with sumach berries or vinegar, or honey or alum.

Part used.--The leaves.

Gather.--In early autumn;

Flowers (when).--In June.

Grows (where).--Cultivated.

[438 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Prepared (how).--As an infusion cold or hot; half ounce of leaves to a

pint of boiling water.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose, an ounce or two. To produce perspiration give

warm. To check perspiration give cold, in smaller doses and oftener. For

sore mouth, sore throat, tonsilitis and quinsy, use hot infusion strong as

a gargle.

SCOURING RUSH. Horse Tail. Shave Grass. Equisetum Hyemale.

Internally, used for.--Dropsy, suppression of the urine, blood in the

urine, gravel, gonorrhea and gleet.

Part used.--The stalk.

Gather.--Matures in June and July,

Grows (where).--In wet grounds in river banks, hillsides, and borders of

woods in United States.

Prepared (how).--Infusion, one ounce to the pint of water.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For above diseases drink in half ounce doses every

two hours.

SASSAFRAS. Laurus Sassafras.

Internally, used for.--Syphilis, scrofula, skin eruptions, bland drink

after poisoning,

Part used.--The bark of the root.

Gather.--In autumn.

Flowers (when).--April and May.

Grows (where).--Common.

Prepared (how).--Infusion of the bark, one ounce to a pint of water; as a

mucilage made by using two parts of the pith to one hundred of water. Do

not boil.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of infusion, one to two ounces. Oil, five to

ten drops on sugar for menstrual pain, and in painful urination. The

mucilage is good for chest disorders, bowels, kidneys and for inflammation

after poisoning, as a bland demulcent drink.

SENECA SNAKE ROOT. Mountain Flag. Milk Wort. Seneka or Senega. Polyagla

Senega.

Internally, used for.--Second stage of bronchitis in aged people,

bronchial asthma, coughs.

Part used.--The root.

Gather.--In autumn.

Flowers (when).--June to August.

Grows (where).--In United States in woods and on hillsides.

Prepared (how).--Powdered root. For decoction use one ounce of the dried

root to a pint of boiling water and let boil. You can buy the syrup and

fluid extract.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of the decoction, half to one ounce three or

four times a day. Dose of the syrup, one to two teaspoonfuls.

Dose of the extract, ten to twenty drops. This remedy is frequently used

with other remedies for bronchitis and cough.

[ HERB DEPARTMENT 439]

SHEEP SORREL. Rumex Acetosa.

Internally, used for.--Scurvy.

Externally, used for.--Good for wens, boils, tumor, ulcers.

Part used.--Plant.

Gather.--Autumn.

Grows (where).--Well known plant.

Prepared (how).--Decoction; poultice made of roasted leaves.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Decoction, freely drank for scurvy. Poultices should

be applied to above troubles.

SKUNK CABBAGE. Swamp Cabbage. Meadow Cabbage. Polecat Weed. Fetid

Hellebore. Dracontium. Ictodes Foetida.

Internally, used for.--Asthma, whooping cough, nervousness, hysteria,

convulsions of pregnancy.

Part used.--Root. Gather.--In autumn or early spring and dried

carefully.

Flowers (when).--March and April.

Grows (where).--Various parts of United States in moist places.

Prepared (how).--Powder. Tincture.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose: Five to ten grains of powder three times a

day. A saturated tincture of the fresh root is much better, of which half

a teaspoonful can be given everyone to four hours for above diseases.

SKULL CAP. Madweed. Hoodwort. Blue Pimpernel. Scutellaria Lateriflora.

Internally, used for.--Chorea, delirium, convulsions, neuralgia,

restlessness, insomnia.

Part used.--The whole herb.

Gather.--Late summer while in flower.

Flowers (when).--July and August.

Grows (where).--In moist places.

Prepared (how).--Infusion, one ounce to the pint.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--The infusion may be drank freely, Fluid extract,

dose, half to one teaspoonful, every two or three hours.

SLIPPERY ELM. Red Elm. Ulmus Fulva.

Internally, used for.--As a mucilage for stomach and bowel and urinary

troubles when a mild, soothing demulcent drink is needed; in diarrhea,

dysentery, coughs, painful urination, constipation.

Externally, used for.--As a poultice.

Part used.--Inner bark.

[440 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Gather.--Early fall. Flowers (when).--In April.

Grows (where).--In United States, in open elevated situations in rich firm

soil.

Prepared (how).--Infusion of two ounces to pint of water. Mucilage made by

using six parts of the dried bark to one hundred of water and allow to

steep.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--The infusion and mucilage may be taken freely. The

infusion can be injected for dysentery, diarrhea, gonorrhea, gleet and

leucorrhea. Mucilage is taken after poisoning to allay inflammation of the

membranes, etc. Eat bark or take prepared tablets for constipation.

SPEARMINT. Mentha Viridis.

Internally, used for.--Nausea and vomiting, internal and external scalding

urine. For fever is superior to peppermint.

Externally, used for.--For piles.

Part used.--The herb.

Gather.--Just as the flowers appear in dry weather, and dry in the shade.

Flowers (when).--July and August.

Grows (where).--United States in moist places.

Prepared (how).--Warm or cold infusion.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Warm infusion, a handful of the herb to a quart of

water and used freely to allay fever in inflammations, colds, etc. Cold

infusion is good in highly colored or scalding urine. Local, saturate

cotton with the strong infusion or diluted tincture, and apply to piles;

use it hot.

SPIKENARD. Spignet. Pettymorrel. Pigeon-weed. Aralia Racemosa.

Internally, used for.--Coughs, colds, chronic rheumatism, syphilis.

Part used.--Root.

Gather.--In autumn.

Grows (where).--In dry rocky woods in United States.

Prepared (how).--Decoction. Syrup.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Decoction, used freely in above diseases. It is an

old home remedy. A syrup can also be made of it.

SMARTWEED. Water Pepper. Polygonum Punctatum.

Internally, used for.--Suppressed menstruation, to wash out the bladder,

good for gravel, colds and coughs.

Externally, used for.--Fomentations. Part used.--The whole herb.

Gather.--Autumn.

Flowers (when).--August and September.

Grows (where).--About brooks and streams.

Prepared (how).--An infusion or a tincture made from the fresh plant. Use

cold water to make infusion. Fomentations, simmer in water and vinegar.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of infusion, one to three ounces. Tincture, one

to two teaspoonfuls. Apply fomentations for colic, bloating of abdomen;

used often with other plants externally. For menstruation give half

teaspoonful of the tincture four times a day a week before menstruation.

Use small doses for other troubles.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 441]

SNAKE ROOT, VIRGINIA. Aristolochia Serpentaria.

Internally, used for.--Sweating for feverish conditions where eruptions

are tardy in coming out.

Externally, used for.--For snake bites.

Part used.--Root.

Gather (when).--May and June.

Grows (where).--Hill-sides, in rich shady woods.

Prepared (how).--Powdered root. Infusion made by using four teaspoonfuls

of the powdered root to a pint of water and let steep.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Take two to three tablespoonfuls of the hot infusion

every three to four hours. Dose of powdered root, ten to twenty grains in

hot water.

SOLOMON'S SEAL. Convallaria Multiflora.

Internally, used for.--Female weakness, leucorrhea, menorrhagia.

Externally, used for.--Poultice for piles.

Part used.--Root.

Gather.--Autumn.

Flowers (when).--May and August.

Grows (where).--In United States and Canada, sides of meadows, high banks,

woods, and mountain.

Prepared (how).--Decoction, use one ounce of the root to pint of water and

boil. Poultice, bruise the root.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of the decoction, one to two ounces. Take less

when it is taken oftener, as much as the stomach will bear. Make a

poultice of the bruised root for piles and local inflammation.

STONE ROOT. Horse Balm. Rich Weed. Knob Root. Hard Hack. Collinsonia

Canadensis.

Internally, used for.--Cramps, colic, dropsy, bladder troubles, gravel,

leucorrhea.

Externally, used for.--Poultice for bruises, blows, wounds, strains.

Part used.--The plant.

Gather.--Autumn.

Grows (where).--United States and in Canada.

Prepared (how).--In infusion and poultice, steep the root in a covered

dish.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of the infusion half to one ounce, three or

four times a day.

[442 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

STRAWBERRY. Fragaria Vesca.

Internally, used for.--Gravel, gout, irritable bladder, nettle rash,

eruption.

Part used.--Fruit, roots, and leaves.

Gather.--When ripe.

Flowers (when).--Spring; April, May and June.

Prepared (how).--As an infusion.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Leaves are astringent and good in infusion for sore

mouth, diarrhea, and dysentery. Infusion of the root is a good diuretic

and is effective in difficult urination and gonorrhea. Drink freely.

STRAMONIUM. Thorn-Apple. Stink Weed. Jimson Weed. Apple Pern. Datura

Stramonium.

Internally, used for.--Used mainly for asthma.

Externally, used for.--Piles.

Part used.--Leaves.

Gather.--When leaves are green and when flowers are in bloom.

Flowers (when).--July to September.

Grows (where).--Along roads, etc.

Prepared (how).--Ointment. The leaves should be dried for smoking. It is

rather dangerous.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For asthma, the leaves are mixed with tobacco leaves

and smoked. It must be done carefully as it is poisonous. The leaves are

good to cure piles when rubbed on them, or made into an ointment and used

locally.

SUMACH. Rhus Glabra.

Internally, used for.--Sore mouth and throat, quinsy, diarrhea,

leucorrhea, gonorrhea, suppressed urine.

Part used.--Bark and fruit.

Gather.--Autumn. Berries earlier.

Flowers (when).--June and July.

Prepared (how).--Make an infusion as usual. Use either bark or berries.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Fluid extract can be used and is safer; in doses of

ten drops three times a day. The infusion will do as a gargle and a wash.

SWEET FLAG. Calamus. Flag Root. Sweet Rush. Acorus Calamus.

Internally, used for.--Disorders of the stomach, flatulency, dysentery,

colic.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 443]

Part used.--Root.

Gather.--Late autumn or early spring, wash clean and dry with moderate

heat.

Grows (where).--Borders of small streams, ponds, wet meadows, swamp.

Prepared (how).--Infusion made by scalding one ounce of the root in a pint

of water.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose: One to three ounces, warm, for general

troubles; give hot for colic. One-third to a teaspoonful of the root can

be taken.

ST. JOHN'S WORT. Hypericum Perfoliatum.

Internally, used for.--Suppressed urine, chronic urinary affections,

diarrhea, menorrhagia, hysteria, etc.

Externally, used for.--Fomentations for caked breasts, hard tumors,

bruises, swellings, stings and wounds.

Part used.--Tops and flowers.

Gather.--When fresh.

Flowers (when).--From June to August.

Grows (where).--In this country.

Prepared (how).--Ointment. Infusion of powder or blossoms. Infusion one

ounce to one pint of boiling water.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of infusion, one to two ounces, three or four

times daily or less. Powder; dose, thirty to sixty grains can be put in

hot water and drank. Children's dose: Half to one teaspoonful. It should

be taken three or four times daily in regular full doses for chronic

diseases, and in half doses every two or three hours for acute diseases.

Local.--Make an ointment of the tops and flowers, or boil down the

infusion until thick, and make an ointment. First way is the best.

TANSY. Tanacetum. (Sometimes called double tansy).

Internally, used for.--Womb troubles and sweating, amenorrhea,

dysmenorrhea, hysteria.

Part used.--The whole herb.

Gather.--In the summer.

Flowers (when).--July to September.

Grows (where).--Cultivated and also grows wild.

Prepared (how).--As an infusion and fomentation. The oil can be bought. To

make infusion use one ounce of the plant to one pint of boiling water and

let steep.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of the infusion one to two ounces. Oil, half to

one drop. This oil is dangerous, so it must be taken carefully. For

dysmenorrhea, take half ounce of infusion every hour or two. Same for

hysteria. For amenorrhea, two ounces three times daily. For sweating, it

should be taken in one to two-ounce doses and hot. Fomentations should be

used hot and are good placed on the abdomen, over the womb, in painful

menstruation.

[444 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

TURKEY CORN. Wild Turkey Pea. Stagger-Weed. Corydalis Formosa.

Internally, used for.--Tonic, diuretic and alterative, for syphilis and

scrofula. (Eclectics esteem this a great remedy).

Part used.--Root, small round ball.

Gather.--While the plant is in flower.

Flowers (when).--In March.

Grows (where).--In rich soils, on hills and mountains, etc.

Prepared (how).--Tincture. Infusion, four teaspoonfuls of the powdered

bulb to one pint of boiling water and let steep.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of the infusion, one to three ounces three or

four times daily. Tincture, half to one teaspoonful. Tincture can be

bought at a drug store.

TURNIP, INDIAN. Jack-in-the pulpit. Wild Turnip. Dragon Root. Arum

Triphyllum.

Internally, used for.--Expectorant and sweating purposes in chest

troubles. Also good for sore mouth and sore throat if given in honey or

syrup.

Part used.--Root.

Gather.--In autumn.

Flowers (when).--From May to July.

Grows (where).--Common in South America in all moist and damp places.

Prepared (how).--Dry the root and powder it and give in honey or make into

a syrup or given in powder.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--For sweating use powder in hot water, ten grains

three times a day or smaller dose oftener. For bronchitis, etc., use in

syrup or in honey, three or four times a day, five to ten grains at a

dose. Same way for sore mouth and throat.

TRUE UNICORN ROOT. Star Grass. Colic Root. Ague Root. Crow Corn. Aletris

Farinosa.

Internally, used for.--Its tonic influence upon the womb to prevent a

tendency to miscarriage, for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, falling, also for

chlorosis.

Part used.--The root.

Gather.--In autumn.

Flowers (when).--June and July.

Grows (where).--Most parts of United States, usually in dry sandy soils

and barrens.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 445]

Prepared (how).--Powdered root. Tincture. Fluid extract.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Powdered root, five to ten grains three times a day.

Saturated tincture, two to five drops, three times a day. Fluid extract,

five to ten drops. Tincture and fluid extract can be bought at any drug

store. For the above diseases it should be taken regularly four times a

day. The fluid extract is the best form in which to take it and is often

given by doctors.

WAHOO. Indian Arrow Wood. Burning-Bush. Spindle Tree. Enonymus

Atropurpureus.

Internally, used for.--Dyspepsia, torpid liver, laxative, tonic.

Part used.--The bark of the root.

Gather.--Autumn.

Flowers (when).--In June.

Grows (where).--In woods and thickets.

Prepared (how).--Powder. Tincture.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of powder, ten to twenty grains; saturated

tincture, one to two teaspoonfuls; extract, one to five grains. This is a

good remedy; smaller doses can be given every two hours for dyspepsia and

liver complaint. It is often combined with remedies, like dandelion,

yellow dock, burdock.

WILD CHERRY. Prunus Virginianus.

Internally, used for.--Tonic, dyspepsia, scrofula.

Part used.--The bark of the root.

Gather.--In autumn.

Flowers (when).--In May.

Prepared (how).--Powdered bark or infusion. One ounce of bark to one pint

of cold water to make infusion, allow it to stand for a few hours.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Take of infusion one to three ounces four or five

times a day. Dose of powdered bark, one to two teaspoonfuls in hot water.

For tonic action and for dyspepsia it should be taken oftener and in half

the given doses.

WILD YAM. Colic Root. Dioscorea Villosa.

Internally, used for.--Bilious colic.

Part used.--Root.

Gather.--In autumn.

Flowers (when).--June and July.

Grows (where).--United States and in Canada, twining over bushes and

fences, thickets and hedges.

Prepared (how).--Decoction of the root. Pour a pint of boiling water on

two ounces of the bruised root, let steep slowly for half hour, strain.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Give half cupful of decoction every twenty minutes

for bilious colic. Some have given half a pint at once in a severe case.

[446 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

WORMWOOD. Artemisia Absinthium.

Internally, used for.--Worms, jaundice, dyspepsia, amenorrhea and

leucorrhea.

Externally, used for.--Bruises, local inflammations.

Part used.--Tops and leaves.

Flowers (when).--In July and August.

Grows (where).--United States.

Prepared (how).--Fomentations. An infusion is made by adding thirteen of

the herbs to a pint of cold water.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of infusion one to four teaspoonfuls. Use

fomentations for bruises and local inflammation.

WORMSEED. Goose Foot. Stinking Weed. Chenopodium Anthelminticum.

Internally, used for.--Worms, round worms.

Part used.--Seeds and herb.

Gather.--In late autumn.

Flowers (when).--July to September.

Grows (where).--United States, in waste places.

Prepared (how).--Oil.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--Four to eight drops of oil to be given night and

morning, for four or five days, and then followed by a purgative.

Combination: Oil of wormseed one ounce, oil of tansy one ounce, spirits of

turpentine one and one-half ounce, castor oil one pint. Dose for a child,

a teaspoonful every hour until it operates; for an adult one

tablespoonful. Powdered herb: Dose, half to one teaspoonful.

YARROW. Milfoil. Thousand Leaf. Achillea Millefolium.

Internally, used for.--Bleeding from the lungs, kidneys, piles, dysentery,

menorrhagia.

Part used.--The herb.

Flowers (when).--Nearly whole summer.

Grows (where).--Europe and America in fields, woods, pastures.

Prepared (how).--Decoction, half ounce of plant to six ounces of water and

boil down to three ounces. Juice of the herb is also used.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--In menorrhagia either can be used, as well as in

other diseases. Tablespoonful of decoction every hour. The expressed juice

in two or three tablespoonful doses may be taken three times a day.

[HERB DEPARTMENT 447]

YELLOW DOCK. Rumex Crispus.

Internally, used for.--Skin disease, scrofula, syphilis, scurvy.

Externally, used for.--Fresh root bruised in cream is good applied to

ulcers, tumors and itch.

Part used.--The root.

Gather.--Early autumn.

Flowers (when).--June and July.

Grows (where).--In pastures, dry fields, etc.

Prepared (how).--One ounce root to a pint of boiling water. Let steep.

Diseases, Dose, etc.--One or two ounces, three times a day; or half ounce

every three hours. This is a good remedy. Some people should commence with

smaller doses.

[448 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]