Coughs, colds and sore throat.
RUMEX HYMENOCALLIS
(Ind. Ca-na-ma)
American Wild Rhubarb. Thrives in dead, sandy soils, and is very common throughout Southern California. The roots are long and bear a close resemblance to sweet potatoes. The infusion made from it has an acrid taste, and, when used as a gargle several times in cases of cough and sore throat, it will be found to give complete relief. The plant blooms in June and July.
PRUNUS SEROTINA
(Ind. Is-lay)
American California Wild Cherry. At home in the high mountain ranges. An infusion of the bark in spring or summer while the sap is running, or of the roots in winter when the tree is dormant, may be used for common coughs.
PRUNUS ILICIFOLIA
(Ind. Is-lay)
Holly-Leaf Cherry. Used for the same purposes as Prunus serotina.
SPIRAEA SALICIFOLIA
(Ind. Ha-ba-ba-neek)
American Queen of the Meadows. Its habitat is the low coastal ranges. The root of the plant was used for common coughs and chest colds.
EUPATORIUM PURPUREUM
(Ind. Sa-ca-pe-yote)
American Joe-Pye Weed. It was used for the same purpose as Spiraea salicifolia in localities where that plant couldn’t be obtained, although the latter was greatly preferred for the extra medicinal qualities it possessed as a mild laxative. The root, when made into an infusion, is extremely pungent and rich in flavor, but agreeable in taste to most people.
MARRUBIUM VULGARE
(Ind. O-o-hul)
American Horehound. Its habitat is the woodland. Although the infusion made from the leaves and flowers is rather bitter, it is very good for ordinary coughs and sore throats.