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.