MILK, OR SILK WEED.
This has a square stalk, and rises three feet in hight; flowers yellow, which terminate in a pod.
Medical Virtues.—The root has been found effectual in the cure of dropsy. I have used it with success in all dropsical cases.
MILKWEED
Is also an excellent vermifuge for children. I have found it good in catarrhal, cachectic, scrofulous and rheumatic disorders.
Preparation.—You can steep it as a tea; (I only use the roots) make it strong, according to age. When it is used for suppression of the urine, drink plentifully; if for worms, give it night and morning to children, sweetened with molasses.
SASSAFRAS BARK.
This is well known to all mankind, and grows plentifully in the United States. I would say, as to the medical virtues of this bark, it is Sudorific, diuretic, warming and stimulating, and very little should be used at a time. There are very many who chew it for a sweet breath, but it injures the habits, therefore be careful, use it for it is good, and take a little at a time, and not too much; it cleanses the blood.
SARSAPARILLA ROOT.
This root is so well known to every individual that I deem it little to the purpose to say much about it; it is alterative in its properties, and more dependence has been put on its virtues than really could be relied on as a cure; but mixed with other roots of the same virtues, has always been found by me the best for all tumors, scrofulas, or venereal diseases. I think snakehead, or fisherworth, can be relied on for more virtue than sarsaparilla; but even if you have confidence in this root alone, I say make a decoction, or tea from it, strong. I prefer our own American sarsaparilla to the Spanish, and as a rule, prefer all roots, barks, berries, &c., from our own native soil.