Madame Young's Guide to Health / Her experience and practice for nearly forty years; a true family herbal, wherein is displayed the true properties and medical virtues of all the roots, herbs, &c., indigenous to the United States, and their combination in all the diseases the human body is heir to; also, an explanation of the human body, its liability to injuries through ignorance of its structure. Dedicated exclusively to her sex.

by Amelia Young

SNAKEWEED.

This is certainly the most astringent that grows. Great care must be taken when using it, and give a cathartic if it proves too binding. It can be used with honey as a wash for sore mouths.

POKE ROOT, OR PIGEON BERRY.

Few country people are unacquainted with this root. Many persons use it for greens in the spring. Every one should be prudent, and not use it too freely as it is emetic and cathartic; it will vomit severely when taken in large doses, but when used with moderation it will purify the blood, and is an excellent remedy for inflammatory rheumatism, for which cut the root into slices and apply it on all parts of the body which are affected. For internal use, take one quart of the berries and half an ounce of mandrake root, in two quarts of whiskey, and add two ounces of prickley ash bark; drink a wine glass full in the same quantity of cold water, mornings and at bed time; begin with half a wine glass at first. It will be found good for males or females. In hysterics or fits, it will give instant relief.

SCOKE ROOT.

This root is very different from poke root, and grows in swamps; is very hard to dig, and is called by some white hellebore; is a great nervine. I have known many put it into snuff, but it is very harsh; it has been used by many in case of mania, but as I do not recommend any poisons, would say to all, let it alone. If you have the seven years’ itch, you may add a little of it to the following wash: Take 2 ounces of pulverized blood root, in 2 quarts of best cider vinegar, and add quarter of an ounce of scoke root; shake well, and wash all over at bed time. Let this wash stand near the fire for several days before using it, shaking it frequently. When too thick, add more vinegar. Do not shake it when you wash with it, but turn it off clear.

WATER FENNEL.

This is anti-scrofulous; is excellent for all diseases of the lungs, internal ulcers and asthma; it will remove the mucus from the bronchial tubes, and heal them; for ulcers or sore legs, drink it freely, and wash the sores with the same; add a little white maple bark with it; always use the inner bark, next to the wood.

MARSH MALLOW.

These grow in our gardens; the low mallow possesses the same medical virtues; are both good in canker, mild and loosening; for canker in children add a little catnip and coriander seed. Children have more or less canker in the bowels.