It is also said to be used in the preparation of the pucuna poison.—(See Humboldt.)
4. Chiri sanango.—Said to be contrary in its effects to the above; the natives hold it in some dread.
5. Calentura huasca, or shiyintu.—This is violent in its effects: it swells the gullet; produces quick, full pulse, and high fever; and in twenty-four hours after the fever the skin begins to peel off.
This remedy is taken for various complaints. The patient generally retires to his chacra, or country-house, to take medicine, where he is not liable to be molested; generally keeps his bed for eight days, and on the fifteenth day bathes. For four months it is necessary for those who take this remedy to diet themselves. On some men it produces no sensible effects.
The part of this plant used medicinally is the stem, which is roasted, pounded, and then taken in warm water or guarapo.
6. Zuquilla.—This is a thick-rooted variety of sarsaparilla.
7. Guaco grows about Tarapoto.
8. Piñon, or croton tiglium.—Three seeds of it eaten act as a drastic medicine.
9. Carpuña.—A few leaves (two or three) of this plant, put into warm spirit and water, act as a sudorific, which is employed in colds and rheumatic pains.