Eruptive Fevers.
SAMBUCUS PUBENS
(Ind. Haa-sat)
American Elderberry. Indigenous to the coastal regions. The yellow blossoms were extensively used by all Indian tribes only in cases of measles.
MIRABILIS CALIFORNICA
(Ind. See-wish-pe-yack)
American Four O’clock. The root of this plant served the same purpose as American Elderberry. Its habitat is Santa Barbara County, Calif., and it is not found anywhere else in a wild state.
There are no records that it was used for other eruptive fevers such as smallpox, scarlet fever, etc. These were introduced into this country later on by white European adventurers and settlers, the first cases being recorded in 1825. These diseases were greatly dreaded by the Indians, and whenever any of them contracted this malady, they would invariably vacate the locality they were in, and move many miles away to virgin country.
And, as a warning of danger to fellow tribesmen and to keep them away from the abandoned camp, all the rock mortars and clay pots were turned upside down and partly buried in the ground.
Plant poisoning.
GRINDELIA CUNEIFOLIA
(Ind. Mie-chowl)
Grows in alkaline soils and its blooming season is from August to September. The plant was used a great deal in cases of itching skin eruption caused by poison oak, and is a cure for such disorders. (American Gum Plant)