40 AZ.X:TRXS. ^ No. 4. 



PROPERTIES— The root is intensely bitter, like 

 Quassia and Aloes. It is a pure resinous bitter, and 

 not cathartic like Aloes. It is tonic, stomachic, nar- 

 cotic and repercussive. It is employed by many coun- 

 try physicians, and Indian Doctors, and highly valued 

 by them as well as the Indians. But small doses 

 only must be used, because large ones produce nausea, 

 dizziness and narcotic effects ; twelve grains of the 

 powdered root is to be the largest dose. In repeated 

 small doses it invigorates the appetite. The infusion 

 or decoction is still preferable and may be substituted 

 to Quassia. It cures the flatulent and hysteric cholic 

 jind is said to relieve the chronic rheumatism, either 

 in powder, tincture or cordial. In fevers it avails 

 speedily. Bitters made of it are too powerful. A 

 mild cordial is the best spirituous preparation. Dose 

 three small glasses each day. 



Substitutes — Quassia — Frasera or Colombo 

 Gentians — Sabbatia annularis or Centaury, &c. and 

 all the pure intense bitter plants. 



Remarks— The figure given for Aletris by Henry 

 is perhaps the Neotlia Cernua ; and his account is 

 full of blunders as usual with him. Bigelow's figure 

 makes the root green, the leaves too green and too 

 broad, &c. 



Schoepf calls it a mild cathartic, and one of the 

 plants used against the bite of rattle-snakes. 



