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14tfc CYPRIPEDIUM. No. 30. 



They are sedative, nervine, antispasmodic, <5'C. and 

 the best American substitute for Valerian in almost 

 all cases. They produce beneficial effects in all nerv- 

 ous diseases ' and hysterical affections, by allaying 

 pain, quieting the nerves and promoting sleep. They 

 are also used in heniicrania, epiJopsy, tremors, 

 nervous fevers, <Scc. They are preferable to Opium 

 in many cases, having no baneful nor narcotic effects, ■ 

 The dose is a tea spoont\il of the powder, diluted in 

 sugar water, or any other convenient form. As in • 

 Valerian, the nervine power is increased by combina- 

 tion with mild tonics. The powder alone has been 

 used ; but an extract might be also efficient, unless 

 the active principle is very volatile. 



It is well known that the roots of all the tubercular 



Orchideous, afford the officinal Salep, which is so 



highly esteemed in Asia as aphrodisiac, nutritive and 

 pectoral. Tlie roots of many species of Orchis could 

 afford it in America. The C^pripeduim having 

 long fleshy roots appear to afford a diffei'ent kind oi 

 substance, by their efficiency as equivalents to Vale- 

 rian and Opium. 



Substitutes — \l\ the species of this fine genus 

 being equally nervine, it will be well to notice thcin, 

 so as to be easily known. 



1. C acaule or Red Ladies^ Slipper, Dwarf fmbfl, 

 &c. — Two radical leaves, one large red flower on a 

 naked stem- Common in New Jersey, and on the 

 alluvial plains of the Atlantic States. Best substitute* 

 Roots smaller and brownish- There is a bad figure oi 

 it in W. Barton's Am. Flora. 



