MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 119 
Garden still has inquiries concerning the medicinal value of 
many of our local plants, and it seems worth while to bring 
together in some definite form a list of the plants of Missouri 
which in former times, at least, composed a considerable part 
of the materia medica. 
I. HERBACEOUS PLANTS 
Achillea Millefolium, yarrow. 
At one time this plant had much reputation in the cure of 
wounds, but is now seldom used for this purpose. It was also used 
in intermittent fevers, hemorrhages, and abortion. It is said to 
be a stimulant, tonic, and astringent. 
Acorus Calamus, calamus. 
The root of calamus is an aromatic which causes a sensation of 
warmth in the stomach, improves the appetite, and aids digestion. 
It is chiefly used as an adjuvant of other more powerful remedies. 
In India it is deemed so valuable in diseases of the stomach and 
bowels that a penalty is inflicted on any druggist who will not dis- 
pense it at whatever time it may be called for. The Arabians and 
Persians consider it to be powerful in, allaying pains of the stom- 
ach. The Turks make a confection of calamus, which is regarded 
as a preventive of contagion. 
Actaea spicata, white baneberry. 
The rhizome of the baneberry is a violent purgative, and the 
berries are poisonous. The plant is seldom employed internally, 
but a decoction from it is said to cure itch when applied externally. 
Adiantum pedatum, maidenhair fern. 
The leaves are used in a decoction or syrup. It has a bitterish 
aromatic taste but has been esteemed for diseases of the chest 
and lungs. 
Agrimonia parviflora, agrimony. 
The whole plant contains small amounts of tannin, and is used 
in cases requiring a simple vegetable astringent. 
Agropyrum repens, couch-grass. 
The creeping roots of this grass is a tonic and has been used 
as a substitute for sarsaparilla, also as a remedy in dropsy and in 
organic diseases of the thorax and stomach. 
Ambrosia artemisiaefolia, ragweed. 
A plant with a disagreeable odor and aromatic bitter taste. It 
is said to be a stimulant, tonic, and astringent, and has been em- 
ployed domestically in chronic catarrh. The leaves and tops are 
used commonly in a decoction. 
Anthemis Cotula, May-weed. 
This plant has a very disagreeable odor, and when fresh a 
bitter acrid taste. It is used as an emetic, tonic, and stimulant. 
