138 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 
Juncus effusus, bullrush. 
This plant is diuretic, cathartic, and mildly astringent. 
Lactuca canadensis, wild lettuce. 
The leaves are supposed to be a remedy in cases of snake bite. 
Lappa minor, burdock. 
The root is diaphoretic and diuretic and at one time was much 
used in rheumatism, gout, and diseases of the skin. The seed are 
diuretic and purgative. The leaves have been used as an external 
application for ulcers, 
Lemna minor, duckweed. 
This plant is demulcent and used in poultices. 
Leptandra virginica, Culver’s root, 
This plant is said to have antiscorbutic, diuretic, febrifuge, and 
vulnerary properties. It is sometimes used as a wash for ulcers. 
Liatris cylindracea, rattle-snake’s master. 
Liatris pycnostachya, blazing-star. 
Liatris scariosa, blazing-star. 
The root of these plants was used extensively by the Indians in 
the treatment of bites of venomous snakes. The rhizomes were 
bruised and applied to the wound, while at the same time a decoc- 
tion of the plants in milk was taken inwardly. Liatris was also 
valued for its diuretic properties. 
Linaria vulgaris, butter-and-eggs. 
The plant is cathartic and diuretic and was sometimes used in 
the treatment of diabetes. 
Lobelia inflata, Indian tobacco. 
Lobelia cardinalis, cardinal flower. 
Lobelia syphilitica, great blue lobelia. 
The whole plant of lobelia is endowed with active properties, but 
the leaves and capsules are preferred. It was used by the Indians 
as a medicine and in their ceremonies. It has been employed in 
asthma, croup, and whooping-cough, L. inflata being regarded as 
the most active. 
Lycopus virginicus, bugle-weed. 
The whole plant has been used in diseases of the lungs, for allay- 
ing irritations and preventing cough. It acts as a mild narcotic 
and tonic. 
Maiva rotundifolia, mallow. 
This plant used as a decoction has been employed in domestic 
practice both internally and externally in inflammatory affections, 
also to soothe and protect tender tissues. 
