HERBS 



57 



plant of red Lobelia for syphilis and for expelling or destroying in- 

 testinal worms. An overdose acts as a narcotic. Milky juice 

 of the plant is poisonous. It is a diaphoretic (increasing per- 

 spiration). Materia Medica suggests using the Blue Lobelia for 

 prostration following influenza, and the Red Lobelia to help sticking 

 pains in the chest on taking a long breath. The Shoshones made a 

 tea of Lobelia for use as an emetic (to cause vomiting) and a physic. 



H-51. 

 thia sp. , 



MULE'S EARS, Wye- 

 Sunflower Fam. Most 



Wyethia grow in dense clumps in 

 fairly dry, open places, from 1'- 

 31/2' tall; generally with 1 to few 

 large, yellow (white in 1 species), 

 flower heads; basal leaves usu- 

 ally quite large. In the Common 

 Mountain Mule Ears, W. mollis, 

 (illustrated), the foliage is white Mead. 



to 



Chap. 



woolly when young, turning „„ 



greenish when older. Stock and ccf 



deer eat the flowers. mcf 



Indians used the roots as food, ., ^ „^ ^ 



Most States 



fermenting them on heated stones w. Can. 

 in the ground for 1 or 2 days. 

 The flavor is sweet and agreeable. 

 Roots were also used as a poultice 

 for relief of pains and bruises. 

 A decoction of leaves was used 

 as a bath, producing profuse 

 sweating. It should never be tak- 

 en internally, as it is considered poisonous. Wyethia is listed in 

 homeopathic medicines as used for pharyngitis (a throat irritation 

 common among singers and speakers) and for hay fever. 



Klamath Indians used the mashed roots as a poultice for swel- 

 lings. Nevada Indians ground the resinous roots and soaked them 

 in water to make a solution that was taken as an emetic (to induce 

 vomiting). Often, for this purpose, they boiled the roots until the 

 solution became quite concentrated. A combination remedy is to 

 make a tea by boiling the chopped roots with the end twigs of the 

 juniper (Juniperus utahensis), and take for colds and fevers. 



