HERBS 



37 



i^ 



H-9. WILD BUCK- 

 WHEAT, Eriogonum sp. 

 Buckwheat Family (E. 

 baileyi illustrated right). 

 There are about 150 spe- 

 cies in a growth range 

 from sea level to high 

 mountains. All varieties 

 seem to like more or less 

 dry and rocky slopes and 

 ridges. Most buckwheats 

 grow on medium tall 

 stems, loosely branched, 

 with white to pinkish flow- 

 ers in clusters or heads. 



Because of its long blooming season and fine quality honey, 

 buckwheat is an excellent bee plant, but it is poor stock feed. 



From the leaves Indians made a decoction for headache and 

 stomach pains; also a tea from the flowers was used as an eye- 

 wash and for high blood pressure and bronchial ailments. The 

 stems and leaves are boiled for a tea to treat bladder trouble. 



Most Hab. 



Most States 

 W. Can, 



H-10. CURLY DOCK, Rumex crispus . l'-4' high herb with 



dark green foliage; the leaves have very wavy margins and are 



crisp. It is a naturalized weed from Europe. 



Ancient Arabs used the roots for purging and some took a de- 



FLOWER GREENISH , coction with beer or ale to 



purge the liver and cleanse 



the blood. A decoction of ^""^^ "^^• 



roots in vinegar was a most Most states 



effective remedy for scales w. can. 

 FRUIT 



REDDISH BROWN '""^.r""'"^, T""^' °T" 



corides said the root eaten 



took away the pain of stings 

 by scorpions. 



Leaves are used often as 

 pot herbs and as an antidote 

 to scurvy; also as a mild as- 

 tringent and, in small doses, 

 as a tonic. Indians cut roots 

 and steeped in boiling water 



