44 



HERBS 



Grass 

 Mead. 

 Oak 

 MCF 



H-23. PRAIRIE FLAX, Linum lewisii, 



Flax Fam. 8-36" high herb, many-branch- 

 ed, erect-growing and with woody root 

 stock; flowers blue in terminal clusters. 



Most states Indians used seeds in cookings, as they 



w. Can. have a pleasant taste and are highly nu- 

 tritious. Stems steeped for stomach dis- 

 orders, and roots were steeped for eye 

 medicine. Fiber was used as string. 

 The whole plant was mashed and soaked 

 in cold water to make an eye medicine. 

 Poultices of the crushed fresh leaves were 

 used to reduce swellings, especially goit- 

 er and for gall trouble. Early settlers 



made a poultice of the powdered seed, corn meal and boiling wat- 

 er, mixing this into a paste for infected wounds and mumps. 



Pharmacopia says, "Reported useful in rehumatism, catarrhal 

 infections, liver complaints and dropsy;" 



Sage 

 Grass 

 Oak 

 Cult. 



Wash. 



Ore. 



Calif. 



H-24. TURKEY MULLEIN, Eremocarpus setigerus. Spurge 

 Fam. A low-growing bush, 5-8" high, with heavy-scented gray 

 foliage, in dry, open areas from Washington to Lower California, 

 Greenish flowers; dark gray, shining seeds; stinging hairs. 



As the leaves contain a narcotic poison, Indians used the foliage 

 to stupify fish and poison their arrow points. A poultice relieved 

 internal chest pains and a decoction of leaves in warm water 

 helped asthma and fevers. Pharmacopia says used to expel gas. 



