475-4 
nalis, Kunth.; Vera Cruz or Honduras sarsaparilla, Svez/ax medica, Schl. & Cham. ; 
and Brazilian sarsaparilla, Swclax syphilitica, Willd. (Pereira). Many other so-called 
sarsaparillas are derived from various species scattered throughout the more tropi- 
cal regions of the world. The Javanese China-root, Sw/ax China, Linn., isa noted 
alterative ; its substitutes and supposed analogues are: the Brazilian China branca 
e rubra, Fapicanga or Thapecanga, Smilax glauca, Mart.; the Sylhetian Smilax 
glabra, Roxb.; the Indian Slax, lanceefolia, Roxb.; the sweet-tea of New Hol- 
land, Smilax glycyphylla, Smith; and the American China-root, Smilax Pseudo- 
China. 
History and Habitat.—Trillium erectum is one of our common indigenous 
plants, ranging from North Carolina northward. It grows in damp, rich, well- 
shaded woods, and flowers in the month of May. The variety a/dum is not com- 
mon eastward; it habits the same localities, and flowers a little later. 
Concerning the properties of this genus, Rafinesque, who claims to introduce 
it into Materia Medica, says:* “ Almost all the species may be used indifferently, 
although the Indians have a notion that those with red blossoms (which they call 
male) are the best, and those with white blossoms (called female) are best for 
women’s complaints. The species most commonly used, because most common, 
are the 7) nutaus (2. e. T. erectum), T. pictum (T. erythrocarpumy), T. grandifiorum, 
7. medium, (T. cernuum), etc. They are all astringent, restringent, pectoral, tonic, 
antiseptic, alterative, etc. They are employed internally in hematuria, uterine 
hemorrhage, metrorrhagia, hematemesis, etc. The Indians of Canada and Mis- 
souri value the roots much in leucorrhoea, menorrheea, and as a restringent after 
parturition.” The use of the tubers as an external application in ulcers, inflamed 
swellings, sores, etc., is similar to that of the liliaceze in general. On account of 
the acridity of the roots they have been used to promote ptyalism, and are claimed 
to check epistaxis when a newly-cut root is held to the nose and the acridity 
inspired. 
Trillium is not officinal in the Pharmacopeeias. 
Pharmacy.—Considerable doubt exists among our authors and pharmacists 
concerning which species of this genus should be used for our tincture. I there- 
fore consider it full time, and this the place, to settle upon the most proper source 
of the drug. Dr. Minton, the original prover—whose MS. is printed in the Zx- 
cyclopedia, under Trillium cernuum+—informs me that he procured his tincture 
for proving “from a botanic physician, long since dead ;” the species used and the 
mode of preparation are uncertain. The American Homeopathic Pharmac opwiay 
directs the use of 7. pendulum, Ait., and describes no distinct species, but approaches 
nearer T. cernuum than any other. Dr. E. M. Hale says:§ “From the remarks 
of Dr. John King, in the Eclectic Dispensatory, we learn that it is a matter of indif- = 
ference which, or how many, species of Trillium go to make up the preparations ine 
_ * Medical Flora, 1830, pp. 102-3. 
} Encyclopedia of Pure Mat. Med., Allen, vol. x, p. 637: 
t Second edition, p. 442. 
 @ Hale's New Remedies, 4th ed., vol. i, p. 629. 
