177-2 
On account more of the similarity of vulgarisms than aught else, this plant 
and Aletris are gathered as the same in various localities, or are interchanged. The 
root of Helonias, however, is too characteristic, even when thoroughly dried, to 
be mistaken for that of any other plant known to me. When this root is cut 
across it will be plainly noticeable that the fibrous rootlets pierce the cortex 
through ample foramina, in which they are found to be freely movable, like a 
thread in the eye of a needle (Fig. 9); this character is constant and specific. It 
is said that there is an aboriginal legend to the effect that the bad spirit, angered 
that this root should cure all disorders—as was then supposed—bit off a portion 
of it to curtail its usefulness, whence the name Devil’s Bit. 
The previous medical history of this plant dates from the aboriginal use against 
colic, worms, and fevers. In domestic and botanic practice it is considered tonic, 
diuretic, emetic, sialagogue, emmenagogue, vermifuge, and antiscorbutic. Ratfin- 
esque says that its mere application to the skin causes diuresis. Dr. B. S. Barton 
thought that its relief of colic was on account of some narcotic power. Dr. Ives 
used it as a tonic, and commends it for checking nausea and vomiting. Dr. Bra- 
man* had the utmost confidence in the root in the cure of leucorrhcea. The 
Indian squaws employed the root to check miscarriages, and chewed the root to 
relieve coughs. Helonias proves itself very useful in atony of the generative organs 
of both sexes, especially when associated with colic and severe lumbar pains. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh root, gathered after the 
fruits have bursted, is treated as directed under Trillium.+ The resulting tinc- 
ture has a beautiful, clear orange color by transmitted light; no distinguishing 
odor; a pleasant, but very bitter, taste; and an acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.— Chamelirin. Dr. Green succeeded in iso- 
lating this glucoside from the root, and suggests the name. Like many prin- 
ciples of the lily tribe, this body is saponaceous in its alcoholic and aqueous 
solutions, and insoluble in other general solvents. He describes the body as an 
amorphous, neutral, bitter powder, splitting, through the agency of dilute acids, 
into glucose and an uninvestigated body that is insoluble. 
; The Tildens’ analysis} resulted in the determination of an oleo-resin, a bitter 
principle, extractive, gum, starch, and other bodies not essential. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The symptoms caused in several experimenters 
from the ingestion of varying doses of the tincture and of Aeonin, are in substance 
as follows: Mental depression : headache, fulness, and vertigo ; dimness of vision ; 
dryness of the mouth and fauces; irritation and burning of the stomach; colic ; 
slight purging followed by scyballa; burning in the region of the kidneys “ like 
bees bags of hot water;” profuse urination followed by uncertainty of the sphine- 
_ ter vesice ; uterine hemorrhage, and burning of the pudenda; lowering of the 
eck Medand Surg. Four., xl, 416. ee Page 175-5. t Four. Mat. Med., N. S., ti, 122. — 
