decoction was mixed with bathwater for rheumatism (Ad) or was 
applied to bruises (PB). A poultice made from the peeled, washed 
and baked roots was applied to infected sores (RS). The boiled 
and crushed roots were placed on deep cuts of horses (PB). 
PLANTAGINACEAE 
Plantago major L. — (Plantain) 
nlshemlshemge?ene?e (AP, AV, CW): 
‘bears’ ears’ 
The leaves were variously used as a poultice for cuts and sores: 
the leaves were softened in hot water and put on sores (RS, AV); 
crushed and placed on infected cuts (PB); or crushed and mixed 
with sugar and placed on cuts (AP, CW). It was believed that the 
pus would be drawn out with this application (AP, RS, CW). 
POLEMONIACEAE 
Gilia aggregata (Pursh) Spreng. — (Gilia) 
The dried plants and those of Lomatium simplex were placed in 
perfume bags; they were believed to give off a pleasant aroma 
(RD). 
PORTULACACEAE 
Claytonia lanceolata Pursh — (Springbeauty) 
skwenkwi (PB, AV) 
The larger roots were the first of the roots to be gathered by the 
Flathead; they were available in the middle of April (RS). They 
were washed and boiled for eating (JP, RS, AV). 
Lewisia rediviva Pursh — (Bitterroot) 
spetlem (Ad, PB, LP, AP, JP, AV, 
CW) 
An even greater quantity of bitterroot than camas was eaten 
(RD), possibly because of the widespread abundance and ease of 
collecting it. Flathead women dug bitterroot inearly May. Before 
digging, the First Roots Ceremony was performed (see discussion 
following the listing of plants). Digging was done just before the 
plant began to bloom, as the epidermal layer of the root slipped 
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