NAT. ORDER. ORCHIDEiE. 69 



They should be freely watered for the first one or two weeks, 

 after whicii (in a suitable season) they will require no more atten- 

 tion. 



Medical Properties and Uses. The most authentic and reliable 

 description of the properties of this plant, is that given by Hafin- 

 esque. He says : " It is with some satisfaction that I am enabled to 

 introduce, for the first time, this beautiful genus into our Materia 

 Medica : all the species are equally medical ; they liave long been 

 known to the Indians, and used as a nervine. They are also seda- 

 tive, anti-spasmodic, &c. ; and the best American substitute for Val- 

 erian in almost all cases. They produce beneficial efllects in all 

 nervous diseases, and hysterical affections, by allaying pain, quieting 

 the nerves and promoting sleep. They are also used in hemicrania, 

 epilepsy, tremors, nervous fevers, &c. They are preferable to opium 

 in many cases, having no baneful nor narcotic effects. The dose is a 

 teaspoonful of the powder, diluted in sugar, water, or any other con- 

 venient form. As in valerian, the nervine power is increased by 

 combination with mild tonics. The powder alone has been used ; 

 but an extract is preferable." The best method of preparing the 

 extract, is from a spirituous evaporation of a strong tincture of the 

 roots, which is done by submitting them to the influence of the sun. 

 The active principle is very volatile. 



It is well known that the roots of all the tubercular Orchideous 

 afford the officinal Salep, which is so highly esteemed in Asia, as 

 aphrodi.siac, nutritive and pectoral. The roots of many species of 

 Orchis could afford it in America. 



