20 NAT. ORDER. — HOLORACE^E. 



Medical Properties and Uses. It is but recently that the prop- 

 erties of this valuable plant have been discovered, in consequence 

 of which we have never before been able to appreciate some of its 

 most beneficial and best qualities. We are informed that the In- 

 dians of this country, have been in the habit of using this plant from 

 its earliest history in the cure of cancer and all cancerous swellings, 

 for which purpose we consider it one of the most valuable produc- 

 tions of our country. The leaves have a pleasant and extremely 

 aoid taste, and may be used in all cases where acids and antiscep- 

 tics are required. The leaves simply bruised have been applied to 

 scrofulous swellings with excellent effect, promoting supuration and 

 granulation in the most satisfactory manner. 



The insipissated or concrete juice of this plant has, of late, be- 

 come somewhat celebrated as an external application for cancerous 

 affections. Repeated cases are reported, of cures of cancers by the 

 application of this simple article ; and from a well attested expe- 

 rience in its use, we would with much confidence recommend it in 

 the treatment of this painful and highly dangerous affection. 



A salve made from the leaves is the best method of preparing 

 it for cancerous affections, it is prepared in the following manner : — 

 Take of top and leaves, any quantity, bruise them in a mortar, and 

 then press out the juice, put it on plates or flat bottom dishes, and 

 expose it to the sun for evaporation. When it has become of prop- 

 er consistence to form a paste it ought to be put in earthen or glass 

 vessels to preserve it for use. When applied to the cancer, spread 

 a thin plaster on a soft piece of leather or cloth, of a size suitable 

 to cover the sore. These plasters must be occasionally renewed, 

 washing the cancer with soap suds at each renewal. Two plasters 

 have been known to cure a bad cancer of the female breast; and in 

 some instances one has been sufficient. 



This remedy has been known by a iew, whose names have been 

 celebrated in the cure of cancers, but the knowledge of it sold at 

 a high price. 



