18'J2-93.] kotes cn thk western denes. 131 



heracleum, though of slower action, is nevertheless reputed effective 

 against haemorrhage from cuts. It is mashed fine, and a poultice of it is 

 applied on the wound. 



Infusions of the bark or leaves of the raspberry bush {Rubus strigosiis) 

 served as an emmenagogue, while the same parts — or more often still 

 the wood with the bark — of the Viburnum opuliis, a species of high cran- 

 berry, and of the bird cherry {Pru7tus pensy/vanica), similarly treated, 

 yielded a fairly good remedy against blood spitting. 



They had also several tonics or astringents, among which figured : the 

 wild cherry (Primus virginiana), cold infusions of the inner bark of 

 which were taken as a stimulant ; the yarrow {Achillea millefolium) and 

 the American sarsaparilla [Aralia imdicaulis), decoctions of which are 

 still quite valued ; the spearmint {Mentha viridis), which was used as a 

 tonic against many ills, and last, not least, the Labrador tea {Ledum 

 palustre), which, added to its medicinal properties, was often put to the 

 same uses as to-day the tea of commerce. 



In cases of swellings and non-running sores the Carriers use fomenta- 

 tions of the red willow {Cornus stoloniferd) bark. F^or running sores and 

 ulcers of any description they profess to have an excellent salve in the 

 decoction of the bark of the osier-willow {Salix longifolia) and of the 

 aspen mixed in equal quantities. The mixture forms a milky liquor 

 wherewith the ulcers are first bathed and then rubbed over with the 

 hand, thus causing the extraction of the humors. 



Two species of horse tails, Equisetnm hyemale and E. pratense, are 

 valued as powerful helps against retention of urine. Decoctions of the 

 herbs are drank freely until the desired effect is obtained. The leaves of 

 the uva-ursi are also used as diuretics, but their properties may have 

 become known among the natives through their intercourse with the 

 whites. 



One of the most effective of the native remedies is the hivollak {Arte- 

 misia frigidaT) a sage-like plant which is used against local pains and 

 nervous shooting. The leaves are laid over the heated stones of the 

 sudatory, while the patient sits in a reclining position over the steam 

 emanating from them. In extreme cases the leaves are applied while 

 fresh directly to the ailing part of the body, but such are their caustic 

 properties that they cannot be borne more than a few moments. 



When no other remedy is available, the stalks of the black currant 

 {Ribes rubruvi) are cut in small pieces, boiled for some time and the 

 decoction taken as a cough medicine. 



To alleviate violent pains, they formerly had recourse to the bulb of 



