90T 



nerve powder. This plant is much in vogue with the quacks and 

 steamers. They say it possesses properties equal, if not superior, 

 to foreign valerian. They dry the root and powder it fine, and 

 keep it in tight stopped bottles. They call it nervine, and use it 

 in nervous affections. They also employ it to assist the operation 

 of their emetics, in doses of half a teaspoonful. It is said to quiet 

 the nerves, prevent spasm, and produce sleep without stupefying. 

 When a person cannot sleep, they put a teaspoonful of this powder 

 into a teacupful of pennyroyal tea, and drink it warm on going to 

 bed at night, and they say it will produce quiet and refreshing 

 sleep. The root is the only part used. The roots are pungent and 

 mucilaginous. 



207. Cypripedium spectdbile, gay ladies' slipper, and 



208. Cypripedium humile, love ladies' slipper, are possessed 

 of similar properties. They are all said to be nervine, antispas- 

 modic, and sedative. They are used in hemicrania and nervous 

 fevers. In many cases, the steamers think they are preferable to 

 opium. Their power is increased by combining them with tonics. 

 I'he Indians call the cypripediums pappoose, shepherd's purse, squaw 

 moccason. They say its principal use is for women. It relieves 

 them when they are obstinate in their monthly courses, and facili- 

 tates the birth of children. 



ORDER 245. MELANTHACE^I. 



209. Helonias dioica. Devil's bit. The decoction of the root of 

 this plant is used for colic. It is thought to be anthelmintic, bitter, 

 and tonic. 



210. Veratrum. Nine species. 



Veratrum viride. Green hellebore. Off. This plant possesses 

 properties somewhat like the black hellebore of the shops. It is 

 acrid, nauseous, emetic, sternutatory, diuretic, &c. I have used it 

 With success, combined with other diuretics, in dropsy. A few 

 grains, snuffed up the nose, proves powerfully sternutatory ; and I 

 have often employed it in cases of periodical headache, attended 

 with dryness of the nostrils. It is prescribed in mania, psora, &c., 

 but must be used with caution. 



211. Allium. One hundred species ; 6, 1, L. 



