37 



The following are the plants so used : 



House leek (t'dlwinuk). The tea from its steeped leaves is 

 said to be a perfect cure for scurvy. The bruised 

 leaves are good for sore hands. 



Crystal tea (Ledum latifolium). An infusion of the leaves 

 is excellent for reducing the temperature and cool- 

 ing the blood in fevers. Also used for spring dis- 

 orders and scrofula. 



Indian tea (Ledum palustre). Makes a good poultice for 

 chills. 



Tansy. Makes an effective tea for colds. 



Kelp (qi'xuaq). Two varieties, one said to be injurious, 

 and the other an antidote for skin diseases. 



Dandelion (wrsw'ktuk, "yellow flower"). Greens used to 

 counteract meat diet. 



Foxberry {porjno'yuk, Lab.; pognaxo'tik, Ungava), Cobbler- 

 blossom. Down used on wounds and sores (?). 

 Leaves furnish a dye for mats. 



There are also several edible plants which I was unable 

 to identify. The sea-weed, iqlwyuk, is sometimes used as a 

 food or medicine, and the species of reindeer-moss known as 

 nunaxu'tuk. 



The Mission Eskimo, according to Dr. Hutton,^ have several 

 native medicines besides those already mentioned. They stew 

 the twigs of rosemary, and make a sort of tea, which produces a 

 perspiration that is thought to be a panacea for any trouble. 

 The brain of the codfish, cut up in little red cubes, is eaten as a 

 general cure-all. The liver (tiyo) of the seal, eaten raw, is 

 "very good for sick people." This is a general Eskimo remedy.^ 



' Hutton, Among the Eskimos of Labrador, Philadelphia, 1912. 



* A Siberian Eskimo once brought me the liver and kidneys of a polar bear. He explained 

 that they were "good medicine" and very valuable for disorders of the stomach and liver. 



