214 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 



53. Gouania Domingensis — Chaw Stick. 



This vine runs wild in fences and in copses. The stalks 

 are woody, flexible, and of the size of one's finger; they run 

 to a considerable length, and continue of the same thickness. 

 The leaves are oval, and serrated ; the flowers small and 

 white; the capsules small, flat, and white. 



Pieces of chaw stick are made into tooth brushes, and, 

 while they serve to clean the teeth, are antiseptic by their bit- 

 terness. 



This wythe is chewed, and the juice swallowed as an agree- 

 able stomachic ; and is useful for promoting an appetite, or 

 removing pains in the stomach from relaxation of that viscus. 



What is often called a pain in the stomach is an affection 

 of the liver, which should carefully be distinguished, as in 

 this case all tonics or bitters do mischief. If the liver is dis- 

 eased, we have a sovereign remedy in calomel. One grain 

 for six nights running is generally sufficient. 



(This plant is often also used with propriety in decoctions 

 for fevers of the bilious remitting or intermitting kind. The 

 putrid matter in the intestines is thus corrected, and the sto- 

 mach made strong enough to retain the Peruvian bark.) 



54. Guaiacum officinale. — Lignum Vitas. 



This is a native of the West Indies, and grows slowly to a 

 middling size and thickness. Its shady ever-green foliage, its 

 numerous azure flowers, and flat yellow pods, make a pleas- 

 ing contrast. 



The trunks are commonly crooked ; the bark is furrowed, 

 and tears of the gum exude. All the parts of this tree are 

 acrid and disagreeable to the taste ; and as they contain more 

 or less resin, are purgative, diaphoretic, or diuretic. 



Besides the tears found on the trunk, a gum is obtained in 

 fhe following manner: — The trunk and larger limbs being 



