bushnell] the choctaw of bayou lacomb^ louisiana 23 



Medicinal Plants and Treatment 



The Choctaw make use of a large variety of plants in the treatment 

 of various ailments and exhibit a wide knowledge of the flora of the 

 region. The i)lants enumerated in the following lisf* were all col- 

 lected in the vicinity of Bayou Lacomb between January 1 and 

 April 15. It is highly probable that a larger number could be 

 obtained later in the year. 



PLANTS 



1. Beshu'kchenokle (Smilax tamnoides). — The stems are boiled and the extract is 

 taken as a general tonic . 



2. Chilo' pintohH (Erythrina herbacea), spirit beans. — The leaves are boiled in water. 

 The liquid is strained off and again boiled. The extract is taken as a general tonic. 



3. Chinchuba (Aseyrum crux andrese), alligator. — The leaves are boiled in water and 

 the liquid is used to bathe sore eyes. The root is boiled and the extract is emj^loyed 

 as a remedy for colic. 



4. Klotchoiuachokama (Obolaria virginica). — The roots are boiled in water and the 

 liquid is used to bathe cuts, or this decoction is mixed with the scum that rises to the 

 surface when the root of Liquidambar styraciflua is boiled in water. This decoction is 

 highly esteemed as a dressing for severe cuts and bruises. 



5. Ete hesha kaklahashe (Topulus angul&ta.) , "tree leaf noisy." — The stems, bark, and 

 leaves are boiled together and the steam is allowed to pass over wounds caused by bites 

 of snakes. 



6. Hatnks pone nepakwibe (Chionanthus virginica), old man's beard. — The bark is 

 boiled in water and the extract is used to bathe wounds; or the bark is beaten, and if 

 necessary, a small quantity of water is added, the resultant mixture being used to 

 make poultices or dressings for cuts or severe bruises. 



7. Hekania (Liquidambar styraciflua). — -The roots are boiled in water and the scum 

 is removed and mixed with water in which roots of Obolaria virignica have been 

 boiled. The mixture is used as a dressing for cuts and wounds. 



8. ITichi (Arisaema quinatum). — The root is boiled in water and the extract is taken 

 "to make blood." 



9. Hohshish okiva stikhe isMwo (Verbesina virginica), "root water put in drink." — 

 The root is pounded and is then soaked in water a few hours, but is not boiled. The 

 extract is drunk during attacks of fever. 



10. Hungwekilo (Myrica cerifera). — The leaves and stems are boiled in water and 

 the liquid is drunk during attacks of fever. 



11. Hoshukome (Rumex verticillatus). — A large quantity of leaves is boiled in 

 water. A person bathes in the liquid four times, once each day for four days in 

 succession, to prevent smallpox. 



12. Hoshukkosona (Pluchea foetida), "grass strong smell." — The leaves are boiled 

 in water and the extract is taken during attacks of fever. 



13. Ishunaignone (Saururus cemuus), "guts not ripe." — The roots are boiled and 

 mashed and applied as poultices to wounds. 



14. Kafe ashish (Laurus sassafras). — The roots are boiled in water and the extract is 

 drunk "to thin the blood." 



15. Katlaha (Magnolia grandiflora). — The bark is boiled in water and the liquid is 

 used to bathe the body to lessen or prevent itching due to prickly heat. 



a The writer is indebted to Mr. R. S. Cocks, professor of botany in Tulane University, for assistance 

 in the identification of various plants mentioned in this paper, 



7840— Bull. 48—09 3 



