24 BUEEAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [bull. 48 



16. Napopokpoke (Gnaphalium polycephalum). — The leaves and blossoms are 

 boiled in water and the extract is taken for colds or for pains in the lungs. 



17. Neta pisa (Yucca aloifolia), "bear see." — The root is boiled in water and then 

 mashed and mixed with grease or tallow; the mixture is used as a salve for various 

 purposes. 



18. Nashoba ivipisa (Chrysopsis graminea), "wolf see." — The entire plant is dried 

 and then biu"nt; the ashes are used as a powder to cure sores in the mouth. 



19. Notim pisa (Cephalanthus occidentalis), "teeth see." — The bark is boiled in 

 water and the extract used to bathe sore eyes; also, the bark is chewed to relieve 

 toothache. 



20. Kwonokasha ipsa (Polygala lutea). — The blossoms are dried and mixed with a 

 small quantity of hot water to make poultices for swellings. 



21. Shinuktelele (Pycnanthemum albescens). — The leaves are boiled in water and 

 the liquid is drunk very hot, to cause sweating as a relief for severe colds. 



22. Shoklapa (C'allicarpa americana). — The roots and berries are boiled in water 

 and the extract is taken as a remedy for colic. 



23. Taklaha (Pinus mitis). — The buds are soaked in cold water but are not boiled. 

 The extract is drunk as a remedy for worms. 



24. Tauchima hobok (Ceanothus var.). — The roots are boiled in water. The extract 

 is taken in small doses for hemorrhage from the lungs. 



25. Tiaokses shuwa (Aristolochia serpentaria), "pine smell." — The root is soaked in 

 water, not boiled. The extract is drunk to relieve pains in the stomach. 



It is rather curious that although the witch hazel (Hamamelis virginica) is plentiful 

 in the region, the Choctaw appear not to have made use of it. Leaves of the hickory 

 (Juglans squamosa; Choctaw, okesok) are scattered about to drive away fleas. 



FORMS OF TREATMENT 



The Choctaw treat boils and ulcers with applications of salve made 

 of pine pitch mixed with grease or tallow. This salve is applied also 

 to wounds caused by splinters and thorns. Severe or deep cuts are 

 filled with sugar and bandaged tightly. 



Various remedies are employed for snake bites: 



(a) Smoke from strong tobacco is blowm into the wound. 



(h) The bitten limb is inserted into a hole in the ground dug for 

 the purpose, which is then filled with earth and water. The limb is 

 allowed to remain thus, in thoroughly saturated earth, for several 

 hours. 



(c) A quantity of the leaves and bark of the Carolina poplar 

 {Populus angulata) is boiled in water; the vessel is then covered and 

 the steam is caused to pass over the wound. 



The Choctaw believe in sweating as a cure for certain diseases, but 

 have no recollection of ever having seen a primitive sweat house. 

 They merely wrap themselves in several blankets and drink a quan- 

 tity of hot liquid. 



These Indians seem to be very susceptible to cold and to changes of 

 temperature. 



As a remedy for severe pains in the stomach or rheumatic pains 

 these Choctaw believe in the efhcacy of a strong counter irritant. 

 Their treatment consists in pressing into the flesh above the seat of 



