30 MEDICINAL PLANTS 



diuretic ; decoction has cured gonorrhea ; forms useful gargle in sore 

 throat ; useful in gravel, scrofula, and dropsy ; one of the Shaker me- 

 dicines. We have several species of this plant. All that have tube- 

 rous roots appear to be diuretic. 



Eupatorium* Purpureum, Linn., (Joe Pye Weed). This well- 

 known plant, sometimes called gravel-weed, has a bitter, aromatic, and 

 astringent taste, and is diuretic and diaphoretic ; is a popular remedy 

 for the cure of gravel. 



E. Perfoliatum, Linn., (Boneset, Thoroughwort). Tonic, dia- 

 phoretic : in large doses, emetic and aperient ; useful in colds and the 

 commencement of fevers, to induce sweating; also in hot decoction in 

 the cold stage of intermittents. The cold decoction to be given during 

 the intervals. Its diaphoretic properties are most important, though it 

 is given with benefit in general debility, dyspepsia, and where simple, 

 bitter tonics are indicated. 



E. Teucrifolium, (Wild Horehound). Less bitter and disagreea- 

 ble than the last, though nearly equally medicinal. Tonic, diaphore- 

 tic, diuretic, and aperient ; used successfully in intermittents. We 

 have eight species of eupatorium growing in the State of New. York, 

 all of which possess similar properties. 



The E. Aroma ticum {sweet-scented Hemp weed,) the E. Ageritoides, 

 (White Snakeroot,) and several other species of this plant, possess si- 

 milar properties. 



Tussilago f Farfara, Linn., (Common Coltsfoot). A well- 

 known and popular emollient, demulcent and tonic — and in pulmonary 

 affections, acute and chronic. Its expectorant properties are slight. 

 Cullen recommends the expressed juice in scrofula. Usual form of ad- 

 ministration is decoction ; 3 ij- of the plant boiled in O. ij. to one. The 

 leaves, flowers and root are all used. The latter is bitter, as well as 

 mucilaginous. The " Essence of Coltsfoot.," is a balsam dissolved 

 in alcohol, and often injurious. The dried leaves are sometimes 

 smoked for the relief of asthma. 



Aster4 Tourn. We have twenty. six known species of Aster grow- 

 ing in this State, some of which have valuable medicinal properties. 

 Those which have aromatic roots are stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, 

 and antispasmodic; the Nova- Anglian is employed, in decoction, as an 

 external application in cutaneous eruptions. 



Erigeron, Linn., (Fleabane). E. Canadense, IAnn., (Horse 

 Weed). E. Bellidifolium, Mnhl., (Poor Robert's Plantain). E. 



* From Eupator, king of Pontus, who used this plant as a medicine, 

 t From the Latin tussis, cough, for which the plant is used. 

 X From the Greek aster, a star, the shape of the fiower. 



