40 



MEDICINAL PLANTS 



root refrigerant, alterative, diuretic, and astringent, employed by the 

 ancients in hemorrhages, visceral obstructions, phthisis, dysentery, etc. ; 

 externally to ulcers and scrofulous tumors, and as a dressing to blisters 

 and sores, given in a strong decoction, or the expressed juice. 



P. Cordata, Lam., (Heart-leaved Plantain). 



P. Lanceolata, Linn., (Rib Grass, English Plantain). These two 

 species have the same properties as the former, and may be substituted 

 for them. The same remark will probably apply to the P. Virginica, 

 Linn., (White Plantain,) P. Maratima, Linn., (Sea Plantain,) and 

 P. Pusilla, Nutt., (Dwarf Plantain). 



Plumbaginace^s:, Juss. — (The Leadwort Tribe). 

 Statice Limonium, Linn., (Common Marsh Rosemary). This is 

 she <S. Caroliniana of Pursh, Bigelow, Griffith, and others. Found 

 on our seacoast. The root bitter, and powerfully astringent ; virtues 

 imparted to water and alcohol. Contains 12 per cent, of tannin, no 

 gallic acid. Bigelow thinks it equal in astringency to galls. A very 

 useful remedy where powerful astringents are indicated, as the latter 

 stages of diarrhoea, and as a gargle in ulcerated sore throat. Given 

 in infusion, decoction, extract, or tincture. — (See Dr. MotVs Inaug. 

 Thesis, Experiment. Inquir. on Statice, fyc.) 



OrobanchacejE, L. C. Rich. — (The Broom Rape Tribe.) 

 Orobanche* Americana, Linn., (Squaw Root, Cancer Root). The 

 plant has an unpleasant, nauseous, bitter, and astringent taste, used in- 

 ternally in bowel complaints. The powder has considerable reputation 

 as a local application to cancerous ulcers. Supposed to have been an 

 ingredient of Martin's Cancer Powder, (Barton,) Wood and Bache. 

 Astringent, antiseptic, antisyphilitic, considered at the west as a specific 

 in gonorrhoea and syphilis. 



EriPHEGUsf Americana, Nutt., (Beech Drops, Cancer-root), has 

 the same properties as the above ; they are often confounded, though 

 different species. (See Torrcy's Flora). Has considerable reputation 

 in dysentery and diarrhoea, etc., though its powers are probably over- 

 rated. 



BignomacijE, Juss. — (The Trumpet Flower Tribe.) 

 CatalpaJ Syrincefolia, Sims., (Catalpa, Indian Bean), more 



* From the Gfreek orobus, a vetch, and anchein, to strangle, from its supposed 

 injurious effects. 



f From the Greek epi, upon, and phegas, the beech, because it grows upon the 

 roots of this tree. 



t Corruption of catawba, the Indian name for this tree. • 



