No. 2. Medicinal Plants. 35 



the State and northward to the British boundary. 



It is a shrub, sometimes attaining the height of 

 twenty feet, somewhat similar to Rhamnus Californi- 

 cus, Esch., popularly known as "California Coffee," 

 which is not considered medicinal. The bark possess- 

 es cathartic properties, and is used by a firm in De- 

 troit, Michigan, in the manutacture of a preparation, 

 sold under the name of "Cascara, Sagrada Cordial." 

 This firm employes a botanist constantly, to superin- 

 tend the collecting and shipping of the plant from 

 Oregon. 



Daucus pusillus, Michx., a herb belonging to the 

 Carrot family (Order Umbelliferse:) called by the Cal- 

 ifornians "Yerba del Vibora," is a plant widely distrib- 

 uted, ranging from the Atlantic to the Pacific; and on 

 this coast, from Nootka Sound to Mexico. It is very 

 common here, from near the coast to the mountains, 

 and is very much valued by the natives as a remedy 

 for the bite of the rattlesnake. One of our oldest 

 physicians stated to me that he had seen a Californian 

 chew the plant, moisten his arm with the saliva, and 

 then permit a rattlesnake to bite his arm, without pro- 

 ducing swelling or any bad effect. It is usually applied 

 in form of a poultice. 



Galium aparine, Linn., (Order Rubiaceae), supposed 

 to be a native plant, but smaller than the same plant 

 of the Eastern States and Europe; found in large 

 quantities in shady localities, and considered by Eastern 

 Botanic physicians as a sovereign remedy in kidney 

 diseases. A cold infusion is used, heat destroys its 

 medicinal properties. Common names: "Cleavers, 

 "Goose Grass." 



The Order Compositae, furnishes several plants 

 which are considered medicinal. Of these Grindelia 

 robusta, Nutt., is recommended especially as a remedy 

 for the effects of "Poison Oak," (Rhus diversiloba, T. 

 & G). The fresh plant is applied, or a decoction or 

 alcoholic infusion is used. It is found growing in our 

 mountain canons. 



Helenium puberulum, D. C, common along water 



