B. P. I.— 89. B. I. E.— 65 



WEEDS USED IN MEDICINE. 



INTRODUCTION. 



It is a matter of interest, primarily to the farmer, that certain of 

 the well-known weeds now either generally or locally infesting the 

 country are the sources of crude drugs at the present time obtained 

 wholly or in part by importation from abroad. Roots, leaves, and 

 flowers of several of the species most detrimental in the United States 

 arc gathered, prepared, and cured in Europe, and not only form useful 

 commodities there but supply to a considerable extent the demands of 

 foreign lands. Hence it appears probable that while weeds can 

 hardly be made desirable, still in his light to exterminate them the 

 farmer may be able to turn some of them to account. Some of the 

 plants coming within this class are in many States at present subject 

 to antiweed laws and farmers are required to take measures toward 

 their extermination. It seems, therefore, desirable to make these 

 pests sources of profit where possible. In many cases, when weeds 

 have been due-, the work of handling and curing them is not excessive 

 and can readily be done by women and children. 



The prices paid for crude drugs from these sources are not great 

 and would rarely tempt anyone to pursue this line of work as a busi- 

 ness Yet, if in ridding the farm of weeds and thus raising the value 

 of the land the farmer can at the same time make these pests the 

 source of a -mall income instead of a dead loss, something is gained. 



In order to help the fanner to obtain the best possible prices for such 

 product-, instructions for collecting and preparing crude drugs derived 

 from weeds are here briefly given. The collector should observe 

 them carefully. 



COLLECTION AND CURING OF DRUGS. 



Too much emphasis can not be placed upon the importance of care- 

 fully and thoroughly drying all crude drugs, whether roots, herbs, 

 leave-, barks, flowers, or seeds. If insufficiently dried, they will heat 

 and become moldy in shipping, and the collector will find his goods 

 reject/d by the drug dealer and have all his trouble for nothing. 



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