20 
NAT. ORDER. — HOLORACEiE. 
Medical .Prop€?-ties and Uses. It is but recently that the prop- 
erties of this valuable plant have been discovered, in consequence 
of which we have never before been able to appreciate some of its 
most beneficial and best qualities. We are informed that the In- 
dians of this country, have been in the habit of using this plant from 
its earliest history in the cure of cancer and all cancerous swellings, 
for which purpose we consider it one of the most valuable produc- 
tions of our country. The leaves have a pleasant and extremely 
acid taste, and may be used in all cases where acids and antiscep- 
tics are required. The leaves simply bruised have been applied to 
scrofulous swellings with excellent effect, promoting supuration and 
granulation in the most satisfactory manner. 
The insipissated or concrete juice of this plant has, of late, be- 
come somewhat celebrated as an external application for cancerous 
affections. Repeated cases are reported, of cures of cancers by the 
application of this simple article ; and from a well attested expe- 
rience in its use, we would with much confidence recommend it in 
the treatment of this painful and highly dangerous affection. 
A salve made from the leaves is the best method of preparing 
it for cancerous affections, it is prepared in the following manner : — 
Take of top and leaves, any quantity, bruise them in a mortar, and 
then press out the juice, put it on plates or flat bottom dishes, and 
expose it to the sun for evaporation. When it has become of prop- 
er consistence to form a paste it ought to be put in earthen or glass 
vessels to preserve it for use. When applied to the cancer, spread 
a thin plaster on a soft piece of leather or cloth, of a size suitable 
to cover the sore. These plasters must be occasionally renewed, 
washing the cancer with soap suds at each renewal. Two plasters 
have been known to cure a bad cancer of the female breast ; and in 
some instances one has been sufficient. 
This remedy has been known by a few, whose names have been 
celebrated in the cure of cancers, but the knowledge of it sold at 
a high price. 
