NAT. ORDER. ORCHIDEiE. 
103 
sent into the cities for sale, by a class of people who make it their 
business, digging and preparing roots for the market. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Howard, speaking of the La- 
dy's Slipper, says, " The roots are the only part used, and ought 
to be gathered in the spring, before the top begins to grow much : 
or in the fall, after they begin to die. After digging they must be 
carefully separated, washed clean, and dried in the sun, or in a 
dry, airy I'oom. When fully dry, they should be packed away in 
barrels; or pulverized, and bottled for use." 
Mattson, in his Vegetable Materia Medica, speaking of this 
delightful plant, says, " The Lady's Slipper is a very good nervine ; 
and as it possesses no narcotic properties, may be used freely, 
without any apprehension of danger. I do not consider it so val- 
uable as the scullcap ; but it nevertheless makes a very good sub- 
stitute. Dr Thomson says he ' has made great use of it, and in 
hysterical symptoms, and all nervous diseases, he has always found 
it to produce the most beneficial effects.' It is considered an ex- 
cellent remedy in nervous headache, epilepsy, tremors, restless- 
ness, and low fevers, having the effect to quiet the nerves, allay the 
pain, and promote sleep. The powder may be taken in doses of 
" half a teaspoonful, steeped in a teacupful of hot water, sweetened ; 
or it may be added to a tea of composition powder, or any of the 
various bitter tonics, the latter of which is preferable. The fibres 
of this root, combined with cinnamon, ground together, sifted, and 
well mixed, make a very pleasant tea for weak or nervous people, 
and may be given advantageously to children, with slight bowel 
complaints. Boiling impairs the strength of all the different va- 
rieties of this plant. From a personal knowledge of the good ef- 
fects of this plant, especially in all nervous complaints, I can speak 
very much in its favor. have given it, both by itself, and in con- 
nection with other medicine, and am fully satisfied that it is one 
of the best nervines in the Materia Medica. My miethod of ad- 
ministering it, is either by extract or decoction." 
