NAT. ORDER. ORCHIDEiE. 
69 
They should be freely watered for the first one or two weeks, 
after which (in a suitable season) they will require no more atten- 
tion. 
Medical Properties and Uses. The most authentic and reliable 
description of the properties of this plant, is that given by Rafin- 
esque. He says : " It is with some satisfaction that I am enabled to 
introduce, for the first time, this beautiful genus into our Materia 
Medica : all the species are equally medical ; they have long been 
known to the Indians, and used as a nervine. They are also seda- 
tive, anti-spasmodic, &c. ; and the best American substitute for Val- 
erian in almost all cases. They produce beneficial effects in all 
nervous diseases, and hysterical affections, by allaying pain, quieting 
the nerves and promoting sleep. They are also used in hemicrania, 
epilepsy, tremors, nervous fevers, &c. They are preferable to opium 
in many cases, having no baneful nor narcotic effects. The dose is a 
teaspoonful of the powder, diluted in sugar, water, or any other con- 
venient form. As in valerian, the nervine power is increased by 
combination with mild tonics. The powder alone has been used ; 
but an extract is preferable." The best method of preparing the 
extract, is from a spirituous evaporation of a strong tincture of the 
roots, which is done by submitting them to the influence of the sun. 
The active principle is very volatile. 
It is well known that the roots of all the tubercular Orchideous 
afford the officinal Salep, which is so highly esteemed in Asia, as 
aphrodisiac, nutritive and pectoral. The roots of many species of 
Orchis could afford it in America. 
