On some of the Domestic Medicines used in Guiana. 
By James Rodway. 
HE Flora of British Guiana may be classed under 
two distinct divisions ; the first, that which is 
8 found along the coast and up the large rivers, 
within the tidal influence, and the second, that of the 
forest region. The plants of the coast, are mainly the 
same as those of the West Indies generally, and the 
medicines used by the Creoles of Guiana are conse- 
quently well known within the Western Tropics. 
The Materia Medica of the coast is very large and 
varied, containing remedies more or less effectual in 
almost all the common disorders. Some of them are 
even worthy of a place in the Pharmacopaeia, or at least 
suitable as alternatives, in the absence of better knowi 
medicines. The great majority however, are very pool 
substitutes for the tried remedies of the physician. 
The most common herbal remedies are used in infu- 
sion. They are generally bitter, aromatic, and nauseous, 
and are used as stomachics, tonics, and to promot< 
sweating. To this class belong White Sage, {Lantana 
Camara), Black Sage, [Varronia Curassavz'ca), Bitter 
Tally, ( Mikania scandens), Goatweed, (Capraria biflora) 
Broom weed, (Scoparia dulcis) ) and a great many others. 
As a rule, these medicines have hardly any effe6t, the 
supposed benefit being often derived from the quantity 
of hot water in which they are taken. A very popular 
hot drink is Lemon Grass tea ; this is drunk hot, and in 
copious quantities for fevers. A small creeping plant 
