the ribs on one side of the body, accompanied by partial paralysis, and
resulting in death should the black spots appear also on the other side.
Dispensatory: Described as "an efficient and safe cathartic, most
conveniently given in the form of infusion."
4. KÂSD'ÚTA = "simulating ashes," so called on account of the
appearance of the leaves--Gnaphalium decurrens--Life everlasting: Decoction
drunk for colds; also used in the sweat bath for various diseases and
considered one of their most valuable medical plants. Dispensatory: Not named.
Decoctions of two other species of this genus are mentioned as used by country
people for chest and bowel diseases, and for hemorrhages, bruises, ulcers,
etc., although "probably possessing little medicinal virtue."
5. ALTSA'STI = "a wreath for the head"--Vicia Caroliniana--Vetch:
Decoction drunk for dyspepsia and pains in the back, and rubbed on stomach for
cramp; also rubbed on ball-players after scratching, to render their muscles
tough, and used in the same way after scratching in the disease referred to
under ûnnage'i, in which one side becomes black in spots, with
partial paralysis; also used in same manner in decoction with Kâsduta for
rheumatism; considered one of their most valuable medicinal herbs.
Dispensatory: Not named.
6. DISTAI'YÏ = "they (the roots) are tough"--Tephrosia
Virginiana--Catgut, Turkey Pea, Goat's Rue, or Devil's Shoestrings: Decoction
drunk for lassitude. Women wash their hair in decoction of its roots to prevent
its breaking or falling out, because these roots are very tough and hard to
break; from the same idea ball-players rub the decoction on their limbs after
scratching, to toughen them. Dispensatory: Described as a cathartic with roots
tonic and aperient.
7. U'GA-ATASGI'SKÏ = "the pus oozes out"--Euphorbia
hypericifolia--Milkweed: Juice rubbed on for skin eruptions, especially on
children's heads; also used as a purgative; decoction drunk for gonorrhœa and
similar diseases in both sexes, and held in high estimation for this purpose;
juice used as an ointment for sores and for sore nipples, and in connection
with other herbs for cancer. Dispensatory: The juice of all of the genus has
the property of "powerfully irritating the skin when applied to it,"
while nearly all are powerful emetics, and cathartics. This species "has
been highly commended as a remedy in dysentery after due depletion, diarrhea,
menorrhagia, and leucorrhea."
8. GÛ'NÏGWALÏ'SKÏ = "It becomes discolored when
bruised"--Scutellaria lateriflora--Skullcap. "The name refers to the
red juice which comes out of the stalk when bruised or chewed. A decoction of
the four varieties of Gûnigwalï'skï--lateriflora, S. pilosa, Hypericum
corymbosum, and Stylosanthes elatior--is drunk to promote menstruation, and the
same decoction is also drunk and used as a wash to counteract the ill effects
of eating food prepared by a woman in the menstrual condition, or when such a
woman by chance comes into a sick room or a house under the tabu; also drunk
for diarrhea and used with other herbs in decoction for breast pains.
Dispensatory: This plant "produces no very obvious effects," but some
doctors regard it as possessed of nervine, antispasmodic and tonic properties.
None of the other three species are named.