{p. 326}
9. KÂ'GA SKÛ'nTAGÏ = "crow shin"--Adiantum
pedatum--Maidenhair Fern: Used either in decoction or poultice for rheumatism
and chills, generally in connection with some other fern. The doctors explain
that the fronds of the different varieties of fern are curled up in the young
plant, but unroll and straighten out as it grows, and consequently a decoction
of ferns causes the contracted muscles of the rheumatic patient to unbend and
straighten out in like manner. It is also used in decoction for fever.
Dispensatory: The leaves "have been supposed to be useful in chronic
catarrh and other pectoral affections."
10. ANDA'NKALAGI'SKI = "it removes things from the gums"--Geranium
maculatum--Wild Alum, Cranesbill: Used in decoction with Yânû Unihye stï (Vitis
cordifolia) to wash the mouths of children in thrush; also used alone for the
same purpose by blowing the chewed fiber into the mouth. Dispensatory:
"One of our best indigenous astringents. * * * Diarrhea, chronic
dysentery, cholora infantum in the latter stages, and the various hemorrhages
are the forms of disease in which it is most commonly used." Also valuable
as "an application to indolent ulcers, an injection in gleet and
leucorrhea, a gargle in relaxation of the uvula and aphthous ulcerations of the
throat." The other plant sometimes used with it is not mentioned.
11. Û'nLË, UKÏ'LTÏ = "the locust frequents
it"--Gillenia trifoliata--Indian Physic. Two doctors state that it is good
as a tea for bowel complaints, with fever and yellow vomit; but another says
that it is poisonous and that no decoction is ever drunk, but that the beaten
root is a good poultice for swellings. Dispensatory: "Gillenia is a mild
and efficient emetic, and like most substances belonging to the same class
occasionally acts upon the bowels. In very small doses it has been thought to
be tonic."
12. SKWA'LÏ = Hepatica acutiloba--Liverwort, Heartleaf: Used for coughs
either in tea or by chewing root. Those who dream of snakes drink a decoction
of this herb and I'natû Ga'n`ka = "snake tongue"--(Camptosorus
rhizophyllus or Walking Fern) to produce vomiting, after which the dreams do not
return. The traders buy large quantities of liverwort from the Cherokees, who
may thus have learned to esteem it more highly than they otherwise would. The
appearance of the other plant, Camptosorus rhizophyllus, has evidently
determined its Cherokee name and the use to which it is applied. Dispensatory:
"Liverwort is a very mild demulcent tonic and astringent, supposed by some
to possess diuretic and deobstruent virtues. It was formerly used in Europe in
various complaints, especially chronic hepatic affections, but has fallen into
entire neglect. In this country, some years since, it acquired considerable
reputation, which, however, it has not maintained as a remedy in hæmoptysis and
chronic coughs." The other plant is not named.
13. DA'YEWÛ = "it sews itself up," because the leaves are said to
grow together again when torn--Cacalia atriplicifolia--Tassel Flower: Held in
great repute as a poultice for cuts, bruises, and cancer, to draw out the blood
or poisonous matter. The bruised leaf is bound over the spot and frequently
removed. The dry powdered leaf was formerly used to sprinkle over food like
salt. Dispensatory--Not named.