14. Â'TALÏ KÛLÏ' = "it climbs the mountain."--Aralia
quinquefolia--Ginseng or "Sang:" Decoction of root drunk for
headache, cramps, etc., and for female troubles; chewed root blown on spot for
pains in the side. The Cherokees sell large quantities of sang to the traders
for 50 cents per pound, nearly equivalent there to two days' wages, a fact
which has doubtless increased their idea of its importance. Dispensatory:
"The extraordinary medical virtues formerly ascribed to ginseng had no
other existence than in the imagination of the Chinese. It is little more than
a demulcent, and in this
{p. 327}
country is not employed as a medicine." The Chinese name, ginseng, is
said to refer to the fancied resemblance of the root to a human figure, while
in the Cherokee formulas it is addressed as the "great man" or
"little man," and this resemblance no doubt has much to do with the
estimation in which it is held by both peoples.
15. Û'TSATÏ UWADSÏSKA = "fish scales," from shape of
leaves--Thalictrum anemonoides--Meadow Rue: Decoction of root drunk for
diarrhea with vomiting. Dispensatory: Not named.
16. K'KWË ULASU'LA = "partridge moccasin"--Cypripedium
parviflorum--Ladyslipper: Decoction of root used for worms in children. In the
liquid are placed some stalks of the common chickweed or purslane (Cerastium
vulgatum) which, from the appearance of its red fleshy stalks, is supposed to
have some connection with worms. Dispensatory: Described as "a gentle
nervous stimulant" useful in diseases in which the nerves are especially
affected. The other herb is not named.
17. A'HAWÏ' AKÄ'TÄ'--"deer eye," from the appearance of the
flower-Rudbeckia fulgida--Cone Flower: Decoction of root drunk for flux and for
some private diseases; also used as a wash for snakebites and swellings caused
by (mythic) tsgâya or worms; also dropped into weak or inflamed eyes. This last
is probably from the supposed connection between the eye and the flower
resembling the eye. Dispensatory: Not named.
18. UTÏSTUGÏ'--Polygonatum multiflorum latifolium--Solomon's Seal: Root
heated and bruised and applied as a poultice to remove an ulcerating swelling
called tu'stï', resembling a boil or carbuncle. Dispensatory: This species acts
like P. uniflorum, which is said to be emetic, In former times it was used
externally in bruises, especially those about the eyes, in tumors, wounds, and
cutaneous eruptions and was highly esteemed as a cosmetic. At present it is not
employed, though recommended by Hermann as a good remedy in gout and
rheumatism." This species in decoction has been found to produce nausea, a
cathartic effect and either diaphoresis or diuresis, "and is useful as an
internal remedy in piles, and externally in the form of decoction, in the
affection of the skin resulting from the poisonous exhalations of certain
plants."
19. ÄMÄDITA`TÏ--"water dipper," because water can
be sucked up through its hollow stalk--Eupatorium purpureum--Queen of the
Meadow, Gravel Root: Root used in decoction with a somewhat similar plant
called Ämäditá`tï ü'tanu, or "large water dipper"