The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1897-11-20
HERBS AND THEIR USES.
A Materia medica 70, the People.

A Materia Melica fol the People.
IRON WEED.-This is 3 common and
well-known weed, growing plentifully
throughout the Western States, in low,
rich woodlands and prairies, generally
around the edges Of ponds and wet
lands. It has a straight stalk, from
three to six or eight feet high, Of o dark
purple color, coarse leaves, and bealti-
full bright purple flowers on top, re-
naming late in the fall. The root il a
bitter tonic, Alternative. It il particu-
larly useful in female diseases. It is
also said to be 0 certain remedy for the
ckills and bilious fevers. As an altara-
tive it is considered highly valuable in
scrofula, diseases of the skin, etc. Dose
of the decocticn, one-half wineglass or
more; of the tincture, two or three tea-
spoons several times O day.
JERUSALEM OAK.-This plant grows
from n to three feet ligh, aud is
found wild in nearly all parts Of the
United States, in wAte p!a es, about
!. old buildings. and along roadsides. It
IS also known as worIaseed, and is
sometimes cultivated in gardens. It
flowers during July and August, and
bears an immense number of little
g~reenish- brown seeds. the part used as
medicine, which should be gathered
when ripe, during the fall. This is q
valuable, very certain, and always safe
anthelmintic or worm medicine. 1t is
| also anti-spasmodic. Valuable in all
cases of worms. The seeds are to be
pulverized and mixed with honey or
molasses, until the mixture becomes q
thick e%lectuary; then given to children
in teaspoonful doses, night and morn
ing, for a few days, to be followed by q
dose OF castor-oil or other cathartic.
The oil, however, is mostly used now.
| being equally as good, AMI much more
convenient; the dose Of which is from
three or four to ten drops, il q little
sugar or in syrup, mucilage, Or milk, to
be given night and morning for three
or four days, and then, as in the other
case, to be followed by a brisk purga-
tive.
LADY's SLIpPER.--Known also by
the names of American valerian, nerv.
inc, etc. There are two or three varie-
ties, however. one having yellow flow
ers and the other white and pink or red,
are mostly used. The lady's slipper
grows in most Of the States, in rich,
sandy soil, generally on the sides Of
hills and bluffs. along streams, and in
rich, shady woods. It rises to the
height of enc OF two feel, leaves three
or four inches long and two or three
wide, are alternate, and attached by q
sort of sheath around the stalk. The
flowers are large, shiny, and somewhat
In the shape Of q moccasin, either of q
pale yellow or white, with red or pur-
pie spots. The roots are bunchy,
fbrous, crooked, and about as thick "a
q wheat stem. The root is the part
used. 1t is nervine and somewhat
tonic and diaphoretic. It is useful in
all cases of nervous ~irri+ability, head
ache, hysteria, restlessaess, and where
ever a safe neryine is needed. 1t is
often combined with the skull-cap in
evere nervous affections, the compound
being more powerfully nervine and
anti-spasmodic. Ladv's-siioper root is
very generally used in the form of in
fusion, but is generally used in extract
and tincture. Dose: OF the alcoholic
extract, from five to ten grains, Of the
tincture from two to four ~teaspoonfuis;
OF the powder, about one teaspoon in a
little herb tea OF warm water. The in
fusion is made hv Stopping about one
ounce of the powdered Il 1t in one pint
of boiling water. Dose, from a half to
3 teacup, every hour OF two, oftener
according to symptoms. 1t is an excel
lent substitute for the foreign or Euro
pnon pofc~,on onI ~ rlncf rncnnnta
fully equal to it. 1t can always be
found at the drug stores.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS called liver
leaf and ~trefoil. This is a small plant,
having, u sort of three-lobed leaf on
each stem, the stems rising only six or
eight inches high, and is commo N
most Of the states, growing in woods,
and usually upon tie side Of hills and
bluffs-generally the south side. II
blossoms very early in the spring.
either in Mareh or April, the flowers
being of a ou: pEsh-white color. The
whole plant is used. It il tonic and
slightly astr1ngent. and is used in the
form nf Infusion or syrup in affections
of the ln't5s. liver corr ant, bleeding
at tile lears, etc. l. may be taken
freely ii infusion.
LIN OFT This plant ID more com
monty known Ey tie mann Of cows ip.
1t is t9mns. to the United States. and,
beins f4FIr / /. handsome plant, on &C.
court Oh it, beautiful blue flowers, is
often ~ t.rttea in gardens. It grows
from fifteen to twenty inches high.
The leates are the part used, and are
m~lc.l~gia9, ,lcmulcent, and slightly
rst ii Hill sod IN the form OF infu-
Sen Ill llsg AFFECT ols, particularly
biee,.ii.I II IT. lungs; and also as 0