Chapter I: Part 1

MADAME YOUNG’S

GUIDE TO HEALTH;

HER EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICE
FOR NEARLY FORTY YEARS;

A TRUE

FAMILY HERBAL,

WHEREIN IS DISPLAYED THE TRUE PROPERTIES AND MEDICAL
VIRTUES OF ALL THE ROOTS, HERBS, &c., INDIGENOUS
TO THE UNITED STATES, AND THEIR COMBINATION
IN ALL THE DISEASES THE HUMAN
BODY IS HEIR TO; ALSO, AN

EXPLANATION OF THE HUMAN BODY,

ITS LIABILITY TO INJURIES THROUGH IGNORANCE
OF US STRUCTURE.

DEDICATED EXCLUSIVELY TO HER SEX.

ILLUSTRATED WITH DESCRIPTIVE ENGRAVINGS.

_I’ll be as happy as my fortune will permit, and make others so,
if I can._

ROCHESTER, N.Y.:
PRESS OF A. STRONG & CO., DEMOCRAT AND AMERICAN OFFICE.
1858.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858

BY AMELIA YOUNG,

In the Clerk’s Office of the Northern District of New York.

STEREOTYPED BY
CHAS. H. M’DONELL,
ROCHESTER. N. Y.

INDEX.

Abdomen, the, 124

Abortion, 131

After Pains, 106

Ague, 23

Angelica, 12

Alder, Black (See Errata below.), 16
Do Dwarf, 24

Alterative, 27

Anti-bilious Physic, 54, 57, 98
Do Pills, 49
Do Female Pills, 59

Appetite, loss of, 12, 32, 101, 104
Do Regular, 17

Asparagus Roots, 89

Asthma, 21, 30, 38, 39, 55, 83, 105

Asthmatic Elixir, 79

Astringent, 31

Avens, 39

Back, pains in the, 18, 28, 34
Do weak, 87

Balmory, or Snakehead, 12

Balsam of Honey, 96
Do Fir, 23
Do of Life, 46

Bathing, 140
Do Anodine Solution, 92

Beer, 86
Do Indian, 60

Beggar Lice, (Nervine), 12

Beth, or Pappoose Root, 28

Bitters, Anti-scorbutic, 55

Bitter Root, 21, 28

Bitter Sweet, 35

Bladder, derangement of, 23, 31, 32
Do Stone in, 77

Bleeding, to stop, 69

Blisters, Butternut for, 41

Blood, cleansing the, 13, 20, 24, 26, 28, 29, 34, 82, 86
Do Root, 95
Do Spitting, 25, 36, 105
Do to warm the, 81, 93
Do Vomiting of, 48

Bloody Flux, 27, 53, 89

Blue Flag, 13

Boils, 56, 57, 68

Bones, broken, 78

Bone Ointment, 95

Bowels, complaints of the, 20, 90
Do Inflammation of, 47
Do Pains in the, 22, 41
Do the, 161
Do to regulate, 63
Do weak, 19, 35

Breast, Cancer in the, 36
Do Pain in the, 85
Do Sore, 23, 76, 82

Bronchites, 30

Bruises, poultice for, 23, 68

Bryony, White, 25

Buckthorn, 32

Burdock Root, 28

Burns or Scalds, 25, 33, 70, 77, 78

Cachexies, 31, 32

Camomile, 33

Cancer, 36, 65, 68, 75, 98, 99

Canker, 22, 30

Carbuncles, 109

Carrot Seed, 23

Carroway Seed, 23

Catamenia, 85

Catarrh, 26, 91

Catnip, 18

Cathartic, 28, 29, 32

Celandine, 24

Chest, formation of, 115
Do Pains in the, 17, 24

Chick Weed, 34

Chilblains, 86

Children, Diet of, 177

Cholera Morbus, 87

Cholic, Billious, 23, 24
Do Wind, 12, 19, 23, 39, 72, 80, 111

Chronic Disorders, 27

Chylification, 164

Chymification, 163

Clap, 37

Coffee, Medical, 53

Cohosh Root, 27

Comfrey, 36

Colds, 34, 66

Composition, 42, 61

Convulsions, 25

Consumption, 33, 78, 84, 86

Consumptive Complaints, 62, 71
Do Females, 85
Do Persons, 19, 25, 38, 97

Cordial, Neutralising, 90

Corns, 103

Costiveness, 39

Cough, 11, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 34, 44, 63, 66, 104
Do Drops, Acid, 50
Do Mixture, 43, 72, 91
Do Powders, 51, 53
Do Syrup, 84

Cramps, 25

Cranesbill, 24

Crosswort, 20

Cucumber, Wild, 107

Dandelion, 20

Deafness, 62, 100

Debility or Languor, 12, 20, 22, 34, 39, 86, 104

Decline of Life in Females, 28

Diabetes, 47, 83

Diaphoretic, 21

Diaphragm, 121

Diarrhœa, 22, 36, 39

Diet, Children’s, 31

Digestion, 19, 55
Do Time of, 184

Digestive Organs, 159

Diuretic, 26, 32, 88

Dragon’s Claw, or Fever Root, 15

Dropsy, 14, 24, 26, 31, 32, 47, 49, 65, 61, 73, 95, 108
Do Hydrogogue purge for, 25
Do of the Brain, 54
Do of the Chest, 48

Dysentery, 21, 27, 28, 36, 37, 39, 42, 59, 98

Dyspepsia, 12

Ear-ache, 24, 68

Elecampane, 25

Elm, Slippery, 25

Elixir Pro, 65, 78

Emetic, 21, 28, 29, 42, 109
Do Anti Drops, 52, 93

Epilepsy, 40

Eruptions, Cutaneous, 19

Essences, to make, 58

Evacuation, 165

Evergreen, or Wintergreen, 13

Expectorant, 19

Extracts, ordinary, 220

Eye Water, 60, 68

Eyes Inflammation of the, 13, 24, 63

Eyes, Film on the, 107
Do Sore, 32, 57, 58
Do Weak, 56

Eye Wash, 43

Febrifuge, 15, 39

Feet, Cold, 87

Female Difficulties, 14, 22, 28
Do Weakness, 87

Fevers, 11, 17, 19, 20, 24, 32, 33, 34, 93
Do Cathartic for, 110
Do Indian Remedy for, 111
Do Intermittent, 39
Do Root, 15
Do Sores, 51
Do Typhoid, 139

Fits, 32, 40, 82, 86, 106

Flatulence, 19

Flooding, 27

Fluid Secretions, 16

Fluor Albus, 37

Flux, 37, 77

Fœtus, Development of, 5

Food, remarks on, 181, 184

Foxglove, 37

Fruit, to Preserve, 58

Fumatory, 20

Gall, Ox, 64, 95

Gall Cake, to loosen the, 21

Gestation, period of, 9

Gleet, 19

Goitre, or Adam’s Apple, 93

Golden Rod, 31
Do Seal, 32

Gonorrhœa, 19

Gooseberry, 34

Gout, 33, 51

Gravel, 18, 23, 24, 43, 95

Gruel, 31

Gullet, the, 123

Hair, to promote the growth of the, 98

Headache, 17, 20, 24, 44, 79, 91

Head, Bald, 25
Do Cold in, 24

Hemlock, 34

Herb Tea, 142

Herbs, Plants, etc., 191

Hips, Basket of the, 126

Hives in Children, 100

Hops, 22

Huckleberry, 23

Humors, 20, 89, 94

Hydrogogue, 21

Hypochondria, 32

Hysterics, 32

Ice Plant, 32

Indigestion, 82

Indian Women, hardihood of, 112

Infants, 169

Inflammation, 25, 33, 34, 51, 62

Injections, 42, 105

Ippecacuanha, 21

Itch, 25, 36, 102

Jacob’s Ladder, 18

Jaundice, 12, 23, 24, 32, 33, 36, 102

Joints, Swelling of, 69
Do Weak, 77

Kidneys, 19, 21, 23, 31, 32, 125

King’s Evil, 24, 70, 86

Lavender, 88

Laxative, 19

Leek, Garden, 18

Legs, pain in, 81

Lilly, Pond, 33

Lobelia, 21

Lockjaw, 41

Lime Water, 63

Liver, Derangements of, 20
Do Inflammation of, 48
Do to Strengthen, 93
Do the, 123, 161

Lumbago, 110

Lungs, Soreness of, 24, 30

Madder, 33

Maiden Hair, 22

Malefern, 35

Mandrake Powders, 49

Marks on Children, 84

Marsh Mallow, 30

Marsh Rose Moss, 19

Mallows, 43

Masterwort, 19

Mastication, 161

Masturbation, 133

Mayweed, 27

Measures, 50

Medicamentum, Young’s, 90

Melancholy, 32

Menses, Obstructed, 36
Do Suppression of, 13, 17, 47

Menstrual Discharge, 19

Mercury to cleanse from the blood, 101

Milk, or Silk Weed, 26

Monthly Courses, 23, 24

Mortification, 19, 80

Moss, Ground, 45

Mouth, the, 160

Mucous, Cold, 17

Mustard Seed, black and white, 17

Narcotic, 22

Nervine, 30, 32

Nervous Fevers, 15, 17

Nerve Ointment, 42, 91

Nettles, 28, 44

Nipples, Sore, 62

Nose, bleeding at the, 49

Oak, white, black and yellow, 31

Oats, 31

Ointment, Rheumatic, 45
Do Vegetable, 50, 56, 102
Do Universal, 92

Ointments, 222

Opodeldoc, 81

Opium, 153

Opthalmia, 13

Ovaries, affections of, 28
Do the, 127

Pæonie, Garden, 40

Pain in the Side, 23

Pains, Bathing for, 64, 98

Parsley, 32

Peach Leaves, (for Cough), 11

Pectoral, 22, 28

Pennyroyal, 13

Perspiration, 18, 19, 28

Peruvian Bark, (See White Oak), 31

Physic, Family, 52, 70

Phlegm, 21

Phlegmatic Temperament, 27, 28

Phthisic, 21, 25, 41, 81

Physiology, 115

Pigeon Berry, 29

Piles, 24, 63, 79

Pillwort, 24

Pills, Antibillious, 49, 52, 96
Do Family, 108

Plaster, 46, 83, 85

Pleurisy, 31, 103, 105

Poisonous Bites, 66

Poplar Bark, 20

Polypus, 58, 65

Poultice, 34, 77

Poke Root, 29

Powders, Mandrake, 49, 51
Do Compound, 81
Do Soda, 81

Pregnancy, 107

Prickly Ash, 12, 34

Prolapsus Uteri, 99

Prejudice, 145

Properties Explained, 223

Purge, 16, 25, 33, 39

Queen of the Meadow, 21

Raspberry, red, 22

Relax, 45, 51
Do in Children, 59

Relaxation of the Solids, 84

Remittent Fever, 15

Rheumatism, 12, 13, 26, 27, 33, 36, 43, 46, 69, 76, 78, 80, 94
Do Chronic, 94
Do Inflammatory, 29
Do Outward application for, 24

Rheumatic Powders, 59

Rheumatism, its causes, 149

Rickets, 28, 78, 110

Roots and Herbs, how to collect and Preserve, 135

Rose, 13

Ruptures, 36, 97, 100

Salts, Volatile, 64

Salt Rheum, 46, 54, 75, 82, 106

Salve, 42, 59, 68, 96

Sassafras Bark, 26

Sarsaparilla Root, 27
Do Syrup, 88

Scald Head, 54, 62

Scitica, 52

Scoke Root, 30

Scrofula, 26, 27, 30, 33, 35

Scrofulous Sores, 96, 99, 111

Senna, 38

Side, Stitch in, 28

Single-celled Berry, 14

Sinews, Shrunk, 23, 25

Small Pox, 104

Snake Root, black, 19
Do do Canada, 27

Snake Weed, 29

Soap Oil, 96

Sudorific 27, 28, 90

Sore Mouth, 22, 29
Do Eyes, 23

Sores, all kinds, 23, 24, 25, 33, 56, 92, 93

Sorrel Extract, 93

Southern Wood, or Old Man, 17

Spasmodic Affections, 18

Spasms, 49

Spearmint, 19

Spikenard, 34

Sprains and Bruises, 47, 90, 94

Strengthening, 31, 86

Stimulant, 17, 26, 27, 28, 32

Stimulating Embrocation, 80

Stomach, Complaints of, 32
Do Sickness of, 13, 68
Do Soreness of, 24, 39, 41, 49, 82
Do Sour, 50
Do Tincture, 63
Do The, 160
Do Weak, 85

Stone Root, 32

St. Anthony’s Fire, 93, 109

Succory, 19

Summer Savory, 12

Sweat, 24

Sweet Fern, 28, 35

Swellings, 23, 25, 36, 68, 72, 73, 87, 91

Synonyms, 211

Syrup, Alterative, 65
Do Cleansing and Strengthening, 60
Do Flax Seed, 84

Tamarack, 34

Tar Syrup, 97

Tar Water, 60

Teeth, Aching or Decaying, 25
Do Insensible to pain, 64

Testicles, Rupture of, 100

Thoroughwort, (Fevers), 11, 44

Throat, Sore, 41, 109

Tincture, Dewey’s, 80

Tonic, 20, 32, 91

Toothache, 12, 13, 24, 47, 64

Tooth Powder, 91

Thistle, Canada, 44

Tumors, 35

Turnip, Indian, 28, 95, 97

Typhus Fever, 15

Ulcers, 23, 28, 30, 36, 63, 68, 73, 77, 92, 99

Unicorn Root, 29

Urinary Organs, diseases of, 18

Urine, Flow of, 19, 32, 37
Do Incontinency of, 48
Do Regulator of, 21, 31
Do Retention of, 18, 25, 24, 28

Uva Ursa Leaves, 19

Venereal Disease, 27

Vervain, 20

Virgin’s Bower, 26

Viscera, Obstruction of, 20
Do Secretions of, 31

Vomit, 33

Vomiting, 48

Vermifuge, 22, 26, 35

Wash, 31

Water Fennel, 30

Water Trefoil, 33

Waters, Double-distilled, 222

Weakness, 35, 99, 103

Whites, 36, 37

Whooping Cough, 75, 104

Wind, 23

Wine, Currant, 88
Do Elder, 91

Wintergreen, 13

Witlows, 57

Womb, and Appendages, 126
Do Diseases of, 129
Do Derangement of, 35
Do Falling of, 22, 28

Worms, 12, 17, 32, 35, 41, 43, 64, 74, 101

Wormwood, 32

=ERRATA.=--The two line paragraph near top of page 17, should follow the fourth paragraph on page 16,—“for children, in coughs and costiveness, &c.,” should be followed by “the above is also very good for children, &c.”

PREFACE.

MY BELOVED SEX:

I have taken upon myself a great task, at the age of sixty-two, through love for you and the rising generation. The Scripture teaches,—_Where much is given, much will be required_; that is the case with me. Nature’s gift was liberal, and this gift I had ample means to cultivate.

I left Boston, my native place, and kind parents, at the age of fifteen, for Montreal, there to acquire and master languages which my native home could not bestow. Here I devoted three years to French and Latin, as they were absolutely necessary for my advancement in Philosophy and Botany. I remained here some years, and frequently visited the Iroquois tribe, learning much of them in the healing art.

I began to keep a regular manuscript of all I could possibly learn from every tribe and nation, not allowing myself to be biased by prejudice.

My beloved friends, daily do I read books that are styled Herbal, on the Virtues of Roots, Herbs, &c., and have not only discovered in them an almost innumerable quantity of errors and defects, but also a multiplicity of directions for their uses which my own knowledge and practice proves ineffectual in the cure of the complaints to which these treatisers have directed their applications.

I likewise give you a description of the human body, or, in a word, the Living Animal, easy and comprehensive, that it may be understood by every one who reads it. I have written it in a plain, easy and familiar style, adapted to all capacities. It is the sincere wish of my heart, that it may prove a blessing to all.

MADAME YOUNG, M. D.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE FŒTUS.

WHEN conception first takes place, an ovum is detached, which is carried through the fallopian tubes or oviduct, to the uterus, and has been observed in that organ by Sir E. Home, eight days after impregnation.

About the fourth week, it resembles a tadpole, the appendage or tail being probably the spinal marrow; a small point is perceived below the head which pulsates and indicates the region of the heart; below this the abdomen appears. Thus, the brain, spinal marrow and heart are first called into action, the other parts being brought forward as required by nature.

About the sixth week, two small, black spots proclaim the development of the eyes; the mouth appearing about the same time; the upper and lower limbs soon become discernable. The intestinal tube is perpendicular, running along the spine.

At two months, all parts of the child are present; the eyes and eyebrows are visible; the limbs are developed; the fingers are closed on each other, though flimsy; the head now forms comparatively the third part of the body, in size. Its weight is about half an ounce, and length about three inches.

Between the ninth and tenth weeks, the mouth is plainly defined, the lips drawn closely together; the eyelids close the eyes; the opening of the ears begin to appear; the spinal tail shortens, and the fingers and toes assume their proper shape and position.

Towards the third month, the face is distinct; the front part of the chest is covered in by the iternum; the intestines, hitherto contained in the umbilical cord, enter the abdomen; the skin begins to be organized; the embryo is now from four to six inches in length, and weighs from one and a half to two ounces.

At the fourth month, the upper and lower extremities are equal; the skin is downy; the bones and muscles are so far formed as to be under the control of, and are now moved by the fœtus. It measures about seven or eight inches in length, and weighs between seven to eight ounces.

About the fifth month, the auricles and vesicles of the heart are equal; the toe and finger nails are marked; the skin is still red; the features become plainly developed. The length of the fœtus is ten inches, and the weight about sixteen ounces.

At the sixth month, the hair appears; the brain becomes homogeneous; the nails may be plainly distinguished; the form of the child is now distinct. The length twelve inches, and the weight nearly two pounds.

At the seventh month, the skin is of a rosy color, cellular substance becomes developed; the eyelids are covered; the bile is bitter; every part of the fœtus is enlarged, and so far developed that if born at this time it will be able to breathe, cry and nurse, but very difficult to raise, or bring up, requiring, as it does, a great amount of care, and constant attention. Lacking animal heat, it must be imparted to it by being kept wrapt in a soft, flannel blanket, and in the lap of the nurse, or lay close to its mother, as its own power of generating heat is very feeble, therefore that heat necessary to its existence must be supplied to it. It is very seldom they are strong enough, bodily or constitutionally, to endure washing or dressing. Natural, or animal heat, is far preferable to fire heat. The length of the body fourteen inches, and weight about three pounds.

At the eighth month, all the parts are more developed; the infant measures sixteen inches, and weighs between four and five pounds.

At the ninth month, the infant has acquired the perfect form of the human species; the two substances of the brain are quite distinct; the muscular system well developed, the bones are strong, the motions of the child quick and lively, the heart pulsates rapidly, and the circulation has become very active. The length of the body is generally twenty inches, and the weight seven or eight pounds; the crown of woman’s bliss--the true effects of wedded love.

PERIOD OF GESTATION.

THE usual period of gestation, (carrying the child in the womb,) as derived from extended observation by medical statisticians, is found to be forty weeks, or 280 days. Ladies generally count nine solar months, which is a little short of 280 days. The difficulty of determining from which particular act of cohabitation conception took place, and still more, the impossibility of knowing on what day the semen of the male impregnated the ovum of the female, (as this may not occur for some days after copulation,) renders certainty upon the length of gestation, to a day, quite out of the question in any case. But by close observation, and taking a great number of cases, it may be ascertained, to within a brief period, when conception has occurred, and from thence the average deduction of gestation may be drawn. But upon this point, as upon all others connected with the subject of gestation, it will be found that there is no fixed period for parturition to take place. It may occur before the expiration of 280 days; it may not happen till after that period. There have been undoubted instances where gestation has been prolonged to 300 days. The law of France fixes 300 days as the period, after death, or absence of the husband, wherein the child shall be considered legitimate. In Scotland, the term is ten months. In one case in this country, a child born 311 days after the decease of the husband, was decided by the Court to be legitimate; but physiologists would be dubious upon the legitimacy of the infant in a case so prolongated as this.

On the other hand, children are often born before the expiration of the 280 days. Seven and eight months’ children, that live, are by no means uncommon; and there have been recorded cases of children born at even so short a period as twenty-four weeks after conception, which lived; the child itself, from the formation and ossification it presented, giving evidence that it had not been a longer period than that in the womb. A Church Court, in England, decided a child legitimate born twenty-seven weeks after marriage. In cases of this kind, the child itself is the best evidence; the appearance it presents showing, to the medical man, generally, very near its fœtal age. There are so many instances recorded, and well attested cases, where children have been born at a much less time, after conception, than nine months, that no woman should be accused or suspected of wrong in giving birth to a child a little short of the usual period, after marriage. It is exceedingly unjust to do so. The mortification which many sensitive ladies, entirely innocent of evil, experience, and the mental anguish they endure from such thoughtless remarks as the ignorant, upon these points, are too prone to make, leads me to hope that men and women will hereafter better inform themselves upon this subject, and from a better knowledge be induced to abstain from unjust conversation and condemnation.

FAMILY HERBAL.

THOROUGHWORT

Has been introduced extensively into practice throughout the United States, and appears to be superior to camomile as a sudorific tonic, and far preferable to bark, in the treatment of the local autumnal fevers of the country, prevalent near the streams, lakes and marshes, often curing when other tonics failed. A warm decoction of boneset, till it vomits freely, is generally sufficient to break up almost any fever in its commencement; it cleanses the stomach, and excites the secretive organs; relaxes constriction, produces a free perspiration, and, of course, throws off the disease. For colds, it is a complete remedy, always observing to take a draught of the cold tea after the sweat is over, which will prevent an additional cold on exposure.

Boneset may be managed to act as a tonic, a sudorific, a laxative, or an emetic.

PEACH LEAVES AND TWIGS

Are useful in a bad cough. Steeped down to a strong tea, with about half of the quantity of skunk-cabbage, add the same quantity of good molasses as there is of tea, and take half a wineglass three or four times a day. I have cured an obstinate cough with this medicine.

Peach pits, or meats, are very useful in bitters to assist the digestive organs, and prevent inflammation of the kidneys and bladder. The leaves and twigs have the same properties as the meats, and will answer when the meats cannot be obtained. A strong tea made of peach leaves, will stop excessive vomiting.

BALMORRY, OR SNAKEHEAD.

This herb is found in moist fields, frequently near small streams or rivulets, and has a very bitter taste. It is much used for bitters; for correcting the bile, it is a tonic and anti-bilious, much used in jaundice, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, general languor and debility; good for children troubled with worms. It is one of the ingredients in my spiced bitters. An even teaspoonful of the powder is a dose.

ANGELICA

Is found in all parts of the United States. Its medical properties are the same as the garden angelica of Europe.

SUMMER SAVORY,

An annual plant, growing without cultivation in the south of Europe; is cultivated in our gardens; principally used to season food. It is stimulant, and has a tendency to remove pain and wind.

PRICKLY ASH.

The bark and berries of the prickly ash are stimulant, tonic, and energetic. It has been highly esteemed as a remedy for chronic rheumatism, and is a celebrated remedy for the toothache; a very common ingredient in bitters; it possesses somewhat the properties of guaiacum. By a long continuance in taking this bark, it is said to produce salivation. The dose to be taken is from ten grains to half a drachm, to be repeated three or four times a day.

EVERGREEN, OR WINTERGREEN.

An excellent remedy for cleansing the blood. The oil is good for the toothache, and is used to disguise many popular panaceas.

ROSE.

The flower is tonic and astringent. Dr. Beach prescribes the rose water in connection with the pith of young sassafras twigs, in ophthalmia, or inflammation of the eyes.

PENNYROYAL.

Found all over the United States, and in Canada. It is gently stimulant, produces universal perspiration when taken in large quantities, warm, and we consider it the best drink to accompany the lobelia emetic. In cases of sudden suppression of the menses, a tumblerful of this drink, with an even teaspoonful of black pepper, powdered fine, sweetened and drank warm, after soaking the feet in weak ley, will rarely fail producing the desired effect. It is useful to qualify, or mix other medicines for sickness at the stomach, colds, &c., and may be drank freely.

BLUE FLAG.

Found throughout the United States, by the side of streams and wet places. It flowers in June, has a very handsome blue flower; grows about two feet high. The Oneida Indians make much use of this root for the cure of rheumatism. Make a strong tincture of the blue flag root, by putting it into spirits, or alcohol; let the patient take a teaspoonful three times a day, after eating, increasing the dose gradually. If it should produce slight pains in the head and breast, take less at a time.

BEGGAR LICE.

The virtues of this plant has never, to my knowledge, been thoroughly understood. As a nervine in all female difficulties, and a valuable medicine when used for any derangement in the monthly courses, it has not many equals; it will remove pain immediately, and quiet the nerves.

DIRECTIONS.--Take a handful of the flowers and leaves, and half the quantity of tanzy; make a good strong tea, and take a quantity on going to bed, if you can; if not, take it, but do not go out in the cold. The best time is bed time.

SINGLE-CELLED BERRY.

Grows in hedges, and along the road sides, in almost every part of America; flowers in July and August; the berry contains three irregular shaped seeds.

MEDICAL VIRTUES.--A decoction of the berries and roots, has been found most efficacious in curing dropsies.

PREPARATION.--Boil two ounces of the dry root, in two quarts of rain water, down to one half, and strain the liquor. In dropsy, a gill of the decoction must be taken morning and night. A gill of the juice made from the inner, or green bark, works powerfully, both upwards and downwards, and has frequently cured dropsies. One ounce of the inner bark, dried, and one ounce of the dry roots, may be boiled in four quarts of rain water, down to two quarts; a teacupful, taken three times a day, works powerfully as a diuretic, and is an excellent remedy in suppression of the urine.

DRAGON’S CLAW, OR FEVER ROOT.

This is a newly discovered plant, known to but few botanists in the United States. It rises six or seven feet; the leaves grow in a cluster from the root to the top; blossoms, yellow; roots, small and black, about the size of cloves, and very tender, very much resembling the claws of an animal, and so full of nitre that the powder of the root, if kept in the open air, will liquify.

HISTORY.--This plant grows upon mountains and the sides of hills, in the Genesee country, and about Albany: the leaves ovate, and are two or three inches long.

MEDICAL VIRTUES.--It is a powerful febrifuge, and I have found it a sure and quick medicine in exciting perspiration, without increasing the heat of the body. The root is effectual in all remittent, typhus, and nervous fevers, and will relieve the patient of all pains caused by colds.

PREPARATION.--After prescribing a mild puke of the American ipecacuanha, and the physic has done working, I give one or two ounces of the root, to be put into two quarts of rain water, and boiled down to one, and giving the patient, in bed, a teacupful of the strained liquor every hour, which causes a plentiful perspiration, and generally stops the fever in a few hours. The night-hectic fever, in a consumptive patient, I have relieved by the above treatment. It is an excellent medicine in pleurisy, and a sure remedy in erysipelatose fever.

Pulverize the root, sift the powder through a fine hair sieve, and put it in bottles, well stopped from the air. A teaspoonful of this powder may be taken every two hours, in a teacupful of black snakeroot tea, in order to raise a speedy diaphoresis, or perspiration, in pleurisies and fever, when they are violent.

BLACK ALDER

Rises to the height of a small tree, and is much branched towards the top; the young shoots are full of pith--the old ones empty; the leaves are pinnated, consisting of two or three pair, with an odd one at the end; flowers, sweet smelling, white, and produced on large, flat umbels, or clusters. The fruit is a round, succulent berry, of a blackish purple color, and contains three seeds.

HISTORY.--This tree grows in hedges and clumps, along the borders of meadows or flats, in every part of the United States; flowers in July, and the berries are ripe in September.

MEDICAL VIRTUES.--An infusion, in wine, of the inner bark of the trunk, or the expressed juice of the berries, in a dose of an ounce, will purge moderately, and, taken in small doses,--say a teaspoonful every hour,--proves an efficacious diabetruent, capable of promoting and assisting all the fluid secretions. The following is a good medicine in families, for the cure of recent colds and coughs:—

Take of the juice of elderberries, strained, ten pounds, and add three pounds of loaf sugar; evaporate in a bake pan, over a slow fire, into the consistence of thick honey. A tablespoonful or two may be taken at bed time; and two teaspoonsful, for children, in coughs and costiveness, will prove effectual. taking a teaspoonful or two every hour.

In erysipelatosed fever, a teacupful of the infusion of dry flowers, (made by pouring a quart of boiling water on a handful of the flowers,) may be taken every hour, and the parts wet with the following wash:--Boil four ounces of beech drops, in four quarts of rain water, down to one half; strain the decoction, and add to it a teaspoonful of sugar of lead. The face and arms may be wet with a linen rag, dipped in this lotion, four or five times a day, which never fails to cure, after necessary evacuations.

The above is also very good for children having the whooping cough, by

SOUTHERN WOOD, OR OLD MAN.

There are few who are ignorant of the existence of this plant, or unacquainted with its aromatic fragrance. It is to be found in almost every garden; flowers of a lilac-tinged, grayish color.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.--There are very few who really know how useful this plant is. It is stimulant, sudorific, antiseptic, anti-hysterical, and, I consider it, a great nervine. It is an excellent remedy for the headache, and to check a too profuse flow of the menses; is also good for worms.

BLACK MUSTARD SEED.

Take a handful, pound and mix with rye meal; good for pains in the chest, or elsewhere. Mix with water only; put the poultice on the soles of the feet.

WHITE MUSTARD SEED.

Very little known; it is a valuable medicine,--simple and efficacious in all cases where the stomach is weakened by taking too much medicine; it creates warmth in the stomach, that is, it expels wind and removes that cold mucous from the stomach, assisting the digestive organs in their functions, and creates a regular appetite. I have found it good for worms.

DIRECTIONS.--Take two large tablespoonsful of seeds, clean and free from dirt, and put them into a half teacupful of spearmint tea; take a teaspoonful morning, noon, and bed time. Keep the decoction covered close, and should they become dry, add more tea. You must not chew them, but swallow them whole. Follow this treatment for fifteen days in succession. Give less to a child, in proportion to age and constitution, sweetened with sugar or molasses.

CATNIP.

Notwithstanding this plant is but little thought of in regular practice, it is a very valuable herb. I have used it, with motherwort, for menstruation, and found it gave relief instantly, especially where they were swollen or bloated. I have often used it successfully in treating children in cases of fits, caused by worms. Make a half pint of strong, catnip tea, add an even teaspoonful of fine salt, two or three tablespoonsful of molasses, one tablespoonful of sweet oil, or hog’s lard; inject two-thirds of it, and keep it up ten or fifteen minutes, which may be done by compressing the parts with the hand. It will bring away the super-abundance of mucous slime which, in such cases, collects on the internal surface of the intestinal canal.

Catnip tea is very useful in fevers, producing perspiration without increasing the heat of the body; it is also an excellent remedy in spasmodic affections. I have used it instead of pennyroyal for an emetic; but I prefer pennyroyal in all cases where a vegetable emetic is to be given.

GARDEN LEAK.

Though having a very offensive smell, is good for the gravel and all diseases of the urinary organs.

JACOB’S LADDER.

Good for retention of the urine, pain in the back, loins, &c.; can be taken as a tea.

UVA URSA LEAVES

Are excellent for consumptive persons, and, I would say, drink plentifully of the tea, by steeping it well; add a little licorice root.

SPEARMINT

Is a native of the States. It is warming and exhilarating in its nature, and has all the properties of the peppermint, but works more on the kidneys, and causes a copious flow of urine and perspiration.

MASTERWORT.

The roots and seeds are aromatic, expectorant and laxative; they are good to promote menstrual discharge. I can highly recommend it to all who are troubled with cholic and flatulent disorders; it helps digestion, and warms the stomach.

MARSH ROSE MOSS.

This I have used successfully in cases of gleet and gonorrhœa; use a decoction made from the roots.

SUCCORY.

This plant grows wild, and is generally found in pastures; has long leaves, with a rib down the middle; very bitter. The wild succory is the strongest, and I generally prefer it in my practice. It is laxative, and excellent in fevers, cutaneous eruptions, and weak bowels.

BLACK SNAKE ROOT.

This root is diaphoretic, very warming, and promotes perspiration; in a word, it is a strengthening cordial for all feeble persons. Steep it and sweeten with sugar; good as a drink in all fevers; its use will prevent mortification in a fractured limb.

WILD POPLAR BARK.

A great tonic, as well as a pleasant bitter; valuable, and far superior to peruvian bark for intermittent fever. Take it when the fever is off.

Put a handful of the inner bark in a quart of luke-warm water, and let it stand a few hours; take a wineglassful in the morning, at noon, and at bed time.

DANDELION.

The roots and leaves are opening, cleansing the liver and gall; it opens all the secretions of the viscera, cleanses the blood, and is good in fevers and general debility.

VERVAIN.

This herb is good for headaches. Steep in good vinegar, and bind on externally.

CROSSWORT.

This herb is excellent in all bowel complaints, and is a good drink with your meals. The Shakers use this instead of tea and coffee; it makes a very pleasant drink when made weak; boil, or steep it in hot water, ten minutes, in order to make it palatable.

FUMITORY

Is an excellent herb, and makes a good, pleasant tea; is cooling; good for humors, and all cutaneous eruptions of the skin.

QUEEN OF THE MEADOW.

Leaves and flowers possess the same virtues. It is very seldom used by females in the United States. This herb should be in every collection; an excellent regulator in all urinary difficulties, where the evacuations are scant, or too profuse; strengthens the kidneys and bladder.

BITTER ROOT, OR AMERICAN IPECACUANHA.

Grows in wood bogs, and on low, sandy land; is emetic, and an excellent hydragogue, causing the water to pass off freely; is diaphoretic, possessing the same virtues as the English Ipecacuanha, but I prefer it as it is rather milder. It is the bitterest root we have it Botany. In another part of this book may be found a recipe for making the tincture. When properly administered, it is good in almost all ailments.

LOBELIA,

Sometimes called “emetic weed,” or “Indian tobacco.” I have used this herb with success; not sufficient to cause vomiting, but merely to loosen the phlegm and the gall cakes, or gall stones, which are formed by inward heat. It will act as an emetic and diaphoretic, but always have some balsamic herb with it, when used as such.

I have found it excellent in asthmas, whooping cough, and phthisic. Take the seeds, mandrake root, and blood root, equal parts of each, say 2 oz., and put them into a quart of good rum or whiskey; add a teaspoonful of coriander seeds, pulverized fine; let them stand ten hours near the fire, shaking often; give a half teaspoonful in sweetened water; give six to ten drops to a child having the rattles, or croup; it will loosen colds immediately, and act beneficially on the whole system. Keep this herb always at hand; do not be afraid of it; give a little at a time, until relieved; I have saved the lives of hundreds with it. In severe cases, put boiled, or bruised onions on the soles of the feet, and, likewise, take a half teaspoonful of spirits turpentine, added to a tablespoonful of goose grease, or hen’s oil, and rub it in briskly between the shoulders and on the breast; repeat often if necessary, but this will not be required except in very severe cases. Lobelia is also good to smoke for asthma.

RED RASPBERRY.

The leaves are the only part of this that is used in practice, although the berries are very healthy in their season. I have used the leaves in combination with those of mullen, for canker, dysentery, diarrhœa, and sore mouth, both in adults and babes; it heals and removes all canker from the bowels. Let the patient drink plentifully of it.

HOPS.

Narcotic, but very useful in poultices; they are good for pain in the bowels and intestines, and in falling of the womb. Steep hops in whiskey, heat them hot, and spread on a cotton cloth, sprinkle on a little black pepper, and apply to the abdomen. Drink a strong tea made of hops, at bed time, for nine nights in succession. A pillow made of hops is excellent for persons having weak nerves, and is far healthier than feathers; so, also, is sweet fern.

MAIDEN HAIR.

This herb is pectoral and vermifuge; an excellent remedy in coughs, and for all female complaints,--general debility, &c. For a cough, take a handful, the same of upper mullen leaves, a half handful hoarhound, three cents’ worth licorice; put these into one quart of water and boil six minutes, then strain, adding two teaspoonsful cider vinegar and half pound of honey. Take a tablespoonful every time the cough is troublesome.

HUCKLEBERRY, OR WHORTLEBERRY.

This berry is very beneficial in retention of the urine, and derangements of the kidneys and bladder. Make a tea of it, and use as occasion requires.

FIR BALSAM.

This balsam grows mostly in Maine. I can highly recommend it in coughs, for which take a little on sugar. For sore breast, anoint the nipples every night on going to bed, or, it may be used during the day, though I prefer the former. It is good for all kinds of sores, and may be used internally and externally, without danger, being simple and efficacious.

CAMOMILE.

For pain in the side, take the flowers, pulverize, and mix with honey and sweet oil; good in agues, swellings, shrunk sinews, and in colic, jaundice, bilious colic, and gravel.

CARROT SEED.

Good for wind, and as an assister in monthly courses. The leaves, pounded, are good for sores and ulcers; the juice of the root is excellent in salves, as it is both cleansing and healing.

CARAWAY SEED.

May be effectually used for retention of urine, and for wind; also, in poultices for bruises.

CELANDINE.

Boil in rain water until the strength is out, then mix with old rum, is excellent for sore eyes; for film on the eye, make a salve with it and fresh butter; or, the juice may be squeezed into the eye, and for the same purpose, it can be mixed with breast milk.

A decoction, in wine, is good for jaundice; the root is good for dropsy, and when powdered and put into a hollow tooth will stop the toothache. The leaves, made into a tea, are good for a sweat, to be taken on going to bed; for a fever, if taken in its early stages, and as a component part in ointments.

PILLWORT.

This is a smaller species of Celandine and is highly recommended as a wash, or ointment, for king’s evil.

CRANESBILL.

Excellent for bilious colic, gravel, and soreness of the stomach and lungs. The leaves, pounded and scalded, are good to cleanse and heal sores and fresh wounds; and wet in rum or hot vinegar, makes a good outward application for rheumatism.

DWARF ALDER.

A tea, made of the inner or middle bark, is good for dropsy, for coughs, and for affections of chest and lungs. The leaves are good for inflammation of the eyes. The juice of the berry, boiled in honey, and a few drops put in the ear, will stop the earache or headache. A tea, made from the roots, will assist the monthly courses, and remove obstructions; is also good to bathe the head when affected by cold. A tea, made from the blossoms, I recommend in retention of urine, for the piles, and to cleanse the blood. Striping the bark _up_, it will act as an emetic,—_down_, as a physic.

SLIPPERY ELM.

The bark from the root, scraped fine, relieves swellings, inflammations, and contracted sinews; the root should be boiled some hours, skimmed and allowed to cool. A poultice, made of the bark from the root, boiled one hour and strained, is good for bald head, and will make the hair grow; also, an excellent application for burns, scalds, and inflammations, inwardly or outwardly.

ELECAMPANE.

This is one of the best roots we have in coughs and consumption, or phthisic, when used as a syrup. It is good for the teeth, preventing their aching and decaying; good as an ointment for the itch, and, used with tobacco, is good for all kinds of sores. The tops, made into beer, are good for the sight, cramps, convulsions, spitting of blood, &c.

WHITE BRYONY.

DESCRIPTION.--The stem of this plant twists around bushes, shrubs and trees, and shoots out to a great extent; its tendril leaves are very large, diminishing gradually to the top one; palmated lobes, pointed irregularly, and standing upon long foot-stalks; flowers of a yellow green, male and female, and from the alaæ of the leaves, which are striped with green veins, turns into a red berry. It grows in low meadows and swamps; the roots are white and large.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.--The root is a powerful drastic purgative; it was formerly much used by the celebrated Dr. Sydenham as a hydragogue purge in dropsies.

DIRECTIONS.--In all dropsical swellings and suppressions of urine, the patient may take 2 to 3 drachms, which will work sufficient without griping; take soup as a drink.

VIRGIN’S BOWER.

This plant rises about two feet in hight; the petals white; the seeds are attached to their stamens, giving them the appearance of feathered tails.

MILK, OR SILK WEED.

This has a square stalk, and rises three feet in hight; flowers yellow, which terminate in a pod.

MEDICAL VIRTUES.--The root has been found effectual in the cure of dropsy. I have used it with success in all dropsical cases.

MILKWEED

Is also an excellent vermifuge for children. I have found it good in catarrhal, cachectic, scrofulous and rheumatic disorders.

PREPARATION.--You can steep it as a tea; (I only use the roots) make it strong, according to age. When it is used for suppression of the urine, drink plentifully; if for worms, give it night and morning to children, sweetened with molasses.

SASSAFRAS BARK.

This is well known to all mankind, and grows plentifully in the United States. I would say, as to the medical virtues of this bark, it is Sudorific, diuretic, warming and stimulating, and very little should be used at a time. There are very many who chew it for a sweet breath, but it injures the habits, therefore be careful, use it for it is good, and take a little at a time, and not too much; it cleanses the blood.

SARSAPARILLA ROOT.

This root is so well known to every individual that I deem it little to the purpose to say much about it; it is alterative in its properties, and more dependence has been put on its virtues than really could be relied on as a cure; but mixed with other roots of the same virtues, has always been found by me the best for all tumors, scrofulas, or venereal diseases. I think snakehead, or fisherworth, can be relied on for more virtue than sarsaparilla; but even if you have confidence in this root alone, I say make a decoction, or tea from it, strong. I prefer our own American sarsaparilla to the Spanish, and as a rule, prefer all roots, barks, berries, &c., from our own native soil.

MAY WEED.

This weed is well known to all; it resembles camomile, and is called by some, wild camomile. It has a very disagreeable smell and taste; although little used in practice, I consider it very useful in dysenteries or chronic disorders; it will instantly give relief in bloody flux and flooding; is Sudorific. If you have a case, and need a good sweat, drink a pint of tea made by steeping the weed.

CANADA SNAKE ROOT.

Very heating; has a beautiful smell; is stimulating, and excellent for the aged, and for all persons of cold or phlegmatic temperaments.

COHOSH ROOT.

There are four kinds of cohosh,--white, blue, red and black,--all possessing the same virtues. They are all diobstruents, sedative and tonic. As a general medicine for females, use the white and blue; the black, years past, was considered a great remedy for rheumatism, and I have found it so myself. Take equal parts of cohosh and prickley ash, and a very little mandrake, is good for aged persons.

BETH, OR PAPPOOSE ROOT.

This root is generally known; is good in falling of the womb, and troubles in the ovaries. Add it in every syrup you make for diseases of females.

SWEET FERN,

Boiled in milk, is good for the dysentery and rickets.

NETTLES.

A tea made of nettles relieves stich in the side and back.

BLOOD ROOT, OR DRAGON’S CLAW.

This is one of the most useful roots we have, and no one should be without it; it is emetic, cathartic, pectoral and sudorific; in fact, it possesses many virtues; it will cure all internal and external ulcers.

BURDOCK ROOT.

The roots and tops are of the same medical properties, although we use the roots more in syrups than the leaves. The roots I consider of a cleansing and detergent quality, promotes sweat, is good in almost all syrups, and more especially for females in the decline of life.

INDIAN TURNIP.

This root is very acrid, pungent and heating; it promotes the watery excretions; its use quickens the circulation in individuals of cold or phlegmatic habits. For a cough, take a tablespoonful of the root, pulverized, to which add two tablespoonsful of pulverized loaf sugar, and a teaspoonful of flour of sulphur; mix well together, and put it into a jar, covered close. Take half teaspoonful five times a day. This will cure your cough, and quicken the action of the digestive organs. Take a green piece of this root, mixed with blue flag, pound them both together, and it will cure a fellon, on the finger or elsewhere. Apply three times.

UNICORN ROOT.

It grows on the side of mountains and frequently in swamps; I have found it very strengthening in all female weaknesses. Combined with white cohosh, an ounce of each, put into one quart of wine, I have found good for hysteria cholic. Take half a wine glass full at morning and at bed time.

SNAKEWEED.

This is certainly the most astringent that grows. Great care must be taken when using it, and give a cathartic if it proves too binding. It can be used with honey as a wash for sore mouths.

POKE ROOT, OR PIGEON BERRY.

Few country people are unacquainted with this root. Many persons use it for greens in the spring. Every one should be prudent, and not use it too freely as it is emetic and cathartic; it will vomit severely when taken in large doses, but when used with moderation it will purify the blood, and is an excellent remedy for inflammatory rheumatism, for which cut the root into slices and apply it on all parts of the body which are affected. For internal use, take one quart of the berries and half an ounce of mandrake root, in two quarts of whiskey, and add two ounces of prickley ash bark; drink a wine glass full in the same quantity of cold water, mornings and at bed time; begin with half a wine glass at first. It will be found good for males or females. In hysterics or fits, it will give instant relief.

SCOKE ROOT.

This root is very different from poke root, and grows in swamps; is very hard to dig, and is called by some white hellebore; is a great nervine. I have known many put it into snuff, but it is very harsh; it has been used by many in case of mania, but as I do not recommend any poisons, would say to all, let it alone. If you have the seven years’ itch, you may add a little of it to the following wash: Take 2 ounces of pulverized blood root, in 2 quarts of best cider vinegar, and add quarter of an ounce of scoke root; shake well, and wash all over at bed time. Let this wash stand near the fire for several days before using it, shaking it frequently. When too thick, add more vinegar. Do not shake it when you wash with it, but turn it off clear.

WATER FENNEL.

This is anti-scrofulous; is excellent for all diseases of the lungs, internal ulcers and asthma; it will remove the mucus from the bronchial tubes, and heal them; for ulcers or sore legs, drink it freely, and wash the sores with the same; add a little white maple bark with it; always use the inner bark, next to the wood.

MARSH MALLOW.

These grow in our gardens; the low mallow possesses the same medical virtues; are both good in canker, mild and loosening; for canker in children add a little catnip and coriander seed. Children have more or less canker in the bowels.

WHITE OAK.

This bark is very strengthening; and so, also, is the black and yellow oak. They are good to make washes. I use them internally, as I think them as good as peruvian bark, and safer.

OATS.

How few there are acquainted with the virtues hid in oats. Very many lives have been saved by using oat meal gruel, but of late years it is entirely laid aside. Oats are healing and cooling, and, therefore, healthy. Make puddings of the meal for your children every night, and they will be healthy and robust. Boil two quarts of oats in two gallons of water four hours, add a handfull of succory, let it steep ten hours, then strain off and add one pint of good molasses; boil half an hour, and drink, say a tumbler half full, night and morning, before dog days, and through that season. I will warrant no sickness will trouble you. It will cleanse the kidneys. Oats are good in pleurisies, and removes all obstructions from the viscera. Take two vegetable pills at bed time.

GOLDEN ROD.

This plant is perennial, rises two feet in hight, has small brown stalks divided at the top into branches with numerous long green leaves; flowers small and yellow. It grows in woods and meadows, and along the fences; its leaves are gently astringent; the flowers are beneficial in removing obstructions in the urinary organs, and in gravelly complaints of the bladder; also, good in cachexies, and in the first stage of dropsy.

PARSLEY.

Every person is acquainted with this plant, as it is found in all gardens; it will produce a free discharge of urine; its medical properties are cooling.

GOLDEN SEAL.

Is tonic, cathartic and nervine; excellent to wash sore eyes.

ICE PLANT.

This root is an excellent remedy for fits in children, and in old times was called “fits root.”

STONE ROOT.

Grows on the side of hills; the root is knotty and nearly as hard as a stone; this root is warming, diuretic, aromatic, and good in all dropsical diseases.

BUCKTHORN.

Is a prickly bush, or low tree, grows in hedges throughout the States. The bark and berries are cathartic, and if you are in want of a brisk cathartic take the bark or berries. It would be a good plan to put the berries into whiskey, and take occasionally one or two tablespoonsful.

WORMWOOD.

This perennial herb grows by the road side, in gardens, and around old ruins and walls. Its active constituents are a bitter extract and essential oil; is used in stomach complaints, and is of great service in hypochondria and melancholy, lowness of spirits, and loss of appetite; in intermittent fevers, cachectic, and dropsical complaints, and in jaundice; destroys worms. The essence, taken for a considerable time, prevents the formation of stone in the kidneys and bladder,--the patient omitting the use of wine and acids. The gout has been conquered by the continual use of the decoction of this herb. A teacupfull of the infusion taken twice a day, by nurses, will make their milk good.

WATER TREFOIL.

This plant is perennial, and grows in marshes, swamps, and wet meadows, in New Jersey. It flowers in July; the leaves are excessively bitter, which is extracted by infusion; one ounce of the leaves, dried, are equal to half a pound of hops, in brewing. A drachm of the powdered leaves is a purge and a vomit. It has been found beneficial in curing scorbutic complaints, as well as tertian and quartan fevers, and is excellent in curing rheumatic affections.

POND LILY.

The white and yellow both have the same properties, and are healing and cooling. I have found them to relieve all fluxes, inflammations, outwardly and inwardly. I use the seeds and roots in cases of consumption. The blows make a good poultice for burns, bruises, or any kind of sores, as it is very healing.

MADDER.