Bodily Influence: Anthelmintic, in large doses Narcotic. Uses: Pink root was used by our Indians as an anthelmintic before the discovery of America. We still use the ancient preparation for the same purpose. It is non-poisonous to the body but should be used according to age, and with other herbs. The following is a formula of wide acceptance from J. E. Meyers, Herbalist
1 part Pink root( Spigelia marilandica) 1 part Senna leaves( Cassia) 1 part Anise seeds( Pimpinella anisum) 1 part Male fern( Aspidium filix mas.) 1 part Turtlebloom( Chelone glabra)
1 teaspoonful of above mixture to 1 cupful of boiling water. Drink 1 cupful as often as indicated; children 1 tablespoonful. If the creatures persist, administer the decoction at full moon, as they are more active and therefore vulnerable to treatment at this time. Excessive doses or too strong cathartics are to be avoided as they may cause dizziness and dry throat. Dose: If the powder is used instead of the infusion, 10 – 20 grains can be mixed with the formula. Homoeopathic Clinical: Tincture of root— Mania, Strabismus.
PIPSISSEWA Chimaphila umbellata( L.), Nutt.( N. O.: Ericaceae)
Common Names: Ground Holly, Prince’ s Pine, Winter Green— not to be confused with Winter Green( Gaultheria procumbens). Features: This small evergreen is indigenous to the northern temperate regions of both hemispheres. The perennial herb grows in dry shady woods, flowering in May through to August, with light purple flowers of pleasant fragrance. The root is creeping with several erect stems, woody at their base and 4 – 8 in. high. The leaves are dark green above, pale below, 2 – 3 in. long, on short petioles. When fresh and friction rubbed they are fragrant; not noticeable when dried. Contains resin, gum, lignin and saline substances. Medicinal Part: The whole plant. Solvents: Diluted alcohol, boiling water. Bodily Influence: Diuretic, Tonic, Alterative, Astringent. Uses: As a remedy for dropsy, kidney and bladder troubles this well-known wild herb has enjoyed long and admirable reputation. In folk and domestic usage the combination of agents was made into an infusion, but is best given in the tincture.
Tincture of Pipsissewa( Chimaphila umbellata), 2 – 15 drops Tincture of Poke root( Phytolacca decandra), 2 – 10 drops Tincture of Prickly ash( Xanthoxylum americanum), 5 – 20 drops Tincture of Stickwort( Agrimonia eupatoria), 10 – 30 drops
15 drops three or four times a day with plenty of water.
A small amount of Dandelion root( Leontodon taraxacum), Yellow dock( Rumex crispus), Golden seal( Hydrastis canadensis) added to the above compound will aid conditions of scrofulous and other blood troubles where the urinary organs are particulary weak. Pipsissewa is often preferred because of its acceptability to the stomach for conditions when the urine is scanty and contains offensive pus or pus and blood mixed, when the urine is scalding or burning, in chronic urethral and prostatic