RAGGED CUP Silphium perfoliatum, L.( N. O.: Compositae)
Common Names: Indian Cup Plant, Indian Gum. Features: This plant is common to the western states of North America and a member of the Aster family. The pitted root is large, long and crooked, with smooth herbaceous stem, 4 – 7 ft. high. The leaves of this perennial plant are opposite, ovate, 8 – 14 in. long by 4 – 7 in. wide. The flowers are yellowish, which are perfected in August, and the fruit a broadly ovate winged achenium. Ragged cup is common to the western states and is found growing in rich soil. The root yields a bitterish gum, somewhat similar to frankinscense, which is frequently used to sweeten the breath. Medicinal Parts: The root. Solvents: Alcohol, water. Bodily Influence: Tonic, Diaphoretic, Alterative. Uses: A strong infusion of the root, made by long steeping, or an extract is said to be among the best remedies for the removal of ague cake, or enlarged spleen. As nearly as can be ascertained the spleen, liver and stomach are dependent on each other and the derangement of either or all is closely associated. Also useful in intermittent and remittent fevers, internal bruises, debility, ulcers, liver affections and as a general alterative, restorative. The gum is said to be a stimulant and antispasmodic. Dose: 1 teaspoonful of the root, cut small or granulated, to 1 cupful of boiling water. Drink 1 cupful during the day, a large mouthful at a time. Of the tincture, 5 – 20 drops.
RASPBERRY Rubus idaeus, L.( N. O.: Rosaceae)
Common Names: American Raspberry, Wild Red Raspberry. Features: A native to North America and Europe, the Raspberry, due to popularity, has been cultivated since the sixteenth century. Species of Raspberries are seen in most temperate parts of the world. The plants are perennial, but they have a characteristic biennial growth habit. The canes are generally erect, freely branched and prickly 3 – 4 ft. high, and covered with small, straight, slender prickles. The leaves are pale green above, grey-white beneath, doubly serrated with a rounded base, about 3 in. long and 2 in. broad. The small, white, pendulous flowers bloom in May or June in simple clusters with the ripening of the Raspberry in June and July. The fruit is not a true berry, but aggregates composed of a number of drupelets. Medicinal Parts: Leaves and berries. Solvents: Water, alcohol. Bodily Influence: Astringent, Stimulant, Tonic. Uses: Raspberry has long been established as a remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, especially in infants. It is mild, pleasant, soothing. It will remove cankers from mucous membranes, at the same time toning the tissue involved, be it of the throat( as a gargle) or alimentary tract. It is much used in relief of urethral irritation and is soothing to the kidneys, urinary tract and ducts. Compound of:
Tincture of Bayberry( Myrica cerifera), 5 – 10 drops Tincture of Raspberry( Rubus idaeus), 10 – 40 drops