Uses: Early explorers and settlers in the New World were told by the Indians that it would cure diverse ills, and it was eargerly sought and shipped to Europe. In domestic practice it enjoys a wide field of application and use, especially as a so-called spring renovator to thin and purify the blood. J. H. Greer, M. D., tells us:“ Sassafras should not be used by thin-blooded persons.” It would accentuate the positive.
It is used as corrective in rheumatism, varicose ulcers; given in painful menstruation it soon relieves the sufferer, and is effective in afterpains of childbirth and in all skin eruptive diseases. It is antagonistic to narcotic effect of alcohol. The essential oil will often relieve most painful toothache. Sassafras is used with other compounds to improve the flavour and render their properties more cordial to the stomach. Dose: Infusion of 1 oz. of crushed or chipped bark to 1 pint of boiling water. Of the tincture, 15 – 30 min. Externally: A poultice of the root is a good application for ill-conditioned ulcers. The oil may be used as an ingredient in liniment, and provides an excellent application for bruises and swellings.
SAW PALMETTO Serenoa serrulata, Hook, F.( N. O.: Palmae)
Common Names: Fan Palm, Dwarf Palmetto, Sabal. Features: Found in profusion near the Atlantic Ocean in Georgia and Florida, on a strip of coast hundreds of miles in length and from one to five miles wide.
The small, stout evergreen shrub is supported by a large underground trunk. The edge of the leaves has the appearance of a saw, hence its name. Saw palmetto fruit. The berries are very abundant, closely resembling the black olive in size and shape, being dark purple or nearly black in colour. They ripen from October to December.
People of the areas learn to love the fruit, as it is very sweet and juicy and richer in nutrition than the raw sugar cane. The aromatic odour is pronounced and easily distinguished. Contains volatile oil, alkaloid, resin, dextrin and glucose. Medicinal Part: The berries. Solvents: Dilute alcohol, boiling water. Bodily Influence: Sedative, Diuretic, Expectorant, Tonic, Anti-catarrhal. Nutritive. Uses: Attention was brought to this herb because of the remarkably good animals that fed upon its fruit. Used under observation as a natural treatment for mankind, the berries were found to improve the digestion, increase flesh strength and weight. It is highly recommended in all wasting diseases as it has a marked effect upon all the glandular tissue. Especially used in atrophy of the testes, prostrate and all diseases of the reproductive glands.
Serenoa is of great service for colds in the head, irritated mucous membrane of the throat, nose and air passages, and chronic bronchitis of lung asthma. Of use in renal conditions and diabetes.
Among the most beneficial agents of the Materia Medica. Dose: 1 teaspoonful of the dried berries to 1 cupful of boiling water. Of the tincture, up to 1 ft. dram.
SENEGA Polygala senega, L.( N. O.: Polygalaceae)