about the size of a large pea; from two to four of. these peas to a stalk, attached to small roots which are hard, and of yellowish colour; quite bitter, and nearly odourless. The six to ten small, reddishpurple, nodding flowers are seen very early in the spring and the root should be gathered while the plant is in flower. The fruit is a pod-shaped, many-seeded capsule. The alkaloid, Corydalia, is the active principle. Medicinal Part: The root. Solvents: Alcohol, boiling water. Bodily Influence: Tonic, Diuretic, Alterative. Uses: Do not disregard the action of this herb by the barnyard sound of the common name( the root growth resembles a corn kernel). Turkey corn is one of the best alterative agents in the herbal kingdom. It is usually combined with other remedies such as Burdock( Lappa), Queen’ s delight( Stillingia), or Prickly ash( Xanthoxylum fraxineum). A Philadelphia professor has this to say about the small root:“ There is no fact better established than that this medicine, judiciously administered, has the power to remove syphilis from the system.” The tincture should be prepared from the fresh herb and given in doses of 20 – 30 drops, three times a day. Also admirable for scrofula and all skin diseases. Recommended in menstrual complaints, as its tonic properties render it as an alterative in all enfeebled conditions. Dose: Infusion of 1 teaspoonful of the root, cut small or granulated, to 1 cupful of boiling water; steep ½ hr.; drink cold a wineglassful three or four times a day. Of the powder, 5 – 10 grains. Of the tincture, 20 – 30 drops three or four times a day. Homoeopathic Clinical: Tincture of bulbous root gathered when plant is in flower; trituration of dried root; triturations of Corydalia— Gastric catarrh, Scrofula, Syphilis, Ulcerations. Russian Experience: The most interesting Russian literature is given to one kind of Turkey corn, Corydalis, commonly called“ Chochlatka”, which means in folk language hens or chickens cackling indiscriminately. The shadowy bush or brush growth of central and south Russia is an ideal setting for survival. Indication of past Folk Medicine is not mentioned, only Atlas( 1963) giving botanical description and medical details. Clinically: As extracts of Corydil and in combinations, for trembling, nerve paralysis and nerve disorders: it stimulates and increases muscle tone. Experiments on animals show positive effect on the central nervous system. Physiologically Iscoriaodine is calming to the central nervous system. As there is no other information from available books, interested readers will get the best scientific information about chemical, botanical and clinical properties from Atlas, Moscow, 1963.
This brief information is given with the thought that the local knowledge of the Indians and Folk Medicine in North America has been confirmed scientifically and clinically by scientists in other countries.