WAHOO Euonymus atropurpureus, Jack.( U. S. Agricultural Department, Appalachia, 1971)
Medicinal Part: Root bark. Solvents: Water, alcohol. Bodily Influence: Tonic, Alterative, Cholagogue, Laxative, Expectorant. Uses: Valued in liver disorders especially those following or accompanied by fever. For constipation due to inactivity of liver it may be given with every confidence, especially as its action is mild and non-irritant. The influence is not restricted to the liver alone, the pancreas and spleen are also assisted by its properties. An effective agent for dropsy and dyspepsia, having cathartic effect. Euonymus is often used in combinations of other tonics, laxatives, etc., in pill form. Doses: 1 small teaspoonful to 2 cupfuls of boiling water, simmered 30 min., 2 – 3 cupfuls a day 1 hr. before meals. Homoeopathic Clinical: Tincture of fresh bark and root— Albuminuria, Bilious fever, Biliousness, Cholera morbus, Gall-stones, Levitation, Liver( affection of), Vertigo.
WATER CRESS Nasturtium officinale, R. Br.( N. O.: Cruciferae)
Common Names: Tall Nasturtium, Water Cress. Features: Water cress is of the mustard family native to Europe, but has migrated to most of North America and is found in moist banks and running waters below 8,000 ft. The branching stems are 1 – 3 ft. long and generally extended with leaves above the water. The leaves are somewhat fleshy, elliptic and in pairs of three to seven with small white flowers in enlongated racemes; pods ½ – 1 in. long. Water cress is most popular as a garnish only; the mineral-rich plant is an excellent addition to daily salads. Has been in use as this by people since ancient times. Medicinal Parts: Leaves, root. Solvent: Water. Bodily Influence: Tonic, Stimulant, Blood purifying. Uses: The American Indians used the herb for liver and kidney trouble and to dissolve kidney stones. Parkinson, in 1640, says:“ The leaves of juice applied to the face or other parts troubled with freckles, pimples, spots or the like at night and washed away in the morning. The juice mixed with vinegar to the forehead is good for lethargy or drowsy feeling.” For the above use the fresh herb daily for skin improvement. The high content of the vitamin and mineral part is a preventive for scurvy, and a blood builder in every sense of the word. The Romans considered it as excellent food for those who have deranged minds.
J. E. Meyers, Botanical Gardens of Hammond, Indiana. U. S. A., informs us that Water cress is one of