Externally: Grated carrots made into a poultice is recommended for ulcers, abscesses, carbuncles, scrofulous, cancerous sores and bad wounds. The leaves bruised and applied with honey are also cleansing to running sores or ulcers. Apply according to severity, fresh with each application. Russian Experience: Morkov, Wild carrot, grows everywhere in Russia except the extreme north; it is cultivated domestically everywhere. Folk Medicine: Decoctions of the plant for worms and as laxative; decoction of the whole plant for liver, gall-bladder and jaundice conditions. Roots alone for anaemia( Bello-Russ. Academy of Science, Minsk, 1965). Externally: For swelling and abscesses crush the whole plant. Decoctions to bathe children when skin becomes yellow( Bello-Russ. Academy of Science, Minsk, 1965). Clinically: Doucorin extract is one of the many properties found in carrots. Clinically prepared as a mild laxative, antispasmodic and for avitaminosis, arterisclerosis, coronary deficiences with the symptoms of stenocardia( Atlas, Moscow, 1963).
WILD JALAP Convolvulus jalapa, LN.( N. O.: Convolvulaceae)
Common Names: Mechameck, Wild Potato, Man Root, Man of the Earth, Man in the Ground. Features: Mechameck belongs to the United States of America. This is a climbing perennial herb of the Morning glory family. The root is very large and tapering from which arise several long, round, slender, purplish stems, 4 – 8 ft. high. The leaves are cordate at the base, alternate and acuminate and about 2 – 3 in. long, The large white flower opens in the forenoon; flowering from June to August, followed by a two-celled fruit capsule. Thrives in light, sandy soil, seldom found in the northern latitudes. The roots can be dug when young shoots appear but it is best to wait until autumn, after aerial stems have decayed, then wash, peel and dry( if necessary over fire). Medicinal Part: The root. Solvents: Diluted alcohol( completely), Water, or alcohol alone( partially). Bodily Influence: Hydragogue, Cathartic, Diuretic. Uses: The influence seems to be especially useful for lungs, liver and kidney. Equal parts of root and Skunk cabbage( Symplocarpus foetidus) made into a syrup is very effective in consumption, cough and asthma. An infusion, taken in wineglassful doses every hour, is useful in dropsy and calculous affections. The milky juice of the root is said to be a protection against the bite of the rattlesnake. Dose: Of the infusion, wineglassful or less every 3 hr. Of the tincture, 2 teaspoonfuls.
WILD YAM Dioscorea villosa, L.( N. O.: Dioscoreaceae)
Common Names: Colic Root, China Root, Rheumatism Root. Features: Yam is the common name for plants of the genus Dioscorea of the family Dioscoreaceae( called the Yam family) or for their tubers. Yams are herbaceous vines whose stems twine consistently to the right or left, depending on the species, of which about 600 are known; four are native to the United States and Canada. Yams are among the most important tropical root crops, some kinds being baked, boiled, fried, used in soup or dried and ground into meal. Most species are nutritious. The variety differs greatly in shape, colour and size of tubers.