CALICO BUSH Kalmia latifolia, L.( N. O.: Ericaceae)
Common Names: Sheep Laurel, Spoonwood, Lambkili, Mountain Laurel. Features: The Calico bush can be found in rocky hills and elevated ground in most parts of the United States, standing 4 – 8 ft. high with crooked stems and rough bark. The leaves are evergreen and are 2 – 3 in. long. The flowers are white and numerous, appearing in June and July.
The leaves have the reputation of being a poison to the animals that eat them, sheep, birds, etc., and can be a poison to those who eat the animals that have been feeding on the plant.
The Indians brought attention to this plant by their use of the decoction they made from it, namely, to say hello to another world. Medicinal Part: The leaves. Solvent: Water. Bodily Influence: Sedative, Astringent. Uses: By medical practioners only. The preparation should be employed with great care and prudence as extra amounts are poisonous. The plant, in medicinal doses, is antisyphilitic, sedative to the heart, and somewhat astringent. It is a most efficient agent in syphilis, fevers, jaundice, neuralgia and inflammation. A quote from Dr. Brown( 1875),“ The Complete Herbalist”:“ In case of poisoning with this plant, either man or beast, whiskey is the best antidote.” Dose: 1 teaspoonful of the leaves to 1 pint of boiling water. Take 1 tablespoonful two to four times a day, cold. Of the tincture, 2 – 5 min. Of the powdered leaves, from 10 – 20 grains. Externally: Stew with lard as an ointment for various skin irritations. Homoeopathic Clinical: Tincture of fresh leaves when the plant is in flower— Angina pectoris, Blindness, Bright’ s disease, Dropsy, Dysmenorrhoea, Gastralgia, Globus hystericus, Gout, Headache, Heart( diseases of), Herpes zoster( neuralgia after), Keratitis, Leucorrhoea, Locomotor ataxia, Lumbago, Neuralgia, Paraplegia, Ptosis, Pregnancy albuminuria, Retinitis bulism, Sun-headaches, Syphilitic sore throat, Tinnitus, Tobacco( effects of), Vertigo, Vomiting.
CAPSICUM Capsicum minimum( Roxb), Capsicum frutescens, L.( N. O.: Solanaceae)
Common Names: Cayenne, Red Pepper, Bird Pepper, African Pepper. Features: This plant is indigenous to Asia, Africa and the parts of the United States beyond the southern line of Tennessee. The African Bird pepper is the purest and the best known medically. It is a small, oblong, scarlet, membraneous pod, divided internally into two or three cells containing numerous flat, white, reniform seeds. It has no odour, its taste is hot and acrid. Solvents: 98 per cent alcohol, considerable extent vinegar or boiling water.