This root is very different from poke root, and grows in swamps; is very hard to dig, and is called by some white hellebore; is a great nervine. I have known many put it into snuff, but it is very harsh; it has been used by many in case of mania, but as I do not recommend any poisons, would say to all, let it alone. If you have the seven years’ itch, you may add a little of it to the following wash: Take 2 ounces of pulverized blood root, in 2 quarts of best cider vinegar, and add quarter of an ounce of scoke root; shake well, and wash all over at bed time. Let this wash stand near the fire for several days before using it, shaking it frequently. When too thick, add more vinegar. Do not shake it when you wash with it, but turn it off clear.
This is anti-scrofulous; is excellent for all diseases of the lungs, internal ulcers and asthma; it will remove the mucus from the bronchial tubes, and heal them; for ulcers or sore legs, drink it freely, and wash the sores with the same; add a little white maple bark with it; always use the inner bark, next to the wood.
These grow in our gardens; the low mallow possesses the same medical virtues; are both good in canker, mild and loosening; for canker in children add a little catnip and coriander seed. Children have more or less canker in the bowels.
This bark is very strengthening; and so, also, is the black and yellow oak. They are good to make washes. I use them internally, as I think them as good as peruvian bark, and safer.
How few there are acquainted with the virtues hid in oats. Very many lives have been saved by using oat meal gruel, but of late years it is entirely laid aside. Oats are healing and cooling, and, therefore, healthy. Make puddings of the meal for your children every night, and they will be healthy and robust. Boil two quarts of oats in two gallons of water four hours, add a handfull of succory, let it steep ten hours, then strain off and add one pint of good molasses; boil half an hour, and drink, say a tumbler half full, night and morning, before dog days, and through that season. I will warrant no sickness will trouble you. It will cleanse the kidneys. Oats are good in pleurisies, and removes all obstructions from the viscera. Take two vegetable pills at bed time.