Asarabacca

Asarum, europaeum. It is an evergreen, putting forth new leaves in spring. It is wild in many parts of europe, and in berkshire, and the southern counties, and is common in gardens. The roots creep about the surface of the ground, the leaves grow singly from them, without stem or stalk; the leaves are grassy green and kidney-shaped; the blossom greenish, with purple-brown streaks on a short stem; these flowers are near the ground. The roots are small and whitish; sweet in their smell, but more so when they are dry, and of a sharp, but not unpleasant taste.

It is acrid, emetic, purgative, and sternutatory, or provocative of sneezing. The powdered root in the form of snuff is an effectual remedy for removing obstructions in the head, removing headaches, giddiness, drowsiness, and colds in the head. It has been useful in deafness arising from catarrhs. Two or three grains snuffed up the nose going to bed, will cause a copious discharge of offensive mucous from the head the following morning, and be of service all the day following. A decoction of it proves an emetic, and it purges downwards, and by urine also, and removes phlegm, and relieves colic. As a fomentation it relieves pains. Boiled in whey it removes obstruction of the liver and spleen, and is therefore good for dropsy and jaundice. Steeped in wine and drank, it is good for the ague.

The oil of it with a little laudanum, promotes perspiration, the ridge of the back being anointed therewith. The roots have the same effect, but not so forcibly. Let it be used with caution; for i am opposed to much vomiting and purging medicines; they weaken nature. A physician should strengthen as much as he can, and debilitate or weaken as little as possible. To make the snuffatake three parts of asarabacca, one part of marjoram, and one part of lavender flowers. Reduce to a powder, and cork in bottles.

The cephalic and eye snuffs are composed of asarabacca, root of white hellebore, lily of the valley, and betony.