This is a highly important remedy, and every doctor has use for it. If it were an article that cost as much as quinine everybody would think more of it, but, as it grows as free as the water flows it has been ignored and discredited by many, or to say the least, sadly neglected by the medical profession.

Medical properties and uses. -- The leaves, saturated in saltpetre, dried, mashed up fine, and mixed with tobacco and smoked, will give almost instant relief to asthma or phthisic, or difficult breathing. Take the tops and leaves and boil to a thick syrup and mix with mutton tallow. This forms a fine pile ointment, to use on the parts after each evacuation. A hot poultice of the leaves will overcome cramps, nervousness, and produce sleep. It has been used internally with success in delirium tremens, but should only be given by a physician.