This section of the book is from "The Complete Herbalist" by Dr. O. Phelps Brown. Also available from Amazon: The Complete Herbalist: The People Their Own Physicians By The Use Of Nature's Remedies.
COMMON NAME. Water Plantain.
MEDICINAL PART. The leaves.
Description. -- This perennial herb has all
radical, oval, oblong, or lanceolate leaves from four to six inches in
length, on long radical petioles. The flowers are small and white,
and the fruit a three-cornered achenium.
History. -- It inhabits the North American
continent as well as Europe, grows in watery places, and flowers in July.
Properties and Uses. -- It was once considered
a capital remedy for hydrophobia, hence its name; but experience has demonstrated
that as a cure for this horrible infliction it is impotent. In urinary
diseases and affections, an infusion of the leaves, which must be dried
and powdered, is very efficacious.
Dose. -- Of the infusion above mentioned,
from four to six fluid ounces, three or four times a day. The fresh
leaves, when bruised, form a very good but mild counter-irritant.
 
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