Jatropha (Janipha) Manihot. Bitter Cassava. Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae. Hab. S. America and West Indies.

Med. Prop. and Action. The root abounds in a poisonous milky juice, which proves fatal to animals in a very short period. The poisonous quality is entirely destroyed by heat; hence, the juice boiled with meat, pepper, &c, forms a wholesome soup; the meal,' or residuum, is made into cakes and bread; and the starch, properly prepared, is the Tapioca, so well known as an article of diet in the sick-room. The fresh root causes violent vomiting, tremor of the whole body, swelling of the face and body, convulsions and delirium. It is one of the poisons most frequently employed by the Obeah men of Jamaica.

1779. Therapeutic Uses

To ill-conditioned Ulcerations, particularly to those of Yaws (Frambasia), a poultice of the scraped roots is a common remedy among the negroes. I have seen the ulcerations of yaws improve under its use, but it is not unattended -with danger, as, even when thus applied, the poisonous effects of the fresh plant manifest themselves.

1780. To Allay The Irritation And Pain Occasioned By Chigres (Pulex Penetrans),

Dr. Hamilton speaks highly of a cataplasm of the scraped root (fresh).

1781. In Atonic Dyspepsia, Cassava cakes prove useful in the same way as oat-cakes, for which they are a good substitute.