SERPENTARIA, OR SNAKE ROOT.

Aristolachia Serpentaria. It is a native of America. We owe the knowledge of this medicine to the American Indians, who give it as a remedy for the poisonous bite of the Rattle­snake. It possesses great virtues. Dr. Tennant brought it into England, and it has been regarded as a powerful remedy in pleurisy, quinsy, and all other diseases where the blood is sized. It was said to dissolve the dangerous texture better than all other known remedies. It is a warm cordial, aromatic, tonic, and acts as a diaphoretic.

It is calculated to support vitality, and promote free perspiration in low and putrid fevers. The ague yields to Peruvian bark much sooner when it is combined with Serpentaria. It is also promotive of digestion; and wonderfully arrests gangrene or mortification, combined with Opium and other cordials. It may be given in infusion by pouring 11 pint of water on 1 ounce of the bruised root. Strain after 12 hours. Two table­spoonfuls to be taken three or four times a day. English Polygala, Snake-root, or the common blue, or white- flowered Milkwort, has the same effects. They have been given in pleurisies with great effect.