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PRESCRIPTIONS.

are very strong and severe in taste, but leave asweet and agreeable relish at last. See No. 48.

A tea made of the blue berry root, when it comesto be known and proved, will probably be esteemedas the best antispasmodic in the compass of medicine.That is, it will prevent and do away spasms of everydescription in a safe and superior manner. Byspasms I mean involuntary contractions—such ascramp, hiccup, cholic, cholera morbus, epilepsy,hysterics, and I suppose every other species of fits,even the ague.

Should the blue berry root be wanted abroad andin the shops, the state of Ohio can furnish greatquantities of it for market.

The blue berry root is said to be the great medi-cine that the squaws use at the birth of their chil-dren. Experience has however proved, amongwhite women, that its assistance is very special.It is to be made use of in the following manner—Take a good handful of green or dry roots, make itinto a tea (say half a pint) give the half of it, andfill up with hot water ; repeat the drinking every 10minutes, or oftener, until it has its effect.

When a woman finds that she is taken in labor,let her drink as above, having her help at hand—if it is not her time, she will probably get easy andbe well; but if it is her time, expect the deliverywill be facilitated with much safety. It. is to benoticed, that if the anguish attending the deliveryis not moderated, the doses have not been strongenough ; for they act on the same stimulant prin-ciples that opium does—and a suitable degree ofindirect debility will moderate the great distressthat must otherwise be experienced. The deliveryis facilitated by it, so as seldom to be slow and lin-gering. But the great benefit is the state of safetyand of speedy and sure recovery that the motherexperiences afterwards.

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