GOLD THREAD Coptis groenlandica, Salisb. (N.O.: Ranunculaceae) Common Names: Mouth Root, Yellow Root, Canker Root, Vegetable Gold. Features: Gold thread is found growing in dark swamps and mossy woods in northern parts of the United States, and Canada, Iceland, Siberia and India. The plant has a small, creeping perennial root of many fibres, and a bright yellow colour, faint odour, and bitter taste without stringency. The leaves are evergreen, on long, slender 1 ft. long stalks, growing three together. The white and yellow star-like flowers grow on a separate stem, rising to the same height as the leaves. They flower early in the spring to July, proceeded by oblong capsules containing many small black seeds. Autumn is the proper season for collecting this creation from above. Medicinal Part: The root. Solvents: Boiling water, dilute alcohol. Bodily Influence: Tonic. Uses: Exactingly helpful as a mouth wash for canker sores, gargle for sore throat, and ulcers of both stomach and throat. It may be beneficially used in all cases where a bitter tonic is required, such as dyspepsia and chronic inflammation of the stomach. It is a good herb to give to children occasionally as a tonic; it invigorates the stomach and is a preventive of pin worms. It may be given alone or in combination with other suitable medicines; it promotes digestion, improves the appetite and acts as a general stimulant to the system. In convalescence it is highly beneficial. Made into a decoction, Gold thread (Coptis trifolia) and Golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis), it will often release the driving desire for alcoholic beverages. Dose: The tincture, made by adding 1 oz. of the powdered root to 1 pint of diluted alcohol, is preferable to the powder. The dose is from 20 drops to 1 teaspoonful, three times a day. As a tea, steep 1 teaspoonful of the granulated root in 1 cup of boiling water for ½ hr., strain, take 1 tablespoonful three to six times a day.
GRAVEL ROOT Eupatorium purpureum, L. (N.O.: Compositae) Common Names: Queen of the Meadow, Kidney Root, Joe-Pye Weed, Trumpet Weed, Purple Boneset. Features: Found in low places, dry woods or meadows in northern, western and middle regions of North America and in Canada. Gravel root is distinguishable by the purple band about 1 in. broad around the leaf joint. The perennial plant reaches heights of 5–6 ft., with pale purple to white tubular flowers that bloom in August and September. The leaves, from three to five at a joint, are broad, rough and jagged. The root is the official part, with a fragrance resembling that of old hay, and slightly bitter, aromatic taste which is faintly astringent but not unpleasant. Medicinal Parts: The root; floral decoctions are diuretic and tonic. Solvent: Water. Bodily Influence: Diuretic, Stimulant, Tonic, Astringent, Relaxant. Uses: The strong decoction of the root is esteemed almost an infallible remedy for gravel and accumulations of the associated bladder, kidney and the urinary system. To mention a few: dropsy, neuralgia, lumbago, gout, rheumatism and joint stiffness caused by uric acid deposits. It has also been recognized as being an agent for sterility, threatened abortion, as well as incontinence of urine. Queen