Artemesia.

The "wild sage" of the Western plains.

Preparation.—It is used in infusion, a tincture is prepared, and it yields an oil by distillation.

Therapeutic Action.—A correspondent in the West writes: "The herb is used as a fomentation by our best physicians. By the people in infusion for fever, rheumatism, diphtheria, and putrid sore throat. The oil is used as a liniment, mixed with olive oil, in deep-seated erysipelas, with the best results. Bruises, sprains, and swellings, are treated in the following manner: the part being bathed with the oil, the hot herbs are bound on the part and covered with oiled silk to prevent evaporation. The results are most gratifying."


The American Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1898, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.