CRUCIFERAE (MUSTARD FAMILY) 

Shepherd's Purse (Capsella Bursa-pastoris [L.] Medic.). The Forest Potawatomi consider this plant adventive to their territory and they have no Indian name or use for it to our knowledge. Among the whites, however, eclectic practitioners have used the whole plant, according to the National Dispensatory,126 for its diuretic, emetic and anti-rheumatic properties. It states that it has been used to heal unhealthy sores. The Herbalist127 says that it has been used by the whites in infusions to cure hemorrhages, fluxes, and intermittent fevers. 

Wild Peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum L.) The Potawatomi consider this an adventive plant to their territory and they have no Indian name or use for it to our knowledge. The National Dispensatory128 states that the leaves have been used in infusions to cure scurvy. Eclectic practitioners have substituted it for Capsella for its diuretic, emetic, and antirheumatic properties. 

Tumble Mustard (Sisymbrium altissimum L.) This plant is considered adventive to the region by the Forest Potawatomi. Consequently they have no Indian name or use assigned to it to our knowledge. Nor have we any record of its use by the whites.

EQUISETACEAE (HORSETAIL FAMILY) 

Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.) "cîngwako'ns" [little pine]. The whole plant of the Field Horsetail was used by the Forest Potawatomi to make a tea for the treatment of kidney and bladder trouble. They claim that it is very good to cure lumbago. Other informants called this "cîngwako'sawûnk" [like  a little pine] and "kîsi'banûsk" [squeeky noise weed]. This last name a rose as the result of an experience of Mana'bozo. One time he heard the squeeky noise, as he walked along a forest path. On putting his ear close to the ground to find out the cause of the noise, the Horsetail seemed to say "They always eat me. They always eat me". So he agreed and ate a piece of the stem. As he proceeded along, he was startled by a sudden explosive noise behind him, like "poh".  Facing about suddenly he was unable to discover the cause. This happened several times, until it became continuous with every step he took. He had to come to the conclusion that he himself was the cause of these peculiar noises, which were the outcome of eating the Field Horsetail. Among the whites,129 the whole plant has been used as a diuretic and astringent. The Herbalist130 says that the whites have used the entire plant in kidney and bladder trouble for the treatment of gravel and difficult and bloody urine. The infusion of the plant has been used as a wash for putrid wounds and ulcers. 

ERICACEAE (HEATH FAMILY) 

Leather-leaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata [L.] Moench) "mûcki'gobag" [swamp leaf]. The Potawatomi gather the leaves of the Leather-leaf to make an infusion to be used in the treatment of fevers. The leaves themselves as a poultice are used to treat inflammations. We have no record of its use by the whites. 

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens L.) "wînîsi'bag" [evergreen plant]. The Potawatomi make a tea from the leaves of the wintergreen to break a fever. They also claim that the tea cures rheumatism and lumbago. Carver131 found the Potawatomi Indians eating the berries, esteeming them as balsamic and invigorating to the stomach. It has long been known to the whites as a source of methyl salicylate which is an active ingredient in aspirin. According to the National Dispensatory,132 the leaves have antiseptic, analgesic and carminative properties. It has been used in muscular rheumatism, sciatica and similar ailments. Overdoses of methyl salicylate are known to cause drowsiness, congestion, and finally delirium. 

Labrador Tea (Ledum groenlandicum Oeder) "wesawa'bakûk" [yellow leaf]; "wesawa'bagûk" [yellow leaf]; "mamîji'bagûk" [hairy leaf]; and "mamîzhi'bagûk" [woolly leaf].133 It may be noticed that there are slightly different pronunciations for the name of this plant in the Potawatomi, according to different informants. Mrs. Spoon used the leaves in one of her medicinal combinations, but did not say what ailment it was intended to correct. Among the whites,134 the leaves have been used as a pectoral, a tonic and an astringent. The National Dispensatory135 records that the leaves in full doses cause headache, vertigo, restlessness and a peculiar delirium. The infusion of the leaves augments a secretion of saliva, of perspiration, urine, and dilates the pupil of the eye. It is a remedy rarely employed now except in cases of chronic bronchitis. A decoction of the leaves has been used as a vermin exterminator, while  fresh twigs have been placed among woollen clothes to keep moths away from them. 

Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora L.) "weakosî'nk" [in a bunch]. According to Mrs. Spoon the proper name of this is "mena'mabag weabskû'nakûk" [white flower smells good]. The Potawatomi medicine woman, Mrs. Spoon, used the roots of this plant to make a tea for female troubles. Among the whites,136 the root is said to have tonic, sedative, nervine and anti-spasmodic properties. There is a record137 of the use of the root as a sedative in place of opium and of its use in fevers in the place of quinine. 

Velvet-leaf Blueberry (Vaccinium canadense Kalm) "mînaga'wûck" [blueberry vine]. The root bark of this blueberry has been used by the Forest Potawatomi for a medicine, but we were not able to discover for what ailment. Among the whites138 the fruit has been esteemed chiefly as a food, but one which would prevent scurvy and would act as a diuretic. 

Small Cranberry (Vaccinium Oxycoccos L. var. ovalifolium Michx.)139 "boki'mînäsûn" [cranberry]. The Forest Potawatomi do not use the cranberry as a medicine, except insofar as they claim that all of their native foods are also at the same time medicines and will maintain the health. One might add that only since they have adopted the foods of the white man, their teeth have become bad and their general health impaired, as indeed some of the old medicine men among the tribe assert. Among the whites,140 the leaves have been used as a diuretic while the fruit is esteemed for its acid, refrigerant, condiment and antiscorbutic properties. 

FAGACEAE (BEECH FAMILY)

Beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) "ajawe'mîc" [beech tree], "ajawe'mîn'mîttig" [beech woods]. In Carver's Travels141 he tells of the manner of use of the leaves for medicine by the Forest Potawatomi. "The leaves, which are white, continue on the trees during the whole winter. A decoction made of them is a certain and expeditious cure for wounds which arise from burning or scalding, as well as a restorative for those members that are nipped by the frost." The bark of the beech tree is the part that has been considered medicinal by the whites.142 It has been used for its astringent, tonic and antiseptic properties. 

Red Oak (Quercus rubra L.) "mêtîgo'-mîc" [wood tree]. The Potawatomi use the inner bark of the Red Oak as an astringent medicine to cure the flux. The bark has been used as an  astringent by the whites.143 It has also been used as an external poultice to treat cancers, indolent ulcers and so forth.144 

GENTIANACEAE (GENTIAN FAMILY)

Yellowish Gentian (Gentiana flavida Gray) "bemîte'obagûk" [greasy weed]. The root of the Yellowish Gentian is collected by the Forest Potawatomi to make a tea that is alterative. By this, they mean that it acts as a remedy to change the condition of the body without causing perceptible evacuations. The root and plant have both been used by the whites145 in the preparation of so-called stock foods. They have also been used as stomachics and material for bitter tonics. 

GRAMINEAE (GRASS FAMILY) Quack Grass (Agropyron repens [L.] Beauv.). This is considered an adventive plant by the Forest Potawatomi and they have no name or use for it to our knowledge. Among the whites,146 however, the root has been used for its diuretic and aperient properties. It has been employed in the treatment of dropsy. The Herbalist147 says that the root has diuretic, aperient, demulcent and vulnerary properties. Decoctions of the root have been used in treating cystitis, irritable bladder, gravel, jaundice, bronchitis, skin diseases and gout. It is said to relieve thirst, allay fever and promote urination. It has also been used as a blood purifier. 

Squirrel-tail Grass (Hordeum jubatum L.) "mêmîcona'weak" [bushy-tail weed] and "mêmîcika'teak" [bushy-tail weed] according to Mrs. Spoon. She said that she employed the roots of this plant for medicine, but did not specify the particular kind of ailment. We have no record of its use by the whites. 

HAMAMELIDACEAE (WITCH-HAZEL FAMILY) 

Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.)148 "bwaote'ît" [no heart wood, all white], "Paga'nîmîg" [witch-hazel], according to Simon Pokagon.149 This was one of the remedies that the Forest Potawatomi use in their sweat baths. They place the twigs in water and with hot rocks create steam which bathes sore muscles. A quarter century ago, Witch-hazel was highly esteemed by the whites and the bark and leaves were accounted astringent, tonic, anti-phlogistic and of value in the treatment of female complaints.150 The Herbalist151 says that the bark and leaves have tonic, astringent and sedative properties. Decoctions of the bark were used in the treatment of hemorrhages, as a diaphoretic, for dysentery and excessive mucous discharges. It has been used in the first stages of tuberculosis. The crushed bark has been used as an external poultice. A bark tea has been used in the treatment of sore mouth and for the treatment of piles.  

HYPERICACEAE (ST. JOHN'S WORT FAMILY) 

Marsh St. John's Wort (Hypericum virginicum L.) "wisa'gabag" [sweet leaf?]. The Forest Potawatomi claim that this plant contains three different kinds of medicine. In one of these the leaves are used to make a tea to cure fevers. Among the white people, this plant is considered to have aromatic astringent, resolvent and nervine properties.152 According to the Herbalist153 the top and flowers of the Marsh St. John's Wort are considered astringent, sedative and diuretic. The tea of the flowers suppresses urine, and is effective in chronic urinary affections, diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, menorrhagia, hysteria, nervous affections, hemoptysis and other hemorrhages. Externally it has been used in a fomentation or used as an ointment to dispel hard tumors, caked breasts, bruises, etc. 

IRIDACEAE (IRIS FAMILY) 

Blue Flag (Iris versicolor L.)154 "pakwiasko'ns" [waterweed]. The Prairie Potawatomi call this "sênipa'sowûn". The Forest Potawatomi use the root of the Blue Flag to make poultices to allay inflammation. The root of Blue Flag was also used among the whites155 for its alterative, resolvent, sialogogic, laxative, diuretic, and vermifuge properties. According to the Herbalist156 the rhizome is accredited with alterative, cathartic, vermifuge and diuretic properties. In scrofula and syphilis it acts as a powerful and efficient agent and it has been employed in chronic liver, renal and splenetic affections. It is said to be best when combined with mandrakes, pokeberry, and black cohosh root. 

JUGLANDACEAE (WALNUT FAMILY) 

Butternut (Juglans cinerea L.)157 "baganak". The Potawatomi use this bark as a physic and drink infusions of the inner bark for its tonic effects. The Butternut is found commonly through the north while the Black Walnut only reaches the central part of Wisconsin. The Black Walnut has not been known to Wisconsin Indians for medicine. Among the whites, the bark has been used for its cathartic, alterative, tonic, anthelmintic, astringent, and cholagogue properties. 158 The Herbalist,159 states that the inner bark of the root and the leaves have been used by the whites to cure habitual constipation and intestinal diseases. Decoctions of the root bark have been used in fevers and also to cure murrain in cattle. 

LABIATAE (MINT FAMILY) 

Common Hemp Nettle (Galeopsis Tetrahit L.) "mena'kwûskûk" [plant smells good], or [mint plant]. Mrs. Spoon uses the whole plant to make a tea for the treatment of pulmonary troubles. Among the whites160 the whole plant has been used as an anti-spasmodic resolvent, and a detergent. The National Dispensatory161 says that this species is the principal ingredient of "Lieber's Consumption Herbs". 

Bugle Weed (Lycopus uniflorus Michx.). The Forest Potawatomi consider this an adventive weed to their territory and therefore have no name or use for it to our knowledge. We have no record of its use by the whites. 

Wild Mint (Mentha arvensis L. var. canadensis [L.] Briquet) "name'wîskons" [little sturgeon weed]. The Potawatomi use the leaves or the top of this plant for treating fevers and also make a stimulating tea for the curing of pleurisy. Among the whites162 the whole plant is used for its bitter, pungent, anti-spasmodic, and anti-rheumatic properties. 

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa L.).163 Strangely enough the Forest Potawatomi have no name or use for this plant to our knowledge. This is rather surprising because the neighboring tribes all make use of it. It is used by the Menomini for the treatment of catarrh, by the Meskwaki for the treatment of colds and by the Ojibwe for the treatment of catarrh and bronchial affections. The National Dispensatory164 ascribes to the plant aromatic, stimulant, diaphoretic, and carminative properties. It has been used by eclectic practitioners in the treatment of flatulent colic, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that has been caused from a cold. 

Mad-dog Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.)165 The Forest Pota-watomi did not know this plant and had no name or use for it to our knowledge.  Among the whites166 it has been assigned nervine, tonic, diuretic and anti-spasmodic properties. The Herbalist167 says that the plant has nervine, tonic, and anti-spasmodic properties. It has been used by eclectic practitioners for chorea, convulsions, fits, delirium tremens and all nervous affections, supporting the nerves and quieting the system. 

Hedge Nettle (Stachys palustris L.). The Forest Potawatomi have no name or use for this plant to our knowledge. Among the whites168 the whole plant is nauseant, expectorant, emmenagogue, anti-hysteric, and vulnerary. The National Dispensatory169 considers it the most important medicine of two hundred species of Stachys. 

LEGUMINOSAE (BEAN FAMILY) 

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) "wa'waskwonemi'cûk" [flower hay].  The Forest Potawatomi did not consider this a medicine but it has been used among the whites170 for its detergent and depurga-tive properties. The flowers are the parts used and the extract of their principles have been used in ointment. 

LILIACEAE (LILY FAMILY) 

Northern Clintonia (Clintonia borealis [Ait.] Raf.)171 "Kockanda'-mînokwi".  This Forest Potawatomi name sounds as though it should be a plant used in midwifery and our informant told us that it was employed as a medicine but did not explain its exact use. There is no record of its use by the whites to our knowledge. 

Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense Desf.)172 "sûksi'-mînaga'wîc" [deer weed]. The Forest Potawatomi use the root of this plant to make a medicine in curing sore throat. Among the whites173 the root has been used for its stimulant properties for diseases of the head, to produce sneezing, as an expectorant and for its mucilaginous properties. 

Indian Spikenard (Smilacina racemosa [L.] Desf.) "agoñgosi'-mînaga'wîc" [chipmunk berries—little weed]. According to Mrs. Spoon the right name for this was "cûkci'mînaga'ons" [deer berries—little weed]. The Prairie Potawatomi name for the same plant was "psûksi'-mîn" [deer berries]. The Prairie Potawatomi stated that they sometimes ate the berries as a food but the Forest Potawatomi knew nothing about this practice. The smoke or smudge from the burning root, placed upon a pan of live coals, was used to revive a patient who had sunk into a coma. It was fanned toward the nostrils and a paper cone was placed over the nose to make sure that the fumes reached them. Among the whites174 the root has been used as an astringent, a tonic, a demulcent and an expectorant. 

Twisted Stalk (Streptopus roseus Michx.) 175 "näwä'kîtäg" [leaning weed]. According to Mrs. Spoon, the proper name in Forest Potawatomi is "newe'ak". She used the root of the Twisted Stalk to make a cough syrup or tea. The Ojibwe likewise used the root of the Twisted Stalk, but we have no record of its use among the white. 

Large-flowered White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum [Michx.] Salisb.)176 "kesana'kwions" [bell flower]. Another name applied to this plant by the Forest Potawatomi is "macaka'ndib" [Indian turnip]. An infusion of the root is used for treating sore nipples. The infusion is drunk by the patient and the medicine man further hastens the action of the medicine by piercing the teats with a dog whisker. Under the name "birth wort" the whites177 have used the root as a parturient, a local stimulant, and a stimulant expectorant. Other authorities178 assigned to it astringent, tonic and antiseptic qualities. It has been used to treat bleeding lungs, diseases of the kidney and womb, and coughs and asthma. The root when boiled in milk, has been used as a diaphoretic and a cure for dysentery. The raw root has been pounded into a poultice to cure tumors, ulcers, and insect stings.