CP Medicinal properties and special uses

Houston, James A. (JH2@scires.com)
Wed, 07 Dec 94 12:09:58

Hi folks,

I haven't written in a while (since I made that huge blunder with
Ch'ien Lee!!) First of all, let me quickly say that I contacted
Ch'ien off-line and apologized for that error...
Anyway, I happen to have a paragraph in front of me which I will share
with you regarding CP medicinal properties and special uses.

"Ancient botanical treatises and pharmacopoeias attribute various
properties to the sundews, or Drosera, whose red droplets of mucilage
do not dry out in the sun. Certain extracts of these plants serve as
treatment for corns, verracas, and burns. Infusions and other
extracts were used against coughs, respiratory disorders,
tuberculosis, arteriosclerosis, inflammations, intestinal illnesses,
and syphilis. These preparations were diuretic, soothing, and even
aphrodisiac. Today, extracts of *Drosera* are still used against
coughs and ailments of the respiratory tract. The large-leaved
butterwort, or *Pinguicula*, was used to treat wounds. It was, and
is, also used in the production of various cheeses - its leaves can,
because of their high acidity, curdle milk.
The natives of certain tropical regions dare not, even today, touch
*Nepenthes*, fearing the evil powers the plants are supposed to
possess. *Nepenthes* are, though used medicinally in a variety of
ways. The liquid contained in the young urns before the operculum
opens is an astringent and it seems also to have the property of
soothing sore throats, inflammations, and disorders of the skin and
eyes. Extracts of the boiled roots have been used against dysentery
and stomach complaints and the whole plant is used in various
homeopathic preparations."

for what that's worth.
Jim Houston
-Atlanta-