For swollen breasts: An infusion of the whole plant was used by the Cherokee in an external wash, as well as an internal tea.[1]
To reduce fevers (febrifuge): Taken in an unspecified treatment, especially for typhus fever, by the Cherokee. Infusion also used by the Iroquois in wash.[1]
As digestive aid: Taken in an unspecified treatment by the Cherokee.
As a sedative: Used by the Cherokee for "nervous hysterics"; used by the Iroquois to calm crying babies.[1]
For headaches: Used in an infusion by the Iroquois for "long-lasting" headaches.[1]
For boils: Used in an unspecified compound preparation by the Iroquois.[1]
To improve appetite: Decoction taken by the Iroquois.[1]
To treat laziness (stimulant): Part of a compound preparation used by the Iroquois.[1]
For sore throat: Poultice used externally on the throat by the Iroquois. Used in an unspecified treatment by the Meskwaki.[1]
For venereal disease: Compound decoction with other herbs used by the Iroquois.[1]
For lung problems: Compound preparation used by the Meskwaki.[1]
As panacea: Used for general medicinal purposes by the Innu.[1]
Root
As anticonvulsive: Used by the Algonquian peoples in an infusion for infant convulsions.[1]
For colds: Used in an unspecified treatment by the Cherokee and in an infusion by the Iroquois.[1]
For cough: Used in an unspecified treatment by the Cherokee and in a decoction by the Iroquois.[1]
For fevers accompanied by headache and/or convulsions: Cold infusion used by the Iroquois for children who had a fever accompanied by a headache and/or convulsions.[1]
To induce sweating (diaphoretic) to break a fever: Decoction or infusion taken cold by the Iroquois.[1]
As stimulant: Used by the Cherokee as a "powerful" stimulant in an unspecified manner.[1]
For worms: Used by the Cherokee in an unspecified treatment.[1]
As blood tonic: Used by the Cherokee in a compound infusion with other unspecified herbs.[1]
As spring tonic: Used by the Iroquois as a spring tonic for the elderly.[1]
For heart problems: Used by the Cherokee for general heart problems; "to strengthen the heart".[1]
To strengthen the action of other herbs (adjuvant): Used by the Anishinabe and the Iroquois combined with unspecified other herbs.[1]
To reduce inflammation (anti-inflammatory): Poultice of chopped roots used by the Anishinabe.[1]
For bruises and scrapes: Used in unspecified treatment by the Anishinabe.[1]
To aid digestion: Chopped root cooked with other foods to increase their digestibility by the Anishinabe. Taken in a decoction or eaten whole "to protect a weak stomach" by the Menominee.[1][2]
For broken bones: Chopped root combined with other unspecified herbs in a compound poultice by the Anishinabe.[1]
For scarlet fever: Decoction taken by the Iroquois.[1]
For tuberculosis: Infusion of roots with other unspecified herbs used by the Iroquois.[1]
For urinary troubles: Decoction of roots used for urine stoppage and other disorders by the Iroquois.[1]
For stomach cramps: Infusion of small roots given to children by the Maliseet. Compound preparation given to adults and children by the Meskwaki. Used in an unspecified preparation by the Mi'kmaq.[1]
For earaches: Root pieces cooked and placed in ear by the Meskwaki.[1]
To calm vomiting: Used in an unspecified treatment by the Potawatomi to ease vomiting and induce the appetite of the sick.[1]
Leaves
For sores/open wounds: Fresh leaves applied directly to the wounds or made into a salve by the Cherokee.[1]
For head and eyes: Dried and used by the Cherokee as a snuff for general ailments.[1]
Spiritual uses
Whole plant/unspecified
To prevent bad dreams: Infusion taken by the Iroquois to prevent bad dreams, specifically those caused by the dead.[1]
To cleanse ghost contamination: Infusion or decoction used by the Iroquois used as a wash to cleanse those contaminated by ghosts.[1]
To make one fit to visit the sick: Decoction used to cleanse or purify someone to make them fit to visit the sick by the Iroquois. [1]
To detect and protect from witchcraft: Used in many ways to detect and protect people from witchcraft by the Iroquois.
Veterinary uses
Whole plant/unspecified
For coughs, heaves, and similar problems in horses: A compound decoction was given to horses by the Iroquois.[1]
To treat horses "sick from not being used: Decoction mixed with whiskey given to horses by the Iroquois.[1]
