Araliaceae Panax quinquefolius L.

American Ginseng

Seminole - Drug, Respiratory Aid

Use documented by:
Sturtevant, William, 1954, The Mikasuki Seminole: Medical Beliefs and Practices, Yale University, PhD Thesis, page 278

View all documented uses for Panax quinquefolius L.

Scientific name: Panax quinquefolius L.
USDA symbol: PAQU (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: American Ginseng
Family: Araliaceae
Family (APG): Araliaceae
Native American Tribe: Seminole
Use category: Drug
Use sub-category: Respiratory Aid
Notes: Infusion of roots taken for shortness of breath. Four bits of root were floated on water in a container. If none sank, the water was drunk and the patient would recover immediately. If one or two sank, the recovery would be slower and if all four sank the patient was certain to die.

RECRD: 62098 id: 25406