WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
Weeds used in medicine cover

Weeds used in medicine

Chapter 11: DISPOSAL OF THE DRUGS.
Open in WeRead

About This Book

A practical handbook for farmers and collectors describing how common field weeds may be gathered, prepared, and cured for use as crude medicinal drugs. It explains proper seasons and techniques for digging roots and harvesting barks, leaves, flowers, and seeds; cleaning, drying, slicing, and storage methods; and precautions to prevent mold, contamination, and misidentification. The main portion offers concise botanical descriptions, uses, and preparation tips for many familiar species—such as burdock, dandelion, docks, couch grass, pokeweed, foxglove, mullein, lobelia, tansy, yarrow, jimson weed, poison hemlock, and mustards—supported by illustrations and practical advice on handling and marketing small lots.

DISPOSAL OF THE DRUGS.

Samples representative of the lot of drugs to be sold should be sent to the nearest commission merchant, general store, or drug store, for inspection and for quotation on the amount of drug that can be furnished, or for information as to where to send the article. The size of the sample depends, of course, upon the kind of drug; from 3 to 4 ounces—or, say, at least a good handful—should be submitted. The package containing the sample should be plainly marked as regards contents, and the name and address of the sender given. In writing to the different dealers for information and prices, it should be stated how large a quantity of a particular drug can be furnished and how soon this can be supplied, and postage should always be inclosed for reply. In no case should the entire lot of collected drugs be sent to dealers without preliminary correspondence. The collector should bear in mind that freight is an important item, and it is best, therefore, to address such dealers as are nearest to the place of production. When ready for shipment, crude drugs may be tightly packed in burlap or gunny sacks, or in dry, clean barrels.