Łódź, Botanical Garden

It is native to much of central and eastern North America. Herbal plant - roots are antiemetic, emetic and purgative, there are confusing reports from two sources that the plant is used as an emetic and also that a cold tea is given to stop vomiting(!); a poultice of the root is anti-inflammatory and is held in the mouth to treat toothaches; the plant is under investigation as a potential stimulant of the immune system. Usable plant - a blue dye is obtained from the plant, it has been used as a somewhat inferior substitute for true indigo.