1734 – John Tennant (Virginia) | Brian Altonen, MPH, MS

1734 – John Tennant (Virginia)

John Tennant. Every Man His Own Doctor: or, the Poor Planter’s Physician. Prescribing plain and easy means for persons to cure themselves of all or most of the distempers, incident to this Climate, and with very little Change, the Medicines being chiefly of the Growth and Production of this Country. 2ed. Williamsburg, 1734.

John Tennant was a Virginia doctor. He is best known for his popularization of the Native American remedy Indian Rattlesnake Root (Virginia serpentaria) through his medical and social writings. His family medical guide Every Man His Own Doctor was first printed in 1734 by William Parks. William Park later published a revision of it in 1736. Benjamin Franklin also published versions of this text as well in 1734, 1736, and 1737.

The majority of Tennant’s medicines are botanical. Of these, the wild varieties outnumber the domestic herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Several other “new drugs” introduced to the readers in this book include mistletoe, prickly pear and ash-root. Tennant notes on page 57 that “The Remedies I have presrib’d, are amost all of our own Grown, there being no more than 5 or 6 foreign Medicines; and they so very cheap, that if I happen not to cure my Patient, I am sure I shan’t ruin him.” He recommends the patients not be “crammed” with Physick. He makes use of prescriptions which are not Single remedies. He avoids the use of foreign Opium, Ipecac, and Peruvian bark. His final mention and criticism of his choice of drugs and the drugs being imported:

“Neither do I ransack the Universe for such outlandish Drugs, which must waste and decay in long Voyages; not import the Sweepings of the Shops, which I am sure are decay’d; but am content to do all my Execution with the Weapons of our own Country.”

Tennant ends his book with (p. 55):

“THUS I have run through most of the common Complaints, to which the Inhabitants of this Colony are subject; and prescribed such innicent Cures, as will generally succeed, if timely made Use of; yet am far from pretending, that any of them are infallible; We all known, that Death strikes so home in some Cases, that all Physick will be vain. There are many Instances too, where the Diseases of the Pox, the Scurvy, or the Gout; and then they need a RATCLIFF, or a FRIEND, to get the better of them.

“IN the mean Time, it may seem strange, that, among the Remedies I have prescribed, no Mention is made of Mercury, Opium, or the Peruvian Bark, which have almost obtain’d the Reputation of Specificks. I acknowledge the powerful Effects of these Medicines; but am perswaded, they ought to be administered with the greatest Skill, and Discernment. And, as I wrote only for the Service of the Poor, who are wholly lost to judge for themselves, I was fearful of putting such dangerous Weapons into their Hands.”

“IF those of better Circumstances find any Thing here, that may be in any Manner deserve their Attention, I should be exceedingly glad; Tho’ I own, these Directions were not designed for such as are in Condition to purchase more learned Advice. It was only to those whom Fortune has placed below the Regard of our Doctors, that I address this short Essay: And if one single Person shall be recovered thereby, or receive the least Relief, I shall account my Pains happily bestow’d.”

“IN the mean Time, there is no Question, but some of my Brother Quacks will make themselves merry with these Prescriptions. Let them shoot their harmless Bolts. I by no means envy those Gentlemen the only Way they have of appearing wiser that their Neighbours. Tho’ after all, it is not impossible, but they may do by some of these, just as good People of England do by the French Fashions, laugh at the first, and then have the Humility to follow them.”

Medicines (Only a partial Index (p. 58) appeared in the reprint reviewed for this writing; it was published in 1971 in facsimile by the historian in Williamsburg, Virginia.)

Allom 40
Ash-root 35
Ass-Dung 39
Bawm 10,18,19,21,23,26,43
Bear Oyl 19,20
Brimstone 48
Burnet 39
Centory 30
Cinquefoil 28
Comfry 39,40
Cow Dung 49
Cresses 31,44,49
Cinquefoil 12,28,30
Deers dung 14,51
Deers horn 15,16,17,44
Dittany 31
Dogwood 52
Elder 34
Farrow Tea–Yarrow 39
Garlick 37,45
Ground Ivy, or Aloff 11,14,44
Highland-flagg, or Bellyache root 44
Hog’s Feet 38 [Diet]
Honey 9
Horse-raddish 23,31,37,44
Hungary-water 22
James town weed 48
Jerusalem-oak 32
Indian Physick 8,15,16,19,22,24,27,28,29,30,31,34,38,40,42
aciac [Jamaica] Pepper 9
Iron 31,35,37,38
Linseed 10,11
Linseed oyl 9
Liquorice 14
Mallows 10,11,14,18,19,21,29,31,46,48
Mint 19,27
Mistleto 24,25
Mullein 48
Mustard 23,31,44
Nutmeg 10,16,27,44
Oil 46,47
Onion 48
Parsley 46,47
Peach-blossoms 10,11,14,18,19,29,31
Peach-leaves 19,20
Pennyroyal 19,25,44
Pine 11,35,40,50
Pelletary of Spain 37
Plantain 15,16,47
Prickley-pear 45
Quince 39,40,49
Raisins 14
Roses 39,40
Rosemary 22
Rue 10,25,26
Sage 10,23,25,26
Sassafras
Scurvy Grass 22
Most Commonly Mentioned
Indian Physick 8,15,16,19,22,24,27,28,29,30,31,34,38,40,42
Mallows 10,11,14,18,19,21,29,31,46,48
Peach-blossoms 10,11,14,18,19,29,31
Bawm 10,18,19,21,23,26,43
Sassafras?
Snakeroot?
Mineral Drugs (3)
Allom
Brimstone
Iron
Animal Products (5)
Bear Oyl
Ass-Dung
Cow Dung
Deers dung
Deers horn
Feathers
Hog’s Feet
Other (3)
Honey
Hungary-water
Oil
Domestic/Garden Plants (18)
Bawm
Burnet
Comfry
Horse-raddish
Linseed
Linseed oyl
Mallows
Mullein
Mustard
Nutmeg
Onion
Parsley
Peach-blossoms
Peach-leaves
Quince
Raisins
Rosemary
Rue
Sage
Native Plants (25)
Ash-root
Centory
Cresses
Cinquefoil
Dittany
Dogwood
Elder
Garlick
Ground Ivy or Aloff
Highland-flagg or Bellyache root
James town weed
Jerusalem-oak
Indian Physick
aciac [Jamaica] Pepper
Liquorice
Mint
Mistleto
Pennyroyal
Pine
Pelletary of Spain
Plantain
Prickley-pear
Roses
Sassafras

Added:

Yarrow 39
Snake Root 19
Spanish Oak 50
Tobacco
Tuckaho 17
Turpentine 51
Sumac Berries 49
Swamp Lilies 49
Juice of Wild Garlick 45
Scurvy Grass 22
Violets 46

MATERIA MEDICA

Allom 40

Ash-root 35

Used for treating Yellow Jaundice, characterised by “the yellow Hue of the Face, and other Parts ofthe Body…” Entire protocol consists of a purge of Indian Physick, repeated on the third day, followed by a morning beverage imbibed for six weeks consisting of “a Quarter of a Pint of Decoction of the inner Bark of Elder, and the Root of Sassafras, in Equal Quantities.” Victuals are light. A diet drink Beer is made from Sorrel leaves, pine tops and the root of Ash, with “a little old Iron.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 35]

Identification note: The name Ash-root is fairly generic and we might want to identify this plant as a Fraxinus species. However, the first symptom is yellow jaundice, and there is an “Ash tree” that bears thos doctrine of signatgure–Xanthoxylum americanum or Prickly Ash.

Ass-Dung 39

Bawm

Used to make a constant drink to treat “Pain in the Head, Eyes or Ears,” the Colick, Dry Gripes, Epilepsy an d Violent Purging. (pp. 10, 18-21, 23, 26, 43)

Tennant recommends “a Vomit of Indian Physick” For treating the Vapours and their hysterical fits, with signs which included “a Thumping of the Heart, a Croaking of the Guts, and a Fulness of the Stomach.” Followed by a Baum Tea. (p. 41-42)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Identification: The herb Melissa is traditionally associated with balms. The America “balm” can also be Monarda fistulosa or bee balm. Unfortunately, the other possibility based on the region (central Atlantic) is Styrax benzoin, the benzoic acid rich balsam of which on its buds is also very balm-like.

Bear Oyl 19,20

Beer

Mention of a beer brewed with Sorrel Tree leaves (p. 31), and Wormwood (p. 32). The wormwood beer is brewed with this herb rather than hops to make it bitter.

[J. Tennant, 1734]

For purging those afflicted with Jaundice, Tennant recommended beer:

” For this Illness, take a Purge of Indian Physick, and repeat it the third Day again. After that, drink every Morning and Evening, for 6 weeks, a Quarter of a Pint of Decoction of the inner Bark of Elder, and the Root of Sassafras, in Equal Quantities. In the mean Time, force yourself to stir about, and ride on Horseback every fair Day.”

This is followed by a recommendation regarding victuals, and a Beer brewed with “Sorrel Leaves, Pine tops, Root of Ash, and a little old Iron.” (p. 35)

For treatment of Suppression of the Courses, a diet of Horse-Radish, Nutmeg, Mustard and Garlic-Cresses [Garlic Mustard; Alliara sp.] is recommended. He recommneds avoiding foods and drinks that are astringent, phlegmatic, and windy; “And let your Drink be Beer, brew’d with Sorrel-Leaves or else Ground Ivy Tree. (p. 43-44)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Blisters

Used to treat Continual Fever, following a bleeding and the administration of Indian Physick. (p. 29)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Brimstone 48

Burnet 39

Centory 30

For treating Cachexy, the signs of which include “a slow Fever, of the Hectic Kind, a continued Thirst, a Shortness of Breath, and very cadaverous Complexion.” He recommends “a Dram of Rum, wherein the Flowers and Tops of Centory have been infus’d.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 33-34]

There is the Centaurea nigra L. of Europe and several other European Centurea spp.. The possible identification for a local species is Centuarium americanum Nutt. of the SE continent, but this wasn’t officially recognized as a distinct species until much later.

Cinquefoil

For Sore Throat, one is to purge the patient, adminster Papa’s Liquor, and the give a diet that is moist and cooling, followed by a Diet Drink of Cinquefoil. (p. 12)

Cinquefoil Tea is recommended for treat Ague. (p. 28)

A decoction of Cinquefoil is recommended to treat the gastric system following a fever. Moist and cooling fluid is to be taken, along with this decoction. (p. 30)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Identification: Potentilla species.

Comfry 39,40

Conjuring

After discussing basic treatments for fever, including medical climatic and dietary treatments, Tennant writes:

“I must not omit a Fever and Ague, which is an Epidemick Distemper in the moist and variable Climate. “Tis true, it seldom kills now a Days; but if neglected too long, corrupts all the Juices of the Body, and ends either in a Jaundice, Dropsy, Dry Grypes, or Caclexy: Therefore I conjure all my good Patients, as they tender their Health, and their Looks, to dispossess the Devil as soon as they can.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 27]

Likening an illness to the Devil: Of the Fits due to Fever, which he attributes to “Worm Fever,” Tennant noted “Now and then will be the symptoms of the Flux, and even Convulsions to that, like the Devil, it appears in all Manner of Shapes.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 32]

Cow Dung

Rupture. “For this, let the Patient immediately have a Truss made, that may hold the Part suspended. Then apply fresh Cow-Dung, which must be renewed Night and Morning, till the Pains are aslwaged. After that, put on another Poultis, made of the Roots of Swamp-Lilies, and Sumac Berries, boil’d and beat well together; which must als be refresh’d twice a Day, till the Swelling disappear. From the Beginning, let him a gird Belt tight about his Loins, and wear it continually, ’til the Bowels are drawn up to their natural situation.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 49]

Cresses

Considered a part of the remedial diet, eaten along with Mustard, Nutmeg and Horseradish (p. 31, 44)

For treating the Rupture, after a cooling Vomit, a constant drink is administered made from “a Decoction of Garden-Cresses, sweeten’d with Syrup of Quinces.” (p. 49)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Note, mention of this reveals to us some helpful incites into the cresses and ither Brassica family members. This is most likely Barbarea vulgaris (Winter Cress), which has fairly palatable leaves and young parts much of the early part of the year. Barbarea is an introduced plant that is now widely dispersed about North America. This Barbarea was in the gardens during the 1730s and was probably in this region for several decades by now.

Deers dung 14,51

For Consumption, following a chewing of Sassafras and early morning fast:

“I would likewise intreat him, before he goes to Bed, to take 3 Pills, made of Turpentine and Deers Dung, in equal Quantities; And, besides these, let him once a Week take a Purge of Mallows and Syrup of Peach Blossoms.” (p. 14)

The same pills are recommended for treating the Yaws, considered to be “Country Distemper” and “a kind of Scurvy.” (p. 51)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Deers Horn

When the onset of Bloody Flux was noted, after a blood-letting, 80 grains of Indian Physick were prescribed, to be given by warm water, followed by another 70 grains of the same in hot broth, till the bowels are strengthened. The Diet prescribed consisted of Poached Eggs, Mutton, Chicken-Broth, and “his constant drink, a Decoction of of calcified Deer Horn, with a Plantain Leaf boiled in it.” (p. 15)

Following a purge with Indian Physick for treating the Whites, Tennant recommends:

“Let your food be Hasty-Pudding, Panada, or Broth thickened with Flower, and great Nutmeg into everything you eat; and let your Drink be, a Decoction of Deers Horn, made with a Leaf of Plantain.” (p. 16)

For “A Common Looseness”:

“you must vomit with Indian Physick; then live three or four Days upon new Milk, boil’d thick with Flower, or Tuckaho, and drink the above mentioned Deers Horn Decoction.” (p. 17)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Devil–see conjuring.

Diet/Constant Drink

Ground Ivy is taken to complement the diets prescribed to those taken ill. Beers and herbal teas have been mentioned for treating consumption. The Cinquefoil (Potentilla sp.) was mentioned for use as a beer when treating sore throat, ague and fever (pp. 12, 28 and 30). For “Pain in the Head, or Breast”, the diet recommended is”Thin Hominy, Chicken-Broth, or Water-Gruel,” followed by a drink made of Linseed or Ground Ivy Tea, moderately sweetened. (p. 11)

For Consumption, he mentions a diet “without Meat, and mixt with the abundance of Turnips, roasted Apples, Raisins, and Liquorice.” The Beer he recommended was to be brewed from Ground Ivy. (p. 14)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Dittany

When treating a patient stricken by Scorbutick Fever, following a purge with Indian Physick, administer “a Pint of Sassafras Tea; fasting; and every Night, as much Powder of Snakeroot as will lie upon a Shilling in three Spoonfuls of Decoction of Dittany. And if you should be costive, take a Glister every other Day, of Decoction of Mallow with Syrup of Peach Blossoms. This Method, faithfully pursued, for 2 Months, with moderate Riding, and proper Diet, will go near to finish the Cure.” (p. 31)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

The traditional European Dittany is Dictamnus albus L. [Fam. Rutaceae]. The American version is Cunila oreganoides (L.) Britton [Fam. Labiatae]. Also called Stone Mint it is very basil-like. Dictamnus tends to be more pungent, thus the association with the Rues.

Dogwood

Cancer. ANOTHER woful Case is, a CANCER, which some despairingly imagine to be incurable; tho’ blessed by GOD, there have been some Instances of Success, by the Method hereafter mentioned. In the mean Time, it usually begins with the little hard Lumps, or Swellings in the Breast, Lip, of other glandulous parts of the Body. These afterwards break into painful Sores, which eat farther and farther, ’til at last, they reach some large Vessel, or mortal Part.

“IN this Case, the Patient must submit, in the first Place, to have the hard Lump cut clean out, so soon as he is convinc’d it is a Cancer. And, for curing the Wound, he can’t do better than make Use of the following Balsam: He must boil 6 Ounces of Sassafras Root, and as much Dogwood Root, in a Gallon of Water, ’til it be wasted to a Pint, and having strain’d it off, must drench a Pledget therein, and apply it warm to the Sore, renewing it every Day; And if he will have the Patience to continue this for some Time, I can assure him, he will not be the first that has been blest with Success.

“LET him drink Sassafras Tea every Morning, live temperately, upon light and innocent Food; and abstain intirely from strong Liquor.

“THE Way to prevent this Calamity, is to be very sparing in eating Pork, to forbear all Salt, and high season’d Meats, and live chiefly upon the Garden, the Orchard, and the Hen-house.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, pp. 52-53]

Elder 34

For purging those afflicted with Jaundice. Instructions:

This is followed by a recommendation regarding victuals, and a Beer brewed with “Sorrel Leaves, Pine tops, Root of Ash, and a little old Iron.” (p. 35)

Feathers 24

Epilepsy was felt to relate to the full moon, during which time the spirits of the patient become overly active (convulsions), or inactive (after the convulsions) as if a sign of melancholy. The feathers of such common birds as Partridge are to be burned and then held under the nose to treat the person. The same may be done with Leather and the Hooves of an animal.

To prevent this problem from recurring, four days before and after the full moon the person is to be given a purge with the Indian Physick. This is to be repeated for several months if need be. On some mornings, none of this physick is taken, in which case a Powder of Mistletoe is to be taken, enough to reside on a shilling, and then placed in a Spoonful of the decoction of Pennyroyal.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 23-25]

Garlick–see Garlic-Cress and Wild Garlick

Garlic-Cress

For treatment of Suppression of the Courses, a diet of Horse-Radish, Nutmeg, Mustard and Garlic-Cresses [Garlic Mustard; Alliara sp.] is recommended. He recommends avoiding foods and drinks that are astringent, phlegmatic, and windy; “And let your Drink be Beer, brew’d with Sorrel-Leaves or else Ground Ivy Tree. (p. 43-44)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Ground Ivy, or Aloff 11,14,44

For treatment of Suppression of the Courses, a diet of Horse-Radish, Nutmeg, Mustard and Garlic-Cresses [Garlic Mustard; Alliara sp.] is recommended. He recommends avoiding foods and drinks that are astringent, phlegmatic, and windy; “And let your Drink be Beer, brew’d with Sorrel-Leaves or else Ground Ivy Tree. (p. 43-44)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Highland-flagg, or Bellyache root

The Suppression of the Courses.

“For this Misfortune, you must purge with Highland-Flagg, (commonly called Belly-ach root) a Week before you expect to be out of Order: and Repeat the same 9 Days after: the next Morning, drink a Quarter of a Pint of Pennyroyal Water, or Decoction, with 12 Drops of Spirits of Harts-iron [Hart’s Horn?] and as much again at Night, when you go to Bed. Continue this, 9 Days, running; and after Resting 3 Days, go on with it for 9 more. Ride out every fair Day, stir nimbly about your affairs, and breath as much as possible in the open Air.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 44]

Possible identification based on Lyon’s Plant Names: The traditional bellyache root is Angelica archangelica L. In North American there is a relative Angelica atropurpurea L., distributed from Ontario to Delaware and west to Missouri.

Honey 9

Horse-raddish 23,31,37,44

Taken with its close relative Mustard, along with some Sage or Bawm tea, for making a constant drink.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 23]

Hungary Water

Indian Physick 8,15,16,19,22,24,27,28,29,30,31,34,38,40,42

Used as a purgative.

In the discussion on Pleurisy Tennant recommends blood-letting, about 10 ounces of blood repeatedly for several days if neccessary or until the pain goes away. On the third day a vomit is induced by Indian Physick, which he called “Ipecacuania.” (Named after the South American herbal medicine bearing the same name. due to similar effects on the system.) At nighttime, the patient was directed to take a drink consisting of Pennyroyal water or decoction. Honey and linseed oil were to be mixed and imbibed. For a plaster, Indian Pepper is to be added to Pennyroyal plaster, applied “very hot to the Place where the pain lies.” In obstiante cases, he recommends “a Blister to his neck, and one to each Arm; on the fleshy Part of the Elbow.” (p. 9)

Used for the first stage in treating the White Flux. (p. 16)

To prevent a seizure problem from recurring, four days before and after the full moon the person is to be given a purge with the Indian Physick. This is to be repeated for several months if need be. On some mornings, none of this physick is taken, in which case a Powder of Mistletoe is to be taken, enough to reside on a shilling, and then placed in a Spoonful of the decoction of Pennyroyal. (pp. 23-25)

Used as a purgative to treat Ague, following a bleeding (p. 27), a Continual Fever following a bleeding (p. 29), and a Slow or Scorbutick Fever (p. 30).

A vomit of Indian Physick is given to treat a child with worms, followed by the adminsitration of the beaten seed of Jerusalem Oak, one spoonful, added to the Juice of Rue or Wormwood. (p. 32)

For purging those afflicted with Jaundice. Instructions:

This is followed by a recommendation regarding victuals, and a Beer brewed with “Sorrel Leaves, Pine tops, Root of Ash, and a little old Iron.” (p. 35)

A purging of the system was used to treat Piles, by purging their Flux, to prevent onset of Dropsy. (p. 37)

For “Spitting or Pissing of Blood” Tennant recommended a blood-letting, followed by a purge with Indian Physic the next morning. For a diet drink he recommended a tea made from Comfrey leaves and Quinces. (p. 40)

For treating the Whites, after the bleeding one was to be pruged two or three times, and given a diet drink made from Liquor into which Conserve of Roses was dissolved. (p. 40)

Tennant recommends “a Vomit of Indian Physick” For treating the Vapours and their hysterical fits, wtih signs which included “a Thumping of the Heart, a Croaking of the Guts, and a Fulness of the Stomach.” Followed by a Baum Tea. (p. 41-42)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Indian [Jamaica?] Pepper 9 Spicebush?

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Probably Myrtus pimenta L. of the West Indies and Tropical America.

Iron

Tennant makes frequent mention of quenching a hot Iron in such drinks as cider. (pp. 35,37,38)

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 37]

Jamestown Weed

Blind Piles:

“For this Complaint, take every Morning fasting, in the Yold of a new laid Egg, 12 Grains of Brimstone, finely powder’d; and wash it down with a small Draught of Decoction of Mallows. And to aslwage the Pain, make Use of this outward Application; Stamp a roasted Onion, with a little Ointment of James Town Weed; which must be laid on warm, and renew’d twice a Day.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 48]

Datura stramonium.

Jerusalem Oak

A vomit of Indian Physick is given to treat a child with worms, followed by the adminsitration of the beaten seed of Jerusalem Oak, one spoonful, added to the Juice of Rue or Wormwood.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 32]

Linseed

Used to make a constant drink.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 10]

Liquorice

Mallows

Pages 10,11,14,18,19,21,29,31,46,48

A purgative. Used to treat a Fever or “Pain in the Head,” the Quinsy, and Consumption. Following a bleeding of ten ounces, Decoction of Mallows and three spoonfuls of Syrup of Peach Blossoms was to be administered. Obstinant cases required further blood-letting, followed by a Poultice consisting of the Leaves of Sage, Wormseed and Rum is to be applied to where the pain resides. Nutmeg gratings may be applied in large amounts to the inflamed surface as well. A Blister should be the last refuge taken to treat this. For Quincy, a gargle of a liquor (known by Tennant as “Papa’s liquor”) may be tried. Also used for Griping of the Belly and Wind of the Stomach.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 10-11, 14, 18]

A Clyster of mallows and Syrup of Peach blossoms was used to treat Continual Fever, “to abate the Heat of the Distemper.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 29]

When treating a patient stricken by Scorbutick Fever, following a purge with Indian Physick, administer “a Pint of Sassafras Tea; fasting; and every Night, as much Powder of Snakeroot as will lie upon a Shilling in three Sp[oonfuls of Decoction of Dittany. And if you should be costive, take a Glister every other Day, of Decoction of Mallow with Syrup of Peach Blossoms. This Method, faithfully pursued, for 2 Months, with moderate Riding, and proper Diet, will go near to finish the Cure.” (p. 31)

A Decoction of Mallows and Syrup of Violets for treating Gravel. (p. 46)

A Blind Piles remedy (pp. 47-48):

“For this Complaint, take every Morning fasting, in the Yolk of a new laid Egg, 12 Grains of Brimstone, finely powder’d; and wash it down with a small Draught of Decoction of Mallows. And to aslwage the Pain, make Use of this outward Application; Stamp a roasted Onion, with a little Ointment of James Town Weed; which must be laid on warm, and renew’d twice a Day.”

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Identification: Most mallows are European origin, with the exception of some small Malva species found in North America. The mallows are almost always associated with their mucilaginous leaves, flowers, buds, fruits (known as “cheeses”) and other tender parts. The European Marshmallow Althaea is possible. A number of tropical mallows were introduced to North America from New Spain about this time. The local Malva species are all introduced.

Mint

Mint-Water, mixed with Snake Root and Sassafras Tea, to be taken for Colic. (p. 19)

For treating “A Fever, with violent purging and vomiting…boiling Mint into everything you eat, and grating Nutmeg into all your Drink.” (For cleansing the bowels and strengthening the body.) (p. 27)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Mistletoe 24,25

The leaves of Mistletoe were felt to be int their prime in mid-January. To prevent seizure problems from recurring, four days before and after the full moon the person is to be given a purge with the Indian Physick. This is to be repeated for several months if need be. On some mornings, none of this physick is taken, in which case a Powder of Mistletoe is to be taken, enough to reside on a shilling, and then placed in a Spoonful of the decoction of Pennyroyal. (pp. 23-25)

[J. Tennant, 1734, 24-25]

Mullein

“Boil a Handful of Mullein Leaves in a Pint of new Milk and sweeten it with Syrup of Violets.” (p. 48)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

The Mullein we normally think about is Verbascum thapsus. This could be the plant referred to by Tennant. Another possibility, Verbascum thalictroides is native to North America.

Mustard 23,31,44

Taken with its close relative the Horseradish, along with some Sage or Bawm tea, for making a constant drink.

See Diet.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 23]

Nutmeg

Mentioned numerous times, to be taken as powder with other medicines and foods. (pp. 10,16,27,44)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Onion

Blind Piles remedy:

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 48]

Parsley

Parsley tea and Syrup of Violets for the Supression of Urine. (p. 46,47)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Peach-blossoms, Syrup of

Usually used with Mallow (which see).

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Peach-leaves

For the “Colick” water and “very brown Toast,” which if not successful, is followed by “And to force a Passage, you must take 2 or 3 Spoonfuls of Pears Oyl [Bears Oyl], which will seldom fail, or else drink a Quarter of a Pint of the Decoction of Peach Leaves, with 2 Spoonfuls of Syrup of Peach Blossoms; And this Purge you ought to repeat 2 or 3 Times, to carry off the Distemper forever, take the same Medicines every full Moon; and drink every Morning, for some Time, Sassafras Tea, and at Night, take as much Snake Root Powder as will lie upon a Sixpence, in Mint-Water, or Decoction.” He suggests the same for the “Dry Gripes.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 19, 20]

Pelletary of Spain 37

Tennant claimed the Seeds of Pellitory, held in the mouth, will cause it to salivate more freely.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 37]

Pennyroyal

Rue, Sage and Pennyroyal may be made into a plaster to be placed on the shaved head of a person who has seizures.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 24-25]

Pine

“Pine Tops” are part of trecipe for making a beer (which see).

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 35]

“Take 1 Ounce of the Bark of Sumac Root, 1 Ounce of the inner Bark of Pine, and 2 Ounces of the inner Bark of Spanish Oak; boil these together in 2 Quarts of Water, ’til the Decoction be very strong. Of this Liquor drink a full Pint, Milk-Warm and immediately after it, Half a Pint, quite cold; and it will give you a powerful I omit.” He recommends the drink be drunk warm the next morning as well, and repeated every seventh day. This is accompanied with a gargle of the Sore Throat, and then writes, “Besides all this, you must chew the Sumac Root very often, and swallow the healing Juice.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 50-51]

Plantain 15,16,47

Used for treating the Bloody and White Fluxes. For the Bloody Flux, after the Indian Physick is given, a decoction of Deer’s Horn and Leaf of Plantain is made to be drunk. This same remedy is used for treating the White Flux. (p. 16)

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 15-16]

Plantago major.

Prickley-pear

Take the Root of Prickly Pear, boil it in water, drink that decoction for the treatment of Gravel.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 45]

The demonstrates a strong link to New Spain heritage. This Opuntia species is native to Mexico and Middle America, but shows signs of introduction all along the Atlantic shore sanddune regions due to oil-related inhabitility features.

Roses

Conserve of Roses for treating Bleeding Pils and the White.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 39,40]

Rosa spp. Since this is Conserve of roses, probably the imported remedy.

Rosemary

For melancholy, a ball of pulp made by beating Rosemary in a mortar is to be rolled in the hands every day.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 22]

Rue

Rue, Sage and Pennyroyal are made into a plaster to be placed on the shaved head of a person who has seizures, and for treating a “Pain in the Head.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, pp. 10, 25]

A vomit of Indian Physick is given to treat a child with worms, followed by the administration of the beaten seed of Jerusalem Oak, one spoonful, added to the Juice of Rue or Wormwood.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 32]

Sage

Rue, Sage and Pennyroyal are made into a plaster to be placed on the shaved head of a person who has seizures. This may be followed by Sage or Bawm tea.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 25]

Sassafras

For dealing with Consumption, the patient was advised to “chew Sassafras Root every morning fasting.” (p. 14)

For Ague or Fever associated with the Fit on the third day, the patient is vomited with Indian Physic, and then given the Powders of Sassafras and Snakeroot. This is followed by a Vomit and Purge and Cold Sweat. (p. 28)

When treating a patient stricken by Scorbutick Fever, following a purge with Indian Physick, administer “a Pint of Sassafras Tea; fasting; and every Night, as much Powder of Snakeroot as will lie upon a Shilling in three Sp[oonfuls of Decoction of Dittany. And if you should be costive, take a Glister every other Day, of Decoction of Mallow with Syrup of Peach Blossoms. This Method, faithfully pursued, for 2 Months, with moderate Riding, and proper Diet, will go near to finish the Cure.” (p. 31)

Used in formulas for Yellow Jaundice (p. 34), Dropsy (p. 37)

For purging those afflicted with Jaundice, Tennant gave the following instructions:

This is followed by a recommendation regarding victuals, and a Beer brewed with “Sorrel Leaves, Pine tops, Root of Ash, and a little old Iron.” (p. 35)

“The last Instance, is an Ancient Gentleman, who trusted to the Remedies of our own Country, with the like happy Effect. He drank the Decoction of Sassafras, as soon as he got up, and chew’d the Root of it all the rest of the Morning, ’til Dinner; then observed a light and nourishing Die; and drank moderately of clear found Cider, where a hot Iron had been plentifully quench’d.” (p. 37)

As part of his Cancer Remedy. (pp. 52-53)

“ANOTHER woful Case is, a CANCER, which some despairingly imagine to be incurable; tho’ blessed by GOD, there have been some Instances of Success, by the Method hereafter mentioned. In the mean Time, it usually begins with the little hard Lumps, or Swellings in the Breast, Lip, of other glandulous parts of the Body. These afterwards break into painful Sores, which eat farther and farther, ’til at last, they reach some large Vessel, or mortal Part.

“LET him drink Sassafras Tea every Morning, live temperately, upon light and innocent Food; and abstain intirely from strong Liquor.

“THE Way to prevent this Calamity, is to be very sparing in eating Pork, to forbear all Salt, and high season’d Meats, and live chiefly upon the Garden, the Orchard, and the Hen-house.”

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Scurvy Grass

Spirit of Scurvy grass. Used to treat Melancholy. Mixed with Hungary Water, and then applied externally with a comb.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 22]

Snakeroot

When treating a patient stricken by Scorbutick Fever, following a purge with Indian Physick, administer “a Pint of Sassafras Tea; fasting; and every Night, as much Powder of Snakeroot as will lie upon a Shilling in three Sp[oonfuls of Decoction of Dittany. And if you should be costive, take a Glister every other Day, of Decoction of Mallow with Syrup of Peach Blossoms. This Method, faithfully pursued, for 2 Months, with moderate Riding, and proper Diet, will go near to finish the Cure.” (p. 31)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

More than likely Aristolochia serpentaria.

Sorrel Tree

Mention of a beer brewed with Sorrel Tree leaves.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 31]

A bitter beer can be made for use as a tonic, by brewing it with wormwood instead of hops, and adding the Leaves of the Sorrel Tree.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 34]

Either Pieris mariana (L.) Benth. & Hook., or P. nitida (Bartr.) B. & H. The first bears this common name and is distributed from Rhode Island to Florida. The second is from SE Us and Cuba and is also called fetter-bush or pipe-stem..

Spanish Oak

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 50-51]

Sumac, Berries and Root

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 49]

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 50-51]

Any of several Rhus species.

Swamp Lilies

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 49]

Tobacco

Tobacco up the nostrils, for melancholy. It was felt to deal with the clammy phlegm in the Brain. The utlimate goal was to give “new Vigour to the Animal Spirits, which have been clogged and obstructed.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 22-23]

For treating epilepsy, the Tobacco may be put up the nostrils to clear the head of its clammy phlegm.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 25]

Tennant felt that “Three Fourths of the Children that die in these Parts of the World, die of the Worms.” For treating this malady he suggests Tobacco. The leaf of the Tobacco is cured in Vinegar. Warmed, it is placed on the belly of a child who has the worms. It helps to purge his system, “and it will make the Worms muck sicker than it doth the Patient.” To prevent the Worms, Tennant recommends one consume “a great deal of Pepper and Salt, and as little Vinegar as possible.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 32-33]

Tuckaho

For Common Looseness of the Bowels, allowing the Humours to take their natural and healthy course, the patient is first vomited with Indian Physick, followed with three or four Days of a New Milk diet, in which the milk is thickened with flour or Tuckaho.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 17]

Violets

A Decoction of Mallows and Syrup of Violets for treating Gravel, or with Parsley tea for Supression of Urine. (p. 46)

“Boil a Handful of Mullein Leaves in a Pint of new Milk and sweeten it with Syrup of Violets.” (p. 48)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

There are Viola species native to this continent. Since Syrup of Violets is used, this is probably and imported ingredient.

Water Cures

Most of Tennant’s therapies avoid the use of the hot water. Many times he recommends cold baths (i.e. for the Fourth Day of Ague p. 28) He writes:

“But in case the Return (of Fever) should be every fourth Day, you must, after the Vomit and Purge, take a Cold-Water Sweat: That is, so soon as the cold Fit is off, and the fever begins to come on, go into naked Bed, and drink a Pint of cold Water: then cover yourself up, and in a little Time, the Diseases will be driven out at your pores.”

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 28]

Wild Garlick

Recommends the Juice of Wild Garlick in Cider to treat Gravel.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 45]

Allium vernale or other local species. The Allium species growing wild are strongly scented and so could be labelled Garlick for this reason.

Wormwood

A vomit of Indian Physick is given to treat a child with worms, followed by the administration of the beaten seed of Jerusalem Oak, one spoonful, added to the Juice of Rue or Wormwood.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 32]

A bitter beer can be made for use as a tonic, by brewing it with wormwood instead of hops.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 34]

Artemisia spp.

See Beer.

Yarrow

For cases of Bleeding Piles. Take Indian Physick, followed by the following drink:

“the Express Liquor of fresh Ass-dung, sweetened with Syrup of Quinces, to be repeated 3 Times. In the mean while, take an Ounce of Conserve of Roses, twice or thrice a Day; and after every Stool, wash your Fundament with Decoction of Comfry Leaves, made very warm.” (p. 34)

“Live all the Time upon a cooling Diet, without Meat; and only drink Burnet, or Farrow [Yarrow?] Tea, sweetened with Syrup of Quinces. (p. 38-39)

[J. Tennant, 1734]

Achillea millefolium. Introduced.

Animal Parts

Ass-Dung

For cases of Bleeding Piles. Take Indian Physick, followed by the following drink:

Bear Oyl 19,20

Colic and Distemper Remedy. To ease intense griping, Tow or three spoonfuls of Bears Oyl are added to two to three quarts of Water and then imbibed. A Decoction of Peach Leaves and two spoonfuls of syrup of Peach Blossoms are then taken. To remain free of the Distemper, drink every morning Sassafras Tea and “as much Snake-root Powder as will lie upon a six-pence” in Mint-Water or Mint Decoction at night. The same Medicines are to be taken every full Moon.

For the Dry Gripes, 3 Spoonfuls of Bears Oyl or a Decoction of Peaches may be taken, followed by a Tobacco glister if they fail. A strong infusion of Tobacco used to “anoint the lower Region of the Belly” can be applied as well.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 19,20]

Cow Dung

Deers Dung 14,51

Deers horn 15,16,17,44

“Deers Horn Decoction” is made of Deer’s Horn boiled with Leaf of Plantain. It was used to treat Bloody and White Flux, and Looseness of the Bowels.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 15-18]

Native Plants (25)

Ash-root
Centory
Cresses
Cinquefoil
Dittany
Dogwood
Elder
Garlick
Ground Ivy or Aloff
Highland-flagg or Bellyache root
James town weed
Jerusalem-oak
Indian Physick
aciac [Jamaica] Pepper
Liquorice
Mint
Mistleto
Pennyroyal
Pine
Pelletary of Spain
Plantain
Prickley-pear
Roses
Sassafras
Yarrow 39
Snake Root 19
Spanish Oak 50
Turpentine 51
Sumac Berries 49
Swamp Lilies 49
Juice of Wild Garlick 45
Consumption Remedies

Other

Recommends riding on Horseback to experience the “Change of Air” and allow “Nature to throw off the Evil.” Calming the blood, opening of the pores, and promoting perspiration were considered healthy processes. To clean the chest of bad humours capable of causing consumption to ensue, it was felt the armpits must be shaved. Impostumes or Boils, and Poutlices, were two other ways to treat this condition during its early stages.

[J. Tennant, 1734, p. 14]

%d bloggers like this:

Brian Altonen, MPH, MS