Note 120 — AN ACCOUNT OF THE KATAHBA, CHEERAKE, MUSKOHGE, CHOKTAH, AND CHIKKASAH NATIONS:
Reading edition
The Indians made much use of the root of the white nettle, which because of its caustic and detergent properties, was used for cleansing ulcers and proud-flesh. Bartram’s Observations, 45. But the “mountain alum” appears to be cranesbill (geranium maculatum) an astringent, recognized as such by medical authorities today.