Aristolochia Grandiflora
The pelican flower. This plant belongs
to a family famed for the curious construction of their flowers,
as well as for their medical qualities. In tropical America
various species receive the name of "Guaco," which is a term given
to plants that are used
in the cure of snake bites. Even some of
our native species, such as _A. serpentaria_, is known as
snake-root, and is said to be esteemed for curing the bite of the
rattlesnake. It is stated that the Egyptian jugglers use some of
these plants to stupefy the snakes before they handle them. _A.
bracteata_ and _A. indica_ are used for similar purposes in India.
It is said that the juice of the root of _A. anguicida_, if
introduced into the mouth of a serpent, so stupefies it that it
may be handled with impunity. The Indians, after having
"guaconized" themselves, that is, having taken Guaco, handle the
most venomous snakes without injury.
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