Long history of medicinal use in First People lore and traditional herbal medicine.  poultice of root applied over venereal disease sores. Cold infusion--smashed root in a bag suspended in water or a pot, gourd--used both as a purgative (to induce vomiting) emetic.  Root infusion used to wash wounds. (More)

Below Left:   Seed pods.

Below Right: Herbal Medicine bottles from some major pharmaceutical companies manufactured and sold before the Second World War when modern chemistry gave birth to synthetic pharmaceuticals.  Baptisia fourth from left, bottom row.