“A New and Complete American Medical Family Herbal” by Samuel Henry, published in 1814, serves as a comprehensive guide to the medicinal plants native to the United States. This work is rooted in the author’s extensive experience and observations over more than thirty years, during which he traveled through the Southern states to study the therapeutic properties of indigenous flora. The book provides detailed descriptions of various plants, highlighting their medical virtues and practical applications in treating common ailments. It reflects a time when botanical medicine was integral to healthcare, offering insights into the early practices of American herbalism.

The herbal includes a variety of plants, each entry detailing its botanical characteristics, medicinal uses, and preparation methods. This practical approach was designed to empower families to utilize local plants for health maintenance and disease prevention. In addition to plant profiles, the book features “Lewis’ secret remedy,” a formula claimed to be infallible in curing hydrophobia, or rabies, resulting from a mad dog bite. This inclusion underscores the era’s reliance on herbal remedies for serious conditions and the blending of folk medicine with emerging scientific inquiry.

An intriguing aspect of the book is its appendix, which Samuel Henry claims contains medical secrets previously unknown to the public. These additions suggest a desire to provide readers with exclusive knowledge, positioning the work as both an educational resource and a promotional tool for the author’s expertise. The inclusion of such remedies reflects the 19th-century fascination with secret formulas and the commercialization of medical knowledge.

“A New and Complete American Medical Family Herbal” is a significant historical document that offers a window into early American medical practices. It illustrates the transition from traditional European herbalism to a uniquely American approach, grounded in the local environment and accessible to the general public. While some of the medical claims may be outdated by today’s standards, the book remains a valuable resource for understanding the roots of American herbal medicine and the cultural context of its time.