Cypripedium pubescens, Ladys Slipper, American Valerian, tincture and infusions of fresh root gathered in autumn.
The roots of several varieties, the principal being Cypripedium pubescens and Cypripedium parviflorium, are employed in hysteria, being a gentle, nervous stimulant and antispasmodic, less powerful than Valerian.
Name from Greek Kypris, one of the names of Venus, and podion, a little foot or slipper, literally Venus's Slipper, now changed into Lady's Slipper. Pubescens means 'soft-haired'. The plant is indigenous to the eastern parts of the United States and Canada, on peat soil which is rich in shade and humus.
In America it has long been a folk cure for nervousness [American Valerian]. The glandular hairs secrete a purplish substance that irritates the skin. In gardeners,it can cause an occupational illness characterised by redness of the skin and dermatitis.
"This representative of the Orchid family has been used since ancient times as a tonic for the nervous system, esp. with reference to the sexual system. The testicle-like shape of the root suggested its early application. The name 'orchid' comes from the Latin for testicle. Paracelsus said that Lady's Slipper, by virtue of this signature, would 'restore a man to his lewdness.'Ö The flower provides a signature different from the root. Lady's Slipper gets its name from the resemblance of the flower to a slipper. Several closely related species are called 'Moccasin Flower.' Paracelsus said that if a plant looked like a foot, it was a remedy for a foot. The foot represents the possibility of wandering, while the shoe represents protection for the foot [for the wanderer]. It also represents the idea of settling down. An old proverb says, 'When the shoe fits, wear it.' When the right thing appears one cannot do anything else but commit oneself to it. When people commit themselves to something that doesn't fit they grow restless and doubtful. Life has no stability, emotions slip back and forth. They are candidates for Lady's Slipper. When a woman wonders if she married the right man, should have had children, etc., Lady's Slipper will restore her nerves. It is an excellent remedy for postpartum depression, when the exhausted new mother wonders if she has enough energy to love the new arrival. Orchids are known for their intricate pollination mechanisms. Some of them go as far as to imitate the female of a wasp species, so as to be pollinated by the male. This is similar to people who are romantically volatile, accommodating themselves to one romantic situation after another, but never settling down. Lady's Slipper will stabilise the nerves so that a person can gain the composure to be ready to settle down. The Lady's Slipper type is often sensitive to innuendoes and easily impressed upon."
Nervous disorders from mental overexcitement, or abuse of tea or coffee. Profound indifference to everything, even to his studies duties, and the common courtesies of life. Over-excitement (worse at night) alternating with or followed by weakness and indifference (worse daytime). Very clever children, like Jalapa, but more childish than Jal. Like to play with toys of younger children. Closed; want to play by themselves. Desire to break things. Desire to laugh. Nervous weakness after influenza or long illness. Sleeplessness from exhilaration. Desire to talk, constant crowding of pleasant ideas. Children awaken at night from sleep, wide awake, unnaturally playfull, with no desire to go to sleep again. Child wants to play and talk all night. Worse Dentition.
Ailments from anticipation, stage-fright; from emotional excitement; from grief. Capriciousness. Dreams about children. Ecstasy at night on waking. Laughing during sleep. Sadness in amenorrhoea. Weeping when making speeches.