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• Patreon Date: August 21st, 2023.
• Public Date: August 21st, 2024.
In this installment of "Leaves from the Root Doctor's Garden" i offer a
page the Herb Magic web
site. As a Patreon supporter, you have access to the page one full year before
the public does.
This page presents the forgotten medical herb and root remedies of Father Francis,
a manufacturer whose basic herb and root formulae extended
into the mid 20th century, until his goods were confiscated and destroyed by the
US Food and Drug Administration, despite the fact that many of the
plant products listed in his medical compoundss were -- and are -- known to be effective.
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Father Francis' Herb Remedy Formulas
Beginning with its creation on June 30th, 1906, it was the mission of the United States Government's
Food and Drug Administration, known as the FDA, to eradicate home doctoring with herbs, herbal pharmacies, mail order
suppliers of herbs, books about herbal medicine, herbal formularies, herb growing as a commercial industry, and
folkloric methods of using herbs in medical or magical applictions. By the mid 20th century, FDA attempts to destroy the
trade in traditional herb-based medicinals had driven all but the most stalwart from the business.
The leader of the herbalists' resistance, Joseph E. Meyer,
had passed away in 1951, and although his company was successfully continued under the leadership of his son Clarence and grandson David,
the smaller herbal companies were falling under the hammer-blows of the FDA's continual confiscations and destructions of herbal
pharmaceuticals.
Not until decades later, when the practitioners of Chinese Traditional
Medicine fought back effectively with scientific studies on the usefulness of herbal formulas,
did the FDA step back from prosecuting those who trusted
old, tried-and-true herbal and mineral medicines and supplements.
In the year 1953 one victim of the FDA's over-reaching and hostile actions was the
Father Francis Herb Remedy Company.
Note that these formulas were accompanied by instructions for use in Polish as well
as English and they contained ingredient-lists in English, with, in some cases,
Latin binomials or pharmaceutical Latin names.
The USDA confiscated them on the basis that "the article was fabricated
from two or more ingredients, and its label failed to bear the common
or usual name of each active ingredient." In some cases this charge is simply false. In other
cases, the "usual" name would have had to have been in English only,
not convenient to anyone who spoke Polish in the home or was a botanist or herbal pharmacist. Only
in one case was the FDA's parenthetical use of a common name indecipherable. The item labelled
"Rriz. Craminis (Triticum)" is not easy to parse. I think that what was meant was the fungus
"Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici or Wheat Stem Rust -- but why that would be used in an herbal medicine is beyond me.
In what follows i have rearranged the paragraphs so that you will learn the actual herbs
used in these medicinal formulas (thank you, FDA) and what they were prescribed for. As far as
i can tell, all were used for brewing teas, with the exception of one, which was a floral herbal bath
aimed at women.
You are now free to make these products yourself.
THE FDA CONFISCATES THE HERBAL REMEDIES
4226. Misbranding of herbal preparations.
U. S. v. 1 Drum, etc.
(F. D. C. No. 34951. Sample Nos. 54977-L to 54985-L, incl.)
ALLEGED SHIPMENTS: Between the approximate dates of October 26, 1951, and October 22, 1952,
from Jersey City, N. J. to Chicago, Ill.
SEIZURE DATES: Between October 26, 1951, and October 22, 1952
LIBEL FILED: April 21, 1953, Northern District of Illinois.
PRODUCTS SEIZED:
- 1 80-pound drum of Formula #8,
- 42 6-ounce cartons of Nervix,
- 26 6-ounce cartons of Gastrix,
- 75 6-ounce cartons of Liverix,
- 1 100-pound drum and 1 40-pound drum of Formula #7,
- 60 6-ounce cartons of Rheumatix,
- 1 90-pound drum of Formula #10
- 10 6-ounce cartons of Reducerix,
- 3 5-ounce cartons of Urix,
- 2 6-ounce cartons of Anti-Diabetix,
- 1 25-pound drum of Formula #6
- 48 6-ounce cartons of Chestix,
- 1 75-pound drum of herb mixture for the bath, and
- 13 6-ounce cartons of Bathix.
at Chicago, Ill., in the possession of Father Francis' Herbs, together with a number of
loose labels relating to the products.
LABELS, IN PART :
(Drums)
- "Formula #8" [or "Formula #7" or "Formula #10"]
- "Special Formula #6"
- "Herb Mixture For the Bath".
- "Caution - For Manufacturing Processing or Repacking"
(Cartons)
- "Father Francis' Herbs"
- "Nervix" [or "Gastrix," "Liverix," "Rheumatix," "Reducerix," "Urix," "Anti-Diabetix," "Chestix," or "Bathix"]
- "(Brand)"
RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION: The articles contained in the cartons had been
shipped in bulk, and upon their receipt by the consignee, Father Francis'
Herbs, were repackaged into cartons and relabeled as described below. The
articles in the drums represented portions of the bulk shipments received by
the consignee which had not been at the time of seizure repackaged by the
consignee.
Examination of the articles disclosed that they consisted of mixtures of
ground plant material. It was assumed for purposes of the action that the
articles contained the ingredients which they were represented to contain.
NERVIX: For Nerves and Sleeplessness
Nervix (Formula #8) For Nerves and Sleeplessness contains:
- Passionflower Herb
- White Willow Bark
- Hawthorne Berries
- Sweet Orange Peel
|
Nervix (Formula #8): Hawthorne Berries
|
NATURE OF CHARGE: Nervix and Formula #8. Misbranding, Section 502 (a),
the statements on the carton label, namely, (in English and Polish), "For
Nerves and Sleeplessness ... To calm and strengthen the nervous system
... To bring sleep" were false and misleading since the statements represented
and suggested that the article was an adequate and effective treatment
for nervous disorders and sleeplessness, whereas the article was not
an adequate and effective treatment for nervous disorders and sleeplessness.
GASTRIX: For Indigestion
Gastrix For Indigestion contains:
- St. John's Wort Herb
- Knotgrass
- Sweet Woodruff Herb
- Senna Leaves
- Juniper Berries
- Buckthorn Bark
- American Peppermint Leaves
|
Gastrix: Peppermint Leaves
|
NATURE OF CHARGE: Gastrix. Misbranding, Section 502 (a), the label designation "Gastrix"
and the statement on the carton label (in English and Polish) "For
Indigestion" were false and misleading since the article was not effective for
gastric disorders and indigestion; Section 502 (e) (2), the article was fabricated
from two or more ingredients, and its label failed to bear the common
or usual name of each active ingredient; and, Section 502 (f) (2), its label
failed to bear such adequate warnings against unsafe dosage and duration
of administration, in such manner and form, as are necessary for the pro-
tection of users since its labeling failed to warn that, if used as directed in
its labeling, namely, "Once or twice daily, pour a cup of boiling water over a
tablespoonful of herbs, let draw about an hour, strain, and drink before bedtime,
or in the morning," it may cause dependence upon laxatives to move the
bowels.
LIVERIX: To Promote Regular Functions of the Liver and Gall Bladder
Liverix to Promote Regular Functions of the Liver and Gall Bladder contains:
- St. John's Wort Herb
- Boldo Leaves
- Buckthorn Bark
- Juniper Berries
- Knotgrass
|
Liverix: Juniper Berries
|
NATURE OF CHARGE: Liverix. Misbranding, Section 502 (a), the label designation "Liverix" and
the statement on the carton label "To promote and "help regular functions of
the Liver and Gall Bladder" were false and misleading since the article was
not effective for disorders of the liver and was not effective to promote and
help regular functions of the liver and gallbladder; and, Section 502 (e) (2),
the article was fabricated from two or more ingredients, and its label failed
to bear the common or usual name of each active ingredient. Further mis-
branding, Section 502 (f) (2), the labeling failed to bear adequate warnings
to the effect that, if used frequently or continuously or as directed in the
labeling, namely, "2 or 3 times daily, pour a glass of boiling water over 1
tablespoonful of herbs, boil for 3 minutes, let draw about an hour, strain, add
laxatives to move the bowels; and that it should hot be used when there was
nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or other symptom of appendicitis.
RHEUMATIX: For Rheumatism, Gout, and Arthritis
Rheumatix (Formula #7) for Rheumatism, Gout, and Arthritis contains:
- Knotgrass
- Horsetail Rush
- Elder Flower
- Ginseng Root
- Buckthorn Bark
- Mistletoe Leaves and Twigs
See also No. 4239 (veterinary preparation) which contains the same leaves and twigs, and Coriander Seed.
|
Rheumatix (Formula #7): Elder Flower
|
NATURE OF CHARGE: Rheumatix (Formula #7). Misbranding, Section 502 (a), the label
designation "Rheumatix" and the following statements on the carton label (in
English and Polish) "For Rheumatism, Gout, Arthritis" and (in English)
"Rheumatism is to be regarded as the name standing for similar troubles such
as Neuritis, Sciatica, Lumbago, Muscular Chill, and all muscular Pain"
were false and misleading since such statements represented and suggested
that the article was an adequate and effective treatment for such disease
conditions, when such was not the case.
REDUCERIX: For Obesity and Overweight
Reducerix (Formula #10) for Obesity and Overweight contains:
- Bladder-Wrack
- Goldenrod Herb
- Mistletoe Leaves and Twigs
- Sundew Herb
- Buckthorn Bark
- Knotgrass
- Star Anise Seed
|
Reducerix (Formula #10): Goldenrod Herb
|
NATURE OF CHARGE: Reducerlx (Formula #10). Misbranding, Section 502 (a), the label
designation "Reducerix" and the following statement on the carton label (in
English and Polish) "For Obesity and Overweight" were false and misleading
since the article was not effective for reducing obesity and overweight; Section 502 (e) (2), the article was fabricated from two or more ingredients,
and its label failed to bear the common or usual name of each active ingredient; and, Section 502 (f) (2), its labeling failed to bear adequate warnings to the effect that, if used frequently or continuously or as directed in
the labeling, namely, "Twice daily, pour a glass of boiling water over 1 or 2
tablespoonfuls of herbs, boil for 5 minutes, allow to cool, strain, and drink
before breakfast and bedtime," it may cause dependence upon laxatives to move the bowels.
URIX: For Kidneys and Bladder
Urix for Kidneys and Bladder contains:
- Herniaria glabra (Knotweed)
- Apium petroselinum (Parsley)
- Orthosyphon stamineus (Java Tea)
- Betula alba (White Birch)
- Centaurea cyanus (Corn Flower)
- Arbutus uva-ursi (Uva-Ursi)
|
Urix: Corn Flower
|
NATURE OF CHARGE: Urix. Misbranding, Section 502 (a), the label designation "Urix" and the
statement on the carton label "For Kidneys and Bladder" were false and mis-
leading since the article was not effective for diseases of the kidneys, bladder,
and other organs of the urinary tract.
ANTI-DIABETIX: To Promote and Help Regular Functions of the Pancreas
Anti-Diabetix to Promote and Help Regular Functions of the Pancreas contains:
- Hb. Equiseti arvense (Horsetail)
- Hb. Hiperici (St. John's Wort)
- Fol. Myrtillorum (Myrtle Leaves)
- Fol. Vaccinii Vitis Idaea (Mountain Cranberry Leaves)
- Fol. Fragariae (Strawberry Leaves)
- Fol. Galangae Off. (Galangal Leaves)
- Fol. Urticae (Nettle Leaves)
- Flores Tiliae (Linden Flowers)
- Folliculi phaesoli (Bean Pods)
- Rriz. Craminis (Triticum) [probably Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Wheat Stem Rust)]
- Rad. Inulae Heleni (Inula or Elecampane Root)
|
Anti-Diabetix: Myrtle Leaves
|
NATURE OF CHARGE: Anti-Diabetix. Misbranding, Section 502 (a), the label designation "Anti-
Diabetix" and the statement on the carton label "To promote and help regular
functions of the Pancreas (Sugar Diabetes)" were false and misleading since
the article was not effective to promote and help regular functions of the
pancreas or for diabetes.
CHESTIX: For Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, and Lung Troubles
Chestix (Formula #6) or Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, and Lung Troubles contains:
- Verbascum thapsus (Mullein Leaves)
- Salvia officinalis (Sage Leaves)
- Pimpinella anisum (Anise Seeds)
- Cetraria islandica (Iceland Moss)
- Symphytum officinale (Comfrey Root)
- Panax ginseng (Ginseng Root)
|
Chestix (Formula #6): Mullein Leaves
|
NATURE OF CHARGE: Chestix (Formula #6). Misbranding, Section 502 (a), the label designation "Chestix"
and the statement on the carton label "For Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, and
Lung Troubles" were false and misleading since the article was not effective
for diseases of the chest, coughs, colds, bronchitis, and lung troubles.
BATHIX: Strengthening Bath and Douche
Bathix (Herb Mixture for the Bath) Strengthening Bath and Douche contains:
- Bladder-Wrack
- Rosemary Leaves
- Rosebuds
- Lemon Verbena
- Orris Root
- Thyme
- Lavender Flowers
- Peppermint
- Sage Leaves
|
Bathix (Herb Mixture for the Bath): Lavender Flowers
|
NATURE OF CHARGE: Herb mixture for the bath and Bathix. Misbranding, Section 502 (a), the
statement on the carton label "For ... Strengthening Bath and Douche"
was false and misleading since the article was not effective as a strengthening
bath and douche; and, Section 502 (f) (2), the labeling of the article failed
to bear such adequate warnings against unsafe duration of administration,
in such manner and form, as are necessary for the protection of users since
its labeling failed to warn that frequent use as a douche may be harmful.
The articles were misbranded in the above respects while held for sale after
shipment in interstate commerce.
OUTCOME OF THE FDA RAID ON FATHER FRANCIS' HERB CO.
DISPOSITION: June 9, 1953. Default decree of condemnation and destruction.
ISSUED: November 1954
To Discuss This Patreon Page
This Patreon Bonus Page is part of the series titled "Leaves from the Root Doctor's Garden."
Thank you, all. And thanks to my dear companion, nagasiva yronwode, for his generous help
with transcriptions, image scans, clean-up, and proofreading. We are a team, and although
i may seem to be the public face of our Dyadic Duo, i could not do what i do without him.
catherine yronwode
Herb Magic
