WAKE-ROBIN, Cuckow-pint, or Lords and Ladies, Arum maculatum, L. a native and hardy perennial, growing in shady places, ditch-banks and rough grounds; flowering in May and June.
Both the bulbous root, and the leaves of this vegetable, in a fresh state, are extremely acrid. Nevertheless, the former has sometimes been used internally as a powerful stimulant, and externally as a substitute for blisters. When dried and pulverized, these roots lose all their acrimony, and afford an almost tasteless farinaceous powder. According to Dr. Withering, good bread may be prepared from them, as well as an excellent starch.—The French manufacture from the same root, when properly dried and reduced to powder, a harmless cosmetic; which is sold under the name of cypress-powder. Such preparation may also, and, we conceive, with greater advantage be used in domestic economy, instead of soap.