This section is from the book "Trees And Tree-Planting", by James S. Brisbin. Also available from Amazon: Trees and Tree Planting.
The leaves or small twigs of this tree are the part used. This drug possesses, to a certain degree, antiperiodic properties, and it has also been used as a remedy in coughs and rheumatism. Within a few years arbor-vitse has been recommended on the authority of gentlemen of high standing in the medical profession as a remedy in cancer. Dr. J. R. Learning, of New York City, has spoken of it in a manner which furnishes grounds for no very inconsiderable hope from it in this disease; and Dr. J. B. Rice, of Fremont, Ohio, reports a remarkable cure from its use in the Michigan Medical News, of Detroit, Michigan. The position of both of these gentlemen in the profession demands for this article a further and thorough test of the claims which they make for it.
 
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