The juice of Elder root, if taken in a dose of one or two tablespoonfuls when fasting, acts as a strong aperient, being "the most excellent Purger of watery humours in the world, and very singular against dropsy, if taken once in the week."
"Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure"
William Thomas Fernie
A good vomit, I confesse, a vertuous herb, if it be well qualified, opportunely taken, and medicinally used; but, as it is commonly abused by most men, which take it as tinkers do ale, 'tis a plague, a mischief, a violent Purger of goods, lands, health, hellish, divelish and damned tobacco, the ruine and overthrow of body and soul.
"Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce"
E. R. Billings