Xanthorrhiza is a pharmaceutical name for the root of the xanthorrhiza apifolia. It was first patented during the Civil War, and was used like a tonic such as other Civil War era medicines. Xanthorrhiza was used in infusion, decoction, amputation, and in treating battlefield wounds and infections that soldiers received during battle. It could be taken in liquid form or powder and due to its intensely bitter resin, alcohol proved to be the best menstruum.
Thanks so much for this helpful information! I really needed it for my Civil War ABC Book.
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We dust the chicken with onion powder & sprinkle with chopped basil (all to taste) during initial browning. It adds great flavor to the soup/sauce (cream of mushroom also works great) too. Add 8oz (or more) sliced mushrooms when you put the chicken back in the pan. Reduce water if using fresh or use a chicken gravy mix to thicken after cooking, We serve it with wide egg (or rice) noodles, piled high with your favorite vegetable (broccoli is a favorite) & top with the chicken & mushroom sauce. Easy to stretch for a larger family (or left overs for another day) just by using more chicken & using a whole envelope of gravy mix (+ more water) with the soup for sauce. The kids dubbed it "Chicken Mama" for lack of a name.