For example, some early settlers copied the Delaware tribes' use of a wide variety of commonly found tree and plant products used for medicines:  i.e.: elm bark was steeped in hot water and the resulting liquid used for colds and severe coughs, whereas the chestnut tree had several healing properties.  The nuts from this tree were ground up and mixed with sweet oil or mutton tallow to make a poultice for earaches, while it was also believed that to carry chestnuts in one's pocket would relieve rheumatism.