Rhabarb be stewed amongst them for then they become more purging and evacuate chollerick humours do help weak stomachs and are good in Feavers and other hot diseases The Gum that issues out of the trees being drunk in wine is good against the Stone the said gum or the leaves being boiled in vinegar and applyed kills Tetters Ring-worms and the Leprosie A decoction of the leaves in wine is good to gargle and wash the mouth and throat and to dry up the flux of Rheum that falleth down to the Pallat Gums or Almonds of the Throat Poley-Mountain Polium montanum THis Plant grows not naturally in England but may be had at the Apothecaries shop to which I refer you It is called in Latine Polium but more usually with the Epithet montanum Nature and Vertues Poley is dry in the third degree and hot in the end of the second of a loathsome bitter taste It is useful to open obstructions especially of the Liver and Spleen and the decoction thereof drunk helps swelling of the Spleen the Jaundies and Dropsie being boiled in Vinegar and Water It resists poison and is used in Antidotes for that purpose the fumigation thereof drives away Vermin it moves the belly and the tearms and being applyed green it soders up the lips of wounds and being dry it healeth foul sores or ulcers Polipody of the Oak Polipodium POlipody of the Oak is a small Herb Description consisting of nothing but roots and leaves bearing neither flower nor seed from the root groweth up three or four leaves singly by themselves winged and about a handful high having many small narrow leaves on each side the stalk large below and growing smaller and smaller towards the top cut into the middle rib but not dented on the edges as the male Fern is of a sad green colour smooth on the upper side but rough on the under side by reason of some yellowish spots thereon The Root is smaller then ones little finger but long and creeping asloap and hath a sweetish harshness in the taste Names It is called in Latine Polipodium in English Polipody of the Oak Places and Time That which grows upon Oaks is the best yet Polipody is also found upon old stumps of other trees as Beech Hazle and Willow and sometimes in the woods under them upon old walls and slated Churches and in many other places It is alwayes green and may be gathered at any time yet it shoots forth fresh leaves in the Spring Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the second degree and that which growes upon the Oak partakes of the nature of the Oak and is an herb of Jupiter whatever others say The herb taken in decoction broth or infusion purgeth burnt choller tough and thick Phlegm and dryeth up thin humours and is good for Melancholly and Quartain Agues for which it may also be taken in Whey Barley-water or honied water or the broth of a Chicken with Epithymum or Beets and Mallows added thereto The distilled water of the roots and leaves taken with Sugarcandy is good against wheazings Coughs and distillations of thin Rheum upon the Lungs which cause Ptisicks and Consumptions It is good to soften the Spleen and ease Stitches in the sides and the Chollick A dram or two of the Powder of the dryed Roots taken in honeyed water worketh gently for the purposes aforesaid the distilled water is likewise commended for Quartain Agues and against melancholly Dreams it cures the disease in the Nose called Polipus and helpeth clefts or chops that come between the fingers or toes being applyed thereunto The fresh roots beaten small or the powder of the dryed root mixed with honey and applyed to a member that hath been out of joynt and is newly set again doth much strengthen it some put Fennel seeds Anniseeds or Ginger to it to correct it which it needs not being a gentle medicine of it self and an Ounce of it may be taken at a time in a decoction if there be not Sena or some other stronger purger with it I have found it very effectual in decoctions with other Pectoral Herbs for opening and cleansing the Liver and Lungs Pome-Citron Tree Malus Citria THis Outlandish Tree is called in Latine Malus Persica and Malus Assyria and also Malus Citria Pomum Citrium and in English Citron Place and Time They grow in Spain and other hot Countreys and flower and bear fruit all the year Nature and Vertues Avicen saith the Seed is hot in the first degree and dry in the second the Bark hot in the first and dry in the end of the second the inner white substance hot and moist in the first degree and the Juyce cold and dry in the third degree It is a Solar Plant and a sovereign Cordial for the Heart an Antidote against Poison and Infections the outer rinde being dryed and taken it also warms and comforts a cold Stomach expells and disperses Winde and indigested humours therein and in the Bowels and helps digestion and melancholly it helps a stinking breath being chewed in the mouth The outward rindes preserved are a good Cordial and very effectual against melancholly and infection There is an Electuary made thereof which purgeth cold phlegmatick humours the Syrup of the Rindes strengtheneth the stomach and heart and helps faintings thereof and resists poison and strengthens nature and is good for such as are in Consumptions or Hectick Feavers The Syrup of the juyce is effectual for most of the same purposes the seeds preserve the heart from infection of the Plague Pox and venomous Bitings they kill Worms provoke the Tearms and cause Abortion They dry up and consume moist humours in the body or outwardly in moist Sores or Vlcers The sowre juyce is good in Pestilential Feavers suppressing the violence of Choller and hot distempers in the Blood corrects the Liver quenches thirst stirs up an appetite resists venome and infection and refreshes fainting spirits The Pomegranate-Tree Malus Granata THis Plant groweth also in hot Countreys as in Spain and Italy but chiefly in Granado yet it is useful in Medicine with us therefore I shall not omit its Vertues It is called in Latine Malum Granatum or Punicum and Granatum the Flower Balaustium the Rinde Sidium but more generally Cortex Granatorum Nature and Vertues Those that are sweet are helping to the stomach and are somewhat hot but the sowre ones and seeds of each are cold and astringent it is an Herb of Venus The flowers and shells in powder help to stay blood in Wounds and the Kernels dryed in the sun stop fluxes of the Belly and Matrix and helps spitting of blood being drunk in raw water and so do the flowers and rindes The Juyce and the Kernels or the Syrup is good to quench thirst in burning Fevers and hot diseases a Gargarisme or Lotion made of the Rindes is good to bring down the hot swellings of the Almonds in the Throat the juyce of the Kernels sodden with Honey
the seed is ripe in September the Butter-burr flowers in March and the leaves spring up in April Nature and Vertues The Burdock leaves are moderately cold and dry the butter-burr hot and dry in the second degree the Burdock leaves reduce the matrix to its right place by drawing it up or down applying the leaves to the crown of the head or soles of the feet according as it is displaced they are good for sores and Vlcers to ease pains in the Sinews and Arteries and the Gout it helps kibed heels being bruised with the white of an Egge it takes the fire out of burnings the juyce or the roots drunk in wine helps the bitings of Serpents and being beaten with a little salt and applyed to the place it gives present ease it also provokes Vrine helps Stitches Consumptions and Vlcers of the Lungs the root drunk in Malmsey with a little Nutmeg stayes the running of the Reins the Whites and strengthens the Back the young stalks increase seed being eaten raw with salt and pepper or boiled The Butter-burr roots taken with Zeadory and Angelica helps fits of the Mother provokes the Courses Vrine and kills Worms in the Belly and are effectual against pestilential diseases by provoking sweat and the decoction in Wine helps those that are short winded Cabbage and Coleworts IT were labour more then needs to describe these or give them any other names their places are in well manured Gardens We proceed to their Nature and Vertues Cabbages are of a drying astringent quality salt or Nitrous yielding small nourishment and ingendring melancholly blood the decoction of them drunk with honey helps hoarseness allayeth the swellings and takes away the pains of gouty knees and legs it helps old sores pushes and wheals in the skin the leaves draw abundantly and therefore are good for filthy sores the decoction of the flowers provokes the terms The juyce boiled with honey and dropped into the eye clears the sight consumes Films and the Canker growing therein Gerhard commends a raw Cabbage leaf to be eaten fasting against an involuntary Gonorrhea Calamint Calamintha THis herb seldom grows above a foot high Description the stalk is square and wooddy with two small leaves at a joynt a little dented about the edges of a quick scent the flowers grow from the middle of the stalk to the top of a pale blush colour the seeds round and blackish the root abides in the ground many years Names In Latine Calamintha in English Calamint and Mountain mint Place and Time it groweth plentifully in hilly dry grounds flower and seed about July Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry near the third degree of a biting taste an herb of Mars it opens obstructions of the Liver and cures hardness of the Spleen helps overflowing of the Gall the tertian Ague and old Coughs it drives down womens courses helps the yellow Jaundies and stayes Vomiting being taken in Wine it provokes Vrine helps Ruptures Cramps shortness of breath and inward pains proceeding from Choller ☞ See further in Adam in Eden by W. Coles Calamus Aromaticus or sweet Flag THis groweth not with us in any great quantity no not in our Gardens but in Turky and Egypt and those Countries it is very plentiful it may be had at our Druggists wherefore I shall name its Vertues The roots are hot and dry in the second degree of thin parts they provoke Vrine helps diseases of the Reins and Bladder easeth pains of the Sides Liver Breast Chollick and Cramp the decoction being taken in wine the powder of the roots strengthen a cold weak Stomach and so they do preserved with Sugar or Honey Camphire Camphora THis is a tear or gum dropping out of a tree in India it is reputed to be cold and dry in the third degree yet there are different opinions about its temperature of a very strong scent it is available for the running of the Reins and the Whites in women it cools the heat of the Liver resisteth putrefaction and fortifies the heart in contagious Diseases taken in Electuary or otherwise in all Inflammations it is good cools the heat of Wounds and Ulcers The dose of it inwardly is five or six grains It hath been found effectual in Agues being sowed in a cloth and with a thread hung about the neck so that it might lie just upon the pit of the Stomach Camock or Rest-harrow Resta bovis Form CAmock groweth up with wooddy stalks and little roundish leaves of a dark green colour having prickly thorns when they grow old the flower grow at top like pease blossoms after which come small pods the seed is small and round the root blackish and tough growing deep in the ground Names It is called Resta bovis and Remora aratri Place and Time It groweth in many fields and good grounds and is not easily weeded out it flowers in July and the seed is ripe in August Quality and Vertues The root according to Gallen is hot in the third degree and though it be unprofitable to the Husbandman the decoction in Vinegar helps the Tooth-ache of Rheume the powder taken many dayes together in Wine consumes the fleshy Rupture the decoction opens the Liver and Spleen helps the Jaundies Hemorrhoides and Piles expells Gravel and the Stone the decoction in Oximel is good for the salling Sickness The fixed salt of the whole plant is excellent good for the Stone Cammomile Cammomilla THis grows so common upon every green and watry place it needs no description it is called in Latine Camomilla and Cotula it is also nourished in Gardens both to make pleasant banks and also for its Physical uses Quality and Vertues Camomile is hot and dry in the first degree as Gallen saith moderately healing and drying a Solar herb Camomile is profitable for Agues proceeding of Phlegm or Melancholly the decoction thereof helps the Chollick pains in the Sides drives down womens Courses provokes Vrine and Sweat and expells cold humours it comforts the Sinews and mollifies Swellings helps the Jaundies and Dropsie the oyl made of the Flowers is good against cold Aches and outward Pains Capers Caparis THese grow upon a prickly shrub in Arabia Italy and Spain they are called in Latine Caparis the bark of the roots is extream bitter it cleanseth and purgeth cutteth and digesteth the Capers are hot The Capers we have here pickled cause appetite open the Liver and Spleen consume cold Phlegm in the Stomach the oyl of Capers is good against the Rickets Hypocondryack melancholly and pains in the Sides and Spleen Cardamomes Cardamomum THey grow in the East Indies upon a small tree which beareth them in husks and are brought hither for their use in Physick They are hot and dry in the third degree astringent they are called Grana Paradisi and Cardamomum In English grains of Paradise and Cardamomes they are good against the Cardiack passion and distempers of the Stomach it draweth forth watery humours from the head and stomach being
Gall helps shortness of breath The roots in dyet drink or broth cleanseth the Blood opens the Liver provokes Vrine and helps the evil colour of the face after long Sickness and causeth a good habit throughout the body the juyce kills worms in the Ears being dropped therein The ordinary Fennel is stronger then the sweet Fennel and therefore better for the purposes aforesaid Fennel Giant Ferulago THis plant grows in Cyrene Description and place and brings forth the Gum called Ammoniacum which is hot and dry in the second degree which is good to dissolve Tumors and taken inwardly it purges Phlegm opens stoppings of the Liver helps Astma's and stoppings of breath it provokes Vrine and the Terms eases the Gout and Sciatica softens Corns and hard Swellings ☞ See further in Adam in Eden written by Will. Celes Sow-Fennel or Hogs-Fennel Peucedanum IT hath divers branched stiff stalks Description full of knees of thick long leaves three for the most part joyned together at a place among which riseth a crested stalk less then Fennel somewhat joynted and leaves thereon and towards the top some branches on the tops whereof grow tufts of yellow flowers the seeds are thin flat and yellowish almost twice as big as Fennel seed the root is great and grows deep with many fibres smelling like hot brimstone and yielding a yellowish juyce like a Gum. Names Peucedanus and Peucedanum are the Latine names in English Hogs-Fennel Sow-Fennel Hore-strange and Hore-strong Sulpher-wort or Brimstone-wort Places and Time It grows in salt low Marshes as by Whitstable and Feaversham in Kent and many other places they flower and seed towards the end of Summer Nature and Vertues It is a Mercurial herb hot in the second degree and dry in the beginning of the third The juyce dissolved in Wine and dropped into the Ears helps such griefs thereof as proceed from a cold cause the same used with Vinegar and Rose-water or the juyce with a little Euphorbium put to the Nose helps the Phrenzy Lethargy Giddiness falling Sickness long and inveterate Head-ache the Palsie Sciatica Cramp and generally all diseases of the Nerves and Sinews if it be used with Oyl and Vinegar as saith Dioscorides and Gallen the juyce dissolved in Wine or put in an Egge is good for the Cough shortness of Breath and winde in the body it gently purges the Belly dissolves winde and hardness of the Spleen gives ease to women that have hard Labour and easeth pains of the Reins Bladder and Womb the juyce put into a hollow tooth easeth the pain and so doth the root but more slowly The powder of the dried root cleanseth foul Vlcers and removes splinters or broken bones out of the flesh dryes up inveterate Sores and is of a great force in green Wounds Fig-wort Vide Throat-wort Flax. Linum THis needs no description good Housewifes know it well enough it is called in Latine Linum which is somewhat near our English word Linnen fine linnen cloth being made thereof it flowers from Midsummer till August it is sown in divers places of this Land Nature and Vertues The seed thereof which we call Linseed which is onely used in Physick is hot in the first degree and in a mean between moist and dry but Dodoneus saith it hath a superfluous moisture and causes winde and that the Inhabitants of Middleborough in Zealand for want of Corn eat thereof to the great prejudice of thier healths but the seed being boiled in water and some honey put to it is said to case the Chollick Stitches and Inflammations I fancy not that medicine but the seed is a good ingredient in pultisses with Fenugreek and Mallows to mollisie and discuss Tumors in any part of the body and being used with Myrrhe and Rozen it helps Ruptures and swellings of the cods the decoction thereof in wine is good to stay the spreading of silthy Sores being used thereto and being mixed with honey or suct and wax and applyed it helps hard swellings under the Ears and Throat and remedies spots and discolourings of the skin Fig-Tree Ficus THe Fig-tree seldom grows in England but as it is planted against a Wall yet at the house of Rowland Hinde Esquire at Hedsor in Buckinghamshire grows or lately did grow a Fig-Tree in his Court having a body as big as an ordinary Elme or Oak growing low and spreading much ground wiht great Boughs Names The Greeks call the Tree 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the fruit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine both tree and fruit is called Ficus Place and Time They grow plentifully in Spain and Italy and bear fruit both in the Spring and in August and September Nature and Vertues Figs are hot and moist almost in the third degree and yield good nourishment but being immoderately eaten they ingender crude humours in the Stomach and hurt hot Livers and chollerick Stomachs they are therefore best for old phlegmatick persons being eaten with Almonds they cleanse the Breast and the Lungs A decoction of them with Hysop and Liquorish is good for the Cough of the Lungs and for the Reins and Bladder and to recover a good colur to them that have lost it by Sickness it also cleanses the Womb and is useful for the Dropsie Quinzy and the falling Sickness they are a good Antidote against the Plague Poison and infections Air being stamped together with Salt Rue and Nut Kernels and eaten fasting in the mornings a Fig sliced and toasted and applyed to an aking Tooth sometimes gives ease The decoction of the leaves is good to wash sore heads for the Leprosie Morphew and running Sores and a syrrup made thereof is good against Coughs shortness of Breath and all diseases of the Breast and Lungs Filberd Vide Hazel Nut. Fistick Nuts Pistacia THis tree grows in the East Indies Persia and Arabia and the hot parts of Italy Names It is called in Latine Pistacia and Pistacium in English the fruit is called Pistacies and Fistick Nuts Nature and Vertues They are under the dominion of Jupiter of temperature hot and moist they increase seed and stir up Venery being eaten condited or otherwise they recover strength in those bodies which are in Consumptions and are grateful to the Stomach they are good against bitings of venomous creatures they open obstructions of the Liver Chest and Lungs concocting and digesting raw humours that offend them they are a little astringent strengthening the Liver and Stomach used either in meats or medicines they remove Sand and Gravel out of the Reins and Kidneys asswage their pain and are good for Vlcers Fleawort Herba pulicaria ORdinary Fleawort groweth up with a stalk two foot high Description or more full of branches on every side up to the top and at every joynt grow two small long and narrow whitish green leaves at the tops of every joynt stand divers short small scaly or chaffy heads out of which come small whitish yellow threds like those of plantain which are the bloomings or
being applyed to the Temples and the bruised leaves laid upon the Crown of the head quickly stayes bleeding at Nose the distilled water is good for all the purposes aforesaid and the leaves rubbed upon any place stung with Bees or nertles gives present ease ☞ See more of this in Adam in Eden written by Will. Coles Hedge Hysop Gratiola IT is a low plant about a span long Description having square stalks or slender branches much like Garden Hysop but larger leaves the flowers grow upon short stems between the leaves of a whitish blue colour the whole herb hath a bitter taste like small Centory the root is small and threddy spreading far abroad multiplying greatly where it groweth Names It is called in Latine Gratia Dei and Gratiola and in English hedge Hysop the seed is called Gelbenech being the Arabian name There is a second kinde of hedge hysop called Gratiola angusti folia which hath a small fibrous root a reddish round crested stalk divided into many branches set with leaves like those of Knot-grass of a pale green colour without any stalks out of the bosom of these leaves come four leaved flowers set in longcups of a fair blue colour after which come longish seed vessels wherein are contained a small duskish seed the plant is without smell or any manifest taste the leaves are sometimes narrower and sometimes broader The plant sometimes but a handful and seldom above a foot high It s called also in English Grass Poley There is also a third kinde called Gratiola latifolia or broad leaved hedge Hysop which hath many four square small tender branches somewhat hollow or furrowed set with leaves by couples one against another like the former but shorter and broader amongst which grow purple flowers spotted in the inside with white and of a brighter purple then the rest of the flower after which come little seed vessels containing small yellowish seed of an extream bitter taste the whole plant is bitter like the first the root consists of a great many whitish strings which increase and spread much abroad Place and Time The first groweth naturally in moist and low places the second in grassy meers of the Champion Fields in Oxfordshire and such like places The third kinde likewise in moist places as about the Bogs or marish ground at the further end of Hampsted Heath and in such like places The first kinde flowreth in May the second in June and July the third in August Nature and Vertues Hedge Hysop is of a hot and dry nature the first kinde is onely used in Physick a scruple thereof being bruised and taken mightily purgeth watry gross and slimy humours in great abundance the herb boiled in Wine and the decoction drunk helpeth Fevers and is excellent in Dropsies and all Diseases springing from cold and watry causes If it be boiled and the decoction drunk or eaten with meat as a Sallet it opens the Belly scouring and purging gross phlegm and chollerick humours The extraction given with powder of Cynamon and a little juyce of Calamint prevaileth against Tertian and Quotidian Fevers as saith Camerarius Herb Robert Geranium Robertianum THis plant hath slender Description weak and brittle reddish stalks somewhat hairy the leaves are also reddish oftentimes jagged or deeply cut much like Chervil of a loathsome scent the flowers are a bright purple after which there comes small heads with sharp Bills like Birds Beaks The root is small and threddy Names It s called Geranium Robertianum in Latine as being a kinde of Cranes-bill it is also called Ruberta Roberti herba and Robertiana and is taken to be the 3. Sideritis of Dioscorid Place and Time It grows upon old Walls of Brick Stone or Mud and amongst Rubbish in bodies of dead Trees and in moist and shadowy banks of Ditches it flowers in April and almost all the Summer The herb continues green all Winter Nature and Vertues Herb Robert is somewhat cold of temperature having mixt qualities both scouring and somewhat binding it is good to stanch blood and to heal up bleeding Wounds and is good for Wounds and Vlcers in Womens Breasts and Dugs and also of the secret parts of Man or Woman and may be also as effectual as Cranes-Bill in Ruptures or inward Wounds The dryed herb and root taken in powder in some convenient liquor or the decoction thereof in Wine being drunk for those purposes Herb True-love Vide One berry St. Johns-wort Hypericum IT shooteth forth brownish Description upright hard round stalks about two foot high spreading into divers branches from the sides up to the top having two small perforated leaves set one against another all along of a deep green colour at the tops of the stalks and branches grow yellow flowers of five leaves apiece with yellow thrums in the middle which being bruised yield a reddish juyce like blood after the flowers come small round heads wherein is contained small blackish seed smelling like Rozen The root is hard and woody with many fibres at it of a brownish colour which abides many years but the stalks perish every year Names It is called in Latine Hypericum of some Fuga-daemonum supposing it to be good to drive away spirits and by Paracelsus Sol terrestris Places and Time It grows plentifully by Fields by Woods sides and Copses and in Hedge rowes flowers about Midsummer and the seed is ripe in August Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry and of thin parts an excellent Solar Plant it is profitable for all hurts and Wounds and also for inward bruises being made into an Oyl Oyntment or Salve Bathe or Fomentation and used outwardly or boiled in Wine and drunk it opens obstructions consolidates and soders up the lips of Wounds and strengthens weak and bruised parts The decoction of the herb and seed in Wine helps spitting and Vomiting of Blood and heals inward bruises it is likewise good for the Stone and to provoke Womens courses The seed taken in powder in a little broth purges choller and expells congealed blood in the Stomach The dose is ʒii The oyl is excellent both for old sores and green Wounds the seed is commended for the Palsie and Falling Sickness being drunk forty dayes together An excellent Balsome for Wounds and Venomous Bitings may be made of it after this manner Take oyl Olive one quart St. Johns-wort Betony Centory Self-heal and Tobacco flowers each two handfuls let them stand in a glass in the Sun all Summer then strain the oyl from the herbs and keep it for your use Jack by the Hedge Vide Sauce alone Ivy. Hedera THis is a companion lovingly imbracing many old Oaks and other Trees Walls Houses and Churches The Latines call it Hedera it flourisheth about July and the Berries are ripe about Christmas and may with Holly adorn a House without superstition Nature and Vertues A Pugil of Ivy flowers or a dram drunk twice a day in red Wine stops the Bloody Flux and Lask but Ivy
the neck Aron Vide Cuckow pintle Arrach wilde and stinking Atriplex STinking Arrach groweth up with a little stalk Description having many branches the leaves are smaller then those of the Garden and pointed towards the top of a whitish green colour which we call an Ash colour it beareth yellow flowers which afterwards turn into small mealy seeds It may easily be known by the smell being very like stinking Fish Names Places and Time It is called in Latine Vulvaria and Atriplex in English stinking Arrach you may finde it upon most Dunghills under old walls about the mud walls in the fields about London it grows plentifully and also by ditches sides It flowers and seeds from June till after Bartholomewtide Temperature and Vertues This Plant Saturn rules it is cold moist and earthy an excellent plant for Womens diseases It cures fits of the Mother Dislocation or falling out of the Womb being taken inwardly It cools the over much heat of the womb and causes easie Delivery being rubbed and held to the nostrils it causeth the Womb to descend to its right place and cleanses and strengthens it It provokes the Terms if stopped and also stops the immoderate flowing of them and makes Barren women fruitful It is therefore good for such Women as are subject to be troubled with any of the aforementioned Distempers to prepare and keep alwayes by them a Syrup made of the juyce of this Herb and sugar or honey which is best to cleanse the Womb otherwise sugar is more proper Arsmart Persicaria THis Herb grows with a little joynted greenish stalk Description the leaves growing at the joynts of the stalks being not very long many times having blackish spots upon them the flowers grow in spiky heads of a blush colour after them come little blackish flat seeds the root is fibrous and perisheth every year There is dead or milde Arsmart and biting Arsmart which if you taste of it will bite your tongue very much The Names It is called in Latine Piper Aquaticum and Persicaria because the leaves do something resemble Peach leaves in English Water Pepper and Arsmart Place and time It is common in most ditches especially such as are muddy and grows also upon dunghils of mud which hath been cast out of ditches I have seen them covered with it in Hampshire and other places It is in flower in June and seeds about August Temperature and Vertues The milde is said to be cold and dry the biting hot and dry then sure there Mars and Saturn grow together The biting Arsmart being rubbed upon a tyred horses back will make him go again lively it is good to kill Fleas being strewed in Chambers The powder of the milde Arsmart being given to the quantity of two drams at a time in a little Vinegar opens obstructions of the Liver being bruised with rue and Wormwood and fryed with Butter or Suet and applyed to the belly or stomach destroyes the worms in them the distilled water thereof mixed with a little oyl of Spike and the gall of an Oxe is good to ease the pains of the Gout the grieved place being anointed therewith and a blue woollen cloath applyed upon it so likewise being mixed with Aqua vitae it takes away Aches The herb being stamped with Wine and applyed to the Matrix draweth down the Terms The leaves being stamped and applyed to green Wounds cools them and defends them from inflammations The root or seed applyed to an aking Tooth takes away the pain and the juyce of the Herb dropped into the ears kills worms in them and is good against Deafness Alkanet Fucus Herba THere are accounted four kindes of this Plant Descri ∣ ption but never a one of them common nor easily found in England though Culpepper saith there is one kinde grows commonly in this Nation which is as true as the story he tells of one of his Disciples whose horses shooes were pulled off by riding over Moonwort as he saith The red great Alkanet groweth up about a foot and a half high having usually one round stalk with many leaves prickly and hoary over like small Bugloss the flowers much like them of Echium or small Bugloss of a sky colour tending to purple yielding a small pale coloured seed somewhat long the root is about the thickness of ones finger having a woody pith within of a bloody colour dying whatsoever it toucheth The other kinde hath more plenty of leaves more hairy and woolly then the former the stalks grow higher having yellow flowers the root of a shining purple colour yielding more juyce then the first The third kinde hath a greater and more juycie root then the former but the plant smaller and the leaves narrower the flowers red like those of small Bugloss the seeds are ash-colour tasting like Bugloss and the fourth kinde is much like common Summer Savory the flowers blueish or sky colour Names It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Illinere succo vel Pigmentis to colour or paint because of its painting property it is also called Fucus herba and Onocleia Buglossa Hispanica or Spanish Bugloss and Orchanet and Alkanet in English and in Shops likewise Anchusa Place and Time They grow all naturally about Narbone and Montpelier in France and may be had especially the Roots at our Shops yet Gerhard saith he found them in the Isle of Thanet in Kent but that is contradicted by his Reviser They flourish in the Summer moneths and best yield their juyce in Harvest time Nature and Vertues The roots are cold and dry according to Gallen yet being endued with some bitterness argues them not very cold they cleanse chollerick humours the leaves binde and dry but not so powerfully as the roots Culpepper calls this herb one of the darlings of Venus I suppose because he had heard the Madams used it to paint their faces and likewise it is used by Gentlewomen to colour Syrrups Waters and Jellies as is also Turnsole and the root being used as a Pessary draweth forth the dead Birth the decoction inwardly drunk with Mead or honied water cures the yellow Jaundies diseases of the Kidneys and Spleen and is effectual in Agues a Searcloath made with the root and oyl is good for Vlcers and with parched Barley meal it helps the Leprosie Tetter and Ringworms as saith Dioscorides But Culpepper teacheth how to kill Serpents with it which he saith is done if any one hath newly eaten the root and spits in a Serpents mouth the Serpent instantly dyes but this is as ridiculous as Culpepper himself yet the decoction is said to drive out the Measels and small Pox if it be drunk in the beginning with hot beer the leaves boiled in wine and drunk is good against the Laske the root boiled in Wine and sweet butter without salt till it is red is good for bruises received by falls and for green wounds made with pricks or thrusts Make
is inclosed in a prickly husk which openeth when they grow ripe and the Nut appeareth covered with a brown husk Names Castanea and Castaneum are the usual Latine names thereof in English Chesnuts Place and Time They grow wilde in the Woods in Heat and in the hedges in the Road to Canterbury yet in other Counties of this Land are planted in Orchards and Gardens the fruit is ripe about Michaelmas time Nature and Vertues Chesnuts are dry and astringent in a mean between hot and cold a plant of Jupiter they are very windy yet nourish much and are said to stir up Venery the Nuts being powdered and made into an Electuary with honey is effectual for the Cough bloody Flux spitting of Blood or any Lask or looseness they are hard of digestion and immoderately eaten cause the Head-ache the same powder mixed with Barley Meal and Vinegar helps swellings of the Breasts and unnatural Blastings The best way to correct their windiness is to prick them with a needle and roast them Chickweed Alsine THis herb runneth along upon the ground with many tender branches full of joynts Description and at every joynt cometh forth two smooth green leaves from which sprout out other branches like the former the flowers are small and white after which comes the seed in little knops the root is all strings like hairs and if you break the stalks gently you shall perceive a little sinew in the middle thereof Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines the same namely Alsine anciently it hath been called Hippia Place and Time It delights to grow in shadowy and moist places it flowers in the Spring and the seed is ripe soon after Nature and Vertues Chickweed is cold moist and watry of the Moons temperature it is good to cool the heat of the Liver being bruised and outwardly applyed to the Region thereof or wet cloathes dipt in the juyce thereof and renewed as they dry the decoction cooleth the Blood in Agues Hectick Fevers Stomach and Liver and cools the heat of the Back and Vrine The juyce taken in white Wine or Ale five dayes together first and last is effectual for the Jaundies it is effectual to ripen Imposthumes and swellings being applyed pultiswise with mallow roots and the powder of Fenugreek and Linseed with Hogs Lard and asswages generally all pains in the body proceding of heat the juyce or distilled water is good for Pushes inflamed Eyes and the heat and sharpness of the Piles Sweet Cicely Myrrhis THe ordinary garden sweet Cicely hath leaves somewhat like Fern Description but not so high but they taste as sweet as Anniseeds the flowers grow in white umbels on the top of the stalks after which come small black seed which taste like the leaf of Anniseed the root tastes stronger then either herb or seed and is long growing deep and lasting many years Names The Greeks call it Myrrhis and Myrrha so do the Latines the English Sweet Cicely Sweet Chervil and Sweet Fern. Place and Time It is planted with us in Gardens flowers in May and the seed is ripe in July Nature and Vertues It is hot in the second degree having thinness of parts This plant of Sol is excellent good for the Ptisick and Consumptions and diseases of the Lungs being boiled in broth and eaten it expectorates Phlegm from the Breast warms a cold Stomach is a good sallet herb and the root boiled and eaten with oyl and vinegar produceth the like effects The candid root is excellent against the Plague and infections This herb procures appetite expells Winde provokes the Terms and expells a dead Childe and the After-birth provokes Vrine and the root sliced and steeped in white Wine all night gently purges being drunk in the morning with a little Sugar ☞ See more of this in Adam in Eden by Will Cinquefoil Pentaphyllum I Suppose this herb needs little description Description being well known it runs along upon the ground with small strings which shoot out small leaves growing five together sometimes seven The flowers are yellow the seeds small and brownish and the root little and fibrous Names The Latines call it Pentaphyllum and Quinque-folium in English five leaved grass and five fingred grass Place and Time It grows by Ditches and High-way sides and in low grounds and flowers from the beginning of May till the end of June and may be found green all Winter Nature and Vertues The herb and root is hot and dry but the root more then the herb a plant of Mars Culpepper affirms a scruple hereof given in white Wine or vinegar never misses cure of an Ague of what kinde soever in three sits but my experience proves the contrary It restrains Fluxes and bleeding at Nose the juyce drunk in Ale or red Wine and the root or herb applyed to the nose it is good against venoms and infections resisting putrefaction The roots boyled in milk stayes the whites reds and bloody Flux but you must drink the milk then the juyce with honey helps hoarseness is good against the Cough of the Lungs the Quinzy yellow Jaundies and Falling Sickness and the decoction of the root is good against the Tooth-ache being held in the mouth Cynamon Cynamomum THis outlandish Bark needs no description here the Latine name is Cynamomum it is hot and dry in the third degree and is aromatical The Chymical water hereof comforts all the vital parts helps passions of the heart easeth the winde Chollick provokes the Terms strengthens the Retentive faculty is good against a Looseness Dropsies and cold and moist Diseases it causes a good colour in the Face let old and cold folks use it though Cynamon is an excellent spice and the chymical oyl thereof comforts the Stomach helps pains of the Breast and causes good digestion but it must be carefully used if it be mixed with honey it takes away spots in the face Cives Vide Leeks Clarey Horminum I Need not describe it my Countreywomen so frequently planting it in their Gardens for theirs and their Husbands backs Names The Latines call it Horminum and Geminalis of some Place and Time Gardens is the place it flowers and seeds about the latter end of Summer Nature and Vertues Clary is hot and dry in the third degree a plant of Sol and is good for diseases of the Eyes the seed powdered and applyed being mixed with honey it s a great strengthner of the back and reins it brings down the Terms and Secondine the muscilage of the seed takes away Tumors and Swellings and draweth forth Splinters and Thorns it provokes venery but the overmuch eating of it hurts the head and brain the powder of the leaves snuffed into the nostrils purges the head and brain by sneezing the herb is good for cold and moist Stomachs and the purposes aforesaid being fryed in Tansies Cleavers or Goosegrass Aparine CLeavers is well known The Names It is called in Greek and Latine Aparine and by Pliny
and Candelaria because the stalks were wont to be used to burn being dipped in grease It is also called Thapsus Tapsus Barbatus and in English Hightaper and Hagtaper Jupiters Staff Hares-beard and Bullocks Lungwort Place and Time It grows by High wayes sides in Lanes and upon Dunghills in many places of this Land and flower about June and July Nature and Vertues Mulleyn is dry of temperature like Saturn The leaves digest and cleanse A decoction of the leaves is good for the Lungs and an old Cough either in man or beast A little quantity of the root taken in Wine is good against Lasks and Fluxes of the Belly and the decoction thereof easeth the Tooth-ache the mouth being washed therewith and being drunk it is good for Burstness and for Cramps and Convulsions The seed and flowers and the powder of dryed Venice Turpentine being cast upon a Chasing-dish of Coals and set in a Close-Stool for the Patient to sit over it that is troubled with the Piles or the falling down of the Fundament it giveth much ease also to such who are troubled with an often desire to go to Stool and can do nothing and helpeth the Bloody Flux An Oyl made of the often infusion of the flowers is also good for the Piles The decoction of the root in red Wine or water if there be an Ague wherein red hot Steel hath been often quenched stayeth the Bloody Flux and opens obstructions of the Bladder and Reins when one cannot make water A decoction made with the leaves and Sage Marjoram and Camomile Flowers easeth and comforteth Veins and Sinews that are stark or shrunk with cold or the Cramp the places being bathed therewith The distilled water of the flowers drunk morning and evening the quantity of three ounces at a time for some continuance is said to be a good remedy for the Gout The powder of the root or the juyce of the leaves and flowers rubbed on rough Warts takes them away but doth no good to such as are smooth The powder of the flowers is good for the Chollick and pains in the Belly The decoction of the root and leaves is effectual to dissolve Tumors and Inflammations of the Throat The seed and leaves boiled in Wine and applyed draws forth Thorns and Splinters out of the flesh easing the pains and healing the place The leaves bruised and wrapped in double papers and baked under the Embers and then taken out and applyed warm to any Botch in the Groin or Share doth dissolve and heal it The seed bruised and boiled in wine and applyed to any Member that is newly set after it hath been out of Joynt takes away the swellings and pains thereof The bruised leaves quickly heals a Horse Hoof that is pricked with a nail being applyed thereunto ☞ See further of this in Culpeppers School of Physick Mustard Sinapis IT is very well known so as needs no describing Names It is called in Latine Sinapis and Sinapi Place and Time It grows in Gardens where it is planted and is not easily gotten out having once took possession it grows also wilde about Tewksberry which place is famous for Mustard makers Nature and Vertues The seed is chiefly used and is of temperature hot and dry in the fourth degree and doth make thin it is under the influence of Mars The seed taken in an Electuary or otherwise stirs up bodily lust and provokes womens Courses it is also good for the Falling Sickness the Lethargy or drowsie evil to use it both inwardly and outwardly to rub the Nostrils Forehead and Temples therewith it being first beaten to powder and little balls made thereof with Honey and one or two of them swallowed fasting every morning maketh a clear voice draweth down Rheume and viscous humours which distill upon the Lungs and Chest it cleanseth the Breast strengthens the Heart resisteth Poison provokes Appetite warms the Stomach and helps digestion easeth the pain of the Spleen Sides and Belly and being used for some times wasteth the Quartain Ague The decoction of the seed in Wine is a good gargle to send up the Pallat of the Mouth being fallen down and a Plaister wherein store of the seed is mixed being applyed helpeth the Sciatica and aches of the Joynts and dissolveth Tumors and Swellings about the Throat being also applyed to the Shoulders Sides or Loins which have any ache or pain it helpeth them by drawing forth the cause by Blisters it helps the salling of the hair and being chewed in the mouth is good against the Tooth-ache The seed being bruised and mixed with Honey or Wax takes away Marks black and blue spots of Bruises Scabbedness the Leprosie and lowsie Evil and helps the Crick or drawing awry of the Neck The distilled water of the Herb when it is in flower is good to drink for the diseases aforesaid to wash the Mouth when the Pallat is down and also to gargle the Throat and likewise for Scabs and Itch and to cleanse the face from Morphew Spots and Freckles An Oyl made of Mustard by infusing four pounds of the seed being beaten in four pound of Oyl for ten dayes together and then straining it is good for griefs of the Reins Palsies Gouts Stitches and Swellings The seed ground with Vinegar is a good sauce both with Fish and Flesh it is good to clarifie the Blood and to stir up Appetite in weak Stomachs but it is hurtful for chollerick people And to make it the more pleasing to the Stomach take Mustard seed two ounces Cynamon half an ounce well beaten and make it up into Balls or Cakes with Honey and Vinegar and dry them in the Sun they will keep a long while and may presently be made into a sauce by being relented with a little Vinegar Nep or Cat-mint Nepeta COmmon Garden Nep riseth up with four square stalks Description a Cubit high or more having a little hoariness upon them being full of Branches and beareth at every joynt two broad leaves like unto Balm but longer pointed softer whiter and more hoary nicked about the edges and of a strong sweet scent The flowers grow in large tufts upon the tops of the Branches and underneath them on the stalks being many together and of a whitish purple colour The roots consist of many long strings or fibres whereby it is strongly fastned in the ground and the leaves abide green all the Winter Names It is called in Latine Mentha Cattaria but more commonly Nepeta by which name the Apothecaries call it Place and Time It is cherished in our Gardens flowers in July and August and the seed is ripe in September Nature and Vertues Nep is hot and dry in the third degree and is ascribed particularly to the influence of the Planet Venus It is effectual for the rising of the Mother Winde and pains thereof and warms and comforts the womb and dryeth up the overmuch moisture thereof and brings it to a right temper taking away the cold and moist cause
of Barrenness it also provokes the Terms and is useful for pains of the head proceeding from a cold cause as Rheume and Cathars and giddiness of the Head it is good also for windiness of the Stomach and Belly and is effectual to dissolve winde in cold Aches and Cramps it is effectual for Coughs Colds and shortness of Breath The juyce thereof given in Mead or Wine is a good remedy for inward Burstings and Bruises by means of Falls or otherwise A bathe made thereof for Women to sit in or receive the Fumes bringeth down their Courses warmeth those parts and helps Barrenness The herb bruised and applyed to the Fundament easeth the pains of the Piles in two or three hours space and an oyntment made up with the juyce and applyed doth the same The decoction in spring Water is good to wash the Head to take away the Scabs thereof and may be effectual for other parts of the Body the distilled water is useful for many of the aforesaid purposes Nettles Urtica STinging Nettles are very well known Description and Names or may be by feeling as well as sight so that a description may be forborn It is called in LatineVrtica ab urendo because it raises Blisters like burning with sire Place and Time They are common associates to most hedges under walls amongst cubbish and in untilled places you may finde them plentifully they flower and seed in the end of Summer Nature and Vertues This plant is armed by Mars and is by temperature hot and dry in the third degree A decoction of the roots and leaves of Nettles or the juyce thereof taken in an Electuary with Honey or Sugar is a good medicine to open the obstructions of the Lungs and a remedy against Wheesing and shortness of Breath it expectorates tough Phlegm and evacuates an impostumated Plurisie by spittle it is a good gargle to help swellings of the Throat and the Almonds of the Throat and swellings in the Mouth The leaves boiled in Wine and drunk provokes Womens Courses helps suffocations and other diseases of the Mother and so it doth being outwardly applyed with a little Myrrhe The same also or the seed taken provokes Vrine and expells the Gravel or Stone out of the Reins and Bladder it killeth worms in Children easeth pains in the sides and dissolves windiness of the Spleen and in the Body yet some do suppose it onely effectual to provoke Venery The juyce of the leaves taken two or three dayes together stayeth bleeding at Mouth The seed taken in drink is a remedy against venomous bitings and the biting of a mad Dog and resists the poison of Hemlock Henbane and Night-shade Mandrakes and other stupifying Herbs as also for the Lethargy to rub it upon the Forehead and Temples and upon the places bitten or stung by venomous Beasts with a little Salt The distilled water is effectual for the said purposes yet more weak and likewise to wash Sores and Wounds to cleanse the skin from the Morphew Leprosie and other deformities thereof The seed or leaves bruised and put into the Nestrils stayeth Bleeding thereof and takes away the excrescense growing there called Pollipus The juyce of the leaves or the decoction of them or the roots is good to wash old rotten Sores Fistula's or Gangreens and corroding Scabs Manginess or Itch in any part of the Body and is good also to wash green Wounds or to apply the fresh bruised herb thereunto though the flesh were separated from the bones The same is good to refresh wearied members and to comfort dry and strengthen such parts as have been out of joynt and are set again and also for Aches and Gouts and to easethe pains and to dry and dissolve the defluxions of humours upon the Joynts and Sinews An oyntment made of the juyce oyl and wax is good to rub benummed members to reduce them to their proper activity A handful of green Nettle leaves and another of Danewort or Wallwort bruised and applyed to the Gout Sciatica or joynt Aches is a good help thereunto The young tops of Nettles being used in pottage in the Spring are good to consume phlegmatick superfluities in the Body and clarifie and warm the Blood give Hens dry Nettles cut small amongst their meat in Winter and it will make them lay Eggs the more plentifully Nigella GArden Nigella riseth about a foot high with weak and brittle stalks Description full of branches with many leaves upon them finely cut and divided something like Larks-heel but of a more grassy green colour it beareth flowers of a whitish blue colour which grow on the tops of the branches each flower being star-like divided into five parts and each part consisting of many fine small leaves after the flowers there come knops or heads having at the end five or six little horns or points and every head is divided into several cells or partitions wherein is contained the seed which is blackish somewhat like Onion seed but larger of a sharp taste and sweet strong favour the root is small fibrous and yellow perishing every year Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Latine Authours Melanthium and Nigella We in England call it Gith and Nigella Romana it is also called by some Fennel flower Bishops-wort St. Katherines flower and of some Kiss me twice before I rise and the Old Mans Beard Place and Time That which is most common with us is sown in Gardens and being sown in April it will flower in July and the seed be ripe in September Nature and Vertues The seeds of Nigella are hot and dry in the third degree and of thin parts I suppose under the influence of Jupiter The seed drunk in Wine helps shortness of Breath expells winde provokes Vrine and the Courses kills worms is good against Poisons and the bitings of venomous Beasts it likewise increases Milk in Womens Breasts if moderately taken but otherwise it is hurtful to Nurses and to all others that take it too often or in two great quantity The Common dose of the seed therefore is from half a dram to a dram A dram thereof taken in wine or Posset drink before the sit is effectual in Tertian and Quartain Agues It is an excellent remedy in other distempers that need cleansing heating and drying and opens obstructions being boiled in Vinegar and so taken being applyed to the Navel with juyce of Wormwood it kills Worms being dryed and quilted in Linnen or Sarcenet and applyed to the Head it cures Cathars and Rheumes dryeth the Brain and restores lost smelling being mixed with Vinegar and applyed it takes away Scurf Freckles and hard swellings the smoke of it drives away venomous creatures and kills Flyes Wasps and Bees The seed mixed with Oyl of Flower de Luce and applyed to the forehead helps a cold Head-ache Nightshade Solanum COmmon Nightshade hath an upright green hollow stalk Description about a foot high and sometimes more bushing forth into many branches whereon grow
cometh the other groweth in the Marshes of Holland in Lincolnshire as well as in the Low Countreys and likewise prospereth in Gardens where it is sown they flower in April and give their seed about the latter end of May. Nature and Vertues Scurvy-grass is hot and dry much in quality like the Garden Cresses it is an herb of Jupiter It is an excellent remedy for that Disease called the Scurvy which often afflicts Sea-men and many persons by land besides I have had it this Summer after a Winters Ague but by drinking the juyce of this herb every morning in Ale or white Wine have by Cods blessing obtained a cure in a small time it may likewise be taken in decoction or in dyet drink being tunned up with new Ale or Beer and some long Pepper Grains Anniseeds and Liquorice added thereto and at three dayes old the drink will be fit for your use it opens obstructions and evacuates cold clammy and phlegmatick humors from the Liver seat of Blood and the Spleen wasting the swelling and hardness thereof and reduceth the body to a lively colour the juyce helps Vlcers and Sores in the mouth it being gargled with it and outwardly used it cleanseth the skin from spot and scars The conserve worketh the same effects as the juyce or herb and is a fine delicate medicine for weak stomachs Of Sebesten Myxa THis is a certain Plum Description brought hither out of Assyria and is called by them Sebestens in Latine Myxa and Myxaria from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is their name for the Tree Nature and Vertues Sebestens are temperately cold and moist of a thick clammy substance they cleanse the throat of hoarseness and roughness caused by sharp humors which descend from the head into the winde-pipe and cause difficulty of breathing they also cause phlegm to be avoided and help the Cough and Wheesings of the Lungs and distillations upon them they help the sharpness of Vrine proceeding from Choller or salt Phlegm and help such as are troubled with pains in thier sides they are good in hot Agues to cool the intemperate heat of the Stomach and Liver and to purge Choller Self-heal Prunella IT is a low creeping herb Description having many small and somewhat round leaves a little pointed of a sad green colour without any dents on the edges the stalks are square and hairy about half a foot high which sometimes are divided into branches with small leaves thereon to the top whereon stand brown spiked heads consisting of many scaly leaves and flowers mingled together gaping and commonly of a blueish purple colour but sometimes of a pale blue of a sweet smell in some but in a few places the root is small and threddy and by taking hold of the ground by the fibres which grow out from its branches it is much increased Names It is called generally in Latine Prunella and of some Solidago minor Consolida minor and Consolida minima in English Self-heal Hook-heal and Carpenters herb Place and Time It grows commonly in most Fields and flowers in May Nature and Vertues Self-heal is moderately hot and dry somewhat astringent an herb of Venus an excellent Wound Herb either for inward or outward hurts ot be taken inwardly in syrrup or decoction and outwardly to be applyed in Vnguent or Plaisters of it self alone it will heal any green wound being bruised and wrought with the point of a knife upon a trencher like unto a Salve and applyed and it good to heal the sore Nipples of Nurses it is good for those that have received hurt by bruises or falls a decoction being made thereof with Sanicle Bugle and such other Wound Herbs and is effectual to inject into outward Vlcers and the inward taking thereof will help the sharpness of humors which follow any Sore Vlcer Inflammation Swelling or the like the juyce hereof mixed with oyl of Roses is good to anoint the Temples and Forehead for the Head-ache and the same juyce mixed with a little honey of Roses cleanseth and healeth Vlcers and Sores of the Mouth and Throat and secret parts Sena Colutea THe true Sena is said to grow in Arabia and Syria Description and is transported from Alexandria to us there is a bastard Sena which is kept in many Gardens with us commonly called Colutea which is its Latine name Nature and Vertues The leaves of Sena which are onely used are hot near the first degree and dry in the third it is of a purging faculty and leaveth a binding quality after the purging it openeth obstructions and cleanseth and comforteth the Stomach being corrected with some Auniseed Carrawayseed or Ginger it purgeth Melancholly choller and Phlegm from the Head and Brain Lungs Heart Liver and Spleen cleansing those parts of evil humors a dram thereof taken in Wine Ale or Broth fasting it strengthens the sences and procureth mirth it is also good in cronical Agues whether Quartain or Quotidian it cleanseth and purifieth the blood and causeth a fresh and lively habit of the body and is a special ingredient in dyet drinks and to make purging Ale to be taken to clarifie and cleanse the blood The bastard Sena purgeth vehemently both upwards and downwards offending the Stomach and Bowels Shepherds purse Bursa Pastoris IT hath small long leaves Description of a pale green colour deeply cut in on both sides the stalk is small and round parted into many branches containing small leaves upon them up to the top the flowers are white and very small after which come flat pouches which hold the seed which are flat in form of a heart in each side whereof lyeth a small brownish yellow seed the root is small and white and perisheth every year Names The Latines call it Bursa pastoris and Pastoria Bursa in English Shepherds purse Poor mans Parmacity Toywort Pick-purse and Caseweed Place and Time It grows frequently almost in every Field and Hedges side and upon Banks about London they flower and seed all the Summer and some of them twice a year Nature and Vertues Shepherds purse is cold dry and binding a Saturnine Plant the decoction hereof stoppeth the Lask spitting of Blood pissing Blood the Terms and all other fluxes of Blood howsoever it be taken but especially with red Wine or Plantain Water the juyce helpeth mattering and running Fars being dropped therein A good Salve may be made hereof for Wounds especially in the head The bruised herb pultiswise applyed helpeth Inflammations St. Anthonies sire and cures running Sores Fistula's Swellings hardness new Wounds Shingles and rheumatick Sores The juyce being drunk helpeth straitness of the Breath the Strangury and stoppage of Vrine and stoppeth Phlegm and is very prevalent against venomous bitings being drunk with Wine and prevents the fits of Agues being taken an hour before the fit Skirret Sisarum THey grow not naturally in England but as they are planted in Gardens Names It is called in Latine Sisarum Siser Chervillum and Servilla they
Imposthumes in the Nails and Joynts called Felons and Whitlows from the essectual curing of which it took its Name The Willow Tree Salix THe several kindes hereof are very well known save onely in their Physical Uses Names Salix is the Latine Name in English Sallow Willow Withy and Osier Nature and Vertues The Plant is Lunar of temperature cold and dry in the second degree and astringent both the leaves bark and catkins are used to stay bleeding of wounds and at the mouth and nose spitting of blood and other Fluxes and to stay vomiting and the desire thereunto if the decoction of them in wine be drunk It also helps to stay thin sharp hot and salt distillations from the head upon the Lungs which cause a Consumption The leaves bruised with Pepper and drunk in wine do help the Winde Chollick The leaves or catkins which we in Hampshire call Goss-chicken I suppose because they bud forth at such time when Geese have young bruised and boiled in wine and drunk often doth abate the heat of lust and by much usage doth extinguish it either in man or woman If you slit the bark of a Willow so that you may fit a vessel to it to receive a water that will flow or issue from it at the time when it flowereth the same water is good to clear the sight and take away redness of the Eyes and Films that begin to grow over them and to stay Rheums that fall into them to clear the face and skin from spots and to provoke Vrine The flowers boiled in white wine and drunk dry up humours and so doth the bark the ashes of the bark mixed with Vinegar takes away warts and corns and callous stesh in the hands and feet or other parts The decoction of the bark and leares in wine is good to bathe the sinnews and places pained with the Gout to cleanse the head of scurf and dandriff The juyce of the leaves and barks mingled with Rosewater and heated in a Pomegranate shell is good to drop into the ears to help Deafness a bathe made of the decoction of the leaves and bark doth strengthen restore and nourish withered and dead members Woad Glastum IT groweth up with many large long smooth Description greenish leaves amongst which riseth up a stalk two or three foot high having divers smaller leaves thereon it brancheth at the top whereon appear small yellow flowers after which come long and somewhat flat husks wherein the seed is contained black and hanging downwards The seed being a little chewed gives an Azure Colour The Root is white and long Names Mannured Woad is called Glastum sativum and wilde Woad Glastum silvestre and Isatis Glaslum Indicum Indico or Indian Woad Place and Time It is planted in Fields and Gardens for the benefit of it being used by Dsers it yields three Crops a year and a stinking scent after it is gathered before it is made up for use It flowers about June if it be suffered to run up to flower Nature and Vertues It is cold and dry an astringent Saturnine Plant so drying and binding that it is not fit to be used in any inward medicine but an Oyntment made thereof stancheth bleeding and a Plaister thereof takes away hardness and swelling of the Spleen being applyed to the Region thereof The said Oyntment is good to dry moist Vlcers to take away fretting and corroding humours to cool Inflammations St. Anthonies fire and stay defluxions of blood to any part of the body It is affirmed to be destructive to Bees to prevent which if it grow near any Bees the way is to set urine by them putting it in a vessel with slices of Cork therein that thereon they may save themselves from drowning Woodbynde vide Honey-suckles Wormwood Absynthium THere are three kindes usual with us Common Wormwood Sea Wormwood and Roman Wormwood Names Common Wormwood is called in Latine Absynthium and the Sea Wormwood Seryphium and Santonicum Place and Time They are all well enough known the Roman Wormwood is planted in Gardens the Sea Wormwood groweth by the Sea-Coasts and the common Wormwood groweth wilde in all Countreys in England and generally near Smiths Forges They all flower about August Nature and Vertues Common Wormwood is hot in the second degree and dry in the third of a cleansing binding and strengthening quality it is subjected to the Influence of Mars It strengthens the Stomach like Aloes drawing from the Stomach and Intestines Choller and Phlegm whether it be taken in powder or decoction or the juyce by it self or the infusion in wine or beer but it offends the head causing drowsiness and sleepiness and that drink called Purle offends the head of some causing it to ake It is not good for hot Stomachs nor for those that are subject to the Consumption of the Lungs Falling-Sickness Apoplexy Lethargy and continual Feavers I have known many receive much hurt by drinking Wormwood Beer and Ale therefore it ought to be used cautiously and moderately and given to bodies fitting for it and so being discreetly used it purgeth Choller from the Reins and Bladder by Vrine It is good in the Green Sickness Jaundies and Dropsie helps Obstructions in the Liver and Stomach the Chollick and gripings of the Belly it preserves the Blood from putrefaction resists Drunkenness helps vomiting at Sea and killeth Worms It cleanseth the Womb and Vterine parts drives away the Hiccough procures a good appetite expells Winde helps Crudities and prevails in intermitting Agues and Obstructions of the Entrails Vinegar wherein Wormwood hath been boiled helps a stinking breath proceeding from the teeth or stomach and provokes Womens Courses and helps such as have hurt themselves by eating Toad-stools being but steeped in vinegar and drunk Wormwood-wine is good for all the forementioned purposes except for such as have Fevers Being outwardly applyed it kills worms in the belly or stomach the juyce with honey helpeth dim Eyes and mixed with Nitre it helps the Quinzie being anointed therewith and likewise mingled with Honey and anointed it takes away black and blue spots in the skin The decoction thereof received by a Funnel helpeth sore and running Ears and the Tooth-ache and the Temples bathed therewith it helps the Head-ache proceeding from a cold cause being bruised and applyed with Rosewater to the stomach it comforts such as have been long sick Being used with Figs Vinegar and Darnel-meal it helps hardness of the Spleen and a hot sharp water running between the flesh and the skin if the skin be rubbed with the juyce or oyl of Wormwood it keepeth away Fleas and Knats and the Herb laid in Presses or Chests amongst Clothes preserves them from Moaths and Worms Xylo Aloe THis Indian Tree is called by the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Xylo aloes and Lignum Aloes In English Wood of the Aloe-tree Lign Ales and Wood Aloes It groweth in Malana and Sumatra places in the East Indies
very dangerous being mach haunted by Tygers Temperature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the second and according to the judgement of some in the third degree of subtle parts a little astringent and bitter This wood is used as a main Ingredient in those Powders and Electuries which are used to strengthen the heart and inward parts to resist saintings and cold diseases of the heart and corroborate the spirits for which it is very essectual It is also useful in the Apoplexy Palsie Lethargy and left Memory by strengthning and drying the brain and stopping rheumatick defluxions which cause those Diseases It helps faint Swetings Dysenteries Lasks and Pleurisies expells Winde dryeth up Crudities fortisies a weaks Stomach and resists Putrefaction for which it is used in drivers Cordials and Antidotes The Extract thereof it good for the forementioned Diseases It is used outwardly in sumigations to dry up Rheum and in Quilts for that purpose it helps also cold diseases of the Womb The fumigation thereof is said also to provoke the Tearms it helps told diseases of the Womb and killeth Worms by reason of its bitterness as much of the powder thereof as will lye upon a groat being taken three mornings together either in broth or wine is profitable in diseases of the Liver and Spleen openeth their obstructions and strengtheneth them Yarrow Millefolium IT hath many long leaves lying upon the ground Description which are divided or finely cut into many small parts finer then Tansie a little jagged about the edges amongst which rise up two stalks round and green with such leaves but smaller and finer the nearer the tops where stand many small white flowers upon a tuft or umbel each flower having five leaves with a yellowish thrum in the middle somewhat strong in scent but not unpleasant The Root is deep and spreading consisting of many white fibres Names It is called in Latine Millefolium and of some Supercilium Veneris in English Millefoil Yarrow Nose-bleed and thousand leaf Place and Time There are very few Pasture-grounds free from it they flower in July and August Nature and Vertues Yarrow is meanly cold and dry and somewhat astringent an Herb of Venus and is excellent good for Vlcers and Inflammations of the Privities and for inward Excoriations of the Yard the juyce being injected with a Seringe Mathiolus commends it against pissing of blood an ounce of the powder of the herb and flowers with a dram of fine Bole-Armonick being taken three dayes together fasting in a draught of milk The same powder taken in Comphrey or Plantain-water is excellent to staqy inward bleadings and stayeth the bleeding of fresh wounds being strewed thereon and being put into the nostrils stayeth bleeding at rose The juyce put into the Eyes cleareth them of blood and redness and the rox or green leaves chewed in the mouth easeth the Tooth-aches The juyce of the herb and flow 〈◊〉 taken in Goats milk or the distilled water stayeth the running of the Reins in men especially if taken with a little powder of Corral Amber and Ivory The decoction of Yarrow in white wine being drunk stoppeth womens Courses and the bloody Flux and a good quantity thereof boiled in water and made into a bathe and sate over performeth the same It is good to close up the stomachs of those in whom the Retentive Faculty is so weak that they disgorge or vomit up whatsoever they eat It is a good Medicine for an Ague a draught thereof being drunk before the fit come and used for two or three fits together An Oyntment made of the herb is good for green wounds and also for Vlcers and Fistula's especially such as abound with moisture The said Oyntment or Oyl is good to stay the shedding of hair the head bieng anointed therewith Yew Tree Taxus THis Tree is well known for hard timber and good to make strong Bowes the Latine name thereof is Taxas but it is not mentioned by me for any medicinal Vertue that is in it though the bark thereof is by some used instead of that of Tamarisk I say not how judiciously Nature and Vertues Yew is hot and dry in the third degree and hath such an attractive quality that if it be set in a place subject to poysonous vapours the very branches will draw and imbibe them Hence it is conceived that the judicious in former times planted it in Church-yards on the West side because those places being fuller of putrefaction and gross oleaginous Vapours exhaled out of the Graves by the setting Sun and sometimes drawn into those Meteors called Ignes fatui divers have been frighted supposing some dead bodies to walk others have been blasted c. not that it is able to drive away Devils as some superstitious Monks have imagined nor yet that it was ever used to sprinkle Holy-Water as some quarrel some Presbyters altogether as ignorant of natural Causes as the signification of Emblems and useful Ornaments have fondly conceived Wheresoever it grows it is dangerous and deadly both to man and beast according to most Authours how much more then if it be encompassed with Graves into which the lesser Roots will run and suck nourishment poisonous mans flesh being the rankest poison that can be yet a certain Vicar unwilling to own the effects thereof upon his Cows would fain deny it to be so Other Creatures as Rabbits have been poisoned with it and the very lying under the shadow hath been found hurtful Yet the growing of it in a Church-yard is useful and therefore it ought not to be cut down upon what pittiful pretence soever Zedoary Zedoaria IT is a Root growing in the East Indies Description called in Latine Zedoaria growing much like unto Ginger Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the second degree It stops Lasks and is good against venomous bitings stoppings and pains of the Stomach It stayes vomiting helps the Chollick amends a stinking Breath and is a very good Antidote against the Plague and other contagious Diseases FINIS An Alphabetical Table of all the Herbs and Plants contained in this Book with their several Latine Appellations directed to their several Pages A. ADders Tongue Ophioglossum Page 1 Adders-grass idem Page 1 Agrimony Eupatoria Page 2 Water-Agrimony Eupatorium Page 3 Agarick Agaricus Larix Page 172 Ague tree Sassafras Page 295 Agnus castus Chaste tree Page 4 Alecoast Costus hortorum Page 5 Alehoof Hedera terrestris Page 6 All-heal Panax Herculeum Page 7 Alexanders Hipposelinum Page 8 Black Alder-tree Alnus nigra Ibid. Alleluia Page 311 Almond-tree Amigdalum Page 9 Alkekengi Page 10 Angelica Page 11 Apple-tree Pomus Page 12 Apricock-tree Malus Armeniaca Page 13 Archangel Lamium Ibid. Aron Page 92 Arrach Atriplex Page 14 Arsmart Persicaria Page 15 Alkanet Fucus Herba Page 16 Amara dulcis Page 41 Amaranthus Page 346 Anemonies Herba venti Page 18 Artechokes Cinara Page 19 Assarabacca Asarum Page 20 Asparagus Corruda Ibid. Ash-tree Fraxinus Page 21 Asp or