in the Expert Doctors Dispensatory written by P. Morellus Bilberries or Whorts Vaccinia THis Shrub creepeth along upon the ground Description seldom exceeding above half a yard high having small dark green leaves a little dented about the edges at the foot of the leaves shoot forth the flowers which are small and of a pale blush colour the brims having five points with a small reddish thred in the middle after which come small round berries of a purple or blackish colour of a sharp sweetish taste the root spreads and creeps along in the ground sprouting up in several places Names They are called in Latine Vaccinia in English Biberries Whorts and Whortle-Berries Places and Time They grow plentifully in dry Woods and barren hilly places and abundantly in the Woods near Guilford in Surrey so that the Countrey people make Pyes and Tarts of them as we do with other Fruits and they taste almost like Damson Tarts They are ripe in June and July Quality and Vertues The Bilberies are cold in the second degree and do a little binde and dry the Berries are good for those that are troubled with an old Cough or Vlcer in the Lungs but offensive to those that have a cold or weak Stomach and therefore it is better for them to take it either in a Syrrup made of the Juyce or a Conserve made of the Pulp and thus they are effectual in hot Agues and cool the heat of the Stomach and Liver and do somewhat binde the Belly and stayeth Vomitings and Loathings and by it's binding quality stayeth Lasks and Fluxes of Blood Bifoil or Twayblade Bifolium THis Herb springeth up with a slender stem or stalk Description fat and full of juyce from many small threddy strings fastned unto a small knot or root about the middle whereof are orderly placed two broad leaves ribbed much like Plantain leaves at the top of the stalk groweth a slender greenish bush of many small flowers resembling Flyes or Knats like the third kinde of Serapio's or female Goatstones and indeed it is a kinde of Serapio Names In Latine its called Bifolium and Ophris the English names are above Place and Time It loves Meadow and Marsh grounds moist and shadowy places flowers in May and June and is soon gone like Orchis Nature and Vertues It inclines to cold and dryness and is good in Vnguents and Balsoms for green Wounds and Burstings or Ruptures Blue-Bottle or Corn Flower Cyanus THere may be reckoned up of these several kindes Description as Cyanus major Vulgaris Purpureus Albus Violaceus Variegata That is the great Blue Bottle or Corn flower the common the purple the white the violet colour and the variable These are all of kin to the Corne Scabious and useless in Physick there being better Medecines more known what defects soever these have the Scabious supplyes therefore I 'le say no more of it but onely that the Common Blue Bottle is reputed good against inflamed eyes being of a cold Temperature Brank Vrsine or Bears-breech Acanthus IT is a stranger in England onely the Garden kinde called Hortensis Acanthus may be found in Physick Gardens but is naturally a German plant and is reckoned amongst the kindes of Thistles The Garden kinde is called Hortensis Acanthus the wilde Acanthus Sativus the one is a German the other an Italian yet Culpeppers Romancer would make an English Physician of them Nature and Vertues The leaves hereof are of a mean Temperature between hot and cold of a mollifying and digesting faculty and may be used for Limbs burnt with fire or out of joynt saith Dioscorides and the decoction helps the Ptisick and such as spit blood or have bruised or overstrained themselves as Comphrey Roots doth and of the Roots are made a Plaister against the numness of the hands and feet it is also used in Glisters and the decoction of the Leaves provoke Vrine stop the Belly help the Rupture Cramp and such as spit Blood Bindeweed or Belflower Campanella THe great blew Bindeweed springeth up with many long and winding branches Description winding it self contrary to the course of the Sun upon any thing that is near it the leaves are round and pointed at the end like a Violet Leaf but larger of a deep green colour The flowers come forth on pretty long foot stalks two or three together at the joynts of the branches where the leaves are set at first long like a finger of a pale whitish blue colour but afterwards they grow broad like bells and become of a deep blue tending to purple which after they are fallen away the stalks whereon they stood bend downwards and send forth husks containing in them three or four seeds apiece which are black and about the bigness of a Tare the roots are stringy and dye every Winter Names The various kindes of this flower or weed as it is more generally called hath obtained several names as in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Smilax laevis and because it windeth about whatever is next to it it is called Funus Arborum and Campanella from the flowers resembling a little Bell. It is called also Convolvulus Orobanche with many other names which for brevities sake I omit and in English Bindeweed Withwinde and Devils Gut c. Place and Time They are taken into Gardens for the beauty of the flowers and may be also found in Corn Fields I mean the common Bindeweed and flower about the latter end of Summer seldom perfecting their seed in England Temperature and Vertues Bindeweeds are most of them hot and dry towards the second degree The decoction thereof in white Wine is a good remedy for the Chollick it purgeth Phlegmatick and Melancholly Humours and killeth worms yet it is apt to trouble the Stomack and cause Vomitings The juyce of the black Bindeweed being drunk doth loosen the Belly so doth the powder thereof drunk in Wine or any other liquor and Galen saith the bruised Leaves applyed to Tumors and Knots in the Flesh dissolveth them It is also said that if any place where hair groweth if it be anointed with the juyce hereof after the hair is plucked up by the roots it suffereth it not to grow there any more Bitter-sweet or Wooddy Nightshade Amara dulcis IT springeth up with many slender Description wooddy winding brittle stalks about a mans height sometimes higher folding it self about any thing it is next unto without any claspers at all having a whitish rough bark and a pith in the middle sending forth branches on every side green while they are young and so are the new shoots of those that are elder The leaves are somewhat like unto those of Nightshade but that they are pointed at the ends and grow disorderly upon the stalks having usually growing upon the footstalks between the leaf and the branch two small leaves or pieces of leaves like little wings of a pale green colour but some of them have but one and some none at the tops and sides
and the berries are ripe towards Michaelmas Temperature and Vertues The Leaves Root and Berries of the Bramble are all of an astringent quality it s a plant of Mars and is good to stop Fluxes and Lasks and the decoction of the Flowers or unripe fruit helps spitting of Blood they also help Vlcers and Sores of the Mouth and Throat the Leaves likewise are good to make Lotions for the sores of the Mouth and privy parts and to heal a cut finger too the powder of the root expells the Stone and Gravel of the Reins and Kidneys the berries or flowers are good against the poison of venomous Serpents The decoction of them binde the Belly and stop the over-flowing of womens Courses the juyce of the ripe berries being drunk and the pumish of them out of which it is strained being outwardly applyed to swellings in the Neck and Throat is a speedy remedy for those Distempers The distilled water of the flowers and fruit is good in Feavers and heat of the Body A syrrup of the ripe berries may be kept all the year for the purposes aforesaid ☞ See further in The Expert Doctors Dispensatory by P. Morellus Bryony Brionia THere are two sorts of Bryony growing here in England Description the white Bryony or wilde Vine and the black Bryony the white Bryony springeth up with long tender stalks with many clasping tendrells by which it catcheth hold and clambreth on those things that are near it the leaves are like our Vine leaves but more hairy and whiter of colour the flowers be white and small consisting of five leaves apiece the berries grow in clusters and are green at first but red when they are ripe the root groweth very big and is bitter Names The Latine name is Bryonia in English Bryony and wilde Vine Some call the white root English Jollap and use it instead thereof Place and Time It growes in Hedge-rowes and Coppices in many of our Countreys and flowers in May and the berries be ripe in Autumne Quality and Vertues The white Bryony is chiefly used in Physick and is hot and dry in the third degree or more an herb of Mars it purgeth with great violence being taken alone but a scruple or two of the powder of the root with a third part of Cynamon and Ginger being drunk in white Wine draweth away water abundantly both by Vomit and Stool and therefore is good for the Dropsie The compound water of Bryony a spoonful being taken at a time easeth the fits of the Mother expells the After-birth and cleanseth the Womb so likewise doth a Pessary of the root and also draweth forth the dead Childe it provokes Vrine and purgeth the Reins and Bladder opens obstructions of the Spleen draweth away Phlegm and Rheumes from the Head and Brain and therefore is profitable in the falling Sickness and swimming of the head the juyce applyed cleanseth the skin from the Morphew and Leprosie the root is good against the bitings of venomous Creatures kills Worms and is good against the Kings Evil the juyce being taken with equal parts of Wine and Honey the Berries and distilled water are good to take away spots and freckles in the face ☞ See more of this in The Art of Smpling by W. C. Brookelime Becabunga BRookelime groweth up with thick stalks Description parted into divers branches the leaves are broad thick and smooth like Purslane leaves but of a darker green colour growing by couples upon the stalks the flowers are of a blue colour and grow upon tender foot stalks the root is white having five strings fastned thereto at every joynt Names It is usually called in Latine Becabunga in English Brookelime Place and Time It groweth in small Brooks Ditches and standing Waters it flowers in June and July Temperature and Vertues It is of a temperate moist quality some say dry Culpepper ascribes it to Mars but I am sure then his Logick is false for it groweth not in martial places I rather give Venus the rule of it It is good against Dropsies and Scurvies and is used in Spring time in water Gruel to purge the body from ill homours and to cleanse the Blood it is also used with Water-cresses and other Herbs for the same purpose it is helpful to break the Stone in the Kidneys and Bladder provokes Vrine and womens Courses and expells the dead Birth it helps the Strangury and heals inward Scabs in the Bladder the juyce being drunk in Wine being fryed with butter and vinegar and applyed warm it helps Tumors and St. Anthonies fire being often renewed Butchers Broom Bruscus THis groweth up somewhat more then a foot high Description with a tough round stalk which spreadeth into divers green branches the leaves are of a dark green colour hard and prickly at the ends it giveth a whitish green flower consisting of four round pointed leaves after which comes a round berry which is red when it is ripe the root is thick white and great at the head from whence shooteth divers thick white tough strings Names In Latine it is called Ruscus and Bruscus in English it is called Knee-holme Knee-holly and Butchers broom because Butchers use it to cleanse their Stalls and keep Flyes away from the meat Places and Time It grows plentifully in dry waste grounds and near Holly Bushes you may often finde it in most places of this Land in dry light ground The berries are ripe about September and the leaves abide green all Winter Quality and Vertues The roots which are chiefly used in Physick are moderately hot and dry with a thin quality it is one of the five opening roots and doth open obstructions provokes Vrine expels Gravel and the Stone helpeth the Strangury drives down the Terms cleanseth the Breast of Phlegm and the Chest of clammy humours being taken with Honey the berries may be used in Electuaries for the same purpose The juyce being drunk and a pultis made of the berries and leaves being applyed is effectual in knitting broken Bones or parts out of joynt In diseases of the Reins and Bladder a Decoction of the sive opening roots is thus made Take of this root and the roots of Parsley Fennel Smallage and Grass of each a like quantity and boil them in White Wine and drink the decoction respect being had to the strength of the Pattent in making it stronger or weaker It may also be made in water for want of wine and sweetned with Sugar Broom and Broomrape Genista TDe Broom needs no description the Broomrape springeth up from the roots of the Broom in form like unto Bastard Orchis called Birds-nest having a root like a Turnip or Rape Names It is called in Latine Genista and the broom-rape Rapum Genistae Place and Time Broom delights to grow in dry grounds and quickly over runs whole Fields if they lie a little untilled My Fathers Grounds at Holshot in Hampshire are never free from it altogether it flowers about the latter end of Summer Quality and
drink it it will not curdle in the Stomach and some say a Cheese will not come if it be put into the milk or Runnet The distilled water is available for all the aforesaid purposes though more weakly but the Chymical Spirit drawn from the herb is most effectual Chollerick persons must abstain from Mint for much of it taken makes the Blood thin and turns it into choller The horse Mints are good to expell winde in the Stomach to help the Chollick and short windedness and is good to help nocturnal pollutions being applyed to the Cods Myrtles Myrtilli THis Outlandish plant cannot endure the Winter with us unless it be kept in pots within doors The Tree is called in Latine Myrtus and the berries Myrtilli Nature and Vertues The myrtle hath contrary qualities cold and earthy warm and thin powerfully binding and drying The dry leaves beaten and boiled in water and drunk is good against Cathars the Whites Vlcers and creeping Sores The berries and seed is good against passions of the Heart stingings of Serpents and venomous Creatures and the poison of Toadstools being drunk in Wine it helps a stinking Breath diseases of the Bladder and provokes Vrine The decoction is good for the falling down of the Fundament and the Piles being mixed with oyl of Roses and applyed it helps swelling of the Cods Imposthumes of the Fundament and St. Anthonies fire The decoction of the berries makes the Hair black and keeps it from falling cures sores of the Head and helps those that are Bursten The syrrup of Myrtles is good against the Cough and Vlcers of the Lungs And although I have not told you where this Tree grows because I doubt you will not go so far to fetch it you may have it near home at the Druggists and Apothecaries Myrobalanes MYrobalanes are an East Indian Fruit and are called in English by Mr. Parkinson purging Plums My Authour reckons up five kindes of them viz. Cytrina Chebula Bellerica Emblica Indica Nature and Vertues They are all cold in the first degree and dry in the second and do purge and also strengthen the Stomach The Citrine Myrobalanes purge Choller strengthen the Stomach Heart and Liver help such as have the Hemorrhoides and Piles they are good in Tertian Agues cause a good colour and hinder old Age the Chebule purge Phlegm quicken the brain and sight and strengthen the Stomach They are good in the Dropsie and for long continued Agues The Embellick and Bellerick purge Phlegm from the Stomach strengthens the Brain Joynts Heart and Liver helps passions of the Heart provokes Appetite allayes Thirst stayes Vomiting qualifies inward heat and allayes Choller and gives ease to those that have the Piles The Indies or Black Myrabolanes purge Melancholly and adust Choller and cause a good colour and are good against Quartain Agues the Leprosie and all Paralytical Diseases The Citrine are also often used in Cholleries with the juyce of Fennel or Rose water against Inflammations and flowing of humours to the Eyes and likewise in powder with Mastick or Rose water to dry and heal Vlcers Misleto Viscum I Think Misleto is so well known that its needless to describe it The Latines call it Viscus and Viscum and so is the Birdlime called that is made of the Berries The Misleto of the Oak is called Viscus Quercini and so of the rest Places and Time Misleto groweth plentifully upon Fruit Trees as Apples Pear Trees and Crab Trees in divers Counties of the Land sometimes on Ashes and Oaks but that of the Oak is most rare in England It flowers in the Spring and the Berries are ripe in October abiding on the branches all the Winter unless the Birds devour them Nature and Vertues Misleto is hot and dry in the third degree the leaves and berries do heat and dry and are of subtle parts and questionless participates of the nature of that Tree it grows upon as that which grows upon the Oak partakes of the nature of the Oak and therefore is ascribed to Jupiter and is the most effectual It is held to be very effectual for the curing of the Falling Sickness and is by some prescribed to be taken in Pills thus prepared ℞ Visci Quercini seeds and roots of Piony ana ʒi § Nutmeg Anniseeds ana ʒi § Sacchari Buglossati ʒvii make Pills thereof Mathiolus saith that the Misleto of the Chesnut Tree made into powder and given in drink cures the Falling Sickness Some attribute so great vertue unto it as they have called it Lignum sanctae Crucis and believe it to help the Falling Sickness Palsie and Apoplexy being onely hung about their Necks Tragus saith that the juyce of fresh Misleto dropped into the Ears of them that have Imposthumes in them easeth them and helps them in few dayes The Birdlime which is made of the Berries ripens and discusses Tumors and Imposthumes and mollifies hard knots and draweth forth both thick and thin Humors from the remote places of the Body digesting and separating them and being mixed with equal parts of Wax and Rozen it mollifieth the hardness of the Spleen being applyed thereunto Gerrard saith being taken inwardly it is mortal I never did prove any of it but onely the Birdlime upon Birds and I am sure that hath proved mortal to them Money-wort or Herb two pence Nummularia MOney-wort shooteth forth many long Description weak slender branches lying and running upon the ground with two leaves at each joynt equally opposite one to another almost as round as a Penny but that they are pointed a little at the ends smooth and of a yellowish green colour at the joynts with the leaves from the middle forward come forth sometimes one sometimes times two yellow flowers standing each upon a small foot stalk consisting of five narrow leaves pointed at the ends with some yellow threds in the middle after which come small round heads of seed the root is small and threddy Names It is called in Latine Nummularia and Serpentaria in English Two Penny Grass Herb Two-Pence and Money-wort Place and Time It grows by Ditches sides low Meadows and watry places flowers about June and July and the seed is ripe soon after Nature and Vertues Money-wort is an herb of Venus and cold drying and astringent The flowers and leaves are good to heal green Wounds speedily and for old spreading Vlclers especially if it be bruised and boiled in Sallet Oyl with some Rozen Wax and Turpentine added to it or Tents dipped in the juyce and put into the Wounds The juyce taken in Wine or the decoction thereof stayes the overflowing of Womens Courses and the Whites and also Lasks bloody Fluxes inward and outward Bleedings helps weakness of the Stomach that is subject to Vomiting being boiled in Wine and Honey and taken it cures inward Wounds and Vlcers of the Lungs and is a remedy against the Chin-Cough in Children Moonwort Lunaria IT riseth up with one dark Description green thick fat
Myosotis from the Greek word Myosota and of some Pilosella in Latine because of its hairiness and Auricula muris because the leaves resemble the ears of a Mouse which also gives it the English name of Mouseare Place and Time It groweth on Banks and Ditches sides which be dry and sandy and also in sandy grounds they flower in June and July and abide green all the Winter Nature and Vertues It is held to be subject to the Lunar Influence but is by temperature hot and dry cleansing binding and consolidating so that the juyce or decoction thereof taken stayes Womens Courses and the Whites and other Fluxes of Blood and inward bleedings and is likewise good for the Jaundies to drink thereof morning and evening and abstain from other drink two or three hours after it is good against the Stone and gripings of the Bowels and to abate the fit of a quartain Ague being taken before it come The decoction with Succory and Centory is good against the Dropsie and Spleen A Syrrup of the juyce of Mousear is good against the Cough and Ptisick and helps Ruptures a spoonful or two being taken at a time it is a singular Wound Herb either for outward or inward Wounds The juyce of the green Herb or being dryed in powder is good to stay fretting Vlcers or Cancers either in the Mouth or secret parts of Man or Woman or elsewhere The distilled water is available for the said purposes and to wash Wounds and Sores and to dip the Tents and Cloathes therein that are to be applyed thereto This herb is hurtful to sheep in making them costive and lean therefore Shepherds should keep them from it Mugwort Artemisia COmmon Mugwort groweth with divers jagged or dented leaves lying upon the ground Description much like to common Wormwood but larger darkish green on the upper side but white or hoary underneath the stalks rise up two or three foot high sometimes more having such leaves as below but smaller branching very much towards the top whereon grow small pale yellowish flowers like buttons after which cometh small seed inclosed in round hands The root is long and hard fastned in the ground with many fibres which spread so in the ground that it can hardly be weeded out The plant is of a reasonable good scent The stalks and leaves dye every Winter Names Artemisia is both the Greek and Latine name of it Place and Time It groweth by the High wayes and Ditches sides and too plentifully in light ground in Corn Fields where it will not be gotten out as in Wokingham a place I once lived in Nature and Vertues Mugwort is ascribed to the dominion of Venus yet is naturally hot and dry in the second degree and of thin parts but it helps Womens Diseases therefore it is reason a woman should be mistriss of it The decoction of the leaves in Wine or water being drunk drives down the Courses Birth and After-birth helps Inflammations and stoppings of the Mother and provokes Vrine causeth fruitfulness in Women helps pains of the Matrix coldness and Winde and helps to retain it in its due place it strengthens the Nerves opens the Pores and corrects the Blood helps stoppings of the Liver and Spleen and being boiled with Centory it is good for the Jaundies The juyce being taken helps the biting of a mad Dog The powder of the leaves drunk in Wine is good against the Sciatica A decoction made thereof for Women to sit over and receive the hot sume performeth the same effects as being taken inwardly so doth the juyce made up with Myrrhe or the root used for a Pessary An oyntment made of the Herb with some Field Daisies and Hogs Grease taketh away Wens Knots and Kernels in the Neck and Throat The fresh herb or the juyce thereof is a good remedy for the overmuch taking of opium A decoction of the Herb with Camomile Egrimony and Sage takes away pains of the Sinews and Cramp the place being bathed hot therewith and refresheth the feet of those which are surbated with travel they being bathed therein ☞ See more of this in the Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Mulberries Morus I Shall not need to describe this Plant it being very well known where it is an Inhabitant Names The Latines call it Morus and in Shops Morus Celsa the Bramble Berries being called Mora Bati Place and Time They are much nourished in the Levant and Eastern Countreys and also in Italy to breed up their Silkworms The fruit is ripe in August and September Nature and Vertues It is assigned to Mercury and of different parts like him the ripe Berries having a sweetness and slippery moisture do open the Belly the unripe do binde it especially being dryed and then are good to stop Fluxes Lasks and overflowing of Womens Courses the bark of the root hath a purging quality and a bitterness the leaves and tender tops are of a temperate nature The juyce of the Berries or the syrrup made of them helps Inflammations and Sores in the Mouth and Throat and the Pallat of the Mouth being down The juyce of the leaves is good for such as have eaten Wolf-bane and is a remedy against the biting of Serpents and being beaten with Vinegar it is good to apply to any place that is burnt with fire The mouth being washed with a decoction of the bark and leaves easeth the Touth-ache It is said that if the root be a little slit or cut in the harvest time and a small hole made in the ground next unto it there will issue forth a juyce which being hardened is good to help the Tooth-ache to dissolve knots and purge the Belly The leaves are said to stay bleeding at Mouth and Nose and of the Piles or of a wound being bound thereunto It is reported that if a branch of the Tree be taken when the Moon is at full and bound to the wrist of a woman whose Courses flow too much it will soon slay them The Bark of the root killeth the broad Worms in the bodies of Men or Children The powder of the berries is good to cure Tumors which grow upon the Cods and about the Fundament of some people Mulleyn Candelaria COmmon white Mulleyn hath many fair large woolly leaves lying next the ground Description somewhat longer then broad pointed at the ends and a little dented about the edges the stalk in rank ground riseth four or five foot high and is covered over with such leaves as below but lesser up to the flowers so thick as they hide the stalk the flowers come forth on all sides of the stalk without any branches for the most part and stand together in a long spike generally of a gold yellow colour but in some more pale consisting of five round pointed leaves turning afterwards into round heads wherein is contained small brownish seed the root is long white and woody but dyeth when the seed is fallen Names It hath been called Candela regia
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
many dark green leaves somewhat broad and pointed at the ends soft and full of juyce somewhat like the leaves of Bazil but larger and a little unevenly dented about the edges at the tops of the stalks and branches come forth four or five and sometimes more white flowers consisting of five small pointed leaves apiece standing on a stalk together one by or above another with yellow pointels in the middle composed of four or five yellow threds set together which afterwards turn into so many pendulous green berries of the bigness of a small pease full of green juyce and small round whitish flat seeds lying within it the root is white and a little woody when it hath given flower and fruit with many small fibres at it the whole plant is of a watrish insipid taste The juyce in the berries is somewhat viscous like a thin muscilage and of a cooling astringent quality Names In Latine it is called Solanum and Solatrum Vva Lupina and Vva Vulpis Cuculus and Morella in English Morrel Petty Morrel Nightshade and in some places Houndsberries there is another sort called Dwall or deadly Nightshade being of a poisonous and excessive cold quality which beareth a berry black and shining like jet and about the bigness of a black Cherry Place and Time Common Nightshade groweth upon Dunghills and amongst rubbish under old Walls and by the sides of Hedges and Fields I have seen the Dwall or Deadly Nightshade growing in a Ditch by the High wayes side near Alton in Hampshire and near Croyden in Surrey where it was about six foot high They slower in Summer till the beginning of Autumne and the fruit is ripe in August and September Nature and Vertuer They are all cold and Saturnine Plants but the Dwall as coal in the fourth degree The berries of common Nightshade are good to provoke Vrine and expell the Stone being moderately taken in white Wine and cooleth hot Inslammations being inwardly or outwardly taken so not in too great a quantity for then it procures the Phrenzy but a remedy against it is to drink good store of warm honied water The juyce easeth pains and Inflammations of the Ears being dropped therein and the juyce clarified and mingled with Vinegar is a good gargarisme for the Mouth and Throat being inflamed The juyce of the herb or Berries incorporated in a leaden Mortar with Oyl of Roses Vinegar and Ceruss is good to anoint the Eyes for all hot Inflammations The juyce made up with Hen-dung and applyed is good for the Shingles Ring-worms Corroding Vlcers and moist Fistula's A Pessary dipped in the Juyce and put up into the Matrix stayeth the immoderate flowing of the Courses A cloth wet therein and applyed to the Testicles or Cods giveth much ease in any hot swelling there and easeth the Gout coming of hot and sharp humours The Dwall or deadly Nightshade is by no means to be taken inwardly yet if the Temples and Forehead be a little bathed with the juyce of the leaves and a little Vinegar it procures sleep which is hindred by hot causes and eases pains of the Head proceeding of heat The bruised leaves or juyce may be applyed to St. Anthonies fire the Shingles and such hot Inflammations and fiery Cankers to cool them and stay the spreading thereof The distilled water of the common Night-shade is safest to be given inwardly but they are both dangerous and the Dwall deadly The Nutmeg Tree Nux Moschata THis odoriferous tree groweth in the East-Indies the fruit is called in Latine Nux Moschata and the Mace that grows also upon this Tree is called in Latine Macis Nature and Vertues Nutmegs are hot and dry in the second degree and somewhat binding Mace is hot in the second degree and dry in the third Nutmegs do heat and strengthen a cold and weak Stomach resist Vomiting and takes away the Hiccough it helps pain and Winde in the Belly and stoppings of the Liver and Milt and stopeth the Lask being taken in red Wine it is profitable for the Mother Kidneys and Bladder helps pissing by drops and other cold griefs in men and Women the powder thereof with oyl of Mints is good against the coldness of the Head and dulness of Memory the Forehead and Temples being anointed therewith it is good in Cordials and Receipts to help coldness of the Liver stopping of the Milt the Dropsie Vomiting Head-ache Swellings bloody Fluxes it helps trembling of the Heart and comforts the Veins and Muscles in cold people and helps to expell Gravel from the Reins and Bladder being first steeped in Oyl of Sweet Almonds The Oyl of Nutmegs doth likewise comfort a cold Stomach Mace is somewhat of the same nature with the Nutmeg it stops the Lask bloody Flux and Womens Courses and helps trembling of the Heart The oyl of Mace cures wamblings of the Stomach and a desire to Vomit the Stomach being anointed therewith The powder of a Pomgranate large Mace long Pepper and Sugar being drunk with Posset Ale Malmsey or Broth sodden together is a good remedy for the Black jaundies Mace being used in Meats causeth lean people to grow fat warmeth those that are cold in their Venereous acts and so do Nutmegs and are good to be taken in Broths or Milk it is good also against Fluxes spitting of Blood Vomit and the Chollick ☞ See more of this in The Expert Doctors Dispensatory by by P. Morelius ☞ See further in The Art of Simpling written by W. Celes Of the Oak Quercus THis stately Tree is very well known it is called in Latine Quercus and Robur the Acorn Glans the Cup Calix and Cupula Glandis Place and Time Our Land did once so flourish with these lusty Trees that it was called Druina by some but of late many of them are destroyed The Catkins come forth about April the Acorns are not ripe till October Nature and Vertues The leaves and bark of the Oak and Acorn Cups do binde and dry very much and are somewhat cold but the Acorns are not so cold nor binding The Acorns provoke Vrine and help to break the Stone in the Bladder the decoction of them and the Bark taken in milk helps exulcerations of the Bladder and pissing of Blood cansed by poisonous Herbs corroding Medicines and Cantharides The powder of Acorns drunk in wine is good to help Stitches and pains in the Sides especially if it be mixed with the powder of Bay-berries The inner Bark of the Tree and the thin skin that covereth the Acorn do stay the spitting of Blood and the Bloody Flux The decoction of the Bark and powder of the Cups stayeth Vomitings spitting of Blood bleeding at Mouth Lasks the involuntary Flux of natural seed and all other Fluxes in man or woman The fume of the leaves helps strangling of the Mother and the bruised leaves soder up Wounds and keeps them from inflammations The distilled water of the Buds is likewise good to stay all Fluxes to cool the body in
ease pains of the Sides and being boiled in oyl and applyed outwardly they work the same effect the Keyes are good to be used in dyet drinks for the purposes aforesaid The decoction of the leaves in white Wine do help the Jaundies and break the Stone the seeds also the husks being taken off are good against Winde and provoke Vrine Aspe or Poplar Tree Populus I Shall not need to describe this Tree Descri ∣ ption you may know it well enough by the shaking of the leaves which will quiver and tremble though there be no winde and from thence comes a proverb to say when one is affrighted that he trembles like an Aspen leaf There is two kindes the white and black Poplar the black is most useful in Physick Names It is called Poplar Asp and Aspen Tree in Latine Populus Place and Time It groweth plentifully in our Land but in low and watry grounds the clammy buds thereof are gathered about the beginning of April to make the Oyntment called Vnguentum Populeon Temperature and Vertues The clammy substance of the black Poplar is hot and dry the white is of a watery warm nature and of a cleansing quality the Moon rules them both in Aries the first The oyntment made of this plant before spoke of is a fine cooler of Inflammations in any part of the body it temperates the heat of Wounds and is good to dry up milk in womens Breasts The juyce of the leaves of white Poplar being extracted and dropped into the Ears easeth pains of them and cures Vlcers in the Ears The seed drunk in Vinegar is held good against the Falling Sickness and the water that drops from hollow places of the black Poplar takes away Wheals Pushes Warts and other such breakings out in the body Avens Garyophillata THe Avens rise up from the root with many dark green leaves Descri ∣ ption winged and jagged about the edges the stalks rise about a foot high and are long and hairy and shoot forth leaves at every joynt which are not so long as the lower leaves but cut in on the edges into three parts or more on the tops of the branches sprout forth the flowers which are yellow and have five leaves like the flowers of Cinquefoil but they are larger when the flower is fallen it leaveth a small green head which after groweth to be rough and round and consisteth of many long purple greenish seeds which will stick to your cloathes the root hath many brownish fibres smelling almost like Cloves Names It is called in Latine Garyophillata from the scent of the Roots in English Avens and Herb Bennet Place and Time Avens delight to grow most in shadowy places and is to be found in many places under hedge sides They flower in May and June and the seed is ripe in July Quality and Vertues Avens is hot and dry of a purging quality a Plant of the Sun and a great comforter of the heart it is a good preservative against the Plague or any other poison it helps digestion warms a cold Stomach and opens the Liver and Spleen the roots thereof in the Spring being steeped in Wine and drunk thereof every morning fasting it also helpeth the Winde Chollick Fluxes and is good for such as are troubled with Ruptures The Decoction of the herb takes away spots in the face it being washed therewith the root may be dryed and kept in powder having the same vertue as the Decoction It expells crude humours from the Breast Belly and Stomach it dissolves congealed Blood and helps the spitting of Blood and heals inward Wounds and outward Wounds if they be bathed with the decoction thereof Assafoetida Vide Laserwort Balme Melissa BAlme groweth up with divers square green stalks Descri ∣ ption the leaves are dark green pointed at the ends and a little dented round about the edges having a fragrant smell the flowers are small and gaping of a pale Carnation colour the leaves and stalks dye every year but the root abides in the ground sprouting out fresh every Spring Names It is called in Latine Melissa and in English Balme Place and Time It groweth almost in every Countrey Housewifes Garden and flowers about August Nature and Vertues This is another Solar herb hot and dry in the second degree of some thinness of parts and 4 purging quality an herb appropriated to the Heart against the passions whereof it is an Antidote It maketh the heart merry strengthens the Spirits and is good against Swoonings and Faintings it drives away passions arising from Melancholly and burnt Phlegm the water thereof or rather a Conserve of the flowers strengthens the Brain helps Digestion and comforts a cold Stomach and is good against the Plague it provokes the Terms is good to sweeten a stinking Breath it is good in an Electuary for such as are troubled with difficulty of Breathing The Sirrup of Balm is good in Feavers strengthning the Heart and Stomach the juyce thereof with a little honey is good to clarifie the sight it is good to be used in baths to comfort the Joynts and Sinews and easeth pains of the Gout it is good against bitings of mad Dogs and stinging of Venemous Creatures In Oyls or Salves it is a good ingredient to heal green Wounds The Barberry-Tree Oxyacantha IT ariseth up with many slender stalks from the root Descri ∣ ption which grow sometimes to a great height and of an ordinary bigness the Bark is whitish in the outside and yellow next the wood it is full of prickly sharp thorns the flowers are yellow the fruit hangs in clusters upon a stalk or string and are red when they be ripe of a sowre taste the root is yellow Names The Latines call it Oxyacantha a term not well befitting it in English Barberries Place and Time It groweth plentifully in Gardens Orchards and Closes near dwelling houses where it hath been planted it hath been also found wilde in hedge-rowes but I believe some Ditcher planted it there to mend his hedges instead of Thorns They blossom in May and the fruit is ripe in September about the latter end or beginning of October Quality and Vertues Venus owns this plant whatever Culpepper sayes it is cold and moist in the second degree and of the fruit are made gallant cooling medicines both Conserves and Preserves the leaves beat like to Green sauce while they be young cools hot Stomachs and hot burning Agues procures appetite cools the Liver and helps Belchings so likewise doth the Conserve or Preserve of the Fruit it represseth Choller helps them that loath their meat by procuring an appetite it cools Inflammations of the mouth and throat the mouth being gargled with some of the Conserve dissolved in a little water and vinegar it stayeth Rheumes and Distillations and fastens the Gums and loose Teeth it stayes the immoderate Flux of Womens Courses kills Worms being taken with a little Southernwood and Sugar the decoction of the inner Bark is effectual against the
first rubbed over with salt Peter it helps running Sores Wheals and Inflammations They are likewise good against obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and the juyce of them is good against the Head-ache and Swimmings of the Brain being snuffed up into the nostrills it purgeth the head by drawing forth Rheume and being applyed to the Temples it easeth pains and helps inflammations of the Eyes but if Beets be too frequently eaten they offend the Stomack and therefore are most effectual and best being seldom used The Beech-Tree I Shall not need to take up room to describe this tree he is very well known it is called in Latine Fagus and the fruit Nuces fagi in English Beech mast the fruit is ripe towards Michaelmas Temperature and Vertues The leaves are cooling and astringent the fruit hot and moist in the first degree very astringent a plant of Jupiter The leaves are good for Vlcers being boiled to a pultis or made into an oyntment when they are green they are good for to take away Blisters and Gauls of the skin and to discuss hot swellings There is a water found standing in the hollow of old Beeches which cureth the Itch * I have taken water out of an hollow Beech in Bramsil Park in Hampshire which hath cured the Itch R. Turner Anno 1644. as I have proved The leaves are good to chew against inflammations of the Gums and Lips The decoction of the Leaves Bark Buds or Husks in running water stoppeth the overflowing of womens Courses being sate over and causeth the Mattix and Fundament that are fallen down to go up to their right places the decoction thereof in red Wine with Cynamon and Sugar being drunk doth the like the mast or fruit being burned to ashes and mixed with honey is good for a scald Head Water-Betony Betonica Aquatica WAter-Betony springeth up with a square hard stalk Description of a darkish green colour shooting also forth broad dark green leaves dented about the edges commonly two at a joynt at the joynts and at the top come forth flowers of a dark red colour like a hood at top and the lowermost part hanging gaping down after which come small brownish round heads the root is fibrous and perisheth every winter Names It is called in Latine Betonica Aquatica in English Water-Betony and Brook-Betony Place and Time It groweth plentifully by Brooks and Rivers sides in moist Ditches in watery places as about the Rivers side between Hollshot-Bridge and the Mill in Hampshire The flower in July and August and the seed is ripe in September Temperature and Vertues Some write that Water-Betony is hot and dry but I rather judge it to be cold and dry a Plant of Saturn as its vertues and operations will demonstrate I am sure it is a good cooler in Burnings and Scaldings with it I cured ones Leg scalded all over making the Medecine thus Take fresh Hogs Lard new Sheeps Dung and the leaves of Water-Betony pound them in a Mortar and make them into an Oyntment It is likewise good to dissolve swellings and hard knobs being stamped with Vinegar and applyed three times a day The seed is good for the Sciatica being taken in Wine with Myrrhe and Pepper The decoction of the leaves in Spring Water is good for all unkinde heats and is excellent to cure the Itch Wheals and Pushes The distilled water taketh away Sun-burnings Spots and Redness of the Face ◠so do the leave being stamped and made into an Oyntment with Cream the juyce boiled with Honey and Tents dipped therein is effectual to cure old and new Sores The seed is effectual to expel Worms out of the Belly a dram thereof at a time being taken in Wine the Leaves stamped and applyed to old Spreading and corrupt Sores and Pocks healeth them and the juyce of the Herb being drunk helps bleeding at Nose and them that spit Blood and cures the botch in the Throat It is also commended for the Piles and Hemorrhoides either applyed outwardly or the powder thereof drunk or strewed upon the grieved place Wood-Betony Betonica WOod-Betony springeth up with many leaves from the root running up with a tender stalk of about an handful Description and sometimes more the leaf growing at the end thereof and is somewhat broad and round at the end of a darkish green colour finely dented about the edges the stalk runs up in the middle of these leaves a foot high or more upon which grow leaves by two and two at a joynt which are far smaller then the lower leaves the flowers grow with spiked heads on the top of the stalks of a purple colour the root is fibrous the stalk perisheth but the leaves growing from the root are to be found all Winter Names In Latine it's called Betonica Betony in English Place and Time It delights to grow in Woods and shady Hedge rowes in which places if it be dry ground you shall not miss of it and flowers in June and July Nature and Vertues This herb is hot and dry almost to the second degree a plant of Jupiter in Aries and is appropriated to the Head and Eyes for the Infirmities whereof it is excellent as also for the Breast and Lungs being boiled in milk and drunk it takes away pains in the Head and Eyes Probatum It would seem a miracle to tell what experience I have bad of it Some write it will cure those that are possest with Devils or Frantick being stamped and applyed to the forehead being boiled in white Wine with Vervain Horehound and Hysop and applyed hot it cures the Megrim The powder of the leaves drunk in Wine or Beer or being eaten with slices of bread steeped in Wine doth restore the Brain helps noises and giddiness of the Head or being taken in pottage it comforts the Stomack and helps Digestion A conserve of the slowers or an Electuary thereof helps the Jaundies Palsie falling Sickness Convulsions Gout Dropsies and a continual Head-ache The leaves or flowers may also be boiled in broth for the same purposes An Electuary made of the powder with honey cures Colds Coughs and the droppings of Rheume upon the Lungs which causeth Consumptions The decoction of the Herb in Metheglin with a little Penny-royal is good against Quartan Agues and purgeth away superfluous humours falling into the Eyes it likewise kills Worms opens the Liver and Spleen cures Stitches and Gripings in the Bowels being boiled in Wine it likewise provokes the Terms and purges the Belly being mixed with Honey it helps fits of the Mother and causes speedy delivery and the quantity of a dram of it in powder taken in Syrrup of Vinegar doth refresh those that are wearied by Travel stayeth bleeding at the Nose and helps those that spit or piss Blood Many are the Vertues of Betony so that I shall conclude with the words I found in an old Manuscript under the Vertues of it More then all this hath been proved of Betony ☞ See more of this
it abates the redness of the face and nose caused by drinking or otherwise being given with Raisins as Wormseed is to Children it cleanseth the Matrix and so it doth the fume being received mixed with Rozin Bistort or Snakeweed Bistorta Form THis Herb hath a thick short knobbed root blackish without and reddish within crooked or wreathed together of a harsh astringent taste with divers blackish fibres thereon from whence ariseth divers leaves upon long foot stalks much like a dock leaf a little pointed at the ends of a blueish green on the upper side and of an Ash colour gray and a little purplish underneath having many veins therein the stalks are small and slender about half a yard high growing without leaves which beareth a spiky head of pale flesh coloured flowers which produceth small seed like unto Sorrel seed but greater Names It is called Bistorta and Serpentaria in English Bistort and Snakeweed Places and Time It grows in shadowy places at the foot of Hills in moist Grounds and Meadows I have found it in the Meadows by Wickomb in Buckinghamshire It flowers in May and the seed is ripe in July Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the third degree and astringent it is good against the bitings of Snakes and Serpents from whence it got its name and the poison of Toads Spiders and other venomous Creatures if the place be washed with the distilled water of the Roots and leaves It stayes all Fluxes cures inward Bleeding and Spitting of Blood and Vomiting the powder of the root being taken in Wine or the Decoction being drunk the juyce is good against the Polipus and other Sores of the Nose both the Leaves and Roots resist poison The root in powder taken in drink the quantity of a dram at a time expells the venome of the Plague small Pox Measels Purples and other Infectious Diseases driving it out by seating The Root in powder or the Decoction thereof being drunk helps Ruptures and Bruises dissolving congealed Blood The Decoction in Wine hindreth Abortion the leaves kill Worms in Children and helps them that cannot hold their Water if some juyce of Plantain be added thereto and outwardly applyed it helps the running of the Reins A dram of the root in powder taken in the water thereof wherein some Steel hath been quenched is essectual for the same the body being first purged The decoction of the whole plant is good for Wounds or Sores the decoction of the roots in water with some Pomegranate Pills and Flowers is a good injection to reduce the Matrix to its right place and stop the overflowing of the Courses the Roots will keep good a year or two The Dose in powder is from a Scruple to a Dram in decoction from one dram to two or three which may be made in posset drink bruising the root onely ☞ See more of this in Adam in Eden by W. Coles Blackthorn or Sloebush Spinus THe Black Thorn is very well known to every boy for its Sloes so that it needs no further description Names It is called in Latine Spinus in English Black Thorn and the Sloe Tree Place and Time They grow plentifully in Hedge-rowes in most places of this Land they flower usually in March if the Spring be forward yet the Sloes are not ripe till October Frosts bite them Nature and Vertues Both the Sloe Tree and Fruit is cooling drying and the Sloes howsoever used are effectual against Lasks Looseness and Fluxes of Blood either in men or women The decoction of the bark of the root performeth the like effects and caseth pains in the Sides Bowells and Guts that come by overmuch Scowring or Looseness the Conserve hath the same effect the distilled water of the Flowers steeped one night in Sack and drawn therefrom in a body of glass easeth gnawings in the Stomach Sides and Bowels to drink a small quantity when they are troubled therewith Sloes being stamped and tunned up in an earthen pot with new Ale and so drunk helps pains in the Breast and the decoction of the Bark is good against pissing in bed The distilled water of the green Sloes and Flowers as also the decoction of the green leaves is good to wash a sore Mouth or Throat and to stay distillations of Rheume into the eyes and to case hot pains of the Head the Forehead and Temples being bathed therewith ☞ See more of this in the Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Blites Blitue THere are two kindes of Blites white and red the white groweth up two or three foot the leaves are somewhat like Beets but smaller rounder and of a whitish green colour the Flowers grow on the tops in long tufts or clusters wherein is contained a small round seed the roots is fibrous Names It is called in Latine Blitus and Blitum in English Blite and Blites Place and Time Both sorts are found wilde in many places of this Land and are also nourished in some Gardens they slourish all Summer seeds about August or September and continues green all Winter Quality and Vertues Blites are cold and moist in the second degree under the dominion of Venus their Physical use is to restrain Fluxes of Blood other in man or woman the red stay the Reds and the white the Whites in women The white Blite is proved a delightful bait to Fishes as Anglers say Bloodwort Vide Docks Borrage Borrago THe Garden Borrage is so well known it needs no Description Borrago is the Latine name thereof Place and Time It grows plentifully in Gardens in most places of this Land and flowers in July and August Quality and Vertues Borrage is one of Jupiters Cordials hot and moist in the first degree all parts of it are cordial and do expel Sadness and Melancholly it cleanseth the Blood and is effectual in putrid and pestilential Feavers to defend the Heart The juyce made into a Syrrup is good for the same purpose and cleanseth the Blood and tempers the heat thereof the conserve of the Flowers is good for the same purposes and is a good Cordial for such as are in Consumptions it comforts the Heart and Spirits and is therefore good for those that are troubled with Swoonings and Passions of the heart The distilled water is effectual for the same purposes and helps Inflammations and redness of the Eyes they being washed therewith The Herb in Summer being boiled with some other Sallet Herbs is an excellent Sallet and grateful to the Stomach being eaten with Butter and Vinegar The Bramble Bush Rubus I Shall not need describe this Bush if you go by a Hedge it will be acquainted with you if it can lay hold of your cloathes Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Batus in Latine Rubus and Sentis of some Cynosbatus in English Bramble and Black-berry-bush the fruit Black-berries which are called in shops Mora Bati Place and Time It is a companion for every hedge almost most it flowers in July
Lappa minor and Asperugo in English Cleavers Clivers and Goosegrass because young Goslings feed on it Place and Time It runs up by hedge sides and hangs to what grows next it it flowers in June and July and the seed is ripe in August which soweth it self Nature and Vertues Cleavers are of thin parts indifferently hot and dry an herb of Mars the young herb boiled in Water-Gruel in the Spring cleanses the Blood and strengthens the Liver An unguent made of the herb with Hogs Suet helps Wens the Kings Evil and Paps swollen with curdled milk The distilled water and the decoction helps the yellow Jaundies drunk twice a day and stops Fluxes The juyce dropped into the Ears takes away the pains of them the juyce or bruised leaves applyed to a green Wound stops the Bleeding and closes it up so doth the powder thereof and helpeth old Vlcers Cloves Caryophillus THis aromatical Indian Fruit doth much comfort the Head Heart and vital parts they strengthen Nature break Winde and stir up Venery helps Fluxes of the Belly is good against Infection and stayes Vomiting the chymical oyl is good in a Quartain Ague and weakness of the Stomach and for the Head-ache two or three drops given in Beer or Wine or other drink it easeth the Tooth-ache let old and phlegmatick persons use it young people and chollerick are to refrain it Clove Gilly-flowers Caryophylleus flos THis cordial flower is well known Nature and Vertues It is a temperate slower no way exceeding in heat or dryness cold or moisture a plant of Sol the Conserve and Syrrup of the slowers are gallant cordials comforting the Heart it resisteth the Plague or any Venome it strengthens Nature and is good against Consumptions the flowers pickled are an excellent sauce and stir up appetite being set in a glass in the Sun in vinegar they make a good vinegar to preserve from the Pestilence and revive one in a Swoon the Temples and Nostrils being washed therewith ☞ See further in Adam in Eden by W. Coles Clowns Woundwort Sideritis IT springs up with square rough green stalks near two foot high Description at every joynt grow two long narrow dark green leaves sharp at the point and bluntly dented about the edges the flowers compass the stalks towards the top and grow to a spiky head of a purplish colour having long gaping hoods with some white spots in them the seeds are round and blackish the root is fibrous with some tuberous knobs among them both herb and root have a strong smell much like stinking horehound Names Gerhard as I remember saith he gave it the name of Clowns-wort from a clownishianswer he had of a man that had cut his Leg with his Sithe and it is called Panax Coloni in Latine and Sideritis Places and Time It grows by Ditches sides in most places of this Land flowers in August and the seed is ripe in September Nature and Vertues It is dry in the first degree and reputed hot in the second of an earthy Saturnine quality it doth cure green Wounds and closes them up to admiration being stamped with Hogs Lard and applyed thereunto it stanches Blood and dryes up Fluxes of humours in old Vlcers a syrrup made thereof and taken inwardly heals inward Wounds Veins broken spitting pissing or vomiting blood and stayes the bloody Flux A Plaister or Vnguent of the Herb and some Comphrey with it helps swollen Veins and consolidates a cut muscle and is excellent for Ruptures of the Belly being applyed to the place Columbines Aquilina THere are Columbines of several colours Description as white flowers purple and carnation colour with divers others but they are so generally known I shall describe it no further Names No good Latine name can I finde for it yet it is termed Aquileia Aquilina and Aquilegia the onely English name Columbines Place and Time I have seen both the white and purple coloured grow wilde in our Meadows in Hampshire where the ground is somewhat dry as in a place called Gassen Mead in Holshot but they frequently grow in Gardens they flower about the beginning of May and are gone by the end of June Nature and Vertues They are temperately cold and dry moderately digestive a plant of Venus and sympathizingly cures sore Throats Canker and the Kings Evil the leaves boiled in milk and given to the party affected the seeds drunk in Ale is good for the Quinzy it also heals inflammations of the Mouth and Jaws a dram of the seed and half a penny weight of Saffron drunk in wine and the party covered to sweat opens the Liver and is good against the Janudies The decoction of the herb and root with some Ambergrease added helps Swoonings The seed drunk in wine causes speedy delivery and the juyce is good in the beginning of a Phrenzy the patient eating with it pottage of Sage Valerian and Rue Of Coloquintida or the bitter Gourd THis out-landish Indian Plant is hot and dry in the third degree very bitter of taste and strongly purging it may be taken to purge Phlegm by strong bodies being corrected with oyl of Roses Gum Tragacanth and Ginger which will help the griping pains it will cause if taken alone but being thus made up with Rose-water into pills or trochis it purges viscous humours tough Phlegm and Choller and water from the Brain Lungs and Breast and therefore is good against Fluxes of Rheume Apoplexy Falling Sickness and swimming of the Head the Jaundies old Coughs and rotten putrid Fevers the Chollick and Dropsie the decoction thereof in Vinegar easeth pains of the Teeth they being washed therewith being steeped in vinegar it helps the Morphew Scurf and Scabs in Glisters which is the safest way it may be given thus take the pulp hereof two drams Camomile flowers M. 1. Anniseed Comminseed of each ℥ ss make hereof a decoction fair water and in a pint thereof dissolve honey of Roses and oyl of Cammomile each ℥ iii. The dose otherwise is from five grains to ten Colts-foot Tussilago THis pectoral plant is well known onely hardly observed in this that it sendeth forth its flowers before the leaves Names Tussilago is the common Latine name Foals-foot and Colts-foot the English because the leaves resemble a Horses foot Place and Time It loves to grow in moist and low Grounds in good Ground it flowers in the end of March and beginning of April the flowers and stalks quickly fade away afterwards come the leaves which abide green all Summer Nature and Vertues It is cooling and drying being fresh but when the moisture is evaporated it inclines to heat and driness it is an herb of Venus very effectual for infirmities of the Lungs wheesing and shortness of Breath the leaves taken like Tobacco draws away thin Rheumes distilling upon the Lungs and helps the Cough the distilled water with Elder Flowers is good against hot Agues to drink about two ounces at a time it likewise helps hot Swellings inflammations as St. Anthonies
helps Inflammations and the juyce incorporated with Vinegar and Oyl of Roses Ceruse and Litharge of Silver cures all Inflammations and St. Anthonies fire Cudweed Gnaphalium THe common Cudweed springeth up sometimes with one stalk Description and sometimes with two or three set thick about with long small narrow woolly leaves from the middle of the stalk almost to the top amongst the leaves grow small flowers of a dun or brownish yellow colour after the flowers come small seeds wrapped up in doun which is blown away with the winde the root is small and threddy Names Of the Greeks it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Gnaphalium in Latine yet it hath other Latine names as Centunculus Cottonaria and Albinum from the whiteness and Herbaimpia by Pliny Place and Time It grows in barren dry and sandy grounds almost every where in this Land flowers in July and the seed is ripe in August Nature and Vertues Cudweed is drying and astringent Venus rules the Herb and it is good for the Mumps and Quinzy the juyce taken in Wine or Milk it stayes Fluxes of Blood and defluxions of Rheumes falling from the head the decoction made in red Wine or the powder taken therein it helps the Tenasmus burstings in Children and the Worms and stayes the overflowing of the Terms the leaves are good to heat green Wounds and so doth the decoction or juyce thereof and helps old Vlcers Cowslips Arthriticae THese need no description of form place or time all being well known they are called in Latine Arthriticae and Herbae Paralisis being good against pains of the Joynts and Sinews Nature and Vertues Cowslips are Venus flowers of temperature dry and astringent little hot the flowers are most used in Physick but an oyntment made of the leaves and Hogs Suet is good to heal Wounds and takes away spots wrinckles and Sun-burnings and freckles of the face they are profitable for pains in the head and are good against Joynt Aches Palsie and pains of the Sinews Convulsions and Cramps The decoction of the roots are good against the Stone in the Kidneys and Bladder and the juyce of the leaves for inward hurts or parts broken The Conserve of the flowers is good against Palsies Convulsions Cramps and pains of the Sinews so likewise are the flowers pickled and eaten for sauce with meat ☞ See more of this in The Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Cowslips of Jerusalem Pulmonalis THis Herb hath broad rough leaves Description of a brown green colour spotted with white spots the stalk is seldom a span high bearing flowers on the top like Cowslips but of a purple colour and sometimes blue and red all at once the root is hard black and hath many threds at the end of it Names In Latine it is called Pulmonalis and Pulmonaria in English Cowslips of Jerusalem Sage of Jerusalem and Sage of Bethlehem Place and Time It is nourished in Gardens flowers in April and the seed is ripe in May. Nature and Vertues The leaves are cold and dry in the first degree the roots more dry and astringent it is a good pot-herb to be used in broth for the Lungs being an excellent herb for any distemper of the Lungs the decoction thereof helps Coughs shortness of Breath exulcerations and stoppage of the Lungs by reason of any corrupt matter and spitting of Blood it helps also Wounds and hurts in the Entrals and is good for Burstings or Ruptures the flowers are wholesome in Sallets in the Spring time Couch-grass or Dogs-grass Gramen Caninum I Shall not need to describe the Couch Gardners know it well enough and could wish that they were rid of it Names It is called in Latine Gramen Caninum because Dogs eat the Grass when they are sick In English we call it Dogs Grass Quich Grass and Couch Grass Places and Time It is too plentiful both in Gardens and ploughed Fields for the owners store although Culpepper holds half an Acre of it to be worth five Acres of Carrots twice told over yet if any of his Disciples be of his opinion I will undertake to help them to five Acres of it for one Acre of Carrots It 's very plentiful in my Fathers Garden at Holshot in Hampshire and cannot be gotten clear out of the ground where it hath possession it flourishes most in Summer but the roots endure all Winter Nature and Vertues It is moderate in coldness and moisutre the seed more cold and dry harsh and of thin parts an herb of Venus it opens the passages of Vrine wastes the Stone in the Bladder and Vlcers thereof It is good to kill Worms the juyce mixed with honey and powder of Southernwood but for Children mix the juyce with an Oxe-Gall and dip a cloth therein and apply it to the Navel The decoction in white Wine provokes Vrine opens the Liver and Gall and easeth pains of the Belly and Inflammations The seeds do also expel Vrine stayes Vomitings and Looseness Water-Cresses Nasturtium Aquaticum WAter-cresses hath weak fat hollow stalks running along upon the earth or water where it groweth Description I have had my self a whole Pond covered with it the leaves are winged with many small leaves growing at the Joynts the upper part is brown but the leaves are green underneath the flowers are white the root all like threads Names Nasturtium Aquaticum is the Latine name Place and Time They grow upon ponds and watry ditches and flower about June and July Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the second degree an Herb of Jupiter in my judgement Culpepper ascribes it to the Moon it is very profitable for the Scurvy it provokes Vrine and cleanses the Reins and Bladder moves the Terms and incites to Venery it opens obstructions of the Liver and Spleen it is very good to make broth to purge and cleanse the blood in the Spring time Sciatica Cresses Iberis THey have many slender branches growing on a stalk a foot and a half high Description the leaves long and narrow the flowers very small of colour yellow the seeds come in little chaffy husks of a reddish gold colour sharp and bitter in taste the root is white small and tough and of a biting taste Names In Latine it is called Iberis and Nasturtium silvestre and Lepidium in English Sciatica Cresses Place and Time It grows upon old walls rough and untilled places by high way sides and in Corn fields near Gravesend It flowers in June and July Nature and Vertues Sciatica Cresses is hot in the fourth degree according to Gerrard and as saith Dioscorides the roots gathered in Harvest time and made into a Plaister with Swines Grease and applyed to the grieved place of such as are troubled with the Sciatica is found effectual for the same but it is to lye on but four hours and then taken away and the place bathed with warm water and afterwards wool and oyl laid on it Crosswort Cruciata IT is a low herb of a
reckoned amongst the kindes of Scordium Description but I shall describe it being different therefrom it groweth up with round broad leaves pointed at the ends and dented about the edges somewhat like Nettle leaves but of a fresher green colour and not rough nor prickling and are set singly one at a joynt the lower leaves being rounder then those that grow towards the top at the tops of the stalks grow very small white flowers one above another after which follow small long round pods wherein is contained small round and somewhat blackish seed the root is stringy and fibrous perishing when it hath given seed and riseth again of its own sowing This Plant being bruised smelleth strong like Garlick but more pleasant and tasteth hot and sharp almost like Rocket Names It is called in English Poor mans Treacle and English Treacle and so is Scordium Place and Time It grows in many places by Pathwayes and under Walls and hedges and flowers in the Summer Moneths Nature and Vertues Jack by the hedge warmeth the stomach and causeth digestion and therefore is a good sauce to salt Fish to digest the crudities and corrupt humors it ingenders the juyce thereof boiled with honey is good for the Cough and to cut and expectorate tough Phlegm The decoction of the seed in wine being drunk is good to help the winde Chollick and the Stone and for fits of the Mother to drink the decoction and apply the seeds warm in a cloath The green leaves are accounted good to heal Vlcers in the Legs and the leaves and seed boiled is good to be used in Glisters to ease pains of the Stone Sarsa-parilla Smilax-aspera IT is called Smilax-aspera also in Latine and in English Prickly Binde-weed it grows in the West-Indies as Peru and Virginia Nature and Vertues It is of thin parts and provokes sweat and of temperature hot and dry near the second degree Mars his herb surely whereby he cures himself when Venus hath clapt him The decoction being excellent for the French Pen and likewise is good in Rheumes Gouts and cold Diseases of the Read and Stomach and expelleth winde from the Stomach and Mother it helpeth aches in the Sinews and Goynts running sores in the Legs cold swellings tetters ringâ—â—â—â—â—s spâ—ts and foulness in the skin and helpeth Catharrs and salt distillations from the head is good in Tumors and the Kings Evil and a dram of the powder being taken in Ale or wine with the the like qnantity of Tamarisk is good for Tumors of the Spleen Sarsa doth purge the body of humors by its driness and diaphoretical quality and is a good antidote against poisons but is not proper to be given to such as have Agues or hot Livers Sassafras or Ague-Tree THis plant was first discovered by the French about Florida Place and Time where it groweth as also in most parts of the West Indies and is green all the year Nature and Vertues The wood is hot and dry in the second degree and the rinde hot and dry in the third it purgeth watry and phlegmatick humors and therefore is good in the Dropsie the decoction thereof being drunk morning and evening for certain dayes together which decoction is thus made take of Sassafras four ounces steep it four and twenty hours in a Gallon and a half of fair water then boil it to the consumption of half and strain it this decoction doth open obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and is good in cold diseases and Rheumes which fall from the head upon the teeth eyes and Lungs and is available in Coughs and cold diseases of the Lungs Breast and Stomach and procures a good appetite and consumes windiness and makes a sweet breath it is likewise commended to provoke Vrine and Womens Courses and to expell Gravel and the Stone out of the Kidneys it dryes up overmuch moisture of the Womb and causeth women to Conceive it is good in Fevers and tertian and quotidian Agues and also for the French Disease and other diseases coming of corrupt humors to be used in dyet drinks it may be given in powder from a scruple to two scruples ☞ See further of this in Culpeppers School of Physick Satyrion or Orchis Testiculus Canis SAtyrion riseth up with many large Description long smooth green leaves lying on the ground somewhat spotted like Dragons amongst which riseth up a round stalk with some such leaves on it bur lesser towards the top grows a large head of many purple flowers and some are white spotted with a deeper purple colour each flower having a heel of the same colour behinde it They have all a double Root whereof some kindes are flat and broad like unto hands the other round like unto stones These roots alter every year by course when one waxeth full the other perisheth and groweth lank the full one will sink and the other swim if put into water Names As there are many kindes of this Plant so it hath many names It is called Satyrion and Orchis Testiculus Canis Testiculus Capri Priests Ballocks Fools stones Dogs stones Cullians Fox stones Standard-grass and many other names c. Place and Time They grow in Pastures Meadows and moist grounds as in Danmore Copse and Danmore Mead at Holshot in Hampshire and in Cobham Park in Kent it groweth so abundantly that it may serve to pleasure Seamens wives in Rochester for there they may be sure to finde it in great plenty from the beginning of April to the latter end of August Nature and Vertues They are hot and moist the full roots I mean the lank ones are hot and dry Venus claims all she can get of them The full roots do powerfully provoke to Venery but the lank ones are said to mortisie Lust being boiled in milk and eaten with white Pepper they nourish such as are in Consumptions or have an Hectick feaver The flowers are likewise effectual to merease and stir up nature The Roots boiled in wine and drunk stop the Flux and being applyed green they consume Tumours and cleanse rotten Sores and Vlcers and the powder thereof stayes the fretting and festring of devouring Vlcers being put therein The same Root being bruised and applyed is good against Inflammations and Swellings and being boiled in wine with a little honey it helps Vlcers and Sores in the Mouth Savory and the sorts Thymbra I shall not need to say more in the Description Description but onely that the common kindes are two Winter and Summer Savory which are both common in Gardens Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and it is also called Thymbra in Latine and by some Satureia Nature and Vertues Savory is hot and dry in the third degree and openeth and maketh thin being subject to the influence of Mercury It provokes Womens Courses and expells Winde being boiled in wine or water and drunk and it is commended for women with childe to take it inwardly and smell often to it
of the branches upon short footstalks come forth the flowers standing many together like a long Umbel one above another consisting of five narrow and long leaves of a Violet purple colour with a long gold yellow pointell sticking forth in the middle after which come round and somewhat long Berries green at first but red and full of juyce when they are ripe of an unpleasant bitter taste yet sweet at first having many flat white seeds in them the root groweth not very great but spreadeth it self with many strings under the ground Names In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Amara dulcis in Latine because the Bark being chewed tastes first bitter and sweet afterwards it is also called Solanum Lignosum in English Bitter-sweet Wooddy Nightshade and Felon-wort because it cureth Felons on the Fingers Place and Time It grows by Ditches sides and Hedge whereon it runneth flowers about July and the Berries are ripe in August Nature and Vertues The Leaves and Berries are hot and dry cleansing and wasting away and if they must have a peculiar master let Mars have them though Culpepper ascribes it to Mercury because it cures Witchcraft but Mars may be as great a Witch as Mercury The leaves or Berries of Bitter-sweet bruised and stamped with rusty Bacon or Hogs Grease and applyed to Felons on the joynts of the fingers is a speedy remedy for the same The leaves and tender branches being infused in three pints of White Wine in a pot close covered over the fire for the space of twelve hours and afterwards being strained and drunk about a quarter of a pint in a morning many mornings together is used with good success to open obstructions of the Liver Gall and Spleen for the yellow and black Jaundies and to cleanse women newly brought to bed and is also available for difficulty of breathing and congealed blood in any part of the Body Bruises and Falls and is good against the Dropsie gently purging away waterish and other humors both by Vrine and Stool It is likewise good against putrid Feavers and Agues for Ruptures and Wounds and when any Bone is broken or out of joynt By a specifick property being hung about the neck it removeth such sudden distempers as swimming in the Head or giddiness and therefore as Tragus saith the German Shepherds hang it about their Sheeps necks when they are troubled with a swimming in the head causing them to turn round but this is far from Witch-craft The Birch Tee Betula THis tree in many places groweth to be a tall streight tree Description with many Boughs and slender branches bending downwards the elder groweth with a rough chapped bark the younger are browner and smoother the leaves at first are crumpled but after they are fully out they are smooth and of a fine smell it beareth Catkins wherein the seed is contained Names It is called in Latine Betula in English Birch Place and Time They grow frequently and plentifully in most Countries of this Land as in the Woods of Hampshire in Danmore at Holshot but in some Countries as in Oxford and Northamptonshire it is a rarity the Catkins come forth in April and the seed is ripe in September Quality and Vertues The leaves are cooling but the Bark and Catkins are hot The decoction of the inner Bark doth drive down the Terms and Afterbirth and cleanseth the Womb from superfluities the juyce or distilled water of the young leares or the water that issueth out of the tree being bored with an augure taken either before or after is is distilled again is effectual to break the Stone in the Kidneys and Bladder and to wash sore Mouths for which a Lye made of the inner Bark is effectual Birthwort Aristolochia THe ordinary Birthwort shooteth forth divers long square stalks a foot long Description or thereabouts with many yellowish green leaves at every joynt with the leaves from the middle of the stalk upwards groweth one long hollow Flower broader at the top then at the bottom of a brownish yellow colour after the Flower cometh a fruit much like a Walnut when the green shell is of which openeth into three parts when it is ripe wherein is the seed flat and round separated by certain skins the root is round and tuberous Names In Latine it is called Aristolochia in English Birthwort Place and Time That with the long root groweth naturally in England about Reading but that with the round is found onely in the Physick Garden at Oxford and other places of rareties they grow naturally in Spain and Italy and about Montpelier where they flower and seed in May June and July Quality and Vertues It is hot and dry in the second degree the root causeth speedy delivery in women expells the Afterbirth and provokes the Terms it purgeth Phlegm and Choller and expells Winde and is good against diseases of the Breast Spleen Stomach Brain and Nerves Convulsion Ruptures shortness of Breath and Falling Sickness and cold Agues The decoction thereof cures Vlcers of the secret parts the powder hereof cleanseth the teeth if it be mixed with the powder of the roots of Flower de Luce and Honey it cleanseth and healeth old rotten Vclers the powder hereof maketh the Teeth white being rubbed therewith It cures the Cancer and Pollypus in the Nose being mixed with Lime powder of Aloes and Honey and made into an Oyntment with a little Wine and Tents dipped therein and put into the Nostril And though that with the round root grow not in England yet you may have of it at our Druggists by whom it is called Aristolochia vera Rotunda Bishops-weed Ammi IT springeth up with a round straight stalk Description three or four foot high having divers long and somewhat broad leaves cut in divers places and dented about the edges growing on each side the foot stalk one against another of a freesh green colour it beareth Umbells of white flowers which bring a small round brown seed of a hot scent and taste the root is white and fibrous perishing every year Names It is called in Latine Ameos and Ammi in English Bishops-weed Herb-William and Bulwort of some Place and time It grows in divers places of England and Wales and namely by the Hedges sides between Greenhythe and gravesend they flower in June and July and seed in August Quality and Vertues Bishops-weed especially the seeds is hot and dry in the third degree Culpepper ascribes it to Venus because it stirs up lust I think Mars may do it as well as shee but besides this it is useful to dissolve Winde and and case the Chollick being taken in Wine and to provoke Vrine and Womens Terms and profitable against the bitings of venomous Beasts and is successful to be used in Medicines made of Cantharides by quallifying their corroding operation upon the passages of the Vrine it takes away black and blue marks caused by blows or bruises being mixed with Honey and applyed and being drunk or applyed outwardly
is white round and shining the root is hard and wooddy with many fibres it abides all the year but the stalks dye Names It is called Milium solis and Granum solis in Shops and also Litho-spermum in English Gromel and Pearle Plant. Place and Time The first groweth in Gardens the second and third grow wilde in many places of this Land on barren grounds they flower from Midsummer till September the seed ripening in the mean time Nature and Vertues Gromel-seeds are hot and dry in the second degree under Venus saith Culpepper they are singular good to break the Stone to open and cleanse the Reins Kidneys and Bladder to drive forth the Gravel provoke Vrine and do expell Winde exceedingly two drams of the seed in powder given in Breast milk to a woman in Travel procures speedy delivery The Herb it self boiled in Wine and drunk worketh all the same effects but weaker then the seeds ☞ See further in The Expert Doctors Dispensatory by P. Morellus Winter Green Pyrola THis sendeth up round pointed leaves Description every one standing on a long foot stalk of a sad green colour almost like Pear-Tree leaves and so are the flowers the stalk is weak and slender yet standing upright bearing many small white flowers smelling sweet consisting of five round pointed leaves with many yellowish threads in the middle about a green head which groweth to be the seed vessel and is five square when it is ripe with a small point in it is the seed as small as dust it hath a brownish creeping root Names It is called in Latine Pyrola in English Winter green Place and Time It groweth in the Northern parts of England they flower about July or later Nature and Vertues Winter green is cold in the second degree and dry in the third having a Glutinous and very binding quality a Saturnine Herb it is a very good Wound Herb to close and consolidate green Wounds the green Herb or juyce applyed or a Salve made thereof with Hogs Lard or with Sallet Oyl Wax and Turpentine The decoction is good for inward hurts used by it self or with other Herbs as Comfrey c. and for Vlcers in the Kidneys or Bladder it stayes Fluxes and overslowing of the Courses it is good for foul Vlcers and Fistula's The distilled water performs the same The herb may also be kept dry to use in Decoctions and made into powder to be taken in drink Ground-pine Chamaepitie GRound-pine seldom groweth above the height of a hand breadth from the ground Description it hath many small branches which are set with slender long narrow gray whitish leaves hairy and sometimes divided into three parts many of them growing together at a joynt and having a scent like Rozen or pitch it yields a pale yellow small flower growing amongst the leaves at the joynts of the stalks after which follow small long and round husks the root is woody but small and dyeth every year Names In shops it is usually called Chamaepitys which name both Greeks and Latines use it is called also in Latine Abiga and by some Thus terrae and Iva Arthrytica in English Herb Ivy Forget me not Ground-pine and Field Cypress Place and Time It groweth plentifully in Kent about Gravesend Cobham Southfleet Dartford and other places flowers in June and july and yields its seed about August Nature and Vertues It is hot in the second degree and dry in the third the decoction of Ground pine being drunk procures Womens Courses helps diseases of the Mother expells a dead Childe and After-Birth and is very powerful in causing abortion wherefore let not Women with Childe meddle with it The same prevails against the Stranguary and inward pains of the Reins it opens the Liver and Spleen cleanseth gross Blood The decoction of the Herb in Wine taken inwardly or outwardly applyed helps diseases of the Joynts as the Gout Sciatica Cramps Palsie and Aches for which purpose there is also a Pill made with the powder of Ground pine Hermodactil and Venus Turpentine which Pills are also good for the Dropsie and Jaundies pains in the Belly and Joynts and helps cold diseases of the Brain and is good for the Falling Sickness it s a good remedy against poisonous Herbs as Aconites and the stinging of Venomous Beasts The green herb or the decoction applyed dissolves Tumours in any part of the Body and the hardness of Womens Breasts and the juyce or herb applyed with Honey cleanseth Vlcers and soders up the lips of green Wounds The herb tunned up in drink the Conserve of the Flowers and the distilled Water have the same effects for the forementioned diseases but more weakly ☞ See further in The Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Groundsel Senecio GRoundsel riseth up with a round Description green and somewhat brownish stalk spread toward the top into branches set with long narrow green leaves cut in the edges somewhat resembling an oaken leaf but lesser and round at the ends at the tops of the stalks and branches grow many green knaps or heads out of which grow small thrums of yellow flowers which continue brown a few dayes and after pass into doun which with the seed is blown about with the winde the root is small and threddy quickly perishing and the herb as soon springing again from the seed that it sheds so that it is green and in flower many moneths in the year springing and seeding twice a year at least in a Garden Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines Senecio because it soon becomes hoary it is called in English Groundsel and Grunsel Place and Time It grows frequently in Gardens and will not easily be wedded out it grows also on tops of old Walls and at the bottom amongst any rubbish in untilled grounds and by ditches sides about London plentifully and is to be found almost all the year Nature and Vertues Groundsel is cold and moist and digesteth and is by Culpepper accounted to be the chiefest flower in Venus Nosegay the decoction thereof in Wine purgeth Choller by vomit and so easeth pains of the Stomach the juyce thereof in drink or the decoction thereof with a few Currans in water doth the like it provokes Vrine also and cleanseth Gravel it is good also against the Jaundies and Falling Sickness taken in wine or a dram thereof in Oxymel it also provokes the Terms and a pultis made of the herb easeth hot Inflammations and Swellings of the Breasts privy parts Arteries Joynts or Sinews of man or woman and helps to dissolve Knots or Kernels in any part of the body of man or woman the distilled water of the herb helps Inflammations and watring of the Eyes and so doth the clarified juyce Guaiacum THis Tree grows in the West Indies Description and the Wood and Bark is prentifully brought here into England so that I shall forbear any further description thereof Names The Latines call it Guaiacum Lignum Indicum Lignum sanctum
Palsies and Cramps and to strengthen and comfort the parts it is good against the Stitch and pains of the Side coming of Winde the Place being fomented with the decoction thereof in Wine and the boiled Sage afterwards applyed hot thereunto and the decoction thereof according to Dioscorides provokes Vrine and womens Courses The juyce of Sage taken in warm water helps a hoarseness and the Cough Rue is good to be planted amongst Sage to prevent the poison which may be in it by Toads frequenting amongst it to relieve themselves of their poison as is supposed but Rue being amongst it they will not come near it Wood Sage Salvia sylvestris WOod Sage springeth up with square hoary stalks Description sometimes two foot high having two leaves at every joynt much like other Sage but smaller softer whiter and rounder and a little dented about the edges smelling somewhat stronger the flowers stand on a slender long spike on the tops of the stalks and branches turning all one way when they blow and are of a pale whitish colour smaller then Sage but hooded and gaping like unto them the seed is blackish and round four usually in an husk together the root is long stringy and fibrous and abideth many years Names It is called in Latine Salvia sylvestris Place and Time It grows in Woods and by Hedge sides and High wayes and flowers about July Nature and Vertues Wood Sage is hot and dry in the second degree and attributed to Venus the decoction thereof provokes the Tearms and Vrine and provokes Sweat digests humors and dissolves swellings and nodes in the flesh and is therefore thought to be good against the French Pox. The decoction of the green Herb in Wine is good for those that have any Vein inwardly broken by a fall bruise or beating to disperse the congealed blood and consolidate the Vein and it is also good for such as are bursten the drink taken inwardly and the herb applyed outwardly and in the same manner used it is also good for the Palsie The juyce thereof or the herb in powder is goods to dry moist Vlcers and sores in the Legs or other parts thereby causing them to heal the more speedily and is also effectual in green Wounds Burnet Saxifrage Pimpinella Saxifraga IT hath great long roots like a Parsnip Description of a biting hot taste like Ginger the stalk is hollow and riseth up about three foot high with joynts and knees beset with large leaves much like those of Smallage or the Garden Parsnip The Plant consisteth of many leaves growing upon one stem cut about the edges like a Saw the flowers grow in white round tufts at the top of the stalks The seed is like Parsley seed but hotter and biting upon the Tongue There is a lesser kinde little differing from the greater but that the stalks and veins of the leaves of the lesser are of a purplish colour and the root hotter Names It is called Pimpinella major Saxifragia major and the lesser kinde Saxifragia minor in English great and small Saxifrage and Burnet Saxifrage Place and Time They grow plentifully in dry Pastures and Meadows and flower from June to the end of August Nature and Vertues The leaves seeds and roots of both kindes are hot and dry in the third degree and of thin and subtle parts The juyce of the leaves cleanseth the face of Spots and Freckles and causeth a good colour The distilled water thereof mingled with some Vinegar in the distillation dears the Sight and helps the dimness thereof The seed and root in powder drunk in wine or the decoction thereof made in Wine provokes Vrine breaks the Stone and is good against the Strangury and stoppings in the Kidneys and Bladder The Service Tree Sorbus THis grows to be a great Tree delighting in Woods and Groves and are also planted in Orchards there doth grow of them in the Woods of Mr. Hinde at Hedsor and in Woods and by High way sides I have found them in Surrey and Kent the Tree and fruit are both so well known that a further description is needless Names The Greeks call this Tree 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Sorbus and in English Service and Sorb-Tree Place and Time They flower in March and the fruit is ripe in September or the beginning of October Nature and Vertues The Service berries are of temperature cold and binding and more being hard then when they are rotten yet then people usually eat them but they yield no nourishment but what is gross and cold therefore they are better for medicine then meat and being gathered while they be hard and cut and dryed in the Sun they may be kept all the year to stay bleedings of Wounds Mouth or Nose Fluxes and Vomiting the decoction drunk or outwardly applyed Solomons Seal Sagillum Solomonis COmmon Solomons Seal groweth with a round stalk about half a yard high Description with the top bending down set with single leaves one above another somewhat large like the leaves of May Lilly of a blueish green colour with some Ribs therein and a little yellowish underneath at the foot of every leaf almost from the bottom it hath small long and white pendulous flowers like those of May Lilly but ending in five longer points for the most part two together at the end of a small foot stalk standing all on one side the stalk under the leaves after which come round berries green at first but afterwards of blackish green tending to blue wherein is contained small white hard stony seed The root is white and thick full of knobs or joynts in some places resembling the mark of a Seal the taste thereof is sweet at first but afterwards somewhat bitter and sharp Names It s common Latine name is Sigillum Solomonis and in English Solomons Seal and sometimes white Wort or white Root Jacobs Ladder and Scala Caeli in Latine Place and Time It grows in divers places of this Land as about Odiham in Hampshire in a Wood within two miles of Canterbury by Fish-pool Hill and between Newington and Sittingbourn in Kent and divers other places it flowers about May and the seed is ripe in September Nature and Vertues The roots of Solomons Seal are hot and dry and astringent a Saturnine Plant the roots have great vertue in sealing or closing up the rim of the Belly when it is bursten the decoction thereof taken in Wine or the powder in broth or drink and being outwardly applyed to the place it is likewise good for other hurts wounds or outward sores to heal and close up green wounds and to dry up and restrain the flux of humors into old sores it also slayes bleedings vomitings fluxes the running of the reins in men and the whites and reds in women it mightily conglutinates and soders broken bones in man or beast the bruised root applyed to the place and the decoction thereof or infusion in wine being strained out hard and drunk it is likewise
made into a syrrup or the distilled water drunk with Sugar or the smoke taken fasting in a Pipe it easeth gripings in the Bowels pains in the Head and expells Worms and is profitable to provoke Vrine and expel the Stone and Gravel out of the Kidneys to expel windiness which causes strangling of the Mother the seed is good to ease the Tooth-ache and the ashes of the Herb cleanseth the Gums and Teeth and makes them white the bruised herb is profitably applyed to swellings of the Kings Evil four or five ounces of the juyce taken fasting purges the body upwards and downwards and is effectual for the Dropsie The distilled water taken with Sugar before the fit of an Ague lessens the fit The distilled faeces of the Herb having been bruised before the distillation and not distilled dry but set fourteen dayes in hot dung and then hung up in a bag in a Wine Cellar there will drop a liquor therefrom good for Cramps Aches the Gout and Sciatica and to heal Itches Scabs Cankers and foul Sores The juyce is good to kill lice in Childrens Heads The green herb bruised and applyed is good to cure any fresh wound and the juyce put into old Sores cleanseth and healeth them There is an excellent Salve made of Tobacco good for Imposthumes hard Tumors swellings by blows and falls old and new Sores and is to be had at the Apothecaries by the name of Unguentum Nicotianum or oynment of Tobacco Tamarinds Tamarindus THis Tree groweth in Arabia and the Indies and the fruit is brought hither for Medicine whose vertues follow Nature and Vertues Tamarinds are cold and dry in the second degree or in the beginning of the third a plant of Venus The pulp of Tamarinds open obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and taken with Borrage water it quickens the spirits and mitigates the fits of Frenzy and madness it is good in acute Fevers it purgeth Choller and adust humors stayeth vomiting and cools inflammations of the Liver Stomach and Reins and helps the running of the Reins it is good against the Scab Itch and Leprosie and salt humors breaking out in the skin it is good in hot burning Agues it quencheth thirst and procures appetite an ounce thereof being dissolved in fair water and taken with a little Sugar it stayes bleedings at nose arising from Choller and womens Fluxes and is good against the yellow Jaundies Tamarisk Tamarix IT is well known in Gardens where it onely grows in England so that a description is needless Names Mytica Tamarix and Tamariscus are the Latine names the Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i.e. infinitus from its abundance of leaves Place and Time It groweth about Mompelier and Narbone in France and is planted in Gardens with us they flower about the end of May or in June and the seed is ripe and blown away in September Nature and Vertues Tamarisk is drying and astringent having also a cutting and cleansing quality a Saturnine Plant. The leaves or roots boiled in Wine drives forth Melancholly helps spitting of blood and stayes the overflowing of the Terms the bleeding of the Hemorrhoides and other Fluxes and is good against the Jaundies and other diseases which are caused by obstructions The roots sodden with Wine and drunk cleanseth the milt and thereby it helps the Lepry the decoction of the root or young branches in Wine or Vinegar drunk and outwardly applyed helps hardness of the Spleen The decoction of the bark and leaves in Wine helps the Tooth-ache the mouth and Teeth being gargled therewith it also helpeth redness and watring of the Eyes and easeth pains of the ears being dropped therein and is good to wash those that are subject to Lice and Nits and is good to stay gangrous and fretting Vlcers being mixed with honey it is good for spleenatick persons to drink out of Cups or Cans made of the Wood thereof A good quantity of the leaves boiled in water is a good bath for women to sit over whose Matrix is in danger of coming down it fastneth the same and the ashes of the Wood applyed to the place stops the excessive flowing thereof A Lye made of the Ashes is good for many of the said Diseases and to help blisters raised by burning or scalding The Egyptians use the Wood hereof to cure the French Disease Leprosie Scabs Pushes Vlcers and the like it is likewise good to help the Dropsie proceeding from hardness or stopping of the Spleen and is available against Melancholly and the black Jaundies the Bark with the Barks of Ash and Ivy being infused in Beer or Ale some use Ling or Heath where Tamarisk is not to be had instead thereof Garden Tansie Tanacetum THis needs no description Names It is called both in Greek and Latine Athanasia and also in Latine Tanacetum the French call it Tanaisie and our English Tansie Place and Time It is nourished in Gardens sendeth forth green leaves in March and April and flowers in June and July Nature and Vertues It is said to be hot in the second degree and dry in the third attributed to the particular influence of Venus The decoction of Tansie or the juyce thereof drunk in Wine or Beer doth dissolve and expell Winde in the Stomach or Bowels The eating of it in Spring time purgeth the Body of moist and phlegmatick humors ingendred in the foregoing Winter and by eating Fish in Lent before it became superstition to our gluttonous Religion-pretenders whose lustful guts cannot forbear the Flesh-pots on Frydayes the decoction before mentioned provokes Vrine helps the Strangury expells Winde out of the Matrix and procures womens Courses and is good for those that have weak Reins and Kidneys it is profitable for such women as are apt to miscarry being bruised and often smelled unto and applyed to the lower part of the Belly it is used against the Stone in the Reins especially to men being boiled in Oyl it is good against the Cramp and shrinking of Sinews if applyed to the affected part it avoideth Phlegm dryeth the Sinews and therefore is good for the Palsie Wilde Tansie or Silver Weed Argentina IT is much like unto the ordinary Garden Tansie a little also resembling the leaves of Agrimony Description it creeps upon the ground taking root at the joynts so that it will quickly spread a great deal of ground the leaves are of a fair green colour on the upper side and a silver colour underneath it beareth no stalks but the flowers stand singly upon a short foot stalk which are yellow much like those of Cinque foâ—l Names It is called in Latine Argentina Agrimonia sylvestris and Tanacetum sylvestre in English Wilde Tansie and Silver weed Place and Time It groweth in moist grounds near High Wayes sides at the foot of Hills and such like places it flowers in June and July Nature and Vertues Wilde Tansie especially the root is dry near the third degree without much manifest heat having also an