in them and healeth Ulcers there if there be any The young clammy buds or eyes before they break out into leaves bruised and a little Honey put to them is a good Medicine for a dull sight by Signature An ounce of the bark in Powder being drunk saith Dioscorides in wine 't is likely is a remedy for those that are troubled with the Sciatica or Srangury and Serenus is of the same Judgment The black Poplar is held by some to be more cooling then the white and therefore they have with much profit applyed the leaves bruised with Vinegar to places troubled with the Gout and so do the young leaves and buds made into an Ointment with May-butter the seed is held to be good against the falling sicknesse if it be drunk in Vinegar That water that droppeth from the hollow places of the black Poplars doth take away Warts Pushes Wheales and other the like breakings out in the body The young black Poplar Buds saith Matthiolus are used by women to beautifie their hair bruising them with fresh butter and straining them after they have been for some time kept in the Sun The Ointment called Populeon is singular good for any heat or inflammation in any part of the Body and to temper the heat of wounds It is used also to dry up the Miâ—k in Womens Breasts after their delivery and when they have weaned their Children The Aspen leaves are somewhat weaker then those of the black Poplar yet the quantity being augmented they are used for the same purposes CHAP. XXIX Of Nightshade The Names SOme of the Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but others and that more usually 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In Latine Solanum and Solatrum Uva Lupina and Uva Vulpâ—s Cuculus and Morella Pliny saith it was also called Strumam and Cucubalus but they are thought bastard names and not proper to this plant In English Nightshade Morrel Petty-Morrel and in some places Hounds berries There is a sort hereof which is called Dwale or deadly Nightshade by reason of its pernicious and excesse cold quality and is therefore not to be used but by a skilfull hand but the Common or Garden Nightshade is not dangerous being heretofore planted in Gardens as other herbs for food wherefore it was called Solanum hortense or Garden Nightshade but is now no where used but Physically and is cast out of Gardens The Kinds Dioscorides reckoneth up four sorts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hortense 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vesicarium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Somniferum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Manicum which are by a later Writer distinguished into ten kinds 1. Common Nightshade 2. Red berried common Nightshade 3. Sleepy Nightshade 4. The true sleepy Nightshade of the Ancient Writers 5. Sleepy Nightshade of another sort 6. Dwale or Deadly Nightshade 7. Hoary Indian Nightshade 8. Red Nightshade or Redweed of Virginia 9. The great Marvel of Peru. 10. The small Mervail of Peru which is a kind of Nightshade besides which there are divers other sorts that I may have occasion to mention elsewhere The Forme The Common Nightshade hath a somewhat upright round green hollow stalk and about a foot high bushing forth into many Branches whereon grow many dark green leaves somewhat broad and pointed at the ends soft and full of juyce larger then the leaves of Basil else somewhat like and a little unevenly dented about the edges at the tops of the stalks and branches come four or five or more white flowers made of five small pointed leaves a piece standing on a stalk together one by or above another with yellow pointells 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 whitish round flat seed 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 waterish insipid taste but the Juyce within the Berries is somewhat viscous like unto a thin mucilage and is of a coolng and binding quality The Place and Time Common Night-shade groweth without planting under old walls and in rubbish by the common Paths and sides of Hedges and Fields and sometimes in Gardens out of which it is cast as a weed Dwale or deadly Night-shade groweth not only in the Woods of Germany but in divers places in our own Land as in the Castle-yard of Framingham in Suffolk in Cambridge-shire Essex c. The rest are strangers and not to be found unless it be in the better sort of Gardens as the Physick Garden at Oxon that at Westminster c. The first and the second die every year and rise of their own sowing the rest dye down to the ground in Winter and shoot afresh in the spring They do not spring out of the ground untill it be late in the year as not untill the latter end of April at the soonest They flowre in Summer even till the beginning of Autumne and then the fruit ripeneth The Temperature Galen saith in his Book of the faculties of simple Medicines that Garden Night-shade is used for those infirmities that have need of cooling and binding for these two qualities it hath in the second degree which thing also he affirmeth in his Book of the faculties of nourishments where he saith that there is no Pot-herb which we use to eat that hath so great astriction or binding as Night-shade hath and therefore Physicians do worthily use it and that seldom as a nourishment but alwayes as a Medicine Dwale is cold even in the fourth Degree The Signature and Vertues The Berries of Night-shade having some similitude with a Bladder are of excellent use to provoke Urine and to expel the stone especially the Seeds contained in them being drunk with White-wine It is commonly used to cool hot Inflammations either inwardly or outwardly being no way dangerous to any that shall use it as the rest of the Night-shades are if it be used moderately for the often taking thereof in too great a quantity procureth the Frenzy the remedy whereof is to take good store of warm honyed water The Juyce dropped into the Ears easeth the pains thereof that arise of heat or Inflammation The distilled water only of the whole Herb is fittest and safest to be taken inwardly The Juyce also clarified and mingled with Vineger is a good Gargarisme for the mouth and throat that is inflamed But outwardly the Juyce of the Herb or Berries with Oyl of Roses and a little Vineger and Cerusse laboured together in a leaden Mortar is very good to anoint all hot Inflammations in the Eys It doth also much good for the Shingles Ringworms and in all running fretting and corroding Ulcers and in moist Fistulaes if the juyce be made up with some Hens-Dung and applyed thereto A Pessary dipped in the Juyce and put up into the Matrix stayeth
the pains of the joynts and sinews it strengthneth also the Liver and heart but the Chimicall Oyl doth serve for that and the former purposes much more effectually Being taken inwardly it stayeth vomiting and nauseous subversions and helps the retaining vertue of the stomach and brings good concoction and digestion It stoppeth the Flux of the Belly and profits those that spit blood and that have Coughs being taken with Syrup of Colts-foot or the like it stayeth the acrimony or sharpness of strong purging Medicines and is a good Corrector of them CHAP. LIV. Of Masterwort The Names THis Plant was scarcely known to the Ancients and therefore I cannot tell you by what name they called it but by later Writers it is generally called Imperatoriae as some say from the excellent vertues it hath It is a good Herb indeed but there being many as excellent as it methinks that shouâ—d not be the Reason why it should bear away the Bell from the rest I suppose it rather to be so called because if it meet with a peece of ground it liketh it will so disperse it self on every side that it will prove it self the Generall or sole Commander of the place and so may others haply if they compare the name and the nature of the Plant together And so much also doth the word Magistrantia from whence the word being corrupted comes Astrantia import from the over-mastering of its neighbouring Plants The like might be said of its English name Masterwort It is by some called Pellitory of Spain but falsly that being a small low Plant bearing many finely cut long Leaves upon the stalks lying on the ground like Camomil but somewhat larger Gerard calls it English-Masterwort or false Pellitory of Spain The Kindes As a Lyon brings forth but one Whelp so this mighty Plant is not very numerous in its Progeny for of it there are but two sorts 1. Common Masterwort 2. Mountain Masterwort The Form Common Masterwort hath divers great broad leaves divided into sundry parts three for the most part standing together upon a small footstalk on both sides the greater and three likewise at the end of the stalk each of which leaves are somewhat broad and cut-in on the edges into three or more divisions and all of them besides dented about the brims of a dark green colour and do so much resemble Angelica Leaves that I have known them mistaken for the same yet if they be well regarded they may easily be known asunder for that they grow lower to the ground and upon lesser stalks amongst which rise up two or three short stalks in comparison of Angelica being about half a yard or two foot high and slender with such like leaves at the joynts as grow below but lesser and with fewer divisions bearing umbels of white Flowers and after them small thin flat blackish Seed bigger then Dill-Seed the Root is somewhat great and groweth rather side-wayes then down-right into the ground and is the hottest and sharpest part of any of the rest of the Plant and the Seed next unto it being somewhat blackish on the out-side and smelling well The Places and Time The first is found on sundry Hill in Italy as also in Germany yet it is usually kept in Gardens with them as well as Us The other was found on the Alps in Switzerland They flowre and seed late with us as not untill the end of August The Temperature The Root of Masterwort is hotter then Pepper even to the third Degree compleat and is of very subtle parts The Vertues The Roots of Pellitory of Spain being very rare in England the Roots of Masterwort are the best substitute and are commonly sold in Shops under that Notion The dryed Root being chewed in the mouth draweth down from the head much flegme and is thereby available to ease the pains in the Head and Teeth and to draw forth cold Rheum Catarrhes and Defluxions upon the Lungs or Distillations into the Eys It is available in all cold Diseases and Griefs both of the Stomack and Body dissolving wind very powerfully both upward and downward The same also provoketh Urine and helpeth to break the Stone and expel Gravel from the Kidneys it procureth Womens Courses and expelleth the dead Birth and is singular good for the strangling of the Mother and other the like Womens Diseases it is effectuall also against the Dropsie Cramp and Falling Sicknesse It is of a rare quality against all sorts of cold poysons to be taken as there is cause either more or lesse and provoketh sweat The juyce hereof dropped or Tents dipped therein and applyed either to the green wounds or rotten Ulcers yea although they fret and creep and be almost gangrenated and those also that come by envenomed Weapons doth soon cleanse and heal them or if they be bathed with the distilled water the same also is good to help the Gout comming of cold cause Tragus saith that the Decoction of the Root in Wine being drunk doth revive the ability of generation but surely he had not observed Galens Rule who saith that those things that are so hot to expell wind do not help but hinder nature The other sort is more effectual and especially for Quartane Agues to expel the dead Child to purge the brain and to expell wind and help the Cholick CHAP. LV. Of Corall The Names THough it may seem strange to some at first sight that I should treat of Corall amongst Plants which seemeth more like unto a Stone yet whosoever shall consider the manner of its growing will conclude with the Herbarists of all Ages that it is fitly reckoned amongst them It is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek and Corallium by all that have written of it and thereto rubrum or album c. is set for distinction-sake yet the white is not remembered but by modern Authours the black sorts are called Antipathes and Corallium Nigrum there is a second sort of Antipathes or rough bristly black Corall and is called by the Fishers of Sardinia Sambeggia The Kinds The Sorts of Corall mentioned by later Writers are ten 1. The great red Corall 2. The greater and siner white Corall 3. Loose white Corall 4. Hollow white Corall 5. Knotty and spotted white Corall 6. Starry white Corall 7. Joynted white Corall 8. Black Corall 9. Rough bristly black Corall 10. Yellow Corall The Forme The greater red Corall which I take to be of greatest use is found growing on the Rocks in the Sea like unto a shrub with Arms and Branches breaking forth some into greater and some into lesser sprigs set full of knaggy eminences of a pale or whitish red colour on the out-side for the most part as it is taken forth of the water but being scraped or filed and polished becommeth very fair as it is usually seen yet some will be much more red on the outside at the first taking up and much redder within also being also of a firmer or hard stony
substance after it is kept a while out of the water but plyable whilst it is there The Place and Time Most of these Coralls are found about Marcelles and the Isle of Sardinia and other places of the Mediterranean Sea but seldom on this side unlesse it be upon the Rocks on the west side of England about St. Michaels Mount where Gerard saith that white and yellow Corall do grow They are to be found growing at all times of the year The Temperature All the Sorts of Corall do cool and bind yet the white is thought to be of a colder operation then the red or black The Signature and Vertues The substance both of red and white Corall commeth very near to that of the Teeth but the white being nearest in colour may more properly be said to have their Signature yet we find that the red also is very useful in all the accidents that belong to them As first it helpeth Children to breed their Teeth their Gums being rubbed therewith and to that purpose they have it fastened at the ends of their Whistles it fastneth the Teeth also that are loose and maketh them white it helpeth sore Gums and Ulcers in the mouth and healeth up foul hollow Ulcers in other parts and filleth them with flesh and is used in Medicines for the Eys to stay the Flux of Rheum and takes away the heat and redness thereof by cooling and drying up the moysture and some hang it about the neck of such as have the Falling-Sicknesse The colour of red Corall holds forth by its Signature that it stoppeth bleeding which it doth if it be but held in the hands of those that bleed either at the Nose or Mouth it is commended also to be very effectuall for those that spit blood or be troubled with any other Flux of blood either in Man or Woman and being often taken in Wine or other drink doth diminish the Spleen it helpeth also the Gonorrhea in Men and the Whites in Women It likewise helpeth them much that are troubled with the stopping of their water or that make it by drops and also those that have the tormenting pains of the Stone in the Bladder if the Powder when it is burnt be taken in drink It strengtheneth the Heart Stomack and Liver and is therefore very usefull in the Pestilence against venome and all pestilent Feavers and malignant Diseases it chears the heart and is good against melancholy The Powder taken in Wine or distilled water brings rest to such as have Agues and is good for them that are troubled with the Cramp As it is commended in the Falling Sicknesse so likewise it is said to prevent it if a Child so soon as it is born take ten grains thereof in Black-Cherry-water or in the Mothers Milk Some affirm that it causeth an easie delivery of the birth which it do it must be by some specifick Vertue for experience doth manifest it to be of a binding nature The Chymicall Oyl of Corall is also commended for most of the purposes aforesaid CHAP. LVI Of Corall-wort The Names SEverall Names have been given to this Plant by later Writers for it is conceived that none of the Ancients as Dioscorides or Pliny c. took any cognizance of it Some have called it from the form and colour of the Roots Dentaria Dentillaria Coralloides and Alablastrites as Lobel and Dentaria Coralloide radice All which Names do agree both with the Plant and place it here stands in for the Root of it being white smooth and shining as Teeth ought to be it was fitly named Dentaria Dentillaria and Alablastrites and as fitly Coralloides Dentaria Coralloide Radice the divers small round knobs set together whereof the Root is composed resembling the knaggy Eminences of the Corall especially the white with which it agrees in colour too Others both from the Root and Flowers that are like unto Stock-Gillow-Flowers which were antiently comprehended under the name of Viola called it Viola Dentaria as Dadonaus We in English call it Toothed Violet or Corallwort The Kindes Parkinson presents you with seven sorts of Coralwort 1. Bulbe-bearing tootheâ— Violets 2. Cinquefoile Corallwort 3. Another Cinquefoile Corallwort 4. Trefoile Corallwort 5. Setfoile Corallwort 6. Bulbed narrow leaâ—ed Corallwort 7. The least Corallwort The Forme The bulbe bearing Toothed Violet shooteth forth one or two winged Leaves upon long brownish foot-stalks which in their rising up out of the ground are as it were doubled or folded downwards and then open themselves in seaven leaves most usually and sometimes but five each whereof is somewhat long denied about the edges and Poynted of a sad green colour and set on both sides of the middle Rib one against another the stalk that beareth Flowers riseth up in the same manner with the Leaves and is bare or naked of Leaves unto the middle thereof where it shooteth forth a Leaf and so one of two more up higher each consisting but of five Leaves and sometimes but of three having also the uppermost single at each whereof commeth forth a small round bulbe cloven or as it were divided into some parts of cloves of a sad purplish green colour which being ripe and put into the ground will grow to be a Root and bear Leaves â—â—â—e as the bulbes of a red bulbed Lilly about which at the top stand four or five Flowers in long hâ—â—sks upon short foot-foot-stalks opening into four leaves of a Purplish colour very like unto the Flowers of stock-gillow-Stock-Gillow-Flowers or Dames Violets after which come small long Horns or Cods poynted at the ends wherein lye such like Seed as are in the Cods of Dames Violets which will as soon as it is ripe break the Pod and fall out the Root is very smooth white and shining It doth not grow downwards but creepeth along under the upper crust of the ground and consisteth of diveÌ„rs small round knobs set together the tast both of the leaf and Root is somewhat bitter hot and sharp like Radish The Places and Time The first and last have been found in our Land as Parkinson saith the first at Mayfield in Sussex in a Wood called Highreed another Wood therein called Foxholes but for the place of the last he doth not expresse it yet I find that it groweth very plentifully about Croydon in Surrey as also a greater sort of Corallwort not mentioned by him The rest in the shadowy woods of Germany Switzerland and Savoy Naples Italy and divers other places They flower about the end of April and the beginning or middle of May and are withered and gone before July for the most part the roots abiding safe under ground The Temperature The Root of Coralwort is drying binding and strâ—ngthening yet it helpeth to provoke Urine and to expell gravell and the stone as some affirm by a speciall Vertue The Signature and Vertues Both the form of the root of Corallwort which is made as it were of many Teeth set together and the smoothnesse and
though they were covered with Ashes and is usually with Us called Jacobaea marina maritima Sea-Ragwort in English and Rag-weed by some Country people from the raggednesse of the Leaf The Kindes Of Ragwort there be nine sorts 1. The Greater common Ragwort 2. The lesser common Ragwort 3. The first Hungarian broad leafed Ragwort 4. The other broad-leafed Hungarian Ragwort 5. Smooth leafed Ragwort 6. Round leafed hoary Ragwort 7. The common Sea-Ragwort 8. The lesser Sea-Ragwort 9. Broad leafed Sea-Ragwort The Form The greater common Rag-wort hath many large and long dark green Leaves lying on the ground very much rent and torn on the sides into many peeces from among which riseth up sometimes but one and sometimes two or three square or crested blackish or brownish stalks two or three foot high sometimes branched bearing divers such like leaves upon them at severall distances unto the tops where it brancheth forth into many stalks bearing yellow Flowers consisting of divers Leaves set as a pale or border with a dark yellow thrum in the middle which do abide a great while but in the end growing full ripe are turned into down which with the small blackish gray Seed is carryed away with the wind the Root is made of many Fibres some greater and others lesser whereby it is firmly fastned into the ground and abideth many years The Place and Time The two first Sorts grow wild in pastures and untilled Grounds in many places and both together in one Field often times the three next grow in Hungary and Austria the sixth grew in some parts of France but it is not expressed where the seaventh groweth on our own Coasts not far from the Sea in the Isles of Sheppey and Thanet and along the Kentish shore in many places the eighth groweth on the Mediterranean Sea-shore of Italy and other places as by the Sea side in Zeland the last is mentioned by Bauhinus but he expresseth not the place where it groweth Divers of them are nursed up by divers Herbarists and are to be seen in the Physick-Gardens at Oxford and Westminster They flower in June and July and their Seed is ripe in August The Temperature Ragwort is hot and dry in the second Degree as some think with some bitternesse joyned therewith and therefore cleanseth digesteth and discusseth The Vertues The Decoction of Ragwort is very much commended to wash the Mouth or Throat that have Ulcers and Sores therein and for swellings hardnesse or impostumations for it throughly cleanseth and healeth them as also the Quinsey and the Kings Evill It doth help to stay Catarrhes thin Rheums and Defluxions from the Head into the Eyes Nose or Lungs The Juyce is found by continuall experience to be singular good both to heal green wounds and to cleanse and heal all old and filthy Ulcers as well in the Privities as in other parts of the Body and inward Wounds and Ulcers also and stayeth the malignity of fretting or running Cankers and hollow Fistulaes not suffering them to spread further It is much commended also to help Aches and pains either in the fleshy parts or in the Nerve and Sinews as also the Sciatica or pain of the Hips or Huckle-bone to bathe the places with the decoction of the Herb or to anoint them with an Oyntment made of the Herb bruised and boyled in old Hogs-Suet with some Mastick and Olibanum in Powder added unto it after it is strained forth and not before for otherwise it would be to little or no purpose It is held also to be a certain remedy to help the Staggers in Horses and upon that account some call it Stagger-wort and indeed it is not without a Signature thereof the unevennesse of the edges of the Leaves being like unto those uneven motions which Horses make in that Disease CHAP. LXXVI Of Plantaine The Names THE generall appellation that the Greeks have bestowed upon this excellent Simple is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arnoglossum which they were enduced to do from the form which it doth somewhat represent to wit of a Lambs Tongue It is called in Latine Plantage â—uâ—to à Plantâ vocabulo as if this were the Plant of Plants as indeed it is It is divided also by the Greeks into 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which the Latines call Septinervia and Quinquenervia the first having seven Ribbes Nerves or Veines the other five The generall English name is Plantaine but that which the Greeks call Eptaneuron we call Way-bred because it commonly breeds by the way sides and that which they call Pentaneuron we call Ribbewort and Ribbewâ—rt Plantaine the Latines calling it Plantago angustifolia from the narrownesse of the Lease as they do the other Latif 〈…〉 because it is broader The Kindes The sorts of Plantaine which are most remarkable are ten 1 Common Wayâ—â—ed or Plantaine 2 The greatest Plantaine 3 Hoary Plantaine 4 Rose Plantain 5 Besome Plantaine or Plantaine with spoky tufts 6 The greater Ribwort or Ribwort Plantaine 7 The lesser Ribwort 8 Rose Ribwort 9 Great Water Plantaine 10 Dwarfe Water Plantaine The Forme The common Waybred beareth many fair broad and almost round Leaves saving that they are a little pointed at the end with seven ribs or sinews in most of them running from the one end of the Leafe to the other of a saddish green colour on the upperside but more inclining to yellow underneath from amongst which do rise up divers small slender stalks of about a foot high naked and bare of Leaves up to the top whereon groweth a blackish green spike or scaly head with blossomes like unto those of Corne after which cometh the seed which being small is enclosed in those little husks The Root is made of many white little strings whereby it taketh fast hold in the ground The Places and Time The first groweth by those wayes and paths that are made through Pastures and Meadowes in most places of this Land The second about Mompelier The third is of our owne Land but not so frequently as the first The fourth groweth in St. John Danvers his Garden at Chelsey The sixth and seventh grow very plentifully in Meadowes Fieldes and sometimes in Gardens without invitation or welcome though they be as usefull as any there The eight is found also in this Land but so rarely that it is taken into the best Gardens The two last grow in silent Rivers and standing Waters They flower in the Summer Months of May June and July The Temperature All the sorts of Plantaine are cold and dry in the second degree The Roots and Seed which is of subtile parts are not altogether so cold as the Leaves The Signatures and Vertues Although Plantaine be beneficiall to all the parts of the Body both inward and outward yet because the Mouth is the first part whereinto it is commonly received I have appropriated thereunto and the rather because it hath the Signature of the Tongue which is not only expressed by
the outward Forme thereof but also by the Sinewes and Veine that run thorough it And therefore it availeth very much in divers diseases of the Tongue whether they happen from wounds as biting cutting or the like or from inflammations of that or any other part adjacent as the Mouth Gums Throat c. as also from the Cankers or any other eating sore the decoction juyce or water thereof being often gargled in the mouth or especially a little Vinegar Honey and Allome being mixed therewith The juyce or Herb stayeth the bleeding of the Nose or the bleeding of wounds The clarified Juyce or Water thereof droppâ—d into the eye cooleth the heat thereof as also the Pin and Web thereof and dropt into the eares easeth the pains therein and helpeth deafnesse The same with the juyce of House-leeke is very profitably applyed against all inflammation and breakings out of the skin and against burnings or scalding by Fire or Water The juyce mixed with the Oyl of Roses and the Temples and Forehead annointed therewith easeth the pains of the head proceeding from heat and helpeth frantick and lunatick persons very much as also the biting of Serpents or a madde Dogge The clarified juyce drunk for divers dayes together by it selfe or with some other liquor is wonderfull good to stay spitting of blood and all other bleedings at the Mouth when a vein is broken at the mouth of the Stomack and is likewise effectuall to heal any Ulcer in the Reines or Bladder when bloody or foul water proceedeth therefrom It is held also an especiall remedy for those that have the Consumption of the Lungs or that are troubled with any Ulcer in that part or that have Coughs that come with Heat The same also is commended very much against all torments and frettings in the Guts stayeth the Courses and all other manner of Fluxes as well in Man as Woman The decoction or powder of the Root or Seed is much more binding then the Herbe whereby it helpeth Agues The seed made into powder and mixed with the yolk of an Egge and some wheaten flower and made into a Cake and baked doth stay vomiting or any other Flux or rising in the Stomack The herb but especially the Seed is likewise held to be profitable against the Dropsie Falling-Sicknesse Yellow Jaundise and the stoppings of the Liver or Reines The powder of the dryed Leavs taken in warm drink or Posset drink killeth worms in the Belly The juyce of the Leaves mixed with oyl of Roses is profitably applyed to all hot Gouts in the Hands or Feet especially in the beginning to cool the heat and represse the humors It is also good to be applyed where any bone is out of Joynt to hinder Inflammations Swellings and pains which will arise presently thereupon A decoction of the Leaves killeth Worms that breed in old and foul Ulcers One part of Plantaine-Water and two parts of the brine of powdered beefe boyled together and clarified is a most sure remedy to heal all spreading Scabs and Itch in the Head or Body all manner of Tetters or Ringwormes the Shingles and all other running and fretting sores The Leaves laid upon any place where the skin is scratched of skinneth it again whether it be newly done or not and being made into a Salve with Oyl Wax and Turpentine it cureth deep wounds though the Sinews and Veins be cut asunder whereof it hath the Signature The juyce alone or stamped with Vinegar and applyed to the Feeet that surbated sore and swollen with travell bringeth them again to their right temper CHAP. LXXVII Of Columbines The Names THere is great contesting amongst Authors concerning this Plant whether it were known to the Ancients or not One will have it to be the Pothos of Theophrastus another his Diosanthos another would have it to be the Isopyrum of Dioscorides but Cornutus affirms point blanck that it was not knowne It is generally called by the Writers of a later date Aquileia Aquilina Aquilegia because the folds of the Leaves do somewhat resemble those Pipes called Aquileges which were made as Pliny mentions for the conveying of water which they also contain in them as Cornuâ—us seemeth to inferre especially from that sort of his which came from Canada That this Plant should have likenesse of properties with wild Oâ—tes called in Greek Aegilops seemeth to be altogether improbable It knows no other English name but Columbines The Kindes To set forth the varieties of Columbines according to their colours would be the Task of a Florish I shall only give you those which have different Termes and they are six 1 Single Columbines 2. Double Columbines 3 Double inverted Columbines 4 Rose Columbines 5 Degenerate Columbines 6 Columbines of Virginia The Forme The Columbine hath divers pretty large spread Leaves standing upon stalks about a foot long wheÌ„ they are at their full growth every one being divided into divers parts with large indentures upon the edges of a dark blewish green colour a little resembling Celandine from amongst which arise stalks sometimes two or three foot high divided usually into many branches bearing one long divided leaf at the lower joynt above which the flowers grow every one standing on a long stalk consisting of five hollow Leaves crooked or horned at the ends and turning backwards The flowers being past there arise small long Cods four or five together wherein are contained black shining seedes The Roots are thick and round for a little space within the ground they abide many years sending forth their Leaves in the beginning of the Spring I mentioned not the colour of the flowers because they are so variable The Places and Time The first sort hath been found to grow wild in the woody mountains of Germany but with us they are found only in Gardens as the rest are their place being otherwise unknowne only that of the last which was brought from Virginia by that industrious searcher after rarities Mr. Tredescant the elder They flower commonly about the end of April and the beginning of May perish before the end of June only the Virginian kind flowreth a Month sooner then ordinary The Temperature Columbines are said to be temperate in respect of coldnesse and drynesse and moderately digesting The Vertues Every good Housewife in the Country is hardly now to learne that Columbine Leaves have in them a faculty wherey they are found very effectuall if they be boyled in Milk and given to those that are troubled with sore Mouths oâ— Throats but there be other wayes of using them for the like purposes as for the Kanker Red gum Quinsie Kings-evill c. For the Water Canker in the Mouth drink the seed For the Quinsie drink the seeds often with good Ale or stamp the seeds and herbs with Honey and take it with milk or drink It is good for young Children to drink it against the Red gum To help the Struma or painfull swelling in the Throat called the Kings evill seeth
burn but especially that which groweth by the Sea-side When the Hoggs were troubled with tuberous Baggs of corruption about their Necks the Country people were formerly wont to give them of the Herb Impious boyled in Milk or the like and they observed that which soever of them refused to take it would assuredly die CHAP. LXXVIII Of Jewes Eares The Names AMongst other Simples there is an Excressence of the Elder or Bore-tree which I shall treat of a part from the Tree it self and with it put a period to those things that are appropriated to the Throat it being of so great use for this part whereas the Elder it self is available to many others Notwithstanding I think that the Grecians took so little notice of it that they scarcely afforded it a Name It is called in Latine Fungus Sambucinus and Auricula Juda some having supposed the Elder-tree to be that whereon Judas hanged himself and that ever since these Mushromes like unto Eates have grown thereon which I will not perswade you to believe It is called in English Jewes Eares the Mushrome of the Elder by some the Gelly and by others the Sponge growing upon the Elder The Kinds My Lord Bacon in his naturall History saith that Jewes-Eâ—res grow upon other Trees besides the Elder as the Ash Fir c. but I suppose he was mistaken There are sometimes growing on those Trees certaâ—n Mushromes but like to Jewes-Eares neither in form nor vertue and therefore not to be called by that Name The Forme This Excrescence called Jewes-Eares is a soft and limber Mushrome which while it is fresh is not very thick but transparent and of a blackish colour of differing forms and sizes for some will be swolne and puffed up in one place more then in another having some resemblance to a Mans Eare some thin on the edge and thick in the middle and some two or three growing together all of them being dryed become of a blackish gray colour and then may be kept a whole year or more safe without spoyling to be used as you need The Places and Times Jewes-Eares grow as I said upon the Elder-tree but not so frequently upon them in other places as upon those that are planted upon Cony-Boroughs for their shadow and shelter I understand not but they may be found there at any time of the Year The Temperature Gerard saith that the jelley of the Elder otherwise called Jewes-Eares hath a binding and drying quality The Vertues Dr. Martin Blochwich Physician-Ordinary of Oshatin in his ingenious Tract called the Anatomy of Elder saith that even common Country Women so soon as they suspect any Disease in the Throat of their young Children they steep the Sponge of Elder in their Drink and when it is swelled they therewith carefully wipe away all the filth of the Palat Gums and Tongue It is likewise used for the same purpose being boyled in Ale or Milk with Columbine Leaves and with a little Pepper and Pellitory of Spain in Powder it helpeth to put up the Uâ—â—la or Palat of the Mouth being fallen down Take of the water or Decoction of Elder-Flowers wherein a little Elder-Honey hath been mixed and add thereunto some Leaves of Self-heal and a Jewes Eare or two and you will find it a sure Experiment for the Quinsey And a Lohoch or licking of the Rhob of Elder inspislated with Sugar with some pulverised Jewes-Eares added thereunto is commodious The distilled water of Jewes-Eares is very profitable for the Dropsie according to Crâ—lliâ—s de signaturis rerâ—â— and a drink made by sleeping three whole dryed Umbels of Elder Flowers and two Jewes-Eares very well dryed in two quarts of White-wine if it be used and no other drink the tumour will vanish away suddenly An handful of Jewes-Eares infused in a quart of the Spirit of Wine and a full draught thereof given to one that is troubled with the suffocation of the Matrix in the time of her fit cureth her The Powder of the Grains of Elder being mixed with an equall part of Jewes-Eares is commended in spitting blood CHAP. LXXIX Of Elecampane The Names HAving appropriated severall Simples to the inside and outside of the Throat the Breast comes next in Order to be provided for both internally and externally to which there is nothing more proper then Elecampane which is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Helenium also in Latine and of some Inula and Enula and Enula Campana some think it took the name from the tears of Helen from whence it sprung which is a Fable others say it was so called because Helen first found it available against biting and stingings of venemous Beasts and others think it took its name from the Island Helena where the best was found to grow We in English call it Elecampane generally yet in some Countries of this Land it is called Sabwort and Horse-heal The Kindes To this Plant which otherwise would be single do some refer the Flowers of the Sun as 1. The greater flower of the Sâ—â— 2. The lesser flower of the Sun 3. The Male flower of the Sun 4. The Marigold Sun flower The Forme Elecampane shooteth forth many large leaves lying neer the ground which are long and broad but small at both ends somewhat soft in handling of a whitish green on the upper side and gray underneath each set upon a short footstalk From amongst which riâ—e â—p divers great and strong hairy stalks two or three foot high with some leaves thereon compassing them about at the lower ends and are branched towards the tops bearing divers great and large flowers like unto those of the flower of the Sun of which it is said to be a kind as I said before both the border of the leaves and the middle Thrum being yellow which is not wholly converted into large seed as in the flower of the Sun but turneth into Down with some long small brownish seed among it and is carried away with the wind the Râ—â—t is great and thick branched forth divers waies blackish on the outside and white within of a very bitter taste but good sent especially when it is dryed no part else of the plant having any smell The Places and Time This is one of the Plants whereof England may boast as much as any for there growes none better in the world then in England let Apothecaries and Druggeists say what they will It groweth in Meadows that are fat and fruitful as in Parsons Meadow by Adderbury as I have been told and in divers other places about Oxfordshire It is found also upon the Mountains and shadowy places that be not altogether dry it groweth plentifully in the fields on the left hand as you go from Dunstable to Puddle hill Also in an Orchard as you go from Colâ—râ—â— to Ditton Ferry which is in the way from London to Windsor and in divers places in Wales particularly in the Orchard of Mr. Peter Piers at Guieruigron neer St. Asaphs The
profitable Reed having long stalks seaven or eight foot high joynted and knee'd like the common walking Canes but that the Leaves come forth of every joynt on every side of the stalk one like unto wings long narrow and sharp pointed The Cane it self or stalk is not hollow as the other Canes and Reeds are but full and stuffed with a spungious substance in taste exceeding sweet The root is great and long creeping along within the inner crust of the earth which is likewise sweet and pleasant but lesse hard or wooddy then other Canes or Reeds from which do shoot many young Cions which are cut away from the main or Mother plant because they should not draw away the nourishment from the old stock and so get unto themselves a little moisture or else some substance not much worth and cause the stock to be barren and themselves little the better which shoots do serve for plants to set abroad for increase The Places and Time The Sugar Cane groweth naturally in the East and West Indies the Barbadoes Madera and the Canary Islands and Barbary also It is planted likewise in many parts of Europe at this day as Spain Portugal Oliba and in Province Some shoots have been planted in England but the coldnesâ—e of the Climate quickly made an end of them The two next in England the fourth in Spain The fifth in Bengala The sixth was found in a Sack full of Costus and Ginger as it was brought from Arabia The seventh was found by Bellonius in a Valley on Mount Athos and in the River Jordan and of this they make their writing Pens in Turkey where the four next sorts are thought to grow The last groweth in Italy and divers other places but all of them delight in moist or watery overflown grounds The Sugar Cane is planted at any time of the year in those hot Countries where it doth naturally grow by reason they fear no frosts to hurt the young shoots at their first planting they are most of them ripe about the end of September The Temperature The Juyce of the Sugar Reed made into Sugar is hot and moist in the first degree or temperately hot and moist and is abstersive or cleansing The Vertues Sugar is good to make smooth the roughnesse of the breast and Lungs cleareth the voice and putteth away hoarsness and the Cough and so doth Sugar Candy It is convenient for the Stomach helpeth the roughnesse and drynesse of the mouth and throat also thirst and drought in Feaverse specially being mixed with water and so taken and it is very profitable for the Reins and Bladder It is used to put sowrenesse and bitternesse out of the mouth of sick persons and may be put into cooling as well as heating and warming Medicines Sugar or White Sugar Candy put into the Eye taketh away the dimnesse and the blood shotten therein It is good to be put into green wounds whilst they are yet bleeding and strewed into foul sores it cleanseth them This is the Physical use of Sugar which hath obtained now a daies so continuall and daily use that it is almost accounted not Physicall and is more commonly used in Confections Syrups and such like as also preserving and conserving sundry fruits as Cherries Damsons Mulberries c. and Flowers as Roses Violets Rosemary Flowers and such like which still retain with them the Name of Sugar as Sugar Roset Sugar Violet c. to write of all which is besides our Intentions Now for our ordinary Reeds The roots as Galen saith have a cleansing quality but not sharp and the Leaves also The fresh Leaves bruised or the roots applyed to those places that have Thorns Splinters or the like in the flesh do draw them forth in a short space the same also applyed with Vinegar helpeth Members out of joynt by Signature and easeth the pains in the Loins the fresh leaves also bruised and applyed unto hot Impostumes Inflammations or St. Anthonies sire easeth them the Ashes made of the outer rind of the stalk mingled with Vinegar helpeth the falling off the hair If the flower or woolly substance happen into the ears it sticketh therein so fast as that by no means it will be gotten forth again but will procure deafnesse withal Some have observed that the Fern and the Reed are at perpetuall enmity the one not abiding where the other is which may b e as my Lord Bacon saith not because of any Antipathy in the plants but because they draw a like nourishment and so starve one the other whereas there is such amity they say between Asparagus and the Reed that they both thrive wondrous well which is because they draw a different Juyce Reeds are alâ—o put to many necessary uses as to thatch houses to serve as walls and defence to Gardiners in the cherishing of their plants to Water-men to trim their boats to Weavers to wind their yarn on and for divers other purposes Nay those that grow in the Indies by reason of the heat of those Climates grow so great and tall that they serve instead of timber both to build their houses and to cover them CHAP. LXXXIII Of the Jujube-Tree The Names THe Tree it self is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek Zizypha and Zinzâ—pha of Columella Zâ—z phus rutila of others Rubra and Punicea and of the Arabians from whom the Apothecaries took it Jujube and â—o do Lobel and Pena The Fruit or Plums arenamed in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which are the same that Galen calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In Latine likewise Zizipha and Serica in Shops Jujube in English Jujubes The Kindes Although in former times there were but one sort of Jujube known yet now we have three 1. The greater Jujube-Tree 2. The lesser Jujube-Tree 3. The wild Jujube-tree The Form The Jujube-tree groweth sometimes to be very high but more often to a reasonable height having his Stem or Body bowed or crooked and spreading rather in breadth the Wood whereof is whitish and hard covered with a rugged Bark from whence spread great Branches and from the lesser and slender whitish twigs about a foot long full of Leaves set on both sides not usually directly one against another but one a little above another with an odd one at the end each whereof is small somewhat broad and pointed at the end dented or finely nicked about the edges with long Veins in them smooth and somewhat hard in handling each standing on a short foot-foot-stalk and very like unto the Leaves of Paliurus or Christs Thorn at the foot of every Leaf towards the tops of the Twigs come forth small yellowish Flowers of five Leaves a peece where afterwards stand the fruit which is somewhat like unto a small Plum or Olive but a little long green at the first and then â—t is somewhat harsh and yellowish after but at last red and of a reasonable sweetnesse yet
and Vinegar and some Oyl put thereto ceaseth both the pain and swelling of the Cods and being taken inwardly it stirreth up Lust in those which cannot use the act of Generation because of the sluggish impotency and weakness of their Members which it doth by Signature a Bean very much resembling the Nut of a Mans yard and that was the Reason that Pythagoras so much condemned them their windiness causing Lust which he endeavoured to suppress If fryed Beans be boyled with Garlick and daily taken as meat it helpeth inveterate Coughs almost past cure the hoarsneâ— of the voyce and the Impostumes in the Breast The Husks of them boyled good while in water that is to the thirds stayeth the Lask and the ashes of the said Husks made up with old Hogs-grease helpeth the old pains contusions anâ— wounds of the Sinews the Sciatica also and the Gout Though the Faba veterum be without doubt that true Bean which Dâ—oscorides Galen and other Greek Authours intended when they set down the aforesaid Remedies yet our ordinary Bean-flowre is as proper for all those purposes and may be used to as gooâ— effect CHAP. CII Of Lentills The Names THere is another Sort of Pulse which may be appropriated to the same purpose which the Grecians called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phacos and in Latine Lens Lenticula Pliny saith Lib. 18. Chap. 12. that the Etymon thereof seemeth to be taken quasi lenis dicta sit lenitatisque significationem habet aquanimitatem fieri vescentibus eâ It is seldom used for Mans meat here in England and therefore I cannot justifie any such operation it hath unless he meant it of Cattle who are much pleased with it and for their Food it is sowed in divers Countries In Hampshire they leave out the first syllable and call it Tills and in Oxfordshire Dills The Kinds Of these Lentills I find but three Sorts 1. The greater Lentills 2. Spotted Lentills 3. The lesser Lentill The Forme The greater Lentill hath sundry slender weak Branches somewhat hard two foot long from whence shoot forth at severall places long stalks of small winged Leaves that is many on each side of a middle Rib without any odd one at the end for the middle Rib of each stalk endeth in a small clasper the Flowers are small and rise from between the leaves and the stalks two for the most part at the end of a long foot-foot-stalk of a sad reddish purple colour somewhat like to those of Vetches after which come small short and somewhat flat Cods within which are contained two or three flat round smooth Seeds of a pale yellowish ash colour the Root is fibrous and perisheth yearly The Places and Time The first even beyond the Seas is onely sowne in the Fields as other manured pulses are and so likewise in some places of our Land but doth seldom come to maturity with us if the season be not kindly and dry The second is wild in Portugall The last is most common in England and is sowne in severall Counties thereof being the most pleasant and acceptable The Temperature Galen saith that Lentills hold a mean between hot and cold yet do they dry in the second degree the outer Skin being binding and the inner meat also which is a little harsh and bindeth the Body yet the outer Skin much more it is saith he of contrary qualities for the first decoction thereof doth not bind but loosen the body and therefore they that would have it to bind cast away the first water and use the second which stayeth Lasks and strengtheneth the stomack and all the inward parts Lentils husked saith he lose with their shells the strength of binding and the other qualities that follow it and then nourish more then those that are not husked yet so give they a thick and evill nourishment and slowly passe away neither do they stay Fluxes and Dysenteries as those that are not husked The Vertues The Seeds of the Lentils boyled in Sea-water and applyed to Womens Breasts that are ready to burst through abundance of Milk or have it curdled within them by any cold distemper bringeth them again into good temper It is good also to bind and stay Lasks and Fluxes but with other binding Herbs as Purslane Red Beets Myrtles Dryed Roses Pomegranate Rindes Medlars Servises c. taken with Vinegar they are the more powerful The Decoction thereof with Wheat-flowre applyed easeth the Gout used with Honey it closeth up the lips of Wounds and cleanseth foul Sores being boyled in Vinegar it dissolveth Knots and Kernels and being boyled with Quinces Melilote and a little Rose-water put thereto it helpeth the Inflammations of the Eys and Fundament but for the chaps thereof which need a stronger Medicine it is boyled with dryed Roses and Pomegranate Rindes adding a little Honey to it It likewise stayeth those creeping Cankers that are ready to turn to a Gangrene putting thereto some Sea-water and so it is good for Wheals and running and watering Sores St. Anthonies Fire Kibes c. being used with Vinegar The Decoction thereof is a good lotion for Ulcers either in the mouth privy parts or Fundament adding a few Rose Leaves and Quinces But to eat Lentills or the broth made of them too largely as Galen saith breedeth the Leprosie and Cankers for grosse thick Meat is fit to breed melancholy humours yet it is profitably given to those that are of a watery disposition and evill affected thereby but it is utterly forbidden to those that have dry Constitutions it is also hurtful to the sight dulling it by drying up the moysture and is not convenient for Women that want their Courses but is good for those that have them in too much abundance Dioscorides further addeth that it breedeth troublesome Dreams and is hurtful to the Head the Lungs and the Sinews CHAP. CIII Of Lillies The Names THe Lilly is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Lilium also Rosa Junonis or Junoes Rose because it is reported that it came of her Milk that fell upon the ground For the Poets feign that Hercules whom Jupiter had by Alcumena was put to Junoes Breasts whilest she was asleep and after the sucking there fell away abundance of Milk and that one part was spilt in the Heavens and the other on the Earth and that of this sprang the Lilly and the Circle in Heaven called Lactens Circulus or the milky way or otherwise in English The way to Watling-street Thus much for the white Lilly As for the other Sorts which are many I shall only put down some of them The Kindes Though there be divers Sorts of Lillies yet I shall only set down these 1. The white Lilly 2. The white Lilly of Constantinople 3. The gold red Lilly 4. The red Lilly 5. The fiery red Lilly 6. The great Mountain Lilly 7. The small Mountain Lilly 8. The red Lilly of Constantinople 9. The Persian Lilly 10.
they keep the Rooms cool and make a goodly shew without The last was found by Dr. Penny as Clusius saith by Dantswick The four last were found by Clusius in Germany Austria and Syria and some on the Pyrenean hills and in Savoy and are most of them kept in our â—ardens The first is in flowre in June and the Fruit is ripe in August The second and third flowre about the latter end of April and the beginning of May and so do the rest their fruit being ripe in July or August except the second which hath not been seen to bear any The Temperature The Flowers and Leaves of Hony-suckles are of a cleansing consuming and digesting quality The Vertues A Decoction made of the Leaves or the Flowers and Leaves of Honey-suckles with some Figs and Liquorice added thereunto is very effectuall for the expectorating of flegme from the Chest and Lungs whensoever they shall be overcharged therewith A Syrup made of the Flowers is good likewise to be drunk against the Diseases of the Lungs and Spleen that is stopped being drunk with a little Wine Mr. Culpepper saith that it is fitting that a Conserve of the Flowers of it should be kept in every Gentlewomans House for that he knew no better cure for an Asthma then this Besides it takes away the evill of the Spleen provokes Urine procures speedy delivery to Women in Travel helps Cramps Convulsions and Palsies and whatsoever Griefs come of cold or stoppings The Leaves or Flowers in Powder or the distilled water of them are commended to dry up soul and moyst Ulcers and to cleanse the face and skin from Morphew Sun-burn Freckles and other discolourings of the skin Notwithstanding Parkinson following Galen and Culpepper backing him as usually he doth be the matter right or wrong conceiveth that it is an errour to use the decoction of the Leaves of Hony-suckles or the distilled water of the Flowers in Mouth-waters yet it is certainly found by experience that the said water is good against the soareness of the Throat or Uvula and with the same Leaves boyled or the Leaves and Flowers distilled are made divers good Medicines against Cankers and sore mouths as well in Children as elder people and likewise for Ulcerations and Scaldings in the privy parts of Man or Woman if there be added to the decoction hereof some Honey and Allome or Verdigrease if the Sores require greater cleansing outwardly Provided alwayes that there be no Verdigrease put into the water that must be injected into the secret parts As for the provoking of Urine care must be had that the taking of the decoction be not continued too long for though at first it will but provoke Urine only yet being drunk six dayes together it will make the Urine like blood It causeth also barrennesse in Women and maketh men unable for generation The flowers and leaves are of more use then the seed yet they also help the shortnesse and difficulty of breathing and cure the Hicket CHAP. CXII Of Mullein The Names ITt is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 uro for that it served as a Weeke to put into Lamps to burn in former times and of the Latines Candela Regia and Candelaria because the elder age used the stalks dipped in Suet to burn whether at Funeralls or for private Uses and so likewise the English name Higtaper for Hightaper the h being left out is used in the same manner as a Taper or Torch It hath also some other names in Latine as Thapsus Thlapsus and Tapsus Barbatus and Lanaria In English also some call it Torches some Bullocks Lungwort some Haires beard and some Jupiters Staffe The Kindes There are of this kind besides the Moth Mullein nine sorts 1. Common Mullein 2. Dwarf Mullein of Denmark 3. White Mullein with long leaves 4. Sweet white Mullein 5. Ordinary black Mullein 6. Sweet black Mullein 7. Jagged Mullein 8. Sage leafed Mullein 9. Small Sage leafed Mullein of Syria The Forme The Common white Mullein hath many fair large woolly leaves lying next the ground somewhat longer than broad pointed at the ends and as it were dented about the Edges the stalk riseth up to be four or five foot high if it grow in very rank ground covered over with such woolly leaves as the lowest but lesser so that the stalk can be hardly seen for the multitude of leaves thereon up to the flowers which come forth on all sides of the stalks without any branches for the most part and are many set together in a long spike in some of a gold yellow colour in others more pale consisting of five round pointed leaves which afterwards give small round heads wherein small brownish seed is contained the root is long white and wooddy perishing ever after it hath born seed The Places and Time The first groweth by the side waies and Lanes in many places and for its usefulnesse is taken into some Gardens and so is the second but it groweth naturally only in Denmark in the fields between Cronemberg and Hafnia neer Elsemore The third and fourth grow but in some places of our own Country so that one shall hardly find a plant in a great way The fifth in many places of Kent Surrey Essex and elsewhere The sixth is also sometimes to be found wild abroad but yet scarcely to be met with and indeed unlesse one well exercised in the knowledge of plants do light upon it and know it it will be scarce regarded by a great many others The seventh was found by Lobel neer the ruines of an old Church at Bathe in England The eighth groweth at Padoa or thereabouts and the last in Syria as by its title doth appear They all flower in June and July and bring forth their seed the second year after the sowing except the two last of whose time we cannot resolve you The Temperature Mullein is of a dry temperature the leaves have also a digesting and cleansing quality as Galen affirmeth The Vertues A Decoction of the leaves of Mullein is likewise very good for the Lungs and for those also that are troubled with an old Cough And this our aâ—eâ—tion is confirmed in that the Country people especially the Husbandmen in Kent do give it their Cattle against the Cough of the lungs it being an approved medicine for the same whereupon they call it Bullocks â—ungwort and I theâ—eâ—ore mention it because Cattle are also in some sort to be provided for â—n their â—iâ—eases The said leaves being a little bruised and laid oâ— bound to an Hoâ—es foot that is grievously pricked with shooing â—oth wonderfully heal it in a shoâ—t â—pace-Neither is it useful for Cattle but for men also A small quantity of the root taken in Wine is commended against Lasks and fluxes of the Belly the Decoction thereof gargled in the mouth easeth the paines of the Toothachâ— and bâ—ing drunk it is profitable for those that are bursten and for those that have Cramps and Convulsions If
or Eyes The juyce or water is singular good for hot and red inflamed Eyes if some thereof be dropped into them or they bathed theâ—ewith the â—aid juyce or water is also of excellent property for all Pushes Wheals and other eruptions of hot and sharp humours into the face or hands or other parts of the Body to bathe them therewith and helpeth to take away any redness in the face and spots or other deformities of the Skin and to make the Skin clear and smooth The water of Straw-berries distilled in a body of Classe after they have stood in a bed of hot Horse-dung twelve or fourteen dayes cureth the Lepry by Signature if it be drunk and the Spots be bathed therewith And upon this account they are commended by Râ—imundus Lullâ—us being macerated in the spiâ—it of Wine â—nd used The same is very profitable for most of the purposes aforesaid and also for the Morphew CHAP. CXXIII Of Wood-Sorrel The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the sharp tast that it hath in Latine Trifolâ—um Acetosum and of some Panis Cuculâ— Cuckow-bread either because the Cuckowes deâ—ight to seed thereon or that it beginneth to bâ—ossom when the Cuckow beginneth to â—tter her voyce It is caâ—ed by the Apothecarie in their Shops Alleluja and 〈…〉 jula the one as some think because it was found in Procession whiâ—est the Processioners were singing Alleluja or else because it â—owreth about that time which is used to be between Easter Whâ—tsâ—utide the other came corruptly â—rom Juliola as they of Calabria in Nâ—ples do call it In English Wood-Sorrel Wood-sower Stabwort and Sorrel du bois The Kinds There are two sorts of Wood-Sorrel the one famiâ—iar enough and that is Common Wood-Sorrel the other a stranger as far as I can earn and onâ—y â—herished in the Gardens of those that are curious and that is Wood-Sorrel with yeâ—low Flowers The Form The common Wood-Sorrel groweth low upon the ground without any stalk rising from it hath a number oâ— Leaves comming from the Root made of three Leaves like a Trefoâ—le or three-leafed Grasse every leaf somewhat resembâ—ing an Heart being broad at the ends cut in the middle and sharp towards the stalk of a faint yellowish green colour every one standing on a long red foot-stalk which at their first comming up are close foâ—ded together to the stalk but opening themselves afterwards and are of a fine sowre rellish more pâ—easing them many of the other Sorrels and yielding a juyce which wiâ—l turn red when it is clariâ—ed amongst these leaves rise up divers slender weak foot-stalks not growing above them with every one of them a flower at the top consisting of five small and pointed Leaves Star-fashion of a white colour in most places or in some dasht over with a small shew of blush and in some but on the back side only after the Flowers are past follow small round heads with small yellowish Seeds in them the Roots are nothing but threds or small strings fastened to the end of a small long peece all of them being of a yellowish colour not perishing every year but abiding with some Leaves thereon in the Winter The Places and Time The Common Wood-Sorrel groweth plentifully in many places of this Land in Woods and Wood-sides where it may be moyst and shadowed and in other places that are not too much open to the Sun yet it is known by few except it be by those Herb-women that gather it and sell it to the Apothecaries The other groweth in divers shadowy places about Sevill in Spain and in Gardens at Mompeliar The first flowreth early in April and May the other after Midsummer and so continueth in flowre untill the Autumn colds make it to perish but some Seed is ripe in the mean time The Temperature Wood-Sorrel is as the other Sorrels are cold and dry in the second Degree The Signature and Vertues The Leaves of this Herb representing the Heart are according to their Signature found to be very effectuall for the said part by defending it from the Plague or any other pestilentiall Disease that may ceaze thereon and also by cooling it in Feavers Agues or other sicknesses or faintings that rise from heat a dram of the Conserve thereof being taken every morning or oftner if occasion require It hindereth putrefaction of the blood and Ulcers of the â—â—uth Body quencheth thirst strengtheneth a weak stomach procureth an Appetite stayeth vomiting and is of most singular use in any contagious Disease or Pestilentiall Feaver Of the juyce which will turn red when it is clarified is made a dainty fine Syrup very effectuall also in any of the distempers aforesaid and so is the distilled water of the Herb also Spunges or linnen Cloaths wetted in the juyce and applyed outwardly to any hot tumours and Inflammations doth exceedingly cool and help them the same juyce taken into the mouth and there gargled for some time and after spit forth and fresh taken will wonderfully help a stinking foul Canker or Ulcer therein It is also singular good in wounds Punctures thrusts and stabs into the Body to stay the bleeding and to cleanse and heal the wounds speedily and helpeth well also to stay any hot defluxions or Catarrhs upon the Throat and Lungs CHAP. CXXIV Of Baulm The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Melissophyllum or Meliphyllum id est Apum folium that is Bees-Leaf because the Bees are very much delighted therewith In Latine Melissa and Citragâ— ab odore Citri because it smelleth like a Citron Apiastrum from the pleasure that Bees take in it and Melissophyllum of the effect it being good for Bees We in English call it Bawm from the singular effects therein in imitation of the true naturall Balm The Kinds Besides the Ordinary Baulm which usually groweth in our Gardens there are five other sorts 1. Turky Baulm with a blew Flower 2. Turky Baulm with a white Flower 3. Unpleasant Baulm 4. Great Assyrian Baulm 5. Prickly Assyrian Baulm The Form The Common Garden Baulm hath divers square green stalks with round hard dark green Leaves pointed at the ends like an Heart and a little dented round about the edges set by couples at the joynts of a sweet smell comming nearest to a Citron or a Lemmon the Flowers are small and gaping growing at the tops of the stalks of a pale Carnation colour almost white the Roots fasten themselves strongly in the ground and endure long the leaves and stalks dying down yearly The Places and Time The first groweth no where but in Gardens the two next grow naturally in Moldavia which is under the Turkish Dominion The third at the foot of divers Hills both in Germany and Narbone in France The fourth and fifth in Syria as their Titles do declare The three first flower somewhat earlier in the Summer then the two Assyrian kinds which flower very seldom before the middle of August so that
famous Doctor of Physick whom the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Some Bastard Names it hath also as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi Hederula and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi Hederula folium the form of the Leaves being like unto Ivy. Ruellius calleth it Hederalis in Latine but it is better known by the Names of Asclepias and Vincetâ—xicum which last is a generall word for any Counter-poyson and commeth from Vincâ— to over-come and Toxicum Poyson It was anciently called Hirundinaria although both the kinds of Chelidonium majus and minus be called Hirundinaria that is Swallon-vvort ab Hirundine from a Swallow because the pointed Cods when they are open and the Silk appeareth out of them do somewhat resemble a Swallow flying Others say from the Seed which is feathered as it were with Down about it In English it is called Svvallovv-vvort and of some Silken Cicely The Kinds There be only three Sorts of Swallow-wort that I can find 1. Swallow-wort with white Flowers 2. Swallow-wort with black Flowers 3. Swallow-wort of Candy The Form The Swallow-wort with white-flowers riseth up with divers slender weake stalkes to be halfe a yard or two foot long not easy to break yet scarce able to stand upright and therefore for the most part leane or lye down upon the ground if they find not some thing to sustaine them and then somtimes they will twine themselves about it whereon are set two leaves at the joynts being somwhat broad and long pointed at the end of a darke green colour and smooth at the edges at the joynts with the Leaves towards the top of the stalkes and at the tops themselves come forth divers small white flowers consisting of five pointed leaves a piece of an heavy sweet sent after wich come small long pods thick above and growing lesse and lesse to the point wherein by small flat brown seed wrapped in a great deale of white silken down which when the pod is ripe openeth of it selfe and sheddeth both seed and cotton upon the ground if it be not carefully gathered the roots are a great bush of many white strings fastned together at the head smelling somewhat strong while they are fresh and green but more pleasant when they are dryed both leaves and stalkes dye down every yeare to the ground and rise a new in the Spring the stalkes at their first coming up being of a blackish brown colour The Places and Time One or two if not all of these sorts grow in the Physick Garden at Oxford but as for their naturall places the two first grow in rough untilled places and on Mountaines in divers places both in France about Narbone Marscilles and Mompelier and in Italy also and in other places The last grow in Candy whence the seed came which being sowne groweth with us They all flower in the moneths of June and July and somtimes not untill August if the yeare be backward and their Cods with seed are ripe about a Moneth after the empty huske abiding on the dry branches when the seed and silk is shed out and fallen on the ground or blown away with the wind The Temperature The rootes of Swallow-wort are hot and dry and have a soveraigne quality against all poysons but in particular against the Apocinum or Dogsbane The Vertues A Dram of the powder of the roots of Swallow-wort taken in Sorrell or Bnglosse water is very effectuall against all the passions of the heart and if a few Citron seeds be taken therewith in the same manner and measure it easeth all the griping paines of the belly It is likewise effectually given to any that are bitten by any venemous beast or stung by any Serpent or other Creature as also against the biting of a mad dog a dram and an halfe of the root being taken in Carduus water for divers dayes together It is taken also in Wine every day against the Plague or Pestilence The decoction of the rootes made with white-Wine taken for divers dayes together a good draught at a time and sweating presently thereupon cureth the Dropâ—y the same also helpeth the Jaundise provoketh Urine and eaâ—eth the Cough and all defects of the Chest and Lungs The powder of the Rootes taken with Peony seed is good against the Falling sicknesse or what Basil seed or the rind of Pome Citrons is good against Melancholy Taken with the roots of White or Bastard Dâ—ttany it killeth and expelleth the Wormes of the Maw and Belly The rootes are very effectually used with other things in Bathes made for women to â—t over to ease all paines of the Mother and bring down their courses The Decoction likewise of the Roots hereof and of Comfrey made with wine is much commended to help those that are bursten or have a rupture and for them that have bin bruised with a fall or otherwise The powder of the root or leaves is no lesse effectuall to cleanse all putrid rotten and filthy Ulcers and soâ—es wheresoever then the Roots of Aristolochia or Birthwort and may safely be used in all Salves Unguents and Lotions made for such purposes instead thereof the one for the other The Leaves and Flowers boyled and made into a pultis applyed to the hard tumors or swellings of womens Breasts cureth them speedily as also such evil sores as happen in the Matrix although they be inveterate or hard to be cured The Down that is found in the Cods of these herbs doth make a softer stuffing for Cushions or Pillows or the like than thistle down which is much used in some places for the like purposes CHAP. CXXVII Of Goates-Rue The Names THis Hearb being unknown to the Antient Authors hath no Greek Name in Latin it is usually called Galega or Ruta Capraria For they that first found it and the vertues gave that Name of Rue thereunto as finding it no lesse effectuall then the Best Rue and Capraria because it is good for Goates Some call it Gralega and some Herba Gallica as Fracastorius and of some Capraria Some with us call it Italian-Vetch but most Commonly Goates Rue The Kinds The Sorts hereof are but two 1. Common Goates Rue 2. Mountain Goats Rue The Forme The Common or most usuall Goates Rue sendeth forth many round hard stalks three or four foot high whereon grow one above another at severall Joynts Long winged Leaves that is many Leaves set one each side of a middle rib which are small yet somewhat broad and long and pointed at the end smooth on the Edges without any dents somewhat like unto the Leaves of Vetches and of a faint green Colour at the topps of the stalks stand many small Leguminous flowers one above another of a pale blewish purple Colour and in some plants pure white after which come small round pods about â—n inch and an half long a little bunched out in some places but nothing so much as the Orobus or Bitter Vetch wherein lie three or four or five small pale seed
as the former is more effectuall then the seed it selfe The juyce of the green Leaves dropped into the eares dryeth up the moisture and running of them The seed beaten and boyled into a Pultis and applyed to any inflammation or hot Imposthume cooleth them much and doth also take away the pain and black and blew marks that come of bruises and blowes as also the frettings and gallings of the skin the same also applyed with the fine powder of Oaken â—oales helpeth the Hemeroids or Piles when they bleed too much It is singular good also to be applyed to Ruptures both inwardly and outwardly and to stay defluxions of hot and sharp Rhewmes into the eyes and against other destillations of the head and want of sleep The decoction of the seed is good to wash the mouth both to fasten loose teeth and to heal putrid and rotten Gums and the Gum that sometimes issueth out of the tree is good for the ach of hollow teeth being put thereinto The said Leaves are so astringent that they may be substituted instead of Acacia Though the Virginian Sumack be kept only as a rarity or ornament to a Garden or Orchard yet it is conceived that if tryall were made it might work some of the foresaid effects The leaves of Coggygria or Venice Sumack are sold in the Markets of Spain and Italy for great sums of Money unto those that dresse Spanish Leather for which purpose they are very excellent as those of the Coriars Sumack also are the Woods especially of the Roots of every of them are a Commodity that Dyers make much use some of them dying black some yellow and some red The Gall is by the bitternesse and harshnesse found to be both drying and discussing and is very effectuall to kill Wormes in the Belly or Stomack but it worketh much upon the brain causing evill accidents thereunto It keepeth Mothes from Garments and woollen Cloathes giving unto them a good sceâ—t and therefore it is much used to be laid in Wardrobes Chests Presses and the like The Myrtle leafed Sumack and the Venice are almost as effectuall as the first and may be used for the purposes aforesaid but then the quantity must be augmented for they are weaker CHAP. CCLVIII. Of the Myrtle The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from Myrsine an Athâ—nian Maid whom Pallas loved yet because she overcame her in running she killed her for envy and from her dead body sprung up this tree which Pallas loves equally with the Olive as the story saith but Pena thinketh it to be so named because the fresh berries thereof do contend with Myrrhe in their sweet savour It is called in Latine Myrtus and in English Myrtle from the Latine which other Nations imitate also The Apothecaries and Druggist call the Berries Myrtilli The Kindes There be ten sorts of Myrtles at the least 1 The greater leafed Myrtle 2 The smaller leafed Myrtle 3 The greatest open Lawrell Myrtle 4 The strange broad leafed close Myrtle 5 The usuall broad leafed Myrtle 6 The strange narrow leafed Myrtle 7 The Spanish wild Myrtle 8 The small white Myrtle 9 Box leafed Myrtle 10 Double flowred Myrtle The Forme The greater leafed Myrtle riseth up to be three or four foot high though seldome more with us growing after the manner of a small bush with many branches the eldest whereof as also the Stemme are incompassed with a bark of a dark colour that of the younger is green and sometimes red especially at the first shooting forth whereon are set many fresh green Leaves of a sweet smel and pleasant aspect so very like unto the leaves of the Pomegranate tree that groweth with us that they are often taken one for another being somewhat broad and long pointed at the ends and abiding alwayes green At the joynts of the branches where the leaves stand come forth the flowers upon small foot-foot-stalks each of them being made of five small white leaves with threds in the middle of the same colour of a very sweet smell also in the hot Countries where they are naturall but not in ours certain berries which are black when they be ripe succeed the flowers wherein many white crooked seeds are contained The Root disperseth it self into many branches The Places and Time All the sorts of Myrtles grow in Spain Portugall Italy and other hot Countrys in great abundance yet in ours unlesse they be kept in pots and be removed from the extremity of heat and cold they will not live for they abide not the excesse of either as we may gather from those Hemisticks of Virgil and Ovid Amantes frigora Myrtos Metuentem frigora Myrtum as loving shadow to defend them from the heat and shelter to cover them from the cold so that in the Winter we commonly keep them within doors They flower very late with us not untill August at the soonest so that they want time to perfect the fruit but in their naturall places they flower in May their fruit is ripe in September The Temperature Galen saith that the myrtle is endued with contrary qualities that is with a cold and earthy and a warm and thin and therefore it powerfully bindeth and drieth The Vertues Because the Physicians do commonly joyn sumak and myrtle in their Compositions therefore I have set them next to one another in this Book of simples and indeed they are alike effectuall for all effusions of blood at what part soever both in Men and Women the dry rather then the dryed Leaves being beaten and boyled with water and drunk and so it is good against Catarrhes falling to any part of the body the Whites in Women moist Ulcers and fretting or creeping sores The fruit with the seed is good for the tremblings and passions of the heart resisteth the danger that might happen by the sting of Serpents the bitings of venemous Creatures or by poysonfull Mushromes Being drunk in Wine it helpeth a stinking breath cureth the diseases of the bladder provoketh Urine the same heated with wine healeth all Ulcers that are hard to cure and so it is good for blancs wheales and other breakings out of the skin The decoction is good for Women to sit in or over that are troubled with the falling downe of the Mother and is good also for the falling downe of the fundament and the piles Being mixed with Sallet-Oyle or Oyle of Roses and Wine and applyed it helpeth the swelling of the Cods the Impostumes of the fundament and Saint Anthonies fire The decoction of the Leaves is good for the resolution of the Arteries and Joynts and other weaknesses incident thereunto to sit in the same as in a Bath or else to bath that part only which is most amisse and so it helpeth to consolidate those bones that are broken or out of joynt which will otherwise hardly be cured It helpeth the sorenesse of the Nailes and the rising of the skin about
English Solomons-seale from the ordinary Latine name and sometime White-wort or White 〈…〉 The Kindes The sorts of Solomons-seale that I finde mentioned by Authors are twelve 1. Common Solomons-seal 2. Great Solomons-seal 3. The great-flowred Solomons-seal 4. The greatest leased Solomons seal 5. Small Solomons-seale 6. Broad-leafed branched Solomons-seal 7. Solomons-seal of Virginia 8. Clâ—â—ter-like Solomons-seal of America 9. Solomons-seal of Brasil 10. The greater and lesser thorough-leafed yellow Solomons-Seal of America 11. Narrow-leafed Solomons-seal 12. Branched small Solomons-seal The Forme The Common Solomons-seale groweth with a round Stalk about half a yard high bowing or bending down the top set with single Leaves one above another which are somewhat large and like unto the Leaves of the May Lilly of a blewish green colour with some ribs therein and a little yellowish underneath it hath at the foot of every Leaf almost from the bottom small long white and yellow pendulous flowers like unto those of the May Lilly also but ending in five longer points for the most part two together at the end of a small foot-foot-stalk standing all on one side the Stalk under the Leaves which being past there appâ—ar round berries green at first but afterwards of a blackish green tending to blewness wherein lyeth small white hard stony Seed The Root is white and thick full of knobs or joynts which in some places resemble the mark of a Seal the taste thereof is at first sweet but afterwards bitter and somewhat sharp The Places and Time The first groweth in divers places of this Land as in a Wood two miles from Canterbury by Fish-poole Hill as also between Newington and Sittingburne in Kent in Surrey about Horsely in Wiltshire about Alderbury in Hamâ—shire about Odiam c. The rest are not found in England unlesse it be in the Gardens of the most ingenuous Herbalists The Flowers of the common sort are ripe in May and they seed in September The Temperature The roots of Solomons-seale which are most in use are hot and dry containing in them a certain kind of astriction or binding and biting withall The Signature and Vertues The Roots of Solomons-seale doe by the Impresse that is set upon them signifie the wonderful vertue they have in sealing or closing up the Rim of the Belly when it is so bursten that the great Guts fall down into the Cods if the Decoction in Wine or the Powder in Broth or Drink be taken inwardly and outwardly applyed to the place It is also very available in all other Hurts Wounds or outward Sores to heal and close up the lips of those that are green and to dry up and restrain the Flux of Humours into those that are old It is singular good to stay Vomitings and also Bleedings wheresoever as also all Fluxes in Man or Woman whether they be the Running of the Reins in Men or the Whites or Reds in Women The people of divers Countreys of this Land have found by late experience that it is incomparably good to knit and joyn broken bones in any part of the Body even in those which by any weaknesse use to be often out of place or will not stay in long when they are set the Roots being bruised and applyed to the place but the Decoction of the Root in Wine or the bruised Root put in Wine or other Drink and after a nights infusion strained forth hard and drunk soddereth and gleweth together broken Bones very speedily and strangely though the Bones be but slenderly and unhandsomely placed and wrapped up and this it doth not onely in Man but in beasts also the Roots being stamped and outwardly applyed in manner of a Pultis The same also is available for inward or outward Bruises Falls or Blowes both to dispel the congealed Blood and to take away both the paines and the black and blew markes that abide after the hurt Some Authors doe affirme that the powder of the Herb or of the Seed purgeth Phlegme and viscous humours very notably both upward and downward and it is said also that the Root chewed in the Mouth draweth down much Phlegm out of the Head and put up into the Nostrils causeth sneezing but the distilled Water of the whole Herb doth without question cleanse the skin from Morphew Freckles Spots or other marks whatsoever leaving the place fresh fair and lovely after it hath been a few times washed therewith CHAP. CCCXXIV Of the Balsame Apple The Names IT is not conceived that the Greek Writers had any knowledge of this Plant because the name thereof is not so much as found amongst their Writings and therefore it is that the Latine Appellations do so much differ there being no Antiquity to build upon Cordus calleth it Cucumis puniceus Gesner Balsamina pomisera Lobel Balsamina Cucumerina punâ—cea but the most usuall name is Balsamine from the healing property that is in it the Oyle wherein the Apples of it have been steeped being in many things as effectual as the liquor of the Plant Balsa 〈…〉 It is called in English the Balsame Apple or Apple of Jerusalem The Kindes The Kindes hereof are not very numerous being distinguished into two onely 1. The Male Balsame Apple 2. The Female Balsame Apple The Forme The Male Balsame Apple springeth up with divers slender reddish Stalks and Branches shooting forth many clasping Tendrels like a Vine whereby it taketh hold of any Pole or other thing that standeth neer it or else no such thing being neer it lyeth upon the ground not being able to support it self having the Leaves thereon cut in on the edges into sundry divisions like unto those of the White Briony but much smaller tenderer and more divided The Flowers are yellowish white like unto those of the Cucumber coming out at the joynts with the Leaves as they do after which cometh the Fruit which is somewhat long and round poynted at both ends and bunched on the out side with rowes the Skin it self being smooth and very red the Pulp being reddish also within which is the Seed which is rough hard flat and reddish when it is first taken out but after it is dryed it is of a grayish black colour somewhat like unto the Citrul seeds for form and bignesse The Roots are small and stringy yet creeping a good way within the earth The Places and Times These Plants do at present acknowledge no natural place of abode but they are entertained as Sojourners in many of the Gardens of Italy where they come to perfection and their seed is sent over unto us which with labour and industry is made to grow with us but our cold nights being over-early the whole Herb withereth before the Fruit be ripe it being also late before it flowreth The Temperature The Male Balsame-Apple is of a notable drying quality having withall a certain moderate coldnesse The Vertues The powder of the Leaves taken in the distilled Water of Horse-taile or Plantane which are both good for this distemper is
and therefore we in English call it Woody Night-shads Bitter-sweet and of some Felon-wort because it cureth the Felons which happen upon the joynts of the Fingers The Kindes Of this kind of Night-shade there bee onely these two sorts 1. Common woody Night-shade 2. Woody Night-shade with white Flowers The Forme The Common woody Night-shade groweth up with many slender winding brittle woody Stalks as high as a man and sometimes higher folding it self about the Hedges or any thing else that standeth next thereunto yet without any claspers at all covered with a whitish rough Bark having a pith in the middle shooting ouâ— Branches on every side which are green while they are young and so are the new shoots of those that are elder whereon grow many Leaves without order somewhat like unto those of Night-shade but that they are pointed at the ends with two smal Leaves or pieces of Leaves usually growing upon the foot-Foot-stalks between the Leaf and the Branch like little wings of a pale green colour but some of them have but one and some none the Flowers come forth at the tops and sides of the Branches standing many together in fashion of a long Umbell upon short foot-stalks one above another which consist of five narrow and long violet purple coloured Leaves with a long gold-yellow pointel in the middle sticking forth which afterwards turn into round and somewhat long Berries green at the first but red soft and full of juyce when they come to ripenesse of an unpleasant bitter tast though sweet at first wherein many flat white Seeds are contained the Root spreadeth it self into many strings under ground not growing to any great bignesse The Places and Time The first groweth in every Country by the sides of Ditches and Hedges whereon it many times runneth the second is seldome met with but by S. Margarets Church in Rumney Marsh The Leaves come forth in the Spring the Flowers in July and the Berries are ripe in August The Temperature The Leaves and Berries of Bitter-sweet are hot and dry cleansing and wasting away The Vertues The Leaves or Berries of Bitter-sweet stamped with rusty Bacâ—â— applyed to that Joynt of the Fiâ—ger that is troubled with a Felon hath been found by divers Countrey people who are most suâ—jâ—ct thereunto to be very successâ—ful for the â—uring of the same The decoction of the Leaves and tender branches being infused and set over the fire in three pâ—nts of White Wine the Pot wherein it is done being close covered for twelve houres together which being then stâ—ained is a most excellent Drinke to opâ—n the Oâ—structiâ—ns of the Liver Gall and Spleen and is used with good successe not onely in the yellow but black Jaundise and to cleanse Womâ—n hat are newly brought abâ—d a quarter of a Pint thereof being drank for many Mornings together and if you will in the Evenings also The said Infusion is also availeable for difficulty of breathing Bruises Falls and congealed blood in any part of the body and it is good against the Dropsie for it purgeth away waterish and other humors very gently both by Urine and Stool It is also used against putrid Feavers or Agues and when any bone is broken or out of joynt as likewise for Ruptures and Wounds The Sheepherds in Germany as Tragus reporteth doe use to hang it about their Cattles neck when they are troubled with a swimming in the Head causing them to turne round as if they were bewitched and therefore they say it removeth Witchcrafts both in Men and Beasts bâ—t that swimming in the head is no effect of Witchcraft but proceeds from a naturall cause for which this Plant is a specifick remedy as it is for all such like sodaine distempers whatsoever being hung about the the Neck and that is not farre from the head CHAP. CCCXLIII Of Ladies Bedstraw The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gallium or as others have it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Galiunâ— and of some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Galerion and Galarion from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies Milke into which the Women of former times did put this Herb as those of ours doe Runnet to cause the milke to turne into a Curd for the making of Cheese for which purpose it is said to serve very well and therefore divers doe call it â—heese Runnet both here and beyond the Seas It is called in Latine Galium after the Greeâ— and that with white Flowers Mâ—llugo in English Ladies Bedstraw and sometimes Maids haire from the finenesse of the Leaves The Kindes There be but sixe sorts of Ladies Bedstraw in all that I meet with and therefore I shall put them down 1. The Common Ladies Bedstraw 2. Red flowred Ladies Bedstraw 3. Mountain white flowred Ladies Bedstraw 4. The common white flowred Ladies Bedstraw 5. Mountain Ladies Bedstraw of Candy 6. Another Ladies Bedstraw of Candy The Forme The common Ladies Bedstraw riseth up with divers small brown square stalks standing upright at first but after it cometh to be about a foot or half a yard high which is its usuall dimension the tops thereof leane a little downwards being most commonly branched forth into divers parts full of joynts and with divers very fine small Leaves at every one set at equall distances like Wood-roof but much lesse and hardly rough at all at the tops of the branches doe grow forth from several joynts many long tufts or branches of yellow flowers set one above another very thick together consisting of four Leaves a piece of a strong and resinous yet not unpleasant smell The Seed is small and black like Poppy seed two for the most part being joyned neer together The root is somewhat red which having many small threds fastned unto it taketh fast hold of the earth and creepeth a little way also but that which maketh it most to increase is that after the branches are weighed downe to the ground by the heavinesse of the Flowers it taketh root againe at the joynts thereof The Places and Time The first is frequently to be found in many places of this Land in dry Pastures Closes and Medowes and sometimes in those that are wet though I think unknown to most but the place that I particularly remember to abound therewith is Butlers Close at Adlerbury Towns end the second was found in Italy and the third in Germany on divers hills there the fourth is a spontaneal of our own Land and groweth in the Abbey Orchard at Saint Albans and in divers other places the name of the fifth and sixth speaketh their Extraction They flower in May and June and the Seed is ripe in July and August The Temperature Ladies Bedstraw especially that with yellow flowers which is most common is dry and something binding as Galen saith The Vertues Though Mugwort be an Herbe noted amongst the Vulgar for preventing wearinesse upon sore Travell and for doing it away after it is contracted
Apothecaries that were unskifull in the Greek tongue whereas heretofore it was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it doth rejoyce those whose Eyes are troubled with dimnesse But why he would have it called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I know not unlesse he should have alluded to some plant of this kind formerly so called by the Ancients which he seemeth to deny when he sayes that though this herb hath gotten an elegant Greek name yet nothing that I know is found concerning it in any of the more ancient Greek or Latine Authors He saith further that Buglosse is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that Eyebright borrowed its Greek name from thence because as the one drunk in Wine doth cause joy of mind so the other delighteth and cleareth the Eyes So that I conceive the mistake to be on his part 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as well as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying joy or gladnesse for why should we call two things by one name rejecting that which in all probability seemeth to be the right If Buglosse were first called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it seemeth more likely that Eyebright should be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seeing they both signifie alike it being strange to me that there being no want of a word two plants should have the same appellation and therefore in my judgment it is more rightly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is called also Opthalmica and Ocularia for its effect and we in English call it Eyebright because it makes the Eyes that are dim to become bright The Kinds Parkinson reckoneth up seaven sorts hereof which I have here set down 1. Common Eyebright 2. Small Eyebright 3. Great red Wooddy Eyebright 4. Small red Woody Eyebright 5. Broad leased purple Eyebright 6. Great yellow Eyebright 7. The lesser yellow Eyebright The Forme Common Eyebright is a small low herb rising up usually but with one blackish green stalk a span high or not much more when it is highed but seldom so high spread from the bottom into sundry branches whereon are set small and almost round yet pointed dark green leaves finely snipt about the edges two alwaies set together and very thick At the Joynts with the leaves from the middle upward come forth small white flowers striped with purple and yellow spots or stripes after which follow small round heads with very small seed therein The root is long small and threddy at the end On sâ—me Hills the colour of the flower is sometimes found to vary from those that grow in other places as being more whitish yellow or more purple The Places and Time The first and third are only frequent in this Island the former groweth in dry meddowes by green and grassy waies and in pastures usually on hills sides that stand towards the Sun and the other in many places of Kent in the barren fields and wast grounds about Gravesend and many other places the rest grow some in Italy and at Naples some in Spain and Austria They seldom flower before the beginning of August and continue till September and must be gathered whilest they flower for all physical uses for when they are run to seed as they will be within a while after they are nothing so effectual The Temperature These herbs are by the consent of all Authors hot and dry but in what degree they expresse not I conceive they may be hot in the second and dry in the third for Gerrard saith they are more dry then hot The Signature and Vertues The Purple and yellow spots and stripes which are upon the flowers of Eyebright doth very much resemble the diseases of the Eyes as blood-shot c. By which signature it hath been found out that this herb is very effectual for the curing of the same and for removing dimnesse of sight either the Powder of the dry herb or the Juice of the green The distilled water is very effectuall for the said purpose to be taken either inwardly in Wine or in Broth or to be dropped into the Eyes and used for divers daies together Some also make a Conserve of the flower to the same effect Being used any of these waies it also helpeth a weak Brain or memory and restoreth them being decayed in a short time Arnoldus de Villa Nova in his book of VVines much commendeth the Wine made of Eyebright put into it when it is new made and before it work and certainly if it were tunned up with strong Beer as Worm-wood Scurvy-grasse and the like use to be it would work the like effects as the Wine doth which he saith not only helpeth the dimness of the sight but that the use thereof maketh old men to read small Letters without Spectacles that could hardly read great ones with their spectacles before so that as Mr. Culpepper saith If this Herb were as much used as neglected it would half spoil the Spectacle-makers Trade Arnoldus saith also that it did restore their sight who were blind for a long while before If a sufficient quantity hereof cannot be had to tun up as aforesaid the Powder of the dryed Herb either mixed with Sugar or a little Mace and Fennel-seeds and drunk or eaten in Broth or the said Powders made into an Electuary with Honey do either-way tend to the same effect Divers Authours write that Gold-finches Linnets and some other Birds make use of this Herb for the repairing of their own and their young ones sight CHAP. XXIII Of Clarey The Names ANother Plant whose name doth demonstrate that it is good for the Eyes is Clary quasi Clear Eye because the Seed put into the Eyes doth clear them The Greek name of it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Dioscorides saith for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth impetu quodam ferri quemadmodum in Venerem proni because it provoketh to Venery which is another property it hath And Gaza that translated Theophrastus into Latine translateth it Geminalis for the fruitfulness it causeth most likely in bearing Twins in Latine also Horminum The wild sort is known by the name of Oculus Christi in Latine and Wild Clary in English Clary is also called Gallitricum Orvala and of some Tota bona but not properly Scatlea Sclarea Centrum Galli The Kindes There are divers sorts of Clary some manured only called Garden Clary others growing wild as 1. Ordinary Garden Clary 2. The true Garden Clary of Dioscorides 3. Assyrian Clary 4. Low German Clary 5. Our ordinary wild Clary or Oculus Christi 6. Hoary wild Clary with a white Flower 7. Italian wild Clary 8. Wild Clary with Spike Flowers 9. Sage leafed wild Clary 10. Low Candy Clary 11. Torn and narrow leafed Clary 12. Yellow wild Clary or Jupiters Distaff 13. Aethiopian Clary The Formes Ordinary Garden Clary hath four-square stalks with broad rough wrinkled whitish and hairy green leaves somewhat evenly
hath a thick short knobbed Root blackish without and somewhat reddish within a little crooked or writhed together of an harsh or astringent tast with divers blackish Fibres growing thereat from whence spring up every year divers Leaves standing upon long foot-stalks being somewhat long and broad very like unto a Dock-Leaf and a little pointed at the ends but that it is crumpled of a blewish green colour on the upper side and of an Ash colour gray and a little Purplish underneath having divers veins therein from among which arise divers small and slender stalks about half a yard high almost naked and without Leaves or with very few narrow ones bearing a spiky bush of pale flesh coloured Flowers which being past there abideth small Seed somewhat like unto Sorrel-Seed but greater The Places and Time The two first grow at the foot of Hills and in shadowy moyst Woods near unto them in many places of Germany and in our Country likewise in moyst and watery places particularly in a Meadow about a stones throw above the Abby Mill at St. Albans about an Acres breadth or somewhat more from the River side where the common Bistort groweth plentifully though it be chiefly nourished in Gardens The fourth groweth in VVestmerland about Crosby in Cumberland about Ravenswaith in York-shire Lancashire and divers other places The third groweth on the high Hills in Silesia and other places The two last are round on the Alps in divers places and the last also amongst the Switzers They all flower about the end of May and the Seed is ripe about the beginning of July The Temperature Bistort is cold and dry in the third Degree and very astringent The Signature and Vertues This Plant hath a double Signature both proceeding from the Roots the one from the colour of the inside of them the other from the writhed or twisted form The bloody colour of the Roots betokeneth that it is effectuall to stay the bleeding of the Nose and all manner of inward bleeding and spitting of blood as also any Fluxes of the body in man or woman and likewise vomiting the Powder of the Root in Wine or the decoction thereof being drunk The juyce hereof being put up into the Nose prevaileth much against the Diâ—ease called Polypus and all other Sores or Cancers that happen in the Nose or any other part but the surest way is first to wash them with the distilled water and afterwards to apply the Powder of the Root thereto It is good also to fasten the Gums and to take away the heat and Inflammation that happen as well in the Jawes Almonds of the Throat or Mouth if the decoction of the Roots Leaves or Seeds be used or the juyce of them The Root of Bistort Pellitory of Spain and burnt Allome of each a like quantity beaten small and made into a Past with Honey a little peece thereof put into an hollow Tooth or holden between the teeth if they be not hollow stayeth the defluxions of Rheum upon them when it is the cause of their pain and helpeth to cleanse the Head and void much offensive matter The wreathed form of the Root is a sign that is good against the bitings of Serpents or Snakes for which it is found to be very effectuall as also for the venoming of Toads Spiders Adders or the like venomous Creatures if the place be washed with the water that is distilled from the Root and Leaves A dram of the powdered Root taken in drink expelleth the Venom of the Plague the small Pox Measels Purples or any other infectious Disease driving it forth by sweating The Powder of the Root or the decoction thereof being drunk is very available against Ruptures or burstings or all bruises or falls whatsoever dissolving the congealed blood and easing the pains that happen thereupon The said decoction being made with Wine and drunk hindereth abortion that is when Women are apt to miscarry in Child-bearing the Leaves kill worms in Children and is a great help to them that cannot keep their water if some juyce of Plantain be put thereto which applyed outwardly doth give much help in the Gonorrhaea or running of the Reins A dram of the Powder of the Root taken in the water thereof wherein some red hot Iron or Steel hath been quenched is also an admirable help thereto so as the body be first prepared and purged from the offensive humours The Leaves Seeds or Roots are all very good in Decoctions Drinks or Lotions for invard or outward wounds or other sores and the Powder strewed upon any Cut or Wound in a vein stayeth the immoderate bleeding thereof The Decoction of the Roots in water whereupon some Pomegranate Pills and Flowers are added injected into the Matrix stayeth the access of humours to the Ulcers thereof and bringeth it to its right place being fallen down and stayeth the immoderate Flux of the Courses The Roots are most used in Physick and will keep good a year or two The Dose in Powder is from a scruple to a dram into Decoction from a drachm to two or three which is made by bruising a sufficient quantity of the root suppose two drachms and boyling it in half a pint of Posâ—et drink till about half be consumed then strain it and give the clearest to be drunk in a morning CHAP. XXXVIII Of Tormentil The Names THough none of the Greek writers have mentioned this herb yet it hath got a Greek name and is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Septem et 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 folium that is Seven-leaves but not properly it being only one leaf cut into seven divisions For there is a general rule in all Leaves whether of herbs or trees that that which falleth away with the stalk and not in parts and at several times is the leaf though it be winged as that of the Ash Elder Walnut tree c. the great Centory Agrimony Danewort Parsnep Valerian c. is or divided as Trefoil Cinquefoil or Tormentil c. is It is called in Latine Tormentilla quia valet adversus tormenta intestinorum from its vertue in easing the torments of the Guts and Heptaphyllum or Septifolium and of some Stellaria from the form of the leaves though that be a name applyed to other plants of the like form In English Tormentil Setfoil or Seven-leaves The Kinds Formerly there was but one sort of Tormentill known but now there are three 1. Common Tormentil 2. The greater Tormentil 3. Silver leafed Tormentil The Forme The common Tormentil hath many reddish slender weak branches rising from the root lying upon the ground or rather leaning then standing upright with many short leaves that stand closer to the stalks as the Cinkfoil doth which this is otherwise somewhat like with the footstalks encompassing the Branches in several places but they that grow next the ground are set upon longer footstalks each whereof are like the leaves of Cinkfoil but somewhat longer and lesser
the nose very quickly The distilled water of the herb is profitable for all the purposes aforesaid the leaves being gently rubbed on any place stung with nettles or bees or bitten with any venemous Creature doth presently take away the pain But take notice that Wall Pepper which though it be a kind of Sedum as to the form yet it is of a very hot sharp and exulcerating quality and raiseth blisters in the skin if it be laid thereupon but a while as forcibly as Ranunculus or Crowfoot will do and therefore it behoveth all those that shall have any occasion to use any of the cooling Stonecrops that they do not mistake this for some of them wherunto it is so like yet it is not without some other good qualities whereof good use may be made for it is said to procure vomiting the Juyce thereof taken with Vinegar and some other drink driveth forth thick cholerick and phlegmatick humours whereby quartane Agues and others of long continuance may be cured and that taken in the same manner it doth expell any poyson or the force of venemous herbs and of the Aconites which vertue notwithstanding is by some referred to the greater kinds but there may be some danger in the taking and therefore may be let alone seeing there be divers medicines to the same purpose in this book Yet it is not altogether unlikely that it should do so for why may not this as well expell the poyson of Aconite as well as Aconite prevail so mightily against the bitings of Scorpions or Vipers or fire fetch out fire which experience telleth us it doth Dioscorides saith that being applyed outwardly with Axungia that is Hogs-suet it will take away knots and kernels as well in the Neck and Throat which is called the Kings-Evil as in any other part of the body and applyed by it self or boyled in Oyl of Roses and the sore piles anointed therewith doth ease the pains and cure them of the grief And thus having given you the vertues of the greater aswell the lesser Houseleeks that grow by land it will not be impertinent to give you those of Aloes or Sea Houseleek also which I shall do in the next Chapter CHAP. XLVIII Of Aloes or Sea Houseleek The Names DIoscorides and all others both ancient and modern writers call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which name some suppose to have been given to it either from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is à sale or else from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à Salo the Sea it self with whose breath it is much delighted It is called also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it groweth not only in the ground but sometimes out of the ground though it be hanged up in an house Some of the modern Herbarists do call it Semper vivum marinum from the thickness of the leaves and likenesse unto Sedum majus or the greater Houseleek called Semper vivum The hardned Juyce thereof is also usually called Aloes of which as Schroderus saith there be four sorts now in use and because there is but one kind except the American of that plant I will set down the kinds of Juyces The Kindes There is 1. A Blackish sort called Aloe Caballina because it is fit only for Horses 2. A more pure sort in colour like the Liver called Aloe Hepatica 3. Another sort called Aloe Succotrina or Succo citrina because the powder thereof is of a citrine or yellow colour or Socotorina rather because there is great plenty of it in the island Socotora 4. The fourth kind is the purest part of the Juyce and is called Aloe lucida because being held up against the Beams of the of the Sun it sheweth very clear like a kind of red glasse The best is that which is most clear and transparent of a redish or yellow Colour being easy to bâ—eak and very bitter The Forme Sea-Houseleek hath divers long fleshy pale green Leaves of the thicknesse of ones finger with divers hard dents or points on both sides of them and pointed at the ends likewise the one enclosing the other at the bottom and standing round the outermost bending for the most part backwards from the middle of which ariseth a short thick stalk little more then a foot high bearing many small bottle-like flowers It beareth seed in husks like unto an Asphodil after the flowers are past the root is thick and about a foot long or lesse within the ground shooting out some thick Fibres at the end The Places and Time It groweth in Arabia Asia Syria and all the East Countries and in India as well a great way within the land as near the Sea side and in the islands there as in Socotora as Garcius saith where the best is made as also in many places in Italy and in Spaiu about Andalousia near the sea shore in such plenty that divers thought to have made good store of Aloes there but after tryall it was not found any way so effectuall as the Indian sort It flowreth in the hotter Countries in the first Summer moneths but never in these colder for it is preserved with great care from the frosts in Winter which will cause it quickly to rot if it feel never so little cold The Temperature Aloe that is to say the juyce that is used in Physick is moderately hot and that in the first Degree but dry in the third extream bitter yet without biting it is also of an emplaistick or clammy quality and something binding The Vertues and Signature Aloes openeth the Belly purgeth the stomach helpeth those that have a pale colour and is used against the yellow Jaundice by Signature not without good successe It is also profitable in the Head-ach when Vapours arise from the stomach in the Night-Mare in the Scorbute or Scurvy in the Falling-sickness and in Rheums It resisteth putrefaction killeth worms of all sorts whether in the belly or stomach nay it is a speciall Antidote against worms and is more proper for the stomach then all other purging Medicines notwithstanding Cardans Opinion to the contrary seeing it doth not only purge away Choler and flegme from it but also comfort it and help it much when it is crude moyst and nauseous It preventeth Arthriticall pains or pains of the joynts it quickeneth the senses by purging obnoxious humours from the brain It provoketh Womens Courses and the Hemorrhoides or Piles but hardly draweth humours from any part above the Liver Being outwardly applyed it hath a consolidating faculty to heal green wounds and dryeth as also mundifieth or cleanseth and takes away all putrifaction in wounds It healeth wounds of the Testicles and Privities it cures the redness of the Eys and consumes the spots growing therein It is good in the Inflammations of the Eys and Apostumes of the Lips Nose and Eys It healeth Ulcers that are hardly brought to cicatrize and especially those in the Fundament and privy Members Being mixed with Oxe-Gall or the juyce of VVormwood and
Palmae cerebrum the brain of the Date-Tree The Kindes Besides the manured Date-Tree there is the wild or low Date-Tree called the Palmito-Tree as I said before and the thorny Palmito The Form The Date-Tree usually groweth very great and tall yet in some places nothing so tall as in others bare of Branches unto the top the Bark whereof is not so well to be said scaly or rugged as knaggy having short knaggs which are the ends of the middle Ribs of the Leaves sticking out round about the Body which give an easie footing like steps to climbe or get up into the tops of the Trees to gather the fruit the Leaves that grow at the top are very long and large made as it were of divers parts and folded together double the middle Rib being thick and almost wooddy but spongy within which do alwayes abide green and hang down-wards with their ends the Flowers are enclosed with a long skinny sheath hanging down from the lower Branches of Leaves and sometimes higher which opening it self at the end into two parts shew forth abundance of white Saffron-like small Flowers hanging by small threds in great bunches together after which come the fruit upon the said threddy foot-foot-stalks green at the first and reddish when they are ripe with a hard firm small long and round whitish stone with a furrow in the middle some Sorts are small and some great some of a lost substance some firmer and harder some whitish some yellowish or reddish or blackish some round like an Apple others long with the roundness some having the top soft some none at all some so sweet and lushious that they will nor abide long unlesse they be pressed into Cakes to be kept others will abide whole for a long time and fit to be sent also into any farr Country yet all of them have a small round hard Crown or Cap at the head which with rubbing one against another falleth off The stones within the fruit notwithstanding that they are so solid and firm as a very stone and can hardly be broken with an Hammer yet having a small hollow place in the middle of them with so â—mall a Kernel therein that it would not be thought to spring thereby yet being put whole into the ground hath shot forth even in this Country long narrow hard Leaves which have abiden in a convenient warm place divers years without any great progresse so little it liketh a cold Climate The Places and Time The manured Date groweth in all the Eastern Countries generally and those have been most commended by some that grow in Judaea and in the valley of â—ericho but Bellonius saith they deserved not Commendations neither were they ripe about Jerusalem above a moneth after they had been gathered in Egypt they grow also in Italy where they are planted but bear no fruit and in Spain by the Sea-side but the fruit is nothing so good as in Cyprus and the Levant The other two sorts the first in Sicilia Candy c. the other in Spain they flowre in April and are ripe in November or later The Temperature Dates are hot and dry almost in the second Degree and astringent or binding especially when they are not through ripe being through ripe they are hot and moyst in the second Degree some say hot and moyst in the first Degree The Vertues Dates yield a grosse and clammy and fatty or impinguating nourishment therefore they heâ—p the hoarsness and roughness of the Throat the sharp Cough by reaâ—on oâ— sharp Rheum falling on the Breast and Lungs and are used also against Consumptions and wasting of the Body The Decoction of them taken allayeth the force of hot Agues and stayeth spitting of blood the pain in the Stomach and Bowels by reason of a Flux and boyled in Water and Honey and taken doth refresh the spirits they somewhat provoke to Venery the Decoction helpeth the weakneâ—â—e and pains in the Back and Bladder they strengthen the weakness of the Liver and Spleen being mixed with other convenient Medicines They are used in Broths against Consumptions and pining Diseases and are counted restorative eâ—pecially the sweet ones Dry Dates being eaten do stop the Belly and stay vomiting of Women with Child and help against miscarrying they stay Womens Courses and the bleeding and falling down of the Fundament and Piles being taken in Red Wine If they be made into a Poultis alone or with other things and applyed to the Stomack and Belly they stay the vomiting of Women with Child The Decoction of Dates or the Leaves of the Date-Tree maketh the hair black being often used and stayeth fretting Ulcers Being mixed with Wax and Saffron they help the black and blew marks remaining after stripes or bâ—owes and reduceth the skin to its naturall colour Date Stones being burnt and washed serve instead of Spodium to binde and restrain the fluent humours into the Eys and to consume the Pin and Web in them and to dry up Pushes being uâ—ed with Spikenâ—rd it stayeth the falling of the hair from the Eye-browes and being mingled with Wine and used it helpeth any Excrescences of the flesh as Wens and such like and bringeth foul Ulcers to Cicatrising and stayeth the spreading of them A Poultis made of them and applyed helpeth any luxation or joynts out of place and they are used in astringent Cataplasms or Pultises They are not to be used by such as are troubled with the Head-ach Collick or hot Livers Diaphaenicon which is the Electuary made of Dates purgeth Choler and Flegme very effectually so it be taken with good caution and advice and that from two drams unto six in White-Wine or a Decoction of Sena as shall be thought fit and is conveniently given in compound and long Agues and in those Diâ—eases which are bred of raw humours as in the Cholick the pains of the back and Mother The Head of the Date or Date brains is very pleasant and savoury to the tast and is much used where they grow to be eaten with Pepper and Salt Of the Leaves of the Palmito they use to make Brooms to sweep the House which will last a long time of them likewise they make Mats and Baskets CHAP. LXIII Of Winter Green The Names IT is called Pyrola in Latine for it hath not found any Greek name à foliorum Pyri arloris similitudine florum etiam similitudine of the likenesse of the Leaves I may say of the flowers also unto Peartree Leaves flowers Divers have taken it to be Limonium but the true Limonium is now so well known that it putteth all out of doubt Some have called it Beta sylvestris as Pliny and Fuschius because it appeareth in the Spring about the time that Garden Beets do but Galen saith there is no wild sort of the Beet Others have called it Tintinnabulum Terrae from the likenesse of the flower to a bell saith Fuschius but is generally of all now a daies called Pyrola in
shall therefore mention those that follow reserving the Marsh Mallowes and its kinds for another Chapter upon another occasion 1. The common Mallow with purplish Flowers 2. The Purplish Mallow with white Flowers 3. Small wild Mallow 4. Single Garden Hollihocks 5. Double Hollihocks 6. French curled Mallowes 7. Fine cut or Vervain Mallowes 8. A strange Mallow called Malva Rosa by Mr. Brown The Forme The common Mallow is so well known as also the Hollihocks that the description of either of them is not so necessary as that of the Vervain Mallow being lesse taken notice of The lower Leaves of it are soft and green somewhat like unto the wild common Mallow Leaves but lesser and more cut in on the edges besides the denting but those that grow up higher upon the stalk whose bark may be broken in the threds like Hemp and is sometimes near as high as the ordinary wild kind is are more cut in and divided somewhat like unto Vervain the Flowers hereof are of a paler purple colour then the common Mallow but in most not so much divided into several Leaves and laid so open but abiding more close or lesse spread and without those stripes oftentimes being smooth and somewhat shining the Seed and Seed Vessels are like the common Mallow the Root also is long tough and white but somewhat more wooddy The Places and Time The first is known to grow every where but the second with white Flowers is more rate growing but in few places as about Ashford and other places in Kent and at Thrapstone in North 〈…〉 c. The third is found under Walls and Hedges in many places The fourth fifth and sixth are Inhabitants of Gardens and so is the seaventh which is found in the Fields also about St. Albans c. The last was shewed me by Mr. Ball in his Garden near Sion House which came with some other Seeds from beyond the Seas They flower about June and July The Temperature The wild Mallows have a certain moderate heat and moystnesse withall The Juyce thereof is slimy clammy or giuing the which are to be preferred before the Garden Mallow or Hollihock but the French Mallow is generally holden to be the wholsomest and as Gerard thinks is that which Hesiod commends It easily descendeth not only because it is moyst but also by reason it is slimy The Vertues Although Mallowes are commonly said to mollifie the belly and make it soluble yet there are other things more effectuall to that purpose I shall therefore appropriate it to the Breasts or Paps of women for it not onely procureth great store of Milk in the Breasts of those Nurses that eare it being boyled and buttered as other herbes commonly are or shred into their pottage but also asswageth the hardnesse of them being boyled and applyed unto them warme as also all other hard Tumors Inflammations of Impostums and swelling of Cods and other parts and easeth the paines of them and likewise the hardnesse of the Liver and Spleen being applyed to the places especially if a Pultis be made by adding some Bean or Barly flower or Oyle of Roses to them The Leaves and Roots also boyled in wine or water or in broth with parsley or Fennell Roots doth help to open the Body and is very convenient in hot Agues or other distempers of the body for by its mollilying quality it not onely voideth hot cholerick or other offensive humors but easeth the paines and torments that come by the stoppings of the belly and to that end the boyled leaves are applyed warm to the Belly and it is used in Clisters for the same purpose The Decoction of the seed of any of the Common Mallowes made in milk or wine doth marvellously help Excoriations of the Bowells Ptisick Pleuresie and other diseases of the Chest and Lungs that proceed of hot causes if it be continued taking for some time together The Leaves and Roots work the same effects The juice drunk in wine or the Decoction made in wine doth help women to an easy speedy delivery The Leaves bruised and laid to the Eys with a little Hony taketh away the Impostumation of them The Leaves rubbed upon any place stung with Bees Waspes or the like taketh away the pains rednesse swelling thereof The juice of Mallows boyled in old Oyl applyed taketh away all roughnesse of the skin as also the falling of the haire the Scurse Dandraffe or Dry-Scabs in the head or other parts if they be anointed therewith or washed with the Decoction the same also is effectuall against Scaldings or Burnings and to help wild-fire and all other hot red and painfull swellings in any part of the body The Flowers boyled in water and a little Honey added is a good Gargle for any sore mouth or throat If the feet be bathed with the Decoction of the Leaves Roots and Flowers it helpeth the flowing down of Rhume from the head which rose out of the Stomack the green leaves beaten with Nitre and applyed draweth out thornes or pricks out of the flesh The roots being made clean from the earth and washed and at the end a little â—cotched with a knife and then rubbed hard upon the teeth taketh a way sliminesse of them and maketh them very white The Vervain-Mallow is thought to be most effectuall for burstings or ruptures and the bâ—oody sâ—ix and also for the shrinking of the Sinewes and Cramp The diuilled water hereof being made when it is in flower worketh the same effects but more weakely yet it is much commended in hot Agues and Feavers Plâ—ny saith that whosoever shall take a spoonefull of the juyce of any of the Mallowes shall for that day be free from all diseases and it is especiall good for the Falling-Sicknesse The Syrup also and Conserve made of the flowers are very effectuall to the same diseases and for Costivenesse The young leaves may be eaten as a Sallet with Salt and Vineger and so the Nurses may eat them CHAP. XCIV Of Dill. The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quód citó crescat from its speedy growing for though it be late before it come up a month or two after Fennell to which it is very like yet it perfecteth its feed as much before it and then fades away And this in my opinion is the likeliest Etymology yet others thinke it to be so called quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 id est invictum quia câ—bi appetentiam excitâ—â— because it provokes appetite or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is Congressus â—â—â—tio Venerea for which the Antients held it very eâ—â—ectuall It is called in Latin Anethum Anetum In English Dill Aâ—et The Kindes Though there were but one sort of Dill known formerly yet in these latter times two other sorts have been found out as 1. Common Garden Dill. 2. Great Wild Dill 3. Small Wild Dill. The Forme The Common Dill groweth up with seldom more then one stalk
qualities to cure Coughs and other Diseases of the Lungs The Apothecaries call it Farfara and Vngula Caballina and of some Populago from the likenesse of its Leaves to those of the white Poplar which was named of the Ancients Farfarus Many suppose that this may be Tiphyum of Theophrastus as well as the Petasites in that both of them bring their Flowers before the Leaves and therefore are by some called Filii ante patres it being somewhat preposterous and very rare amongst Plants and this was the cause why some Herbarists thought that Colts-foot put â—orth no Flowers supposing that this Plant as others commonly do would have put forth Flowers after the Leaves if any at all Pliny calleth it Farranum Farrugium It is called alâ—o in English Foale-foot and Horse-foot There is a sort hereof called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cacalia in English Great and strange Colts-foot The Kindes The Colts-foot and the Cacalia make but four kinds 1. Colts-foot 2. Hoary Strange Colts-foot 3. Smooth strange Colts-foot 4. Strange Colts-foot of America The Foorme Colts-foot shooteth up a slender stalk with small yellowish Flowers somewhat early which fall away quickly and after they are past come somewhat round Leaves yet sometimes dented a little about the edges much lesser thicker and greener then those of the Butter-burr with a little Down or Freese over the green Leaf on the upper side which may be rubbed away and whitish or meaâ—y underneath The Root is small and white spreading very much in the ground so that where it taketh it will very hardly be cleansed from it again it any little peece be abiding therein and from thence springing fresh Leaves The Places and Time The first groweth of it self near unto Springs and on the brinks of Brooks and Rivers in wet furrowes by Ditches sides and in other moyst and watery places almost every where and if it be brought into a Garden it will take such possession on a sudden that it will not be quickly outed The second and third grow in sundry Vallies beyond the Seas and by the Bathes where they want not moysture The last in America Virginia and Canada The Leaves and Flowers of the first are seldom or never to be â—ound together the Flowers being past before the Leaves appear It flowers in the end of March and beginning of April the stems and Flowers also quickly fading away After them grow forth the Leaves which remain green all the Summer long The strange Sorts put out their Leaves first and from thence arise the Flowers which bear Seed also in the Summer-time The Temperature Colts-foot whilst it is fresh is cooling and drying but when it is dry the cooling quality which remained in the moysture being evaporate it is then somewhat hot and dry The Vertues This is an Herb generally known to be very available for those that have thin Rheums and Distillations upon the Lungs causing the Cough thereby tâ—â—hiâ—â—en and dry it and then the dryed Leaves are best as the fresh Leaves or Juyce oâ— Syrup made thereof is fittest for an hot dry Cough and for Wheesings and shortnesse of Breath The dryed Leaves taken in a Pipe as Tobacco is hath been found in like manner good for the thin Rheums Distillations and Coughs as also the Root taken in like Sort as some Authours affirm The distilled water hereof simply or with Elder-flowers and Night-shade is a singular Remedy against all hot Agues to drink two Ounces at a time and to have some Cloaths wet therein and applyed to the Head and Stomack The same also applyed to any hot Swellings or other Inflammations doth much good yea it helpeth that Disease called St. Anthonies fire and burnings also and is singular good to take away Wheals and small Pushes that rise through heat as also against the burning heat of the Piles or of the privy parts to apply Cloaths wet therein to the places Matthiolus sheweth that in the Root of this Colts-foot there groweth a certain Cotton or VVhite-wool which being cleansed from the Roots and bound up in Linnen Cloaths and boyled in Lye for a while and afterwards some salt Nitre added unto it and dryed up again in the Sun is the best tinder to take fire being stroke from a Flint that can be The Root of Cacalia steeped in Wine and eaten is also good for the Cough and hoarsnesse which Galen affirmeth of his Cacanum which is thought to be the same for it is without sharpness and good for hoarsness Dioscorides addeth that the Peare-like Grains which are found in his Cacalia beaten and mixed with a Cerot or Oyntment doth make the Skin smooth and will stay the falling of the hair as Pliny saith CHAP. CXI Of Wood-bind or Hony-suckle The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but the Greeks in these dayes call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Periclymenum also and Caprifolium but Pliny mistaking the word Periclymenum setteth down the properties of Clymenum which is Tutsan for it with some it is called Sylvae mater and Matris Sylva Volucrum majus and Lilium inter Spinas and Vinciboscum by Caesalpinus according as his Italians called it In English it hath no other name but VVood-bind and Honey-suckle The Kindes There are divers Sorts of Wood-binds some that are winding about whatsoever standeth next them and for the most part known throughout the Land others are strangers or not so well known there are divers that wind not but stand upright all which being summoned together are in number eight 1. Our ordinary Wood-bind 2. The German red Honisuckle 3. Double Wood-bind or Hony-suckles 4. Dwarf Honisuckle 5. Upright Wood-bind or Hony-suckle 6. Black berried upright Hony-suckle 7. Blew berried upright Hony-suckle 8. The greater upright Hony-suckle I shall not trouble you with the description of the ordinary Hony-suckle but of the upright red berried Hony-suckle as being lesse known The Forme The divers stalks of the Red Berried upright Hony-suckle are somewhat straight and upright about three or four foot high at the least divided and spread into divers Branches covered with a very thin whitish Bark the Leaves stand by couples on the Branches and two likewise at every joynt which are of a whitish green colour smooth and lesser then those of the windy Wood-binds the Flowers also stand by couples at the end of short stalks that come from the joynts with the Leaves and are much smaller then the other never opening or spreading much of a pale whitish colour after which come two red Berries long with the roundnesse both of a bigness in the naturall places and in some open places but seldom so with us for one is usually withered and never commeth to perfection The Places and Time The first groweth abundantly in this Land almost in every Hedge The second came out of Germany The third out of Italy both which are set against our house-sides to run about the Windows where
at the ends and snipt or dented round about the edges the other being small pieces sometimes two and sometimes four standing on each side of the middle Rib underneath theâ— amongst which do rise up divers rough or hairy stalks about a foot high branching forth with leaves at every joynt not so long as thoâ—e below but almost as much cut in on the edges some into three parts and some into more on the tops of the branches stand small pale yellow Flowers consisting of five leaves like the Flowers of Cinquefoile but larger in the middle whereof standeth a small green head which when the Flower is fallen groweth to be rough and round being made of many long greenish Purple-Seeds like grains which will stick on your loaths the Roots consist of many brownish strings or Fibres smelling somewhat like â—nto Cloves especially those which grow in the higher hotter and dryer grounds and in the freer and cleare aire but nothing so much or not at all in many other places The Places and Time The first is found wild in many places of this Realm under the hedge sides and by the paths in some fields and delighteth rather to grow in shadowy then Sunny places The second is found upon divers Mountains as Coronos in Bohemia by the Springs of the River Albis as Matthâ—olus saith The third and fourth and likewise the second upon Mount Baldus as Pena relateth The fifth and sixth grow by water sides and in the moyst and wet or marish grounds on the Mountains The last was found by Pena hard by Clatena on the Rhetian Alps in Switzerland They flower in the Moneths of May and June for the most part and their Seed is ripe in July at the farthest The Temperature The Roots and Leaves of Avens are manifestly dry and something hot with a kind of scouring quality The Vertues The Roots of Avens in the Spring steeped in Wine for some continuance of time do give it a delicate savour and tast which being drunk faâ—â—ing every morning comforteth the heart and is a good preservative against the Plague or any other poyson it he peth digeâ—ion warmeth a cold stomaâ—h and openeth the obstructions of the Liver and Spleen It is good also for the Diâ—eases of the Chest or Breast foâ— pains and stitches in the lides and to expel crude and raw humours from the Belly and Stomach by its sweet savour and warming quality it dissolveth congealed Blood happening by falls or bruises and the spitting of blood if the Root either green or dryed be boyâ—ed in Wine and drunk as alâ—o all manner of inward wounds or outward if they be washed or bathed therewith The Decoction also being drunk comforteth the heart and strengtheneth the stomâ—â—h and a cold brain and therefore is good in the Spring to open obstructions of the Liver and helpeth the Wind-Cholick It helpeth also thoâ—e that have Fluxes or are bursten or have a Rupture it taketh away spots or marks in the faâ—e being washed therewith The juyce of the fresh Root or Powder of the dryed Root hath the same effect with the decoction and in callous Ulcers with the juyce of the Roots if a little Verdigrease be added it will avail very much Some do use to lay the Roots dryed amongst Garments to perfume them with the smell thereof and to keep away moaths c. from them CHAP. CXXXIV Of Cloves The Names HAving spoken of Avens which are called Caryophyllata because the Roots smell like Croves I shall now treat concerning Cloves themselves which are called of the later Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for to the Ancients they were unknown and of the Latines also Caryophillus and Clavus because this small slender fruit is almost like a small Snail and from thence also it is likely the word Cloves came The Tree whereon they grow is called the Clove-tree the description whereof is as followeth The Kindes This Tree groweth to be of a great and tall stature covered with an Ash-coloured Bark the younger Branches being more white having Leaves growing by â—upes one against another somewhat long and narrow like unto the Bay-Tree that beareth narrow Leaves with a middâ—eâ—ib and sundry veines running therethrough each of them stancing on a long footstalk the ends of the branches are divided into many small brown sprigs where on groweth the flower even on the tops of the Cloves themselves which are white at first with their Spâ—igs green afterward lastly reddish before they be beaten off from the tree and being dryed before they be put up grow blackish as we see them having four small tops at the heads of them and a small round head in the middle of them the flower it self standing between those consisteth of four small Leaves like unto a Cherry b ossoâ—n but of an excellent bâ—ew colour as it is confidently reported with three white veines in every leaf divers purpâ—ish threds in the middle of a more dainty â—ne scent then the Clove it self which is a small slender fruit almost like a small naile as I said before being of a hot quick and sharp tast when they are fit to be gathered which is before they be quite ripe but those that do abice longer on the trees do grow some what thicker and greater and are not of half the others goodness being called by most Fusses yet some call the â—â—aâ—ks of the Cloves Fusles they grow of their own sowing and are not grafted Hereout likewise cometh a certain dark red Gum and both it and the Fusses are usually found one amongst another The Places and Time The Clove Tree groweth in divers places of the Malucco Islands It groweth also in Amboyna very well and be reth plentifully being there planted by the Dutch and in others places of the Indies but more scarcely and lesse fruitfull than there Eight yeares after it is is risen out of the ground it beareth fruit and so continueth bearing for an hundred years together as the inhabitants of that Country do affirm who beat the fruit of the Trees with long Poles as we do Walnuts and suffer them to ly there upon the ground until they be throughly dryed there being neither grasse weeds nor any other Herbs to hinder the same by reason that the tree draweth for its nourishment all the moisture for a great circuit round about so that the Cloves are the more conveniently dryed It yeeldeth two Crops in a year that is in June and December thoâ—e Countries affording a double Harvest The Temperature The properties of Cloves are many and excellent being hot and dry in the third degree yet some say the second and of much uâ—e in meat and Medicine The Vertues The Portugall women that dwell in the East-Indies draw from the Cloves when they be it green a certain Liquor by distillation of a most fragrant smell which comforteth the heart and is of all Cordialls the most effectuall There is also extricted from Cloves a certain Oyâ—e or rather a thick
either a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 coquo quia calor ejus concoctricem facultatem adjuvat because it helpeth concoction or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ignis because of the eminent heat that is therein In Latine Piper In English Pepper Some call the Pepper of Aethiopiae Piper Aethiopia Piper Aethiopicum Amomum Vita longa and Cardamomum whereof they hold it to be a kind The Kinds Of Pepper there be these five sorts mentioned by Authours 1. Black Pepper 2. White Pepper 3. Long Pepper 4. Pepper of Aethiopia 5. Matthiolus his Pepper The Forme The Plant that beareth the Black-Pepper as also the white groweth up like a Vine among bushes and brambles where it naturally groweth but where it is mannured it is sowen at the bottome of the tree Gausel and the Date Trees whereon it taketh hold and climeth even to the top as doth the Vine ramping and taking hold but not with tendrells as the Vine doth of any other thing it meeteth withall It is full of Joynts and shooteth forth faire and somwhat large Leaves one at a Joynt being almost round but ending in a point greener above and paler underneath with a great middle ribbe and foure other ribbs somwhat lesser spreading from it two on each side smaller veines therein also unto the edges which are not dented but smooth and plaine not thick but somwhat thin and set on a pretty long footstalke The Fruit or Pepper it selfe groweth at the same Joynt but opposite to the Leafe and not betweene the Stalk and the Leafe as some have falsely set it down round about a long Stalk somwhat thinly set along thereon The root hath sundry Joynts creeping in the ground with fibres at the Joynts The Places and Time Black and White Pepper grow in the Kingdome of Malavar and that very good in Malaca also but not so good and also in the Island Sunde and Cude there is great store growing in the Kingdome of China and some in Cananer but not much Pepper of Ethiopia groweth in America in all the tract of the Country where Nata and Carthago are scituated These Plants rise up in the beginning of the Spring and the fruit is gathered in August The Temperature It is hot and dry in the third degree or neere the fourth of an heating or dissolveing quality The Vertues The Black-Pepper is most in use and is good in sawces to give a good tast to meat to provoke appetite and helpe digestion but they are all used to warme cold Stomacks and to consume crude and moist humors therein or distilling from the Head They also help to break and dissolve Wind in the Stomack or Bowells to provoke Vrine to heâ—p the Cough and other diseases of the breast and are effectuall againâ—â— Poyâ—on and venemous bitings either of Serpents or other Vermine and are therefore put into Antidotes â—reacles and other preâ—ervative The same drunk before the â—t of a Feaver or Ague in Posset-drink or laid to or anointed outwardly with Oyâ—e abareth the rigour and shaking thereof and wasteth the swelling of Quinsy if it be taken with Honey That Pepper which is taken inwardly must not be beaten very small for feare of inflaming the blood and other profitable humors of the body but in outward applications there is no danger The Powder thereof snifted up into the nose provoketh sneezing and purgeth the braine of all superfluous moisture and so it doth likewise if it be eaten with Raisins It he peth also the dimnesse of the sight by consuming the Pin and Web or any other excrescence that shall molest it It doth very much strengthen the Nerves and Muscles consuming the watery moisture that causeth shaking in them by its heat and therefore it is that Macer saith thus of it For an Ague Quodque movere solet frigus periodica febris Compescit febris si sumiturante tremorem It doth asswage the fits that Agues make If that you use thereof before you shake It dissolveth the Kings-evill Kernells Wens Hard cold swellings and draweth forth Thornes Shards and Splinters if it be applyed with pitch A Cawdle made with Vine-Leaves hard Egges and Pepper stayeth the bloody Flix and the Powder of long Pepper and the rootes of Cinckfoile drunk in Ale easeth the Chollick It easeth the Tooth-ach being tied in a Clout and chewed on It is best for moist and coâ—d Constitutions but in dry bodyes it consumeth the seed and burneth the blood if it be immoderately used CHAP. CLXV Of the Nutmeg-Tree The Names IT was not known to the ancient Greek Writers Dioscorides or Theophrastus no nor to Galen or Pliny for although some have thought it might be Galen his Chrysobalanos yet they are farre away therein The latter have called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek from the sweet scent that it yeeldeth and in Latine Nux Aromatites and Nux Myristica for the same reason and Nux Moschata as if it were a Moscho which we call Muske in English The Mace that groweth also upon this Tree is called in Latine Macis but in Banda where they grow the Nutmeg is called Palla and the Mace Bunapalla The Kinds The Nutmeg-Tree and so likewise the fruit are of two sorts as hath been exactly observed by Clusius and by him called Mas and famina the Male and the Female which last is that which is most in use with us and therefore take its description as followes The Forme This Tree is said to be very great and as tall almost as our Peare-Trees spreading many branches which are greene whil'st they are young having faire broad Leaves â—et thereon somwhat like unto the Orenge-Tree-Leaves set on a short stalke unequally on the branches and abide alwayes green thereon The fruit for the Flowers have not been observed groweth at the end of the young branches which are as big as Peaches standing singly for the most part on a thick fat stalk having an outward thick huske furrowed in the middle which divideth it selfe into two parts and growing ripe openeth it selfe shewing the Nut within covered with the Mace cut into severall peices as it were of an orient crimson colour at the first opening but is afterwards changed by the aire to be more dead and yellowish as it is when it is brought to us besides which it is covered also with a black thin hard shell which being broken the Nutmeg it selfe appeareth The Places and Time They both grow in the East-Indies but especially in an Island called Banda whence some have called the Nut Nux Bandensis and in the Islands of Molucca also though not so good as the first as neither be they that do grow in Zeilan The time of flouring is not specified but the fruit is ripe in September The Temperature Nutmegs are hot and dry in the second degree and somwhat astringent Mace is hot in the second degree and dry in the third The Vertues Nutmegs do not only heat but strengthen the Stomack that is cold and weake
and spreading many waies under ground if it stand long the whole Plant is more pleasant to the sight then to the smell The Places and Time The naturall places of the sorts aforementioned are in divers parts both of Germany and Italy and that with the white flower about Frank-ford yet they grow with us in our Gardens as in the Physick Gardens at Oxford and that at Westminster and in the Gardens of divers others that are delighted with rarities of this Nature They flower in June and July and their seed is ripe in August The Temperature The Root of Fraxinella or the false white Dittany is hot and dry in the second degree it is of a wasting attennating and opening faculty The Vertues A dram or two of the powder of the roots of Fraxinella taken in wine or broth is very much commended against the Strangury provoketh Urine breaketh the Stone in the Bladder and driveth it forth and so doth the seed taken in the quantity of a dram The same are very effectuall to open obstructions to bring down Womens Courses and to clense that which is soule and contagious It is also a very great preservative both against Poyson and the Venome of Serpents and other Poysonfull Creatures and against the Pestilence and other contagious diseases and is good to kill the Wormes of the belly It warmeth and cleanseth the matrix expelleth the dead Child and After-birth if the part be fumigated with it and Penniroyall or taken in Wine it easeth the paines or torments in the inward parts or bowells and healeth inward hurts and wounds it is much commended against the Epilepsy or falling sicknesse and other cold griefes of the head and braines and is held to be of great use against the French disease to use it with the decoction of Guaiâ—â—m or Pock-wood The Leaves and the juice thereof taken after the same sort worketh the same effects though not so powerfully and being applyed outvvardly it dravveth Thornes and Splinters out of the flesh CHAP. CCXLI. Of Allheale The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Panaces or Panax because it is a Panacaea or remedy for many diseases which names are in use also amongst the Latins Some call it Panax Herculeum supposing Hercules to be the first founder of it but others would rather have it Panax Heracleum from Heraclea a Citty in Candy and though the name Panaxris referred to many pâ—ants as Origanum Sylvestre Centaurium magnum c. yet to this onely 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is called in English Hercules Allheale and Hercules Wound wort and Allheale simply The Kindes To this Kind may be referred these seaven sorts 1. Ordinary Allheale of Hercules 2. The true Allheale of Hercules 3. American Allheale of Hercules supposed to be the true Laserwort with shining Leaves 4. Costus-like All-heale 5. The Hungarian Allheale of Hercules 6. The Cluster berry Allheale of America 7. Sweet sented Allheale of America The Forme Hercules Wound-wort spreadeth many large winged Leaves round about upon the ground most of them two foot long consisting of four five or six couples of rough winged Leaves set one against another on a round great foot-stalk furrowed on the upper side each of them likewise consisting of three or four couple of rough but large faire fresh yellowish green Leaves and one at the end all of them finely dented about the Edges tasting a little hot and biting and yeilding forth a yellowish juyce in the Summer called Opopanax much more gummy hot and bitter then the Leaves from which riseth a strong great round green stalk four or five foot high or more with some joynts and Leaves thereat and a few branches towards the top breaking forth into small yellow umbells of flowers which afterward give whitish yellow flat short seed The root is somewhat great and groweth deep into the ground The Places and Time The first is thought to grow in some Places of Italy but I am sure it did grow in the Physick Garden at Oxford and doth still if I be not mistaken as also at the Physick Garden at Westminister and in some other Gardens The second groweth in Naples as Matthiolus saith on the Apennine-hills also and the Sea Coasts by Siena The third came from America is the name of it importeth The fourth as Matthiolus saith groweth on Mount Garganus in Apulia The fifth in Tartaria and Hungaria The two last in America They all flower and seed in the end of Summer The Temperature The juyce or Gum which is of greatest use is hot in the third degree and dry in the second being of a heating mollifying and digesting quality the bark of the root is heating and drying likewise but in a meaner degree having withall a little cleansing property The Vertues The juyce or Gum of Allheale which it is called in shops and of many writters also Opopanax being drunk in honeyed Water or Wine helpeth tâ—e Itchings and sores in the Bladder and is good for the Strangury also and difficuâ—ty in making water It is endued with a speciall property also to purge thick and clammy Phlegme from the more remote parts as the Braine Nerves sensitive parts joynts and breasts and therefore it is profitable for any cold dâ—sease incident to any of those parts as in the Palsy weaknesse of sight old Cough shortnesse of breath Sciaticâ— and in other kinds of Gout It is good for Convulsions and Cramps as also against Windinesse in the Sides Belly Womb or in any other places and therefore it helpeth Stitches the hardnesse of the Spleene the strangling of the Mother bringeth down VVomens Courses and brings away also the Mola or Lumpe of flesh bred in the Womb. It expelleth wormes helpeth the biting of a â—ad Dâ—gge and is good against the poyson of other venemous Creatures Dissolved in Wine and given it helps the Dropsy and taken in Vinegar one hour before the Fit cometh it takes away the cold Fit of an Ague eâ—pecially if some of it be dissolved with the juyce of Smallage and Oyle of Dill and the ridge of the back annointed therewith It is good after falls and bruises to dissolve any congealed blood eâ—pecially in Cold bodies and where no Feaver is Being dissolved wiâ—h Vinegar the juyce of Smallage applyed to the Region of the Spleen softeneth the hardness of it a plaisterg made thereof dissolveth the Kings-Evâ—ll and hard Nodes of the Joynts as also any Plague sore botch or Bile especially being dissolved in Vinegar applyed with the pulp of Raisins in the Sun it eaâ—eth any kind of Gout If the mouth be washed with a decoction of Vinegar made with it it easeth the paine in the Teeth or if it be a hollow tooth let it be stopped with a peece Some commend it against the dimnesse of sight being mixed with other things It is very availeable to cure old Ulcers and Fistulaes and to breed good flesh especially where the bones are bare
together of Sinewes if the powder of them be taken in White Wine The oyle which is made of them or the juyce pressed out of them cureth black and blew Markes that come by blowes digesting wasting away the congealed blood that is gathered together in any place it taketh away Scabs and wheales in the skin and helpeth the Itch also especially if a little Quicksilver be tempered therewith till it be mortified it comforteth all cold griefes of the Joynts Nerves Arteries Stomack Belly and Womb so that it helpeth Palsies Convulsions Cramps Aches tremblings and benummednesse in any part wearinesse also and paines of the Limbs wherewith they are many times afflicted which use to travell through wet and dirt by anointing the part affected therewith Some of the said Oyle or the Decoction of the Berries is very convenient to be put into such Clisters which tend to the breaking of wind and easing the torments of the wind Cholick which it performeth even to admiration The said Oyle or juyce of the Berties helpeth the ach and deafnesse of the Eares being dropped thereinto The Leaves may be used to many of the purposes aforesaid yet the ordinary use of them is to boile them in Beer as also to dresse fish with especially Eeles leaving a dainty rellish helping to warm the Stomack and digesting those crudities which they are apt to breed of themselves A bath of the decoction of the Leaves and Betries is of great advantage in womens diseases both for the Mother and other diseases of the Womb as the Stopping of the Courses c. And so likewise for the diseases of the Bladder as the Strangury c. All these Virtues belong to the common Bayes which besides their Ornamentall uses they performe the three last serving onely for the pleasure of those that are taken with the rarity of them and not for any Physicall use that I can learn and therfeore I shall say no more of them CHAP. CCXLIII Of Holly The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Agria by Theophrastas and seemeth to be derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 immitis vel ferox because of the abundance of prickles wherewith it is commonly armed Gaza the interpreter of Theophrastus calleâ— it Aquifolium in Latine yet Agrifolâ—um is a word no lesse but rather more in use then the former as being somwhat more agreeable though at best it be but a Mongrell word We call it Holly or Holme and Hulver in English The Kinds There may be said to be three sorts of Holly 1. The Holly-Tree without prickles 2. The Holly-bush with prickly-Leaves 3. The Holly bush with yellow Berries Yet there be some that affirme that with and that without prickles to be the same having prickles when it is young and low but when it growes old and becommeth great it loseth all the prickles except that at the end and somtimes that also The Forme The Holly that groweth naturally in the fields doth seldome exceed the bignesse of a Bush yet being pâ—anted in Orchards or Closes as I have many times seene it it groweth to the bignesse of a lusty-Tree all in one entire body and not sending forth many shoots from the roote as those which grow natuâ—ally usually do the outer bark whereof is not of so darke a greene colour as that of the lesser bushes but inclining rather to white having under that another vvhich is white also the Leaves are set on the stalks and branches on short foot-stalkes being somvvhat broad hard thick and long smooth shining and of a very fresh yellovvish greene colour not cut round about the edges into round notches or dents and every point of them very sharp and prickly as those of the Bushes are but even on the edges and vvithoug any prickles unlesse perhaps there be one at the end the flowers grovv close to the stalks many of them coming out together round about neere unto the foot of the Leaves each consisting of foure whitish Leaves with four threds in the middle standing about a greene round head which groweth to be small red berries with a little Crown at the top in which is contained four small three-cornered seeds with hard shells but sweet kernells within them though very small The root goeth deep into the ground The Places and Time The first as is said is planted in Orchards and Closes in Oxfordshire and other places where very little or no Holly groweth wild The second groweth very plentifully in divers Woods and Hedg-rowes in the Counties of Buckingham Hartford and Surrey and other places The last groweth in Wilt-shire by VVarder Castle which belongeth to the Lord Arundel They all flower in June but the berries grow not untill the end of October or after being in their greatest beauty about Christmasse because of the berries the Leaves also abiding greene all the Winter The Temperature The Berries of Holly are hot and dry and of thin parts helping to break Wind as Dodonaeus saith The Vertues and Signature It will not be amisse in this place to take notice of the different nay contrary operations of divers Simples which will purge when they are fresh and greene and bind when they be dryed as may be instanced in Holly berries ten or twelve of which being fresh and taken inwardly do help the Collick purging also by stoole grosse clammy and phlegmatick humours which they may very well do by reason of their moisture and slipperynesse but being dryed and so deprived of their former lubricity they bind the belly and stay Dysenteries and Fluxes being beaten to Powder and drunk either in Wine or Broth which the dryed Barke doth also performe and that more effectually The decoction of the Rootes but especially of the Barke of the Root as Matthiolus saith being applyed by way of somentation to those places that have been put out of Joynt doth help them much both to mollify and discusse the hardnesse and tumors which they are subject to and also to consolidate the broken bones An handfull of the Berries boiled in a Pint of Ale to the one halfe which being streined and a little Butter put thereto is a good remedy for the Stone and stoppage of Urine five or six spoonfulls thereof taken at once and this it may be said to do by the Signature which may be gathered from the hardnesse of the seed The powder of the Leaves dryed in an Oven and the pricks taken off being drunk in Ale is commended against the Stitches and pricking paines of the side which the prickles growing on the Leaves do also signify The Sap or juice that droppeth out of the Wood being laid on the fire being dropped into the Eares of those which are inclined to deafenesse removeth that infirmity The Birdlime that is made of the Barke of Holly by putting it into a hole made in moist foggy ground and covering it with boughes of Trees and some earth over them till it be rotten and putrified which will be within
following sorts 1. Common Medow Trefoile with Purple Flowers 2. White flowred Medow Trefoile 3. Heart Trefoile or spotted Snaile Trefoile 4. Smooth upright narrow leafed Birds foot Trefoile 5. Great codded Trefoile 6. Small codded Trefoile 7. Roundheaded Trefoile 8. Green flowred Trefoile 9. Strawberry or Bladder Trefoile 10. Hop Trefoile 11. Little yellow Trefoile 12. The great Purple Trefoile 13 Knotted Trefoile 14. White Dwarfe Trefoile 15. Burgundy Trefoile or Medick Fodder 16. Yellow-horn Trefoile 17. Smooth Starry Trefoile 18. Marish Trefoile or Buckes Beans 19. Purplewort or Purplegrasse called in Latine Quadrifolium fuscum being as it seems rather a four leafed then a three leafed grasse The Forme Medow Trefoile shooteth up stalks about an handful long and sometimes longer round and somewhat hairy yet for the most part leaning towards the ground whereon grow Leaves consisting of three joined together one standing a little from another of which those that are next the ground and roots are rounder and those which grow higher are longer having for the most part in the midst a white spot like an half Moon from amongst which rise up stalkes of Flowers somewhat longer then the Leaves bearing many deep Purple Crimson flowers together in a tuft rising smaller up to the top which turn into little cods with small seed in them the root spreadeth much and endureth long The Places and Time The two first grow more frequently in Medowes then any of the rest yet there be others that grow there also some in one Countrey and some in another The third groweth in a Field between Longford and Bow as also beyond Southwarke in the right way from London to Croyden and the parts adjacent The eighth in Mr. Stonehouse his Orchard at Darfield The seventeenth groweth in divers Fenny and Moorish places The last groweth in divers Countrey Gardens as well as in the Gardens of the curious who also entertain divers of the other sorts They flower and flourish from May to August The Temperature Medow Trefoile both Leaves and Flowers are thought by some to be câ—oling and binding but others thinke them to be of a digesting and sâ—ppurating quality and there is no doubt but the rest do in some sort follow the Temperature of this The Vertues and Signature The Decoâ—tion of Medow Trefoile with its Flowers Seeds and Roots taken for some time helpeth Women that are troubled with the Whites and consequently the extraordinary over-flowing of their ordinary courses it being more then probable that what is availeable for the fiâ—st is profitable for the second because the first is harder to be cured The Decoction of the Leaves and Fâ—owers having some Honey put thereto and used in a Clyster easeth the fretting paines of the Guts and bringeth forth tough and slimy humors that cleave to the Guts The said Leaves boyled with a little Barrowes grease and used as a Pultis taketh away hot swellings and Inflammations The juice especially of that which is spotted upon the Leaves being strained and dropped into the Eyes or mixed with a little Honey and applyed is a familiar Medicine with divers to take away the Pin and Web as they call it in the Eyes by Signature and so it ceaseth the pain and Inflammation of them when they are bloud-shotten The said Juice is also held to be very available against the biting of an Adder being drank the herbe also being boiled in Water and the place washed with the decoction and then some of the herbe laid to the hurt place also and so is the herbe boiled in Swines grease and made into an oyntment The herbe also bruised and heated between two Tiles and applyed hot to the Share causeth them to make Water who had it stopped before It is held likewise to be good for wounds and to take away Scarres The Burgundy Trefoile called also Foenum Burgundiacum Burgundy Hay and Meddick Fodder is conceived by divers to be that which Dioscorides commends for its cooling property as also that whose Oyle as Aâ—icen saith is very effectuall against the trembling of the Heart An Oyle drawn out from the Seed as it is done from Almonds is said to be good for the Stone In those Countreys where it groweth plentifully it is found so powerfull to fatten Cattle that they are faine to be stinted lest they should grow so fat that suffocation shâ—uld ensue If the March Trefoile be the Isopyrum of Dioscorides as some suppose it to be then the Seed thereof is good against the Cough and other griefes of the Breast or Chest for as Galen saith it cleanseth and cutteth tough and grosse humors and maketh them the easier to be expectorate or spit forth it is also good to purge and cleanse the Liver and to help those that spit blood The Leaves of Purplewort stamped and the Juice given in drinke is very confidently administred and that with good successe not onely to Children but to others also that have the disease called in English the Purples which it doth by Signature And if the Heart Trefolle were used it would be found to be a great strengthner of the Heart and cherisher of the Vitall Spirits relieving the body against Faintings and Swoonings fortifying it against Poysons Pestilence and defending the Heart against the noisome vapors of the Spleen for it resembleth the heart both in forme and colour and surely it hath no so eminent Signatures for nothing CHAP. CCXCIX Of Moneywort The Names IT is called in Latine for Greek name it hath none that I can meet with in any Author Nummularia of the round forme of the Leafe somewhat like unto Money and Serpentaria because it is reported that if Serpents be hurt or wounded they doe recover themselves with this herbe Fuschsius calleth it Centummorbia from its wonderfull efficacy in healing Vlcers and green wounds and Tabermontanus would have it named Hirundinaria because as Swallowes doe usually fly close to the ground so this Plant cleaveth close to the Earth It is called in English Herb two pence Two-penny grasse but usually Money-wort The Kindes Though Moneywort seemeth to be of different sorts because it groweth to be of severall sizes yet that is to be impated to the fertility or â—â—â—rility of the soile they enjoy howsoever there be two sorts thereof 1. Common Moneywort 2. Small Moneywort with purplish Flowers The Forme The Common Moneywort sendeth forth divers long weak and slender branches lying and running upon the ground set with two Leaves at each joynt opposite one to another at equall distances which are almost as round as a penny but that they are a little pointed at the ends smooth and of yellowish green colour at the joynts with the Leaves from the middle forward come forth at the joynts sometimes one and sometimes two yellow flowers standing each upon a small footstalâ—e being composed of five narrow leaves pointed at the ends with some yellow threds in the middle which being past there stand in their places small round heads
black of the Eye appeareth white and contrariwise when it appeareth on the white of the Eye it appeareth black The Hearb being stamped and made into a Salve or Oyntment with Oyl-wax and a little Turpentine â—ealeth any wound Ulcer Canker or Fistula The leaves only bruised and applyed to any part that is black and blew with a blow bringeth it to its right colour The juyce of the Leaves and Roots stamped and given in drink helpeth the wringings and gripings of the Belly and so doth the dry Hearb infused in warm water The juyce taken in the weight of two drams with Wine mightily expelleth Poyson or any Venome Warts rubbed therewith wear away and being taken in meat it helpeth the Milt or Spleen if it be wasted CHAP. IV. Of Squills The Names IT is called by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of some Latines also Scilla but Varro calls it Squilla whose example makes it to be so called in the Shops divers call it Cepa maris for the similitude it hath with an Onyon In English it is called Squill and Sea-Onyon There is a sort of this which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Pancratium the English the white Sea-Daffodil or Sea-Onyon and of some Narcissus Constantinopolitanus of others Hemorocallis Valentina and of the Turks Consambach The Kindes Gerrard reckoneth up four sorts hereof 1. Squill or Sea-Onyon 2. Sea-Onyon of Valentia 3. Red flowred Sea-Daffodil 4. Yellow flowred Sea-Daffodill Every one of which in Latine he calls Pancratium The Forme The Root of Squill is very bulbous and hath divers Coats or scaly films one within another like the ordinary Onyon out of which as in Saffron the stalk doth first spring forth then out of that ariseth a white and yellow Flower which being waxen old after many dayes it putteth forth very great and broad leaves upheld by no foot-stalk many of them turning down again towards the Earth The Place and Time The first for that is it which I have described and is to be used upon the occasion ensuing is found growing in Spain and Italy not far from the Sea-side but may be had at most Apothecaries Shops in England The second groweth near unto Valentia in Spain and therefore is so called as also about Constantinople The third about the Coasts of Narbone The fourth about Tripoly and Aleppo Gerrard saith that they flower from May to the end of July and their Seed is ripe in the end of August but Fuchsius saith that they flowre thrice a year and for this he quotes Theophrastus lib. 7. cap. 12. The Temperature The Sea-Onyon is hot in the second degree and is of a very cutting quality which may be taken away if it be baked in Past or Clay or roasted in hoâ— Embers The Signature and Vertues The bulbous Root of the Squill with its many Coats or scaly films doth resemble the head which consists of divers Membranes one within another and is very effectual in divers distempers thereof but especially the Falling-Sickness Head-ach and dizinesse It healeth also all running sores of the Head and the scurf Scales or Bran being laid thereunto If it be taken with Honey and Oyl it driveth out Worms both long and round cleanseth the breast driveth away old Coughs lengtheneth the breath and looseneth the Belly very gently and so do the seeds taken with Figgs or Honey A Scale or two of the green raw Root laid under the Tongue quencheth the thirst in the Dropsie Being boyled in Vineger till it be tender and stamped it cureth all venomous bitings iâ— it be applyed to them Seeth the inner part in Oyl or Turpentine and apply it to the chaps of the feet kibed heels or hanging warts and it healeth them The leaves do dissolve and waste the Kings-Evill and Kernels about the throat being laid thereunto for the space of four dayes half a dram of the Root roasted baked or sodden for it may not be taken raw inwardly is sufficient to be taken at once with Honey for the Jaundies the old Cough shortness of the Wind and gnawing in the body It is good for the griefs of the Sinews Breast Lungs and Joynts especially licked in with Honey it maketh a clear voice It helpeth the hardness stopping and swelling of the Milt and withstandeth Putrefaction in the Body and therefore keepeth a man in health and maketh his Body continue in young state only it will make a Man lean Sanius by the use of the Vinegar of Squills lived in perfect health till an hundred and seventeen years of age If one take it in the morning fasting and walk half an hour after it maketh the digestion good a long winde a clear voice an acute sight a good colour it suffers no offensive thing to remain in the Body neither Wind Flegm Choler Melancholy Dung nor Urine It brings forth filth though it lie in the bones and takes away salt and sowre belchings though he be never so intemperate as Galen saith It helpeth the Sciatica and Apoplexy breaketh and expelleth the Stone and cleanseth the Matrix Being taken in the quantity of a spoonful it doeth away the Hickets It is reported that wheresoever this Plant groweth it keepeth its Neighbour-Plants from annoyance and that whatsoever door or chief entry of the House it be hung over it keepeth the same from all mishap Witch-craft and Sorcery It hath been observed that when the Flowers of the Sea-Onyon be of a brownish colour and do not soon fade away that year shall be very fruitful and plentiful of Corn. The way which the Apothecaries do or should use in ordering it is this That is to be taken especially which is in the midst which being cut in pieces must be boyled but the water still to be changed till such time as it is neither bitter nor sharp then must the pieces be hanged on a thred so that no one piece touch another and dryed in the shadow and being thus ordered they will last a good while CHAP. V. Of the Larch-Tree with his Agarick and Turpentine THis Tree is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Larix in English Larch-Tree and of some Larix-Tree The Agarick is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Agaricum Agaricus and so likewise in Shops The Italians Spaniards and other Nations do imitate the Greek word and we in English call it Agarick The Liquid Rozen or Turpentine is by the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Larix Resina Laricea or Larigna or Terbinthina Venetia in English Turpentine and Venice Turpentine The Forme The Larch-Tree is almost as tall as the Pine or Firr-Tree but not quite with a Body growing straight up as they do the Bark whereof is thick rugged and and full of chaps which being cut in sunder is red within but the bark amongst the boughs is smooth slippery and somewhat white without the branches grow one above another in a comely Order having divers
helpeth to expectorate rotten phlegme from those which are troubled with a continual Cough and is profitable also for the Ptisick or Consumption of the Lungs This Turpentine as it is clearest for inward uses and serveth insteed of the true Turpentine so well that they are commonly used out for another so is it best also for outward salves and doth both draw cleanse and heal all sores or ulcers and green wounds and therefore there is scarce a salve for that purpose wherein Turpentine is not Oyl drawn Chymically from Turpentine is singular good to be used in wounds being more drying and consolidating then the Turpentine it self as also to warm and ease the paines of the Joynts and Sinews caused of Cold and being mixed with a little Oxe Gall it is good for the worms and deafness of the ears The water which is distilled with the Oyl is used for freckles and spots in the face and a scruple weight of it taken in white Wine purgeth phlegme by Vomit Some use to mingle Bay Salt and Turpentine together and therewith spread a leathern girdle which being worn about the wast of them that have the Itch cureth them So Parkinson it being an Excrescence is good for all manner of excrescences by Signature CHAP. VI. Of Wood Betony The names SOme of the Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 others 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it joyeth most in cold places Ruellius in his translation of Dioscorides calls it Cestron â—sychótrophon the Latines call it Betonica and Vetonica from the Vetones a people of Spain that first found out the vertues of it as Pliny saith We in England call it Wood Betony and it hath been formerly called Betayne or Betaine Parkinson adâ—ertiâ—eth that Vetonica and Betonica are diversly taken in divers Authors for Vetonica although it be set down in some Authors for Betonica yet more properly and usually it is understood to be the Caryophylius or Gilliflower and then it is denominated Vetonica altilis The Kinds Of this Betony for of the Water Betony I shall not treat in this place because it is more appropriated to other parts there are four or five sorts differing one from another either in the leaf or flower 1. Common Wood Betonâ— which hath a purple flower 2. Wood Betony with white flowers 3 Betonica minima Alpina Helvetica Small Mountain Betony 4. Betonica Danica Broad-leaved Betony 5. Betonica Alopecuros montana dicta Foxtail Betony That which I shall describe is the Common Wood-Betony The Formâ— The ordinary or Common Betony which because it is most frequent in Woods is called Wood Betony it hath many leaves rising from the root the lowermost whereof are somewhat broad and round at the ends slightly indented about the edges the footstalks being pretty long but those that grow by two and two at the joynts upon the small slender foursquare and somewhat hairy stalks are a great deal lesser The stalk is commonly near a foot high whereon are set several spiked heads of flowers of a reddish or purple colour spotted with white spots all over the seeds are somewhat long and uneven and of a blackish colour The root consists of many white threddy strings like unto those of Plantain the stalk perisheth but the roots with some leaves theron abide all the Winter the whole plant is somewhat small and therefore Gerard was mistaken who sayes that it hath long and broad leaves The Place and Time The Common Betony loveth shadowie places as Woods hedg-rows Copses the borders of pastures Parks c. That with the white flower is more usually found in stiffe clay grounds then in any other mould as in the VVoods by Brumley in Kent in a wood near a Village called Hampsteed and in Broodsworth VVood in Yorkeshire The third groweth on the Alpes of Helvetia or Switzerland The broad leaved or Danish Betony groweth in the Physick Garden at Oxford The last as Lugdunensis saith groweth in the moist vallies that are shadowed with trees of the high hills They flower and flowrish for the most part in the moneths of June and July and the seed ripeneth quickly after The Temperature and Vertues Betony though it grow wilde yet it is set in many Gardens and is hot and dry almost if not quite in the second degree The vertues of it are innumerable as Antonius Musa one of the Physicians of Augustus Caesar who hath written a peculiar Book of this Herb doth testifie but especially it is good for the brain so that as Fernelius writeth Cerebrum vel odore solorecreat hinc Comitiâ—libus furiosisque medetur Paralysin torpentiaque membra persanat The hairy Roots of this Herb are some Signature that it is good for the head If it be stamped and applyed to the fore-head of them that are frantick or possest with Devils it cureth them Boyl it with Vervein and Worm-wood in water and wash the head therewith and grind the same Herbs with some of the water and Wheaten Bran and apply it hot to the mould of the head thrice and it will cause the Head-ach to depart Seeth it with Vervein Hore-hound and Hysop in White-wine and apply them as liot as may be suffered and it cureth the Megrim which is a pain that possesseth one side of the head If the Head-ach proceed of cold Flegm seeth Betony in Wine with a third part of water and apply it For noyses in the head pains and giddiness thereof drink powder of the leaves dryed in the shade or rather eat it with slices of bread steeped in Wine first and last to restore the brain which is done likewise by taking some of the powder of it in Pottage and thus or green it helpeth those that loath their meat for it procureth digestion and allayeth the soure belchings and risings in the stomack if it be used often The Leaves or Flowers boyled in broth and drunk or made into a Conserve Water Electuary or Powder as any one shall like best do help the Jaundies Falling-sickness the Palsie Conâ—ulsions or shrinking of the Sinews the Gout and those which are inclined unto Dropsies those that have continual pains in their head though it turn to Phrensie The Powder mixed with pure Honey is no lesse available for all sorts of Coughs or Colds wheesing or shortness of breath and those Distillations upon the Lungs which cause Consumptions A dram of it taken in the Syrup of Vinegar doth wonderfully refresh those which are wearied by travel it stayeth bleeding at the mouth and nose and helpeth those that pisse blood or spit it The Decoction of it being made with Mead and a little Penny-Royal is good for those that are troubled with Quartan Agues and to draw down and evacuate the blood and humours that by falling into the eyes do hinder sight Being boyled in Wine and taken it killeth the Worms openeth obstructions of Spleen and Liver cureth stitches and pains in the back or sides the torments and griping pains of the Bowels and the
because they are very pleasing and delightful to the brain which is much refreshed with its sweetnesse as on the contrary side it is very much offended with evill smells I know not whether it would bear seed or not it being so usually gathered by our Countrey women for the purposes aforesaid before it come to maturity and therefore it must necessarily be propagated by slips as Rosemary and Sage usually is The Place and Time The first Sort is found in the Gardens of most Women that pretend to good huswifery who binde it up in bundles and either carry it to the Market to sell or else reserve it for their own use but it and the second and third sort grow naturally in many places of Spain and Narbone in France from whence they have been translated into the Gardens of those which are curious of all rare Herbs and Plants as also the last which was at the first found out by Clusius both about Malaca in Spain and Murcia in the Realm of Granado and is now to be seen in the Physick Garden at Oxon. In those hotter Countries they flower in Fâ—bruary or March but here in England they flower not till the beginning of July or the end of June at the soonest It prospereth best in an open and sunny place and if the earth be stony it groweth the better The Temperature Lavander is hot and dry and that in the third degree and is of a thin substance consisting of many airy and spiritual parts Therefore it is good to be given any way against the Diseases of the Head and especially those which have their original or beginning not of abundance of humors but chiefly of one quality onely The Vertues The distilled water of Lavander being sunned for a time is not onely sweet of smell and therefore comfortable to the brain but also is good for the Palsie and all other infirmities of the head proceeding of cold if the Temples the hollowness under the ears and the nape of the neck be washed therewith as the Catalepsis which is a Disease that taketh away all motion from the body the Megrim and the Falling-Sickness yea two or three spoonfuls of the water being drunk recovereth the speech being lost and reviveth them that are in a swoun and so it doth if it be but applyed to the Temples or Nostrils to be smelt unto but it is not safe to use it when the Body is full of humours mixed with blood because of the hot and subtill spirits wherewith it is possessed A Decoction made with the Flowers of Lavender Horehound Fennel and Asparagus Roots and a little Cinamon is very profitably used to help the Falling-Sickness and the giddiness or turning of the brain Wherefore not without cause the Herb is reckoned of Schola Salerni amongst those things that cure the Palsie Salvia Castoreumque Laevandula Primula Veris Nasturt Athanas haec sanant Paralytica Membra That is to say Sage Castory that is the stones of the Beast called a Castor Lavender Primrose Watercresse and Tansie cure and heal Members infected with the Palsie So that though the Flowers be of most vertue yet the Herb it self is good for the uses aforesaid as also for Apoplexies Lethargies Cramps Convulsions and gripings of the body proceeding of Cold. It helpeth also the stopping of the Milt heateth the belly and sendeth down the Terms and if the same be holden often in the mouth it helpeth the Ulcers and pains of the teeth and the same water is excellent good for blisters of the mouth if the mouth be washed therewith It being often smelled unto doth comfort and clear the sight and if a shirt be but wetted in the water wherein Lavander hath been boyled and after dryed no louse will breed or abide therein as long as it keepeth the smell The lesser Lavander is much commended in all the Diseases of the Mother as the strangling or suffocation the dislocation or displacing c. for Women to be bathed therewith as also to help forward their travel The Chymical Oyl drawn from Lavander usually called Oyl of Spike is good for the Palsie Falling-Sickness Gouts of the Joynts and of the feet both taken at mouth and also anointed but it must be used cautiously some few drops being sufficient to be given with other things either for inward or outward griefs CHAP. X. Of Marjerome The names MArjerome is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Majorana à majori curâ ut aliqui volunt Sampsuchum also and Amaracus after the Greek The cause of which name is by some Poets supposed to be this Amaracus the Son of Cinara King of Cyprus having in his hand a Box of most fragrant Oyntment by a mischance spilt it on the ground the losse whereof he took so impatiently that he did nothing but mourn for it in conâ—ideration of whose Parentage and excellent Perfection the Gods in pitty did transform him into that Herb which is called Amaracus after his name which still retaineth the smell of the Oyntment which he spilt It is called in English sweet Marjerome fine Marjerome and Marjerome Gentle The Pot Marjerome is also called Winter Marjerome The Kindes The sorts of Marjerome which I shall here reckon up are six 1. The ordinary Garden sweet Marjerome 2. Marjerome Gentle 3. Winter sweet Marjerome 4. Winter or Pot-Marjerome 5. Yellow Marjerome 6. Wild or Field Marjerome I shall as most commonly I do describe only the first The Forme The ordinary Garden Marjerome that is sowen here in England is a small low Herb scarcely mounting above a foot in height full of branches and small whitish and soft roundish leaves on them smelling very sweet at the tops of the Branches stand divers small long and round scaly heads or knots and therefore of some called knotted Marjerome of a whitish green colour out of which come here and there small white Flowers and after them small reddish seed the Root is composed of divers small threds or strings which perisheth with the whole Plant every year The whole Plant and every part thereof is of a most pleasant taste and aromatical smell and by transplanting into beds well dressed with dry dung it prospereth better and becomes so strong that it is commonly able to abide the coldness of the Winter if it be not extraordinary The Place and Time The sweet Marjerome grows wilde on the Mountains in Spain and other places and the wilde Marjerome in the Borders of Corn-fields and Pastures in sundry places of this Land and particularly on both sides the Foot-way which leadeth from St. Albans to Mr. Cottons House near unto the place where old Verulam stood the rest are nursed up in Gardens their natural places being in Creet and Italy from whence we have the seeds for the Gardens of our cold Countries which being sowen in moyst and shadowy places well dunged and digged groweth greater and taller but if it be set
carefully applyed The Kindes To omit the other sorts of herbs called by the name of Rue which have little likenesse thereunto but only a little shew in their leaves I intend to insist in this place of none but the ordinary Garden Rue and those sorts which have a more immediate relation to it they being six in all 1. The greater ordinary Rue or Herb of Grace 2. The lesser Garden Rue 3. The greater wild Rue 4. Small wild Rue 5. Mountain Rue 6. Assyrian Rue which with some of the other sorts are not usually bred nor easily kept in the Land The Forme Ordinary Garden Rue groweth up with hard whitish woody stalks branching forth on all sides and bearing thereon sundry long leaves divided into many small ones being somewhat thick and round pointed and of a dark blewish green colour the flowers that stand at the tops consist of four small yellow Leaves standing opposite one against another in the form of a Cross with a green button in the middest compassed about with sundry small yellow threds which growing ripe containeth within it small black seed the root is white and woody spreading far in the ground and abiding many years The Places and Time The two first sorts are found only in Gardens yet the second is not so common as the first and only kept by a few The other two wild sorts grow upon the Mountains in Spain and Italy The fifth groweth in Spain also France and other hot Countries The last groweth in Syria and in the hedges about Constantinople as Bellonius testifieth The Garden kinds especially the lesser do seldom flower in our Land and therefore scarce ever bear good seed And the wild or Mountain Kinds do the like and therefore they are commonly propagated by slips here in England The Temperature Rue is hot and dry in the latter end of the third degree and wild-Rue in the fourth It is of thin and subtile parts it wasteth and consumeth wind and it cutteth and digesteth cross and tough humours The Signature and Vertues The vertues of Rue are pithily expressed in Schola Salerni Ruta facit custum dut lumen iugerit astum Cocta facit Ruta de pulicibus loca tuta Rue maketh chast and eke preserveth sight Infuseth wit and Fleas doth put to flight Concerning Chastity I have spoken somewhat already in the Names besides it repaireth the Eyesight and sharpeneth it if it be eaten green as is there mentioned Ruta comesta recens oculos caligine purgat Or else the Juice of Rue together with the Juyce of Fennel the Gall of a Cock and clarified honey being put into the Eyes helpeth the dimnesse of them The third property is that Rue maketh a man quick subtill and inventive by reason that by heating and drying it maketh a mans Spirits subtile and so cleareth the wit The fourth is that the water wherein good store of Rue hath been sodden being cast and sprinked about the house riddeth away Fleas and killeth them Besides these foresaid properties it provoketh Urine and Womens Courses being taken either in meat or drink The Seed thereof taken in Wine is an Antidote against all dangerous Medicines or deadly Poysons The very smell of Rue keepeth a man from Infection as is often proved in time of pestilence for a Nosegay thereof is a good Preservative but being received into the body it is of much greater force A Decoction made thereof with some dryed Dill Leaves and Flowers easeth all pains and torments inwardly to be drunk and outwardly to be applyed warm to the place grieved The same being drunk helpeth the pains both of the Chest and Sides as also Coughs and hardnesse of breathing the Inflammations of the Lungs and the tormenting pains of the Sciatica and the Joynts being anointed or laid to the places as also the shaking fits of Agues to take a draught before the fit come Being boyled or infused in Oyl it is good to help the wind Collick the hardnesse or windiness of the Mother and freeth Women from the strangling or suffocation thereof if the Share and parts thereabouts be anointed therewith It killeth and driveth forth Woâ—ms of the Belly if it be drunk after it is boyled in Wine to the half with a little honey It helpeth the Gout or paines in the Joynts of Hands Feet or Knees applyed thereunto and with Figs it helpeth the Dropsie being bathed therewith being bruised and put into Nostrills it stayeth the bleeding thereof A Decoction of it and Bay Leaves helpeth the swelling of the Codds if they be bathed therewith if it be bruised with a few Myrtle leaves and made up with wax and applyed it taketh away Wheales and Pimples It cureth the Morphew and taketh away all sorts of Warts if boyled in Wine with some pepper and Nitre and the places rubbed therewith and with Allom and Honey helpeth the dry Scab or any Tetter or Ringworm The Juice thereof warmed in a Pomegranate Shell or Rind and dropped into the Ears helpeth the pain of them An Oyntment made of the said Juice with Oyl of Roses Cerusse and a little Vinegar and anointed cureth St. Anthonies fire and all soul running Sores in the Head and the stinking Uâ—cers of the Nose or other parts Take of Nitre Pepper and Cummin Seed of each equal parts of the Leaves of Rue clean picked as much in weight as all the other three weighed beat them well together and put-to as much honey as will make it up into an Electuary but you must first correct your Cummin Seed by keeping it in Vinegar twenty four hours and then dry it well in a hot Fire shoâ—el or in an Oven and it is remedy for the paines or griefs of the Chest or Stomach of the Spleen Belly or Sides by wind or Stiches of the Liver by obstructions of the Reins and Bladder by the stopping of Urine and helpeth also to extenuate fat corpulent Bodies The leaves of Rue first boyled and then laid in Pickle are kept by many to eat as sauce to meat like as Sampire is for tâ—e dimnesse of sight and to warm a cold Stomach The distilled water is very effectuall for many of the purposes aforesaid In outward applications the wild kinds work more forcibly then the Garden kinds but taken inwardly by Women with child it destroyeth the birth and mightily expelleth the after-birth A Weasell being to fight with a Serpent eateth Rue and rubbeth her self therewith to avoid his poyson I know not what religion Crollius was of but he saith that the signe of the Crosse which is upon the seed or rather as I suppose the flower of Rue driveth away all Phantasms and evill Spirits by Signature CHAP. XXII Of Eyebright The Names NExt to those mentioned by Schola Salerni We come to Eyebright which is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or as Fuchsius would rather have it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saying that without doubt the name of this herb hath been corrupted by some
cut-in on the edges and of a strong sweet scent growing some near the ground and some by couples upon stalks The Flowers grow at certain distances with two small Leaves at the Joynts under them somewhat like unto the Flowers of Sage but smaller and of a very whitish or black blew Colour the Seed is brownish and somewhat flat or not so round as the wild the Roots are blackish and spread not far and perish after the Seed-time it is most usuall to save it for the Seed seldom riseth of its own shedding The Place and Time The first is planted only in Gardens and so is the second in the Western parts of Europe both on this side and beyond the Alps by the judgement of the best Authours The third was brought by Paludanus into these parts out of Syria The fourth is wilde in many places of Germany The fifth is wilde in our Country upon dry banks almost every where and by the way sides The sixth Clusius first found in the Meadows near Sopronium in Hungary The seventh was sent out of Italy and it is likely is originally of that Country The eighth grew with Clusius of the Seed he received out of Spain but yet as he saith he found it likewise near the riding place at Greenwich The ninth groweth in Hungary almost every where in their Vineyards and by the way sides The tenth grew of the Seed which was sent out of Candy The eleventh both at Mompelâ—er and in Candy The twelfth throughout Hungary in great plenty and in Austria and in many other places The last as Dioscorides saith on Mount Ida in Phrygia and Messenia but of late dayes gathered from some of the Hills of Greece and Illyria that are near the Sea I have seen Colus Jovis c. Jupiters distaffe and the Aethiopian Clary grow both in the Physick Garden at Oxford and that at Westminster The Temperature and Vertues Clary is hot and dry in the third Degree The Seed thereof but especially the wilde sort called Oculus Christ of its effects from helping the Diseases of the Eys is used to be put into the Eys to clear them from any Moats or other such like things as are gotten within the Lids to offend them as also to cleanse them of all filthy and putrified matters wherewith the Eys are wont to be infested and to take away white and red spots out of them If the Seed be finely powdered searsed and mixed with Honey and applyed to the Eys it taketh away the dimness of them The mucilage of the Seed of either sort made with water and applyed to Tumours or Swellings disperseth and taketh them away and also draweth forth Splinters Thorns or other things gotten into the flesh The Leaves used with Vineger either by it self or with a little Honey doth help hot Inflammations as also Biles Felons and hot Inflammations gathered by their pains if it be applyed before they are grown too great The Powder of the dryed Leaves put into the Nose provoketh sneesing and thereby purgeth the Head and Brains of much Rheum and corruption It provoketh to Venery either the Seed or Leaves taken in Wine It is in much use to help to strengthen the Reins either used by it self or with other Herbs that conduce to the same effect and in Tansies often or the fresh Leaves fryed in Butter being first dipped in a Batter of Flower Eggs and a little Milk served as a dish to the Table is not unpleasant to any but especially profitable to those Men or Women that have weak backs It is used in Italy to be given for Women that are batten through a cold and moyst disposition to heat and dry up that moysture and to help them to be fruitful it helpeth the Stomack oppressed with cold flegme and purgeth the Head of Rheum and much corruption but the over-much use hereof offendeth the Head and is hurtful for the Brain and memory It bringeth down Womens desired sickness and expelleth the Secondine or after-birth Yellow Clary or Jupiters Distaffe is hot and drying and the juyce of it is of speciall good use to cleanse and heal foul Ulcers The Aethiopian Clary is commended for the roughness of the Throat and to help to expectorate the rotten and purulent matter in the Plurisie or in other Coughs either the Decoction of the Root drunk or made into an Electuary with Honey Dioscorides saith also that it is good for those which are troubled with the Sciatica The Leaves of wild Clary are good to be put into Pottage and Broth amongst other Herbs for they scatter congealed blood warm the stomack and help the dimness of the Eyes CHAP. XXIV Of Hawk-weed The Names THis is the last Plant that I shall treat of as appropriated to the Eyes and it is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Accipiter an Hawk because Hawks are said to sharpen their Eyes with the Juyce of this Herb and for the same Reason it is called Hawk-weed in English In Latine it is called Hieracium and Accipitrina Gaza calleth it Porcellia It is called also Lampuca and by some Hypochaeris and Hyoseris The Kinds Parkinson who thinketh that such a multitude of Varieties in form pertaining to one Herb is not to be found again in Rerum natura divideth the Hawk-weeds into nine Ranks which with the particulars comprehended under every one of them would if only named make this Chapter extend its limits I shall content my self only with those I find mentioned in the Phytologia Britannica which I conceive to be the usuallest sorts growing within these Dominions and they are 1. Rough Hawk-weed or yellow Succory for all of them are numbered amongst the Succories by some 2. Dandelyon Hawk-weed 3. Succory Hawk-weed 4. Endive Hawk-weed 5. Rough Mountain Hawk-weed 6. Long rooted Hawk-weed 7. Great Hawk-weed 8. Hares Lettice or little Hawk-weed yellow Devills bit 9. Little Mountain Hawk-weed 10. Black Hawk-weed with more cut Leaves The Forme Hawk-weed hath divers Leaves of no great size lying on the ground much rent or torn on the sides into many gashes somewhat like unto Dandelyon from among which ariseth a hollow rough stalk of about half a yard or two foot high at the most that ever I saw oranched from the middle upward wherein are set at every Joynt â—esser Leaves but not so much indented as the former bearing at their top sundry pale yellow Flowers consisting of many small narrow Leaves broad pointed and nicked in at the ends set in a double Roe or more the â—â—er most being larger then the inner which form most of the Hawk-weeds do hold which turn into Down and with the small brownish Seeds is blown away with the winde The Root is long and white with many small fibres thereat The whole Plant is full of bitter milk The Places and Time The kind of Herbs do grow in untilled places near unto the borders of Corn-fields in Meadows High-wayes Woods Mountains and
but it purgeth Phlegme more manifestly then Choler and therefore doth much help pains in the Hips and other parts Being boyled in Whey it wonderfully helpeth the Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and is profitable for the Dropsie and Jaundies being steeped in Wine and drunk It helps those continuall Agues that come by the plenty of stubborn humours An Oyl made thereof by setting it in the Sun with some Laudanum added to it provoketh sweating the ridge of the back being anointed therewith and thereby driveth away the shaking fits of the Agues It will not abide long boyling for it looseth its strength thereby nor much beating for the finer powder doth provoke Vomits and Urine and the coorler purgeth downward The Roots also work in the same manner but not so forcibly but an Extract made thereof according to Art with Wine might be more safe and effectual and may be kept all the year to be ready at hand to be given when there is occasion the quantity only is to be proportioned according to the constitution of the Patient as the learned Physitians can best appoint It is also effectuall against the biting of Serpents the root especially and therefore it is put amongst other simples both into Mithridate and Venice Treacle A drachm of the root in powder given in Whitewine a little before the fit of an Ague taketh away the shaking fit and thereby causeth the hot fit to be more remisse and in twice taking expelleth it quite It is said that the leaves being a little bruised and applyed to the forehead and temples do ease the pains of the head and procureth sleep and applyed to the Eyes taketh away the inflammation of them The Juice with a little Tutia prepared put to it and dropped into the corner of the Eyes sharpeneth the Eyesight and taketh away the dimnesse and mistinesse that is often in them The Bastard Asarum as Matthiolus saith hath a little cleansing quality but a greater property to attenuate or make thin that which is thick to cut or break that which is tough and to open that which is obstructed A drachm of the powder hereof taken in sweet Wine or honyed Water doth loosen the Belly and purgeth from thence tough and thick phlegme and black or burnt Humours It is for very good purpose and profit given to those which have the yellow Jaundies to those that have the falling Sicknesse and to those that have the Palsy the herbe either taken of it self and eaten as in Sallets or the decoction thereof made and drunk It killeth also the wormes of the Belly CHAP. XXVI Of Ground-Ivy or Alehoofe The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it alwayes creeps upon the ground and hath Leaves somewhat like unto the true Ivy yet they are lesser thinner hairy and crumpled as it were It is called also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it spreadeth and is a Garland upon the Ground It is called in Latine Hedera humâ—lis Hedera terrestris and Corona terrae Cordus calleth it Chamadema and Brunfelsius mistaking it made it his fourth Elâ—tine Lugdunensis calleth it Malacocissos id est Mollis Hedera Plumiatica The Shops call it Hedera terrestris and we in English according to the several Countries appellations Gilrumbith-ground that is Gill run by the ground Tâ—â—dâ—oore Gill creep by the ground Catsfoot Hay Maids and Alehoof most generally or Tunhoof because Countrey people formerly did use it much in their Aâ—le and Beer and so they would now if they were so wise and Ground Ivy as frequently although Lobel judgeth the Hedera helix or barren Ivy to deserve that name more properly and some Country people that would have the barren Ivy to be the true Ground-Ivy call the other Maiden-hair but it is only their Opinion without good advice for all that have experience in Herbarisme judge otherwise The Kindes There be of this four sorts 1. Common Ground-Ivy or Ale-hoof 2. The lesser Ale-hoof 3. Mountain Ale-hoof 4. Stone-Ale-hoof The Form Ground-Ivy is a low Plant seldom exceeding a Span in height but it lyeth spreadeth and creepeth upon the Ground all about shooting forth Roots at the Joynts of the cornered tender stalks set all along with two round Leaves at every Joynt somewhat hairy and crumpled as it were and unevenly dented about the edges with round dents at the Joynts likewise with the Leaves towards the end of the Branches come forth hollow long Flowers gaping at the ends of a blewish purple colour with small white spots upon the Label or lips that hang down as also in the mouth or Jawes the Root is small but very fibrous The Place and Time The common sort is found under the Hedges and sides of fields and Ditches under house sides and in shadowed Lanes and other wast Grounds in every place almost the second is found at the bottom of old Trees in some Countries of Gâ—rmany the third is found to grow on Hills and Mountains the last in Narbone and Province in France and in some places of Somersetshire They flower somewhat early and abide so a great while the Leaves keeping their Verdure unto the Winter and sometimes abiding if it be not too vehement and sharp The Temperature Ground Ivy is quick sharp and bitter in tast and thereby is found to be hee and dry it openeth also cleanseth and rarifyeth The Vertues The Juyce of this Herb dropped into the Ears doth wonderfully help the noise and singing of them and helpeth their hearing that is decayed especially iâ— burnt white Coperas be dissolved therein and three drops thereof be put into the Ears morning and evening The Juyces of Celandine Daysies of the field and Ground-Ivy clarified and a little fine Sugar dissolved therein dropped into the Eys is a soveraign Medicine for all pains redness and watering of the Eys the Pin and Web Skins or Films growing over the sight or whatsoever might offend them the same helpeth Beasts as well as Men. It is also a singular good Wound-Herb for all inward Wounds and likewise for exulcerated Lungs and other parts either by it self or with other the like Herbs boyled together and besides being drunk by them that have any griping pains of windy or cholerick humours in the stomack spleen or belly doth ease them in a short space it likewise helpeth the yellow Jaundies by opening the obstruction of the Gall Liver and Spleen it expelleth venome and poyson and the Plague also It provoketh Urine and Womens Courses and stayeth them not as some have thought but the Decoction of the Herb in Wine being drunk for some time together by those that have the Sciatica or Hip-Gout as also the Gout in the hands knees or feet helpeth to dissolve and disperse the peccant humours and to procure ease the same decoction is excellent good to gargle any sore throat or mouth putting thereto some Honey and a little burnt Allome as also to wash the Sores and Ulcers of the privy
the immoderate Flux of Womens Courses A Cloth wet therein and applyed to the Testicles or Cods upon any swelling therein giveth much ease as also to the Gout which commeth of hot and sharp humours The deadly Night-shade is very dangerous to be taken inwardly as might be shown by some lamentable instances yet if the Temples and forehead be a little bathed with the Juyce of Leaves and a little Vineger it procureth rest and sleep when it is hindered by hot fits of Agues or other distemperature and taketh away the pain of the head proceeding of a hot cause The Leaves bruised or their Juyce may be applyed to such hot Inflammations as St. Anthonies fire the Shingles and all other fiery or running Cankers to cool and stay the spreading CHAP. XXX Of Sow-Fennel or Hoggs-Fennel The Names THe Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Peucedanus and Peucedanum as some take it of the pitchy scent it carrieth from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth a Pitch Tree and others of the Pine Tree whose Leaves are like it call it Pinastellum as Apuleius It is also called Faeniculum Porcinum but by Tabermontanus Cauda porcina for the likeness that is between it and an Hoggstail We in English call it Hoggs-Fennel or Sow-Fennel from the Latine Hore-strange and Hore-strong Surphurwott or Brimst one-wort from the yellow Sap or Liquor which quickly waxeth hard or dry smelling not much unlike Brimstone called Sulphur The Kinds Of Sow-Fennel there be three sorts 1. Common Sow-Fennel 2. Small Sow-Fennel 3. Great Sow-Fennel of Italy The Forme The common Sow-fennel hath divers branched stiff stalks full of knees of somewhat thick and long leaves almost like the leaves of the wild Pine three for the most part joyned together at a place amongst which riseth a crested straight stalk lesse then Fennel with some joynts thereon and leaves growing thereat and toward the top some branches issuing from thence likewise on the tops of the stalks and branches stand divers tufts of yellow Flowers where after grow somewhat flat thin and yellowish Seeds almost twice as big as Fennel-Seed The Root groweth great and deep with many other parts and Fibres about them of a strong scent like melted Brimstone yielding forth a yellowish milk or clammy juyce somewhat like a Gum and having also at the top of it about the superficies of the Earth a certain bush of hair of a brown Colour amongst which the leaves and stalks do spring forth The Place and Time The first groweth in good plenty in the salt low Marshes a little by Feversham in Kent near unto the Haven upon the banks thereof and the Meadows adjoyning on the South side of a Wood belonging to Waltham at the Nase in Essex by the High-way-side also at Whitstable in Kent in a Medow near the Sea-side The second was found on St. Vincents Rock by Bristow by Label as he setteth it down in his Adversaria p. 331. and in Hungary and Austria by Clusius The last groweth naturally upon the Sea-Coast of Mount Pelier in France and in divers places in Italy They all flower and seed in the end of Summer that is in July and August The Temperature These Herbs especially the yellow Sap of the Roots is hot in the second and dry in the beginning of the third Degree The Vertues As Night-shade being a cold Plant was good for such distempers of the Ears as happen by reason of heat so this Hog-Fennel being of a hot temperature is very effectual for such griefs as happen to the Ears upon a cold cause if a little of the juyce be dissolved in Wine and dropped into the Ears The same according to Dioscorides and Galen used with Vineger and Rose-water or the juyce with a little Euphorbium put to the Nose helpeth those that are troubled with the Lethargy the Phrensie the turning of the brain or dissiness of the head the Falling-Sickness long and inveterate Head-ach the Palsie the Sciatica and the Cramp and generally all the Diseases of the Nerves and Sinews if it be used with Oyl and Vineger The juyce dissolved in Wine or put into an Egg is good for the Cough and shortness of breath and for those that are troubled with wind and tormenting pains in the body It purgeth the belly gently and dissolveth the wind and hardness of the spleen it giveth ease to those Women that have sore travel in Child-birth and easeth the pains both of Bladder and Reins and womb also A little of the concrete juyce put into an hollow Tooth ceaseth the pains thereof and the Root worketh to the like effect but more slowly and lesse The dryed Powder of the Root being put into foul Ulcers of hard curation clenseth them throughly removeth any splinters of broken bones or other things in the flesh and healeth them up perfectly and likewise bringeth-on old and inveterate sores to cicatrising it is also put into such salves as serve to heat or warm any place Pliny recordeth the vertue hereof in divers places the Root being drunk in Wine with the Seed of the Cypress-Tree in powder easeth the strangling of the Mother but some use to burn it and by the smell thereof giveth ease thereunto the juyce helpeth the burstings of Children and their Navels when they stick forth the Root is of so great force in green Wounds and Sores that it draweth out the Quitture from the very bones By the Signature of this Plant it should cause hair to grow apace where the places wanted it or were deprived for so doth Thapsia or scorching Fennel which hath lesse similitude then this CHAP. XXXI Of Sow-Thistles The Names NExt to Sow-Fennel I have placed Sow-Thistles which amongst others hath a vertue that it is very soveraign for the Ears with which I shall finish the Plants appropriated to them It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod salubrem fundat succum The Latines also call it Sonchus which is divided into Asperum and Laevem and into Asperiorem Laeviorem We in English call them Prickly and Smooth Sow-thistles and sometimes Haâ—es Lettice which because of their like Vertue I have Joyned together They are called of divers Cicerbita Lactucella and Lacterones of Apulelus Lactula Leporina of some Brassica Lepâ—rina or Hares-Coleworts Palatium Leporis and some have it Leporum Cubile The Kindes To reckon up all the sorts of these that are to be found in other Herbals would not be to much purpose and therefore I shall content my self to mention those only which I find in the Phytologia Britannica being in number Eight 1. Tree-Sow-Thistle 2. Wall or Ivy-leafed Sow-Thistle 3. Lesser Prickly Sow-Thistle 4. An Elegant Sow Thistle with a white flower having yellow in the middle 5. Narrow leafed Sow-Thistle 6. Broad leafed Sow-Thistle 7. Prickly Sow-Thistle 8. Common Sow-Thistle which last I shall only describe The Form The Common Sow-Thistle is well known to rise up with a round â—ollow stalk two
a yard long or longer bearing flowers towards the top compact of six leaves joyned together whereof three that stand upright are bent inward one toward another and in those leaves that hang downwards there are certain rough and hairy Welts growing or rising from the nether part of the leaf upward almost of a yellow colour The Roots be long thick and knobby with many hairy threds hanged thereat but being dry it is without them and white The Places and Time These Fowerdeluces aforementioned and many more though they grow naturally in Africa Greece Italy and France and some in Germany yet they are nursed up in the Cardens of those who are lovers of such varieties Gladwin groweth wild in many places as in woods and shaddowy places near the Sea here in England and so doth the Water Flowerdeluce in moist meddows and in the borders and brinks of rivers ponds and standing Lakes but though it be natural to such places yet being planted in Gardens it prospereth weâ—â— The dwarâ—e kind of Flag Flowerdeluces flower in April the greater in May and the bulbous sorts not until June the Gladwin not till July The Seed is ripe in the end of August or beginning of September yet the husks after they are ripe will hold their seeds with them two or three moneths and not shed them The Temperature The Roots of the Flowerdeluce when they are green and full of Juyce are hot almost in the fourth degree but when it is dry it is hot only in the third yet then it burneth the throat and mouth of such as tast thereof It offendeth the stomach and causeth blood to be voided if given in too great a Dose and to weak persons It is not safe to be taken by Women with child because it bringeth down the courses yea a Pessary made of the Juyce with Honey and put up into the body bringeth away the birth therefore it is not safe to give it alone but with good Correctives In gripings of the bowels give it with Mastick in the Joynt gout with Castor in the Dropsie with Honey of Roses in diseases of the Liver with Rubarbe Juyce of Agrimony c. The Signature and Vertues The Juyce of the Root of the Common Fowerdeluce being first extracted afterwards set a while to clear and then put up into the Nostrills provoketh sneesing and thereby purgeth the head of flegme so that though some one may say this plant is not proper to the Nose yet as long as it may be appropriated to the head we are not quite out of our Sphear for it easeth the pain of the head and procureth Rest if it be applyed with Rose Cake and Vinegar it cleanseth spots in the Eyes and helpeth watry Eyes by cleansing them The Roots are effectual to warm and comfort all cold Joynts and Sinewes as also to ease the Gout and Sciatica and mollifieth dissolveth and consumeth all Scrophulous tumours and swellings by Signature especially made into an Oyl called Oleum Irinum which oyl also helpeth the Cramp and Convulsion the rheum that is cold and distilling from the head and being nointed on the breast it helpeth to extenuate or make thin tough and cold phlegm making it more easy to spit out it helpeth the stench of the Nostrils the pain and noise in the Ears and much easeth the painful Piles The root it self green or in powder doth cleanse heal and incarnate wounds and covers with flesh the naked bones which Ulcers have made bare and is also good to cleanse and heal up Fistulaes and Cancers that are hard to be cured It helpeth the pains and swellings of the Cods if it be thus used Take of the roots in powder half an ounce Cinamom and Dill of each two drachms Saffron a scruple mix them well together lay them on a Scarlet Cloth moistned in White wine and apply it warm to the Cods The green roots bruised and applyed to black and blew marks in the skin taketh them away and all other discolouring of the skin whether Morphew or the like but it is better to apply it with red Rose water and a little Lin-Seed Oyl ot oyl of Parmacity in manner of a Pultis Moreover a decoction of the roots gargled in the Mouth easeth the Tooth-ach and helpeth a strong or stinking breath Being mixed with a little Honey and drunk it purgeth and cleanseth the stomach of gross and tough phlegme and choler therein it likewise helpeth the Jaundice and the Dropsie by evacuating those humours both upward and downwards it easeth also the paines of the belly and sides the shaking of Agues the diseases of the Liver and Spleen the Worms in the belly the Stone in the Reins Convulsions or Cramps that come of cold humours and helpeth those whose seed passeth from them unawares It is a remedy against the bitings and stingings of venemous Creatures being boyled in water and Vinegar and drunk being boyled in Wine and drunk it provoketh Urine and the Cholick An Electuary made hereof called Dia-ireos Solomonis is very good for the Lungs and helps cold infirmities of them as Asthmaes Coughs difficulty of breathing c. You may take it with a Liquoris stick or on the point of a knife a little of it at a time and often CHAP. XXXIIII Of Hors-tail The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Hippuris in Latine also by divers Equâ—setum or Cauda Equina which is the same with Hippuris of the forme oâ— an Horsetail which the stalk of leaves being turned downwards doth resemble By other names it is likewise called as Equinalis and by Pliny Equâ—sclis and of some Salix Equina and Sangu nalis from the powerfull efficâ—cy it hath to stench blood and of others Asprella because of its ruggednesse which hath not formerly been unknown to Country Houâ—wives who with the rougher kind hereof called in English Shavegrass did as now with Elder Leaves but more effectually scowre their Pewter Brass and Woodâ—en Vessels and therefore it hath been by some of them called Pewterwort but I think that piece of thriftinesse with many other are laid aside which might profitably be revived if they knew it Of some it is called Ephedra Anabasis and Caucon Fletchers also and Combe makers polish their work therewith The Kindes There be hereof fourteen sorts mentioned by modern Writers 1. The greater Marsh Horsetail 2. Broad leafed Horsetail 3. Small Marsh Horsetail 4. Barren Marsh Horsetail 5. The smallest and finest leafed Horsetail 6. Many headed Horsetail 7. Rush or naked Horsetail 8. Branched Rush Horsetail 9. Small party coloured Horsetail 10. Stinking Horsetail 11. The great Meadow Horse-tail 12. Corn Horsetail 13. Wood Horsetail 14. Mountain Horsetail of Candy The Form The greater Horsetail that groweth in wet grounds at the first springing hath heads somewhat like to those of Asparagus and after grow to be hard rough hollow stalks joynted at sundry places up to the top a foot high so made as if the lower part
and dented about the edges many of them having five divisions some six most seaven and sometimes though seldom eight according to the fertility of the soil At the tops of the branches stand divers small yellow flowers consisting of five leaves like those of Cinkfoil but smaller The root is smaller then Bistort somewhat thick tuberous or knobby blackish without and reddish within as the former sometimes a little crooked having many blackish fibres The Places and Times The common sort groweth not only in Woods and shadowy places but also in pastures and Closes lying open to the Sun Great plenty of it is to be found in Pray Wood near St. Albans and in a Close that lyeth between the Week and Stafford Lane near Heddington in Oxfordshire where the biggest roots that ever I saw grow The second groweth amongst the Helvetians or Switzers as also in the county of Tirol The last groweth upon the Alps in divers rocky or stony places as also upon the Pyrenaean mountains and among the Savoyards likewise The Temperature The root of Tormentil doth mightily dry and that in the third degre and is of thin parts it hath in it but little heat and is of a binding quality and therefore it must not be given to dry bodies nor to such as are very costive The Signature and Vertues The rednesse of the inside of the root of Tormentil is an eminent token that it is most excellent to stay all kinds of fluxes of blood or humours in Man or Woman whether at Nose Mouth Belly or any wound in the Veins or elsewhere It provokes sweat expells poison and is good to cure wounds the herb root and water are in use It is much used in the Pestilence and other malignant diseases as small Pox Measels Purples and spotted Feavers driving forth by sweat any contagion especially if the Flux of the belly be joyned with these diseases It is uâ—e 〈…〉 in Catarrhes to dry up the rheums and in the French diseases and generally for all other things that Bistort is good for and may be used for the same The distilled Water of Tormentil taken in a morning fasting is excellent against Venom or any contagion and is a good preservative in time of infection The Dose is two or three Ounces the same taken morning and evening cures all inward Ulcers in the Body stayeth the Fluxes of the Belly especially in the Dysentery or bloody Flux It doth comfort the brain heart and stomach liver and spleen as also the whole body and cureth most agues The best way to still the water is to steep the herb all night in Wine and then distill it Balneo Mariae The water thus distilled taken with some Venice Treacle and the party laid presently to sweat will certainly by Gods help expel any Venom or Poison the Plague Feaver c. For it is an ingredient of speciall respect in all Antidotes or Counterpoisons The powder of the dryed root made up with the white of an Egg in the form of a little cake and baked upon an hot Tile will stay all fluxes restrain all cholerick belchings and much vomiting with loathings in the stomach The Leaves and Roots being bruised and applyed dissolve all Knots Kernels and Hardnesse gathered about the Ears throat and Jawes and the Kings Evil. The same also easeth the pains of the Sciatica or Hipgout by straining the sharp humours that flow thereto the Juyce of the Leaves and roots used with a little Vinegar is a special remedy against running sores of the head or other parts scabs also and the itch or any such eruptions in the skin proceeding of salt and sharp humours The same also is effectual for the Piles or Hemorrhoids if they be washed and bathed therewith or with the distilled Water of the Herb or Roots It is found also helpful to dry up any sharp Rheum that distilleth from the head into the Eyes causing rednesse pain waterings Itchings or the like if a little prepared Tutia or white Amber be used with the distilled water hereof CHAP. XXXIX Of Cinckfoile The Names COme we next to Cinckfoile not only for the likeness of properties that is between it and Tormentill but of the outward face and form of the Plant as you shall hear hereafter It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Pentaphyllum Quinque-folium à numero foliorum in English Cinckfoil and Cinckfield and Five finger grasse or Five leaved Grasse The Kindes The sorts of Cinckfoile are very numerous an exact account whereof we shall not labour for those nine reckoned up by Gerard being sufficient for our present purpose 1. Great Cinckfoil 2. Common Cinckfoil 3. Purple Cinckfoil 4. Marish Cinckfoil 5. Stone Cinckfoil 6. Upright Cinckfoil 7. Wall Cinckfoil 8. Hoary Cinckfoil 9. Wood Cinckfoil The Form Common Cinckfoil spreadeth and creepeth far upon the ground with long slender strings like Strawberries which take Root again and shoot forth many Leaves made of five parts and sometimes of seaven dented about the edges and somewhat hard The stalks are slender leaning downwards and bear many small yellow Flowers thereon with some yellow threds in the middle standing about a smooth green head which when it is ripe is a little rough and containeth small brownish seeds The Root is of a blackish brown colour seldom so big as ones little finger but growing long with some threds thereat and by the small strings quickly spreading it self abroad The Places and Time The first groweth in Switzerland naturally and is nursed up in some of our â—ardens The second groweth by high-way-sides and in low and moyst Meadows The third groweth in the Woods of Clavena and Narbon The fourth in a Marish Ground adjoyning to the Land called Bourn Pondes half a mile from Colchester The fifth groweth upon Beestone Castle in Cheshire The sixth upon Brick and Stone-walls about London The seaventh on the Alps of Rhetia near Clavena The eighth in the hollowness of Peakish Mountains and dry gravelly Valleys The last groweth in Woods The Plants do flowre from the beginning of May to the end of June The Temperature The Roots of Cinckfoil especially the two last do vehemently dry and that in the third Degree but without biting for they have very little apparent heat of sharpness The Vertues Common Cinckfoil is held to be effectuall for all the purposes whereunto Bistort and Tormentill is applyed as well for preserving against venomous and infectious Creatures and Diseases in each respect as in keeping from putreâ—action for binding and restraining Fluxes either of blood or humours which are excessive especially bleeding at the Nose which it performeth if the juyce be drunk in Ale or red Wine or the Roots or Leaves applyed to the Nose Some hold that one Leaf cures a Quotidian three a Tertian and four a Quartan which is a meer whimsey but the truth is if you give a scruple of it which is twenty grains at a time either in White-wine or White-wine-Vinegar
to Dover as also from Dover round about the Sea-Coasts to Portsmouth and even to Bristoll where it is had in plenty but on the Northern Coasts it scarcely groweth at all But the second groweth in the Marshes of Holland in Lincolnshire as well as Holland in the Low-Countries as also in other places of Lincolushire and other places by the Sea-side It hath been also found upon Ingleborough Hills in Lancashire and in the â—eak in Darbyshire and is sowen now in many Gardens where it prospereth well The smaller sort have been brought to us from Denmark where they grow in an Island called Almagria They all flower betimes even in March oftentimes and in April and give their ripe Seed about the latter end of May. The Temperature Scurvy-Grasse is evidently hot and dry very like to the Garden-Cresses in Quality but not of so aromaticall or spicy a tast The Vertues Before I speak of the Vertues of Scurvy-Graesse it will not be altogether improper to tell you what the SCVRVY is It is a Diâ—ease proceeding through a melancholy humour which maketh the Gums to become swollen and exulcerated loosning also the sinews and teeth so that he that hath it doth with very much difficulty chew any thing the mouth stinketh grievously the Thighs and Legs are withall very often full of blew spots not much unlike those that come of bruises the Face and the rest of the Body is often times of a pale Colour and the Feet are swollen as in the Dropâ—e and will have a pain in the soles of them and so will the fingers ends This hurtful Diâ—ease happeneth at Sea amongst Fisher-men and fresh water Souldiers and such as delight to fit still without labour and exercise of the body especially if they make not clean their Bisket from the Flower or mealiness that is upon the same which doth spoil many For the curing whereof this excellent Plant therefore called Scurvy-Grasse is found to prevail the juyce thereof if it be taken in Ale or Beer or if six great handfulls of the Leaves be steeped with long Pepper Grains Aniseed and Liquorice of each an Ounce the Spices being brayed and the Herb bruised a little in a Morter of Wood or Stone put them in a Stone-Pot called a Steane with four Gallons of strong Ale to steep or infuse the same in for three dayes which done it will be fit for your use and then you must drink it three weeks together as your ordinary drink The Decoction is good for the same purposes and so is the Herb tunned up in new drink either by it self or with other things for it openeth obstructions and evacuateth cold clammy melancholy and flegmatick humours both from the Liver and Seat of blood and the spleen wasting and consuming both the swelling and hardness thereof and thereby bringing the body back again to a most lively Colour the juyce also helpeth all foul Ulcers and Sores in the mouth if it be often gargled therewith and used outwardly doth cleanse the skin from spots marks or skars that happen therein The Conserve is a fine delicate Medicine for weak and tender stomachs and worketh the same effect CHAP. XLVII Of small House Leek The Names THis kind of Houseleek is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aizoon minus that is Semper vivum in that it is alwaies green and lesser then the former yet some do call both kinds Aithales for that they are ever living Pliny calls this lesser kind Trithales quiaâ—ter floreat and Erithales or Erisithales and Chysothales in English Prick-Madam Stonecrop or 〈◊〉 Stonecrop In Latine Sedum Minus Vermicularis and Illecebra The Kindes Of this small Houseleek or Prickmadam there be Nine sorts 1. The Ordinaâ—y Prickmadam or Stonecrop 2. Stonecrop with turning heads 3. Small Stonecrop 4. White flowered Stonecrop with round pointed leaves 5. A smaller white flowered Stonecrop 6. Marsh or Field Stonecrop 7. Wall Pepper 8. Unsavory Wall Pepper 9. Summer Houseleek or Stonecrop The Forme The Ordinary Prickmadam or Stonecrop is but small creeping along the place it groweth with divers trailing Branches and some what slender which are encompassed about with a great number of Leaves that are different from the common sort of leaves in regard that they are thick though little long sharp-pointed inclining to a greenish blew colour the flowers stand at the tops of the Branches many set together yet somewhat loosely and not in a thick â—ust or cluster as the Orpines of a yelowish colour the roots are very small creeping in the earth and send forth stalks with leaves here and there all abouts The Places and Time Many of these sorts grow either on mud Walls or on those Stone Walls that are capped with mud or among rubbish and in other sandy or gravelly places and oftentimes also upon the sides of all tiled houses and pent houses as also upon the rocks of the high mountains in Wales except the sixth which groweth only in moist Meadows and Marshes and the last whose root is small and perishing which I have seen at the Physick Garden in Oxford They all flower in June and July and sometimes sooner the leaves of many of them continuing green all the Winter The Temperature Stonecrop is cold in the third degree it is also dry but not very much because of the waterish essence that is in them The Signature and Vertues The lesser Houseleek or Stonecrop hath the Signature of the Gums and therefore the Juyce thereof being pressed forth is very much commended in that distemper of the mouth called the Scurvy which I described in the foregoing chapter It is good both for inward and outward heats as well in the Eyes as other parts of the body A Posset made with the Juyce of Houseleek is singular good in all hot Agues for it cooleth and temperateth the blood and spirits and quencheth the thirst and is also good to stay all hot defluxions of sharp and salt rheum into the Eyes the Juyce being dropped into them the Eares also participate of its Vertue for the paines thereof are hereby also cured if the Juyce thereof be dropped thereunto it helpeth also all fluxes of humours into the bowels and the immoderate courses of Women It is said also to kill the worms and wonderfuâ—l to help the bitings of Venemuos beasts it cooleth and restraineth all other hot inflammations St. Anthonies fire and all other hot eruptions in the flesh scalding also and burning the Shingles fretting ulcers Cankers Tetteâ—â— Ring-worms and the like and easeth much the pain of the Gout proceeding of an hot cause the Juyce also taketh away warts and corns in the hands or feet being often bathed therewith and the skins of the Leaves being laid on them afterwards It easeth also the headach and distempered heat of the brain in frensies or through want of sleep being applyed to the Temples and forehead the leaves bruised and laid upon the Crown or Seam of the head stayeth bleeding at
to be taken for the preservation especially of the wild They must be set in a Tub or large pot filled with rich Earth so that they may be housed in the Winter They flower in May and their fruit is ripe about the end of August in the countries aforesaid but with us they hardly flower The Temperature All Pomgranates do contain in them a thin and small nourishment yet they are helping to the stomach and those that are sweet please best but that they somewhat heat it The sowre ones and so likewise the grains or seeds of each are astringent and cool evidently The Signature and Vertues The grains or seeds of the Pomgranate are in Signatures said to hold a neer resemblance with the Teeth and therfore a Decoction made of them is very powerful in fastning the teeth and strengthning the Teeth if the same be washed therewith The Kernels of the sowre Pomgranate dryed in the Sun helpeth all manner of fluxes both of the Belly and Matrix and drunk with raw water they help the spitting of blood and so do the flowers and rinds thereof the Juyce and kernels are good in hot griefs and burning feavers to quench thirst and heat of the stomach and so is the syrup of the Juyce of it The rind sodden in Wine and drunk killeth Worms and the powder of the rind or flowers drunk or taken fasting is good for a cold and stoppeth the Rheum the Juyce of the kernels mixed with honey and sodden is good for painful sores of the Yard Mouth and Fundament and for the loosenesse of the skin about the nails and for swellings and knots in any part of the body for ach of the Ears and griefs of the Nostrills especially the kernels of the sowre Pomgranates which is the best to cure the heart burning and swooning that is caused by Choler the inflammations of the Liver and to procure appetite and to stay the immoderate longings of Women with Child The powder of the Flowers is good against burstings if it be used in plaisters and applyed especially if some Gauls be put thereto The rind or pill being used in a Gargarisme or Lotion for the Throat bringeth down the hot swellings of the Almonds in the Throat The foresaid blossoms and shels are good to put into restraining powders for the stanching of blood in wounds and to make the best sort of Ink if they be put instead or amongst Gaules CHAP. LIII Of the Mastick Tree The Names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the name whereby this Tree is called in Greek quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fissilis because it is â—o easiy to cleave either for making Toothpickers for which it is most proper or for other uses and the berries are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as some Copies have it The Name by which all Latine Authours call it is Lentiscus perhaps a foliorum Lentore from the clamminesse of the leaves and the Gum Resina Lentiscina and Mastiche and Mastix by some but by the Arabians Gluten Romanum There is a Tree like unto Mastick growing in Peru which the Indians call Molle The Kindes I read but of three sorts of the Mastick Tree mentioned by any Authour 1. The Mastick Tree 2. the Indian Mastick tree 3. The Indians Molle The Forme The Mastick Tree groweth commonly like a shrub without any great body rising up with many Springs and shoots like the Hasel and oftentimes it is of the height and bignesse of a mean tree the body and branches are covered with a bark of a yellowish red colour being plyable and hard to be broken there stand upon one rib for the most part eight leaves set upon a middle rib much like to the leaves of Liquorice but harder of a deep green colour with a reddish circle about the edges and some reddish veins on the underside also smelling sweet and abiding green alwaies the flowers grow in clusters at the joynts with the Leaves being small and of a purplish green colour and after in their places come small blackish berries of the bigness of Pepper Corns with a hard black shell under the outer skin and a white kernell within it beareth besides these berries cetrain horns containing a clear liquor within them which after a while putrifies and turns into small flyes that fly away It giveth also a clear white Gum in small drops when the stocks are wounded in several places which is gathered with great care and attendance which as I said is called Mastick The Places and Time The first groweth as well in the Provence of France as in divers places of Italy and in many places of Graecia and in Candy also and some other places but no where so plentifull as in the Isle of Chio now called Sio from whence cometh the best Gum which is clear splendent white and brittle other places yielding not so much nor so good that of Candy being of a yellowish colour and bitter taste The inhabitants of Chios tend pruine and manure it with as great pains and care as others do their Vines which goeth beyond them in the profit of the Gum and send it into all parts of the World The second and third kind grow in Peru and the Westindies They flowre in April and the berries ripen in September and the Mastick is gathered about the time that Grapes be The Temperature The Leaves Bark and Gum of the Mastick-tree are hot and dry almost in the third Degree and somewhat astringent The Vertues Mastick is one of the best things I know for the Tooth-ach and may easily be gotten at the Apothecaries Shops being infused or steeped in Rose-water it is good to wash the mouth withall to fasten loose Teeth and to strengthen the Gums or Mastick heated in Wine and the Gums Mouth and Teeth washed therewith cleanseth the corruption thereof and fastneth the loosenesse both of Gums and Teeth The same spread on Velvet or Plush and laid unto the Temples stoppeth the Rheum from falling down and so easeth the Tooth-ach The Teeth likewise being rubbed with the Powder thereof are whitened thereby First hold the Root of Pellitory of Spain in the mouth as near as may be to the place where a hollow Tooth is to draw out the Rheum and then fill it with Mastick and it will cease the greatest aking that is Being held in the mouth and chewed upon it doth dry and comfort the brain by drawing down flegme from it and stayeth the falling down of the humours and also causeth a sweet breath It is used in Oyntments and Plaisters to cleanse and heal Ulcers and Sores to stay the fretting Fluxes of humours to them and to dry them up and to fill up the hollownesse it strengthneth and bindeth all the parts whereunto it is applyed and comforteth the aking joynts and sinews wonderfully it is used also in Plaisters and Oyntments to strengthen and comfort the stomach to mollifie the hardness of tumours and to mitigate
driveth forth the after-birth provoketh the Courses and Urine when they are stopped and expelleth the Stone in the Reins and Kidneys If a dram or two of the said Powder be given to drink in Wine or Broth for some certain dayes together it will help all those which have a rupture or are bursten and for this purpose it is accounted by divers that there is no help better which although it may bring some pains at the first taking yet by continuance it will knit and heal the part if a Trusse be used a good while after as well as during the Cure It is good also for those that have an imperfection in their Speech so as it be not naturall CHAP. LXV Of Figg-wort The Names THis Plant and the use thereof being found out but of later dayes hath no Greek appellation but what may be taken from the Latines who call it Scrophularia major because it is available ad Scrophulas major to distinguish it from Pile-wort which by most Writers is called Scrophularia minor It is also called Millemorbia Ficaria Ferraria Castrangula as well from the form of the Roots as from the many effects for which the former Ages more then ours did put it to and did find available Although the other sorts want the knobs in the Roots which the true Fig-wort hath yet for the other likeness they have the same name imposed upon them We in English call it great Fig-wort and great Pile-wort and of some great Kernel-wort and Brown-wort from the colour of the stalks The Kindes Of Fig-wort the greater there be eight sorts set down by Mr. Parkinson 1. The ordinary great Fig-wort 2. Great Fig-wort without knobbed Roots 3. Great leafed Fig-wort of Candy 4. Strange great Fig-wort 5. Another strange great Fig-wort 6. Yellow Fig-wort 7. Indian Fig-wort 8. Elder-like Fig-wort The Forme The common great Fig-wort sendeth forth divers great strong hard square brown stalks two or three foot high whereon grow large hard and dark green Leaves two at a joynt which are larger and harder then Nettle Leaves but not stinging At the tops of the stalks stand many purple Flowers set in Husks which are somewhat gaping and open somewhat like those of Water-Betony after which come hard round heads with a small poynt in the middle wherein lie small brownish Seed The Root is great white thick and full of knobs and bunches as it were knots and kernels at it growing aslope under the upper Crust of the ground and abideth many years but keepeth not its Leaves green in the winter the stalks perishing as those of Water Betony and other such like Plants do The Places and Time The first is frequent in divers places of this Land both in moyst and shadowy Woods and in the lower parts of Fields and Meadows particularly in Stow-wood by Oxford the second Lobel saith groweth not but in the warm Counties of Narbone in France Ravenna and Rome in Italy The third and fourth came from Candy the fifth was sent out of Italy among other Seeds the sixth came from Hungary and other parts of Germany the two last from Spain and Italy They all flowre about Iuly yet some a moneth sooner and the Seeds will be ripe within a moneth after the Flowers be past The Temperature I cannot find the temperature of this Herb set down in any Authour yet I guesse it to be the same with the lesser Celandine oâ— Fig-wort because it works the same effect which is hot and dry in the end of the third Degree The Signature and Vertues The likenesse of the Roots unto those Scrophulous tumours which apâ—â—r about the Throat as also the Arm-holes and Fundament do evidently â—â—old forth that it is excellent good for the Kings-Evill or any other knots k 〈…〉 bunches or Wens growing in the flesh wheresoever if the Decoction of the Herb be taken inwardly and the bruised Herb applyed outwardly and so it is â—â— singular good use to be applyed for the Hemorrhoides or Piles when they grow painful and fall down and for such other knobs and kernels which sometimes grow in and about the Fundament It is also very effectuall to dissolve câ—otâ—ed or congealed blood within the Body which happeneth by any wound bruise or fall being used as is said before An Oyntment made hereof in this manner may be used at all times when the fresh Herb is not to be had Wash the Roots clean bruise them and put them into a Pot with fresh Butter well mixed together and let them so stand for fifteen dayes close covered in some moyst or moorish place which afterwards set upon a gentle fire to boyl easily for a little space which then being strained forth let it be kept in a Pot covered to use when occasion requireth With the Roots and Leâ—ves likewise bruised and boyled in Hogs-Lard or Oyl and Wax is made the like Oyntment exceeding good to heal all sorts of Scabs and Lepry also The distilled water of the whole Plant Roots and all is used for the same purposes either to take inwardly or applyed outwardly by bathings and serveth well also for foul Ulcers that are hollow or corroding to stay the malignity and to dry up the superfluous virulent moystute of them the same also taketh away all rednesse spots and freckles in the face as also the scurf or any foul deformity therein that is inveterate and the Leprosie likewise CHAP. LXVI Of Archangell or Dead Nettle The Names LEonhartus Fuschius in his History of Plants doth huddle up together in the 71. Chapter Galeopsis Urtica Labeo Scrophularia major Ficaria Millemorbia Castrangula as if they were one and the same Plant including Archangel also I have already shewed you that Scrophularia major c. is the great Fig-wort I shall here demonstrate that though Fuschius and some others have taken Archangel and Galeopsis to be the same yet they are by more modern Botanicks made to differ for as much as the one is stinking the other not stinking That which stinketh not Pliny calleth Lamium from the Flowers veluti cucullo larvatam Lamiam representante which look like an old Witch hudled up in a Hood It is called also Urtica inâ—rs non mordax mortua quia foliâ—s non mordacibus sed mitissimis sit Urtica for some resemblance it hath with other Nettles iners c. because it stingeth not as other Nettles do Some call it Archangelica ab eximiis viribus for its excellent vertues from whence we in England to which it is more proper then to other Countries call it Archangel as also Dead Nettle and Blind Nettle by which two last Names it is best known to Country people The Kinds Of this Plant properly called Archangel there are eight sorts 1. Red dead Nettle or Red Archangel 2. White Archangel 3. Spanish Archangel 4. Long-leafed red Archangel 5. Archangel with spotted Leaves 6. Archangel with white lines in the Leaves 7. Yellow Archangel 8. Strong
third is not very frequent in our Land but the last is more rare yet it hath been sowen in our Gardens in April and not before and was ripe in the beginning or middle of August The usuall time for the ordinary sort being in March as to the sowing and the latter end of August as to the mowing The Temperature Barly is cooling and drying in the first Degree It hath also a little abstersive or cleansing quality and doth dry somewhat more then Bean Meal The Vertues The Meal of Barley and Fleawort being boyled in water and made into a Pultis with Honey and Oyl of Lillies applyed warm cureth Tumours under the Ears Throat Neck and such like places A Plaister thereof with Tar Wax and Oyl helpeth the hard swellings of the Throat called the Kings Evill A Pultis made of Barley Meal or Flower boyled with Vinegar and Honey and a few dry Figs put unto them dissolveth all hard Impostumes and excrescences upon the Eye-lids growing in the form of a Barley Corn by Sâ—gnature and asswageth Inflammations also being applyed And being boyled with Melilote and Camomile Flowers and some Linseed Fennigreek and Rue in Powder and applyed warm it easeth the pains in the sides and stomack and the windinesse of the Spleen boyled with sharp Vinegar into a Pultis and layd on hot helpeth the Leprosie being boyled in red Wine with Pomegranat Rinds and Myrtills it stayeth the Lask or other Flux of the Belly boyled with Vinegar and a Quince it easeth the hot pains of the Gout Barley Flower white Salt Honey and Vinegar mingled together is used by divers to take away the Itch speedily and certainly The distilled water of green Barley stilled in the end of May is very good for those that have Defluxions in the Eyes to stay the humours and to ease the pains being dropped into them or white bread layd to steep therein and bound thereto doth the same All the preparations of it as Barley-water and other things made thereof do give great nourishment to persons troubled with Feavers Agues and Heats in the Stomach French Barley is much used in pectorall Diseases or Diseases of the Breast helpeth the sharpnesse of the Throat and increaseth Milk especially boyled with Fennel It provoketh Urine and is very profitable in Choletick Feavers if it be thus administred Take two Ounces of French-Barley boyl it in two fresh waters then boyl it again in a quart of water adding half an Ounce of Licorish and an handful of Violet Leaves and as many Strawberry Leaves to a pint or a pint and a half strain it and put thereto of Syrup of Violets two Ounces or for the poorer sort you may sweeten it with a little Sugar It is used outwardly to soften hard swellings and is good for Inflammations and sorenesse of the Throat being boyled alone or with other fitting Herbs and the Mouth and Throat washed therewith Take Mallowes Violet Beets black Hellebore Fumitory of each three handfuls of French Barley six handfulls boyl them in a sufficient quantity of water for a Bath and use it against the Scab Itch c. you shall find it very effectuall CHAP. LXXII Of Garlick The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Allium which last name the Apothecaries do commonly use Some say 't is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Rudis Rosa because of its strong scent offending the Nose Allium also seemeth to have its Originall from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. exilire because of its growth which is so speedy that it 's said as it were to leap Galen and others have called it Theriaca Rusticorum the Country Mans Treacle We in English call it Garlick Some of this kind are called Scorodoprassum and Moly The Kinds There are 12 sorts of Garlick mentioned by Authours 1. Common Garlick 2. Crow-Garlick 3. Ramsons spotted or Snake-Garlick 4. Great Turky Garlick 5. Great Turky Garlick with a bulbed and twining head 6. Clusius his first leafed Hungarian Moly 7. Sweet smelling Hungarian Moly 8. Purple round headed Mountain Moly 9. Purplish headed Moly of Africa 10. The small Italian white Moly 11. Indian Moly 12. Ramsons The Forme Omitting the Description of Garden Garlick because it is so common I shall give you that of the wild or Crow Garlick which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Snakes Garlick It hath small tough long Leaves like Rushes but not so round smooth and hollow within Amongst which riseth up a naked stalk round slippery hard and sound on the top whereof after the Flowers be gone grow little Seeds made up in a round cluster like small Kernells having the smell and tast of Garlick Instead of a Root there is a bulbe or round head without any Cloves at all The Places and Time Garlick is seldom sowen of Seed but planted in Gardens of the small Cloves which are commonly set in March Some on St. Peters day knit the blades together in a knot that it may head the better and is gathered not long after The Crow-Garlick groweth in fertile Pastures in all parts of England particularly in a Field called the Mantels on the back side of Islington by London The rest are peculiar to divers Countries as Germany Hungary France Spain Italy Turkey and our Land also flowring in Summer and Seeding after The Temperature It is hot and dry in the fourth Degree and raiseth Blisters being applyed to the skin The Vertues Garlick being eaten heateth the Body maketh thin thick and grosse humours cutteth such as are tough and clammy digesteth and consumeth them it also openeth Obstructions or stoppings and is an enemy to cold poyson and to the biting of venomous Beasts It taketh away the roughnesse of the Throat also helpeth an old Cough provoketh Urine killeth Worms expelleth Wind helpeth the Cholick cures the Dropsie proceeding of a cold Cause provoketh the Courses in Women and stirreth up Venus and Lust but dryeth the Seed of Generation and is most excellent for a cold and moyst stomach and to stir up naturall heat An old Man by lying in the cold in the Winter season had almost lost the innate or naturall heat of his stomach and his appetite was even decayed after many hot Medicines used in vain at length was cured with Garlick and Honey It is a good preservative against the contagious and pestilent Air. A Decoction thereof made with Origanum and Wine being drunk killeth Worm-Lice and Nits It is profitable against the biting of a mad Dog and for such as are inclined to the Palsie for shortnesse of breath and to dry up Rheum and also for the cold Head-ach It is commended against the Consumption of the Lungs pissing of blood and for such as cannot hold their water The distilled water is good for the same Diseases and for the Quinsie The milk wherein Garlick hath been boyled is good for worms in Children or two
Ounces of the water may be given morning and evening for a week together if need be The Decoction thereof used for a Bath or Fume to sit over brings down the Flowers and after-Birth It cureth the bitings of mad Dogs or the bitings of any other venomous Creature being bruised with Rue and applyed it taketh away the Morphew Tetters and cures scabbed Heads in Children Dandraffe and Scurf tempered with Honey and the parts anointed therewith The ashes of Garlick being strowed in Ulcers healeth them The smell of Garlick driveth away venomous Creatures and applyed with Figs and Cummin it cures the bitings of the Mouse called a Shrew A Clove of Garlick put into an hollow Tooth that aketh easeth the pain thereof or stamp it with Saffron or Pepper and hold it between the Teeth being bruised and applyed to the Throat it helpeth the Quinsey and swelling thereof The juyce mixed with Saffron and Goose-grease cures the noyse of the Ears being put therein Garlick burned and the ashes mingled with Honey and layd to black and blew marks after bruises taketh them away and helpeth wild-fire and Scabs being bruised and applyed They usually cure the Pip in Poultry with Garlick and being given to Cocks it maketh them to overcome in fighting Notwithstanding all these Vertues raw Garlick eaten too liberally maketh the Eyes dim offendeth and hurteth the stomack causeth thirst hurteth the Kidneys heateth and burneth the blood yieldeth no nourishment to the body and is hurtful to young men and to such as are hot and cholerick and in hot seasons It hurteth Women with Child and such as give suck The juyce of Garlick if it be taken in any great quantity is ranck poyson yet the flesh and all being eaten together moderately is good for such as are cold and moyst and abound with flegmatick grosse and tough humours for old persons and in cold seasons The best way of preparing it for food is to boyl it throughly and to eat it with Oyl Vinegar or such like CHAP. LXXIII Of Liquorice The Names THe Greeks called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Dulcis Radix the Apothecaries Liqueritia Both the Greek and Latine names are derived from the sweetnesse of the Root without dispute Theophrastus in his ninth Book of his History of Plants calleth it Radix Scythica because it groweth very plentifully in Scythia about the Lake Maeotis There be that call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it driveth away thirst if it be held in the mouth There is also a wild sort hereof called Glanx Leguminosa sive Glycyrhiza silvestris Liquorice vetch The Kindes To this kind four sorts may be referred 1. Common Liquorice 2. Dioscorides his Liquorice 3. The most common Liquorice Vetch 4. Another Liquorice Vetch The Forme Common Liquorice riseth up with divers wooddy stalks whereon are set at severall distances many narrow long green Leaves set together on both sides of the stalk and an old one at the end very well resembling a young Ash-Tree sprung up from the Seed This by many years continuance in a place without removing and not else will bring forth Flowers many standing together Spike-Fashion one above another upon the stalks of the forme of Pease Blossoms but of a very pale blew Colour which turn into long somewhat flat and smooth Cods wherein is contained small round hard seed the root runneth down a great way into the ground with divers other smaller roots and Fibres growing with them and shoot out succours from the main roots all about whereby it is much increased of a brownish colour on the outside and yellow within The Places and Time The first sort of liquorice groweth wild in many places of Germany and chiefly about Noremberg but it is not comparable to that which is planted with Us in Gardens here in England being the best in the world even by the confession of those who so much extol out-landish plants of which there is great profit to be made as diligent Gardners can tell you yet now it beginning to become common is not half so profitable as formerly many more places being stored therewith The second in France Spain Italy and in some few gardens here in Enland but flowreth late with Us and seedeth as late if at all The third groweth in many places of this Land as about Cambridge in Claringdon Park by Salisbury and in Butlers close at Adderbury Towns end as you go to Banbury The last groweth only in Germany that I can heareof They flower in July and the Seed is ripe in September The Temperature Liquorice is temperate in heat and moisture and therefore familiar to the Temperature of Mans body as also in that it is sweet and hath a little astriction joyned to it notwithstanding the bark thereof is somewhat bitter and hot but this must be scraped away when it is used the fresh root when it is full of Juyce doth moisten more then dry The Vertues The Root of Liquorice is good against the rough harshnesse of the Throat and Breast it openeth the Pipes of the Lungs when they be stuffed or stopped and ripeneth the Cough and bringeth forth Phlegm The Rob or juyce of Liquorice made according to Aâ—t and hardned into a Lump which is called Succus Liqueritiae serveth well for the purposes aforesaid being holden under the tongue and there suffered to melt and is profitable also against the heat of the Mouth and Stomach and quencheth thirst and is good for green wounds being laid thereupon Moreover with the Juyce of Liquorice Ginger and other Spices with some Wheaten flower Gingerbread is made which is also very good against a Cough and all infirmities of the Breast and Lungs The same is drunk with the Wine of Raisins against the distempers of the Liver and Chest Scabs or Sores of Bladder and diseases of the Kidneys Liquorice boyled in fair water with some Maidenâ—air and Figs maketh a good drink for those that have a dry Cough to digest Phlegme and to expectorate it or hoarsness Wheesing Shortnesse of Breath and for all griefs of the Breast and Lungs Ptisick or Consumptions caused by the distillation of Salt humours on them it is good also in all pains of the Reins the Strangury and heat of the Urine The Scythians are said by chewing this in their mouths to keep themselves from thirst in their long Journeys through the deserts for ten or twelve daies and stayeth hunger also Liquorice boyled in water with a little Cinnamon added to it serveth instead of drink in many places especially if it be set to work with Barm as Beer is and then tunned up and will grow clear strong and heady in time as Beer will do The fine powder of Liquorice blown through a quill into the Eyes that have a Pin and Web as they call it or Rheumatick distillations into them doth cleanse them and help them The Juyce of Liquorice dissolved in Rose Water with some Gum Tragacanth is a fine Lohoch or
sharp withall and somewhat clammy when they are ripe flat as it were at the lower end next the stalk whose skin is thicker and harder then a Plum and the stone within it is small firm and solid long round and solid like unto an Olive or Cornelian Cherry-stone both for form and hardnesse All the Branches both greater and smâ—ller are armed with Thorns two alwayes at a joynt whereof the one is long sâ—â—ong sharp pointed and straight and the other crooked both of them of a blackiâ—â— red colour like unto the elder Branches The Roots are long and firm in the Ground The Places and Time The first groweth naturally in Africa Egypt Arabia and Syria and those more Easterly Countries from whence as Pliny saith it was brought into Italy and planted there in his time by Sextus Rampinius in the latter end of Caesar Augustus his Raign which now a dayes is very frequent not only in many Gardens and Orchards of Italy but of Provence in France also It is so tender that it cannot endure long in our Countrey by reason of the cold The other likewise was brought into Italy in these later times from Syria where it is only to be seen and but with a few that are lovers of rarities The last groweth wild in the Fields by the Hedges not far from Verona abundantly as Pena saith They all shoot forth in April at which time the Seeds or Stones are to be set and sowen for increase They flowre in May and their fruit is ripe in September the Leaves falling off shortly after The Temperature Jujubes are temperate in heat and moysture The Vertues They open the Body and gently purge Choler and cleanse the Blood according to Actuarius and Simeon Sethi especially when they are fresh yet Matthiolus following the Opinion of Avicen denyeth that they have any purging quality in them at all But all Authours do agree that they cool the heat and sharpnesse of the Blood and therefore hold them to be good in hot Agues and to help them that have a Cough by bringing away tough flegme and are very profitable also for other Diseases of the Chest and Lungs as shortnesse of breath hot Rheums and Distillations proceeding from hot humours They are also to good purpose used to cleanse the Reins and Bladder from Gravel in making the passages slippery they also stay Vomitings procured by sharp humours But they are hard of digestion nourish very little and do not easily passe through the stomach and are therefore used in decoctions with other Ingredients fitting for the foresaid griefs CHAP. LXXXIV Of the Sebesten or Assyrian Plum-Tree The Names THere are also to be had at the Apothecaries Shops a certain kind of Plums called by them Sebestens in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à muccoso fructus lentore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 enim muccum significat The Tree whereon this Fruit groweth is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Myxos for the Tree and Myxa and Myxaria for the Fruit. It is thought as Ruellius saith that the Syrians in honour of Augustus called them Sebastae from whence the Arabians called them Sebesten The Kindes The Sorts hereof are two 1. The Sebesten or Assyrian Plum-Tree 2. The wild Sebesten-Tree The Forme The Sebesten-tree groweth somewhat lower then the Plum-tree covered with a whitish Bark the Branches are green whereon grow rounder thicker and harder Leaves then those of the ordinary Plum-Tree the blossoms are white consisting of five Leaves a peece growing many together on a stalk which afterwards turn into small Berries rather then Plums of a blackish green colour when they are ripe every one standing in a little Cup of a sweet tast and glutinous and clammy substance and a very thick skin within which lyeth a three square hard stone with a thick Shell and a small Kernel these are gathered and layd in the Sun whereby they grow wrinckled and so they are kept and brought over unto us in Boxes The Places and Time The first groweth in Syria and is but planted in Egypt as Alpinus saith and from thence were brought into Italy in Pliny his time which were grafted on the Service Tree and do now grow in many places there in their Orchards it is so tender not enduring the cold with us that we can as hardly keep it as cause it to spring the Shell of the Stone being so thick and the Kernel so small The other as Alpinus seemeth to aver growth in Egypt naturally They flowre in May and their Fruit is gathered in September The Temperature Sebestens are temperately cold and moyst and have a thick clammy substance The Vertues They are very effectuall to lenifie or make smooth the hoarsnesse and roughnesse of the Throat which is caused by sharp humours which descend from the Head into the Wine-pipe galling it and fretting it so that unlesse there be means used to stop them and to prevent the Throat from corroding they will run down abundantly and with great force making the Patient to breath with great difficulty Neither are Sebestens good only for the Throat but also do very much help the Cough and wheesings of the Lungs and Distillations upon them by lenifying the passages and causing much flegme to be avoided They also give ease to them that are troubled with pains in their sides and marvellously helpeth those that are troubled with the sharpnesse of their Urine proceeding from Cho 〈…〉 or salt flegme they also drive forth the long worms of the Belly By the judgement both of the Arabians and Greek Physitians they open the body in the fame manner or rather more by reason of the Muscilaginesse in them than Damask Primes yet more when they are green and lesse when they are dry yet the decoction of them or the infusion of them in broth although dryed worketh effectually They serve to cool any intemperate heat of the Stomach or Liver and therefore are good in hot Agues and to purge Choler whereof they come 〈◊〉 saith that he hath found often by his experience that ten drams or twelve at the most of the pulp of Sebestans taken from the Skins and Stones worketh as well and to as good purpose as the pulp of Cassia fistula There is a kind of Birdlime made of these fruits by boyling them a little in water to take away their Skins and Stones and after boyling them more to a consistence the which as M 〈…〉 saith was used in V 〈…〉 to catch Birds but Alpinus saith they use it in Egypt as a Plaister to dissolve hard tumours or swellings CHAP. LXXXV Of Scabious The Names IT hath no Greek Name unless it be as some think that Herb which Aetius calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but few dare venter to say it is the same because there is nothing but the bare Name without any Description extant in him yet the Greek word signifieth Scabies in Latine It took the name of Scabiâ—sa
bruised a little in the Spirit of Wine for four and twenty houres let it stand as long in an hot Balneo theâ—â—â—et it be pressed forth and distilled or vapoured gently in Glasse the Residue in the bottom when it is come to the thicknesse of Honey keep for your use And here I might be injurious to the publick if I should omit that notable secret concerning Bees for the multiplying and keeping whereof the planting of Annise near them is proved the best means as alâ—o for their breeding of great store of Honey For first it yieâ—â—eth an innumerable company of small Flowers which carry a scent so pleasant and gratefull to them that they choose rather to seed upon it then any Plant whatsoever besides the excellent sweetning Ferment by which the Dew is converted into a thiâ—ker substance and sweet many degrees passing bare Dew which in it self hath a sweet Sacharine salt to which they greedily resort and suck and of it load themselves But the main excellency is the long duration of its flowring time so that it will afford them a supply the greatest part of their gathering time whereas Apples blossom at a peculiar time and that of small continuance The Herb being taken and the inside of the Hive as also the Orifices thereunto being rubbed therewith will so much delight them that when they 〈…〉 st forth their swarms which they will do if they seed hereon three times a year they will certainly enter into them and repair no where else But in case that upon the neglect any be swarved forth and setled unto some Tree the fault may be amended by rubbing the inside of the new Hive with Annise and holding it on the top of a Pole to the Bees they will be allured by the sweet scent of the Annise to enter thereinto of their own accords A Baron in Austria so thrived by this secret that he furnished many Countries with Honey and Wax and thereby increased his Wealth and Revenue CHAP. LXXXXII Of Nigella The Names BOth the Greek and Latine Names of this Herb are derived from the colour of the Flower but especially the Seed for the Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Nigella à nigro seminis colore from the blacknesse of the Seed and Nigella Romana and antiently Gith divers other bastard Names have been given it as Salusandra and Papaver Nigrum from the Greek word All late Authours call it either Melanthium or Nigella only Fuschius and Cordus take it to be Cuminum sylvestre alterum of Dioscorides We in English call it Gith and Nigella Romana after the Latines Mr. Parkinson calleth it Fennel Flowre others Bishops wort and others Divae Katharinae flos or St. Catharines Flowre and some Kisse me twice before I rise and the old Mans Beard The Kindes There be many Sorts of Nigella twelve whereof I have here set down 1. The Roman smelling Nigella 2. The Spanish Nigella 3. Damask Nigella 4. Double flowred Nigella 5. Wild Damask Nigella 6. Field Nigella 7. Nigella of Candy without scent in the Seed 8. Candy Nigella with broad Leaves and sweet smelling Seed 9. Another sweet Candy Nigella 10. A sweet Nigella of Candy with double formed Seeds 11. Single white Nigella with yellowish Seed 12. Carden Nigella whose description followeth The Forme The Garden-Nigella hath weak and brittle stalks about a foot in height full of Branches with many finely cut and divided Leaves upon them somewhat like unto those of the Larks heel but of a more grassy green colour the Flowers grow at the top of the Branches of a whitish blew colour each Flower being divided into five parts Star-fashion each part also consisting of many fine small Leaves The Flowers being faded there come up small knops or heads having at the end thereof five or six little sharp horns or poyntels and every knop or head is divided into severall small cells or partitions wherein the Seed is contained which is of a blackish colour somewhat like unto Onyon-Seed but a little bigger of a sharp tast and a sweet strong favour the Root is small threddy and yellow perishing yearly The Places and Time The four first Sorts with the last which is most common are sowen in Gardens as well in England as in Italy and else-where The other Sorts grow wild in the Corn-fields of Italy Candy Germany c. Where they are once sowne and the Seed suffered to shed there will be no need of sowing them again for they will sowe themselves but for those that will bring any of them into their Gardens the Seed must be sowen in April and then they will flowre in July and the Seed will be ripe in September The Temperature The Seed of the Garden Nigella is hot and dry in the third Degree and of thin parts The sweet smelling Seeds are most effectuall the other that do not smell well are in a manner refused Sure the Herb it self cannot but be of good use The Vertues The Seed drunken in Wine increaseth Milk in the Breasts of Nurses is a good remedy against shortnesse of Breath expelleth Wind provoketh Urine and the termes in Women killeth worms and is very good against poyson and the biting of venomous Beasts if it be taken moderately otherwise it is not only hurtfull to Nurses but to all others that take thereof too often or in too great quantity It is very effectuall both in tertian and quartan Agues if a dram thereof be taken in Wine or Posset-drink before the fit It openeth obstructions also if it be boyled with Vinegar and so taken is an excellent remedy in all other distempers where there is need of cleansing drying and heating It killeth Worms being layd to the Navel with the Juyce of Wormwood Being dryed and put into Linnen or Sarsenet and so quilted in and laid to the Head it cureth Catarâ—hes or Rheums dryeth the brain and restoreth the smelling being lost It taketh away Freckles Scurf and hard Swellings being mixed with Vinegar and applyed The smoak or fume thereof driveth away venomous Creatures and â—â—lleth Flyes Bees and Wasps The same mingled with the Oyl of Flowre de luce and laid to the fore-head cureth the Head-ach comming from cold The Doâ—e of the Seed is from half a dram to a dram CHAP. XCIII Of Mallowes The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Malva because it softeneth the Belly the Greek word comming from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth to soften and for the Latine name Schola Salerni will tell you that Dixerunt malvum veteres quia molliat alvum Some think it to be called Mallow in English quasi Mellow either from the softnesse of the Leaf or from the softening of the Belly and hard tumours or peradventure from the Latine The Kinds Parkinson reckoneth up so many sorts of Mallowes that they would take up more room then I can spare to set them in I
neither so high nor so great usually as Fennell being round and with fewer joynts thereon whose Leaves are sadder and sometimes longer and so like Fennell that it deceives many but harder in handing and somewhat thicker of a stronger scent also and not altogether so pleasant the tops of the stalks have fewer branches and smaller umbells of yellow flowers which turn into small seed somewhat flatter and thinner then Fennell seed but of a stronger and not so pleasant a tast The Root is small and wooddy perishing every year after it hath born seed and is at no time put to any use The Places and Time The first is most usually sowed in Gardens and grounds for the purpose yet it hath been found wild in some places It may be sowen about the beginning of April and then haply it may come up about the end thereof but where it is once sowed and the Seeds suffered to shed it will come up of its own accord yet not till about the time aforesaid it being a wise Plant and not willing to venter abâ—oâ—d till the Winter be gone It bringeth forth its Flowers in July and Seeds iâ— August The second as is said hath been found in Sicilia and so the last likewise The Temperature Gerard and Parkinson differ about the Temperature and Vertues of this Plant. Gerard saith Dill and he quoteth Galen for it is hot in the end of the second Degree and dry in the beginning of the same or in the end of the fâ—rst Degree Parkâ—nson saith it is hot in the third degree and dry in the second but when it is dryed it is hot in the third whence he upon seeming suppoâ—tion of Galens concludes and after him Mr. Pemel and Mr. Culpepper the two first contradicting and the other omitting the lactiâ—ick vertues which notwithstanding do reside in this herb The Vertues Though the forementioned Authours deny that Dill hath the Vertue of procuring Milk in the Breasts of Nurses yet Dâ—oscorides that Oracle of Herbarism affirming it I durst not follow them but searching some other Authours I find them to differ also though they allow of its lactifick Vertue for Mr. Barrow in his Method of Physick treating of those things that procure milk saith that Rocket Fennell Dill and Parsley will do it whilest they are green for they being dryed do heat and dry more then they ought to do Mr. Gerard saith the decoction of the tops of Dill dryed and likewise of the Seed being drunk ingendâ—eâ—h Milk in the Breasts of Nurses which I conceive it might do though it were hot and dry in the third Degree for why may not Dill have this faculty as well as the Seeds of Nigella which are likewise hot and dry in the third degree which Parkinson grants without scruple But it matters not much of what quality it be of so it be endued with a specifick quality to draw milk into the Breasts as it seems this hath And though it be probable that it breedeth not much blood from whence milk proceeds yet stirring up the Appetite to other food that doth it it may be said to do it So much for breeding of Milk Now for its other vertues The decoction of the Herb and Seeds provoketh Urine expelleth wind easeth pains and swellings in the Body stayeth vomiting and the Hickops for which last purpose it will be more effectuall if it be boyled in Worm-wood-Wine or Wine with a few branches of Worm-wood and red Rose Leaves the stomach bathed therewith but if the Seed be only boyled in Wine or Beere then tyed in a Cloth so smelâ—ed it will stay them if they be not too violent Being boyled in Wine drunk it is good to strengthen the Brain and stop the loosnesse of the Belly to stir up Venery so doth the green Herb yet either of them taken often or in any great quantity doth very much dull the Eye-sight and dryeth up the naturall Sperm The decoction thereof helpeth Women that are troubled with the pains and windinesse of the Muthes if it be put into the Case of a close Stool Wiâ—ker Chair or some such hollow thing that the fume thereof may ascend upward the more effectually The Seed is of more use then the Leaves although they be much used to rellish Condiments as pickled Cucumbers c. and is more effectuall to digest raw and viscous humours and is used in all Medicines that serve to expell wind and ease torments and pains thereof The Seed being roasted or fryed and used in Oyls or Plaisters dissolveth the Apostumes in the Fundament dryeth all Ulcers especially in the secret parts and likewise those sub praeputio though they be old and of long continuance Oyl wherein Dill Seed or Dill hath been boyled procureth sleep and is effectuall to warm the Brains and Stomach and Belly either of them being anointed therewith to resolve humours and Impostumes or hard Tumors and to ease pain CHAP. XCV Of Rampions The Names SOme call these Rapunculi and Rapuntia Gesner Dodonaeus and others call them Rapa Sylvestria which though they have but little likenesse at all with Rapum the Turnep but in the ediblenesse of the Root yet the name is a diminutive thereof Others call them Campanula of the form of the Flowers being like little Bells Columna taketh Rapunculus minor to be the Erinus of Nicander and Dioscorides and the other Rapunculi to be kinds thereof Maâ—hiolus taketh Campanula Persici folio to be the Phyteuma of Dioscorides and Casalpinus calleth the Rapunculus Spicatus sive Alepecuroides Phyteuma foliis Rapunculi chiefly because the Heads with Seed have holes in them as Dioscorides saith the Phyteuma hath They are called in English Rampions some being Garden Rampions some wild Rampions and some Bell-flowers The Kindes Of Rampions Parkinson reckoneth up no lesse then seaventeen Sorts 1. Garden Rampions 2. Long Foxtail Rampions 3. Round Foxtail Rampions 4. Bush-headed Rampions which are also of three Sorts 5. Candy Rampions 6. The lesser Steeple Belflowre 7. Wood Rampions 8. Wood Rampions with great Flowers 9. Sullen broad leafed Bell-flowre 10. The least broad leafed Bell-flowre 11. Wild field Bell-flowers 12. Small wild Bell-flowers 13. Flax leafed Bell-flower 14. Small yellow Bell-flowers 15. Time leafed Bell-flower 16. Ivy leafed Bell-flower 17. Rock Rampions to which I shall add the Peach leafed Bell-flower and the horned Rampions The Form The Rampions that are usually kept in Gardens are accounted a lesser kind then many of the others that grow wild and lying upon the ground with divers small and long round pointed pale green Leaves before it run up to stalks which spread divers such Leaves thereon but smaller to the top where break forth sundry pale Purplish Flowers ending in five points like unto the Flowers of Throatwort but much smaller having also such like heads with small brownish Seed therein The Root is small and white and giveth milk being broken as all the rest of the Plant doth
the top also being divided into sundry parts forming a large Umbel of small yellow Flowers which turn into blackish flat Seeds two alwayes joyned together by the little foot-stalk whereon they stand as is usuall in all umbelliferous Plants the two inner sides being somewhat hollow and the outsides round with the longnesse the Root groweth very great and never decayeth branching forth many wayes of a blackish brown on the out-side and somewhat white within yielding a thick juyce being broken in any part which doth quickly condensate and grow into a yellowish gummy substance not smelling any thing strong in our Country as it doth in the hotter Climates The Places and Time The most naturall places of these Plants are as I said before Cyrene in Africa Media and Syria yet they are all found growing as well in Narbone in France among the Rocks that are torrified with the Sun all day as in divers places of Italy Apulia and Florence and divers other places but yieldeth little Gum in Europe They are likewise growing in our English Gardens as in the Physick Garden at Oxford and that at VVestminster They flowre in June and July and the Seed is ripe in the beginning or end of August The Temperature Ammoniacum is hot in the second Degree and dry in the beginning of the same or as some say hot in the third Degree and dry in the second When it is applyed outwardly it is of a dissolving nature The Vertues It being generally supposed that Ammoniacum proceedeth from the Root 〈◊〉 this Fennel Gyant and because it is held good to dissolve the tumours with which sometimes Womens Breasts are affected or brings them to maturity and ripens being applyed thereunto and to decrease the Milk and keep it from curdling being mixed with Vinegar and applyed likewise and therefore I have thus disposed of it Being taken inwardly it purgeth thick flegme from the Head Nerves Stomach Mesentery and also from the Joynts It much prevails in Asthmaes that is in the shortnesse of the breath and in Diseases comming of flegme It is good in old pains of the Head and against stoppings of the Liver it provokes the terms in Women and Urine and is good in any kind of Gout whether Sciatica or Joynt Gout as also in the Falling-Sicknesse It killeth Worms called Ascarides and is excellent against the hardnesse of the Liver or Spleen It bringeth away the dead Child Being outwardly applyed it consumes spongious or proud flesh it softneth Corns and the hard swellings of the Joynts which come by reason of the Gout and draweth forth Corns Splinters and the like if it be dissolved with Vinegar but it is more effectuall if it be mixed with Honey Birthwort and Saffron It consumes Strumaes or Swellings called the Kings Evill and ripeneth all kinds of Impostumes being applyed on Wooll that is not greasie Being mixed with Honey and applyed to the Throat it helpeth the Quinsâ—e and Swelling in the Neck or Throat It taketh away Spots of the Eyes being mixed with Womens Milk and it cleanseth the sight being mixed in Medicines for the Eys Being dissolved with Frankinsence in Vinegar and applyed helpeth Ring-worms It is dangerous to be taken by Women with Child lest it make them miscarry and though it provoke Urine yet too much of it will make one pisse blood Galen setteth down the properties of the Ferula it self in this manner The Seed saith he doth heat and rarifie the pith of the stalk is of a binding quality whereby it helpeth the spitting of blood and those which are troubled with the Collick It is a most acceptable food to Asses but a present poyson to other Creatures especially the Lamprey It doth help the Falling Sicknesse being taken at severall times of the Moon and the fresh Juyce of the Root dropped into the Eys cleareth the dimnesse of the sight CHAP. LXCIX Of Gourds The Names THe Gourd is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Colocyntha Edulis to distinguish it from the wild or bitter Gourd called Colocynthi or Coloquintida In Latine Cucurbitat à concurvatus as it is thought quod faeilè si quid obstiterit quò minùs extendatur incurvescat because it will grow crooked if there be any thing in its way The Kinds Of this kind of Gourds Parkinson reckoneth up seven sorts 1. The greater bottle Gourd 2. The lesser bottle Gourd 3. The Long Gourd 4. The Buckler or Simnell Gourd 5. Rugged Gourds 6. Winter Gourds or Millions 7. Round Indian Gourds or Millions The Foorme The greater bottle Gourd groweth as all other of these kind of herbs do spreading many great rough and hairy arms and branches with several great and broad leaves soft and almost round yet pointed at the ends and sometimes dented about the edges set upon long footstalks and long clasping tendrels like a Vine set at other joynts whereby it climeth taking hold and winding it self about whatsoever poles arbours trees or other things that stand next unto it or else not having whereon to climb or raise it self it lieth on the ground spreading a great compass as the Pompion doth at the several joynts likewise with the leaves come forth several flowers in the same manner as Pompions Cucumbers or Melons but are very large and hollow like Bells ending in five points or corners with a round green head under each of them that will bear fruit for many flowers wither and bear no fruit not having that round green head under the flowers which should grow to be the fruit and will be full and ready to come forwards with the short stiffe stalk under it the colour of the flowers are either white or pale-white or pale-yellow the fruit when it is ripe hath an hard outward rind or shell yellowish large and round bellied flat at the bottom like nâ—ou a gâ—asse bottâ—e smaller up to the neck above which is a smal round formed head whereunto the stalk is fastned and sometimes without any small head being pendulous or hanging down not standing forth or upright within which fruit lie dispersedly many seeds having smooth hard wooddy shells flat and broad at the upper end or head and somewhat pointed below wherein lyeth a sweet white kernel the root consisteth of many long strings spreading much within the ground but perisheth usually with the first frosts The Places and Time The Gourds are cherished in the Gardens of these cold Regions yet the fruit seldom cometh to perfect maturity for want of heat to ripen them In the hot Countries where they come to ripnesse the rinds of them are sometimes of that bignesse that they are used to put in Turpentine Oyl Honey and also serve them for pailes to fetch water in and many other the like uses as in Egypt Syria c. Many of the lesser of them are used to put Tobacco in even here amongst Us in England The best way is to plant them in April in a bed of Horsedung yet so ordered that that they
the Seed and flowers hereof and the powder or dryed Venice Turpentine be cast upon a few quick coales in a Chaâ—ngâ—ish or some other thing let into a Câ—olestool the Pan being taken out and the party sitting bare over the fumes that is troubled with the Piles or falling down of the Fundament or any other pains of that place doth give much ease and help as also for those that have a great desire to go often to the stool and can do nothing especially to such as have the bloody flux An Oyl made by the often infusion of the flowers is of very good effect for the Piles also The decoction of the root in Red Wine or in water if there be an Ague wherein red hot steel hath been often quenched doth stay the bloody flux The same also openeth the Obstructions of the bladder and reins when one cannot make water A decoction of the leaves hereof and of Sage Marjerom and Camomil flowers and the places bathed therewith that have their Veins and Sinews stark with cold or with Cramps doth bring them much ease and comfort Three ounces of the distilled water of the flowers drunk morning and evening some daies together is said to be a most excellent remedy for the Gout The juyce of the leaves and flowers being laid upon rough warts as also the powder of the dryed â—oots rubbed on doth easily take them away but doth no good to them that are smooth The powder of the dryed flowers is an especial Remedy for those that are troubled with belly aches or the paines of the Cholick The decoction of the root and so alâ—o of the leaves is of great effect to dissolve the Tumours Sweâ—lings or Inflammations of the Throat The seed and leaves boyled in wine and applyed doth speedily draw forth Thorns or Splinters gotten into the flesh easeth the pains and healeth them The leaves bruised and wrapped in double papers and covered with hot Ashes and Embers to bake a while and then taken forth and laid warm on any botch happening in the Groin or share doth dissolve and heal them The seed bruised and boyled in Wine and laid on any member that hath been out of joynt and is newly set again taketh away all swellings and pains thereof CHAP. CXIII Of Cowslips of Jerusalem The Names I Cannot find that this herb is mentioned by any Greek Authour and therefore know not how to tell you what they called it if they knew it It is called in Latine by the Herbarists of later times Pulmonaria and Pulmonalis of Cordus Symphytum Sylvestre or wild Comfrey but seeing that Comfry or the great Consound is oftner found wild then this it may more aptly be called Symyhytum maculosum or maculatum In English spotted Comfry Sageof Jerusalem Cowslip of Jerusalem Cowslip of Bethlehem and of some Lung woâ—t from the spotted leaves although there be a kind of Mosse called Lungwoâ—t of which I have intreated already both that and this being appropriated to the Lungs I suppose they are called Cowslips because the flowers are of the form of Cowslips though not the colour and Comfrey because the leaves feel like it but there is no reaâ—on to be given why they are called Cowslips of Jerusalem unâ—esse a great quantity of them should grow thereabouts I should have supposed them to have been brought from thence but that I find they grow naturally here in England as you shall hear anon The Kinds I have not yet met with any more then four sorts of Cowslips of Jerusalem 1. 〈◊〉 Cowâ—â—ip of Jerusalem 2. Buglosse Cowslips 3. French or golden Lungâ—ort 4 The lesser French or Golden Lungwort The Forme Cowslip of Jerusalem which Gerard would have to be the true and right Lungwort hatâ—â—oâ—gh hairy and large leaves of a brown green colour confusedâ—y potted with divers spots or drops of white amongst which spring up certain staâ—ks about a Span long when they are longest but seldom above half so long bearing at the top many fine flowers growing together in bunches like the flowers of Cowslips saving that they be at first red or purple and sometimes bâ—ew and oftentimes of all these colours at once The flowers being fallen there come small buttons full of Seed The root is of a hard substance and black colour with many threds at the end of it The Places and Time They are all nourished up in Gardens because they do not commonly grow wild yet the first was found growing naturally neer Kingswood in Hampshire The second wâ—s found in the Newforrest being in the same county in a wood by Mr. Goodreer who as I am informed is the ablest Herbarist now living in England He is a man weâ—l stricken in years and his dwelling in some part of Sussex the name of the pâ—ace being yet unknown to me The third groweth about Godalmin in Surrey The place of the last I have not yet met with they flower for the most pâ—rt about the end of March and the beginning of April and their seed is ripe in May or thereabouts The Temperature The leaves of this herb are of the same temperature with Comfrey that is cold and dry in the first degree but the roots seeing they are hard and woody are of a more drying and binding quality The Vertues and Signature The divers spots or drops of white wherewith the leaves of Sage of Jerusalem are marked do perfectly represent the like spots upon the Lungs and therefore the decoction thereof is given with very good successe to those that are troubled with any diseases of the Lungs as Coughs shortnesse of breath exulcerations stoppage by reason of thick corrupt or rotten matter Spitting of blood c. if it be made in water and drunk It is commended also for all the wounds or hurts that happen to any other of the Intralls and inward parts and also for burstings or ruptures It is a very good Potherb and the leaves thereof would then especially be chopped as other Pot-herbs are to be boyled in broth when any one shall be afflicted with any of the aforesaid distemper The flowers thereof are likewise very wholsom and are pleasant to be put in Sallets in the Spring time It is used to heal old or new wounds being thereunto applyed especially if it be boyled in hogs-grease and afterwards being strained and set a cooling and then laid upon the wound CHAP. CXIV Of Sanicle The Names NEither is it found that Sanicle was known to any of the antient Greek oâ— Latine Authours but hath as many other vulnerary and other Herbs been found out and named by later Writers It is called in Latine Sanicula 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à pot ore sanandi munâ—re from its excellency in healing wounds by Ruellâ—us and by Brunfelsius Matthiolus and Lobel Diapensia and by Tabermontanus Consolida quinquefolia Theâ—e is another sort hereof called Pinguicula by Gesner and by some with us Pinguâ—cula Eboracensis because it groweth plentifully in Yorkshire We call it in
set on the green branches not alwayes one against another and a little dented about the edges At the foot of the Leaves come forth small hollow pale blush coloured Flowers the brims ending in five points with a reddish thred in the middle which passe into small round Berries of the bigness and colour of Juniper-Berries but of a Purple sweetish sharp tast the juyce of them giveth a Purplish colour to the hands and lips of them that handle and eat them especially if they break them containing within them divers small Seeds The Root groweth aslope under the surface of the ground shooting forth in sundry places as it creepeth This loseth its Leaves in the Winter but the red kind retaineth them The Places and Time The first groweth in many Heaths Woods and barren hilly places in this Land as Hampstead-Heath Finchley and St. Johns Wood not far from London and in sundry other places The first red sort in the Northern parts as Northumberland Lancashire and York-shire on the Hills c. The rest grow in Hungaria Bavaria and Germany and in other Countries also The sixth Clusins found in Spain The seaventh groweth as Lâ—â—el saith on every of the Hills in Provence of France The two last in Candy They all flower in March and April and the fruit of the black is ripe in June and July the other later The Temperature The Bill-berries do cool in the second Degree and do a little bind and dry withall The Vertues The Berries aforesaid are an excellent Medicine for those that are troubled with an old Cough or with an Vlcer in the Lungs or other Disease thereof but if they be eaten by those that have a cold or weak stomack they will much offend and trouble it and therefore the Juyce of the Berries made into a Syrup or the pulp of them made into a Conserve with Sugar will be more familiar to such and help those pains the cold fruit procured and being thus prepared they will be the more effectuall in hot Agues and to cool the heat of the Stomach and Liver and do somewhat bind the Belly and stay castings and loathings with the juyce of the Berries Painters to colour Paper and Cards do make a kind of Purple blew colour putting thereto some Allome and Galls whereby they can make it lighter and sadder as they please And some poor folks as Tragus sheweth do take a Pot full of the juyce strained whereunto an Ounce of Allome four spoonfulls of good Wine-Vinegar and a quarter of an Ounce of the wast of the Copper forgings being put together and boyled all together into this liquor whilest it is reasonable but not too hot they put their Cloth Wool Thred or Yarn therein letting it lie for a good while which being taken out and hung up to dry and afterwards washed with cold water will have the like Turky blew colour and if they would have it sadder they will put thereto in the boyling an Ounce of broken Gauls Gerard saith that he hath made of the juyce of the red Berries an excellent Crimson colour by putting a little Allom thereto The red Whorts are taken to be more binding and therefore to be used in stopping Lasks and Womens Courses spitting of blood and any other Flux of blood or humours as well outwardly as inwardly CHAP. CXVII Of Sweet Cicely The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as well as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Myrrhis and Myrrha likewise in Latine in imitation of the Greek and also because of its pleasant savour being somewhat like unto Myrrhe Pliny saith that some called Myrrhis by the name of Smirnisusa and others Myrrha yet some have it Smyrrhiza from the likeness unto S 〈…〉 ium Some also call iâ— Caerefolium magnum and some Cicutaria from the likeness of the Leaves and of some Conilaus We in England also call it Myrrhis Sweet Chervill great Chervill sweet Cicely and sweet Fern. The Kindes There be five Sorts of Sweet Chervill 1. The ordinary Garden sweet Chervil 2. The lesser sweet Chervill 3. Wild sweet Chervill 4. Wild sweet Chervill of England 5. Wild sweet Chervill of Naples The Form The ordinary Garden Sweet Chervill which is so like Hemlock that many have mistaken it for the same yet it groweth not so high but hath large spread Leaves cut into divers parts tasting as sweet as the Anniseed that riseth to be two foot high or better being crested or hollow having the like Leaves at the Joynts but lesser and at the tops of the branched stalks umbels or tufts of whiâ—e Flowers after which come large long-crested black-shining Seed pointed at both ends tasting quick yet sweet and pleasant like the Leaf or Anniseed the Root is great and white growing deep in the ground and spreading sundry long Branches therein in tast and smell stronger then the Leaves or Seed and continuing many years The Places and Time The first is planted in divers Gardens here in England in Germany also though it be thought by some to grow wild in the fields of that Country which the 3d sort may haply do with them as well as with us in England near unto the ditch sides and other water courses The second is a naturall of Geneva and the parts thereabouts as Lobel saith but was sent also by Aicholzius from Vienna to Norunberg to Camerarius as he saith and is likely to be naturall of those parts also The fourth was found by Columna upon some of the Hills in Naples The last hath been seen growing in some wast places of this Land These Herbs do flower in May and their Seed is ripe in July The Temperature Galen saith that Myrrhis that is Sweet Cicely is hot in the second degree with some tenuity of parts The Vertues The Root of the ordinary Garden sweet Chervill boyled in the broth wherein flesh hath been sodden doth cleanse the breast from flegm and all corruption and is very good for such as be lean and weak or falling into a consumption of the Lungs to make them strong and â—usty It is likewise good to help the Pâ—isick if it be boyled but in Beer Being drunk with Wine it provoketh Womens Courses it expelleth the dead Child and After-birth and purgeth Women after their deliverance it provoketh Urine and is good against all venomous bitings If the Root be sliced and â—aid to sâ—eep in White-wine all night and drunk in the morning with Sugar it wiâ—l give the party that taketh it three or four stools It procureth an appetite to meat and helpeth to expell wind The juyce with Powder of burnt Allom healeth the Ulcers of the Head and Face and killeth the Canker in the Mouth or Throat being annointed therewith The Candid Roots of this Chervill are held as effectuall as Angelica to preserve the spirits from infection in the time of a Plague as also to warm and comfort a cold weak stomach Both Leaves Seeds and Roots are so fine
The four first sorts are usuall in Gardens the fift was found upon Mount Baldus as also upon the Vaganean hills in Narbone the sixth was found in Spaine by Boel The Seaventh in Itady by Dr. Mera The Eight came from Virginia The Ninth from Yorkeshire The Tenth grows under Hedges and Bushes almost every where the last in the Corne fields and in such as ly Ley and in the borders of other fields The Violets Flower in February and March and after them the Pansies till the end of July The Temperature The Garden Violets and so likewise the Wild kinds are cold and moist whil'st they are fresh and green The Vertues The Flowers of Violets as well as those of Borage are reckoned to be cheife Cordiall Flowers and are much used in Cordiall drinks powders and other Medicines especially where cooling Cordialls as Roses and Saunders are used They are used to coole any heate or distemperature of the Body either inwardly or outwardly in the Inflammation of the Eyes in the Womb and Fundament when they are fallen down and are full of paine Imposthums also and hot Swellings to drinke the decoction of the Leaves of Flowers made with Water or Wine or to apply them pultis wise to the place that is grieved It likewise easeth paines in the Head which are caused through want of sleep A dram of the dryed Leaves of the Flowers of Violets doth purge the body of Cholericke humors and asswageth the heat being taken in a draught of Wine or other drink The pouder of the Leaves of the purple Flowers only pickt and dryed and drunk in powder with Water is said to help the Quinsie and the Falling sicknesse in Children especially in the beginning of the Disease The Flowers of the white Violets ripen and dissolve Swellings The seed being taken resisteth the poyson of the Scorpion The Herb or Flowers whil'st they are fresh or the Flowers when they are dry are effectuall in the Pleurisy and all other diseases of the Lungs to lenify the sharpnesse of hot Rheums and the hoarsenesse of the Throat the heat also of the Urine and the sharpnesse thereof and all paines of the back or reines or bladder They are good also for the Liver and the Jaundise and in all hot Agues helping to coole the heat and quench thirst But the Syrup of Violets is of most use and of better effect being taken in some convenient Liquor and if a little of the Juice or Syrup of Lemons be put to it or a few drops of the Oyle of Vitriall it is made thereby the more powerfull to coole the heat and to quench the thirst and besides the effect giveth to the drink both a Claret Wine colour and a pleasant tast Violets taken or made up with honey do more clense then coole and with Sugar contrarywise The Leaves of Violets are used in cooling Plaisters Oyls Cataplasms or Pultises and are of great efficacy among other Herbs as Mercury Mallowes c. to be put in Clysters CHAP. CXXII Of Straw-berries The Names THe whole Plant is called Fragraria and the Berries Fraga à fructus fragrantia odoris gustus for it hath no certain Greek name yet there are some which think it to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Rubus Idaus because it hath no prickles which Opinion Fuchsius saith is not to be despised Others say that they called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because of the â—ikeness of the fruit with that of the Tree-Strawberry Servius calleth them Mora terrestria Ground Mulberries because they are somewhat like those that grow on Trees The Kindes I have not yet met with any more then six sorts of Straw-berries 1. Red Straw-berries 2. White Straw-berries 3. Small Straw-berries with hard Leaves 4. Flat Straw-berries 5. Dwarf Straw-berries 6. Barren or unprofitable Straw-berries The Form I know not whether the Dwarf-Straw-berry be brought over in England yet I shall venter to give you so much of its Description as Parkinson hath set down choosing rather to give you the Description of a strange Plant then of the others which are so commonly known It hath very small triparted Leaves next the ground closer set together upon short foot-stalks then any other and those that are set on both sides of the long branch not above four inches long which lyeth creeping on the ground grow lesse and without stalk the Flower standeth at the end of the Branch many times but one at a place which consisteth of five round Leaves like a Straw-berry but larger then agreeth with the proportion of the Plant and is of a yellowish colour what fruit it beareth is not set down The Places and Time The two first grow in Gardens though 't is probable they were brought out of the Woods where they do most delight yet being set in a rich soyl they become far greater The three next grow upon divers of the Alps and other places of Germany The last is to be found in our own Land in most Woods and the Field sides near unto them in Cornwall as Lobel saith and in other places also They flower in May or thereabouts most commonly and are ripe in June but I have seen ripe Straw-berries after Michaelmas also The Temperature The Leaves of them are cooling in the first Degree and yet some say they are hot and drying in the second the Root is more drying and binding the Berries whâ—â—e they are green are cold and dry but when they are ripe they are coâ—d and moyst The Vertues and Signature The water of the Berries carefully distilled is a soveraign remedy and Cordiall in the paâ—pitations of the heart that is the panting and beating of the heart and is good for the over-flowing of the Gall which causeth the yeâ—â—ow Jaundise The Berries themselves are exâ—eâ—ent good to cool the Liver tâ—e Bâ—ood and Spleen or an hot choâ—eriâ—k sâ—omach to refresh and comfort the â—ainting Spirits and to quench thirst They are good also for other Inflammations yet it 〈…〉 veth one to be caâ—telous or rather to refrain them in a Feaver 〈◊〉 by theâ— putriâ—ying in the â—â—omaâ—h they increase the Fits and make them to be 〈…〉 ore fierâ—e The Leaves and Roots boyled in Wine and Water as drunk do likewiâ—e cooâ— the Liver and Blood and asswage al Inflammations in the Reins and Bladder provoketh Urine and allayeth the heat and sharpness thereof the same also beinâ— drunk stayeth the Bloody Flux and Womens Coâ—â—es and helpeth the swelâ—ings of the Spâ—een The Juyce dropped into foul Ulcers or they washed therewith or with the decoction of the Herb and Root doth wonderfully cleanse them and heâ—p to cure them All Lotions and Gargles that are made for sore mouths or Ulcers therein or in the privy parts or else-where are made with the Leaves and Roots heâ—eof which is good also to fasten loose Teeth and to heal spungy foul â—ums The same also helpeth to stay Catarrhs or Defluxions of Rheum into the Mouth Throat Teeth
like unto a Vetch The root is white and wooddy spreading well in the ground and abiding divers yeares The Places and Time The first groweth in divers Gardens of this Land as in the Physick Gardens so often mentioned and very plentifully in a Garden at St. Albans not farr from the Prison sometimes in the possession of Dr. Arris who was a great admiâ—er of the same for its Cordia vertues It groweth Naturally by the way sides of moist fields and Meadows both in Italy Savoy and other places and hath also bin found some years since in the Meadows by Linton in Cambridgeshire The other is said onely to grow upon the tops of mountaines They flower in the end of Iune and Iuly and the seed is ripe in August The Temperature Goates Rue is said to be of a mean Temperature between hot and cold The Vertues There is not any Plant more effectuall to preserve the heart from Palpitations tremblings and sownings and against Melanchosicke Vapours oppressing it then Goates Rue which is a great Preservative also against the bitings or stings of any venemous Creatures yea those Italians as Pena and Lobel say and others that use to gather Vipers will use it rather then the Beast-Treacle to defend themselves from being bitten or stung by them or to preserve them from any other infection and therefore eat it continually as other Hearbs in Sallets or otherwise in their meates and broths It is likewise very powerfull against any poyson taken inwardly the Pestilence or any infectious or pestilentious Feavers or diseases that break forth into spots or marks as the Measells Purples and the Small-Pox in all which it is admirable both to preserve from infection and cure those that are infected to take every morning some of the juyce thereof as also to eat the Hearb it self every morning fasting but it will be the more effectuall if the juyce be taken with a little good Treacle and some Tormentill Roots in powder mixed with Carduus Benedictus water or with some Vinegar and fine Bolearmonick and Treakle in the said Water and presently to sweat two houres thereupon which it causeth in some sort it self A spoonfull of the juyce given in a morning fasting is very effectuaâ—l to kill the wormes in Children or the Hearb it self fryed with a little Oyl of bitter Almonds and laid hot unto the Navill as also to help the Falling-Sicknesse before it grow strong and old upon them It is very profitably applyed to the belly pained with the griping of the wind and Collick being fryed and laid-to warme In the same manner laid unto plague Sores before they be broken it either disperseth them yet defending the heart not striking it inwardly or draweth them forth and healeth them It is also effectually applyed with Vinegar to Gangrenes running Ulcers and Sores to stay the malignity in their fretting and spreading and to defend the vitall Spirits from danger Some use a Syrupe made of the juyce and some of the distilled water as a more familiar Medicine to take upon all occasions inwardly for all the purposes aforesaids And some use to make an Oyle of the Flowers digested in the Sun by often repetitions of infusion to annoint the wrests of the hands where the pulse is felt as also the region of the heart to defend it from the diseases aforesaid and danger of infection It is no lesse effectuall for Sheep Goates and other Cattell by the experiments that Goat-heards have made herewith The Mountain Goates-Rue is held almost as effectuall against poyson and the pestilence as the former CHAP. CXXVIII Of Vipers-Grasse The Names IT was found and the Vertues thereof discovered but of late dayes by a Mauritanian bondslave who holpe divers that were bitten of that Venemous Beast or Viper as it is called by others which they of Catalonia where they breed in abundance call in their Language Escuersos from whence Scorzonera is derived with the juyce of this Herb and the root given them to eate which both took away the poyson and healed the bitten place very quickly when Treacle and other things would do no good which ever since hath grown in estimation both against Venome and other diseases also It is called in Lattin Viperaria Viperina or Serpentaria but most Commonly Scorzonera which name is generally given it by all Nations We in English call it Scorzonera and Vipers-grasse The Kinds I find Ten Sorts of Vipers-grasse rekonned up by Authors 1. Common Vipers grasse 2. Dwarfe Vipers grasse 3. Spanish Vipers grasse 4. Dwarfe Spanish Vipers grasse 5. The greater Hungarian broad leafed Vipers grasse 6. The Dwarfe Hungarian Vipers grasse 7. The small Hungarian Vipers grasse 8. Purple Vipers grasse 9. Tall Narrow Leaved purple Vipers grasse 10. Vipers grasse of Sclavony The Forme The first of the Vipers grasses hath long broad leaves fat or full bodyed uneven about the edges sharp pointed with an high swoln rib down the middle and of an overworn green colour tending to that of Woad amongst which riseth up a stiffe stalk smooth and plaine of two cubits high whereon do grow such leaves as those next the ground The flowers stand on the top of the Stalks consisting of many small yellow leaves thick thrust together very double like unto those of Tragopogon or Goates-beard whereof most think it to be a kind The Root is long thick very brittle continueth many yeares yeelding great increase of roots black without white within and yeeldeth a milky juyce as do the leaves also like unto the Goates-beards The Places and time Many of the Sorts aforesaid are to be found in the Gardens of some Physitians and Apothecaries who know the worth of them as also in the Physick Gardens at Oxford and Westminster but especially the two first The Third and Fourth in Spain as their titles do declare The fifth in many places of Germany Bohemia and Hungary The Sixth on the hills by Baden in Germany The Seventh in many of the same places with the Fifth The Eighth and Ninth on a small hill nigh unto Stampfen which is two Duch miles from Posonium a chief Citty in Hungary The last in Illyria or Sclavony as Alpinus saith They do all flower in May and their seed is ripe before the end of June The Temperature Vâ—pers-Grasse is thought not to exceed the first Degree of heat and moysture which are the predominant qualities The Vertues and Signature The water of this Herb distilled in Glasses or the Root it self taken is good against the passions and tremblings of the heart and also against swounings sadness and melancholy the same also is a present remedy against all contagious Feavers for by causing sweat the infection is evaporated and the sick person restored The Root preserved and taken fasting â—or the said water drunk for some dayes together doth open the obstructions of the Liver Spleen and other inward parts as also helpeth to bring down Womens Courses and to ease the suffocation or other Diseases of
the stomach resisteth poyson strengtheneth the heart and resisâ—eth the passions thereof palpitation faintings and swounings it strengthens the vitall spirits restoreth such as are in Consumptions and Hectick Feavers and strengthens nature much The Syrup of the juyce is also good for most of the aforesaid purposes CHAP. CXXX Of Gentian or Felt-wort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and so likewise Gentiana in Latine à Gentio Illyricorum rege primum inventore because Gentius King of Illyria was the first discoverer of them and their vertues as Dioscorides and Pliny set it down Scrapio saith it was called Basilica some have called it Centauria radix some Aloâ—s Gallica Narces Chironium and as Pliny saith some Romans called it Cnendia and some Cimiualis The Italians call it also Gentiana but that sort which the Latines call Gentiana cruciata they call Petimborsa quasi mettere in bursà put it into your Purse either because as Matthiolus saith it was to be gathered wheresoever it was found and deserved to be kept in ones purse that it might be ready upon all occasions or because by curing Diseases it got store of Crowns to be put in the Purses of the Physitians that make use of it so much they did esteem of it We in English call it Crossewort Gentian but the ordinary sort is called Felwort which is a mongrel word mixed of Latine and English together or Bitterwort and of some Baldmony The Latines call the lesser sort Gentianella The Kinds Though there be a great number of these Gentians reckoned up by Parkinson in both his Books yet I shall omit most of them and nominate only those six sorts that grow within the Conâ—ines of great Brittain 1. Hollow Gentian or Fellwort 2. Croswort Gentian 3. Alpes Felwort of the Spring-time 4. Gentianella with a white Flower 5. Bastard or Dwarf-Felwort 6. Autumn Gentian with small Centaury Leaves The Form Hollow-leafed Felwort or English Gentian hath many long tough Roots dispersed hither and thither within the upper crust of the Earth from which immediately riseth a fat thick staâ—k joynted or kneed at certain distances set at every knot with one leaf and sometimes more keeping no certain number which Leaves do at the first incloâ—e the stalks round about being one whole entire Leaf without any incisure at all as if it were a hollow Trunk which after it is grown to his fuâ—ness breaketh on one side or other and becommeth a flat ribbed Leaf like unto those of the great Gentian or Plantane The Flowers come forth of the bosom of the upper Leaves set upon tender foot-stalks in shape like those of the small Bind-weed or rather the Flowers of Sope-wort of a whitish colour washed about the brims with a little light Carnation Then followeth the Seed which hath not yet been observed The Places and Time The first was found by Gerard in a small Grove of Wood called the Spinny near unto a small Village in Northamptonshire called Lâ—chbarrow The second groweth in a Pasture at the West end of Little Rain in Essex on the North side of the way leading from Braintry to Dunmow and in the Horse-way by the same Close The third groweth abundantly on the Mountains between Gort and Galloway in Scotland The fourth near the Devizes and by Hachbury in Wiltshire The fifth in the Physick-Garden in Oxford The sixth in divers places of Kent as about South-fleet and Long-field upon Barton-hills in Bedfordshire also not far from St. Albans upon a peece of wast chaâ—ky ground as you go out of Dunstable way towards Gorehamberry The first springeth out of the ground in April and bringeth forth his Flowers in the end of August and the Seed is ripe in September and so do all the rest for ought I can â—eaâ—n The Temperature The Root of Gentian which is chiefly in use is hot and dry in the third Degree or hot in the third degree and dry in the second The Signature and Vertues There is a sort of Gentian that hath Leaves like an Heart and is therefore called Heart-like Gentian which I mentioned not amongst the rest because it groweth not in Brittain having in it the vertue of strengthening the Heart preserving it against fainting and sounding and resisting all putrifaction Poyson and the Pestilence for which there is not a more sure remedy then it it strengtheneth the stomach exceedingly and helps digestion Answerable unto this in the severall qualities and properties are our English Gentians nay some will have them more proper for English bodies then the forraign and may be as well uâ—ed for the purposes aforesaid The Powder of the dry Roots helps the bitings of mad Doggs and venomous Beasts opens the obstructions of the Liver and restoreth 〈◊〉 Appetite The Herb steeped in Wine and the Wine drunk refresheth such as are over-weary with Travel and are growen lame in their joynts either by cold or evill Lodgings It helps â—â—itches and griping pains in the sides and is an excellent Remedy for such as are bruised with falls It provokes Urine and the Terms exceedingly therefore let it not be given to Women with Child The same is very profitable for such as are troubled with Cramps and Convuâ—â—â—ons to drink the Decoction and being so taken it helpeth the Stone and stopping of â—â—ine It is likewise very available in the Dropsie and suffocation of the Mother and against the Falling-Sickness Ruptures Worms and dissolveth congealed blood It brings away the Birth After-birth and dead Child and is useful in the Cough and shortness of breath It repelleth wind very much in the body and is profitable in all cold Diseases and would people but like this and other bitter things it would effect very much in curing many desperate Diseases as well as Agues yellow Jaundise c. The Juyce or Powder of the Root healeth fresh wounds and is very effectuall for all sorts of foul putrid or rotten Ulcers wheresoever yea though hollow or fistulous cancrous fretting or running for it doth very much cleanse dry and heal up Also the same applyed to Knots or Kernels of the Neck or Throat which is called the Kings-Evill healeth them safely and speedily as also the painful swellings of the Hemorrhoidall vein called the Piles when they are fallen down and grow ulcerous and sore The juyce being put into the Eyes takes away Inflammations and redness therein and cleares them from Skins and Films growing upon them The Root is in use among Chyrurgions to inlarge the orifice of any Wound or Sore The same made into a Pessary and put into the matrix bringeth down the dead Child and After-birth It is given to Cattle for the Bots Worms and swellings upon sicking up any Tick or venomous worm When Kine are bitten on the Udder by any venomous Beast do but stroak the pâ—ace with the decoction of any of these and it will instantly help them The distilled water is useful in the like cases and also cleanseth the
or the powder thereof dryed is good for moist Ulcers and sores in the legs or other parts to dry them and thereby to cause them to heale the more speedily it is no lesse effectuall also in green wounds to be used upon any occasion Iack by the Hedge is eaten of many Country people as Sawce to their Salt-fish and helpeth well to digest the crudities and other corrupt humors that are engendered by the eating thereof it warmeth also the Stomack and causeth digestion The juyce thereof boyled with Honey is held to be as good as Hedge-Mustard for the Cough to help to cut and expectorate flegme that is tough and hard to rise The seed bruised and boyled in wine is a good remedy for the wind Collick or for the stone being drunk warm the same also given to women that are troubled with the mother both to drink and the seed put in a Cloth and applyed while it is warme is of singular good use The Leaves also or seed boyled is good to be put in glisters to ease the paines of the stone the green leaves are held to be good to heale the Ulcers of the Legs CHAP. CXXXII Of Burnet The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or as Gesuer hath it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Nicolaus Myrepsus besides whom there is not any Greek Author that is known to have mentioned it by that name Divers of good judgment do refer it to the Sideritis Secunda of Dioscorides Some call it in Latin Pimpinella Pampinula and Peponella from the likenesse of the scent with that of Cucumbers yet others referr these names to the Saxifrage kinds of Burnet which are â—â—belliferous plants It is called Sorbastrolla and Sang 〈…〉 aria also of divers but most usually Sanguisorba quod Sanguineos fluxus sistat because it stops fluxes of blood and it may be Bipinella or Bipenula because the leaves stand one against another like wings It is to be observed that Pimpinella Burnet and Pimpernell are different plants though some have Ignorantly taken them for the same The Kinds There are as I take it but Four of these sorts of Burnet 1. Common Burnet 2. The Ordinary great Burnet 3. Unsavory Burnet 4. Burnet of Canada or Great Burnet of America The Form The Ordinary Burnet groweth with many long winged Leaves Spread upon the ground which consist of divers small roundish Leaves green on the upper side and grayish underneath finely dented about the Edges set on each side of a middle ribe amongst which rise up crested brown stalkes a foot high or better with some smaller Leaves set in some places thereon devided into sundry branches and at the tops small round loose heads or knaps upon long foot-stalks of a brownish colour from whence start forth small purpâ—â—sh Flowers and after them cornered seed the root is small Long and Blackish-brown on the out side growing down deep into the ground with some fibres thereat the Herb hath a fine quick scent and tast The Places and Time The First groweth wild in most places of this Land in dry sandy ground but is usually preserved in gardens to be ready at hand when it shall need to be used The Second is to be found in divers Countries of this Land eâ—pecially in Huntingdon and Northamptonshires in the meadows there as also near London by Pancras Church in two or three fields nigh unto Boobies barn as also by a Causie side in the middle of a field by Paddâ—ngton The Third was found in Spain as Bauhinus saith The Last was brought from Canada which lyes as I take it on the North part of Virgâ—nia where it is naturall and is to be seen growing in the Phyâ—ick Gardens so often mentioned They all Flower about the end of June and the beginning of July and their seed is ripe in August The Temperature Both the greater and the Lesser Burnet are accounted to be of one property but the lesser because it is quicker and more aromaticall is more effectuall being both hot and dry in the second degree especially the lesser yet some say that it is cold in the second degree The Vertues Burnet is a friend to the Heart Liver and other principall parts of a mans body two or three of the stalks with Leaves put into a Cup of Wine especially French Wine as all know give a wonderfull fine relish to it and beâ—â—des is a great meanes to quicken the Spirits refresh the heart and make it merry driving away Melancholy It is a speciall help to defend the heart from noisom Vapours and from the infection of the Plague or Pestilence and all other contagious diseases for which purpose it is of great effect the juyce thereof being taken in some drink and the party either laid to sweat thereupon or wrapped and kept very warm It hath a drying and astringent quality also whereby it is available in all manner of fluxes of blood or humors to staunch bleeding either inward or outward Laskes or Scowrings the bloody flix womens too abundant Courses and the Whites also the cholerick belchings and castings of the stomack and is also a Singular good wound-herb for all sorts of wounds both of the head body either inward or outward for all old Ulcers or running Cancers and moist sores which are of hard curation to be used either by the juyce or the decoction of the Herb or by the powder of the Herb or Root or the water of the distilled Herb or else made into oile or ointment by it self or with other things to be kept the Seed also is no lesse effectuall both to stay fluxes and to dry up moist sores to be taken in powder inwardly in steeled Water or wine or the powder of the seed mixed with their Oyntments or injections CHAP. CXXXIII Of Avens The Names THis Herb is not found to be known of any Greek Writer and therefore the Greek name is not to be expected nor of the ancient Latines unlesse it be Geum of Plâ—ny as by good probability it seemeth It is generally called in Latine now a dayes Caryophyllata and Garyophyllata from the scent of the Root so near resembling Cloves which are called Caryâ—phylli yet some have called it Herba benedicta of the excellent or blessed quaâ—ities thereof and others Sanamunda from the like effects Tragus would have it called his Nardus agrestis not only for the sweet scent of the Roots but the Cordiall properties thereof In English Avens and Herb-Bennet The Kinds The former Age knew but two sorts of Avens but ours hath found out seaven at the least 1. Ordinary Avens 2. Mountain Avens 3. Small Mountain Avens 4. The other small Mountain Avens 5. Purple Mountain or Marsh Avens 6. Another Marsh Avens 7. Cinquefoile Avens The Forme Our ordinary Avens hath many long rough dark green winged Leaves rising from the Root every one made of many Leaves set on each sides of the middle Rib the three largest whereof grow
Butter of a yellow colour which being chafed in the hand smelleth like the Cloves themselves wherewith the Indians do cure their wounds and other hurts as we do with Balsume The Cloves themselves after they are dryed and brought over unto us are used to comfort the Head Heart Stomack and Liver help the Memory Eyesight and Concoction and strengthen Nature they break wind break Urine and if half a dram thereof be taken in Miâ—k they Stir up Venery or a bodily Lust They are good against the Plague and any infectious disease against the Fluxes of the belly proceeding of cold huâ—oâ—s they strengthen the retentive faculty and make the breath sweet and stay vomiting also They are much used in the Kitchin both in broths Saâ—ces and sticking of meat The Chymicall oyle of Cloves is good in a Quartâ—â—ine Ague in long weaknesse and debility of the Stomack for it doth take away crudity and expell wine in Fluxes of the belly and very usefull for the aforesaid diseases if two or three drops be given in beer or wine as also for the Headach the mould of the head being shorne and annointed therewith for the toothach if a few drops be put into an hollow Tooth with a little Lint to clear the Eyesight and to be put into perfumes for Gloves Leather and the like the Clâ—ves themselves for their excellent scent serving as a speciall part in all sweat powders sweat waters perfuming pots c. The powder of the dryed Cloves being put into the eyes taketh away the Web therein As they are hurtfull for young people and Colâ—rick Complexions so they are pâ—ofitable for old persons and phlegmatick and such as are Rheumatick and that in the Winter season CHAP. CXXXV Of Clove-Gillo-flowers The Names ANd here it will be very proper to speak of Clove-Gillo-flowers also both for their name scent and vertues wherein they resemble one the other It is wonder that so beautifull a flower should be concealed from the Ancient Writers yet there is no question but they would have given it a name had they known it which I cannot find that any of the Greeks did It is called of the latter Herbarists Caryophylleus flâ—s of the smell of Cloves wherewith it is possessed Ocellus Damascenus Ocellus Barbaricus and Barbarica of some Vetonica Vetonica altilis and Vetonica Superba yet Ruellius saith that this flower is not like to that of Vetonica or Cantabrica and of some Herba tunica in English Carnations and Clove-Gillo-flowers and of some Pinks The Kinds So sundry and divers are these sorts of Gillo-flowers of such variable Colours and also severall shapes that it cometh not within the skill of a good Florist to name them all every Country bringing forth new sorts some whereof are called Carnations others Clove-Gillo-flowers some Sops in Wine some Pagiants or Pagion colour Horse-flesh blâ—nket purple and white double Gillo-flowers many of them growing to be as big as an Ordinary Rose which in France and in the low Countries whence most of them are brought have received particular names as Picolomeny The Prince of Wales Prince of Harcourt Apelles non Parell and divers others There be likewise some single sorts of these and many more of Pincks which I shall leave to be particularized by some exacter Florist than my self The Forme The great Carnation Gillo-flower hath a thick wooddy root from which riseth up many strong joynted stalks seâ— with long green Leaves by couples on the top of the stalks do grow very fair flowers of an excellent sweet smell and pleasant Carnation Colour whereof it took its name being a flesh-Colour The Places and Times If the judgment of some that our Caryophyllus and the Cantabrica of Pliny be the same be right it was first found out in Spain about Augustus time and that by those of Biscay It is now propagated throughout all the Countries of Europe and further for ought I know and is almost as famous as the Rose both in Beauty and smell but much more for variety Nature sporting her self more in the variations of these flowers then any other Most of them especially the Carnations will hardly endure the coldnesse of our Climate and therefore they are commonly set in Pots and so kept from the extremity of cold by removing them into houses or some other warm place The Clove-Gilli-flowers and divers others and also Pinks are set in Beds and do commonly withstand the sharpest Winters The chief time of their flowrishing is in July and therefore some will have them to be called July Flowers yet some of them continue their flowers till the end of Summer the seeds ripening in the mean time which may be sown in Aprill The Temperature They are gallant temperate flowers yea so temperate that no excesse neither in heat cold drynesse nor moisture can be perceived in them yet some say that they are hot and dry The Vertues Though some of these flowers are admired for their bignesse and others for their party coloured Leaves yet the purple Clove Gilli-flowers are deâ—ervedly accounted to have the greatest Vertue in Physick The conserve made of the Flowers and Sugar is exceeding Cordiall and wouderfully above measure doth Comfort the heart being eaten now and then which is very good also against the Plague or any kind of Venome It is likewiâ—e good not onely for the falling sicknesse Palâ—y Gideinesse and the Cramp but for the pestilence Mathiolus saith that the juyce of the Flowers and stalks being stamped and Four Ounces of the expressed juyce being drunk by one that is infected is a sure Remedy The Syrup oâ— the â—aid Flowers strengthens the heart liver stomack refresheth the vital Spirits is a good Cordial in â—eavers though hot peâ—iâ—entiall expelling the poyson and â—ury of the disease and greatly comforting those that are sick of any other disease where the Heart hath need of reâ—iefe Moreover the Leâ—ves of the Flowers put into a glasse of Vinegar and set in the Sun for certaine dayes do make a pleasant Vinegar and very good to revive one of a swoon the Nostrills and Temples being washed therewith And is good also to preserve from the pestilence being used in like manner The said leaves being pickled with Vinegar and Sugar are a pleasant and dainty Sawce stir up the Appetite and are also of a Corâ—iall faculty Both the Conserve and Syrup above mentioned may be had at any Apothecaries and now and then a little of either being taken doth strengthen Nature much in such as are in Consumptions They are used also in wounds of the head they draw our peices of Bones the skull being broken ease the Head-ach and paines of the Teeth being thereto applyed CHAP. CXXXVI Of Lign-Aloes The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Agallochum and Xyloaloe in Latine also Xylaloes in English Lign-Aloes Wood-Aloes or Wood of the Aloe-tree mention whereof is made in the five and fortieth Psalm together with Myrrhe and Cassia so that
for the Quartane Ague the Lepry and all Paralyticall diseases and they cause a good colour of the face As for their outward use the Citrine are used in Collyries or Medicine for the Eyes with the juyce of Fennell or Rose-water and against the inflammations and flowing of humors to the Eyes The powder thereof with Mastick or Rose-water is used in Vlcers to heale them and dry them The powder of the Kernells is used against dimnesse of the Eyes or to take away the Web therein or the powder thereof infused in Rose-water and dryed and then infused two or three times more and dry them then make it in powder and use it The Bellerick stay the flowing of the Hemorrhoides and helpe the falling of the haire the affected place being bathed with the decoction thereof and the powder strawed on afterwards and it makes the haire become blacker The Chebules and the Emblicks are often brought over unto us preserved whereof the Chebules are more used Physically for such purposes as are before set down then the Emblicks are which being not so harsh in taste as the Chebules are more used as a very pleasant and delicate preserved Plum amongst other junkets then for any Physicall respect CHAP. CL. Of Groundsell The Names IT is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ergerum quia verè senescit the Latines call it Senecio quia citó senescit because it becomes ihoary so soone Tragus takes it to be the Aphaca of Theophrastus especially the Cottonâ— kind called Petrella by Monardus Ferrariensis but it appeares that Traâ—â— was mistaken in that Senecio as well as Aphaca are treated of severally by Theophanstus for two distinct herbes It is called in English Groundsell and Grunsell The Kinds The Ancients have made mention but of one sort of Groundsell but this latter Age hath found out Six 1. Common Groundsell 2. Mountaine Groundsell 3. Myconus Spanish Groundsell 4. Cottony Groundsell 5. Stinking Groundsell 6. Sweet swelling Grunsell The Form Common Groundsell hath a round greene and somwhat brownish Stalk spread toward the top into some branches set with long and somwhat narrow greene Leâ—ves cut in on the edges somwhat like unto Rocket or rather an Oaken Leafe but lesser and round at the ends At the tops of the stalkes and branches stand many smal green knaps or heads out of which grow smal yellow threds or thrums which are the flowers which continue many dayes blown in that manner before it passe away in to down and with the seed is carryed away in the wind the Root is small and threddy and soone perisheth but from the seed that is shed it soone riseth up againe so that it may be seene many moneths in the yeare both green and in flower and seed for it will spring and seed twice in a yeare at the least if it be suffered in a Garden The Places and Time The first is found every where almost as well on the tops of Walles as at the foot if there be any rubbish and in untilled grounds also but especially in Gardens the second is found upon Hills and Mountaines the third was found by Myconus in Spaine and sent to Lyons the fourth groweth by Wood sides the borders of feilds and upon old Walles in many places the fiift groweth in lopped Woods of Hungaria and Austria as Clusius saith and in barren and untilled places the last was sent to Camerarius out of Italy The first flowreth almost every Moneth as I said before the second and fourth do both come somewhat neere unto the other but are not so quick in their decaying the fifth and sixth do flower only in Summer The Temperature Groundsell hath mixt faculties it cooleth and moisteneth and withall digesteth as Paulus Aegineta writeth The Vertues The decoction of Groundsell as Diosecrides saith being made in Wine and dâ—unelpeth the paines in the Stomack proceeding of Choler by causing the disaffected party to Vomit which the juice hereof taken in drink or the decoction of the herbe in ale with some currants gently performeth It is said to be good likewise against the Jaundise and Falling sicknesse being taken in Wine as also against the difficulty of making Water it provoketh Vrine and expelleth Gravell from the Reins a dram thereof given in Oxymel after some walking or stirring the body It helpeth the Sciatica also and the griping paines of the belly called the Chollick Some â—â—re it with Vinegar as a â—allet accounting it good for the sadnesse of the Heart and to helpe the defects of the Liver It is given also by Nurses to their young Children when they are troubled with the Frets as they call it which is a distemper coming cheifely from the Nurses milke being either too Windy or too Sharp if a few Currans and Anniseeds be stewed therewith It is said also to provoke Womens Courses some say also that it stayeth the Whites which Matthiolus saith cannot be in that the one quality is contrary to the other The fresh herb boiled and made into a Pultis and applyed to the Breasts of Women that are swollen with heat and paine as also to the privy parts of Man or Woman the Seat or Fundament or the Arteries Joynts and Sinewes when they are inflamed or swollen doth much ease them and â—sed with some salt helpeth to disolve the Knots or Kernels that happen in any part of the body The juyce of the Herbe or as Dioscorides saith the Leaves and Flowers with some fine Frankincense in powder used in Wounds whether of the body or of the Nerves and Sinewes doth singularly helpe to heale them and so doth the down of the Heads used with Vinegar as the same Author saith but if it be taken in drinke it will choake any one The distilled Water of the Herbe performeth well all the aforesaid properties but especially for the inflammations of the Eyes and watering of them by reason of the defluxion of the Rheâ—â—e into them It is much used to be given to tame Rabbets when they are pot-bellyed through costivenesse to make them gaunt and healthfull CHAP. CI. Of Radish The Names IT is called Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rhaphanos and Rhaphanis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quòd facilè apparet from its speedy growing for it sheweth it selfe speedily some say within three dayes after it is sown It is called in Rhaphanus Radicula and Radix which last name is given unto it quia quam pancissimis magnitudine cedit because it is one of the biggest rootes that is which though it may seeme somwhat strange here in England yet in some places beyond the Seas they grow to be of a wonderfull hignesse as Fuchsius reporteth Some have called the seed hereof Bacanon and Bacanum and others Cacanon The Kinds There be sundry sorts of Radish whereof some be long and white others long and reddish some round and white others round or of the forme of a peare and of a blackish colour some wild
reasonable draught taken every morning for some time together it is very effectuall against the Jaundise by Signature the Dropsie and evill disposition of the Body especially if some purging Medicine have been taken before to avoid the grosser excrements and then it not only purgeth but also strengtheneth the Liver and Spleen cleansing them from such evill humours and hardness as they are afflicted with Iâ—â—s to be understood that these things are performed when it is dry for if it be â—ken inwardly before it be dryed the superfluous moysture will cause extraorâ—â—nary vomiting pains in the stomack and gripings in the Belly yet if the decoction thereof be made and suffered to stand and settle for two or three dayes untill the yellow colour be changed black it will not work so strongly as before but will strong then the stomack and procure an appetite to meat Being boyled in Vinegar it is an approved remedy to kill Lice to cure the Itch and take away Scabs by drying them up in a short time The same is singular good to wash the Teeth to take away the pains to fasten those that are loose to cleanse them and keep them sound Though the inner Bark be so purgative as you heard before yet the outermost doth bind the Body and is helpful for all Lasks and Fluxes thereof but this also must be dryed first or else it will not work so effectually The Leaves are reported to be good Fodder for Cattle especially for those that give milk which they breed exceedingly CHAP. CLIII Of the Oily Nut-Ben The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Balanus Myrepsica that is Glans Vnguentaria which name is also attributed to Myrobolanes only this hath Troglodytes added to it to distinguish it from them yet Theophrastus calleth it only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies an Acorne but why no body knowes neither the fruit it â—eâ—e nor shell nor husk being like to any of the kinds of Acornes It is called by Lobel Glans unguentaria Cathartica Siliquata but we in theâ—e dayes call it more usually in Latine Nux Ben and the Oyle thereof Oleâ—â—â—â— Ben or as the Ancients called it Oleum Balaenâ—num and in English The Oâ—ly Nut Ben of which there is but one kind mentioned by any Author therefore in the next place I shall present you with The Forme The Tree whereon this Nut groweth for the first two or three yeares springeth up and perisheth in Winter againe to the root and â—riseth againe afresh every Spring but after it becometh three or â—our yeare old it groweth more Woddy It riseth up yearely after the first with one sleeme shooting forth branches of â—inged Leaves or rather winged branches of Leaves the Barke being whitish as the Leaves are also but they are composed after such an order as no other tree is for the branches rise up with the stemme or body divided into sundry other smaller twigges no bigger then rushes set with two Leaves at severall spaces distant farre a sunder ending in small points like haires but have no eyes or buds at me feet of the Leaves as the small branches of other trees have The Leaves first fall away leaving the branches bare which then shew like unto ordinary or Spanish Broome when it hath lost the Leaves and after them the Stalkes likewise perish unto the very stemme The root is thick long White and Tuberous as â—â— were yet ending in some sprayes being not much woody but rather fleshy and tender It hath not been known to beare flowers or fruit in our Christian Countryes but the Nuts or fruits such as have been brought over to us enclosed in their huskes as also out of their huskes grow some single and some two together in an huske the lower and upper end whereof is small and sharp pointed being about an hand breadth long in all round and of a darke Ashcolour on the outside and somwhat reddish on the inside of the substance of leather lither or easy to bow tugged on the out side with many long streakes in it but smooth on the inside The Nuts themselves are three square for the most part covered with a whitish soft and somwhat tough Wooddy shell whereâ—n the white kernell lyeth which is not altogether insipid but somewhat sharpe in tast and oily with all causing a kind of loathing upon the tasting almost ready to provoke vomiting out of which is pressed an Oile like as is out of Almonds and not from the Shells or huskes as some formerly supposed The Places and Time This Tree groweth in Syria Arabia Aethiopia and India where it bringeth its fruit to perfection which it hath not been known to do in Europe no not so much as to blossome as I said before The Temperature The whole Nut is of a very purging quality The dry pressing after the Oyle â—i taken out is of a cleansing as well as of a cutting quality and by reason that the moisture is taken from it of a drying effect also The Shells or Huskes are of an exceeding binding property fit to be used when occasion serveth for such purposes The Vertues The Kernells of the Nuts aforesaid being bruised and drunk with Water and Vinegar mingled together doth purge the body from grosse and thin Phlegme also and thereby is helpfull to those that are troubled with the Wind-Cholick if a few Anniseeds and Fennel seeds be put unto it the oyle that is drawn out of the Nuts doth the same also and provoketh Vomiting and cleansing the Stomack of much foul matter gathered therein yet the Nut it selfe doth much trouble the Stomack in the meane time but if it be toasted at the fire it loseth much of that evill quality oftentimes causing them to purge downwards only It is to very good effect also given in Glisters for the same purposes The Oyle dropped into the Eares helpeth the noise of them and the deafenesse also a dram of the Kernell taken in Posset-drink doth soften and dissolve the hardnesse of the Spleene and Liver the remainder of the kernell after the Oyle is pressed from it helpeth the Itch the Lepry and running sores and taketh away the ruggednesse of the Skin Morphew dry Scabs scarres freckles wheales or pimples from the face or body especially if it be used with Vinegar and Niter with which it well agreeeth and performeth the Cures much better it is also used with the meale of Orabus or bitter Vetch or the meale of Darnel in manner of a plaister to be laid to the side to consume the spleene it helpeth the Gout also being used in the fame manner Used with barly meale it comforteth the Sinâ—wes that are pained with cold and all Spasâ—â—es or Cramps and used with Honey it dissolveth all knots and hard-swellings The Oyle that is pressed out of the Nuts is also much used of Perfumers for although it have no sweet scent of it selfe to commend it yet it is of so excellent a quality that being
Leaves new sprung out of the ground The Kinds Gâ—rard reckoneth up fifteen Sorts of Daffodills as 1. Purple circlâ—d Daffodill 2. Timely Purple-ringed Daffodill 3. More timely Purple-ringed Daffiodil 4. The very hasty flowring Daffodill 5. The late flowring small Daffodill 6. Primrose Pearls or the common white Daffidill 7. French Daffodill 8. Italian Daffodill 9. The double white Daffodil of Constantinople 10. Milk-white Daffodill 11. Rush Daffodill 12. Late flowring Bush-Daffodill 13. The Persian Daffodill 14. The great Winter Daffodill 15. Small Winter-Daffodill The sixth sort of Daffodil is that which is most common in Country Gardens the description whereof followeth The Form The common Daffodill hath long fat and thick leaves full of a slimy juyce among which riseth up a bare thick stalk hollow within and full of juyce The Flower groweth at the top of a yellowish white colour with a yellow Crown or Circle in the middle The Root is white and of a Bulbus or Onyon fashion yet not without divers effects by which it is propagated The Places and Times The Daffodills with Purple Coronets do grow wild in sundry places of France but chiefly in the Meadows of Burgundy and Switzerland The Rush-Daffodill groweth wild in Spain among Grasse and other Herbs in some watery places But it mattereth not much to seek out their places of growing wild seeing they are most of them to be found in our English Gardens about London and elsewhere The common white Daffodill groweth wild in fields and sides of Woods in the West parts of England They flower for the most part in the spring that is from the beginning of February unto the end of April The Persian and Winter-Daffodills do flower in September and October The Temperature The Roots of Narcissus are said to be hot and dry in the second Degree The Vertues Besides the Ornamentall use of Daffodils for decking Garlands and Houses in the Spring-time it hath many Physicall properties amongst which there is none more eminent then that the Roots thereof do move Vomit whether they be eaten or drunken and being stamped and strained and given in drink they help the Cough and Cholick and those that be entred into a Ptisick If two drams of the Root newly gathered be boyled in Wine or Water with a littâ—â— Anniseed or Fennel-seed and a little Ginger and drunk it driveth forth by stoâ— tough and clammy Flegme and to help all Diseases that come thereof The same taken with Honey and the Seed of Nettles purgeth the Disease which causeth those spots in the Body called Ephelis and Alphus And their qualities in drying are so wonderful that they glew together very great wounds as also rifts gashes or cuts that happen about the veins sinews and tendons They have also a certain wiping cleansing and attracting faculty Being stamped with Honey and applyed Plaister-wise they help them that are burnt with fire and are effectuall for the great wrenches of the Ancles the Aches and pains of the joynts The same stamped with Barrows-grease and Leaven of Rye-bread hasteneth to suppuration hard Impostumes which are not otherwise easily brought to ripeness Being stamped with the Meal of Cocle and Honey it draweth forth Thorns and stubs out of any part of the Body and being mingled with Vinegar and Nettle-seed it taketh away Lentills and spots in the face There are besides the sorts aforementioned the double yellow Daffodill and the common yellow Daffodilly which purge by stool tough and flegmatick humours and also waterish and is good for them that are full of crudities especially if there be added thereto a little Anniseed and Ginger which will correct the churlish hardness of the working The distilled water of Daffodils doth cure the Palsie if the Patient be bathed and rubbed with the said liquor by the fire as hath been proved by that diligent searcher of nature Mr. Nicholas Belson CHAP. CLVI Of White Hellebore The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and sometimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without the aspiration quòd cibum corporis cripiat because it deprives the Body of nourishment in Latine also Elleborus albus Elleborum and also Helleborus and Helleborum and Veratrum album Veratrum quòd mentem vertat or rather à verando because it cureth them that are counted mad which were formerly called Veratores and Veraculi and album to distinguish it from the black this being white in respect of that In English 't is called Hellebore and Neese-wort because it provoketh Neesing The Kinds And of this Hellebore there are eight varieties that present themselves 1. Ordinary white Hellebore or Neesing Root 2. The early white Hellebore with dark red Flowers 3. The great wild Hellebore or our Ladies Slipper 4. The small white Hellebore with a white Flower 5. The small white Hellebore with blush Flowers 6. Wild white Hellebore with whitish green Flowers 7. Wild white Hellebore with dark red Flowers 8. Variable wild white Hellebore The Forme The ordinary white Hellebore riseth at the first out of the ground with a great round whitish green head which growing up openeth it self into many goodly fair large greâ—â— Leaves plaited as it were with eminent Ribs all along the Leaves compassing 〈◊〉 another at the bottom from the middle whereof riseth up a strong round stalk with divers such Leaves but smaller to the middle thereof from whence to the top it is divided into many branches having many small yellowish or whitish green Star-like Flowers all along upon them which after turn into small long three-square whitish Seed standing naked without any husk to contain them the Root is reasonable thick and great at the head having a great many white strings running down deep into the ground whereby it is strongly fastened The Places and Times The two first sorts grow in sundry places of Germany and Austria as Clusius saith as also in some Islands of Russia where as Tradescant the elder saith the ordinary sort groweth exceeding plentifully And if I mistake not of this sort was that Hellebore that grew in Anticyra so abundantly that if any one seemed to be troubled with melancholy it was presently proverbially said unto him Naviga Anticyram intimating that there was Hellebore enough to cure him the other sorts grow many of them in our own Land as well as beyond Sea namely the third fourth and sixth especially the third in a Wood called Helks in Lancashire near the Borders of York-shire The first flowreth before the second though it spring earlier out of the ground being not in Flower untill the end of July the rest flower about May some earlier and some later The Temperature The Root of white Hellebore is hot and dry in the third degree The Vertues The Root aforesaid taken without preparation of the Body worketh very strongly and churlishly provoking extream vomiting yet that being dieted by the advice of some learned Physician without whom the medling with it will prove dangerous it is good for
them whose constitutions can endure the working of it causing much tough viscous clammy and corrupt humours that offend the stomack to be avoided for which purpose the Oxymel Helleboratum may be administred with least danger a while after the Patient hath eaten somewhat It is useful against madness and melancholy also against the swimming in the Head Falling-sickness Leprosie Cancer Elephancy and soul diseases of the Skin as also the Quartane Ague It brings down the Courses and kills the Child in the Womb it heâ—ps the old Cough Dropsie Sciatica Gout Cramp pains in the Joynts and Sinews It killeth Mice and Rats being boyled in Milk or mingled with Flower and Honey or Butter or boyled in Milk and set where Flies Wasps Gnats c. do much resort it kills as many as touch it It is used also to provoke sâ—eesing being put into the Nostrils and purgeth the Head of superfluous humours and is good in the Lethargy and such like sleepy Diseases especially if some Leaves of Matjerome in Powder be put to it It cures the Leprosie Scab Iâ—ch and such like foul Diseases of the Skin being used in Hogs-grease or mixed in Oyntments The juyce of the Root dropped into the Ears helps the noise and singing thereof and being boyled in Lie and the Head washed therewith it killeth and helpeth the running Scabs and Sores thereof boyled in Vinegar and the mouth washed therewith it easeth the Tooth-ach The same decoction helpeth Itch and Scabs in the hands and cleanseth â—oul Sores and Ulcers in the Legs and other parts and put into Fistulaes it taketh away the hardness of them A Pessary made thereof and put up brings down the Courses and dead Child It is given in decoction in infusion and in substance in decoction or infusion from a dram to two drams in substance from ten grains to a scruple The lesser wild sort are not known to be used in Physick CHAP. CLVII Of purging Cassia The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cassia Nigra from the black pods wherein it groweth and in Latine Cassia Fistula Cassia or Cassia solutiva It is called Cassia as some think from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quod coriâ—câ—um vocant because pods are like Leather or as others conceive from the sweâ—â—ness of the Flowers like unto Cassia Aromatica or Odorata It is in English called Pudding-Pâ—pe because the Cod is like a Pudding The Kinds Heretofore there was known but one sort of purging Cassia but now there is another called Purging Cassia of Brasil The Form The purging Cassia Tree groweth to be a Tree of a large size or bigness whose Wood is solid and firm yellowish towards the sap or out-side and blackish like Lignum Vitae at the heart covered with a smooth soft and ashcoloured bark very like unto the Wallnut-Tree the Branches are not very great and but thinly stored with winged Leaves consisting of eight or ten lesser for the most part five standing on each side of the stalk without any odd one at the end the Flowers are yellow and large many growing together on a long stalk and hanging down consisting commonly of four and sometimes of five Leaves with many greenish threds in the middle standing about a long slender crooked umbone or Horn of a very sweet scent especially in the morning before the Sun shine upon them but grow weaker in smell as the Sun groweth hotter The small Horn in the middle of the Flower groweth to be the pod which is first green then purple and afterwards black being of divers sizes both for length and greatness some a foot and some a foot and half long and some longer with a hard round wooddy wrinckled shell not very thick nor very hard to break with a seame as it were or a list all along the back and another small one over against it on the other side which cauâ—eth it to be easily broken into two parts by the middle long wayes and distinguished inwardly into many skinny wood-like partitions on both sides of which groweth a lost black substance sweet like Honey which is that part only which is to be used between the said partitions lie round and flat gristly Seed of a dark brownish colour the Roots are great and grow deep in the ground the choyce of the best Cods is that they be moyst within and that the Seeds do not rattle when they are shaken The Places and Time India is conceived to be the naturall place of the first and that it was brought thence into Syria and Armenia and from thence into Egypt where they pâ—ant it in their Orchards and afterwards into Arabia where the use of it was first discovered Most of that which is spent in Europe is brought from Hispaniola where the Spaniards have planted abundance of them The other groweth in Brasil whence it was brought into these parts The first flourisheth chiefly in June and the fruit hanging upon the Tree all the year is gathered much about the time of the flowring for the Tree holding his green Leaf all the Winter hath usually both blossoms and green fruit and ripe all at one time The time of the other is not yet known The Temperature Cassia Fistula is hot and moyst in the first Degree The Vertues and Signature Cassia being taken with Rubarb and a few Anniseeds and Liquorish to correct the windiness thereof cleanâ—eth the Stomach Liver and Mesentery Veins from Choler and â—â—egme clearing the bâ—ood and quenching the heat thereof and is therefore profitable in all hot Agues and Feavers It is aâ—o profitable for such as are troubled with the Pleuriâ—â—e and Jaundiâ—e or heat of the Liver mixed with convenient Liquors It is good likewise for the heat of the Reins and Kidneys and bringeth forth the Stone with Gravel being also a good preservative against it if it be taken with a decoction of Liquorâ—â—e Parsley Roots It is very effectual against all Rheums sharp distillations against choletâ—ck melancholick Diseases It is also often used in all kinds of pectorall Diseases as old Coughs shortness of breath wheesings and the like if it be taken with Agarick as some advise Being outwardly applyed to those that have the Gout it easeth the pains thereof is a good Gargle to asswage mitigate the tumours and swellings of the Throat It is used in Plaisters and Ointments against hot Pimples and other eruptions or breakings out of the Skin to take away the roughness thereof It is a safe Medicine and may be given to Women with Child and all other persons at any time except to such as have moyst weak and slippery Bowels yet given with Spicknard Mastick or Hâ—era picra there is little danger especially to the Guts to which Crâ—llius doth appropriate it by Signature there being some similâ—tude between them The young Cods taken whilest they are small and green boyled a little and then â—aid in the shadow a while to dry and
especially the mouth of the Stomack withstand Vomiting and take away the Hicket It is good likewise against the paine and windinesse of the belly and stoppings of the Liver and Milt and being patched or dryed at the fire it stoppeth the Laske especially being taken with red Wine It is also very profitable for the Mother Kidnyes and Bladder helpeth them that pisse by drops especially when the griefe cometh of a cold cause and is good for other secret griefes both in Men and Women The powder thereof mixt with the Oyle of Mints and the forehead and temples anointed therewith is good against the coldnesse of the head and dulnesse of the memory It is used in Cordialls and wholesome receits against coldnesse of the Liver stopping of the Mâ—lt the Dropsy Vomiting Head-ach Swellings Bloody Fluxes it comforteth the Veines and Muscles of cold and old people it maketh the breath sweet and helpeth the trembling of the Heart it breaketh and expelleth Gravell from the reines and bladder especially being first steeped in the Oyle of sweet Almonds Being taken last at night in a Cawdle of Almonds or Hempseed it procureth sleepe and is the best Spice of all other for students being taken in drink Nutmegs condited as they may be had at the Apothecaries are excellent also for Students being very comfortable both to the Head and Stomack The Oyle hereof doth likewise comfort the Stomack that is cold but the frequent use thereof is not good especially for those which are of a sanguine complexion Mace is in Vertue almost like to Nutmeg and doth stop the Laske the bloody Fluxe and womens Flowers It helpeth the trembling of the Heart and is much better for all cold griefes then Nutmegs the Oyle of Mace laid on the Stomack cureth the infirmity thereof and the wambling and disposition to Vomit The powder of a Pomegranate large Mace long Pepper and Sugar being drunk with Posset Ale or Malmsey or other broth sodden together is an approved remedy for the black Jaundies Being used in Meates it causeth such as are leane to grow fat and is good for cold Husbands that would have Children as Nutmegs also are and in broths or milke it is very good to be drunke against Spitting of Blood Fluxes Vomit and the Chollick Oyle of Mace is good for the Cough CHAP. CLXVI Of Coriander The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and so in Latine also Corion and Corianon but usually Coriandrum being derived from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifyeth that kind of noisome Worme which breedeth in some Walls and rotten-Wood and is called a Wall-louse or puny in English whose stinking smell Coriander doth much imitate We in England call it Corionder and Coliander The Kinds Though former Ages would allow of but one sort of Coriander supposing there had been no more yet these aftertimes have testified that there are three sorts of it 1. Ordinary Coriander 2. The lesser sweet Coriander 3. The stinking Coriander The Form The ordinary Coriander is a very stinking herbe having a round stalk full of branches which are about two foot in length when they are at their full growth whose Leaves at the first coming up are somwhat broad very like unto Parsly which afterwards are smaller and finer every one then the other up to the top where stand small loose Vmbâ—lls of white Flowers turning into round striped hallow seed of a whitish yellow colour when it is ripe and of a pleasant scent or savour when it is dry but not before The root is hard and of a Woddy substance but dyeth when the seed is ripe which being suffered to fall will increase mightily The Places and Time The two first seeing their naturall places are not yet manifest are said no where to be found wild but are by us now as they were by the Ancients formerly sown in Gardens The last was sent from Barcinona to Lyons by Myconus to Molinaus who hath set it forth in Historia Lugdunensi They do all flower in Junâ— and July and their seed is ripe about the later end of August The Temperature The greene and stinking Leaves of Coriander are cold and dry very naught unwholesome and hurtfull to the whole body if they should be taken inwardly and so are the seeds as long as they are green but being steeped in Vinegar and dryed or only dryed they are moderately hot and dry and very convenient for severall purposes as you shall heare The Vertues Simeon Sethi with whom many other learned Authors do agree affirmeth that the Seed of Coriander is marvellous good for the Stomack not only retaining the food untill it be thoroughly digested but withall doth strengthen and inable it to do the same The prepared seeds being covered over with Sugar as comfits and taken after meat are of great efficacy to close up the mouth of the Stomack to stay Vomiting helpe digestion to represse Vapours that ascend from the Stomack to the Head and are likewise good for those that are troubled with Rheumes The same do very much prevaile against the Gout being taken in some small quantity before dinner upon a fasting Stomack and after dinner and after Supper the like without drinking within two or three houres after The seeds only being taken in Wine do bring forth Wormes stop the Laske and bloody Flux and all other extraordinary issues of blood It resisteth forcibly the paines of the Wind Chollick and the stopping of Vrine It is said that for so many seeds as are drunk thereof so many dayes shall the Courses of that â—oman that drinketh them cease as the following verses do also intimate Xenocrates inquit totidem cessare diebus Menstrua quot mulier Coriandri grana vorabit The powder of the seed cast upon Meates causeth them to digest the better and with sweet Wine it moveth lust and increaseth the naturall seed if it be taken moderately but too much use of it breedeth the Phrensy and raging and is hurtfull for such as have the head-ach falling sicknesse and swimming of the Head The said powder boyled with Rue in water of Mints and held in the mouth after it is cold helpeth the Vvula or Palate of the mouth being fallen down the juyce of the herb taken inwardly is deadly both to man and beast yea the smell only of the herb killeth Fleas if it be laid where they are The green herb boyled with Crums of Bread or Barly meale consumeth all hot swellings and inflammations with Beane meale dissolveth the Kings evill Wennes and hard Lumps The juyce of the Leaves mixed and laboured in a leaden Mortar with Ceruse Litharge of Silver Vinegar and Oyle of Roses cureth St. Anthonies fire and taketh away all inflammations whatsoever CHAP. CLXVII Of the Orenge-Tree The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the fruits whereof as is thought were known unto the Ancients and by them called Aurea mala Hesperidum
colour and sharpen the Eyesight The distilled water of Black Cherrâ—es having the stones bruised with them is good to be powred into the mouthes of them that have the Falling-Sicknesse as often as the Course of the fit doth trouble them and is effectuall to provoke Urine to break the stone expell the gravel and break VVind CHAP. CLXXIV Of the Goosberrie-Bush The Names IT is not yet resolved whether this Shrub were known to the ancient writers or no some would have it to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus which is somewhat improbable because he maketh no mention of any prickles that grow thereon which so accurate an Author as he was could hardly omit The latter writters call it in Latin Grossularia because they are somewhat like Grossâ—s small green Figs. It is called also Uva crispa and Uva Crispina because the Leaves seem to be crisped or curled In some Countries of England it is called the Feaberry in others the Dewbery and in some the wine berry-bush but most commonly the Gooseberry and the fruit hath the same denomination The Kinds There are some sundry sorts of Goosberries some of which I shall mention 1. The Common Goosberrie 2. The Red Goosberry 3. The blew Goosberry 4. The hairy or prickly green Goosberry 5. The great Dutch Goosberry The Form The Goosberry-Bush is a Shrub of three or four Cubits high set thick with sharp prickles it is likewise full of branches slender wooddy and prickly but the lower part of the stalks are smooth The Leaves are cut with deep gashes into divers parts somewhat like those of the vine of a very green colour the Flowers are very small of a whitish green with some little purple dasht here and there the fruit is round growing Scatteringly upon the branches green at â—he first but waxing a little yellow when they come to maturity full of a winy suyce somewhat sweet in tast when they be ripe in which is contained hard â—eed of a brownish colour which may be seen through the skin which though it be thick at first doth afterwards become transparent the Root is wooddy and not without many strings annexed thereunto The Places and Time The sorts above-named with divers others do grow in many Gardens about London in great abundance whence they are carried into Cheap-side and other places to be sold The Leaves commonly appear in March and the flowers not long alter the fruit is ripe in June and July The Temperature The Berries of this bush before they be quite ripe are cold and dry and that in the latter end of the second degree and also binding The Vertues Goosberries are used in the Month of May and June either to make sawce for green Geese to stew with Mutton and the like or else to make Tarts or to be eaten after they are scalded with Rose-water and Sugar all which wayes they provoke appetite and coole the Vehement heat of the Stomack and Lâ—â—er They are sometimes boyled in broth and so they do not onely make it pleaâ—â—nt to the tast but render it very profitable to such as are troubled with an hot burning Ague They are very much desired by Women with Child and by young Maidens also whilst they be unripe but surely they profit not the former unlesse it be to stay their longing nor the latter unlesse it be to breed the Green-Sicknesse for they stop the Courses except they happen to be taken into a cold Stomack and then they do but trouble and clogg the same The Ripe Berries as they are Sweeter so they are lesse offensive to the stomack yet they are eaten more for pleasure then for any proper or speciall effect for any disease but by reason of their lubricity or sliperinesse they easily descend out of the Stomack without any trouble however the safest way of eating them is when they are preâ—erved with Sugar The Decoction of the Leaves cooleth hot Swellings and inflammations as also St. Anthonies fire The young and tender Leaves eaten raw in a Sallet break the Stone and expell Gravell both from the Kidneys and Bladder Too much of the fruit will breed Crudities and Consequently Wormes CHAP. CLXXV Of the Barbery-bush The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à spinarum acuminatis Cuspidibus from the sharp prickles wherewith nature hath armed it from whence the Latins call it Oxyacantha Galeni there being some difference between Dioscorides and Galen concering this plant which is the name used in the Shops at this day yet some call it Berberies of the corrupted name Amyrberis by which Avicen calls it and from thence is the English word Barberies derived The Kinds Though all Barbery Bushes have the same forme as to the stature Leaves and Prickles so that there may seeme to be but one sort yet because they beare three several sorts of fruits Authors make three sorts of them 1. The Ordinary Barbery-Bush 2. The Barbery-Bush whoâ—e berries are thrice as bâ—g as the former 3. The Barbery-Bush whose berries are for the most part without stones The Form The Barbery-Bush shooteth forth many Slender Stems or stalks from the root sometimes to a great heighth covered with a smooth whitish rinde or bark being yellow underneath next the wood which is white easy to break and pithy in the middle set full of sharp small white thornes three at every leafe almost which are somewhat small and long finely dented about the Edges and of a fresh green colour the Flowers come forth at the joynts with the Leaves many standing on a long cluster yellow while they are fresh which turn into small long and round berries hanging down in long bunches upon a small stalk white at the first but very Red when they are through-Ripe of a sharp sowre taste able to set their teeth on edge that eat them the Root is yellow and spreading The Places and Times It groweth not onely in many of the woods in Austria Hungary France but in England also in some hedges and borders of fields Especially at a Village called Iver two miles from Cole-brook where there be divers hedges conâ—â—â—â—ing of nothing else but Barberie-Bushes yet in most places they are not found but in Gardens Orchards and Closes adjoyning to some dwelling house or other The Leaves and Blossoms come forth in April and May and the fruit is ripe in September and October The Temperature The Leaves and fruit of the Barbery-bush are cold and moist in the second degree and as Galen also affirmeth they are of this parts and have a certain cuting quality The Vertues The green Leaves of the Barbery-bush stamped and made into sawce as that made of Sorrell called Green Sawce doth coole hot Stomacks and those that are vexed with hot burning Agues and procureth Appetite cooling the Liver and repressing sowre belchings of Choler The fruit is much more cooling and binding quenching thirst and restraining Chollerick and pestilentiall Vapors and is of very good use in Agnes
bloody flux and so doth the root of the true Rubarbe if it be toasted at the fire and drunk with Plantane water or thick red wine The distilled water thereof is very profitably used to heal Scabs as also foul ulcerous sores and to allay the inflammations of them The juyce of the Leaves or roots or the decoction of them in Vinegar is used also as a most effectuall remedy to heaâ—e Scabs and running Sores The two last sorts of Rubarb are seldom used their qualities being more astringent then opening CHAP. CLXXVIII Of Turmerick The Names IT is in uncertain whether this Drug were known to the Grecians or not there being no positive Greek name for it upon record some think it to be the Cyperus Indicus of Dioscorides because it hath the same colour taâ—â— the root being like Ginger but why he should referr it to a Cyperus is somewhat strange the root of that having no such form colour or tast Garcias and Christopherus Acosta call it Crocus Indicus but the Common Latin name is Curcuma borrowed as is most probable from the Arabians who call it Curcum yet this is not the Curcuma of Serapio or Avicen as Matthiolus hath well noted which is no other then the greater Celandine whose root is yellow and therefore the Apothecaries in former times took it for Curcuma and put it into the Composition called Diacurcuma I find but one sort thereof and therefore I shall proceed to the description The Form Turmerick beareth larger thinner Leaves then Millet and of a paler green colour which afterwards when the stalk is grown up do likewise encompasse one another thereupon up to the top What flower or seed it beareth I find no mention The Root is somewhat like Ginger in forme but of a yellow or Saffron colour within and without yet it is not so flat as Ginger but rounder hot in tast and bitterish when it is dry though being fresh the bitternesse thereof cannot be so easily perceived by reason of the moisture that is in it The Places and Time I find not that Turmerick groweth any where but in the East-Endies but that iâ— doth there the names above mentioned do cleerly intimate I can say nothing of the time having not yet met with any Author to direct me in this particular The Temperature Turmerick is hot and dry in the second or as some say in the Third degree The Signature and Vertues If all Roots Flowers and Barks that are yellow do cure the yellow-Jaunders by Signature as it hath bin found experimentally by those who have made tryall of them then certainly Turmerick cannot choose but do it it being so eminently yellow And therefore they do well that use it for the yellow Jaundise which is a distemper commonly proceeding from the Liver so that if it be good for the one it must be consequently for the other as also for the obobstructions of the Gall which is the receptable for that yellow choler which causeth the Jaundise when it cannot be admitted It is very effectuall likewise to open the Stoppings of the Stomack Womb and Bladder and is very good in the Dropsy and Green sicknesse for it openeth all manner oâ— obstructions and heâ—peth to bring down Womens courses It is of very good use also in oâ—d and inveterate griefes and sicknesses and that evill diâ—poâ—ition of the body called Cachexia which is when the whoâ—e nourishment of the body is sent to feed some predominâ—nt humours Neither is it good for men only but for Horses especially when they are troubled with the Yellowes as the expert Farrier can tell you It is used outwardly to take away the haire and is put into thoâ—e Medicines that are made for the Eyes and for the Itch and Scab if some juice of Oranges and the Oyle of the Câ—car or Indian Nâ—t be mixed with it as Gartias saith It is much used to colour dâ—shes cups and such â—ike Woodden-Vessels insteed of Saffron The Indians use it much both to colour and season their meats and broths as we do Saffron in ours it being cheaper and easier to be had amongst them CHAP. CLXXIX Of Agrimony The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 et 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eupatorium and Hâ—patorium and so the Latines call it also the first name being given unto it from King Eupator who first â—ound out the Vertues of it the other from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jecur quiâ— Hepati pracipâ—e medâ—tur because it is a chiefe he per to the Liver It is also called Agr 〈…〉 nia of divers which is the name whereby it is best known in Shops Some or her names are also given unto it as Marmorella Concordia Ferraria and Lappa inâ—ersa because the seeds which are rough like burres hang down-wards It is called in English Agrimony and Egrimony The Kindes There be divers sorts of Agrimony Seaven whereof I shall present you with 1 Common Agrimony 2 Sweet smelling Agrimony 3 Bastard Agrimony 4. Hemplike Agrimony 5. The broader Hempâ—ike Agrimony of America 6. Narrow leafed Hemplike Agrimony of New-England 7. Common water Agrimony 8. Water Agrimony of New-England The Forme Common Agrimony hath divers long Leaves made of many set upon a Stalker some greater other smaller all of them dented about the edges greene above somewhat grayish underneath and hairy withall from amongst which doth arise a hard round hairy brown stalke about the height oâ— halfe a yard or more with some smaller Leaves upon it set here and there towards the top whereof grow many small yellow Flowers one above another in long spikes after which come many rough heads of seeds hanging downwards like to small burres which when they be ripe will catch hold and stick upon Garments or upon any hairy Beast that shall rub against them The Root is black long and somwhat wooddy abiding many yeares and shooting a fresh every Spring being also of an indifferent good smell The Place and Time The first groweth in divers pastures and ditches hedges and highway-sides throughout the Land the second is not so common with us being a retainer only with those that are curious but is naturall to Italy in many places the third Columna sound about Naples the fourth is found by the brinkes of ditches in other moist places n and sometimes in upland grounds the fifth and sixth came to us from New England and Virginia the seventh in shallow ponds and plashes of water and such places as have bin overflown by Winter floods the last came from New England but groweth very strongly in our gardens They all flower about July and the Sâ—â—d is Ripe towards the latter end of August The Temperature Agrimony is hot in the first degree but temperate in respect of drynesse so that though it doth moderately bind yet it 〈◊〉 and scowreth and is of subtill parts The Virtues Not onely the Greek name of this Heth but also the continued consent of ancient and
nor the true Eupatorium The Kinds The sorts of both put together are in all six 1. Ale Coast or Costmary 2. Common Maudlin 3. White Maudlin 4. Small Maudlin 5. Purple sweet Maudlin 6. Fennell leafed Maudlin The Forme Alecoast is a sweet herbe bearing many broad and long pale greene Leaves snipped about the edgsevery one upon a long foostalk among which rise up many long greene round stalkes with such like leaves on them but lesser up to the top where it spreadeth it selfe into three or four branches every one bearing an umbel or tâ—ft of gold yellow flowers somwhat like unto Tansy flowers but lesser which turne into small heads containing small flat long seed The root is somwhat hard and stringy and being divided may be thereby propagated The Places and Time The three first are found only in Gardens with us yet they have been found natural in divers rough untilled places of Tuscany in Italy and Narbone in France the three last grow in dry rocky and barren grounds They do all commonly flower about the moneths of June and July The Temperature Alecoast and Mandlin are both of them hot and dry in the second degree The Vertues â—oâ—th these Herbes are very effectually used by those that are troubled with evill cold and weake Livers for to them it is very freindly and therefore it is very profitable for those that are fallen into a continuall evil disposition of the whole body called Cachexia as hath been formerly said proceeding from the coldnesse of the Liver especially if a dram of the juice being first clarified and afterwards boiled to its due thicknesse which is something thicker then Honey be taken every morning It helpeth the Rickets and VVormes in Children provokes Urine and gently without purging disburdens the body of Choler and Phlegme it is good for the coldnesse of the Mother strengtheneth the Stomack and stayeth Vomiting and so doth the juice being drunk in Wine The Conserve of the Leaves made with Sugar is of very good use to warm and dry the braine and open the stopping thereof and to helpe Rheumes and distillations taken in the quantity of a beane Either of the herbes alone or with Parsnip-seeds boiled in Wine and drunk cureth the griping and torments of the belly or guts as also the flix It is profitable for the greifes of the breast and Lunges it breaketh Imposthumes and draweth evill humours from the eyes and other parts Being boiled either in Wine or Whey and drunk it is good for them which have taken any thing which is too Narcoticall as Opium Hemlock or the like and for biting of Serpents especially if one dram of the Powder of the root thereof be taken in Wine with the like weight of the seed of Wild Parsnips The decoction thereof is good for Women to sit in to provoke sweat to bring down the termes and to ease the paine that cometh by the retention of them The decoction of the flowers is good for many of the purposes aforesaid as also to open the obstructions of the Milt Kidneys and Bladder to take away the skurfe and scab wherewith the head is infested if it be washed therewith and so it killeth the Lice thereof Being put into Ale it giveth thereunto a very pleasant tast as it doth to all Sallets and Sawces wherein it is used and therefore as I conceive is was called Alecoast CHAP. CLXXXIII Of Dockes The Names IT is celled in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod valet exinanire vel ventrem levare because the decoction thereof looseneth the belly It is also called in Latine Lapathum and Ramex Some of the kinds hereof are called in Latine Oxylapathum Hippolapathum and Hydrolapathum from the forme bignesse and place where they grow Bloodwort which is also a kind of Dock is called Lapathum Nigrum of some and Rubrum or Rubens by others Sanguis Draconis herba also and Lapathum sangineum from the bloody colour wherewith the whole Plant is possessed The Kinds The sorts which I shall put under this little are nine though there be divers others that might be referred unto the same 1. The red Dock 2. Sharp-pointed Dock 3. The smaller pointed Dock 4. The Common Wild Dock 5. The round Leafed Dock of Africa 6. The great water Dock 7. The lesser Water-Dock 8. The strong sented Sea-Dock 9. Blood-wort The Forme The red Dock sendeth forth many tough narrowish greene Leaves very much pointed at the ends among which riseth up a suffe hard stalke two or three foot-high set with the like Leaves but smaller still up to the top something like unto sorrell but that it is neither so tender nor sower being rather of a bitterish tast and hath the stalke branched forth towards the top into sundry large sprigges bearing small reddish flowers and brown triangular seed after them The root is great long and many times forked being blackish on the outside and somewhat reddish and yellowish within abiding many yeares but somtime spoiled with extremity of Winter The Places and Time The foure first are most commonly found in moist Meadows and somtimes in upland grounds also The fifth in Africa neere Sophia The sixth and seaventh by sides of running streames in divers places of this land The eighth groweth by the Sea side not farre from Mompelier The last is found wild in some places but not so commonly as in Gardens Most of them rise up at the spring of the yeare flower in June and July and their seed is ripe in August The Temperature All Docks are generally cold some more and some lesse they do all of them dry but not after the same manner yet some think them to be dry in the third degree The Signature and Vertues The reddish and yellowish colour of the inside of the roots of divers Docks do signify that they are good for hot Livers and the Jaundise the red that is in them representing the Liver and the yellow the Janâ—dise and therefore blood-wort is most effectuall for the first and the Dock which hath the yellowest root for the second and for both these purposes they are used with other things to be put into Ale or Beere especially the rootes which have an opening quality in them fit to loosen and make the belly soluble to open obstructions and to coole and clense the blood The decoction of the seed made in Wine or Water and drunk helpeth the wambling paines of the Stomack venemous bitings and the bloody flix The root boiled in Wine and drunk is also good for the Jaundise provoketh Urine and the termes and breaketh and expelleth the Stone and Gravell The same boiled in Vinegar or bruised raw healeth all Scurfs Itch Manginesse and other festering and corroding Scabbs the place being annointed or bathed therewith and the substance of them being stamped and applyed boyled or raw difâ—usseth kernells and swellings behind the Eares helpeth the hardnesse of the Milt the Kings-Evill and stoppeth the too much flowing of
Womens courses being applyed to the Matrix The distilled Water of the Herb and Roots being brought into a consistence by being mixed with other proper ingredients worketh the same effects and of it selfe it cleanseth the skin of Freckles Morphewes all other Spots and discolourings therein Blood-wort is as wholesome a Potherb as any that growes in a Garden though it be in these dayes used only by those few which know it to be so CHAP. CLXXXIIII Of Sorrell The Names IT is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying sharpe because it is sharp both in tast and forme and some Latine writers call it Oxalis after the ordinary Greek name for it hath others also as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it may be said Metaphorically to pierce the tongue like a Raisor with its sharpnesse of Galen it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Acidum lapathum or Acidus Rumex sowre Dock because it is so very like a Dock in severall respects other Latine-writers call it Acetosa and Acedula for its sharpnesse Rumex hortensis Sheepes Sorrell is called Lapatiolum and Acetosella by divers The Kinds The Sorts of sorrel besides Wood sorrell which I have entreated already are Sixteene 1. Ordinary Sorrell 2. Great Sorrell of Germany 3. Round leafed Sorrell 4. Tuberous rooted Sorrel 5. The greater bulbous Sorrell 6. Small Mountaine round leafed Sorrell 7. Creeping Sorrell with broad Leaves 8. Candy Sorrell 9. Sorrell of Naples 10. Marygold Leafed Sorrell 11. Indian Sorrell 12. Indian Sorrell with swollen huskes 13. Mountaine Welch Sorrell 14. Sheepes Sorrell 15. The smallest Sorrell 16. Tall narrow leafed Sorrell The Form Sorrell hath tender greene Leaves long and full of juice broad and forked as it were at end towards the foot-stalke as those of Spinach and Mercury are of a sharpe sowre tast the stalkes are slender bearing purplish long heads somwhat like those of the Dock described in the former Chapter whereof it is a kind wherein lye three-square shining brown seed like but lesser then the other the root is smaller then any of the Docks but the strings thereof go further into the earth then of any other herb somtimes to the depth of three Cubits as the Lord Bacon witnesseth in his naturall History it abideth a long time without decaying having greene Leaves all the Winter except in the very extremity thereof which often taketh away all or most of its Leaves The Places and Times The ordinary Sorrell groweth commonly in Gardens and so doth the Sorrell with round Leaves The tuberous kinds grow in some places neere unto the water side and the sheepes Sorrell groweth in upland grounds where Sheepe use to frequent The two last grow in some sandy and gravelly grounds and upon the bankes of some ditches As for the rest their places are most of them set down in their titles All of them flower and seed in May and June except the Indian sort which flowreth not till July and their seed is ripe in August The Temperature Sorrell is cooling and drying in the second degree and by its sowernesse cutteth tough humours The Vertues The juice of Sorrell in the Summer-time is a profitable sawce in many meates and pleasant to the tast especially if some Sugar be added thereunto It cooleth an hot Stomack moveth appetite to meat tempereth the heat of the Liver openeth the stoppings and preventeth the walling thereof and is effectuall in all hot diseases to coole any inflammation and heat of blood in Agues Pestilentiall or Cholerick or other sicknesse and fainting rising from heat and to refresh the Spirits being almost spent with the violence of furious or fiery fits of Agues and to quench the thirst in them for which there is nothing better then Sorrell-Posset drink which may be made by putting the juice to milk when it beginneth to seeth The Leaves eaten in the morning fasting in the time of Pestilence do mâ—rvailously preserve from infection but much more the conserve thereof which is good for all the purposes aforesaid The seeds thereof brayed and drunk with Wine and Water are very wholesome against the Chollick and fretting of the Guttes it stoppeth the hot Fluxes of Womens Courses or of humours in the bloody Flux or Flux of the Stomack and helpeth it when it is annoyed with repletion The roots also in Decoction or in Powder is effectuall for the said purposes and further it helpeth the Jaundise and expelleth Gravell and the Stone from the Kidneys and a decoction of the Flowers made with Wine and drunk helpeth the Black Jaundise as also the inward Vlcers of the body of Bowells The Leaves wrapped up in a Wort Leafe and roasted under the Embers and applyed to any hard Impostume or Tumor Botch Boile or Plague sores both ripeneth and breaketh it and discusseth Kernells in the Throat if applyed in time The juice with a little Vinegar is profitable to bathe those places which are troubled with the Itch Tetter Ringworm St. Anthonies fire c The distilled Water of the herb is of much good use for all the purposes aforesaid killing Wormes and resisting Poyson CHAP. CLXXXV Of Beets The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Teutlon and Seutlon ab impulsu quòd facilè excrescat because it cometh up within few dayes after the sowing and afterwards groweth very fast untill it attaine to its bignesse which in â—ome hot Countryes will be three foot in length and of a great breadth It is called Beta in Latine quoniam Figuram Luerae Graecae C dum semine turget referre videtur because the figure of it being in seed is somwhat like the Greeke Letter Beta as Columella hath it It is called also Sicula and Sicla by some because it is supposed that it was first brought out of Sicily viz. The White Beet In this place for want of a fitter I shall speake of Spinage because it deserves not a Chapter by it selfe Ob raritatem in usu medico which made the Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being seldom used in Physick yet amongst Sallets and Pot-herbs there be few more common Some Latine Authors call it Spinachia and Spinaccum others Spanachia supposing it grew originally in Spaine and Olus Hispanicum The Kinds There be nine sorts of Beets and but three of Spinage with put together will make up a Dozen 1. The Common white Beet 2. The Common red Beet 3. The Comon greene Beet 4. The Roman red Beet 5. The Italian Beet 6. Prickly Beets of Candy 7. Sea Beets 8. Yellow Beet 9. Flat stalked Beet 10. The greater Spinage with Prickly Seeds 11. Thelesser Spinage with prickly Seeds 12. Spinage with smooth seeds Spinage sometimes beareth no seed but that is only by accident The Form The Common white Beet hath many great Leaves next the Ground of a whitish greene colour the stalke is great strong and ribbed or crested bearing great store of Leaves
upon it up to the very top almost the Flowers grow in very long tufts small at the ends and turning down their heads which are small pale greenish yellow burres giving cornered prickly seed the root is great long and hard when it hath given seed of no use at all but abideth the former Winter with its Leaves upon it as also the other sorts do perishing commonly the second Winter The Places and Time All the sorts of Beets except the yellow kind which Gesner saith is to be found about Durachium and Alexium Citties of Macedoina do grow in our Gardens some by their names expresse whence they came thither and so do the kinds of Spinage The Beets flower not the first yeare but having continned one Winter greene they then give their flower in the beginning of July and their seed is ripe in August Spinage sowen in the Spring seedeth within two moneths after but if it be sowen in the Autumne it seedeth not till next Spring continuing greene all the Winter The Temperature The White Beet is temperate in heat and moisture but the other sorts are dry and all of them abstersive by reason of the nitrous quality that is in them Spâ—nach is evidently cold and moist almost in the second degree The Vertues All sorts of Beets eaten too frequently do become nauscous to the Stomack and therefore their seldome use commends them most yet they are very good against obstructions and stoppings of the Liver and do greatly heâ—p the Spleene eâ—pecially the juice of them which is also good for the Head-ach and Swimmings therein and turnings of the Braine if it be conveyed up into the Nosthrills for then it doth gently draw forth Rheume and purgeth the Head and consequently easeth the paines of the Eyes and the Inflammations thereof iâ— it be appâ—ied to the Temples The white Beet doth loosen the belly much and provoketh Urine and is also effectuall against Venemous Creatures The juice thereof with Honey dropped into the Eares causeth the paines and noise thereof to cease and snuffed up into the Nose recovereth the want of smelling if the fault lye therein The broth of the Root and Leaves scowreth away Scurfe Scales and Nits of the head and easeth the paine of kibed heeles and helpeth Freckles and Spots if they be first rubbed over with Salt-Peter and so it helpeth the falling of the Haire and cureth running sores that spread abroad wasting the flesh as they go as also burning out of Wheales burnings inflammations and such like Spinagâ— is of much use amongst the Cookes though of but little amongst the Doctors yet some say that used in Broath or Pottage it maketh the belly soluble easeth paines of the back openeth the breast and strengtheneth the Stomack CHAP. CLXXXVI Of Smallage The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heleoselium from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying a Marsh and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Apium that is Parsly because it is a kind of Parsly growing naturally in Marshy places and for the same reason it is called in Latine Paludapium Apium Palustre and Apium rusticum In Shops it is called Apium absolutely and without any addition where they follow the Arabian Physitians for the most part who give it no other name but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being a generall word as Apium also is some have thought fit to adde to each an Epithite to distinguish of what sort it is In English it is called Smallage and Marsh Parsly for the reason above mentioned The Kinds There be but two sorts of Smallage which I read of 1 Ordinary Smallage 2. Sweet Selinum or Smallage The Form Ordinary Smallage groweth with green smooth and glittering Leaves somwhat like unto those of Parsly but much bigger from amongst whiâ—h riseth up a pretty handsome hollow chamfered stalk adorned with divers Leaves like unto the former but lesser up to the top almost where its small white Flowerâ— put forth themselves in large tufts or â—mbells which turne into smaller seed then that of Parsly the root is somwhat great short and thick with abundance of black strings annexed thereunto The whoâ—e Plant is of a very strong sent somwhat like Coriander neither is the tast of it being raw ever a white pleasanter yet after it hath endured the correction of the fire it becomes much more tolerable The Places and Time Though Smallage doth oftentimes grow in Gardens and that very prosperously yet the naturall place thereof is in wet and marish grounds whence it was first brought and is still to be found in divers places The naturall place of the second is not known for though it be common in Greece and Italy yet it groweth not without sowing and replanting They Flourish both when the Garden Parsly doth the stalkes likewise not coming up the same yeare as they are sowen but the next and then the seeds will be ripe in July and August The Temperature Smallage is hot and dry in the end of the second degree of a bitter tast and consequently opâ—ning obstructions The Vertues Though Parsly be more edible then Smallage yet Smallage is of greater force in many thinges then it for it is much more availeable in opening the obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and in rarifying thick flegmes and cleansing it and the blood withall and therefore the use thereof amongst other herbs as Water-Cresses Alexanders Cleavers Neâ—tle-tops Elder-Buds c. being chopped and boyled in Pottage in the Spring-time is not to be despised though happily some squeamish Stomacks will refuse them which regard more the pleasing of their palate then preâ—erving of their health And though Women are more subiect to squeamishnesse then men yet they have lesse reason to condemne this herb for it maketh their naturall Courses to flow and therefore is good for the Green sicknesse it provoketh Urine also and is singular good against the yellow Jaundise Neither is it without very good use in long and lasting Agues if the juyce thereof be taken especially if it be made into syrupe The same juice being put to Honey of Roses and Barly water doth perfectly cure the malicious and venemous Ulcers of the Mouth and of the Almonds of the Throat if the part be washed or gargled therewith it helpeth also all other foule Ulcers and Wounds which happen to the outmost parts of the body clensing and healing them if they be washed therewith Being mingled with Honey it is very profitable for exulcerated Cancers keeping them from put refaction and preserving them from strinking if not healing them The Leaves boiled in Hogs-Grease and made into the forme of a Poultis taketh away the paine of Felons and Whitloves on the fingers and ripeneth and healeth them The seed is especially used to break Wind to kill Wormes and to help a stinking breath The root is held to be good for all the purposes aforesaid and to be stronger in operation then the herb but especially to open Obstructions and to rid
Leaves many set together whiâ—h are somewhat long and hollow ending or spreading into four small Leaves of whitish yellow green colour which give place to small round and somewhat long black-berries when they are ripe wherein lyeth a white kernel The Root groweth down deep into the ground and spreadeth likewise tough long white strings somewhat wooddy Both Leafe and Flower both Bark and Root are very hot and sharp in tast heating the mouth and throat of any that shall tast them It keepeth its green Leaves all the Winter as all other Bay-Trees do even in the coldest yeares The Places and Times The First groweth wild not onely by the Lake of Geneva as Gerard or rather Dâ—donâ—ns doth affirm and in other places beyond the Seas but in our own Country also in divers places and particularly between the Hedge and a foot-path that leadeth from St. Albans to Park-Street The other was sent out of Candy as the title testifies The first flowereth very earely in the year even in January or February and sometimes before if the winter be mild The berries are ripe about May or June when the other flowereth or beareth fruit is uncertain seeing it hath not put forth either in this Country The Temperature Spurge Laurell is of a very hot and biting Temperature The Vertues It is reported of this Plant that if the Leaves be gathered with ones hand tending upwards it causeth vomiting if downwards it causeth purging but how true it is I cannot affirm for I never knew it taken inwardly yet I find upon Record that the Leaves purge slymy phlegme and waterish superfluities and are therefore good for the Dropsy and that fourteen or fifteen of the Berries do the like Notwithstanding they are said to purge very violently inflaming and heating the Throat and wringing the Stomack of whosoever shall take thereof and driveth them into divers dangerous diseases howbeit this seemeth to be spoken of the inconsiderate use thereof for it is said that if it be taken advisedly it purgeth phlegme from the Stomack and oftentimes by vomit also it procureth Womens Courses easeth the paines of the Cholick and being chewed in the mouth it draweth down from the Head and Brain much corrupt matter that would offend it And if there be any that understand not what is meant by the word advisedly let them know that it is to be taken after one of these or the like waies The Leaves must be steeped twenty four hours in good strong Vinegar and then dryed and their powder drunk in wine with Anniseeds and Mastick or else boiled in Whey of Sweet milk of broth or a Capon and so taken the dose not exceeding two scruples or one dram The Oyl wherein the fresh Leaves and Berries have been boyled being strained and the belly annointed therewith loosneth it and helpeth the Collick and being annointed on the back and reines provoketh Urine and helpeth the Piles Besides the Berries may be put into a Cataplasme for the Dropsy with Barly and Bean meale Fenugreek root of Wallwort Woormwood and Origan all which are to be sodden in wine and laid over the whole body The Flowers also used in a Glister are much commended for the said disease which is to be made thus Take flowers of Laurell two drams roots of Polypody Agarick of each a dram and half Dodder three drams seeth them in wine or water till the Third part be consumed then take of the Liquor of that decoction one pound of Benedicta Laxativa half a dram of Electuarium nidum two drams and a half Honey of Roses one ounce Oyles of Rue Camomile and flowered Luce of each one ounce of Sal Gemmae a dram and a halfe Commixe them all and make a Gliâ—â—er CHAP. CXCIX Of Toad Flax. The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Osyris as Fuchsius saith in Latin Pseudolinum and Liâ—aria from the resemblance of its Leaves with the true Line or Flax and Urinalis and Urinaria from its effects in provoking Urine Some have called it Esula adulterina from the resemblance it hath with a small kind of Esula or Spurge yet they may easily be distinguished if the stalk or Leaves thereof be broken for one hath milke the other hath not according to that old verse Esula lactescit siâ—e lacte Liâ—aria â—rescit Some have taken it to be the AntirrhiAntirrhinum of Pliny and indeed it seemeth to be a kind of Snapdragon by its flowers yet others will rather have it to be Osyris both of Pliny Dâ—oscorides and Galen whereunto it doth in many things agree There is a kind hereof which is called Scoparia and Herba Studiosorum because Scholers heretofore swept their Studdies with beesomes made thereof and Belvâ—deâ—e of the Italians for the glorious shew that the flower of it makes Some call it Wild-Flax in English but that name doth more properly belong to another kind it is called also Toad-Flax because Toads will some times shelter themselves amongst the branches of it and Flax-weed in Sussex Gallwort The Kinds Though there be many sorts of Flax-weed I shall trouble you but with ten of them 1. Great Toad-flax 2. Sweet purple Toadflax 3. Variable Toad-flax 4. Toad-flax of Valentia 5. White Toad-flax 6. Purple Toad-flax 7. Bushy Toad-flax 8. Golden Toad-flax 9. Broom Toad-flax 10 Sparrowes Toad-flax The Vertues The common Toad-flax is well known to have divers stalkes full fraught with long and narrow bâ—ew Aâ—h coloured Leaves without any footstalke at them like unto those of Flax but the stalkes are not so long from the middle of which up to the top come forth the Flowers which are many of a pale yellow colour of a strong unpleasant scent with deep yellow mouths like the flowers of Snapdragon the seeds which are blackish and flat are inclosed in round heads the Root is somwhat woody and White especially the maine down right one with many fibres thereat abiding many yeares shooting forth rootes every way round about and new branches every yeare The Places and Time Some of these sorts are wild some grow only in Gardens the expressing of their particular places would be to little purpose seeing none but the ordinary sort groweth naturally in our Land for as much as I can learne They flower from June till the end of Summer some of their seed being usually ripe towards the end of August The Temperature Toad flax is hot and dry as may be perceived from its bitternesse and also from the faculty it hath in provoking Urine The Vertues The Common sort of Toad-flax whose description I have set down is that which is most used in Physick It provoketh Urine both when it is stopt as also in those that are troubled with the Dropsy to spend the abundance of those watery humors by Urine which it draweth down wonderfully helping also to wash the Reines and Uritory parts from Gravell or Stones gathered therein and this it doth if the decoction of the Herb both Leaves and
the afflicted part being bathed therewith by a good fire The three last sorts are of very little or no use amongst us CHAP. CCVIII Of the Tamariske-Tree The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying infinitus from the abundance of little Leaves wherewith it is adorned In Latine also Myrica and Tamarix but of divers Tamarisus which cometh from the Hebrew word Tamarik signifieth Abstersio quia magnam abstergendvim habet of its great force in clensing The Kinds Heretofore there were only two sorts of Tamariske known one great and bearing Galles the other small and bearing none but now there are five sorts found out which belong to this kind 1. The French or finer leafed Tamarisk 2. The Germaine or broader Leafed Tamarisk 3. White Tamarisk 4. Aegyptian Tamarisk which beareth Galles 5. Sea Tamarisk The Forme The French or finer Leafed Tamarisk which I take to be that which groweth most ordinarily in England attaineth not to any great bignesse in this Country though in others it is said to have the bignesse of a great thick and tall-Tree with many spreading slender branches whose Bark is somewhat thick and rugged of a dark reddish colour the younger shootes being reddish at the first green afterwards and blackish when they are dry but the Leaves as long as they be growing are of a whitish green colour crisped as it were somwhat like unto Heath but finer and smaller The flowers grow spike fashion being purplish at the first but white when they are blown open consisting of five Leaves a peece which turn into down with the small seed in them and falleth away as that of the Willow and Poplar doth The Places and Time The first groweth by the Rivers sides and in other moist and gravelly places not only in Narbone and about Mompelier in France but in divers parts of Spain also The second groweth in Germany as well neere unto the River of Rhene as about that of Danubius yet not without some difference The third did grow in the Garden of one Mr. Ward at his house at Boram in Essex The fourth in Arabia Aegypt and the places thereabouts The last groweth upon the Sea Coasts in Flanders They flower about the end of May or in June and the seed is ripe and blown away in the beginning of September The Temperature Tamarisk as Galen saith hath a cleansing and cutting quality and manifestly drying it is also somewhat astringent or binding especially the fruit and Bark The Vertues The Root or Leaves or young branches of Tamarisk being boyled in Wine or Vinegar drunk and applyed outwardly also is a very powerfull remedy against the hardnesse of the Spleene The Leaves boiled in Wine and drunk driveth forth Melancholly helpeth Spitting of Blood and the excessive flowing of the termes the bleeding of the Hemorrhodiall Veines and other Fluxes the Jaundâ—se and all other griefes that come of Obstructions The Root sodden with Raisins and drunk helpeth the Lepry because it cleanseth and healeth the Milt whereof the Lepry commeth The Bark and Leaves boyled in Wine and the Mouth and Teeth gargled therewith helpeth the Tooth-ach and being dropped into the Eares it helpeth the paines thereof and is good for the rednesse and watering of the Eyes The said Decoction is also good to wash those that are subject to Nits and Lice and being mixed with a little honey it is effectuall to stay Gangrens and fretting Ulcers A Bath made by boyling a good quantity of the Leaves in store of Water being sat in by those Women whose Matrix is in danger of falling down through loosenesse fasteneth it and the ashes of the Wood applyed to the place stoppeth the excessive flowing thereof The Wood is said to be so powerfull to consume the Spleene that those Hogs which have beene served in Troughes made thereof have beene found without Spleens and therefore it is more then probable that if those which are Splenetick should constantly drink out of Cannes Piggins or Cups made thereof they would find it effectuall for their Disease The Ashes of the Wood made into a Lye with Water is of good use for many of the purposes aforesaid as also to help those blisters which are raised by burning or scalding of fire or water The Aegyptians use the Wood hereof to cure the French disease Leprosy Scabs pushes Ulcers and the like It is available also to help the Dropsy arising from the Hardnesse and Obstructions of the Spleene as also for Melancholy and the black Jaundise that ariseth thereof especially the Bark with the Barks of Ash and Ivy infused in Beere or Ale and drunk Some in cases of necessity use Heath or Ling insteed of Tamarisk CHAP. CCIX. Of Germander The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chamaedrys which in English is as much as a dwarfe Oak the Leaves of it being somwhat like to those of the great Oake In Latine Trissago and Trixago and of some Querculaminor yet Chamaedrys is more frequent then either of them in shops or elsewhere in English Germander or English Treacle Tree Germander is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek and Teucrium in Latine à Teucro inventore from one Teucer which first found out the vertues of it in English Tree Germander and upright Germander The Kindes Of both these kinds we may reckon Eighteen sorts 1. The common Germander 2. Great Germander 3. Germander of Naples 4. Jagged Germander or with fine cut Leaves 5. Thorny Germander of Candy 6. Mountaine Germander 7. Rock Germander 8. The greater Bastard Germander 9. The smaller Bastard Germander 10. The least Bastard Germander 11. Common Wild Germander 12. Narrow Leased wild Germander 13. Jagged base Germander of Austria 14. Wild Spanish Germander with fine â—ut Leaves 15. The more common Tree Germander 16. Tree Germander of Candy 17. Tree Germander of Spaine 18. Unsavory-Tree Germander of the Alpes The Form Common Germander shooteth forth very many branches lying on the ground which are tough hard and wooddy spreading themselves here and there whereupon are placed small Leaves sniâ—â— about the edges like the teeth of a Saw and therefore of some called Serratula though improperly resembling the shape of an Oaken Leafe as I said before The flowers are of a purple colour very small standing close to the Leaves towards the top of the branches The seed is little and black the root slender and full of strings which by spreading themselves a great way round about cause it to be very plentifull in a short space where it is once set The Places and Time To set down the places of all the sorts abovenamed would be to little purpose seeing that none of them grow naturally in England save the Eleaventh sort which groweth almost every where I shall therefore referre you to the Gardens of those that delight in Varieties of this Nature where it is probable you may find many of them Some of them flower
upon Mountaines it hath somtimes the Epithite 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 joyned to it in the Greek but more usually Montanum in Latine We in English call it Poley and Poley Mountaine The Kinds And of these Poleys there many be reckoned nine sorts 1. Our ordinary Poley Mountaine 2. Small Spanish upright Poley Mountaine 3. Small French Poley Mountaine 4. Creeping purple Poley Mountaine 5. The smallest creeping white flowred Poley Mountaine 6. Spike Leafed Poley Mountaine 7. Candy Poley with hoary broad Leaves 8. Upright narrow leased Candy Poley 9. The small African dwarfe Poley The Form The ordinary Poley Mountaine is a small low Plant having divers white or hoary round hard branches scarce a foot high whereon are set divers long and small hoary Leaves overlaid as it were with a yellowish white Down somewhat dented about the edges with two alwaies set together on the stalkes as they gâ—ow up at the tops whereof grow forth whitish or hoary yellowish heads thrusting out many small pale coloured flowers and in some places more yellow standing in hoary huskes the seed is small and blackish which it seldome perfecteth in our Land and therefore we slip the branches which being set will grow very well as often as we desire to increase it the whole plant smelleth sweet somwhat strong and quick withall The Places and Time These Plants grow not naturally in England and therefore I shall referre you to the Gardens for them as the Physick Garden at Oxford and that at Westminster where you may find divers of them They do most of them flower in July and August yet some later then others The Temperature Poley is dry in the third degree and hot in the end of the second of a loathsome bitter tast The Vertues Though this Simple be not commonly to be had in the feilds nor in every Garden yet at the Apothecaries shop it may be had at no great expence It is very effectuall to free all the inward parts from obstructions especially the Spleene and Liver which it doth through the bitternesse wherewith it is qualified it being the nature of all bitter things to open Obstructions Neither doth it only open the stopping of the Spleene but helpeth all other diseases thereof or proceeding from it as the swelling thereof the Jaundise and the Dropsy being boiled in Vinegar and Water and the Decoction thereof drunk It is also of wonderfull efficacy to resist Poyson and therefore it is alwaies put into Mithridate Treacle and all other Antidotes or Counterpoysons and to help those that are stung or bitten with Venemous Creatures the Decoction of the herb being drunk whilst it is warme nay it is so Antipatheticall to all Vermine that the fumigation or smoak thereof being burnt drives them away and so doth the herb being strewed or laid in those places that are subject thereunto It moveth the belly and bringeth down the feminine courses and doth consolidate or soder up close the Lips of cuts or wounds if it be applyed to them greene and being dry it healeth grievous sores or Ulcers and this the lesser kind doth best performe which is that also which is used in Mithridate Venice Treacle and the like Notwithstanding all these good qualities it troubleth the Stomack and causeth some paines in the head somtimes CHAP. CCXII. Of Lupines The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thermos in Latine Lupinus Plautus called Lupinus Aurum Comicum because in his time they were used instead of money in such Comedies as had any shew of payment in any Scene thereof But that they were not used for Currant money upon other occasions may be gathered from that Verse of Horace Nec tamen ignorent quid distant ara Lupinis Which sheweth that Counters and Counterfeit monies were easily to be distinguished from true and Currant Coyne In English they are usually called Lupines after the Latin Name yet some call them Fig-beanes after the Dutch name because they are flat and round as a Fig that is pressed and others Flat-beans for the same reason Some have called the yellow Lupine Spanish Violets and other foolish names have been given it as Virginia Roses and the like The Kinds There be Eleaven severall sorts of Lupines 1. The white-Garden Lupine 2. The greater blew Lupine 3. The lesser blew Lupine 4. The smallest blew Lupine 5. The blew Sea Lupine 6. The spotted white Lupine 7. The yellow Lupine 8. The Arabian Lupine 9. A middle sort of great blew Lupine 10. Blush flowered Lupine 11. Lupinus flore obsoleto The Form The white Garden Lupine riseth up with a great round stalk hollow and somewhat woolly with divers branches whereon grow upon long Foot-stalkes many broad Leaves divided into five seven or Nine parts or smaller Leaves equally standing round about as it were in a Circle of a whitish green colour on the upper side and more woolly underneath the Flowers stand many together at severall Joynts both of the greater stalk and the branches like unto Beanes and of a white colour in some places and in others of a very bleak blew tending to white after the flowers are past there come in their places long broad and flat rough Cods wherein are contained round and flat seed yellowish on the inside and covered with a rough white skin and very bitter in tast the roots are not very great but full of small fibres whereby it fasteneth it self strongly in the ground yet perisheth every year as all the rest of these kinds do which differ little from this but onely in the colour of their Flowers for which they are cheifely desired The Places and Time All the sorts above named do grow in the Gardens of those that are curious Lovers of these delights here in England but the first came from Greece where it was anciently cherished for food the Great blew Lupine from Caramania beyond Persia the lesser blew and the yellow sort from Spaine They flower in June and July and their seed is ripe quickly after The Temperature Lupines by reason of their bitternesse do open digest dissolve and cleanse but being steeped some dayes in water they lose their bitterneâ—â—e The Signature and Vertues The Lupine is said by Crollius to have the Signature of the Spleen and therefore the decoction therefore is profitable for those that are Splenetick to which may also be added Rue and Pepper that it may be the pleasanter and more effectuall The said Decoction helpeth to kill and expell all manner of Wormes if it be drunk in a Morning fasting and so doth the Meale hereof taken with Honey or with Water and Vinegar or tempered with an Oxe gall and laid to the navell whilst the party is fasting Though taken often and without preparation they breed grosse and rude humours being hard of digestion and slow in passing thorow the belly yet being steeped and afterwards dryed beaten and taken with some Vineâ— as they cleanse the Stomack help digestion and provoke Appetite
it is dissolved often mixed with pectorall Syrupes honey or juyce of Liquorish to help the Cough or Hoarnesse in the Throat salt and sharp distillations upon the Lungs being taken is an Electuary or put under the tongue gently to distill down and so it taketh away the roughnesse of the tongue which happeneth in many diseases The said Gum is also used in Medicines for the Eyes to allay the heat and sharpnesse of hot rheumes falling into them and being mingled with milk it taketh away white spots growing in the black of the Eyes the itching also of them and wheâ—â—es and scabs that grow upon the Eye-Lids Being somewhat torrefied or dryed â—â— the â—â—re and mixed with the juce or Wine of Quinces and used in a G 〈…〉 er it is good against the bloody Flix Being boyled in Wine with Stechads and drunk it warmeth and cleanseth the breast and Stomack bowels being afflicted with any cold the Cholick the stopping of the Milt and Urine It cleanseth the face and maketh it white if it be steeped a night in Rose water and in the morning a little Borace or Champhire be put thereto and the face be washed therewith It is very effectuall for the sores and chaps of the Mouth Lips and Hands and also for Ulcers in any part being dissolved in Rose water strained some white starch mixed therewith and the place annointed the Muccilage mixed with Honey doth the same and is good for the Leprosy The powder of it is profitable for those that have broken a veine or are troubled with the Craâ—p if it be taken in broth Besides these Physicall uses it serveth to make artificiall beads of which Bracletts are compoâ—ed and it is used many times as a kind of Starch or Glew to bind or stiffen things withall and to make Gentlewomens haire lye in order The roots of the Poterion boyled in Wine and drunk are profitable against the poyson of the red Toad and being made in a Pultis and applyed to any of the Nerves or Sinews that are wounded cut or hurt doth heale them and soâ—â—er them together are also all other kinds of Wounds and Cutts the said decoction of the Roots in Wine a also effectuall for the said purposes to be drunk and for inward Wounds or Veines that are broken Gum Arabick is effectuall for many of the purposes aforesaid but especially for defending the Reines and Bladder from those frettings that cause bloody Urine CHAP. CCXVII Of Spiknard The Names IT is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nardus in Greek from Naarda a City of Syria near unto Euphrares as Lobel doth conjecture and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi Nardi Spica which is the generall Name of the Indian sort called also Nardus Indica to put a distinction between it and the Celtick and Mountain Spicknard The Celtick Spiknard is supposed by very good Authors to be the Saliunca that Virgil makes mention of in his Eclogues which is more likely because the Vallesians in whose Country it chiefely groweth call it Selliga The Kinds There be Eight sorts of Spiknard 1. Mountain French Spiknard 2. Mountainâ— French Spiknard with tufted Flowers 3. Knobbed mountain Spiknard 4. Long tuberous Mountain Spiknard 5. Bastard French Spiknard 7. Indian Spiknard 6. Italian Spiknard 8. Unsavoury Spiknard The Form Mountain French Spiknard creepeth upon the ground under the loose Leaves and mosse with small long and hard slender roots covered with many short small dry Leaves like Scales sending forth in divers places as it creepeth and spreadeth here and there small blackish fibres whereby it is nourished at the head whereof stand sundry small buttons or heads from which spring many small narrow and somewhat thick green Leaves not divided or dented at all smallest at the bottome and broadest towards the end which change yellow in the end of Summer amongst these Leaves rise up sometimes more and somtimes but one slender stalk without any Leaves thereon at the top whereof stand many small whitish flowers like unto the smallest sorts of Valerian every one upon a slender foot-stalk which afterwards bring small seed like unto them also the whole plant is sweet and more aromaticall then the Indian Spicknard hotter also and sharper in tast then any other sort The Places and Time It may be gathered by the names of most of them to what Country they are naturall and therefore I shall trouble you no farther with the places They all flower and flourish in the summer months of June July and August some earlyer and some latter then others The Temperature Dioscorides saith that the true Indian Spiknard is of an heating and drying faculty and there is no doubt but the other sorts are so likewise seeing they agree very much in their properties or vertues The Vertues All the sorts of Spiknard but especially the Celrick or French Spicknard are of very good use to provoke Urine and to ease the exceeding great paines of the Stone in the Reines or Kidnyes if they be drunk with cold water and so they are profitable to those that have a loathing of their meat swellings or gnawings in their stomacks as also for them that are Liver grown and for them that have the yellow Jaundise It dryeth up the Flux or humors both in the Head and breast and is a speciall Ingredient in Mithridate and other Antidotes against vemone and poyson The decoction used as a Bath for Women to sit in or over in a seat fit for the purpose taketh away the Inflammations of the Mother but to women with Child it is forbidden because it procureth much disquiet and may forceâ— their Courses beyond either their time or conveniency The Oyle made thereof doth both warme those places that are cold and maketh the humors more subtill that were thick and congealed before digesteth those that are crude and raw and also moderatly dryeth and bindeth those that were too loose or flexible and hereby worketh powerfully in all the cold griefes and windinesse of the Head and braine of the Stomack Liver Spleen Reines and Bladder and of the Mother Being â—nuâ—â—ed up into the Nostrills it purgeth the Brain of much Rheume gathered therein and causeth both a good colour and favour to the whole body Being steeped in Wine for certain dayes afterwards distilled in Balneo calâ—do the Water hereof is very usefull in all cold indiâ—poâ—itions of the Members taken inwardâ—y or applyed outwardâ—y for it coâ—nâ—oâ—ten the braine helpeth to stay thin distillations and the cold paines of the Head as also the shaking of the Palsey It helpeth also all passions of the Heart as faintings and 〈…〉 ning◠〈◊〉 the Coâ—lick likewise two or three spoonefulls being taken It is commonly laid up in a new earthen Vessell for Eye Medicines being first made into Powder and then into round Cakes or trochiskes with Wine which being conveniently applyed represse and stay the humors that offend them Being drunk with Wine it helpeth those that are stung or bitten
if you need there is no doubt but the druggist can furnish you with them They flower or carry their bushy tops in August with us except the fourth sort which giveth his tusted head in the end of July most commonly The Temperature The Roots of Cyperus are hot and dry in the second degree The Vertues The Rootes of Cyperus boiled in Wine and drunk for they are much more effectuall then the Leaves are very profitable for the Reines and Bladder for it provoketh Urine helpeth to break the Stone in the Bladder by the cutting quality that it hath yet without sharpnesse and bringeth down Womens Courses also The Rootes of Cyperus and Bay berries of each a like quantity beaten to Powder and made up with the Urine of a Boy under yeares and laid upon the belly or those that have the Droply doth help them very much and both of them boiled in Wine and drunk often while the other is used outwardly doth work more effectually It is good for the fretting paines and stranglâ—ngs of the Mother iâ— the parts be bathed with the decoction thereof or if the party sit over the sumes or in the decoction thereof The Powder thereof is an especiall Remedy for all Ulcers yea spreading and devouring Cancers that by their overmuch moisture hardly admit of any cure and by the astringent quality it hath it helpeth all sore Mouthes whatsoever Alpinus saith the Aegyptians do much use the powder of the Roots and ashes of them to cure the Ulcers both of the mouth and secret parts and to drink the decoction of them to comfort and warm the Stomack braine Lungs Sinews arteries and the womb of those that are distempered though cold or moisture or both being taken sometime together for it warmeth and strengtheneth the naturall vigor of the Spirits and is therefore comfortable to those that by long sicknesse are much spent in the health of their bodies It helpeth and strengtheneth digestion pocureth warmth to the blood and a good colour to the face it helpeth those that have strong or stinking breaths the said decoction being made in Wine and drunk The long sweet â—perus is not altogether so effectuall as the former yet may be used for it the quantity being increased when the other cannot be gotten but the chief use of it is to make sweet powders and perfumes for Garments Gloves c. to perfume Chambers also being burnt with Cloves and Bayleaves The Rush Nuts called Trasi which are cryed up and down the Streets in Spain as Orenges and Lemmons are in England are for the most part spent in Junkets rather then used Physically yet they are found to be good both for the paines of the breast and sides if a Cream be made thereof and drunk and therefore are very profitable for those that have a Cough to help to expectorate the Phlegme the same also drunk mitigateth the heat of Urine and allayeth the sharpnesse thereof and being taken with the broth of fat flesh it furthereth Venereous astions The decoction thereof hot steel being also quenched in it helps the Dysentery or flux CHAP. CCXX Of Hops The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bryon and Bryonia by the modern writers because the Leaves and running branches are somewhat like Briony for by Antients it is not remembred which is somewhat strange seeing it is a plant so usefull It is called in Latin Lupulus and Lupulus Salictarius and reptitius quia salit reptat per arbores vel quia scandit salices because it climbs upon Sallows and other trees which name is used by all our modern writers except Lobel who calls it Vitis Septentrionalium the vine of the Northern Regions because they put Hops in their drink The Kinds The Sorts of Hops may quickly be reckoned up for they be but two 1. The manured Hop 2. The wild Hop The Form The manured Hop riseth up at the first with divers great brown heads like unto Asparagus but larger which afterwards spread into rough Branches and climb upon great high poles that are set for them to run on having many hard and rough dark green Leaves on them cut into three or five divisions somewhat like unto â—ramble Leaves and dented likewise about the Edges At the tops of the Branches which hang down again for the most part come forth many scaly heads being as it were a small number of yellowish green Leaves growing tâ—ick together from among which come forth the Flowers of a whitish yellow colour which being past and the heads changing their colour to be somewhat whitish yellow they are then fit to be gathered to keep and then there is a small round seed found there in the root is great at the head shooting forth many blackish strings which take fast hold of the ground The Scaly heads which are put in beer are of strong smell by which the goodnesse of them may be discerned The Places and Times The first groweth in Flanders and divers other places besides whence the beads are brought into England and sold but they are no wayes comparable to those which grow with us in great plenty also in divers places but especially in Kent and Essex where there be men of good worth whose estates consist in Hop-grounds They delight in low moist grounds where they may have moisture enough yet they will not endure overmuch and therefore they are planted upon hillocks to preserve them from drowning The second groweth amongst bryâ—rs and thornes in hedge-rowes and other places in most Countries of this Land of its own accord and it is supposed to be the same with the former but onely that the ordering and manuring of that makes it larger They Spring not up untill Aprill and flower not untill the latter end of June yet the heads are fit to be gathered about the end of September The Temperature The Heads which are most commonly called Hops are hot and dry in the second degree and so are the Leaves also both of them being of an opening and cleansing faculty The Vertues The decoction of the tops of Hops as well of the wild as the manured is very powerfull to cleanse the Reines from Gravell and to provoke Urine which likewise openeth the obstructions of the Liver and Spleene cleanseth the Blood and looseneth the belly The roots also work the same effect but they are hotter and not so moist as the former As they cleanse the blood so consequently they help to cure all manner of Scabs Itch and other breakings out in the body as also all other Tetters Ring-worms or spreading sores the Morphew and all other dis 〈…〉 urings of the Skin The decoction of the Flowers and Tops are given with good successe to those that have drunk any deadly poyson the same being put in baths for women to sit in taketh away the swellings and hardnesse of the Mother and is good for those that can very hardly make their
Bladder is the Bladder Nut-Tree which is therefore said to be effectuall to help those which are troubled with the Stone in the Bladder but because it is without any other Vertue unlesse it be to provoke Venery as some affirme having withall divers evill Qualities whereby they are loathsome and overturne the Stomacks of them that eate them I shall passe it by without any description at all only tell you that it is called Nux Vesicaria in Latine supposed to be the Staphylodendron of Pliny Some call it Pistacium Germanicum because they call it by the same name they do the Pistake whereof Scaliger taketh it to be a kind So much I thought good to say of it because it growes in Gardens and Fields in divers places of this land CHAP. CCXXVIII Of Dogs-grasse or Quich-grasse The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Agrostis that is Gramen simply 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it is of most use In Latine Gramen Caninum and Gramen Caninum medicatum by Lobel following Pliny herein who first called it Canaria quasi à Caniâ—â—â—inventa because Dogges when they are sick at the Stomack do naturally eat hereof fall to their Vomit and are well and therefore others have called it Cynagrostis and Dens Canis from the forme wherein it first appeareth We call it in English Dogs-grasse because Dogs feed thereon Quich-grasse and Couch-grasse from the nature of the rootes which ly so close in the ground that they cannot be got out unlesse the ground be broken up with a Spade The Latine word Gramen is derived à Gradiendo from spreading it selfe for it will overâ—â—â—ne a place speedily The Kindes You may guesse by the severall sorts of Quich-grasse what a huge number of Grasses there be in all this being a subordinate kind and yet hath sixteene under it 1. Common Quich-grasse 2. Quich-grasse with a more spread Panickle 3. The lesser Quich-grasse with a sparsed tuft 4. Low bending Quich-grasse 5. Low bending Quich-grasse of Mompelier 6. A small sweet grasse like Quich-grasse 7. Common bulbed and knotted Quich-grasse 8. Knobbedgrasse with a small round spike 9. Double bulbed 10. The bulbed Grasse of Aleppo 11. The Sicilian Bulbed Grasse 12. Sea spiked Dogs-grasse or Quich-grasse 13. Sea Quich-grasse 14. Sea Dogs-grasse with long roots 15. Sea spiked Dogs-grasse of Mompelier 16. Rough Sea Dogs-grasse The Forme Common Quich-grasse is well known both by Gardiners and Husbandmen to creepe farre about under the ground with long white joynted Rootes and small fibres almost at every joynt very sweet in tast as the rest of the herb is and interlacing one another from whence shoote forth first one and afterwards many faire and long grassy Leaves small at the ends and cutting and sharpe at the edges the Stalkes are joynted like corne with the like Leaves on them and a long spiked Head with long husks on them and hard rough seed in them The Places and Times The first is too common both in Gardens and Ploughed feilds for the Gardeners and Husbandmens store though not for such Physitians as Mr. Culpepper who holds halfe an Acre of it worth five of Carrots or Corne the second and third are nothing so frequent and are more naturall to sandy and chalky grounds the three next are likewise found in feilds that have been Ploughed but ly fallow at present The seaventh is found in some Ploughed Feilds and Medowes of this Land the eighth neere Basil the ninth in Spaine the tenth neere Aleppo the eleaventh neere Verona the three next on our Sea-Coasts especially in Kent the fifteenth about Mompelier and Narbone the last about Venice They flourish most in the Summer but their Rootes endure the hardest Winters The Temperature Dogs-grasse is cold in the first degree and moderate in coldnesse and moisture but the seed is much more cold and dry of some tenuity of parts and somewhat harsh The Vertues and Signature All the sorts of Grasse especially those of Quich-grasse are very effctuall to open the passages of Urine being stopped as also to wast the gravel of the Stone in the Bladder and the Ulcers thereof but that sort which is knobbed is held to be most proper because it hath a kind of Signature And if I should say that some of the other sorts cure the Wormes by Signature I should not say amisse for the rootes of some of them are very like those beds of Wormes which we somtimes see voided from men the juice thereof mixed with Honey and the Powder of Southernwood and taken in drink for Children the juice mingled with an Oxe-Gall and a cloth dipped therein and laid to the Navell will be sufficient and for this purpose the Dogs also eat it who after the taking thereof have been observed to void many Being boiled in white wine and drunk it openeth the Obstructions of the Liver and Gall and easeth the griping paines of the Belly and Inflammations The Roots bruised and applyed are very effectuall for Consolidating Wounds The seed doth more powerfully expell Urine and stayeth the Lask and Vomitings The distilled Water by it self or with a little wormseed killeth the Wormes in Children The way of using it for the diseases of the Reines and Bladder which I forgot to expresse after the Signature is onely to bruise the Roots and having well boiled them in white wine to drink the decoction yet after the benefit of making Water is obtained the decoction must be made in water CHAP. CCXXIX Of Butchers Broom The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Oxymyrsine which is as much as Acuta Myrtus in Latine and Prickly Myrtle in English as also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Myrtus Sylvestris 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Myrtacantha Myrtus Spinosa 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 murina Spina and of Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Centromyrrhine Pliny saith that it was called in his time Chamaemyrsine and Acaron or rather Aceron which is one of the Bastard Names by all which we may gather that it was taken for the wild Myrtle but falsly for that which was accounted so amongst the Ancients is like unto the manured kind with prickly Leaves and therefore Pliny misâ—ooke when he attributed the faculties of the one to the other It is called in Latine Ruscus and Ruscum and in Shops Bruscus and of some Ruscus Bruscus by Onomaâ—opaeia because of the Russeling noise it maketh when it is moved and of some as Marcellus saith Scopa Regia We call it in English Knee-holme Kneeâ—â—lver Kneeholly Pettigree and Ruscus Bruscus The Kinds Butchers Broom at its first coming up sendeth forth thick whitish short Shoots somewhat like unto those of Asparagus but greater which thing to be about a foot high are spread into divers green branches which are a little crested tough pâ—â—ant and flexible whereon are set somwhat broad and allmost hard Leaves sharp and prickly pointed at the ends of a dark green colour and somewhat like unto Myrtle Leaves
two for the most part set at a place very close or near together about the middle of the Leafe on the back or lower side from the middle Rib breaketh forth a small whitish green flower consisting of four small round pointed Leaves standing upon little or no foot-stalk in the place whereof cometh a small round berry green at the first and red when it is ripe wherein are conteined two or three white hard round seeds The Root is thick white and great at the Head and from thence sendeth forth divers thick white long tough strings The Places and Time Butchers Broom groweth plentifully in divers Copses Heaths and wast grounds of this Land especially upon Hampsted Heath four miles from London and in divers parts of Kent Essex and Bark-shire where Holly-bushes grow for under them they are oftentimes found It shooteth forth its young Buds in the Spring the berries being ripe in or about September and the branches or Leaves abiding all the Winter The Temperature The Roots of Butchers Broom which are of greatest vertue and use are temperatly hot and dry also in a mean with a thinnesse of Essence The Signature and Virtues Though Butchers Broom cannot be said to have the Signature of the Reines and Bladder or the Stone in them yet it may as well be said to have the Signature of that pricking pain that is left in them as often as the Stone or Gravell moves just as if thornes were put into the passages of the Urine as Carduus Benedictus to signifie its efficacy in curing the paines of the sides by the prickles that grow thereon and therefore the Decoction of the Roots made with Wine is very profitable to open Obstructions to provoke Urine and to amend the strong smell thereof it being one of the sive opening or diureticall Roots expressed in the London Dispensatory for it helpeth to expell Gravell and the Stone and consequently from those tormenting paines which seeme as if those parts were peirced through with Needles It is also of great operation in the Strangury bringeth down Womens monthly Courses and being taken with some Honey or Sugar it cleanseth the Breast of Phlegme and the Chest of much Clammy humors gathered therein The same effects are attributed to the Leaves and Berries by Dioscorides The juyce of the Leaves taken with Sugar helpeth Spitting of blood and cleanseth the Womb. Halfe a Ounce of the Roots with the like quantity of Annise-seed and Fennel-seed made into powder and halfe an Ounce of Sugar mixed therewith and as much of it taken in posset drink or white wine as will lye on a Shilling is very available against Wind and gripings of the Belly The decoction of the Roots drunk and a Pultis made of the Berries and Leaves being applyed are effectuall in knitting and consolidating broken Bones or parts out of Joynt The juyce thereof taketh away the stinke of the mouth and Gums being washed therewith and the powder of the root cleanseth wounds and preventeth a Gangrene being strewed therein The Leaves stamped and boiled with Rose-water and a little Wine and applyed unto the secret parts of a man helpeth the Inflammations thereof The young shoots are in some places eaten in Sallets after that manner as Asparagus are The full grown branches were formerly used to make Beesoms to sweep the house whence it was called Scopa Regia but now it is used by few unlesse it be Butchers who make cleane their stalls defend their meat from the flyes therewith which is the reason why it is called Butchers Broom It hath been used to preserve Martlemasse-beof and Bacon from the mice eating and so it may be still by those that have the command of both The most effectuall way of using it in the Diseases of the Reines and Bladder is to boile the Roots of it and Parsly Fennell Smallage and Grasse of each a like quantity in White wine and to drink the decoction respect being had to the strength of the Patient otherwise it is possible that so many cleansing things may make some Excoriation or fretting in the passages of the Urine these many diureticall roots being put together CHAP. CCXXX Of Chervill The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chaerephyllum either because it delighteth to grow with many Leaves or because they cause joy gladnesse which name the Latines partly follow it being called Chaerophyllum by Columella and is likely to be the Carophyllum of Pliny but the most common name it hath is Cerefolium or Châ—rifolium being a mongrell Word composed both of Greek and Latine It is called in English by no other name that I know then Chervill for Myrrhis Sweet Chervill and Sweet Cicely is another plant which I have already treated of different from this in many respects as I could shew if I thought it needfull but I think what I have said may suffice The Kinds Of this Chervill I find but two sorts 1. Garden Chervill To which I may add Shepheards-needle or mock Chervill The Form The Garden Chervill doth at the first coming up somewhat resemble Parsly but after it is better grown the Leaves are very much cut in and jagged resembling Hemlocks so much that some have mistaken one for the other yet they may easily be distinguished if you smell unto them being a little hairy and of a whitish green colour and sometimes turning reddish in Summer with the Stalkes also It riseth above halfe a yard high though Parkinson say but halfe a foot bearing white Flowers in spotted Tufts which turne into long and round seed sharply pointed at the ends and blackish when they are ripe of sweet tast but of no smell whereas the herb it self smelleth reasonable well which Hemlock doth not The root is small and long and perisheth every year yet being once sown and suffered to seed and that seed suffered to sow it self it will put you to no further trouble unlesse it be to weed it out lest it encroach upon its neighbours territories The Places and Time The first groweth in Gardens and is a good Sallet herb at the first coming up yet after a while it growes strong and unpleasant The second groweth wild in Vineyards and Orchards beyond the Sea and in divers places of our own Land The last is to be found in most Corne-Fields in England If that of the Garden be sowne early the seed will be ripe in June and Jluy which being suffered to â—â—ll or sown againe presently will rear up a new Crop for Autumn-Sallâ—â—s the other two flower early and seed accordingly The Temperature Chervill is of a temperate heat and moderate drynesse Shepherds Needle is hot and dry in the later end of the second degree The Signature and Vertues The sharp pointed seeds of Chervill and Shepherds-Needle may be said to signifie the Vertues they have in easing the pricking paines of the Stone in the Reines and Bladder for the juyce or distilled water of either of them
the beginning of the Spring The Acornes grow upon short stalks two or three for the most part joyned together whoâ—e outer rind or skin is of a yellowish green colour the lower part whereof standeth in a small rough hollow cup the kernell whereof cleweth in two and is of a reasonable sweet tast The rootes are great spreading farre and deepe The Timber or Wood is the most serviceable of all other especially for the building of ships and houses yet the outer part which is called the Sap is not so durable as the innermoâ— which is called the Heart as every one knoweth The Places and Time The first is that of our own Land but the others are more frequent in Italy Spaine and other hot Climates Their long Catkins or bloomings come forth early in the Spring and fall away for the most part before the leaves do come forth the fruit or Acornes are not ripe untill Ostober The Temperature The Leaves and Bark of the Oake and the Acorne cups do bind and dry very much and are somwhat cold withall but the Acornes themselves are neither so cold nor so much binding The Signature and Vertues The fruit of the Oake or Acornes seperated from the Cups do much resemble the Stone in the Bladder and therefore they not only provoke Urine and break the stone but are an especiall remedy for the exulceration of the Bladder and pissing of blood caused by the force of poysonous herbs and corroding medicines as also the virulency of Cantharides being eaten if the decoction of them and the bark made in Milk be taken The Powder of Acornes drunk in Wine are good to help stitches and paines of the sides especially if the powder of Bay-berries be mixed therewith The inner barke of the Tree and the thin skin that covereth the Acorne are most used in Phyâ—ick to stay the spitting of blood and the bloody 〈◊〉 the decoction of the Bark and Powder of the Cups which are much more binding then any other part do stay vomitings or castâ—ngs spitting of blood or bleeding at the Mouth or other flux of blood in Man or Woman Lackes also and the invâ—luntary flux of naturall seed The fume of the Leaves helpeth the strangling the Mother and the bruised Leaves Soder up wounds and keep them from Inflammation The distilled water of the Buds is also good to stay all manner of Fluxes in Man or Woman to coole the Body in pestilentiall and hot burning Feavers for it resisteth the force of the infection as also to coole the heat of the Liver break the Stone and in the Kidneys stay Womens Courses and to asswage all manner of Inflammations being used inwardly or outwardly and the decoction of the Leaves doth the like The water that is found in hollow places of old Okes is very effectuall against any foule or spreading Scab Though the Acornes were formerly used for food yet our Age being able to subsist without them I shall leave them for the Hoggs to seed upon CHAP. CXXXVIII Of Bucks-horne Plantaine The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Coronopus from the similitude it hath with the foot of a Crow which name the Latines do hold as also Cornu cervi or cerviâ—um and Herba stella both of them from the posture of the Leaves It is called Sanguinaria or Sanguinalis and Harenaria the first from its verture in stopping blood and the last from the place of its growing We in English call it Bucks-horne Harts-horne and Bucks-horne Plantaine because the Spiky heads are like those of Plantaine The Kinds The sorts hereof though growing in different Climates may without breaking any great square be brought within the compasse of one Chapter and then the totall summe will be but five 1. Common Bucks-horne Plantaine 2. Prickly Bucks-horne 3. Small Sea Bucks-horne of Naples 4. The small hairy Sea Bucks-horne 5. Upright and creeping Bucks-horne or Wart-Cresses The Forme Common Bucks-horne Plantaine riseth up at first with small long narrow hairy dark green Leaves like Grasse without any division or gash in them but those that follow are gashed in on both sides the Leaves into three or four gashes and pointed at the ends resembling the Knaggs of a Bucks-horne and being well grown lye round about the root upon the ground in order one by another thereby resembling the form of a star from among which rise up divers hairy stalks about an hand breadth high bearing every one a small long spiky head very like unto those of the common Plantaine having such like bloomings and seed after them the root is single long and small with divers fibres annexed thereunto The Places and Time The first usually groweth in dry sandy grounds as in Tuttle fields by Westminster and without the Walls of Greenwich Park on that side that the way lyeth from thence to Eltham and in divers others places of this Land yea it is sown in the Gardens of those that know the Physicall use of it in some places of this Country where it groweth not naturally yet I have not known it eaten as a Sallet herb any where with us though in Italy and France it is frequently so used The second groweth on the rocks in the Island Prochyta The third in many untilled grounds in the Kingdom of Naples near the Sea side The last groweth in moist Countries of this Land on the foot bankes and under Walls and by high way sides especially in thoâ—e places where Hoggs frequent arising as iâ— supposed out of their dung which is the Reason why it is called Harenaria and Swines cresse They all flower and seed in the summer Monthes their green Leaves abiding all the winter The Temperature Bucks-horne is of a binding cooling and drying faculty as the Common sort of Plantaine is The Vertues and Signature Bucks-horne Plantaine boyled in wine and drunk is very effectuall to help those that are troubled with the Stone in the Reâ—nes or Kâ—dneys not that it breaketh the Stone or expelleth it but by cooling the Heat of the parts and strengthening the Reines and Back It stayeth likewise all bleedings and eruptions of Blood whether at the Mouth or Nose whether by Stoole or Urine and helpeth the laske of the bowels and belly and the Dysentery or bloody Flux It helpeth much also those that have weak Stomacks that are so much given to casting or Vomiting that they cannot retain their Meat and this the Herbe doth well but the root more effectually The said decoction drunk and some of the Leaves applyed to the place hurt is an excellent Remedy for the bâ—ting of the Viper or Adder which is supposed to be one and the same It helpeth those that are troubled with the Collick and is held profitable for Agues to weaken their fits and take them away the Leaves being briused and laid to the Sides of them that have them and the Leaves and Roots beaten with some Bay-Salt and applyed to the Hand-wrists worketh the same effects
The Herb boiled in Ale or wine and given for some Mornings and Evenings together stayeth the Distillations of hot and sharp Rheums falling into the Eyes from the Head and helpeth all manner of accidents that happen to the Eyes Wart Cresses which are called in Latine Coronopus Râ—ellii and Nasturtium Verrucarium because the seed of it beareth the perfect Signature of the Warts upon a mans hand will consume and take away Warts in a short time the herb being bruised and applyed and so it stoppeth blâ—â—ding most effectually having all the Virtues which are attributed to the former CHAP. CXXXIX Of Sampire The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and sometimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Crithmum which is the usuall Latin name also yet Petrus Crescentius calleth it Crethmum and Rincum marinum It is also called Feniculum marinum which name the Italians and French follow as neer as their Dialect will permit in shops Creta marina especially beyond Sea In English Sampier and Sampire because it grows upon rocks and Sea Fennell because it somewhat resembles our ordinary Fennell The Kinds To this kind may be referred these four sorts 1. Ordinary Rock Sampire 2. The greater Rock Sampire 3. Thorny Sampire or Sea Parsnep 4. Golden Flowered Sampire The Forme Ordinary Rock Sampire groweth up with a tender green stalk not above halfe a yard or two foot high at the most branching forth almost from the very bottome and stored with sundry thick almost round and somewhat long Leaves of a deep green colour sometimes three together and sometimes more on a stalk being full of sap and of a pleasant hot or spicy tast at the topps of the stalkes and branches stand Umbells of white flowers after them come large seed bigger then Fennell yet somewhat alike the root is great white and long continuing many yeares and is both of a delightfull and pleasant smell and tast The Places and Time The first groweth on the Rocky Cliffes at Dover Winchelsey by Rye and about Southampton and the West and North West of England but especially in the Isle of Wight where there is so great plenty that it is gathered yet not without danger for some have ventured so farr upon the craggy precipices that they have fallen down and broken their nets ' so that it might be said they paid For their sawce and afterwards being pickled up is sent to London and other places The second groweth likewise upon Rocks that are moistened if not somtimes overflown with the Sea water The third near the Sea upon the sands between Whitstable and the Isle of Thanet by Sandwich and by the Sea near VVestchester The last in the miry Marsh in th Isle of Shepey by the way from the Kings Ferry to Sherland house Rock Sampire flourisheth in May and June and must be gathered to be kept in pickle in the beignning of August They all flower and seed in the end of July and August The Temperature Sampire is conceived to be hot and dry in the second degree and of a cleansing or scouring faculty The Vertues Of all the Sawces which are very many there is none so pleasant none so familiar and agreeable to mans body as Sampire both for digestion of Meates breaking of the Stone and voiding of Gravell in the Reines and Bladder It provoketh Urine also and Womens Courses and prevailes against the Jaundâ—se the Leaves seeds and Roots being boiled in Wine and drunk and so it openeth the Obstructions of the Liver and Spleene and all other stoppings of the intralls whatsoever from whence and from ill digestion moâ—â— of the diseases whereunto the fraile Nature of man is subject are caused so that it is great pitty that it is no more in use It is very pleasant both to the Taste and Stomack not only by the Saltnesse but by the Spicynesse in it likewise whereby it is very available to whet a dull Stomack It is eaten raw as well as boyled by those which live where it growes but the best way is to boile it in water till it be tender and then pickled up in a Barrell with a convenient Liquor made of Vinegar Water and Salt it will be fit for ones own occasions at any time or to present to a freind as usually it is or to sell CHAP. CCXL Of Fraxinella or False white Dittany The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chamaemelium which signifies as much as Fraxina humilis or the low or dwarfe Ash because of the resemblance of its winged Leaves to those of the young Ash and therefore it is called in Latine Fraxinella being a diminutive of Fraxinus Yet some do call it Dictamus albus or Dictamnus albus and Diptamus albus to distinguish it from the Dictamnus Creticus which is a farre differing Plant. Some would have it to be Tragium of Dioscorides but besides other differences it yeeldeth no juicy Milke as Tragium is said to doe We in English do either call it Fraxinella and Bastard Dittany from the Latine Dictamus being also a corrupted word but it is more properly to be called False white Dittany then Bastard Dittany because there is another Plant to which the name of Pseudo dictamnus doth more properly belong and therefore a distinct Epithet is necessary to avoid confusion The Kindes But if this Fraxinella be called False white Dittany it must not take its denomination from the flowers for of the four sorts there is but one that hath a white Flower 1. Fraxinella with a reddish Flower 2. Fraxinella with a red Flower 3. Fraxinella with a white Flower 4. Fraxinella with an Ash coloured Flower The Form Fraxinella is a very goodly Plant rising up with divers round hard brownish stalks neere two foot high the lower parts whereof are furnished with many winged Leaves somwhat like unto Liquorice or a small young Ash-Tree consisting of seaven nine or eleaven Leaves set together which are somwhat large and long hard and rough in handling the two first of a darke but the two later of a fresher greene colour and of an unpleasant strong or resinous sent the upper parts of the stalkes are furnished with many flowers growing spike fashion at certaine distances one above another consisting of five long Leaves a peece whereof foure that stand on the two sides are somwhat bending upwards and the fift hanging down but turning up the end of the leafe a little againe having in the middle a tassell of five or six long threds that bow down with the lower Lease and turne up also the ends againe with a little freese or thrum at the end of every one after the flowers are past arise hard stiffe rough clammy husks horned or pointed at the end foure or five standing together somwhat like the seed Vessels of Columbines but greater thicker and harder wherein is contained round shining black seed greater then any Columbine seed by much the root is white large
Scabs if the places affected be often rubbed therewith Pure Oyle that is heated in an Apple of Coloquinda after the seeds are taken out being dropped into the Eares taketh away the paine and noise and killeth the Wormes in them And is said to make the hair black which was not so before and to keep it from falling as also from growing ray A Bath made of Coloquintida and the feet and other parts fomented bringeth down the Courses in Women The juyce boiled with hogs-grease and applyed to the Hip-Gout easeth the Sciatica The Dose in powder is from five graines to ten or fifteen but it is more safe to take it for all the purposes aforesaid in a Glister made after this manner Take of the Pulp of Coloquintida two drams Camomile flowers an handfull Anniseed Cumminseed of each halfe an Ounce make hereof a decoction in faire Water and in a pint of it being strained dissolve Honey of Roses and Oyle of Camomile of each three or foure Ounces Now if any one should aske how can a Glyster purge the whole Body I answer that the Glyster moistning the whole Colon doth by the twigs of the Arteries draw noisome humours from the whole Trunk The seeds will kill Ratts and Mice who delight to feed upon them and the decoction with Wormewood sprinkled in a House that is troubled with Fleaâ— doth utterly destroy them CHAP. CLXVII Of Bind-weed The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to distinguish it from the Kidney-Beans which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Smilax hortensis In Latine also Smilax levis from a Maid of that name who pining away for the love of Crocus was turned into this flower according to that verse of Ovid and he into Saffron Et Crocum in parves versum cum Smilace flores It is called also Convâ—lvalâ—s and Volubilis quia crebrâ revolutione vicinos fructices et herbas impliceâ— because it rouleth or windeth it selfe about whatsoever is next it and for the same reason it is called Funis arborum but Campanella is given to it because it hath a flower like a little Bell. There is one cheife sort hereof called of some Campana Laxâ—ra or Campana caruleâ— of others Convolvulus Caeruleus Major five Indicus and Flâ—s Noctis because its cheifest beauty is in the Evening Night and Morning of some Nil Avâ—eeunae another is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Helxine Cissampelos ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 trahere vel harere and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi Vitâ—alis five Hedera Vitiâ—ea because this Helxine should be known from Pellitory called also Helxine this most commonly growing in Vineyards creeping up upon the Vines with a Leafe like lvy it is called also Malacocissos quasi mollis hedera Orobanche Ervania Convolvulus niger c In English Bindweed With-wind and of some Divelsgut The Kinds To this smooth kind of Bindweed which is here to be understood for of the Prickly kind we shall treat elsewhere there may be referred these fifteene sorts 1. The greater blew Bind-weed or Bell-flower 2. The greater purple Bindweed with cornered Leaves 3. The American Bind-weed 4. The Arabian oâ— Egyptian Bind-weed 5. The blew Bell flower of Virginia 6. Mallow leased Bind-weed 7. The common small Bind-weed 8. Lavander leafed Bind-weed 9. Small purple Bind-weed 10. The African Bind-weed 11. The least African Bind-weed 12. The blew Spanish Bindweed 13. Black Bindweed 14. Branched black Bind-weed of Candy 15. Small black Bindweed The Form The greater blew Bind-weed or Bell flower though but a Weed as the name imports is taken into Gardens for the goodlynesse thereof where it riseth with many long and winding branches climbing and winding it selfe contrary to the course of the Sun upon any thing of substance that is neer it It hath many great faire round Leaves pointed at the end somewhat like a Violet Leafe in shape but much greater of a sad greene colour the flowers which come forth at the joynts of the branches where the Leaves are â—et on pretty long footstalkes two or three together are at first long somwhat like a finger and of a paâ—e whitish blew colour but afterwards they become broad like Bells of a deepe a â—ure tending to purple very gâ—orioâ—s to behold the flowers being past the stalkes whereon they stood bend downwards sending foâ—th husks with three or four black seeds a peece of the bignesse of a Tare or thereabouts the rootes are sâ—â—ingy and perish every where at the first approach of Winter The Places and Times Though the two first came to us out of Italy yet they are conceived to be naturall only to the East Indies The name of the third teâ—â—ifieth whence it came and so doth those of the fourth fift tenth eleaventh twelveth and fourteenth the sixth is found in many places of Spaine the seaventh and ninth in sundry Countryes of this Land as the eighth likewise is about Dunmow in Essex the thirteenth is that which is too common in every field and garden and the last groweth about Drayton neere Portsmouth They flower towards the latter end of Summer especially the greater sorts and therefore their seed is seldome perfected with us The Temperature The Bind-weeds are most of them hot and dry in the first or second degree The Signature and Vertues The most renowned Crollius in his Book of Signatures recordeth that Bind-weed or With-wind growing in the Corne by its turning and winding doth very much resemble the turnings and windings of the Guts and that therefore the dâ—coction thereof made in White Wine is a very singular remedy for those that are afflicted with the Collick purging and voiding sorth raw thick Phlegmatick and Melancholick humours and killing and driving sorth both flat and long Wormes out of the Belly yet not without some trouble to the Stomack which somtimes causeth Vomitings The Mallow Leafed Bind-weed as Clusius saith is used in Portugal as an herb of singular effect to heale all sores or wounds The Leaves of the black Bind-weed called Helxine Cissampelos stamped and streined and the juice drunken doth also loosen and open the belly exceedingly and so do the Leaves and Herb in Powder if it be drunk in Wine or any other Liquor The Leaves being bruised and laid to hard tumors and Knots in the Flesh dissolveth and consumeth them as Galen saith It is said likewise that if those places which you would have to be void of Haire be anointed with the juice hereof presently after the Haire is plucked up by the Rootes it will not suffer it to grow there any more Some of the greater sorts as also that with Leaves like Lavander where they naturally grow are rather a Plague then a pleasure to whatsoever groweth with it in the feildes yet the beauty of their flowers hath caused them to be received into Gardens where they are very delightfull to the Eyes of those which love to feast themselves even with the varieties of those things which the
all sorts of wounds and Ulcers to dry sodder cleanse and heale them and should be a principall Ingredient in all Wound drinks and Injections Yet it is effectuall in many other Cases also for the Roots thereof being steeped in wine and drunk or the powder thereof given in wine is good for such as have the Dropsy or Jaundise or are troubled with the stoppings of the Liver It is also used for Ruptures Crampes and Pleurisies and for an old Cough shortnesse of breath and other diseases of the Lungs Gripings in the Belly and paines of the Mother Being scraped and put up as a Pessary it procureth womens Courses and causeth the Dead Birth to be avoided the juyce thereof used after the same manner worketh the like Effects It helpeth the Strangury and pissing by drops as also the Stone if the decoction or Powder thereof be taken and the juyce injected The decoction or juyce of the Root or a dram of the powder thereof drunk and the wound washed therewith taketh away the paine and danger of the bitings or Stingings of Venemous Creatures It helpeth to sharpen the Eye sight if it be steeped in Water and dropped into them CHAP. CCXLVIII Of Lovage The Names IT hath no Greek Name that I can meet with It is called in Latin Levisticum which is the proper and onely Latine Name thereof Ligusticum being a far different plant although some being deceived with the vicinity of the name have taken them to be both one The Kinds As the Names of Lovage are but few so the sorts are not many for of it I find but two 1. Ordinary Lovage 2. The Lovage of Germany The Forme Ordinary Lovage hath many long and great stalkes of large winged Leaves divided into many parts like Smallage but much larger of a sad green colour smooth and shining every Leafe being cut about the edges and broader forward then towards the Stalke The Stalkes that arise from thence are diverse and of different proportions according to the goodnesse or badness of the Soile wherein they grow as also to their time of continuance for though in a fat soile where it hath grown long they attaine unto the height of five or six foot yet if the ground be barren or the herb but newly set they seldome exceed three or four answerable whereunto is the bignesse of them being green and hollow set with lesser leaves then those that grow below towards the tops of these come forth other smaller branches bearing at their tops large Umbels of yellow Flowers which turne into flat brounish seed somewhat like the seed of Angelica The root groweth large both in length and thicknesse being of a brownish colour without side and white within The whole Plant smelleth strong and in tast is both hot sharp and biting The Places and Time Both the sorts are Inhabitants in the Gardens of those that love Physicall herbs especially and sometimes in the Garden of those that understand it not the first being common to divers Countryes the second proper to Germany yet neither of them are found wild in any part of Europe if they be any where else The root in continuance of time spreadeth much for it endureth long and sendeth forth every yeare new stalkes which hold the Flowers in the end of July and the seed in August The Temperature Lovage is hot and dry in the third degree and is of thin parts also The Vertues Halfe a dram of the dryed Root of Lovage in powder taken in Wine doth wonderfully warm a cold Stomach helping digestion and consuming all superfluous moisture and raw humours therein as also in the Guts and therefore it easeth all inward gripings and paines both of the Stomach and Belly as also by dissolving wind and expelling it effectually which is an utter enemy to them both and it is commended for resisting poyson and infection that may assault either of them or any other part The said Root boiled in Wine or Barly-water cleanseth the Lungs openeth the passages of the Vrine provoketh Womens Courses mightily and healeth inward Wounds Being bruised in a Mortar before it be dryed and steeped for twelve houres in faire Water then strained and two or three spoonfuls drunk first and last morning and evening asswageth any drought or great desire to drink when no ordinary liquor will do it and this it performeth by a specifick property for the Root is well known to be hot To drink the Decoction of the herbe for any sort of Ague and to help the cold paines and torments of the Body and Bowels comming of cold was not long since a known and much practised Remedy but the present Age which forgets every thing that should do it goood knowes none such as far as I can under-stand The seeds drunk in White-wine fasting either in powder or boyled therein and strained doth purge both upwards and downwards and being used in Glisters it easeth the Gout in the feet Being steeped a night in Wine or else boiled therein and drunk it provoketh the Termes and expelleth the Dead-child and likewise opens the stoppings of the Spleen but because the seeds be very strong the like weight of Annise and Fennel may be mixed with them to qualifie them And to be briefe the seeds are as effectuall to all purposes as any other part of it and worketh more powerfully in Womens diseases The distilled water of the herb helpeth the Quinsey in the Throat if the Mouth and Throat be gargled and washed therewith and helpeth the Pleurisy being drunk three or four times Being dropped into the Eyes it taketh away the rednesse and dimnesse of them It likewise taketh away the spots or freckles of the Face The Leaves bruised and fryed with a little Hogs-lard and laid to any botch or boyl will quickly break it and being boyled in water and bathed therein it provoketh Vrine expelleth the Stone and healeth the inward parts Being applyed three or four times with Rue and Honey to the Knees of those that are troubled with pain in them it is a good expedient for the removing thereof The people of Germany and of this and other Countreys also in former times used both the Root in Powder and the seed to season their Meats and Brothes and found them as effectuall to comfort and warm the Stomack but now a dayes whatsoever is not farre fetched will hardly please The green roots pickled with salt and vinegar are a good sawce for those that are troubled with wind but if they be preserved with sugar they are more acceptable to the Palate CHAP. CCXLIX Of Tansey The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Athanasia peradventure from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying sine morte or non moriens that is immortall because the yellow Flowers gathered in due time will continue very lively a long while It is also called Athanasia in Latine Tanacetum corruptly taken as Fuschius imagineth for Tagetes or Apuleius his Arthemisia Tragantes yet I
excellent expedient to kill and expell Wormes out of the Stomacks and Bellies both of children and elder persons also but the seed is accounted of greatest force notwithstanding when that cannot be had the herb may be used as aforesaid Matthiolus saith that half a dram of Lavender Cotten taken in a little of the distilled Water of Fetherfew every morning fasting for ten days together at the least is a very profitable Medicine for Women that are troubled with the Whites to stay them The Leaves drunk with Wine seven dayes helpeth the yellow Jaundise the obstructions of the Liver and Kidneys and is good against the Sciatica It is a good medicine against the poysons of all Serpents and venemous Beasts being taken in the manner aforesaid and being only strewed or burnt in such places as are frequented with Vermine it driveth them away with the smell thereof and therefore it is not altogether inconvenient to set it in Flower-pots amongst other things Clusius saith that in Spaine about Salamanca they use the decoction of the Spanish kindes to take away the Itch and Scabs in whomsoever have them and he adviseth that Caution be used in giving it yet I suppose it is rather to be bathed with then taken inwardly But it is used more frequently with us to be put amongst other hot Herbs either in Bathes Oyntments or other Medicines to help those that are bursten or troubled with Cramps or Convulsions of Sinews to provoke Urine and bring down womens courses and generally it worketh the same effects and may be applyed to all the diseases that Southernwood is appropriated and therefore I shall referre you to it to be further informed concerning its Vertues lest I justly seeme to be Tautologicall But there is an use wherein this exceeds that of Southernwood and that is to make Knots Trailes and other Compartiments in the Gardens of Noble Personages for besides its gentle aspect it abideth green all the Winter and will with cutting be kept in as even proportion as any other herb may be yet it must be removed every third year that is taken up and set again otherwise it will grow stubbed and dry CHAP. CCLI Of Carrots and Parsneps The Names IT will not be amisse to joyne these two sorts in one Chapter as I suppose because they are so agreeable in their Names Natures and Vertues The first is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and so may the second for it is as probable that the derivation thereof commeth from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the stalk of Briony the Roots of each growing after the same manner as that it should come from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Grape to whose purplish colour when it is almost ripe one only sort hereof is resembled and therefore Dodonaeus and Fuscbius say that some in their time called them both Stapbylinus And so in Latine the word Pastinaca which cometh a Pascendâ— quia corpus alat doth agree with the one as well as the other for they are both nourishing yet differ in this because the Root of one is reddish and the other is white the one hath narrow Leaves and the other broad and therefore they are commonly divided into tenui folia latifolia Of that with narrow Leaves there is a wild sort called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek and Daucus Daucum Daucium in Latine and Dauke in English to distinguish it from another sort of wild Carrots which is properly so called of all which I shall say somewhat in this Chapter The Kindes Though there be many sorts of Carrots and more of Dauke yet I shall onely mention five sorts of the first one of the second and two of the Parsnep which are eight in all 1 Common yellow Carrots 2 Wild Carrots 3 Wild Carrots of Naples 4 Prickly wild Carrots of Naples 5 Wild Carrots with hairy Stalkes 6 The true Dauke of Candy 7 Garden Parsnep 8 Wild Parsnep The Forme The wild Carrot which is of more use in Physick though lesse knowne then the Common sort groweth in a manner like that of the Garden but that the Leaves are whiter and rougher as the Stalkes likewise are which beare large spoky tufts of white flowers with a deep purple spot in the middle which are contracted together when the seed beginneth to grow ripe so that the middle part being hollow and low and the outward stalks rising high maketh the whole Umbel to shew like a birds nest The Root is small long and hard being also somewhat sharp and strong and therefore unfit for Meat The Places and Time The first is that which is sowne by the Gardiners in every Country in Gardens or Fields chosen out for the purpose whose soile must be loose and well manured if not new broken up The second groweth in most places of this Land as well in Pastures as by sides of fields and untilled places The third and fourth in Naples The fifth in Germany The sixth in Candy The seventh is nursed up in Gardens The last groweth in the Marshes by Rochester The first are sowen in April or sooner and will be ready for the pot about Iuly or August never seeding the first year if they be good but the seconâ— All the rest do flower and seed about the end of Summer except the Garâ—â— Parsnep whose seed is ripe about the beginning of August the second year after its sowing for if they seed the first year they are good for nothing and are called Mad Neepes by the Countrey people The Temperature The Roots of Carrots and Parsneps are temperatly hot and somewhat moist but the seeds are hot and dry almost in the third degree The Vertues The seed of every one of the before mentioned sorts are very carminative that is powerfull to expell wind and therefore they are very effectuall to ease the torments and gripings of the Belly and to cure the Collick but especially that of the true Dauke of Candy next the wild Carrots and if neither of them can be gotten the seeds of either of the other Carden sorts may be used in steed thereof either in Powder or in Decoction The seed of the true Dâ—â—cus is likewise very usefull to help the Strangury to provoke Urine and Womens courses to expell the Dead birth and to help the strangling of the Mother and remove those stitches that afflict the sides Both it and the Roots powdered drunk in Wine are very profitable for those that have receiv'd any grief or hurt by any venemous Beast whatsoever as also to resist any other venome or poyson and the Pestilence The same also put into Pultises doth ease tumours and swellings in any part and being mixed with honey it helpeth old and inveterate Coughes The seed of the wild Carrot is commended for all the purposes aforesaid as also for helping to break and expell the Stone in the Kidneys to cure the Dropsey and those whose Bellies are swollen with Wind it provoketh venery and helpeth conception The
Roots of the manured Parsneps and Carrots are of a sweet pleasant tast by which they stir up the appetite and therefore the Carrots are usually eaten with Beefe as well without as with butter all the time of the Autumne but the Parsneps being dryer are more commonly buttered and serve as a dish by themselves upon Wednesdayes and Fridayes when hot meat is not so familiarly provided and so they are good for a Consumption and provoke Venery yet if there be no other provocation thereunto no body shall need to fear the eating of them if so be they do it with moderation for by the immoderate and too often use of them their nourishment will become vitious because they are somewhat windy whence you may observe that the Roots and Seeds of many things are not endued with the same qualities CHAP CCLII Of Spignell The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 perhaps from the smallnesse of the Leaves in Latine also Meum Meum Athamanticum either from Athamantes the son of Aeolus supposed to be the first discoverer or from the Hill Athamantes in Thessaly where the best was formerly thought to grow for it was sometimes usuall with the ancient Writers to name the places of Plants not because they grew in no other or were a distinct sort by themselves but because they were better then the common sort and for this reason and for no other Pliâ—y cals it also Meum Macedonicum and Hispanicum It is called in English Spignell or Spicknell of some Mewe or Baldmony or Bearewort The Kindes To this kind these five sorts may not unfiâ—ly be referred 1 Ordinary Spignell 2 Small Spignell 3 The Preservative Spignell of Candy 4 Italian Bastard Spignell 5 Mountaine Spignell of Germany The Forme The ordinary Spignell riseth up with sundry long stalkes of Leaves exceeding finely cut like unto haires smaller then those of Dill set thick on both sides the stalk of a light or yellow green colour and of a good sent from amongst which rise up round stiffe Stalkes with joynts having a few Leaves at them at the tops whereof groweth an Umbell of pure white flowers at the edges whereof sometimes will be seene a shew of reddish or blush colour especially before they be full blown which give place unto little roundish seed which are of a brownish colour the Roots are thick and long in respect of the Leaves growing out from one head which is hairy at the top of a blackish brown colour on the outside and white within The Places and Time The first groweth naturally in Westmerland Yorkeshire and other Northern Counties and hath been brought from thence into our Southern Physick Gardens the second in Savoy the third in Candy the fourth in Italy the last in Austria and as some have affirmed at the bottom of St. Vincents rock by Bristoll over against the hot Well where it cannot be seen but when the Tide is downe They flower in June and July and yeeld their seed in August The Temperature The Roots of Spignell are hot in the third degree and dry in the second The Vertues The dry Roots of Spignell being made into powder mixed with Honey and taken after the manner of an Electuary or licking Medicine not onely consumeth all windinesse in the Stomack but descendeth into the Guts and easeth the griping paines of the Bâ—lly It is excellent also against all Catarrhes Rhewms and Aches of the Joynts as also any phlegmatick or watery humour falling upon the Luâ—ges Being boyled in wine or water and drunk it mightily openeth the stoppings of the Kidneys and Bladder provoketh Urine and bodily lust easeth and helpeth the Strangury and consumeth all windynesse and belchings of the Stomack yea it is so effectuall for the Strangury that being laid Plaisterwise up the Bellyes of those Children that have it by inheritance it causeth them to make water very freely Iâ— is also very available to bring down Womens Courses and to help the griefes of the Mother but should too great a quantity thereof be taken it would cause the head to ake by the Vapors that it sendeth thereunto and therefore the safest way for the last purposes would be to sit over the decoction thereof The said Roots which are the only parts of the Plant in use though the seed be very aromaticall are accounted very effectuall against the sting or biting of any venemous Creature and therefore it is a maine Ingredient in Mithridate and Venice Treacle which are especiall Antidotes both for that and many other of the purposes before mentioned CHAP. CCLIII Of Bishops-weed The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as is supposed from the smalnesse of the seed which in some sort imitateth Sand and in Latine Ammi Ammium yet the Shops call it Ammios or Ameos in the Genitive case divers call it Cuminum Aethiâ—picum because the seed is somewhat like to that of Cummin and in that it groweth frequently in Aethiopia It is called also Cumiâ—um Regium or Cummin Royall for its excellent properties in English Ameos or Ammi of some Herb William Bull-wort and Bishops-weed The Kindes Though the true Ammi or Bishops-weed is not extant in any part of Europe yet therebe three sorts that learned men have referred to the same kind for some affinity betwixt them 1 Common Bishops-weed 2 Bishops-weed of Candy 3 Small Bishops-weed The Forme Common Bishops-weed riseth up with a round straight stalk three or four foot high beset with divers small long and somewhat broad Leaves cut in divers places and dented about the edges growing on both sides of a long foot stalk one against another of a fresh green colour somwhat like unto Skirret Leaves having sundry branches on them at the tops whereof come forth small Umbels of white flowers which turn into small round and brown seed a little bigger then Parsley-seed and not so big as Anni-seed of a quick hot scent and tall the Root is white and fibrous perishing every year after it hath given its seed from whence it riseth up again the next year if it be suffered to fall to the ground The Places and Time The first groweth naturally in the next field beyond Green Hithe in the way as you go to Gravesend by the hedg fide and in divers other places both of England and Wales the second was sent from Candy yet it groweth also upon the Mountain Garganus in Italy according to Matthiolus the last was brought from Alexandria in Egyt but was first brought thither out of Arabia All which being nursed up in some of our Physick Gardens do flower and seed reasonable well if the year prove kindly and not otherwise Their time of flowring is in June and July and that of seeding is about the latter end of August The Temperature The seedes of Bishops-weed which are chiefly in use are hot and dry in the later end of the
third degree being of thin parts somewhat bitter in tast and sharp withall The Vertues The seed of Bishops-weed is another of the four lesser hot seeds evermore commended for breaking Wind and therefore it cannot but be of wonderfull efficacy to ease the Collick and other torments and paines in the bowels seasing upon Men either when they make water or go to stool being taken in Wine and so it provoketh Vrine and Womens Courses and is good against the bitings of Serpents It is used with good successe in those Medicines that are made of Cantharides to qualifie the poysonous and corroding operation of those flyes upon the Vritâ—ry part which they chiefly affect so that they may be received into the Body without any danger Being beaten very fine and mingled with honey it dissolveth and scattereth congealed blood and taketh away black and blew marks which come by stripes or falls if it be applyed to the affected part in manner of a Plaister And being drunk or outwardly applyed it abateth the high colour of those which by drinking or any other distemperature are disguised therewith causing the rednesse of their Faces and Noses to depart and a more comely colour to succeed it It cleanseth the Matrix whether it be given with Raifins after the same manner as Wormseed is given to children or the fumes thereof and Rossin mixed together and received thereinto These are the vertues which Dioscorides ascribeth to the true Ammi with every one of which the Bishops weed before described is by Dodonaeus said to be endued The Egyptians do make much use of the seed of the Egyptian or Arabian kind to provoke Venery for which purpose it is said to be very powerfull CHAP. CCLIV Of ENGLISH Worm-seed The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Myagrum and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Melampyrum as Dioscorides saith and of some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Myagrium but indeed these names belong rather to the gold of pleasure then to this which is but referred to that and more usually called in Latine Camelina sive Myagrum alterum amarum The word Myagrum signifies as much as Muscipulum sive Muscarium and iâ— attributed to gold of Pleasure because the seed being oily hath such an emplastick or clammy quality therein that it arresteth the Flies that settle thereon but whether our English Worm-seed hath any such property I do not affirm Mel 〈…〉 yron signifieth black Wheat because growing many times amongst wheat the Antients thought the wheat had degenerated into it but that there should be any such Metamorphosis in Plants is now clearely discovered to be an errour That which is here called English Worm-seed others call it Treacle wormseed The Kindes Gold of Pleasure whereof English Worm-seed is said to be a sort hath six others to be joyned with it 1 English Worm-seed 2 Garden gold of Pleasure 3 Wild gold of Pleasure 4 Stincking gold of Pleasure 5 The greater one grained gold of Pleasure 6 The lesser one grained Myagrum 7 Round podded like Myagrum The Forme English Worm-seed riseth up with one or more upright stalks about two foot high branching towards the top and thick set with long and narrow green Leaves somewhat like unto those of the single Wall-flower but smaller and of a whiter green colour at the tops of the stalks and branches come forth very small pale yellow flowers consisting of four leaves a peece somewhat like unto those of the Wall-flower but much smaller even more then halfe which afâ—erwards give small long Cods containing within them very pale coloured seed of a very bitter tast the Root is small and woody perishing every year after it hath given its seed which seed being suffered to shed riseth again the next year without any more adoe and in a short time will so overcome the place of its abode that it will not easily be destroyed The Places and Time The first groweth naturally in divers places of this Land and is either therefore called English Worm-seed because it is proper to our Country or else because our Country folks do make use of it for the Wormes to which end they bring it into their Gardens where being once sowed they are for ever furnished The second is naturall to some places of Italy yet in others they sow it in their Gardens for pleasure as we do and in their fields also for the profit that is made of the seed and the oyl that is pressed therefrom The third is common in Germany in all their flax grounds almost The fourth groweth in the sandy grounds about Basil The fift by Padoa on the Eâ—gonean Hills The two last by Mompelier They all flower in the summer Months and their seed is ripe about August The Temperature English Worm-seed as is conceived is hot and dry in the later end of the third degree The Vertues Though some refuse our English Worm-seed and prefer that which is brought out of the Eastern Countryes because it is not altogether so bitter and unpleasant as ours is yet doubtlesse it is as effectuall if not more to kill the Wormes in Children yea and in elder persons also the seed being a little bruised and given in drink or any other way and this is the chief if not the only use that it is put to The Oyl of the seed of Myagrum or Gold of Pleasure serveth as Dioscorides saith to make smooth the skin that is chapt or rugged in any part of the Body and as Pliny and others say to cure the Ulcers of the mouth if it be therewith anointed but the more vulgar use of it in Germany and other places where it is very plentifull is to serve the poore for their Tables and the richer sort for their Lamps as also to make sope being compounded with a certainlye made of ashes The said oyl is very like unto the true oyl of Sesamum being â—oâ— and causing thirst if it be drunk as the other doth and therefore may be used for the same ends and purposes The wild gold of Pleasure is in quality somewhat like unto the former but bitterer yea so bitter whilst it is green that no Creature will tast thereof yet being ripe and dry it becometh so acceptable to small birds as Linnets Finches and the like to seed upon that nothing can be more The other sorts are not knowne to be used to any purpose CHAP CCLV. Of Leekes The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prasum in Latine Porrum which is of the Masculine Gender in the plurall Number according to that old verse Dat rastrum rastros porrumque facit tibi porros It is sometimes found to be of the Masculine Gender in the singular number also but not often The Kindes There be divers sorts of Leeks four whereof I shall here set downe 1 The common Leek both set and unset 2 The Vine Leek 3 The Leek with a cloven 4 Chives Cives or wild Leeks The Forme The common
them if the powder of the dryed leaves be cast thereon The juyce of the leaves hath the same effects whether it be taken out of the fresh Leaves or from the dry by sprinkling them over with Red Wine and is safely used where there is need of any binding Medicine either to heal the Ulcers of the Mouth or of the privy parts the same also helpeth watering eyes or those that begin to loose their eye-sight by reason of any filme or skin growing over it especially if it be laid on with parched Barly Meal The decoction of the Berries maketh the hair black and keepeth it from falling it cureth all the evill sores of the head and cleanseth the same from scurfe and scals being often washed therewith and helpeth them that are bursten The Syrupe of Myrtls is good for the Cough and exulceration of the Lungs The powder of the dryed Leaves helpeth the stinking sweat of the flanks and arme-pits and the sweating of the Cardiack passion The juyce condensate of Myrtles is also commended as a good substitute for Acacia The excrescence called Myrâ—â—danum is of greater force to dry and bind then either leafe juyce or seed CHAP. CCLIX Of Cistus The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cistus Cistbus also in Latine as if there were no pâ—re Latine Word to expresse it yet some call it Rosa Sylvarica but we in English call it Cistus The undergrowth or excrescence of the Cistus whereof I mean to intreat of also in this Chapter is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Hypocistis is the Latine Name both for the Plant and the juyce drawn from it The Kindes It is not mine intention to muster up the whole family of the Cistus's which is very numerous but only to name such as may be most for the edification of my Country-men Let them therefore know that there be hereof two principal sorts 1 That which beareth the sweet Gum Ladonum and is called Cistus Ledon 2 That which beareth no Gum. That which beareth no Guâ— is divided into the Male and Female To this kind may also be referred 1 Common Dwarfe Cistus or little Sun-flower 2 White Dwarfe Cistus or little Sun-flower at every one of which I shall touch in this generall Description The Formâ— Both the Gum Cistus and the other kinds are woody shrâ—bs full of branches of three or four foot some have long and narrow Leaves as the Cistus Lâ—don others broader rough uneven wrinckled somewhat downy and almost like the Leaves of Sage as the Male Holly Rose The flowers grow at the tops of the branches like unto the wild Rose yet such as very quickly fade perish and fall away In their places come up little heads or knops somewhat round in which is contained small seed the Roots of them all are woody There groweth up sometimes under the Cistus where it is naturall a certain Excrescence with divers upright stalks covered with small Leaves thick set thereon scarce a foot high having many flowers at the tops full of juyce in fashion like unto the Nossel of a wooden Candlestick which passe away leaving seed as small as dust in the hard heads or seed Vessels which is unable to produce the like Plant. The Dwarfe Cistus sendeth forth sundry weak and small branches yet hard and almost woody lying for the most part upon the ground round about the Head of the Root whereon are set by couples many small and somewhat long Leaves a little soft or hairy with other small Leaves also growing between them at the tops whereof stand three or four flowers composed of five round pointed Leaves a peece with some threds in the middle of a pretty scent in some places but of little or none in others after which cometh the seed which is small and contained in small round heads it hath a hard woody brownish Root growing in time to be somewhat great but not very long and divided into small branches at the lower end The Places and Time The first which is the Gum Cisâ—us groweth naturally in Italy France Spain and other hot Countrys and so do the second which is the Male Holly Rose growing also in the Physick Garden at Oxon and the third which is called the Female The two last grow in divers places of this Land as in Stew Woâ—d neer Oxon and in divers of the parts thereabouts as also in Kent yet that with the White-flower is very rare They all flower in the Summer some earlier then other by a Month most whereof are so soon fading that their flowers endure but a day or two perfecting their seed quickly after The Temperature The Ladanum that is gathered from the Leaves of the Gum Cistus is hot in the later end of the first degree having also a little astrictive or binding quality It is likewise of a thin substance and therefore it softneth and with all doth moderatly digest and also concoct as Galen saith The Cistus's without Gum do dry almost in the second degree and yet are of a temperate heat Hypocistis is much more binding then any other part of any Cistus The Dwarfe Cistus's are also drying and binding The Vertues That which I especially aime at in this Chapter is the Hypocistis whose condensate juyce is a most certain safe and sure Medicine to stay all flâ—xes of blood or humours that is to say the Lask and bloody-flux spitting of blood and Womens extraordinary courses and therefore do I speak of it first It is also mixed with those things that are applyed to the Stomack to stay vomitings and to strengthen it when it is grown weak as also with those things that strengthen the Liver to be used inwardly or outwardly It is also available for clammy moist humours that fall upon the joynts or sinews thereby causing a weaknesse and solution of the Nerves Being used inwardly for the Piles it doth wonderfully help for it dryeth bindeth and corroborateth the parts It is also put into great Antidotes against Poyson and the Pestilence not for any property it hath to resist the venome but to contemperate and strengthen the Body This is also a very good substitute for Acatia Ledonum also drunk with old Wine stayeth the Lask or Flux of the Belly and easeth the griping pains thereof proceeding from sharp and Chollerick humours and is very good for all sowre belchings and provoketh Urine It is very effectuall for the hardnesse and other diseases of the Mother to ease the pains thereof and to heal those Ulcers that happen therein by taking of the fume thereof underneath or applying the substance thereof in a Pessary Being made up with Storax and honey in a Lohock or Electuary it is very profitable for the cough of the Lungs though it hath been of long continuance If it be used in an Oyntment with Myrrhe oyl of Myrtles and Wine it stayeth the falling of the hair It helpeth also the pains in the eares
the pain of the breast and the decoction of the Bark in water being drunk is good against pissing in Bed The Bark boyled in water till it be black and thick with Rye meal and Honey added thereunto is available to consume the dead flesh which keepeth wounds oftentimes from healing and cureth the Cankers being applyed The Leaves are good to make Lotions to gargle and wash the mouth and throat as often as they are troubled with swellings sores or Kernels and to stay the distillations of Rhewme into the eyes or other parts as also to coole the heat and inflammation of them and to ease hot pains of the Head the Forehead and Temples being bathed therewith The distilled water of the green Berries is also used for the same effects and so is the water that is distilled from the Flowers only The Mosse that groweth on the Black Thorn draweth Prickles and Thorns out of the Flesh and this it may be said to performe by the Signature which is represented by the Thornes growing on the Bush CHAP. CCLXI Of the Bramble The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Batus in Latine Rubus and Sentis and also Veâ—res whereof Ovid maketh mention speaking how the Hare hides himselfe from the Dogs therein after this manner Aut lepori qui vepre latens â—â—stilia cernit Ora canum Of divers it is called Cynosbatus but not properly saith one for Cynosbatus is generally taken for the wild Rose though there be divers that would have the wild Rose to be Cynâ—rrhodos and this Cynosbatus and this is most consonant to Reason It is called by us in English the Bramble or the Black-Berri-bush and the fruit Black-Berries which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which some have made Vatina in Latine id est Mora Rubi they are called in Shops Mora bali and of some Mora bassi The Kindes All the sorts that are referred hereunto are nine 1. the common Bramble oâ— Black-berry-Bush 2. the small lower ground Bramble 3. sweet mountaine Bramble or Raspis 4. the Dew-berry or Winberry 5. the stony Bramble or rock Raspis 6. our English Knot-berry 7. the Welsh Knot-berry or Lancashire Cloud-berry 8. the Knot-berry of Norway 9. another Knot-berry of Norway The Formes The common Bramble shooteth forth many ribbed branches of a very great length yea so long sometimes that they by reason of their weakness also bend to the ground and sometimes take root againe all thick set with sharp and crooked thorns with leaves likewise growing upon long and prickly Foot-stalks by three and three together which are hard as it were crumpled having smal pricks under the midle ribb of a dark green colour above and grayish underneath which seldome fall away till the extremity of the Winter be past as the Country-Men do observe and the new be ready to succeed them the flowers come forth very plentifully at the end of the branches consisting of five whitish leaves dasht with a little carnation with small threds in the midle which giveth place to the fruit standing every one at some little distance and is made up of severall small graines set together somewhat like unto the Raspis or Mul-berry of a perfect black color and sweet tast when they be ripe but till then they are first green and then reddish harsh and very unpleasant the root groweth to be very great and full of knots The Places and Time The first groweth in every hedge almost the second by hedges and wood-sides and sometimes amongst the ploughed lands in divers parts of this Land the third groweth on hills and in high grounds the fourth is frequent in Cheshire Yorkâ—shire and Lancashire the fift in the rocky and stony places of Huntingdon and Nottinghamshire and in divers parts of Kent and the Islle of Thanet the sixth upon Ingleborough Hill which is one of the highest Hills in England vea so high that it seemeth at least to touch the clouds and therefore some call the fruit thereof Cloudberryes as they do the next whose places may be discovered by their names as the two last may also be They all flower about July and their berries are ripe in September or thereabouts The Temperature The Buds Leaves flowers fruit and root of the Bramble are all of a great binding quality especially the unripe fruit and that more when they have been kept a while then when they are fresh The Vertues and Signature The flowers and unripe fruit of the Bramble are of very great use and prosâ— also for those that are vexed with the bloody-flux Lask and weaknessâ— of the parts coming by either of them which is signified both by the colour of the berries when they are red and also by the crooked thorns which will cause the blood to follow no otherwise then the Exulceration of the Gâ—â—s which accompanieth the bloâ—dy flâ—x and by the same signature it helpeth the spitting of bloâ—d if the decoction thereof be drunk The Bâ—ds Leaves and Branches whilst they are green are of good use in the Ulcers and pâ—â—rid sores of the Mouth and Throat and for the Qâ—insy and likewise to heal other fresh wounds and sores The decoction or powder of the Root being â—â—ken is good to break or drive forth Gravell and the Stone in the Reines and Kidneys The Leaves as well dry as green are good to make Lotions both for sores of the Moâ—th and also of the secret parts The decoction of them and of the dryed branches do much bind the Belly and are good for the too much flowing of Womens Courses The Berries or the Flowers are a powerfull remedy against the poysâ—n of the most venemous Serpents and to help the sores of the Fundament and the Piles whereof they may be said to have the Signature The juyce of them boyled with honey is very good against all hot Ulcers and swellings of the mouth Gâ—â—s Uvula or Palate and Almonds of the â—hroat The said juyce mixed with the juyce of Mulberries do bind more effectually and help fretting and eating sorâ—s and Ulcers wheresoever The same being taken alone or mixed with Hypecistis and Honey is a remedy for Heart burning as some call it which is a gnawing of the Stomack through Choller as also for the Passions of the heart and faintings The distilled Water of the Branches Leaves and Flowers or of the fruit is very pleasant both to the smell and tast and may be given to those that are in hâ—t Feavers and other distemperature of heat in the Body as in the Head Eyes Liver Hands c. and also for the purposes aforesaid The Leaves boyled in Lye and the head washed therewith doth not only allay the itching thereof but the mattering and running sores also and maketh the hair to become black The powder of the Leaves strewed upon Cancrous or running Ulcers are very effectuall for the healing of them The condensate juyce of the Leaves as also of the Berries may be kept all
the year to be used for any of the aforesaid purposes as often as occasion shall serve The People of Norway use their Knotberry against the Scurvey and other crude putrid and melancholy diseases wherewith they of those parts are afflicted so that we may therein admire the wonderfull wisdome and providence of God who hath ordained to grow in every Climate Remedies for those diseases whereunto it is subject CHAP. CCLXII Of Teasel The Names IT is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dipsacus from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sitio either by Antiphrasis because they are seldome or never dry or else because the Water that standeth in the Concavity of those Leaves that encompasse the Stalks being drunk causeth thirst It is also called from the concavous leaves that contain Water like a Basâ—n 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lavacrum Veneris Venus Baâ—â—â— it being as I suppose a peece of Religion amo 〈…〉 the Antients to intitle those pretty things which bear any resemblâ—nc 〈…〉 any utensill for the adorning or cleansing of the body to Venus as Speculâ—m 〈…〉 ris Venus looking glasse Pecten Venerus Venus Combe as also those parts w 〈…〉 men much respect as Capillus Veneris Maidenhair and Vmbilicus Veneris V 〈…〉 Navelwort c. Yet some would have it to be Labrum Veneris because Whores are as ready to be kissed as the those hollow Leaves to receive the Raine and afterwards to card and teare the estates if not the bodies of their followers which the heads of this Teasel are apt to do and Carduus Veneris for the like reason It is also called Carduus Fullonum Fullers Thistle because Cloathworkers and Fullers use the manured kind hereof named Dâ—psacus sativus the others being called Dipsacus sylvestris and Virga Pastoris The Kindes Though Teasel have so many names yet it hath but four sorts 1 The Garden or manured Teasel 2 The wild Teasel 3 Wild Teasel with jagged Leaves 4 The Shepherds Staffe or Red. The Forme Garden Teasel sendeth forth very larg and long leaves somewhat like unto these of Lang de beef or Wild Buglesse but greater of a pale green colour somewhat rough and hard dented about the edges set on the backside of the middle rib with many short prickles from which rise up stalks of the height of three or four foot armed likewise with prickles with joynts at severall places which are encompassed with too lesser leaves so joyned together thereat that they hold the falling rain or dew in them like unto a Bason by which difference it may easily be distinguished from any other Plant as I have expressed in my Art of Simpling from between the Leaves and the Stalks of each side come forth prickly branches also every one of which beareth a long round head like a Brush that they cleanse bottles with having hooded and somewhat whitish flowers first about the middle and afterwards at the ends in the severall cels whereof being whitish when they come to perfection are contained somewhat long small and whitish round seed the middle many times is hollow and containeth severall little white Wormes like Maggots the Root is white long and somewhat great set with divers fibres thereat perishing annually but riseth plentifully from its fallen seed The Places and Time Fullers and Cloathworkers sow the first in their own Gardens and cause it to be sowne by others for their use the second groweth very frequently in most parts of this Land as well in the high-wayes where there be ditches and rilles of water as in dryer places the third in some places of Germany the last in divers places of England and particularly by Saint Albans in the Horse-way that goeth from the Abbey Parish to St. Stevens They all flower in June and July and the first will be fit to gather for the aforesaid use in the latter end of August when the seed of the other will be ripe also The Temperature Galen writeth that Teasel is drying in the second degree and hath withall some cleansing faculty The Signature and Vertues The hollowness that is in the midst of the Teasel head with the worms therein doth somewhat represent the fundament and the worms thereof and therefore the Roots being bruised and boyled in wine till they come to a consistence and then put into a brazen or copper box and afterwards spread as a salve and applyed to the fundament doth heal the chaps rifts Canckers Fistulaes thereof as Dioscorides saith who further affirmeth that it is profitable for the taking away of Wens and Warts as the water contained in the concavity of the Leaves is also said to do which is likewise commended for red eyes and spots of the Face especially under the eyes The Leavs applyed to the Fore-head Temples qualifieth the Frensy or Madnesse by the cold and dry quality which some suppose to be in them and the juyce of them put into the eares killeth the worms in them The distilled water of the Leaves is effectuall to cure the Scurvey which causeth rottennesse of the Mouth and Gums taketh away the rednesse of the eyes and such Mists as darken the sight being but dropped thereinto and helpeth creeping sores Shingles Pimples and hanging Worts in the Fundament or elsewhere The said distilled water is often used by Women to preserve their Beauty and to take away rednesse and inflammations and all other heats and discolorings The roots stamped with Danewort sodden in Wine and drunk helpeth the Dropsy and the Gout also if they be boyled in red Wine and drunk morning and evening for nine dayes together Being boyled with Plantain in Rain-water and some quantity thereof drunk with Sugar morning noon and night helpeth the spitting of blood Two drams of the powder drunk in a Porringer full of Pease broth stoppeth the immoderate Flux of Womens Courses and so it doth being stamped and boyled in vinegar and applyed under the Navel and being onely stamped and applyed it is good for those wounds that are moist and hard to heal and also for the Cancker of the Yard The said powder being drunk in good Wine stoppeth all manner of Fluxes and is a remedy for the Excoriations of the belly and other parts That the small Worms found in the heads of the Teasel worn about the neck or arm in a thin Lease do cure the Ague is certainly a Fable The first as I said is onely used by them that dresse Cloath to raise the Wool thereof with the crooked Prickles of the head making it fit that their Shearers may cut it smooth and yet a Nap may be left thereon but the other sorts are as usefull in Physick especially the second CHAP. CCLXIII Of Rice The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Theophrastus saith in Latin also Oryza that as well as other Nations following the Greek as neer as their Dialect will permit There being but one kind hereof I shall passe to
the Description The Forme Rice cometh up in a manner like unto wheat but that the stalks seldome exceed a yard in height and the Leaves are much thicker which come forth at the joynts as those of the Reed do at the top whereof groweth a bush or tuft spiked yet spread into branches sending forth purplish blossomes standing a part each from one another after which cometh the seed inclosed in a brown straked husk and an awn or beard at the end of every one of them as Barly hath which beink husked or hulled is very white blunt at both ends but not altogether so big or long as Wheat The Root is like unto that of other grain perishing every year after it hath brought its seed to its full bignesse as other Grain doth The Places and Time Rice is usually sold heere in England by the Druggists and others that deal in the like Commodities but it is brought to them by the Merchants out of divers parts as the East-Indies where it is their chiefest food as you shall hear anon from Syria Aethiopia and Africa and not only from thence but from Spaine Italy and Germany to all which places it was brought from the East Indies where it groweth most naturally in Fenny and waterish places being sowne in the Spring and gathered about the middle or end of Autumne The Temperature It is somewhat binding and drying but otherwise it is very temperate scarcely exceeding in heat or cold The Vertues The use of Rice is very much commended by the Physitians of all Ages to stay the I asâ—s and Fluxes of the Belly as well as the Stomack and is prescribed by those even of later times for the same purpose as also for the Hemorrhoides or Piles especialiy if it be a little parched before it be used and afterwards boyled in Milk wherein hot Steele or hot Stones have been quenched But if that be not sufficiently effectuall for the Flux there may be pottage made thereof after this manner Take a good handful of Oaken bark and boyl it in a gallon of running Water to the 〈…〉 half or thereabouts then straining it and suffering it to cool take half a pound of Jordan Almonds and beat them in a Mortar with Hulls and all on afterwards strain them with the aforesaid Water and so with Rice make Pottage O 〈…〉 it blanched Almonds be stamped with Rosewater and strained into Rice broth pottage or milk it is also very good for the Flux and so is the Flower or Meal taken either in a Potion or Glister The ordinary sort of Rice pottage made with Rice well steeped and boyled in Water and good Milk and spiced with Sâ—gar and Cinnamon is very pleasant and easy of digestion and is thought to encrease the naturall seed as Matthiolus writeth The fine flower hereof mixed with yolks of egges which being fryed with fresh butter and eat morning and evening helpeth the bloody Flux The same is put into Cataplasmes that are applyed to repell humours that fall to any place and may be conveniently applyed to Women breasts to stay Inflammations but it must be at the beginning Being boyled in running Water and the face washed therewith taketh away pimples spots and other deformities thereof It is without question very excellent and wholesome food for the East Indians whose generall feeding it is do live more free from sicknesse and longer then others that meddle not with it sometimes they boyl the grain till it be plump and tender but not broken having a little green Ginger and Pepper and Butter put to it and sometimes they boyl the peeces of flesh or Hens and other Foul cut in peices in their Rice which dish they call Pillaw being as they order it an excellent and well tasted Food They have many other dishes wherein Rice is an ingredient as in Catcheree Dupiatcâ— and Mangee-real as the Portugals call it which signifies as much as Food for a King They eat it likewise with their Fish and please themselves much therewith When Sr. Thomas Row was sent Ambassadour from England to the Great Magul he and Mr. Terry his Chaplain were entertained by Asaph Chan the greatest Favourite in all that Empire the Ambassadour had threescore and ten dishes Asaph Chan threescore Mr. Terry fifty in most of which were Rice presented some white some yellow some green some purple as also in their Jelâ—ies and Culices The meaner sort of people also eat Rice boyled with their Green-Ginger and a little Pepper after which they put Butter into it but this is their principall dish and but seldome eaten of them being to them as Rost-meat is to poor folkes amongst us And so much for the great estimation that Rice hath in the East Indies which is indeed the wholesomest grain that grows though not so much in use amongst us CHAP. CCLXIV Of Flix-Weed The Names IT hath no pure Greek name set down by any Author that I can find yet those Latine names that it hath obtained are many of them composed of Greek as well as Latine as Pseudonasturtium sylvestre Sophia Chirurgorum and Thalietrum or Thalictrum but not truly for that name belongeth to the Rubarbe that growes in our Medowes It is called Pseudonasturtium sylvâ—stre because it pertaines to the Family of the wild Crâ—sses but why it is called Sophia Chirurgorum I know not unlesse it be the Sophia Paracelsi wherewith the Paracelsians pretend to do wonders in uniting broken bones and healing old sores yet though the matter be disputable it is generally called and knowne by the name of Sophia Chirurgorum In English it is called Flix-Weed from the Vertues that it hath to cure the Flix The Kindes And because Flix-weed is said to be of the Family of wild Cresses I shall adde one or two more thereunto so that there is 1 Common Flix-weed 2 Broad leafed Flix-weed 3 Narrow leafed wild Cresses 4 Spanish wild Cresses The Formes Flix-weed riseth up with a round upright hard stalke half a yard or two foot high but seldome more spread into sundry branches whereon do grow many Leaves of an overworn grayish green colour sinely cut and divided into a number of fine jagges like unto those of the Worm-wood commonly called Roman The Flowers which are small and of a dark yellow colour do grow in a spiked fashion upon the tops of the spriggy branches after which come very small long Pods with much small yellowish seed in them The Root is long and woody perishing every year yet if it be suffered to seed and shed it will not faile you of many appearances for one the next year The Places and Time The three first grow very frequently by Hedge-fides High-wayes upon old Walls and amongst rubbish in most places of this Land especially the first The last hath been found only in the Kingdome of Valentia in Spain They Flower from the beginning of June to the end of September the seed ripening in the meane while The Temperature Flix-weed is said
it groweth there naturally I dare not affirme The fourth is to be found about Mompelier The fift is planted much about Brussels the last is a natural of Candy as its names declares They are commonly propagated by Suckers which being clipped of and replanted in February March or April do the same year sometimes or the next at least bear good heads but then care must be taken to secure them from the cold by raising little hills about them close to the Leaves and likewise by laying a Colewort or Cabbage Leafe upon the Top of every one to defend the Apple from those frosts which happen in March and April when they begin to run to head and are ready to be eaten in May and June and will flower in the end of Summer if they be suffered to stand and the seed will be ripe shortly after but then the Root will be in danger of perishing which otherwise would endure many yeares The Temperature Some have supposed Artichocks to be hot and dry in the second degree but to me they seeme very temperate The Vertues Artichocks have been in all Ages counted to be very lusty Meat and are certainly found to be so in ours or else they would not be so much desired by lucurious persons to whom I commend them not but rather to those which are married and cannot so far use the act of generation as to have the benefit of Children for they procure bodily lust both in Men or Women whether they be well boyled and eaten with Butter Vinegar and Pepper or the boyled bottomes put into Pyes and Baked and so they are very restorative and strengthen the Stomack and though they increase seed yet they stay the involuntary course thereof called Nocturnall pollution Some write that the young buds of Artichocks steeped in Wine and drunk I mean the Wine not the Artichocks doth the same and provoketh Urine exceedingly purging away thereby the ranke and rammish savour of the whole Body but especially of the arme-holes if the Decoction of the Root having the Pith taken out being made in Wine or the distillation thereof bruised and distilled in Wine in an Alembick be taken The young shoots may be boyled and eaten as Asparagus so may the heads while they are yet very small buds but it is more profitable to let them grow to be more substantiall The Chardon which is whited like Endive and then sold in the Winter is eaten raw of divers with Vinegar Oyle and Pepper but be sure there be salt too or else it will not be right CHAP. CCLXVIII Of Sea-Holly The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eryngium from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to Vomit as some have fabâ—lously supposed who say that a Goat cropping a branch of Sea-Holly maketh the whole flock to follow him till he have vomited it up or till the Heards-man hath given him somewhat to cause him so to do The Latines follow the Greeks in this as they do in many other names be the cause of their denomination right or wrong and call it Eryngium also from whence the Shops do corruptly call it Iringus and Eringo In English it is termed Sea-Holly because divers of the sorts are prickly somewhat like Holly and for that they commonly grow upon the Sea Coasts The Kindes Dioscorides maketh but one sort of Eryngium but divers others have been discovered since his time so that there is 1 Ordinary Sea Holly 2 Upland Sea-Holly 3 Hungary Sea Holly 4 The small smooth bastard Sea-Holly 5 Small bastard Sea-Holly of Spain The Forme The ordinary Sea-Holly cometh up with Leaves which at the first are soft and gentle yet as they grow older they become very hard and prickly being crumpled about the edges with here and there a sharp point sticking forth of a blewish green colour standing every one upon a long foot-stalk from whence riseth up a round and strong stalk yet somewhat crested having severall joynts and leaves set thereat being more divided sharp and prickly the branches which rise from them have likewise other smaller branches bearing several blewish round prickly heads with many small jagged prickly leaves growing like a star out of which come blew flowers with whitish threds in the middest The Root is but about the bignesse of a mans finger yet of an extraordinary length set with ringes or circles towards the upper part brownish on the outside but white within having some pith in the middle and of a very pleasant tast The Places and Time The first groweth upon the Sea Coasts in every Country and is sometimes brought into the Gardens of those that love varieties the second is very frequent in Franconia and also in Narbone in France even in the midland Country the name of the third discovers its place the fourth hath no other place set down but the Garden of John Mutton but it is conceived to come out of some hot Country because it flowreth late the last was found by Clusius at the foot of certain Hills neer Salamanca in Spain Some of them flower in the end of Summer and give ripe seed about a Month after but others flower so late that they cannot perfect their seed The Temperature The Roots of Eryngium or Sea-Holly which are most in use are temperate in respect of heat of somewhat a drying and cleansing faculty The Vertues The Roots of Sea-Holly commonly called Eryngo Roots after they be condited or preserved with Sugar are exceeding good not only to restore those that are consumed and withered with age and which want naturall moisture but for all other sorts of people that have no delight or appetite to Vâ—nery so that it amendeth the defects of nature in those that stand in need thereof and some there be that do though I doubt that these Roots are abused by many that need them not as many of this sort also are but how to help that is past my skill The decoction of the Root in White Wine being drunk is very effectuall to open the Obstructions of the Spleene and Liver and helpeth the yellow Jaundise the Dropsy the paines in the Loynes the wild Chollick provoketh Vrine and expelleth the Stone and procureth Womens Courses The continued use of the Decoction for fifteen dayes taken first and last morning and evening doth help the Strangury the pissing by drops the stoppings of Urine and the Stone and all defects of the Reines or Kidneys and if the said drink be continued longer it is said that it perfectly cureth the Stone yea that experience hath found it so and is good for the French Pox. The Roots bruised and applyed outwardly help the Kernels of the Throat commonly called the Kings Evill and being taken inwardly aswel as applyed to the place stung or bitten by any Serpent causeth it to heal speedily If the Roots be bruised and boyled in old Hogs-grease or salted Lard and applyed to broken Bones Thorns c. remaining in the flesh doth not only draw
them forth but healeth up the place again gathering new flesh where it was consumed The juyce of the Leaves dropped into the eares helpeth the Imposthumes therein The distilled water of the whole Herb when the Leaves are young is profitably drunk for all the diseases aforesaid as also to cause Mirth by driving melancholy from the heart to help Quartane and Quotidian Agues and those that have their Necks so drawn awry that they cannot stir them unlesse they move their whole Bodies The young and tender shoots are eaten of divers where they grow plentifully being almost as available to provoke Lust as the Rootes CHAP. CCLXIX Of Potatoes The Names IT is not probable that I should shew you by what names the ancient Greek and Latine Writers did call these kinds of Plants they being as I suppose knowne to neither of them being brought of later years from the Indies so that I hope it will be sufficient to tell you how the Moderne Writers have called them Clusius calleth the Spanish Potatoes which are those in most request now amongst us Battata Camotes Amotes and Ignanes or as some write it Inhames Those of Virginia are called Battata and Battatas Virginiana sive Virginianorum Papas Papus and Pappus Those of Canada which we in English call Jerusalem Artichocks because the Root being boyled is in taste like the bottom of an Artichock are called by Pelleterius Heliotropium Indicum tuberosum by Columna Flos Solis Farnesianus sive Aster Peruvianus tuberosus The Names and Kinds being thus mixed together I shall proceed to the description of those that are called Spanish Potatoes because they are most for our purpose as being most respected The Vertues The Spanish Potatoes rise up with many long branches which by reason of their weight and weaknesse lie trailing on the ground whereon are set at severall distances broad and in a manner three square Leaves somewhat like unto those of the Winter Cherry of a dark green colour the two sides thereof being broad and round and the end pointed reasonable close together The Roots for we have not read either of the seed or flower are firm sweet and very many like in shape and form unto Asphodell Roots but much greater and longer of a pale brown colour on the outside but white within set together at one head The Places and Time The Potatoes which we call Spanish because they were first brought up to us out of Spaine grew originally in the Indies where they or at least some of this kind serve for bread and have been planted in many of our Gardens wherein they decay rather then increase but the soyle of Ireland doth so well agree with them that they grow there so plentifully that there be whole fieldes overrun with them as I have been informed by divers Souldiers which came from thence The Names of the second and third do sufficiently speak their places yet it will not be amisse to tell you that the last came from Canada and not from Jerusalem notwithstanding some ignorant people that have them growing in their Gardens with us call them Artichocks of Jerusalem The first beareth its green Leaves all the Summer which perish with the Stalke at the first approach of great frosts The second thrusteth forth its Leaves in the beginning of May the flowers bud forth in August and the fruit is ripe in September The last flower about the latter end of Summer and the Roots are fit to be taken up from the time that the Stalke is withered until it spring again which is the greatest part of the Winter The Temperature The Leaves of Potatoes are hot and dry as may plainly appear by the taste but the Roots are of a temperate quality The Vertues Which way soever Potatoes be dressed they comfort nourish and strengthen the Body procuring bodily lust and that with greedinesse Some onely roast them under the Embers to take away their windynesse and then eat them after they are peeled Others having roasted them and peeled them as before put them into Sack with a little Sugar or without and so they are delicate to be eaten They are used also to be baked with Marrow Sugar Spice and other things in Pyes which are a costly and dainty dish for the Table And some there be that preserve and candy them as they do divers other things and so ordered they are very delicate and fit to accompany other sweet Meats when a Banquet is presented The Virginia Potatoes may be dressed after any of the aforesaid wayes but they are not altogether so delicate as the former The Potatoes of Canada called Jerusalem Artichocks as I said were of great account when they were first received amongst us but by reason of their great increasing they are become common and consequently despicable especially by those which think nothing good unlesse it be deer but if any one please to put them into boyling Water they will quickly become tender so that being peeled sliced and stewed with bâ—tter and a little Wine they will be as pleasant as the bottome of an Artichocke CHAP. CCLXX. Of Skirret The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Sisarum and Siser in Latine being the saâ—e Root which Tiberius the Emperour so much loved that he commanded it to be conveyed unto him from Gelduba a Castle in Germaâ—â— standing about the River Rhene as Pliny reporteth divers of the later Herbâ—rists do call it Servillum or Chervillum and Servilla and we in English Skiriet and Skiâ—wort they being much mistaken who think Siser to be a Parsnep The Kindes There be but two sorts of Skirrets and one of them must be fetched as far as Aegypt 1 The Common Skirret 2 Skirrets of Aegypt or white Carrots The Forme The Common Skirret hath sundry stalks of winged leaves which are composed of many others oppositely set upon a middle rib and every one snipt about the edges somewhat like unto those of the Parsnep but that they are smaller and further set a sunder being also smoother and greener from amongst which riseth up the stalk not much above half the height of the Parsnep bearing at the tops umbels of white flowers which afterwards turn into small dark seed somewhat bigger and darker then Parsley-seed The Root is composed of divers small long lesser Roots meeting together in one head like the Aâ—phodill banched out and uneven or rugged of a whitish colour even on the outside but more white within having in the middle of the Root a long small hard pith or string which no other Root that either hath been or now is edible hath besides it The Places and Time The naturall places of the first is in Narbone which is almost forgotten through its long continuance in Gardens where the second groweth not being found wild in Aegypt by grand Cairo as Raâ—wolsius saith Some sow them of seed amongst their Onions in February or March which is as good alway for them as for Parsneps for
then they will not hinder one another the Onyons being to be drawn betimes and then the Skiâ—rets may have the full use of the ground in Winter which by the February following will be fit for use some of them being broken off to be used for food and some to be planted again for increase which bring forth plentifully every year if the ground be good They flower and seed the second year like as the Pasnep doth but somewhat later but they must not be removed at all The Temperature The Roots of the Skirret which are onely in use are moderate in heat and moisture The Vertues Though the Roots of Skirrets be but of indifferent nourishment yet because they be easily concocted yeeld a reasonable good juyce and are somewhat windy they have been judged effectuall to provoke lust and experimentally proved so to doe being either baked in Pyes as Potatoes after they have beene boyled peeled and pithed or else stewed with Pepper Butter and Salt and so eaten or as others use them to rowle them in Flower and fry them in Butter after they have been boyled peeled and pithed either of which wayes they are more pleasant and more provocative then Parsnep as all agree that eat them They may be also eaten cold with Vinegar and Oyle being first boyled and dressed in manner aforesaid The juyce of the Roots drunke with Goats milke stoppeth the Laske the same drunke with Wine is effectuall for windinesse in the Stomacke and the gripings of the belly and Hicket as some say It doth somewhat respect the Kidneys and Bladder by moving Vrine and a little to consume the Stone and Gravell in them The Egyptian sort is eaten by those of that Country as familiarly as any other root whatsoever CHAP. CCLXXI. Of Pease The Names THis sort of Pulse is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pisum from Pisa being the name of a place where they grew very plentifully and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with an â— which last way of writing seemeth to agree most with the Etymology for it is thought to be derived 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it is covered with a Coat or Hull which is more eminent in this then in any other seeds It is called in Latin Pisum and in English Pease and Peason The Kindes There be diverse sorts of Pease nine whereof I shall reckon up and adde unto them two sorts of Ciches 1. The Rouncivall 2. The greene Hasting The Sugar Pease 4. The spotted Pease 5. The gray Pease 6. The white Hasting 7. The Pease without skin 8. The Rose Pease 9. Fulham Pease 10. White Chiches 11. Red Chiches The Forme Pease doe alwayes come up with long weake hollow and brittle whitish green stalks branched into divers parts putting forth at every joynt where it parteth one broad round leafe compassing the stalke so that it cometh almost through in some sort like unto Thoroughwax the Leaves are winged that is they consist of divers small Leaves set together at a middle rib of a whitish green colour with claspers at the end of the Leaves whereby it catcheth hold of whatsoever standeth next it the Flowers come forth from betweene the Leaves and the stalkes two or three together yet so divided that they stand every one upon a severall footstalke which are either wholly white or purple or mixed white and purple or purple and blew the fruit cometh forth in long and somewhat round Cods whereof some are longer some are shorter some thicker and some slenderer the fruit it selfe also differing some being round some cornered some small some great some white others gray and some spotted the Root is small and quickly perisheth after it hath done bearing The Places and Time Some of these Pease grow onely in Gardens and are supported with stakes and bushes some of them are sown in the Fields by Gardners and are gathered to sell green in the Markets the gray Pease are sowed by Husbandmen to feed their Cattle with the Fulham Pease which came first out of France is so called because the grounds about Fulham neere London doe bring them forward soonest the Rose Pease which is sometimes called the Scottish Pease should be brought out of Scotland by its name The Chiches are very frequent in Spaine but I know not whether they grow there naturally They Flower and seed all the Summer long sooner or later according to the time of their sowing The Temperature Pease especially when they are young are of a mean temperature as most other things are which are used for food they are lesse windy then Beans but passe not through the Body so soon as they The Vertues A dish of young Pease are very pleasant to all sorts of people but especially to young Women who either are or would be with Child for they helpe both the generative and procreative faculty very much and therefore they doe not only eat of them themselves but commend them to their Hasbands notwithstanding they are eaten but not with so much desire by all other sorts of people They are also used to make Pottage wherein many do put in Mints Parsley or some other such hot herbs to give it the better rellish and they be used to the same purpose when they be ripe and dryed especially in the Lent season The said dryed Pease are much used in long Vâ—yages at Sea both for change and also because they are not so salt as those things that lye in powder and are no inconsiderable food in bestedged Cities and Garisons nor in poor Folkes houses being first steeped in running Water Being sodden in Water and a Lye made therewith helpeth spreading sores of the Head the spots of the Face and other discolouring of the skin the same decoction mixt with Honey and Barly meale helpeth spreading sores that are hard to cure being boyled in water with Orâ—bus and applyed to any swellings or aches it helpeth them the broth wherein they have been boyled is good take Purgations withall to cleanse the Stomacke that is raw through cold and moist humors whether of the white or gray but especially the gray the Pottage made of them is good for the Strangury and to take Sena withall morning and evening for the Ague and Rubarbe for the Jaundise the powder of them being made very fine stoppeth bleeding at the Nose The Cloth that is spotted or stained being laid a soak in the Broth wherein Pease have been boyled and then washed in River Water and dryed becometh cleane and spotlesse The white Ciches also boyled and stewed are a dainty dish of a very good rellish and nourishment they increase bodily Lust as much or more then any other sort of Pulse and as it is thought helpe to increase the Seed and also Milke in Womens Breasts The red Ciches have a cleansing faculty whereby they provoke Vrine and breake the Stones in the Kidneys the Cream of them boyled in Water being drunke which olso moveth the
The Temperature The seeds of Cotton are said to be hot and moist and the Wool or Cotton it self to be hot and dry The Vertues Of all the seeds I have yet mentioned there is none more absolutely effectuall not only to increase the seed of generation and naturall strength but also to stir up bodily lust then this of Cotton which may be had at any Apothecaries shops It is also used to lenify the harshnesse of the Throat to help those that are short winded by opening the Passages whose obstruction was the cause thereof and those also that have sharp distillations upon the Lungs so that it is also a good remedy for the Cough for it not only dryeth up the Rhewme but causeth tough phlegme to be easily expectorated or avoided It is used likewise in gripings and gnawings of the Stomack and Guts yea though they come by poyson and are good also in all hot or I should rather think in cold Agues The juyce of the Leaves is good for the Lask of young Children and for the gnawing and grinding in the belly The Ashes of the Cotton Wool being being burned is very admirable to stanch the bleeding of Wounds and is used in restâ—ictive Medicines as Bole Armoniack is for which it is more effectuall The oyl pressed out of the seed doth make the skin to become exceeding smooth taking away Spots Freckles and other blemishes thereof Some do think and that not without good reason that the Byssus of the Ancients is the Wool of the Tree of fine Cotton of which the Byssina â—ela or fine white Callicoe Cloth that cometh out of the East Indies is made Common experience telleth us also how profitable Cotton Wool is to make Fustian Cloth Stockings Gloves and divers other necessaries and it is the best Wool that can be to put in an Inkehorn CHAP. CCLXXV Of the Fistick Nut. The Names IT hath gotten divers Greek Names or rather the same Name diversly altered for though 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pistacia be the ordinary Name yet Nicander in one place cals it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phistacia and in another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Possidonius writeth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is called in Latine Pistacia Pistacium and of some Nux Pistacia and the Tree is thought to be the Terebintbus Indica of Theophrastus We call the fruit in English Pistackes and Fistick Nuts and the Tree the Fistick Tree The Forme The Tree which beareth the Fistick Nuts groweth to be of a reasonable large sise in the hot Countryes though but very slender in ours dispersed into sundry branches whose bark is of a dark russet colour the leaves are winged five or seven growing commonly on a stalk the odde one standing alwayes at the end each whereof is broader and larger then those of the Ash but not so sharp pointed smooth almost shining with divers veins therein and of a pale yellowish green colour from amongst which do come forth many white flowers set together on a long cluster and consequently the fruit which are somewhat long and round Nuts bigger then Filberds pointed at the ends with a rough outer shell somewhat like unto the outer shell of an Almond but tough and hard to break yet cleaving into two parts and smooth and white on the inside thereof having a full green Nâ—t or kernell within filling the whole shell the rind and peeling whereof is thick and red the kernell being sweet to smell unto pleasant in â—ast and altogether inoffensive The Plâ—ces and Time The Fistick Tree groweth naturally in Bactria and other parts neer unto the East-Indies being brought from thence into Persia Arabia Syria and Egypt as also into the warmer coasts of Italy and Naples where they thrive and prospeâ— bringing forth their flowers in May and their ripe fruit in September or thereabouts The Temperature Fistick Nuts are of temperature hot and moist The Signature and Vertues The Kernels of the Fistick Nuts may be sade to have the Signature of the Testicles or rather the Nut of the Yard as Crâ—llius saith and therefore the â—ating of them being condited or made into Comfits or otherwise is as condâ—cible for the increasing of seed and stirring up of Vâ—nery as the Kernels of the Pine Apples are being very little inferior in goodnesse to them Whether they be eaten or drunk they be friendly to the Stomack and yeeld to the body no small nourishment for they make even those bodyes which are in a Consumption to recover strength They are good against the stingings and bitings of Serpents and other venemous Creatures by reason of the thin Essence and little bitter substance that is mingled with the sweet in them and for the same caâ—se they â—pen the Obstructions of the Liver and are good also for the Chest and Lunges concocting ripening and expelling the raw humours â—hat many times offend them There is also a little astringent quality in them whereby they strengthen both the Liver and Stomack to be put either in Meates or Medicines They also remove sand and gravell out of the Reines or Kidneys and asswage their pain and are also good for Ulcers CHAP. CCLXXVI Of the Chesnut Tree The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Castana and Castanâ—a but mâ—st usually Castanea in Latine and so is the fruit which is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Sardianae glandes and â—opima Souâ—e have called it Euboida or Euboica and Heracleâ—tâ—ca because as it should seem they grew plentifully in those parts and Gaza translating Theophrastus cals it Avellana Nux but improperly and Agelocâ—us as Athenaeus saith called it Moâ—a and Amoâ—a Though Pliny seemeth to make the Tarentina Salariana Meterano Corâ—liana Balanitis c. to be divers sorts hereof yet indeed they are only the diversity of places which cause this difference of Names The Kinds There are four especiall sorts of Cheâ—nuts 1 The ordinary Chesnut 2 The Horse Chesnut 3 The Dwarfe Chesnut 4. The Chesnut of Peru. 5 Purging Chesnuts of America The Forme The ordinary Chesnut Tree groweth very tall and high bearing great long rough and wrinkled Leaves dented about the edges putting forth at the time of the year divers long Catkins or bloomings somewhat like the Oak but of a more greenish yellow colour the Fruit groweth between the leaves and the branches towards the end of them enclosed in three severall Huskes the outermost whereof is whiâ—ish and prickly like an Urchin which openeth it selfe when it is ripe and sheweth the Nut being flat on the one side and round but flat on the other whose shell or huske is smooth browne and shining a little on the outside but hairy within tough also and not easie to breake under which lyeth the kernell covered with a thin reddish bitter skin or peeling which is of a firme substance and white sweet and pleasant in â—aste formed somewhat like a
do flower in June and July but some of them later or not at all so that their seed is seldome seen Some of them if not all loose their Leaves in the Winter as many other Trees The Temperature Southernwood is hot and dry in the end of the third degree having the force both of rarifying and discussing The Vertues The tops of Southernwood for the flowers and seed are not so common stamped raw with water and drunk bringeth unto women their monthly purgations in case they come not at their usuall time but stay so long that expectation may seeme frustrated and so it is profitable for those who cannot take breath without holding their Necks straight up for those that are troubled with the Cramp or Shrinking of the Sinewes for the Sciatica also and for them that can hardly make water all which effects the flowers and seed do excellently performe if they can be had Being drunk in Wine it is good against all poyson and venome and destroyeth the Wormes both by killing and expelling them The seed of Southernwood doth both digest and consume all cold humors tough slime and phlegme which do usually stop the Spleen Kidneys and Bladder The tops boyled in Wine or Water with Honey or Sugar and drunk three or four times a day helpeth the shortnesse and straightnesse of the breath by cutting the slimy and tough phlegme that causeth it and so it is a good remedy for the Cough the Cardiack passion and for many other inward griefes The branches being burnt and the ashes mixed with the Oyl of Palma Christi or old Oyl Olive restoreth the hair where it is fallen off and causeth the Beard to come forth speedily if the bare places be annointed therewith twice a day against the Sun or Fire which it may be said to do by Signature the finenesse of the Leaves somewhat resembling the Hair The tops only being stamped with a roasted Quince and applyed to all inflammations of the eyes taketh them away The Leaves boyled tender and stamped with Barly Meale and Barrowes grease untill it become like a salve dissolveth and wasteth all cold humors and swellings being spread upon a peece of Cloath or Leather and applyed thereunto And being stamped with Oyl and those Limbes that are benummed with cold or bruised being annointed therewith it helpeth them and taketh away the shivering fits of the Ague by heating the body if it be annointed therewith before the fits do come but especially the Back bone If it be boyled with Barly Meale it taketh away Pimples Pushes or Wheales that rise in the Face or other parts of the Body The Herb bruised and laid to helpeth to draw forth Splinters and Thorns out of the flesh The ashes thereof dryeth up and healeth old sores and Ulcers that are without although by the sharpnesse thereof it biteth sore as also the sores that are in the privy parts of Men or Women The Oyl made of Southernwood being used as an ingredient in those Oyntments that are used against the French disease is very effectuall and likewise killeth Lice in the Head The distilled Water of the Herb is said to help them much that are troubled with the Stone as also for the Diseases of the Spleen and Mother The Germanes commend it for a singular Wound Herb and therefore call it Stabwort It is held to be more offensive to the Stomack then Wormwood if it be taken inwardly and therefore is never used in our ordinary Meat and Drink and besides it will make some mens Heads to ake yet the Herb somewhat dryed and put into a linnen bag and laid as a Stomacher next the skin comforteth a cold Stomack well so that though inwardly taken it is not so good for the Stomack as Wormwood yet outwardly applyed it is better It driveth away spiders and other vermine being laid for a strewing or burnt in such places as they be frequent It is said that if a branch of Southernwood be laid under ones Bed Pillow or Bolster it provoketh carnall copulation and resisteth all inchantments that hinder the same CHAP. CCLXXXIX Of Savoury The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thymbron and Thymbra perhaps from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 suffio because of its odor or smell and Thymbra also in Latine besides which it hath none other Latine Name as some suppose though others make bold to call it Satureia either à saturando because it is used in broth and stewed meates to give thereunto a good rellish and by that meanes causeth them the better to satisfie hunger or from Satyrus A Satyre because they used it to provoke Venery which I cannot be so confident as to assert seeing that I find that it helpeth the disease called Satyriasis or Priapismus which is wrought by a contrary quality which derivation I suppose to be rather by Antiphrasis Some hold it also to be the same which was called Cunila by the Ancients The Kindes The sorts of Savoury as well those that are rare as those which are common are five 1 Winter Savoury 2 Summer Savoury 3 Rock Savoury 4 The true Savoury of Candy 5 Prickly Savoury of Candy The Forme Winter Savoury is a small low bushy herb somewhat like unto Hyssop but not so high with divers small hard branches compassed on every side with narrower sharper pointed Leaves then those of Hyssop with which they have some resemblance yet this doth sometimes grow with four Leaves set at a joynt so that it may be easily distinguished therefrom of a reasonable strong scent yet not so strong as that of the Summer kind amongst which grow the flowers of a pale purplish and sometimes whitish colour set at severall distances towards the tops of the Stalks The Root hath divers small strings thereat but the body of it is woody as the rest of the Plant is The Places and Time The first is so common that there be few Gardens without it The second is not so familiar though the naturall place of neither of them is remembred by any Author that hath written of this Subject yet it is very probable that there grew great plenty thereof in that field neer unto Troy which is said to be called Thymbra for that reason and from thence Apollo one of the Patrons of that City was called Thymbraeus The rest also grow wild in divers places of Europe as the third upon St. Julians Rock and the two last in Candy as their names declare and are cherished by those that delight in variety of Plants They are propagated both by seed and slipping in the Spring time especially yet those which abide all Winter are more usually increased by slipping then sowing They flowrish in the end of Summer and therefore seldome perfect their Seed The Temperature Savoury is hot and dry in the third degree it not only maketh thin but openeth the passages The Vertues To provoke the Termes not only the blood is to be
helpeth the Ague easeth the Strangury breaketh the Stone in the Bladder stayeth the Hicket and is available for those that spit or vomit blood Being taken inwardly or applyed outwardly after it hath been boyled in Rosewater it helpeth the Headech and Frenâ—y and if you make a Vinegar of the Herb as the Vinegar of Roses is made it is excellent good to be used in the Lethargy inwardly or outwardly or both and to stay Vemiting Being taken with Honey Liquoris and Anniseeds in Wine it helpeth a dry Cough and is comfortable both to the Head Stomack and Reines and helpeth to expell wind It is a remedy against venemous brings either taken in drink or outwardly applyed CHAP. CCXC. Of Alexanders The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it is a kind of Parsly that exceedeth all others in bignesse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being a word which in composition doth augment the signification of that whereunto it is joyned as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 also doth It is also named Hipposelinum by the Latines and Olus atrum either because of its dark green colour or because it maketh the pottage wherein it is boyled to look blackish Galen and others have taken it to be the Smyrnium of the Ancieâ—ts but Dioscorides saith the true Smyrnium is another herb of which the present age seemes to be ignorant It is called in English Alexanders Alizanders and Allisanders The Kindes There be two sorts of Alexanders 1 Garden Alexanders 2 Alexanders of Candy The Forme Garden Alexanders groweth with divers large Leaves which are winged or cut into many parts somewhat resembling Smallage but greater broader rounder and more cut in about the edges of a dark green colour and somewhat an hot and spicy tast and a little bitter withall from amongst which riseth up one or more round and great stalks sometimes a yard high and better whereon grow divers branches with Leaves like unto the lowermost but lesser at the extremities whereof do grow large tufts or umbels of white flowers after which cometh the seed being of a blackish colour not full round but straked on the back and of an hot and bitterish tast as the root also is which being great thick long and blackish on the outside but white underneath it spreadeth it self under the ground into many parts The Places and Time The first is said to be commonly sowne in most Gardens of Europe where they have it yet it hath been found wild also in some Isles about our owne Land by Mr. WILLIAM QUICK the seed whereof being supposed to a different kind from that of the Garden when it was sowed proved to be the same The other came from Candy as its name doth testifie They both flower in June and July and the seed is ripe in August The Temperature The Seed and Roots of Alexanders are hot and dry in the third degree of a cleansing and attenuating faculty The Vertues It is agreed on by all Authors that the seed of Alexanders made into powder and taken in a small Cup of White-Wine either raw or boyled is very powerfull not only in moving the Courses but expelling the after-Birth The same is very profitable also to provoke Urine and to help the Strangury and availeth against the bitings of Serpents and breaketh wind and is therefore good for the Collick The upper part of the Root and the Leaves are very usefull to be boyled together in Broth for the purgation of the blood in the Spring time to which may be also added Nettle tops Elder buds Cleavers Watercresses c. Some eat the Roots hereof raw with Vinegar some stew them and so eat them and that cheifly in the time of Lent to help to digest the crudities and viscous humours that are gathered in the Stomach by the much use of Fish at that time It doth also warm any other cold Stomach and by the bitternesse helpeth to open Stoppings of the Liver and Spleen The Leaves bruised and applyed to any bleeding wound stoppeth the blood and dryeth up the sore without any griefe and maketh such tumors as are hard and scrophulous to come to maturity and ripenesse The Roots preserved in a pickle of Vinegar and Salt are a very wholesome sawce with Meats for it stirreth up the Appetite cleanseth and comforteth the Stomach and removeth stoppings of the breast and shortnesse of breath They are convenient for every Age and Constitution especially the Phlegmatick and such as are subject to be stuffed up upon any distemper The seed hath besides what hath been expressed all the Vertues wherewith the ordinary Parsly seed is endued being altogether void of those evill and hurtfull qualities which are said to be in Parsly seed and is therefore convenient and better then the Garden sort if it can be had It is given in Powder from a Scruple to two Scruples in Decoction from a Dram to two Drams CHAP. CCXCI. Of Anemonies The Names IT is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Anemone 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the Wind because it was anciently believed that these kinds of Flowers did never open themselves but when the wind did blow In Latin also Anemone and Herba Venti We call them in English Anemonies after the Greek name Wind-flowers after the Latin but the common people call them Emones the wild kinds whereof are called Pulsatillâ—es which because they flower about Easter are called Pasque-Flowers Pasque in French signifying Easter and Pass-Flowers The Kindes To reckon up every particular Member of this exceeding numerous Family were almost an Herculean Labour and is thought would gravell the most experienced Florist in Europe and therefore I shall not undertake it but mention a few of those which are common beginning first with the Pulsatillaes not because they are fittest to provoke the Termes but because they grow in our own Land more frequently I mean naturally than the other and yet are taken notice of by few 1. â—he purple Pasque-flower 2 The red Pass flower 3. The double Pass-flower 4. The Pass flower of Denmark 5. The Wood Anemone or Wind-flower 6. Anemone or Wind flower with a tuberous Root 7. The Flesh colour'd Anemone 8. The blew Anemone The Form The purple Pasque-flower hath many leaves lying on the ground somewhat rough or haâ—ry hard in feeling and finely cut into many small Leaves of a dark green colour almost like the leaves of Carrets but finer and smaller from among which rise up naked stalks rough or haâ—ry also for about the middle thereof with some small divided Leaves compassing them above which they rise almost a span each of them bearing one pendulous Flower made of six Leaves and of a fine Violet Purple colour but somewhat deep withall in the middle whereof stand many yellow threds set about a purple pointel after the Flower is past there cometh up instead thereof a bushy head of long seedes which are small and hoary having at the end of every one a small
hair which is grey likewise the root is small and long growing downwards into the ground with a tuft of hair at the head thereof and not lying or running under the upper crust thereof as the other wild Anemonies do which is the greatest difference betwixt them The Plant is of no sharpness untill it be bruised between ones fingers and then the Leaves held to the Nose will twinge the nostrills very much The Places and Time The first grows in a close belonging to the Parsonage of Hildersham 6 miles from Cambridgâ— the second in great abundance on a Heach towards Barneck 3 miles from Stamford the third growes also in England but I have not understood the determinate place the fourth should be a D 〈…〉 by his name the fifth grows in Stow Wood two miles from Oxford the sixth upon Cotteswald Hills neer Black Burton very plentifully the two lift are cherished up in Gardens with many others which are best known to them that delight therein The ordinary time to plant Anemonies is most commonly in August some of which perhaps will flower before Winter but most usually in February March or April few or none of them abiding untill May but if you will keep some Roots out of the ground unplanted untill February March or April and plant some at one time and some at another and then those that were planted in February will flower about the middle or end of May and so the rest accordingly after that manner you may have the pleasure of these Plants all the Summer long provided that you keep the Roots neither too dry nor too moist and that they be planted where they may be somewhat shadowed The Temperature Both these sorts as well Pulsatillaes as Anemonies are sharp biting the tongue and of a binding quality but the Pulsatillaes exceed the other in that they exulcerate and eat into the skin in case they be stamped and applyed to any part of the body whereupon they have been taken by some to be of the kinde of Crâ—wfoot which many vagabond Villains apply to their Arms and Legs and pretend that they are burnt or some other misfortune hath happened to them The Vertues There is some other use for Anemonies besides the setting forth of a garden for the Leaves being boyled in White wine and the Decoction drunk provoke the Termes mightily The Leaves and Stalks boyled with clean husked Barly causeth abundance of Milk if Nurses eat thereof The body being bathed with the decoction of them cures the Leprosie The Leaves being stamped and the Juyce snuffed up the nose purgeth the head mightily and so doth the Root being chewed in the mouth for it procureth much spitting and bringeth away many watry and phlegmatick humours yea more than any Pills that are cryed up for that purpose and is therefore excellent for the Lethargy Being made into an Oyntment and the Eye-lids anoynted with it it helps the inflammations of the Eyes whereby it is apparent that the heat of the one draweth out the heat of the other as fire will setch out the fire when any one happens to be burnt if they burn the same place the second time and besides it cleareth the sight by removing any Web or other Spots therein The same Oyntment is excellent good to cleanse malignant and corroding Vlcers Both Anemonies and Pulsatillaes are gathered to put into Flower-pots and to dresse Garlands and to strâ—w windowes withall I might have treated of divers other Plants under this Head but because there be few of them but are good for the Mother and other infirmities of the Womb I shall say no more of them here but reserve them till I come to speak thereof which will be as soon as I have set down some of those that stop the Termes both which were necessary to be mentioned severally for the more methodicall prosecution of what we promised CHAP. CCXCII Of Comfrey The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Symphyâ—um and Symphitum magnum from the wonderfull faculty that it hath in binding and glewing together insomuch that the Latinâ— are not content with the word Symphytum which they sometimes use but call it also Consolida à Consolidaâ—dâ— Consolidare being an obsolete word signifying to sodder or glew together It is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pectos or Pecton but Pliny saith it was called Alus or Alum it hath other names as Solidago Inula rustica Ostâ—â—câ—llon but the most usuall is Symphytum or Consolida major which is in English the greater Consound commonly called Comfrey and of some Knit-back and Black-wort The Kindes Some refer 4 sorts to this kind 1. Common great Comfrey 2. Great Comfry with purple Flowers 3. Comfrey with knobbed Roots 4. Narrow Comfrey of Naples The Forme The common great Comfrey hath divers very large and hairy green leaves lying on the ground so hairy and prickly that it will cause an itching in any tender part of the body which it doth but touch the Stalk that riseth from amongst them being about half a yard or two foot high hollow and cornered or squarish is very hairy also having many such like Leaves as grow below but lesser and lesser toward the top At the joynts of the Stalks it is divided into many Branches with some Leaves thereon at the ends whereof stand many Flowers in order one above another which are somwhat long and hollow like the finger of a glove but much smaller of a pale whitish colour after which cometh small black seed the root is great and long black without but white within short or easie to break and full of a glutinous or clammy juyce of little or no taste at all but of very great vertue The Places and Time The first groweth generally throughout all the Land both by Ditches and Water-sides and in fat fruitful Meadows whence for its usefulnesse it is often-times brought into Gardens by those that understand the least profit that it afforded and so is the â—ecâ—nd which is not so often found as the first to grow naturally though many times it be in severall places the third groweth in Gardens onely with us but is naturall to the Woods of Germany Austria and Hungary the name of the last sheweth whence it is they flower in May and June and give their Seed in July and August or thereabouts The Temperature Comfrey hath a cold quality but not immoderate it dryeth and bindeth in great measure The Vertues It may be observed that those Plants that are effectuall to stop any Flux or inward or outward bleeding are no lesse profitable for stopping of the Termes when they have exceeded their usual time of flowing so that whatsoever is good for the one is good for the other and as I shall speak to some of them here to which purpose I reserved them so I shall refer the Reader back to them which I have spoken to already
where The flowers and Burres come forth in July and August and the seed is ripe in September The Butter-burre flowreth in February or March but the flowers with the Stalke will be withered and blown away within the space of a Month before the Leaves appear which is commonly in Aprill The Temperature The Leaves of the Burdock doe coole and dry very moderately but the root is something hot The Butter-burre is hot and dry in the second degree and of thin parts The Vertues The Leaves of the greater Burdock are said to be of great efficacy for bringing the Matrix into its right place whensoever it shall be out of it for if it be fallen down the Leaves laid upon the Crown of the head will draw it up and if it should rise higher then is meet as oftentimes it doth if it be laid to the Soles of the Feet it fetcheth it down and being applyed to the Navel it suffereth it to stir neither way so that it must needs be an excellent remedy for suffocations c. The said Leaves are good to be laid upon old Sores and Vlcers and being applyed on places troubled with the shrinking of the Sinewes or Arteries they give much ease as also to the Gout Being bruised with the White of an Egge and applyed to any place burnt with fire it taketh out the Fire gives sodaine Ease and heales it up afterwards and so it doth Kibed heels The Decoction of them fomented on any fretting sore or Cancer stayeth the corroding quality but then it must be afterwards annointed with an Oyntment made of the same Liquor Hogsgrease Nitre and Vinegar boiled together The Juice of them or rather the roots themselves given to drinke with old Wine doth wonderfully helpe the bitings of Serpents and the Root beaten with a little Salt and laid on the place suddainly easeth the paine thereof and helpeth those that are bitten by a mad Dog The Juice of the said Leaves taken with Honey provoketh Vrine and remedieth the pain of the Bladder and the seed is much commended to break the Stone and to cause it to be expelled by Vrine and is often used with other Seeds and things to that purpose as also for Stiches in the side and the Sciatica being drank many dayes together The roots may be preserved with Sugar and taken fasting or at other times for the said purposes and for Consumptions the Stone and the Lask A dram of the Roots taken with Pine Kernells helpeth them that spit foul mattery and bloudy flegme by reason of an Vlcer of the Lungs or the like The root clean picked and washed stamped and streined with Malmsey helpeth the running of the Reines in Men and the Whites in Women and strengthneth the back if there be added thereto the yolkes of Eggs the powder of Acornes and Nutmegs brewed and mixed together and drunk first and last The young Stalks being peeled and eaten raw with Salt and Pepper or boiled in the broth of fat Meat is not only pleasant to be eaten but increaseth seed and stirreth up bodily Lust The roots of the Butterburre taken with Zedoary and Angelica or without them are of great force against the Suffocation of the Mother provoke Womens Courses expell Vrine and kill the flat and broad Wormes in the Belly The said Roots are by long experience found to be very available against the Plague and Pestilentiall Feavers by provoking Sweat and if the powder thereof be taken in Wine it also resisteth the force of any other poyson The Decoction of the Root in Wine being taken is singular good for those that wheese much and are short-winded The powder of the Root doth effectually heal all naughty Vlcers or fretting Sores and running or moist wounds the powder being cast into or on them An Oyle made of the said Root is good against all shaking and cold Feavers being applyed before the Fit it scoureth away all the filthinesse of the Skin and is good for the extreame coldnesse of the joynts and Sinewes It is said to cure the Farcion in Horses being given inwardly or applyed outwardly CHAP. CCCIX Of Arach or Orach The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because is cometh up and groweth great very speedily it is called also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrysolachanum from the yellow flowers which it beareth for which reason it is called Aureum Olus in Latine but the Latine name by which it is best known is Atriplex yet that which we principally aime at in this place is that stinking sort which Cordus calls Garosmus because it smelleth like the stinking Fish called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 some call it Vulvaria for a like reason but most Atriplex olida or foetida in English Stinking Arach and Notchweed Dogs Arach Geats Arach and Stinking Motherwort The Kindes There be severall sorts of Arach of which we shall reckon up about a dozen 1. The white Garden Arach 2. The Purple Garden Arach 3. The red berried Arach 4. Wilde Arach with small Berries 5. Wilde Arach with flat Rose-like Berries 6. Stinking Arach 7. Creeping Sea Arach 8. Narrow leafed Sea Arach 9. The greater common wilde Arach 10. Narrow-leafed wilde Arach 11. Goose-foot or Sowbane 12. Wilde Arach with so much Seed that it is called All-seed The Forme The white Garden Arach hath divers Leaves standing upon their severall Foot-stalkes broad at the bottome ending in two points like an Arrow with two feathers at the head and small pointed at the end of the Leafe of a whitish yellow green colour and as it were strewed over with Flowre or Meale especially while they are young the Stalke likewise is Mealy or rather Sandy bearing many branches with small yellow flowers on them which turne into small leafy Seeds the rest groweth somewhat deep into the ground with many small Fibres fastened thereto yet it fadeth away as soon as it hath born seed The Places and Time The two first are known to grow in no other place but in Gardens the third came out of Spain as it hath been supposed the fourth from a hill of Narbone in France the fifth groweth under the Walls of Mompelier the seventh and eighth upon the Sea coasts of our own Land almost every where the seaventh was found about Rochel the sixth groweth usually upon the Dunghills yet it is taken into some Gardens of note the rest are found by Walls Hedges and Ditches in divers places of this Land They flower and seed from June till the end of August The Temperature Garden Arach 〈…〉 old in the first degree and moist in the second participating of â— watry quality aâ—â—ost wholly with little earthy parts therein and lesse astr 〈…〉 The Vertues The Garden but especially the stinking sort of Arach is recorded to be of great operation in the distempers of the Mother the Juice of the first being 〈…〉 rted into the prâ—â—y parts of Women
full of veines standing at distances without order every one upon the short foot-stalk At every joynt with the Leaves from the middle of these Stalks upwards cometh one long hollow Flower small at the bottom but broader at the top with a long piece or slippet as it were at one side of the top bending down both of them almost of a deadish yellow or somewhat brownish colour and somewhat blackish purple on the in-side the Flowers being past there come in their places small round and somewhat long fruit of divers sizes but commonly about the bignesse of a Walnut when the green shell is peeled off which being ripe openeth it self into three parts and sheweth the Seed which is somewhat flat and round lying in order within it being separated into Cells by certain skins the root is round and tuberous somewhat like to that of Sowbread both in form and operation The Places and Time I finde none of these growing naturally in England but that with the long Root which is said to grow beyond Reding yet divers others of the sorts are to be found either in the Physick Garden at Oxford or in Dr. Howe 's Garden at Westminster or in Mr. Tradescants Garden at Lambeth being brought thither either mediately or immediately from their naturall places the three first growing as well in France about Mompelier as in Spain and Italy the next three in Spaine as also in Candy the seaventh delights in the stony Olive yards of Provence and Spain and the last in Candy In the warmer Countreys they flower and seed betimes as in the months of May June and July but with us they flower not untill the middle or end of July and their fruit doth hardly ripen before the Winter The Temperature The Roots of Birth-wort are hot in the second degree and dry in the third according to some and hot in the third degree and dry in the second according to others the round hath lesse earthy Substance and more tenuity of partâ— and therefore more effectuall in most Diseases The Signature and Vertues The learned Crollius in his book of Signatures doth take notice of the 〈…〉 mblance that is between the root of round Birth-wort and the Womb and 〈…〉 â—t is not altogether strange if it be excellent for Women that have gone out 〈◊〉 full time especialâ—y when they are in Travel for it causeth an easie and speedy delivery whether the Chiâ—d be alive or dead expelleth the After-birth and all other impurity of the Womb and provoketh the Courses so that it must needs be an acceptable Herb to such Women as understand the Vertues of it It is also effectuall to purge Phlegm and then Choler and that without any trouble or commotion to the Body for it discusseth windynesse which all other purging Medicines do usually cause and therefore it availeth much in the diseases of the Brainâ— Nerves Breast Stomack Guts and Spleen It profiteth likewise in the Falling Sicknesse Cramp Convulsion Ruptures shortnesse of Breath pain of the Side Hicket gnawing of the Stomack Chollâ—ck swelling of the Spleen and especially if they come of Phlegm or Wind. It is used with good successe in the Joynt Gout against Venome and Poyson against cold Agues and against Stopping and Rebellious humours that are the cause of long Agues It killeth Wormes and resisteth putrifaction and is good against the conâ—usions of the Nerves and Muscles if it be given with Syrup of Vinegar Mede or Honyed water It is used also in old rotten and malignant Vlcers especially being mixed with the powder of the roots of Flower-de-luce and Honey for being thus used it cleanseth and healeth them It cures Vlcers of the secret parts if they be washed with the Decoction thereof The Powder hereof doth cleanse the Teeth and make them white being rubbed therewith It easeth the Gout being mingled with Honey and Salt and applyed It draweth out Thornes and Splâ—â—ters of Bones that are broken being applyed with Turpentine It helpeth the biting of venemous Beasts being boyled in Wine and laid on and so doth the powder thereof being mixed with the juyce of Rue and applyed to the Wound Being mingled with the powder of Aloes Lime or Chalk and Honey and made into an Oyntment by adding a little Wine it cureth the Cancer and Polyppus in the Nose if Tents dipped therein be put into the Nostrill The powder thereof tempered with Honey cures the Vlcers of the Mouth and Gummes The fume thereof or the powder in a quilted Cap stayeth all Fluxes and Distillations of thin Rheume from the Head It is held to be so excellent for Wounds in the Head and elsewhere that it is an usuall saying That without Birthwort no Chirurgion can performe any great cure A Pessary made hereof and with Myrrhe provokes the Termes in Women but let such aâ— are with Child and have not gone their full time by no means meddle with it lest it cause abortion The distilled Water hereof is usefull against creeping Vlcers and Pustules of the Genitalls both in men an women being therewith wash'd or linnen cloaths dipt in the same laid on the place all night The long Birth-wort is almost yet not altogether so effectual as the round for all the diseases aforesaid whether inward or outward and some hold the running kinde to be so also CHAP. CCCXIII. Of Mercury The Names I Mean not here to treat of that Herb that the Country people call Mercury in Latin Bonus Henricus which some take to be a kinde of Dock but of those sorts of Mercury which are more pâ—operly so called French Mercury is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Linozostis and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mercurii Herba and though 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Parthenium be the name which is usually given to Feaverfew yet because this is also good for Womens diseases it was formerly so called as divers other Herbs tending to the same purpose were The Latines following the Greek do call it Mercurialis because as Pliny saith it was found by Mercury Dogs mercury which is also a kinde hereof is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cynaea and Cynâ—crambe which signifieth as much as Brassica Canina that is Dogs-Cabbage but because it hath no agreement with any Cabbage therefore some have chose rather to call it in Latin by the name of Mercurialis Canina propter ignobilitatem and other Mercurialis Sylvestris The Childes or the Childing-Mercury which is another sort hereof is called by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phyllum and EleophylluÌ„ quasi Oleaefolium because the Leaves are like unto those of the Olive The Kindes The kindes are sufficiently declared in speaking of the names and therefore I shall say no more of them onely that every sort hath a Male and Female The Forme French Mercury for so it is called though it grow in other places besides France riseth up with square green Stalks full
there be three sorts 1. The greater prickly Holme Oake 2. The great smooth Holme Oake 3. The lesser or Scarlet Holme Oake which though it be the least in quantity yet the Scarlet Graine thereof being so eminent and usefull I shall describe that The Forme The Scarlet Holme Oake groweth in the manner of an Hedge tree of a meane bignesse having many faire branches or boughs spread abroad whereon are set Leaves green above but whitish underneath snipt about the Edges and at every corner one short prickle in manner like unto Holly yet somewhat lesse from amongst which there come sometimes but not often small Acornes standing in little Cups or Husks for when it is pruined and cut low it beareth the Scarlet grain growing all along the branches at the several joynts and foot-stalks of the Leaves about the bignesse of a Pease of the colour of Holly or Asparagus Berries when they are ripe and containing in them a clear Juice of a crimson colour as deep as any pure fresh bloud which by the heat of the Sun is turned into small red worms little bigger then fleas at the first but being suffered to grow great consume the inner substance of the Berry or Grain creeping away and leaving the Husk or Shel empty which empty Shels are sometimes used when the Berries themselves are not to be gotten The Places and Time The first groweth plentifully in Spain and France the second in Spain and Italy but for their rarity they have been planted in some Gardens of this Land the last groweth not only in divers places of Europe and Asia but also in Africa and America as in Spain Portugall Italy and in that part of France called Provence c. They all flower in May and their fruit is ripe at the end of September The Scarlet graine cometh forth in the middle of April and is gathered in May and June for the use of the Apothecaries and Dyers before the wormes come forth The Temperature The Scarlet graine called Chermes is astringent and somewhat bitter and also dry without sharpnesse The Vertues The Scarlet graine but especially the confection made thereof called Alkermes is not onely commended but also given by Physitians and Midwives very frequently to such Women with Childe as by infirmity or other casualty are apt to miscarry by untimely travell as also to comfort and strengthen them in the time of their Labour for it is so Soveraigne a Cordiall that there is none better though perhaps there be cheaper to fortifie the heart and to revive the fainting Spirits of which there is great need at such times notwithstanding it was chiefly devised in the beginning for the purging of Melancholy which appeareth by that quantity of Lapis Lazuli which is commonly added thereunto and is therefore profitable for those that are troubled with Melancholy passions and sorrow proceeding from no evident cause for it procureth mirth as much as any Physical means whatsoever This noble and famous Composition is also daily commended and used with good successe against the trembling and shaking of the heart and against swounings but then it will be most necessary that the Lapis Lazuli be left out or at least to be very well prepared before it be put in because the sharp and venemons quality wherewith it is endued working upon the Heart and other Entrails many â—â—mes doth morè harme then good It hath been also found to be very effectual for the healing of green Wounds and Sinewes that are cut if the powder of the Berries be tempered with the Syrupe of Vinegar or Vinegar it self and applyed thereunto The manner of reducing them into powder is this When these Graines or Berries are seasonably gathered the people that live in those places where they grow cast them upon a Sheet or some such thing sprinkling them with a little Wine or Vinegar which being born up from the ground by the sides or four corners and set in the hot Sun will have little wormes growing in them as I said before who feeling the heat of the Sun begin to stirre and would creep quite away if there were not one appointed purposely to look unto them with a small Wand or Stick who by striking the sides of the Sheet causeth them to fall down into the middle againe till they be all dead and dryed so sufficiently with the heat of the Sun that they may be easily done into Powder Some use to put them into a Bag or Boulter and shake them in the Sun and sometimes dry them in an Oven and afterwards bring them to the Market and sell them to the Merchants who direct them into all parts where they have good vent for them The Crimson Silke that is appointed in this Confection is not to be that which is dyed after the ordinary manner because they use many things in the doing of it which are not safe to be taken inwardly and therefore some have used to draw a tincture out of the dryed Berries but there is a safer course now devised namely to steep the raw silke that hath had no Art passe upon it in the true Juice of the Chermes Berries which being imbibed and sufficiently coloured the Juice after boiling and streining is fit to be used Both the Pulpe and Shels are used by those of Candy for dying but the richer Dye which is made of the Pulpe is four times dearer then that which is made of the Bladders or Shels CHAP. CCCXVIII Of Ground-pine or Herb Ivie The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ghamaepitys which name the Latines many times use quasi humipinus vel picea it a little resembling the Pine in the forme of the Leaves but more in the smell of the root It is also called in Latine Ajuga but more properly Abiga not ab Abietis odoré because it smels like Firre as Pena thinketh but as most conceive ab abigendo partu procurando abortu Some call it also Thus terrae from its smell others Iva Arthretica or rather Arthrytica because it helpeth the Gout and other Joynt aches It is called in English Herb Ivy Forget me not Ground Pine and Field Cypresse The Kindes Of Ground pine there be these foure sorts 1. The ordinary or Common Ground-pine 2. The sweet Ground-pine 3. Clusius his Ground-pine of Austria 4. Bastard Ground-pine The Forme The Common Ground-pine groweth low seldome rising to be above the height of an hand-breadth shooting forth divers small branches set with slender small long narrow gray whitish Leaves somewhat hairy and divided into three parts many times many bushing together at a Joynt and sometimes also some growing scatteredly upon the Stalkes smelling somewhat strong like unto Rosen or Pitch the Flowers are small and of a pale yellow colour growing from the Joynts of the Stalkes all along amongst the Leaves after which come small long and round Husks the root is small and woody perishing every yeare The Places and Time The first
become halfe foolish by wanting their wits and senses The Leaves dryed and given in powder to drink have the like operation yet in a weaker manner It is thought also that the Berries will procure Sleep being taken at night in Drink The Roots being made into powder and taken in Wine easeth the pain of the Cholick in a short space Crollius saith that the black Berries of the Herb-Paris have the Signature of the Apple of the Eye and therefore the Oyle Chymically extracted from thence is a Remedy so effectuall for all the diseases of the Eyes that it is called by some Anima Oculorum the soule of the Eye It was formerly thought to be very poysonous but Pena and Lobel by their experiments upon two Dogs found not onely that it was not dangerous but that it was effectual to expel the most deadly operation of Sublimatum and Arsenick Having now passed through the three Regions of Mans Body and taken notice of the principall parts thereof together with the Simples thereunto appropriated I come at last by the assistance of God to the Limbes to whose particular Maladies I should have spoken distinctly as I have hitherto to many particular distempers but the time not permitting by reason that the Printer is like to tarry if I make not the more hast I am compelled to be as briefe as I can and therefore I shall onely handle some principall Woundhearbes because the Limbes are more Subject to Wounds then any other part and so conclude CHAP. CCCXXXII Of St. Johns-wort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 super imagines Spectra dominium habeat and therefore some of the Latines as Superstitious as the ancient Greekes have called it Fuga Daemonum supposing it to drive away Devils of which opinion was Paracelsus who called it Solterrestris the terrestriall sunne for the Sun in the firmament doth by its light as some suppose cause all the Spirits of darknesse to vanish so doth this saith he because it is principall of the Solar plants growing upon the Earth It is called Hypericum also in Latine and some call it Perforata or Pâ—rosa from the many holes that are to be seen in the Leaves being held against the light The Kindes I find but seven sorts of Salut Johns wort and therefore I shall put them all down 1. Common Saint Johns wort 2. Small upright Saint Johns wort 3. Small creeping Saint Johns wort 4. Round leafed Saint Johns wort 5. Great woolly Saint Johns wort 6. Small creeping woolly Saint Johns wort 7. Indian Saint Iohns wort with white Flowers The Forme The Common Saint Iohns wort shooteth forth brownish upright hard round stalkes about halfe a yard high spreading divers branches from the sides up to the tops of them having two small leaves set one against another at every place which are of a deep green colour somewhat like unto the leaves of the lesser Centory but narrower and full of holes in every leafe which cannot be so well perceives unlesse they be held up to the light at the tops of the stalks and branches stand yellow flowers made of five leaves a piece with many yellow threds in the middle which being bruised yeeld a reddish juice like bloud after which come small round heads wherein is contained small blackish seed smelling like Rosin the Râ—ot is hard and woody with divers strings and Fibres at it and of a brownish colour which abideth in the ground many yeeres though the stalkes perish every winter The Places and Time The fâ—are first grow in Woods and Copses and divers other places in the borders of fields and higher pasture-grounds in most places of this Land the fift was found neere Salamanca and Valentia in Spaine the sixt is found many times in our owne Countrey the last came from the West-Indies They doe all begin to flower about Midsummer and may therefore haply be called Saint Iohns wort and their seed for the most part is ripe in the end of Iuly and August The Temperature Saint Iohns wort is hot and dry and of thin parts as Galen saith The Signature and Vertues The little holes whereof the leaves of Saint Iohns wort are full doe resemble the pores of the skin and therefore it is profitable for all hurts and wounds that can happen thereunto and also for inward bruises aswell of the bodie and flesh as of the Joynts and Skin if it be made into an Oyle Oyntment or Salve bathe or lotion and used outwardly or boyled in Wine and drunke It hath power to open obstructions to dissolve tumors to consolâ—date or sodder together the Lips of Wounds and to strengthen the parts that are weake and feeble The decoction of Herb and flowers but especially of the seed made in Wine and drunke or the seed made into powder and drunke with the juice of Knot-grasse helpeth all manner of spitting and vomiting of bloud be it by any veine broken inwardly by bruises falls or the like The same helpeth those that are bitten or stung by any venemous Creature and is good for those that are troubled with the Stone in the Kid-neys or cannot make Water and provoketh Womens Courses Two drams of the seed made into powder and drunke in a little broth doth gently expell Choler or congealed bloud in the Stomach The Decoction of the Leaves and Seeds being drunk somewhat warme before the Fits of Agues whether they be quotidians tertians or quartans doth alter the fits and by often using doth drive them quite away The seed is much commended being drunke for fourty dayes together to help the Sciatica the Falling Sicknesse and the Palsy The Oyle of St. Johns-wort is excellent for old Sores and Vlcers aswell as green Woundes in the Legs or else where as also for cramps and aches in the joynts and paines in the Veines and burnings by fire and so is the Juice of the green Leaves being applyed or the powder of the herb strewed thereon CHAP. CCCXXXIII Of Clownes Woundwort The Names IT is thought of some to be of later invention than to have any Greek name yet it is very probable that though the vertues hereof were not throughly discovered till of late it was not onely known formerly but called also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as being a kind thereof because it is of so great efficacy to cure those wounds that are made with Iron and upon this account Thalius calleth it as is supposed Sideritis prima which he termeth gravis admodum odoris It is called in Latine Sideritis Anglica strumosâ radice and Panax Coloni because a Countryman cut his Leg to the bone with a Sithe and healed himself within seaven dayes with nothing but this herb and a little Hoggsgrease made into the forme of a Pultis and for the same reason it is called Clownes Woundwort in English and by some Clownes Alheale but neither Panax nor Allheale doe properly agree with it for though it
be eminent for healing green Wounds yet not for all other diseases as those names import The Forme Clownes Wound-wort groweth up with slender four square green rough Stalks to the height of halfe a yard or two foot surrowed in a little upon every square the joynts standing somewhat farre a sunder with two very long and somewhat narrow dark green Leaves bluntly dented about the Edges and sharp pointed at the end the flowers stand towards the top compassing the stalkes at the joynts as those of Horehound doe but it endeth in a spiked top which Horehound doth not having long and much open gaping hoods of a purplish red colour with whitish spots in them standing in somewhat rough huskes wherein afterwards stand blackish round seeds The root is composed of many long strings with some tuberous long knobs commonly growing amongst them of a pale yellowish or whitish colour the whole plant is of a strong smell somewhat like unto Stinking Horehound The Places and Time Clownes Allheale groweth frequently in most of the Countries of this Land by the sides of severall brooks and ditches and sometimes by the Path-sides and Borders of fields It floureth in August and bringeth its seed to perfection about the end of September The Temperature This kind of Sideritis is hot in the second degree and dry in the first and withal of an earthy quality The Vertues The Leaves of Clownes Wound-wort stamped with Swines grease and applyed unto green Woundes in manner of a Pultis doth heale them in a short time according to the first intention that is by closing up the lips of them without drawing or bringing them to Suppuration or Matter in such absolute manner that it is hard for any one that hath not had the experience thereof to believe It is also very availeable in stanching of bloud and to dry up the Fluxes of humors in old fretting Vlcers Cancers c. that hinder the healing of them Neither is it excellent onely for outward but also for inward Wounds Ruptures of veines bloudy flux spitting pissing or vomiting bloud a syrupe being made thereof and taken now and then a little and so Ruptures or burstings of the belly are speedily even to admiration cured if a Plaister of the Herb or an oyntment of the same be applyed to the place The said Plaister being applyed to any veine that is swollen or Muscle that is cut helpeth it and if there be a little Comfry added to it it will be so much the better CHAP. CCCXXXIV Of Arsmart The Names IT is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hydropiper i. e. Piper aquaticum because one kind of it hath a burning taste like Pepper and Hydropiper in Latine sometimes but generally Perficaria quod folia â—jus Perfica foliis similia sunt because the leaves of it are like unto those of the Peach-tree yet some make this distinction calling the mild or gentle sort Perficaria simply and the other Hydropiper five Perficaria urens in English Water Pepper and Arsmart and in some Countries Red-knees and of some Culrage and Cyderach The Kindes There be foure Sorts of Arsmart growing in our owne Country 1. Dead or Spotted Arsmart 2. Small creeping Arsmart 3. Codded Arsmart or Touchme not 4. Biting Arsmart or Water Pepper The Forme The â—ild or Spotted Arsmart groweth up with Leaves of a middle size both for length and breadth set at the great red joynts of the Stalkes with blackish spots upon them many times almost like a halfe moone but not alwayes the flowers grow in long Spiky heades either of a blush or whitish colour which falling away blackish â—lat seed come in their places The root is long with many fibres thereat perishing yearly this hath no biting tast as the Water Pepper hath which is exceeding hot but is rather like sowre Sorrell or else a little drying or without tast the way of distinguishing one from an other is to breake a leafe of it crosse ones tongue for the biting sort will make the tongue to smart and so will not the other The Places and Time The first groweth very common almost every where in moist and watery Plashes and neer to the brims of Rivers Ditches and running Brooks and sometimes in those Corn-fields that are subject to moisture in the Winter time The second groweth also within the confines of our Countrey and so doth the third but the place thereof is not particularly expressed and therefore some Physick Garden is the surest place to finde them the last is found in like places with the first but not so frequently and is to be known from iâ— by the red spots which it sometimes hath as also by the Diagnostick I have already set down They flower in June and their Seed is ripe in August The Temperature The â—ildâ— or dead Arsmart as it is called is cold and something dry but the Biting Arsmart is hot and dry yet not so hot as Pepper according to Galen The Vertues and Signature The Leaves and Stalkes of the Dead Arsmart being stamped and applyed to green or fresh Wounds doe cool and comfort them exceedingly and keep them from â—â—postumation and inflaâ—mation and so doth the juice of them being dropped thereinto Being applyed in like manner it consumeth all cold swellings and taketh away black and blew markes of the Skin by dissolving the congealed blood happening upon bruises strokes fallâ— c. which is signified by the black spots which are upon the Leaves and being laid to a Joynt that hath a Felon thereon it taketh it away by Signature also A piece of the Root or some of the Seed bruised and held to an aking tooth taketh away the pâ—ine The Juice of it being dropped into the Eares destroyeth the Wormes that are in them and so it is good against deafenesse Two dâ—amms of the powder of the herb taken with a little Vinegar openeth the obstructions of the Liver Being stamped with Wine and applyed to the Matrix it bringeth unto Women their monthly Courses If it be stamped with Rue and Wormwood and all of them fryed together with Butter or Suet and applyed to the Stomach or Bâ—lly it killeth the Wormes in them When a Womans Belly is great and she not with Childe let her boyl of Arsmart Rue and Hyssâ—p of each one handfull in a quart of Ale to the one halfe and drinke thereof first and last it will reduce it to its just measure The distilled Water of the herb mingled with an Oxe Gall and a little Oyle of Spike being annointed upon any place that is troubled with the Gout and a blew woollen cloth laid upon it taketh away the pain thereof Two spoonfulls of the said Water with one of Aqua Vitae being nointed on any place troubled with an Ach for five or sixe dayes taketh it quite away It is said that if a handfull of Arsmart wetted in Water be applyed to a Wound or Sore and afterwards buried in moist ground as the herb rotteth so