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
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
were put into the upper whereat grow on each side a bush of small long Rush like hard leaves each part resembling an Horsetail at the tops of the stalks come forth small Catkins like unto those of Trees the root creepeth under ground having Joynts at sundry places The Places and Time Many of the foresaid sorts grow generally up and down this Land but some of them are not so frequent as others as the smallest and finest Leased Horsetail which groweth in the lower wet grounds in the woods about Highgate not â—ar from London Small party coloured Horsetail or Horsetail Coralline whose leaves being bitten seeme to be composed of Sand from their grating between the teeth groweth on a bog by Smochal a wood nigh Bathe The Stinking Horsetail was found by Mr. William Brown of Magdalen Colledge myself and others in a bog about half a mile from Stockers house in Stow Wood by Oxford by the Road that goeth to Islip You may guesse where the rest grow by their titles they do all spring up with their blackish heads in Aprill and put forth their blooming Catkins in July seeding for the most part in August and then perish down to the ground rising afresh in the Spring The Temperature Horsetail as Galen saith hath a binding faculty with some bitternesse and therefore it doth mightily dry and that without biting The Vertues I know nor where more properly to bestow this plant then in this place it being so effectual to stanch bleedings which most commonly burst forth at the Nose if the Juyce or Decoction thereof be drunk or the Juice Decoction oâ— distilled water applyed outwardly It stayeth also all sorts of Lasks and Fluxes in Man or Woman and pissing of blood it healeth also not only the inward Ulcers and Excoriations of the intralls bladder c. But all other sorts of soul moist and running Ulcers and soon sodereth together the tops of green wounds not suffering them to grow to maturation It cureth also Ruptures in Children quickly but in those that are elder more time is required according to the disposition of the party and the continuance The Decoction hereof in wine being drunk is said to provoke Urine to help the Strangury and the Stone and so doth the distilled water thereof drunk two or three times a day a small quantity at a time as also to ease the paines in the Entralls or Guts and to be effectual against a Cough that cometh by distillation of rheume from the head The Juyce or distilled Water being warmed and hot Inflamma ions Pustules or Red wheales and other such Eruptions in the skin being bathed therewith doth help them and doth no lesse ease the swellings heat and Inflammations of the Fundament and privie parts in Man or Woman and cureth Tetters and Ringworms The fume of it is good to cause children guts to go back into their Body when as through Flux or cold they hang forth and so it stoppeth the immoderate Terms of Women The young buds are dressed by some like Asparagus or being boyled are often bestrewed with flower and fryed to be eaten The smother rather then the Rough and the leafed then the bare is both more used and of better effect in physick CHAP. XXXV Of Shepheards purse The Names THis Plant hath not gotten any name in Greek that I can learn from any Author All Latine Writers that make mention of it call it Bursa or Pera Pastoris and Pastoria Bursa except Gesner who calleth it Thlaspi Fatuum and Castor Durantes Herba Cancri In English it is called Shepheards purse or Scrip from the likenesse the Seed hath with that kind of leatherne bag wherein Shepherds carry their Victualls into the field of some Shepherds pouch and poor mans Parmacety it being in some sort effectual for the same things that Parmacety is and in the North part of England Toywort Pickpurse and Caseweed and of some Clappedepouch The Kinds These were formerly but two sorts of Shepherds purse known but Bauhinus maketh paticular relation of two more which are the second and last so that there are four kinds in all 1. The greater common Shepherds purse 2. Great Shepherds purse with whole leaves 3. Small Shepherds purse 4. Hairy Mountain Shepherds purse The Forme The Common Shepherds purse hath divers small and long leaves somewhat deeply cut-in on both sides like Rocket of a pale green colour most commonly spread upon the Ground amongst which riseth up a small round stalk parted into sererall branches some of which are sometimes about two handfulls high have smaller and lesse divided leaves on them to the tops where grow many white flowers one above another after which follow flat whitish pouches or Seâ—d Vessels small at the bottoms broad at the heads and parted like the Thlasâ— aâ—â—ost in form of an heart in each side whereof lyeth a small brownish yellow sâ—â—d the root is small and white and perisheth after seed-time but ariseth of the scattered seed the same or the next year The Places and Time The greater and lesser sorts that have cut leaves are frequent in every place with us in England but the other two whose leaves are whole do not grow wild here yet in Germany Mompelier and Italy they do as Bauhinus and Thalius affirm They flower and seed all Summer long yea so quick some of them are that they flower and seed twice in every year The Temperature Shepherds purse is cold and dry and very much binding after the Opinion of Ruellius Matthiolus and Dodonaeus but Label and Pena finding a little heat upon the sharp taste of the flowers and seeds do judge it not to be cold at all but drying and astringent The Vertues This Plant also being a stopper of blood doth in a manner require this place because the nose is the Organ through which the blood doth commonly make its way and sometimes continueth so long that unless it be timely prevented it endangereth the life For remedying of which distemper it may be used by holding the hands full of it or by binding it about the neck by using it in meats or by applying it with Vineger and water to the secret parts The decoâ—â—ion thereof drunk stoppeth the Lask the Bloody Flux spitting blood pissing blood the Flowers and all other issues of blood most excellently well howsoever it be taken but especially with red Wine or Plantain water Some do hold that the green Herb bruised and bound to the wrests of the hands and soles of the feet will help the yellow Jaundice the Herb bruised and laid Pultis-wise upon Inflammations St. Anthonies fire or the like represseth them The juyce dropped into mattering or running eares helpeth them it closeth the lips of green wounds and is of great effect being made into a Salve for wounds in the Head The juyce thereof being drunk helpeth the straitness of the breath and the Strangury it stoppeth Rheum and provoketh Urine It is very prevalent against venomous bitings if it
cool any heat or Inflammation upon any hurt or wound and easeth the paines of them as also to heal Scaldings and Burnings the Juyce thereof beaten with some Sallet Oyl and anointed The leaf also bruised and laid to any green wound in the hands or Leggs doth heal them The root helpeth Ruptures and Burstnesse by Signature the tuberous and glandulous Cloggs being not much unlike those hard swellings or falling down of the Cuts into the Cods CHAP. LXIX Of Pellitory of the Wall The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Helxine quód foliorum seminâ—â—â— hirsutiae vestibus adhaereat and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod perdices eâ libenter vescantur in Latine also Helxine but not Cissampâ—llâ—s Perdicum Perdicaria of Partridges which sometimes feed hereof and Urceolaris Vitrigo or Vitriolaris herba because the roughnesse thereof serves to cleanse either pots or Glasses but it is commonly called Parietaria or by a corrupt word Pariraria because it groweth upon or neer Walls and for the same cause it is named of divers Muralium Herba Muralis in English Pellitory of the Wall not that it hath any correspondency with Pellitory of Spain but corruptly instead of Paritary which was so called from Parietaria the English as well as other Countries imitating the Latine but somebody forgetting the word Paritary called it Pellitory which name it doth still retain and of the Wall is added to distinguish it from the other howsoever The Kindes There be but two sorts of Pellitory of the Wall 1. Common Pellitory of the Wall 2. Small Pellitory of the Wall The Forme The Common Pellitory of the Wall riâ—eth up with many brownish red tender and weak clear and almost transparent stalks not above a foot high at most that ever I saw upon which grow at the several joynts two leaves like unto those of French Mercury or Amaranthus called flower gentle but not so big of a dark green which afterwards turn brownish not dented at all but smooth on the Edges rough and hairy as the Stalks are also at the joynts with the Leaves from the middle of the stalks upwards stand many small pale purplish flowers in hairy or somewhat rough heads or husks after which come small black and rough seed which will stick to any Garment or Cloath though not so easily as some report The root is somewhat long with many small Fibres annexed thereunto of a dark reddish colour which abideth the Winter although the stalks with the Leaves do commonly perish and spring afresh every year The Places and Time The first groweth wild generally throughout the Land neer or upon old walls in the moist corners of Churches and stone buildings amongst rubbish and such like places from whence those that have a mind may bring it into their Gardens where being planted in the shade it will grow and increase so much that after a while it will not easily be gotten out The other groweth naturally in few places but in Constance in Germany They flower in June and July and the seed is ripe soon after The Temperature Pellitory of the Wall is counted by most to be cold and moist but surely it is hot otherwise it could not be so effectuall against winde and the Stone unlesse it be by a Specifick Vertue The Vertues The dryed Herb in powder made up with Hony into an Electuary or the juyce of the herb or the Decoction thereof made up with Sugar or Honey is a singular remedy for an old or dry Cough the shortness of breath and wheesing in the Throat The Decoction of the herb with a little honey added thereto is good to gargle a fore throat and being drunk without honey it easeth the paines of the Muther and bringeth down Womens Courses it also easeth those griess that arise from obstructions of the Liver Spleen and Reins the juyce held in the mouth easeth the Tooth-ach and three ounces thereof taken at a time doth wonderfully help the stopping of the Urine and to expell the Stone or Grayel in the Kidneys or Bladder and is therefore put among herbs used in Clysters to mitigate pains in the Back Sides or Bowells proceeding of wind stopping of Urine the Gravel or Stone as aforesaid If the bruised herb sprinkled with some Muscadine be warmed upon a Tile or in a dish upon a few quick Coales in a Chasingdish and applyed to the Belly it worketh the same effect A pultis made hereof with Mallows being boyled in Wine with wheat Bran and Bean Flower and some Oyl put thereto and applyed warm to any bruised Sinew Tendon or Muscle doth in very short time restore them to their strength and taketh away the pains of bruises and dissolves the congealed blood of any beatings or falls from high places The juyce or the disâ—illed Water which is useful for many of the purposes aforesaid is excellent also to cleanse the skin from Spots and Freckles Purples Wheales Sun-burn Morphew c. and maketh it smooth and delicate The said water or juyce doth asswage hot Impostumes burnings or scaldings as also all other hot tumours or Inflammations be it St. Authonies fire or any other Eruptions of heat being bathed often in wet Cloathes dipped therein or the said juyce made into an Oyntment with Cerusse and Oyl of Roses and anointed therewith which doth also cleanse foul rotten Ulcers and stayeth creeping Ulcers and running Scabs in Childrens heads and helpeth also to stay the falling off the hair of the head c. The Leaves mixed with Oyl of sweet Almonds in manner of a Pâ—ltis and laid to the pained parts is a good help for them that are troubled with the Stone or with wind and gripings The juyce dropped into the Ears easeth the Noise and hummings in them and taketh away the pricking and shooting paines in them The juyce or the herb bruised and applyed with a little salt is very effectuall to cleanse Fistulaes and to heal them It is likewise very effectual for any green wound that is if it be bruised and bound thereto for three daies you need no other medicine or salve to heal it CHAP. LXX Of Wheat The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Triticum quod tritum ex spicis sit because it is threshed out of the Ears as Varro saith as also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Frumenium à fruendo id est vescâ—ndo quod Culmus extulit because we do injoy this Noble Grain more the any it being the best to make bread which is the Staffe of Mans life There was a sort of it amongst the Ancients called Robus which though some have taken to be the same with bare or naked White Wheat yet it is more probable that red Wheat is meant thereby being so called à rubore grani The Kinds Me thinks Mr. Parkinson who was a Man so exquisitely experienced in the form of all sorts of Vegetables should not be so mistaken in so common
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
it in milk sweet wine or Oxymel and drink it or gargle therewith It is good also for the inflammations and sores of the jawes and Windpipe and likewise against the Jaundise and sounding besides it openeth the Liver Against the Jaundise and stopping of the Liver and the severall diseases that may come thereof drink a dram of the seed and a half penny weight of Saffron with Wine and be laid well covered to sweat The juyce of Columbines being drunk in the beginning of a Phrensie and the party use Pottage of Sage Valerian or Rue it helpeth him The decoction both of the Herb and Root being made in white Wine and some Ambergrise put thereto is with good successe used by those that are given to swoâ—â—ings Camerarius saith that the Root eaten for many dayes together in the morning fasting helpeth those that are troubled with the Stone in the Reines or Kidneys The seed taken in Wine causeth a speedy delivery to Women in Child-birth and if the first draught do not take effect take a second and thâ—â— will The seeds drunk with Featherfew in stale Ale causeth those Joynts that are broken to knit again with the greater speed and the juyce with wheat-Meal applyed warm dryeth up moist humors in Boyles and Sores Seeing there is another Plant somewhat like in Forme to Columbines I have thought fit to set it downe here at the foot of this Chapter after them as not meeting with a fiâ—â—er place IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thalictrum Thalietrum from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vireo from the livelinesse of the green colour of the young Leaves and so it is called in Latine as also Pseudorhabarbarum Bastard Rubarbe both because the Roots of it are yellow and from its purging and binding quality both joyned together as in the true Rubarbe Others call it Ruta pratensis because the Leaves are a little like Rue But in English it is most commonly called Meadow Rubarbe of which there be two sorts 1 Meadow Rubarbe 2 Spanish Meadow Rubarbe The ordinary Meadow Rubarbe or Meadow Rue as some will have it is of a middle size between Columbines and Rue that I need not say any more thereof It growes in divers Meadowes and particularly in that between Oxford and Isley The Spanish Meadow Rubarbe though it be most frequent in Spaine yet it growes in England also about Marget They flower about July They are a little hot and drying withall and therefore as Dioscorides saith being bruised and applyed to old Sores it bringeth them to a perfect cure and the distilled Water of the Herbs and Flowers doth the like some use to put this herb amongst other Pot-herbs to help to move or open the belly or make it soluble but the Roots washed clean and boyled in Ale and drunk doth provoke to the Stool more then the Leaves but yet very gently The decoction of the Roots is very much commended for the destroying of Lice and Vermine if the body of the party so affected be well washed therewith CHAP. LXXVII Of Cudweed The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gnaphalium and so likewise the Latine because the Ancients used it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is instead of flocks which come from Cloth by the dressing of the Fuller to stuff their Beds with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek signifying to dresse Cloth as Fullers do or sheare or toase wooll It hath also divers other Latine Names as Centunculus and Centuncularis from Cento which in Latine signifies a covering made with course Wooll or Flocks whereunto this Plant hath so much likenesse Tomentum Tomentaria Tomentitia Cottonaria sive Bombax humilis especially the Sea-kind Filago and Herba impia Herb Impious because no Beast will tast thereof as Pliny saith as also that it was called Camaezelon as some Copies have it or rahter Camaexylon the low Bombast or Cotton-Plant and Albinum from the whiteness In English it is called Cudweed or Cottonweed The Kindes The Sorts of Cudweed which I meet with are ten 1. Our great common Cudweed 2. The lesser Cudweed or Herb Impious 3. Another lesser Cudweed 4. The lesser broad leafed Cudweed 5. Small leaning Cudweed 6. The great Cudweed of America commonly called Livelong or life everlasting 7. Mountain Cudweed or Cats-foot 8. Sweet smelling white flowred Cudweed 9. The greater German Cudweed 10. Sea Cudweed or Cotton-weed The Forme The common Cudweed riseth up but with one stalk sometimes and sometimes two or three thick set on all sides with small long and narrow whitish or woolly Leaves from the middle of the stalk almost to the top from amongst which do grow small Flowers of a dun or brownish yellow colour like those of the small Conyza or Fleabane in the Heads of which after the Flowers are fallen commeth small Seed wrapped up with the Down therein and is carried away with the wind the Root is small and threddy The Places and Time The three first grow every where almost in this Land especially in barren dry sandy and gravelly Grounds The Mountain Cudweed hath been found in Scosby Leas near Donkester and in Sherewood Forrest near Bescot Park path and no where else The sweet smelling white flowred Cudweed groweth on a goodly Heath by Barneck the rest are found in the like places beyond the Seas onely the last is found upon the West Sea-Coasts of our Land in divers places as well as in others although smaller which maketh it to seem another sort They do all flowre about July and their Seed is ripe in August The Temperature These Herbs are all of them astringent or of a binding or drying quality The Vertues Pliny saith that the Juyce of the Herb Impious or lesser Cudweed taken in Wine or Milk is a Soveraign against the Mumps and Quinsey and further saith that it is marvellous what is reported of it that whosoever shall take it shall never be troubled with that Disease again Cudweed is also profitable for Defluxions of Rheum from the Head into any other part and to stay Fluxes of blood wheresoever either at the Nose or mouth or by siege which is the Bloody Flux and easeth the torments that come thereby the decoction being made into red Wine and drunk or the Powder taken therein It stayeth also the immoderate Courses of Women and is also good for inward or outward Wounds hurts and bruises as the Western Country people do daily find by experience and helpeth Children of burstings and the Worms and the Disease called Tenasmus which is an often supposed provocation to the stool and doing nothing to be either drunk or injected or otherwise The green Leaves bruised and layd or bound to any green wound stayeth the bleeding and healeth it up quickly the Decoction or Juyce thereof doth the same and doth help all old and filthy Ulcers quickly Most of them also may be used for a week in Lamps c. to
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
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
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-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
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
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
modern Writers backed with daily experience do sufficiently testifie that it is appropriated to the Liver both for the opening the obstructions thereof and then for cleansing and strengthening it so that there is no plant so 〈…〉 raly applicable for all diseases that proceed from the Liver as this For it helpeth the Iaundisâ— both black and yellow being boyled in Wine or Water with other ingredients that correct and strengthen the Liver as Horehound Elecampone Buglosse Rubarb Lign-Aloes c. And so likewise for the severall kinds of Dropsies it is frequently used in Diet Drinks It is good also for the Bowels and healeth their inward woundings bruises or hurts and quaâ—iâ—â—eth aâ—l inward distempeâ— that grow therein being boiled in wine and drunk and so it is effectual for those that are stung or bitten by Serpents and helps them that have soul troubled and bloody waters making them to pisse clear very â—peediâ—y and is usefull in long continued fluxeâ— of the Liver eâ—pecially in old people It is good 〈◊〉 the Srangury and helpeth also the Collick the pâ—th the Cougâ— câ—eâ—nâ—th the Breast A dâ—light of the Decoction taken beâ—ore the fit of an Ague first removes â— and afterwards rids it quire away the Leaves and Seeds 〈◊〉 the bloody flux being taken in Wine The Roots or Leaves boiâ—ed in Wine helpe such as have the Palsy It is accounted a good Herb as questionlesse it is against the Spleen being stopt as also against the Pestilence and biting of a mad Dog The Leaves and root are good for those which are troubled with the Green Sicknesse The distilled water of the Herb is good for all the said purposes but worketh not altogether so effectually as the Decoction thereof Being stamped with Hogs-grease and applyed it helpeth old Sores Cancers and inveterateâ— Ulcers for it cleanseth them and afterwards healeth them and so it draweth forth the corrupt â—â—ater that sometimes happeneth to gather under the Nailes and easeth the aking and maketh the â—ailes to grow againe in case they come off Being used after the some manner it draweth forth thornes Splinters of Wood or such like when they are gotten into the flesh The juyce dropped into impostumated ears causeth them to send forth that which opprâ—sseth them and being mingled with Vinegar it taketh away warts being laid thereunto The distilled water cureth Ulcers and 〈◊〉 of the mouth and throat being gargled or washed therewith The Hemplikâ—â—grimour it good for many of the purposes aforesaid and further it provoketh Urine and the naturall Courses of women and boyled with Fumitory in Whey drunk it helpeth Scabs the Itch which proceeds of salt sharp humors especially if the juice be â—ixed with Vinegar and the outward parts be bathed therewith The Juâ—ce being drunk is held to be very effectuall for curing the Leprosy if it be taken in the beginning and to kill the Wormes if the Leaves be but steeped in drink and taken The â—moak of the herb being burnt drives away Gnats Plyes Wasps c If Countrey people give it to their Cattle when they are troubled with the Cough or broken-Wâ—nded it will cure them and it is said that Deere being wounded cure themselves by eating hereof Mr. Culpepper who seldome hit the Naile on the head as to the matter of Plants attributes the Vertues of Water-Hampe to Water Agrimony which are two distinct things as those which are acquainted with simples can easily tell CHAP. CLXXX Of Liver-Wort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lichen either because of its vertue in curing the Tetter or Ring-Worme which the Greeks call Lichen or for that it doth as it were â—ick thoâ—e stones whereon it groweth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying to sick It is called also Lichen in Lâ—tine and aâ—so Jecoraria either from the simiâ—itude that the 〈◊〉 thereof have with the Fibres of the Liver which is the Signature thereof or else from helping the diseases of the Liver or both Some call it Heâ—patica but that name is more uâ—ually understood of the noble Liver-Wort which is prized more for pâ—eâ—ure to the senses then for helping any disease The Kinds Though the Common Liver-wort be that which is of most use yet I shall according to my custome give you all the sorts thereof which are seaven 1 Common ground Liver-wort 2. Small-ground Liver-wort 3 Cluster-headed Liverwort 4 Liver-wort with a hooded head 5. Small Liver-wort with skinny Heeles 6. The smallest Liver-wort without Stalkes 7. Corke or Archal or Darbyshire Liver-wort The Forme The Common-Liver-wort groweth close and spreadeth much upon the ground and stony places which many sad greene Leaves lying or rather as it were sticking flat one unto another very unevenly cut in on the edges and crumpled from among which rise small slender Stalks an inch or two high at the most bearing small start-like flowers at the tops the Roots are very fine and small whereby it liveth The Places and Time They all grow in moist and shadowy places somtimes upon the ground as the Common sort doth in the Garden of John Smith by Adderbury Church-Yard sometimes at the heads of Springs as it doth at Runghill-well in the Mill-mead of the Town aforesaid and somtimes upon the stones of the inside of Welles as it doth in the Physick Garden at Oxâ—n Corck or Archall groweth upon the Free-stones of the Mountaines in Darbyshire It is greene all the yeare long and bringeth forth its Flowers oftentimes in June and July The Temperature Liver-wort must needs be cold and dry and somewhat binding for the growing in moist places maketh it col and upon stones maketh it dry and astringent The Signature and Vertues That rare discoverer of Signatures Oswald Crollius treating of those plants that are proâ—â—table to the Liver by Signature sets down this both for the â—miâ—itude the Fibres of this Plant and those of the Liver have one with another and the eminent Vertues it hath in all distempers of the Liver and therefore is put into Dyet-drink with Mayden haire Agrimony Harts-Tongue c to coole and cleanse it as often as occasion serves and heâ—peth also inflammations in any part and the yellow Jaundise likewise Or being bruised and boyâ—ed alone in small beere and drunk it cooleth the heat of the Liver and Kidneys and helpes the running of the Reines in Men and the Whites in Women It is likewise very good in the Hectick Feavour and in all other Feavours and Agues proceeding of Choâ—er as also in the Scab Tetter and all other unkind heates proceeding from the Liver as Whiteloves blaines blisters c taking away the cause of them if it be taken inwardly and boyled in Posset-drink and taken it helpeth bleeding at the nose which being suffered to coole quencheth the inflammations of the Tongue Being stamped with Hogs-greafe and applyed it healeth all manner of Sores but especially Tetters Ringwormes and other fretting Ulcers for which it is a singular remedy The water
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
white within and of a good savour White Saxâ—frage groweth with divers round faint or yellowish greene Leaves but grayish underneath spread upon the ground unevenly dented about the edges and somwhat hairy every one upon a little footstalke from whence riseth up a round brownish hairy greene stalke about a foot-high with a few such like round Leaves as grow below but smaller somwhat branched at the top whereon stand pretty large white flowers of five Leaves a peece with some yellow Threds in the middle standing in a long crested brownish greene husk which being past there ariseth somtimes a round hard head biforked at the top wherein is contained small blackish seed the Root is compact of a number of black strings whereunto are fastned many small reddish graines or round rootes about the bignesse of Pepper-cornes which are used in Medicine and called by the Apothecaries white Saxifrage seed and is that which is truly meant by though not so truly said of it Golden Saxifrage is most like unto the before described yet it differeth therefrom in that the Leaves are not hairy but somwhat thicker and of a darker greene colour amongst which rise up Stalkes in handfull high with such Leaves on them as grow below two at a Joynt but three at the top of all whereas also at the Joynts do come forth very small gold yellow flowers not easily observed and seldome seen with them because they fall away so quickly after which come small round heads wherein is contained small round reddish seed the Root is compâ—â—ed of a number of small strings or Fibres Burnet Saxifrage groweth up with divers stalkes of winged Leaves set one against another each being somewhat broad and a little pointed and dented about the edges of a sad greene colour at the tops of the stalkes stand 〈…〉 s of white flowers after which comes small and blackish seed The root is long and whitish The Places and Time The first groweth almost in every Medow and therefore it is called Medow Parsly yet it somtimes growes in up and ground the second was found by Mr. Goodyer on a boggy ground below the red Well of Welling borough in Norhamptonshire the third by Lobel between Chipnam and Marleborough in the High-way between London and Bristow on a Chalky Hill the fourth groweth very pâ—entifully in a feild immediately below the Abby Orchard at St. Albons anâ— in many other places the silt in moist and marish places about Bath and Wâ—lles and in the Moores by Boston and Wisbich in Lincolneshire the sixth seventh and eâ—ght grow in divers Meadows and Pastures-grounds of this Land the last groweth upon barren hills and sometimes upon Walls The first flowreth from the beginning of May to the end of August the second and third â—omwhat later the fourth in April or May at the furthest when it is gathered for that which is called the seed as well as to distill for it perisheth soon after the fifth in March and April the rest about July and their Seed is ripe in August The Temperature All the aforementioned sorts are hot and dry in the third degree except the Golden Saxifrage which is cold of temperature as the tast declareth The Vertues and Signature The seeds and rootes of Saxifrage or Medow Parsly boiled in White-Wine and the dâ—â—oction drunk breaketh the Stone in the Bladder and Kidnâ—es hel 〈…〉 the strangury and cauâ—eth one to make Water freely which also bringeth down Womens Courses and expelleth the Secondine and dead Child The root dryed and maâ—e into Powder and halfe a dram or a dram taken with Sugar comfoâ—teth and warmeth the Stomack cureth the gnawâ—ngs and griping paines oâ— the belly caleth the Cholick also and expelleth Wind. The Cheshire Women put it amongst the Râ—mnes that they put into their Cheese as a Country-man of theirs reporteth The distilled Water is much in use with Nurses to give unto their Children against the stopping of their Urine and to ease the griping paines in their belly which they usually calâ— the Frets It is used outwardly in Bathes and Fomentations to provoke Urine and to ease the paines of the Belly proceeding from Wind. The seed or rather the root of the white Saxifrage cureth the Stone by signature as the learned Crâ—llius hath observed and is singular good against the strangury and stoppings of the Kidneys and Bladder the Powder of them being drunk in Wine or the decoction made of them The distilled Water of the whole herb rootes and flowers which is as effectuall in a manner is familiarly taken by those that have need thereof for any of the purposes aforesaid as also to clense the Stomack and Lungs from tough and thick Phlegme that troubleth it and causeth it more easily to be avoided It is not probable that the Golden Saxifrage hath any operation upon the Stone because of its insipide tast unlesse it be by a specifick Vertue yet I mentioned it because it is esteemed as a rarity The Burnet Saxifrages have the same properties that the others have both in provoking Urine and easing the paines thereof as also in expelling Wind and helping the Cholick the roots or seed being used in Powder decoction or any other way which are likewise effectuall for the windy paines of the Mother to procure Womens Courses to break and avoid the stone in the Kidneys and to digest cold viscous and tough Phlegme in the Stomack and is an especiall remedy against all kind of Venom The rootes hereof dryed are as hot as Pepper and may be used for the same being much more wholesome as Tragus saith The same in Powder with the Powder of the Seeds and Sugar purgeth the braine helpeth the Tooth-ach restoreth lost speech and is good for Convulsions Cramps Apoplexies and cold feavers and so is the distilled water wherein Castoreum hath been boiled which is profitable also for the Palsy and many other cold griefes The same drunk with wine and Vinegar cureth the Plague and being holden or chewed in the mouth it preserveth from the Infection when the aire is corrupted The seed made into Comfits like unto those of Caraway are effectuall for all the purposes aforesaid and so is the distilled water sweetned with Sugar though not in so powerfull a manner as the former which water also beautifieth the face by cleansing it from all Spots and Freckels and leaving a good colour The juyce of the Leaves doth the same and being dropped into the grievous wounds of the Head or any other place dryeth up the moisture and healeth them quickly The distilled water alone or with Vinegar being put into the eyes cleareth the sight exceedingly I conceive I have given to every sort its due properties notwithstanding I find all or most of them attributed to Saxifrage in general and no doubt when one sort is not to be had the other may serve as substitutes they being promiscuously used by divers CHAP. CCXIII. Of Dropwort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
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
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
away there succeed round heads which is smal and of a brownish colour The Root consisteth of a great number of fibres or stringes which being fastened to the bottome of the stalk feedeth it with sufficient nutriment in the Summer but not in the Winter for then the stalk perisheth The Places and Time The first groweth in our Land as frequently as any Plant whatsoever by Brooks and other Water-courses but is seldome found for from the Water side unlesse it hath been purposely removed into a Garden or so The second groweth in the like places of Germany about Basil and will abide in Gardens if it be brought thither for rarity sake They flower in July and August and their seed is ripe shâ—rtly after The Temperature It is said that Water-Betony is hot and dry but the operations that proceed therefrom do speak it rather to be of a cold quality The Vertues Mr. Langbam a well experienced and industrious Practitioner of Physick in his Garden of Health doth in divers places of that Chapter which he writes concerning Water-Betony commend it for the Piles or Hemorrhoides whether the Root be eaten or stamped and applyed thereunto or the Leaves and Seed-cases bruised and applyed outwardly likewise or the Powder of it drunk or strewed thereon The Leaves Stalkes Seed Root or Juyce are likewise good to wast and dissolve any other swelling or hardnesses in any part whatsoever being stamped with Vinegar and applyed Morning Noon and Night The leavs only stamped and applyed to old rotten corrupt spreading and fretting sores and Pocks healâ—th them and Canckers also being applyed with Salt The juyce being pressed forth of the whole herb and drunk helpeth those that spit blood or are troubled with any Flux or excesse of Flowers or bleeding at the Nose and driveth out the botch in the Throat A dram of the seed drunk in Wine is effectuall to expell all sorts of Wormes out of the Belly or parts adjacent and so it is a remedy against venemous bitings The said seed taken in Wine with Myrrhe and Pepper is very good for the Sciatica The Leaves or Seed-cases bruised and applyed unto fresh sores healeth and skinneth them and so it doth rotten sores swellings and Lepry and so doth the juyce of the whole Herb and Root taken in May and kept in a close glasse for your use which must be ordered in this manner as often as need is Take thereof with Wax and Oyl of each a like quantity which boyled till it be an Oyntment will be fit for the purpose The juyce boyled with a little Honey and tents dipped therein are very effectual to cure such sores as are dressed therewith whether they be old or fresh and is good for bruises and hurts whether inward or outward The herb alone sodden in Spring Water quencheth all unkind heats without danger and exceedeth all other Medicines for the Lepry Scab Itch Boyles Wheales Pushes c. and the stamped Leaves and Creame are used for the same purposes The distilled Water of the Leaves is available for many of the like uses as also to bath the face and hands that are discoloured by the sun or have any spots or blemishes thereon as also for any rednesse or high colour of the face The said Water or the juyce of the Leaves mixed with a little Brimstone and Salt-Peter taketh away the ach of the eyes and the seed mixed with honey and applyed to the forehead stoppeth the running of them and the juyce of it and Comfrey removeth the dulnesse of them Those parts which serve for Nutrition being thus spoken to as also those that are subservient to them I shall now without saying any thing more of such Plants as might be referred to the last Transition passe unto those parts which are ordained for Generation and first I shall speak of such Simples as provoke Lust Secondly of such as abate Lust Thirdly of such as provoke Womens Courses Fourthly of such as stop Womens Courses Fifthly of such as help the Disease called the Mother and other effects of the Wombe Sixthly of such as are profitable for Ruptures And Seventhly of such as help the Diseases of the Privy Members to every of which Heads I shall appropriate divers Plants and speak to them in order And first to those which provoke Lust of which there may be some occasion to persons that are married and destitute of Children single persons having more need to observe the next head then this CHAP. CCLXVII Of the Artichocke Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Scolymus of Dioscorides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cactos of Theophrastus and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cynara and Cinara of divers others which last name is by the Poets derived either from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Canis because when King Locrus enquired of the Oracle where he should build a Citty the Oracle answered in that place where he should be bit by the Leg with a Wooden Dog who hurting his Leg with a wild Articoock as he passed by understood that that was the Woodden Dog which the Oracle meant and so he built the City there where it grew Or from Cinara who being a fair Maid was turned into an Artichock It is called also in Latine Cinara and so one would have it to be originally so deriving it a Cinerâ— either because it delighteth to be danged with Ashes or because the Leaves are of an Ash colour The Kindes There be severall sorts of Artichocks 1 The red Artichock 2 The white Artichock 3 The French Artichock 4 The Thistle Artichock 5 The Chardon 6 The wild Artichock of Candy The Formes The Artichock hath divers great large and long hollowed Leaves much cut in or as it were torn on both the edges of a whitish green colour from whence riseth up a strong thick and round stalk covered many times with a thin skin like unto down bearing at the top one scaly head somewhat like unto a Pine Apple at first but afterwards the scales become more separated yet in the best kinds they stare not much being either of a reddish brown whitish or greenish colour in some broad at the ends in others sharp or prickly after the said head hath been suffered to stand a long while in some there will break forth at the top thereof many blewish purple thrums or threads under which groweth the seed amongst the choaky or downy substance in the middle of the head and under that the edible substance which is most commended The Root spreadeth it selfe in the ground reasonable well yeelding divers heads of Leaves or suckers whereby it is increased if so be the head be cut of before it flower otherwise it will hardly abide the next Winter The Places and Time The two first have been so long planted in Gardens that their naturall place is no where expressed by any Author The third seemeth by its name to have been brought out of France to us but whether
use in â—â—king Cordage We in English call it Hâ—mpâ— and sometimes Welsh Paâ—slâ—â— and Nâ—â—k weed but these are but Nick Nâ—mes The Kindes Though custome hath caused the barâ—en Hempâ— to be called the Female and that which beares Sâ—â—d to be the Male yet I see no reason for it they being from the same Seed and therefore must be of the same kind howsoever there be two sorts hereof 1 Common Hemp. 2 Virginian Hempe The Forme The common Hemp which is that which is manured both Male and Female riseth up out of the ground after the same manner neither can they be distinguished till they come to be well growne and then the Female as they call it which is ripe and must be pulled first is easily knowne from the other by the fewnesse of its Leaves which are smaller and of a lighter green colour then the other but the Male hath the stronger stalks with a more bushy head and greater Leaves of a dark green colour The Female beareth flowers and no feed followeth the Male beareth seed without any shew of flowers and endureth longer before it be ripe They both rise up to be five or six foot high if the ground wherein they grow be rank but not otherwise with many Leaves set thereon at distances which are subdivided into divers others yet standing upon one foot stalk somewhat like unto the Leaves of Bastard Hellebore or Bears foot but more dented about the edges The seed is contained in divers husked bunches coming from the bottom of the Leaves which being prepared and make fit to be threshed it cometh forth being almost round with a somewhat hard shell under which lieth a kernell of a white substance The Roots are made of many strong strings which take fast hold in the ground so that they are very troublesome to pull up unlesse the ground be mellow or presently afâ—er rain yet they die and perish every year The Places and Time The first is sowne in most Counties of this Land but not so frequently in some as in others yet wheresoever it â—is it delights in a well dunged and watery soyle which must be either plowed or digged deep or else it thriveth not It is sowne in March or April and riseth out of the ground within few dayes after it is committed thereunto making its way through Cloth Shooe Soales or any such thing that lies over it The Female Hemp is ripe in July and therefore called Summer Hemp the Male in September when the Winter approacheth and therefore it is called Winter Hemp. The Temperature There be some that speak Hemp to be cold and dry but the major part of Writers are of opinion that it is hot and dry The Vertues The Seed of Hemp used frequently is good for those which are troubled with a thorn in the flesh for besides that it consumeth windinesse it doth so much disperse it that it dryeth up the naturall Seed of procreation therewith Being boyled in Milk and taken it helpeth such as have a dry and hot Cough as Tragus saith An Emulsion made of the Seed is given with good successe to those that have the Jaundise especially in the beginning of the disease if there be no Ague accompanying it for it openeth the Obstruction of the Gall and causeth digestion of Choller therein A decoction of the said Seed stayeth Laskes and Fluxes that are continuall easeth the pains of the Chollick and allayeth the troublesome humours in the Bowels An Hempseed Posset with some Nutmeg procureth Sleep being taken bedward The Leaves fryed with some of the blood of those who bleed exceedingly and eaten stayeth the issuing out thereof whether it be at the Mouth Nose or any other place The juyce of the Leaves are held to be very effectuall to kill worms either in Man or Beast and being dropped into the eares it killeth the worms that are in them and draweth forth Eare-wigs or other living Creatures gotten into them The decoction of the Root allayeth Inflammations in the Head or any other parts and so doth the Herb it self or the distilled Water thereof The said decoction easeth the pains of the Gout the hard tumors or knots in the joynts the pains and shrinking of the Sinewes and the pains of the Hip The fresh juyce mixed with a little Oyl and Butter is good for any place that hath been burnt with fire being thereto applyed Notwithstanding these Vertues it is said to be hard of digestion hurtfull to the Head and Stomack and breedeth ill blood and juyce and in the body if it be taken without discretion Concerning the gathering shocking threshing watering peeling or stripping braking dressing and spinning of Hemp I dare not be too particular lest I should be contradicted by every Country Huswife every of which doth very well know that the Summer Hemp affordeth most Teere as they call it and maketh the siner Cloth for Shirts Smocks Aprons Table Cloths and such like necessary uses and that the Winter Hemp hath in it more Hards which being Spun serveth for Sheets Dresser-Cloths and the like The Cordage that is made of the rough Hemp is not altogether inconsiderable for by it Ships are guided Bels are rung Rogues are kept in awe Beds are corded c. Nay the Rags of the old Cloth that is made of Hemp serve to make Paper which is as usefull a commodity as any whatsoever And if there be any one that is not sufficiently satisfied with these uses of Hemp and Hempseed let them read the Works of John Taylor the Water Poet who hath written very much in the praise of Hempseed CHAP. CCLXXXII Of the Water Lillie The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine also Nymphaea because it loveth to grow no where but in the Water which the Greeks sometimes call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 though that word hath other significations also or rather from the Story though fabulous for many of purplants have received names upon such accounts of the Nymph which pind away for the love of Hercules and was changed hereinto It is called by the Apothecaries Nenuphar by Apuleius Mater Herculara Algapalustris Papaver palustre Clavus Veneris and Digitus by Maâ—cellus Clava Hâ—rculis Some have called it in English the Water Rose as well as the Water Lilly The Kindes Of the Water Lillies both white and yellow there be seven sorts 1 The great common white water Lilly 2 The lesser white water Lilly 3 Small white water Lilly commonly called Froybit 4 The great white water Lilly of Egypt 5 The great yellow water Lilly 6 The smaller yellow water Lilly 7 Small yellow water Lilly with lesser flowers The Forme The great common white water Lilly hath very large round Leaves in the shape of a buckler thick fat full of juyce and of a dark green colour which standing upon long round and smooth foot-stalks full of a sponglous substance alwayes flote upon the water seldome or never growing above it from
this disease chanceth not only to Men but also to Women in whom it is hard to cure Two drams of the seed beaten small being taken in the morning or after Supper either in Meade Wine or fair Water purgeth cholerick humors and therefore it helpeth the Sciatica or Hip-Goat The herb healeth burnings by fire and stayeth the bleeding of wounds the green being bruised and applyed for the first or the green or powder of the dry for the second It hath formerly been accounted and certainly is a soveraign herb to heal any wound or sore either outwardly or inwardly and therefore may be used now as heretofore it hath been in Drinks Lotions Balms Oyles and Oyntments for any sort of green wound or old Ulcers and Sores in all which the people of former Ages found it very effectuall though those of this do ignorantly contemn all those that savour either of antiquity or cheapnesse To this Head and the purposes therein contained do belong Nightshade Purslane Henbane Housleek Lettice which are cold and Rue and Calamint which are so hot that they destroy the seed but having handled them already upon other occasion I passe now to the third Head wherein we are to speake of some Plants that procure Womens Courses CHAP. CCLXXXVI Of Mugwort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Artemisia in Latine because as Pliny hath said so many others have beleeved that Artemisia the Queen of Caria was both the Mother and Godmother hereunto by finding out the Vertues and giving it her name yet others are of opinion that it took its name from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Artemis that is Diana because it is chiefly applyed to Womens diseases over which Diana that is the Moon hath much influence It was commonly called Parthenis quasi Virginalis Maidenwort and Parthenium as Apuleius saith though now Feaverfew be better known by that name Some superstitious Monks and Nuns have called Zona divi Johannis St. Johns Girdle beleiving that St. John Baptist wore a Girdle hereof when he was in the Wildernesse It is also called Maâ—er Herbarum The Kinds Though Pliny and others reckon but two sorts of Mugwort there are five or six come to the knowledge of these later times 1 Common Mâ—gwort 2 Small Mugwort 3 Fine Mountain Mugwort 4 Fruitfull Mugwort 5 Virginiâ—n Mugwort 6 Sea Mugwort The Formes The common Mugwort hath divers Leaves lying on the ground very much divided and deeply dented about the edges somewhat like unto the common Wormwood but much larger of a darkish green colour on the upper side but very white and hoary underneath from amongst which come up divers stalks which are sometimes of a purplish colour seldome exceeding two foot in height except it be in extraordinary rank ground whereon grow such Leaves as those below but lesser branching forth very much towards the top whereon are set so many small pale yellowish flowers like buttons that they beâ—d again which falling away there commeâ—h small seed inclosed in small round Heads The Root is long and hard with many fibres growing thereat whereby it taketh fast hold in the ground yet the stalks and leaves die in the Winter the whole Plant is of a reasonable good scent The Places and Time The first groweth plentifully as in other Lands so in our owne by the ways and ditch sides and in divers other places The second is found in such like places but not so frequently The three next are entertained as Stranâ—ers in the Gardens of the curious The last groweth about Rye and W 〈…〉 sey 〈◊〉 aâ—d in other parts of the Sea coast They do all flower and seed in July and August or thereabouts The Temperature Mugwort is hot and dry in the second degree being somewhat of thin parts The Vertues and Signature There is no Herb so generally received or more usually proved for the curing of Womens diseases as Mugwort whether it be inwardly or outwardly used The decoction of the Leaves which are most in use being made with Water or Wine and drunk provoketh the courses bringeth away the Birth and After birth and helpeth the inflammations and stoppings of the Mother as also the stopping of Urine and is a good help against barrennesse in Women that with the red stalks having the signature of Womens Flowers and therefore it is endued with very much vertue as to provoke so to stop and correct them in case they be superfluous which a spoonfull of the Syrup performeth very excellently which is also good to retain the Matrix in its place and to help other passions thereof as Coldnesse Wind Paine c. it strengthens the Nerve opens the Pores and corrects the blood The said decoction helpeth the stoppings of the Liver and Spleen proceeding from a cold cause and is profitable for the Jaundise being boyled with Centory and taken Two or three drams of the Leaves in Powder being drunk in Wine helpeth the Sciatica and the juyce being taken helpeth the biting of a Mad Dog A decoction thereof being â—ate over doth also performe those effects which that doth which is taken inwardly though not so vigorously and so doth the juyce thereof made up with Myrrhe or the Root put up as a Pessary Being made up with Hogs grease into an Oyntment it taketh away Wens and hard knots and kernels that grow about the Neck and Throat as also to ease the pains about the Neck especially if some field Daysies be put therein The juyce of the Herb or the Herb it selâ—e being taken is a good remedy for them that have taken too great a quantity of Opium A decoction thereof made with Camomile Agrimony and Sage and the place bathed therewith warm taketh away the paines of the Sinews and Cramp and the same cannot but be a great refreshment to those whose feet are suâ—bated through sore travell if they be bathed therein yet I have scarce so much faith as to believe that the Herb only carried about one should take away all sense of wearinesse as Pliny reporteth and therefore I have put it amongst other Traditions in my former Book to which I might have added that concerning the Coales that are found at the Roots hereof upon St. Joons Eve and divers others CHAP. CCLXXXVII Of Penny-royall The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Glecon and Blecon from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 balatus either because the heat thereof causeth Sheep and Goates to bleat when they are eating of it or rather as Pena saith from expelling thick phlegme from the Lunges It is called in Latine Pulegium and Pulejum also quod incensum pulices nâ—cat because it killeth Fleas being burned to which the Epithet Regâ—le is added to distinguish it from Pulegium montanum by which name wild Time is sometimes called It hath many English Names as Run by the ground and Lurke in Ditch because of its manner of growing Pudding-grasse because it is used in
not Blite a kinde of Amaranthus yet because Amaranthus is better known in these dayes than Blite and of more efficacy for our present purpose therefore I have set it in the Front 1. The common purple Flower-gentle 2. The neat lesser purple Flower-gentle 3. Spotted or variable Flower-gentle 4. The greater Fleuramor or purple Flower-gentle 5. The green Flower-gentle of New-England 6. Crimson-velvet Flower-gentle 7. Crested Flower-gentle 8 Great white Blite 9. Small wild white Blite 10. Small wild red Blite 11. Wild Blite with much seed The Forme The Common purple Flower-gentle riseth up wiâ—h a stalk a Cubit high and sometimes higher which is straked or chamfered along the fame yet towards the Roâ—t it is very smooth and of a reddish colour dividing it self towards the top into small branches about which stand long leaves broad sharp pointed soft slippery of a green colouâ— and tending to reddish the Flowers are long spiky soft and gentle tufts of haires many as it were growing together broad at the bottom and small up at the top Pyramis or Steeple fashion very brave to look upon but without any smell at all which being bruised yeildeth a Juyce of almost the same colour the seed lyeth scattered in the tufts aforesaid being small and somewhat black but glittering the root â—â—short and full of strings perishing every Winter The Places and Time All the sorts of Amaranthus are strangers by Extraction some coming from the Eastern Countreys as Persia Syria Arabia c. others from the Western as New England and the West Indies yet some of them are pretty well naturalized being common in our Gardens and the rest are to be seen in the Gardens of the curious as in that of John Tradâ—scaâ—â— at Lambeth c. The sorts of Blites are found wild in divers places of our own Land The Amaranthus beareth its gallant tufts oâ— spâ—kes in August for the most part yet some perfect them not untill September The Blite flourisheth all the Summer long seeds about August or September and continues green all the Winter in which it differeth from the former The Temperature Flower gentle is held to be of a binaiâ—g faculty and consequently to be cold and dry but Blite is cold and moist in the second degree The Signature and Vertues The Flowers of Amaranthus dryed and beaten into power stops the Termes in Women and that by Signature if it be put into Wine and Honey boyled together and drunk and so it is effectual for the perillous Flux of blood continual pain of the Belly wâ—th often scouring and spitting of blood bleeding at the Nose and also for the Whites in Women The said Flower boyled in Wine and the Decoction drunk is available against all venemous bitings the Sciatica distilling of the Vrine and Ruptures The Herb boyled in Wine and the Fundament fomented therewith taketh away the painful Piles and restraineth their bleeding and stayeth the often going to the Stoole the Herb being also applyed The Root held in the Mouth ceaseth the pains of the Teeth and being stamped and made into an Oyntment with May-butter it asswâ—geth all Inflammations The Herb being boyled and applyed is a speedy Remedy for any Bruise The dryed Herb keepeth Garments from the Wormes and Moaths if it be said amongst them Blites are used amongst the poorer sort of people in France for food but they yeild to the body small nourishment as Galâ—n saith and by often eating bâ—come obnoâ—ious by causing Vâ—miting and Fluxes of the Belly with exceeding gripings The Physicall use of them is to restrain the Fluxes of blood either in Man or Woman especially the Red which it doth by Signature as the white sort doth the Whites in Women The White Bleet with much â—â—ed which is therefore called All-seed of some is a very acceptable bait unto Fishes as hath been proved by experience Some Old Wives will not suffer any Blites to be put into their Pottage for fear of hurting their Eyâ— sight CHAP. CCCII Of the Dragon-Tree The Names IT is called in Latin Drace Arbor from its strange manner of growing as I conceive for being altogether unknown to Dâ—â—scorides and the rest of the ancient Greek and Latine Authors there is no Greek name for it but onely for the Gum or Rosin which they call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without expressing whether it came from Herb or Tree or was a mineral of the Earth and it is probable it was because they knew not The said Gum is sometimes called â—innabaris also in Latin but most commonly Sanguis Draconis and thereupon Pliny Solinus and also Monardus have set it down for a truth that it was the blood of a Dragon or Serpent crushed to death by the weight of the dying Elephant falling upon him after that he had received his mortall wound from him and that both their bloods mingled together was the true Sanguis Deaconis but certainly it was so called from the bloody colour that it is of being nothing else but a meer Gum. It is called in English Dragons tears and Dragons blood The Forme The Dragon Tree groweth not like a Sugar soaf as I said in my former Book but riseth as high as the Pine Tree with a great body rugged bark ful of chaps clifts hearing 8 or 9 great Arms equally spreading from the trunk bare for a cubits length and then thrusting forth three or four more lesser branches yet as thick as ones arm bearing onely at the tops of them divers long and narrow Leaves joyned together at the bottom and encompassing another as those of the Flower de-Luce do each of them being a cubit in length and an inch in breadth but growing narrower and narrower towards the top till it be pointed with the thick middle rib that runneth through the same reddish about the edges and sharp like the Iris Leaves abiding alwayes green as most of the trees in those parts do from among the Leaves at thâ— heads come forth certain foot-foot-stalks about a foot long divided into little branches whereon do grow at divers spaces I suppose first Flowers though not observed divers fruits or beâ—â—ies in little clusters each of them like unto a small Cherry of a sowrish or tart tast and of a yellowish colour when they are râ—pâ— with a stone and kernell within them very like unto a Cherry-stone Out of this tree being slâ—t or bored cometh forth a thick dark red Gum or Rosin which hardeneth quâ—ckly and will melt at the fire and flame also if it be cast therein which being bruised sheweth a very orient red crimson or bloody colour the wood of the trunk is so hard and firm that it will scarcely admit cutting but the yonger branches are not so hard The Places and Time This Tree grâ—weth both in the â—anary Islands and in that of Madera and in Brasil aâ—so where it groweth to be of a goodly stature It flourisheth and grows greâ—n all the year as I have said but the time
of joynts a cubit high or thereabouts with two Leaves at every joynt and branches likewise from both sides the Stalks with fresh green Leaves somewhat broad and long withall about the bignesse of the Leaves of Basil finely dented about the edges In the Male at the joynts towards the tops of the Stalks and Branches come forth two small round green Heads standing together upon a short foot-foot-stalk which growing ripe are the Seeds not having any Flower In the Female the Stalk is longer spike-fashion set round about with small green Husks which are the Flowers made like small branches of Grapes which give no Seed but abide long upon the Stalks without shedding The Root is composed of many small Fibres perishing every Winter rising again the next year of its own sowing if the seed of the male be permitted to shed and so the ground will be for ever furnished with both sorts of it for they both rise from the Seed of the Male in the same manner as Hemp and could not be distinguished one from another but by their Seed and Flowers The Places and Time The French Mercury groweth as well wild in divers places of the English Dominions as by a Village called Brookland in Rumney Marsh in Kent and by the Sea-side in the Isle of Wight as in Gardens where it is sometimes sown The Dogs-Mercury groweth by the Hedge-sides in most places of this Land also the Female being not so frequent as the Male but the Childs or Childing-Mercury groweth wild about Mompelier in France and in Spain and Italy and is a Sojourner in some of our Gardens They all flourish and seed in the Summer save the Childes Mercury which flowreth so late with us that it hardly beareth ripe Seed The Temperature Mercury is hot and dry yet not above the second degree it hath a cleansing faculty and a digesting quality also as Galen saith The Vertues Hipocrates whose skill in Physick was incomparable as appears by his learned Aphorismes doth very much commend the use of the French Mercury for Womens diseases for if it be applyed to the Secret parts by way of fomentation it easeth the pains of the Mother and if the Decoction thereof be used it procureth the Terms and expelleth the After-birth as also for the Stangury and diseases of the Reines and Bladder the decoction thereof with Myrrhe or Pepper being taken inwardly or the Leaves applyed outwardly or both He used it also for sore and watring Eys and for Deafness and pains in the Ears by dropping the juyce thereof into them and bathing them afterwards in White Wine The decoction of the Leaves or the juyce of them taken in broth or drink with as much Sugar put to it as will sweeten it purgeth cholerick and watrish Humours The decoction thereof made with Water and a Cock chicken is a most safe Medicine for the hot fits of the Ague â—t also cleanseth the Breast and Lungs of Phlegm but a little offendeth the Stomach The juyce or distilled water thereof snuffed up into the Nostrils purgeth the Head and Eyes of Catarrhes and Rheums Two or three ounces of the distilled water with a litle Sugar put to it and drunk in the morning fasting is used by some as a good Medicine to open and purge the Body of grosse viscous mâ—lancholy humours Matthiolus saith that both the Seed of the Male and Flowers of Female Mercury boyled with Wormwood and drunk cureth the Yellow Jaundise in a speedy manner The Leaves or the Juyce rubbed upon Warts taketh them away The Juyce mingled with some Vinegar helpeth all running Scabs Tetters Ringworms and the Itch. Being applyed in manner of a Pultis to any Swelling or Inflammation it digesteth and spendeth the humours which were the cause thereof and so helpeth it It is frequently used with other things to evacuate the Belly from offensive humours being given in a Clister Though Dog-mercury he less used because it is more common yet it may serve to purge waterish and melancholy Humours in the same manner as the former and also for other the said uses It is said of Childing Mercury that if the Male thereof be taken by a Woman three dayes together after conception and that her Courses be past she shall bring forth a Male Child but if she take of the Female it shall be a Girle and the same is said of the French Mercury but my Wife never tryed either of them CHAP. CCCXIV Of Madder The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Etruthrodanum and Eruthedanum from the red colour of the root and Rubia Tinctorum in Latine because Dyers make use thereof to colour Wooll as Leather-dressers also do to colour their Leather which is the name that the Shops use also yet Nicander calleth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Schyrium in Greek and others call it Rubâ—a in Latin without any addition The Kindes There be six kindes of Madder growing in our ownd Land 1. Red Madder commonly called Garden Madder 2. Wild Madder 3. Wild Madder with long Leaves 4. Sea Madder 5. Dwarf Madder 6. Little field Madder The Forme The manured or Garden Madder shooteth forth many Stalks which stand upright at their first coming up and so likewise if they be kept cut but if they be permitted to grow they become long weak and trailing upon the ground a great way unlesse they grow by some hedge and then they will climb thereon being four-square very rough and full of Joynts at every of which come forth divers long and somewhat narrow Leaves standing about the Stalks somewhat like the râ—well of a Spuâ— being very rough also neer unto the tops whereof do come forth many small pale yellow Flowers after which come small round heads green at the first and reddish afterward but black when they are ripe wherein are contained the Seed The Root is not so great as long creeping very far as well downwards as about the surface of the Earth fat full of substance and of a red and very clear colour whilst it is fresh The Places and Time The first though it be commonly manured for the great profit that is made thereof yet it groweth wild not onely upon S. Vincents Rock neer Bristoll and in the Hedges about Ruthland in Wales the second is natural also to some parts of this Land and so is the third which groweth in divers places of Dorset-shire the fourth groweth likewise in our own Country so do the two last They flower in June and July chiefly and the Seed of all of them is ripe in August or thereabout except the Sea kind which seldom perfecteth its Seed with us The Temperature Madder roots are hot in the second degree and dry in the third and have an opening quality and also an astringent property The Vertues and Signature The Decoction of Madder made in Wine and drunk doth not onely bring down the Courses in Women and provoke Vrine but bringeth away the
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
some of them being sometimes brownish the stalkes are branched into many long stemmes of spiked Flowers half a foot long growing in â—undles one above another out of small Huskes very like unto the spiked Heads of Lavender every of the flowers consisting of five round pointed Leaves of a Purple Violet colour tending to rednesse in which Huskes after the flowers are fallen the seed is contained the root creepeth under-ground almost like Couch-grasse but greater and shooteth up every Spring brownish heads which afterward growing up into Stalkes doe smell like Câ—â—led Apples whilest they are young The Places and Time The first groweth usually by Rivers and Ditches sides and in wet grounds in every Countrey of this Land almost the others grow in the like places but not so frequently but that which is most rare is the Yellow Willow herbe with double flowers which groweth by Kings Langley in Hartford shire Any of these being brought into Gardens doe prosper well enough as the Câ—amaenerion of Rosebay Willow herbe also doth though it grow not naturally in England June and July are the ordinary months wherein they flower yet some of them stay till August The Temperature All the sorts of Lysimachia are hot and dry and of an exceding binding quality The Vertues The distilled Water of Willow herb whether it be the yellow sort or that which I have described which is more common is exceeding soveraign for green Wounds whether they happen in the Body or Limbs if to every ounce of Water there be taken two drams of May Butter without Salt and of Sugar and Wax each as much also gently boyled together til it become to be an Oyntment and then let Tents be dipped in the Liquor that remaineth after it is cold and put into the Wounds and the place covered with a linnen Cloath doubled and anointed with the Ointment It likewise cleanseth and healeth all foule Vlcers and Sores whatsoever or wheresoever and stayeth their inflammations by washing them with the Water and laying on them a green Leafe or two in Summer or dry ones in the Winter The distilled Water aforesaid is a present Remedy for hurts and blowes on the Eyes and for blindnesse if the Christalline humor or Sight it so if be not perished or spoiled as hath been often proved and it is also of as good use to cleer the Eyes of Dust or any other thing gotten into them and preserveth the Sight The said Water gargled warm in the Mouth and sometimes drunk also doth cure the Quinsey and Kings-Evill in the Throat The same being warmed and the Skin washed therewith taketh away all Spots Markes and Scarres thereof and a little of it drank quencheth the thirst extraordinarily And not onely this but the Yellow sorts also are good for all manner of Bleeding at the Mouth or Nose or of Wounds and stayeth all manner of Fluxes of the Belly or the Bloudy Fluxe given either to drink or taken in a Clister it stayeth also the abundance of Womens Courses If the herb he bruised and the juice onely applyed to green Wounds it stayeth the bleeding and quickly closeth together the Lips of them The decoction or the distilled Water thereof is often used in Gargles for sore Mouths as also to â—ath the secret parts withall as often as there is any Sore or Vlcer there arising The smoak of the Stalkes being burned driveth away Serpents or any other venemous Creature as Pliny saith and the people in the Fenny Countreyes can testifie that it driveth away the Flyes and Gnats that would otherwise molest them in the night season CHAP. CCCXXXIX Of the Daisy The Names IT is called in Latine for it is a question whether the Greeks ever knew it Bellis à bello as some think quasi Bellis praesidium because it is usefull in War to heal the Souldiers Wounds for which reason some have called it Consolida also other have thought that it was called Bellis from the Adjective Bellus signifying pretty for it hath indeed a pretty Flower if it be marked some of the sorts especially The greater sort is called by Bruâ—selsius Bupthalmus and Oculus Bovis and by Tabermontanus Bellium majus by others Consolida media Vulnerariorum yet most commonly it is called Bellis major the lesser sort being called Bellis minor Consolida minor and Herba Morgarita In English the greater and lesser Daisy the greater is also called Maudlin and Maudlin-wort The Kindes There be divers sorts of Daisyes as well in our Gardens as growing beyond the Seas yet because the time will not permit me to enquire after them I shall give you onely those that grow naturally with us they being of greatest use for our intended purpose and they are three 1. The Great Daisyes which some call Or-Eyes and White Moons 2. The middle sort of Daisyes 3. The little Daisy The Forme The Great Daisy hath very many narrow and round-pointed Leaves next the ground cut in on both sides making them to seem almost like unto those of the Oak from amongst which do grow up somewhat high Stalks with divers Leaves thereon but smaller and lesser divided than the lower at the tops whereof grow large Flowers each upon severall long foot stalks consisting of many white and narrow Leaves as the Pale or Border and the yellow Thrummes in the middle of little or no scent whose Seed which is somewhat long is blown away with the Wind The Root is bush of white Strings which abide many Winters shooting forth new Leaves in the Spring if the cold weather hath killed the old The Places and Time The first which is Great Daisy Oxe Eye or White-Moone groweth almost every where by the hedge sides in the borders of fields and other wast ground and many times in meadowes that lye any thing high the second groweth in the like places but not so frequently the place of the third can hardly be mistook for it groweth upon every Common and other place almost The two first flower in May and June and then must be gathered for they last not long but the last beginneth to flower in the Spring and holdeth on most part of the Summer The Temperature Daisyes are held by most to be cold and dry which are the qualities which are required in Wound herbs yet Dâ—donam saith they be cold and moist which no body else doth allow of The Vertues The Leaves of the great Daisy or Mandlinwort made up into an Oyntment or Salve with Wax Oyl and Turpentine is most excellent for Wounds especially those wherin there is any inflammation and which are hardly brought to digestion or maturation as those weeping Wounds made in the Elboes Knees or other Joynts and it is often used in Decoction or Drinks as well as outwardly for the same or the like purposes as fractures in the Head and deep wounds in the Breast The said Decoction being drunk cureth all Vlcers and Pustles in the Mouth or Tongue or in the Secret parts
sweeter relish and a shorter crisp tast in eating The Place and Time Some of these sorts of Fennel grow in hot Countries as Italy Spain Candy c. and some of them are sowen in Gardens amongst us though the Climate altereth even the best and sweetest The common sort flowreth in June and July and the Seed is ripe in the end of August but the strange sorts do not perfect their Seed unless the year be kindly It is to be sowen in the end of February and that in sunny places and somewhat stony The Temperature There be different opinions concerning the temperature of this Plant. One saith it is hot and dry in the second degree but most affirm it to be hot in the third and dry only in the first Gerard saith that the Seed is hot and dry in the third Degree The Vertues The distilled water of Fennel dropped into the Eyes clense them from all enormities rising therein but the condensate Juyce dissolved or as some take it the natural Juyce or Gum that issueth out thereof of its own accord in hot Countries doth cleanse the Eyes from mists and films that hinder the Eye-sight Some for this purpose take the green stalks of Fennel and holding them to the fire in Autumne while they are green cause a certain Juyce or Liquor to drop from them which they apply to the Eyes as holding it to be more effectuall then either the condensate Juyce or naturall Gum. And some yet more neatly make a water to clear the Eye-sight in this manner They powder some white Sugar Candy very finely and put that Powder into the hollow green stalk of Fennel while it groweth a foot above the ground so that it be between two joynts which having remained therein two or three dayes and the hole covered and bound close over that no rain get in they open it at the lower joynt having first placed a good peece of soft wax made a little hollow gutter-wise under the hole which may serve to carry the liquor from falling down the stalk into a Vessel or thing set of purpose thereto to receive it Neither is it only good for the Eys but for many other uses It is used to lay upon Fish and other viscous meats to digest the crude Phlegmatick quality thereof and to boil it with them and the seed is oftentimes put in bread to break wind and to make a long breath It provoketh Urine and easeth the pains of the Stone and helps to break it and being boyled in Barley water and drunk it is good for Nurses to increase their milk and to make it the wholsomer for their Nurse-Children The leaves boyled in water but much more the seed stayeth the Hickock and taketh away that loathing which often happeneth to the stomacks of sick or feavourish persons and allayeth the heat thereof The seed boyled in Wine is good for them that are bitten by Serpents or have eaten poysonous â—â—erbs or Mushromes the Seed and the Root much more helpeth to open the obstructions of the Liver Spleen and Gall and thereby much conduceth to all the Diseases arising from them as the painful and windy swellings of the Spleen and yellow Jaundies as also the Gout and Cramp The seed is of good use in pectorall Medicines and those which help the shortness of the breath and wheesings by obstructions of the Lungs it helpeth also to bring down the Courses and to cleanse the parts after delivery The Roots are of most use in Physick Drinks and Broths that are taken to cleanse the blood to open the obstructions of the Liver to provoke Urine to amend the evill colour or complexion in the face after long sickness and to cause a good colour and a good habit throughout the whole body Fennell both Leaves and Seeds or roots are much used in drinks and broths for those that are grown fat to abate their unweldinesse and make them more gaunt and lank The sweet Fennel by reason of its sweetnesse is much weaker then the ordinary which is better for all the Physicall purposes aforesaid And therefore they do but deceive themselves and others that use the sweet Fennel Seed in compositions as thinking it better when as it is much weaker by want of the bitternesse which is most operative The Juyce killeth the worms in the ears if it be dropped therein The wild Fennel is stronger and hotter then the tame and therefore more powerfull against the stone but not so effectual to increase milk because of its dryness Let them that live in those Countryes where there be any Serpents or Snakes have a care they wash their Fennel before they use it because they delight much to be amongst it it is thought that they make use of it to preserve their Eyesight Fennel roots are one of the five opening roots the other four being Smallage Asparagus Parsly Kneeholly or Butchersbroom called in Latine Ruscus Bruscus CHAP. XVIII Of Vervain The Names IT is Called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hiera botané id est Herba sacra for so it was reputed amonst them as also amongst the Romans for with it they purged their houses and made clean the Table of Jupiter before the Sacricrificiall Banquets were set there on And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Peristereon because Pidgeons love to be about it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying a Pidgeon In Latine Verbena quasi Herbena or Herba bona Verbenaca Matricalis Columbaria Columbaris or Columbina Exupera Martialis Herculania and Ferraria and of others Vervena in English Vervain and in some Countries Holy herb Mercuries moist blood Juno's tears and in others Pidgeon-grasse because Pidgeons eat thereof as is supposed to clear their Eye sight For Epxlication of that place in Terence Ex ara verbenas hinc sume The later Herbarists and Writers do conceive that the Poet in that place speaking after his countrey Phrase for Menander hath Mirtles out of whom this was translated understandeth such herbs as lay there which were also called Sagmina and not Vervain only The Kindes 1. Common or upright Vervain 2. Bending or Female Vervain 3. Vervain of Peru. 4. Round headed creeping Vervain The Forme The Common Vervain that is familiar to our Country hath divers Leaves towards the bottom of middle fise deeply gashed at the bottom of them the other part being deeply dented about the edges and some only deeply dented and cut all alike something like unto an Oaken Leaf those that grow higher are lesser all of them being of a dark green Colour on the upper side and somewhat gray underneath the stalk is square and branched into divers parts rising to be about half a yard high with a Spike of Flowers on the top which are set on all sides thereof one above another and sometimes two or three together being small and gaping of a whitish colour and some Purple and blew intermixt after which come small round seed in small and somewhat long heads the Root is small
be drunk with Wine and it preventeth the fits of Agues if it be taken one home before the fit It cureth creeping and running sores Fistulaes spitting of blood and matter the holy fire swellings and hardness Shingles heat of the stomach new wounds hot Imposthumes and rheumatick sores and all other kind of Fluxes CHAP. XXXVI Of Willow The Names AFter so many Herbs it will not be amiss to bring in a Tree which though in form hath little yet in vertue hath some affinity The Willow is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod cito in altum excrescat and Salix a Saliendo in Latine because it groweth with that speed that it seemeâ—h to leap There is a greater sort which is called in English Sallow VVithy and VVillow and there is a lesser sort called Osier small VVithy and Twig Withy Petrus Crescentius calleth it Vincus a vinciendo because it is necessary to bind Faggots or any other Commodities that stand in need thereof The Kindes Many are the sorts of this Plant which Authours reckon up whereof I shall set down only those which I conceive to grow in our own Country and they are 1. The ordinary great white Willow-Tree 2. The ordinary black Willow 3. The Rose Willow 4. The hard black Willow 5. The black Withy 6. The round leafed Sallow 7. The longer leafed Sallow 8. The lesser broad Willow 9. The silver leafed Sallow 10. The upright low broad Willow 11. Creeping broad leafed Willow 12. The least red or stone Willow 13. The least Willow without fruit 14. The Osier 15. The straight dwarf Willow with narrow Leaves 16. Creeping low Willow with narrow Leaves 17. The black low Willow 18. Willow Bay I shall describe only the first that by it you may guesse at the rest The Forme The ordinary white Willow groweth quickly to be a great and tall Tree if it be not lopped as it is usuall in most places with a smooth white bark on the body and bigger branches the younger sprigs being somewhat green with the whitenesse the Leaves are long and narrow pale green on the upper side and of a shining silver white colour underneath without any dent on the edges the Flowers come out before the Leaves appeare and are small long and round yellow mossie heads smelling sweet for the most part divers standing one above another upon a long stalk which in time turn to down that is blown away by the winde and the Seed with it if it hath any The wood is soft and white and with the branches hereof are made stakes for hedges or to uphold Vines c. The Places and Time Most of these Willows are common and to be sound in low grounds near Water Courses and ditches the Rose Willow in sundry places of Essex and Cambridgeshire others on Hamsteed-Heath Rumney Marsh and the like The Osier is alwayes in the low grounds that are often overflowen where it will only thrive The Blossoms come forth before any Leaves appear and are in their most flourishing estate usually before Easter divers gathering them to deck up their houses on Palm Sunday and therefore the said Flowers are called Palme The Temperature The Leaves Flowers Seed and Bark of Willows are cold and dry in the second degree and astringent The Vertues and Signature The Leaves and Bark of Willow but especially the Catkins are used with good successe to stanch bleeding of wounds and at the mouth or nose and spitting of blood as also all other fluxes of blood in man or woman and likewise to stay casting and the desire thereunto if the decoction of them in Wine be drunk It helpeth also to stay thin hot and sharp salt distillations from the head upon the Lungs causing a Consumption The Leaves bruised with some Pepper and drunk in Wine do much help the Wind-Cholick The Leaves only bruised and boyled in Wine and drunk do much stay the heat of lust and wholly exstinguish it both in man and woman if it be much used the Catkins also are of the like effect The water that is gathered from the Willow whilest it flowreth the Bark being slit and a Vessel apt to receive it being fitted to it is very good for rednesse and dim eye-sight and Films that begin to grow over them and stay the Rheums that fall into them to provoke Urine being stopped if it be drunk and to clear the face and skin of any spots or discolourings if washed therewith The Flowers saith Galen have a stronger effect to dry up any Flux or humour being a Medicine without any sharpnesse and the Bark much more as all Barks do but if the Bark be burnt and used it doth yet dry more forcibly and being mixed with Vinegar it taketh away Warts and Corns and other the like callous flesh that groweth on the hands or feet or other parts The decoctions of the Leaves and Bark in Wine is good to bath the Sinews as also the places pained with the Gout and to cleanse the Head or other parts of scurf The Juyce of the Leaves and green Bark mingled with some Rose-water and heated in the Rhind of a Pomegranet is singular good to help deafness to be dropped into the Ears The Seed of the black Willow mixed with Litharge of Silver in equall quantity made into an Ointment and used on any place where the hair groweth that you would take away after it hath been bathed well before or else in the bain or Stove doth cause it to fall away This Plant is not propagated by Seed but any stick thereof though almost withered being fixed in the Earth groweth which Signature doth truly declare that a Bath made of the decoction of the Leaves and Bark of Willow restoreth again withered and dead Members to their former strength if they be nourished with the fomentation thereof CHAP. XXXVII Of Bistort The Names BY what Name the Grecians called this Plant is not known but amongst the Latines it hath divers It is called Bistorta quod radice in se serpentis modo contorta convoluta constet by Fragus Leonicerous and others and Colâ—brina of the similitude the Root hath with a Serpent rouling it self up together Parkinson saith that Fuschius calleth it Serpentaria quod venenosorum serpentium ictibus succurrit which though it happily performeth yet Fuschius giveth it no such Etymology as I can finde but very much blameth those Herbatists and Apothecaries which call it so Serpentaria being an Herb much differing from this both in form and vertue which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines Dracunculus and Serpentaria which we in English call Dragons but Bistort is not called Dragons but Snakeweed The Kindes All the Bistorts that I can find are not above six 1. Common Bistort or Snakeweed 2. Bistort with more crooked Roots 3. Great Mountain Bistort 4. Small Bistort of our own Country 5. Small Bistort of the Alps. 6. Variable leafed small Bistort The Forme Common Bistort
you shall seldom misâ—e the Cure of an Ague in three fits be it what it will even to admiration as Mr. Culpepper affirmeth The juyce hereof drunk about four Ounces at a time for certain dayes together cureth the Quinsie and the yellow Jaundice and taken for thirty dayes together cureth the Falling-Sickness The Roots boyled in milk and drunk is a most effectuall Remedy for all Fluxes either in Man or Woman whether the whites reds or Bloody Flux The Roots boyled in Vinegar and the decoction thereof held in the mouth easeth the pains of the Tooth-ach The juyce or decoction taken with a little Honey helpeth the hoarsness of the Throat and is good for the Cough of the Lungs The distilled water of the Roots and Leaves is also effectuall to all the purposes aforesaid and if the hands be often washed therein and suffered every time to dry of it self without wiping it will in short time help the Palsie or shaking of them CHAP. XL. Of Sow-bread The Names THis Plant is the last that I shall treat of in relation to the Nose The Greek Names of it are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It was called by the first Name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Circulo because both the Leaf and the Root are of a circular or round Figure by the later 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it was used to kill Fishes It is called in Latine Tuber terrae Terrae rapum because of its knobby Tur-nep-like Root and Umbilicus terrâ— because as the Navill of a Mans Body strutteth out a little above the Belly so this sometimes above the Earth of some Orbicularis of others Palalia Rapum porcinum malum Terrae In Shops Cyclamen Panis Porcinus Artanita In English Sowbread or Swine-bread because the Swine love it and feed upon it in those Countries where it is plentiful The kinds Parkinson in former book hath reckoned up a dozen sorts or more hereof the want whereof will constrain me to content my self only with the mentioning of three which are 1. Common round Sow-bread 2. Ivy-Sow-bread 3. A strange Plant sent for a bastard Sow-bread of the Spring The Forme The common kind of Sow-bread hath many green and round leaves like unto Asarabacca saving that the upper part of the Leaves are mixed here and there confusedly with white spots and under the Leaves next the ground of a purple colour amongst which rise up little stems like the stalks of Violets beaâ—ing at the top small purple or murrey coloured Flowers which turn themselves backwards of a small scent or savour or none at all which being past there succeed little round knops or heads that contain slender brown seeds these knops are wrapped after a few dayes in the small stalks as thred about a bottom where it remaineth so defended from the in jury of the winter close upon the ground covered also with the green Leaves aforesaid by which means it is kept from the frost even from the time of his seeding which is in September untill June at what time the leaves do faâ—e away the stalks and seed remaining bare and naked whereby it enjoyeth the Sun the sooner to bring them to maturity the Root is round like a Turnep black without and white within with many small strings annexed thereunto The Places and Time The first groweth plentifully about Artois and Vermandois in France and in the Forrest of Arden The second which is the best of all in many places of Italy The third on the Pyrenaean Hills Gerard saith that he hath heard that Sow-bread groweth on the Mountains in Wales on the Hills of Lincolnshire and Somersetshire which I never heard of from any but him who had it but from another and therefore I believe the relator was mistaken it being not so much as mentioned in the Catalogue of British Plants notwithstanding it is frequent in Gardens and is nursed up there more for its Flower then any thing else because it is in its prime when most others are decayed for it flowreth in September and afterwards when the Plant is without Leaf which do afterwards spring up continuing green all winter covering and keeping warm the Seed unto Midsummer next at what time the Seed is ripe The third flowreth in the Spring and therefore it is called Cyclamen vernum or Sow-bread of the Spring The Temperature Although Mesue doth determine the Degrees hereof to be hot and dry in the beginning of the third yet Galen doth not so but saith only 70. Simplicium that it cutteth cleanseth and openeth the mouthes of the Veins draweth and digesteth which is plainly seen by the particular operations thereof The Vertues and Signature Matthiolus saith that the distilled water from the Roots of Sow-bread snuffed up into the Nostrils stayeth their bleeding wonderfully and that if six Ounces of that water be drunk wich an Ounce of fine Sugar it will stay the blood that commeth from the breast stomach or Liver in a wonderful manner or if any Vein be broken in them It purgeth somewhat violently and therefore it is fit as he saith to mix therewith some Mastick or Nutmeg or a scruple of Rubarb by the use whereof many have been holpen of the hardness and swelling of the spleen which could not be holpen by other things It easeth also the pains and torments of the Bowels which we call the Cholick And if saith he the Root hereof be beaten with a few Peach-stone-Kernels and bitter Almonds and after laid in sleep in Aquâ—vitae for three dayes a drop or two of the expressed Cream thereof dropped into the Ears that are deaf or have much noyse helpeth them the juyce mixed with Honey or Plantain-water helpeth all sores in the mouth or throat being gargled therewith and the Tooth-ach also The juyce of it openeth the Hemorrhoides or Piles and strongly moveth to the Stool being put up in Wooll and saith Mesues it avoideth tough Flegme used in a Clister It is also used with such Medicines as discuss swellings Kernels and other hard knots in any part of the body It helpeth also the Pin and Web in the Eyes being infused with Honey as also avoideth it by the Nostrils and that by snuffing up the juyce the head and brain is purged from those humours that offend it the Ach also and daily pains of it and the Meagrim This Plant belongeth to the womb by Signature and therefore as Theophrastus affirmeth the fresh Root put into a Cloth and applyed for a little time to the secret parts of a Woman that is in sore and long Travail in Child-birth helpeth them to an easie and speedy delivery but it is dangerous till then to be medled with by Women with Child because it will make them miscarry It is profitable for those that have the yellow Jaundice to drive it forth by sweating if after the taking of three drams of the Powder in Mead or Honeyed water they be carefully ordered to sweat It
English Winter-green The Kinds Though formerly but one now six sorts are known 1. Ordinary Winter Green 2. The least Winter Green 3. Slender Winter Green 4. The Winter Green of Europ with Chickweed Flowers 5. Winter Green of America with Chickweed flowers 6. Shrubby Winter Green The Forme The first sort groweth sending forth seven or eight or nine Leaves from a small brownish creeping root every one standing on a long Footstalk and being almost as broad as long round pointed of a sad green colour hard in handling and like unto the Leaf of the Peartree but others compare them to be like unto the small leaves of Beets from whence ariseth a slender weak stalk yet standing upright bearing at the top many small white flowers smelling as sweet as those of Lilly Convally laid open like a star consisting of five round pointed leaves with many yellowish threds standing in the middle about a green head and a long stile with them which in time groweth to be the Seed-Vessel which when it is ripe is formed five square with a small point at it wherein is contained as small seed as the dust it self The Places and Time The Sort I have now described groweth in Lansdale and Craven in the North part of England especially in a Close called Crag Close and also in a Bog by Rosecre in the Kings County The second groweth at the foot of the high hills in Austria and Stiria as Clusius saith The third in Germany as also near Savoy The fourth groweth on the Woods of Germany in divers places as also in the Beechwood in Scotland as is recorded by Bauhinus and on the Mountains in in Wales likewise The fifth groweth in Brasil towards the West Indies The last groweth in most of the Provinces of Hungary Germany and Bohemia they do all flower except the American Sorts about June and July but the other more late with Us. The Temperature Winter green is cold in the second degree and dry in the third and exceeding astringent and glutinous withall The Vertues Grollius in his Book of Signatures puts down Pyrola to be a principall Herb for the Throat and therefore saith he we use it in Gargarisms but how to make out the Signature is beyond my poor skill It is a singular Remedy for green Wounds to consolidate their lips speedily together either the green Leaves bruised and applyed of themselves or the juyce of them or a Salve made of the green Herbs stamped or the juyce boyled with Hogs-lard or with Sallet-Oyl and Wax and some Turpentine added unto it which is so soveraign a Salve for all manner of wounds and Sores that the Germans use it exceeding much and extoll it beyond all other Salves made of a simple Herb They likewise use it for inward wounds or hurts being boyled either by it self or with other Wound-Herbs as Comfry Burnet Mos-eare c. wherewith they use to heal whomsoever is wounded either in the Body or Bowels or any other part by giving them to drink of such a decoction The Herb boyled in Wine or water and thereof given to drink to them that have any inward Ulcers in the Kidneys or neck of the Bladder doth wonderfully help them It stayeth also all Fluxes whether of blood or of humours as the Lask Bloody Fluxes or Womens too abundant Courses as also the bleeding of wounds and both taketh away Inflammation rising upon the pains of the heart and hindereth any to arise being presently applyed after the hurt received It is no lesse helpful for foul Ulcers hard to be cured as also for Cancers and Fistulaes The distilled water of the Herb doth effectually perform the same things and some keep the dryed Herb to use in Decoctions or made into powder to drink as often as they shall have occasion CHAP. LXIV Of Horse-Tongue or Double-Tongue The Names THe Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hippoglossum either because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is a word oftentimes prefixed before great Plants as Hipposelinum Hippolapathum Hippomarathrum c. or because it somewhat resembles an Horses Tongue but others think it should be more truly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hypoglossum because of the small Leaves like small Tongues growing upon the greater The Latines keep the name and call it Hippoglossum or Hypoglossum and some to expresse it more fully Bislingua two Tongues or double Tongue some Lingua Pagana and of Apuleius Victoriola It is also called Bonifacia by Angularia and Uvularia by Bruâ—felsius Leonicerus Tabermontanus and others This is not Laurus Alexandrina as some have supposed The Kindes Besides the ordinary sort Fabius Columna maketh mention of another with larger Tongues upon the Leaves which as he saith is much more rare to find The Forme Horse-Tongue shooteth forth divers hard stalks with Leaves on them which are somewhat broad yet pointed at the end somewhat hard with Ribs running through them upon which from the middle Rib groweth a smaller Leaf or Tongue about the middle of the Leaf on the upper side which maketh it to differ from all other Plants that grow upon the ground Under the smaller Leaf at the bottom where it joyneth to the greater commeth forth one small whitish green Flower and sometimes two standing upon short foot-stalks where afterward stand the Berries which when they are ripe are very red very like unto the Berries of the Yew-Tree wherein is a white hard Seed the Root consisteth of many long hard whitish strings growing from a head The Places and Time It groweth upon Hills and in Woods in divers places both of Italy and Germany but is only cherished in Gardens with Us particularly in the Physick Garden in Oxford It flowreth in Iune and the Berries are ripe at the end of September in the naturall places as in the warmer Countries but it seldom commeth to perfection in our Land The Temperature Horse-Tongue is evidently hot in the second Degree and dry in the first The Signature and Vertues The little Leaf like a Tongue growing upon the greater is no light Argument that this Plant is effectuall for Sores in the Mouth and Throat and to settle the Palate of the Mouth in its place that is subject to fall down by reason of too much moysture which may likewise be signified thereby It is likewise of singular good use in old and filthy Ulcers in any part of the Body to dry up the moysture and to bring them on more speedily to be healed either the Powder of the Leaves or Roots to be used alone or with other things put into them or the decoction to wash them or inject into them It is held to be most powerful also of any Herb that is to help the suffocations and other Diseases of the Muther to take the Powder of the dryed Leaves or Roots in Wine Broth or other drink for it will speedily give ease Three or four drams of the said Powder taken in sweet Wine procureth a speedy delivery 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
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
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
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
dry in the second Cassia ligâ—ea is hot and dry in the third degree The first is of subtill parts and very Aromaticall The Vertues The distilled water of Cinamon comforteth the heart and vitall parts corroborateth and strengtheneth the Stomach Brain Nerves and other cold parts of the Body it easeth the pains of the Wind-Cholick provokes the Courses and Urine hasteneth the Birth it preventeth and correcteth putrefaction of humours resisteth poyson stayeth vomiting and helpeth nauseousness of the Stomach It is frequently used in Cardiack passions or passions of the heart fainting of the Spirits and in trembling of the heart It causeth sweetness of breath and brings a good colour in the face it strengtheneth the retentive faculty of all the parts by drying up and consuming the moysture thereof It is used in the Dropsie and Cough proceeding of moysture In brief it avails in all cold Diseases of the Head Stomack and Womb and is most convenient for cold and moyst Bodies and is much used in Lasks or loosness of the Body to ease the pains and frettings of the â—uts and Intralls The Oyl drawn Chymically prevaileth against the pains of the Breast comforteth the Stomack causeth good digestion and being mixed with some Honey taketh away spots from the face being anointed therewith Cassia Ligâ—ea comforteth the Stomack Liver and all the principall parts openeth Obstructions or stoppings diâ—peâ—seth grosse humours repelleth wind provokes Urine and VVomens Courses and doth much faciâ—itate or hasâ—en the Birth Being cast on Coals and the smoke taken at the Nose dryeth up Rheums and Catarrhs that proceed from coâ—d and moyst humours Also a sustumigation thereof helpeth the pain of the VVomb and the stoppings thereof Being mixed with Honey and applyed it dissolveth swellings and hard tumours A decoction hereof with VVhite-wine and Rose-water is commended against the â—â—inking of the Arm-holes if the plaâ—e be bathed therewith and the same is good to wash sore mouths and Gums Both this and Cinâ—mon are more useful in VVinter then in Summer CHAP. CXXXVIII Of Vipers Buglosse The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Echium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Alcâ—biadion and Alcibion or Alcâ—bâ—acum of the first under thereof who being bitten by a Viper gathered this Herb and chewing it swallowing down the juyce and appâ—ying the rest of the Herb to the bitten place freed himâ—eâ—f from danger Apulcius saith it was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Theriorrâ—â—on Viperearadâ—x an◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the form of the Seed whiâ—h as Dioscorides saith is like the head of a Viper and thereof took the name Echium yet some others say from the efâ—ects in the Roots to cure the bitings of the Serpent or which is as likely because the stalks are speâ—kled like a Serpents Skin in Latine also Echium of most Authours yet of some Buglossum sylvestre Vâ—perinum The Kinds The Sorts of Vipers Buglosse are twelve 1. The common Vipers Buglosse 2. VVhite flowred Vipers Bugâ—osse 3. Red flowred Vipers Buglosse 4. Vipers Buglosse with darâ— reddish purpâ—e Flowers 5. Red flowred Vipers Bugâ—osse of Candy 6. Spotted Vipers Buglosse of Candy 7. Dwarf yellow Vipers Buglosse 8. The least yellow Bastard Vipers Buglosse 9. The small white Vipers Bugâ—osse 10. Small Spanish Vipers Bugâ—osse with Spurrs 11. Hoary white Vipers Buglosse of Candy 12. Bâ—ack Vipers Buglosse of Candy The Forme The Common Vipers Buglosse hath many long rough Leaves lying on the ground from among which rise up divers hard round stalks very rough as if they were thick set with prickles or hairs having many black spots on them also â—ike unto the Skin of a Viper whereon are set such like long rough hâ—irâ— or prickly sad green leaves somewhat narrow the middle Rib for the most part being white the Flowers stand at the tops of the stalks branched forth into many spiked leaves of Flowers bowing or turning like the Turne-sole all of them opening for the most part on the one side which are long and hollow turning up the brims a little of a Purplish Violet colour in them that are fully blown but more reddish while they are in the Bud and not blown open as also upon their decay and withering but in some places of a paler Purple colour with a long poinâ—el in the middle feathered or pointed at the top after the Flowers are fallen the Seeds growing to be ripe and enclosed in round heads are blackish cornered and pointed somewhat like unto the Head of a Viper the Root is somewhat great and blackish and wooddy when it groweth toward Seed-time and perisheth in the VVinter The Places and Time The first groweth wild almost every where The second about the Castle-walls of Lewes in Sussex The third and fourth in Hungary and Austria The fifth and sixth in Candy The seventh and tenth in Spain The eighth and ninth on the Hills in the Kingdom of Naples as Columna reporteth The eleventh and twelâ—th in Candy They all flowre in Summer and their Seed is ripe quickly after The Temperature These Herbs are cold and dry of Temperature The Vertues and Signature The Roots or Seeds of Vipers Buglosse are very effectuall to comfort the heart and to expel sadness and melancholy proceeding from no externall or apparent cause It tempers the Blood and allayeth hot fits of the Agues The Seed drunk in Wine procureth abundance of Milk in Womens Breasts easeth the pains in the Loins Back and Kidneys It is likewise as you have heard an especiall remedy against the bitings of Vipers and all other Serpents or venemous Creatures as also against Poyson and poysonful Herbs It is added by Dâ—oscorides and others that whosoever shall take of the Herb or Root before they be bitten shall not be hurt by the poyson of any Serpent the Signature both of the stalk and Seed holding out much to this purpose The distilled water of the Herb when it is in Flower or his chiefest strength is excellent to be applyed either inwardly or outwardly for all the griefs aforesaid There is a Syrup made hereof very effectuall for the comforting of the heart and expelling sadness and melancholy which is made in this manner Take of the clarified juyce of common Vipers Buglosse four pound of fine Sugâ—r three pound of the infusion of the Flowers thereof one pound boyl these gently to the consistence of a Syrup and keep them for use Having thus spoken to divers Simples appropriated to the Lungs and Heart which are the Principall Intralls of the middle Region I shall now set down some of those which are available for Stitches and other distempers of the sides before I descend into the Abdomen or lower Region and first CHAP. CXXXIX Of Carduus Benedictus The Names NEither Carduus Benedictus or the Blessed Thistle or the Vertues were known to the Physitians of old time and therefore you must not expect the Greek name It is called in Latine Carduus Benedictus and that worthily for the
singular Vertues that it hath in English Holy Thistle and Blessed Thistle but more commonly Carduus Benedictus according to the Latine name Some excellently seen in the knowledge of Simples have made it a kind of Wild Bastard Saffron called in Latine Attractilis and in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because Women in old time were wont to use the stiffe stalk thereof pro fuso colo for a Spindle or a Distaffe It is named also Fucus agrestis and Colus rustica and the Women in Greece as Petrus Bellonius reporteth call Attractylis by a corrupt name Ardactyla even at this day Divers call it Carthamus Sylvestris Cnicus Sylvestris in English Wild Bastard Saffron The Kinds The Sorts hereof as you have already heard are two 1. Carduus Benedictus or the Blessed Thistle 2. Attractylis or Wild Bastard Saffron The Form Carduus Benedictus or Blessed Thistle hath round rough and plyable stalks which being parted into divers Branches do lie flat on the ground the leaves are jagged round about and full of harmless prickles on the edges the heads on the tops of the stalks are set with prickles and invironed with sharp pricking Leaves out of which standeth a yellow Flower the Seed is long and set with white hairs at the top like a Beard the Root is white and parted into strings the whole Herb Leaves and Stalks and also the Heads are covered with a soft and thin Down The Places and Time The first groweth naturally in Lemâ—os which is an Island of the Mediterraâ—ean Sea in the Champion grounds thereof as Petrus Bellonius testifieth It is diligently cherished in Gardens in these Northern parts The second groweth in Candy and in divers Provinces and Islands of Greece and also in Languedock and is entertained in our English Gardens The first flowreth in July and August at which time it is especially to be gathered for Physicall uses for then it will remain good a year or longer Attractylis is very late before it flowreth and seedeth The Temperature As Carduus Benedictus is bitter so it is also hot and dry in the second Degree and withall cleansing and opening Attractylis doth dry and moderately digest as Galen teacheth The Signature and Vertues By the Prickles upon the Stalks and Leaves of Carduus are clearly signified that the herb it self is an excellent remedy for the Pleurisie and Stâ—â—ches wherewith the sides are somtimes distempered if the Decoction in posset drink or the distilled water thereof be taken It helpeth also the swimming of the head strengtheneth the memory and is a good remedy against ceaâ—nesse killeth wormes provoketh Urine and the Courses and driveth out gravel and cleanseth the Stomack It is most excellent in Pestilent Feavers and all contagious Diâ—eases for it expelleth out by sweat all noxious or ill humours It is very good in any kind of Ague either the decoction thereof being taken or half a dram of the Powder in Posset-drink before the fit commeth for divers fits if need require and sweat after it It is very available likewise against Venome and poyson Though the distilled water is useful for the aforesaid Diseases yet the decoction is much better The extract thereof is good against the French Pox and the Quartan Ague The green Herb bruised and applyed is good against hot swellings as Wild-fire Plague-Sores Botches and it is good also to be laid upon the bitings of mad Dogs Serpents Spiders Bees or Wasps or any other venomous Creature The Powder stoppeth blood at the Nose being applyed The juyce thereof cleareth the sight being put into the Eyes and taketh away the redness of them and so doth the water Being bruised with a little Hogs-grease and a little Wheat mixed therewith it cures stubborn and rebellious Ulcers if it be applyed thereto It is used against the Gangrene also For all which notable effects it hath been called Omnimorbia that is a Salve for every Sore CHAP. CLX Of our Ladies Thistle The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if divers Authours be not mistaken being as is generally supposed that Plant that Dioscorides mentioneth under that name It is called in Latine Carduus Lacteus and Carduus Mariae in English Our Ladies Thistle or the Striped Milky Thistle Some think it to be Leucacantha or Spina Alba of the Antients others take it to be Leucographis Plinii Brunfelfius calleth it Carduus Albus and Camaeleon Matthiolus and Lobel Carduus Lacteus some Carduus Argentatus and Carduus Ramptarius others Carduus Leucographus and Silybum and Acanon Theophrasti The Kinds Although formerly there have been but one sort hereof known to the Herbarists yet of late by the diligent search and observation of some that have been curious there are found of them three in all 1. The common Ladies Thistle 2. Great milky Thistle of a year 3. The small Spanish milk-Thistle The Form The Common Ladies Thistle hath divers very large and broad leaves lying on the ground cut in and as it were crumpled but somewhat hairy on the edges and of a white green shining colour wherein are many lines and strakes of a milky white colour running all over and set with many sharp and stiffe prickles round about amongst which rise up one or more strong round and prickly stalks set full of the like leaves up to the top where at the end of every branch commeth forth a great prickly Thistle-like head strongly armed with pricks and with bright Purple Thrums rising out of the middle of them after they are past the Seed groweth in the said heads lying in a great deal of fine soft white Down which is somewhat flattish and shining large and brown the Root is great spreading in the ground with many strings and small Fibres fastened to them All the whole Plant is bitter in taste and therefore supposed not to be without good effects The Places and Time The first is frequent in many parts of this Realm and particularly in St. Georges Fields near London in great abundance The Seed whereof the second and likewise the last came were brought out of Spain by Guillaume Boel It is thought that the last is the same that Camerarius saith he picked out of Epithyâ—â—â— and that Ranwolsius gave him brought out of Syria because the Seed and Leaves are so very much alike They flower and seed in June July and August when other sorts of Thistles do The Temperature Our Ladies Thistle is hot and dry in the second Degree and bindeth moderately especially the Roots The Signature and Vertues There are upon this Plant also many prickles and therefore it is good for the Stitches of the side and other Diseases thereof by Signature if the Decoction or Powder thereof be taken It is also very effectuall for Agues and to prevent and cure the infection of the Plague as also to open obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and thereby is good against the Jaundies It provoketh Urine breaketh and expelleth the Stone and is
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
be stretched forth The Stomack belly or leftside where the Spleene lyeth being annointed therewith are eased of their paines and obstructions thereby It killeth the Wormes in Children a drop or two thereof being given in Milk or fat broth or the lower part of the belly being anointed therewith and so it taketh away the hardnesse of their Bellys It helpeth also all Scabs and running sores of the Head and being dropped into the Eares it cureth deafnesse and the paines and noise therein It mightily cleanseth the skin from all manner of spots and blemishes as also the deformities of scarres and of the Pox. The greene Leaves bruised and applyed of themselves or else with Barly-Meale assawage the Inflammations as well as the swelling of the Eyes and the swellings also of Womens Brests after Childing and in case they want Milk they are good to procure it being applyed thereunto The juice of the Leaves applyed to any Wound that is caused by any splinter Iron or Arrow-head draweth them out if any such be in it The said Leaves have the Signature of the Hands and therefore are available for the paines of their or any other Joynts according to Crollius CHAP. CLXXXXVII Of Glasse-wort The Names IT is supposed that this Herb was not known to any of the Greek writers for we find it not so much as mentioned in any of their workes The Arabians who probably were the first that took notice of it called it Kali which name is taken up by the Latine Authors The ashes whereof Chrystall Glasses are made is called Soda Alumen Catinum or Calinum The Salt which is extracted out of the Ashes is called Sal Kali Sal Alkali which being mixed with a certaine kind of Sand and boiled in a furnace there ariseth a Scum called Axungia Vitri in Latine and in English Sandiver The English name of the herb is Glasse-wort Saltwort but the Inhabitants of the Sea-coasts call it Crab-Grasse and Frog-Grasse The Kinds Of this Glasseworth therefore be four sorts 1. Great Glassewort with Snaile-like seed 2. Small white Glassewort 3. Glassewort of Egypt 4. Joynted Glassewort The Form The great Glassewort riseth up with a big round fleshy stalk like unto Purslane two foot high or there abouts divided into many branches whereon do grow many thick long fleshy Leaves pointed at the ends growing without Order sometimes but one or two and sometimes more standing at a place and indeed most comonly here and there also dispersed upon the branches come forth small brownish heads turned round like snailes wherein lye small round seed the Root is somewhat long with many fibres thereat and perisheth commonly after it hath given its seed The Places and Time The first groweth in divers places of Syria Africa Italy and Spaine by the Sea sides of its own accord and very large fields thereof are sown in Provence and Gascoine for the abundant profit that is made of it The second groweth in the same Countries and in those which are colder also not onely by the Sea but by the salt pits that are remote both in Saxoniâ— and also in the Western parts of our own Land The third is known to grow no where but in Egypt unlesse it be upon the Western Shores of Naples The last groweth as well upon our own Coasts in many places as in other Countries by the Sea side and by the lakes of salt water in Saxonie and other places of Germany They all flourish in the Summer those that perish give their seed in August and sometimes later but the last continueth all the Winter The Temperature Glassewort is hot and dry the Ashes are both dryer and hâ—tter and that eveâ— to the fourth degree having in them a caustick or burning quality The Vertues The Powder of any of the afore mentioned sorts or the juyce which is much better taken in drink doth purge downwards by that cleansing quality which it hath Flegmatick waterish and adust or melancholick humors and therefore it is often used for a speciaill remedy for the Dropsy It is also effectuall to provoke Urinâ— to expell the dead birth as also to open the Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and so consume the hardnesse thereof but there must be a care that it be not taken in too great a quantity for then it is very dangerous It is many times mixed with those things which are used as corrosives to consume proud Spongy Superfluous flesh that groweth in foule and virulent Uleers The Ashes of it being burnt are very sharpe and biting like a Caustick and the Lye that is made thereof is so strong that it will fetch off the skin from the hands or other parts of them that use it unadvisedly But if it be used discreetly that is applyed very sparingly or mixt with somewhat that mamy correct it sharpnesse it may do good in cleansing the skin from spots freckles Morphewes or the like Of the same Ashes also made into lye being boyled with Oyle was used to be made our ordinary Sope which being spread upon a peice of thick coorse brown paper cut into the form of a Shoo-sole and bound to the bottoms of their feet which have casually lost their Speech will bring it again within a little time after the applying thereof if they be recoverable as hath been proâ—ed but the Sope which we now use is made with cheaper Ingredients It was used to be put into Castle or rather Castile Sope for it came first out of Spaine the Castilians being the inventers thereof Sandiver worketh much to the same effect with Kali and is often used I mean the powder thereof to be blown in Horses eyes or being dissolved squirted into them to take away the skin that beginneth to grow there and dimm the sight It serveth also to dry up running sores and scabs Tetters Ring-worms and the like and to help the Itch if the foule parts be washed with the Water wherein it is boyled CHAP. CXCVIII. Of Spurge Laurell The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Daphnoides à Lauri Foliorum Similitudine from the likenesse it hath with the Bay-Tree It is called in Latin Laureâ—la quasi pu filla Laurus because of the smallnesse of it In English Spurge Laurell both because it purgeth and to distinguish it from the Bay Tree or rather from the Cherry-Bay-Tree which is of divers called the Laurell Tree The Kinds There be but two sorts which may properly be referred to this kind 1. Spurge Laurell 2. Candy Spurge Laurell The Form Spurge Laurell riseth sometimes but with one but Commonly with more Stemmes of a cubit high or more very tough and pliant and covered with a thick whitish bark whereon are set many long smooth thick somewhat broad and shining dark green Leaves somewhat like unto Bay-Leaves but lesser smoother softer and not with hard veins therein as Bay-Leaves have The Flowers come out towards the tops of the Stalks and at the Joynts with the
others also profitable as Agrimony Betony Dancus Dodder Fumitory Rose-Mary Sage Dill Rue Camomile Bayes Juniper c Some of which I have treated of already and shall treat of the rest when I shall come to the parts to which they are most appropriate I passe now to the Spleen which is the seat of Melancholy and therefore must be purged as also opened and strengthned CHAP. CCI. Of Dodder The Names THat Dodder which groweth upon flax is that which I mean to treat of principally It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the latter Greeks for by the Ancients it was not taken notice of as far as I can understand because tanquam cassis vel r 〈…〉 illud implicat it tangleth about it like a net It is called in Latin also Cassuta and Cassyta and Pâ—dagra Lini and in Shops Cuscuta The Kinds Though there be but one sort of Dodder which groweth upon Flax yet there is a lesser sort also which groweth upon divers plants and taketh its denomination from them That which groweth upon Time is called Epithymum that upon Savory Epithymbrum that upon Nettâ—es Epiurtica that upon Marjerom Epimarjorana that upon the Bramble Epirubus and in English Laced Time Laced Savory c. The Form Dodder riseth out of the ground shooting forth threds or strings grosser or finer as the property of the Plants whereon it groweth and the Climate do suffer creeping and spreading on that Plant whereon it fasteneth be it high or low These strings have no Leaves at all upon them but wind and interlace themselves so thick sometimes that it is ready to strangle it which after they have got good hold break off at bottom receiving nourishment still insensibly from the Plant whereon it is twisted like unto Ivy and thereby partaketh of the nature of the same plants Wheresoever it groweth it puts forth clusters of small Heads or Husks out of which start forth whitish Flowers which afterwards give small pale coloured seed somewhat flat and twice as bigg as Poppy seed The Places and Time I have observed little Dodder to grow upon Flax or Time here in England which makes me suppose that the Dodder of Flax and so of Time which are most in use and sold in the Apothecaries Shops are brought from beyond the Seas for every climate doth not bring them forth alike Those which have been most observed in our Land are that of Nettles which groweth plentifully in Somersetshire and that of Tares or Pulse whereon it groweth so abundantly in some places that the Country people call it Hellweed because they know not how to destroy it It hath been found upon Ferne and other herbs upon Hampsted Heath and upon the Grasse likewise upon Black-Heath in Kent It flowrisheth cheifely in July and August The Temperature Every one of these Dodders do participate somewhat of the nature of the plant whereon it groweth and therefore Dodder of Flax is hot in the first degree and dry in the second Dodder of Time is hot and dry in the third degree c. The Virtues Though the Dodder of Flax is that which is most frequent in Shops yet because that of Time is more proper for the Spleen I shall speak to that first It purgeth Melancholy and adust choller from the Spleen and Hypochonders and therefore it avaiâ—es against Melancholy as also Phlegme from the Brain and Heart and is therefore very proâ—â—table in old and inveterate paines of the Head Swimming of the head Madnesse faintings and the Quartam Ague It is very effectuall also for Hypochondriack passions Schirrues or hardnesse of the Spleen and windinesse thereof stopping oâ— the Kidneys and is very usefull in the Scab and Itch Leprosiâ— Elephancy malignant Ulcers and Cancers as also the French Pox. It cleanâ—eth also the blood very much from Melancholy and adust humors it is profitable in the Jaundies in opening Stoppings of the Gall and Avicen commends it against the Cramp Neither is it of a purging quality onely but strengtheneth also both the Liver and Spleen and helpeth Childrens Agues if a little Worms-Seed be put to it If it be used in any decoction it must be put in last for it will not endure long boâ—â—ing Dodder of Flax is very profitable in Stoppings of the Liver Gall and Spleen cleanseth the blood from Melancholy and is usefull in the Jaundies provokes Urine and cleanseth the Veines of Cholerick and phlegmatick humors especially if it be taken with wormwood and Anniseeds If half a pint or lesse of the decoction be taken with halfe an ounce of Sugar it cures Children of the Agues The seeds drunk with Wine and Sage ease the Sciatica or Hipgowt The distilled water being taken helps the distempers of the Liver and Lungs by cleansing and strengthening them it also cures the Jaundies expells the Stone of the Bladder easeth grippings in the Belly bringeth down the Courses in Women helpeth swellings about the Navell and cures Agues in Children the quantity of two ounces being taken by them but more to those that are stronger Dodder of Nettles and Broom have an especiall quality in provoking Urine where it is stopped or hindered That which grows on Tares though it be most frequent about London is not good for Tares are hard of Digestion bind the Belly and breed thick and Melancholy blood and so doth their Dodder That which groweth upon Brambles and Hopps is speciall good for old Feavers and the Jaundies CHAP. CCII. Of Black Hellebore The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and sometimes without the aspiration 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because too much of it robs the body of its nourishment by its violent purgation It is called also in Latin Helleborus niger Veratrum quid â—eâ—â—em vertat because it maketh the senses of mad folkes to return unto them a it did the Daughters of Praetus whom Melampos a Shepheard or Southsayer whiâ—â— you will cured of their madnesse herewith and because he was thought to bring it into use it is called Melampodium In English it hath the name of black Hellebore and Christmas-flower because it flourisheth about that time if too much cold weather do not hinder it There is a bastard kind hereof is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pseudohelleborus and Veratrum nigrum adulterinum Bastard black Hellebore as also Consiligo Bearefoot Setterwort and Settergrasse because Husbandmen use to make a hole and put it into the Eare or Dewlap of their cattle which they call Pegging or Settering The Kinds To this kind Eight sorts may be referred 1. The true black Hellebore or Christmas Flower 2. Bastard black Hellebore or Bearesfoot 3. Tresoile Prickly leaved Bearesfoot 4. The greater bastard black Hellebore or Bearsfoot called also Setterwort 5. Fennel Leafed bastard black Hellebore 6. The greater purging Sanicle-like Hellebore 7. Small purging Sanicle-like Hellebore 8. Matthiolus his bastard black Hellebore The Forme The true black Hellebore hath
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
by any venemous Creature CHAP. CCXVIII Of the Sweet-smelling Flagge The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Acorus and Acorum quia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 medetur because it heâ—peth to cleare a dimme Eye-sight which names are used in Latine also yet some have given it others as Radix nautica Singentiana or unguentis petita And because this is used commonly for Calamus Aromaticus by the Apothecaries though they be different things the one being a Flagge and the other a Reed I shall put them together It is called Calamus Aromaticus and odoratus which in my judgment signify the same though Parkinson maketh a difference but the result of his discourâ—e is that Aroma is a Drugge that hath a strong smell no matter whether it be sweet or no and he instances in Myrrhe and Galbanum in which signification Odor is also taken for we have commonly bonus Odor and malus Odor a sweet and a stinking scent according to the Epithet that is joyned with it and I believe this may be a reason of those suppositions that the Antients counted those things sweet which are not sweet to us This is that Calamus mentioned in the 30 of Exodus verse 23. The Kinds Though Acorus and Calamus Aromaticus may not properly be said to be of the same kinds yet I shall put them together and one more 1. The sweet smelling Flag or Calamus of the Shops 2. The supposed true Syrian or Arabian Aromaticall Reed 3. Matthiolus his Aromaticall Reed The Forme The sweet smelling Flagge hath many Flaggy long and narrow fresh greene Leaves two foot long a piece yet many times somwhat brownish towards the bottome the one rising or growing out of the side of another in the same manner that other Flagges or Flowerdeluces do thin on both sides and ridged or thick in the middle the longest for the most part standing in the midst all of them smelling very sweet which dye every yeare yet when they are dead they keep their smell new ones rising in their steed the next Spring after it hath grown three or four yeares in a place it putteth forth a round head like unto the Catkin of the Hasel-nut-Tree growing upright of a length and thicknesse of one finger of a purplish green colour out of which shoot forth paâ—e whitish flowers consisting of four small Leaves a peice nothing so well sented as the Leaves falling away quickly without giving seed the root is thick and long somewhat like to that of the Garden Valerian of a sweet sent and and somewhat a bitter tast The Places and Times The first groweth in Turky as also in Russia and the places thereabouts naturally in moist places whence it hath been brought into a few of our Gardens The second in Aegypt as also by the lake of Gennesareth in Judea and in divers places also of Syria and Arabia The third is suppoâ—ed by Matthiolus and others to grow in India Syria and Judaea The sweet smelling Flagge beareth its Catkin in July or August The Temperature The Rootes of Acorus are hot and dry in the second degree and of thin and subtill parts The Virtues The decoction of the rootes of the Sweet smelling Flagge being made with Wine and drunk doth not only provoke Urine but is also very profitable for all the diseases of the Reines and Bladder cleansing and waâ—â—ing all the superfluities in them without any hurt or danger it helpeth to ease the paines of the sides Liver and breast as also those of the Collick and Cramp it recovereth thoâ—e that are bursten and bitten with Venomous Creatures and waâ—eth the Spleene The Root is very much used in divers Electuaries and Antiâ—otes against all Venome Poyson and infection as in that called Diacorum Mithridate c Being taken fasting every morning for some time together it is a speciall remedy for a stinkâ—ng breath A dram of the powder of the Root with as much Cinnamon taken in a draught of Worm-wood wine is singular good to comfort and strengthen a cold weak Stomack The whole Rootes preserved either in Sugar or Honey are effectual also for the same purposes but these that are preserved greene are more desired then those that being dry are steeped and afterwards preâ—erved The juice dropped into the eyes dryeth the Rheumes therein and cleareth the sight taking away films or such like that may offend them The hot fumes of the decoction made in Water and taken in at the mouth through a Funnel are excellent to help them that are troubled with a Cough The Rootes bruised and boiled in Wine and applyed warme to the Testicles that are swollen dissolveth the Tumour and easeth the paines it likewise mollifyeth hard swellings in any other part of the body It is used amongst other things to make sweet Powders and Water Calamus Aromaticus if the true can be had is as good if not better for many of the purpoâ—es aforesaid and is moreover avaleiable to procure Womens Courses and to remedy the fits of the Mother CHAP. CCXIX. Of Cyperus or English Galanga The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cyperus from the round forme of the Root which is like a small Boxe or Vessell in Latine also Cyperus and Juncus triangularis and angulosus to distinguish between it and the Juncus laevis or vulgaris ordinary rushes It somtimes beareth four square stalkes and then it is called Juncus quadratus In English many do call it Gallinga or Gallingale because the rootes of one sort of it are somwhat like to those of the small Gallinga It is called also as commonly Cyperus and sweet Cyperus after the Greek and Latine names The Kindes To this kind may be referred these five sorts 1. The more common round rooted sweet Cyperus 2. The greater Assyrian sweet Cyperus 3. The lesser Assyrian round rooted sweet Cyperus 4. The ordinary sweet Cyperus or English Galanga 5. The most delicate sweet Cyperus or Rush-nut The Forme The more common round rooted sweet Cyperus shooteth forth many heads of long and narrow Leaves somwhat ridged in the middle every lease seeming thereby to be three square of a sweet scent amongst these Leaves rise many smooth square Stalkes about three foot high stuffed with a white pith without any knot or joynt therein unto the tops where there stand a few short Leaves and many small panicles or chaffy greene spikes of small Leaves above them which after containe within them the seed the root is composed of many long and round blackish brown small rootes fastned together by long strings of the bignesse of small Olives of a sweet scent even while they are greene but much more when they are dry and of a bitter tast somwhat like unto Galanga The Places and Time None of these sorts grow in England unlesse it be in the Gardens of those that delight in rarities in the Physick Garden at Oxford Westminster c. Yet
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
long hard rough sharp pointed narrow greene Leaves at the tops of the stalkes stand divers small white flowers in rough brown huskes wherein after they are past is contained a white hard stony round shining seed like unto Pearles the root is long and hard or somwhat wooddy with divers branches and fibres thereat which perisheth not every yeare as the stalkes do The Places and Time The first groweth in Gardens as I said before whither it was brought out of Italy or the parts of France next unto it where it groweth wild The second and third grow wild in many places of our Land in barren grounds whether tilled or untilled and somtimes in those which are fruitfull also The fourth groweth as Lobel saith in the descent of the Valley of Ostia in Piedmont The sixt as the same Author affirmeth groweth in Corne-grounds by the way from Bristol to Bath The seaventh in the Corne-feilds of Germany The eight about Mompelier in France The last groweth naturally in Candy Rhodes Syria and other Easterne Countryes being brought thence into our Gardens where it groweth well The Gromels do all flower from Midsummer to September the seed ripening in the meane time but the seed of Jobs Teares seldome come to perfection with us unlesse it be sown betimes and the Summer prove very hot The Temperature The seeds of Gromel are hot and dry in the second degree and so are those of Jobs Teares The Signature and Vertues The seeds of Gromel by their stony hardnesse have given our fore-Fathers to understand that they are of singular force to break the Stone and to avoid it and also the Gravel either in the Reines or Bladder and if it be made use of in these dayes it will be found as effectuall as any other Seed or Herb whatsoever for the said purposes as also to provoke Urine being stopt and to help the Strangury being bruised and boiled in white Wine or Broth or the powder of it drunk in raw White-Wine or in broth or the like but the most pleasant safe and effectuall way is to make a Barly creame with the Kernells of the four greater cold seeds and the seeds of Gromel by boyling them in Barly water and to take thereof in the morning fasting for three dayes together when you are troubled with any of the aforesaid griefes The said seeds being bruised and laid to steepe all night in White-Wine with some Fennell Parsly and Sena and then boyled in a stone Vessell strained and sweetned with Sugar and drunk the next morning is a good medicine to purge Phlegme and Choler to open and cleanse the Reines and Bladder and to expell wind exceedingly Two drammes of the seed in Powder taken with the Milk of a Woman is very effectuall to procure a speedy delivery to such Women as have sore paines in their Travel and cannot be delivered as have been found true by divers as Matthiolus saith Being mixed with other ingredients it helpeth the Running of the Reines The Herb it selfe when the seed is not to be had being boyled in White-Wine and the decoction thereof or else the juice of it being drunk worketh the same effects but not so powerfully nor speedily and a Bath wherein some of it hath been boyled being sate in is much commended for an outward remedy Of Jobs Teares the most exquisite Crollius who taketh notice of the former also saith thus Lacrhyma Jobbaa ad deturbandâ—s calculos nunquam satis landata that is Jobs-Teares can never be sufficiently commended for expelling the Stone then doubtlesse it performeth the other effects usually annexed if the Powder or decoction of the seeds be taken as aforesaid The said seeds are used by Papists beyond Sea to number their Prayers and by others for beads Bracelets c. CHAP. CCXXVI Of Onions The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the Poets 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because the Antients were wont to shut their Eyes as often as they eat them lesf they should make them Water It is called in Latine Cepa and Cepe from Caput as some think because of the greatnesse of their head and Unio because the root is single not giving off-setts for increase as other bulbous roots do The old writers have given it Sirnames from the place where it grew as Cypria Sardia Cretica Samothracia and Ascalonia from whence comes our English word Scallions which are set Onyons the lesser sort whereof are by some called Chibouls from the French name Sâ—boula The Kinds There be divers sorts of Onyons half a dozen whereof I shall here present you with 1. The Ordinary flat white Onyon 2. The long white Onion 3. The flat red Onion 4 The long red Onyon 5. The Strasborough Onion whose outside onely is red 6. St. Omers Onion called by some but corruptly St. Thomas Onion The Form The Onion for the description is generall hath divers long green hollow Leaves seeming half flat amongst which riseth up a great round hollow stalk bigger in the middle then any where else at the top whereof standeth a close round head covered at the first with a thin skin which breaketh when the head is grown and sheweth forth a great Umbell of white Flowers which turne into black seed but then the head is so heavy that the stalk cannot sustain it and therefore it must be upheld from falling to the ground lest it rot and perish the root of every one is round in some greater in some lesser in some flatter in others longer in some sharp and strong in others milder and more pleasant some being so pleasant that they may be eaten as an Apple The Places and Time All the sorts of Onions are Inhabitants of the Garden and prosper best in that ground which is well digged and dunged I know not whether they grew naturally or in Gardens about Ascalon a City of Judea but that they were formerly very plentifull in those parts I am verily perswaded Those that are sown for store should be sown in February or before the latter end of March at the furthest in the increase of the Moon and are to be gathered about August when the blades begin to be flagged towards the roots Those which are for seed must be set at the same time when the former are sown yet it seldome comes to perfection in our own Country most of the seed we use coming from beyond the Seas The Temperature Onions are hot and dry in the fourth degree as Galen affirmeth The juyce is of a thin watery substance and if it be taken in any great quantity it is rank poyson but the rest is of thick parts and may be eaten with little or no danger The Signature and Vertues White wine wherein a sliced onyon hath been steeped all night being drunk in the morning and the party walke an hour after it is a good Remedy for the Stone which its Signature doth demonstrate as Crollius noteth as
conceive it more probable to come though not without some corruption from Athanâ—sia it being called in French Tanaisie and Athanasie from whence our English word â—ansey came without doubt The Kindes Of Tansey there be these seven sorts 1 Ordinary Tansey 2 Double English Tansey or curled Tansey 3 Party-coloured Tansey 4 Woolly Tansey 5 Small white Tansey 6 Mountain Tansey 7 Unsavoury Tansey The Forme Though ordinary and curled Tansey be two sorts yet one description may serve them both for either of them have many hard green Leaves or rather wings of Leaves many small ones being set one against another all along a middle rib or stalk and snipt about the edges in one sort the Leaves stand closer and thicker and somewhat crumpled which hath caused it to be called double or curled Tansey and in the other more thinner and straglingly set like as those of the wild Tansey are It riseth up with many hard stalkes bearing at the tops of them certaine clustered tufts of gold yellow flowers like Buttnos as Camomile Feaverfew and Maudlin doe which being gathered in their prime will not quickly wither the seed is small and as it were chaffy the Root creepeth under ground and shooteth up again in divers places The whole herb is bitter in tast and of a strong smell yet very comfortable to the Senses The Places and Time All the sorts abovementioned are cherished in Gardens either for their Vertues or their rarity howbeit many of them are not without their naturall places of growing for the first groweth by the hedges and ditches sides and in the borders of fields in divers Countreys beyond the Sea The fourth groweth about Mompelier and other places The fift groweth in divers places both of Germany and Italy The sixth upon the Alpes amongst the Switzers The last also groweth in divers Countreys beyond the Seas The Root endureth long sending forth its green Leaves in March and April and its Flowers in June and July and sometimes later The Temperature Tansey is said to be hot in the second degree and dry in the third That without smell is hot and dry but in a lesser degree then the former The Vertues The Decoction of the ordinary Garden Tansey or the juice thereof drunk in Wine or Beer is very profitable to dissolve and expell Wind in the Stomach Belly or Bowels and to kill and expell the Wâ—rmes and so doth the seed which is a singular and approved Medicine for the same in what sort soever it be taken and therefore it is that Tanseys were so frequent not long since about Easter being so called from this Herb Tansey though I think the Stomach of those that eat them late are so squeamish that they put little or none of it into them having altogether forgotten the reason of their Originall which was to purge away from the Stomack and Guts the Phlegme engendered by eating of Fish in the Lent Season when Lent was kept stricter then now it is whereof Worms are soon bred in them that are thereunto disposed besides other humours which the moist and cold constitution of Winter most usually infects the body of Man with and this I say is the reason why Tanseys were and should be now more used in the Spring then at any other time of the year though many understand it not and some simple people take it for a matter of superstition so to do The Decoction before mentioned is a singular remedy for all the griefes that come by stopping of the Urine helpeth the Strangury and those that have weak Reines and Kidneys procureth Womens Courses and expelleth the windinesse of the Matrix If it be bruised and often smelled unto as also applyed to the lower part of the Belly it is very profitable for such Women as are apt to miscarry in Child-bearing to cause them to go out their full time It is also used against the Stone in the Reines with good successe especially if it be given to Men. Being boyled in Sallet Oyle after it hath been stamped it is very good against the pain and shrinking of the Sinewes by the Cramp or other distemper if applyed to the part affected It is said also that the Root preserved with Sugar is profitable for them that have the Gout if they take thereof fasting for many dayes together It is one of the six things that are reckoned up in Schola Salerni to be good for the Palsey and not without reason for it avoideth phlegme and dryeth the Sinews by whose resolution the Palsey is caused CHAP. CCL Of Lavender-Cotten The Names IT is doubted whether the Greeks had any knowledge of this Plant yet some have called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as if they had and their reason is because the Leaves thereof are somewhat like to the Leaves of the Cypresse Tree It is also called Chamaecyparissus in Latine but divers of the most judicious of the Latine Writers take it as Matthiolus doth to be the true Abrotanum faemina of Dioscorides Sancolina we call it generally in English Lavender-Cotten The Kindes There are nine sorts hereof to be reckoned up 1 Ordinary Lavender-cotton 2 Great Lavender Cotten 3 French Lavender Cotten 4 Fine Lavender Cotten 5 Rosemary Leafed Lavender Cotten 6 Small Rosemary Leafed Lavender Cotten 7 Small green Lavender Cotten 8 Creeping Lavender Cotten 9 Strange Lavender Cotten The Forme The ordinary Lavender Cotten hath many wooddy but brittle branches hoary or of a whitish colour whereon are set many Leaves which are little long and four-square dented or notched upon every edge and whitish also at the tops of the branches stand naked Stalks bearing on every one of them a yellow head or Flower like unto Tansey or Maudeline but greater then either of them of a gold yellow colour abiding so a along time upon the Stalkes and being kept dry likewise after which commeth small dark coloured seed the Root is woody and spreadeth abroad with many hard fibres The whole Plant is very comely to behold especially if it be artificially ordered of a strong sweet scent but no way displeasing unlesse it be in the tast which is bitter The Places and Time Though none of the forementioned Plants grow naturally with us yet many of them are to be found in the Gardens of those that are curious Conservers of rare Plants howbeit it will not be amisse to tell you that the first groweth of its owne accord in Germany The second in divers places of Narbone in France The fourth fifth and sixth about Salamanca in Spaine The last is supposed to come from Egypt the places of the rest are not yet knowne They do all or most of them flower in Iuly and August The Temperature The seed of Lavender Cotten and so likewise the herb is hot and dry in the third Degree The Vertues Every Woman also can tell that Lavender Cotten stamped and strained with Milk taken fasting after it hath been a little warmed by the fire is an
to dry without any manifest sharpnesse or heat The Vertues And whosoever shall drink the seed of Flix weed in Wine or the Water of a Smiths Forge wherein Iron and Steel have been often quenched shall find by experience that it hath not its name for nothing for it is of excellent use to stop the bloody Flix the Lask and all other Issues of blood The Herb it self boyled in either of the said liquors and drunk performeth the like effects no lesse powerfully then Plantain or Comfry as also to consolidate Bones that are either broken or out of joynt The jâ—yce thereof drunk in Wine or the Decoction of the Herb drunk doth kill the Wormes in the Stomack or Belly and the Worms which sometimes breed in putrid and filthy Ulcers The said Herb being bruised or the juyce thereof being put into Oyntments and Salves doth quickly heal all sores how soul or malignant soever they be and therefore it would be taken into especiall notice by those good people who delight in curing the Wounds and Maladies of their Neighbours There may be also a Syrupe made hereof which is admirable good to be used inwardly when any of the former occasions shall require The distilled Water of the Herb is not altogether so effectuall for the purposes aforesaid yet for those whose Pallates will not brook any of the former Medicines this may be taken it being a little clearer and therefore more acceptable CHAP. CCLXV. Of the Pilewort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Chelidonium minus in Latine for what reason I know not it being like unto the Chelidonium majus or greater Celandine neither in nature or forme It is called also Hirundinaria minor as some have supposed because it springeth when Swallows come in and withereth at their going away but this is true in neither for it flowrisheth long before their comming and departeth presently after But the names of Ficaria and Scrophularia minor are more propper unto it because the Roots not only re-resemble those kernels of the Fundament called the Piles and those hard swellings that sometimes sease upon the neck and other parts but is very powerfull to cure them In English it is usually known by the name of Pilewort as it ought to be yet it hath been also called the lesser Celandine and Figwort from the Latine names The Forme Pilewort or Celandine the lesse groweth with many pale round green leaves spread as it were upon the ground by reason of their weak and trailing branches whereon they are set of a fat smooth and somewhat shining aspect marked in some places though not often with black spots from amongst which rise up divers small yellow flowers consisting of nine or ten very narrow Leaves upon their slender foot-stalks somewhat like unto those of Crow-foot as the seed also is it being set upon a head after the same manner The Root is composed of divers small kernels of the bignesse of wheat Corne or bigger hanging to the body by a smal string or fiber and having another such a string at the end also all which are of a whitish colour The Places and Time It groweth in most parts of this Land that are not ploughed up if they be any thing addicted to moisture or overshaddowed either with Walls or Trees as in Meadowes and Pastures by Highway sideâ— by Ditches Wall sides Hedges Trenches c. It commeth forth about the beginning of March and flowreth not long after it beginneth to fade in April and is so far gone in May that the Roots thereof can scarcely be found therefore be sure you look for it in its due season The Temperature Though Pilewort have not that acrimony and sharpnesse which Dioscorides and Galen affirm to be in theirs yet those that have succeeded them do agree that howsoever it hath the properties thereof The Vertues and Signature The most profound Crollius in his Book of Signatures hath observed that Pilewort hath the perfect Signature of the Hemorrhoides or Piles or such like excrescences that appear in or about the Fundament and therefore he saith that not only the decoction being drunk is a profitable remedy for the said evill accidents but being hung about the neck so that it may lye against the Mouth of the Stomack it performeth the same and so it doth being made up into an oyl Oyntment or Salve as also helpeth the kernels about the eares and throat called the Kings Evill or any other hard Wens or Tumors as Mr. Culpeper saith he proved upon his owne Daughter which had the Kings Evill and delivereth it for an extraordinary secret The juyce taken from the Roots and put into the Nose purgeth the head and the decoction thereof with a little Honâ—y put into it and gargled in the Mouth doth the same effectually and doth purge and cleanse the breast of phlegme or any other tough humours that do offend It also helpeth a running Itch and those Nailes of the Fingers and Toes that grow deformed and scabbed The Piles themselves being bathed with the juyce mixed with the Patients Urine or with Wine draweth them together and dryeth them up and taketh the pain quite away The distilled water of the Leaves and Flowers that have the spots and marks upon them is an admirable remedy to cleanse the Faces of those are tanned freckled or otherwise accidentally spotted and this it doth by Signature as the aforesaid Crollius hath also recorded CHAP. CCLXVI. Of Water-Betony The Names IT is called in Latine for the Greek name is no where expressed Betonica Aquatica and Aquatilis most commonly yet there be that call it Ocymastâ—um majus Clymenon and Scrophularia the likenesse of the Plants causing the interposition of Names as being mistaken one for another And so likewise in English some have called it Brownwort which is the same with Scrophularia or Figgewort but usually it is called Water-Betony and of some Bishops-Leaves and Brook-Betony The Kindes The sorts hereof are quickly reckoned up for they are but two 1 The greater Water-Betony 2 The lesser Water-Betony The Forme The greater Water-Betony which is most common riseth up somewhat like Figwort but many times higher with square hard greenish stalks and sometimes brown set with such like dark broad green Leaves so very like unto those of Figwort that they have been often mistaken one for another being also dented about the edges but with rounder notches by the diligent observance whereof they may be distinguished in that respect somewhat resembling the Wood-Betony Leaves yet of a larger Sise and two for the most part set at a joynt At the tops of the branches and likewise at the joynts where the Leaves coâ—e out from the middle of the Stalke upwards come forth many round bellyed Flowers which being fully blown are open at the brims yet divided into two parts so the uppermost is like a hood and the lowermost like a lip hanging down of a darke red colour which passing
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
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
over cures the â—aundise The Juyce mixed with the Powder helps the Vvula being â—allen if it be annointed therewith and the Juice being mixed with Womans milke and dropped in the â—ares that are pained easeth them The Roots of Dittany and Acâ—râ—s made into powder and snuffed up into the Nostrills purgeth the Braine The Powder of Dittany and Castor mixed with the Juice of Rue and put up into the Nose is good for those that have the falling Sicknesse It draweth forth Thornes and Splinters out of the feet or other parts being applyed thereto and if a weake Member be but rubbed with the Juice thereof it strengthneth the same The Juice is a present remedy for all wounds made with Iron being put therein both mundifying and cleansing the same especially those that are made with Venemous Weapons The same hath a purging faculty being annointed or applyed with Barly Meale The distilled Water thereof cannot but be usefull for many of the aforesaid purposes and besides it is commended against the Pestilence if three ounceâ— be drank Morning and Evening and against Venome if six ounces thereof be dranke and three ounces thereof taken in the morning are profitable against the Stone Though Dittany be good for Women in Labour yet Women with Châ—ld must avoid it because it will make them miscarry neither is it for hot cholerick and dry bodies nor to be much used in hot seasons but when it is needfull the Dose of the powder is from a scruple to a dram It is a report of ancient standing and contradicted by no Author that ever I read that the Wild Goates and Deere in Candy when they be wounded with Arrowes do drive them forth by eating this herbe the cure also ensuing thereupon CHAP. CCCXVI. Of Pepperwort or Dittander The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lepidium as some think quod 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 id est maculas in cute delet because it taketh Spots and Scarres out of the Skin or as others thinke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod acrimoniâ urenti ulceret because it is hot in taste yet not so hot as to exulcerate It is called also Lepidium in Latine but it is as well if not better known by the name of Piperitis for so it is called because of its heating quality like unto Pepper yet neither the Piperitis that Pliny mentions nor the Lepidium of Dioscorides are the same with this that of Pliny being a kinde of Pepper called Siliquastrum and that of Dioscorides being the Sciatica Cresse called Iberis or Cardamantica We call it in English Dittander and Pepperwort and some Dittany but falsely that being another plant which I have spoken to in the foregoing Chapter There is a kinde hereof called Scarrewort after the Greek name either because it maketh a marke in the hand or him that shall hold it or because it taketh away all manner of â—carres as I said before The Kindes There be three kindes of Dittander 1. Common Dittander or Pepperwort 2. French Dittander or Scarrewort 3. Annuall Dittander or Scarrewort The Forme Common Dittander or Pepper-wort sendeth forth somewhat long and broad Leaves sharpe pointed of a light blewish green colour dented about the Edges somewhat like a Saw the Stalke whereon most of the Leaves stand is round and tough sometimes a cubit or more in height spreading forth divers branches on which doe grow little white flowers after which followeth the small seed in little heads The Root is slender and apt to increase the whole plant is very hot and sharpe in taste as I said before The Places and Time The first groweth naturally in divers places of this Land as about Clare in Essex about Exceter in the West Countrey about Rochester in Kent and about Sawle Abbey in Lancashire c. and is taken into Gardens by some that know how to use it The other two are found about Mâ—mpelier in France The first and last flower about June or July the second in August when the other two perfect their seed The Temperature Dittander is hot and dry in the third degree being of a cleansing quality and not so hot and fiery sharpe as some Authors make them especially the ordinary sort The Vertues The Women of Bury in Suffolke and in the West Countrey also as I have been told by one that came from thence and in other places also doe usually give the Juice of Dittander to the quantity of a Spoonful or two in Ale to be dranke by those Women that are in travaile to procure them a speedy delivery It is very effectuall also for the Sciatica or Hip-gout or any other Gout or paine in the Joynts or any other inveterate griefe the Leaves hereof to be bruised and mixed with old Hoggs-grease and applyed to the place there to continue for four hours if the party be a Man but no more then two if it be a Woman the place being afterwards bathed with Wine and Oyle mixed together and then wrapped with Wool or Skins after they have sweat a little The same also amendeth the deformiâ—â—es and discolourings of the Skinne whether in the face or elsewhere and helpeth to take away all manner of Markes Scarres and Scabbs which remain after the healing of Vlcers or the like as also the foul marks of burnings either with Fire or an hot Iron The other two are also judged to be endued with the same effects and are also good for the Toothachâ— as Rondeletius affirmeth who saith he made as good use thereof for that purpose as he did of Pellitory of Spaine and that some of the Leaves only being held giveth ease unto them that are vexed with the said pâ—ine A Leafe of Scarrewort applyed to the palme of the hand or any other place is said to make a Marke or discolouring different from the adjaent parts if it lye at it but a while and continueth so after it is taken off CHAP. CCCXVII Of the Holme Oake The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying to Saw because it is so hard that it cannot be cut but with a Saw The greater sort is of some called in Latine Ilex major Ilex arbor and Ilex glandifera to distinguish it from the lesser or Scarlet Holme Oake called Ilex coccifera or coccigera The Acorne of the greater is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Acylum also in Latine but the Scarlet Grain of the lesser is called in Greek by Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Coccos Phoenicea by Dioscorides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 simply and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Coccus Baphica In Latine by Pliny Granum Coccum Quisquilium Cusculium Scoletium Vermiculum Hysginum but by the latter Writers Coccus infectorius and Granum infectorium by the Arabians Chermes or Kermes as also by the Apothecaries who likewise call it Grana tinctorum in English the Scarlet grain or Chermes berry The Kindes Of the Holme Oake
Monardus saith They flourish and flower in the months of May June July and August The Temperature Rupture-wort doth notably dry and throughly closeth up together and fasteneth The Signature and Vertues Rupture-wort saith mine Author hath such a Signature that thereby it may be perceived to be profitable for the falling down of the Guts into the Cods which is commonly called Burstness and indeed it hath neither its Signature nor its Name in vain for it hath been found by divers experiences to help and cure the Rupture not onely in Children but also in elder Persons if the Disease be not too inveterate a dram of the powder of the dryed herb being taken in Wine every day for certain dayes together as the strength of the Disease age of the Patient shall require for the older people are and the longer it is let alone the longer it will be before it be cured or the Decoction made of the Herb in wine and drunk or the juyce of the distilled water of the green herb taken in the same manner It is also wonderfully effectuall for helping all manner of Fluxes either of men or women Vomiting also and the Gonorrhea or Running of the Reines being taken any of the wayes aforesaid It doth most assuredly help those also that are grieved with the Strangury or have their Vrine otherwise stopped or are troubled with the Stone or Gravel in the Reines or Bladder causing them that take it to make water very freely and thereby to remove and wash down whatsoever sticketh or is offensive in the passages of the Vrine The same also helpeth much all Stitches in the Side all griping paines in the Stomach or Belly the obstructions of the Liver and cureth the Yellow Jaundise likewise and killeth Wormes in Children Being outwardly applyed it conglutinateth Wounds very notably and helpeth much to stay defluctions of Rheume from the Head to the Eyes Nose and Teeth the green Herb being bruised and bound thereto or the Decoction of the dryed Herb to bathe the Fore-head and Temples or the Nape of the Neck behind It also dryeth up the moisture of Fistulous Vlcers or any others that are foule and spreading The lesser Rupture-wort hath all the faculties of the other though not so exactly Monardus writeth that the Indian Rupture-wort is mervailously good for them that are bursten whether they be Children or Men that are so grieved the green Herb being bruised and applyed to the place whereunto a Truss must afterwards be bound CHAP. CCCXXII Of Thorough-wax The Names IT is called in Latine Perfoliata for it hath no certain Greek name that I can meet with quod caulis ejus singula folia dissecat atque penetraâ— because the Stalk groweth through the Leaves and therefore we call it in English Thorough-wax or Thorough-leaf The Kindes To this Kinde may be referred these nine sorts following 1. Common Thorough-wax 2. Double-flowred Thorough-wax 3. Broad-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 4. The lesser broad-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 5. The greater narrow-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 6. The lesser narrow-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 7. The least narrow-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 8. Common codded Thorough-wax 9. Codded Thorough-wax with purple flowers The Forme The Coâ—mon Thorough-wax groweth up with one straight round Stalke and sometimes more till it be half a yard high or higher whose lower Leaves being of a blewish green colour are smaller and narrower than those that grow higher standing close thereto but not quite compassing it yet as they grow higher they do more and more encompasse the Stalk untill they so wholly close together that it passeth almost through the middle of them branching towards the top into many parts where the Leaves grow smaller again every one standing singly and never two at a joynt the Flowers are very small and yellow standing in tufts at the heads of the Branches where afterwards grow the Seed which is small and blackish many of them being thick thrust together the Root is small long and woody perishing after it hath perfected its seed which being permitted to shed riseth againe the next yeare The Places and Time The first groweth in many Corn-fields and Pasture-grounds of this Land as in the Corn-fields about Beechen-tree in the way between Oxford and Deddington very plentifully and is taken into Gardens by those that know the use of it where by the alteration of the soile it sometimes bears a double flower and is reckoned as a second sort though it be but a kinde of the first all the rest are strangers except the last save one which is found in our own Land They do all flower about July and the Seed is ripe in August or presently after The Temperature Thorough-waxe is hot and dry as may be perceived by the bitterishnesse and astringency that is in it The Signature and Vertues The commendations of Thorough-wax are so many and so great and the success so answerable thereunto as also to the Signature which Crollius saith it hath that to omit it in this place would argue me to be very careless Take notice therefore that the decoction of the Herb or the powder of the dryed Herb taken inwardly or the green Leaves bruised and applyed outwardly or both is very singular and available to cure Ruptures or Burstings especially in Children before it grow to be too old It is also an excellent Remedy to help those Children that have their Navels sticking out being applyed thereunto with a little Honey and Wax and so it draweth up the bowels and keepeth them in their naturall place and setleth them and slacketh them when they are too much windy and swollen It is also of singular good use with Chirurgions for all sorts of Bruises and Wounds either inward or outward and old Vlcers and Sores likewise if the decoction of the Herbe made with Water or Wine be drunke and the places washed therewith or the juyce or greene herb bruised and boyled either by it self or with other herbs in Oyle or Swines-greace be made into an Oyntment which may be used as any time of the yeare The Herb as also the distilled Water thereof is very good against St. Anthony's Fire and the Shingles The greene Leaves being stamped and boyled with Wax Oyle Rosin and Turpentine maketh an excellent Oyntment or Salve to incarnate or bring up flesh in deepe â—â—unds CHAP. CCCXXIII Of Solomons-Seale The Names ITt is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Polygonatum from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 multus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 genu because of the many Knees Joynts or Nodes that are in the Root in Latine also Polygonatum but more usually Sigillum Solomoniâ— because the flat round circles that are upon the Root do somewhat represent a Seale or else because of the wonderfull faculty that it hath in sealing or closing Burstennesses or green Wounds It is also called Scala caeli because the Leaves grow not together but one above another imitating the rounds of some fashioned Ladders We call it in
die Bruen which is common to Soldiers when they lye long in Camps but especially in Garrisons coming with an extraordinary inflammation or swelling as well in the Mouth as Throat the Tongue being also rough or rugged and black a hot fierce continual Feaver accompanying it the very Signature of the Throat which the form of the Flowers do represent signifying as much yet it will be necessary also for the perfect cure of this Disease that besides the drinking of the Decoction of this herb and the washing of the Mouth therewith the party be let Bloâ—d under the Tongue It is likewise effectual for those that have received any great hurt by any bruise or fall or any such griefes especially if a decoction be made thereof as also of Sanicle Bugle and such other Wound-herbes and then it will be more effectual to inject into the Vlcers of the outward parts beside that the inward taking thereof will represse the sharpnesse of such humors as doe commonly follow any Sore Vlcer Inflammation Swelling or the like The juice hereof used with the Oyl of Roses to annoint the Temples and Forehead is very effectual to remove the Head-Ache and the same juice mixed with a little Honey of Roses cleanseth and healeth the Vlcers and Sores of the Mouth and Throat as also those of the secret parts It is to speak generally good for all those purposes where Bugle is not at hand that Bugle is prescribed for and if they be both put together they help broken bones so much the better CHAP. CCCXXXVII Of Saracens Consound The Names IT is uncertaine whether this Herbe were known to the Ancients there being no Greek name for it upon Record it having fared with this as with a great many other Wound herbes of great Excellency that are not to be found in the Catalogue of any Greek Author It is called in Latine Solidago and Consolidâ— â— Consolidando from sodâ—ring closing or glewing up the Lips of Wounds for so that obsolete word signifies to which the Epithete Saracenica is added not onely to distinguish it from the former Consounds but also to denote the great opinion that the Turks and Saracens who were accounted great Chirurgions and of wonderful skill had of it to heale the hurts and wounds of their Soldiers which the Christians taking notice of made use of it also and found the vertues of it answerable to the estimation they put upon it Others have called it Herba fortis from the strong scent and take as it is supposed in English Saracens Consound and Saracens Wound-wort The Kindes There be some Authors that set down four sorts of Saracens Consound 1. The true Saracens Consound with Willow Leaves 2. The greater Saracens Consound 3. The German Consound with small Cods 4. Tragus his German Consound The Forme The true Saracens Consound groweth up with many long and narrow green Leaves snipt about the edges somewhat like unto Peach or Willow Leaves but not of so whitish a green colour from amongst which doe rise up faire brownish and sometimes green hallow Stalks neer unto the height of a Man beset from the bottome to the top with Leaves like the former but not so large where doe stand many pale yellow Starre-like flowers in green heads which being fallen the ripe seed being somewhat long small and of a yellowish brown colour wrapped in Down is afterwards therewith carried away suddenly by the Winde the root is composed of many strings or Fibres set together at a head which perisheth not in Winter though the Stalkes and Leaves doe the whole Plant is of a strong and unpleasant taste or smell The Places and Time The first groweth in the way between Dunmow and Clare in Essex as also on the five Mile bank neer Whittlesea and between Dudson and Guaâ—thlow according to Doctor Bowle The other three doe grow in moist and wet grounds by Woods sides and sometimes in the moist places of the shadowy Groves as also by Waters sides They flower in July and the two first perfect their seed soon after but that of the two last is not ripe till August and sometimes it is September first The Temperature Saracens Consound is hot and dry almost in the third degree and binding withall The Vertues Saracens Consound is not inferior to any Wound-herbe whatsoever for if it be steeped in Wine and then distilled the Water thereof may be inwardly taken as well as outwardly applyed and so it is of extraordinary efficacy for all manner of Wounds and Vlcers whether inward or outward and so is the simple distilled Water thereof as also the juice or decoction for it first clenseth any green Wound or old Sore or Vlcer whatsoever from any corruption that is bred in it and healing it up quickly afterwards The same also is no lesse effectual for the Vlcers of the Mouth or Throat be they never so foul or stinking by washing and gargling the Mouth and Throat therewith and likewise for such Sores as happen in the privy parts of Man or Woman The Herb being boiled in Wine and given to drink helpeth the indisposition of the Liver and freeth the Gall from Obstructions whereby it is good for the yellow Jaundise and for the Dropsie in the beginning thereof as also for all inward Vlcers of the Reines or elsewhere and inward wounds and bruises CHAP. CCCXXXVIII Of Loose-strife or VVillow-herbe The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lysimachium from whence the Latines have their Lysimachia Some have thought that this Plant took its name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from parting of Strife because as some of the Ancients write that this herb being put about the Yoaks or Necks of Oxen which are fallen out and made one with another it will make them tame and quiet but I am rather of their opinion which would have it so called from Lysimachus King of Illyria who was the first finder of the Nature and Vertues thereof for which he is renowned unto this very day It is called also in Latine Salicaria ant quòd inter Salices â—ritur aut quid Salicis folia habet either because it groweth amongst the Willowes or because it hath Leaves like the Willow or both The English Herbarists follow the Greek Etymologie in calling it Loose-strife and sometimes Willow-herbe The Kindes The sorte of Loose-strife which I shall here set down are twelve 1. Purple spiked headed Loose-strife 2. Hooded Willow-herbe or Loose-strife 3. Blew spiked Loose-strife 4. Wilde Willow-herbe 5. Little hooded Willow-herbe or Bastard Hedge-Hyssope 6. Yellow Willow-herbe or Loose-strife 7. Yellow Willow-herb with double Flowers 8. The lesser yellow Willow-herbe 9. Little codded Willow-herbe 10. Smooth codded Willow-herbe 11. Great codded Willow-herbe 12. Small flowred Willow-herbe The Forme The Purple spiked headed Loose-strife groweth with many wooddy square stalkes full of joynts neer three-foot high having two Leaves standing at every joynt somewhat like unto Willow Leaves but shorter and of a deeper green colour
Tree the more it is beaten the more Nuts it bears and therefore good Husbands after they have beaten down the Nuts do with long Poles beat the empty boughs of the Tree and I have observed that those Trees which have grown in the streets have been full when those which have growen in the back sides have had scarce any which I could impute to nothing else but that those in the street were beaten and throwen at more then the other they blossom early before the leaves come forth and the fruit is ripe in September except St. Johns Wall-nut which ripeneth not till October The Temperature Dodonaeus is of Opinion that the fresh Nuts are cold and moist but Euchsius saith they are drying in the first degree and heating in the second the bark of the Tree doth binde and dry very much and the leaves are near of the same temperature but when the Nuts are old they are hot and dry in the â—econd degree and of thin parts and of harder digestion then when they are fresh which by reason of their sweetnesse are more pleasant and better digesting in the stomack The Signatures and Vertues Wall-nuts have the perfect Signature of the Head The outer husk or green Covering represent the Pericranium or outward skin of the skull whereon the hair groweth and therefore salt made of those husks or barks are exceeding good for wounds in the head The inner wooddy shell hath the Signature of the Skull and the little yellow skin or Peel that covereth the Kernell of the hard Meninga Pia Mater which are the thin scarfes that envelope the brain The Kernel hath the very figure of the Brain and therefore it is very profitable for the Brain and resists poysons For if the Kernel be bruiâ—ed and moystned with the quintessence of Wine and laid upon the Crown of the Head it comforts the brain and head mightily If the Peels be taken off they are thought to be good for the stomack and somewhat loosing the belly and mixt with Sugar they do nourish temperately whilest they are new but when they begin to grow old they grieve the Stomack and cause in hot bodies choler to abound and the Head-ach and are an enemy to those which have a Cough but they aâ—e lesse hurtfull to those which have colder stomacks and are said to kill the broad Worms in the stomack or belly They are reckoned in Schâ—la Salerni for one of those 〈◊〉 things which are good against poyson Allia Ruta Pyra Raphanus â—um Theriâ—câ— Nuâ—s Hac sunt A 〈…〉 tum contra mortale ventuum And true it is that two dry Wall-nuts and as many Figs and twenty leaves of Rue bruised and beaten together with two or three Coâ—â—s of salt were King Mithridates Medicine against poyson which afteâ— he had long used daily at last he sought to poyson himself but could not And no marvel for the water of green Wall-nuts taken about Midsummer being drunk two or three ounces cooleth and resisteth the Pestilence And the water of the outer Husks of Wall-nuts being not rotten distilled in September is given to drink against the Plague with a little Vinegar as a certain experiment and the juyce of the same boyled up with Honey is an excellent gâ—â—gle for â—â—re mouths the heat and inflammations in the throat or stomack Though the old Kernels are not so fit to be eaten yet they are used to heal the wounds of the sinews Gangrens and Carbuncles and being mixed with Figs and Rue they cure old Ulcers of the Breasts and other cold Imposthumes with Rue and Oyl they are good to be laid to the Quinsie The leaves with Boars grease stayeth the hair from falling and maketh it fair the like also will the green husks do used in like manner A peece of the green husk put into an hollow Tooth easeth the pains thereof Some use the green husks and sometimes the young red leaves dryed and made into powder instead of Pepper to season their meat but if some dryed Sage in Pouder be put into it it will give a seasoning and relish not to be despised of poor folks The Oyl of Wall-nuts made in such manner as Oyl of Almonds maketh smooth the hands and face and taketh away scales and scurf black and blew marks that come of blowes and bruises and taken inwardly it helpeth the Collick and expelleth Wind very effectually Besides it is far better for the Painters use to illustrate a white colour than Linseed Oyl which deadeth it and is of singular good use to be laid on gilded works The young green Nuts before they be half ripe preserved whole in Sugar are not onely a dainty Junket among other of the like nature but are good for those that have weak stomacks and defluxions thereon It is averred by some that if a Wall-nut be put into the belly of a Chicken it will cause it to be roasted a great deal the sooner The Rind of the root having the upper part scraped of being made into powder and tempered with Vinegar if it be strained two or three times till it be somewhat thin and clear and drunk liberally cureth the Ague and cleanseth the body very much CHAP. II. Of the Piony The Names THe Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines also Peonia and Dulcisida in Shops Pionia in English Piony or Peony and of some Chessesâ— It hath also many Bastard names as Râ—sâ— Fatuina Herba Câ—sta Hasta Regia Rosa Asinarum of some Luxaria or Luxaria Peonia because it cureth those which have the Falling-sicknesse whom most men do call Lunatici or Lunatick It is called Paonia from Paon a famous Physician who doubtless found out some of the Vertues and admired them but Glycysidâ— or Dulcisidâ— from the red grains in the Pomgranat which in Greek are called Sida with which it hath some resemblance It is also called Dactyluâ— Idaâ—â— the 〈◊〉 roots thereof being like to Dactyli Idâ—i which are certain precious stones of the form of a mans finger growing in the Isle of Candy It is likewise called Aglaophôtis or brightly-shining taking its name from the shining rednesse of the red grains or seeds which are of the colour of Scarlet of which there are many fabulous traditions but I shall forbear to mention them The Kindâ— The Sorts of Pionyes which I have met with are in number 11. 1. The male Piony 2. The Female Piony 3. Double Red Piony 4. The double white Pyony 5. The Spanish Dwarf Piony 6. Columbine leafed Pyony 7. The party coloured Piony 8. The female white Piony 9. The female yellow Piony 10. The doubtful female Piony 11. Certain single and double female Pionies that sprang with Clusâ—â—â— of the seed of the double Red which is not 〈…〉 all All these forts except the female are Plants so scarce that they are possessed but by a few and those great Lovers of Rarities in this kinde and therefore I shall trouble you onely with the description of that
or Corn-rose 4. Wilde Poppy with a white flowre 5. Murry coloured Poppy like the commonest single of the Garden 6. Party coloured Poppy Some spatling as 1. Beheâ— Album or white Battle 2. Elegant spatling Poppy with guilded leaves Others bastard called in Latine Argement As 1. Round headed bastard wilde Poppy 2. Long headed bastard wilde Poppy 3. Yellow wilde bastard Poppy of Waleâ— To trouble you with the Descriptions of every one of these would be tedious I shall therefore describe only the spatling Poppy the others being better known The Forme Spatling Poppy which doth very little resemble any other Poppy but only the Seed and Cod or Bowle wherein the seed is contained hath divers weak tender stalks full of joynts about a foot or half a yard long usually lying on the ground whereon grow many pale whitish green leaves two alwayes let together at the joynts one against another having many times upon the leaves but more often about the joynts of the stalks a certain white frothy substance like unto that is called Cuckow-spittle or Wood-seer at the tops of the stalks upon many slender foot-stalks stand divers white flowers composed of five small leaves a peece with a deep notch in the middle of every one of them standing in a thin loose stripped husk wherein the black seed is afterward contained the root is white and spreadeth in the ground continuing sundry years The Place and Time Many of the Garden-Poppies are to be found in Country Gardens but the yellow horned Poppie groweth upon the sands and banks of the Sea neer unto Rie in Kent in the Isles of Sheppy and Thanet and in many other places along the English Coast with the other wilde Poppies every Corn-field is garnished as also with spatling Poppy which sometimes groweth in Pastures and high-way-sides the Elegant spatling Poppy with guilded Leaves groweth in Womersly field in Yorkshire Argemone groweth in Soâ—â—rsetshire and near South-fleet in Kent The white Corn-Rose groweth amongst the Wheat between Pontfract and Ferry-Bridge They begin flowring in May and continue till the end of July the seed of them is ripe presently after The Roots of all except the spatling Poppy perish every year and spring again either of their own or others sowing The Signature and Vertues The Heads of the Poppies with their Crowns do somewhat represent the Head and Brain and therefore the decoctions of them are used with good successe in several diseases of the Head The Garden Poppy Heads with the seeds made into a Syrup procureth rest and sleep in the sick and weak and stayeth Catarrhs and deâ—luxions of hot thin Rheumes from the head into the stomack and upon the Lungs causing a continual Cough which is the fore-runner of a Consumption The green Knops of Poppy stamped with Barley Meal and a little Barrows-grease and applyed in the form of a Pultis helpeth St. Authoâ—ies fire called Ignis Sacer. The Leaves Knops and Seeds stamped with Vinegar Womans milk and Saffron cureth Erysipelas another kinde of St. Anthonies fire and easeth the Gouâ— mightily and put into the Fundament as a Clyster causeth sleep The seed of black Poppy drunk in Wine stoppeth the Flux of the beâ—ly and the over-much flowing of Womens sicknesse Mr. Culpepper saith that it is the juyce of white Poppy growing in England which they sell for Opium in the Shops though they pretend to have it out of the Eastern Countries where they gather it only from the heads of the great white Poppy but certainly his Pen run before his Wit when he said it grew beyond the Moon for there is no question but that it is so gathered in those parts and should be that which is used in Narcotick Medicines though perhaps for want of it our Meconium which is the juyce of Poppy thickned and is much weaker is sometimes used It is an ingredient of much respect in those great Compositions of Treacle and Mithridate and in other Medicines that are made to procure rest and sleep and to ease the pains of the head as well as other parts or rather to palliate them and make them insensible for the time present It is used also both to cool Inflammations Agues oâ— Phrensies and generally for the same occasions as the seed or any part of the Plant is but if it be taken in too great a quantity it causeth the Lethargy and sometimes killeth and therefore it is to be used with caution inwardly divers have found that applyed to the Gout it hath given much ease and put into hollow teeth ceaseth their pain The Syrup of Meconium or Diacodium which is made of the heads of white and black Poppies a little after the heads are fallen off may safey be given to those which are troubled with hot and sharp Rheums but not to young Children which are froward for if Nurses would keep their own bodies temperate their Children would sleep well enough without it The Syrup made of the Flowers of the red wilde Poppy is with good effect given to those which have a Plurisie the dryed Flowers also either boyled in water or made into Powder and drunk either in the distilled water of tâ—em or in some other drink worketh the like effect the same also is available in all other Cephalicall or Pectorall griefs The distilled water of the said Flowers is held to be of much good use against surfeits to drink it evening and morning it is also more cooling in quality then any other Poppy and therefore cannot but be as effectual in hot Agues Phrensies and other Inflammations either inward or outward but the seed is dangerous to be used inwardly The Syrup aforesaid is thus made Take of the fresh Flowers or red Poppies two pound steep them in four pound of warm Spring-water the next day strain it and boil it into a Syrup with its equall waight of Sugar It cools the blood helps Surfeits and may be safely given in Phrensies Feavers and hot Agues The Seed of Spatling Poppy purgeth Flegme said Galâ—n and causeth vomitings saith Dioscorides being taken in Mead or honyed water and is especially good for those that are troubled with the Falling-Sicknesse It was the head of this Poppy about the time it was in flower which the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it doth foreshew as they conceived the success of their love For these Flowers the tops being closed together with ones fingers seem like little Bladders which being broken against ones other hand make a noyse like unto the Bladders of little Fishes being broken If they gave a good report they concluded they should be succesful if not they presently let fall their suit so superstitious were those people as some in our dayes be The leaves of Argemâ—né or Bastard wilde Poppy stamped and the juyce dropped into the eyes easeth the Inflammation thereof and cureth the Disease in the Eye called Argema whereof it took his name by signature which Disease when it happeneth on 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
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
fore-head and Temples The same layd-to with Vineger is good against the going out of the Navel and burstings of young Children The water wherein the Seeds have been steeped is good against St. Anthonies fire or Wild-fire The juyce with Honey put into the Ears killeth Worms and stayeth the running thereof It helpeth hot swellings or eruptions of the skin as Blains Wheals and such like as also pains of the Joynts and places out of joynt and the Hip-Gout The same is applyed to Womens Nipples and sore Breasts and that with good successe laying it often thereon Being mixed with Hogs-grease and applyed to foul corrupt and filthy Ulcers and Sores cleanseth and healeth them by cooling the heat and repressing the sharpnesse of the humours flowing unto them The Muscitage of the Seed made in Plancane-water whereunto the Yelk of an Egg or two and a little of the Oyntment called Populeon is put is a most safe and sure Remedy to ease the sharpnesse prickings and pains of the Hemorrhoides or Piles if it be layd on a Cloth and bound thereunto It stayeth the bleeding of the Nose applyed with the juyce of Shepheards-purse and Bole-Armoniack The Herb boyled or the Seeds with the Root and the Fundament bathed therewith or to sit over the hot Liquor easeth the Fenasmus a Disease when one is often provoked to stool without voyding any excrement It taketh away the burning and acrimony of Lime Euphorbium and Cantharides It taketh away the roughnesse of the hair being bathed with the Muscilage thereof Fleawort-Seed keepeth Camphor very well and that by its coldnesse and moysture There is no danger in it if it be wisely and conveniently applyed yet 't is not amisse to give with Cinamon or Mace However in cold and moyst Bodies which have but narrow Entrals it is not safe CHAP. LXI Of Throat-wort The Names PAssing from the Plants appropriated to the Mouth we come to those that do more immediately relate to the Throat amongst which Throatwort by its Name should be none of the meanest The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines Trachelium from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies the Neck or Throat It is called also in Latine Cervicaria for that it helpeth the Sores of the Neck and Throat either inward or outward It is also called Uvularia because it helpeth the Uvula or Palate of the Mouth which hath the diminitive from Uva for the likenesse unto a Grape when it is swollen and fallen down Others call them Campanula of the likenesse of Flowers unto Bells and therefore called Bell-Flowers Some also call them Rapi sylvestris genus but improperly and Rapunculus or Rapuntium Rampions because they are like unto Rampions and many of them edible as they are We in English call it Throat-wort Canterbury-Bells and sometimes Haskewort The Kindes There are fifteen Sorts of Throat-wort reckoned up by Parkinson 1. Great Throat-wort 2. The great Globe-Rock Throat-wort 3. The lesser Globe-like Rock Throat-wort 4. The greater Mountain Throat-wort 5. Narrow leafed Throat-wort 6. The Rock spiked Throat-wort 7. Thin leafed Throat-wort with spiked Heads 8. Vmbelliferous blew Throat-wort 9. Small Mountain Throat-wort 10. Wild Buglosse leafed Throat-wort 11. The late flowring Throat-wort 12. Gyant Throat-wort or Bell-flowers 13. Bell-flowers with small dented Leaves 14. The Syrian Coventry Bells 15. Round-leafed Throat-wort The Forme Great Throat-wort hath large hairy Leaves of an over-worn green colour somewhat rough and slightly indented about the edges The stalk is also hairy about half a yard high or somewhat better whereon those Leaves are set from the bottom to the top almost after the fashion of Nettles Towards the top upon a short foot-stalk come forth hollow Flowers of a Bell-fashion not unlike to the Coventry-Bells of a purplish blew colour and somewhat hairy within The Root is white thick and long lasting The Places and Time The first groweth in Stow-wood by Oxford on that side next unto Barton in the Ditch on the right hand as you go in and divers other places about that Wood. The Globe-like Throat-worts and those with spiked Heads grow naturally in divers places beyond the Seas as some in Candy some upon Mount Baldus the Alps as also in Germany Italy and Naples A lesser sort of wild Buglosse leaved Throat-wort was found by Bauchinus on the Hills amongst the Switzers The Syrian Coventry Bells were found by Ranwolfius at the foot of Mount Libanus in Syria in the shadowy Woods Gyant Throat-wort groweth in severall places in York-shire And there is a little Throat-wort which groweth near unto the Lanes end that leadeth from Dedington to Oxford about the place where the way turneth from Dedington to Dunstew Many of these sorts and peradventure some others grow in the Physick-Garden at Oxford and Mr. Morgans Garden at Westminster They all flowre in the Moneths of June and July but yet some of them flowre not till all the rest are past and scarce perfect their Seed but are increased by their Root The Temperature These Plants are cold and dry as are most of the Bell-flowers The Vertues The Roots of some of these be sweet in tast and therefore eaten in Sallets either raw or strewed as both the greater and smaller ordinary sorts of Rampions are yet some of them are not so pleasant but more astringent by which quality they are found to be effectuall not only in all Ulcers of the mouth and Throat to gargle and wash them or for the Uvula or Palate of the mouth when it is swollen and fallen down but for all other Sores whether in the secret parts of Man or Woman to be used in a decoction with Honey Wine and Allome or in any other part of the Body for by the faculty of drying and binding they are very profitable for old Sores to restrain the moyst and sharp humours which fret the place and keep them from healing and for green Wounds and Cuts to close up the Lips of them speedily These are all the Vertues that I find as yet attributed to the Throat-worts which though not many yet are pertinent to our present purpose which is sufficient CHAP. LXII Of the Date-Tree The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Palma the fruit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Palmulae Dactyli the sheath or skin which encloseth the Flowers is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Elat◠and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Spatha and some think one kind of Date is called Caryotae and Phaenicobalanis which were also called Regiae because they were fittest for the dyet of Kings Thebanes were the lean dry Dates that had little substance in them The wild or low Palm is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Theophrastus and Chamaeriphes in Latine by Lobel Lugdunensis and Palma humilis also by Matthiolus and Palmitee or Palmito by the vulgar in Italy Spain c. The Greeks also call that head that is used to be eaten 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines
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
flowers are in their beauty in June and July the best time to gather their roots is in Autumn when the leaves fall yet it may be gathered in the Spring before they come forth The Temperature Elecampane is hot and dry in the third degree especially the dryed root which is of greatest use for before when it is green and as yet full of Juyce the hot and dry quality is not so eminent The Vertues Elecampane openeth the Breast and helpeth shortnesse of Wind caused by tough Phlegme stopping the Lungs Also it openeth the Opilations of the Liver and Spleen and comforteth the Stomach as saith Schola Salerni Enula Campana reddit praecordia sana A Decoction of the Root is good against poyson and bitings of Serpents for such as have Ruptures Cramps and Convulsions or have any member out of joynt and for the Hip-Gout The same or the Juyce taken killeth all manner of Worms in the belly or stomach and is good for them that spit blood or have inward bruises The roots canded or the Conserve taken doth warm a cold and windy Stomach and helpeth the pricking and sâ—tiches therein or in the sides caused by the Spleen and to help the Cough shortnesse of breath and wheesings in the Lungs The dryed Roots mixed with Sugar and taken serve for the same purposes and is also good for those that are troubled with the Muther and is in the Plague and putrified Feavers very useful The Roots and leaves bruised and put into Ale or Beer and daily drunk cleareth strengtheneth quickneth the sight of the Eyes wonderfully The Root bruised and applyed helpeth Gouts Cramps or Convulsions loosnesse and paines in the Joynts or those members that are out of joynt by cold or moisture happening unto them The Roots hoyled well in Vinegar beat afterwards and made into an Oyntment with Hogs grease or oyl of Trotters and a little Vinegar and Salt in powder added thereunto is an excellent remedy for Scabs or Itch in young or old The place also hathed or washed with the Decoction doth the same and helpeth all sorts of old putrid or filthy sores or Cankers whatsoever The Decoction of the roots in wine or the juyce taken therein gargled in the Mouth or the root chewed fastneth loose Teeth helpeth to keep them from putrifaction The disâ—illed water of the Leaves and roots together is very profitable to cleanse the skin of the face or other parts from any Morphew spots or blemishes therein and maketh it clear Pliny saith that Julia Augusta let no day pass without eating some of the root of Eâ—â—la conciâ—ed which it may be she did to help digestion to expell Melancholy and sorrow and to cause mirth and to move the belly downwards for all which it is very effectual The Oyl therof helpeth tormenting wind of the guts and is good for the Sinews The decoction thereof drunk provoketh Urine and the terms The wine thereof doth cleanse the Lungs and bâ—east The root in powder may be given from twenty grains to thirty to cold and moist bodies but not to those that are hot and dry CHAP. LXXX Of the Almond tree The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the fruit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Amygdalus the fruit Amygdalum Amygdalium some think that Cato meant these by the Names of Nuces Grâ—câ— but yet some do rather refer them to the Walnuts Columella maketh mention of Nuces Grâ—câ— Juglandes and Amygdale as of three kinds for many think the Almond Tree was not known in Italy in Cato's time Some have soundly conceived that the bitter Almond tree might be made to bear sweet Almonds and the sweet bitter and that Inscriptions and engravings might be made upon them if one open the shell of an Almond and write upon the kernel But this Errour and many others of this Nature are discovered by the skilful Practiser in the Art of planting Mr. Ralph Austen it being contrary to the Law that God hath set in all plants to preserve the kind to change or alter from one kind to another The Kinds Though all Almond Trees be so like that they cannot be distinguished by the external form yet there are sundry sorts as may be gathered from the fruits they bear for some of them are bitter and some sweet of sweet some are bigger called Jordâ—n Almonds others lesse called Valence Almonds and Barbary Almonds the bitter are small like the Barbary Almonds The Forme The Almond Tree groweth greater and higher then any Peach but otherwise it is very like it and therefore usually planted by it self and not against a Wall not by grafting but by setting a kernell or stone into the ground where it should grow because it will hardly be transplanted the body thereof becomming very great whereby a sheweth to be of long continuance spreading greater Arms and Smaller branches but brittle with very long Leaves upon them like unto the Peach Tree The flowers are of a paler Purple Colour then the Peach blossoms and not so bitter and the fruit very like the Peach for the outward form before it be ripe but the outer â—ind is a dry skin without any cleft in it of edible substance under it as the Peach hath and the shell under it is smooth and not rugged like it and not so thick a kernel within It is observed that those that grow in the Isle of Cyprus bend down their Heads contrary to all in any other Place The Places and Time They grow in all places planted that I know or can hear of in Syria Barbary Turkey Spain Italy and wheresoever we have saith my Authour both the bitter and the sweet of that sort which is thick and short growing in many places of our Land and blossom earlier then the Peach of any sort and the fruit ripe also before them There is one of them growing in the Orchard at Merton Colledg in Oxford which flowreth early but whether it brings its fruit to perfection I cannot assure you The Temperature The sweet Almonds are the pleasanter meat formed into many fashions as every one liketh but the bitter are the more Physicall the sweet are hot and moist in the first degree the bitter are drying in the second The Vertues The Oyl of Sweet Almonds mixed with the fine Powder of Sugar Candy is good for the dry Cough and Hoarsenesse to take a little at once the said Oyl drunk either alone or with the Syrup of Marshmallows is good for those that are troubled with the Stone to ease the paines by opening and making slippery the passages thereof It is used also by women in Childbed after their sore travel for it helpeth Throws and after-paines if you give two or three drachms of it to Children that are newly born and troubled with gripings mingling Sugar Pellets or white Sugar Candy therewith it will much avail The sweet Almonds themselves yeeld good and plentiful nourishment to the body therefore they
with Ale or Beer and given to one that is suspected to have lost her maidenhead if it remain with her she is a maid otherwise not If you give Hens some dry Nettles broken small with their meat in Winter it will make them lay eggs all the Winter more plentifully It is said also that if the herb be rubbed on the privities of female beasts that will not suffer the males to cover them it will cause them the more willingly to suffer them to do it The oyl of Roses or Sallet Oyl boyled with the juyce or the juyce of the Leaves themselves is a present Remedy to take away the stinging of Nettles To all the purposes aforesaid the Roman Nettle is held the most effectual yet where it cannot be had the others are in a degree next it as effectual Nettle tops are usually boyled in Pottage in the Spring time to consume the Phlegmatick superfluities in the body of Man that the coldnesse and moisture of the Winter hath left behind CHAP. LXXXVIII Of Turneps The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gongyle ob rotunditatem figuraeradicis because of the roundnesse of the root for the Greeks did call every thing that was made round after this manner 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is called in Latine Rapum and Rapa which is commonly used in shops and every where else The Lacedemonians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Beetians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Athaeneus reporteth We English Turnep and Rape The Kinds There be sundry sorts of Turneps some wild some of the Garden some with round roots globe fashion others ovall or Pear-fashion some great and some of a smaller sort I shall mention only these four following 1. The great round Turnep 2. The little round Turnep 3. The long Turnep 4. The Orenge coloured Turnep The Forme The Turnep hath long rough and green leaves cut or snipt about the edges with deep gashes The stall divideth it self into sundry branches or arms bearing at the top small flowers of a yellow colour and sometimes of a light purple which being past there do succeed long Cods full of small blackish seed like Rape seed The root is round like a bowle and sometimes a little stretched out in length growing very shallow in the ground and oftentimes shewing it self above the Surface of the Earth The Places and Time The Turnep prospereth well in a leight loose and fat earth and so loose as Petrus Crescentius sheweth that it may be turned almost into dust it groweth in divers fields and Gardens in most places of England The other sorts are not so common as the first yet those that are ever awhit delighted with rarities of this nature have them growing in their Gardens It is not convenient that the ground where they are to be sowen be digged so deep as for other things or if it be the Gardner would do well to tread the ground before he sow them for then will they head the better They may be sown in any Moneth from March to October but they are commonly sown in April and May as also in the end of August They flower and seed the second year after they are sown for those that flower the same year that they are sown are a degenerate kind causing frensy and giddinesse of the brain for a season wherefore are by some called Madneps The Temperature The bulbous or knobbed root which is properly called Rapum or Turnep hath given the name to the plant whilst it is raw for so it is sometimes eaten especially by the poor people in Wales is windy and ingendreth cold and grosse blood but being boyled it cooleth lesse yea so little as that it cannot be perceived to cool at all yet it is moist and windy The Vertues and Signature The Decoction of Turneps is good against the Cough and hoarsnesse of the voice being drunk in the evening with a little Sugar or a quantity of clarified honey The Syrup of Turneps being extracted by baking them mixed with life Hony hony of Roses or Sugar a Spoonful thereof taken at night about bedtime worketh the same effect and is good for those that have a vein Broken Dioscorides writeth that the Turnep it self being stamped is with good successe apaplyed to the Kibed heeles and also that Oyl of Roses boyled in an hollow Tuâ—nep under the hot Embers doth cure the same The young or tender shoots or springs of Turneps at their first coming forth of the ground boyled and eaten is a delicate Sallet which provoketh Urine The seed is mixed with counter poysons and Treacles and being drunk it is a remedy against poyson They of the low countries do give the oyl which is pressed out of the seed against the afterthrows of women newly brought a bed and also do administer it to young children against the worms which it both killeth and driveth forth The Oyl mixed with water doth allay the fervent heat and rugged nesse of the skin it availeth not a little how they be prepared for being boyled in water alone or with meat is most moist and sooner descendeth and maketh the body more soluble but being roasted or baked it ingendreth lesse wind and yet it is not altogether without wind but howsoever they be dressed they yeeld more norishment then the raw they provok Urine increase natural seed and milk in womens breasts by Signature there being a neer resemblance between a womans breast and a Turnep And now I think it will not be amisse to turn my stile from the in side of the breast to the out side and because the breasts of VVomen are more subject to indisposition then mens I shall set down some plants which may be serviceable upon that account CHAP. LXXXIX Of Ladies-Mantle The Names ALthough Branfelsius and others have thought this Plant to be Leontopodium or Lions foot being deceived by the name because divers Nations have so called it from the form or likenesse of the Leaf yet it cannot be gathered that it was known to Dioscorides or any of the ancient Greek Writers It is usually called in Latine Alchymella by most Writers because as some think the Alchymists gave mighty Commendations of it It is called also of Matthiolus Lugdunensis and others Stellaria from the form of the Leaf that with the corners resembles a Star but there are divers others Herbs called Stellaria by severall Authours and some also call this â—es Leonis and Pata Leonis others call it Sanicula major for the Vertues of it which are like unto Sanicle Cordus calleth it Drosera Drosium Psiadeion from the Germans name Sinnaw because the hollowish Leaf will contain the Drops of Dew We in English call it our Ladies Mantle from the prettynesse of the Leaf and great Sanicle and of some Lions Foot or Lions Paw The Kinds The Sorts are but two 1. Common Ladies Mantle 2. Cinquefoile Ladies Mantle The Forme Common Ladies Mantle hath many Leaves rising from the
Root standing upon long hairy foot-stalks being almost round but somewhat cut-in on the edges into eight or ten parts more or lesse making it seem like a Starre with so many corners and points and those not so deeply but more finely indented round about of a light green colour and as if it were plaited and folded at the first and then crumpled in divers places which maketh them a little hollow being also hairy as the stalk is which riseth up among them to the height of a foot and sometime a foot and half with a few such Leaves thereupon but smaller and being weak is not able to stand upright but bendeth down to the ground divided at the top into two or three small Branches with small whitish green heads and flowers of a yellowish green colour breaking out of them which being past there commeth small yellowish inclosed in the greenish Husks The Root is somewhat long and black with many strings and Fibres thereat The Places and Time The first groweth naturally in many Pastures and Woods in Oxford Hartford and Wiltshire and also in Kent as in Stow-VVood near Oxford in Millmead by Rungill VVell near Adderbury in Pray VVood near St. Albans in King VVood near Feversham in the Pastures near Fidnam and Chepstow and in other places of this Land The other groweth on St. Barnards Hill among the Switzers The first flowreth in May and June the other not untill August but both abide after Seed-time green all the Winter after The Temperature Ladies Mantle is hot and dry in the second Degree as some think in the third being very astringent binding and drying The Vertues The decoction of Ladies Mantle being drunk and the bruised Herb outwardly applyed helpeth to keep down Maidens Paps or Duggs as also to bring back the Breasts of Maids or Women that are too big or over-flagging to their due bignesse and hardnesse It is very proper for those wounds that have Inflammations and is very effectuall to stay bleedings Vomitings and Fluxes of all sorts in Man or Woman and Bruises by falls or otherwise and helpeth Ruptures and serveth also to stay the whites in Women wherein it is so powerful that it is used as a surfuling water also The distilled water drunk twenty dayes together by such Women as are barren and cannot conceive or retain the birth after conception through the too much humidity of the Matrice and Flux of moyst humours thereunto causing the Seed not to abide but to passe away without fruit will reduce their Bodies to so good and conformable an Estate that they shall thereby be made more fit and able to retain the Conception and bear out their Children if they do also sit sometimes as in a Bath in the decoction made of the Herb. It is accounted one of the most singular Wound-herbs that is and is therefore extolled with exceeding great prayse and they never dresse any wound either inward or outward but they give of the decoction hereof to drink and either wash the wound with the said decoction or dip Tents therein and put them thereinto which wonderfully dryeth up all the humidity of the Sores or of the humours flowing thereunto yea although they be fistulous and hollow and abateth also such Inflammations as often happen unto Sores but for fresh or green wounds or Cuts it so quickly healeth them up that it suffereth not any quitture to grow therein but consolidateth the lips of the Wound not suffering any corruption to remain behind CHAP. XC Of Sanders The Names THe ancient Grecians have not made any mention of it but the Arabians only who generally call it Sandal It is called by the Natives of the Isle of Timor and the Provinces thereunto adjoyning Chandama and those of Canara Decan and Surrat call it Sercanda In Latine it is called Sandalum Saâ—â—alum In English Sanders The Kinds There are three Sorts of Sanders 1. Santalum album or white Sanders 2. Santalum rubrum or red Sanders 3. Santalum ciâ—ri 〈…〉 vel flavum Yellow Sanders The Forme The Sanders-Tree groweth to be as big as the Wallnut-tree having fresh green Leaves like unto the Mastick-tree and darkish blew Flowers the Fruit being like unto Cherries for the size but without any tast black when they are ripe and quickly falling away the wood it self is without sent as it is said whilest it is living and fresh and smelleth sweet only when it is dry the white and the yellow Woods are so hard to be distinguished before that time as it is said that none but those Indians which usually fell those Trees do know their difference before hand and can tell which will prove better then others the chiefest part and smelling sweetest being the heart of the Wood and as the Trees do grow in severall places so are their goodnesse being more or lesse plentifull in the substance of â—he heart for thereafter are they accounted The Places and Time The white and yellow Sanders grow naturally and that in great abundance in an Island called Timor and also in the East Indies beyond the River Saâ—ges or rather Ganges which the Indians call Hanga and also about Java where it is of better odour then any that groweth else-where The red Sanders groweth within the River Ganges especially about Tâ—â—asâ—rim and in the Marish Ground about Charamandel and in most parts of Brasil where the Brasil Wood also groweth which is somewhat like it but they may be easily known asunder because Sanders is neither sweet in tast nor giveth any Dye as the Brasil doth besides Sanders in heavyer then it and will sink in water These Trees grow green Winter and Summer and the Indians are feign to mark them that they may distinguish them when their Mart commeth for they are not easily known one from another by the sight of the vulgar The Temperature They are cold and dry in the second or third Degree some say they are hot the red is more cooling and binding The yellow is the best the next is the white the red is least of use The Vertues The red Sanders have a more astrictive as I said and strengthning faculty and therefore applyed to Mayds or Womens great Breasts mixed with the Juyce of Purslane abateth their greatnesse and represseth their overmuch growing It is also very effectuall for the stoppage of blood at the Nose or any other place if it be taken in red Wine the Signature thereof declaring so much It is used likewise to stay Defluxions of thin Rheum from the Head and to cool hot Inflammations hot Gouts and in hot Agâ—es to cool and tempâ—â— the heat but in Cordiall Medicines the white and yellow are most effectuall and comfortable by reason of their sweetnesse helping faintings of the heart and palpitation or beating thereof as also weak and faint stomacks which come through heat diverting melancholy and procuring mirth and alacrity They open the Obstructions of the Liver and cool the heat thereof and ease the pain
will be late with us though in the aforesaid Countryes it be not so before it be ripe The last groweth plentifully in Narbone about A 〈…〉 Sextias and other places of France and is somtimes fowne in our Gardens but seldome comes to maturity The Temperature Galen saith that Cumin-seed is in the third degree of heat and in the same degree almost of drynesse and as Dioscorides saith it heateth bindeth and dryeth but Dod 〈…〉 us insisteth there against shewing that it doth discusse humors by attenuating and digesting them and doth not represse them by binding or astriction The Vertues Cumin-seed is also another of the soure great Carminative-seeds and therefore it disâ—olveth Wind in any part of the body and easeth the paines of the Chollick being boyled in Wine and drunk and is used as a Corrector of any Windymeat or Medicine For one that hath a Stinking breath if it proceed of corrupt â—umes risâ—ng from the Stomack it may be useâ— thus Take two handfulls oâ— Cuminseed and boyle it in a pottle of good White-Wine till halfe be wasâ—ed then streine it â—â—â— drink it 〈◊〉 〈…〉 ning for fifteene dayes together and last at night also halfe a pint at â—ime hot or cold â—â—â— helpeth 〈◊〉 that are bitten by Serpents taken in the same manner The same taken in Beete or Posset drink is good for those thâ—â— are short-winded or are otherwise troubled with an old Cough or the disease of the breast to boyle the same with Figs in Wine It is also very usefull in the Dropsy called Tympany and in Giddinessâ— of the head If it be used often it is said to make the party looke â—â—lâ— and therefore it was in great request in the time of the Monkes and Frâ—â—rs that thereby their bodies might seeme the more mortâ—fied It is said also that it any one that â—â—th eaten Cuminseeds do breathe on a painted face the fictitious colour will vanish away straight being used in bread or meat it giveth a reâ—lish to them and therefore it both was and yet is in sundry places amongst the poorer sort substituted insteed of Pepper being pleasing as well to the Stomack as the â—ast Boyled in Water and they are washed therewith it causeth the face to be cleaner and faires so 〈◊〉 it be used now and then for by 〈◊〉 often using it causeth Pâ—leâ—â—sso and therefore may be of request with those that are high coloured Being boyleâ— in Wine and so made into a Pultis it quickly taketh away the swelling of the Codds caused by any Wind or Waterish humor if it be applyed thereto with Bâ—â—ty Meale and so it doth all other cold paines or swellings It stoppeth also bleeding at the Nose being mixed with Vinegar and smelt to and being used in the same manner is rest â—aineth Vâ—miting and if it be boyled in Water and the lower partâ— bâ—thed therewith it stayeth the abounding Courses of Women Bruised and fryed with an hard Egge and laid to the 〈◊〉 of the Neck it easeth an old head-ach and stayeth the â—â—eâ—me that falleth into the Eyes or are bloud-shorten or else the Powder mixed with Waxe into the some of a Plaister and applyed to thâ— Eyes will soone help it and take it away Being applyed to the belly with Wine and Barly meale boyled together in the forme of a Poultis it easeth the gripings and torments of the belly Being quilted in a little bagge with a small quantity of Bay-salt and made hot upon a Bedâ—â—n with fire or such like and sprinkled with good Wine Vinegar and then applyed to the side very hot it taketh away the Stitch and paines thereof and easeth the Plurisy The herb and likewise the root are of little or no use The seed of the Wild Cumin is also effectuall against either the Windinesse of the Stomach or of the Belly and Bâ—wells which bringeth Tormenting paines and swellings with it being taken in Wine and expelleth the Poyson of any Venâ—â—â—us Beasts It is good for moist Stomacks that are troubled with raw crâ—de humours taken with Vinegar it flayeth the Hickcok and if it be applyed with Honey and raisins to the face or other place that is black or blew by strokes it will take them away CHAP. CL. Of Camels Hay The Names IT is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à loris et fanibus dicitur 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 odoratus and of some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unguentarius because it is romtimes used in Oyntments in Latine Juncus a jungendo Some do call it Schaenanthes quasi Schaenianthos flos junci and corruptly in Shops Squin aâ—thum Some also call it Juncus Odoratus Retundus to difference it from the sweet Cyperus which is called Juncus odoratus angulosus vel triangularis It is also called Palea de Mecha and Pastus Camelorum in English the sweet smelling Rush or Camels Hay The Kinds Of this sweet Rush there be two sorts a finer and a coâ—â—ser or thetrâ—â— â—nd a bastard kind although the antients have mentioned but one sort which is the finest and truest The Forme The finer sort of Camels Hay growing in these parts hath many tufts or heads of long rush-like Leaves thick set together one compassing another at the bottome and shooting forth upwards the outermost whereof are bigger or grosser then those that grow within which are a foot long and better small round and stiffe or hard and much smaller from a little above the bottome of them then any rush with us of a quick and spicy tast somewhat pleasant and of a fine sweet gentle scent It flowreth not with us yet in some places which are the most naturall to it it beareth strong round hard joynted Stalkes having divers short brownish or purplish huskes on the top containing within them mossy whitish short threads or haires wherein lyeth a chaffy seed the root is stringy or full of long fibres which are very hard as they are brought to us which have the smallest scent of any other part The Places and Time They grow naturally in Arabia Syria and Mesopotamia and all that Tract of the Easterne Countryes as also in some places of Africa whence they â—e brought by the Merchants and sold to our Druggists who furnish the Apoâ—â—â—â—â—iâ—s with them at whose shops they may be had It commeth not to flowrâ—â—g in these â—older Countryes and therefore Clusius and others have thought it an annuall Plant but assuredly it dyeth not every yeare in those hotter parts it flowreth in the Summer-time The Temperature Câ—â—â—lâ— Hay is hot and dry in the second degree having in all the parts thereof some kind of astriction but especially in the rootes The Vertues The Decoction of the Flowers of Camels Hay being drunk as Dioscorides writeth is very effectuall for the diseases and greifes of the Stomack Lungs Liver and Reines as also for the curing of those that spit blood The same Author likewise affirmeth that it provoketh Vrine and Womens 〈…〉 ses discusseth all Swellings and Wind
Galanga 2. The lesser Galanga The Form The Greater groweth to be two cubits high having Leaves folding about the Stalke being somwhat long and narrow at the lower end and pointed at the end somwhat like a Speares head of a sad greene colour on the upper side and paler underneath The flower is white but without any scent the seed is small and neglected the root is somwhat great at the head like a reed and hath beene thought by some to be a kind of Iris being of a blackish colour on the outside and whitish within The lesser ariseth not above a foot high having Leaves like the Mirtle the root is small and bunched firme and somwhat tough red both within and without and smelleth a little sweet or aromaticall The Places and Times The first groweth in Java and Malaber being Countryes of the East-Indies The other in China concerning the time I find not any Author that maketh mention The Temperature Galanga is hot and dry in the second or third degree The Vertues and Signature This Galanga is also set down by the aforementioned Crollins to have the Signature of the Stomack and from thence it hath beene found to be exceeding profitable in all cold diseases of the Stomack by helping its concoction and expelling Wind and Crudities from it and strengthening it if it be boiled in Wine and taken Morning and Evening It doth also very much comfort and strengthen a moyst bram helps the Vertigo or swimming of the Head and avails against the palpitation or beating of the Heart and is very useful in the gnawing of the stomack and easeth the Cholick which proceedeth of Wind and in the Diseases of the Mother and stopping of the Urine and hath a speedy operation to cleanse the passages thereof from slimy flegm and stones gathered therein or in the passages at the neck of the Yard and also to wast and consume any fleshy excrescence in the neck of the Bladder or Yard Besides it not only provoketh to Venery but helpeth Conception so that there cannot be a better thing for those which desire to supply their want of Children for it is profitable for them that have cold Reins and excellent for them that have cold and windy distempers of the Womb. Being boyled in Wine and so taken it helpeth a stinking breath and dissolveth the hardness of the Spleen There be also to be had at the Apothecaries Shops both a Powder and Electuary whose chief Ingredient is Galingall both which prevail against Wind sower belchings and indigestion grosse humors and cold Diseases of the Stomach and Liver You may take half a dram of the powder at a time or two of the Electuary in the morning fasting or an houre before meat If Galingall be drunk with the water or Juyce of Plantane it stoppeth the Bloody-Flux and strengtheneth nature comforteth the Brain and helpeth the trembling of the Heart Both the sorts above-mentioned may be used to good purpose in Meats as well as Medicines but the lesser is both of more use and of greater effect and indeed is to be used only in all the Compositions wherein Galanga is appointed yet when the one is not to be had the other may be and is used The best is full of small holes CHAP. CLXIII Of Cardamomes The Names THey are called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cardamomum in imitation of the Greeks who gave it that denomination from the likeness of it to Amomum and the vertues thereof it being very profitable for that Disease of the Stomack which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the affinity that the veins belonging to the mouth of the stomack have with the heart and because being slit in two it represents the form of the Heart In Shops Grana Paradisi In English Cardamomes after the Greeks but commonly Grains or Grains of Paradise The Kinds Whosoever shall observe the Cuts in Gerard may collect from thence that there are five sorts of Cardamomes 1. The greater Cardamomes of the Arabians 2. The greater Cardamomes of the Shops 3. The middle sort of Cardamomes 4. The lesser Cardamomes 5. The least Cardamomes The Form Cardamomes grow by the report of the learned upon an Herby Plant of the height of one Cubit not unlike in substance to the Herb that beareth Ginger whereupon doth grow a great Cod or Husk in shape like a Fig when it groweth upon the Tree but of a russet colour thrust full of small Seeds or Grains of a dark reddish colour as may be plainly seen when it is divided and of a very hot tast The Places and Time They grow in all the East-Indies from the Port of Calecute unto Cananor it groweth in Malavar in Joa and divers other places They spring up in May being sowen of Seed and bring their fruit to ripeness in September The Temperature Cardamomes are hot and dry in the third Degree having in them an astringent faculty The Vertues The Seeds called Cardamomes or Grains of Paradise are generally received to be of admirable efficacy for that distemper of the stomack called the Cardiack passion in which it is very prevalent and indeed the Cods wherein the Seed is contained have some similitude with the stomack It is also very useful when the stomack is not able to perform the Office of digestion or when the appetite hath any need of provocation and likewise for the suppressing of vomiting when either of them proceed of a cold cause if so be it be only chewed in the mouth and so it draweth forth watery and flegmatick humours both from the Head and Stomack It is in like manner profitable against the Falling-sickness the Sciatica the Cough resolutions of the Sinews Ruptures pains of the Belly killing of Worms and provoking Urine being drunk with Sack and so it not only comforteth and warmeth the weak cold and feeble stomack but helpeth the Ague and riddeth the shaking fits A dram of Cardamome-Seed drunk in Wine with as much Bark of Laurel breaketh the Stone and being mixed with Ale wherein Time and Parsley have been boyled and then strained it is a good remedy for the Chollick It is a good Spice for Women that are troubled with any grief particularly belonging to that Sex It provoketh Urine when it is stopped or passeth with pain resisteth poyson and the sting of Scorpions and other venomous Creatures It expelleth Wind powerfully from other entralls as well as the stomack easeth those that by falls or beatings are bruised and broken and those that are tormented with the Sciatica or Hip-Gout and being boyled in Vinegar or sleeped therein and used it is good against Scabs and Tetters The Powder of it put into the nose comforteth the feeble brain or if it be put with the Oyl of Musk in an Egge-shell till it boyl and then anointed therewith It is said by some to be the chief of all Seeds CHAP. CLXIV Of Pepper The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
Names I Find no Author that setteth down the Greek name of this Simple and I suppoâ—e the reason is because it is of later invention it being not that PaÌ„â— which Dioscorides mentioneth but brought out of China and called so from the River Rha on whose bankes it is said very plentifully to grow The Common Latine name is Rhabarbarum the reason whereof whosoever desires to know may read much thereof in Parkinsons Herball and be unresolved when he hath done The Kinds Of Rubarb there be six sorts 1. The True Rubarb 2. Bastard Rubarb 3. Monkes Rubarb 4. China Rubarb 5. The broader Elecampane leafed Rubarb 6. The narrower Elecampane leafed Rubarb The Form The True Rubarb riseth out of the ground in the Spring-time with a great round brownish head which openeth it selfe into sundry Leaves one after another very much crumpled together at the first and brownish but after they have spread themselves to a very large round compasse they become smooth being supported by a brownish stalk of the thicknesse of ones Thumb when they are at the biggest and about halfe a yard in length the Leafe also from edge to edge being neere the same breadth of a sad or darke greene colour of a fine sowre tast exceeding that of the Garden or Wood-sorrell amongst which there ariseth though not every yeare a strong thick stalk about a foot higher then the Leaves that grow below and like unto them but lesser at every joynt up to the top and among the Flowers which be white spreading forth into many branches and consisting of five or six small white Leaves a peice hardly to be discerned from the white threds in the middle after which come brownish three square seeds like unto those of other Dockes whereof it is a kind The root which will grow to be very great is of a darke brownish or reddish colour on the outside with a pale yellow skin under it covering the inner substance or root which being pared away the root appeareth of so fresh and lively a colour with fresh coloured Veins running through it that no Rubarb whatsoever can excell it which being dryed carefully by the gentle heat of a fire and every piece kept from touching one another it will hold its colour well and is commended by those that have made tryall of it The Places and Time The first as it is reported grew in Thracia whence it was brought to Venice and from thence to us the seed being sent by Dr. Lister to Mr. Parkinson who husbanded it so well that it grew and in two or three yeares brought forth much seed by which he furnished many of his friends Yet I find it growing very rarely and that in no great quantity not remembring that ever I saw it before the writing hereof but only in the Physick Garden at Oxon and in the Garden of one Cudymion Campion of Wansworth in the County of Surrey The second groweth naturally upon the hills not farre from Caria in Germany as also neere Friburg in Switzerland on the Mountaines in Austria groweth also plentifully in many of our Gardens where it is sowen The thâ—rd groweth about Lausannâ— in Savoy as Tragus saith but only in Gardens with us The fourth groweth in China as the name expresseth and is that as the Apothecaries pretend that is made use of in shops because they may have the greater price â—or it although that of England is as effectuall for many purposes The fift is to be found on Mount Baldus neere Verona in Italy and on the hills in Switzerland and the last came out of Italy also These sorts flower in June and the seed is ripe in July The Rootes which are for use must not be taken up till the Stalk and Leaves be quit withered and gone which will be in October for should they be taken before or after the Leafe begins to put forth they would lose much of their colour The Temperature Rubarb is hot and dry in the second degree of a mixt substance partly airy thin and purging partly grosse and earthy whereby it is binding and drying The Monkes Rubarb which is also dry but cooling is not so frequently used as formerly since the Bastard Rubarb hath been so plentifull The Vertues Rubarb is so effectuall for the Liver that it is called the Life Soul Heart and Treacle of the Liver purging from thence Choler Phlegme and watery humours and is therefore usefull in Cholerick and long continued Feavours in the Jaundies Green sicknesse Dropsy Stoppings of the Liver as also against the hardnesse thereof and intemperate coldnesse being taken of it selfe made into Powder and drunk in a draught of White-Wine fasting after it hath been steeped therein all night or put among other purges as shall be thought convenient It is likewise good against the Windinesse Wambling and Weaknesse of the Stomack and all paine thereof the Crampe gnawing and griping of the Belly Kidneys and Bladder the Ach of the Breasts and Mother the Sciatica spitting of blood Sobbing Hicket the bloody Flux and Lasks and all Stingings and venomous bitings one dram thereof being taken in Hydromel or Honyed Water The Powder taken with Cassia dissolved and a little washed Venice Turpentine clenseth the Reines and strengtheneth them afterwards and is very effectuall to stay the running of the Reines or Gonorrhea It is also given for paines and swellings of the Head for those that are troubled with Melancholy and helpeth the Gout The Powder of Rubarb taken with a little Mummia and madder Rootes in some red-Wine dissolveth clotted blood in the body hapning by any fall or bruise and healeth burstings and broken parts as well inward as outward The Oyle likewise wherein it hath beene boyled worketh the like effects being anointed It is used to heale the Ulcers that happen in the Eyes and Eyelids being steeped in White-Wine or any other convenient Liquor and then strained as also to asswage swelling and inflammations and applyed with Honey or boyled in Wine it taketh away all black and blew spots or markes that happen therein Whey or White-Wine are the best Liquors to to steep it in and thereby it worketh more effectually in opening Obstructions and purging the Liver and Stomack many do use a little Indian Spiknard as the best Corrector thereof The Seed of Bastard Rubarbe easeth the gnawing and griping paines of the Stomack and taketh away the loathing thereof The Root of it helpeth the Ruggednesse of the Nailes and being boyled in Wine it helpeth the Kings-evil as also the Swellings of the Kernells of the Eares It helpeth them that are troubled with the stone provoketh Vrine and helpeth the dimnesse of the sight It is also used in opening and purging Diet Drinkes with other things to open the Liver and to cleanse and coole the blood The Root of Monkes Rubarbe purgeth likewise but not so forcibly as either of the former The Seed therof contrarily doth bind the belly and helpeth to stay Laskes and the
sundry green Leaves rising from the root each of them standing on a thick round stiffe green stalk about an hand bredth high from the ground having sundry divisions or cuts in some many some fewer bluntly nicked from the middle of the Leaf to the pointward on both sides looking somewhat like the Leaves of Noble Liverwort at a distance From whence upon sundry stalks not much unlike those of the Leaves do arise one Flower onely or at most but two on a stalk consisting of five white round large leaves somewhat like to a single white Rose yet sometimes dashed with purple and sometimes altogether so with many pale yellow Thrums in the middle standing about a green head which after groweth to be the seed vessel wherein is contained round blackish Seed The roots are a number of brounish black strings which run deep into the ground and are fastened to a thick head about the bignesse of ones finger The Places and Times The first groweth in Germany France and Italy and in Greece and in severall places particularly in the Island of Anticyra where it grew so plentifully heretofore that if any man was sad or Melancholy they would presently say Naviga ad Anticyram intimating that there was Hellebore enough to purge him of that humour which by often use grew into a Proverbe It is very rare amongst us even in our Gardens yet I have seen it in the Garden of the Lord Lambert at Wimbleton in the County of Surrey The second groweth in some woods in Northamptonshire and in some other places of this Land The third grew at Delft with Corvinus and then at Rome The fourth groweth in the borders of stony fields and grounds and on rocky hills by the Mosella and the Rhine The fift neer Vienna in Austria and both the Hungaries The sixt on the Hills of Germany The seventh on Mons fructus neer the Alpes as also on the Pyrenaean Hills The last in the low grounds of the forrest of Essens not farr from Jupiters Hill The first flowreth in December and January if the weather be mild otherwise it will be February first The second in February or March and so doth the third and fourth their seed being ripe in May. The fift in Aprill the other in May and June The Temperature 〈…〉 k Hellebore is hot and dry in the third degree The Vertues and Signature If this Hellebore be so effectuall for Melancholick dull and heavy persons as questionlesse it is by Signature then it must needs be good for the Spleen from whence the Melancholy humor proceeds purging from thence and from the blood not onely Melancholy but burnt Choler and thick and viscous phlegme from the Head Entralls and other remote parts and therefore it is usefull in the paines of the Head swimming and giddinesse thereof in the Apoplexy madnesse Falling-Sicknesse Hypocondriacall affects which are distempers of that part of the belly under the Short ribs where the Spleen lyeth proceeding from Windynesseâ— which sometimes flyeth up to the brain and causeth a kind of Frensy or Madnesse It is very beneficiall in the quartane Ague and erratick Feavers as also against the Dropsy Scab Leprosy Cancer Scald head or Scurfe Elephancy and such â—ouâ— diseases of the skin It is profitable against pain and noise of the Eares and against stubborne and contumacious diseases It is counted as an Antidote against the Leprosy Scab Tetter or Ring-Worm hardnesse and swelling of the Spleen old quartan Agues paines of the Joynts Apostumes and the Kings-Evill It quickeneth the Brain and senses provokes Urine and brings down the courses in Women It hath an excellent faculty to draw away whatsoever is mixed with the blood causing it to corrupt and is profitable in a long continued Jaundise and other evill dispositions of the Liver and Gall. Neither is it without great efficacy to cure those that seeme to be possessed with the Devill for by taking black Hellebore the Melancholy humor which is called the seat of the Devill is drawn away and therefore it is called by some Fuga Daemonum It is usefull also in the paines of the Belly in the Gout Sciatica Cramp or Convulsions paines and aches of the Joynts and Sinews the Consumption of the Lungs and whole body If the Root be taken in powder in infusion or decoction or in broth if it be steeped in Vinegat twenty four hours and then dryed again yet that of our own Country needeth not any preparation the mildnesse of our Câ—imate abating and correcting the Churlishnesse and violence thereof but if any one receive any harm by the taking thereof let him drink Goates milk or if that be not to be had the milk of a Red Cow yet the Extract thereof being altogether without danger may more safely and with as good if not better successe be given for the diseases before mentioned It is outwardly used against the Leprosy Morphew Scab Itch Warts and Pushes of the skin being boyled in Vinegar and bathed therewith The Powder put into Fistula's and hollow Ulcers doth soon heale them and the root it self consumes dead Flesh if it be put into a wound where it is A decoction thereof helpeth the Tooth-ach and the sores of the mouth being gargled and being put into the Eares it helpeth the noise thereof The Root used as a Pessary provokes the termes exceedingly and a piece thereof put into an Issue keepeth it open and draweth out corrupt humors A Pultis made of the Root with Barly meale and and wine is good to be applyed to the bellies of such as have the Dropsy and may be appâ—yed to any sores either in the groine or under the arme arising in the time of pestilence and being put upon the swollen Hemorrhoides it cleanseth them The bastard kind called Bearesfoot killeth the Wormes a little of the powder of the dryed Leaves being given in drink or broth or in Raisins as Worm-Seed commonly is The Root serveth to rowell Cattle and to cure them of the Cough CHAP. CCIII Of the Tamarind or sower Bean-Tree The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Oxyphoenix in Latine Palmula acida and Tamarindus that is the Indian Date-Tree for Tamar in Arabick signifies a Date to which Indus is added because it comes from the East-Indies but both of them very unfitly for it may plainly be perceived that it is nothing like the Date-Tree It is called also Dactylus Indicus of the word Dactylus which signifieth a finger which the fruit doth fitly resemble being crooked like unto a bended finger In English the Tamarind and of Parkinson the sowre Beane-Tree because the fruit is sowre and like the Cod wherein the Kidney Beane groweth The fruit is call Tamarindi in Latine and Tamarinds in English The Forme The Tamarind-Tree groweth to be as great as a Plum-Tree with many branches thick set with pale greene winged Leaves having alwaies an odde one at the end which do dilate and contract themselves at the coming and
The decoction aforesaid provoketh Urine and Womens Courses and iâ— it be taken with Myrâ—he it expelleth the dead Child A decoction or Lye made with Lupines with Worm-Wood Centaury and Bay Salt added thereto stayeth the spreading and running of a Gangreen being applyed thereto very hot with Cloath or Tow. The simple decoction thereof cleanseth all Scabbes Morphew Cancers Tetters and creeping or running Ulcers and Sores and boiled in Lye it cleanseth the Head from Ulcers Scurfe c. It also cleanseth the face and taketh away the markes that the Pox do leave after their healing and all other markes and black and blew Spoâ—â— in the skin especially if the Meale of Lupines the Gall of a Goate some juyce of Lemmons and sugred Alloâ—â— be made into the form of a soft oyntment and the face anointed therewith going to bed as many women know very well The said Meale being boiled in Vinegar and applyed taketh away pimples and discusseth hard swellings breaketh Carbunkles and Impostumes the burning of the husks driveth away Gâ—ats Flyes c. To these which help the Spleen might be added many other as the Orebus or bitter Vitch Wall flowers Time Coltick Spicknard c. But these are reserved for other parts whereunto they are also serviceable Many also of those handled in the aforegoing part of this work are effectuall for the diseases of this part but because it stands not with our conveniency to treat of every thing that is good for every part when we come to every part that it is good for for then we must treate of the same thing over and over again Therefore the Reader is desired not to be over Strict in censuring these Appropriations because of the diversity of virtues wherewith every plant is endued and because every part may share of the benefit proceeding from some of them And now I shall proceed to the Reines and give you some that may be properly referred to them as also for the Bladder and Stone because most of these plants which are good for the one are good for the other and because the Strangury and Difficulty of making Water proceeds somtimes from the indisposition of these parts and sometimes the indisposition of these parts proceed from the Stone that is the Difficulty of making water some-times causeth the Stone and somtimes the Stone causeth Difficulty of making water I shall speak of all those together which rectifie the Reines and Bâ—â—dder provoke Urine help the Stone and Strangury without any Transition all I have finished what I shall hold necessary for all the purposes aforesaid CHAP. CCXIII. Of Asparagus The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Asparagus and according to the Atticks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aspharagus yet by its Etymology which is either quia ex asperis virguetis ligitur as Varro or quód in asperá vitgulta nascitur as Pompeius the Grammarian would have it it seemeth to have its originall from the Latin which many other Plants have being afterwards made Greek by some of the Later writers in that Language Galen saith that the first budding of any herb that was used to be eaten after it sprung from the seed was called Asparagus as in Cabbage Lettice c. But that being most usually eaten at that time hath got the name peculiarly to it self It is called also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it provoketh lust and Corruda in Latin from Corruo becauâ—e it quickly decyayeth after it is ripe and Sperage Asparagus and Sparagus in English The Kinds There be five sorts of Asparagus 1. Garden Asparagus 2. Sea or wild Asparagus with thicker Leaves 3. Wild Asparagus with sharp Leaves 4. Prickly Rock Asparagus 5. Asparagus with cruel sharp thornes The Forme Garden Sparagus riseth up at the first with divers whitish green scaly heads very brittle or easie to breake while they are young which afterward rise up into very long and slender green Stalks some bigger and some lesser according to the growth of the Roots and the fertility of the ground wherein it is planted but commonly of the bignesse of an ordinary riding Wand at the bottome and as high as a man almost on which are set diveâ—s branches of green Leaves shorter and smaller then Fennel to the top at the Joynts whereof come forth small mossy yellowish flowers which turn into round berries gâ—een at the first and of an excellent red colour like unto beads of Corall when they are ripe wherein are contained black seeds of an exceeding hardnesse The roots are dispersed from a spongious head into many long thick and round strings whereby it sucketh much nourishment out of the ground and sendeth forth many heads therefrom The Places and Time The first groweth usually in Gardens but it is supposed to be the same with the second which groweth in many low Meadows of this Land both in Essex Lincoln and Gloucestershire and that the alteration is made onely by transplanting The third groweth in stony and rocky places neer Salamanca in Spaine The fourth in many stony and ragged places both in Spaine Portugal and Candy the last is very plentifull in the rough and uneven waies about Lisbone The bare tender shootes of Sperage Spring up most familiarly in Aprill then it is that they are most fit for Sallets They flower in June and July and bear their berries late in the year The Temperature The root of Garden Sparagus as also of the wild do cleanse without any manifest heat or drynesse The Signature and Vertues The buds branches or Roots of Asparagus especially of the wild being boiled in Wine do provoke Urine being stopped yea even in those which are troubled with an hardnesse or Difficulty to make water or the Strangury when it cometh by Drops and to expell gravell and the stone out of the Kidnyes which it doth by the Signature which the hardnesse of the seed holdeth forth and helpeth all other paines in the Reines and Back being taken inwardly or the Back and the Belly bathed therewith Being boiled in White Wine or Vinegar it is good for those that have their Arteries loosned or are troubled with the Hip-gout Yellow-Jaundise Falling-Sicknesse the Mother dimnesse of sight and the Tooth-ach if it be gargled in the mouth warme The same also healeth the paines of the breast Stomack and bowells and taken every morning fasting for certain days together it stirreth up bodily lust both in Man Woman The seed is held to be very effectuall also for the purposes aforesaid especially if a good quantity of the Rootes and it be boiled in good store of Water and put into a large vessell where a man may stand or sit up to the middle at least for so it hath beene found effectuall against the paines of the Reines and Bladder the Mother and Cholick and generally against all those grievous torments that happen to the lower parts of the body neither is it lesse effectuall to
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
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
Leek cometh up like unto an Onyon but that the Onyon bringeth up his seed with it green hollow like Leaves flattish on the one side and with a ridge or crest on the back-side of a smell and tast somewhat like unto the Onyon also if they be suffered to grow uncut whether they be removed or not then in the second or third year after their sowing they will send forth a round and slender stalk even quite throughout but not hollow or bigger in the middle like the Onyon bearing at the top an head of purplish flowers and black seed after them so very like unto Onyon-seed that it is hard to distinguish them The Root is long and white with abundance of white Fibres hanging thereat The Places and Time The naturall places of none of the aforesaid sorts are any where expressed as I can find except the Vine Leek which groweth by it selfe in Vineyards and neer unto Vines in hot Regions whereof it took its name but are planted in Gardens in other Countrys as well as in England especially in Egypt where they were formerly in great estimation There Leeks may be sowne in March and April and then they will be fit to be removed in September the ground being first prepared with Cow-dâ—ng that they may grow the bigger Cives being once planted do continue many years suffering the extreamest cold of the Winter The Vine Leek beareth its green leaves in Winter and withereth away in the Summer The Temperature Leeks are hot and dry in the third degree and of very subtile parts especially their juyce The Vertues Though Leeks eaten raw doe yeeld very bad nourishment hurt the eyes ingender black melancholly blood and are therefore most hurtfull for those that are inclined thereunto as also for those that are Cholerick because it increaseth that humour also cause terrible dreames hurt the Sinews through their sharpnesse as also the teeth and gums yet after they are boyled all the evill qualities are taken away so that they are profitable both for meat and medicine Pottage made with them are very wholesome not onely for those that are oppressed with phlegme but for those also that are afflicted with the Chollick or the Stone But for the Chollick they be more effectuall being used thus Take unset Leeks blades and all chop them small boyl them in good White-Wine with May Butter or other fresh Butter if that be not to be had untill the Wiâ—e be in a manner wasted away then lay them abroad between a clean linnen cloth plaisterwise and so apply them to the Belly of the Patient as hot as he can endure it which being cold apply another and this do if need be three or four times together and he shall assuredly be eased thereby And for the Stone take unset Leeks in the Month of June shred them small and distill them sun the Water for a month or two and drink morning and evening a good draught for this looseneth the Costive belly helpeth the pain of the Hips purgeth the Kidneys and Bladder provoketh Urine and expelleth the Stone For which purpose some cut Leeks in small peeces dry them in an Oven or against the Fire and make them into powder which they use oftentimes in their drink Besides the seeds are very effectuall to kill Worms in children so are the Leeks themselves the blades being stamped with vinegar and applyed to the stomack of the Patient as he sitteth in his warm bed Or else stamp unset Leeks Rosemary and Plantane of each a like quantity seeth them in Malmsey and apply them to the Navel They are also held to free the Chest and Lungs from much corruption and rotten phlegme that sticketh fast therein and hard to be avoided as also for them that through hoarsnesse have lost their Voyce if they be either takeen raw or boiled with broth of Barly or some such other supping fit and conducing thereunto and being baked under hot embers they are an excellent remedy against a surfet of Mushromes The green blades of leeks being boyled and applyed warm to the Hemeroids or Piles when they are swoln and painful do cause an abundance of ease The juyce drunk with honey is profitable against the bitings of venemous beasts and likewise the leaves stamped and laid theâ—eupon The same juyce with vinegar Franckinsence and milk or oyl oâ— Râ—ses dropped into the ears mitigateth their pain and ceaseth the noyse in them Two drams of the seed with the like weight of Myrtle berries being drunk stoppeth the spitting of blood which hath continued a long time The same pâ—t into Wine not only preserveth it from sowring but also correcteth that which is sowr and bringeth it right again as divers report It is also recorded that the juyce thereof being drunk is very available for the bleeding at the Nose and at Mouth but care must be had that it be not taken in too great a quantity for then it is rank poyson especially if it be taken alone and therefore it is best to mix a little of it with wine or beer and so take it If they be boyled and eaten often by such Women as are young and yet have no children it will make them fruitfull and it increaseth lust in men The juyce of unset Lâ—eks is very much commended for green wounds They have been formerly of freqâ—ent 〈◊〉 for food in this as well as in other Countryes especially in Lent time but noâ— forsooth our dainty Age is grown so fine mouthed that they are eaten only bâ—â—hose poorer sort and scarcely by them yet the Gentlemen of Walâ—s have them in great regard both for their feeding and to wear in their Haâ—s upon Sâ— Davids day yea In Russia Muscovy and Turky the very Nobility do observe to have them among their dishes at their Tables CHAP. CCLVI. Of Horse Reddish The Names IT is called in Latine for it hath no Greek name that I can find Raphanus Rusticorum and by Lobel Raphanus Rusticanus by Matthiolus Raphanus Vulgaris Rusticanus by Dodonaeus Raphanus Magnus Radicula magna by Brunfelsius Armoracia aut Raphanus by Tragus Gesner Raphanus major Cordus upon Dioscorides Leonicerus cals it Thlâ—spi majus magnum and Baubinus was partly of his mind for he calleth it Raphanus Rusticanus Thlâ—spi alterum Dioscoridis so great is the diversity of Authors concerning the name of this Plant which could never have happened if Dioscorides or any of the Ancients had set it down Yet there is but one sort hereof and therefore I shall passe to the Description The Forme Horse Radish riseth out of the ground with long Leaves narrow also and very much cut in on the edges or as it were torne into many parts of a darke green colour with a great rib in the midle but after these have bin up a while others follow which are greater rougher broader and longer whole and not divided as the first but onely somewhat roundly dented about the edges It seldome
was written originally in Spanish by Antonio Colminerâ— of Ledesma Doctor in Physick and faithfully rendred in English by my much honoured Friend Captain James Wadsworth CHAP. CCLXXVIII Of Satyrions The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Satâ—rium from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it was found out by the Satyres who first used it to stirre up lust for which they were so notable it is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Orchis which is as generall a name as Satyrium is one kind whereof is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cynosorchis and Tragorchis in Latin Testiculus Canis and Testiculus Capri in English Satyrion Orchis Doggestones Goatestones Foolestones Cullions Standle wort Standerd grasse Kingfingers Gandergosses c. The Kindes All the sorts of Satyrions would fill a sheet of Paper and therefore I shall specifie onely the cheifest of them that grow in England 1 The Male Satyrion Royall 2 The Female Satyrion 3 Marish Satyrion 4 Spotted marish Satyrion 5 Creeping Satyrion 6 Bee Satyrion 7 Butterfly Satyrion 8 The elegant purplish fly Satyrion 9 Yellow fly Satyrion 10 Scarlet fly Satyrion 11 Fly Satyrion 12 Bird Satyrion 12 Dogs stones with a gaping Flower 13 Little purple flowred Doggestones 14 The Male Foolstones or Crowtoes 15 The Female Foolestones or Crowtoes 16 The Lizard Flower or Goats stones 17 The Spider Orchis 18 Spurre flowred Orchis or Red handed Orchis 19 Humble bee Orchis 20 Lady-Traces The Forme The Male Satyrion Royall hath divers large broad and long smooth green Leaves lying on the ground amongst which riseth up a round stalke with some such Leaves on it but lesser towards the top where grows a large head of pale purple flowers spotted with a deeper purple colour each Flower having a heel of the same colour behind it the Roots are flat and broad two joyned together at a head like unto hands one whereof is firme and the other loose and spungy as it is also in the Orchises that have Rootes like Stones altering every year by course for when the one riseth and waxeth full the other waxeth lank the full one sinketh if it be put into water the laâ—k one swimmeth The Places and Time As the Satyrions are many so the places are different for some grow in Fields and Meadowes some in Moorish grounds and Marshes and others upon Hills and Mountaines some of the most considerable I shall particularize unto 〈◊〉 The Bee Satyrion groweth in a large Close neer Elâ—feild on the side of the Hill betweene it and Oxford The Butterfly Satyrion hath been found in Stow-Wood being not far from the former places The eighth in Brodworth-Wood in Iorkâ—shire The tenth in Swanscombe-Wood The eleventh on a Hill Southwest of Bath The sixteenth nigh the high way between Crayford and Dartford in Kent The seventeenth hard by Walcot a Mile from Barnet They flower in the Months of April May and June some earlier and some later then another The Temperature That part of any of these Roots that is full and heavy is hot and moist and that which is spungy and light is hot and dry the full one seemeth to have much superfluous windinesse which the lank one is without The Vertues and Signature The full and plump Roots of the Satyrion or Orchis whereof the Electuary Diasatyrion is made are of mighty efficacy to provoke to Venery which they that have Bulbous Roots do by Signature but the lank or shrivelled mortifies lust so that here is a Remedy both to help Nature if it be deficient and to restrain it if be too luxuriant Being boyled in Milk especially the Goats stones and those other whose smell doth imitate that of the seed and eaten with white Pepper do the same and also nourish and strengthen those that are in a Consumption or have the Hectick Feaver The same Roots boyled in Wine and drunk stop the Flux and being green they consume all tumours cleanse rotten sores and Fistulaes being applyed and the powder thereof being cast into fretting and devouring Ulcers and Sores stayeth the same from further fretting and festring Being boyled in Wine with a little Honey it cureth the rotten Ulcers and Sores of the Mouth and being bruised only and applyed it is good against inflammations and swellings The Satyrion Royall which is that before described hath this particular vertue above the rest that being bruised and drunk in wine it provoketh Vomit and purgeth the Stomack and Belly by meanes whereof it cureth an old Feaver if as much as ones thumb be used before the fit come The flowers of Dogges-stones are also effectuall to cause provoke increase and stiâ— up Nature in case she forget her selfe through the coldnesse of any ones constitution CHAP. CCLXXIX Of Dragons The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dracontia and Dracontium from the resemblance that the stalke hath with the skin of a snake which is very great and it is observed by Pliny that it springeth out of the ground when snakes first begin to stir and as soon as they retire it retireth also It is called in Latine Serpentaria Bisaria and Colubrina but most commonly Dracunculus in English Dragons The Kindes There be three sorts of Dragons 1 Great Dragons 2 Small Dragons 3 Water Dragons The Forme The great Dragon riseth up with a bare or naked round whitish stalk about half a yard high or higher which is many times thick but alwayes smooth and spoâ—ted very much with spots of divers colours like those of the Adder or Snake bearing at the top thereof a few green Leaves very much divided on all sides standing upon long Foot-stalks in the middle whereof if the Root have been long planted commeth forth a great long husk or hose green and of a dark purplish colour on the inside with a slender long reddish pestell or clapper in the middle like unto that of the flower of Cuckowpint but greater The skin or filme whereof when the seed waxeth big being stretched and broken in sunder there appeareth the Fruit like to a bunsh or cluster of Grapes The Berries whereof at the first be green afterwards red and full of juyce in which is contained seed which is somewhat hard The Root is great round flat and whitish on the outside but whiter within with divers fibres hanging thereat much like unto the Cuckowpint both in form and tast The Places and Time The two first are planted in Gardens where they have been so long that their naturall place is not recorded The third groweth for the most part in Fenny places where the Water alwayes standeth and sometimes in Watery and marish places They flower in July and the berries are ripe in September The Temperature The Roots of Dragons are biting and bitter and not without some astriction and therefore there is no question but that it is hot and dry at least in the second Degree The Signature and Vertues
of Seed The Root is small and threddy The Places and Time The first groweth by Ditches Streames and other places where the Water uses to overflow in the Winter time as I have observed in Christ-Church Medow by Oxford and in divers other places The second groweth in such like places but not so frequently nor so plentifully as the former They both flower about June and July and their Seed is ripe quickly after The Temperature Moneywort is somewhat cold but very astringent drying and binding as the taste thereof doth demonstrate The Vertues The Juice of Moneywort taken in Wine or the decoction thereof is singular good to stay the immoderate flâ—wings of Womens Courses whether it be at the usuall time or after for at either the patient may hereby be brought to great coldnesse faintnesse of the heart swooning and sometimes to the Dropsie yea and to Death it selfe so that the cure of them is to be sought after when they are excessive and the Whites also which are as dangerous if not more Neither is it effectuall for such Fluxes onely as I have mentioned but for others whether they be Laskes bloudy Fluxes bleedings inward or outward and the weaknesse of the Stomach that is given to casting or vomiting Being boyled with Wine and Honey it cureth the Wounds of the inward parts and Vlcers of the Lungs and so it prevaileth against that violent Cough in Children commonly called the Chinne-Cough but it should be the Chine-Cough for it doth make as it were make the very Chine-bone to shake The Flowers and Leaves stamped are exceeding good for all Wounds either fresh or greene to heale them speedily and for old Vlcers that are of a spreading nature especially if it be stamped and boyled in Oyl Olive with some Rosen Wax and Turpentine added thereto To wash or bath them with the Decoction or to have Tents dipped in the Juyce and put into them is also effectuall CHAP. CCC Of Darnell The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aera by most yet some call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thyarus and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Zizanium in Latin Lolium yet Pliny calleth it Aera as well as Lolium Some call it also Triticum temulentum and Triticum fatuum in English Darnell and of some Juray and Ray. Red Darnell is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phaenix which name the Latines sometimes use à seminis colore Phaeniceo from the red Crimson colour others call it Lolium rubrum to distinguish it from the former which is called Lolium simply or sometimes Lolium album others Hordeum murinum in English Wall Barly and Way Bennet The Kindes The most usuall kindes of Darnell are two 1. White Darnell 2. Red Darnell The Forme Darnell groweth with sundry long fat and rough Leaves which when the Stalk riseth which is slender and joynted are narrower but rough still at the top whereof groweth a long Spike composed of many heads set one above another containing two or three husks with sharp but short beards or awnes at the ends the Seed is easily shaked out of the ear the Husk it self being somewhat tough so that it increaseth exceedingly in those places where it chanceth to seed to the prejudice of the Husband man amongst whose Corn it groweth The Root is composed of a multitude of fibres continuing all the Winter as the Leaves also do The Places and Time Both of them grow too too frequently in the plough'd fields both amongst Wheat and Barley and sometimes also in those that are fallow to the great grief of the Country Husband-men who have much ado notwithstanding all their diligence of weeding it out of their standing Corn of picking it out of the Sheaves to make their Grain tolerable and therefore Virgil doth not without cause call it Infaelix Lolium They spring and flourish with the Corn commonly and their seed is ripe in August as soon if not before the Corn they grow with The Temperature Galen saith that Darnell is hot in the beginning of the third degree and dry in the end of the second whereby it attenuateth resolveth and cleanseth The Signature and Vertues The seed of Red Darnell boyled in Red Wine and the Decoction thereof drunk stayeth the abundance of Womens Courses by Signature and it is said to do the same if it be but put into a piece of Crimson Leather or of Scarlet Cloath bound unto the Thigh or any other convenient place It is also effectuall to stay the Lask and all other Fluxes and restraineth the sudden passing away of Vrine The Meale of White Darnell is very good to stay Gangrenes and other such like fretting and eating Cancers and putrid Sores If the same be applyed with Salt and Raddish roots to any Leprosie Morphew Ringworm or the like it helpeth it and cleanseth the skin with quick Brimstone and Vinegar it dissolveth Knots and Kernells and if it be boyled in Wine with Pidgeons dung and Linseed it breaketh those Knots and Kernells that are hard to be dissolved A Decoction made thereof with Water and Honey and the place bathed therewith is profitable for the Sciatica If a Woman sit over the fumes of it Barly meal Myrrhes and Frankinsence it is thought to help Conception as likewise if it be made into the form of a Plaister and laid upon the Belly Being made into a Pultis with Swines greace it draweth out all Splinters Thornes and broken Bones that are in any part The Root boyled in Wine and drunk after it hath stood certain dayes killeth the Wormes Whosoever reads these properties of Darnell will think it to be a very vertuous Plant but its faults are behinde which are not a few for besides that it pestereth Husbandmen as I have said it troubleth the Braine and Senses procuring troublesome Dreams if the seeds happen into Bread and if it happen into Drink it will make a man drunk or giddy-headed presently And it is so naught for the Eyes both wayes that it was formerly proverbially objected to one that was ill-sighted that he had eaten Darnell CHAP. CCCI. Of Flower-gentle and Blites The Names FLower gentle is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Amaranthus because the red Flower thereof will endure for a very long time without any sensible decay if it be gathered in its right season by which name it is known amongst the Latines who sometimes call it Flos Amoris from its lovely aspect from whence we have it called in English Fleuramer Flower-gentle Flower Velure and Velvet Flower from its softnesse but it is most commonly called Amaranthus by the Florists of our dayes Blitt is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it is quasi fatuum oluâ— unsavory and without taste and therefore Dioscorides put it amongst those Herbs that be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 insipida in Latin Blitus and Blitum in English Blite and Blites The Kindes Though Awaranthus be a kinde of Blite and
with a Syrleâ—g the other being rubbed and held to the Nostrills that the smell thereof might cause the Wombe which flyeth from whatsoever is noysome and followeth that which is sweet and pleasant to returne into its place and therefore those that are subject to this disease must avoid the smelling unto sweet things but not their contraries And taken inwardly it is commended as an Universall Medicine for the Wombe both easily safely and speedily curing â—ny disease thereof as the fits of the Mother Dislocation or falling oâ—â— thereout It cools the Womb being over-heated which is said to be a cause of hard Labour in Childe-birth It makes barren Women fruitfull cleanseth the Womb if it be foul and strengthneth it exceedingly it provokes the Termes if they be stopped stops them if they flow immoderately all this it might be said to do by Signature and therefore it were good for those that are usually troubled with distempers of this nature to have alwaies by them a Syrupâ— made of the Juyce of this herb Sugar for that is best unless it be to cleanse the Womb and then Honey is better It killeth also the Worms that breed in the Sores of Horses other Cattle But to returne to the Garden Arach It may be boyled and eaten as other Sallet herbs are and so it openeth the Belly and maketh it soluble which it doth by that nitrous quality that it hath and so it doth being used as a pot-herbe in broth The Seed being drunk with Mead or honyed Water is a remedy against the Yellow Jaundise whence it is also thought to be good to open the stoppings of the Liver and the herb eaten helpeth the heat thereof The said Seed boyled in water without any Salt having some oyle of Nuts put thereto causeth an easie Vomit and sometimes purgeth also It is said to be profitable for those that have taken Cantharides and it standeth with reason the lubricity or oylinesse of it hindering the corroding quality of them The Decoction of the Herb being drunk and the Herb it â—elâ— being applyed outwardly is an excellent Remedy for Swellings in the Throat It cooleth both Apostumes and St. Anthony's Fire and dissolveth Tumor being applyed thereto either fresh or boyled Being applyed with Nâ—â—ar and Vinegar it easeth the pains of the Gout and cureth rough and scabbed Nailes by loosening them without pain and so it doth being boyled with Honey The Sea Arach â—â— of like property with that of the Garden onely being somewhat saâ—â—ish it purgeth more and helpeth those that have the Dropsie The common wilde Araâ—â—â—es are neer as cold as the Garden sorts but more drying serving chiefly for Inflammations being applyed outwardly thereunto but Goosefoot is held to be much colder and therefore more warily to be applyed being held to be dangerous if not deadlâ— to be taken inwardly for it is certainly knowne that it hath killed 〈◊〉 CHAP. CCCX Of Laserwort and its Assa faetida The Names LAserwort is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Silphium in Latine Laser and Laserpitium in English Laserwort Magydare The Gum that issueth out of the same is called Lacer but that which is gathered from those plants that are gathered in Media and Syria is called Assa and Asa by the Arabian Physitians from whence our Apothecaries have many of their names it hath faetida added to it to distinguish it from another sort thereof which is called Assa duâ—cis which is sweeter than the other yet both of them very strong scented insomuch that the Germans call the former Teuffelzdrech that is Diaboli stercus Devils-durt or dung The Kindes Besides the Laserwort of the Ancients there be two others 1. The true Laserwort of the Ancients 2. French Laserwort 3. Alpinus his Laserwort The Forme The true Laserwort of the Ancients is said to grow with a Stalk as big as Ferula or 〈◊〉 Gyant the Leaves are like unto the common Smallage and of an unpleasant savour The Flowers grow at the tops of the Stalks tuft-fashion like Ferula or Fennell which being past there succeed broad and flat Seeds like Angelica seedâ— of a good savour and of the colour The Roots are many coming from â—ne head or chief root and are covered over with a thick and fat bark there floweth out of them being scarrified or cut a strong liquor which being dryed is very medicinable that which groweth in Cyrent and Africa is said to send forth Laser and Assa dulcis and that which groweth in Media and Syria sendeth forth Assa salida as I said before The Places and Time The first groweth not onely in the places already expressed but also in Armenia and Lybia and other Eastern Countreys the second was found about Marsellâ—â— in France the third was first taken notice of in Cardinall Bembâ—'s Garden Those that grow of them in this part of the world do flower about Midsummer The Temperature The Laserwort is said to be hot and dry in the third degree but the Assa faetida which is onely brought to us in these dayes doth somewhat exceed the Leaves and Roots in heat The Vertues Assa faetida if it be but smelled unto is very profitable for women that are troubled with the rising of the Mother and divers other diseases of the Wombe and therefore it were requisite that those that are so troubled should weare it about their Necks being sewed in Silk Linnen or some such thing It brings down the Courses of Women and expells the Secundine or After-birth being taken with Pepper and Myrrhe It is usefull in Diseases of the Breast Nerves and Braine and being taken in a Egge that is soft it helps Hoarsenesse and given with Oxymel it helpeth the Cough Jaundise and Dropsie Given with Vinegar of Squilles or Wine and Honey boyled together it helps the Falling-sicknesse Being given in Wine or Angelica-water it helpeth against Venome and Poyson of venemous Beasts where any are stung therewith It cures the Quartane Ague and Feaâ—ers of long continuance taken with Oxymel or Syrup of Vinegar it dissolveth coagulated Milk in Womens Breasts it killeth Wormes and expelleth Wind. It is used also to take away loathing for which it is effectuall as appeares by the story of one that for a tryall tasted thereof in a cold time of the yeare and after a little walking he found himselfe possessed both in his Head Armes and Body with a gentle Sweet and shortly after he found his body better disposed to his dinner than at other times before and digesting it better and for this purpose it is commonly used by the Indians as also to strengthen the weaknesse of the Stomack and to provoke to Venery If it be mingled with Rue Niter and Honey it breaketh Carbuncles and Pestilentiall Sores being therunto applyed and in the same manner it helpeth Cornes and draweth them forth Being applyed with Garlick and the White of an Egg it helps Felons and White-flawes of the Fingers It clears the Sight
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
71. 200. 105. 118. 177. 259. 279. Eares Deafe vide Deafnesse Noise in the Eares Chap. 31. 58. 72. 75. 80. 91. 255 289. Eares Aposthumated Chap. 60. 101. 109 179 268 Eares inflamed Chap. 75. Eares running Chap. 148. Eyes blood-shot Chap. 82. Eyes black and blew Chap. 32 101 Eyes preserved from the Small-Pox Chap. 119. Eyes sweld Chap. 101. Eye sight preserved Chap. 79 80 87 98. 100 105 112 118. 124 143. 338. Eyes inflamed and diseased Chap. 3. 8. 12. 17. 18. 20 21 22 23 24 26 29 32 36 38 40 47 48 70 99 102 120 121 122 130 150 164 168 181 248 262 284 288 296 331 258 279. F. FAce freckled and otherwise deformed to beautifie Chap. 32 36. 40 50 51 59 69 79 92 101 130 133 147 153 248 259 265 272 273 274 280 282 319 323 326. Face red Chap. 168 284 288. Fatt to make Chap. 81 Fellons Chap. 23 101 103 342 Feavers Chap. 17 38 52 55 71 133 129 172 261 282. Feavers Hectick Chap. 180. 278 328. Feaver old Chap. 2. 7. 8. Falling sicknesse Chap. 1 2 4 5 6 8. 12. 25. 28. 30. 37. 48. 54. 57. 67. 74. 75. 91. 93. 98. 121. 126. 130. 142. 150. 156. 163. 173. 259. 273. 283. 309 315. 318. 327. 330. 332. Fistulaes Chap. 3 18 26 32 35 49 62 66 69 76 262 266 278. Fleas to kill chap. 21 148 166 289. Fluxes chap. 8 34 27 35 37 38 39 44 45 52 53 54 56 257 262 278 281 282 300 301. 302 321. Fluxes of the Belly 101 102. 106 112. 114. 116. 140. 259. 260. 263. 277. 304. Fluxes bloody Chap. 27. 35. 38 39. 59. 106. 112. 140. 162 179. Flegme purged Chap. 48. 50. 51. 62. 98. 114. 148. 152. 177. 182. 67. 73. 105. 107. 111. 141. 167. Flies to destroy Chap. 105. 156. Farcion in Horses Chap. 308. Fractures Chap. 29. 7. 339. French-Pox Chap. 38. 39. 131. 144. 139. 266. 268. 288. 327. 328. 329. Frensie Chap. 91. 262. 280. 282. Fruit full to make Chap. 255. 271. Fundament Chap. 34. 40. 43. 52 65. 102. 147. 258. 262. 280. G. GAle over-flowing Chap. 2. 17. 20. 26. 105. 122. 181. Gangreen Chap. 1. 81. 102. 127 139. 257. 300. 335. Gargles for soare mouths Chap. 43. 46. 49. 51. 56. 70. 75. 76. 79. 120. 122. 260. 265. Giddinesse Chap. 5. Gonoreah Chap. 33. 37. 44 55. 90. 97. 114. 177. 180. 282. 285. 294. 308. 321. 323. 327. Gout Chap. 3. 6. 12. 17. 18. 21. 28. 32. 36. 47. 49. 58. 60. 66. 71. 79. 81. 102. 107. 109. 112 142. 262. 273 281 287 318. Gripeings Chap. 2 70 112 124 126 177 248 251 252 257 259 260 274 324. Greene sicknesse Chap. 148 178 277 328 Gums Chap. 37 44 47 55 287. Guts eased Chap. 34 79. H. HAnds to make smooth Chap. 1. Haire to make black 257. 258 261. Haire to grow Chap. 30 36 48. 69 103 151 259 273 288 Haire to take away Chap. 27 49 115. Head Ach Chap. 1 4 6 8 18 25. 27 30 43 47 54 58 60 90 92 121 260 276 280 281 328 329. Head soare Chap. 4. 21 35 38 43 44 50 67 69 74 135 142. Head to purge Chap. 27 36 37 40 43 54 100 265. Head inflamed Chap. 281. Head Scald Chap. 303. Head Swimming Chap. 306 340 Hemorrhodies Chap. 31 32 33 37 41. 42 44 47 48 57 60 62 65 110 112 145 149 255 257 259 261. 263 265 266. Heart burning Chap. 43 261. Henns to make lay Chap. 87. Heart trembling Chap. 12 90 120 122 126 127 128 137 140 162. Heart comforted and strengthned Chap. 38 53 55 108 118 119 120 121 123 124 125 127 130 131. 134 133 135 136 137 138 317 Hickcock Chap. 4 17 43 94 148. Hipp Gout vid. Sciatica Horse prickt Chap. 112. Hoarsnesse Chap. 39. 51 60 73 84 109 255 273. Hungar to stay Chap. 73. I. JAundies yellow Chap. 2 5 6 17. 18. 20. 25. 26 35. 39. 40 48. 57. 100. 105. 109. 120. 126. 145. 148. 175. 178. 179. 250. 268. 271. 277. 281. 286. 321. 313. 314. 318 328. Jaundies black Chap. 49. 179. 342. Jawes Chap. 37. 38. Inflammations Chap. 28. 34. 58. 90. 110. 121. 142. 147. 166. 181. 277. 282. 298. 329. Inflammations of the Liver vide Liver to coole Inflammations of Eyes vide eyes Inflammations of mouth Chap. 29. 42. Iacubus Chap. 48. Joynts eased Chap. 5. 21. 48. 53. 60. 74. 109. 124. 142. 258. 287. 327. 328. 329. 343. Joynts Knotted Chap. 281. Itch Chap. 20. 22. 49. 71. 79. 107. 120. 144. 153. 179. 250. 266. 287. Issues Chap. 27. K. KErnels to dissolve Chap. 38. 40. 43. 50. 65. 74 124. 130. 150. 153. 164. 266. 268. 286. 300. 328. Kidnies ulcerated Chap. 63. Kidneys to purge Chap. 2. Kibes Chap. 58. 74. 88. 102. 308. Stone in Kidneys Chap. 45. 64. 69. Kings Evill Chap. 2. 4. 38. 43. 47. 50. 65. 66. 67. 70. 71. 76. 98. 107. 130. 164. 265. 319. L. LEthargie Chap. 8. 30. 50. 84. 100. 136. 156 273 280 287 289 292. Leprosie Chap. 12. 49 65 70 71 74 122 144 179 266 340. Lasks vid. Flux of belly Leane to make Chap. 17. Leggs soare Chap. 59 74 259 283. Liver to coole Chap. 5 21 99 120 122 129 175 176 179 180 284 296. Liver growne Chap. 287 335. Liver diseases eased Chap. 8 12 17 18 â—0 25 26 33 38 43 50 55 57 67 79 148 177 179 180 Lice to kill Chap. 27. 58 75 107 273. Loynes paind Chap. 82 109 138 268 273. Longings to stay Chap. 41 52. Loatning Chap. 120 167 176. Lungs Chap. 5 18 21 26 23 73 106 109 111 112 144 115 143 248 255 Lungs ulcerated Chap. 106 116 120 M. MAtrix suffocated vid. Mothers Matrix cleansed Chap. 4 52 109 126 148 253 283 292 303 308 320. Matrix to keepe in its place Chap. 308. Markes of Small-Pox Chap. 272. Members out of Joynt Chap. 82. 115 Maw Wormes Chap. 126. Megrim Chap. 6 107. Measels Chap. 37 74. Melancholly Chap. 49 55 100 154 313 317. Milke to encrease Chap. 17 31 71 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 140 271 272 280. Milk to dry up Chap. 28 43 98 101 181 283. Memory to help Chap. 5 8 7 22 25 119 136 340. Mâ—sâ—aâ—rying vide abortion Mâ—râ—s Chap. 142 148 257. Mâ—ther helpâ— Chap. 6 21 30 54 62 64 69 94 118 119 147 167 251 252 258 259 280 284 286 287 288 303 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313. Mouth soare Chap. 1 40 42 46 52 64 259 279. Mouth Apostumated Chap. 109. Mouth alâ—erated Chap. 61 114 117 253 258 261 339. Mouth tâ—stamed Chap. 29 42 73. Mâ—rphew Chap. 21 33 49 74 Mumps chap. 77. N. NAiles sâ—are and loose chap. 81 258. N 〈…〉 aâ—ry Chap. 124 268 273 Neck paiâ—d and creek in it Chap. 44 273 286. Navill Chap. 30 44 60. Navill sticking out Chap. 322. Nerves strengthned Chap. 18 27 30 33 36 53 66 69 70 85 112 141 247 153. Night ware vid. Incubus Nipples soare Chap. 104.
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
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