Celandine The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from a supposition that the Antients had that with this Herb Swallows do restore sight to their young ones though their Eyes be put out which Opinion is condemned as vain and false by Aristotle and Celsus from him who shew that the young ones of Doves Partridges Swallows c. will recover of themselves without any thing done unto them Yet I find that many Authours question not the truth of the story for Crollius and divers others do report how that Doves make use of Vervein Swallows of Celandine Linnets of Eye-bright and Hawks of Hawk-weed for the recovery of their own and their young ones sight The Latine also followeth the Greek and in it it is called Chelidonium majus Hirundnaria major and we in English great Celandine and of some Swallow-wort and Tetterwort for its efficacy in curing Tetters The Kinds Parkinson treats of Pilewort in the same Chapter with Celandine which are no more alike then Chalk and Cheese neither in Leaf nor Flower only because it is called Chelidonium minus from an error of Dioscorides who saith that it springeth when Swallows come in and withereth at their going away when as it springeth before Swallows come and vanisheth long before their departure Therefore I shall not mention that any more here but shall set down the kinds of the greater Celandine which I find to be three 1. Common great Celandine 2. Jagged Celandine 3. Great Celandine of Canada The Form Common Celandine hath divers tender round whitish green stalks with greater Joynts then other Herbs ordinarily have like unto knees very brittle and easie to break from whence grow branches with large tender long Leaves divided into many parts each of them cut-in on the edges set at the joynts on both sides of the branches of a dark blewish green colour on the upper side like Columbines and of a more pale blewish green underneath full of a yellow sap when any part is broken of a bitter tast and strong scent at the tops of the branches which are much divided grow gold yellow Flowers of four Leaves a peece after which come small long pods with blackish seed therein the root is thick and knobby with some threds annexed thereto which being broken or bruised yieldeth a sap or juyce of the colour of Gold The Places and Times The common sort groweth in many places by old Walls by the hedges and way sides in untilled places and being once planted in a Garden especially in some shady place it will hardly be gotten out The second is not known to grow naturally but is received into Gardens for the variety The third in Canada as the Title sheweth The two first sorts flower all the Summer long and the seed ripeneth in the mean time but the last flowreth very late and bringeth not its seed to perfection in this Country The Temperature The ordinary great Celandine is manifestly hot and dry and that in the third Degree and withall scoureth and cleanseth effectually The Signature and Vertues Though Aristotlc will not admit that this Herb cureth the Eys of young Swallows yet it hath been proved by experience that it is one of the best cures for mens Eyes that is for the juyce dropped into the Eyes clenseth them from films and clowdiness which darken the sight but it is best to allay the sharpnesse of it with a little Breast-Milk Mr. Culpepper saith that the Oyl or Oyntment is most effectual if it be anointed upon sore Eyes and that it is far better then endangering the Eyes with a Needle The Herb or Roots boyled in White-wine and drunk a few Annlseeds being boyled therewith openeth Obstructions of the Liver and Gall helpeth the yellow Jaundice by Signature which is plainly signified by the yellow juyce and after often using it helps the Dropsie and the Itch and those that have old sores in their Legs or other parts of the Body The juyce thereof taken fasting is held to be of singular good use against the Plague or Pestilence and so is the distilled water also with a little Sugar but especially if a little good Treacle be mixed therewith and they upon the taking lie down to sweat a little It is good in old filthy corroding creeping Ulcers whatsoever to stay the stelalignity of fretting and running and to cause them to heal the more speedily The juyce often applyed to Tetters Ring-worms or other such like spreading Cancers will quickly heal them and rubbed oft on Warts will take them away The Herb with the Roots bruised and heated with the Oyl of Camomile and applyed to the Navel taketh away both the griping pain in the Belly and Bowels as all the pains of the Mother and applyed to Womens Breasts that have their Courses over much stayeth them The Juyce or Decoction of the Herb gargled between the teeth that ake taketh away the pain and the Powder of the dryed Root layd upon an aking hollow or loose Tooth will as some say cause it to drop out The Juyce mixed with Powder of Brimstone is not only good to anoint those places which are troubled with the Itch but taketh away all discolourings of the skin whatsoever be they spots of marks or bruises stripes or wounds the Morphew also Sun-burning or any the like and if by chance in a tender body it cause any Itching or Inflammation it is soon helped if the place be but bathed with a little Vineger Matthiolus saith that if the green Herb be worn in the shooes of them that have the yellow Jaundies so as their bare feet may tread thereon it helpeth them CHAP. XXI Of Rue or Herb Grace The Names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the Name which the Greeks give unto this Herbe which is the last in the forementioned verse and is so called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à coagulando because it doth as it were condense the generative faculty by its heat and drynesse and is therefore said to abate carnal lust Yet Schola Salerni maketh a difference between men and women for they say Ruta viris coitum minuit mulieribus auget Because the nature of Women is waterish and cold and Rue heateth and dryeth therefore say they it stirreth them more to carnal lust but it diminisheth the nature of men which is of temperature like unto the air which is hot and moist Dioscorides saith that what we call Ruta montana was in his time called Moly montanum and the root of the Assyrian wild kind Moly for the likenesse thereunto being black without and white within And Ruta in Latine of Ruo for the violent fierce vapours it sendeth forth causing itching blisters c. In English Rue Herbe Grace and Herb of Grace for the many good uses it may be put to It is without doubt a most wholesome herb though bitter and strong and could dainty Palates brook the taste and use thereof it would work singular effects being skilfully and
Woods Feilds and Hills With my Prayers for the prosperity of the Nations together with my best desires for the good successe of mine Endeavours I take Leave and rest Thine W. Coles A further Account or short Explication of the Method used in the ensuing Work THis Herball further then hath been expressed in the Epistle to the Reader doth as neere as is possible acquaint all sorts of people with the very Pith and Marrow of Herbarism contrived and set forth in an easy and exact Method wherein I have made an Anatomicall application throughout the Series of the whole work by appropriating to every part of the Body from the Crown of the Head with which I begin and proceed till I come to the Soal of the Foot such Herbs and Plants whose grand uses and vertues do most specificalâ—y and by Signature thereunto belong not only for strengthening the same but also for curing the evill Affects whereunto they are subjected In which industry I have not been alone but have found such loving freinds both Physitians Chirurgions and other Coadjutors and Travellers with me in this Science also that I suppose I may modestly affirme that I have done that which no English man hath preceded mee in And besides this generall Method of the whole Book you will find that of every particular Chapter to treat of the Names Kinds Formes Places and Time Temperatures and Vertues if not the Signature of every Plant. For not doubting but it will come into the Hands of some Learned Persons whose longing desire it is to be expert in this most satisfactory imployment I have omitted nothing that might render it incompleat beginning with the Names which are most commonly given them either for their most eminent vertues or for some notable affection or else for difference sake that the diversity of Names that the best Writers attribute Conveniunt rebus nomina saepè suis to the same thing might partly be made known For to set down those improper bastard and insignificant names which are used in divers Counties of this Land and amongst some Writers also would require much pains to little Purpose And then that that great Variety wherein Nature hath been pleased to discover her Beauty and Liberality might not be concealed I have set down most of the Species of every Genus As for the Forms I have usually described that which is most ordinary because Providence hath prudently ordered that those things which are most common should be likewise most usefull though there be some phantasticall ones that esteeme lightly of every thing which is not rare The Places Omne charum rarum are also many times particularly expressed that the Reader may know to obtaine those Plants he standeth indeed of And that he may not look for them at a season that they are not to be had the Time is expressed likewise and sometimes the particular time of gathering But for the time of gathering Plants in generall and the ordering of them afterwards I shall referre him to that Book of mine called The Art of Simpling wherein is set down the several waies of distinguishing Herbes as by the differences of their Leaves Stalks FloFlowers Seeds Roots Juices c The Temperature and Qualities are also set down that seeing hot diseases are usually cured with cooling Medicines and cold diseasâ—s with hot Medicines it might be known when a Plant is proper or not The Signatures likenesse are taken notice of they being as it were the Boâ—ks outof which the Ancients first learned the Vertues of Herbes Nature or rather the * Deus cuique Plantae indidit proditorem suum Crossius in Praefatione de Signaturis God of nature having stamped on divers of them legible Characters to discover their uses though he hath left others also without any that after he had shewed them the way they by their * Scivit Deus labore acquisita gratiora hominibus esse quà m sine labore obvia quae plerumque fastidire solent Id. labour and industry which renders every thing more acceptable might find out the rest which they did not neglect but prosequuted with extraâ—rdinary diligence yet have they left sufficient Inquiries for succeeding Ages And the Vertues and other Properties whether noceâ—t or innocent of every particular Plant which were found scattered in divers Authors I have collected and put together and added divers excellent Observations never yet taken notice of by any other Writer that I have met with not omitting the way of Use and Application whether it be internall or externall setting down whether the Bark Leaves Sâ—alks Seeâ—s Roots Juices or distilled water be of greatest Effect So that not only Men but Women also who do frequently bend their Endeavours this ingenious way when they shall be pleased to peruse these my Labours shall find both Pleasure and Profit in the reading of the same For as there be divers Diseases which happen to them only as those of their Breasts and Wombe so there be many Plants that have more specificall Vertues for the service of those parts then any other divers of which I have marshalled together when I come to speak to the said Distempers Lastly that nothing might be wanting that can be thought necessary for the Complement of this my well meaning designe besides the Table of Appropriations which is to be prefixed there is suffixed or set after it a threefold Index or Table one of the Latine and another of the English Names with a Table of the Vertues and Properties whereby divers Inquiries whether Medicinall or other may be fully satisfied And now let me tell the ingenious Reader and by him others that if those of these times would but be by a joynt Concurrence as industrious to search into the secrets of the Nature of Herbs as some of the former and make tryall of them as they did they should no doubt find the force of Simples many times no lesse effectuall then that of Compounds to which this present Age is too too much addicted as hath been very well observed by those learned Brethren of that noble Order of the Râ—secrucians Thus have I broken the Nut of Herbarisme do thou take out the Kernel and eate it and much good may it do thee TO His Esteemed William Coles upon his New Methodized History of PLANTS SOme may condemn your forwardnesse that you Venture thus soon into the publick view But by the wisest sort 't is understood No man can be too hasty to do good And may all those that enviously do brouze Upon your Leaves fare like the Vicars * See the Art of Simpling Chap. 19. Cowes The fault will be their own yet still 't is true In Yew there 's poyson though there 's none in You For you have scrutiniz'd Dame-Natures store To find out Remedies that may restore Expiring Health when the cold Hand of Death Is ready to extort our vitall breath And as Diseases subtilly do part Themselves in Squadrons
the pains of the joynts and sinews it strengthneth also the Liver and heart but the Chimicall Oyl doth serve for that and the former purposes much more effectually Being taken inwardly it stayeth vomiting and nauseous subversions and helps the retaining vertue of the stomach and brings good concoction and digestion It stoppeth the Flux of the Belly and profits those that spit blood and that have Coughs being taken with Syrup of Colts-foot or the like it stayeth the acrimony or sharpness of strong purging Medicines and is a good Corrector of them CHAP. LIV. Of Masterwort The Names THis Plant was scarcely known to the Ancients and therefore I cannot tell you by what name they called it but by later Writers it is generally called Imperatoriae as some say from the excellent vertues it hath It is a good Herb indeed but there being many as excellent as it methinks that shouâ—d not be the Reason why it should bear away the Bell from the rest I suppose it rather to be so called because if it meet with a peece of ground it liketh it will so disperse it self on every side that it will prove it self the Generall or sole Commander of the place and so may others haply if they compare the name and the nature of the Plant together And so much also doth the word Magistrantia from whence the word being corrupted comes Astrantia import from the over-mastering of its neighbouring Plants The like might be said of its English name Masterwort It is by some called Pellitory of Spain but falsly that being a small low Plant bearing many finely cut long Leaves upon the stalks lying on the ground like Camomil but somewhat larger Gerard calls it English-Masterwort or false Pellitory of Spain The Kindes As a Lyon brings forth but one Whelp so this mighty Plant is not very numerous in its Progeny for of it there are but two sorts 1. Common Masterwort 2. Mountain Masterwort The Form Common Masterwort hath divers great broad leaves divided into sundry parts three for the most part standing together upon a small footstalk on both sides the greater and three likewise at the end of the stalk each of which leaves are somewhat broad and cut-in on the edges into three or more divisions and all of them besides dented about the brims of a dark green colour and do so much resemble Angelica Leaves that I have known them mistaken for the same yet if they be well regarded they may easily be known asunder for that they grow lower to the ground and upon lesser stalks amongst which rise up two or three short stalks in comparison of Angelica being about half a yard or two foot high and slender with such like leaves at the joynts as grow below but lesser and with fewer divisions bearing umbels of white Flowers and after them small thin flat blackish Seed bigger then Dill-Seed the Root is somewhat great and groweth rather side-wayes then down-right into the ground and is the hottest and sharpest part of any of the rest of the Plant and the Seed next unto it being somewhat blackish on the out-side and smelling well The Places and Time The first is found on sundry Hill in Italy as also in Germany yet it is usually kept in Gardens with them as well as Us The other was found on the Alps in Switzerland They flowre and seed late with us as not untill the end of August The Temperature The Root of Masterwort is hotter then Pepper even to the third Degree compleat and is of very subtle parts The Vertues The Roots of Pellitory of Spain being very rare in England the Roots of Masterwort are the best substitute and are commonly sold in Shops under that Notion The dryed Root being chewed in the mouth draweth down from the head much flegme and is thereby available to ease the pains in the Head and Teeth and to draw forth cold Rheum Catarrhes and Defluxions upon the Lungs or Distillations into the Eys It is available in all cold Diseases and Griefs both of the Stomack and Body dissolving wind very powerfully both upward and downward The same also provoketh Urine and helpeth to break the Stone and expel Gravel from the Kidneys it procureth Womens Courses and expelleth the dead Birth and is singular good for the strangling of the Mother and other the like Womens Diseases it is effectuall also against the Dropsie Cramp and Falling Sicknesse It is of a rare quality against all sorts of cold poysons to be taken as there is cause either more or lesse and provoketh sweat The juyce hereof dropped or Tents dipped therein and applyed either to the green wounds or rotten Ulcers yea although they fret and creep and be almost gangrenated and those also that come by envenomed Weapons doth soon cleanse and heal them or if they be bathed with the distilled water the same also is good to help the Gout comming of cold cause Tragus saith that the Decoction of the Root in Wine being drunk doth revive the ability of generation but surely he had not observed Galens Rule who saith that those things that are so hot to expell wind do not help but hinder nature The other sort is more effectual and especially for Quartane Agues to expel the dead Child to purge the brain and to expell wind and help the Cholick CHAP. LV. Of Corall The Names THough it may seem strange to some at first sight that I should treat of Corall amongst Plants which seemeth more like unto a Stone yet whosoever shall consider the manner of its growing will conclude with the Herbarists of all Ages that it is fitly reckoned amongst them It is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek and Corallium by all that have written of it and thereto rubrum or album c. is set for distinction-sake yet the white is not remembered but by modern Authours the black sorts are called Antipathes and Corallium Nigrum there is a second sort of Antipathes or rough bristly black Corall and is called by the Fishers of Sardinia Sambeggia The Kinds The Sorts of Corall mentioned by later Writers are ten 1. The great red Corall 2. The greater and siner white Corall 3. Loose white Corall 4. Hollow white Corall 5. Knotty and spotted white Corall 6. Starry white Corall 7. Joynted white Corall 8. Black Corall 9. Rough bristly black Corall 10. Yellow Corall The Forme The greater red Corall which I take to be of greatest use is found growing on the Rocks in the Sea like unto a shrub with Arms and Branches breaking forth some into greater and some into lesser sprigs set full of knaggy eminences of a pale or whitish red colour on the out-side for the most part as it is taken forth of the water but being scraped or filed and polished becommeth very fair as it is usually seen yet some will be much more red on the outside at the first taking up and much redder within also being also of a firmer or hard stony
upon a tough string very close couched and compact together from which is also sent forth certain other Branches like the first in sundry places there be sent down divers fine little strings which serve instead of Roots wherewith it is fastned to the upper parts of the Earth and taketh hold likewise of such things as grow next it There spring also from the Branches bare or naked stalks on which grow certain Ears as it were like the Catkines or blowings of the Hazel-Tree in shape like a little Club of a yellowish white colour or rather resembling the Claw of a Wolf whereof it took its name which knobby Catkines are altogether barren and bring forth neither Seed nor Flower but come to nothing as they do in all other Mosses The Places and Time The common Mosse groweth more or lesse every where but especially in shadowy places and is used in slating of houses in some Countries The Cup or Callice Mosse which Lobel calls Muscus Pixidatus creepeth upon the ground like unto Liverwort but of a yellowish white colour from whoâ—e Leaves start up things like unto little Cups and groweth in the most barren dry and gravelly Ditch Banks particularly in a Ditch neer a house formerly called Stockers house in Stow-Wood about three miles from Oxford by the way side as you go thence to Islip and sometimes upon old Pales as upon the School-house Pales at Adderbury in Oxfordâ—hire The Club-Mosse groweth upon Hamsteed Heath among the Bushes and Brakes neer a little Cottage there Oak-mosse is found in many Forrests and Woods in this Land but the last which is the Mosse of a dead Mans Skull is oftner brought out of Ireland then found with Us. They are most usually growing and in their perfection in the Summer-time The Temperature The Mosses of the Earth are dry and astringent of a binding quality without any heat or cold Those of the Trees cool and binde and do much partake of the nature of the Tree from whence it is taken as that of the Oak to be more binding then those of the Cedar Larch-Ivy c. and Fir to be more digesting and mâ—lâ—â—â—ying The Signature and Vertues A Decoction of the long Mosse that hangs upon Trees in a manner like hair is very profitable to be used in the falling off of the hair and this it doth by Signature The common ground Mosse is held to be singular good to break the Stone and to expell and drive it forth by Urine being boyled in Wine and drunk The Herb bruised and boyled in water and then applyed to any Inflammations or pains rising from a hot cause doth allay and ease them and therefore they do apply it to the hot Gout to allay the pains thereof The Cup Mosse is thought to be a singular Remedy against the Falling-Sickness and the Chin-Cough in Children if it be powdered and then given in sweet Wine for certain dayes together The Club-Mosse hung in a Vessel of Wine that hath lost the vigour and vertue that floateth and is become slimy restoreth it to its former goodness if the quantity thereof be answerable to the bigness of the Vessel whereupon Brunfelsius hath called it Wein Kraut the Wine-Herb The Mosse of Trees especially of the Oak is of good use and effect to stay Fluxes and Lasks in Man or Woman as also vomiting and bleedings spitting of blood pissing of blood the Tearms and the Bloody Flux if the powder thereof be boyled in Wine and drunk The Decoction thereof in Wine is very good for Women to be bathed with or to sit in that are troubled with abundance of their Courses the same also drunk doth stay the troubled Stomack perplexed with casting or the Hickok and doth also comfort the heart as Avicen saith and as Serapio saith procureth deep sleep some have thought it available for the Dropsie if the Powder thereof be taken in drink for some time together The Oyl of Roses that hath fresh Mosse steeped therein for a time and after boyled and applyed to the Temples and forehead doth marvellously ease the Head-ach that commeth of a hot cause as also the distillations of hot Rheum or Humours to the Eyes or other parts The Ancients much used it in their Oyntments c. against weariness and to strengthen and comfort the Sinews My Lord Bacon saith that there is a sweet Mosse growing upon Apple-Trees which is of excellent use for Perfumers who if they knew it would greedily catch after it The Mosse that groweth upon dead Mens Skulls hath not only been in former times much accounted of because it is rare and hardly gotten but in our times much more set by to make the Unguentum Sympatheticum or Weapon-Salve which cureth wounds without locall application in the composition whereof this is put as a principal Ingredient but as Crollius hath it it should be taken from the Skulls of those which have perished by a violent death CHAP. XVI Of Maidenhair THough the Learned Herbarists make a distinction between Adiantum Ruta Muraria Trichomanes and Polytrichon Apuleii and therefore have treated of them in divers Chapters yet desiring to be as brief as conveniently I may and because they are all Capillary herbs and may be comprehended under the title of Maidenhair I shal make but one Chapter of them The Names Maidenhair is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Adiantum Polytrichum Callitrichum Cincinnalis Terrae Capillus and Supercilium Terrae of Apuleius Capillus Veneris Capillaris Crinita and of divers Coriandrum Putei The Italians keep the name of Capillus Veneris and â—o do the Shops In English Black Maidenhair and Venus hair and by some our Ladies hair Some think it to be called Adiantum because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is never wet but falsly for if it be dipped in Water it will be wet Others think that Rain which falls down in Drops upon the leaves of it slide off immediately leaving no sign of moisture But the most likely opinion is that it is so called because it loveth to grow on the sides of Wells above where the water never comes but where the water comes it never growes and in this sense it may be said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is called Callitrichon and Polytrichon of the effect it hath in dying hair and making it to grow thick Neither is it called Capillus Veneris for any other reason but because she is painted with curious hair Ruta Muraria was first so called by Matthiolus who afterwards took it to be Paronychia Dioscoridis Cordus calleth it Adiantum album Dodonaeus Ruta Muraria and Lobel and Lugdunsis Salvia vitae and many call it Adiantum album White Maidenhair Trichomanes is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod rarâ cute fluentem Capillum explet for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is rarus and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Capillus Gaza translated it Filicula and some have it Fidicula The Apothecaries beyond the sea did use
helpeth also to cleanse all the deformities or discolourings of the skin and the Freckles and spots thereof as well fresh as dry The Juyce mingled with Vinegar helpeth the falling down of the Fundament if it be anointed therewith The Juyce of Sow-bread and the Juyce of Plantane of each a like quantity mixed together and Aloes Myrth and Olibanum added thereto stoppeth the bleeding of the Nose if it be applyed to the Nostrils and fore-head And thus I have done with Plants that are appropriated to the Nose for the Polypus and the stopping of blood CHAP. XLI Of Medlars The Names THe Mouth challengeth the next place and it is fit that that part should especially be regarded without which others could not subsist And because Medlars are found to be helpful to many distempers thereof I begin with that It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Mespilus and the fruit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mespilum Dioscorides affirmeth that this Medlar-Tree is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and so doth Galen and of divers Sicanion The fruit of the Neapolitan kind is called Tricoccos of the three grains or stones that it hath The Tree is called in English the Medlar or Openarse-Tree and the fruit Medlars and Open-arses The Kinds Five sorts hereof are reckoned up 1. The great manured Medlar 2. The ordinary or small Medlar 3. The common Italian Medlar 4. The great white Medlar 5. The Medlar of Naples The Forme The great Medlar-tree groweth near to the bigness of the Quince-tree spreading forth branches of a reasonable size with longer and narrower Leaves then either the Apple or Quince and not dented about the edges At the end of the sprigs stand the Flowers made of fair white great broad pointed Leaves nicked in the middle with some white threds also after which commeth the fruit of a brownish green colour being ripe being a Crown as it were on the top which were the five green Leaves which being rubbed of or fallen away the head of the fruit is seen to be somewhat hollow The fruit is very harsh before it be mellowed and hath usually five hard Kernells within it The Places and Time Three of these sorts grow with us here in England the two first do grow in Orchards and sometimes in hedges amongst Bryars and Brambles and the last with some few lovers of rarities The other two have scarcely been seen in this Countrey They flower in May for the most part but the fruit is not ripe till September or October after which they must lie till they be as it were rotten before they be fit to be eaten The Temperature The Medlars are cold dry and astringent the Leaves are of the same nature The Signature and Vertues Suppose that place to be a mouth which some call by another name as it well may be and then we may appropriate it to the mouth by Signature However the mouth is not only gratified by its pleasant tast being mellow and ordered with Honey or Sugar but the decoction of them is good to gargle and wash the mouth throat and teeth when there is any defluxion of blood or humours to stay them which otherwise might cause pains and swellings to bind those distillations and to ease the pains The same also serveth well both to drink and to bath the stomach warm that is given to loathing casting or vomiting by sortifying digestion and preserving the humours from putrefaction but if a Pultis or Plaster be made with dryed Medlars beaten and mixed with the juyce of Red Roses whereunto a few Cloves and Nutmegs may be added and a little red Corall also and applyed to the stomach it will work more effectually The decoction aforesaid serveth also for a good bath for Women to sit in or oveâ— that have their Courses come down too abundantly or for the Piles when they bleed too much The dâ—yed Leaves in Powder strewed on bleeding or fresh wounds restraineth the blood and healeth up the wound quickly both leaves and fruit are of singular good use to bind and to strengthen whatsoever hath need of those qualities The stones or Kernels bruised to Powder and drunk in Liquor especially wherein some Parsley Roots have been steeped all night or a little boyled do mightily drive out stones and gravel from the Kidneys and that by Signature Besides these effects the mellowed fruit is often served amongst other sorts of fruit to the Table and eaten with pleasure by those who have no need of Physick but worketh in Women with Child both to please the tast as in others and to stay their longings after unusuall meats c. as also very effectuall for them that are apt to miscarry and make them joyful Mothers That of Naples is the more delicate and is also accounted more effectual for the purposes aforesaid CHAP. XLII Of the Mulberry Tree The Names THe tree is named in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Morea and Sycaminus in Latine Morus à Morâ from its slownesse to put forth its Leaves for of all trees it buddeth last which it seldom doth before May the cold weather being past and therefore the old Writers were wont to call it the wisest tree It is called in shops Morus celsa quasi excelsa as a distinction between it and the Bramble Cubus whose Berries are also called Mora but bâ—â—i is added to know them by The Kinds Parkinson hath but three sorts hereof 1. The common black Mulberry tree 2. The white Mulberry tree 3. The Virginian Mulberry tree Besides which as I have been informed there is a wild kind which putteth out leaves somewhat like the former and about the same time and hath fruit not much unlike but it never bringeth it to perfection The Form The Common black Mulberry tree groweth very great and tall the body and the greater arms being covered with a thick rugged bark the younger boughs and branches being smoother whereon are broad roundish leaves set pointed at the end and dented about the edges like Mint leaves but that they are far bigger and smoother The bloomings or flowers are downy like Catkins after which immediately followeth the fruit made of many grains set together of a pale green colour at first then red when they are harsh and sowre but afterwards black when they are full ripe being full of a sweetish Juyce which will die the fingers and mouths of them that gather and eat them wherein ly divers small seeds the root groweth not deep but spreadeth far being of a yellowish colour The Places and Time The two former sorts are nourished up in woods or great Orchards in the Levant or Eastern countries to nourish their silk Worms where they keep them in abundance and may peradventure be natural in some of these places they are plentiful nursed up in Italy for the same purpose and might have been very numerous here in England if the Letters of King James
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 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉