of England Nature and Vertues It is a Venerial Plant saith Culpepper but he forgets his Logick when he ascribed all bitter plants to Mars Fox-Gloves are bitter in taste hot and dry having a cleansing quality The Italians call this Herb Aralda and use this proverb concerning it Aralda tutte piaghe salda Aralda salveth all Sores they use it to heal green Wounds cutting the leaves and applying them they use also the juyce to cleanse and dry up old Sores it is found helpful for the Kings Evil the flowers stamped with fresh Butter and applyed or the juyce in an Oyntment the bruised leaves are also good being applyed but not so powerful being boiled in water or wine it consumes thick phlegm and viscous humours in the Chest and Stomach A syrrup may be made thereof with Sugar or honey for the same purpose and to cleanse the body of clammy humours and open the Liver and Spleen by later experience it hath been found to cure many of the falling Sickness taking the decoction of two handfuls thereof with four ounces of Pollipody of the Oak bruised Mr. Culpepper magnifies an Oyntment thereof for a Scabby Head Fumitory Fumaria IT is a tender sappy Plant Description sending forth from one square slender stalk leaning downwards many branches two or three foot long with fine jagged leaves of a pale blueish or Sea-green colour the flowers stand like a long spike one above another on the tops of the branches of a reddish purple colour with whitish bellies commonly yet in Cornwal it bears perfect white flowers it bears a small black seed contained in small round husks the root is yellow and small full of juyce while it is green but quickly perishes with the ripe seed Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Fumus terrae and Fumaria in English Fumitory Places and Time It grows in Corn Fields almost every where as well as in Gardens It flowers for the most part in May and the seed is ripe in August Nature and Vertues It is a bitter herb which sheweth it to be hot and is hot in the first degree and dry in the second it gently purges melancholly and salt humours opens and cleanses the Entrails and strengthens those parts it purges chollerick humours by Vrine and helps soul diseases of the skin as the Itch c. arising from adust bumours and the French Pox it prevails in chollerick Fevers the Jaundies and Quartain Agues and chronical diseases arising from stoppings of the viscerous parts three or four ounces of the distilled water drunk morning and evening cures the yellow Jaundies and is good against the Itch and Leprosie A dram or two of London Treacle and a scruple of Bole-Armonick taken in two ounces of the water is good in the Pestilence it provokes the Terms and dissolves congealed blood The decoction helps the Gout the feet being bathed therewith The distilled Water with some honey of Roses helps Sores and Vlcers of the Mouth the juyce dropped into the Eyes clears the sight and the juyce having a little Gum-Arabick dissolved therein and applyed to the Eye-lids where the hair hath been pulled off will keep it from growing again the juyce mixed with the juyce of Docks Oximel and Vinegar cures the Morphew and a bath made of the same with Barley Bran Mallows Violets Nep and Dock Roots cures Scabs Itch and Leprosie Wheals and Pimples in the Face or elsewhere Fursbush or Furres THese are so well known they need no description Names In Norfolk they are called Whinns in some Countreys Goss and in Hampshire Furres Place and Time They plentifully grow in dry barren Heaths and sandy Grounds and flower in the middle of Summer and are seldom without flowers at any time of the year Nature and Vertues They are under the dominion of Mars hot and dry the flowers are effectual to open obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and the decoction thereof is good against the yellow Jaundies provokes Vrine and cleanses the Kidneys and Bladder from the Gravel and Stone Galanga THis plant grows in the East Indies and China from whence it is brought to us Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry almost in the third degree it is profitable in all cold Diseases of the Stomach it helps concoction expells winde from it being boiled in Wine and taken morning and evening it helps a moist brain and the Vertigo trembling of the Heart and knawings of the Stomach it cleanses the passages of the Vrine provokes Venery helps conception and remedies cold and windy distempers of the Womb being drunk with the water or juyce of Plantain it stops the bloody Flux and strengthens nature helps the trembling of the Heart and comforts the brain half a dram of the powder thereof is the dose at one time to be taken in the morning or an hour before meat Garlick Allium IF you smell ones breath that hath eaten it you may know it by the scent Names Allium the Latines call it and Gallen Theriaca Rusticorum Countreymans Treacle in English Garlick It is planted in small cloves in Gardens which grow to great heads by the latter end of Summer Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the fourth degree a Martial Plant it heats the body being eaten digesting and consuming tough and clammy humours opens obstructions remedies cold poisons and the bitings of venomous Beasts it helps old Coughs provokes Vrine kills Worms breaks Winde helps the Chollick and Dropsie proceeding of cold it stirs up natural heat and helps a cold and moist Stomach it is good against the biting of mad Dogs for shortness of breath the cold Head-ache Consumption of the Lungs and pissing of Blood being tempered with Honey and the parts anointed with it cures scabbed Heads Scurff Morphew and Tetters the Ashes strewed in Vlcers heals them being applyed with Figs and Commyn it cures the biting of a Shrew-Mouse Vices Many are the Vertues of Garlick yet accompanied with some Vices it is hurtful for young men and chollerick persons for women with Childe and such as give suck and being eaten raw too liberally it dims the sight offends the Stomach and burns the Blood it is good for old cold and phlegmatick persons the best way of preparing it is to boil it well either in milk or otherwise and eat it with Oyl or Vinegar Gentian or Felwort Gentiana MAster Coles reckons six sorts hereof to grow within Great Brittain Description Master Culpepper but two which I shall onely describe The first hollow leaved Felwort or English Gentian hath small long roots deep in the ground and abiding all Winter having stalks of a brownish green colour with long narrow dark green leaves set by couples up to the top the flowers are long and hollow of a purple colour with five corners The other smaller sort hath many stalks not a foot high with several branches the leaves very like those of the lesser Centaury of a
yellow Jaundies Barley IT is needless to say any thing more of this Grain here but onely of the Physical use it 's other vertues being sufficiently known to the Husbandman and to the Brewer and Alewife too but these latter gain more by the Vices attending it then by its Vertues Temperature and Vertues It is cooling and drying in the first degree of a cleansing quality Culpepper as I remember ascribes it to Venus he would lay all the fault of drunkenness upon women But c. Barley indeed the water made thereof and other things doth much nourish such as are troubled with Agues Feavers and hot Stomachs The French Barley is much used for diseases of the Breast and likewise in Feavers and other inward heats as heat of the Vrine in a Gonorrhea or otherwise it doth provoke Vrine The preparation of the Barley water is thus Take French Barley two ounces boil it in two several waters casting the water away then boil it the third time in a quart of water to a pint and a half adding Liquorish half an ounce Violet leaves and Strawberry leaves of each an handful sweeten it with Sugar or syrrup of Violets this is excellent in a Fever or Surfeit being timely used Barley meal and Fleawort being boiled in water and made into a pultis with honey and oyl of Lillies cures Tumors and Swellings being applyed warm A plaister made thereof with Tar Wax and Oyl helpeth the hard swelling of the Kings Evil in the throat it easeth pains of the sides and stomach and windiness of the Spleen being boiled with Melilot Cammomil flowers and some Linseed Fennigreek and Rue in powder and applyed warm to the sides Barley meal boiled in Vinegar with some honey and some dry Eigs added thereunto dissolveth hard Imposthumes and excrescences growing upon the eye-lids and asswageth inflammations being applyed thereunto Basil Basilicum BAsil springeth up with one stalk Description shooting forth branches on every side at the joynts grow the leaves two at every joynt which are of a pale green colour and of a strong smell they are somewhat round a little pointed and dented a little about the edges the flowers stand at the tops of the branches and are small and white the seed is black Names It is called in Latine Ocymum and Basilicum in English Basil Place and Time Basil is nourished onely in Gardens with us and flowers in the heat of Summer the seed is soon ripe the root perisheth at Winter it must be new sowen every year Nature and Vertues It is said to be hot in the second degree but having a superfluous moisture Culpepper rails at large against this herb that it ought not to be taken inwardly yet it may be corrected with oyl and vinegar and eaten by women to dry up their milk the same effect it hath being bruised and applyed outwardly to the breasts the much smelling thereunto causeth the Head ache to those who have a weak brain yet to those whose brains are stronger it comforts the brain and purges the head it procures speedy delivery and provokes Vrine and the Terms it is good against pains of the head and the Lethargy being applyed with oyl of Roses Mirtles and Vinegar the seeds are used to expel melancholly and comfort the heart and the juyce or seeds being bruised and put into the nostrils procureth sneezing The Herb used with honey takes away spots in the face The Bay-Tree Laurus THis is so well known it needs no description Names It is called in Latine Laurus and the berries Bacca Laurt Places and time It grows frequently in our Gardens and is planted against Walls delighting rather in the shade then the Sun it keeps green all the year the berries are ripe towards Winter Nature and Vertues Bayes both the leaves and berries are hot and dry a plant of Jupiter the berries taken in powder with honey is good against infirmities of the Breast as Consumptions and shortness of breach and likewise helps Winde and the Chollick and griping pains of the Belly they provoke Vrine and are good against the Stone and the windiness of the Mother they are good against poisons and the stinging of venomous beasts they open the Liver and Spleen procure an appetite provoke womens Terms cause speedy delivery and purge down the Aster-birth A bath made of the Decoction of the Leaves and Berries is good for women to fit in for diseases of the Womb and Mother and obstractions of the Courses the oyl of the berries is good to comfort the joynts against cold Aches Cramps Palsies and benummedness of any parts the oyl or juyce of the berries dropped into the ears helps deafness and pains in the ears Quicksilver killed in the oyl or juyce helps the Itch and Wheals or Scabs in the skin the powder of them taken in white wine is good against Cramps and contractions of the Sinews The leaves may also be used for many of the purposes aforesaid and are excellent good three or four leaves in broth to comfort the stomack Beans Faba I Shall not need describe these neither there being not scarce a boy or girle but well enough knows both the garden and field Beans that is able to eat a Bean. Names In Latine a bean is called Faba Places and Time The greater sort is planted in Gardens the other small Beans are sown in Fields and are meat for horses and hogs and good to make malt with too The Garden beans are ripe in June and July some earlier and some later according as they are planted serving for good strong food in harvest Temperature and Vertues They are more used with us for food then Physick and while they are green they are held to be cold and moist when dry cold and dry and the Physical uses are these the distilled water of the green shells is excellent good against the Stone to be drunk in the mornings and a little butter unsalted eaten therewith Bean meal helpeth Fellons Boils Bruises Imposthumes and Swellings of Kernels about the Ears being mixed with Fennugreek and Honey and applyed to the place grieved The distilled water of the flowers cleanseth and beautifieth the face and skin and takes away spots and wrinkles thereof A pultis made of bean flower oyl and vinegar and applyed to the breasts of women which are swelled by abundance of milk helpeth the swelling and represseth the milk dissolving the curdling thereof A pultis bieng made with bean flower wine oyl and vinegar helpeth the swelling of the Cods and being used with Rose leaves the white if an Egge and a little Frankincense it helps swellings stripes and watering eyes Beans are also a friend to Venus And thus I shall leave them hastning to proceed to their affinity viz. French Beans Phaseolus HAving now done with the English Bean Description the French or Kidney Bean in order follows which also scarce needs a description being now ordinary in Gardens they grow up at first with one stalk but afterwards
and the berries are ripe towards Michaelmas Temperature and Vertues The Leaves Root and Berries of the Bramble are all of an astringent quality it s a plant of Mars and is good to stop Fluxes and Lasks and the decoction of the Flowers or unripe fruit helps spitting of Blood they also help Vlcers and Sores of the Mouth and Throat the Leaves likewise are good to make Lotions for the sores of the Mouth and privy parts and to heal a cut finger too the powder of the root expells the Stone and Gravel of the Reins and Kidneys the berries or flowers are good against the poison of venomous Serpents The decoction of them binde the Belly and stop the over-flowing of womens Courses the juyce of the ripe berries being drunk and the pumish of them out of which it is strained being outwardly applyed to swellings in the Neck and Throat is a speedy remedy for those Distempers The distilled water of the flowers and fruit is good in Feavers and heat of the Body A syrrup of the ripe berries may be kept all the year for the purposes aforesaid ☞ See further in The Expert Doctors Dispensatory by P. Morellus Bryony Brionia THere are two sorts of Bryony growing here in England Description the white Bryony or wilde Vine and the black Bryony the white Bryony springeth up with long tender stalks with many clasping tendrells by which it catcheth hold and clambreth on those things that are near it the leaves are like our Vine leaves but more hairy and whiter of colour the flowers be white and small consisting of five leaves apiece the berries grow in clusters and are green at first but red when they are ripe the root groweth very big and is bitter Names The Latine name is Bryonia in English Bryony and wilde Vine Some call the white root English Jollap and use it instead thereof Place and Time It growes in Hedge-rowes and Coppices in many of our Countreys and flowers in May and the berries be ripe in Autumne Quality and Vertues The white Bryony is chiefly used in Physick and is hot and dry in the third degree or more an herb of Mars it purgeth with great violence being taken alone but a scruple or two of the powder of the root with a third part of Cynamon and Ginger being drunk in white Wine draweth away water abundantly both by Vomit and Stool and therefore is good for the Dropsie The compound water of Bryony a spoonful being taken at a time easeth the fits of the Mother expells the After-birth and cleanseth the Womb so likewise doth a Pessary of the root and also draweth forth the dead Childe it provokes Vrine and purgeth the Reins and Bladder opens obstructions of the Spleen draweth away Phlegm and Rheumes from the Head and Brain and therefore is profitable in the falling Sickness and swimming of the head the juyce applyed cleanseth the skin from the Morphew and Leprosie the root is good against the bitings of venomous Creatures kills Worms and is good against the Kings Evil the juyce being taken with equal parts of Wine and Honey the Berries and distilled water are good to take away spots and freckles in the face ☞ See more of this in The Art of Smpling by W. C. Brookelime Becabunga BRookelime groweth up with thick stalks Description parted into divers branches the leaves are broad thick and smooth like Purslane leaves but of a darker green colour growing by couples upon the stalks the flowers are of a blue colour and grow upon tender foot stalks the root is white having five strings fastned thereto at every joynt Names It is usually called in Latine Becabunga in English Brookelime Place and Time It groweth in small Brooks Ditches and standing Waters it flowers in June and July Temperature and Vertues It is of a temperate moist quality some say dry Culpepper ascribes it to Mars but I am sure then his Logick is false for it groweth not in martial places I rather give Venus the rule of it It is good against Dropsies and Scurvies and is used in Spring time in water Gruel to purge the body from ill homours and to cleanse the Blood it is also used with Water-cresses and other Herbs for the same purpose it is helpful to break the Stone in the Kidneys and Bladder provokes Vrine and womens Courses and expells the dead Birth it helps the Strangury and heals inward Scabs in the Bladder the juyce being drunk in Wine being fryed with butter and vinegar and applyed warm it helps Tumors and St. Anthonies fire being often renewed Butchers Broom Bruscus THis groweth up somewhat more then a foot high Description with a tough round stalk which spreadeth into divers green branches the leaves are of a dark green colour hard and prickly at the ends it giveth a whitish green flower consisting of four round pointed leaves after which comes a round berry which is red when it is ripe the root is thick white and great at the head from whence shooteth divers thick white tough strings Names In Latine it is called Ruscus and Bruscus in English it is called Knee-holme Knee-holly and Butchers broom because Butchers use it to cleanse their Stalls and keep Flyes away from the meat Places and Time It grows plentifully in dry waste grounds and near Holly Bushes you may often finde it in most places of this Land in dry light ground The berries are ripe about September and the leaves abide green all Winter Quality and Vertues The roots which are chiefly used in Physick are moderately hot and dry with a thin quality it is one of the five opening roots and doth open obstructions provokes Vrine expels Gravel and the Stone helpeth the Strangury drives down the Terms cleanseth the Breast of Phlegm and the Chest of clammy humours being taken with Honey the berries may be used in Electuaries for the same purpose The juyce being drunk and a pultis made of the berries and leaves being applyed is effectual in knitting broken Bones or parts out of joynt In diseases of the Reins and Bladder a Decoction of the sive opening roots is thus made Take of this root and the roots of Parsley Fennel Smallage and Grass of each a like quantity and boil them in White Wine and drink the decoction respect being had to the strength of the Pattent in making it stronger or weaker It may also be made in water for want of wine and sweetned with Sugar Broom and Broomrape Genista TDe Broom needs no description the Broomrape springeth up from the roots of the Broom in form like unto Bastard Orchis called Birds-nest having a root like a Turnip or Rape Names It is called in Latine Genista and the broom-rape Rapum Genistae Place and Time Broom delights to grow in dry grounds and quickly over runs whole Fields if they lie a little untilled My Fathers Grounds at Holshot in Hampshire are never free from it altogether it flowers about the latter end of Summer Quality and
dwarf Elder Humilis Sambucus and Ebulus and in English is known by the names of Walwort Danewort and Dwarf Elder Place and Time There is scarce a Town or Village but the common Elder grows in its Hedges the Dwarf Elder grows wilde in many places of England particularly in the grounds of Mr. Hinde at Hedsor in Buckinghamshire The Elder Flowers in June the fruit is usually ripe in August the Dwarf Elder is somewhat later Nature and Vertues Elder is hot and dry in the second and third degree the Danewort something hotter both under Mars it is profitable for the Dropsie and to remove watry humours between the skin and the flesh the young buds boiled in broth purges Phlegm and Choller the inner bark is commended for the yellow Jaundies medicines prepared of the bark opens obstructions six drops of the spirit of Elder salt taken in broth is good in the Scurvy The decoction of the root in wine cures the bitings of venomous Beasts and mad Dogs mollifies hardness of the Mother opens the Veins and provokes the Terms the berries work the same effects the juyce of the green leaves helps inflammations of the Eyes there is hardly a disease from the head to the foot but Elder is effectual for it it is good for Melancholly Madness the Falling Sickness Palsie Apoplexy catharrs Tooth-ache Deafness diseases of the Lungs Mouth and Throat Hoarseness Ptisick sore Breasts swoonings and Faintings Gout Worms Stone Plague Pox Measles and diseases of the Stomach Cùm multis aliis c. The Dwarf Elder is stronger then the other for all the said purposes and hath besides particular vertues viz. the juyce of the root cures the Kings Evil and Quinzy being applyed to the Throat and being put into the Fundament stayes it from falling down The root being steeped in Wine all night helps Agues a dram of the seeds in powder with a little Cinamon taken in the decoction of ground Pine is good against the French Disease Gout Sciatica and joynt Aches by drawing away peccant humours An Oyntment made of the green leaves with May Butter mollifies starkness of the Nerves and Sinews and remedies outward Pains Aches Cramps and Lameness ☞ See further in Adam in Eden by W. Coles Elecampane Enula IT groweth up with a long hairy stalk Description bearing great large leaves pointed at the ends it gives a large yellow flower the root is white and increaseth much every year spreading under the ground 't is well known therefore I forbear any further description Names Enula Campana is the Latine Appellation Place and Time It delights in Meadows and fertile ground flowers in June and July and the leaves fall in Autumne Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the third degree a Solar herb a great friend to the Breast and Lungs and a helper of shortness of Breath it opens the Liver and Spleen and is good against poisons and venomous bitings and helps Cramps Ruptures and inward bruises the decoction of the root being drunk the roots candied warm a cold Stomach helps the Cough and Wheesings An oyntment made of the roots with Hogs grease and a little flower of Brimstone is an excellent remedy for the Itch. The root chewed fastens loose Teeth and preserves them from rotting The distilled water of the green leaves makes the face fair cleanses the skin and helps the Morphew The decoction thereof provokes Vrine and the Terms and cleanses the Breast and Lungs Elme-Tree Ulmus THis Tree is so well known for its Timber it needs no description but we proceed to the Physical use of it Names Vlmus the Latines call it Nature and Vertues The Leaves and Bark are moderately hot having a cleansing and glewing quality and I believe Saturnine The water in the bladders upon the leaves are said to be good to help burstness cloathes being wet in the water and applyed and the parts bound up with a Truss it also cleanses the Skin The decoction of the Bark of the Root softens hard swellings the decoction of the middle bark is good to bathe places burnt or scalded and being boiled in wine and some syrrup of Mulberries added to it causes the pallat of the mouth to ascend being fallen the decoction in water helps the Dandriff Scurfs and Leprosie The leaves heal green Wounds and the water of the bladders that grow upon the leaves being put in a glass and set in Horse-dung for five and twenty dayes the mouth of the glass being stopt and a lay of salt underneath so that the feces may settle and the water become very clear is a sovereign Balsome for green wounds being applyed with sofe Tents it may be set in the ground if you be not provided of Dung An Vnguent being made of Elme Bark by boiling it to that consistence is a sovereign remedy to allay the pains of the Gout Endive Endivia MAster Coles comprehends the Succory Description Dandelion and Endive all together as not differing in Nature though in Form and one Greek name goes for them all namely 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yet Succory is called Cichoreum and Cichorea in Latine and the Endive Endivia which Endive bears a larger leaf then Succory and the root perishes every year it bears blue flowers and seed like Succory The names I have given you in the Description Place and Time It is an inhabitant onely in Gardens if it be sown in the Spring it quickly flowers and seeds Nature and Vertues It is cold and dry cleansing Jovial saith Mr. Culpepper but I judge rather under Venus it cools the sharpness of Vrine and cleanses the uretory parts The decoction of it or the distilled water is good in hot Agues and Inflammations to mittigate the heat it helps the great heat of the Stomach and Liver stoppings of the Gall and Vrine lack of sleep in hot burning Fevers being outwardly applyed it allayes Swellings Pushes and Pimples and is good to wash pestiferous sores and Vlcers ☞ See further in The expert Doctors Dispensatory by P. Morellus Eringo or Sea-holly Eringium THe Sea-holly cometh up with tender leaves at the first Description but as they grow old they grow hard and prickly crumpled about the edges with here and there a sharp prickle they are of a blueish green colour and stand every one upon a long foot stalk after comes a long crested stalk having several joynts beset with leaves sharp and prickly it bears round prickly herds out of which shoot blue flowers with whitish threads in the middle the root grows very long and is about the bigness of a mans little finger having a pleasant taste brownish without but white within with some pith in the middle Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines Eringium the Shop Eringus and Eringo in English we call in Sea-holly Place and Time It grows about the Sea sides in most Countreys of England as upon the Sea Sands by Yarmouth in Norfolk and about Shuberry in Essex it flowers about
flowers the seed is small and shining while it is fresh very like Fleas but turning black when it grows old the root is white hard and woody perishing every year The whole plant is whitish hairy and smelling somewhat like Rozin Names It s called in Latine Herba pulicaria and in Shops Psyllium in English Fleawort Place and time It grows with us no where but in Gardens but there is another kinde much like the former which grows in Fields near the Sea-coasts they flower in July or thereabouts with us but in thier natural Countreys all the Summer Nature and Vertues The seed of Fleawort which is chiefly used in Physick is cold in the second degree and temperate in moisture and driness according to Gallen and Serapio it is a Saturnine Plant. The muscilage made with Rose water and taken with syrrup of Violets or a little Sugar purges Choller and Phlegm is useful in burning Fevers to lenisie chirst and driness of the mouth and throat it helps also Hoarseness Inflammations of the Breast Lungs and Head and hot pains in the joynts the muscilage of the seed in an Electuary with Marmalade of Quinces and Sugarcandy hath the same effects and stayes the fluxions of hot Rheumes The seeds dryed and taken with Plantain water stayes fluxes of the Belly and helps the gripings thereof caused by Chollerick humours or the over-working of violent Medicines the seeds bruised or the herb mixed with juyce of Night-shade or Housleek oyl of Roses and Vinegar easeth the hot Gout and hot Imposthumes the water wherein the seeds have been steeped is good against St. Anthonies fire the juyce with Honey put into the Ears stayes the running thereof and is good for sore Breasts being often applyed thereunto being mixed with Hogs Grease and applyed to corrupt Sores and Vlcers it heals them The muscilage of the seed made in Plantain water and mixed with the yolk of an Egge or two and a little of the Vnguent Populeon easeth the pains of the Piles and Hemorrhoides being bound thereto It is not safe for cold and moist bodies Flixweed Thalictrum FLixweed springs up with a round upright hard stalk about two foot high Description spread into many branches whereon grow many grayish green leaves finely jagged like Roman Wormwood the flowers are small of a dark yellow colour and grows in a spiky fashion on the tops of the spriggy branches after which grow long pods with small yellowish seed in them The root is long weedy and perishes every year Names It is called in Latine Pseudonasturtium Sylvestre Thalictrum and Sophia Chirurgorum Places and Time It grows by Hedge sides High wayes upon old walls in many places of this Land and flowers from the beginning of June till the end of September Nature and Vertues It s a drying astringent Saturnine Herb the seed drunk in Wine or water wherein Steell hath been often quenched stops the Lask Bloody Flux and all other issues of Blood the Herb boiled performs the same effects and also it consolidates Bones broken or out of Joynt from which vertue it obtained the name of Sophia Chirurgorum a syrrup of it may be made to be taken inwardly for the former purposes The juyce drunk in Wine or the decoction of the Herb kills Worms in the Stomach and Belly and Worms which sometimes breed in Vlcers the juyce or bruised herb put into Oyntments or Salves quickly heals old Sores how foul or malignant soever they be They whose Stomachs cannot brooke any of the former Medicines may take the distilled water which worketh the same effects but not so effectually or powerfully Fluellin or Lluellin Veronica Mas. OF this plant there is a male and a female kinde Description called male and female Speedwell before the Welch-man gave it her Countrey name Lluellin The common Speedwell hath divers soft leaves about the breadth of a two pence of a hoary green colour a little dented about the edges set by couples at the joynts of the hairy brownish stalks which lean upon the ground never standing upright but shooting forth roots as they lie upon the ground at divers joynts the flowers grow one above another at the top and are of a blueish purple colour sometimes white the seed is small and blackish contained in small flat husks The root is fibrous Names In Latine it hath been called Veronica Mas and Veronica Femina and Betonica Pauli in English Male and Female Speedwel and Pauls Betony but the Shentleman of Wales hath given it the name of Lluellin because it saved her Nose which the French Pox had almost gotten from her Place and Time They grow upon dry Banks and Wood sides and in sandy grounds in many places of this Land They flower in June and July and the seed is ripe in August Nature and Vertues The Male is temperately hot and dry the Female cooling and drying the Male is most common and of greatest use they are both good wound Herbs a Salve being made therewith with wax oyl and Turpentine it also hinders the fretting of old Vlcers stayes Bleeding of Wounds dissolves Swellings it strengthens the Heart and expells Poison and Venome from thence it strengthens the Memory eases swimmings and pains in the Head The decoction given in Wine it cleanses the Blood and helps the Leprosie as is said A dram of it in powder in its own distilled water helps the Cough and diseases of the Lungs and Breast It opens the Liver and Spleen cleanses Vlcers in the Reins and Bladder the distilled water is good to wash Wounds and Sores and helps Morphew Scabs and Freckles a little Coper as being dissolved therein and bathed therewith The Female Speedwel or Fluellin bruised and applyed with Barley Meal helps watring Eyes caused by hot Rheumes flowing from the Head it stops the overflowing of the Terms and all Fluxes of Blood it helps the inward parts which need consolidating and strengthning the leaves being sod in broth with a Hen or piece of Veal It is effectual to heal green Wounds and to cleanse and heal old soul Vlcers and fretting Cancers the juyce and decoction of the herb taken inwardly and the herb used outwardly ☞ See more of this in The Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Fox Gloves Digitalis IT is known so commonly almost to every Childe in my Countrey of Hampshire that I shall forbear to make any large description of it Names Authours call it by many strange Latine names as Digitalis Virga Regia Campanula silvestris and many other affected names We in English call it Fox-Gloves and in Hampshire it is very well known by the name of Poppers because if you hold the broad end of the flower close between your finger and thumb and blow at the small head as into a bladder till it be full of winde and then suddenly strike on it with your other hand it will give a great crack or pop Place and Time They grow generally in dry grounds and under Hedges sides in most Countreys
and Lignum vitae in English it is called Pockwood because of its excellent faculty for that purpose Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the second degree and of a cleansing quality whereby it is an excellent remedy for the Pox resisting putrefaction cleansing the blood provoking sweat and strengthning the Liver and is properly taken in a decoction thus made ℞ of Guiacum lib. 1. of the Bark thereof two ounces infuse them four and twenty hours in fourteen pints of Spring Water then boil them till half be consumed adding thereto Liquorice two ounces Anniseeds one ounce this is also good against the Dropsie Falling Sickness shortness of Breath Catharrs Rheumes cold phlegmatick humours Gout Sciatica and joynt aches and is good against Scabs Itch and Leprosie and it makes the teeth white and fastens them if they be often washed with the decoction thereof The bark may be given in powder from half a dram to a dram for the forementioned diseases Stinking Gladwin Spatula Faetida IT hath long narrow leaves like Iris whereof if it is a kinde but smaller Description and being rubbed of a loathsome smell having many stalks which are round towards the top out of which come the flowers much like the Flower de Luce of an over-worn blue or rather purple colour with some yellow and red streaks in the midst after which come great husks or cods in which is contained a red berry of seed as big as a Pease the root is long and threddy underneath reddish without and white within and of a hot taste and evil smell Names It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Diosiorides and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Theophrastus it is also called Spatula saetida and Xyris in English stinking Gladwin and Spurgewort Place and Time It is planted in Gardens and groweth wilde in many moist and shadowy places and Woods near the Sea and likewise in upland grounds it flowers in July and August the seed is ripe in September Nature and Vertues Gladwin is hot and dry in the third degree having a heating and extenuating quality the roots pounded and snuffed up into the Nose provoke sneezing whereby they purge the head the root is also effectual against the Cough being used in an Electuary or Lohoch for that purpose it digests gross humours purges Choller and Phlegm procures sleep and helps gripings in the Belly Cramps and Convulsions the powder thereof being drunk in Wine also it easeth the Gout Sciatica and the Strangury a dram of the seed beaten to powder and drunk in Wine provokes Vrine A Pessary thereof hastens the Birth procures the Terms but causeth Abortion the roots used in a Plaister is good in Wounds especially of the Head and to cause the flesh to grow where the bones be bare and is good to asswage swellings of the Kings Evil and Buboes in the Groin it stayeth the Flux as Rhabarb and Asarum do by concocting and taking away the cause of the Lask though it first moveth to the stool for the decoction of the root or leaves or the infusion thereof in Ale purgeth Phlegm and Choller the root also hath great force to draw out Thorns Stubs Prickles Splinters or any other thing sticking in the flesh by reason of his attracting drying and digesting faculty it is also good against evil affections of the Breast and Lungs being taken in sweet Wine with some Spikenard or in Whey with a little Mastick the juyce of the leaves and roots healeth the Itch Scabs and Blemishes in the Skin and being snuffed up into the Nose provokes sneezing purging forth at the Nose filthy excrements keeping them from falling into other parts of the body to future prejudice of health Goutwort or Herb Gerrard Herba Gerrardi THis is the second kinde of Masterwort Description and is called wilde Masterwort being very like unto it in leaves flowers and roots saving onely that they be smaller growing on long stems the roots are not so thick and tuberous as Masterwort and more tender and whiter The whole plant is of a good savour but not so hot and strong as Masterwort Names In Latine it is called Podagraria Germanica from its faculty in easing the Gout and Herba Gerardi in English Goutwort Ashweed and wilde Masterwort Place and Time It groweth of it self in Gardens without any sowing where having once taken root it will so increase as hardly to be gotten out again destroying other herbs it grows likewise by Hedges sides and in the borders and corners of Fields it flowers from June till August Nature and Vertues Goutwort is hot and dry almost in the third degree being near the nature of Masterwort the roots stamped and laid upon any part troubled with the Gout asswageth the pain and takes away the swelling and inflammation thereof The Fundament being bathed with the decoction of the leaves and roots and the boiled leaves applyed very hot thereunto cureth the Hemorrhoides Glasswort or Saltwort Kali Geniculatum Sive Salicornia IT hath many thick round stalks a foot high Description full of fat thick sprigs with many joynts or knots without any leaves of a reddish green colour the whole plant is like a branch of Corral the root is very small and single There is another kinde mentioned by Lobel called by him Kali minus having many slender weak branches spread upon the ground set with many round long sharp pointed leaves of a whitish green colour the seed is small and shining somewhat like sorrel seed the root slender with many fibres the whole plant is of a saltish taste Dodoncus call this Kali album Names The Arabians call it Kali and Alkali the ashes hereof are by Mathiolus called Sylvaticus soda most usually 〈◊〉 and Mumen Calinum but Alumen Calinum is the most proper name of the Ashes it self and Sal Alkali the salt which is made of the Ashes the herb is also called Kali articulatum or joynted Glasswort and Salt-wort Crab-grass and Frog-grass in Enlish Place and Time Glass-wort is found in most salt Marshes about the Sea coast great store of it grows about the Sea Coast near Dover they flourish in the Summer moneths Nature and Vertues Glass-wort is hot and dry the Ashes hotter and dryer to the fourth degree having a caustick or burning quality The powder of Stones and the Ashes hereof mixed together and melted is the matter whereof Glass is made which when it is glowing hot in the Furnace casts up a sat matter on the top of it which when it is cold is hard and brittle and is called Axungia vitri in English Sandiver and in Italian Fior de Christallo that is Flower of Christall A small quantity of the herb taken inwardly mightily provokes Vrine drives forth the dead Childe draweth sorth by seige watry humours and purgeth away the Dropsie but it must be used with discretion for a great quantity thereof is dangerous hurtful and deadly The smoke of the Herb being burnt drives away Serpents and
swelling of the Cods and womens Breasts and asswageth pains of the Gout Sciatica and other pains in the joynts which proceed from a hot cause being applyed with Vinegar to the Temples it helps the Head-ache and causeth sleep the oyl of the seed helps deafness and noise in the Ears being dropped therein the decoction of the herb or seed kills Lice in man or beast if any one be distempered by taking it inwardly unawares let them drink Goats milk or Fennel seed Mustard seed Nettles seed Onions or Garlick in Wine Hagtaper Vide Mullein Hysop Hysopus IT needs no description Description and Names and Hysopus is both the Greek and Latine name and Hysop with us Places and Time It is most frequent in Gardens but I have seen it grow upon Walls it flowers in June or July and the seed is ripe in August Nature and Vertues It is an herb of Jupiter of temperature hot and dry in the third degree and of a cleansing quality it is excellent good for shortness of breath and diseases of the Liver and Lungs helpeth wheesings and rheumatick distillations it helps the Dropsie and Spleen it is good against the falling Sickness provokes Vrine and womens Courses The distilled water decoction and syrrup is very good for all stoppings and infirmities of the Lungs it takes away spots and bruises in the skin being boiled and the place bathed therewith it is good for the Quinzy boiled with Figs and the throat gargled therewith and boiled with Vinegar it helps the Tooth-ache being bruised and mixed with Salt Honey and Commyn seed it helps stinging of Serpents the green herb bruised with Sugar or fresh Butter soon heals a green Wound The oyl kills Lice and helps the Falling Sickness expectorates tough Phlegm and is good in all cold Diseases of the Breast and Lungs being taken in syrrup or other Medicines Take two handfuls of the tops of unset Hysop as much of the tops of Rosemary a few Anniseeds and some Liquorish sâ—eed boil it in two quarts of running water till a third part be consumed then sweeten it with Sugarcandy and drink it for an ordinary drink This I have often proved effectual for the Ptisick Coughs Rheumes Astma's and Catarrhs Holly Aquifolium IT is well enough known Description and Names the Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and it s called in Latine Aquifolium and Agrifolium we call it Holme or Holly Bush in English Place and Time Hedges Woods and Commons are well acquainted with it they flower about June the berries ripe about Christmas the leaves green all the year There is one kinde called the Free Holly because it hath a smooth leaf the other prickly Holly which most commonly beareth the most berries Nature and Vertues The berries are by temperature hot and dry saith Dodoneus the plant Saturnine saith Culpepper but I believe he forgot himself ten or twelve of the green berries taken inwardly purge clammy and phlegmatick humours and help the Chollick but being dryed and taken in powder in wine or other drink they binde the Belly and stop Fluxes the Bark doth the same more powerfully A decocoction of the Bark of the roots is good to mollifie hardness and tumours where bones have been out of Joynt and helps to consolidate broken bones An handful of the berries boiled in a pint of Ale till half be consumed and then strained and a little butter added to it and five or six spoonfuls taken at once is said to be good to provoke Vrine and remedy the stopping of the Stone The Birdlime which is made of the Bark of Holly is good to draw out Thorns and Splinters that are in the flesh ☞ See further in Adam in Eden written by Will. Coles Holy-Thistle or Carduus Benedictus IT needs no description Description and Names growing not wilde in England the names are in Latine Carduus Benedictus in English Holy and blessed Thistle Places and Time It s natural soil is Lemnos and many of the Grecian Isles and being brought hither it is diligently preserved in our Gardens and obtained its name from its singuler vertues it is in flower about July or August which is the best time to gather it to keep all the year If it be sowen or sowe it self in August as sometimes it doth it will make its flower in April Nature and Vertues Carduus Benedictus is hot and dry in the second degree having a cleansing opening quality it is a bitter Martial Plant yet Cordial a resister of Poison the decoction thereof in posset drink is good against Stitches in the Sides and the Plurisie it provokes Vrine and the Courses cleanses the Stomach strengthens the Memory helps Deafness and swimming in the Head it expells pestilential humours by sweat and sometimes doth good in the beginning of Agues in regard it resists putrefaction it may be one of the Sub-Committee in curing the French Pox but it can never cure it of it self neither by Sympathy nor Antipathy as Culpepper affirms but his Ballad-monger hath contradicted all by adding the coupling of the Song viz. for Cure of al Diseases read my Riverius and Riolanus in English when as he pretends in the title to cure all Diseases for three pence charge and in truth was never acquainted with those Authours which are reported to be his Translation But to avoid any further digressions the herb is indeed somewhat Antivenerial the green herb hath also notable effects bruised and outwardly applyed to Plague Sores Botches and venomous bitings the powder thereof stops bleeding at Nose and the juyce and distilled water clears the sight it is good also in Gangreens and Vlcers being mixed with Hogs grease and a little wheat-flower Honey Suckles or Woodbinde Peryclymenum IT is very well known Description and hath no other English Names but what are in the Title the Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Periclymenum and Caprifolium by some Sylvae matter and Lilium inter Spinas Place and Time It plentifully grows almost in every hedge and is planted upon Arbours and house Walls where it will give a fragrant smell in at the Windows It begins flowring in April and so continues all the Summer till the latter end of October if the season be milde as the last October about the latter end the hedges were full of then all the way from Tilbury to Stanford in Essex Nature and Vertues It is an herb of Mercury and hath a cleansing and digesting quality and is a very good herb in Mouth Waters for sores in the Mouth let Culpepper say what he will experience proves it A Syrrup or Conserve of the flowers or a decoction made of the herbs and flowers a good against diseases of the Lungs and Spleen and to expectorate tough Phlegm it likewise doth provoke Vrine and cause speedy delivery in Women and helps Cramps Convulsions and Palsies the distilled water is good to dry up Vlcers and cleanse the face from Sun-burnings
it is good for inward bruises and to dissolve congealed Blood wherefore it is much used in Wound drinks and is good for the Dropsie Palsie Sciatica and Hip-Gout the seeds taken with Vinegar and Honey helps hardness and swelling of the Spleen The decoction with Allome and Honey helps Vlcers of the Mouth The juyce or decoction helps venomous bitings and preserves the body from putrefaction The fresh roots bruised and applyed helps discolouring of the Skin as the Morphew and Freckles The juyce of the root eases pains of the Ears being dropped therein it is said also to stay the Reds in Women and the Bloody Flux Give it not to women with Childe nor often to hot and dry bodies and then the dose is about ℈ ii in powder and half an ounce in decoction Maidenhair Capillus Veneris THere is several kindes hereof reckoned up amongst Herbarists here we shall mention onely three English Maidenhair Wall Rue or white Maidenhair and golden Maidenhair Description Common Maidenhair doth from many hard black fibres shoot forth many blackish shining brittle stalks scarce a span long at the most set on each side with small round dark green leaves spotted on the back of them Names Capillus Veneris is the usual Latine name the Wall Rue is called Ruta muraria and the Golden Maiden-hair Adiantum Aureum Place and Time Maiden hair groweth much upon old Stone Walls by Springs and in rocky shadowy places it is green all the Winter but never yields any flower Nature and Vertues It is in a mean between heat and coldness it doth dry make thin and waste away as Gallen saith All the kindes are under Mercury and alike in Temperature and faculty A Lye made of Maidenhair is good in cleanse the head from Scurf and keep the hair from falling it is good against all diseases of the Breast and Lungs Liver and Reins the decoction of the herb being drunk it helps the Cough and shortness of Breath yellow Jaundies diseases of the Spleen provokes Vrine and the Courses and yet being dry it stayes Bleeding and Fluxes of the Stomach and Belly but being green it looseneth and drives Choller and Phlegm from the Stomach and Liver and cleanseth the Lungs and the Blood they are said to be good against venomous bitings the Kings Evil and other hard swellings and the powder drunk constantly forty dayes together is good for Ruptures in Children ☞ See more of this in Adam in Eden written by Will. Coles Mallows Malva MAllows and Hollihocks too which are a kinde of them are so commonly known they need no description Names Mallows are called in Latine Malva which name most think it obtained because it softens the Belly and hard tomours Place and Time They grow plentifully in every County they slower about June and July Nature and Vertues To Venus they are all ascribed The common mallows are moderately hot and moist they are to be preferred before the Hollyhock Mallows are generally held to make the Belly solluble they increase milk in Nurses being used in pottage or boiled and buttered as other Sallets being applyed pluâ—â—s-wayes they asswage hardness of the Breasts and other Tumours Inflammations Imposthumes and Swellings of the Cods and hardness of the Liver and Spleen a Pultis being made with some Bean or Barley Flower and oyl of Roses added to them The decoction of the leaves and roots with Parsley and Fennel Roots in Wine Water or Broth do open the Body and are good in hot Agues and Chollerick Distempers The decoction of the same and of the seeds in milk or Wine help exceriations of the Bowels Ptisick Plurisie and other diseases of the Chest and Lungs coming of hot causes it likewise procures speedy delivery to women the leaves bruised with a little honey and applyed to the Eyes helps impostumations of them The head washed with the decoction takes away Scurf Dandriff helps dry Scabs and the falling off the hair it is also good against Scaldings Burnings hot and painful swellings in any part of the Body The decoction of the flowers in Water having a little honey added to it is good to gargle a sore mouth Pliny saith that whosoever shall take a spoonful of the juyce of any of the Mallows in a morning shall that day be free from all diseases and it is especial good for the falling Sickness The Syrrup and Conserve of the flowers in effectual for the same diseases Marsh-Mallows Althaea MArsh-Mallows riseth three or four foot high with divers soft hairy white stalks Description spreading forth many branches the leaves are soft hoary or wooly lesser then Mallow leaves but longer pointed cut for the most part into some few divisions not very deep the flowers are much like the common Mallows but not so big nor so red but commonly white or tending to a blush colour after which come cases and seed like the other The roots are many and long shooting from one head of the bigness of ones finger very plyant rough and bending like Liquorice whitish on the outside but whiter within Names The Latines from the Greeks have gotten in the name of Althaea it is also called Bismalva being twice as good in effects as any other in English Marsh-Mallow from the places where it grows Place and Time It groweth in Marshes and Moors as in the salt Marshes from Woolwich to the Sea both on the Essex and Kentish Shores they flourish in July and August continuing flowring till the Frost kills the stalks springing fresh every spring at which time the roots are fittest to be gathered for physical uses Nature and Vertues Marsh Mallows are moderately hot but dry in the first and second degree of a softning quality the roots and seeds are more dry and of thinner parts it is likewise an herb of Venus They abound with a slimy viscous juyce whereby they are excellent good against excoriations of the Guts Reins Bladder and Yard it openeth the stait Passages and makes them slippery easing thereby the pains of the Stone it also helps diseases of the Breast and Lungs as Coughs Hoarseness and Plurisie it is good for those that are troubled with Ruptures Convulsions or Cramps the decoction or syrrup being drunk is good for all the said diseases The dryed Roots boiled in milk and drunk are good for the Chin Cough The decoction of the roots in Wine are good for inward Bruises Pains and Aches in the Muscles The leaves and roots are of excellent use in decoctions for Glisters to ease gripings in the Belly and pains in the Reins and Bladder being boiled in wine and applyed they help swellings in Womens Breasts in the Throat and other Inflammations The muscilage of the Roots and of Linseed and Fenugreek together is good in Pultisses and Oyntments to mollifie hard Tumours and digest inflammations The root boiled in Vinegar and holden in the Mouth easieth the Tooth-ache The leaves applyed with oyl helps Burnings Scaldings and bitings of Men or Dogs all sorts of Currs and
Rhabarb be stewed amongst them for then they become more purging and evacuate chollerick humours do help weak stomachs and are good in Feavers and other hot diseases The Gum that issues out of the trees being drunk in wine is good against the Stone the said gum or the leaves being boiled in vinegar and applyed kills Tetters Ring-worms and the Leprosie A decoction of the leaves in wine is good to gargle and wash the mouth and throat and to dry up the flux of Rheum that falleth down to the Pallat Gums or Almonds of the Throat Poley-Mountain Polium montanum THis Plant grows not naturally in England but may be had at the Apothecaries shop to which I refer you It is called in Latine Polium but more usually with the Epithet montanum Nature and Vertues Poley is dry in the third degree and hot in the end of the second of a loathsome bitter taste It is useful to open obstructions especially of the Liver and Spleen and the decoction thereof drunk helps swelling of the Spleen the Jaundies and Dropsie being boiled in Vinegar and Water It resists poison and is used in Antidotes for that purpose the fumigation thereof drives away Vermin it moves the belly and the tearms and being applyed green it soders up the lips of wounds and being dry it healeth foul sores or ulcers Polipody of the Oak Polipodium POlipody of the Oak is a small Herb Description consisting of nothing but roots and leaves bearing neither flower nor seed from the root groweth up three or four leaves singly by themselves winged and about a handful high having many small narrow leaves on each side the stalk large below and growing smaller and smaller towards the top cut into the middle rib but not dented on the edges as the male Fern is of a sad green colour smooth on the upper side but rough on the under side by reason of some yellowish spots thereon The Root is smaller then ones little finger but long and creeping asloap and hath a sweetish harshness in the taste Names It is called in Latine Polipodium in English Polipody of the Oak Places and Time That which grows upon Oaks is the best yet Polipody is also found upon old stumps of other trees as Beech Hazle and Willow and sometimes in the woods under them upon old walls and slated Churches and in many other places It is alwayes green and may be gathered at any time yet it shoots forth fresh leaves in the Spring Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the second degree and that which growes upon the Oak partakes of the nature of the Oak and is an herb of Jupiter whatever others say The herb taken in decoction broth or infusion purgeth burnt choller tough and thick Phlegm and dryeth up thin humours and is good for Melancholly and Quartain Agues for which it may also be taken in Whey Barley-water or honied water or the broth of a Chicken with Epithymum or Beets and Mallows added thereto The distilled water of the roots and leaves taken with Sugarcandy is good against wheazings Coughs and distillations of thin Rheum upon the Lungs which cause Ptisicks and Consumptions It is good to soften the Spleen and ease Stitches in the sides and the Chollick A dram or two of the Powder of the dryed Roots taken in honeyed water worketh gently for the purposes aforesaid the distilled water is likewise commended for Quartain Agues and against melancholly Dreams it cures the disease in the Nose called Polipus and helpeth clefts or chops that come between the fingers or toes being applyed thereunto The fresh roots beaten small or the powder of the dryed root mixed with honey and applyed to a member that hath been out of joynt and is newly set again doth much strengthen it some put Fennel seeds Anniseeds or Ginger to it to correct it which it needs not being a gentle medicine of it self and an Ounce of it may be taken at a time in a decoction if there be not Sena or some other stronger purger with it I have found it very effectual in decoctions with other Pectoral Herbs for opening and cleansing the Liver and Lungs Pome-Citron Tree Malus Citria THis Outlandish Tree is called in Latine Malus Persica and Malus Assyria and also Malus Citria Pomum Citrium and in English Citron Place and Time They grow in Spain and other hot Countreys and flower and bear fruit all the year Nature and Vertues Avicen saith the Seed is hot in the first degree and dry in the second the Bark hot in the first and dry in the end of the second the inner white substance hot and moist in the first degree and the Juyce cold and dry in the third degree It is a Solar Plant and a sovereign Cordial for the Heart an Antidote against Poison and Infections the outer rinde being dryed and taken it also warms and comforts a cold Stomach expells and disperses Winde and indigested humours therein and in the Bowels and helps digestion and melancholly it helps a stinking breath being chewed in the mouth The outward rindes preserved are a good Cordial and very effectual against melancholly and infection There is an Electuary made thereof which purgeth cold phlegmatick humours the Syrup of the Rindes strengtheneth the stomach and heart and helps faintings thereof and resists poison and strengthens nature and is good for such as are in Consumptions or Hectick Feavers The Syrup of the juyce is effectual for most of the same purposes the seeds preserve the heart from infection of the Plague Pox and venomous Bitings they kill Worms provoke the Tearms and cause Abortion They dry up and consume moist humours in the body or outwardly in moist Sores or Vlcers The sowre juyce is good in Pestilential Feavers suppressing the violence of Choller and hot distempers in the Blood corrects the Liver quenches thirst stirs up an appetite resists venome and infection and refreshes fainting spirits The Pomegranate-Tree Malus Granata THis Plant groweth also in hot Countreys as in Spain and Italy but chiefly in Granado yet it is useful in Medicine with us therefore I shall not omit its Vertues It is called in Latine Malum Granatum or Punicum and Granatum the Flower Balaustium the Rinde Sidium but more generally Cortex Granatorum Nature and Vertues Those that are sweet are helping to the stomach and are somewhat hot but the sowre ones and seeds of each are cold and astringent it is an Herb of Venus The flowers and shells in powder help to stay blood in Wounds and the Kernels dryed in the sun stop fluxes of the Belly and Matrix and helps spitting of blood being drunk in raw water and so do the flowers and rindes The Juyce and the Kernels or the Syrup is good to quench thirst in burning Fevers and hot diseases a Gargarisme or Lotion made of the Rindes is good to bring down the hot swellings of the Almonds in the Throat the juyce of the Kernels sodden with Honey
reckoned amongst the kindes of Scordium Description but I shall describe it being different therefrom it groweth up with round broad leaves pointed at the ends and dented about the edges somewhat like Nettle leaves but of a fresher green colour and not rough nor prickling and are set singly one at a joynt the lower leaves being rounder then those that grow towards the top at the tops of the stalks grow very small white flowers one above another after which follow small long round pods wherein is contained small round and somewhat blackish seed the root is stringy and fibrous perishing when it hath given seed and riseth again of its own sowing This Plant being bruised smelleth strong like Garlick but more pleasant and tasteth hot and sharp almost like Rocket Names It is called in English Poor mans Treacle and English Treacle and so is Scordium Place and Time It grows in many places by Pathwayes and under Walls and hedges and flowers in the Summer Moneths Nature and Vertues Jack by the hedge warmeth the stomach and causeth digestion and therefore is a good sauce to salt Fish to digest the crudities and corrupt humors it ingenders the juyce thereof boiled with honey is good for the Cough and to cut and expectorate tough Phlegm The decoction of the seed in wine being drunk is good to help the winde Chollick and the Stone and for fits of the Mother to drink the decoction and apply the seeds warm in a cloath The green leaves are accounted good to heal Vlcers in the Legs and the leaves and seed boiled is good to be used in Glisters to ease pains of the Stone Sarsa-parilla Smilax-aspera IT is called Smilax-aspera also in Latine and in English Prickly Binde-weed it grows in the West-Indies as Peru and Virginia Nature and Vertues It is of thin parts and provokes sweat and of temperature hot and dry near the second degree Mars his herb surely whereby he cures himself when Venus hath clapt him The decoction being excellent for the French Pen and likewise is good in Rheumes Gouts and cold Diseases of the Read and Stomach and expelleth winde from the Stomach and Mother it helpeth aches in the Sinews and Goynts running sores in the Legs cold swellings tetters ringâ—â—â—â—â—s spâ—ts and foulness in the skin and helpeth Catharrs and salt distillations from the head is good in Tumors and the Kings Evil and a dram of the powder being taken in Ale or wine with the the like qnantity of Tamarisk is good for Tumors of the Spleen Sarsa doth purge the body of humors by its driness and diaphoretical quality and is a good antidote against poisons but is not proper to be given to such as have Agues or hot Livers Sassafras or Ague-Tree THis plant was first discovered by the French about Florida Place and Time where it groweth as also in most parts of the West Indies and is green all the year Nature and Vertues The wood is hot and dry in the second degree and the rinde hot and dry in the third it purgeth watry and phlegmatick humors and therefore is good in the Dropsie the decoction thereof being drunk morning and evening for certain dayes together which decoction is thus made take of Sassafras four ounces steep it four and twenty hours in a Gallon and a half of fair water then boil it to the consumption of half and strain it this decoction doth open obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and is good in cold diseases and Rheumes which fall from the head upon the teeth eyes and Lungs and is available in Coughs and cold diseases of the Lungs Breast and Stomach and procures a good appetite and consumes windiness and makes a sweet breath it is likewise commended to provoke Vrine and Womens Courses and to expell Gravel and the Stone out of the Kidneys it dryes up overmuch moisture of the Womb and causeth women to Conceive it is good in Fevers and tertian and quotidian Agues and also for the French Disease and other diseases coming of corrupt humors to be used in dyet drinks it may be given in powder from a scruple to two scruples ☞ See further of this in Culpeppers School of Physick Satyrion or Orchis Testiculus Canis SAtyrion riseth up with many large Description long smooth green leaves lying on the ground somewhat spotted like Dragons amongst which riseth up a round stalk with some such leaves on it bur lesser towards the top grows a large head of many purple flowers and some are white spotted with a deeper purple colour each flower having a heel of the same colour behinde it They have all a double Root whereof some kindes are flat and broad like unto hands the other round like unto stones These roots alter every year by course when one waxeth full the other perisheth and groweth lank the full one will sink and the other swim if put into water Names As there are many kindes of this Plant so it hath many names It is called Satyrion and Orchis Testiculus Canis Testiculus Capri Priests Ballocks Fools stones Dogs stones Cullians Fox stones Standard-grass and many other names c. Place and Time They grow in Pastures Meadows and moist grounds as in Danmore Copse and Danmore Mead at Holshot in Hampshire and in Cobham Park in Kent it groweth so abundantly that it may serve to pleasure Seamens wives in Rochester for there they may be sure to finde it in great plenty from the beginning of April to the latter end of August Nature and Vertues They are hot and moist the full roots I mean the lank ones are hot and dry Venus claims all she can get of them The full roots do powerfully provoke to Venery but the lank ones are said to mortisie Lust being boiled in milk and eaten with white Pepper they nourish such as are in Consumptions or have an Hectick feaver The flowers are likewise effectual to merease and stir up nature The Roots boiled in wine and drunk stop the Flux and being applyed green they consume Tumours and cleanse rotten Sores and Vlcers and the powder thereof stayes the fretting and festring of devouring Vlcers being put therein The same Root being bruised and applyed is good against Inflammations and Swellings and being boiled in wine with a little honey it helps Vlcers and Sores in the Mouth Savory and the sorts Thymbra I shall not need to say more in the Description Description but onely that the common kindes are two Winter and Summer Savory which are both common in Gardens Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and it is also called Thymbra in Latine and by some Satureia Nature and Vertues Savory is hot and dry in the third degree and openeth and maketh thin being subject to the influence of Mercury It provokes Womens Courses and expells Winde being boiled in wine or water and drunk and it is commended for women with childe to take it inwardly and smell often to it
and evening with a little milk against the heat of the Vrine and therefore is effectual in virulent Gonorrhea's it cleanseth foul Vlcers in the reins and bladder dissolves the stone in the reins kidneyes and bladder opens the uritory passages and provokes Vrine and helps those that make foul or bloudy Vrine the decoction of the fruit being taken in wine or water it likewise opens the liver and gall and therefore is good for the yellow Jaundies Angelica THere is both garden Angelica Description and wilde Angelica some also reckon up a water kinde it groweth up with great hollow stalks four or five foot high having broad divided leaves of a pale green colour at the top cometh forth large umbells of white flowers after which succeedeth flat round seeds somewhat whitish the root perisheth every year if it be suffered to seed not else Names Place and Time It 's common name with us both for Latine and English is Angelica it grows common in our Gardens and wilde likewise in many places flowers about July and the seed is ripe soon after Temperature and Vertues It is an herb of the Sun hot and dry almost to the third degree it opens and digesteth it is a great cordial for the heart in defending it from poison a dram thereof in powder being taken in the distilled water of the same plant and sweat upon it it heats and comforts the Blood and Spirits and is good against the Plague Pestilence and other infections the root being taken green helps such as are troubled with stuffings in their Stomack it also abates lust the water thereof and some of the root in powder helps cold and winde the Collick and Strangury Coughs Ptisick and other diseases of the Lungs and Breast it provokes womens Courses and helps to expell the after-birth it likewise provokes Vrine and helps the Chollick and Strangury The decoction helps inward bruises discusseth congealed blood it helps digestion is an excellent remedy for a Surfeit The decoction helps an Ague at two or three times taking if it be drunk and sweat upon before the fit comes The roots being taken in powder and made into a plaister with a little pitch helps the bitings of venomous creatures and mad dogs the water or juyce being dropped into the eyes and ears helps dimness of sight and 〈◊〉 The Apple-Tree Pomus IT is needless to describe the Apple trees nor reckon up their several kindes many sorts of them being generally known to almost every boy and is out of my purpose here many of them are early ripe in Summer others more late towards Winter which are most durable to keep some of them are sweet fragrant and odoriferous others more sharp The Names The tree is called in Latine Pomus and malus the fruit Pomum and malum The English name you have already Places and Time They grow wilde in the hedge rows and Woods in many places of this Land but the best are manured in Orchards they flower in April the fruit of the latest is ripe in October which is the John Apple Temperature and Vertues There is a great difference in Apples in regard there are both sweet sowre and bitter they are generally held to be cold and moist but the sweet and bitter do somewhat incline to heat but to omit the general use which is made of Apples both in City and Countrey they are effectual in hot diseases cooling the stomack and heart The Apple called a Pomewater being roasted and the pulp laboured in fair water till it be like that we call Lambs-wool and drunk going to bed helpeth such as are troubled with an involuntary passage of the seed either in dreams or otherwise and is also effectual for such as piss by drops Rotten apples are good to be applyed to the eyes which are blood-shotten or bruised by any stripe or stroke Apples expel melancholly humours and stir up mirth being roasted and eaten with rose water and sugar Cider and also Verjuyce do both singularly cool the stomack and is effectual in hot Agues and is good against casting and vomiting and the verjuyce being applyed to burnings or scaldings draweth out the fire and cools and heals the same Apricock-Tree Malus Armeniaca THis plant needs no description being very well known yet it is a tender plant in our cold Countreys for if a frost meet with the flowers or young fruit they are quickly gone Names It is called in Latine Malus Armeniaca the fruit Malum Armeniacum In English Apricocks Place and Time They are planted against walls in most Gentlemens Gardens and against the walls of houses too in many places They flower in March and the fruit is ripe about the latter end of July Temperature and Vertues This is one of Venus plums and is cold in the first degree and moist in the second the fruit is better to be eaten before meals then after because of their quick descension into the belly they cause other meats to descend the sooner There may an oyl be pressed out of the kernells of the stones which being taken in wine helpeth the Chollick and driveth forth the stone out of the reins and bladder helps pains in the ears hoarseness of the voice inflammations of the Piles Vlcers and the roughness of the tongue and throat The leaves I have proved effectual to dry up the corrupt matter of hot running scabs Archangel or Dead nettles Lamium THis herb is generally known Description it needs no description Names It 's called in Latine Lamium andVrtica mortua In English dead or blinde Nettle or Archangel Herbarists reckon up eight sorts hereof but I shall here mention onely three which are common and those are that with the white flower the red and the yellow Places and Time And these may be found under hedges old walls amongst rubbish by high wayes sides and in corners of Gardens which are not digged nor planted they flower about the Spring of the year and so continue all Summer Temperature and Vertues Archangel is hot and dry in the first degree bitter in taste under the dominion of Mars and it is good against Quartain Agues the flowers of the Archangel or the distilled waters stayeth the whites in women and the flowers of the red Archangel stayeth the reds The herb is effectual for Tumors or swellings of the Kings Evil in the throat to dissolve them being bruised with some Hogs Lard and applyed thereunto It also allayes the pains of the Gout or Sciatica and aches of the joynts being used in like manner it openeth obstructions and dissolveth the hardnesse of the Spleen by drinking the decoction of the herb in wine and applying the herb hot pultiswise to the Region of the Spleen it is a good repercussive in inflammations and stayeth the corroding of old Vlcers it cureth the rising up of the skin about the roots of the nails being applyed thereunto and is said to stanch bleeding at the nose the bruised herb being applyed to the nape of
the neck Aron Vide Cuckow pintle Arrach wilde and stinking Atriplex STinking Arrach groweth up with a little stalk Description having many branches the leaves are smaller then those of the Garden and pointed towards the top of a whitish green colour which we call an Ash colour it beareth yellow flowers which afterwards turn into small mealy seeds It may easily be known by the smell being very like stinking Fish Names Places and Time It is called in Latine Vulvaria and Atriplex in English stinking Arrach you may finde it upon most Dunghills under old walls about the mud walls in the fields about London it grows plentifully and also by ditches sides It flowers and seeds from June till after Bartholomewtide Temperature and Vertues This Plant Saturn rules it is cold moist and earthy an excellent plant for Womens diseases It cures fits of the Mother Dislocation or falling out of the Womb being taken inwardly It cools the over much heat of the womb and causes easie Delivery being rubbed and held to the nostrils it causeth the Womb to descend to its right place and cleanses and strengthens it It provokes the Terms if stopped and also stops the immoderate flowing of them and makes Barren women fruitful It is therefore good for such Women as are subject to be troubled with any of the aforementioned Distempers to prepare and keep alwayes by them a Syrup made of the juyce of this Herb and sugar or honey which is best to cleanse the Womb otherwise sugar is more proper Arsmart Persicaria THis Herb grows with a little joynted greenish stalk Description the leaves growing at the joynts of the stalks being not very long many times having blackish spots upon them the flowers grow in spiky heads of a blush colour after them come little blackish flat seeds the root is fibrous and perisheth every year There is dead or milde Arsmart and biting Arsmart which if you taste of it will bite your tongue very much The Names It is called in Latine Piper Aquaticum and Persicaria because the leaves do something resemble Peach leaves in English Water Pepper and Arsmart Place and time It is common in most ditches especially such as are muddy and grows also upon dunghils of mud which hath been cast out of ditches I have seen them covered with it in Hampshire and other places It is in flower in June and seeds about August Temperature and Vertues The milde is said to be cold and dry the biting hot and dry then sure there Mars and Saturn grow together The biting Arsmart being rubbed upon a tyred horses back will make him go again lively it is good to kill Fleas being strewed in Chambers The powder of the milde Arsmart being given to the quantity of two drams at a time in a little Vinegar opens obstructions of the Liver being bruised with rue and Wormwood and fryed with Butter or Suet and applyed to the belly or stomach destroyes the worms in them the distilled water thereof mixed with a little oyl of Spike and the gall of an Oxe is good to ease the pains of the Gout the grieved place being anointed therewith and a blue woollen cloath applyed upon it so likewise being mixed with Aqua vitae it takes away Aches The herb being stamped with Wine and applyed to the Matrix draweth down the Terms The leaves being stamped and applyed to green Wounds cools them and defends them from inflammations The root or seed applyed to an aking Tooth takes away the pain and the juyce of the Herb dropped into the ears kills worms in them and is good against Deafness Alkanet Fucus Herba THere are accounted four kindes of this Plant Descri ∣ ption but never a one of them common nor easily found in England though Culpepper saith there is one kinde grows commonly in this Nation which is as true as the story he tells of one of his Disciples whose horses shooes were pulled off by riding over Moonwort as he saith The red great Alkanet groweth up about a foot and a half high having usually one round stalk with many leaves prickly and hoary over like small Bugloss the flowers much like them of Echium or small Bugloss of a sky colour tending to purple yielding a small pale coloured seed somewhat long the root is about the thickness of ones finger having a woody pith within of a bloody colour dying whatsoever it toucheth The other kinde hath more plenty of leaves more hairy and woolly then the former the stalks grow higher having yellow flowers the root of a shining purple colour yielding more juyce then the first The third kinde hath a greater and more juycie root then the former but the plant smaller and the leaves narrower the flowers red like those of small Bugloss the seeds are ash-colour tasting like Bugloss and the fourth kinde is much like common Summer Savory the flowers blueish or sky colour Names It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Illinere succo vel Pigmentis to colour or paint because of its painting property it is also called Fucus herba and Onocleia Buglossa Hispanica or Spanish Bugloss and Orchanet and Alkanet in English and in Shops likewise Anchusa Place and Time They grow all naturally about Narbone and Montpelier in France and may be had especially the Roots at our Shops yet Gerhard saith he found them in the Isle of Thanet in Kent but that is contradicted by his Reviser They flourish in the Summer moneths and best yield their juyce in Harvest time Nature and Vertues The roots are cold and dry according to Gallen yet being endued with some bitterness argues them not very cold they cleanse chollerick humours the leaves binde and dry but not so powerfully as the roots Culpepper calls this herb one of the darlings of Venus I suppose because he had heard the Madams used it to paint their faces and likewise it is used by Gentlewomen to colour Syrrups Waters and Jellies as is also Turnsole and the root being used as a Pessary draweth forth the dead Birth the decoction inwardly drunk with Mead or honied water cures the yellow Jaundies diseases of the Kidneys and Spleen and is effectual in Agues a Searcloath made with the root and oyl is good for Vlcers and with parched Barley meal it helps the Leprosie Tetter and Ringworms as saith Dioscorides But Culpepper teacheth how to kill Serpents with it which he saith is done if any one hath newly eaten the root and spits in a Serpents mouth the Serpent instantly dyes but this is as ridiculous as Culpepper himself yet the decoction is said to drive out the Measels and small Pox if it be drunk in the beginning with hot beer the leaves boiled in wine and drunk is good against the Laske the root boiled in Wine and sweet butter without salt till it is red is good for bruises received by falls and for green wounds made with pricks or thrusts Make
ease pains of the Sides and being boiled in oyl and applyed outwardly they work the same effect the Keyes are good to be used in dyet drinks for the purposes aforesaid The decoction of the leaves in white Wine do help the Jaundies and break the Stone the seeds also the husks being taken off are good against Winde and provoke Vrine Aspe or Poplar Tree Populus I Shall not need to describe this Tree Descri ∣ ption you may know it well enough by the shaking of the leaves which will quiver and tremble though there be no winde and from thence comes a proverb to say when one is affrighted that he trembles like an Aspen leaf There is two kindes the white and black Poplar the black is most useful in Physick Names It is called Poplar Asp and Aspen Tree in Latine Populus Place and Time It groweth plentifully in our Land but in low and watry grounds the clammy buds thereof are gathered about the beginning of April to make the Oyntment called Vnguentum Populeon Temperature and Vertues The clammy substance of the black Poplar is hot and dry the white is of a watery warm nature and of a cleansing quality the Moon rules them both in Aries the first The oyntment made of this plant before spoke of is a fine cooler of Inflammations in any part of the body it temperates the heat of Wounds and is good to dry up milk in womens Breasts The juyce of the leaves of white Poplar being extracted and dropped into the Ears easeth pains of them and cures Vlcers in the Ears The seed drunk in Vinegar is held good against the Falling Sickness and the water that drops from hollow places of the black Poplar takes away Wheals Pushes Warts and other such breakings out in the body Avens Garyophillata THe Avens rise up from the root with many dark green leaves Descri ∣ ption winged and jagged about the edges the stalks rise about a foot high and are long and hairy and shoot forth leaves at every joynt which are not so long as the lower leaves but cut in on the edges into three parts or more on the tops of the branches sprout forth the flowers which are yellow and have five leaves like the flowers of Cinquefoil but they are larger when the flower is fallen it leaveth a small green head which after groweth to be rough and round and consisteth of many long purple greenish seeds which will stick to your cloathes the root hath many brownish fibres smelling almost like Cloves Names It is called in Latine Garyophillata from the scent of the Roots in English Avens and Herb Bennet Place and Time Avens delight to grow most in shadowy places and is to be found in many places under hedge sides They flower in May and June and the seed is ripe in July Quality and Vertues Avens is hot and dry of a purging quality a Plant of the Sun and a great comforter of the heart it is a good preservative against the Plague or any other poison it helps digestion warms a cold Stomach and opens the Liver and Spleen the roots thereof in the Spring being steeped in Wine and drunk thereof every morning fasting it also helpeth the Winde Chollick Fluxes and is good for such as are troubled with Ruptures The Decoction of the herb takes away spots in the face it being washed therewith the root may be dryed and kept in powder having the same vertue as the Decoction It expells crude humours from the Breast Belly and Stomach it dissolves congealed Blood and helps the spitting of Blood and heals inward Wounds and outward Wounds if they be bathed with the decoction thereof Assafoetida Vide Laserwort Balme Melissa BAlme groweth up with divers square green stalks Descri ∣ ption the leaves are dark green pointed at the ends and a little dented round about the edges having a fragrant smell the flowers are small and gaping of a pale Carnation colour the leaves and stalks dye every year but the root abides in the ground sprouting out fresh every Spring Names It is called in Latine Melissa and in English Balme Place and Time It groweth almost in every Countrey Housewifes Garden and flowers about August Nature and Vertues This is another Solar herb hot and dry in the second degree of some thinness of parts and 4 purging quality an herb appropriated to the Heart against the passions whereof it is an Antidote It maketh the heart merry strengthens the Spirits and is good against Swoonings and Faintings it drives away passions arising from Melancholly and burnt Phlegm the water thereof or rather a Conserve of the flowers strengthens the Brain helps Digestion and comforts a cold Stomach and is good against the Plague it provokes the Terms is good to sweeten a stinking Breath it is good in an Electuary for such as are troubled with difficulty of Breathing The Sirrup of Balm is good in Feavers strengthning the Heart and Stomach the juyce thereof with a little honey is good to clarifie the sight it is good to be used in baths to comfort the Joynts and Sinews and easeth pains of the Gout it is good against bitings of mad Dogs and stinging of Venemous Creatures In Oyls or Salves it is a good ingredient to heal green Wounds The Barberry-Tree Oxyacantha IT ariseth up with many slender stalks from the root Descri ∣ ption which grow sometimes to a great height and of an ordinary bigness the Bark is whitish in the outside and yellow next the wood it is full of prickly sharp thorns the flowers are yellow the fruit hangs in clusters upon a stalk or string and are red when they be ripe of a sowre taste the root is yellow Names The Latines call it Oxyacantha a term not well befitting it in English Barberries Place and Time It groweth plentifully in Gardens Orchards and Closes near dwelling houses where it hath been planted it hath been also found wilde in hedge-rowes but I believe some Ditcher planted it there to mend his hedges instead of Thorns They blossom in May and the fruit is ripe in September about the latter end or beginning of October Quality and Vertues Venus owns this plant whatever Culpepper sayes it is cold and moist in the second degree and of the fruit are made gallant cooling medicines both Conserves and Preserves the leaves beat like to Green sauce while they be young cools hot Stomachs and hot burning Agues procures appetite cools the Liver and helps Belchings so likewise doth the Conserve or Preserve of the Fruit it represseth Choller helps them that loath their meat by procuring an appetite it cools Inflammations of the mouth and throat the mouth being gargled with some of the Conserve dissolved in a little water and vinegar it stayeth Rheumes and Distillations and fastens the Gums and loose Teeth it stayes the immoderate Flux of Womens Courses kills Worms being taken with a little Southernwood and Sugar the decoction of the inner Bark is effectual against the
first rubbed over with salt Peter it helps running Sores Wheals and Inflammations They are likewise good against obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and the juyce of them is good against the Head-ache and Swimmings of the Brain being snuffed up into the nostrills it purgeth the head by drawing forth Rheume and being applyed to the Temples it easeth pains and helps inflammations of the Eyes but if Beets be too frequently eaten they offend the Stomack and therefore are most effectual and best being seldom used The Beech-Tree I Shall not need to take up room to describe this tree he is very well known it is called in Latine Fagus and the fruit Nuces fagi in English Beech mast the fruit is ripe towards Michaelmas Temperature and Vertues The leaves are cooling and astringent the fruit hot and moist in the first degree very astringent a plant of Jupiter The leaves are good for Vlcers being boiled to a pultis or made into an oyntment when they are green they are good for to take away Blisters and Gauls of the skin and to discuss hot swellings There is a water found standing in the hollow of old Beeches which cureth the Itch * I have taken water out of an hollow Beech in Bramsil Park in Hampshire which hath cured the Itch R. Turner Anno 1644. as I have proved The leaves are good to chew against inflammations of the Gums and Lips The decoction of the Leaves Bark Buds or Husks in running water stoppeth the overflowing of womens Courses being sate over and causeth the Mattix and Fundament that are fallen down to go up to their right places the decoction thereof in red Wine with Cynamon and Sugar being drunk doth the like the mast or fruit being burned to ashes and mixed with honey is good for a scald Head Water-Betony Betonica Aquatica WAter-Betony springeth up with a square hard stalk Description of a darkish green colour shooting also forth broad dark green leaves dented about the edges commonly two at a joynt at the joynts and at the top come forth flowers of a dark red colour like a hood at top and the lowermost part hanging gaping down after which come small brownish round heads the root is fibrous and perisheth every winter Names It is called in Latine Betonica Aquatica in English Water-Betony and Brook-Betony Place and Time It groweth plentifully by Brooks and Rivers sides in moist Ditches in watery places as about the Rivers side between Hollshot-Bridge and the Mill in Hampshire The flower in July and August and the seed is ripe in September Temperature and Vertues Some write that Water-Betony is hot and dry but I rather judge it to be cold and dry a Plant of Saturn as its vertues and operations will demonstrate I am sure it is a good cooler in Burnings and Scaldings with it I cured ones Leg scalded all over making the Medecine thus Take fresh Hogs Lard new Sheeps Dung and the leaves of Water-Betony pound them in a Mortar and make them into an Oyntment It is likewise good to dissolve swellings and hard knobs being stamped with Vinegar and applyed three times a day The seed is good for the Sciatica being taken in Wine with Myrrhe and Pepper The decoction of the leaves in Spring Water is good for all unkinde heats and is excellent to cure the Itch Wheals and Pushes The distilled water taketh away Sun-burnings Spots and Redness of the Face ◠so do the leave being stamped and made into an Oyntment with Cream the juyce boiled with Honey and Tents dipped therein is effectual to cure old and new Sores The seed is effectual to expel Worms out of the Belly a dram thereof at a time being taken in Wine the Leaves stamped and applyed to old Spreading and corrupt Sores and Pocks healeth them and the juyce of the Herb being drunk helps bleeding at Nose and them that spit Blood and cures the botch in the Throat It is also commended for the Piles and Hemorrhoides either applyed outwardly or the powder thereof drunk or strewed upon the grieved place Wood-Betony Betonica WOod-Betony springeth up with many leaves from the root running up with a tender stalk of about an handful Description and sometimes more the leaf growing at the end thereof and is somewhat broad and round at the end of a darkish green colour finely dented about the edges the stalk runs up in the middle of these leaves a foot high or more upon which grow leaves by two and two at a joynt which are far smaller then the lower leaves the flowers grow with spiked heads on the top of the stalks of a purple colour the root is fibrous the stalk perisheth but the leaves growing from the root are to be found all Winter Names In Latine it's called Betonica Betony in English Place and Time It delights to grow in Woods and shady Hedge rowes in which places if it be dry ground you shall not miss of it and flowers in June and July Nature and Vertues This herb is hot and dry almost to the second degree a plant of Jupiter in Aries and is appropriated to the Head and Eyes for the Infirmities whereof it is excellent as also for the Breast and Lungs being boiled in milk and drunk it takes away pains in the Head and Eyes Probatum It would seem a miracle to tell what experience I have bad of it Some write it will cure those that are possest with Devils or Frantick being stamped and applyed to the forehead being boiled in white Wine with Vervain Horehound and Hysop and applyed hot it cures the Megrim The powder of the leaves drunk in Wine or Beer or being eaten with slices of bread steeped in Wine doth restore the Brain helps noises and giddiness of the Head or being taken in pottage it comforts the Stomack and helps Digestion A conserve of the slowers or an Electuary thereof helps the Jaundies Palsie falling Sickness Convulsions Gout Dropsies and a continual Head-ache The leaves or flowers may also be boiled in broth for the same purposes An Electuary made of the powder with honey cures Colds Coughs and the droppings of Rheume upon the Lungs which causeth Consumptions The decoction of the Herb in Metheglin with a little Penny-royal is good against Quartan Agues and purgeth away superfluous humours falling into the Eyes it likewise kills Worms opens the Liver and Spleen cures Stitches and Gripings in the Bowels being boiled in Wine it likewise provokes the Terms and purges the Belly being mixed with Honey it helps fits of the Mother and causes speedy delivery and the quantity of a dram of it in powder taken in Syrrup of Vinegar doth refresh those that are wearied by Travel stayeth bleeding at the Nose and helps those that spit or piss Blood Many are the Vertues of Betony so that I shall conclude with the words I found in an old Manuscript under the Vertues of it More then all this hath been proved of Betony ☞ See more of this
of the branches upon short footstalks come forth the flowers standing many together like a long Umbel one above another consisting of five narrow and long leaves of a Violet purple colour with a long gold yellow pointell sticking forth in the middle after which come round and somewhat long Berries green at first but red and full of juyce when they are ripe of an unpleasant bitter taste yet sweet at first having many flat white seeds in them the root groweth not very great but spreadeth it self with many strings under the ground Names In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Amara dulcis in Latine because the Bark being chewed tastes first bitter and sweet afterwards it is also called Solanum Lignosum in English Bitter-sweet Wooddy Nightshade and Felon-wort because it cureth Felons on the Fingers Place and Time It grows by Ditches sides and Hedge whereon it runneth flowers about July and the Berries are ripe in August Nature and Vertues The Leaves and Berries are hot and dry cleansing and wasting away and if they must have a peculiar master let Mars have them though Culpepper ascribes it to Mercury because it cures Witchcraft but Mars may be as great a Witch as Mercury The leaves or Berries of Bitter-sweet bruised and stamped with rusty Bacon or Hogs Grease and applyed to Felons on the joynts of the fingers is a speedy remedy for the same The leaves and tender branches being infused in three pints of White Wine in a pot close covered over the fire for the space of twelve hours and afterwards being strained and drunk about a quarter of a pint in a morning many mornings together is used with good success to open obstructions of the Liver Gall and Spleen for the yellow and black Jaundies and to cleanse women newly brought to bed and is also available for difficulty of breathing and congealed blood in any part of the Body Bruises and Falls and is good against the Dropsie gently purging away waterish and other humors both by Vrine and Stool It is likewise good against putrid Feavers and Agues for Ruptures and Wounds and when any Bone is broken or out of joynt By a specifick property being hung about the neck it removeth such sudden distempers as swimming in the Head or giddiness and therefore as Tragus saith the German Shepherds hang it about their Sheeps necks when they are troubled with a swimming in the head causing them to turn round but this is far from Witch-craft The Birch Tee Betula THis tree in many places groweth to be a tall streight tree Description with many Boughs and slender branches bending downwards the elder groweth with a rough chapped bark the younger are browner and smoother the leaves at first are crumpled but after they are fully out they are smooth and of a fine smell it beareth Catkins wherein the seed is contained Names It is called in Latine Betula in English Birch Place and Time They grow frequently and plentifully in most Countries of this Land as in the Woods of Hampshire in Danmore at Holshot but in some Countries as in Oxford and Northamptonshire it is a rarity the Catkins come forth in April and the seed is ripe in September Quality and Vertues The leaves are cooling but the Bark and Catkins are hot The decoction of the inner Bark doth drive down the Terms and Afterbirth and cleanseth the Womb from superfluities the juyce or distilled water of the young leares or the water that issueth out of the tree being bored with an augure taken either before or after is is distilled again is effectual to break the Stone in the Kidneys and Bladder and to wash sore Mouths for which a Lye made of the inner Bark is effectual Birthwort Aristolochia THe ordinary Birthwort shooteth forth divers long square stalks a foot long Description or thereabouts with many yellowish green leaves at every joynt with the leaves from the middle of the stalk upwards groweth one long hollow Flower broader at the top then at the bottom of a brownish yellow colour after the Flower cometh a fruit much like a Walnut when the green shell is of which openeth into three parts when it is ripe wherein is the seed flat and round separated by certain skins the root is round and tuberous Names In Latine it is called Aristolochia in English Birthwort Place and Time That with the long root groweth naturally in England about Reading but that with the round is found onely in the Physick Garden at Oxford and other places of rareties they grow naturally in Spain and Italy and about Montpelier where they flower and seed in May June and July Quality and Vertues It is hot and dry in the second degree the root causeth speedy delivery in women expells the Afterbirth and provokes the Terms it purgeth Phlegm and Choller and expells Winde and is good against diseases of the Breast Spleen Stomach Brain and Nerves Convulsion Ruptures shortness of Breath and Falling Sickness and cold Agues The decoction thereof cures Vlcers of the secret parts the powder hereof cleanseth the teeth if it be mixed with the powder of the roots of Flower de Luce and Honey it cleanseth and healeth old rotten Vclers the powder hereof maketh the Teeth white being rubbed therewith It cures the Cancer and Pollypus in the Nose being mixed with Lime powder of Aloes and Honey and made into an Oyntment with a little Wine and Tents dipped therein and put into the Nostril And though that with the round root grow not in England yet you may have of it at our Druggists by whom it is called Aristolochia vera Rotunda Bishops-weed Ammi IT springeth up with a round straight stalk Description three or four foot high having divers long and somewhat broad leaves cut in divers places and dented about the edges growing on each side the foot stalk one against another of a freesh green colour it beareth Umbells of white flowers which bring a small round brown seed of a hot scent and taste the root is white and fibrous perishing every year Names It is called in Latine Ameos and Ammi in English Bishops-weed Herb-William and Bulwort of some Place and time It grows in divers places of England and Wales and namely by the Hedges sides between Greenhythe and gravesend they flower in June and July and seed in August Quality and Vertues Bishops-weed especially the seeds is hot and dry in the third degree Culpepper ascribes it to Venus because it stirs up lust I think Mars may do it as well as shee but besides this it is useful to dissolve Winde and and case the Chollick being taken in Wine and to provoke Vrine and Womens Terms and profitable against the bitings of venomous Beasts and is successful to be used in Medicines made of Cantharides by quallifying their corroding operation upon the passages of the Vrine it takes away black and blue marks caused by blows or bruises being mixed with Honey and applyed and being drunk or applyed outwardly
it abates the redness of the face and nose caused by drinking or otherwise being given with Raisins as Wormseed is to Children it cleanseth the Matrix and so it doth the fume being received mixed with Rozin Bistort or Snakeweed Bistorta Form THis Herb hath a thick short knobbed root blackish without and reddish within crooked or wreathed together of a harsh astringent taste with divers blackish fibres thereon from whence ariseth divers leaves upon long foot stalks much like a dock leaf a little pointed at the ends of a blueish green on the upper side and of an Ash colour gray and a little purplish underneath having many veins therein the stalks are small and slender about half a yard high growing without leaves which beareth a spiky head of pale flesh coloured flowers which produceth small seed like unto Sorrel seed but greater Names It is called Bistorta and Serpentaria in English Bistort and Snakeweed Places and Time It grows in shadowy places at the foot of Hills in moist Grounds and Meadows I have found it in the Meadows by Wickomb in Buckinghamshire It flowers in May and the seed is ripe in July Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the third degree and astringent it is good against the bitings of Snakes and Serpents from whence it got its name and the poison of Toads Spiders and other venomous Creatures if the place be washed with the distilled water of the Roots and leaves It stayes all Fluxes cures inward Bleeding and Spitting of Blood and Vomiting the powder of the root being taken in Wine or the Decoction being drunk the juyce is good against the Polipus and other Sores of the Nose both the Leaves and Roots resist poison The root in powder taken in drink the quantity of a dram at a time expells the venome of the Plague small Pox Measels Purples and other Infectious Diseases driving it out by seating The Root in powder or the Decoction thereof being drunk helps Ruptures and Bruises dissolving congealed Blood The Decoction in Wine hindreth Abortion the leaves kill Worms in Children and helps them that cannot hold their Water if some juyce of Plantain be added thereto and outwardly applyed it helps the running of the Reins A dram of the root in powder taken in the water thereof wherein some Steel hath been quenched is essectual for the same the body being first purged The decoction of the whole plant is good for Wounds or Sores the decoction of the roots in water with some Pomegranate Pills and Flowers is a good injection to reduce the Matrix to its right place and stop the overflowing of the Courses the Roots will keep good a year or two The Dose in powder is from a Scruple to a Dram in decoction from one dram to two or three which may be made in posset drink bruising the root onely ☞ See more of this in Adam in Eden by W. Coles Blackthorn or Sloebush Spinus THe Black Thorn is very well known to every boy for its Sloes so that it needs no further description Names It is called in Latine Spinus in English Black Thorn and the Sloe Tree Place and Time They grow plentifully in Hedge-rowes in most places of this Land they flower usually in March if the Spring be forward yet the Sloes are not ripe till October Frosts bite them Nature and Vertues Both the Sloe Tree and Fruit is cooling drying and the Sloes howsoever used are effectual against Lasks Looseness and Fluxes of Blood either in men or women The decoction of the bark of the root performeth the like effects and caseth pains in the Sides Bowells and Guts that come by overmuch Scowring or Looseness the Conserve hath the same effect the distilled water of the Flowers steeped one night in Sack and drawn therefrom in a body of glass easeth gnawings in the Stomach Sides and Bowels to drink a small quantity when they are troubled therewith Sloes being stamped and tunned up in an earthen pot with new Ale and so drunk helps pains in the Breast and the decoction of the Bark is good against pissing in bed The distilled water of the green Sloes and Flowers as also the decoction of the green leaves is good to wash a sore Mouth or Throat and to stay distillations of Rheume into the eyes and to case hot pains of the Head the Forehead and Temples being bathed therewith ☞ See more of this in the Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Blites Blitue THere are two kindes of Blites white and red the white groweth up two or three foot the leaves are somewhat like Beets but smaller rounder and of a whitish green colour the Flowers grow on the tops in long tufts or clusters wherein is contained a small round seed the roots is fibrous Names It is called in Latine Blitus and Blitum in English Blite and Blites Place and Time Both sorts are found wilde in many places of this Land and are also nourished in some Gardens they slourish all Summer seeds about August or September and continues green all Winter Quality and Vertues Blites are cold and moist in the second degree under the dominion of Venus their Physical use is to restrain Fluxes of Blood other in man or woman the red stay the Reds and the white the Whites in women The white Blite is proved a delightful bait to Fishes as Anglers say Bloodwort Vide Docks Borrage Borrago THe Garden Borrage is so well known it needs no Description Borrago is the Latine name thereof Place and Time It grows plentifully in Gardens in most places of this Land and flowers in July and August Quality and Vertues Borrage is one of Jupiters Cordials hot and moist in the first degree all parts of it are cordial and do expel Sadness and Melancholly it cleanseth the Blood and is effectual in putrid and pestilential Feavers to defend the Heart The juyce made into a Syrrup is good for the same purpose and cleanseth the Blood and tempers the heat thereof the conserve of the Flowers is good for the same purposes and is a good Cordial for such as are in Consumptions it comforts the Heart and Spirits and is therefore good for those that are troubled with Swoonings and Passions of the heart The distilled water is effectual for the same purposes and helps Inflammations and redness of the Eyes they being washed therewith The Herb in Summer being boiled with some other Sallet Herbs is an excellent Sallet and grateful to the Stomach being eaten with Butter and Vinegar The Bramble Bush Rubus I Shall not need describe this Bush if you go by a Hedge it will be acquainted with you if it can lay hold of your cloathes Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Batus in Latine Rubus and Sentis of some Cynosbatus in English Bramble and Black-berry-bush the fruit Black-berries which are called in shops Mora Bati Place and Time It is a companion for every hedge almost most it flowers in July
Vertues Broom is hot and dry in the second degree cleanseth and openeth purgeth phlegmatick and watry Humors is very good for the Dropsie and Green Sickness and for the Gout Sciatica and other pains of the Joynts helps the swellings of the Spleen provokes Vrine and thereby cleanseth the Reins Kidneyes and Bladder and breaketh the Stone the powder of the leaves and seeds taken in Wine cures the black Jaundies and a Conserve of the flowers is good against the Kings Evil the distilled water is good for the same The flowers made into an Oyntment with Hogs Grease cures pains in the Knees the swellings of the Kings Evil Winde and Stitches in the sides being applyed thereto and the bitings of venomous Creatures The Oyl of the Roots cleanseth the body from Freckles the pickled buds stir up an appetite to meat opens the Spleen and provokes Vrine the Broom Rape infused in Oyl and set in the Sun for certain dayes makes an oyl to take away Wheals and pushes from the face or any other part of the Body Buckshorn Plantain Herbastella IT groweth up at first with small long narrow green leaves like Grass Description the leaves that follow are gashed on each side like the snags of a Bucks Horn and when they are thorow grown they lie upon the ground round the root like a Star from which rise up divers stalks with spiky heads like common Plantain the root is small with divers fibres hanging thereto Names It 's called in Latine Cornu Cervinum Herb stella and Sanguinaria Place and Time It delights to grow in dry sandy Grounds and flowers in the Summer moneths the leaves keep green all the Winter Quality and Vertues It is cooling drying and astringent the decoction in Wine strengthneth the Reins and Back and cooleth the heat of the Reins and Kidneys wherefore it is good for those that are troubled with the Stone it helps the Bloody Flux and Lasks of the Belly and other bleeding helps the Chollick breaks the fits of Agues stayeth bleedings at the Nose and the decoction either in ale or wine stayeth the distillations of hot and sharp Rheumes from the Head to the Eyes it is a Plant under the dominion of Saturn Of Bugle Consolida media BUgle hath larger leaves then Self-heal Description but not much different some green on the upper side others more brownish somewhat hairy and dented about the edges the stalk is square and hairy about a foot high the leaves stand by couples and from about the middle of the stalk to the top stand the flowers which are blueish and some of an ash colour like those of ground Ivy the seeds are small round and blackish the roots like those of penny-royal Names It is called in Latine Consolida media Buglum and Bugula Place and Time It groweth in wet Copses and moist Fields and flowers from May to July the root abides many years Quality and Vertues It is temperately hot and dry and somewhat binding an herb of Venus it wonderfully cures Vlcers and Sores whether new or old the leaves being bruised and applyed the juyce made into a Lotion with honey and allome cures sores of the Mouth and Gums and all sores and ulcers of the privy parts The decoction in wine dissolves congealed blood and helps inward Bruises and Wounds and is a special herb in wound Drinks and for those that are Liver grown Take Bugle Scabious and Sanicle boil them in hogs grease till the herbs be dry then strain it and keep it for a singular oyntment for all sorts of hurts in the body Bugloss Buglossum THis needs no description it 's Latine name is Buglossum and for it's Vertues I shall refer you to Borrage they are both excellent cordial herbs under the dominion of Jupiter strengthners of the heart and lungs and breast An Electuary may be made of Bugloss roots for the Cough and to condensate and expectorate thin Phlegm and Rheumatick distillations upon the Lungs Vipers Bugloss Echium THis springeth up with many rough leaves lying on the ground Description the stalks are rough hard and prickly spotted like a Vipers skin the leaves long rough and hairy of a sad green the middle rib for the most part white the flowers grow in spiky heads on the tops of the stalks of a purple violet colour the seeds are blackish cornered like a Vipers head the root is woody but perisheth every Winter Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 some Latines Echium and Buglossum silvestre Viperinum Vipers Bugloss Place and Time It grows wilde in many places of this Land flowers and seeds about the middle of Summer Temperature and Vertues It is cold and dry yet the seeds and roots are good to expel Melancholly temper the Blood and allay hot fits of Agues procures milk in womens Breasts easeth pains of the Reins and Kidneys helps bitings of venomous creatures is effectual against poison and poisonous Herbs The distilled water being used inwardly or outwardly as occasion serves a syrrup may likewise be made thereof which is good to expel sadness and comfort the heart ☞ See further in The Art of Simpling by W. Coles Burnet Pimpinella THis small herb sendeth forth divers long winged leaves finely dented about the edges Description green on the upper side and grayish underneath set on each side with a middle rib the stalks rise about a foot high of a brown colour the flowers are small of a purplish colour the seed cornered the root small long and blackish with some fibres Names Some call it in Latine Pimpinella and Pampinula and Sanguisorba Place and Time It groweth wilde in most dry hilly grounds as all along the way almost between Gravesend and Rochester and is also nourished in Gardens it flowers in June and July and the seed is ripe in August Nature and Vertues Burnet is hot and dry in the second degree a plant of the Sun a great friend to the heart and principal members quickens the spirits and expells melancholly defends the heart from infection the juyce being taken in some proper drink and the party sweating thereupon It stops fluxes of Blood Scourings and the overflowings of womens Courses and the whites helps chollerick belchings of the Stomach and is a singular good wound herb and in Summer a little of this herb being put in a glass of Claret gives it a pleasing relish Burdock and Butter-burre Bardana BUtter-burre sendeth forth his flowers before the leaves like Coltsfoot Form which grow upon a thick stalk of a deep red colour they quickly fall away then come the leaves which grow bigger then the Burdock of a pale green colour above and hoary underneath the root is blackish without and white in the inside of a bitter taste Names The Burdock is called in shops Bardana and Lappa major the Butter-burre Petasites Place and Time They grow plentifully by Brooks Ditches and High-way sides delighting in good ground the flowers and burrs come forth in July and
chewed in the mouth it comforts the stomach and expells the shaking fits of Agues it provokes Urine resisteth poison and expells winde it is profitable against the falling Sickness and pains in the belly a dram thereof in powder drunk at a time in wine Of Carrots OF these there is the Garden manured Carrot fit for food and the wilde Carrot for Physick the garden kinde needs no description the wilde groweth much like the Garden kinde but the leaves are whiter and rougher so are the stalks which bear tufts of white flowers with a deep purple spot in the middle when the flowers begin to grow ripe the whole umbel looks like a Birds nest the root is small long and hard sharp and strong it groweth plentifully by hedge sides and untilled places flower and seed about the beginning of August Temperature and Vertues The roots are hot and moist temperately the seeds hot and dry The seed of Carrots expels Winde helps gripings of the belly and the Chollick provokes Vrine and womens Courses The seeds or powder of the root of the wilde Carrot drunk in wine helps hurts by venomous beasts resists poison and the Pestilence it provokes venery and helpeth Conception Cassia Fistula THis is the fruit of an Indian Tree and is to be had at our Druggists it is hot and moist in the first degree Cassia purgeth the Reins and Kidneys and cooleth and cleanseth them it likewise brings forth the Gravel and Stone it 's effectual against all chollerick and melancholly diseases being taken with Rubarb Anniseeds and Liquorish it cleanseth the Stomach Liver and misentery Veins from choller and phlegm clearing the Blood and cooling it and is profitable in all hot Agues and Fevers Celandine Chelidonia THis herb springeth up with divers round whitish green stalks Description with great joynts very brittle whence grow branches with tender long leaves gashed on the edges of a blueish green colour the stalks are full of a yellow sap at the tops of the branches grow the flowers of a yellow colour after which come small long pods with blackish seeds the root is thick and knobby yielding a gold coloured juyce Names It is called in Latine Chelidonia Place and Time It groweth under old walls by hedges sides and untilled places it flowers all Summer the seed ripening in the mean time Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry an herb of the Sun and excellent for the Eyes the herb gathered Sol in Leo and in trine to the Moon and made into an oyntment with Hogs suet is an excellent medicine for sore Eyes or any Filme or cloudiness thereof the yellow juyce or sap rubbed upon warts soon takes them away It likewise heals Tetters or Ringworms The decoction of the herb or roots in wine opens the Liver and Gall and helps the yellow Jaundies The juyce or distilled water with a little Sugar taken sasting is good against the Pestilence it easeth pains of the Teeth the mouth being gargled with the juyce or decoction thereof The juyce mixed with Brimstone cures the Itch Morphew and discolourings of the skin and Sun-burnings It is likewise good for the Tooth-ache Centory Centaurium THis plant is divided into two kindes the greater and lesser the last is most used in Physick whose description take as followeth The Form The lesser Centory groweth up with a round crested stalk about half a foot high at the top branching into many sprigs whence comes an umbel of pale red flowers which open in the day time and shut at night the seed grows in little husks the leaves are small and roundish the root small and hard Names There is Centaurium magnum and Centaurium minus which are the Latine Names of both Places and Time The lesser groweth almost every where in Fields Pastures and Woods in the high way going from Putney to Kingston They flower in July and seed in August Nature and Vertues The greater is hot and dry in the third degree the lesser in the second degree both bitter herbs of Mars The decoction of the lesser Centory in Wine or Ale helps gripings in the Belly the Chollick Costiveness and Worms it purges Phlegm and Choller and provokes Sweat helps Agues the Jaundies opens the Liver Gall and Spleen it helps the Dropsie green Sickness and provokes the Terms it is effectual in pains of the Joynts Cramps and Convulsions The decoction in water provokes appetite cleanseth the Stomach and Breast and purgeth the Back and Reins It is a good ingredient in wound drinks it helps the Strangury and is good against the bitings of venomous creatures a dram of the root taken in powder and the Wound washed with the decoction thereof Ceterach Vide Spleenwort Of the Cherry Tree Cerasus THough there be many sorts of Cherries as black red white and red hart-Cherries yet I think they are all so well known I shall not need make any description thereof Names The Latine name is Cerasus Place and Time Some of them grow wilde in hedges as I have seen them in Hampshire and Kent which Countrey is the most plentiful place for Cherry Gardens They are ripe in May June and July Nature and Vertues They are cold and moist in the first degree plants of Venus they cool and loosen the belly and slack thirst the black strengthen the Stomach and being dryed stop Lasks The distilled water of them with the stones bruised is good to be given to them that have the falling Sickness provokes Vrine and breaks Winde The Gum dissolved in wine and drunk helps the Gravel and Stone is good for the Cough and Hoarseness and excoriations of the Throat Lungs and Breast the preserved Cherries are good in severish hot and thirsty diseases Chervil Cerefolium CHervil groweth up at first like Parsley Description the leaves jagged like Hemlock of a whitish green colour the stalk riseth half a yard high and beareth white flowers the seeds are sharp pointed and blackish the root is small and long and perisheth every year after it hath born seed Names It s common name in Latine is Cerefolium or Cherifolium in English Chervil Place and Time It is planted in Gardens and is a good sallet herb at first while it is young and tender and groweth also wilde in many places the seed will be ripe about June and being sown again presently will spring again and be a good sallet in Autumne Nature and Vertues Chervil is moderately hot and dry it provokes Vrine and easeth the pricking pains of the Stone and openeth inward obstructions it warms the Stomach and the decoction thereof provokes sleep it provokes the Terms is effectual against the Plurisie and pricking pains in the sides and according to Pliny the root beaten with Mallows draweth sorth splinters out of the flesh it is an herb of Mars The Chesnut Tree Castanea THis groweth to be a tall Tree Description bearing great rough dented leaves and bloometh sorth long Catkins in the Spring of a greenish yellow colour the fruit
is inclosed in a prickly husk which openeth when they grow ripe and the Nut appeareth covered with a brown husk Names Castanea and Castaneum are the usual Latine names thereof in English Chesnuts Place and Time They grow wilde in the Woods in Heat and in the hedges in the Road to Canterbury yet in other Counties of this Land are planted in Orchards and Gardens the fruit is ripe about Michaelmas time Nature and Vertues Chesnuts are dry and astringent in a mean between hot and cold a plant of Jupiter they are very windy yet nourish much and are said to stir up Venery the Nuts being powdered and made into an Electuary with honey is effectual for the Cough bloody Flux spitting of Blood or any Lask or looseness they are hard of digestion and immoderately eaten cause the Head-ache the same powder mixed with Barley Meal and Vinegar helps swellings of the Breasts and unnatural Blastings The best way to correct their windiness is to prick them with a needle and roast them Chickweed Alsine THis herb runneth along upon the ground with many tender branches full of joynts Description and at every joynt cometh forth two smooth green leaves from which sprout out other branches like the former the flowers are small and white after which comes the seed in little knops the root is all strings like hairs and if you break the stalks gently you shall perceive a little sinew in the middle thereof Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines the same namely Alsine anciently it hath been called Hippia Place and Time It delights to grow in shadowy and moist places it flowers in the Spring and the seed is ripe soon after Nature and Vertues Chickweed is cold moist and watry of the Moons temperature it is good to cool the heat of the Liver being bruised and outwardly applyed to the Region thereof or wet cloathes dipt in the juyce thereof and renewed as they dry the decoction cooleth the Blood in Agues Hectick Fevers Stomach and Liver and cools the heat of the Back and Vrine The juyce taken in white Wine or Ale five dayes together first and last is effectual for the Jaundies it is effectual to ripen Imposthumes and swellings being applyed pultiswise with mallow roots and the powder of Fenugreek and Linseed with Hogs Lard and asswages generally all pains in the body proceding of heat the juyce or distilled water is good for Pushes inflamed Eyes and the heat and sharpness of the Piles Sweet Cicely Myrrhis THe ordinary garden sweet Cicely hath leaves somewhat like Fern Description but not so high but they taste as sweet as Anniseeds the flowers grow in white umbels on the top of the stalks after which come small black seed which taste like the leaf of Anniseed the root tastes stronger then either herb or seed and is long growing deep and lasting many years Names The Greeks call it Myrrhis and Myrrha so do the Latines the English Sweet Cicely Sweet Chervil and Sweet Fern. Place and Time It is planted with us in Gardens flowers in May and the seed is ripe in July Nature and Vertues It is hot in the second degree having thinness of parts This plant of Sol is excellent good for the Ptisick and Consumptions and diseases of the Lungs being boiled in broth and eaten it expectorates Phlegm from the Breast warms a cold Stomach is a good sallet herb and the root boiled and eaten with oyl and vinegar produceth the like effects The candid root is excellent against the Plague and infections This herb procures appetite expells Winde provokes the Terms and expells a dead Childe and the After-birth provokes Vrine and the root sliced and steeped in white Wine all night gently purges being drunk in the morning with a little Sugar ☞ See more of this in Adam in Eden by Will Cinquefoil Pentaphyllum I Suppose this herb needs little description Description being well known it runs along upon the ground with small strings which shoot out small leaves growing five together sometimes seven The flowers are yellow the seeds small and brownish and the root little and fibrous Names The Latines call it Pentaphyllum and Quinque-folium in English five leaved grass and five fingred grass Place and Time It grows by Ditches and High-way sides and in low grounds and flowers from the beginning of May till the end of June and may be found green all Winter Nature and Vertues The herb and root is hot and dry but the root more then the herb a plant of Mars Culpepper affirms a scruple hereof given in white Wine or vinegar never misses cure of an Ague of what kinde soever in three sits but my experience proves the contrary It restrains Fluxes and bleeding at Nose the juyce drunk in Ale or red Wine and the root or herb applyed to the nose it is good against venoms and infections resisting putrefaction The roots boyled in milk stayes the whites reds and bloody Flux but you must drink the milk then the juyce with honey helps hoarseness is good against the Cough of the Lungs the Quinzy yellow Jaundies and Falling Sickness and the decoction of the root is good against the Tooth-ache being held in the mouth Cynamon Cynamomum THis outlandish Bark needs no description here the Latine name is Cynamomum it is hot and dry in the third degree and is aromatical The Chymical water hereof comforts all the vital parts helps passions of the heart easeth the winde Chollick provokes the Terms strengthens the Retentive faculty is good against a Looseness Dropsies and cold and moist Diseases it causes a good colour in the Face let old and cold folks use it though Cynamon is an excellent spice and the chymical oyl thereof comforts the Stomach helps pains of the Breast and causes good digestion but it must be carefully used if it be mixed with honey it takes away spots in the face Cives Vide Leeks Clarey Horminum I Need not describe it my Countreywomen so frequently planting it in their Gardens for theirs and their Husbands backs Names The Latines call it Horminum and Geminalis of some Place and Time Gardens is the place it flowers and seeds about the latter end of Summer Nature and Vertues Clary is hot and dry in the third degree a plant of Sol and is good for diseases of the Eyes the seed powdered and applyed being mixed with honey it s a great strengthner of the back and reins it brings down the Terms and Secondine the muscilage of the seed takes away Tumors and Swellings and draweth forth Splinters and Thorns it provokes venery but the overmuch eating of it hurts the head and brain the powder of the leaves snuffed into the nostrils purges the head and brain by sneezing the herb is good for cold and moist Stomachs and the purposes aforesaid being fryed in Tansies Cleavers or Goosegrass Aparine CLeavers is well known The Names It is called in Greek and Latine Aparine and by Pliny
Lappa minor and Asperugo in English Cleavers Clivers and Goosegrass because young Goslings feed on it Place and Time It runs up by hedge sides and hangs to what grows next it it flowers in June and July and the seed is ripe in August which soweth it self Nature and Vertues Cleavers are of thin parts indifferently hot and dry an herb of Mars the young herb boiled in Water-Gruel in the Spring cleanses the Blood and strengthens the Liver An unguent made of the herb with Hogs Suet helps Wens the Kings Evil and Paps swollen with curdled milk The distilled water and the decoction helps the yellow Jaundies drunk twice a day and stops Fluxes The juyce dropped into the Ears takes away the pains of them the juyce or bruised leaves applyed to a green Wound stops the Bleeding and closes it up so doth the powder thereof and helpeth old Vlcers Cloves Caryophillus THis aromatical Indian Fruit doth much comfort the Head Heart and vital parts they strengthen Nature break Winde and stir up Venery helps Fluxes of the Belly is good against Infection and stayes Vomiting the chymical oyl is good in a Quartain Ague and weakness of the Stomach and for the Head-ache two or three drops given in Beer or Wine or other drink it easeth the Tooth-ache let old and phlegmatick persons use it young people and chollerick are to refrain it Clove Gilly-flowers Caryophylleus flos THis cordial flower is well known Nature and Vertues It is a temperate slower no way exceeding in heat or dryness cold or moisture a plant of Sol the Conserve and Syrrup of the slowers are gallant cordials comforting the Heart it resisteth the Plague or any Venome it strengthens Nature and is good against Consumptions the flowers pickled are an excellent sauce and stir up appetite being set in a glass in the Sun in vinegar they make a good vinegar to preserve from the Pestilence and revive one in a Swoon the Temples and Nostrils being washed therewith ☞ See further in Adam in Eden by W. Coles Clowns Woundwort Sideritis IT springs up with square rough green stalks near two foot high Description at every joynt grow two long narrow dark green leaves sharp at the point and bluntly dented about the edges the flowers compass the stalks towards the top and grow to a spiky head of a purplish colour having long gaping hoods with some white spots in them the seeds are round and blackish the root is fibrous with some tuberous knobs among them both herb and root have a strong smell much like stinking horehound Names Gerhard as I remember saith he gave it the name of Clowns-wort from a clownishianswer he had of a man that had cut his Leg with his Sithe and it is called Panax Coloni in Latine and Sideritis Places and Time It grows by Ditches sides in most places of this Land flowers in August and the seed is ripe in September Nature and Vertues It is dry in the first degree and reputed hot in the second of an earthy Saturnine quality it doth cure green Wounds and closes them up to admiration being stamped with Hogs Lard and applyed thereunto it stanches Blood and dryes up Fluxes of humours in old Vlcers a syrrup made thereof and taken inwardly heals inward Wounds Veins broken spitting pissing or vomiting blood and stayes the bloody Flux A Plaister or Vnguent of the Herb and some Comphrey with it helps swollen Veins and consolidates a cut muscle and is excellent for Ruptures of the Belly being applyed to the place Columbines Aquilina THere are Columbines of several colours Description as white flowers purple and carnation colour with divers others but they are so generally known I shall describe it no further Names No good Latine name can I finde for it yet it is termed Aquileia Aquilina and Aquilegia the onely English name Columbines Place and Time I have seen both the white and purple coloured grow wilde in our Meadows in Hampshire where the ground is somewhat dry as in a place called Gassen Mead in Holshot but they frequently grow in Gardens they flower about the beginning of May and are gone by the end of June Nature and Vertues They are temperately cold and dry moderately digestive a plant of Venus and sympathizingly cures sore Throats Canker and the Kings Evil the leaves boiled in milk and given to the party affected the seeds drunk in Ale is good for the Quinzy it also heals inflammations of the Mouth and Jaws a dram of the seed and half a penny weight of Saffron drunk in wine and the party covered to sweat opens the Liver and is good against the Janudies The decoction of the herb and root with some Ambergrease added helps Swoonings The seed drunk in wine causes speedy delivery and the juyce is good in the beginning of a Phrenzy the patient eating with it pottage of Sage Valerian and Rue Of Coloquintida or the bitter Gourd THis out-landish Indian Plant is hot and dry in the third degree very bitter of taste and strongly purging it may be taken to purge Phlegm by strong bodies being corrected with oyl of Roses Gum Tragacanth and Ginger which will help the griping pains it will cause if taken alone but being thus made up with Rose-water into pills or trochis it purges viscous humours tough Phlegm and Choller and water from the Brain Lungs and Breast and therefore is good against Fluxes of Rheume Apoplexy Falling Sickness and swimming of the Head the Jaundies old Coughs and rotten putrid Fevers the Chollick and Dropsie the decoction thereof in Vinegar easeth pains of the Teeth they being washed therewith being steeped in vinegar it helps the Morphew Scurf and Scabs in Glisters which is the safest way it may be given thus take the pulp hereof two drams Camomile flowers M. 1. Anniseed Comminseed of each ℥ ss make hereof a decoction fair water and in a pint thereof dissolve honey of Roses and oyl of Cammomile each ℥ iii. The dose otherwise is from five grains to ten Colts-foot Tussilago THis pectoral plant is well known onely hardly observed in this that it sendeth forth its flowers before the leaves Names Tussilago is the common Latine name Foals-foot and Colts-foot the English because the leaves resemble a Horses foot Place and Time It loves to grow in moist and low Grounds in good Ground it flowers in the end of March and beginning of April the flowers and stalks quickly fade away afterwards come the leaves which abide green all Summer Nature and Vertues It is cooling and drying being fresh but when the moisture is evaporated it inclines to heat and driness it is an herb of Venus very effectual for infirmities of the Lungs wheesing and shortness of Breath the leaves taken like Tobacco draws away thin Rheumes distilling upon the Lungs and helps the Cough the distilled water with Elder Flowers is good against hot Agues to drink about two ounces at a time it likewise helps hot Swellings inflammations as St. Anthonies
fire and cools the heat of the Piles clothes being wet therein and applyed it likewise takes away hot Pushes and Wheals ☞ See further in Adam in Eden by W. Coles Comfrey Consolida THis herb I suppose needs no description being generally known Names It is called Consolidae of which there is major and minor the greater and lesser Consound Comfrey is the greater and is so called from consolidating or knitting together which faculty it hath and is therefore called also Knit-back or Backwort because it bindes and strengthens the Back Place and Time It grows in Meadows by rivers sides and ditches in fruitful grounds as near Debtford in Kent it grows in abundance it is also planted in Gardens they flower in May and June and seed in August Nature and Vertues It is of a cold drying binding Saturning quality it is very good for the Back and the running of the Reins being boiled and eaten with Butter and Vinegar it is a very good Sallet some boil it and eat it with Bacon which way it is also effectual for the aforesaid purpose it stops Fluxes inward or outward Bleeding and the Terms the decoction of the roots being drunk it heals inward Wounds and Vlcers of the Lungs it stops the Reds and Whites the syrrup is effectual for all the said purposes and the distilled water is good to wash Wounds and Sores The Roots bruised and applyed is good to close together the lips of green Wounds and stayeth the bleeding of the Piles and Hemorrhoides and cools the Inflammations thereof it likewise eases the pains of the Gout being so applyed Walter Caltrops Tribulus Aquaticus THey rise with long slender stalks from the bottom of the water Description and float above the water the root is long and greater towards the top of the water then the bottom having tassels full of small strings on the stem the leaves are large and round notched a little about the edges somewhat resembling Poplar or Elme leaves the fruit groweth in prickley heads which are hard sharp and trianguler wherein is contained a white kernel in taste like Chestnuts Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Tribulus Aquaticus Tribulus Lacustris and the Apothecaries Tribulus Marinus in English Caltrops Saligot and Water Nuts and the fruit is called Castania Aquatiles or Water Chesnuts Place and Time It groweth in lakes standing waters and Springs in Germany Brabant and the Low Countreys so that being an outlandish Plant I would not have troubled the Reader with a description but to acquaint him that it is thrust in by the writer of that Book called Culpeppers English Physician enlarged amongst the English Plants as a great many more are both Outlandish and useless yet there is a small kinde hereof called small Frogs Lettice which bears small whitish flowers consisting of four leaves apiece which groweth in the River by Droxford in Hampshire alwayes continuing under the water and is green both Winter and Summer they all flower in June and July Nature and Vertues Caltrops are of a cold and moist nature so that a pultis made thereof is good against inflammations and hot swellings and being boiled with honey and water it cures Cankers of the Mouth sore Gums and the almonds of the Throat knobs and swellings and the Kings Evil The green Nuts drunk with wine is good for the Stone and Grayel and a powder thereof bindes the Belly and is good for them that piss Blood The same drunk wich wine resists poison venome and bitings of venomous creatures and the herb applyed outwardly helps venomous bitings Campions Wilde Lychnis THere are divers kindes hereof both wilde and in Gardens Lychnis sylvestris purpurea called red Batchelors Buttons and Lychnis alba white Batchelors Buttons they are useless in Physick yet Culpeppers writer will ascribe them to Saturn and saith The decoction stayes inward bleedings and the herb outwardly applyed doth the like and that being drunk it provokes Vrine expells the Gravel and Stone in the Reins and Kidneys and two drams of the seed drunk in wine purgeth chollerick humours helps venomous bitings and may be effectual for the Plague and that the herb is useful in old sores Vlcers and the like to cleanse and heal them All this may be true for any thing either he or I know to the contrary Indeed most of the kindes hereof except the two first named are strangers in England and are onely planted in Gardens for the beauty of the flowers Carduus Benedictus Vide Holy Thistle Carawayes Carui CAraway hath fine cut leaves much like Carrot leaves Description but not so bushing lying on the ground in divers stalks of a quick taste among which riseth up a square stalk not so high as the Carrot having the like leaves at the joynts but smaller and finer having at the top small open umbels of white slowers which produce a small blackish seed less then Anniseed and hotter in taste the root is somewhat like a Parsnip but is much less and hath a more wrinckled bark and a little hottish taste Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Caros Carum and Caruum and in the Shops Carui in English Caraway and Carawayes Place and time It is sown in our English Gardens flowers in June and July and the seed is ripe soon after Nature and Vertues The seeds are most used in Physick and according to Gallen are hot and dry almost in the third degree of a moderate sharp quality the herb may be eaten raw with other herbs in Sallets or boiled and the roots may be boiled and eaten as Parsnips they break winde comfort the Stomach and help Digestion The herb or seed and herb bruised and applyed hot in a cloth or bag to the bottom of the Belly eases the winde Chollick and is good against hot swellings The seeds eaten alone or mixed with meat or medicine comfort the Stomach break Winde and help digestion for which purpose also they are used to be put into bread they also help cold griefs in the head windiness in the Bowels and Mother and used to be mixed with purgative medicines to correct their windiness it also provokes Vrine helps the Cough and is good against the Phrensey and venomous bitings being put into a poultis it takes away black and blue spots which come by blows or bruises and used with allom it helps Scabs Tetters and falling off the hair Earth Chest-nuts Nucula terrestris THis root is round and knobbed Description with some bunchings out brown without and white within tasting much like a Chesnut but sweeter from whence springeth up small cressed stalks about a foot high whereon grow leaves next the ground like Parsley leaves but finer and towards the top like dill The flowers are white and stand at the tops of the stalks in spoky rundels like the tops of dill The seeds not much unlike Fennel seed but much smaller growing together by couples having a good smell
helps Inflammations and the juyce incorporated with Vinegar and Oyl of Roses Ceruse and Litharge of Silver cures all Inflammations and St. Anthonies fire Cudweed Gnaphalium THe common Cudweed springeth up sometimes with one stalk Description and sometimes with two or three set thick about with long small narrow woolly leaves from the middle of the stalk almost to the top amongst the leaves grow small flowers of a dun or brownish yellow colour after the flowers come small seeds wrapped up in doun which is blown away with the winde the root is small and threddy Names Of the Greeks it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Gnaphalium in Latine yet it hath other Latine names as Centunculus Cottonaria and Albinum from the whiteness and Herbaimpia by Pliny Place and Time It grows in barren dry and sandy grounds almost every where in this Land flowers in July and the seed is ripe in August Nature and Vertues Cudweed is drying and astringent Venus rules the Herb and it is good for the Mumps and Quinzy the juyce taken in Wine or Milk it stayes Fluxes of Blood and defluxions of Rheumes falling from the head the decoction made in red Wine or the powder taken therein it helps the Tenasmus burstings in Children and the Worms and stayes the overflowing of the Terms the leaves are good to heat green Wounds and so doth the decoction or juyce thereof and helps old Vlcers Cowslips Arthriticae THese need no description of form place or time all being well known they are called in Latine Arthriticae and Herbae Paralisis being good against pains of the Joynts and Sinews Nature and Vertues Cowslips are Venus flowers of temperature dry and astringent little hot the flowers are most used in Physick but an oyntment made of the leaves and Hogs Suet is good to heal Wounds and takes away spots wrinckles and Sun-burnings and freckles of the face they are profitable for pains in the head and are good against Joynt Aches Palsie and pains of the Sinews Convulsions and Cramps The decoction of the roots are good against the Stone in the Kidneys and Bladder and the juyce of the leaves for inward hurts or parts broken The Conserve of the flowers is good against Palsies Convulsions Cramps and pains of the Sinews so likewise are the flowers pickled and eaten for sauce with meat ☞ See more of this in The Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Cowslips of Jerusalem Pulmonalis THis Herb hath broad rough leaves Description of a brown green colour spotted with white spots the stalk is seldom a span high bearing flowers on the top like Cowslips but of a purple colour and sometimes blue and red all at once the root is hard black and hath many threds at the end of it Names In Latine it is called Pulmonalis and Pulmonaria in English Cowslips of Jerusalem Sage of Jerusalem and Sage of Bethlehem Place and Time It is nourished in Gardens flowers in April and the seed is ripe in May. Nature and Vertues The leaves are cold and dry in the first degree the roots more dry and astringent it is a good pot-herb to be used in broth for the Lungs being an excellent herb for any distemper of the Lungs the decoction thereof helps Coughs shortness of Breath exulcerations and stoppage of the Lungs by reason of any corrupt matter and spitting of Blood it helps also Wounds and hurts in the Entrals and is good for Burstings or Ruptures the flowers are wholesome in Sallets in the Spring time Couch-grass or Dogs-grass Gramen Caninum I Shall not need to describe the Couch Gardners know it well enough and could wish that they were rid of it Names It is called in Latine Gramen Caninum because Dogs eat the Grass when they are sick In English we call it Dogs Grass Quich Grass and Couch Grass Places and Time It is too plentiful both in Gardens and ploughed Fields for the owners store although Culpepper holds half an Acre of it to be worth five Acres of Carrots twice told over yet if any of his Disciples be of his opinion I will undertake to help them to five Acres of it for one Acre of Carrots It 's very plentiful in my Fathers Garden at Holshot in Hampshire and cannot be gotten clear out of the ground where it hath possession it flourishes most in Summer but the roots endure all Winter Nature and Vertues It is moderate in coldness and moisutre the seed more cold and dry harsh and of thin parts an herb of Venus it opens the passages of Vrine wastes the Stone in the Bladder and Vlcers thereof It is good to kill Worms the juyce mixed with honey and powder of Southernwood but for Children mix the juyce with an Oxe-Gall and dip a cloth therein and apply it to the Navel The decoction in white Wine provokes Vrine opens the Liver and Gall and easeth pains of the Belly and Inflammations The seeds do also expel Vrine stayes Vomitings and Looseness Water-Cresses Nasturtium Aquaticum WAter-cresses hath weak fat hollow stalks running along upon the earth or water where it groweth Description I have had my self a whole Pond covered with it the leaves are winged with many small leaves growing at the Joynts the upper part is brown but the leaves are green underneath the flowers are white the root all like threads Names Nasturtium Aquaticum is the Latine name Place and Time They grow upon ponds and watry ditches and flower about June and July Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the second degree an Herb of Jupiter in my judgement Culpepper ascribes it to the Moon it is very profitable for the Scurvy it provokes Vrine and cleanses the Reins and Bladder moves the Terms and incites to Venery it opens obstructions of the Liver and Spleen it is very good to make broth to purge and cleanse the blood in the Spring time Sciatica Cresses Iberis THey have many slender branches growing on a stalk a foot and a half high Description the leaves long and narrow the flowers very small of colour yellow the seeds come in little chaffy husks of a reddish gold colour sharp and bitter in taste the root is white small and tough and of a biting taste Names In Latine it is called Iberis and Nasturtium silvestre and Lepidium in English Sciatica Cresses Place and Time It grows upon old walls rough and untilled places by high way sides and in Corn fields near Gravesend It flowers in June and July Nature and Vertues Sciatica Cresses is hot in the fourth degree according to Gerrard and as saith Dioscorides the roots gathered in Harvest time and made into a Plaister with Swines Grease and applyed to the grieved place of such as are troubled with the Sciatica is found effectual for the same but it is to lye on but four hours and then taken away and the place bathed with warm water and afterwards wool and oyl laid on it Crosswort Cruciata IT is a low herb of a
especially where there is any Inflammation The leaves bruised and applyed helps the swellings of the Cods and the decoction cures inward Vlcers of the secret parts cools the Liver and abates the heat of Choller ☞ See further in The Expert Doctors Dispensatory by P. Morellus Dandelion THis is counted amongst the kindes of Succory and therefore I shall refer it to that place Darnel Lolium IT groweth up with rough long leaves Description with a slender joynted stalk at the top whereof groweth a long spike with many heads one above another containing divers husks on each side the stalk wherein are contained the seeds which easily fall out whereby it increases much to the prejudice of the Corn where it usually grows Names It is called in Latine Lolium in English Darnel and Ray. Place and time It is too well known amongst Corn and is ripe when the Corn is Nature and Vertues Darnel is hot and dry according to Galen of a cleansing quality it restrains Fluxes overflowing of the Terms and the involuntary passing away of Vrine therefore it is good for such as piss their beds the meal thereof it good to stay the spreading of fretting sores and Gangreens the decoction thereof in water and honey is good against the Sciatica and it cleanseth the skin helps the Leprosie and Morphew being applyed with sait and rhadish roots it also draws out splinters and thorns being applyed pultis-wise with hogs grease but it is very nought for the eyes and head causing giddiness if the seeds get into bread amongst Corn as often it doth if not carefully prevented Danewort Vide Dwarf Elder Dates Dactyli THis Tree groweth in the Eastern Countries from whence the fruit is brought to us They are called in Latine Dactyli The ripe dates are said to be hot and moist in the second degree they yield a fat gross nourishment they are good against Consumptions Coughs and hoarseness they stir up Venery strengthen the Back Liver and Spleen The decoction of them cools hot Agues and helps spitting of Blood they stay Vomiting Looseness and Womens Courses and the falling of the Fundament Devils Bit. Morsus Diaboli THis is a kinde of Scabious Description and so like Scabious that they are hardly known asunder but by the bitten root or flower it hath small upright round stalks about half a yard high whereon are set somewhat broad long leaves somewhat hairy and uneven little or nothing snipt about the edges the flowers are of a dark purple colour fashioned like Scabious flowers the seeds are small and douny being carried away with the winde when they are ripe the root is black thick hard and short with many threddy strings fastned to it and about the middle a piece seemeth to be bitten out of it and the root almost bitten in two which if old Sawes be true the Devil did for envy because the herb is so beneficial for the health of mankinde Names It s called in Latine Morsus Diaboli because as is said the root seems to be bitten almost in two and in English for the same reason Devils Bit and of some Forebit Place and Time It delights in dry Meadows Woods and wayes fides grows plentifully in Danemoor Wood in Hampshire in Cobham Park in Kent and sundry other places It flowreth in August Nature and Vertues Devils Bit is hot and dry in the latter end of the second degree somewhat bitter in taste the decoction thereof drunk drives forth Winde and easeth pains of the Matrix or Mother It is an excellent remedy against old swellings of the Almonds and upper part of the Throat the mouth being gargled with a decoction thereof and a little honey of Roses cleanseth the Jaws of slimy Phlegm digesting and consuming it and takes away swellings in those parts Devils Bit serveth for all those infirmities which Scabious doth being as effectual against the stingings of poisonous Beasts poisons and pestilent diseases and to consume and waste away Plague sores being bruised and laid upon them Dogs-grass Vide Couch-grass Doun or Cotton Thistle Acanthium THis common Thistle is so well known by his sharp prickles and douny heads that its needless to describe him further Names It s called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Acanthium in English Doun Thistle because the doun may be gathered to stuff Pillows and Cushions it s also called Cotton Thistle Argentine or silver Thistle Place and Time They grow by ditches sides and high-wayes almost every where they flower from June till August the second year after sowing and when the seed is ripe the herb perisheth Nature and Vertues Gallen saith these are hot of temperature and a Decoction of the leaves and roots being drunk is good for those that have their necks turned awry or backwards or their bodies drawn together by a Spasm or Convulsion Dwarf Elder or Dane Wort. Ebulus DWarf elder is as it were Description both a herby plant and a shrub having leaves very like unto Elder and green stalks not wooddy which perish in Winter being edged and full of joynts like the young branches of Elder the leaves are wider and greater then those of the common Elder long and broad and cut in the edge like a Saw and consist of many leaves standing by couples upon a thick ribbed stalk the flowers are white tipt with red and grow at the top of the stalks in tuffs having in them five little chives pointed with black after which come black berries like common Elder having in them little long seed The root is rough and somewhat long Names In Greek its called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 id est humilis Sambucus in Latine Ebulus and Ebulum in English Dwarf Elder Danewort and Walwort Place and Time Dwarf Elder grows by common High wayes and in untilled Fields it grows plentifully in the road between Sittingburn and Canterbury and in the Lane near Hyedsor Wharf in Buckinghamshire and in the grounds of Mr. Hinde there Nature and Vertues Dwarf Elder is hot and dry in the third degree having a wasting and consuming quality according to Gallen it hath a purging faculty by the stool a scruple of the seed bruised and taken once a week in syrrup of Roses and a glass of Sack purgeth down watry humours whereby it is available in the Dropsie and to ease the Gout for which purpose the feed may be given to the quantity of a dram The leaves have the chiefest faculty to digest and consume therefore being applyed in a pultis bathe or fomentation they waste away hard swellings The young leaves applyed with Barley Meal cooleth hot inflammations and is good for burnings scaldings and bitings of mad Dogs An unguent made thereof with Bulls tallow or Goats suet easeth the Gout The roots of Danewort are accounted of greatest force a decoction of them in Wine purgeth down watry humours and is good against the Dropsie if they be boiled in a bath to sit in they soften and open the Matrix and
correct the infirmities thereof and dissolve pains and swellings of the Belly and the juyce of the root maketh the hair of a black colour being used for that purpose Wall-fern or Osmond Royal. Osmunda IT hath a great triangle stalk about a yard high Description beset on each side with large winged leaves dented or cut like polipody resembling the large leaves of the Ash-tree towards the tops of the branches grow brown rough and round grains but they are not the seed the root is great and thick covered over with many scales and interlacing roots having in the middle of the great wooddy part thereof some whiteness Names It is called in Latine Osmunda filix Palustris and of some Filicastrum by Alchimists Lunaria major in English Water-fern Osmund Royal and Osmond the Water man Place and Time It grows in moist boggy Ditches as in the Ditch near the Well in Holshot Lane in Hampshire it flourisheth in Summer as the other Ferns do and the leaves decay in Winter but the root continueth long Nature and Vertues The roots are hot and dry but not so hot as the other Ferns the root especially the heart thereof boiled or stamped and taken with some convenient liquor is good for those that are bruised by falls dry beaten or wounded for which cause it is used in wound drinks it is reputed to dissolve clotted blood in any inward part of the body and that it can drive it out by the wound The young sprigs at their first coming forth are good for all the said purposes and to be put into Balsoms Oyls and Plaisters and Vnguents for wounds punches and the like Fig-wort Vide Throat-wort Filipendula Vide Dropwort Dill. Anethum IT groweth up with one stalk Description hardly so big or high as Fennel yet it is so like Fennel that it is often mistaken for it yet the leaves are harder and thicker then Fennel of a stronger and more unpleasant smell and hath smaller Umbels of yellow flowers and the seeds are flatter and thinner then Fennel seed and not of so pleasant a taste the root dyes every year Names It is called in Latine Anethum in English Dill. Place and Time It is sown in Gardens and being once sown if the seeds be suffered to shed it needs no more sowing it flowers in July and seeds in August Nature and Vertues Gerrard saith it is dry in the beginning of the second degree and hot in the end thereof Parkinson saith it is hot in the third degree and dry in the second an herb of Mercury some say that it increases milk in womens breasts though many Authours deny it it is good to expel Winde and provoke Vrine ease pains in the body and stay Vomiting it strengthens the Brain stayes Looseness and stirs up lust being boiled in Wine and drunk but taken in too much quantity it dulls the sight it digesteth raw and viscous humours and easeth pains of winde The oyl is good to dissolve Imposthumes to procure sleep and warm the Brain Stomach and Belly the parts being anointod therewith ☞ See further in Adam in Eden by W. Coles Dittander or Pepperwort Lepidium IT hath long broad sharp pointed leaves of a light blueish green colour dented about the edges Description a round and tough stalk a foot and a half high having divers branches and little white flowers after which comes small seed in little heads Names It is called in Latine Lepidium and Piperitis Place and Time It groweth naturally in many places of this land in low grounds as in the Marshes by Rochester in Kent it flowers about July Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the third degree of a sharp taste it hath a cleansing quality and is a Martial plant The leaves being made into an oyntment with Hogs suet or bruised and applyed to the place helps the Sciatica Hip-Gout and pain in the Joynts the part being afterwards bathed with Wine and Oyl and wrapped in Wool or Lambs Skins some women give the juyce of Dittander a spoonful or two in Ale to women in Travail to procure easie delivery it helps to take away the scars of Burning Scabs and scars in the body and cleanseth discolourings of the Skin Docks Rumex THere are many kindes of Docks as the red Dock and Bloodwort but they are all so well known I shall forbear any further description Names It s called in Latine Lapathum and Rumex and Bloodwort Lapathum Sanguineum Their places and time of growth is very well known Nature and Vertues They are cold and dry generally yet herbs of Jove and therefore good to strengthen the Liver and cleanse the Blood especially Bloodwort they are good to cool hot Livers and the red Dock root is good against the yellow Jaundies The root doth also provoke Vrine and the Terms and expells Gravel out of the Bladder The decoction of the seed helps wamblings in the Stomach and stops Fluxes The distilled water cleanses the Skin from the Morphew and Freckles Dodder of Time or Epithymum DOdder shoots strings or threads out of the ground at first Description which are greater or less according to the nature of the plant whereon it grows or fastneth these strings have no leaves but winde themselves thick about the plant they lay hold on ready sometimes to strangle it after they have gotten good hold they break off at bottom and receive nourishment from the plant partaking of its nature it puts forth clusters of small husks or heads which send forth small whitish flowers and afterwards small pale coloured flat seed and twice as big as Poppey seed Names Dodder is called in Shops Cuscuta but that which groweth upon Time Epithymum it grows also upon Nettles Flax Ferne Savory Tares and other Plants that which grows upon Tares the Husbandmen call Hell-weed because they cannot destroy it Places and Time That of Time and Flax grow rarely in England but those of Nettles and Fern do It flowers in July and August Nature and Vertues Dodders do partake of the nature of the Plant on which they grow and therefore Dodder of Time is hot and dry in the third degree whose vertues follow It purges Choller and Phlegm and therefore is good against Melancholly hardness of the Spleen Madness Faintings and the Quartane Ague windiness stopping of the Kidneys Itch Leprosie Vlcers and the French Pox It opens the Gall cleanses the Blood and is good against the Jaundies and strengthens the Liver and Spleen and is good against all hypocondriack passions Dodder of Nettles and Broom provokes Vrine and the other Dodders participate of the nature of the Plant whereon they grow and therefore have the same Vertues so that Mr. Culpepper was besides the saddle in attributing them all to the dominion of Saturn ☞ See more of this in the Expert Doctors Dispensatory written by P. Morellus ☞ See more of this in Adam in Eden by Will. Coles Dog-toothed Violet or Corral-wort Dentaria IT shooteth forth one or two winged leaves
is white round and shining the root is hard and wooddy with many fibres it abides all the year but the stalks dye Names It is called Milium solis and Granum solis in Shops and also Litho-spermum in English Gromel and Pearle Plant. Place and Time The first groweth in Gardens the second and third grow wilde in many places of this Land on barren grounds they flower from Midsummer till September the seed ripening in the mean time Nature and Vertues Gromel-seeds are hot and dry in the second degree under Venus saith Culpepper they are singular good to break the Stone to open and cleanse the Reins Kidneys and Bladder to drive forth the Gravel provoke Vrine and do expell Winde exceedingly two drams of the seed in powder given in Breast milk to a woman in Travel procures speedy delivery The Herb it self boiled in Wine and drunk worketh all the same effects but weaker then the seeds ☞ See further in The Expert Doctors Dispensatory by P. Morellus Winter Green Pyrola THis sendeth up round pointed leaves Description every one standing on a long foot stalk of a sad green colour almost like Pear-Tree leaves and so are the flowers the stalk is weak and slender yet standing upright bearing many small white flowers smelling sweet consisting of five round pointed leaves with many yellowish threads in the middle about a green head which groweth to be the seed vessel and is five square when it is ripe with a small point in it is the seed as small as dust it hath a brownish creeping root Names It is called in Latine Pyrola in English Winter green Place and Time It groweth in the Northern parts of England they flower about July or later Nature and Vertues Winter green is cold in the second degree and dry in the third having a Glutinous and very binding quality a Saturnine Herb it is a very good Wound Herb to close and consolidate green Wounds the green Herb or juyce applyed or a Salve made thereof with Hogs Lard or with Sallet Oyl Wax and Turpentine The decoction is good for inward hurts used by it self or with other Herbs as Comfrey c. and for Vlcers in the Kidneys or Bladder it stayes Fluxes and overslowing of the Courses it is good for foul Vlcers and Fistula's The distilled water performs the same The herb may also be kept dry to use in Decoctions and made into powder to be taken in drink Ground-pine Chamaepitie GRound-pine seldom groweth above the height of a hand breadth from the ground Description it hath many small branches which are set with slender long narrow gray whitish leaves hairy and sometimes divided into three parts many of them growing together at a joynt and having a scent like Rozen or pitch it yields a pale yellow small flower growing amongst the leaves at the joynts of the stalks after which follow small long and round husks the root is woody but small and dyeth every year Names In shops it is usually called Chamaepitys which name both Greeks and Latines use it is called also in Latine Abiga and by some Thus terrae and Iva Arthrytica in English Herb Ivy Forget me not Ground-pine and Field Cypress Place and Time It groweth plentifully in Kent about Gravesend Cobham Southfleet Dartford and other places flowers in June and july and yields its seed about August Nature and Vertues It is hot in the second degree and dry in the third the decoction of Ground pine being drunk procures Womens Courses helps diseases of the Mother expells a dead Childe and After-Birth and is very powerful in causing abortion wherefore let not Women with Childe meddle with it The same prevails against the Stranguary and inward pains of the Reins it opens the Liver and Spleen cleanseth gross Blood The decoction of the Herb in Wine taken inwardly or outwardly applyed helps diseases of the Joynts as the Gout Sciatica Cramps Palsie and Aches for which purpose there is also a Pill made with the powder of Ground pine Hermodactil and Venus Turpentine which Pills are also good for the Dropsie and Jaundies pains in the Belly and Joynts and helps cold diseases of the Brain and is good for the Falling Sickness it s a good remedy against poisonous Herbs as Aconites and the stinging of Venomous Beasts The green herb or the decoction applyed dissolves Tumours in any part of the Body and the hardness of Womens Breasts and the juyce or herb applyed with Honey cleanseth Vlcers and soders up the lips of green Wounds The herb tunned up in drink the Conserve of the Flowers and the distilled Water have the same effects for the forementioned diseases but more weakly ☞ See further in The Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Groundsel Senecio GRoundsel riseth up with a round Description green and somewhat brownish stalk spread toward the top into branches set with long narrow green leaves cut in the edges somewhat resembling an oaken leaf but lesser and round at the ends at the tops of the stalks and branches grow many green knaps or heads out of which grow small thrums of yellow flowers which continue brown a few dayes and after pass into doun which with the seed is blown about with the winde the root is small and threddy quickly perishing and the herb as soon springing again from the seed that it sheds so that it is green and in flower many moneths in the year springing and seeding twice a year at least in a Garden Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines Senecio because it soon becomes hoary it is called in English Groundsel and Grunsel Place and Time It grows frequently in Gardens and will not easily be wedded out it grows also on tops of old Walls and at the bottom amongst any rubbish in untilled grounds and by ditches sides about London plentifully and is to be found almost all the year Nature and Vertues Groundsel is cold and moist and digesteth and is by Culpepper accounted to be the chiefest flower in Venus Nosegay the decoction thereof in Wine purgeth Choller by vomit and so easeth pains of the Stomach the juyce thereof in drink or the decoction thereof with a few Currans in water doth the like it provokes Vrine also and cleanseth Gravel it is good also against the Jaundies and Falling Sickness taken in wine or a dram thereof in Oxymel it also provokes the Terms and a pultis made of the herb easeth hot Inflammations and Swellings of the Breasts privy parts Arteries Joynts or Sinews of man or woman and helps to dissolve Knots or Kernels in any part of the body of man or woman the distilled water of the herb helps Inflammations and watring of the Eyes and so doth the clarified juyce Guaiacum THis Tree grows in the West Indies Description and the Wood and Bark is prentifully brought here into England so that I shall forbear any further description thereof Names The Latines call it Guaiacum Lignum Indicum Lignum sanctum
others not till the beginning of October Nature and Vertues Hazel Nuts fresh gathered are hot and moist but afterwards they grow dry they are under the Planet Mercury the skin that covers the kernells is very astringent so are the Katkins a dram thereof in wine stayes Womens Courses The parched kernels made into an Electuary helps and old Cough On oyl may be pressed from the kernells in the same manner as is made oyl of sweet Almonds which is very effectual for Coughs Hoarseness and shortness of Breath so that Nut Kernels do not altogether deferve the blame which is usually laid upon them for causing shortness of Breath Hawkweed Hieracium HAwkweed hath many leaves lying on the ground Description cut on the sides much like Dandelion amongst which shooteth up a rough hollow stalk not above two foot high at most branched from the middle upwards with lesser leaves and not so much dented as the other growing at every joynt at the top grow pale yellow flowers having many small narrow leaves broad pointed and nicked at the ends set in a double row or more which turn into doun and with the small brownish seeds is carried away with the winde the root is long white and full of small fibres the whole plant full of bitter milk Names In Latine its called Hieracium and Accipitrina by some Lampuca Porcellia and Hypochaeris and Hyoseris in English onely Hawkweed Place and Time It grows in untilled places by the borders of Fields and Ditches sides in Meadows Woods and Mountains they flower for the most part all Summer Nature and Vertues Hawkweeds are all cold and dry and withal astringent supposed to be a Saturnine Plant appropriated to the Eyes for which purpose it is said Hawks eat it to clear their sight and thence it takes its name the juyce of it mixed with Womans milk dropped into the Eyes is very good for all defects thereof and so is the distilled water used in like manner it is also good against fretting and creeping Vlcers and against Pushes Inflammations St. Anthonies fire and erruptions of heat A plutis made of it with meal applyed to any place affected with the Cramp or Convulsions giveth it ease The juyce taken in Wine helps digestion discusseth Winde and crudities in the Stomach provokes Vrine helps venomous bitings the herb also outwardly applyed A scruple of the concreted juyce taken in Wine and Vinegar is profitable against the Dropsie The decoction of the Herb with Honey digesteth Phlegm being hoiled in Wine with wild Succory and taken it helps the Winde Chollick mollifies the Spleen procures Sleep abates Venery and Nocturnal pollutions cooleth heat purgeth the Stomach increaseth Blood and helps diseases of the Reins and Bladder The distilled water cleanseth the skin from Freckles Spots and Morphew Haw-thorne Spina THis Shrub is well known in every hedge there is reputed three kindes our common Haw-thorn another lower Shrub which grow in Germany and bears yellow fruit and a third which flowers twice a year of which kinde is that of Glassenbury and that in Whey-street in Rumney Marsh and near Nantwich in Cheshire Names and Time Spina is the Latine name in English Haw-thorn White-thorn and of some May and May Bush because it s in flower about May day and the fruit is ripe in October when the frost hath bitten them Nature and Vertues It is of an astringent drying quality both leaves flowers and fruit Culpepper ascribes it to Mars because he would not have him want Weapons he may make use of the prickles and let Saturn take the fruit The powder of the berries or of the seeds in the berries is reputed good against the Stone and the Dropsie being drunk in Wine The flowers steeped three dayes in Wine and then distilled in a Glass and the water thereof drunk is good against the Plurisie and inward tormenting pains The water of the flowers also stayeth the Flux or Lask and so doth the fruit being eaten Cloathes or Spunges wet in the said water and applyed to the place where Thorns or Splinters be in the flesh will draw them forth Hedge-mustard or Bank-cress Erysimum IT springeth up with one blackish green stalk Description flexible but tough and not easie to break branched into divers parts and sometimes with divers stalks full of branches with long rough hard leaves much cut in the edges into many parts some bigger and some lesser of a darkish green colour at the tops of the branches grow small yellow flowers in long spikes flowring by degrees the stalks have small round cods at the bottom growing upright close to the stalk while the top flowers as yet shew themselves wherein is a small yellow seed sharp and strong as is the Herb the root is slender and wooddy but abideth the Winter springing again every year Names Amongst other Erysimum serves for a Latine title and a Greek one too Gerhard calls it Bank-cress and Parkinson Wilde hedge-mustard Place and Time It is common by wayes and hedge sides walls and sometimes in open Fields and flowers about July Nature and Vertues It is a Mercurial Plant of a cleansing quality temperately hot singular in all diseases of the Lungs to help Hoarseness and recover a lost voice the juyce made into a syrrup or Lohoc with Honey or Sugar it is profitable also against the Jaundies Plurisie pains in the Back and Loins and the griping of the Guts being used in Giâ—sters The seed is held an Antidote against poison it is good for the Gout and Aches Fistula's and Vlcers and for swellings or hardness in Womens Breasts and the Testicles White Hellebore Helleborus THere are accounted eight kindes of this Hellebore Description some whereof grow in the Northern parts of our Land The ordinary white Hellebore riseth up with a round whitish head which opens it self into large green leaves plaited with ribs all along the leaves from the middle riseth a round stalk with divers leaves to the middle where it divides into branches having many small yellowish or whitish green star-like flowers upon them which turn into a three square whitish seed standing naked without any husk The root is thick great at the head and is fastened deep into the ground with many white strings Names Helleborus albus and Helleborum in Latine and also Veratrum album in English Hellebore and Neesewort Place and Time They grow in Germany Austria and Russia and some about Lancashire and Yorkshire they flower about May some earlier and some later Nature and Vertues The root is hot and dry in the third degree one of Mars his weapons to tame mud folks with to be taken unprepared it is dangerous and extreamly provokes Vomiting but there is an Oximel made with it which is useful against Madness and Melancholly swimming of the Head and Falling Sickness and the Quartain Ague it brings down the Courses and kills the Childe in the Womb being put into the nostrills it provokes sneezing purgeth the Head of superfluous Humours
Morphew and other discolourings The seeds also help the Hiccock and shortness of breathing but the leaves and flowers are more useful the much use thereof causes barrenness in men and women ☞ See more of this in The Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Hops Lupulus IT is a plant very well known Description and Names especially by the Brewers and by the Greeks is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Lupulus Place and Time It groweth in England both wilde and manured Kent flourishes by them they spring up in April and are ripe about September Nature and Vertues Hops are hot and dry in the second degree of a cleansing quality whereby they are reputed good to cleanse the Reins from Gravel and provoke Vrine being used in the decoction they open obstructions of the Liver and Spleen cleanse the blood and are good for the yellow Jaundies and to help breakings out in the Body they do purge Choller from the Liver and Stomach The decoction of the flowers is good for those that have drunk poison and is likewise good in bathes for the hardness and swellings of the Mother and Strangury they are most used to preserve Beer whereby it is kept a long time but stale Beer is a cruel enemy to those who are afflicted with the Stone therefore let those that are subject to that distemper drink plain honest harmless old English Ale Horehound Prasium IT grows up with square hoary stalks half a yard high or more Description set at the joynts with two round crumpled rough leaves of a hoary green colour a reasonable good scent but bitter taste the flowers are white small and gaping set in prickly husks about the joynts with the leaves from the middle of the stalks upwards the seed is small round and blackish the root is blackish woody and fibrous and abides many years Names Prasium is the common Latine name and Horehound the English Place and time It grows commonly in waste dry grounds in many places of this Land flowers in July and the seed is ripe in August Nature and Vertues It is hot in the second degree and dry in the third as saith Gallen an herb of Mercury saith Mr. Culpepper it is a very good pectoral plant the decoction or syrrup helps short windedness and infirmities of the Lungs and brings away tough Phlegm it brings down womens Courses and expells the Afterbirth is also good against poison and venomous bitings it is offensive to the Reins and Bladder and to hot and dry bodies but more safe if used with Raisins and Liquorice the leaves with honey purge foul Vlcers and made into an Oyntment with old Hogs grease it helps bitings of Dogs and swellings of Womens Breasts and prickings of Thorns the decoction is good for women to sit over that have the Whites and likewise to heal Scabs the places being hathed therewith Horse-tail Cauda Equina IT springs up with heads somewhat like Sparagus Description and becomes a hard rough hollow stalk joynted at many places one within another so that you may easily pull them asunder at every joynt grows a bush of small rushy hard leaves resembling an Horse Tail at the tops of the stalks come forth small Catkins like those of Trees The root creeps under ground having joynts at several places Names It is called in Latine Cauda Equina and Hippuris and by divers Equisetum in English Horse Tail Place and Time They delight to grow in low wet grounds many Meadows and Pastures are much troubled with them they spring up in April and perish about September Nature and Vertues It doth dry and hath a binding faculty a Saturnine Herb the decoction or juyce thereof drunk or applyed outwardly stanches bleedings at Nose and stayes Fluxes and Lasks pissing of Blood and heals inward Vlcers and Excoriations of the Entrails and all other foul running Vlcers It is also good for Ruptures in Children The decoction in Wine provokes Vrine and helps the Stone The juyce or distilled water helps Pushes Wheals and Inflammations in the skin and easeth swellings heat and Inflammations of the privy parts and cures Tetters and Ringworms Hounds Tongue Cynoglossum THe leaves are long and somewhat narrow Description of a darkish green somewhat like Bugloss leaves but are very soft and smooth the stalk riseth about two foot high with smaller leaves and brancheth at the top into divers parts upon which grow many small purplish red flowers the seed is rough and flat sticking fast to a garment the root is black thick and long the leaves and whole plant hath a very strong smell much like Dogs piss and is by some called after that name Names It is called in Latine Cynoglossum and Lingua Canis in English Hounds Tongue and of some Dogs piss Place and time It is a companion to High-wayes and dry Ditches sides and flowers in May and June Nature and Vertues It is of a stinking scent and a great drawing cleansing quality a Saturnine Plant excellent to cleanse dry and cure old Sores and putrified Vlcers drawing all filth out of them and cures the biting of Dogs either mad or tame I lay fourteen weeks once under a Chyrurgions hand for a cure of a Dogs biting but at last I effected the cure my self onely by applying to the wound Hounds Tongue leaves changing them once in four and twenty hours an oyntment made thereof is also good against Burning and Scalding The powder of the root in Pills or a decoction thereof stayes fallings of Rheume out of the head upon the Stomach or Lungs or into the Eyes or Nose and helps Coughs and shortness of Breath A Suppository made of the root being baked in a wet paper under the Embers and put up into the Fundament helps pains of the Piles and Hemorrhoides The distilled water is useful for all the purposes aforesaid Housleek or Singreen Barba Jovis IT is well known Description and Names the Latines call it Barba Jovis and some other Latine words Authours have bestowed upon it as Semper vivum majus in English Housleek or Singreen There is a lesser sort called in Latine Sedum in English Prick-madam but beware you mistake not and take Stone-crop instead of it which is of a far contrary quality yet they are very like one another Place and Time It is planted and flourisheth much upon the tyles of houses and stone walls it flowers about June and July the leaves are green all the year Nature and Vertues It is cold in the third degree somewhat drying and having Jupiters badge it must needs be his Herb the juyce being clarified is excellent good for hot Rheumes in the Eyes and is commended for soreness in the Gums and the Scurvy in the Mouth as also for all Inflammations as St Anthonies fire and the like a Posset made with the juyce is good in hot Agues and to quench thirst it easeth Corns being applyed thereunto and easeth the Head-ache caused through heat
being much taken inwardly its obnoxious to the Nerves and Sinews but outwardly applyed it is helpful unto them The juyce of the leaves and flowers mixed with a little oyl of bitter Almonds and dropped into the ears being warm it helps lost hearing and old running sores of the Ears The powder of the berries drunk in Wine help to break the Stone and provoke Vrine and Womens Terms A Pessary likewise of the Leaves and Flowers draweth down the Courses and dead Childe A decoction of the fresh leaves in Vinegar being applyed hot to the sides gives ease against Aches and Stitches being applyed with Rose water and Oyl of Roses to the Temples it eases pains in the Head The juyce of the berries or leaves purgeth the Head and Brain of thin Rheume being snuffed into the Nostrils and cures Vlcers and stench in the Nose To drink in an Ivy cup is good for the Spleen letting the drink stand a while in it There is a great Antipathy between Wine and Ivy as is said The powder of Ivy berries hath formerly been used as a good Medicine for the Plague for which purpose it hath been planted about Pest-houses it being given in Wine and the party sweating thereupon in the beginning of the Disease The Ivy Gum easeth the pain of hollow Teeth if it be put therein it is of a strong scent and good to smell to against infection and for such to carry about them as use to go amongst noisome smells ☞ See further in The Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Ground-Ivy Vide Ale-hoof Juniper Juniperus IN our Countrey it seldom or never ariseth higher then a Furze Bush Description though in other places it is a Tree it spreads its self near the ground the leaves are much like those of Furze but not so large nor so prickly and of a blueish green colour they continue all the year the flowers are very small yet may be perceived of a yellow colour by the dust that falleth from them after which come small green berries not being fully ripe till the second year and then they are somewhat like Pepper Names It is called in Latine Juniperus and the berries Baccae Juniperi and Grana Juniperi Place and Time It grows much upon the Hills and woody grounds in Barkshire Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire and likewise in Hampshire and Kent It flowers in may and after two Summers and one Winter perfects its Seed Nature and Vertues Juniper is hot and dry in the third degree the berries are as hot but not so dry it is an Herb of Sol a good counter poison the berries taken in wine are good against venomous bitings the Plague Pestilence and other infections The decoction of the berries in Wine is good against the winde Chollick or four or five drops of the Chymical oyl taken in a morning in broth or Beer or about a dozen of the berries eaten in the morning fasting A lye made of the ashes of Juniper cures the Dropsie it provokes the Terms Vrine and is good against the Stone and Strangury helps fits of the Mother and strengthens the Stomach very much A Lye made of the Ashes of the Wood cures Itches Scabs Leprosie and erruptions in the skin the burning of the Wood drives away Flies and Wasps and such noisome creatures The berries are also good for the Cough shortness of Breath Ruptures Convulsions Cramps and Consumptions they procure to Women speedy delivery strengthens the Brain Memory and the Sight they comfort the heart and other senses being drunk in Wine or the decoction taken in wine they are good for all sorts of Agues and for the Gout and Sciatica and strengthen all the Members of the Body they are good likewise against the Palsie and falling Sickness it is effectual also to dry up the moisture of moist Vlcers Fistula's and weeping running Sores Jujubes Zizipha THis Tree groweth in Arabia Egypt and Syria it is called in Shops Jujube which is the Arabian name the Greeks and Latines Zizipha and Serica in English Jujabes Nature and Vertues They are temperately hot and moist a Tree of Jupiter they gently purge Choller cleanse the Blood and open the Body they are profitable for all diseases of the Chest and Lungs help shortness of Breath and hot distillations of Rheumes they cool the heat and sharpness of the Blood are good in hot Agues expectorate tough Phlegm and help a Cough they cleanse the Reins and Bladder and make the passages slippery and likewise stay Vomitings which are caused by sharp humours Kidney Beans Vide French Beans Kidney-Wort or Venus Navel-wort Cotyledon IT hath many thick fat round leaves Description every one having a short foot stalk about the middle thereof and a little unevenly waved sometimes about the edges of a pale green colour hollow on the upper side like a Spoon or Saucer amongst which arise one or more tender stalks smooth and hollow almost half a foot high with two or three small leaves not so round as the lower but somewhat long and divided at the edges the tops sometimes divide themselves into long branches and bears a great many flowers about a long spike one above another hollow like a Bell and of a whitish colour after which come small heads containing in them small brownish seed it hath a round root like an Olive usually smooth but sometimes rugged or knobbed grayish without and white within with many small fibres at it Names The Latines call it Cotyledon Vmbilicus Veneris and Acetabulum and also Scutellum and Terrae Vmbilicus in English Navel-wort and Venus Navel Wall-penny-wort and Kidney-wort Place and Time It groweth upon Stone and Mud Walls upon Rocks at the bottoms and upon the bodies of old rotten Trees it flowers about May then perishes till September and then springs up afresh and abides all Winter Nature and Vertues Kidney-wort is cold and moist and somewhat astringent having a little bitterness it cooleth repelleth cleanseth and discusseth it is a plant of Venus and is of good use to heal sore and exulcerated Kidneys The juyce being drunk in wine or the distilled water it is good for the Dropsie it provokes Vrine helps to break the Stone and and cools Inflammations of those parts and eases pains of the Bowels and Bloody Flux and the juyce or distilled water cools a hot and inflamed Stomach or Liver The bruised Herb outwardly applyed helps St. Anthonies fire pimples and other Inflammations it easeth pains of the Piles or Hemorrhoides and is called Herba Coxendicum or Hipwort because it is effectual to ease pains in the Hips and the hot Gout and Sciatica it is also good for swellings of the Cods Kings Evil Kibes and Chilblanes being used in an Oyntment it is likewise good to stanch the blood of green Wounds and heal them quickly Knotgrass Polygonum GReat common Knotgrass shooteth up many long and slender joynted branches Description lying upon the ground with many long narrow leaves thereon one for the most part at
a joynt whereat come forth the flowers especially from the middle of the branches upward which are in some white and in others purple but so small that they can hardly be perceived which afterwards bring a square small seed much like Sorrel seed the root is reddish long and slender with many fibres it endures divers Winters but the leaves perish in Autumne and arise fresh in the Spring Names It is called both in Greek and Latine Polygonum and likewise Seminalis Sanguinalis and Sanguinaria in some places Corrigiola and Centinodia in English Knot-grass Place and Time It grows by high-wayes sides foot-paths in Fields and sides of old Walls and many other places Nature and Vertues It is cold and dry about the second degree Saturnine the powder thereof taken in Wine is good to provoke Vrine and cool the heat thereof and to expell gravel in the Reins and Bladder being eaten in a Tansie with Eggs it is good to help the running of the Reins and weakness of the Back the juyce or decoction is good to stay bleeding at the mouth to cool the Blood and Stomach to stop the bloody Flux Womens Courses and pissing of Blood the juyce is good to be given before the fit of a Tertian or Quartain Ague to moderate the violence thereof it is good against venomous bitings and defluxions of Rheumes upon the Stomach it cures also Inflammations hot Swellings St. Anthonies fire Cancers burning Sores and filthy Vlcers especially of the privy parts it helps fresh Wounds stayeth the Blood and closeth up the lips of them the juyce helps running matters of the Ears and Inflammations of the Eyes being dropped therein There is another kinde much like this in nature called Knawel ☞ See more of this in the Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Knapweed Jacea nigra IT hath long narrow leaves much like Devils Bit Description but longer set upon stalks two cubits high bluntly snipt about the edges the flowers grow at the top of the stalks being first scaly knops like corn flowers or blue bottle but greater out of the midst whereof groweth a purple thrummy or threddy flower the root is thick and short Names There are many more kindes hereof but its needless to name them being all reckoned amongst the sorts of Scabious This Knapweed is called Jacea nigra to distinguish it from Harts-ease or Pancies which is called Jacea also it is likewise called Materfillon and Matrefillen in English Matfellon Bull-weed and Knapweed Place and Time Knapweed grows commonly in Pastures as also Scabious doth and flowers in June and July Nature and Vertues Knapweed is much of the temperature of Scabious whereof it is a kinde but not so proper in Physick as Scabious is to whose faculties I refer you for this It is said to be good against the swellings of the Vvula as is Devils-Bit but of less force and vertue wherefore you may use the most effectual it growing as plentiful as this I should not have mentioned this plant as accounting it not worth while had not the writer or publisher of that piece which goes by the name of Culpeppers English Physician Enlarged made a scribble to no purpose about it Indeed in that Book both Culpepper and the Readers are abused it being really none of his all the useless and frivolous additions being done since his death Those true Copies of his which have been printed since he dyed are his School of Physick and Last Legacy Ladies Mantle Alchimilla IT hath many leaves rising from the root standing on long hairy foot stalks Description almost round somewhat dented on the edges into eight or ten parts more or less seeming like a Star with so many corners and points more finely dented about of a light green colour and as if it were plated and folded at the first then crumpled in divers places and hairy as the stalk is which riseth up amongst them a foot high sometimes more with a few smaller leaves thereon and being weak bendeth down towards the ground divided at the top into two or three small branches with whitish green heads and yellowish green flowers breaking out of them which being past there comes a yellowish seed in the husks the root is long and black with many fibres thereat Names In Latine it is called Alchymilla Stellaria Pes leonis and Pata leonis and of some Sanicula major in English Ladies Mantle great Sanicle Lions foot and Lions paw Place and Time It grows in Pastures and Woods in Kent and divers other places of this Land it flowers in May and June and continues green all the Winter Nature and Vertues Ladies Mantle is hot and dry in the second degree at least very astringent and drying an herb of Mars the decoction thereof drunk and the green herb outwardly applyed helps the flagging and over-greatness of Maids and Womens Breasts bringing them to their due bigness it is effectual in Inflammations stops Bleedings Vomitings and Fluxes Bruises and Ruptures stayes the Whites the distilled water drunk many dayes together helps Conception and dryes up the too much humidity of the Matrix and reduceth the Body to a good estate It is a singular Wound herb and dryes up the humidity of Sores and Vlcers and abates Inflammations it quickly heals fresh Wounds consolidating up the lips thereof and leaving no corruption therein ☞ See further in The Expert Doctors Dispensatory by P. Morellus Larch-Tree and its Agarick Larix IT grows about Italy Description and Names and also in Asia it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Larix in Latine and also Agaricum and Agaricus the Agarick is an excrescense or kinde of a Mushroome that groweth on this Tree being within white soft and spongy like a Mushroom The Agarick is hot in the first degree and dry in the second it hath an attenuating cleansing quality and purges obstructions of the entrails by stool it purgeth Phlegm Choller and Melancholly and cleanseth the Breast Lungs Liver and Reins provokes Urine and the Terms kills Worms helps pains in the Joynts and causeth a good colour It is not good to be taken alone without Corrigents therefore the Syrrup of Roses solutive with Agarick is good to be taken it cures the yellow Jaundies and is excellent good for Agues coming of thick Humours for which take the Pills of Hyera with Agarick it may be given with Oximel for Agues of all sorts and gripings of the Belly it is good against shortness of Breath the Ptisick and Consumption and half a dram thereof in Wine is a good Antidote against poisons Lavender Lavendula THis needs no description there is a greater and a lesser kinde of it the Latine name of it is Lavendula some call it Spike because it giveth a smell somewhat like Spikenard Place and Time It grows plentifully in our Gardens and flowers about the beginning of July Nature and Vertues Lavender is hot and dry in the third degree of thin subtle parts it is an herb of Mercury the distilled
against the heat of the Mouth and Stomach and quenches thirst being boiled in water with some Maidenhair and Figs it helps a dry Cough wheesing and shortness of Breath Hoarseness digests and expectorates Phlegm and is good for all griefs of the Chest and Lungs Ptisick and Consumptions it helps pain of the Reins Strangury and heat of Vrine The juyce of Liquorice dissolved in Rose-water with some Gum Trajacanth is a fine Lohoch for Hoarseness Wheesing roughness in the Mouth and Throat it expectorates tough Phlegm and condensates thin Rheumes which fall on the Lungs Lemon-Tree Malus Limonia LEmons seldom come to maturity in our cold Countrey therefore I shall not describe the Tree but proceed to the vertues of the fruit which is well known to us Nature and Vertues The rinde of Lemmons is hot in the first degree and dry in the second and the juyce cold in the second degree and dry in the first the Sun hath dominion over it the juyce of Lemons drunk two or three times a week in white or Rhenish Wine with some Sugar strengthens the heart stomach and head resists poison expells melancholly makes a sweet Breath and cleanses the Reins and bladder and helps to expel the Stone out of the Kidneys it kills and drives forth worms out of the belly An Angel of gold or the weight thereof in leaf Gold steeped four and twenty hours in four ounces of the juyce of Lemons and some of that juyce given in a Cup of Wine with some powder of Angelica root is very good to be given to such as are infected with the Plague The juyce is good in Fevers to quench thirst and so is the posset made of it A water distilled in a glass from the pulp of Lemons provokes Vrine being drunk and helps to break the Stone it likewise cleanses the skin kills lice in the Head helps running Scabs and Wheals in the Skin The seeds preserve the Heart and vital Spirits from poison and resists infection of contagious diseases ☞ See further in Adam in Eden written by Will. Coles Lilly Convally Lilium Convallium IT hath leaves somewhat like unto white Lillies Description or rather those of the smallest water Plantain it hath a slender small stalk at the top of which grow little small white flowers like little Bells with turned edges of a pleasant smell after which come small red berries much like the berries of Asparagus wherein the seed is contained the root is small creeping far abroad in the ground Names Lillium Convallium is the Latine name in English Lilly of the Valley Conval Lilly May Lilly Wood Lillies and Lilly Confancy Place and Time It groweth upon Hamsted Heath in Cobham Park in Kent and many other places of this Land it flowers in May and the fruit is ripe in September Nature and Vertues It is temperately hot and dry an herb of Mercury it cures the Apoplexy and the flowers distilled with Wine and a spoonful thereof given at a time restoreth lost speech to them that have the dumb Palsie it strengthens the Brain helps a weak Memory comforts the vital Spirits and is good against the Gout the distilled water helps Inflammations of the Eyes The flowers steeped in new Wine and drunk helps trembling of the Heart and other Members and stops the spreading of the Leprosie The flowers steeped in new Wine a moneth and then the Wine distilled five times over in a Limbeck is a precious water for the Apoplexy being taken with a little Lavender water and six grains of Pepper it eases the Chollick comforts the brain and is good against the Falling Sickness it likewise helps the Strangury pricking about the Heart and Inflammations of the Liver and stayes the overmuch flowing of the Terms ☞ See further in Adam in Eden by W. Coles Water-Lilly Nymphaea IT hath large round leaves Description thick and fat of a dark green colour which stand upon long round spongy foot stalks and alwayes float upon the water there rise also from the root other round stalks each of them bearing a white flower containing divers rowes of narrow white leaves with many yellow thrums in the middle standing about a little head which after the leaves are fallen off becomes like a Poppey head containing in it broad blackish oyley and glittering seed of a bitter taste the root is round long and tuberous with many knobs thereat loose and spongy in substance black without and white within fastned with many strings to the ground under the bottom of the water There is also another kinde which bears yellow flowers Names Both Latines and Greeks call it Nymphaea it is called also in Shops Nenuphar it is called in English Water Rose and Water Lilly Place and Time They grow alwayes in standing Waters and slow running Rivers and very plentifully in Holshot River in Hampshire my native soil all along the River by Danmore Mead They flower in May and June and the seed is ripe in August Nature and Vertues The leaves and flowers are cold and moist the seed and roots cold and dry an herb of Venus The decoction of the seed cools and bindes restrains lust and nocturnal pollutions but the frequent use thereof extinguishes motions to Venery it is available for the Running of the Râ—ins and the Whites and to cool the heat of Vrine the leaves cool Inflammations and the decoction thereof helps the inward heats of Agues being drunk they also expell the After-birth the syrrup of the Flowers allayes the heat of Choller and distempers of the Head provokes sleep and heap hot distempers of the Heart Liver Reins and Matrix the conserve and distilled water worketh the same effects The distilled water takes away spots Sun-burning and Freckles of the Skin The oyl that is made of the flowers helps the Head-ache causeth sleep prevents Venereous dreams and takes down the standing of the Yard the head and privities being anointed therewith it also cures hot tumours and the Inflammations of Vlcers Liver-wort Lichen LIverwort groweth close upon the ground Description and upon stony places spreading much upon it with sad green leaves cleaving flat upon one another unevenly cut in the edges and crumpled amongst which arise small slender stalks an inch or two high at most bearing small star-like flowers at the top the roots are very fine and small Names It is called in Latine Lichen Jecoraria and of some Hepatica in English Liverwort Place and time Liverwort grows in moist and shadowy places by the heads of Springs and Ponds and sometimes on the stones in the insides of Wells it is green all the year and flowers in June and July Nature and Vertues It is a plant of Jupiter and under the sign Cancer by temperature cold and dry and somewhat binding it is very good to help all distempers of the Liver and is effectually used in diet drinks for that purpose it cools and cleanses it and helps Inflammations of that part and the yellow Jaundies being bruised and boiled
alone in beer and drunk it cools the heat of the Liver and Kidneys and helps the running of the Reins in men and the whites in Women it is good against Hectick Fevers and all other Fevers and Agues coming of Choker and all other heats of the Liver and takes away the cause of Scabs Blains and Blisters being stamped with Hogs Grease and applyed it heals Sores Tetters Ringworms and fretting Vlcers ☞ See further in Adam in Eden written by Will. Coles Loose-strife or Willow-herb Lysimachia THere are many kindes of it Description I shall describe onely the purple spike headed Loose-strife which groweth with many wooddy square stalks full of joynts about three foot high having two leaves at every joynt like Willow leaves but shorter and of a deeper green colour some of them being sometimes brownish the stalks branch forth into many long stems of spiky flowers half a foot long growing in rundles one above another out of small husks somewhat like the heads of Lavender but far bigger every flower consisting of five round pointed leaves of a purplish violet colour somewhat inclining to redness in the husks lies the seed after the flowers are fallen the root creeps under ground almost like Couch-grass but is greater Names The Latines call it Lysimachia in English Loose-strife and Willow-herb Place and Time It groweth by Rivers and Ditches sides and in wet grounds almost in every Countrey of this Land the yellow Willow herb is more rare They flower about June and July Nature and Vertues They are all hot dry and binding yet Culpepper saith they are cold and ascribes them to the Moon the distilled water of both the purple and the yellow is excellent good for green Wounds being thus applyed to every ounce of water adde two drams of May Butter unsalted as much Sugar and wax boil them gently to an Oyntment then dip tents in the Liquor that remains after it is cold and put them into the Wound covering it over with a linnen cloth doubled and anointed with the Oyntment it also cleanseth foul Vlcers The distilled water very much preserves the sight helps hurts and blowes in the Eyes and cleareth them of dust it is good to gargle the Mouth and Throat therewith against the Quinzy and Kings Evil it is also good to take away Warts and Scars of the Skin it quencheth thirst is good to stay Fluxes of the Belly the overflowing of Womens Courses and to bathe Sores and Vlcers of the privy parts Lovage Levisticum LOvage hath many long great stalks of large winged leaves Description divided like smallage but larger of a dark green colour smooth and shining every leaf cut about the edges and broader forward then toward the stalk the stalks are green and hollow towards the tops of them come forth other smaller branches bearing at their tops large Umbels of yellow flowers which turn into flat brownish seed like Angelica seed the root is large brownish without and white within the whole Plant is of a strong smell and in taste hot sharp and biting Names It is called Levisticum in Latine Places and Time It is an inhabitant of the Garden flowers in July and seeds in August Nature and Vertues Lovage is a Solar herb hot and dry in the third degree and of thin parts the dryed root in powder drunk in Wine is good for a cold Stomach consuming superfluouus moisture in the Stomach and Belly and expelling winde and helps digestion it likewise resists poison and infection The decoction of the root in Wine or Barley water cleanseth the Lungs provokes Vrine and Womens Courses and heals inward wounds The decoction of the herb is good for any sort of Ague and to help cold pains of the Bowels The seeds drunk in powder in white Wine fasting or boiled therein purges upwards and downwards and opens the stoppings of the Spleen take with the seeds the like quantity of Anniseeds and Fennil seeds to qualifie them The distilled water is good for the Quinzy and helps the plurisie being drunk three or four times it takes away the redness of the Eyes and helps the dimness of them being dropped therein and takes away spots and Freckles of the face The leaves bruised and fryed with Hogs Lard and applyed to a Botch or Boil will quickly break it Lungwort Pulmonaria IT is a kinde of Moss that grows on many Trees Description especially old Oaks and Beeches in dark shady old Woods and upon the old Oaks in Forrests grows abundance of it it hath broad grayish rough leaves diversly folded crumpled and gashed on the edges and sometimes spotted on the upper side it bears no stalk nor flower Names Pulmonaria Physicians call it in Latine and of some Lichen Arborum or wood Liverword and tree Lungwort Nature and Vertues It is of a cold and dry quality but I suppose that Jupiter rules it it is very effectual for all diseases of the Lungs for all obstructions Vlcers and inward inflammations of the same and also for Coughs Wheesing spitting and pissing of Blood it is good for Vlcers in the privy parts to stay Fluxes Looseness and Vomiting the bloody Flux and other Scowrings especially if they proceed of Choller Lupines Lupinus THey grow onely in Gardens here where they are planted Description therefore I shall not further describe them Lupinus is the Latine name and Lupines in English and of some they are called Fig beans being flat like a Fig that is pressed they flower in June and July and the beans are ripe quickly after Nature and Vertues Lupines are very bitter in taste by reason of their bitterness they open dissolve digest and cleanse I suppose they are under the dominion of Mars the decoction thereof is good for the Spleen being taken with Rue and Pepper it will be the pleasanter but if they be steeped two or three dayes in water they lose their bitterness The said decoction is good to kill worms and so is the meal taken with Honey or water and Vinegar or mixed with an Oxe gall and applyed to the Navel they also cleanse the Stomach help digestion and provoke appetite being first steeped in water and then dryed and powdered and taken with Vinegar The decoction also provokes Vrine and womens Courses and being taken with Myrrhe it expells a dead Childe it is also good to cleanse Scabs Vlcers Morphew and Tetters and cleanseth the Face and Skin from spots and other marks The meal boiled in Vinegar discusseth hard Swellings breaks Carbuncles and Imposthumes ☞ See more of this in The Expert Doctors Dispensatory by P. Morellus Ladies Smock Cuckow Flowers or wilde Water Cresses Cardamine THose kindes of these flowers which grow naturally with us in England are a kinde of Water-cresses for which cause they are called Nasturtium aquaticum minus and also Flos cuculi because they flower in April about the time the Cuckow uses to sing without hoarseness but for the Vertues if they have any they are of the nature of Water Cresses to
against the stinging of Bees and Wasps the oyntment of Marsh Mallows doth mollifie heat and moisten and is good against the Plurisie and other pains of the Sides and Breast Maple Tree IT is a Tree well known to Turners who use the Timber of it it is said to be under the dominion of Jupiter and a strengthner of the Liver The decoction of the leaves or Bark being used strengthens the Liver and opens obstructions of the Liver and Spleen but I believe it is not much experienced if at all Wilde and Sweet Marjoram Marjorana SWeet Marjoram is very well known Description and the Field Marjoram is very like it but we shall describe the wilde It hath a root which creepeth much under ground and continueth a long time sending up sundry brownish hard square stalks with small dark green leaves like sweet Marjoram but harder and broader at the tops of the stalks stand trufts of flowers of a deep purplish red colour the seed is small and somewhat blacker then that of sweet Marjoram Names In Latine it is called Amaracus and Marjorana in English Sweet Marjoram and Marjoram gentle and the wilde kinde Organy Origanum and bastard Marjoram Place and Time The sweet grows onely in Gardens the wilde kinde in borders of Corn Fields and Pastures in sundry places of this Land It flowers about July and August Nature and Vertues They are all Herbs of Mercury the common Sweet Marjoram is hot and dry in the second degree it is comfortable in cold Diseases of the Head Stomach Sinews and other parts taken inwardly and outwardly applyed it digesteth openeth and strengthneth comforts the Brain helps the Memory and is good against the Apoplexy the Head being washed with a Lye made of it eases grievous pains thereof it helps coldness of the Stomach and digestion being given in powder in wine The oyl of it is good to supple warm and stretch forth stiff Joynts and hard Sinews it helps cold griefs and windiness of the Womb and the dead Palsie the back Bone being anointed with it it helps Spasmus Cynicus which is a wrying of the mouth aside being snuffed up into the Nose it is a gallant Oyl to strengthen the Muscles and other parts of the Body it helps noise of the Ears being dropped into them The decoction of this Herb is good in the beginning of a Dropsie it heats the inward Members softens the Milt and asswageth the swelling of it it helps those that cannot make water and easeth pains of the Belly The powder of the leaves snuffed upon into the Nose stayes Rheume cleanses and warms the Head The flower and herb being put into a fine Bag and applyed to the Stomach easeth pains thereof Marigolds Calendula THis well known herb needs no description Names It is called in Latine Calendula and of some Caltha in English Marigolds and Ruds Place and Time I think there are few Gardens without them they flower all Summer and in Winter too if it be milde Nature and Vertues Marigold flowers are hot almost in the second degree especially being dryed it is a Solar Herb and under the sign Leo a great comforter of the Heart and though it be so plentiful and therefore less regarded it is not much inferiour to Saffron The Marigold Flowers resist poison and are good in contagious Fevers and the Jaundies and are very expulsive and therefore effectual in the Small Pox and Measles they provoke Sweat and Womens Courses and expell the After-birth The Conserve of the Flowers is very good against corrupted Air and in time of Pestilence to prevent Infection it helps the trembling of the Heart being taken morning and evening The flowers used in Possets or Broth either green or dry do comfort the Heart and Spirits and expell Pestilential qualities that might annoy them The Juyce taketh away Warts being washed therewith and helps the Tooth-ache and being mixed with vinegar and a hot swelling bathed therewith asswages it and gives ease and being dropped into the ears it kills worms therein The distilled water is good for sore Eyes and a Plaister made of the dry flowers in Powder Hogs Grease Turpentine and Rosin and applyed to the Breast comforts and strengthens the Heart in Feavers very much ☞ See further in The Expert Doctors Dispensatory by P. Morellus Masterwort Imperatoria IT hath divers great broad leaves divided into many parts Description standing three together for the most part upon a foot stalk being somewhat broad and cut in on the edges into three or more divisions all of them dented about the brims of a dark green colour much like Angelica amongst which rise up two or three short stalks about two foot high and slender with such leaves at the Joynts as grow below but lesser bearing Umbels of white Flowers and after them small thin flat blackish seed bigger then Dill seeds The root is somewhat great and groweth rather side-wayes then down right into the ground and is the hottest and sharpest part of the plant and the seed next unto it being somewhat on the out-side and smelling well Names It is called Imperatoria Masterwort and false Pellitory of Spain Places and Time It is usually kept in Gardens with us flowers and seeds about the end of August Nature and Vertues The root of Masterwort is hot in the third degree and of subtle parts an herb of Mars The dried root chewed in the mouth draweth Rheume from the head easing pains of the Head and Teeth and draweth away defluxions of Rheume upon the Lungs or Eyes it dissolves winde and is good in cold grief of the Stomach and Body it provokes Vrine helps to break the Stone and expells Gravel it is good against the suffocation of the Mother drives down the Courses and expells a dead Childe it is good against the Dropsie Cramp and falling Sickness it provokes Sweat and is good against all cold Poisons The juyce dropped or Tents wet therein and applyed to green Wounds or old fretting Vlcers doth soon cleanse and heal them it is likewise good for the cold Gout Mastick Tree Lentiscus THis Outlandish Tree I shall not describe but onely sum up the Vertues of its Gum called Mastick The Tree is called in Latine Lentiscus the Gum Resina Lentiscina Mastiche and Mastix Mastick is very good for the Tooth-ache being steeped in Rose water and the Mouth washed therewith it fastens loose Teeth and strengthens the Gums being held or chewed in the Mouth it draws away phlegm and causes a sweeet Breath it cleanses and dryes up Vlcers and Sores being used in plaisters and oyntments it strengthens and comforts the Stomach mollifies Tumors and eases pains of the Joynts and Sinews for all which purposes the chymical oyl is most effectual being taken inwardly it stayes Vomiting and brings good digestion it stops the Flux of the Belly and taken with syrrup of Colts-foot it helps Coughs it is a good corrigent in strong purging Medicines abating their acrimony or sharpness Sweet
of this Land The Dogs Mercury grows by hedges sides in many places they flower and seed in the Summer moneths Nature and Vertues Mercury is hot and dry about the second degree having a cleansing and digesting faculty Mercury claims it for his names sake Mercury is much commended for Womens Diseases the secret parts being fomented therewith it easeth the pains of the Mother the decoction thereof being taken procures the Terms expells the After-birth it is also good for the Strangury and diseases of the Reins and Bladder Hypocrates commendeth it for sore and watry Eyes deafness and pains in the Ears by dropping the juyce thereof into them and bathing them afterwards in white Wine the juyce taken in Broth or drink or the decoction of the leaves with a little Sugar purgeth chollerick and waterish humors Broth made thereof with a Cock Chicken is good against hot fits of an Ague and cleanseth the Breast and Lungs of phlegm but is a little offensive to the Stomach The juyce or water thereof snuffed up into the nostrils purgeth the Head and Eyes of Rheume and Cathars Two or three ounces of the distilled water with a little Sugar taken fasting opens and purgeth the body of gross viscous and melancholly humors Mathiolus saith That the seed of the male and the flowers of the female Mercury boiled with Wormwood and drunk speedily cures the yellow Jaundies The leaves or juyce rubbed upon Warts takes them away The juyce mixed with vinegar helps the Itch running Scabs Tetters and Ring-worms being applyed pultis-wise to Swellings and Inflammations it digesteth the humors which cause the same It is commonly used amongst other things in Glisters to evacuate the Belly from offensive humors Dogs Mercury may be likewise used to purge waterish and melancholly humours in the same manner as the former There are some fables reported of this Plant which I shall forbear to relate Mill-Mountain Linum sylvestre I Am induced to publish this plant Description by the commendation I have had of it from some special friends who have found singular use of it and commend it to do all things which Sena doth The description Gerrard reports to have had from a friend of his called Mr. Goodyer which is as followeth It riseth up from a small white threddy crooked root sometimes with one but most commonly with five or six or more round stalks about a foot or nine inches high of a brown on reddish colour every stalk dividing it self near the top from the middle upward into many branches or parts of a greener colour then the lower part of the stalk the leaves are small smooth of colour green of the bigness of Lentil leaves and have in the middle one rib or sinew and no more that may be perceived and grow along the stalk in good order by couples one opposite against the other at the tops of the small branches grow the flowers of a white colour consisting of five small leaves apiece the nails whereof are yellow in the inside are placed small short chieves also of a yellow colour after which come up small little knobs or buttons the top whereof when the seed is ripe divides it self into five parts wherein is contained small smooth flat slippery yellow seed when the seed is ripe the herb perisheth the whole herb is of a bitter taste and herby smell Names Gerrard saith when he first found this plant he inserted it in his Catalogue amongst the kindes of Lines or Flaxes and called it Linum sylvestre pusillum candidis floribus until he had a further relation thereof from Mr. Goodyer who called it Linum sylvae Catharticum because it was used to purge and in English it had acquired the name of Mill-Mountain Place and Time It groweth plentifully in the unmanured Inclosures of Hampshire on chalkly Downs and on Purfleet Hills in Essex and many other places I have been told it grows near Wickomb in Buckinghamshire and in July about four years since Mr. Dixon and I met a Chyrurgeon with some of it in his hand in Kingston which he said he had gathered by the way as he came from London It riseth forth of the ground at the beginning of the Spring and flowreth all the Summer Nature and Vertues It s bitter taste argues the temperature thereof to incline to heat The use of it as the same Mr. Goodyer reports is as follows Take a handful of Mill Mountain the whole plant leaves seeds flowers and all bruise it and put it in a small Pipkin with a pint of white Wine and set it on the Embers to infuse all night and drink that wine in the morning fasting This he saith he was told by a servant of one Dr. Lake who lived at St. Cross near Winchester would give eight or ten stools This Dr. Lake was afterwards Bishop of Bath and Wells and alwayes used this herb for his purge as his man affirmed Thus saith Gerrard by the relation of Goodyer but lately I have heard it commended by some Physicians to be equalent in vertue to Sena Therefore I have put it down for the benefit of the studions to make further tryal and use of it accordingly Mynts Mentha BOth the Garden and wilde Mint are well enough known Description and Names wherefore I shall pass by their description to their names and vertues Mentha is the Latine common name and Mint or Spearmint for the Garden kinde in English Place and Time The wilde Mints grow in warry Ditches the other onely in Gardens they all flower in August the plant increaseth much by the root the seed being seldom good Nature and Vertues Mynt is hot and dry in the beginning of the third degree bitter binding and of thin parts and is said to be an herb of Venus The decoction cureth a sore Mouth and Gums the mouth being gargled therewith and helps a stinking breath being applyed with honied water it eases pains in the Ears and the roughness of the Tongue it being rubbed therewith The decoction thereof is good to wash Childrens Heads against Scabs and breakings out and heals chaps of the Fundament Two or three branches thereof taken with the juyce of Pomgranates stayes the Hiccough Vomiting and allayes Choller being applyed with Barley meal it dissolves Imposthumes it is good to repress the milk in Womens Breasts and helps swollen or flagging Breasts it causes digestion helps a cold Liver strengthens the Belly and Stomach helps gnawings of the heart procures appetite opens the Liver and provokes to Venery being bruised with salt it is good for the biting of a mad Dog The mouth being gargled with a decoction thereof and Rue and Coriander bringeth the pallat of the mouth that is down to its right place the powder of it taken after meat helps digestion and those that are spleenatick and taken in wine it helps women in their sore Travel in Childe bearing it is good against the Strangury and Gravel and Stone in the Kidneys being boiled in milk before you
leaf standing upon a small foot stalk about an inch high unless when it is in flower and then it hath a small slender stalk about three inches high the upper part whereof groweth out of the bosom as it were of the said leaf which is divided on each side into five sometimes seven or more parts on a side each whereof is small next the middle rib but broad forwards and round pointed much resembling an half Moon The stalk riseth above this leaf about two inches bearing many branches of small long tongues much like the spiky head of Adders Tongue of a brownish colour which afterwards resolve into a mealy dust so that you may call them flowers or seed which you please the root is small and threddy Names It is called in Latine Lunaria in English by some Unshooe the Horse but rightly Moon-wort Place and Time It delights to grow upon Hills and Heaths amongst grass and dry mossy places and in divers places of Kent as near Maidstone It may be found about April and May the heat of June banisheth it away Nature and Vertues Many idle Fables have been told of this Herb by lying Cachochymists such as Culpeppers Commanders were that he prates on for I believe they never saw the Herb in their lives and I am confident though it be the Moons herb yet it is neither Smith Farrier nor Picklock but is of Temperature cold and dry somewhat more then Adders Tongue and is a good Wound Herb either for inward or outward Wounds Blowes or Bruises it likewise helps to consolidate Fractures and is good for Ruptures and Cancers of the Breast It may excellently be used with other wound herbs to make Oyls and Balsoms for fresh and green Wounds and being boiled in red wine and drunk it is excellent to stay the overflowing of womens Courses and the Whites Bleeding Vomiting and other Fluxes The learned Grollius saith that it is good for the Cancers in Womens Breasts its Signature speaking so much Moss Muscus THere is Moss of Trees Description and Names and Ground Moss but neither of them want a description The Apothecaries call itVsnea it is likewise called in Latine Muscus Places and Time I have told you before where they grow Nature and Vertues The ground Moss is cold dry and astringent that of the Trees is cool and binding yet it partakes somewhat of the nature of the Tree whereon it grows yet all Saturns pot-herbs as saith Culpepper The ground Moss is held good to break the Stone being boiled in Wine and the decoction drunk it is likewise good being boiled in water to allay Inflammations and hot pains The Oak Moss is good to stay Fluxes and Lasks in man or woman Vomitings Bleedings spitting and pissing of Blood and the Terms the powder thereof being boiled in Wine and drunk The same being drunk stayes the Hiccough as saith Avicen And it procures deep sleep saith Serapio and some say the powder thereof for some time together taken in drink is good against the Dropsie Fresh Moss steeped a while in Oyl of Roses and then boiled therein and applyed to the Temples and Forehead helps the Head-ache that cometh of a hot cause and distillations of hot Rheumes to the Eyes or other parts It was anciently used in Oyntments against Weariness and to strengthen the Sinews There is a Moss that grows upon dead Mens Sculls which is a principal ingredient in the Weapon Salve but the receipt is it should be taken from the Skull of one who dyed a violent death I lately saw one which was brought out of Ireland all grown over with Moss Cup Moss if it be powdered and given in sweet Wine for certain dayes together is a remedy against the Falling Sickness and the Chin cough in Children Motherwort Cardiaca THis herb riseth up with hard Description square rough strong stalks of a brownish colour shooting two or three foot high and sometimes more spreading into many branches whereon grow the leaves on each side with long foot stalks two at every joynt broad and long rough and crumpled with great veins of a dark green colour deeply jagged about the edges almost torn or divided the flowers grow in sharp pointed rough husks from the middle of the branches to the top round about them at distances somewhat like Balme or Horehound but of a more red or purple colour after which comes plenty of small round blackish seed which shedding fills the place about it with their young growth The root is fibrous the plant of a rank smell and bitter taste Names It is called Cardiaca in the Latine though Matricaria which is used for Fetherfew might be more proper for it for it is effectual to help the Mother as well as the Heart and therefore with good reason is called in English Motherwort Place and Time It groweth rarely with us but onely in Gardens yet delighteth to grow by Walls sides and amongst rubbish it flowers and seeds from the Spring till Winter and then perisheth but the root abideth all the Year Nature and Vertues Motherwort is of temperature hot and dry in the second degree of a cleansing and astringent faculty and is by Astrologers reputed to be subject to the influences of Venus and the Sign Leo so that it is excellent for the fits of the Mother and diseases of the Womb and also for the trembling of the Heart the Cramp Convulsion and Palse it helps the hard labour of Women a spoonful thereof in powder being taken in Wine For the fits of the Mother let little Bags of Motherwort Camomile Wormwood Penntroyal and Lovage be applyed warm to the bottom of the Belly of the Patient The said powder used as aforesaid provokes Vrine and Womens Courses it may also be made into a Syrrup and Conserve and being so used it chears the Heart expelling Melancholly from thence Expectorates Phlegm opens obstructions of the Entrails and kills Worms in the Belly it is likewise good being bruised and applyed to green Wounds to stop the Blood cleanse and cure them and is a remedy against the Cough Murrain and other Diseases in Cattle ☞ See further in The Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Monsear Pilosella COmmon Mousear creeps upon the ground by strings or wires much like the Strawberry Description the strings taking root as they run and shooteth forth small short leaves set in a round form together hollowish in the middle where they are broadest of a hoary colour all over and very hairy out of which issues a white milk being broken from amongst these leaves spring up divers small hairy stalks about a handful high with a few smaller leaves thereon standing one at a place as the flowers do usually one at the top which consists of many pale yellow leaves much like a Dandelion flower but smaller and a little reddish underneath near the edges turning into Doun which with the seed is blown away by the Winde The root is small and fibrous Names It is called
Myosotis from the Greek word Myosota and of some Pilosella in Latine because of its hairiness and Auricula muris because the leaves resemble the ears of a Mouse which also gives it the English name of Mouseare Place and Time It groweth on Banks and Ditches sides which be dry and sandy and also in sandy grounds they flower in June and July and abide green all the Winter Nature and Vertues It is held to be subject to the Lunar Influence but is by temperature hot and dry cleansing binding and consolidating so that the juyce or decoction thereof taken stayes Womens Courses and the Whites and other Fluxes of Blood and inward bleedings and is likewise good for the Jaundies to drink thereof morning and evening and abstain from other drink two or three hours after it is good against the Stone and gripings of the Bowels and to abate the fit of a quartain Ague being taken before it come The decoction with Succory and Centory is good against the Dropsie and Spleen A Syrrup of the juyce of Mousear is good against the Cough and Ptisick and helps Ruptures a spoonful or two being taken at a time it is a singular Wound Herb either for outward or inward Wounds The juyce of the green Herb or being dryed in powder is good to stay fretting Vlcers or Cancers either in the Mouth or secret parts of Man or Woman or elsewhere The distilled water is available for the said purposes and to wash Wounds and Sores and to dip the Tents and Cloathes therein that are to be applyed thereto This herb is hurtful to sheep in making them costive and lean therefore Shepherds should keep them from it Mugwort Artemisia COmmon Mugwort groweth with divers jagged or dented leaves lying upon the ground Description much like to common Wormwood but larger darkish green on the upper side but white or hoary underneath the stalks rise up two or three foot high sometimes more having such leaves as below but smaller branching very much towards the top whereon grow small pale yellowish flowers like buttons after which cometh small seed inclosed in round hands The root is long and hard fastned in the ground with many fibres which spread so in the ground that it can hardly be weeded out The plant is of a reasonable good scent The stalks and leaves dye every Winter Names Artemisia is both the Greek and Latine name of it Place and Time It groweth by the High wayes and Ditches sides and too plentifully in light ground in Corn Fields where it will not be gotten out as in Wokingham a place I once lived in Nature and Vertues Mugwort is ascribed to the dominion of Venus yet is naturally hot and dry in the second degree and of thin parts but it helps Womens Diseases therefore it is reason a woman should be mistriss of it The decoction of the leaves in Wine or water being drunk drives down the Courses Birth and After-birth helps Inflammations and stoppings of the Mother and provokes Vrine causeth fruitfulness in Women helps pains of the Matrix coldness and Winde and helps to retain it in its due place it strengthens the Nerves opens the Pores and corrects the Blood helps stoppings of the Liver and Spleen and being boiled with Centory it is good for the Jaundies The juyce being taken helps the biting of a mad Dog The powder of the leaves drunk in Wine is good against the Sciatica A decoction made thereof for Women to sit over and receive the hot sume performeth the same effects as being taken inwardly so doth the juyce made up with Myrrhe or the root used for a Pessary An oyntment made of the Herb with some Field Daisies and Hogs Grease taketh away Wens Knots and Kernels in the Neck and Throat The fresh herb or the juyce thereof is a good remedy for the overmuch taking of opium A decoction of the Herb with Camomile Egrimony and Sage takes away pains of the Sinews and Cramp the place being bathed hot therewith and refresheth the feet of those which are surbated with travel they being bathed therein ☞ See more of this in the Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Mulberries Morus I Shall not need to describe this Plant it being very well known where it is an Inhabitant Names The Latines call it Morus and in Shops Morus Celsa the Bramble Berries being called Mora Bati Place and Time They are much nourished in the Levant and Eastern Countreys and also in Italy to breed up their Silkworms The fruit is ripe in August and September Nature and Vertues It is assigned to Mercury and of different parts like him the ripe Berries having a sweetness and slippery moisture do open the Belly the unripe do binde it especially being dryed and then are good to stop Fluxes Lasks and overflowing of Womens Courses the bark of the root hath a purging quality and a bitterness the leaves and tender tops are of a temperate nature The juyce of the Berries or the syrrup made of them helps Inflammations and Sores in the Mouth and Throat and the Pallat of the Mouth being down The juyce of the leaves is good for such as have eaten Wolf-bane and is a remedy against the biting of Serpents and being beaten with Vinegar it is good to apply to any place that is burnt with fire The mouth being washed with a decoction of the bark and leaves easeth the Touth-ache It is said that if the root be a little slit or cut in the harvest time and a small hole made in the ground next unto it there will issue forth a juyce which being hardened is good to help the Tooth-ache to dissolve knots and purge the Belly The leaves are said to stay bleeding at Mouth and Nose and of the Piles or of a wound being bound thereunto It is reported that if a branch of the Tree be taken when the Moon is at full and bound to the wrist of a woman whose Courses flow too much it will soon slay them The Bark of the root killeth the broad Worms in the bodies of Men or Children The powder of the berries is good to cure Tumors which grow upon the Cods and about the Fundament of some people Mulleyn Candelaria COmmon white Mulleyn hath many fair large woolly leaves lying next the ground Description somewhat longer then broad pointed at the ends and a little dented about the edges the stalk in rank ground riseth four or five foot high and is covered over with such leaves as below but lesser up to the flowers so thick as they hide the stalk the flowers come forth on all sides of the stalk without any branches for the most part and stand together in a long spike generally of a gold yellow colour but in some more pale consisting of five round pointed leaves turning afterwards into round heads wherein is contained small brownish seed the root is long white and woody but dyeth when the seed is fallen Names It hath been called Candela regia
and Candelaria because the stalks were wont to be used to burn being dipped in grease It is also called Thapsus Tapsus Barbatus and in English Hightaper and Hagtaper Jupiters Staff Hares-beard and Bullocks Lungwort Place and Time It grows by High wayes sides in Lanes and upon Dunghills in many places of this Land and flower about June and July Nature and Vertues Mulleyn is dry of temperature like Saturn The leaves digest and cleanse A decoction of the leaves is good for the Lungs and an old Cough either in man or beast A little quantity of the root taken in Wine is good against Lasks and Fluxes of the Belly and the decoction thereof easeth the Tooth-ache the mouth being washed therewith and being drunk it is good for Burstness and for Cramps and Convulsions The seed and flowers and the powder of dryed Venice Turpentine being cast upon a Chasing-dish of Coals and set in a Close-Stool for the Patient to sit over it that is troubled with the Piles or the falling down of the Fundament it giveth much ease also to such who are troubled with an often desire to go to Stool and can do nothing and helpeth the Bloody Flux An Oyl made of the often infusion of the flowers is also good for the Piles The decoction of the root in red Wine or water if there be an Ague wherein red hot Steel hath been often quenched stayeth the Bloody Flux and opens obstructions of the Bladder and Reins when one cannot make water A decoction made with the leaves and Sage Marjoram and Camomile Flowers easeth and comforteth Veins and Sinews that are stark or shrunk with cold or the Cramp the places being bathed therewith The distilled water of the flowers drunk morning and evening the quantity of three ounces at a time for some continuance is said to be a good remedy for the Gout The powder of the root or the juyce of the leaves and flowers rubbed on rough Warts takes them away but doth no good to such as are smooth The powder of the flowers is good for the Chollick and pains in the Belly The decoction of the root and leaves is effectual to dissolve Tumors and Inflammations of the Throat The seed and leaves boiled in Wine and applyed draws forth Thorns and Splinters out of the flesh easing the pains and healing the place The leaves bruised and wrapped in double papers and baked under the Embers and then taken out and applyed warm to any Botch in the Groin or Share doth dissolve and heal it The seed bruised and boiled in wine and applyed to any Member that is newly set after it hath been out of Joynt takes away the swellings and pains thereof The bruised leaves quickly heals a Horse Hoof that is pricked with a nail being applyed thereunto ☞ See further of this in Culpeppers School of Physick Mustard Sinapis IT is very well known so as needs no describing Names It is called in Latine Sinapis and Sinapi Place and Time It grows in Gardens where it is planted and is not easily gotten out having once took possession it grows also wilde about Tewksberry which place is famous for Mustard makers Nature and Vertues The seed is chiefly used and is of temperature hot and dry in the fourth degree and doth make thin it is under the influence of Mars The seed taken in an Electuary or otherwise stirs up bodily lust and provokes womens Courses it is also good for the Falling Sickness the Lethargy or drowsie evil to use it both inwardly and outwardly to rub the Nostrils Forehead and Temples therewith it being first beaten to powder and little balls made thereof with Honey and one or two of them swallowed fasting every morning maketh a clear voice draweth down Rheume and viscous humours which distill upon the Lungs and Chest it cleanseth the Breast strengthens the Heart resisteth Poison provokes Appetite warms the Stomach and helps digestion easeth the pain of the Spleen Sides and Belly and being used for some times wasteth the Quartain Ague The decoction of the seed in Wine is a good gargle to send up the Pallat of the Mouth being fallen down and a Plaister wherein store of the seed is mixed being applyed helpeth the Sciatica and aches of the Joynts and dissolveth Tumors and Swellings about the Throat being also applyed to the Shoulders Sides or Loins which have any ache or pain it helpeth them by drawing forth the cause by Blisters it helps the salling of the hair and being chewed in the mouth is good against the Tooth-ache The seed being bruised and mixed with Honey or Wax takes away Marks black and blue spots of Bruises Scabbedness the Leprosie and lowsie Evil and helps the Crick or drawing awry of the Neck The distilled water of the Herb when it is in flower is good to drink for the diseases aforesaid to wash the Mouth when the Pallat is down and also to gargle the Throat and likewise for Scabs and Itch and to cleanse the face from Morphew Spots and Freckles An Oyl made of Mustard by infusing four pounds of the seed being beaten in four pound of Oyl for ten dayes together and then straining it is good for griefs of the Reins Palsies Gouts Stitches and Swellings The seed ground with Vinegar is a good sauce both with Fish and Flesh it is good to clarifie the Blood and to stir up Appetite in weak Stomachs but it is hurtful for chollerick people And to make it the more pleasing to the Stomach take Mustard seed two ounces Cynamon half an ounce well beaten and make it up into Balls or Cakes with Honey and Vinegar and dry them in the Sun they will keep a long while and may presently be made into a sauce by being relented with a little Vinegar Nep or Cat-mint Nepeta COmmon Garden Nep riseth up with four square stalks Description a Cubit high or more having a little hoariness upon them being full of Branches and beareth at every joynt two broad leaves like unto Balm but longer pointed softer whiter and more hoary nicked about the edges and of a strong sweet scent The flowers grow in large tufts upon the tops of the Branches and underneath them on the stalks being many together and of a whitish purple colour The roots consist of many long strings or fibres whereby it is strongly fastned in the ground and the leaves abide green all the Winter Names It is called in Latine Mentha Cattaria but more commonly Nepeta by which name the Apothecaries call it Place and Time It is cherished in our Gardens flowers in July and August and the seed is ripe in September Nature and Vertues Nep is hot and dry in the third degree and is ascribed particularly to the influence of the Planet Venus It is effectual for the rising of the Mother Winde and pains thereof and warms and comforts the womb and dryeth up the overmuch moisture thereof and brings it to a right temper taking away the cold and moist cause
of Barrenness it also provokes the Terms and is useful for pains of the head proceeding from a cold cause as Rheume and Cathars and giddiness of the Head it is good also for windiness of the Stomach and Belly and is effectual to dissolve winde in cold Aches and Cramps it is effectual for Coughs Colds and shortness of Breath The juyce thereof given in Mead or Wine is a good remedy for inward Burstings and Bruises by means of Falls or otherwise A bathe made thereof for Women to sit in or receive the Fumes bringeth down their Courses warmeth those parts and helps Barrenness The herb bruised and applyed to the Fundament easeth the pains of the Piles in two or three hours space and an oyntment made up with the juyce and applyed doth the same The decoction in spring Water is good to wash the Head to take away the Scabs thereof and may be effectual for other parts of the Body the distilled water is useful for many of the aforesaid purposes Nettles Urtica STinging Nettles are very well known Description and Names or may be by feeling as well as sight so that a description may be forborn It is called in LatineVrtica ab urendo because it raises Blisters like burning with sire Place and Time They are common associates to most hedges under walls amongst cubbish and in untilled places you may finde them plentifully they flower and seed in the end of Summer Nature and Vertues This plant is armed by Mars and is by temperature hot and dry in the third degree A decoction of the roots and leaves of Nettles or the juyce thereof taken in an Electuary with Honey or Sugar is a good medicine to open the obstructions of the Lungs and a remedy against Wheesing and shortness of Breath it expectorates tough Phlegm and evacuates an impostumated Plurisie by spittle it is a good gargle to help swellings of the Throat and the Almonds of the Throat and swellings in the Mouth The leaves boiled in Wine and drunk provokes Womens Courses helps suffocations and other diseases of the Mother and so it doth being outwardly applyed with a little Myrrhe The same also or the seed taken provokes Vrine and expells the Gravel or Stone out of the Reins and Bladder it killeth worms in Children easeth pains in the sides and dissolves windiness of the Spleen and in the Body yet some do suppose it onely effectual to provoke Venery The juyce of the leaves taken two or three dayes together stayeth bleeding at Mouth The seed taken in drink is a remedy against venomous bitings and the biting of a mad Dog and resists the poison of Hemlock Henbane and Night-shade Mandrakes and other stupifying Herbs as also for the Lethargy to rub it upon the Forehead and Temples and upon the places bitten or stung by venomous Beasts with a little Salt The distilled water is effectual for the said purposes yet more weak and likewise to wash Sores and Wounds to cleanse the skin from the Morphew Leprosie and other deformities thereof The seed or leaves bruised and put into the Nestrils stayeth Bleeding thereof and takes away the excrescense growing there called Pollipus The juyce of the leaves or the decoction of them or the roots is good to wash old rotten Sores Fistula's or Gangreens and corroding Scabs Manginess or Itch in any part of the Body and is good also to wash green Wounds or to apply the fresh bruised herb thereunto though the flesh were separated from the bones The same is good to refresh wearied members and to comfort dry and strengthen such parts as have been out of joynt and are set again and also for Aches and Gouts and to easethe pains and to dry and dissolve the defluxions of humours upon the Joynts and Sinews An oyntment made of the juyce oyl and wax is good to rub benummed members to reduce them to their proper activity A handful of green Nettle leaves and another of Danewort or Wallwort bruised and applyed to the Gout Sciatica or joynt Aches is a good help thereunto The young tops of Nettles being used in pottage in the Spring are good to consume phlegmatick superfluities in the Body and clarifie and warm the Blood give Hens dry Nettles cut small amongst their meat in Winter and it will make them lay Eggs the more plentifully Nigella GArden Nigella riseth about a foot high with weak and brittle stalks Description full of branches with many leaves upon them finely cut and divided something like Larks-heel but of a more grassy green colour it beareth flowers of a whitish blue colour which grow on the tops of the branches each flower being star-like divided into five parts and each part consisting of many fine small leaves after the flowers there come knops or heads having at the end five or six little horns or points and every head is divided into several cells or partitions wherein is contained the seed which is blackish somewhat like Onion seed but larger of a sharp taste and sweet strong favour the root is small fibrous and yellow perishing every year Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Latine Authours Melanthium and Nigella We in England call it Gith and Nigella Romana it is also called by some Fennel flower Bishops-wort St. Katherines flower and of some Kiss me twice before I rise and the Old Mans Beard Place and Time That which is most common with us is sown in Gardens and being sown in April it will flower in July and the seed be ripe in September Nature and Vertues The seeds of Nigella are hot and dry in the third degree and of thin parts I suppose under the influence of Jupiter The seed drunk in Wine helps shortness of Breath expells winde provokes Vrine and the Courses kills worms is good against Poisons and the bitings of venomous Beasts it likewise increases Milk in Womens Breasts if moderately taken but otherwise it is hurtful to Nurses and to all others that take it too often or in two great quantity The Common dose of the seed therefore is from half a dram to a dram A dram thereof taken in wine or Posset drink before the sit is effectual in Tertian and Quartain Agues It is an excellent remedy in other distempers that need cleansing heating and drying and opens obstructions being boiled in Vinegar and so taken being applyed to the Navel with juyce of Wormwood it kills Worms being dryed and quilted in Linnen or Sarcenet and applyed to the Head it cures Cathars and Rheumes dryeth the Brain and restores lost smelling being mixed with Vinegar and applyed it takes away Scurf Freckles and hard swellings the smoke of it drives away venomous creatures and kills Flyes Wasps and Bees The seed mixed with Oyl of Flower de Luce and applyed to the forehead helps a cold Head-ache Nightshade Solanum COmmon Nightshade hath an upright green hollow stalk Description about a foot high and sometimes more bushing forth into many branches whereon grow
it perfects its seed in August the second year after it is sown Nature and Vertues It is a Mercurial herb and is hot and dry in the second degree the seed is hot in the second degree and dry almost in the third its root is temperately hot Parsley is excellent to provoke Vrine to break the Stone and ease the pains thereof it provokes the Terms and is comfortable to the stomach breaking winde both there and in the belly the roots open obstructions and provokes urine mightily and may be boiled and eaten like Parsnips for the purposes aforesaid for which the seed decocted in wine is very effectual it is profitable for the Yellow Jaundies Falling Sickness and Dropsie the root is one of the five opening roots and is used amongst other herbs and roots that move the belly downwards the seeds are effectual against venome and poison and for them that have taken Litharge it is also used amongst other things for the Cough and being boiled in white wine and drunk it brings away the Birth and After-birth The leaves of Parsley eaten after Onions or Garlick takes away their offensive smell and suppresseth the Vapours that offend the head or eyes the leaves laid to inflamed or swoln eyes with bread or meal doth much help them and it abates the hardness of womens breasts caused by the curdling of their milk it takes away black and blue spots and marks which come by blows bruises and falls if it be fryed with butter and applyed thereunto the juyce mixed with a little wine and dropped into the ears easeth pains thereof the distilled water is good to give Children for the frets winde or gripings in their bellies or stomacks Parsley-pert or Break-stone Calculum frangens THis rises up with many leaves spread upon the ground Description standing upon a small long foot-stalk about the bigness of a mans nail much dented in the edges much like Parsley but of a dusky green colour the stalks are weak and slender two or three singers long set full of leaves to the top so that the stalk cannot be seen amongst which come forth greenish yellow flowers so small they can hardly be seen and the seed is very small the root is small and threddy yet abideth many years Names Lobel gave it the name of Percepier Anglorum and it is called Calculum frangens in Latine in English Break-stone Place and Time Parsley-pert delights in sandy and fallowed Ground and also amongst Corn it groweth commonly in most Countreys of this Nation it is found from April to the end of October Nature and Vertues It is cold and dry about the second degree I suppose under the influence of Venus it is singular to provoke Vrine and expel gravel and the Stone in the Reins and Kidneys washing it down by Vrine and expelling it out of the Bladder either to drink the decoction of the said herb in Wine or water or the juyce in white Wine taken morning and evening or a dram of the dryed herb in powder drunk in white Wine or other drink first and last divers dayes together it will make a good Sallet herb for the said purposes being pickled up like Sampire and eaten as a sauce in Winter when the green herb cannot be had Parsnip Pastinaca I Think this needs no description Pastinaca is their Latine appellation they are common amongst Gardners and is a good root to be eaten buttered by it self or amongst salt Fish their particular vertues you may read before in Carrots there being little difference but onely in colour Cow Parsnip Spondylium THis plant is known by the name of wilde Parsnip Description it answering thereunto both in his rank savour and in the likeness of the root the leaves hereof are long and large deeply notched or cut about the edges like the teeth of a Saw of an over-worn green colour having long hairy foot stalks the flowers grow in tufts like the wilde Parsnips in white and sometimes reddish Umbels the root is long and white like to the Henbane root The whole plant hath an ill-favoured smell Names It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine also Spondylium in English Cow Parsnip Meadow Parsnip and Madnep Place and Time Cow Parsnip grows commonly in moist fertil Meadows and Pastures and flowreth in June and July the seed is ripe in August Nature and Vertues It is manifestly hot of temperature and of a cutting faculty the leaves hereof being bruised and applyed doth consume and dissolve cold swellings the Oyl wherein the leaves and roots hereof have been botled is good to anoint the Heads of such as are troubled with the Lethargy Forgetfulness or the Head-ache and much helpeth phrenctick or Melancholly persons their Heads being anointed with it The seed of Cow-Parsnip being drunk in convenient liquor purgeth Phlegm out through the Guts helps short windedness the strangling of the Mother Jaundies and falling Sickness and the sume of the seed will revive such as are sallen into a swoon or deep sleep and helps womens passions of the Mother the smoke being received underneath The juyce of the flowers dropped into the ears cleanseth and healeth them of filthy matter and stayeth the running thereof The Peach Tree Nux Persica THis Tree is nourished onely in Gardens so that a description is needless Names It is called in Latine Nux Persica I suppose the reason because they came originally from Persia Nature and Vertuâ—s The fruit is cold in the first degree and most in the second the Kernels be hot and dry it is a tree ascribed to Venus Pouches moderately eaten as all fruit ought to be are good for hot constitutions to cool the Stomach and to sea the Belly according to Galen the best time of eating them is before meals for then they mollisie the Belly provoke appetite and qualifie choller in the Stomach The Kernels of the Stones are profitable amongst other ingredients to break the Stone and do ease pains and gripings of the Belly caused through windiness and sharp humours an oyl drawn from them and put into Glisters doth the like A milk or cream of the said Kernels being drawn forth with some Vervain water and applyed to the Forehead and Temples doth procure rest to sick persons and so doth the said oyl the places aforesaid being anointed with it the same Oyl or the juyce of the leaves dropped into the Ears easeth pains of them and being bruised and boiled in Vinegar till they be thick and applyed to a bald Head it causes hair to grow The leaves boiled in Ale or Milk and drunk loosens the Belly and killeth worms and so they do being bruised and laid on the Belly and being dryed they discuss humours The powder whereof strewed upon fresh bleeding Wounds stayeth the bleeding and closeth them up The flowers infused all night in Wine in a warm place and strained in the morning and drunk gently moves the Belly or you may make a syrrup of them by
inflammations as St. Anthonies fire being often bathed with wet cloathes dipped therein or the juyce made into an oyntment with Ceruse and Oyl of Roses and anointed therewith which also doth cleanse soul Vlcers and running Scabs in childrens heads and helpeth to stay the falling off of the hair from the head Pennyroyal Pulegium Regale THis is so well known to be a very wholesome herb that it needs no other report but onely of its Vertues Names It is called in Latine Pulegium Regale in English Pudding-grass because it is used in Hogs-puddings Pulial-Royal and of some Organy Place and Time It grows upon Commons and other moist watry places and is also cherished in Gardens and flowers about August or later Nature and Vertues Penniroyal is hot and dry in the third degree as Gallen saith of subtle parts making thin warming and digesting and governed by Venus A decoction of it in beer or wine provokes the Courses and being boiled in wine it will expel a dead Childe and the after-birth It stayeth vomiting and helps gnawing of the stomach being taken with water and vinegar the decoction is good in the Falling sickness Dropsie Jaundies stopping of Vrine and the Leprosie being mixed with honey and salt it clears the breast opens the Lungs helps Cramps and purges melancholly humours by stool and being drunk in wine it helps such as are stung by venomous beasts being beaten with mint and some vinegar added to it it is profitable against fainting and swooning being smelled to or held in the mouth and so it is good for the Lethargy and Falling-sickness The powder of the Herb or the ashes of it strengthens the gums and being boiled in wine with honey and salt helps the tooth-ache It also easeth the Gout and profits those that are spleenatick or liver-grown being applyed with some salt A bathe made of it for women to sit in helps hardness of the Mother and so it helpeth the Itch The green herb bruised with vinegar takes away black and blue marks about the eyes or other places and discolourings in the face and cleanseth and healeth foul Vlcers it helps cold griefs in the joynts being fast bound to the place after a bathing The distilled Water is effectual for many of the same purposes Piony Pionia OF this Plant there are generally accounted these two kindes the male and the female which are both so well known that they need not a particular description onely this the male is that which is called a single Piony bearing a single flower and the female the double Piony which hath a very thick flower Names Pionia is the common Latine name for it yet it 's called by some Lunaria because of its efficacy in curing the Falling-sickness and Lunacy Place and Time They grow onely in Gardens and flower in May and the seed is ripe in July Nature and Vertues It is temperately hot and dry the root doth gently binde it is a Solar Herb The heads roots and seeds but especially the roots are very effectual for the Falling-sickness being taken up and hung fresh about Childrens necks it cures them the root infused in Sack twenty four hours and strained and a good draught drunk first and last several dayes before and after the full of the Moon the body being first well prepared and Betony Posset being used it effectually helps the Falling-sickness both in children and elder people The powder of the male Piony root drunk in wine or posset drink will do the same and so doth an extraction made of the roots and the syrrup made of the flowers The root comforts and cherishes the body provokes urine purges the Liver and Kidneys and being boiled in wine and drunk it purges the blood the terms and secondine the quantity of an Almond being taken at a time it helps gripings of the belly and pain of the Kidneys and Bladder and the overflowing of the Gall the Chollick and cleanses the guts passions of the brain and the Strangury being boiled in wine and drunk The powder of the root with Saffron is good against the yellow Jaundies the black seed provokes the Terms and helps those that are troubled with the Night-mare being taken night and morning the same in powder drunk with wine comforteth the senses and restoreth lost speech Pepper Piper I Shall not describe this forreign Tree but onely tell you the Vertues of the fruit being all that part of it which is to be seen in England Nature and Vertues There is brought to us black Pepper white Pepper and long Pepper It is hot and dry in the third degree well near the fourth The black Pepper is most used and is good to consume crude and moist humours in the stomach to provoke appetite help digestion and warm a cold stomach it dissolves winde provokes urine helps the Cough and diseases of the Breast and is good against poisons and venomous bitings being drunk in Posset-drink before the fit of an Ague it abates the shaking thereof and being taken with honey it abates the swelling of a Quinzie The powder snuffed up purges the brain by sneazing it consumes the Pin and Web in the Eye and helps dimness of the sight It strengthens the Nerves and Muscles dissolves the Kings Evil and hard cold swelling being applyed with pitch it draws out thorns The powder of long Pepper and Cinquefoil drunk in Ale easeth the Chollick But such as are of hot constitutions must forbear the much use thereof ☞ See further of this in Culpeppers School of Physick Periwinckle Vinca Pervinca THere be divers sorts of Periwinckle Description some with white flowers some with blue and others with purple flowers the common sort of Periwinckles hath many branches running upon the ground shooting out small fibres at the joynts by which it taketh hold on the ground and rooteth at divers places At the joynts of the branches stand two small dark green shining leaves somewhat like Bay-leaves but smaller and with them come the flowers one at a joynt upon a tender foot-stalk being somewhat long and hollow parted at the brims into four and sometimes five leaves of a pale blue colour the root is not much bigger then a Rush creeping with his branches far about in the ground Names It is most known by the names of Vinca Pervinea though it is also called Clematis Daphnoides both in Greek and Latine in English Pervinckle and Periwinckle Place and Time The common sort with the blue and that with the white flowers grow under hedges in many places of this Land the other onely in curious Gardens They flower in March April and May. Nature and Vertues It is hot almost in the second degree and somewhat dry and astringent it is appropriated to Venus and said to encrease milk in womens breastâ—â— and to cause mutual love between man and wife the leaves being eaten by them both and likewise the herb chewed stayes bleeding at mouth and nose and is used by the French to stop the Tearms It
is good for sores of the Yard Mouth and Fundament and for looseness of the skin about the nails and swellings and knots in any part of the body a decoction of the seeds is good to strengthen and fasten the Teeth Poplar Vide Aspen Tree Poppy Papaver THere be divers kindes of Poppies Description as white Garden Poppy black Garden Poppy red wilde Poppy or Corn-rose the two first grow onely in Gardens where they are sown the other is so well known in almost every Corn field that it needs no description Names Papaver is the general Latine Name for Poppy yet to the wilde red Poppy is added the Adjectives erraticum rubrum or sylvestre and it is generally known by the English Names of Redweed Corn-rose and Cheesebouls There is another kinde called Papaver spumeum Spatling Poppy being usually found with a froth like spittle upon the stalks and leaves more then upon any other Plant It hath many 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 set together at the joynts one against another having many times upon the leaves but more often upon the stalks at the joynts a white frothy substance like that which is called Cuckow-spittle or Wood-seer at the tops of the stalks upon many slender foot-stalks stand divers white slowers composed of five small leaves a piece with a deep notch in the middle of every one of them standing in a thin loose striped husk wherein afterwards is contained black seed The Root is white and spreadeth in the ground continuing many years but the roots of all the other Poppies dye every Winter Place and Time The two first as I told you grow onely in Gardens where they are sown the red weed almost in every Corn Field the spatling Poppey grows also in Corn Fields sometimes in Pastures and by high-way sides they begin flowring in May and continue till the end of July The seed is ripe presently after Nature and Vertues The Moon claims particular dominion over these Herbs and assigneth them these Vertues A syrrup made of the Garden Poppey heads with the seeds procures rest and sleep in sick persons and stayeth Catarrhs and defluxions of thin Rheumes from the Head upon the Stomach and Lungs which cause a continual Cough the sore-runner of a Consumption The seed of black Poppey drunk in Wine stops the Flux of the Belly and the overflowing of the Tearms A pultis made of the green knops with Barley Meal and Barrows Grease helps St. Anthonies sire and the green knops being stamped with Vinegar womans Milk and Saffron mightily easeth the Gout and cureth another kinde of St. Anthonies fire called Erysipelas and put into the Fundament as a Glister it causeth sleep The condensate juyce is called Meconium and is many times used in Narcotick Medicines instead of the true opium which is brought from Thebes but it is weaker it is an ingredient in Treacle and Mithridate and other Medicines made to procure rest and sleep and to ease pains of the Head and other parts and is used to cool Inflammations Agues and Phrenzies but it must be carefully used inwardly for too great a quantity causeth the Lethargy and sometimes death it giveth much ease in the Gout being outwardly applyed and easeth the pain of hollow Teeth being put therein The Syrrup made of the Redweed Flowers or wilde Poppey is good against Surfeits cools the Blood and may be safely given in Fevers Phrensies and hot Agues and other Inflammations The distilled water of the said flowers is good to drink morning and evening against Surfeits and is effectual in the Plurifie and all other griefs of the Breast and Head The dryed flowers boiled in water or the powder of them drunk in the distilled water or in some other drink worketh the same effect The Syrrup of Meconium or Diacodium which is made of the heads of white and black Poppeys may safely be given to those which are troubled with hot and sharp Rheumes According to Gallen the seeds of spatling Poppey purgeth Phlegm and Dioscorides saith it causeth Vomiting but being taken in Mead or Honeyed Water it is good for them that are troubled with the Falling Sickness Purslain Portulaca IT is a well known Garden Sallet Herb and needs no description Names It is called Portulaca in Latine Place and Time It may be sown in March or April and flourisheth from June till Michaelmas Nature and Vertues Purslain is cold in the third degree and moist in the second and is also a Lunar Herb it is a good Sallet eaten with Oyl and Vinegar to provoke Appetite and cool a hot Stomach it fastneth the Teeth asswageth the swelling of the Gums and cooleth the Mouth and easeth the pains of the Teeth it is good in hot Agues and to cool the Liver Blood and Reins so that it stops Chollerick Fluxes of the Belly Womens Courses and the Gonorrhea distillations from the Head and caseth pains proceeding from Heat want of sleep or the Phrenzy The seed cools the heat and sharpness of Vrine abates the heat of Lust and Venerious Dreams and the overmuch use thereof extinguisheth the natural seed the seed bruised and boiled in Wine and given to Children killeth Worms The juyce is singular good for all the said purposes and for Inflammations or Vlcers in the secret parts and helpeth excortations in the Bowels and the Hemorrhoides The said juyce used with Oyl of Roses is good for Blastings by Lightning burnings with Gun-powder to-allay the heat of sore Breasts or of any other Sores It is likewise effectual to stay Vomitings and taken with Sugar or Honey it quencheth immoderate thirst helps an old and dry Cough shortness of Breath and the Ptisick and the thickned juyce made into Pills with Gum Traganth and Arabick helps such as make bloody water The bruised herb being applyed to the Forehead and Temples allayeth excessive heat therein and applyed to the Eyes it helps redness and Inflammations in them and Pushes and Wheals and St. Anthonies fire in other parts especially having a little Vinegar put to it and being mixed with the like quantities of Galls and Linseed it helpeth the Crick in the Neck and taketh away pains therein being applyed thereunto Potatoes Battata THese came originally to us from the Indies and those which we call Jerusalem Artechokes from Canada The Spanish Potatoes are called Battata Amotes Camotes Pappus and many other names The Jerusalem Artichoke Heliotropium Indicum tuberosum c. Nature and Vertues The leaves are hot and dry the roots of a temperate quality under the influence of Venus Potatoes do much nourish and strengthen the Body and increase and stir up bodily lust being eaten which way soever they are dressed They are used in Pyes and are excellent good Preserved and Candied or roasted under the Embers and eaten with Sack and Sugar The Virginia Potatoes are not so pleasant as the other
but the Jerusalem Artichokes which you may have plentiful enough if you will let them once take root in your Gardens being boiled tender and then stewed with Butter and Wine or how you please taste much like the bottom of an Artichoke and are no less nourishing then they ☞ See further of this in Culpeppers School of Physick Primrose Primulae Veris THese are very well known to be the Ladies of the Spring being the first that flower wherefore they are called in Latine Primulae Veris They are somewhat dry and astringent of temperature The leaves are good to apply to Inflammations and to heal burnings and scaldings and an Oyntment made thereof is excellent to heal green Wound they are very near in nature unto Cowslips to whose particular Vertues I refer you Privet THis is seldom used in Physick therefore I shall onely read to you its Uses because they that have it near them may use it when they cannot get other helps It is usually planted in Hedges in Gardens to make walks and knots and groweth wilde in many Woods and Parks of this Land It flowers in June and July and beareth ripe berries in September Nature and Vertues Privet is a Lunar Herb of temperature cold and dry the decoction of it is a good Lotion to wash sores and sore mouths to cool inflammations and dry up Fluxes The distilled water of the flowers is good for the same purposes and to stay womens Courses and Fluxes of the belly bleeding at mouth and distillations of Rheums in the Eyes being used with Tutia An Oyl made by infusion of the Flowers is good for inflamed Wounds and the Head-ache proceeding of an hot cause as saith Mathiolus Queen of the Meadows or Meadsweet Regina Prati MEadsweet springeth up with divers broad winged leaves Description deeply dented about the edges set on each side of a middle rib and are somewhat rough hard and crumpled like Elm-leaves having lesser leaves with them like Agrimony of a sad colour on the upper side and grayish underneath of a pleasant scent and taste like unto Burnet the stalks are reddish and grow two or three foot high having on them such leaves as those below but somewhat lesser at the tops whereof and of the branches stand many tufts of small white flowers thick together smelling sweeter then the leaves after which come crooked and cornered seed The Root is somewhat wooddy blackish on the outside but reddish within and is nourished by fibres so that it continues many years and hath also a good smell Names It is called in Latine Vlmaria because of the likeness between its leaves and Elm-leaves and also Regina prati Place and Time It grows frequently in moist Meadows by watery ditches and rivers sides it flowers in some place or other all the Summer Quarter Nature and Vertues Meadsweet is cold and dry with an astringent quality and ascribed to Venus Two or three of the leaves put into a cup of Claret giveth it a fine rellish and also maketh the heart merry and chearful The decoction thereof in wine helpeth the Chollick and taken warm with a little honey it opens the belly but being boiled in red wine and drunk it stayes Looseness The decoction thereof is good to heal sores in the mouth or secret parts The distilled water helps Inflammations of the Eyes and clears the Sight The smell of the flowers make the heart chearful and therefore are excellent to adorn houses the root helps horses of the Bots and Worms and so it would do in men if they drink the decoction thereof and therefore the Germans call it Wormkrant the worm-plant The root likewise made into powder or boiled and drunk powerfully sâ—â—yes Womens Courses the Whites the Bloody Flux Lâ—â—k and all other Fluxes of Blood and is good against vomiting and it is said that if it be boiled in wine and drunk it first altereth and afterwards taketh away the fits of Agues Quince-Tree Malus Cydonia I Suppose the Tree but especially the fruit to be so well known they need no description Names It is called in Latine Malus Cydonia and Cotonea The Spaniards call it Membrillio and Marmello from whence comes the word Marmalade Place and Time They delight to grow near ponds and waters sides and are plentiful in this Land It flowers in April and May and the Fruit is ripe about Michaelmas Nature and Vertues They are cold in the first and dry in the second degree they are earthy and binding the Fruit is not durable and is harsh and unpleasant to eat raw but being scalded roasted baked or preserved they become very pleasant They are Saturnine The Syrrup of the Juyce of Quinces strengthens the heart and stomach relieves nature stayes looseness and vomiting for looseness take a spoonful of it before meat for vomiting after meat It corrects Choller and Phlegm and helps Digestion To make Quinces purging put honey to them instead of sugar and if you would have them more laxative then to purge Choller adde Rhabarb for Phlegm Turbith and for watry humours Scammony If you would have them binde forceably use the unripe Quinces with Roses Acacia or Hypocistis and some Rhabarb torrefied The juyce of raw Quinces is accounted an Antidote against deadly poyson and it hath been found certain that the smell of a Quince hath taken away the strength of white Hellebore outwardly to binde and cool hot fluxes the Oyl of Quinces or other medicines made thereof are available to anoint the belly or other parts therewith It also strengthens the stomach belly and sinews and restrains immoderate sweatings The muscilage of the seeds boiled in water is good to allay the heat and heal the sore breasts of women and with Sugar it is good to lenifie the hoarseness and harshness of the throat and roughness of the tongue The Marmalade is both toothsome and wholesome and a decoction of the doun that grows upon the Quinces is good to restore lost hair and being made up with Wax and applyed as a plaister it bringeth hair to them that are bald and keepeth it from falling if it be ready to shed Radish Rhaphanus THe Garden Radish needs no description it is called in Latine Rhaphanus Nature and Vertues Radishes are rather a sawce then a nourishment they are hot in the third degree and dry in the second and do open and make thin and is governed by Mars The roots do provoke urine and so doth the distilled water the root stamped with honey and the powder of a sheeps heart causeth hair to grow The seed causeth vomiting and provoketh urine and being drunk with Oximel or honied water it drives forth Worms The root boiled in broth is good against an old Cough it moveth womens Courses and increases milk and is good for the Dropsie the Chollick gripings in the belly and griefs of the Liver It is good for them which are sick with eating Toadstools or other poison they are much used as sawce with meat to
little long pods of a bitter and hot biting taste and so are the leaves the root is small and wooddy Names It is called Eruca in Latine Place and Time The first is an inhabitant in Gardens this which I have described is found in many places of this Land They flower about June and July and the seed is ripe in August Nature and Vertues It is an herb of Mars hot and dry in the third degree and is seldom eaten alone but all sorts of Rocket quicken Nature and provoke Lust the wilde kinde it more strong then the Garden kinde it helps digestion and provokes Vrine much the seed excites to Venery as much or more then the herb and is good against the bitings of the Shrew Mouse and other venomous Beasts it puts away the ill scent of the Arm-pits increaseth milk in Nurses and â—asteth the Spleen being mixed with Honey and applyed it cleanseth the skin from the Morphew and other spots with Vinegar it takes away Freckles and redness in the face it amendeth Scars black and blue spots and marks of the small Pox being used with an Oxe gall The herb boiled or stewed and some Sugar put to it helps the Cough in Children being taken often the leaves may be eaten with Lettice and Purslain and such cooling Herbs to correct the heat of it for eaten alone their overmuch heat causeth the Head-ache Roses Rosa THere is by Gerard mentioned fourteen kindes of Roses but it were useless to repeat them all here I shall onely treat of the red Rose the white the damask Rose and the Bryar Canker and the wilde Rose and these are so very well known they need no further description but onely of their vertues Nature and Vertues Roses have different qualities as well as colours the Damask purge the white and red cool and binde the white are held to binde most yet they are scarce used in Physick the red Rose according to Galen hath also a watry substance and a warm quality astringent and bitter The yellow threds in the middle do binde and dry more then the Rose it self The buds do cool and binde more then the full blown flowers according to Mesue the Rose is cold in the first degree and dry in the second and consisteth of divers substances as watry earthly airy aromatical and hot which causeth the bitterness and colour the fresh juyce purgeth Choller and watry humours but being dryed the heat is consumed and then they are astringent Of the Roses are made many simple and compound Medicines whereof it is too large here to treat of A decoction of the red Roses in wine is a good Lotion for pains in the lower Bowels Fundament and Matrix the parts being bathed or put into them It is also good for the Head-ache and pains in the Eyes Ears Throat and Gums The same decoction with the Roses easeth Inflammations of the Heart being applyed to the Region thereof and also helps St. Anthonies fire and Inflammations of the stomach The dryed Roses taken in powder in some steeled Wine or Water stayes Womens Courses and so do the yellow threds being powdered and drunk in the distilled water of Quinces and likewise stayes defluxions of Rheum upon the Gums and Teeth fastens the loose Teeth and preserves them from corruption if they be gargled therewith and some Vinegar of Squills The red Roses do strengthen the heart liver and stomach and the retentive faculty and mitigate hot pains and inflammations The Conserve is binding and cordial and is profitable to stay Lasks and Fluxes of the Belly and is good for the Running of the Reins being mixed with powder of Mastick it likewise strengthens the stomach and helps digestion and resists vomiting and helps faintings and tremblings of the heart being mixed with Aromaticum Rosarum Sugar of Roses is also a very good Cordial to strengthen the heart and stay desluxions The Syrrup of dryed red Roses cools the over-heated Liver and Blood comforts the heart and resists putrefaction and stayes Fluxes There are Cordial Powders likewise made of them as Diarhodon Abbatis and Aromaticom Rosarum which help digestion and strengthen the heart and stomach The heads with seed in powder or in decoction stayeth the Lask and spitting of blood Red rose-Rose-water is cooling and cordial refreshing weak and faint spirits and is for that purpose used either in meats or broths to wash the Temples and smell to or to receive the sweet vapour thereof out of a perfuming-pot or hot fireshovel it is good against redness and inflammations of the Eyes and to bathe the Temples against the Head-ache for which purpose vinegar of Roses it also good and to procure rest and sleep take a piece of red rose cake cut fit for the head moisten it in Rosewater and Vinegar of Roses and heat it between a double-folded cloath on a Chafing-dish of coals with some beaten Nutmeg and Poppy-seed strewed on the side which must lye next the Forehead and Temples and binde it on for all night Of the Damask Roses are made Syrrups both simple and compound the simple solutive Syrrup is a safe easie medicine gently purging Choller being taken from one ounce to four The Syrrup with Agarick worketh on Phlegm as well as Choller and one ounce thereof worketh more strongly then three of the simple The compound Syrrup with Hellebore worketh forceably upon melanchollick humours and is available against the French Disease Tetters Itch. c. Honey of Roses solutive is also opening and purging and is often given in Glisters and so is the Syrrup made with sugar The Conserve of Damask Roses do likewise gently open the belly The distilled water is much used for fumes and to sweeten things and the dried leaves for Sweet-bags Honey of red Roses is good to wash sores in the mouth throat or elsewhere The fruit of the wilde Bryer which some call Heps though in Hampshire we call them Canker-berries being made into a Conserve when they are fully ripe do binde the belly and stayeth defluxions from the head upon the stomach drying up the moisture thereof and helping digestion and are of a pleasant taste The pulp of them dryed to a hard consistence and made into powder and taken in drink stayeth the Whites the powder of the Briar-ball easeth the Chollick provokes Vrine kills Worms and is good to break the Stone being taken in drink Ros Solis or Sun-dew IT hath many hollow Description round small leaves greenish but full of red hairs which makes them seem red every one standing upon a hairy redish foot-stalk the leaves keep a dew upon them in the hottestday having a certain slimeness the small hairs always holding this moisture amongst the leaves rise up small slender stalks reddish also bearing divers small white knobs one above another which are the flowers after which in the heads come certain small seeds The Root consisteth of a few small hairs Names It is called in Latine Ros solis in English Sun-dew Lustwort Moor-grass
leaves which turn into leaves as small as dust the root is small and long growing deep into the ground the taste hereof is not perceivable at first but after a little while there may be perceived a somewhat astringent taste a little bitter and sharp withal but without any manifest heat Names This plant hath acquired several names according to the various opinions of Authours as Polygonum minus by Mathiolus and Castor durantes Herba Turca by Lobel but the most usual and known Latine name is Herniaria from Hernia a Rupture and in English Rupture-worb Place and Time It delights to grow in barren sandy and rocky grounds as upon the dry chalky and sandy grounds in Kent and elsewhere and flowers and flourishes in the four Summer Moneths which are spelled sine littera R. Nature and Vertues Rupture-wort is very drying binding closing and sasting Saturnine It s name speaks its Vertues that is to cure the disease called the Rupture or Burstness which is the falling down of the Guts into the Cods A dram of the herb in powder taken in wine for many dayes together or the decoction of the herb in Wine or the juyce or distilled water drunk in the same manner marvellously helps that Disease and being so taken it stayes Fluxes Vomiting and the Gonorrhea it helps the Strangury stopping of Vrine Stone or Gravel in the Reins or Bladder stitches in the Side griping pains in the Stomach or Belly and obstructions of the Liver and cures the yellow Jaundies and killeth Worins in Children it conglutinates Wound cheing outwardly applyed and helpeth to stay defluctions of Rheumes from the head to the eyes nose and teeth the temples and nape of the Neck being bathed with the decoction of the dryed herb or the green herb being bruised and bound thereto it dryes up the moisture of foul spreading and fistulous Vlcers and is good to be bruised and applyed to the place of a Rupture having a Truss bound thereunto Rice Oriza THis is an East-Indian grain and groweth up there much like the stalk of Wheat but in regard it groweth not with us I shall describe it no further but proceed to declare its vertues we having it plentifully brought hither by industrious Merchants Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines following them call it Oryza Nature and Vertues Rice is binding and drying temperate and not exceeding in heat or cold the pottage made thereof with milk and spiced with Sugar and Cynamon is pleasant and easie of digestion and is reputed to increase seed it is very useful to stay all Lasks or Fluxes being so eaten or beaten to powder and mixed with yolks of Eggs and fryed with fresh Butter and eat morning and evening and being so taken it helps the bloody Flux it is good to put in Cataplasms to repeli humors and being boiled in running Water and the face bathed therewith it takes away spots and pimples it is an excellent and wholesome food and in great estimation amongst the Indians though not so much in repute with us Perhaps because it is too cheap for the wanton rich and too dear for the pining poor c. Rye Secale THis Grain is well known in England more for food then Physick but the bread and leaven of it is good to ripen Imposthumes and Boils or other swellings Mathiolus saith that water wherein the Ashes of Rye straw hath been infused four and twenty hours heals chops of the hands and feet being washed therewith Meal of Rye put between a double cloth and moistned with Vinegar and heated in a pewter Dish over a Chafing dish of Coals ond applyed hot to the head easeth continual pains thereof Rye is more digesting then Wheat but it is windy and griping in the Bowels Saffron Crocus THe Chives of the Flower commonly called Saffron are generally well known so that a description is needless Names It s Latine names are Crocus and Crocum it is also termed Filius ante patrem because it putteth forth flowers before the leaves Place and Time It is plentifully manured in Fields in Essex and Cambridge-shire Saffron-Walden takes her name from its growing there it begins to flower in September and presently after the leaves shoot forth and abide green all the Winter dying again in April when it puts forth another Crop of Flowers which must be gathered as soon as it is blown or else it is lost so that Jack Presbyter for covetousness of the profit can reach his Sabbatarian Conscience to gather it on Sunday and so he can to do any thing else that redounds to his profit though it destroy his Brother Nature and Vertues Saffron is hot in the second degree and dry in the first of a little astringent quality it is an Herb of the Sun a great Cordial and comforter of the spirits it expells venome from the Heart strengthens the Stomach helps concoction preserves the Entrails and is very useful in the Plague Pestilence small Pox and such contagious diseases the Tincture thereof is profitable in fits of the Mother it strengthens the Memory Head Stomach Spleen Bladder animal vital and natural spirits and helps cold diseases of the Brain and Nerves it is profitable for the Lungs Consumption and shortness of Breath it is best for eld phlegmatick and melancholly persons it is good against melancholly and the Jaundies and stoppings of the Liver and Gall and is profitable for the Plurisie and provokes Vrine and Venus take ten grains of Saffron two ounces of Walnut Kernels Figs two ounces Mithridate one dram and a few Sage leaves stamp them into a mass with a sufficient quantity of Pimpernel water and keep it for use twelve grains thereof taken fasting is an excellent Antidote against the Plague and expelleth it from those that are infected Some write that two or three drams hereof taken brings death doubtless too great a quantity cannot do otherwise it is not safe to be given to women with childe Sage Salvia TO avoid prolixity we proceed to its vertues The Latine name of it is Salvia and so wholesome an Herb reputed by Schola salerni that they say Cur moritur homo dum Salvia crescit in horto Nature and Vertues Sage is hot and dry in the third degree an herb of Jupiter it restores natural heat and comforts the vital spirits and helps the Memory and quickens the sences it is very healthful to be eaten in May with Butter and also to be drunk in Ale it is good for women that are apt to miscarry or cannot conceive by reason of the over-much moisture-or slipperiness of their Wombs Sage Rosemary Honey-suckles and Plantain boiled in water or wine and some Honey and Allome added thereto is a good gargle for Cankers or Sores in the Mouth or Throat and for sores in the privy parts of Man or Woman and is good to be boiled with other comsortable and hot herbs to bathe the cold Sinews and to warm the Joynts and help
Palsies and Cramps and to strengthen and comfort the parts it is good against the Stitch and pains of the Side coming of Winde the Place being fomented with the decoction thereof in Wine and the boiled Sage afterwards applyed hot thereunto and the decoction thereof according to Dioscorides provokes Vrine and womens Courses The juyce of Sage taken in warm water helps a hoarseness and the Cough Rue is good to be planted amongst Sage to prevent the poison which may be in it by Toads frequenting amongst it to relieve themselves of their poison as is supposed but Rue being amongst it they will not come near it Wood Sage Salvia sylvestris WOod Sage springeth up with square hoary stalks Description sometimes two foot high having two leaves at every joynt much like other Sage but smaller softer whiter and rounder and a little dented about the edges smelling somewhat stronger the flowers stand on a slender long spike on the tops of the stalks and branches turning all one way when they blow and are of a pale whitish colour smaller then Sage but hooded and gaping like unto them the seed is blackish and round four usually in an husk together the root is long stringy and fibrous and abideth many years Names It is called in Latine Salvia sylvestris Place and Time It grows in Woods and by Hedge sides and High wayes and flowers about July Nature and Vertues Wood Sage is hot and dry in the second degree and attributed to Venus the decoction thereof provokes the Tearms and Vrine and provokes Sweat digests humors and dissolves swellings and nodes in the flesh and is therefore thought to be good against the French Pox. The decoction of the green Herb in Wine is good for those that have any Vein inwardly broken by a fall bruise or beating to disperse the congealed blood and consolidate the Vein and it is also good for such as are bursten the drink taken inwardly and the herb applyed outwardly and in the same manner used it is also good for the Palsie The juyce thereof or the herb in powder is goods to dry moist Vlcers and sores in the Legs or other parts thereby causing them to heal the more speedily and is also effectual in green Wounds Burnet Saxifrage Pimpinella Saxifraga IT hath great long roots like a Parsnip Description of a biting hot taste like Ginger the stalk is hollow and riseth up about three foot high with joynts and knees beset with large leaves much like those of Smallage or the Garden Parsnip The Plant consisteth of many leaves growing upon one stem cut about the edges like a Saw the flowers grow in white round tufts at the top of the stalks The seed is like Parsley seed but hotter and biting upon the Tongue There is a lesser kinde little differing from the greater but that the stalks and veins of the leaves of the lesser are of a purplish colour and the root hotter Names It is called Pimpinella major Saxifragia major and the lesser kinde Saxifragia minor in English great and small Saxifrage and Burnet Saxifrage Place and Time They grow plentifully in dry Pastures and Meadows and flower from June to the end of August Nature and Vertues The leaves seeds and roots of both kindes are hot and dry in the third degree and of thin and subtle parts The juyce of the leaves cleanseth the face of Spots and Freckles and causeth a good colour The distilled water thereof mingled with some Vinegar in the distillation dears the Sight and helps the dimness thereof The seed and root in powder drunk in wine or the decoction thereof made in Wine provokes Vrine breaks the Stone and is good against the Strangury and stoppings in the Kidneys and Bladder The Service Tree Sorbus THis grows to be a great Tree delighting in Woods and Groves and are also planted in Orchards there doth grow of them in the Woods of Mr. Hinde at Hedsor and in Woods and by High way sides I have found them in Surrey and Kent the Tree and fruit are both so well known that a further description is needless Names The Greeks call this Tree 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Sorbus and in English Service and Sorb-Tree Place and Time They flower in March and the fruit is ripe in September or the beginning of October Nature and Vertues The Service berries are of temperature cold and binding and more being hard then when they are rotten yet then people usually eat them but they yield no nourishment but what is gross and cold therefore they are better for medicine then meat and being gathered while they be hard and cut and dryed in the Sun they may be kept all the year to stay bleedings of Wounds Mouth or Nose Fluxes and Vomiting the decoction drunk or outwardly applyed Solomons Seal Sagillum Solomonis COmmon Solomons Seal groweth with a round stalk about half a yard high Description with the top bending down set with single leaves one above another somewhat large like the leaves of May Lilly of a blueish green colour with some Ribs therein and a little yellowish underneath at the foot of every leaf almost from the bottom it hath small long and white pendulous flowers like those of May Lilly but ending in five longer points for the most part two together at the end of a small foot stalk standing all on one side the stalk under the leaves after which come round berries green at first but afterwards of blackish green tending to blue wherein is contained small white hard stony seed The root is white and thick full of knobs or joynts in some places resembling the mark of a Seal the taste thereof is sweet at first but afterwards somewhat bitter and sharp Names It s common Latine name is Sigillum Solomonis and in English Solomons Seal and sometimes white Wort or white Root Jacobs Ladder and Scala Caeli in Latine Place and Time It grows in divers places of this Land as about Odiham in Hampshire in a Wood within two miles of Canterbury by Fish-pool Hill and between Newington and Sittingbourn in Kent and divers other places it flowers about May and the seed is ripe in September Nature and Vertues The roots of Solomons Seal are hot and dry and astringent a Saturnine Plant the roots have great vertue in sealing or closing up the rim of the Belly when it is bursten the decoction thereof taken in Wine or the powder in broth or drink and being outwardly applyed to the place it is likewise good for other hurts wounds or outward sores to heal and close up green wounds and to dry up and restrain the flux of humors into old sores it also slayes bleedings vomitings fluxes the running of the reins in men and the whites and reds in women it mightily conglutinates and soders broken bones in man or beast the bruised root applyed to the place and the decoction thereof or infusion in wine being strained out hard and drunk it is likewise
effectual for inward and outward bruises falls and blows to disperse the congealed blood and take away the pains and black and blue marks that abide after the hurt and the distilled water of the whole herb cleanseth the skin from Morphew Freckles and Spats making it fair and smooth Sampire Feniculum marinum ROck Sampire springeth up with a tender green stalk Description about half a yard high or two foot at the most branching forth almost from the bottom set with many thick almost round and somewhat long leaves of deep green colour three together and sometimes more on a stalk full of sap and of a pleasant hot or spicy taste at the tops of the stalks and branches stand Umbels of white flowers after which come large seed somewhat like Fennel seed but bigger The root is great white and long of a pleasant smell and taste and abideth many years Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Feniculum Marinum and in Shops Creta marina in English Sampire and Sea Fennel Place and Time The Cliffts in the Isle of Wight abound with it where it is incredibly dangerous to gather yet many adventure it though they buy their sauce with the price of their lives It groweth also about the Rocky Cliffts upon the Sea coast in most parts of England It flourisheth in May and June and is fittest to be gathered in the beginning of August It flowers and seeds in August Nature and Vertues Sampire is of a cleansing faculty and is hot and dry about the second degree and herb attributed to the influence of Jupiter Pickled Sampire is an excellent sauce for digestion of meats it breaks the Stone and expells Gravel out of the Reins and Bladder and provokes Vrine and womens Courses The decoction of the leaves seeds and roots in wine being drunk helps ill digestion and opens obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and of the Entrails which are the causes of most diseases it is grateful both to the taste and stoâ—◠〈◊〉 and helps to whet a dull appetite by the saltness and spiciness that is in it The way to preserve it in pickle is to boil it in water till it be tender and then pickle it up in a Barrel with a liquor made of Vinegar Water and Salt Saunders Santalum THere are three sorts of this plant brought unto us Kindes and Names viz. Santalum Rubrum Red Saunders Santalum Album or white Saunders and Santalum Citrinum or Flavum yellow Saunders they are all brought unto us from the East Indies where they naturally grow about the River Ganges and in the Isle of Timor and provinces adjacent Nature and Vertues Of all these three kindes of Saunders the yellow is the best the next is the white the red is least in use they are Solar Plants yet by temperature cold and dry in the second degree the red is more cooling and binding they open and cool the Liver and ease pain of the Head and are good to strengthen and revive the Spirits for which purpose they are used in Jellies Sauces and Broths c. they are likewise good in hot burning diseases as Fevers and such like The red Saunders applyed to Maids or Womens great Breasts mixed with the juyce of Purslain abateth their greatness and represseth their growing too big it is likewise effectual to stanch Blood at the Nose or other place being taken in red Wine and is used to slay defluctions of thin Rheume from the head and to cool and temper the heat in hot Agues hot Gouts and Insflammations In cordial medicines the white and yellow Saunders are most effectual by reason of their sweetness they help faintings of the Heart and weak Stomachs caused by heat they divert Melancholly and procure Mirth they stay the spermatical flux in man or woman The powder taken in a rear Egge or mixed with other things for that purpose or being infused in red Wine all night in Balneo or hot Embers and the Wing strained and drunk morning and evening for all inflammations it is very effectual being mixed with the juyce of Housleek Nightshade or Purslain outwardly they are good in Fomentations and Epithems against the intemperate heat of the Liver and being applyed with Rose water to the Temples they ease pains of the Head and stay the flowing of humours into the Eyes Sanile Sanicula SAnicle springeth up with many leaves of a middle size Description deeply cut or divided into five or six parts and some of them cut also sometimes standing upon brownish foot stalks about a handful high somewhat like the leaves of Crow-foot or the broadest sort of Anemonies finely dented about the edges smooth and of a dark green shining colour and sometimes reddish about the brims amongst which rise up small round green stalks without any joynt or leaf but at the top where it brancheth into flowers having a leaf divided into three or four parts at that joynt with the flowers which are small and white growing out of small round greenish yellow heads standing on a tuft together which afterwards contains small round burry seeds sticking unto any thing like the seeds of Cleavers The root consists of many black strings set together at a little long head which abideth with the green leaves all the winter Names It is called in Latine Sanicula from its efficacy in healing Wounds and by Lobel Diapensia in English Sanicle There is a sort called Pinguicula Eboracensis Butter-wort and Butter-root because of the oyliness of the leaf Place and Time It grows in woody shadowy places and under hedges in many places of this Land it flowers in July and the seed is ripe soon after nature and Vertues Sanicle is hot and dry in the second degree bitter in taste and somewhat astringent Culpepper ascribes it to Venus but I judge Mercury hath the greater influence upon it but the Sun most of all It is an excellent herb for any infirmity of the Lungs and is a singular good wound herb speedily healing all green Wounds and also Vlcers Imposthumes and bleeding inwardly and it dissipateth and represseth Tumors in any part of the Body if the decoction or juyce be taken or the powder in drink and apply the juyce outwardly The decoction of the leaves and root with a little honey added to it heals putrid and malignant Vlcers in the Mouth Throat and Privities by gargling and washing them therewith it helps to stay womens Courses and and all other Fluxes of blood and Lasks of the Belly ulcerations of the Kidneys pains in the Bowels and the running of the Reins being boiled in wine or water and drunk it is effectual to heal Burstings or Ruptures either inwardly or outwardly as well as any of the Consounds or other vulnerary herb whatsoever Of it also may be made an oyntment good for obstructions of the Liver and a syrrup or conserve for the Lungs Sauce alone or Jack by the Hedge THis herb as well as Wood-Sage is by some
it helps rising of the Mother provokes Vrine and expells Winde It takes away loathing of the Stomach and procures a good appetite it cuts tough Phlegm in the Chest and Lungs and is good to season stewed meat or broaths The juyce being snuffed up into the nostrils quickens the dull spirits in the Lethargy and being dropped into the eyes it clears the sight which is dulled by thin humours distilling from the brain The juyce heated with a little Oyl of Roses helps deafness and noise in the ears being dropped into them It helpeth to ease the Sciatica and members that have the Palsie being applyed pultisswise with Wheat-flower It is good against the stingings of Wasps and Bees and being laid in Chambers it killeth Fleas Savin Savina IT is nursed up in Gardens and abides green all the year being so well known it needs no further description Names It is called in Latine Sabina and Savina Nature and Vertues The leaves of Savin are hot and dry in the third degree and of subtle parts under the Influence of Mars The decoction of Savin is powerful to provoke Womens Courses and it also expells the Birth and After-birth and causeth Abortion It expelleth blood by Vrine and is good for the Kings Evil the powder thereof mixed with honey cleanseth filthy Vlcers and Fistula's but is unapt to heal them and being mixed with Cream and Childrens heads anointed therewith which have scabs or running sores it cleanseth and healeth them and also St. Anthonies fire a dram of Savine in powder mixed with three ounces of Nitre and two of Honey helps such as are short-winded as saith Mathiolus It kill Worms in Children being applyed to the Navel or the belly anointed with the Oyl thereof The powder of the leaves mixed with honey takes away spots and freckles in the face or body and helps blisters of the Yard gotten by a Lady of Pleasure they being first bathed with the decoction of the leaves and is good to heal Scabs and Itch Tetters and Ring-worms and to break Carbunckles and Plague-sores being spread upon a piece of leather and applyed to the place The distilled Water cleanseth the skin and helpeth such as have the Worms Saxifrage Saxifragia THere be accounted nine kindes of this Plant which grow in England Description I shall describe three of them as the most useful viz. English Saxifrage or Mead-Parsley White Saxifrage and Barnet Saxifrage English or Meadow Saxifrage called Mead-Parsley groweth with many green winged leaves like Fennel but thicker and broader amongst which rise up divers crested stalks of a Cubit high having thereupon divers smaller stalks of winged leaves also finely cut but harsh to the seeling bearing at the top Umbels of white Flowers tending a little to yellow after which come seed much like Fennel-seed but browner and of a small taste The Root is thick black without and white within and of a good savour White Saxifrage hath many round faint yellowish green leaves but grayish underneath spread upon the ground unevenly dented about the edges and somewhat hairy every one upon a little foot-stalk from whence riseth up a round brownish hairy green stalk about a foot high with a few leaves like the former but smaller branched at the top whereon stand pretty large white flowers of five leaves apiece with some yellow threds in the middle standing in a long crested brownish green husk after which ariseth sometimes a round hard head biforked at the top wherein s contained blackish small seed The Root is composed of black strings or fibres whereunto are fastned many reddish grains about the bigness of Pepper-corns which are called by the Apothecaries white Saxifrage seed Burnet Saxifrage springeth up with divers stalks of winged leaves set one against another each being somewhat broad and a little dented about the edges of a sad green colour at the tops of the stalks come Umbels of white Flowers and after them small blackish seed The Root is long and whitish Names Saxifraga and Saxifragia are the Latine Names Place and Time The first groweth commonly in Meadows and Pastures and flowers from May till the end of August The second grows in Fields and corners of Meadows and in grassie sandy places and the third grows in moist Meadows and flowers about July and the seed is ripe in August Nature and Vertues They are all hot and dry in the third degree and said to be herbs of the Moon but I can finde no reason for it the decoction of the seeds or roots of Mead-Parsley made in white wine helps the Strangury provokes the Courses and expells the secondine or dead Childe and breaks the Stone in the Bladder and Kidneys half a dram or a dram of the root in powder taken with sugar warmeth and comsorteth the stomach and easeth griping pains of the belly and the Chollick and expelleth Winde and outwardly it is good in somentations and bathes to provoke Vrine and ease pains of the belly which proceed from Winde The decoction of the seed or root of white Saxifrage or the powder thereof drunk in wine is good against the Stone Strangury and stoppings of the Kidneys and Bladder The distilled water of the whole herb is good for the same purposes and to cleanse the Stomach and Lungs from tough and thick Phlegm The same water is given by Nurses to their Children for the frets and stopping of Vrine The Burnet Saxifrage hath the same properties as the other in expelling Vrine Winde and helping the Chollick and to ease pains of the Mother to procure Womens Courses to break the Stone in the Kidneys and to digest cold and tough Phlegm in the stomach and is a good remedy against venome The dryed roots are as hot as Pepper and may be used for it being more wholesome as saith Tragus The root and seeds in powder taken with Sugar purgeth the brain restoreth lost speech and is good for Convulsions Cramps Apoplexies and cold Feavers The distilled Water when in Castoreâ—â— hath been boiled is good for the same and also for the Palsie and other cold griefs The same drunk with wine and vinegar is good in the Plague and preserves from infection and corrupted air being chewed in the mouth The distilled water beautifieth the face and cleanseth it from spots and freckles and causeth a good colour and is good for all the purposes aforesaid being taken with sugar the juyce of the leaves doth the same and being dropped into wounds in the head or any other place it dryeth up the moisture and heals them quickly The seeds being made into Comfits like Carraway seeds are good for all the aforesaid purposes Scabious and the kindes Scabiosa THere are many kindes of this Plant mentioned by Authours Description I shall onely name three viz. Common Scabious small common Scabious Corn Scabious The onely difference between the two first is that the leaves of one are bigger then those of the other and the Corn Scabious is greater then the other the flowers more
purple and the root doth not run deep into the ground as the first doth The common Field Scabious riseth up with many hairy soft whitish green leaves some whereof are not at all jagged or very little others are much rent in the sides and have films or small threads in them which may be seen in the breaking them among which rise up many round hairy green stalks two or three foot high with such like hairy green leaves on them but more deeply and finely divided and branched forth a little at the tops of the stalks stand round heads of flowers of a pale blewish colour many set together in a knop the outermost being largest with many threads in the middle and somewhat flat at the top and so is the head with seed The Root is great white and thick and grows deep into the ground abiding many years Names Scabiosa is the Latine Appellation hereof Place and Time The first groweth in Woods Meadows and Pastures plentifully almost every where the other in dry Fields Corn-fields and Fallow-Grounds they flower in June and July and so continue in some till the end of August the seed ripening in the mean time Nature and Vertues Scabious is hot and dry in the second degree a Mercurial plant and is of an opening cleansing and digesting quality it is effectual for all Coughs and diseases of the breast and lungs it ripens inward Vlcers Imposthumes and the Plurisie the decoction of the dry or green herb made in Wine and drunk often the clarified juyce taken in the morning fasting to the quantity of four ounces with a dram of Mithridate or Venice Turpentine defends the heart from infection of the Pestilence the party sweating two hours after it in his bed and after the first time taking it again if need require the same is good against the stinging of venomous Beasts Mathiolus saith that the decoction of the roots drunk forty dayes together or a dram of the powder thereof taken at a time in Whey helps such as are troubled with spreading Scabs Tetters or Ringworms though they be effects of the French Pox and the juyce or decoction helps Scabs or Itch and an oyntment made of the juyce doth the same The same juyce or decoction cleanseth and healeth inward Wounds The green herb bruised dissolves and breaks a Carbunckle or Plague sore being applyed thereto in three hours space and helps the stinging of any venomous beast being so applyed The decoction of the herb and roots applyed helps cold tumors or swellings in any part of the body and any sinew or vein that is shrunk The juyce made up with the powder of Borax and Camphire cleanseth the skin of Freckles Pimples Morphew and the Lepry The Tents which are dipped in the juyce or water thereof are good to heal green Wounds and old Sores and Vlcers and the bruised herb being applyed doth loosen any Splinter broken Bone Arrow head or such like thing lying in the flesh so that it may easily be drawn out The decoction used either alone or with juyce of Fennel helps redness and spots in the Eyes and the same decoction cleanseth the head from Dandriff Scurff Scabs and Itch the head being washed with it warm A syrrup made of the juyce and sugar is effectual for all the inward purposes aforesaid and so is the distilled water of the herb and flowers Scordium or Water Germander IT shooteth forth divers weak square hairy branches from a small root full of white strings Description spreading and running about in the ground the branches take root in divers places as they lie and spread whereby it much increaseth the leaves grow two at a joynt not so large as garden Germander leaves of a darkish green colour having thereon a shew of hairiness and hoariness somewhat soft full of veins and dented about the edges The flowers are small red and gaping standing at the joynts with the leaves towards the tops of the branches It is thought not to perfect its seed but is propagated by the branches Names Scordium is the Latine name Place and Time It grows in wet grounds and by waters sides in many places of England and flowers in June July and August It is usually gathered to be kept dry before it flowers Nature and Vertues Scordium in hot and dry of a certain harsh sharp and bitter taste it is a Solar herb a great resister of Venome and Infection and is the basis of that medicine called Diascordium it is of excellent use to strengthen the heart and procure sleep in Feavers it provokes the Tearms hastens womens labour helps their usual sickness in lying in and strengthens the Stomach ten grains or a seruple at a time may safely be given to weak people and a dram or more to them that are stronger The decoction of the green or dry herb in wine is good against venomous bitings and other deadly poisons and griping pains of the stomach or sides that come of cold or obstructions and for the bloody Flux it is good against an old Cough and to expectorate phlegm out of the Chest and Lungs being made into an Electuary with Cresses Rozen and Honey and is good for such as are bursten or troubled with the Cramp it is a special Counter-poison in all pestilential Diseases and Infections and is often used with good success before the fits of Agues to hinder the access and drive them away a little of the juyce thereof or the powder in drink taken fasting kills worms in the stomach or belly The decoction of the dryed herb with two or three Tormentil roots is available against the bloody Flux The juyce or a syrrup made of the herb is profitable for many of the forenamed griefs The green herb bruised and applyed healeth any green Wound and the dryed herb used with Honey cleanseth foul Vlcers A pultis or cerate made of the dryed herb helpeth to discuss Wens and excrescences in the flesh it easeth also pains of the Gout being applyed with vinegar or water Scurvy-grass Cochlearia OF this I shall mention two kindes Description common or Sea Scurvy-grass and Dutch or Garden Scurvy-grass The Sea Scurvy-grass is well known the Dutch or Garden Scurvy-grass hath divers fresh green and almost round leaves not so thick as the common sort a little hollowed in the middle and round pointed of a sad green colour standing every one by it self upon a long foot talk among which rise up divers long slender weak stalks about a foot high thick beset on each side with small white flowers on the tops of them which turn into small pods with little brownish seeds the root is white small and fibrous the taste of it is somewhat bitterish Names The Latines call it Cochlearia the leaf being like a spoon in English Scurvy-grass and Spoon-wort Places and Time The Sea Scurvy-grass groweth about the Sea Coasts and both on the Essex and Kentish shores in the River of Thames so far as the salt water
cometh the other groweth in the Marshes of Holland in Lincolnshire as well as in the Low Countreys and likewise prospereth in Gardens where it is sown they flower in April and give their seed about the latter end of May. Nature and Vertues Scurvy-grass is hot and dry much in quality like the Garden Cresses it is an herb of Jupiter It is an excellent remedy for that Disease called the Scurvy which often afflicts Sea-men and many persons by land besides I have had it this Summer after a Winters Ague but by drinking the juyce of this herb every morning in Ale or white Wine have by Cods blessing obtained a cure in a small time it may likewise be taken in decoction or in dyet drink being tunned up with new Ale or Beer and some long Pepper Grains Anniseeds and Liquorice added thereto and at three dayes old the drink will be fit for your use it opens obstructions and evacuates cold clammy and phlegmatick humors from the Liver seat of Blood and the Spleen wasting the swelling and hardness thereof and reduceth the body to a lively colour the juyce helps Vlcers and Sores in the mouth it being gargled with it and outwardly used it cleanseth the skin from spot and scars The conserve worketh the same effects as the juyce or herb and is a fine delicate medicine for weak stomachs Of Sebesten Myxa THis is a certain Plum Description brought hither out of Assyria and is called by them Sebestens in Latine Myxa and Myxaria from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is their name for the Tree Nature and Vertues Sebestens are temperately cold and moist of a thick clammy substance they cleanse the throat of hoarseness and roughness caused by sharp humors which descend from the head into the winde-pipe and cause difficulty of breathing they also cause phlegm to be avoided and help the Cough and Wheesings of the Lungs and distillations upon them they help the sharpness of Vrine proceeding from Choller or salt Phlegm and help such as are troubled with pains in thier sides they are good in hot Agues to cool the intemperate heat of the Stomach and Liver and to purge Choller Self-heal Prunella IT is a low creeping herb Description having many small and somewhat round leaves a little pointed of a sad green colour without any dents on the edges the stalks are square and hairy about half a foot high which sometimes are divided into branches with small leaves thereon to the top whereon stand brown spiked heads consisting of many scaly leaves and flowers mingled together gaping and commonly of a blueish purple colour but sometimes of a pale blue of a sweet smell in some but in a few places the root is small and threddy and by taking hold of the ground by the fibres which grow out from its branches it is much increased Names It is called generally in Latine Prunella and of some Solidago minor Consolida minor and Consolida minima in English Self-heal Hook-heal and Carpenters herb Place and Time It grows commonly in most Fields and flowers in May Nature and Vertues Self-heal is moderately hot and dry somewhat astringent an herb of Venus an excellent Wound Herb either for inward or outward hurts ot be taken inwardly in syrrup or decoction and outwardly to be applyed in Vnguent or Plaisters of it self alone it will heal any green wound being bruised and wrought with the point of a knife upon a trencher like unto a Salve and applyed and it good to heal the sore Nipples of Nurses it is good for those that have received hurt by bruises or falls a decoction being made thereof with Sanicle Bugle and such other Wound Herbs and is effectual to inject into outward Vlcers and the inward taking thereof will help the sharpness of humors which follow any Sore Vlcer Inflammation Swelling or the like the juyce hereof mixed with oyl of Roses is good to anoint the Temples and Forehead for the Head-ache and the same juyce mixed with a little honey of Roses cleanseth and healeth Vlcers and Sores of the Mouth and Throat and secret parts Sena Colutea THe true Sena is said to grow in Arabia and Syria Description and is transported from Alexandria to us there is a bastard Sena which is kept in many Gardens with us commonly called Colutea which is its Latine name Nature and Vertues The leaves of Sena which are onely used are hot near the first degree and dry in the third it is of a purging faculty and leaveth a binding quality after the purging it openeth obstructions and cleanseth and comforteth the Stomach being corrected with some Auniseed Carrawayseed or Ginger it purgeth Melancholly choller and Phlegm from the Head and Brain Lungs Heart Liver and Spleen cleansing those parts of evil humors a dram thereof taken in Wine Ale or Broth fasting it strengthens the sences and procureth mirth it is also good in cronical Agues whether Quartain or Quotidian it cleanseth and purifieth the blood and causeth a fresh and lively habit of the body and is a special ingredient in dyet drinks and to make purging Ale to be taken to clarifie and cleanse the blood The bastard Sena purgeth vehemently both upwards and downwards offending the Stomach and Bowels Shepherds purse Bursa Pastoris IT hath small long leaves Description of a pale green colour deeply cut in on both sides the stalk is small and round parted into many branches containing small leaves upon them up to the top the flowers are white and very small after which come flat pouches which hold the seed which are flat in form of a heart in each side whereof lyeth a small brownish yellow seed the root is small and white and perisheth every year Names The Latines call it Bursa pastoris and Pastoria Bursa in English Shepherds purse Poor mans Parmacity Toywort Pick-purse and Caseweed Place and Time It grows frequently almost in every Field and Hedges side and upon Banks about London they flower and seed all the Summer and some of them twice a year Nature and Vertues Shepherds purse is cold dry and binding a Saturnine Plant the decoction hereof stoppeth the Lask spitting of Blood pissing Blood the Terms and all other fluxes of Blood howsoever it be taken but especially with red Wine or Plantain Water the juyce helpeth mattering and running Fars being dropped therein A good Salve may be made hereof for Wounds especially in the head The bruised herb pultiswise applyed helpeth Inflammations St. Anthonies sire and cures running Sores Fistula's Swellings hardness new Wounds Shingles and rheumatick Sores The juyce being drunk helpeth straitness of the Breath the Strangury and stoppage of Vrine and stoppeth Phlegm and is very prevalent against venomous bitings being drunk with Wine and prevents the fits of Agues being taken an hour before the fit Skirret Sisarum THey grow not naturally in England but as they are planted in Gardens Names It is called in Latine Sisarum Siser Chervillum and Servilla they
in Fields upon old Walls by Paths sides and High wayes Nature and Vertues Sow-thistles are cold and binding and consisting of a watery and earthly substance being under the influence of Venus they are familiarly eaten beyond the Seas while they are young and tender especially the roots the juyce heated with a little Oyl of bitter Almonds in a Pomegranate Pill and dropped into the Ears helps noise therein and deafness and other diseases of the Ears the bruised herb or juyce is good to apply to Inflammations of the eyes or elsewhere and to help Wheals and Blisters in the skin and is good to help the heat and itchings of the Piles and the heat and sharpness of humors in the privy parts of man or woman the herb is eaten by some as a Sallet in the Spring to cool a hot stomach and ease the gnawing pains thereof The decoction in Wine helps to stay the dissolutions of the Stomach and the milk that comes from the stalk is good for such to drink as are short winded and are troubled with Wheesing Three spoonfuls of the juyce taken in some Wine warmed and a little Oyl with it causeth easie and speedy delivery it is said to avoid the Gravel and Stone by Vrine and the juyce taken in warm drink helps the Strangury The decoction of the leaves given to Nurses causeth abundance of Milk and suffereth it not to curdle in their Breasts The distilled water is effectual for all the diseases before named to be taken with Sugar inwardly and outwardly by applying cloathes or spunges wetted therein and is good for women to wash their faces to clear the skin The bruised herb or juyce applyed to Warts is said to take them away Sow-bread Panis Porcinus I Cannot finde that it is growing any where naturally in England but is brought to us from France and Italy so that I shall not describe it Names It is called in shops Cyclamen Panis porcinus and Artanita in English Sow or Swine-bread because the Swine love to feed on it in those Countreys where it grows Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the beginning of the third degree and cutteth cleanseth and digesteth it is an herb of Mars The distilled Water of the roots snuffed up into the Nostrils stayeth bleeding at nose saith Mathiolus and that six ounces of the water being drunk with one ounce of fine Sugar it stayeth the blood that cometh from the breast stomach or liver or a vein that is broken in them It purgeth violently and therefore is to be corrected with Mastick Nutmeg or a scruple of Rubarb and so it helps hardness and swelling of the Spleen and easeth the Chollick The juyce opens the Hemorrhoids and Piles and strongly moveth to stool The fresh root put into a cloth and applyed to the secret parts of a woman that is in long travel procures and easie and speedy delivery but if women with childe meddle with it before their due time it causeth Abortion The juyce of Plantain and the juyce of Sowbread of each a like quantity mixed together with Aloes Myrrhe and Olibanum stoppeth the bleeding of the Nose being applyed to the nostrils and forehead The juyce mingled with vinegar helpeth the falling down of the Fundament it being somented therewith ☞ See further of this in Culpeppers School of Physick Southernwood Abrotanum mas IT is generally known in Gardens so that it needs no description Names The Latines call it Abrotanum adding the Epithet mas to it to distinguish it from Abrotanum faemina which some hold to be Lavender Cotton Place and time The Gardens as I told you nourish it the time of its flowering is in June and July sometimes later Nature and Vertues It is a Plant of Mercury having a rarifying discussing quality and is hot and dry in the end of the third degree The tops of Southernwood stamped and drunk raw in water provoketh the Courses and is profitable for such as cannot breath without holding their necks straight up and for the Cramp shrinking of sinews and the Sciatica and for stopping of Vrine which effects the seeds and flowers do most powerfully perform if they can be had It destroyeth worms and is good against poison and venome being drunk in wine The seed if it can be had digests and consumes cold humours and tough Phlegm which stop the Spleen Kidneys and Bladder The tops boiled in wine or water and a little honey or sugar added to it helps difficulty of breathing being drunk three or four times a day and is good for the Cough Cardiack Passion and other inward griefs The ashes thereof mixed with Oyl of Palma Christi or old Oyl Olive restoreth lost hair and causth the beard to come forth speedily if it be anointed therewith twice a day against the sun or the fire The tops stamped with a roasted Quince and applyed to the eyes helps the inflammations thereof A Salve made of the leaves being boiled and stamped with Barley-meal and Barrows-grease dissolveth cold humours and swellings being applyed upon a piece of cloth or leather It helps also benummed or bruised Limbs being stamped with Oyl and applyed and takes away the shivering fits of Agues the back-bone being anointed with it before the fit come The bruised herb helps to draw forth splinters and thorns out of the flesh being applyed thereunto the ashes dryeth up old sores and ulcers The Oyl of Southernwood is good in those Oyntments that are used for the French Pox and kills lice in the head The distilled Water is said to help the Stone and diseases of the Spleen and Mother It is held more offensive to the stomach then Wormwood being taken inwardly but the dryed herb being put in a linnen bag and applyed to the stomach next the skin comforteth a cold stomach The herb boiled with Barley meal helps to take away pimples pushes and wheals in any part of the body Speedwell vide Fluellin Spignell Meum COmmon Spignell springeth up with sundry long stalks of leaves Description cut very finely like unto hairs smaller then Dill set thick on both sides of the stalk of a light or yellow green colour and of a good scent from amongst which rise up round stiff stalks with joynts having a few leaves at them at the tops whereof grow an Umbel of white flowers the edges whereof do sometimes give a shew of reddish or blush colour especially before they be full blown after which come little roundish seed 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 Names The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines Meum and in English it is called of some Mew Bald-money or Bearwort Place and Time It grows in Yorkshire Westmoreland and other Northern Countreys flowers in June and July and yields seed in August Nature and Vertues The roots of Spignel
are hot in the third degree and dry in the second and said to be under the influence of Venus an Electuary made of the roots with honey consumes winde in the stomach and guts and easeth gripings in the belly and is good against Catharrs Rheumes and Aches of the Joynts and phlegmatick humours that fall upon the Lungs The decoction in wine or water being drunk opens stoppings in the Kidneys and Bladder helps the Strangury provokes Vrine and stirs up Lust It also provokes the Tearms and helps griefs of the Mother but too great a quantity thereof causeth the head-ache The Roots which are onely used in Physick are effectual against the stinging or biting of any venomous creature and is an Ingredient in those main Antidotes Venice Treacle and Mithridate Spikenard Nardus Indica IT is naturally an Indian Plant called Nardus Indica therefore I shall proceed to declare its Vertues not troubling you at all with its description Nature and Vertues Spikenard is of a heating drying faculty as saith Dioscorides it is good to provoke urine and easeth pains of the stone in the Reins and Kidneys being drunk in cold water it helps loathing swelling or knawing in the stomach the yellow Jaundies and such as are liver-grown It is a good Ingredient in Mithridate and other Antidotes against poison to women with childe it is sorbidden but a decoction thereof may be a good bathe for others to sit over that are troubled with Inflammations of the Mother The Oyl of Spikenard is good to warm cold places and to digest crude and raw humours It worketh powerfully on all cold griess of the Head and Brain Stomach Liver Spleen Reins Bladder and of the Mother It purgeth the brain of Rheum being snuffed up into the nostrils being infused certain dayes in wine and then distilled in a hot bathe the Water is good inwardly and outwardly to be used for any coldness of the members It comforts the brain and helps cold pains of the head and the shaking Palsie Two or three spoonfuls thereof being taken helps passions of the heart swoonings and the Chollick being drunk with wine it is good against venomous bitings and being made into Trochis with wine it may be reserved for an Eye-medicine which being aptly applyed represseth obnoxious humours thereof Spinage Spinachia I Shall say but little of this it being more used by the Cook then the Physician for it is seldom used in physick and I believe not very substantial food though some greedily eat it some Latine Authours call it Spinachia and some say that the broth thereof makes the belly solluble easeth pains of the back clears the breast and strengthens the stomack Spleenwort or Ceterach Asplenium SPleenwort beareth many leaves near a span long Description jagged on both sides almost to the middle rib set in several orders not one against the other but one besides another being slippery and green on the upper side and of a dark yellowish roughness underneath which is conceived to be the seeds at its first coming up it rowleth and foldeth it self as Fern doth with many hairs on the outside The Root is small black and rough much platted or interlaced having neither stalk nor flower Names Caterach is the usual name of it in shops yet it is called Asplenium and Splenium in English Spleenwort and Milt-waste Place and Time It groweth upon stone walls and rocks and in moist and shadowy places in the West Countrey on the Church of Beconsfield in Barkshire and at Strowd in Kent and other places It continues green all the year Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the first degree of thin subtle parts no way Saturnine but rather Mercurial It is profitable for all diseases and infirmities of the Spleen especially such as cause it to grow too big for it diminisheth it it is effectual for the yellow Jaundies stoppings of the Liver and the Hiccough It helps the Strangury and Stone in the Bladder it helps the Running of the Reins a dram of the dust scraped from the back side of the leaves and taken with half a dram of Amber in powder in the juyce of Plantain or Purslain The decoction helps Melancholly Diseases and such as arise from the French Pox but if it be boiled over long the strength will be lost The distilled water is good for the Stone and the lye made of the Ashes being drunk some time together helps spleenatick persons and so doth the herb being boiled a little and applyed to the region of the Spleen The use of this plant hinders Conception and therefore women that desires Children must forbear it Squinant Sweet Rush or Camels Hay Schaenanthos SChaenanthos or Juncus Odoratus are the Latine names hereof it is an Arabian Plant. Nature and Vertues The whole Plant hath an astringent saculty the roots do binde most and the flowers are more hot it gently cutteth humors and digesteth them The decoction of the flowers being drunk stayeth spitting of Blood and is conducible to diseases of the Scomach Lungs Liver and Reins The root is held effectual for the loathing of the Stomach a dram thereof in powder with the like quantity of Pepper being taken fasting certain mornings together and is a good remedy for the Dropsie Convulsions and Cramps being boiled in the broth of a chicken it is effectual for pains of the Womb and pains after Childe-bearing Dioscorides saith it provoketh Vrine and Womens Courses discusseth Swellings and Winde but troubles the head a little Starwort Bubonium THere be many kindes of this Herb Description yet that which grows most naturally in England is the Attick or yellow Starwort which groweth about a foot high with three or more hairy stalks with long rough hairy brownish dark green leaves on them divided into two or three branches at the tops whereof stand a flat scaly head compassed underneath with five or six long brown rough geeen leaves like a Star the flower standing in the middle consists of narrow long pale yellow leaves set with brownish yellow thrums which turning into doun are carried away with the Winde the root is fibrous and of a binding sharp taste Names This kinde is called Aster Atticus and Bubonium in Latine Place and Time It is said to grow upon Hampsted Heath One sort of Starwort or other is in flower from June to October Nature and Vertues Starwort is said to be cooling and drying and doth moderately waste and consume an herb of Venus the leaves and flowers boiled in water helps pains and sores in the Groin and so doth an oyl made by infusion thereof the dryed flowers being bound to the grieved place takes away Inflammations thereof it helps the Quinzy and Falling Sickness in Children An oyntment made of the green Herb and Hogs Grease is good to anoint a hot Stomach and inflamed Eyes to help falling down of the Fundament and such as are bitten by a mad Dog it consumes swellings of the Throat and the herb being burnt
driveth away Serpents Stone Crop or Wall Pepper Vermicularis THis Plant is much like unto the lesser Housleek Description called also Sedum and Prickmadam and is by Gerrard and others ranked amongst the number of the Sedums or Prickmadams but because of its far different and contrary temperature I have placed it alone it is a low and little herb the stalks whereof are slender and short about which the leaves stand very thick being small in growth full bodied sharp pointed and full of juyce The flowers stand at the top and are of a yellow colour and of a sharp biting taste the root is nothing but strings Names The Latine names are Vermicularis and Illecebra Minor Acris The tertium Semper vivum of Dioscorides which he saith the Grecians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Romans Illecebra Place and Time Stonecrop grows in stony and dry places in chinks and cranies of old Walls and on the tops of tiled Houses on the Church-house at Heckfield in Hampshire useth to grow abundance of it it flowers in the Summer moneths and is alwayes green as the Sengreens are Nature and Vertues Stonecrop is of a very hot temperature sharp and biting being outwardly applyed it raiseth Blisters as the Ranunculus or Crow-foot will do and at length exulcerateth therefore such as have any occasion to use the cooling Prickmadams ought to beware that they mistake not this for it Dioscorides saith that it wasteth away hard kernels of the Kings Evil if it be applyed unto them with Hogs Grease and boiled in Oyl of Roses and the sore Piles anointed therewith it easeth their pains The juyce as Gerrard saith being extracted and drawn forth and taken with Vinegar or some other liquor procures Vomit and brings up gross and phlegmatick humors and also chollerick and doth thereby oftentimes cure the quartain Ague and other Agues of long continuance and being given in this manner it is a remedy against poisons inwardly taken but it is dangerous to be used and there being many other safer medicines for the same purposes I conceive it is better to be forborn then experimented Strawberries Fragraria THey need no description The Plant is called in Latine Fragraria and the fruit Fraga They grow both in Gardens and wilde in Fields and Woods Nature and Vertues Let Venus have these sweet Berries lest she lose her longing The leaves of Strawberries are cooling in the first degree and the root more drying and binding the green berries are cold and dry but when they are ripe they are cold and moist the distilled water of the berries is good against faintings of the heart and overflowing of the gall The berries themselves refresh and comfort fainting spirits ocol the Liver Blood and Spleen and chollerick Stomachs and quench thirst they are good for other Inflammations but meddle not too much with them in Fevers lest they putrifie in the Stomach and increase the Fits A decoction of the leaves and roots in wine and water doth abate the heat and sharpness of Vrine cools the Liver and Blood and asswages Inflammations in the Reins and Bladder stayes the bloody Flux and the Tearms and helps the swellings of the Spleen The juyce or the decoction of the herb and root cleanseth soul Vlcers being washed therewith the leaves and roots hereof serve to make lotions and gargles for sores in the Mouth or privy Parts and are good to fasten loose Teeth and to heal foul Gums it also helps to stay Catharrs or defluctions of Rheume into the Mouth Throat Teeth or Eyes The juyce or water is good for red and inflamed Eyes and also to help pushes and wheals in the face or other parts and to make the skin clear and smooth The water of Strawberries distilled in a glass after they have stood twelve or fourteen dayes in Horse dung cureth the Leprosie and Morphew if it be drunk Succory Dandelion or Pissabeds Cicorea SUccory Endive and Dandelion differ not much in operation the Garden Succory and wilde Dandelion or Pissabeds are all very well known so that I shall not need to describe either Names Succory is called Cicorea in Latine and the Dandelion Dens Leonis from the jagged leaves resembling a Lions Tooth Nature and Vertues Succory and Endive are cold and dry in the second degree the wilde sorts are dryer then the Garden kindes and do cleanse and open most by reason of their bitterness it is an herb of Jupiter The leaves of the Garden kindes are used both for meat and medicine they do both cool the Liver and open the obstructions thereof strengthening the same and likewise helps burning Agues lack of sleep stopping of Vrine and the Gall the yellow Jaundies and great heat of the Stomach A draught of the decoction of the herb or root in wine drunk fasting helps the Dropsie and drives forth chollerick and phlegmatick Humors the like decoction in wine is good against lingering Agues and a dram of the seed in powder taken in Wine before the fit is available in Agues and for faintings and passions of the heart the herb outwardly applyed is good to allay sharp humors in Vlcers Tumors and pestilential Sores and helps inflammations of the Eyes and clears the sight and easeth pains of the Gout The distilled water is effectual for the same purposes and to drink morning and evening for 〈◊〉 in the Breast and is good for women with Childe and the Head-ache in Children coming of heat which water oo the juyce of the leaves is good for Nurses Breasts that abound with milk allayeth swellings Inflammations Pushes Pimples and St. Anthonies fire and is good to wash filthy Sores being used with Vinegar Sun-flowers i. e. Elecampane Tobacco English and Indian Nicotiana ENglish Tobacco riseth up with a thick round stalk Description about two foot high whereon grow thick fat green leaves not so large as the Indian round pointed and not dented about the edges at the tops stand divers flowers in green husks scarce standing above the brims of the husk round pointed also and of a greenish yellow colour its seed is not very bright but large contained in great heads The roots perish every Winter but rise generally of its own sowing Names It is called in Latine Petum and Nicotiana Place and Time English tobacco groweth much about Winscomb in Glocestershire as delighting in a fruitful soil the other which we smoke groweth best in Virginia and is thence carried to some parts of Spain and there made up and then brought to us and named Spanish Tobacco under which Title the Taverns and Ale drapers cheat the Smokers who buy it greedily at three Pipes for two pence as a great bargain when it doth not stand the seller in a half-penny Nature and Vertues Tobacco is hot and dry in the second degree it cleanseth and discusseth and hath also a stupifying quality and a power to resist poison English Tobacco is good to expectorate tough Phlegm the juyce
astringent quality and said to be a Plant of Venus The decoction of the herb in Wine being drunk easeth pains of the Bowels and is good for the Sciatica and Joynt Aches The bruised herb applyed to the hand-wrists and soles of the feet cooleth the violent hot fits of Agues The distilled water dropped into the Eyes or a Cloth wet therein and applyed takes away heat and Inflammations thereof The said water or the leaves steeped in Wine Butter milk or strong white Wine Vinegar cleanseth the skin and face from Morphew Sun-burning Freckles Pimples and the like Wilde Tansie boiled in Vinegar with Honey and Allome and the mouth gargled therewith easeth the Tooth-ache fastneth loose Teeth helpeth sore Gums and reduceth the pallat of the Mouth to its place when it is fallen down it also cleanseth and healeth Vlcers in the mouth or secret parts and is good for inward Wounds and to close the lips of green Wounds and to heal old running corrupt sores in the Legs or elsewhere being boiled in Wine and drunk it stops the Lask bloody Flux and all other fluxes of Blood the green herb onely worn in the shooes stops the Terms and its possible the Whites but the powder of the herb will certainly do it being taken in some of the distilled water with a little Corral and Ivory in powder added to it it also stayes spitting or vomiting of Blood and is good for Children that are bursten or have a Rupture being boiled in water and salt and applyed Tarragon Draco Herba THe Sallet Herb called Tarragon Description shooteth forth long and narrow leaves of a deep green colour greater and longer then those of common Hysop having slender brittle round stalks about two foot high about the branches hang little round flowers which do never perfectly open they are of a blackish yellow colour like those of common Wormwood and yields no seed but a chaffy matter which is carried away with the winde but is propagated by the root which is long and fibrous creeping under the ground like unto Couch-grass shooting forth in divers places by which it increaseth Names The Latines call it Draco herba and Dracunculus Hortensis and in French Dragon in English Tarragon Place and Time It is cherished onely in Gardens with us and as I said is increased by the young shoots Nature and Vertues Tarragon is hot and dry in the third degree à good Sallet Herb to be eaten with Lettice Purslain and other cool herbs it is grateful and comfortable to the Stomach and tempers their coldness but to be eaten alone it is too hot The root held between the Teeth draweth down Rheume and easeth the Tooth-ache Thistles Carduus THough there be many kindes they are all well known Names The general Latine name of a Thistle is Carduus Place and Time They grow frequently almost every where and flower in July and August the seed ripening soon after Nature and Vertues Common Thistles are of Temperature hot and of a drying quality They are held good to provoke Vrine and remedy the stinking smell thereof and the rank smell of the Arme-pits and whole body being boiled in Wine and drunk and they are said to be good to help a stinking Breath and to strengthen the Stomach though I believe it hath been seldom proved The juyce restores lost hair the place being bathed therewith as Pliny reporteth Our Ladies Thistle Carduus Mariae LAdies Thistle hath divers large leaves lying on the ground Description cut in and crumpled somewhat hairy on the edges of a white green shining colour having many streaks of a milky colour and set with sharp prickles round about the stalk is strog round and prickly set full of like leaves at the top of every branch cometh forth a prickly head with brigh purple thrums in the middle after which comes flattish brown shining seed lying in the said heads in soft white Doun The root is great spreading in the ground with many fibres fastned thereunto the whole plant is biter in taste Names It is called in Latine Carduus Lacteus and Carduus Mariae in English Striped milky Thistle and Ladies Thistle Place and Time It is frequent upon Banks of be Fields about London about such places it delight to grow they flower and seed in June till August as other Thistles do Nature and Vertues Our Ladies Thistle is hot and dry in the second degree and somewhat binding especially the root an herb of Jupiter the decoction thereof or the herb taken in powder is good for Stitches and other diseases in the Sides for Agues and to prevent infection it opens obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and is good against the Jaundies The tender leaves having the prickles taken off are a good Sallet in Spring to cleanse the Blood the young stalks dressed are also good meat especially for Nurses to increase their Milk the root is good for the Lask and bloody Flux it stayeth Bleedings wasteth away cold swellings and easeth pain of the Teeth if they be washed with the decoction thereof The decoction of the herb is good to provoke Vrine and breaketh and expelleth the Stone and is good for the Dropsie The seed is as effectual if not better for the same purposes and also for the Cramp and so is the distilled water which is also used inwardly to drink and outwardly to cool distempers of the Liver Swoonings and passions of the Heart being applyed with Spungâ—s or wet cloathes to the region thereof Thorow-wax Perfoliata THorow-wax riseth up with one streight round stalk Description about half a yard high or more having leaves of a blueish green colour the lower leave being smaller and narrower then those that grow highr standing close thereto but not quite compassing it buts they grow higher they do more and more encompass the stalk until they close so together that it passeth almst through the middle of them branching towards the top into many parts where the leaves grow smaller again sanding every one singly The flowers are very small and yellow standing in tufts at the tops of the branches the seed is small and blackish many of them thrust together The Root is small long and woody perishing every year after it hath perfected its seed and the seed which it sheds riseth again the next year Names It is called in Latine Perfoliata in English Thorow-wax and Thorow-leaf Place and Time It groweth in Corn fields and Pastures in many places of this Land flowers about July and the seed is ripe in August or soon after Nature and Vertues Thorow-wax is hot and dry somewhat bitter and astringent and I judge rather Martial then Saturnine It is a good remedy against Ruptures and Burstings in Children especially before it grow too old the decoction of the Herb or the herb in powder taken inwardly and the green leaves bruised and outwardly applyed It is a good remedy for Children that have their Navels sticking out being applyed thereunto with a little Honey and
Wax it draweth up the Bowels and keepeth them in their natural place and helpeth them when they are too much windy or swoln It is good for Bruises and Wounds old Sores and Vlcers either inward or outward The decoction of the Herb in Wine or Water being drunk and the places washed therewith or an Oyntment may be made of the Herb with Oyl or Hogs-grease to keep all the year for the same purposes But an excellent Salve may be made of the green Herb with Wax Oyl Rozen and Turpentine to incarnate and bring up flesh in deep Wounds and to heal old Sores The Herb and the distilled Water thereof is good against St. Anthonies fire and the Shingles Teasel or Fullers Thistle Carduus Fullonum THe Garden or mannured Teasel being planted by Cloath-workers for their use and the wilde Teasel are both so common they need no description Names It is called in Latine Carduus Fullonum Fullers Thistle and Pecten Veneris Dipsacus Silvestris and Virga Pastoris Shepherds Rod is a Species thereof Place and Time The Cloathworkers as I said before mannure one kinde for their use the other is to be found by most High-wayes Banks and Ditches sides They flower in June and July and the seed is ripe in August It perisheth annually and riseth again of its own sowing Nature and Vertues Teasel is drying in the second degree according to Gallen having also a cleansing faculty and reputed to be subject to the influence of Venus The roots being bruised in wine till they come to the Consistence of a Salve and then kept in a brazen or copper box and afterwards applyed plaisterwise to the Fundament heals Chops Cankers and Fistula's thereof saith Dioscorides and takes away Warts and Wens so also is the Water said to do which is contained in the hollowness of the leaves and is also commended against redness of the eyes and spots of the face The juyce dropped into the ears killeth worms in them the leaves applyed to the Forehead and Temples qualifieth frenzie fits The distilled water takes away redness of the eyes and such mists as darken the sight and helps creeping Sores Shingles and Pimples preserves Beauty taking away redness inflammations and other discolourings and is also said to be effectual to cure the Scurvy The roots stamped with Danewort and boiled in wine and drunk helpeth the Dropsie and being boiled in red wine and drunk morning and evening for nine dayes together it helpeth the Gout The powder thereof drunk in wine stops fluxes and helps excoriations of the belly and other parts The same powder the quantity of two drams at a time drunk in Pease broth stops the overflowing of Womens Courses and so doth the Herb being bruised and boiled in Vinegar and applyed under the Navel and helps moist Wounds that are hard to heal and Cankers of the Yard ☞ See further in Adam in Eden written by Will. Coles Three-leaved Grass or Trefoil Trifolium THere is near twenty kindes of this Plant Description as Meadow Trefoil Heart Trefoil Pearle Trefoil white and red Honey-suckles or three-leaved grass cum multis aliis c. Meadow Trefoil shooteth up stalks a handful long or more round and somewhat hairy and for the most part leaning towards the ground having thereon three leaves joyned together one standing a little from another having for the most part in the midst a white spot like a half moon amongst which rise up stalks of flowers somewhat longer then the leaves bearing a tuft of many deep purple crimson flowers which turneth into little cods with small seed in them The Root spreadeth much and endureth long Names Trifolium it is called in Latine and of some Menyanthe and Asphaltion in English Trefoil three-leaved Grass and Honey-suckles Place and Time They are common in most Meadows and Pastures they flower and flourish from May till August Nature and Vertues Both Leaves and Flowers of Meadow Trefoil are cooling and binding of which temperature the other kindes do in some sort partake they are under the influence of Venus The decoction of the whole Plant of Meadow Trefoil is good to stay the Whites and overflowing of Womens Courses and having some Honey added thereto and used for a Glister it helps gripings and frettings of the Guts A Pultiss made of the leaves with Barrows-grease helps hot Swellings and Inflammations The juyce especially of the Pearl Trefoil mixed with a little Honey and applyed is good to take away the pin and web of the eyes and to ease pains and inflammations of them An Oyntment made of the herb with Hogs-grease is good for the biting of an Adder and the decoction of the Herb to wash the place and the juyce to drink The Herb bruised and heated between two tyles and applyed to the share helps stopping of water and is likewise good for wounds and scars The seed is good to cleanse the Liver and for Coughs and pains of the Breast The Heart Trefoil is a great strengthner of the heart and vital spirits helps swoundings and resists the Pestilence and defends the heart against the noisome vapours of the Spleen The leaves of it do perfectly resemble the heart of a man and are of a flesh colour like the heart Garden Tyme and wilde Tyme or Mother of Tyme Thymus THese Plants both mannured and wilde are commonly known being like one another Names Thymus and Thymum is both Greek and Latine Names for both yet the Mother of Tyme is called in Latine Serpillum à serpendo because of its creeping upon the ground Place and Time One is nourished in Gardens the other found in dry Pastures almost on every Hillock they flower about July Nature and Vertues Tyme is hot and dry in the third degree working the same effects as Savory in womens diseases and therefore is particularly ascribed to Venus which in part it may The decoction thereof in water and honey provokes the Tearms helps hard labour and expells the Secondine and dead Childe it strengtheneth the Lungs helps the Cough and shortness of Breath provokes Vrine dissolves congealed Blood and killeth Worms An Electuary made thereof with honey expectorates tough phlegm quickens the sight warms and comforts the stomach and so doth the herb used in broths It is good against the Chollick Illiack Passion Melancholly and stoppings of the Matrix four drams of Tyme in powder taken fasting in syrrup of Vinegar purgeth Choller and sharp humours and easeth the Gout And one dram taken fasting in Mead dissolves hard swellings of the Belly and is profitable for pains in the Loins and Hips and swellings in the Sides The decoction dissolves Tumours and Swellings they being bathed therewith The juyce used with vinegar takes away Warts and being applyed with wine and meal it helps the Sciatica and swollen Cods Bathes made thereof are good to expell Winde and help the Joynt-Gout the wilde Tyme is more powerful then the other for most of the said purposes especially to provoke the Tearms being decocted
further in The Art of Simpling written by W. Coles Tutsan or Park leaves Siciliana TUtsan groweth up with brownish Description shining round stalks crested hard and woody about two foot high branching out from the bottom having divers joynts and two fair large leaves at every joynt of a dark blueish green colour on the upper side and yellowish underneath turning reddish toward the Autumne and abiding on the branches all the Winter at the tops whereof stand large yellow flowers after which come heads of seed at first greenish then reddish and last of a darkish purple colour wherein are contained a small brownish seed and also a reddish juyce like unto blood of a reasonable scent and a harsh stiptick taste like as the leaves and flowers are though in a lower degree The root is brownish great hard and woody spreading in the ground and continueth a long time Names The Latines call it Androsaemum and some call it Dionysia and Siciliana in English it is called Park-leaves because it familiarly grows in Woods and Parks and Tutsan from the French word Toutsaine it being a good Wound Herb. Place and Time It delights to grow in Woods and woody Grounds Parks and Forrests flowers in July and August and the berries are ripe in September Nature and Vertues Tutsan is moderately hot and dry yet abstersive a Saturnine Plant The leaves and flowers of Tutsan abate lust and venerial motions being taken in drink or otherwise and the seeds more powerfully being toasted and then eat or drunk Castory boiled in the juyce of Tutsan and drunk helps the Gonorrhea The Green herb bruised and applyed helps burnings by fire and the same or the powder of the dry herb stayes bleeding of Wounds it is a sovereign Wound herb for any Wound either inwardly or outwardly it may be used in drinks lotions balms or oyntments for any green Wound or old Sores or Vlcers Two drams of the seed in powder taken in the morning or after supper in Mead Wine or fair water purgeth chollerick Humors and helpeth the Sciatica or Hip-Gout Throat-wort Trachelium THroat-wort groweth with many large hairy leaves Description somewhat rough a little dented about the edges and of an overworn green colour the stalk is also hairy about half a yard high whereon stand leaves from the bottom almost to the top after the fashion of Nettles towards the top on a short foot stalk come forth hollow flowers bell fashion of a blueish purple colour and hairy within the root is white thick and endureth long Names The Latines call it Trachelium Cervicaria and Vvularia some likewise call them Campanula the flowers being like Bells in English Throat-wort Canterbury-bells and Haskwort Place and Time It groweth in Stow Wood by Oxford and doubtless in many other places in England though Germany and Italy be their more natural places they flower in June and July scarce perfecting their seed but increase by the root Nature and Vertues This Plant is cold and dry and so are most Bell Flowers the roots are sweet and therefore eaten in Sallets as Rampions are they have an astringent quality and are effectual for all Vlcers in the Mouth and Throat and also for the Vvula or Pallat of the Mouth being swollen or fallen down and also for all Sores in the privy parts of man or woman or elsewhere to be used in a decoction with Honey Wine and Allome and likewise to close up the lips of Cuts and green Wounds Valerian Phu majus VAlerian hath a thick short grayish root Description lying for the most part above ground shooting out such like roots on all sides having long strings or fibres under them in the ground which nourish them from these roots spring up many green leaves which at first are somewhat broad and long without any dent or division in them but those that come after are more and more divided on each side some to the middle rib being winged as made of many leaves together on a stalk and those upon the stalk are more divided but smaller towards the top then below the stalk riseth to be two or three foot high sometimes branched at the top with many small whitish flowers sometimes dashed over at the edges with a pale purplish colour of a small scent after which followeth small brownish white seed which is carried away with the winde the root smelleth more strong then either leaf or flower and is of more use in Physick Names The ordinary sort is called Phu majus and Valeriana major hortensis and of some Herba Benedicta and Theriacaria it being an ingredient in Treacle Place and Time It is nourished and kept in our Gardens it flowers in June and July and so continueth till the Frosts destroy it Nature and Vertues Valerian hath little heat while it is green but the dryed roots are hot and dry near unto the second degree it is a Mercurial plant The Garden Valerian is used in Antidotes and being dryed and taken in drink it helps pains in the Sides provokes Vrine helps the Strangury procures womens Terms helps chokings or stranglings in any part caused by pains in the Chest or Sides and the decoction thereof doth the same the root taken in wine is good against venomous bitings the Plague and expelleth Winde The decoction of the root with Liquorice Raisins and Anniseeds helps such as are short winded and have the Cough opens the Breast and expectorates Phlegm The green Herb is excellent to heal any inward Sore or Wound and to draw any Thorn or Splinter out of the Flesh The green herb and root bruised taketh away pains and prickings of the Head being applyed thereunto and stayeth rheumes and distillations and being boiled in white Wine and a drop thereof put into the Eye takes away any Pin Haw or Web therein and helps dimness of the Sight The decoction thereof in Wine is profitable to asswage swelling of the Cods caused of cold or Winde The distilled water of the Herb and root made in May is singular good for all the aforesaid purposes and is good in time of the Plague it killeth Worms in the Belly and is good to wash green Wounds or old Vlcers The decoction of the leares is good to gargle a sore mouth or Gums Vervain Verbena COmmon Vervain hath divers leaves towards the bottom Description of a middle size deeply gashed at the bottom and the other part deeply dented about the edges and some onely dented and cut all alike somewhat like an Oak leaf and of a dark green colour on the upper side and grayish underneath The stalk is square and branched into divers parts and riseth abour half a yard high having a spike of flowers at the top set on all sides thereof one above another and sometimes two or three together being small and gaping of a whitish colour intermixt with some blue and purple The seed being small and round is contained in somewhat long heads The root is small and long and of no
Palsie Fevers and consumes the Liver and inward parts Violets Viola BOth the Garden kindes and wilde Violets are generally known Names Viola is the common Latine name for a Violet and Herba Violaria There is also a kinde called Viola tricolor having three colours in the flower which in English is called Hartsease Pansies and three faces under a hood They begin to flower in March and the beginning of April and are then in prime The Pansies flower till the end of July Nature and Vertues Both Garden and wilde kindes while they are fresh and green are cold and moist under the milde influence of Venus the flowers are accounted one of the chief cordial Flowers and are much used in cooling Cordials and so is the syrrup they are good to cool any heat or distemper of the body either inward or outward as inflammations of the Eyes falling down or pain of the Womb or Fundament Imposthumes and hot Swellings To drink the decoction of the leaves and flowers made in water and Wine or to apply them pultiswise to the grieved place it also easeth pains of the Head which are caused by want of sleep The powder of the flowers drunk with water is said to help the Quinzy and Falling Sickness in Children if taken in the beginning of the Disease A dram of the dryed flowers taken in Wine or other drink doth purge the Body of chollerick humors and asswageth heat The flowers of the white Violets ripen and dissolve swellings The seed resists poison of the Scorpion The green or dry herb and flowers are effectual to abate the heat and sharpness of Vrine and hot Rheumes to ease pains of the Back Reins and Bladder and to help the plurisie and other diseases of the Lungs and hoarseness of the Throat The syrrup is good for the Liver and Jaundies and in hot Agues to cool the heat and quench thirst being taken in some convenient liquor and a little juyce or syrrup of Lemons added to it or a few drops of oyl of Vitriol put therein it doth more powerfully cool the heat and quench thirst they are more cooling being made up with Sugar and with Honey more cleansing ☞ See further in Adam in Eden written by Will. Coles Vipers Bugloss Echium COmmon Vipers Bugloss hath many long rough leaves lying upon the Ground Description amongst which rise up divers round stalks very rough as if they were set with prickles or hairs having many black spots on them like a Vipers skin whereon are set such long rough hairy 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 Turnsole 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 those that are full blown but more reddish while they are in the Bud but in some places of a paler purple colour with a long pointel in the middle feathered or pointed at the top after the flowers come blackish cornered and pointed seed somewhat like the head of a Viper inclosed in round heads the root is somewhat great blackish and woody and perisheth in Winter Names It is called by most Authours in Latine Echium and of some Buglossum sylvestre Viperinum Place and Time It groweth wilde on Hills and dry Grounds almost every where that with white flowers about the Castle Walls at Lewes in Sussex and the other about Rochester Castle and elsewhere they flower and seed in the Summer Moneths Nature and Vertues Vipers Bugloss is cold and dry in temperature a Solar Herb the roots and seeds are a good Cordial to comfort the Heart and to expell Sadness and Melancholly it tempers the Blood and mitigates hot sits of Agues The seed drunk in Wine procures Milk in Womens Breasts easeth pains in the Loins Back and Kidneys and is a special remedy against the bitings of Vipers and venomous Beasts and against poison and poisonous herbs Dioscorides saith that whosoever shall take of the herb or root before they be bitten shall not be hurt by the poison of any Serpent There is a syrrup made thereof after this manner Take of the clarified juyce of Vipers Bugloss four pound of the infusion of the flowers one pound fine Sugar three pound boil it to a syrrup which is effectual to comfort the Heart and expell sadness and Melancholly The distilled water made of the herb and flower when it is in its full strength is effectaul for all the griefs aforesaid inwardly or outwardly applyed Wall Flowers or Winter Gillow-Flowers Viola lutea BOth those which are planted in Gardens and those which grow wilde upon old Walls are very well known Names They are called in Latine Viola lutea in Spanish Violettas Amarillas and in French Violieres des murailles from their growing on Walls Place and Time They grow wilde as I said upon old stone Walls mighty plentiful upon the Castle Walls of Rochester and the double kindes are planted in Gardens they flower very early in the Spring Nature and Vertues They are Lunar and of temperature meanly hot of thin parts and of a cleansing faculty the yellow Wall Flowers according to Galen are of most use in Physick it cleanseth the Blood and opens obstructions of the Liver and Reins helps hardness and pains of the Mother and Spleen comforts and strengthens any part that is weak or out of joynt and stayeth Inflammations and Swellings it is a good remedy for the Gout and Aches and Pains in the Joynts it clears the Eyes from Films and Mistiness and cleanseth Vlcers in the Mouth or other parts and provokes the Tearms and expells the secondine or dead Childe and a Conserve of the Flowers is good for the Apoplexy and Palsie The Walnut Tree Juglans THis Tree is very well known the Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jovis glans and the Latines Juglans they blossom early before the leaves shoot forth and the fruit is ripe in September Nature and Vertues It is a Solar Plant. Dodoneus saith the fresh Nuts are cold and moist but others say and that 's most likely that they are drying and heating the Bark doth dry and binde very much and the leaves are much of the same nature the old Nuts are hot and dry in the second degree and of harder digestion then the fresh The kernels of Walnuts do comfort the brain and resist poison or being bruised with the quintissence of Wine and applyed to the Crown of the Head they comfort the Head and Brain The peels being taken off they comfort the Stomach and are said to kill broad Worms in the Belly being old they offend the Stomach and increase Choller King Mithridates medicine against poison was to take in the morning two dry Walnuts as many Figs twenty leaves of Rue and two or three corns of Salt beaten and
Imposthumes in the Nails and Joynts called Felons and Whitlows from the essectual curing of which it took its Name The Willow Tree Salix THe several kindes hereof are very well known save onely in their Physical Uses Names Salix is the Latine Name in English Sallow Willow Withy and Osier Nature and Vertues The Plant is Lunar of temperature cold and dry in the second degree and astringent both the leaves bark and catkins are used to stay bleeding of wounds and at the mouth and nose spitting of blood and other Fluxes and to stay vomiting and the desire thereunto if the decoction of them in wine be drunk It also helps to stay thin sharp hot and salt distillations from the head upon the Lungs which cause a Consumption The leaves bruised with Pepper and drunk in wine do help the Winde Chollick The leaves or catkins which we in Hampshire call Goss-chicken I suppose because they bud forth at such time when Geese have young bruised and boiled in wine and drunk often doth abate the heat of lust and by much usage doth extinguish it either in man or woman If you slit the bark of a Willow so that you may fit a vessel to it to receive a water that will flow or issue from it at the time when it flowereth the same water is good to clear the sight and take away redness of the Eyes and Films that begin to grow over them and to stay Rheums that fall into them to clear the face and skin from spots and to provoke Vrine The flowers boiled in white wine and drunk dry up humours and so doth the bark the ashes of the bark mixed with Vinegar takes away warts and corns and callous stesh in the hands and feet or other parts The decoction of the bark and leares in wine is good to bathe the sinnews and places pained with the Gout to cleanse the head of scurf and dandriff The juyce of the leaves and barks mingled with Rosewater and heated in a Pomegranate shell is good to drop into the ears to help Deafness a bathe made of the decoction of the leaves and bark doth strengthen restore and nourish withered and dead members Woad Glastum IT groweth up with many large long smooth Description greenish leaves amongst which riseth up a stalk two or three foot high having divers smaller leaves thereon it brancheth at the top whereon appear small yellow flowers after which come long and somewhat flat husks wherein the seed is contained black and hanging downwards The seed being a little chewed gives an Azure Colour The Root is white and long Names Mannured Woad is called Glastum sativum and wilde Woad Glastum silvestre and Isatis Glaslum Indicum Indico or Indian Woad Place and Time It is planted in Fields and Gardens for the benefit of it being used by Dsers it yields three Crops a year and a stinking scent after it is gathered before it is made up for use It flowers about June if it be suffered to run up to flower Nature and Vertues It is cold and dry an astringent Saturnine Plant so drying and binding that it is not fit to be used in any inward medicine but an Oyntment made thereof stancheth bleeding and a Plaister thereof takes away hardness and swelling of the Spleen being applyed to the Region thereof The said Oyntment is good to dry moist Vlcers to take away fretting and corroding humours to cool Inflammations St. Anthonies fire and stay defluxions of blood to any part of the body It is affirmed to be destructive to Bees to prevent which if it grow near any Bees the way is to set urine by them putting it in a vessel with slices of Cork therein that thereon they may save themselves from drowning Woodbynde vide Honey-suckles Wormwood Absynthium THere are three kindes usual with us Common Wormwood Sea Wormwood and Roman Wormwood Names Common Wormwood is called in Latine Absynthium and the Sea Wormwood Seryphium and Santonicum Place and Time They are all well enough known the Roman Wormwood is planted in Gardens the Sea Wormwood groweth by the Sea-Coasts and the common Wormwood groweth wilde in all Countreys in England and generally near Smiths Forges They all flower about August Nature and Vertues Common Wormwood is hot in the second degree and dry in the third of a cleansing binding and strengthening quality it is subjected to the Influence of Mars It strengthens the Stomach like Aloes drawing from the Stomach and Intestines Choller and Phlegm whether it be taken in powder or decoction or the juyce by it self or the infusion in wine or beer but it offends the head causing drowsiness and sleepiness and that drink called Purle offends the head of some causing it to ake It is not good for hot Stomachs nor for those that are subject to the Consumption of the Lungs Falling-Sickness Apoplexy Lethargy and continual Feavers I have known many receive much hurt by drinking Wormwood Beer and Ale therefore it ought to be used cautiously and moderately and given to bodies fitting for it and so being discreetly used it purgeth Choller from the Reins and Bladder by Vrine It is good in the Green Sickness Jaundies and Dropsie helps Obstructions in the Liver and Stomach the Chollick and gripings of the Belly it preserves the Blood from putrefaction resists Drunkenness helps vomiting at Sea and killeth Worms It cleanseth the Womb and Vterine parts drives away the Hiccough procures a good appetite expells Winde helps Crudities and prevails in intermitting Agues and Obstructions of the Entrails Vinegar wherein Wormwood hath been boiled helps a stinking breath proceeding from the teeth or stomach and provokes Womens Courses and helps such as have hurt themselves by eating Toad-stools being but steeped in vinegar and drunk Wormwood-wine is good for all the forementioned purposes except for such as have Fevers Being outwardly applyed it kills worms in the belly or stomach the juyce with honey helpeth dim Eyes and mixed with Nitre it helps the Quinzie being anointed therewith and likewise mingled with Honey and anointed it takes away black and blue spots in the skin The decoction thereof received by a Funnel helpeth sore and running Ears and the Tooth-ache and the Temples bathed therewith it helps the Head-ache proceeding from a cold cause being bruised and applyed with rose-Rosewater to the stomach it comforts such as have been long sick Being used with Figs Vinegar and Darnel-meal it helps hardness of the Spleen and a hot sharp water running between the flesh and the skin if the skin be rubbed with the juyce or oyl of Wormwood it keepeth away Fleas and Knats and the Herb laid in Presses or Chests amongst Clothes preserves them from Moaths and Worms Xylo Aloe THis Indian Tree is called by the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Xylo aloes and Lignum Aloes In English Wood of the Aloe-tree Lign Ales and Wood Aloes It groweth in Malana and Sumatra places in the East Indies
very dangerous being mach haunted by Tygers Temperature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the second and according to the judgement of some in the third degree of subtle parts a little astringent and bitter This wood is used as a main Ingredient in those Powders and Electuries which are used to strengthen the heart and inward parts to resist saintings and cold diseases of the heart and corroborate the spirits for which it is very essectual It is also useful in the Apoplexy Palsie Lethargy and left Memory by strengthning and drying the brain and stopping rheumatick defluxions which cause those Diseases It helps faint Swetings Dysenteries Lasks and Pleurisies expells Winde dryeth up Crudities fortisies a weaks Stomach and resists Putrefaction for which it is used in drivers Cordials and Antidotes The Extract thereof it good for the forementioned Diseases It is used outwardly in sumigations to dry up Rheum and in Quilts for that purpose it helps also cold diseases of the Womb The fumigation thereof is said also to provoke the Tearms it helps told diseases of the Womb and killeth Worms by reason of its bitterness as much of the powder thereof as will lye upon a groat being taken three mornings together either in broth or wine is profitable in diseases of the Liver and Spleen openeth their obstructions and strengtheneth them Yarrow Millefolium IT hath many long leaves lying upon the ground Description which are divided or finely cut into many small parts finer then Tansie a little jagged about the edges amongst which rise up two stalks round and green with such leaves but smaller and finer the nearer the tops where stand many small white flowers upon a tuft or umbel each flower having five leaves with a yellowish thrum in the middle somewhat strong in scent but not unpleasant The Root is deep and spreading consisting of many white fibres Names It is called in Latine Millefolium and of some Supercilium Veneris in English Millefoil Yarrow Nose-bleed and thousand leaf Place and Time There are very few Pasture-grounds free from it they flower in July and August Nature and Vertues Yarrow is meanly cold and dry and somewhat astringent an Herb of Venus and is excellent good for Vlcers and Inflammations of the Privities and for inward Excoriations of the Yard the juyce being injected with a Seringe Mathiolus commends it against pissing of blood an ounce of the powder of the herb and flowers with a dram of fine Bole-Armonick being taken three dayes together fasting in a draught of milk The same powder taken in Comphrey or Plantain-water is excellent to staqy inward bleadings and stayeth the bleeding of fresh wounds being strewed thereon and being put into the nostrils stayeth bleeding at rose The juyce put into the Eyes cleareth them of blood and redness and the rox or green leaves chewed in the mouth easeth the Tooth-aches The juyce of the herb and flow 〈◊〉 taken in Goats milk or the distilled water stayeth the running of the Reins in men especially if taken with a little powder of Corral Amber and Ivory The decoction of Yarrow in white wine being drunk stoppeth womens Courses and the bloody Flux and a good quantity thereof boiled in water and made into a bathe and sate over performeth the same It is good to close up the stomachs of those in whom the Retentive Faculty is so weak that they disgorge or vomit up whatsoever they eat It is a good Medicine for an Ague a draught thereof being drunk before the fit come and used for two or three fits together An Oyntment made of the herb is good for green wounds and also for Vlcers and Fistula's especially such as abound with moisture The said Oyntment or Oyl is good to stay the shedding of hair the head bieng anointed therewith Yew Tree Taxus THis Tree is well known for hard timber and good to make strong Bowes the Latine name thereof is Taxas but it is not mentioned by me for any medicinal Vertue that is in it though the bark thereof is by some used instead of that of Tamarisk I say not how judiciously Nature and Vertues Yew is hot and dry in the third degree and hath such an attractive quality that if it be set in a place subject to poysonous vapours the very branches will draw and imbibe them Hence it is conceived that the judicious in former times planted it in Church-yards on the West side because those places being fuller of putrefaction and gross oleaginous Vapours exhaled out of the Graves by the setting Sun and sometimes drawn into those Meteors called Ignes fatui divers have been frighted supposing some dead bodies to walk others have been blasted c. not that it is able to drive away Devils as some superstitious Monks have imagined nor yet that it was ever used to sprinkle Holy-Water as some quarrel some Presbyters altogether as ignorant of natural Causes as the signification of Emblems and useful Ornaments have fondly conceived Wheresoever it grows it is dangerous and deadly both to man and beast according to most Authours how much more then if it be encompassed with Graves into which the lesser Roots will run and suck nourishment poisonous mans flesh being the rankest poison that can be yet a certain Vicar unwilling to own the effects thereof upon his Cows would fain deny it to be so Other Creatures as Rabbits have been poisoned with it and the very lying under the shadow hath been found hurtful Yet the growing of it in a Church-yard is useful and therefore it ought not to be cut down upon what pittiful pretence soever Zedoary Zedoaria IT is a Root growing in the East Indies Description called in Latine Zedoaria growing much like unto Ginger Nature and Vertues It is hot and dry in the second degree It stops Lasks and is good against venomous bitings stoppings and pains of the Stomach It stayes vomiting helps the Chollick amends a stinking Breath and is a very good Antidote against the Plague and other contagious Diseases FINIS An Alphabetical Table of all the Herbs and Plants contained in this Book with their several Latine Appellations directed to their several Pages A. ADders Tongue Ophioglossum Page 1 Adders-grass idem Page 1 Agrimony Eupatoria Page 2 Water-Agrimony Eupatorium Page 3 Agarick Agaricus Larix Page 172 Ague tree Sassafras Page 295 Agnus castus Chaste tree Page 4 Alecoast Costus hortorum Page 5 Alehoof Hedera terrestris Page 6 All-heal Panax Herculeum Page 7 Alexanders Hipposelinum Page 8 Black Alder-tree Alnus nigra Ibid. Alleluia Page 311 Almond-tree Amigdalum Page 9 Alkekengi Page 10 Angelica Page 11 Apple-tree Pomus Page 12 Apricock-tree Malus Armeniaca Page 13 Archangel Lamium Ibid. Aron Page 92 Arrach Atriplex Page 14 Arsmart Persicaria Page 15 Alkanet Fucus Herba Page 16 Amara dulcis Page 41 Amaranthus Page 346 Anemonies Herba venti Page 18 Artechokes Cinara Page 19 Assarabacca Asarum Page 20 Asparagus Corruda Ibid. Ash-tree Fraxinus Page 21 Asp or