and exceeds in goodness all the other Herbs because it breeds Milk and quenches the burning Heat of the Stomach provokes Sleep and stagnates the Flux of the Seed It allays the acrimony or sharpness of the Choler it excites the Appetite and takes away the loathing of the Stomach and strengthens it and in short 't is very good for many Distempers of the Body Hurt The continual and superfluous use of Lettice obscures the Eye-sight corrupts the Seed weakens the natural Heat and makes Women barren or at least if they bear Chiâ—dâ—en it makes them stupid and foolish It makes a man slow and lazy and is hurtful to a cold Stomach and therefore is bad for old men Remedy It is less hurtful boyled than raw and is to be eaten with Mint Tarragon Rocket Garlick Onions c. and drink some good White-wine after it but you must not eat it too often It must not be washed for thereby is taken away one of its best Qualities being upon the surface thereof and causes that the Lettice weakens the Sight CHAP. XLIII Of Hops Name IN Latin they are call'd Lupulus in English Hops and Hop-tops Choice Those are best which spring from the Plant without having any Leaves round about them and whereof the Stalk is rough and tender Quality They are hot and dry in the second degree that is the Hops but the Hop-tops which are in form like Sparagus are very moist they heat little and dry less therefore where we say they are cool we mean the Hop-tops only Commodity They beget perfect Nourishment and render the Humours equal comfort and cleanse the Bowels and more particularly the Blood and make it clear and pure separating it from the dregs bringing them down and purging Choler Hops also do no less cleanse the Liver not only remove the Obstructions thereof but also those of the Milt The tops being eaten boyled mollifie the Body and the decoction of the Flowers is an Antidote for those that are poysoned and cures the Itch. The Syrup thereof is excellent good for cholerick and pestilential Feavers Hurt When it is gathered with the Leaves and hard Stalks it is not easie to be digested but is more windy than the tender and of a worse juyce Remedy Let them be eaten boyled and seasoned with Garlick and Vinegar or with the juyce of Oranges and Pepper They are good at all times for all Ages and Complexions especially boyled in good Broth. CHAP. XLIV Of Balm Name IN Latin it is call'd Citrago Melissa Melissophyllum in English Balm and Balm-gentle Choice The most tender is the best and that grows on pleasant Hills and has the good smell of a Limmon Quality Balm is hot and dry in the second degree Commodity It comforts the Heart and takes away the trembling thereof It mollifies the Breast and removes the obstructions of the Brain it helps Digestion and cures the Hiccoughs heals the biting of venomous Creatures and all flegmatick and melancholy persons Hurt It excites venereal Pleasures it is windy and of little nourishment Remedy Being eaten in Sallads it is to be mixt with cool Herbs as Lettice and the like CHAP. XLV Of Mint Name IN Latin Mentha in English Mint Quality Mint is hot in the third degree and dry in the second Choice That which is sowed in the Garden is â—he best and thereof only the tender tops Commodity It is very pleasant to the Stomach and comforts it especially if it be cold it strongly excites the Appetite and hinders the Milk from staying in the Stomach or in the Dugs and therefore those that love Milk ought often to use Mint Being used in Food it kills the Worms and for that effect Mint may be given to Children that is one dram of its juyce with half an ounce of citron-Citron-water or the syrup of Limmon-peel It takes away the Hiccoughs loathing and vomiting and fortifies the Stomach whence is said Nunquam lenta fuit stomacho succurrere menta Hurt 'T is of small Nourishment inflames the Liver and Stomach attenuates the Blood and because it is a sharp Food it stimulates Lust whereby the Body becomes lean feeble and less lusty Remedy If you eat but a little and with other cool Herbs it is less hurtful 'T is to be used in Winter by old flegmatick and melancholy men but in Summer 't is naught especially for young cholerick men CHAP. XLVI Of Parsley Name IN Latin Petroselinum in English 't is called Parsley Choice The tender is the best which is not yet seeded or in Flowers whereby the Leaves smell the sweeter and more pleasant to the taste Quality Parsley is hot in the second degree and dry in the third Commodity It is very much used almost in all Food it is put into salt Meats and in short it is used about most things of the Kitchin Eaten raw or boyled it provokes Urine Sweat brings down womens Flowers cleanses the Reins the Liver and the Matrice and removes their Obstructions dissolves Windiness is pleasant to the Stomach and the Liver and its concoction is good against the Coughs and Poysons It has the same Qualities of the Coriander and is most acceptable and grateful to the mouth of the Stomach and mitigates its Heat breaks the Stone in the Kidneys and Bladder removes the Obstructions and helps the Coughs and all distempers of the Breast The Rooâ—â—eing roasieâ— under the Ashes are eaten with Vinegar Oyl anâ— Salt in a Sallad Hurt It is of a difficult Digestion and does not beget very good Humours obfuscates the Eye-sight and is oftentimes hurtful to the Head but this is not that Parsley which hurts Epilepticks but the ordinary Parsley Remedy It is to be eaten raw with other cool Herbs as Lettice Sorrel and the like it is not very bad if eaten in a small quantity and boyled in Broth. The Roots ought to be well boyled first taking out of the middle their pithy substance CHAP. XLVII Of Burnet Name IN Latine Pimpinella and Sanguisorba in English Burnet Choice The Garden-Burnet is better than the Wild. Quality This Herb is hot and dry in the second degree Commodity It is used to be eat in Sallads wherein it is very pleasant by reason of the sweet smell it has resembling a Melon and this is that which is sowed in the Garden the wild has the noysom and rank smell of a Goat whence it is call'd Pimpinella hircina and this is reduced under the sorts of Sassafras for the great vertue and power which it has to cleanse the Reins and the Bladder and to break and drive forth the Stone and Gravel of the Kidneys it also provokes Urine and removes the Obstructions of the Liver The Garden-Burnet is a singular Remedy against the Plague as likewise the Wild and I remember that my Father who besides his other Sciences had no mean skill in Simples told me often-times that in the last great Plague which so infested all Italy that with the Decoction of Burnet only
care that none come into the Chambers thâ— strewed for if there be a great many with theâ— Breath they re-heat the Room Besides this lâ— the Chamber be full of odoriferous Fruits as sweâ—â— smelling Apples Pears Quinces Citrons and Liâ—mons But if the Air should be too cold yoâ— must avoid the Wind chiefly the Northern aâ— not go out of the House before Sun-rising aâ— strew your Chamber with hot Herbs as Mint Peniroyal Sage Hysop Laurel Rosemary Marjoraâ—â— or else make a decoction of these Herbs with Cloveâ— Cinamon Mace and such like and sprinkle tâ— Chamber therewith and perfume it also wiâ—â— some aromatical Smells as Incense Mastick â—â—namon Ladanum a Gum made of the fat Dâ—â— that is gathered from the Leaves of Lada Nâ—â—megs rine of Citrons Myrrh Amber Lignum â—loes Musk and the sweet smelling Gum call'd Stâ—rax putting these things on lighted Charcoal 〈◊〉 else mix these Perfumes with liquid Storax settiâ—â— it a little while over the Coals These aromatiâ—â— Odours have the vertue to open the Pores whâ—â— they are stopt attenuate the gross Humours aâ—â— is good against the cold and moist Vapours of tâ—â— Body This Perfume may be made another wâ—â— if you take of all these things to wit Half ounce or six drams of Roses one dram of Aâ—ber of Musk half a scruple of Behen Album Sparling Poppy or red Behen ana two scruplâ— of the Flowers of Nymphea or River-Lillies thrâ— drams of Ladanum one dram of Mastick Incenâ—â— ana two Drams pound these not too small and set them over tâ—â— Coals Besides this to correct the bad quality of the Air and to attenuate and dissolve the gross and slimy Humours of the Body let there be always burning in the Chamber a good Fire of some Odoriferous Wood as Lawrel Rosemary Cypress Juniper Oak Pine Firr the Latrix or Larch-Tree Turpentine and Tamarisk Moreover Night and Day smell to a Ball of Pomander composed of these following several Ingredients Take of Saffron one Dram and a half of the Oriental Amber half a Scruple of Musk half a Dram of Storax Calamita the Gum which proceeds from a sweet Cane in the Indies and of Lawrel ana one Scruple these are altogether dissolved in Malmsey and thereof is made a round Ball. One thing is worthy your Observation and Remembrance that is that the Air in hot and moist Countries as for Example in Rome c. is very destructive to the Health the Air of the Vineyards is also little wholesom unless when the Northern or Western Wind blows Of Seasons those are the best which keeping their proper temperature are equally either cold or hot but the changeable and incertain Weather is the worst of all I must not likewise omit to tell you that in the Summer when the South Wind blows as in those places which stand towards the North are the least wholsome as in the Winter the Northern Wind blowing those which look towards the South If you desire to know the quality of the Air and disposition of the Weather at Night in the open Air put a dry Sponge and if in the Morning you find it dry you may assure your self the Air is dry if wet then conclude the Air is moist and damp The like Experiment may be tryed â—ith new Bread which being exposed to the Nocturnal Air as the former if in the Morning you find it mouldy the Air is corrupted and putrefied but if the Air be hot and dry the Bread will remain withouâ— any change The malignity of the Cold may bâ— corrected by artificially causing a good and sweeâ— Breath viz. by keeping in your Mouth Treacle Mithridate also the Confection called Alcarmes a term of the Arabian Physicians whereby they meant a Cordial made of certain little Scarleâ— Worms of which also is Crimson made rubbing the Teeth with this Antidote which yet becomes better by the addition of Zedoary a Rooâ— like Ginger growing in the East-Indies anâ— chewing therewith Angelica and this Dentifrice or Medicine to cleanse the Teeth may be made if you take of Rosemary one Dram of Myrrh Mastick Bole-armoniack Dragons-Blood Burnt-Allom ana half a Dram of Cinnamon one Dram and a half Rose Vinegar mastick-Mastick-water ana three Ounces half a pound of Rain-water of Honey three Ounces boyl these together over a gentle fire to the end that they may be well scummed afterwards add thereto Bezoar a kind of Precious Stone very Cordial being an excellent Antidote to expel Poyson by the Arabick Doctors it is called Badzahar i. e. Alexipharmacon a Remedy for Poison and as aâ— Unguent keep it in a glass Bottle Of this take a spoonful every Morning fasting holding it in your Mouth and rubbing your Gums therewith the which must bâ— afterwards wâ—ll washed and cleansed with Waâ—â—â— distilled in a hot Bath of white Salt and Roch-Allom ana three Ounces and thereto may be added a little â—â—stick-water With this wash the Teeth for these things cleanse the Mouth cause good Breath fâ—sten loose Teeth flesh the Gums heal the putrefied Flesh and make the Teeth white Besides all this there is great heed to be taken in the choice of a House see whether the Place and the Air be good or bad wholesom or unwholsom to dwell in The House therefore which you take let it be seated in the highest place of the City therein chuse your Apartment at least one pair of stairs high and let it be very light and so placed that it may always receive the Wind in the Summer and the Sun in the Winter and have Windows on all sides that is East West North and South if it may be to the end that no one Air may remain there long which otherwise would putrefie and corrupt and furthermore you ought to avoid not only lying in a Ground-Chamber but also tarrying there long for the highest are the most wholsom where you breath the thinnest and purest Air then you receive this benefit that dwelling in the highest and most open place of the House preserves and repairs the radical Moisture of the Body and hinders Old Age but to be in a dark lower Room or under the Ground is very naught for Life is maintained by the open Air and by Light but in the shade a Man grows mouldy and corrupted I must furthermore advertise you that of Animals Herbs Fruit Corn and Wine those are to be chosen that grow in high Ground free from ill smells putrefied by the Wind and receive a temperate and sufficient warmâ—h of the Sun where there be no stinking Lakes and Dung-hills to molest them for there the Fruits remain a long while uncorrupted and this is â—he only place whereon a man may securely fix to dwell in 'T is also commodious to have a Country House whereto you may sometimes repair for as the Country provides Food and Victuals for the City and the City consumes it so humane Life by sometimes dwelling in the Country is prolonged but by the Idleness of the
City it is shortned Likewise change of Air is sometimes very requisite and necessary though that change should not be made suddenly but deliberately and by little and little And because to the rectifying the Air the Clothes do in some measure contribute defending the Body from it for this purpose wear those Clothes that be warm and dry in the Winter get a Suit of Lamb-skin Fox-skin of a Marten or Ermin and for a good warm pair of Shoes take the skin of an Hare which is very good against the weakness and infirmness of the Hams or else that of a Fox which strengthens all the Members Some make their Clothes of Wool Cotton or Silk for those that are made of Linnen are least of all warm Cover well the Body by Night especially the Head which is the Cell or Domicile of the rational Soul from which are derived many indispositions wherefore one must take great care that the Head be neither too hot nor too cold and there be many that in the Night-time cover their Head close with warm Clothes for whilest a Man sleeps the natural heat retires to the inward parts and the outward parts are deprived of their heat whence they are easily offended by the external Cold aâ—d likewise whilest a Man is awake much heat and many Spirits by the Operation of the interiour and exteriour Faculties ascend into thâ— Head and by that means render it more hot Therefore there is most need in the Day to keep it cool but in the Night warm One must also beware of being too much in the Sun or near the Fire and not to wash the Head too often for these hot things open dilate and rarifie the parts of the Head and more readily dispose it to receive a superfluous humidity In the Winter 't will not be unuseful to sprinkle your Clothes with this sort of Water Take of Iris Florentina or Flower-de-luce Zedoary Spikenard ana one Ounce Storax Mastick Cinnamon Nutmegs Cloves ana half an Ounce Juniper-berries three Drams Behen Amber Musk ana one Scruple Distill all these things with Wine In the Summer take of Rose-water four pounds of the best Vinegar one pound of Red Roses one handful and a half Camphire half a Dram Musk seven Grains Spice of Diambra Flower-de-luce ana one Ounce pound all these except the Spice the Musk and the Camphire and dissolve them all in rose-Rose-water which being put into a Limbeck cover it nine days under Horse-dung You may also make use of this Powder to sprinkle on your Clothes adding Rose-water Take Red Roses Violets ana one Ounce Peel or Rind of Citron Solanum or Night-shade of Myrtle Lignum-Aloes ana one Ounce Camphire Amber ana half a Scruple Musk Behen ana five Grains and make of this a thin Powder 'T is also good to carry Odoriferous things in your Hand in the Summer-time a Sponge dipt in Rose-water or Rose-vinegar and smell to it often or carry with you this Odoriferous Ball Take of Roses one Dram Red Coral four Scruples Water-Lillies one Dram and a half Bole-armoniack one Dram â—â—orax Calamita one Dram and a half Lignum-Aloes two Scruples Mastick one Dram Lâ—danum two Drams Amber Musk ana two Grains these are pounded and so made into a Ball. In the Winter carry a Sponge infusâ—d into Vinegar wherâ—in steep Cloves and Zedoary Or else carry in your Hand this Ball of Amber Take of Ladanum half an Ounce Storax Calamita two Drams Bezoar Mastick ana one Dram Cloves Nutmegs Crocus Dyers-Grains white Wax Lignum-Aloes ana one Scruple Amber half a Scruple Musk dissolved in Malmsey five Grains make it into a Ball. Besides this there is need of defending the Breast and Stomâ—â—k with Lamb-skin or Hares or with a Pillow of Feathers seeing that the Stomack indisposed is the Mother of the Distemper Besides the Clothes which are used for the Head and Stomack make an Odour of Saffron Lignum-Aloes anâ— Amber for these things strengthen the Brain buâ— the Musk is to be left out by reason of its toâ— great Evaporation the hands are to be often covered with Gloves in the Winter made of Fox-skin in the Summer of Hares-skin Kids oâ— Lambs The last thing though not the least to bâ— observed is That with the greatest diligence anâ— care you avoid coldness of Hands or Feet since that infinite Distempers are wont to proceed and flow from thence CHAP. II. Of Motion BEcause Motion is not only requisite to the preservation of the Health but also very needful towards a good habit of the Body therefore after the Air it remains to treat of Exercise the which is a most powerful and prevalent thing to keep us in health being that which purges and drives away the superfluous Humours of the Body which are in such sort dissipated and dissolved that there is no longer need of Physick where this is not wanting There be many sorts of Motion and that is the best which is not violent as Walking but is a regular motion of the Body as being most kindly and most agreeable to the Members but that Motion which is caused in a Coach in a Ship on Horse-back or the like is the least wholsom Some Exercises are strong and wearisom and others moderate light and weak The temperate Exercise is that which contributes much to the Health for it corroborates the natural Health wasts the Superfluities enlivens Youth chears old Age and hinders Fulness fortifies the Senses renders the Body light and agile strengthens the Nerves and all the Joynts for the exercised Parts become more robust This also consolidates the Members aids Digestion keeps the Passages of the Body clear and open so that the smoaky Vapours of the Spirits may find a better and more free issue the which are the chiefest instruments in the conservation of humâ—ne Life being the reason that the Food finds an eaâ—â—â— concoction digestion and assimulation of Parts and finally a cause of the evacuation and expurgation of all the Superfluities The light Exercises are Fishing Fowling and such like Divertisements which chear the Mind and as moderate and temperate Exercise does wonderfully contribute to the Health so overmuch Idleness is very pernicious Rubbings are also exceeding useful for they hinder the Humours from falling into the Joynts and doing it in the right time that is when the Superfluities shall be evaporated from the inward Parts it helps Digestion recreates the Body and opens the Pores whereby the moist Humours and Vapours of the Body obtain an easier passage It also swiftly draws the Blood to the outward Parts it thickens the subtil Bodies and attenuates the gross hardens the soft and mollifies the hard and fiâ—ally confirms the natural heat The quantity of the Exercise reaches so far as the Body can bear without growing too weary that is till you wax hot having a fresh colour and begin to sweat which so soon as you perceive change your Cloaths and dry well all the Members and put on other Cloaths
contrary Operations arise in our Body that the sleep retracts the heat to the inward parts and the heat of the Air to the outward parts and at such time the Brain is filled with many Vapours which afterwards being united and condensed into Water descend to the inferiour parts and increase the Rheum and falling into divers parts of the Body they are distinguished by several names as is demonstrated by these Verses Ad pectus si Rheuma fiuit tunc dico Catarrhum Ad fauces Bronchos ad nares dico Corizam And other evil Accidents do attend such an irregularity therefore the Divine Providence has seâ— apart the Day for Business and Labour and thâ— Night for Rest and Sleep so that to sleep in thâ— Day-time is to invert the Order of Nature anâ— disposes the Body to receive innumerable Infirmities it begets Catarrhs ill colour in the Face renders the Milt heavy offends the Nerves causes Laziness Imposthumes and Fevers Anâ— besides who would deprive themselves by 〈◊〉 kind of a voluntary Death of the glorious lighâ— of the Sun and Day which was created for Maâ— to enjoy to do whatsoever is requisite to folloâ— his Affairs c. whereas the Night being dark obscure and silent is only fit for Sleep both for the coolness 〈◊〉 the Air and also for the quiet and tranquility of the Body and Soul for then no noise or rumours interrupt and disturb our Sleep and therefore it is said Si vis incolumem si vis te reddere sanum Curas tolle graves somnum fuge meridianum Parce mero coenato parum nec sit tibi vanum Surgere post epulas irasci crede profanum Nec mictum retine nec comprime fortiter anum But if any necessity as is said compels a man to sleep in the day time either by reason of night-watching or to restore decayed strength he may venture to sleep a little in the day-time for the heat being withdrawn to the inward Parts causes a better Concoction But one may sleep in the long days sitting on a leather Chair with the Head lifted up but not bowed backwards or forward but on one side which thing causes less Evaporation to the Brain but ft is not good to sleep in a soft and delicious Bed nor perfumed with Musk or Amber or Lignum Aloes because there is too much ado especially when no good but rather hurt proceeds from thence for it offends the Brain and makes the Head heavy One ought also to avoid the contrary extream and not to sleep upon Boards or other hard things which will break some Vein in the Breast Note That you ought not to sleep a-nights with the Head Arms or Feet uncovered for the coldness of extream Parts of the Body are very hurtful and destructive to the Brain You must also take this Caveat along with you that is not to sleep in a Room whereto the Râ—â—s of the Moon have a free access for there is scâ—â—ce any thing more pernicious to the Head and are a greater cause of Catarrhs than if you should sleep in the open Air. Besides this 't is not good to sleep presently after Food but to tarry at least two hours â—fter and the longer the better for thereby the Victuals will be the better concocted 'T is yet more pernicious to sleep immediately after Dinner than after Supper for then a man is wakened out of his Sleep before that his Head can concoct or dispose of the Vapours which arise from his Food 'T is furthermore noxious to sleep with an empty Stomach because it weakens the force of the Body and in sleeping you should not make too many turns for it causes the corruption of the Victuals in the Stomach increases the Superfluities and lastly hinders the digestion of those matters and the sending of them to their natural Places So likewise sleeping with the Face upwards is greatly to be avoided for it offends the Back and the Reins hinders the Breathing and is a Preparative to the noxious distempers of the Nerves or Sinews for the Superfluities go to the nape of the Neck and Back-bone and to the back-Parts so that they cannot be purged out by the Nose nor the Mouth nor by the other usual means though it is true that when we be troubled with any pain or infirmity of the Reins 't is best to sleep on the Back The manner of Sleeping to the end that Victuals may better descend to the bottom of the Stomach is to begin your Sleep on the right side continuing so the space of two hours then to turn your self on the left side for a longer space which mightily aids Digestion for then the Liver embraces the Victuals as a Hen her Chickens and lyes directly â—â—der the Stomach like a Fire under a Cauldron and so is caused a more ready and better Digestion Afterwards in the end of your Sleep you must turn on the right side again to the end that the Food may more easily descend from the Stomach to the Liver and that the superfluity of the first Digestion may find a more free passage to the Entrails But when the Stomach is weak the which you may know by the coldness which is perceived in its region by all the sharp and sowr Humours and by the Spittle after the Food which is insipid and without taste then it is better to begin your Sleep lying on your Belly for such Sleep corroborates the Face the Breast and the Digestion though it is naught for them who are troubled with Rheums in the Eyes because it adds more Matter and Humours thereto But at such time 't will be better to apply to the Stomach a Pillow of soft Feathers and little such as those of a Vulture or instead of Feathers you may fill the Pillow with the clippings of Scarlet And amongst the things which do mostly contribute to the expulsion of that coldness of the Stomach is to hold embraced a fleshy Child or a little fat Dog which heating the Stomach do greatly aid Digestion The quantity of Sleep ought to be taken till the Concoction in the Stomach is perfected which may be known by the Urine which when it looks clear as Water dâ—es demonstrate that there remains some Crudity or raw Juyce in the Veins and therefore requires a longer Sleep but when the Urine is of a Limmor or bright yellow colour it shews that the Juyce is fully concocted and then that Sleep is sufficient But this time of Sleep is varied according to the diversity of the Complexions of â—â—e Age and of the Time For those that are of a hot Complexion digest their Victuals quickly and for such six hours Sleep is sufficient but those of a cold Constitution the digestive faculty being but weak in them stand in need of a longer Sleep Whence six hours Sleep is enough for any young Man but for old Men eight or nine hours at least and it is always better that the Sleep should rather be too long
therefore in the choice of them observe well these following Rules I. That you eat but a small quantity of them and that they may better nourish use them boyled in Broth. II. That none but Lettice be eaten raw and that also with Vinegar to allay the boyling of the Blood the heat of the Liver and Stomach III. In Winter use hot Herbs in Summer cool in Spring and Autumn temperate IV. That you do not eat Herbs which begin to put forth their Seed V. That Herbs be eaten at the beginning of Dinner since that almost all are laxative CHAP. XXIV Of Sorrel Name IN Latin 't is call'd Oxalis and Acidula in English Sorrel Kinds There be several sorts thereof but Garden-Sorrel and wild are the chief Choice The Garden-Sorrel is the best and of the wild that which is not red but all over green Qualities It is cold and dry in the second degree Commodity It is very pleasant in raw Sallads mixt with other Herbs for its smart and sharp taste which it has it is very agreeable to the taste it is very good in pestilential and burning Fevers for it stifles the heat of the Choler extinguishes Thirst resists Putrefaction excites the Appetite and stops Defluxions In Summer Flesh and Fish are to be sawced with the juyce of Sorrel instead of Vinegar or Verjuice or juyce of Oranges and so Eggs which renders them very pleasant and excites the Appetite Many eat Sorrel raw with Bread others use the decoction thereof either in Water or in Broth or Water of it distilled or else the Syrup of its juyce Sorrel takes away the nauseating and squeamishness of the Stomach it is good for the Kidneys breaking and expelling thence the Stone and Gravel The seeds of Sorrel drank in Wine are an Antidote against Poyson stops Rheums and Fluxes frees and preserves one from the Plague Hurt It nourishes little binds the Body of those that use it too often hurts melancholy persons and sowrs the Stomach Remedy Let it be eaten in a Sallad mixt with other Herbs among which let there be Lettice which is moist Rue or Mint which is hot it ought to be used only in hot Seasons and by young cholerick and sanguine men and also in hot Distempers CHAP. XXV Of Marjoram Name IN Latin Amaracus and Sampsuchus in English Marjoram Qualities 'T is hot and dry in the third degree its Faculties are to digest to attenuate to open and to strengthen Commodity The use of Marjoram is very good and necessary in Food for it corroborates and cleans the Stomach and mundifie it expelling thence the Choler and Flegm the smell thereof comforts the Brain and it is very useful and effectual given to Dropsical Persons and it is good to bring down Womens Monthly Courses Hurt It is too sharp whence it causes the boyling and inflammation of the Blood Remedy It is to be used in a small quantity and never in hot Food but rather in such Meats as are of a cold quality and windy and which beget gross and slimy Humours CHAP. XXVI Of Dill. Name IN Latine Anetham in English the Herb Anise or Dill. Choice The best is that which is fresh and is not seeded Commodity It is used for sawce with Meats in Coleworts in Fish and other sort of Victuals it has a pleasant taste helps the Stomach to concoct the Food lessens the Hickets and sneezing and mitigates the pains of the Body increases Nurses Milk dissolves the windiness is good for the Nerves and binds the Belly Hurt The too frequent use thereof hurts the Eye-sight dries up the Sperma or Seed offends the Stomach because it is a sharp Food moves belching begets gross Humours is hard of Digestion provokes nauseating and offends the Reins Remedy It must not be too much nor too frequently uâ—ed with hot Food but with Fish it may be securely used Their bad Qualities may be allayed by mixing therewith Parsley Bete and Burrage or Lettice CHAP. XXVII Of Anise-seed Name IN Latine Anisum in English Anise-seed Choice The first in goodness is that of Aegypt which is the fresh and black Quality It is hot and dry in the third degree and of a subtil substance sour bitter sharp digestive and dissolving windiness Commodity This Seed cures a stinking Breath renders the Mouth sweet is good for Dropsical Persons removes the Obstructions of the Liver provokes Urine and stops the white Fluxes of Women mitigates Thirst and the decoction thereof drunk dissolves the windiness of the Body is good for the Liver Lungs and Stomach because it aids and strengthens digestion it cures the pains of the Head provokes Milk breaks the Stone helps the Nerves and comforts the Brain hindring the Vapours from rising up toward the Head a little of this made into Comfits is good after Dinner and taken before Water it rectifies it it is very useful in Pies and Pasties Hurt It excites Lusts and is unprofitable to the Stomach unless when windy Remedy It must be used moderately Young Cholerick and Sanguine Men must abstain from it especially in Summer CHAP. XXVIII Of Asparagus Name LAtine Asparagus English Sparagus Choice The Garden-Sparagus is better than the Wild the fresh are to be eaten and those which with their tops do not bend down Quality Sparagus is abstersive and temperately hot and moist Commodity It is quickly boyled whence the Proverb Citius quam Asparagus coquitur It nourishes more than all other Herbs is is good for the Stomach purges the Breast mollifies the Body provokes Urine increases the Sperma genitale cleanses the Kidneys from the gravel mitigates their pains and likewise the Loyns Hurt Being used in too great a quantity iâ— offends the Stomach induces nauseating especially when it is eaten fresh and by its bitterness it increases Choler and makes the Urine stink though it hath passed through all the Body And lastly if much used by Women it makes them Barren Remedy Let it be boyled and let the firâ— Water wherein it was boyled be thrown away afterwards season it with Oyl Salt and Peppeâ— adding thereto Juice of Oranges or Vinegar boyleâ— in Wine it is very good It does not agree witâ— Cholerick but Old Men eaten in moderate quantity and hot and well seasoned it is more wholsom boyled in fat Broth. CHAP. XXIX Of Betony Name IN Latine Betonica in English Betony Choice The best is that which grows on Sunny Hills and is tender being eaten boyled in Broths Qualities It is hot and dry in the first degree and cutting Commodity The Betony is full of infinite vertues whence comes the Italian Proverb You have more goodness in you than the Betony It is good for all the internal Passions of the Mind in whatsoever manner it be took It is good for those who have took any poisonous thing and it is very credible that being used in Food it preserves one from all those Evils and Distempers which it has the faculty to heal and it is good for the Jaundice
chosen first and those of Aegypt are the best Qualities The green is cold and ought not to be used in the Body or eaten but the ripe has a pleasant Odour The dry is hot Commodity It is very useful for the Stomach because it represses and keeps down the venomous exhalations which would ascend into the Head Being drunk wiâ—h sweet Wine it kills the Worms It preserves tâ—e â—lesh incorrupted The Comfits of Coriander seed eaten at the end of a Meal does help the digestion of the Meat without keeping it in the Stomach and fortifies the Head and the Brâ—in Hurt The over-much use thereof offends the Head obfuscates the Understaâ—ding and disturbs the Mind Its Jâ—ice drank is deadly Poyson and those that drinâ— thereof bâ—come either dumb or foolish for it quite bereaves them of their Senses Remedy Iâ—s pâ—rnicious â—ualities may be remedied by stâ—â—ping it one Night in Water afterwards Canâ—yiâ—g these Coâ—iander-seeds with Sugar whereby thâ—â— become not only not offeâ—sive but they do verâ— much contribute to the Health Let thâ—se that â—ave drunk the Juice thereof take the â— wder of Egg-shells with â—rine or Treacle with Wine CHAP. XXXVII Of Tarragon Name IN Latin Dracunculus hortensis in English Tarragon Choice The best is that which is fresh tender and that which grows in fruitful Gardens and is sufficiently watered and the Leaves that hang on the ground are not to be chosen but the top and the most tender Qualities 'T is hot in the beginning of the third degree and dry in the first Commodity 'T is the best Herb that is to make Sallads and Sawces and it is used in cool Sallads instead of Rocket it is cordial causing a good Appetite and increases Copulation and wonderfully comforts the Stomach and the Head cutting the Flegm 'T is a very aromatick Herb and being eaten is an Antidote against the Plague and other Corruptions it cures the cold Pains of the Teeth and Gums by washing them with its decoction made in White-wine Hurt It heats the Liver and attenuates the Blood Remedy It is eaten with cold Herbs as Endive Lettice and Borrage-flowers but not by young sanguine and cholerick men especially in Summer 't is good for old men at all times CHAP. XXXVIII Of Cichory Name IN Latin Cichoreum in English Cichory or Succhory Choice The most tender is the best and the tops and that which has a blue Flower always turning to the Sun Qualities Cichory is cold and dry in the second degree and the wild is more bitter abstersive and bindiâ—g Commodity It contributes wonderfully to the Stomach opens the obstructions of the Liver and is the most powerful and effectual Remedy that can be to keep the Liver clean and opens the passages thereof very much It is good for the Reins Hâ—rt It hurts those that are grieved with a weak Stomach and cold and the juyce which it begets is of little and not good Nourishment so that it is more commendaâ—le in Physick than in Food It is â—urtfâ—l to rheumatick men Reâ—edy Bâ—ing boyled in Water and afterwarâ—s eaten with Oyl and Vinegar and Grapes in a Salâ—ad or â—lse raw with Mint-vinegar and mixt with Garlick and other hot Herbs it is less hurtful ' Ti good in Summer for young men and thâ—s that are of an hot Complexion may use it at all tiâ—â—â— â—ut it is â—ad for those that have a cold Stâ—â—ach and are subject to Catarrhs and these therefore ought not to eaâ— it raw but boyled in Broth of good wholesom Flâ—sh CHAP. XXXIX Of Endive Name IN Latin Endivia and Intybus in English Endive Choice The Garden-Endive is the best and most tender but you must not tarry till it has a Stalk or Milk in it that which is put under ground and made white is the best Quality It is cold and dry in the second degree but the Garden-Endive is more cold and moist than the wild Commodity It refreshes the Liver and all the inflamed Members quenches Thirst provokes Urine and in the Summer causes a good Appetite removes the Obstructions purges the Blood cures the Itch allays the burning of the Stomach being eaten boyled in Flesh-broth in the Summer-time it refreshes all the Bowels Hurt The use of Endive is not to be approved of in those that have the Stomach cold it hinders Digestion aâ— little and offends paralitick and trembling persons Remedy The white is to be eaten in Winter by those whose Stomachs are weak and cold adding thereto Pepper and Raisins of the Sun or a little boyled Wine the boyled is less hurtful than the raw 't is good for young cholerick and sanguine men 'T is eaten with Mint Rocket Tarragon and other hot Herbs CHAP. XL. Of Fennel Name IN Latin Faeniculum and Marathrum in English Fennel Choice The sweet and Garden-Fennel is the best but let it be fresh and tender Quality The sweet is hot in the second degree and dry in the first and the wild heats and dryes more strongly Commodity It very much provokes Urine and Milk and brings down the Flowers It removes old Obstructions purges the Reins and wonderfully contributes to the Eye-sight but the dry must be used in a little quantity for otherwise it will inflame the Liver and hurt the Eyes it purges the Breast and the Brain Hurt It is a sharp Food hard of Digestion and of a very bad Nourishment It attenuates and inflames the Blood of such as be cholerick it weakens and consumes the Body and by the use thereof is begot Melancholy so that it is more convenient and wholesom in Physick than Food Remedy The tender is the best and it is to be eaten in a small quantity The young Fennel which is boyled is to be open and put a little while in fresh Water to take away its naughty and poysonous quality which the Serpents leave in it It is good to rub the Eyes withal but you must eat but little thereof for in time it will breed the Stone which as being opening carries gross matters into the straight passages of the Urine where they afterwards condense and become Stones and Gravels CHAP. XLI Of Sampier Name IN Latin Crithmum and Faeniculum marinum in English Sampier Choice The green and sweet smelling is best for Pickle Quality 'T is hot and dry in the third degree salt to the Taste and something bitter because of its drying and abstersive faculty Commodity Pickled it preserves the Stomach Liver and Reins Hurt It inflames the Blood Remedy 'T is not good for young men in Summer but for old in Winter and then but a small quantity thereof CHAP. XLII Of Lettice Name LAtin Lactuca English Lettice Choice The Monks and French Lettice is the best and withal tender especially if it grows in fruitful Gardens Those that begin to have Milk are to be rejected they must not be washed but gently and tenderly cropped Quality 'T is cold and moist in the second degree Commodity It is easie to be digested
Complexions and all Ages except decrepid Men. Hurt If you eat many of them they begeâ— windiness offend the Stomach of those that arâ— troubled with Cholick pains and are full of Crudities they hurt the ulcerated Reins cause Thirst and are naught for the Liver and Milt and opilate they cause the Itch and breed many Lice Remedy When you eat the fresh you must drink fresh Water after them whereby they find an easier descent in the bottom of the Stomach and temperates their heat or else eating Pomegranats after them or other Food sauced with â—â—e juice of Oranges and Sorrel CHAP. LXVIII Of Apples Name IN Latine Poma and Mala in English Apples Choice There be almost infinite sorts of Apâ—les but the best are the sweet great and coâ—ured and above all such as are most ripe â—he Pippins challenge the superiority and preâ—erence beyond all others next to them the â—ear-mains c. Qualities The sweet Apples are hot in the â—â—rst degree and temperately moist but the sharp â—nd sour Apples are cold and dry Commodity They notably comfort the Heart â—pen the Breast ripen Flegm make one spit and â—re good baked for those who are in Health if â—heir Stomach be very weak because they comâ—â—r it and excite the Appetite but then they â—ust be roasted under the ashes and eaten with â—omfits made of Anise-seed of these is made â—he Syrup of Apples which is a great Cordial â—nd is good against Melancholy Passions Hurt They hurt them that have a weak Stoâ—ach and those that are troubled with pains in â—he Nerves especially if eaten raw and in a â—reat quantity They must be suffered to hang â—n the Tree till they be throughly ripe otherwise â—hey are very pernicious and of very bad nourishment The sour and sharp Apples cause wiâ—diness and much Flegm and make the Memorâ— short Remedy Apples become very good by roastinâ— and eating them with Sugar or else Cinnamoâ— or Sugar of Roses after them The Pippins aâ— least hurtful Apples may be kept all the Winteâ— in Hay but let them not touch one another CHAP. LXIX Of Medlars Name LAtine Mespilum English Medlars Choice The best Medlars are tâ—â— biggest which have Pulp enough and little Stoneâ— but let them be well ripened either in Hay 〈◊〉 hang'd up in the Air. Qualities Medlars are cold in the second degree and dry in the first Commodity They are pleasant to the taste comfort the Stomach and the Belly mitigate thâ— heat of the Stomach stop Fluxes stay Vomitinâ— but provoke Urine Their stones also beâ— to powder and drank in White-wine togethâ—â— with a few Roots of Parsley boyl'd do send oâ— the Stone and Gravel of the Kidneys There bâ— found a sort of Medlars without any stones whicâ— being grafted on a Quince-Tree come to be 〈◊〉 a notable largeness and pleasant taste Hurt They are slowly digested and do likewise hinder the digestion of other things anâ— many burden the Stomach breeding little bâ— gross Nourishment Remedy Eating after them pectoral things as Violet-Sugar Liquorish Sugar-câ—ndy c. they lose their hurt They are good in Winter for young cholerick Persons and such as have a strong Stomach CHAP. LXX Of Nutmegs Name IN Latine Nux Myristica in English Nutmegs Choice The best are the fresh red heavy solid fat and full of moisture Qualities They are hot and dry in the end of the second degree and astringent Commodity They make the breath sweet increase the sight held in the Mouth they cure the Vertigo and Syncope strengthen all the Bowels and especially the mouth of the Stomach the Liver the Milt and the Matrice they provoke Urine and stop Vomiting excite the Appetite consume the Windiness cause Digestion and are very good in Sauces for those that have a weak Stomach and for a cold Liver because it heats notably to anoint your self with the Oyl of Nutmegs is very good for the Stomach and trembling Members Hurt They cause inflammations of the Body and therefore they ought not to be eaten by Young Cholerick and Sanguine Men chiefly in hot Weather but Old Flegmatick and Melancholick Persons may make use thereof in their Victuals most securely and especially in Winter They are moreover very hurtful to those that are troubled with Piles or Emrods and those that are bound in the Body because Nutmegs are very astringent Remedy They are less hurtful if used but a little at once and mixed also with Ginger which by its moistness qualifies and allays their dryness CHAP. LXXI Of Pepper Name IN Latine Piper in English Pepper Choice You must take care in choosing it that the grains be not hollow dry and light but fresh heavy and black for then it is manifest that it is throughly ripe and good Qualities Pepper is hot and dry in the end of the third degree Commodity The white Pepper grows in one Plant and the black in another and there is as much difference between them as there is between the Vines which bear red Grapes and those that bear white Black Pepper helps Concoction excites the Appetite disperses Windiness fortifies the Stomach and strongly heats the Nerves draws dissolves and removes the dimness of the Eyes It hastens Child birth is good against the Cough and all Distempers and Defections of the Breast being beaten to powder and masht with Raisins of the Sun it draws down the Flegm from the Head and preserves the Health Hurt It hurts hot Complexions in Summer and in hot Countries inflames the Blood and dries the Liver Remedy It loses most part of its hurtful qualities by a moderate use thereof and is most wholsom for Old Men that are Flegmatick and full of Rheums but in cold Weather and eat with cold and moist Meats but not too finely powder'd but big unless you desire it should penetrate into all the parts of the Body then beat it very small CHAP. LXXII Of Pears Name IN Latine Pyrum in English Pears Choice Of these also as of Apples there be infinite sorts but the best are first the sweet and well-ripe Muscadine the second the Icy Pear the third the Bergamot the fourth the Bon Chrestien and the last are Wardens and hard Winter-Pears which are good baked Qualities Pears for the most part are cold in the first degree and dry in the second Câ—mmodity They are pleasant to the taste excite the Appetite strengthen the Stomach and cause a more quick evacuation of the Excrements The Bergamots are the most wholsom they are good against the Poison of Mushromes and Snails they make good Perry and putting them into a Glass of Wine if they sink to the bottom they signifie that the Wine is pure and right but swiming on the top they discover that the Wine is mixed with Water and falsified Drying them in the Sun or Oven first quartering them and picking out their Kernels they are very good in the Winter put into Wine or hot Water and sprinkled with a little Sugar Hurt Being eaten before Meals