The Time Saffron beginneth to floure in September and presently after spring vp the leaues and remaine greene all the Winter long ¶ The Names Saffron is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 in Latine Crocus in Mauritania Saffaran in Spanish 〈◊〉 in English Saffron in the Arabicke tongue Zahafaran ¶ The Temperature Saffron is a lirtle astringent or binding but his hot qualitie doth so ouer-rule in it that in the whole essence it is in the number of those herbes which are hot in the second degree and drie in the first therefore it also hath a certaine force to concoct which is furthered by the small astriction rhat is in it as Galen saith ¶ The Vertues Auicen affirmeth that it causeth head-ache and is hurtfull to the braine which it cannot do by taking it now and then but by too much vsing of it for too much vsing of it cutteth off sleepe through want whereof the head and sences are out of frame But the moderate vse of it is good for the head and maketh the sences more quicke and liuely shaketh off heauy and drowsie sleepe and maketh a man merry Also Saffron strengthneth the heart concocteth crude and raw humors of the chest openeth the lungs and remoueth obstructions ‡ 3 Crocus vernus flore luteo Yellow Spring Saffron ‡ 4 Crocus vernus flore albo White Spring Saffron ‡ 5 Crocus 〈◊〉 flore 〈◊〉 Purple Spring Saffron ‡ 6 Crocus montanus 〈◊〉 Autumne mountaine Saffron It is also such a speciall remedic for those that haue consumption of the lungs and are as wee terme it at deaths doore and almost past breathing that it bringeth breath again and prolongeth life for certaine dayes if ten or twentie graines at the most be giuen with new or sweet Wine For we haue found by often experience that being taken in that sort it presently and in a moment remoueth away difficultie of breathing which most dangerously and suddenly hapneth Dioscorides teacheth That being giuen in the same sort it is also good against a surfet It is commended against the stoppings of the liuer and gall and against the yellow Iaundise And hereupon Dioscorides writeth That it maketh a man well coloured It is put into all drinkes that are made to helpe the diseases of the intrailes as the same Authour affirmeth and into those especially which bring downe the floures the birth and the after burthen It prouoketh vrine stirreth fleshly lust and is vsed in Cataplasmes and pultesses for the matrix and fundament and also in plaisters and seare-cloaths which serue for old swellings and aches and likewise for hot swellings that haue also in them S. Anthonies fire ‡ 7 Crocus montanus Autumnalis flore majore albido caeruleo Autumne mountaine Saffron with a large whitish blew floure ‡ 8 Crocus Autumnalis flore albo White Autumne Saffron It is with good successe put into compositions for infirmities of the eares The eyes being annointed with the same dissolued in milke or fennell or rose water are preserued from being hurt by the small pox and measels and are defended thereby from humours that would fall into them The chiues steeped in water serue to illumine or as we say limne pictures and imagerie as also to colour sundry meats and confections It is with good successe giuen to procure bodily lust The confections called Crocomagna Oxycroceum and 〈◊〉 with diuers other emplaisters and electuaries cannot be made without this Saffron The weight of tenne graines of Saffron the kernels of Wall-nuts two ounces Figges two ounces Mithridate one dram and a few sage leaues stamped together with a sufficient quantitie of Pimpernell water and made into a masse or lumpe and kept in a glasse for your vse and thereof twelue graines giuen in the morning fasting preserueth from the Pestilence and expelleth it from those that are infected ‡ 9 Crocus vernus angustifolius flore violaceo Narrow leaued Spring Saffron with a violet floure ‡ 10 Crocus vernus latifolius flore flauo strijs violaceis Broad leaued Spring Saffron with a yellow floure purple streaks ‡ 11 Crocus vernus latifolius striatus flore duplici Double floured streaked Spring Saffron ¶ The Kindes of Spring Saffron OF wilde Saffrons there be sundry sorts differing as well in the colour of the floures as also in the time of their flouring Of which most of the figures shall be set forth vnto you ¶ The Description of wilde Saffron 1 THe first kind of wilde Saffron hath small short grassie leaues surrowed or chanelled downe the midst with a white line or streake among the leaues rise vp small floures in shape like vnto the common Saffron but differing in colour for this hath floures of mixt colours that is to say the ground of the floure is white stripped vpon the backe with purple and dasht ouer on the inside with a bright shining murrey colour the other not In the middle of the floures come forth many yellowish chiues without any smel of saffron at all The root is small round and couered with a browne skinne or filme like vnto the roots of common Saffron 2 The second wilde Saffron in leaues roots and floures is like vnto the precedent but altogether lesser and the floures of this are of a purple violet colour ‡ 12 Crocus vernus latifolius flore purpureo Broad leaued Spring Saffron with the púrple floure ‡ 13 Crocus vernus flore cinereo striato Spring Saffron with an Ash-coloured streaked floure ‡ 14 Crocus vernus latifolius flore flauovario duplici Broad leaued Spring Saffron with a double floure yellow streaked 4 There is found among Herbarists another sort not differing from the others sauing that this hath white floures contrarie to all the rest 5 Louers of Plants haue gotten into their gardens one sort hereof with purple or Violet coloured floures in other respects like vnto the other 6 Of these we haue another that floureth in the fall of the 〈◊〉 with floures like to the common Saffron but destitute of those chiues which yeeld the colour smell or taste that the right manured Saffron hath ‡ 7 And of this last kinde there is another with broader leaues and the floure also is larger with the leaues thereof not so sharpe pointed but more round the colour being at the first whitish but afterwards intermixt with some blewnesse ‡ 8 There is also another of Autumne wild Saffrons with white floures which sets forth the distinction Many sorts there are in our gardens besides those before specified which I thought needlesse to entreat of because their vse is not great ‡ Therefore I will only giue the figures and names of some of the chiefe of them and refer such as delight to see or please themselues with the varieties for they are no specificke differences of these plants to the gardens and the bookes of Florists who are onely the preseruers and admirers of these varieties not sought after for any vse but delight ‡ ¶ The Place All these wilde Saffrons we haue growing in
on their tops carry pretty floures like those of Borage but not so sharpe pointed but of a more pleasing blew colour This floures in the spring and is kept in some choice Gardens Lobell calls it Symphytum pumilum repens Borraginis facie siue Borrago minima Herbariorum ‡ ¶ The Place Comfrey joyeth in watery ditches in fat and fruitfull medowes they grow all in my Garden ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Symphytum and Solidago in shops Consolida maior and Symphytum maius of Scribonius Largus Inula rustica and Alus Gallica of others Osteocollon in high Dutch Walwurtz in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Consolida maggiore in Spanish Suelda maiore and Consuelda maior in French Consire and Oreille d'asne in English Comfrey 〈◊〉 Consound of some Knit backe and Blackewoort ¶ The Temperature The root of Comfrey hath a cold quality but yet not much it is also of a clammie and gluing moisture it causeth no itch at all neither is it of a sharpe or biting taste vnsauory and without any qualitie that may be tasted so far is the tough and gluing moisture from the sharpe clamminesse of the sea Onion as that there is no comparison betweene them The leaues may cause itching not through heate or sharpenesse but through their ruggednesse as we haue already written yet lesse than those of the Nettle ¶ The Vertues The rootes of Comfrey stamped and the juice drunke with wine helpeth those that spit bloud and healeth all 〈◊〉 wounds and burstings The same bruised and laid to in manner of a plaister doth heale all fresh and greene woundes and are so glutenatiue that it will sodder or glew together meate that is chopt in peeces seething in a pot and make it in one lumpe The rootes boiled and drunke doe clense the brest from flegme and cure the griefes of the lungs especially if they be confect with sugar and syrrup it preuaileth much against ruptures or burstings The slimie substance of the root made in a posset of ale and giuen to drinke against the paine in the backe gotten by any violent motion as wrastling or ouermuch vse of women doth in foure or fiue daies perfectly cure the same although the inuoluntary flowing of the seed in men be gotten thereby The roots of Comfrey in number foure Knotgrasse and the leaues of Clarie of each an handfull being stamped all together and strained and a quart of Muscadell put thereto the yolkes of three egges and the powder of three Nutmegs drunke first and last is a most excellent medicine against a Gonorrhaea or running of the reines and all paines and consumptions of the backe There is likewise a syrrup made hereof to be vsed in this case which staieth voiding of bloud tempereth the heate of agues allaieth the sharpenesse of flowing humors healeth vp vlcers of the lungs and helpeth the cough the receit whereof is this Take two ounces of the roots of great Comfrey one ounce of Liquorice two handfulls of Folefoot roots and all one ounce and an halfe of Pine-apple kernells twenty iuiubes two drams or a quarter of an ounce of Mallow seed one dram of the heads of Poppy boile all in a sufficient quantitie of water till one pinte remaine straine it and and adde to the liquor strained six ounces of very white sugar and as much of the best hony and make thereof a syrrup that must be throughly boiled The same syrrup cureth the vlcers of the kidnies though they haue been of long continuance and stoppeth the bloud that commeth from thence Moreouer it staieth the ouermuch flowing of the monethly sickenesse taken euery day for certaine daies together It is highly commended for woundes or hurts of all the rest also of the intrailes and inward parts and for burstings or ruptures The root stamped and applied vnto them taketh away the inflammation of the fundament and ouermuch flowing of the hemorrhoides CHAP. 288. Of Cowslips of Jerusalem 1 Pulmonaria maculosa Spotted Cowslips of Ierusalem 2 Pulmonaria folijs Echij Buglosse Cowslips 3 Pulmoria angustifolia ij Clusij Narrow leafed Cowslips of Ierusalem ¶ The Description 1 COwslips of Ierusalem or the true and right Lungwort hath rough hairy and large leaues of a brown green color confusedly spotted with diuers spots or drops of white amongst which spring vp certaine stalkes a span long bearing at the top many fine floures growing together in bunches like the floures of cowslips sauing that they be at the first red or purple and sometimes blew and oftentimes al these colours at once The floures being fallen there come small buttons full of seed The root is blacke and threddy ‡ This is sometimes found with white floures ‡ 2 The second kinde of Lungwort is like vnto the former but greater in each respect the leaues bigger than the former resembling wilde Buglosse yet spotted with white spots like the former the floures are like the other but of an exceeding shining red colour 3 Carolus Clusius setteth forth a third kinde of Lungwoort which hath rough and hairie leaues like vnto wilde Buglosse but narrower among which rises vp a stalke a foot high bearing at the top a bundle of blew floures in fashion like vnto those of Buglosse or the last described ¶ The Place These plants do grow in moist shadowie woods and are planted almost euery where in gardens ‡ Mr. Goodyer found the Pulmonaria folijs Echij being the second May 25. Anno 1620. flouring in a wood by Holbury house in the New Forrest in Hampshire ‡ ¶ The Time They floure for the most part in March and Aprill ¶ The Names Cowslips of Ierusalem or Sage of Ierusalem is called of the Herbarists of our time Pulmonaria and Pulmonalis of Cordus Symphitum syluestre or wilde Comfrey but seeing the other is also of nature wilde it may aptly be called Symphytum maculosum or Maculatum in high Dutch Lungenkraut in low Dutch Onser 〈◊〉 melcruiit in English spotted Comfrey Sage of Ierusalem Cowslip of Ierusalem Sage of Bethlem and of some Lungwort notwithstanding there is another Lungwort of which we will intreat among the kindes of Mosses ¶ The Temperature Pulmonaria should be of like temperature with the great Comfrey if the roote of this were clammie but seeing that it is hard and woody it is of a more drying quality and more binding ¶ The Vertues The leaues are vsed among pot-herbes The roots are also thought to be good against the infirmities and vlcers of the lungs and to be of like force with the great Comfrey CHAP. 289. Of Clote Burre or Burre Docke 1 Bardana maior The great Burre Docke 2 Bardana minor The lesse Burre Docke ¶ The Description 1 CLot Burre bringeth forth broad leaues and hairie far bigger than the leaues of Gourds and of greater compasse thicker also and blacker which on the vpper side are of a darke greene colour and
leaues are rounder and not so much cut about the edges as the others The branches are weake and feeble trailing vpon the ground The floures are likewise of three colours that is to say white blew and yellow void of smell The root perisheth when it hath perfected his seed 5 There is found in sundry places of England a wilde kinde hereof bringing floures of a faint yellow colour without mixture of any other colour yet hauing a deeper yellow spot in the lowest 1 Violatricolor Hearts-ease 2 Viola assurgens tricolor Vpright Hearts-ease 3 Violatricolor syluestris Wilde Paunsies 4 Violatricolor petraea Stony Hearts-ease ¶ The Place The Hearts-ease groweth in fields in many places and in gardens also and that oftentimes of it selfe it is more gallant and beautifull than any of the wilde ones Matthiolus reporteth that the vpright Paunsie is found on mount Baldus in Italy Lobel saith that it groweth in Languedocke in France and on the tops of some hills in England but as yet I haue not seene the same Those with yellow floures haue been found by a village in Lancashire called Latham foure miles from 〈◊〉 by Mr. Thomas 〈◊〉 before remembred ¶ The Time They sloure not onely in the Spring but for the most part all Sommer thorow euen vntill Autumne ¶ The Names Hearts-ease is named in Latine Viola tricolor or the three coloured Violet and of diuers Iacea yet there is another Iacea syrnamed Nigra in English Knap-weed Bull-weed and Matfellon of others Herba 〈◊〉 or herbe Trinitie by reason of the triple colour of the floures of some others Herba 〈◊〉 in French Pensees by which name they became knowne to the Brabanders and others of the Low-countries that are next adioyning It seemeth to be Viola slammea which Theophrastus calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English Hearts-ease Paunsies Liue in idlenesse Cull me to you and Three faces in a hood The vpright Pansie is called not vnproperly Viola assurgens or Surrecta and withall Tricolor that is to say straight or vpright Violet three coloured of some Viola arborescens or Tree Violet for that in the multitude of branches and manner of growing it resembles a little tree ¶ The Temperature It is of temperature obscurely cold but more euidently moist of a tough and 〈◊〉 iuyce like that of the Mallow for which cause it moistneth and suppleth but not so much as the Mallow doth ¶ The Vertues It is good as the later Physitions write for such as are sicke of an ague especially children and infants whose convulsions and fits of the falling sicknesse it is thought to cure It is commended against inflammations of the lungs and chest and against scabs and itchings of the whole body and healeth vlcers The distilled water of the herbe or floures giuen to drinke for ten or more dayes together three ounces in the morning and the like quantitie at night doth wonderfully ease the paines of the French disease and cureth the same if the Patient be caused to sweat sundry times as Costaeus reporteth in his booke denatura 〈◊〉 stirp CHAP. 314. Of Ground-Juy or Ale-hoofe ¶ The Description 1 GRound Iuy is a low or base herbe it creepeth and spreads vpon the ground hither and thither all about with many stalkes of an vncertaine length slender and like those of the Vine something cornered and sometimes reddish whereupon grow leaues something broad and round wrinkled hairy nicked in the edges for the most part two out of euerie ioynt amongst which come sorth the floures gaping like little hoods not vnlike to those of Germander of a purplish blew colour the roots are very threddy the whole plant is of a strong smell and bitter taste ‡ 2 Vpon the rockie and mountainous places of Prouince and Daulphine growes this other kinde of Ale-hoofe which hath leaues stalkes floures and roots like in shape to those of the former but the floures and leaues are of a light purple colour and also larger and longer This by Lobel is called Asarina siue Saxatilis hedera ‡ ¶ The Place It is found as well in tilled as in vntilled places but most commonly in obscure and darke places vpon banks vnder hedges and by the sides of houses ¶ The Time It remaineth greene not onely in Sommer but also in Winter at any time of the yeare it floureth from Aprill till Sommer be far spent 1 Hedera terrestris Ale-hoofe ‡ 2 Hedera saxatilis Rocke Ale-hoofe ¶ The Names It is commonly called Hedera terrestris in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 also Corona terrae in high-Dutch Gundelreb in low-Dutch Onderhaue in French Lierre terrestre Hedera humilis of some and Chamaecissum in English Ground-Iuy Ale-hoofe Gill go by ground Tune-hoofe and Cats-foot ‡ Many question whether this be the Chamaecissus of the Antients which controuersie 〈◊〉 hath largely handled Pempt 3. lib. 3. cap. 4. ‡ ¶ The Temperature Ground-Iuie is hot and dry and because it is bitter it scoureth and remoueth stoppings out of the intrals ¶ The Vertues Ground-Iuy is commended against the humming noyse and ringing sound of the eares being put into them and for them that are hard of hearing Matthiolus writeth That the iuyce being tempered with Verdugrease is good against fistulaes and hollow vlcers Dioscorides teacheth That halfe a dram of the leaues being drunke in foure ounces and a halfe of faire water for fourty or fifty dayes together is a remedie against the Sciatica or ache in the huckle bone The same taken in like sort six or seuen dayes doth also cure the yellow jaundice Galen hath attributed as we haue said all the vertue vnto the floures Seeing the floures of Ground-Iuy saith he are very bitter they remoue stoppings out of the liuer and are giuen to them that are vexed with the Sciatica Ground-Iuy 〈◊〉 and Daisies of each a like quantitie stamped and strained and a little sugar and rose water put thereto and dropped with a feather into the eyes taketh away all manner of inflammation spots webs itch smarting or any griefe whatsoeuer in the eyes yea although the sight were nigh hand gone it is proued to be the best medicine in the world The herbes stamped as aforesaid and mixed with a little ale and honey and strained takes away the pinne and web or any griefe out of the eyes of horse or cow or any other beast being squirted into the same with a syringe or I might haue said the liquor iniected into the eyes with a syringe But I list not to be ouer eloquent among Gentlewomen to whom especially my Works are most necessarie The women of our Northerne parts especially about Wales and Cheshire do tunne the herbe Ale-hoof into their Ale but the reason thereof I know not notwithstanding without all controuersie it is most singular against the griefes aforesaid being tunned vp in ale and drunke it also purgeth the head from rhumaticke humors flowing from the braine Hedera terrestris boyled in water
lenitiue medicines It may be giuen in pouder but commonly the infusion thereof is vsed The quantitie of the pouder is a dram weight and in the infusion foure fiue or more It may be mixed in any liquor It is in the decoction or in the infusion tempered with cold things in burning agues and other hot diseases in cold and long infirmities it is boyled with hot opening simples and such like or else it is steeped in wine in which manner as familiar to mans nature it draweth forth gently by the stoole almost without any kinde of paine crude and raw humors Most of the Arabians commend the cods but our Physitions the leaues rather for vnlesse the cods be full ripe they ingender winde and cause gripings in the belly For they are oftentimes gathered before they be ripe and otherwise easily fall away being shaken downe by the wind by reason of their weake and slender stalks Some also thinke that Sene is hurtfull to the stomacke and weakneth the same for which cause they say that Ginger or some sweet kinde of spice is to be added whereby the stomacke may be strengthned Likewise Mesue noteth that it is slow in operation and therefore Salgem is to be mixed with it Moreouer Sene purgeth not so speedily as stronger medicines do Notwithstanding it may be helped not only by Salgem but also by other purging things mixed therewith that is to say with simple medicines as Rubarb Agaricke and others and with compounds as that which is called Catholicon or the Electuarie Diaphoenicon or that which is made of the iuyce of Roses or some other according as the condition or qualitie of the disease and of the sicke man requireth The leaues of Sene are a familiar purger to all people but they are windie and do binde the bodie afterwards very much disquieting the stomack with rumbling and belching for the auoiding of which inconuenience there must be added Cinnamon Ginger Annise seed and Fennell seed Raisins of the Sun and such like that do breake winde which will the better help his purging qualitie Sene doth better purge when it is infused or steeped than when it is boyled for doubtlesse the more it is boiled the lesse it purgeth and the more windie it becommeth Take Borage Buglosse Balme Fumitorie of each three drams Sene of Alexandria very wel prepared and pouned two ounces strow the pouder vpon the herbes and distill them the water that commeth thereof reserue to your vse to purge those that liue delicately being ministred in white wine with sugar in condited confections and such dainty waies wherein delicate and fine people do greatly delight you may also as was said before adde hereunto according to the maladie diuers purgers as Agaricke Mirobalans c. The pouder of Sene after it is well prepared two ounces of the pouder of the root of Mechoacan foure drams pouder of Ginger Anise seeds of each a little a spoonfull of Anise seeds but a very little Ginger and a modicum or small quantitie of Salgemmae this hath beene proued a verie fit and familiar medicine for all ages and sexes The patient may take one spoonful or two therof fasting either in pottage some supping in drink or white wine This is right profitable to draw both flegme and melancholy from the brest and other parts The leaues of Sene and Cammomil are put in baths to wash the head Sene opens the inward parts of the body which are stopped and is profitable against all griefes of the principall members of the body Take Sene prepared according to art one ounce Ginger half a quarter of an ounce twelue cloues Fenell seed two drams or in stead thereof Cinnamon and Tartar of each halfe a dram pouder all these which done take thereof in white wine one dram before supper which doth maruellously purge the head Handle Sene in maner aboue specified then take halfe an ounce thereof which don adde thereto sixty Raisins of the Sunne with the stones pickt out one spoonfull of Anise seeds braied boile these in a quart of ale till one halfe be wasted and while it is boiling put in your Sene let it stand so till the morning then straine it and put in a little Ginger then take the one halfe of this potion and put thereunto two spoonfulls of syrrup of Roses drinke this together I meane the one halfe of the medicine at one time and if the patient canot abide the next day to receiue the other halfe then let it be deferred vntil the third day after Sene and Fumitorie as Rasis affirmeth do purge adust humors and are excellent good against scabs itch and the ill affection of the body If Sene be infused in whey and then boyled a little it becommeth good physicke against melancholy clenseth the braine and purgeth it as also the heart liuer milt and lungs causeth a man to looke yong ingendreth mirth and taketh away sorrow it cleareth the sight strengthneth hearing and is very good against old feuers and diseases arising of melancholy CHAP. 11. Of bastard Sene. ¶ The Description 1 Colutea and Sene be so neere the one vnto the other in shape and shew that the 〈◊〉 Herbarists haue deemed Colutea to be the right Sene. This bastard Sene is a shrubby plant growing to the forme of a hedge bush or shrubby tree his branches are straight brittle and wooddy which being carelesly broken off and as negligently prickt or stucke in the ground will take root and prosper at what time of the yeare soeuer it be done but slipt or cut or planted in any curious sort whatsoeuer among an hundred one will 〈◊〉 grow these boughes or branches are beset with leaues like Sena or Securidaca not much vnlike Liquorice among which come forth faire broome-like yellow floures which turne into small cods like the sownd of a fish or a little bladder which will make a cracke being broken betweene the fingers wherein are contained many blacke flat seeds of the bignesse of Tares growing vpon a small rib or sinew within the cod the root is hard and of a wooddy substance 1 Colutea Bastard Sene. 2 Colutea Scorpioides Bastard Sene with Scorpion cods 2 Bastard Sene with Scorpion cods is a small wooddy shrub or bush hauing leaues branches and floures like vnto the former bastard Sene but lesse in each respect when his small yellow floures are fallen there succeed little long crooked cods like the long cods or husks of 〈◊〉 his Scorpioides whereof it tooke his name the root is like the root of the Box tree or rather resembling the roots of Dulcamara or Bitter-sweet growing naturally in the shadowie woods of Valena in Narbone whereof I haue a small plant in my garden which may be called Scorpion Sene. 3 Colutea scorpioides humilis Dwarfe bastard Sene. 4 Colutea scorpioides montana 〈◊〉 Mountaine bastard Sene. 5 Colutea minima siue Coronilla The smallest bastard Sene. 4 This mountaine bastard Sene hath stalks leaues and roots like the last
of most of the East countries especially about Meluin in Poland from whence I haue had great plenty thereof for my garden where they floure in the first of the Spring and ripen their fruit in August ¶ The Names It is vsually called in high-Dutch Zeilant Zeidelbast Lenszkraut and Kellerhals 〈◊〉 Apothecaries of our countrey name it Mezereon but we had rather call it Chamelaea Germanica in English Dutch Mezereon or it may be called Germane Oliue Spurge We haue heard that diuers Italians do name the fruit thereof Piper Montanum Mountaine Pepper Some say that 〈◊〉 or Spurge Laurell is this plant but there is another Laureola of which we will hereafter treat but by what name it is called of the old writers and whether they knew it or no it is hard to tell It is thought to be Cneoron album Theophrasti but by reason of his breuitie we can affirme no certainty There is saith he two kindes of 〈◊〉 the white and the blacke the white hath a leafe long like in forme to Spurge Oliue the black is ful of substance like Mirtle the low one is more white the same is with smell and the blacke without smell The root of both which groweth deepe is great the branches be many thicke wooddie immediatly growing out of the earth or little aboue the earth tough wherefore they vse these to binde with as with Oziars They bud and floure when the Autumne Equinoctiall is past and a long time after Thus much Theophrastus The Germane Spurge Oliue is not much vnlike to the Oliue tree in leafe the floure is sweet of smell the buds whereof as we haue written come forth after Autumne the branches are wooddy and pliable the root long growing deepe all which shew that it hath great likenesse and affinity with Cneoron if it be not the very same ¶ The Temperature This plant is likewise in all parts extreme hot the fruit the leaues and the rinde are very sharpe and biting they bite the tongue and set the throte on fire ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Mezereon do purge downeward flegme choler and waterish humours with great violence Also if a drunkard do eat one graine or berry of this plant hee cannot be allured to drinke any drinke at that time such will be the heat of his mouth and choking in the throat This plant is very dangerous to be taken into the body in nature like to the Sea Tithymale leauing if it be chewed such an heat and burning in the throat that it is hard to be quenched The shops of Germany and of the Low-countries dowhen need require vse the leaues hereof in stead of Spurge Oliue which may be done without errour for this Germane Spurge Oliue is like in vertue and operation to the other therefore it may be vsed in stead therof and prepared after the like and selfe-same manner CHAP. 64. Of Spurge Flax. 1 Thymelaea Spurge Flax or mountaine Widow waile ¶ The Description SPurge Flax bringeth forth many slender branched sprigs aboue a cubite high couered round with long and 〈◊〉 leaues like those of flax narrower lesser than the leaues of Spurge Oliue The floures are white small standing on the vpper parts of the sprigs the fruit is round greene at the first but red when it is ripe like almost to the round berries of the Hawthorne in which is a white kernel couered with a blacke skinne very hot and burning the mouth like Mezereon the root is hard and wooddie ¶ The Place It groweth in rough mountains and in vntoiled places in hot regions It groweth in my garden ¶ The Time It is greene at any time of the yeare but the fruit is perfected in Autumne ¶ The Names The Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Syrians as Dioscorides witnesseth Apolinon diuers also Chamelaea but not properly but as Dioscorides saith the leafe is properly called Cneoron the fruit Coccos Cnidios notwithstanding those which Theophrastus calleth Cneora seem to differ from Thymelaea or Spurge Flax vnlesse Nigrum Cneoron be Thymelaea for Theophrastus 〈◊〉 that there be two kindes of Cneoron the one white the other blacke this may be called in English Spurge Flax or mountaine Widow Wayle the seed of Thymelaea is called in shops Granum Gnidium ¶ The Temperature Spurge Flax is naturally both in leaues and fruit extreme hot biting and of a burning qualitie ¶ The Vertues The graines or berries as 〈◊〉 saith purge by siege choler slegme and water if twenty graines of the inner part be 〈◊〉 but t burneth the mouth and throat wherefore it is to be giuen with fine floure or Barly meale or in Raisons or couered with clarified hony that it may be swallowed The same being stamped with Niter and vineger serueth to annoint those with which can hardly sweat The leaues must be gathered about haruest and being dried in the shade they are to be layed vp and reserued They that would giue them must beat them and take forth the strings the quantity of two ounces and two drams put into wine tempered with water purgeth and draweth forth watery humors but they purge more gently if they be boiled with Lentils and mixed with pot-herbes chopped The same leaues beaten to pouder and made vp into 〈◊〉 or flat cakes with the iuice of sower grapes are reserued for vse The herbe is an enemy to the stomacke which also destroyeth the birth 〈◊〉 it be applied CHAP. 65. Of Spurge Laurell 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Laurell or Spurge Laurell flouring Laureola cum fructu Laurell with his fruit ¶ The Description SPurge Laurell is a shrub of a cubit high of tentimes also of two and spreadeth with many little boughes which are tough and lithy and couered with a thicke rinde The leaues be long broad grosse smooth blackish greene shining like the leaues of Laurell but lesser thicker and without smell very many at the top clustering together The floures be long hollow of a whitish greene hanging beneath and among the leaues the berries when they be ripe are blacke with a hard kernell within which is a little longer than the seed of Hempe the pulpe or inner substance is white the root wooddie tough long and diuersly parted growing deepe the leaues fruit and barke as wel of the root as of the little boughes doe with their sharpnesse and burning qualitie bite and set on fire the tongue and throat ¶ The Place It is found on mountaines in vntilled rough shadowie and wooddie places as by the lake of 〈◊〉 or Geneua and in many places neere the riuer of Rhene and of the Maze ‡ It growes abundantly also in the woods in the most parts of England ‡ ¶ The Time The floures bud very soon a little after the Autume Equinoctiall they are full blown in Winter or in the first Spring the fruit is ripe in May and Iune the plant is alwaies greene and indureth the cold stormes of winter ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
Description 1 STitchwort or as Ruellius termeth it Holosteum is of two kindes and hath round tender stalkes full of joints leaning toward the ground at euery ioynt grow two leaues one against another The flowers be white consisting of many small leaues set in the manner of a starre The roots are small jointed and threddy The seed is contained in small heads somewhat long and sharpe at the vpper end and when it is ripe it is very small and browne 2 The second is like the former in shape of leaues and flowers which are set in forme of a starre but the leaues are orderly placed and in good proportion by couples two together being of a whitish colour When the flowers be vaded then follow the seeds which are inclosed in bullets like the seed of flax but not so round The chiues or threds in the middle of the floure are sometimes of a reddish or of a blackish colour ‡ There are more differences of this plant or rather varieties as differing little but in the largenesse of the leaues floures or stalkes ‡ ¶ The place They grow in the borders of fields vpon banke sides and hedges almost euery where ¶ The time They flourish all the Sommer especially in May and Iune Gramen Leucanthemum Stitchwort ¶ The Names Some as Ruellius for one haue thought this to be the plant which the Grecians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Tota ossea in English All-Bones whereof I see no reason except it be by the figure Antonomia as when we say in English He is an honest man our meaning is that he is a knaue for this is a tender herbe hauing no such bony substance ‡ Dodonaeus questions whether this plant be not Crataeogonon and he calls it Gramen Leucanthemum or White-floured Grasse The qualitie here noted with B. is by Dioscorides giuen to Crataeogonon but it is with his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Some say or report so much which phrase of speech hee often vseth when as he writes faculties by heare-say and doubts himselfe of the truth of them ‡ ¶ The nature The seed of Stitchwort as Galen writeth is sharpe and biting to him that 〈◊〉 it and to him that vseth it very like to Mill. ¶ The vertues They are wont to drinke it in Wine with the pwoder of Acornes against the paine in the side stitches and such like Diuers report saith Dioscorides That the Seed of Stitchwort being drunke causeth a woman to bring forth a man childe if after the 〈◊〉 of her Sicknesse before she conceiue she do drinke it fasting thrice in a day halfe a dram at a time in three 〈◊〉 of water many dayes together CHAP. 39. Of Spiderwort ¶ The Description 1 THe obscure description which Dioscorides and Pliny haue set downe for Phalangium hath bred much contention among late Writers This plant Phalangium hath leaues much like Couch Grasse but they are somewhat thicker and fatter and of a more whitish greene colour The stalkes grow to the height of a cubit The top of the stalke is beset with small branches garnished with many little white flowers compact of six little leaues The threds or thrums in the middle are whitish mixed with a faire yellow which being fallen there follow blacke seeds inclosed in small round knobs which be three cornered The roots are many tough and white of colour 2 The second is like the first but that his stalke is not branched as the first and floureth a moneth before the other 3 The third kinde of Spiderwort which Carolus Clusius nameth Asphodelus minor hath a root of many threddy strings from the which immediately rise vp grassie leaues narrow and sharpe pointed among the which come forth diuers naked strait stalkes diuided towards the top into sundry branches garnished on euery side with faire starre-like flowers of colour white with a purple veine diuiding each leafe in the middest they haue also certaine chiues or threds in them The seed followeth inclosed in three square heads like vnto the kindes of Asphodils ‡ 4 This Spiderwort hath a root consisting of many thicke long and white fibers not much vnlike the precedent out of which it sends forth some fiue or six greene and firme leaues somewhat hollowed in the middle and mutually inuoluing each other at the root amongst these there riseth vp a round greene stalke bearing at the top thereof some nine or ten floures more or lesse these consist of six leaues apiece of colour white the three innermost leaues are the broader and more curled and the three outmost are tipt with greene at the tops The whole floure much resembles a white Lilly but much smaller Three square heads containing a dusky and vnequall seed follow after the floure 1 Phalangium Ramosum Branched Spiderwort 2 Phalangium non ramosum Vnbranched Spiderwort †3 Phalangium Cretae Candy Spiderwort ‡ 4 Phalangium Antiquorum The true Spiderwort of the Ancients ‡ 5 Phalangium Virginianum Tradescanti Tradescants Virginian Spider-wort 5 This plant in my iudgement cannot be sitlier ranked with any than these last described therefore I haue here giuen him the fifth place as the last commer This plant hath many creeping stringy roots which here and there put vp greene leaues in shape resembling those of the last described amongst these there riseth vp a pretty stiffe stalke jointed and hauing at each joint one leafe incompassing the stalke and out of whose bosome oft times little branches arise now the stalke at the top vsually diuides it selfe into two leaues much after the manner of Cyperus between which there come forth many floures consisting of three pretty large leaues a piece of colour deepe blew with reddish chiues tipt with yellow standing in their middle These fading as vsually they doe the same day they shew themselues there succeed little heads couered with the three little leaues that sustained the floure In these heads there is contained a long blackish seed ¶ The place 1. 2. 3. These grow only in gardens with vs and that very rarely 4 This growes naturally in some places of Sauoy 5 This Virginian is in many of our English gardens as with M. Parkinson M. Tradescant and others ¶ The time 1. 4. 5. These floure in Iune the second about the beginning of May and the third about August ¶ The Names The first is called Phalangium ramosum Branched Spiderwort 2 Phalangium non ramosum Vnbranched Spiderwort Cordus calls it Liliago 3 This Clusius calls Asphodelus minor Lobell Phalangium Cretae Candy Spiderwort 4 This is thought to be the Phalangium of the Ancients and that of Matthiolus it is Phalangium Allobrogicum of Clusius Sauoy Spiderwort 5 This by M. Parkinson who first hath in writing giuen the figure and description thereof is aptly termed Phalangium Ephemerum Virginianum Soone-fading Spiderwort of Virginia or Tradescants Spiderwort for that M. Iohn Tradescant first procured it from Virginia Bauhine hath described it at the end of his Pinax and very vnfitly termed it
so couered may be taken vp at times conuenient and vsed in sallades all the winter as in London and other places is to be seen and then it is called white Endiue whereof Pliny seemeth not to be ignorant speaking to the same purpose in his 20. booke and 8. chapter ¶ The Names These herbes be called by one name in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 notwithstanding for distinctions sake they called the garden Succory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the wilde Succory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pliny nameth the Succory 〈◊〉 and the bitterer Dioscorides calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Intybum syluestre Intybum agreste Intybum 〈◊〉 and Cichorium in shops it is called Cichorea which name is not onely allowed of the later Physitions but also of the Poet Horace in the 31. Ode of his first booke Me pascunt 〈◊〉 Me Cichorea leuesque 〈◊〉 With vs saith Pliny in his 20. booke 8. chapter they haue called Intybum erraticum or wilde Endiue Ambugia others reade Ambubeia and some there be that name it Rostrum porcinum and others as Guilielmus Placentinus and Petrus Crescentius terme it Sponsa 〈◊〉 the Germanes call it 〈◊〉 which is as much to say as the keeper of the waies the Italians Cichorea the Spaniards Almerones the English-men Cicorie and Succory the Bohemians 〈◊〉 Endiue is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Intybum sativum of some Endiuia of Auicen and Serapio Taraxacon of the Italians Scariola which name remaineth in most shops also Seriola as 〈◊〉 they should fitly call it Seris but not so well Serriola with a double r for Serriola is 〈◊〉 sylue tris or wilde lettuce it is called in Spanish Serraya Enuide in English Endiue and Scariole and when it hath been in the earth buried as aforesaid then it is called white Endiue ‡ 5 This was first set forth by Clusius vnder this name Chondrillae genus elegans 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 since by Pona and Bauhine by the title we giue you to wit Cichorium spinosum Honorius Bellus writes that in Candy where as it naturally growes they vulgarly terme it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is 〈◊〉 spina the Pitcher Thorne because the people fetch all their water in stone pots or Pitchers which they 〈◊〉 with this plant to keepe mice and other such things from creeping into them and it growes 〈◊〉 round that it seems by nature to be prouided sor that purpose ‡ ¶ The Nature Endiue and Succorie are cold and drie in the second degree and withall somewhat binding and because they be something bitter they doe also clense and open Garden Endiue is colder and not so drie or clensing and by reason of these qualities they are thought to be excellent medicines for a hot liuer as Galen hath written in his 8. book of the compositions of medicines according to the places affected ¶ The Vertues These herbs when they be greene haue vertue to coole the hot burning of the liuer to helpe the stopping of the gall yellow jaundice lacke of sleepe stopping of vrine and hot burning feauers A syrup made thereof and sugar is very good for the diseases aforesaid The distilled water is good in potions cooling and purging drinkes The distilled water of Endiue Plantaine and roses profiteth against excoriations in the conduit of the yard to be iniected with a syringe whether the hurt came by vncleanenesse or by small stones and grauell issuing forth with the vrine as often hath been seene These herbes eaten in sallades or otherwise especially the white Endiue doth comfort the weake and feeble stomacke and cooleth and refresheth the stomacke ouermuch heated The leaues of Succorie brused are good against inflammation of the eyes being outwardly applied to the grieued place CHAP. 30. Of wilde Succorie 1 Cichorium syluestre Wilde Succorie 2 Cichorium luteum Yellow Succorie ¶ The Kindes IN like manner as there be sundrie sorts of 〈◊〉 and Endiues so is there wilde kindes of either of them ¶ The Description 1 WIlde Succorie hath long leaues somewhat snipt about the edges like the leaues of Sow-thistle with a stalke growing to the height of two cubits which is diuided towards the top into many branches The floures grow at the top blew of colour the root is tough and wooddie with many strings fastned thereto 2 Yellow Succorie hath long and large leaues deepely cut about the edges like those of the Hawkeweed The stalke is branched into sundry arms wheron do grow yellow flours very double resembling the floures of Dandelion or Pisse-abed the which being withered it flieth away in downe with euery blast of winde 3 Intybum 〈◊〉 Wilde Endiue 3 Wilde Endiue hath long smooth leaues slightly snipt about the edges The stalke is brittle and full of milkie juice as is all the rest of the plant the floures grow at the top of a blew or skie colour the root is tough and threddie 4 Medow Endiue or Endiue with broad leaues hath a thicke tough and wooddie root with many strings fastened thereto from which rise vp many broad leaues spread vpon the ground like those of garden Endiue but lesser and somewhat rougher among which rise vp many stalkes immediately from the root 〈◊〉 of them are deuided into sundrie branches whereupon doe grow many floures like those of the former but smaller ¶ The Place These plants doe grow wilde in sundrie places in England vpon wilde and vntilled barren grounds especially in chalkie and stonie places ¶ The Time They floure from the middest to the end of August ¶ The Names ‡ The first of these is Scris Picris of Lobell or Cichorium syluestre or Intybus erratica of Tabernamontanus ‡ Yellow Succorie is not without cause thought to be Hyosiris or as some copies haue it Hyosciris of which Pliny in his 20. booke and 8. chapter writeth Hyosiris saith he is like to Endiue but lesser and rougher it is called of Lobelius Hedypnois the rest of the names set forth in their seueall titles shall be sufficient for this time ¶ The Temperature They agree in temperature with the garden Succorie or Endiue ¶ The Vertues The leaues of these wilde herbes are boiled in pottage or brothes for sicke and feeble persons that haue hot weake and feeble stomackes to strengthen the same They are iudged to haue the same vertues with those of the garden if not of more force in working CHAP. 31. Of Gumme Succorie ¶ The Description 1 GVmme Succorie with blew floures hath a thicke and tough root with some strings annexed thereto full of a milkie iuyce as is all the rest of the plant the floures excepted The leaues are great and long in shape like to those of garden Succorie but deeplier cut or iagged somewhat after the manner of wilde Rocket among which rise tender stalkes very easie to be broken branched toward the top in two or sometimes three branches bearing very pleasant floures of an azure colour or deepe blew which being past the seed flieth away in
gall for besides that it purgeth forth cholericke and naughty humors it remoueth stoppings out of the conduits It also mightily strengthneth the intrals themselues insomuch as Rubarb is iustly termed of diuers the life of the liuer for Galen in his eleuenth booke of the method or manner of curing affirmeth that such kinde of medicines are most fit and profitable for the liuer as haue ioyned with a purging and opening qualitie an astringent or binding power The quantitie that is to be giuen is from one dram to two and the infusion from one and a halfe to three It is giuen or steeped and that in hot diseases with the infusion or distilled water of Succory Endiue or some other of the like nature and likewise in Whay and if there be no heate it may be giuen in Wine It is also oftentimes giuen being dried at the fire but so that the least or no part thereof at all be burned and being so vsed it is a remedie for the bloudy flix and for all kindes of laskes for it both purgeth away naughty and corrupt humors and likewise withall stoppeth the belly The same being dried after the same manner doth also stay the ouermuch flowing of the monethly sicknesse and stoppeth bloud in any part of the body especially that which commeth thorow the bladder but it should be giuen in a little quantitie and mixed with some other binding thing Mesues saith That Rubarb is an harmelesse medicine and good at all times and for all ages and likewise for children and women with childe ‡ My friend Mr. Sampson Iohnson Fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford assures me That the Physitions of Vienna in Austria vse scarce any other at this day than the Rubarb of the Antients which grows in Hungary not far from thence and they prefer it before the dried Rubarb brought out of Persia and the East Indies because it hath not so strong a binding facultie as it neither doth it heate so much onely it must be vsed in somewhat a larger quantitie ‡ CHAP. 84. Of Sorrell ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers kindes of Sorrell differing in many points some of the garden others wilde some great and some lesser 1 Oxalis siue Acetosa Sorrell 2 Oxalis tuberosa Knobbed Sorrell ¶ The Description THough Dioscorides hath not expressed the Oxalides by that name yet none ought to doubt but that they were taken and accounted as the fourth kinde of Lapathum For though some like it not well that the seed should be said to be Drimus yet that is to be vnderstood according to the common phrase when acride things are confounded with those which be sharpe and soure else we might accuse him of such ignorance as is not amongst the simplest women Moreouer the word Oxys doth not onely signifie the leafe but the sauour and tartnesse which by a figure drawne from the sharpnesse of kniues edges is therefore called sharpe for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth a sharpe or sourc iuyce which pierceth the tongue like a sharpe knife whereupon also Lapathum may be called Oxalis as it is indeed The leaues of this are thinner tenderer and more vnctuous than those of Lapatium acutum broader next to the stem horned and crested like Spinage and Atriplex The stalke is much streaked reddish and full of iuyce the root is yellow and 〈◊〉 the seed sharpe cornered and shining growing in chaffie huskes like the other Docks 2 The second kinde of Oxalis or Sorrell hath large leaues like Patience confusedly growing together vpon a great tall stalke at the top whereof grow tufts of a chaffie substance The root is tuberous much like the Peonie or rather Filipendula fastned to the lower part of the stem with small long strings and laces 3 The third kinde of Sorrell groweth very small branching hither and thither taking hold by new shoots of the ground where it groweth whereby it disperseth it selfe far abroad The leaues are little and thin hauing two small leaues like eares fastned thereto in shew like the herbe Sagittaria the seed in taste is like the other of his kinde 4 The fourth kinde of Sorrell hath leaues somewhat round and cornered of a whiter colour than the ordinarie and hauing two short eares anexed vnto the same The seed and root in taste is like the other Sorrels 3 Oxalis tenuifolia Sheepes Sorrell 4 Oxalis Franca seu Romana Round leaued or French Sorrel 5 This kinde of curled Sorrell is a stranger in England and hath very long leaues in shape like the garden Sorrell but curled and crumpled about the edges as is the curled Colewort The stalke riseth vp among the leaues set here and there with the like leaues but lesser The floures seeds and roots are like the common Sorrell or soure Docke 6 The small Sorrell that groweth vpon dry barren sandy ditch-banks hath small grassy leaues somewhat forked or crossed ouer like the crosse hilt of a rapier The stalkes rise vp amongst the leaues small weake and tender of the same soure taste that the leaues are of The floure seed and root is like the other Sorrels but altogether lesser 6 Oxalis minor Small Sorrell 7 The smallest sort of Sorrell is like vnto the precedent sauing that the lowest leaues that ly vpon the ground be somewhat round and without the little eares that the other hath which setteth forth the difference ‡ 8 There is also kept in some gardens a verie large sorrel hauing leaues thicke whitish and as large as an ordinarie Docke yet shaped like Sorrell and of the same acide taste The stalkes and seed are like those of the ordinary yet whiter coloured ‡ ¶ The Place †The common Sorrell groweth for the most part in moist medowes and gardens The second by waters sides but not in this kingdome that I know of The fourth also is a garden plant with vs as also the fifth but the third and last grow vpon grauelly and sandie barren ground and ditch bankes †¶ The Time They flourish at that time when as the other kinds of Docks do floure ¶ The Names Garden Sorrell is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Galen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say Acidum lapathum or Acidus rumex soure Docke and in shops commonly Acetosa in the Germane Tongue 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch Surckele and Surinck the Spaniards Azederas Agrelles and Azedas in French Ozeille and Surelle Aigrette in English Garden Sorrell The second is called of the later Herbarists Tuberosa acetosa and Tuberosum lapathum in English Bunched or Knobbed Sorrell The third is called in English Sheepes Sorrell in Dutch Schap Surkel The fourth Romane Sorrell or round leaued Sorrell The fifth Curled Sorrell The sixth and seuenth Barren Sorrell or Dwarfe Sheepes Sorrell ‡ The eighth is called Oxalis or Acetosa maxima latifolia Great broad leaued Sorrell ‡ ¶ The Nature The Sorrels are moderately cold and dry ¶ The Vertues Sorrell doth vndoutedly coole
healing The decoction hereof made with wine is commended to close vp and heale wounds of the entrailes and inward parts it is also good for vlcers of the kidneies especially made with water and the roots of Comfrey added thereto The leaues of Monophyllon or Vnifolium are of the same force in wounds with Pyrola especially in wounds among the nerues and sinewes Moreouer it is esteemed of some late writers a most perfect medicine against the pestilence and all poisons if a dram of the root be giuen in vineger mixed with wine or water and the sicke go to bed and sweat vpon it CHAP. 91. Of Lilly in the valley or May Lilly 1 Lilium conuallium Conuall Lillies 2 Lilium conuallium floribus suaue-rubentibus Red Conuall Lillies ¶ The Description 1 THe Conuall Lillie or Lilly of the Vally hath many leaues like the smallest leaues of Water Plantaine among which riseth vp a naked stalke halfe a foot high garnished with many white floures like little bels with blunt and turned edges of a strong sauour yet pleasant enough which being past there come small red berries much like the berries of Asparagus wherein the seed is contained The root is small and slender creeping far abroad in the ground 2 The second kinde of May Lillies is like the former in euery respect and herein varieth or differeth in that this kinde hath reddish floures and is thought to haue the sweeter smell ¶ The Place 1 The first groweth on Hampsted heath foure miles from London in great abundance neere to Lee in Essex and vpon Bushie heath thirteene miles from London and many other places 2 That other kind with the red floure is a stranger in England howbeit I haue the same growing in my garden ¶ The Time They floure in May and their fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names The Latines haue named it Lilium Gonuallium Gesner doth thinke it to be Callionymum in the Germane tongue Meyen blumlen the low Dutch Meyen bloemkens in French Muguet yet there is likewise another herbe which they call Muguet commonly named in English Woodroof It is called in English Lillie of the Valley or the Conuall Lillie and May Lillies and in some places Liriconfancie ¶ The Nature They are hot and drie of complexion ¶ The Vertues The floures of the Valley Lillie distilled with wine and drunke the quantitie of a spoonfull restoreth speech vnto those that haue the dum palsie and that are falne into the Apoplexie and is good against the gout and comforteth the heart The water aforesaid doth strengthen the memorie that is weakened and diminished it helpeth also the inflammation of the eies being dropped thereinto The floures of May Lillies put into a glasse and set in a hill of antes close stopped for the space of a moneth and then taken out therein you shall find a liquour that appeaseth the paine griefe of the gout being outwardly applied which is commended to be most excellent CHAP. 92. Of Sea Lauander 1 Limonium Sea Lauander 2 Limonium parvum Rocke Lauander ¶ The Description 1 THere hath beene among writers from time to time great contention about this plant Limonium no one authour agreeing with another for some haue called this herbe Limonium some another herb by this name some in remouing the rock haue mired themselues in the mud as Matthiolus who described two kindes but made no distinction of them nor yet expressed which was the true Limonium but as a man heerein ignorant hee speakes not a word of them Now then to leaue controuersies and cauilling the true Limonium is that which hath faire leaues like the Limon or Orenge tree but of a darke greene colour somewhat fatter and a little crumpled amongst which leaues riseth vp an hard and brittle naked stalke of a foot high diuided at the top into sundry other small branches which grow for the most part vpon the one side full of little blewish floures in shew like Lauander with long red seed and a thicke root like vnto the small Docke 2 There is a kinde of Limonium like the first in each respect but lesser which groweth vpon rockes and chalkie cliffes ‡ 3 Besides these two here described there is another elegant Plant by Clusius and others referred to this kindred the description thereof is thus from a long slender root come forth long greene leaues lying spred vpon the ground being also deepely sinuated on both sides and somewhat roughish Amongst these leaues grow vp the stalkes welted with slender indented skinnes and towards their tops they are diuided into sundry branches after the manner of the ordinarie one but these branches are also winged and at their tops they carry floures some foure or fiue clustering together consisting of one thin crispe or crumpled leafe of a light blew colour which continues long if you gather them in their perfect vigour and so drie them and in the middest of this blew comes vp little white floures consisting of fiue little round leaues with some white threds in their middles This plant was first obserued by 〈◊〉 at Ioppa in Syria but it growes also vpon the coasts of Barbarie and at Malacca and Cadiz in Spaine I haue seene it growing with many other rare plants in the Garden of my kinde friend Mr. Iohn Tradescant at South Lambeth 4 Clusius in the end of his fourth Booke Historiae Plantarum sets forth this and saith hee receiued this figure with one dryed leafe of the plant sent him from Paris from Claude Gonier an Apothecarie of that citie who receiued it as you see it here exprest from Lisbone Now Clusius describes the leafe that it was hard and as if it had been a piece of leather open on the vpper side and distinguished with many large purple veines on the inside c. for the rest of his description was onely taken from the figure as he himselfe saith which I hold impertinent to set downe seeing I heere giue you the same figure which by no meanes I could omit for the strangenesse thereof but hope that some or other that trauell into forraine parts may finde this elegant plant and know it by this small expression and bring it home with them that so we may come to a perfecter knowledge thereos ‡ ‡ 3 Limonium folio sinuato Sea-Lauander with the indented leafe ‡ 4 Limonio congener Clus. Hollow leaued Sea-Lauander ¶ The Place 1 The first groweth in great plentie vpon the walls of the fort against Grauesend but abundantly on the bankes of the Riuer below the same towne as also below the Kings Store-house at Chattam and fast by the Kings Ferrey going into the Isle of Shepey in the salt marshes by Lee in Essex in the Marsh by Harwich and many other places The small kinde I could neuer finde in any other place but vpon the chalky cliffe going from the towne of Margate downe to the sea side vpon the left hand ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶
afresh for certaine yeeres after ¶ The Time It may be sowne in March or Aprill it flourisheth and is greene in Iune and afterwards euen vntill winter ¶ The Names Purslane is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Portulaca in high Dutch Burkelkraut in French Poupier in Italian 〈◊〉 in Spanish Verdolagas in English Purslane and Porcelane ¶ The Temperature Purslane is cold and that in the third degree and moist in the second but wilde Purslane is not so moist ¶ The Vertues Rawe Purslane is much vsed in sallades with oile salt and vineger it cooleth an hot 〈◊〉 and prouoketh appetite but the nourishment which commeth thereof is little bad cold grosse and moist being chewed it is good for teeth that are set on edge or astonied the juice doth the same being held in the mouth and also the distilled water Purslane is likewise commended against wormes in young children and is singular good especially if they be feuerish withall for it both allaies the ouermuch heate and killeth the wormes which thing is done through the saltnes mixed therewith which is not only an enemy to wormes but also to putrifaction The leaues of Purslane either rawe or boiled and eaten as sallades are good for those that haue great heate in their stomackes and inward parts and doe coole and temper the inflamed bloud The same taken in like manner is good for the bladder and kidnies and allaieth the out ragious lust of the body the juice also hath the same vertue The juice of Purslane stoppeth the bloudy fluxe the fluxe of the hemorroides monthly termes spitting of bloud and all other fluxes whatsoeuer The same thrown vp with a mother syringe cureth the inflammations frettings and 〈◊〉 of the matrix and put into the fundament with a clister pipe helpeth the vlcerations and 〈◊〉 the guts The leaues eaten rawe take away the paine of the teeth and fasteneth them and are good for teeth that are set on edge with eating of sharpe or soure things The seed being taken killeth and driueth forth wormes and stoppeth the laske CHAP. 149. Of sea Purslane and of the shrubby Sengreens ¶ The Description 1 SEa Purslane is not a herbe as garden Purslane but a little shrub the stalkes whereof be hard and wooddy the leaues fat full of substance like in forme to common Purslane but much whiter and harder the mossie purple floures stand round about the vpper parts of the stalkes as do almost those of Blyte or of Orach neither is the seed vnlike being broad and flat the root is wooddy long lasting as is also the plant which beareth out the winter with the losse of a few leaues †2 There is another sea Purslane or Halimus or after Dodonaus Portulaca marina which hath leaues like the former but not altogether so white yet are they somewhat longer and narrower not much vnlike the leaues of the Oliue tree The slender branches are not aboue a cubit or cubit and halfe long and commonly lie spred vpon the ground and the floures are of a deepe ouerworne herby colour and after them follow seedes like those of the former but smaller ‡ 3 Our ordinary Halimus or sea Purslane hath small branches some foot or better long lying commonly spred vpon the ground of an ouerworne grayish colour and sometimes purple the leaues are like those of the last mentioned but more fat and thicke yet lesse hoary The floures grow on the tops of the branches of an herby purple colour which is succeeded by small seeds like to that of the second kinde ‡ 4 There is found another wilde sea Purslane whereof I haue thought good to make mention which doth resemble the kindes of Aizoons The first kinde groweth vpright with a trunke like a small tree or shrub hauing many vpright wooddy branches of an ashe colour with many thicke darke greene leaues like the small Stone crop called Vermicularis the floures are of an herby yellowish greene colour the root is very hard and fibrous the whole plant is of a salt tang taste and the juice like that of Kaly 5 There is another kinde like the former and differeth in that this strange plant is greater the leaues more sharpe and narrower and the whole plant more wooddy and commeth neere to the forme of a tree The floures are of a greenish colour ‡ 1 Halimus latifolius Tree Sea Purslane ‡ 2 Halimus angustifolius procumbens Creeping Sea Purslane 3 Halimus vulgaris siue Portulaca marina Common Sea Purslane ‡ 4 Vermicular is frutex minor The lesser shrubby Sengreen ‡ 5 Vermicularis frutex major The greater Tree Stone-crop ¶ The Place ‡ The first and second grow vpon the Sea coasts of Spaine and other hot countries ‡ and the third groweth in the salt marishes neere the sea side as you passe ouer the Kings ferrey vnto the isle of Shepey going to Sherland house belonging sometime vnto the Lord Cheiny and in the yeare 1590 vnto the Worshipfull Sr. Edward Hobby fast by the ditches sides of the same marish it groweth plentifully in the isle of Thanet as you go from Margate to Sandwich and in many other places along the coast The other sorts grow vpon bankes and heapes of sand on the Sea coasts of Zeeland Flanders Holland and in like places in other countries as besides the Isle of Purbecke in England and on Rauen-spurne in Holdernesse as I my selfe haue seene ¶ The Time These flourish and floure especially in Iuly and August ¶ The Names Sea Purslane is called Portulaca Marina In Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is also called in Latine Halimus in Dutch Zee 〈◊〉 in English Sea Purslane The bastard ground Pines are called of some Chamepitys virmiculata in English Sea ground Pine ‡ or more fitly Tree Ston-crop or Pricket or Shrubby Sengreene ‡ ¶ The Temperature Sea Purslane is as Galen saith of vnlike parts but the greater part thereof is hot in a meane with a moisture vnconcocted and somewhat windie ¶ The Vertues The leaues saith Dioscorides are boyled to be eaten a dram weight of the root being drunke with meade or honied water is good against crampes and drawings awrie of sinewes burstings and gnawings of the belly it also causeth Nurses to haue store of milke The leaues be in the Low-countries preserued in salt or pickle as capers are and be serued and eaten at mens tables in stead of them and that without any mislike of taste to which it is pleasant Galen doth also report that the yong and tender buds are wont in Cilicia to be eaten and also laid vp in store for vse ‡ Clusius saith That the learned Portugal Knight Damianus a Goes assured him That the leaues of the first described boyled with bran and so applied mitigate the paines of the Gout proceeding of an hot cause ‡ CHAP. 150. Of Herbe-Iuy or Ground-Pine ¶ The Description 1 THe common kinde of Chamaepitys or Ground-Pine is a small herbe and very tender creeping vpon the
chamfered or crested hard and wooddy being for the most part two foot high The leaues are three or foure times bigger than those of S. Iohns wort which be at the first greene afterwards and in the end of Sommet of a dark red colour out of which is pressed a iuyce not like blacke bloud but Claret or Gascoigne wine The floures are yellow and greater than those of S. Peters wort after which riseth vp a little round head or berry first greene afterwards red last of all blacke wherein is contained yellowish red seed The root is hard wooddy and of long continuance ‡ 2 This which Dodonaeus did not vnfitly call Ruta syluestris Hypericoides and which others haue set forth for Androsaemum and our Author the last chapter saue one affirmed to be the true 〈◊〉 though here it seemes he had either altered his minde or forgot what he formerly wrot may fitly stand in competition with the last described which may passe in the first place for the Androsaemum of the Antients for adhuc sub judice lis est I will not here insist vpon the point of controuersie but giue you a description of the plant which is this It sends vp round slender reddish stalkes some two cubits high set with fewer yet bigger leaues than the ordinarie S. Iohns Wort and these also more hairy the floures and seeds are like those of the common S. Iohns wort but somewhat larger It growes in some mountainous and wooddy places and in the Aduersaria it is called Androsaemum excellentius seu magnum and by Dodonaeus as we but now noted Ruta syluestris Hypericoides thinking it to be the Ruta syluestris which is described by Dioscorides lib. 〈◊〉 cap. 48. in the old Greeke edition of Manutius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And in that of Marcellus Virgilius his Interpretation in the chapter and booke but now mentioned but reiected amongst the Notha in the Paris Edition Anno 1549. You may finde the description also in Dodonaeus Pempt primae lib. 3. cap. 25 whither I refer the curious being loath here to insist further vpon it ‡ 1 Clymenon Italorum Tutsan or Parke leaues ‡ 2 Androsaemum Hypericoides Tutsan S. Iohns wort ¶ The Place Tutsan groweth in woods and by hedges especially in Hampsted wood where the Golden rod doth grow in a wood by Railie in Essex and many other places ¶ The Time It floureth in Iuly and August the seed in the meane time waxeth ripe The leaues becom 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 at that time is very easily pressed forth his winie iuyce ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines also Androsaemon it is likewise called 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 witnesseth They are farre from the truth that take it to be Clymenum and it is needlesse to finde fault with their error It is also called Siciliana and Herba Siciliana in English Tutsan and Parke-leaues ¶ The Temperature The faculties are such as S. Peters wort which doth sufficiently declare it to be hot and dry ¶ The Vertues The seed hereof beaten to pouder and drunke to the weight of two drams doth purge cholericke excrements as Dioscorides writeth and is a singular remedie for the Sciatica prouided that the Patient do drinke water for a day or two after purging The herbe cureth burnings and applied vpon new wounds it stancheth the bloud and healeth them The leaues laid vpon broken shins and scabbed legs healeth them and many other hurts and griefes whereof it tooke his name Tout-saine or Tutsane of healing all things ‡ CHAP. 161. Of Bastard S. Johns wort ‡ 1 Coris Matthioli Matthiolus his bastard S. Iohns wort ‡ 2 Coris coerulea Monspeliaca French bastard S. Iohns wort ‡ THe diligence of these later times hath beene such to finde out the Materia medica of the Antients that there is scarse any plant described by them but by some or other of late there haue been two or more seuerall plants referred thereto and thus it hath happened vnto 〈◊〉 which Dioscorides lib. 3. cap. 174. hath set forth by the name of Coris and presently describes after the kindes of Hypericon and that with these words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Some also call this Hypericon to which Matthiolus and others haue fitted a plant which is indeed a kinde of Hypericon as you may perceiue by the figure and description which I giue you in the first place Some as 〈◊〉 referre it to Chamaepytis and indeed by Dioscorides it is placed betweene Androsaemon and Chamaepytis and to this that which is described by Pena and Lobel in the Aduers and by Clusius in his Historie may fitly be referred this I giue you in the second place ¶ The Description 1 THe first hath a wooddy thicke and long lasting root which sendeth vp many branches some foot or more high and it is set at certaine spaces with round leaues like those of the small Glasse-wort or Sea-Spurry but shorter the tops of the stalkes are diuided into 〈◊〉 branches which carry floures like those of S. Iohns wort of a whitish red colour with threds in their middles hauing little yellow pendants It growes in Italy and other hot countries in places not far from the sea side This is thought to be the true Coris by Matthiolus Gesner Lonicerus Lacuna Bellus Pona and others 2 This from a thicke root red on the outside sendeth vp sundry stalkes some but an handfull other some a foot or more long stiffe round purplish set thicke with leaues like those of Heath but thicker more succulent and bitter which so netimes grow orderly and otherwhiles out of order The spikes or heads grow on the tops of the branches consisting of a number of little cups diuided into fiue sharpe points and marked with a blacke spot in each diuision out of these cups comes a floure of a blew purple colour of a most elegant and not fading colour and it is composed of foure little biside leaues whereof the two vppermost are the larger the seed which is round and blackish is contained in seed-vessels hauing points somewhat sharpe or prickly It floures in Aprill and May and is to be found growing in many places of Spaine as also about Mompelier in France whence Pena and Lobel called it Coris Monspeliaca and Clusius Coris quorundam Gallorum Hispanorum ¶ The Temperature These Plants seeme to be hot in the second or third degree ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith That the seed of Coris drunke moue the courses and vrine are good against the biring of the Spider Phalangium the Sciatica and drunke in Wine against that kinde of Convulsion which the Greekes call Opisthotonos which is when the body is drawne backwards as also against the cold fits in Agues It is also good anointed with oyle against the aforesaid Convulsion ‡ CHAP. 162. Of the great Centorie ¶ The Description 1 THe great Centory bringeth forth round smooth stalkes three cubits high the leaues are long diuided as it were into many parcels
like to those of the Walnut tree and of an ouerworne grayish colour somewhat snipt about the edges like the teeth of a saw The floures grow at the top of the stalks in scaly knaps like the great Knapweed the middle thrums whereof are of a light blew or sky colour when the seed is ripe the whole knap or head turneth into a downy 〈◊〉 like the head of an 〈◊〉 wherein is found a long smooth seed bearded at one end like those of 〈◊〉 Sattron called Cartamus or the seed of Cardus Benedictus The root is great long blacke on the outside and of a sanguine colour on the inside somewhat sweet in taste and biting the tongue 2 There is likewise another sort hauing great and large leaues like those of the water Docke somewhat snipt or toothed about the edges The stalke is shorter than the other but the root is more oleous or fuller of iuyce otherwise like The floure is of a pale yellow purplish colour and the seed like that of the former 1 Centaurium magnum Great Centorie ‡ 2 Centaurium maius alterum Whole leaued great Centorie ¶ The Place The great Centorie ioyeth in a fat and fruitfull soile and in Sunny bankes full of Grasse and herbes It groweth very plentifully saith Dioscorides in Lycia Peloponnesus Arcadia and Morea and it is also to be found vpon Baldus a mountaine in the territories of Verona and likewise in my garden ¶ The Time It floureth in Sommer and the roots may be gathered in Autumne ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus also Centauris in diuers shops falsly Rha Ponticum for Rha Ponticum is Rha growing in the countries of Pontus a plant differing from great Centorie Theophrastus and Pliny set downe among the kindes of Panaces or All-heales this great Centorie and also the lesser whereof we will write in the next chapter following Pliny reciting the words of Theophrastus doth in his twenty fifth booke and fourth chapter write that they were found out by Chiron the Centaure and syrnamed Centauria Also affirming the same thing in his sixth chapter where he more largely expoundeth both the Centauries hee repeateth them to be found out by Chiron and thereupon he addeth that both of them are named Chironia Of some it is reported That the said Chiron was cured therewith of a wound in his foot that was made with 〈◊〉 arrow that fell vpon it when he was entertaining Hercules into his house whereupon it was called Chironium or of the curing of the wounds of his souldiers for the which purpose it is most excellent ¶ The Temperature It is hot and dry in the third degree Galen 〈◊〉 by the taste of the root it sheweth contrarie qualities so in the vse it performeth contrarie effects ¶ The Vertues The root taken in the quantitie of two drams is good for them that be bursten or spit bloud against the crampe and shrinking of sinewes the shortnesse of wind or difficultie of breathing the cough and gripings of the belly There is not any part of the herbe but it rather worketh miracles than ordinarie cures in greene wounds for it ioyneth together the lips of simple wounds in the flesh according to the first intentention that is glewing the lips together not drawing to the place any matter at all The root of this Plant saith Dioscorides is a remedie for ruptures 〈◊〉 and cramps taken in the weight of two drams to be giuen with wine to those that are without a feuer and vnto those that haue with water Galen saith that the iuyce of the leaues thereof performeth those things that the root doth which is also vsed in stead of Lycium a kinde of hard iuyce of a sharpe taste CHAP. 163. Of Small Centorie ¶ The Description 1 THe lesser Centorie is a little herbe it groweth vp with a cornered stalke halfe a foot high with leaues in forme and bignesse of S. Iohns wort the floures grow at the top in a spoky bush or rundle of a red colour tending to purple which in the day time and after the Sun is vp do open themselues but towards euening shut vp againe after them come forth small seed-vessels of the shape of wheat cornes in which are contained very little seeds The root is slender hard and soone fading 2 The yellow Centorie hath leaues stalkes and seed like the other and is in each respect alike sauing that the floures 〈◊〉 are of a perfect yellow colour which setteth forth the difference ‡ This is of two sorts the one with broad leaues through which the stalkes passe and the other hath narrow leaues like those of the common Centorie ‡ 1 Centaurium parvum Small Centorie 2 Centaurium parvum luteum Lobelij Yellow Centorie ¶ The Place 1 The first is growing in great plenty throughout all England in most pastures and grassie fields 2 The yellow doth grow vpon the chalkie cliffes of Greenhithe in Kent and such like places ¶ The Time They are to be gathered in their flouring time that is in Iuly and August of some that gather them superstitiously they are gathered betweene the two Lady dayes ¶ The Names The Greekes call this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine it is called Centaurium minus yet Pliny nameth it Libadion and by reason of his great bitternesse Fel terrae The Italians in Hetruria call it Biondella in Spanish Centoria in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Small little or common Centorie in French Centoire ¶ The Temperature The small Centorie is of a bitter qualitie and of temperature hot and dry in the second degree and the yellow Centorie is hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues Being boyled in water and drunke it openeth the stoppings of the liuer gall and spleene it helpeth the yellow jaundice and likewise long and lingering agues it killeth the wormes in the bellie to be briefe it cleanseth scoureth and maketh thinne humors that are thicke and doth effectually performe whatsoeuer bitter things can Dioscorides and Galen after him report that the decoction draweth downe by siege choler and thicke humors and helpeth the Sciatica but though wee haue vsed this often and luckily yet could we not perceiue euidently that it purges by the stoole any thing at all and yet it hath performed the effects aforesaid This Centorie being stamped and laid on whilest it is fresh and greene doth heale and closevp greene wounds cleanseth old vlcers and perfectly cureth them The iuyce is good in medicines for the eyes mixed with honey it cleanseth away such things as hinder the sight and being drunke it hath a peculiar vertue against the infirmities of the 〈◊〉 as Dioscorides teacheth The Italian Physitions do giue the pouder of the leaues of yellow Centorie once in three daies in the quantitie of a dram with annise or caraway seeds in wine or other liquor which preuaileth against the dropsie and greene sicknesse Of the red floured Ioannes Postius hath thus written Flos
mouth and tongue must be often washed with the same decoction and sometimes a little vineger mixed therewith This disease is thought to be vnknowne to the old writers but notwithstanding if it be conferred with that which Paulus Aegineta calleth Erysipelas 〈◊〉 an inflammation of the braine then will it not be thought to bee much differing if it be not the very same CHAP. 202. Of the great Daisie or Maudelen woort 1 Bellis maior The great Daisie ¶ The Description 1 THe great Daisie hath very many broad leaues spred vpon the ground somewhat indented about the edges of the breadth of a finger not vnlike those of groundswell among which rise vp stalkes of the height of a cubit set with the like leaues but lesser in the top whereof do grow large white floures with yellow thrums in the middle like those of the single field Daisy or Mayweed without any smell at all The root is full of strings ¶ The Place It groweth in Medowes and in the borders of fields almost euery where ¶ The Time It floureth and flourisheth in May and Iune ¶ The Names It is called as we haue said Bellis maior and also 〈◊〉 media vulnerariorum to make a difrence betweene it and Bugula which is the true Consolida media notwithstanding this is holden of all to bee Consolida medij generis or a kinde of middle Consound in High Dutch as Fuchsius reporteth 〈◊〉 in English the Great Daisie and Maudelen woort ¶ The Temperature This great Daisie is moist in the end of the second degree and cold in the beginning of the same ¶ The Vertues The leaues of the great Maudleine woort are good against all burning vlcers and apostemes against the inflammation and running of the eies being applied thereto The same made vp in an vnguent or salue with wax oile and turpentine is most excellent for wounds especially those wherein is any inflammation and will not come to digestion or maturation as are those weeping 〈◊〉 made in the knees elbowes and other ioints The iuice decoction or distilled water is drunk to very good purpose against the rupture or any inward burstings The herbe is good to be put into Vulnerarie drinks or potions as one simple belonging thereto most necessarie to the which effect the best practised do vse it as a simple in such cases of great effect It likewise asswageth the cruell torments of the gout vsed with a few Mallows and butter boiled and made to the sorme of a pultis The same receipt aforesaid vsed in Clysters profiteth much against the vehement heat in agues and ceaseth the torments or wringing of the guts or bowels CHAP. 203. Of little Daisies ¶ The Description 1 THe Daisie bringeth forth many leaues from a threddy root smooth fat long and somwhat round withall very sleightly indented about the edges for the most part lying vpon the ground among which rise vp the floures euery one with his owne slender stem almost like those of Camomill but lesser of a perfect white colour and very double 2 The double red Daisie is like vnto the precedent in euery respect sauing in the colour of the floures for this plant bringeth forth floures of a red colour and the other white as aforesaid ‡ These double Daisies are of two sorts that is either smaller or larger and these againe either white or red or of both mixed together wherefore I haue giuen you in the first place the figure of the small and in the second that of the larger 3 Furthermore there is another pretty double daisie which differs from the first described only in the floure which at the sides thereof puts forth many foot-stalkes carrying also little double floures being commonly of a red colour so that each stalke carries as it were an old one and the brood thereof whence they haue fitly termed it the childing Daisie ‡ 1 Bellis minor multiplex flore albo vel rubro The lesser double red or white Daisie 2 Bellis media multiplex flore albo vel rubro The larger double white or red Daisie 4 The wilde field Daisie hath many leaues spred vpon the ground like those of the garden Daisie among which rise vp slender stems on the top whereof do grow small single floures like those of Camomill set about a bunch of yellow thrums with a pale of white leaues sometimes white now and then red and often of both mixed together The root is threddy 5 There doth likewise grow in the fields another sort of wilde Daisie agreeing with the former in each respect sauing that it is somewhat greater than the other and the leaues are somwhat more cut in the edges and larger ‡ 3 Bellis minor prolifera Childing Daisie 4 Bellis minor syluestris The small wilde Daisie 5 Bellis media syluestris The middle wilde Daisie 7 The French blew Daisie is like vnto the other blew Daisies in each respect sauing it is altogether lesser wherein consisteth the difference ‡ There were formerly three figures and descriptions of this blew Daisie but one of them might haue serued for they differ but in the tallnesse of their growth and in the bredth and narrownesse of their leaues ‡ ¶ The Place The double Daisies are planted in gardens the others grow wilde euery where The blew Daisies are strangers in England their naturall place of abode is set forth in their seuerall titles 6 Bellis coerulea siue Globularia 〈◊〉 The blew Italian Daisie 7 Bellis coerulea Monspeliaca Blew French Daisies ¶ The Time The Daisies do floure most part of the Sommer ¶ The Names The Daisie is called in high-Dutch Maszlieben in low Dutch Margrieten in Latine Bellis minor and Consolida minor or the middle Consound of Tragus Primula veris but that name is more proper vnto Primrose of some Herba Margarita or Margarites herbe in French Marguerites and Cassaudes in Italian Fiori di prima veri gentili In English Daisies and Bruisewort The blew Daisie is called Bellis coerulea of some Globularia of the round forme of the floure it is also called Aphyllanthes and Frondislora in Italian Botanaria in English blew Daisies and Globe Daisie ¶ The Temperature The lesser Daisies are cold and moist being moist in the end of the second degree and cold in the beginning of the same ¶ The Vertues The Daisies doe mitigate all kinde of paines but especially of the ioynts and gout proceeding from an hot and dry humor if they be stamped with new butter vnsalted and applied vpon the pained place but they worke more effectually if Mallowes be added thereto The leaues of Daisies vsed amongst other Pot-herbes doe make the belly soluble and they are also put into Clysters with good successe in hot burning feuers and against inflammations of the intestines The iuyce of the leaues and roots snift vp into the nosthrils purgeth the head mightily of foule and filthy slimie humors and helpeth the megrim The same giuen to little dogs with milke keepeth them
as in the Veronica's The root is knotty and fibrous and growes so fast amongst the rockes that it cannot easily be got out It floureth in Iuly 〈◊〉 describes this by the name of Teucrium 6. Pumilum and Pona sets it forth by the name of Veronica petraea semper virens ‡ 5 This Spanish Germander riseth vp oft times to the height of a man in manner of a hedge bush with one stiffe stalke of the bignesse of a mans little finger couered ouer with a whitish bark diuided sometimes into other branches which are alwayes placed by couples one right against another of an ouerworne hoarie colour and vpon them are placed leaues not much vnlike the common Germander the vpper parts whereof are of a grayish hoarie colour and the lower of a deepe greene of a bitter taste and somewhat crooked turning and winding themselues after the manner of a welt The floures come forth from the bosome of the leaues standing vpon small tender foot-stalkes of a white colour without any helmet or hood on their tops hauing in the middle many threddy strings The whole plant keepeth greene all the Winter long 6 Among the rest of the Tree Germanders this is not of least beauty and account hauing many weake and feeble branches trailing vpon the ground of a darke reddish colour hard and wood die at the bottome of which stalks come forth many long broad iagged leaues not vnlike the 〈◊〉 hoary vnderneath and greene aboue of a binding and drying taste The floures grow at the top of the stalkes not vnlike to those of Cistus foemina or Sage-rose and are white of colour consisting of eight or nine leaues in the middle whereof do grow many threddy chiues without smell or sauour which being past there succeedeth a tuft of rough threddy or flocky matter not vnlike to those of the great Auens or Pulsatill the root is wooddy and set with some few hairie strings fastned to the same ¶ The Place These plants do ioy in stony and rough mountaines and dry places and such as lie open to the Sunne and aire and prosper well in gardens and of the second sort I haue receiued one plant for my garden of Mr. Garret Apothecarie ¶ The Time They floure flourish and seed when the other Germanders do ¶ The Names Tree Germander is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 retaining the name of the former Chamaedrys and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the authoritie of Dioscorides and Pliny in Latine 〈◊〉 in English Great Germander vpright Germander and Tree Germander ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Their temperature and faculties are referred vnto the garden Germander but they are not of such force and working wherefore they be not much vsed in physicke CHAP. 214. Of Water Germander or Garlicke Germander ¶ The Description 1 SCordium or water Germander hath square hairie stalkes creeping by the ground beset with soft whitish crumpled leaues nickt and snipt round about the edges like a Saw among which grow small purple floures like the floures of dead Nettle The root is small and threddy creeping in the ground very deepely The whole plant being bruised smelleth like Garlicke whereof it tooke that name Scordium ‡ This by reason of goodnesse of soile varieth in the largenesse thereof whence Tabernamont anus and our Author made a bigger and a lesser thereof but I haue omitted the later as superfluous ‡ ¶ The Place Water Germander groweth neere to Oxenford by Ruley on both sides of the water and in a medow by Abington called Nietford by the relation of a learned Gentleman of S. 〈◊〉 in the said towne of Oxenford a diligent 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 my very good friend called Mr. Richard Slater Also it groweth in great plenty in the Isle of Elie and in a medow by Harwood in Lancashire and diuers other places 1 Scordium Water Germander ¶ The Time The floures appeare in Iune and Iuly it is best to gather the herbe in August it perisheth not in Winter but onely loseth the stalkes which come vp againe in Sommer the root remaineth fresh all the yeare ¶ The Names The Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines do keepe that name 〈◊〉 the Apothecaries haue no other name It is called of some Trixago Palustris Quercula and also Mithridatium of Mithridates the finder of it out It tooke the name Scordium from the smel of Garlicke which the Grecians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the rancknesse of the smell in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 battenig in French Scordion in Italian Chalamandrina palustre in English Scordium Water Germander and Garlicke Germander ¶ The Temperature Water Germander is hot and dry it hath a certaine bitter taste harsh and sharpe as Galen witnesseth ¶ The Vertues Water Germander cleanseth the intrals and likewise old vlcers being mixed with honey according to art it prouoketh vrine and bringeth downe the monethly sickenesse it draweth out of the chest thicke flegme and rotten matter it is good for an old cough paine in the sides which commeth of stopping and cold and for burstings and inward ruptures The decoction made in wine and drunke is good against the bitings of Serpents and deadly poysons and is vsed in antidotes or counterpoysons with good successe It is reported to mitigate the paine of the gout being stamped and applied with a little vineger and water Some affirme that raw flesh being laid among the leaues of Scordium may be preserued a long time from corruption Being drunke with wine it openeth the stoppings of the liuer the milt kidnies bladder and matrix prouoketh vrine helpeth the strangurie that is when a man cannot pisse but by drops and is a most singular cordiall to comfort and make merry the heart The pouder of Scordion taken in the quantitie of two drams in meade or honied water cureth and stoppeth the bloudy flix and comforteth the stomacke Of this Scordium is made a most singular medicine called Diascordium which serueth very notably for all the purposes aforesaid The same medicine made with Scordium is giuen with very good successe vnto children and aged people that haue the small pockes measles or the Purples or any other pestilent sicknesse whatsoeuer euen the plague it selfe giuen before the sicknes haue vniuersally possessed the whole body CHAP. 215. Of Wood Sage or Garlicke Sage ¶ The Description THat which is called Wilde Sage hath stalkes foure square somewhat hairie about which are leaues like those of Sage but shorter broader and softer the floures grow vp all vpon one side of the stalke open and forked as those of dead Nettle but lesser of a pale white colour then grow the seeds foure together in one huske the root is full of strings It is a plant that liueth but a yeare it smelleth of garlicke when it is bruised being a kinde of Garlicke Germander as appeareth by the smell of garlicke wherewith it is possessed Scorodonia siue Saluia agrestis Wood Sage or
after some copies hot and dry in the third ¶ The 〈◊〉 Sweete Marjerome is a remedy against cold diseases of the braine and head being taken any way to your best liking put vp into the nosthrils it prouoketh sneesing and draweth forth much baggage 〈◊〉 it easeth the tooth-ache being chewed in the mouth being drunke it prouoketh vrine and draweth away waterish humors and is vsed in medicines against poison The leaues boiled in water and the decoction drunke helpeth them that are entering into the dropsie it easeth them that are troubled with difficultie of making water and such as are giuen to ouermuch sighing and easeth the paines of the belly The leaues dried and mingled with hony and giuen dissolueth congealed or clotted blood and putteth away blacke and blew markes after stripes and bruses being applied thereto The leaues are excellent good to be put into all odoriferous ointments waters pouders broths and meates The dried leaues poudered and finely searched are good to be put into Cerotes or Cere-cloths and ointments profitable against colde swellings and members out of joint There is an excellent oile to be drawne forth of these herbes good against the shrinking of sinewes crampes convulsions and all aches proceeding of a colde cause CHAP. 218. Of wilde Marjerome ¶ The Description 1 BAstard Marjerome groweth straight vp with little round stalkes of a reddish colour full of branches a foot high and sometimes higher The leaues be broad more long than round of a whitish greene colour on the top of the branches stand long spikie scaled eares out of which shoot forth little white floures like the flouring of wheate The whole plant is of a sweete smell and sharpe biting taste 2 The white Organy or bastard Marjerome with white floures differing little from the precedent but in colour and stature This plant hath whiter and broader leaues and also much higher wherein consisteth the difference 3 Bastard Marjerome of Candy hath many threddy roots from which rise vp diuers weake and feeble branches trailing vpon the ground set with faire greene leaues not vnlike those of Penny Royall but broader and shorter at the top of those branches stand scalie or chaffie eares of a purple colour The whole plant is of a most pleasant sweet smell The root endured in my garden 1 Origanum 〈◊〉 Bastard Marjerome 2 Origanum album Tabern White bastard Marjerome 3 Origanum Creticum Wilde Marjerome of Candy 4 Origanum Anglicum English wilde Marjerome 4 English wilde Marjerome is exceedingly well knowne to all to haue long stiffe and hard stalkes of two cubits high set with leaues like those of sweet Marjerome but broader and greater of a russet greene colour on the top of the branches stand tufts of purple floures composed of many small ones set together very closely vmbell fashion The root creepeth in the ground and is long lasting ¶ The Place These plants do grow wilde in the kingdome of Spaine Italy and other of those hot regions The last of the foure doth grow wilde in the borders of fields and low copses in most places of England ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in the Sommer moneths afterward the seed is perfected ¶ The Names Bastard Marjerome is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that which is surnamed Heracleoticum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of diuers it is called Cunila in shops Origanum Hispanicum Spanish Organy our Euglish wilde Marjerome is called in Greeke of Dioscoridcs 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Onitis of some Agrioriganum or 〈◊〉 Origanum in Italian Origano in Spanish Oregano in French Mariolaine bastarde in English 〈◊〉 bastard Marjerome and that of ours wilde Marjerome and groue Marjerome ¶ The Temperature All the Organies do cut attenuate or make thin dry and heate and that in the third degree and Galen teacheth that wilde Marjerome is more forceable and of greater strength notwithstanding Organy of Candy which is brought dry out of Spaine whereof I haue a plant in my garden is more biting than any of the rest and of greatest heate ¶ The Vertues Organy giuen in wine is a remedy against the bitings and stingings of venomous beasts and cureth them that haue drunke Opium or the juice of blacke poppy or hemlockes especially if it be giuen with wine and raisons of the sunne The decoction of Organy prouoketh vrine bringeth downe the monethly course and is giuen with good successe to those that haue the dropsie It is profitably vsed in a looch or a medicine to be licked against an old cough and the stuffing of the lungs It healeth scabs itches and scuruinesse being vsed in bathes and it taketh away the bad colour which commeth of the yellow jaundice The weight of a dram taken with meade or 〈◊〉 water draweth forth by stoole blacke and filthy humors as Dioscorides and Pliny write The juice mixed with a little milke being poured into the 〈◊〉 mitigateth the paines thereof The same mixed with the oile of Ireos or the rootes of the white Florentine floure de luce and drawne vp into the nosthrils draweth downe water and flegme the herbe strowed vpon the ground driueth away serpents The decoction looseth the belly and voideth choler and drunke with vineger helpeth the infirmities of the splcene and drunke in wine helpeth against all mortall poisons and for that cause it is put into mithridate and treacles prepared for that purpose These plants are easie to be taken in potions and therefore to good purpose they may be vsed and ministred vnto such as cannot brooke their meate and to such as haue a sowre and sqamish and watery stomacke as also against the swouning of the heart CHAP. 219. Of Goates Marjerome or Organy ¶ The Description 1 THe stalkes of Goates Organy are slender hard and wooddy of a blackish colour whereon are set long leaues greater than those of the wilde Time sweete of smell rough and somewhat hairy The floures be small and grow out of little crownes or wharles round about the top of the stalkes tending to a purple colour The root is small and threddy 1 Tragoriganum Dod. Goats Marierome Tragoriganum Lob. Goats Marierome 2 Tragoriganum Clusij Clusius his Goats Marierome ‡ 3 Tragoriganum Cretense Candy Goats Marierome 2 Carolus Clusius hath set forth in his Spanish Obseruations another sort of Goats Marierome growing vp like a small shrub the leaues are longer and more hoarie than wilde Marierome and also narrower of a hot biting taste but of a sweet smell 〈◊〉 not very pleasant The floures do stand at the top of the stalkes in spokie rundles of a white colour The root is thicke and wooddy ‡ 3 This differs little in forme and magnitude 〈◊〉 the last described but the branches are of a blacker colour with rougher and darker coloured leaues the floures also are lesser and of a purple colour Both this and the last described continue alwaies greene but this last is of a much more fragrant smell
plant bringeth forth floures of the same fashion but of a snow white colour wherein consisteth the difference ‡ Our Authour out of 〈◊〉 us gaue three figures with as many descriptions of this plant yet made it onely to vary in the colour of the floures being either purple white or red but he did not touch the difference which Tabernamontanus by his figures exprest which was the first had all the leaues whole being only snipt about the edges the lower leaues of the second were most of them whole and those vpon the stalkes deepely cut in or diuided and the third had the leaues both below and aboue all cut in or deepely diuided The figure which we here giue you expresses the first and third varieties and if you please the one may be with white and the other with red or purple floures ‡ ¶ The Place Sawe-woort groweth in woods and shadowie places and sometimes in medowes They grow in Hampsted wood likewise I haue seene it growing in great abundance in the wood adjoining to Islington within halfe a mile from the further end of the towne and in sundry places of Essex and Suffolke ¶ The Time They floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The later age doe call them Serratula and Serratula tinctoria it differeth as we haue said from Betony which is also called Serratula other names if it haue any we know not it is called in English Sawewoort ‡ Coesalpinus calls it Cerretta and Serretta and Thalius 〈◊〉 or Centaurium maius sylvestre Germanicum ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Serratula is wonderfully commended to be most singular for wounds ruptures burstings and such like and is referred vnto the temperature of Sanicle CHAP. 243. Of Betony ¶ The Description 1 BEtony groweth vp with long leaues and broad of a darke greene colour slightly indented about the edges like a saw The stalke is flender foure square somewhat rough a foote high more or lesse It beareth eared floures of a purplish colour and 〈◊〉 reddish after the floures commeth in place long cornered seed The root consisteth of many strings 1 Betonica Betony 2 Betony with white floures is like the precedent in each respect sauing that the flours of this plant are white and of greater beautie and the others purple or red as aforesaid ¶ The Place Betony loues shadowie woods hedge-rowes and copses the borders of pastures and such like places Betony with white floures is seldome seene I found it in a wood by a village called Hampstead neere vnto a worshipfull Gentlemans house one of the Clerkes of the Queenes counsell called Mr. Wade from whence I brought plants for my garden where they flourish as in their naturall place of growing ¶ The Time They floure and flourish for the most part in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Betony is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Betonica of diuers Vetonica but vnproperly There is likewise another Betonica which Paulus Aegineta described and Galen in his first booke of the gouernment of health sheweth that it is called 〈◊〉 that is to say Betonica Betonie and also Sarxiphagon Dioscorides notwithstanding doth describe another Sarxiphagon ¶ The Temperature Betony is hot and dry in the second degree it hath force to cut as Galen saith ¶ The Vertues Betony is good for them that be subject to the falling sickenesse and for those also that haue ill heads vpon a cold cause It clenseth the lungs and chest it taketh away obstructions or stoppings of the liuer milt and gall it is good against the yellow jaundise It maketh a man to haue a good stomack and appetite to his meate it preuaileth against sower belchings it maketh a man to pisse well it mitigateth paine in the kidnies and bladder it breaketh stones in the kidnies and driueth them forth It is also good for ruptures cramps and convulsions it is a remedie against the bitings of mad dogs and venomous serpents being drunke and also applied to the hurts and is most singular against poyson It is commended against the paine of the Sciatica or ache of the huckle bone There is a Conserue made of the floures and sugar good for many things and especially for the head-ache A dram weight of the root of Betonie dried and taken with meade or honied water procureth vomit and bringeth forth grosse and tough humors as diuers of our age do report The pouder of the dried leaues drunke in wine is good for them that spit or pisse bloud and cureth all inward wounds especially the greene leaues boyled in wine and giuen The pouder taken with meate looseth the belly very gently and helpeth them that haue the falling sicknesse with madnesse and head-ache It is singular against all paines of the head it killeth wormes in the belly helpeth the Ague it cleanseth the mother and hath great vertue to heale the body being hurt within by bruising or such like CHAP. 244. Of Water-Betony ¶ The Description WAter Betony hath great square hollow and brown stalks whereon are set very broad leaues notched about the edges like vnto those of Nettles of a swart greene colour growing for the most part by two and two as it were from one ioynt opposite or standing one right against an other The floures grow at the top of the branches of a darke purple colour in shape like to little helmets The seed is small contained in round bullets or buttons The root is compact of many and infinite strings Betonica aquatica Water Betony ¶ The Place It groweth by brookes and running waters by ditch sides and by the brinks of riuers and is seldome found in dry places ¶ The Time It floureth in Iuly and August and from that time the seed waxeth ripe ¶ The Names Water Betonie is called in Latine Betonica aquatica some haue thought it Dioscorides his Clymenum others his Galeopsis it is Scrophularia altera of Dodonoeus of Turner Clymenon of some Sesamoides minus but not properly of others Serpentaria in Dutch S. Antonies cruyd in English Water Betonie and by some Browne-wort in Yorke-shire Bishops leaues ¶ The Temperature Water Betony is hot and dry ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Water Betony are of a scouring or cleansing qualitie and is very good to mundifie foule and stinking vlcers especially the iuyce boyled with honey It is reported if the face be washed with the iuyce thereof it taketh away the rednesse and deformitie of it CHAP. 245. Of Great Figge-wort or Brownewort ¶ The Description 1 THe great Fig-wort springeth vp with stalkes foure square two cubits high of a darke purple colour and hollow within the leaues grow alwayes by couples as it were from one ioynt opposite or standing one right against another broad sharpe pointed snipped round about the edges like the leaues of the greater Nettle but bigger blacker and nothing at all stinging when they be touched the floures in the tops of the 〈◊〉 are of a darke purple colour very like in forme to little
Dragons ¶ The Names Friers hood is called of Dioscorides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Arisarum but Pliny calleth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Aris for in his twenty fourth booke cap. 16. he saith That Aris which groweth in Egypt is like Aron or Cuckowpint it may be called in English after the Latine name Arisarum but in my opinion it may be more fitly called Friers hood or Friers cowle to which the floures seeme to be like whereupon the Spaniards name it Frailillos as Daleschampius noteth ¶ The 〈◊〉 Friers-Cowle is like in power and facultie to the Cuckow-pint yet is it more biting as Galen saith ¶ The Vertues There is no great vse of these plants in physicke but it is reported that they stay running or eating sores or vlcers and likewise that there is made of the roots certaine compositions called in Greeke Collyria good against fistula's and being put into the secret part of any liuing thing it rotteth the same as Dioscorides writeth CHAP. 306. Of Astrabacca 1 Asarum Asarabacca 2 Asarina Matthioli Italian Asarabacca ¶ The Description 1 THe leaues of Asarabacca are smooth of a deepe greene colour rounder broader and tenderer than those of Iuy and not cornered at all not vnlike to those of Sow-bread the floures lie close to the roots hid vnder the leaues standing vpon slender foot-stalkes of an ill fauoured purple colour like to the floures and husks of Henbane but lesse wherein are contained small seeds cornered and somewhat rough the roots are many small and slender growing aslope vnder the vpper crust of the earth one folded within another of an vnpleasant taste but of a most sweet and pleasing smell hauing withall a kinde of biting qualitie 2 This strange kinde of Asarabacca which Matthiolus hath set forth creeping on the ground in manner of our common Astrabacca hath leaues somwhat rounder and rougher sleightly indented about the edges and set vpon long slender foot-stalkes the floures grow hard vnto the ground like vnto those of Cammomill but much lesser of a mealy or dusty colour and not without smel The roots are long and slender creeping vnder the vpper crust of the earth of a sharpe taste and bitter withall ‡ This Asarina of Matthiolus Clusius whose opinion I here follow hath iudged to be the Tussilago Alpina 2. of his description wherefore I giue you his figure in stead of that of our Author which had the floures exprest which this wants ‡ ¶ The Place It delighteth to grow in shadowie places and is very common in most gardens ¶ The Time The herbe is alwaies greene yet doth it in the Spring bring forth new leaues and floures ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Asarum in Latine Nardus rustica and of diuers Perpensa Perpensa is also Baccharis in Pliny lib. 21. cap. 21. Macer saith That Asarum is called Vulgago in these words Est Asaron Graecè Vulgago 〈◊〉 Latinè This herbe Asaron do the Grecians name Whereas the Latines Vulgago clepe the same It is found also amongst the bastard names that it was called of the great learned Philosophers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Martis sanguis or the bloud of Mars and of the French men Baccar and thereupon it seemeth that the word Asarabacca came which the Apothecaries vse and likewise the common people but there is another Baccharis differing from Asarum yet notwithstanding Crateuas doth also call Baccharis Asarum This confusion of both the names hath been the cause that most could not sufficiently expound themselues concerning Asarum and Baccharis and that many things haue beene written amisse in many copies of Dioscorides in the chapter of Asarum for when it is set downe in the Greek copies a sweet smelling garden herbe it belongeth not to the description of this Asarum but to that of Baccharis for Asarum as Pliny saith is so called because it is not put into garlands and so by that meanes it came to passe that oftentimes the descriptions of the old Writers were found corrupted and confused which thing as it is in this place manifest so oftentimes it cannot so easily be marked in other places Furthermore Asarum is called in French Cabaret in high-Dutch Hazelwurtz in low-Dutch Mansooren in English Asarabacca Fole-foot and Hazel-wort ¶ The Temperature The leaues of Asarabacca are hot and dry with a purging qualitie adioyned thereunto yet not without a certaine kinde of astriction or binding The roots are also hot and dry yet more than the leaues they are of thin and subtill parts they procure vrine bring downe the desired sicknes and are like in facultie as Galen saith to the roots of Acorus but yet more forceable and the roots of Acorus are also of a thinne essence heating attenuating drying and prouoking vrine as he 〈◊〉 which things are happily performed by taking the roots of Asarabacca either by themselues or mixed with other things ¶ The Vertues The leaues draw forth by vomit thicke phlegmaticke and cholericke humours and withall moue the belly and in this they are more forceable and of greater effect than the roots themselues They are thought to keepe in hard swelling cankers that they encrease not or come to exulceration or creeping any farther if they be outwardly applied vpon the same The roots are good against the stoppings of the liuer gall and spleene against wens and hard swellings and agues of long continuance but being taken in the greater quantitie they purge flegme and choler not much lesse than the leaues though Galen say no by vomit especially and also by siege One dram of the pouder of the roots giuen to drinke in ale or wine grossely beaten prouoketh vomit for the purposes aforesaid but being beaten into fine pouder and so giuen it purgeth very little by vomit but worketh most by procuring much vrine therefore the grosser the pouder is so much the better But if the roots be infused or boyled then must two three or foure drams be put to the infusion and of the leaues eight or nine be sufficient the iuyce of which stamped with some liquid thing is to be giuen The roots may be steeped in wine but more effectually in whay or 〈◊〉 water as Mesues teacheth The same is good for them that are tormented with the Sciatica or gout in the huckle bones for those that haue the dropsie and for such also as are vexed with a quartaine ague who are cured and made whole by vomiting CHAP. 307. Of Sea Binde-weed 1 Soldanella marina Sea Binde-weed ‡ 2 Soldanella Alpina maior Mountaine Binde-weed ¶ The Description 1 Soldanella or Sea Binde-weed hath many small branches somwhat red trailing vpon the ground beset with small and round leaues not much vnlike Asarabacca or the leaues of Aristolochia but smaller betwixt which leaues and the stalkes come forth floures formed like a bell of a bright red incarnate colour in euery respect answering the small Binde-weed whereof it is a kinde albeit I haue
on the hils of Lincolnshire and in Somersetshire by the house of a gentleman called Mr. Hales vpon a Fox-borough also not far from Mr. Bamfields neere to a towne called Hardington The first two kindes do grow in my garden where they prosper well ‡ I cannot learne that this growes wilde in England ‡ ¶ The Time Sow-bread floureth in September when the plant is without leafe which doth afterwards spring vp continuing greene all the Winter couering and keeping warme the seede vntill Midsommer next at what time the seed is ripe as aforesaid The third floureth in the spring for which cause it was called Cyclamen 〈◊〉 and so doth also the fourth ¶ The Names Sow bread is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Tuber terrae and Terrae rapum of Marcellus Orbicularis of Apuleius Palalia Rapum Porcinum and Terrae malum in shops Cyclamen Panis porcinus and Arthanita in Italian Pan Porcino in Spanish Mazan de Puerco in High Dutch Schweinbrot in Low Dutch Uetckins broot in French Pain de Porceau in English Sow-bread Pliny calleth the colour of this floure in Latine Colossinus color in English Murrey colour ¶ The Nature Sow-bread is hot and drie in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The root of Sow-bread dried into pouder and taken inwardly in the quantitie of a dram and a halfe with mead or honied water purgeth downeward tough and grosse flegme and other sharpe humours The same taken in wine as aforesaid is very profitable against all poison and the bitings of venomous beasts and to be outwardly applied to the hurt place The pouder taken as aforesaid cureth the iaundise and the stoppings of the liuer taketh away the yellow colour of the bodie if the patient after the taking hereof be caused to sweat The leaues stamped with honie and the iuice put into the eies cleereth the sight taketh away al spots and webs pearle or haw and all impediments of the sight and is put into that excellent ointment called Vnguentum Arthanitae The root hanged about women in their extreame trauell with childe causeth them to be deliuered incontinent and taketh away much of their paine The leaues put into the place hath the like effect as my wife hath prooued sundrie times vpon diuers women by my aduise and commandement with good successe The iuice of Sow-bread doth open the Hemorrhoids and causeth them to flow beeing applied with wooll or flocks It is mixed with medicines that consume or waste away knots the Kings euill and other 〈◊〉 swellings moreouer it clenseth the head by the nostrils it purgeth the belly being annointed therwith and killeth the childe It is a strong medicine to destroy the birth being put vp as a pessarie It scoureth the skin and taketh away Sun-burning and all blemishes of the face pilling of the haire and marks also that remaine after the small pocks and mesels and giuen in wine to drinke it maketh a man drunke The decoction thereof serueth as a good and effectuall bath for members out of ioint the gout aud kibed heeles The root being made hollow and filled with oile closed with a little wax and rosted in the hot embers maketh an excellent ointment for the griefes last rehearsed Being beaten and made vp into trochisches or little flat cakes it is reported to be a good amorous medicine to make one in loue if it be inwardly taken ¶ The Danger It is not good for women with childe to touch or take this herbe or to come neere vnto it or stride ouer the same where it groweth for the naturall attractiue vertue therein contained is such that without controuersie they that attempt it in maner abouesaid shall be deliuered before their time which danger and inconuenience to auoid I haue about the place where it groweth in my garden fastened sticks in the ground and some other stickes I haue fastened also crosse-waies ouer them lest any woman should by lamentable experiment finde my words to bee true by their stepping ouer the same ‡ I iudge our Author something too womanish in this that is led more by vain opinion than by any reason or experience to confirme this his assertion which frequent experience shews to be vaine and friuolous especially for the touching striding ouer or comming neere to this herbe ‡ CHAP. 311. Of Birthwoorts ¶ The Kindes BIrthwoort as Dioscorides writeth is of three sorts long round and winding Plinie hath added a fourth kinde called Pistolochia or little Birthwoort The later writers haue ioined vnto them a fifth named Saracens Birthwoort 1 Aristolochia longa Long Birthwoort 2 Aristolochiarotunda Round Birthwoort ¶ The Description 1 LOng Birthwoort hath many small long slender stalkes creeping vpon the ground tangling one with another very intricately beset with round leaues not much vnlike Sowbread or Iuie but larger of a light or ouerworne greene colour and of a grieuous or lothsome smell and sauour among which come forth long hollow floures not much vnlike the floures of Aron but without any pestell or clapper in the same of a dark purple colour after which do follow small fruit like vnto little peares containing triangled seeds of a blackish colour The root is long thicke of the colour of box of a strong sauour and bitter taste 2 The round Birthwoort in stalkes and leaues is like the first but his leaues are rounder the floures differ onely in this that they be somewhat longer and narrower and of a faint yellowish colour but the small flap or point of the floure that turneth backe againe is of a darke or blacke purple colour The fruit is formed like a peare sharpe toward the top more ribbed and fuller than the former the root is round like vnto Sow-bread in taste and sauour like the former 3 Aristolochia clematitis Climing Birthwoort ‡ 4 Aristolochia Saracenica Saracens Birthwoort ‡ 5 Pistolochia Small Birthwoort 3 Climing Birthwoort taketh hold of any thing that is next vnto it with his long and clasping stalks which be oftentimes branched and windeth it selfe like Bindweed the stalks of the leaues are longer whose leaues be smooth broad sharpe pointed as be those of the others the floures likewise hollow long yellow or of a blackish purple colour the fruit differeth not from that of the others but the roots be slender and very long sometimes creeping on the top of the earth and sometimes growing deeper being of like colour with the former ones 4 There is a fourth kinde of Birthwoort resembling the rest in leaues and branched stalkes yet higher and longer than either the long or the round the leaues thereof be greater than those of Asarabacca the floures hollow long and in one side hanging ouer of a yellowish colour the fruit is long and round like a peare in which the seeds lie seuered of forme three square of an ill fauored blackish colour the root is somewhat long oftentimes of a mean thicknesse yellow like to the colour of Box not inferior in bitternesse either
without taste it hath little agreement with Bryonie for the root of Bryonie is verie bitter Diuers name it Rha 〈◊〉 or white Rubarbe but vnproperly being nothing like It commeth neere vnto 〈◊〉 and if I might yeeld my censure it seemeth to be Scammonium 〈◊〉 Americanum or a certain Scammonie of America 〈◊〉 creepeth as wee haue sayd after the manner of Bindweed The root is both white and thicke the iuice hath but little taste as also hath this of Mechoacan it is called in English Mechoca and Mechocan and may bee called Indian 〈◊〉 ¶ The Temperature The root is of a meane temperature between hot and cold but yet drie ¶ The Vertues It purgeth by siege especially flegme and then waterish humours It is giuen from one ful dram weight to two and that with wine or with some distilled water according as the disease requireth or els in flesh broth It is to be giuen with good effect to all whose diseases proceed of flegme and cold humors It is good against head-ache that hath continued long old coughes hardnesse of breathing the colick paine of the kidneies and ioints the diseases of the reines and belly CHAP. 323. Of the Manured Vine ¶ The Kindes THe Vine may be accounted among those plants that haue need of staies and props and cannot stand by themselues it is held vp with poles and frames of wood and by that meanes it spreadeth all about and climbeth aloft it ioyneth it selfe vnto trees or whatsoeuer standeth next vnto it Of Vines that bring forth wine some be tame and husbanded and others that be wilde of tame Vines there are many that are greater and likewise another sort that be lesser ¶ The Description THe trunke or bodie of the Vine is great and thicke very hard couered with many barkes and those full of cliffes or chinkes from which grow forth branches as it were armes many waies spreading out of which come forth iointed shoots and springs and from the bosome of those ioints leaues and clasping tendrels and likewise bunches or clusters filled ful of grapes the leaues be broad something round fiue cornered and somewhat indented about the edges amongst which come forth many clasping tendrels that take hold of such props or staies as do stand next vnto it The grapes do differ both in colour and greatnesse and also in many other things the which to distinguish seuerally were impossible considering the infinite sorts or kindes and also those which are transplanted from one region or climate to another do likewise alter both from the forme and taste they had before in consideration whereof it shall be sufficient to set sorth the figure of the manured grape and speake somewhat of the rest There is found in Graecia and the parts of Morea as Pantalarea Zante Cephalonia and 〈◊〉 wherof some are Islands and the other of the continent a certaine Vine that hath a trunke or bodie of a wooddie substance with a scaly or rugged bark of a grayish colour whereupon do grow faire broad leaues sleightly indented about the edges not vnlike vnto those of the Marsh-mallow from the bosome whereof come forth many small clasping tendrels and also tough and pliant foot-stalkes whereon do grow verie faire bunches of grapes of a watchet blewish colour from the which fruit commeth forth long tender laces or strings such as is found among Sauorie whereupon wee call that plant which hath it laced Sauorie not vnlike that that groweth among and vpon Flax which we call Dodder or Podagra lini 〈◊〉 is made a blacke wine which is called Greeke wine yet of the taste of Sacke The laced fruit of this Vine may be fitly termed Vuabarbata Laced or bearded grapes The plant that beareth those small Raisins which are commonly called Corans or Currans or rather Raisins of Corinth is not that plant which among the vulgar people is taken for Currans being a shrubbe or bush that bringeth forth small clusters of berries differing as much as may bee from Corans hauing no affinitie with the Vine or any kinde thereof The Vine that beareth small Raisins or Corans hath a bodie or stocke as other Vines haue branches and tendrels likewise The leaues are larger than any of the others snipt about the edges like the teeth of a saw among which come forth clusters of grapes in forme like the other but smaller of a blewish colour which being ripe are gathered and laid vpon hurdles carpets mats and such like in the Sun to drie then are they carried to some house and laied vpon heapes as we lay apples and corne in a garner vntill the merchants do buy them then do they put them into large Buts or other woodden vessels and tread them downe with their bare feet which they call Stiuing and so are they brought into these parts for our vse ‡ And they are commonly termed in Latine 〈◊〉 Corinthiacae and 〈◊〉 minores ‡ Vitis Vinifera The manured Vine ‡ There is also another which beareth exceeding faire grapes whereof they make Raisins whiter coloured and much exceeding the bignesse of the common Raisin of the Sunne yet that Grape whereof the Raisin of the Sun is made is a large one and thought to be the Vua Zibibi of the Arabians and it is that which Tabernamontanus figured vnder that name who therein was followed by our Authour but the figures being little to the purpose I haue thought good to omit them ‡ There is another kinde of Vine which hath great leaues very broad of an ouerworne colour whereupon do grow great bunches of Grapes of a blewish colour the pulpe or meate whereof 〈◊〉 or cleaueth so hard to the graines or little stones that the one is not easily diuided from the other resembling some starued or withered berrie that hath been blasted whereof it was named 〈◊〉 There be some vines that bring forth grapes of a whitish or reddish yellow colour others of a deepe red both in the outward skinne pulpe and iuyce within There be others whose grapes are of a blew colour or something red yet is the iuyce like those of the former These grapes do yeeld forth a white wine before they are put into the presse and a reddish or paller Wine when they are trodden with the husks and so left to macerate or ferment with which if they remaine too long they yeeld forth a wine of a higher colour There be others which make a blacke and obscure red wine whereof some bring bigger clusters and consist of greater grapes others of lesser some grow more clustred and closer together others looser some haue but one stone others more some make a more austere or harsh wine others a more sweet of some the old wine is best of diuers the first yeares wine is most excellent some bring forth fruit 〈◊〉 square of which sorts or kindes we haue great plenty ¶ The Place A fit soile for Vines saith Florentinus is euery blacke earth which is not very close nor clammy hauing some moisture
the floure It floures in Iune and is preserued in diuers of our gardens some cal it Geran Romanum striatum in the Hortus 〈◊〉 it is set forth by the name of Geranium Anglicum variegatum Baubine calls it Geranium batrachiodes flore variegato We may call it Variegated or striped Cranes bill 5 There is of late brought into this kingdome and to our knowledge by the industry of Mr. Iohn Tradescant another more rare and no lesse beautifull than any of the former and he had it by the name of Geranium Indicum 〈◊〉 odoratum this hath not as yet beene written of by any that I know therefore I will giue you the description thereof but cannot as yet giue you the figure because I omitted the taking thereof the last yeare and it is not as yet come to his perfection The leaues are larger being almost a foot long composed of sundry little leaues of an vnequal bignes set vpon a thicke and stiffe middle rib and these leaues are much diuided and cut in so that the whole leafe somewhat resembles that of Tanacetum inodorum and they are thicke greene and somewhat hairy the stalke is thicke and some cubit high at the top of each branch vpon foot-stalkes some inch long grow some 〈◊〉 or twelue floures and each of these floures consisteth of 〈◊〉 round pointed leaues of a yellowish colour with a large 〈◊〉 purple spot in the middle of each leafe as if it were painted which giues the floure a great deale of beauty and it also hath a good smell I did see it in floure about the end of Iuly 1632. being the first time that it floured with the owner thereof We may fitly call it Sweet Indian Storks bill or painted Storks bill and in Latine Geranium Indicum odoratum flore maculato ‡ CHAP. 364. Of Sanicle Sanicula siue Diapensia Sanicle ¶ The Description SAnicle hath leaues of a blackish greene colour smooth and shining somewhat round diuided into fiue parts like those of the Vine or rather those of the maple among which rise vp slender stalkes of a browne colour on the tops whereof stand white mossie floures in their places come vp round seed rough cleauing to mens garments as they passe by in manner of little burs the root is blacke and full of threddie strings ¶ The Place It groweth in shadowie woods and copses almost euerie where it ioyeth in a fat and fruitful moist soile ¶ The Time It floureth in May and Iune the seed is ripe in August the leaues of the herbe are greene all the yeare and are not hurt with the cold of Winter ¶ The Names It is commonly called Sanicula of diuers Diapensia in high and low Dutch Sanikel in French Sanicle in English Sanickle or Sanikel it is so called à sanandis vulneribus or of healing of wounds as Ruellius saith there be also other Sanicles so named of most Herbarists as that which is described by the name of 〈◊〉 or Coral-wort and likewise Auricula vrsi or Beares care which is a kind of Cowslip and likewise another set forth by the name of Saniculaguttata whereof we haue entreated among the kindes of Beares eares ¶ The Temperature Sanicle as it is in taste bitter with a certaine binding qualitie so besides that it clenseth and by the binding faculty strengthneth it is hot and dry and that in the second degree and after some Authors hot in the third degree and astringent ¶ The Vertues The iuyce being inwardly taken is good to heale wounds The decoction of it also made in wine or water is giuen against spitting of bloud and the bloudie flix also foule and filthy vlcers be cured by being bathed therewith The herbe boyled in water and applied in manner of a pultesse doth dissolue and waste away cold swellings it is vsed in potions which are called Vulnerarie potions or wound drinkes which maketh whole and sound all inward wounds and outward hurts it also helpeth the vlcerations of the kidnies ruptures or burstings CHAP. 365. Of Ladies Mantle or great Sanicle Alchimilla Lyons foot or Ladies mantle ¶ The Description LAdies mantle hath many round leaues with fiue or six corners finely indented about the edges which before they be opened are plaited and folded 〈◊〉 not vnlike to the leaues of Mallowes but whiter and more curled among which rise vp tender stalks set with the like leaues but much lesser on the tops whereof grow small mossie floures clustering thicke together of a yellowish greene colour The seed is small and yellow inclosed in greene husks The root is thicke and full of threddy strings ¶ The Place It groweth of it selfe wilde in diuers places as in the towne pastures of Andouer and in many other places in Barkshire and Hampshire in their pastures and copses or low woods and also vpon the banke of a mote that incloseth a house in Bushey called Bourn hall fourteen miles from London and in the high-way from thence to Watford a small mile distant from it ¶ The Time It floureth in May and Iune it flourisheth in Winter as well as in Sommer ¶ The Names It is called of the later Herbarists Alchimilla and of most Stellaria Pes Leonis Pata Leonis and Sanicula maior in high-Dutch Synnauw and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mantel in French Pied de Lion in English Ladies mantle great Sanicle Lyons foot Lyons paw and of some Padelyon ¶ The Temperature Ladies 〈◊〉 is like in temperature to little Sanicle yet is it more drying and more binding ¶ The Vertues It is applied to wounds after the same manner that the 〈◊〉 Sanicle is being of like efficacie it stoppeth bleeding and also the ouermuch flowing of the natural sicknesse it keeps downe maidens paps or dugs 〈◊〉 when they be too great or flaggy it maketh them lesser or harder CHAP. 366. Of Neese-wort Sanicle 〈◊〉 Alpina Neesewort Sanicle ¶ The Description WHen I made mention of Helleborus albus I did also set downe my censure concerning Elleborine or Epipactis but this Elleborine of the Alpes I put in this place because it approcheth neerer vnto Sanicle and Ranunculus as participating of both it groweth in the mountaines and highest parts of the Alpish hills and is a stranger as yet in our English gardens The root is compact of many small twisted strings like black Hellebor from thence arise small tender stalkes smooth and easie to bend in whose tops grow leaues with fiue diuisions somewhat nickt about the edges like vnto Sanicle the sloures consist of six leaues somewhat shining in taste sharp yet not vnpleasant This is the plant which 〈◊〉 found in the forrest of Esens not sarre from Iupiters mount and sets forth by the name of Alpina Elleborine Saniculae Ellebori nigri facie ¶ The Nature and Vertues I haue not as yet sound any thing of his nature or vertues CHAP. 367. Of Crow-feet ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts or kinds of these pernitious herbes comprehended vnder the name of Ranunculus or Crowfoot
Setter-wort and Setter-grasse The second is named in the German tongue Lowszkraut that is Pedicularis or Lowsie grasse for it is thought to destroy and kill lice and not onely lice but sheepe and other cattell and may be reckoned among the Beare-feet as kindes thereof ¶ The Temperature Blacke Hellebor as Galen holdeth opinion is hotter in taste than the white Hellebor in like manner hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues Black Hellebor purgeth downwards flegme choler and also melancholy especially and all melancholy humors yet not without trouble and difficultie therfore it is not to be giuen but to robustious and strong bodies as Mesues teacheth A purgation of Hellebor is good formad and furious men for melancholy dull and heauy persons for those that are troubled with the falling sicknes for lepers for them that are sicke of a quartane Ague and briefely for all those that are troubled with blacke choler and molested with melancholy The manner of giuing it meaning the first blacke Hellebor saith Actuarius in his first booke is three scruples little more or lesse It is giuen with wine of raisins or oxymel but for pleasantnes sake some sweet and odoriferous seeds must be put vnto it but if you would haue it stronger adde thereunto a grain or two of Scamonie Thus much Actuarius The first of these kindes is best then the second the rest are of lesse force The roots take away the morphew and blacke spots in the skin tetters ring-wormes leprosies and 〈◊〉 The root sodden in pottage with flesh openeth the bellies of such as haue the dropsie The root of bastard Hellebor called among our English women Beare-foot steeped in wine and drunken looseth the belly euen as the true blacke Hellebor and is good against all the diseases whereunto blacke Hellebor serueth and killeth wormes in children It doth his operation with more force and might if it be made into pouder and a dram thereof be receiued in wine The same boyled in water with Rue and Agrimony cureth the jaundice and purgeth yellow superfluities by siege The leaues of bastard Hellebor dried in an ouen after the bread is drawne out and the pouder thereof taken in a figge or raisin or strawed vpon a piece of bread spred with honey and eaten killeth wormes in children exceedingly CHAP. 378. Of Dioscorides his blacke Hellebor Astrantianigra siue 〈◊〉 nigrum Dioscoridis Dod. Blacke Master-worts or Dioscorides his blacke Hellebor ¶ The Description THis kinde of blacke Hellebor set forth by Lobel vnder the name of Astrantianigra agreeth very well in shape with the true Astrantia which is called Imperatoria neuertheles by the consent of Dioscorides and other Authors who haue expressed this plant for a kinde of Veratrum nigrum or blacke Hellebor it hath many blackish green leaues parted or cut into foure or fiue deepe cuts after the maner of the vine leafe very like vnto those of Sanicle both in greennes of colour and also in proportion The stalke is euen smooth and plain at the top wherof grow floures it little tufts or vmbels set together like those of Scabious of a whitish light greene colour dashed ouer as it were with a little darke purple after which come the seed like vnto Carthamus or bastard Saffron The roots are many blackish threds knit to one head or master root ¶ The Place Blacke Hellebor is found in the mountains of Germany and in other vntilled and rough places it prospereth in gardens Dioscorides writeth That blacke Hellebor groweth likewise in rough and dry places and that is the best which is taken from such like places as that saith hee which is brought out of Anticyra a city in Greece It groweth in my garden ¶ The Time This blacke Hellebor flowreth not in Winter but in the Sommer moneths The herb is green all the yeare thorow ¶ The Names It is called of the later Herbarists Astrantia nigra of others Sanicula foemina notwithstanding it differeth much from Astrantia an herbe which is also named Imperatoria or Master-wort The vulgar people call it Pellitorie of Spaine but vntruly it may be called blacke Master-wort yet 〈◊〉 a kinde of Hellebor as the purging facultie doth shew for it is certaine that diuers experienced physitians can witnesse that the roots hereof do purge melancholy and other humors and that they themselues haue perfectly cured mad melancholy people being purged herewith And that it hath a purging qualitie Conradus Gesnerus doth likewise testifie in a certaine Epistle written to Adolphus Occo in which he sheweth that Astrantianigra is almost as strong as white Hellebòr and that he himselfe was the first that had experience of the purging facultie thereof by siege which things confirme that it is 〈◊〉 his blacke Hellebor Dioscorides hath also attributed to this plant all those names that are ascribed to the other black Hellebors He saith further that the seed thereof in Anticyra is called Sesamoides the which is vsed to purge with if so be that the Text be true and not corrupted But it seemeth not to be altogether perfect for if Sesamoides as Pliny saith and the word it selfe doth shew hath his name of the likenesse of Sesamum the seed of this blacke Hellebor shall vnproperly be called Sesamoides being not like that of Sesamum but of Cnicus or bastard Saffron By these proofes we may suspect that these words are brought into Dioscorides from some other Author ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The faculties of this plant we haue already written to be by triall found like to those of the other blacke Hellebor notwithstanding those that are described in the former chapter are to be accounted of greater force CHAP. 379. Of Herbe Christopher 〈◊〉 Herbe Christopher ¶ The Description ALthough Herbe Christopher be none of the Binde-weeds or of those plants that haue need of supporting or vnderpropping wherewith it may clime or rampe yet because it beareth grapes or clusters of berries it might haue been numbred among the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or those that grow like Vines It brings forth little tender stalkes a foot long or not much longer whereupon do grow sundry leaues set vpon a tender foot-stalke which do make one leafe somewhat iagged or cut about the edges of a light greene colour the floures grow at the top of the stalks in spokie tufts consisting of four little white leaues apiece which being past the fruit succeeds round somwhat long and blacke when it is ripe hauing vpon one side a streaked 〈◊〉 or hollownesse growing neere together as doe the clusters of grapes The root is thicke blacke without and yellow within like Box with many trailing strings anexed therto creeping far abroad in the earth whereby it doth greatly increase and lasteth long ¶ The Place Herbe Christopher groweth in the North parts of England neere vnto the house of the right worshipfull Sir William Bowes I haue receiued plants thereof from Robinus of Paris for my garden where they flourish ¶ The
thin and waterish and if they happen to putrifie in the stomacke their nourishment is naught The distilled water drunke with white Wine is good against the passion of the heart reuiuing the spirits and making the heart merry The distilled water is reported to scoure the face to take away spots and to make the face faire and smooth and is likewise drunke with good successe against the stone in the kidnies The leaues are good to be put into Lotions or washing waters for the mouth and the priuie parts The ripe Straw-berries quench thirst coole heat of the stomack and inflammation of the liuer take away if they be often vsed the rednesse and heate of the face CHAP. 387. Of Angelica ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers kindes of Angelica's the garden Angelica that of the water and a third sort wilde growing vpon the land 1 Angelica satina Garden Angelica 2 Angelica syluestris Wilde Angelica ¶ The Description 1 Concerning this plant Angelica there hath bin heretofore some contention and controuersie Cordus calling it Smyrnium some later writers Costus niger but to auoid cauill the controuersie is soone decided sith it and no other doth assuredly retaine the name Angelica It hath great broad leaues diuided againe into other leaues which are indented or snipt about much like to the vppermost leaues of Sphondylium but lower tenderer greener and of a stronger sauor among which leaues spring vp the stalkes very great thicke and hollow sixe or seuen soot high ioynted or kneed from which ioynts proceed other armes or branches at the top whereof grow tufts of whitish floures like Fennell or Dill the root is thicke great and oilous out of which issueth if it be cut or broken an oylie liquor the whole plant as well leaues stalkes as roots are of a reasonable pleasant sauour not much vnlike Petroleum There is another kinde of true Angelica found in our English gardens which I haue obserued being like vnto the former sauing that the roots of this kinde are more fragrant and of a more aromaticke sauor and the leaues next the ground of a purplish red colour and the whole plant lesser ‡ 3 Archangelica Great wilde Angelica 2 The wilde Angelica which seldome growes in gardens but is found to grow plentifully in water soken grounds and cold moist medowes is like to that of the garden saue that his leaues are not so deepely cut or iagged they be also blacker and narrower The stalkes are much slenderer and shorter and the floures whiter the root much smaller and hath more threddy strings appendant thereunto and is not so strong of sauour by a great deale 3 Matthiolus and Gesner haue made mention of another kinde of Angelica but we are very slenderly instructed by their insufficient descriptions notwithstanding for our better knowledge and more certain assurance I must needs record that which my friend Mr. Bredwell related to me concerning his sight thereof who found this plant growing by the 〈◊〉 which compasseth the house of Mr. Munke of the parish of Iuer two miles from Colbrook and since that I haue seene the same in low fenny and marshy places of Essex about Harwich This plant hath leaues like vnto the garden Angelica but smaller and fewer in number set vpon one rib a great stalke grosse and thicke whose ioynts and that small rib whereon the leafe growes are of a reddish colour hauing many long branches comming forth of an husk or case such as is in the common garden Parsnep the floures doe grow at the top of the branches and are of a white colour and 〈◊〉 fashion which being past there succeed broad long and thicke seeds longer and thicker than garden Angelica the root is great thicke white of little sauour with some strings appendant thereto ‡ This of our Authors description seemes to agree with the Archangelica of Lobel Dodonaeus and Clusius wherefore I haue put their figure to it ‡ ¶ The Place The first is very common in our English gardens in other places it growes wilde without planting as in Norway and in an Island of the North called Island where it groweth very high It is eaten of the inhabitants the barke being pilled off as we vnderstand by some that haue trauelled into Island who were sometimes compelled to eate hereof for want of other food and they report that it hath a good and pleasant taste to them that are hungry It groweth likewise in diuers mountaines of Germanie and especially of Bohemia ¶ The Time They floure in Iuly and August whose roots for the most part do perish after the seed is ripe yet haue I with often cutting the plant kept it from seeding by which meanes the root and plant haue continued sundry yeares together ¶ The Names It is called of the later age Angelica in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 Brustwurtz or des 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Spiritus sancti radix the root of the holy Ghost as witnesseth Leonhartus Fuchsius in low-Dutch Angeliika in French Angelic in English also Angelica It seemeth to be a kind of Laserpitium for if it be compared with those things which Theophrastus at large hath written concerning Silphium or Laserpitium in his sixth booke of the historie of plants it shall appeare to be answerable thereunto But whether wild Angelica be that which Theophrastus calleth Magydaris that is to say another kinde of Laserpitium we leaue to be examined and considered of by the learned Physitians of our London Colledge ¶ The Temperature Angelica especially that of the garden is hot and dry in the third degree therefore it openeth attenuateth or maketh thin 〈◊〉 and procureth sweat ¶ The Vertues The roots of garden Angelica is a singular remedy against poison and against the plague and all infections taken by euill and corrupt aire if you do but take a peece of the root and hold it in your mouth or chew the same between your teeth it doth most certainely driue away the pestilentiall aire yea although that corrupt aire haue possessed the hart yet it driueth it out again by vrine and sweat as Rue and Treacle and such like Antipharmaca do Angelica is an enemy to poisons it cureth pestilent diseases if it by vsed in season a dram weight of the pouder hereof is giuen with thin wine or if the feuer be vehement with the distilled water of 〈◊〉 benedictus or of Tormentill and with a little vineger and by it selfe also or with Treacle of Vipers added It openeth the liuer and spleene draweth downe the termes driueth out or expelleth the secondine The 〈◊〉 of the root made in wine is good against the cold shiuering of agues It is reported that the root is auaileable against witchcraft and inchantments if a man carry the same about them as Fuchsius saith It attenuateth and maketh thin grosse and tough flegme the root being vsed greene and while it is full of juice helpeth them that be asthmaticke dissoluing and expectorating the stuffings therein by cutting off and clensing the parts affected
Spanish Broome without leaues 2 Pseudospartum album Aphyllum The white leafe-lesse Spanish broom 2 This naked broome groweth vp to the height of a man the stalk is rough and void of leaues very greene and pliant which diuideth it selfe into diuers twiggie branches greene and tough like rushes the floures grow all along the stalks like those of broome but of a white colour wherein it differeth from all the rest of his kinde ¶ The Place These grow in the prouinces of Spaine and are in one place higher and more bushie and in an other lower ¶ The Time ‡ The first floures in May and the second in Februarie ‡ ¶ The Names These base Spanish broomes may be referred to the true which is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines vse the same name calling it sometimes Spartum and Spartium in Spanish Retama in English Spanish broome and bastard Spanish broome ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Both the seeds and iuice of the branches of these base broomes wherewith they in Spaine and other hot regions do tie their vines do mightily draw as Galen writeth Diosoorides saith that the seeds and floures being drunke in the quantitie of a dram with Mede or honied water doth cause one to vomit strongly as the Hellebor or neesing pouder doth but yet without ieopardie or danger of life the seed purgeth by stoole The iuyce which is drawne from out of the branches steeped in water being first bruised is a remedie for those that are tormented with the Sciatica and for those that be troubled with the Squincie if a draught thereof be drunke in the morning some vse to steepe the branches in sea water and to giue the same in a clister which purgeth forth bloudy and slimie excrements CHAP. 20. Of Furzes Gorsse Whin or prickley Broome ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of prickly Broome called in our English tongue by sundry names according to the speech of the countrey people where they doe grow in some places Furzes in others Whins Gorsse and of some Prickly Broome Genista spinosa vulgaris Great Furze bush 2 Genista spinosa minor The small Furze bush ¶ The Description 1 THe Furze bush is a plant altogether a Thorne fully armed with most sharpe prickles without any leaues at all except in the spring and those very few and little and quickly falling away it is a bushy shrub often rising vp with many wooddy branches to the height of foure or fiue cubits or higher according to the nature and soile where they grow the greatest and highest that I did euer see do grow about Excester in the West parts of England where the great stalks are dearely bought for the better sort of people and the small thorny spraies for the poorer sort From these thorny branches grow little floures like those of Broome and of a yellow colour which in hot Regions vnder the extreme heate of the Sunne are of a very perfect red colour in the colder countries of the East as Danzicke Brunswicke and Poland there is not any branch hereof growing except some few plants and seeds which my selfe haue sent to Elbing otherwise called Meluin where they are most curiously kept in their fairest gardens as also our common Broome the which I haue sent thither likewise being first desired by diuers earnest letters the cods follow the floures which the Grauer hath omitted as a German who had neuer seen the plant it selfe but framed the figure by heare-say the root is strong tough and wooddy We haue in our barren grounds of the North parts of England another sort of Furze bringing forth the like prickley thornes that the others haue the onely difference consisteth in the colour of the floures for the others bring forth yellow floures and those of this plant are as white as snow 2 To this may be ioyned another kinde of Furze which bringeth forth certaine branches that be some cubit high stiffe and set round about at the first with small winged Lentill-like leaues and little harmelesse prickles which after they haue been a yeare old and the leaues gon be armed onely with most hard sharpe prickles crooking or bending their points downwards The floures hereof are of a pale yellow colour lesser than those of Broome yet of the same forme the cods are small in which do lie little round reddish seeds the root is tough and wooddy 3 Genista Spinosa minor siliqua rotunda Small round codded Furze 4 Genistella aculeata Needle Furze or petty Whin ‡ Of this Clusius reckons vp three varieties the first growing some cubit high with deepe yellow floures the second growes higher and hath paler coloured floures the third groweth to the height of the first the floures also are yellow the branches more prickly and the leaues hairy and the figure I giue you is of this third varietie 3 This seldome exceeds a foot in height and it is on euerie side armed with sharpe prickles which grow not confusedly as in the common sort but keepe a certaine order and still grow forth by couples they are of a lighter greene than those of the common Furze on the tops of each of the branches grow two or three yellow floures like those of the former which are succeeded by little round rough hairy cods of the bignesse of Tares This floures in March and groweth in the way between Burdeaux and Bayone in France and vpon the Pyrenean mountaines Clusius makes it his Scorpius 2. or second sort of Furze Lobel calls it Genista spartium spinosum alterum ‡ 4 This small kinde of Furze growing vpon Hampstead heath neere London and in diuers other barren grounds where in manner nothing else wil grow hath many weake and flexible branches of a wooddy substance whereon do grow little leaues like those of Tyme among which are set in number infinite most sharpe prickles hurting like needles whereof it tooke his name The floures grow on the tops of the branches like those of Broome and of a pale yellow colour The root is tough and wooddy ‡ 5 This plant saith Clusius is wholly new and elegant some span high diuided into many branches some spred vpon the ground others standing vpright hauing plentifull store of greene prickles the floures in shape are like those of Broome but lesse and of a blewish purple colour standing in rough hairy whitish cups two or three floures commonly growing neere together sometimes whilest it floures it sendeth forth little leaues but not very often and they are few and like those of the second described and quickly fall away so that the whole plant seemes nothing but prickles or like a hedge-hog when she folds vp her selfe the root is wooddy and large for the proportion of the plant It growes in the kingdome of Valentia in Spaine where the Spaniards call it Erizo that is the Hedge-hog and thence Clusius also termed it Erinacea It floureth in Aprill ‡ 5 Genista spinosa humilis Dwarfe
faculties that the Sesely of Marsilles hath whereunto I refer it CHAP. 77. Of the Elder tree ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Elders some of the land and some of the water or marish grounds some with very jagged leaues and others with double floures as shall be declared ¶ The Description 1 THe common Elder groweth vp now and then to the bignesse of a meane tree casting his boughes all about and oftentimes remaineth a shrub the body is almost all wooddie hauing very little pith within but the boughes and especially the young ones which be iointed are full of pith within and haue but little wood without the barke of the body and great armes is rugged and full of chinks and of an ill fauoured wan colour like ashes that of the boughes is not very smooth but in colour almost like and that is the outward barke for there is another vnder it neerer to the wood of colour greene the substance of the wood is sound somewhat yellow and that may be easily cleft the leaues consist of fiue or six particular ones fastened to one rib like those of the Walnut tree but euery particular one is lesser nicked in the edges and of a ranke and 〈◊〉 smell The floures grow on spokie rundles which be thin and scattered of a white colour and sweet smell after them grow vp little berries greene at the first afterwards blacke whereout is pressed a purple juice which being boiled with Allom and such like things doth serue very well 〈◊〉 the Painters vse as also to colour vineger the seeds in these are a little flat and somewhat long There groweth oftentimes vpon the bodies of those old trees or shrubs a certaine 〈◊〉 called Auricula Iudae or Iewes 〈◊〉 which is soft blackish couered with a skin somewhat like now and then to a mans eare which being plucked off and dryed shrinketh together and becommeth hard This Elder groweth euery where and is the common Elder 2 There is another also which is rare and strange for the berries of it are not blacke but white this is like in leaues to the former 1 Sambucus The common Elder tree ‡ 2 Sambucus fructu albo Elder with white berries 3 The jagged Elder tree groweth like the common Elder in body branches shootes 〈◊〉 floures fruit and stinking smell and differeth onely in the fashion of the leaues which doth so much disguise the tree and put it out of knowledge that no man would take it for a kinde of Elder vntill he hath smelt thereunto which will quickely shew from whence he is descended for these strange Elder leaues are very much jagged rent or cut euen vnto the middle rib From the trunke of this tree as from others of the same kinde proceedeth a certaine fleshie excrescence like vnto the eare of a man especially from those trees that are very old 4 This kinde of Elder hath 〈◊〉 which are white but the berries redde and both are not contained in spokie rundles but in clusters and grow after the manner of a cluster of grapes in leaues and other things it resembleth the common Elder saue that now and then it groweth higher ¶ The Place The common Elder groweth euery where it is planted about 〈◊〉 burrowes for the shadow of the 〈◊〉 but that with the white berries is rare the other kindes grow in like places but that with the clustered fruit groweth vpon mountaines that with the jagged leaues groweth in my garden ¶ The Time These kindes of Elders do floure in Aprill and May and their fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names This tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine and of the Apothecaries Sambucus of 〈◊〉 Salicetus Beza in high Dutch Holunder Holder in low Dutch Ulier in Italian Sambuco in French Hus and 〈◊〉 in Spanish Sauco Sauch Sambugueyro in English Elder and Elder tree that with the white berries diuers would haue to be called Sambucus sylucstris or wilde Elder but Matthiolus calleth it Montana or mountaine Elder 3 〈◊〉 laciniatis folijs The iagged Elder tree 4 Sambucus racemosa vel 〈◊〉 Harts Elder or Cluster Elder ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Galen attributeth the like facultie to Elder that he doth to Danewoort and saith that it is of a drying qualitie gluing and moderatly digesting and it hath not only these faculties but others also for the 〈◊〉 leaues first buds 〈◊〉 and fruit of Elder do not only dry but also heate and haue withall a purging qualitie but not without trouble and hurt to the stomacke The leaues and tender crops of common Elder taken in some broth or pottage open the belly purging both slimie flegme and cholericke humors the middle barke is of the same nature but stronger and purgeth the said humors more violently The seeds contained within the berries dried are good for such as haue the dropsie and such as are too fat and would faine be leaner if they be taken in a morning to the quantity of a dram with wine for a certaine space The leaues of Elder 〈◊〉 in water vntill they be very soft and when they are almost boiled enough a little oile of sweet Almonds added thereto or a little Lineseed oile then taken forth and laid vpon a red cloath or a piece of scarlet and applied to the hemorrhoides or Piles as hot as can be suffered and so let to remaine vpon the part affected vntill it be somewhat cold hauing the like in a readinesse applying one after another vpon the diseased part by the space of an houre or more and in the end some bound to the place and the patient put warme a bed it hath not as yet failed at the first dressing to cure the said disease but if the Patient be dressed twice it must needs doe good if the first faile The greene leaues pouned with Deeres suet or Bulls tallow are good to be laid to hot swellings and tumors and doth asswage the paine of the gout The inner and greene barke doth more forcibly purge it draweth forth choler and waterie humors for which cause it is good for those that haue the dropsie being stamped and the liquor pressed out and drunke with wine or whay Of like operation are also the fresh floures mixed with some kinde of meat as fried with egges they likewise trouble the belly and moue to the stoole being dried they lose as well their purging qualitie as their moisture and retaine the digesting and attenuating qualitie The vinegar in which the dried floures are steeped are wholsome for the stomacke being vsed with meate it stirreth vp an appetite it cutteth and attenuateth or maketh thin grosse and raw humors The facultie of the seed is somewhat gentler than that of the other parts it also moueth the belly and draweth forth waterie humors being beaten to pouder and giuen to a dram weight being new gathered steeped in vineger and afterwards dried it is taken and that effectually in the like weight of the dried lees of