layd upon the belly near the Navel it killeth worms If it be dissolved in Wine and used it helpeth the falling or shedding of the hair Though taken inwardly it be hurtful to such as have the Hemorrhoides or Piles yet being made in Powder and applyed outwardly it stayeth the bleeding of them mixed with Honey and used it taketh away blackness and spots Aloes in Powder being mixed with Myrrhe and Dragons blood and cast into putrified wounds eateth out spongious flesh without pain It must not be taken inwardly either too often or in too great a quantity for then it doth freâ— and excoriate the stomach and bowels and therefore those that are troubled with the Flux of the Womb Belly or any other bloody Flux Women with Child those that have the Hectick or burning Feaver all hot dry macerated or lean Bodies must avoid it as also those that have hot Livers and such Children as are of an hot and dry constitution especially when the season is extream hot or very cold Cinamon Mace Nutmeg Cloves Mastick and Gum Tragacanth are the best Correctors of Aloes and may be mixed with it If Aloes be taken a little before Supper it doth so much the lesse hurt and offend the stomach It is given in substance from a dram to two drams in infusion from a dram and a half to three drams Aloe Rosata which is a very safe and gentle Medicine is given from half a dram to a dram and a half to all sorts of persons before or after meat It purgeth the stomach of Choler and other offensive humours openeth stoppings is good in the Jaundice strengtheneth the stomach and is good against Surfets The same Dose may be given of washed Aloes which doth not purge so effectually as it did before but strengtheneth more Aloe is the Basiâ— of most Pills for there are but few purgative Pills which have it not as one chief Ingredient CHAP. XLIX Of Fumitory The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Capnos and Capnion quasi Fumus eò quod succus oculis inditus lachrymationem movet sicut Fumus claritatâ—m eorum efficit saith Fuschius that is it is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which in that Language signifies smoak because the juyce of it put into the eyes doth make them water as smoak doth and clarifies or clears them which though it happily doth contrary to the nature of smoak yet I think the other Reason why it should be so called to be the better which is because being of a whitish blew Colour as smoak is it appeareth to those that behold it at a distance as if the ground were all of a smoak and hereunto agreeth Fumus Terrae and Fumaria which are the names the Latines put upon it and the English name Fumiterrâ— Fumiterrie though it be now most commonly called Fumitory The kinds The sorts commonly treated of are eight 1. Common Fumitorie 2. Fine leased Fumitory 3. Candy Fumitory 4. Yellow Fumitory 5. Indian Fumitory 6. Climing Fumitory 7. Bulbous Fumitory with a green Flower 8. Knobbed Indian Fumitory The Forme Common Fumitory is a tender sappy Herb sending forth from one square slender weak stalk and leaning downwards on all sides many branches two or three foot long with finely cut jagged leaves of a pale blewish or Sea-green colour somewhat like unto Coriander as to the form but of nothing so deep a colour At the tops of the branches stand many small Flowers as it were in a long spike one above another made like little Birds of a reddish purple Colour with whitish bellies commonly though in the Fields in Cornwall it beareth perfect white Flowers After which come small round husks containing small black seed The Root is yellow small and not very long full of juyce whilst it is green but quickly perishing with the ripe Seed The Places and Time The first groweth as well in the Corn-fields almost every where as in Gardens also The second in Spain and in the Vineyards about Mompelier The third in Candy The fourth on the Hills in Apuliae and Calabria in Naples and in Illyria also The fifth in Virginia and the back parts thereof called Canada The sixth about the hedge sides and among the bushes of the Low Countries The seaventh in the Woods of Germany The last in the West Indies They flowre in May for the most part and the Seed is ripe in August The Temperature It is hot in the first Degree and dry in the second and not cold as the vulgar conceive for its bitterness sheweth it to be hot The Vertues Fumitory also may be appropriated to that Scurvy-Disease aforementioned for it gently purgeth melancholy and salt humours from whence it ariseth as also from the impurity of the blood the Obstructions and stoppings of the Liver and Spleen which are the usuall parts that are first affected it openeth and cleanseth the Entralls and doth corroborate those parts It purgeth cholerick humours by Urine and avails in the Itch Scab Leprosie Cancer Fistulaes and such kinde of soul Diseases of the skin arising from adust humours as also in the French-Disease It is profitable in Feavers arising from Choler both yellow and black in the Jaundise and the Quartane Agues it killeth the worms and prevaileth in Chronicall Diseases arising from the stoppings of the viscerous parts and in Affects of the Hypochonders Brasavola saith that the Powder of the dryed Herb given for some time together hath cured a melancholy person The disâ—illed water cures the yellow Jaundice if three or four Ounces be drunk morning and evening for certain dayes together and availeth against the Scab Itch and such like Diseases and being constantly taken it preserveth from the Leprosie Being taken in London-treacle and Bole-Armoniack it is good in the Pestilence as a dram or two of Treacle and a scruple of Bole-armoniack mixed in two Ounces of the water and so taken Also it dissolveth congealed blood and tumours and provoketh the Termes or Courses in Women The juyce dropped into the Eys doth clear the Eys and quicken the sight the juyce also mingled with Gum-Arabick and applyed to the Eye-lids will cause that the hair that hath once been pulled off shall not grow again A decoction thereof made and the feet bathed therewith cures the Gout or boyled in Wine and so applyed it doth the like the juyce mixed with the juyce of Docks and Oxymel or Vineger cureth the Morphew being annointed therewith Also a Bath made of the same with Mallows Violets and Dock-Roots with Barley bran and Nep cureth the Scab and Itch. The juyce mingled with Oyl of Nuts and Vinegar cure maligne Scabs and the Leprosie being nointed therewith The distilled water helpeth Sores and Ulcers of the mouth being therewith washed and gargled especially if you take four Ounces of the water adding thereto one Ounce of Honey of Roses and wash the mouth therewith CHAP. L. Of Cresses The Names
four Leaves riâ—ng from a Root every one singly by themselves of about an hand breadth which are winged consisting of many small narrow Leaves cut into the middle Rib standing on each side of the stalk large below and smaller and smaller up to the top not dented or notched on the edges at all as the Male Fern is of a sad green colour and smooth on the upper side but on the under â—â—de somewhat rough by reason of some yellowish spots â—et thereon The Root is smaller then ones little finger yet long and creeping aslope whereon are certain little knags and holes as are on the tayl of the Fish Polypus The Places and Time There hath been of late dayes such a slaughter of Oaks and other Trees all over this Land that should I nominate any particular place I might thereby seem to be a deâ—eiver I shall therefore tell you in generall that it groweth as well upon old rotten Trunâ—s or stumps of Trees be it Oak Beech Hazeâ— Willow or any other as in the Woods under them and sometimes upon slated Houses and old Walls as upon a Wall and side of an House in Adderbury Church-yard and many other places That of the Oak is reckoned the best but any of the other may be used in ead thereof The Island Polypody groweth in the Island Ilua which is in the Mediteâ—raneâ—n Sea the last in India It being alwayes green and bearing neither Fâ—owâ—e nor Seed may be gathered for use at any time yet it shooteth forth green Leaves only in the Spring The two last lose their leaves in Winter and spring up a fresh again about May. The Temperature It is hot and dry in the second Degree as may be gathered from the sweetish harshness that it hath in the tast The Signature and Vertues The rough spots that are on the under sides of the leaves of Polypody as also the Knags or Exâ—rescences on each side the Roots is a sign that it is good for the Lungs and the exulcerations thereof The distilled water both of Roots and Leaves with some Sugar Candy dissolved therein is good against the Cough shortnesse of Breath and Wheeâ—ngs and thoâ—e distillations of thin Rheum upon the Lungs which cause Ptiâ—icks and oâ—tentiâ—es Consumptions The Herb it selfe taken in decoction broth or infuâ—â—on dryeth up thin humours digeâ—eth tough and thick and purgeth burnt Choâ—er and especially tough and thick flegme and thin flegme also even from the joynts and is therefore good for those that are troubled with melanchoâ—y or Quartan Agues especially if it be taken in Whey or honyed water or in Barley water or in the Broth of a Chicken with Epythymum or with Beets and Mallowes It is alâ—o good for the 〈◊〉 of the Spleen and for prickings or Stitches in the sides as also the Cholick Some use to put to it Fennel-Seeds or Annise-Seeds to correct the â—oâ—thing that it bringeth to the Stomach but it may be taken without by any person at any time and an Ounce of it may be given at a time in a Decoction if there be not Sena or some other strong purger put with it A Dram oâ— two of the Powder of the dryed Roots taken fasting in a Cup of Honyed water worketh gently and for the purposes aforesaid The distilled Water both of Roots and Leaves is much commended for the Quartane Agues to be taken for many dayes together as also against Meâ—ncholy or fearful or troublesome sleeps or dreams The fresh Roots beaâ—â—â— small or the Powder of the dryed Root mixed with Honey and applyed to any Member that hath been out of joynt and is newly set again doth much help to â—â—engthen it Applyed also to the Nose it cureth the Disease called Polypus which is a piece of flesh growing therein which in time sloppeth the passage of breath through that Nostril and it helpeth those clefts or chops that come between the Fingers or Toes Crollius saith that because it hath such rough spots on the backside of the Leaves it healeth all sorts of scabs whatsoever by Signature And here I might tell Mr. Culpepper that the Colledge of Physitians forbid not other Polypody but onely prescribe that of the Oak for the best because every Excrescence or Plant upon a Plant as Polypody commonly is doth participate of the nature of that Tree whereon it groweth And seeing that the Oak is of a more drying or purging quality then any of the other Trees it commonly growes upon therefore the Polypody of the Oaks is best but why do I answer for the learned Colledge who are more able to answer for themselves had they thought their â—â—â—ing Antagonist worth the taking notice of Creeping Oak-Fern hath been by some Apothecaries beyond the Sea mistaken for Polypody to the endangering of those that took it for it hath not that purging quality proper to Polypody but a pernicious operation Yet it is a remedy to take away hairs as Dioscorides saith if the Roots and Leaves be bruised together and applyed after sweating Matthâ—â—lus saith that the Root in Powder with a little Salt and Bran is given to â—orses for the Worms The last viz. White Oak-Fern is moderate in tast somewhat drying and may be safely used instead of the true Maidenhair CHAP. CXVI Of Whortle-Berries The Names THere be severall Sorts of Whortle-Berries whereof that with black-Berries is taken to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus that is Vitis ex parte Idae quam vocant Phalacras 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Vitis being both taken in a large Sense as the word Vine must also be The Latine followeth the Greek in which it is called Vitis Idaea Theophrastl and because all the rest have a resemblance to this they are all called Vites Idaea The fruits are called Vaccinia and therefore some have thought this sort to be the Vaccinia Nigra of Virgil but he putteth his Vaccinia amongst Flowers and not among fruits saying Et nigrae violae sunt â— vaccinia nigra Vitruvius Pliny indeed have a Vaccinium which was used to dye Garments which might very well be this for such a Purple Colour will the juyce hereof give if it be rightly ordered It is also called Myrtillus and by some Myrtillus Germanica because the Physitians and Apothecaries in Germany and thereabouts took them to be true Myrtle-Berries so used them till they were shewed their errour They are called Whorts and Whortle-Berries and Bill-Beries also in the parts about London The Kindes There be nine sorts of Whorts reckoned up by Authours 1. Black Whorts or Bill-Berries 2. The greater Bill-Berry 3. Hungarian black Whorts 4. Red Whorts with Box-Leaves 5. Red Whorts with longer Leaves 6. The Spanish Red Whort 7. The French Honey sweet Whorts 8. The talled red Whorts of Candy 9. The lower Candy red Whorts The Form The small Bush that beareth black Whorts or Bill-berries creepeth along upon the ground scarce rising half a yard high with divers small dark green Leaves
Saffron the kernells of Wallnuts two ounces Figs two ounces Mithâ—idate one dram and a few Sage Leaves stamped together with a sufficient quantity of Pimpernell water and made into a masse or lump and kept in a Pot for your use and thereof twelve graines given in the morning fasting preserveth from the Pestilence and expelleth it from those that are infected Infinite advantage hath been made of this commodity by those that Planted it there being no Saffron comparable to the English but now it is manured by so many that it is not so profitable as formerly CHAP. CXX Of Borage The Names IT is called by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Euphrosyne ab efficienda animi voluptaâ—â— from causing mirth Apulâ—â—us said that Buglossum meaning our Borage was called by them of Luca Corragâ— quod cordis affectibus medetur because it is very Cordiall which by the alteration of one letter is Borrage and from thence as is supposed came the name Borrage which is not found in any of the ancient Writers whom I can perceive to make little or no difference between it and Buglosse but rather that it is the same that was formerly so called yet we have them growing in distinct formes in our Gardens The Kinds And of Borage commonly so called I find five sorts 1. Garden Borage with blew Flowers 2. Garden Borage with white Flowers 3. Everlasting Borage 4. Small creeping Borage 5. Small wild Borage The Forme And because the first Garden Borrage is so well known I shall describe the Everlasting Borage which hath very many broad Leaves rough and hairy of a black darke green colour amongst which rise up stiffe hairy stalkes whereupon do grow faire blew Flowers ripe seed and buds for new Flowers all at once whereupon it is called Everlasting and that very properly because it lasteth both Summer and Winter and is seldom without Flowers buds ripe or unripe seed whereby it greatly increaseth The roote is very durable The Places and Time The first groweth in most Gardens and there increaseth very much after it is once sown the second and third are not so common yet found in divers Gardens of those that affect rarities the last in Germany as Lobel saith and in Naples as Columna saith and in Kent if Mr. Parkinson mistake not The fourth came to us out of the Low-Countrys and prospereth well in the Physick-Garden at Oxfora they do all Flour in the moneths of June and July except the Creeping Borage which Lobel saith flowâ—eth both in the Spring and in August and their seed doth ripen quickly after both ripe seed Flowers may at one time be gathered from many of them The Temperature The Garden kinds are temperate and accounted rather hot and moist in the first degree then cold and yet for their cordiall properties are often used amongst other cold herbs as conducing to the like effect The Vertues The Leaves Flowers and Seeds of Borage all or either of them are very Cordiall and helpe to expell sadnesse and melancholy arising without manifest cause whereof came the saying Ego Borrago gaud a semper ago I Bo rage bring allwaies Courage It helpeth also to clarify the blood is to very good purpose used in all putrid or Pestilentiall Feavers to de end the Heart and to help to reâ—st and expell the poyson or the venome of other Creatures The juice made into a Syrup prevaileth much to all the purposes aforesaid and is also put with other cooling opening and clensing herbs to open obstructions and to help the yellow Jaundise to coole and clense the blood and temper the heate and sharpnesse thereof especially with Fumitory and thereby to helpe the Itch Ring-wormes or Tetters or other spreading Scabs or Sores that arise from adust and sharp humors and for that purpose is put into the Syrupus Byzantinus which worketh to the same effect The Conserve made of the Flowers or the Flowers candyed are helping also in those causes but are chiefely used as a Cordiall and good for those that have been long sick or in a Consumption to comfort the Heart and Spirits and is thereby good for those that are troubled with often swouning or passions of the Heart The distilled Water is no lesse effectuall to all the purposes aforesaid and the eyes washed therewith helpeth the rednesse or inflamation of them The dryed Herb is almost uselesse yet the Ashes thereof boiled in Meade or Honyed water is available against Inflammations Ulcers in the mouth or Throat to wash and gargle it therewith The green Leaves and stalkes with the Flowers on them are frequently used in the summer-time to be put in Wine or Beere for the comforting the Heart and giving a better rellish thereunto Syrup made of the Juice of Borage and Sugar having some of the powder of the Heart-bone or a Hart put into it is good against swouning the Cardiack passion of the Heart against melancholly and the falling sicknesse The wild Borage is somwhat hotter and dryer and is very neere the property of Vipers Buglosse which differeth little from what hath been already said of Borage as you shall heare hereafter CHAP. CXXI Of Violets The Names THe Garden Violet is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Viola purpurea by Dioscorides and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Viola nigra and Melanion by Theophrastus Some would have the name to come from Io whom Jove transformed into a Cow because she fed on them cheifly Others from certain Nymphes of Jonia who first gave of the Flowers to Jupiter for a presenâ—â— others think it to be derived 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasiâ—re aut primum prorumpere veris enim praevia est Viola because it is one of the first herbs that flowreth The Latines call it Viola Martia and Herba Violaria Heartsâ—ease which is also a kind of Violet is called in English Pansyes as also Love in idlenesse Call me to you and Three faces under a hood in Latine Viola Tricolor c of the three colours therein The Kinds There are many sorts of Violets 1. Single purple Violets 2. Single white Violets 3. Double purple Violets 4. Double white Violets 5. Upright Violets 6. Smal narrow Leafed Violets 7. Mountaine Violets with jagged Leaves 8. Yellow Violets of Virginia 9. Yorkeshire striped red Violets 10. Wild Violets 11. Garden Pansyes 12. Wild Pansyes or Hearts-ease The Forme The description of the ordinary Garden Violets being needlesse I shall set down that of the upright Violet which groweth a foot-high or neere upon with hard upright stalkes which yet bend down againe their tops having two Leaves somwhat round set at each joynt but longer and more dented about the edges then the Garden kinds at which joynts with the Leaves on both sides of the stalkes commeth forth a larger Flower and more spread open then it being more like a Pansye but of a pale purplish colour almost as sweet as the Violet as Matthiolus but without scent as Lobel saith The Names
Scabs if the places affected be often rubbed therewith Pure Oyle that is heated in an Apple of Coloquinda after the seeds are taken out being dropped into the Eares taketh away the paine and noise and killeth the Wormes in them And is said to make the hair black which was not so before and to keep it from falling as also from growing ray A Bath made of Coloquintida and the feet and other parts fomented bringeth down the Courses in Women The juyce boiled with hogs-grease and applyed to the Hip-Gout easeth the Sciatica The Dose in powder is from five graines to ten or fifteen but it is more safe to take it for all the purposes aforesaid in a Glister made after this manner Take of the Pulp of Coloquintida two drams Camomile flowers an handfull Anniseed Cumminseed of each halfe an Ounce make hereof a decoction in faire Water and in a pint of it being strained dissolve Honey of Roses and Oyle of Camomile of each three or foure Ounces Now if any one should aske how can a Glyster purge the whole Body I answer that the Glyster moistning the whole Colon doth by the twigs of the Arteries draw noisome humours from the whole Trunk The seeds will kill Ratts and Mice who delight to feed upon them and the decoction with Wormewood sprinkled in a House that is troubled with Fleaâ— doth utterly destroy them CHAP. CLXVII Of Bind-weed The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to distinguish it from the Kidney-Beans which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Smilax hortensis In Latine also Smilax levis from a Maid of that name who pining away for the love of Crocus was turned into this flower according to that verse of Ovid and he into Saffron Et Crocum in parves versum cum Smilace flores It is called also Convâ—lvalâ—s and Volubilis quia crebrâ revolutione vicinos fructices et herbas impliceâ— because it rouleth or windeth it selfe about whatsoever is next it and for the same reason it is called Funis arborum but Campanella is given to it because it hath a flower like a little Bell. There is one cheife sort hereof called of some Campana Laxâ—ra or Campana caruleâ— of others Convolvulus Caeruleus Major five Indicus and Flâ—s Noctis because its cheifest beauty is in the Evening Night and Morning of some Nil Avâ—eeunae another is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Helxine Cissampelos ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 trahere vel harere and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi Vitâ—alis five Hedera Vitiâ—ea because this Helxine should be known from Pellitory called also Helxine this most commonly growing in Vineyards creeping up upon the Vines with a Leafe like lvy it is called also Malacocissos quasi mollis hedera Orobanche Ervania Convolvulus niger c In English Bindweed With-wind and of some Divelsgut The Kinds To this smooth kind of Bindweed which is here to be understood for of the Prickly kind we shall treat elsewhere there may be referred these fifteene sorts 1. The greater blew Bind-weed or Bell-flower 2. The greater purple Bindweed with cornered Leaves 3. The American Bind-weed 4. The Arabian oâ— Egyptian Bind-weed 5. The blew Bell flower of Virginia 6. Mallow leased Bind-weed 7. The common small Bind-weed 8. Lavander leafed Bind-weed 9. Small purple Bind-weed 10. The African Bind-weed 11. The least African Bind-weed 12. The blew Spanish Bindweed 13. Black Bindweed 14. Branched black Bind-weed of Candy 15. Small black Bindweed The Form The greater blew Bind-weed or Bell flower though but a Weed as the name imports is taken into Gardens for the goodlynesse thereof where it riseth with many long and winding branches climbing and winding it selfe contrary to the course of the Sun upon any thing of substance that is neer it It hath many great faire round Leaves pointed at the end somewhat like a Violet Leafe in shape but much greater of a sad greene colour the flowers which come forth at the joynts of the branches where the Leaves are â—et on pretty long footstalkes two or three together are at first long somwhat like a finger and of a paâ—e whitish blew colour but afterwards they become broad like Bells of a deepe a â—ure tending to purple very gâ—orioâ—s to behold the flowers being past the stalkes whereon they stood bend downwards sending foâ—th husks with three or four black seeds a peece of the bignesse of a Tare or thereabouts the rootes are sâ—â—ingy and perish every where at the first approach of Winter The Places and Times Though the two first came to us out of Italy yet they are conceived to be naturall only to the East Indies The name of the third teâ—â—ifieth whence it came and so doth those of the fourth fift tenth eleaventh twelveth and fourteenth the sixth is found in many places of Spaine the seaventh and ninth in sundry Countryes of this Land as the eighth likewise is about Dunmow in Essex the thirteenth is that which is too common in every field and garden and the last groweth about Drayton neere Portsmouth They flower towards the latter end of Summer especially the greater sorts and therefore their seed is seldome perfected with us The Temperature The Bind-weeds are most of them hot and dry in the first or second degree The Signature and Vertues The most renowned Crollius in his Book of Signatures recordeth that Bind-weed or With-wind growing in the Corne by its turning and winding doth very much resemble the turnings and windings of the Guts and that therefore the dâ—coction thereof made in White Wine is a very singular remedy for those that are afflicted with the Collick purging and voiding sorth raw thick Phlegmatick and Melancholick humours and killing and driving sorth both flat and long Wormes out of the Belly yet not without some trouble to the Stomack which somtimes causeth Vomitings The Mallow Leafed Bind-weed as Clusius saith is used in Portugal as an herb of singular effect to heale all sores or wounds The Leaves of the black Bind-weed called Helxine Cissampelos stamped and streined and the juice drunken doth also loosen and open the belly exceedingly and so do the Leaves and Herb in Powder if it be drunk in Wine or any other Liquor The Leaves being bruised and laid to hard tumors and Knots in the Flesh dissolveth and consumeth them as Galen saith It is said likewise that if those places which you would have to be void of Haire be anointed with the juice hereof presently after the Haire is plucked up by the Rootes it will not suffer it to grow there any more Some of the greater sorts as also that with Leaves like Lavander where they naturally grow are rather a Plague then a pleasure to whatsoever groweth with it in the feildes yet the beauty of their flowers hath caused them to be received into Gardens where they are very delightfull to the Eyes of those which love to feast themselves even with the varieties of those things which the
hath a thick short knobbed Root blackish without and somewhat reddish within a little crooked or writhed together of an harsh or astringent tast with divers blackish Fibres growing thereat from whence spring up every year divers Leaves standing upon long foot-stalks being somewhat long and broad very like unto a Dock-Leaf and a little pointed at the ends but that it is crumpled of a blewish green colour on the upper side and of an Ash colour gray and a little Purplish underneath having divers veins therein from among which arise divers small and slender stalks about half a yard high almost naked and without Leaves or with very few narrow ones bearing a spiky bush of pale flesh coloured Flowers which being past there abideth small Seed somewhat like unto Sorrel-Seed but greater The Places and Time The two first grow at the foot of Hills and in shadowy moyst Woods near unto them in many places of Germany and in our Country likewise in moyst and watery places particularly in a Meadow about a stones throw above the Abby Mill at St. Albans about an Acres breadth or somewhat more from the River side where the common Bistort groweth plentifully though it be chiefly nourished in Gardens The fourth groweth in VVestmerland about Crosby in Cumberland about Ravenswaith in York-shire Lancashire and divers other places The third groweth on the high Hills in Silesia and other places The two last are round on the Alps in divers places and the last also amongst the Switzers They all flower about the end of May and the Seed is ripe about the beginning of July The Temperature Bistort is cold and dry in the third Degree and very astringent The Signature and Vertues This Plant hath a double Signature both proceeding from the Roots the one from the colour of the inside of them the other from the writhed or twisted form The bloody colour of the Roots betokeneth that it is effectuall to stay the bleeding of the Nose and all manner of inward bleeding and spitting of blood as also any Fluxes of the body in man or woman and likewise vomiting the Powder of the Root in Wine or the decoction thereof being drunk The juyce hereof being put up into the Nose prevaileth much against the Diâ—ease called Polypus and all other Sores or Cancers that happen in the Nose or any other part but the surest way is first to wash them with the distilled water and afterwards to apply the Powder of the Root thereto It is good also to fasten the Gums and to take away the heat and Inflammation that happen as well in the Jawes Almonds of the Throat or Mouth if the decoction of the Roots Leaves or Seeds be used or the juyce of them The Root of Bistort Pellitory of Spain and burnt Allome of each a like quantity beaten small and made into a Past with Honey a little peece thereof put into an hollow Tooth or holden between the teeth if they be not hollow stayeth the defluxions of Rheum upon them when it is the cause of their pain and helpeth to cleanse the Head and void much offensive matter The wreathed form of the Root is a sign that is good against the bitings of Serpents or Snakes for which it is found to be very effectuall as also for the venoming of Toads Spiders Adders or the like venomous Creatures if the place be washed with the water that is distilled from the Root and Leaves A dram of the powdered Root taken in drink expelleth the Venom of the Plague the small Pox Measels Purples or any other infectious Disease driving it forth by sweating The Powder of the Root or the decoction thereof being drunk is very available against Ruptures or burstings or all bruises or falls whatsoever dissolving the congealed blood and easing the pains that happen thereupon The said decoction being made with Wine and drunk hindereth abortion that is when Women are apt to miscarry in Child-bearing the Leaves kill worms in Children and is a great help to them that cannot keep their water if some juyce of Plantain be put thereto which applyed outwardly doth give much help in the Gonorrhaea or running of the Reins A dram of the Powder of the Root taken in the water thereof wherein some red hot Iron or Steel hath been quenched is also an admirable help thereto so as the body be first prepared and purged from the offensive humours The Leaves Seeds or Roots are all very good in Decoctions Drinks or Lotions for invard or outward wounds or other sores and the Powder strewed upon any Cut or Wound in a vein stayeth the immoderate bleeding thereof The Decoction of the Roots in water whereupon some Pomegranate Pills and Flowers are added injected into the Matrix stayeth the access of humours to the Ulcers thereof and bringeth it to its right place being fallen down and stayeth the immoderate Flux of the Courses The Roots are most used in Physick and will keep good a year or two The Dose in Powder is from a scruple to a dram into Decoction from a drachm to two or three which is made by bruising a sufficient quantity of the root suppose two drachms and boyling it in half a pint of Posâ—et drink till about half be consumed then strain it and give the clearest to be drunk in a morning CHAP. XXXVIII Of Tormentil The Names THough none of the Greek writers have mentioned this herb yet it hath got a Greek name and is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Septem et 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 folium that is Seven-leaves but not properly it being only one leaf cut into seven divisions For there is a general rule in all Leaves whether of herbs or trees that that which falleth away with the stalk and not in parts and at several times is the leaf though it be winged as that of the Ash Elder Walnut tree c. the great Centory Agrimony Danewort Parsnep Valerian c. is or divided as Trefoil Cinquefoil or Tormentil c. is It is called in Latine Tormentilla quia valet adversus tormenta intestinorum from its vertue in easing the torments of the Guts and Heptaphyllum or Septifolium and of some Stellaria from the form of the leaves though that be a name applyed to other plants of the like form In English Tormentil Setfoil or Seven-leaves The Kinds Formerly there was but one sort of Tormentill known but now there are three 1. Common Tormentil 2. The greater Tormentil 3. Silver leafed Tormentil The Forme The common Tormentil hath many reddish slender weak branches rising from the root lying upon the ground or rather leaning then standing upright with many short leaves that stand closer to the stalks as the Cinkfoil doth which this is otherwise somewhat like with the footstalks encompassing the Branches in several places but they that grow next the ground are set upon longer footstalks each whereof are like the leaves of Cinkfoil but somewhat longer and lesser
you shall seldom misâ—e the Cure of an Ague in three fits be it what it will even to admiration as Mr. Culpepper affirmeth The juyce hereof drunk about four Ounces at a time for certain dayes together cureth the Quinsie and the yellow Jaundice and taken for thirty dayes together cureth the Falling-Sickness The Roots boyled in milk and drunk is a most effectuall Remedy for all Fluxes either in Man or Woman whether the whites reds or Bloody Flux The Roots boyled in Vinegar and the decoction thereof held in the mouth easeth the pains of the Tooth-ach The juyce or decoction taken with a little Honey helpeth the hoarsness of the Throat and is good for the Cough of the Lungs The distilled water of the Roots and Leaves is also effectuall to all the purposes aforesaid and if the hands be often washed therein and suffered every time to dry of it self without wiping it will in short time help the Palsie or shaking of them CHAP. XL. Of Sow-bread The Names THis Plant is the last that I shall treat of in relation to the Nose The Greek Names of it are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It was called by the first Name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Circulo because both the Leaf and the Root are of a circular or round Figure by the later 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it was used to kill Fishes It is called in Latine Tuber terrae Terrae rapum because of its knobby Tur-nep-like Root and Umbilicus terrâ— because as the Navill of a Mans Body strutteth out a little above the Belly so this sometimes above the Earth of some Orbicularis of others Palalia Rapum porcinum malum Terrae In Shops Cyclamen Panis Porcinus Artanita In English Sowbread or Swine-bread because the Swine love it and feed upon it in those Countries where it is plentiful The kinds Parkinson in former book hath reckoned up a dozen sorts or more hereof the want whereof will constrain me to content my self only with the mentioning of three which are 1. Common round Sow-bread 2. Ivy-Sow-bread 3. A strange Plant sent for a bastard Sow-bread of the Spring The Forme The common kind of Sow-bread hath many green and round leaves like unto Asarabacca saving that the upper part of the Leaves are mixed here and there confusedly with white spots and under the Leaves next the ground of a purple colour amongst which rise up little stems like the stalks of Violets beaâ—ing at the top small purple or murrey coloured Flowers which turn themselves backwards of a small scent or savour or none at all which being past there succeed little round knops or heads that contain slender brown seeds these knops are wrapped after a few dayes in the small stalks as thred about a bottom where it remaineth so defended from the in jury of the winter close upon the ground covered also with the green Leaves aforesaid by which means it is kept from the frost even from the time of his seeding which is in September untill June at what time the leaves do faâ—e away the stalks and seed remaining bare and naked whereby it enjoyeth the Sun the sooner to bring them to maturity the Root is round like a Turnep black without and white within with many small strings annexed thereunto The Places and Time The first groweth plentifully about Artois and Vermandois in France and in the Forrest of Arden The second which is the best of all in many places of Italy The third on the Pyrenaean Hills Gerard saith that he hath heard that Sow-bread groweth on the Mountains in Wales on the Hills of Lincolnshire and Somersetshire which I never heard of from any but him who had it but from another and therefore I believe the relator was mistaken it being not so much as mentioned in the Catalogue of British Plants notwithstanding it is frequent in Gardens and is nursed up there more for its Flower then any thing else because it is in its prime when most others are decayed for it flowreth in September and afterwards when the Plant is without Leaf which do afterwards spring up continuing green all winter covering and keeping warm the Seed unto Midsummer next at what time the Seed is ripe The third flowreth in the Spring and therefore it is called Cyclamen vernum or Sow-bread of the Spring The Temperature Although Mesue doth determine the Degrees hereof to be hot and dry in the beginning of the third yet Galen doth not so but saith only 70. Simplicium that it cutteth cleanseth and openeth the mouthes of the Veins draweth and digesteth which is plainly seen by the particular operations thereof The Vertues and Signature Matthiolus saith that the distilled water from the Roots of Sow-bread snuffed up into the Nostrils stayeth their bleeding wonderfully and that if six Ounces of that water be drunk wich an Ounce of fine Sugar it will stay the blood that commeth from the breast stomach or Liver in a wonderful manner or if any Vein be broken in them It purgeth somewhat violently and therefore it is fit as he saith to mix therewith some Mastick or Nutmeg or a scruple of Rubarb by the use whereof many have been holpen of the hardness and swelling of the spleen which could not be holpen by other things It easeth also the pains and torments of the Bowels which we call the Cholick And if saith he the Root hereof be beaten with a few Peach-stone-Kernels and bitter Almonds and after laid in sleep in Aquâ—vitae for three dayes a drop or two of the expressed Cream thereof dropped into the Ears that are deaf or have much noyse helpeth them the juyce mixed with Honey or Plantain-water helpeth all sores in the mouth or throat being gargled therewith and the Tooth-ach also The juyce of it openeth the Hemorrhoides or Piles and strongly moveth to the Stool being put up in Wooll and saith Mesues it avoideth tough Flegme used in a Clister It is also used with such Medicines as discuss swellings Kernels and other hard knots in any part of the body It helpeth also the Pin and Web in the Eyes being infused with Honey as also avoideth it by the Nostrils and that by snuffing up the juyce the head and brain is purged from those humours that offend it the Ach also and daily pains of it and the Meagrim This Plant belongeth to the womb by Signature and therefore as Theophrastus affirmeth the fresh Root put into a Cloth and applyed for a little time to the secret parts of a Woman that is in sore and long Travail in Child-birth helpeth them to an easie and speedy delivery but it is dangerous till then to be medled with by Women with Child because it will make them miscarry It is profitable for those that have the yellow Jaundice to drive it forth by sweating if after the taking of three drams of the Powder in Mead or Honeyed water they be carefully ordered to sweat It
white and shining colour are sufficient Signatures to manifest that it is an excellent remedy for all maladies of the Teeth whether the Decoction be gargled in the Mouth or the dry root held between the Teeth It is also exceeding good for the Dropsie by Signature also according to Oswald Crollius in his book of Signatures It helpeth likewise the griping pains of the sides and belly and cureth inward wounds that are made in the Breast Lungs and Bowells a dram of the powder of the root taken for many daies together in Red Wine the same also given to them that are bursten or have a rupture is very beneficial in the distilled Water of the herb called Horse-tail It stayeth also Lasks and Fluxes that do not proceed of hot and Choletick humours the decoction of the herb is good to be applyed both to green Wounds quickly to conâ—olidate them and for old â—ilthy Sores to dry up their moisture and thereby to cause them to heal the sooner CHAP. LVII Of Rest Harrow The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and likewise in Latine Anonis and Ononis some think it to be so called Anonis from its unprofitablenesse quasi non juvans because it is an enemy both to the Husbandmen ploughing up the ground and to the Corn as it grows Others will rather have it to be Ononis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi dicas Asini oblectaâ—entum because Asses love to roul themselves upon it and to shrub their backs with its prickles It is also called Resta Bovis and Aresta Bovis and Remoram Aratri because the Roots are both so â—ough that the Ploughshare cannot easily cut them and so deeply and strongly fastned in the ground that it causeth the Oxen to be at a stand for the first twitch not being able without moâ—â— then ordinary strâ—nâ—â—h to pull them fâ—â—th Cordus on Dioscorides callerth it Acutella because the thorns of it do prick those that unwarily go by it It is called in English Restharrow Cammock Petty Whin and Ground Furse The Kinds The Sorts hereof according to Parkinson are Eight 1. Common Rest Harrow with Purplish flowers 2. Rest Harrow with white Flowers 3. The great yellow prickly Rest Harrow 4. The lesser yellow prickly Rest Harrow 5. Purplish Rest Harrow without thorns 6. The greater yellow gentle Rest Harrow 7. Variable yellow gentle Rest Harrow 8. The lesser gentle Rest Harrow The Forme Common Rest Harrow riseth up with divers rough woody twigs about half a yard long set at the joynts without Order with little roundish Leaves sometimes more then two or three at a place of a dark green colour without thorns whilst they are young but afterwards armed in sundry places with short and sharp thorns The flowers come forth at the tops of the Twigs and branches whereof it is full fashioned like Pease or Broom Blossoms but lesser flatter and somewhat closer of a faint purplish colour after which come small Pods containing small flat and round seed the root is blackish on the outside and whitish within very tough and hard to break when it is fresh and green and as hard as a horn when it is dryed thrusting down deep into the ground and spreading likewise every piece being apt to grow again if it be left in the ground The Places and Time The first and the fift grow in many places of this Land as well in the Arable as wast ground The second with white flowers groweth near unto Darby Gesner saith the third groweth on the hill Gemma and Columna saith the fourth groweth in the kingdom of Naples and about Bristow in England as Lobel and others affirm The sixth seaventh and eight with their varieties grow as well in Narbone in France and about Mompelier as in Spain and Portugal they do all flower about the beginning or middle of July and their seed is ripe in August The Temperature Galen saith that the root of Rest Harrow is hot in the third degree having some cleansing and cutting faculty therein also The Vertues and Signature A Decoction of Rest Harrow made with Vinegar and gargled in the mouth easeth the Toothach especially when it cometh of Rheum The powder of the roots strewed upon the hard callous brims of Ulcers or the said powder mixed with any other convenient thing and applyed doth consume the hardnesse and cause them to heal the better The powder taken in Wine for many daies together cures the fleshy Rupture for it consumeth it by little and little The decoction thereof is effectual to open the stoppings of the Liver and Spleen and other parts and to help the Jaundise as also to cure the blind Hemorrhoides or Piles The â—ender Sprigs or stalks thereof before they become prickly are pickled up to be eaten by themselves or as sawce with meat and are commended against a stinking breath and to take away the swell of Wine in them that have drunk too much and are good for the gravel and stone boyled in Oxymel to the Consumption of the one half it is a singular drink for the falling Sicknesse The Bark that is the Root having the pith between taken out made into powder and taken in Wine provoketh Urine breaketh the Stone and driveth it forth and so do both the husks and seeds and that by Signature Croll Tract de Signat CHAP. LVIII Of Henbane The Names IT is called in the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi faba parcina sive suilla saith my Author because Swine having fed thereon are very muck disturbed thereby yea are in danger of their lives if they wallow not themselves in water presently thereupon neither do they go into the water to wash themselves but to seek after Crevises by the eating of which they recover But for my part I can scarce allow of the Name for this reason aforesaid because I never saw any Hogs feed upon it much lesse to go into the Rivers to catch Crevise for in the Mire where they commonly wallow there be none and besides why that should be called their Beane which is their Bane I know not I rather suppose it to be so called for that in such places as these Cattle do commonly dung abundance of this plant groweth as in Hog-yards Dunghills and such places as they frequent it being the Nature of their dung to breed it as I have heard it confirmed by some skilful Husbandmen The Latines call it Apollinaris either from Apollo the Inventer of Physick or because it makes men mad like unto Apollo's Creatures when they deliver his Oracles Is called also Altercum ab altercando because they that have eat it are apt to quarrel Camerarius saith it is also called Priapeia because the Italians do use the seed of it to allay the Enormity called Priapismus Pythagoras Zoroastes and others call it Insana Alterculum Symphoniaca and Calicularis the Phrygians Remenia the Tuscans Fabulonia and Faba Lupina Matthaeus Sylvaticus Dens Caballinus Milimandrum Cassilago
sharp withall and somewhat clammy when they are ripe flat as it were at the lower end next the stalk whose skin is thicker and harder then a Plum and the stone within it is small firm and solid long round and solid like unto an Olive or Cornelian Cherry-stone both for form and hardnesse All the Branches both greater and smâ—ller are armed with Thorns two alwayes at a joynt whereof the one is long sâ—â—ong sharp pointed and straight and the other crooked both of them of a blackiâ—â— red colour like unto the elder Branches The Roots are long and firm in the Ground The Places and Time The first groweth naturally in Africa Egypt Arabia and Syria and those more Easterly Countries from whence as Pliny saith it was brought into Italy and planted there in his time by Sextus Rampinius in the latter end of Caesar Augustus his Raign which now a dayes is very frequent not only in many Gardens and Orchards of Italy but of Provence in France also It is so tender that it cannot endure long in our Countrey by reason of the cold The other likewise was brought into Italy in these later times from Syria where it is only to be seen and but with a few that are lovers of rarities The last groweth wild in the Fields by the Hedges not far from Verona abundantly as Pena saith They all shoot forth in April at which time the Seeds or Stones are to be set and sowen for increase They flowre in May and their fruit is ripe in September the Leaves falling off shortly after The Temperature Jujubes are temperate in heat and moysture The Vertues They open the Body and gently purge Choler and cleanse the Blood according to Actuarius and Simeon Sethi especially when they are fresh yet Matthiolus following the Opinion of Avicen denyeth that they have any purging quality in them at all But all Authours do agree that they cool the heat and sharpnesse of the Blood and therefore hold them to be good in hot Agues and to help them that have a Cough by bringing away tough flegme and are very profitable also for other Diseases of the Chest and Lungs as shortnesse of breath hot Rheums and Distillations proceeding from hot humours They are also to good purpose used to cleanse the Reins and Bladder from Gravel in making the passages slippery they also stay Vomitings procured by sharp humours But they are hard of digestion nourish very little and do not easily passe through the stomach and are therefore used in decoctions with other Ingredients fitting for the foresaid griefs CHAP. LXXXIV Of the Sebesten or Assyrian Plum-Tree The Names THere are also to be had at the Apothecaries Shops a certain kind of Plums called by them Sebestens in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à muccoso fructus lentore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 enim muccum significat The Tree whereon this Fruit groweth is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Myxos for the Tree and Myxa and Myxaria for the Fruit. It is thought as Ruellius saith that the Syrians in honour of Augustus called them Sebastae from whence the Arabians called them Sebesten The Kindes The Sorts hereof are two 1. The Sebesten or Assyrian Plum-Tree 2. The wild Sebesten-Tree The Forme The Sebesten-tree groweth somewhat lower then the Plum-tree covered with a whitish Bark the Branches are green whereon grow rounder thicker and harder Leaves then those of the ordinary Plum-Tree the blossoms are white consisting of five Leaves a peece growing many together on a stalk which afterwards turn into small Berries rather then Plums of a blackish green colour when they are ripe every one standing in a little Cup of a sweet tast and glutinous and clammy substance and a very thick skin within which lyeth a three square hard stone with a thick Shell and a small Kernel these are gathered and layd in the Sun whereby they grow wrinckled and so they are kept and brought over unto us in Boxes The Places and Time The first groweth in Syria and is but planted in Egypt as Alpinus saith and from thence were brought into Italy in Pliny his time which were grafted on the Service Tree and do now grow in many places there in their Orchards it is so tender not enduring the cold with us that we can as hardly keep it as cause it to spring the Shell of the Stone being so thick and the Kernel so small The other as Alpinus seemeth to aver growth in Egypt naturally They flowre in May and their Fruit is gathered in September The Temperature Sebestens are temperately cold and moyst and have a thick clammy substance The Vertues They are very effectuall to lenifie or make smooth the hoarsnesse and roughnesse of the Throat which is caused by sharp humours which descend from the Head into the Wine-pipe galling it and fretting it so that unlesse there be means used to stop them and to prevent the Throat from corroding they will run down abundantly and with great force making the Patient to breath with great difficulty Neither are Sebestens good only for the Throat but also do very much help the Cough and wheesings of the Lungs and Distillations upon them by lenifying the passages and causing much flegme to be avoided They also give ease to them that are troubled with pains in their sides and marvellously helpeth those that are troubled with the sharpnesse of their Urine proceeding from Cho 〈…〉 or salt flegme they also drive forth the long worms of the Belly By the judgement both of the Arabians and Greek Physitians they open the body in the fame manner or rather more by reason of the Muscilaginesse in them than Damask Primes yet more when they are green and lesse when they are dry yet the decoction of them or the infusion of them in broth although dryed worketh effectually They serve to cool any intemperate heat of the Stomach or Liver and therefore are good in hot Agues and to purge Choler whereof they come 〈◊〉 saith that he hath found often by his experience that ten drams or twelve at the most of the pulp of Sebestans taken from the Skins and Stones worketh as well and to as good purpose as the pulp of Cassia fistula There is a kind of Birdlime made of these fruits by boyling them a little in water to take away their Skins and Stones and after boyling them more to a consistence the which as M 〈…〉 saith was used in V 〈…〉 to catch Birds but Alpinus saith they use it in Egypt as a Plaister to dissolve hard tumours or swellings CHAP. LXXXV Of Scabious The Names IT hath no Greek Name unless it be as some think that Herb which Aetius calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but few dare venter to say it is the same because there is nothing but the bare Name without any Description extant in him yet the Greek word signifieth Scabies in Latine It took the name of Scabiâ—sa
and pleasant in Sallets as there is no Herb comparable unto it and giveth a better rellish to those it is put with the Seeds while they are fresh and green sliced and put among other Herbs make them tast very pleasant the Root boyled and eaten with Oyl and Vinegar or without Oyl if any one mislike it doth much please and warm a cold or old stomack oppressed with flegm or wind and those that have the Ptisick and Consumption of the Lungs The Lungs and the particular Diseases thereof being thus spoken to I shall descend unto the Heart which is the first thing in a Man that lives and the last that dies upon the wel-fare whereof the wel-fare of all other parts depends and therefore especially to be provided for so that I shall muster up a little Regiment of Simples to defend it from those poysonous enemies which would otherwise assault it to the endangering of the whâ—le Microcosme And I shall begin with Angelica because it relates both to that which goes before and that which comes after CHAP. CXVIII Of Angelica The Names IT is not yet known whether any of the Ancients knew this Herb or by what name the Greeks did call it however it hath gained many worthy names of the Latine Writers for some have called it Sancti Spiritus radix and have been blamed for it already others Lacuna and Dodonaeus thinketh it to be some kind of Laserpitium some have taken it to be Smyrnium and some Panax Heracleum but generally it is called Angelica for the rare smell and Angel-like properties therein and that name it retains still all Nations following it so near as their Dialect will permit The Kinds Former times knew but two sorts hereof but now there are sound out two more 1. Garden Angelica 2. Wild Angelica 3. Mountaine Wild Angelica 4. The great Water Angelica The Forme The Garden Angelica hath divers large and fair spread and winged Leaves half a yard long or better sometimes made of many great and broad ones set usually one against another on a middle rib of a pale but fresh green Colour and dented about the edges from among which usually riseth but oâ—e round hollow stalk being very thick and four or five foot high with divers great joynts and Leaves set on them whose foot-stalks do compasse the main stalk at the bottom and from thence also towards the top come forth branches with the like but lesser Leaves at them and at their tops large round spread umbels of white flowers after which cometh the seed which is somewhat flat thick short and whitish two alwayes set together as is usuall in all these umbelliferous plants and a little crested on the round seed the root groweth great and wooddy when it flowreth with many great long branches to it but perisheth after seed which being suffered to fall of its own accord will more certainly grow then that which is gathered and sown by hand at any other time The Places and Time The first is very Common in our English Gardens and was brought hither as is conceived from beyond the Seas or from the Rocks not far from Barwick upon which it groweth It is found in great plenty in Norway and in an Island of the North call Iceland where it groweth very high and is eaten of those that come into that Country for want of other food the bark being pilled off It groweth likewise in divers mountains of Germany and especially of Bohemia The second Sort is wild both in many places of Essex Kent and neer Kentish-Town by London and in other places The third groweth on divers mountains of Germany and Hungary The last is not onely naturall to grow in watery ditches but in moist grounds also in most places of England They flower in Iuly and August whose roots for the most part do perish after the seed is ripe and therefore they which desire to preserve them must keep it from seeding by cutting off the Leaves to Still and so both the root and plant may be continued divers years together The Temperature Angelica especially that of the Garden is hot and dry some put it in the second and others in the third degree howsoever it openeth attenuateth or maketh thin digesteth and procureth sweat The whole plant both Leaf and Seed and Root is of an excellent pleasant scent and tast very comfortable being not fierce or sharp but rather sweet and giveth a most delicate relish when it is tasted or used the Leaves be the weakest and some hold the seed to be next and the root to be the strongest especially being not ready to grow up for stalk The Vertues If the Root of Angelica be taken in powder to the weight of half a dram at a time with some good Treacle in Carduus water or if treacle be not at hand take the root alone in Carduus or Angelica water and sweat thereupon it reâ—steth poyson by defending the Heart the blood and spirits and giveth heat and Comfort to them and it doth the like against the Plague and Infection of the Pestilence and so do the stalks or roots candyed and eaten fasting at such times and also at other times to warme and Coâ—â—ort a cold and old stomack The root also steeped in Vinegar and a little of that Vinegar taken sometimes fasting and the root smelled unto are both good Preservatives also for the same purpose A water distilled from the Root simply or steeped in Wine and distilled in glasse is much more effectuall then the water of the leaves and this water drunk two or three spoonfulls at a time eaâ—eth all paines and torments coming of Cold and Wind so as the body be not bound and some of the root taken in powder at the beginning helpeth the Plâ—urisie and all other diseases of the Lungs and Breast as Coughs Pthisick and Shortnesse of breath and a Syrup of the stalks doth the like It helpeth likewise the torments of the Colick the Strangury and stopping of the Urin procureth womens Courses expelleth the Afterbirth openeth the obstructions oâ— the Liver and spleen and briefly easeth and discusseth all inward tumors and windinesse The decoction drunk before the fit oâ— an Ague that they may sweat if possible before the fit come will in two or three times taking rid it quite away it helps digestion and is a remedy for a surfit The juyce or the water being dropped into the eyes or eares helps dimnesse of sight and deafnesse and the juyce put into an hollow Tooth easeth the paines The roots in powder made up into a Plaister with a little pitch and laid on the biting of a mad dog or any other Venemous Creature doth wonderfully help The juyce or the water dropped or Tents wet therein and put into old filthy deep Ulcers or the powder of the Root in want of either doth cleanse them and cause them to heale quickly by covering the naked Bones with flesh The distilled water applyed to places pained
The four first sorts are usuall in Gardens the fift was found upon Mount Baldus as also upon the Vaganean hills in Narbone the sixth was found in Spaine by Boel The Seaventh in Itady by Dr. Mera The Eight came from Virginia The Ninth from Yorkeshire The Tenth grows under Hedges and Bushes almost every where the last in the Corne fields and in such as ly Ley and in the borders of other fields The Violets Flower in February and March and after them the Pansies till the end of July The Temperature The Garden Violets and so likewise the Wild kinds are cold and moist whil'st they are fresh and green The Vertues The Flowers of Violets as well as those of Borage are reckoned to be cheife Cordiall Flowers and are much used in Cordiall drinks powders and other Medicines especially where cooling Cordialls as Roses and Saunders are used They are used to coole any heate or distemperature of the Body either inwardly or outwardly in the Inflammation of the Eyes in the Womb and Fundament when they are fallen down and are full of paine Imposthums also and hot Swellings to drinke the decoction of the Leaves of Flowers made with Water or Wine or to apply them pultis wise to the place that is grieved It likewise easeth paines in the Head which are caused through want of sleep A dram of the dryed Leaves of the Flowers of Violets doth purge the body of Cholericke humors and asswageth the heat being taken in a draught of Wine or other drink The pouder of the Leaves of the purple Flowers only pickt and dryed and drunk in powder with Water is said to help the Quinsie and the Falling sicknesse in Children especially in the beginning of the Disease The Flowers of the white Violets ripen and dissolve Swellings The seed being taken resisteth the poyson of the Scorpion The Herb or Flowers whil'st they are fresh or the Flowers when they are dry are effectuall in the Pleurisy and all other diseases of the Lungs to lenify the sharpnesse of hot Rheums and the hoarsenesse of the Throat the heat also of the Urine and the sharpnesse thereof and all paines of the back or reines or bladder They are good also for the Liver and the Jaundise and in all hot Agues helping to coole the heat and quench thirst But the Syrup of Violets is of most use and of better effect being taken in some convenient Liquor and if a little of the Juice or Syrup of Lemons be put to it or a few drops of the Oyle of Vitriall it is made thereby the more powerfull to coole the heat and to quench the thirst and besides the effect giveth to the drink both a Claret Wine colour and a pleasant tast Violets taken or made up with honey do more clense then coole and with Sugar contrarywise The Leaves of Violets are used in cooling Plaisters Oyls Cataplasms or Pultises and are of great efficacy among other Herbs as Mercury Mallowes c. to be put in Clysters CHAP. CXXII Of Straw-berries The Names THe whole Plant is called Fragraria and the Berries Fraga à fructus fragrantia odoris gustus for it hath no certain Greek name yet there are some which think it to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Rubus Idaus because it hath no prickles which Opinion Fuchsius saith is not to be despised Others say that they called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because of the â—ikeness of the fruit with that of the Tree-Strawberry Servius calleth them Mora terrestria Ground Mulberries because they are somewhat like those that grow on Trees The Kindes I have not yet met with any more then six sorts of Straw-berries 1. Red Straw-berries 2. White Straw-berries 3. Small Straw-berries with hard Leaves 4. Flat Straw-berries 5. Dwarf Straw-berries 6. Barren or unprofitable Straw-berries The Form I know not whether the Dwarf-Straw-berry be brought over in England yet I shall venter to give you so much of its Description as Parkinson hath set down choosing rather to give you the Description of a strange Plant then of the others which are so commonly known It hath very small triparted Leaves next the ground closer set together upon short foot-stalks then any other and those that are set on both sides of the long branch not above four inches long which lyeth creeping on the ground grow lesse and without stalk the Flower standeth at the end of the Branch many times but one at a place which consisteth of five round Leaves like a Straw-berry but larger then agreeth with the proportion of the Plant and is of a yellowish colour what fruit it beareth is not set down The Places and Time The two first grow in Gardens though 't is probable they were brought out of the Woods where they do most delight yet being set in a rich soyl they become far greater The three next grow upon divers of the Alps and other places of Germany The last is to be found in our own Land in most Woods and the Field sides near unto them in Cornwall as Lobel saith and in other places also They flower in May or thereabouts most commonly and are ripe in June but I have seen ripe Straw-berries after Michaelmas also The Temperature The Leaves of them are cooling in the first Degree and yet some say they are hot and drying in the second the Root is more drying and binding the Berries whâ—â—e they are green are cold and dry but when they are ripe they are coâ—d and moyst The Vertues and Signature The water of the Berries carefully distilled is a soveraign remedy and Cordiall in the paâ—pitations of the heart that is the panting and beating of the heart and is good for the over-flowing of the Gall which causeth the yeâ—â—ow Jaundise The Berries themselves are exâ—eâ—ent good to cool the Liver tâ—e Bâ—ood and Spleen or an hot choâ—eriâ—k sâ—omach to refresh and comfort the â—ainting Spirits and to quench thirst They are good also for other Inflammations yet it 〈…〉 veth one to be caâ—telous or rather to refrain them in a Feaver 〈◊〉 by theâ— putriâ—ying in the â—â—omaâ—h they increase the Fits and make them to be 〈…〉 ore fierâ—e The Leaves and Roots boyled in Wine and Water as drunk do likewiâ—e cooâ— the Liver and Blood and asswage al Inflammations in the Reins and Bladder provoketh Urine and allayeth the heat and sharpness thereof the same also beinâ— drunk stayeth the Bloody Flux and Womens Coâ—â—es and helpeth the swelâ—ings of the Spâ—een The Juyce dropped into foul Ulcers or they washed therewith or with the decoction of the Herb and Root doth wonderfully cleanse them and heâ—p to cure them All Lotions and Gargles that are made for sore mouths or Ulcers therein or in the privy parts or else-where are made with the Leaves and Roots heâ—eof which is good also to fasten loose Teeth and to heal spungy foul â—ums The same also helpeth to stay Catarrhs or Defluxions of Rheum into the Mouth Throat Teeth
famous Doctor of Physick whom the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Some Bastard Names it hath also as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi Hederula and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi Hederula folium the form of the Leaves being like unto Ivy. Ruellius calleth it Hederalis in Latine but it is better known by the Names of Asclepias and Vincetâ—xicum which last is a generall word for any Counter-poyson and commeth from Vincâ— to over-come and Toxicum Poyson It was anciently called Hirundinaria although both the kinds of Chelidonium majus and minus be called Hirundinaria that is Swallon-vvort ab Hirundine from a Swallow because the pointed Cods when they are open and the Silk appeareth out of them do somewhat resemble a Swallow flying Others say from the Seed which is feathered as it were with Down about it In English it is called Svvallovv-vvort and of some Silken Cicely The Kinds There be only three Sorts of Swallow-wort that I can find 1. Swallow-wort with white Flowers 2. Swallow-wort with black Flowers 3. Swallow-wort of Candy The Form The Swallow-wort with white-flowers riseth up with divers slender weake stalkes to be halfe a yard or two foot long not easy to break yet scarce able to stand upright and therefore for the most part leane or lye down upon the ground if they find not some thing to sustaine them and then somtimes they will twine themselves about it whereon are set two leaves at the joynts being somwhat broad and long pointed at the end of a darke green colour and smooth at the edges at the joynts with the Leaves towards the top of the stalkes and at the tops themselves come forth divers small white flowers consisting of five pointed leaves a piece of an heavy sweet sent after wich come small long pods thick above and growing lesse and lesse to the point wherein by small flat brown seed wrapped in a great deale of white silken down which when the pod is ripe openeth of it selfe and sheddeth both seed and cotton upon the ground if it be not carefully gathered the roots are a great bush of many white strings fastned together at the head smelling somewhat strong while they are fresh and green but more pleasant when they are dryed both leaves and stalkes dye down every yeare to the ground and rise a new in the Spring the stalkes at their first coming up being of a blackish brown colour The Places and Time One or two if not all of these sorts grow in the Physick Garden at Oxford but as for their naturall places the two first grow in rough untilled places and on Mountaines in divers places both in France about Narbone Marscilles and Mompelier and in Italy also and in other places The last grow in Candy whence the seed came which being sowne groweth with us They all flower in the moneths of June and July and somtimes not untill August if the yeare be backward and their Cods with seed are ripe about a Moneth after the empty huske abiding on the dry branches when the seed and silk is shed out and fallen on the ground or blown away with the wind The Temperature The rootes of Swallow-wort are hot and dry and have a soveraigne quality against all poysons but in particular against the Apocinum or Dogsbane The Vertues A Dram of the powder of the roots of Swallow-wort taken in Sorrell or Bnglosse water is very effectuall against all the passions of the heart and if a few Citron seeds be taken therewith in the same manner and measure it easeth all the griping paines of the belly It is likewise effectually given to any that are bitten by any venemous beast or stung by any Serpent or other Creature as also against the biting of a mad dog a dram and an halfe of the root being taken in Carduus water for divers dayes together It is taken also in Wine every day against the Plague or Pestilence The decoction of the rootes made with white-Wine taken for divers dayes together a good draught at a time and sweating presently thereupon cureth the Dropâ—y the same also helpeth the Jaundise provoketh Urine and eaâ—eth the Cough and all defects of the Chest and Lungs The powder of the Rootes taken with Peony seed is good against the Falling sicknesse or what Basil seed or the rind of Pome Citrons is good against Melancholy Taken with the roots of White or Bastard Dâ—ttany it killeth and expelleth the Wormes of the Maw and Belly The rootes are very effectually used with other things in Bathes made for women to â—t over to ease all paines of the Mother and bring down their courses The Decoction likewise of the Roots hereof and of Comfrey made with wine is much commended to help those that are bursten or have a rupture and for them that have bin bruised with a fall or otherwise The powder of the root or leaves is no lesse effectuall to cleanse all putrid rotten and filthy Ulcers and soâ—es wheresoever then the Roots of Aristolochia or Birthwort and may safely be used in all Salves Unguents and Lotions made for such purposes instead thereof the one for the other The Leaves and Flowers boyled and made into a pultis applyed to the hard tumors or swellings of womens Breasts cureth them speedily as also such evil sores as happen in the Matrix although they be inveterate or hard to be cured The Down that is found in the Cods of these herbs doth make a softer stuffing for Cushions or Pillows or the like than thistle down which is much used in some places for the like purposes CHAP. CXXVII Of Goates-Rue The Names THis Hearb being unknown to the Antient Authors hath no Greek Name in Latin it is usually called Galega or Ruta Capraria For they that first found it and the vertues gave that Name of Rue thereunto as finding it no lesse effectuall then the Best Rue and Capraria because it is good for Goates Some call it Gralega and some Herba Gallica as Fracastorius and of some Capraria Some with us call it Italian-Vetch but most Commonly Goates Rue The Kinds The Sorts hereof are but two 1. Common Goates Rue 2. Mountain Goats Rue The Forme The Common or most usuall Goates Rue sendeth forth many round hard stalks three or four foot high whereon grow one above another at severall Joynts Long winged Leaves that is many Leaves set one each side of a middle rib which are small yet somewhat broad and long and pointed at the end smooth on the Edges without any dents somewhat like unto the Leaves of Vetches and of a faint green Colour at the topps of the stalks stand many small Leguminous flowers one above another of a pale blewish purple Colour and in some plants pure white after which come small round pods about â—n inch and an half long a little bunched out in some places but nothing so much as the Orobus or Bitter Vetch wherein lie three or four or five small pale seed
singular Vertues that it hath in English Holy Thistle and Blessed Thistle but more commonly Carduus Benedictus according to the Latine name Some excellently seen in the knowledge of Simples have made it a kind of Wild Bastard Saffron called in Latine Attractilis and in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because Women in old time were wont to use the stiffe stalk thereof pro fuso colo for a Spindle or a Distaffe It is named also Fucus agrestis and Colus rustica and the Women in Greece as Petrus Bellonius reporteth call Attractylis by a corrupt name Ardactyla even at this day Divers call it Carthamus Sylvestris Cnicus Sylvestris in English Wild Bastard Saffron The Kinds The Sorts hereof as you have already heard are two 1. Carduus Benedictus or the Blessed Thistle 2. Attractylis or Wild Bastard Saffron The Form Carduus Benedictus or Blessed Thistle hath round rough and plyable stalks which being parted into divers Branches do lie flat on the ground the leaves are jagged round about and full of harmless prickles on the edges the heads on the tops of the stalks are set with prickles and invironed with sharp pricking Leaves out of which standeth a yellow Flower the Seed is long and set with white hairs at the top like a Beard the Root is white and parted into strings the whole Herb Leaves and Stalks and also the Heads are covered with a soft and thin Down The Places and Time The first groweth naturally in Lemâ—os which is an Island of the Mediterraâ—ean Sea in the Champion grounds thereof as Petrus Bellonius testifieth It is diligently cherished in Gardens in these Northern parts The second groweth in Candy and in divers Provinces and Islands of Greece and also in Languedock and is entertained in our English Gardens The first flowreth in July and August at which time it is especially to be gathered for Physicall uses for then it will remain good a year or longer Attractylis is very late before it flowreth and seedeth The Temperature As Carduus Benedictus is bitter so it is also hot and dry in the second Degree and withall cleansing and opening Attractylis doth dry and moderately digest as Galen teacheth The Signature and Vertues By the Prickles upon the Stalks and Leaves of Carduus are clearly signified that the herb it self is an excellent remedy for the Pleurisie and Stâ—â—ches wherewith the sides are somtimes distempered if the Decoction in posset drink or the distilled water thereof be taken It helpeth also the swimming of the head strengtheneth the memory and is a good remedy against ceaâ—nesse killeth wormes provoketh Urine and the Courses and driveth out gravel and cleanseth the Stomack It is most excellent in Pestilent Feavers and all contagious Diâ—eases for it expelleth out by sweat all noxious or ill humours It is very good in any kind of Ague either the decoction thereof being taken or half a dram of the Powder in Posset-drink before the fit commeth for divers fits if need require and sweat after it It is very available likewise against Venome and poyson Though the distilled water is useful for the aforesaid Diseases yet the decoction is much better The extract thereof is good against the French Pox and the Quartan Ague The green Herb bruised and applyed is good against hot swellings as Wild-fire Plague-Sores Botches and it is good also to be laid upon the bitings of mad Dogs Serpents Spiders Bees or Wasps or any other venomous Creature The Powder stoppeth blood at the Nose being applyed The juyce thereof cleareth the sight being put into the Eyes and taketh away the redness of them and so doth the water Being bruised with a little Hogs-grease and a little Wheat mixed therewith it cures stubborn and rebellious Ulcers if it be applyed thereto It is used against the Gangrene also For all which notable effects it hath been called Omnimorbia that is a Salve for every Sore CHAP. CLX Of our Ladies Thistle The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if divers Authours be not mistaken being as is generally supposed that Plant that Dioscorides mentioneth under that name It is called in Latine Carduus Lacteus and Carduus Mariae in English Our Ladies Thistle or the Striped Milky Thistle Some think it to be Leucacantha or Spina Alba of the Antients others take it to be Leucographis Plinii Brunfelfius calleth it Carduus Albus and Camaeleon Matthiolus and Lobel Carduus Lacteus some Carduus Argentatus and Carduus Ramptarius others Carduus Leucographus and Silybum and Acanon Theophrasti The Kinds Although formerly there have been but one sort hereof known to the Herbarists yet of late by the diligent search and observation of some that have been curious there are found of them three in all 1. The common Ladies Thistle 2. Great milky Thistle of a year 3. The small Spanish milk-Thistle The Form The Common Ladies Thistle hath divers very large and broad leaves lying on the ground cut in and as it were crumpled but somewhat hairy on the edges and of a white green shining colour wherein are many lines and strakes of a milky white colour running all over and set with many sharp and stiffe prickles round about amongst which rise up one or more strong round and prickly stalks set full of the like leaves up to the top where at the end of every branch commeth forth a great prickly Thistle-like head strongly armed with pricks and with bright Purple Thrums rising out of the middle of them after they are past the Seed groweth in the said heads lying in a great deal of fine soft white Down which is somewhat flattish and shining large and brown the Root is great spreading in the ground with many strings and small Fibres fastened to them All the whole Plant is bitter in taste and therefore supposed not to be without good effects The Places and Time The first is frequent in many parts of this Realm and particularly in St. Georges Fields near London in great abundance The Seed whereof the second and likewise the last came were brought out of Spain by Guillaume Boel It is thought that the last is the same that Camerarius saith he picked out of Epithyâ—â—â— and that Ranwolsius gave him brought out of Syria because the Seed and Leaves are so very much alike They flower and seed in June July and August when other sorts of Thistles do The Temperature Our Ladies Thistle is hot and dry in the second Degree and bindeth moderately especially the Roots The Signature and Vertues There are upon this Plant also many prickles and therefore it is good for the Stitches of the side and other Diseases thereof by Signature if the Decoction or Powder thereof be taken It is also very effectuall for Agues and to prevent and cure the infection of the Plague as also to open obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and thereby is good against the Jaundies It provoketh Urine breaketh and expelleth the Stone and is
Leaves new sprung out of the ground The Kinds Gâ—rard reckoneth up fifteen Sorts of Daffodills as 1. Purple circlâ—d Daffodill 2. Timely Purple-ringed Daffodill 3. More timely Purple-ringed Daffiodil 4. The very hasty flowring Daffodill 5. The late flowring small Daffodill 6. Primrose Pearls or the common white Daffidill 7. French Daffodill 8. Italian Daffodill 9. The double white Daffodil of Constantinople 10. Milk-white Daffodill 11. Rush Daffodill 12. Late flowring Bush-Daffodill 13. The Persian Daffodill 14. The great Winter Daffodill 15. Small Winter-Daffodill The sixth sort of Daffodil is that which is most common in Country Gardens the description whereof followeth The Form The common Daffodill hath long fat and thick leaves full of a slimy juyce among which riseth up a bare thick stalk hollow within and full of juyce The Flower groweth at the top of a yellowish white colour with a yellow Crown or Circle in the middle The Root is white and of a Bulbus or Onyon fashion yet not without divers effects by which it is propagated The Places and Times The Daffodills with Purple Coronets do grow wild in sundry places of France but chiefly in the Meadows of Burgundy and Switzerland The Rush-Daffodill groweth wild in Spain among Grasse and other Herbs in some watery places But it mattereth not much to seek out their places of growing wild seeing they are most of them to be found in our English Gardens about London and elsewhere The common white Daffodill groweth wild in fields and sides of Woods in the West parts of England They flower for the most part in the spring that is from the beginning of February unto the end of April The Persian and Winter-Daffodills do flower in September and October The Temperature The Roots of Narcissus are said to be hot and dry in the second Degree The Vertues Besides the Ornamentall use of Daffodils for decking Garlands and Houses in the Spring-time it hath many Physicall properties amongst which there is none more eminent then that the Roots thereof do move Vomit whether they be eaten or drunken and being stamped and strained and given in drink they help the Cough and Cholick and those that be entred into a Ptisick If two drams of the Root newly gathered be boyled in Wine or Water with a littâ—â— Anniseed or Fennel-seed and a little Ginger and drunk it driveth forth by stoâ— tough and clammy Flegme and to help all Diseases that come thereof The same taken with Honey and the Seed of Nettles purgeth the Disease which causeth those spots in the Body called Ephelis and Alphus And their qualities in drying are so wonderful that they glew together very great wounds as also rifts gashes or cuts that happen about the veins sinews and tendons They have also a certain wiping cleansing and attracting faculty Being stamped with Honey and applyed Plaister-wise they help them that are burnt with fire and are effectuall for the great wrenches of the Ancles the Aches and pains of the joynts The same stamped with Barrows-grease and Leaven of Rye-bread hasteneth to suppuration hard Impostumes which are not otherwise easily brought to ripeness Being stamped with the Meal of Cocle and Honey it draweth forth Thorns and stubs out of any part of the Body and being mingled with Vinegar and Nettle-seed it taketh away Lentills and spots in the face There are besides the sorts aforementioned the double yellow Daffodill and the common yellow Daffodilly which purge by stool tough and flegmatick humours and also waterish and is good for them that are full of crudities especially if there be added thereto a little Anniseed and Ginger which will correct the churlish hardness of the working The distilled water of Daffodils doth cure the Palsie if the Patient be bathed and rubbed with the said liquor by the fire as hath been proved by that diligent searcher of nature Mr. Nicholas Belson CHAP. CLVI Of White Hellebore The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and sometimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without the aspiration quòd cibum corporis cripiat because it deprives the Body of nourishment in Latine also Elleborus albus Elleborum and also Helleborus and Helleborum and Veratrum album Veratrum quòd mentem vertat or rather à verando because it cureth them that are counted mad which were formerly called Veratores and Veraculi and album to distinguish it from the black this being white in respect of that In English 't is called Hellebore and Neese-wort because it provoketh Neesing The Kinds And of this Hellebore there are eight varieties that present themselves 1. Ordinary white Hellebore or Neesing Root 2. The early white Hellebore with dark red Flowers 3. The great wild Hellebore or our Ladies Slipper 4. The small white Hellebore with a white Flower 5. The small white Hellebore with blush Flowers 6. Wild white Hellebore with whitish green Flowers 7. Wild white Hellebore with dark red Flowers 8. Variable wild white Hellebore The Forme The ordinary white Hellebore riseth at the first out of the ground with a great round whitish green head which growing up openeth it self into many goodly fair large greâ—â— Leaves plaited as it were with eminent Ribs all along the Leaves compassing 〈◊〉 another at the bottom from the middle whereof riseth up a strong round stalk with divers such Leaves but smaller to the middle thereof from whence to the top it is divided into many branches having many small yellowish or whitish green Star-like Flowers all along upon them which after turn into small long three-square whitish Seed standing naked without any husk to contain them the Root is reasonable thick and great at the head having a great many white strings running down deep into the ground whereby it is strongly fastened The Places and Times The two first sorts grow in sundry places of Germany and Austria as Clusius saith as also in some Islands of Russia where as Tradescant the elder saith the ordinary sort groweth exceeding plentifully And if I mistake not of this sort was that Hellebore that grew in Anticyra so abundantly that if any one seemed to be troubled with melancholy it was presently proverbially said unto him Naviga Anticyram intimating that there was Hellebore enough to cure him the other sorts grow many of them in our own Land as well as beyond Sea namely the third fourth and sixth especially the third in a Wood called Helks in Lancashire near the Borders of York-shire The first flowreth before the second though it spring earlier out of the ground being not in Flower untill the end of July the rest flower about May some earlier and some later The Temperature The Root of white Hellebore is hot and dry in the third degree The Vertues The Root aforesaid taken without preparation of the Body worketh very strongly and churlishly provoking extream vomiting yet that being dieted by the advice of some learned Physician without whom the medling with it will prove dangerous it is good for
Galanga 2. The lesser Galanga The Form The Greater groweth to be two cubits high having Leaves folding about the Stalke being somwhat long and narrow at the lower end and pointed at the end somwhat like a Speares head of a sad greene colour on the upper side and paler underneath The flower is white but without any scent the seed is small and neglected the root is somwhat great at the head like a reed and hath beene thought by some to be a kind of Iris being of a blackish colour on the outside and whitish within The lesser ariseth not above a foot high having Leaves like the Mirtle the root is small and bunched firme and somwhat tough red both within and without and smelleth a little sweet or aromaticall The Places and Times The first groweth in Java and Malaber being Countryes of the East-Indies The other in China concerning the time I find not any Author that maketh mention The Temperature Galanga is hot and dry in the second or third degree The Vertues and Signature This Galanga is also set down by the aforementioned Crollins to have the Signature of the Stomack and from thence it hath beene found to be exceeding profitable in all cold diseases of the Stomack by helping its concoction and expelling Wind and Crudities from it and strengthening it if it be boiled in Wine and taken Morning and Evening It doth also very much comfort and strengthen a moyst bram helps the Vertigo or swimming of the Head and avails against the palpitation or beating of the Heart and is very useful in the gnawing of the stomack and easeth the Cholick which proceedeth of Wind and in the Diseases of the Mother and stopping of the Urine and hath a speedy operation to cleanse the passages thereof from slimy flegm and stones gathered therein or in the passages at the neck of the Yard and also to wast and consume any fleshy excrescence in the neck of the Bladder or Yard Besides it not only provoketh to Venery but helpeth Conception so that there cannot be a better thing for those which desire to supply their want of Children for it is profitable for them that have cold Reins and excellent for them that have cold and windy distempers of the Womb. Being boyled in Wine and so taken it helpeth a stinking breath and dissolveth the hardness of the Spleen There be also to be had at the Apothecaries Shops both a Powder and Electuary whose chief Ingredient is Galingall both which prevail against Wind sower belchings and indigestion grosse humors and cold Diseases of the Stomach and Liver You may take half a dram of the powder at a time or two of the Electuary in the morning fasting or an houre before meat If Galingall be drunk with the water or Juyce of Plantane it stoppeth the Bloody-Flux and strengtheneth nature comforteth the Brain and helpeth the trembling of the Heart Both the sorts above-mentioned may be used to good purpose in Meats as well as Medicines but the lesser is both of more use and of greater effect and indeed is to be used only in all the Compositions wherein Galanga is appointed yet when the one is not to be had the other may be and is used The best is full of small holes CHAP. CLXIII Of Cardamomes The Names THey are called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cardamomum in imitation of the Greeks who gave it that denomination from the likeness of it to Amomum and the vertues thereof it being very profitable for that Disease of the Stomack which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the affinity that the veins belonging to the mouth of the stomack have with the heart and because being slit in two it represents the form of the Heart In Shops Grana Paradisi In English Cardamomes after the Greeks but commonly Grains or Grains of Paradise The Kinds Whosoever shall observe the Cuts in Gerard may collect from thence that there are five sorts of Cardamomes 1. The greater Cardamomes of the Arabians 2. The greater Cardamomes of the Shops 3. The middle sort of Cardamomes 4. The lesser Cardamomes 5. The least Cardamomes The Form Cardamomes grow by the report of the learned upon an Herby Plant of the height of one Cubit not unlike in substance to the Herb that beareth Ginger whereupon doth grow a great Cod or Husk in shape like a Fig when it groweth upon the Tree but of a russet colour thrust full of small Seeds or Grains of a dark reddish colour as may be plainly seen when it is divided and of a very hot tast The Places and Time They grow in all the East-Indies from the Port of Calecute unto Cananor it groweth in Malavar in Joa and divers other places They spring up in May being sowen of Seed and bring their fruit to ripeness in September The Temperature Cardamomes are hot and dry in the third Degree having in them an astringent faculty The Vertues The Seeds called Cardamomes or Grains of Paradise are generally received to be of admirable efficacy for that distemper of the stomack called the Cardiack passion in which it is very prevalent and indeed the Cods wherein the Seed is contained have some similitude with the stomack It is also very useful when the stomack is not able to perform the Office of digestion or when the appetite hath any need of provocation and likewise for the suppressing of vomiting when either of them proceed of a cold cause if so be it be only chewed in the mouth and so it draweth forth watery and flegmatick humours both from the Head and Stomack It is in like manner profitable against the Falling-sickness the Sciatica the Cough resolutions of the Sinews Ruptures pains of the Belly killing of Worms and provoking Urine being drunk with Sack and so it not only comforteth and warmeth the weak cold and feeble stomack but helpeth the Ague and riddeth the shaking fits A dram of Cardamome-Seed drunk in Wine with as much Bark of Laurel breaketh the Stone and being mixed with Ale wherein Time and Parsley have been boyled and then strained it is a good remedy for the Chollick It is a good Spice for Women that are troubled with any grief particularly belonging to that Sex It provoketh Urine when it is stopped or passeth with pain resisteth poyson and the sting of Scorpions and other venomous Creatures It expelleth Wind powerfully from other entralls as well as the stomack easeth those that by falls or beatings are bruised and broken and those that are tormented with the Sciatica or Hip-Gout and being boyled in Vinegar or sleeped therein and used it is good against Scabs and Tetters The Powder of it put into the nose comforteth the feeble brain or if it be put with the Oyl of Musk in an Egge-shell till it boyl and then anointed therewith It is said by some to be the chief of all Seeds CHAP. CLXIV Of Pepper The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
Names I Find no Author that setteth down the Greek name of this Simple and I suppoâ—e the reason is because it is of later invention it being not that PaÌ„â— which Dioscorides mentioneth but brought out of China and called so from the River Rha on whose bankes it is said very plentifully to grow The Common Latine name is Rhabarbarum the reason whereof whosoever desires to know may read much thereof in Parkinsons Herball and be unresolved when he hath done The Kinds Of Rubarb there be six sorts 1. The True Rubarb 2. Bastard Rubarb 3. Monkes Rubarb 4. China Rubarb 5. The broader Elecampane leafed Rubarb 6. The narrower Elecampane leafed Rubarb The Form The True Rubarb riseth out of the ground in the Spring-time with a great round brownish head which openeth it selfe into sundry Leaves one after another very much crumpled together at the first and brownish but after they have spread themselves to a very large round compasse they become smooth being supported by a brownish stalk of the thicknesse of ones Thumb when they are at the biggest and about halfe a yard in length the Leafe also from edge to edge being neere the same breadth of a sad or darke greene colour of a fine sowre tast exceeding that of the Garden or Wood-sorrell amongst which there ariseth though not every yeare a strong thick stalk about a foot higher then the Leaves that grow below and like unto them but lesser at every joynt up to the top and among the Flowers which be white spreading forth into many branches and consisting of five or six small white Leaves a peice hardly to be discerned from the white threds in the middle after which come brownish three square seeds like unto those of other Dockes whereof it is a kind The root which will grow to be very great is of a darke brownish or reddish colour on the outside with a pale yellow skin under it covering the inner substance or root which being pared away the root appeareth of so fresh and lively a colour with fresh coloured Veins running through it that no Rubarb whatsoever can excell it which being dryed carefully by the gentle heat of a fire and every piece kept from touching one another it will hold its colour well and is commended by those that have made tryall of it The Places and Time The first as it is reported grew in Thracia whence it was brought to Venice and from thence to us the seed being sent by Dr. Lister to Mr. Parkinson who husbanded it so well that it grew and in two or three yeares brought forth much seed by which he furnished many of his friends Yet I find it growing very rarely and that in no great quantity not remembring that ever I saw it before the writing hereof but only in the Physick Garden at Oxon and in the Garden of one Cudymion Campion of Wansworth in the County of Surrey The second groweth naturally upon the hills not farre from Caria in Germany as also neere Friburg in Switzerland on the Mountaines in Austria groweth also plentifully in many of our Gardens where it is sowen The thâ—rd groweth about Lausannâ— in Savoy as Tragus saith but only in Gardens with us The fourth groweth in China as the name expresseth and is that as the Apothecaries pretend that is made use of in shops because they may have the greater price â—or it although that of England is as effectuall for many purposes The fift is to be found on Mount Baldus neere Verona in Italy and on the hills in Switzerland and the last came out of Italy also These sorts flower in June and the seed is ripe in July The Rootes which are for use must not be taken up till the Stalk and Leaves be quit withered and gone which will be in October for should they be taken before or after the Leafe begins to put forth they would lose much of their colour The Temperature Rubarb is hot and dry in the second degree of a mixt substance partly airy thin and purging partly grosse and earthy whereby it is binding and drying The Monkes Rubarb which is also dry but cooling is not so frequently used as formerly since the Bastard Rubarb hath been so plentifull The Vertues Rubarb is so effectuall for the Liver that it is called the Life Soul Heart and Treacle of the Liver purging from thence Choler Phlegme and watery humours and is therefore usefull in Cholerick and long continued Feavours in the Jaundies Green sicknesse Dropsy Stoppings of the Liver as also against the hardnesse thereof and intemperate coldnesse being taken of it selfe made into Powder and drunk in a draught of White-Wine fasting after it hath been steeped therein all night or put among other purges as shall be thought convenient It is likewise good against the Windinesse Wambling and Weaknesse of the Stomack and all paine thereof the Crampe gnawing and griping of the Belly Kidneys and Bladder the Ach of the Breasts and Mother the Sciatica spitting of blood Sobbing Hicket the bloody Flux and Lasks and all Stingings and venomous bitings one dram thereof being taken in Hydromel or Honyed Water The Powder taken with Cassia dissolved and a little washed Venice Turpentine clenseth the Reines and strengtheneth them afterwards and is very effectuall to stay the running of the Reines or Gonorrhea It is also given for paines and swellings of the Head for those that are troubled with Melancholy and helpeth the Gout The Powder of Rubarb taken with a little Mummia and madder Rootes in some red-Wine dissolveth clotted blood in the body hapning by any fall or bruise and healeth burstings and broken parts as well inward as outward The Oyle likewise wherein it hath beene boyled worketh the like effects being anointed It is used to heale the Ulcers that happen in the Eyes and Eyelids being steeped in White-Wine or any other convenient Liquor and then strained as also to asswage swelling and inflammations and applyed with Honey or boyled in Wine it taketh away all black and blew spots or markes that happen therein Whey or White-Wine are the best Liquors to to steep it in and thereby it worketh more effectually in opening Obstructions and purging the Liver and Stomack many do use a little Indian Spiknard as the best Corrector thereof The Seed of Bastard Rubarbe easeth the gnawing and griping paines of the Stomack and taketh away the loathing thereof The Root of it helpeth the Ruggednesse of the Nailes and being boyled in Wine it helpeth the Kings-evil as also the Swellings of the Kernells of the Eares It helpeth them that are troubled with the stone provoketh Vrine and helpeth the dimnesse of the sight It is also used in opening and purging Diet Drinkes with other things to open the Liver and to cleanse and coole the blood The Root of Monkes Rubarbe purgeth likewise but not so forcibly as either of the former The Seed therof contrarily doth bind the belly and helpeth to stay Laskes and the
the year which do helpe to stirr up an appetite to meat to help Obstructions of the Spleen and to provoke Urine The Broom Rape is commended by some to be as good as Asparagus taken when they are young and eaten either raw or boyled but they are somewhat bitter The decoction thereof in wine is thought to be as effectuall to avoid the stone in the Kidnies and Bladder and to provoke Urine as the Broom it self The juyce thereof is Singular good to cure as well green wounds as old and filthy sores and malignant Ulcers Being put into oyle Olive and set in the Sun for certain dayes it taketh away all Spots Lentiles Freckles Pimples Wheales and Pushes from the face or any part of the body being anointed therewith All the lesser sorts have the same qualities and may be conducible to the same diseases but some stronger some weaker But the most effectuall of all the Brooms is the Spanish kind which hath not onely all the properties aforesaid very exactly but others also It purgeth both upwards and downwards especially the seed which being taken to the quantity of a dram in Meade or honyed water purgeth by vomit as Hellebore doth yea without trouble or danger An Oxymel or Syrupe made of the Flowers Seed and Vinegar often used breaketh healeth all Impostumes of the Spleen by causing the corrupt matter to void it self and draweth humors from the Joynts CHAP. CXCIV Of the Ash-Tree The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latin Fraxinus quia facilè frangiâ—ur because the boughs of it are easily broken The seed or rather the inner kernel therof is called Lingua Avis and Lingua Passerina from the form thereof being like unto a Birds Tongue in English Ash-Keyes and of some Kitkeyes and Peter keyes The Tree is called the Ash because its barke is of the colour of Ashes The wild Ash which I here add because of its name is very probable to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Fraxinus montana of Theophrastus which Pliny calleth Ornus of some Orneoglossum Fraxinus sylvestris Fraxinea arbor Fraxinus aucuparia because Boyes and Fowlers use the Berries as Baites to catch Blackbirds Thrushes c. In the English the Wild Ash but more generally Traxinus bubula the Quicken-Tree The Kinds There be no more sorts then what I have already mentioned viz. 1. The Common great Ash 2. The wild Ash or Quicken-tree The Forme The Ash commonly riseth up with a straight body sometimes to a very great thickness but commonly of a middle sise and is covered with a smooth barke of a grayish colour spreading reasonable wel and bearing long winged Leavs consisting of others which stand by couples one over against another the uttermost onely being excepted which standeth alone all which are long narrow gentle of a pale green colour and dented about the Edges at sundry joynts with the Leaves cometh forth a bunch of flowers and after them a bunch of seeds commonly called keyes tasting somewhat strong and hot in the mouth there be sometimes small round Balls called Apples growing therein but not in every place The timber of it contrary to the branches is strong and tough and therefore is much used in Coaches Carts Ploughes and other instruments of Husbandry but especially to make Pikes for Souldiers The Places and Times The Ash for its usefulnesse both for Timber and Firewood is planted generally throughout the whole Land both in high and Low grounds yet experience tells us that it thriveth best in moist low grounds and by meddow sides The Quicken-Tree groweth in the Woods by High-Gate and in divers other parts And particularly amongst Trees in the walk between Shaford and Gorehambery The Balles or Apples of the Ash come forth in the end of Winter the leaves and flowers of both in the Spring and the seed and fruit is ripe in September The Temperature The Leaves and Bark of the Ash-Tree are dry and moderately hot the seed is hot and dry in the second degree The Vertues There is scarce any part about the Ash but is good for the Dropsy The Leaves and Bark with the tender Crops boiled in Wine and drunk are excellent for it for they purge Water and so doth the Water that is distilled from the Leaves Barke or Seed The young Rootes also boiled in Ale and a draught thereof drunk morning and evening is profitable for the same The said Leaves and Bark boiled in Wine and drunk do likewise open and comfort the Lâ—ver and Spleene and ease the paines and Stitches of the sides and so will they do being boiled in Oyle and applyed to them outwardly and being used in the same manner it is singular good against the biting of the Viper Adder or any other venemous beast to which purpose the seed may also be drunk in Wine according to that Verse of Serenus Fraxineum semen cum Bacchi rore bâ—bendum est The Leaves and Barke are reported to stop the Belly and being boiled with Vinegar and Water do stay Vomiting if they be laid upon the Stomack Three or foure Leaves taken in Wine every morning constantly doth make those leane which are fat and keepeth them from grossnesse which begin to wax fat and so doth the distilled Water of the Keyes a small quantity taken every morning The Decoction of the Leaves in White Wine helpeth to break the Stone and expell it and cureth the Jaundise The seeds having their Huskes taken off prevaile against Stitcâ—â—s and paines in the sides proceeding of Wind and the Stone by provoking Urine They are commended also for the Rickets to increase naturall seed to stir up bodily lust especially being powdered with Nutmegs and drunk The Lye which is made of the ashes of the barke cureth those Heads which are Leprous Scabby or Scal'd being bathed therewith The Leaves of the Wild Ash boiled in Wine are good against the paines in the sides the stoppings of the Liver and asswageth the bellies of those which have the Tympany or Dropsy CHAP. CLXXXXV Of the Sassafras or Ague-Tree The Names THe use of this Ingredient is of late Invention therefore it were in vaine to seek for the Greek name It is called in Latine Sassafras which is also the French and Spanish name but why they called it so is unknown yet the French were the first that discovered the Vertues of it to the Christian world For at their being neere the Florida they got Agues and Swellings in their Legges which as I conceive was the Dropsy and other diseases by lying on the ground and intemperate dyet which they used for which they could get no cure untill they had learned the use of this Tree from the Natives who call it Pavame and Winanke All other Countryes call it Sassafras and amongst them the English who call it also the Ague-Tree from its Vertue in healing the Ague There is hereof but one kind and therefore
Leaves many set together whiâ—h are somewhat long and hollow ending or spreading into four small Leaves of whitish yellow green colour which give place to small round and somewhat long black-berries when they are ripe wherein lyeth a white kernel The Root groweth down deep into the ground and spreadeth likewise tough long white strings somewhat wooddy Both Leafe and Flower both Bark and Root are very hot and sharp in tast heating the mouth and throat of any that shall tast them It keepeth its green Leaves all the Winter as all other Bay-Trees do even in the coldest yeares The Places and Times The First groweth wild not onely by the Lake of Geneva as Gerard or rather Dâ—donâ—ns doth affirm and in other places beyond the Seas but in our own Country also in divers places and particularly between the Hedge and a foot-path that leadeth from St. Albans to Park-Street The other was sent out of Candy as the title testifies The first flowereth very earely in the year even in January or February and sometimes before if the winter be mild The berries are ripe about May or June when the other flowereth or beareth fruit is uncertain seeing it hath not put forth either in this Country The Temperature Spurge Laurell is of a very hot and biting Temperature The Vertues It is reported of this Plant that if the Leaves be gathered with ones hand tending upwards it causeth vomiting if downwards it causeth purging but how true it is I cannot affirm for I never knew it taken inwardly yet I find upon Record that the Leaves purge slymy phlegme and waterish superfluities and are therefore good for the Dropsy and that fourteen or fifteen of the Berries do the like Notwithstanding they are said to purge very violently inflaming and heating the Throat and wringing the Stomack of whosoever shall take thereof and driveth them into divers dangerous diseases howbeit this seemeth to be spoken of the inconsiderate use thereof for it is said that if it be taken advisedly it purgeth phlegme from the Stomack and oftentimes by vomit also it procureth Womens Courses easeth the paines of the Cholick and being chewed in the mouth it draweth down from the Head and Brain much corrupt matter that would offend it And if there be any that understand not what is meant by the word advisedly let them know that it is to be taken after one of these or the like waies The Leaves must be steeped twenty four hours in good strong Vinegar and then dryed and their powder drunk in wine with Anniseeds and Mastick or else boiled in Whey of Sweet milk of broth or a Capon and so taken the dose not exceeding two scruples or one dram The Oyl wherein the fresh Leaves and Berries have been boyled being strained and the belly annointed therewith loosneth it and helpeth the Collick and being annointed on the back and reines provoketh Urine and helpeth the Piles Besides the Berries may be put into a Cataplasme for the Dropsy with Barly and Bean meale Fenugreek root of Wallwort Woormwood and Origan all which are to be sodden in wine and laid over the whole body The Flowers also used in a Glister are much commended for the said disease which is to be made thus Take flowers of Laurell two drams roots of Polypody Agarick of each a dram and half Dodder three drams seeth them in wine or water till the Third part be consumed then take of the Liquor of that decoction one pound of Benedicta Laxativa half a dram of Electuarium nidum two drams and a half Honey of Roses one ounce Oyles of Rue Camomile and flowered Luce of each one ounce of Sal Gemmae a dram and a halfe Commixe them all and make a Gliâ—â—er CHAP. CXCIX Of Toad Flax. The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Osyris as Fuchsius saith in Latin Pseudolinum and Liâ—aria from the resemblance of its Leaves with the true Line or Flax and Urinalis and Urinaria from its effects in provoking Urine Some have called it Esula adulterina from the resemblance it hath with a small kind of Esula or Spurge yet they may easily be distinguished if the stalk or Leaves thereof be broken for one hath milke the other hath not according to that old verse Esula lactescit siâ—e lacte Liâ—aria â—rescit Some have taken it to be the AntirrhiAntirrhinum of Pliny and indeed it seemeth to be a kind of Snapdragon by its flowers yet others will rather have it to be Osyris both of Pliny Dâ—oscorides and Galen whereunto it doth in many things agree There is a kind hereof which is called Scoparia and Herba Studiosorum because Scholers heretofore swept their Studdies with beesomes made thereof and Belvâ—deâ—e of the Italians for the glorious shew that the flower of it makes Some call it Wild-Flax in English but that name doth more properly belong to another kind it is called also Toad-Flax because Toads will some times shelter themselves amongst the branches of it and Flax-weed in Sussex Gallwort The Kinds Though there be many sorts of Flax-weed I shall trouble you but with ten of them 1. Great Toad-flax 2. Sweet purple Toadflax 3. Variable Toad-flax 4. Toad-flax of Valentia 5. White Toad-flax 6. Purple Toad-flax 7. Bushy Toad-flax 8. Golden Toad-flax 9. Broom Toad-flax 10 Sparrowes Toad-flax The Vertues The common Toad-flax is well known to have divers stalkes full fraught with long and narrow bâ—ew Aâ—h coloured Leaves without any footstalke at them like unto those of Flax but the stalkes are not so long from the middle of which up to the top come forth the Flowers which are many of a pale yellow colour of a strong unpleasant scent with deep yellow mouths like the flowers of Snapdragon the seeds which are blackish and flat are inclosed in round heads the Root is somwhat woody and White especially the maine down right one with many fibres thereat abiding many yeares shooting forth rootes every way round about and new branches every yeare The Places and Time Some of these sorts are wild some grow only in Gardens the expressing of their particular places would be to little purpose seeing none but the ordinary sort groweth naturally in our Land for as much as I can learne They flower from June till the end of Summer some of their seed being usually ripe towards the end of August The Temperature Toad flax is hot and dry as may be perceived from its bitternesse and also from the faculty it hath in provoking Urine The Vertues The Common sort of Toad-flax whose description I have set down is that which is most used in Physick It provoketh Urine both when it is stopt as also in those that are troubled with the Dropsy to spend the abundance of those watery humors by Urine which it draweth down wonderfully helping also to wash the Reines and Uritory parts from Gravell or Stones gathered therein and this it doth if the decoction of the Herb both Leaves and
flowers in Wine be taken and drunk And so it doth somwhat move the Belly downwards openeth the obstructions of the Liver and helpeth the yellow Jaundise expelleth Poyson provoketh Womens Courses driveth forth the After-birth and Dead-Child The distilled Water of the Herb and Flowers is effectuall for all the same purposes and in especiall being drunk with a dramme of the powder of the seeds or bark of the root of Wall-wort and a little Cinamon for certaine dayes together is held to be a singular remedy for the Dropsy to spend the Water and humors the juice of the herb or distilled Water dropped into the eyes is a certaine remedy for all heate inflammations and rednesse in the Eyes The juice or distilled Water put into foule Ulcers whether they be cancrous or fistulous with tents rouled therein or the parts washed or clensed herewith by the spirting of it into them cleareth them throughly from the bottome and healeth them up safely The same juice or water doth likewise cleanse the skin of all manner of deformity as the Lepry Morphew Scurfe Wheales Pimples or any other spots or markes therein applyed of it selfe or with some powder of Lupines for which purpose Pliny saith that the Women of his time made a kind of sope of it Culpepper saith that being laid in the Water that Chickens drink it relieves them when they are drooping CHAP. CC. Of Organy or Bastard Majerom The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Origanus concerning the Etymology of which word there be divers opinions Some will have it so called from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying a Mountaine and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gaudium because it joyeth very much in Mountainous and craggy places others from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to see and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to cleare because it cleareth the Eyes others will have it to come from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be cold from whence comes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which by adding unto it becomes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but then it must be by Antiphrans too for it is not cold but hot It is called or rather sirnamed Heracleotâ—cum from Heraclea a Citty of Pontus where is groweth plentifully Oâ—itâ—s because Asses and Tragoriganum because Goats are mightily taken with it of divers Cunila in shops Origanum Hispanicum in English Organy and Bastard Marjerom from the likenesse it hath with the true The Kindes Authors make mention of divers sorts hereof but those that are best known in these dayes are foure 1. Organy or Bastard Marjerom 2. White Organy of Greece 3. The greater White Organy 4. Wild Organy The Forme Bastard Marjerom riseth up with divers hard round reddish greene stalkes spreading forth into branches whereon are set sundry Leaves by couples at the Joynts being somewhat round and of a whitish greene colour very like unto Marjerom but larger whiter and harder or rougher in handling at the tops of the branches stand such like scalie heads as Marjerom hath but longer from whence come small whitish purple flowers and afterwards small brownish seed The whole Plant is of a sweet smell and sharpe biting tast like unto Marjerom but that it is higher hotter and sharper The Places and Time It is very likely that not only Greece but Candy and Spaine do naturally bear these soâ—ts of Bastard Marjerome but which of them is more proper to this or that place is uncertaine It is commonly about the end of August or beginning of September before they put forth their tops or heads in our Country so that their Flowers or at least their Seed â—eldome come to maturity with us The Temperature All the Sorts of Organies do cut attenuate or make thin dry and heat and that in the third degree as Galen saith who affirmeth that the First is oâ— more efficacy then the Third and the last which is sold in Shops then either of them The Vertues The Decoction of Organy in White Wine is given with very good successe to those which have the Dropsy the Vertue thereof lying not â—o much in the purging as in the drying quality of it It is given also with Figs for the same purpose as also to them that are bursten or have a rupture and to thoâ—e which are troubled with Convulsions or Cramps The dryed Herb or juice taken in Honeyed Water purgeth downwards Melancholy and Cholerâ—ck humours â—ithout danger It is used with Honey as a Lohoc or â—icking Medicine against an old Cough and the Stuffing of the Lungs The Decoction thereof is very profitable to thoâ—e that have the Itch or are Scâ—bbed and Mangy and those that have Jaundâ—se are much holpen by it if they take it whiâ—est they be in a bath made thereof also the same with a few Cloves and Sugar heâ—peth those which have the Hickets exceedingly openeth the Obstructions of the Liver Spleen and Womb and an other stoppings provoketh Urine and Womens Courses and is good for such as have foure belchings or be troubled with a squeamish Stomack The same is good also for those that are bitten with Serpents or Venemous Beasâ—s and for such as have taken Hemlock or Opium With Syrup of Vinegar it is good for thoâ—e that have taken Poyson or the root of Cholchicum Ephemeron The juice of the greene Herb healeth the swellings of the almonds of the Eares the Ulcers oâ— the Mouth it draweth forth Phlegme by the Nostrils if it be infused in the Oyle of Flowerdeluce and being used with Milk it easeth the paines of the Eares The Powder thereof mixed with a little Salt-Peter and Honey made into the manne of a thin electuary and the teeth rubbed often therewith will make theâ— white and firme It is used in Spaine for the seasoning of Anchoves for it â—iveth to them an excellent rellish being made up therewith Tyme may be used â—or the same purposes when the other cannot be gotten Both which with Penniroyal Calamint and such other dry herbes being strewed both upon and under those which are afflicted with Hydropicall humors are very profitable for them for it is marvellous to see how much these dry them up whil'st the parties are asleep These are the Simples I have judged most proper for the Liver and in particular for the Dropsy to which I might adde these which follow Sagapenum which is the Gum of Ferula when it groweth in Media as I have said already in the Chapter of Feâ—â—ell Giant the pills whereof are profitable in the said disease Turbith which is a root brought from beyond Sea and purgeth Water very violently Elaterium which is the juice of Wild-Cucumbers dryed doth the same Euphorbium Spurge Coloquintida Carthamuâ— Thymaelea Mezereon c are violent purgers so that though they be appropriated to the Dropsy yet I shall not commend them unto ordinary people but desire them to leave them to those that are very skillfull and content themselves with those I have purposely spoken to at large Besides which there be
because I find not any Greek or Latin Author that treates of it being unknown to all the transmarine Doctors before Lobel came to us who called it Percepier Anglorum which first word Percepier is derived from Percepierre signifying in French as much as Lâ—thon-tribon in Greek Saxifraga Petrifindula an obsolete word and Câ—lculum frangens in Latine which is Pierce-stone or Break-stone in English and Anglorum is added because it is thought to be peculiar to our Country Some call it Parsley-Pert and deâ—ive it from Pâ—tra but it is more properly Parsly Break-stone becauâ—e of its eminent â—aculties to that purpose Though there be but one sort hereof which might have been placed amongst the other Knot-grasse whereof it is a kind yet because it is somwhat different and is peculiar to our Country I have given it a Chapter by it selfe The Form Break-stone Parsly groweth with many Leaves spread upon the ground each standing upon a small long foot-stalke and being as broad as the naiâ—e of a mans finger or thumb very much jagged on the edges which maketh it to seeme somewhat like unto a Parsly leafe whereof came the name but of an overworn or dusky greene colour from amongst which there rise up weake and slender stalkeâ— about two or three fingers long set full of the like Leaves but smaller up to the tops that almost no part of the stalke can be seene amongst these Leaves come forth very small greenish yellow flowers scarce to be discerned where afterwards groweth the seed as small as that of the Knot-grasse The root is very small and threddy abiding divers yeares if it grow in a place that is liketh The Places and Time Parsly-pert groweth in those fields that are plowed up for Corne both at the same time with the Corne and also when they are fallow in most Countryes of this Land that ever I came into though Gerard and Parkinson make as if it were a Plant growing in few places It is to be found all the Spring Summer and Harvest even from April to the end of October yet it must be in severall places for that which groweth in the open and Sunny places will flourish first but that which is shadowed will continue longest The Temperature It is as I conceive of the same Temperature with Knot-grasse The Vertues Parsly Break-stone hath not its name for nothing for it is found to be a singular remedy to provoke Urine when it is stopped wholly or passeth away by drops with paine or unsensibly without pain expelleth store of Gravel in those that breed it and the stone also in the Reines or Kidneyes in washing it down by the abundant passage of the Urine and helpeth also to expell it out of the Bladder if it be not grown too great for the passages and if it be it is very probable that the abundance of Urine brought down into the Bladder by the Vertue of it even whilst it abideth there will work so much upon the stone therein confirmed and grown great that it will wast by degrees by causing it to be avoided in Gravell with the Urine And that it may performe these operations with the better successe you may take of the juice of the herb about three Ounces and mix it with so much White Wine as is fit to make a Posset the drink whereof taken in a pretty quantity morning and evening to which you may if you please adde Mother of time and some Camomile which is a good way Or you may boile the Herbs aforesaid in Wine or if that cannot be had in Water and drink it but I hope you will have the wit to streine it first The powder also of the dryed herb to the quantity of a dramme or lesse in White-Wine or in other drink where Wine is wanting taken first and last for divers dayes and the distilled Water drunk with a little Sugar in the same manner worketh the forementioned effects and so doth this Composition which came originally from a poore Country man who with good successe ministred it to divers sorts of people Take of the dryed herb of Parsly-pert and Mous-eare Bay-berries Turmarick and Cloves the seed of the Burdock the seed of Hep or the Bryar berries and the seeds of Fenugreek of each one Ounce of the Stone in an Oxes Gall twenty foure graines weight let all these be beaten into fine Powder and kept in a dry box or pot to use upon occasion whereof the quantity to be taken at a time is from halfe a dram to a dram as the age and necessity of the patient shall require There be divers who conceiving themselves inclined to the stone eat it familiarly as a Sallet Herb and pickle it up also like Sampire to eat in Winter when the greene herb cannot be gotten CHAP. CCXXIII. Of Saxifrage The Names IT is called in Latine Saxifraga or Saxifragia for to the Greek Writers it was altogether unknown as farre as we can gather they having left no name for it from its efficacy in breaking the Stone in England Saxifrage and Breakstone So much for the names in generall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there being 〈◊〉 that do it also though not so effectually I shall speak of them more particularly in the kindes The Kinds Because the best Saxifrage that is growes in England I shall trouble you with no forreine sorts we having nine or ten sorts of our own which for their Vertues not for their formes I shall put together 1. English Saxifrage so called because it groweth more plentifully in England then in any other Country 2. Mr. Goodrers Marsh-Saxifrage so called because he first discovered it in a marshy place 3. Lobels West-Country Saxifrage because Lâ—bâ—l found it in the Westerne parts of this Land 4. White Saxifrage so called from the colour of the flowers to distinguish it from the former 5. Golden Saxifrage from the Golden colour of the Leaves 6. The greater Burnet Saxifrage so called because it hath Leaves somwhat like Burner 7. The middle Burnet Saxifrage 8. The lesser Burnet Saxifrage 9. Saxâ—frage with Chickweed Leaves The Forme English Saxifrage White Saxifrage Golden Saxifrage and burnet Saxifrage be of so different Formes that it will be necessary that I describe them one aâ—ter another English or Medow Saxifrage which is known to divers by the name of Medow Parsly groweth with many very green winged Leaves somwhat like unto those of Fenneâ— but thicker and broader so like unto Medow Hart-wort of Mompelier that it made Parkinson joyne it next thereunto from amongst the said Leaves riâ—e up divers creâ—ed stalkes of a Cubit high having thereupon divers smaller stalkes of winged Leaves also finely cut but somwhat harsh to the feeling and bearing at the top spoky rundells or umbells beâ—et with white flowers tending a little to yellow which give place unto seeds like unto the Common Fennell â—eed both for forme and greatnesse but of a browner colour and small tast The root is thick black without
white within and of a good savour White Saxâ—frage groweth with divers round faint or yellowish greene Leaves but grayish underneath spread upon the ground unevenly dented about the edges and somwhat hairy every one upon a little footstalke from whence riseth up a round brownish hairy greene stalke about a foot-high with a few such like round Leaves as grow below but smaller somwhat branched at the top whereon stand pretty large white flowers of five Leaves a peece with some yellow Threds in the middle standing in a long crested brownish greene husk which being past there ariseth somtimes a round hard head biforked at the top wherein is contained small blackish seed the Root is compact of a number of black strings whereunto are fastned many small reddish graines or round rootes about the bignesse of Pepper-cornes which are used in Medicine and called by the Apothecaries white Saxifrage seed and is that which is truly meant by though not so truly said of it Golden Saxifrage is most like unto the before described yet it differeth therefrom in that the Leaves are not hairy but somwhat thicker and of a darker greene colour amongst which rise up Stalkes in handfull high with such Leaves on them as grow below two at a Joynt but three at the top of all whereas also at the Joynts do come forth very small gold yellow flowers not easily observed and seldome seen with them because they fall away so quickly after which come small round heads wherein is contained small round reddish seed the Root is compâ—â—ed of a number of small strings or Fibres Burnet Saxifrage groweth up with divers stalkes of winged Leaves set one against another each being somewhat broad and a little pointed and dented about the edges of a sad greene colour at the tops of the stalkes stand 〈…〉 s of white flowers after which comes small and blackish seed The root is long and whitish The Places and Time The first groweth almost in every Medow and therefore it is called Medow Parsly yet it somtimes growes in up and ground the second was found by Mr. Goodyer on a boggy ground below the red Well of Welling borough in Norhamptonshire the third by Lobel between Chipnam and Marleborough in the High-way between London and Bristow on a Chalky Hill the fourth groweth very pâ—entifully in a feild immediately below the Abby Orchard at St. Albons anâ— in many other places the silt in moist and marish places about Bath and Wâ—lles and in the Moores by Boston and Wisbich in Lincolneshire the sixth seventh and eâ—ght grow in divers Meadows and Pastures-grounds of this Land the last groweth upon barren hills and sometimes upon Walls The first flowreth from the beginning of May to the end of August the second and third â—omwhat later the fourth in April or May at the furthest when it is gathered for that which is called the seed as well as to distill for it perisheth soon after the fifth in March and April the rest about July and their Seed is ripe in August The Temperature All the aforementioned sorts are hot and dry in the third degree except the Golden Saxifrage which is cold of temperature as the tast declareth The Vertues and Signature The seeds and rootes of Saxifrage or Medow Parsly boiled in White-Wine and the dâ—â—oction drunk breaketh the Stone in the Bladder and Kidnâ—es hel 〈…〉 the strangury and cauâ—eth one to make Water freely which also bringeth down Womens Courses and expelleth the Secondine and dead Child The root dryed and maâ—e into Powder and halfe a dram or a dram taken with Sugar comfoâ—teth and warmeth the Stomack cureth the gnawâ—ngs and griping paines oâ— the belly caleth the Cholick also and expelleth Wind. The Cheshire Women put it amongst the Râ—mnes that they put into their Cheese as a Country-man of theirs reporteth The distilled Water is much in use with Nurses to give unto their Children against the stopping of their Urine and to ease the griping paines in their belly which they usually calâ— the Frets It is used outwardly in Bathes and Fomentations to provoke Urine and to ease the paines of the Belly proceeding from Wind. The seed or rather the root of the white Saxifrage cureth the Stone by signature as the learned Crâ—llius hath observed and is singular good against the strangury and stoppings of the Kidneys and Bladder the Powder of them being drunk in Wine or the decoction made of them The distilled Water of the whole herb rootes and flowers which is as effectuall in a manner is familiarly taken by those that have need thereof for any of the purposes aforesaid as also to clense the Stomack and Lungs from tough and thick Phlegme that troubleth it and causeth it more easily to be avoided It is not probable that the Golden Saxifrage hath any operation upon the Stone because of its insipide tast unlesse it be by a specifick Vertue yet I mentioned it because it is esteemed as a rarity The Burnet Saxifrages have the same properties that the others have both in provoking Urine and easing the paines thereof as also in expelling Wind and helping the Cholick the roots or seed being used in Powder decoction or any other way which are likewise effectuall for the windy paines of the Mother to procure Womens Courses to break and avoid the stone in the Kidneys and to digest cold viscous and tough Phlegme in the Stomack and is an especiall remedy against all kind of Venom The rootes hereof dryed are as hot as Pepper and may be used for the same being much more wholesome as Tragus saith The same in Powder with the Powder of the Seeds and Sugar purgeth the braine helpeth the Tooth-ach restoreth lost speech and is good for Convulsions Cramps Apoplexies and cold feavers and so is the distilled water wherein Castoreum hath been boiled which is profitable also for the Palsy and many other cold griefes The same drunk with wine and Vinegar cureth the Plague and being holden or chewed in the mouth it preserveth from the Infection when the aire is corrupted The seed made into Comfits like unto those of Caraway are effectuall for all the purposes aforesaid and so is the distilled water sweetned with Sugar though not in so powerfull a manner as the former which water also beautifieth the face by cleansing it from all Spots and Freckels and leaving a good colour The juyce of the Leaves doth the same and being dropped into the grievous wounds of the Head or any other place dryeth up the moisture and healeth them quickly The distilled water alone or with Vinegar being put into the eyes cleareth the sight exceedingly I conceive I have given to every sort its due properties notwithstanding I find all or most of them attributed to Saxifrage in general and no doubt when one sort is not to be had the other may serve as substitutes they being promiscuously used by divers CHAP. CCXIII. Of Dropwort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
Vulgar call Weedes and indeed there is a great deale of prettynesse in every one of them if they be narrowly observed yet divers of them are so pernicious to Corne and other things of greater use and value by their strangling qualities that the names above mentioned have not been given them without some reason CHAP. CCXLVIII Of Centory The Names IT is divided into two kinds a greater and a lesser which might be treated of in two distinct Chapters yet for their names sakes and somwhat for their qualities I shall joyne them in one though of different forms The greater is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Centaurium magnum which is generally affirmed to have received its name from Chiron the Centaure who healed himselfe herewith after that he had wounded his foot by the fall of one of Hercules's Arrowes out of his hand when he received Hercuâ—es as â—iâ—â—ueâ— and therefore of some was â—aâ—ed 〈◊〉 It hath formerly though falsely been called Rha Pont cum and uâ—â—â— insteed thereof that being a kind of Rubaâ—be The lesser is caâ—â—ed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek Centaurium parvum and minus in Latine and Centaurea as also â—â—râ—s for the extraordinary bitternesse thereof and Febrâ—fuga of cuâ—ing Feaâ—â—â—â—â—gh that name properly belong to another Plant calâ—ed Feaveâ—ew of â—â—â—e also Multiradâ—x but why I know not Dioscorides saith it was calâ—ed Limâ—â—n and Pliny Libadâ—oâ— because it â—oveth to grow in moiâ—â— places yet in our Country it loveth to grow in dry places also It is called in English Small Century and the lesser Centory The Kinds Of these two kinds above named there be Eleaven sorts foure of the greater and seaven oâ— the lesser 1. The Common Great Centory 2. The Pyrenean gâ—eat Centory 3. The great Centory of Portugall 4. The great yellow Centory 5. The red ordinary small Centory 6. White flowered Centory 7. Small spiked Centory 8. Small yellow Centory 9. Small yellow thorough leased branched Centory 10. Small yellow unbranched Centory 11. The least yellow Centory The Form Though I have set the greatest Centory foremost for his greatnesse sake yet the lesser being thaâ— at whose Vertues I cheifely aâ—â—e take the description thereof as followeth The red ordinary small Centory groweth most commonly but with â—â—â— round and somwhat creâ—â—ed stalke not above halfe a foot high at most that eâ—er I saw branching forth at the top into many sprigs and some also from the joynts of the stalkes below At the extremities of the branches there stand as it weâ—e in an Umbell or tuâ—t divers small flowers of a pale red colour tending to a Caâ—â—tion consisting of six but usually of five small Leaves somwhat like unto those of St. Johns-wort which in the day time when the Sun shineth open themselves and towards the evening shut themselves againe after which cometh the seed in little short Huskes in for â—e like unto Wheat Cornes but much lesser The Leaves are small and somwhat round like unto those of St. Johns-wort but lesser The root is small and hard The Places and Time The first and third grow upon the Alpes and Mount Baldus the name of the second will discover its place the fourth is a naturall of Mount Baldus also the â—â—ft is found almost every where in fields pastures and woods as in a field by Oxford highway from Baubury not farre from Beechen Tree and in a place called New-paâ—â—ure in the Common fields of Adderbury East not farre from the high way side and in some of Walton grounds which are on the other side the River Charwell and other places that I could name the sixth is not so frequent the seaventh about Momâ—eâ—â—er and neere unto Padoâ— upon the Euganean Hilles the eighth in a field next Sr. Francis Carew's house in Kent at Beddington neere Croydâ—â— and in many other places where the other sorts are somtimes found and removed into the Gardens of the curious where some of the greater sorts may be also seene They do all flower about July and give their seed in August only the Portugall kind is seldom brought to flower in our Country much lesse to seed The Temperature The great Centory is hot and dry in the third degree The lesser is hot and dry in the second degree and very bitter The Vertues and Signature Both the Centories are commended for gripings in the Belly yet because the lesser it most effectuall to that purpose I shall set down the Vertues thereof The decoction thereof being made in Wine Ale or posset drink is very available in severall diseases of the Belly as the Chollick Costivenes Wormes and the like purging Phlegme and Choler and provoking Sweat It is given with very good successe to those that are perplexed with Agues for it openeth the stoppings of the Liver Gall and Spleene helping the Jaundise which the yellow sort doth by Signature for that especially purgeth Choller as the white doth Phlegme and Water and the Red cleanseth the Blood maketh thin both it and the humors by the cleansing and bitter qualities It is usefull in the Sciatica helpeth those that have the Dropsy and the green sicknesse for it bringeth down the Courses of women It helpeth also to avoid the Dead Birth and helpeth the paines of the Mother and is very effectuall in all paines of the Joynts as the Gout Cramp or Convulsions Being boiled in White Wine or Ale with Liquorice and strained and drunk Morning and Evening it openeth the Obstructions of the Chest and Lungs and a little Sugar-Candy added it is a good Remedy against Hoarsnesse and the Ptisick The decoction of the tops of the Stalkes with the Leaves and flowers which are most in use being taken inwardly and the boyled Herb that is taken forth applyed ovtwardly helpeth both the paines of the sides and hardnesse of the Spleene A dram of the powder thereof taken in Wine is a wonderfull good help against the bitting and poyson of any Venemous Creatures Being boiled in Water and drunk it provoketh Appetite cleanseth the Stomack and Breast purgeth the Back and Reines and healeth whatsoever is amisse in them The juyce of the Herb mixed with a little Honey is good to cleare the Eâ—â—s 〈◊〉 Dimnesse mists or Clouds that hinder the sight and is singular good â—or green or fresh wounds and also for old Ulcers and Sores to close up the one and to cleanse the other and perfectly cure them both although they be fistulous and hollow the green Herb especially being bruised laid to The decoction thereof being dropped into the Eares cleanseth them from wormes cleanseth â—he foule Ulcers and spreading Scabs of the Head and taketh away Freckles Spots and Markes in the skin being washed therewith The greater Centory is appropriated especially to Wounds because it helpeth those that spit blood or bleed much at the Mouth two drams at the Root in powder taken in Wine or Water Neither is the Root but the whole Plant very available also in
all sorts of wounds and Ulcers to dry sodder cleanse and heale them and should be a principall Ingredient in all Wound drinks and Injections Yet it is effectuall in many other Cases also for the Roots thereof being steeped in wine and drunk or the powder thereof given in wine is good for such as have the Dropsy or Jaundise or are troubled with the stoppings of the Liver It is also used for Ruptures Crampes and Pleurisies and for an old Cough shortnesse of breath and other diseases of the Lungs Gripings in the Belly and paines of the Mother Being scraped and put up as a Pessary it procureth womens Courses and causeth the Dead Birth to be avoided the juyce thereof used after the same manner worketh the like Effects It helpeth the Strangury and pissing by drops as also the Stone if the decoction or Powder thereof be taken and the juyce injected The decoction or juyce of the Root or a dram of the powder thereof drunk and the wound washed therewith taketh away the paine and danger of the bitings or Stingings of Venemous Creatures It helpeth to sharpen the Eye sight if it be steeped in Water and dropped into them CHAP. CCXLVIII Of Lovage The Names IT hath no Greek Name that I can meet with It is called in Latin Levisticum which is the proper and onely Latine Name thereof Ligusticum being a far different plant although some being deceived with the vicinity of the name have taken them to be both one The Kinds As the Names of Lovage are but few so the sorts are not many for of it I find but two 1. Ordinary Lovage 2. The Lovage of Germany The Forme Ordinary Lovage hath many long and great stalkes of large winged Leaves divided into many parts like Smallage but much larger of a sad green colour smooth and shining every Leafe being cut about the edges and broader forward then towards the Stalke The Stalkes that arise from thence are diverse and of different proportions according to the goodnesse or badness of the Soile wherein they grow as also to their time of continuance for though in a fat soile where it hath grown long they attaine unto the height of five or six foot yet if the ground be barren or the herb but newly set they seldome exceed three or four answerable whereunto is the bignesse of them being green and hollow set with lesser leaves then those that grow below towards the tops of these come forth other smaller branches bearing at their tops large Umbels of yellow Flowers which turne into flat brounish seed somewhat like the seed of Angelica The root groweth large both in length and thicknesse being of a brownish colour without side and white within The whole Plant smelleth strong and in tast is both hot sharp and biting The Places and Time Both the sorts are Inhabitants in the Gardens of those that love Physicall herbs especially and sometimes in the Garden of those that understand it not the first being common to divers Countryes the second proper to Germany yet neither of them are found wild in any part of Europe if they be any where else The root in continuance of time spreadeth much for it endureth long and sendeth forth every yeare new stalkes which hold the Flowers in the end of July and the seed in August The Temperature Lovage is hot and dry in the third degree and is of thin parts also The Vertues Halfe a dram of the dryed Root of Lovage in powder taken in Wine doth wonderfully warm a cold Stomach helping digestion and consuming all superfluous moisture and raw humours therein as also in the Guts and therefore it easeth all inward gripings and paines both of the Stomach and Belly as also by dissolving wind and expelling it effectually which is an utter enemy to them both and it is commended for resisting poyson and infection that may assault either of them or any other part The said Root boiled in Wine or Barly-water cleanseth the Lungs openeth the passages of the Vrine provoketh Womens Courses mightily and healeth inward Wounds Being bruised in a Mortar before it be dryed and steeped for twelve houres in faire Water then strained and two or three spoonfuls drunk first and last morning and evening asswageth any drought or great desire to drink when no ordinary liquor will do it and this it performeth by a specifick property for the Root is well known to be hot To drink the Decoction of the herbe for any sort of Ague and to help the cold paines and torments of the Body and Bowels comming of cold was not long since a known and much practised Remedy but the present Age which forgets every thing that should do it goood knowes none such as far as I can under-stand The seeds drunk in White-wine fasting either in powder or boyled therein and strained doth purge both upwards and downwards and being used in Glisters it easeth the Gout in the feet Being steeped a night in Wine or else boiled therein and drunk it provoketh the Termes and expelleth the Dead-child and likewise opens the stoppings of the Spleen but because the seeds be very strong the like weight of Annise and Fennel may be mixed with them to qualifie them And to be briefe the seeds are as effectuall to all purposes as any other part of it and worketh more powerfully in Womens diseases The distilled water of the herb helpeth the Quinsey in the Throat if the Mouth and Throat be gargled and washed therewith and helpeth the Pleurisy being drunk three or four times Being dropped into the Eyes it taketh away the rednesse and dimnesse of them It likewise taketh away the spots or freckles of the Face The Leaves bruised and fryed with a little Hogs-lard and laid to any botch or boyl will quickly break it and being boyled in water and bathed therein it provoketh Vrine expelleth the Stone and healeth the inward parts Being applyed three or four times with Rue and Honey to the Knees of those that are troubled with pain in them it is a good expedient for the removing thereof The people of Germany and of this and other Countreys also in former times used both the Root in Powder and the seed to season their Meats and Brothes and found them as effectuall to comfort and warm the Stomack but now a dayes whatsoever is not farre fetched will hardly please The green roots pickled with salt and vinegar are a good sawce for those that are troubled with wind but if they be preserved with sugar they are more acceptable to the Palate CHAP. CCXLIX Of Tansey The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Athanasia peradventure from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying sine morte or non moriens that is immortall because the yellow Flowers gathered in due time will continue very lively a long while It is also called Athanasia in Latine Tanacetum corruptly taken as Fuschius imagineth for Tagetes or Apuleius his Arthemisia Tragantes yet I
excellent expedient to kill and expell Wormes out of the Stomacks and Bellies both of children and elder persons also but the seed is accounted of greatest force notwithstanding when that cannot be had the herb may be used as aforesaid Matthiolus saith that half a dram of Lavender Cotten taken in a little of the distilled Water of Fetherfew every morning fasting for ten days together at the least is a very profitable Medicine for Women that are troubled with the Whites to stay them The Leaves drunk with Wine seven dayes helpeth the yellow Jaundise the obstructions of the Liver and Kidneys and is good against the Sciatica It is a good medicine against the poysons of all Serpents and venemous Beasts being taken in the manner aforesaid and being only strewed or burnt in such places as are frequented with Vermine it driveth them away with the smell thereof and therefore it is not altogether inconvenient to set it in Flower-pots amongst other things Clusius saith that in Spaine about Salamanca they use the decoction of the Spanish kindes to take away the Itch and Scabs in whomsoever have them and he adviseth that Caution be used in giving it yet I suppose it is rather to be bathed with then taken inwardly But it is used more frequently with us to be put amongst other hot Herbs either in Bathes Oyntments or other Medicines to help those that are bursten or troubled with Cramps or Convulsions of Sinews to provoke Urine and bring down womens courses and generally it worketh the same effects and may be applyed to all the diseases that Southernwood is appropriated and therefore I shall referre you to it to be further informed concerning its Vertues lest I justly seeme to be Tautologicall But there is an use wherein this exceeds that of Southernwood and that is to make Knots Trailes and other Compartiments in the Gardens of Noble Personages for besides its gentle aspect it abideth green all the Winter and will with cutting be kept in as even proportion as any other herb may be yet it must be removed every third year that is taken up and set again otherwise it will grow stubbed and dry CHAP. CCLI Of Carrots and Parsneps The Names IT will not be amisse to joyne these two sorts in one Chapter as I suppose because they are so agreeable in their Names Natures and Vertues The first is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and so may the second for it is as probable that the derivation thereof commeth from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the stalk of Briony the Roots of each growing after the same manner as that it should come from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Grape to whose purplish colour when it is almost ripe one only sort hereof is resembled and therefore Dodonaeus and Fuscbius say that some in their time called them both Stapbylinus And so in Latine the word Pastinaca which cometh a Pascendâ— quia corpus alat doth agree with the one as well as the other for they are both nourishing yet differ in this because the Root of one is reddish and the other is white the one hath narrow Leaves and the other broad and therefore they are commonly divided into tenui folia latifolia Of that with narrow Leaves there is a wild sort called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek and Daucus Daucum Daucium in Latine and Dauke in English to distinguish it from another sort of wild Carrots which is properly so called of all which I shall say somewhat in this Chapter The Kindes Though there be many sorts of Carrots and more of Dauke yet I shall onely mention five sorts of the first one of the second and two of the Parsnep which are eight in all 1 Common yellow Carrots 2 Wild Carrots 3 Wild Carrots of Naples 4 Prickly wild Carrots of Naples 5 Wild Carrots with hairy Stalkes 6 The true Dauke of Candy 7 Garden Parsnep 8 Wild Parsnep The Forme The wild Carrot which is of more use in Physick though lesse knowne then the Common sort groweth in a manner like that of the Garden but that the Leaves are whiter and rougher as the Stalkes likewise are which beare large spoky tufts of white flowers with a deep purple spot in the middle which are contracted together when the seed beginneth to grow ripe so that the middle part being hollow and low and the outward stalks rising high maketh the whole Umbel to shew like a birds nest The Root is small long and hard being also somewhat sharp and strong and therefore unfit for Meat The Places and Time The first is that which is sowne by the Gardiners in every Country in Gardens or Fields chosen out for the purpose whose soile must be loose and well manured if not new broken up The second groweth in most places of this Land as well in Pastures as by sides of fields and untilled places The third and fourth in Naples The fifth in Germany The sixth in Candy The seventh is nursed up in Gardens The last groweth in the Marshes by Rochester The first are sowen in April or sooner and will be ready for the pot about Iuly or August never seeding the first year if they be good but the seconâ— All the rest do flower and seed about the end of Summer except the Garâ—â— Parsnep whose seed is ripe about the beginning of August the second year after its sowing for if they seed the first year they are good for nothing and are called Mad Neepes by the Countrey people The Temperature The Roots of Carrots and Parsneps are temperatly hot and somewhat moist but the seeds are hot and dry almost in the third degree The Vertues The seed of every one of the before mentioned sorts are very carminative that is powerfull to expell wind and therefore they are very effectuall to ease the torments and gripings of the Belly and to cure the Collick but especially that of the true Dauke of Candy next the wild Carrots and if neither of them can be gotten the seeds of either of the other Carden sorts may be used in steed thereof either in Powder or in Decoction The seed of the true Dâ—â—cus is likewise very usefull to help the Strangury to provoke Urine and Womens courses to expell the Dead birth and to help the strangling of the Mother and remove those stitches that afflict the sides Both it and the Roots powdered drunk in Wine are very profitable for those that have receiv'd any grief or hurt by any venemous Beast whatsoever as also to resist any other venome or poyson and the Pestilence The same also put into Pultises doth ease tumours and swellings in any part and being mixed with honey it helpeth old and inveterate Coughes The seed of the wild Carrot is commended for all the purposes aforesaid as also for helping to break and expell the Stone in the Kidneys to cure the Dropsey and those whose Bellies are swollen with Wind it provoketh venery and helpeth conception The
the Description The Forme Rice cometh up in a manner like unto wheat but that the stalks seldome exceed a yard in height and the Leaves are much thicker which come forth at the joynts as those of the Reed do at the top whereof groweth a bush or tuft spiked yet spread into branches sending forth purplish blossomes standing a part each from one another after which cometh the seed inclosed in a brown straked husk and an awn or beard at the end of every one of them as Barly hath which beink husked or hulled is very white blunt at both ends but not altogether so big or long as Wheat The Root is like unto that of other grain perishing every year after it hath brought its seed to its full bignesse as other Grain doth The Places and Time Rice is usually sold heere in England by the Druggists and others that deal in the like Commodities but it is brought to them by the Merchants out of divers parts as the East-Indies where it is their chiefest food as you shall hear anon from Syria Aethiopia and Africa and not only from thence but from Spaine Italy and Germany to all which places it was brought from the East Indies where it groweth most naturally in Fenny and waterish places being sowne in the Spring and gathered about the middle or end of Autumne The Temperature It is somewhat binding and drying but otherwise it is very temperate scarcely exceeding in heat or cold The Vertues The use of Rice is very much commended by the Physitians of all Ages to stay the I asâ—s and Fluxes of the Belly as well as the Stomack and is prescribed by those even of later times for the same purpose as also for the Hemorrhoides or Piles especialiy if it be a little parched before it be used and afterwards boyled in Milk wherein hot Steele or hot Stones have been quenched But if that be not sufficiently effectuall for the Flux there may be pottage made thereof after this manner Take a good handful of Oaken bark and boyl it in a gallon of running Water to the 〈…〉 half or thereabouts then straining it and suffering it to cool take half a pound of Jordan Almonds and beat them in a Mortar with Hulls and all on afterwards strain them with the aforesaid Water and so with Rice make Pottage O 〈…〉 it blanched Almonds be stamped with Rosewater and strained into Rice broth pottage or milk it is also very good for the Flux and so is the Flower or Meal taken either in a Potion or Glister The ordinary sort of Rice pottage made with Rice well steeped and boyled in Water and good Milk and spiced with Sâ—gar and Cinnamon is very pleasant and easy of digestion and is thought to encrease the naturall seed as Matthiolus writeth The fine flower hereof mixed with yolks of egges which being fryed with fresh butter and eat morning and evening helpeth the bloody Flux The same is put into Cataplasmes that are applyed to repell humours that fall to any place and may be conveniently applyed to Women breasts to stay Inflammations but it must be at the beginning Being boyled in running Water and the face washed therewith taketh away pimples spots and other deformities thereof It is without question very excellent and wholesome food for the East Indians whose generall feeding it is do live more free from sicknesse and longer then others that meddle not with it sometimes they boyl the grain till it be plump and tender but not broken having a little green Ginger and Pepper and Butter put to it and sometimes they boyl the peeces of flesh or Hens and other Foul cut in peices in their Rice which dish they call Pillaw being as they order it an excellent and well tasted Food They have many other dishes wherein Rice is an ingredient as in Catcheree Dupiatcâ— and Mangee-real as the Portugals call it which signifies as much as Food for a King They eat it likewise with their Fish and please themselves much therewith When Sr. Thomas Row was sent Ambassadour from England to the Great Magul he and Mr. Terry his Chaplain were entertained by Asaph Chan the greatest Favourite in all that Empire the Ambassadour had threescore and ten dishes Asaph Chan threescore Mr. Terry fifty in most of which were Rice presented some white some yellow some green some purple as also in their Jelâ—ies and Culices The meaner sort of people also eat Rice boyled with their Green-Ginger and a little Pepper after which they put Butter into it but this is their principall dish and but seldome eaten of them being to them as Rost-meat is to poor folkes amongst us And so much for the great estimation that Rice hath in the East Indies which is indeed the wholesomest grain that grows though not so much in use amongst us CHAP. CCLXIV Of Flix-Weed The Names IT hath no pure Greek name set down by any Author that I can find yet those Latine names that it hath obtained are many of them composed of Greek as well as Latine as Pseudonasturtium sylvestre Sophia Chirurgorum and Thalietrum or Thalictrum but not truly for that name belongeth to the Rubarbe that growes in our Medowes It is called Pseudonasturtium sylvâ—stre because it pertaines to the Family of the wild Crâ—sses but why it is called Sophia Chirurgorum I know not unlesse it be the Sophia Paracelsi wherewith the Paracelsians pretend to do wonders in uniting broken bones and healing old sores yet though the matter be disputable it is generally called and knowne by the name of Sophia Chirurgorum In English it is called Flix-Weed from the Vertues that it hath to cure the Flix The Kindes And because Flix-weed is said to be of the Family of wild Cresses I shall adde one or two more thereunto so that there is 1 Common Flix-weed 2 Broad leafed Flix-weed 3 Narrow leafed wild Cresses 4 Spanish wild Cresses The Formes Flix-weed riseth up with a round upright hard stalke half a yard or two foot high but seldome more spread into sundry branches whereon do grow many Leaves of an overworn grayish green colour sinely cut and divided into a number of fine jagges like unto those of the Worm-wood commonly called Roman The Flowers which are small and of a dark yellow colour do grow in a spiked fashion upon the tops of the spriggy branches after which come very small long Pods with much small yellowish seed in them The Root is long and woody perishing every year yet if it be suffered to seed and shed it will not faile you of many appearances for one the next year The Places and Time The three first grow very frequently by Hedge-fides High-wayes upon old Walls and amongst rubbish in most places of this Land especially the first The last hath been found only in the Kingdome of Valentia in Spain They Flower from the beginning of June to the end of September the seed ripening in the meane while The Temperature Flix-weed is said
this disease chanceth not only to Men but also to Women in whom it is hard to cure Two drams of the seed beaten small being taken in the morning or after Supper either in Meade Wine or fair Water purgeth cholerick humors and therefore it helpeth the Sciatica or Hip-Goat The herb healeth burnings by fire and stayeth the bleeding of wounds the green being bruised and applyed for the first or the green or powder of the dry for the second It hath formerly been accounted and certainly is a soveraign herb to heal any wound or sore either outwardly or inwardly and therefore may be used now as heretofore it hath been in Drinks Lotions Balms Oyles and Oyntments for any sort of green wound or old Ulcers and Sores in all which the people of former Ages found it very effectuall though those of this do ignorantly contemn all those that savour either of antiquity or cheapnesse To this Head and the purposes therein contained do belong Nightshade Purslane Henbane Housleek Lettice which are cold and Rue and Calamint which are so hot that they destroy the seed but having handled them already upon other occasion I passe now to the third Head wherein we are to speake of some Plants that procure Womens Courses CHAP. CCLXXXVI Of Mugwort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Artemisia in Latine because as Pliny hath said so many others have beleeved that Artemisia the Queen of Caria was both the Mother and Godmother hereunto by finding out the Vertues and giving it her name yet others are of opinion that it took its name from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Artemis that is Diana because it is chiefly applyed to Womens diseases over which Diana that is the Moon hath much influence It was commonly called Parthenis quasi Virginalis Maidenwort and Parthenium as Apuleius saith though now Feaverfew be better known by that name Some superstitious Monks and Nuns have called Zona divi Johannis St. Johns Girdle beleiving that St. John Baptist wore a Girdle hereof when he was in the Wildernesse It is also called Maâ—er Herbarum The Kinds Though Pliny and others reckon but two sorts of Mugwort there are five or six come to the knowledge of these later times 1 Common Mâ—gwort 2 Small Mugwort 3 Fine Mountain Mugwort 4 Fruitfull Mugwort 5 Virginiâ—n Mugwort 6 Sea Mugwort The Formes The common Mugwort hath divers Leaves lying on the ground very much divided and deeply dented about the edges somewhat like unto the common Wormwood but much larger of a darkish green colour on the upper side but very white and hoary underneath from amongst which come up divers stalks which are sometimes of a purplish colour seldome exceeding two foot in height except it be in extraordinary rank ground whereon grow such Leaves as those below but lesser branching forth very much towards the top whereon are set so many small pale yellowish flowers like buttons that they beâ—d again which falling away there commeâ—h small seed inclosed in small round Heads The Root is long and hard with many fibres growing thereat whereby it taketh fast hold in the ground yet the stalks and leaves die in the Winter the whole Plant is of a reasonable good scent The Places and Time The first groweth plentifully as in other Lands so in our owne by the ways and ditch sides and in divers other places The second is found in such like places but not so frequently The three next are entertained as Stranâ—ers in the Gardens of the curious The last groweth about Rye and W 〈…〉 sey 〈◊〉 aâ—d in other parts of the Sea coast They do all flower and seed in July and August or thereabouts The Temperature Mugwort is hot and dry in the second degree being somewhat of thin parts The Vertues and Signature There is no Herb so generally received or more usually proved for the curing of Womens diseases as Mugwort whether it be inwardly or outwardly used The decoction of the Leaves which are most in use being made with Water or Wine and drunk provoketh the courses bringeth away the Birth and After birth and helpeth the inflammations and stoppings of the Mother as also the stopping of Urine and is a good help against barrennesse in Women that with the red stalks having the signature of Womens Flowers and therefore it is endued with very much vertue as to provoke so to stop and correct them in case they be superfluous which a spoonfull of the Syrup performeth very excellently which is also good to retain the Matrix in its place and to help other passions thereof as Coldnesse Wind Paine c. it strengthens the Nerve opens the Pores and corrects the blood The said decoction helpeth the stoppings of the Liver and Spleen proceeding from a cold cause and is profitable for the Jaundise being boyled with Centory and taken Two or three drams of the Leaves in Powder being drunk in Wine helpeth the Sciatica and the juyce being taken helpeth the biting of a Mad Dog A decoction thereof being â—ate over doth also performe those effects which that doth which is taken inwardly though not so vigorously and so doth the juyce thereof made up with Myrrhe or the Root put up as a Pessary Being made up with Hogs grease into an Oyntment it taketh away Wens and hard knots and kernels that grow about the Neck and Throat as also to ease the pains about the Neck especially if some field Daysies be put therein The juyce of the Herb or the Herb it selâ—e being taken is a good remedy for them that have taken too great a quantity of Opium A decoction thereof made with Camomile Agrimony and Sage and the place bathed therewith warm taketh away the paines of the Sinews and Cramp and the same cannot but be a great refreshment to those whose feet are suâ—bated through sore travell if they be bathed therein yet I have scarce so much faith as to believe that the Herb only carried about one should take away all sense of wearinesse as Pliny reporteth and therefore I have put it amongst other Traditions in my former Book to which I might have added that concerning the Coales that are found at the Roots hereof upon St. Joons Eve and divers others CHAP. CCLXXXVII Of Penny-royall The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Glecon and Blecon from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 balatus either because the heat thereof causeth Sheep and Goates to bleat when they are eating of it or rather as Pena saith from expelling thick phlegme from the Lunges It is called in Latine Pulegium and Pulejum also quod incensum pulices nâ—cat because it killeth Fleas being burned to which the Epithet Regâ—le is added to distinguish it from Pulegium montanum by which name wild Time is sometimes called It hath many English Names as Run by the ground and Lurke in Ditch because of its manner of growing Pudding-grasse because it is used in
a singular Remedy for the Rupture or Bursting in Children and so it doth being drunk in Wine A Decoction of the Leaves in Wine or the powder thereof being drunk in the said Liquor is affirmed to ease the griping paines of the Bowels and the Cholick passion as also of the Mother if it be injected with a Syringe for the purpose The Oyle that is made of the Apples by infusing them in Oyle Olive is effectuall not onely for inward Wounds or hurts whatsoever being drunk but for all outward Wounds that are fresh and green to sodder the Lips of them and heale them as also to dry up the moisture of old and inveterate Vlcers which hinder them from healing and so cause them to heal quickly The said Oyle is also very profitable for all pricks or hurts in the Sinewes as also for Cramps and Convulsions if the places be therewith anoynted and to heal Vlcers in the Secret parts of Man or Woman or in Womens Breasts It gives much ease likewise to Women that are in great extremity of Child-birth in taking away the pain of the Wombe and causing easie deliverance if it be applyed to the place and being anoynted upon the Bellies of those Women that are barren by reason of any superfluous humidity it causeth them to become fruitful It cureth the Piles and other paines of the Fundament if it be applyed with Lint such as the Chirurgions use It is of great force to take away either burnings by Fire or scaldings by Water it taketh away those blemishes or scarres that remain of Wounds and Hurts being healed and taketh away the paines of the stingings of Bees and Wâ—spes The Female is thought to come somewhat neer unto the Male both in temperature and vertues though the Form be somwhat different CHAP. CCCXXV Of Doves-foot or Cranes-bill The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 GeraniuÌ„ which is a general name to all the Crantsbills whose small heads with long slender beaks pointing forth do very much resemble the Head and Bill of a Crane It is called Geranium also in Latine as also Gruinalis Rostrum Gruis or Gruinum and Rostrum Ciconia for the like reason But because there be many Plants belonging to this Family therefore there be divers Epithetes added to distinguish them as Geranium Columbinum Geranium Muscatum Geranium Arvense Geranium Batrachoides sive Gratia Dei Germanorum Geranium Rupertianum c. We call them in English Doves-foot Musked Cranes-bill unsavoury Cranes-bill Crowfoot Cranes-bill Herb Robert c. The Kindes Though there be divers Cranes-bills that grow no where in England unless they be fostered in Gardens yet I shall name onely those which are spontaneous and they are eleven 1. The Common Doves-foot or Cranes-bil 2. Doves-foot with Leaves like unto the Vervain Mallow 3. Unsavoury field Cranes-bill 4. Unsavoury field Cranes-bill with white flowers 5. Crowfoot Cranes-bill 6. Red or bloody Cranes-bill 7. Creeping Cranes-bill 8. Musked Cranes-bill 9. Herb Robert 10. Great Herb Robert 11. Rock Cranes-bill The Forme The Common Doves-foot or Cranes-bill groweth with divers small round pale green Leaves cut in about the edges more than those of the Common Mallow to which they are compared though they be much lesser standing upon long reddish hairy Stalks lying in a round compass upon the ground amongst which rise up two or three reddish joynted slender weak hairy Stalks with some such like Leaves as the former but smaller and more cut in up to the tops where grow many very small bright red Flowers of five Leaves a piece after which cometh the Seed which is like to a Cranes or Storks bill whereby all that pertain to this Family are known The Root is slender with some Fibres annexed thereunto The Places and Time The first groweth very frequently in most places of this Land both in Gardens and elsewhere the second is found in some Pastuâ—es also but not so frequenâ—ly as the former the third is more commonly found in the â—orn fields than in other places where the fourth is sometimes fâ—uâ—d the fifth in moist Meadows the sixth about St. Vincentâ— Rock neer Bristâ—ll the seventh by Walâ—orth the eighth groweth also naturally in some barren High wayes though it be taken into 〈…〉 dens for its sweet smell the ninth groweth upon old Walls especially those which are capped with mudde and amongst rubbish and sometime upon Slated houses and so doth the tenth but not so commonly as the other the last groweth onely upon Stone walls and in some Quarries whence Stones are dâ—gged They do most of them flower flourish and continue the greatest part of Summer without any sensible decay The Temperature Doves foot which is the Plantâ—l most aâ—m at in this Chapter is cold and somewhat dry with some astriction or binding having some power to sodder or joyn together The Vertues and Signature It is very certaine that the Herbe and Root oâ— Doves-foot dryed beaten into fine powder and then given to the quantity of halfe a spoonful fasting and as much at night upon going to bed in Red Wine or Oâ—d Claret for the space of twenty dayes or thereabouts without intermission of a day is of wonderful efficacy to cure Ruptures of Bâ—rstings whether it be in young or old but if the Ruptures be in aged persons it will be somewhat necessary to adde thereunto the powder of â—â—ne Red â—aailes that are without Shells dryed in an Oven which fortifieth the powder of the Herb that it never faileth It hath also the reputation of being singular good for the Wind-collick and other pains of the Belly proceeding from Wind as also to expell the Sâ—one and Gravel in the Kidneys the decoction thereof being drunk or used as a Bath made thereof to sit in or to be fomented with The decoction thereof in Wine is an exceeding good Wound-drink for any to take that have either inward Wounds Hurts or Bruises both to stay the bleeding to dissolve and expel the congealed blood and to heal the parts Being made into a Salve with fit Ingredients and applyed to any outward Sores Vlcers or Fistulaes it perfectly cleanseth and healeth them and for green Wounds many do but bruise the Herb and apply it to the place wheresoever it be and it will quickly heal them the sâ—me decoâ—tion in Wine fomented to any place pained with the Gout giveth much ease it doth the same also to all Joynt-aches or paines of the Sinewes the unsavoury Field-Cranes-bill are of a neer temperature with Doves-foot and may perform all the properties found in them but it is approvedly good to expel all windynesse of the Mother and to settle it in its place when it is fallen down a dramme of the powder thereof being drunk in Wine It is also good for Wounds and Vlcers and the distilled Water thereof taketh away Bruises and black Spots The Crowfoot Cranes-bill hath the Signature of the Shank-bone and therefore the powder thereof taken in Wine is
which proceed from the heat of the Liver and therefore in such cases the Juyce or distilled Water of either sort doth much temper the heat of Choler and refresheth the Liver and other inward parts The Leaves bruised and applyed to the Cods or any other parts that are swoln and hot doth dissolve the swelling and temper the heat A Decoction made hereof with Walwort and Agrimony and the places fomented and bathed therewith warm giveth great ease to them that are troubled with the Palsy Sciatica or other Gout The same also disperseth dissolveth the Knots and Kernels that grow in the Flesh belonging to any part of the Body the bruises hurts that come of falls blows The Juyce Decoction or distilled Water is drunk to very good purpose against the Rupture or any inward Burstings The juyce of them or the distilled water dropped into the Eyes cleareth them and taketh away the watering of them The little Daisyes when the greater cannot so well be gotten may be used with good successe for all the purposes aforesaid as also to help Agues the decoction of them in Wine or Water being drunk It is said that the Roots hereof being boyled in Milk and given to little Puppies will not suffer them to grow great CHAP. CCCXL Of Speedwell The Names IT must be divided into two sorts viz. Male and Female before I can give you the names thereof The Greek name of the Male is unknown if ever it had any but in Latine it is called Veronica mas and Bâ—tonica Pauli in English Speedwell and Pauls Betony and of some Fluellen yet that name is thought to belong more properly to the Female kind which is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Elatine in Latine Veronica famina because a Shentleman of Wales whose Nose was so neer eating off by the French Pox that the Doctors gave order to cut it off being cured by the use of this Herb onely to honour the Herb for saving her Nose whole gave it one of her own Country names Lluellin or Fluellin it being before called Female Speedwell which name it retaineth also The Kindes Of the Male and Female Speedwel there be eight sorts 1. The Common Speedwell 2. Speedwel with white Flowers 3. Great Speedwel or Fluellin 4. Little Fluellin or smooth Fluellin 5. The smallest Fluellin 6. Female Fluellin or Speedwel 7. Cornered Fluellin with blew Flowers 8. Sharp-pointed Fluellin The Forme The Common Speedwell hath divers soft Leaves about the breadth of a two-pence extending themselves in length also but not very much of a hoary green colour a little dented about the edges and somewhat hoary also set by couples at the joynts of the hairy brownish Salks which lean down to the ground never standing upright but shooting forth roots as they lye upon the ground at divers joynts much after the same manner that Nummularia or Moneywort doth the Flowers grow one above another at the tops being of a blewish purple colour and sometimes though seldome white after which come small flat husks wherein the Seed which is small and blackish is contained the Root is composed of very many Fibres The Places and Time All these Plants which I have named are said to grow within the Dominions of England those which are Outlandish being omitted The first groweth in divers Countreys of this Land upon dry Banks and Wood-sides and other places where the ground is sandy and particularly in Prey-wood by St. Albans very plentifully where there be a great many good Simples besides the third was found upon St. Vincents Rock neer Bristoll by Mr. Goodyer the fifth in a Field neer unto Barâ— Elmes in Surrey the other three grow in divers Corn-fields about Southfleet in Kent abundantly as also about Buckworth Hamerton and Richwersworth in Huntingdon-shire and in divers other places They flower in June and July and their Seed is ripe in August that of the Female kind withering presently after The Temperature The Male Speedwell is temperatly hot and dry the bitternesse thereof shewing so much The Female though it be bitter is held to be cooling yet no lesse drying than the former The Vertues Both the Male and the Female Speedwell are Wound-herbs of very good note The Male is singular to heale all fresh Wounds and Cuts in the Flesh speedily closing the Lips of them together and not suffering them to gather corruption and Salve being made therewith as also with Wax Oyl and Turpentine and applyed outwardly and the decoction of it in Wine taken inwardly and so it is no lesse effectual for spreading Tetters or for foul or old fretting or running Sores or Vlcers that have been of long continuance and therefore the harder to cure It stayeth the bleeding of Wounds or other Fluxes of Blood in any other part and dissolveth all tumors and swellings especially those of the Neck It is also held to be a special Remedy for the Plague and all pestilentiall Feavers and infectious Diseases for it expelleth the venome and poyson from the Heart and afterwards strengtheneth it and maketh it able to resist all noysome vapours if a Dramme or two of the herb in powder be given with a dramme of good Treacle in a small draught of Wine and the party be laid to sweat and so doth the decoction thereof in Wine or the distilled Water thereof given in some Wine It helpeth the Memory easeth all swimmings turnings and other paines of the Head and maketh Barren Women become fruitful as it is said It cleanseth the blood from corruption and therefore it helpeth the Leprosie as no worse than a French King making tryall thereof found to be true as it is reported The decoction of the Herb in water or the powder thereof being dry and given in its own distilled water is singular good in all manner of Coughs and diseases of the Breast and Lungs and it hath the same operation upon Sheep and therefore Sheepherds make use of it by adding a little Salt thereto It openeth the obstructions of the Liver and Spleen helpeth the yellow Jaundise cleanseth the exulcerations of the Reines and Bladder and also of the Mother and of inward and outward Wounds being inwardly and outwardly used for the Spleen and Wounds but inwardly onely for the rest It provoketh Vrine and helpeth thereby to break the Stone and is very profitable for the Back and Reins The distilled water of the Herb onely or after it hath been steeped in Wine twelve hours doth wonderfully help in the Plague Consumption Cough and all other the diseases before-mentioned as also to wash Wounds Sores therewith the same doth wonderfully help all Itches Scabs Scurf Tetters Morphew and all discolourings of the Skin as Freckles Spots and Scarrs a little Coperas being dissolved therein and bathed therewith the said Water defendeth Garments from Moths a little Allom being dissolved therein and sprinkled upon them The Leaves of the Female Speedwell or Fluellin being bruised and applyed with Barly Meale
with the Gout or Sciatica doth give a great deal of ease The green or dry Leaves boyled in Beer or put therein upon the Tunning up maketh it more wholsom and giveth thereunto a most excellent relish The decoction taken helpeth inward bruises congealed blood strengtheneth the stomack is effectuall for the Suffocation of the Muther The root taken dry or drunk in any Liquor will abate the rage of Lust in young persons The root being used green helpeth such as be Short-winded and those that are troubled with stuffings in their Stomach The Wild Angelica is not so effectuall as the Garden although it may be used for all the purposes aforesaid The root of the garden Angelica is a better substitute in Theriaca Andromachi or Venice Treacle and Mithridate then many others that have been used therein CHAP. CXIX Of Saffron The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latin Crocus and Crocum which are the Names used in the shops of Apothecaries in English Saffron The Poets say it was called Crocus from a young man of that name who pining away for the love of Smilax was turned into this Flower Ovid testifying as much in the verse following Et Crocum in parvos versum cum Smilace flores It may not unfitly be called Filius ante patrem or the Father before the Son Because it first putteth forth the Flowers and then the Leaves The Kinds There being but one kind of the true manured Saffron I shall put down five of the more Common wild sorts 1. Wild Saffron flowring early with an Ash-coloured streaked flower 2. Wild yellow Spring Saffron 3. Broad leaved Wild-Spring Saffron with a Purple flower 4. Autumne Wild Saffron with white Flowers 5. Small Wild Saffron The Form The manured true Saffron hath its Flower first rising out of the ground nakedly without any Leaves shortly after which riseth up its long small grassy Leaves seldom bearing Flower and Leaves at once the root is small round and Bulbous The Flower consisteth of six small blew Leaves tending to Purple having in the middle many small yellow strings or threds amongst which are two or three or more thick fat Chives of a fiery colour somewhat reddish of a strong smell when they be dryed but being newly gathered and but rubbed upon ones hand they will make it very yellow The Places and Times Fuchsius saith that heretofore the best Saffron grew upon the Mountaine Corycus in Cicilia and the next to that upon Olympus a Mountaine in Lycia but since the profit that ariseth from this commodity hath been discovered it hath beene planted in Germany and likewise in England in divers places but especially in Cambrigeshire about Walden which is therefore called Saffron-VValden where there be divers feilds full of it It beginneth to Flower in September and presently after the Leaves Spring up and remaine green all the Winter-long dying againe in April when it commonly putteth forth another Crop of Flowers which must be gathered assoon as it is blown or else the Chives in the middle which are the Commodity will perish so that it is allowed to be gathered on the Sabbath day by that strict Sabbatarian Mr. Greenham in his Treatise on that subject because it is conceived that God who hath made the Saffron so to Flower would not that a thing so usefull for mans health should be lost for want of gathering This information I had from my learned friend Mr. Hudson Minister of Putney the place of my abode at the writing hereof The Wild Sorts were brought some out of Italy and some out of Spaine and are growing in divers of our London Gardens they Flower for the most part in Jannuary and February but that with Flowers groweth upon certaine craggy Rocks in Portugall not far from the Sea side which hath been brought over into England also and flowreth in September The Temperature Saffron is a little astringent or binding but his hot quality doth so over rule in it that in the whole essence it is in the number of those herbes which are hot in the second degree and dry in the first therefore it hath also a certain force to concoct which is furthered by the small astriction that is in it as Galen saith The Vertues There is not a better Cordial amongst herbs then Saffron is for it doth much comfort the Heart and recreateth the Spirits and makes them cheerfull that use it and therefore it is called Cor hominis the Heart of man and when we see a man over merry we have a Proverb Dormivit in sacco Croci He hath slept in a bagge of Saffron It expells Venemous Vapors from the Heart and therefore is very usefull in the Plague Pestilence and small Pox strengthneth the stomack preservs the Entralls helpeth Concoction and naturall heat It is called by some Anima Pulmonum because it is very profitable for the Lungs and the Consumption thereof as also for the shortnesse of breath It is likewise very profitable for the Head Stomach Spleen Bladder Womb Animal Vital and Naturall Spirits and is usefull in cold diseases of the Braine and nerves and quickens the memory and senses It is good in the Pleurity openeth the stoppings of the Liver and â—all and therefore is usefull in the yellow Jaundise which it cureth by sigâ—◠〈…〉 e and against Melancholly provoketh Urine and Venus hastneth Child-birth procures a good colour to them that use it It is profitable in sits of the 〈◊〉 especially the Tincture thereof It is best for old persons that are phlegmatick and Melancholick and that in the Winter Season It is outwardly used against the Gout to ease the paine thereof being mixed with the Yolke of an Egge and Oyle of Roses and applyed A Cataplasme of Pulâ— is made of Saffron Milke and the crums of Bread being applyed mollifyeth Tumors and Aposthums it easeth sore Eyes and blood-shotten being used with red-Roses and the white of an Egge being mixed with red-Rose-water and Womans Milke it preserveth the Eyes from the small Pox and Measles and being made up in a stay and put under the Throat of one that hath the small-Pox keepeth them from the place which would otherwise be much more troublesome if the life not hazzarded It is used against Erysipelas or Wild-fire and Inflammations it helpeth deafenesse if it be mixed with Oyle of bitter-Almonds and put into the Eare warme or dip black wooll in some of it and put it into the Eares It killeth the Itch and is used in pultisses for the Matrix and Fundament to ease the paine thereof and also for old Swellings and Aches Too much of it causeth the Head-ach offendeth the Brain and Senses brings drowsinesse and hurts the sight it causeth a loathing of the stomack takes away the appetite and provokes laugh 〈…〉 Some write that if two or three drams thereof be taken it brings death it is not safe to give to Women with Child The weight of ten graines of