and applyed it easeth paines of the side the cough and shortnesse of breath and is commended against the Pleurisy but I question whether it be not too hot except in a bastard Pleurisy If it be dissolved in Vineger and the juice of Rue and applyed it helpeth Contusions and bruises and used with Oile of Rue to the back it driveth away cold paines thereof Being dissolved with Vineger of Squills and applyed it dissolveth the hardnesse of the spleene as also the Kings evill or Scrophulaes bred under the eares and neare the throat and those hard nodes that arise in the joints after the Gowt with the juice of Rue or Fennell it cleareth the sight and takes away all spots therein Dissolved with Oile and applyed it strengtheneth those members that are out of joint or the strained members and joynts It draweth forth Thornes or splinters and breaketh any Botch or Boile Being put into Glysters it easeth the Collick and a Pessary made thereof and put up bringeth downe the after-birth and the courses A fumigation thereof with the horne of a Goat is commended against the Lethargie The hurtfull quality with the corrective meanes It hurts the Liver and Stomach therefore it is corrected with the third part of Mastick Cynamon Ginger Spicknard c. It must not be given to women with Childe for it kills the birth The best way to prepare it for the diseases of the braine nerves breast joynts and cold diseases of the Wombe is to dissolve it in Wine and with Aqualangii c. to draw forth its vertue in the manner of an extract The dose The dose is from halfe a dram to a dram The compounds made of Sagapenum Pils of Sagapenum extract of Sagapenum oile thereof CHAP. 56. De Sambuco Ebulo of Elder and Wall-wort or Dane-wort THe Elder and Dane-wort being of such affinity I shall joyne hem together in this Chapter The Dane-wort is very like Elder but much lower in growth The names Elder is called in Latine Sambucus from Sambix the first finder of it Dane-wort is called Low-Elder in Latine Ebulus in English Wall-wort Dane-wort or Dwarfe-Elder The temperament They are hot and dry in the second or third degree and the Wall-wort is somewhat hotter then Elder The duration They will keep good a yeere The inward use There is in use the flowers leaves inward barke or rinde the Seeds Berries and the spongie substance They are profitable in the Dropsie joynt-Gowt Agues stopping and swellings of the spleen stone of the Kidneys affects of the Wombe and St. Anthonies fire They purge tough flegme water and thin choler chiefly from the belly and joynts They are good in the Scorbute or Scurvy and kill wormes in the stomach or belly The first shoots or young leaves of the Elder boiled in Broth or Posset-drink draweth forth strongly choler and tough flegme the tender leaves eaten with Oile and Salt do the same The inner bark boiled in water and given to drink worketh much more violently and the berries also green or dry expell the same humour and is often given with good successe to help the Dropsie by evacuating great plenty of waterish humours the bark of the root also boiled in Wine or the juice thereof drunk worketh the same effect but more effectually then either leaves or fruit do the juice of the root taken provoketh vomit mightily and purgeth the watery humours of the Dropsie The decoction of the root cureth the biting of the Adder as also of a mad Dogge and bringeth downe the courses of women The decoction of the Berries in Wine being drunk provoketh Urine The powder of the seeds first prepared in Vineger and then taken in Wine halfe a dram at a time for certaine dayes together is a meanes to abate and consume the fat flesh of a corpulent body and to keep it leane The Berries so prepared and as much with Tartar and a few Anise-seeds put to them a dram of this powder given in Wine cureth the Dropsie by purging very gently The dry flowers are often used in decoction for Glisters to expell winde and easeth the Collick for they lose their purging quality which they have being green and reteine an attenuating The flowers in Ale or Beere are very good for such as have the Dropsie being put into a bag The flowers of both provoke sweat The Vineger made of the flowers of Elder by Ma ceration and setting in the Sunne is much more used in France then any where else and is gratefull to the stomach and effectuall to quicken the appetite and helpeth to cut grosse and tough flegme in the breast The distilled water of the inner bark of the Tree or of the root is very powerfull to purge the waterie humours of the Dropsie or Tympany taking it fasting and two hours before supper The dose is two ounces in the morning and as much before supper or take foure ounces in the morning The water of the flowers also is good in the Dropsie and openeth the stoppings of the Liver Spleen and Reines it driveth away the tertian Ague and is good against melancholy and strengthneth the stomach The dose is three or foure ounces fasting The Mushromes of the Elder called Jewes-eares are much used being dryed and boiled with Ale or milke with Columbine-leaves for sore throats and with a little Pepper and Pellitory of Spain in powder to put up the Uvula or palate of the mouth when it is fallen downe The young and tender branches of Dane-wort and leaves thereof taken with Wine helpeth those that are troubled with the stone and gravell The juice of the root is a strong purger of watery humours and excellent for the Dropsie The leaves boiled in water and given to drink helpeth the dry Cough and the Quinsie The dryed Berries or Seeds beaten to powder and taken in Wine fasting worketh the same effect as the juice of the root doth The powder of the seeds taken in the decoction of Ground-pine and a little Cynamon to the quantity of a dram at a time is an approved remedy both for the Gowt joint-aches and Sciatica as also for the French disease for it easeth the paines by withdrawing the humours from the places affected and by drawing forth those humours that are fluent peccant and offensive the powder of the root worketh the same effect The root steeped in Wine all night and a draught thereof given before the fit of an Ague doth much prevaile to abate the fit or to take it quite away especially taken the second or third time if need be In a word what hath been said of Elder may be said of Dane-wort only Dane-wort is more forceable or powerfull then Elder The manner of administring them They are given in powder Boles and decoction A Powder against the Hip-gowt and joynt-gowt Take Dane-wort-seed Turbith Hermodactyles Sene Tartar of each a dram of Cynamon two drams make all into fine powder The dose is foure scruples in any convenient liquor A
poyson and is good to cure wounds The herbe root and water are in use It is much used in the pestilence and other malignant diseases as small pox measles spotted feavers and purples driving forth by sweat any contagion especially if a flux of the belly be joyned with these diseases It is usefull in Catarrhes to dry up rheumes and in the French disease It cureth the bloody flux and all other fluxes of the belly and stoppeth the spitting of blood pissing of blood vomiting and the over-flowing of womens courses The powder of the root or the decoction thereof is very available against Ruptures bruises or fals and dissolveth congealed blood and easeth the paines that happen thereupon It helpeth also the stoppings and hurts of the lungs and liver and is good against the Jaundise and cureth the tertian Ague The decoction of the root in wine being drunk hindereth abortion or miscarrying in women with childe the leaves killeth wormes in children and it is a great help to such as cannot keep their water if they put thereto some juyce of Plantain A dram of rhe root in powder taken in water wherein red hot iron or steel hath been quenched is a good remedy for such as have the running of the reines especially the body being first well purged The leaves seeds or roots are good to put in decoctions for wound-drinks In a word it is most excellent in â—he time of the plague or pestilence The distilled water of Tormentill taken in a morning fasting is lent against venome or any contagion and is a good preservative in times of infection The dose is two or three ounces The same taken morning and evening cures all inward ulcers in the body stayeth the flux of the belly especially the Dysentery or bloudy flix It doth comfort the brain heart stomach liver and spleen as also the whole body and cureth most Agues The best way to still the water is to steep the herb all night in wine and then distil it Balneo Mariae The manner of administring it It is given in Powder Electuary Potions and Decoctions A powder against the Pestilence Take Tormentil root Dyttany of each a dram Sorrel and citron-Citron-seed of each a dram and a half Ginger Cynamon Saffron white and red Sanders of each half a scruple Bole Armoniack and terra sigillata or sealed earth of each four scruples Make all into powder and give half a dram thereof or more in Carduus-water and let them sweat after it An Electuary against the Pestilence Take of Tormentil-root in powder two drams of the three kindes of Sanders in powder of each a scruple Wood-Aloes in powder half of a scruple Angelica-root in powder a dram conserve of Red Roses and of Rosemary of each two ounces and a half with syrup of Gillowflowers make an Electuary Give of it morning and evening about a dram A Potion against Infection Take of Tormentil-root in powder half a dram London-Treacle a Dram Carduus-water an ounce and a halfe mix them together and give it warm let the party sweat after it The outward use The decoction of the root is good to cleanse sores and wounds and to dry them up the root or the juice may be put into ointments for Wounds and Ulcers The root of Tormentil and Pellitory of Spain and burnt Allome of each a like quantity made up into a paste and put into a hollow tooth doth not only asswage the pain but stayeth the flux of humours which was the cause thereof The decoction thereof helpeth rotten Sores and Ulcers of the mouth or secret parts It dissolveth all Knots Kernels and Hardnesse about the Eares Throat Jawes and the Kings Evill if the leaves and roots be bruised and laid thereunto The same also easeth the pains of the Hip-gowt by restraining the sharp humours that flow thereunto The juice of the leaves and roots used with a little vineger is a speciall remedy against the running sores in the head or other parts scabs also and the itch or any such eruptions in the skin proceeding of salt and sharp humours the same is effectual for the Hemorrhoides or Piles if they be washed and bathed therewith or with the distilled water of the herb and roots It dryeth up sharp Rheumes that fall from the head to the eyes and cause rednesse pain and watering itchings or the like if a little prepared Tutia or white Amber be used with the distilled water hereof The powder of the root doth wonderfully stay the bleeding of the nose or any wound or vomiting The same mixed with Vineger Oile of Roses and a little Wax being made into a plaister and laid to the back doth prevent Abortion in Women or miscarrying If women sit over the decoction thereof it is a good help to prevent miscarrying especially if after the use thereof they make a plaister with the powder and Honey laying it to the navel and back The distilled water being injected doth much help to cure the Whites or Reds in Women The powder of the root mixed with Oil of Camomile easeth the pains of the joynts The distilled water doth cleanse Wounds Fistulaes Cankers and Sores being washed therewith and doth much help to the speedy cure of them and the water also alone doth cleer the sight and stay the flux of Rheume being washed therewith A Plaister to prevent miscarrying in Women Take of the plaister called Emplastrum contra rupturam two ounces the root of Tormentill in powder two drams Oile of Roses or Quinces half an ounce make a plaister thereof and lay it to the back warm The hurtfull quality It must not be given in very dry bodies nor to such as are much bound in their bodies The Dose The Dose in powder is from a scruple to a dram in decoction from a dram to three drams Of such things as are made thereof The distilled Water Dioscorâ—ium c. CHAP. 65. De Turpetho of Turbith TVrbith is the root of a certain plant brought us from beyond the Sea neither have any set down certainly what it is The names It is called in Latine Turpethum Turpetum Turbitum Turbith in English also Turbith quasi turbatorium because it troubleth the stomach The temperament It is hot in the third degree and dry in the second or hot and dry in the second degree The best kinde The best is that which is white within and hollow like a Cane or Reed Gummy with an ash-coloured bark or out-side smooth and not rugged easie to be broken fresh not worm-eaten and not very great or thick which is not so good The duration It will keep good three or four yeers The inward use Turbith purgeth thick viscid and flegmatick humours from the stomach veins joynts nerves and breast moreover it draweth away water in the Dropsie It is profitable in the Gowt in long continued Agues comming from grosse and tough humours and in all diseases arising of thick flegm Some say it purgeth first and primarily flegm and then somewhat
adust humours therefore it is used in the French pox Elephansie Leprosie Morphew and also in madnesse The manner of administring it It is given in decoction or in substance In decoction Take of Betony a handful Turbith three drams Citron-seed Long-Pepper of each half a dram make a decoction in a sufficient quantity of water strain it and add thereunto Honey of Roses solutive one ounce and a half make a potion Massar f. 481. In substance Take of Turbith in powder a dram and a half mix it with posset-drink wherein hath been boiled Betony Ivy anise-Anise-seed c. and give it It may be given in broth wherein hath been boiled Raisons and Figs. It will endure boiling indifferent well but especially if it be first infused it is better The externall use The powder of Turbith being mingled with honey and applyed eateth and consumeth dead flesh in ulcers and wounds and is profitable in Gangrenes The hurtfull quality with the corrective means Turbith hath three hurtfull qualities first it is slow and weak in operation so that except it be quickened with something it oftentimes draweth away thin flegme and leaves the thick behind Secondly it offends and troubleth the stomach bringing a nauseousness thereof and many times causeth vomiting according to the verse Nolo damnosum Turbith mea viscera turbet Thirdly it macerates or consumes the body and brings leannesse and Consumption It is corrected with Ginger Cynamon Anise-seed Mastick and the like Also oil of sweet Almonds is a good corrective for it especially in lean bodies it is not safe to give it to women that are with child old and weak persons or to children After the use of Turbith the eating of fish is forbidden and also you must avoid the South-winde Heurn Prax. Med. fol. 266. Tretag Auror. Med. fol. 322. Sennert Instit fol. 857. The Dose The Dose in powder is from a dram to two drams in decoction two drams to halfe an ounce The compound Medicines made of Turbith Extract of Twrbith Species Diaturbith with Rubarbe Pils of Turbith Vineger of Turbith Deo soli gloria CHAP. 66. De Agrimonia of Agrimonie The names IT is called in Latine Eupatorium from Eapator the first finder of it and Agrimonia some also call it Hepatoxium because it is a good help to the Liver In English Agrimonie and Egrimonie The Temperament It is hot and doth moderately binde and is of a temperate drinesse it cutteth and scoureth and is of subtill parts The Duration It will keep good a yeare being well dryed The inward use It openeth the stoppings of the Liver and cleanseth it it helpeth the Jaundise and strengthneth the inward parts and is good for the Bowells and healeth their inward woundings and bruises or hurts and qualifieth all inward distempers that grow therein A decoction of the herbe made with wine and drunk is good against the sting and biting of Serpents and helpeth them that have foule or troubled and Bloody Waters and is usefull in long continued Fluxes of the Liver especially in old people It is good for the Strangury and helpeth also the Collick it helpeth the Cough and clenseth the Breast It is good help to ridde a Quartaine or Tertian Ague if a draught of the Decoction be taken warme before the fit the leaves and seeds stop the the Bloody flixe being taken in wine The roots or leaves boyled in wine and drunke helpeth such as have the Palsey It is accounted a good herbe against the Spleene being stopt as also against the Pestilence and the biting of a mad Dog The distilled water helpeth the Jaundies Cough and killeth wormes if two ounces thereof be taken Morning and Evening and it is esteemed a secret experiment against the Quartaine Ague if foure ounces thereof be taken Morning and Evening for many dayes together but I rather approve of the Decoction The leaves or roots are good in the Dropsey and Green-sicknesse The manner of administring it It is chiefly given in Decoction A Decoction against the Jaundes Take of Hore-hound two handfulls Elecampane root Buglosse and Agrimony of each a dram and a halfe of Rubarbe and wood Aloes of each a dram Bruise the wood Aloes and the roots boyle them in three pints of White-wine to a quart Note that the Rubarbe must not be put in till the rest be almost boyled Take of this two ounces Morning and Evening If there be a feaver boyle it in Water The outward use It helpeth old Sores Cankers and Ulcers that are of hard Curation being stamped with old Swines grease and applyed for it cleanseth and afterwards healeth them in the same manner also applyed it draweth forth thornes or splinters of wood Nayles or such like that is gotten into the flesh and helpeth to strengthen Members that be out of joynt it helpeth also foule impostumed eares being bruised and applyed or the juyce dropped into them The leaves bruised and applyed to the biting of a mad Dog helpeth the same and the juyce mingled with Vineger taketh away warts being laid thereon The distilled water of the herbe is good for all the purposes aforesaid and to cure Ulcers and sores of the mouth and throat being gargled or washed therewith Of such Medicines as are made thereof These following are made of Agrimonie Syrup of Agrimonie Pils of Agrimonie Trosses of Agrimonie Water of Agrimonie The Dose The leaves are given in Powder from a scruple to a dram CHAP. 67. De Agno Casto of the chaste Tree The Names IT is called Castus that is chast because the Athenian matrons in their Thesmophoria did use these leaves as Sheets to lye upon thereby to preserve their chastity In Latine it is called Agnus castus and vitex also Salix Marina or Salix Amerina in English Chast tree The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree and of a very thin essence or substance sharp also and binding The Duration It will keepe good a yeare the seede will keep longer The inward use It is a singular good remedy for all such as desire to live chaste for withstandeth all filthy desires to Venery or Lust and dryeth up the seed of generation in any manner used and taken The seeds being drunke resisteth the bitings of venemous Beasts Spiders or the like and helpeth the Dropsy and those that are troubled with the Spleen it also procureth milke in womens Breasts it procureth their courses and urine stopped and helpeth the windinesse of the Stomach and Belly and is usefull in the stoppings of the Liver A dram of the seed given in Powder causeth sleepe The decoction of the herbe and seeds is good for women troubled with the paines of the Mother or inflamation thereof and is said to help an Ague if a draught thereof be taken before the fit The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction powder electuary Trosses c. An Electuary to coole and abate Lust Take conserve of Water Lillyes and conserve of mints of each one ounce
mixe them together lay it to the soles of the feet at night warme The hurtfull quality Garlick especially eaten raw maketh the eyes dim offendeth the head hurteth the stomach over liberally taken causeth thirst hurteth the Kidneys heateth and burneth the blood yeildeth no nourishment to the body and is hurtfull to Young men and to such as are hot and cholerick and in hot seasons and hurteth Women with Childe and such as give suck it is onely good for such as are cold and moist and abound with Flegmatick grosse and tough humours for old persons and in cold seasons The best way is to boyle it throughly and to eate it with Oyle Vineger or such like Of such things as are made thereoof The distilled water of Garlick The electuary of Garlick which is made thus Take of Garlick foure or five cloves bruise it well with two or three drams of Hony and as much Mithridate then adde of Parmacitty Juniper berries of each a scruple Castor two scruples Pellitory of the wall in powder a scruple with Oximell Squillitick make in Electuary and give of it Morning and Evening as much as a Nut. It is excellent in the Chollick and against winde Whether Garlick and Onions be convenient in the Pestilence Concerning Garlick and Onions there is some question whether they be convenient and profitable in the Pestilence Gallen 1. de Differ Feb. cap. 1. among foode of ill juyce and nourishment doth mention Garlick and Onions and many other Physitians doe forbid the use of them because they increase hot humours whereby a Feaver is soon bred But Galen also saith that Garlick is the Country-mans Treacle and doth commend it against the biting of a mad Dog and other venemous creatures But this may soone be decided thus If we say that Garlick and Onions are profitable and usefull not as aliment or food but as a Medicine For as it is certaine that it yeilds no good nourishment so it is as certaine that it is excellent against Venome and Poyson being used in a small quantity as before is shewed and very usefull in the Pestilence CHAP. 70. De Allumine of Allum The Names and kindes IT is called in Latine Allumen or Salfugo Terrae Antonius Musa mentions foure sorts of Allum Exam. Terrarum Fol. 459. Schroderus writes of five sorts Schroder Pharm Med. Chym. lib. 3. cap. 24. fol. 143. But we have but two sorts ordinarily among us Roch Allum and common Allum true Roch Allum is rare and hard to be got The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third or fourth degree The Duration It will keepe good many yeares The best kinde The best is that which is clearest white and pure and is brought out of Aegypt The inward use Plinie saith it is taken in Pills for the stoppings and hardnesse of the Spleene driveth away the Itch and bringeth forth corrupt blood by urine The vulgar use to make Possets of it as thus to take a pint of milke and a piece of Allum as big as a Wallnut and boyle it then take off the curd and drinke of the clearest a good draught before the fit of an Ague The outward use It is astringent or binding yet cleansing and is good in putrified Ulcers takes away proud flesh cureth the Itch and Scab cleareth the Sight and is usefull in lotions for the mouth throat or elsewhere mixed with a litle Vineger it cleanseth the Gums rotten Teeth and fastneth loose Teeth being washed therewith It stauncheth blood and used with Vineger into any place where the haire hath been plucked up it causeth that which cometh againe to be but soft and in manner of a downe With the juyce of Pomgranat it is good for the infirmities of the eares and amends the fleshinesse growing about the Nailes and helpeth Kibes Mixed with the juyce of Beets it cleanseth the Leprosie Boyled in water and used it kills Nits Lice and such venome breeding in the head and cures the Dandraffe In a Glister it is very good for the Bloody-flix Burnt Allum in Powder is chiefly used to take away spongious Flesh to dry up Ulcers and to procure a Cicatrize A Water against filthy eating Vlcers Take of Plantaine and red Rose water of each halfe a pound Alum two ounces Sugar one ounce boyle them together to the melting of the Sugar and Allum then reserve it to use A Water against the ill smell of the Armeholes and Feet Take of Allum one pound Boyle it in about a gallon of Water and wash the parts therewith Of such things as are made thereof Burnt Allum Spirit of Allum Magister of Allum c. Allum water Magistrall CHAP. 71. De Althaea of Marsh-Mallowes The Names IT is called in Latine Althaeae Bismalra because it is twice as good in effect as the other sorts are in English Marsh-Mallow Morish-Mallow and White Mallow from the colour of the leaves The Temperament It is moderately hot but dryer then the other Mallowes and of a mollifying and softning Nature the roots and seeds are more dry and of thinner parts The Duration The leaves will keep a yeare the roots longer The inward use The roots are in the most use A decoction thereof doth ease the gripings of the Belly bringeth away Gravell and the Stone easeth such as are short winded and is good in all diseases of the Brest and Lungs as Coughes hoarsenesse of the Throat and Voice Plurisy and such like The roots and seeds boyled in wine or water is usefull for them that have any Excorations or frettings in the guts or Bloudy-flix and this it doth by qualifying the sharp Cholerick humours that are cause thereof and by the Sliminesse easing the paines and healing the sorenesse and in some sort stayeth the further eruption of blood It it profitably taken of them that are troubled with Ruptures Sciatica Cramps or Convulsion of the Sinews The dryed roots boyled in milke and drunke are good for the chin-Cough The roots boyled in wine are good for such as have fallen and bruised themselves and for those that have any bone or member out of joynt and for such as have any swelling paine or Ach in the Muscles Sinewes or Arteries of the Body and cures such as are stung with Bees or the like The distilled water is good for the aforesaid purposes The syrop of Marsh-Mallow is chiefly used for the Collick Stone or Gravell in Blader or Kidneyes the Dose is a spoonfull or two in Posset drinke or with Wine in a morning The manner of Administring it Both leaves seeds and roots are used in decoction A decoction provoking urine Take of Marsh-Mallow root halfe an ounce Licorish two drams Fennell root and Parsely roote and Kneeholme of each one ounce Parsely seede and Gromell seede of each two drams Bruise them all and boyle them in a sufficient quantity of Water or Posset drinke straine it and adde Sugar to it Drinke a good draught thereof Morning and Evening warme The outward use The leaves or
corruption of the ayre They are best fasting or when the stomach is empty Toasted Figs are good for women to facillitate or hasten the birth The manner of Administring them They are eaten as they come to us or toasted and so eaten but chiefly they are used in Dâ—coctions The outward use F gs bruised and applyed with Barly-meale and the powder of Fenâ—ugreeke seede doâ— moâ—lifie the hard tumours and kernells under the Throat and Eares and elsewhere as also the hardnesse of the Mother and if some Leaven and Salt be put to them it breaketh Plague sores They are mâ—xed also with Copperas against old sores of the Leggs and all other foule running Ulcers being boyled in wine with Wormewood and then applyed wâ—th Barly-meale are very profitably applyed to the belly of those that have a Dropsie and beaten with Salt and applyed taketh away the Itch and Scab and the Ashes also made up into a salve and applyed healeth K bes and Chilblanes Fâ—gs bruâ—sed and mixed with Fennegreeke Vineger easeth the hot Gout of the feet A Figgesâ—t and toasted doth often times ease the tooth ach being appâ—yed The hurtfull quality They ingender crude and windy humours in the body and soone corrupt in the Stomach whereby they cause the Itch Scab and breed Lice also They hurt such as have the Chollick and windy diseases and that have hot Livers and chollerick Stomachs they are best for old Flegmatick persons and in cold and moist seasons CHAP. 105. De Foeniculo of Fennell The Names IT is called in Latine Foeniculum in English Fennell The Temperament The seed is hot and dry in the third degree the herbe not so hot The Duration The seeds will keep good a yeare or two the herbe is rarely dryed but used greene The inward use It breaketh winde provoketh Urine easeth the paines of the Stone and helpeth to break it the leaves or seeds boyled in Barly-water and drunke is good for Nurses to encrease their milke and to make it the more wholsome for their children to take the leaves boyled in water but especially the seedes stayeth the Hicket and taketh away the loathing of the Stomach a layeth the heat thereof The seed boyled in wine is good for them that are bitten by Serpents or have eaten poysonfull herbs or Mushromes the seed roots help to open the stoppings of the Liver Spleene and Gall and thereby much conduceth to all the diseases arising from them as the painefull and windy swelling of the Spleens and the yellow Jaundes as also the Gout and Cramps the seede is of good use in pectorall medicines and those that helpe the shortnesse of breath and wheesing by stoppings of the Lungs it helpeth also to bring downe the courses and to cleanse the parts after delivery the roots are in most use for drinkes and broths that are taken to cleanse the blood to open stoppings of the Liver and to provoke urine and to amend the evill colour in the face after long sicknesse Both leaves seeds or roots are much used in drinkes or broths for those that are growne fat to abate the same and to make them more gaunt and lank the distilled water of the whole herbe is good for the same purposes The seed taken in powder doth quicken the eye sight and are often used to correct purging Medicines The manner of Administring it It is chiefly given in decoction but the seeds may be taken in powder The outward use It is chiefly used outwardly to cleare the sight as the juyce or water being dropped into the eyes to cleare them and to help their dimnesse See my help for the Poore in Pag. 41. and 43. The hurtfull quality It is bad for hot and dry bodies The Dosâ— The seede in powder is taken in broth or the like from one scruple to two scruples Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water A Chymmicall Oyle Salt of Fennell fennell-Fennell-seed Comfits CHAP. 106. De Faenugraeco of Fenugreeke The Names IT is called in Latine Foenum gracum and Foenugraecum in English Fenugreeke and Fenegreeke The temperament It is hot in the second degree and dry in the first The duration It will keepe good many years The outward use The powder of the seede taken with Hony driveth forth noysome humours out of the body mollifieth inward Impostumes and Ulcers of the Lungs and breast easeth the griping paines of the intralls and killeth Wormes The manner of administring it It may be given in powder or in Decoction but it is not usuall to take it inwardly yet many give it in powder with Otes to Horses for it doth fatten them and killeth Wormes in their Maw The inward Vse The meale or powder thereof heated with Vineger and applied to the Region of the Spleene doth mollify and wast the hardnesse thereof as also other hard tumours and swellings the Decoction thereof softneth likewise the hardnesse of the Mother and easeth the paines thereof if they sit therein as in a Bath or receive the hot fumes by sitting over it the Decoction thereof clenseth the head from scurfe dandruffe and the running sores thereof it helpeth the Disease called Tenasmus that is an often desire to the stoole without doing any thing as also the Bloudy Flux when the excrements smell strong A Pultis made with the meale thereof and Linseede and the Decoction of Mallowes and a little Oyl or Hogs grease put thereto asswageth the swelling and paines of the Cods or privy-parts of Women and generally all other swellings and tumours the same also helpeth the Gout and other joynt-Aches that come of cold the Decoction or muccilage applied to the forehead with clothes dipped therein stayeth the Flux of humours to the Eyes and easeth the paines in them used also in Clysters it is good in the Stone by opening and mollifying the inward parts A Pultis for the swelling behinde the Eares Take of the muccilage of Fenugreeke ten Ounces Cerusse in powder two Ounces Camphor halfe an Ounce make all into a Pultis and apply it The hurtfull quality Fenugreek taken inwardly doth overturne and breed a loathing in some stomacks especially if they be weake therefore onely to be used in strong bodies Of such Medicines as are made thereof Syrup of Fenugreek Muccilage of Fenugreeke CHAP. 147. De Fragaria of Strawberries The Names THe P an t is called in Latine Fragaria and the berries Fragra from the Fragrancy of the smell and taste in English Strawberries The temperament The Leaves are cold in the first degree some say hot and drying in the second the root is more drying and binding the Berries while they are greene are cold and dry but being ripe they are cold and moâ—st The inward use The Berries are good to coole the Liver the bloud and Spleene or an hot chollerick stomack to refresh and comfort the fainting spirits and to quench thirst they are good also for other inflammations The leaves and roots boyled in Wine and Water and drunke do
thereof being burnt maketh the Teeth white being rubbled therewith It is of excellent use to kill the Itch Scab Morphew or any foule Diseases of the Skinne if it bee mixed with Fullers Earth and Vineger and the Skin anoynted therewith A Lotion for Tetters or Ringwormes Take of Nitre three Drams of common Salt a Dram of the distilled water of Dockes foure Ounces Vineger of Squills one Ounce dissolve and mixe them together moisten a Cloath or Sponge therein being warme and rub the places affected Or against the Itch dissolve Niter and Alume with distilled Vineger or with Water of Scabions and therewith wash and rub the places affected The hurtfull quality Where the Body is loose it must not bee given in any great quantity The Dose The Dose is from a Dram to a Dram and an half Medicines made thereof Spirit of Nitre Tincture of Nitre c. CHAP. 132. De Nuce Moscata Maci. Of Nutmeg and Mace The names and temperament THe Nutmeg is called in Latine Nux moschata and Nux myristica in English Nutmeg The Mace is called in Latine Macis in English Mace They are hot and dry in the second degree and somewhat astringent The best kinde The best Nutmegs are the heaviest fastest and such as are fullest of juyce which being pricked with a pin or needle yeeldeth an oyly juyce The largest Mace is the best The Duration They will keepe good many yeares The inward Vse The Nutmegs are used in all cold Diseases of the Head for Palsies shrinking of Sinewes and the Diseases of the Mother they stay the Laske cause a sweete breath expell winde in the stomack or belly helpe to quicken the sight stay vomiting comfort the spirits and strengthen the stomack They are profitable for the Liver and Spleen cause such as are leane to grow fat help venery and increase sperme they helpe to procure sleepe being applied to the Temples Being mixed with Venice Terpintine washed and taken it helpeth the running of the Reines They provoke Urine say some The Nutmeg being greene is preserved in the Indies and brought over the which is not so hot and dry as our dry Nutmegs and therefore very comfortable for the Head and Stomack eaten Morning and Evening or after meales Mace hath the same property but somewhat more warming and comforting and is good against Vomiting Fluxes and Spitting of bloud The chymicall Oyle of either is excellent for the cold Diseases of the Head and Stomack but must be cautelously and sparingly used The manner of Administring them They are given in powder Electuary c. The outward Vse They are used outwardly to stop fluxes to stay vomiting and to make the breath sweet The thick Oyle that is drawn both from Mace and Nutmegs are good for the Cough vomiting to warme a cold stomack and to dry up Rheume and cold raw humours therein A Cap or Quilt against the paine of the Head arising from superfluous moisture Take Galingall Calamus Odoratus and Cyperus Root of each three Drams Nutmeg and Cloves of each two Drams Betony and Marjerome of each an Ounce Rosemary-Flowers and Stoechados of each half an Ounce Powder them and make a Cap. The hurtfull quality They are hurtfull to hot and dry Bodies and to melancholy persons The Dose The Dose is from a Scruple to two Scruples Of those Medicines that are made thereof Oyle chymicall and oyle by expression of either Salt of Nutmegs Balsome of Nutmegs and Mace Nimphaea see the 69. Chapter CHAP. 133. De Ocimo of Bassill The names and temperament IT is called in Latine Ocimum and Basilicum in English Basill and Bassill It is hot in the second degree The Duration It will keepe good a yeare The inward use It is good for those that are short winded provoketh Urine and the Termes in Women and brings a speedy deliverance to them in travile The seeds are used to helpe the trembling of the Heart and to comfort the same as also to expell melancholy or sadnesse A Decoction of the herbe made and taken is good against poyson and the sting of Scorpions and helpfull for those that are given to swownings and it provokes venery or lust The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction or in powder The outward Vse Used with Oyle of Roses or Mirtles and Vineger it is good against the paines of the Head and it is pofitably applied to those that are troubled with the Lethargy the Jandise and Dropsey It is good to be put into the Eares of young Children with a little Goose-Grease to helpe them of paines thereof the juyce or seede bruised put into the Nostrills procureth neesing Mixed with Honey and used it taketh away the spots in the Face The juyce put into the Eyes taketh away the dimnesse thereof and drieth up humours that fall into them Hollerius relates of a certaine Italian that by often smelling to Basil had a Scorpion bred in his Braine who after vehement and long paines Died thereof Hollerius Lib. 1. Cap. 1. Fol. 3. The hurtfull quality It dulleth the sight troubleth a weake braine and causetth headache The Dose It is given from a Scruple to thirty or forty graines Medicines made thereof The distilled Water CHAP. 134. De Nymphaea of Water Lilly The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Nymphaea and Nenuphar in English Water-Lilly The Leaves and Flowers are cold and moist but the root and seed cold and dry The duration The dryed Flowers will keepe a yeare The inward use The Flowers boyled and taken coole inflammations and all inward heats of Agues The Seedes and Rootes are effectuall to stay Fluxes of Bloud and Seede both in Man and Woman as also the running of the Reines and the involuntary passage of Sperme in sleepe and is so powerfull that the frequent use thereof extinguisheth lustfull or venerious actions the Roote likewise is very good for those whose Urine is hot and sharpe to be boyled in Wine or Water and the Decoction drunke The Syrupe of VVater Lilly or Conserve helpeth much to procure rest and to settle the Braines of Franticke Persons for it wonderfully helpeth the distemperature of the Head arising from heate The distilled VVater of the flowers is effectuall for the Diseases aforesaid The manner of Administring it It is used in Decoction The outward Vse The Leaves and Flowers are used in Lotions and Bathes against Heate and Inflammations as in the Frensey and Feavers The greene Leaves bruised and applied to the Back helpeth the running of the Reines The Distilled VVater used taketh away Freckles Spots Sunne-burning and Morphew from the Skin in the Face or any other part of the Body The Oyle made of the flowers as oyle of Roses is made doth coole hot tumours and the inflamations of Ulcers and wounds ease the paines and help to heale the sores Of Medicines made thereof The distilled water Syrupe both simple and compound Conserve Oyle and oyntment CHAP. 135. De Olibano of Olibanum The Names
Strangurie and that disease when one doth oft desire to goe to stoole but can doe nothing The said meale mixed with Hony and taken helpeth those that relish not their meate and are ready to fall into a Consumption The manner of Administring it It is given chiefly in powder with Hony or any Conserve The outward use The Meale hereof mixed with Hony clenseth foule Ulcers and take away the spots freckles and other discolourings of the face or other parts of the body it suffereth no Cankers Gangreens or spreading eating sores to breed in the body it mollifieth the hardnesse of the breasts The decoction thereof helpeth the Itch and Kibes being bathed therewith and made into a Plaster with wine it will break Carbunkles if it be laid thereon The hurtfull quality If too much thereof be taken it causeth head-ach and pains in the belly and causeth bloody urines The Dose The Dose is from a scruple to two scruples Medicines made thereof The Meale of Orobus CHAP. 139. De Passulis of Raisons The Names and temperament THey are called in Latine Passulae Vvae passae in English Raisons and Raisins They are hot in the first degree and moist in the second The best kinde The best are those we call Raisons of the sun The duration They will keep good a yeer The inward use They are much used in decoctions and drinks to help coughs hoarsness of the throat shortnesse of winde toughnesse of flegme causing it to be more easily spit out and do lenifâ—e sharp and nauseous humours that offend the mouth of the stomach they open the stoppings of the liver spleen and bladder and taken by themselves they nourish much by reason of their thick sweet and temperate substance whereby also they stay not long nor putrefie in the stomach The manner of administring them They are used only in decoction The outward use Being bruised and applied the stones taken out with Rue in manner of a Poultis it helpeth Warts Carbuncles Corns in the feet the Gangrene and the Gowt They take away loose nails being applyed Being mixed with a little Cummin-seed in powder and Oile of white Lilies it asswageth the swelling of the Cods The hurtfull quality Hot and cholerick persons must not eat too largely of them lest for their sweet meat they have soure sawce Medicines made thereof Lohoch de Passulis Mel passulatum CHAP. 140. De Poeonia of Piony The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Poeonia and Pionia from Poeon that famous Physician in English Piony or Peony It is hot and dry in the second degree and of thin parts The duration The root or seeds will keep good a yeer or two The inward use Peony procureth Womens courses if it be taken in honeyed Wine and it is good to open the stoppings of the Liver and Kidneys helpeth the Jaundise and Stone the root also made into powder and taken helpeth the Falling Sicknesse the body being first well purged and prepared it is effectuall for Women that are not sufficiently cleansed after childe-birth and for such as are troubled with the Mother for which likewise the black seeds being beaten to powder is given in Wine the red seeds being taken for Fluxes especially if they be boiled in red Wine and the same drunk the black also taken before bed-time and in the morning also is very effectuall for the Night-mare it is also good for melancholy dreames and restoreth speech to those that have lost it if thirty grains husked be made into powder and given in Wine It is good against the bitings of Serpents and helpeth Convulsions in children The root of the male is to be chosen and to be taken before and after a full Moon The distilled Water and Syrup are used for the same Diseases The manner of administring it It is given in powder or in decoction The outward use It is usually hung about the neck of children or others against the Falling Sicknesse either the root green or the seeds A Cap or Quilt against the Falling Sicknesse Take Orris Cypresse and Peony-root of each two drams Peony-seed and the skull of a dead man of each a dram Mace and Nutmeg of each a scruple of Camomile-flowers as much Powder them all make a cap and let it be worn continually The Dose The root is given from half a scruple to a scruple and a halfe and seeds from ten grains to thirty Of Medicines made thereof The distilled water of the flowers Syrup both simple and compound Extract of Peony conserve of Piony Salt Oile CHAP. 141. De Pentaphyllo of Cinquefoile The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Pentaphyllum and Quinquefolium from the number of leaves being five in English Cinquefoile Cinquefield and five-finger-grasse or five-leaved grasse It is moderately hot but dry in the third degree The duration It may be kept a yeer The inward use It is used in diseases proceeding from Rheume in the Palsey consumption of the lungs joynt-gowt and to correct the moistnesse of the Wombe against spitting of bloud or any flux of bloud bleeding of the Piles or bleeding at the Nose and any loosenesse of the body It is profitable in the cough jaundise stoppings of the liver spleen where sharp choler doth abound It is good against venome and poyson in all inflammations and Feavers whether infectious or not to cool and temper the bloud and humours in the body the juice hereof drunk about four ounces at a time for certain dayes together cureth the Quinsie and yellow Jaundise and to be taken for thirty dayes together cureth the Falling Sicknesse and all Fluxes the roots boiled in milk and drunk is held most effectuall of any other remedy and is good also against ruptures and bruises or falls the juice or the decoction is good to help the hoarsness of the throat taken with a little Honey A decoction of the root or leaves in Mead or honeyed water being taken before divers fits cureth the quartane Ague The manner of administring it It is given in powder or decoction The outward use It is used in lotions gargles and injections for sore mouthes ulcers cankers sistulaes and other corrupt and foule or running sores the roots boiled in vineger and the decoction held in the mouth easeth the tooth-ach The root boiled in vineger helpeth all Knots Kernels hard Swellings and lumps growing in the flesh in any part applyed thereunto as also all inflammations and Saint Anthonies fire all Impostumes and painfull sores with heat and putrefaction the Shingles also and all other sores of running and foul Scabs Sores and Itches the same also boiled in Wine and applyed helpeth any joynts full of pain and ach the Gowt of the hands or feet as also the Sciatica The juice dropped into the eies helpeth the inflammation thereof The root or leaves applyed to the Nose stoppeth the bleeding thereof as also of any Wound that bleedeth A Water to kill an Itch. Take Cinquefoile and Plantain of each half a
were cured with the Gods meâ—t yea rather with the Devils said the Portugall but softly and in his owne language for fear of being over-heard The outward use If it be mingled with Rue Salniter and Honey it breaketh Carbuncles and Pestilentiall sores being thereto applied and in the same manner used it helpeth Cornes and draweth them forth Being applied with Garlicke and the white of an egge it helps Felons and white flaes of the fingers It clears the fight and helpeth suffusions or spots in the eyes being mixed with Honey and dropped in It cures the stinging of venomous Beasts being applied and the swelling of the Spleen being laid on as a Plaister A perfume thereof is good for the rising of the Mother also a fume thereof and of Goats horne prevents or much mitigates the fit of the Falling-Sicknesse if the party hold his head over it when he feels the fit come upon him It helpeth the Tooth-ach being put into a hollow tooth Plinie lib. 22. cap. 23. forbiddeth it thus to be used and saith he knew one that tried it in the same manner threw himselfe headlong from an high loft and brake his neck but surely this was by accident the party having a cachecticall or plethorick body and so it stirred up the humours The hurtfull quality Give it not to women with Child nor to such as have very hot and dry bodies These things following are made of Assa Fetida 1. Pills of Assa Fetida 2. Extract of Assa Fetida The Dose The Dose is from halfe a scruple to a dram CHAP. VIII De Asaro Of Asarabacca ASarum or Asarabacca is an hearb that hath a round leafe like Ivy but more round and tenderer the roots are many small and slender of a sweet and pleasing smell and a little biting the tongue It growes in many Gardens The Names It is called in Latine Asarum in English Asarabacca Asarobacca and Folefoot The temperament Asarum is hot and dry in the second degree or as some in the third degree The roots are hotter then the leaves The duration The roots will keep a year or two The leaves are best green which may be had almost all the year The inward use Asarum purgeth strongly by vomit and sometimes by stoole It draweth away thick Flegme and Choller both yellow and cruginous or green It is profitable for them that have the Dropsie Jaundise and that have Tertian and Quartaine Agues as also the Green-sicknesse Paine of the head arising of vapours from the Stomach It provokes sweat the Courses in Women and Urine therefore it is good in the Strangury and stopping of the Urine and also in the Hip-Gout and in Asthmatick persons or such as are short-winded It helpeth stoppings of the Liver Gall and Spleen The roots are effectuall against the biting of Serpents and therefore is put with other simples both into Mithridate and Treacle of Andromachus saith Mr Parkinson in his Herball but I find it only put into Mithridate It helpeth Chronicall or long continued Agues upon a double ground First Because it purgeth away thick Flegme and Choller of all sorts from the Stomach and parts adjacent as also whatsoever is of long continuance in the viscerous parts which is the cause of these Diuturnall or long-continued Agues now by vomit the humours aforesaid are taken away Secondly Because it provoketh sweat and so expelleth obnoxious humous from those parts by the ports of the skin The manner of administring it The leaves and roots are given by infusion decoction and in substance The green leaves are most effectuall to provoke one to vomit the roots more effectuall to purge by siege by Urine and to provoke sweat Neither the leaves nor roots will abide any long boyling for thereby the chiefest strength thereof vanisheth and is lost If you give it in fine powder it doth provoke vomit and Urine If you give it in course powder it purgeth downwards Before the fit of an Ague Take of the roots of Asarum or Asarabacca in powder a dram of white-wine four ounces mingle them together and give it before the fit commeth This taketh away the shaking fit and causeth the hot fit to be more remisse or gentle Or thus Take of Asarabacca-root a dram of Radish-root one ounce of Orach-seed halfe an ounce boyle them in Hydromel or water and honey straine it and give six ounces thereof as before Or Take of root of Asarabacca in powder Broome-flowers broome-Broome-seeds of each halfe a dram in powder give it in Barly-water Against the Green-sicknesse Dropsie Jaundise c. Take of the green leaves of Asarabacca five six or seaven bruise them and steep them in Hydromel or Posset-drink all night in the morning straine it and give the clearest when it works take Posset-drink and keep your selfe warm To provoke the termes or courses in Women Take Myrrhe Cinamon of each a dram Savin halfe a dram Smalladge-seed and Parsly-seed Spiknard Asarum Squinanth or sweet Rush of each a scruple make all into powder and give hereof a dram in the juice of Sea-Holly or in the juice of Rue Freitag â—ur med fol. 325. Against the Quartaine Ague and Agues of long continuance Take of the distilled water of Asarabacca three or four ounces give it in a morning fasting or before the fit commeth This may be given divers times if need be The externall use The leaves bruised and applied outwardly cure creeping and cancerous Vlcers as also the swelling thereof and hinder their growth and increase They cleanse Wounds and sores If the head be washed with a lie made thereof it strengthneth the braine being molested with cold and quickneth the memory The juice and the water thereof with Pompholigos helpeth the dimnesse of the sight The leaves bruised and applied to the forehead and temples doe ease the pain thereof comming of cold There is an Oyle made thereof with which if the ridge of the back be nointed it provoketh sweat and taketh away the shaking fits of Agues The leaves also bruised and applied to Womens Breasts are good to dry up the milk and is good to be laid to the Disease called the Wilde fire especially at the beginning The hurtfull Quality It is not safe to give it to weak and tender bodies nor to Women with Child for though Fernelius saith in his Method medend l. 5. 117. it be free from any malignant quality and therfore may safely be given to women with Child especially if it be not given in fine powder yet Theodor. Dorstenius Botanic fol. 14. saith that both the decoction and water thereof driveth forth the Child living or dead and therefore may not safely be given to Women great with Child Of such things as are made of Asarabacca These following are made of Asarum 1. Diasarum Fernelij 2. Extract of Asarum or Coagulum Asari 3. Distilled Water of Asarum both of the leaves and roots 4. Oyle of Asarum The Dose The Dose in substance is from halfe a dram to two scruples or
halfe a pint of Posset-drink till about halfe be consumed strain it and give the clearest in a morning against the Diseases forementioned The outward Vse Being used in Fumigations it dryeth up Rheumes and stayeth Womens Fluxes or the bleeding of Wounds the fibres or fungous substance of the root doth wonderfully stop the bleeding of Wounds or bleeding of the Nose A decoction thereof helpeth sore mouths and inflamations of the Almonds and Throat if they be washed therewith the decoction of the roots in water whereunto some Pomegranet pills or flowers are added serveth for an injection into the matrice as well to stay the accesse or flowing of humours and to cure Vlcers thereof as also to bring it to the place being fallen downe and to help stay the abundance of their courses The water distilled from both leaves and roots is a good remedy to wash any place bitten or stung by any venomous creature and is very good to wash any running sores or Vlcers as also Cancers in the Nose and Polypus which is a Disease in the Nose if the powder of the root be applied afterwards A decoction of the root fastneth the loose teeth and helpeth the sorenesse of the Gums being washed therewith The powder of the root strewed upon any cut or bleeding Wound stayeth the bleeding thereof The powder mixed with a little Oyle of Roses and Wax helpeth the running of the Reins if the back be noynted therewith An Oyntment to hinder Abortion or miscarrying of Women Take Oyle of Roses Oyle of Quinces of each three ounces Cerusse washed in rose-Rose-water halfe an ounce Bistort root and red Corall of each two drams barbery-Barbery-seeds a dram of white Wax a sufficient quantity powder those things that are to be powdered and make hereof an Oyntment with which annoynt the back warm morning and evening laying a warm cloth thereon Rondelet meth cur morb cap. 63. fol. 168. Against the Tooth-ach Take Bistort root in powder Pellitory of Spaine burnt Allum in powder of each two drams make it into a paist with Honey Put a little piece thereof into a hollow Tooth or between the Teeth and it will ease the paine thereof and draw away much offensive matter from the head and parts adjacent The Dose The Dose in powder is from a scruple to a dram in decoction from a dram to two drams or three drams Of such things as are made of Bistort 1. The distilled water thereof 2. Diascordium 3. Emplastrum Coe saris 4. Emp. Hystericum Nic. CHAP. XI De Bryonia alba Of White Brionie WHite Brionie is somewhat like unto the common Vine in his leaves and branches but something rougher and whiter The root is sometimes very great long and bitter The Names In Latine Vitis alba Bryonia and Bryonia alba in English Brionie and Tetterberries The Temperament Briony is hot in the second degree and dry in the third The Duration The Root will keep good a year or more if it be gathered in a dry season and carefully dryed The inward use The root of White Briony purgeth strongly Choller Flegme and Water from the Brain Nerves Womb and Joynts it openeth obstructions or stoppings of the Liver Spleen and Womb therefore it avails much in Hystericall fits or fits of the Mother in the Falling Sicknesse Palsie Apoplexie and Vertigo or swimming of the head as also in the Gout or Shortnesse of breath It provokes the courses in Women and cleanseth the Womb provokes Urine and is excellent in the Dropsie for it draweth away water abundantly both by vomit and stoole It dissolveth congealed blood in the body by reason of falls or bruises The root is good against the biting of Vipers or Adders and killeth Worms in the body It is good in the Kings Evill the juice being taken with equall parts of Wine and Honey The foecula or dregs thereof are used for the aforesaid Diseases you may give five or ten grains of it The manner of administring it The root of White Brionie is given in powder in juice in decoction in syrupe and in electuary though every way not pleasing to the palate An Electuary of white Brionie purging the body Take of White Brionie root four ounces Turbith three ounces Agaricke cut in thin slices one ounce Ginger in powder Mastich Lonage seed bruised of each three drams macerate or steep them three dayes in two pints of Aquavitae then boyle them to the consumption of one pint straine it to which add clarified Honey the pulp of Prunes of each a pound Sugar a pound and a halfe Boyle them to the thicknesse of Honey then being cold let these things following be put in Gum Gutta in powder one ounce Diagredium six drams Anni-seed Fennell-seed in powder of each two drams Cloves in powder halfe an ounce mix them well together and make an Electuary The Dose is from halfe an ounce to six drams in white Wine or Posset drink This Electuary is excellent in the Dropsie and Gout Syrupe of Brionie simple Take of the juice of White Brionie-root in May a pound of pure Honey clarified two pound boyle them gently to the thicknesse of a syrupe by often scumming it The Compound Syrupe of Brionie Take of the juice of White Brionie-root five ounces Vineger of Squills a pound of the decoction made with Origanum dry Hyssope Lonage Seseleos Cardamomes Stoechados halfe a pound of good Honey two pound boyle them gently to the thicknesse of a syrupe Freitag aur med fol. 355 356. Both these foregoing syrupes are good in the Falling-Sicknesse Swimming of the Head and for Shortnesse of breath An Electuary for an old Cough and shortnesse of breath Take of White Brionie root in powder a dram of clarified Honey three ounces of the Lohoch or Electuary of Fox-Lungs halfe an ounce Spirit of Sulpher eight drops make all into an Electuary Take of it chiefly in the morning and evening as much as a small Nutmeg Against the Pestilence Take of White Brionie-root in powder a dram Diagredium one graine take it in the juice of Celandine and let the party sweat upon it Theod. Dorsten Botanic fol. 52. For such as have broken a Bone Take of the juice of White Brionie-root two drams or three drams of Comfry-water three ounces mingle them together and give it Continue it for a weeks space if need require The externall Vse A decoction of the root or the juice thereof taketh away Freckles or Sun-burning and all kind of Spots and Scarres So doth the Oyle wherein the roots of Brionie hath been boyled It dissolveth black Bloud and blew Marks by reason of bruises or falls and dissolveth new swellings It bringeth to maturity and breaks old Imposthumes It draweth forth splinters and broken bones and helpeth filthy Ulcers and white Flaes that grow up about the roots of the Nailes The leaves fruit and roots doe cleanse old and filthy sores and are good against fretting and running Cankers Gangrenes and Tetters therefore the beâ—ries are usually called by the
in powder stirring them well together till it become a fit masse for pils The Dose is from ten grains to fifteen Freitag Aur. Med. f. 337. The external use A decoction of Coloquintida made with Veniger easeth the paine of the Teeth if they be washed therewith The powder thereof with Honey applyed to the Navill killeth wormes Being infused in Vineger it cureth the Morphew Leprosie Elephansie dry scurfe and scabs if the places be often rubbed therewith A bath made of Coloquintida and the feet and other parts fomented therewith bringeth downe the Courses in Women The juyce boyled with Hogs-greese and applyed to the hip easeth the Sciatica An oyle made of Coloquintida and dropped into the ear take's away the noyse and singing thereof and is good against baldnes and falling of the hair Coloquintida is used in Glisters and Suppositories A Glister Take of the Pulpe of Coloquintida two drams Camomel flowers a handfull Anniseed Cuminseed of each halfe an ounce Make a decoction in fair water straine it and in a pint of the decoction desolve honey of Roses oyl of Camomel of each three or four ounces and make a Glister A Suppository Take of Coloquintida in powder a scruple species Hiera simplex halfe a dram Salgem halfe a scruple with a sufficient quantity of Honey make a Suppository A Ball made of Coloquintida which purgeth onely by smelling to it Take of Colocynthis and Esula or pine spurge in powder Aloes and Myrrhe in powder of each a dram with the juice of Coriander make two bals to hold in each hand one and being warmed therewith smell often to them The hurtfull quality with the correcting means Coloquintida hurts the heart liver and stomach by its strong operation it opens the mouthes of the veines whereby many times after the taking of it blood is voided both upward and downeward It also excoriats the bowels and passages of the Urine and bringeth great gripings and tearing pains Therefore it must not be given to women with child for being but applyed to the wombe it killeth the child nor to children aged persons or such as are weake neither to any that have the Plurisie Hectich Feaver or any inflamation It is not safe to give it alone but being well corrected it may be given to strong and rustick bodies It is corrected with Hepaticall Cardiacall Stomachicall and other gentle means as Tragacanth oyle of sweet Almonds Ginger or Mastich Some adde Bdellium and other astringent things But surely those things that binde make the operation of the Medicine afterwards more strong for though the binding faculty of such things may hinder the operation for a time yet it will at length bring forth and worke more violently Sagapenum is counted a good corrector of Coloquintida because of it's clammy faculty whereby it preserves the bowels from gripings The Dose The Dose in powder is from five graines to ten or fifteen These things following are made of Coloquintida First Pils of Coloquintida 2 Pilulae Alhandal 3 Extract of Coloquintida 4 Trosses of Alhandal 5 Chimicall oyle of Coloquintida 6 Oyle by infusion of Coloquintida 7 Wine and Vineger of Coloquintida CHAP. XVIII De Corallio Rubro Of red Coral REd Coral is a hard stony substance growing on the Rocks in the Sea The Names Coral is called in Latine Corallium Coralium and Coralium this Corallium rubrum in English Red Coral The temperament Red Coral is cold and dry in the second degree The best kinde The best is that which is smooth clear and red for the redder it is the better it is The Duration It will keep good ten or twenty years The inward Vse Red Coral doth dry cool and bind it strengthneth the heart stomach and liver purifieth the blood and is therefore very usefull in the Pestilence against venome and all pestilent Feavers and malignant diseases it cheares the heart and is good against Melancholy helpeth such as spit blood or that bleed at the mouth or the nose as also stoppeth the Fluxe of blood in man or woman and being taken in wine or other liquor frequâ—ntly it taketh away the hardnesse and stopping of the Spleen it stayeth the Gonorrhaea or running of the reins in men and the whites in women helpeth conception by its binding faculty and is good for the stopping of of the Urine and paines of the Stone in the bladder if the powder when it is burnt be taken in Whitewine or Posset drinke the powder taken in Wine oâ— distilled Water brings rest to such as have an Ague and is good for such as have Cramps It is much commended in the falling sicknesse or to prevent it if a Childe so soon as it is borne take ten graines thereof in black-Cherry-water or in the Mothers miâ—ke Some affirme that it causeth an easie delivery of the birth which fit doe it is by a specifick vertue for experience doth manifest it to be of a binding nature The Chymicall oyle of Coral is commended against the Falling-sicknesse in children and others as also in all Fluxes of the belly and spitting of blood The manner of administring it It is given in Electuary powder c. An Electuary against the Flux of the belly Take of red Coral in powder three drams of Marmeâ—â—â—de of Quinces two ounces and a halfe species Diamargariton frigidum two drams with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Quinces make an Electuary take of it a little before meat An Electuary against vomiting of blood by reason of a bruise or fall Take of red Coral in powder a dram conserve of red Roses conserve of Comfry of each one ounce Bâ—le Armoniack washed in Rose water and in powder Blood stone in powder of each a dram Acacia Myrtle-Berries of each a dram Suger Pellets halfe an ounce with an ounce of Suger dissolved in rose-Rose-water make an Electuary The Dose is three drams or halfe an ounce with red Wine in the morning and before meat A Powder against Ruptures Take of Myrtle-berries Cinamon and Nutmeg of each two drams of Knot-grasse dry halfe an ounce seeds of Plantaine and Purslaine of each three drams and the seeds of Garden Cresses a dram of red Corall a dram and a halfe make all into powder adding so much Sugar as will make it sweet The Dose is from halfe a dram to a dram in red Wine every morning or second morning for a Months space if need require A Powder against the Fluxe of the belly Take of red Coral a scruple roots of Tormentil two scruples Mirrhe a scruple Gum Tragacanth a dram Plantaine-seeds halfe a dram Dragons blood a dram trosses of Spodium a dram Bole Armoniack and Harts-horne burnt of each a dram make them into powder The Dose is a dram in Plantaine-water The outward Vse It helpeth sore Gums and Ulcers in the mouth and healeth up soul hollow Ulcers in other parts and filleth with flesh and is used in medicines for the eyes to stay the Flux of Rheume and takes away the heat and rednesse thereof
three grains make an infusion in water or white wine according to art of which being streined give three ounces In substance Take of black hellebore-Hellebore-root prepared and in powder give it in Oxymel Or Take a dram of black hellebore-Hellebore-root of anise-Anise-seed Fennell-seed Cynamon Mastick of each ten graine make them into powder and give it in broth The externall use It is outwardly used against the Leprosie Morphew Scab Itch Warts and Pushes of the skin being boyled with vineger and bathed therewith The powder put into Fistulaes or hollow Ulcers doth soon heal them and if there be callons or hard flesh grown in the Fistula the root left in it for two or three dayes will consume it quite and put into a wound where dead or spongious flesh is it consumes it and preserves the flesh from putrefaction A decoction thereof helpeth the tooth-ach and the sores of the mouth being gargled and being put into the eares it helpeth the noyse thereof A Pessary made of the root and put up prevailes wonderfully to bring down the termes or courses in women A Cataplasme or Poultis made of the root with Barley-meale and wine is good to be applyed to the bellies of such as have the Dropsy In time of the Pestilence it is usefully applyed to or in any sores either in the groine or under the arme or an issue made and a piece of the root put in to keep it open doth much avail to draw sorth corrupt humours out of the body The root is in use to rowell cattel withall and to help them of the cough Being put upon the swollen Hemorrhoides it cleanseth them Against the Gowt Boyle the herbe or root in salt water and bath with it also lay the herb or root boyled to the affected part For wormes in the ears Take of the powder of black Hellebore-root half an ounce of the juice of Rue or Assmart four ounces mix them together and put thereof into the eares For the scurffe of the head Boyl the roots of Lupines in vineger and adde to it powder of black Hellebore and anoint with it wash the head after with warme water The hurtfull quality with its corrective help The ancient Writers counted it very dangerous though not so dangerous as the white yet that it worketh not without trouble and difficulty therefore it is not to be given but to robustick and strong bodies because it bringeth convulsions which happily may be spoken concerning Hellebore in substance of such as did grow in hotter clymates then ours is or of some other kinde then we now use for we do not finde any such great danger in any of that which is now in use with us yet 't is not safe to give it to children women with childe or weak persons It is corrected with Mastick Cynamon Anise-seed Origanum c. to a dram of Hellebore adde half a scruple of any of these It is given more safely in decoction or in infusion then in substance The Antients did infuse the root a day and night in vineger and then used it Macerate or steep the bark casting away the middle three dayes in Quince-wine or Muskadell dry it and keep it for your use It may be given also in broth with some seeds as before mentioned Also you may give it in wine of Raisons Oxymel syrupe of Quinces or with juice of Quinces Some give it with Scammonie to quicken its vertue Note that all preparations of Hellebore vvhich are made by sharp and acute liquours such as are spirit of wine anise-seed-Anise-seed-water or spirit of anise-Anise-seed Aromatickes or oile of such also the putting Hellebore into radish-Radish-root and so to take it except you desire a vomiting or turbatory medicine to be made of white or black Hellebore are to be rejected The Dose The dose in substance is from a scruple to two scruples in infusion or decoction from a dram to two drams or more Such Medicines as are made of black Hellebore The distilled water of black Hellebore both of the leaves and roots The extract thereof Syrup of Roses solutive with Hellebore Oxymel Helleboratum CHAP. 38. De Hermodactylis of Hermodactiles HErmodactyles are whitish roots about the bignesse of a Chesnut smooth flattish and sharp at the one end but somewhat fuller at the other growing upon I know not what plant comming from I know not what place and truly may be called opprobrium medicorum the shame or disgrace of Physicians The names This root is called in Latine Hermodactylus in English Hermodactyle and Hermodactyles The temperament They are hot and dry in the second degree The best kinde The best are such as are white both within and without of some good bignesse which being lightly bruised and made in powder look like wheat-flower and of a pleasant and sweet taste Such as are worm-eaten are to be rejected The duration They will keep good three or four yeers The inward use They purge chiefly thick and tough flegme from the joynts therefore they profit in any kinde of Gowt yea they are so available in the Gowt that this root is called Theriaca Arthritidis Treacle for the Gowt It is used also in the French Pox The manner of administring They are given in potions drinks Pils c. A Potion Take of Hermodactyles cut in thin slices or bruised Sene Epithymum of each two drams Raisons of the Sun stoned half an ounce licorish bruised a dram Ginger bruised half a dram make an infusion in a sufficient quantity of water upon hot embers all night strain it to which add of syrup of Roses one ounce A purging Drink against watery humours Take of Hermodactyles of Lignum vitae of each three ounces Mechoacan foure ounces Ginger two drams Sarsaparilla Licorish of each two ounces of Nutmegs two drams of Seabind-weed one ounce a half cut and bruise those those things that are to be cut bruised put them all in a vessell with three gallons of new Beer in a bag adding thereto of Seue an ounce After six dayes take a draught of it in the morning and before supper D. Sadlerus Prax. Med. f. 205 The externall use They are outerwardly used in the Gowt to ease pain they are also good to cleanse wounds and to consume proud flesh therein as also to heal old wounds and Ulcers A Poultes to ease the Gowt Take of new milk a quart Barley-meal a pinte or more Harmodactyles in powder three ounces the yolks of foure Eggs Saffron in powder two drams crumbs of bread so much as is sufficient to make a poultes apply it warm Or Take new Cow-dung a pound and a halfe Hogs-grease half a pound or twelve ounces Hermodactyles in powder two ounces and a half make a poultes and apply it The hurtfull quality and the corrective means There are two things in the use of Hermodactyles to be minded First that the hurtfull quality may be taken away for it troubleth the stomach and causeth windinesse now to help this let it be mixed with
Cummin-seed Mastick Ginger Long-pepper Mint Cynamon Cloves or Mace Secondly that means be used to quicken its slow operation and for of it self it works but slowly by sharp means Mesue commends Sea-onion for this purpose if Trosses be made of the juice thereof with the powder of Hermodactyle Ginger and Sal gem Neither is it unprofitable to this purpose if you make Trosses or little cakes thereof with Ginger and the juice of Radish In purging from the joynts it will be proper to mix with it a little Eupherbium well corrected Also if the essence thereof be drawn forth with spirit of wine or the like it will be very usefull for the forenamed diseases They are rarely given alone but by decoction infusion or mixed with something to correct the noxious or hurtfull quality thereof These compounds are made of Hermodactyles Pils of Hermodactyles Pils Arthriticall Electuary Caryocostinum Electuary benedicta laxativa extract thereof Pulvis Arthriticus The Dose They are given in substance from two scruples to a dram and a half in infusion or decoction from two drams to three drams CHAP. 39. De Hyperico of Saint Johns-wort SAint Johnswort is an herb that hath brownish upright hard round stalks two foot high having two small leaves set one against another at every place which are of a deep green colour somewhat like the leaves of lesser Centory but narrower and full of small holes in every leaf which are easily perceived being held up against the light the flowers are yellow which being bruised yield a reddish juice the root is hard and woody with divers strings of a brownish colour The names It is called in Latine Hypericon and Hypericum also of some Fuga Demonum quia Daemon inde fugere creditur because they superstitiously imagine that it drove away the Devil Some call it Perforata because of the smal holes in the leaves that seem to be bored through In English it is called Saint Johns-wort and Saint Johns-grasse The temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree and of subtile parts The duration It will keep good a yeer The inward use It is diuretical and vulnerary A dram of the seeds being taken doth purge choler causeth the stone to come away kils Wormes resists venome and helpeth the biting of venemous creatures also provokes urine and the courses in Women and helps the Falling sicknesse Palsey and Sciatica being drunk fourty dayes together A decoction thereof cures tertian and quartane Agues it is most excellent for all inward wounds in any place and for congealed bloud or spitting of bloud or vomiting bloud by reason of a vein broken in any place it is very useful in all vulnerary potions for it resolves opens consolidates and is of a glutinous nature and truly I know not a better wound herb Being made into powder and taken in Wine it cureth the Gowt and is much commended against the Jaundise The Salt of S. Johns-Wort helpeth the Plurisey and expelleth the Stone you may give a dram thereof in any convenient liquor The distilled water of S. Johns Wort profiteth such as have the Falling sicknesse especially taken with the root or seeds of Pyony as also the Apoplexie and Palsey the dose is two or three ounces every day It also stayeth the Flux of the belly being taken with Red Wine and cureth inward wounds The manner of administring it It is given in decoction or in powder Against the Jaundise Take of the herbe and flowers of St. Johns-wort two handfulls boile them in a pinte and a halfe of Wine or water straine it and give of it with Sugar for divers mornings together This â—toâ—herus doth much commend and further adviseth to put the herbe in your Shoes bosome and to weare it about your head Stocher prax aur f. 185. Against spitting or vomiting of blood Take of the seeds of â—t Johns-wort in powder halfe a dram or a dram of the juice of Knot-grasse one ounce or of Plantaine-water two ounces of syrup of Quinces halfe an ounce mix them together and take it The outward use The leaves cure all green wounds except such as are in the head as also burnes and scalds The herbe dryed and made into powder is effectuall to cure wounds and sores and rotten festered Ulcers being strewed thereon The distilled water cures also wounds being washed therewith The Oile of St. Johns-wort either simple or compound is good for all green wounds and old sores and Ulcers in the legs or else where that are hard to be cured and is effectuall for all Cramps and aches in the joynts and paines in the Reines but the compound Oile is much better The simple Oile is made thus Take foure ounces of the flowers of St. Johns-wort infuse them in a pinte of Sallet-Oile and three ounces of white Wine set them in the Sunne for ten or twelve dayes then boyle them in a Balneo or Kettle of seething water straine it and put in new flowers and let it stand so long againe then straine it as before and renew it a third time and straine it againe which being hot put two ounces of pure Turpentine to it and keep it for green wounds or sinevvs that are prickt or any vvound made vvith a venomous vveapon Gerard hath a compound Oile made thus Take vvhite Wine tvvo pintes oile-Olive foure pounds oile of Turpentine tvvo pounds the leaves flovvers and seeds of St. Johns vvort tvvo great handfulls gently bruised put them altogether into a great double Glasse and set it in the Sun 8 or 10 dayes then boile them in the same Glasse per balneum Mariae that is in a kettle of vvater vvith some stravv in the bottome vvherein the Glasse must stand to boile vvhich done straine the liquor from the herbs and do as you did before putting in the like quantity of herbs flovvers and seeds but not any more Wine Another Oile of St. Johns-wort excellent against wounds Take of Sallet-Oile tvvo pound of earth vvormes vvashed and flit five ounces of the flovvers and tops of St. Johns-vvort halfe a pound of small Centory-flovvers and of the tops of svveet Trefoile of each tvvo drams Gum Elmne one ounce let them stand in the Sun certaine dayes then straine it and keep it for your use you may add some Turpentine if you vvill The Dose The seeds are given from a dram to tvvo drams Of such things as are made thereof The distilled vvater Salt Tincture thereof Oile CHAP. 40. De Jalapio of Jalap JAlap is a root like Mechoacan but covered vvith a black bark and grayish vvithin being put to the fire a gumminesse vvill arise and sometimes flame It is brought to us in thinne slices some bigger some lesser In taste it is pleasant but gummie vvhereby it stickes to the teeth being chevved The Names It is called Bryonia mechoacan nigricans Chelopa Celopa Celapa Gelapum Gelapo Jalapium Jalapa Jalappa Jalappium Gialapa Mechoacanna nigra Salapa Xalapa Zaqualtipan Rhabarbarum nigrum In
roots are effectuall in decoctions for Glisters to ease paine and griping of the Belly whereby the Stone may descend out of the Kidneys or Bladder more easily boyled in Wine and applyed they helpe Impostumes of the Throat the Kings Evill and those Kernells behinde the Eares as also inflamations or swelling in womens breasts The muccilage of the roots and of Lineseede and Fenegreek put together is much used in Pultises Oyntments and Plasters that serve to mollifie and digest all hard tumours and inflamations and to ease paines in any part of the body the seeds greene or dry mixed with Vineger cleanseth the Skin of the Morphew and all other discoloring thereof what ever The roote boyled in Vineger easeth the Tooth-Ach being holden in the mouth The leaves laid to with Oyle help burnings and scaldings and are good against the bitings of men and Dogs and against the stinging of Bees and Wasps Oyntment of Marsh mallowes doth mollifie heat and moisten and is very usefull in the Plurisie in paines of the breast and side Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled Water The Muccilage Syrupe of Marsh-mallowes Oyntment of Marsh-mallowes simple and compound CHAP. 72. De Ambare griseo of Ambergrise THere are divers opinions concerning Ambergrise but the most likely and probable opinion is that it is a kinde of Butumen whose springs are in the Rocks of the Sea condensate or thickned into the forme and substance usually observed having that Oylinesse which is in it from its owne Originall and being light is carryed by the Waves of the Sea unto the shores of sundry Countries and Climats Renod. Dispens lib. 2. Sect. 1. c. 10. fol. 559. Fragos Hist Med. Ind. de gum Concret cap. 2. fol. 89. Gruling Flrorileg fol. 289. The Names It is in Latine called Ambra Ambragrisea and Ambergrysea in English Ambergrese and Ambergrise The Temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree The best kinde The best is not very white but dry and grayish more or lesse sometimes with spots or veines and sometimes without Oylie especially being pricked with a pin or needle not ponderous but light and of a good sent The black is to be rejected so is that which is very white The Duration It will keepe good many yeares being kept close The outward use It warmeth resolveth and strengthneth what way soever it be taken It comforteth the braine warmeth and resolveth the cold defluxions of humours thereon and on the nerves it doth likewise comfort and strengthen the memory revive the heart and spirits helpeth barrennesse proceeding from a cold cause It is effectuall against all weaknesse of the body and joynts helpeth weaknesse of the stomach and loathing of meat It doth most conveniently agree with aged persons and moist bodies to warme comfort and strengthen their cold decayed spirits adding rigour and lustinesse to them and is accounted helpfull to stir up Venus or Lust The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in Powder Electuary or Pills The outward use It easeth the paine of the head being dissolved in a warme morter and mixed with a little Oyntment of Orenge flowers the Temples and forehead being anoynted therewith It helpeth fits of the Mother being applyed to the place and abateth the fits of the Falling-sicknesse being often smelt to and also recreates the Heart and both Vitall and Animall spirits being held often to the Nostrills The hurtfull quality It is not safe for women to smell to it that have fits of the Mother or have weake braines nor is it good for very hot and dry Bodies The Dose The Dose is from two graines to foure or five in any convenient Liquor Of such things as are made thereof Species Diambrae Essence of Amber Poma Ambrae CHAP. 73. De Anetho of Dill. The Names IT is called in Latine Anethum and Anetum in English Dill and Anet The Temperament It is hot in the third degree and dry in the second especiall being greene but being dryed it is hot and dry in the third degree The Duration It will keepe good a yeare the seede longer The inward use The decoction of the hearbe and seeds provoketh urine expelleth winde easeth pains and swellings in the body stayeth vomiting and the Hickops extinguisheth Venery or Lust for it mightily expelleth winde and dryeth up the naturall sperme and is very effectuall in the Collick and griping paines It is accounted by most writers good to breed milke but truly I rather thinke it dryeth up the milke in womens brests The seeds are good to digest raw and viscous or tough humours in the Body If two drams of the seeds be boyled in White-wine and drunke it comforts the wombe helps the windinesse of the Mother provokes the courses and expells the afterbirth The seeds are most in use The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in Decoction A Decoction against winde in the Belly or Stomach Take Stachados Camomill flowers Rue and Melilot flowers of each halfe a handfull Aniseede Carraway-seede Fennell-seede Dill-seede and Bay-berries of each three drams Bruise the seeds and make a Decoction in foure pints or lesse boyle it to the Consumption of about halfe straine it and give thereof a good draught Morning and Evening with Sugar The outward use It stayeth the Hickocks being boyled in Wine and but smelled unto tyed in a cloth The Decoction helpeth the rising of the Mother if women sit therein or receive the fume thereof The seed being toasted or fryed and used in Oyles or Plasters dissolveth the Apostumes in the fundament and dryeth up all the moist Ulcers especially in the secret parts Oyle wherein Dill seede or Dill hath beene boyled procureth sleepe and is effectuall to warme to resolve humours and Impostumes or hard Tumors and to ease paine The hurtfull quality It dulleth the sight being often taken and extinguisheth Venery or Lust and is hurtfull for hot and dry bodies Of such things as are made thereof The distilled water Oyle of Dill seede Chymicall Oyle by insolation or infusion and setting in the Sunne CHAP. 74. De Angelica of Angelica The Names IT is called in Latine Angelica from the Angel-lick properties thereof in English also Angelica The Temperament It is hot and dry in the second or third degree The Duration It will keep pood a yeare the root and seeds will keep longer The inward use The rootes and leaves are most excellent against Poyson and Venome and against the infection of the Plague and Pestilence by defending the Heart the blood and Spirits and giveth heate and comfort to them If halfe a dram of the root in Powder be given in Carduus water and the party laid to sweat thereupon in their bed it is effectuall as aforesaid and provoketh sweat The stalkes or roots Candid and eaten fasting are good helps also in times of infection and at other times to be warme and comfort a cold stomach The decoction thereof being drunk before the fit of an Ague so that
they sweat before the fit come will in twice or thrice taking rid it quite away it helpeth also digestion in the Stomach and is a good remedy for a Surfet It helpeth the Collick the Strangury and stoppings of the Urine procureth womens courses and expelleth the after-birth easeth and discusseth all inward tumours and windinesse it openeth the stoppings of the Liver and Spleene cureth the bitings of mad Dogs and all other venemous creatures The roote taken dry or in any other drinke will abate the rage of Lust in young pâ—rsons The root being used greene helpeth such as be short breathed and be troubled with stuffings in their Stomach The root also steeped in Vineger and a little of the same taken fasting is a good preservative in time of contagion The decoction taken helpeth inward bruises and congealed blood and strengthneth the Stomach and is effectuall for the suffocation of the Mother The distilled water is good for the aforesaid Diseases especially if the roots and leaves be steeped in wine and distilled in a glasse The Dose is two or three spoonfulls at a time and doth much ease cold or gripings that come of cold or winde so as the body be not bound The said water taken with a scruple of the root in powder helpeth the Plurisie being taken at the beginning as also all other diseases of the Lungs and breast as Coughs shortnesse of the breath and such like The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction in powder Electuary Potion c. In Decoction Take of the leaves of Angelica a handfull of Angelica roots two drams boyle them in a pint and a halfe of water or Posset drinke to a pinte straine it and give a good draught thereof Morning and Evening A Potion against the Pestilence Take of Angellica root in powder of London Treacle of each a dram Angellica water three ounces wine Vineger halfe an ounce mixe them together take it and sweat upon it A Potion against faintnesse of the heart Take of Angellica root in powder thirty graines Angelica water one ounce Cinamon water a spoonfull mixe them together and give it divers times if need require The outward use The juyce or the water dropped into the eyes cleareth them takes away filmes or skins therein and helpeth deafnesse if dropped into the eares the juyce put into hollow teeth easeth the paine The roots in powder made up with a little Pitch into a Plaister and laid on the biting of a mad Dog or any other venemous creature doth wonderfully helpe them the juyce or the water dropped or tents wet therein and put into old and filthy deepe ulcers or the powder of the roote in want of the other doth cleanse them and cause them to heale quickly by covering the naked bones with flesh The distilled water applied to places pained with the Gout or Sciatica doth give a great deale of ease The root smelled to or held in the Mouth is a good preservative in the times of contagion The Dose The root or leaves are given in powder from halfe a dram to a dram Of such things as are made thereof The distilled water The juyce The extract thereof The Stalkes and roots canded Oyle Balsam of Angelica CHAP. 75. De Antimonio of Antimony or Stibium The Names IT is called in Latine Antimonium Antimonium Hyacinthinum vitrem Antimonii Stibium and Stiâ—â—mi in English Antimony and glasse of Antimony The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree The best kinde The best is the clearest glasse without drosse or earthy substance and of a red colour and brittle or easy to breake The Duration It will keepe good many years The inward use Antimony is a strong Medicine and worketh strongly both by Vomit and Stoole It is profitable in old paines of the head Catarrhes or Râ—umes paines of the Stomack arising from Malignant humours in the Dropsey Green-sicknesse shortnesse of breath Palsey Falling-sicknesse in the Tertian or Quartaine Ague in the French-pox Melancholly and madnesse in stoppings of the Liver and Spleene in the Leprosy Elephansy Scab Itch and foule Diseases of the skin It is most excellent in the Pestilence especially at the beginning The manner of administring it It is given in Substance or by Infusion In Substance Take of Stibium or glasse of Antimony in fine powder three or four graines of Sugar in powder two drams or halfe an ounce mixe them together and take it in a Morning fasting with Physicall observation Or thus Take of Stibium in fine powder three graines Sugar of Roses two drams or as much conserve of red Roses mixe them togther and take it as before A Bole good in the Dropsey Take of Antimony in very fine Powder three graines London Treacle a dram conserve of red Roses two drams being well mixed take it as before In Pills Take of Antimony in Powder three graines Pilula Alephanginae a scruple make Pills and cover them with leafe Gold Sed fraus honesta latet By Infusion Take of Stibium in powder three or foure graines white wine four ounces let them stand all night in the Morning poure off the clearest and give it The outward use Stibium is used in Medicines to cleare the sight and against Ulcers Festulas thereof or also to take away proud flesh in sores and procureth a cicatrice in Ulcers Being mixed with sope used it helpeth to cure Cankers and the fleshinesse growing in the Nostrills Plinie saith t stoppeth the bleeding of any fresh wound being strewed therein and singular to heale the bitings of Dogs but this I conceive is spoken of crude Antimony Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 33. cap. 6. fol. 473. A water to take away spots in the eyes and to dry up superfluous moysture Take of cleare Antimony in powder ten graines red Rose water three ounces mixe them together and let them stand foure and twenty houres then drop foure or five drops of the clearest into the eyes twice in a day The hurtfull quality Stibium is a strong and violent Medicine and brings Convulsions Cramps Faintings of the Spirits and many times sodaine death therefore take these cautions Cautions in the use of Antimony Give it onely to strong and able bodies Let it not be given where the body is much bound till a glister hath been administred Give it not to women with childe nor to weake persons nor to any that are in a Consumption or to such as spit blood or have bad Lungs Give it not to any immediately before or presently after bleeding When any doe take it let them keepe their beds while it workes and take warme Posset drinke having a care they take no cold Fabricius mentions two Matrons that after the taking of Antimony the one lost her hearing and the other became foolish Cent. 5. Obser 12. If anâ— desire to know more of the nature of Antimony let them read these following Authors Matthiol in lib. 5. Diascor cap. 59. f. 837. 838. Massar lib.
7. de Med. Purg. cap. 30. fol. 485. 486. Schroder Pharmacop Med. Chym. lib. 3. cap. 17. fol. 42. 43. 44. c. Freitag Aur. Med. lib. 4. cap. 15. fol. 616. 617. 618. c. Basil Antimon Ham. Poppii Printed 1618. Crol Basil Chym. Printed 1631. fol. 211. 212. 313. c. Of such Medicines as are made thereof Hepar Antimonii or Liver of Antimony Flowres of Antimony Antimony diaphoreticke Regulus Antimonii Oyle of Antimony L quor of Antimony Tinctura Salt Spirit of Antimony with many others The Dose The Dose is from three graines to five or sixe CHAP. 76. De Aniso of Anise-seed The names IT is called in Latine Anisum in English Anise and Anise-seed The Temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree or hot in the second degree and dry in the first The Duration It will keep good two or three yeares but the newer it is the better operation it hath The inward use The seed often taken helpeth a stinking breath and to break winde in any part of the body be it the Head Stomach Spleene Bowells or Mother and to provoke Urine and sleepe to them that want it they helpe Nurses to store of milke for their Children to eate the seeds comfited or Anise-seed comfits fasting and last at night and is very good for teeming women or with childe they helpe those that are short winded or have a Consumption to take the Decoction of them with Figs Licorish c. They helpe to expectorat flegme in them that have a Cough or straitnesse in the breasts and is very conducible to the Stomach and being boyled in wine and taken it helpeth the stoppings of the Liver and the Dropsey that cometh thereby The same stayeth the Hickock and helpeth Digestion It stirreth up bodily Lust and boyled in wine it is good against all poison and biting of all venimous beasts It availes in Children that have the Falling-sicknesse being taken The chymicall Oyle taken in broth or wine three or foure drops at a time doth helpe the giddinesse of the Head the straitnesse and paines in the breast and stomach or the crudities and belchings therein the much desire to cast and the rising of the Mother as also all other griefs and paines inwardly that rise of cold or winde The Quintessence gives ease to those that are Phrantick or distempered in their braines and for such as are troubled with the Falling-sicknesse or have the Cramp or Convulsion A Decoction of Anniseed is excellent in the Chollick and easeth the Cough The manner of Administring it It is given in powder in decoction or the seeds are eaten whole A Decoction against the Collick and winde in the Belly or Stomach Take of Anisse foure ounces Licorish two ounces boyle them in three or foure pints of water straine it and drinke thereof a good draught at any time The outward use If Anise either green or dry be beaten and laid to their Eyes that have any hurtfull thing fallen into them it will soone draw it forth and likewise take away the venome of any hurt by the biting of venemous creatures and healeth them quickly the seeds boyled in Oyle of Roses and dropped warme into the Eares easeth the paine and noyse in them the seeds bruised and mixed with Storax and the fumes thereof taken being cast on quick coales will soone ease the continuall Head-ache Being boyled with Hyssop and a little Vineger and Hony added thereto it helpeth the Quinsey if the throat be gargled therewith Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water of the hearbe and seed Confections of Anis-seede Laxative both simple and compound Anisseede comfits Oyle of Annisseed and Quintessence thereof Salt of Anisseede Species Dranisu Anisseede water hot CHAP. 77. De Argento vivo of Quicksilver The Names IT is called in Latine Argentum vivum from its agility and moving nature also Hydrargyrum that is watery Silver in English Quicksilver or Life-silver but Plinie saith it might be called Death-silver because it is the death of so many Plin. Nat. Hist lib. 33. cap. 6. fol. 473. The Temperament Some will have it hot and moist in the fourth degree others say its cold and moiste others say it is of a mixt quality partly hot and partly cold The Duration It will keepe many yeares The inward use Some commend this to be given inwardly for wormes and against the Chollick for by the weight thereof the gut is unfoulded and the Excrements and worms are brought away Paraus relates of a Gentleman that when he could not be freed from the paine of the Collick by any meanes prscribed by a learned Physitian at length by the Counsell of a certain German his friend dranke three ounces of Oyle of sweet Almonds drawne without fire and mixed with some White-wine and Pellitory water and swallowed a leaden bullet besmeared with Quick-silver and that bullet comming presently out by his fundament he was wholly freed from his Chollick Par. l. 17. cap 58. fol. 441. But this must be onely done in desperate cases and in strong Bodies for the outward use is dangerous and must be done with great caution Others give it to women against hard labours and to facilitate or hasten the birth and to bring away the secundine or after-birth Paraeus Booke 21. Chap. 38. and Doctor Primrose in his poular errours Booke 4. Chap. 29. Translated lately into English by Doctor Wittie But this must be onely used in desperate cases as is before shewed The outward use It is chiefly in use outwardly against the Frence-pox Itch Scab and kills Lice and Nits dissolves hard nodes or bunches of the joynts and swelling behinde the eares cures also maligne Ulcers penetrateth and Purgeth for it drawes from the center to the circumference that is from the inward parts to the outward An Oyntment against the Itch. Take Quicksilver killed with oyle of Bayes one ounce Hogs grease twelve ounces oyle of Turpentine one ounce red Bole in powder halfe an ounce the yolkes of foure Egs. Let the yolkes of Egs be rosted very hard and beaten well with the oyle of Turpentine then adde the rest and make an Oyntment Let the Body be anoynted with it f o divers nights together Or Take of Quicksilver killed with Fasting spitle halfe an ounce of Stavesacre in powder as much of Butter or Hogs grease sixe ounces or halfe a pound beat them well together and use it as before this will kill Lyce and cure the Itch. The hurtfull quality Quick-silver is counted by most writers a dangerous Medicine to be given inwardly because it brings dangerous symptomes as Cramps and Convulsions Lethargy Apoplexy Falling-sicknesse Tremulations Stupefaction Torments in the bowells and paine of the whole body suppresseth urine causeth the body to swell hurts the Stomach and Belly causeth vomiting and brings faintnesse of the heart Petrus Forestus de venenis Observat 8. in Scholia mentions an Apothecary who in stead of a glasse of water being dry to quench his
cleanseth them from VVormes clenseth the foule Ulcers and spreading Scabs of the head and taketh away all Freckles Spots and markes in the Skin being washed therewith The Decoction of great Centory 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 in to them the whole plant as well herbe as roote is very availeable in all sorts of wounds or Ulcers to dry Sodder cleanse and heale them and should be a principall ingredient in all wound drinkes and injections It helpeth the Strangury and Stone if the juyce bee injected A Decoction against Arthritcall paines or the Joynt Gout Take Centory the lesser two handfulls roote of Assarum two Ounces spring water ten pints Boyle them to halfe The Dose is about half a pint in bed for divers mornings together An injection against Wormes in the Eares Take of Centory the lesser VVormwood Harehound and Calamint of each an Ounce Boyle them in a sufficient quantity of water to halfe add unto a pint of the strayning half a pound of Hony or lesse and keep it for your use The Dose The Dose in powder is from halfe a dram to a dram and a halfe The juyce to halfe an Ounce Of such things as are made thereof Centory-water Extract of Centory Salt of Centory CHAP. 94. De Ceterach of Ceterach The Names IT is called in Latine Ceterach Asplenum and Splenium because it helps the Spleene also Scolopendrium and Scolopendria from the likenesse of a VVorme so called in the English Spleene wort Milt-wast and Scale-ferne The temperament It is hot and dry in the first degree or second of subtile parts and somewhat drying The Duration It will keepe a yeare or two The inward use It is generally used for the infiâ—mities of the Spleene and some report the Swine in Candy by feeding on it are found without spleenes It helpeth the Strangury and Stone in the Bladder the yellow Jandes and the Hicket Matthiolus saith that if a dram of the dust that is on the back of the Leaves be mixed with halfe a dram of Amber in powder and taken with the juyce of Purslâ—w or Plantine it will helpe the running of the reines speedily and that the hearbe and root being boyled and taken helpeth all melancholy Diseases and those also which rise from the French disease The distilled water is good against the Stone both in the Reines and Bladder and the Lye made of the ashes thereof being drunke for some time together helpeth Splenetick persons The manner of administring it It is given in powder and in Decoction but it must not be boyled long for then the strength doth evaporate The outward use It is used in outward remedies for the same purpose as is before mentioned The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull for Women that desire Children for it hindereth conception The Dose It is given in powder from halfe a dram to a dram in Decoction from two drams to half an Ounce Of such Medicines as are made thereof Syrup of Ceterach The distilled water CHAP. 95. De Chinae radice of China Root The Names IT is called in Latine China China radix and Chinaea radix in English China Root and Chine The Temperament It is moderately hot and dry The Duration This Roote will keepe good many yeares The inward Vse It is much commended for the French Disease and is profitable in Agues whether quotidian or intermittent or pestilentiall and also Hectickes and Consumptions to rectifie the evill disposition of the Liver the inveterate paines in the Head and Stomack and strengtheneth it and to dry up rheumes to help the Jandise and Ruptures in children or others by drying up the humours which is the cause thereof It helpeth also the Palsy and all other diseases of the Joynts and Bladder the Goute Sciatica and the Rodes also and Ulcers of the Yard Scabs and Leprosy Scirrous and watery tumours and is good in all cold and melancholy griefes and very usefull in the Dropsy and Green-sicknesse Some say it provokes lust The manner of administring it It is given in Decoction and some boyle it in broth with a chicken tyed up in thin slices in a Linnen-cloath A decoction of China Roote Take of China Roote cut in thin slices one Ounce and a halfe put it into a gallon of faire water and let it stand covered a night and day then boyle it gently till about halfe the water be consumed straine it and give about foure Ounces thereof in bed for diverse mornings together if need be The hurtfull quality It is not to be used in very hot and dry bodies The Dose The Dose in broth is from two drams to foure drams according to the quantity of water you provide CHAP. 96. De Chamedry of Germander The Names IT is called in Latine Chamaedrys that is a small or low Oke from the likenesse of the Leaves thereof though lesser therefore some call it Aevercula minor in English Germander or English Treacle The temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree and of thin parts The duration It will keepe good being dry a yeare The inward Vse Some say it purgeth choller It is good for coughs taken with Hony for those whose spleene is become hard for those that can hardly make water and helpeth those that are falling into a Dropsey in the beginning of the disease especially if a decoction be made thereof when it is greene and drunke It brings downe the termes helps to expell the dead childe and taken with Vineger doth wast or consume the Spleene It is effectuall against any poyson paines of the side and cureth both Quartaine and Tertian Ague as also the Cramp if the Decoction thereof be taken for some dayes together it is good against the Diseases of the Braine as paines of the Head Falling-sicknesse Melancholly Lethargy Palsie Gout and for those that are Sottish through the dulnesse of the spirits a dram of the seed taken in powder doth purge Choller by Urine and is thereby good for the yellow Jaundise and killeth wormes so will the tops of them when they are in flower steeped a day and a night in a draught of White-wine and drunke in the morning It is commended against the Plague and Pestilence The manner of Administring it It is given in powder and Decoction you may make the Decoction as of Mugwort The outward use It is good against venome and stinging of venemous Creatures being bruised and applyed used with Hony it cleanseth old and foule Ulcers and the juyce mixed with Hony and put into the eyes taketh their dimnesse and moistnesse the juyce also dropped into the eares killeth wormes therein The decoction thereof stayeth the whites in women if they sit therein while it is warme and likewise easeth the passions of the Mother being boyled in Vineger and applyed to the Stomach with a little Leaven stayeth vomitings that rise not from hot causes
likewise coole the Liver and blood and asswage all inflamations in the reines and bladder provoketh urine and allaieth the heate and sharpnesse thereof the same also stayeth the bloudy Flux and womens courses and helpeth the swelling of the Spleene The water of the Berries carefully distilled is good in the panting or beating of the heart and good for the overflowing of the Gall the yellow Jandâ—es The manner of Administring them The Leaves and Roots are used in Decoctions The outward Vse The juyce dropped in to foule Ulcers or they washed therewith or with the decoction of the herbe and root doth wonderfully clense them and helpe to cure them the Leaves are good to be put into Lotions that are made for soâ—â—outhes or Ulceers therin or in the privy parts or elsewhere and also to fasten loose Teeth and to heale foule gums and to stay flowing of rheume into the Mouth Throat Teeth or Eyes the juyce or water is excellent for hot and red Eyes beeing dropped therein and also for all wheales or other eruptions or hot and sharp humours into the Face or Hands or other parts of the body to bath them therewith and taketh away rednesse in the Face and spots or other deformities of the skin The hurtfull quality Strawberries are hurtfull to cold watery and flegmatick stomacks and too many eaten soon putrify in the stomach Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water or the Leaves and fruit Syrupe Spirit and Tincture of Strawberries CHAP. 108. De Glycyrrhiza of Licoris The Names IT is called in Latine Glycyrrhiza Glyzirrhiza Liquiritia and Dulcis radix in English Licoris and Licorice The temperament It is temperate in heate and moisture The Duration It will keepe good a yeare The inward Vse Licoris is good against the roughnesse and hoarsnesse of the throat and is helpefull for Ulcers in the bladder and by its moisture it quencheth thirst and is excellent for any dry cough to digest flâ—gme and to cause it to be easily spit up to helpe shortnesse of breath and all other griefes of the Breast and Lungs the Tiffick or Consumptions caused by the distillations of Salt humours on them it is good also in paines of the Raines Strangury heat of the Urine especially boyled with Maidenhaire and Figs. The juyce of Licoris is as effectuall in all the Diseases of the Breast and Lungs the Reines and bladder as the decoction The manner of Administring it It is given in powder in juyce and in Decoction The outward use The fine powder of Licoris blowne through a quill into the Eyes that have a Pin and Wed or rheumatick distillations into them doth cleanse them and help them The Dose The Dose in powder is from a scruple to two scruples Of such Medicines as are made thereof Juyce of Licoris Syrup of Licoris CHAP. 109. De Gramine of Grasse The Names IT is called in Latine Gramen in Enlish Grasse The temperament The roots are moderately colde and dry a little biting and of thin parts the herbe cold in the first degree The inward Vse The Medow Grasse and couch Grasse or quick Grasse are most in use and open obstructions or stoppings of the Liver and Gall and the stoppings of the Urine being boyled in white Wine and to ease the gripings of the Belly and inflammations and wasteth the matter of the Stone in the Bladder and the Ulcers thereof the seede doth more powerfully expell Urine and stayeth the laske and casting or vomiting The distilled water or the Decoction alone being taken killeth Wormes in Children especially if some Worme-seede be added to it The juyce of the whole plant being taken helpeth spitting of Bloud The manner of Administring it The rootes and seeds are given in Decoction The outward use The rootes bruised and applied healeth wounds that are fresh or greene and ease paines of the head as also in inflammations and defluxions of the Eyes Of those things that are made thereof The distilled water CHAP. 110. De Guajaco of Guajacum or Pockwood The Names IT is called in Latine Guajacum Lignum Indicum Lignum Sanctum and Lignumâ—vitae in English Pockwood and Indiall Pockwood The temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree and hath a cleansing faculty The Duration It will keepe good many yeares The inward use The chiefe use of this Wood is against the French Disease for it provoketh Sweate resisteth contagion and putrifaction and cleanseth the Bloud It is good also in the Dropsy Falling Sicknesse Shortnesse of breath in Catarrhes Rheumes and cold distillations of the Lungs or other parts Coughes and Consumptions the Gout and all other joyntaches and for cold flegmatick humours for the Diseases of the Bladder and Reines and for all long and lingring Diseases proceeding from cold and moist causes it openeth the stoppings of the Liver and Spleene warmes and comforts the stomack and entralls and is good in Scabs Itch c. The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in Decoction A Decoction of Lignum vitae Take of Lignum Vitae or Pock-wood a pound of the barke thereof two Ounces steepe them in twelve or fourteene Pints of spring water foure and twenty houres then boyle them to seven or eight pints straine it and give thereof a good draught morning and Evening and let the party sweate upon it If you adde two Ounces of Licoris or more and some Anisseede it will be much more pleasant to take The barke may be given in powder from half a dram to a dram The outward use The decoction thereof doth make the Teeth white and firme being washed therewith The hurtfull quality It must not be used in hot and dry Bodies too frequently Of such Medicines as are made thereof Extract Chymicall Oyle Spirit and Salt of Guajacum CHAP. 111. De Hedera of Ivy. The Names IT is called in Latine Hedera and Hedera arborea in English Ivy. The temperament Ivy is of diverse qualities some sharpe and hot and some moist others cold dry and astringent The inward Vse A dram of the flowers drunke twice a day in red VVine helpeth the Laske and bloody Flix The yellow berries are good against the Jandise and to keepe from Drunkennesse and helpeth those that spit bloud the white berries being taken killeth wormes The juyce of the root is good to be taken against the biting of the Phalangium or deadly Spider the berries are held by many to be good against the Plague or Pestilence being made in powder and taken in wine they being taken in wine doe helpe to break the Stone provoke Urine and VVomens courses and brings away the birth and afterbirth The manner of Administring it The berries and flowers are given in decoction or in powder The outward Vse A Bath made of the Leaves and Berries doth bring down the Courses and bring away the dead birth and afterbirth being set in or a Pessary made and used doth the like but this must be done onely upon necessity
handful Roch-Allome half an ounce boil them in a quarter of a pinte of strong Wine Vineger to the wasting of half then add to the strained liquour a spoonful of Honey and two drams of white Mercury boil them a little and reserve it The Dose The Dose is from half a dram to two scruples Medicines made thereof The distilled water Extract of Cinquefoile CHAP. 142. De Pimpinella of Burnet The Names and temperament IT is call'd in Latine Pimpinella and Sanguisorba in English Burnet Pimpinell It is hot and dry in the second degree say some others will have it to be cold in the second degree and dry in the third The duration It will keep good a yeer being dry The inward use It is a friend to the Heart Liver and other principall parts two or three of the stalks with leaves put into a cup of Wine especially Claret as all know give a wonderfull fine relish to it and besides do quicken the spirits refresh the heart and make it merry driving away melancholy it is a speciall help to defend the heart from noysome vapours and from the infection of the Plague or Pestilence and all other contagious diseases for which purpose 't is of grear effect the juice thereof being taken in some drink and they either laid to sweat thereupon or wrapped and kept very warm It is available in all manner of fluxes of bloud or humours to stanch inward bleedings laskes or scourings the bloudy flix Womans too abundant courses and the Whites also and cholerick belchings and castings of the stomach and is singular good for inward Wounds The powder of the herb taken in Comfrey-water is excellent for such as have falne or are bruised The Water hath the same effects being taken The manner of administring it It is given in decoction in powder or in Electuary An Electuary against the Consumption of the Lungs Take of Burnet in fine powder two ounces fine Sugar an ounce with a sufficient quantity of Pimpinel-water make an Electuary of which take morning and evening the quantity of a Nutmeg The outward use It is an excellent herb for all sorts of Wounds both of the head and body for all old Ulcers or running Cancers and moist sores which are of hard curation either the juice of decoction of the herb or the powder of the herb used or else made into Oile or Ointment by it self or with other things to be kept The seed dryeth up moist sores being put therein in powder The distilled Water maketh the face and hands fair being washed therewith An ointment to dry over moist Wounds Take four good handfuls of Burnet of May-butter or fresh Butter a pound cut the Burnet and boil them gently at the fire until the herb wax black then strain and reserve it The Dose Take half a dram of the herb or root at a time Of those Medicines that are made thereof The distilled water conserve made of the seed the root candied Oile Salt of Burnet CHAP. 143. De Pipere of Pepper The Names and sorts THere are three sorts of Pepper chiefly in use white Pepper called Piper album long Pepper called Piper longum and black Pepper called Piper nigrum and this last is most in use The temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree or neer the fourth degree of a heating and resolving quality The duration They will keep good many yeers â—he inward use The black pepper is most in use for sawce and meats They are all usâ—d to warm cold stomachs and to stirre up an appetite and to consume â—rude and moist humours therein or distilling from the head they also help to break and dissolve winde in the stomach or bowels to provoke urine to help the cough and other diseases of the breast and are effectuall against the bitings of Serpents and other poisons are therefore put into the great Antidotes They are given before the fits of Agues to abate the rigour and shaking thereof and are used in the Quinsie with Honey They strongly heat the sinews and musâ—les and all cold parts Pepper must not be too small beaten for fear of inflaming the bloud and other profitable humours of the body â—hey help the dimnesse of the sight and stirre up Venery If five or six grains of black or white Pepper be taken for certain dayes together it doth help a cold and raw stomach and such as are subject to the Collick The chymical oile of Pepper is good for the aforesaid diseases and especially against a tertian Ague if three drops thereof be taken with a scruple of Myrrhe two houres before the fit commeth Pepper is best for cold moist and grosse meats for cold and moist seasons for the aged and flegmatick for such as have cold weak and windy stomacks and that are subject to distillations The manner of administring them They are given in powder or in Electuary An Electuary against winde in the stomack and belly Take black white and long Pepper of each a dram and a half of Ginger Amse-seed and Thyme of each half a dram make them into a grosse powder and with six ounces of Honey or conserve of red Roses make an Electuary and take often of it as much as a Nutmeg The outward use It is used outwardly against Agues mixed with Honey and laid to the Wrists and against the Quinsie and disperseth the kernels as well in the throat as in any other part of the body it easeth the tooth-ach being put into a clout tied up and chewed on and snuffed up into the nostrils it provoketh neesing A Medicine to help the tooth-ach Take of Mastich an ounce Pepper Pellitory of Spain of each a dram and a half make them in powder and with Honey make a paste of which take about the bignesse of a small Bean and hold in the mouth by the space of half an houre fasting The hurtfull quality Pepper is hurtful to hot cholerick and dry bodies in hot weather and hot Countreys consumeth the seed and burneth the bloud if it be immoderately used The Dose It is given from half a scruple to thirty grains Medicines made thereof Species Diatrion pipereon Chymical Oile Oile by decoction CHAP. 144. De Plantagine of Plantaine The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Plantage in English Plantaine It is cold and dry in the second degree The duration It will keep good a yeer The inward use The juice of Plantaine clarified and drunk for divers dayes together either of it self or in other drink prevaileth wonderfully against all torments and frettings in the guts helpeth the distillations of Rheume from the head and stayeth all manner of fluxes in man or woman even the courses also in Women it is good to stay spitting of bloud and all other bleedings at the mouth by having a vein broken in the stomach and that maketh bloudy or foul water by any Ulcer in the Reins or Bladder it is held also an especial remedy for those
reason of the Gout and draweth forth Thornes Splinter or the like if it be dissolved with Vineger but it is more effectuall if it be mixed with Honey Birthworth and Saffron It consumes Strumas or swellings called the Kings Evill and ripeneth all kind of Imposthumes being applyed on Wool that is not greasie Being applyed to tumours of the Breast of Women it dissolveth them and brings them to maturity or ripenesse and mixed with Vineger it decreaseth the Milk and keepeth it from coagulating or curdling in the Breast being thereunto applied Being mixed with Honey and applied to the Throat it helpeth the Quinsie and swelling in the Neck or Throat It taketh away spots of the eyes being mixed with Womans Milk and it cleanseth the sight being mixed in Medicines for the eyes Ammoniacum and Frankinsence dissolved in Vineger and applied helpeth Ringwormes A Plaister for the hardnesse of the Spleene Take of Gum Ammoniacum one ounce Myrrhe Frankinsence Bdellium of each halfe an ounce dissolve them in Vineger of Rue and adde thereunto of the flowers of Camomill in powder a dram make a Plaister thereof and lay it warme to the Spleene Weichardus Thes pharmacent fol. 243. Or Take Garden mints Rue and Melilot in powder of each halfe an ounce Niter Salgem of each three drams Ammoniacum dissolved in wine one ounce with a little Wax and Oyle of Capers make a Plaster Or Take of Ammoniacum dissolved in Vineger halfe an ounce Vnguenium dialtheae compositum or Oyntment of Marsh-mallowes compound two ounces with a sufficient quantity of Wax make a Plaister Heurnius doth much commend this Plaister following against hardnesse of the Spleene Take of Hemlocke foure handfulls of Ammoniacum halfe a pound infuse them together eight dayes adding thereto three or foure ounces of strong Wine Vineger or more the Hemlocke also must be bruised Then having stood eight dayes dissolve the Gum by boyling it gently strain it forth boyle the strained liqour againe till the moysture be well consumed then with some Wax and Oyle of sweet Almonds make a Plaister or Oyntment A Cerot to dissolve all manner of hard knots and ganglious tumours Take of Ammoniacum six ounces Marsh mallow-roote and white Bryonie-root in powder of each an ounce of Turbith minerall halfe an ounce of fresh Butter one ounce and a halfe dissolve the Gums in Vineger and mix them all together and with one ounce of Wax make a Cerot Against Wormes Take of Ammoniacum one ounce dissolve it in Vineger and adde of the juice of Wormwood halfe an ounce boyle them a little and make a Plaister thereof warm it and lap it to the Navill The hurtfull quality Ammoniacum may not safely be given to pregnant Women or Women with Child for it will cause them to miscarry And though it provoke Urin yet if too great a quantity thereof be given it will cause one to pisse bloud These things following are made of Ammoniacum 1. Pills of Ammoniacum 2. Syrupe of Ammoniacum 3. Extract of Ammoniacum 4. Chymicall Oyle of Ammoniacum 5. A Plaster of Ammoniacum 6. Emplast ex cicuta cum Ammoniaco 7. Ceratum ex Ammoniaco The Dose The Dose is from a dram to four scruples CHAP. V. De Amygdalis Of Almonds ALmonds are of two sorts bitter and sweet of sweet some are bigger called Jordan Almonds others lesse called Valence Almonds and Barbary Almonds The Names The Almond-tree saith Plinie is the first that blossometh in the moneth of January and by March the Almond is ripe Plinie Nat. Hist lib. 16. cap. 25. In Latine Amygdalum and Amygdala The Temperament Sweet Almonds are hot and moist in the first degree but the bitter are hot and dry in the second degree The best sort The best are such as are yellow full and sound not broken nor rotten but hard and dry white within of a good smell and taste The Duration They will keep good two or three years The inward Vse The sweet Almonds are most pleasing to the tast and they yield good and plentifull nourishment to the body therefore they are good for weak and macerated persons or such as are leane They open and cleanse the breast provoke spitting and are good in the Pleurisy and shortnesse of breath they open the passages of Urin cleanse the Kidneyes and provoke sleep They increase geniture or seed both in men and women open the stoppings of the Liver and Spleen and help the sight Being blanched and dryed that they may be made into powder and so taken by it self or with other things stayeth the loosnesse of the belly The Oyle of sweet Almonds cleanseth the Reins and is good for such as are troubled with the Stone easeth the pain by opening and making slippery the passages thereof it is good for Women that are newly delivered for it helpeth throwes and after pains Being mingled with Sugar-candy and taken it helps the Cough and Hoarsnesse If you give two or three drams of it to Children that are newly borne that are troubled with Gripings and mingle Sugar Pellets or white candy therewith it will much prevaile Bitter Almonds open the stoppings of the Liver and Spleene cleanse the Lungs from grosse and tough flegme cleanse the Kidneyes and provoke Urine They take away flatulent or windy humours in the body and provoke the courses in Women Being taken with Amylum or Starch and Mints they are good against spitting of bloud and taken with water they are good for paines in the back and the inflamation of the Lungs They preserve from Drunkennesse if five or six be eaten in a morning fasting The Oyle of bitter Almonds being taken killeth Wormes helpeth the paines suffocations and tortions of the womb Being drunken with wine it mittigateth the Cough and brings away the stone or gravell in the Kidneyes It is reported that if bitter Almonds be given to a Fox he dieth thereof The manner of administring them Almonds are eaten alone or made into milk or emulsion lohoch or March panes An Emulsion for the Diseases of the Breast or Lungs Take of sweet Almonds one ounce of Pine-kernell halfe an ounce of the seeds of Citrull Gourds Melon and Bombar-seed or Cotten-tree of each a dram blanch the Almonds and prepare the Seeds Beat them in a Morter with a pound of the decoction of Jujubes and Raisons of the Sun beating them first and putting the water in by degrees then add four ounces of Sugar make an emulsion for four or five Doses Renodaeus dispens med fol 226. An Emulsion to extinguish the heat of the Reines and to help the sharpnesse of the Vrin Take Gourd Citrull Melon and cucumer-Cucumer-seeds of each halfe an ounce Lettice and white Poppy-seed of each two drams Beat them in a Morter with a pint of violet-Violet-water then add syrupe of Water-Lillies three ounces make an Emulsion for three Doses or three times taking Almond-Milk much in use by Practitioners and others Take of sweet Almonds blanched which is soon done by casting them into warm water two
ounces of Gourd Cutrub Cucumer and melon-Melon-seeds cleansed of each two drams Lettice and white Poppy-seed of each a dram make it according to art into an Emulsion or milk with a pint of Rose-water or Barly-water Heurnius prax med fol. 21. A March-pane against leannesse or also for the Diseases of the Breast and Lungs Take of sweet Almonds blanched three drams of Pine-kernels steeped in Scabious water 9 or 10 hours half an ounce of Pistack-kernells steeped in Scabious-water a whole day one ounce Gum Tragacanth and Arabicke of each halfe a dram of white Starch in powder as much the pulp of Dates and Sebestens of each halfe an ounce of the whitest Sugar dissolved in Rose-water so much as is sufficient to make it up into a March-pane Make it into small Cakes or Trosses and eat of them at any time Gorraeus form remed cap. 15. fol. 445. For the Stone and Gravell Take of Oyle of sweet Almonds fresh two ounces syrupe of Marsh mallowes one ounce mingle them together Give it in a morning fasting The outward Vse The Oyle both of bitter and sweet Almonds is good to cleanse the skin from roughnesse and spots but the bitter is most effectuall Being mixed with Oyle of Roses and Oyle of Capers and the Spleen annoynted therewith it helpeth the hardnesse thereof It cures deafnesse and noyse in the ears if it be dropped into the ears and helpeth the skurfinesse of the head and sores thereof If the Temples be annoynted therewith it easeth the paines of the head and brings rest or boyle bitter Almonds with Vineger of Roses and Rose-leaves apply it to the Temples Being bruised with Honey they are good against the biting of a mad Dog The powder of the Almond Cakes after the Oyle is pressed from them doth cleanse the hands or skin in any place far better then Sope and to supple the parts as also to make them smooth If the Oyle be mixed with Honey powder of Licoris Oyle of Roses and white Wax and the eyes therewith annoynted it clears them and helpeth dimnesse thereof To cleanse the skin and to beautifie the Face Take of Oyle of Tartar one ounce Oyle of sweet Almonds and of bitter Almonds one ounce and a halfe mix them together wash the face often therewith The hurtfull Quality It is not safe to give them to those that have hot chollerick stomachs and that have hot chollerick Feavers least they turne into heat and choller They also cause head-ach and fill the head with fumes and vapours Of such things as are made of Almonds 1. Confectio Amygdal dule 2. Oyle of sweet Almonds 3. Oyle of bitter Almonds 4. Lohoch de Papavere 5. Lohoch de Pino 6. Lohoch sanum expertum The Dose The Oyle of sweet Almonds is given from two drams to three ounces The Almonds themselves are eaten ad libitum or as men please at any time CHAP. VI. De Aristolochia longa rotunda Of long rooted Birth-wort and round rooted Birth-wort THese are long and round roots whitish within and rugged without well known to those that are Artists The Names It is called in Latine Aristolochia longa rotunda In English Round rooted Birthwort and Long rooted Birthwort or Hartworth The Temperament These roots are hot in the second degree and dry in the third degree or they are hot in the third degree and dry in the second The round hath lesse earthly substance and more tenuity of parts in it the long hath lesse tenuity of parts in it The round is most effectuall in all Diseases The Duration It will keep good two or three years The inward Vse Although all mention not the purging faculty that is in Aristolochia or Birthwort yet the Arabians and other Physitians say they purge first Flegme and then Choller and that without trouble or commotion to the body and strengthen the inward parts and are void of any maligne quality which is chiefly to be found in the round root Now because it doth attenuate and purge flegme and discusse windinesse it avails in the affects of the Brain Nerves Breast Stomach intestine Spleen and womb It is good in the Falling Sicknesse Cramp Convulsion Ruptures shortnesse of Breath paine of the Side Hicket gnawing of the Stomach Collicke and especially comming of Flegme or winde swelling of the Spleen It brings downe the After-Birth and provokes the courses and helps the impurity of the Womb. It is used with profit in the Joynt Gout against venome and poyson against cold Agues and against stoppings and rebellious humours that are the cause of long Agues It is excellent for Women that are near their time or especially in Travell for it causeth a speedy and easie delivery and clears the uterine parts of what is offensive to nature also it brings away the dead Child It killeth Worms and resisteth putrifaction It is given with Oxymel or Hydromel against the contusions of the Nerves and Muscles The long roots infused and taken helpe to dry up Scab and Itch. The manner of Administring it It is given in substance or in decoction A Powder against the Epilepsie or Falling-Sicknesse Take of round Aristolochia or Birthwort six drams of Piony-seed two drams make them in powder and add one ounce of fine Sugar The Dose is a dram at a time in Blackcherry-water A Powder against the Joynt-Gout Take Germander Ground-pine Centory the lesser Sage Betony Gentian round Birth-wort of each halfe an ounce of the wood called Lignum vitae or Guajacum seven ounces make them into powder Give hereof a dram every day in water of Honey for certaine moneths together if need require Freitag aur med fol. 286. A Potion against winde in the Stomach and paine thereof Take of round Birthwort halfe an ounce Anni-seed and carraway-Carraway-seed of each five drams Agaricke trochiscated two drams and a halfe Camomill flowers Centory the lesser of each two handfulls of Saffron ten grains boyle them in broth made with meat and make a drink for divers Doses taking a draught thereof morning and evening adding a little Sugar thereunto Or Take of Treacle of Andromachus two scruples of Mithridate a scruple of round Birth-wort halfe a dram make the Birthwort in powder and dissolve it with the rest in Sack and give it Pills having a cleansing and deterging faculty good against the Falling-Sicknesse Palsie Shortnesse of Breath Old Cough Hardnesse of the Liver beginning and in the stopping of the Courses bringing away the Birth and After-Birth being most convenient in the winter season for such as are of moist Constitutions and to be used after the Body is purged Take of round Birthwort one ounce Gentian-root Myrrhe of each three drams Aloes and Cinamon of each half an ounce Ginger a dram make them all into fine Powder and with Oyle of sweet Almonds make it into a masse or lump for Pills The Dose is a dram and a halfe taking Broth presently after them Fervel meth med lib. 7. fol. 192. Against paine of the side Take
a dram in infusion from two drams to halfe an ounce Brassica Marina see Soldanella or Sea bind weed CHAP. IX De Bdellio Of Gum Bdellium BDellium is a Gum flowing from a tree growing in Arabia in India and Media but it chiefly groweth in Arabia The Names It is called in Latine Bdellium The Temperament Bdellium is hot in the second degree and moist in the first of a mollifying and discussing nature The best kinde The best say Authours is clear like glew fat on the inside easily melting or dissolving pure or clear from drosse sweet in the burning and bitter in tast but that we have is not to be found so for we find little bitternesse in any and lesse sweetnesse in the burning of it but strong and unpleasant rather neither is it easie to be dissolved without warmth and ours is of a sad brown colour somwhat like Glew and much like unto Myrrhe in colour insomuch that some erroneously judge the purer part of this Gum to be Bdellium and the grosser to be Myrrhe The Duration It will keep good ten or twelve years The inward Vse It provokes Urine and the courses in Women breaks the Stone it is good for those that have the Cough and are bitten by Serpents or venomous Beasts It helpeth to discusse the windinesse of the Spleen and pains of the side it helpeth Ruptures mollifieth the hardnesse of the Mother and dryeth up the moysture thereof and draweth forth the dead Child It provokes sweat stoppeth the overflowing of the menses or courses in Women and also of the womb as some affirm which if it doe both surely 't is by its Arcanum or hidden property It is given against a super-purgation after the taking of a sharp Medicine that is when a Purge worketh more then is meet The manner of administring it It is chiefly used in Pills but it may be dissolved in wine or any other liquour and so taken Pills of Bdellium that are good against the Hemroids or Piles and the overflowing of the courses Take of Bdellium one ounce and a halfe Myrobalans Chebuls Black Myrobalans Bellericks and Emblicks Concha Venerea burnt which is a Sea-shell of each two drams and a halfe Ammios-seed three drams Amber two drams and a halfe make those things in powder that are to be powdered then macerate and dissolve the Bdellium in juice of Leeks and with a sufficient quantity of syrupe made of the juice of Leeks make it into a masse or lump for Pills The Dose is from halfe a dram to four scruples Pills against the Hemroids Take of the former Pills two drams of Sene Rubarbe Agarick trochiscated in powder of each a dram with a sufficient quantity of syrupe of Roses make a masse for Pills of which take a dram at a time in the morning for divers dayes together if need require Riverius observat med cent 3. fol. 236. The Externall Vse It is outwardly used against Convulsions and Ruptures against swellings of the Throat it dissolveth hard tumours and nodes of the Joynts it openeth obstructions of the Womb mollifieth the hardnesse thereof and dryeth up its moistnesse either applied or a fume thereof received the same is good against swellings and apostumes of the genitalls or privy members A Plaister dissolving hard tumours Take of Bdellium one ounce of Sagapenum four ounces of Ammoniacum three ounces Galbanum Euphorbium of each two drams Dissolve the Gums in Sacke then add thereto Oyle of white Lillies and Oyle of sweet Almonds of each an ounce Propolis which is found in Bee hives four ounces and a halfe make them into a Plaister A Plaister against Nodes and glandulous tumours Take of Bdellium and Lupines of each two drams of Cow-dung two ounces of Colewort-root Capar bark Sea Onion pulp of Figs of each halfe an ounce make those in powder that are to be powdered dissolve the Bdellium in Wine and with a sufficient quantity of Honey Vineger Hogs-greace and Old Oyle make a Plaister apply it as need requireth The Hurtfull Quality It is not to be given to Women with Child The Dose The Dose is from a dram to two drams These following are made of Bdellium 1. Pills of Bdellium 2. Oyntment of Bdellium 3. Vnguentum Apostolorum CHAP. X. De Bistorta Of Bistort-root BIstort is a thick short knobbed root blackish without and somewhat reddish within a little crooked or turned together of a harsh or binding tast with divers blackish fibres or hairie threds growing thereat and hath leaves like Dock's but smaller The Names It is called in Latine Bistorta because the root is writhed in the likenesse of a Serpent in English Bistort or Snake-weede The Temperament It doth coole and dry in the third degree and is very astringent or binding The Duration It will keep good a year or two The inward Vse Bistort-root is excellent to resist all poyson and venom A dram of it in powder taken in Wine or Angelica-water expelleth the venome of the Plague or Pestilence the Small Pox Measles Purples or any other infectious Disease the same in powder or the decoction in Wine being drunk stayeth all manner of inward bleeding or spitting of blood as also any Fluxes of the body and moreover such as are troubled with vomiting The powder or the decoction being drunk helpeth Ruptures and is available against all bruises or falls and dissolveth the congealed bloud and easeth the paines that happen thereupon the same helpeth the Jaundise and hindereth Abortion or miscarrying in Women killeth Worms and is profitable for such as cannot hold their water especially if the juice of Plantaine be added thereto A dram of the powder taken in the water thereof wherein some Iron or Steel being red hot hath been quenched is an admirable help in the Gonorrhaea or running of the Reins so that the body be first purged It is very usefull in decoctions for Wounds being taken into the body the same stayeth the flowing of the courses in Women The manner of administring it It is given in powder in electuary and in decoction An Electuary against Womens Flux or the overflowing of their Courses Take of old Conserve of red Roses one ounce and a halfe Bole Armenick in powder two scruples red Corall in powder a scruple Bistort root in powder a dram with a sufficient quantity of syrupe of Mirtles or syrupe of Quinces make an Electuary Take often of it especially a little before meat the quantity of a Nutmeg and after meat as much An Electuary against the Pestilence Take of LONDON Treacle halfe an ounce Mithridate 3. drams Angelica root and Bistort root in powder of each halfe a scruple Cardamoms five grains Camphor four grains Cinamon in powder halfe a scruple Let the Camphor be dissolved in a little syrupe of Lemons and the rest being in powder make it into an Electuary The Dose is a dram or more morning and evening by it selfe or in Carduus-water In Decoction Take of Bistort root bruised two drams boyle it in
and fatty not ranced being put into water if it swim it is to be cast away The Duration The seeds will keep good three years The inward use The seeds purge Flegme and watery humors by vomit and siege It is a specifick remedy against the Collick It helpeth also the diseases of the breast and hypoconders openeth the obstructions of the viscerous parts and avails in the Dropsie and Jaundies Being made into a Loloch or licking Electuary with Sugar and Honey a few Almonds and Pine Kernels it cleanseth the lungs of Flegme sticking therein wonderfully causing it to be easily spit forth it also cleareth the voice and increaseth sperme by the often use of it With Honey it is excellent against the Cough Being bruised and strained into Milke it makes it to curdle and is usefull to open and loosen the belly Parrots doe eat of this seed yet it doth not loosen them at all The manner of administring it It is given in Emulsions in Tabulats in Electuaries in Pulpe c. An Emulsion or milke purging safely and gently Take of Mechoaehan white Turbith of each one ounce Anni-seed Fennel-seed Cinamon of each a dram bruise them and make a Decoction thereof Take of this Decoction eleven ounces of sweet Almonds blanched half an ounce of cinamon-Cinamon-water half an ounce or five drams make it into an Emulsion or milkie substance Tabulats purging or square Cakes Take of Diagredium Turbith of each one ounce of the Pulpe of carthamus-Carthamus-seed half a dram Cinamon Ginger species of Diatragacanthum frigidum of each two drams Citron Pill the Pulpe of preserved Quinces of each a dram of Sugar nine ounces of white Sugar-candy one ounce Powder what is to be powdered and make Tabulats or Cakes thereof and dry them The Dose is from a dram and a halfe to three drams Freitag Aur. med fol. 282. Against the Jaundies Take of the Pulpe of Carthamus seeds a dram Syrup of Worm-wood an ounce of Succory water an ounce mixe them together and give it For the same Take of the flowers of Carthamus in powder a dram give it in Hydromel or Water and Honey or in Barley water The outward use The water of Carthamus is commended against wilde-fire if clouts be dipped therein and applyed The hurtfull quality There are two hurtfull properties in Carthamus the one that it offends the stomack and provokes to vomit to help this it must be given with Anni-seed fennel-Fennel-seed Galingal Cinamon Ginger Mastick or such like The other is that it works but slowly and stirreth up the humors to help this it may be given with Cardamoms Salgem and such like The Dose The Dose of the Pulpe is from a dram to two drams though it be rarely given by it selfe because of its viscosity or sliminesse In infusion from three drams to six drams or more Of those Medicines that are made of Carthamus First extract of Carthamus 2 Syrup of Carthamus 3 Electuary Diacarthamum 4 Species of Carthamus 5 The distilled water 6 Olium e enico expressum which being taken with Muskadel is excellent against the Collick 7 Oyle of the seed of Carthamus three drams of which being taken with powder of Anniseed and Cinamon doth purge flegm as saith Brassarolus CHAP. XIV De Cassia lignea Cinamomo Of Cassia Lignea and Cinamon BEcause these are so little differing from each other I shall joyne them together yet speake severally of their vertues They are both barks of trees brought to us from the East-Indies The Names Cinamon is called in Latine Cinnamomum Cinamomum in English Cinnamome and Cinamon I know no other names in use for the other but Cassia Lignea The Temperament Cinamon is hot and dry in the third degree or hot in the third-degree and dry in the second Cassia lignea is hot and dry in the third degree The best sort The best Cinamon is that which is of a reddish colour smelling fragrantly and of a sharp and biting tast usually the thin barks or rindes are the best The difference between Cassia lignea and Cinamon The Cinamon rinde is much bigger the Cassia lignea is in very small rindes or barkes besides there is a manifest difference in the tast for the Cinamon hath a rough tast but the Cassia lignea is very slippery upon the tongue The Duration They will keep good eight or ten years as some report which I somewhat doubt of especially of Cinamon The inward Vse Cinamon is of subtill parts and very Aromaticall it comforteth the heart and vitall parts corroborateth and strengthneth the stomack braine nerves and other cold parts of the body it easeth the pains of the Wind Collick provokes the Courses and Vrine hastneth the birth it preventeth and correcteth putrifaction of humours resisteth poyson stayeth vomiting and helpeth nauseousnesse of the stomach it is frequently used in Cardiack passions or passions of the heart faintings of the spirits and in trembling of the heart it causeth sweetnesse of the breath and brings a good colour in the face it strengthneth the retentive faculty of all the parts by drying up and consuming the moisture thereof It is used in the Dropsie and Cough proceeding from moisture In brief it avails in all cold diseases of the head stomack and womb and is most convenient for cold and moist bodies and is much used in Lasks or Loosnesse of the body Note That Cinamon is most fragrant about the full of the Moon and hath the best taste and is then fittest for any medicine especially for oyle Cassia lignea comforteth the Stomack Liver and all the principall parts openeth obstructions or stoppings disperseth grosse humour repelleth winde provokes urine brings downe the menses or termes in women and doth much facilitate or hasten the birth The Vse of Oyle and Water of Cinamon There is a Chymicall Oyle drawne from Cinamon which is most excellent for these Diseases It comforteth the Stomach Brain Heart and all the principall parts it helpeth a stinking Breath resisteth putrifaction provokes the menses and helpeth Women in hard labours easeth the Cough arising from cold and all cold pains of the head it is a singular help in fainting of the spirits and stayeth too much vomiting after the taking of Antimony if two or three drops thereof be taken in Mint-water Good Cinamon-water hath the same vertues The manner of administring them They are given in Powder in Potions Electuaries and in Pills A Powder to hasten the Birth Take of Cinamon a dram Saffron halfe a dram Cassia lignea two scruples make them all in powder Or Take Cinamon Saffron of each a scruple of Borax four scruples make them in powder and give it in a little Mugwort-water A Potion to hasten the Birth Take of Cassia lignea in powder a dram Saffron in powder a scruple syrupe of Mugwort halfe an ounce Savin-water three ounces mingle them together and give it Pills to hasten the Birth Take of Cassia lignea or Cinamon a dram Castor six grains Storax calamita
seven drams The outward Vse Cassia being outwardly applied to those that have the Gout easeth the paines thereof Also 't is good to gargle with Cassia to asswage and mitigate the tumours and swellings of the Throat It is used in Plaisters or Oyntments against hot pimpels and other eruptions or breakings out of the skin and to take away the roughnesse of the skin A Liniment against the Gout and arthriticall paines of Joynt-Gout Take of new Cassia two ounces Oyntment called Populeon one ounce with a little Plantaine-water make a Liniment or thin Oyntment This is good in a hot Gout The hurtfull quality with the correcting meanes Cassia is not to be given to such as have weak stomachs nor windy bodies nor to such as are loose in their bodies Therefore 't is not safe to give it to those that have their Hypochonders much troubled or their Spleen swollen nor to such as have Iliack and collick passion nor to such as have Vlcers in their Kidneyes or Bladder It is also forbidden in the Palsie because of its moistnesse and in the Gout If the Belly be loose it may be given with a little Rubarbe or Myrobalanes In weaknesse of the stomach mingle with it Cinamon or Mastich In flatulent or windy bodies give it with Anni-seed or sweet Fennel-seed If the body be bound you may give it with Oyle of sweet Almonds The best and safest way to give it is with some of the foregoing correctors or the like and not alone by it selfe These things following are made of Cassia Fistula 1. Cassiae flos or the pulp of Cassia or Cassia extracted 2. Cassia extracted for Glysters 3. Cassia extracted with Sene. 4. Cassia extracted without Sene. 5. Dia Cassia with Manna 6. Extract of Cassia 7. Diacatholicon 8. Electuary Lenitive The Dose The Dose is from one ounce to an ounce and a halfe Whether Cassia be convenient in hot Feavers There are some that condemne the use of Cassia in Feavers especially in Burning Feavers as in Tertians and also in Malignant Feavers and that by reason of its dulcedinie and moysture it may soon turn into Choller and also increase putrifaction But seeing that most Authours Write that it purgeth Choller and hot humours I see no reason to condemne the use of it in hot Feavers nor in Malignant Feavers for it is not given to alter but to evacuate humours and especially if Tamarinds or the like be given with it Cinamon see Cassia lignea CHAP. XVI De Cataputia minore de esula minore seu Tithymalo pineo Of Garden-Spurge and of Pine-Spurge or Small esula GArden Spurge hath one hollow whitish stalk as big as a finger the leaves be long and narrow like the leaves of Willow yielding milk the Flowers are of a pale yellow colour Pine syrupe or Small esula hath weak and tender stalks half a yard long whereon grow many small long and narrow pointed leaves very like the leaves of Tode-flax at the top of the stalks grow yellow flowers The Names Pine spurge is called in Latine Tithymalus pineus esula ezula and esula minor Garden spurge is called in Latine Cataputia minor The Temperament They are hot and dry in the third degree The Duration The Bark will keep a year or two though it be best to have it fresh every year The inward use The liquor or juice the leaves seeds and roots or barks are in use All sorts of Spurge are of a hot biting and inflaming nature the strongest kind of Tithymale or Spurge is that of the Sea for the least drop of it being taken into the mouth will so burn heat and inflame that without present remedy it will endanger death The milky juice of them is the strongest worker the seeds and leaves are next in quality thereto and the roots or barks are of most of the same operation but not so strong The juice of any Tithymale is a strong Medicine to purge the belly and to cause vomiting and bringeth away tough flegme and chollerick humours The root is good for the Dropsie being rightly prepared The seeds of Garden spurge are most in use If you give five seaven nine or ten grains thereof at a time they purge by stool and vomit tough Flegme Choller Melancholly and water and is usefull in the Jaundise Iliack-passion Palsie and Quotidian-Ague And usually they swollow the seeds whole without breaking either husk or kernell for then they woâ—k the more gently and weakly but if the husk be broken and the kernells swallowed down whole or chewed or bruised and mixed with drink or Broth they work more violently The Milk hereof is more violent then the Seeds or Kernells The leaves being boyled in fat Broth worke more safely and somewhat more weakly Three or four of the leaves may be taken being boyled in broth Small Esula purgeth strongly downward both Choller and Flegme and easeth the hardnesse and pains of the belly and swellings of the Breast The seed and root prepared helpeth the Dropsie being carefully taken and with good advise The leaves steeped a while in Vineger and afterwards dryed and made into powder which is the preparation of them may be given to the weight of three drams saith Diascorides which is thought too much The root prepared as aforesaid is given likewise to the weight of two drams saith Diascorides in Mead or honeyed-Honeyed-water but one dram must not be given without caution The seeds saith the former Author may be taken to the weight of a dram but seing nine or ten seeds of the Garden spurge is a sufficient strong Medicine 't is not safe to give so many of these And of the juice or Milk Diascorides appointeth a spoonfull being made into pils with flower which is the strongest of them all The extract hereof purgeth more safely The manner of administring it It is given in Powder Pills Electuary c. A Powder against the Dropsie Take of Esula prepared as above written five scruples Cinamon Fennel-seed Anni-seed Mastich of each six grains make them into powder and give it as need requireth Pills against the Dropsie Take of the bark of Ezula prepared as before Myrobalanâ— citrine or yellow of each four parts of Aloes five parts make them in powder or with the juice of Fennell or Endive make a masse or lump for pills The Dose is from a dram to two drams and a half Freitag Aur med fol. 413. A Potion against the Dropsie Take of the essence of Esula fifteen grains Oyle of Anni-seed Oyle of Citron-pill Oyle of Cinamon of each one drop of syrupe of Citron-pill and Mint-water of each halfe an ounce mix them together and make a Potion Or Take of the bark of Pine spurge prepared and in powder halfe a dram of the juice of Fennell well clarified one ounce or two ounces of White-wine or Posset-drink three ounces add a little Sugar and make a Potion The externall Vse Esula minor or small Tithymall hath a vertue to heal the bitings or
stingings of venomous Beasts and Serpents The milkie juice taketh away Warts Cornes and Callous knobs in the flesh being first pared and cut away and then applyed it is used also in running Scabs and Sores and to blemished scars and spots of the skin The same mixed with Honey causeth the hair to fall away being applied but it must not lye on long and when you thus use it 't is good to mix some Oyle with it for hereby it doth lesse burn and heat being put into a hollow Tooth it takes away the pain thereof but take heed it touch not any other of the Teeth or Gums 't is not amisse to cover the parts about with Wax to keep them from the said juice It helpeth Fistulaes and corrupt and fretting Vlcers and is good against hot swellings and Carbuncles and taketh away the Disease in the Fundament called a Fig being a fleshy substance growing there The milk made up into Trosses or little Balls with the Meal of Beanes or Pease and kept dry doth serve all the year to use as occasion is offered for the purposes aforesaid It killeth Fish if it be mixed with such things as they will eat but the seeds and milk being rightly used in Baits only amazeth Fishes so that you may take them with your hands and so doth the leaves of broad leaved Spurge being cast into the water causeth the Fish therein to rise up to the top thereof where lying a while as halfe dead may be taken with ones hand The Water of Garden spurge taketh away Corns on the Feet being often washed therewith but first let them be cut then dip linnen cloaths in the same and wash the place three or four times in a day the same doth cleanse the skin from Freckles Morphew or any other discolouring either used by it selfe or mixed with water of Bean-flowers and Bastard Dittany it helpeth the Itch being gently washed therewith and also foul Vlcers and sores The hurtfull quality and correction All sorts of Spurges are heating and burning being but outwardly used or applyed they exulcerate the skin and inwardly taken they are excoriating purgers and very offensive to the heart Liver and stomach they break the Veins excoriate the Guts and inflame the whole body whereby many times Feavers are caused To help that the heart and stomach be not hurt with the same we are to use therewith such things as are cordiall and comfort the stomach as Spikenard Cinamon Nutmeg and Mastich To help the burning quality thereof we are to mix therewith such things as are of a glutinous nature as Gum Tragacanth Bdellium juice of Purslaine and the muccilage of the seeds of Fleawort To prevent inflaming of the Guts and that it cause not Feavers we are to mix with it such things as are cold and moist as the juice of Sowthistle Nightshade Endive Purslaine or seeds of Quince infused and boyled gently in Vineger These are not to be given but in very strong and rustick bodies and with good caution 't is safer to use them only outwardly and not to give them into the body especially seing we have so many other good and safe Medicines The lesser or smaller Esula is the best to use but bad is the best as you have heard In the gathering of the juice great care must be taken that they touch not their face nor eyes with their hands The Dose The milkie juyce is given being well prepared from three grains to six or eight the root or barke from five graines to ten or twenty in a strong body These things following are made of Esula First Extract of Esula 2 Pils of Esula 3. The distilled water thereof CHAP. XVII De Colocynthide Of Coloquintida Apple COloquintida is the fruit of wilde gourd round like an apple and white having white seeds within The Names It is called in Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pekaynim or Pekaim and Pakkunoth Therefore in the 2 Kings 4.39 't is said And he found 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gephen vitem agri a wilde Vine and he gathered thereof 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pakkugnoth i. e. Coloquintidas It is called in Arabick 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Handal Handaal and Chandel from whence we have Trochisci Alhandal quasi ex Colocynthide In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Alvumâ—novet In Latine Colocynthis Coloquintida Cucurbita Sylvestris a Cucumer ob affinitatem tum in forma tum in qualitate Also Fel terrae mors plantarum because it imbitters all hearbs growing neer it or killeth them In English Apple of Coloquintida and the bitter Gourd The Temperament Coloquintida is hot and dry in the third degree The best sort The best Apples are white and full ripe well compacted very bitter and light yea the lighter the better The Duration The Apples of Coloquintida may be kept four or five years The inward Vse Coloquintida purgeth first Flegme and viscous humours then Choler both green and yellow as also yellow-water and that with great violence from remote parts as from the braine and the membranes thereof from the nerves musles joynts lungs and breast therefore it is profitable for any kinde of head-ach whether Cephalalgia Cephalaea or Hemicrania in the Epilepsie or Falling-sicknesse Apoplexie Swimming of the head and in Fluxes of Rheume flowing to the Eyes Also in the Sciatica or Hip-gout and in other diseases of the Nerves and Joynts Also in Asthma and Dispnaea a shortnesse of breath and old Coughs Moreover it is much commended in the Collick whether it proceed from Flegme or Winde as also in the Dropsie and killeth worms The seeds may be used in the Yellow-Jaundies The inner white soft spungie substance under the outward shell or rinde is that onely without any seed which is used The manner of administring it It is given chiefly in Pils and Trosses rarely by decoction or infusion yet it is usuall with the Vulgar to buy a ball of Coloquint as they call it and boyle it in Beer or Water and brag how good a purge they can make for themselves or friends and that for the value of two pence or three pence but how dear they pay for it in the end daily experience doth manifest Pils Take of species Hiera simplex a dram Trosses Alhandal twelve graines with a little Syrup of Roses make seven Pils and take them in a morning fasting Pils against the Iliack passion Take of Coloquintida Sagapenum of each ten drams Scamony three drams dissolve the gums and make the other in powder then make them into a masse or lump if need require you may take a little honey to make them up An extract of the seeds of Coloquintida Take of the seeds of Coloquintida bruised four ounces Aqua-vitae a pinte Aloes two ounces Scammony one ounce Macerate or steep the seeds in the Aqua-vitae three dayes and straine it hard and set it on the fire to evaporate which being done adde the rest
themselves about herbs the one growing upon Time the other upon Flax or Line The Names Epithymum is called Time or laced Time Cuscutha is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cuscutha Cussutha Cassutha and Cassytha in English Dodder The Temperament Epithymum is hot and dry in the third degree Dodder is hot in the first degree and dry in the second The best The best is that which is fresh and new not too old the tops and flowers are most effectuall The best is that which comes from Crete The Duration They will keep good a year The inward Vse Epithymum purgeth Melancholy and adust Choller as also Flegme from the braine heart spleen and hypochonders It avails against Melancholy old and inveterate pains of the head swimming of the head madnesse falling-sicknesse faintings Quartaine Ague Hypochondriack passions Scirrhues or hardnesse of the Spleen and windinesse thereof stoppings of the Kidnies and is very usefull in the Scab and Itch Leprosie Elephansie malignant Vlcers and Cancers as also the French-Pox It cleanseth the blood very much from Melancholy and adust humours Avicen commends it against the Cramp It is profitable in the Jaundies in opening stoppings of the Gall. It hath also a strengthning property besides its purging quality as in Rubarbe and a very safe Medicine for the stoppings as well of the Liver as Spleen purging the Veins of flegmatick and chollerick humours and helpeth Childrens Agues if a little Wormseed be put to it Taken with Lapis lazul it cures the Quartaine Ague Note That it will not endure any long decocting or boyling Cuscuthe or Dodder is very profitable in stoppings of the Liver Gall and Spleen cleanseth the blood from Melancholly and is usefull in the Jaundise provokes Urine and cleanseth the Veins of Chollerick and Flegmatick humours Being taken with Wormwood it purgeth Choller If halfe a pint or lesse of the decoction be taken with halfe an ounce of Sugar it cures Children of Agues Moreover it hath the same vertues as Epithymum hath though not so fully only some will have Cuscutha more proper for the Liver and Epithymum for the Spleen But the Cuscutha is more or lesse effectuall according to the vertues of those hearbs on which it groweth For that which groweth on Nettles and Broom provokes Urine that which growes on Tares which is the most common is not so good for Tares are of hard digestion and bind the belly and breed thick and Melancholly blood The seeds drunk with Wine and Sage ease the Hip-Gout The distilled water of Cuscutha taken helps the effects of the Liver and Lungs by cleansing and strengthening also cures the Jaundise expells the stone of the Bladder and easeth gripings in the belly helps to bring downe the Courses in Women and swellings about the Navill and cures Agues in Children The Dose is three or four ounces morning and evening to Children give lesse The manner of administring them They are chiefly given in Potions and Powders A Potion against Melancholly Take of Epithymum halfe an ounce of Sene one ounce and a halfe Anni-seed two drams Licoris a dram Damask Prunes ten or twelve Bruise the Licoris and Anni-seed and cut the Prunes then infuse them on hot embers five or six hours with half a pint of Posset-drink strain it and give the clearest Or Take the flowers of Balme Rosemary Borrage and Buglosse of each halfe a handfull of the outside of yellow Myrobalans half an ounce Epithymum Time Sene Polypodium of each two drams or halfe an ounce boyle them in a sufficient quantity of water till about halfe be consumed strain it and add syrupe of Roses an ounce make a Potion and give it Or Take Epithymum Cuscutha Sene Origanum or Wild Marjoram of each two drams of red Ciches a dram make a decoction in a sufficient quantity of water strain it and in the clearest infuse or steep of Agarick trochiscated a dram of Cinamon halfe a dram let them stand one night then strain it and to the strained liquor add Confectio Hamech two drams or halfe an ounce and make all into a Potion The externall use The distilled water of Cuscutha or Dodder clears the fight if it be dropped into the eyes the leaves made into a Pultis and applied to the Spleen doth ease the pain thereof also boyled with Oyle and Wine and applied to the Flanks helpeth the Strangury The hurtfull quality They are not convenient for hot and dry bodies neither is the use of them so safe in Summer as in Winter The too frequent use of them offends the stomach and causeth dry'th And because they are weak in operation use them with Salgem Ginger or black Hellebor and to mitigate the drynesse of them give them with Posset-Ale or with a decoction of Raisons Violets and Borrage The Dose The Dose in substance is from two drams to three drams or halfe an ounce in infusion or decoction from an ounce to an ounce and a halfe or two ounces and let this be in the winter time for in hot weather you must give lesse in quantity Of such things as are made of them 1. The distilled water of Epithymum and Dodder 2. Syrupe of Epithymum 3. Decoction of Epithymum 4. Syrupe of Apples Magistrall Esula minor or Tithymall see Cataputia minor CHAP. XXVIII De Euphorbio Of Gum Euphorbium EVphorbium is a Gum of a brown yellowish colour in small grains like Mastich and comes from a certain plant growing in Lybia and in Barbary The Names It is called in Latine Euphorbium from a famous Physitian whose name was Euphorbius Brother to Antonius Musa who was also Physitian to Juba King of the Mauritanians or Moors and first found out the vertue of this Gum. In English 't is called also Gum Euforbium or the Gum Thistle or the Gum of the burning thorny plant The temperament Euphorbium is hot and dry in the fourth degree The best kinde The best is the clearest of a brown yellowish colour but whiter within and without filth That which is pale is to be rejected The Duration It will keep good four or five years Some affirme that it will keep its vertue forty years The inward use Euphorbium purgeth thick and tough flegme but chiefly and more strongly watery humours from the Joynts and remote parts of the body Therefore it helpeth the Dropsie and any kind of Gout It purgeth flegme and water from the Brain and Nervous parts and also thick flegme from the stomach It is profitable in the Apoplexie Palsly Lethargie and in all soporiferous or sleepy Diseases and cold Diseases of the Brain and resolution of the Nerves in Convulsions and tremblings And because it draweth tough and thick humours from the Joynts it is used in the French Pox and by some it is counted available in the Pestilence Also it is esteemed a present help against Apostumes and painfull Nodes or Bunches of the Joynts It speedily helps the Collick proceeding from tough and glassie flegme especially when the tunicles
it The Names In Latine 'tis called Fumaria and Fumus terrae in English Fumittery The temperament It is hot in the first degree and dry in the second and not cold as the Vulgar conceive for its bitternesse sheweth it to be hot The duration The Hearb will keep good a year and the juice may be kept a year with Oyle of Olives powred on it The inward use Fumiterry purgeth gently Melancholly and salt humours it is opening cleansing and strengthening it purgeth the impurity of the blood and is usefull in obstructions and stoppings of the Liver Spleen and Entrals and doth corrobate or strengthen those parts It purgeth Chollerick humours by Urine and avails in the Itch Scab Leprosie Cancer Fistulaes and foule Diseases of the skin arising from adust humours as also in the French Disease It is profitable in Feavers arising from choller both yellow and black in the Jaundise Quartaine Ague Scorbute or Scurvie killeth Worms and prevails in Chronicall Diseases arising from stoppings of the viscerous parts and in affects of the Hypochonders The powder saith Brasavola of the dryed Hearb given for some time together hath cured a Melancholly person The distilled water cures the yellow Jaundise if three or four ounces be drunk morning and evening for certaine dayes together and avails against the Scab Itch and such like Diseases and being constantly taken it preserveth from the Leprosie Being taken with 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 manner of administring it It is given in Potion Decoction in juice and in Powder A Potion against Melancholly and Choller Take of Sene two drams Fumiterry and Wormwood of each as much as you can hold between two or three fingers of Cinamon bruised a dram infuse them in Succory-water and a little Wine for a night strain it and in the strained liquour infuse or steep of Rubarbe cut in thin slices halfe a dram or a dram five or six hours then strain it again and add to it of the Electuary called Diacatholicon halfe an ounce make a Potion A Potion against Melancholly Take of Fumiterry tops of Hops of each halfe a handfull Raisons of the sun stoned halfe an ounce Polypodium of the Oak green bruised halfe an ounce Dodder Epithymum of each three drams Anniseed and Licoris bruised of each halfe a dram Make a decoction in a sufficient quantity of water strain it and infuse or steep therein of Sene two or three drams strain it and dissolve in it Diacatholicon an ounce and as much syrupe of Violets A Potion against the Dropsie Take of the juice of Fumiterry two or three ounces of the powder of the root of Esula prepared eight or ten grains Elder-water an ounce with a little Suger make a Potion A delicate Potion to purge the blood Take of the decoction of Fumiterry made with Whey or Posset-drink five ounces steep therein on hot embers a whole night of Sene halfe an ounce Rubarbe a dram strain it and dissolve in it of syrupe of Roses Laxative or of Manna an ounce make a Potion Against the Scorbute or Scurvy Take the juice of Fumiterry and Scurvygrasse of each two ounces give it in the Spring time in Goats Whey A decoction of Fumiterry made with Posset-drink and four or five ounces thereof taken morning and evening in the Spring time doth much purifie and cleanse the blood Against the Jaundise Take Fumiterry Wormwood of each a handfull boyle it in Posset-drink or Whey and being strained drink of it four ounces morning and evening Or Take two or three ounces of the juice of Fumiterry and give it in two ounces of ceterach-Ceterach-water Against the Joynt-Gout Take of the juice of Fumiterry three ounces of Hermodactilles in powder two scruples mingle them together and give it in a morning fasting Against the Scab Itch and Leprosie Take of the juice of Fumiterry two ounces and a halfe or three ounces warm it over the fire and scum it then add a little sugar and half a dram of Fennellseed to it and give it in a morning The outward use The juice dropped into the eyes doth clear the eyes and quicken the sight but at the first it will cause the eyes to water the juice also mingled with Gum Arabicke and applied to the lids will cause that the haire 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 doth the like the juice mixed with the juice of Docks and Oxymel or Vineger cureth the Morphew being anointed therewith Also a Bath made of the same with Mallowes Violets and Dock roots with Barly Bran and Nep cureth the Scab and Itch. The juice mingled with Oyle of Nuts and Vineger cures maligne Scabs and the Leprosie being noynted 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 The hurtfull quality It is somwhat flatulent or windy therefore 't is good to mix with the juice or decoction some Anniseed or Fennelseed and infused in Whey or given with infusion of Sene it doth work the better The Dose The juice is given from halfe an ounce to two or three ounces The Powder from two drams to foure drams The decoction from three ounces to five or six ounces Of such things as are made thereof The Water The Juice The Conserve The Syrupe both simple and compound Pills of Fumiterry and the Oyle distilled from the dry hearb CHAP. XXX De Galanga Of Galingall GAlingale is a small root of a reddish colour both within and without and smelleth somwhat sweet and groweth in China The Names It is called in Latine Galanga in English Galingall The temperament It is hot and dry in the second or third degree The sorts or kinds There are two sorts the greater and the lesser but the lesser is most in use The best kinde The best is that which is of a reddish colour or brownish within and without heavy and aromaticall or smelling sweet especially being bruised of a hot tast and full of smal holes The Duration It will keep good three or four years The inward Vse Galingal is profitable in all cold diseases of the stomach braine and wombe help 's concoction expels winde and crudities and strengthens the stomach being boyled in wine and taken morning and evening It strengthneth especially a moist brain helps the Vertigo or swimming of the head and avails against the palpitation or beating of the heart and is very usefull in the gnawing of the stomach and easeth the Collick which proceedeth of winde and in the diseases of the Mother
and stoppings of the Urine and hath a speedy operation to cleanse the Uritories or passages of Urine from slimy flegme and stones gathered therein or the passages in the neck of the yard also to wast and consume any fleshly excrescence in the neck of the bladder or yard Galingal conduceth to Venery and help conception and is profitable for them that have cold reins and excellent for them that have cold and windy affects of the wombe It helpeth a stinking breath being boyled in wine and so taken It is chiefly good for cold and moist diseases The manner of administring them They are given chiefly in powder and decoction Against weaknesse and faintnesse of the heart Take the powder of Galingal two scruples of the juice of Borrage one ounce and a halfe mixe them together and give it with a little Sugar in the morning fasting or any other time Against a weake stomach and wind Take Galingal Pepper and Parsley-seed in powder of each half an ounce of Honey four or five ounces mixe them together and adde two ounces also of conserve of Red Roses Take the quantity of a Nut thereof morning and evening Or Take an ounce of Galingal and bruise it of White-wine a pint and a halfe or a quart boyle it till about halfe a pint be consumed straine it and drinke a draught morning and evening The outward use It helpeth a stinking breath being often chewed in the mouth and also a cold moist braine being snuffed up into the nose in powder or chewed in the mouth The hurtfull quality It must not be given in hot diseases nor to hot and dry bodies The Dose It is given in powder from a scruple to a dram in decoction from a dram to two drams or three Of such Medicines as are made of Galingall The chiefest species made thereof is Diagalangal which helps the cold effects of the stomach and liver and helps concoction drives away soure belching expels winde and flatulent humours and also helps a stinking breath There are many other species made thereof CHAP. XXXI De Galbano Of Gum-Galbanum GAlbanum is a Gum taken from one kinde of Ferula or Fennel-giant of a very strong and stinking savour The Names It is called in Latine Galbanum in English Gum Galbanum The Temperament Galbanum is hot and dry in the second degree or hot in the beginning of the third degree and dry in the second or in the beginning of the second The best kind The best is clear a little yellowish with white pieces amongst it without filth or sticks neither too dry nor too moist of a strong savour dissolving chiefly with wine and vineger The Duration It will keep good many years The inward Vse Galbanum is profitable for all cold diseases of the wombe for the rising or falling of the Mother and all stoppings thereof it helps to bring away the birth and dead child and provokes the Courses in Women 't is usefull in Convulsions and Cramps Falling-sicknesse inward Ruptures in pains and tumours of the Spleen and Sirrhus in shortnesse of breath Cough in the paines of the side and in torments of the bowels It resisteth poyson killeth worms and is an Antidote against Venome and all venemous Beasts for saith Plinie no Serpents will come neer to them that are besmeared with Galbanum Being taken in wine with Mirrhe it brings away the dead child out of the wombe and Mola or false conception it is excellent in the Collick dissolved in wine and taken with oyle of sweet-Almonds and a little Saffron and also for the stopping of the Urine The manner of administring it It is given chiefly in Pils Pils against the suffocation of the Mother Take of Galbanum two scruples Sagapenum a scruple Assa fetida a scruple oyle of Amber four drops make Pils thereof and give them Against the paine and swelling of the Spleen and Sirrhus Take a dram of Galbanum and dissolve it in a little Vineger of Squils or Oxymel of Squils and give it Against Wormes Take a dram of Galbanum dissolve it in a little Sack or Muskadel give it with Sugar Pellets The Outward Vse It mollifieth softneth and dissolveth the hard tumours and swelling as Scirrhus Kings-evil Aposthumes hardnesse of the Spleen hard nodes of the joynts and Biles also easeth pains in the side especially being mixed with oyles oyntments and plaisters for the same purpose It taketh away freckles and spots in the face or skin being mixed with Vineger and Niter and so applyed It takes away the pain of the ears being used with the oyle of Roses oyle of Nardus or such like It cures the Tooth-ach if the hollow-tooth be stopped therewith it draweth forth thornes splinters and broken bones being spread on Leather and applyed especially if you mixe Terpintine with it It avails in the fits of the Mother or Falling-sicknesse being but smelled to or a perfume thereof on Coals also a Pessary hereof used brings away the birth and dead child and also provokes the Courses it cures the bitings of Scorpions or other venemous beast being applyed thereto It helps the Sciatica if a plaister thereof be applyed It cleanseth wounds and ulcers cures rifts of the feet and ancles especially being mixed with Gum-Tragacanth Dears suâ—t and oyle of Violets It cures scal'd heads being dissolved with honey and so applyed Against fits of the Mother Make a Plaister of Galbanum on Leather about the bignesse of the Palme of your hand and lay it to your navell The hurtfull quality It is dangerous to give it to pregnant women or women with child least they miscarry therewith neither must it be given in hot diseases Plinie saith t is not good in difficulty of Urine but Diascorides and others say the contrary The Dose The Dose is from a scruple to a dram or a dram and a halfe Of such things as are made of Galbanum Oyle Chimicall of Galbanum Galbanetum i. e. Balsamum Galbanetum seu spiritus Terebinthinae Galbanetus Cerot of Galbanum or Ceratum matricale CHAP. XXXII De Genista Of Broom BRoom is better known for it's sweeping helpe then for its Physicall use therefore I shall give you the vertues thereof The Names It is called in Latine Genista and Genesta and that because it helps the pains of the knees or quod facile generet speciemque propagat The Temperament Broom is hot and dry in the second or beginning of the third degree The Duration The flowers and seeds will keep a year The inward use The flowers seeds stalks and roots are in use but chiefly the seeds and the flowers they draw forth thick Flegme and Choller as also water by vomit and stool and that somewhat strongly in many bodies The seeds and flowers are Spleneticall nephriticall and hepaticall that is good for the Spleen Stone and Liver and draweth from the joynts Flegmatick and Waterish humours whereby it helpeth those that are troubled with the Dropsie Gout Sciatica and paines in the joynts
helpeth the pains in the sides and swellings of the Spleen cleanseth also the reins kidneys and bladder of the gravel and stone ingendred therein and hindreth the matter from growing and increasing to be a stone againe and provokes Urine aboundantly The constant use of the powder of the leaves and seeds doth cure the black Jaundies being taken in Wine The seeds purgelike Hellebor say the ancient but sure it is meant of Spartium of Diascorides or of Spanish-broom for our ordinary Brâ—om doth not work so nay we pickle the flowers and seeds in Vinegar calling them Broom-Capers and eat them with meat finding no ill quality in them but are excellent to stir up appetite to meat and helpe obstructions of the Spleen and to provoke Urine as also opens the Uritory parts The seeds and flowers being any way taken doe much preserve from the Gout and Stone The flowers being made into a conserve or preserve with Honey or Sugar and eaten off doe much consume the Kings evill The distilled water of the flowers is profitable for the aforesaid purposes and helpeth Surfets also altereth the fits of Agues being taken before the fit with some Centory water It is most excellent for to help the Kings evil if one ounce of the water be taken morning and evening for a months space or longer if need require The manner of administring it It is given in powder and decoction c. Against the Gout and Arthriticall pains Take of broom-Broom-seeds a dram and a halfe of Mastick Roses and Cinnamon of each a scruple make them into powder and take it in broth this will draw flegmatick humours from remote parts and cause them to be voided both up and downe Or Take of Broom-seeds three drams Roses and Mastich of each a scruple make them into powder and give a dram thereof in broth or in Water and Honey The outward Vse The tops or flowers of Broome bruised and mixed with Hogs-grease cure the ach or pains of the knee as also the Gout or bruise or any swelling by reason of humours falling downe The flowers also bruised and mixed with Honey and Roses or the white of an Egge beaten together and applied consume the hard swelling of the Kings evil The juice of the young branches made into an ointment with Hogs-grease and anointed or the young branches bruised or flowers and heated in oyle or Swines-grease and laid to the sides that are pained either by the winde as in stitches and the like or in the Spleen easeth them in once or twice using it The same boyled in oyle is a safe and sure medicine to kill Lice and other vermine breeding in the head or body The juice boyled with oyle and applyed helpeth the Sciatica or Hip-gout The juice alone or mixed with Honey and applyed cures green wounds and putrified Ulcers The flowers and tops being bruised and applyed help the biting of Serpents and venemous creatures The Oyl distilled from the root and seeds is very usefull to take away spots freckles and deformities of the skin being applyed A decoction of the tops of Broom easeth the Tooth-ach being washed therewith Note that the flowers will not endure any long decocting or boyling The hurtfull quality and corrective means Because it doth offend the stomach and heart let it be given with Roses Mastich Anniseed Fennel-seed or with Honey of Roses The Dose The seeds are given from a dram to a dram and a halfe or two drams The juice of the flowers from a dram to two drams or three drams The powder of the dry flowers from a dram to two drams The powder of the dry root from two drams to halfe an ounce in broth or such like The juice of the root from a dram to halfe an ounce with Hydromel or water and honey Of those things that are made of Broom The distilled water of the branches and flowers Conserve of the flowers Salt of Broom The flowers preserved with Sugar CHAP. 33. De Gentianae radice of Gentian Root GEntian hath leaves like with ribs like Plantain but bigger and more like the leaves of white Hellebore the stalks are full of joynts and hollow the leaves grow by couples at every joynt the flowers are yellow the root is long and thick of the colour of earth without and yellowish within The names It is called in Latine Gentiana and 't is so called from Gentius King of the Illyrians who brought it first into use and credit in English 't is called Gentian and Felwort The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree or hot in the third degree and dry in the second The best sort The best is that which is yellow within sound without holes bitter and not easie to be broken The best saith Pliny is that which is found in Illyricum or Sclavonia The duration It will keep good a yeer or two The inward use The root is chiefly in use It is alexipharmacall opening and attenuating and avails in the Pestilence and contageous diseases against the stinging of venemous beasts and against the biting of mad dogs and preserves from putrefaction also in stoppings of the liver and spleen or for such as are liver-grown as they call it in the Dropsie and suffocation of the Mother and against Convulsions Falling Sicknesse Ruptures pains of the side bruises Wormes and debility or weaknesse of the stomack dissolveth congealed bloud and provokes the courses It brings away the birth after-birth and dead childe it is useful in the cough shortnesse of breath and gripings of the stomack and belly Being steeped in wine and drunk it refresheth those that are over wearied with travel and are by cold and ill lodging abroad grown lame in their joynts It is good against all Agues a decoction thereof being taken or the powder thereof also the decoction thereof helpeth the Stone and stopping of Urine It repelleth winde very much in the body and is profitable in all cold diseases for could we but like this and other bitter things it would effect very much in curing of many desperate diseases The Italians not undeservedly do call the Croswort Gentian Petimborsa quasi mettere in bursa put it in your purse either as Matthiolus saith that it was to be gathered wheresoever it was found and fit to be kept in our purse as ready to be used upon all occasions or that it did by curing of diseases get store of crowns to be put into the purse The distilled water of the leaves flowers and roots hath neer the same vertue and is excellent to cure Agues that proceed from obstructions of humours or bloud and killeth Wormes consumes all viscuous humours in the stomack provokes the courses in women and helpeth a stinking breath you may give two or three spoonfuls of the water morning and evening but before the fit of an Ague you may give two or three ounces thereof The manner of administring it It is given in decoction powder c. Against the biting of a mad
for then it would burn and heat more in the mouth then it doth nor is it likely to be made of Rubarbe for it hath neither the taste nor qualities of Rubarbe besides Rubarbe is a stranger in those places from whence this is brought There are many other opinions about it which I will not trouble the Reader with It is brought unto us here in England from the East-Indies and some say from China The names Among all simples minerals or vegetables I have not observed many to have more names given it then this It is called Cambochia Cambogia Cambugio Gummi de Goa Gummi gutta Gummi Gith Gemon Gummi Indicum Gummi ad Podagram Gummi Peruanum Gutta Geman Gemu Gutta Gamandra Gutta Munda Chattajemon Ghittajemon Ghittajaman Catta Ganma Succus Gambici Succus Crambici crocuspurgans The Temperament It is hot and dry in the first degree The best kinde The best sort is that which looks yellow being pure without any filth or mixture and being wet with water or spittle lookes of a yellow colour and makes the water or spittle very yellow The Duration It will keep good many yeers The inward use It purgeth chiefly water and ferous humours and that without any great violence therefore it is useful in the Dropsy and any kinde of Gout as also in the yellow Jaundise and obstructions of the liver and spleen Many time it provokes to vomit sometimes it workes up and down It is used also against scab itch and such like The manner of administring it It is given in divers formes as in Pils Potions Powders Boles c. Pils Take of Gutta Gummi fifteen grains Species Diambrae three grains oile of Fennell three drops with a little Syrupe of Roses make six or seven Pils Pils against the Jaundise Take of the best Rubarbe in powder a dram of Cambogia six grains with syrup of Succory make Pils A Potion against the tertian Ague Take of Cambogia eight grains syrup of Roses solutive one ounce and a half Endive-water two or three ounces make a Potion and give it before the third fit with physicall observation A Powder against Arthriticall paines Take of creame of Tartar two scruples and a half or a dramme Gutta Gummi foure graines Galingall and Cynamon of each four graines make all into powder and give it in any convenient liquour A Bole usefull in the Yellow Jaundise Take of Gutta gummi ten or twelve graines Conserve of Red Roses two drams make a Bole and give it in a morning fasting drinking a draught of posset-drink after it This I have used with good successe Tabulats or Rolls Take of Gutta gummi seven grains Trosses Ahandale four grains Oil of Anise-seeds two drops with Sugar dissolved in cynamon-Cynamon-water make Rolls or little Cakes It may be given in broth or other convenient liquour As Take of Cambogia twelve or sixteen grains Creame of Tartar a scruple give it in broth with a little Sugar Against shortnesse of Breath in a Childe Take of Gutta gummi three or four grains Oxymel of Squils half an ounce or an ounce mingle them together and give it If you mix it with salt of Wormwood or with black salt of Ash and give it in the Dropsie you will finde it to work effectually The externall use It was in use with Painters and Picture-drawers before Physicians used it It is useful in Ointments and liniment for the Dropsie The hurtful qualities with the meanes to help it It worketh many times very churlishly and doth much trouble the stomack therefore it is given with Oile of Mace Chymicall or with Oile of Cynamon with species Diambrae with Conserve of Roses c. Also you may give it with Cream of Tartar or Tartar vitriolated in broth as is declared above It must be given with caution in hot and cholerick bodies These things are made of Gutta gummi Extract or Magister of gum Gutta Ghitta Jemu corrected by spirit of Vitriol or Tartar Minderi The Dose The Dose is from five grains to twelve or to a scruple CHAP. 36. De Helleboro albo of white Hellebore WHite Hellebore hath broad leaves with ribs or sinews like unto great Plantain leaves or Gentian the root being dry is black without and white within some as long as ones finger and some shorter The Names It is called in Arabick 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Charic from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Charac rupit corrupit and well it may for it is a tearing Medicine and soon breaks the veins in a mans body In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Copā quòd esu perimat In Latine Helleborus albus Helleborum veratrum album now it is called veratrum à verando unde veratores veraculi and because such Prophets were counted mad and out of their wits therefore it was so called for that it cureth such or quòd mentem vertat Plin. Nat. Hist lib. 25. c. 5. f. 218 In English 't is called white Hellebore or Neese-wort The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree The best kinde The best is the whitest not too hot and biting in tast nor provoking spittle for such doth sooner suffocate and being broken it seemes to smoak or send dust from it the best part is that which is towards the nether end for the uppermost part of the root which is thickest and bulbous like to an Onion-head is good only for Dogs The duration It will keep good many yeers some say thirty yeers The inward use The roots are only in use They are usefull against madnesse and melancholy also against the swimming of the head Falling Sickness Leprosie Cancer Elephancie and foule diseases of the skin as also the quartan Ague It brings down the courses and kils the childe in the wombe it helps the old Cough Dropsie Sciatica Gowt Cramp pains of the joynts and sinews It killeth Mice or Rats being boyled in milke or mingled with flower and Honey or Butter or boyled in milk and set where Flyes Wasps Gnats c. do much resort it kils as many as touch it The manner of administring it It is given in decoction in infusion and in substance take one example in substance Take of white Hellebore in powder a scruple give it in broth milk or Grewell but you were better let it alone Heurnius mentions an Electuary made of white Hellebore which you may finde in his Praxis Medicin f. 242. The outward use It is used to provoke sneesing being put into the nostrils and purgeth the head of superfluous humours and is good in the Lethargie and such like sleepy diseases especially if Marjoram be put to it and made in powder and so snuffed up into the nose it cures the Leprosie Scab Itch and such like foul diseases of the skin being used with Hogs-grease or mixed in oyntments The juice of the root dropped into the eares helps the noise and singing thereof and the root mixed with other things helps the dimnesse of the sight Being boiled
in lie and the head washed therewith it killeth Lice and helpeth the running scabs and sores thereof Boiled in vineger and the mouth washed therewith easeth the toothach the same decoction helpeth also itch and scab in the hands and cleanseth foul sores and ulcers in the legs and other parts put into Fistulaes it taketh away the hardnesse of them A Pessary made thereof and put up brings down the Courses and dead childe The hurtfull quality White Hellebore is a vehement and strangulatory medicine and induceth most terrible symptomes and causeth strong vomiting bringeth Convulsion Cramp Hicop and fainting of the spirits and ofttimes suddenly suffocateth the party therefore I advise the vulgar not to meddle with it but to leave it as a dangerous and deadly medicine But if any will venture to give it let it be with good advise and in very strong bodies Give it with Mead or honied water and sal-niter The safest way is to give it by infusion or decoction and not in substance let it be infused in juice of Quinces or given with the syrup of Quinces or give the decoction with anise-Anise-seed and Cynamon adding a little Sugar thereto Pliny adviseth not to give it in close weather or upon a dark and cloudy day It must not be given to such as have long necks or are crooked and short-breath'd or to women with childe old persons or such as have any vein broken in their breast or lungs or spit bloud or to such as have any ulcer in their lungs If any desire to read more of white Hellebore let them consult with these following Authors Hippocrat Epist lib. de veratri usu f. 532. Oribas lib. 8. c. 2. c. 4 c. 5 6. c. Matthiolus Com. in lib. Diascor 146. fol. 754 755. Paul Aeginet lib. 7. c. 10. f. 433. Plin. Nat. Hist lib. 25 cap. 5. fol. 217 218 219. Pet. Salius divers de affect partic de Rabie c. 19. f. 370 371 372 373. Heurn Prax. med l. 2. f. 240 241 242. Valleriol Observat Med. lib. 3. Observat 9. f. 107 108 109. Marold Pract. Med. f. 378. Forst de Venenis l. XXX Observat 9. Antonius Benivenius de abditis morb causis cap. 51 52. relates of two that died after the taking of white Hellebore the one had a quartane Ague and took it who died within six houres after he was called to the party the other who was troubled with a pain of his stomack two yeers and could not be cured thereof by any Medicines at length white Hellebore was given him which cured him of all diseases for he died within a short time after the taking of it The Dose It is given in substance from ten grains to a scruple or more in decoction or infusion from a dram to two drams Of such things as are made of white Hellebore There are made thereof Oxymel Helleboratum Vomitorium Heurnii CHAP. 37. De Helleboro nigro of black Hellebore TRue black Hellebore hath sundry fair green leaves rising from the root each of them standing on a thick round stiff green stalk about an hand-breadth high from the ground divided into seven eight or nine parts or leaves and each of them dented from the middle of the leaf to the pointward on both sides abiding green all the Winter c. The roots are a number of brownish black strings which run down deep into the ground and are fastened to a thick head of the bignesse of ones finger There are other bastard kindes that are used in stead thereof The names It is called in Latine Helleborus niger veratrum nigrum also Melampodium and that because it was found by Melampos a Shepherd or Southsayer who was first thought to bring it in use and cured the daughters of Praetus therewith which were mad and foolish but by the use of this were brought to their right senses again In English 't is called Black Hellebore and Christmasse-Flower because it flourisheth about that time especially when the Winter is milde The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree The best sort The best is that which is not too new nor too old Heurnius will have it to be laid in leaven twenty dayes before it be used The duration It will keep good two or three yeeres The inward use The roots are most in use especially the barke Black Hellebore purgeth Melancholy and burnt choler as also thick and viscuous flegme from the bloud whereby that is infected and entrails and from remote parts therefore it is very usefuâ—l in pains of the head swimming giddines thereof in the Apoplexie in Melancholy Madnesse Falling Sicknesse Hypochondriack affects hardnesse of the spleen quartane Ague and erratick feavers also against the Dropsie Scab Leprosie Cancer scald Head or scurf Elephancie and such like foul diseases of the skin It is profitable against pain noyse of the eares and against stubborn and contumacious diseases It is counted as an Antidote against the Leprosie Scab Tetter c. hardnesse and swelling of the Spleen old quartane Agues pains of the joynts Aposthumes and the Kings Evil. It quickneth the brain and senses provokes urine and brings down the Courses in women It hath an excellent faculty to draw away whatsoever is mixed with the bloud and causeth it to corrupt and is profitable in a long continued Jaundise Some say it will cause the Devill to be cast out being taken by such as are possessed Thus we may say that although the Devil cannot be cast out by humane art or physicall means yet by taking black Hellebore the melancholy humour is drawn away which is Balneum sedes Diaboli the bath and seat of the Devill and so the Devill is more easily cast out from whence it may rightly say some be called fuga Daemonum But I think the white Hellebore rather deserves this name then the black It is usefull in pains of the belly in the Gowt Sciatica Cramp or Convulsion pains and aches of the joynts or sinews It killeth Wormes especially the leaves of the bastard kinde called Beares-foot Some commend it in Consumptions of the Lungs and of the whole body The extract of black Hellebore is very safe for the Diseases before mentioned The distilled water of the root saith Dorstenius purgeth Melancholy and glutinous humours out of the body if a dram thereof be given with three ounces of white wine and if half an ounce or one ounce of the water of the leaves be taken in a morning fasting it stayeth the flux of the body Dorsten Botanic fol. 111. The manner of administring it It is given in decoction in infusion or in substance In decoction Take of the bark of black Hellebore bruised two drams anise-Anise-seed Fennell-seed of each a dram make a decoction in water straine it of which take four ounces of syrup of Roses an ounce make a Potion In infusion Take of the barke of black Hellebore two drams anise-Anise-seed Fennell-seed of each a dram Cynamon Cloves of each
scruple Opium five and twenty graines make all into fine powder and with the Mussilage of gum Tragaâ—anth made in spirit of wine make up little balls and put onâ— into a hollow tooth there to remain an houre The hurtfull quality with the corrective meanes Opium by all is counted a dangerous medicine and the frequent use thereof bringeth Palsies Lethargies trembling of the joynts cold sweats This you must understand of the true Opium for that which is now in use being well prepared is not so dangerous shortnesse of breath and great sleepinesse it doth much stupifie the senses and understanding and often brings death It is dangerous to give it to children women or delicate bodies Opium is corrected with Castor Euphorbium juice of Garlick or Onions also with spirit of wine vineger and sharp juices as with juice of Lemon or Citron others correct it with Breast-milk Almond-milk Butter and oile of Almonds Note that in pains of the head it is not to be used with Saffron because it offends the head but with Nutmeg The Dose The dose is from a grain to two or three but it is rarely given by it self I have known it given to ease the pain of the stone from five grains to fifteen and all in a short time for at the first five graines gave ease and that for some reasonable time then seven or eight so that the dose was increased still Opium is much in use in Asia and Africa so that if they abstain from it they think their life is in danger thereby which wants not admiration as Gartias ab horto saith especially being so narcoticall and stupefactive for such as use it much are still sleepy and drovvsy The dose among them there is from a scruple to fifty grains The Turks and Persians take it to tvvo or three drams and they thinke thereby they are more apt to performe any businesse and especially they are fitter for vvarre Verery and animosity Also Hollerius writes of a Spaniard that in the hot vveather did eat halfe an ounce of it at one time and that vvithout any hurt to the party Holler de morb intern lib. 1. cap. 6. fol. 54. But vvonderfull is that of Gartias ab horto Aromat lib. 1. cap. 4. fol 23. vvho relates of one that for divers dayes together did eat three slices of Opium vvhich did vveigh ten drams and upvvard and although he vvas sleepy and stupid yet very ready to dispute of any thing Opium hath killed many therefore my advice is to let it alone and not to meddle vvith it or else to look that it be vvell prepared Pet. Forestus in his observations mentionss a vvoman that took Opium one day and vvas found dead the next day I shal relate what I have heard of an empericall practitioner who being ill and not taking rest sent to one either Physician or Apothecary for some Opium when the messenger had it the party he had it of said There is too much for once but I hope your Master knows that the messenger brought it home and this emperick it seems took it all and wrote to this effect in a piece of paper I shall sleep so many houres and then wake but forgot to give any notice thereof after he had took it he fell into such a sleep that he was given over for dead laid forth and buried so soon as he was buried his wife thinking to finde some money looking in his chamber found this writing before mentioned whereupon she sent and had the grave digg'd up and the coffin opened where they saw he had turned himself when he waked Of such things as are made of Opium Extract of Opium Laudanum Opiatum Nepenthes Opiatum CHAP. 50. De Opopanace of Opopanax OPopanax is a Gum of a plant called Panax very brown on the outside and yellow within It is taken chiefly from the roots of Panax and not from the stalks The names It is called in Latine and in English Opopanax and Gum Opopanax The temperament Opopanax is hot and dry in the third degree or hot in the third degree and dry in the second The best kinde The best is brown without and white or yellow within bitter and of a sowerish sent and somewhat strong which being dissolved with Wine or Vineger will make it look yellow and not mixed with sticks or drosse but clean Gum. The duration It will keep good five or six years The inward use Opopanax purgeth thick and tough flegme from remote parts as from the brain nerves sensitive parts joynts and breasts therefore it is profitable for any cold disease incident to any of those parts as in the Palsie in debility or weaknesse of the sight old cough shortnesse of breath Sciatica and in other kindes of Gowt It is good for Convulsions and Cramgs as also against winde in the belly Stitches in the side hardnesse of the Spleen Strangury and difficulty in making urine It likewise discusseth the Windinesse Hardnesse and Suffocations of the Mother and bringeth down the courses and brings away also the mola or lump of flesh bred in the Wombe Being drunk with Water and Honey or Wine it helpeth the Itchings and inward soares of the Bladder It expelleth Wormes helpeth the byting of a mad Dog and is good against poysons of other venomous creatures Dissolved in Wine and given it helps the Dropsie and taken in Vineger one houre before the fit commeth it takes away the cold fit of an Ague and especially if you dissolve some of it with the juice of Smallage and Oile of Dill and anoint the ridge of the back therewith It is good after falls and bruises to dissolve any congealed bloud especially in cold bodies and where no Feaver is It is commended against the Falling Sicknesse and it dissolveth Milk coagulated or curdled in the stomach The manner of administring it It is given with Wine Honey or any convenient juice but chiefly in Pills Pils against the Palsie and Convulsion Take of Opopanax Rue Serapinum Pepper of the juice or extract of Lorage Myrrhe of each a dram Powder what is to be powdered and with the juice of Cowslip make a masse or lump of which frame Pils The dose is a dram every second or third night so long as need requireth The externall use Opopanax being dissolved with Vineger and the juice of Smallage and applied it softneth the hardnesse of the spleene and a plaister made thereof dissolveth the Kings evill and hard nodes of the joints as also any plague-sore botch or bile especially if you dissolve it in Vineger and mixe it with a little Leaven and so apply it Being dissolved in a little Vineger and applyed with the pulp of Raisons of the sun it easeth any kinde of Gowt It dissolveth hard tumours of the womb if the mouth be washed with a decoction of Vineger made with Opopanax it easeth the paine of the Teeth or if it be a hollow tooth let it be stopped with a peece of
Opopanax Some commend it against the dimnesse of the sight being mixed with other things Opopanax doth much help to the curing of old ulcers and Fistulaes breeds good flesh and especially where the bones are bare and naked and that by a peculiar vertue It is with profit applied to the biting of any venomous creature The hurtfull Quality It must not be given to Women with childe for it destroyes the birth nor to such as have hot diseases It is corrected with Spiknard Mastick c. The Dose The Dose is from halfe a dram to a dram or a dram and a halfe Of such compounds as are made of Opopanax Extract of Opopanax Pills of Opopanax Oile of Opopanax CHAP. 51. De Polypodio of Polypodie POlipodium is a root generally knowne growing on the roots of Trees chiefly on Okes sometimes upon houses and old walls The names It is called in Latine Polipodium also â—ilicula quasi parva filix because the leaves are like Ferne. In English Polipodie and Oke-ferne The temperament Polypodie is hot and dry in the second degree The best kinde The best rootes are those that are fairest or biggest and full of nodes which groweth on Okes and is therefore called Polypodium quercinum The duration These roots will keep good a yeare or two Note that the hotter the Region is where it growes the better it is The inward use Polypodie purgeth adust choler or melancholie and flegme though but gently Therefore it is commended against melancholy as in affects of the Hypochonders quartane Ague also in stoppings of the Liver and Spleen Jaundise Scurvy or Scorbute and in any kinde of Gowt in the Leprosie Scab and foule diseases of the skin It doth much prevaile in the Collick arising from a cold cause and that by a specifick vertue The distilled water both of rootes and leaves is much commended against the quartane Ague being taken many dayes together as also against melancholie troublesome sleep and fearefull dreames And taken with some Sugar-Candy dissolved therein it is good against all the ill affects or diseases of the Lungs Also this water helps the pale colour of the face and purgeth the blood The Salt and Oile of Polypodie are used in the Pleurisie and paines of the side The manner of administring it It is given in decoction broth or infusions for it can hardly be made into powder alone By infusion Take of Sene. Raisons of the sun stoned of each halfe an ounce Maiden-haire Polypodie white Tartar of each three drams of Fumitorie-water Carduus water Buglosse-water of each two ounces let them infuse one night in the morning boile them gently then straine it and to foure ounces of the clearest add Honey of Roses Solutive or Manna two drams or halfe an ounce mixe them together and give it it purgeth gently Freitag aur med f. 256. Against hardnesse of the spleen and melancholy winde it may be given with Epithymum and Salindum or the decoction of an old Cock with Polypodie Sene Epithymum Thyme Dodder black Hellebore Buglosse Creame of Tartar Anise-seed Fennell-seed Raisons of the sun and such like is much commended In diseases of the breast use Polypodie with Figs Raisons of the sun Elecampane Hyssop Maydenhaire Hore-hound c. In the Collick boile it with Anise-seed Fennell-seed c. In the scab arising from burnt choler boile it in Posset-drink or Whey The outward use The juice of the green root or the powder of the root snuffed up into the nose cureth the disease called Polypus A plaister made of the roots and Honey helpeth luxations or bones out of joynt Ruptures chaps of the fingers and the Piles If the root be steeped in Wine foure and twenty houres made sharp with a little spirit of sulphur and then dryed it may be used for a Dentifrice or medicine to make the teeth white and cleane being rubbed therewith The hurtfull quality It is judged by many to be windy and to offend the stomach but daily experience doth manifest the contrary and that it is a safe and gentle medicine fit for all sorts of persons and may be given in any season It is given with Anise-seed Fennel-seed Ginger c. Not because it offends the stomach or hurteth the other inward parts but to help its energie or force Let the Polypodium you use be new for if it be too old it bindes the body Heurn prax med f. 271. The Dose It is given in decoction or infusion from halfe an ounce to two ounces or more Compounds made of Polypodie Salt of Polypodium Extract of Polypodium Syrup of Polypodium Oile of Polypodium CHAP. 52. De Psyllio of Flea-wort FLea-wort is an herb that riseth up with a stalk two foot high or more full of joynts and branches on every side up to the top and at every joynt two small long and narrow whitish green leaves somewhat hairie the seeds are small and black lâ—ke to Fleas in bignesse and colour The names It is called in Latine Psyllium Pulicaria harba and â—ulicaria because it is like unto Fleas and not because it driveth away Fleas for that it will not do In English Flea-wort not Flea-bane The temperament The seeds are cold and moist in the second degree The best seeds The best are the biggest and the fairest heavy that being put into the water they sinke The duration They will keep good a yeare or two in the seeds The inward use The seeds are chiefly in use the missilage or infusion whereof being made with Rose-water or Barley-water and taken with syrups of Violets syrup of Roses or Sugar purgeth choler and thick flegme and is usefull in hot burning Feavers in great thirst and helps to â—eâ—ifie the drynesse of the mouth and throat it helpeth also the hoarsnesse of the voice and diseases of the breast and lungs caused by heat as the Pleurisie and such like It helpeth all inflammations of the head and all hot paines of the joynts The muccilage of the seed made into an Electuary with Marmalade of Quinces with Popie-seed and Sugar-pellets or Sugar-Candy and so taken doth temper the heat and roughnesse of the throat and tongue and stayeth hot fluxions or rheumes flowing downe In hot burning Agues it quencheth thirst and abates heat being taken with syrup of Violets or Barley-water and purgeth also choler gently The seeds torrified or dryed and taken with plantaine-Plantaine-water stayeth the flux of the belly and helpeth the corrosions or gripings of the belly that come by reason of hot cholerick sharp and malignant humours or by the super-purgation or over-working of any violent medicine such as cammonie or the like The seeds being kept on the tongue easeth the cough and helpeth the drynesse thereof proceeding from heat It dothnso wonderfully coole that saith Fernelius being cast into hot boyling water it presently cooleth it Fernel meth med lib. 6. cap. 1. fol. 143. The outward use The seeds bruised or the herbe and mixed with the juice of House-leeke or
Night-shade easeth the hot Gowt and hot Apostumes being thereunto applyed mingled with Oile of Roses and Vineger it cures hot swellings in the joynts and Apostumes behinde the Eare with Vineger or Oile of Violets it helpeth the paine of the head if it be applied to the fore-head and Temples The same laid to with Vineger is good against the going out of the Navell and burstings of young Children The water wherein the seeds have been steeped is good against St. Anthonies fire or Wilde-fire The juice with Honey put into the Eares killeth wormes and stayeth the running thereof It helpeth hot swellings or eruptions of the skin as blaines wheales and such like as also paines of the joynts and places out of joynt and the Hip-gowt The same is applyed to womens nipples and sore breasts and that with good successe laying it often thereon Being mixed with Hogs-grease and applyed to foule corrupt and filthy Ulcers and sores cleanseth and healeth them by cooling the heat and repressing the sharpnesse of the humours flowing unto them The Muccilage of the seed made in Plantaine-water whereunto the yolke of an Egge or two and a little of the oint ment called Populeon is put is a most safe and sure remedy to ease the sharpnesse prickings and paines of the Hemorrhoides or Piles if it be laid on a cloth and bound thereunto It stayeth the bleeding of the Nose applied with the juice of Shepherds-purse and Bole. The hearb boyled or the seeds with the root and the fundament bathed therewith or to sit over the hot liquor easeth the Tenesmus a disease when one is often provoked to stoole It taketh away the burning and acrimonie of Lime Euphorbium and Cautharides It taketh away the roughnesse of the haire being bathed with the mussilage thereof Flea-wort-seed keepeth Camphor very well and that by its coldnesse and moisture The hurtfull quality and correction thereof Some have judged it to be dangerous to take it inwardly that it is hurtfull to the nature of man and causeth stifnesse and coldnesse of the body which is to be no otherwise understood then of all cold herbes such as Night-shade House-leeke and such like being not taken with discretion 'T is not amisse to give it with Cynamon or Mace It is not safe for cold and moist bodies neither may it be given to such as have narraw entrals or narrow passages within The Dose The seeds of Fleabane which are to be given in infusion rather then in substance are taken from a dram to three drams or halfe an ounce Of such things as are made of Flea-wort Electuary of Psyllium the Dose of which is from half an ounce to an ounce the distilled water of Flea-wort CHAP. 53. De Rhabarbaro of Rubarbe RVbarbe is a root of a yellow colour brought chiefly from China in the East Indies The names It is called in Latine Rhabarbarum in English Rubarbe and Rewbarbe The temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree of a mixt substance partly airie thin and purging whereby it openeth the stoppings of the Liver Gall and viscerous parts and also draweth away choler partly grosse and earthy whereby it bindes and constringeth the body and doth wonderfully strengthen the stomach and entrals or inward parts The kindes There are three kindes of Rubarbe mentioned by Authours First Rhabarbarum Indicum and that is brought from China Secondly Rhabarbarum Barbarum which comes from Barbary Thirdly Rhabarum Turcicum which comes from Pontus and Bosphorus for the Turkish Merchants bring it from thence The best kinde The best Rubarbe is brought from China and is of a light purplish red or yellowish colour being chewed in the mouth it is somewhat clammy and in colour like Saffron which being rubbed on paper sheweth the colour more plainly in taste it is somewhat bitter but of a pleasing smell The duration It will keep good two or three yeers if it be kept close from the aire The usuall way to keep it is to wrap it up in Cotten-wooll The inward use Rubarbe purgeth choler flegme and watery humours and is therefore usefull in diseases of the Liver as in cholerick and long continued Feavers in the Jaundise Green-sicknesse Dropsie Stoppings of the Liver as also against the hardnesse thereof or intemperate coldnesse It is so effectuall for the Liver that 't is called the life soul heart and the Treacle of the Liver It cleanseth the bloud gently and is profitable against tumours of the Spleen putrid or rotten Feavers and in all fluxes of the belly whether bloudy or not as also in spitting of bloud and in bruises or falls The powder of Rubarbe given with Cassia and Venice Turpentine washed cleanseth the reins and strengtheneth them afterwards and is very effectuall in Gonorrhaea or running of the Reins It killeth Wormes helpeth the Hickcock and may be given to weak persons old-men children women with childe and that without any danger The manner of administring it It is given in powder in infusion in Pils Boles c. A Powder Take of Rubarbe two drams Spicknard a scruple make them into powder and give it A Potion Take of Rubarbe cut in thin slices two drams Spicknard five grains Goats-Whey or Posset-drink four ounces steep them all night and strain it then add syrup of Roses solutive one ounce and a half make a potion Pils Take of Rubarbe in powder five scruples of Spicknard in powder five grains with syrup of Roses make pils and give them A Bole to cleanse the reins Take of Cassia newly drawn an ounce of Rubarbe in powder four scruples mixe them together and make a Bole or lump Now seeing Rubarbe is of a mixt substance as before is shewed if you desire to open Obstructions then give the infusion thereof if you desire to bind and strengthen give it in substance And when you would give it more to purge then to binde make but a gentle straining thereof but if you would binde the body more then purge strain it hard that so more of the earthy substance may come forth Rubarbe by boiling loseth its purgative faculty Note that there is a kinde of contrariety or Antipathy between Rubarbe and Diagredium for being put together in one Medicine they work very churlishly yet I have observed that when Diagredium is put to an infusion of Rubarbe being lightly strained it worketh better then when Diagredium is given with the substance of Rubarbe This I conceive may be the cause why Confectio Hamech worketh so churlishly upon the stomach for if you leave out the Rubarbe and put in the more of Sene you shall finde it to work better And so in other compositions where the substance of Rubarbe is put to Diagredium you shall finde them to work churlishly Rubarbe may be cut into thin slices or pieces and so taken with Raisons of the Sun as Massaria gives counsel f. 478. The outward use Rubarbe healeth those Ulcers that come in the eyes or eye-lids being steeped in white Wine or
hurtfull to the stomach and liver that is hot as also bringeth gripings weakneth the body let them be given with Anise-seed Carraway-seed Cynamon Mace c. Wal-wort is not to be given but to such as have strong bodies The dose The juice of the leaves or rinde is given from halfe an ounce to an ounce or two ounces The juice of the berries from two drams to six drams The seeds from halfe a dram to a dram The distilled water from two ounces to four ounces The powder of the bark or rinde from halfe a dram to a dram Of such things as are made of them From the flowers of Elder are made these following The distilled water both of the flowers and leaves Spirit of Elder-flowers Wine of Elder-flowers Syrupus acetosus Sambucinus Honey of Elder Conserve of Elder Oile both by infusion and distillation From the berries Rob-Sambuci or Pulp of the berries Tincture Extract Wine Spirit water distilled Oile From the tender branches Conserve From the leaves middle rinde roots and Jewes-eares Distilled water Syrup Oile From Dane-wort are made the distilled water the spirit from the flowers Rob-Ebuli or the pulp of the berries Tincture or essence CHAP. 57. De Santalis of Sanders THese are woods that are brought to us from the Indies The names and kindes There are three sorts of Sanders white red and yellow The white is called in Latine Santalum and Sandalum album the red Santalum rubrum the yellow Santalum citrinum or flavum Difference betweene Brasill-wood and red Sanders They differ thus 1 They grow farre one from the other 2 Sanders is neither sweet in taste nor giveth any dye as the Brasil doth 3 Red-Sanders is more ponderous and weighty then Brasil and vvill sink in vvater 4 It is a harder and shorter grained vvood and more brittle in breaking short The temperament They are cold and dry in the second or third degree Some say they are hot the red is more cooling and binding The yellow is the best the next is the vvhite the red is least of use The duration They vvill keep good three or foure yeares or longer The inward use They are Cephalicall Hepaticall and Cardiacall that is good for the Head Liver and Heart to open the obstructions of the Liver and to coole the heat thereof and to ease the paine of the head especially the white and the yellovv They are good for faintings of the heart and paâ—pitation o beating thereof also for weak and faint stomackes which comes through heat good against melancholy and procureth mirth and alacrity They are used to stay and binde the spermaticall flux in men and women for which purpose either the powder taken in a reare Egge or mixed with other things for the purpose or steeped in red Wine and kept in a hot Balneo or in hot Embers close stopped all night and strained forth and drunk in the morning and evening both stay the Gonorrhea or running of the Reines in men and the whites in women They are good in hot diseases as in burning Fevers inflammations of the Liver and such like The Indians saith Gerarde do use the decoction made in water against hot burning Agues and the overflowing of the courses Erisipelas the Gowt and all inflammations especially if it be mixed with the juice of Night-shade House-leek or Purslane They are put in Collises and Jellies and all delicate meats which are good to strengthen and revive the spirits The red Sanders have an astrictive and strengthning faculty but are not cordiall as the other two they are used in divers Medicines and meats both for their faculty and pleasing red colour which they give to them as in savvces Pies c. The red is often used to stay defluxions of thin rheume from the head and to coole hot inflammations hot Gowts and to temper the heat of hot Agues The manner of administring them They are given in Powder Electuary and Pils A powder against the Pestilence Take of the three Sanders of each two drams Cloves and Cynamon of each a dram Harts-horn two drams make them into a fine powder and take thereof morning and evening half a dram in Carduus-Water An Electuary against the Whites in Women Take of old Conserve of Red-Roses four ounces White and Red Sanders in powder a dram and a half with syrup of Water-lillies make an Electuary and take of it morning and evening as much as a Nutmeg The outward use It is used outwardly in Catarrhes or Rheumes pains of the head against vomiting and in Epithemes and Fomentations against the intemperate heat of the Liver They are used against the Gowt and hot inflammations with the juice of Purslane and Plantain or Housleek Applied with Rose-water to the temples it giveth ease to the head-ach and keepeth back the flowing of humours to the eyes Being applyed to the breasts of Maids or Women mixed with the juice of Purslane abateth their greatnesse and hindereth their over-much growing The Dose The Dose is from a scruple to two scruples Of such things as are made of Sanders Extractum gummosum Species Diatrion santalon Trosses of Sanders Ointment of Sanders Cerote of Sanders CHAP. 58. De Sarcocolla of Sarcocoll SArcocolla is a Gum of a plant growing in Persia bitter in taste and in very small pieces and powder like the small pieces of Frankincense and little bigger then Poppy-seed The names In Latine Sarcocolla in English Sarcocoll The temperament It is hot and dry in the first degree or hot in the second degree and dry almost in the same The best kinde The best is that which is new inclining to white for being old it waxeth reddish or of a pale colour bitter in taste of a porous substance viscous and easie to be dissolved in water The duration It will keep good five or six yeers The inward use It purgeth flegme both crude and tough chiefly from the brain eyes nerves joynts breast and lungs therefore it profits and avails in coughs and shortnesse of breath especially in old persons that are flegmatick also in all pains of the joynts It is thought by some to fatten the body and to increase sperm or seed The manner of administring it It is given in powder or in pils The externall use It is used outwardly against inflammations of the eyes with milk and the white of an Egg and to stay Rheumes and Catarrhes Defluxions and Rednesse thereof also against all spots in the Eyes It cleanseth corrupt Ulcers and incarnateth or breedeth good flesh also closeth up Wounds and Ulcers A fume made thereof is profitable aganist Tenesmus a disease when one is often provoked to go to stool Being mixed with Saffron and Honey it heals Scrophulaes or hard swellings called the Kings Evill in the neck after they are sufficiently drawn It is used against bleeding of the Nose or to stay the bleeding of Wounds and healeth Ulcers in the Eares being mixed with Hydromel or Water and Honey and instilled therein A powder for
say it vvill keep good ten years The inward use Sene purgeth chiefly and primarily melancholy afterward thick flegme and other humours from the spleen Mesenterie and entrals also from the brain lungs liver and heart It is very profitable in obstructions of the spleen and Hypochonders and against hard swellings thereof as also in chronicall Agues whether quartaine or quotidian It is a singular remedy against melancholy the Falling-Sicknesse and foul diseases of the skin as in scab itch leprosie elephansie c. It quickens the senses both of seeing and hearing takes away the cause of sadnesse and melancholy and is usefull in madnesse in the frensie c. It causeth a fresh quick and lively habit of the body and cleanseth and purifieth the blood It is given also in all head-aches and palsies Sene is a very safe medicine and may be given to old men women with childe delicate bodies and children The manner of administring it It is given in substance in decoction or by infusion which last is the best way In substance Take of Sene of Alexandria a dram or a dram and a half make it in powder and give it in posset-drink or mace-drink In Decoction Take of Sene one ounce Anise-seed Carraway-seed Ginger of each a dram Licoris two drams Currents and Raisons of the Sun of each an ounce make a gentle decoction hereof in a sufficient quantity of water and strain it The Dose is from two ounces to foure ounces In infusion Take of Sene an ounce Raisons of the Sun half an ounce anise-Anise-seed Citron-seed of each a dram make an infusion on hot embers in Fennel water for the space of five or six hours then strain it and give the clearest Or Take of the fore-mentioned infusion four ounces Confectio Hamech two drams and a halfe syrupe of Roses one ounce make a Potion and give it against melancholy Or thus for the poorer sort Take of Sene half an ounce Borrage-flowers and Rose-leaves of each half a dram Ginger half a dram let them be macerated or steeped in Whey or Posset-drink for the space of six or seven houres then strain it and being sweetned with Sugar give it to drink If you add three or four grains of Diagredium to the same it will be the more effectuall Weichard de Med. nunnul praepar f. 92. Note that â—ene doth better purge the body when it is infused then when it is decocted or boiled for this is certain that Sene being boiled doth much binde the body after the taking of it and Sene will not endure any long boiling The outward use The Lie wherein Sene and Cammomile-flowers are boiled is commended for weak brains to comfort and strengthen them as also for the sight and hearing if the head be washed therewith the same Lie is very profitable for the sinews that are stiffe with cold or shrunk with Cramps it helpeth also the Itch in the body and hands if they be washed therewith The hurtfull quality with the corrective means Because Sene is judged by many to be windy and to offend the stomach therefore it is corrected with Ginger Cloves Galingall Anise-seed or Cynamon It is excellent to infuse it in Whey or Posset-drink Also it may be given with fat broth of a Cock with the decoction of Prunes Jujubes Raisons Marsh-mallows or with Manna and Cassia or Polypodium Violet-flowers Borrage c. In hot Diseases inâ—use it in Whey or Posset-drink in cold diseases infuse it in Water of Fumitory or Wine for being steept in Wine it doth not offend the stomach Schyronius saith that Sene â—s hurtful to the bladder and Wombe especially if there be any Ulcer there Schyron Meth â—ed f. 107 116. The Dose The Dose in powder is from a dram to two drams in decoction from three drams to six drams in infusion from half an ounce to an ounce The compound Medicines made of Sene. Pulvis Senae Montagnan Syrup of the leaves of Sene. Syrupus de Pomis Reg. Saboris Electuarium Diabalsemer seu Elect. Senatum R. nâ—d Passulae laxativa Extract of Sene. Elect. de Sena Nicolas Confectio Hamech Whether Sene offend the stomach and be a griping and windy â—edicine Although some hold that Sene doth offend the stomach especially being weak yet in regard that it is somewhat bitter and partaking of heat and drynesse it doth rather strengthen and profit the stomuch then weaken and offend it Now that after the taking of Sene in some bodies especially in Women and flegmatick persons gripings do follow is not denied but this comes not from the flatulency or windinesse of the Sene but by accident in drawing grosse and flegmatick humours to the bowels and there causeth these gripings especially where the passages are much stopt Fernel Meth. l. 5. f. 115. â—reitag Aur. Med. f. 264. Sennert Instit f. 959. Matthiol Comment in lib. 3. Diascor f. 521. CHAP. 61. De Soldanella of Seabinde-weed SEabinde-weed is an herbe grovving neer the Sea having many small branches somewhat red trailing or lying upon the ground beset with small and round leaves not much unlike Asarabacca but smaller the flowers come forth like a bell of a bright red incarnate colour the seed is black and groweth in round cods the root is small and long The names In Latine Soldana Soldanella Convolvulus marinus in English Seabinde-vveed Seacavvl Seacoale Sea-vvith-vvinde because the branches winde themselves and the flowers are so like the small kinde of Binde-weed that it growes naturally neer the Sea-coasts It is called also Sea-beâ—ls for the likenesse of the flowers and some call it Sea-fole-foot for the resemblance of the leaves and Scottish scurvy-grasse The temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree The duration It will keep good a yeare The inward use Binde-weed purgeth chiefly water and flegme also therefore it is very usefull and profitable in the Dropsie and openeth the obstructions or stoppings of the liver and killeth wormes It hath two excellent properties the one is that it wonderfully draweth away watery humours the other that it corroborates or strengtheneth the liver The manner of administring it It is given in Powder Decoction Pils c. A Powder against the Dropsy Take of Sea-bindeweed a scruple Hermodactyles halfe a scruple Turbith and Diagredium of each seven graines Ginger and Cynamon of each four graines make a powder hereof and adde oile of Fennell and oile of Anise-seed of each two drops mix them together and give it in Posset-drink A Potion against the Dropsie Take of Sea-bindeweed a handfull Raisons of the Sun stoned an ounce Anise-seed a dram make a decoction in the broth of a cock straine it and adde syrupe of Pumitarie an ounce of the electuary Diaturbith two drams make a potion and give it The outward use The powder of the dried herbe is used to bring or raise up flesh in deep and hollow Ulcers helping also to heal them The juice also not pressed but issuing forth of its own
of Lettice stalkes candyed sixe drams of the seeds of Agnus Castus a dram and a halfe of Rue seede halfe a dram of Corall a dram of Crystall halfe a dram of Camphor a scruple make those things in powder that are to be powdered and with syrupe of Purslane make an electuary Take often of it as much as a nut The outward use It helpeth hardnesse stoppings Apostumations and Ulcers of the Matrix if women sit in the Decoction thereof or receive the hot fume thereof The leaves with butter dissolve the swelling of the Cods being applyed applied to the head it easeth the paine thereof and is good in the Lethargy being boyled in salt water with Sage and Smallage and the hinder part of the head washed therewith the same used to the limbs taketh away wearinesse upon travaile or labour the leaves are good for wounds The seeds used with Barly meale doth mollifie hard swellings and break Impostumes and with Niter and Vineger it helpeth freckles of the face used with Hony it helpeth the sores in the mouth and throat With Vineger and Oyle it is good for the Frensy and Lethargy The Leaves used in a fume and also strowed drive away Serpents and being laid on cure their bitings Also strowed in the bed or carried about neere the skin it causeth chastnesse The seeds laid on with water doth heale the clifts of the fundament The hurtfull quality It troubleth the head and bringeth paine thereof especially when it is greene The Dose The seede is given from a scruple to a dram Medicines made thereof Syrupe of Agnus Castus Trosses of Agnus Castus CHAP. 68. De Erugine of Verdigrease VErdigrease is the rust of Copper or Brasse of a greene colour The Names It is called in Latine Aerugo Aes viride and Flos aeris in English Verdigrease The Temperament It is hot and dry in the fourth degree The best kinde The best is that which is greenest and cleane from drosse The Duration It will keepe good many years The outward use It is of a sharp corroding quality stoppeth freting spreading soars taketh away superfluous flesh in any Ulcer or Fistula and eateth out the callous or hard flesh thereof and is good in Ulcers sores of the Eyes mixed with Hony and used it consumes the fleshinesse in the nose called Polypus and helps the Disease in the fundament called a Fig. It cures Cankers and sores in the mouth being used with Hony and Plantaine water for a Gargarisme It is thought Achilles first used this Medicine in the cure of Telephus and therefore Achilles is commonly painted scraping off the rust of his Spheare head with his Sword into the wound of the said Telephus It is a drying astringent and corrosive Medicine It cures Kibes in cattell being mixed with Soap or Hogs-greace Pliny Nat. Hist lib. 25. cap. 5. fo 216. A water against Vlcers of the Privities Take of Raine water foure pints of white Candy halfe a pound Boyle them a little then adde of Verdy-grease in powder two ounces and keep it to use An Oyntment for the same Take of white Camphor oyntment foure ounces of Aloes an ounce burnt Allum a dram and a halfe Verdigrease a dram Oyle of Roses one ounce Tutty three drams Camphon sixe graines let those things that are to be powdered be made in powder and make all into an Oyntment The hurtfull quality It is a sharp corroding and burning Medicine therefore there must be care in the use of it Of such Medicines as are made thereof Vnguentum viride Vnguentum Apostolorum Vnguentum Aegyptiacum Greene Treat Tinctura viridis c. CHAP. 69. De Allio of Garlick The Names IT is called in Latine Allium in Egnlish Garlicke and poore mans Treacle The Temperament It is hot and dry in the fourth degree and raiseth Blisters being applyed to the Skinne The Duration It will keep a yeare or longer being taken up dry The inward use Garlick being eaten heateth the Body maketh thin thick and grosse humours cutteth such as are tough and clammie digesteth and consumeth them also openeth obstructions or stoppings and is an enemy to cold poysons and to the biting of venemous Beasts and therefore is by Gallen and others rightly called The Country-mans Treacle It taketh away the roughnesse of the throat helpeth an old Chugh provoketh Urine killeth Wormes expelleth Winde helpeth the Collick cures the Dropsy proceeding from a cold cause provoketh the courses in women and stirreth up Venus or Lust but dryeth the seed of Generation and is most excellent for a cold and moist stomach and to stir up naturall heate Zacutus Lucitanus de Prax. Med. Admir lib. 2. Obser 11. relates of an old man who in the winter season lying in the cold some time had the innate or naturall heate of his stomach almost gon and his appetite even lost and decayed who after many hot Medicines used yet all in vaine at length he was cured with Garlick and Hony It is a good Preservative against the contagious and pestilent ayre A Decoction thereof made with Origan and Wine being drunke killeth Wormes Lice and Nits It is profitable against the biting of a mad Dog and for such as are inclined to the Palsey for shortnesse of breath and to dry up Rhume and also for the cold Head-ach It is commended against the Consumption of the Lungs pissing of blood and for such as cannot hold their water The distilled water is good for the same Diseases and for the Quinsey The milke wherein Garlick hath been boyled is good for wormes in Children Give two ounces of the water Morning and Evening for a week if need be The outward use The Decoction thereof used for a Bath or Fume to sit over brings downe the flowers and after-birth It cureth the bitings of mad Dogs or the biting of any other venimous creature being bruised with Rue and applyed It taketh away the Morphew Tetters and cures scabbed heads in Children Dandraffe and Scurfe tempered with Hony and the parts anoynted therewith The juyce killeth Lice and Nits if the head be noynted therewith The ashes of Garlick being strowed in Ulcers cureth them The smell of Garlick driveth away venimous creatures and applyed with Figs and Cummin it cures the bitings of the Mouse called a Shrew A clove of Garlick put into a hollow tooth that aketh easeth the paine thereof or stamp it with Safforn and Pepper and hold it between the teeth being bruised and applyed to the throat it helpeth the Quinsie and swelling thereof it helpeth the Gout being stamped with House-leeke and applyed The juyce mixed with Safforn and Goose-grease cures the noyse of the eares being put therein Garlicke burned and the ashes mingled with Hony and laid to black and blew markes after bruises taketh them away and helpeth wilde fire and Scabs being bruised and applyed They usually cure the Pip in poultery with Garlicke Against the Cough in Children Take one ounce of Hogs grease and halfe an ounce of Garlick bruise it and
or such like Of Medicines made thereof Bole Armony washed or prepared Vnguentum Ophthalmicum Vnguentum rubrum siccativum c. CHAP. 83. De Borragine of Borrage The Names IT is called in Latine Borrago and Borago in English Borrage and Borage The Temperament It is hot and moist in the first degree The inward use The Leaves Flowers and Seeds all of them or any of them are very cordiall and helpe to expell sadnesse and melancholly arising without manifest cause whereof came the saying Ego Borrago gaudia semper ago I Borrage bring alwaies Courage It is good in Pestilentiall Feavers and to resist any venome and poyson as also to clarifie the blood and to mitigate the heate in Feavers The Flowers or Seeds breed and increase milke in Nurses The syrupe prevaileth for all the purposes aforesaid and is put with other cooling opening and cleansing hearbs to open stoppings and to helpe the yellow Jaundise to coole and cleanse the blood and temper the heate and sharpnesse thereof especially with Fumitry and thereby to helpe the Itch Ringwormes or other spreading Scabs or Sores that arise from a dust and sharpe humours The conserve is used to comfort the heart and Spirits and for such as are weake and in a Consumption The distilled water is good for the aforesaid Diseases Borrage must be used while it is greene for it will not keep dry The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in decoction juyce and syrup The outward use The leaves or ashes boyled in water and hony is available against Inflamations and Ulcers in the mouth or throat The distilled water being applyed with a linnen cloth dipt therein helpeth the venome of a Spider or Waspe Of such Medicines as are made thereof Borrage water Conserve Syrupe of Borrage The juyce CHAP. 84. De Calamo Aromatico of Aromaticall reed The Names IT is called in Latine Calamus Aromaticus and Acorus in English Aromaticall reed and the sweet smelling flagge The Temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree and of thin parts The Duration Is will keep good two or three yeares The inward use A decoction of this root availes to provoke urine to ease the paine of the side to bring downe womens courses to open the stoppings of the Liver and Spleen and Breast and helpeth Convulsions gripings burstings bruises and such as pisse by drops It prevailes in the Dropsie and against Poison and is put into Electuaries for such as have raw and cold humours in their Lungs or chest Halfe a scâ—uple thereof in powder taken in a little beer doth help the Collick and expell winde It helpeth the Palsie and swimming of the head The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction Electuary and in powder The outward use The juice mixed with a little Hony and used helpeth drynesse The root boyled in wine stamped and applyed into the Cods abates the swelling thereof and helpeth all hardnesse and collections of humours in any place The fume thereof used provokes the courses The fume thâ—reof also taken by the mouth in a pipe alone or with dryed Turpentine helpeth Coughs It maketh a sweet breath being chewed in the Mouth and is used in perfumes The Dose The Dose in powder is halfe a dram to a dram in decoction from a dram to three drams Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distelled water of the root steeped fi st in wine The root preserved The Extract A scruple of which being taken helpeth the Collick El. Diacorum Oâ— e. CHAP. 85. De Calendula of Marigolds The Names IT is called in Latine Calendula Caliha Chrysanthemum and that from the golden Colour of the flowers in English Marigolds The Temperament The flowers are hot in the second degree The Duration The flowers will keep good being dry a yeare or two The inward use The flowers comfort and strengthen the heart provoke sweat and the courses and expelleth the afterbirth withstandeth poyson and venery good in Pestilent and contagious Fevers as also in the Jaundise The conserve made of the flowers taken Morning and Evening helpeth the trembling of the heart and is usefull in time of the Plague or Pestilence and corruption of the ayre The distilled water is good for the aforesaid purposes The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in decoction As Take a small handfull of Marigold flowers and boyle them in a pint and a halfe of cleare Posset drinke to a pint straine it and drink off the clearest The outward use The juyce helpeth the Toothach being washed therewith and if warts be rubbed therewith it taketh them away A fume of the decoction used hot helpeth to expell the secondine or afterbirth The juyce dropped into the eares killeth wormes The water helpeth red and watery eyes being washed therewith Of such things as are made thereof The distilled water Vineger of the flowers conserve CHAP. 86. De Chamomilla of Camomill The Names IT is called in Latine Chamomilla Camomilla and Chamaemelum in English Camomill and Cammomill and that because the flowers have the smell of an Apple or Quince The Temperament It is hot and dry in the first or second degree and is of thin parts The Duration The herbe will keep good a yeare and the flowers longer The inward use The decoction of Camomill made and drunke helpeth all paines and Stiches in the side the Chollick Stone and winde in the Belly or Stomach and expelleth tough and clammy flegme as also cold humours provoketh swâ—at brings downe the courses in women and provokes urine It is very profitable for Agues that come of flegme or melancholly or from an inflamation of the bowells and for the Hypochonders that is the sides and that part where the Liver and Spleene lye It moderately comforteth all parts that have need of warmth and digesteth and dissolveth whatsoever hath need thereof by a wonderfull speedy property The flowers boyled in Posset drinke provoketh sweat and helpeth to expell cold Aches and paines wheresoever A syrup made of the juyce with the flowers and White-wine is a good remedy against the Jaundes and Dropsie that comets by the evill disposition of the Spleene A decoction made with White-wine and taken expelleth the dead Childe and brings away the afterbirth speedily and cleanseth those parts The manner of administring it It is used chiefly in decoctions The outward use It is used in decoctions for Glisters against winde and the Collick A decoction thereof being used taketh away wearinesse and easeth the paines to what part of the body soever it be applyed and comforteth the sinews that are overstrained mollifieth all swellings and those that are not over hard and rarefieth or maketh thin those that are bound together The flowers boyled in lye is good to wash the head and to comfort both it and the braine It helpeth paines in the side and Stiches as also the Chollick being applyed and wasteth away raw and undigested humours The Oyle made of the flowers is used
against all hard swellings and paines or aches shrinking of the sinews or Cramps or paines in the joynts or any other part of the body and helpeth to dissolve winde and paines in the belly used in Glysters for that purpose anoynted also it helpeth Stitches and paines in the side A Potion to procure rest and sleepe Take Camomill and Marshmallowes of each three handfulls boyle them in a sufficient quantity of water let the Patients Thighs Legs and Feet be washed therewith for a quarter of an houre before the time orest Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water Oyle both by distillation and by infusion Salt CHAP. 87. De Capillo veneris of Common Maidenhaire The Names IT is called in Latine Capillaris and Capillus Veneris in English Maidenhaire and common Maidenhaire The Temperament It is temperate in heate and coldnesse opening and cleansing The Duration It will keepe good being dry a yeare or longer The inward use It is of singular use against the Diseases of the Brest the Liver and Reines especially the decoction thereof drunke helpeth the Cough shortnesse of breath the yellow Jaundise stoppings of the Liver and Spleene and urine helpeth to break the Stone provoketh the courses and stayeth both bleedings and Fluxes of the Stomack and belly especially when the herbe is dry for being green by the thinness of the parts it looseneth the belly causeth choller fleagm to be voided both from the Stomach and Liver and by freeing the Stomach by spitting it out wonderfully cleanseth the Lungs and by rectifying the Liver and Blood causeth a good colour to the whole body it is said also to resist and to cure the bitings of venemous creatures and to cure Ruptures The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction or in powder The outward use The herbe boyled in Oyle of Camomill dissolveth knots allayeth swellings and dryeth up moist Ulcers the lye made thereof is singular good to cleanse the head from Scurfe and either dry or running sores stayeth the falling of the hayrâ— and causeth them to grow thick faire and well coloured for which purpose some boyle it in wine putting some Smallage seed thereto and afterwards some Oyle The Dose The Dose in powder is from halfe a dram to a dram Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water Syrupe of Maidenhaire both simple and compound CHAP. 88. De Caprifolio of Hony Succles The Names IT is called in Latine Caprifolium and Periclymenum in English Woodbinde and Hony-succle The Temperament It is hot and attenuating or making thin and not colde The inward use It is of a cleansing resolving consuming and digesting quality as Hyssope Origanum and such like therefore used in decoctions with Figs and Licorish they expectorat fleagme from the Lungs and Chest wherewith they are filled The flowers and leaves are of more use then the seeds which is said to consume the Spleene and to procure a womans speedy delivery helpeth shortnesse of breath and cureth the Hicket they also cause barrennesse in women and make men unable to generation The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in decoction as in the Chapter of Mugwort The outward use The leaves or flowers in powder or the distilled water of them is commended to dry up foule and moist Ulcers and to cleanse the face and skin from Morphew Sunburne Freckles and other discolourings of the skin The Oyle wherein the flowers have beene infused and sunned is good against Cramps convulsions of the Sinews and Palsies and any other benumming cold griefe A water for wounds Take Honysuccle Sage Celandine of each a handfull boyle them in eight pints of running water to a halfe then adde to the strained Liquor a pound of Hony set them on the fire and take off the scumme so long as any will rise then adde thereto of Roch Allum in powder foure ounces graines of Paradise bruised one ounce boyle them a little then straine and reserve it The hurtfull quality The Decoction thereof being drunke sixe dayes together will make the urine as blood although at the first they will but provoke urine onely neither are they good for inflamations of the mouth and throat but hurtfull therein as the burning heate of the leafe doth manifest The Dose The seeds are given from halfe a dram to a dram Of such things that are made thereof The distilled water Syrup of the flowers CHAP. 89. De Cardamomis of Cardamomes The Names and kindes THere are chiefly two sorts of Cardamoms the greater called in Latine Cardamomum majus and the lesser called Cardamomum minus The Temperament They are hot and dry in the third degree The Duration They will keep good two or three years some say ten yeares The inward use Cardamomes breake the Stone provoke urine when it is stopped or passeth with paine resisteth poyson and the sting of Scorpions and other venemous creatures They are good against the Falling-sicknesse the Cough the broad wormes and the gripings of the bowells and expelleth winde powerfully both from the Stomach and entrailes easeth those that by falls or beatings are bruised and broken those that have loose and weak sinews and the paine of the Sciatica or Hip gout It doth wonderfully strengthen the Stomach and helpe Concoction They are put in many of our compositions Cordialls Antidotes and such like The manner of Administring it They are given in powder Electuary and Decoction The outward use Being boyled in Vineger or steeped therein and used it is good against Scabs and Tetters A fume thereof used killeth the birth The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull in very hot and dry bodies The Dose They are given in powder from a scruple to two scruples Of such Medicines as are made thereof Oyle of Cardamomes A confection of Cardamoms CHAP. 90. De Carduo benedicto of the blessed Thistle The Names IT is called in Latine Carduus and Carduus Benedictus in English Blessed Thistle The Temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree and also cleansing and opening The Duration It will keepe good a yeare or longer The inward use A Decoction of Carduus being taken helpeth the swimming of the head strengthneth the memory and is a good remedy against deafnesse killeth wormes provoketh urine and the courses and driveth out gravell cleanseth the Stomach and helpeth the paines of the side It is most excellent in Pestilent Feavers and all contagious Diseases for it expelleth out by sweat all noxious or ill humours It is very good in any kinde of Ague either by Decoction thereof taken or halfe a dram of the powder taken in Posset drinke before the fit cometh for divers fits if need require and sweat after it It is very availeable against all venome and poyson The distilled water is usefull for the aforesaid Diseases but the Decoction is far better The extract thereof is good against the French-pox and the Quartain-Ague The manner of Administring it It is given in Powder
the leaves and the seed of Nigella quilted in a Cap stayeth Rhume being boyled in lye with Lupines and the head washed therewith taketh away the Dandraffe or Scurfe thereof The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull for hot and dry bodies The Dose The Leaves and seeds are given from halfe a dram to a dram Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water Conserve and Syrupe CHAP. 97. De Consolida majore of great Comfrey The Names IT is called Consolida major and Symphytum majus in English Comfrey and great Comfrey The Temperament Comfrey is cold drying and binding in great measure The Duration It will keepe good a yeare The inward use Comfrey helpeth those that spit blood or that bleed at the mouth or that make a bloody urine as also for all inward hurts bruises and wounds and helpeth the Ulcers of the Lungs the roote being boyled in water or wine the same also drunke stayeth the flowing downe of Rhume from the head upon the Lungs the fluxes of humours or blood by the belly the reds and whites in women and the running of the Reines happening by what cause soever The Syrupe made hereof is very effectuall for all those inward griefs so is the distilled water A Decoction of the roots is most effectuall Two ounces of the juyce drunke doth much good in the Lethargy saith Camerarius The manner of Administring it It is chiefly given in Decoction The outward use The roots being outwardly applyed helpeth fresh wounds or cuts immediately being bruised and laid thereto by gluing together their Lips and is especiall good for Ruptures and broken bones it is good to be applyed to womens breasts that grow sore by much milke coming into them as also to stop the overmuch bleeding of the Hemorrhoides to coole the inflamation of the parts thereabouts and to ease paine the fresh root bruised and spread upon the Leather and laid to any place troubled with the Gout doth give present ease of the paines and applyed in the same manner giveth ease to pained joynts and profiteth very much for running and moist Ulcers Gangrenes mortifications and the like The distilled water helpeth outward wounds or Sores in the fleshy or sinewy parts of the body A mouth water against Vlcers in the mouths of Children Take Comfrey great and small of each a handfull boyle them in halfe a pint of White-wine or more then add to the strayned Liquor Sal gem two drams Hony of Roses two ounces mixe them together and reserve it The hurtfull quality It must not be used too frequently in such persons as are much â—ound in their body Of such things as are made thereof Comfrey water Conserve The root Candyed Extract of Comfrey-Oyle made of the dry root CHAP. 98. De Corallina of Coralline or Sea-mosse The Names IT is called in Latine Muscus Marinus and Corallina in English Coralline and Sea-mosse The Temperament It is cold and dry and astringent or binding The Duration It will keepe good many yeares The inward use It is used altogether to kill wormes in Children or Elder persons but by what quality it worketh this effect is not yet declared by any that I have seene happily it doth it by a specifick vertue It may be used against hot Gouts and inflamations The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in powder A Powder against wormes Take Coralline Harts horne burnt and wormeseede of each two drams make them in powder The Dose is a scruple or halfe a dram according to age in Beere or Muscadine The outward use It may be put into oyntments against wormes The Dose The Dose is from a scruple to a dram CHAP. 99. De Dauco of Wilde Carrot The Names IT is called in Latine Pastinaca sylvestris and Daucus in English wilde Carrot and Birds nest The temperament The roote and seeds are hot and dry in the second degree The Duration The seeds will keepe good a yeare or two The inward use It expelleth wine and easeth Stiches in the sides it provoketh urine and womens courses and helpeth to breake and expell the Stone the seede also worketh the like effects and is good for the Dropsie and those whose bellies are swollen with winde helpeth the Chollick and Stone in the Kidneyes the rising of the Mother provoke Lust and helpeth Conception being taken in wine or boyled in wine and taken It is good against the stinging of venomous creatures The manner of Administring it It is given in Powder or in Decoction The outward Vse The leaves being applyed with Hony to running Ulcers or Sores doth cleanse them The Dose The seeds are given in Powder from halfe a dram to a dram CHAP. 100. De Endivia of Endive The Names IT is called in Latine Intibus Intubus or Intubuus and Scariola in English Endive The Temperament It is cold and dry in the second degree The Duration It will keepe a yeare being well dryed The inward use It doth coole the heate in the Liver and Stomach and is good in hot fits of Agues and all other inflamations in any part of the body to use the decoction of the leaves or the juyce or distilled water the same also helpeth to coole the heate and sharpnesse in the urine the seed is of the same property or rather more powerfull and besides is availeable for the faintings and passions of the heart opens stoppings and provoketh urine It is hurtfull for the Palsie and trembling as also for cold Stomachs The manner of Administring it It is given chiefly in Decoction The outward use Being outwarly applyed it doth temper the sharpe humours of fretting Ulcers hot tumours and swellings and Pestilentiall Sores and helpeth wonderfully the rednesse of the eyes and dimnesse of the fight it is also used to allay the paines of the Gout The Dose The seeds are given to a dram or more Of such Medicines as are made thereof Endive water Syrupe of Endive both simple and compound Syr. Bizantinus simple and compound Salt of Endive CHAP. 101. De Enula of Elecampane The Names IT is called in Latine Enula and Enula Campana also Heleninâ— and that because Hellen first found it available against the bitings and stinging of venemous beasts or from Helena an Island where the best was found to grow in English Elecampane The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree especially being dry The Duration It will keep a yeare or two I meane the root The inward use It is good against fleagme tough and clammy humours which stick in the Chest and Lungs against the Cough and shortnesse of breath provoketh Urine comforteth the Stomach and helpeth Digestion A decoction of the root is good against poyson and bitings of Serpents for such as have Ruptures Cramps or Convulsions or have any Member out of joynt and for the Hip Gout the same or the juyce taken killeth all manner of wormes in the belly or Stomach and is good for them that spit blood or have inward bruises The roots
bawme made in wine and drunke is good against venome and poyson helpeth the griping paines of the belly and is good for them that cannot take their breath unlesse they hold their necks upright being taken in a lohock or licking electuary The syrupe of Bawme is a good cordiall strengthneth the heart and stomach resisteth Melancholly and is very profitable in burning and contagious Feavers A Candle made with Eggs and the juyce thereof while it is young putting some Sugar and Rosewater to it is often given to womin in Childbed when the afterbirth is not throughly avoyded and for their faintings upon or after their sore travells The manner of Administring it It is used chiefly in Decoction See the Chapter of Mugwort The outward use The herbe bruised and boyled in a little wine and oyle and laid warme on a Bile will ripen and breake it used with salt it taketh away Wens Kernells or hard swellings in the flesh or throat it cleanseth foule sores and easeth the paines of the Gout the juyce thereof used with a little Hony is a good remedy for the dimnesse of the sight and to take away the mistinesse of the eyes It is used in Bathes among other warme herbs to comfort the joynts and sinews It is a good remedy against the sting of Scorpions or other venemous creatures and against the stinging of Bees as also against the bitings of Dogs The decoction thereof is good for women to bath or sit in to procure their courses and for those that have the bloody Flix as also to wash the teeth therewith when they are full of paine It is very often put into oyles or salves to heale greene wounds A quilt or bag against the beating of the heart Take of Bawme dry foure handfulls of Roses Violet Borrage and Rosemary flowers of each halfe a small handfull make them in grosse powder and adde of Camphor two scruples then with red Silke and Bombace make a quilted bag and apply it to the region of the heart The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull in hot and dry bodies The Dose It is given in powder from a scruple to two scruples Of those Medicines that are made thereof The distilled water Extract Conserve of the flowers Syrupe both simple and compound CHAP. 125. De Menthis of Garden or Spearemints The Names and Temperament IT is called in Latine Mentha Mentha hortensis and Mentha acuta It is hot and dry in the beginning of the third degree of thin parts bitter and binding The Duration It will keepe good a yeare being dry The inward use Speare-mints are good against vomiting weaknesse and rawnesse of the Stomach the Hickop and allayeth choller expelleth winde easeth gripings of the belly helpeth stoppings of the Liver and is good in any cold paine or giddinesse of the head being taken in powder or a decoction thereof made and taken The juyce taken with Vineger stayeth bleeding Mints stir up Venery or bodily lust killeth wormes stayeth the courses in women and helpeth the whites keepeth the milke from curdling in the breasts as also in the stomach It is profitable against the poyson of venimous creatures It is good for women in their hard and sore travailes in Child-bearing and against the gravell and Stone in the Kidneys and Strangury and helpeth a stinking breath The distilled water is much used against vomitings gripings in the belly c. It warmeth and strengthneth the stomach and dryeth up moist humours therein and causeth good Digestion The manner of administring it It is given in powder or in Decoction The outward use Being outwardly applyed it stayeth vomiting and easeth gripings of the Stomach and belly it dissolveth Impostumes being laid to with Barly meale it is good to represse the milke in womens breasts when they are swollen therewith and keepeth them from growing great applyed with salt it helpeth the biting of a mad Dog with Water and Hony it easeth the paines of the Eares Applyed to the Forehead or Temples it easeth the paines thereof and it is good also to wash the heads of young Children therewith against all manner of breaking out therein whether Sores or Scabs and healeth the chaps of the fundament It helpeth the stinging of Bees or Wasps being applyed A quilt against weaknesse and paines of the Stomach Take Wormewood and Mints dry of each two drams of Citron pill dry an ounce of Galingall Cyperus root and Cloves of each halfe an ounce of red Roses two drams make them all into powder and let a quilt be made for the Stomach The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull for hot and dry bodies and for chollerick persons The Dose The Dose in powder is from halfe a scruple to two scruples Of those Medicines that are made thereof The distilled water Syrupe Conserve Chymicall Oyle Oyle by infusion Balsam Salt CHAP. 126. De Mili osolis of Gromell The Names and Temperament IT is called in Latine Milium solis and Lithospermum from the hardnesse of the seede in English Gromell and Pearle plant It is hot and dry in the second degree The Duration The seeds will keepe good a yeare or two some say ten yeares The inward use The seeds are counted singular good to breake the Stone and gravell in the Reines or Bladder as also to provoke Urine to expell Winde and to helpe the Chollick The same taken is effectuall to procure a speedy delivery to women in travaile The seedes being taken in Posset-drinke before divers fits cureth the Quartaine Ague The manner of Administring it It is given in powder or in decoction The outward use The decoction or bath thereof being sit in helpeth the Stone and Strangury the Chollick and winde c. The hurtfull quality It must not be used in very hot and dry bodies The Dose The seede is given from a dram to two drams Of those things that are made thereof The distilled water of the leaves Holland powder c. CHAP. 127. De Moscho of Muske The Names and Temperament IT is called in Latine Moschus and Moscus in English Muske It is hot in the second degree and dry in the third The best Muske The best Muske is very odoriferous or sweet of a darke liver colour or yellowish The Duration It will keep good a yeare or two being kept close The inward use It comforteth the heart and fainting spirits and taketh away the passions and trembling thereof maketh it merry and joyfull and helpeth to expell sadnesse it comforteth warmeth and refresheth the braine and senses quickning the dulnesse thereof and is a helpe unto Venery It is put in many cordiall powders It is commended in the Chollick and maketh the breath sweet The manner of Administring it It is given chiefly in powder The outward use It helpeth moist and rheumatick eyes and ease cold paines of the head being mixed with Populean oyntment and the temples therewith anoynted It is much used for all sorts of perfumes and fits of the Mother to the lower parts It helpeth deafnesse
being put into the Cotten wool The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull to weake braines and hot Livers for the often use thereof burneth up the blood and maketh the face pale it is counted bad for such as have fits of the Mother yet Horstius doth commend it in such fits if it be taken in a small quantity Greg. Horst Observat lib. 1. part 2. Observat 24. fol. 49 50. The Dose The Dose is from two graines to five or sixe in any convenient Liquor Of such Medicines as are made thereof Species Diamoschu dulcis amari Oleum Moschellinum Muske powder CHAP. 128. De Mumia of Mummie The Names and Temperament MVmmie is the body of a man or woman embalmed and brought chiefly from Aegypt or Syria adjoyning It is called in Latine Mumia in English Mummie It is hot and dry in the second degree The Duration It will keepe good many yeares The inward use It easeth the paine of the head coming of cold and moisture and is good in Palsie and Crampe Falling sicknesse swiming of the head it is cordiall for the heart and preventeth the danger of poison or the venome of the Scorpion and other Serpents dissolveth winde both in the Stomach spleen and bowells stayeth the Hickop and inward Bleedings or Fluxes of Bloud dissolveth the congealed Bloud of bruises by falls or otherwise and helpeth the Ulcers of the Bladder and stopping of Urine being taken in Goats Milke and is good against the Cough The manner of Administring it It is given chiefly in powder A Powder against Bruises or Falls Take Bole Armoniack or sealed Earth Dragons bloud and Mumme of each two Drams of Parmacitty a Dram Rubarbe halfe a Dram make them in powder and give halfe a Dram or more thereof The outward use It stayeth Bleeding of the Nose or the Bleeding of Wounds and is good to consolidate or close up Wounds it is used also against Cramps and Distentions of the Mouth the hardnesse and shrinking of the Sinewes and Lamenesse in the Feet through cold and wet The Dose It is given from a Dram to two Drams Of those Medicines that are made of Mumme Tincture or extract of Mumme Powder against Bruises Sympatheticall Oyntment CHAP. 129. De Nardo of Spikenard The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Nardus Indica Spica Indica and Spica Nardi in English Spicknard It is hot in the first degree and dry in the second The Duration It will keepe good many years The inward Vse It provoketh Urine and brings downe the Courses as some say other will have it to stop all Fluxes both of Men and Women and to stay the loosenesse of the Belly and thin watery humours being Drunke with cold Water it is profitable to those that have a loathing of their Meate or having swellings or gnawings at their Stomacks as also for them that are Liver-growne that have the Yellow Jandise or the Stone in the Kidneyes it dryeth up the Flux of humours both in the Head and Brest and is put into Antidotes against venome and poyson It is very convenient for the Liver and Stomack The manner of Administring it It is given in powder or in Decoction The outward use It stayeth any Flux of the Belly being applied and helpeth Watering Eyes by staying the humours and thickning it also The Decoction used as a Bath for Women to sit in or over it taketh away the inflammation of the Mother It is good to cause Haire to grow on the Eye-Lids of such as want it and dryeth up superfluous moisture in any part of the Body being strewed thereon Oyle made thereof is good for all Cold Griefes and Windinesse of the Head Stomack Liver Spleene Reines and Bladder and of the Mother The hurtfull quality It causeth vomitings and therefore is left out in many cordiall Medicines it is hurtfull for hot and dry Bodies and must not be given to Women with Childe without great caution because it procureth them much disquiet and may force their Courses beyond either their time or conveniency The Dose The Dose is from a Scruple to thirty Graines Medicines made thereof Oyle of Nardus Simple and Compound CHAP. 130. De Nigella of Gith or Nigella The Names and Temperament IT is called in Latine Melanthium and Nigella from the black colour of the Seede in English Gith Nigella and Fennell-flower The Seeds are hot and dry in the third degree The Duration The Seeds will keepe good a yeare or two The inward use The Seede drunken with Wine is a good remedy against Shortnesse of Breath expelleth Winde provoketh Urine and the Termes in Women increaseth Milke in the Breasts of Nurses killeth Wormes and is very good against poyson and the biting of venemous Beasts as also against the Quartaine and Quotian Ague if a Dram thereof be taken in Wine or Posset before the fit It is an excellent remedy where there is neede of cleansing drying and heating The manner of Administring it Is is given in powder or in Decoction The outward use It Killeth Wormes being laid to the Navell with the juyce of Wormewood Being dryed and put into Linnen or Sarfenet and so quilted in and laid to the Head it cureth Catarrhes or Rhemes dryeth the Braine and restoreth the smelling being lost It taketh away Freckles Scurfe and Hard Swellings being mixed with Vineger and applied The Smoke or Fume thereof driveth away venemous Creatures and Killeth Flies Bees and Waspes The same mingled with Oyle of Ireos and laid to the forehead cureth the Head-ach comming from cold The hurtfull quality If too much thereof be taken t is dangerous and bringeth Death The Dose The Dose is from halfe a Dram to a Dram. Medicines made thereof The distilied water Oyle thereof CHAP 131. De Nitro of Nitre The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Nitrum and Sal nitri in English Niter and Salt of Niter It is hot of temperature saith Pliny in Nat. Hist Booke 310. Chap. 10. and doth extenuate or make thin others say it is cold The duration It will keepe good many years being kept dry The inward use It is profitable in burning Feavers as also in putried and malignant Feavers in the Calenture at Sea for it resisteth putrifaction and cooleth the boyling of the blood it is usefull also in the Pleurisy inflammation of the Lungs in the Stone of the Kidneyes and Bladder in the stoppings of the Liver and Entralls It stayeth the bleeding of a Veine or of the Nose The manner of Administring it It is chiefly dissolved in some convenient Liquor and so given as if to stop bleeding give it in Plantaine water The outward Vse It is used in Lotions against the inflations of the mouth and throat in the Quinsie against the Gout and in burnings and scaldings as also against spots in the Eyes being mixed with Honey and put therein Being boyled with Wine and Pepper and the Mouth washed therewith it easeth the Tooth-ach and cleanseth the Gums The powder
Turneps is good for the same purpose Being boiled in milk it easeth the Gowt being laid thereto A decoction thereof helpeth the Leprosie and Malignant scab as also the Palsey if the parts affected be bathed therewith The Oile of the seed is used against the ruggednesse of the skin The hurtfull quality Turneps breed winde trouble a weak stomach being hard of digestion cause stopping in the Veines and pores and annoy the sinews and are hurtfull for those that have the Collick The Dose The seeds are given from a scruple to thirty graines Medicines made thereof The distilled water Syrup of Turneps CHAP. 150. De Rosis of Roses The names and kindes THere are chiefly three sorts of Roses in use the Red Damask and White the two first being principally used the Red Rose is called in Latine Rosarubra the Damask Rosa Damascena and the white Rosa alba The temperament Roses are counted by most cold in the first degree and dry in the second or cold and dry in the second degree others say they are partly cold and partly hot others again will have them hot because of their bitternesse fragrancy and purging faculty See Sennert Paralipomen fol. 158 159. The Damask Roses have more airy and spirituall parts in them the Red Roses are more earthy and binding The duration The leaves being dry will keep good a yeare The inward use Red Roses do strengthen the heart Stomach Liver and the retentive faculties they mitigate the paines that arise of heat asswage inflammations procure rest and sleep stay womens courses both White and Red the running of the Reines and the Fluxes of the Belly the juice of them doth purge and cleanse the body from choler and flegme The conserve of Red Roses is binding and cordiall good for those that have rheume falling from the Braine to the Nose or Lungs comforteth a weak stomach and a fainting heart being taken morning and evening The yellow threads in the middle of the Red Rose being powdered and taken in the distilled water of Quinces stayeth the abundance of womens courses If it be mixed with the powder of Mastich taken it is very good for running of the Reines and other loosenesse of humours in the body â—he Syrup of red Roses strengtheneth a weak stomach given to casting cooleth an over-heated Liver and the blood in Agues comforteth the heart and resisteth putrefaction and infection and helpeth to stay fluxes of the belly Sugar of Roses is a good cordial to strengthen the heart and spirits to dry up rheume and to help the Hectick Feaver The heads with seed being used in powder or in decoction stayeth the lask and spitting of blood The Damask Rose is more purging the juice of which doth gently and safely purge choler and hot humours the syrup of Roses laxative doth also purge choler and flegme gently and loosen the belly taken from one ounce to three or foure but the syrup of Roses with Agarick openeth the body more then the former and purgeth as much flegme as choler if you take one ounce of it or two at the most the compound syrup is more forceable in working on melancholy humours and available against the Lepry Itch Scab Tetters c. The conserve hereof doth also gently loosen the body the distilled water of the syrup of Damask Roses being taken doth binde the belly yet Costaeus saith that if ten ounces of Damask Rose-water be drunk in the morning it doth open and purge the belly The manner of administring them They are given in powder in decoction in juice in electuary c. An Electuary to comfort the stomach and to dry up rheume Take of Conserve of Red Roses two ounces of the species called Aromaticum rosatum a dram mix them together and take often of it The outward use The decoction of Red Roses made with Wine and used is very good for the head-ach and paines in the Eyes Eares Throat and Gums the fundament also and lower bowels and the Matrix being bathed or put into them the same decoction with the Roses remaining in them is profitably applyed to the region of the heart to ease the inflammation therein as also Saint Anthonies fire and all other diseases of the stomach Red Roses are used with other things for sore Eyes and to dry up rheume the huskes of the Red Roses with the beards and the nailes of the Roses are binding and cooling and the distilled water of either of them is good for the heat and rednesse of the Eyes to stay and dry up the rheumes and watering of them so is the water of the leaves if the Eyes be washed therewith Vineger of Roses is of good use against paine and heat of the head as also to procure rest and sleep if some thereof and rose-Rose-water together be used to smell unto or the nose and temples moistned therewith but more usually to moisten a piece of Red Rose-cake cut fit for the purpose and heated between a double-folded cloth with a little beaten Nutmeg and poppy-Poppy-seed strewed on that side that shall lye next to the forehead and temples and so bound thereto for all night the oyntment of Roses is much used against heat and inflammations in the head to anoint the forehead and temples and being mixed with some Populeon ointment to procure rest as also it is used for the heat of the Liver of the back and reines and to coole and heale Pushes wheales and other red pimples rising in the face and other parts Oile of Roses is not only used by it selfe to coole any hot swellings or inflammations and to binde and stay fluxes of humours unto sores but is put also into many other compositions both ointments and plaisters that are cooling and binding and restraining the flux of humours Rose-leaves and Mints heated and applied outwardly to the stomach stayeth castings and strengtheneth a weak stomach very much and applied as a fomentation to the region of the Liver and Heart doth much coole and temper the distemperature of them The distilled water of Damaske Roses and the distilled oile or spirit are much used for outward perfumes and the leaves are used also in sweet powders Honey of red Roses is used for sore mouths and throats either alone or with White Wine A Quilt or Bag to strengthen and comfort the stomach Take of red Roses dryed two drams of Mastick and red Corall of each halfe an ounce Anise-seed and Fennell-seed of each a dram Cloves and Nutmeg of each a dram and a halfe Wormewood and Mints of each a handfull Make them all into a grosse powder and make a quilted bag according to art to be laid to the stomach A Pultis against the bleeding of the Nose Take of the seeds of red Roses an ounce Dragons-blood Sealed earth Bole-Armoniack of each a dram make them into powder and with the white of an Eg and the haires of an Hare make a Pultis and lay it to the temples and nod of the neck also
make some of it stiffe and put up into the Nose The hurtfull quality It is not safe to give the juice of Damask Roses to women with childe because it provokes their courses and the water also thereof is hurtfull to such as are troubled with the head-ach The dose The leaves and seeds are given from a scruple to two scruples The juice is given from one ounce to two ounces Syrup of Roses laxative is given from one ounce to 3. or 4 ounces The electuary of the juice of Roses is given from two drams to six drams Of those Medicines that are made of Roses The distilled water of Damask red and white Roses Conserve both of Damask and red Roses Sugar of Roses or Sugar-roset Oile chymicall and spirit of Roses Species Aromaticum Rosatum Diarrhodon Abbatis Rosata novella Syrup of Roses solutive Syrup of the juice of Roses Syrup of Roses with Agarick Syrup of Roses solutive with Hellebore Syrup of Roses solutive with Sene. Syrup of red Roses dry Honey of Roses Tincture of Roses Oile of Roses by infusion Ointment of Roses Vineger of Roses Balsam c. CHAP. 151. De Rosmarino of Rosemary The names and temperament IT is called in Latine Rosmarinus Rosmarinum quasi Rosa marina English Rosemary It is hot and dry in the second degree and also of an astringent or binding quality yet of subtil or thin parts it is best for cold and moist seasons for the age flegmatick and rheumatick The duration It will keep good a yeare or two being dryed The inward use It helpeth all cold diseases of the head stomach Liver belly and wombe A decoction thereof in Wine helpeth the cold distillations of the braine into the eyes and the giddinesse or swimming of the braine drowsinesse or dulnesse of the minde and senses like a stupidnesse the dumbe Palsie or losse of speech the Lethargie Apoplexie and Falling Sicknesse it helpeth the paines in the Gums and teeth by rheume falling into them or by putrefaction causing an evill smell from them or a stinking breath it helpeth a weak memory by heating and drying up the cold moistures of the brain and quikening the senses It is a good remedy for windinesse in the stomach or bowels as also the Hypochondriack passion and winde in the spleen It helpeth those that are Liver-growne by opening the stoppings thereof by warming the coldnesse making thin the grossenesse and afterwards binding and strengthening the weaknesse thereof it helpeth dim Eyes and to quicken the sight as also the yellow Jandise and the whites in women and the rising of the Mother if the flowers or leaves be daily taken in decoction or in powder The dried leaves shred small and taken in a Pipe as Tobacco is taken help the Cough or Tissick and Consumption by warming and drying the thin rheum which causeth those diseases The Chymicall oile is good for the aforesaid diseases if two or three drops thereof be taken in Beere or other Liquor The flowers and the conserve made thereof doth comfort the braine and heart and is good to expel the contagion of the pestilence If you steep or infuse a few Cloves Mace and Anise-seed in the distilled water of the flowers for certaine dayes and take morning and evening thereof it helpeth a stinking breath and mouth The manner of administring it It is given in decoction or in powder The outward use It helpeth the cold diseases of the head if a decoction thereof be made and the temples and neck bathed therewith The leaves are much used in bathings and made into Ointments or Oiles is singular good to help cold benummed joints sinews or members the herb burned in houses and chambers in time of infection is good to correct the aire in them The Herb is much used in powders and quilts to dry up rheume and to strengthen the wombe The Chymical oil is good for the cold diseases of the braines if the temples nostrils and nape of the neck be anointed therewith An Epitheme for the cold head-ach Take Rose-mary Sage Camomil Melilot Betony and Bryonie-root of each a handfull Boile them in water and with a spnge or soft linen clothes made wet therein apply it hot to the forehead The hurtfull quality It must not be used in very hot and dry bodies The Dose It is gven in powder from a scruple to two scruples Of such Medi ines as are made thereof The distilled water Chymical Oile Conserve of the flowers Species Dianthos Balsame CHAP. 152. De Rusco of Knee-holme The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Ruscus Ruscum and Bruscus in English Butchers Broom and Knee-holme It is hot in the second degree and dry in the first with some tenuity or thinnesse of parts It is one of the five opening roots The duration The roots will keep good a yeer or two The inward use A decoction of the roots made in Wine and taken openeth stoppings provoketh urine and amendeth the strong smell thereof helpeth to expel gravel and the Stone Strangury and Womens courses the same also helpeth the yellow Jaundise and the Head-ach and with some Sugar or Honey put thereunto helpeth to bring away flegme and to cleanse the chest of much clammy humours gathered therein The juice of the leaves taken with Sugar helpeth spitting of bloud and cleanseth the wombe The manner of administring it It is given in decoction or in powder A Powder against Winde and gripings of the belly Take the roots of Knee-holme Anise-seed and Fennel-seed of each half an ounce make them in powder and mix therewith half an ounce of Sugar take every morning thereof as much as will lye on a shilling in White Wine or Posset-drink The outward use The juice thereof taketh away the stink of the mouth and Gums being washed therewith and the powder of the root cleanseth Wounds and preventeth a Gangrene being strewed therein The Dose It may be given from half a dram to a dram CHAP. 153. De Ruta of Rue The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Ruta and Ruta hortensis in English Rue and Herb-grace or Herb of Grace it is hot and dry in the third degree The duration It will keep good a yeer The inward use Rue provoketh urine and womens courses expelleth all venome and poyson and is most excellent in time of the Plague or sicknesse the seed also taken in Wine is an Antidote or Counterpoison against all dangerous Medicines or deadly poisons A decoction made thereof with some dried Dil-leaves and flowers easeth all pains and gripeings in the body The same being drunk helpeth the pains both of the chest and sides as also Coughs hardnesse or difficulty of breathing the inflammations of the Lungs as also the shaking of Agues to take a draught before the fit come It killeth Wormes being boiled in Wine and Honey and taken The juice taken with Wine purgeth women after their deliverance bringeth away the dead childe and after-birth It dryeth up the milk and the
and sure remedy for falls and bruises and for such as are bursten either the decoction or the leaves in powder being taken It is excellent good against all poysons and infections either of the Plague or Pestilence or other epidemicall diseases as the small Pox Measels faint Purples or spotted Feaver and also against the gnawing pain of the stomach and pains of the side that come either of cold or stoppings and for the bloudy flix also it is good against an old Cough and to bring away rotten flegme in the brest and good for the Cramp and for the stoppings of the Liver and Spleen It is a good cordiall to comfort and strengthen the heart and cures the quotidian Ague by an occult quality The Electuary Diascordium is of the same nature The manner of administring it It is used in decoction or in powder The outward use The dried herb being used with a little Honey cleanseth foule ulcers and bringeth them to cicatrizing as also closeth fresh Wounds the dried herb made into a Poultis and applyed to Wens and such like helpeth both to constrain the matter from further breeding of them as also to discusse and disperse them being grown It being used with Vineger or Water and applyed to the Gowt easeth the pain thereof The green herb laid or bound to any Wound first bruised healeth it be it never so great A Liniment against Wormes Take of Scordium or Water-Germander and Aloës in powder of each a dram of the juice of Worm-wood and Southernwood of each two drams of common Oil one ounce Wax two drams make a Liniment and anoint the belly and stomach therewith warm morning and evening The hurtfull quality It is not safe to use it in hot dry and cholerick bodies The Dose It is given from half a dram to a dram and a half Of those Medicines that are made thereof The distilled Water Syrup both simple and compound Conserve Salt Diascordium CHAP. 160. De Sebesten of Sebesten The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Myra Myraria Sebesten and Sebestena in English Sebesten or Assyrian Plum They are temperately cold and moist and have a thick clammy substance The duration They will not kep long but soon grow dry The inward use They open the body as Prunes do especially being green They serve to cool any intemperate heat of the stomach or Liver and are good in hot Agues and to purge choler whereof they come they are very effectual also to lenifie the hoarsenesse and roughnesse of the throat they help the Cough and Wheesing of the Lungs and distillations upon them by making smooth 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 help them that are troubled with the sharpnesse of their urine proceeding from choler or salt flegm they also drive forth the long Wormes of the belly The manner of administring them They are given in decoction or in pulp see Jujubes The hurtfull quality They stop the intrails and stuff up the narrow passages and breed inflammations The Dose The pulp is given from half an ounce to ten drams Medicines made thereof Electuary of Sebestens Pulp of Sebestens CHAP. 161. De Sinapi of Mustard The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Sinapi and Sinapis in English Mustard The common seed is hot dry in the fourth degree but the white seed and the other small sorts are not so hot The duration It will keep good a yeer or two The inward use A decoction of the seed made in wine and drunk provoketh urine resisteth the force of poysons the malignity of Mushromes and the venome of the Scorpion or other venomous creatures abateth the fits of Agues and doth mightily prevail to stir up bodily lust it helpeth the spleen and paines in the sides and gnawings in the bowels shortnesse of breath and provoketh the terms Mustard made with strong Vineger is good to bring down Womens courses and for fits of the Mother for the Falling Sicknesse Lethargie or Drowsinesse of the brain for by the sharpnesse thereof it pierceth to the Brain and purgeth it by sneesing and drawing down rheume and other tough humours which by their residence do much offend or by their distillation upon the Lungs and Chest procure coughing It doth much help concoction in a cold stomach and drieth up the superfluous moisture thereof and is good for the Palsie The manner of administring it It is given in decoction in powder in Electuary c. The outward use It helpeth the uvula or palate of the mouth when it is faln down and fasteneth it being used as a Gargle and also dissolveth tumours and Kernels about the throat being applyed and helpeth the tooth-ach being chewed in the mouth It easeth the Sciatica and other Gowts pains in the side or loines the shoulders or other parts of the body upon the applying thereof to raise blisters and by drawing the pains to the place from the inward or more remote cureth the disease or diverteth it to those outward places where locall Medicines may help It helpeth the falling of the haire and mixed with Honey and applyed it taketh away the black and blue marks that come of bruisings the roughnesse of the skin in any place as also the Leprosie Lowsie Evill and Crick in the neck Applyed with Figs to the head first shaven it avails against the Lethargie and Falling Sicknesse The powder of the seeds put into the nostrils causeth sneesing and raiseth women sick of the Mother out of their fits A Cataplasme against Rheume Take Mustard-seed and Olibanum of each half an ounce Nigella-seed dried one ounce Mastich two drams of Pigeons dung and Barley-meal of each an ounce with Oxymel of Squills make it in form of a Pultis apply it to the coronall suture or forepart of the head The hurtfull quality It is offensive to cholerick and dry bodies The Dose The seed is given from half a dram to a dram Medicines made thereof The distilled Water Oile of the seed good in cold diseases of the Nerves CHAP. 162. De Sperma Ceti of Parmasitty The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Sperma Ceti Spuma Maris Flos Maris also Ambra subalbida in English Parmasitty It is cold and moist The best kinde The best is that which is white and fatty not yellow and rancid or stinking The duration It will keep good a yeer or two but it loseth much in keeping The inward use It is chiefly used against falls and bruises and to dissolve clotted bloud in the body and for women that are newly delivered it is also used in the Collick and in pains and torments of the belly both of children and others It easeth the Cough and provoketh sweat The manner of administring it It is chiefly given by it self in Sack or Beer The outward use It taketh away the marks of the small Pox cleers the skin
Wounds in the head Take of Myrrhe half an ounce madder-Madder-seeds Cypresse Orris Sarcocoll of each three drams make them into powder and use it where need is A Powder to incarnate or breed good flesh Take Sarcocoll Aloës Olibanum Dragons-blood and Orris of each two drams make them into powder The hurtfull quality with the corrective meanes Sarcocolla must not be given to hot and dry bodies or cholerick stomacks for it doth much trouble and offend such The often use of it causeth young men to wax old and to become bald It is corrected as Sagapenum The Dose The Dose is from a dram to two drams Of such medicines as are made of Sarcocoll There are made Pils of Sarcocoll Trochisi albi Rasis CHAP. 59. De Scammonio of Scammonie SCammonie is the juice of a root being full of milkie juice of a grayish colour The names It is called in Arabick 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mahmûda in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. sodiendo cavenda radice saith Minsheu in his guide into the Tongues fol. 647. â—n Latine it is called Scammonium Scammoneum and may be derived from the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shamen i. e. pinguis because of it's unctious quality or Shamen per Metaphoram signifieth robustus for Scammonie is of strong operation and fit onely for robustious bodies Scammonie being prepared that is baked in a Quince in embers or baked in an oven is called Diagredium Diagrydium Diacrydium Diadredium In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Lachrymula a little teare The temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree The best kinde The best is of a dark grayish colour somewhat light and not ponderous a little spongie also or with some holes in it somwhat clear and not muddy or drossie of a strong taste brittle or easie to break being wet with the tongue it shewes like milke but not burning in the mouth or throat for that is a signe of adulteration and that it is mixed with Spurge The best comes from Antioch The duration It will keep good two or three yeares some say twenty The time of gathering and p eparing it The time to gather it and to prepare it is in June The inward use Scammonie purgeth primarily and chiefly choler and watery humours and that both strongly and speedily from remote parts afterward say some it purgeth flegmatick humours The manner of administring it It is given in Pils Potions Boles c and is the Basis or chief ingredient of most purging electuaries and pills Pils Take Pils Aggregative and Cochiae of each two scruples Diagredium three graines make Pils thereof A Potion Take of Polypodie Sene of each two drams Anise-seed and Licoris bruised of each a dram bruise the Polypodie and make an infusion in a quarter of a pinte or strong Beer or Ale all night on embers then strain it and adde of Diagredium eight grains syrup of Roses laxative an ounce make a Potion A bole Take of Conserve of Roses half an ounce of Diagredium eight or ten grains mix them together and make a Bole. The externall use Scammonie being mixed with Honey and Ox-gall and rubbed on pimples or wheales taketh them away and boiled in vineger and anointed taketh away the Leprosie and spreading scabs If it be mixed with oile of Roses and vineger and applyed to the head it easeth old pains thereof Being applyed with Honey and oil it dissolveth cold swellings A Pessary made thereof and put up bringeth down the Howers and expelleth the Secondine or after-birth The hurtfull quality with the corrective meanes There are these hurtfull qualities found in Scammony First it ingenders sharp and gnawing windes in the stomack insomuch that it provokes to vomit to help this it must be baked in a Quince with Fennell-seed Daucus-seed or Galingall Secondly it inflames the spirits especially in those that have obstructions or stoppings and have putrid humours whereby burning feavers are procured This is helped by putting into your decoctions those things which do cool and extinguish the heat thereof as Flea-wort-seed pulpe of Prunes juice of Roses or Violets or with Rose-water or Violet-water or with the juice of a sowre sweet Quince and mix with it a little Sumach or Spodium or before boiling of the same that is the Scammonie steep it in oile of Roses or Violets Thirdly it hath a strong opening and drawing faculty whereby it brings immoderate fluxes of the belly by opening the mouth of the veines exceedingly This is helped by mixing binding and astringent things therewith as Mastick the juice of Quince or of yellow Myrobalanes Fourthly it raseth or shaveth by it's acrimonie the intrals and guts and thereby brings paines and torments thereof and procureth the Dysenterie and Tenesmus or Bloody-Flux and often provoking to stool This hurt is taken away by using fat moist and slippery medicines as Gum Tragacanth or Bdellium oile of sweet Almonds oil of Roses or pulp of Prunes with Sugar with the mâ—ssilage of Fleawort-seed Mastick and Quinces taken afterwards and vvarm water last of all All which causeth it to passe the sooner from the stomack and bowels and keepeth it from doing hurt From hence the wise are taught to give Barley-broth sweetned with sugar to those that have taken thereof Fiftly it hurts the heart liver and stomack totius substantiae proprietate through the propertie or essence of it's whole substance This hurt is taken away if cold medicines as well as hot being mixed together and given thereby to yield help to the heart liver and stomack It may also be taken with Cassia Manna the pulp of Raisons and Sebesteus It is dangerous to give it in Feavers or to give it to old and weak persons children or women with childe or to such as have hot and dry bodies or to persons that have great obstructions It is seldome given alone but mixed with some other medicine Heurnius adviseth to give Barley-broth after the taking of it Heurn prax med f. 259. The Dose The Dose is from six graines to twelve The compound medicines made of Scammonie Extract of Scammonie Extractum Diagredii aromati satum Elixir Scammonii sive Pill Scammonii Crollii Scammonium sulphuratum Infusion of Scammonie or purging spirit Diacydonium lucidum Scammoniatum Gelatina Cidoniorum cum Turbith with many others which you may finde in Schroderus pharm med chym lib. 4. f. 247 248 249. CHAP. 60. De Sena of Sene. SEne is a leafe of a plant like unto Licoris and was not known to the ancient Writers The names It is called in Latine Senna Sena in English Sene. The temperament It is hot in the second degree and dry in the first The best kinde The best is the greenest leaves and that which is new not brown nor too old The best is said to come from Alexandria and is called Sena Alexandrina The duration It vvill keep tvvo or three years but the newer it is the better it vvorks Some