or Corn-rose 4. Wilde Poppy with a white flowre 5. Murry coloured Poppy like the commonest single of the Garden 6. Party coloured Poppy Some spatling as 1. Beheâ— Album or white Battle 2. Elegant spatling Poppy with guilded leaves Others bastard called in Latine Argement As 1. Round headed bastard wilde Poppy 2. Long headed bastard wilde Poppy 3. Yellow wilde bastard Poppy of Waleâ— To trouble you with the Descriptions of every one of these would be tedious I shall therefore describe only the spatling Poppy the others being better known The Forme Spatling Poppy which doth very little resemble any other Poppy but only the Seed and Cod or Bowle wherein the seed is contained hath divers weak tender stalks full of joynts about a foot or half a yard long usually lying on the ground whereon grow many pale whitish green leaves two alwayes let together at the joynts one against another having many times upon the leaves but more often about the joynts of the stalks a certain white frothy substance like unto that is called Cuckow-spittle or Wood-seer at the tops of the stalks upon many slender foot-stalks stand divers white flowers composed of five small leaves a peece with a deep notch in the middle of every one of them standing in a thin loose stripped husk wherein the black seed is afterward contained the root is white and spreadeth in the ground continuing sundry years The Place and Time Many of the Garden-Poppies are to be found in Country Gardens but the yellow horned Poppie groweth upon the sands and banks of the Sea neer unto Rie in Kent in the Isles of Sheppy and Thanet and in many other places along the English Coast with the other wilde Poppies every Corn-field is garnished as also with spatling Poppy which sometimes groweth in Pastures and high-way-sides the Elegant spatling Poppy with guilded Leaves groweth in Womersly field in Yorkshire Argemone groweth in Soâ—â—rsetshire and near South-fleet in Kent The white Corn-Rose groweth amongst the Wheat between Pontfract and Ferry-Bridge They begin flowring in May and continue till the end of July the seed of them is ripe presently after The Roots of all except the spatling Poppy perish every year and spring again either of their own or others sowing The Signature and Vertues The Heads of the Poppies with their Crowns do somewhat represent the Head and Brain and therefore the decoctions of them are used with good successe in several diseases of the Head The Garden Poppy Heads with the seeds made into a Syrup procureth rest and sleep in the sick and weak and stayeth Catarrhs and deâ—luxions of hot thin Rheumes from the head into the stomack and upon the Lungs causing a continual Cough which is the fore-runner of a Consumption The green Knops of Poppy stamped with Barley Meal and a little Barrows-grease and applyed in the form of a Pultis helpeth St. Authoâ—ies fire called Ignis Sacer. The Leaves Knops and Seeds stamped with Vinegar Womans milk and Saffron cureth Erysipelas another kinde of St. Anthonies fire and easeth the Gouâ— mightily and put into the Fundament as a Clyster causeth sleep The seed of black Poppy drunk in Wine stoppeth the Flux of the beâ—ly and the over-much flowing of Womens sicknesse Mr. Culpepper saith that it is the juyce of white Poppy growing in England which they sell for Opium in the Shops though they pretend to have it out of the Eastern Countries where they gather it only from the heads of the great white Poppy but certainly his Pen run before his Wit when he said it grew beyond the Moon for there is no question but that it is so gathered in those parts and should be that which is used in Narcotick Medicines though perhaps for want of it our Meconium which is the juyce of Poppy thickned and is much weaker is sometimes used It is an ingredient of much respect in those great Compositions of Treacle and Mithridate and in other Medicines that are made to procure rest and sleep and to ease the pains of the head as well as other parts or rather to palliate them and make them insensible for the time present It is used also both to cool Inflammations Agues oâ— Phrensies and generally for the same occasions as the seed or any part of the Plant is but if it be taken in too great a quantity it causeth the Lethargy and sometimes killeth and therefore it is to be used with caution inwardly divers have found that applyed to the Gout it hath given much ease and put into hollow teeth ceaseth their pain The Syrup of Meconium or Diacodium which is made of the heads of white and black Poppies a little after the heads are fallen off may safey be given to those which are troubled with hot and sharp Rheums but not to young Children which are froward for if Nurses would keep their own bodies temperate their Children would sleep well enough without it The Syrup made of the Flowers of the red wilde Poppy is with good effect given to those which have a Plurisie the dryed Flowers also either boyled in water or made into Powder and drunk either in the distilled water of tâ—em or in some other drink worketh the like effect the same also is available in all other Cephalicall or Pectorall griefs The distilled water of the said Flowers is held to be of much good use against surfeits to drink it evening and morning it is also more cooling in quality then any other Poppy and therefore cannot but be as effectual in hot Agues Phrensies and other Inflammations either inward or outward but the seed is dangerous to be used inwardly The Syrup aforesaid is thus made Take of the fresh Flowers or red Poppies two pound steep them in four pound of warm spring-Spring-water the next day strain it and boil it into a Syrup with its equall waight of Sugar It cools the blood helps Surfeits and may be safely given in Phrensies Feavers and hot Agues The Seed of Spatling Poppy purgeth Flegme said Galâ—n and causeth vomitings saith Dioscorides being taken in Mead or honyed water and is especially good for those that are troubled with the Falling-Sicknesse It was the head of this Poppy about the time it was in flower which the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it doth foreshew as they conceived the success of their love For these Flowers the tops being closed together with ones fingers seem like little Bladders which being broken against ones other hand make a noyse like unto the Bladders of little Fishes being broken If they gave a good report they concluded they should be succesful if not they presently let fall their suit so superstitious were those people as some in our dayes be The leaves of Argemâ—né or Bastard wilde Poppy stamped and the juyce dropped into the eyes easeth the Inflammation thereof and cureth the Disease in the Eye called Argema whereof it took his name by signature which Disease when it happeneth on the
helpeth to expectorate rotten phlegme from those which are troubled with a continual Cough and is profitable also for the Ptisick or Consumption of the Lungs This Turpentine as it is clearest for inward uses and serveth insteed of the true Turpentine so well that they are commonly used out for another so is it best also for outward salves and doth both draw cleanse and heal all sores or ulcers and green wounds and therefore there is scarce a salve for that purpose wherein Turpentine is not Oyl drawn Chymically from Turpentine is singular good to be used in wounds being more drying and consolidating then the Turpentine it self as also to warm and ease the paines of the Joynts and Sinews caused of Cold and being mixed with a little Oxe Gall it is good for the worms and deafness of the ears The water which is distilled with the Oyl is used for freckles and spots in the face and a scruple weight of it taken in white Wine purgeth phlegme by Vomit Some use to mingle Bay Salt and Turpentine together and therewith spread a leathern girdle which being worn about the wast of them that have the Itch cureth them So Parkinson it being an Excrescence is good for all manner of excrescences by Signature CHAP. VI. Of Wood Betony The names SOme of the Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 others 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it joyeth most in cold places Ruellius in his translation of Dioscorides calls it Cestron â—sychótrophon the Latines call it Betonica and Vetonica from the Vetones a people of Spain that first found out the vertues of it as Pliny saith We in England call it Wood Betony and it hath been formerly called Betayne or Betaine Parkinson adâ—ertiâ—eth that Vetonica and Betonica are diversly taken in divers Authors for Vetonica although it be set down in some Authors for Betonica yet more properly and usually it is understood to be the Caryophylius or Gilliflower and then it is denominated Vetonica altilis The Kinds Of this Betony for of the Water Betony I shall not treat in this place because it is more appropriated to other parts there are four or five sorts differing one from another either in the leaf or flower 1. Common Wood Betonâ— which hath a purple flower 2. Wood Betony with white flowers 3 Betonica minima Alpina Helvetica Small Mountain Betony 4. Betonica Danica Broad-leaved Betony 5. Betonica Alopecuros montana dicta Foxtail Betony That which I shall describe is the Common Wood-Betony The Formâ— The ordinary or Common Betony which because it is most frequent in Woods is called Wood Betony it hath many leaves rising from the root the lowermost whereof are somewhat broad and round at the ends slightly indented about the edges the footstalks being pretty long but those that grow by two and two at the joynts upon the small slender foursquare and somewhat hairy stalks are a great deal lesser The stalk is commonly near a foot high whereon are set several spiked heads of flowers of a reddish or purple colour spotted with white spots all over the seeds are somewhat long and uneven and of a blackish colour The root consists of many white threddy strings like unto those of Plantain the stalk perisheth but the roots with some leaves theron abide all the Winter the whole plant is somewhat small and therefore Gerard was mistaken who sayes that it hath long and broad leaves The Place and Time The Common Betony loveth shadowie places as Woods hedg-rows Copses the borders of pastures Parks c. That with the white flower is more usually found in stiffe clay grounds then in any other mould as in the VVoods by Brumley in Kent in a wood near a Village called Hampsteed and in Broodsworth VVood in Yorkeshire The third groweth on the Alpes of Helvetia or Switzerland The broad leaved or Danish Betony groweth in the Physick Garden at Oxford The last as Lugdunensis saith groweth in the moist vallies that are shadowed with trees of the high hills They flower and flowrish for the most part in the moneths of June and July and the seed ripeneth quickly after The Temperature and Vertues Betony though it grow wilde yet it is set in many Gardens and is hot and dry almost if not quite in the second degree The vertues of it are innumerable as Antonius Musa one of the Physicians of Augustus Caesar who hath written a peculiar Book of this Herb doth testifie but especially it is good for the brain so that as Fernelius writeth Cerebrum vel odore solorecreat hinc Comitiâ—libus furiosisque medetur Paralysin torpentiaque membra persanat The hairy Roots of this Herb are some Signature that it is good for the head If it be stamped and applyed to the fore-head of them that are frantick or possest with Devils it cureth them Boyl it with Vervein and Worm-wood in water and wash the head therewith and grind the same Herbs with some of the water and Wheaten Bran and apply it hot to the mould of the head thrice and it will cause the Head-ach to depart Seeth it with Vervein Hore-hound and Hysop in White-wine and apply them as liot as may be suffered and it cureth the Megrim which is a pain that possesseth one side of the head If the Head-ach proceed of cold Flegm seeth Betony in Wine with a third part of water and apply it For noyses in the head pains and giddiness thereof drink powder of the leaves dryed in the shade or rather eat it with slices of bread steeped in Wine first and last to restore the brain which is done likewise by taking some of the powder of it in Pottage and thus or green it helpeth those that loath their meat for it procureth digestion and allayeth the soure belchings and risings in the stomack if it be used often The Leaves or Flowers boyled in broth and drunk or made into a Conserve Water Electuary or Powder as any one shall like best do help the Jaundies Falling-sickness the Palsie Conâ—ulsions or shrinking of the Sinews the Gout and those which are inclined unto Dropsies those that have continual pains in their head though it turn to Phrensie The Powder mixed with pure Honey is no lesse available for all sorts of Coughs or Colds wheesing or shortness of breath and those Distillations upon the Lungs which cause Consumptions A dram of it taken in the Syrup of Vinegar doth wonderfully refresh those which are wearied by travel it stayeth bleeding at the mouth and nose and helpeth those that pisse blood or spit it The Decoction of it being made with Mead and a little Penny-Royal is good for those that are troubled with Quartan Agues and to draw down and evacuate the blood and humours that by falling into the eyes do hinder sight Being boyled in Wine and taken it killeth the Worms openeth obstructions of Spleen and Liver cureth stitches and pains in the back or sides the torments and griping pains of the Bowels and the
hath a thick short knobbed Root blackish without and somewhat reddish within a little crooked or writhed together of an harsh or astringent tast with divers blackish Fibres growing thereat from whence spring up every year divers Leaves standing upon long foot-stalks being somewhat long and broad very like unto a Dock-Leaf and a little pointed at the ends but that it is crumpled of a blewish green colour on the upper side and of an Ash colour gray and a little Purplish underneath having divers veins therein from among which arise divers small and slender stalks about half a yard high almost naked and without Leaves or with very few narrow ones bearing a spiky bush of pale flesh coloured Flowers which being past there abideth small Seed somewhat like unto Sorrel-Seed but greater The Places and Time The two first grow at the foot of Hills and in shadowy moyst Woods near unto them in many places of Germany and in our Country likewise in moyst and watery places particularly in a Meadow about a stones throw above the Abby Mill at St. Albans about an Acres breadth or somewhat more from the River side where the common Bistort groweth plentifully though it be chiefly nourished in Gardens The fourth groweth in VVestmerland about Crosby in Cumberland about Ravenswaith in York-shire Lancashire and divers other places The third groweth on the high Hills in Silesia and other places The two last are round on the Alps in divers places and the last also amongst the Switzers They all flower about the end of May and the Seed is ripe about the beginning of July The Temperature Bistort is cold and dry in the third Degree and very astringent The Signature and Vertues This Plant hath a double Signature both proceeding from the Roots the one from the colour of the inside of them the other from the writhed or twisted form The bloody colour of the Roots betokeneth that it is effectuall to stay the bleeding of the Nose and all manner of inward bleeding and spitting of blood as also any Fluxes of the body in man or woman and likewise vomiting the Powder of the Root in Wine or the decoction thereof being drunk The juyce hereof being put up into the Nose prevaileth much against the Diâ—ease called Polypus and all other Sores or Cancers that happen in the Nose or any other part but the surest way is first to wash them with the distilled water and afterwards to apply the Powder of the Root thereto It is good also to fasten the Gums and to take away the heat and Inflammation that happen as well in the Jawes Almonds of the Throat or Mouth if the decoction of the Roots Leaves or Seeds be used or the juyce of them The Root of Bistort Pellitory of Spain and burnt Allome of each a like quantity beaten small and made into a Past with Honey a little peece thereof put into an hollow Tooth or holden between the teeth if they be not hollow stayeth the defluxions of Rheum upon them when it is the cause of their pain and helpeth to cleanse the Head and void much offensive matter The wreathed form of the Root is a sign that is good against the bitings of Serpents or Snakes for which it is found to be very effectuall as also for the venoming of Toads Spiders Adders or the like venomous Creatures if the place be washed with the water that is distilled from the Root and Leaves A dram of the powdered Root taken in drink expelleth the Venom of the Plague the small Pox Measels Purples or any other infectious Disease driving it forth by sweating The Powder of the Root or the decoction thereof being drunk is very available against Ruptures or burstings or all bruises or falls whatsoever dissolving the congealed blood and easing the pains that happen thereupon The said decoction being made with Wine and drunk hindereth abortion that is when Women are apt to miscarry in Child-bearing the Leaves kill worms in Children and is a great help to them that cannot keep their water if some juyce of Plantain be put thereto which applyed outwardly doth give much help in the Gonorrhaea or running of the Reins A dram of the Powder of the Root taken in the water thereof wherein some red hot Iron or Steel hath been quenched is also an admirable help thereto so as the body be first prepared and purged from the offensive humours The Leaves Seeds or Roots are all very good in Decoctions Drinks or Lotions for invard or outward wounds or other sores and the Powder strewed upon any Cut or Wound in a vein stayeth the immoderate bleeding thereof The Decoction of the Roots in water whereupon some Pomegranate Pills and Flowers are added injected into the Matrix stayeth the access of humours to the Ulcers thereof and bringeth it to its right place being fallen down and stayeth the immoderate Flux of the Courses The Roots are most used in Physick and will keep good a year or two The Dose in Powder is from a scruple to a dram into Decoction from a drachm to two or three which is made by bruising a sufficient quantity of the root suppose two drachms and boyling it in half a pint of Posâ—et drink till about half be consumed then strain it and give the clearest to be drunk in a morning CHAP. XXXVIII Of Tormentil The Names THough none of the Greek writers have mentioned this herb yet it hath got a Greek name and is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Septem et 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 folium that is Seven-leaves but not properly it being only one leaf cut into seven divisions For there is a general rule in all Leaves whether of herbs or trees that that which falleth away with the stalk and not in parts and at several times is the leaf though it be winged as that of the Ash Elder Walnut tree c. the great Centory Agrimony Danewort Parsnep Valerian c. is or divided as Trefoil Cinquefoil or Tormentil c. is It is called in Latine Tormentilla quia valet adversus tormenta intestinorum from its vertue in easing the torments of the Guts and Heptaphyllum or Septifolium and of some Stellaria from the form of the leaves though that be a name applyed to other plants of the like form In English Tormentil Setfoil or Seven-leaves The Kinds Formerly there was but one sort of Tormentill known but now there are three 1. Common Tormentil 2. The greater Tormentil 3. Silver leafed Tormentil The Forme The common Tormentil hath many reddish slender weak branches rising from the root lying upon the ground or rather leaning then standing upright with many short leaves that stand closer to the stalks as the Cinkfoil doth which this is otherwise somewhat like with the footstalks encompassing the Branches in several places but they that grow next the ground are set upon longer footstalks each whereof are like the leaves of Cinkfoil but somewhat longer and lesser
you shall seldom misâ—e the Cure of an Ague in three fits be it what it will even to admiration as Mr. Culpepper affirmeth The juyce hereof drunk about four Ounces at a time for certain dayes together cureth the Quinsie and the yellow Jaundice and taken for thirty dayes together cureth the Falling-Sickness The Roots boyled in milk and drunk is a most effectuall Remedy for all Fluxes either in Man or Woman whether the whites reds or Bloody Flux The Roots boyled in Vinegar and the decoction thereof held in the mouth easeth the pains of the Tooth-ach The juyce or decoction taken with a little Honey helpeth the hoarsness of the Throat and is good for the Cough of the Lungs The distilled water of the Roots and Leaves is also effectuall to all the purposes aforesaid and if the hands be often washed therein and suffered every time to dry of it self without wiping it will in short time help the Palsie or shaking of them CHAP. XL. Of Sow-bread The Names THis Plant is the last that I shall treat of in relation to the Nose The Greek Names of it are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It was called by the first Name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Circulo because both the Leaf and the Root are of a circular or round Figure by the later 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it was used to kill Fishes It is called in Latine Tuber terrae Terrae rapum because of its knobby Tur-nep-like Root and Umbilicus terrâ— because as the Navill of a Mans Body strutteth out a little above the Belly so this sometimes above the Earth of some Orbicularis of others Palalia Rapum porcinum malum Terrae In Shops Cyclamen Panis Porcinus Artanita In English Sowbread or Swine-bread because the Swine love it and feed upon it in those Countries where it is plentiful The kinds Parkinson in former book hath reckoned up a dozen sorts or more hereof the want whereof will constrain me to content my self only with the mentioning of three which are 1. Common round Sow-bread 2. Ivy-Sow-bread 3. A strange Plant sent for a bastard Sow-bread of the Spring The Forme The common kind of Sow-bread hath many green and round leaves like unto Asarabacca saving that the upper part of the Leaves are mixed here and there confusedly with white spots and under the Leaves next the ground of a purple colour amongst which rise up little stems like the stalks of Violets beaâ—ing at the top small purple or murrey coloured Flowers which turn themselves backwards of a small scent or savour or none at all which being past there succeed little round knops or heads that contain slender brown seeds these knops are wrapped after a few dayes in the small stalks as thred about a bottom where it remaineth so defended from the in jury of the winter close upon the ground covered also with the green Leaves aforesaid by which means it is kept from the frost even from the time of his seeding which is in September untill June at what time the leaves do faâ—e away the stalks and seed remaining bare and naked whereby it enjoyeth the Sun the sooner to bring them to maturity the Root is round like a Turnep black without and white within with many small strings annexed thereunto The Places and Time The first groweth plentifully about Artois and Vermandois in France and in the Forrest of Arden The second which is the best of all in many places of Italy The third on the Pyrenaean Hills Gerard saith that he hath heard that Sow-bread groweth on the Mountains in Wales on the Hills of Lincolnshire and Somersetshire which I never heard of from any but him who had it but from another and therefore I believe the relator was mistaken it being not so much as mentioned in the Catalogue of British Plants notwithstanding it is frequent in Gardens and is nursed up there more for its Flower then any thing else because it is in its prime when most others are decayed for it flowreth in September and afterwards when the Plant is without Leaf which do afterwards spring up continuing green all winter covering and keeping warm the Seed unto Midsummer next at what time the Seed is ripe The third flowreth in the Spring and therefore it is called Cyclamen vernum or Sow-bread of the Spring The Temperature Although Mesue doth determine the Degrees hereof to be hot and dry in the beginning of the third yet Galen doth not so but saith only 70. Simplicium that it cutteth cleanseth and openeth the mouthes of the Veins draweth and digesteth which is plainly seen by the particular operations thereof The Vertues and Signature Matthiolus saith that the distilled water from the Roots of Sow-bread snuffed up into the Nostrils stayeth their bleeding wonderfully and that if six Ounces of that water be drunk wich an Ounce of fine Sugar it will stay the blood that commeth from the breast stomach or Liver in a wonderful manner or if any Vein be broken in them It purgeth somewhat violently and therefore it is fit as he saith to mix therewith some Mastick or Nutmeg or a scruple of Rubarb by the use whereof many have been holpen of the hardness and swelling of the spleen which could not be holpen by other things It easeth also the pains and torments of the Bowels which we call the Cholick And if saith he the Root hereof be beaten with a few Peach-stone-Kernels and bitter Almonds and after laid in sleep in Aquâ—vitae for three dayes a drop or two of the expressed Cream thereof dropped into the Ears that are deaf or have much noyse helpeth them the juyce mixed with Honey or Plantain-water helpeth all sores in the mouth or throat being gargled therewith and the Tooth-ach also The juyce of it openeth the Hemorrhoides or Piles and strongly moveth to the Stool being put up in Wooll and saith Mesues it avoideth tough Flegme used in a Clister It is also used with such Medicines as discuss swellings Kernels and other hard knots in any part of the body It helpeth also the Pin and Web in the Eyes being infused with Honey as also avoideth it by the Nostrils and that by snuffing up the juyce the head and brain is purged from those humours that offend it the Ach also and daily pains of it and the Meagrim This Plant belongeth to the womb by Signature and therefore as Theophrastus affirmeth the fresh Root put into a Cloth and applyed for a little time to the secret parts of a Woman that is in sore and long Travail in Child-birth helpeth them to an easie and speedy delivery but it is dangerous till then to be medled with by Women with Child because it will make them miscarry It is profitable for those that have the yellow Jaundice to drive it forth by sweating if after the taking of three drams of the Powder in Mead or Honeyed water they be carefully ordered to sweat It
bloody flux and so doth the root of the true Rubarbe if it be toasted at the fire and drunk with Plantane water or thick red wine The distilled water thereof is very profitably used to heal Scabs as also foul ulcerous sores and to allay the inflammations of them The juyce of the Leaves or roots or the decoction of them in Vinegar is used also as a most effectuall remedy to heaâ—e Scabs and running Sores The two last sorts of Rubarb are seldom used their qualities being more astringent then opening CHAP. CLXXVIII Of Turmerick The Names IT is in uncertain whether this Drug were known to the Grecians or not there being no positive Greek name for it upon record some think it to be the Cyperus Indicus of Dioscorides because it hath the same colour taâ—â— the root being like Ginger but why he should referr it to a Cyperus is somewhat strange the root of that having no such form colour or tast Garcias and Christopherus Acosta call it Crocus Indicus but the Common Latin name is Curcuma borrowed as is most probable from the Arabians who call it Curcum yet this is not the Curcuma of Serapio or Avicen as Matthiolus hath well noted which is no other then the greater Celandine whose root is yellow and therefore the Apothecaries in former times took it for Curcuma and put it into the Composition called Diacurcuma I find but one sort thereof and therefore I shall proceed to the description The Form Turmerick beareth larger thinner Leaves then Millet and of a paler green colour which afterwards when the stalk is grown up do likewise encompasse one another thereupon up to the top What flower or seed it beareth I find no mention The Root is somewhat like Ginger in forme but of a yellow or Saffron colour within and without yet it is not so flat as Ginger but rounder hot in tast and bitterish when it is dry though being fresh the bitternesse thereof cannot be so easily perceived by reason of the moisture that is in it The Places and Time I find not that Turmerick groweth any where but in the East-Endies but that iâ— doth there the names above mentioned do cleerly intimate I can say nothing of the time having not yet met with any Author to direct me in this particular The Temperature Turmerick is hot and dry in the second or as some say in the Third degree The Signature and Vertues If all Roots Flowers and Barks that are yellow do cure the yellow-Jaunders by Signature as it hath bin found experimentally by those who have made tryall of them then certainly Turmerick cannot choose but do it it being so eminently yellow And therefore they do well that use it for the yellow Jaundise which is a distemper commonly proceeding from the Liver so that if it be good for the one it must be consequently for the other as also for the obobstructions of the Gall which is the receptable for that yellow choler which causeth the Jaundise when it cannot be admitted It is very effectuall likewise to open the Stoppings of the Stomack Womb and Bladder and is very good in the Dropsy and Green sicknesse for it openeth all manner oâ— obstructions and heâ—peth to bring down Womens courses It is of very good use also in oâ—d and inveterate griefes and sicknesses and that evill diâ—poâ—ition of the body called Cachexia which is when the whoâ—e nourishment of the body is sent to feed some predominâ—nt humours Neither is it good for men only but for Horses especially when they are troubled with the Yellowes as the expert Farrier can tell you It is used outwardly to take away the haire and is put into thoâ—e Medicines that are made for the Eyes and for the Itch and Scab if some juice of Oranges and the Oyle of the Câ—car or Indian Nâ—t be mixed with it as Gartias saith It is much used to colour dâ—shes cups and such â—ike Woodden-Vessels insteed of Saffron The Indians use it much both to colour and season their meats and broths as we do Saffron in ours it being cheaper and easier to be had amongst them CHAP. CLXXIX Of Agrimony The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 et 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eupatorium and Hâ—patorium and so the Latines call it also the first name being given unto it from King Eupator who first â—ound out the Vertues of it the other from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jecur quiâ— Hepati pracipâ—e medâ—tur because it is a chiefe he per to the Liver It is also called Agr 〈…〉 nia of divers which is the name whereby it is best known in Shops Some or her names are also given unto it as Marmorella Concordia Ferraria and Lappa inâ—ersa because the seeds which are rough like burres hang down-wards It is called in English Agrimony and Egrimony The Kindes There be divers sorts of Agrimony Seaven whereof I shall present you with 1 Common Agrimony 2 Sweet smelling Agrimony 3 Bastard Agrimony 4. Hemplike Agrimony 5. The broader Hempâ—ike Agrimony of America 6. Narrow leafed Hemplike Agrimony of New-England 7. Common water Agrimony 8. Water Agrimony of New-England The Forme Common Agrimony hath divers long Leaves made of many set upon a Stalker some greater other smaller all of them dented about the edges greene above somewhat grayish underneath and hairy withall from amongst which doth arise a hard round hairy brown stalke about the height oâ— halfe a yard or more with some smaller Leaves upon it set here and there towards the top whereof grow many small yellow Flowers one above another in long spikes after which come many rough heads of seeds hanging downwards like to small burres which when they be ripe will catch hold and stick upon Garments or upon any hairy Beast that shall rub against them The Root is black long and somwhat wooddy abiding many yeares and shooting a fresh every Spring being also of an indifferent good smell The Place and Time The first groweth in divers pastures and ditches hedges and highway-sides throughout the Land the second is not so common with us being a retainer only with those that are curious but is naturall to Italy in many places the third Columna sound about Naples the fourth is found by the brinkes of ditches in other moist places n and sometimes in upland grounds the fifth and sixth came to us from New England and Virginia the seventh in shallow ponds and plashes of water and such places as have bin overflown by Winter floods the last came from New England but groweth very strongly in our gardens They all flower about July and the Sâ—â—d is Ripe towards the latter end of August The Temperature Agrimony is hot in the first degree but temperate in respect of drynesse so that though it doth moderately bind yet it 〈◊〉 and scowreth and is of subtill parts The Virtues Not onely the Greek name of this Heth but also the continued consent of ancient and
forms yet if you break any of them gently you may easily perceive a certaine Sinew in the middest of them which will declare it to be of this sort The Places and Time Chick-weeds some grow among bushes and bryers old Walls gutters of houses and shadowy places some in Woods and by water-sides and others upon Mountaines and rocky places Some of them are greene all the Winter sending forth their flowers in the beginning of Spring and their seeds quickly after others are later not flouring till June and July The Temperature Chickweed is cold and moist and of a waterish substance and therefore it cooleth without any binding or astriction as Galen saith The Vertues As those herbs hitherto appropriated to the Liver are for the most part to be used inwardly so Chick-weed may be applyed outwardly to the Region of the Liver the herb being bruised or Cloathes or Spunges dipped in the juice thereof which may be renewed when they be dry to the great reliefe of those that are greived with the heat of the Liver for it doth coole it wonderfully The Decoction also taken inwardly cooleth and tempereth the blood inflamed in Agues the heat of the Stomack and Liver breaking out into the Lips procureth Appetite being lost or become weake is used in Hectick Feavours and asswageth the heat of the back and Urine It is also effectuall for the Jaundise if it be stamped and streined into stale Ale or White-Wine and dranke first and last for five dayes together The Leaves boiled with Marsh-mallow rootes in Water till they be very soft adding thereunto some Hogs-grease Powder of Fenugreeke and Linseed do make a very good Pultis to be applyed to Swellings or Impostumes for the ripening breaking of them to take away swellings oâ— the Legges or of any part to case members that are shrunke up to comfort Wounds in Sinewy places to defend foule malignant virulent Ulcers from Inflammation during the cure to dissolve those swellings that will not willingly be digested or come to suppuration Being boiled in Vinegar and Salt it is good against the rednesse in the Face Wheales Pushes Itch Scabs St. Anthonies fire c and so is the juice either simply used or boiled with Hogs-grease only and applyed which also helpeth Cramps Convulsions and Palsyes The Juice or distilled-Water is of much good use for all Heat and Rednesse of the eyes if some of it be dropped into them as also into the Eares to ease the paine of them and is of good effect to ease the paines heat and sharpnesse of blood in the Piles and generally all paines in the body that arise of Heat The juice sâ—â—ffed up into the Nose Pâ—rgeth rotten filth from the Head and drunk with Honyed-Wine or Water it purgeth the Belly and is good for the Stone in the Kidneys and the Dropsy It hath all the Vertues of Pellitory of the Wall and of Purslane too saving only that it is not used with meat and therefore it helpeth the Tooth-ach being boyled in Vinegar and the mouth gargled therewith Little birds in Cages especially Linnets are refreshed with it when they loath their meat the lesser sort is called Passerâ—na by some So much for the Liver in particular The Diseases usually proceeding there from are the Jaundise and the Dropsy For the former it will be needlesse to enlarge particularly because there is scarcely a Simple appropriated to the Liver which will not serve for the Jaundise especially the yellow And therefore I shall proceed to those that have a more specifick Vertue for curing the Dropsy for many there be more effectuall for that purpose then any yet spoken of and most of them are remedies for the Jaundise also CHAP. CLXXXIX Of the Elder The Names IT is called by Dioscorides and other Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it is a lover of the Brinks and shadowy banks of Rivers and Ditches as the most learned suppose and this name is retained by Paracelsus and the moderne Chymistâ— in whose Writings there is frequent mention of Granorum Actes In Latine it is usually called Sambâ—â—us from Sambyx the first finder of it yet some think that it should rather be called Sabucus from the likenesse that the musicall Instrument called Sabuck or Sambuck hath with its hollow and pith-emptied Rods. The English call it the Elder-Tree the Scot Boor-Tree or Bore Tree perhaps because the pith being done forth it seemeth as if it were bored The Kinds Matthiolus and others speake of Eight kinds thereof 1. Ordinary Elder 2. White berried Elder 3. Jagged Elder 4. Red berried Elder 5. March Elder 6 The Golder Rose or Rose Elder 7. Wall-wort Dane-Wort or Dwarfe Elder which is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. humilis Sambucus in Latine Ebulus 8. Jagged Wall-Wort The Form The Elder-Tree which in figure is somewhat like the Ash sendeth forth its Branches very plentifully covered with a Grayish or Ashcoloured Bark as to the outward view under which there is another of a greene colour and under that next to the Wood one that is yellow and succulent within which is contained a white and Fungous Pith the Leaves are somwhat like those of the Wall-Nut-Tree but lesse consisting of five and seaven upon a Stalke a little nicked about the edges of a faire sad green colour but smelling somwhat rank and strong From the tops of the branches do Spring many broad Tufts or umbells of Flowers which by their â—all give place to small round berries first greene then ruddy lastly of a black dark purple colour full of a purplish Winy juice containing in them some small flat Seeds or graines the Root is great and thick spreading farre about of all Wild Plants it is the first that putteth forth his Leaves and the last that sheddeth them The Places and Time There is not a Town nor scarcely a feild where the first groweth not being Planted commonly for Moundes because of its speedy growth The Second was found by Tragus in the Woodes of Germany The Third groweth wild on hills in watery Woods The fourth is not found but in the Gardens of the curious The fifth is found by waters sides and in moorish grounds The sixth is nursed up only in Gardens The seaventh groweth wild in many places as in the Abby Orchard at St. Albans in the feilds between Bloxham and Milton in Oxfordshire and in divers other places most of these sorts Flower about Midsummer but Dane-wort because it riseth out of the ground eâ—ery yeare flowreth not so soone The Fruit of the former is commonly ripe in August that of the last not before September The Temperature Elder is hot and dry in the second and third degree and Danewort would be of the same quality if it were not somwhat hotter The Signature and Vertues The Pith of the Elder being pressed with ones finger doth Pit and receive the Print of them therein as the Legs and Feet of Hydropick persons doe
flowers in Wine be taken and drunk And so it doth somwhat move the Belly downwards openeth the obstructions of the Liver and helpeth the yellow Jaundise expelleth Poyson provoketh Womens Courses driveth forth the After-birth and Dead-Child The distilled Water of the Herb and Flowers is effectuall for all the same purposes and in especiall being drunk with a dramme of the powder of the seeds or bark of the root of Wall-wort and a little Cinamon for certaine dayes together is held to be a singular remedy for the Dropsy to spend the Water and humors the juice of the herb or distilled Water dropped into the eyes is a certaine remedy for all heate inflammations and rednesse in the Eyes The juice or distilled Water put into foule Ulcers whether they be cancrous or fistulous with tents rouled therein or the parts washed or clensed herewith by the spirting of it into them cleareth them throughly from the bottome and healeth them up safely The same juice or water doth likewise cleanse the skin of all manner of deformity as the Lepry Morphew Scurfe Wheales Pimples or any other spots or markes therein applyed of it selfe or with some powder of Lupines for which purpose Pliny saith that the Women of his time made a kind of sope of it Culpepper saith that being laid in the Water that Chickens drink it relieves them when they are drooping CHAP. CC. Of Organy or Bastard Majerom The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Origanus concerning the Etymology of which word there be divers opinions Some will have it so called from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying a Mountaine and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gaudium because it joyeth very much in Mountainous and craggy places others from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to see and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to cleare because it cleareth the Eyes others will have it to come from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be cold from whence comes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which by adding unto it becomes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but then it must be by Antiphrans too for it is not cold but hot It is called or rather sirnamed Heracleotâ—cum from Heraclea a Citty of Pontus where is groweth plentifully Oâ—itâ—s because Asses and Tragoriganum because Goats are mightily taken with it of divers Cunila in shops Origanum Hispanicum in English Organy and Bastard Marjerom from the likenesse it hath with the true The Kindes Authors make mention of divers sorts hereof but those that are best known in these dayes are foure 1. Organy or Bastard Marjerom 2. White Organy of Greece 3. The greater White Organy 4. Wild Organy The Forme Bastard Marjerom riseth up with divers hard round reddish greene stalkes spreading forth into branches whereon are set sundry Leaves by couples at the Joynts being somewhat round and of a whitish greene colour very like unto Marjerom but larger whiter and harder or rougher in handling at the tops of the branches stand such like scalie heads as Marjerom hath but longer from whence come small whitish purple flowers and afterwards small brownish seed The whole Plant is of a sweet smell and sharpe biting tast like unto Marjerom but that it is higher hotter and sharper The Places and Time It is very likely that not only Greece but Candy and Spaine do naturally bear these soâ—ts of Bastard Marjerome but which of them is more proper to this or that place is uncertaine It is commonly about the end of August or beginning of September before they put forth their tops or heads in our Country so that their Flowers or at least their Seed â—eldome come to maturity with us The Temperature All the Sorts of Organies do cut attenuate or make thin dry and heat and that in the third degree as Galen saith who affirmeth that the First is oâ— more efficacy then the Third and the last which is sold in Shops then either of them The Vertues The Decoction of Organy in White Wine is given with very good successe to those which have the Dropsy the Vertue thereof lying not â—o much in the purging as in the drying quality of it It is given also with Figs for the same purpose as also to them that are bursten or have a rupture and to thoâ—e which are troubled with Convulsions or Cramps The dryed Herb or juice taken in Honeyed Water purgeth downwards Melancholy and Cholerâ—ck humours â—ithout danger It is used with Honey as a Lohoc or â—icking Medicine against an old Cough and the Stuffing of the Lungs The Decoction thereof is very profitable to thoâ—e that have the Itch or are Scâ—bbed and Mangy and those that have Jaundâ—se are much holpen by it if they take it whiâ—est they be in a bath made thereof also the same with a few Cloves and Sugar heâ—peth those which have the Hickets exceedingly openeth the Obstructions of the Liver Spleen and Womb and an other stoppings provoketh Urine and Womens Courses and is good for such as have foure belchings or be troubled with a squeamish Stomack The same is good also for those that are bitten with Serpents or Venemous Beasâ—s and for such as have taken Hemlock or Opium With Syrup of Vinegar it is good for thoâ—e that have taken Poyson or the root of Cholchicum Ephemeron The juice of the greene Herb healeth the swellings of the almonds of the Eares the Ulcers oâ— the Mouth it draweth forth Phlegme by the Nostrils if it be infused in the Oyle of Flowerdeluce and being used with Milk it easeth the paines of the Eares The Powder thereof mixed with a little Salt-Peter and Honey made into the manne of a thin electuary and the teeth rubbed often therewith will make theâ— white and firme It is used in Spaine for the seasoning of Anchoves for it â—iveth to them an excellent rellish being made up therewith Tyme may be used â—or the same purposes when the other cannot be gotten Both which with Penniroyal Calamint and such other dry herbes being strewed both upon and under those which are afflicted with Hydropicall humors are very profitable for them for it is marvellous to see how much these dry them up whil'st the parties are asleep These are the Simples I have judged most proper for the Liver and in particular for the Dropsy to which I might adde these which follow Sagapenum which is the Gum of Ferula when it groweth in Media as I have said already in the Chapter of Feâ—â—ell Giant the pills whereof are profitable in the said disease Turbith which is a root brought from beyond Sea and purgeth Water very violently Elaterium which is the juice of Wild-Cucumbers dryed doth the same Euphorbium Spurge Coloquintida Carthamuâ— Thymaelea Mezereon c are violent purgers so that though they be appropriated to the Dropsy yet I shall not commend them unto ordinary people but desire them to leave them to those that are very skillfull and content themselves with those I have purposely spoken to at large Besides which there be
〈◊〉 Phyllitis quasi foliosa because it hath many long Leaves growing without any stalk which name is sometimes given it by the Latines but they call it also Lingua Cervina from the similitude it hath with an Hearts-Tongue which is the name that the English have taken up In former times the Apothecaries called it Scolopendrium but that error is now sufficiently manifested and left The Kinds The sorts of Harts-Tongue which I find mentioned by Authors are three 1. Ordinary Hearts-Tongue 2. Iagged Hearts-Tongue which is also called Finger Ferne and Finger Hearts-Tongue because the tops of the leaves thereof are divided into parts like unto the Fingers of a mans hand 3. Branched Hearts-Tongue according to Alphinus The Form Ordinary Hearts-Tongue hath divers Leaves rising from the Root every one severall which at their first springing up are crumpled and foâ—ded as Spleenwort and Fern are at theirs but after they have spread themselves to their full proportion they almost a foot long smoth and green above but hard or with little sap in them and straked on the back overthwart on both sides of the middle rib with small and somewhat long brownish marks the bottoms of the Leaves are a little bowed on each side of the middle rib somewhat narrow with the length and somewhat small at the end the root is of many black threds folded or interlaced together The Places and Time The first groweth in shadowy places and moist stony vallies in the Western parts and is much planted in Gardens in every Country by those that have delight in Physicall herbs The second groweth upon Ingleborough hills and divers other mountaines in the North of England It beareth no flower but is green all the year long bringing forth new Leaves in the Summer time The Temperature Hearts-Tongue is of a binding and drying faculty but whether it be hot or cold is set down by few and those disagree concerning it The Signature and Vertues Crollius writeth also that Hearts-Tongue hath the Signature of the Spleen as indeed it very manifestly hath being in Figure somewhat long as the Leafe of this herbe is Neither hath it this Signature for nothing for there is no Simple whatsoever that is more effectuall for all the Diseases of the Mâ—lt then this is for if it be loose or too much opened this bringeth it to its right temper and so likewise if it be swollen hard or stopped the decoction thereof in Wine being drunk and the herb it self after it is boyled laid to the greived place It is also commended against the hardnesse and stopping of the Liver and against the heat both of it and the Stomack It is very good likewise to stop lasks and the bloody Flix Spitting of blood the Termes and all other Fluxes Posset drink made of the Milk wherein it hath been boiled drunk warm or sodden in water till the Third part be boiled away and afterwards streined and one part thereof drunk with two parts of good white wine it expelleth the Stone and Gravell The like quantity of Hearts-Tongue Knot-grasse and Comfrey Roots being boiled in Water and a draught of the decoction drunk every morning and the Materialls which are taken out thereof applyed to the place is a notable remedy for such as are burst It is profitable also in the Jaundise Kings-Evill and against the bitting of Venemous beasts The herb or juyce applyed doth cleanse Wounds and Ulcers very wonderfully The distilled Water is commended by divers against the passion of the Heart to stay the Hicket to help the Falling of the Pallate and to stay the bleeding of the Gummes if the mouth be gargled therewith Mr. Culppeper commendeth the Syrupe thereof for strengthening the Liver which may be allowed of but the hardnesse of his beliefe as to the growing of it green all the year sheweth him to be one very little versed concerning the times of Plants and silly also in doubting of that which he himself saith Authors much more skillfull then himself do affirm CHAP. CCVI. Of Fern. The Names THe Male kind is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pteris and Pterion without any composition the Leavâ—s thereof being like unto the wings of birds Nicander calleth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is Filâ—x mas in Latine The Female is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thelypteris and Nymphaapteris In Latin Fâ—lix Foemina in English Brake and Common Fern. There is a third kind which is called in Latin for it had no Greek name Osmunda Regalis of the Singular properties therein it hath other Latin names also as Filicastrum Filix florida or florescens Filix palustris or Aquaâ—â—ca c. It is called in English Osmund Ferne Osmundum the Waterman Osmund Royall and St. Christophers herb The Kinds Under the generall appellation of Fern are comprehended these seven sorts 1. The Common male Fern 2. The prickly male Fern 3. Sweet smelling Fern 4. Common Female Fern 5. Dented Female Fern 6. Sharp Female Fern 7. Osmund or Water Fern. The Forme The Common Male Fern sendeth forth divers hard rough unbranched stalkes of winged Leaves naked towards the bottom for a little space but afterwards hath many Leaves on each side up to the tops with one at the end not fully opposite each of them being deeply nicked on the Edges of a paâ—e green coulor hard and without sap broadest at the bottom and smallest towards the Top. It hath no flower yet Mr. Parkinson affirmes that it hath seed growing on the back side of the Leaves in the form of certain brownish small spots by the falling of which it is increased and so are all other sorts of Ferns and Capillary herbs whereby it appears that they were in an Error which held that it had no seed not knowing or at least not taking notice of the place in Genesis Chap. 11. 12. The root hereof is made of many thick black threads descending from a brown scaly thick head The Places and Time The first groweth on Heathes and open places of hills and sometimes in woods and shadowy places by the sides of fields more or lesse in every Country of this Land the second groweth in the like places also but very rarely the third in the Forrest of Savernake in Wiltshire The fourth groweth more frequently then the male on barren heaths and shady hedge-sides c. The fifth and sixth grow rather on moist rockes in the shaded hills the last groweth on bogs moors and watery places in severall Countries of this Land as on Hampsted heath and by an hedge-side in a medow on the left hand of the way that goes from St. Albans to Windridge c. The Leaves of all these sorts periâ—h commonly in the Winter but shoot up new from the root in the Spring which at their first rising are brownish and folded round The seed of the former six which groweth on the back
the third in Africa the fift in many places of Italy in wet grounds it is uncertaine whether the sixt came from the Indies or Italy the seaventh is to be found neere Anguilara in Italy the eight groweth in divers places both of Spaine and France the ninth in Province of France the last in Candy whence divers have beene brought to us and planted in the Gardens of the curious as the eight sort is in the Garden of Mr. Ball by Sion house They flourish in July and August and continue flouring till the frost kills the stalkes but the root continuing sendeth forth new ones the next spring at which time the Rootes are fittest to be taken up for use The Temperature Marsh-Mallows are moderately hot but dry in the first or second degree being endued also with a moâ—lifying or softening Nature the roots and seeds are more dry anâ— of thinner parts The Virtues For fear that either Asparagus or Parsly or the parts of them should through often use by too much câ—eansing or heat cause any Excoriation or other distemper in any of the parts as they passe along as possibly they may and so likewise divers that follow I would desire those that shall be afflicted with any of these diseases to take notice that Marsh Mallowes by the slimy viscous juyce wherewith they abound are of excellent use to remedy the Excoriations or frettings in those or any other parts as the Gutts Reines Bladder Yard c. Neither is this the onely excellency that it hath in this case but it is effectuall as any whatsoever for the Stone for it openeth the straight passages and maketh them slippery whereby it may descend easily out of the Reines and Bladder and to ease the torturing pain coming thereby the Decoction or the Syrupe thereof being taken which is good also for the gripings of the belly the Diseases of the Breast and Lungs as Coughes Hoarsenesse of the Throat and Voice Pleurâ—sy and the like It is likewise very beneficiall to those that are troubled with Ruptures the Sciatica the Cramp or Convulsion of the Sinews The dryed roots boiled in Milk and drunk are good for the Chine-Cough The roots boiled 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 pain or ache in the Muscles Sinews or Arteries of the Body and cures such as are stung with Bees or the like and the distilled water is good for the foresaid purposes The Leaves and Roots are effectuall in decoctions for Glisters to ease the griping of the Belly and the paines of the Kidnyes and Bladder Being boyled in Wine and applyed they help Impostumes of the Throat the Kings-Evil and those Kernells behind the Eâ—râ—s as also Inflammations and swellings in Womens breasts The Muccilage of the Roots and of Lin-seed and Fenygreek put together is much used in Pultisâ—â— Oyntments and Plaisters that serve to mollifie and digest all hard tumors and inflammations and to ease paines in any part of the Body The seed green or dry mixed with Vinegar cleanseth the Skin of the Morphew and all other discolourings thereof The Root boiled in Vinegar and holden in the mouth easeth the Tooth-ach 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 The Oyntment of Marsh Mallows either simple or Compound doth mollifie heat and moisten and is very usefull in the Pleurisy and other paines of the sides and breast The Dose of the Syrupe is a spoonfull or two in Milke Posset drink or Wine which being taken in a Morning fasting is most effectuall for all the griefs aforementioned CHAP. CCXVI Of Goates Thorne The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tragacantha from the sharp form of the bush whose thornes as it groweth do represent a Goates beard It may be called in Latin Spina Hirci but it is known better by the name of Tragacantha which name also is given to the Gum which is gathered from the roots being cut or broken in the heat of Summer The Apothecaries call it Gummi Tragacanthae in Latin and Gum Dragant in English There is a kind hereof called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek because it joyes in places where water is and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it is profitable to the Nerves or Sinews The Kinds Bauhinus hath made five sorts of Goates Throne adding Pimpinella Spinosa or Thorny Burnet for one which doth not properly belong to this kind and therefore I shall set down but four 1. The true Goates-thorn 2. Poterion or the small Goats-Thorne 3. The yellow Syrian Goats-Thorne 4. Purple Syrian Goats-Thorne The Forme The true Goates thorne is a small bushy plant rising up with many tough woody stemmes not much above a cubit or two-foot high divided into many slender branches covered with hoarinesse set with divers long white thornes in a double row amongst which rise up divers Leaves which being small long and round like unto a little wing are set over against one another on each side of a middle rib abiding all the Winter yet falling off at such times as the Spring doth bring fresh ones At the tops of the branches amongst the Leaves come forth the Flowers which are of a whitish yellow colour fashioned somewhat like unto the Flowers of a Trefoile after which come small short upright white Cods wherein are contained small whitish cornered seed The root is very great and long spreading much and farr in the ground which being broken or wounded with some Iron toole yeildeth a certain liquor which by the heat of the sun is presently turned into a tough pure shinning white gum shrivelling up it self into small crooked peices tasting somewhat sweet The Places and Time Though the two first grow in Candy and about Marselles and Mompelier in France and the two latter in Syria yet the Gum that we are to make use of is to be had at every Apothecaries shop In their naturall places they flower and seed in the beginning of Autumne but with us they do neither being very choise and tender to keep The Temperature Gum Dragant which is that part of the plant which is easiest to be come by in England hath an Emplastick or daubing quality by reason whereof it dulleth or allayeth the sharpnesse of the humors and doth also somewhat dry The Vertues Besides March Mallows the Gumme of the Goates thorne called Tragacantha or Gum Dragagant is also good against the fretting of the Urine either in Reines or Bladder or any other of those cleansing Medicines which are given to provoke it a dram thereof being dissolved in sweet wine and drunk especially if some Harts-horne burnt and washed and a little of the best Allom be mixed therewith and so it is available for the growing paines in the Guts and bowels also It is likewise when
white within and of a good savour White Saxâ—frage groweth with divers round faint or yellowish greene Leaves but grayish underneath spread upon the ground unevenly dented about the edges and somwhat hairy every one upon a little footstalke from whence riseth up a round brownish hairy greene stalke about a foot-high with a few such like round Leaves as grow below but smaller somwhat branched at the top whereon stand pretty large white flowers of five Leaves a peece with some yellow Threds in the middle standing in a long crested brownish greene husk which being past there ariseth somtimes a round hard head biforked at the top wherein is contained small blackish seed the Root is compact of a number of black strings whereunto are fastned many small reddish graines or round rootes about the bignesse of Pepper-cornes which are used in Medicine and called by the Apothecaries white Saxifrage seed and is that which is truly meant by though not so truly said of it Golden Saxifrage is most like unto the before described yet it differeth therefrom in that the Leaves are not hairy but somwhat thicker and of a darker greene colour amongst which rise up Stalkes in handfull high with such Leaves on them as grow below two at a Joynt but three at the top of all whereas also at the Joynts do come forth very small gold yellow flowers not easily observed and seldome seen with them because they fall away so quickly after which come small round heads wherein is contained small round reddish seed the Root is compâ—â—ed of a number of small strings or Fibres Burnet Saxifrage groweth up with divers stalkes of winged Leaves set one against another each being somewhat broad and a little pointed and dented about the edges of a sad greene colour at the tops of the stalkes stand 〈…〉 s of white flowers after which comes small and blackish seed The root is long and whitish The Places and Time The first groweth almost in every Medow and therefore it is called Medow Parsly yet it somtimes growes in up and ground the second was found by Mr. Goodyer on a boggy ground below the red Well of Welling borough in Norhamptonshire the third by Lobel between Chipnam and Marleborough in the High-way between London and Bristow on a Chalky Hill the fourth groweth very pâ—entifully in a feild immediately below the Abby Orchard at St. Albons anâ— in many other places the silt in moist and marish places about Bath and Wâ—lles and in the Moores by Boston and Wisbich in Lincolneshire the sixth seventh and eâ—ght grow in divers Meadows and Pastures-grounds of this Land the last groweth upon barren hills and sometimes upon Walls The first flowreth from the beginning of May to the end of August the second and third â—omwhat later the fourth in April or May at the furthest when it is gathered for that which is called the seed as well as to distill for it perisheth soon after the fifth in March and April the rest about July and their Seed is ripe in August The Temperature All the aforementioned sorts are hot and dry in the third degree except the Golden Saxifrage which is cold of temperature as the tast declareth The Vertues and Signature The seeds and rootes of Saxifrage or Medow Parsly boiled in White-Wine and the dâ—â—oction drunk breaketh the Stone in the Bladder and Kidnâ—es hel 〈…〉 the strangury and cauâ—eth one to make Water freely which also bringeth down Womens Courses and expelleth the Secondine and dead Child The root dryed and maâ—e into Powder and halfe a dram or a dram taken with Sugar comfoâ—teth and warmeth the Stomack cureth the gnawâ—ngs and griping paines oâ— the belly caleth the Cholick also and expelleth Wind. The Cheshire Women put it amongst the Râ—mnes that they put into their Cheese as a Country-man of theirs reporteth The distilled Water is much in use with Nurses to give unto their Children against the stopping of their Urine and to ease the griping paines in their belly which they usually calâ— the Frets It is used outwardly in Bathes and Fomentations to provoke Urine and to ease the paines of the Belly proceeding from Wind. The seed or rather the root of the white Saxifrage cureth the Stone by signature as the learned Crâ—llius hath observed and is singular good against the strangury and stoppings of the Kidneys and Bladder the Powder of them being drunk in Wine or the decoction made of them The distilled Water of the whole herb rootes and flowers which is as effectuall in a manner is familiarly taken by those that have need thereof for any of the purposes aforesaid as also to clense the Stomack and Lungs from tough and thick Phlegme that troubleth it and causeth it more easily to be avoided It is not probable that the Golden Saxifrage hath any operation upon the Stone because of its insipide tast unlesse it be by a specifick Vertue yet I mentioned it because it is esteemed as a rarity The Burnet Saxifrages have the same properties that the others have both in provoking Urine and easing the paines thereof as also in expelling Wind and helping the Cholick the roots or seed being used in Powder decoction or any other way which are likewise effectuall for the windy paines of the Mother to procure Womens Courses to break and avoid the stone in the Kidneys and to digest cold viscous and tough Phlegme in the Stomack and is an especiall remedy against all kind of Venom The rootes hereof dryed are as hot as Pepper and may be used for the same being much more wholesome as Tragus saith The same in Powder with the Powder of the Seeds and Sugar purgeth the braine helpeth the Tooth-ach restoreth lost speech and is good for Convulsions Cramps Apoplexies and cold feavers and so is the distilled water wherein Castoreum hath been boiled which is profitable also for the Palsy and many other cold griefes The same drunk with wine and Vinegar cureth the Plague and being holden or chewed in the mouth it preserveth from the Infection when the aire is corrupted The seed made into Comfits like unto those of Caraway are effectuall for all the purposes aforesaid and so is the distilled water sweetned with Sugar though not in so powerfull a manner as the former which water also beautifieth the face by cleansing it from all Spots and Freckels and leaving a good colour The juyce of the Leaves doth the same and being dropped into the grievous wounds of the Head or any other place dryeth up the moisture and healeth them quickly The distilled water alone or with Vinegar being put into the eyes cleareth the sight exceedingly I conceive I have given to every sort its due properties notwithstanding I find all or most of them attributed to Saxifrage in general and no doubt when one sort is not to be had the other may serve as substitutes they being promiscuously used by divers CHAP. CCXIII. Of Dropwort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
Bladder is the Bladder Nut-Tree which is therefore said to be effectuall to help those which are troubled with the Stone in the Bladder but because it is without any other Vertue unlesse it be to provoke Venery as some affirme having withall divers evill Qualities whereby they are loathsome and overturne the Stomacks of them that eate them I shall passe it by without any description at all only tell you that it is called Nux Vesicaria in Latine supposed to be the Staphylodendron of Pliny Some call it Pistacium Germanicum because they call it by the same name they do the Pistake whereof Scaliger taketh it to be a kind So much I thought good to say of it because it growes in Gardens and Fields in divers places of this land CHAP. CCXXVIII Of Dogs-grasse or Quich-grasse The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Agrostis that is Gramen simply 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it is of most use In Latine Gramen Caninum and Gramen Caninum medicatum by Lobel following Pliny herein who first called it Canaria quasi à Caniâ—â—â—inventa because Dogges when they are sick at the Stomack do naturally eat hereof fall to their Vomit and are well and therefore others have called it Cynagrostis and Dens Canis from the forme wherein it first appeareth We call it in English Dogs-grasse because Dogs feed thereon Quich-grasse and Couch-grasse from the nature of the rootes which ly so close in the ground that they cannot be got out unlesse the ground be broken up with a Spade The Latine word Gramen is derived à Gradiendo from spreading it selfe for it will overâ—â—â—ne a place speedily The Kindes You may guesse by the severall sorts of Quich-grasse what a huge number of Grasses there be in all this being a subordinate kind and yet hath sixteene under it 1. Common Quich-grasse 2. Quich-grasse with a more spread Panickle 3. The lesser Quich-grasse with a sparsed tuft 4. Low bending Quich-grasse 5. Low bending Quich-grasse of Mompelier 6. A small sweet grasse like Quich-grasse 7. Common bulbed and knotted Quich-grasse 8. Knobbedgrasse with a small round spike 9. Double bulbed 10. The bulbed Grasse of Aleppo 11. The Sicilian Bulbed Grasse 12. Sea spiked Dogs-grasse or Quich-grasse 13. Sea Quich-grasse 14. Sea Dogs-grasse with long roots 15. Sea spiked Dogs-grasse of Mompelier 16. Rough Sea Dogs-grasse The Forme Common Quich-grasse is well known both by Gardiners and Husbandmen to creepe farre about under the ground with long white joynted Rootes and small fibres almost at every joynt very sweet in tast as the rest of the herb is and interlacing one another from whence shoote forth first one and afterwards many faire and long grassy Leaves small at the ends and cutting and sharpe at the edges the Stalkes are joynted like corne with the like Leaves on them and a long spiked Head with long husks on them and hard rough seed in them The Places and Times The first is too common both in Gardens and Ploughed feilds for the Gardeners and Husbandmens store though not for such Physitians as Mr. Culpepper who holds halfe an Acre of it worth five of Carrots or Corne the second and third are nothing so frequent and are more naturall to sandy and chalky grounds the three next are likewise found in feilds that have been Ploughed but ly fallow at present The seaventh is found in some Ploughed Feilds and Medowes of this Land the eighth neere Basil the ninth in Spaine the tenth neere Aleppo the eleaventh neere Verona the three next on our Sea-Coasts especially in Kent the fifteenth about Mompelier and Narbone the last about Venice They flourish most in the Summer but their Rootes endure the hardest Winters The Temperature Dogs-grasse is cold in the first degree and moderate in coldnesse and moisture but the seed is much more cold and dry of some tenuity of parts and somewhat harsh The Vertues and Signature All the sorts of Grasse especially those of Quich-grasse are very effctuall to open the passages of Urine being stopped as also to wast the gravel of the Stone in the Bladder and the Ulcers thereof but that sort which is knobbed is held to be most proper because it hath a kind of Signature And if I should say that some of the other sorts cure the Wormes by Signature I should not say amisse for the rootes of some of them are very like those beds of Wormes which we somtimes see voided from men the juice thereof mixed with Honey and the Powder of Southernwood and taken in drink for Children the juice mingled with an Oxe-Gall and a cloth dipped therein and laid to the Navell will be sufficient and for this purpose the Dogs also eat it who after the taking thereof have been observed to void many Being boiled in white wine and drunk it openeth the Obstructions of the Liver and Gall and easeth the griping paines of the Belly and Inflammations The Roots bruised and applyed are very effectuall for Consolidating Wounds The seed doth more powerfully expell Urine and stayeth the Lask and Vomitings The distilled Water by it self or with a little wormseed killeth the Wormes in Children The way of using it for the diseases of the Reines and Bladder which I forgot to expresse after the Signature is onely to bruise the Roots and having well boiled them in white wine to drink the decoction yet after the benefit of making Water is obtained the decoction must be made in water CHAP. CCXXIX Of Butchers Broom The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Oxymyrsine which is as much as Acuta Myrtus in Latine and Prickly Myrtle in English as also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Myrtus Sylvestris 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Myrtacantha Myrtus Spinosa 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 murina Spina and of Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Centromyrrhine Pliny saith that it was called in his time Chamaemyrsine and Acaron or rather Aceron which is one of the Bastard Names by all which we may gather that it was taken for the wild Myrtle but falsly for that which was accounted so amongst the Ancients is like unto the manured kind with prickly Leaves and therefore Pliny misâ—ooke when he attributed the faculties of the one to the other It is called in Latine Ruscus and Ruscum and in Shops Bruscus and of some Ruscus Bruscus by Onomaâ—opaeia because of the Russeling noise it maketh when it is moved and of some as Marcellus saith Scopa Regia We call it in English Knee-holme Kneeâ—â—lver Kneeholly Pettigree and Ruscus Bruscus The Kinds Butchers Broom at its first coming up sendeth forth thick whitish short Shoots somewhat like unto those of Asparagus but greater which thing to be about a foot high are spread into divers green branches which are a little crested tough pâ—â—ant and flexible whereon are set somwhat broad and allmost hard Leaves sharp and prickly pointed at the ends of a dark green colour and somewhat like unto Myrtle Leaves
and spreading many waies under ground if it stand long the whole Plant is more pleasant to the sight then to the smell The Places and Time The naturall places of the sorts aforementioned are in divers parts both of Germany and Italy and that with the white flower about Frank-ford yet they grow with us in our Gardens as in the Physick Gardens at Oxford and that at Westminster and in the Gardens of divers others that are delighted with rarities of this Nature They flower in June and July and their seed is ripe in August The Temperature The Root of Fraxinella or the false white Dittany is hot and dry in the second degree it is of a wasting attennating and opening faculty The Vertues A dram or two of the powder of the roots of Fraxinella taken in wine or broth is very much commended against the Strangury provoketh Urine breaketh the Stone in the Bladder and driveth it forth and so doth the seed taken in the quantity of a dram The same are very effectuall to open obstructions to bring down Womens Courses and to clense that which is soule and contagious It is also a very great preservative both against Poyson and the Venome of Serpents and other Poysonfull Creatures and against the Pestilence and other contagious diseases and is good to kill the Wormes of the belly It warmeth and cleanseth the matrix expelleth the dead Child and After-birth if the part be fumigated with it and Penniroyall or taken in Wine it easeth the paines or torments in the inward parts or bowells and healeth inward hurts and wounds it is much commended against the Epilepsy or falling sicknesse and other cold griefes of the head and braines and is held to be of great use against the French disease to use it with the decoction of Guaiâ—â—m or Pock-wood The Leaves and the juice thereof taken after the same sort worketh the same effects though not so powerfully and being applyed outvvardly it dravveth Thornes and Splinters out of the flesh CHAP. CCXLI. Of Allheale The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Panaces or Panax because it is a Panacaea or remedy for many diseases which names are in use also amongst the Latins Some call it Panax Herculeum supposing Hercules to be the first founder of it but others would rather have it Panax Heracleum from Heraclea a Citty in Candy and though the name Panaxris referred to many pâ—ants as Origanum Sylvestre Centaurium magnum c. yet to this onely 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is called in English Hercules Allheale and Hercules Wound wort and Allheale simply The Kindes To this Kind may be referred these seaven sorts 1. Ordinary Allheale of Hercules 2. The true Allheale of Hercules 3. American Allheale of Hercules supposed to be the true Laserwort with shining Leaves 4. Costus-like All-heale 5. The Hungarian Allheale of Hercules 6. The Cluster berry Allheale of America 7. Sweet sented Allheale of America The Forme Hercules Wound-wort spreadeth many large winged Leaves round about upon the ground most of them two foot long consisting of four five or six couples of rough winged Leaves set one against another on a round great foot-stalk furrowed on the upper side each of them likewise consisting of three or four couple of rough but large faire fresh yellowish green Leaves and one at the end all of them finely dented about the Edges tasting a little hot and biting and yeilding forth a yellowish juyce in the Summer called Opopanax much more gummy hot and bitter then the Leaves from which riseth a strong great round green stalk four or five foot high or more with some joynts and Leaves thereat and a few branches towards the top breaking forth into small yellow umbells of flowers which afterward give whitish yellow flat short seed The root is somewhat great and groweth deep into the ground The Places and Time The first is thought to grow in some Places of Italy but I am sure it did grow in the Physick Garden at Oxford and doth still if I be not mistaken as also at the Physick Garden at Westminister and in some other Gardens The second groweth in Naples as Matthiolus saith on the Apennine-hills also and the Sea Coasts by Siena The third came from America is the name of it importeth The fourth as Matthiolus saith groweth on Mount Garganus in Apulia The fifth in Tartaria and Hungaria The two last in America They all flower and seed in the end of Summer The Temperature The juyce or Gum which is of greatest use is hot in the third degree and dry in the second being of a heating mollifying and digesting quality the bark of the root is heating and drying likewise but in a meaner degree having withall a little cleansing property The Vertues The juyce or Gum of Allheale which it is called in shops and of many writters also Opopanax being drunk in honeyed Water or Wine helpeth tâ—e Itchings and sores in the Bladder and is good for the Strangury also and difficuâ—ty in making water It is endued with a speciall property also to purge thick and clammy Phlegme from the more remote parts as the Braine Nerves sensitive parts joynts and breasts and therefore it is profitable for any cold dâ—sease incident to any of those parts as in the Palsy weaknesse of sight old Cough shortnesse of breath Sciaticâ— and in other kinds of Gout It is good for Convulsions and Cramps as also against Windinesse in the Sides Belly Womb or in any other places and therefore it helpeth Stitches the hardnesse of the Spleene the strangling of the Mother bringeth down VVomens Courses and brings away also the Mola or Lumpe of flesh bred in the Womb. It expelleth wormes helpeth the biting of a â—ad Dâ—gge and is good against the poyson of other venemous Creatures Dissolved in Wine and given it helps the Dropsy and taken in Vinegar one hour before the Fit cometh it takes away the cold Fit of an Ague eâ—pecially if some of it be dissolved with the juyce of Smallage and Oyle of Dill and the ridge of the back annointed therewith It is good after falls and bruises to dissolve any congealed blood eâ—pecially in Cold bodies and where no Feaver is Being dissolved wiâ—h Vinegar the juyce of Smallage applyed to the Region of the Spleen softeneth the hardness of it a plaisterg made thereof dissolveth the Kings-Evâ—ll and hard Nodes of the Joynts as also any Plague sore botch or Bile especially being dissolved in Vinegar applyed with the pulp of Raisins in the Sun it eaâ—eth any kind of Gout If the mouth be washed with a decoction of Vinegar made with it it easeth the paine in the Teeth or if it be a hollow tooth let it be stopped with a peece Some commend it against the dimnesse of sight being mixed with other things It is very availeable to cure old Ulcers and Fistulaes and to breed good flesh especially where the bones are bare
all sorts of wounds and Ulcers to dry sodder cleanse and heale them and should be a principall Ingredient in all Wound drinks and Injections Yet it is effectuall in many other Cases also for the Roots thereof being steeped in wine and drunk or the powder thereof given in wine is good for such as have the Dropsy or Jaundise or are troubled with the stoppings of the Liver It is also used for Ruptures Crampes and Pleurisies and for an old Cough shortnesse of breath and other diseases of the Lungs Gripings in the Belly and paines of the Mother Being scraped and put up as a Pessary it procureth womens Courses and causeth the Dead Birth to be avoided the juyce thereof used after the same manner worketh the like Effects It helpeth the Strangury and pissing by drops as also the Stone if the decoction or Powder thereof be taken and the juyce injected The decoction or juyce of the Root or a dram of the powder thereof drunk and the wound washed therewith taketh away the paine and danger of the bitings or Stingings of Venemous Creatures It helpeth to sharpen the Eye sight if it be steeped in Water and dropped into them CHAP. CCXLVIII Of Lovage The Names IT hath no Greek Name that I can meet with It is called in Latin Levisticum which is the proper and onely Latine Name thereof Ligusticum being a far different plant although some being deceived with the vicinity of the name have taken them to be both one The Kinds As the Names of Lovage are but few so the sorts are not many for of it I find but two 1. Ordinary Lovage 2. The Lovage of Germany The Forme Ordinary Lovage hath many long and great stalkes of large winged Leaves divided into many parts like Smallage but much larger of a sad green colour smooth and shining every Leafe being cut about the edges and broader forward then towards the Stalke The Stalkes that arise from thence are diverse and of different proportions according to the goodnesse or badness of the Soile wherein they grow as also to their time of continuance for though in a fat soile where it hath grown long they attaine unto the height of five or six foot yet if the ground be barren or the herb but newly set they seldome exceed three or four answerable whereunto is the bignesse of them being green and hollow set with lesser leaves then those that grow below towards the tops of these come forth other smaller branches bearing at their tops large Umbels of yellow Flowers which turne into flat brounish seed somewhat like the seed of Angelica The root groweth large both in length and thicknesse being of a brownish colour without side and white within The whole Plant smelleth strong and in tast is both hot sharp and biting The Places and Time Both the sorts are Inhabitants in the Gardens of those that love Physicall herbs especially and sometimes in the Garden of those that understand it not the first being common to divers Countryes the second proper to Germany yet neither of them are found wild in any part of Europe if they be any where else The root in continuance of time spreadeth much for it endureth long and sendeth forth every yeare new stalkes which hold the Flowers in the end of July and the seed in August The Temperature Lovage is hot and dry in the third degree and is of thin parts also The Vertues Halfe a dram of the dryed Root of Lovage in powder taken in Wine doth wonderfully warm a cold Stomach helping digestion and consuming all superfluous moisture and raw humours therein as also in the Guts and therefore it easeth all inward gripings and paines both of the Stomach and Belly as also by dissolving wind and expelling it effectually which is an utter enemy to them both and it is commended for resisting poyson and infection that may assault either of them or any other part The said Root boiled in Wine or Barly-water cleanseth the Lungs openeth the passages of the Vrine provoketh Womens Courses mightily and healeth inward Wounds Being bruised in a Mortar before it be dryed and steeped for twelve houres in faire Water then strained and two or three spoonfuls drunk first and last morning and evening asswageth any drought or great desire to drink when no ordinary liquor will do it and this it performeth by a specifick property for the Root is well known to be hot To drink the Decoction of the herbe for any sort of Ague and to help the cold paines and torments of the Body and Bowels comming of cold was not long since a known and much practised Remedy but the present Age which forgets every thing that should do it goood knowes none such as far as I can under-stand The seeds drunk in White-wine fasting either in powder or boyled therein and strained doth purge both upwards and downwards and being used in Glisters it easeth the Gout in the feet Being steeped a night in Wine or else boiled therein and drunk it provoketh the Termes and expelleth the Dead-child and likewise opens the stoppings of the Spleen but because the seeds be very strong the like weight of Annise and Fennel may be mixed with them to qualifie them And to be briefe the seeds are as effectuall to all purposes as any other part of it and worketh more powerfully in Womens diseases The distilled water of the herb helpeth the Quinsey in the Throat if the Mouth and Throat be gargled and washed therewith and helpeth the Pleurisy being drunk three or four times Being dropped into the Eyes it taketh away the rednesse and dimnesse of them It likewise taketh away the spots or freckles of the Face The Leaves bruised and fryed with a little Hogs-lard and laid to any botch or boyl will quickly break it and being boyled in water and bathed therein it provoketh Vrine expelleth the Stone and healeth the inward parts Being applyed three or four times with Rue and Honey to the Knees of those that are troubled with pain in them it is a good expedient for the removing thereof The people of Germany and of this and other Countreys also in former times used both the Root in Powder and the seed to season their Meats and Brothes and found them as effectuall to comfort and warm the Stomack but now a dayes whatsoever is not farre fetched will hardly please The green roots pickled with salt and vinegar are a good sawce for those that are troubled with wind but if they be preserved with sugar they are more acceptable to the Palate CHAP. CCXLIX Of Tansey The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Athanasia peradventure from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying sine morte or non moriens that is immortall because the yellow Flowers gathered in due time will continue very lively a long while It is also called Athanasia in Latine Tanacetum corruptly taken as Fuschius imagineth for Tagetes or Apuleius his Arthemisia Tragantes yet I
the year to be used for any of the aforesaid purposes as often as occasion shall serve The People of Norway use their Knotberry against the Scurvey and other crude putrid and melancholy diseases wherewith they of those parts are afflicted so that we may therein admire the wonderfull wisdome and providence of God who hath ordained to grow in every Climate Remedies for those diseases whereunto it is subject CHAP. CCLXII Of Teasel The Names IT is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dipsacus from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sitio either by Antiphrasis because they are seldome or never dry or else because the Water that standeth in the Concavity of those Leaves that encompasse the Stalks being drunk causeth thirst It is also called from the concavous leaves that contain Water like a Basâ—n 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lavacrum Veneris Venus Baâ—â—â— it being as I suppose a peece of Religion amo 〈…〉 the Antients to intitle those pretty things which bear any resemblâ—nc 〈…〉 any utensill for the adorning or cleansing of the body to Venus as Speculâ—m 〈…〉 ris Venus looking glasse Pecten Venerus Venus Combe as also those parts w 〈…〉 men much respect as Capillus Veneris Maidenhair and Vmbilicus Veneris V 〈…〉 Navelwort c. Yet some would have it to be Labrum Veneris because Whores are as ready to be kissed as the those hollow Leaves to receive the Raine and afterwards to card and teare the estates if not the bodies of their followers which the heads of this Teasel are apt to do and Carduus Veneris for the like reason It is also called Carduus Fullonum Fullers Thistle because Cloathworkers and Fullers use the manured kind hereof named Dâ—psacus sativus the others being called Dipsacus sylvestris and Virga Pastoris The Kindes Though Teasel have so many names yet it hath but four sorts 1 The Garden or manured Teasel 2 The wild Teasel 3 Wild Teasel with jagged Leaves 4 The Shepherds Staffe or Red. The Forme Garden Teasel sendeth forth very larg and long leaves somewhat like unto these of Lang de beef or Wild Buglesse but greater of a pale green colour somewhat rough and hard dented about the edges set on the backside of the middle rib with many short prickles from which rise up stalks of the height of three or four foot armed likewise with prickles with joynts at severall places which are encompassed with too lesser leaves so joyned together thereat that they hold the falling rain or dew in them like unto a Bason by which difference it may easily be distinguished from any other Plant as I have expressed in my Art of Simpling from between the Leaves and the Stalks of each side come forth prickly branches also every one of which beareth a long round head like a Brush that they cleanse bottles with having hooded and somewhat whitish flowers first about the middle and afterwards at the ends in the severall cels whereof being whitish when they come to perfection are contained somewhat long small and whitish round seed the middle many times is hollow and containeth severall little white Wormes like Maggots the Root is white long and somewhat great set with divers fibres thereat perishing annually but riseth plentifully from its fallen seed The Places and Time Fullers and Cloathworkers sow the first in their own Gardens and cause it to be sowne by others for their use the second groweth very frequently in most parts of this Land as well in the high-wayes where there be ditches and rilles of water as in dryer places the third in some places of Germany the last in divers places of England and particularly by Saint Albans in the Horse-way that goeth from the Abbey Parish to St. Stevens They all flower in June and July and the first will be fit to gather for the aforesaid use in the latter end of August when the seed of the other will be ripe also The Temperature Galen writeth that Teasel is drying in the second degree and hath withall some cleansing faculty The Signature and Vertues The hollowness that is in the midst of the Teasel head with the worms therein doth somewhat represent the fundament and the worms thereof and therefore the Roots being bruised and boyled in wine till they come to a consistence and then put into a brazen or copper box and afterwards spread as a salve and applyed to the fundament doth heal the chaps rifts Canckers Fistulaes thereof as Dioscorides saith who further affirmeth that it is profitable for the taking away of Wens and Warts as the water contained in the concavity of the Leaves is also said to do which is likewise commended for red eyes and spots of the Face especially under the eyes The Leavs applyed to the Fore-head Temples qualifieth the Frensy or Madnesse by the cold and dry quality which some suppose to be in them and the juyce of them put into the eares killeth the worms in them The distilled water of the Leaves is effectuall to cure the Scurvey which causeth rottennesse of the Mouth and Gums taketh away the rednesse of the eyes and such Mists as darken the sight being but dropped thereinto and helpeth creeping sores Shingles Pimples and hanging Worts in the Fundament or elsewhere The said distilled water is often used by Women to preserve their Beauty and to take away rednesse and inflammations and all other heats and discolorings The roots stamped with Danewort sodden in Wine and drunk helpeth the Dropsy and the Gout also if they be boyled in red Wine and drunk morning and evening for nine dayes together Being boyled with Plantain in rain-Rain-water and some quantity thereof drunk with Sugar morning noon and night helpeth the spitting of blood Two drams of the powder drunk in a Porringer full of Pease broth stoppeth the immoderate Flux of Womens Courses and so it doth being stamped and boyled in vinegar and applyed under the Navel and being onely stamped and applyed it is good for those wounds that are moist and hard to heal and also for the Cancker of the Yard The said powder being drunk in good Wine stoppeth all manner of Fluxes and is a remedy for the Excoriations of the belly and other parts That the small Worms found in the heads of the Teasel worn about the neck or arm in a thin Lease do cure the Ague is certainly a Fable The first as I said is onely used by them that dresse Cloath to raise the Wool thereof with the crooked Prickles of the head making it fit that their Shearers may cut it smooth and yet a Nap may be left thereon but the other sorts are as usefull in Physick especially the second CHAP. CCLXIII Of Rice The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Theophrastus saith in Latin also Oryza that as well as other Nations following the Greek as neer as their Dialect will permit There being but one kind hereof I shall passe to
amongst which there rise up from the Root other thick and great stalks like unto the foot-stalks of the Leaves each of them sustaining one onely large white flower thereon green on the out side but exceeding white within confisting of divers rowe of long and somewhat thick and narrow Leaves smaller and thinner the more inward they be with many yellow threds or thrums in the middle standing about a small head which after the leaves are fallen of becometh like unto a Poppy Head containing in it broad blackish Oyly and glittering seed of a bitter tast The Roots be round long and tuberous with many knobs thereat like Eyes of substance loose and spongy of colour black without and white within out of which groweth a multitude of strings by which it is fastened in the ground under the bottom of the Water The Places and Time All the sorts of Water Lillies except the fourth whose name sheweth its place also do grow in most parts of England where there be any standing pooles great ditches or small slow running Rivers in every of which they are frequent and sometimes in large Rivers which run pretty quick They flower in the Months of May and June and their feed is ripe in August The Temperature The Leaves and Flowers of the Water Lillies are cold and moist but the Root and Seed are cold and dry The Vertues The Seed and Root of the Water Lilly whether white or yellow but principally the yellow being boyled in Water is of wonderfull efficacy to coole bind and restrain and therefore the said decoction cannot but be exceeding good for those who shall endeavour to preserve themselves from Lechery and uncleannesse for it not onely stoppeth the involuntary passage of Sperme in Sleep commonly called Nocturnall pollution but is so powerfull in this particular that the frequent use hereof extinguisheth even the very Motions to venery and so doth the Root and Seed used in meat or drink or the Root only bruised and applyed to the genitals or the green Leaves laid upon the Region of the back either of which wayes it is available also for the Gonorrhea or running in the Reines and the whites or any other flux in Man or Woman but especially if it be boyled in thick red wine and drunk The said Root is very good for those whose Urine is hot and sharp to be boyled in Wine or Water and the decoction thereof drunk The Leaves do cool all Inflammations and both the outward and inward heats of Agues the decoction thereof being drunk or bathed with They are also very effectuall to expell the secondine or After birth whereof they have the Signature as the learned Crolliâ—â— observeth Both the simple and compound Syrupes which are made of white water Lilly flowers and may be had at the Apothecaries are fine and cooling they allay the heat of Choller provoke Sleep settle the brains of Frantick persons by cooling the hot distemperature of the head as they do the distempers of other parts as the Heart Liver Reines and Matrix proceeding of Heat and so doth the Conserve made of the said flowers The distilled Water of the said flowers is very effectuall for all the diseases aforesaid both inwardly taken and outwardly applyed and is very much commended for the taking away of Freckles Spots Sunburn and Morphew from the skin in the Face or any other part of the Body and so doth the Root being stamped with Water and applyed often to the discoloured part which being applyed to Wounds stancheth the blood and being mixed with Tar it cureth the naughty scurfe of the Head The oyl made of the flowers as the Oyl of Roses is made cureth the Head-ach causeth sweet and quiet sleep and putteth away all Venerous dreams and taketh down the standing of the Yard the Head and privities being annointed therewith and is profitable also to coole hot tumors and the inflammations of Ulcers and Wounds neither doth it onely ease but also heal them CHAP. CCLXXXIII Of Hemlock The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Conion 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à circumvertendâ— because it did so intoxicate the brain of those that took the juyce thereof that they presently fell a staggering or else every thing seemed to them to turn round but though that which grew in Greece would do so yet that which we have is not so powerfull howbeit I shall not wish any one to try It is called in Latinâ— Cicuta which some will have to be so denominated quod velut cutem circumcircâ— habeat because it is covered with a double Skin In English Hemlock Hemlock Kex and of some Herb Bennet though not truly The Kinds To this kind may be referred these seven sorts 1 The common great Hemlock 2 Foolish Hemlock or Counterfeit Parsley 3 The greatest Hemlock 4 White wild Hemlock 5 Red wild Hemlock 6 Marsh or water Hemlock 7 Bulbous rooted wild Hemlock The Forme The common great Hemlock groweth up with a hollow green stalk two or three foot high of a dark green colour and sometimes spotted whereupon at severall joynts are set very large winged Leaves which are subdivided in many others that are lesser dented about the edges of a dark green colour also branching out it selfe towards the top into several umbels or spoky tufts of white flowers after which followeth the seed of a pale green colour and flattish when it is ripe The Root is long white and sometimes crooked and hollow within the whole Plant is very unsavoury and therefore offensive to the Senses especially to that of smelling The Places and Time The first groweth in most Countrys by Walls and Hedge sides especially in stinking and corrupt places and therefore it is frequently found in such ditches which are made for the conveyance of any noysome excrements or wherein dead Dogs and Cats and other Carrion is used to be cast this poysonous Plant drawing unto it and feeding upon the maligne juyce and nourishment which those places plentifully afford The second is found in Gardens as well as other places where it is sometimes mistaken for Parsly by those that are ignorant of Herbs The third is said to be found onely in Gardens about these parts The fourth and fifth are frequent in the moist Grounds and Marshes of France and besides the Waters there The sixt is not altogether a stranger to our owne Rivers sides especially to the Thames The last is best known to be of Hungaria and Austria They differ not much in their time for all of them flower and seed in July or thereabouts The Temperature Hemlock is held to be cold in the fourth degree by Galen and others yet many are of opinion that the Hemlock that groweth in England is not so cold as that which the Ancients make mention of The Vertues Though the Hemlock that grew in Greece and thereabouts were pernicious to be applyed to the Privities for the restraining of Lust because they made those members to
Tree the more it is beaten the more Nuts it bears and therefore good Husbands after they have beaten down the Nuts do with long Poles beat the empty boughs of the Tree and I have observed that those Trees which have grown in the streets have been full when those which have growen in the back sides have had scarce any which I could impute to nothing else but that those in the street were beaten and throwen at more then the other they blossom early before the leaves come forth and the fruit is ripe in September except St. Johns Wall-nut which ripeneth not till October The Temperature Dodonaeus is of Opinion that the fresh Nuts are cold and moist but Euchsius saith they are drying in the first degree and heating in the second the bark of the Tree doth binde and dry very much and the leaves are near of the same temperature but when the Nuts are old they are hot and dry in the â—econd degree and of thin parts and of harder digestion then when they are fresh which by reason of their sweetnesse are more pleasant and better digesting in the stomack The Signatures and Vertues Wall-nuts have the perfect Signature of the Head The outer husk or green Covering represent the Pericranium or outward skin of the skull whereon the hair groweth and therefore salt made of those husks or barks are exceeding good for wounds in the head The inner wooddy shell hath the Signature of the Skull and the little yellow skin or Peel that covereth the Kernell of the hard Meninga Pia Mater which are the thin scarfes that envelope the brain The Kernel hath the very figure of the Brain and therefore it is very profitable for the Brain and resists poysons For if the Kernel be bruiâ—ed and moystned with the quintessence of Wine and laid upon the Crown of the Head it comforts the brain and head mightily If the Peels be taken off they are thought to be good for the stomack and somewhat loosing the belly and mixt with Sugar they do nourish temperately whilest they are new but when they begin to grow old they grieve the Stomack and cause in hot bodies choler to abound and the Head-ach and are an enemy to those which have a Cough but they aâ—e lesse hurtfull to those which have colder stomacks and are said to kill the broad Worms in the stomack or belly They are reckoned in Schâ—la Salerni for one of those 〈◊〉 things which are good against poyson Allia Ruta Pyra Raphanus â—um Theriâ—câ— Nuâ—s Hac sunt A 〈…〉 tum contra mortale ventuum And true it is that two dry Wall-nuts and as many Figs and twenty leaves of Rue bruised and beaten together with two or three Coâ—â—s of salt were King Mithridates Medicine against poyson which afteâ— he had long used daily at last he sought to poyson himself but could not And no marvel for the water of green Wall-nuts taken about Midsummer being drunk two or three ounces cooleth and resisteth the Pestilence And the water of the outer Husks of Wall-nuts being not rotten distilled in September is given to drink against the Plague with a little Vinegar as a certain experiment and the juyce of the same boyled up with Honey is an excellent gâ—â—gle for â—â—re mouths the heat and inflammations in the throat or stomack Though the old Kernels are not so fit to be eaten yet they are used to heal the wounds of the sinews Gangrens and Carbuncles and being mixed with Figs and Rue they cure old Ulcers of the Breasts and other cold Imposthumes with Rue and Oyl they are good to be laid to the Quinsie The leaves with Boars grease stayeth the hair from falling and maketh it fair the like also will the green husks do used in like manner A peece of the green husk put into an hollow Tooth easeth the pains thereof Some use the green husks and sometimes the young red leaves dryed and made into powder instead of Pepper to season their meat but if some dryed Sage in Pouder be put into it it will give a seasoning and relish not to be despised of poor folks The Oyl of Wall-nuts made in such manner as Oyl of Almonds maketh smooth the hands and face and taketh away scales and scurf black and blew marks that come of blowes and bruises and taken inwardly it helpeth the Collick and expelleth Wind very effectually Besides it is far better for the Painters use to illustrate a white colour than Linseed Oyl which deadeth it and is of singular good use to be laid on gilded works The young green Nuts before they be half ripe preserved whole in Sugar are not onely a dainty Junket among other of the like nature but are good for those that have weak stomacks and defluxions thereon It is averred by some that if a Wall-nut be put into the belly of a Chicken it will cause it to be roasted a great deal the sooner The Rind of the root having the upper part scraped of being made into powder and tempered with Vinegar if it be strained two or three times till it be somewhat thin and clear and drunk liberally cureth the Ague and cleanseth the body very much CHAP. II. Of the Piony The Names THe Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines also Peonia and Dulcisida in Shops Pionia in English Piony or Peony and of some Chessesâ— It hath also many Bastard names as Râ—sâ— Fatuina Herba Câ—sta Hasta Regia Rosa Asinarum of some Luxaria or Luxaria Peonia because it cureth those which have the Falling-sicknesse whom most men do call Lunatici or Lunatick It is called Paonia from Paon a famous Physician who doubtless found out some of the Vertues and admired them but Glycysidâ— or Dulcisidâ— from the red grains in the Pomgranat which in Greek are called Sida with which it hath some resemblance It is also called Dactyluâ— Idaâ—â— the 〈◊〉 roots thereof being like to Dactyli Idâ—i which are certain precious stones of the form of a mans finger growing in the Isle of Candy It is likewise called Aglaophôtis or brightly-shining taking its name from the shining rednesse of the red grains or seeds which are of the colour of Scarlet of which there are many fabulous traditions but I shall forbear to mention them The Kindâ— The Sorts of Pionyes which I have met with are in number 11. 1. The male Piony 2. The Female Piony 3. Double Red Piony 4. The double white Pyony 5. The Spanish Dwarf Piony 6. Columbine leafed Pyony 7. The party coloured Piony 8. The female white Piony 9. The female yellow Piony 10. The doubtful female Piony 11. Certain single and double female Pionies that sprang with Clusâ—â—â— of the seed of the double Red which is not 〈…〉 all All these forts except the female are Plants so scarce that they are possessed but by a few and those great Lovers of Rarities in this kinde and therefore I shall trouble you onely with the description of that
The Forme The ordinary Female Piony riseth up with many stalks which are at first of a reddish colour and the young leaves like unto the young red leaves of the Wallnut-Tree which afterwards turn into a dark or dead green colour and become large At the top of the stalks are growing fair large red flours like the great double Rose of Provence but that it is of a darker red having also in the midst yellow Threds or Thrums like them in the Rose which some take to be the seed though falsly which being faded and fallen away there come in their places two three or four rough crooked Pods bending a contrary way as some Rams Horns do The seeds are of a black shining colour The Root consists of many thick and short tuberous bunches fastened at the end of long strings and all from the Head of the Root which is thick and short The Place and Time Most of the sorts aforesaid grow in the Physick-Garden in Oxford and in some Gardens about London and Westminster but else they are scarce to be found except the double female as I said which groweth in many Country Gardens and do flower usually about May and their Seed is ripe in July The Temperature The Root of Piony as Galen saith doth gently binde with a kinde of sweetnesse and hath also joyned with it a certain bitterish sharpnesse It is in temperature not very notably hot but according to our own Symmetry or Constitution or rather a little hotter and it is dry and of subtile parts The Signature and Vertues The Heads of the Flower of Piony being not yet blown have some Signature and proportion with the Head of Man having sutures and little vai 〈…〉 diâ—persed up and down like unto those which environ the brain When the 〈…〉 owers blow they open an outward little skin representing the skull and a 〈…〉 very available against the Falling-sicknesse which next to the Roots and seeds are of the greatest Vertue but the Roots are most effectuall for it they be fresh taken up and hung about the neck of Children they cure it but the â—ureâ—l way both for them and especially those which are elder it to take the roots of male Piony if it be to be had and iâ—fuse it in a sufficient proportion of back for four and twenty hours at least being first washed clean and stamped very small then strain it and drink a good draught first and last morning and evening for severall dayes togetheâ— before and 〈…〉 of the full of the Moon a â—â—ue and orderly preparation of the Body afore-hand with Posset-drink made of Beâ—ony c. being first had The Extraction of the Roots and the Syrup made of the Flowers doth the same The Root â—ndureth ten years it comforteth and cherisheth the body provoketh Urine and purgeth the Liver and Kidneys Being boyled in Wine and drunk it purgeth the blood and is good for Women in Child-bed to purge their Seconds and Termes as much as an Almond being taken at a time it helpeth the gripings of the belly the shedding of the Gall and the pain of the Kidneys and Bladder comming by stoppâ—ng of the Urine The smoak of the little branches of the root received in the nose putteth away the Kings-Evill The Root it self taketh away blacâ— spots of the body It is to be gathered in the wane of the Moon when she is under the Earth and being â—odden in wine and drunk it purgeth the Belly helpeth the Cholick cleanâ—eth the Guts defendeth against frenâ—â—es and passions of the brain the Strangury and biting of Serpents and the spleen and having Castoreum boyled with it it helpeth the Palfie and the stone but there must be taken at once but four drams The Powder of the Root drunk with White-wine easeth the pains of the Reins and Bladder and is good for the Ache of the belly having Saffron mixed with it it is a â—ovâ—raign Medâ—ciâ—e for the yellow Jaundies The Male Piony hath black shining seed intermixed with many red or crim on grains which together make a very pretty shew Of which I observe that the black provoke Terms and the red stop them â—â— they be of that colour The black taken night and morning by those which are troubled with the disease called the Night-mare are very effectuall The Powder of the seeds ministred in meat and drink to Children doth send forth the stone beginning in them and is therefore good to be used of such as have it by Inheritance from their Parents by a tenure called ex Vitioso Semine or else have gotten it by purchase ex Intemperantiâ By which two wayes most part of diseases grow And the said Powder drunk with Wine restoreth the wits comforteth the sences and recovereth the speech The distilled water or Syrup made of the flowers worketh the same effects that the Root and Seed do though more weakly Take the Roots of Piony and peel off the outward skins take also Periwinckle leaves stamp and strain them with black Cherry-water and let the Patient for three mornings fasting drink a good draught thereof but if he mend not at three times let him drink it longer This Receit was approved by the Lady Cage CHAP. III. Of Poppie The Names THe general name with which the Greeks have christened this Plant is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which some of them say commeth à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 non ministraâ—do quod vescenâ—â—s suis muniâ—s fungi non pâ—ssuâ—â— Others think it comes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 non à 〈◊〉 quia â—jus usus nimiùm infrigidet hominibus tandem motum auferat which in plain English iâ— Because it doth so stupifie those that eat it that they cannot go about their buâ—â—nesse or because the use of it doth cool too much and at length make men insensible The Garden White kind is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of Diascorides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thylâ—â—itiâ— and the black seed is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hortensâ— or sativum the wilde kinde is called Pâ—â—â— Rheas that is fluidum because the Flowers shead presently after they are blown in Latine Papaver Rh 〈…〉 â—â—ticum rubrâ—m or silvestre Of us in English Poppy for the most part yet in some Countries it is called Red-weed in others Jone Silver Pin Fair without and foul within being understood in others Cheesebouls Spatling Poppy is called in Latine Papaver Spâ—meum in respect of that frothy spattle or froth that is called Cuckow-spittle with which the stalk and leaves of this Plant aboundeth more then any other The Kindes There be severall sorts of Poppies some tame and of the Garden as 1. The white Garden Poppy 2. The black Garden Poppy 3. The double white Poppy 4. The double black Poppy 5. The double purple Poppy 6. The Scarlet double Poppy 7. Small double Poppy 8. Wilde double Poppy Others wilde and of the field as 1. Yellow horned Poppy 2. Red Poppy or Corn-rose 3. Little red Poppy
black of the Eye appeareth white and contrariwise when it appeareth on the white of the Eye it appeareth black The Hearb being stamped and made into a Salve or Oyntment with Oyl-wax and a little Turpentine â—ealeth any wound Ulcer Canker or Fistula The leaves only bruised and applyed to any part that is black and blew with a blow bringeth it to its right colour The juyce of the Leaves and Roots stamped and given in drink helpeth the wringings and gripings of the Belly and so doth the dry Hearb infused in warm water The juyce taken in the weight of two drams with Wine mightily expelleth Poyson or any Venome Warts rubbed therewith wear away and being taken in meat it helpeth the Milt or Spleen if it be wasted CHAP. IV. Of Squills The Names IT is called by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of some Latines also Scilla but Varro calls it Squilla whose example makes it to be so called in the Shops divers call it Cepa maris for the similitude it hath with an Onyon In English it is called Squill and Sea-Onyon There is a sort of this which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Pancratium the English the white Sea-Daffodil or Sea-Onyon and of some Narcissus Constantinopolitanus of others Hemorocallis Valentina and of the Turks Consambach The Kindes Gerrard reckoneth up four sorts hereof 1. Squill or Sea-Onyon 2. Sea-Onyon of Valentia 3. Red flowred Sea-Daffodil 4. Yellow flowred Sea-Daffodill Every one of which in Latine he calls Pancratium The Forme The Root of Squill is very bulbous and hath divers Coats or scaly films one within another like the ordinary Onyon out of which as in Saffron the stalk doth first spring forth then out of that ariseth a white and yellow Flower which being waxen old after many dayes it putteth forth very great and broad leaves upheld by no foot-stalk many of them turning down again towards the Earth The Place and Time The first for that is it which I have described and is to be used upon the occasion ensuing is found growing in Spain and Italy not far from the Sea-side but may be had at most Apothecaries Shops in England The second groweth near unto Valentia in Spain and therefore is so called as also about Constantinople The third about the Coasts of Narbone The fourth about Tripoly and Aleppo Gerrard saith that they flower from May to the end of July and their Seed is ripe in the end of August but Fuchsius saith that they flowre thrice a year and for this he quotes Theophrastus lib. 7. cap. 12. The Temperature The Sea-Onyon is hot in the second degree and is of a very cutting quality which may be taken away if it be baked in Past or Clay or roasted in hoâ— Embers The Signature and Vertues The bulbous Root of the Squill with its many Coats or scaly films doth resemble the head which consists of divers Membranes one within another and is very effectual in divers distempers thereof but especially the Falling-Sickness Head-ach and dizinesse It healeth also all running sores of the Head and the scurf Scales or Bran being laid thereunto If it be taken with Honey and Oyl it driveth out Worms both long and round cleanseth the breast driveth away old Coughs lengtheneth the breath and looseneth the Belly very gently and so do the seeds taken with Figgs or Honey A Scale or two of the green raw Root laid under the Tongue quencheth the thirst in the Dropsie Being boyled in Vineger till it be tender and stamped it cureth all venomous bitings iâ— it be applyed to them Seeth the inner part in Oyl or Turpentine and apply it to the chaps of the feet kibed heels or hanging warts and it healeth them The leaves do dissolve and waste the Kings-Evill and Kernels about the throat being laid thereunto for the space of four dayes half a dram of the Root roasted baked or sodden for it may not be taken raw inwardly is sufficient to be taken at once with Honey for the Jaundies the old Cough shortness of the Wind and gnawing in the body It is good for the griefs of the Sinews Breast Lungs and Joynts especially licked in with Honey it maketh a clear voice It helpeth the hardness stopping and swelling of the Milt and withstandeth Putrefaction in the Body and therefore keepeth a man in health and maketh his Body continue in young state only it will make a Man lean Sanius by the use of the Vinegar of Squills lived in perfect health till an hundred and seventeen years of age If one take it in the morning fasting and walk half an hour after it maketh the digestion good a long winde a clear voice an acute sight a good colour it suffers no offensive thing to remain in the Body neither Wind Flegm Choler Melancholy Dung nor Urine It brings forth filth though it lie in the bones and takes away salt and sowre belchings though he be never so intemperate as Galen saith It helpeth the Sciatica and Apoplexy breaketh and expelleth the Stone and cleanseth the Matrix Being taken in the quantity of a spoonful it doeth away the Hickets It is reported that wheresoever this Plant groweth it keepeth its Neighbour-Plants from annoyance and that whatsoever door or chief entry of the House it be hung over it keepeth the same from all mishap Witch-craft and Sorcery It hath been observed that when the Flowers of the Sea-Onyon be of a brownish colour and do not soon fade away that year shall be very fruitful and plentiful of Corn. The way which the Apothecaries do or should use in ordering it is this That is to be taken especially which is in the midst which being cut in pieces must be boyled but the water still to be changed till such time as it is neither bitter nor sharp then must the pieces be hanged on a thred so that no one piece touch another and dryed in the shadow and being thus ordered they will last a good while CHAP. V. Of the Larch-Tree with his Agarick and Turpentine THis Tree is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Larix in English Larch-Tree and of some Larix-Tree The Agarick is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Agaricum Agaricus and so likewise in Shops The Italians Spaniards and other Nations do imitate the Greek word and we in English call it Agarick The Liquid Rozen or Turpentine is by the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Larix Resina Laricea or Larigna or Terbinthina Venetia in English Turpentine and Venice Turpentine The Forme The Larch-Tree is almost as tall as the Pine or Firr-Tree but not quite with a Body growing straight up as they do the Bark whereof is thick rugged and and full of chaps which being cut in sunder is red within but the bark amongst the boughs is smooth slippery and somewhat white without the branches grow one above another in a comely Order having divers
of them are in Temperature dry little or nothing hot but astringent and are accounted as profitable for the paines of the head as any plant that is except Betony They are excellent good against any Joynt-aches as the Palâ—y and paines of the Sinews as theit names do import The decoction of the roots are good for the stone in the Kidneys and Bladder the juyce of the leaves for members that are loose and out of joynt or inward parts that are hurt râ—nt or broken A drachm and a half of the dryed roots of field Primrose gathered in the Autumne purgeth by Vomit very forcibly but safely waterish humouâ—s choler and flegme in such manner as Asara bacca doth A conserve made with the flowers of Cowslips and Sugar prevaileth wonderfully against the Palsy Convulsions Cramps and all diseases of the Sinews if the quantity of a Nutrneg be taken every morning An oyntment made of the leaves and Hogs grease healeth wounds and taketh away Spots Wrinkles and Sunburning and so doth the distilled water of the flowers As divers Ladies Gentlewomen and she Cittizens whether wives or widdows know well enough The roots of Primrose stamped and strained and the juyce snifted into the Nose with a quill or such like purgeth the brain and qualifieth the pain of the Megrim An Oyntment made with the Juice of Cowslips and oyl of Linseed cureth all scaldings and burnings with fire water or otherwise The flowers of Primt 〈…〉 sodden in Vinegar and applyed do heal the Kings Evil healeth also the Almonds of the Ears and Palate if you Gargarize the party with the decoction thereof The leaves and flowers of Primroses boyled in Wine and drunk are good against all diseases of the Breast and Lungs and will draw any thorn splinter or bone out of the flesh The Bears eares according to their name Sanicle are no lesse powerful for healing then the former as also for the Palsy and Rupture called Enterocele if for some reasonable space it be put in drinks or boyled by it self The roots also of Bears-ears are in great request amongst those that use to hunt after Goats and Robucks upon the Alpes and high mountains and for the strengthening of the head then when they passe by fearful precipices and steep places in following their game that Giddinesse and swimming of the brain may not seise upon them CHAP. XII Of the Lilly of the Vally The Names THe Latines have named it Lilium Convallium Gesner doth think it to be Callionymum It is called in English Lilly of the Vally or the Convall Lilly May Lillies Wood Lillies and in some places Liriconfancy or Lilly Confancy Fuschius saith that Ephemerum non Lethale and Lilium Convallium are the same The Kinds Of this Lilly I find but two sorts 1. Lilly-Convally with white flowers 2. Lilly-Convally with red flowers The Forme The Lilly of the Valley hath leaves somewhat like unto other white Lillies or rather like unto the leaves of the smallest water Plantain among which doth a slender and small stalk spring up in the top of which grow forth little small white flowers like little bells with turned edges and of a pleasant smell which being past there come small red berries much like the berries of Asparagus wherein the seed is contained The root is small and slender creeping farre abroad in the ground The Place and Time It groweth plentifully upon Hamstead-heath four miles from London near to Lee in Essex and on Bushy heath thirteen miles from London in Bagly wood which is two or three miles from Oxford not far from the way to Abingdon and many other places in vallies and on the sides of hills For its great commodity and beauty it is brought and planted in Gardens where it prospereth best if it be set in a moist ground and shadowy place It floureth in May and the fruit is ripe in September The Temperature and Vertues The Lillies of the Valley are hot and dry of Temperature according to Gerrard and Sennertus yet Hill in his Art of Gardening saith that they are cold and moist I assent rather to the former opinion though there may be some reason given for the later also The flowers be more effectual then the Herb and the root passeth the flowers in vertue It cureth the Apoplexy by Signature for as that disease is caused by the dropping of humours into the principall Ventricles of the brain so the flowers of this Lilly hanging on the plants as if they were drops are of wonderful use herein if they be distilled with Wine and the quantity of a spoonfull thereof drunk and so it restoreth speech to them that have the dumb Palsy And is good against the Gout comforteth the heart and Vitall Spirits strengthens the brain recrutes a weak memory and makes it strong again The distilled water dropped into the Eyes helps inflammations there is also that infirmity which is called the Pin and Web. The flowers steeped in New Wine and drunk doth help those which are pained with a trembling of the heart or other members it stops the passages of the Leprosy beginning that the same spread no further abroad Also it doth take away the scabbe and ring-Worm anointed thereupon and the sooner if you wash them sundry times with the water The water also asswageth the swellings of the stingings of Bees and Wasps if it be applyed to the part Take the flowers and steep them in New Wine for the space of a moneth which being finished take them out again and distill the wine five times over in a Limbeck This wine is more precious then Gold for if any one that is troubled with the Apoplexy drink thereof with six grains of Pepper and a little Lavander water they shall not need to fear it that moneth It ceaseth the Cholick it comforteth the brain and helpeth the Impostume in the hinder part thereof Six ounces of the water of the flowers helpeth those that are poysoned or bit with a mad Dog and being drunk fourty daies it doth away the falling Scknesse The same water drunk helpeth the Strangury the pricking about the heart and inflammation of the Liver and stayeth excessive Menstrues Gerrard saith That a Glasse being filled with the flowers of May Lillies and set in an Ant-hill with the mouth close stopped for a months space and then taken out you shall find a Liquor in the Glasse which being outwardly applyed helps the Gout very much CHAP. XIII Of Misselto The Names THe last thing that I shall treat of as appropriated to tâ—e diseases of the Brain as the Falling Sicknesse Apoplexy â—alsy c. is Misselto which is called by Dioscorides and so is the Birdlime made thereof but Theophrastus calls it who saith also that in Eubaa it is called Stelis and in Arcadia Hyphear In Latine it is called Viscus and Viscum and so is also the Birdlime made of the Berries Ion the Poet call it Sâ—dor Quercus Because it groweth on Trees from their own superfluous
upon a tough string very close couched and compact together from which is also sent forth certain other Branches like the first in sundry places there be sent down divers fine little strings which serve instead of Roots wherewith it is fastned to the upper parts of the Earth and taketh hold likewise of such things as grow next it There spring also from the Branches bare or naked stalks on which grow certain Ears as it were like the Catkines or blowings of the Hazel-Tree in shape like a little Club of a yellowish white colour or rather resembling the Claw of a Wolf whereof it took its name which knobby Catkines are altogether barren and bring forth neither Seed nor Flower but come to nothing as they do in all other Mosses The Places and Time The common Mosse groweth more or lesse every where but especially in shadowy places and is used in slating of houses in some Countries The Cup or Callice Mosse which Lobel calls Muscus Pixidatus creepeth upon the ground like unto Liverwort but of a yellowish white colour from whoâ—e Leaves start up things like unto little Cups and groweth in the most barren dry and gravelly Ditch Banks particularly in a Ditch neer a house formerly called Stockers house in Stow-Wood about three miles from Oxford by the way side as you go thence to Islip and sometimes upon old Pales as upon the School-house Pales at Adderbury in Oxfordâ—hire The Club-Mosse groweth upon Hamsteed Heath among the Bushes and Brakes neer a little Cottage there Oak-mosse is found in many Forrests and Woods in this Land but the last which is the Mosse of a dead Mans Skull is oftner brought out of Ireland then found with Us. They are most usually growing and in their perfection in the Summer-time The Temperature The Mosses of the Earth are dry and astringent of a binding quality without any heat or cold Those of the Trees cool and binde and do much partake of the nature of the Tree from whence it is taken as that of the Oak to be more binding then those of the Cedar Larch-Ivy c. and Fir to be more digesting and mâ—lâ—â—â—ying The Signature and Vertues A Decoction of the long Mosse that hangs upon Trees in a manner like hair is very profitable to be used in the falling off of the hair and this it doth by Signature The common ground Mosse is held to be singular good to break the Stone and to expell and drive it forth by Urine being boyled in Wine and drunk The Herb bruised and boyled in water and then applyed to any Inflammations or pains rising from a hot cause doth allay and ease them and therefore they do apply it to the hot Gout to allay the pains thereof The Cup Mosse is thought to be a singular Remedy against the Falling-Sickness and the Chin-Cough in Children if it be powdered and then given in sweet Wine for certain dayes together The Club-Mosse hung in a Vessel of Wine that hath lost the vigour and vertue that floateth and is become slimy restoreth it to its former goodness if the quantity thereof be answerable to the bigness of the Vessel whereupon Brunfelsius hath called it Wein Kraut the Wine-Herb The Mosse of Trees especially of the Oak is of good use and effect to stay Fluxes and Lasks in Man or Woman as also vomiting and bleedings spitting of blood pissing of blood the Tearms and the Bloody Flux if the powder thereof be boyled in Wine and drunk The Decoction thereof in Wine is very good for Women to be bathed with or to sit in that are troubled with abundance of their Courses the same also drunk doth stay the troubled Stomack perplexed with casting or the Hickok and doth also comfort the heart as Avicen saith and as Serapio saith procureth deep sleep some have thought it available for the Dropsie if the Powder thereof be taken in drink for some time together The Oyl of Roses that hath fresh Mosse steeped therein for a time and after boyled and applyed to the Temples and forehead doth marvellously ease the Head-ach that commeth of a hot cause as also the distillations of hot Rheum or Humours to the Eyes or other parts The Ancients much used it in their Oyntments c. against weariness and to strengthen and comfort the Sinews My Lord Bacon saith that there is a sweet Mosse growing upon Apple-Trees which is of excellent use for Perfumers who if they knew it would greedily catch after it The Mosse that groweth upon dead Mens Skulls hath not only been in former times much accounted of because it is rare and hardly gotten but in our times much more set by to make the Unguentum Sympatheticum or Weapon-Salve which cureth wounds without locall application in the composition whereof this is put as a principal Ingredient but as Crollius hath it it should be taken from the Skulls of those which have perished by a violent death CHAP. XVI Of Maidenhair THough the Learned Herbarists make a distinction between Adiantum Ruta Muraria Trichomanes and Polytrichon Apuleii and therefore have treated of them in divers Chapters yet desiring to be as brief as conveniently I may and because they are all Capillary herbs and may be comprehended under the title of Maidenhair I shal make but one Chapter of them The Names Maidenhair is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Adiantum Polytrichum Callitrichum Cincinnalis Terrae Capillus and Supercilium Terrae of Apuleius Capillus Veneris Capillaris Crinita and of divers Coriandrum Putei The Italians keep the name of Capillus Veneris and â—o do the Shops In English Black Maidenhair and Venus hair and by some our Ladies hair Some think it to be called Adiantum because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is never wet but falsly for if it be dipped in Water it will be wet Others think that Rain which falls down in Drops upon the leaves of it slide off immediately leaving no sign of moisture But the most likely opinion is that it is so called because it loveth to grow on the sides of Wells above where the water never comes but where the water comes it never growes and in this sense it may be said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is called Callitrichon and Polytrichon of the effect it hath in dying hair and making it to grow thick Neither is it called Capillus Veneris for any other reason but because she is painted with curious hair Ruta Muraria was first so called by Matthiolus who afterwards took it to be Paronychia Dioscoridis Cordus calleth it Adiantum album Dodonaeus Ruta Muraria and Lobel and Lugdunsis Salvia vitae and many call it Adiantum album White Maidenhair Trichomanes is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod rarâ cute fluentem Capillum explet for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is rarus and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Capillus Gaza translated it Filicula and some have it Fidicula The Apothecaries beyond the sea did use
sweeter relish and a shorter crisp tast in eating The Place and Time Some of these sorts of Fennel grow in hot Countries as Italy Spain Candy c. and some of them are sowen in Gardens amongst us though the Climate altereth even the best and sweetest The common sort flowreth in June and July and the Seed is ripe in the end of August but the strange sorts do not perfect their Seed unless the year be kindly It is to be sowen in the end of February and that in sunny places and somewhat stony The Temperature There be different opinions concerning the temperature of this Plant. One saith it is hot and dry in the second degree but most affirm it to be hot in the third and dry only in the first Gerard saith that the Seed is hot and dry in the third Degree The Vertues The distilled water of Fennel dropped into the Eyes clense them from all enormities rising therein but the condensate Juyce dissolved or as some take it the natural Juyce or Gum that issueth out thereof of its own accord in hot Countries doth cleanse the Eyes from mists and films that hinder the Eye-sight Some for this purpose take the green stalks of Fennel and holding them to the fire in Autumne while they are green cause a certain Juyce or Liquor to drop from them which they apply to the Eyes as holding it to be more effectuall then either the condensate Juyce or naturall Gum. And some yet more neatly make a water to clear the Eye-sight in this manner They powder some white Sugar Candy very finely and put that Powder into the hollow green stalk of Fennel while it groweth a foot above the ground so that it be between two joynts which having remained therein two or three dayes and the hole covered and bound close over that no rain get in they open it at the lower joynt having first placed a good peece of soft wax made a little hollow gutter-wise under the hole which may serve to carry the liquor from falling down the stalk into a Vessel or thing set of purpose thereto to receive it Neither is it only good for the Eys but for many other uses It is used to lay upon Fish and other viscous meats to digest the crude Phlegmatick quality thereof and to boil it with them and the seed is oftentimes put in bread to break wind and to make a long breath It provoketh Urine and easeth the pains of the Stone and helps to break it and being boyled in Barley water and drunk it is good for Nurses to increase their milk and to make it the wholsomer for their Nurse-Children The leaves boyled in water but much more the seed stayeth the Hickock and taketh away that loathing which often happeneth to the stomacks of sick or feavourish persons and allayeth the heat thereof The seed boyled in Wine is good for them that are bitten by Serpents or have eaten poysonous â—â—erbs or Mushromes the Seed and the Root much more helpeth to open the obstructions of the Liver Spleen and Gall and thereby much conduceth to all the Diseases arising from them as the painful and windy swellings of the Spleen and yellow Jaundies as also the Gout and Cramp The seed is of good use in pectorall Medicines and those which help the shortness of the breath and wheesings by obstructions of the Lungs it helpeth also to bring down the Courses and to cleanse the parts after delivery The Roots are of most use in Physick Drinks and Broths that are taken to cleanse the blood to open the obstructions of the Liver to provoke Urine to amend the evill colour or complexion in the face after long sickness and to cause a good colour and a good habit throughout the whole body Fennell both Leaves and Seeds or roots are much used in drinks and broths for those that are grown fat to abate their unweldinesse and make them more gaunt and lank The sweet Fennel by reason of its sweetnesse is much weaker then the ordinary which is better for all the Physicall purposes aforesaid And therefore they do but deceive themselves and others that use the sweet Fennel Seed in compositions as thinking it better when as it is much weaker by want of the bitternesse which is most operative The Juyce killeth the worms in the ears if it be dropped therein The wild Fennel is stronger and hotter then the tame and therefore more powerfull against the stone but not so effectual to increase milk because of its dryness Let them that live in those Countryes where there be any Serpents or Snakes have a care they wash their Fennel before they use it because they delight much to be amongst it it is thought that they make use of it to preserve their Eyesight Fennel roots are one of the five opening roots the other four being Smallage Asparagus Parsly Kneeholly or Butchersbroom called in Latine Ruscus Bruscus CHAP. XVIII Of Vervain The Names IT is Called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hiera botané id est Herba sacra for so it was reputed amonst them as also amongst the Romans for with it they purged their houses and made clean the Table of Jupiter before the Sacricrificiall Banquets were set there on And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Peristereon because Pidgeons love to be about it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying a Pidgeon In Latine Verbena quasi Herbena or Herba bona Verbenaca Matricalis Columbaria Columbaris or Columbina Exupera Martialis Herculania and Ferraria and of others Vervena in English Vervain and in some Countries Holy herb Mercuries moist blood Juno's tears and in others Pidgeon-grasse because Pidgeons eat thereof as is supposed to clear their Eye sight For Epxlication of that place in Terence Ex ara verbenas hinc sume The later Herbarists and Writers do conceive that the Poet in that place speaking after his countrey Phrase for Menander hath Mirtles out of whom this was translated understandeth such herbs as lay there which were also called Sagmina and not Vervain only The Kindes 1. Common or upright Vervain 2. Bending or Female Vervain 3. Vervain of Peru. 4. Round headed creeping Vervain The Forme The Common Vervain that is familiar to our Country hath divers Leaves towards the bottom of middle fise deeply gashed at the bottom of them the other part being deeply dented about the edges and some only deeply dented and cut all alike something like unto an Oaken Leaf those that grow higher are lesser all of them being of a dark green Colour on the upper side and somewhat gray underneath the stalk is square and branched into divers parts rising to be about half a yard high with a Spike of Flowers on the top which are set on all sides thereof one above another and sometimes two or three together being small and gaping of a whitish colour and some Purple and blew intermixt after which come small round seed in small and somewhat long heads the Root is small
Rose 11. The double Cinamon Roâ—e 12. The â—g antine or sweet Bryer 13. The Bryer Roâ—e or Hep-Tree 14. The Burner Rose All which I shall as near as I can wrap up into one generall Description by which the whole Family may be distinguished The Forme The Rose hath long stalks of a wooddy substance set or armed for the most part with divers sharp prickles the branches whereof are likewise full of prickles whereon do commonly grow leaves consisting of five parts set upon a middle Rib by couples tâ—e odd one standing at the point of the same every one of them somewhat snipt about the edges â—omewhat rough and of an over-worn green colour from the bosom whereof shoot out pretty big foot-stalks whereon do grow very fair flowers some single some double â—ome white some red some damask some yellow c. for the most part of a very sweet smell having in the middle a few yellow threds or chives which being past there succeedeth a long fruit green at the first red when it is ripe and stuffed with a downy choaking matter wherein is contained Seed as hard as stones The Root is long tough and of a wooddy substance The Places and Time All these sorts of Roses or most of them and perhaps some besides are in the Physick Garden at Oxford and in several Gardens about London The double white Rose doth grow wiâ—d in many hedges of Lancashire in great abundance They flower one or other of them from the end of May till the end of August If the superfluous branches and tops be cut away at the end of their flowring they will sometimes if the Winter be calm flower again in October and after The Temperature Both the white and red Roses are cooling and drying yet the white is taken to exceed the red in both those properties but is â—eldom used inwardly in any Medicine The Red as Galen saith hath a watery substance in it and a warm joyned with two other qualities that is an astringent and a bitter The yellow Chives or threds in the middle as also the nails which when any Syrup or Conserve is to be made are to be cut away do binde more then the Rose it self and are more drying also Mesue sheweth that the Rose is cold in the first Degree and dry in the second compounded of divers parts or substances which yet may be separated namely a watery mean substance and an earthly drying an airy substance likewise sweet and aromatical and an hot also whereof cometh the bitterness the redness perfection and form The bitterness in the Roses when they are fresh especially the juyce purgeth Choler and watry humours but being dryed aâ—d that heat that caused the bitterness being consumed they have a stopping and astringent power Those also that are not full blown do both cool and bind more then those that are full blown and the white Roses more then the red The Vertues The Decoction of Red Roses made with Wine and used is very good for the Head-ach and pains in the Eyes Ears Throat and Gums the fundament also the lower Bowels and the Matrix being bathed or put unto 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 St. Anthonies fire and other Diseases of the stomack Being dryed and beaten to Powder and taken in steeled Wine or water it doth help to stay Womens Courses they serve also for the Eyes being mixed with such other Medicines that serve for that purpose and are sometimes put into those Compositions that are called Anthera The yellow Threds in the middest of the Red Roses especially being powdered and drunk in the distilled water of Quinces stayeth the abundance of Womens Courses and doth wonderfully stay and help Defluxions of Rheum upon the Gums and Teeth and preserveth them from corruption and fasteneth them being loose if they be washed and gargled therewith and some Vineger of Squills added thereunto The heads with Seed being used in Powder or in a Decoction stayeth the Lask and the spitting of blood Red Rose-water being cooling and cordial refreshing and quickning the weak and faint spirits is used either in meats or broths as also to wash the Temples to smell to at the Note or to smell the sweet vapour thereof out of a perfuming Pot or cast on a hot Fireshovel It is also of much good use against the redness and Inflammation of the Eyes to bath them therewith and the Temples of the Head against pain and ach for which purpose Vineger of Roses also is of very good use and to procure rest and sleep if some of it and Rose-water together be smelled unto or if a peece of Red-Rose Cake moistened therewith be cut fit for the Head and heated between a double folded Cloth with a little beaten Nutmeg and Poppy-Seed strewed on the side that must lie next to the Forehead and Temples and bound so thereto for all night The Syrup of Damask-Roses is both simple and compound and made with Agarick The simple solutive Syrup is a familiar safe gentle and easie Medicine purging Choler taken from one ounce to three or four The Syrup with Agarick is more strong and effectual for one ounce thereof will open the Body more then three of the other and worketh as much on Flegm as Choler The Compound Syrup with Hellebore is more forcible in working upon melancholick humours and available against the Itch Tetters c. and the French Disease Also Honey of Roses solutive is made of the same infusion that the Syrup is and worketh the same effect both in opening and purging but is oftner given to Phlegmatick then cholerick persons and is more used in Clysters then in Potions as the Syrup made with Sugar is The Conserve and preserved leaves of these Roses are also operative in gently opening the Belly The simple water of the Damask Roses is much used for fumes to sweeten things as also to put into Pyes and Broths c. as the dryed Leaves thereof to make sweet Powders and fill sweet Bags but are seldom used in Physick although they have some purging quality The wild Roses are few or none of them used in Physick yet are generally held to come near the nature of the manured Roses The fruit of the wild Bryar which are called Heps being throughly ripe and made into a Conserve with Sugar besides the pleasantness of the taste doth gently bind the belly and stay the defluxions from the head upon the stomach drying up the moysture thereof and helping digestion The Pulp of the Heps dryed into a hard consistence like to the juyce of Liquorice or so dryed that it may be made into Powder and taken in drink stayeth speedily whites in Women The Bryar-Ball is often used being made into Powder and drunk to break the stone to provoke Urine when it is stopped and to ease and help the Cholick CHAP. XX. Of
Stitch in their sides doth give them much ease the same applyed with Rose-water and Oyl of Roses to the Forehead and Temples doth ease the inveterate pains of the head If the fresh Leaves be boyled in Wine and old filthy Sores and Ulcers that are hard to be cured be washed therewith it wonderfully helpeth to cleanse and heal them and so it doth green wounds quickly sodering up the lips of them the same also is effectual to heal scaldings of water and burnings by fire and the exulcerations that happen thereby or upon the sharpness of salt flegme and hot humours in other parts of the body The Juyce of the Berries or Leaves snuffed up into the nose purgeth the head and brain of thin Rheum which maketh defluctions into the Eyes and Nose and cureth the Ulcers and stench therein The fresh leaves are commonly used to lay upon Issues in what place soever as Arms Legs c. to keep them open and to draw forth the humours which come thither but a little peece of the Root made round like a pease and put into the Orifice keepeth it running without Leaf or Plaster if you lay upon it half a sheet of issue-Paper eight times double The Wood made into a Cup and used by those that are troubled with the Spleen shall find ease and be much holpen thereof if they let their drink stand some small time therein before they drink it Cato saith if you suspect your Wine to have any water in it put some of it into a Cup made of Ivy wood and the Wine will soak through and the water remain such is the Antipathy that is betwixt them If any one hath got a surfet by drinking of Wine his speediest cure is to drink a draught of the same wine wherein an handfull of Ivy leaves being first bruised have been boyled There is a Gum gathered from Ivy in hot Countries which is exceeding sharp and hot burning and exulcerating the skin yet being dissolved in Vinegar it taketh away superfluous hair in any place and killeth Lice and Nits and easeth the pain of hollow teeth if it be put therein CHAP. XXVIII Of the Poplar Tree The Names BEcause Ivy is a plant that seldom groweth but where Trees grow I have placed a tree next it and that is the Poplar Tree their leaves being also somewhat alike to which the Ancient Greeks having two sorts gave them two distinct Names they called the white Poplar 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because of the whitenesse in Latine Populus alba and Farfarus according to that of Plautus in his Penulus Viscum Legioni dedi Fundasque eos prosternebam ut folia Farfari which the learned suppose to be the leaves of Poplar They called the Black Poplar 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Populus nigra the first or new sprung buds whereof the Apothecaries call Oculi Populi Popular Buds Others chuse rather to call it Gemma Populi some of the Grecians name it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To these is added a third called Populus tremula and by Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod nimirum ista planta instar 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stipite oblongo sit terete in acutum desinente because this Tree with its long and round body is somewhat like a Weavers Beam which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In English Aspe and Aspentree and may also be called Tremble after the French name because the leaves wag though there be no wind and therefore the Poets and others have feigned them to be the matter whereof Womens tongues were made which seldom cease wagging All that with glory conquered their enemies in fight were wont to wear a Garland of the branches of white Poplar from the Example of Hercules who having overcome Cerberus came crowned with the branches of it which he found by the River Acheron and from thence Homer in the fifth book of his Iliads calleth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Their Errour that Succinum yellow Amber was the Gum of the Black Poplar is sufficiently confuted by Matthiolus The Kindes Besides these three sorts above named I find two more 1. The smaller leafed white Poplar tree 2. The round leafed Indian Poplar tree I hold it best to describe the Black Popular because it is more usefull The Forme The black Poplar is a Tree very tall and straight with a grayish bark bearing broad and green leaves somewhat like to Ivy leaves not cut-in on the Edges but whole and dented ending in a point and not white underneath hanging by slender long footstalks which with the Air are almost continually shaken like as the Aspen Leaves are the Catkins hereof are great composed of many round green berries as it were set together on a long cluster wherein is much Downy matter contained which being ripe is blown away with the wind the eyes or clammy Buds hereof before they spread into leaves and not of the white as some have thought nor yet the Uvae or berries which each of them have under them are gathered about the beginning of Aprill to make the Vnguentum Populeon and are of a yellowish green colour and small but somewhat sweet and strong the wood is smooth tough and white and will quickly be cloven to make shingles pales or the like On this as also on the white Poplar Tree groweth a sweet kind of Musk which in former times was much used to be put into sweet Ointments and commended by Galen and others to be the best next unto that of the Cedar Tree The Place and Time The first kind of white Poplar groweth not very common in England yet in some place here and there it is found as in a low Meadow turning up a Lane at the further end of a Village called Black-wall and in Essex at a place called Ovenden and in some other places which are low and moist as in Meadows near unto Ditches standing warers and Rivers and in some moist woods where the other three sorts do also grow but the Indian Poplar groweth in most part of the Islands of America These trees bud forth in the end of March and the beginning of April but the Catkins appear sooner The Temperature The white Poplar hath a cleansing faculty saith Galen and a mixt tempeâ—rature consisting of a watery warm essence and also a thin earthly substance The Rosin or clammy Substance of the black Poplar buds is hot and dry and of thin parts and doth attenuate and mollifie the leaves have in a manner the like operation but weaker and not so effectuall VVhat temperature uhe Indian sort is of I have not found The Vertues I described the Black Poplar because that had most similitude with Ivy but it is the white Poplar whose form differeth not much from the other save that the leaves are almost like those of the Vine or rather Colts-foot which is appropriated to the Ears the juyce of whose leaves being extracted warmed and dropped into them easeth the pains
in them and healeth Ulcers there if there be any The young clammy buds or eyes before they break out into leaves bruised and a little Honey put to them is a good Medicine for a dull sight by Signature An ounce of the bark in Powder being drunk saith Dioscorides in wine 't is likely is a remedy for those that are troubled with the Sciatica or Srangury and Serenus is of the same Judgment The black Poplar is held by some to be more cooling then the white and therefore they have with much profit applyed the leaves bruised with Vinegar to places troubled with the Gout and so do the young leaves and buds made into an Ointment with May-butter the seed is held to be good against the falling sicknesse if it be drunk in Vinegar That water that droppeth from the hollow places of the black Poplars doth take away Warts Pushes Wheales and other the like breakings out in the body The young black Poplar Buds saith Matthiolus are used by women to beautifie their hair bruising them with fresh butter and straining them after they have been for some time kept in the Sun The Ointment called Populeon is singular good for any heat or inflammation in any part of the Body and to temper the heat of wounds It is used also to dry up the Miâ—k in Womens Breasts after their delivery and when they have weaned their Children The Aspen leaves are somewhat weaker then those of the black Poplar yet the quantity being augmented they are used for the same purposes CHAP. XXIX Of Nightshade The Names SOme of the Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but others and that more usually 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In Latine Solanum and Solatrum Uva Lupina and Uva Vulpâ—s Cuculus and Morella Pliny saith it was also called Strumam and Cucubalus but they are thought bastard names and not proper to this plant In English Nightshade Morrel Petty-Morrel and in some places Hounds berries There is a sort hereof which is called Dwale or deadly Nightshade by reason of its pernicious and excesse cold quality and is therefore not to be used but by a skilfull hand but the Common or Garden Nightshade is not dangerous being heretofore planted in Gardens as other herbs for food wherefore it was called Solanum hortense or Garden Nightshade but is now no where used but Physically and is cast out of Gardens The Kinds Dioscorides reckoneth up four sorts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hortense 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vesicarium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Somniferum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Manicum which are by a later Writer distinguished into ten kinds 1. Common Nightshade 2. Red berried common Nightshade 3. Sleepy Nightshade 4. The true sleepy Nightshade of the Ancient Writers 5. Sleepy Nightshade of another sort 6. Dwale or Deadly Nightshade 7. Hoary Indian Nightshade 8. Red Nightshade or Redweed of Virginia 9. The great Marvel of Peru. 10. The small Mervail of Peru which is a kind of Nightshade besides which there are divers other sorts that I may have occasion to mention elsewhere The Forme The Common Nightshade hath a somewhat upright round green hollow stalk and about a foot high bushing forth into many Branches whereon grow many dark green leaves somewhat broad and pointed at the ends soft and full of juyce larger then the leaves of Basil else somewhat like and a little unevenly dented about the edges at the tops of the stalks and branches come four or five or more white flowers made of five small pointed leaves a piece standing on a stalk together one by or above another with yellow pointells in the middle composed of four or five yellow threds set together which afterwards turn into so many pendulous green berries of the bigness of a small pease full of green Juyce and small whitish round flat seed lying within it the root is white and a little woody when it hath given flower and fruit with many small fibres at it the whole plant is of a waterish insipid taste but the Juyce within the Berries is somewhat viscous like unto a thin mucilage and is of a coolng and binding quality The Place and Time Common Night-shade groweth without planting under old walls and in rubbish by the common Paths and sides of Hedges and Fields and sometimes in Gardens out of which it is cast as a weed Dwale or deadly Night-shade groweth not only in the Woods of Germany but in divers places in our own Land as in the Castle-yard of Framingham in Suffolk in Cambridge-shire Essex c. The rest are strangers and not to be found unless it be in the better sort of Gardens as the Physick Garden at Oxon that at Westminster c. The first and the second die every year and rise of their own sowing the rest dye down to the ground in Winter and shoot afresh in the spring They do not spring out of the ground untill it be late in the year as not untill the latter end of April at the soonest They flowre in Summer even till the beginning of Autumne and then the fruit ripeneth The Temperature Galen saith in his Book of the faculties of simple Medicines that Garden Night-shade is used for those infirmities that have need of cooling and binding for these two qualities it hath in the second degree which thing also he affirmeth in his Book of the faculties of nourishments where he saith that there is no Pot-herb which we use to eat that hath so great astriction or binding as Night-shade hath and therefore Physicians do worthily use it and that seldom as a nourishment but alwayes as a Medicine Dwale is cold even in the fourth Degree The Signature and Vertues The Berries of Night-shade having some similitude with a Bladder are of excellent use to provoke Urine and to expel the stone especially the Seeds contained in them being drunk with White-wine It is commonly used to cool hot Inflammations either inwardly or outwardly being no way dangerous to any that shall use it as the rest of the Night-shades are if it be used moderately for the often taking thereof in too great a quantity procureth the Frenzy the remedy whereof is to take good store of warm honyed water The Juyce dropped into the Ears easeth the pains thereof that arise of heat or Inflammation The distilled water only of the whole Herb is fittest and safest to be taken inwardly The Juyce also clarified and mingled with Vineger is a good Gargarisme for the mouth and throat that is inflamed But outwardly the Juyce of the Herb or Berries with Oyl of Roses and a little Vineger and Cerusse laboured together in a leaden Mortar is very good to anoint all hot Inflammations in the Eys It doth also much good for the Shingles Ringworms and in all running fretting and corroding Ulcers and in moist Fistulaes if the juyce be made up with some Hens-Dung and applyed thereto A Pessary dipped in the Juyce and put up into the Matrix stayeth
were put into the upper whereat grow on each side a bush of small long Rush like hard leaves each part resembling an Horsetail at the tops of the stalks come forth small Catkins like unto those of Trees the root creepeth under ground having Joynts at sundry places The Places and Time Many of the foresaid sorts grow generally up and down this Land but some of them are not so frequent as others as the smallest and finest Leased Horsetail which groweth in the lower wet grounds in the woods about Highgate not â—ar from London Small party coloured Horsetail or Horsetail Coralline whose leaves being bitten seeme to be composed of Sand from their grating between the teeth groweth on a bog by Smochal a wood nigh Bathe The Stinking Horsetail was found by Mr. William Brown of Magdalen Colledge myself and others in a bog about half a mile from Stockers house in Stow Wood by Oxford by the Road that goeth to Islip You may guesse where the rest grow by their titles they do all spring up with their blackish heads in Aprill and put forth their blooming Catkins in July seeding for the most part in August and then perish down to the ground rising afresh in the Spring The Temperature Horsetail as Galen saith hath a binding faculty with some bitternesse and therefore it doth mightily dry and that without biting The Vertues I know nor where more properly to bestow this plant then in this place it being so effectual to stanch bleedings which most commonly burst forth at the Nose if the Juyce or Decoction thereof be drunk or the Juice Decoction oâ— distilled water applyed outwardly It stayeth also all sorts of Lasks and Fluxes in Man or Woman and pissing of blood it healeth also not only the inward Ulcers and Excoriations of the intralls bladder c. But all other sorts of soul moist and running Ulcers and soon sodereth together the tops of green wounds not suffering them to grow to maturation It cureth also Ruptures in Children quickly but in those that are elder more time is required according to the disposition of the party and the continuance The Decoction hereof in wine being drunk is said to provoke Urine to help the Strangury and the Stone and so doth the distilled water thereof drunk two or three times a day a small quantity at a time as also to ease the paines in the Entralls or Guts and to be effectual against a Cough that cometh by distillation of rheume from the head The Juyce or distilled Water being warmed and hot Inflamma ions Pustules or Red wheales and other such Eruptions in the skin being bathed therewith doth help them and doth no lesse ease the swellings heat and Inflammations of the Fundament and privie parts in Man or Woman and cureth Tetters and Ringworms The fume of it is good to cause children guts to go back into their Body when as through Flux or cold they hang forth and so it stoppeth the immoderate Terms of Women The young buds are dressed by some like Asparagus or being boyled are often bestrewed with flower and fryed to be eaten The smother rather then the Rough and the leafed then the bare is both more used and of better effect in physick CHAP. XXXV Of Shepheards purse The Names THis Plant hath not gotten any name in Greek that I can learn from any Author All Latine Writers that make mention of it call it Bursa or Pera Pastoris and Pastoria Bursa except Gesner who calleth it Thlaspi Fatuum and Castor Durantes Herba Cancri In English it is called Shepheards purse or Scrip from the likenesse the Seed hath with that kind of leatherne bag wherein Shepherds carry their Victualls into the field of some Shepherds pouch and poor mans Parmacety it being in some sort effectual for the same things that Parmacety is and in the North part of England Toywort Pickpurse and Caseweed and of some Clappedepouch The Kinds These were formerly but two sorts of Shepherds purse known but Bauhinus maketh paticular relation of two more which are the second and last so that there are four kinds in all 1. The greater common Shepherds purse 2. Great Shepherds purse with whole leaves 3. Small Shepherds purse 4. Hairy Mountain Shepherds purse The Forme The Common Shepherds purse hath divers small and long leaves somewhat deeply cut-in on both sides like Rocket of a pale green colour most commonly spread upon the Ground amongst which riseth up a small round stalk parted into sererall branches some of which are sometimes about two handfulls high have smaller and lesse divided leaves on them to the tops where grow many white flowers one above another after which follow flat whitish pouches or Seâ—d Vessels small at the bottoms broad at the heads and parted like the Thlasâ— aâ—â—ost in form of an heart in each side whereof lyeth a small brownish yellow sâ—â—d the root is small and white and perisheth after seed-time but ariseth of the scattered seed the same or the next year The Places and Time The greater and lesser sorts that have cut leaves are frequent in every place with us in England but the other two whose leaves are whole do not grow wild here yet in Germany Mompelier and Italy they do as Bauhinus and Thalius affirm They flower and seed all Summer long yea so quick some of them are that they flower and seed twice in every year The Temperature Shepherds purse is cold and dry and very much binding after the Opinion of Ruellius Matthiolus and Dodonaeus but Label and Pena finding a little heat upon the sharp taste of the flowers and seeds do judge it not to be cold at all but drying and astringent The Vertues This Plant also being a stopper of blood doth in a manner require this place because the nose is the Organ through which the blood doth commonly make its way and sometimes continueth so long that unless it be timely prevented it endangereth the life For remedying of which distemper it may be used by holding the hands full of it or by binding it about the neck by using it in meats or by applying it with Vineger and water to the secret parts The decoâ—â—ion thereof drunk stoppeth the Lask the Bloody Flux spitting blood pissing blood the Flowers and all other issues of blood most excellently well howsoever it be taken but especially with red Wine or Plantain water Some do hold that the green Herb bruised and bound to the wrests of the hands and soles of the feet will help the yellow Jaundice the Herb bruised and laid Pultis-wise upon Inflammations St. Anthonies fire or the like represseth them The juyce dropped into mattering or running eares helpeth them it closeth the lips of green wounds and is of great effect being made into a Salve for wounds in the Head The juyce thereof being drunk helpeth the straitness of the breath and the Strangury it stoppeth Rheum and provoketh Urine It is very prevalent against venomous bitings if it
be drunk with Wine and it preventeth the fits of Agues if it be taken one home before the fit It cureth creeping and running sores Fistulaes spitting of blood and matter the holy fire swellings and hardness Shingles heat of the stomach new wounds hot Imposthumes and rheumatick sores and all other kind of Fluxes CHAP. XXXVI Of Willow The Names AFter so many Herbs it will not be amiss to bring in a Tree which though in form hath little yet in vertue hath some affinity The Willow is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod cito in altum excrescat and Salix a Saliendo in Latine because it groweth with that speed that it seemeâ—h to leap There is a greater sort which is called in English Sallow VVithy and VVillow and there is a lesser sort called Osier small VVithy and Twig Withy Petrus Crescentius calleth it Vincus a vinciendo because it is necessary to bind Faggots or any other Commodities that stand in need thereof The Kindes Many are the sorts of this Plant which Authours reckon up whereof I shall set down only those which I conceive to grow in our own Country and they are 1. The ordinary great white Willow-Tree 2. The ordinary black Willow 3. The Rose Willow 4. The hard black Willow 5. The black Withy 6. The round leafed Sallow 7. The longer leafed Sallow 8. The lesser broad Willow 9. The silver leafed Sallow 10. The upright low broad Willow 11. Creeping broad leafed Willow 12. The least red or stone Willow 13. The least Willow without fruit 14. The Osier 15. The straight dwarf Willow with narrow Leaves 16. Creeping low Willow with narrow Leaves 17. The black low Willow 18. Willow Bay I shall describe only the first that by it you may guesse at the rest The Forme The ordinary white Willow groweth quickly to be a great and tall Tree if it be not lopped as it is usuall in most places with a smooth white bark on the body and bigger branches the younger sprigs being somewhat green with the whitenesse the Leaves are long and narrow pale green on the upper side and of a shining silver white colour underneath without any dent on the edges the Flowers come out before the Leaves appeare and are small long and round yellow mossie heads smelling sweet for the most part divers standing one above another upon a long stalk which in time turn to down that is blown away by the winde and the Seed with it if it hath any The wood is soft and white and with the branches hereof are made stakes for hedges or to uphold Vines c. The Places and Time Most of these Willows are common and to be sound in low grounds near Water Courses and ditches the Rose Willow in sundry places of Essex and Cambridgeshire others on Hamsteed-Heath Rumney Marsh and the like The Osier is alwayes in the low grounds that are often overflowen where it will only thrive The Blossoms come forth before any Leaves appear and are in their most flourishing estate usually before Easter divers gathering them to deck up their houses on Palm Sunday and therefore the said Flowers are called Palme The Temperature The Leaves Flowers Seed and Bark of Willows are cold and dry in the second degree and astringent The Vertues and Signature The Leaves and Bark of Willow but especially the Catkins are used with good successe to stanch bleeding of wounds and at the mouth or nose and spitting of blood as also all other fluxes of blood in man or woman and likewise to stay casting and the desire thereunto if the decoction of them in Wine be drunk It helpeth also to stay thin hot and sharp salt distillations from the head upon the Lungs causing a Consumption The Leaves bruised with some Pepper and drunk in Wine do much help the Wind-Cholick The Leaves only bruised and boyled in Wine and drunk do much stay the heat of lust and wholly exstinguish it both in man and woman if it be much used the Catkins also are of the like effect The water that is gathered from the Willow whilest it flowreth the Bark being slit and a Vessel apt to receive it being fitted to it is very good for rednesse and dim eye-sight and Films that begin to grow over them and stay the Rheums that fall into them to provoke Urine being stopped if it be drunk and to clear the face and skin of any spots or discolourings if washed therewith The Flowers saith Galen have a stronger effect to dry up any Flux or humour being a Medicine without any sharpnesse and the Bark much more as all Barks do but if the Bark be burnt and used it doth yet dry more forcibly and being mixed with Vinegar it taketh away Warts and Corns and other the like callous flesh that groweth on the hands or feet or other parts The decoctions of the Leaves and Bark in Wine is good to bath the Sinews as also the places pained with the Gout and to cleanse the Head or other parts of scurf The Juyce of the Leaves and green Bark mingled with some Rose-water and heated in the Rhind of a Pomegranet is singular good to help deafness to be dropped into the Ears The Seed of the black Willow mixed with Litharge of Silver in equall quantity made into an Ointment and used on any place where the hair groweth that you would take away after it hath been bathed well before or else in the bain or Stove doth cause it to fall away This Plant is not propagated by Seed but any stick thereof though almost withered being fixed in the Earth groweth which Signature doth truly declare that a Bath made of the decoction of the Leaves and Bark of Willow restoreth again withered and dead Members to their former strength if they be nourished with the fomentation thereof CHAP. XXXVII Of Bistort The Names BY what Name the Grecians called this Plant is not known but amongst the Latines it hath divers It is called Bistorta quod radice in se serpentis modo contorta convoluta constet by Fragus Leonicerous and others and Colâ—brina of the similitude the Root hath with a Serpent rouling it self up together Parkinson saith that Fuschius calleth it Serpentaria quod venenosorum serpentium ictibus succurrit which though it happily performeth yet Fuschius giveth it no such Etymology as I can finde but very much blameth those Herbatists and Apothecaries which call it so Serpentaria being an Herb much differing from this both in form and vertue which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines Dracunculus and Serpentaria which we in English call Dragons but Bistort is not called Dragons but Snakeweed The Kindes All the Bistorts that I can find are not above six 1. Common Bistort or Snakeweed 2. Bistort with more crooked Roots 3. Great Mountain Bistort 4. Small Bistort of our own Country 5. Small Bistort of the Alps. 6. Variable leafed small Bistort The Forme Common Bistort
it easeth the pains of the Ears and taketh away the roughnesse of the tongue being rubbed thereupon and if it be laid to the forehead or Temples it easeth the pains of the head and the water wherein good store of it hath been boyled is good to wash the heads of young Children against all manner of breakingins out them whether sores or scabs and healeth the Chaps of the Fundament Two or three branches thereof taken with the Juyce of Pomgranats stayeth the Hiccough Vomiting and allayeth Choler it dissolveth Impostumes being laid to with Barly Meal It is good to represse the milk in Womens breasts and for such as have swollen â—â—agging or great breasts Simeon Sethâ— saith it helpeth a cold Liver strengthneth the Belly and Stomach causeth digestion is good against the gnawings of the Heart provoketh Appetite taketh away Obstructions of the Liver and stirreth up bodily Lust but thereof too much must not be taken because it maketh the blood thin and wheyish and turneth it into Choler and therefore Cholerick persons must abstain from it It is a safe medicine for the biting of a mad Dog being bruised with salt and laid thereon The powder of it being taken after meat helpeth digestion and those that are Splenetick taken in wine it helpeth women in their sore Travel in Child-bearing It is good also against the Gravel and Stone in the Kidnies and the Stangury It suffereth not milk to curdle in the Stomach if the leaves hereof be sâ—eeped or boyled in it before you drink it and some say that it will never be drawn to Curds though you put Rennet thereunto The distilled water of mints is available for all the purposes aforesaid yet more weakly But if a Spirit thereof be rightly and Chimically drawn it is much more powerful then the herb it self The Vertues of wild mint are especially to dissolve wind in the Stomach to help the Cholick and those that are short winded and are an especial remedy for those that have Venereous dreams and pollutions in the night being outwardly applyed to the Testicles or Cods The Juyce dropped in the Ears easeth the paines of them and destroyeth the Worms that breed in them they are good against the venemous bitings of Serpents and help the Kings Evill or kernels in the Throat if the Juyce be laid on warm The decoction or distilled water helpeth a stinking breath proceeding from the corruption and snuffed up into the Nose purgeth the head CHAP. XLVI Of Purslane The Names THis Herb is called by Dioscorides in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Andrachne and by Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Adrachne and so each of them call the Arbutus or Strawberry-Tree which some call Portulaca Arbor in Latine as also they call this Herb Portulaca Herba In English Purslane and Porcellain Sea-Purslane is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Portulaca marina The Kindes There be not many sorts of Purslane in all and therefore I will put them together 1. Garden Purslane 2. Wild Purslane 3. Camerarius his Purslane 4. Candy Purslane 5. Sea-Purslane The Form The Garden Purslane hath round thick somewhat red stalks full of juyce smooth glittering and parted into severall branches trailing upon the ground the Leaves be almost an inch long if it grow in ranck ground something broad thick fat glib and somewhat green whiter on the neather side the Flowers are little of a faint yellow colour and grow out at the bottom of the Leaves After them springeth up a little Husk of a green colour of the bigness almost of half a Barley-Corn in which is small black Seed the Root hath many strings The Places and Time The first is sowen in Gardens and delighteth to grow in a fruitful and fat soâ—l not dry The second groweth about Ramsey Meere in the foot-paths by the Rape-Mills The third was found about Lipswick by Camerarius who as he himself affirmeth was the first that made it known The other should come out of Candy by its Title Sea-Purslane groweth in the Salt Marshes near the Sea-side as you passe over the Kings Ferry into the Isle of Sheepey going to Sherland-House and in the Isle of Thanet as you go from Margate to Sandwich and in many other places along the Coast Garden-Purslane may be sowen in March or April it flourisheth and is green in June and afterwards till it be towards Michaelmas Sea-Purslane is a little shrub which beareth out the Winter with the losse of a few Leaves and Flowers in July The Temperature Purslane is cold and that in the third degree and moyst in the second but VVild Purslane is not so moyst Sea-Purslane is as Galen saith of unlike parts but the greater part thereof is hot in a mean with a moysture unconcocted and somewhat windy The Vertues and Signature Raw Purslane is much used in Sallets with Oil Salt and Vinegar it cooleth an hot stomach and provoketh appetite It cooleth the mouth also and taketh away the pain of the Teeth and asswageth the swellings of the Gums and fasteneth the teeth in them and is good for teeth that are set on edge with eating of sharp things It is likewise good to cool any heat in the Liver blood or Reins and in hot Agues there is nothing better It stayeth hot and cholerick Fluxes of the Belly Womens Courses and Gonorrhea or running of the Reins of which it hath the Signature the distillations from the head and pains therein proceeding of heat want of sleep or the Phrensie The seed is more effectual then the Herb and is of singular good use to cool the heat and sharpness of the Urine and the outragious lust of the body venereous Dreams and the like insomuch that the over-frequent use thereof extinguisheth the heat and vertue of natural procreation The Seed bruised and boyled in Wine and given to Children expelleth the Worms The juyce of the Herb is held as effectual to all the purposes aforesaid as also to stay vomitings and taken with some Sugar or Honey helpeth an old and dry Cough shortness of breath and the Ptisick and stayeth immoderate thirst It is also singular good in the Inflammations and Ulcers of the secret parts in Man or Woman as also of the Bowels and Hemorrhoides when they are ulcerous or excotiations in them The Herb bruised and applyed to the forehead and Temples allayeth excessive heat therein hindering rest and sleep and aâ—plyed to the Eyes taketh away the redness and inflammation in them and thosâ— other parts where Pushes Wheals Pimples St. Anthonies fire and the like bâ—eâ—k forth especially if a little Vinegar be put to it And being laid to the neck with as much of Galls and Linseea together taketh away the pains therein and the Crick in the Neck The juyce is used with Oyl of Roses for the said Causes or for blastings by lightening and burnings by Gunpowder or for Womens sore Breasts and to allay the heat in all other sores or hurts Applyed
to be taken for the preservation especially of the wild They must be set in a Tub or large pot filled with rich Earth so that they may be housed in the Winter They flower in May and their fruit is ripe about the end of August in the countries aforesaid but with us they hardly flower The Temperature All Pomgranates do contain in them a thin and small nourishment yet they are helping to the stomach and those that are sweet please best but that they somewhat heat it The sowre ones and so likewise the grains or seeds of each are astringent and cool evidently The Signature and Vertues The grains or seeds of the Pomgranate are in Signatures said to hold a neer resemblance with the Teeth and therfore a Decoction made of them is very powerful in fastning the teeth and strengthning the Teeth if the same be washed therewith The Kernels of the sowre Pomgranate dryed in the Sun helpeth all manner of fluxes both of the Belly and Matrix and drunk with raw water they help the spitting of blood and so do the flowers and rinds thereof the Juyce and kernels are good in hot griefs and burning feavers to quench thirst and heat of the stomach and so is the syrup of the Juyce of it The rind sodden in Wine and drunk killeth Worms and the powder of the rind or flowers drunk or taken fasting is good for a cold and stoppeth the Rheum the Juyce of the kernels mixed with honey and sodden is good for painful sores of the Yard Mouth and Fundament and for the loosenesse of the skin about the nails and for swellings and knots in any part of the body for ach of the Ears and griefs of the Nostrills especially the kernels of the sowre Pomgranates which is the best to cure the heart burning and swooning that is caused by Choler the inflammations of the Liver and to procure appetite and to stay the immoderate longings of Women with Child The powder of the Flowers is good against burstings if it be used in plaisters and applyed especially if some Gauls be put thereto The rind or pill being used in a Gargarisme or Lotion for the Throat bringeth down the hot swellings of the Almonds in the Throat The foresaid blossoms and shels are good to put into restraining powders for the stanching of blood in wounds and to make the best sort of Ink if they be put instead or amongst Gaules CHAP. LIII Of the Mastick Tree The Names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the name whereby this Tree is called in Greek quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fissilis because it is â—o easiy to cleave either for making Toothpickers for which it is most proper or for other uses and the berries are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as some Copies have it The Name by which all Latine Authours call it is Lentiscus perhaps a foliorum Lentore from the clamminesse of the leaves and the Gum Resina Lentiscina and Mastiche and Mastix by some but by the Arabians Gluten Romanum There is a Tree like unto Mastick growing in Peru which the Indians call Molle The Kindes I read but of three sorts of the Mastick Tree mentioned by any Authour 1. The Mastick Tree 2. the Indian Mastick tree 3. The Indians Molle The Forme The Mastick Tree groweth commonly like a shrub without any great body rising up with many Springs and shoots like the Hasel and oftentimes it is of the height and bignesse of a mean tree the body and branches are covered with a bark of a yellowish red colour being plyable and hard to be broken there stand upon one rib for the most part eight leaves set upon a middle rib much like to the leaves of Liquorice but harder of a deep green colour with a reddish circle about the edges and some reddish veins on the underside also smelling sweet and abiding green alwaies the flowers grow in clusters at the joynts with the Leaves being small and of a purplish green colour and after in their places come small blackish berries of the bigness of Pepper Corns with a hard black shell under the outer skin and a white kernell within it beareth besides these berries cetrain horns containing a clear liquor within them which after a while putrifies and turns into small flyes that fly away It giveth also a clear white Gum in small drops when the stocks are wounded in several places which is gathered with great care and attendance which as I said is called Mastick The Places and Time The first groweth as well in the Provence of France as in divers places of Italy and in many places of Graecia and in Candy also and some other places but no where so plentifull as in the Isle of Chio now called Sio from whence cometh the best Gum which is clear splendent white and brittle other places yielding not so much nor so good that of Candy being of a yellowish colour and bitter taste The inhabitants of Chios tend pruine and manure it with as great pains and care as others do their Vines which goeth beyond them in the profit of the Gum and send it into all parts of the World The second and third kind grow in Peru and the Westindies They flowre in April and the berries ripen in September and the Mastick is gathered about the time that Grapes be The Temperature The Leaves Bark and Gum of the Mastick-tree are hot and dry almost in the third Degree and somewhat astringent The Vertues Mastick is one of the best things I know for the Tooth-ach and may easily be gotten at the Apothecaries Shops being infused or steeped in Rose-water it is good to wash the mouth withall to fasten loose Teeth and to strengthen the Gums or Mastick heated in Wine and the Gums Mouth and Teeth washed therewith cleanseth the corruption thereof and fastneth the loosenesse both of Gums and Teeth The same spread on Velvet or Plush and laid unto the Temples stoppeth the Rheum from falling down and so easeth the Tooth-ach The Teeth likewise being rubbed with the Powder thereof are whitened thereby First hold the Root of Pellitory of Spain in the mouth as near as may be to the place where a hollow Tooth is to draw out the Rheum and then fill it with Mastick and it will cease the greatest aking that is Being held in the mouth and chewed upon it doth dry and comfort the brain by drawing down flegme from it and stayeth the falling down of the humours and also causeth a sweet breath It is used in Oyntments and Plaisters to cleanse and heal Ulcers and Sores to stay the fretting Fluxes of humours to them and to dry them up and to fill up the hollownesse it strengthneth and bindeth all the parts whereunto it is applyed and comforteth the aking joynts and sinews wonderfully it is used also in Plaisters and Oyntments to strengthen and comfort the stomach to mollifie the hardness of tumours and to mitigate
Jacobus à Manlijs Herba Pinnula in shops it is called Jusquiamus and Hyoscyamus in English Henbane because the Seeds are hurtful to Hens The Kindes The Sorts of Henbane are four 1 Common Henbane 2. White Henbane 3. Henbane of Candy 4. Henbane of Egypt .. The Forme Common Henbane hath very large thick soft woolly leaves lying upon the Ground much cut in or torn on the edges of a dark or evill grayish colour among which rise up divers thick and soft stalks about half a yard or two foot high spred into divers smaller branches with some lesser leaves on them and many hollow flowers scarce appearing above the Husks and usually torn on the one side ending in five round points growing one above another of a deadish yellow colour somewhat paler towards the Edges with many purplish veins therein and of a dark yellowish purple in the bottom of the flower with a small pointell of the same Colour in the middle each of them standing in a hard close husk which after the flower is past groweth like the a husk of Asarae Bacca and somewhat sharp at the top points wherein is contained much small seed very like Poppy seed but of a duskie grayish colour The root is great white and thick branching forth divers waies under ground so like a Parsnip Root but that it is not so white that it hath deceived divers The whole plant more then the root hath an heavy ill soporiferous smel somewhat oftensive The Places and Time The first is commonly growing by the way sides hedges and wall sides where Hogs frequent for out of theirs and such like Ordure it doth grow The second groweth by the Sea sides in Narbone in France near where the River Rhodanus runneth into the Sea The third groweth in Candy and in Spain also from whence the seed being sent groweth in our Gardens and so doth the last though their naturall place be both in Egypt and Syria They do all flower in July yet the strange kinds some what later and from their seed growing ripe and suffered to shed it springeth up again every year but the two last do scarce perfect their seed with Us. The Temperature White Henbane is cold in the third degree and the others in the fourth procuring drowsinesse and senselesseness of spirit by its stupifying and benumming quality The Signature and Vertues The Husk wherein the seed of Henbane is contained is in figure like to a Jaw Tooth and therefore the Oyl of it or the Juyce by it self or the Decoction of the root with Arsmart in vinegar being gargled warm in the mouth is very effectuall in easing the pains of the Teeth The leaves of Henbane do cool all hot Inflammations in the Eyes or any other part of the body and are to asswage all manner of Swellings of the Cods or Womens Breasts or elsewhere if they be boyled in Wine and applyed either themselvs or the Fomentation warm it also asswageth the pain of the Gout Sciatica and all other pains in the Joynts which arise from an hot cause And applyed with vinegar to the forehead and Temples helpeth the Headach and want of sleep in hot Feavers The Oyl of the Seed is helpful for the Deafnesse Noise and Worms in the Ears being dropped therein and the Juyce of the Herb or Root doth the same The Decoction of the Herb or Seed or both killeth Lice in Man and Beast the sume of the dryed Herb Stalks and Seed burned quickly healeth Swellings Chilblains or Kibes in the hands or feet by holding them in the smoak thereof being burnt which will also make Hens to fall down from their roosting place as though they were dead The white only is fit to be taken inwardly which is most available to many good purposes if it be wisely and conveniently applyed but the other sort are accounted dangerous and therefore not to be used inwardly unlesse in case of necessity when the white cannot be had But if at any time any one should wittingly or unwittingly take Henbane and be distempered thereby the Remedy is to drink Goats Milk Honyed Water or Pine kernels with sweet Wine or in the absence of these Fennel Seed Nettle Seed the Seed of Cresses Mustard or Radish as also Onyons or Garlick taken in Wine do all help to free them from danger and restore them to their right temper again Though the plant used as aforesaid be effectual for the Toothach yet I cannot commend the way of receiving the fume of the Seed into the mouth by holding it over a Chafingdish of Coales it being but a meer Cheat besides it may produce dangerous effects intoxicating the head and troubling the sight The root being eaten causeth great drought stoppage of Urine and many other Symptomes as you gather from the story Mr. Parkinson relates concerning a friend of his who eat the roots of Henbane instead of Parsneps to whose book I refer you CHAP. LIX Of Wild Tansey The Names BY what Name the ancient Botanists did call this Plant is altogether unknown but the later call it Argentina à foliorum argenteo splendore from the bright silver colour of the Leaves or rather as Gerard saith of the silver drops that are to be seen in the distilled water thereof when it is put into a Glasse which you shall easily see rouling and tumbling up and down in the bottom It is likewise called Potentilla ab eximiis viribus quibus pollet from its powerful operations of divers Agrimonia silvestris there being some likenesse between it and Agrimony Anserina because Geese love to feed upon it And Tanacetum sylvestre it differing little from the Garden Tansie but in colour In English it is called Wild Tansie and Silverweed whereof there is but one kind The Forme VVild Tansie creepeth upon the ground taking root at the joynts every where round about the place where it groweth that it will quickly take up a great compasse shooting forth sundry winged Leaves made of many set on both sides of a middle Rib some smaller being set amongst the greater somewhat like to Agrimony or Medesweet and likewise unto the ordinary Tansie of the Garden for it partaketh in form with them all and dented about the edges but of a fair green colour on the upper side and of a silver shining white colour underneath it beareth no stalk but the Flowers every one by it self stand upon a small short footstalk rising from the joynts with the Leaves which consist of five other small yellow round joynted Leaves very like unto those of Cinquefoile or five-leaved grasse the prime Root shooteth downwards like a Cinquefoile The Places and Time This Herb groweth most commonly in moyst places near the High-way-sides and sometimes in other places also so that it will be wanting to none that will use it And here I think good to observe that many other Plants also as Mugwort Vervein Mercury Knotgrasse Hounds-Tongue Pellitory of the wall c. which are most useful
are most common Nature or rather the God of Nature having placed those things we most need even before our Eyes It flowreth in June and July The Temperature VVild Tansie especially the Root of it is dry almost in the third Degree hahaving in it very little heat apparent and withall a binding faculty And therefore Fuschius saith that some Writers have been much mistaken in affirming it to be moyst for no other Reason but because it grows in moyst places For then Water-Cresses which are dry in the third Degree must be moyst also which no one dares be so impudent as to affirm And certainly had they but considered its astringency which is a certain token of drynesse they could not have concluded otherwise For Galen in his fourth Book of the faculties of simple Medicines saith that astringents have in them some earthly quality and are consequently drying The Vertues and Signature Wild Tansie boyled in Vinegar with Honey and Allum and gargled in the mouth easeth the Tooth-ach fasteneth loose Teeth helpeth the Gums that are sore and setleth the Palat of the mouth in its place when it is fallen down It cleanseth and healeth the Ulcers in the mouth or secret parts and is very good for inward wounds and to close the lips of green wounds as also to heal old moyst corrupt running Sores in the Leggs or elsewhere Being boyled in Wine and drunk it stoppeth the Lask the Bloody Flux and all other Fluxes of blood either in Man or Woman which some say it will also do if the green Herb be worn in the shooes so it be next the skin and it is true enough that it will stop the Terms if worn so and it may be the Whites also which the Powder of the dryed Herb will assuredly do if it be taken in some of the distilled water but more especially if a little Corall and Ivory in Powder be put to it Moreover it stayeth spitting or vomiting of blood and is much commended to help Children that are bursten and have a Rupture being boyled in water and Salt Being boyled in Wine and drunk it easeth the griping pains of the Bowels and is good for the Sciatica and Joynt-Aches Being bruised and applyed to the Soles of the Feet and the Hand-wrists it wonderfully cooleth the hot fits of the Agues be they never so violent The distilled water dropped into the Eys or Cloaths wet therein and applyed taketh away the heat and Inflammations in them by Signature the Flower of it representing the Apple of the Eye The said water cleanseth the skin of all discolourings therein as Morphew Sun-burning c. as also Pimples Freckles and the like but the Leaves steeped in White-wine or Butter-milk is far better but the best way of all is to steep it in strong White-wine-Vineger the face being often bathed or washed therewith CHAP. LX. Of Flea-wort The Names I shall conclude this Subject concerning the mouth and the parts thereof with Fleawort which is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Pulicaria and Herba Pulicaria in Shops Psyllium in English Flea-wort All which Names were given to it for the same Reason 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek and Pulex in Latine signifying a Flea yet not because it driveth away Fleas if it be brought green into an House but because the Seed is like unto Fleas that were it not in respect of motion you could hardly distinguish them by sight It is of some called Fleabane but improperly there being another Pulicaria called Conyza which driveth away Fleas The Kindes The Ancients knew but one sort of Flea-wort but later times have discovered foure 1. The ordinary Flea-wort 2. The greater ever-green Flea-wort 3. Indian Flea-wort with dented Leaves 4. Small Flea-wort The Forme The ordinary Flea-wort riseth 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 hairy At the tops of every branch stand divers small short scaly or chaffy heads out of which come forth small whitish yellow threds like to those of the Plantane Herbs which are the bloomings or Flowers The Seed inclosed in those Heads is small and shining while it is fresh very like unto Fleas both for colour and bignesse but turning black when it groweth old The Root is not long but white hard and wooddy perishing every year and rising again of its own Seed for divers years if it be â—uffered to shed The whole Plant is somewhat whitish and hairy smelling somewhat like Rozin The Places and Time The first groweth in the Fields and untilled places of Spain and Italy but with Us no where but in Gardens The second groweth in the Fields that are near the Sea The third is thought to come out of the Indies The last is naturally of Egypt or Arabia All these Flea-worts flowre in July or thereabouts with Us but in their natural places all the Summer long yet the last is the latest with Us. The Temperature Galen and Serapio do record that the Seed of Flea-wort which is chiefly used in Medicine is cold in the second Degree and temperate in moysture and drynesse The Vertues The Muscilage or infusion of the Seeds of Flea-wort being made with Rose-water or Barley-water and taken with Syrup of Violets Syrup of Roses or Sugar purgeth Cholet and thick flegme and is useful in hot burning Feavers in great thirst and helps to lenifie the drynesse of the mouth and throat it helpeth also the hoarsnesse of the Voyce and Diseases of the Breast and Lungs caused by heat as the Plurisie and such like It helpeth all Inflammations of the Head and all hot pains of the Joynts The Muscilage of the Seed made into an Electâ—ary with Marmalade of Quinces with Popyy-Seed and Sugar Pellets or Sugar Candy and so taken doth temper rhe heat and roughnesse of the Throat and Tongue and stayeth hot Fluxions or Rheums flowing down 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 torrifyed or dryed and taken with Plantane water stayeth the Flux of the Belly and helpeth the corrosions or gripings thereof 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 Scammony or the like The Seeds being kept on the Tongue easeth the Cough and helpeth the drynesse thereof proceeding from heat It doth so wonderfully cool saith Fernelius that being cast into hot boyling water it presently cooleth it The Seeds bruised or the Herb and mixed with the juyce of Housleek or Night-shade easeth the hot Gout and hot Apostumes being thereunto applyed mingled with Oyl of Roses and Vineger it cureth hot Swellings in the Joynts and Apostumes behinde the Eate with Vineger or Oyl of Violets it helpeth the pain of the head if it be applyed to the
English Winter-green The Kinds Though formerly but one now six sorts are known 1. Ordinary Winter Green 2. The least Winter Green 3. Slender Winter Green 4. The Winter Green of Europ with Chickweed Flowers 5. Winter Green of America with Chickweed flowers 6. Shrubby Winter Green The Forme The first sort groweth sending forth seven or eight or nine Leaves from a small brownish creeping root every one standing on a long Footstalk and being almost as broad as long round pointed of a sad green colour hard in handling and like unto the Leaf of the Peartree but others compare them to be like unto the small leaves of Beets from whence ariseth a slender weak stalk yet standing upright bearing at the top many small white flowers smelling as sweet as those of Lilly Convally laid open like a star consisting of five round pointed leaves with many yellowish threds standing in the middle about a green head and a long stile with them which in time groweth to be the Seed-Vessel which when it is ripe is formed five square with a small point at it wherein is contained as small seed as the dust it self The Places and Time The Sort I have now described groweth in Lansdale and Craven in the North part of England especially in a Close called Crag Close and also in a Bog by Rosecre in the Kings County The second groweth at the foot of the high hills in Austria and Stiria as Clusius saith The third in Germany as also near Savoy The fourth groweth on the Woods of Germany in divers places as also in the Beechwood in Scotland as is recorded by Bauhinus and on the Mountains in in Wales likewise The fifth groweth in Brasil towards the West Indies The last groweth in most of the Provinces of Hungary Germany and Bohemia they do all flower except the American Sorts about June and July but the other more late with Us. The Temperature Winter green is cold in the second degree and dry in the third and exceeding astringent and glutinous withall The Vertues Grollius in his Book of Signatures puts down Pyrola to be a principall Herb for the Throat and therefore saith he we use it in Gargarisms but how to make out the Signature is beyond my poor skill It is a singular Remedy for green Wounds to consolidate their lips speedily together either the green Leaves bruised and applyed of themselves or the juyce of them or a Salve made of the green Herbs stamped or the juyce boyled with Hogs-lard or with Sallet-Oyl and Wax and some Turpentine added unto it which is so soveraign a Salve for all manner of wounds and Sores that the Germans use it exceeding much and extoll it beyond all other Salves made of a simple Herb They likewise use it for inward wounds or hurts being boyled either by it self or with other Wound-Herbs as Comfry Burnet Mos-eare c. wherewith they use to heal whomsoever is wounded either in the Body or Bowels or any other part by giving them to drink of such a decoction The Herb boyled in Wine or water and thereof given to drink to them that have any inward Ulcers in the Kidneys or neck of the Bladder doth wonderfully help them It stayeth also all Fluxes whether of blood or of humours as the Lask Bloody Fluxes or Womens too abundant Courses as also the bleeding of wounds and both taketh away Inflammation rising upon the pains of the heart and hindereth any to arise being presently applyed after the hurt received It is no lesse helpful for foul Ulcers hard to be cured as also for Cancers and Fistulaes The distilled water of the Herb doth effectually perform the same things and some keep the dryed Herb to use in Decoctions or made into powder to drink as often as they shall have occasion CHAP. LXIV Of Horse-Tongue or Double-Tongue The Names THe Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hippoglossum either because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is a word oftentimes prefixed before great Plants as Hipposelinum Hippolapathum Hippomarathrum c. or because it somewhat resembles an Horses Tongue but others think it should be more truly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hypoglossum because of the small Leaves like small Tongues growing upon the greater The Latines keep the name and call it Hippoglossum or Hypoglossum and some to expresse it more fully Bislingua two Tongues or double Tongue some Lingua Pagana and of Apuleius Victoriola It is also called Bonifacia by Angularia and Uvularia by Bruâ—felsius Leonicerus Tabermontanus and others This is not Laurus Alexandrina as some have supposed The Kindes Besides the ordinary sort Fabius Columna maketh mention of another with larger Tongues upon the Leaves which as he saith is much more rare to find The Forme Horse-Tongue shooteth forth divers hard stalks with Leaves on them which are somewhat broad yet pointed at the end somewhat hard with Ribs running through them upon which from the middle Rib groweth a smaller Leaf or Tongue about the middle of the Leaf on the upper side which maketh it to differ from all other Plants that grow upon the ground Under the smaller Leaf at the bottom where it joyneth to the greater commeth forth one small whitish green Flower and sometimes two standing upon short foot-stalks where afterward stand the Berries which when they are ripe are very red very like unto the Berries of the Yew-Tree wherein is a white hard Seed the Root consisteth of many long hard whitish strings growing from a head The Places and Time It groweth upon Hills and in Woods in divers places both of Italy and Germany but is only cherished in Gardens with Us particularly in the Physick Garden in Oxford It flowreth in Iune and the Berries are ripe at the end of September in the naturall places as in the warmer Countries but it seldom commeth to perfection in our Land The Temperature Horse-Tongue is evidently hot in the second Degree and dry in the first The Signature and Vertues The little Leaf like a Tongue growing upon the greater is no light Argument that this Plant is effectuall for Sores in the Mouth and Throat and to settle the Palate of the Mouth in its place that is subject to fall down by reason of too much moysture which may likewise be signified thereby It is likewise of singular good use in old and filthy Ulcers in any part of the Body to dry up the moysture and to bring them on more speedily to be healed either the Powder of the Leaves or Roots to be used alone or with other things put into them or the decoction to wash them or inject into them It is held to be most powerful also of any Herb that is to help the suffocations and other Diseases of the Muther to take the Powder of the dryed Leaves or Roots in Wine Broth or other drink for it will speedily give ease Three or four drams of the said Powder taken in sweet Wine procureth a speedy delivery and
Archangel The Forme The white Archangel which is most pertiment for the present occasion hath divers square stalks about a foot high not standing straight upright but leaning downwards towards the ground by reason of the great weight of its ponderous Leaves as some conceive though I do not which are in shape like those of the stinging Nettles nicked about the edges yet not stinging at all but soft and as it were downy At the joynts with the Leaves stand large and open-gaping white Flowers in husks round about the stalks fashioned like to little gaping Hoods or Helmets in which there is many times a sweet honyish moysture as may be perceived if you suck them as many times you shall see Children and Bees do in the Husks after the Flowers are fallen stand small roundish black Seeds The Root is white with many Fibres thereat not growing downwards but lying under the upper crust of the Earth spreading and increasing like unto Couch-grasse which abideth many years still increasing The Places and Time The first sorts are found under Hedges old Walls common wayes among rubbish in the Borders of Fields in arable and in Gardens that are ill husbanded except the Spanish kind which groweth not but in Gardens here in England as in the Physick Garden at Oxon c. The fifth groweth in Germany as Thalius saith and in Italy as Matthiolus and Columna say very plentifully Those with white spots and lines are rare to meet with The seaventh groweth in some places of England yet not very commonly as in Bagley-Wood by Oxford and under an hedge on the further side of a Meadow by St. Albans near the Causey that leadeth from thencâ—â— to Mr. Cottons House on the left hand a little before you come to the turning of the way up to Windridge where I shewed to my worthâ— Friends Dr. Arris a Doctor of Physick and Mr. Dichfield School-master of St. Albans the last groweth in Candy as Pona saith and in Naples as Columna saith They flowre from the beginning of the Spring all the Summer long The Temperature Archangel is hot and dry in the first Degree or thereabouts It is of thin and subtle parts and therefore it dryeth consumeth and discusseth as the bitterness of the tast doth clearly demonstrate The Vertues and Signature Archangel bruised and with some Salt and Vinegar or with Hogs-Laâ—â—â—ayd upon any hard tumour or swelling and that in the Neck or Throat which is called the Kings Evill doth help to dissolve or discusse them in like manner applyed to the Gout Sciatica or other Joynt-aches or of the Sinews doth very much allay the pains and give ease It is also effectuall in all Inflammations as a repercussive and to heal all green wounds by drying and closing up the lips of them and for old Ulcers also to stay their malignity of fretting and corâ—oding or spredding thereby causing them to heal the more speedily It draweth forth splinters or other such like things gotten into the flesh It is used also for the obstructions and hardnesse of the Spleen both inwardly by drinking the Decoction of the Herb in Wine and afterwards applying the Herb hot or the Decoction to the Region of the Spleen as a Cataplasme or somentation with Sponges The Flowers of the white Archangel are preserved or conserved daily to be used or the distilled water of them stayeth the Whites and those of the Red stayeth the Reds in Women by Signature and is thought good to make the heart merry to drive away melancholy and to quicken the spirits and is commended also against Quartan Agues Likewise it stancheth bleeding at the Nose if the Herb be stamped and applyed to the nape of the Neck and if it be so applyed to the loosnesse and clefts of the skin about the Roots of the Nails of the Fingers it immediately cureth them by Signature as Crollius affirmeth Pliny highly commendeth it for many other things as for bruises and burnings but the Archangel with yellow Flowers is most commended for old filthy and corrupt sores or corrupt Ulcers yea although they grow to be Fistulous or hollow and to dissolve tumours CHAP. LXVII Of Foxglove The Names SOme call it in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and make it to be a kind of Mullein but certainly it is not neither was it known to any of the ancient Greek oâ— Latine Writers Fuschius makes as if he were the first that called it Digitalis being induced thereunto by the hollow form of the Flowers which are like Finger-stalls Casalpinus calleth it Virga Regia major flore purpureo Alcima also and Damasonium Tragus calleth it Campanula sylvestris flore purpureo flore luteo Columna taketh it to be the Ephemerum Dioscoridis and Dâ—lechampius upon Pliny taketh it to be Viola Calathiana Plinii So different is the Opinion of Authours concerning this Plant. It hath no other name in English that I know but Foxgloves unlesse some call it Foxfinger The Kinds The Sorts of Foxgloves are eight in all 1. Common Purple Foxglove 2. Dun coloured Foxgloves 3. Blush coloured Foxgloves 4. Orenge Tawny Foxgloves 5. The greater white Foxgloves 6. The lesser white Foxgloves 7. The greater yellow Foxglove 8. The small pale yellow Foxglove The Forme The common Foxglove hath many long and broad Leaves lying upon the ground dented about the edges a little soft or woolly and of a kind of hoary green colour among which rise up sundry stalks sometimes and but one very often bearing such Leaves thereon from the bottom to the middle from whence to the top it is stored with large and long hollow reddish Purple Flowers a little more long and eminent at the lower edge with some white spots within them one above another with small green Leaves at every one but all of them turning their heads one way and hanging downwards having some threds also in the middle from whence rise round heads pointed sharp at the ends wherein small brown Seed lyeth the Roots are many small husky Fibres and some greater strings among them the Flower hath no scent but the Leaves have a bitter hot tast The Places and Time Two of these Sorts namely the Purple and the Greater white grow naturally in England in such grounds for the most part as are sandy and dry as well on the higher as lower places under hedge sides in divers Counties The red groweth between Stoken-Church and Little Wickham and likewise about St. Albans The white groweth by VVulwich and also in Landesdale Craven and in a Field called Cragclose in the North of England by Colchester in Essex and by Exeter in the West The rest are strangers in England unlesse it be in the Gardens of them that delight in such pretty Ornaments They seldom flowre before July and their Seed is ripe in August The Temperature The Foxgloves in that they are bitter are hot and dry with a certain kind of cleansing quality joyned to them The Vertues The use of this Plant if not
Ounces of the water may be given morning and evening for a week together if need be The Decoction thereof used for a Bath or Fume to sit over brings down the Flowers and after-Birth It cureth the bitings of mad Dogs or the bitings of any other venomous Creature being bruised with Rue and applyed it taketh away the Morphew Tetters and cures scabbed Heads in Children Dandraffe and Scurf tempered with Honey and the parts anointed therewith The ashes of Garlick being strowed in Ulcers healeth them The smell of Garlick driveth away venomous Creatures and applyed with Figs and Cummin it cures the bitings of the Mouse called a Shrew A Clove of Garlick put into an hollow Tooth that aketh easeth the pain thereof or stamp it with Saffron or Pepper and hold it between the Teeth being bruised and applyed to the Throat it helpeth the Quinsey and swelling thereof The juyce mixed with Saffron and Goose-grease cures the noyse of the Ears being put therein Garlick burned and the ashes mingled with Honey and layd to black and blew marks after bruises taketh them away and helpeth wild-fire and Scabs being bruised and applyed They usually cure the Pip in Poultry with Garlick and being given to Cocks it maketh them to overcome in fighting Notwithstanding all these Vertues raw Garlick eaten too liberally maketh the Eyes dim offendeth and hurteth the stomack causeth thirst hurteth the Kidneys heateth and burneth the blood yieldeth no nourishment to the body and is hurtful to young men and to such as are hot and cholerick and in hot seasons It hurteth Women with Child and such as give suck The juyce of Garlick if it be taken in any great quantity is ranck poyson yet the flesh and all being eaten together moderately is good for such as are cold and moyst and abound with flegmatick grosse and tough humours for old persons and in cold seasons The best way of preparing it for food is to boyl it throughly and to eat it with Oyl Vinegar or such like CHAP. LXXIII Of Liquorice The Names THe Greeks called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Dulcis Radix the Apothecaries Liqueritia Both the Greek and Latine names are derived from the sweetnesse of the Root without dispute Theophrastus in his ninth Book of his History of Plants calleth it Radix Scythica because it groweth very plentifully in Scythia about the Lake Maeotis There be that call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it driveth away thirst if it be held in the mouth There is also a wild sort hereof called Glanx Leguminosa sive Glycyrhiza silvestris Liquorice vetch The Kindes To this kind four sorts may be referred 1. Common Liquorice 2. Dioscorides his Liquorice 3. The most common Liquorice Vetch 4. Another Liquorice Vetch The Forme Common Liquorice riseth up with divers wooddy stalks whereon are set at severall distances many narrow long green Leaves set together on both sides of the stalk and an old one at the end very well resembling a young Ash-Tree sprung up from the Seed This by many years continuance in a place without removing and not else will bring forth Flowers many standing together Spike-Fashion one above another upon the stalks of the forme of Pease Blossoms but of a very pale blew Colour which turn into long somewhat flat and smooth Cods wherein is contained small round hard seed the root runneth down a great way into the ground with divers other smaller roots and Fibres growing with them and shoot out succours from the main roots all about whereby it is much increased of a brownish colour on the outside and yellow within The Places and Time The first sort of liquorice groweth wild in many places of Germany and chiefly about Noremberg but it is not comparable to that which is planted with Us in Gardens here in England being the best in the world even by the confession of those who so much extol out-landish plants of which there is great profit to be made as diligent Gardners can tell you yet now it beginning to become common is not half so profitable as formerly many more places being stored therewith The second in France Spain Italy and in some few gardens here in Enland but flowreth late with Us and seedeth as late if at all The third groweth in many places of this Land as about Cambridge in Claringdon Park by Salisbury and in Butlers close at Adderbury Towns end as you go to Banbury The last groweth only in Germany that I can heareof They flower in July and the Seed is ripe in September The Temperature Liquorice is temperate in heat and moisture and therefore familiar to the Temperature of Mans body as also in that it is sweet and hath a little astriction joyned to it notwithstanding the bark thereof is somewhat bitter and hot but this must be scraped away when it is used the fresh root when it is full of Juyce doth moisten more then dry The Vertues The Root of Liquorice is good against the rough harshnesse of the Throat and Breast it openeth the Pipes of the Lungs when they be stuffed or stopped and ripeneth the Cough and bringeth forth Phlegm The Rob or juyce of Liquorice made according to Aâ—t and hardned into a Lump which is called Succus Liqueritiae serveth well for the purposes aforesaid being holden under the tongue and there suffered to melt and is profitable also against the heat of the Mouth and Stomach and quencheth thirst and is good for green wounds being laid thereupon Moreover with the Juyce of Liquorice Ginger and other Spices with some Wheaten flower Gingerbread is made which is also very good against a Cough and all infirmities of the Breast and Lungs The same is drunk with the Wine of Raisins against the distempers of the Liver and Chest Scabs or Sores of Bladder and diseases of the Kidneys Liquorice boyled in fair water with some Maidenâ—air and Figs maketh a good drink for those that have a dry Cough to digest Phlegme and to expectorate it or hoarsness Wheesing Shortnesse of Breath and for all griefs of the Breast and Lungs Ptisick or Consumptions caused by the distillation of Salt humours on them it is good also in all pains of the Reins the Strangury and heat of the Urine The Scythians are said by chewing this in their mouths to keep themselves from thirst in their long Journeys through the deserts for ten or twelve daies and stayeth hunger also Liquorice boyled in water with a little Cinnamon added to it serveth instead of drink in many places especially if it be set to work with Barm as Beer is and then tunned up and will grow clear strong and heady in time as Beer will do The fine powder of Liquorice blown through a quill into the Eyes that have a Pin and Web as they call it or Rheumatick distillations into them doth cleanse them and help them The Juyce of Liquorice dissolved in Rose Water with some Gum Tragacanth is a fine Lohoch or
Blood caused by bruises or falls and helps the bloody Flux An oyntment made of the Juyce of Hogs grease is as excellent a Remedy for the biting of a mad Dog or any venemous Creature as any is A Syrup made of the leaves or green fruit is excellent good for Coughs Hoarseness or shortnesse of Breath and all diseases of the Breast and Lungs Some say that the Fig Tree as well as the Bay tree is never hurt by Lightning as also that a Bull if he be never so mad being tyed to a Fig tree will become tame and gentle and that it prospereth the better if Rue be set neer unto it The blew Fig is no doubt of the same operation with the white to all purposes but the fruit commeth most to maturity with us and is eaten as a pretty Junket with Salt and Pepper for unlesse they be so eaten or some Wine drunk after them to digest them they passe not quickly out of the Stomach but putrifie therein and do sometimes put the party eating them in danger of a Feaver Dry Figs also immoderately eaten do engender Crude and windy humours in the Body and soon corrupt in the Stomach whereby they cause Itch Scab and breed Lice also They hurt such as have the Cholick and windy diseases and that have hot Livers and Cholerick Stomachs they are best for old Phlegmatick persons and in cold and moist seasons They are commonly eaten with Almonds and so they cleanse the Breast and Lungs the better by a special Vertue they have Two or three Figs slit and laid all night in Aqua Vitae are very good for those that are pursy and short winded if taken in the morning CHAP. LXXV Of Hyssop The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which as some think takes its name quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pro 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quia super vultus affunditur because the face being washed with the Decoction or distilled water thereof is made fairer it being of a very abstersive quality And therefore David Prayes God to purge him with Hyssop and in Schola Salerni it is commended for the same purposes in these words Vultibus eximium fertur praestare colorem It is called in Latine Hyssopus and of Us Hyssop The Kinds I find fifteen sorts of Hyssop set down by Parkinson 1. Ordinary Garden Hyssop 2. White Hyssop 3. Golden or yellow Hyssop 4. Russet Hyssop 5. Double Hyssop 6. Broad leafed Hyssop 7. Jagged or dented Hyssop 8. Musked Hyssop 9. Red flowered Hyssop 10. Dwarf Spanish Hyssop 11. Tufted Hyssop 12. Curled Hyssop 13. Mountain wild Hyssop 14. Narrow leafed Hyssop 15. Round Leafed Hyssop The Forme The Common Garden Hyssop is a plant that riseth sometimes to be about a foot high with many woody branches but render at the tops whereof are set at certain distances sundry small long and narrow green Leaves at the tops of the stalks stand blewish purple gaping flowers in spiked heads one row above another after which follow the seed which is small and blackish the root is somewhat wooddy with many threddy strings The whole plant is of a strong sweet sent and is fit to be strewed in windows and such places The Places and Time Our common Hyssop groweth naturally upon the hills of Romania about Verona and neer unto mount Baldus The Dwarfe kind in Spain and the mountain wild kind on the hills in many places of Germany and as Matthiolus saith on the hill Salvatia in the Country of Goritia the rest are nursed up in the gardens of those that are Lovers of curious Simples They do all flower in June and July and their seed is ripe in the beginning or middle of August The Temperature Hyssop is hot and dry in the third degree and therefore must needs be of thin parts It cutteth and breaketh tough Phlegme it ratifieth or maketh thin that which is thick and gross it openeth that which is stopped and cleanseth that which is corrupt The Vertues A Decoction made of Rue and Honey being drunk doth help those that are troubled with Coughs shortnesse of Breath Wheesings and rheumatick Distillations upon the Lungs taken also with Oxymel or water and Hony it purgeth gross humours by the stool and with Honey killeth Worms in the Belly It amendeth the native colour of the Body spoiled by the yellow Jaundise helpeth the Dropsie and the Spleen if it be taken with Figs and Nitre It is good in the Falling Sickness provokes Urine expels Wind and brings down Womens Courses and easeth sharp fits of Agues The Distilled water is good for the same diseases especially those that proceed from a cold if the quantity of a quarter of a pint be warmed and drunk with Sugar at night when one goes to bed but the Decoction as also the Syrup is more effectuall It taketh away black and blew spots and marks that came by stroaks bruises or falls being boyled and the places bathed therewith It is an excellent medicine for the Quinsie to wash and gargle the Throat being boyled with Figs it helpeth the Tooth-ach being boyled in Vinegar and the mouth gargled therewith the hot Vapours of the Decoction taken by a Funnel in at the Ears easeth the Inflammations of them and as Mesue saith the singing noise of them also Being bruised and Salt Honey and Cummin-Seed put to it it helpeth those that are stung by Serpents The green Herb bruised and a little Sugar put to it doth quickly heal any green Wound or Cut in the Hand or else-where The Oyl thereof killeth Lice and taketh away the itching of the Head if it be anointed therewith It helpeth those that have the Falling Sicknesse which way soever it be applyed It helpeth to expectorate tough flegme and is effectuall in all cold griefs or Diseases of the Chest and Lungs being taken either in a Syrup or licking Medicine There is also a Wine made of Hyssop named Hyssop-Wine which is good for the purposes aforesaid and there may be Hyssop-Ale made after the manner of Sage-Ale by adding an Ounce or two of good Liquorice CHAP. LXXVI Of Ragwort The Names IT hath no Greek name being an Herb but of later knowledge for if it had been formerly known we should find it mentioned by some ancient Greek or Latine Authour or other which we cannot do unlesse you would as some do refer it to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Erigerum of Dâ—oscorides which the Latines caâ— Senecio and therefore Lobel calleth it Jacobaea Senecio Tragus Matthiolus and others call it Flos Sti Jacobi and Herba Sti Jacobi Dodonaeus and the latest Writers Jacobaea for what cause I know not unlesse it be because it flourishrisheth about St. Iames-tide Some have taken the Sea kind to be Arthemisia Marina or a species of it because the diviâ—â—on of the Leaves is somewhat like the Arthemisia vulgaris Others call it Cineraria Argentea from the whitenesse of the Leaves which shew like silver or as
of the Head They are used to stay and bind the spermaticall Flux in Men or Women for which purpose either the Powder taken in a reare Egg or mixed with other things for the purpose or steeped in red Wine and kept in an 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 Reins in Men and the whites in Women They are good in hot burning Diseases as in Feavers Inflammations of the Liver and such like The Indians saith Gerard do use the decoction made in water against hot burning Agues and the overflowing of the Courses Erisipelas the Gout and all Inflammations for which it is very effectuall especially if it be mixed with the juyce of Night-shade Housleek or Purslane They are put in Collises Jellies Sauces Pies c. both because they are good to strengthen and revive the Spirits and also for the pleasing red colour which they give to them They are used outwardly in Catarrhes and Rheums pains of the Head against Vomiting and in Epithems and fomentations against the intemperate heat of the Liver They being applyed with Rose-water to the Temples give ease to the Head-ach and keep back the flowings of humours into the Eyes CHAP. LXXXXI Of Annise The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quia est sine aequali there being no Plant equall to it in goodnesse for increasing Milk and breaking wind and in Latine Anicum generally by all Authours and almost by all Nations according to their Dialect only the Spaniards call it Matahalna and Yerva dulce The Forme Anise is a small low Herb seldom above half an yard high having the lower Leaves broader then those above few upon the stalks seldom divided but dented on the fore-part of a whitish green colour and of a good sweet tast and smell the stalk is round and not spread into branches saving at the top where the white umbels of Flowers do stand which afterwards give small round whitish Seed very sweet yea more then any umbelliferous Seed and pleasant tast and smell yet somewhat quick withall The Root is small and perisheth every year The Places and Timeâ— Though Annise were formerly sown only in the East Countries as Syria c. as being more natural to those hot Climats yet it is found out by later experience that it will grow and prosper here in our English Gardens also the time of sowing is taught in that excellent Book called the Garden of Eden as followeth Sow English Anniseeds when the Moon is at the full in Febr. or any time between the full and the change if frosts will not suffer you to take the full Moon to hatch them into the ground with a rake stricken thick upon them then strew new Horse dung thinly upon the ground to defend the seeds from the Frost These will ripen about Bartholomewtide Then respecting the Moon as before sow again in May and these seeds will be ripe sooner then those that were sown in February These seeds will also come up well being self sown only break up the ground about them when they begin to ripen The time of its flowring doth continue four or five months so that at one time a man may find both the flower tender and the seed neer to its full growth as in Fennel and the like That ground which you would sow in February breake up about Michaelmasse let it lie and crumble all the Winter then when you mean to sowe stir it up again that it may be mellow for the mellower the better A black rich mellow ground iâ— best and they like well in a rich dunged ground as hath been proved The Temperature Galen hath erred very much in relating the Temperature of Annise-Seed saying that it is hot and dry in the third Degree and burning withall by reason of the sharpnesse and bitternesse when as it is well known it hath no such acrimony the sweetnesse so tempering the sharpnesse that it doth not exceed the second degree in heat and the first in drynesse But the Chymicall Oyl drawn from the Seed exceedeth much those degrees the spirits being contracted must needes be more fierce The Vertues Another indisposition of the Paps is want of milk in those that are Nurses which may be remedyed if the Leaves or Seeds of Annise or for defect thereof of Fennel as hath been said before in the handling of Fennel upon another occasion being boyled in Barley water and drunk neither doth it only increase milk but make it more wholsom for their Children to take To eat the Seeds comfited or Anniseed Comfits worketh the same effect and is very good for â—eeming Women and those which are with Child They help those that are short-winded or have a Consumption to take the decoction with Figs Liquorice c. They help to expectorate flegme in those that have a Cough or straitnesse in the Breast and are very conducible to the stomack and being boyled in Wine and taken it helpeth the stoppings of the Liver and the Dropsie that commeth thereby The same stayeth the Hickop and helpeth digesâ—ion It stirreth up bodily lust and boyled in Wine it is good against all poyson and biting of all venomous Beasts It avails in Children that have the Falling Sicknesse being taken and is very effectuall to help a stinking breath and to break wind in any part of the body be it in the Head Stomach Spleen Bowels or Mother and to provoke Urine and sleep to them that want it The Chymicall Oyl taken in broth or wine three or foâ—r drops at a time doth help the giddinesse of the Head the straitnesse and pains in the Breast and Stomach and the crudities and belchings therein the much desire to cast and the rising of the Mother as also all other griefs and pains inwardly that rise of Cold or Wind. The Quintessence of it gives ease to those that are frantick and distempered in their Brains and for such as are troubled with the Falling Sicknesse or have the Cramp or Convulsion A decoction of Annise Seed is also excellent in the Cholick If Annise either green or dry be beaten and layd to their eyes that have any hurtful thing fallen into them it will soon draw it forth and likewise take away the venome of any hurt by the biting of venomous Creatures and healeth them quickly The Herb or Seed boyled in Oyl of Roses and dropped warm into the Ears easeth the pains and noyse in them the Seeds bruised and mixed with Stâ—rax and the fumes thereof taken being cast on quick Coals will soon ease the continuall Head-ach The Italians say that he that holdeth a Plant of Annise in his hand shall not be troubled with the Falling Sicknesse but although this may seem too easie to help so grievous a Disease yet the quinteâ—ence as is said before is most effectuall which is made after this manner Infuse the Seed
may not want moisture for if either of these be wanting they thrive not but both of them concurring they will flourish in June and July and the fruit will be ripe in the end of August but they are gathered to eat before the rinds grow to be wooddy The Temperature All these sorts of Gourds however different in form yet are of one quality that is cold and moist in the second degree The Vertues If either the juyce of the leaves or young branches of any of those Gourds or the distilled water of them be applyed in cloaths and spunges wet therein to Womens breasts pained with the abundance of milk it easeth them by cooling and restraining the hot quality and quantity thereof Wine that is kept in a fresh Gourd all night before it hath been cleansed from the loose inward pulpe and seed and drunk in the morning will cause the body to be soluble They are conveniently given to hot and cholerick bodies to cool the heat and inflammation of the Liver and stomach but the distilled water of them before they are through ripe drunk with Sugar doth wonderfully help to asswage thirst and the hot fits of Agues For want of a Still to make the water you may take this course Cut off the upper head of the Gourd and having cleansed it from the seed put it into an Oven with a batch of bread in the middle thereof there will be gathered a fine clear water which being poured out may be kept to use as need requireth The leaves and young branches are also conueniently applyed to all hot Humours Imposthumes and Inflammations and to asswage the pains of the head the rednesse and heat in the eyes the pains in the ears and the paines of the Gout if either the juyce of them or the water be applyed in cloaths wet therein The said water or Juyce being drunk or applyed outwardly to the privy Members of Man or Woman restraineth the immoderate Lust of the Body The Ashes of burnt Gourds are used of many to cleanse and heal old ulcers and sores as well in the Genitories as other patts of the body and to help scaldings or burnings by fire or water they are accounted as good for macilent lean and weak bodies to feed on as they are hurtful to such as have the wind cholick to whom they are not to be given at any hand The feeds of Gourds are one of the four greater sorts of cold seeds used very much in Physick and are very available in Decoctions Juleps Emulsions or Almond milk to cool the heat of the Liver the Reins or back and urine and to give much ease to them that are troubled with the Stone or Gravel in the Kidneys and the ulcers or sores of the inward parts and bladder The whole Gourds are eaten in hot countries with much delight kept and preserved with great care art and pains to be spent almost all the year after and have there a far more sweet and pleasant rellish then in these colder Climates where being more waterish they are more insipid they are eaten boyled or stewed but much better being fryed whereby they give the better nourishment to the body for by their moisture being boyled or stewed they are the more Lubrick or slippery and make the body more soluble as they do being pickled up as oftentimes they are beyond the Seas yet with Us the fruit is seldom eaten any of these waies by reason of its very waterish tast unlesse it be that of the Simnel Gourd which being of a firmer Substance if it be well dressed is an acceptable meat and is no lesse effectual in medicine The Indian sorts are somewhat more waterish others more solid and accordingly are more or lesse fit for meat or medicine Citruls or Turkey Millions are of the same Temperature as the Gourd and the seeds are used as Gourds Millions and Cucumbers to cool the heat of the fits of Agues c. CHAP. C. Of Basil The Names SOme will have the Greek name of this plant to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quia citò crescit from the speedy springing of the seed which is usually within three or four daies if it be an hot and dry time for much rain turneth it into a gelly as may be seen if observed as they say Others will have it derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth to smel or give a savour and to be writ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ozymum of the sweet smell thereof It is written by most Latine Authours Ocimum not Ocymum which some will have to be that kind of grain called Fagopyrum or Fragopyrum in English Buckwheat others be a medly kind or corn pulse sowen together It is called by later Greek Writers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Basilicum because the smell thereof being so excellent is fit for a Kings house It is called in English Basil Garden Basil the great Basil Royal the lesser Basil Gentle and Bush Basil and of some Basilicum Gariophyllatum Clove Basil The Kindes There are nine sorts of Basil 1. The greater Garden Basil 2. The middle Garden Basil 3. The lesser garden Basil 4. The greatest Citron Basil 5. The great Clove Basil 6. Anniseed Basil 7. Indian Basil 8. Curled Basil 9. Smal dented Basil The Forme The greater ordinary Basil riseth up usually but with one upright stalk diversly branching forth on all sides whereon are set two Leaves at every Joynt which are somewhat broad and round yet a little pointed of a pale green colour but fresh a little snipt about the edges and of a strong heady scent somewhat like a Pomcitron as many have compared it and therefore call it Citratum the flowers are small and white standing at the tops of the branches with two small leaves at the joynt in some places green in others brown after which cometh the black seed the root perisheth at the first approach of Winter Weather and is to be new sowen every year by them that desire it The Places and Time These plants grow only in Gardens with Us as also in Italy other places where they are cherished the natural being not known only the Indian and curled Basil are said to come first from the West Indies into Spain and from thence into other places Most of them do flower in the heat of Summer and some of them afterwards The Temperature Basil as Galen saith is hot in the second Degree but it hath a superfluous moisture adjoyned with it so that he guesseth it not so fit to be taken inwardly but outwardly applyed he saith it is good to digest or distribute and to concoct The Vertues Notwithstanding the superfluous moisture of Basil the same Galen saith also that it being corrected with oyl and Vinegar it was eaten by many in his time and thus it may be eaten by Women to dry up their milk or if upon tryal they find any inconveniency of taking it this way it may be applyed to the
The Crown Imperiall 11. The double Crown Imperiall The Forme The white Lilly hath long smooth and full bodies Leaves of a grassie or light green colour The stalks are two Cubits high and sometimes more set or garnished with the like Leaves but growing smaller and smaller towards the top and upon them do grow fair white Flowers strong of smell narrow towards the foot of the stalk whereon they do grow wide or open in the mouth like a Beâ—l In the middle part of them do grow small tender Poyntels tipped with a dusty yellow colour ribbed or chamfered on the back side consisting or six small leaves which are thick and fat The Root is a bulb made of Scaly Cloves full of rough and clammy juyce wherewith the whole Plant doth greatly abound The Places and Time The first groweth in many Gardens in England The second at Constantinople and the parts adjacent from whence it was translated into our Engâ—ish Gardens where all the rest that follow are planted also the red Liâ—â—ies being brought thither out of the plowed Fields of Italy and Langue-dock in the Moâ—ntains and Vallies of Hetruria and those places adjacent where they grow wiâ—d The Mountain Lillies as Dioscorides writeth do grow wild in Laodicâ—a and Antioch a City of Syria and hath likewise been found upon the Mountains in Italy and such hot Countries as do border upon Morea or Greece many dayes journies beyond Constantinople whereabouts the red Lilly of Constantinople also groweth The Persian Lilly groweth naturally in Persia and those places adjacent whereof it took its name as the former did from Constantinople whence the Crowns Imperiall have been also brought They all flowre in May and June except the Crown Imperiall which flowreth in April and sometimes in March when as the weather is warm and pleasant The Temperature The white Lilly Leaves and Flowers are hot and moyst and partly of a subtle substance the Root is dry in the first degree and hot in the second The Flowre of the red Lilly as Galen saith is of a mixt temperature partly of a thin and partly of an earthly Essence The Root and Leaves do dry and cleanse and moderately digest or wast and consume away All Authours are silent concerning the temperature of the rest The Signature and Vertues The Snowy whitenesse of the white Lilly being altogether of the same colour with Milk as some sign that this Plant is to be appropriated to the Paps especially if we regard their Originall which though it be altogether fabulous yet certainly hath some mystery to this purpose included therein For if a Womans Breast be so grievously swollen that there is no other way but to break it the Roots of the white Lilly boyled in Milk with Leaven till they be tender and applyed hot morning and evening will do it effectually after which an handful of Parsley stamped with a peece of fat Bacon and the yolk of an Egg and applyed will heal it Besides if the Paps which are afflicted with curdâ—ed Milk in them be annointed with the Oyl of Lillies it dissolveth it but there must be a care that it touch not the Nipple The Root roasted and well mixed with the Oyl of Roses doth soften the hardness of the Matrix and provoketh the Courses in Women being layd thereupon The same stamped with Honey gleweth together Sinews that be cut in sunder consumeth and scoureth away the Ulcers of the Head called Achores and likewise all scursinesse of the Head and face and is good to be laid to all dislocations or places out of Joynt The same stamped with Vinegar the Leaves of Henbaâ—e or the Meal of Barley cureth the tumors and Apostumes of the privy Members it bringeth the hair again upon places that have been burned or scalded if it be mingled with Oyl or Grease and the place anointed therewith The same roasted in Embers and stamped with Leaven of Rye-bread and Hogs-grease breaketh pestilentiall Botches and ripeneth Apostumes in the Flanks coming of Venery and such like the same mixed with Oyl of Roses cureth Wild-fire and burnings and closeth wounds and Ulcers and is good also to be laid upon the bitings of Serpents The same boyled in Vinegar and applyed cureth Coâ—ns The Roots boyled in honyed water and drunk driveth forth by the Seige all corruption of blood as Pliny saith The Seeds are good to be taken against the biting of Serpents and expelleth the poyson of the Pestilence causing it to break forth in blisters in the outward part of the skin being taken in Wine or the Roots stamped and strained with Wine and given to drink for two or three dayes together The Juyce tempered with Barley-Meal and baked in Cakes and so eâ—ten ordinarily for a moneth or six weeks together with Meat and no other Bread for that time cureth the Dropsie as it is said The distilled water being taken is said to cause easie and speedy deliverance and to expell the Aâ—â—er-birth The same water is used in Diseases of the Lungs shortness of breath the Cough c. Being mixed with Camphir and Oyl of Tartar ti is used to beautifie the Face The Oyl made of the Flowers is good to supple mollifie and digest excellent to soften the Sinews and to cure the hardnesse of the Matrix Take of Sorrel and Marsh Marigold of each an handful white Lilly Root a dram bruise them and roast them in Embers in a Dock-Leaf and bind it hot to the place affected with a Felon and it will cure it The red Lilly Roots when the other are not to be had may be applyed outwardly for any of the purposes before mentioned but for their inward use I find them not commended The Mountain Lillies the red Lilly of Constantinople the Persian Lilly and the Crowns-imperiall are nourished in Gardens more for their beautiful shape than for any Physical use that I read of CHAP. CIV Of Dock Cresse The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Lampsana Soâ—chus Sylvaticus and Papâ—llaris in English Dock-Cresses Tetterwort and Nipplewort by Mr. Parkâ—â—son and the reason why he calleth it so he saith is because it is good to heal the Ulcers of the Nipples of Womens Breasts as Camerarius also testifieth The Kinds All former Writers have made but one sort thereof which some of them would have to be a Sallet or Potherb whereon the poorer sort of people did â—eed as being the meanest and cheapest of all others whereas indeed there is no probability thereof it being never received by any as food to seed upon but Bauhinus hath added thereunto another that cometh very neer it and Mr. Parkinson hath added a third The first is called Ordinary Dock-cresse or Nipplewort The second Nipplewort of Austria The third wild or wood Bastard Nipplewort The Forme The Ordinary Dockcresse or Nipplewort sendeth forth sundry hard upright stalks whereon grow dark green leaves from the bottom to the tops but lesser still as they are higher towards
be taken fasting for nine daies together but he counselleth that if they that take this medicine have an Ague the â—ecoction must be made with water and not with Wine The decoction thereof is a singular medicine for Women that are troubled with the Whites if they sit over it whiâ—est it is warm the same also healeth any scabs whether they be dry or moist if the places be bathed therewith Being stamped and put into new Milk and set in any place overpestered with flyes it will soon destroy them all The Syrup of it is most effectual for old Coughs to bring away tough â—eam as also for oâ—d men and others whose Lungs are oppressed with thin and cold Rheum to help to avoid it and for those that are asthmatick shortwinded CHAP. CVI. Of Lungwort The Names WHether this heâ—b was so far taken notice of by any of the ancient Greeks oâ— Latine Writers as to reâ—eive a name â—â—om them is not yet found The Phyâ—tiâ—ns and Herbariâ—s of later times have called it Pulmonaria of the likenesse of the â—orm which it hath with the Lungs or Lights calleâ—â—n Latine Pulmones of some Lichen and Lâ—chen arborum in Engâ—sh Lungwort Tree Lungwort and Wood Liver â—ort The Kindes To this kind I find but three sorts that may be properly referred and those are 1. Tree Lungwort 2. Sea Lungwort or Oiâ—ter Green 3. Sea Oake or Wrake The Form Lungwort is a kind of Mosse that groweth on sundry sorts of trees especially Oakes and Beeches with broad grayish tough leaves diversly folded crumpâ—ed and gashed in on the edges and sometimes spotted also with many small â—pots on the upper side it was never â—een to bear any stalk or flower at any time The Places and Time It groweth upon the Bodies of old Oaks Beeches and other wild Trees in thiâ—k and dark shady woods and is â—ometimes found growing upon rocks and other shadowy places and as I have been particularly informed not far from Croydon in Surry It flourisheth eâ—pecially in the Summer Moneths The Sea Lungwoâ—t or Oiâ—â—er green groweth upon rocks within the boweâ—s of the Sea but especially where Oiâ—â—ers breed The Sea Wrake is found upon the drowned rocks which are naked and bare of water at every tyde The Temperature Lungwort is thought to be of a cold and dry quality but as for the temperatures of the other two I have not met with any that have passed their censure upon them The Signature and Vertues The similitude that Lungwort hath with the lungs as also the speckels which are sometimes found thereon is a perfect Signature that this plant is to be appropriated to the lungs and therefore it hath been commended by Physitians of former times and hath been expeâ—imentally approved by the learned of this age to be veâ—y effectual against the â—iseaâ—es of the lungs especially for the ulcers and inflammations of the same being brought into powder and drunk in Water and also for Coughs Wheesings and shortnesse of breath and likewise for spitting of blood and pissing of blood It is likewise commended for bloody and green wounds and for Ulcers in the secret parts and also to stay the Reds in Women Moreover it stoppeth the bloody flix and other flixes and scowrings either upwards or downwards especially if they proceed of choler it sâ—ayeth Vomiting and stoppeth the loosenesse of the belly It is reported that shepherds and certain horse Doctors do with good successe give the powder hereof with salt unto their sheep Horses and other cattle which be troubled with the Cough and are broken winded Oyster-green fryed with egs and made into a Tansey and eaten is a singular remedy to strengthen the weaknesse of the back CHAP. CVII Of Tobacco The Names I Cannot understand that Tobacco was known before the discovery of the West-Indies and if so it cannot be expected that I should tell you by what name the Greek Writers called it they being deceased long before It is called in Latine Petum and Nicotiana from John Nicot a French man who being an Agent in Portugal for the French King sent some of it to the French Queen whereupon it was also called Herba Regina The Indians call it Picielt and Perebecenâ—e but in most other languages it is called Tobacco The Kinds To set down the several sorts of Tobacco that are brought into England is beyond my skill The sorts that I have read and heard of though perhaps the same plant planted in several Countries are 1. Spanish Tobacco which â—ome affirm to be brought into Spain from Virginia and other places and that it is there made up and transported into England and called Spanish Tobacco 2. Ordinary Virginia Tobacco which is a great deal lesse esteemed and sold for lesse then half the rate 3. English Tobacco which is so called not that it is natural of England but because it is more commonly with Us growing in every coâ—ntry Garden almost and endureth better here then the other I have heard of Trinidada Autego S. Christophers VVinscomb Tobacco which I suppose to be â—o called from the places where they grow It will be more to our purpoâ—e to give you the description of that which is called English Tobacco and therefore take it as followes The Form English Tobacco riseth up with a thick round stalk sometime two foot high whereon do grow thick fat green leaves nothing so large as the other Indian kinds somewhat round pointed also and nothing dented about the Edges The stalk brancheth forth and beareth at the tops divers flowers set in green Husks somewhat like the flowers of Henbane but nothing so large scarce standing above the brims of the Husks round pointed also and of a greenish yellow colour The seed that followeth is not very bright but large contained in great heads The roots are neither great nor woody perishing every year with the hard frosts in Winter but generally of its own sowing if it be let alone after it hath been once sowed The Places and Time Though that Tobacco which beareth away the Bell from the rest be as I said called Spanish Tobacco yet there is for ought I can learn but very little Tobacco growing in Spain if any at all but is brought thither out of the provinces of America one of which where it was first found is called Peru from whence it is named Hyoscyamus Peruvicanus but improperly though some would have it to be a sort of Henbane It groweth also in Brasil which is another Country of the West Indies whence the seed being brought into England and sown hath prospered very well in those soils that have been fruitful and especially about VVinscomb in Glocestershire where I think the planting of it is discontinued now because the store that came from thence was an hinderance to the publick revenue coming in for the Custome of that which is brought from beyond the Seas Howbeit it is continued in many Gardens though in no great quantity It flowreth from June
and pleasant in Sallets as there is no Herb comparable unto it and giveth a better rellish to those it is put with the Seeds while they are fresh and green sliced and put among other Herbs make them tast very pleasant the Root boyled and eaten with Oyl and Vinegar or without Oyl if any one mislike it doth much please and warm a cold or old stomack oppressed with flegm or wind and those that have the Ptisick and Consumption of the Lungs The Lungs and the particular Diseases thereof being thus spoken to I shall descend unto the Heart which is the first thing in a Man that lives and the last that dies upon the wel-fare whereof the wel-fare of all other parts depends and therefore especially to be provided for so that I shall muster up a little Regiment of Simples to defend it from those poysonous enemies which would otherwise assault it to the endangering of the whâ—le Microcosme And I shall begin with Angelica because it relates both to that which goes before and that which comes after CHAP. CXVIII Of Angelica The Names IT is not yet known whether any of the Ancients knew this Herb or by what name the Greeks did call it however it hath gained many worthy names of the Latine Writers for some have called it Sancti Spiritus radix and have been blamed for it already others Lacuna and Dodonaeus thinketh it to be some kind of Laserpitium some have taken it to be Smyrnium and some Panax Heracleum but generally it is called Angelica for the rare smell and Angel-like properties therein and that name it retains still all Nations following it so near as their Dialect will permit The Kinds Former times knew but two sorts hereof but now there are sound out two more 1. Garden Angelica 2. Wild Angelica 3. Mountaine Wild Angelica 4. The great Water Angelica The Forme The Garden Angelica hath divers large and fair spread and winged Leaves half a yard long or better sometimes made of many great and broad ones set usually one against another on a middle rib of a pale but fresh green Colour and dented about the edges from among which usually riseth but oâ—e round hollow stalk being very thick and four or five foot high with divers great joynts and Leaves set on them whose foot-stalks do compasse the main stalk at the bottom and from thence also towards the top come forth branches with the like but lesser Leaves at them and at their tops large round spread umbels of white flowers after which cometh the seed which is somewhat flat thick short and whitish two alwayes set together as is usuall in all these umbelliferous plants and a little crested on the round seed the root groweth great and wooddy when it flowreth with many great long branches to it but perisheth after seed which being suffered to fall of its own accord will more certainly grow then that which is gathered and sown by hand at any other time The Places and Time The first is very Common in our English Gardens and was brought hither as is conceived from beyond the Seas or from the Rocks not far from Barwick upon which it groweth It is found in great plenty in Norway and in an Island of the North call Iceland where it groweth very high and is eaten of those that come into that Country for want of other food the bark being pilled off It groweth likewise in divers mountains of Germany and especially of Bohemia The second Sort is wild both in many places of Essex Kent and neer Kentish-Town by London and in other places The third groweth on divers mountains of Germany and Hungary The last is not onely naturall to grow in watery ditches but in moist grounds also in most places of England They flower in Iuly and August whose roots for the most part do perish after the seed is ripe and therefore they which desire to preserve them must keep it from seeding by cutting off the Leaves to Still and so both the root and plant may be continued divers years together The Temperature Angelica especially that of the Garden is hot and dry some put it in the second and others in the third degree howsoever it openeth attenuateth or maketh thin digesteth and procureth sweat The whole plant both Leaf and Seed and Root is of an excellent pleasant scent and tast very comfortable being not fierce or sharp but rather sweet and giveth a most delicate relish when it is tasted or used the Leaves be the weakest and some hold the seed to be next and the root to be the strongest especially being not ready to grow up for stalk The Vertues If the Root of Angelica be taken in powder to the weight of half a dram at a time with some good Treacle in Carduus water or if treacle be not at hand take the root alone in Carduus or Angelica water and sweat thereupon it reâ—steth poyson by defending the Heart the blood and spirits and giveth heat and Comfort to them and it doth the like against the Plague and Infection of the Pestilence and so do the stalks or roots candyed and eaten fasting at such times and also at other times to warme and Coâ—â—ort a cold and old stomack The root also steeped in Vinegar and a little of that Vinegar taken sometimes fasting and the root smelled unto are both good Preservatives also for the same purpose A water distilled from the Root simply or steeped in Wine and distilled in glasse is much more effectuall then the water of the leaves and this water drunk two or three spoonfulls at a time eaâ—eth all paines and torments coming of Cold and Wind so as the body be not bound and some of the root taken in powder at the beginning helpeth the Plâ—urisie and all other diseases of the Lungs and Breast as Coughs Pthisick and Shortnesse of breath and a Syrup of the stalks doth the like It helpeth likewise the torments of the Colick the Strangury and stopping of the Urin procureth womens Courses expelleth the Afterbirth openeth the obstructions oâ— the Liver and spleen and briefly easeth and discusseth all inward tumors and windinesse The decoction drunk before the fit oâ— an Ague that they may sweat if possible before the fit come will in two or three times taking rid it quite away it helps digestion and is a remedy for a surfit The juyce or the water being dropped into the eyes or eares helps dimnesse of sight and deafnesse and the juyce put into an hollow Tooth easeth the paines The roots in powder made up into a Plaister with a little pitch and laid on the biting of a mad dog or any other Venemous Creature doth wonderfully help The juyce or the water dropped or Tents wet therein and put into old filthy deep Ulcers or the powder of the Root in want of either doth cleanse them and cause them to heale quickly by covering the naked Bones with flesh The distilled water applyed to places pained
The four first sorts are usuall in Gardens the fift was found upon Mount Baldus as also upon the Vaganean hills in Narbone the sixth was found in Spaine by Boel The Seaventh in Itady by Dr. Mera The Eight came from Virginia The Ninth from Yorkeshire The Tenth grows under Hedges and Bushes almost every where the last in the Corne fields and in such as ly Ley and in the borders of other fields The Violets Flower in February and March and after them the Pansies till the end of July The Temperature The Garden Violets and so likewise the Wild kinds are cold and moist whil'st they are fresh and green The Vertues The Flowers of Violets as well as those of Borage are reckoned to be cheife Cordiall Flowers and are much used in Cordiall drinks powders and other Medicines especially where cooling Cordialls as Roses and Saunders are used They are used to coole any heate or distemperature of the Body either inwardly or outwardly in the Inflammation of the Eyes in the Womb and Fundament when they are fallen down and are full of paine Imposthums also and hot Swellings to drinke the decoction of the Leaves of Flowers made with Water or Wine or to apply them pultis wise to the place that is grieved It likewise easeth paines in the Head which are caused through want of sleep A dram of the dryed Leaves of the Flowers of Violets doth purge the body of Cholericke humors and asswageth the heat being taken in a draught of Wine or other drink The pouder of the Leaves of the purple Flowers only pickt and dryed and drunk in powder with Water is said to help the Quinsie and the Falling sicknesse in Children especially in the beginning of the Disease The Flowers of the white Violets ripen and dissolve Swellings The seed being taken resisteth the poyson of the Scorpion The Herb or Flowers whil'st they are fresh or the Flowers when they are dry are effectuall in the Pleurisy and all other diseases of the Lungs to lenify the sharpnesse of hot Rheums and the hoarsenesse of the Throat the heat also of the Urine and the sharpnesse thereof and all paines of the back or reines or bladder They are good also for the Liver and the Jaundise and in all hot Agues helping to coole the heat and quench thirst But the Syrup of Violets is of most use and of better effect being taken in some convenient Liquor and if a little of the Juice or Syrup of Lemons be put to it or a few drops of the Oyle of Vitriall it is made thereby the more powerfull to coole the heat and to quench the thirst and besides the effect giveth to the drink both a Claret Wine colour and a pleasant tast Violets taken or made up with honey do more clense then coole and with Sugar contrarywise The Leaves of Violets are used in cooling Plaisters Oyls Cataplasms or Pultises and are of great efficacy among other Herbs as Mercury Mallowes c. to be put in Clysters CHAP. CXXII Of Straw-berries The Names THe whole Plant is called Fragraria and the Berries Fraga à fructus fragrantia odoris gustus for it hath no certain Greek name yet there are some which think it to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Rubus Idaus because it hath no prickles which Opinion Fuchsius saith is not to be despised Others say that they called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because of the â—ikeness of the fruit with that of the Tree-Strawberry Servius calleth them Mora terrestria Ground Mulberries because they are somewhat like those that grow on Trees The Kindes I have not yet met with any more then six sorts of Straw-berries 1. Red Straw-berries 2. White Straw-berries 3. Small Straw-berries with hard Leaves 4. Flat Straw-berries 5. Dwarf Straw-berries 6. Barren or unprofitable Straw-berries The Form I know not whether the Dwarf-Straw-berry be brought over in England yet I shall venter to give you so much of its Description as Parkinson hath set down choosing rather to give you the Description of a strange Plant then of the others which are so commonly known It hath very small triparted Leaves next the ground closer set together upon short foot-stalks then any other and those that are set on both sides of the long branch not above four inches long which lyeth creeping on the ground grow lesse and without stalk the Flower standeth at the end of the Branch many times but one at a place which consisteth of five round Leaves like a Straw-berry but larger then agreeth with the proportion of the Plant and is of a yellowish colour what fruit it beareth is not set down The Places and Time The two first grow in Gardens though 't is probable they were brought out of the Woods where they do most delight yet being set in a rich soyl they become far greater The three next grow upon divers of the Alps and other places of Germany The last is to be found in our own Land in most Woods and the Field sides near unto them in Cornwall as Lobel saith and in other places also They flower in May or thereabouts most commonly and are ripe in June but I have seen ripe Straw-berries after Michaelmas also The Temperature The Leaves of them are cooling in the first Degree and yet some say they are hot and drying in the second the Root is more drying and binding the Berries whâ—â—e they are green are cold and dry but when they are ripe they are coâ—d and moyst The Vertues and Signature The water of the Berries carefully distilled is a soveraign remedy and Cordiall in the paâ—pitations of the heart that is the panting and beating of the heart and is good for the over-flowing of the Gall which causeth the yeâ—â—ow Jaundise The Berries themselves are exâ—eâ—ent good to cool the Liver tâ—e Bâ—ood and Spleen or an hot choâ—eriâ—k sâ—omach to refresh and comfort the â—ainting Spirits and to quench thirst They are good also for other Inflammations yet it 〈…〉 veth one to be caâ—telous or rather to refrain them in a Feaver 〈◊〉 by theâ— putriâ—ying in the â—â—omaâ—h they increase the Fits and make them to be 〈…〉 ore fierâ—e The Leaves and Roots boyled in Wine and Water as drunk do likewiâ—e cooâ— the Liver and Blood and asswage al Inflammations in the Reins and Bladder provoketh Urine and allayeth the heat and sharpness thereof the same also beinâ— drunk stayeth the Bloody Flux and Womens Coâ—â—es and helpeth the swelâ—ings of the Spâ—een The Juyce dropped into foul Ulcers or they washed therewith or with the decoction of the Herb and Root doth wonderfully cleanse them and heâ—p to cure them All Lotions and Gargles that are made for sore mouths or Ulcers therein or in the privy parts or else-where are made with the Leaves and Roots heâ—eof which is good also to fasten loose Teeth and to heal spungy foul â—ums The same also helpeth to stay Catarrhs or Defluxions of Rheum into the Mouth Throat Teeth
singular Vertues that it hath in English Holy Thistle and Blessed Thistle but more commonly Carduus Benedictus according to the Latine name Some excellently seen in the knowledge of Simples have made it a kind of Wild Bastard Saffron called in Latine Attractilis and in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because Women in old time were wont to use the stiffe stalk thereof pro fuso colo for a Spindle or a Distaffe It is named also Fucus agrestis and Colus rustica and the Women in Greece as Petrus Bellonius reporteth call Attractylis by a corrupt name Ardactyla even at this day Divers call it Carthamus Sylvestris Cnicus Sylvestris in English Wild Bastard Saffron The Kinds The Sorts hereof as you have already heard are two 1. Carduus Benedictus or the Blessed Thistle 2. Attractylis or Wild Bastard Saffron The Form Carduus Benedictus or Blessed Thistle hath round rough and plyable stalks which being parted into divers Branches do lie flat on the ground the leaves are jagged round about and full of harmless prickles on the edges the heads on the tops of the stalks are set with prickles and invironed with sharp pricking Leaves out of which standeth a yellow Flower the Seed is long and set with white hairs at the top like a Beard the Root is white and parted into strings the whole Herb Leaves and Stalks and also the Heads are covered with a soft and thin Down The Places and Time The first groweth naturally in Lemâ—os which is an Island of the Mediterraâ—ean Sea in the Champion grounds thereof as Petrus Bellonius testifieth It is diligently cherished in Gardens in these Northern parts The second groweth in Candy and in divers Provinces and Islands of Greece and also in Languedock and is entertained in our English Gardens The first flowreth in July and August at which time it is especially to be gathered for Physicall uses for then it will remain good a year or longer Attractylis is very late before it flowreth and seedeth The Temperature As Carduus Benedictus is bitter so it is also hot and dry in the second Degree and withall cleansing and opening Attractylis doth dry and moderately digest as Galen teacheth The Signature and Vertues By the Prickles upon the Stalks and Leaves of Carduus are clearly signified that the herb it self is an excellent remedy for the Pleurisie and Stâ—â—ches wherewith the sides are somtimes distempered if the Decoction in posset drink or the distilled water thereof be taken It helpeth also the swimming of the head strengtheneth the memory and is a good remedy against ceaâ—nesse killeth wormes provoketh Urine and the Courses and driveth out gravel and cleanseth the Stomack It is most excellent in Pestilent Feavers and all contagious Diâ—eases for it expelleth out by sweat all noxious or ill humours It is very good in any kind of Ague either the decoction thereof being taken or half a dram of the Powder in Posset-drink before the fit commeth for divers fits if need require and sweat after it It is very available likewise against Venome and poyson Though the distilled water is useful for the aforesaid Diseases yet the decoction is much better The extract thereof is good against the French Pox and the Quartan Ague The green Herb bruised and applyed is good against hot swellings as Wild-fire Plague-Sores Botches and it is good also to be laid upon the bitings of mad Dogs Serpents Spiders Bees or Wasps or any other venomous Creature The Powder stoppeth blood at the Nose being applyed The juyce thereof cleareth the sight being put into the Eyes and taketh away the redness of them and so doth the water Being bruised with a little Hogs-grease and a little Wheat mixed therewith it cures stubborn and rebellious Ulcers if it be applyed thereto It is used against the Gangrene also For all which notable effects it hath been called Omnimorbia that is a Salve for every Sore CHAP. CLX Of our Ladies Thistle The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if divers Authours be not mistaken being as is generally supposed that Plant that Dioscorides mentioneth under that name It is called in Latine Carduus Lacteus and Carduus Mariae in English Our Ladies Thistle or the Striped Milky Thistle Some think it to be Leucacantha or Spina Alba of the Antients others take it to be Leucographis Plinii Brunfelfius calleth it Carduus Albus and Camaeleon Matthiolus and Lobel Carduus Lacteus some Carduus Argentatus and Carduus Ramptarius others Carduus Leucographus and Silybum and Acanon Theophrasti The Kinds Although formerly there have been but one sort hereof known to the Herbarists yet of late by the diligent search and observation of some that have been curious there are found of them three in all 1. The common Ladies Thistle 2. Great milky Thistle of a year 3. The small Spanish milk-Thistle The Form The Common Ladies Thistle hath divers very large and broad leaves lying on the ground cut in and as it were crumpled but somewhat hairy on the edges and of a white green shining colour wherein are many lines and strakes of a milky white colour running all over and set with many sharp and stiffe prickles round about amongst which rise up one or more strong round and prickly stalks set full of the like leaves up to the top where at the end of every branch commeth forth a great prickly Thistle-like head strongly armed with pricks and with bright Purple Thrums rising out of the middle of them after they are past the Seed groweth in the said heads lying in a great deal of fine soft white Down which is somewhat flattish and shining large and brown the Root is great spreading in the ground with many strings and small Fibres fastened to them All the whole Plant is bitter in taste and therefore supposed not to be without good effects The Places and Time The first is frequent in many parts of this Realm and particularly in St. Georges Fields near London in great abundance The Seed whereof the second and likewise the last came were brought out of Spain by Guillaume Boel It is thought that the last is the same that Camerarius saith he picked out of Epithyâ—â—â— and that Ranwolsius gave him brought out of Syria because the Seed and Leaves are so very much alike They flower and seed in June July and August when other sorts of Thistles do The Temperature Our Ladies Thistle is hot and dry in the second Degree and bindeth moderately especially the Roots The Signature and Vertues There are upon this Plant also many prickles and therefore it is good for the Stitches of the side and other Diseases thereof by Signature if the Decoction or Powder thereof be taken It is also very effectuall for Agues and to prevent and cure the infection of the Plague as also to open obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and thereby is good against the Jaundies It provoketh Urine breaketh and expelleth the Stone and is
stalks three alwayes set together of a whitish green colour very soft and somewhat dented about the Edges of the scent of Fenngreek which is thought to alter seven times a day but it is but a fancy at the tops of the branches stand many flowers closely set together each of them like unto those of Melilot but larger and of a bleak or pale watchet blue colour after which come round white heads containing dark yellowish coloured Seed the Root is small white and threddy perishing every year but riseth again from the seed that sheddâ—th or by being sowen in the Spring The Places and Time The first groweth not wild in Italy France or Germany but with them all is sowen in their Gardens and so it is with us And even Dâ—oscoides saith it grew in Gardens in his time as not growing wild in Greece or other places that he had heard of The Second groweth about Mâ—â—pelier and Marseilles as Pena and Lobel say and is a stranger at Venice and other places of Italy as well as in Germany and with us and onely to be found in the Gardens of those which are rare conservers of plants The last came from America as is supposed The first flowreth in June and July and doth alwayes perfect his Seed but the other because they flower later do often misse to give good seed so that we are often to seek for them again The Temperature Galen saith that Sweet Trefoile or Garden Claver for so Gerard calls it doth in a mean concoct and dry being temperare between heat and cold to which Gerard assâ—enteth yet Fuschius saith it is hot and dry in the third degree which is more likely to be the temperature of the strong smelling Claver called in Latin Trifolium 〈◊〉 The Vertues The Oyle made of the Leaves and Flowers of Sweet Trefoile is a Soveraigne Remedy for all Stitches Aches Cramps lamenesse of the Joynts and Sinews for all bruises and Burstings of Young Children and generally all other the like outward diseases whether they proceed of Heat or Cold. It is wonderfully ex 〈…〉 ed for dissolving all hard swellings bunches or wens in any part of the body as also for repressing moderately all inflammations and helpeth to digest all corrupt and rotten fores bringing them to maturity and healing them perfectly It is admiâ—ed also for its rare properties in healing green sores as well as Old Vlcers as also to ease the pain of the Gout The juyce of the green Herb is used with honey to be dropped into the Eyes to help the Ulcers that happen therein and taketh away all manner of Spots as Pin or Haw as also all skins that grow over them to hinder the â—ight The distilled water is good to wash Childrens â—eads that are broken out with scurfe or Scabs The Leaves are laid in Chests and Presses to keep Moths from Garments The decoction of the strong smelling Claver made in wine and drunk easeth the paines of the sides coming by obstructions and provoketh Vrine as Hippocrates saith it helpeth women who after their Delivery are not well purged or cleared of the Afterbirth it provoketh their Courses also and helpeth to expell the birth Divers Authors write that the Decoction of the whole plant is very effectual against all Venomous Creatures that if the said decoction which hath bin applyed to one that hath bin bitten be afterwards applyed to one that hath not bin bitten he that was not bitten shall feel the paines of him that was bitten and he that was bitten shall feel none Nay some write that the decoction is very dangerous to be used by any but those who are bitten so that those that need not a remedy shall be sure to find a malady but no more of that The Flowers Leaves or Seed either altogether or each severally by it self being boyled in Vinegar and a little honey added thereto being drunk is a speciall remedy for them that are stung or bitten by any venemous Creature The seed is of most force with Galen who appointeth it to be put in Treacles that he prescribed for divers persons The seed also boyled in honied water and drunk is Singular good for the Pleurisy provoketh Vrine and allayeth the heat thereof and is good for the Strangury It helpeth those that have the Falling Sicknesse and is Singular good for women that have the rising and strangling of the Mother whereby they often seeme to be dead The same decoction also is good for those that have the dropsie and taken before the fit either of tertian or quotidian Ague it lesseneth the fits both of heat and cold by often using it doth quite take them away three drams of the seed or four of the Leaves powdered and given in drink provoketh Womens monthly Courses effectually What effects the two latter sorts will work hath not been tryed but its thought they are neer the same with the former CHAP. CXLIII Of Melilote The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi Mellita Lotus that is a kind of Lotus smelling like Honey In Latin anciently it was called Sertula Campana because the flowers growing in the fields of Campania were used to be put into Garlands and Corona Regia because of the yellow flowers which do Crown the top of the Stalks but some call it Trefolium Odoratum which is the plant declared in the former Chapter Some also call it Trefolium Equinum or Caballinum because horses are said to love it and to grow fat by eating thereof In English we call it generally Melilote after the Greek and sometime Kings Claver and sometimes Harts Claver because Staggs and Deer delight to feed upon it The Kinds There be seven sorts of Melilote 1. Common melilote 2. white flowred Melilote 3. Italian Melilote 4. Assyrian Melilote 5. Egyptian Melilot 6. Spanish Melilot which hath spotted Leaves 7. East Indian Melilote The Form The common Melilote hath many green stalks about half a yard high or somewhat more rising from a tough long white Root which dyeth not every year set round about at the joynts with small and somewhat long strong well smelling Leaves three alwayes set together unevenly dented about the edges the Flowers are yellow and well smelling also made like other Trefoiâ—es but smaller standing in long spikes one above another for an hand breadth long or better which afterwards turn into long crooked Cods wherein are contained flat Seeds somewhat brown The Places and Time The first is found in many places of this Land plentifully as on the further side of the ditch on the left hand between the foot of Heddington Hill and Oxford in the edge of Suffolk in divers places of Essex and Huntingtonshire and other places more sparingly either in the Corn-helds or in the corner of Meadows The second groweth not in any place of this Land naturaâ—ly but is very frequent in Germany and is only nursed up in Gardens with us The third came to us
and some tame As. 1. Garden Radish 2. Small garden Radish 3. Round Radish 4. Peare fashioned Radish 5. Wild Radish 6. Water Radish The Forme The Garden-Radish sendeth fotth great and large Leaves green rough cut on both sides with deepe gashes not unlike to the Garden Turnep but greater The Stalkes be round and parted into many branches out of which spring many small Flowers of a light purple colour made of foure little Leaves after which come sharp pointed cods puft or blown up towards the Stalk full of a spongious substance wherein is contained the seed of a light brown colour somwhat greater then the seed either of Turnep or Cabbage The roote is grosse long white and sometimes reddish without but white within alwaies and of a sharpe tast The Places and Time The foure first are Inhabitants of the Garden and require a loose ground whiâ—h hath been long manured â—nd is somwhat fat They prosper well in sandy ground which is naturally cold where they are not so subject to worms as in the other The fift groweth upon the borders of bankes and ditches cast up and in the borders of moist feildes â— The sixth groweth in ditches standing-waters and Rivers The Garden kindâ— are sown in February and March and so long till you come to November but the best time for sowing them is June and July for then they yeeld most because then they will not flower nor seed till the next spring when as those that are sown sooner run up to seed presently yet they are more set by in April and May then afterwards The wild kinds flower in June and their seed is ripe in August The Temperature Radish doth manifestly heat and dry open and make thin by reason of the biting quality that ruleth in it Galen maketh them hot in the third degree and dry in the second and sheweth that it is rather a sawce then a nourishment The Vertues The rindes of the Roots of Radish steeped in Vinegar and Honey mixed together and taken in a morning fasting and a little after a draught of warme water do drive our Phlegme and other maligne humors of the Stomack by Vomit as often as it is oppressed with them It likewise provoketh Vrine dissolveth clutteted gravell and driveth it forth from the Reines and Bladder if a good draught of the decoction thereof be drunk in the morning It is good against an old Cough to make thine thick and grosse Phlegme which sticketh in the Chest The distilled Water hereof is effectuall for the purposes aforesaid provoking Vrine mightily and driving out Stones from the Kidneys The root also sliced and laid over night in White or Rhenish-Wine and drunk in the morning worketh the same effect The root stamped with Honey and the Powder of a sheepes heart dryed causeth the Haire to grow in a short space The seed also causeth Vomit provoketh Vrine and being drunk with Oxymel or Honyed Vinegar it killeth and driveth forth Worms The Root stamped with Meal of Darnel and a little White-wine Vinegar taketh away all black and blew spots and bruised blemishes of the face The Root boyled in Broth and the decoction drunk is good against an old Cough it moveth VVomens sickness and causeth much milk It is good likewise for the Dropsie the griefs of the Liver and for the Cholick and griping pains of the Belly Being eaten with Mustard it is good against the Lethargy drousiness and forgetfulness It is good also for them that are sick with eating of Toad-stools or Mushromes or Henbane or any other venomous poyson Some eat them raw with Bread instead of other food but being so eaten they yield very little nourishment and that faulty and ill But for the most part they are used as a sawce with meats to procure appetite and so they ingender blood lesse faulty and serve to distribute and disperse the nourishment especially if they be taken after meat yet howsoever they be taken they cause belchings and will make the meat oftentimes to rejolt in the stomack as the Countrey-man said that had eaten Fish fryed with Lamp-Oyl CHAP. CLII. Of the Black Alder-Tree The Names IT is most probable that this Plant came not under the cognitance of any Greek Authour because it is not named by any of them that I can read of The Latines call it Fraugnla quia cito frangitur that is the Branches â—e brittle and easie to break and Aluns nigra baccifâ—ra that it might be known from the Alâ—â—s Vulgaris whose Bark is whitish and the Wood more red and beareth not Berries as this doth Tragus calleth it Faulbaum that is foul Tree of the evill scent and tast The Idea ficus nostra sive Frangula vulgâ— of Lâ—gduâ—ensis differeth not from this although he would have it so to do It is called in English the Black Aller or Alder-tree Of which there is but one kind whose description followeth The Form The Black Aller or Alder-tree riseth seldom to be of any great bigness but for the most part abideth like a Hedge Bush or Tree spreading into branches the wood of the Body being white and of a dark red at the core or heart the outward Bark being of a blackish colour whereon many white spots are noted to be seen but the inner Bark next to the Wood is yellow which being chewed will turn the spittle yellow as much or more then Rubarb near unto a Saffron colour the Leaves are somewhat like unto those of the ordinary Alder-tree or those of the Female Cornel or Dog-berry-tree but blacker and not so long but rather rounder the Flowers are white comming forth at the Joynts with the Leaves which turn into small round Berries green at the first and red afterwards but blackish when they are thorough ripe divided as it were into two parts wherein is contained two small round and star Seeds the Root runneth not deep into the ground but spreadeth rather under the upper crust of the Earth The Places and Time This Tree or Shrub groweth in Woods and Copses that are moyst Mr. Gerard saith that he found great plenty of it in a Wood called St. Johns Wood in the way between Isâ—â—gton and Hornsey on the left hand of the way and in the Woods at Hampstead and other places about London It flowreth in May and the Berries are ripe in September the Leaves appearing in the Spring The Temperature The inner Bark of the Alder-tree which is of the greatest use if not only used in Physick is of a purging and dry quality The Vertues and Signature The inner Bark aforesaid which is of a yellow colour being steeped in Wine or Beere and drunk causeth to vomit vehemently and cleanseth the stomack It doth also purge downward both Choler and Flegme and the watry humours of Hydropick persons and strengtheneth the inward parts again afterwards even as Rubarb doth If it be boyled with Agrimony Worm-wood Dodder Hops and some Fennel and Smallâ—ge Endive and Chicory Roots and a
reasonable draught taken every morning for some time together it is very effectuall against the Jaundise by Signature the Dropsie and evill disposition of the Body especially if some purging Medicine have been taken before to avoid the grosser excrements and then it not only purgeth but also strengtheneth the Liver and Spleen cleansing them from such evill humours and hardness as they are afflicted with Iâ—â—s to be understood that these things are performed when it is dry for if it be â—ken inwardly before it be dryed the superfluous moysture will cause extraorâ—â—nary vomiting pains in the stomack and gripings in the Belly yet if the decoction thereof be made and suffered to stand and settle for two or three dayes untill the yellow colour be changed black it will not work so strongly as before but will strong then the stomack and procure an appetite to meat Being boyled in Vinegar it is an approved remedy to kill Lice to cure the Itch and take away Scabs by drying them up in a short time The same is singular good to wash the Teeth to take away the pains to fasten those that are loose to cleanse them and keep them sound Though the inner Bark be so purgative as you heard before yet the outermost doth bind the Body and is helpful for all Lasks and Fluxes thereof but this also must be dryed first or else it will not work so effectually The Leaves are reported to be good Fodder for Cattle especially for those that give milk which they breed exceedingly CHAP. CLIII Of the Oily Nut-Ben The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Balanus Myrepsica that is Glans Vnguentaria which name is also attributed to Myrobolanes only this hath Troglodytes added to it to distinguish it from them yet Theophrastus calleth it only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies an Acorne but why no body knowes neither the fruit it â—eâ—e nor shell nor husk being like to any of the kinds of Acornes It is called by Lobel Glans unguentaria Cathartica Siliquata but we in theâ—e dayes call it more usually in Latine Nux Ben and the Oyle thereof Oleâ—â—â—â— Ben or as the Ancients called it Oleum Balaenâ—num and in English The Oâ—ly Nut Ben of which there is but one kind mentioned by any Author therefore in the next place I shall present you with The Forme The Tree whereon this Nut groweth for the first two or three yeares springeth up and perisheth in Winter againe to the root and â—riseth againe afresh every Spring but after it becometh three or â—our yeare old it groweth more Woddy It riseth up yearely after the first with one sleeme shooting forth branches of â—inged Leaves or rather winged branches of Leaves the Barke being whitish as the Leaves are also but they are composed after such an order as no other tree is for the branches rise up with the stemme or body divided into sundry other smaller twigges no bigger then rushes set with two Leaves at severall spaces distant farre a sunder ending in small points like haires but have no eyes or buds at me feet of the Leaves as the small branches of other trees have The Leaves first fall away leaving the branches bare which then shew like unto ordinary or Spanish Broome when it hath lost the Leaves and after them the Stalkes likewise perish unto the very stemme The root is thick long White and Tuberous as â—â— were yet ending in some sprayes being not much woody but rather fleshy and tender It hath not been known to beare flowers or fruit in our Christian Countryes but the Nuts or fruits such as have been brought over to us enclosed in their huskes as also out of their huskes grow some single and some two together in an huske the lower and upper end whereof is small and sharp pointed being about an hand breadth long in all round and of a darke Ashcolour on the outside and somwhat reddish on the inside of the substance of leather lither or easy to bow tugged on the out side with many long streakes in it but smooth on the inside The Nuts themselves are three square for the most part covered with a whitish soft and somwhat tough Wooddy shell whereâ—n the white kernell lyeth which is not altogether insipid but somewhat sharpe in tast and oily with all causing a kind of loathing upon the tasting almost ready to provoke vomiting out of which is pressed an Oile like as is out of Almonds and not from the Shells or huskes as some formerly supposed The Places and Time This Tree groweth in Syria Arabia Aethiopia and India where it bringeth its fruit to perfection which it hath not been known to do in Europe no not so much as to blossome as I said before The Temperature The whole Nut is of a very purging quality The dry pressing after the Oyle â—i taken out is of a cleansing as well as of a cutting quality and by reason that the moisture is taken from it of a drying effect also The Shells or Huskes are of an exceeding binding property fit to be used when occasion serveth for such purposes The Vertues The Kernells of the Nuts aforesaid being bruised and drunk with Water and Vinegar mingled together doth purge the body from grosse and thin Phlegme also and thereby is helpfull to those that are troubled with the Wind-Cholick if a few Anniseeds and Fennel seeds be put unto it the oyle that is drawn out of the Nuts doth the same also and provoketh Vomiting and cleansing the Stomack of much foul matter gathered therein yet the Nut it selfe doth much trouble the Stomack in the meane time but if it be toasted at the fire it loseth much of that evill quality oftentimes causing them to purge downwards only It is to very good effect also given in Glisters for the same purposes The Oyle dropped into the Eares helpeth the noise of them and the deafenesse also a dram of the Kernell taken in Posset-drink doth soften and dissolve the hardnesse of the Spleene and Liver the remainder of the kernell after the Oyle is pressed from it helpeth the Itch the Lepry and running sores and taketh away the ruggednesse of the Skin Morphew dry Scabs scarres freckles wheales or pimples from the face or body especially if it be used with Vinegar and Niter with which it well agreeeth and performeth the Cures much better it is also used with the meale of Orabus or bitter Vetch or the meale of Darnel in manner of a plaister to be laid to the side to consume the spleene it helpeth the Gout also being used in the fame manner Used with barly meale it comforteth the Sinâ—wes that are pained with cold and all Spasâ—â—es or Cramps and used with Honey it dissolveth all knots and hard-swellings The Oyle that is pressed out of the Nuts is also much used of Perfumers for although it have no sweet scent of it selfe to commend it yet it is of so excellent a quality that being
Galanga 2. The lesser Galanga The Form The Greater groweth to be two cubits high having Leaves folding about the Stalke being somwhat long and narrow at the lower end and pointed at the end somwhat like a Speares head of a sad greene colour on the upper side and paler underneath The flower is white but without any scent the seed is small and neglected the root is somwhat great at the head like a reed and hath beene thought by some to be a kind of Iris being of a blackish colour on the outside and whitish within The lesser ariseth not above a foot high having Leaves like the Mirtle the root is small and bunched firme and somwhat tough red both within and without and smelleth a little sweet or aromaticall The Places and Times The first groweth in Java and Malaber being Countryes of the East-Indies The other in China concerning the time I find not any Author that maketh mention The Temperature Galanga is hot and dry in the second or third degree The Vertues and Signature This Galanga is also set down by the aforementioned Crollins to have the Signature of the Stomack and from thence it hath beene found to be exceeding profitable in all cold diseases of the Stomack by helping its concoction and expelling Wind and Crudities from it and strengthening it if it be boiled in Wine and taken Morning and Evening It doth also very much comfort and strengthen a moyst bram helps the Vertigo or swimming of the Head and avails against the palpitation or beating of the Heart and is very useful in the gnawing of the stomack and easeth the Cholick which proceedeth of Wind and in the Diseases of the Mother and stopping of the Urine and hath a speedy operation to cleanse the passages thereof from slimy flegm and stones gathered therein or in the passages at the neck of the Yard and also to wast and consume any fleshy excrescence in the neck of the Bladder or Yard Besides it not only provoketh to Venery but helpeth Conception so that there cannot be a better thing for those which desire to supply their want of Children for it is profitable for them that have cold Reins and excellent for them that have cold and windy distempers of the Womb. Being boyled in Wine and so taken it helpeth a stinking breath and dissolveth the hardness of the Spleen There be also to be had at the Apothecaries Shops both a Powder and Electuary whose chief Ingredient is Galingall both which prevail against Wind sower belchings and indigestion grosse humors and cold Diseases of the Stomach and Liver You may take half a dram of the powder at a time or two of the Electuary in the morning fasting or an houre before meat If Galingall be drunk with the water or Juyce of Plantane it stoppeth the Bloody-Flux and strengtheneth nature comforteth the Brain and helpeth the trembling of the Heart Both the sorts above-mentioned may be used to good purpose in Meats as well as Medicines but the lesser is both of more use and of greater effect and indeed is to be used only in all the Compositions wherein Galanga is appointed yet when the one is not to be had the other may be and is used The best is full of small holes CHAP. CLXIII Of Cardamomes The Names THey are called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cardamomum in imitation of the Greeks who gave it that denomination from the likeness of it to Amomum and the vertues thereof it being very profitable for that Disease of the Stomack which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the affinity that the veins belonging to the mouth of the stomack have with the heart and because being slit in two it represents the form of the Heart In Shops Grana Paradisi In English Cardamomes after the Greeks but commonly Grains or Grains of Paradise The Kinds Whosoever shall observe the Cuts in Gerard may collect from thence that there are five sorts of Cardamomes 1. The greater Cardamomes of the Arabians 2. The greater Cardamomes of the Shops 3. The middle sort of Cardamomes 4. The lesser Cardamomes 5. The least Cardamomes The Form Cardamomes grow by the report of the learned upon an Herby Plant of the height of one Cubit not unlike in substance to the Herb that beareth Ginger whereupon doth grow a great Cod or Husk in shape like a Fig when it groweth upon the Tree but of a russet colour thrust full of small Seeds or Grains of a dark reddish colour as may be plainly seen when it is divided and of a very hot tast The Places and Time They grow in all the East-Indies from the Port of Calecute unto Cananor it groweth in Malavar in Joa and divers other places They spring up in May being sowen of Seed and bring their fruit to ripeness in September The Temperature Cardamomes are hot and dry in the third Degree having in them an astringent faculty The Vertues The Seeds called Cardamomes or Grains of Paradise are generally received to be of admirable efficacy for that distemper of the stomack called the Cardiack passion in which it is very prevalent and indeed the Cods wherein the Seed is contained have some similitude with the stomack It is also very useful when the stomack is not able to perform the Office of digestion or when the appetite hath any need of provocation and likewise for the suppressing of vomiting when either of them proceed of a cold cause if so be it be only chewed in the mouth and so it draweth forth watery and flegmatick humours both from the Head and Stomack It is in like manner profitable against the Falling-sickness the Sciatica the Cough resolutions of the Sinews Ruptures pains of the Belly killing of Worms and provoking Urine being drunk with Sack and so it not only comforteth and warmeth the weak cold and feeble stomack but helpeth the Ague and riddeth the shaking fits A dram of Cardamome-Seed drunk in Wine with as much Bark of Laurel breaketh the Stone and being mixed with Ale wherein Time and Parsley have been boyled and then strained it is a good remedy for the Chollick It is a good Spice for Women that are troubled with any grief particularly belonging to that Sex It provoketh Urine when it is stopped or passeth with pain resisteth poyson and the sting of Scorpions and other venomous Creatures It expelleth Wind powerfully from other entralls as well as the stomack easeth those that by falls or beatings are bruised and broken and those that are tormented with the Sciatica or Hip-Gout and being boyled in Vinegar or sleeped therein and used it is good against Scabs and Tetters The Powder of it put into the nose comforteth the feeble brain or if it be put with the Oyl of Musk in an Egge-shell till it boyl and then anointed therewith It is said by some to be the chief of all Seeds CHAP. CLXIV Of Pepper The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
when they be ful ripe and eaten with discretion they are very commodious to such as have hot Stomacks to strengthen the same and to make good digestion and if they be offensive to any through windynesse they may be corrected with Ginger Caraway Comfits Fennell-seed or the like how ever the danger will be the lesse if they be rosted baked or stewed either of which waies they may be presented at the Table or elsewhere They are also profitable in hot diseases both of the Stomack and Heart qualifying the heat of each with their pleasant moisture Being roasted and eaten with Rose-water and Sugar and those of the pleasanter kinds as Pippins and Pearemaines they are helpfull to dissolve Melancholly humours to expell heavinesse and procure Mirth and are good against the Pleurisy if three or foure graines of Olibanum be rosted in one of them and so eaten And if they be roasted and eaten with the Juice of Liquorice and Sugar morning and evening two houres before meat they wonderfully helpe those that are troubled with the Cough or any paine in their Breast They are also good for those that loath their meat or are given to Casting The Pulp of four or five roasted Pomewaters laboured in a Wine quart of faire water till it be like Lambs-Wooll and drunk last at night cureth those that pisse by drops and helpeth all other diseases proceeding of the difficulty of making Water at the second if not at the first taking The aforesaid Apples give the denomination to that Oyntment called Pomatum which is of much use to soften and supple the roughnesse of the skin and take away the chaps of the lips hands face or other parts The Juyce of Pippins and Pearemaines are used also in compositions to mend the qualities of Medicines that are dry as Sâ—rapium ex pomis regii saporis Antidotum ex Granis Cocci Baphici id est Confectio Alkermes which last is a mighty strengthner of the Heart and Spirit Vitall The Pap of an Apple with Rose-water applyed to the Eyes doth quench the burning and taketh away the rednesse of them An Apple rosted in the Embers and mixed with butter and honey or the yolke of a boyled egge and applyed is good to ripen any Impostume whatsoever being fryed in Virgins Wax and eaten as hot as they can be suffered they stay the bloody Flux The Blossomes of Apples are not only the most convenient food for Bees as being of a very delicate smell but are also usefull for those which are troubled with a red Nose and face they being distilled in Balneo Mariae and the face washed morning and evening with the Water The Leaves boiled and given to drink in hot Agues and where the heate of the Liver and Stomack causeth the Lips to break forth and the Throat to grow dry harsh and surred it is very good to wash and Gargle it withall and to drink down some Cider which is the juice of many Apples pressed forth is of singular good use in the heat and faintings of the Stomack and against Casting or Vomiting a Posset being made therewith or some of it taken by it selfe It is of great use at Sea in long Voyages and is more desired then Perry by Vintners who since French Wine hath been so scarce mingle it with a little French Wine and sell it insteed thereof The juice of Crabs which we commonly call Verjuice applyed with wet cloathes to such places as are burned and scalded cooleth healeth and draweth the fire out of them A rotten Apple applyed to Eyes that are blood shotten or enflamed with heat or that are black and blew by any stroake or fall all day or all night helpeth them quickly The distilled water of good sound-Apples is of speciall good use to expell Melancholly and to procure Mirth and that of rorten ones cooleth the heate and inflammations of sores and is good to bath soule and creeping Vlcers and to wash the face to take away spots freacles or other discolourings of the face The inner yellow barke either of Apple-Tree or Crab-Tree boyled with Allom causeth those things that are put thereinto to be of an yellow colour CHAP. CLXIX Of the Peare-Tree The Names THat which is mannured is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek and somtimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with a double 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Pirus and Pyrus because of the similitude of its forme with that of a Pyramis The Wild-Peare is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek as being of no use having its derivation from a privativa and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Utor and indeed is of very little use yet Dioscorides saith that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is is a particular sort of Wild-Peare and that the generall name is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Pirus Sylvestris and Pyraster or Piraster The Wardens are called Vâ—lema The Kinds There are saith a late Author 400 or 500 severall sorts of Peares and consequently of Peare-Trees so that to set them all down would be very tedious yet I shall not think it amisse to name a few 1. The Jennetting Peare 2. St. Jeames Peare 3. The Windsor-Peare 4. The Burgamet-Peare 5. The Quince-Peare 6. The Bishops-Peare 7. The Katharine-Peare 8. The Green-field-Peare 9. The Winter-Peare 10. The Warden 11. The Choake Peare 12. The Hedge-Peare 13. The Lowsy Hedge-Peare 14. The Crow Wild-Peare The Forme The Peare-Tree is for the most part higher then the Apple-Tree having boughes not spread abroad but goweth up in height the Body is many times great and the Wood of a yellow colour the leafe is somwhat broad finely nicked on the Edges green above but somewhat whiter underneath the Flowers are white the fruit is for the most part long and in forme like a Casting-Top but in greatnesse colour and tast very much differing among themselves having contained in them black kernells when they be ripe The Root groweth after the same manner as that of the Apple-Tree doth The Places and Time The mannured kinds are Planted in Orchards and Gardens both as Standards and Wall-Trees The biggest that ever I saw of them growing against a Wall was in the Garden of the Earle of Northumberland at Sion neere Brainford whose branches extended themselves after a very wonderfull manner The Wild sorts are found in Woods and Hedges in Kent Worcester and Herefordshire The Flowers do for the most part come forth in April the leaves afterwards Peares are not all ripe at one time some of them being ripe in June some in July others in August and divers in September and later The Temperature Peares are also said to be cold and moist in the first degree and have in them a binding quality and an earthy substance the Choak-Peares and thoâ—e that are harsh being more earthy and the sweet ones lesse The Vertues and Signature When Peares are unripe and raw they engender Wind and so cause the Collick but if they be rosted baked or stewed
they are not unwholesome And eaten after meat being ripe and well gathered they close up the mouth of the Stomack and fortiâ—â—e digestion Being boyled with a little Honey they helpe the Stomack very much that hath any paines or oppression therein The sweet and lushious sorts do helpe to move the belly downwards more or lesse and therefore may be eaten moderatly that by those are costive Those that are harsh and sowre do on the contrary part bind the belly as much and therefore are good to be eaten of those that are troubled with the Laske or bloody-Fluxe but with moderation also for all excesse is dangerous The Wardâ—n is cheifely yea only admitted to be taken by thoâ—e that are sick and aguish being first baked stewed or rosted in that it hath no aâ—â—riction therein to breed obstructions which are the utter enemies to putrid Feavers and indeed it deserveth commendation above all the rest both because it may be preserved longer and is more amiâ—able to the nature of man Pears applyed outwardly are effectuall for hot tumors and greene wounds if they be laid to at the beginning and so are the Leaves for they close and heale new wounds but more especially Wild Peares and their Leaves The Perry that is made of these Peares is a speciall Cordiall chearing and reviving the Spirits making the Heart glad as Wine of Grâ—pes and this it may be said to do by that Signature which some Peares have It is also profitable for long life as well as health for it hath been observed that those that drink Perâ—y and Sydâ—r daily or frequently as their common drink are generally healthy persons and long lived It is of speciall use at Sea in long Voyages to mingle with their fresh-water Peares being boyled in faire Water with Rose-water and Honey and then drained through a Cloath or Colender and afterwards dryed in an Oven after a Batch of bread may be kept all the yeare being an excellent repast Some are preserved in Sugar as other fruits are and served in banquets amongst other sweet-meats or dryed up after they are preserved and so put amongst other dry candyed Junkets The Wood is smooth close and firme and serveth for many uses as to make Moulds and Prints to expresse the figure of a Plant or any such thing to make Rulers Pistoll â—â—ocks c when no fitter wood can be gotten CHAP. CLXX Of the Peach-Tree The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Malus Persica and Rhodacina the Nectarin which hath much affinity with it is called by Matthiolus and Casalpiâ—â—s Nucipers ca because it resembleth the Wall-Nut in the round smooth outer rind and the Peach in Meat substance and stone Aâ—g 〈…〉 vâ—â— calleth it Pâ—rsicâ— Nux for the same Reason and Pliny Nuciprunum The Kinds Of Peaches there are divers kinds I shall mention only 1. The White Peach 2. The Red Peach 3. The D'avant Peach 4. The Yellow Peach 5. The Nut-mâ—g Peach 6. The Nâ—wington Peach Of Nectarius I find three sorts 1. The Roman red Nectarin 2. The Yellow Nectarin 3. The green Nectarin The Form The Peach-Tree never groweth to any great bignesse but is planted either by it selfe or against a Wall but yet spreadeth branches reasonable well from whence spring smaller reddish Twigges long and narrow Leaves nicked on the edges somwhat like unto those of the willow and of a bitter tast the flowers be of a light purple colour after which followeth the fruit which hath a chink â—â— cleft on the one side being otherwise very round Some are much smaller then others as also differing in colour and tastes as russet red or yellow waterish or firme with a frize or cotten all over with a rugged fuâ—rowed great stone within and a bitter kernell within that The Places and Time Some suppose that these Trees had their Originall from Persia but there is no Author I know that maketh positive mention thereof Most of them are nursed up familiarly in divers Gentlemens Gardens throughout the Land but especially by those Gâ—rdiâ—ers that live neere the Citty of London which they are ready 〈…〉 ll to thoâ—e that want them They flower in April or thereabouts and their fruit iâ— ripe in September The Temperature Peaches be cold in the first degree and moist in the second but the kernells be hot and dry The Vertues Peaches eaten moderately for so we are to use all fruits as I said before are by the approbation of the learned Physitian Dioscorides very profitable for the Stomack and also to coole and loosen the belly especially if those that eat them are of hot constitutions but then it will not be amisse according to the advice that is given in Schola Salerni to take a cup of Wine or strong drink with them for there it is said Persica cum musto vobis datur ordine justo and so no doubt they are lesse dangerous The best time of eating them is before meales as Galâ—â— sheweth and not after meat as our manner is in England for being eaten after meat they swim uppermost and so both corrupt themselves and also other meates whereas being eat before they mollify the belly as is said already provoke appetite and qualify the distemperature of Choler in the Stomack Leonicerus saies they may be eaten in burning Feavers and Pliny commends them also for the sick The Kernells of the stones do wonderfully ease the paines and wringings of the belly through Wind or sharp humours and are with other ingredients very admirable for the Stone The Milk or Creame of the said Kernells being drawn forth with some Vervaine Water and applyed to the Fore-head and Temples doth much helpe to procure rest and sleepe to sick persons wanting it and so doth the Oyle that is drawn from them if the places afore mentioned be anointâ—d therewith Used in the same manner it helpeth the Megrim and all other paines in the Head The same Oyle put into Clysters easeth the paines of the Wind-Chollick and annointed on the lower part of the beâ—â—y it doth the like and dropped into the ears it easeth the paines of them and so doth the juice of the Leaves If the Kernells be bruised and boyled in Vinegar untill they become thick and applyed to the Head it marvelâ—ously procures the Haire to grow againe upon bald places or where it is too thin which is signified by the down that groweth upon the fruit The Leaves of Peaches bruised and laid on the belly killeth Wormes and so do they also being boiâ—ed in Ale and drunk and open the belly to boot and after they are dryed they discuss humors The powder of which being strewed upon fresh bleeding wounds stayeth their bleeding and closeth them up The Flowers steeped all night in a little wine set in a warme place and then strained forth in the morning and drunk fasting doth gently open the belly and moâ—e it downwards and if you would
Names I Find no Author that setteth down the Greek name of this Simple and I suppoâ—e the reason is because it is of later invention it being not that PaÌ„â— which Dioscorides mentioneth but brought out of China and called so from the River Rha on whose bankes it is said very plentifully to grow The Common Latine name is Rhabarbarum the reason whereof whosoever desires to know may read much thereof in Parkinsons Herball and be unresolved when he hath done The Kinds Of Rubarb there be six sorts 1. The True Rubarb 2. Bastard Rubarb 3. Monkes Rubarb 4. China Rubarb 5. The broader Elecampane leafed Rubarb 6. The narrower Elecampane leafed Rubarb The Form The True Rubarb riseth out of the ground in the Spring-time with a great round brownish head which openeth it selfe into sundry Leaves one after another very much crumpled together at the first and brownish but after they have spread themselves to a very large round compasse they become smooth being supported by a brownish stalk of the thicknesse of ones Thumb when they are at the biggest and about halfe a yard in length the Leafe also from edge to edge being neere the same breadth of a sad or darke greene colour of a fine sowre tast exceeding that of the Garden or Wood-sorrell amongst which there ariseth though not every yeare a strong thick stalk about a foot higher then the Leaves that grow below and like unto them but lesser at every joynt up to the top and among the Flowers which be white spreading forth into many branches and consisting of five or six small white Leaves a peice hardly to be discerned from the white threds in the middle after which come brownish three square seeds like unto those of other Dockes whereof it is a kind The root which will grow to be very great is of a darke brownish or reddish colour on the outside with a pale yellow skin under it covering the inner substance or root which being pared away the root appeareth of so fresh and lively a colour with fresh coloured Veins running through it that no Rubarb whatsoever can excell it which being dryed carefully by the gentle heat of a fire and every piece kept from touching one another it will hold its colour well and is commended by those that have made tryall of it The Places and Time The first as it is reported grew in Thracia whence it was brought to Venice and from thence to us the seed being sent by Dr. Lister to Mr. Parkinson who husbanded it so well that it grew and in two or three yeares brought forth much seed by which he furnished many of his friends Yet I find it growing very rarely and that in no great quantity not remembring that ever I saw it before the writing hereof but only in the Physick Garden at Oxon and in the Garden of one Cudymion Campion of Wansworth in the County of Surrey The second groweth naturally upon the hills not farre from Caria in Germany as also neere Friburg in Switzerland on the Mountaines in Austria groweth also plentifully in many of our Gardens where it is sowen The thâ—rd groweth about Lausannâ— in Savoy as Tragus saith but only in Gardens with us The fourth groweth in China as the name expresseth and is that as the Apothecaries pretend that is made use of in shops because they may have the greater price â—or it although that of England is as effectuall for many purposes The fift is to be found on Mount Baldus neere Verona in Italy and on the hills in Switzerland and the last came out of Italy also These sorts flower in June and the seed is ripe in July The Rootes which are for use must not be taken up till the Stalk and Leaves be quit withered and gone which will be in October for should they be taken before or after the Leafe begins to put forth they would lose much of their colour The Temperature Rubarb is hot and dry in the second degree of a mixt substance partly airy thin and purging partly grosse and earthy whereby it is binding and drying The Monkes Rubarb which is also dry but cooling is not so frequently used as formerly since the Bastard Rubarb hath been so plentifull The Vertues Rubarb is so effectuall for the Liver that it is called the Life Soul Heart and Treacle of the Liver purging from thence Choler Phlegme and watery humours and is therefore usefull in Cholerick and long continued Feavours in the Jaundies Green sicknesse Dropsy Stoppings of the Liver as also against the hardnesse thereof and intemperate coldnesse being taken of it selfe made into Powder and drunk in a draught of White-Wine fasting after it hath been steeped therein all night or put among other purges as shall be thought convenient It is likewise good against the Windinesse Wambling and Weaknesse of the Stomack and all paine thereof the Crampe gnawing and griping of the Belly Kidneys and Bladder the Ach of the Breasts and Mother the Sciatica spitting of blood Sobbing Hicket the bloody Flux and Lasks and all Stingings and venomous bitings one dram thereof being taken in Hydromel or Honyed Water The Powder taken with Cassia dissolved and a little washed Venice Turpentine clenseth the Reines and strengtheneth them afterwards and is very effectuall to stay the running of the Reines or Gonorrhea It is also given for paines and swellings of the Head for those that are troubled with Melancholy and helpeth the Gout The Powder of Rubarb taken with a little Mummia and madder Rootes in some red-Wine dissolveth clotted blood in the body hapning by any fall or bruise and healeth burstings and broken parts as well inward as outward The Oyle likewise wherein it hath beene boyled worketh the like effects being anointed It is used to heale the Ulcers that happen in the Eyes and Eyelids being steeped in White-Wine or any other convenient Liquor and then strained as also to asswage swelling and inflammations and applyed with Honey or boyled in Wine it taketh away all black and blew spots or markes that happen therein Whey or White-Wine are the best Liquors to to steep it in and thereby it worketh more effectually in opening Obstructions and purging the Liver and Stomack many do use a little Indian Spiknard as the best Corrector thereof The Seed of Bastard Rubarbe easeth the gnawing and griping paines of the Stomack and taketh away the loathing thereof The Root of it helpeth the Ruggednesse of the Nailes and being boyled in Wine it helpeth the Kings-evil as also the Swellings of the Kernells of the Eares It helpeth them that are troubled with the stone provoketh Vrine and helpeth the dimnesse of the sight It is also used in opening and purging Diet Drinkes with other things to open the Liver and to cleanse and coole the blood The Root of Monkes Rubarbe purgeth likewise but not so forcibly as either of the former The Seed therof contrarily doth bind the belly and helpeth to stay Laskes and the
modern Writers backed with daily experience do sufficiently testifie that it is appropriated to the Liver both for the opening the obstructions thereof and then for cleansing and strengthening it so that there is no plant so 〈…〉 raly applicable for all diseases that proceed from the Liver as this For it helpeth the Iaundisâ— both black and yellow being boyled in Wine or Water with other ingredients that correct and strengthen the Liver as Horehound Elecampone Buglosse Rubarb Lign-Aloes c. And so likewise for the severall kinds of Dropsies it is frequently used in Diet Drinks It is good also for the Bowels and healeth their inward woundings bruises or hurts and quaâ—iâ—â—eth aâ—l inward distempeâ— that grow therein being boiled in wine and drunk and so it is effectual for those that are stung or bitten by Serpents and helps them that have soul troubled and bloody waters making them to pisse clear very â—peediâ—y and is usefull in long continued fluxeâ— of the Liver eâ—pecially in old people It is good 〈◊〉 the Srangury and helpeth also the Collick the pâ—th the Cougâ— câ—eâ—nâ—th the Breast A dâ—light of the Decoction taken beâ—ore the fit of an Ague first removes â— and afterwards rids it quire away the Leaves and Seeds 〈◊〉 the bloody flux being taken in Wine The Roots or Leaves boiâ—ed in Wine helpe such as have the Palsy It is accounted a good Herb as questionlesse it is against the Spleen being stopt as also against the Pestilence and biting of a mad Dog The Leaves and root are good for those which are troubled with the Green Sicknesse The distilled water of the Herb is good for all the said purposes but worketh not altogether so effectually as the Decoction thereof Being stamped with Hogs-grease and applyed it helpeth old Sores Cancers and inveterateâ— Ulcers for it cleanseth them and afterwards healeth them and so it draweth forth the corrupt â—â—ater that sometimes happeneth to gather under the Nailes and easeth the aking and maketh the â—ailes to grow againe in case they come off Being used after the some manner it draweth forth thornes Splinters of Wood or such like when they are gotten into the flesh The juyce dropped into impostumated ears causeth them to send forth that which opprâ—sseth them and being mingled with Vinegar it taketh away warts being laid thereunto The distilled water cureth Ulcers and 〈◊〉 of the mouth and throat being gargled or washed therewith The Hemplikâ—â—grimour it good for many of the purposes aforesaid and further it provoketh Urine and the naturall Courses of women and boyled with Fumitory in Whey drunk it helpeth Scabs the Itch which proceeds of salt sharp humors especially if the juice be â—ixed with Vinegar and the outward parts be bathed therewith The Juâ—ce being drunk is held to be very effectuall for curing the Leprosy if it be taken in the beginning and to kill the Wormes if the Leaves be but steeped in drink and taken The â—moak of the herb being burnt drives away Gnats Plyes Wasps c If Countrey people give it to their Cattle when they are troubled with the Cough or broken-Wâ—nded it will cure them and it is said that Deere being wounded cure themselves by eating hereof Mr. Culpepper who seldome hit the Naile on the head as to the matter of Plants attributes the Vertues of Water-Hampe to Water Agrimony which are two distinct things as those which are acquainted with simples can easily tell CHAP. CLXXX Of Liver-Wort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lichen either because of its vertue in curing the Tetter or Ring-Worme which the Greeks call Lichen or for that it doth as it were â—ick thoâ—e stones whereon it groweth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying to sick It is called also Lichen in Lâ—tine and aâ—so Jecoraria either from the simiâ—itude that the 〈◊〉 thereof have with the Fibres of the Liver which is the Signature thereof or else from helping the diseases of the Liver or both Some call it Heâ—patica but that name is more uâ—ually understood of the noble Liver-Wort which is prized more for pâ—eâ—ure to the senses then for helping any disease The Kinds Though the Common Liver-wort be that which is of most use yet I shall according to my custome give you all the sorts thereof which are seaven 1 Common ground Liver-wort 2. Small-ground Liver-wort 3 Cluster-headed Liverwort 4 Liver-wort with a hooded head 5. Small Liver-wort with skinny Heeles 6. The smallest Liver-wort without Stalkes 7. Corke or Archal or Darbyshire Liver-wort The Forme The Common-Liver-wort groweth close and spreadeth much upon the ground and stony places which many sad greene Leaves lying or rather as it were sticking flat one unto another very unevenly cut in on the edges and crumpled from among which rise small slender Stalks an inch or two high at the most bearing small start-like flowers at the tops the Roots are very fine and small whereby it liveth The Places and Time They all grow in moist and shadowy places somtimes upon the ground as the Common sort doth in the Garden of John Smith by Adderbury Church-Yard sometimes at the heads of Springs as it doth at Runghill-well in the Mill-mead of the Town aforesaid and somtimes upon the stones of the inside of Welles as it doth in the Physick Garden at Oxâ—n Corck or Archall groweth upon the Free-stones of the Mountaines in Darbyshire It is greene all the yeare long and bringeth forth its Flowers oftentimes in June and July The Temperature Liver-wort must needs be cold and dry and somewhat binding for the growing in moist places maketh it col and upon stones maketh it dry and astringent The Signature and Vertues That rare discoverer of Signatures Oswald Crollius treating of those plants that are proâ—â—table to the Liver by Signature sets down this both for the â—miâ—itude the Fibres of this Plant and those of the Liver have one with another and the eminent Vertues it hath in all distempers of the Liver and therefore is put into Dyet-drink with Mayden haire Agrimony Harts-Tongue c to coole and cleanse it as often as occasion serves and heâ—peth also inflammations in any part and the yellow Jaundise likewise Or being bruised and boyâ—ed alone in small beere and drunk it cooleth the heat of the Liver and Kidneys and helpes the running of the Reines in Men and the Whites in Women It is likewise very good in the Hectick Feavour and in all other Feavours and Agues proceeding of Choâ—er as also in the Scab Tetter and all other unkind heates proceeding from the Liver as Whiteloves blaines blisters c taking away the cause of them if it be taken inwardly and boyled in Posset-drink and taken it helpeth bleeding at the nose which being suffered to coole quencheth the inflammations of the Tongue Being stamped with Hogs-greafe and applyed it healeth all manner of Sores but especially Tetters Ringwormes and other fretting Ulcers for which it is a singular remedy The water
Womens courses being applyed to the Matrix The distilled Water of the Herb and Roots being brought into a consistence by being mixed with other proper ingredients worketh the same effects and of it selfe it cleanseth the skin of Freckles Morphewes all other Spots and discolourings therein Blood-wort is as wholesome a Potherb as any that growes in a Garden though it be in these dayes used only by those few which know it to be so CHAP. CLXXXIIII Of Sorrell The Names IT is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying sharpe because it is sharp both in tast and forme and some Latine writers call it Oxalis after the ordinary Greek name for it hath others also as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it may be said Metaphorically to pierce the tongue like a Raisor with its sharpnesse of Galen it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Acidum lapathum or Acidus Rumex sowre Dock because it is so very like a Dock in severall respects other Latine-writers call it Acetosa and Acedula for its sharpnesse Rumex hortensis Sheepes Sorrell is called Lapatiolum and Acetosella by divers The Kinds The Sorts of sorrel besides Wood sorrell which I have entreated already are Sixteene 1. Ordinary Sorrell 2. Great Sorrell of Germany 3. Round leafed Sorrell 4. Tuberous rooted Sorrel 5. The greater bulbous Sorrell 6. Small Mountaine round leafed Sorrell 7. Creeping Sorrell with broad Leaves 8. Candy Sorrell 9. Sorrell of Naples 10. Marygold Leafed Sorrell 11. Indian Sorrell 12. Indian Sorrell with swollen huskes 13. Mountaine Welch Sorrell 14. Sheepes Sorrell 15. The smallest Sorrell 16. Tall narrow leafed Sorrell The Form Sorrell hath tender greene Leaves long and full of juice broad and forked as it were at end towards the foot-stalke as those of Spinach and Mercury are of a sharpe sowre tast the stalkes are slender bearing purplish long heads somwhat like those of the Dock described in the former Chapter whereof it is a kind wherein lye three-square shining brown seed like but lesser then the other the root is smaller then any of the Docks but the strings thereof go further into the earth then of any other herb somtimes to the depth of three Cubits as the Lord Bacon witnesseth in his naturall History it abideth a long time without decaying having greene Leaves all the Winter except in the very extremity thereof which often taketh away all or most of its Leaves The Places and Times The ordinary Sorrell groweth commonly in Gardens and so doth the Sorrell with round Leaves The tuberous kinds grow in some places neere unto the water side and the sheepes Sorrell groweth in upland grounds where Sheepe use to frequent The two last grow in some sandy and gravelly grounds and upon the bankes of some ditches As for the rest their places are most of them set down in their titles All of them flower and seed in May and June except the Indian sort which flowreth not till July and their seed is ripe in August The Temperature Sorrell is cooling and drying in the second degree and by its sowernesse cutteth tough humours The Vertues The juice of Sorrell in the Summer-time is a profitable sawce in many meates and pleasant to the tast especially if some Sugar be added thereunto It cooleth an hot Stomack moveth appetite to meat tempereth the heat of the Liver openeth the stoppings and preventeth the walling thereof and is effectuall in all hot diseases to coole any inflammation and heat of blood in Agues Pestilentiall or Cholerick or other sicknesse and fainting rising from heat and to refresh the Spirits being almost spent with the violence of furious or fiery fits of Agues and to quench the thirst in them for which there is nothing better then Sorrell-Posset drink which may be made by putting the juice to milk when it beginneth to seeth The Leaves eaten in the morning fasting in the time of Pestilence do mâ—rvailously preserve from infection but much more the conserve thereof which is good for all the purposes aforesaid The seeds thereof brayed and drunk with Wine and Water are very wholesome against the Chollick and fretting of the Guttes it stoppeth the hot Fluxes of Womens Courses or of humours in the bloody Flux or Flux of the Stomack and helpeth it when it is annoyed with repletion The roots also in Decoction or in Powder is effectuall for the said purposes and further it helpeth the Jaundise and expelleth Gravell and the Stone from the Kidneys and a decoction of the Flowers made with Wine and drunk helpeth the Black Jaundise as also the inward Vlcers of the body of Bowells The Leaves wrapped up in a Wort Leafe and roasted under the Embers and applyed to any hard Impostume or Tumor Botch Boile or Plague sores both ripeneth and breaketh it and discusseth Kernells in the Throat if applyed in time The juice with a little Vinegar is profitable to bathe those places which are troubled with the Itch Tetter Ringworm St. Anthonies fire c The distilled Water of the herb is of much good use for all the purposes aforesaid killing Wormes and resisting Poyson CHAP. CLXXXV Of Beets The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Teutlon and Seutlon ab impulsu quòd facilè excrescat because it cometh up within few dayes after the sowing and afterwards groweth very fast untill it attaine to its bignesse which in â—ome hot Countryes will be three foot in length and of a great breadth It is called Beta in Latine quoniam Figuram Luerae Graecae C dum semine turget referre videtur because the figure of it being in seed is somwhat like the Greeke Letter Beta as Columella hath it It is called also Sicula and Sicla by some because it is supposed that it was first brought out of Sicily viz. The White Beet In this place for want of a fitter I shall speake of Spinage because it deserves not a Chapter by it selfe Ob raritatem in usu medico which made the Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being seldom used in Physick yet amongst Sallets and Pot-herbs there be few more common Some Latine Authors call it Spinachia and Spinaccum others Spanachia supposing it grew originally in Spaine and Olus Hispanicum The Kinds There be nine sorts of Beets and but three of Spinage with put together will make up a Dozen 1. The Common white Beet 2. The Common red Beet 3. The Comon greene Beet 4. The Roman red Beet 5. The Italian Beet 6. Prickly Beets of Candy 7. Sea Beets 8. Yellow Beet 9. Flat stalked Beet 10. The greater Spinage with Prickly Seeds 11. Thelesser Spinage with prickly Seeds 12. Spinage with smooth seeds Spinage sometimes beareth no seed but that is only by accident The Form The Common white Beet hath many great Leaves next the Ground of a whitish greene colour the stalke is great strong and ribbed or crested bearing great store of Leaves
therefore saith Crollius that excellent Author in his book of Signatures the juice of Elder and the Distilled-Water of Jews-Ears which I have treated of in the seaventy eight Chap â— of this worke upon another occasion though they never grow but upon the Elder-Tree are profitable in the Dropsy which is a Disease for the most part Caused by Coldnesse of the Liver because the Blood-making Faculty being vitiated and corrupted many watery humours fall into the Abdomen or belly between the skin and the flesh for the removing of which Elder is of great Vertue For not only the juice and Water of Jews-Earsâ— but that of the Flowers as also the berries green or dry are often given with good successe to helpe the Dropsy by evacuating great plenty of waterish Humours the barke of the Root also boyled in Wine or the juice or distilled water thereof two Ounces being taken fasting and two houres before Supper worketh the same effect yea more readily then any of the former the juice of the root taken provoketh Vomit mightily and purgeth the Watery humours of the Dropsy but not without trouble to the Stomack The yellow middle or if you will the undermost barke is commended by its Signature for the Yellow Iaunndise by the said Crollius which must therefore be sleeped in Wine with one or two Jewes-Eares of which strained drink a good Draught morning and evening The distilled Water thereof or a Syrup made of its juice may be used to the same purpose For besides that they Open the Belly and Evacuate hurtfull humors the Medicines prepared of this Bark have great Vertue to open all Obstructions Six drops of the Spirit of Elder-salt taken in broth is commended in the Scurvy The decoction of the Root in Wine cureth the Biting of Venemous beasts as also of a mad Dogge and mollifyeth the hardnesse of the Mother if Women sit therein and openeth the Veines and bringeth down the Courses the berries boiled in Wine perform the same effects the Haire of the Head or of any other part washed therewith is made black The juice of the green Leaves applyed to the inflammation of the Eyes asswageth them and the Leaves boiled till they be tender then mixed and beaten with Barly meale asswageth inflammations â—n any other part helpeth places that are burnt with fire or scalded with Water cureth fistulous Ulcers being laid thereupon and easeth the paines of the Gout being beaten and boiled with the tallow of a Bull or Goat and â—â—id warme thereto The Powder of the seeds first prepared in Vinegar and then taken in Wine halfe a dramme at a time for certaine dayes together is a meane to abate and consume the flesh of a corpulent body and to keep it lean Should I give you all the Vertues of Elder at large I should much exceed the usuall Limits of a Chapter and therefore I shall only give you a Breviat of them and referre you to that learned peece of Dr. Martâ—n Blockwich called the Anatomy of Elder where you may satisfy your selfe perfectly of every particular There is hardly a Disease from the Head to the Foot but it cures for besides the Vertues I have allready mentioned it is profitable for the Head-ach for Ravings and Wakings Hypocondriack Mellancholy the Falling-sicknesse the Apoâ—â—exy and Palsy 〈…〉 rrius Toâ—â—h-ach Deafenesse want of smelling Blemishes of the 〈◊〉 and Head Diseases of the mouth and Throat the infirmities of the Lungs Hâ—â—sting and Hearsenesse the Pleurify and Ptisick Womens brests being sore swooning and P 〈…〉 esse in Feavours the Plague Pox Measles Diseases of the Stomack the VVormes and other Diseases of the Gutts the Hemorrhoides the Stone Diseases of the Matrix c Neither is there any part about this Tree without its use The Leaves Berries Seeds Root and Barkes I have allready spoken of Of the flowers are made conserves a Syrup and Hony Water and Spirits Vinegar and Oxy 〈…〉 a Wine Oyle c The young shoots boiled like Asparageâ— and the young Leaves and Stalkes boiled in fat broth draweth forth mightily Choler and tough Phlegme and so do the tender Leaves eaten with Oyle and Salt The VVood serveth to make Skewets for Butchers and divers other things The Pith in the middle of the Stalkes being dryed and put into the holes of hollow and fistulous Ulcers that are ready to close openeth and dilateth the Orifices whereby injections may be use and other remedies applyed for the cure of them and may be used to keep open Issues insteed of a Pease It is said that if a Horse that cannot stale be strucken gently with a Stick hereof and some of the Leaves be bound under his Belly it will make him stale quickly It is said also that if a branch hereof be put into the trench where a Mole is it will either drive him forth or kill him there The Mountaine or Red-berried 〈◊〉 hath the properties that the common Elder hath but much weaker The Marsh Elder is of the like purging quality with the common sort especially the beâ—â—ies or juice of them The Danewort is not only more powerfull then the Elder for all the forementioned purposes but hath particular Vertues that are not in the other or at least are nothing so prevalent The juice of the root of Danewort applyed to the Throat healeth the Quinsy or Kings-Evill the Fundament likewise is stayed from falling down if the juice thereof be put therein The Powder of the Seedes taken in the Decoction of Ground-Pine with a little Cinamon to the quantity of a dram at a time is an approved remedy both for the Gout Joynt-Aches and Sciatica and also for the French disease for it easeth the paines by withdrawing the humors from the places affected and by drawing forth those humors that are fluent peccant and offensive and so doth the Powder of the Root used as aforesaid Wine wherein the root hath been steeped a night seldome faileth to drive away an Ague at the second taking An Oyntment made in May with the Leaves hereof May-butter is highly esteemed by many as a soveraigne remedy for all outward paines Aches and Cramps in the Joynts Nerves or Sinewes for starcknesse and Lamenesse coming by cold or any other Casualty and generally to warme comfort and strengthen all the outward parts being ill affected as also to mollify the hardnesse and to open the obstructions of the Spleene the greived parts being annointed therewith CHAP. CLXXXX Of Soldanella The Names NOtwithstanding the dissimilitude that this Plant hath with any of the Cole-worts yet it is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Dioscorides and others whom the Latines following have called Brassica marina not without great oversight in both Neither are some of our English Writers to be excused who follow their Authors to the very heeles and call it Sea Cole-wort But some Latine Authors considering the unreasonablenesse of the former name have called it Soldana Soldanella à consolidando and
the year which do helpe to stirr up an appetite to meat to help Obstructions of the Spleen and to provoke Urine The Broom Rape is commended by some to be as good as Asparagus taken when they are young and eaten either raw or boyled but they are somewhat bitter The decoction thereof in wine is thought to be as effectuall to avoid the stone in the Kidnies and Bladder and to provoke Urine as the Broom it self The juyce thereof is Singular good to cure as well green wounds as old and filthy sores and malignant Ulcers Being put into oyle Olive and set in the Sun for certain dayes it taketh away all Spots Lentiles Freckles Pimples Wheales and Pushes from the face or any part of the body being anointed therewith All the lesser sorts have the same qualities and may be conducible to the same diseases but some stronger some weaker But the most effectuall of all the Brooms is the Spanish kind which hath not onely all the properties aforesaid very exactly but others also It purgeth both upwards and downwards especially the seed which being taken to the quantity of a dram in Meade or honyed water purgeth by vomit as Hellebore doth yea without trouble or danger An Oxymel or Syrupe made of the Flowers Seed and Vinegar often used breaketh healeth all Impostumes of the Spleen by causing the corrupt matter to void it self and draweth humors from the Joynts CHAP. CXCIV Of the Ash-Tree The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latin Fraxinus quia facilè frangiâ—ur because the boughs of it are easily broken The seed or rather the inner kernel therof is called Lingua Avis and Lingua Passerina from the form thereof being like unto a Birds Tongue in English Ash-Keyes and of some Kitkeyes and Peter keyes The Tree is called the Ash because its barke is of the colour of Ashes The wild Ash which I here add because of its name is very probable to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Fraxinus montana of Theophrastus which Pliny calleth Ornus of some Orneoglossum Fraxinus sylvestris Fraxinea arbor Fraxinus aucuparia because Boyes and Fowlers use the Berries as Baites to catch Blackbirds Thrushes c. In the English the Wild Ash but more generally Traxinus bubula the Quicken-Tree The Kinds There be no more sorts then what I have already mentioned viz. 1. The Common great Ash 2. The wild Ash or Quicken-tree The Forme The Ash commonly riseth up with a straight body sometimes to a very great thickness but commonly of a middle sise and is covered with a smooth barke of a grayish colour spreading reasonable wel and bearing long winged Leavs consisting of others which stand by couples one over against another the uttermost onely being excepted which standeth alone all which are long narrow gentle of a pale green colour and dented about the Edges at sundry joynts with the Leaves cometh forth a bunch of flowers and after them a bunch of seeds commonly called keyes tasting somewhat strong and hot in the mouth there be sometimes small round Balls called Apples growing therein but not in every place The timber of it contrary to the branches is strong and tough and therefore is much used in Coaches Carts Ploughes and other instruments of Husbandry but especially to make Pikes for Souldiers The Places and Times The Ash for its usefulnesse both for Timber and Firewood is planted generally throughout the whole Land both in high and Low grounds yet experience tells us that it thriveth best in moist low grounds and by meddow sides The Quicken-Tree groweth in the Woods by High-Gate and in divers other parts And particularly amongst Trees in the walk between Shaford and Gorehambery The Balles or Apples of the Ash come forth in the end of Winter the leaves and flowers of both in the Spring and the seed and fruit is ripe in September The Temperature The Leaves and Bark of the Ash-Tree are dry and moderately hot the seed is hot and dry in the second degree The Vertues There is scarce any part about the Ash but is good for the Dropsy The Leaves and Bark with the tender Crops boiled in Wine and drunk are excellent for it for they purge Water and so doth the Water that is distilled from the Leaves Barke or Seed The young Rootes also boiled in Ale and a draught thereof drunk morning and evening is profitable for the same The said Leaves and Bark boiled in Wine and drunk do likewise open and comfort the Lâ—ver and Spleene and ease the paines and Stitches of the sides and so will they do being boiled in Oyle and applyed to them outwardly and being used in the same manner it is singular good against the biting of the Viper Adder or any other venemous beast to which purpose the seed may also be drunk in Wine according to that Verse of Serenus Fraxineum semen cum Bacchi rore bâ—bendum est The Leaves and Barke are reported to stop the Belly and being boiled with Vinegar and Water do stay Vomiting if they be laid upon the Stomack Three or foure Leaves taken in Wine every morning constantly doth make those leane which are fat and keepeth them from grossnesse which begin to wax fat and so doth the distilled Water of the Keyes a small quantity taken every morning The Decoction of the Leaves in White Wine helpeth to break the Stone and expell it and cureth the Jaundise The seeds having their Huskes taken off prevaile against Stitcâ—â—s and paines in the sides proceeding of Wind and the Stone by provoking Urine They are commended also for the Rickets to increase naturall seed to stir up bodily lust especially being powdered with Nutmegs and drunk The Lye which is made of the ashes of the barke cureth those Heads which are Leprous Scabby or Scal'd being bathed therewith The Leaves of the Wild Ash boiled in Wine are good against the paines in the sides the stoppings of the Liver and asswageth the bellies of those which have the Tympany or Dropsy CHAP. CLXXXXV Of the Sassafras or Ague-Tree The Names THe use of this Ingredient is of late Invention therefore it were in vaine to seek for the Greek name It is called in Latine Sassafras which is also the French and Spanish name but why they called it so is unknown yet the French were the first that discovered the Vertues of it to the Christian world For at their being neere the Florida they got Agues and Swellings in their Legges which as I conceive was the Dropsy and other diseases by lying on the ground and intemperate dyet which they used for which they could get no cure untill they had learned the use of this Tree from the Natives who call it Pavame and Winanke All other Countryes call it Sassafras and amongst them the English who call it also the Ague-Tree from its Vertue in healing the Ague There is hereof but one kind and therefore
others also profitable as Agrimony Betony Dancus Dodder Fumitory Rose-Mary Sage Dill Rue Camomile Bayes Juniper c Some of which I have treated of already and shall treat of the rest when I shall come to the parts to which they are most appropriate I passe now to the Spleen which is the seat of Melancholy and therefore must be purged as also opened and strengthned CHAP. CCI. Of Dodder The Names THat Dodder which groweth upon flax is that which I mean to treat of principally It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the latter Greeks for by the Ancients it was not taken notice of as far as I can understand because tanquam cassis vel r 〈…〉 illud implicat it tangleth about it like a net It is called in Latin also Cassuta and Cassyta and Pâ—dagra Lini and in Shops Cuscuta The Kinds Though there be but one sort of Dodder which groweth upon Flax yet there is a lesser sort also which groweth upon divers plants and taketh its denomination from them That which groweth upon Time is called Epithymum that upon Savory Epithymbrum that upon Nettâ—es Epiurtica that upon Marjerom Epimarjorana that upon the Bramble Epirubus and in English Laced Time Laced Savory c. The Form Dodder riseth out of the ground shooting forth threds or strings grosser or finer as the property of the Plants whereon it groweth and the Climate do suffer creeping and spreading on that Plant whereon it fasteneth be it high or low These strings have no Leaves at all upon them but wind and interlace themselves so thick sometimes that it is ready to strangle it which after they have got good hold break off at bottom receiving nourishment still insensibly from the Plant whereon it is twisted like unto Ivy and thereby partaketh of the nature of the same plants Wheresoever it groweth it puts forth clusters of small Heads or Husks out of which start forth whitish Flowers which afterwards give small pale coloured seed somewhat flat and twice as bigg as Poppy seed The Places and Time I have observed little Dodder to grow upon Flax or Time here in England which makes me suppose that the Dodder of Flax and so of Time which are most in use and sold in the Apothecaries Shops are brought from beyond the Seas for every climate doth not bring them forth alike Those which have been most observed in our Land are that of Nettles which groweth plentifully in Somersetshire and that of Tares or Pulse whereon it groweth so abundantly in some places that the Country people call it Hellweed because they know not how to destroy it It hath been found upon Ferne and other herbs upon Hampsted Heath and upon the Grasse likewise upon Black-Heath in Kent It flowrisheth cheifely in July and August The Temperature Every one of these Dodders do participate somewhat of the nature of the plant whereon it groweth and therefore Dodder of Flax is hot in the first degree and dry in the second Dodder of Time is hot and dry in the third degree c. The Virtues Though the Dodder of Flax is that which is most frequent in Shops yet because that of Time is more proper for the Spleen I shall speak to that first It purgeth Melancholy and adust choller from the Spleen and Hypochonders and therefore it avaiâ—es against Melancholy as also Phlegme from the Brain and Heart and is therefore very proâ—â—table in old and inveterate paines of the Head Swimming of the head Madnesse faintings and the Quartam Ague It is very effectuall also for Hypochondriack passions Schirrues or hardnesse of the Spleen and windinesse thereof stopping oâ— the Kidneys and is very usefull in the Scab and Itch Leprosiâ— Elephancy malignant Ulcers and Cancers as also the French Pox. It cleanâ—eth also the blood very much from Melancholy and adust humors it is profitable in the Jaundies in opening Stoppings of the Gall and Avicen commends it against the Cramp Neither is it of a purging quality onely but strengtheneth also both the Liver and Spleen and helpeth Childrens Agues if a little Worms-Seed be put to it If it be used in any decoction it must be put in last for it will not endure long boâ—â—ing Dodder of Flax is very profitable in Stoppings of the Liver Gall and Spleen cleanseth the blood from Melancholy and is usefull in the Jaundies provokes Urine and cleanseth the Veines of Cholerick and phlegmatick humors especially if it be taken with wormwood and Anniseeds If half a pint or lesse of the decoction be taken with halfe an ounce of Sugar it cures Children of the Agues The seeds drunk with Wine and Sage ease the Sciatica or Hipgowt The distilled water being taken helps the distempers of the Liver and Lungs by cleansing and strengthening them it also cures the Jaundies expells the Stone of the Bladder easeth grippings in the Belly bringeth down the Courses in Women helpeth swellings about the Navell and cures Agues in Children the quantity of two ounces being taken by them but more to those that are stronger Dodder of Nettles and Broom have an especiall quality in provoking Urine where it is stopped or hindered That which grows on Tares though it be most frequent about London is not good for Tares are hard of Digestion bind the Belly and breed thick and Melancholy blood and so doth their Dodder That which groweth upon Brambles and Hopps is speciall good for old Feavers and the Jaundies CHAP. CCII. Of Black Hellebore The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and sometimes without the aspiration 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because too much of it robs the body of its nourishment by its violent purgation It is called also in Latin Helleborus niger Veratrum quid â—eâ—â—em vertat because it maketh the senses of mad folkes to return unto them a it did the Daughters of Praetus whom Melampos a Shepheard or Southsayer whiâ—â— you will cured of their madnesse herewith and because he was thought to bring it into use it is called Melampodium In English it hath the name of black Hellebore and Christmas-flower because it flourisheth about that time if too much cold weather do not hinder it There is a bastard kind hereof is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pseudohelleborus and Veratrum nigrum adulterinum Bastard black Hellebore as also Consiligo Bearefoot Setterwort and Settergrasse because Husbandmen use to make a hole and put it into the Eare or Dewlap of their cattle which they call Pegging or Settering The Kinds To this kind Eight sorts may be referred 1. The true black Hellebore or Christmas Flower 2. Bastard black Hellebore or Bearesfoot 3. Tresoile Prickly leaved Bearesfoot 4. The greater bastard black Hellebore or Bearsfoot called also Setterwort 5. Fennel Leafed bastard black Hellebore 6. The greater purging Sanicle-like Hellebore 7. Small purging Sanicle-like Hellebore 8. Matthiolus his bastard black Hellebore The Forme The true black Hellebore hath
the afflicted part being bathed therewith by a good fire The three last sorts are of very little or no use amongst us CHAP. CCVIII Of the Tamariske-Tree The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying infinitus from the abundance of little Leaves wherewith it is adorned In Latine also Myrica and Tamarix but of divers Tamarisus which cometh from the Hebrew word Tamarik signifieth Abstersio quia magnam abstergendvim habet of its great force in clensing The Kinds Heretofore there were only two sorts of Tamariske known one great and bearing Galles the other small and bearing none but now there are five sorts found out which belong to this kind 1. The French or finer leafed Tamarisk 2. The Germaine or broader Leafed Tamarisk 3. White Tamarisk 4. Aegyptian Tamarisk which beareth Galles 5. Sea Tamarisk The Forme The French or finer Leafed Tamarisk which I take to be that which groweth most ordinarily in England attaineth not to any great bignesse in this Country though in others it is said to have the bignesse of a great thick and tall-Tree with many spreading slender branches whose Bark is somewhat thick and rugged of a dark reddish colour the younger shootes being reddish at the first green afterwards and blackish when they are dry but the Leaves as long as they be growing are of a whitish green colour crisped as it were somwhat like unto Heath but finer and smaller The flowers grow spike fashion being purplish at the first but white when they are blown open consisting of five Leaves a peece which turn into down with the small seed in them and falleth away as that of the Willow and Poplar doth The Places and Time The first groweth by the Rivers sides and in other moist and gravelly places not only in Narbone and about Mompelier in France but in divers parts of Spain also The second groweth in Germany as well neere unto the River of Rhene as about that of Danubius yet not without some difference The third did grow in the Garden of one Mr. Ward at his house at Boram in Essex The fourth in Arabia Aegypt and the places thereabouts The last groweth upon the Sea Coasts in Flanders They flower about the end of May or in June and the seed is ripe and blown away in the beginning of September The Temperature Tamarisk as Galen saith hath a cleansing and cutting quality and manifestly drying it is also somewhat astringent or binding especially the fruit and Bark The Vertues The Root or Leaves or young branches of Tamarisk being boyled in Wine or Vinegar drunk and applyed outwardly also is a very powerfull remedy against the hardnesse of the Spleene The Leaves boiled in Wine and drunk driveth forth Melancholly helpeth Spitting of Blood and the excessive flowing of the termes the bleeding of the Hemorrhodiall Veines and other Fluxes the Jaundâ—se and all other griefes that come of Obstructions The Root sodden with Raisins and drunk helpeth the Lepry because it cleanseth and healeth the Milt whereof the Lepry commeth The Bark and Leaves boyled in Wine and the Mouth and Teeth gargled therewith helpeth the Tooth-ach and being dropped into the Eares it helpeth the paines thereof and is good for the rednesse and watering of the Eyes The said Decoction is also good to wash those that are subject to Nits and Lice and being mixed with a little honey it is effectuall to stay Gangrens and fretting Ulcers A Bath made by boyling a good quantity of the Leaves in store of Water being sat in by those Women whose Matrix is in danger of falling down through loosenesse fasteneth it and the ashes of the Wood applyed to the place stoppeth the excessive flowing thereof The Wood is said to be so powerfull to consume the Spleene that those Hogs which have beene served in Troughes made thereof have beene found without Spleens and therefore it is more then probable that if those which are Splenetick should constantly drink out of Cannes Piggins or Cups made thereof they would find it effectuall for their Disease The Ashes of the Wood made into a Lye with Water is of good use for many of the purposes aforesaid as also to help those blisters which are raised by burning or scalding of fire or water The Aegyptians use the Wood hereof to cure the French disease Leprosy Scabs pushes Ulcers and the like It is available also to help the Dropsy arising from the Hardnesse and Obstructions of the Spleene as also for Melancholy and the black Jaundise that ariseth thereof especially the Bark with the Barks of Ash and Ivy infused in Beere or Ale and drunk Some in cases of necessity use Heath or Ling insteed of Tamarisk CHAP. CCIX. Of Germander The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chamaedrys which in English is as much as a dwarfe Oak the Leaves of it being somwhat like to those of the great Oake In Latine Trissago and Trixago and of some Querculaminor yet Chamaedrys is more frequent then either of them in shops or elsewhere in English Germander or English Treacle Tree Germander is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek and Teucrium in Latine à Teucro inventore from one Teucer which first found out the vertues of it in English Tree Germander and upright Germander The Kindes Of both these kinds we may reckon Eighteen sorts 1. The common Germander 2. Great Germander 3. Germander of Naples 4. Jagged Germander or with fine cut Leaves 5. Thorny Germander of Candy 6. Mountaine Germander 7. Rock Germander 8. The greater Bastard Germander 9. The smaller Bastard Germander 10. The least Bastard Germander 11. Common Wild Germander 12. Narrow Leased wild Germander 13. Jagged base Germander of Austria 14. Wild Spanish Germander with fine â—ut Leaves 15. The more common Tree Germander 16. Tree Germander of Candy 17. Tree Germander of Spaine 18. Unsavory-Tree Germander of the Alpes The Form Common Germander shooteth forth very many branches lying on the ground which are tough hard and wooddy spreading themselves here and there whereupon are placed small Leaves sniâ—â— about the edges like the teeth of a Saw and therefore of some called Serratula though improperly resembling the shape of an Oaken Leafe as I said before The flowers are of a purple colour very small standing close to the Leaves towards the top of the branches The seed is little and black the root slender and full of strings which by spreading themselves a great way round about cause it to be very plentifull in a short space where it is once set The Places and Time To set down the places of all the sorts abovenamed would be to little purpose seeing that none of them grow naturally in England save the Eleaventh sort which groweth almost every where I shall therefore referre you to the Gardens of those that delight in Varieties of this Nature where it is probable you may find many of them Some of them flower
upon Mountaines it hath somtimes the Epithite 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 joyned to it in the Greek but more usually Montanum in Latine We in English call it Poley and Poley Mountaine The Kinds And of these Poleys there many be reckoned nine sorts 1. Our ordinary Poley Mountaine 2. Small Spanish upright Poley Mountaine 3. Small French Poley Mountaine 4. Creeping purple Poley Mountaine 5. The smallest creeping white flowred Poley Mountaine 6. Spike Leafed Poley Mountaine 7. Candy Poley with hoary broad Leaves 8. Upright narrow leased Candy Poley 9. The small African dwarfe Poley The Form The ordinary Poley Mountaine is a small low Plant having divers white or hoary round hard branches scarce a foot high whereon are set divers long and small hoary Leaves overlaid as it were with a yellowish white Down somewhat dented about the edges with two alwaies set together on the stalkes as they gâ—ow up at the tops whereof grow forth whitish or hoary yellowish heads thrusting out many small pale coloured flowers and in some places more yellow standing in hoary huskes the seed is small and blackish which it seldome perfecteth in our Land and therefore we slip the branches which being set will grow very well as often as we desire to increase it the whole plant smelleth sweet somwhat strong and quick withall The Places and Time These Plants grow not naturally in England and therefore I shall referre you to the Gardens for them as the Physick Garden at Oxford and that at Westminster where you may find divers of them They do most of them flower in July and August yet some later then others The Temperature Poley is dry in the third degree and hot in the end of the second of a loathsome bitter tast The Vertues Though this Simple be not commonly to be had in the feilds nor in every Garden yet at the Apothecaries shop it may be had at no great expence It is very effectuall to free all the inward parts from obstructions especially the Spleene and Liver which it doth through the bitternesse wherewith it is qualified it being the nature of all bitter things to open Obstructions Neither doth it only open the stopping of the Spleene but helpeth all other diseases thereof or proceeding from it as the swelling thereof the Jaundise and the Dropsy being boiled in Vinegar and Water and the Decoction thereof drunk It is also of wonderfull efficacy to resist Poyson and therefore it is alwaies put into Mithridate Treacle and all other Antidotes or Counterpoysons and to help those that are stung or bitten with Venemous Creatures the Decoction of the herb being drunk whilst it is warme nay it is so Antipatheticall to all Vermine that the fumigation or smoak thereof being burnt drives them away and so doth the herb being strewed or laid in those places that are subject thereunto It moveth the belly and bringeth down the feminine courses and doth consolidate or soder up close the Lips of cuts or wounds if it be applyed to them greene and being dry it healeth grievous sores or Ulcers and this the lesser kind doth best performe which is that also which is used in Mithridate Venice Treacle and the like Notwithstanding all these good qualities it troubleth the Stomack and causeth some paines in the head somtimes CHAP. CCXII. Of Lupines The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thermos in Latine Lupinus Plautus called Lupinus Aurum Comicum because in his time they were used instead of money in such Comedies as had any shew of payment in any Scene thereof But that they were not used for Currant money upon other occasions may be gathered from that Verse of Horace Nec tamen ignorent quid distant ara Lupinis Which sheweth that Counters and Counterfeit monies were easily to be distinguished from true and Currant Coyne In English they are usually called Lupines after the Latin Name yet some call them Fig-beanes after the Dutch name because they are flat and round as a Fig that is pressed and others Flat-beans for the same reason Some have called the yellow Lupine Spanish Violets and other foolish names have been given it as Virginia Roses and the like The Kinds There be Eleaven severall sorts of Lupines 1. The white-Garden Lupine 2. The greater blew Lupine 3. The lesser blew Lupine 4. The smallest blew Lupine 5. The blew Sea Lupine 6. The spotted white Lupine 7. The yellow Lupine 8. The Arabian Lupine 9. A middle sort of great blew Lupine 10. Blush flowered Lupine 11. Lupinus flore obsoleto The Form The white Garden Lupine riseth up with a great round stalk hollow and somewhat woolly with divers branches whereon grow upon long Foot-stalkes many broad Leaves divided into five seven or Nine parts or smaller Leaves equally standing round about as it were in a Circle of a whitish green colour on the upper side and more woolly underneath the Flowers stand many together at severall Joynts both of the greater stalk and the branches like unto Beanes and of a white colour in some places and in others of a very bleak blew tending to white after the flowers are past there come in their places long broad and flat rough Cods wherein are contained round and flat seed yellowish on the inside and covered with a rough white skin and very bitter in tast the roots are not very great but full of small fibres whereby it fasteneth it self strongly in the ground yet perisheth every year as all the rest of these kinds do which differ little from this but onely in the colour of their Flowers for which they are cheifely desired The Places and Time All the sorts above named do grow in the Gardens of those that are curious Lovers of these delights here in England but the first came from Greece where it was anciently cherished for food the Great blew Lupine from Caramania beyond Persia the lesser blew and the yellow sort from Spaine They flower in June and July and their seed is ripe quickly after The Temperature Lupines by reason of their bitternesse do open digest dissolve and cleanse but being steeped some dayes in water they lose their bitterneâ—â—e The Signature and Vertues The Lupine is said by Crollius to have the Signature of the Spleen and therefore the decoction therefore is profitable for those that are Splenetick to which may also be added Rue and Pepper that it may be the pleasanter and more effectuall The said Decoction helpeth to kill and expell all manner of Wormes if it be drunk in a Morning fasting and so doth the Meale hereof taken with Honey or with Water and Vinegar or tempered with an Oxe gall and laid to the navell whilst the party is fasting Though taken often and without preparation they breed grosse and rude humours being hard of digestion and slow in passing thorow the belly yet being steeped and afterwards dryed beaten and taken with some Vineâ— as they cleanse the Stomack help digestion and provoke Appetite
it is dissolved often mixed with pectorall Syrupes honey or juyce of Liquorish to help the Cough or Hoarnesse in the Throat salt and sharp distillations upon the Lungs being taken is an Electuary or put under the tongue gently to distill down and so it taketh away the roughnesse of the tongue which happeneth in many diseases The said Gum is also used in Medicines for the Eyes to allay the heat and sharpnesse of hot rheumes falling into them and being mingled with milk it taketh away white spots growing in the black of the Eyes the itching also of them and wheâ—â—es and scabs that grow upon the Eye-Lids Being somewhat torrefied or dryed â—â— the â—â—re and mixed with the juce or Wine of Quinces and used in a G 〈…〉 er it is good against the bloody Flix Being boyled in Wine with Stechads and drunk it warmeth and cleanseth the breast and Stomack bowels being afflicted with any cold the Cholick the stopping of the Milt and Urine It cleanseth the face and maketh it white if it be steeped a night in Rose water and in the morning a little Borace or Champhire be put thereto and the face be washed therewith It is very effectuall for the sores and chaps of the Mouth Lips and Hands and also for Ulcers in any part being dissolved in Rose water strained some white starch mixed therewith and the place annointed the Muccilage mixed with Honey doth the same and is good for the Leprosy The powder of it is profitable for those that have broken a veine or are troubled with the Craâ—p if it be taken in broth Besides these Physicall uses it serveth to make artificiall beads of which Bracletts are compoâ—ed and it is used many times as a kind of Starch or Glew to bind or stiffen things withall and to make Gentlewomens haire lye in order The roots of the Poterion boyled in Wine and drunk are profitable against the poyson of the red Toad and being made in a Pultis and applyed to any of the Nerves or Sinews that are wounded cut or hurt doth heale them and soâ—â—er them together are also all other kinds of Wounds and Cutts the said decoction of the Roots in Wine a also effectuall for the said purposes to be drunk and for inward Wounds or Veines that are broken Gum Arabick is effectuall for many of the purposes aforesaid but especially for defending the Reines and Bladder from those frettings that cause bloody Urine CHAP. CCXVII Of Spiknard The Names IT is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nardus in Greek from Naarda a City of Syria near unto Euphrares as Lobel doth conjecture and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi Nardi Spica which is the generall Name of the Indian sort called also Nardus Indica to put a distinction between it and the Celtick and Mountain Spicknard The Celtick Spiknard is supposed by very good Authors to be the Saliunca that Virgil makes mention of in his Eclogues which is more likely because the Vallesians in whose Country it chiefely groweth call it Selliga The Kinds There be Eight sorts of Spiknard 1. Mountain French Spiknard 2. Mountainâ— French Spiknard with tufted Flowers 3. Knobbed mountain Spiknard 4. Long tuberous Mountain Spiknard 5. Bastard French Spiknard 7. Indian Spiknard 6. Italian Spiknard 8. Unsavoury Spiknard The Form Mountain French Spiknard creepeth upon the ground under the loose Leaves and mosse with small long and hard slender roots covered with many short small dry Leaves like Scales sending forth in divers places as it creepeth and spreadeth here and there small blackish fibres whereby it is nourished at the head whereof stand sundry small buttons or heads from which spring many small narrow and somewhat thick green Leaves not divided or dented at all smallest at the bottome and broadest towards the end which change yellow in the end of Summer amongst these Leaves rise up sometimes more and somtimes but one slender stalk without any Leaves thereon at the top whereof stand many small whitish flowers like unto the smallest sorts of Valerian every one upon a slender foot-stalk which afterwards bring small seed like unto them also the whole plant is sweet and more aromaticall then the Indian Spicknard hotter also and sharper in tast then any other sort The Places and Time It may be gathered by the names of most of them to what Country they are naturall and therefore I shall trouble you no farther with the places They all flower and flourish in the summer months of June July and August some earlyer and some latter then others The Temperature Dioscorides saith that the true Indian Spiknard is of an heating and drying faculty and there is no doubt but the other sorts are so likewise seeing they agree very much in their properties or vertues The Vertues All the sorts of Spiknard but especially the Celrick or French Spicknard are of very good use to provoke Urine and to ease the exceeding great paines of the Stone in the Reines or Kidnyes if they be drunk with cold water and so they are profitable to those that have a loathing of their meat swellings or gnawings in their stomacks as also for them that are Liver grown and for them that have the yellow Jaundise It dryeth up the Flux or humors both in the Head and breast and is a speciall Ingredient in Mithridate and other Antidotes against vemone and poyson The decoction used as a Bath for Women to sit in or over in a seat fit for the purpose taketh away the Inflammations of the Mother but to women with Child it is forbidden because it procureth much disquiet and may forceâ— their Courses beyond either their time or conveniency The Oyle made thereof doth both warme those places that are cold and maketh the humors more subtill that were thick and congealed before digesteth those that are crude and raw and also moderatly dryeth and bindeth those that were too loose or flexible and hereby worketh powerfully in all the cold griefes and windinesse of the Head and braine of the Stomack Liver Spleen Reines and Bladder and of the Mother Being â—nuâ—â—ed up into the Nostrills it purgeth the Brain of much Rheume gathered therein and causeth both a good colour and favour to the whole body Being steeped in Wine for certain dayes afterwards distilled in Balneo calâ—do the Water hereof is very usefull in all cold indiâ—poâ—itions of the Members taken inwardâ—y or applyed outwardâ—y for it coâ—nâ—oâ—ten the braine helpeth to stay thin distillations and the cold paines of the Head as also the shaking of the Palsey It helpeth also all passions of the Heart as faintings and 〈…〉 ning◠〈◊〉 the Coâ—lick likewise two or three spoonefulls being taken It is commonly laid up in a new earthen Vessell for Eye Medicines being first made into Powder and then into round Cakes or trochiskes with Wine which being conveniently applyed represse and stay the humors that offend them Being drunk with Wine it helpeth those that are stung or bitten
because I find not any Greek or Latin Author that treates of it being unknown to all the transmarine Doctors before Lobel came to us who called it Percepier Anglorum which first word Percepier is derived from Percepierre signifying in French as much as Lâ—thon-tribon in Greek Saxifraga Petrifindula an obsolete word and Câ—lculum frangens in Latine which is Pierce-stone or Break-stone in English and Anglorum is added because it is thought to be peculiar to our Country Some call it Parsley-Pert and deâ—ive it from Pâ—tra but it is more properly Parsly Break-stone becauâ—e of its eminent â—aculties to that purpose Though there be but one sort hereof which might have been placed amongst the other Knot-grasse whereof it is a kind yet because it is somwhat different and is peculiar to our Country I have given it a Chapter by it selfe The Form Break-stone Parsly groweth with many Leaves spread upon the ground each standing upon a small long foot-stalke and being as broad as the naiâ—e of a mans finger or thumb very much jagged on the edges which maketh it to seeme somewhat like unto a Parsly leafe whereof came the name but of an overworn or dusky greene colour from amongst which there rise up weake and slender stalkeâ— about two or three fingers long set full of the like Leaves but smaller up to the tops that almost no part of the stalke can be seene amongst these Leaves come forth very small greenish yellow flowers scarce to be discerned where afterwards groweth the seed as small as that of the Knot-grasse The root is very small and threddy abiding divers yeares if it grow in a place that is liketh The Places and Time Parsly-pert groweth in those fields that are plowed up for Corne both at the same time with the Corne and also when they are fallow in most Countryes of this Land that ever I came into though Gerard and Parkinson make as if it were a Plant growing in few places It is to be found all the Spring Summer and Harvest even from April to the end of October yet it must be in severall places for that which groweth in the open and Sunny places will flourish first but that which is shadowed will continue longest The Temperature It is as I conceive of the same Temperature with Knot-grasse The Vertues Parsly Break-stone hath not its name for nothing for it is found to be a singular remedy to provoke Urine when it is stopped wholly or passeth away by drops with paine or unsensibly without pain expelleth store of Gravel in those that breed it and the stone also in the Reines or Kidneyes in washing it down by the abundant passage of the Urine and helpeth also to expell it out of the Bladder if it be not grown too great for the passages and if it be it is very probable that the abundance of Urine brought down into the Bladder by the Vertue of it even whilst it abideth there will work so much upon the stone therein confirmed and grown great that it will wast by degrees by causing it to be avoided in Gravell with the Urine And that it may performe these operations with the better successe you may take of the juice of the herb about three Ounces and mix it with so much White Wine as is fit to make a Posset the drink whereof taken in a pretty quantity morning and evening to which you may if you please adde Mother of time and some Camomile which is a good way Or you may boile the Herbs aforesaid in Wine or if that cannot be had in Water and drink it but I hope you will have the wit to streine it first The powder also of the dryed herb to the quantity of a dramme or lesse in White-Wine or in other drink where Wine is wanting taken first and last for divers dayes and the distilled Water drunk with a little Sugar in the same manner worketh the forementioned effects and so doth this Composition which came originally from a poore Country man who with good successe ministred it to divers sorts of people Take of the dryed herb of Parsly-pert and Mous-eare Bay-berries Turmarick and Cloves the seed of the Burdock the seed of Hep or the Bryar berries and the seeds of Fenugreek of each one Ounce of the Stone in an Oxes Gall twenty foure graines weight let all these be beaten into fine Powder and kept in a dry box or pot to use upon occasion whereof the quantity to be taken at a time is from halfe a dram to a dram as the age and necessity of the patient shall require There be divers who conceiving themselves inclined to the stone eat it familiarly as a Sallet Herb and pickle it up also like Sampire to eat in Winter when the greene herb cannot be gotten CHAP. CCXXIII. Of Saxifrage The Names IT is called in Latine Saxifraga or Saxifragia for to the Greek Writers it was altogether unknown as farre as we can gather they having left no name for it from its efficacy in breaking the Stone in England Saxifrage and Breakstone So much for the names in generall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there being 〈◊〉 that do it also though not so effectually I shall speak of them more particularly in the kindes The Kinds Because the best Saxifrage that is growes in England I shall trouble you with no forreine sorts we having nine or ten sorts of our own which for their Vertues not for their formes I shall put together 1. English Saxifrage so called because it groweth more plentifully in England then in any other Country 2. Mr. Goodrers Marsh-Saxifrage so called because he first discovered it in a marshy place 3. Lobels West-Country Saxifrage because Lâ—bâ—l found it in the Westerne parts of this Land 4. White Saxifrage so called from the colour of the flowers to distinguish it from the former 5. Golden Saxifrage from the Golden colour of the Leaves 6. The greater Burnet Saxifrage so called because it hath Leaves somwhat like Burner 7. The middle Burnet Saxifrage 8. The lesser Burnet Saxifrage 9. Saxâ—frage with Chickweed Leaves The Forme English Saxifrage White Saxifrage Golden Saxifrage and burnet Saxifrage be of so different Formes that it will be necessary that I describe them one aâ—ter another English or Medow Saxifrage which is known to divers by the name of Medow Parsly groweth with many very green winged Leaves somwhat like unto those of Fenneâ— but thicker and broader so like unto Medow Hart-wort of Mompelier that it made Parkinson joyne it next thereunto from amongst the said Leaves riâ—e up divers creâ—ed stalkes of a Cubit high having thereupon divers smaller stalkes of winged Leaves also finely cut but somwhat harsh to the feeling and bearing at the top spoky rundells or umbells beâ—et with white flowers tending a little to yellow which give place unto seeds like unto the Common Fennell â—eed both for forme and greatnesse but of a browner colour and small tast The root is thick black without
long hard rough sharp pointed narrow greene Leaves at the tops of the stalkes stand divers small white flowers in rough brown huskes wherein after they are past is contained a white hard stony round shining seed like unto Pearles the root is long and hard or somwhat wooddy with divers branches and fibres thereat which perisheth not every yeare as the stalkes do The Places and Time The first groweth in Gardens as I said before whither it was brought out of Italy or the parts of France next unto it where it groweth wild The second and third grow wild in many places of our Land in barren grounds whether tilled or untilled and somtimes in those which are fruitfull also The fourth groweth as Lobel saith in the descent of the Valley of Ostia in Piedmont The sixt as the same Author affirmeth groweth in Corne-grounds by the way from Bristol to Bath The seaventh in the Corne-feilds of Germany The eight about Mompelier in France The last groweth naturally in Candy Rhodes Syria and other Easterne Countryes being brought thence into our Gardens where it groweth well The Gromels do all flower from Midsummer to September the seed ripening in the meane time but the seed of Jobs Teares seldome come to perfection with us unlesse it be sown betimes and the Summer prove very hot The Temperature The seeds of Gromel are hot and dry in the second degree and so are those of Jobs Teares The Signature and Vertues The seeds of Gromel by their stony hardnesse have given our fore-Fathers to understand that they are of singular force to break the Stone and to avoid it and also the Gravel either in the Reines or Bladder and if it be made use of in these dayes it will be found as effectuall as any other Seed or Herb whatsoever for the said purposes as also to provoke Urine being stopt and to help the Strangury being bruised and boiled in white Wine or Broth or the powder of it drunk in raw White-Wine or in broth or the like but the most pleasant safe and effectuall way is to make a Barly creame with the Kernells of the four greater cold seeds and the seeds of Gromel by boyling them in Barly water and to take thereof in the morning fasting for three dayes together when you are troubled with any of the aforesaid griefes The said seeds being bruised and laid to steepe all night in White-Wine with some Fennell Parsly and Sena and then boyled in a stone Vessell strained and sweetned with Sugar and drunk the next morning is a good medicine to purge Phlegme and Choler to open and cleanse the Reines and Bladder and to expell wind exceedingly Two drammes of the seed in Powder taken with the Milk of a Woman is very effectuall to procure a speedy delivery to such Women as have sore paines in their Travel and cannot be delivered as have been found true by divers as Matthiolus saith Being mixed with other ingredients it helpeth the Running of the Reines The Herb it selfe when the seed is not to be had being boyled in White-Wine and the decoction thereof or else the juice of it being drunk worketh the same effects but not so powerfully nor speedily and a Bath wherein some of it hath been boyled being sate in is much commended for an outward remedy Of Jobs Teares the most exquisite Crollius who taketh notice of the former also saith thus Lacrhyma Jobbaa ad deturbandâ—s calculos nunquam satis landata that is Jobs-Teares can never be sufficiently commended for expelling the Stone then doubtlesse it performeth the other effects usually annexed if the Powder or decoction of the seeds be taken as aforesaid The said seeds are used by Papists beyond Sea to number their Prayers and by others for beads Bracelets c. CHAP. CCXXVI Of Onions The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the Poets 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because the Antients were wont to shut their Eyes as often as they eat them lesf they should make them Water It is called in Latine Cepa and Cepe from Caput as some think because of the greatnesse of their head and Unio because the root is single not giving off-setts for increase as other bulbous roots do The old writers have given it Sirnames from the place where it grew as Cypria Sardia Cretica Samothracia and Ascalonia from whence comes our English word Scallions which are set Onyons the lesser sort whereof are by some called Chibouls from the French name Sâ—boula The Kinds There be divers sorts of Onyons half a dozen whereof I shall here present you with 1. The Ordinary flat white Onyon 2. The long white Onion 3. The flat red Onion 4 The long red Onyon 5. The Strasborough Onion whose outside onely is red 6. St. Omers Onion called by some but corruptly St. Thomas Onion The Form The Onion for the description is generall hath divers long green hollow Leaves seeming half flat amongst which riseth up a great round hollow stalk bigger in the middle then any where else at the top whereof standeth a close round head covered at the first with a thin skin which breaketh when the head is grown and sheweth forth a great Umbell of white Flowers which turne into black seed but then the head is so heavy that the stalk cannot sustain it and therefore it must be upheld from falling to the ground lest it rot and perish the root of every one is round in some greater in some lesser in some flatter in others longer in some sharp and strong in others milder and more pleasant some being so pleasant that they may be eaten as an Apple The Places and Time All the sorts of Onions are Inhabitants of the Garden and prosper best in that ground which is well digged and dunged I know not whether they grew naturally or in Gardens about Ascalon a City of Judea but that they were formerly very plentifull in those parts I am verily perswaded Those that are sown for store should be sown in February or before the latter end of March at the furthest in the increase of the Moon and are to be gathered about August when the blades begin to be flagged towards the roots Those which are for seed must be set at the same time when the former are sown yet it seldome comes to perfection in our own Country most of the seed we use coming from beyond the Seas The Temperature Onions are hot and dry in the fourth degree as Galen affirmeth The juyce is of a thin watery substance and if it be taken in any great quantity it is rank poyson but the rest is of thick parts and may be eaten with little or no danger The Signature and Vertues White wine wherein a sliced onyon hath been steeped all night being drunk in the morning and the party walke an hour after it is a good Remedy for the Stone which its Signature doth demonstrate as Crollius noteth as
also to provoke Urine and Womens Courses They are used also to provoke Appetite ease the paines of the belly and to help the bitâ—ng of a mad Dog or other venemous Creatures especially if it be mixed with a little Honey and Rue The water wherein sliced Onions have been steeped all night killeth the wormes in Children Being rosted under the Embers and eaten with Honey and Sugar and Oile they help an old Cough by cutting the tough Phlegme and causing it easily to be Spit forth It is counted by many a good preservatiue against infection to take Onions fasting with bread and Salt but I dare not subscribe to their Opinion because they do rather draw then expeâ—l Corruption and therefore their externall use seemeth to be better especially if a great Onyon being made hollow and the place filled up with good Treakle be roasted well under the Embers and after the taking away of the outermost skin be beaten together and applyed to any Plague sore or putrid Ulcer for so it is likely to be a Soveraigne Remedy Being sliced and dipped in the juyce of Sorrell and given to one that is sick of a Tertian Agne to eat it taketh away the fit in once or twice so taking them The continued use especially of the seed thereof increaseth the naturall seed and stirreth upbodily lust The juyce â—nuffed up into the Nostrills purgeth the Head and helpeth the Lethargy and is good also for scalding or burning by fire Water or Gunpowder and being used with Vinegar it taketh away all blemishes Spots and marks in the skin and dropped into the Eares easeth the paines and noise in them Applyed also with Figs beaten together with them it helpeth to ripen and break Iâ—postumes and other Sores especially being first rosted in Embers stamped with Salt Rue and Honey and so they are good for the biting of a Mad Dog being laid thereunto The luyce of Onions mixed with the decoction of Pennyroyall and a Cloath wet therein and applyed easeth the Gout The juyce mixed with Honey and a bald Head annoâ—nted therewith causeth the haire to grow again They provoke the Hemorrhoâ—des or Pils being laid unto them either by themselves or stamped with Vinegar They helpe Kibes being rosted and applyed with Butter or Hâ—gs-grease To tender and delicate Bodies young men and cholerick persons the too often or immoderate use is many times hurtful especially if they be raw for they breed ill humors in the Stomack in flame the blood increase thirst cause drousinesse and the headach hurt the sight and dull and disturbe the memory and understanding by their sharpnesse and windinesse yet unto the Bodies of labouring Men who receive some benefit by earning their bread with the sweat of their browes they are seldom offensive so true is that of the Poet Labor omnia vincit Improbus the humors that they breed in others being in them spent by their hard Labour CHAP. CCXXVII Of Winter Cherries The Names IT may be called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for it is a kind of Solanum nay in Latine it is called Solanum Halicacabum and Vesicatorium by Pliny either of the Bladder wherein the Berry groweth or of the Vertues against the diseases of the Bladder and Stone The Arabians call it Alkakengi which name the Shops retaine Brunfelsius calleth it his Saxifraga quarta terming it Rubra for which Epithet there is more colour then for Filipendula that it should be so called It is called Winter Cherry in English because it flourisheth in the Winter and the fruit is like a Cherry The Forme I find but three sorts of Winter-Cherryes that which is called Halicacabum Petegrinum or the Black Winter-Cherry perishing at the very first approach of Winter and therefore and for other reasons ought not to be so called 1. The Ordinary Winter-Cherry 2. Virginian Winter Cherries 3. Upright Indian Winter-Cherries The Forme The Winter-Cherry sendeth forth a stalke which groweth to be a Cubit or two foot high whereupon are set many broad and long greene Leaves somwhat like unto the Leaves of Night-shade whereof it seemeth to be a kind as I said before but larger at the joynts whereof come forth whitish flowers made of five Leaves a peece which after turne into greene berries inclosed with thin skins or bladders which change to be reddish when they grow ripe the berry being likewise reddish and as large as a Cherry wherein are contained many flat and yellowish seeds lying within the Pulpe The root runneth or creepeth in the ground somtimes as big as ones little finger shooting forth at severall Joynts in severall places whereby it quickly overspreadeth a great compasse of ground The Places and Time Though the first be only to be found in Gardens or in other places whither it hath beene cast forth from thence here in England yet in some Countryes it groweth naturally by the hedg sides in moist and shadowy places the second came from Virginia the last groweth also in the West Indies They flower in August and are fittest to be gathered in October yet some of them continue longer and being strung up they may be kept all the yeare to be used upon occasion The Temperature VVinter Cherries are thought to be cold and dry and of subtill parts The fruit Openeth but the Leaves do only coole and therefore are good in inflammations The Vertues and Signature Having given you severall Plants that had the Signature of the Stone I come in the laâ—t place to shew you one or two that have the Signature both of the stone and bladder which the VVinter Cherry doth very much reâ—emble and is therefore of great use by opening the Uritory parts and drawing down the Urine to provoâ—e it to be avoided plentifully when it is stopped and is good also to expell the Stone and Bladder out of the Reines Kidneys and Bladder helping to dissolve the Stone and avoiding it by greet or Gravell sent forth in the Urine it helpeth much also to clense inward Impostumes or Ulcers in the Reines or Bladder or in those that avoid a bloody or foule Urine two or three handfulls of the berries being bruised and put into two or three Gallons of new Wine or Ale assoone as it is tunned up there to continue till the Wine or Ale be sit to be drunk but the decoction of the Berries in Wine or Water is the most usuall way to be taken yet the powder of them taken in drink or broth is held to be more effectuall It helpeth the yellow Jaundise also by opening the passages of the Gall and Liver and expelling it by Urine The diuilled Water of the Fruit or the Leaves together with them or the berries greene or dry distilled with a little Milk is effectuall for all the purposes before specified if it be drunk morning and evening with a little Sugar and in speciall against the heat and sharpnesse of the Urine The other Plant whose fruit beareth the Signature of the Stone in the
men The Forme The Common Haw-thorne usually groweth to be but a Shrub or Hedg-bush with divers shootes armes and branches whereon are set in â—ivers places sharp thornes and faire shining Leaves somwhat broad and cut in on the edges into divers parts the flowers are many standing together comming forth both at the â—op of the branches and the upper joynts with the Leaves onâ—â—â—â—ng of five white Leaves a peece with divers white threds in the middle tipt with red and of a very pleasant sweet scent after which come the fruit being roundish berries greene at the first but of a lively red colour when they are ripe consisting of a soft sweet and certaine whitish seed the root groweth deepe into the ground of a very hard and durable substance The Place and Time The first groweth generally throughout the whole Land where any Hedges be the second in Germanâ— in some of the Gardens of those that love rarities not differing from the ordinary kind save that the fruit thereof is as yellow as Saffron the last at Glastenbury Abby and in Whey-street or rather High-street in Rumney Marsh and neere unto Nautwich in Cheshire by a place called White-green The two first flower in May and their fruit is ripe in September or thereabouts the last both in May and about Christmas sooner or later as the temperature of the weather will permit having at the same time both greene and ripe berries The Temperature The Leaves Flowers and fruit of the Haw-thorne are supposed to be drying and binding The Signatures and Vertues The powder of the Berries or the seeds in the Berries being given to drink in Wine is genâ—rally held to be a singular good Remedy against the Stone which is signified by the Stones or seeds which they cheifely consist of and so it is reported to be good for the Dropsy The flowers steeped three dayes in Wine and afterwards distilled in Glasse and the water thereof drunk is a Soveraign Remedy for the â—leurisy and for inward tormenting paines such as those of the Stone are which is also signified by the prickles that grow on this Tree The water of the Flowers distilled after the ordinary way stayeth the Flux or Lask of the belly the seeds cleared from the down bruised and boiled in wine and drunk perfoâ—meth also the same effect The said distilled water of the Flowers is not onely cooling but drawing also for it is found by good experience that if Cloathes and Spunges be wet in the said water and applyed to any place whereinto thornes Splinters c. have entered and be there abiding it will notably draw them forth so that the Thorne gives a medicine for its own pricking as many other things beâ—ides do if they were observed The Bark stamped with Red Wine and fryed with Boares grease and applyed hot worketh the effect before mentioned The ripe Berries are the best sustenance that many birds have in the Winter and they are good food for Hoggs and therefore the Swineheards do beat them down for them The Wood hath many convenient uses as making of Mounds If you would have a living Mound plant the Setts if a dead one make a hedge with them and it will out last two that is made of any other wood though it be troublesome to lay on the fire yet it will burn excellent well and last longest of any fewell especiall the Roots CHAP. CCXXXIII Of the Lemmon-Tree The Names IT is not likely that either this Tree or its fruit were known to the Ancient Greeks or Latins there being no mention of it in any of their writings but by modern Authors and in these dayes it is called Malus Limonia and the fruit Limons The Spaniards amongst whom it is most plentifull call the tree Limera and the fruit Limas All other Nations follow the Latin as near as their Dialect will permit The Kinds Of Lemmon-trees I find six sorts upon record 1. The ordinary Lemon-tree 2. The thin rinded sowre Lemmon 3. The round Lemmon-tree 4. The greater sweet Lemmon-tree 5. The Sivill Lemmon 6. The wild Lemmon-tree The Form The Lemmon-tree in hot Countryes where it principally delighteth grows to the stature of a lusty tall tree with great armes and slender branches but in this Land it is content with the compasse of a box filled with earth which standing upon legges may be carried up and down so that you may conceive it doth not attain to the bignesse of that in hotter Countries the branches are armed with long and greenish thornes the Leaves are long and somewhat like unto that soâ—t of the Bay-tree Leaves which is commonly called the Lawrell â—ented about the edges with a shew of very small holes in them but lesse then the Orenâ—e Leaves have of a very good sent the flowers grow at the Leaves all along the branches being somewhat longer then those of the Orenge maâ—e of five thiâ—k white Leaves with some threds in the middle and of a sweet sent also the fruit that followeth is somewhat long and round with a paller yellow rind the Orenge or Citron somewhat uneven or rugged somewhat bitter in tast but of a sweet smell the pulpe is white and lesser in quantity then eirher of the other in the middle whereof is contained a more soft spungy pulpe fullpulp of sower juyce it hath such like seed as the Citron amongst it but smaller and somewhat longeâ— if it be heedfully marked though they may seeme both alike at first sight The Places and Time Spaine is the place which furnishes us with Lemmons yet we have some of the Trees growing in our own Land as at Zion house by Brainford and at Wâ—mbleton house in the County of Surrey The Trees in Spain are seldom seen without ripe fruit and half ripe and small young and green and blossomes all at once and those with us have the same but not so frequently yet are alwaies green The Temperature Lemmons are not wholly of one temperature for the rind is hot in the first degree and dry in the second the juyce of them is cold in the second degree and dry in the first The Vertues and Signature The Lemmon with the prickles wherewith the tree is fortified do not altogether insignificantly expresse the Stone in the Reines and Bladder and the prickâ—ng paines that do accompany it and therefore an Ounce and half of the juyce of unripe Lemmons being taken with a little Malmesy helpeth to cleanse expell the Stone out of the Kidneys Or if the party grieved do but drink the juyce of Lemmons next his heart in a morning three times in a week he shall find it of good effect and I think it would do no body else any great harm if he take it in a Cup of White or Rhenish wine with Sugar and so it strengtheneth the heart stomack and head resisteth poyson expelleth Melancholy and maketh the breath sweet It likewise killeth and driveth forth the Wormes of the belly both from men
and Children If an Angel of Gold of the same weight or pure leaf Gold be steeped four and twenty houres in three or four ounces of the â—aid juyce being very pure and some of it given in a Cup of Wine with a little powder of Angelica Root unto any infected with the plague though dangerously sick if there be any hope or likelyhood of recovery it will help him The said juyce is singular good to quench thirst in hot Feavers and so is the Posset drink made thereof It is of good use likewise at Sea in long Voyages to put into their Beverage to keep them from the Scurvy whereunto Seamen and passengers are subâ—ect if the Voyage be long and to quench their thirst when they come into hot Countries The water that is distilled in Glasse from the inward pulp or substance of the Lemons provoketh Urine breaketh and expelleth the Stone being drunk cleareth the Skin from all Freckles Spots and other marks in the face or in any part of body helpeth also the running Scab and killeth Lice in the bead the wormes in the Hands or Nose and pushes and wheales in the skin The rind or peele of the Lemmon being put into Tarts and Sawces giveth unto them an excellent relish and doth correct the Stench of the mouth whether it come by taking Tobacco or otherwise especially if it be dryed It may safely be used to all purposes which the rind of the Citron is coming somewhat near to it in properties though in a weaker degree The seeds of these are likewise almost as effectuall as those of Ciâ—rons to preserve the Heart and Vitall Spirits from poyson to resist the infection of the Plague or Poxes or any other contagious disease to kill the wormes in the Stomack provoke womens courses cause aâ—â—rtion having a digesting and drying quality fit to dry up and consume moist huâ—ors both inwardly in the body and outwardly in any moist or running Ulcers and Sores The juyce of the said fruit is very necessary for Dyers who spend much thereof in striking sundry dainty colours which will never be well done without it and is used also by Laundresses to get Iron mouldes and all manner of sâ—ainâ—s out of the purest Linnen for which they find it very effectuall Though some perhaps may covet after the sweetest Lemmons because they are more delicious and gratefull to the Palate yeâ— for any of the purposes aforementioned as also to make Lemmon Beer the sowre Lemmon is most proper being more â—ooling in Physick and operative for other businesses because it is more abstersive CHAP. CCXXIIII Of the Cypresse Tree The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cyparittâ—s and Cyparissus either 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because the branches of it grow so eaven that one would think it were formed by Art or from Cyparissus who as it is said was turned into the Cypresse tree or from the City Cyparissus near unto which a great multitude of these trees do grow Some imagine that the Gopher 〈◊〉 whereof the Arke of Noah is said to be made was the Wood of this Tree and indeed there is some probability for it there being no Wood whatsoever so durable or lesse subject to rottennesse though it continue in a wet or damp place as appeares by what Thevet reporteth who saw as he saith at Damiate in Egypt a Cypresse Chest that was digged tenfoot out of a moorish ground not having one jot of corruption about it though it is thought to have laine there many years It is called in Latine Cypressus either from Cyparissus or from the â—and Cyprâ—s where they grow plentifully Virgil maketh mention of Froâ—◠〈…〉 reâ— which the Commentator conceives was this Cypresse tree which was used in those dayes and is in these by the gentiler sort at funeralls to signifie that the remembrance of the present solemnity ought to endure a long while The fruit is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In Latine Pilula Cupressi Nuces Cupressi and Galbuli in shops Nuces Cupressi In English Cyprâ—sse Nuts or Clogs This Tree was formerly dedicated to Pluto which might be a reason also why it was used at funeralls The Kinds The sorts of the Cypresse tree are said to be three 1. The Ordinary Cypresse Tree 2. The wild Cypresse Tree 3. The Cypresse Tree of America The Forme The Ordinary Cypresse Tree hath a long thick and straight body whereupon many slender branches do grow which do not spread abroad like the branches of other Trees but grow up with the body yet not equally so that it imitateth the fashion of a Spiâ—e Steeple being broad below and picked towards the top the body and armes are covered with a reddish bark the Leaves are ever green but lose much of their Verdure in winter which the next spring restoreth being somewhat long slender and flattish round parted very much and somewhat resembling Savinâ— of a resâ—nous sent and strong tast the flowers are small and yellow growing here and there amongst the boughes after which cometh the fruit which is close and hard at first of a russet brown colour but cloven and opening into many parts when it is ripe in which is conteined small brownish seed the root spreadeth much but not very deep The Places and Time The first groweth in Eastern Countries and in many of the Isles of the Mediterranean Sea as Rhodes Candy formerly called Creet where it groweth very plentifully of its own accord beaâ—ing ripe fruit from September almost all the Winter The second by Jupiter Ammons Temple and in other parts of Cyrâ—ne the last in the Northern parts of America I speake of the naturall places for there be but few that are Ignorant how familiar they are now in moâ—â— Garâ—ens about London The Temperature The fruit and Leaves of the Cypresse Tree are dry in the third degree having neither heat nor bitting sharpnesse yet by its adstringency it doth resolve and consume humidities in putrid Ulcers The Vertues The Leaves of Cypresse boiled in sweet wine or Meade doth help the Stangury and difficulty of making water and the powder of the Leaves with a little Myrrh and wine helpeth thoâ—e fluxes that fall on the Blaâ—der and provoketh Urine being stopped The said decoction helpeth the Covgh and shortnesse of breath if it be taken in a small draught divers mornings fasting and so it is good for the fluxes of the belly or stomack bleedâ—ngs and Spitting of blâ—od as also the Rupture if some of the fresh Leaves be well bound to the place which thing the fruit or Nuts do performe more effectually The Leaves bruised and â—aid unto fresh wounds doth not onely stanâ—h the extraordinary bleeding of them but consolidateth them also and used by themselves or with Barly meale it helpeth St. Anthonies fire creeping Ulcers and Carbunâ—les the sores and Ulcers of the privy parts in man or woman and the inflammations of the Eyes and applyed to
the Region of the Stomack it much comforteth and strengtheneth it against castings and other passions thereof proceeding from sharp defluxions thereon Being beaten with some dry figs it mollifieth the bardnesse of tumors and of the Testicles and consumeth the Polypus which is a troublesome excrescence growing in the Nose the same also boiled in Vinegar and made up with the Meale of Lupins causeth rugged nailes to fall away and helpeth the Tooth-ach if the decoction onely be often gargled in Mouth the same also taketh away the Morphew freckles and other Spots of the skin The Nuts boyled in Wine and the Haire washed therewith causeth it to grow black and if the Ashes of them be mixed with the powder of a Mules hoofe and the Oyle of Myrtles it will stay the falling of it The small raspings or fillings of the Wood taken in Wine provoketh Womens Courses helpeth venomous bitings and procureth a good colour and the Wood or any other part thereof being burnt driveth away gâ—ats and other such like troublesome Flyes and is destructive to all manner of Vermine whether the Leaves be laid amongst any kind of seedes to keep them from being eaten with Wormes or the Wood in Wardrobes to preserve Garments from Mothes and therefore Chests and boxes made thereof are extreamely desired by those that have them not and highly prized by them that are possessors of them the Wood it selfe which is of a reddish colour is so firme and durable so free from corruption and Wormes that it is not hurt by rottennesse cobwebs or any other infirmities that often happen to other kinds of Wood. The Oyle wherein the fruit or Leaves have been sodden doth strengthen the Stomack â—tayeth Vomiting the flux of the belly or Lask and cureth the excoriation or going off of the skin from the secret parts CHAP. CCXXXV Of Kidney-Wort or Venus Navel-Wort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cotysedon from the likenesse it hath with a Sawcer or Navel and therefore the Latines do not only call it Cotyledon or Umbilicus Veneris but Acetabulum also which signifies a Sawcer It is also call Scatum cali Scutellum Terrae Umbilicus Hortus Veneris and Herba Coxendicum In English Navel-wort of the Earth for its figure Venus Navel-wort quia contecta genitalia nudat et ad amatoria utitur as Dioscorides saith Hipwort for that it easeth the paines of the Hippes and other Joynts and Kidney-wort because it helpeth the Kidneys and Wall Penniwort because the Leaves are as round as a Penny and not much broader The Kinds To this kind may be referred these five sorts 1. Ordinary Kidney-wort or Wall penny-wort 2. Spotted Kidney-wort or the Princes Feathers 3. Small Kidney-wort with poundish Leaves 4. Small Kidney-wort with party coloured Flowers 5. Marsh Penny-wort The Form Ordinary Navel-wort for that is the most usuall name that I know hath many thick fat and round Leaves every one having a short footstalke fastened about the middle thereof and a little unevenly waved somtimes about the edges of a pale greene colour and somwhat hollow on the upper side like a Spoone or Sawcer from among which one or more tender smooth hollow stalks arise almost halfe a foot high with two or three small Leaves thereon not so round as those below but somwhat long and divided at the edges the tops are somtimes divided into long branches bearing a number of pendulous flowers set round about a long spike one above another which are hollow like a little bell of a whitish colour after which come small heads wherein are contained small brownish seed The root is round like an Olive and most usually smooth yet sometimes rugged or knobbed grayish without and white within having many small fibres thereat The Places and Time The first groweth plentifully in divers places of this Land as at Northampton Bristoll Bath and Oxford especially about Merton Colledge there both within and without upon the old Garden Wall that is next the feilds and in other places upon mud walles and amongst the stones and somtimes about old Trees the second in Portugall the third and fourth upon the Rocky and Stony places of the Switzers and upon the hill called Hortus dei neere Mompelier the last in wet grounds Marshes and Bogges and patticularly in a Vaâ—e or Bogge belonging to Stow-Wood neere Oxford The first flowereth about the beginning of May quickly perfecting its seed and then perishing till September aâ—out which time it springeth up afresh and abideth all Winter the second about the middle of May the three next in June and July and their seed is ripe in August The Temperature Ordinary Navel-wort is moist and cold somwhat astringent and a little bitter withall whereby it cooleth repelleth cleanseth and dâ—scusseth the other sorts are held to be cooling and somwhat more binding except the last which is hot and not to be used The Vertues and Signature To drink the juice or the distilled Water of Kidney-wort in a small quantity of White Wine is of very great operation to heale sore Kidneys torne or fretted by the Stone or exulcerated within with a deale of ease and so it provoketh Urine and is available for the Dropâ—y helpeth to break the stone as also to coole those parts that are inflamed by the paines thereof and to ease the wringing paines of the Bowells and the bloody-Flux Some say that Rootes and Leaves eaten in substance worketh the effects aforesaid and if I should say they do it by Signature I think it would be no false doctrine for the Root hath the figure of the stone if you observe it The said juice or distilled Water being drunk is very effectuall for all inflammations and unnaturall heats to coole a fainting hot Stomack or a hot Liver or the Bowells as also for Pimples Rednesse St. Anthonies fire and other outward inflammations if the bruised Herb be applyed outwardly or the place bathed with the juice or the distilled Water thereof It is also singular good to coole the painfullnesse of the Piles or Hemorrhoidall Veines the juice being used as a Bath unto them or made into an Oyntment It is no lesse effectuall to ease the paines of the hot Gout and Sciatica which is a paine in the Hips and for this reason it is called Herba Coxendicum or Hip-wort and it is also available for the inflammations and Swellings of the Cods It helpeth the Kernells or Knots in the Neck or Throat called the Kings-Evill healeth Kibes and Chilblaines if they be bathed with the juice or anointed with an Oyntment made thereof and some of the Skin of the Leafe laid upon them It is also used in greene Wounds to stay the blood and to heale them quickly Those that have consecrated the Fore-head to modesty the Eare to Memory the Knee to mercy have assigned the Navel to be the Seat of Luxury or Love and therefore the Leafe hereof having the Signature of the Navel is very prevalent
Carbundles and plague sâ—res The Leaves stamped or the juite of them applyed with Vinegar are of good effect to coole all hot Impostumes and Cholorick Inflammations and sirollings 〈◊〉 Arthonies fire fretting and creeping Ulcers Cancers in the flesh or mouth The same applyed with honey doth cleanse Ulcers and asswage all other tumors and swellings they are good against all Ucers Inflammations and Impostumes of the mouth and Gums of Children especially being washed with the decoction thereof The juyce of them stoppeth the Termes and all other fluxes of blood taken inwardly or applyed outwardly it is good also for the Rednesse Inflammations and Ulcers of the Eyes to be put into Collyries and Medicines for the same and to cleanse the Eares from corruption and so do the Leaves and juyce of the Wild Olive which are effectuall for all the purposes aforesaid The Water that issueth from the green Wood when it is laid upon the fire helpeth to heale the scurfe and foul Scabs in the Head or elsewhere The Olive Stones being burned are used for the said purposes as also to stay foule preading Ulcers and being mixed with fat and meale they take away the ruggednesse of the naiâ—es There be divers Virtues that are referred to the foot or dregs of Oile but because they are not commonly to be had I shall omit them as also those of the Gum because neither of them are brought us now adayes as being grown out of use I shall onely add concerning the Oyle aforesaid that a littâ—e of it drunk in warm Water or a feather dipped therein and put into the throat will proâ—â—re an ease Vomit and without danger and some commend four â—poonfulâ—s of Olâ—e and as many of Sack for the like purpose And for burning and scalding there iâ— not the â—ike Remedy a peece of Lawn being first sowed about the part and Oyâ—e and Snow-water said thereon CHAP. CCXLVI Of Coloquintida or the Bitter Gourd The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it moveth the Belly as also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—â—cua picra and of Hippocrate◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sicuones and Sicues In Latine Colocynthis and Cucurb ta Sylvestris a Cucumere ut alâ—qui volunt yet others make a diâ—â—erenâ—e betwixt them It is called also Fel Terrae and Mors Plantarum becauâ—e it imbitters all herbs that grow near it or killeth them In the Apothecaries Shops Coloquintida in English Apple of Coloquintida and the Bitter Gourd The Kinds The sorts hereof that are upon Record are four 1. Coloquitida or the bitter Gourd 2. The greater Coloquintida or the bitter Gourd 3. The long bitter Gourd 4. Peare fashioned Coloquintida or Bitter Gourd The Form The Bâ—tter Gourd groweth much after the manner of a Cucumber or Melon having divers rough hairy Leaves thereon lesser and somewhat longer then those of Cucumber but more divided and cut in on the Edges every division being notched round about At the joynts with the Leaves which grow but one together come forth Flowers of a yellow colour like unto those of the Melon but somewhat smaller with tendrells also or twining stalkes whereby it taketh hold of whatsoever it toucheth to the endangering of the life thereof if it be a vegetable the fruit that followeth is small and round not much differing from a reasonable Apple in proportion of a green colour at the first but of a brownish yellow when it is ripe the shell being as hard as any Pompion or Gourd which is usually parted from the white pulp before it be quite ripe being very light spongy or loose and of an Extraordinary loathsome bitter tast wherein is conteined six rows of very white hard seed not exceeding that of the Cucumber for bignesse nor coming neer the pulp either in the bitternesse or forciblenesse in working The root is not very great but stringy seldome withstanding the first onset of Winter Weather The Places and Time The first is said to grow naturally in Barbary in those parts which are near unto the Mediterranean Sea as also without the mouth of the Straights near Sancta Crux and other places thereabouts but that which we have in Shops is a Merchandise bâ—rought out of Syria Egypt and Arabia where it is planted as it is with us by those that are curious The other sorts have bin sound in Spain and Italy and so may they be in England if any one will take the paines to get the seed and sow it but then they Flower late and hardly bring their fruit to perâ—ection The Temperature Coloquintida is hot and dry in the third degree of a very bitter tast and of a purgative quality The Signature and Vertues The Celles or rows wherein the seeds of Coloquintida are contained do somewhat resemble the Celles of the Colon which is the Gutt that detaineth the Excrements and therefore it is of wonderfull operation to purge that Gut which is the seat of the Chollick and is commended for the same whether it proceed from phlegme or wind And though it be dangerous for Women with Child Children and old persons yet it may be taken by those that have strong and rustick bodies without any danger of excoriation or other evil accident being corrected with Oyle of Roses Gum Tragacanth and Ginger for the Oyle with its slippernesse will make it the sooner to passe away the Gum will â—eniâ—â—e the sharpnesse and the Ginger will help the griping and tearing paines which it causeth being taken alone so that a due proportion of each of these made up into Trâ—ches or Pills with Rose Water work better then if Bdellium or Massick or such astringent things were added as there be in those Troches called Trochisci Alhandall Handall being the Arabick name for Coloquintida Which being so ordered as I have prescribed purgeth also thick phlegme and viscous humors the Choller both green and yellow as also water from the most remote parts as from the Braine and the Membranes thereof from the Nerves Muscles Joynts Lungs and Breast and therefore it is profitable for any kind of Heaâ—-â—ch Falling-Sicknesse Apoplexy Swimming of the Head and in Fluxes of Rhewâ—e flowing to the Eyes the cold Gout Scâ—atica or Hip-Gout and other paines of the Joyâ—â—s and Sinews It helpeth also the Jaundise and is good for putrid and rotten Fâ—â—vers for an Old Cough the straitnesse of the Chest shortnesse of the breath and above all these the Chollick and the Dropsy being taken either in Glâ—sters or Suppositories The decoction of Coloquintida made with Vinegar easeth the paâ—ue oâ— the Feeth if they be washed therewith The powder mixed with the Gall of an Ox and Hony and said to the belly of one that hath the Worms not onely killeth the Worms and maketh them to avoid but oftentimes purgeth the Belly also Being steeped in Vinegar it taketh away all discolourings of the skin as the Morphew and Lepry dry scurse and
the pain of the breast and the decoction of the Bark in water being drunk is good against pissing in Bed The Bark boyled in water till it be black and thick with Rye meal and Honey added thereunto is available to consume the dead flesh which keepeth wounds oftentimes from healing and cureth the Cankers being applyed The Leaves are good to make Lotions to gargle and wash the mouth and throat as often as they are troubled with swellings sores or Kernels and to stay the distillations of Rhewme into the eyes or other parts as also to coole the heat and inflammation of them and to ease hot pains of the Head the Forehead and Temples being bathed therewith The distilled water of the green Berries is also used for the same effects and so is the water that is distilled from the Flowers only The Mosse that groweth on the Black Thorn draweth Prickles and Thorns out of the Flesh and this it may be said to performe by the Signature which is represented by the Thornes growing on the Bush CHAP. CCLXI Of the Bramble The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Batus in Latine Rubus and Sentis and also Veâ—res whereof Ovid maketh mention speaking how the Hare hides himselfe from the Dogs therein after this manner Aut lepori qui vepre latens â—â—stilia cernit Ora canum Of divers it is called Cynosbatus but not properly saith one for Cynosbatus is generally taken for the wild Rose though there be divers that would have the wild Rose to be Cynâ—rrhodos and this Cynosbatus and this is most consonant to Reason It is called by us in English the Bramble or the Black-Berri-bush and the fruit Black-Berries which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which some have made Vatina in Latine id est Mora Rubi they are called in Shops Mora bali and of some Mora bassi The Kindes All the sorts that are referred hereunto are nine 1. the common Bramble oâ— Black-berry-Bush 2. the small lower ground Bramble 3. sweet mountaine Bramble or Raspis 4. the Dew-berry or Winberry 5. the stony Bramble or rock Raspis 6. our English Knot-berry 7. the Welsh Knot-berry or Lancashire Cloud-berry 8. the Knot-berry of Norway 9. another Knot-berry of Norway The Formes The common Bramble shooteth forth many ribbed branches of a very great length yea so long sometimes that they by reason of their weakness also bend to the ground and sometimes take root againe all thick set with sharp and crooked thorns with leaves likewise growing upon long and prickly Foot-stalks by three and three together which are hard as it were crumpled having smal pricks under the midle ribb of a dark green colour above and grayish underneath which seldome fall away till the extremity of the Winter be past as the Country-Men do observe and the new be ready to succeed them the flowers come forth very plentifully at the end of the branches consisting of five whitish leaves dasht with a little carnation with small threds in the midle which giveth place to the fruit standing every one at some little distance and is made up of severall small graines set together somewhat like unto the Raspis or Mul-berry of a perfect black color and sweet tast when they be ripe but till then they are first green and then reddish harsh and very unpleasant the root groweth to be very great and full of knots The Places and Time The first groweth in every hedge almost the second by hedges and wood-sides and sometimes amongst the ploughed lands in divers parts of this Land the third groweth on hills and in high grounds the fourth is frequent in Cheshire Yorkâ—shire and Lancashire the fift in the rocky and stony places of Huntingdon and Nottinghamshire and in divers parts of Kent and the Islle of Thanet the sixth upon Ingleborough Hill which is one of the highest Hills in England vea so high that it seemeth at least to touch the clouds and therefore some call the fruit thereof Cloudberryes as they do the next whose places may be discovered by their names as the two last may also be They all flower about July and their berries are ripe in September or thereabouts The Temperature The Buds Leaves flowers fruit and root of the Bramble are all of a great binding quality especially the unripe fruit and that more when they have been kept a while then when they are fresh The Vertues and Signature The flowers and unripe fruit of the Bramble are of very great use and prosâ— also for those that are vexed with the bloody-flux Lask and weaknessâ— of the parts coming by either of them which is signified both by the colour of the berries when they are red and also by the crooked thorns which will cause the blood to follow no otherwise then the Exulceration of the Gâ—â—s which accompanieth the bloâ—dy flâ—x and by the same signature it helpeth the spitting of bloâ—d if the decoction thereof be drunk The Bâ—ds Leaves and Branches whilst they are green are of good use in the Ulcers and pâ—â—rid sores of the Mouth and Throat and for the Qâ—insy and likewise to heal other fresh wounds and sores The decoction or powder of the Root being â—â—ken is good to break or drive forth Gravell and the Stone in the Reines and Kidneys The Leaves as well dry as green are good to make Lotions both for sores of the Moâ—th and also of the secret parts The decoction of them and of the dryed branches do much bind the Belly and are good for the too much flowing of Womens Courses The Berries or the Flowers are a powerfull remedy against the poysâ—n of the most venemous Serpents and to help the sores of the Fundament and the Piles whereof they may be said to have the Signature The juyce of them boyled with honey is very good against all hot Ulcers and swellings of the mouth Gâ—â—s Uvula or Palate and Almonds of the â—hroat The said juyce mixed with the juyce of Mulberries do bind more effectually and help fretting and eating sorâ—s and Ulcers wheresoever The same being taken alone or mixed with Hypecistis and Honey is a remedy for Heart burning as some call it which is a gnawing of the Stomack through Choller as also for the Passions of the heart and faintings The distilled Water of the Branches Leaves and Flowers or of the fruit is very pleasant both to the smell and tast and may be given to those that are in hâ—t Feavers and other distemperature of heat in the Body as in the Head Eyes Liver Hands c. and also for the purposes aforesaid The Leaves boyled in Lye and the head washed therewith doth not only allay the itching thereof but the mattering and running sores also and maketh the hair to become black The powder of the Leaves strewed upon Cancrous or running Ulcers are very effectuall for the healing of them The condensate juyce of the Leaves as also of the Berries may be kept all
to dry without any manifest sharpnesse or heat The Vertues And whosoever shall drink the seed of Flix weed in Wine or the Water of a Smiths Forge wherein Iron and Steel have been often quenched shall find by experience that it hath not its name for nothing for it is of excellent use to stop the bloody Flix the Lask and all other Issues of blood The Herb it self boyled in either of the said liquors and drunk performeth the like effects no lesse powerfully then Plantain or Comfry as also to consolidate Bones that are either broken or out of joynt The jâ—yce thereof drunk in Wine or the Decoction of the Herb drunk doth kill the Wormes in the Stomack or Belly and the Worms which sometimes breed in putrid and filthy Ulcers The said Herb being bruised or the juyce thereof being put into Oyntments and Salves doth quickly heal all sores how soul or malignant soever they be and therefore it would be taken into especiall notice by those good people who delight in curing the Wounds and Maladies of their Neighbours There may be also a Syrupe made hereof which is admirable good to be used inwardly when any of the former occasions shall require The distilled Water of the Herb is not altogether so effectuall for the purposes aforesaid yet for those whose Pallates will not brook any of the former Medicines this may be taken it being a little clearer and therefore more acceptable CHAP. CCLXV. Of the Pilewort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Chelidonium minus in Latine for what reason I know not it being like unto the Chelidonium majus or greater Celandine neither in nature or forme It is called also Hirundinaria minor as some have supposed because it springeth when Swallows come in and withereth at their going away but this is true in neither for it flowrisheth long before their comming and departeth presently after But the names of Ficaria and Scrophularia minor are more propper unto it because the Roots not only re-resemble those kernels of the Fundament called the Piles and those hard swellings that sometimes sease upon the neck and other parts but is very powerfull to cure them In English it is usually known by the name of Pilewort as it ought to be yet it hath been also called the lesser Celandine and Figwort from the Latine names The Forme Pilewort or Celandine the lesse groweth with many pale round green leaves spread as it were upon the ground by reason of their weak and trailing branches whereon they are set of a fat smooth and somewhat shining aspect marked in some places though not often with black spots from amongst which rise up divers small yellow flowers consisting of nine or ten very narrow Leaves upon their slender foot-stalks somewhat like unto those of Crow-foot as the seed also is it being set upon a head after the same manner The Root is composed of divers small kernels of the bignesse of wheat Corne or bigger hanging to the body by a smal string or fiber and having another such a string at the end also all which are of a whitish colour The Places and Time It groweth in most parts of this Land that are not ploughed up if they be any thing addicted to moisture or overshaddowed either with Walls or Trees as in Meadowes and Pastures by Highway sideâ— by Ditches Wall sides Hedges Trenches c. It commeth forth about the beginning of March and flowreth not long after it beginneth to fade in April and is so far gone in May that the Roots thereof can scarcely be found therefore be sure you look for it in its due season The Temperature Though Pilewort have not that acrimony and sharpnesse which Dioscorides and Galen affirm to be in theirs yet those that have succeeded them do agree that howsoever it hath the properties thereof The Vertues and Signature The most profound Crollius in his Book of Signatures hath observed that Pilewort hath the perfect Signature of the Hemorrhoides or Piles or such like excrescences that appear in or about the Fundament and therefore he saith that not only the decoction being drunk is a profitable remedy for the said evill accidents but being hung about the neck so that it may lye against the Mouth of the Stomack it performeth the same and so it doth being made up into an oyl Oyntment or Salve as also helpeth the kernels about the eares and throat called the Kings Evill or any other hard Wens or Tumors as Mr. Culpeper saith he proved upon his owne Daughter which had the Kings Evill and delivereth it for an extraordinary secret The juyce taken from the Roots and put into the Nose purgeth the head and the decoction thereof with a little Honâ—y put into it and gargled in the Mouth doth the same effectually and doth purge and cleanse the breast of phlegme or any other tough humours that do offend It also helpeth a running Itch and those Nailes of the Fingers and Toes that grow deformed and scabbed The Piles themselves being bathed with the juyce mixed with the Patients Urine or with Wine draweth them together and dryeth them up and taketh the pain quite away The distilled water of the Leaves and Flowers that have the spots and marks upon them is an admirable remedy to cleanse the Faces of those are tanned freckled or otherwise accidentally spotted and this it doth by Signature as the aforesaid Crollius hath also recorded CHAP. CCLXVI. Of Water-Betony The Names IT is called in Latine for the Greek name is no where expressed Betonica Aquatica and Aquatilis most commonly yet there be that call it Ocymastâ—um majus Clymenon and Scrophularia the likenesse of the Plants causing the interposition of Names as being mistaken one for another And so likewise in English some have called it Brownwort which is the same with Scrophularia or Figgewort but usually it is called Water-Betony and of some Bishops-Leaves and Brook-Betony The Kindes The sorts hereof are quickly reckoned up for they are but two 1 The greater Water-Betony 2 The lesser Water-Betony The Forme The greater Water-Betony which is most common riseth up somewhat like Figwort but many times higher with square hard greenish stalks and sometimes brown set with such like dark broad green Leaves so very like unto those of Figwort that they have been often mistaken one for another being also dented about the edges but with rounder notches by the diligent observance whereof they may be distinguished in that respect somewhat resembling the Wood-Betony Leaves yet of a larger Sise and two for the most part set at a joynt At the tops of the branches and likewise at the joynts where the Leaves coâ—e out from the middle of the Stalke upwards come forth many round bellyed Flowers which being fully blown are open at the brims yet divided into two parts so the uppermost is like a hood and the lowermost like a lip hanging down of a darke red colour which passing
do flower in June and July but some of them later or not at all so that their seed is seldome seen Some of them if not all loose their Leaves in the Winter as many other Trees The Temperature Southernwood is hot and dry in the end of the third degree having the force both of rarifying and discussing The Vertues The tops of Southernwood for the flowers and seed are not so common stamped raw with water and drunk bringeth unto women their monthly purgations in case they come not at their usuall time but stay so long that expectation may seeme frustrated and so it is profitable for those who cannot take breath without holding their Necks straight up for those that are troubled with the Cramp or Shrinking of the Sinewes for the Sciatica also and for them that can hardly make water all which effects the flowers and seed do excellently performe if they can be had Being drunk in Wine it is good against all poyson and venome and destroyeth the Wormes both by killing and expelling them The seed of Southernwood doth both digest and consume all cold humors tough slime and phlegme which do usually stop the Spleen Kidneys and Bladder The tops boyled in Wine or Water with Honey or Sugar and drunk three or four times a day helpeth the shortnesse and straightnesse of the breath by cutting the slimy and tough phlegme that causeth it and so it is a good remedy for the Cough the Cardiack passion and for many other inward griefes The branches being burnt and the ashes mixed with the Oyl of Palma Christi or old Oyl Olive restoreth the hair where it is fallen off and causeth the Beard to come forth speedily if the bare places be annointed therewith twice a day against the Sun or Fire which it may be said to do by Signature the finenesse of the Leaves somewhat resembling the Hair The tops only being stamped with a roasted Quince and applyed to all inflammations of the eyes taketh them away The Leaves boyled tender and stamped with Barly Meale and Barrowes grease untill it become like a salve dissolveth and wasteth all cold humors and swellings being spread upon a peece of Cloath or Leather and applyed thereunto And being stamped with Oyl and those Limbes that are benummed with cold or bruised being annointed therewith it helpeth them and taketh away the shivering fits of the Ague by heating the body if it be annointed therewith before the fits do come but especially the Back bone If it be boyled with Barly Meale it taketh away Pimples Pushes or Wheales that rise in the Face or other parts of the Body The Herb bruised and laid to helpeth to draw forth Splinters and Thorns out of the flesh The ashes thereof dryeth up and healeth old sores and Ulcers that are without although by the sharpnesse thereof it biteth sore as also the sores that are in the privy parts of Men or Women The Oyl made of Southernwood being used as an ingredient in those Oyntments that are used against the French disease is very effectuall and likewise killeth Lice in the Head The distilled Water of the Herb is said to help them much that are troubled with the Stone as also for the Diseases of the Spleen and Mother The Germanes commend it for a singular Wound Herb and therefore call it Stabwort It is held to be more offensive to the Stomack then Wormwood if it be taken inwardly and therefore is never used in our ordinary Meat and Drink and besides it will make some mens Heads to ake yet the Herb somewhat dryed and put into a linnen bag and laid as a Stomacher next the skin comforteth a cold Stomack well so that though inwardly taken it is not so good for the Stomack as Wormwood yet outwardly applyed it is better It driveth away spiders and other vermine being laid for a strewing or burnt in such places as they be frequent It is said that if a branch of Southernwood be laid under ones Bed Pillow or Bolster it provoketh carnall copulation and resisteth all inchantments that hinder the same CHAP. CCLXXXIX Of Savoury The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thymbron and Thymbra perhaps from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 suffio because of its odor or smell and Thymbra also in Latine besides which it hath none other Latine Name as some suppose though others make bold to call it Satureia either à saturando because it is used in broth and stewed meates to give thereunto a good rellish and by that meanes causeth them the better to satisfie hunger or from Satyrus A Satyre because they used it to provoke Venery which I cannot be so confident as to assert seeing that I find that it helpeth the disease called Satyriasis or Priapismus which is wrought by a contrary quality which derivation I suppose to be rather by Antiphrasis Some hold it also to be the same which was called Cunila by the Ancients The Kindes The sorts of Savoury as well those that are rare as those which are common are five 1 Winter Savoury 2 Summer Savoury 3 Rock Savoury 4 The true Savoury of Candy 5 Prickly Savoury of Candy The Forme Winter Savoury is a small low bushy herb somewhat like unto Hyssop but not so high with divers small hard branches compassed on every side with narrower sharper pointed Leaves then those of Hyssop with which they have some resemblance yet this doth sometimes grow with four Leaves set at a joynt so that it may be easily distinguished therefrom of a reasonable strong scent yet not so strong as that of the Summer kind amongst which grow the flowers of a pale purplish and sometimes whitish colour set at severall distances towards the tops of the Stalks The Root hath divers small strings thereat but the body of it is woody as the rest of the Plant is The Places and Time The first is so common that there be few Gardens without it The second is not so familiar though the naturall place of neither of them is remembred by any Author that hath written of this Subject yet it is very probable that there grew great plenty thereof in that field neer unto Troy which is said to be called Thymbra for that reason and from thence Apollo one of the Patrons of that City was called Thymbraeus The rest also grow wild in divers places of Europe as the third upon St. Julians Rock and the two last in Candy as their names declare and are cherished by those that delight in variety of Plants They are propagated both by seed and slipping in the Spring time especially yet those which abide all Winter are more usually increased by slipping then sowing They flowrish in the end of Summer and therefore seldome perfect their Seed The Temperature Savoury is hot and dry in the third degree it not only maketh thin but openeth the passages The Vertues To provoke the Termes not only the blood is to be
Wound herb as well for outward as inward Wounds â—he Juyce or Decoction of the green or the powder of the dryed â—erb is most singular to stay the malignity of spreading or fretting Cancers or Vlcers wheresoever as well those in the Mouth as Secret parts of Men and Women The distilled Water is likewise very availeable in all the Diseases aforesaid as also to wash Wounds and outward Sores to dio the Tents wet Cloatheâ— therein that are to be applyed thereunto If Sheep be suffered to feed long in any such pâ—ace or pasture where Mouseare groweth in any plenty it maketh them to become very costive or stopped as the Sheepherds call it and therefore they are or should be carefull to keep them away from such places lest they grow sick and lean and die quickly as by the carelesnesse or ignorance of some young Sheepherds they sometimes do If hot Iron or Steele or any Instrument made thereof be quenched in the juyce of this Herb it hardeneth it so much that nothing can go beyond it And it is said that if it be given to any Horse that is to be shooed the Smith cannot hurt him CHAP. CCXCIV. Of Yarrow The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Stratiotes Chiliophyllos Stratiotes because â—ouldiers heretofore made great use thereof to heale their Wounds having as is â—upposed learned â—he vulnerary qualiâ—y hereof from Achiâ—es that famous Disciple of Chiron who with one kinde hereof healed the Wounds of Telephâ—â— which hath ever since been called Achâ—llea and is by some used promiscuously for any sort of Yarrow though others restrain it to one only And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is added unto it as an Epithete to distinguish it from Water-Housleek or Fresh Water-Souldier which is called Stratiotes Potamâ—iâ—s setting forth thereby the great number of its Leaves And hence it is called in Latine Millefolium à foliorum multitudine a certain number being put for an uncertain but sure it is it hath abundance Some have also called it Supercilium Veneris Acrum and Acrum Sylvaticum in English Milfoile Yarrow and of some Nose-bleed by Antiphrasis as I conceive because being put into the Nose it stayeth the bleeding thereof The Kindes There be many sorts of Milfoile both of the Land and of the Water of each whereof I shall put down some 1. Common Yarrow or Mâ—lfoile 2. Yarrow with a red Flower 3. Yellow Milfoile 4. Achilles yellow Wâ—undwort 5. Achilles sweet Woundwort both which being most like Milfoile are by divers referred to this kinde 6. Ordinary VVater-yarrow 7. Small Water-Milfoile 8. Hooded Water-Milfoile 9. Crowfoot-Milfoile The Forme The Common Yarrow hath many long Leaves lying upon the ground which are subdivided or finely cut into so many small parts that it exceedeth the small Leaves even of the finest Tansey every one of which is a little jagged about the edges from among which do rise up two Stalks being round and green with such like winged Leaves as those below but smaller and finer the nearer they grow to the tops where stand many Flowers which are small and White upon a Tuft or Umbel close together each Flower being composed of five small round-pointed Leaves with a little yellowish Thrum in the middle of smell somewhat strong but not unpleasant being rubbed in the hand the Root consisteth of many long white strings which it sendeth forth both deep and spreading The Places and Time The first is very frequent in Pastures and upland Meadow grounds where the second groweth also but much more rarely The fourth fifth and sixth be strangers yet for their affinity and name-sakes I have put them down though they be conceived to grow in France and Italy The four last grow in the very Water some more frequently than others The hooded Water-Milfoile hath been seldome found but about Oxford they doe all flower in June July August or thereabouts The Temperature Yarrow is meanly cold and somewhat binding therefore it must be somewhat dry also The Vertues and Signature The decoction of Yarrow made in White-wine and drunk is an excellent remedy for the stopping of Womens Courses also and so it helpeth the Bloudy Flux or a good quantity thereof boyled in store of Water being made into a Bath and sate in or over performeth the same It is likewise very good to close up the stomacks of those who through weaknesse of the retentive faculty that should be in the mouth of the Stomack doe disgorge or vomit up whatsoever they put thereinto A draught thereof drunk before the Fit of an Ague and so for two or three Fits together is a good Medicine for it The Juyce of the Herb and Flowers taken either in Goats Milk or the distilled Water of the said Herb stayeth the running of the Reyns in men but it will be more effectuall if a little powder of Coral Amber and Ivory be put thereto An Oyntment that may be made hereof is not onely good for green Wounds but also for Vlcers and Fistulaes especially such as abound with moisture which it may be said to do by Signature the many Incisions that are upon the Leaves resembling those of Wounds or if your fancy will have it be more like unto Haire it stayeth the shedding thereof the head being bathed with the decoction thereof or anoynted with the oyle of it The powder of it being dryed taken in Comfrey or Plaintain-water is of excellent use to stay inward bleedings and being strewed upon any fresh wound that will not cease bleeding it stoppeth it immediately and so it doth the bleeding at the Nose being put thereinto The Juyce thereof put into the Eyes takeâ—h away the blood and rednesse therein and the root or green leaves chewed in the mouth ease the pains of the teeth An ounce of powder of the dryed Herb and Flowers with a dram of fine Bolearmoniack put to it taken three dayes together fasting in a draught of Milk is wonderfully commended by Matthiolus against pissing of blood If the Juyce or the Decoction be injected with a Syringe it cureth the inward excoriations of the Yard coming by reason of Pollutions or extreme flowing of the Seed although any Inflammation or Swelling should be caused thereby as hath been proved by some single or unmarried persons who have been very much oppressed upon this account CHAP. CCXCV. Of Medesweet The Names IT is called in Latin for it hath no Greek name that I can meet with Vlmaria à folâ—â—rum Vlmi similitudine from the similitude that is between the Leaves of this Plant and those of Elme but it is better known to most by the name of Regina Prati which Appellation hath been given unto it because in what Meadow soever it growes it is more perspicuous than any of the rest as also for the divers good qualities that are therein and therefore we call it Queen of the Meadowes as well as Medâ—sweet Some have called it Barba and Barbula Caprae and Barba
Caprinâ— but not properly these names belonging rather to Tragopogon or Goats-â—eard The Kindes There are but two sorts hereof as yet made known that I read of 1. The common Mede or Medowsweet 2. The greater Medesweet which is so far from being common that it is a great rarity or at least esteemed so to be by those are curious The Form The common Medesweet groweth up with divers winged leaves being made of severall others which are broad set on each side of a middle Rib being somewhat rough hard and crumpled not much unlike to Elme Leaves somewhat deeply dented about the edges having also some lesser Leaves as Agrimony hath of a sad colour on the upper side and greyish underneath of a pretty pleasant scent and taâ—â—e somewhat like unto Bâ—rnet At the tops of the Stalks and Branches which grow to be two or three foot high having on them divers such Leaves as those below but somewhat lesser stand many tufts of small white Flowers thrust thick together which smell much sweeter than the Leaves and in their places being fallen cometh crooked and cornered Seed The Root also is well scented though somewhat wooddy blackish on the out-side but reddish within putting forth divers fibres which draw unto it such nourishment as maketh it to continue many years The Places and Time The first groweth very frequently in Meadows that lye towards the Water-side and as often also upon the brinks of watry Ditches and River-sides The second delighteth in the shadowy Woods and is brought from thence into the Gardens of those that love such strangers as these They are found in Flower in some place or other all the Summer quarter the Seed ripening in a short space The Temperature Medesweet is cold and dry with an evident binding quality adjoyned The Vertues and signature The Root of Medesweet boyled or maed into Powder and drunk is of great efficacy to stay the immoderate Flux of Womens Courses and the Whites also and after the same manner it helpeth the Bloody Flux stayeth the Laske and all other Fluxes of Blood and is a good remedy against vomiting It is reported that it first altereth and afterwards taketh away the Fits of Agues if it be boyled in Wine and drunk and if two or three little Leaves thereof be but put into a Cup of Clarret Wine it doth not onely give thereunto a fine relish somwhat like unto that of Burnet but maketh the Heart to be merry and cheerfull for which purpose some use the Flowers also Being boyled in Wine it helpeth speedily those that are troubled with the Collick and with a little Honey taken warm it openeth the belly but boyled in Red Wine and drunk it stayeth the Flux thereof The Herb stamped with Mede and applyed healeth old Vlcers that are cancerous or eaten hollow or fistulous for which it is very much commended as also to asswage Swellings and to draw forth Pricks and Splinters it is also profitable to heale Sores in the mouth or in the Secret parts the mouth being gargled and the other parts bathed with the decoction thereof The distilled water hereof helpeth the heat and inflammation of the Eyes being dropped into the Eyes and so it cleareth the Sight also The Powers and Leaves though not so often used unless it be by a few excell all other herbs wherewith houses were formerly decked up especially the Chimneys in the Summer time for the smell thereof maketh the heart merry and delighteth the Senses neither doth it cause the head-ach or loathsomness to meat as some other sweet-smelling Herbs do and therfore it was in more request with Queen Elizabeth than any other for the purpose aforesaid The Germans call it Wormkraut or the Worm-plant because the root often-times seemeth as if it were eaten by Wormes which is certainly the Signature thereof for it helpeth Horses of the Botâ—â— and Wormes and would no doubt do the 〈◊〉 in Men if the decoction thereof were drunk CHAP. CCXCVI. Of Adders-Tongue The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ophâ—â—glâ—ssâ—â— of the â—ater Writers but unto the Ancients it is conceived to have been altogether unknown from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Serpent or A 〈…〉 r and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â— Tonguâ— because 〈◊〉 of every Leaf it sendeth forth a kind of Pestel like unto an Adders â—ongue The Latines for the same reason call it Lingua Serpentis or Serpentiâ—â— usually yet some have called it Lingua Vul 〈…〉 ria and L 〈…〉 ea Christ 〈◊〉 thereby the great efficacy that it 〈◊〉 to cuâ—â— wounds We in English Adders-tongue and Adders-grasse The Forme Adders-tongue riseth up but with one Leaf which with the Stalk riseth up not above a fingers length from the ground being â—â— and somewhat thick of a fresh green colour formed like unto the head of a broad Jâ—velin or P 〈…〉 or as some will have unto the Leaves of Water-plâ—ntaâ—â— but lesser 〈◊〉 the bosom or bottom whereof on the in-side riseth up a small 〈◊〉 about two inâ—hes long which hath sometimes but very seldome two heaâ—â— and thâ—â— it falleth out by chance the upper halfe whereof is somewhat bigger being dented with small round dents of a yellowish green colour resembling the tongue of an Adder or Serpent which never sheweth any other Flower yet vanisheth away without any seed that ever hath been perceived the root is small and fibrous abiding under ground all Winter though the Leaves are but of small continuance The Places and Time Adders-tongue groweth in moist Meadows throughout most parts of England as â—â— a Close or Meadow neer to a small Village called Barton besides the foot-way from Oxford to Stow Wood and in a Close between Botley and Mrs. Batemans house on the West side of Oxford It groweth also in a Meadow neer unto the Preaching Spiâ—â—le adjoyning to London and in divers other places The time of looking for it if you mean to finde it must be in April or May for though it be somewhat long ere it come up yet it falleth quite away quickly after the Tongue appeareth especially if the weather be any thing hot The Temperature Adders-tongue is dry in the second or third degree but temperate in respect of Heat The Vertues and Signature The Juice of the Leaves of Adders-tongue taken in the distilled water of Oaken Buds is very effectuall for those women who have their monthly Courses flowing down too abundantly yea and for the Wâ—ites also though they be otherwise very hard to be cured Being boyled in Wine and drunk or the powder thereof taken in Wine is of sinâ—ular operation to cure both inward and outward Wounds as also to help those that are troubled with any Rupture or Burstennesse It is very avaâ—â—eable against all hot Feavers inflammations of the Liver and all inward and outward heats The Juyce of the Leaves given to drink with the distilled Water of Horse-tail is a singular remedy for those that void blood at the Mouth or Nose
following sorts 1. Common Medow Trefoile with Purple Flowers 2. White flowred Medow Trefoile 3. Heart Trefoile or spotted Snaile Trefoile 4. Smooth upright narrow leafed Birds foot Trefoile 5. Great codded Trefoile 6. Small codded Trefoile 7. Roundheaded Trefoile 8. Green flowred Trefoile 9. Strawberry or Bladder Trefoile 10. Hop Trefoile 11. Little yellow Trefoile 12. The great Purple Trefoile 13 Knotted Trefoile 14. White Dwarfe Trefoile 15. Burgundy Trefoile or Medick Fodder 16. Yellow-horn Trefoile 17. Smooth Starry Trefoile 18. Marish Trefoile or Buckes Beans 19. Purplewort or Purplegrasse called in Latine Quadrifolium fuscum being as it seems rather a four leafed then a three leafed grasse The Forme Medow Trefoile shooteth up stalks about an handful long and sometimes longer round and somewhat hairy yet for the most part leaning towards the ground whereon grow Leaves consisting of three joined together one standing a little from another of which those that are next the ground and roots are rounder and those which grow higher are longer having for the most part in the midst a white spot like an half Moon from amongst which rise up stalkes of Flowers somewhat longer then the Leaves bearing many deep Purple Crimson flowers together in a tuft rising smaller up to the top which turn into little cods with small seed in them the root spreadeth much and endureth long The Places and Time The two first grow more frequently in Medowes then any of the rest yet there be others that grow there also some in one Countrey and some in another The third groweth in a Field between Longford and Bow as also beyond Southwarke in the right way from London to Croyden and the parts adjacent The eighth in Mr. Stonehouse his Orchard at Darfield The seventeenth groweth in divers Fenny and Moorish places The last groweth in divers Countrey Gardens as well as in the Gardens of the curious who also entertain divers of the other sorts They flower and flourish from May to August The Temperature Medow Trefoile both Leaves and Flowers are thought by some to be câ—oling and binding but others thinke them to be of a digesting and sâ—ppurating quality and there is no doubt but the rest do in some sort follow the Temperature of this The Vertues and Signature The Decoâ—tion of Medow Trefoile with its Flowers Seeds and Roots taken for some time helpeth Women that are troubled with the Whites and consequently the extraordinary over-flowing of their ordinary courses it being more then probable that what is availeable for the fiâ—st is profitable for the second because the first is harder to be cured The Decoction of the Leaves and Fâ—owers having some Honey put thereto and used in a Clyster easeth the fretting paines of the Guts and bringeth forth tough and slimy humors that cleave to the Guts The said Leaves boyled with a little Barrowes grease and used as a Pultis taketh away hot swellings and Inflammations The juice especially of that which is spotted upon the Leaves being strained and dropped into the Eyes or mixed with a little Honey and applyed is a familiar Medicine with divers to take away the Pin and Web as they call it in the Eyes by Signature and so it ceaseth the pain and Inflammation of them when they are bloud-shotten The said Juice is also held to be very available against the biting of an Adder being drank the herbe also being boiled in Water and the place washed with the decoction and then some of the herbe laid to the hurt place also and so is the herbe boiled in Swines grease and made into an oyntment The herbe also bruised and heated between two Tiles and applyed hot to the Share causeth them to make Water who had it stopped before It is held likewise to be good for wounds and to take away Scarres The Burgundy Trefoile called also Foenum Burgundiacum Burgundy Hay and Meddick Fodder is conceived by divers to be that which Dioscorides commends for its cooling property as also that whose Oyle as Aâ—icen saith is very effectuall against the trembling of the Heart An Oyle drawn out from the Seed as it is done from Almonds is said to be good for the Stone In those Countreys where it groweth plentifully it is found so powerfull to fatten Cattle that they are faine to be stinted lest they should grow so fat that suffocation shâ—uld ensue If the March Trefoile be the Isopyrum of Dioscorides as some suppose it to be then the Seed thereof is good against the Cough and other griefes of the Breast or Chest for as Galen saith it cleanseth and cutteth tough and grosse humors and maketh them the easier to be expectorate or spit forth it is also good to purge and cleanse the Liver and to help those that spit blood The Leaves of Purplewort stamped and the Juice given in drinke is very confidently administred and that with good successe not onely to Children but to others also that have the disease called in English the Purples which it doth by Signature And if the Heart Trefolle were used it would be found to be a great strengthner of the Heart and cherisher of the Vitall Spirits relieving the body against Faintings and Swoonings fortifying it against Poysons Pestilence and defending the Heart against the noisome vapors of the Spleen for it resembleth the heart both in forme and colour and surely it hath no so eminent Signatures for nothing CHAP. CCXCIX Of Moneywort The Names IT is called in Latine for Greek name it hath none that I can meet with in any Author Nummularia of the round forme of the Leafe somewhat like unto Money and Serpentaria because it is reported that if Serpents be hurt or wounded they doe recover themselves with this herbe Fuschsius calleth it Centummorbia from its wonderfull efficacy in healing Vlcers and green wounds and Tabermontanus would have it named Hirundinaria because as Swallowes doe usually fly close to the ground so this Plant cleaveth close to the Earth It is called in English Herb two pence Two-penny grasse but usually Money-wort The Kindes Though Moneywort seemeth to be of different sorts because it groweth to be of severall sizes yet that is to be impated to the fertility or â—â—â—rility of the soile they enjoy howsoever there be two sorts thereof 1. Common Moneywort 2. Small Moneywort with purplish Flowers The Forme The Common Moneywort sendeth forth divers long weak and slender branches lying and running upon the ground set with two Leaves at each joynt opposite one to another at equall distances which are almost as round as a penny but that they are a little pointed at the ends smooth and of yellowish green colour at the joynts with the Leaves from the middle forward come forth at the joynts sometimes one and sometimes two yellow flowers standing each upon a small footstalâ—e being composed of five narrow leaves pointed at the ends with some yellow threds in the middle which being past there stand in their places small round heads
the Leaves and Stalkes perish but the Root endureth The Temperature Motherwort is hot and dry in the second degree being also of a cleansing or binding Faculty The Vertues There is hardly a more effectuall herb for the Wemb then Motherwort for it not onely helpeth the Suffocations or Stranglings of the Mother but is wonderfully usefull to Women in their sore Travell the powder thereof to the quantity of a Spoonfull being taken in Wine and therefore it hath not its name for nothing But because the Patient when the fit of the Mother is upon her is most commonly incapable of taking any thing inwardly or of being placed over or in any decoction though that also be prescribed as effectuall therefore the best way of using it will be by applying foments and little baggs thereof warmed to the bottome of the Belly and Share then which there is scarcely a more present remedy especially if Camomile Wormwood Penniroyall Lovage and other strong-sented herbes be used therewith The said powder taken as aforesaid provoketh Vrine and Womens Courses and is right good against the trembling of the Heart the Cramp Convulsion and Palsey for seeing it is a bitter herb and consequently hot and dry it doth thereby cut extenuate and discusse those grosse humors that are setled in the Veines Joynts and Sinewes of the Body And in case any squeamish palate should refuse it because of its bitternesse it may be made into a Syrupe and Conserve and so it driveth melancholly vapours from the Heart and maketh one merry cheerfull and blithe It is also availeable to clense the breast from Phlegme to open the obstructions and stoppings of the Entrailes and to kill all kinde of Wormes in the Belly Moreover it is commended for healing green wounds and serping them from impostumation and inflammation stopping the blood and curing them if it be bruised and applyed It is also a Remedy against certain diseases in Cattlâ— as the Cough Murren c. CHAP. CCCVI Of Feaverfew The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Parâ—henium because it is effectual for distempers of the Wombe to which even Virgâ—ns are sometimes subject and in Latine Matricaria for the same reason but it is more commonly called Febrifuga quia Febres fugat from its vertue in expelling Feavers and Agues and thence comes the word Feaverfew yet some call it Featherfew and Fedderfew Galen saith that in his time Parthenium was called Anthemis Helxine Linozostis and Amaracus The Kindes There are said to be eight sorts of Feaverfew 1. Common Feaverfew 2. Naked Feverfew 3. Double Feverfew 4. Sweet Feverfew 5. Unsavoury Feverfew 6 Fine leafed Feverfew 7. Mountaine Feverfew of Clusius 8. Small Sea Feaverfew The Forme Common Feaverfew groweth with many large fresh green Leaves very much torne or cut in on the Edges from amongst which rise up two or three hard Stalkes beset round with many such like Leaves but somewhat smaller at the tops whereof stand many single flowers upon severall small footstalkes consisting of many small white Leaves standing round about a yellow thrum in the middle What Seed it beareth hath not been observed but that it hath Seed may appeare from hence that wheresoever the flowers are suffered to shed there it increaseth very plentifully yet it must needs be very small The Root is somewhat hard tough and short having divers strings thereat The whole Plant iâ— of a strong smell and bitter taste The Places and Time The first groweth wilde by divers Walls and Hedges yet it is more frequent in Gardens where it is little esteemed because it requires no great tendance The second was found in Essex and is now nursed in the Gardens of the curious as the third also is as in the Garden of Mr. Tradescant at Lambeth c. The rest are Strangers and therefore it will be to little purpose to expresse their places They are in flower the greatest part of Summer The Temperature Feaverfew is hot and dry in the third degree or hot in the third degree and dry in the second being withall of a purging cleansing and opening faculty The Vertues The Decoction of the flowers of Feaverfew or the Herb it self made in Wine is exceeding effectuall for the diseases of the Mother whether it be the rising of the Mother or the hardnesse or inflammations of the same especially if a little Nutmeg or Mace be put therein and drunk often in a day and so it bringeth down Womens Courses also with speed and warmeth those parts oppressed by stoppings or cold as also helpeth to expell the dead Childe and the Secondine or Alter-birth To sit over the hot fumes of the Decoctâ—on of the herb made in Water or Wine is likewise effectuall for the same purposes and sometimes when the Patient is in her fit of the Mother and cannot be made to sit orderly nor take any thing inwardly the boiled herbes may be applyed warme to the privy parts The Juice hereof with the Juice of Motherwort being dranke in old Ale with grosse Pepper is also a good Medicine to prevent the fits of the Mother A decoction thereof taken with some Sugar or Honey helpeth the Cough and stuffing of the Chest by Cold as also to clense the Râ—ines and Bladder by expelling the Stone from them The pouder of the Herb taken in Wine with some Syrupe of Vinegar purgeth both Choller and Phlegme and is availeable for those that are pursie or short winded as also for those that are troubled with Melancholâ— or Sadnesse It is very effectuall for all paines in the Head coming of a cold cause the herbe being bruised and applyed to the Crown of the Head and particularly for the Swimming of the Head It is also very good against the Winde in the Stomack being taken inwardly and so it is frequently given before the fits of Agues the herb being also bruised with a few Cornes of Bay-salt and applyed to the Wrists It iâ— likewise profitable in the Dropsie and helpeth such as are impotent as to the matter of precreation if it proceed of a cold or moist cause for it is hurtfull to very hot and dry bodies and if any one chance to take too great a Dose of Opium it is a good remedy to prevent the danger that may ensue Being bruised and heated on a Tile after it is moistned with a little Wine or fryed with a little Oyle and Wine in a Frying pan and applyed warme to the Stomack and Belly helpeth the griping paines of Winde and the â—holick The distilled Water is usefull to take away Spots Freckles and other deformities of the skin CHAP. CCCVII Of Catmint or Nep. The Names IT is thought that the Greeks had not the knowledge of this Herbe because we finde no Greek name for it upon Record but though they might not have the happinesse to enjoy the benefit of so usefull a Simple yet the Latines who have added much to what hath been derived unto them doe call it
with a Syrleâ—g the other being rubbed and held to the Nostrills that the smell thereof might cause the Wombe which flyeth from whatsoever is noysome and followeth that which is sweet and pleasant to returne into its place and therefore those that are subject to this disease must avoid the smelling unto sweet things but not their contraries And taken inwardly it is commended as an Universall Medicine for the Wombe both easily safely and speedily curing â—ny disease thereof as the fits of the Mother Dislocation or falling oâ—â— thereout It cools the Womb being over-heated which is said to be a cause of hard Labour in Childe-birth It makes barren Women fruitfull cleanseth the Womb if it be foul and strengthneth it exceedingly it provokes the Termes if they be stopped stops them if they flow immoderately all this it might be said to do by Signature and therefore it were good for those that are usually troubled with distempers of this nature to have alwaies by them a Syrupâ— made of the Juyce of this herb Sugar for that is best unless it be to cleanse the Womb and then Honey is better It killeth also the Worms that breed in the Sores of Horses other Cattle But to returne to the Garden Arach It may be boyled and eaten as other Sallet herbs are and so it openeth the Belly and maketh it soluble which it doth by that nitrous quality that it hath and so it doth being used as a pot-herbe in broth The Seed being drunk with Mead or honyed Water is a remedy against the Yellow Jaundise whence it is also thought to be good to open the stoppings of the Liver and the herb eaten helpeth the heat thereof The said Seed boyled in water without any Salt having some oyle of Nuts put thereto causeth an easie Vomit and sometimes purgeth also It is said to be profitable for those that have taken Cantharides and it standeth with reason the lubricity or oylinesse of it hindering the corroding quality of them The Decoction of the Herb being drunk and the Herb it â—elâ— being applyed outwardly is an excellent Remedy for Swellings in the Throat It cooleth both Apostumes and St. Anthony's Fire and dissolveth Tumor being applyed thereto either fresh or boyled Being applyed with Nâ—â—ar and Vinegar it easeth the pains of the Gout and cureth rough and scabbed Nailes by loosening them without pain and so it doth being boyled with Honey The Sea Arach â—â— of like property with that of the Garden onely being somewhat saâ—â—ish it purgeth more and helpeth those that have the Dropsie The common wilde Araâ—â—â—es are neer as cold as the Garden sorts but more drying serving chiefly for Inflammations being applyed outwardly thereunto but Goosefoot is held to be much colder and therefore more warily to be applyed being held to be dangerous if not deadlâ— to be taken inwardly for it is certainly knowne that it hath killed 〈◊〉 CHAP. CCCX Of Laserwort and its Assa faetida The Names LAserwort is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Silphium in Latine Laser and Laserpitium in English Laserwort Magydare The Gum that issueth out of the same is called Lacer but that which is gathered from those plants that are gathered in Media and Syria is called Assa and Asa by the Arabian Physitians from whence our Apothecaries have many of their names it hath faetida added to it to distinguish it from another sort thereof which is called Assa duâ—cis which is sweeter than the other yet both of them very strong scented insomuch that the Germans call the former Teuffelzdrech that is Diaboli stercus Devils-durt or dung The Kindes Besides the Laserwort of the Ancients there be two others 1. The true Laserwort of the Ancients 2. French Laserwort 3. Alpinus his Laserwort The Forme The true Laserwort of the Ancients is said to grow with a Stalk as big as Ferula or 〈◊〉 Gyant the Leaves are like unto the common Smallage and of an unpleasant savour The Flowers grow at the tops of the Stalks tuft-fashion like Ferula or Fennell which being past there succeed broad and flat Seeds like Angelica seedâ— of a good savour and of the colour The Roots are many coming from â—ne head or chief root and are covered over with a thick and fat bark there floweth out of them being scarrified or cut a strong liquor which being dryed is very medicinable that which groweth in Cyrent and Africa is said to send forth Laser and Assa dulcis and that which groweth in Media and Syria sendeth forth Assa salida as I said before The Places and Time The first groweth not onely in the places already expressed but also in Armenia and Lybia and other Eastern Countreys the second was found about Marsellâ—â— in France the third was first taken notice of in Cardinall Bembâ—'s Garden Those that grow of them in this part of the world do flower about Midsummer The Temperature The Laserwort is said to be hot and dry in the third degree but the Assa faetida which is onely brought to us in these dayes doth somewhat exceed the Leaves and Roots in heat The Vertues Assa faetida if it be but smelled unto is very profitable for women that are troubled with the rising of the Mother and divers other diseases of the Wombe and therefore it were requisite that those that are so troubled should weare it about their Necks being sewed in Silk Linnen or some such thing It brings down the Courses of Women and expells the Secundine or After-birth being taken with Pepper and Myrrhe It is usefull in Diseases of the Breast Nerves and Braine and being taken in a Egge that is soft it helps Hoarsenesse and given with Oxymel it helpeth the Cough Jaundise and Dropsie Given with Vinegar of Squilles or Wine and Honey boyled together it helps the Falling-sicknesse Being given in Wine or Angelica-water it helpeth against Venome and Poyson of venemous Beasts where any are stung therewith It cures the Quartane Ague and Feaâ—ers of long continuance taken with Oxymel or Syrup of Vinegar it dissolveth coagulated Milk in Womens Breasts it killeth Wormes and expelleth Wind. It is used also to take away loathing for which it is effectuall as appeares by the story of one that for a tryall tasted thereof in a cold time of the yeare and after a little walking he found himselfe possessed both in his Head Armes and Body with a gentle Sweet and shortly after he found his body better disposed to his dinner than at other times before and digesting it better and for this purpose it is commonly used by the Indians as also to strengthen the weaknesse of the Stomack and to provoke to Venery If it be mingled with Rue Niter and Honey it breaketh Carbuncles and Pestilentiall Sores being therunto applyed and in the same manner it helpeth Cornes and draweth them forth Being applyed with Garlick and the White of an Egg it helps Felons and White-flawes of the Fingers It clears the Sight
Birth and after-birth cureth the Jaundise openeth the stoppings of the Spleen and Gall and â—iminisheth the Melancholy humour The same taken as aforesaid or in powder dissolveth congealed blood in the Body and is good for such as have bruised themselves by any great fall and is very much used in vulnerary or Wound-drinks for which purpose the colour of the root speaks it to be usefull It is profitable also for such as have the Dropsiâ— Palsie Sciatica or Hip-gout The Seeds of Madder taken with Vinegâ—r and Honey helpeth the swelling and hardnesse of the Spleen It is used also to amend or help the ill colour of the Face and it helpeth Vlcers of the Mouth if to the Decoction there be added a little Alome and Hony of Roses The Juyce of the Root or Decoction thereof is given to such as are hurt with venemous Beasts and preserveth the Body from putrefaction and is very good for those that have the Itch or Scab The Roots bruised especially whist they are fresh and applyed to any part that is discoloured with Freckles Morphew the White Scurf or such like deformities of the Skin cleanseth them thoughly and taketh them away especially if Vinegar be mixed therewith or the Powder of the Root mixed with a little Juyce of Garlick Oyl and a little Hony cureth any Itch Scab or foulnesse of the Skin being anoynted therewith The Juyce of the Root dropped into the Eares mitigates the pain of them The Roots applyed as a Pessary or the powder of the Root made up with Oyl of Savin and applyed brings away the Birth and After-birth By the reason that the Leaves and Roots do die a red colour some have mistaken the effects thereof supposing that it provokes Urine so much that it causeth blood to come forth when as the red colour of the Urine proceeds from no other cause but the colour of the Root as Rubarbe will cause it to looke yellow The Decoction of Madder given with that great composition called Triphera is singular good to stay the Reds in Women the Hemorrhoides and the Bloudy Flix which it may be said to do by Signature as hath been approved by divers experiments so that the contrary effects herein are manifest the one being opening and the other restringent and it is said to be usefull against untimely birth though the common opinion be that it must not be given to women with child nor often to such as have hot and dry bodies and then the Dose must not exceed two Scruples if it be given in Powder nor half an Ounce if it be given in Decoction The Roots are good traffique amongst the Dyers as well as the Apothecaries as having a special property to strike a lively red colour upon their Wooll and woollen Cloath and the Curriers and other Leather-dressers colour their Leather therewith CHAP. CCCXV. Of Dittany The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Dioscorides and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Theophrastus and by others 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being derived as some suppose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à pariendo because it is exceeding helpfull to Women in their paines of Child birth not onely by allaying them but by furthering their delivery as the Authors but now mentioned do testifie It is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Pulegium Sylvestre but it is called by most Latine Writers Dictamnus or Dictamnus Creticus Dictamum or Dictamnum Creticum and the bastard sort is called Pseudodictamnus Pseudodictamus and Pseudodictamum The Kindes Concerning that kinde of Bastard Dittany called Fraxinella in Latine I have already spoken and told you that it was improperly so called and therefore I shall here set down those that better deserve the name and they are three 1. Dittany of Candy 2. Bastard Dittany 3. Another Bastard Dittany The Forme Dittany of Crete or Candy for so it is now called hath divers hard and brownish yet somewhat hoary Stalks rising from the root set full of Leaves two standing together one against another all along the Branches which are broad and thick and almost round so hoary white and covered over with a wooly down that they seem not at all to be green at the tops of the Branches come forth scaly heads purplish on the out-side and paler on the in-side from among which come forth gaping Flowers of a pale purplish colour and after them small brownish Seed the Root consisteth of many blackish strings or Fibres from a harder long Root the whole Herb is of a quick or fiery scent especially if it be fresh and of a hotter taste for it decayeth in keeping yet it will retain its vertue a year or longer The Places and Time The first grows in the Isle of Crete or Candy therefore called Creticus which by elder times was supposed to be the onely place in the world but Clusius saith that it was signified to him that it was found also in the Isle of Sardinia with lesser and whiter Leaves than those of that of Candy and exceeding sweet withall and is sown in some few of our Gardens but seldome endureth the coldness of our Winters and then it must be carefully covered the second groweth neer Pisa and Ligorne in the Florentine Dominions and is frequent in the Gardens of Italy the last in the Island Corigo Some have thought that the first beareth neither Flower nor Seed but not without error for it is found to bear both in its naturall soil though in our cold Climate it seldome flowers and then it cannot often seed The second is late before it flowreth so that it seldome perfecteth its seed The last is so great a stranger that its time is not known The Temperature Dittany both that of Crete and of the Bastard kindes is hot and dry in the third degree The Vertues Dioscorides Theophrastus and the generall consent of Writers doe confirme that the Leaves of Dittany being made into Powder and dranke with Water or Wine causeth speedy deliverance and easie though the Childe be dead and out of due course and expelleth the After-birth and it is said that Dittany Vervaine and Hyssope of each one handful being stamped and drank by a Woman when she is in travaile saveth both the Woman and Childe though they be both in danger It povokes Womens Courses and is profitable for those that are troubled with the Dropsie or swelling of the Spleen The Juice drank with Wine is a present remedy for those that are bitten or stung by any Venemous Creature nay the Herb is so effectuall against the poyson of all beasts that are venemous that the very smell drives them away The powder being mixed with Honey and taken easeth the Cough and killeth Wormes and a Decoction thereof taken is profitable for the Jaundise A Pâ—ssâ—â—y made of the Juice and the Powder bringeth away the dead Childe and after birth being applyed A Bath or Decoction made thereof and used all
groweth in divers places of Kent very plentifully especially about Grave end Cobham Southfleet Horton Dartford and Sutton and is taken into the Gardens of those that know the use of it The second was seen by Pena on the dry Hills and higher Medowes of Savoy the third groweth about Vienna in Austria the last in divers unmanured plaâ—es of Spaine They all flower in June and July and give their Seed about August The Temperature Ground-pine is hot in the second degree and dry in the third The Vertues The Decoction of Ground-pine drunke doth not onely mervailously helpe all the diseases of the Mother but procureth Womens Courses expelleth the Dead-birth and After-birth yea it is so powerfull upon those feminine parts that it is utterly forbidden to Women with Childe in that it will cause abortment or delivery before the time in those that have not fulfilled their Months but in those that have it furthereth deliverance as much as may be as well applyed outwardly as used inwardly The said Decoction doth wonderfully prevaile against the Strangury and Stoppings of Vrine or any inward paine rising from the diseases of the Reines and is exceeding good also for all obstructions of the Liver and Spleen for it clenseth grâ—sse and impuâ—e blood expelling that which is congealed and gently opening the body for which purpose the powder thereof was formerly made up in Pills with the Pulpe of Figgs It is effectual also in all the paines and diseases of the Joints as Gouts Gramps Palsies Sciatica and Aches either the Decoction of the herbe in Wine taken inwardly or applyed outwardly or both for some time together for which purpose the Pills which are made with the powder of Ground pine Hermodactyles and Venice Turpentine are very effectual The said Piâ—s continued for some time are of special use for the Dropsie Jaundise and also for those that have any griping paines in the Belly or Joynts It helpeth also all diseases of the Braine proceeding from cold and phlegmatick humors and distillations as also for the Falling Sicknesse It is an especial remedy also against the poyson of all sorts of Aconites and other poysonful herbes neither is it lesse powerful against the stinging of the Scorpion and all other venemous Creatures The green herbe or the Decoction thereof being applyed to Womens Breasts dissolveth the hardnesse of them as also all other hard tumors in any other part of the Body The green herbe or the juice thereof applyed with some Honey doth not onely clense putrid stinking foule malignant and virulent Ulcers and Sores of all sorts but healeth and sodereth up the lips of green Wounds in any part also The herb tunned up in drink and dranke is very much commended for those inward griefes aforementioned being farre more acceptable to weak or dainty stomacks and this way is almost as effectual as any other The distilled Water of the herb hath the same effects also but more weakly The Conserve of the Flowers doth the like which is much commended for the Palsey as the Pills made of the herb with a number of other Ingredients also are CHAP. CCCXIX. Of the Savine-Tree or Bush The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Brathus Brathy and Barathron in Latine Sabina and Savina which are the more ordinary names yet some have called it Savinera Some thinke it to be the Bruta arbor Plinii being taken from Brathâ— by the transposition of a Letter and Savina altera to be the same which he saith was called Cupressus Cretica but some are of another opinion The Kindes There be but three sorts of Savine that I can finde for though perhaps some may thinke that that which beareth berries and that which beareth none to be different kindes yet they are not for the same tree which beareth berries in the naturall places beareth none with us so that there be but three kindes as I said 1. The ordinary Savine Tree 2. The greater berried Savine Tree 3. Gentle Savine with Berries The Forme The ordinary Savine which groweth most commonly in the Gardens of our Countrey is a pretty low Shrub seldome exceeding the height of a Man nor much bigger in the Stemme or Trunke then a Mans arme with many crooked bending boughs and branches whereon are set many small short hard and prickly Leaves of a dark green colour which continue fresh both Winter and Summer Though it be reported to bear small black Berries like unto Juniper where it groweth naturally yet with Us it is commonly barren both of Flowers and Fruit The Leaves are of a ranke or strong smell The Places and Time The places where the first groweth naturally are Candy Mysia and other of the Eastern Countries but since it hath been brought from thence it hath been so dispersed and propagated by the slips that there is hardly a Countrey Town but one or another hath it and the biggest that ever I saw was in Thomas Poultons Garden at Barford yet those that have it would do well to keep it under lock and key and to suffer no body to have any thereof unlesse it be for some honest use the contrary whereof is sometimes made The second groweth in the mountaine Taurus Amanus and Olympus The last upon the mountaines of Calabria and Apulia by Naples as also neer Gratianople these two last are also found in some of our more curious Gardens as in that of John Tradescants Garden at Lambeth c. They abide ever green and shew their ripe Berries not untill Winter The Temperature The Leaves of Savine which are of greatest use in Medicine are hot and dry in the third degree and of subtill parts The Signature and Vertues That exquisite discoverer of Signatures Oswald Crollius in his Book upon that Subject declareth that Savine hath the Signature of the Veines of the Matrix or Wombe and therefore it is exceeding powerfull in its operation upon that part for the Decoction thereof dranke not onely provoke Womens Courses send forth the Birth and After-birth but causeth Abortion in those that take it before they have gone out their full time and therefore as I said it is not to be permitted to those whom you suspect to desire it for any such occasion as some Harlots doe The said Decoction expelleth bloud by Vrine and is profitable for the Kings Evill A dramme of Savine in Powder mixed with three ounces of Niter and two of Honey doth wonderâ—ully help such as are short-winded as Matthiolus saith It killeth the Wormes in Children but it is safer to use it outwardly then inwardly by applying it to the Navel or by anoynting the Belly with the Oyl thereof The sume of the Decoction taken underneath provoketh the Courses bringeth away the Birth and After-birth The Powder of the dryed Leaves mixed with Honey is an excellent remedy to cleanse old filthy Vlcers and Fistulaes especially if they be of long continuance and not easie to be holpen for it
Monardus saith They flourish and flower in the months of May June July and August The Temperature Rupture-wort doth notably dry and throughly closeth up together and fasteneth The Signature and Vertues Rupture-wort saith mine Author hath such a Signature that thereby it may be perceived to be profitable for the falling down of the Guts into the Cods which is commonly called Burstness and indeed it hath neither its Signature nor its Name in vain for it hath been found by divers experiences to help and cure the Rupture not onely in Children but also in elder Persons if the Disease be not too inveterate a dram of the powder of the dryed herb being taken in Wine every day for certain dayes together as the strength of the Disease age of the Patient shall require for the older people are and the longer it is let alone the longer it will be before it be cured or the Decoction made of the Herb in wine and drunk or the juyce of the distilled water of the green herb taken in the same manner It is also wonderfully effectuall for helping all manner of Fluxes either of men or women Vomiting also and the Gonorrhea or Running of the Reines being taken any of the wayes aforesaid It doth most assuredly help those also that are grieved with the Strangury or have their Vrine otherwise stopped or are troubled with the Stone or Gravel in the Reines or Bladder causing them that take it to make water very freely and thereby to remove and wash down whatsoever sticketh or is offensive in the passages of the Vrine The same also helpeth much all Stitches in the Side all griping paines in the Stomach or Belly the obstructions of the Liver and cureth the Yellow Jaundise likewise and killeth Wormes in Children Being outwardly applyed it conglutinateth Wounds very notably and helpeth much to stay defluctions of Rheume from the Head to the Eyes Nose and Teeth the green Herb being bruised and bound thereto or the Decoction of the dryed Herb to bathe the Fore-head and Temples or the Nape of the Neck behind It also dryeth up the moisture of Fistulous Vlcers or any others that are foule and spreading The lesser Rupture-wort hath all the faculties of the other though not so exactly Monardus writeth that the Indian Rupture-wort is mervailously good for them that are bursten whether they be Children or Men that are so grieved the green Herb being bruised and applyed to the place whereunto a Truss must afterwards be bound CHAP. CCCXXII Of Thorough-wax The Names IT is called in Latine Perfoliata for it hath no certain Greek name that I can meet with quod caulis ejus singula folia dissecat atque penetraâ— because the Stalk groweth through the Leaves and therefore we call it in English Thorough-wax or Thorough-leaf The Kindes To this Kinde may be referred these nine sorts following 1. Common Thorough-wax 2. Double-flowred Thorough-wax 3. Broad-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 4. The lesser broad-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 5. The greater narrow-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 6. The lesser narrow-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 7. The least narrow-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 8. Common codded Thorough-wax 9. Codded Thorough-wax with purple flowers The Forme The Coâ—mon Thorough-wax groweth up with one straight round Stalke and sometimes more till it be half a yard high or higher whose lower Leaves being of a blewish green colour are smaller and narrower than those that grow higher standing close thereto but not quite compassing it yet as they grow higher they do more and more encompasse the Stalk untill they so wholly close together that it passeth almost through the middle of them branching towards the top into many parts where the Leaves grow smaller again every one standing singly and never two at a joynt the Flowers are very small and yellow standing in tufts at the heads of the Branches where afterwards grow the Seed which is small and blackish many of them being thick thrust together the Root is small long and woody perishing after it hath perfected its seed which being permitted to shed riseth againe the next yeare The Places and Time The first groweth in many Corn-fields and Pasture-grounds of this Land as in the Corn-fields about Beechen-tree in the way between Oxford and Deddington very plentifully and is taken into Gardens by those that know the use of it where by the alteration of the soile it sometimes bears a double flower and is reckoned as a second sort though it be but a kinde of the first all the rest are strangers except the last save one which is found in our own Land They do all flower about July and the Seed is ripe in August or presently after The Temperature Thorough-waxe is hot and dry as may be perceived by the bitterishnesse and astringency that is in it The Signature and Vertues The commendations of Thorough-wax are so many and so great and the success so answerable thereunto as also to the Signature which Crollius saith it hath that to omit it in this place would argue me to be very careless Take notice therefore that the decoction of the Herb or the powder of the dryed Herb taken inwardly or the green Leaves bruised and applyed outwardly or both is very singular and available to cure Ruptures or Burstings especially in Children before it grow to be too old It is also an excellent Remedy to help those Children that have their Navels sticking out being applyed thereunto with a little Honey and Wax and so it draweth up the bowels and keepeth them in their naturall place and setleth them and slacketh them when they are too much windy and swollen It is also of singular good use with Chirurgions for all sorts of Bruises and Wounds either inward or outward and old Vlcers and Sores likewise if the decoction of the Herbe made with Water or Wine be drunke and the places washed therewith or the juyce or greene herb bruised and boyled either by it self or with other herbs in Oyle or Swines-greace be made into an Oyntment which may be used as any time of the yeare The Herb as also the distilled Water thereof is very good against St. Anthony's Fire and the Shingles The greene Leaves being stamped and boyled with Wax Oyle Rosin and Turpentine maketh an excellent Oyntment or Salve to incarnate or bring up flesh in deepe â—â—unds CHAP. CCCXXIII Of Solomons-Seale The Names ITt is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Polygonatum from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 multus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 genu because of the many Knees Joynts or Nodes that are in the Root in Latine also Polygonatum but more usually Sigillum Solomoniâ— because the flat round circles that are upon the Root do somewhat represent a Seale or else because of the wonderfull faculty that it hath in sealing or closing Burstennesses or green Wounds It is also called Scala caeli because the Leaves grow not together but one above another imitating the rounds of some fashioned Ladders We call it in
a singular Remedy for the Rupture or Bursting in Children and so it doth being drunk in Wine A Decoction of the Leaves in Wine or the powder thereof being drunk in the said Liquor is affirmed to ease the griping paines of the Bowels and the Cholick passion as also of the Mother if it be injected with a Syringe for the purpose The Oyle that is made of the Apples by infusing them in Oyle Olive is effectuall not onely for inward Wounds or hurts whatsoever being drunk but for all outward Wounds that are fresh and green to sodder the Lips of them and heale them as also to dry up the moisture of old and inveterate Vlcers which hinder them from healing and so cause them to heal quickly The said Oyle is also very profitable for all pricks or hurts in the Sinewes as also for Cramps and Convulsions if the places be therewith anoynted and to heal Vlcers in the Secret parts of Man or Woman or in Womens Breasts It gives much ease likewise to Women that are in great extremity of Child-birth in taking away the pain of the Wombe and causing easie deliverance if it be applyed to the place and being anoynted upon the Bellies of those Women that are barren by reason of any superfluous humidity it causeth them to become fruitful It cureth the Piles and other paines of the Fundament if it be applyed with Lint such as the Chirurgions use It is of great force to take away either burnings by Fire or scaldings by Water it taketh away those blemishes or scarres that remain of Wounds and Hurts being healed and taketh away the paines of the stingings of Bees and Wâ—spes The Female is thought to come somewhat neer unto the Male both in temperature and vertues though the Form be somwhat different CHAP. CCCXXV Of Doves-foot or Cranes-bill The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 GeraniuÌ„ which is a general name to all the Crantsbills whose small heads with long slender beaks pointing forth do very much resemble the Head and Bill of a Crane It is called Geranium also in Latine as also Gruinalis Rostrum Gruis or Gruinum and Rostrum Ciconia for the like reason But because there be many Plants belonging to this Family therefore there be divers Epithetes added to distinguish them as Geranium Columbinum Geranium Muscatum Geranium Arvense Geranium Batrachoides sive Gratia Dei Germanorum Geranium Rupertianum c. We call them in English Doves-foot Musked Cranes-bill unsavoury Cranes-bill Crowfoot Cranes-bill Herb Robert c. The Kindes Though there be divers Cranes-bills that grow no where in England unless they be fostered in Gardens yet I shall name onely those which are spontaneous and they are eleven 1. The Common Doves-foot or Cranes-bil 2. Doves-foot with Leaves like unto the Vervain Mallow 3. Unsavoury field Cranes-bill 4. Unsavoury field Cranes-bill with white flowers 5. Crowfoot Cranes-bill 6. Red or bloody Cranes-bill 7. Creeping Cranes-bill 8. Musked Cranes-bill 9. Herb Robert 10. Great Herb Robert 11. Rock Cranes-bill The Forme The Common Doves-foot or Cranes-bill groweth with divers small round pale green Leaves cut in about the edges more than those of the Common Mallow to which they are compared though they be much lesser standing upon long reddish hairy Stalks lying in a round compass upon the ground amongst which rise up two or three reddish joynted slender weak hairy Stalks with some such like Leaves as the former but smaller and more cut in up to the tops where grow many very small bright red Flowers of five Leaves a piece after which cometh the Seed which is like to a Cranes or Storks bill whereby all that pertain to this Family are known The Root is slender with some Fibres annexed thereunto The Places and Time The first groweth very frequently in most places of this Land both in Gardens and elsewhere the second is found in some Pastuâ—es also but not so frequenâ—ly as the former the third is more commonly found in the â—orn fields than in other places where the fourth is sometimes fâ—uâ—d the fifth in moist Meadows the sixth about St. Vincentâ— Rock neer Bristâ—ll the seventh by Walâ—orth the eighth groweth also naturally in some barren High wayes though it be taken into 〈…〉 dens for its sweet smell the ninth groweth upon old Walls especially those which are capped with mudde and amongst rubbish and sometime upon Slated houses and so doth the tenth but not so commonly as the other the last groweth onely upon Stone walls and in some Quarries whence Stones are dâ—gged They do most of them flower flourish and continue the greatest part of Summer without any sensible decay The Temperature Doves foot which is the Plantâ—l most aâ—m at in this Chapter is cold and somewhat dry with some astriction or binding having some power to sodder or joyn together The Vertues and Signature It is very certaine that the Herbe and Root oâ— Doves-foot dryed beaten into fine powder and then given to the quantity of halfe a spoonful fasting and as much at night upon going to bed in Red Wine or Oâ—d Claret for the space of twenty dayes or thereabouts without intermission of a day is of wonderful efficacy to cure Ruptures of Bâ—rstings whether it be in young or old but if the Ruptures be in aged persons it will be somewhat necessary to adde thereunto the powder of â—â—ne Red â—aailes that are without Shells dryed in an Oven which fortifieth the powder of the Herb that it never faileth It hath also the reputation of being singular good for the Wind-collick and other pains of the Belly proceeding from Wind as also to expell the Sâ—one and Gravel in the Kidneys the decoction thereof being drunk or used as a Bath made thereof to sit in or to be fomented with The decoction thereof in Wine is an exceeding good Wound-drink for any to take that have either inward Wounds Hurts or Bruises both to stay the bleeding to dissolve and expel the congealed blood and to heal the parts Being made into a Salve with fit Ingredients and applyed to any outward Sores Vlcers or Fistulaes it perfectly cleanseth and healeth them and for green Wounds many do but bruise the Herb and apply it to the place wheresoever it be and it will quickly heal them the sâ—me decoâ—tion in Wine fomented to any place pained with the Gout giveth much ease it doth the same also to all Joynt-aches or paines of the Sinewes the unsavoury Field-Cranes-bill are of a neer temperature with Doves-foot and may perform all the properties found in them but it is approvedly good to expel all windynesse of the Mother and to settle it in its place when it is fallen down a dramme of the powder thereof being drunk in Wine It is also good for Wounds and Vlcers and the distilled Water thereof taketh away Bruises and black Spots The Crowfoot Cranes-bill hath the Signature of the Shank-bone and therefore the powder thereof taken in Wine is
be eminent for healing green Wounds yet not for all other diseases as those names import The Forme Clownes Wound-wort groweth up with slender four square green rough Stalks to the height of halfe a yard or two foot surrowed in a little upon every square the joynts standing somewhat farre a sunder with two very long and somewhat narrow dark green Leaves bluntly dented about the Edges and sharp pointed at the end the flowers stand towards the top compassing the stalkes at the joynts as those of Horehound doe but it endeth in a spiked top which Horehound doth not having long and much open gaping hoods of a purplish red colour with whitish spots in them standing in somewhat rough huskes wherein afterwards stand blackish round seeds The root is composed of many long strings with some tuberous long knobs commonly growing amongst them of a pale yellowish or whitish colour the whole plant is of a strong smell somewhat like unto Stinking Horehound The Places and Time Clownes Allheale groweth frequently in most of the Countries of this Land by the sides of severall brooks and ditches and sometimes by the Path-sides and Borders of fields It floureth in August and bringeth its seed to perfection about the end of September The Temperature This kind of Sideritis is hot in the second degree and dry in the first and withal of an earthy quality The Vertues The Leaves of Clownes Wound-wort stamped with Swines grease and applyed unto green Woundes in manner of a Pultis doth heale them in a short time according to the first intention that is by closing up the lips of them without drawing or bringing them to Suppuration or Matter in such absolute manner that it is hard for any one that hath not had the experience thereof to believe It is also very availeable in stanching of bloud and to dry up the Fluxes of humors in old fretting Vlcers Cancers c. that hinder the healing of them Neither is it excellent onely for outward but also for inward Wounds Ruptures of veines bloudy flux spitting pissing or vomiting bloud a syrupe being made thereof and taken now and then a little and so Ruptures or burstings of the belly are speedily even to admiration cured if a Plaister of the Herb or an oyntment of the same be applyed to the place The said Plaister being applyed to any veine that is swollen or Muscle that is cut helpeth it and if there be a little Comfry added to it it will be so much the better CHAP. CCCXXXIV Of Arsmart The Names IT is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hydropiper i. e. Piper aquaticum because one kind of it hath a burning taste like Pepper and Hydropiper in Latine sometimes but generally Perficaria quod folia â—jus Perfica foliis similia sunt because the leaves of it are like unto those of the Peach-tree yet some make this distinction calling the mild or gentle sort Perficaria simply and the other Hydropiper five Perficaria urens in English Water Pepper and Arsmart and in some Countries Red-knees and of some Culrage and Cyderach The Kindes There be foure Sorts of Arsmart growing in our owne Country 1. Dead or Spotted Arsmart 2. Small creeping Arsmart 3. Codded Arsmart or Touchme not 4. Biting Arsmart or Water Pepper The Forme The â—ild or Spotted Arsmart groweth up with Leaves of a middle size both for length and breadth set at the great red joynts of the Stalkes with blackish spots upon them many times almost like a halfe moone but not alwayes the flowers grow in long Spiky heades either of a blush or whitish colour which falling away blackish â—lat seed come in their places The root is long with many fibres thereat perishing yearly this hath no biting tast as the Water Pepper hath which is exceeding hot but is rather like sowre Sorrell or else a little drying or without tast the way of distinguishing one from an other is to breake a leafe of it crosse ones tongue for the biting sort will make the tongue to smart and so will not the other The Places and Time The first groweth very common almost every where in moist and watery Plashes and neer to the brims of Rivers Ditches and running Brooks and sometimes in those Corn-fields that are subject to moisture in the Winter time The second groweth also within the confines of our Countrey and so doth the third but the place thereof is not particularly expressed and therefore some Physick Garden is the surest place to finde them the last is found in like places with the first but not so frequently and is to be known from iâ— by the red spots which it sometimes hath as also by the Diagnostick I have already set down They flower in June and their Seed is ripe in August The Temperature The â—ildâ— or dead Arsmart as it is called is cold and something dry but the Biting Arsmart is hot and dry yet not so hot as Pepper according to Galen The Vertues and Signature The Leaves and Stalkes of the Dead Arsmart being stamped and applyed to green or fresh Wounds doe cool and comfort them exceedingly and keep them from â—â—postumation and inflaâ—mation and so doth the juice of them being dropped thereinto Being applyed in like manner it consumeth all cold swellings and taketh away black and blew markes of the Skin by dissolving the congealed blood happening upon bruises strokes fallâ— c. which is signified by the black spots which are upon the Leaves and being laid to a Joynt that hath a Felon thereon it taketh it away by Signature also A piece of the Root or some of the Seed bruised and held to an aking tooth taketh away the pâ—ine The Juice of it being dropped into the Eares destroyeth the Wormes that are in them and so it is good against deafenesse Two dâ—amms of the powder of the herb taken with a little Vinegar openeth the obstructions of the Liver Being stamped with Wine and applyed to the Matrix it bringeth unto Women their monthly Courses If it be stamped with Rue and Wormwood and all of them fryed together with Butter or Suet and applyed to the Stomach or Bâ—lly it killeth the Wormes in them When a Womans Belly is great and she not with Childe let her boyl of Arsmart Rue and Hyssâ—p of each one handfull in a quart of Ale to the one halfe and drinke thereof first and last it will reduce it to its just measure The distilled Water of the herb mingled with an Oxe Gall and a little Oyle of Spike being annointed upon any place that is troubled with the Gout and a blew woollen cloth laid upon it taketh away the pain thereof Two spoonfulls of the said Water with one of Aqua Vitae being nointed on any place troubled with an Ach for five or sixe dayes taketh it quite away It is said that if a handfull of Arsmart wetted in Water be applyed to a Wound or Sore and afterwards buried in moist ground as the herb rotteth so
some of them being sometimes brownish the stalkes are branched into many long stemmes of spiked Flowers half a foot long growing in â—undles one above another out of small Huskes very like unto the spiked Heads of Lavender every of the flowers consisting of five round pointed Leaves of a Purple Violet colour tending to rednesse in which Huskes after the flowers are fallen the seed is contained the root creepeth under-ground almost like Couch-grasse but greater and shooteth up every Spring brownish heads which afterward growing up into Stalkes doe smell like Câ—â—led Apples whilest they are young The Places and Time The first groweth usually by Rivers and Ditches sides and in wet grounds in every Countrey of this Land almost the others grow in the like places but not so frequently but that which is most rare is the Yellow Willow herbe with double flowers which groweth by Kings Langley in Hartford shire Any of these being brought into Gardens doe prosper well enough as the Câ—amaenerion of Rosebay Willow herbe also doth though it grow not naturally in England June and July are the ordinary months wherein they flower yet some of them stay till August The Temperature All the sorts of Lysimachia are hot and dry and of an exceding binding quality The Vertues The distilled Water of Willow herb whether it be the yellow sort or that which I have described which is more common is exceeding soveraign for green Wounds whether they happen in the Body or Limbs if to every ounce of Water there be taken two drams of May Butter without Salt and of Sugar and Wax each as much also gently boyled together til it become to be an Oyntment and then let Tents be dipped in the Liquor that remaineth after it is cold and put into the Wounds and the place covered with a linnen Cloath doubled and anointed with the Ointment It likewise cleanseth and healeth all foule Vlcers and Sores whatsoever or wheresoever and stayeth their inflammations by washing them with the Water and laying on them a green Leafe or two in Summer or dry ones in the Winter The distilled Water aforesaid is a present Remedy for hurts and blowes on the Eyes and for blindnesse if the Christalline humor or Sight it so if be not perished or spoiled as hath been often proved and it is also of as good use to cleer the Eyes of Dust or any other thing gotten into them and preserveth the Sight The said Water gargled warm in the Mouth and sometimes drunk also doth cure the Quinsey and Kings-Evill in the Throat The same being warmed and the Skin washed therewith taketh away all Spots Markes and Scarres thereof and a little of it drank quencheth the thirst extraordinarily And not onely this but the Yellow sorts also are good for all manner of Bleeding at the Mouth or Nose or of Wounds and stayeth all manner of Fluxes of the Belly or the Bloudy Fluxe given either to drink or taken in a Clister it stayeth also the abundance of Womens Courses If the herb he bruised and the juice onely applyed to green Wounds it stayeth the bleeding and quickly closeth together the Lips of them The decoction or the distilled Water thereof is often used in Gargles for sore Mouths as also to â—ath the secret parts withall as often as there is any Sore or Vlcer there arising The smoak of the Stalkes being burned driveth away Serpents or any other venemous Creature as Pliny saith and the people in the Fenny Countreyes can testifie that it driveth away the Flyes and Gnats that would otherwise molest them in the night season CHAP. CCCXXXIX Of the Daisy The Names IT is called in Latine for it is a question whether the Greeks ever knew it Bellis à bello as some think quasi Bellis praesidium because it is usefull in War to heal the Souldiers Wounds for which reason some have called it Consolida also other have thought that it was called Bellis from the Adjective Bellus signifying pretty for it hath indeed a pretty Flower if it be marked some of the sorts especially The greater sort is called by Bruâ—selsius Bupthalmus and Oculus Bovis and by Tabermontanus Bellium majus by others Consolida media Vulnerariorum yet most commonly it is called Bellis major the lesser sort being called Bellis minor Consolida minor and Herba Morgarita In English the greater and lesser Daisy the greater is also called Maudlin and Maudlin-wort The Kindes There be divers sorts of Daisyes as well in our Gardens as growing beyond the Seas yet because the time will not permit me to enquire after them I shall give you onely those that grow naturally with us they being of greatest use for our intended purpose and they are three 1. The Great Daisyes which some call Or-Eyes and White Moons 2. The middle sort of Daisyes 3. The little Daisy The Forme The Great Daisy hath very many narrow and round-pointed Leaves next the ground cut in on both sides making them to seem almost like unto those of the Oak from amongst which do grow up somewhat high Stalks with divers Leaves thereon but smaller and lesser divided than the lower at the tops whereof grow large Flowers each upon severall long foot stalks consisting of many white and narrow Leaves as the Pale or Border and the yellow Thrummes in the middle of little or no scent whose Seed which is somewhat long is blown away with the Wind The Root is bush of white Strings which abide many Winters shooting forth new Leaves in the Spring if the cold weather hath killed the old The Places and Time The first which is Great Daisy Oxe Eye or White-Moone groweth almost every where by the hedge sides in the borders of fields and other wast ground and many times in meadowes that lye any thing high the second groweth in the like places but not so frequently the place of the third can hardly be mistook for it groweth upon every Common and other place almost The two first flower in May and June and then must be gathered for they last not long but the last beginneth to flower in the Spring and holdeth on most part of the Summer The Temperature Daisyes are held by most to be cold and dry which are the qualities which are required in Wound herbs yet Dâ—donam saith they be cold and moist which no body else doth allow of The Vertues The Leaves of the great Daisy or Mandlinwort made up into an Oyntment or Salve with Wax Oyl and Turpentine is most excellent for Wounds especially those wherin there is any inflammation and which are hardly brought to digestion or maturation as those weeping Wounds made in the Elboes Knees or other Joynts and it is often used in Decoction or Drinks as well as outwardly for the same or the like purposes as fractures in the Head and deep wounds in the Breast The said Decoction being drunk cureth all Vlcers and Pustles in the Mouth or Tongue or in the Secret parts
which proceed from the heat of the Liver and therefore in such cases the Juyce or distilled Water of either sort doth much temper the heat of Choler and refresheth the Liver and other inward parts The Leaves bruised and applyed to the Cods or any other parts that are swoln and hot doth dissolve the swelling and temper the heat A Decoction made hereof with Walwort and Agrimony and the places fomented and bathed therewith warm giveth great ease to them that are troubled with the Palsy Sciatica or other Gout The same also disperseth dissolveth the Knots and Kernels that grow in the Flesh belonging to any part of the Body the bruises hurts that come of falls blows The Juyce Decoction or distilled Water is drunk to very good purpose against the Rupture or any inward Burstings The juyce of them or the distilled water dropped into the Eyes cleareth them and taketh away the watering of them The little Daisyes when the greater cannot so well be gotten may be used with good successe for all the purposes aforesaid as also to help Agues the decoction of them in Wine or Water being drunk It is said that the Roots hereof being boyled in Milk and given to little Puppies will not suffer them to grow great CHAP. CCCXL Of Speedwell The Names IT must be divided into two sorts viz. Male and Female before I can give you the names thereof The Greek name of the Male is unknown if ever it had any but in Latine it is called Veronica mas and Bâ—tonica Pauli in English Speedwell and Pauls Betony and of some Fluellen yet that name is thought to belong more properly to the Female kind which is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Elatine in Latine Veronica famina because a Shentleman of Wales whose Nose was so neer eating off by the French Pox that the Doctors gave order to cut it off being cured by the use of this Herb onely to honour the Herb for saving her Nose whole gave it one of her own Country names Lluellin or Fluellin it being before called Female Speedwell which name it retaineth also The Kindes Of the Male and Female Speedwel there be eight sorts 1. The Common Speedwell 2. Speedwel with white Flowers 3. Great Speedwel or Fluellin 4. Little Fluellin or smooth Fluellin 5. The smallest Fluellin 6. Female Fluellin or Speedwel 7. Cornered Fluellin with blew Flowers 8. Sharp-pointed Fluellin The Forme The Common Speedwell hath divers soft Leaves about the breadth of a two-pence extending themselves in length also but not very much of a hoary green colour a little dented about the edges and somewhat hoary also set by couples at the joynts of the hairy brownish Salks which lean down to the ground never standing upright but shooting forth roots as they lye upon the ground at divers joynts much after the same manner that Nummularia or Moneywort doth the Flowers grow one above another at the tops being of a blewish purple colour and sometimes though seldome white after which come small flat husks wherein the Seed which is small and blackish is contained the Root is composed of very many Fibres The Places and Time All these Plants which I have named are said to grow within the Dominions of England those which are Outlandish being omitted The first groweth in divers Countreys of this Land upon dry Banks and Wood-sides and other places where the ground is sandy and particularly in Prey-wood by St. Albans very plentifully where there be a great many good Simples besides the third was found upon St. Vincents Rock neer Bristoll by Mr. Goodyer the fifth in a Field neer unto Barâ— Elmes in Surrey the other three grow in divers Corn-fields about Southfleet in Kent abundantly as also about Buckworth Hamerton and Richwersworth in Huntingdon-shire and in divers other places They flower in June and July and their Seed is ripe in August that of the Female kind withering presently after The Temperature The Male Speedwell is temperatly hot and dry the bitternesse thereof shewing so much The Female though it be bitter is held to be cooling yet no lesse drying than the former The Vertues Both the Male and the Female Speedwell are Wound-herbs of very good note The Male is singular to heale all fresh Wounds and Cuts in the Flesh speedily closing the Lips of them together and not suffering them to gather corruption and Salve being made therewith as also with Wax Oyl and Turpentine and applyed outwardly and the decoction of it in Wine taken inwardly and so it is no lesse effectual for spreading Tetters or for foul or old fretting or running Sores or Vlcers that have been of long continuance and therefore the harder to cure It stayeth the bleeding of Wounds or other Fluxes of Blood in any other part and dissolveth all tumors and swellings especially those of the Neck It is also held to be a special Remedy for the Plague and all pestilentiall Feavers and infectious Diseases for it expelleth the venome and poyson from the Heart and afterwards strengtheneth it and maketh it able to resist all noysome vapours if a Dramme or two of the herb in powder be given with a dramme of good Treacle in a small draught of Wine and the party be laid to sweat and so doth the decoction thereof in Wine or the distilled Water thereof given in some Wine It helpeth the Memory easeth all swimmings turnings and other paines of the Head and maketh Barren Women become fruitful as it is said It cleanseth the blood from corruption and therefore it helpeth the Leprosie as no worse than a French King making tryall thereof found to be true as it is reported The decoction of the Herb in water or the powder thereof being dry and given in its own distilled water is singular good in all manner of Coughs and diseases of the Breast and Lungs and it hath the same operation upon Sheep and therefore Sheepherds make use of it by adding a little Salt thereto It openeth the obstructions of the Liver and Spleen helpeth the yellow Jaundise cleanseth the exulcerations of the Reines and Bladder and also of the Mother and of inward and outward Wounds being inwardly and outwardly used for the Spleen and Wounds but inwardly onely for the rest It provoketh Vrine and helpeth thereby to break the Stone and is very profitable for the Back and Reins The distilled water of the Herb onely or after it hath been steeped in Wine twelve hours doth wonderfully help in the Plague Consumption Cough and all other the diseases before-mentioned as also to wash Wounds Sores therewith the same doth wonderfully help all Itches Scabs Scurf Tetters Morphew and all discolourings of the Skin as Freckles Spots and Scarrs a little Coperas being dissolved therein and bathed therewith the said Water defendeth Garments from Moths a little Allom being dissolved therein and sprinkled upon them The Leaves of the Female Speedwell or Fluellin being bruised and applyed with Barly Meale
Astringent quality as long as they are sharp and sowre but when they are thorow ripe and sweet they are of a contrary operation The Vertues The goodnesse of Plummes may be collected from their substance for those whose flesh is firm are lesse hurtfull then those that are soft and tender because they are not so apt to corrupt in the Stomack and that is it which makes Damsons more wholesome then the rest for those which are so very moist fill the body with waterish and corrupt blood But all Plummes as well as other fruit are then best when they are preserved with Honey or Sugar which takes from them their superfluous moisture and then there are made of them many good Dâ—shes for the Table and delicates for banquets throughout all the year which are profitable both for the sick and healthfull to rellish the mouth and Stomack to procure an appetite and a little to open the belly to allay Choller and coole the Stomack which effects are likewise wrought by that dryed fruit which is sold at the Grocers under the name of Damask-prunes when they bestewed eaten and if a little Sena Rubarb or the like be stewed amongst them it maketh them the more purging and of a greater use to be taken by those that have weak Stomacks for so they cast out cholerick humors and are good in Feavers and other Cholerick and hot diseases and somewhat to this purpose is that in Schola Salerni Infrigidant laxant multum prosunt tibi pruna which is thus Englished by Mr. Austen in a Treatise of fruit-trees Plums coole and loose the belly very kindly No way offensive but to health are friendly Where he seems to attribute these qualities to Damsons fresh gathered but whether fresh or dryed and afterwards stewed they may be eaten to the aforesaid end The Leaves of the Tree boyled in wine is a good decoction to wash and gargle the mouth and throat and to dry up the fluxe of Rheume that falleth down to the palate gummes or Almonds of the Throat The gumme that cometh out of the trees being drunk in wine is good against the stone and will serve as a Glew to fasten any thing withall The said Gumme or the Leaves boiled in Vinegar and applyed killeth Tetters and Ringworms and also the Leprosie CHAP. CLXXIII Of the Cherry-Tree The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the fruit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latin Cerasus and Cerasa In most other plants and fruits the Latin name is derived from the Greeks but in these the Greek from the Latin for Athenaeus and Pliny write that after L. Lucullus had overcome Mithridates he brought this Tree from Cerasumpta in Pontus into Italy and gave it the name Câ—rasus from the place whence he had it The Kinds There are many sorts of Cherries but I shall make mention but of some of them 1. The May Cherry 2. The Early Flaunders Cherry 3. The Late Flaunders Cherry 4. The Black Hart Cherry 5. The Red Hart Cherry 6. The Great Bearing Cherry of Mr. Millen 7. The Ordinary Cherry 8. The Prince Cherry 9. The Duke Cherry 10. Birds Cherry 11. The Common Black Cherry-Tree 12. The Red Grape Cherry-Tree 13. The least wild Heart Cherry-Tree 14. The Wild Cherry-Tree The Form The Cherry-Tree riseth up to a reasonable height and greatnesse spreading well and somewhat thick the Leaves are near unto those of the Plum-Tree for Form but somewhat longer in most and dented about the Edges the Flowers come forth two or three or four at most at a place or Joynt together every one on his own Footstalk consisting of five whire Leaves with some Threds in the middle after which come Round Berries green at first but Red or Black when they are full ripe of a mean bignesse and pleasant tast with a hard white small stone within it whose Kernell is somewhat bitter but not unpleasant The Places and Times Divers of these Sorts are inhabitants in the Gardens of those that love variety of pleasant fruit and severall others also growing either as Standards or Wall-Trees The ordinary Cherries grow most familiary in Kent and there are abundance of Black Cherries grow in Harfordshire but the Birds Cherrie groweth wild in Kent as also in Westmerland and Lancashire where they call it the Hedge-berry-tree The least wild Heart-Cherry-tree groweth neere Stockport and in other places of Cheshire where the County people call it the merry Tree The Wild Cherry-Tree groweth in a wood by Bath Most of them Flower in Aprill bringing forth their fruit some sooner and latter in the months of May June and July The Temperature Cherries be cold and moist in the first degree The Vertues Cherries eaten before meat loosen the Belly very gently but many of them nourish but little and are hurtfull unto moist and unhealthy Stomacks especially the small Cherries which do often Breed Agues and other Maladies The Red soure Cherries do likewise loosen the belly and are more wholsesome and convenient for the Stomack for they do partly comfort and partly quench Thirst The Black soure Cherries do strengthen the Stomack more then the rest and being dryed they stop the Laske Some Authors speak much in the commendation of Cherries and amongst the rest the Compilers of Schola Salâ—rni as may appear by their following verses Cerasai si â—â—medas tibi confert grandia dona Expurgant Stomachum nucleus Lapideâ— tibi tollit Et de carne sua sanguis critque bonus That is to say Cherries purge the Stomack and the Kernells of the Cherry stones eaten dry or made milk breaketh the stone in the reins oâ— bladder and that which no fruit in a manner else doth the substance or meat of Cherries ingendereth very good blood and comforteth and fatteth the body Ruellâ—â—s also â—aith they breed good humors in the body and another saith that they increase and comfort the Liver which they may be said to do by Sâ—gnature and that those which are tâ—â—t and sharp close the mouth of the Stomack and make the better and Speedier cigestion They are likewise allowed by the German Doctors to such as have Feaverish hot and Thirsty diseases in that they coole strengthen and stirr up appetite to meat But let no body be to bold with them hereupon lest they Surset which may be easily done and therefore in those Countites where they abound they are eaten with bread and butter to prevent Surfetting There is also made of Cherries a Liquor called Cherry wine which in the Summer is pleasant and healthfull and more proper for that season then hot wines They are usefull to boyle in brothes and drinks and so they may be given without danger even to those that are sick as those which are preserved may The Gum of the Cherry-Tree dissolved in Wine and drunk is good for the Gravell and the stone the excoriation of the Throat Lungs and Breast the Cough and hoarsenesse as also to amend the
colour and sharpen the Eyesight The distilled water of Black Cherrâ—es having the stones bruised with them is good to be powred into the mouthes of them that have the Falling-Sicknesse as often as the Course of the fit doth trouble them and is effectuall to provoke Urine to break the stone expell the gravel and break VVind CHAP. CLXXIV Of the Goosberrie-Bush The Names IT is not yet resolved whether this Shrub were known to the ancient writers or no some would have it to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus which is somewhat improbable because he maketh no mention of any prickles that grow thereon which so accurate an Author as he was could hardly omit The latter writters call it in Latin Grossularia because they are somewhat like Grossâ—s small green Figs. It is called also Uva crispa and Uva Crispina because the Leaves seem to be crisped or curled In some Countries of England it is called the Feaberry in others the Dewbery and in some the wine berry-bush but most commonly the Gooseberry and the fruit hath the same denomination The Kinds There are some sundry sorts of Goosberries some of which I shall mention 1. The Common Goosberrie 2. The Red Goosberry 3. The blew Goosberry 4. The hairy or prickly green Goosberry 5. The great Dutch Goosberry The Form The Goosberry-Bush is a Shrub of three or four Cubits high set thick with sharp prickles it is likewise full of branches slender wooddy and prickly but the lower part of the stalks are smooth The Leaves are cut with deep gashes into divers parts somewhat like those of the vine of a very green colour the Flowers are very small of a whitish green with some little purple dasht here and there the fruit is round growing Scatteringly upon the branches green at â—he first but waxing a little yellow when they come to maturity full of a winy suyce somewhat sweet in tast when they be ripe in which is contained hard â—eed of a brownish colour which may be seen through the skin which though it be thick at first doth afterwards become transparent the Root is wooddy and not without many strings annexed thereunto The Places and Time The sorts above-named with divers others do grow in many Gardens about London in great abundance whence they are carried into Cheap-side and other places to be sold The Leaves commonly appear in March and the flowers not long alter the fruit is ripe in June and July The Temperature The Berries of this bush before they be quite ripe are cold and dry and that in the latter end of the second degree and also binding The Vertues Goosberries are used in the Month of May and June either to make sawce for green Geese to stew with Mutton and the like or else to make Tarts or to be eaten after they are scalded with Rose-water and Sugar all which wayes they provoke appetite and coole the Vehement heat of the Stomack and Lâ—â—er They are sometimes boyled in broth and so they do not onely make it pleaâ—â—nt to the tast but render it very profitable to such as are troubled with an hot burning Ague They are very much desired by Women with Child and by young Maidens also whilst they be unripe but surely they profit not the former unlesse it be to stay their longing nor the latter unlesse it be to breed the Green-Sicknesse for they stop the Courses except they happen to be taken into a cold Stomack and then they do but trouble and clogg the same The Ripe Berries as they are Sweeter so they are lesse offensive to the stomack yet they are eaten more for pleasure then for any proper or speciall effect for any disease but by reason of their lubricity or sliperinesse they easily descend out of the Stomack without any trouble however the safest way of eating them is when they are preâ—erved with Sugar The Decoction of the Leaves cooleth hot Swellings and inflammations as also St. Anthonies fire The young and tender Leaves eaten raw in a Sallet break the Stone and expell Gravell both from the Kidneys and Bladder Too much of the fruit will breed Crudities and Consequently Wormes CHAP. CLXXV Of the Barbery-bush The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à spinarum acuminatis Cuspidibus from the sharp prickles wherewith nature hath armed it from whence the Latins call it Oxyacantha Galeni there being some difference between Dioscorides and Galen concering this plant which is the name used in the Shops at this day yet some call it Berberies of the corrupted name Amyrberis by which Avicen calls it and from thence is the English word Barberies derived The Kinds Though all Barbery Bushes have the same forme as to the stature Leaves and Prickles so that there may seeme to be but one sort yet because they beare three several sorts of fruits Authors make three sorts of them 1. The Ordinary Barbery-Bush 2. The Barbery-Bush whoâ—e berries are thrice as bâ—g as the former 3. The Barbery-Bush whose berries are for the most part without stones The Form The Barbery-Bush shooteth forth many Slender Stems or stalks from the root sometimes to a great heighth covered with a smooth whitish rinde or bark being yellow underneath next the wood which is white easy to break and pithy in the middle set full of sharp small white thornes three at every leafe almost which are somewhat small and long finely dented about the Edges and of a fresh green colour the Flowers come forth at the joynts with the Leaves many standing on a long cluster yellow while they are fresh which turn into small long and round berries hanging down in long bunches upon a small stalk white at the first but very Red when they are through-Ripe of a sharp sowre taste able to set their teeth on edge that eat them the Root is yellow and spreading The Places and Times It groweth not onely in many of the woods in Austria Hungary France but in England also in some hedges and borders of fields Especially at a Village called Iver two miles from Cole-brook where there be divers hedges conâ—â—â—â—ing of nothing else but Barberie-Bushes yet in most places they are not found but in Gardens Orchards and Closes adjoyning to some dwelling house or other The Leaves and Blossoms come forth in April and May and the fruit is ripe in September and October The Temperature The Leaves and fruit of the Barbery-bush are cold and moist in the second degree and as Galen also affirmeth they are of this parts and have a certain cuting quality The Vertues The green Leaves of the Barbery-bush stamped and made into sawce as that made of Sorrell called Green Sawce doth coole hot Stomacks and those that are vexed with hot burning Agues and procureth Appetite cooling the Liver and repressing sowre belchings of Choler The fruit is much more cooling and binding quenching thirst and restraining Chollerick and pestilentiall Vapors and is of very good use in Agnes
if you need there is no doubt but the druggist can furnish you with them They flower or carry their bushy tops in August with us except the fourth sort which giveth his tusted head in the end of July most commonly The Temperature The Roots of Cyperus are hot and dry in the second degree The Vertues The Rootes of Cyperus boiled in Wine and drunk for they are much more effectuall then the Leaves are very profitable for the Reines and Bladder for it provoketh Urine helpeth to break the Stone in the Bladder by the cutting quality that it hath yet without sharpnesse and bringeth down Womens Courses also The Rootes of Cyperus and Bay berries of each a like quantity beaten to Powder and made up with the Urine of a Boy under yeares and laid upon the belly or those that have the Droply doth help them very much and both of them boiled in Wine and drunk often while the other is used outwardly doth work more effectually It is good for the fretting paines and stranglâ—ngs of the Mother iâ— the parts be bathed with the decoction thereof or if the party sit over the sumes or in the decoction thereof The Powder thereof is an especiall Remedy for all Ulcers yea spreading and devouring Cancers that by their overmuch moisture hardly admit of any cure and by the astringent quality it hath it helpeth all sore Mouthes whatsoever Alpinus saith the Aegyptians do much use the powder of the Roots and ashes of them to cure the Ulcers both of the mouth and secret parts and to drink the decoction of them to comfort and warm the Stomack braine Lungs Sinews arteries and the womb of those that are distempered though cold or moisture or both being taken sometime together for it warmeth and strengtheneth the naturall vigor of the Spirits and is therefore comfortable to those that by long sicknesse are much spent in the health of their bodies It helpeth and strengtheneth digestion pocureth warmth to the blood and a good colour to the face it helpeth those that have strong or stinking breaths the said decoction being made in Wine and drunk The long sweet â—perus is not altogether so effectuall as the former yet may be used for it the quantity being increased when the other cannot be gotten but the chief use of it is to make sweet powders and perfumes for Garments Gloves c. to perfume Chambers also being burnt with Cloves and Bayleaves The Rush Nuts called Trasi which are cryed up and down the Streets in Spain as Orenges and Lemmons are in England are for the most part spent in Junkets rather then used Physically yet they are found to be good both for the paines of the breast and sides if a Cream be made thereof and drunk and therefore are very profitable for those that have a Cough to help to expectorate the Phlegme the same also drunk mitigateth the heat of Urine and allayeth the sharpnesse thereof and being taken with the broth of fat flesh it furthereth Venereous astions The decoction thereof hot steel being also quenched in it helps the Dysentery or flux CHAP. CCXX Of Hops The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bryon and Bryonia by the modern writers because the Leaves and running branches are somewhat like Briony for by Antients it is not remembred which is somewhat strange seeing it is a plant so usefull It is called in Latin Lupulus and Lupulus Salictarius and reptitius quia salit reptat per arbores vel quia scandit salices because it climbs upon Sallows and other trees which name is used by all our modern writers except Lobel who calls it Vitis Septentrionalium the vine of the Northern Regions because they put Hops in their drink The Kinds The Sorts of Hops may quickly be reckoned up for they be but two 1. The manured Hop 2. The wild Hop The Form The manured Hop riseth up at the first with divers great brown heads like unto Asparagus but larger which afterwards spread into rough Branches and climb upon great high poles that are set for them to run on having many hard and rough dark green Leaves on them cut into three or five divisions somewhat like unto â—ramble Leaves and dented likewise about the Edges At the tops of the Branches which hang down again for the most part come forth many scaly heads being as it were a small number of yellowish green Leaves growing tâ—ick together from among which come forth the Flowers of a whitish yellow colour which being past and the heads changing their colour to be somewhat whitish yellow they are then fit to be gathered to keep and then there is a small round seed found there in the root is great at the head shooting forth many blackish strings which take fast hold of the ground The Scaly heads which are put in beer are of strong smell by which the goodnesse of them may be discerned The Places and Times The first groweth in Flanders and divers other places besides whence the beads are brought into England and sold but they are no wayes comparable to those which grow with us in great plenty also in divers places but especially in Kent and Essex where there be men of good worth whose estates consist in Hop-grounds They delight in low moist grounds where they may have moisture enough yet they will not endure overmuch and therefore they are planted upon hillocks to preserve them from drowning The second groweth amongst bryâ—rs and thornes in hedge-rowes and other places in most Countries of this Land of its own accord and it is supposed to be the same with the former but onely that the ordering and manuring of that makes it larger They Spring not up untill Aprill and flower not untill the latter end of June yet the heads are fit to be gathered about the end of September The Temperature The Heads which are most commonly called Hops are hot and dry in the second degree and so are the Leaves also both of them being of an opening and cleansing faculty The Vertues The decoction of the tops of Hops as well of the wild as the manured is very powerfull to cleanse the Reines from Gravell and to provoke Urine which likewise openeth the obstructions of the Liver and Spleene cleanseth the Blood and looseneth the belly The roots also work the same effect but they are hotter and not so moist as the former As they cleanse the blood so consequently they help to cure all manner of Scabs Itch and other breakings out in the body as also all other Tetters Ring-worms or spreading sores the Morphew and all other dis 〈…〉 urings of the Skin The decoction of the Flowers and Tops are given with good successe to those that have drunk any deadly poyson the same being put in baths for women to sit in taketh away the swellings and hardnesse of the Mother and is good for those that can very hardly make their
Water because of the Strangury or the like Half a dram of the seed beaten to powder and taken in drink killeth the worms in the body and bringeth down Womens Courses and expelleth Urine A Syrupe made of the juyce and Sugar cureth the yellow Jaundise easeth the Headach that comes of heat and tempereth the drought of the Liver and Stomack and therefore it is very profitable to be given in long and hot Agues that rise of Choler and Blood The juyce of the Leaves dropped into the Eares cleanseth the corrupt sores therein and helpeth the stench arising from the corruption of them The greatest use that is made of the heads of the Hops is to put them in Beer to alter the quality thereof and to preserve the body from the repletion of grosse humors which Ale being a thicker â—iquor doth ingender of which it was said Nil Spâ—ssius est dum bibitur nil clarius dum mingitur unde constat multas faces in ventre relinqui It is drunk thick it is pissed out thin whence it appeares that many dregs are left behind CHAP. CCXXI Of Knot-Grasse The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Polygonum quod multis genâ—bus crescit because of its many joynts which name most of our Latine writers follow yet there be some that call it Seminalis Sanguinalis Sanguinaria Proserpluaria from its stanching of blood and ceeping upon the ground It is called in the shops of Italy and other places Corrigiola and Centinodia of the severall properties to correct the heat of the Stomack and Body and from creeping upon the ground In English Knot-Grasse Swines grasse because Swine delight to feed thereon in the North Country of divers Birds-tongue of the form of the Leafe some also call it Pink-Weed and some Nine Joynts of its great number of Joynts The Kinds The sorts which may more properly be referred to this kind are fourteen 1. The greater Common Knot-Grasse 2. The Lesser Common Knot-Grasse 3. Smaâ—l short leafed Knot-Grasse 4. Stoney Knot-Grasse 5. The greater Sea Knot-Grasse 6. The Lesser Sea Knot-Grasse 7. White Mountaine Knot-Grasse 8. Mountaine Knot-Grasse with Stone crop Leaves 9. Spanish Knot-Grasse 10. Small Knot-Grasse of Mompelier 11. Candy Knot-Grasse 12. Lobels Knot-Grasse with Mother of Time Leaves 13. Germans Knot-Grasse or Knawell 14. Another German Knot-Grasse The Form The greater Common Knot-Grasse shooteth forth many long slender branches full of Joynts lying upon the ground with divers long narrow Leaves thereon one for the most part at a Joynt whereat especially from the middle of the branches upwards come forth the Flowers which are so small that they can very hardly be perceived in some of a white in others of a purple colour running afterwards into very small square seed somewhat like unto that of Sorrell The root is reddish long and slender with many strings thereat abiding divers Winters yet the Leaves perish in the Autume and are renewed in the Spring The Places and Time The two first sorts grow every where both by the foot-wayes in the fields especially at the ends of those Lands whereon Winter corn groweth and sometimes by the sides of those High-wayes and old walls The third groweth upon higher grounds and upon Hills and Mountaines The fourth in the same places also in the more stoney parts thereof The fifth and sixt by the Sea side in divers places The seventh in France and Spaine The eighth in Naples The Ninth about Mountaines in France that are neer the Sea The thirteenth about Chipnam in Wiltshire as also in Germany by the way sides where the last groweth also They are in flower and seed all the Summer long The Temperature Knot-Grasse is cold in the second degree or else in the beginning of the third yet it is of a binding quality which signifies that it is dry The Vertues A dram of the powder of Knot-Grasse taken in Wine for many dayes together is singular good to provoke Urine when it is stopped as also when it passeth away by drops and with paine and when it is hot and sharp also and withall to expell wonderfully the Gravell or Stone in the Reines or Bladder Being shred and made into a Tansy with Egges and eaten it greatly prevaileth against the Gonorrhea or runnâ—ng of the Reines also and the weaknesse of the Back coming by meanes thereof The juyce or decoction thereof is most effectuall to stay any bleeding at the mouth and to coole and temper the heat of the blood or of the Stomack and to stay any flux of the blood or Humors either of the belly or womb as the Bloody flux Womens courses both white and red pissing of blood c. The juyce given before the fit of the Tertian or Quartaine Ague comes not onely hindereth it for the present but driveth it quite away as it is said being boiled in wine and drunk it helpeth those that are stung or bitten with Venemous Creatures and the same is very effectuall to stay all defluxions of Rheumatick humors falling down upon the Stomack and killeth wormes in the belly or Stomack and easeth all inward paines that arise of heat sharpnesse and corruption of blood and Choler and is good for inward wounds The distilled water taken by it self or with the powder of the herb or seed is very effectuall to all the purposes aforesaid The juyce hereof stayeth the bleeding of the Nose being applyed to the forehead and Temples or to be snuffed up in the Nose the same cooleth all manner of inflammations as St. Anthonies fire or any other breaking forth of heat all hot swellings and Impostumations all eating fretting or burning sores and fistulous Cancers or foule filthy Ulcers being applyed or put into them but principally for all sorts of Ulcers and sores in the privy parts of Men or Women restraining the humors from following them and cooling and drying up the hot and moist inflammations that are apt to waite upon such sores in such places It helpeth all fresh and green wounds also by restraining the blood and quickly closeth up the Lips of them The juyce dropped into the Eares helpeth them wonderfully although they are foul and have running matter in them and helpeth the Inflammations of the Eyes being put therein The Sea Knot-Grasse is not effectuall as is thought for the griefes aforesaid because the saltnesse which it is supposed to acquire by its nearnesse to the Sea maketh it hotter yet where penetration and not cooling is required it is more forcible then any other The smaller sorts come nearer to the temperature of the Sea kind then of the Land yet they serve to provoke Urine and expell the stone and Gravell by Urine and so doth Knavell where the other is not to be had which is scarcely in any part of this Land CHAP. CCXXII Of Parsly Pert or Parsly Breakstone The Names IT may called be in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as it is in Latin Polygonum Selinoâ—des I say it may
being used with some oyl of Roses Being dissolved in Wine and those places washed therewith that have any scar or deformity thereon it doth wonderfully alter the colour and evill sight thereof and maketh them to be well coloured again Either the Gum or the Leaves and branches boyled in Lye and the head washed therewith doth cleanse it from Scabs Scurfe or Dâ—ndraff growing thereon and cureth also all running and watering sores and Ulcers in the Legs or other parts of the Body The Oyl made thereof worketh the like effects and is also good for any hardnesse or ach to anoint the breasts of those that are much troubled with a cough A Tent dipped therein and put up into the Nose is a good remedy for the Pose or Polypus as also for the falling sicknesse the back-bone being anointed therewith The Pomanders Chaines and Bracelets that are made of Ladanum Cubâ—bs Mace and Greek-pitch are effectuall to warm the brain and to dry up all cold Rhewmes and defluxions thereof being worn about one Both the Male and the Female Cistus are also effectuall to strengthen the Belly and Stomack both against scowrings and vomitings whether with blood or without of what sort soever they be and also to stop Womens Courses flowing inordinately the Leaves and young shoots or buds but especially the flowers being steeped or gently boyled in red Wine and drunk The same that is the Flowers do quickly heal any burning or scalding being applyed in a Searecloth and being bruised and laid to any green wound iâ— closeth the lips thereof and restraineth the bleeding thereof Old and filthy Ulcers being washed with the decoction of the Leaves and young Shootes boyled in Wine are dryed up and healed thereby for though they be cankâ—ous eating or spreading it will wonderfully and quickly stay those fretting moist humours which follow them The distilled Water of the Leavs and Flowers is of the like efficacy and may be applyed to any part as often as there is any need of drying binding and strengthening The Dwarfe Cistus is likewise commended for all manner of Fluxes the decoction of the Herb and Root being taken which is also very effectuall to wash sore mouths and the Ulcers that happen in or about the privy parts of Men or Women It is no lesse profitable in other Ulcers of the Bâ—dy or Legges which are long kept from healing by the falling down of moist and sharp humours then the other Cistus and so likewise for green wounds It is also effectuall for any burstings as Câ—mfrâ—y and likewise for the strengthening of weak joynts or any binding property whereunto any Comfrâ—y may be applyed Besides it quickly healeth the biting or stinging of any venemous Creature being bruised and applyed thereunto especially if the party bitten or stung take also of the juvce or the decoction thereof in Wine the distilled water of the Herb is held to beautify the skin of the Face by taking away Freckles Sâ—nburn Morphew c. from thence and cleanseth the hands or other part of the body being discoloured CHAP. CCLX Of the Black-Thorn or Sloe-Bush The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Coccymelea agria and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 agriococymelea and the fruit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 agriococcymelon because â—â— is a kind of a wild Plum as the Bullets also is They of Asia call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 piumnum as Galen saith whence happily the word Prunum may be derived and therefore the Tree or Bâ—sh may be called Prunus sylvestris in Latine and Prunellus yet Virgil in the fourth book of his Georgicks calleth it Spinus in these words Et spinus jam pruna serentes We call it commonly the Sloe-Tree in English and the fruit Sloes The Kindes Though there be but one sort of Sloes yet there be four sorts of Bâ—lleis which it will not be amisse to set downe here because they do not much differ 1 The Shepway Bulleis 2 The ordinary black Bulleis 3 The ordinary white Bulleis 4 The flushing Bâ—lleis to which I shall also adde another wild Plum which some call Skegges The Forme The Black-Thorn never groweth to the greatnesse of a Tree but alwayes abideth as a hedge bush yet in some places higher then other rising up usually with divers stems from the Roots branched forth into many boughes armed with good store of strong short and sharp thorns set with and besides the smal daâ—k green leaves finely dented about the edges whereon do grow at the time of the year many very white Flowers composed of five leaves after the same manner as they do on other Plum-Trees with divers white threds tipt with yellow in the middle after which follows the round fruit which continueth green a long while yet at length becometh black but never very bigge of an exceeding harsh tast before they are ripe yet afterwards the harshnesse is somewhat abated The Root is great and woody spreading under ground and shooting forth again in divers places The Places and Time The Sloes and Skegges grow in Hedges and Copses of most parts of this Land being oftentimes planted to make the divisions and fences of enclosed places onely the Bulleis are commonly found nearer home in Orchards or Closes They all flower early as in March or April be the weather never so hard yet ripen not their fruit till the Autumne frosts have bitten them The Temperature All the parts of the Sloe Bush are binding cooling and drying The Vertues The juyce of the fruit of Sloes being also a Substitute of Acacia and more often used then any other in most of our Apothecaries Shops must be likewise effectuall for all kinds of Lasks and Fluxes of blood both in Men and Women or else it would not be used insted thereof yet divers conceive that the condensate juyce of Sumack or Myrtles is more answerable to the qualities of Acacia then that of Sloes which hath only the binding quality thereof and therefore better but indeed it were to be wished that Substitutes were not so much affected for certainly they cannot but be deficient or excessive in some quality or other and that the things themselves which we want onely through our owne negligence might be more diligently sought after The decoction of the Bark of the Root or more usually the decoction either fresh or dryed performeth the like effects and helpeth to ease the pains in the sides bowels and guts that come by overmuch scowring or loosnesse The conserve is also of very much use and most familiarly taken for the purposes aforesaid The distilled water of the flowers steeped one night in Sack and drawne therefrom in a body of glasse is a most certain and approved Remedy to ease all manner of gnawings in the Stomack the sides and bowels or any griping pains in either of them to drink a small quantity when they are troubled therewith Good store of Sloes stamped and put into an earthen pot with new Ale and so drunk helpeth