poyson and is good to cure wounds The herbe root and water are in use It is much used in the pestilence and other malignant diseases as small pox measles spotted feavers and purples driving forth by sweat any contagion especially if a flux of the belly be joyned with these diseases It is usefull in Catarrhes to dry up rheumes and in the French disease It cureth the bloody flux and all other fluxes of the belly and stoppeth the spitting of blood pissing of blood vomiting and the over-flowing of womens courses The powder of the root or the decoction thereof is very available against Ruptures bruises or fals and dissolveth congealed blood and easeth the paines that happen thereupon It helpeth also the stoppings and hurts of the lungs and liver and is good against the Jaundise and cureth the tertian Ague The decoction of the root in wine being drunk hindereth abortion or miscarrying in women with childe the leaves killeth wormes in children and it is a great help to such as cannot keep their water if they put thereto some juyce of Plantain A dram of rhe root in powder taken in water wherein red hot iron or steel hath been quenched is a good remedy for such as have the running of the reines especially the body being first well purged The leaves seeds or roots are good to put in decoctions for wound-drinks In a word it is most excellent in â—he time of the plague or pestilence The distilled water of Tormentill taken in a morning fasting is lent against venome or any contagion and is a good preservative in times of infection The dose is two or three ounces The same taken morning and evening cures all inward ulcers in the body stayeth the flux of the belly especially the Dysentery or bloudy flix It doth comfort the brain heart stomach liver and spleen as also the whole body and cureth most Agues The best way to still the water is to steep the herb all night in wine and then distil it Balneo Mariae The manner of administring it It is given in Powder Electuary Potions and Decoctions A powder against the Pestilence Take Tormentil root Dyttany of each a dram Sorrel and Citron-seed of each a dram and a half Ginger Cynamon Saffron white and red Sanders of each half a scruple Bole Armoniack and terra sigillata or sealed earth of each four scruples Make all into powder and give half a dram thereof or more in Carduus-water and let them sweat after it An Electuary against the Pestilence Take of Tormentil-root in powder two drams of the three kindes of Sanders in powder of each a scruple Wood-Aloes in powder half of a scruple Angelica-root in powder a dram conserve of Red Roses and of Rosemary of each two ounces and a half with syrup of Gillowflowers make an Electuary Give of it morning and evening about a dram A Potion against Infection Take of Tormentil-root in powder half a dram London-Treacle a Dram Carduus-water an ounce and a halfe mix them together and give it warm let the party sweat after it The outward use The decoction of the root is good to cleanse sores and wounds and to dry them up the root or the juice may be put into ointments for Wounds and Ulcers The root of Tormentil and Pellitory of Spain and burnt Allome of each a like quantity made up into a paste and put into a hollow tooth doth not only asswage the pain but stayeth the flux of humours which was the cause thereof The decoction thereof helpeth rotten Sores and Ulcers of the mouth or secret parts It dissolveth all Knots Kernels and Hardnesse about the Eares Throat Jawes and the Kings Evill if the leaves and roots be bruised and laid thereunto The same also easeth the pains of the Hip-gowt by restraining the sharp humours that flow thereunto The juice of the leaves and roots used with a little vineger is a speciall remedy against the running sores in the head or other parts scabs also and the itch or any such eruptions in the skin proceeding of salt and sharp humours the same is effectual for the Hemorrhoides or Piles if they be washed and bathed therewith or with the distilled water of the herb and roots It dryeth up sharp Rheumes that fall from the head to the eyes and cause rednesse pain and watering itchings or the like if a little prepared Tutia or white Amber be used with the distilled water hereof The powder of the root doth wonderfully stay the bleeding of the nose or any wound or vomiting The same mixed with Vineger Oile of Roses and a little Wax being made into a plaister and laid to the back doth prevent Abortion in Women or miscarrying If women sit over the decoction thereof it is a good help to prevent miscarrying especially if after the use thereof they make a plaister with the powder and Honey laying it to the navel and back The distilled water being injected doth much help to cure the Whites or Reds in Women The powder of the root mixed with Oil of Camomile easeth the pains of the joynts The distilled water doth cleanse Wounds Fistulaes Cankers and Sores being washed therewith and doth much help to the speedy cure of them and the water also alone doth cleer the sight and stay the flux of Rheume being washed therewith A Plaister to prevent miscarrying in Women Take of the plaister called Emplastrum contra rupturam two ounces the root of Tormentill in powder two drams Oile of Roses or Quinces half an ounce make a plaister thereof and lay it to the back warm The hurtfull quality It must not be given in very dry bodies nor to such as are much bound in their bodies The Dose The Dose in powder is from a scruple to a dram in decoction from a dram to three drams Of such things as are made thereof The distilled Water Dioscorâ—ium c. CHAP. 65. De Turpetho of Turbith TVrbith is the root of a certain plant brought us from beyond the Sea neither have any set down certainly what it is The names It is called in Latine Turpethum Turpetum Turbitum Turbith in English also Turbith quasi turbatorium because it troubleth the stomach The temperament It is hot in the third degree and dry in the second or hot and dry in the second degree The best kinde The best is that which is white within and hollow like a Cane or Reed Gummy with an ash-coloured bark or out-side smooth and not rugged easie to be broken fresh not worm-eaten and not very great or thick which is not so good The duration It will keep good three or four yeers The inward use Turbith purgeth thick viscid and flegmatick humours from the stomach veins joynts nerves and breast moreover it draweth away water in the Dropsie It is profitable in the Gowt in long continued Agues comming from grosse and tough humours and in all diseases arising of thick flegm Some say it purgeth first and primarily flegm and then somewhat
adust humours therefore it is used in the French pox Elephansie Leprosie Morphew and also in madnesse The manner of administring it It is given in decoction or in substance In decoction Take of Betony a handful Turbith three drams Citron-seed Long-Pepper of each half a dram make a decoction in a sufficient quantity of water strain it and add thereunto Honey of Roses solutive one ounce and a half make a potion Massar f. 481. In substance Take of Turbith in powder a dram and a half mix it with posset-drink wherein hath been boiled Betony Ivy Anise-seed c. and give it It may be given in broth wherein hath been boiled Raisons and Figs. It will endure boiling indifferent well but especially if it be first infused it is better The externall use The powder of Turbith being mingled with honey and applyed eateth and consumeth dead flesh in ulcers and wounds and is profitable in Gangrenes The hurtfull quality with the corrective means Turbith hath three hurtfull qualities first it is slow and weak in operation so that except it be quickened with something it oftentimes draweth away thin flegme and leaves the thick behind Secondly it offends and troubleth the stomach bringing a nauseousness thereof and many times causeth vomiting according to the verse Nolo damnosum Turbith mea viscera turbet Thirdly it macerates or consumes the body and brings leannesse and Consumption It is corrected with Ginger Cynamon Anise-seed Mastick and the like Also oil of sweet Almonds is a good corrective for it especially in lean bodies it is not safe to give it to women that are with child old and weak persons or to children After the use of Turbith the eating of fish is forbidden and also you must avoid the South-winde Heurn Prax. Med. fol. 266. Tretag Auror. Med. fol. 322. Sennert Instit fol. 857. The Dose The Dose in powder is from a dram to two drams in decoction two drams to halfe an ounce The compound Medicines made of Turbith Extract of Twrbith Species Diaturbith with Rubarbe Pils of Turbith Vineger of Turbith Deo soli gloria CHAP. 66. De Agrimonia of Agrimonie The names IT is called in Latine Eupatorium from Eapator the first finder of it and Agrimonia some also call it Hepatoxium because it is a good help to the Liver In English Agrimonie and Egrimonie The Temperament It is hot and doth moderately binde and is of a temperate drinesse it cutteth and scoureth and is of subtill parts The Duration It will keep good a yeare being well dryed The inward use It openeth the stoppings of the Liver and cleanseth it it helpeth the Jaundise and strengthneth the inward parts and is good for the Bowells and healeth their inward woundings and bruises or hurts and qualifieth all inward distempers that grow therein A decoction of the herbe made with wine and drunk is good against the sting and biting of Serpents and helpeth them that have foule or troubled and Bloody Waters and is usefull in long continued Fluxes of the Liver especially in old people It is good for the Strangury and helpeth also the Collick it helpeth the Cough and clenseth the Breast It is good help to ridde a Quartaine or Tertian Ague if a draught of the Decoction be taken warme before the fit the leaves and seeds stop the the Bloody flixe being taken in wine The roots or leaves boyled in wine and drunke helpeth such as have the Palsey It is accounted a good herbe against the Spleene being stopt as also against the Pestilence and the biting of a mad Dog The distilled water helpeth the Jaundies Cough and killeth wormes if two ounces thereof be taken Morning and Evening and it is esteemed a secret experiment against the Quartaine Ague if foure ounces thereof be taken Morning and Evening for many dayes together but I rather approve of the Decoction The leaves or roots are good in the Dropsey and Green-sicknesse The manner of administring it It is chiefly given in Decoction A Decoction against the Jaundes Take of Hore-hound two handfulls Elecampane root Buglosse and Agrimony of each a dram and a halfe of Rubarbe and wood Aloes of each a dram Bruise the wood Aloes and the roots boyle them in three pints of White-wine to a quart Note that the Rubarbe must not be put in till the rest be almost boyled Take of this two ounces Morning and Evening If there be a feaver boyle it in Water The outward use It helpeth old Sores Cankers and Ulcers that are of hard Curation being stamped with old Swines grease and applyed for it cleanseth and afterwards healeth them in the same manner also applyed it draweth forth thornes or splinters of wood Nayles or such like that is gotten into the flesh and helpeth to strengthen Members that be out of joynt it helpeth also foule impostumed eares being bruised and applyed or the juyce dropped into them The leaves bruised and applyed to the biting of a mad Dog helpeth the same and the juyce mingled with Vineger taketh away warts being laid thereon The distilled water of the herbe is good for all the purposes aforesaid and to cure Ulcers and sores of the mouth and throat being gargled or washed therewith Of such Medicines as are made thereof These following are made of Agrimonie Syrup of Agrimonie Pils of Agrimonie Trosses of Agrimonie Water of Agrimonie The Dose The leaves are given in Powder from a scruple to a dram CHAP. 67. De Agno Casto of the chaste Tree The Names IT is called Castus that is chast because the Athenian matrons in their Thesmophoria did use these leaves as Sheets to lye upon thereby to preserve their chastity In Latine it is called Agnus castus and vitex also Salix Marina or Salix Amerina in English Chast tree The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree and of a very thin essence or substance sharp also and binding The Duration It will keepe good a yeare the seede will keep longer The inward use It is a singular good remedy for all such as desire to live chaste for withstandeth all filthy desires to Venery or Lust and dryeth up the seed of generation in any manner used and taken The seeds being drunke resisteth the bitings of venemous Beasts Spiders or the like and helpeth the Dropsy and those that are troubled with the Spleen it also procureth milke in womens Breasts it procureth their courses and urine stopped and helpeth the windinesse of the Stomach and Belly and is usefull in the stoppings of the Liver A dram of the seed given in Powder causeth sleepe The decoction of the herbe and seeds is good for women troubled with the paines of the Mother or inflamation thereof and is said to help an Ague if a draught thereof be taken before the fit The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction powder electuary Trosses c. An Electuary to coole and abate Lust Take conserve of Water Lillyes and conserve of mints of each one ounce
mixe them together lay it to the soles of the feet at night warme The hurtfull quality Garlick especially eaten raw maketh the eyes dim offendeth the head hurteth the stomach over liberally taken causeth thirst hurteth the Kidneys heateth and burneth the blood yeildeth no nourishment to the body and is hurtfull to Young men and to such as are hot and cholerick and in hot seasons and hurteth Women with Childe and such as give suck it is onely good for such as are cold and moist and abound with Flegmatick grosse and tough humours for old persons and in cold seasons The best way is to boyle it throughly and to eate it with Oyle Vineger or such like Of such things as are made thereoof The distilled water of Garlick The electuary of Garlick which is made thus Take of Garlick foure or five cloves bruise it well with two or three drams of Hony and as much Mithridate then adde of Parmacitty Juniper berries of each a scruple Castor two scruples Pellitory of the wall in powder a scruple with Oximell Squillitick make in Electuary and give of it Morning and Evening as much as a Nut. It is excellent in the Chollick and against winde Whether Garlick and Onions be convenient in the Pestilence Concerning Garlick and Onions there is some question whether they be convenient and profitable in the Pestilence Gallen 1. de Differ Feb. cap. 1. among foode of ill juyce and nourishment doth mention Garlick and Onions and many other Physitians doe forbid the use of them because they increase hot humours whereby a Feaver is soon bred But Galen also saith that Garlick is the Country-mans Treacle and doth commend it against the biting of a mad Dog and other venemous creatures But this may soone be decided thus If we say that Garlick and Onions are profitable and usefull not as aliment or food but as a Medicine For as it is certaine that it yeilds no good nourishment so it is as certaine that it is excellent against Venome and Poyson being used in a small quantity as before is shewed and very usefull in the Pestilence CHAP. 70. De Allumine of Allum The Names and kindes IT is called in Latine Allumen or Salfugo Terrae Antonius Musa mentions foure sorts of Allum Exam. Terrarum Fol. 459. Schroderus writes of five sorts Schroder Pharm Med. Chym. lib. 3. cap. 24. fol. 143. But we have but two sorts ordinarily among us Roch Allum and common Allum true Roch Allum is rare and hard to be got The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third or fourth degree The Duration It will keepe good many yeares The best kinde The best is that which is clearest white and pure and is brought out of Aegypt The inward use Plinie saith it is taken in Pills for the stoppings and hardnesse of the Spleene driveth away the Itch and bringeth forth corrupt blood by urine The vulgar use to make Possets of it as thus to take a pint of milke and a piece of Allum as big as a Wallnut and boyle it then take off the curd and drinke of the clearest a good draught before the fit of an Ague The outward use It is astringent or binding yet cleansing and is good in putrified Ulcers takes away proud flesh cureth the Itch and Scab cleareth the Sight and is usefull in lotions for the mouth throat or elsewhere mixed with a litle Vineger it cleanseth the Gums rotten Teeth and fastneth loose Teeth being washed therewith It stauncheth blood and used with Vineger into any place where the haire hath been plucked up it causeth that which cometh againe to be but soft and in manner of a downe With the juyce of Pomgranat it is good for the infirmities of the eares and amends the fleshinesse growing about the Nailes and helpeth Kibes Mixed with the juyce of Beets it cleanseth the Leprosie Boyled in water and used it kills Nits Lice and such venome breeding in the head and cures the Dandraffe In a Glister it is very good for the Bloody-flix Burnt Allum in Powder is chiefly used to take away spongious Flesh to dry up Ulcers and to procure a Cicatrize A Water against filthy eating Vlcers Take of Plantaine and red Rose water of each halfe a pound Alum two ounces Sugar one ounce boyle them together to the melting of the Sugar and Allum then reserve it to use A Water against the ill smell of the Armeholes and Feet Take of Allum one pound Boyle it in about a gallon of Water and wash the parts therewith Of such things as are made thereof Burnt Allum Spirit of Allum Magister of Allum c. Allum water Magistrall CHAP. 71. De Althaea of Marsh-Mallowes The Names IT is called in Latine Althaeae Bismalra because it is twice as good in effect as the other sorts are in English Marsh-Mallow Morish-Mallow and White Mallow from the colour of the leaves The Temperament It is moderately hot but dryer then the other Mallowes and of a mollifying and softning Nature the roots and seeds are more dry and of thinner parts The Duration The leaves will keep a yeare the roots longer The inward use The roots are in the most use A decoction thereof doth ease the gripings of the Belly bringeth away Gravell and the Stone easeth such as are short winded and is good in all diseases of the Brest and Lungs as Coughes hoarsenesse of the Throat and Voice Plurisy and such like The roots and seeds boyled in wine or water is usefull for them that have any Excorations or frettings in the guts or Bloudy-flix and this it doth by qualifying the sharp Cholerick humours that are cause thereof and by the Sliminesse easing the paines and healing the sorenesse and in some sort stayeth the further eruption of blood It it profitably taken of them that are troubled with Ruptures Sciatica Cramps or Convulsion of the Sinews The dryed roots boyled in milke and drunke are good for the chin-Cough The roots boyled in wine are good for such as have fallen and bruised themselves and for those that have any bone or member out of joynt and for such as have any swelling paine or Ach in the Muscles Sinewes or Arteries of the Body and cures such as are stung with Bees or the like The distilled water is good for the aforesaid purposes The syrop of Marsh-Mallow is chiefly used for the Collick Stone or Gravell in Blader or Kidneyes the Dose is a spoonfull or two in Posset drinke or with Wine in a morning The manner of Administring it Both leaves seeds and roots are used in decoction A decoction provoking urine Take of Marsh-Mallow root halfe an ounce Licorish two drams Fennell root and Parsely roote and Kneeholme of each one ounce Parsely seede and Gromell seede of each two drams Bruise them all and boyle them in a sufficient quantity of Water or Posset drinke straine it and adde Sugar to it Drinke a good draught thereof Morning and Evening warme The outward use The leaves or
they sweat before the fit come will in twice or thrice taking rid it quite away it helpeth also digestion in the Stomach and is a good remedy for a Surfet It helpeth the Collick the Strangury and stoppings of the Urine procureth womens courses and expelleth the after-birth easeth and discusseth all inward tumours and windinesse it openeth the stoppings of the Liver and Spleene cureth the bitings of mad Dogs and all other venemous creatures The roote taken dry or in any other drinke will abate the rage of Lust in young pâ—rsons The root being used greene helpeth such as be short breathed and be troubled with stuffings in their Stomach The root also steeped in Vineger and a little of the same taken fasting is a good preservative in time of contagion The decoction taken helpeth inward bruises and congealed blood and strengthneth the Stomach and is effectuall for the suffocation of the Mother The distilled water is good for the aforesaid Diseases especially if the roots and leaves be steeped in wine and distilled in a glasse The Dose is two or three spoonfulls at a time and doth much ease cold or gripings that come of cold or winde so as the body be not bound The said water taken with a scruple of the root in powder helpeth the Plurisie being taken at the beginning as also all other diseases of the Lungs and breast as Coughs shortnesse of the breath and such like The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction in powder Electuary Potion c. In Decoction Take of the leaves of Angelica a handfull of Angelica roots two drams boyle them in a pint and a halfe of water or Posset drinke to a pinte straine it and give a good draught thereof Morning and Evening A Potion against the Pestilence Take of Angellica root in powder of London Treacle of each a dram Angellica water three ounces wine Vineger halfe an ounce mixe them together take it and sweat upon it A Potion against faintnesse of the heart Take of Angellica root in powder thirty graines Angelica water one ounce Cinamon water a spoonfull mixe them together and give it divers times if need require The outward use The juyce or the water dropped into the eyes cleareth them takes away filmes or skins therein and helpeth deafnesse if dropped into the eares the juyce put into hollow teeth easeth the paine The roots in powder made up with a little Pitch into a Plaister and laid on the biting of a mad Dog or any other venemous creature doth wonderfully helpe them the juyce or the water dropped or tents wet therein and put into old and filthy deepe ulcers or the powder of the roote in want of the other doth cleanse them and cause them to heale quickly by covering the naked bones with flesh The distilled water applied to places pained with the Gout or Sciatica doth give a great deale of ease The root smelled to or held in the Mouth is a good preservative in the times of contagion The Dose The root or leaves are given in powder from halfe a dram to a dram Of such things as are made thereof The distilled water The juyce The extract thereof The Stalkes and roots canded Oyle Balsam of Angelica CHAP. 75. De Antimonio of Antimony or Stibium The Names IT is called in Latine Antimonium Antimonium Hyacinthinum vitrem Antimonii Stibium and Stiâ—â—mi in English Antimony and glasse of Antimony The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree The best kinde The best is the clearest glasse without drosse or earthy substance and of a red colour and brittle or easy to breake The Duration It will keepe good many years The inward use Antimony is a strong Medicine and worketh strongly both by Vomit and Stoole It is profitable in old paines of the head Catarrhes or Râ—umes paines of the Stomack arising from Malignant humours in the Dropsey Green-sicknesse shortnesse of breath Palsey Falling-sicknesse in the Tertian or Quartaine Ague in the French-pox Melancholly and madnesse in stoppings of the Liver and Spleene in the Leprosy Elephansy Scab Itch and foule Diseases of the skin It is most excellent in the Pestilence especially at the beginning The manner of administring it It is given in Substance or by Infusion In Substance Take of Stibium or glasse of Antimony in fine powder three or four graines of Sugar in powder two drams or halfe an ounce mixe them together and take it in a Morning fasting with Physicall observation Or thus Take of Stibium in fine powder three graines Sugar of Roses two drams or as much conserve of red Roses mixe them togther and take it as before A Bole good in the Dropsey Take of Antimony in very fine Powder three graines London Treacle a dram conserve of red Roses two drams being well mixed take it as before In Pills Take of Antimony in Powder three graines Pilula Alephanginae a scruple make Pills and cover them with leafe Gold Sed fraus honesta latet By Infusion Take of Stibium in powder three or foure graines white wine four ounces let them stand all night in the Morning poure off the clearest and give it The outward use Stibium is used in Medicines to cleare the sight and against Ulcers Festulas thereof or also to take away proud flesh in sores and procureth a cicatrice in Ulcers Being mixed with sope used it helpeth to cure Cankers and the fleshinesse growing in the Nostrills Plinie saith t stoppeth the bleeding of any fresh wound being strewed therein and singular to heale the bitings of Dogs but this I conceive is spoken of crude Antimony Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 33. cap. 6. fol. 473. A water to take away spots in the eyes and to dry up superfluous moysture Take of cleare Antimony in powder ten graines red Rose water three ounces mixe them together and let them stand foure and twenty houres then drop foure or five drops of the clearest into the eyes twice in a day The hurtfull quality Stibium is a strong and violent Medicine and brings Convulsions Cramps Faintings of the Spirits and many times sodaine death therefore take these cautions Cautions in the use of Antimony Give it onely to strong and able bodies Let it not be given where the body is much bound till a glister hath been administred Give it not to women with childe nor to weake persons nor to any that are in a Consumption or to such as spit blood or have bad Lungs Give it not to any immediately before or presently after bleeding When any doe take it let them keepe their beds while it workes and take warme Posset drinke having a care they take no cold Fabricius mentions two Matrons that after the taking of Antimony the one lost her hearing and the other became foolish Cent. 5. Obser 12. If anâ— desire to know more of the nature of Antimony let them read these following Authors Matthiol in lib. 5. Diascor cap. 59. f. 837. 838. Massar lib.
cleanseth them from VVormes clenseth the foule Ulcers and spreading Scabs of the head and taketh away all Freckles Spots and markes in the Skin being washed therewith The Decoction of great Centory taketh away the paine and danger of the bitings or stingings of venemous Creatures it helpeth to sharpen the Eye sight if it be steeped in water and dropped in to them the whole plant as well herbe as roote is very availeable in all sorts of wounds or Ulcers to dry Sodder cleanse and heale them and should be a principall ingredient in all wound drinkes and injections It helpeth the Strangury and Stone if the juyce bee injected A Decoction against Arthritcall paines or the Joynt Gout Take Centory the lesser two handfulls roote of Assarum two Ounces spring water ten pints Boyle them to halfe The Dose is about half a pint in bed for divers mornings together An injection against Wormes in the Eares Take of Centory the lesser VVormwood Harehound and Calamint of each an Ounce Boyle them in a sufficient quantity of water to halfe add unto a pint of the strayning half a pound of Hony or lesse and keep it for your use The Dose The Dose in powder is from halfe a dram to a dram and a halfe The juyce to halfe an Ounce Of such things as are made thereof Centory-water Extract of Centory Salt of Centory CHAP. 94. De Ceterach of Ceterach The Names IT is called in Latine Ceterach Asplenum and Splenium because it helps the Spleene also Scolopendrium and Scolopendria from the likenesse of a VVorme so called in the English Spleene wort Milt-wast and Scale-ferne The temperament It is hot and dry in the first degree or second of subtile parts and somewhat drying The Duration It will keepe a yeare or two The inward use It is generally used for the infiâ—mities of the Spleene and some report the Swine in Candy by feeding on it are found without spleenes It helpeth the Strangury and Stone in the Bladder the yellow Jandes and the Hicket Matthiolus saith that if a dram of the dust that is on the back of the Leaves be mixed with halfe a dram of Amber in powder and taken with the juyce of Purslâ—w or Plantine it will helpe the running of the reines speedily and that the hearbe and root being boyled and taken helpeth all melancholy Diseases and those also which rise from the French disease The distilled water is good against the Stone both in the Reines and Bladder and the Lye made of the ashes thereof being drunke for some time together helpeth Splenetick persons The manner of administring it It is given in powder and in Decoction but it must not be boyled long for then the strength doth evaporate The outward use It is used in outward remedies for the same purpose as is before mentioned The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull for Women that desire Children for it hindereth conception The Dose It is given in powder from halfe a dram to a dram in Decoction from two drams to half an Ounce Of such Medicines as are made thereof Syrup of Ceterach The distilled water CHAP. 95. De Chinae radice of China Root The Names IT is called in Latine China China radix and Chinaea radix in English China Root and Chine The Temperament It is moderately hot and dry The Duration This Roote will keepe good many yeares The inward Vse It is much commended for the French Disease and is profitable in Agues whether quotidian or intermittent or pestilentiall and also Hectickes and Consumptions to rectifie the evill disposition of the Liver the inveterate paines in the Head and Stomack and strengtheneth it and to dry up rheumes to help the Jandise and Ruptures in children or others by drying up the humours which is the cause thereof It helpeth also the Palsy and all other diseases of the Joynts and Bladder the Goute Sciatica and the Rodes also and Ulcers of the Yard Scabs and Leprosy Scirrous and watery tumours and is good in all cold and melancholy griefes and very usefull in the Dropsy and Green-sicknesse Some say it provokes lust The manner of administring it It is given in Decoction and some boyle it in broth with a chicken tyed up in thin slices in a Linnen-cloath A decoction of China Roote Take of China Roote cut in thin slices one Ounce and a halfe put it into a gallon of faire water and let it stand covered a night and day then boyle it gently till about halfe the water be consumed straine it and give about foure Ounces thereof in bed for diverse mornings together if need be The hurtfull quality It is not to be used in very hot and dry bodies The Dose The Dose in broth is from two drams to foure drams according to the quantity of water you provide CHAP. 96. De Chamedry of Germander The Names IT is called in Latine Chamaedrys that is a small or low Oke from the likenesse of the Leaves thereof though lesser therefore some call it Aevercula minor in English Germander or English Treacle The temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree and of thin parts The duration It will keepe good being dry a yeare The inward Vse Some say it purgeth choller It is good for coughs taken with Hony for those whose spleene is become hard for those that can hardly make water and helpeth those that are falling into a Dropsey in the beginning of the disease especially if a decoction be made thereof when it is greene and drunke It brings downe the termes helps to expell the dead childe and taken with Vineger doth wast or consume the Spleene It is effectuall against any poyson paines of the side and cureth both Quartaine and Tertian Ague as also the Cramp if the Decoction thereof be taken for some dayes together it is good against the Diseases of the Braine as paines of the Head Falling-sicknesse Melancholly Lethargy Palsie Gout and for those that are Sottish through the dulnesse of the spirits a dram of the seed taken in powder doth purge Choller by Urine and is thereby good for the yellow Jaundise and killeth wormes so will the tops of them when they are in flower steeped a day and a night in a draught of White-wine and drunke in the morning It is commended against the Plague and Pestilence The manner of Administring it It is given in powder and Decoction you may make the Decoction as of Mugwort The outward use It is good against venome and stinging of venemous Creatures being bruised and applyed used with Hony it cleanseth old and foule Ulcers and the juyce mixed with Hony and put into the eyes taketh their dimnesse and moistnesse the juyce also dropped into the eares killeth wormes therein The decoction thereof stayeth the whites in women if they sit therein while it is warme and likewise easeth the passions of the Mother being boyled in Vineger and applyed to the Stomach with a little Leaven stayeth vomitings that rise not from hot causes
corruption of the ayre They are best fasting or when the stomach is empty Toasted Figs are good for women to facillitate or hasten the birth The manner of Administring them They are eaten as they come to us or toasted and so eaten but chiefly they are used in Dâ—coctions The outward use F gs bruised and applyed with Barly-meale and the powder of Fenâ—ugreeke seede doâ— moâ—lifie the hard tumours and kernells under the Throat and Eares and elsewhere as also the hardnesse of the Mother and if some Leaven and Salt be put to them it breaketh Plague sores They are mâ—xed also with Copperas against old sores of the Leggs and all other foule running Ulcers being boyled in wine with Wormewood and then applyed wâ—th Barly-meale are very profitably applyed to the belly of those that have a Dropsie and beaten with Salt and applyed taketh away the Itch and Scab and the Ashes also made up into a salve and applyed healeth K bes and Chilblanes Fâ—gs bruâ—sed and mixed with Fennegreeke Vineger easeth the hot Gout of the feet A Figgesâ—t and toasted doth often times ease the tooth ach being appâ—yed The hurtfull quality They ingender crude and windy humours in the body and soone corrupt in the Stomach whereby they cause the Itch Scab and breed Lice also They hurt such as have the Chollick and windy diseases and that have hot Livers and chollerick Stomachs they are best for old Flegmatick persons and in cold and moist seasons CHAP. 105. De Foeniculo of Fennell The Names IT is called in Latine Foeniculum in English Fennell The Temperament The seed is hot and dry in the third degree the herbe not so hot The Duration The seeds will keep good a yeare or two the herbe is rarely dryed but used greene The inward use It breaketh winde provoketh Urine easeth the paines of the Stone and helpeth to break it the leaves or seeds boyled in Barly-water and drunke is good for Nurses to encrease their milke and to make it the more wholsome for their children to take the leaves boyled in water but especially the seedes stayeth the Hicket and taketh away the loathing of the Stomach a layeth the heat thereof The seed boyled in wine is good for them that are bitten by Serpents or have eaten poysonfull herbs or Mushromes the seed roots help to open the stoppings of the Liver Spleene and Gall and thereby much conduceth to all the diseases arising from them as the painefull and windy swelling of the Spleens and the yellow Jaundes as also the Gout and Cramps the seede is of good use in pectorall medicines and those that helpe the shortnesse of breath and wheesing by stoppings of the Lungs it helpeth also to bring downe the courses and to cleanse the parts after delivery the roots are in most use for drinkes and broths that are taken to cleanse the blood to open stoppings of the Liver and to provoke urine and to amend the evill colour in the face after long sicknesse Both leaves seeds or roots are much used in drinkes or broths for those that are growne fat to abate the same and to make them more gaunt and lank the distilled water of the whole herbe is good for the same purposes The seed taken in powder doth quicken the eye sight and are often used to correct purging Medicines The manner of Administring it It is chiefly given in decoction but the seeds may be taken in powder The outward use It is chiefly used outwardly to cleare the sight as the juyce or water being dropped into the eyes to cleare them and to help their dimnesse See my help for the Poore in Pag. 41. and 43. The hurtfull quality It is bad for hot and dry bodies The Dosâ— The seede in powder is taken in broth or the like from one scruple to two scruples Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water A Chymmicall Oyle Salt of Fennell Fennell-seed Comfits CHAP. 106. De Faenugraeco of Fenugreeke The Names IT is called in Latine Foenum gracum and Foenugraecum in English Fenugreeke and Fenegreeke The temperament It is hot in the second degree and dry in the first The duration It will keepe good many years The outward use The powder of the seede taken with Hony driveth forth noysome humours out of the body mollifieth inward Impostumes and Ulcers of the Lungs and breast easeth the griping paines of the intralls and killeth Wormes The manner of administring it It may be given in powder or in Decoction but it is not usuall to take it inwardly yet many give it in powder with Otes to Horses for it doth fatten them and killeth Wormes in their Maw The inward Vse The meale or powder thereof heated with Vineger and applied to the Region of the Spleene doth mollify and wast the hardnesse thereof as also other hard tumours and swellings the Decoction thereof softneth likewise the hardnesse of the Mother and easeth the paines thereof if they sit therein as in a Bath or receive the hot fumes by sitting over it the Decoction thereof clenseth the head from scurfe dandruffe and the running sores thereof it helpeth the Disease called Tenasmus that is an often desire to the stoole without doing any thing as also the Bloudy Flux when the excrements smell strong A Pultis made with the meale thereof and Linseede and the Decoction of Mallowes and a little Oyl or Hogs grease put thereto asswageth the swelling and paines of the Cods or privy-parts of Women and generally all other swellings and tumours the same also helpeth the Gout and other joynt-Aches that come of cold the Decoction or muccilage applied to the forehead with clothes dipped therein stayeth the Flux of humours to the Eyes and easeth the paines in them used also in Clysters it is good in the Stone by opening and mollifying the inward parts A Pultis for the swelling behinde the Eares Take of the muccilage of Fenugreeke ten Ounces Cerusse in powder two Ounces Camphor halfe an Ounce make all into a Pultis and apply it The hurtfull quality Fenugreek taken inwardly doth overturne and breed a loathing in some stomacks especially if they be weake therefore onely to be used in strong bodies Of such Medicines as are made thereof Syrup of Fenugreek Muccilage of Fenugreeke CHAP. 147. De Fragaria of Strawberries The Names THe P an t is called in Latine Fragaria and the berries Fragra from the Fragrancy of the smell and taste in English Strawberries The temperament The Leaves are cold in the first degree some say hot and drying in the second the root is more drying and binding the Berries while they are greene are cold and dry but being ripe they are cold and moâ—st The inward use The Berries are good to coole the Liver the bloud and Spleene or an hot chollerick stomack to refresh and comfort the fainting spirits and to quench thirst they are good also for other inflammations The leaves and roots boyled in Wine and Water and drunke do
thereof being burnt maketh the Teeth white being rubbled therewith It is of excellent use to kill the Itch Scab Morphew or any foule Diseases of the Skinne if it bee mixed with Fullers Earth and Vineger and the Skin anoynted therewith A Lotion for Tetters or Ringwormes Take of Nitre three Drams of common Salt a Dram of the distilled water of Dockes foure Ounces Vineger of Squills one Ounce dissolve and mixe them together moisten a Cloath or Sponge therein being warme and rub the places affected Or against the Itch dissolve Niter and Alume with distilled Vineger or with Water of Scabions and therewith wash and rub the places affected The hurtfull quality Where the Body is loose it must not bee given in any great quantity The Dose The Dose is from a Dram to a Dram and an half Medicines made thereof Spirit of Nitre Tincture of Nitre c. CHAP. 132. De Nuce Moscata Maci. Of Nutmeg and Mace The names and temperament THe Nutmeg is called in Latine Nux moschata and Nux myristica in English Nutmeg The Mace is called in Latine Macis in English Mace They are hot and dry in the second degree and somewhat astringent The best kinde The best Nutmegs are the heaviest fastest and such as are fullest of juyce which being pricked with a pin or needle yeeldeth an oyly juyce The largest Mace is the best The Duration They will keepe good many yeares The inward Vse The Nutmegs are used in all cold Diseases of the Head for Palsies shrinking of Sinewes and the Diseases of the Mother they stay the Laske cause a sweete breath expell winde in the stomack or belly helpe to quicken the sight stay vomiting comfort the spirits and strengthen the stomack They are profitable for the Liver and Spleen cause such as are leane to grow fat help venery and increase sperme they helpe to procure sleepe being applied to the Temples Being mixed with Venice Terpintine washed and taken it helpeth the running of the Reines They provoke Urine say some The Nutmeg being greene is preserved in the Indies and brought over the which is not so hot and dry as our dry Nutmegs and therefore very comfortable for the Head and Stomack eaten Morning and Evening or after meales Mace hath the same property but somewhat more warming and comforting and is good against Vomiting Fluxes and Spitting of bloud The chymicall Oyle of either is excellent for the cold Diseases of the Head and Stomack but must be cautelously and sparingly used The manner of Administring them They are given in powder Electuary c. The outward Vse They are used outwardly to stop fluxes to stay vomiting and to make the breath sweet The thick Oyle that is drawn both from Mace and Nutmegs are good for the Cough vomiting to warme a cold stomack and to dry up Rheume and cold raw humours therein A Cap or Quilt against the paine of the Head arising from superfluous moisture Take Galingall Calamus Odoratus and Cyperus Root of each three Drams Nutmeg and Cloves of each two Drams Betony and Marjerome of each an Ounce Rosemary-Flowers and Stoechados of each half an Ounce Powder them and make a Cap. The hurtfull quality They are hurtfull to hot and dry Bodies and to melancholy persons The Dose The Dose is from a Scruple to two Scruples Of those Medicines that are made thereof Oyle chymicall and oyle by expression of either Salt of Nutmegs Balsome of Nutmegs and Mace Nimphaea see the 69. Chapter CHAP. 133. De Ocimo of Bassill The names and temperament IT is called in Latine Ocimum and Basilicum in English Basill and Bassill It is hot in the second degree The Duration It will keepe good a yeare The inward use It is good for those that are short winded provoketh Urine and the Termes in Women and brings a speedy deliverance to them in travile The seeds are used to helpe the trembling of the Heart and to comfort the same as also to expell melancholy or sadnesse A Decoction of the herbe made and taken is good against poyson and the sting of Scorpions and helpfull for those that are given to swownings and it provokes venery or lust The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction or in powder The outward Vse Used with Oyle of Roses or Mirtles and Vineger it is good against the paines of the Head and it is pofitably applied to those that are troubled with the Lethargy the Jandise and Dropsey It is good to be put into the Eares of young Children with a little Goose-Grease to helpe them of paines thereof the juyce or seede bruised put into the Nostrills procureth neesing Mixed with Honey and used it taketh away the spots in the Face The juyce put into the Eyes taketh away the dimnesse thereof and drieth up humours that fall into them Hollerius relates of a certaine Italian that by often smelling to Basil had a Scorpion bred in his Braine who after vehement and long paines Died thereof Hollerius Lib. 1. Cap. 1. Fol. 3. The hurtfull quality It dulleth the sight troubleth a weake braine and causetth headache The Dose It is given from a Scruple to thirty or forty graines Medicines made thereof The distilled Water CHAP. 134. De Nymphaea of Water Lilly The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Nymphaea and Nenuphar in English Water-Lilly The Leaves and Flowers are cold and moist but the root and seed cold and dry The duration The dryed Flowers will keepe a yeare The inward use The Flowers boyled and taken coole inflammations and all inward heats of Agues The Seedes and Rootes are effectuall to stay Fluxes of Bloud and Seede both in Man and Woman as also the running of the Reines and the involuntary passage of Sperme in sleepe and is so powerfull that the frequent use thereof extinguisheth lustfull or venerious actions the Roote likewise is very good for those whose Urine is hot and sharpe to be boyled in Wine or Water and the Decoction drunke The Syrupe of VVater Lilly or Conserve helpeth much to procure rest and to settle the Braines of Franticke Persons for it wonderfully helpeth the distemperature of the Head arising from heate The distilled VVater of the flowers is effectuall for the Diseases aforesaid The manner of Administring it It is used in Decoction The outward Vse The Leaves and Flowers are used in Lotions and Bathes against Heate and Inflammations as in the Frensey and Feavers The greene Leaves bruised and applied to the Back helpeth the running of the Reines The Distilled VVater used taketh away Freckles Spots Sunne-burning and Morphew from the Skin in the Face or any other part of the Body The Oyle made of the flowers as oyle of Roses is made doth coole hot tumours and the inflamations of Ulcers and wounds ease the paines and help to heale the sores Of Medicines made thereof The distilled water Syrupe both simple and compound Conserve Oyle and oyntment CHAP. 135. De Olibano of Olibanum The Names
Strangurie and that disease when one doth oft desire to goe to stoole but can doe nothing The said meale mixed with Hony and taken helpeth those that relish not their meate and are ready to fall into a Consumption The manner of Administring it It is given chiefly in powder with Hony or any Conserve The outward use The Meale hereof mixed with Hony clenseth foule Ulcers and take away the spots freckles and other discolourings of the face or other parts of the body it suffereth no Cankers Gangreens or spreading eating sores to breed in the body it mollifieth the hardnesse of the breasts The decoction thereof helpeth the Itch and Kibes being bathed therewith and made into a Plaster with wine it will break Carbunkles if it be laid thereon The hurtfull quality If too much thereof be taken it causeth head-ach and pains in the belly and causeth bloody urines The Dose The Dose is from a scruple to two scruples Medicines made thereof The Meale of Orobus CHAP. 139. De Passulis of Raisons The Names and temperament THey are called in Latine Passulae Vvae passae in English Raisons and Raisins They are hot in the first degree and moist in the second The best kinde The best are those we call Raisons of the sun The duration They will keep good a yeer The inward use They are much used in decoctions and drinks to help coughs hoarsness of the throat shortnesse of winde toughnesse of flegme causing it to be more easily spit out and do lenifâ—e sharp and nauseous humours that offend the mouth of the stomach they open the stoppings of the liver spleen and bladder and taken by themselves they nourish much by reason of their thick sweet and temperate substance whereby also they stay not long nor putrefie in the stomach The manner of administring them They are used only in decoction The outward use Being bruised and applied the stones taken out with Rue in manner of a Poultis it helpeth Warts Carbuncles Corns in the feet the Gangrene and the Gowt They take away loose nails being applyed Being mixed with a little Cummin-seed in powder and Oile of white Lilies it asswageth the swelling of the Cods The hurtfull quality Hot and cholerick persons must not eat too largely of them lest for their sweet meat they have soure sawce Medicines made thereof Lohoch de Passulis Mel passulatum CHAP. 140. De Poeonia of Piony The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Poeonia and Pionia from Poeon that famous Physician in English Piony or Peony It is hot and dry in the second degree and of thin parts The duration The root or seeds will keep good a yeer or two The inward use Peony procureth Womens courses if it be taken in honeyed Wine and it is good to open the stoppings of the Liver and Kidneys helpeth the Jaundise and Stone the root also made into powder and taken helpeth the Falling Sicknesse the body being first well purged and prepared it is effectuall for Women that are not sufficiently cleansed after childe-birth and for such as are troubled with the Mother for which likewise the black seeds being beaten to powder is given in Wine the red seeds being taken for Fluxes especially if they be boiled in red Wine and the same drunk the black also taken before bed-time and in the morning also is very effectuall for the Night-mare it is also good for melancholy dreames and restoreth speech to those that have lost it if thirty grains husked be made into powder and given in Wine It is good against the bitings of Serpents and helpeth Convulsions in children The root of the male is to be chosen and to be taken before and after a full Moon The distilled Water and Syrup are used for the same Diseases The manner of administring it It is given in powder or in decoction The outward use It is usually hung about the neck of children or others against the Falling Sicknesse either the root green or the seeds A Cap or Quilt against the Falling Sicknesse Take Orris Cypresse and Peony-root of each two drams Peony-seed and the skull of a dead man of each a dram Mace and Nutmeg of each a scruple of Camomile-flowers as much Powder them all make a cap and let it be worn continually The Dose The root is given from half a scruple to a scruple and a halfe and seeds from ten grains to thirty Of Medicines made thereof The distilled water of the flowers Syrup both simple and compound Extract of Peony conserve of Piony Salt Oile CHAP. 141. De Pentaphyllo of Cinquefoile The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Pentaphyllum and Quinquefolium from the number of leaves being five in English Cinquefoile Cinquefield and five-finger-grasse or five-leaved grasse It is moderately hot but dry in the third degree The duration It may be kept a yeer The inward use It is used in diseases proceeding from Rheume in the Palsey consumption of the lungs joynt-gowt and to correct the moistnesse of the Wombe against spitting of bloud or any flux of bloud bleeding of the Piles or bleeding at the Nose and any loosenesse of the body It is profitable in the cough jaundise stoppings of the liver spleen where sharp choler doth abound It is good against venome and poyson in all inflammations and Feavers whether infectious or not to cool and temper the bloud and humours in the body the juice hereof drunk about four ounces at a time for certain dayes together cureth the Quinsie and yellow Jaundise and to be taken for thirty dayes together cureth the Falling Sicknesse and all Fluxes the roots boiled in milk and drunk is held most effectuall of any other remedy and is good also against ruptures and bruises or falls the juice or the decoction is good to help the hoarsness of the throat taken with a little Honey A decoction of the root or leaves in Mead or honeyed water being taken before divers fits cureth the quartane Ague The manner of administring it It is given in powder or decoction The outward use It is used in lotions gargles and injections for sore mouthes ulcers cankers sistulaes and other corrupt and foule or running sores the roots boiled in vineger and the decoction held in the mouth easeth the tooth-ach The root boiled in vineger helpeth all Knots Kernels hard Swellings and lumps growing in the flesh in any part applyed thereunto as also all inflammations and Saint Anthonies fire all Impostumes and painfull sores with heat and putrefaction the Shingles also and all other sores of running and foul Scabs Sores and Itches the same also boiled in Wine and applyed helpeth any joynts full of pain and ach the Gowt of the hands or feet as also the Sciatica The juice dropped into the eies helpeth the inflammation thereof The root or leaves applyed to the Nose stoppeth the bleeding thereof as also of any Wound that bleedeth A Water to kill an Itch. Take Cinquefoile and Plantain of each half a
a dram in infusion from two drams to halfe an ounce Brassica Marina see Soldanella or Sea bind weed CHAP. IX De Bdellio Of Gum Bdellium BDellium is a Gum flowing from a tree growing in Arabia in India and Media but it chiefly groweth in Arabia The Names It is called in Latine Bdellium The Temperament Bdellium is hot in the second degree and moist in the first of a mollifying and discussing nature The best kinde The best say Authours is clear like glew fat on the inside easily melting or dissolving pure or clear from drosse sweet in the burning and bitter in tast but that we have is not to be found so for we find little bitternesse in any and lesse sweetnesse in the burning of it but strong and unpleasant rather neither is it easie to be dissolved without warmth and ours is of a sad brown colour somwhat like Glew and much like unto Myrrhe in colour insomuch that some erroneously judge the purer part of this Gum to be Bdellium and the grosser to be Myrrhe The Duration It will keep good ten or twelve years The inward Vse It provokes Urine and the courses in Women breaks the Stone it is good for those that have the Cough and are bitten by Serpents or venomous Beasts It helpeth to discusse the windinesse of the Spleen and pains of the side it helpeth Ruptures mollifieth the hardnesse of the Mother and dryeth up the moysture thereof and draweth forth the dead Child It provokes sweat stoppeth the overflowing of the menses or courses in Women and also of the womb as some affirm which if it doe both surely 't is by its Arcanum or hidden property It is given against a super-purgation after the taking of a sharp Medicine that is when a Purge worketh more then is meet The manner of administring it It is chiefly used in Pills but it may be dissolved in wine or any other liquour and so taken Pills of Bdellium that are good against the Hemroids or Piles and the overflowing of the courses Take of Bdellium one ounce and a halfe Myrobalans Chebuls Black Myrobalans Bellericks and Emblicks Concha Venerea burnt which is a Sea-shell of each two drams and a halfe Ammios-seed three drams Amber two drams and a halfe make those things in powder that are to be powdered then macerate and dissolve the Bdellium in juice of Leeks and with a sufficient quantity of syrupe made of the juice of Leeks make it into a masse or lump for Pills The Dose is from halfe a dram to four scruples Pills against the Hemroids Take of the former Pills two drams of Sene Rubarbe Agarick trochiscated in powder of each a dram with a sufficient quantity of syrupe of Roses make a masse for Pills of which take a dram at a time in the morning for divers dayes together if need require Riverius observat med cent 3. fol. 236. The Externall Vse It is outwardly used against Convulsions and Ruptures against swellings of the Throat it dissolveth hard tumours and nodes of the Joynts it openeth obstructions of the Womb mollifieth the hardnesse thereof and dryeth up its moistnesse either applied or a fume thereof received the same is good against swellings and apostumes of the genitalls or privy members A Plaister dissolving hard tumours Take of Bdellium one ounce of Sagapenum four ounces of Ammoniacum three ounces Galbanum Euphorbium of each two drams Dissolve the Gums in Sacke then add thereto Oyle of white Lillies and Oyle of sweet Almonds of each an ounce Propolis which is found in Bee hives four ounces and a halfe make them into a Plaister A Plaister against Nodes and glandulous tumours Take of Bdellium and Lupines of each two drams of Cow-dung two ounces of Colewort-root Capar bark Sea Onion pulp of Figs of each halfe an ounce make those in powder that are to be powdered dissolve the Bdellium in Wine and with a sufficient quantity of Honey Vineger Hogs-greace and Old Oyle make a Plaister apply it as need requireth The Hurtfull Quality It is not to be given to Women with Child The Dose The Dose is from a dram to two drams These following are made of Bdellium 1. Pills of Bdellium 2. Oyntment of Bdellium 3. Vnguentum Apostolorum CHAP. X. De Bistorta Of Bistort-root BIstort is a thick short knobbed root blackish without and somewhat reddish within a little crooked or turned together of a harsh or binding tast with divers blackish fibres or hairie threds growing thereat and hath leaves like Dock's but smaller The Names It is called in Latine Bistorta because the root is writhed in the likenesse of a Serpent in English Bistort or Snake-weede The Temperament It doth coole and dry in the third degree and is very astringent or binding The Duration It will keep good a year or two The inward Vse Bistort-root is excellent to resist all poyson and venom A dram of it in powder taken in Wine or Angelica-water expelleth the venome of the Plague or Pestilence the Small Pox Measles Purples or any other infectious Disease the same in powder or the decoction in Wine being drunk stayeth all manner of inward bleeding or spitting of blood as also any Fluxes of the body and moreover such as are troubled with vomiting The powder or the decoction being drunk helpeth Ruptures and is available against all bruises or falls and dissolveth the congealed bloud and easeth the paines that happen thereupon the same helpeth the Jaundise and hindereth Abortion or miscarrying in Women killeth Worms and is profitable for such as cannot hold their water especially if the juice of Plantaine be added thereto A dram of the powder taken in the water thereof wherein some Iron or Steel being red hot hath been quenched is an admirable help in the Gonorrhaea or running of the Reins so that the body be first purged It is very usefull in decoctions for Wounds being taken into the body the same stayeth the flowing of the courses in Women The manner of administring it It is given in powder in electuary and in decoction An Electuary against Womens Flux or the overflowing of their Courses Take of old Conserve of red Roses one ounce and a halfe Bole Armenick in powder two scruples red Corall in powder a scruple Bistort root in powder a dram with a sufficient quantity of syrupe of Mirtles or syrupe of Quinces make an Electuary Take often of it especially a little before meat the quantity of a Nutmeg and after meat as much An Electuary against the Pestilence Take of LONDON Treacle halfe an ounce Mithridate 3. drams Angelica root and Bistort root in powder of each halfe a scruple Cardamoms five grains Camphor four grains Cinamon in powder halfe a scruple Let the Camphor be dissolved in a little syrupe of Lemons and the rest being in powder make it into an Electuary The Dose is a dram or more morning and evening by it selfe or in Carduus-water In Decoction Take of Bistort root bruised two drams boyle it in
seven drams The outward Vse Cassia being outwardly applied to those that have the Gout easeth the paines thereof Also 't is good to gargle with Cassia to asswage and mitigate the tumours and swellings of the Throat It is used in Plaisters or Oyntments against hot pimpels and other eruptions or breakings out of the skin and to take away the roughnesse of the skin A Liniment against the Gout and arthriticall paines of Joynt-Gout Take of new Cassia two ounces Oyntment called Populeon one ounce with a little Plantaine-water make a Liniment or thin Oyntment This is good in a hot Gout The hurtfull quality with the correcting meanes Cassia is not to be given to such as have weak stomachs nor windy bodies nor to such as are loose in their bodies Therefore 't is not safe to give it to those that have their Hypochonders much troubled or their Spleen swollen nor to such as have Iliack and collick passion nor to such as have Vlcers in their Kidneyes or Bladder It is also forbidden in the Palsie because of its moistnesse and in the Gout If the Belly be loose it may be given with a little Rubarbe or Myrobalanes In weaknesse of the stomach mingle with it Cinamon or Mastich In flatulent or windy bodies give it with Anni-seed or sweet Fennel-seed If the body be bound you may give it with Oyle of sweet Almonds The best and safest way to give it is with some of the foregoing correctors or the like and not alone by it selfe These things following are made of Cassia Fistula 1. Cassiae flos or the pulp of Cassia or Cassia extracted 2. Cassia extracted for Glysters 3. Cassia extracted with Sene. 4. Cassia extracted without Sene. 5. Dia Cassia with Manna 6. Extract of Cassia 7. Diacatholicon 8. Electuary Lenitive The Dose The Dose is from one ounce to an ounce and a halfe Whether Cassia be convenient in hot Feavers There are some that condemne the use of Cassia in Feavers especially in Burning Feavers as in Tertians and also in Malignant Feavers and that by reason of its dulcedinie and moysture it may soon turn into Choller and also increase putrifaction But seeing that most Authours Write that it purgeth Choller and hot humours I see no reason to condemne the use of it in hot Feavers nor in Malignant Feavers for it is not given to alter but to evacuate humours and especially if Tamarinds or the like be given with it Cinamon see Cassia lignea CHAP. XVI De Cataputia minore de esula minore seu Tithymalo pineo Of Garden-Spurge and of Pine-Spurge or Small esula GArden Spurge hath one hollow whitish stalk as big as a finger the leaves be long and narrow like the leaves of Willow yielding milk the Flowers are of a pale yellow colour Pine syrupe or Small esula hath weak and tender stalks half a yard long whereon grow many small long and narrow pointed leaves very like the leaves of Tode-flax at the top of the stalks grow yellow flowers The Names Pine spurge is called in Latine Tithymalus pineus esula ezula and esula minor Garden spurge is called in Latine Cataputia minor The Temperament They are hot and dry in the third degree The Duration The Bark will keep a year or two though it be best to have it fresh every year The inward use The liquor or juice the leaves seeds and roots or barks are in use All sorts of Spurge are of a hot biting and inflaming nature the strongest kind of Tithymale or Spurge is that of the Sea for the least drop of it being taken into the mouth will so burn heat and inflame that without present remedy it will endanger death The milky juice of them is the strongest worker the seeds and leaves are next in quality thereto and the roots or barks are of most of the same operation but not so strong The juice of any Tithymale is a strong Medicine to purge the belly and to cause vomiting and bringeth away tough flegme and chollerick humours The root is good for the Dropsie being rightly prepared The seeds of Garden spurge are most in use If you give five seaven nine or ten grains thereof at a time they purge by stool and vomit tough Flegme Choller Melancholly and water and is usefull in the Jaundise Iliack-passion Palsie and Quotidian-Ague And usually they swollow the seeds whole without breaking either husk or kernell for then they woâ—k the more gently and weakly but if the husk be broken and the kernells swallowed down whole or chewed or bruised and mixed with drink or Broth they work more violently The Milk hereof is more violent then the Seeds or Kernells The leaves being boyled in fat Broth worke more safely and somewhat more weakly Three or four of the leaves may be taken being boyled in broth Small Esula purgeth strongly downward both Choller and Flegme and easeth the hardnesse and pains of the belly and swellings of the Breast The seed and root prepared helpeth the Dropsie being carefully taken and with good advise The leaves steeped a while in Vineger and afterwards dryed and made into powder which is the preparation of them may be given to the weight of three drams saith Diascorides which is thought too much The root prepared as aforesaid is given likewise to the weight of two drams saith Diascorides in Mead or honeyed-Honeyed-water but one dram must not be given without caution The seeds saith the former Author may be taken to the weight of a dram but seing nine or ten seeds of the Garden spurge is a sufficient strong Medicine 't is not safe to give so many of these And of the juice or Milk Diascorides appointeth a spoonfull being made into pils with flower which is the strongest of them all The extract hereof purgeth more safely The manner of administring it It is given in Powder Pills Electuary c. A Powder against the Dropsie Take of Esula prepared as above written five scruples Cinamon Fennel-seed Anni-seed Mastich of each six grains make them into powder and give it as need requireth Pills against the Dropsie Take of the bark of Ezula prepared as before Myrobalanâ— citrine or yellow of each four parts of Aloes five parts make them in powder or with the juice of Fennell or Endive make a masse or lump for pills The Dose is from a dram to two drams and a half Freitag Aur med fol. 413. A Potion against the Dropsie Take of the essence of Esula fifteen grains Oyle of Anni-seed Oyle of Citron-pill Oyle of Cinamon of each one drop of syrupe of Citron-pill and Mint-water of each halfe an ounce mix them together and make a Potion Or Take of the bark of Pine spurge prepared and in powder halfe a dram of the juice of Fennell well clarified one ounce or two ounces of White-wine or Posset-drink three ounces add a little Sugar and make a Potion The externall Vse Esula minor or small Tithymall hath a vertue to heal the bitings or
in powder stirring them well together till it become a fit masse for pils The Dose is from ten grains to fifteen Freitag Aur. Med. f. 337. The external use A decoction of Coloquintida made with Veniger easeth the paine of the Teeth if they be washed therewith The powder thereof with Honey applyed to the Navill killeth wormes Being infused in Vineger it cureth the Morphew Leprosie Elephansie dry scurfe and scabs if the places be often rubbed therewith A bath made of Coloquintida and the feet and other parts fomented therewith bringeth downe the Courses in Women The juyce boyled with Hogs-greese and applyed to the hip easeth the Sciatica An oyle made of Coloquintida and dropped into the ear take's away the noyse and singing thereof and is good against baldnes and falling of the hair Coloquintida is used in Glisters and Suppositories A Glister Take of the Pulpe of Coloquintida two drams Camomel flowers a handfull Anniseed Cuminseed of each halfe an ounce Make a decoction in fair water straine it and in a pint of the decoction desolve honey of Roses oyl of Camomel of each three or four ounces and make a Glister A Suppository Take of Coloquintida in powder a scruple species Hiera simplex halfe a dram Salgem halfe a scruple with a sufficient quantity of Honey make a Suppository A Ball made of Coloquintida which purgeth onely by smelling to it Take of Colocynthis and Esula or pine spurge in powder Aloes and Myrrhe in powder of each a dram with the juice of Coriander make two bals to hold in each hand one and being warmed therewith smell often to them The hurtfull quality with the correcting means Coloquintida hurts the heart liver and stomach by its strong operation it opens the mouthes of the veines whereby many times after the taking of it blood is voided both upward and downeward It also excoriats the bowels and passages of the Urine and bringeth great gripings and tearing pains Therefore it must not be given to women with child for being but applyed to the wombe it killeth the child nor to children aged persons or such as are weake neither to any that have the Plurisie Hectich Feaver or any inflamation It is not safe to give it alone but being well corrected it may be given to strong and rustick bodies It is corrected with Hepaticall Cardiacall Stomachicall and other gentle means as Tragacanth oyle of sweet Almonds Ginger or Mastich Some adde Bdellium and other astringent things But surely those things that binde make the operation of the Medicine afterwards more strong for though the binding faculty of such things may hinder the operation for a time yet it will at length bring forth and worke more violently Sagapenum is counted a good corrector of Coloquintida because of it's clammy faculty whereby it preserves the bowels from gripings The Dose The Dose in powder is from five graines to ten or fifteen These things following are made of Coloquintida First Pils of Coloquintida 2 Pilulae Alhandal 3 Extract of Coloquintida 4 Trosses of Alhandal 5 Chimicall oyle of Coloquintida 6 Oyle by infusion of Coloquintida 7 Wine and Vineger of Coloquintida CHAP. XVIII De Corallio Rubro Of red Coral REd Coral is a hard stony substance growing on the Rocks in the Sea The Names Coral is called in Latine Corallium Coralium and Coralium this Corallium rubrum in English Red Coral The temperament Red Coral is cold and dry in the second degree The best kinde The best is that which is smooth clear and red for the redder it is the better it is The Duration It will keep good ten or twenty years The inward Vse Red Coral doth dry cool and bind it strengthneth the heart stomach and liver purifieth the blood and is therefore very usefull in the Pestilence against venome and all pestilent Feavers and malignant diseases it cheares the heart and is good against Melancholy helpeth such as spit blood or that bleed at the mouth or the nose as also stoppeth the Fluxe of blood in man or woman and being taken in wine or other liquor frequâ—ntly it taketh away the hardnesse and stopping of the Spleen it stayeth the Gonorrhaea or running of the reins in men and the whites in women helpeth conception by its binding faculty and is good for the stopping of of the Urine and paines of the Stone in the bladder if the powder when it is burnt be taken in Whitewine or Posset drinke the powder taken in Wine oâ— distilled Water brings rest to such as have an Ague and is good for such as have Cramps It is much commended in the falling sicknesse or to prevent it if a Childe so soon as it is borne take ten graines thereof in black-Cherry-water or in the Mothers miâ—ke Some affirme that it causeth an easie delivery of the birth which fit doe it is by a specifick vertue for experience doth manifest it to be of a binding nature The Chymicall oyle of Coral is commended against the Falling-sicknesse in children and others as also in all Fluxes of the belly and spitting of blood The manner of administring it It is given in Electuary powder c. An Electuary against the Flux of the belly Take of red Coral in powder three drams of Marmeâ—â—â—de of Quinces two ounces and a halfe species Diamargariton frigidum two drams with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Quinces make an Electuary take of it a little before meat An Electuary against vomiting of blood by reason of a bruise or fall Take of red Coral in powder a dram conserve of red Roses conserve of Comfry of each one ounce Bâ—le Armoniack washed in Rose water and in powder Blood stone in powder of each a dram Acacia Myrtle-Berries of each a dram Suger Pellets halfe an ounce with an ounce of Suger dissolved in Rose-water make an Electuary The Dose is three drams or halfe an ounce with red Wine in the morning and before meat A Powder against Ruptures Take of Myrtle-berries Cinamon and Nutmeg of each two drams of Knot-grasse dry halfe an ounce seeds of Plantaine and Purslaine of each three drams and the seeds of Garden Cresses a dram of red Corall a dram and a halfe make all into powder adding so much Sugar as will make it sweet The Dose is from halfe a dram to a dram in red Wine every morning or second morning for a Months space if need require A Powder against the Fluxe of the belly Take of red Coral a scruple roots of Tormentil two scruples Mirrhe a scruple Gum Tragacanth a dram Plantaine-seeds halfe a dram Dragons blood a dram trosses of Spodium a dram Bole Armoniack and Harts-horne burnt of each a dram make them into powder The Dose is a dram in Plantaine-water The outward Vse It helpeth sore Gums and Ulcers in the mouth and healeth up soul hollow Ulcers in other parts and filleth with flesh and is used in medicines for the eyes to stay the Flux of Rheume and takes away the heat and rednesse thereof
themselves about herbs the one growing upon Time the other upon Flax or Line The Names Epithymum is called Time or laced Time Cuscutha is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cuscutha Cussutha Cassutha and Cassytha in English Dodder The Temperament Epithymum is hot and dry in the third degree Dodder is hot in the first degree and dry in the second The best The best is that which is fresh and new not too old the tops and flowers are most effectuall The best is that which comes from Crete The Duration They will keep good a year The inward Vse Epithymum purgeth Melancholy and adust Choller as also Flegme from the braine heart spleen and hypochonders It avails against Melancholy old and inveterate pains of the head swimming of the head madnesse falling-sicknesse faintings Quartaine Ague Hypochondriack passions Scirrhues or hardnesse of the Spleen and windinesse thereof stoppings of the Kidnies and is very usefull in the Scab and Itch Leprosie Elephansie malignant Vlcers and Cancers as also the French-Pox It cleanseth the blood very much from Melancholy and adust humours Avicen commends it against the Cramp It is profitable in the Jaundies in opening stoppings of the Gall. It hath also a strengthning property besides its purging quality as in Rubarbe and a very safe Medicine for the stoppings as well of the Liver as Spleen purging the Veins of flegmatick and chollerick humours and helpeth Childrens Agues if a little Wormseed be put to it Taken with Lapis lazul it cures the Quartaine Ague Note That it will not endure any long decocting or boyling Cuscuthe or Dodder is very profitable in stoppings of the Liver Gall and Spleen cleanseth the blood from Melancholly and is usefull in the Jaundise provokes Urine and cleanseth the Veins of Chollerick and Flegmatick humours Being taken with Wormwood it purgeth Choller If halfe a pint or lesse of the decoction be taken with halfe an ounce of Sugar it cures Children of Agues Moreover it hath the same vertues as Epithymum hath though not so fully only some will have Cuscutha more proper for the Liver and Epithymum for the Spleen But the Cuscutha is more or lesse effectuall according to the vertues of those hearbs on which it groweth For that which groweth on Nettles and Broom provokes Urine that which growes on Tares which is the most common is not so good for Tares are of hard digestion and bind the belly and breed thick and Melancholly blood The seeds drunk with Wine and Sage ease the Hip-Gout The distilled water of Cuscutha taken helps the effects of the Liver and Lungs by cleansing and strengthening also cures the Jaundise expells the stone of the Bladder and easeth gripings in the belly helps to bring downe the Courses in Women and swellings about the Navill and cures Agues in Children The Dose is three or four ounces morning and evening to Children give lesse The manner of administring them They are chiefly given in Potions and Powders A Potion against Melancholly Take of Epithymum halfe an ounce of Sene one ounce and a halfe Anni-seed two drams Licoris a dram Damask Prunes ten or twelve Bruise the Licoris and Anni-seed and cut the Prunes then infuse them on hot embers five or six hours with half a pint of Posset-drink strain it and give the clearest Or Take the flowers of Balme Rosemary Borrage and Buglosse of each halfe a handfull of the outside of yellow Myrobalans half an ounce Epithymum Time Sene Polypodium of each two drams or halfe an ounce boyle them in a sufficient quantity of water till about halfe be consumed strain it and add syrupe of Roses an ounce make a Potion and give it Or Take Epithymum Cuscutha Sene Origanum or Wild Marjoram of each two drams of red Ciches a dram make a decoction in a sufficient quantity of water strain it and in the clearest infuse or steep of Agarick trochiscated a dram of Cinamon halfe a dram let them stand one night then strain it and to the strained liquor add Confectio Hamech two drams or halfe an ounce and make all into a Potion The externall use The distilled water of Cuscutha or Dodder clears the fight if it be dropped into the eyes the leaves made into a Pultis and applied to the Spleen doth ease the pain thereof also boyled with Oyle and Wine and applied to the Flanks helpeth the Strangury The hurtfull quality They are not convenient for hot and dry bodies neither is the use of them so safe in Summer as in Winter The too frequent use of them offends the stomach and causeth dry'th And because they are weak in operation use them with Salgem Ginger or black Hellebor and to mitigate the drynesse of them give them with Posset-Ale or with a decoction of Raisons Violets and Borrage The Dose The Dose in substance is from two drams to three drams or halfe an ounce in infusion or decoction from an ounce to an ounce and a halfe or two ounces and let this be in the winter time for in hot weather you must give lesse in quantity Of such things as are made of them 1. The distilled water of Epithymum and Dodder 2. Syrupe of Epithymum 3. Decoction of Epithymum 4. Syrupe of Apples Magistrall Esula minor or Tithymall see Cataputia minor CHAP. XXVIII De Euphorbio Of Gum Euphorbium EVphorbium is a Gum of a brown yellowish colour in small grains like Mastich and comes from a certain plant growing in Lybia and in Barbary The Names It is called in Latine Euphorbium from a famous Physitian whose name was Euphorbius Brother to Antonius Musa who was also Physitian to Juba King of the Mauritanians or Moors and first found out the vertue of this Gum. In English 't is called also Gum Euforbium or the Gum Thistle or the Gum of the burning thorny plant The temperament Euphorbium is hot and dry in the fourth degree The best kinde The best is the clearest of a brown yellowish colour but whiter within and without filth That which is pale is to be rejected The Duration It will keep good four or five years Some affirme that it will keep its vertue forty years The inward use Euphorbium purgeth thick and tough flegme but chiefly and more strongly watery humours from the Joynts and remote parts of the body Therefore it helpeth the Dropsie and any kind of Gout It purgeth flegme and water from the Brain and Nervous parts and also thick flegme from the stomach It is profitable in the Apoplexie Palsly Lethargie and in all soporiferous or sleepy Diseases and cold Diseases of the Brain and resolution of the Nerves in Convulsions and tremblings And because it draweth tough and thick humours from the Joynts it is used in the French Pox and by some it is counted available in the Pestilence Also it is esteemed a present help against Apostumes and painfull Nodes or Bunches of the Joynts It speedily helps the Collick proceeding from tough and glassie flegme especially when the tunicles
it The Names In Latine 'tis called Fumaria and Fumus terrae in English Fumittery The temperament It is hot in the first degree and dry in the second and not cold as the Vulgar conceive for its bitternesse sheweth it to be hot The duration The Hearb will keep good a year and the juice may be kept a year with Oyle of Olives powred on it The inward use Fumiterry purgeth gently Melancholly and salt humours it is opening cleansing and strengthening it purgeth the impurity of the blood and is usefull in obstructions and stoppings of the Liver Spleen and Entrals and doth corrobate or strengthen those parts It purgeth Chollerick humours by Urine and avails in the Itch Scab Leprosie Cancer Fistulaes and foule Diseases of the skin arising from adust humours as also in the French Disease It is profitable in Feavers arising from choller both yellow and black in the Jaundise Quartaine Ague Scorbute or Scurvie killeth Worms and prevails in Chronicall Diseases arising from stoppings of the viscerous parts and in affects of the Hypochonders The powder saith Brasavola of the dryed Hearb given for some time together hath cured a Melancholly person The distilled water cures the yellow Jaundise if three or four ounces be drunk morning and evening for certaine dayes together and avails against the Scab Itch and such like Diseases and being constantly taken it preserveth from the Leprosie Being taken with London Treacle and Bole Armoniack it is good in the Pestilence as a dram or two of Treacle and a scruple of Bole Armoniack mixed in two ounces of the water and so taken Also it dissolveth congealed blood and tumours and provoketh the Termes or Courses in Women The manner of administring it It is given in Potion Decoction in juice and in Powder A Potion against Melancholly and Choller Take of Sene two drams Fumiterry and Wormwood of each as much as you can hold between two or three fingers of Cinamon bruised a dram infuse them in Succory-water and a little Wine for a night strain it and in the strained liquour infuse or steep of Rubarbe cut in thin slices halfe a dram or a dram five or six hours then strain it again and add to it of the Electuary called Diacatholicon halfe an ounce make a Potion A Potion against Melancholly Take of Fumiterry tops of Hops of each halfe a handfull Raisons of the sun stoned halfe an ounce Polypodium of the Oak green bruised halfe an ounce Dodder Epithymum of each three drams Anniseed and Licoris bruised of each halfe a dram Make a decoction in a sufficient quantity of water strain it and infuse or steep therein of Sene two or three drams strain it and dissolve in it Diacatholicon an ounce and as much syrupe of Violets A Potion against the Dropsie Take of the juice of Fumiterry two or three ounces of the powder of the root of Esula prepared eight or ten grains Elder-water an ounce with a little Suger make a Potion A delicate Potion to purge the blood Take of the decoction of Fumiterry made with Whey or Posset-drink five ounces steep therein on hot embers a whole night of Sene halfe an ounce Rubarbe a dram strain it and dissolve in it of syrupe of Roses Laxative or of Manna an ounce make a Potion Against the Scorbute or Scurvy Take the juice of Fumiterry and Scurvygrasse of each two ounces give it in the Spring time in Goats Whey A decoction of Fumiterry made with Posset-drink and four or five ounces thereof taken morning and evening in the Spring time doth much purifie and cleanse the blood Against the Jaundise Take Fumiterry Wormwood of each a handfull boyle it in Posset-drink or Whey and being strained drink of it four ounces morning and evening Or Take two or three ounces of the juice of Fumiterry and give it in two ounces of ceterach-Ceterach-water Against the Joynt-Gout Take of the juice of Fumiterry three ounces of Hermodactilles in powder two scruples mingle them together and give it in a morning fasting Against the Scab Itch and Leprosie Take of the juice of Fumiterry two ounces and a halfe or three ounces warm it over the fire and scum it then add a little sugar and half a dram of Fennellseed to it and give it in a morning The outward use The juice dropped into the eyes doth clear the eyes and quicken the sight but at the first it will cause the eyes to water the juice also mingled with Gum Arabicke and applied to the lids will cause that the haire that hath once been pulled off shall not grow again A decoction thereof made and the feet bathed therewith cures the Gout or boyled in Wine and so applyed doth the like the juice mixed with the juice of Docks and Oxymel or Vineger cureth the Morphew being anointed therewith Also a Bath made of the same with Mallowes Violets and Dock roots with Barly Bran and Nep cureth the Scab and Itch. The juice mingled with Oyle of Nuts and Vineger cures maligne Scabs and the Leprosie being noynted therewith The distilled water helpeth sores and Ulcers of the mouth being therewith washed and gargled especially if you take four ounces of the water adding thereto one ounce of honey of Roses and wash the mouth therewith The hurtfull quality It is somwhat flatulent or windy therefore 't is good to mix with the juice or decoction some Anniseed or Fennelseed and infused in Whey or given with infusion of Sene it doth work the better The Dose The juice is given from halfe an ounce to two or three ounces The Powder from two drams to foure drams The decoction from three ounces to five or six ounces Of such things as are made thereof The Water The Juice The Conserve The Syrupe both simple and compound Pills of Fumiterry and the Oyle distilled from the dry hearb CHAP. XXX De Galanga Of Galingall GAlingale is a small root of a reddish colour both within and without and smelleth somwhat sweet and groweth in China The Names It is called in Latine Galanga in English Galingall The temperament It is hot and dry in the second or third degree The sorts or kinds There are two sorts the greater and the lesser but the lesser is most in use The best kinde The best is that which is of a reddish colour or brownish within and without heavy and aromaticall or smelling sweet especially being bruised of a hot tast and full of smal holes The Duration It will keep good three or four years The inward Vse Galingal is profitable in all cold diseases of the stomach braine and wombe help 's concoction expels winde and crudities and strengthens the stomach being boyled in wine and taken morning and evening It strengthneth especially a moist brain helps the Vertigo or swimming of the head and avails against the palpitation or beating of the heart and is very usefull in the gnawing of the stomach and easeth the Collick which proceedeth of winde and in the diseases of the Mother
for then it would burn and heat more in the mouth then it doth nor is it likely to be made of Rubarbe for it hath neither the taste nor qualities of Rubarbe besides Rubarbe is a stranger in those places from whence this is brought There are many other opinions about it which I will not trouble the Reader with It is brought unto us here in England from the East-Indies and some say from China The names Among all simples minerals or vegetables I have not observed many to have more names given it then this It is called Cambochia Cambogia Cambugio Gummi de Goa Gummi gutta Gummi Gith Gemon Gummi Indicum Gummi ad Podagram Gummi Peruanum Gutta Geman Gemu Gutta Gamandra Gutta Munda Chattajemon Ghittajemon Ghittajaman Catta Ganma Succus Gambici Succus Crambici crocuspurgans The Temperament It is hot and dry in the first degree The best kinde The best sort is that which looks yellow being pure without any filth or mixture and being wet with water or spittle lookes of a yellow colour and makes the water or spittle very yellow The Duration It will keep good many yeers The inward use It purgeth chiefly water and ferous humours and that without any great violence therefore it is useful in the Dropsy and any kinde of Gout as also in the yellow Jaundise and obstructions of the liver and spleen Many time it provokes to vomit sometimes it workes up and down It is used also against scab itch and such like The manner of administring it It is given in divers formes as in Pils Potions Powders Boles c. Pils Take of Gutta Gummi fifteen grains Species Diambrae three grains oile of Fennell three drops with a little Syrupe of Roses make six or seven Pils Pils against the Jaundise Take of the best Rubarbe in powder a dram of Cambogia six grains with syrup of Succory make Pils A Potion against the tertian Ague Take of Cambogia eight grains syrup of Roses solutive one ounce and a half Endive-water two or three ounces make a Potion and give it before the third fit with physicall observation A Powder against Arthriticall paines Take of creame of Tartar two scruples and a half or a dramme Gutta Gummi foure graines Galingall and Cynamon of each four graines make all into powder and give it in any convenient liquour A Bole usefull in the Yellow Jaundise Take of Gutta gummi ten or twelve graines Conserve of Red Roses two drams make a Bole and give it in a morning fasting drinking a draught of posset-drink after it This I have used with good successe Tabulats or Rolls Take of Gutta gummi seven grains Trosses Ahandale four grains Oil of Anise-seeds two drops with Sugar dissolved in cynamon-Cynamon-water make Rolls or little Cakes It may be given in broth or other convenient liquour As Take of Cambogia twelve or sixteen grains Creame of Tartar a scruple give it in broth with a little Sugar Against shortnesse of Breath in a Childe Take of Gutta gummi three or four grains Oxymel of Squils half an ounce or an ounce mingle them together and give it If you mix it with salt of Wormwood or with black salt of Ash and give it in the Dropsie you will finde it to work effectually The externall use It was in use with Painters and Picture-drawers before Physicians used it It is useful in Ointments and liniment for the Dropsie The hurtful qualities with the meanes to help it It worketh many times very churlishly and doth much trouble the stomack therefore it is given with Oile of Mace Chymicall or with Oile of Cynamon with species Diambrae with Conserve of Roses c. Also you may give it with Cream of Tartar or Tartar vitriolated in broth as is declared above It must be given with caution in hot and cholerick bodies These things are made of Gutta gummi Extract or Magister of gum Gutta Ghitta Jemu corrected by spirit of Vitriol or Tartar Minderi The Dose The Dose is from five grains to twelve or to a scruple CHAP. 36. De Helleboro albo of white Hellebore WHite Hellebore hath broad leaves with ribs or sinews like unto great Plantain leaves or Gentian the root being dry is black without and white within some as long as ones finger and some shorter The Names It is called in Arabick 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Charic from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Charac rupit corrupit and well it may for it is a tearing Medicine and soon breaks the veins in a mans body In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Copā quòd esu perimat In Latine Helleborus albus Helleborum veratrum album now it is called veratrum à verando unde veratores veraculi and because such Prophets were counted mad and out of their wits therefore it was so called for that it cureth such or quòd mentem vertat Plin. Nat. Hist lib. 25. c. 5. f. 218 In English 't is called white Hellebore or Neese-wort The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree The best kinde The best is the whitest not too hot and biting in tast nor provoking spittle for such doth sooner suffocate and being broken it seemes to smoak or send dust from it the best part is that which is towards the nether end for the uppermost part of the root which is thickest and bulbous like to an Onion-head is good only for Dogs The duration It will keep good many yeers some say thirty yeers The inward use The roots are only in use They are usefull against madnesse and melancholy also against the swimming of the head Falling Sickness Leprosie Cancer Elephancie and foule diseases of the skin as also the quartan Ague It brings down the courses and kils the childe in the wombe it helps the old Cough Dropsie Sciatica Gowt Cramp pains of the joynts and sinews It killeth Mice or Rats being boyled in milke or mingled with flower and Honey or Butter or boyled in milk and set where Flyes Wasps Gnats c. do much resort it kils as many as touch it The manner of administring it It is given in decoction in infusion and in substance take one example in substance Take of white Hellebore in powder a scruple give it in broth milk or Grewell but you were better let it alone Heurnius mentions an Electuary made of white Hellebore which you may finde in his Praxis Medicin f. 242. The outward use It is used to provoke sneesing being put into the nostrils and purgeth the head of superfluous humours and is good in the Lethargie and such like sleepy diseases especially if Marjoram be put to it and made in powder and so snuffed up into the nose it cures the Leprosie Scab Itch and such like foul diseases of the skin being used with Hogs-grease or mixed in oyntments The juice of the root dropped into the eares helps the noise and singing thereof and the root mixed with other things helps the dimnesse of the sight Being boiled
scruple Opium five and twenty graines make all into fine powder and with the Mussilage of gum Tragaâ—anth made in spirit of wine make up little balls and put onâ— into a hollow tooth there to remain an houre The hurtfull quality with the corrective meanes Opium by all is counted a dangerous medicine and the frequent use thereof bringeth Palsies Lethargies trembling of the joynts cold sweats This you must understand of the true Opium for that which is now in use being well prepared is not so dangerous shortnesse of breath and great sleepinesse it doth much stupifie the senses and understanding and often brings death It is dangerous to give it to children women or delicate bodies Opium is corrected with Castor Euphorbium juice of Garlick or Onions also with spirit of wine vineger and sharp juices as with juice of Lemon or Citron others correct it with Breast-milk Almond-milk Butter and oile of Almonds Note that in pains of the head it is not to be used with Saffron because it offends the head but with Nutmeg The Dose The dose is from a grain to two or three but it is rarely given by it self I have known it given to ease the pain of the stone from five grains to fifteen and all in a short time for at the first five graines gave ease and that for some reasonable time then seven or eight so that the dose was increased still Opium is much in use in Asia and Africa so that if they abstain from it they think their life is in danger thereby which wants not admiration as Gartias ab horto saith especially being so narcoticall and stupefactive for such as use it much are still sleepy and drovvsy The dose among them there is from a scruple to fifty grains The Turks and Persians take it to tvvo or three drams and they thinke thereby they are more apt to performe any businesse and especially they are fitter for vvarre Verery and animosity Also Hollerius writes of a Spaniard that in the hot vveather did eat halfe an ounce of it at one time and that vvithout any hurt to the party Holler de morb intern lib. 1. cap. 6. fol. 54. But vvonderfull is that of Gartias ab horto Aromat lib. 1. cap. 4. fol 23. vvho relates of one that for divers dayes together did eat three slices of Opium vvhich did vveigh ten drams and upvvard and although he vvas sleepy and stupid yet very ready to dispute of any thing Opium hath killed many therefore my advice is to let it alone and not to meddle vvith it or else to look that it be vvell prepared Pet. Forestus in his observations mentionss a vvoman that took Opium one day and vvas found dead the next day I shal relate what I have heard of an empericall practitioner who being ill and not taking rest sent to one either Physician or Apothecary for some Opium when the messenger had it the party he had it of said There is too much for once but I hope your Master knows that the messenger brought it home and this emperick it seems took it all and wrote to this effect in a piece of paper I shall sleep so many houres and then wake but forgot to give any notice thereof after he had took it he fell into such a sleep that he was given over for dead laid forth and buried so soon as he was buried his wife thinking to finde some money looking in his chamber found this writing before mentioned whereupon she sent and had the grave digg'd up and the coffin opened where they saw he had turned himself when he waked Of such things as are made of Opium Extract of Opium Laudanum Opiatum Nepenthes Opiatum CHAP. 50. De Opopanace of Opopanax OPopanax is a Gum of a plant called Panax very brown on the outside and yellow within It is taken chiefly from the roots of Panax and not from the stalks The names It is called in Latine and in English Opopanax and Gum Opopanax The temperament Opopanax is hot and dry in the third degree or hot in the third degree and dry in the second The best kinde The best is brown without and white or yellow within bitter and of a sowerish sent and somewhat strong which being dissolved with Wine or Vineger will make it look yellow and not mixed with sticks or drosse but clean Gum. The duration It will keep good five or six years The inward use Opopanax purgeth thick and tough flegme from remote parts as from the brain nerves sensitive parts joynts and breasts therefore it is profitable for any cold disease incident to any of those parts as in the Palsie in debility or weaknesse of the sight old cough shortnesse of breath Sciatica and in other kindes of Gowt It is good for Convulsions and Cramgs as also against winde in the belly Stitches in the side hardnesse of the Spleen Strangury and difficulty in making urine It likewise discusseth the Windinesse Hardnesse and Suffocations of the Mother and bringeth down the courses and brings away also the mola or lump of flesh bred in the Wombe Being drunk with Water and Honey or Wine it helpeth the Itchings and inward soares of the Bladder It expelleth Wormes helpeth the byting of a mad Dog and is good against poysons of other venomous creatures Dissolved in Wine and given it helps the Dropsie and taken in Vineger one houre before the fit commeth it takes away the cold fit of an Ague and especially if you dissolve some of it with the juice of Smallage and Oile of Dill and anoint the ridge of the back therewith It is good after falls and bruises to dissolve any congealed bloud especially in cold bodies and where no Feaver is It is commended against the Falling Sicknesse and it dissolveth Milk coagulated or curdled in the stomach The manner of administring it It is given with Wine Honey or any convenient juice but chiefly in Pills Pils against the Palsie and Convulsion Take of Opopanax Rue Serapinum Pepper of the juice or extract of Lorage Myrrhe of each a dram Powder what is to be powdered and with the juice of Cowslip make a masse or lump of which frame Pils The dose is a dram every second or third night so long as need requireth The externall use Opopanax being dissolved with Vineger and the juice of Smallage and applied it softneth the hardnesse of the spleene and a plaister made thereof dissolveth the Kings evill and hard nodes of the joints as also any plague-sore botch or bile especially if you dissolve it in Vineger and mixe it with a little Leaven and so apply it Being dissolved in a little Vineger and applyed with the pulp of Raisons of the sun it easeth any kinde of Gowt It dissolveth hard tumours of the womb if the mouth be washed with a decoction of Vineger made with Opopanax it easeth the paine of the Teeth or if it be a hollow tooth let it be stopped with a peece of
hurtfull to the stomach and liver that is hot as also bringeth gripings weakneth the body let them be given with Anise-seed Carraway-seed Cynamon Mace c. Wal-wort is not to be given but to such as have strong bodies The dose The juice of the leaves or rinde is given from halfe an ounce to an ounce or two ounces The juice of the berries from two drams to six drams The seeds from halfe a dram to a dram The distilled water from two ounces to four ounces The powder of the bark or rinde from halfe a dram to a dram Of such things as are made of them From the flowers of Elder are made these following The distilled water both of the flowers and leaves Spirit of Elder-flowers Wine of Elder-flowers Syrupus acetosus Sambucinus Honey of Elder Conserve of Elder Oile both by infusion and distillation From the berries Rob-Sambuci or Pulp of the berries Tincture Extract Wine Spirit water distilled Oile From the tender branches Conserve From the leaves middle rinde roots and Jewes-eares Distilled water Syrup Oile From Dane-wort are made the distilled water the spirit from the flowers Rob-Ebuli or the pulp of the berries Tincture or essence CHAP. 57. De Santalis of Sanders THese are woods that are brought to us from the Indies The names and kindes There are three sorts of Sanders white red and yellow The white is called in Latine Santalum and Sandalum album the red Santalum rubrum the yellow Santalum citrinum or flavum Difference betweene Brasill-wood and red Sanders They differ thus 1 They grow farre one from the other 2 Sanders is neither sweet in taste nor giveth any dye as the Brasil doth 3 Red-Sanders is more ponderous and weighty then Brasil and vvill sink in vvater 4 It is a harder and shorter grained vvood and more brittle in breaking short The temperament They are cold and dry in the second or third degree Some say they are hot the red is more cooling and binding The yellow is the best the next is the vvhite the red is least of use The duration They vvill keep good three or foure yeares or longer The inward use They are Cephalicall Hepaticall and Cardiacall that is good for the Head Liver and Heart to open the obstructions of the Liver and to coole the heat thereof and to ease the paine of the head especially the white and the yellovv They are good for faintings of the heart and paâ—pitation o beating thereof also for weak and faint stomackes which comes through heat good against melancholy and procureth mirth and alacrity They are used to stay and binde the spermaticall flux in men and women for which purpose either the powder taken in a reare Egge or mixed with other things for the purpose or steeped in red Wine and kept in a hot Balneo or in hot Embers close stopped all night and strained forth and drunk in the morning and evening both stay the Gonorrhea or running of the Reines in men and the whites in women They are good in hot diseases as in burning Fevers inflammations of the Liver and such like The Indians saith Gerarde do use the decoction made in water against hot burning Agues and the overflowing of the courses Erisipelas the Gowt and all inflammations especially if it be mixed with the juice of Night-shade House-leek or Purslane They are put in Collises and Jellies and all delicate meats which are good to strengthen and revive the spirits The red Sanders have an astrictive and strengthning faculty but are not cordiall as the other two they are used in divers Medicines and meats both for their faculty and pleasing red colour which they give to them as in savvces Pies c. The red is often used to stay defluxions of thin rheume from the head and to coole hot inflammations hot Gowts and to temper the heat of hot Agues The manner of administring them They are given in Powder Electuary and Pils A powder against the Pestilence Take of the three Sanders of each two drams Cloves and Cynamon of each a dram Harts-horn two drams make them into a fine powder and take thereof morning and evening half a dram in Carduus-Water An Electuary against the Whites in Women Take of old Conserve of Red-Roses four ounces White and Red Sanders in powder a dram and a half with syrup of Water-lillies make an Electuary and take of it morning and evening as much as a Nutmeg The outward use It is used outwardly in Catarrhes or Rheumes pains of the head against vomiting and in Epithemes and Fomentations against the intemperate heat of the Liver They are used against the Gowt and hot inflammations with the juice of Purslane and Plantain or Housleek Applied with Rose-water to the temples it giveth ease to the head-ach and keepeth back the flowing of humours to the eyes Being applyed to the breasts of Maids or Women mixed with the juice of Purslane abateth their greatnesse and hindereth their over-much growing The Dose The Dose is from a scruple to two scruples Of such things as are made of Sanders Extractum gummosum Species Diatrion santalon Trosses of Sanders Ointment of Sanders Cerote of Sanders CHAP. 58. De Sarcocolla of Sarcocoll SArcocolla is a Gum of a plant growing in Persia bitter in taste and in very small pieces and powder like the small pieces of Frankincense and little bigger then Poppy-seed The names In Latine Sarcocolla in English Sarcocoll The temperament It is hot and dry in the first degree or hot in the second degree and dry almost in the same The best kinde The best is that which is new inclining to white for being old it waxeth reddish or of a pale colour bitter in taste of a porous substance viscous and easie to be dissolved in water The duration It will keep good five or six yeers The inward use It purgeth flegme both crude and tough chiefly from the brain eyes nerves joynts breast and lungs therefore it profits and avails in coughs and shortnesse of breath especially in old persons that are flegmatick also in all pains of the joynts It is thought by some to fatten the body and to increase sperm or seed The manner of administring it It is given in powder or in pils The externall use It is used outwardly against inflammations of the eyes with milk and the white of an Egg and to stay Rheumes and Catarrhes Defluxions and Rednesse thereof also against all spots in the Eyes It cleanseth corrupt Ulcers and incarnateth or breedeth good flesh also closeth up Wounds and Ulcers A fume made thereof is profitable aganist Tenesmus a disease when one is often provoked to go to stool Being mixed with Saffron and Honey it heals Scrophulaes or hard swellings called the Kings Evill in the neck after they are sufficiently drawn It is used against bleeding of the Nose or to stay the bleeding of Wounds and healeth Ulcers in the Eares being mixed with Hydromel or Water and Honey and instilled therein A powder for
7. de Med. Purg. cap. 30. fol. 485. 486. Schroder Pharmacop Med. Chym. lib. 3. cap. 17. fol. 42. 43. 44. c. Freitag Aur. Med. lib. 4. cap. 15. fol. 616. 617. 618. c. Basil Antimon Ham. Poppii Printed 1618. Crol Basil Chym. Printed 1631. fol. 211. 212. 313. c. Of such Medicines as are made thereof Hepar Antimonii or Liver of Antimony Flowres of Antimony Antimony diaphoreticke Regulus Antimonii Oyle of Antimony L quor of Antimony Tinctura Salt Spirit of Antimony with many others The Dose The Dose is from three graines to five or sixe CHAP. 76. De Aniso of Anise-seed The names IT is called in Latine Anisum in English Anise and Anise-seed The Temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree or hot in the second degree and dry in the first The Duration It will keep good two or three yeares but the newer it is the better operation it hath The inward use The seed often taken helpeth a stinking breath and to break winde in any part of the body be it the Head Stomach Spleene Bowells or Mother and to provoke Urine and sleepe to them that want it they helpe Nurses to store of milke for their Children to eate the seeds comfited or Anise-seed comfits fasting and last at night and is very good for teeming women or with childe they helpe those that are short winded or have a Consumption to take the Decoction of them with Figs Licorish c. They helpe to expectorat flegme in them that have a Cough or straitnesse in the breasts and is very conducible to the Stomach and being boyled in wine and taken it helpeth the stoppings of the Liver and the Dropsey that cometh thereby The same stayeth the Hickock and helpeth Digestion It stirreth up bodily Lust and boyled in wine it is good against all poison and biting of all venimous beasts It availes in Children that have the Falling-sicknesse being taken The chymicall Oyle taken in broth or wine three or foure drops at a time doth helpe the giddinesse of the Head the straitnesse and paines in the breast and stomach or the crudities and belchings therein the much desire to cast and the rising of the Mother as also all other griefs and paines inwardly that rise of cold or winde The Quintessence gives ease to those that are Phrantick or distempered in their braines and for such as are troubled with the Falling-sicknesse or have the Cramp or Convulsion A Decoction of Anniseed is excellent in the Chollick and easeth the Cough The manner of Administring it It is given in powder in decoction or the seeds are eaten whole A Decoction against the Collick and winde in the Belly or Stomach Take of Anisse foure ounces Licorish two ounces boyle them in three or foure pints of water straine it and drinke thereof a good draught at any time The outward use If Anise either green or dry be beaten and laid to their Eyes that have any hurtfull thing fallen into them it will soone draw it forth and likewise take away the venome of any hurt by the biting of venemous creatures and healeth them quickly the seeds boyled in Oyle of Roses and dropped warme into the Eares easeth the paine and noyse in them the seeds bruised and mixed with Storax and the fumes thereof taken being cast on quick coales will soone ease the continuall Head-ache Being boyled with Hyssop and a little Vineger and Hony added thereto it helpeth the Quinsey if the throat be gargled therewith Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water of the hearbe and seed Confections of Anis-seede Laxative both simple and compound Anisseede comfits Oyle of Annisseed and Quintessence thereof Salt of Anisseede Species Dranisu Anisseede water hot CHAP. 77. De Argento vivo of Quicksilver The Names IT is called in Latine Argentum vivum from its agility and moving nature also Hydrargyrum that is watery Silver in English Quicksilver or Life-silver but Plinie saith it might be called Death-silver because it is the death of so many Plin. Nat. Hist lib. 33. cap. 6. fol. 473. The Temperament Some will have it hot and moist in the fourth degree others say its cold and moiste others say it is of a mixt quality partly hot and partly cold The Duration It will keepe many yeares The inward use Some commend this to be given inwardly for wormes and against the Chollick for by the weight thereof the gut is unfoulded and the Excrements and worms are brought away Paraus relates of a Gentleman that when he could not be freed from the paine of the Collick by any meanes prscribed by a learned Physitian at length by the Counsell of a certain German his friend dranke three ounces of Oyle of sweet Almonds drawne without fire and mixed with some White-wine and Pellitory water and swallowed a leaden bullet besmeared with Quick-silver and that bullet comming presently out by his fundament he was wholly freed from his Chollick Par. l. 17. cap 58. fol. 441. But this must be onely done in desperate cases and in strong Bodies for the outward use is dangerous and must be done with great caution Others give it to women against hard labours and to facilitate or hasten the birth and to bring away the secundine or after-birth Paraeus Booke 21. Chap. 38. and Doctor Primrose in his poular errours Booke 4. Chap. 29. Translated lately into English by Doctor Wittie But this must be onely used in desperate cases as is before shewed The outward use It is chiefly in use outwardly against the Frence-pox Itch Scab and kills Lice and Nits dissolves hard nodes or bunches of the joynts and swelling behinde the eares cures also maligne Ulcers penetrateth and Purgeth for it drawes from the center to the circumference that is from the inward parts to the outward An Oyntment against the Itch. Take Quicksilver killed with oyle of Bayes one ounce Hogs grease twelve ounces oyle of Turpentine one ounce red Bole in powder halfe an ounce the yolkes of foure Egs. Let the yolkes of Egs be rosted very hard and beaten well with the oyle of Turpentine then adde the rest and make an Oyntment Let the Body be anoynted with it f o divers nights together Or Take of Quicksilver killed with Fasting spitle halfe an ounce of Stavesacre in powder as much of Butter or Hogs grease sixe ounces or halfe a pound beat them well together and use it as before this will kill Lyce and cure the Itch. The hurtfull quality Quick-silver is counted by most writers a dangerous Medicine to be given inwardly because it brings dangerous symptomes as Cramps and Convulsions Lethargy Apoplexy Falling-sicknesse Tremulations Stupefaction Torments in the bowells and paine of the whole body suppresseth urine causeth the body to swell hurts the Stomach and Belly causeth vomiting and brings faintnesse of the heart Petrus Forestus de venenis Observat 8. in Scholia mentions an Apothecary who in stead of a glasse of water being dry to quench his
or such like Of Medicines made thereof Bole Armony washed or prepared Vnguentum Ophthalmicum Vnguentum rubrum siccativum c. CHAP. 83. De Borragine of Borrage The Names IT is called in Latine Borrago and Borago in English Borrage and Borage The Temperament It is hot and moist in the first degree The inward use The Leaves Flowers and Seeds all of them or any of them are very cordiall and helpe to expell sadnesse and melancholly arising without manifest cause whereof came the saying Ego Borrago gaudia semper ago I Borrage bring alwaies Courage It is good in Pestilentiall Feavers and to resist any venome and poyson as also to clarifie the blood and to mitigate the heate in Feavers The Flowers or Seeds breed and increase milke in Nurses The syrupe prevaileth for all the purposes aforesaid and is put with other cooling opening and cleansing hearbs to open stoppings and to helpe the yellow Jaundise to coole and cleanse the blood and temper the heate and sharpnesse thereof especially with Fumitry and thereby to helpe the Itch Ringwormes or other spreading Scabs or Sores that arise from a dust and sharpe humours The conserve is used to comfort the heart and Spirits and for such as are weake and in a Consumption The distilled water is good for the aforesaid Diseases Borrage must be used while it is greene for it will not keep dry The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in decoction juyce and syrup The outward use The leaves or ashes boyled in water and hony is available against Inflamations and Ulcers in the mouth or throat The distilled water being applyed with a linnen cloth dipt therein helpeth the venome of a Spider or Waspe Of such Medicines as are made thereof Borrage water Conserve Syrupe of Borrage The juyce CHAP. 84. De Calamo Aromatico of Aromaticall reed The Names IT is called in Latine Calamus Aromaticus and Acorus in English Aromaticall reed and the sweet smelling flagge The Temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree and of thin parts The Duration Is will keep good two or three yeares The inward use A decoction of this root availes to provoke urine to ease the paine of the side to bring downe womens courses to open the stoppings of the Liver and Spleen and Breast and helpeth Convulsions gripings burstings bruises and such as pisse by drops It prevailes in the Dropsie and against Poison and is put into Electuaries for such as have raw and cold humours in their Lungs or chest Halfe a scâ—uple thereof in powder taken in a little beer doth help the Collick and expell winde It helpeth the Palsie and swimming of the head The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction Electuary and in powder The outward use The juice mixed with a little Hony and used helpeth drynesse The root boyled in wine stamped and applyed into the Cods abates the swelling thereof and helpeth all hardnesse and collections of humours in any place The fume thereof used provokes the courses The fume thâ—reof also taken by the mouth in a pipe alone or with dryed Turpentine helpeth Coughs It maketh a sweet breath being chewed in the Mouth and is used in perfumes The Dose The Dose in powder is halfe a dram to a dram in decoction from a dram to three drams Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distelled water of the root steeped fi st in wine The root preserved The Extract A scruple of which being taken helpeth the Collick El. Diacorum Oâ— e. CHAP. 85. De Calendula of Marigolds The Names IT is called in Latine Calendula Caliha Chrysanthemum and that from the golden Colour of the flowers in English Marigolds The Temperament The flowers are hot in the second degree The Duration The flowers will keep good being dry a yeare or two The inward use The flowers comfort and strengthen the heart provoke sweat and the courses and expelleth the afterbirth withstandeth poyson and venery good in Pestilent and contagious Fevers as also in the Jaundise The conserve made of the flowers taken Morning and Evening helpeth the trembling of the heart and is usefull in time of the Plague or Pestilence and corruption of the ayre The distilled water is good for the aforesaid purposes The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in decoction As Take a small handfull of Marigold flowers and boyle them in a pint and a halfe of cleare Posset drinke to a pint straine it and drink off the clearest The outward use The juyce helpeth the Toothach being washed therewith and if warts be rubbed therewith it taketh them away A fume of the decoction used hot helpeth to expell the secondine or afterbirth The juyce dropped into the eares killeth wormes The water helpeth red and watery eyes being washed therewith Of such things as are made thereof The distilled water Vineger of the flowers conserve CHAP. 86. De Chamomilla of Camomill The Names IT is called in Latine Chamomilla Camomilla and Chamaemelum in English Camomill and Cammomill and that because the flowers have the smell of an Apple or Quince The Temperament It is hot and dry in the first or second degree and is of thin parts The Duration The herbe will keep good a yeare and the flowers longer The inward use The decoction of Camomill made and drunke helpeth all paines and Stiches in the side the Chollick Stone and winde in the Belly or Stomach and expelleth tough and clammy flegme as also cold humours provoketh swâ—at brings downe the courses in women and provokes urine It is very profitable for Agues that come of flegme or melancholly or from an inflamation of the bowells and for the Hypochonders that is the sides and that part where the Liver and Spleene lye It moderately comforteth all parts that have need of warmth and digesteth and dissolveth whatsoever hath need thereof by a wonderfull speedy property The flowers boyled in Posset drinke provoketh sweat and helpeth to expell cold Aches and paines wheresoever A syrup made of the juyce with the flowers and White-wine is a good remedy against the Jaundes and Dropsie that comets by the evill disposition of the Spleene A decoction made with White-wine and taken expelleth the dead Childe and brings away the afterbirth speedily and cleanseth those parts The manner of administring it It is used chiefly in decoctions The outward use It is used in decoctions for Glisters against winde and the Collick A decoction thereof being used taketh away wearinesse and easeth the paines to what part of the body soever it be applyed and comforteth the sinews that are overstrained mollifieth all swellings and those that are not over hard and rarefieth or maketh thin those that are bound together The flowers boyled in lye is good to wash the head and to comfort both it and the braine It helpeth paines in the side and Stiches as also the Chollick being applyed and wasteth away raw and undigested humours The Oyle made of the flowers is used
against all hard swellings and paines or aches shrinking of the sinews or Cramps or paines in the joynts or any other part of the body and helpeth to dissolve winde and paines in the belly used in Glysters for that purpose anoynted also it helpeth Stitches and paines in the side A Potion to procure rest and sleepe Take Camomill and Marshmallowes of each three handfulls boyle them in a sufficient quantity of water let the Patients Thighs Legs and Feet be washed therewith for a quarter of an houre before the time orest Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water Oyle both by distillation and by infusion Salt CHAP. 87. De Capillo veneris of Common Maidenhaire The Names IT is called in Latine Capillaris and Capillus Veneris in English Maidenhaire and common Maidenhaire The Temperament It is temperate in heate and coldnesse opening and cleansing The Duration It will keepe good being dry a yeare or longer The inward use It is of singular use against the Diseases of the Brest the Liver and Reines especially the decoction thereof drunke helpeth the Cough shortnesse of breath the yellow Jaundise stoppings of the Liver and Spleene and urine helpeth to break the Stone provoketh the courses and stayeth both bleedings and Fluxes of the Stomack and belly especially when the herbe is dry for being green by the thinness of the parts it looseneth the belly causeth choller fleagm to be voided both from the Stomach and Liver and by freeing the Stomach by spitting it out wonderfully cleanseth the Lungs and by rectifying the Liver and Blood causeth a good colour to the whole body it is said also to resist and to cure the bitings of venemous creatures and to cure Ruptures The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction or in powder The outward use The herbe boyled in Oyle of Camomill dissolveth knots allayeth swellings and dryeth up moist Ulcers the lye made thereof is singular good to cleanse the head from Scurfe and either dry or running sores stayeth the falling of the hayrâ— and causeth them to grow thick faire and well coloured for which purpose some boyle it in wine putting some Smallage seed thereto and afterwards some Oyle The Dose The Dose in powder is from halfe a dram to a dram Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water Syrupe of Maidenhaire both simple and compound CHAP. 88. De Caprifolio of Hony Succles The Names IT is called in Latine Caprifolium and Periclymenum in English Woodbinde and Hony-succle The Temperament It is hot and attenuating or making thin and not colde The inward use It is of a cleansing resolving consuming and digesting quality as Hyssope Origanum and such like therefore used in decoctions with Figs and Licorish they expectorat fleagme from the Lungs and Chest wherewith they are filled The flowers and leaves are of more use then the seeds which is said to consume the Spleene and to procure a womans speedy delivery helpeth shortnesse of breath and cureth the Hicket they also cause barrennesse in women and make men unable to generation The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in decoction as in the Chapter of Mugwort The outward use The leaves or flowers in powder or the distilled water of them is commended to dry up foule and moist Ulcers and to cleanse the face and skin from Morphew Sunburne Freckles and other discolourings of the skin The Oyle wherein the flowers have beene infused and sunned is good against Cramps convulsions of the Sinews and Palsies and any other benumming cold griefe A water for wounds Take Honysuccle Sage Celandine of each a handfull boyle them in eight pints of running water to a halfe then adde to the strained Liquor a pound of Hony set them on the fire and take off the scumme so long as any will rise then adde thereto of Roch Allum in powder foure ounces graines of Paradise bruised one ounce boyle them a little then straine and reserve it The hurtfull quality The Decoction thereof being drunke sixe dayes together will make the urine as blood although at the first they will but provoke urine onely neither are they good for inflamations of the mouth and throat but hurtfull therein as the burning heate of the leafe doth manifest The Dose The seeds are given from halfe a dram to a dram Of such things that are made thereof The distilled water Syrup of the flowers CHAP. 89. De Cardamomis of Cardamomes The Names and kindes THere are chiefly two sorts of Cardamoms the greater called in Latine Cardamomum majus and the lesser called Cardamomum minus The Temperament They are hot and dry in the third degree The Duration They will keep good two or three years some say ten yeares The inward use Cardamomes breake the Stone provoke urine when it is stopped or passeth with paine resisteth poyson and the sting of Scorpions and other venemous creatures They are good against the Falling-sicknesse the Cough the broad wormes and the gripings of the bowells and expelleth winde powerfully both from the Stomach and entrailes easeth those that by falls or beatings are bruised and broken those that have loose and weak sinews and the paine of the Sciatica or Hip gout It doth wonderfully strengthen the Stomach and helpe Concoction They are put in many of our compositions Cordialls Antidotes and such like The manner of Administring it They are given in powder Electuary and Decoction The outward use Being boyled in Vineger or steeped therein and used it is good against Scabs and Tetters A fume thereof used killeth the birth The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull in very hot and dry bodies The Dose They are given in powder from a scruple to two scruples Of such Medicines as are made thereof Oyle of Cardamomes A confection of Cardamoms CHAP. 90. De Carduo benedicto of the blessed Thistle The Names IT is called in Latine Carduus and Carduus Benedictus in English Blessed Thistle The Temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree and also cleansing and opening The Duration It will keepe good a yeare or longer The inward use A Decoction of Carduus being taken helpeth the swimming of the head strengthneth the memory and is a good remedy against deafnesse killeth wormes provoketh urine and the courses and driveth out gravell cleanseth the Stomach and helpeth the paines of the side It is most excellent in Pestilent Feavers and all contagious Diseases for it expelleth out by sweat all noxious or ill humours It is very good in any kinde of Ague either by Decoction thereof taken or halfe a dram of the powder taken in Posset drinke before the fit cometh for divers fits if need require and sweat after it It is very availeable against all venome and poyson The distilled water is usefull for the aforesaid Diseases but the Decoction is far better The extract thereof is good against the French-pox and the Quartain-Ague The manner of Administring it It is given in Powder
being put into the Cotten wool The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull to weake braines and hot Livers for the often use thereof burneth up the blood and maketh the face pale it is counted bad for such as have fits of the Mother yet Horstius doth commend it in such fits if it be taken in a small quantity Greg. Horst Observat lib. 1. part 2. Observat 24. fol. 49 50. The Dose The Dose is from two graines to five or sixe in any convenient Liquor Of such Medicines as are made thereof Species Diamoschu dulcis amari Oleum Moschellinum Muske powder CHAP. 128. De Mumia of Mummie The Names and Temperament MVmmie is the body of a man or woman embalmed and brought chiefly from Aegypt or Syria adjoyning It is called in Latine Mumia in English Mummie It is hot and dry in the second degree The Duration It will keepe good many yeares The inward use It easeth the paine of the head coming of cold and moisture and is good in Palsie and Crampe Falling sicknesse swiming of the head it is cordiall for the heart and preventeth the danger of poison or the venome of the Scorpion and other Serpents dissolveth winde both in the Stomach spleen and bowells stayeth the Hickop and inward Bleedings or Fluxes of Bloud dissolveth the congealed Bloud of bruises by falls or otherwise and helpeth the Ulcers of the Bladder and stopping of Urine being taken in Goats Milke and is good against the Cough The manner of Administring it It is given chiefly in powder A Powder against Bruises or Falls Take Bole Armoniack or sealed Earth Dragons bloud and Mumme of each two Drams of Parmacitty a Dram Rubarbe halfe a Dram make them in powder and give halfe a Dram or more thereof The outward use It stayeth Bleeding of the Nose or the Bleeding of Wounds and is good to consolidate or close up Wounds it is used also against Cramps and Distentions of the Mouth the hardnesse and shrinking of the Sinewes and Lamenesse in the Feet through cold and wet The Dose It is given from a Dram to two Drams Of those Medicines that are made of Mumme Tincture or extract of Mumme Powder against Bruises Sympatheticall Oyntment CHAP. 129. De Nardo of Spikenard The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Nardus Indica Spica Indica and Spica Nardi in English Spicknard It is hot in the first degree and dry in the second The Duration It will keepe good many years The inward Vse It provoketh Urine and brings downe the Courses as some say other will have it to stop all Fluxes both of Men and Women and to stay the loosenesse of the Belly and thin watery humours being Drunke with cold Water it is profitable to those that have a loathing of their Meate or having swellings or gnawings at their Stomacks as also for them that are Liver-growne that have the Yellow Jandise or the Stone in the Kidneyes it dryeth up the Flux of humours both in the Head and Brest and is put into Antidotes against venome and poyson It is very convenient for the Liver and Stomack The manner of Administring it It is given in powder or in Decoction The outward use It stayeth any Flux of the Belly being applied and helpeth Watering Eyes by staying the humours and thickning it also The Decoction used as a Bath for Women to sit in or over it taketh away the inflammation of the Mother It is good to cause Haire to grow on the Eye-Lids of such as want it and dryeth up superfluous moisture in any part of the Body being strewed thereon Oyle made thereof is good for all Cold Griefes and Windinesse of the Head Stomack Liver Spleene Reines and Bladder and of the Mother The hurtfull quality It causeth vomitings and therefore is left out in many cordiall Medicines it is hurtfull for hot and dry Bodies and must not be given to Women with Childe without great caution because it procureth them much disquiet and may force their Courses beyond either their time or conveniency The Dose The Dose is from a Scruple to thirty Graines Medicines made thereof Oyle of Nardus Simple and Compound CHAP. 130. De Nigella of Gith or Nigella The Names and Temperament IT is called in Latine Melanthium and Nigella from the black colour of the Seede in English Gith Nigella and Fennell-flower The Seeds are hot and dry in the third degree The Duration The Seeds will keepe good a yeare or two The inward use The Seede drunken with Wine is a good remedy against Shortnesse of Breath expelleth Winde provoketh Urine and the Termes in Women increaseth Milke in the Breasts of Nurses killeth Wormes and is very good against poyson and the biting of venemous Beasts as also against the Quartaine and Quotian Ague if a Dram thereof be taken in Wine or Posset before the fit It is an excellent remedy where there is neede of cleansing drying and heating The manner of Administring it Is is given in powder or in Decoction The outward use It Killeth Wormes being laid to the Navell with the juyce of Wormewood Being dryed and put into Linnen or Sarfenet and so quilted in and laid to the Head it cureth Catarrhes or Rhemes dryeth the Braine and restoreth the smelling being lost It taketh away Freckles Scurfe and Hard Swellings being mixed with Vineger and applied The Smoke or Fume thereof driveth away venemous Creatures and Killeth Flies Bees and Waspes The same mingled with Oyle of Ireos and laid to the forehead cureth the Head-ach comming from cold The hurtfull quality If too much thereof be taken t is dangerous and bringeth Death The Dose The Dose is from halfe a Dram to a Dram. Medicines made thereof The distilied water Oyle thereof CHAP 131. De Nitro of Nitre The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Nitrum and Sal nitri in English Niter and Salt of Niter It is hot of temperature saith Pliny in Nat. Hist Booke 310. Chap. 10. and doth extenuate or make thin others say it is cold The duration It will keepe good many years being kept dry The inward use It is profitable in burning Feavers as also in putried and malignant Feavers in the Calenture at Sea for it resisteth putrifaction and cooleth the boyling of the blood it is usefull also in the Pleurisy inflammation of the Lungs in the Stone of the Kidneyes and Bladder in the stoppings of the Liver and Entralls It stayeth the bleeding of a Veine or of the Nose The manner of Administring it It is chiefly dissolved in some convenient Liquor and so given as if to stop bleeding give it in Plantaine water The outward Vse It is used in Lotions against the inflations of the mouth and throat in the Quinsie against the Gout and in burnings and scaldings as also against spots in the Eyes being mixed with Honey and put therein Being boyled with Wine and Pepper and the Mouth washed therewith it easeth the Tooth-ach and cleanseth the Gums The powder
roots are effectuall in decoctions for Glisters to ease paine and griping of the Belly whereby the Stone may descend out of the Kidneys or Bladder more easily boyled in Wine and applyed they helpe Impostumes of the Throat the Kings Evill and those Kernells behinde the Eares as also inflamations or swelling in womens breasts The muccilage of the roots and of Lineseede and Fenegreek put together is much used in Pultises Oyntments and Plasters that serve to mollifie and digest all hard tumours and inflamations and to ease paines in any part of the body the seeds greene or dry mixed with Vineger cleanseth the Skin of the Morphew and all other discoloring thereof what ever The roote boyled in Vineger easeth the Tooth-Ach being holden in the mouth The leaves laid to with Oyle help burnings and scaldings and are good against the bitings of men and Dogs and against the stinging of Bees and Wasps Oyntment of Marsh mallowes doth mollifie heat and moisten and is very usefull in the Plurisie in paines of the breast and side Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled Water The Muccilage Syrupe of Marsh-mallowes Oyntment of Marsh-mallowes simple and compound CHAP. 72. De Ambare griseo of Ambergrise THere are divers opinions concerning Ambergrise but the most likely and probable opinion is that it is a kinde of Butumen whose springs are in the Rocks of the Sea condensate or thickned into the forme and substance usually observed having that Oylinesse which is in it from its owne Originall and being light is carryed by the Waves of the Sea unto the shores of sundry Countries and Climats Renod. Dispens lib. 2. Sect. 1. c. 10. fol. 559. Fragos Hist Med. Ind. de gum Concret cap. 2. fol. 89. Gruling Flrorileg fol. 289. The Names It is in Latine called Ambra Ambragrisea and Ambergrysea in English Ambergrese and Ambergrise The Temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree The best kinde The best is not very white but dry and grayish more or lesse sometimes with spots or veines and sometimes without Oylie especially being pricked with a pin or needle not ponderous but light and of a good sent The black is to be rejected so is that which is very white The Duration It will keepe good many yeares being kept close The outward use It warmeth resolveth and strengthneth what way soever it be taken It comforteth the braine warmeth and resolveth the cold defluxions of humours thereon and on the nerves it doth likewise comfort and strengthen the memory revive the heart and spirits helpeth barrennesse proceeding from a cold cause It is effectuall against all weaknesse of the body and joynts helpeth weaknesse of the stomach and loathing of meat It doth most conveniently agree with aged persons and moist bodies to warme comfort and strengthen their cold decayed spirits adding rigour and lustinesse to them and is accounted helpfull to stir up Venus or Lust The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in Powder Electuary or Pills The outward use It easeth the paine of the head being dissolved in a warme morter and mixed with a little Oyntment of Orenge flowers the Temples and forehead being anoynted therewith It helpeth fits of the Mother being applyed to the place and abateth the fits of the Falling-sicknesse being often smelt to and also recreates the Heart and both Vitall and Animall spirits being held often to the Nostrills The hurtfull quality It is not safe for women to smell to it that have fits of the Mother or have weake braines nor is it good for very hot and dry Bodies The Dose The Dose is from two graines to foure or five in any convenient Liquor Of such things as are made thereof Species Diambrae Essence of Amber Poma Ambrae CHAP. 73. De Anetho of Dill. The Names IT is called in Latine Anethum and Anetum in English Dill and Anet The Temperament It is hot in the third degree and dry in the second especiall being greene but being dryed it is hot and dry in the third degree The Duration It will keepe good a yeare the seede longer The inward use The decoction of the hearbe and seeds provoketh urine expelleth winde easeth pains and swellings in the body stayeth vomiting and the Hickops extinguisheth Venery or Lust for it mightily expelleth winde and dryeth up the naturall sperme and is very effectuall in the Collick and griping paines It is accounted by most writers good to breed milke but truly I rather thinke it dryeth up the milke in womens brests The seeds are good to digest raw and viscous or tough humours in the Body If two drams of the seeds be boyled in White-wine and drunke it comforts the wombe helps the windinesse of the Mother provokes the courses and expells the afterbirth The seeds are most in use The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in Decoction A Decoction against winde in the Belly or Stomach Take Stachados Camomill flowers Rue and Melilot flowers of each halfe a handfull Aniseede Carraway-seede Fennell-seede Dill-seede and Bay-berries of each three drams Bruise the seeds and make a Decoction in foure pints or lesse boyle it to the Consumption of about halfe straine it and give thereof a good draught Morning and Evening with Sugar The outward use It stayeth the Hickocks being boyled in Wine and but smelled unto tyed in a cloth The Decoction helpeth the rising of the Mother if women sit therein or receive the fume thereof The seed being toasted or fryed and used in Oyles or Plasters dissolveth the Apostumes in the fundament and dryeth up all the moist Ulcers especially in the secret parts Oyle wherein Dill seede or Dill hath beene boyled procureth sleepe and is effectuall to warme to resolve humours and Impostumes or hard Tumors and to ease paine The hurtfull quality It dulleth the sight being often taken and extinguisheth Venery or Lust and is hurtfull for hot and dry bodies Of such things as are made thereof The distilled water Oyle of Dill seede Chymicall Oyle by insolation or infusion and setting in the Sunne CHAP. 74. De Angelica of Angelica The Names IT is called in Latine Angelica from the Angel-lick properties thereof in English also Angelica The Temperament It is hot and dry in the second or third degree The Duration It will keep pood a yeare the root and seeds will keep longer The inward use The rootes and leaves are most excellent against Poyson and Venome and against the infection of the Plague and Pestilence by defending the Heart the blood and Spirits and giveth heate and comfort to them If halfe a dram of the root in Powder be given in Carduus water and the party laid to sweat thereupon in their bed it is effectuall as aforesaid and provoketh sweat The stalkes or roots Candid and eaten fasting are good helps also in times of infection and at other times to be warme and comfort a cold stomach The decoction thereof being drunk before the fit of an Ague so that
likewise coole the Liver and blood and asswage all inflamations in the reines and bladder provoketh urine and allaieth the heate and sharpnesse thereof the same also stayeth the bloudy Flux and womens courses and helpeth the swelling of the Spleene The water of the Berries carefully distilled is good in the panting or beating of the heart and good for the overflowing of the Gall the yellow Jandâ—es The manner of Administring them The Leaves and Roots are used in Decoctions The outward Vse The juyce dropped in to foule Ulcers or they washed therewith or with the decoction of the herbe and root doth wonderfully clense them and helpe to cure them the Leaves are good to be put into Lotions that are made for soâ—â—outhes or Ulceers therin or in the privy parts or elsewhere and also to fasten loose Teeth and to heale foule gums and to stay flowing of rheume into the Mouth Throat Teeth or Eyes the juyce or water is excellent for hot and red Eyes beeing dropped therein and also for all wheales or other eruptions or hot and sharp humours into the Face or Hands or other parts of the body to bath them therewith and taketh away rednesse in the Face and spots or other deformities of the skin The hurtfull quality Strawberries are hurtfull to cold watery and flegmatick stomacks and too many eaten soon putrify in the stomach Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water or the Leaves and fruit Syrupe Spirit and Tincture of Strawberries CHAP. 108. De Glycyrrhiza of Licoris The Names IT is called in Latine Glycyrrhiza Glyzirrhiza Liquiritia and Dulcis radix in English Licoris and Licorice The temperament It is temperate in heate and moisture The Duration It will keepe good a yeare The inward Vse Licoris is good against the roughnesse and hoarsnesse of the throat and is helpefull for Ulcers in the bladder and by its moisture it quencheth thirst and is excellent for any dry cough to digest flâ—gme and to cause it to be easily spit up to helpe shortnesse of breath and all other griefes of the Breast and Lungs the Tiffick or Consumptions caused by the distillations of Salt humours on them it is good also in paines of the Raines Strangury heat of the Urine especially boyled with Maidenhaire and Figs. The juyce of Licoris is as effectuall in all the Diseases of the Breast and Lungs the Reines and bladder as the decoction The manner of Administring it It is given in powder in juyce and in Decoction The outward use The fine powder of Licoris blowne through a quill into the Eyes that have a Pin and Wed or rheumatick distillations into them doth cleanse them and help them The Dose The Dose in powder is from a scruple to two scruples Of such Medicines as are made thereof Juyce of Licoris Syrup of Licoris CHAP. 109. De Gramine of Grasse The Names IT is called in Latine Gramen in Enlish Grasse The temperament The roots are moderately colde and dry a little biting and of thin parts the herbe cold in the first degree The inward Vse The Medow Grasse and couch Grasse or quick Grasse are most in use and open obstructions or stoppings of the Liver and Gall and the stoppings of the Urine being boyled in white Wine and to ease the gripings of the Belly and inflammations and wasteth the matter of the Stone in the Bladder and the Ulcers thereof the seede doth more powerfully expell Urine and stayeth the laske and casting or vomiting The distilled water or the Decoction alone being taken killeth Wormes in Children especially if some Worme-seede be added to it The juyce of the whole plant being taken helpeth spitting of Bloud The manner of Administring it The rootes and seeds are given in Decoction The outward use The rootes bruised and applied healeth wounds that are fresh or greene and ease paines of the head as also in inflammations and defluxions of the Eyes Of those things that are made thereof The distilled water CHAP. 110. De Guajaco of Guajacum or Pockwood The Names IT is called in Latine Guajacum Lignum Indicum Lignum Sanctum and Lignumâ—vitae in English Pockwood and Indiall Pockwood The temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree and hath a cleansing faculty The Duration It will keepe good many yeares The inward use The chiefe use of this Wood is against the French Disease for it provoketh Sweate resisteth contagion and putrifaction and cleanseth the Bloud It is good also in the Dropsy Falling Sicknesse Shortnesse of breath in Catarrhes Rheumes and cold distillations of the Lungs or other parts Coughes and Consumptions the Gout and all other joyntaches and for cold flegmatick humours for the Diseases of the Bladder and Reines and for all long and lingring Diseases proceeding from cold and moist causes it openeth the stoppings of the Liver and Spleene warmes and comforts the stomack and entralls and is good in Scabs Itch c. The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in Decoction A Decoction of Lignum vitae Take of Lignum Vitae or Pock-wood a pound of the barke thereof two Ounces steepe them in twelve or fourteene Pints of spring water foure and twenty houres then boyle them to seven or eight pints straine it and give thereof a good draught morning and Evening and let the party sweate upon it If you adde two Ounces of Licoris or more and some Anisseede it will be much more pleasant to take The barke may be given in powder from half a dram to a dram The outward use The decoction thereof doth make the Teeth white and firme being washed therewith The hurtfull quality It must not be used in hot and dry Bodies too frequently Of such Medicines as are made thereof Extract Chymicall Oyle Spirit and Salt of Guajacum CHAP. 111. De Hedera of Ivy. The Names IT is called in Latine Hedera and Hedera arborea in English Ivy. The temperament Ivy is of diverse qualities some sharpe and hot and some moist others cold dry and astringent The inward Vse A dram of the flowers drunke twice a day in red VVine helpeth the Laske and bloody Flix The yellow berries are good against the Jandise and to keepe from Drunkennesse and helpeth those that spit bloud the white berries being taken killeth wormes The juyce of the root is good to be taken against the biting of the Phalangium or deadly Spider the berries are held by many to be good against the Plague or Pestilence being made in powder and taken in wine they being taken in wine doe helpe to break the Stone provoke Urine and VVomens courses and brings away the birth and afterbirth The manner of Administring it The berries and flowers are given in decoction or in powder The outward Vse A Bath made of the Leaves and Berries doth bring down the Courses and bring away the dead birth and afterbirth being set in or a Pessary made and used doth the like but this must be done onely upon necessity