Galanga 2. The lesser Galanga The Form The Greater groweth to be two cubits high having Leaves folding about the Stalke being somwhat long and narrow at the lower end and pointed at the end somwhat like a Speares head of a sad greene colour on the upper side and paler underneath The flower is white but without any scent the seed is small and neglected the root is somwhat great at the head like a reed and hath beene thought by some to be a kind of Iris being of a blackish colour on the outside and whitish within The lesser ariseth not above a foot high having Leaves like the Mirtle the root is small and bunched firme and somwhat tough red both within and without and smelleth a little sweet or aromaticall The Places and Times The first groweth in Java and Malaber being Countryes of the East-Indies The other in China concerning the time I find not any Author that maketh mention The Temperature Galanga is hot and dry in the second or third degree The Vertues and Signature This Galanga is also set down by the aforementioned Crollins to have the Signature of the Stomack and from thence it hath beene found to be exceeding profitable in all cold diseases of the Stomack by helping its concoction and expelling Wind and Crudities from it and strengthening it if it be boiled in Wine and taken Morning and Evening It doth also very much comfort and strengthen a moyst bram helps the Vertigo or swimming of the Head and avails against the palpitation or beating of the Heart and is very useful in the gnawing of the stomack and easeth the Cholick which proceedeth of Wind and in the Diseases of the Mother and stopping of the Urine and hath a speedy operation to cleanse the passages thereof from slimy flegm and stones gathered therein or in the passages at the neck of the Yard and also to wast and consume any fleshy excrescence in the neck of the Bladder or Yard Besides it not only provoketh to Venery but helpeth Conception so that there cannot be a better thing for those which desire to supply their want of Children for it is profitable for them that have cold Reins and excellent for them that have cold and windy distempers of the Womb. Being boyled in Wine and so taken it helpeth a stinking breath and dissolveth the hardness of the Spleen There be also to be had at the Apothecaries Shops both a Powder and Electuary whose chief Ingredient is Galingall both which prevail against Wind sower belchings and indigestion grosse humors and cold Diseases of the Stomach and Liver You may take half a dram of the powder at a time or two of the Electuary in the morning fasting or an houre before meat If Galingall be drunk with the water or Juyce of Plantane it stoppeth the Bloody-Flux and strengtheneth nature comforteth the Brain and helpeth the trembling of the Heart Both the sorts above-mentioned may be used to good purpose in Meats as well as Medicines but the lesser is both of more use and of greater effect and indeed is to be used only in all the Compositions wherein Galanga is appointed yet when the one is not to be had the other may be and is used The best is full of small holes CHAP. CLXIII Of Cardamomes The Names THey are called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cardamomum in imitation of the Greeks who gave it that denomination from the likeness of it to Amomum and the vertues thereof it being very profitable for that Disease of the Stomack which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the affinity that the veins belonging to the mouth of the stomack have with the heart and because being slit in two it represents the form of the Heart In Shops Grana Paradisi In English Cardamomes after the Greeks but commonly Grains or Grains of Paradise The Kinds Whosoever shall observe the Cuts in Gerard may collect from thence that there are five sorts of Cardamomes 1. The greater Cardamomes of the Arabians 2. The greater Cardamomes of the Shops 3. The middle sort of Cardamomes 4. The lesser Cardamomes 5. The least Cardamomes The Form Cardamomes grow by the report of the learned upon an Herby Plant of the height of one Cubit not unlike in substance to the Herb that beareth Ginger whereupon doth grow a great Cod or Husk in shape like a Fig when it groweth upon the Tree but of a russet colour thrust full of small Seeds or Grains of a dark reddish colour as may be plainly seen when it is divided and of a very hot tast The Places and Time They grow in all the East-Indies from the Port of Calecute unto Cananor it groweth in Malavar in Joa and divers other places They spring up in May being sowen of Seed and bring their fruit to ripeness in September The Temperature Cardamomes are hot and dry in the third Degree having in them an astringent faculty The Vertues The Seeds called Cardamomes or Grains of Paradise are generally received to be of admirable efficacy for that distemper of the stomack called the Cardiack passion in which it is very prevalent and indeed the Cods wherein the Seed is contained have some similitude with the stomack It is also very useful when the stomack is not able to perform the Office of digestion or when the appetite hath any need of provocation and likewise for the suppressing of vomiting when either of them proceed of a cold cause if so be it be only chewed in the mouth and so it draweth forth watery and flegmatick humours both from the Head and Stomack It is in like manner profitable against the Falling-sickness the Sciatica the Cough resolutions of the Sinews Ruptures pains of the Belly killing of Worms and provoking Urine being drunk with Sack and so it not only comforteth and warmeth the weak cold and feeble stomack but helpeth the Ague and riddeth the shaking fits A dram of Cardamome-Seed drunk in Wine with as much Bark of Laurel breaketh the Stone and being mixed with Ale wherein Time and Parsley have been boyled and then strained it is a good remedy for the Chollick It is a good Spice for Women that are troubled with any grief particularly belonging to that Sex It provoketh Urine when it is stopped or passeth with pain resisteth poyson and the sting of Scorpions and other venomous Creatures It expelleth Wind powerfully from other entralls as well as the stomack easeth those that by falls or beatings are bruised and broken and those that are tormented with the Sciatica or Hip-Gout and being boyled in Vinegar or sleeped therein and used it is good against Scabs and Tetters The Powder of it put into the nose comforteth the feeble brain or if it be put with the Oyl of Musk in an Egge-shell till it boyl and then anointed therewith It is said by some to be the chief of all Seeds CHAP. CLXIV Of Pepper The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
may not want moisture for if either of these be wanting they thrive not but both of them concurring they will flourish in June and July and the fruit will be ripe in the end of August but they are gathered to eat before the rinds grow to be wooddy The Temperature All these sorts of Gourds however different in form yet are of one quality that is cold and moist in the second degree The Vertues If either the juyce of the leaves or young branches of any of those Gourds or the distilled water of them be applyed in cloaths and spunges wet therein to Womens breasts pained with the abundance of milk it easeth them by cooling and restraining the hot quality and quantity thereof Wine that is kept in a fresh Gourd all night before it hath been cleansed from the loose inward pulpe and seed and drunk in the morning will cause the body to be soluble They are conveniently given to hot and cholerick bodies to cool the heat and inflammation of the Liver and stomach but the distilled water of them before they are through ripe drunk with Sugar doth wonderfully help to asswage thirst and the hot fits of Agues For want of a Still to make the water you may take this course Cut off the upper head of the Gourd and having cleansed it from the seed put it into an Oven with a batch of bread in the middle thereof there will be gathered a fine clear water which being poured out may be kept to use as need requireth The leaves and young branches are also conueniently applyed to all hot Humours Imposthumes and Inflammations and to asswage the pains of the head the rednesse and heat in the eyes the pains in the ears and the paines of the Gout if either the juyce of them or the water be applyed in cloaths wet therein The said water or Juyce being drunk or applyed outwardly to the privy Members of Man or Woman restraineth the immoderate Lust of the Body The Ashes of burnt Gourds are used of many to cleanse and heal old ulcers and sores as well in the Genitories as other patts of the body and to help scaldings or burnings by fire or water they are accounted as good for macilent lean and weak bodies to feed on as they are hurtful to such as have the wind cholick to whom they are not to be given at any hand The feeds of Gourds are one of the four greater sorts of cold seeds used very much in Physick and are very available in Decoctions Juleps Emulsions or Almond milk to cool the heat of the Liver the Reins or back and urine and to give much ease to them that are troubled with the Stone or Gravel in the Kidneys and the ulcers or sores of the inward parts and bladder The whole Gourds are eaten in hot countries with much delight kept and preserved with great care art and pains to be spent almost all the year after and have there a far more sweet and pleasant rellish then in these colder Climates where being more waterish they are more insipid they are eaten boyled or stewed but much better being fryed whereby they give the better nourishment to the body for by their moisture being boyled or stewed they are the more Lubrick or slippery and make the body more soluble as they do being pickled up as oftentimes they are beyond the Seas yet with Us the fruit is seldom eaten any of these waies by reason of its very waterish tast unlesse it be that of the Simnel Gourd which being of a firmer Substance if it be well dressed is an acceptable meat and is no lesse effectual in medicine The Indian sorts are somewhat more waterish others more solid and accordingly are more or lesse fit for meat or medicine Citruls or Turkey Millions are of the same Temperature as the Gourd and the seeds are used as Gourds Millions and Cucumbers to cool the heat of the fits of Agues c. CHAP. C. Of Basil The Names SOme will have the Greek name of this plant to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quia citò crescit from the speedy springing of the seed which is usually within three or four daies if it be an hot and dry time for much rain turneth it into a gelly as may be seen if observed as they say Others will have it derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth to smel or give a savour and to be writ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ozymum of the sweet smell thereof It is written by most Latine Authours Ocimum not Ocymum which some will have to be that kind of grain called Fagopyrum or Fragopyrum in English Buckwheat others be a medly kind or corn pulse sowen together It is called by later Greek Writers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Basilicum because the smell thereof being so excellent is fit for a Kings house It is called in English Basil Garden Basil the great Basil Royal the lesser Basil Gentle and Bush Basil and of some Basilicum Gariophyllatum Clove Basil The Kindes There are nine sorts of Basil 1. The greater Garden Basil 2. The middle Garden Basil 3. The lesser garden Basil 4. The greatest Citron Basil 5. The great Clove Basil 6. Anniseed Basil 7. Indian Basil 8. Curled Basil 9. Smal dented Basil The Forme The greater ordinary Basil riseth up usually but with one upright stalk diversly branching forth on all sides whereon are set two Leaves at every Joynt which are somewhat broad and round yet a little pointed of a pale green colour but fresh a little snipt about the edges and of a strong heady scent somewhat like a Pomcitron as many have compared it and therefore call it Citratum the flowers are small and white standing at the tops of the branches with two small leaves at the joynt in some places green in others brown after which cometh the black seed the root perisheth at the first approach of Winter Weather and is to be new sowen every year by them that desire it The Places and Time These plants grow only in Gardens with Us as also in Italy other places where they are cherished the natural being not known only the Indian and curled Basil are said to come first from the West Indies into Spain and from thence into other places Most of them do flower in the heat of Summer and some of them afterwards The Temperature Basil as Galen saith is hot in the second Degree but it hath a superfluous moisture adjoyned with it so that he guesseth it not so fit to be taken inwardly but outwardly applyed he saith it is good to digest or distribute and to concoct The Vertues Notwithstanding the superfluous moisture of Basil the same Galen saith also that it being corrected with oyl and Vinegar it was eaten by many in his time and thus it may be eaten by Women to dry up their milk or if upon tryal they find any inconveniency of taking it this way it may be applyed to the
it hardly giveth any good Seed although the two former do plentifully The Temperature Baulm is hot and dry in the second degree having also a purging quality therein with some tenuity of parts The Signature and Vertues The Leaves of this Herb have also the Signature of the Heart and accordingly it is very much commended for the passions of the heart For Serapio saith it is the property of Baulm to cause the mind and the heart to become merry to revive the fainting heart falling into Swoonings to strengthen the weakness of the Spirits and Heart and to comfort them especially such who are troubled in their sleep to drive away all troublesome cares and thoughts out of the mind whether those passions arise from melancholy or burnt flegme which Avicen also confirmeth It is good for a cold stomach to help digestion and to open the obstruction of the Brain as also among other things for the Plague the water thereof but especially the Conserve of the Flowers being used It provoketh Womens Courses helpeth a stinking breath and is good for the rising of the Mother A Decoction of Baulm made in Wine and drunk is good against Venom and Poyson helpeth the griping pains of the Belly and is good for them that cannot take their breath unless they hold their necks upright being taken in a Lohock oâ— licking Electuary The Syrup of Baulm is likewise a good Cordiall and strengtheneth the heart and stomach resisteth Melancholy and is very profitable in burning and contagious Feavers A Cawdle made with the juyce hereof while it is young together with Eggs and some rose-Rose-water and Sugar put thereto is often given to Women in Child-bed when the After-birth is not throughly avoided and for their faintings upon or after their sore Travels The Herb bruised and boyled in a little Wine and Oyl and laid warm on a Boyl will ripen and break it used with Salt it taketh away Wens Kernels or hard swellings in the flesh or Throat it cleanseth foul Sores and easeth the pains of the Gout The juyce thereof used with a little Honey is a good remedy for the dimness of the sight and to take away the mistiness of the Eyes It is used in Bathes amongst other warm Herbs to comfort the Joynts and Sinews It is a good remedy against the sting of Scorpions or other venomous Creatures and against the stinging of Bees as also against the bitings of Dogs The Decoction thereof is good for Women to bathe or sit in to procure their Courses and for those that have the bloody Flux as also to wash the Teeth therewith when they are full of pain It is very often put into Oyls or Salves to heal green Wounds It is very necessary for those that keep Bees to have this Herb planted near them both to have their Hives rubbed therewith which will not only keep them together but draw others for they love very much to suck and feed upon it as its name importeth CHAP. CXXV Of Marigolds The Names IT is not certainly known by what name the Greeks called this Plant. Some think it to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but I think that name doth more properly belong to the Corn Marigold the Flower of that comming nearer to a golden colour then that of the Garden though there be some of the Garden that are near that colour also It is called in Latine Calendula because it hath been observed to flower most about the Calends of every moneth and it is so called of the Shops also Of some Caltha and Caltha Poetarum whereof Columella and Virgil do write It is thought to be Gromphena Plinii In English Marigolds and Ruds The Kinds There be near upon twenty sorts of Marigolds yet I shall trouble you with no more then ten at this time 1. The greatest double Marigold 2. The greater double Marigold 3. The smaller double Marigold 4. The double Globe-Marigold 5. The straw-coloured double Marigold 6. The single Marigold 7. The fruitful Marigold 8. Jack an Apes on Horse-back 9. Mountain Marigold 10. The wild Marigold The Form The greatest double Marigold hath many large fat broad Leaves springing immediately from a fibrous or threddy Root the upper side of the Leaves are of a deep green and the lower side of more light or shining green among which rise up stalks somewhat hairy and also somewhat joynted and full of a spongious pith The Flowers growing on the top are beautiful round very large and double something sweet with a certain strong smell of a light Saffron colour or like pure Gold from the which follow a number of long crooked Seeds especially the outmost or those that stand about the edges of the Flower which being sowen commonly bring forth single Flowers whereas contrariwise those Seeds in the middle are lesser and for the most part bring forth such Flowers as that was from whence it was taken The Places and Times All the Sorts afore-named are Inhabitants of the Garden except the two last whose naturall places of being may be discovered by their Titles They flower from April even unto Winter and in Winter also if it be warm and therefore some have called it Flos omnium mensium supposing it to flower throughout every moneth in the year The Temperature The Flower of the Marigold is of temperature hot almost in the second Degree especially when it is dryed The Vertues and Signature The Flowers of Marigolds comfort and strengthen the Heart exceedingly provoke sweat and Womens Courses and expell the After-birth withstand poyson and Venery are good in pestilent and contagious Feavers as also in the Jaundise and are very expuâ—sive and little lesse effectuall in the small Pox and Meazles then Saffron The Conserve made of the Flowers taken morning and evening helpeth the trembling of the heart and is very useful in the time of Pestilence when the Air is corrupted The Flowers either green or dryed are used much in Possets Broths and Drinks as a comforter of the Heart and Spirits and to expell any Malignant or Pestilentiall quality that might annoy them especially amongst the Dutch where they are sold by the penny The Juyce helpeth the Tooth-ach the pained Tooth being washed therewith and if Warts be rubbed therewith it taketh them away The said juyce mixed with Vinegar and any hot swelling bathed with it instantly giveth ease and asswageth it A Plaister made of the dry Flower in Powder Hogs-grease Turpentine and Rosin and applyed to the Breast strengthens and succours the Heart infinitely in Feavers whether Pestilentiall or not Pestilentiall A fume of the Decoction used hot helpeth to expell the Secondine or After-birth The juyce dropped into the Ears killeth Worms The diâ—iâ—led water is good for many of the purposes aforesaid and also helpeth red and watery Eyes being washed therewith which it doth by Signature as Crollius saith CHAP. CXXVI Of Swallow-wort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ab Aesculapio from Aesculapius that
face from freckles Morphew or other Spots CHAP. CXXXI Of Scordium or Water Germander The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Scordâ—um from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is Allium Garlick because the smell of it is something like unto the smell of Garlick as Authours report which I never perceived though I have gathered it oftentimes It is also called Frixago Palustris Water or Marsh-Germander both of the likenesse thereof to Germander called Frixago and for the growing thereof in Marshes c. Some also call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the strong scent being so unpleasant to the Senses Pliny saith that Crateras did ascribe one of the sorts hereof unto Mithridates and called it Mithridation and it may be from hence as well as from Garlick that it was called Poor-Mens-Treacle and by our Country-people English-Treacle The Kinds Parkinson joyneth together in the same Chapter for affinity in name or smell these six following 1. Scordium or Water-Germander 2. Wood-Sage which is called in Latine Scorodania sive Scordium alterum quibusdam Salvia agrestis 3. The first Garlick Germander of Pliny 4. Another Garlick Germander of Pliny 5. Sawse-alone or Jack by the Hâ—dge 6. The Germander-like Herb of Naples The Form Water-Germander from a small Root full of white strings spreading in the ground and creeping or running about also shooteth forth divers weak square hairy Branches which take root in divers places as they lie and â—pread whereby it increaseth much whereon do grow many Leaves two alwayes at a joynt which are not altogether so large and long as the Garden-Germander Leaves of a saddish or darkish green colour whereon there is also a shew of hairneâ—s and hoariness somewhat soft in handling full of veins and dented about the edges The Flowers are small red and gaping standing at the Joynts with the Leaves towards the top of the branches Whether it perfect its Seed hath not been yet observed but it is thought it doth not but is propagated by its branches The Places and Time The first groweth in many wet grounds and by water sides in many places of England as upon Botley Cawsey presently after you are over the stream that goeth to Osney milles not very farr from Reuley which is the place Mr. Gerard mentions but on the other side the water Dioscorides saith it groweth on Hills also which it is like enough to do for it wiâ—l abide well if it be transplanted into Gardens where I have seen it often grow as in the Physick Garden at Oxon in the School-house Garden at Adderbury in Oxfordshire where I my self planted it and in the Garden of my worthy friend Mr. Solomeau at his house at East-Sheen in Surray The Second groweth in woods and by wood sides as also in divers fields and by-lanes in divers places with us The Third and Fourth in Candy The fifth groweth under walls and by hedge sides and path wayes in fields and town-sides in moist places The Last on the Hill Capoclari in Naples as Columna saith They do flower in June July and August soâ—ewhat before which time the most usuall manner is to gather the Scordium and dry it to keep The Temperature Water Germander is hot and dry it hath a certain bitter tast harsh and sharp as Galen witnesseth and every one may perceive it that tasteth it though I suppose our English kind is not so like in scent unto Garlick as that of the Ancients Wood-Sage is hot and dry in the Second degree The Vertues Whosoever doth but understand that Scordium oâ— water Germander is the Basâ—â— of that raâ—e Composition called Diascordium and know but the vertue thereof will be sufficiently convinced that this plant is not unfitly appropriated to the heart for it is of excellent use for the comforting and strengthning of that part especially in such Feavers as are accompanied with want of sleep It doth also provoke the Termes hastens womens Labours helpes their usuall sicknesse in their lying in it stops fluxes strengthens the stomack neither is so hot but it may be safely given to weake people Ten graines of a Scruple at a time and a dram or more to them that are stronger The decoction of the Herb onely in wine being either green or dry is good against the biting of all venemous Beasts and Serpents and all other deadly poysons and also against all groaning paines of the stomack and paines of the sides that come either of cold or obstructions and for the bloody flix also made into an Electuary with Cresses Rosin and Honey it is available against an old Cough and to help to expectorate rotten phlegme out of the Chest and Lungs as also to help them that are bursten and troubled with the Cramp It is a speciall Ingredient also in Mithridate and Treacle as a Counterpoyson against all poysons and infections either of the Plague or Pestilentiall or other Epidemicall diseases as the small-pox Measells faint spots or purples and besides it is often given and with good successe before the fits of Agues to divert or hinder the accesse and thereby to drive them away It is a most certain and known common remedy to kill the worms either in the stomack or belly to take a little of the juyce thereof or the powder in drink fasting The decoction of the dryed herb with two or three roots of Tormentill sliced and given to those that are troubled with the blooddy flix is a safe and sure remedy for them The juyce of the Herb alone or a Syrup made thereof is profitable for many of the aforenamed griefes The dryed herb being used with a little Honey cleanseth foul Ulcers and bringeth them to Cicatrizing as also closeth fresh wounds the dryed Herb made into a Cerate or pultis and applyed to excrescences in the flesh as Wens and such like helpeth both to constraine the matter from further breeding of them as also to discusse and disperse them being grown It being used also with Vinegar or water and applyed to the Gout easeth the paines thereof The green Herb bruised and laid or bound to any wound healeth it be it never so great The decoction of Wood-Sage is good to be given to those whose Urine is stayed for it provoketh it and Womens courses also It is thought to be good against the French-pox because the decoction thereof doth provoke sweat digest humors and dissolve swelling and Nodes in the flesh The decoction of the Herb rather green then dry made with wine and taken is accounted a safe and sure remedy for those who by falles bruises or bearings doubt some veine to be inwardly broken to disperse and avoid the congealed blood and to consolidate the vein and is also good for such as are inwardly or outwardly bursten the drink used inwardly and the herb applyed outwardly The same also and in the same manner used is found to be a sure remedy for the Palsy The juyce of the Herb
The water distilled from the greater Valerian both Herb root in the month of May is Singular good to be taken fasting for all the purposes aforesaid and a good and safe Medicine in time of the Plague it killeth also the wormes in the belly is singular good to wash either green wounds or old Vlcers It is of a great esteem in the Northern parts where they never make any pottage or broath for any one that is sick but they put some of this Herb therein be the disease what it will and is called of them The Poor Mans Remedy the decoction of the root being drunk when by taking cold after sweating or over-heating of their bodies they be troubled with the Collick or Wind or are otherwise wayes distempered The Roots being dryed and laid among Cloaths give a good smell unto them and the Extraction thereof is a Singular remedy against the yellow Jaundice and Stoppings of the Liver Spleen and Womb. Wild Valerian is thought of the latter Herbarists to be good for them that are bursten for such as are troubled with Cramps or other Convulsions and for all those that are bruised with Falls The Leaves of these and also those of the Garden are good against the Ulcers and soreness of the Mouth and Gums if the decoction thereof be gâ—â—garized or held in the mouth Some are of opinion that the Roots of wild Valerian dryed and powdered and a dram thereof taken with Wine doth purge upward and downward The Greek Valerian is much used to be put in Salves for green wounds and being but bruised and applyed it healeth them CHAP. CXLVI Of Stitch-wort The Names SOme take it to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Dioscorides that is Tota Ossea in Latine and All-Bony in English so called as is supposed by Antiphrasis because it is an Herb with very tender stalks somewhat like unto Chick-weed Others doubt whether this be that Hâ—lostium or no because Dioscorides saith his is sharp and this is not which may be caused from their growing in different Climates Tragus calleth it Eufrasia gramen and Leonicerus Eufrasia major Fuschius Dodonaeus and others Gramen Leucanthemum which is its usuall Latine name so called from the pretty white Flowers it beareth It is called in English Stitch-wort for its property in helping Stitches and pains in the sides The Kinds There are two principall sorts of Stitch-wort a greater and a lesser or an earlier and a later in each whereof there be also some diversities both in respect of bigness of the Herb and Flower and also in respect of the colour of the Flower The Form The greater Stitch-wort hath sundry round slender stalks rising from the Root scarce able to sustain themselves but by the help of the hedges or other things that grow near it with two small long hard rough and pointed Leaves at each of them at the tops whereof stand many small Flowers composed of white Leaves standing like a Starre with some white threds in the middle the Root runneth or creepeth in the ground all about with many small Fibres thereat The Places and Time The first sort groweth more usually under hedges and under dry banks of ditches or the like and flowreth a moneth earlier then the other that is in April the other is more common in the Corn-fields and else-where in the more open and Champion grounds and flowreth not untill May or June The Temperature Stitch-wort is supposed to be hot and dry in the first or second degree The Vertues This Herb is said to be of wonderful efficacy to help stitches in the sides if the powder thereof be drunk in White-wine especially if some of the Powder of Acorns be added thereunto Being boyled in Wine it breaketh the Stone and is good against the hardness of the Spleen and Obstructions of the Liver and Gall it cleanseth the Reins Bladder and Passages of Urine The Seed doth vehemently purge by Urine and stoppeth vomiting It is much commended of some to clear the Eyes of dimness or Films that begin to grow over the sight to drop some of the juyce into them Dioscorides saith of his Holosteum which many suppose as I said to be our Stitch-wort that if a Woman drink the Seed of it three dayes fasting after that she hath had her naturall Courses and that she happen to conceive within forty dayes after it shall be a Man-Child The truth hereof I dare not be so bold as to affirm If it be of force to cure stitches as the name imports and Authours generally write thereof I have my purpose It is said also that it healeth wounds and that it is used with other simples conducing to the like effect for the Dropsie CHAP. CLXVII Of Flax. The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Linum both which signifie as well the Herb as it groweth as the same prepared to be spun and when it is made into Cloth also And its Linnen is so called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because the finest substantiall Cloth is made thereof It was formerly used to make Sailes for Ships but now we make Hemp serve for that reserving this for better uses and therefore said to be the thing that joyned the most remote Regions together It is called in English Flâ—x and Line The Kinds Clusius and others make mention of eleven several sorts of Flaxes 1. Manured Flax. 2. The more common wild Flax. 3. Broad-leafed blew wild Flax. 4. Broad leafed yellow flowred Flax. 5. Narrow leafed wild Flax with either white or blew Flowers 6. Narrow leafed wild Flax with small Flowers 7. Narrow leafed wild Flax with yellow Flowers 8. Ever-living wild Flax. 9. The yellow shrub Flax of Candy 10. Chamalinum that is Dwarf wild Flax with white Flowers or Mill-Mountain 11. Dwaf wild Flax with Starre-like Flowers The Form The manured Flax hath a slender round pliant Stalk about three foot high besâ—t with narrow long and soft Leaves without Order branched at the top into three or four small Branches each of them bearing two or three fair blew Flowers made of five pointed Leaves a peece with some threds in the middle after which come found Buttons pointed above wherein is contained flat shining smooth brown Seed the Root is small and threddy perishing every year The Places and Time The first is sowen in divers places of this Land as well as in most Countries beyond the Seas It prospereth best in a fat and fruitful Soyle and in moyst places especially yet if it be sowne thick in a lean ground it will be the finer though not yielding so much neverthelesse it is said to burn up the ground and make it barren and of this Opinion was Virgil which he testifieth in these words Vrit Lini Campum Seges The time of sowing is the Spring of flowring June and July of gathering about Bartholomewtide after which time it is steeped in water where the Sun commeth till it will peele and then
therefore saith Crollius that excellent Author in his book of Signatures the juice of Elder and the Distilled-Water of Jews-Ears which I have treated of in the seaventy eight Chap â— of this worke upon another occasion though they never grow but upon the Elder-Tree are profitable in the Dropsy which is a Disease for the most part Caused by Coldnesse of the Liver because the Blood-making Faculty being vitiated and corrupted many watery humours fall into the Abdomen or belly between the skin and the flesh for the removing of which Elder is of great Vertue For not only the juice and Water of Jews-Earsâ— but that of the Flowers as also the berries green or dry are often given with good successe to helpe the Dropsy by evacuating great plenty of waterish Humours the barke of the Root also boyled in Wine or the juice or distilled water thereof two Ounces being taken fasting and two houres before Supper worketh the same effect yea more readily then any of the former the juice of the root taken provoketh Vomit mightily and purgeth the Watery humours of the Dropsy but not without trouble to the Stomack The yellow middle or if you will the undermost barke is commended by its Signature for the Yellow Iaunndise by the said Crollius which must therefore be sleeped in Wine with one or two Jewes-Eares of which strained drink a good Draught morning and evening The distilled Water thereof or a Syrup made of its juice may be used to the same purpose For besides that they Open the Belly and Evacuate hurtfull humors the Medicines prepared of this Bark have great Vertue to open all Obstructions Six drops of the Spirit of Elder-salt taken in broth is commended in the Scurvy The decoction of the Root in Wine cureth the Biting of Venemous beasts as also of a mad Dogge and mollifyeth the hardnesse of the Mother if Women sit therein and openeth the Veines and bringeth down the Courses the berries boiled in Wine perform the same effects the Haire of the Head or of any other part washed therewith is made black The juice of the green Leaves applyed to the inflammation of the Eyes asswageth them and the Leaves boiled till they be tender then mixed and beaten with Barly meale asswageth inflammations â—n any other part helpeth places that are burnt with fire or scalded with Water cureth fistulous Ulcers being laid thereupon and easeth the paines of the Gout being beaten and boiled with the tallow of a Bull or Goat and â—â—id warme thereto The Powder of the seeds first prepared in Vinegar and then taken in Wine halfe a dramme at a time for certaine dayes together is a meane to abate and consume the flesh of a corpulent body and to keep it lean Should I give you all the Vertues of Elder at large I should much exceed the usuall Limits of a Chapter and therefore I shall only give you a Breviat of them and referre you to that learned peece of Dr. Martâ—n Blockwich called the Anatomy of Elder where you may satisfy your selfe perfectly of every particular There is hardly a Disease from the Head to the Foot but it cures for besides the Vertues I have allready mentioned it is profitable for the Head-ach for Ravings and Wakings Hypocondriack Mellancholy the Falling-sicknesse the Apoâ—â—exy and Palsy 〈…〉 rrius Toâ—â—h-ach Deafenesse want of smelling Blemishes of the 〈◊〉 and Head Diseases of the mouth and Throat the infirmities of the Lungs Hâ—â—sting and Hearsenesse the Pleurify and Ptisick Womens brests being sore swooning and P 〈…〉 esse in Feavours the Plague Pox Measles Diseases of the Stomack the VVormes and other Diseases of the Gutts the Hemorrhoides the Stone Diseases of the Matrix c Neither is there any part about this Tree without its use The Leaves Berries Seeds Root and Barkes I have allready spoken of Of the flowers are made conserves a Syrup and Hony Water and Spirits Vinegar and Oxy 〈…〉 a Wine Oyle c The young shoots boiled like Asparageâ— and the young Leaves and Stalkes boiled in fat broth draweth forth mightily Choler and tough Phlegme and so do the tender Leaves eaten with Oyle and Salt The VVood serveth to make Skewets for Butchers and divers other things The Pith in the middle of the Stalkes being dryed and put into the holes of hollow and fistulous Ulcers that are ready to close openeth and dilateth the Orifices whereby injections may be use and other remedies applyed for the cure of them and may be used to keep open Issues insteed of a Pease It is said that if a Horse that cannot stale be strucken gently with a Stick hereof and some of the Leaves be bound under his Belly it will make him stale quickly It is said also that if a branch hereof be put into the trench where a Mole is it will either drive him forth or kill him there The Mountaine or Red-berried 〈◊〉 hath the properties that the common Elder hath but much weaker The Marsh Elder is of the like purging quality with the common sort especially the beâ—â—ies or juice of them The Danewort is not only more powerfull then the Elder for all the forementioned purposes but hath particular Vertues that are not in the other or at least are nothing so prevalent The juice of the root of Danewort applyed to the Throat healeth the Quinsy or Kings-Evill the Fundament likewise is stayed from falling down if the juice thereof be put therein The Powder of the Seedes taken in the Decoction of Ground-Pine with a little Cinamon to the quantity of a dram at a time is an approved remedy both for the Gout Joynt-Aches and Sciatica and also for the French disease for it easeth the paines by withdrawing the humors from the places affected and by drawing forth those humors that are fluent peccant and offensive and so doth the Powder of the Root used as aforesaid Wine wherein the root hath been steeped a night seldome faileth to drive away an Ague at the second taking An Oyntment made in May with the Leaves hereof May-butter is highly esteemed by many as a soveraigne remedy for all outward paines Aches and Cramps in the Joynts Nerves or Sinewes for starcknesse and Lamenesse coming by cold or any other Casualty and generally to warme comfort and strengthen all the outward parts being ill affected as also to mollify the hardnesse and to open the obstructions of the Spleene the greived parts being annointed therewith CHAP. CLXXXX Of Soldanella The Names NOtwithstanding the dissimilitude that this Plant hath with any of the Cole-worts yet it is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Dioscorides and others whom the Latines following have called Brassica marina not without great oversight in both Neither are some of our English Writers to be excused who follow their Authors to the very heeles and call it Sea Cole-wort But some Latine Authors considering the unreasonablenesse of the former name have called it Soldana Soldanella à consolidando and
gently till about half the Water be consumed strain it and give about four ounces thereof in bed for divers mornings together if need be The said Decoction is also profitable in Agues whether quotidian or intermittent or pestilential Feavers and also Hecticks and Consumptions to rectifie the evil disposition of the Liver the inveterate paines in the Head and Stomack which it also strengtheneth to dry up Rheumes to help the Jaundise and Ruptures in Children or others by drying up the humours which is the cause thereof The Palsie also may be cured by it and so may the diseases of the Joynts as the Gout Sciatica and the Nodes also or hard bunches that sometimes grow upon the Joynts It is useful also in the ulcers of the Yard Scabs Leprosie Scirrous and watry Tumors and is good in all cold and melancholy griefes but especially in the Dropsie and Greene Sicknesse Some say it provokes Lust which is very likely but it is not to be used in hot and dry bodyes for to such it is very hurtfull It is also sliced into thin pieces and boyled in broth being bound up together with a Chicken in a Linnen cloath The dose to be put therein is from two drammes to four drammes CHAP. CCCXXIX Of Prickly Bindweed and Sarsa parilla The Names Iâ—t is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Smilax aspera to distinguish it from the other sorts of Smilax of which there be four besides this viz. two Trees and two Herbs the first of the two Trees is Smilax Arcadum a soft Oake the other is Smilax simply and by that is meant the Yâ—w-tree the first of the two Herbs is Smilax lavis smooth Bindweed the other is Smilax hortensis the French or Kidney Beane Gaza in his translation of Theophrastus calleth it Hedera Cilicia because the Leaves thereof are somewhat like Ivy and the Hetruscians call it Hedera spinâ—sa because of its prickles the Spaniards call it Zarsa parilla or Sarsa parilla which signifieth a small or little Vine whereunto it is like and therefore when they saw the like in Peru they called it by the same name so that it is generally so termed at this day in most Languages yet some write it Sarca parillia The Kindes Three sorts of prickly Bindweed desire a room in this place 1. Prickly Bindweed with red Berries 2. Prickly Bindweed with black Berries 3. Sarsa parilla or the prickly Bindweed of Peru which is the most useful and therefore I shall describe it as well as I can The Forme Sarsa parilla or the prickly Bindweed of Peru springeth up with many branches winding themselves about the poles that are stuck in the ground about them for to climb on having some tender pricks like thorns growing on them especially at the joynts it hath divers very green Leaves like unto Bindweed but longer and cornered like Ivy leaves the Flowers are great and white every one as big as a middle sized dish which opening in the morning doth sade at night from whence the Spaniards are said to call it Buenas Noches that is good night Clusius saith that he had a small branch with three heads of seed thereon the largest that ever he saw of that kinde for it had five leaves a piece every one almost an inch broad and long which seemed to be the cup of the Flower and Fruit every head which was three-square and skinny had within three round Seeds as big as great Pease of a smoaky or brownish colour The Root like that of Smilax aspera is down right and full of joynts or knots from which shoot other roots or strings which in the Indies grow to be great and long The Places and Time The two first grow in Italy Spain and other the warmer Countreys throughout Europe and Asia but the third is found onely in the Western Indies as Peru Virginia and divers other places the goodness or badness whereof is caused from the fertility or barrennesse of the ground whereon it grows so that the Honduras being very fertile bringeth forth the best They flower and fructifie timely enough in the warmer Climats but in ours they soon perish if there be not a care to keep them from the Frost and cold in Winter but where a convenient place is provided to set them in they will continue as I have seen the true Sarsa parilla if I mistake not in the Garden house of the Lord Laâ—bert at Wimbleton growing in a poâ— The Temperature Sarsa parilla is hot and dry in the first or second degree of thin parts and provoketh sweat The Vertues The Decoction of Sarsa parilla or the prickly Bindweed of Peru is of great force to cure those that are troubled with the French Pox being made and administred after the way which I shall here prescribe Take of Sarsa parilla four ounces cut it into small parts and afterwards infuse it into ten pints of hot water for the space of foure and twenty hours then boyl it being close covered till it be neere half consumed then being strained give a good draught thereof morning and evening It I mean the said Decoction is of very great use in Rheumes Gouts cold diseases of the Head and Stomacâ— and expelleth Wind both from the Stomach and Mother It helpeth all manner of Aches in the Sinews and Joynts all running Sorâ—s in the Legs all cold Swellings Tâ—â—ters or Ringwormes and all manner of Spots and foulnesse of the Skin It is also good in the Catarrhe or distillation from the head being sharp and salt in Cancers not ulcerate and in Tumors which are hard to be dissolved and it hath been found by experience to be very good for the Kings Evil a dram of the powder of Sarsa with the powder of Ruseus or Butchers-Broom being taken in White wine or Ale for forty dayes together The same powder having a just quantity of Tamariâ—k added thereto is a good remedy in the tumour of the Spleen The roots of the other rough Bindweeds are also used by divers of the learned and judicious instead of Sarsa parilla with good successe for Sarsa doth not purge the body of humours manifestly as other purgers do being generally held to spend them by its dryness and diâ—phorâ—tical quality rather than by heat or by going to stool It is given as an Antidâ—te against all sorts of poysonous or venemous things A dozen or sixteen of the Berries beaten to powder and given in Wine procureth Vrine when it is stopped The distilled water of the Flowers being drunk worketh the same effect cleanseth the Reynes and asswageth inward inflammations If the Eyes be washed therewith it taketh away all heat and rednesse in them and if the sorâ—s of the Legs be washed therewith it healeth them throughly Sarsa parilla iâ— not convenient to be given to those whose Livers are over-hot nor to such as have Agues CHAP. CCCXXX Of Star-wort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in
which proceed from the heat of the Liver and therefore in such cases the Juyce or distilled Water of either sort doth much temper the heat of Choler and refresheth the Liver and other inward parts The Leaves bruised and applyed to the Cods or any other parts that are swoln and hot doth dissolve the swelling and temper the heat A Decoction made hereof with Walwort and Agrimony and the places fomented and bathed therewith warm giveth great ease to them that are troubled with the Palsy Sciatica or other Gout The same also disperseth dissolveth the Knots and Kernels that grow in the Flesh belonging to any part of the Body the bruises hurts that come of falls blows The Juyce Decoction or distilled Water is drunk to very good purpose against the Rupture or any inward Burstings The juyce of them or the distilled water dropped into the Eyes cleareth them and taketh away the watering of them The little Daisyes when the greater cannot so well be gotten may be used with good successe for all the purposes aforesaid as also to help Agues the decoction of them in Wine or Water being drunk It is said that the Roots hereof being boyled in Milk and given to little Puppies will not suffer them to grow great CHAP. CCCXL Of Speedwell The Names IT must be divided into two sorts viz. Male and Female before I can give you the names thereof The Greek name of the Male is unknown if ever it had any but in Latine it is called Veronica mas and Bâ—tonica Pauli in English Speedwell and Pauls Betony and of some Fluellen yet that name is thought to belong more properly to the Female kind which is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Elatine in Latine Veronica famina because a Shentleman of Wales whose Nose was so neer eating off by the French Pox that the Doctors gave order to cut it off being cured by the use of this Herb onely to honour the Herb for saving her Nose whole gave it one of her own Country names Lluellin or Fluellin it being before called Female Speedwell which name it retaineth also The Kindes Of the Male and Female Speedwel there be eight sorts 1. The Common Speedwell 2. Speedwel with white Flowers 3. Great Speedwel or Fluellin 4. Little Fluellin or smooth Fluellin 5. The smallest Fluellin 6. Female Fluellin or Speedwel 7. Cornered Fluellin with blew Flowers 8. Sharp-pointed Fluellin The Forme The Common Speedwell hath divers soft Leaves about the breadth of a two-pence extending themselves in length also but not very much of a hoary green colour a little dented about the edges and somewhat hoary also set by couples at the joynts of the hairy brownish Salks which lean down to the ground never standing upright but shooting forth roots as they lye upon the ground at divers joynts much after the same manner that Nummularia or Moneywort doth the Flowers grow one above another at the tops being of a blewish purple colour and sometimes though seldome white after which come small flat husks wherein the Seed which is small and blackish is contained the Root is composed of very many Fibres The Places and Time All these Plants which I have named are said to grow within the Dominions of England those which are Outlandish being omitted The first groweth in divers Countreys of this Land upon dry Banks and Wood-sides and other places where the ground is sandy and particularly in Prey-wood by St. Albans very plentifully where there be a great many good Simples besides the third was found upon St. Vincents Rock neer Bristoll by Mr. Goodyer the fifth in a Field neer unto Barâ— Elmes in Surrey the other three grow in divers Corn-fields about Southfleet in Kent abundantly as also about Buckworth Hamerton and Richwersworth in Huntingdon-shire and in divers other places They flower in June and July and their Seed is ripe in August that of the Female kind withering presently after The Temperature The Male Speedwell is temperatly hot and dry the bitternesse thereof shewing so much The Female though it be bitter is held to be cooling yet no lesse drying than the former The Vertues Both the Male and the Female Speedwell are Wound-herbs of very good note The Male is singular to heale all fresh Wounds and Cuts in the Flesh speedily closing the Lips of them together and not suffering them to gather corruption and Salve being made therewith as also with Wax Oyl and Turpentine and applyed outwardly and the decoction of it in Wine taken inwardly and so it is no lesse effectual for spreading Tetters or for foul or old fretting or running Sores or Vlcers that have been of long continuance and therefore the harder to cure It stayeth the bleeding of Wounds or other Fluxes of Blood in any other part and dissolveth all tumors and swellings especially those of the Neck It is also held to be a special Remedy for the Plague and all pestilentiall Feavers and infectious Diseases for it expelleth the venome and poyson from the Heart and afterwards strengtheneth it and maketh it able to resist all noysome vapours if a Dramme or two of the herb in powder be given with a dramme of good Treacle in a small draught of Wine and the party be laid to sweat and so doth the decoction thereof in Wine or the distilled Water thereof given in some Wine It helpeth the Memory easeth all swimmings turnings and other paines of the Head and maketh Barren Women become fruitful as it is said It cleanseth the blood from corruption and therefore it helpeth the Leprosie as no worse than a French King making tryall thereof found to be true as it is reported The decoction of the Herb in water or the powder thereof being dry and given in its own distilled water is singular good in all manner of Coughs and diseases of the Breast and Lungs and it hath the same operation upon Sheep and therefore Sheepherds make use of it by adding a little Salt thereto It openeth the obstructions of the Liver and Spleen helpeth the yellow Jaundise cleanseth the exulcerations of the Reines and Bladder and also of the Mother and of inward and outward Wounds being inwardly and outwardly used for the Spleen and Wounds but inwardly onely for the rest It provoketh Vrine and helpeth thereby to break the Stone and is very profitable for the Back and Reins The distilled water of the Herb onely or after it hath been steeped in Wine twelve hours doth wonderfully help in the Plague Consumption Cough and all other the diseases before-mentioned as also to wash Wounds Sores therewith the same doth wonderfully help all Itches Scabs Scurf Tetters Morphew and all discolourings of the Skin as Freckles Spots and Scarrs a little Coperas being dissolved therein and bathed therewith the said Water defendeth Garments from Moths a little Allom being dissolved therein and sprinkled upon them The Leaves of the Female Speedwell or Fluellin being bruised and applyed with Barly Meale
Woods Feilds and Hills With my Prayers for the prosperity of the Nations together with my best desires for the good successe of mine Endeavours I take Leave and rest Thine W. Coles A further Account or short Explication of the Method used in the ensuing Work THis Herball further then hath been expressed in the Epistle to the Reader doth as neere as is possible acquaint all sorts of people with the very Pith and Marrow of Herbarism contrived and set forth in an easy and exact Method wherein I have made an Anatomicall application throughout the Series of the whole work by appropriating to every part of the Body from the Crown of the Head with which I begin and proceed till I come to the Soal of the Foot such Herbs and Plants whose grand uses and vertues do most specificalâ—y and by Signature thereunto belong not only for strengthening the same but also for curing the evill Affects whereunto they are subjected In which industry I have not been alone but have found such loving freinds both Physitians Chirurgions and other Coadjutors and Travellers with me in this Science also that I suppose I may modestly affirme that I have done that which no English man hath preceded mee in And besides this generall Method of the whole Book you will find that of every particular Chapter to treat of the Names Kinds Formes Places and Time Temperatures and Vertues if not the Signature of every Plant. For not doubting but it will come into the Hands of some Learned Persons whose longing desire it is to be expert in this most satisfactory imployment I have omitted nothing that might render it incompleat beginning with the Names which are most commonly given them either for their most eminent vertues or for some notable affection or else for difference sake that the diversity of Names that the best Writers attribute Conveniunt rebus nomina saepè suis to the same thing might partly be made known For to set down those improper bastard and insignificant names which are used in divers Counties of this Land and amongst some Writers also would require much pains to little Purpose And then that that great Variety wherein Nature hath been pleased to discover her Beauty and Liberality might not be concealed I have set down most of the Species of every Genus As for the Forms I have usually described that which is most ordinary because Providence hath prudently ordered that those things which are most common should be likewise most usefull though there be some phantasticall ones that esteeme lightly of every thing which is not rare The Places Omne charum rarum are also many times particularly expressed that the Reader may know to obtaine those Plants he standeth indeed of And that he may not look for them at a season that they are not to be had the Time is expressed likewise and sometimes the particular time of gathering But for the time of gathering Plants in generall and the ordering of them afterwards I shall referre him to that Book of mine called The Art of Simpling wherein is set down the several waies of distinguishing Herbes as by the differences of their Leaves Stalks FloFlowers Seeds Roots Juices c The Temperature and Qualities are also set down that seeing hot diseases are usually cured with cooling Medicines and cold diseasâ—s with hot Medicines it might be known when a Plant is proper or not The Signatures likenesse are taken notice of they being as it were the Boâ—ks outof which the Ancients first learned the Vertues of Herbes Nature or rather the * Deus cuique Plantae indidit proditorem suum Crossius in Praefatione de Signaturis God of nature having stamped on divers of them legible Characters to discover their uses though he hath left others also without any that after he had shewed them the way they by their * Scivit Deus labore acquisita gratiora hominibus esse quà m sine labore obvia quae plerumque fastidire solent Id. labour and industry which renders every thing more acceptable might find out the rest which they did not neglect but prosequuted with extraâ—rdinary diligence yet have they left sufficient Inquiries for succeeding Ages And the Vertues and other Properties whether noceâ—t or innocent of every particular Plant which were found scattered in divers Authors I have collected and put together and added divers excellent Observations never yet taken notice of by any other Writer that I have met with not omitting the way of Use and Application whether it be internall or externall setting down whether the Bark Leaves Sâ—alks Seeâ—s Roots Juices or distilled water be of greatest Effect So that not only Men but Women also who do frequently bend their Endeavours this ingenious way when they shall be pleased to peruse these my Labours shall find both Pleasure and Profit in the reading of the same For as there be divers Diseases which happen to them only as those of their Breasts and Wombe so there be many Plants that have more specificall Vertues for the service of those parts then any other divers of which I have marshalled together when I come to speak to the said Distempers Lastly that nothing might be wanting that can be thought necessary for the Complement of this my well meaning designe besides the Table of Appropriations which is to be prefixed there is suffixed or set after it a threefold Index or Table one of the Latine and another of the English Names with a Table of the Vertues and Properties whereby divers Inquiries whether Medicinall or other may be fully satisfied And now let me tell the ingenious Reader and by him others that if those of these times would but be by a joynt Concurrence as industrious to search into the secrets of the Nature of Herbs as some of the former and make tryall of them as they did they should no doubt find the force of Simples many times no lesse effectuall then that of Compounds to which this present Age is too too much addicted as hath been very well observed by those learned Brethren of that noble Order of the Râ—secrucians Thus have I broken the Nut of Herbarisme do thou take out the Kernel and eate it and much good may it do thee TO His Esteemed William Coles upon his New Methodized History of PLANTS SOme may condemn your forwardnesse that you Venture thus soon into the publick view But by the wisest sort 't is understood No man can be too hasty to do good And may all those that enviously do brouze Upon your Leaves fare like the Vicars * See the Art of Simpling Chap. 19. Cowes The fault will be their own yet still 't is true In Yew there 's poyson though there 's none in You For you have scrutiniz'd Dame-Natures store To find out Remedies that may restore Expiring Health when the cold Hand of Death Is ready to extort our vitall breath And as Diseases subtilly do part Themselves in Squadrons
in an open and sunny place it growes shorter and crisped It may be propagated also by slips They are sowen in May and bring forth their scaly or chaffy Husks or Ears in July and August Gerrard saith that although it be better for other Plants to be watered morning and evening yet it is best for Marjerome and Basil to be watered in the middle of the day when the Sun shineth hottest The Temperature and Vertues Our common sweet Marjerome is hot and dry in the second Degree and ought to be gathered in the Summer when it floureth which is commonly in August and after dryed in a shadowy place and so it will serve for a year It iâ— warm and comfortable in cold Diseases of the head stomack sinews and other parts taken inwardly or applyed outwardly Matthiolus saith that it digesteth attenuateth openeth and strengtheneth It comforteth the brain openeth the stopping of the Members taketh away the Apoplexy and the Head washed in Lie made of it doth cause the grievous pain of the Head to cease The powder of it given in meat or drunk in Wine doth help the coldness of the stomack and comforteth digestion And the dry leaves made into powder mixed with Honey and anointed upon any part doth take away black and blew spots of the skin The Oyl made thereof is very warming and comfortable to the joynts which are stiffe and the Sinews which are hard to mollifie supple and stretch them forth It helpeth the cold griefs of the womb and the windinesse thereof it comforteth the brain and Nerves and helpeth the weariness and diseases of them if they come of cold it helps the dead Palsie the back viz. the Region along the Back-bone being anointed with it being snuffed up in the nose it helps Spasmus Cynicus which is a wrying the mouth aside It helps noyse in the Ears being dropped in them it provokes the Terms and helpeth the bitings of venomous Beasts it is a most gallant Oyl to strengthen the Body the back being anointed it strengthens the Muscles they being chafed with it it helps the Head-ach the forehead being rubbed with it Also this Herb hath the property of heating all the inward Members it softneth the Milt and asswageth the swelling thereof The Decoction of it doth help those that are beginning to fall into a Dropsie those that cannot make water and the pains and torments in the belly The Flower and Herb put in a fine bagg and that applyed to the stomack doth take away the pain and grief thereof The powder of the Leaves snifted up into the nose doth both cleanse and heat the Head and stayeth Rheum especially if it be mixed with a little Ginger Lastly it is used in all odoriferous Waters Powders c. and is a chief Ingredient in most of those Powders that Barbers use in whose Shops I have seen great store of this Herb hanged up CHAP. XI Of Primroses Cowslips and Bears-Eares THere being so great affinity in these sorts of Plants both for form and quality I thought it not amiss to joyn them together in one Chapter lest our Volume should extend it self to too great a Bulk The Names Primroses are usually called in Latine Primulae Veris because they are the first that flourish in the Spring or at least flower with the first nay sometimes they flourish all winter if the weather be calm both these and Cowslips are named Arthriticae Herbae Paralysis because they are good against the pains of the Joynts and Sinews In English Petty Mullens or Palsie worts but most commonly Cowslips The greater sort called for the most part Ox-lips and Paigles are named of divers Herba S. Petri in English Oxlip and Paigle The Auricula Vrsi is entituled by divers names by sundry Authours as Lunaria Arthritica Paralytica Alphina by Gesner Primula Veris Pachyphyllo's by Lugdunensis Sanicula sive Auricula Vrsi first by Matthiolus and afterwards by Loâ—el and Sanicula Alpina by Gesner and Bauchinus but usually now a dayes Auricula Vrsi by all and therefore we in English call them Auricula's Bears-Ears from the similitude that the Leaves have with the Ears of a Bear and sometimes French Cowslips because they grow naturally upon the Alps and are much like unto Cowslips in flower and sometimes Mountain Cowslips Some of them are called Birds-eyes The Kinds And here I might muster up a whole Regiment of these three sorts but I shall mention no more at this time then those I find spoken of by Gerrard which are 1. The white single or field Primrose 2. The Purple Primrose which by the Turks is called Carchicheck 3. The white double Primrose 4. The green Primrose 5. Field Cowslips 6. Field Oxelipps 7. Double Paigles 8. Cowslipps two in a hese 9. White Birdeine 10. Red Birdeine 11. Yellow Bears ear 12. Purple Bears ear 13. Red Bears ear 14. Scarlet Bears ear 15. Blush coloured Bears ear 16. Bright red Bears ear 17. Stamel Bears ear 18. Little white Bears ear He that desires to be any better informed in these kinds of flowers let him consult the Masculine but especially the Feminine Work of Mr. Parkinson who hath treated more largely of them There have been many sorts also found out and brought from beyond the Seas of late daies but being no very skilful Florist I desire to be excused for not mentioning of them I should proceed to the Descriptions of the Ordinary sort of each but because they are so well known I shall describe only the Bears ear The Forme Bears-Ear is a beautiful and brave plant having green thick and fat leaves somewhat finely snipt about the edges not altogether unlike those of Cowslips but smoother greener and nothing rough or crumpled among which ariseth up a slender round stemme an handful high bearing a tuft of flowers at the top sometimes of a yellow sometimes of a purple or red and sometimes of a white colour not much unlike to the flowers of Oxlipps but more open and consisting of one onely Leaf like Cotiledon or Pennywort the root is very threddy and like unto the Oxelip The Place and Time Primroses and Cowslips joy most in shadowy places and therefore are most commonly found in Woods and borders of fields near to the bedge sides The purple Primrose the double Primrose the green Primrose the double Paigses and the Cowslips two in a hose are seldom seen but in Gardens The Red and white Birdeine do grow very plentifully in the Northern parts of this land as in Harwood near Blackburn in Lancashire at Crosby Ravenswaith and Cragge Close in Westmoreland and in some other places The Originall of the Auriculaes came first from the mountaines of Germany Hungary Italy as the Alpes and Pyrences c. But the greatest variety hath risen from the Seed many of them will flower twice in the year viz. in Aprill and May and then again in August and September if the Autumne prove temperate and moist The Temperature and Vertues All
a yard long or longer bearing flowers towards the top compact of six leaves joyned together whereof three that stand upright are bent inward one toward another and in those leaves that hang downwards there are certain rough and hairy Welts growing or rising from the nether part of the leaf upward almost of a yellow colour The Roots be long thick and knobby with many hairy threds hanged thereat but being dry it is without them and white The Places and Time These Fowerdeluces aforementioned and many more though they grow naturally in Africa Greece Italy and France and some in Germany yet they are nursed up in the Cardens of those who are lovers of such varieties Gladwin groweth wild in many places as in woods and shaddowy places near the Sea here in England and so doth the Water Flowerdeluce in moist meddows and in the borders and brinks of rivers ponds and standing Lakes but though it be natural to such places yet being planted in Gardens it prospereth weâ—â— The dwarâ—e kind of Flag Flowerdeluces flower in April the greater in May and the bulbous sorts not until June the Gladwin not till July The Seed is ripe in the end of August or beginning of September yet the husks after they are ripe will hold their seeds with them two or three moneths and not shed them The Temperature The Roots of the Flowerdeluce when they are green and full of Juyce are hot almost in the fourth degree but when it is dry it is hot only in the third yet then it burneth the throat and mouth of such as tast thereof It offendeth the stomach and causeth blood to be voided if given in too great a Dose and to weak persons It is not safe to be taken by Women with child because it bringeth down the courses yea a Pessary made of the Juyce with Honey and put up into the body bringeth away the birth therefore it is not safe to give it alone but with good Correctives In gripings of the bowels give it with Mastick in the Joynt gout with Castor in the Dropsie with Honey of Roses in diseases of the Liver with Rubarbe Juyce of Agrimony c. The Signature and Vertues The Juyce of the Root of the Common Fowerdeluce being first extracted afterwards set a while to clear and then put up into the Nostrills provoketh sneesing and thereby purgeth the head of flegme so that though some one may say this plant is not proper to the Nose yet as long as it may be appropriated to the head we are not quite out of our Sphear for it easeth the pain of the head and procureth Rest if it be applyed with Rose Cake and Vinegar it cleanseth spots in the Eyes and helpeth watry Eyes by cleansing them The Roots are effectual to warm and comfort all cold Joynts and Sinewes as also to ease the Gout and Sciatica and mollifieth dissolveth and consumeth all Scrophulous tumours and swellings by Signature especially made into an Oyl called Oleum Irinum which oyl also helpeth the Cramp and Convulsion the rheum that is cold and distilling from the head and being nointed on the breast it helpeth to extenuate or make thin tough and cold phlegm making it more easy to spit out it helpeth the stench of the Nostrils the pain and noise in the Ears and much easeth the painful Piles The root it self green or in powder doth cleanse heal and incarnate wounds and covers with flesh the naked bones which Ulcers have made bare and is also good to cleanse and heal up Fistulaes and Cancers that are hard to be cured It helpeth the pains and swellings of the Cods if it be thus used Take of the roots in powder half an ounce Cinamom and Dill of each two drachms Saffron a scruple mix them well together lay them on a Scarlet Cloth moistned in White wine and apply it warm to the Cods The green roots bruised and applyed to black and blew marks in the skin taketh them away and all other discolouring of the skin whether Morphew or the like but it is better to apply it with red Rose water and a little Lin-Seed Oyl ot oyl of Parmacity in manner of a Pultis Moreover a decoction of the roots gargled in the Mouth easeth the Tooth-ach and helpeth a strong or stinking breath Being mixed with a little Honey and drunk it purgeth and cleanseth the stomach of gross and tough phlegme and choler therein it likewise helpeth the Jaundice and the Dropsie by evacuating those humours both upward and downwards it easeth also the paines of the belly and sides the shaking of Agues the diseases of the Liver and Spleen the Worms in the belly the Stone in the Reins Convulsions or Cramps that come of cold humours and helpeth those whose seed passeth from them unawares It is a remedy against the bitings and stingings of venemous Creatures being boyled in water and Vinegar and drunk being boyled in Wine and drunk it provoketh Urine and the Cholick An Electuary made hereof called Dia-ireos Solomonis is very good for the Lungs and helps cold infirmities of them as Asthmaes Coughs difficulty of breathing c. You may take it with a Liquoris stick or on the point of a knife a little of it at a time and often CHAP. XXXIIII Of Hors-tail The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Hippuris in Latine also by divers Equâ—setum or Cauda Equina which is the same with Hippuris of the forme oâ— an Horsetail which the stalk of leaves being turned downwards doth resemble By other names it is likewise called as Equinalis and by Pliny Equâ—sclis and of some Salix Equina and Sangu nalis from the powerfull efficâ—cy it hath to stench blood and of others Asprella because of its ruggednesse which hath not formerly been unknown to Country Houâ—wives who with the rougher kind hereof called in English Shavegrass did as now with Elder Leaves but more effectually scowre their Pewter Brass and Woodâ—en Vessels and therefore it hath been by some of them called Pewterwort but I think that piece of thriftinesse with many other are laid aside which might profitably be revived if they knew it Of some it is called Ephedra Anabasis and Caucon Fletchers also and Combe makers polish their work therewith The Kindes There be hereof fourteen sorts mentioned by modern Writers 1. The greater Marsh Horsetail 2. Broad leafed Horsetail 3. Small Marsh Horsetail 4. Barren Marsh Horsetail 5. The smallest and finest leafed Horsetail 6. Many headed Horsetail 7. Rush or naked Horsetail 8. Branched Rush Horsetail 9. Small party coloured Horsetail 10. Stinking Horsetail 11. The great Meadow Horse-tail 12. Corn Horsetail 13. Wood Horsetail 14. Mountain Horsetail of Candy The Form The greater Horsetail that groweth in wet grounds at the first springing hath heads somewhat like to those of Asparagus and after grow to be hard rough hollow stalks joynted at sundry places up to the top a foot high so made as if the lower part
are most common Nature or rather the God of Nature having placed those things we most need even before our Eyes It flowreth in June and July The Temperature VVild Tansie especially the Root of it is dry almost in the third Degree hahaving in it very little heat apparent and withall a binding faculty And therefore Fuschius saith that some Writers have been much mistaken in affirming it to be moyst for no other Reason but because it grows in moyst places For then Water-Cresses which are dry in the third Degree must be moyst also which no one dares be so impudent as to affirm And certainly had they but considered its astringency which is a certain token of drynesse they could not have concluded otherwise For Galen in his fourth Book of the faculties of simple Medicines saith that astringents have in them some earthly quality and are consequently drying The Vertues and Signature Wild Tansie boyled in Vinegar with Honey and Allum and gargled in the mouth easeth the Tooth-ach fasteneth loose Teeth helpeth the Gums that are sore and setleth the Palat of the mouth in its place when it is fallen down It cleanseth and healeth the Ulcers in the mouth or secret parts and is very good for inward wounds and to close the lips of green wounds as also to heal old moyst corrupt running Sores in the Leggs or elsewhere Being boyled in Wine and drunk it stoppeth the Lask the Bloody Flux and all other Fluxes of blood either in Man or Woman which some say it will also do if the green Herb be worn in the shooes so it be next the skin and it is true enough that it will stop the Terms if worn so and it may be the Whites also which the Powder of the dryed Herb will assuredly do if it be taken in some of the distilled water but more especially if a little Corall and Ivory in Powder be put to it Moreover it stayeth spitting or vomiting of blood and is much commended to help Children that are bursten and have a Rupture being boyled in water and Salt Being boyled in Wine and drunk it easeth the griping pains of the Bowels and is good for the Sciatica and Joynt-Aches Being bruised and applyed to the Soles of the Feet and the Hand-wrists it wonderfully cooleth the hot fits of the Agues be they never so violent The distilled water dropped into the Eys or Cloaths wet therein and applyed taketh away the heat and Inflammations in them by Signature the Flower of it representing the Apple of the Eye The said water cleanseth the skin of all discolourings therein as Morphew Sun-burning c. as also Pimples Freckles and the like but the Leaves steeped in White-wine or Butter-milk is far better but the best way of all is to steep it in strong White-wine-Vineger the face being often bathed or washed therewith CHAP. LX. Of Flea-wort The Names I shall conclude this Subject concerning the mouth and the parts thereof with Fleawort which is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Pulicaria and Herba Pulicaria in Shops Psyllium in English Flea-wort All which Names were given to it for the same Reason 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek and Pulex in Latine signifying a Flea yet not because it driveth away Fleas if it be brought green into an House but because the Seed is like unto Fleas that were it not in respect of motion you could hardly distinguish them by sight It is of some called Fleabane but improperly there being another Pulicaria called Conyza which driveth away Fleas The Kindes The Ancients knew but one sort of Flea-wort but later times have discovered foure 1. The ordinary Flea-wort 2. The greater ever-green Flea-wort 3. Indian Flea-wort with dented Leaves 4. Small Flea-wort The Forme The ordinary Flea-wort riseth with a stalk two foot high or more full of Joynts and Branches on every side up to the top and at every joynt two small long and narrow whitish green Leaves somewhat hairy At the tops of every branch stand divers small short scaly or chaffy heads out of which come forth small whitish yellow threds like to those of the Plantane Herbs which are the bloomings or Flowers The Seed inclosed in those Heads is small and shining while it is fresh very like unto Fleas both for colour and bignesse but turning black when it groweth old The Root is not long but white hard and wooddy perishing every year and rising again of its own Seed for divers years if it be â—uffered to shed The whole Plant is somewhat whitish and hairy smelling somewhat like Rozin The Places and Time The first groweth in the Fields and untilled places of Spain and Italy but with Us no where but in Gardens The second groweth in the Fields that are near the Sea The third is thought to come out of the Indies The last is naturally of Egypt or Arabia All these Flea-worts flowre in July or thereabouts with Us but in their natural places all the Summer long yet the last is the latest with Us. The Temperature Galen and Serapio do record that the Seed of Flea-wort which is chiefly used in Medicine is cold in the second Degree and temperate in moysture and drynesse The Vertues The Muscilage or infusion of the Seeds of Flea-wort being made with rose-Rose-water or Barley-water and taken with Syrup of Violets Syrup of Roses or Sugar purgeth Cholet and thick flegme and is useful in hot burning Feavers in great thirst and helps to lenifie the drynesse of the mouth and throat it helpeth also the hoarsnesse of the Voyce and Diseases of the Breast and Lungs caused by heat as the Plurisie and such like It helpeth all Inflammations of the Head and all hot pains of the Joynts The Muscilage of the Seed made into an Electâ—ary with Marmalade of Quinces with Popyy-Seed and Sugar Pellets or Sugar Candy and so taken doth temper rhe heat and roughnesse of the Throat and Tongue and stayeth hot Fluxions or Rheums flowing down In hot burning Agues it quencheth thirst and abates heat being taken with Syrup of Violets or Barley-water and purgeth also Choler gently The Seeds torrifyed or dryed and taken with Plantane water stayeth the Flux of the Belly and helpeth the corrosions or gripings thereof that come by reason of hot Cholerick sharp and malignant humours or by the super purgation or over-working of any violent Medicine such as Scammony or the like The Seeds being kept on the Tongue easeth the Cough and helpeth the drynesse thereof proceeding from heat It doth so wonderfully cool saith Fernelius that being cast into hot boyling water it presently cooleth it The Seeds bruised or the Herb and mixed with the juyce of Housleek or Night-shade easeth the hot Gout and hot Apostumes being thereunto applyed mingled with Oyl of Roses and Vineger it cureth hot Swellings in the Joynts and Apostumes behinde the Eate with Vineger or Oyl of Violets it helpeth the pain of the head if it be applyed to the
and pleasant in Sallets as there is no Herb comparable unto it and giveth a better rellish to those it is put with the Seeds while they are fresh and green sliced and put among other Herbs make them tast very pleasant the Root boyled and eaten with Oyl and Vinegar or without Oyl if any one mislike it doth much please and warm a cold or old stomack oppressed with flegm or wind and those that have the Ptisick and Consumption of the Lungs The Lungs and the particular Diseases thereof being thus spoken to I shall descend unto the Heart which is the first thing in a Man that lives and the last that dies upon the wel-fare whereof the wel-fare of all other parts depends and therefore especially to be provided for so that I shall muster up a little Regiment of Simples to defend it from those poysonous enemies which would otherwise assault it to the endangering of the whâ—le Microcosme And I shall begin with Angelica because it relates both to that which goes before and that which comes after CHAP. CXVIII Of Angelica The Names IT is not yet known whether any of the Ancients knew this Herb or by what name the Greeks did call it however it hath gained many worthy names of the Latine Writers for some have called it Sancti Spiritus radix and have been blamed for it already others Lacuna and Dodonaeus thinketh it to be some kind of Laserpitium some have taken it to be Smyrnium and some Panax Heracleum but generally it is called Angelica for the rare smell and Angel-like properties therein and that name it retains still all Nations following it so near as their Dialect will permit The Kinds Former times knew but two sorts hereof but now there are sound out two more 1. Garden Angelica 2. Wild Angelica 3. Mountaine Wild Angelica 4. The great Water Angelica The Forme The Garden Angelica hath divers large and fair spread and winged Leaves half a yard long or better sometimes made of many great and broad ones set usually one against another on a middle rib of a pale but fresh green Colour and dented about the edges from among which usually riseth but oâ—e round hollow stalk being very thick and four or five foot high with divers great joynts and Leaves set on them whose foot-stalks do compasse the main stalk at the bottom and from thence also towards the top come forth branches with the like but lesser Leaves at them and at their tops large round spread umbels of white flowers after which cometh the seed which is somewhat flat thick short and whitish two alwayes set together as is usuall in all these umbelliferous plants and a little crested on the round seed the root groweth great and wooddy when it flowreth with many great long branches to it but perisheth after seed which being suffered to fall of its own accord will more certainly grow then that which is gathered and sown by hand at any other time The Places and Time The first is very Common in our English Gardens and was brought hither as is conceived from beyond the Seas or from the Rocks not far from Barwick upon which it groweth It is found in great plenty in Norway and in an Island of the North call Iceland where it groweth very high and is eaten of those that come into that Country for want of other food the bark being pilled off It groweth likewise in divers mountains of Germany and especially of Bohemia The second Sort is wild both in many places of Essex Kent and neer Kentish-Town by London and in other places The third groweth on divers mountains of Germany and Hungary The last is not onely naturall to grow in watery ditches but in moist grounds also in most places of England They flower in Iuly and August whose roots for the most part do perish after the seed is ripe and therefore they which desire to preserve them must keep it from seeding by cutting off the Leaves to Still and so both the root and plant may be continued divers years together The Temperature Angelica especially that of the Garden is hot and dry some put it in the second and others in the third degree howsoever it openeth attenuateth or maketh thin digesteth and procureth sweat The whole plant both Leaf and Seed and Root is of an excellent pleasant scent and tast very comfortable being not fierce or sharp but rather sweet and giveth a most delicate relish when it is tasted or used the Leaves be the weakest and some hold the seed to be next and the root to be the strongest especially being not ready to grow up for stalk The Vertues If the Root of Angelica be taken in powder to the weight of half a dram at a time with some good Treacle in Carduus water or if treacle be not at hand take the root alone in Carduus or Angelica water and sweat thereupon it reâ—steth poyson by defending the Heart the blood and spirits and giveth heat and Comfort to them and it doth the like against the Plague and Infection of the Pestilence and so do the stalks or roots candyed and eaten fasting at such times and also at other times to warme and Coâ—â—ort a cold and old stomack The root also steeped in Vinegar and a little of that Vinegar taken sometimes fasting and the root smelled unto are both good Preservatives also for the same purpose A water distilled from the Root simply or steeped in Wine and distilled in glasse is much more effectuall then the water of the leaves and this water drunk two or three spoonfulls at a time eaâ—eth all paines and torments coming of Cold and Wind so as the body be not bound and some of the root taken in powder at the beginning helpeth the Plâ—urisie and all other diseases of the Lungs and Breast as Coughs Pthisick and Shortnesse of breath and a Syrup of the stalks doth the like It helpeth likewise the torments of the Colick the Strangury and stopping of the Urin procureth womens Courses expelleth the Afterbirth openeth the obstructions oâ— the Liver and spleen and briefly easeth and discusseth all inward tumors and windinesse The decoction drunk before the fit oâ— an Ague that they may sweat if possible before the fit come will in two or three times taking rid it quite away it helps digestion and is a remedy for a surfit The juyce or the water being dropped into the eyes or eares helps dimnesse of sight and deafnesse and the juyce put into an hollow Tooth easeth the paines The roots in powder made up into a Plaister with a little pitch and laid on the biting of a mad dog or any other Venemous Creature doth wonderfully help The juyce or the water dropped or Tents wet therein and put into old filthy deep Ulcers or the powder of the Root in want of either doth cleanse them and cause them to heale quickly by covering the naked Bones with flesh The distilled water applyed to places pained
from Italy and by that Italian name we call it still The fourth is said by Pena and Lobel to come first from Aleppo in Syria to Venice and from thence to us The fifth is peculiar only to Egypt The sixth was found upon the Mountains of Castile in great plenty The last came immediately out of Italy yet it is supposed that it came from the East-Indies thither They do all flower in the Moneths of June and July and their Seed is ripe quickly after The Temperature Galen saith that Melilote is of a mixt quality for it hath a little astringency in it and yet it doth digest for the warming or hot faculty is more abundant therein then the cold The Vertues The Egyptian Melilote as Alpinus saith the Seed whereof is only used by them being boyled and the places grieved someneed and bathed with the warm decoction is very effectuall against the pains of the sides the Pleurisie and Peripâ—â—umonia which is an Impostume of the Lungs as also the pains of the Cholick and Wind in the Belly the windiness or strangling of the Mother or any griefs thereof to sit over the decoction thereof and if Fenugreek or Linseed or Camomile Flowers be added thereto it helpeth all Tumors or hard swellings thereof to provoke the monethly Courses and to open the obstruction of the Veins afterwards to strengthen the parts And it is thought that our English Melilote is as good for all the purposes aforesaid nay better if Mr. Culpepper mistake not where he saith that such things as grow in England are fittest for English Bodies Besides the Compound Plaister of Melilote having some of the Meal of the Seed therein is of power to dissolve hardness windiness tumors and swellings both of the Spleen Liver and Belly as also mightily to ease the pain of the iâ— all and to heal the Hypochâ—â—dria or fore-part of the Belly about the short Ribs when it is stretched or crakt by the swelling thereof it wonderfully asswageth any other like pain and is good for the Rickeâ—s But there is another Plaister or Salve called Melilote which is much used to draw and heal all Sores and Wounds that need cleansing and is made of the Juyce of the green young Melilote boyled with Rosin Wax Sheeps-Tallow and some Turpentine which if it be well made will be almost as green as the Herb it self and smell very strong thereof although it be two or three years old The juyce dropped into the Eyes cleareth the sight and taketh away the Web Pearl or Spots therein it helpeth also the pains of the Ears dropped into them and steeped in Vinegar or Rose-water it helpeth the Head-ach It also mollifieth hard Tumors and Inflammations that happen in the Eyes or other parts of the Body as the Seat oâ— Fundament and the privy parts of Man or Woman being boyled in Wine and laid to the place and sometimes the yolk of a roasted Egg or the Powder of Fenegreek or Linseed or fine Flower or Poppy-Seed or Endive is added unto it The Flowers of Melilote and Camomile are much used in Glysters to expel Wind and to ease pains as also in Pultises that are made for the same purpose and to asswage swellings or Tumors that happen in the Spleen or other parts It helpeth Wens after it is boyled in water and also running Ulcers of the Head if it be applyed with Chalk Wine and Galls It is effectuall to be applyed to those who have suddenly lost their senses by any Paroxisme as also to strengthen the memory to comfort the Head and Brains and to preserve them from pains and the fear of the Apoplexy if the Head be often washed with the distilled Water of the Herb Flowers or a Lye made therewith If satisfaction enough hath not been given for easing the pain of the sides here is a quiâ—t or a bag for the purpose Take Melilote Flowers Camomile Rosemary and Elder Flowers of each half an handful of Bran an handful of Aniseed Fennel-Seed and Caroway-Seed bruised of each two Ounces make a quilted Bag for the side sprinkle it with Wine and being made hot apply it CHAP. CXLIV Of Oats The Names THis Plant is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comming peradventure and as some suppose of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod cibum significat because in former times it was the most usuall food in many places as Pliny testifies which is very likely to be true for to this day they do so in many places and even in some Countries with us also as in Wales Lincolnshire Lancashire c. not only for Horses Hoggs and Pullen but for men making both Bread Drink and Pottage as you shall hear anon It is called in Latine Avena and in English Oats and some give it the generall name of Corn and Provender The Kinds There are only two Sorts of Oats which may justly challenge any room in this Chapter which are the ordinary sowen Field-Oats and the naked Oats for the wild Oats are most truly reckoned amongst the Grasses The Form I should not have needed to trouble you with the form hereof were it not pro Formâ it being so well known therefore I shall be but brief in it The ordinary Oats groweth up with divers tall joynted stalks and leaves somewhat resembling Wheat bearing at the tops a large spread tuft of many pointed Aglets hanging down like small winged Birds from small thred-like stalks which consist of a husk and a Kernel or Grain which is small long and round like Rie but longer and more pointed the Root is small and threddy The Places and Time They are both sowen in our Fields in sundry places yet the naked Oats nothing so frequent and do love rather a cold moyst ground then either hot or dry and are usually the first Seed is sowen upon those grounds that were Woods after their stocking up They are Summer Corn that is sowen in the Spring and mowen in Autumn or the latter end of Summer The Temperature Galen saith that Oates are somewhat cold and drying withall and nourish little The Vertues Common Oats put into a linnen Bag with a little Bay-Salt quilted handsomly for the same purpose and made hot in a Frying-Pan and applyed as hot as can be endured easeth the pain in the side called the Stitch or Chollick in the Belly Being boyled in water and the hands or feet of such as are troubled with chaps chinks or rists in those parts a Disease of great affinity with the Pocks being called in Latine Serpigo and Impetigo being holden over the fume or smoke thereof the Oats being put into a Vessel fit for the purpose afterwards annointed with that Oyntment usually applyed contra Morbum Gallicum and then the Patient covered with Blankets and made to sweat it doth perfectly cure the same in six times so annointing and sweating A Pultis made of the Meal of Oats and some Oyl of Bayes put thereto helpeth
and some tame As. 1. Garden Radish 2. Small garden Radish 3. Round Radish 4. Peare fashioned Radish 5. Wild Radish 6. Water Radish The Forme The Garden-Radish sendeth fotth great and large Leaves green rough cut on both sides with deepe gashes not unlike to the Garden Turnep but greater The Stalkes be round and parted into many branches out of which spring many small Flowers of a light purple colour made of foure little Leaves after which come sharp pointed cods puft or blown up towards the Stalk full of a spongious substance wherein is contained the seed of a light brown colour somwhat greater then the seed either of Turnep or Cabbage The roote is grosse long white and sometimes reddish without but white within alwaies and of a sharpe tast The Places and Time The foure first are Inhabitants of the Garden and require a loose ground whiâ—h hath been long manured â—nd is somwhat fat They prosper well in sandy ground which is naturally cold where they are not so subject to worms as in the other The fift groweth upon the borders of bankes and ditches cast up and in the borders of moist feildes â— The sixth groweth in ditches standing-waters and Rivers The Garden kindâ— are sown in February and March and so long till you come to November but the best time for sowing them is June and July for then they yeeld most because then they will not flower nor seed till the next spring when as those that are sown sooner run up to seed presently yet they are more set by in April and May then afterwards The wild kinds flower in June and their seed is ripe in August The Temperature Radish doth manifestly heat and dry open and make thin by reason of the biting quality that ruleth in it Galen maketh them hot in the third degree and dry in the second and sheweth that it is rather a sawce then a nourishment The Vertues The rindes of the Roots of Radish steeped in Vinegar and Honey mixed together and taken in a morning fasting and a little after a draught of warme water do drive our Phlegme and other maligne humors of the Stomack by Vomit as often as it is oppressed with them It likewise provoketh Vrine dissolveth clutteted gravell and driveth it forth from the Reines and Bladder if a good draught of the decoction thereof be drunk in the morning It is good against an old Cough to make thine thick and grosse Phlegme which sticketh in the Chest The distilled Water hereof is effectuall for the purposes aforesaid provoking Vrine mightily and driving out Stones from the Kidneys The root also sliced and laid over night in White or Rhenish-Wine and drunk in the morning worketh the same effect The root stamped with Honey and the Powder of a sheepes heart dryed causeth the Haire to grow in a short space The seed also causeth Vomit provoketh Vrine and being drunk with Oxymel or Honyed Vinegar it killeth and driveth forth Worms The Root stamped with Meal of Darnel and a little White-wine Vinegar taketh away all black and blew spots and bruised blemishes of the face The Root boyled in Broth and the decoction drunk is good against an old Cough it moveth VVomens sickness and causeth much milk It is good likewise for the Dropsie the griefs of the Liver and for the Cholick and griping pains of the Belly Being eaten with Mustard it is good against the Lethargy drousiness and forgetfulness It is good also for them that are sick with eating of Toad-stools or Mushromes or Henbane or any other venomous poyson Some eat them raw with Bread instead of other food but being so eaten they yield very little nourishment and that faulty and ill But for the most part they are used as a sawce with meats to procure appetite and so they ingender blood lesse faulty and serve to distribute and disperse the nourishment especially if they be taken after meat yet howsoever they be taken they cause belchings and will make the meat oftentimes to rejolt in the stomack as the Countrey-man said that had eaten Fish fryed with Lamp-Oyl CHAP. CLII. Of the Black Alder-Tree The Names IT is most probable that this Plant came not under the cognitance of any Greek Authour because it is not named by any of them that I can read of The Latines call it Fraugnla quia cito frangitur that is the Branches â—e brittle and easie to break and Aluns nigra baccifâ—ra that it might be known from the Alâ—â—s Vulgaris whose Bark is whitish and the Wood more red and beareth not Berries as this doth Tragus calleth it Faulbaum that is foul Tree of the evill scent and tast The Idea ficus nostra sive Frangula vulgâ— of Lâ—gduâ—ensis differeth not from this although he would have it so to do It is called in English the Black Aller or Alder-tree Of which there is but one kind whose description followeth The Form The Black Aller or Alder-tree riseth seldom to be of any great bigness but for the most part abideth like a Hedge Bush or Tree spreading into branches the wood of the Body being white and of a dark red at the core or heart the outward Bark being of a blackish colour whereon many white spots are noted to be seen but the inner Bark next to the Wood is yellow which being chewed will turn the spittle yellow as much or more then Rubarb near unto a Saffron colour the Leaves are somewhat like unto those of the ordinary Alder-tree or those of the Female Cornel or Dog-berry-tree but blacker and not so long but rather rounder the Flowers are white comming forth at the Joynts with the Leaves which turn into small round Berries green at the first and red afterwards but blackish when they are thorough ripe divided as it were into two parts wherein is contained two small round and star Seeds the Root runneth not deep into the ground but spreadeth rather under the upper crust of the Earth The Places and Time This Tree or Shrub groweth in Woods and Copses that are moyst Mr. Gerard saith that he found great plenty of it in a Wood called St. Johns Wood in the way between Isâ—â—gton and Hornsey on the left hand of the way and in the Woods at Hampstead and other places about London It flowreth in May and the Berries are ripe in September the Leaves appearing in the Spring The Temperature The inner Bark of the Alder-tree which is of the greatest use if not only used in Physick is of a purging and dry quality The Vertues and Signature The inner Bark aforesaid which is of a yellow colour being steeped in Wine or Beere and drunk causeth to vomit vehemently and cleanseth the stomack It doth also purge downward both Choler and Flegme and the watry humours of Hydropick persons and strengtheneth the inward parts again afterwards even as Rubarb doth If it be boyled with Agrimony Worm-wood Dodder Hops and some Fennel and Smallâ—ge Endive and Chicory Roots and a
because in those dayes they grew hardly any where else and were therefore guarded by a watchfull Dragon which Hercules slew and brought with him some of the said fruit which is by divers Latine Authors called Aurantia à corticis colore aureo and by others Arantia ab Arantiâ oppido Achaiae by some Pomum Narrantium by Dodonaeus Anarantium and by Lobel Malum aureum which name is most suitable to them being Golden apples indeed The flowers of the Orenge are called Napha and the Oyntment made of them Vnguentum ex Naphâ The Kinds There are five sorts of Orenge Trees 1. The ordinary Orenge-Tree 2. The Wild or Crab Orenge-Tree 3. The Apple Orenge 4. The Orenge without Seeds 5. The dwarfe Orenge-Tree The Form The grafted or ordinary mannured Orenge-Tree groweth to a great stature the lower part of which as also of the greater branches are covered with a rough bark but those which are lesser and younger have a smooth green barke whereon are set some few sharpe but short thorns The Leaves are very like in forme to those of the Laurell-Tree but may be easily distinguished if they be bruised betweene ones finger for then they sent forth a sweet smel like unto the peele of the Orenge and likwise by being full of small holes the Flowers are whitish and of a very strong sweet scent The fruit hereof is round with a thick bitter rind of a deepe yellowish red colour having under it a soft white loose substance and under that the juyce is contained in small skins which in some is lesse sower then others The seeds of it do somwhat resemble those of the Lemmon The Places and Times All the sorts above named do grow in the Coasts of Italy and the Islands thereabouts but especially in Spaine about Sivil where the best Orenges grow and are called by us Civil-Orenges under which name the Women in London that sell any comprehend the rest calling them all so be they what they will There be also Orenge-Trees that grow in England in the Gardens of the Earle of Northumberland at Sion-house neere Brainford and of the Lord Lambert at Wimbleton They hold their Leaves alwaies green and beare blossomes greene and ripe fruit all the yeare through but here in England the fruit will be two yeares before it come to perfection And to make it do so the Trees must be set in great Boxes full of earth so that they may be removed into the house in the Winter-time The Temperature Orenges are not wholly of one Temperature for the rind is hot in the first degree and dry in the second the juyce of them is cold in the second degree and dry in the first They are colder or hotter according to their sweetnesse or sowreness for the sowrer the juice is the colder it is and the sweeter the more hot The Vertues Orenge-Peele is as usefull in Physick as any part thereof though it be commonly cast away as if it were good for nothing yet it doth warme a cold Stomack very effectually helping to breake the Wind that molesteth it and causeth cold Phlegme to be voided from thence And being condited or preserved with Honey or Sugar it warmeth the Stomack mendeth a stinking breath and helpeth digestion and is used in Banquets with other sweetmeats being also very effectuall for the strengthing of the Heart and Spirits The juice and inner substance where the juice is is very good against all contagions and corruptions of the aire the Plague and other hot Feavours it comforteth the Heart and especially the Mouth of the Stomack and helpeth the weaknesse thereof It is also profitable against the trembling of the Heart pensive heavinesse and Wambling of the Stomack it restraineth Vomiting and taketh away loathing in Agues and such like diseases it quencheth thirst and so doth the Syrup thereof The seeds withstand all Venome and Poyson and are effectuall also to kill and expell Wormes The Oyntment that is made of the Flowers is often used to anoint the Stomacks of those which are troubled with a Cough making the cold raw Phlegme to expectorate and warming and comforting divers other places of the body The distilled Water of the same Flowers is very odoriferous and therefore fit for perfumes Besides it is good against contagious diseases to drink thereof at sundry times it helpeth also the cold and moist infirmities of the Mother Such simples as serve both for the correction of Meates and Medicaments being thus treated of I shall in the next place write of those that are more alimentall and therefore not improper to be mentioned here beginning with fruits and then proceeding to Roots and Herbes CHAP. CLXVIII Of the Apple-Tree The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the fruit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Malus and Malum Pomus and Pomum which in English is an Apple The Kinds To reckon up the divers sorts of Apple-Trees and their fruits would take up more roome then we allot for a whole Chapter I shall therefore set down only some of the principall 1 The Summer Peare-maine 2 The Winter Peare-maine 3. The Summer Queening 4. The Winter Queening 5. The Jennetting 6. The pome-Pome-water 7. The great Pippin 8. The small Pippin 9. The Harvy Apple 10. The Gillofloure 11. The Marigoâ—d 12 The John Apple 13. The Paradise Apple 14. The Wilding or Crab of which there is the Towne Crab the greater and lesser white Crab the small Hedge Crabbe The Forme For formality sake only I shall tell you that the Apple-Tree doth generaâ—ly spread his Armes and Branches more then the Peare-Tree but riseth not to that height the Leaves are somwhat round yet pointed at the end and dented about the edges being greene both above and below the Flowers are White with some Red many times mixed with it especially about the edges The Fruit is of divers sizes formes colours tasts c within which being ripe be divers black Kernells the Root goeth straight down with some branches running aslope The Places and Time All the sorts aforesaid and a great many more grow either in Orchards as being mannured or else Wild in Woods and Hedg-rowes especially in Kent Glâ—cester and Herefordshire where they make abundance of Cydar They commonly Flower about April and the fruit of the Summer kinds is ripe about the beginning of July and the rest in September or thereabouts The Temperature Apples are cold and moist in the first degree as Mr. Elliot an ancient English Author alleageth Howbeit there is great difference in Apples for some be sweet some be sowre some be bitter some harsh some be of a mixt temperature both sweet and sowre c The sweet and bitter Apples are inclining to heat the sowre and harsh are cooling and therefore good when the Stomack is weak by the distemperature of Heat The Vertues Though Apples eaten before they be ripe or afterwards immoderately and without preparation are very unwholesome yet being gathered
bloody flux and so doth the root of the true Rubarbe if it be toasted at the fire and drunk with Plantane water or thick red wine The distilled water thereof is very profitably used to heal Scabs as also foul ulcerous sores and to allay the inflammations of them The juyce of the Leaves or roots or the decoction of them in Vinegar is used also as a most effectuall remedy to heaâ—e Scabs and running Sores The two last sorts of Rubarb are seldom used their qualities being more astringent then opening CHAP. CLXXVIII Of Turmerick The Names IT is in uncertain whether this Drug were known to the Grecians or not there being no positive Greek name for it upon record some think it to be the Cyperus Indicus of Dioscorides because it hath the same colour taâ—â— the root being like Ginger but why he should referr it to a Cyperus is somewhat strange the root of that having no such form colour or tast Garcias and Christopherus Acosta call it Crocus Indicus but the Common Latin name is Curcuma borrowed as is most probable from the Arabians who call it Curcum yet this is not the Curcuma of Serapio or Avicen as Matthiolus hath well noted which is no other then the greater Celandine whose root is yellow and therefore the Apothecaries in former times took it for Curcuma and put it into the Composition called Diacurcuma I find but one sort thereof and therefore I shall proceed to the description The Form Turmerick beareth larger thinner Leaves then Millet and of a paler green colour which afterwards when the stalk is grown up do likewise encompasse one another thereupon up to the top What flower or seed it beareth I find no mention The Root is somewhat like Ginger in forme but of a yellow or Saffron colour within and without yet it is not so flat as Ginger but rounder hot in tast and bitterish when it is dry though being fresh the bitternesse thereof cannot be so easily perceived by reason of the moisture that is in it The Places and Time I find not that Turmerick groweth any where but in the East-Endies but that iâ— doth there the names above mentioned do cleerly intimate I can say nothing of the time having not yet met with any Author to direct me in this particular The Temperature Turmerick is hot and dry in the second or as some say in the Third degree The Signature and Vertues If all Roots Flowers and Barks that are yellow do cure the yellow-Jaunders by Signature as it hath bin found experimentally by those who have made tryall of them then certainly Turmerick cannot choose but do it it being so eminently yellow And therefore they do well that use it for the yellow Jaundise which is a distemper commonly proceeding from the Liver so that if it be good for the one it must be consequently for the other as also for the obobstructions of the Gall which is the receptable for that yellow choler which causeth the Jaundise when it cannot be admitted It is very effectuall likewise to open the Stoppings of the Stomack Womb and Bladder and is very good in the Dropsy and Green sicknesse for it openeth all manner oâ— obstructions and heâ—peth to bring down Womens courses It is of very good use also in oâ—d and inveterate griefes and sicknesses and that evill diâ—poâ—ition of the body called Cachexia which is when the whoâ—e nourishment of the body is sent to feed some predominâ—nt humours Neither is it good for men only but for Horses especially when they are troubled with the Yellowes as the expert Farrier can tell you It is used outwardly to take away the haire and is put into thoâ—e Medicines that are made for the Eyes and for the Itch and Scab if some juice of Oranges and the Oyle of the Câ—car or Indian Nâ—t be mixed with it as Gartias saith It is much used to colour dâ—shes cups and such â—ike Woodden-Vessels insteed of Saffron The Indians use it much both to colour and season their meats and broths as we do Saffron in ours it being cheaper and easier to be had amongst them CHAP. CLXXIX Of Agrimony The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 et 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eupatorium and Hâ—patorium and so the Latines call it also the first name being given unto it from King Eupator who first â—ound out the Vertues of it the other from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jecur quiâ— Hepati pracipâ—e medâ—tur because it is a chiefe he per to the Liver It is also called Agr 〈…〉 nia of divers which is the name whereby it is best known in Shops Some or her names are also given unto it as Marmorella Concordia Ferraria and Lappa inâ—ersa because the seeds which are rough like burres hang down-wards It is called in English Agrimony and Egrimony The Kindes There be divers sorts of Agrimony Seaven whereof I shall present you with 1 Common Agrimony 2 Sweet smelling Agrimony 3 Bastard Agrimony 4. Hemplike Agrimony 5. The broader Hempâ—ike Agrimony of America 6. Narrow leafed Hemplike Agrimony of New-England 7. Common water Agrimony 8. Water Agrimony of New-England The Forme Common Agrimony hath divers long Leaves made of many set upon a Stalker some greater other smaller all of them dented about the edges greene above somewhat grayish underneath and hairy withall from amongst which doth arise a hard round hairy brown stalke about the height oâ— halfe a yard or more with some smaller Leaves upon it set here and there towards the top whereof grow many small yellow Flowers one above another in long spikes after which come many rough heads of seeds hanging downwards like to small burres which when they be ripe will catch hold and stick upon Garments or upon any hairy Beast that shall rub against them The Root is black long and somwhat wooddy abiding many yeares and shooting a fresh every Spring being also of an indifferent good smell The Place and Time The first groweth in divers pastures and ditches hedges and highway-sides throughout the Land the second is not so common with us being a retainer only with those that are curious but is naturall to Italy in many places the third Columna sound about Naples the fourth is found by the brinkes of ditches in other moist places n and sometimes in upland grounds the fifth and sixth came to us from New England and Virginia the seventh in shallow ponds and plashes of water and such places as have bin overflown by Winter floods the last came from New England but groweth very strongly in our gardens They all flower about July and the Sâ—â—d is Ripe towards the latter end of August The Temperature Agrimony is hot in the first degree but temperate in respect of drynesse so that though it doth moderately bind yet it 〈◊〉 and scowreth and is of subtill parts The Virtues Not onely the Greek name of this Heth but also the continued consent of ancient and
wherein it hath been boiled being Gargled in the Mouth stoppeth Rheâ—â—e CHAP. CLXXXI Of Succory The Names UNder the title of Succory three sorts of Plants are comprehended viz Cichory Endive and Dandelyon differing not so much in operation as in forme all which are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek by one general name yet for distinction sake common Succory is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because as it seemes it grew wild there and that which hath broad Leaves Pliny nameth Hedypnois and the bitterer Dioscorides calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies bitternesse in Latine Cichoreum Cicorea Intyâ—us and Intybum all which words are used promiscuously both for Succory and Endive but commonly they are distinguished Dandelion is called Dens Leonis in Latine from the likenesse the jagged Leaves have with a Lyons tooth as also Taraxacon The Kinds The subdivision of these three sorts put together will make tenne 1 Garden Succory 2. Broad Garden Succory 3. Yellow Succory 4. Wild Succory 5. Common Garden Endive 6. Curled Endive 7. Medow Endive 8. Wild Endive 9. Dandelion 10. Succory Dandelion The Forme Common-Garden Succory hath broad Leaves somwhat hairy not much unlike to Endive but narrower and many times deeply cut in on the edges amongst which do rise up stalkes upon which are placed the like Leaves but smaller The staâ—ke divideth it selfe towards the top into many branches whereon do grow little bâ—eâ—v Flowers consisâ—ing of many small Leaves after which followeth white seed The Root is tougâ— long and white of colour continuing many yeares from which as from every part of the Plant doth issue forth white bitter and milky juiâ—e the whole Plant is of a bitter tast likewise The Places and Time The two first are commonly sowen in Gardens yet it is said likewise that they grow by high way-sides and in untilled and barren ground but I suppose that is meant only of the wild sorts though Gerard affirme it of those of the Garden The two first of Endive which are the fifth and sixth in the Catalogue of the Kinds are also Inhabitants of the Garden and no other place that I can find If it be sown in the Spring it quickly cometh up to Flower seedeth in harvest and afterwards dyeth but if it be sown in July it remaineth till Winter and then if it be taken up by the rootes and suffered to lye two houres till it be so tough that it may be wrapped very close together and afterwards buryed in the Earth with the rootes upward it is called Whited Endive and may be taken up at convenient times and used in Sallets all Winter The sorts of Wild-Endive being the seaventh and eighth grow wild in sundry places in England upon untilled barren grounds especially in chalky and stony places flowring in August The ninth and tenth are found almost in every place and Flower almost at all times but especially in March if the cold weather hinder them not The Temperature Endive and Succory are cold and dry in the second degree but the VVild-sorts of them as also of Dandelion are somwhat dryer than those of the Gardens and cleanse and open more by reason of the bitternesse which is joyned with them and in some cases are more effectuall The Vertues The Leaves of the Garden kinds are used both for Meat and Medicine for they may be boyled and eaten with Butter and Vinegar either by themselves or with other Herbs as Lettice Spinage c. or chopped into brothes as other Pot-herbs are The Whited Endive is the most rare and that may be eaten either raw in Sallets or boyled in broth as aforesaid Both Endive and Succory any waies used as long as they be greene do coole the heate of the Liver and by a speciall property do strengthen it and open the obstructions thereof for which vertues they do deserve to be much esteemed For it is a great preservation of health to have the Liver temperate and unstopped seeing it is the place whither the nutriment is sent from the Stomack to be wrought and disposed of for the good of the whole body so that if this part do not rightly performe its offiice which is cheifely to convert the purer part into blood and to send away the rest by those conveyances which are destinated for the purpose all things will not go well It is effectuall also to helpe the stopping of the Gall yellow Jaundise lack of sleepe stopping of Urine hot burning Feavours and great heat of the Stomack A handfull of the Leaves or Roots boyled in Wine or Water and a draught thereof drunk faâ—â—ing dâ—iveth forth Chollerick and Phlegmatick humours helpeth the Dropsy and those that have an evâ—ll disposition in their bodies by reason of long sickneâ—â—e evill dyet c. whereby the nutriment of the body is converted into some predominant humour to the great prejudice of the rest A decoction either of Succory Endive or Dandelion or of all three made with Wine and drunk is very effectuall against long lingering Agues and a dram of the seed in Powder drunk in Wine before the Fit of an Ague helpeth to drive it away and is also available for the Faintings Swooning and Passions of the heart outwardly applyed they serve to allay the sharp humours which are the cause of fretting Ulcers hot Tumors and Swellings and Pestile 〈…〉 Sores and wonderfully help not only the rednesse and inflammations of the Eyes but the dimnesse of the sight also They are also used to allay the paines of the Gout The distilled Water of these Herbes are effectuall for all the purposes aforesaid and being taken Morning and Evening helpeth the straightnesse and stopping of the Breast and is good for VVomen with Child to strengthen them and their senses and likewise for Children that are troubled with Head-ach proceeding or Heat The said water or the juice or the Leaves bruised is very effectuall for Nurses Breasts that are pained with abundance of Milk allayeth Swellings Inflammations St. Anthonies fire Pushes VVheales and Pimples especially used with a little Vinegar as also to wash Pestiferous sores CHAP. CLXXXII Of Alecoast and Maudlin The Names IT will not be improper to put these two herbes together because they have some affinity both in their flowers names and properties The first is called in Latine Costus hortorum for its Greek name I never met with to distinguish it from the Indian Costus which is a Root from whence the electuary Cariocostinum hath its denomination It is also called Balsamita major or Mas Mentha Graeâ—a Saracenica Officinarum Salvia Romana Herba lassulata Herba Sanctae Mariae In English Costmary and Alecoast Maudlin is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi non senescens because the flowers gathered in a fit time wax not old nor decay by age in Latine Costus hortorum minor Mentha Corimbifera and Eupatorium Mesue whence it may be gathered that it is good for the Liver though it be
away an Ague the juice thereof being taken in Wine or the decoction made in the said Liquor The smeet Smallage is eaten with great delight as a Sallet wherein both the Leaves and Rootes may be used either raw or boyled It may also be fryed and eaten with meat as Parsly oftentimes is or the dryed herb may be powdered and strewed upon Meat but the Venetians with whom it is in great request do either eat it raw after it is whited with Pepper and Oyle or else a little boyled or stewed The Herb and Root do warme the Stomack causing it to digest meat and expell Wind but the seed much more The Root is to be scraped and sliced and so eaten with Oyle and Vinegar CHAP. CLXXXVII Of Cleavers The Names IT hath gotten many Greeâ— names as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aparine and so it is called in Latine also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because the seed of it is like a Navel and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Philâ—â—â—hropos quasi hominis amâ—ns because it is apt to stick upon those mens cloathes which come where it is and it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the same reason also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pliny calleth it Lappa minor saying it is Lappaginis specus because the seeds be rough like little bunes and therefore he calleth it also Asperugo It is called in English Goos-beiriffe Gooseshare Goosegrasse Cleavers or Clivers because they cleave close to garments c and in so Countryes they call the seed Begger lice The Kinds To this sort there be only three Plants that may be referred 1. Common Clevers 2. Smooth Goos-grass 3. Purple-floured Clevers The Common Cleavers hath divers rough square stalks not so big as the tag of a point but full of joynts lying low upon the ground unlesse it meet with a hedge or bush and then it climeth two or three yards high somtimes at every of the joynts it shooteth out a branch besides the Leaves thereat which are usually six set in a round compasse like a Starre or the Rowell of a Spur like unto the smallest Madder the flowers are very little and white pearking on the tops of the branches the seeds are small round and hollow in the mid'st in manner of a Navell set by couples for the most part the root is tender and full of stringes The whole Plant is rough and by its ruggednesse taketh hold on mens vestures and woollen garments as they passe by and being drawn along the tongue it fetcheth blood The Places and Times The first groweth not only by Hedges and Ditches in most places of this Land but also in the Cornefields where it doth somtimes domineere especially amongst the Pease which are many times almost if not altogether choaked by it and somtimes in Gardens where it is a troublesome inhabitant if the seed be suffered to shed The second was brought out of Spaine and the last is a stranger also They flower in June and July and the seed being ripe in August soweth it selfe against the next yeare for the old root perisheth The Temperature Goose-grasse as Galen saith is moderate hot and dry and somewhat of thin parts The Vertues Clevers with such simples as are mentioned in the beginning of the former Chapter or alone by themselves being chopped into Water-gruell and well boyled be very wholesome to be eaten in the Spring at their first coming up for cleansing the blood and strengthening the Liver and fitting the Body for the season that followes by purging away those excrementitious dregs which the Winter hath bred in them especially from those whose bodyes are fat and grosse The distilled water drunk twice a day helpeth the yellow Jaundise and the Decoction of the herb will do the same and also stay Laskes and bloody Fluxes the juice which is pressed out of the seeds Stalkes and Leaves is good to defend Venome from the hearts of those that are bitten by Venemous Beasts if it be drunk in Wine A handfull of Cleavers boiled in a quart of Ale with a little pared Liquorice and some Currants to the one halfe and then streined may be successefully drunk morning and evening for the Cough and removing Phlegme from the Stomack It is also used to stay bleeding the juice or bruised Leaves being applyed to any green Wound and not only to stop the blood but to close up the Lips of it and the powder of the dryed herb strewed thereupon doth the same and likewise helpeth old Ulcers The herb stamped with Swines-grease and applyed to any part that is troubled with the Kings-evill or any other Kernell or Wen wasteth it away and also helpeth those that have their Paps swollen through curded-Milke Being bruised and laid a soake in Spring-water foure and twenty houres it is a good remedy for Scabs or such like Sores if they be bathed with the said water The juice dropped into the Eares taketh away the pain of them Dioscorides reporteth that the Shepherds of his time did use â—he branches hereof to take haires out of Milk and so may our Milk-maides if they want a Strainer CHAP. CLXXXVIII Of Chick-Weed IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it delighted to grow in Woods and shadowy places uch as the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and from thence cometh the Latine name Alsine Some of the Ancients called it Hippia We call it Chickweed and Chicken-weed because Chicken and Birds love to pick the seed thereof The Kinds I shall give you the sorts of Chick-weed as they are marshalled in the Catalogue of Brittish Plants there being at least twenty 1. Great Water Chick-weed 2. Berry bearing Chickweed 3. Chick-weed like long leafed Scurvy-grasse 4. River-Chickweed 5. Germander Chick-weed 6. Fountaine Chickweed 7. Speedwel Chick-weed 8. Ivy Chickweed or small Henbit 9. Great Henbit 10. Mouse Eare Chickweed 11 Great Chick-weed 12. Sea Chick-weed 13. Middle Chick-weed 14. Fine Chickweed 15. The least Chick-weed 16. Creeping Water Chick-weed 17. Srone Chick-weed 18. Right Chick-weed 19. Upright Chick-weed with jagged Leaves 20. Round Leafed Chick-weed or Water Purslane The Forme Chick-weed bringeth forth many Flexible branches full of Joynts which would appeare to be three or four foot-high if it had any bush or such like thing whereon it might take hold as sometimes it hath but commonly wanting somewhat to uphold it through the weaknesse of its stalkes it lyeth on the ground so that it seemeth not so long at every joynt standeth two smooth tender Leaves of a fresh green colour one against the other from which on both sides come forth other branches joynted and set with Leaves in the same manner the flowers which grow on the top of the branches be white much like the flowers of Stitch-wort but lesser in whose places succeed long knops but not great in which the seed is contained The root consisteth of fine little Strings like haires Though there be many Chick-weeds of different
being drunk is good for the Back and Bladder provoketh Urine mightily and freeth the inward parts from Obstructions and the Chervil taken in meat or drink worketh the same effects being taken either as meat or Medicine for it may be and is often eaten as a fallet whilst it is young pleasing the Palate with its good relâ—ish and warming the Stomack also and therefore it is very much uâ—ed amongst the French and Dutch in Lâ—blollies of stewed herbes in the eating whereof they much delight Tragus saith it is a certaine remedy to dissolve congealed or clotted blood in the body and so it doth likewise the blood that is caked by any bruises falles or the like It is also held very effectuall to send down Womens Courses and to help the Pleurisy and prickings of the sides which it doth by Signature also and to provoke sleep sweetly the decoction being taken The wild Chervill bruised and applyed dissolveth Swellings in any part of the body and taketh away black and blew markes happening by bruises or blowes in a short space and also easeth the Collick and paine of the belly Both Dioscorides and Galen do say that Scandix or Shepherds-Needle is good both for the Stomack and Belly being either eaten raw or boiled Being made into drink and taken it is good for the Nephriticall diseases before mentioned as also for the Liver and bindeth a loose Belly The seed being taken with Vinegar presently stayeth the Hicket and used in an Oyntment it helpeth the parts that are burnt with fire Pliny saith that the roote of Pâ—cteâ— Vâ—â—ris which is the Latine name of this Horb being beaten with Mallowes draweth forth Spliâ—â—ers or any other thing sticking in the flesh which is signified by the seâ—ds which are like unto Splinters CHAP. CCXXXI Of Brooke-Lime The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Anagallis Aquatica because it is a kind of Pimpernel commonly growing by the Water sides and in the Water where it is not deepe It is called also 〈◊〉 from the German word 〈◊〉 Diverâ— Authors have taken it to be Siâ—â— of Dioscorides but very eâ—â—oniously that being our Water Parsâ—â—p and not much unlike the Garden Parsâ—â—â— this whereof we now treat being more like on Purslane as you shall here an one yet that also hath its name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 calculâ—â—que 〈◊〉 from the Vertue it hath in those distempers we are now upon and therefore for want of a fitter place I shall put them together in this Chapter The Kindes Of Brâ—â—ke-Liâ—e and Water-Parsâ—ep there he Eleâ—en form 1. Common Brooke-lime 2. The greater Brooke-lime 3. Great Water Pimpernell 4. Small round leafed Water Pimpernell 5. Lobels third Water Pimpernell 6. Long Chick-weed leafed water Pimpernell 7. Narrow leafed water Pimpernel 8. The greater Water Parsnep 9. The lesser Water Parsnep 10. Another Water Parsnep with narrow Leaves 11. The quick or impatient Cresse The Form Common Brooke-lime groweth with flat thick stalkes which are round and parted into divers branches having on them thick smooth and broad Leaves somwhat like unto those of Purslaine but of a deeper greene colour set by couples upon the stalkes The flowers grow upon small long tender foot-stalkes which thrust themselves out of the bosome of the Leaves of a perfect blew colour not unlike in sorme to the Leaves of the Land-Pimpernel consisting of five small round pointed Leaves a peece shortly after which commeth the Seed whose forme hath not beene observed The Roote is white low creeping with fine strings fastened thereunto at every joynt The Places and Times The three first and the fifth are often found in our own Land growing in small standing Waters the fourth and seaventh in Germany in the like places the eight in Germany the ninth in divers pooles and watery ditches of our own Land the two last have been found with us also They do all flower in June and July most commonly giving their seed the next Moneth after The Temperature Brooke-lime and Water Pimpernel are both of a moist faculty as Tragus saith yet others say dry Water Parsnep is also of a heating faculty The Signature and Vertues Crollius saith that Pursâ—ane which I appropriate to the Teeth hath the Signature of the Reines and I know not why I may not as well say that Brooke-limes whose Leaves are not unlike those of the former may have the same I am sure that all Authors that write of it say that it is very effectuall to break the Stone in the Reines and Bladder and to passe it away by Urine which it provoketh also being stopped to helpe the Strangury and the inward Scabs of the Bladder the Leaves being stamped and strained and the juice given to drink in Wine It helpeth likewise to procure VVomens Courses and to expell the Dead Birth and is very profitable in the Dropsy It is many times used with Water-Cresses and other things in Diet drinkes to purge and cleanse the blood from those ill humours that would overthrow the health thereof especially if it be taken in the Spring-time when the blood is most active and so it is very helpfull for the Scurvy also and therefore Country people when they cannot easily get Scurvy-grasse do use Brookelime insteed thereof Being fryed with Butter and Vinegar and applyed warme it helpeth all manner of tumours and swellings and St. Anthonies fire also if it be often renewed The herb boiled maketh a good fomentation for Swollen Legs and the Dropsy The Leaves boiled and stamped in a stone Mortar with the powder of Feny-greek Linseed the roots of Marsh Mallowes and some Hogs-grease unto the forme of a Pultis taketh away any swelling in the Legs or Armes which is also powerfull in defending Wounds that are ready to fall into Apostemation that no humour or accident shall happen thereunto Farriers use it likewise about Horses to take away swellings and to heale the Scab and other like diseases in them Water parsnep provoketh Urine and Womens Courses and breaketh and expelleth both the Stone in the Kidneys and the Dead birth CHAP. CCXXXII Of the Havv-thorne The Names IT being so much controverted by Authors concerning the true Greek name of this Shrub I shall not undertake to decide it but pâ—â—e it by without giving it any The Laâ—ine name hâ—th also beene in diâ—putation but â—â—e â—oâ—t judicious of these later times have determined that the Spina appendix Plâ—â—â—â— which he somtimes calleth Spina simpâ—y can be no other then this Haw thorne which is called also in English Hedg-thorne White-thorne May and Mâ—y buâ—h because our ordinary sort commonly flowreth in May never after though somtimes before The Kinds Antiquity was acquainted but with one sort hereof yet now there be three taken notice of 1. The ordinary Haw-thorne 2. The â—ow Haw-thorne 3. Englands Haw-thorne which is in all parts like the common sort but that it flowreth twice in a yeare to the great admiration of some wise and judicious
the Region of the Stomack it much comforteth and strengtheneth it against castings and other passions thereof proceeding from sharp defluxions thereon Being beaten with some dry figs it mollifieth the bardnesse of tumors and of the Testicles and consumeth the Polypus which is a troublesome excrescence growing in the Nose the same also boiled in Vinegar and made up with the Meale of Lupins causeth rugged nailes to fall away and helpeth the Tooth-ach if the decoction onely be often gargled in Mouth the same also taketh away the Morphew freckles and other Spots of the skin The Nuts boyled in Wine and the Haire washed therewith causeth it to grow black and if the Ashes of them be mixed with the powder of a Mules hoofe and the Oyle of Myrtles it will stay the falling of it The small raspings or fillings of the Wood taken in Wine provoketh Womens Courses helpeth venomous bitings and procureth a good colour and the Wood or any other part thereof being burnt driveth away gâ—ats and other such like troublesome Flyes and is destructive to all manner of Vermine whether the Leaves be laid amongst any kind of seedes to keep them from being eaten with Wormes or the Wood in Wardrobes to preserve Garments from Mothes and therefore Chests and boxes made thereof are extreamely desired by those that have them not and highly prized by them that are possessors of them the Wood it selfe which is of a reddish colour is so firme and durable so free from corruption and Wormes that it is not hurt by rottennesse cobwebs or any other infirmities that often happen to other kinds of Wood. The Oyle wherein the fruit or Leaves have been sodden doth strengthen the Stomack â—tayeth Vomiting the flux of the belly or Lask and cureth the excoriation or going off of the skin from the secret parts CHAP. CCXXXV Of Kidney-Wort or Venus Navel-Wort The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cotysedon from the likenesse it hath with a Sawcer or Navel and therefore the Latines do not only call it Cotyledon or Umbilicus Veneris but Acetabulum also which signifies a Sawcer It is also call Scatum cali Scutellum Terrae Umbilicus Hortus Veneris and Herba Coxendicum In English Navel-wort of the Earth for its figure Venus Navel-wort quia contecta genitalia nudat et ad amatoria utitur as Dioscorides saith Hipwort for that it easeth the paines of the Hippes and other Joynts and Kidney-wort because it helpeth the Kidneys and Wall Penniwort because the Leaves are as round as a Penny and not much broader The Kinds To this kind may be referred these five sorts 1. Ordinary Kidney-wort or Wall penny-wort 2. Spotted Kidney-wort or the Princes Feathers 3. Small Kidney-wort with poundish Leaves 4. Small Kidney-wort with party coloured Flowers 5. Marsh Penny-wort The Form Ordinary Navel-wort for that is the most usuall name that I know hath many thick fat and round Leaves every one having a short footstalke fastened about the middle thereof and a little unevenly waved somtimes about the edges of a pale greene colour and somwhat hollow on the upper side like a Spoone or Sawcer from among which one or more tender smooth hollow stalks arise almost halfe a foot high with two or three small Leaves thereon not so round as those below but somwhat long and divided at the edges the tops are somtimes divided into long branches bearing a number of pendulous flowers set round about a long spike one above another which are hollow like a little bell of a whitish colour after which come small heads wherein are contained small brownish seed The root is round like an Olive and most usually smooth yet sometimes rugged or knobbed grayish without and white within having many small fibres thereat The Places and Time The first groweth plentifully in divers places of this Land as at Northampton Bristoll Bath and Oxford especially about Merton Colledge there both within and without upon the old Garden Wall that is next the feilds and in other places upon mud walles and amongst the stones and somtimes about old Trees the second in Portugall the third and fourth upon the Rocky and Stony places of the Switzers and upon the hill called Hortus dei neere Mompelier the last in wet grounds Marshes and Bogges and patticularly in a Vaâ—e or Bogge belonging to Stow-Wood neere Oxford The first flowereth about the beginning of May quickly perfecting its seed and then perishing till September aâ—out which time it springeth up afresh and abideth all Winter the second about the middle of May the three next in June and July and their seed is ripe in August The Temperature Ordinary Navel-wort is moist and cold somwhat astringent and a little bitter withall whereby it cooleth repelleth cleanseth and dâ—scusseth the other sorts are held to be cooling and somwhat more binding except the last which is hot and not to be used The Vertues and Signature To drink the juice or the distilled Water of Kidney-wort in a small quantity of White Wine is of very great operation to heale sore Kidneys torne or fretted by the Stone or exulcerated within with a deale of ease and so it provoketh Urine and is available for the Dropâ—y helpeth to break the stone as also to coole those parts that are inflamed by the paines thereof and to ease the wringing paines of the Bowells and the bloody-Flux Some say that Rootes and Leaves eaten in substance worketh the effects aforesaid and if I should say they do it by Signature I think it would be no false doctrine for the Root hath the figure of the stone if you observe it The said juice or distilled Water being drunk is very effectuall for all inflammations and unnaturall heats to coole a fainting hot Stomack or a hot Liver or the Bowells as also for Pimples Rednesse St. Anthonies fire and other outward inflammations if the bruised Herb be applyed outwardly or the place bathed with the juice or the distilled Water thereof It is also singular good to coole the painfullnesse of the Piles or Hemorrhoidall Veines the juice being used as a Bath unto them or made into an Oyntment It is no lesse effectuall to ease the paines of the hot Gout and Sciatica which is a paine in the Hips and for this reason it is called Herba Coxendicum or Hip-wort and it is also available for the inflammations and Swellings of the Cods It helpeth the Kernells or Knots in the Neck or Throat called the Kings-Evill healeth Kibes and Chilblaines if they be bathed with the juice or anointed with an Oyntment made thereof and some of the Skin of the Leafe laid upon them It is also used in greene Wounds to stay the blood and to heale them quickly Those that have consecrated the Fore-head to modesty the Eare to Memory the Knee to mercy have assigned the Navel to be the Seat of Luxury or Love and therefore the Leafe hereof having the Signature of the Navel is very prevalent
all sorts of wounds and Ulcers to dry sodder cleanse and heale them and should be a principall Ingredient in all Wound drinks and Injections Yet it is effectuall in many other Cases also for the Roots thereof being steeped in wine and drunk or the powder thereof given in wine is good for such as have the Dropsy or Jaundise or are troubled with the stoppings of the Liver It is also used for Ruptures Crampes and Pleurisies and for an old Cough shortnesse of breath and other diseases of the Lungs Gripings in the Belly and paines of the Mother Being scraped and put up as a Pessary it procureth womens Courses and causeth the Dead Birth to be avoided the juyce thereof used after the same manner worketh the like Effects It helpeth the Strangury and pissing by drops as also the Stone if the decoction or Powder thereof be taken and the juyce injected The decoction or juyce of the Root or a dram of the powder thereof drunk and the wound washed therewith taketh away the paine and danger of the bitings or Stingings of Venemous Creatures It helpeth to sharpen the Eye sight if it be steeped in Water and dropped into them CHAP. CCXLVIII Of Lovage The Names IT hath no Greek Name that I can meet with It is called in Latin Levisticum which is the proper and onely Latine Name thereof Ligusticum being a far different plant although some being deceived with the vicinity of the name have taken them to be both one The Kinds As the Names of Lovage are but few so the sorts are not many for of it I find but two 1. Ordinary Lovage 2. The Lovage of Germany The Forme Ordinary Lovage hath many long and great stalkes of large winged Leaves divided into many parts like Smallage but much larger of a sad green colour smooth and shining every Leafe being cut about the edges and broader forward then towards the Stalke The Stalkes that arise from thence are diverse and of different proportions according to the goodnesse or badness of the Soile wherein they grow as also to their time of continuance for though in a fat soile where it hath grown long they attaine unto the height of five or six foot yet if the ground be barren or the herb but newly set they seldome exceed three or four answerable whereunto is the bignesse of them being green and hollow set with lesser leaves then those that grow below towards the tops of these come forth other smaller branches bearing at their tops large Umbels of yellow Flowers which turne into flat brounish seed somewhat like the seed of Angelica The root groweth large both in length and thicknesse being of a brownish colour without side and white within The whole Plant smelleth strong and in tast is both hot sharp and biting The Places and Time Both the sorts are Inhabitants in the Gardens of those that love Physicall herbs especially and sometimes in the Garden of those that understand it not the first being common to divers Countryes the second proper to Germany yet neither of them are found wild in any part of Europe if they be any where else The root in continuance of time spreadeth much for it endureth long and sendeth forth every yeare new stalkes which hold the Flowers in the end of July and the seed in August The Temperature Lovage is hot and dry in the third degree and is of thin parts also The Vertues Halfe a dram of the dryed Root of Lovage in powder taken in Wine doth wonderfully warm a cold Stomach helping digestion and consuming all superfluous moisture and raw humours therein as also in the Guts and therefore it easeth all inward gripings and paines both of the Stomach and Belly as also by dissolving wind and expelling it effectually which is an utter enemy to them both and it is commended for resisting poyson and infection that may assault either of them or any other part The said Root boiled in Wine or Barly-water cleanseth the Lungs openeth the passages of the Vrine provoketh Womens Courses mightily and healeth inward Wounds Being bruised in a Mortar before it be dryed and steeped for twelve houres in faire Water then strained and two or three spoonfuls drunk first and last morning and evening asswageth any drought or great desire to drink when no ordinary liquor will do it and this it performeth by a specifick property for the Root is well known to be hot To drink the Decoction of the herbe for any sort of Ague and to help the cold paines and torments of the Body and Bowels comming of cold was not long since a known and much practised Remedy but the present Age which forgets every thing that should do it goood knowes none such as far as I can under-stand The seeds drunk in White-wine fasting either in powder or boyled therein and strained doth purge both upwards and downwards and being used in Glisters it easeth the Gout in the feet Being steeped a night in Wine or else boiled therein and drunk it provoketh the Termes and expelleth the Dead-child and likewise opens the stoppings of the Spleen but because the seeds be very strong the like weight of Annise and Fennel may be mixed with them to qualifie them And to be briefe the seeds are as effectuall to all purposes as any other part of it and worketh more powerfully in Womens diseases The distilled water of the herb helpeth the Quinsey in the Throat if the Mouth and Throat be gargled and washed therewith and helpeth the Pleurisy being drunk three or four times Being dropped into the Eyes it taketh away the rednesse and dimnesse of them It likewise taketh away the spots or freckles of the Face The Leaves bruised and fryed with a little Hogs-lard and laid to any botch or boyl will quickly break it and being boyled in water and bathed therein it provoketh Vrine expelleth the Stone and healeth the inward parts Being applyed three or four times with Rue and Honey to the Knees of those that are troubled with pain in them it is a good expedient for the removing thereof The people of Germany and of this and other Countreys also in former times used both the Root in Powder and the seed to season their Meats and Brothes and found them as effectuall to comfort and warm the Stomack but now a dayes whatsoever is not farre fetched will hardly please The green roots pickled with salt and vinegar are a good sawce for those that are troubled with wind but if they be preserved with sugar they are more acceptable to the Palate CHAP. CCXLIX Of Tansey The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Athanasia peradventure from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying sine morte or non moriens that is immortall because the yellow Flowers gathered in due time will continue very lively a long while It is also called Athanasia in Latine Tanacetum corruptly taken as Fuschius imagineth for Tagetes or Apuleius his Arthemisia Tragantes yet I
Roots of the manured Parsneps and Carrots are of a sweet pleasant tast by which they stir up the appetite and therefore the Carrots are usually eaten with Beefe as well without as with butter all the time of the Autumne but the Parsneps being dryer are more commonly buttered and serve as a dish by themselves upon Wednesdayes and Fridayes when hot meat is not so familiarly provided and so they are good for a Consumption and provoke Venery yet if there be no other provocation thereunto no body shall need to fear the eating of them if so be they do it with moderation for by the immoderate and too often use of them their nourishment will become vitious because they are somewhat windy whence you may observe that the Roots and Seeds of many things are not endued with the same qualities CHAP CCLII Of Spignell The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 perhaps from the smallnesse of the Leaves in Latine also Meum Meum Athamanticum either from Athamantes the son of Aeolus supposed to be the first discoverer or from the Hill Athamantes in Thessaly where the best was formerly thought to grow for it was sometimes usuall with the ancient Writers to name the places of Plants not because they grew in no other or were a distinct sort by themselves but because they were better then the common sort and for this reason and for no other Pliâ—y cals it also Meum Macedonicum and Hispanicum It is called in English Spignell or Spicknell of some Mewe or Baldmony or Bearewort The Kindes To this kind these five sorts may not unfiâ—ly be referred 1 Ordinary Spignell 2 Small Spignell 3 The Preservative Spignell of Candy 4 Italian Bastard Spignell 5 Mountaine Spignell of Germany The Forme The ordinary Spignell riseth up with sundry long stalkes of Leaves exceeding finely cut like unto haires smaller then those of Dill set thick on both sides the stalk of a light or yellow green colour and of a good sent from amongst which rise up round stiffe Stalkes with joynts having a few Leaves at them at the tops whereof groweth an Umbell of pure white flowers at the edges whereof sometimes will be seene a shew of reddish or blush colour especially before they be full blown which give place unto little roundish seed which are of a brownish colour the Roots are thick and long in respect of the Leaves growing out from one head which is hairy at the top of a blackish brown colour on the outside and white within The Places and Time The first groweth naturally in Westmerland Yorkeshire and other Northern Counties and hath been brought from thence into our Southern Physick Gardens the second in Savoy the third in Candy the fourth in Italy the last in Austria and as some have affirmed at the bottom of St. Vincents rock by Bristoll over against the hot Well where it cannot be seen but when the Tide is downe They flower in June and July and yeeld their seed in August The Temperature The Roots of Spignell are hot in the third degree and dry in the second The Vertues The dry Roots of Spignell being made into powder mixed with Honey and taken after the manner of an Electuary or licking Medicine not onely consumeth all windinesse in the Stomack but descendeth into the Guts and easeth the griping paines of the Bâ—lly It is excellent also against all Catarrhes Rhewms and Aches of the Joynts as also any phlegmatick or watery humour falling upon the Luâ—ges Being boyled in wine or water and drunk it mightily openeth the stoppings of the Kidneys and Bladder provoketh Urine and bodily lust easeth and helpeth the Strangury and consumeth all windynesse and belchings of the Stomack yea it is so effectuall for the Strangury that being laid Plaisterwise up the Bellyes of those Children that have it by inheritance it causeth them to make water very freely Iâ— is also very available to bring down Womens Courses and to help the griefes of the Mother but should too great a quantity thereof be taken it would cause the head to ake by the Vapors that it sendeth thereunto and therefore the safest way for the last purposes would be to sit over the decoction thereof The said Roots which are the only parts of the Plant in use though the seed be very aromaticall are accounted very effectuall against the sting or biting of any venemous Creature and therefore it is a maine Ingredient in Mithridate and Venice Treacle which are especiall Antidotes both for that and many other of the purposes before mentioned CHAP. CCLIII Of Bishops-weed The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as is supposed from the smalnesse of the seed which in some sort imitateth Sand and in Latine Ammi Ammium yet the Shops call it Ammios or Ameos in the Genitive case divers call it Cuminum Aethiâ—picum because the seed is somewhat like to that of Cummin and in that it groweth frequently in Aethiopia It is called also Cumiâ—um Regium or Cummin Royall for its excellent properties in English Ameos or Ammi of some Herb William Bull-wort and Bishops-weed The Kindes Though the true Ammi or Bishops-weed is not extant in any part of Europe yet therebe three sorts that learned men have referred to the same kind for some affinity betwixt them 1 Common Bishops-weed 2 Bishops-weed of Candy 3 Small Bishops-weed The Forme Common Bishops-weed riseth up with a round straight stalk three or four foot high beset with divers small long and somewhat broad Leaves cut in divers places and dented about the edges growing on both sides of a long foot stalk one against another of a fresh green colour somwhat like unto Skirret Leaves having sundry branches on them at the tops whereof come forth small Umbels of white flowers which turn into small round and brown seed a little bigger then Parsley-seed and not so big as Anni-seed of a quick hot scent and tall the Root is white and fibrous perishing every year after it hath given its seed from whence it riseth up again the next year if it be suffered to fall to the ground The Places and Time The first groweth naturally in the next field beyond Green Hithe in the way as you go to Gravesend by the hedg fide and in divers other places both of England and Wales the second was sent from Candy yet it groweth also upon the Mountain Garganus in Italy according to Matthiolus the last was brought from Alexandria in Egyt but was first brought thither out of Arabia All which being nursed up in some of our Physick Gardens do flower and seed reasonable well if the year prove kindly and not otherwise Their time of flowring is in June and July and that of seeding is about the latter end of August The Temperature The seedes of Bishops-weed which are chiefly in use are hot and dry in the later end of the
Heart the wood hereof is tough and of a brownish colour The Places and Time The First groweth upon Mountains and in Woods usually yea there be divers Woods in England which have few Trees in them but Chesnut Trees one whereof is within a mile and a half of Feversham in Kent yet these that grow in the warmer Countreys produce greater Nuts the Second groweth naturally in Turkâ— and is entertained in divers of our Gardens that pretend to rarities and indeed iâ— is a stately Plant the Third groweth upon Pilates hill which is not farre from Lyons in France the two last in the West Indies the Catkins shew themselves in March the Leaves in April and immediately after the Flowers but the Fruit is not ripe untill the Autumn The Temperature Chesnuts are neither hot nor cold but in a mean between both yet they arâ— very dry and binding The Signature and Vertues Every one will be apâ— enough to discover the Signatures that this Nut beares and so likewise of divers others that tend to this purpose so that a small hint will be sufficient It is not ordinarily delivered that this Nut should stir up Venery onely Langham in his Garden of Health mentioneth it for that purpose which is more then probable if the much nourishment they afford and the windinesse going along with them both which qualities are very conducible hereunto be considered The meale of these Nuts made into an Electuary with Honey is said to be very profitable for those that are troubled with a Cough spitting of blood laske or any Flux of blood in Man or Woman but especially the inner skin that covereth the kernell if the decoction thereof in Wine or Water or the powder thereof be taken in some convenient Liquor The way to remedy the windinesse of them in part for it will not totally be consumed is first to pricke them through the huske with a penknife or bodkin and then roast them under the embers or hot ashes and so they yeeld commendable nourishment yet if they be eaten immoderately they cause the Headach are hard of digestion and bind the body The powder of the said Nut kernels being dryed and applyed with Barly Meale and Vinegar doth cure unnaturall blastings and swelling of the Breasts Being stamped with Honey and Salt and applyed to the biting of a mad Dog it freeth it from doing harme and healeth it The Horse Chesnuts in Turky and other Easterne Countreys where they grow plentifully are given to Horses to cure them of the Cough shortnesse of breath and other diseases whence it had its name The other three sorts are of very little note and therefore I shall say nothing of them CHAP. CCLXXVII Of the Tree of Cacao and Chocolate The Names IT is called by the West Indians amongst whom it was first knowne and not in any part of the Christian world till after the discovery of Amâ—rica Cacao sive Cacavate besides which name it hath received none either Greek or Latin in English it is called The Pear-bearing wholâ—ome Almond Tree the Confection wherein the Cacao is the maine ingredient is in the Indian language called Chocolate being compounded of Aâ—e as some say or as others Aâ—le which in the Mexican Language signifieth Water and Choco the noise that the Water wherein the Chocolate is put maketh when it is stirâ—ed in a Cup untill it bubble and rise unto a froth it may be called in English A compounded or Confectioned drinke yet it is better knowne by the names of Chocolate and Chocoletto for so it is usually called The Kindes There are two sorts of Cacao 1 The common Cacao which is of a gray colour inclining towards red 2 Patlaxte which is broader and bigger white and more drying whereby it causeth watchfulnesse and therefore is not so usefull as the ordinary the description whereof though imperfect take as followeth The Forme The Tree of Cacao is of a mean size so delicate and tender that it must be defended from the Sâ—n and therefore other Trees are first planted which being grown up to that height that they may be fitted and plashed like an Arbour the Cacao Tree is then set for if it should be set before it would perish through the extream heat of the Country where it groweth what bark Leaves or Flower it beareth is not set down by any Author that I have met with but the fruit is said neerly to resemble the form of a Pear or Pear fashioned Gourd wherein are contained ten or twelve kernels somewhat bigger then Aâ—mands blackish without with brownish ash-coloured veines within very sweet and pleasant in taste to the Indians yet to strangers it is bitter and unpleasant The Places and Time They both grow in divers parts of the West Indies especially in or about â—uatimale whence they have beene brought into Hispaniolâ— where they are plentifull as may be gathered from some of the Relations of the Commodities of that Island and Jamaica lately come from thence they delight only in warme and weâ— yet shadowed places their time is not expressed yet it is said that after they have gathered the Fruit they break the outer rind and lay the inner fruit upon Mats to dry in the Sun untill the moisture within them be consumed and then they keep them both for Meat and Merchandâ—se The Temperature The Cacaoes or Kernels of the aforesaid fruit are of different parts first they are very cold and dry and should therefore be restringent and obstructive yet they are so far partakers of heat and moisture that if they be skilfully grownd and mixed together both the restringent and obstructive faculty is corrected The Vertues The Confection made of Cacao called Chocolate or Chocoletto which may be had in divers places in London at reasonable rates being taken in substance or as is more usual relented in Milke is of wonderful efficacy for the procreation of Children for it not only vehemently incites to Venus but causeth Conception in Women and hastens and facilitates their delivery and besides that it preserves health it makes such as drinke it often to become fat and corpulent fair and amiable it is an excellent helpe to digestion it cures Consumptions and Cough of the Lungs the Plague of the guâ—s and other Fluxes the green Sicknesse Jaundise and all manner of Inflammations Opilations and Obstructions it quite takes away the Morphew cleanseth the Teeth and sweetneth the breath provokes Vrine cures the Stone and Strangury expels poysons and preserves from all infectious diseases these and divers other Vertues have beene found in it by divers noble Personages who by some continued use thereof have received much benefit thereby every day producing new and admirable effects in such as drinke it The particular ingredients of the Confection their qualities and vertues the way of compounding and using it with the Dose or quantity that is to be taken at a time is punctually set downe in that learned and ingenuous though short Tract which
was written originally in Spanish by Antonio Colminerâ— of Ledesma Doctor in Physick and faithfully rendred in English by my much honoured Friend Captain James Wadsworth CHAP. CCLXXVIII Of Satyrions The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Satâ—rium from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it was found out by the Satyres who first used it to stirre up lust for which they were so notable it is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Orchis which is as generall a name as Satyrium is one kind whereof is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cynosorchis and Tragorchis in Latin Testiculus Canis and Testiculus Capri in English Satyrion Orchis Doggestones Goatestones Foolestones Cullions Standle wort Standerd grasse Kingfingers Gandergosses c. The Kindes All the sorts of Satyrions would fill a sheet of Paper and therefore I shall specifie onely the cheifest of them that grow in England 1 The Male Satyrion Royall 2 The Female Satyrion 3 Marish Satyrion 4 Spotted marish Satyrion 5 Creeping Satyrion 6 Bee Satyrion 7 Butterfly Satyrion 8 The elegant purplish fly Satyrion 9 Yellow fly Satyrion 10 Scarlet fly Satyrion 11 Fly Satyrion 12 Bird Satyrion 12 Dogs stones with a gaping Flower 13 Little purple flowred Doggestones 14 The Male Foolstones or Crowtoes 15 The Female Foolestones or Crowtoes 16 The Lizard Flower or Goats stones 17 The Spider Orchis 18 Spurre flowred Orchis or Red handed Orchis 19 Humble bee Orchis 20 Lady-Traces The Forme The Male Satyrion Royall hath divers large broad and long smooth green Leaves lying on the ground amongst which riseth up a round stalke with some such Leaves on it but lesser towards the top where grows a large head of pale purple flowers spotted with a deeper purple colour each Flower having a heel of the same colour behind it the Roots are flat and broad two joyned together at a head like unto hands one whereof is firme and the other loose and spungy as it is also in the Orchises that have Rootes like Stones altering every year by course for when the one riseth and waxeth full the other waxeth lank the full one sinketh if it be put into water the laâ—k one swimmeth The Places and Time As the Satyrions are many so the places are different for some grow in Fields and Meadowes some in Moorish grounds and Marshes and others upon Hills and Mountaines some of the most considerable I shall particularize unto 〈◊〉 The Bee Satyrion groweth in a large Close neer Elâ—feild on the side of the Hill betweene it and Oxford The Butterfly Satyrion hath been found in Stow-Wood being not far from the former places The eighth in Brodworth-Wood in Iorkâ—shire The tenth in Swanscombe-Wood The eleventh on a Hill Southwest of Bath The sixteenth nigh the high way between Crayford and Dartford in Kent The seventeenth hard by Walcot a Mile from Barnet They flower in the Months of April May and June some earlier and some later then another The Temperature That part of any of these Roots that is full and heavy is hot and moist and that which is spungy and light is hot and dry the full one seemeth to have much superfluous windinesse which the lank one is without The Vertues and Signature The full and plump Roots of the Satyrion or Orchis whereof the Electuary Diasatyrion is made are of mighty efficacy to provoke to Venery which they that have Bulbous Roots do by Signature but the lank or shrivelled mortifies lust so that here is a Remedy both to help Nature if it be deficient and to restrain it if be too luxuriant Being boyled in Milk especially the Goats stones and those other whose smell doth imitate that of the seed and eaten with white Pepper do the same and also nourish and strengthen those that are in a Consumption or have the Hectick Feaver The same Roots boyled in Wine and drunk stop the Flux and being green they consume all tumours cleanse rotten sores and Fistulaes being applyed and the powder thereof being cast into fretting and devouring Ulcers and Sores stayeth the same from further fretting and festring Being boyled in Wine with a little Honey it cureth the rotten Ulcers and Sores of the Mouth and being bruised only and applyed it is good against inflammations and swellings The Satyrion Royall which is that before described hath this particular vertue above the rest that being bruised and drunk in wine it provoketh Vomit and purgeth the Stomack and Belly by meanes whereof it cureth an old Feaver if as much as ones thumb be used before the fit come The flowers of Dogges-stones are also effectuall to cause provoke increase and stiâ— up Nature in case she forget her selfe through the coldnesse of any ones constitution CHAP. CCLXXIX Of Dragons The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dracontia and Dracontium from the resemblance that the stalke hath with the skin of a snake which is very great and it is observed by Pliny that it springeth out of the ground when snakes first begin to stir and as soon as they retire it retireth also It is called in Latine Serpentaria Bisaria and Colubrina but most commonly Dracunculus in English Dragons The Kindes There be three sorts of Dragons 1 Great Dragons 2 Small Dragons 3 Water Dragons The Forme The great Dragon riseth up with a bare or naked round whitish stalk about half a yard high or higher which is many times thick but alwayes smooth and spoâ—ted very much with spots of divers colours like those of the Adder or Snake bearing at the top thereof a few green Leaves very much divided on all sides standing upon long Foot-stalks in the middle whereof if the Root have been long planted commeth forth a great long husk or hose green and of a dark purplish colour on the inside with a slender long reddish pestell or clapper in the middle like unto that of the flower of Cuckowpint but greater The skin or filme whereof when the seed waxeth big being stretched and broken in sunder there appeareth the Fruit like to a bunsh or cluster of Grapes The Berries whereof at the first be green afterwards red and full of juyce in which is contained seed which is somewhat hard The Root is great round flat and whitish on the outside but whiter within with divers fibres hanging thereat much like unto the Cuckowpint both in form and tast The Places and Time The two first are planted in Gardens where they have been so long that their naturall place is not recorded The third groweth for the most part in Fenny places where the Water alwayes standeth and sometimes in Watery and marish places They flower in July and the berries are ripe in September The Temperature The Roots of Dragons are biting and bitter and not without some astriction and therefore there is no question but that it is hot and dry at least in the second Degree The Signature and Vertues
use in â—â—king Cordage We in English call it Hâ—mpâ— and sometimes Welsh Paâ—slâ—â— and Nâ—â—k weed but these are but Nick Nâ—mes The Kindes Though custome hath caused the barâ—en Hempâ— to be called the Female and that which beares Sâ—â—d to be the Male yet I see no reason for it they being from the same Seed and therefore must be of the same kind howsoever there be two sorts hereof 1 Common Hemp. 2 Virginian Hempe The Forme The common Hemp which is that which is manured both Male and Female riseth up out of the ground after the same manner neither can they be distinguished till they come to be well growne and then the Female as they call it which is ripe and must be pulled first is easily knowne from the other by the fewnesse of its Leaves which are smaller and of a lighter green colour then the other but the Male hath the stronger stalks with a more bushy head and greater Leaves of a dark green colour The Female beareth flowers and no feed followeth the Male beareth seed without any shew of flowers and endureth longer before it be ripe They both rise up to be five or six foot high if the ground wherein they grow be rank but not otherwise with many Leaves set thereon at distances which are subdivided into divers others yet standing upon one foot stalk somewhat like unto the Leaves of Bastard Hellebore or Bears foot but more dented about the edges The seed is contained in divers husked bunches coming from the bottom of the Leaves which being prepared and make fit to be threshed it cometh forth being almost round with a somewhat hard shell under which lieth a kernell of a white substance The Roots are made of many strong strings which take fast hold in the ground so that they are very troublesome to pull up unlesse the ground be mellow or presently afâ—er rain yet they die and perish every year The Places and Time The first is sowne in most Counties of this Land but not so frequently in some as in others yet wheresoever it â—is it delights in a well dunged and watery soyle which must be either plowed or digged deep or else it thriveth not It is sowne in March or April and riseth out of the ground within few dayes after it is committed thereunto making its way through Cloth Shooe Soales or any such thing that lies over it The Female Hemp is ripe in July and therefore called Summer Hemp the Male in September when the Winter approacheth and therefore it is called Winter Hemp. The Temperature There be some that speak Hemp to be cold and dry but the major part of Writers are of opinion that it is hot and dry The Vertues The Seed of Hemp used frequently is good for those which are troubled with a thorn in the flesh for besides that it consumeth windinesse it doth so much disperse it that it dryeth up the naturall Seed of procreation therewith Being boyled in Milk and taken it helpeth such as have a dry and hot Cough as Tragus saith An Emulsion made of the Seed is given with good successe to those that have the Jaundise especially in the beginning of the disease if there be no Ague accompanying it for it openeth the Obstruction of the Gall and causeth digestion of Choller therein A decoction of the said Seed stayeth Laskes and Fluxes that are continuall easeth the pains of the Chollick and allayeth the troublesome humours in the Bowels An Hempseed Posset with some Nutmeg procureth Sleep being taken bedward The Leaves fryed with some of the blood of those who bleed exceedingly and eaten stayeth the issuing out thereof whether it be at the Mouth Nose or any other place The juyce of the Leaves are held to be very effectuall to kill worms either in Man or Beast and being dropped into the eares it killeth the worms that are in them and draweth forth Eare-wigs or other living Creatures gotten into them The decoction of the Root allayeth Inflammations in the Head or any other parts and so doth the Herb it self or the distilled Water thereof The said decoction easeth the pains of the Gout the hard tumors or knots in the joynts the pains and shrinking of the Sinewes and the pains of the Hip The fresh juyce mixed with a little Oyl and Butter is good for any place that hath been burnt with fire being thereto applyed Notwithstanding these Vertues it is said to be hard of digestion hurtfull to the Head and Stomack and breedeth ill blood and juyce and in the body if it be taken without discretion Concerning the gathering shocking threshing watering peeling or stripping braking dressing and spinning of Hemp I dare not be too particular lest I should be contradicted by every Country Huswife every of which doth very well know that the Summer Hemp affordeth most Teere as they call it and maketh the siner Cloth for Shirts Smocks Aprons Table Cloths and such like necessary uses and that the Winter Hemp hath in it more Hards which being Spun serveth for Sheets Dresser-Cloths and the like The Cordage that is made of the rough Hemp is not altogether inconsiderable for by it Ships are guided Bels are rung Rogues are kept in awe Beds are corded c. Nay the Rags of the old Cloth that is made of Hemp serve to make Paper which is as usefull a commodity as any whatsoever And if there be any one that is not sufficiently satisfied with these uses of Hemp and Hempseed let them read the Works of John Taylor the Water Poet who hath written very much in the praise of Hempseed CHAP. CCLXXXII Of the Water Lillie The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine also Nymphaea because it loveth to grow no where but in the Water which the Greeks sometimes call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 though that word hath other significations also or rather from the Story though fabulous for many of purplants have received names upon such accounts of the Nymph which pind away for the love of Hercules and was changed hereinto It is called by the Apothecaries Nenuphar by Apuleius Mater Herculara Algapalustris Papaver palustre Clavus Veneris and Digitus by Maâ—cellus Clava Hâ—rculis Some have called it in English the Water Rose as well as the Water Lilly The Kindes Of the Water Lillies both white and yellow there be seven sorts 1 The great common white water Lilly 2 The lesser white water Lilly 3 Small white water Lilly commonly called Froybit 4 The great white water Lilly of Egypt 5 The great yellow water Lilly 6 The smaller yellow water Lilly 7 Small yellow water Lilly with lesser flowers The Forme The great common white water Lilly hath very large round Leaves in the shape of a buckler thick fat full of juyce and of a dark green colour which standing upon long round and smooth foot-stalks full of a sponglous substance alwayes flote upon the water seldome or never growing above it from
amongst which there rise up from the Root other thick and great stalks like unto the foot-stalks of the Leaves each of them sustaining one onely large white flower thereon green on the out side but exceeding white within confisting of divers rowe of long and somewhat thick and narrow Leaves smaller and thinner the more inward they be with many yellow threds or thrums in the middle standing about a small head which after the leaves are fallen of becometh like unto a Poppy Head containing in it broad blackish Oyly and glittering seed of a bitter tast The Roots be round long and tuberous with many knobs thereat like Eyes of substance loose and spongy of colour black without and white within out of which groweth a multitude of strings by which it is fastened in the ground under the bottom of the Water The Places and Time All the sorts of Water Lillies except the fourth whose name sheweth its place also do grow in most parts of England where there be any standing pooles great ditches or small slow running Rivers in every of which they are frequent and sometimes in large Rivers which run pretty quick They flower in the Months of May and June and their feed is ripe in August The Temperature The Leaves and Flowers of the Water Lillies are cold and moist but the Root and Seed are cold and dry The Vertues The Seed and Root of the Water Lilly whether white or yellow but principally the yellow being boyled in Water is of wonderfull efficacy to coole bind and restrain and therefore the said decoction cannot but be exceeding good for those who shall endeavour to preserve themselves from Lechery and uncleannesse for it not onely stoppeth the involuntary passage of Sperme in Sleep commonly called Nocturnall pollution but is so powerfull in this particular that the frequent use hereof extinguisheth even the very Motions to venery and so doth the Root and Seed used in meat or drink or the Root only bruised and applyed to the genitals or the green Leaves laid upon the Region of the back either of which wayes it is available also for the Gonorrhea or running in the Reines and the whites or any other flux in Man or Woman but especially if it be boyled in thick red wine and drunk The said Root is very good for those whose Urine is hot and sharp to be boyled in Wine or Water and the decoction thereof drunk The Leaves do cool all Inflammations and both the outward and inward heats of Agues the decoction thereof being drunk or bathed with They are also very effectuall to expell the secondine or After birth whereof they have the Signature as the learned Crolliâ—â— observeth Both the simple and compound Syrupes which are made of white water Lilly flowers and may be had at the Apothecaries are fine and cooling they allay the heat of Choller provoke Sleep settle the brains of Frantick persons by cooling the hot distemperature of the head as they do the distempers of other parts as the Heart Liver Reines and Matrix proceeding of Heat and so doth the Conserve made of the said flowers The distilled Water of the said flowers is very effectuall for all the diseases aforesaid both inwardly taken and outwardly applyed and is very much commended for the taking away of Freckles Spots Sunburn and Morphew from the skin in the Face or any other part of the Body and so doth the Root being stamped with Water and applyed often to the discoloured part which being applyed to Wounds stancheth the blood and being mixed with Tar it cureth the naughty scurfe of the Head The oyl made of the flowers as the Oyl of Roses is made cureth the Head-ach causeth sweet and quiet sleep and putteth away all Venerous dreams and taketh down the standing of the Yard the Head and privities being annointed therewith and is profitable also to coole hot tumors and the inflammations of Ulcers and Wounds neither doth it onely ease but also heal them CHAP. CCLXXXIII Of Hemlock The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Conion 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à circumvertendâ— because it did so intoxicate the brain of those that took the juyce thereof that they presently fell a staggering or else every thing seemed to them to turn round but though that which grew in Greece would do so yet that which we have is not so powerfull howbeit I shall not wish any one to try It is called in Latinâ— Cicuta which some will have to be so denominated quod velut cutem circumcircâ— habeat because it is covered with a double Skin In English Hemlock Hemlock Kex and of some Herb Bennet though not truly The Kinds To this kind may be referred these seven sorts 1 The common great Hemlock 2 Foolish Hemlock or Counterfeit Parsley 3 The greatest Hemlock 4 White wild Hemlock 5 Red wild Hemlock 6 Marsh or water Hemlock 7 Bulbous rooted wild Hemlock The Forme The common great Hemlock groweth up with a hollow green stalk two or three foot high of a dark green colour and sometimes spotted whereupon at severall joynts are set very large winged Leaves which are subdivided in many others that are lesser dented about the edges of a dark green colour also branching out it selfe towards the top into several umbels or spoky tufts of white flowers after which followeth the seed of a pale green colour and flattish when it is ripe The Root is long white and sometimes crooked and hollow within the whole Plant is very unsavoury and therefore offensive to the Senses especially to that of smelling The Places and Time The first groweth in most Countrys by Walls and Hedge sides especially in stinking and corrupt places and therefore it is frequently found in such ditches which are made for the conveyance of any noysome excrements or wherein dead Dogs and Cats and other Carrion is used to be cast this poysonous Plant drawing unto it and feeding upon the maligne juyce and nourishment which those places plentifully afford The second is found in Gardens as well as other places where it is sometimes mistaken for Parsly by those that are ignorant of Herbs The third is said to be found onely in Gardens about these parts The fourth and fifth are frequent in the moist Grounds and Marshes of France and besides the Waters there The sixt is not altogether a stranger to our owne Rivers sides especially to the Thames The last is best known to be of Hungaria and Austria They differ not much in their time for all of them flower and seed in July or thereabouts The Temperature Hemlock is held to be cold in the fourth degree by Galen and others yet many are of opinion that the Hemlock that groweth in England is not so cold as that which the Ancients make mention of The Vertues Though the Hemlock that grew in Greece and thereabouts were pernicious to be applyed to the Privities for the restraining of Lust because they made those members to
be eminent for healing green Wounds yet not for all other diseases as those names import The Forme Clownes Wound-wort groweth up with slender four square green rough Stalks to the height of halfe a yard or two foot surrowed in a little upon every square the joynts standing somewhat farre a sunder with two very long and somewhat narrow dark green Leaves bluntly dented about the Edges and sharp pointed at the end the flowers stand towards the top compassing the stalkes at the joynts as those of Horehound doe but it endeth in a spiked top which Horehound doth not having long and much open gaping hoods of a purplish red colour with whitish spots in them standing in somewhat rough huskes wherein afterwards stand blackish round seeds The root is composed of many long strings with some tuberous long knobs commonly growing amongst them of a pale yellowish or whitish colour the whole plant is of a strong smell somewhat like unto Stinking Horehound The Places and Time Clownes Allheale groweth frequently in most of the Countries of this Land by the sides of severall brooks and ditches and sometimes by the Path-sides and Borders of fields It floureth in August and bringeth its seed to perfection about the end of September The Temperature This kind of Sideritis is hot in the second degree and dry in the first and withal of an earthy quality The Vertues The Leaves of Clownes Wound-wort stamped with Swines grease and applyed unto green Woundes in manner of a Pultis doth heale them in a short time according to the first intention that is by closing up the lips of them without drawing or bringing them to Suppuration or Matter in such absolute manner that it is hard for any one that hath not had the experience thereof to believe It is also very availeable in stanching of bloud and to dry up the Fluxes of humors in old fretting Vlcers Cancers c. that hinder the healing of them Neither is it excellent onely for outward but also for inward Wounds Ruptures of veines bloudy flux spitting pissing or vomiting bloud a syrupe being made thereof and taken now and then a little and so Ruptures or burstings of the belly are speedily even to admiration cured if a Plaister of the Herb or an oyntment of the same be applyed to the place The said Plaister being applyed to any veine that is swollen or Muscle that is cut helpeth it and if there be a little Comfry added to it it will be so much the better CHAP. CCCXXXIV Of Arsmart The Names IT is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hydropiper i. e. Piper aquaticum because one kind of it hath a burning taste like Pepper and Hydropiper in Latine sometimes but generally Perficaria quod folia â—jus Perfica foliis similia sunt because the leaves of it are like unto those of the Peach-tree yet some make this distinction calling the mild or gentle sort Perficaria simply and the other Hydropiper five Perficaria urens in English Water Pepper and Arsmart and in some Countries Red-knees and of some Culrage and Cyderach The Kindes There be foure Sorts of Arsmart growing in our owne Country 1. Dead or Spotted Arsmart 2. Small creeping Arsmart 3. Codded Arsmart or Touchme not 4. Biting Arsmart or Water Pepper The Forme The â—ild or Spotted Arsmart groweth up with Leaves of a middle size both for length and breadth set at the great red joynts of the Stalkes with blackish spots upon them many times almost like a halfe moone but not alwayes the flowers grow in long Spiky heades either of a blush or whitish colour which falling away blackish â—lat seed come in their places The root is long with many fibres thereat perishing yearly this hath no biting tast as the Water Pepper hath which is exceeding hot but is rather like sowre Sorrell or else a little drying or without tast the way of distinguishing one from an other is to breake a leafe of it crosse ones tongue for the biting sort will make the tongue to smart and so will not the other The Places and Time The first groweth very common almost every where in moist and watery Plashes and neer to the brims of Rivers Ditches and running Brooks and sometimes in those Corn-fields that are subject to moisture in the Winter time The second groweth also within the confines of our Countrey and so doth the third but the place thereof is not particularly expressed and therefore some Physick Garden is the surest place to finde them the last is found in like places with the first but not so frequently and is to be known from iâ— by the red spots which it sometimes hath as also by the Diagnostick I have already set down They flower in June and their Seed is ripe in August The Temperature The â—ildâ— or dead Arsmart as it is called is cold and something dry but the Biting Arsmart is hot and dry yet not so hot as Pepper according to Galen The Vertues and Signature The Leaves and Stalkes of the Dead Arsmart being stamped and applyed to green or fresh Wounds doe cool and comfort them exceedingly and keep them from â—â—postumation and inflaâ—mation and so doth the juice of them being dropped thereinto Being applyed in like manner it consumeth all cold swellings and taketh away black and blew markes of the Skin by dissolving the congealed blood happening upon bruises strokes fallâ— c. which is signified by the black spots which are upon the Leaves and being laid to a Joynt that hath a Felon thereon it taketh it away by Signature also A piece of the Root or some of the Seed bruised and held to an aking tooth taketh away the pâ—ine The Juice of it being dropped into the Eares destroyeth the Wormes that are in them and so it is good against deafenesse Two dâ—amms of the powder of the herb taken with a little Vinegar openeth the obstructions of the Liver Being stamped with Wine and applyed to the Matrix it bringeth unto Women their monthly Courses If it be stamped with Rue and Wormwood and all of them fryed together with Butter or Suet and applyed to the Stomach or Bâ—lly it killeth the Wormes in them When a Womans Belly is great and she not with Childe let her boyl of Arsmart Rue and Hyssâ—p of each one handfull in a quart of Ale to the one halfe and drinke thereof first and last it will reduce it to its just measure The distilled Water of the herb mingled with an Oxe Gall and a little Oyle of Spike being annointed upon any place that is troubled with the Gout and a blew woollen cloth laid upon it taketh away the pain thereof Two spoonfulls of the said Water with one of Aqua Vitae being nointed on any place troubled with an Ach for five or sixe dayes taketh it quite away It is said that if a handfull of Arsmart wetted in Water be applyed to a Wound or Sore and afterwards buried in moist ground as the herb rotteth so
225 Grasses of divers sorts 81 Grapes of divers sorts 228 Winter Green 63 Ground Iâ—y 26 Ground Pine 318 Groundsâ—ll 150 Guaâ—acum 327 Gum Tragacanth 216 Gum Arabick ibid. H. HAarts-ease 121 Harts-horn 238 Harts tongue 205 Harts Claver 143 Hart Trefoile 298 Hasel nut tree 304 Hather or Heath 208 Haver or Oats 144 Hawkweed 24 Haw-thorne 230 Haymaides 26 Hedge-mustard 109 White Hellebore 156 Black Hellebore 202 Bastard Hellebore ib. Hemlock 283 Hemp 281 Hemp-Tree or Agnus 280 Henbane 58 Henbane of Peru 107 Heâ—â—it 188 Hawes 232 Heps 19 Herb Robert 325 Herbe Trinity 121 Herb Bennet 133 Herbe Carpenter 338 Herbe of Grace 21 Herbe Ive 318 Herb Paris 331 Herb Twopence 299 Herbâ— William 253 Holy Hâ—rbe 18 Hercules Woundwort 241 Hightaper 112 Hipwort 235 Hyssope 75 Hollihockes 93 Hogges Fennell 30 Holme or Holly Bush 243 Holme or Holly Oak 317 Holy Thistle 139 Holy Seed 148 Holy Rose 259 Sea Holly 268 Honisuckles 111 Hops 220 Horehound 105 Horned Poppy 3 Horestrong 30 Hookheal 336 Horse mint 43 Horse tail 34 Horse tongue 64 Housleek 47 I JAck by the Hedge 131 St. James wort 76 St. Jâ—bas-wort 332 Indian Spikenard 217 Job's tears 225 Jone Silver pin 3 Juno's tears 18 Ivy. 27 Ground Ivy. 26 Juniper tree 244 Jujube tree 83 Juray or Darnell 300 K KAli or Glassewort 197 St. Katherines flower 92 Kexes or Hemlock 283 Keraelwort or Figwort 65 Kidney beans 236 Kidneywort 235 Knawell 221 Kneeholm 229 Knotgrass 221 Knotberry 261 L LAced Time Savory c. 201 Ladies Bedstraw 343 Ladies Combe 230 Ladies Mantle 89 Ladies Seal 191 Ladies Smocks 50 Ladder to Heaven 323 Lambs Lettice 97 Larch-Tree 5 Laserwort and the sorts 310 Lavender 9 Lavender Cotton 250 Lawrell or Bay-tree 241 Great Lawrell or the Cherry Bay-tree ibid. Spurge Lawrell 198 Lawrel of Alexandria 64 Laurus Tinus 241 Leeks 255 Lentils 102 Lentisk or Mastick tree 53 Lettice 97 Lambs Lettice ibid. Lichwale 225 Liquoris 73 Lignum Aloes 136 Lignum Vitae 327 Lemon tree 233 Lilly Convally 12 Water Lilly 282 Lingeor Heath 208 Liriconfancy 12 Liverwort 180 Loosestrife 338 Love in idleness 121 Lovage 248 Lungwort 106 Lupines 212 Lustwort 108 M MAdder 314 Maidenhair 16 Mayweed 141 Mallowes 93 Ladies Mantle 89 Marjerom 10 Marigolds 125 Marvel of Peru 29 Masterwort 54 Mastick tree 53 Mastick Time 290 Sweet Maudlin 182 Maybush 232 Meehoacan 192 Medick Fodder 298 Medow Saffron 119 Medow Trefoile 298 Medow Parsly 223 Medlars 41 Melilot 143 Meloâ—s 166 French Mercury 313 Dogs Mercury ibid. Meum 252 Miboile 294 Miltwast 204 Miats 43 Cat-Mint 307 Calamint 201 Mâ—riles 258 Mirabolanes 149 Misseltoe 13 Moneywort 299 Small Moonwort 297 Morrell 29 Mosse 15 Mother of Time 29 Motherwort 305 Mugwort 286 Mulberries 42 Mullein and the sorts 112 Monks Rubarb 177 Mustard 273 Hedge Mustard 109 N. NArdus or Spiknard 217 Venus Navell 235 The Nectarin tree 170 Nenuphar 282 Nep 307 Nettles 87 Dead Nettles 66 Nicotian 107 Nigella 92 Nightshade 29 Nipplewort 104 Nose bleed 294 The Bladder Nut 227 The Nutmeg tree 165 The Hasel Nut. 304 O. OAke and the Sorts 237 Oak Fern 115 Oak mosse 15 Oats 144 Oculus Christi 23 Oister green 106 Olive tree 245 One Berry 331 Onion 226 Opium 3 Orach 309 Orchis 278 Orenge tree 167 Organy 287 Orobus 212 Orpiâ—e 68 Orris 33 Osmund Ferâ—e 206 Oxe Eye 139 Oxe Tongue or Buglosse 166 Oxelips 11 P. PAigles or Cowslips 11 Palm tree 62 Palma Christi 196 278 Pansies 121 Parietary 69 Park Leaves 285 Poormans Parmacetty 35 Parsly 214 Parsly pert 222 Parsnep 251 Water Parsnep 231 Pasque Flower 291 Patience 177 Peach-tree and the sorts 170 Pear tree and the sorts 169 Pease and the sorts 271 Pellitory of the Wall 69 Penny Royall 287 Pennywort 235 Peony and the sorts 2 Pepper 164 Wall Pepper 47 Water Pepper 334 Pepperwâ—rt 316 Perwincle 96 Pestâ—lâ—â—ce-wort or Butter-bur 308 St. Peters-wort hath the same Vertues with St. Jâ—has-wort â—32 Pigeens-grasse 18 Great Pâ—lâ—-wort 65 Sâ—all Pâ—lâ—wort 255 Pimperâ—eil 341 Water Piâ—nperneil 231 Piâ—e-Tree 51 Ground Pine 318 Pistack Nuts 275 Pitch Tresoile 298 Plantain 76 Buck shorâ— Plantain 238 Plum-tree 172 Pâ—ckwood 327 Poets Râ—semary 8 Polymountain 211 Polipody 115 Pome Citron tree 129 Pomegranate tree 52 Poplar and the Sorts 28 Pâ—ppies 3 Horned Poppy ibid. Spaâ—ling Poppy ibid. Bastard wild Poppy 36 Porcelane 44 Potatees 269 Shepherds purse 35 Priests pintle 32 Prick madam 47 Primrose 11 Prunell 336 Pudding Pipe 157 Puliol Royal. 287 Purcelane and the sorts 44 Water Purslane 188 Purplewort 298 Q QUeen of the Meadowes 295 Q 〈…〉 n Tree 194 Quick grass 228 Quince Tree and the sorts 14 R. RAdish and the sorts 151 Hâ—se Râ—dish 256 Ragwort and the sorts 76 Raâ—pions and the sorts 95 Raâ—sons 72 Rape or Turnep 88 Broom Rape 193 Raspis 261 Redweed or wild Poppy 3 Reed and the sorts 82 The Sâ—gar Reed or Cane ibid. The Aromaticall Reed 218 Ray or Darnell 300 Rest harrow 57 Rhapontick 177 Ribwort 76 Wake Robbin 32 Rocket 272 Shepherds Rod 265 Roses and the sorts 19 Water Rose 282 Ros Solis 108 Rosemary 8 Poets Rosemary ibid. Red Rot 108 White Rot. 114 True Rubarb 177 Bastard Rubarb ibid. Medow Rubarb 77 Moâ—kes Rubarb 177 Ruddes 3 Medow-Rue 77 Garden Rue 21 Mountaine Rue ib. Wild Rue ib. Goates Rue 127 Wall Rue ib. Rupture-wort 321 Rice 263 Rye 166 S. SAffron 119 Sage 7 Wood Sage 131 Sage of Jerusalem 113 Solomons Sealâ— 323 Salt-wort 197 Sallow 36 Sampier 139 Saunders 90 Santliver 197 Sanicle 114 Sarza parilla 329 Saraceâ—s Consound 337 Saraceâ—s Birth-wort 312 Sassafras 193 Satyrion 278 Sawce-alone 131 Savoury and the sorts 289 Savine and the sorts 319 Saxifrage and the sorts 223 Scabious and the sorts 85 Scabwort 79 Scaleserne 204 Scarlet-Oake 217 The Scarlet graine ib. Scarwort 316 Scordiuâ— 131 Scurvygrasse and the sorts 46 Sea Colewort 190 Scottish Scurvy-grasse ib. Sea-foale-foot ib. Sea Holley 268 Sebesten 84 Selfe-heale 336 Sena 154 Bastard Sena ib. Sengreene 47 Senvy or Mustard 273 Garden Setwall 165 Mountain Setwall ib. Setter-wort 202 Share-wort 330 Shave grasse 34 Shepherds needle 230 Shepherds-purse 35 Shepherds-stasse 262 Silken Sicely 126 Sickle-wort 335 Silverneed 39 Sinkâ—cile 39 Skirrets 270 Sloe-bush 260 Smallage 186 Gardeâ— Smilax 236 Snaile Claver 298 Snakeweed 37 Snakes garlick 72 Soldanella 190 Sorrell â—nd the sorts 184 Wood Sorrell 123 Sowthiâ—â—les 31 Sowbread 40 Sowfennell 30 Southernwood 288 Spanish Potatoes 269 Sparrowes-tongue 194 Speedwell and the sorts 240 Spicknell or Spignell 252 Spicknard 217 Spinage 185 Rough Spleenwort 204 Smooth Spleenwort ib. Great Spurge or Palma Christi 196 Spurge Lawrell 198 Squtnant 160 Stabbewort 123 Staggerwort 50 Starchwort 32 Starrewort 330 Stonecrop 47 Strawberries 122 Succory 181 Sulphurwort 30 Sumack of divers sorts 257 Sundew 108 Sunflowers 79 Sweet Cicely 117 Swallowort 126 Sweet Gaule 257 Sweet Rush 219 Swines Cresses 238 Swines-grasse 221 T. English and Indian Tabacco 117 Tamarinds 203 Tamarisk and the sorts 208 Garden Tansey
with the Gout or Sciatica doth give a great deal of ease The green or dry Leaves boyled in Beer or put therein upon the Tunning up maketh it more wholsom and giveth thereunto a most excellent relish The decoction taken helpeth inward bruises congealed blood strengtheneth the stomack is effectuall for the Suffocation of the Muther The root taken dry or drunk in any Liquor will abate the rage of Lust in young persons The root being used green helpeth such as be Short-winded and those that are troubled with stuffings in their Stomach The Wild Angelica is not so effectuall as the Garden although it may be used for all the purposes aforesaid The root of the garden Angelica is a better substitute in Theriaca Andromachi or Venice Treacle and Mithridate then many others that have been used therein CHAP. CXIX Of Saffron The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latin Crocus and Crocum which are the Names used in the shops of Apothecaries in English Saffron The Poets say it was called Crocus from a young man of that name who pining away for the love of Smilax was turned into this Flower Ovid testifying as much in the verse following Et Crocum in parvos versum cum Smilace flores It may not unfitly be called Filius ante patrem or the Father before the Son Because it first putteth forth the Flowers and then the Leaves The Kinds There being but one kind of the true manured Saffron I shall put down five of the more Common wild sorts 1. Wild Saffron flowring early with an Ash-coloured streaked flower 2. Wild yellow Spring Saffron 3. Broad leaved Wild-Spring Saffron with a Purple flower 4. Autumne Wild Saffron with white Flowers 5. Small Wild Saffron The Form The manured true Saffron hath its Flower first rising out of the ground nakedly without any Leaves shortly after which riseth up its long small grassy Leaves seldom bearing Flower and Leaves at once the root is small round and Bulbous The Flower consisteth of six small blew Leaves tending to Purple having in the middle many small yellow strings or threds amongst which are two or three or more thick fat Chives of a fiery colour somewhat reddish of a strong smell when they be dryed but being newly gathered and but rubbed upon ones hand they will make it very yellow The Places and Times Fuchsius saith that heretofore the best Saffron grew upon the Mountaine Corycus in Cicilia and the next to that upon Olympus a Mountaine in Lycia but since the profit that ariseth from this commodity hath been discovered it hath beene planted in Germany and likewise in England in divers places but especially in Cambrigeshire about Walden which is therefore called Saffron-VValden where there be divers feilds full of it It beginneth to Flower in September and presently after the Leaves Spring up and remaine green all the Winter-long dying againe in April when it commonly putteth forth another Crop of Flowers which must be gathered assoon as it is blown or else the Chives in the middle which are the Commodity will perish so that it is allowed to be gathered on the Sabbath day by that strict Sabbatarian Mr. Greenham in his Treatise on that subject because it is conceived that God who hath made the Saffron so to Flower would not that a thing so usefull for mans health should be lost for want of gathering This information I had from my learned friend Mr. Hudson Minister of Putney the place of my abode at the writing hereof The Wild Sorts were brought some out of Italy and some out of Spaine and are growing in divers of our London Gardens they Flower for the most part in Jannuary and February but that with Flowers groweth upon certaine craggy Rocks in Portugall not far from the Sea side which hath been brought over into England also and flowreth in September The Temperature Saffron is a little astringent or binding but his hot quality doth so over rule in it that in the whole essence it is in the number of those herbes which are hot in the second degree and dry in the first therefore it hath also a certain force to concoct which is furthered by the small astriction that is in it as Galen saith The Vertues There is not a better Cordial amongst herbs then Saffron is for it doth much comfort the Heart and recreateth the Spirits and makes them cheerfull that use it and therefore it is called Cor hominis the Heart of man and when we see a man over merry we have a Proverb Dormivit in sacco Croci He hath slept in a bagge of Saffron It expells Venemous Vapors from the Heart and therefore is very usefull in the Plague Pestilence and small Pox strengthneth the stomack preservs the Entralls helpeth Concoction and naturall heat It is called by some Anima Pulmonum because it is very profitable for the Lungs and the Consumption thereof as also for the shortnesse of breath It is likewise very profitable for the Head Stomach Spleen Bladder Womb Animal Vital and Naturall Spirits and is usefull in cold diseases of the Braine and nerves and quickens the memory and senses It is good in the Pleurity openeth the stoppings of the Liver and â—all and therefore is usefull in the yellow Jaundise which it cureth by sigâ—◠〈…〉 e and against Melancholly provoketh Urine and Venus hastneth Child-birth procures a good colour to them that use it It is profitable in sits of the 〈◊〉 especially the Tincture thereof It is best for old persons that are phlegmatick and Melancholick and that in the Winter Season It is outwardly used against the Gout to ease the paine thereof being mixed with the Yolke of an Egge and Oyle of Roses and applyed A Cataplasme of Pulâ— is made of Saffron Milke and the crums of Bread being applyed mollifyeth Tumors and Aposthums it easeth sore Eyes and blood-shotten being used with red-Roses and the white of an Egge being mixed with red-Rose-water and Womans Milke it preserveth the Eyes from the small Pox and Measles and being made up in a stay and put under the Throat of one that hath the small-Pox keepeth them from the place which would otherwise be much more troublesome if the life not hazzarded It is used against Erysipelas or Wild-fire and Inflammations it helpeth deafenesse if it be mixed with Oyle of bitter-Almonds and put into the Eare warme or dip black wooll in some of it and put it into the Eares It killeth the Itch and is used in pultisses for the Matrix and Fundament to ease the paine thereof and also for old Swellings and Aches Too much of it causeth the Head-ach offendeth the Brain and Senses brings drowsinesse and hurts the sight it causeth a loathing of the stomack takes away the appetite and provokes laugh 〈…〉 Some write that if two or three drams thereof be taken it brings death it is not safe to give to Women with Child The weight of ten graines of