is not likely that this Commodity should have any Greek name the Ancients never having any knowledge of that part of the World The West Indians from whence it first came call it Guayacan and from thence it is called in Latine Guajacum by some Lignum Indicum Lignum Sanctum and Lignum Vitae In English Pockwood for its excellency in curing the French Pox and sometimes Indian Packwood because it is brought from the West Indies The Kindes I finde three sorts of Guajacum mentioned by some later Writers 1. The true Guajacum or Indian Pockwood 2. A West-Indian tree like Guajacum 3. A differing Indian Guajacum The Forme This Tree whereof Guajacum is the wood groweth to be of the bignesse of an Oake with a reasonable thick greenish gummy barke spread with sundry Armes and Branches both great and small and on them winged Leaves set by coupâ—es one against another which are but small thick hard and round almost with divers veines in them abiding alwaies green upon the branches at the joynts and ends of the branches come forth many flowers standing in a tuft together every one upon a long footstalke consisting of sixe whitish yellow Leaves not very great with some threds in the middle which afterwards turne into flat yellowish gristly fruit of the fashion of the seed Vessel of Thlaspi or else oâ— Shepheardâ— purse with two divisions likewise having in the one side a grâ—stly seed almost as hard as horne the other being for the most part empty hanging down together by their long foot-stalkes it yeeldeth also a Gumme or Rosiâ— of a darke colour which will easily burne The Places and Time All the three sorts of Guajacum grow in the West Indies and the first especially about Sâ—anto Doâ—ingo whence this disease was originally brought to the King of Spaines Campe which was at Naples in the yeare 1493. he being then treating of peace with the French King whose Army was thereabouts also and in a short time after infected with it The French-men thought that they got it by accompanying with the Spaniards as indeed they did and therefore they called it the Spanish Scab yet the â—paniards thought that the French had given it to them and they called it the French Poxe Others called it the Disease of Naples because it arose in those Coasts as they supposed when as truly it came from the West Indies and therefore some call it the Measells of the Indies Whence Monardâ—â— observes that God Almighty would so have it that as these Poxe came from those parts so should a Remedy be brought thence also Diseases and their Remedies commonly arising in the same Climate which is a wonderful Act of Providence The Temperature Guajacum or Pockwood is hot and dry in the second degree and hath a cleansing faculty The Vertues The principall Prerogative and Excellencie of Guajacum is that it is the best remedy in the world for those kind of Poâ—ks for it provoketh Sweate resisteth contagion and putrefaction and cleanseth the Blood and strengthneth the Liver which is a part many times affected in this disease the decoction of the Wood being made and used after this manner Take of Guajacum a pound of the bark thereof two ounces steep them in twelve or foureteen pints of Spring Water foure and twenty houres then boyl them to seaven or eight pints straine it and give thereof a good draught morning and evening and let the party sweat upon it and if you adde two ounces of Liquorish or more and some Anniseed it will be much more pleasant to take This decoction which was first discovered by an Indian to a Spaniard who had suffered great paines by the Poxe is good also in the Dropsie Falling-Sicknesse shortnesse of Breath in Catarrhs Rheumes and cold distiâ—ations of the Lungs or other parts Coughâ—s and Consumptions the Gout Sciâ—tica and all other Joynt-Aâ—hes and for cold Phlegmatick humors for the diseases of the Bladder and Reines and for all long and lingring diseases proceeding from cold and moist Causes for it openeth the stoppings of the Liver and Spleene warms and comforts the stomach and entralls and is good in Scabbes Itch Shinglâ—s Leprosie and the like as also in Fevers horrible Apostumations and swellings of the Belly the Jaundise c. It maketh the teeth white and firme if they be often washed with the decoction thereof The Barke is also given in the aforesaid Diseases from halfe a dram to a dram in powder and the Gum also is sometimes used but the Wood is of greatest use The best kinde whereof is the blâ—cker or browner for the yellow is but the Sap as it were the former being in a manner all Heart yet it is all firm hard close and heavy so that it will sink in water more thâ—n Ebony It is not so good for hot and dry bodies as it is in cold and moist and therefore for hot diseases use the more Water and the lesse Wood and for cold griefs more Wood and less Water CHAP. CCCXXVIII Of China The Names IT is called in Latine for Greek name it never had any China because the Root thereof was first brought from China which is a Country of the Orientall Indies and therefore also it is that it is called China Radix or Chinaea Radix in English as in divers other Languages it is called China but the Chineses call it Laâ—patan the Arabians and Persians Chophchina The Kindes The sorts of China that I finde mentioned are two 1. The true China Root 2. Bastard China The Forme The China groweth up with many prickly Branches of a reasonable great bignesse liâ—e unto Sarsa parilla or the prickly Bindweed winding it self about Trees and hath divers Leaves growing on them like unto broad Plantane Leaves what Flower or Seed it beareth I finde not mentioned by any The Root is like to the root of a great Reed sometimes flattish sometimes round not smooth but bunched and knotty reddish for the most part on the out-side and whitish or sometimes a little reddish on the in-side the best is solid and firm and somewhat weighty fresh and not worm-eaten and without any taste The Places and Time It groweth not onely in China Malabar Cochin Cranganor Tanor and other places of the East Indies but also in the West Indies as Monardus saith Though the time be not expressed by any Author that I have met with yet I conceive it continueth green all the year long as divers other Plants there growing do As for the duration of the Root it will keep good many years The Temperature It is immoderately hot and very drying The Vertues The Root called China is not onely commended but daily proved to be most effectual in the French Dâ—sease the decoction thereof being made and given in manner following Take of China Root cut thin in slices one ounce and an half put into it a Gallon of faire Water and let it stand covered a night and a day then boyle it
third is not very frequent in our Land but the last is more rare yet it hath been sowen in our Gardens in April and not before and was ripe in the beginning or middle of August The usuall time for the ordinary sort being in March as to the sowing and the latter end of August as to the mowing The Temperature Barly is cooling and drying in the first Degree It hath also a little abstersive or cleansing quality and doth dry somewhat more then Bean Meal The Vertues The Meal of Barley and Fleawort being boyled in water and made into a Pultis with Honey and Oyl of Lillies applyed warm cureth Tumours under the Ears Throat Neck and such like places A Plaister thereof with Tar Wax and Oyl helpeth the hard swellings of the Throat called the Kings Evill A Pultis made of Barley Meal or Flower boyled with Vinegar and Honey and a few dry Figs put unto them dissolveth all hard Impostumes and excrescences upon the Eye-lids growing in the form of a Barley Corn by Sâ—gnature and asswageth Inflammations also being applyed And being boyled with Melilote and Camomile Flowers and some Linseed Fennigreek and Rue in Powder and applyed warm it easeth the pains in the sides and stomack and the windinesse of the Spleen boyled with sharp Vinegar into a Pultis and layd on hot helpeth the Leprosie being boyled in red Wine with Pomegranat Rinds and Myrtills it stayeth the Lask or other Flux of the Belly boyled with Vinegar and a Quince it easeth the hot pains of the Gout Barley Flower white Salt Honey and Vinegar mingled together is used by divers to take away the Itch speedily and certainly The distilled water of green Barley stilled in the end of May is very good for those that have Defluxions in the Eyes to stay the humours and to ease the pains being dropped into them or white bread layd to steep therein and bound thereto doth the same All the preparations of it as Barley-water and other things made thereof do give great nourishment to persons troubled with Feavers Agues and Heats in the Stomach French Barley is much used in pectorall Diseases or Diseases of the Breast helpeth the sharpnesse of the Throat and increaseth Milk especially boyled with Fennel It provoketh Urine and is very profitable in Choletick Feavers if it be thus administred Take two Ounces of French-Barley boyl it in two fresh waters then boyl it again in a quart of water adding half an Ounce of Licorish and an handful of Violet Leaves and as many Strawberry Leaves to a pint or a pint and a half strain it and put thereto of Syrup of Violets two Ounces or for the poorer sort you may sweeten it with a little Sugar It is used outwardly to soften hard swellings and is good for Inflammations and sorenesse of the Throat being boyled alone or with other fitting Herbs and the Mouth and Throat washed therewith Take Mallowes Violet Beets black Hellebore Fumitory of each three handfuls of French Barley six handfulls boyl them in a sufficient quantity of water for a Bath and use it against the Scab Itch c. you shall find it very effectuall CHAP. LXXII Of Garlick The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Allium which last name the Apothecaries do commonly use Some say 't is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Rudis Rosa because of its strong scent offending the Nose Allium also seemeth to have its Originall from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. exilire because of its growth which is so speedy that it 's said as it were to leap Galen and others have called it Theriaca Rusticorum the Country Mans Treacle We in English call it Garlick Some of this kind are called Scorodoprassum and Moly The Kinds There are 12 sorts of Garlick mentioned by Authours 1. Common Garlick 2. Crow-Garlick 3. Ramsons spotted or Snake-Garlick 4. Great Turky Garlick 5. Great Turky Garlick with a bulbed and twining head 6. Clusius his first leafed Hungarian Moly 7. Sweet smelling Hungarian Moly 8. Purple round headed Mountain Moly 9. Purplish headed Moly of Africa 10. The small Italian white Moly 11. Indian Moly 12. Ramsons The Forme Omitting the Description of Garden Garlick because it is so common I shall give you that of the wild or Crow Garlick which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Snakes Garlick It hath small tough long Leaves like Rushes but not so round smooth and hollow within Amongst which riseth up a naked stalk round slippery hard and sound on the top whereof after the Flowers be gone grow little Seeds made up in a round cluster like small Kernells having the smell and tast of Garlick Instead of a Root there is a bulbe or round head without any Cloves at all The Places and Time Garlick is seldom sowen of Seed but planted in Gardens of the small Cloves which are commonly set in March Some on St. Peters day knit the blades together in a knot that it may head the better and is gathered not long after The Crow-Garlick groweth in fertile Pastures in all parts of England particularly in a Field called the Mantels on the back side of Islington by London The rest are peculiar to divers Countries as Germany Hungary France Spain Italy Turkey and our Land also flowring in Summer and Seeding after The Temperature It is hot and dry in the fourth Degree and raiseth Blisters being applyed to the skin The Vertues Garlick being eaten heateth the Body maketh thin thick and grosse humours cutteth such as are tough and clammy digesteth and consumeth them it also openeth Obstructions or stoppings and is an enemy to cold poyson and to the biting of venomous Beasts It taketh away the roughnesse of the Throat also helpeth an old Cough provoketh Urine killeth Worms expelleth Wind helpeth the Cholick cures the Dropsie proceeding of a cold Cause provoketh the Courses in Women and stirreth up Venus and Lust but dryeth the Seed of Generation and is most excellent for a cold and moyst stomach and to stir up naturall heat An old Man by lying in the cold in the Winter season had almost lost the innate or naturall heat of his stomach and his appetite was even decayed after many hot Medicines used in vain at length was cured with Garlick and Honey It is a good preservative against the contagious and pestilent Air. A Decoction thereof made with Origanum and Wine being drunk killeth Worm-Lice and Nits It is profitable against the biting of a mad Dog and for such as are inclined to the Palsie for shortnesse of breath and to dry up Rheum and also for the cold Head-ach It is commended against the Consumption of the Lungs pissing of blood and for such as cannot hold their water The distilled water is good for the same Diseases and for the Quinsie The milk wherein Garlick hath been boyled is good for worms in Children or two
Scabs if the places affected be often rubbed therewith Pure Oyle that is heated in an Apple of Coloquinda after the seeds are taken out being dropped into the Eares taketh away the paine and noise and killeth the Wormes in them And is said to make the hair black which was not so before and to keep it from falling as also from growing ray A Bath made of Coloquintida and the feet and other parts fomented bringeth down the Courses in Women The juyce boiled with hogs-grease and applyed to the Hip-Gout easeth the Sciatica The Dose in powder is from five graines to ten or fifteen but it is more safe to take it for all the purposes aforesaid in a Glister made after this manner Take of the Pulp of Coloquintida two drams Camomile flowers an handfull Anniseed Cumminseed of each halfe an Ounce make hereof a decoction in faire Water and in a pint of it being strained dissolve Honey of Roses and Oyle of Camomile of each three or foure Ounces Now if any one should aske how can a Glyster purge the whole Body I answer that the Glyster moistning the whole Colon doth by the twigs of the Arteries draw noisome humours from the whole Trunk The seeds will kill Ratts and Mice who delight to feed upon them and the decoction with Wormewood sprinkled in a House that is troubled with Fleaâ— doth utterly destroy them CHAP. CLXVII Of Bind-weed The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to distinguish it from the Kidney-Beans which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Smilax hortensis In Latine also Smilax levis from a Maid of that name who pining away for the love of Crocus was turned into this flower according to that verse of Ovid and he into Saffron Et Crocum in parves versum cum Smilace flores It is called also Convâ—lvalâ—s and Volubilis quia crebrâ revolutione vicinos fructices et herbas impliceâ— because it rouleth or windeth it selfe about whatsoever is next it and for the same reason it is called Funis arborum but Campanella is given to it because it hath a flower like a little Bell. There is one cheife sort hereof called of some Campana Laxâ—ra or Campana caruleâ— of others Convolvulus Caeruleus Major five Indicus and Flâ—s Noctis because its cheifest beauty is in the Evening Night and Morning of some Nil Avâ—eeunae another is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Helxine Cissampelos ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 trahere vel harere and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi Vitâ—alis five Hedera Vitiâ—ea because this Helxine should be known from Pellitory called also Helxine this most commonly growing in Vineyards creeping up upon the Vines with a Leafe like lvy it is called also Malacocissos quasi mollis hedera Orobanche Ervania Convolvulus niger c In English Bindweed With-wind and of some Divelsgut The Kinds To this smooth kind of Bindweed which is here to be understood for of the Prickly kind we shall treat elsewhere there may be referred these fifteene sorts 1. The greater blew Bind-weed or Bell-flower 2. The greater purple Bindweed with cornered Leaves 3. The American Bind-weed 4. The Arabian oâ— Egyptian Bind-weed 5. The blew Bell flower of Virginia 6. Mallow leased Bind-weed 7. The common small Bind-weed 8. Lavander leafed Bind-weed 9. Small purple Bind-weed 10. The African Bind-weed 11. The least African Bind-weed 12. The blew Spanish Bindweed 13. Black Bindweed 14. Branched black Bind-weed of Candy 15. Small black Bindweed The Form The greater blew Bind-weed or Bell flower though but a Weed as the name imports is taken into Gardens for the goodlynesse thereof where it riseth with many long and winding branches climbing and winding it selfe contrary to the course of the Sun upon any thing of substance that is neer it It hath many great faire round Leaves pointed at the end somewhat like a Violet Leafe in shape but much greater of a sad greene colour the flowers which come forth at the joynts of the branches where the Leaves are â—et on pretty long footstalkes two or three together are at first long somwhat like a finger and of a paâ—e whitish blew colour but afterwards they become broad like Bells of a deepe a â—ure tending to purple very gâ—orioâ—s to behold the flowers being past the stalkes whereon they stood bend downwards sending foâ—th husks with three or four black seeds a peece of the bignesse of a Tare or thereabouts the rootes are sâ—â—ingy and perish every where at the first approach of Winter The Places and Times Though the two first came to us out of Italy yet they are conceived to be naturall only to the East Indies The name of the third teâ—â—ifieth whence it came and so doth those of the fourth fift tenth eleaventh twelveth and fourteenth the sixth is found in many places of Spaine the seaventh and ninth in sundry Countryes of this Land as the eighth likewise is about Dunmow in Essex the thirteenth is that which is too common in every field and garden and the last groweth about Drayton neere Portsmouth They flower towards the latter end of Summer especially the greater sorts and therefore their seed is seldome perfected with us The Temperature The Bind-weeds are most of them hot and dry in the first or second degree The Signature and Vertues The most renowned Crollius in his Book of Signatures recordeth that Bind-weed or With-wind growing in the Corne by its turning and winding doth very much resemble the turnings and windings of the Guts and that therefore the dâ—coction thereof made in White Wine is a very singular remedy for those that are afflicted with the Collick purging and voiding sorth raw thick Phlegmatick and Melancholick humours and killing and driving sorth both flat and long Wormes out of the Belly yet not without some trouble to the Stomack which somtimes causeth Vomitings The Mallow Leafed Bind-weed as Clusius saith is used in Portugal as an herb of singular effect to heale all sores or wounds The Leaves of the black Bind-weed called Helxine Cissampelos stamped and streined and the juice drunken doth also loosen and open the belly exceedingly and so do the Leaves and Herb in Powder if it be drunk in Wine or any other Liquor The Leaves being bruised and laid to hard tumors and Knots in the Flesh dissolveth and consumeth them as Galen saith It is said likewise that if those places which you would have to be void of Haire be anointed with the juice hereof presently after the Haire is plucked up by the Rootes it will not suffer it to grow there any more Some of the greater sorts as also that with Leaves like Lavander where they naturally grow are rather a Plague then a pleasure to whatsoever groweth with it in the feildes yet the beauty of their flowers hath caused them to be received into Gardens where they are very delightfull to the Eyes of those which love to feast themselves even with the varieties of those things which the
Stitch in their sides doth give them much ease the same applyed with Rose-water and Oyl of Roses to the Forehead and Temples doth ease the inveterate pains of the head If the fresh Leaves be boyled in Wine and old filthy Sores and Ulcers that are hard to be cured be washed therewith it wonderfully helpeth to cleanse and heal them and so it doth green wounds quickly sodering up the lips of them the same also is effectual to heal scaldings of water and burnings by fire and the exulcerations that happen thereby or upon the sharpness of salt flegme and hot humours in other parts of the body The Juyce of the Berries or Leaves snuffed up into the nose purgeth the head and brain of thin Rheum which maketh defluctions into the Eyes and Nose and cureth the Ulcers and stench therein The fresh leaves are commonly used to lay upon Issues in what place soever as Arms Legs c. to keep them open and to draw forth the humours which come thither but a little peece of the Root made round like a pease and put into the Orifice keepeth it running without Leaf or Plaster if you lay upon it half a sheet of issue-Paper eight times double The Wood made into a Cup and used by those that are troubled with the Spleen shall find ease and be much holpen thereof if they let their drink stand some small time therein before they drink it Cato saith if you suspect your Wine to have any water in it put some of it into a Cup made of Ivy wood and the Wine will soak through and the water remain such is the Antipathy that is betwixt them If any one hath got a surfet by drinking of Wine his speediest cure is to drink a draught of the same wine wherein an handfull of Ivy leaves being first bruised have been boyled There is a Gum gathered from Ivy in hot Countries which is exceeding sharp and hot burning and exulcerating the skin yet being dissolved in Vinegar it taketh away superfluous hair in any place and killeth Lice and Nits and easeth the pain of hollow teeth if it be put therein CHAP. XXVIII Of the Poplar Tree The Names BEcause Ivy is a plant that seldom groweth but where Trees grow I have placed a tree next it and that is the Poplar Tree their leaves being also somewhat alike to which the Ancient Greeks having two sorts gave them two distinct Names they called the white Poplar 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because of the whitenesse in Latine Populus alba and Farfarus according to that of Plautus in his Penulus Viscum Legioni dedi Fundasque eos prosternebam ut folia Farfari which the learned suppose to be the leaves of Poplar They called the Black Poplar 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Populus nigra the first or new sprung buds whereof the Apothecaries call Oculi Populi Popular Buds Others chuse rather to call it Gemma Populi some of the Grecians name it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To these is added a third called Populus tremula and by Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod nimirum ista planta instar 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stipite oblongo sit terete in acutum desinente because this Tree with its long and round body is somewhat like a Weavers Beam which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In English Aspe and Aspentree and may also be called Tremble after the French name because the leaves wag though there be no wind and therefore the Poets and others have feigned them to be the matter whereof Womens tongues were made which seldom cease wagging All that with glory conquered their enemies in fight were wont to wear a Garland of the branches of white Poplar from the Example of Hercules who having overcome Cerberus came crowned with the branches of it which he found by the River Acheron and from thence Homer in the fifth book of his Iliads calleth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Their Errour that Succinum yellow Amber was the Gum of the Black Poplar is sufficiently confuted by Matthiolus The Kindes Besides these three sorts above named I find two more 1. The smaller leafed white Poplar tree 2. The round leafed Indian Poplar tree I hold it best to describe the Black Popular because it is more usefull The Forme The black Poplar is a Tree very tall and straight with a grayish bark bearing broad and green leaves somewhat like to Ivy leaves not cut-in on the Edges but whole and dented ending in a point and not white underneath hanging by slender long footstalks which with the Air are almost continually shaken like as the Aspen Leaves are the Catkins hereof are great composed of many round green berries as it were set together on a long cluster wherein is much Downy matter contained which being ripe is blown away with the wind the eyes or clammy Buds hereof before they spread into leaves and not of the white as some have thought nor yet the Uvae or berries which each of them have under them are gathered about the beginning of Aprill to make the Vnguentum Populeon and are of a yellowish green colour and small but somewhat sweet and strong the wood is smooth tough and white and will quickly be cloven to make shingles pales or the like On this as also on the white Poplar Tree groweth a sweet kind of Musk which in former times was much used to be put into sweet Ointments and commended by Galen and others to be the best next unto that of the Cedar Tree The Place and Time The first kind of white Poplar groweth not very common in England yet in some place here and there it is found as in a low Meadow turning up a Lane at the further end of a Village called Black-wall and in Essex at a place called Ovenden and in some other places which are low and moist as in Meadows near unto Ditches standing warers and Rivers and in some moist woods where the other three sorts do also grow but the Indian Poplar groweth in most part of the Islands of America These trees bud forth in the end of March and the beginning of April but the Catkins appear sooner The Temperature The white Poplar hath a cleansing faculty saith Galen and a mixt tempeâ—rature consisting of a watery warm essence and also a thin earthly substance The Rosin or clammy Substance of the black Poplar buds is hot and dry and of thin parts and doth attenuate and mollifie the leaves have in a manner the like operation but weaker and not so effectuall VVhat temperature uhe Indian sort is of I have not found The Vertues I described the Black Poplar because that had most similitude with Ivy but it is the white Poplar whose form differeth not much from the other save that the leaves are almost like those of the Vine or rather Colts-foot which is appropriated to the Ears the juyce of whose leaves being extracted warmed and dropped into them easeth the pains
driveth forth the after-birth provoketh the Courses and Urine when they are stopped and expelleth the Stone in the Reins and Kidneys If a dram or two of the said Powder be given to drink in Wine or Broth for some certain dayes together it will help all those which have a rupture or are bursten and for this purpose it is accounted by divers that there is no help better which although it may bring some pains at the first taking yet by continuance it will knit and heal the part if a Trusse be used a good while after as well as during the Cure It is good also for those that have an imperfection in their Speech so as it be not naturall CHAP. LXV Of Figg-wort The Names THis Plant and the use thereof being found out but of later dayes hath no Greek appellation but what may be taken from the Latines who call it Scrophularia major because it is available ad Scrophulas major to distinguish it from Pile-wort which by most Writers is called Scrophularia minor It is also called Millemorbia Ficaria Ferraria Castrangula as well from the form of the Roots as from the many effects for which the former Ages more then ours did put it to and did find available Although the other sorts want the knobs in the Roots which the true Fig-wort hath yet for the other likeness they have the same name imposed upon them We in English call it great Fig-wort and great Pile-wort and of some great Kernel-wort and Brown-wort from the colour of the stalks The Kindes Of Fig-wort the greater there be eight sorts set down by Mr. Parkinson 1. The ordinary great Fig-wort 2. Great Fig-wort without knobbed Roots 3. Great leafed Fig-wort of Candy 4. Strange great Fig-wort 5. Another strange great Fig-wort 6. Yellow Fig-wort 7. Indian Fig-wort 8. Elder-like Fig-wort The Forme The common great Fig-wort sendeth forth divers great strong hard square brown stalks two or three foot high whereon grow large hard and dark green Leaves two at a joynt which are larger and harder then Nettle Leaves but not stinging At the tops of the stalks stand many purple Flowers set in Husks which are somewhat gaping and open somewhat like those of Water-Betony after which come hard round heads with a small poynt in the middle wherein lie small brownish Seed The Root is great white thick and full of knobs and bunches as it were knots and kernels at it growing aslope under the upper Crust of the ground and abideth many years but keepeth not its Leaves green in the winter the stalks perishing as those of Water Betony and other such like Plants do The Places and Time The first is frequent in divers places of this Land both in moyst and shadowy Woods and in the lower parts of Fields and Meadows particularly in Stow-wood by Oxford the second Lobel saith groweth not but in the warm Counties of Narbone in France Ravenna and Rome in Italy The third and fourth came from Candy the fifth was sent out of Italy among other Seeds the sixth came from Hungary and other parts of Germany the two last from Spain and Italy They all flowre about Iuly yet some a moneth sooner and the Seeds will be ripe within a moneth after the Flowers be past The Temperature I cannot find the temperature of this Herb set down in any Authour yet I guesse it to be the same with the lesser Celandine oâ— Fig-wort because it works the same effect which is hot and dry in the end of the third Degree The Signature and Vertues The likenesse of the Roots unto those Scrophulous tumours which apâ—â—r about the Throat as also the Arm-holes and Fundament do evidently â—â—old forth that it is excellent good for the Kings-Evill or any other knots k 〈…〉 bunches or Wens growing in the flesh wheresoever if the Decoction of the Herb be taken inwardly and the bruised Herb applyed outwardly and so it is â—â— singular good use to be applyed for the Hemorrhoides or Piles when they grow painful and fall down and for such other knobs and kernels which sometimes grow in and about the Fundament It is also very effectuall to dissolve câ—otâ—ed or congealed blood within the Body which happeneth by any wound bruise or fall being used as is said before An Oyntment made hereof in this manner may be used at all times when the fresh Herb is not to be had Wash the Roots clean bruise them and put them into a Pot with fresh Butter well mixed together and let them so stand for fifteen dayes close covered in some moyst or moorish place which afterwards set upon a gentle fire to boyl easily for a little space which then being strained forth let it be kept in a Pot covered to use when occasion requireth With the Roots and Leâ—ves likewise bruised and boyled in Hogs-Lard or Oyl and Wax is made the like Oyntment exceeding good to heal all sorts of Scabs and Lepry also The distilled water of the whole Plant Roots and all is used for the same purposes either to take inwardly or applyed outwardly by bathings and serveth well also for foul Ulcers that are hollow or corroding to stay the malignity and to dry up the superfluous virulent moystute of them the same also taketh away all rednesse spots and freckles in the face as also the scurf or any foul deformity therein that is inveterate and the Leprosie likewise CHAP. LXVI Of Archangell or Dead Nettle The Names LEonhartus Fuschius in his History of Plants doth huddle up together in the 71. Chapter Galeopsis Urtica Labeo Scrophularia major Ficaria Millemorbia Castrangula as if they were one and the same Plant including Archangel also I have already shewed you that Scrophularia major c. is the great Fig-wort I shall here demonstrate that though Fuschius and some others have taken Archangel and Galeopsis to be the same yet they are by more modern Botanicks made to differ for as much as the one is stinking the other not stinking That which stinketh not Pliny calleth Lamium from the Flowers veluti cucullo larvatam Lamiam representante which look like an old Witch hudled up in a Hood It is called also Urtica inâ—rs non mordax mortua quia foliâ—s non mordacibus sed mitissimis sit Urtica for some resemblance it hath with other Nettles iners c. because it stingeth not as other Nettles do Some call it Archangelica ab eximiis viribus for its excellent vertues from whence we in England to which it is more proper then to other Countries call it Archangel as also Dead Nettle and Blind Nettle by which two last Names it is best known to Country people The Kinds Of this Plant properly called Archangel there are eight sorts 1. Red dead Nettle or Red Archangel 2. White Archangel 3. Spanish Archangel 4. Long-leafed red Archangel 5. Archangel with spotted Leaves 6. Archangel with white lines in the Leaves 7. Yellow Archangel 8. Strong
Blood caused by bruises or falls and helps the bloody Flux An oyntment made of the Juyce of Hogs grease is as excellent a Remedy for the biting of a mad Dog or any venemous Creature as any is A Syrup made of the leaves or green fruit is excellent good for Coughs Hoarseness or shortnesse of Breath and all diseases of the Breast and Lungs Some say that the Fig Tree as well as the Bay tree is never hurt by Lightning as also that a Bull if he be never so mad being tyed to a Fig tree will become tame and gentle and that it prospereth the better if Rue be set neer unto it The blew Fig is no doubt of the same operation with the white to all purposes but the fruit commeth most to maturity with us and is eaten as a pretty Junket with Salt and Pepper for unlesse they be so eaten or some Wine drunk after them to digest them they passe not quickly out of the Stomach but putrifie therein and do sometimes put the party eating them in danger of a Feaver Dry Figs also immoderately eaten do engender Crude and windy humours in the Body and soon corrupt in the Stomach whereby they cause Itch Scab and breed Lice also They hurt such as have the Cholick and windy diseases and that have hot Livers and Cholerick Stomachs they are best for old Phlegmatick persons and in cold and moist seasons They are commonly eaten with Almonds and so they cleanse the Breast and Lungs the better by a special Vertue they have Two or three Figs slit and laid all night in Aqua Vitae are very good for those that are pursy and short winded if taken in the morning CHAP. LXXV Of Hyssop The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which as some think takes its name quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pro 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quia super vultus affunditur because the face being washed with the Decoction or distilled water thereof is made fairer it being of a very abstersive quality And therefore David Prayes God to purge him with Hyssop and in Schola Salerni it is commended for the same purposes in these words Vultibus eximium fertur praestare colorem It is called in Latine Hyssopus and of Us Hyssop The Kinds I find fifteen sorts of Hyssop set down by Parkinson 1. Ordinary Garden Hyssop 2. White Hyssop 3. Golden or yellow Hyssop 4. Russet Hyssop 5. Double Hyssop 6. Broad leafed Hyssop 7. Jagged or dented Hyssop 8. Musked Hyssop 9. Red flowered Hyssop 10. Dwarf Spanish Hyssop 11. Tufted Hyssop 12. Curled Hyssop 13. Mountain wild Hyssop 14. Narrow leafed Hyssop 15. Round Leafed Hyssop The Forme The Common Garden Hyssop is a plant that riseth sometimes to be about a foot high with many woody branches but render at the tops whereof are set at certain distances sundry small long and narrow green Leaves at the tops of the stalks stand blewish purple gaping flowers in spiked heads one row above another after which follow the seed which is small and blackish the root is somewhat wooddy with many threddy strings The whole plant is of a strong sweet sent and is fit to be strewed in windows and such places The Places and Time Our common Hyssop groweth naturally upon the hills of Romania about Verona and neer unto mount Baldus The Dwarfe kind in Spain and the mountain wild kind on the hills in many places of Germany and as Matthiolus saith on the hill Salvatia in the Country of Goritia the rest are nursed up in the gardens of those that are Lovers of curious Simples They do all flower in June and July and their seed is ripe in the beginning or middle of August The Temperature Hyssop is hot and dry in the third degree and therefore must needs be of thin parts It cutteth and breaketh tough Phlegme it ratifieth or maketh thin that which is thick and gross it openeth that which is stopped and cleanseth that which is corrupt The Vertues A Decoction made of Rue and Honey being drunk doth help those that are troubled with Coughs shortnesse of Breath Wheesings and rheumatick Distillations upon the Lungs taken also with Oxymel or water and Hony it purgeth gross humours by the stool and with Honey killeth Worms in the Belly It amendeth the native colour of the Body spoiled by the yellow Jaundise helpeth the Dropsie and the Spleen if it be taken with Figs and Nitre It is good in the Falling Sickness provokes Urine expels Wind and brings down Womens Courses and easeth sharp fits of Agues The Distilled water is good for the same diseases especially those that proceed from a cold if the quantity of a quarter of a pint be warmed and drunk with Sugar at night when one goes to bed but the Decoction as also the Syrup is more effectuall It taketh away black and blew spots and marks that came by stroaks bruises or falls being boyled and the places bathed therewith It is an excellent medicine for the Quinsie to wash and gargle the Throat being boyled with Figs it helpeth the Tooth-ach being boyled in Vinegar and the mouth gargled therewith the hot Vapours of the Decoction taken by a Funnel in at the Ears easeth the Inflammations of them and as Mesue saith the singing noise of them also Being bruised and Salt Honey and Cummin-Seed put to it it helpeth those that are stung by Serpents The green Herb bruised and a little Sugar put to it doth quickly heal any green Wound or Cut in the Hand or else-where The Oyl thereof killeth Lice and taketh away the itching of the Head if it be anointed therewith It helpeth those that have the Falling Sicknesse which way soever it be applyed It helpeth to expectorate tough flegme and is effectuall in all cold griefs or Diseases of the Chest and Lungs being taken either in a Syrup or licking Medicine There is also a Wine made of Hyssop named Hyssop-Wine which is good for the purposes aforesaid and there may be Hyssop-Ale made after the manner of Sage-Ale by adding an Ounce or two of good Liquorice CHAP. LXXVI Of Ragwort The Names IT hath no Greek name being an Herb but of later knowledge for if it had been formerly known we should find it mentioned by some ancient Greek or Latine Authour or other which we cannot do unlesse you would as some do refer it to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Erigerum of Dâ—oscorides which the Latines caâ— Senecio and therefore Lobel calleth it Jacobaea Senecio Tragus Matthiolus and others call it Flos Sti Jacobi and Herba Sti Jacobi Dodonaeus and the latest Writers Jacobaea for what cause I know not unlesse it be because it flourishrisheth about St. Iames-tide Some have taken the Sea kind to be Arthemisia Marina or a species of it because the diviâ—â—on of the Leaves is somewhat like the Arthemisia vulgaris Others call it Cineraria Argentea from the whitenesse of the Leaves which shew like silver or as
which have caused some to think it dangerous to be taken inwardly but there are divers other things that will also draw Blisters yet may be taken inwardly without danger if they be used with discretion There is an usuall Drink made hereof called Rosa Solis which may without any offence or danger be used in Qualmes and passions of the heart as also to strengthen and nourish the Body Crollius saith that it hath the Signature of a Cancer and therefore it is effectuall for the curing of the same And some have thought that as this Herb doth keep and hold fast the moysture and dew so pertinaciously that the extream drying heat of the Sun cannot consume and wast away the same so likewise they thought that herewith the naturall and lively Heat in Mens Bodies is preserved and cherished and this may be also by Signature If any one desire to knowhow to make the Rosa Solis before mentioned let the Herb called Ros Solis or Sun-dew be gathered in June July or August the weather being dry and about the mid-time of the day then pick it clean and cut off the Roots or if it be rank you may cut up only the Leaves when you gather it and having done so take a pot of good Aquavitae or Aqua Composita and put into it two good handfuls or more of the said Herb and half a pound of fine Sugar half an Ounce of whole Mace of Ginger pared of Nutmegs of Cinamon of Aâ—â—seeds all grosse beaten in a Morter of each half an Ounce Liquorice an Ounce first made clean from the Bark then cut into small pieces and a little bruised Dates four Ounces cut small and the Stones and the white Skin that is within taken out put all together into a large Pot or Bottle and stop it close and so let it stand for three Moneths shaking it and stirring it together ever now and then afterwards if you list you may strain away the stuffe or let it remain in all the year and when you would use some of it cast a cloth over the mouth of the Bottle to keep in the Spices Some do put in red Rose Leaves also in the making to resist Lust which Sun-dew provokes exceedingly The distilled water hereof that is drawn forth with a Glasse-Still is of a glittering yellow colour like gold and coloureth Silver put therein like Gold which Bath water will also do as I have heard CHAP. CIX Of Hedge-Mustard or Bank-Cresse The Names THe Greek Name is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which seemeth as is most likely to be derived 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quòd ob suam caliditatem â—ttrahendi facultate pradâ—tum est it being oâ— a very attractive quality in Latine also Erysimum Irio quòd ab acrâ—monia sua irruâ—t in gustum from its sharp tast This is the Erysimum of Dioscorides which he calleth also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chamaplâ—on but not of Theophrastus for he placeth his Erysimum among the sorts of Corns or Grains In English it is called Baâ—k-Cresse by Gerard but because Parkinson sound the most judicious to make it a kind of wild Mustard therefore he intituled it wild Hedge-Mustard The Kindes There were formerly but two Sorts of Hedg-Mustard known but now there are six 1. The common wild Hedg-Mustard 2. The true Hedge-Mustard 3. Broad leafed Hedge-Mustard 4. Broad-leafed Hedge-Mustard of Naples 5. Narrow leafed Hedge-Mustard of Naples 6. An hairy Hedge-Mustard with uncut Leaves The Forme The common wild Hedge-Mustard groweth up usually but with one blackish green stalk tough easie to bend but not so to break branched into divers parts and sometimes with divers stalks set full of Branches whereon grow long rough or hard rugged Leaves very much torn or cut on the edges into many parts some bigger and some lesser of a dirty green colour The Flowers are small and yellow that grow at the tops of the Branches in long Spikes flowring by degrees so that continuing long in flower the stalks will have small round Cods at the bottom growing upright and close to the stalk whiâ—e the top flowers as yet shew themseâ—ves in which are contained small yellow Seed sharp and strong as the Herb is also The Root groweth down slender and wooddy yet abiding and springing again every year The Places and Time The first is very frequent in our Land by the wayes Walls and Hedge-sides and sometimes in the open Fields the third is more rare to meet with yet it is sometimes found but in better grounds which maketh it so large The second is found wild in Italy as Matthiâ—lus saith in like places with the first The fourth and fifth are of Naples as Col 〈…〉 saith the last groweth upon stones and rubbish and upon old Mud-walls at Basil Mompelier and other places They flower sometimes late and sometime earlyer but most commonly in July or thereabouts The Temperature The three first Sorts of Erysimum as the most in use and effectuall do temperately heat consisting of a thin substance cutting and cleansing with some moyst parts joyned therewith so that it doth make viscous flegm easie to be spit forth The Vertues This Herb is of singular â—fficacy in all the Diseases of the Chest Lungs hoarsnes of voyce and by the use of the Decoction thereof for a little space those have been recovered who had utterly lost their voyce and therewith almost their spirits also The juyce thereof made into a Syrup or Lohoc with Honey or Sugar is no lesse effectuall for the said purpose and for all other Coughs Wheesings and shortnesse of Breath The same also is profitably taken of those that have the Jaundies the Pleurisie pains in the Back and Loins and for Torments and wringings in the Belly or in the Colon which is called the Collick being used also in Glisters The Seed is held to be an especiall remedy against poyson and venome It is singular good for the pains in the Hips or Huck-bones called the Hip-gout or Sciatica the Gout also and all Joynt-Aches as also for Fistulaes hollow Ulcers and eating or running Cankers and for Apostumes Sores and Cankers in the Mouth or Throat or behind the Ears and no lesse also for the hardnesse and swellings in Womens Breasts or in the Testicles and Stones There is to be had at the Apothecaries a Syrup made of Hedge-Mustard Elicampane Colts-foot Liquorice and such other Ingredients which was invented against cold afflictions of the Breast and Lungs as Asthmaes hoarsness c. and may be easily taken with a Liquorice stick to the great relief of those which are afflicted with any of the aforesaid distempers CHAP. CX Of Colts-foot The Names BUt all this while I had almost forgot Colts-foot which is so called in English from the similitude it hath with a Horses or Colts-foot It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Tussilago in Latine à notissima utilitate quam praebet in orthopnaeicis tussi vexatis of its notable
set on the green branches not alwayes one against another and a little dented about the edges At the foot of the Leaves come forth small hollow pale blush coloured Flowers the brims ending in five points with a reddish thred in the middle which passe into small round Berries of the bigness and colour of Juniper-Berries but of a Purple sweetish sharp tast the juyce of them giveth a Purplish colour to the hands and lips of them that handle and eat them especially if they break them containing within them divers small Seeds The Root groweth aslope under the surface of the ground shooting forth in sundry places as it creepeth This loseth its Leaves in the Winter but the red kind retaineth them The Places and Time The first groweth in many Heaths Woods and barren hilly places in this Land as Hampstead-Heath Finchley and St. Johns Wood not far from London and in sundry other places The first red sort in the Northern parts as Northumberland Lancashire and York-shire on the Hills c. The rest grow in Hungaria Bavaria and Germany and in other Countries also The sixth Clusins found in Spain The seaventh groweth as Lâ—â—el saith on every of the Hills in Provence of France The two last in Candy They all flower in March and April and the fruit of the black is ripe in June and July the other later The Temperature The Bill-berries do cool in the second Degree and do a little bind and dry withall The Vertues The Berries aforesaid are an excellent Medicine for those that are troubled with an old Cough or with an Vlcer in the Lungs or other Disease thereof but if they be eaten by those that have a cold or weak stomack they will much offend and trouble it and therefore the Juyce of the Berries made into a Syrup or the pulp of them made into a Conserve with Sugar will be more familiar to such and help those pains the cold fruit procured and being thus prepared they will be the more effectuall in hot Agues and to cool the heat of the Stomach and Liver and do somewhat bind the Belly and stay castings and loathings with the juyce of the Berries Painters to colour Paper and Cards do make a kind of Purple blew colour putting thereto some Allome and Galls whereby they can make it lighter and sadder as they please And some poor folks as Tragus sheweth do take a Pot full of the juyce strained whereunto an Ounce of Allome four spoonfulls of good Wine-Vinegar and a quarter of an Ounce of the wast of the Copper forgings being put together and boyled all together into this liquor whilest it is reasonable but not too hot they put their Cloth Wool Thred or Yarn therein letting it lie for a good while which being taken out and hung up to dry and afterwards washed with cold water will have the like Turky blew colour and if they would have it sadder they will put thereto in the boyling an Ounce of broken Gauls Gerard saith that he hath made of the juyce of the red Berries an excellent Crimson colour by putting a little Allom thereto The red Whorts are taken to be more binding and therefore to be used in stopping Lasks and Womens Courses spitting of blood and any other Flux of blood or humours as well outwardly as inwardly CHAP. CXVII Of Sweet Cicely The Names IT is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as well as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Myrrhis and Myrrha likewise in Latine in imitation of the Greek and also because of its pleasant savour being somewhat like unto Myrrhe Pliny saith that some called Myrrhis by the name of Smirnisusa and others Myrrha yet some have it Smyrrhiza from the likeness unto S 〈…〉 ium Some also call iâ— Caerefolium magnum and some Cicutaria from the likeness of the Leaves and of some Conilaus We in England also call it Myrrhis Sweet Chervill great Chervill sweet Cicely and sweet Fern. The Kindes There be five Sorts of Sweet Chervill 1. The ordinary Garden sweet Chervil 2. The lesser sweet Chervill 3. Wild sweet Chervill 4. Wild sweet Chervill of England 5. Wild sweet Chervill of Naples The Form The ordinary Garden Sweet Chervill which is so like Hemlock that many have mistaken it for the same yet it groweth not so high but hath large spread Leaves cut into divers parts tasting as sweet as the Anniseed that riseth to be two foot high or better being crested or hollow having the like Leaves at the Joynts but lesser and at the tops of the branched stalks umbels or tufts of whiâ—e Flowers after which come large long-crested black-shining Seed pointed at both ends tasting quick yet sweet and pleasant like the Leaf or Anniseed the Root is great and white growing deep in the ground and spreading sundry long Branches therein in tast and smell stronger then the Leaves or Seed and continuing many years The Places and Time The first is planted in divers Gardens here in England in Germany also though it be thought by some to grow wild in the fields of that Country which the 3d sort may haply do with them as well as with us in England near unto the ditch sides and other water courses The second is a naturall of Geneva and the parts thereabouts as Lobel saith but was sent also by Aicholzius from Vienna to Norunberg to Camerarius as he saith and is likely to be naturall of those parts also The fourth was found by Columna upon some of the Hills in Naples The last hath been seen growing in some wast places of this Land These Herbs do flower in May and their Seed is ripe in July The Temperature Galen saith that Myrrhis that is Sweet Cicely is hot in the second degree with some tenuity of parts The Vertues The Root of the ordinary Garden sweet Chervill boyled in the broth wherein flesh hath been sodden doth cleanse the breast from flegm and all corruption and is very good for such as be lean and weak or falling into a consumption of the Lungs to make them strong and â—usty It is likewise good to help the Pâ—isick if it be boyled but in Beer Being drunk with Wine it provoketh Womens Courses it expelleth the dead Child and After-birth and purgeth Women after their deliverance it provoketh Urine and is good against all venomous bitings If the Root be sliced and â—aid to sâ—eep in White-wine all night and drunk in the morning with Sugar it wiâ—l give the party that taketh it three or four stools It procureth an appetite to meat and helpeth to expell wind The juyce with Powder of burnt Allom healeth the Ulcers of the Head and Face and killeth the Canker in the Mouth or Throat being annointed therewith The Candid Roots of this Chervill are held as effectuall as Angelica to preserve the spirits from infection in the time of a Plague as also to warm and comfort a cold weak stomach Both Leaves Seeds and Roots are so fine
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
full of veines standing at distances without order every one upon the short foot-stalk At every joynt with the Leaves from the middle of these Stalks upwards cometh one long hollow Flower small at the bottom but broader at the top with a long piece or slippet as it were at one side of the top bending down both of them almost of a deadish yellow or somewhat brownish colour and somewhat blackish purple on the in-side the Flowers being past there come in their places small round and somewhat long fruit of divers sizes but commonly about the bignesse of a Walnut when the green shell is peeled off which being ripe openeth it self into three parts and sheweth the Seed which is somewhat flat and round lying in order within it being separated into Cells by certain skins the root is round and tuberous somewhat like to that of Sowbread both in form and operation The Places and Time I finde none of these growing naturally in England but that with the long Root which is said to grow beyond Reding yet divers others of the sorts are to be found either in the Physick Garden at Oxford or in Dr. Howe 's Garden at Westminster or in Mr. Tradescants Garden at Lambeth being brought thither either mediately or immediately from their naturall places the three first growing as well in France about Mompelier as in Spain and Italy the next three in Spaine as also in Candy the seaventh delights in the stony Olive yards of Provence and Spain and the last in Candy In the warmer Countreys they flower and seed betimes as in the months of May June and July but with us they flower not untill the middle or end of July and their fruit doth hardly ripen before the Winter The Temperature The Roots of Birth-wort are hot in the second degree and dry in the third according to some and hot in the third degree and dry in the second according to others the round hath lesse earthy Substance and more tenuity of partâ— and therefore more effectuall in most Diseases The Signature and Vertues The learned Crollius in his book of Signatures doth take notice of the 〈…〉 mblance that is between the root of round Birth-wort and the Womb and 〈…〉 â—t is not altogether strange if it be excellent for Women that have gone out 〈◊〉 full time especialâ—y when they are in Travel for it causeth an easie and speedy delivery whether the Chiâ—d be alive or dead expelleth the After-birth and all other impurity of the Womb and provoketh the Courses so that it must needs be an acceptable Herb to such Women as understand the Vertues of it It is also effectuall to purge Phlegm and then Choler and that without any trouble or commotion to the Body for it discusseth windynesse which all other purging Medicines do usually cause and therefore it availeth much in the diseases of the Brainâ— Nerves Breast Stomack Guts and Spleen It profiteth likewise in the Falling Sicknesse Cramp Convulsion Ruptures shortnesse of Breath pain of the Side Hicket gnawing of the Stomack Chollâ—ck swelling of the Spleen and especially if they come of Phlegm or Wind. It is used with good successe in the Joynt Gout against Venome and Poyson against cold Agues and against Stopping and Rebellious humours that are the cause of long Agues It killeth Wormes and resisteth putrifaction and is good against the conâ—usions of the Nerves and Muscles if it be given with Syrup of Vinegar Mede or Honyed water It is used also in old rotten and malignant Vlcers especially being mixed with the powder of the roots of Flower-de-luce and Honey for being thus used it cleanseth and healeth them It cures Vlcers of the secret parts if they be washed with the Decoction thereof The Powder hereof doth cleanse the Teeth and make them white being rubbed therewith It easeth the Gout being mingled with Honey and Salt and applyed It draweth out Thornes and Splâ—â—ters of Bones that are broken being applyed with Turpentine It helpeth the biting of venemous Beasts being boyled in Wine and laid on and so doth the powder thereof being mixed with the juyce of Rue and applyed to the Wound Being mingled with the powder of Aloes Lime or Chalk and Honey and made into an Oyntment by adding a little Wine it cureth the Cancer and Polyppus in the Nose if Tents dipped therein be put into the Nostrill The powder thereof tempered with Honey cures the Vlcers of the Mouth and Gummes The fume thereof or the powder in a quilted Cap stayeth all Fluxes and Distillations of thin Rheume from the Head It is held to be so excellent for Wounds in the Head and elsewhere that it is an usuall saying That without Birthwort no Chirurgion can performe any great cure A Pessary made hereof and with Myrrhe provokes the Termes in Women but let such aâ— are with Child and have not gone their full time by no means meddle with it lest it cause abortion The distilled Water hereof is usefull against creeping Vlcers and Pustules of the Genitalls both in men an women being therewith wash'd or linnen cloaths dipt in the same laid on the place all night The long Birth-wort is almost yet not altogether so effectual as the round for all the diseases aforesaid whether inward or outward and some hold the running kinde to be so also CHAP. CCCXIII. Of Mercury The Names I Mean not here to treat of that Herb that the Country people call Mercury in Latin Bonus Henricus which some take to be a kinde of Dock but of those sorts of Mercury which are more pâ—operly so called French Mercury is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Linozostis and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mercurii Herba and though 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Parthenium be the name which is usually given to Feaverfew yet because this is also good for Womens diseases it was formerly so called as divers other Herbs tending to the same purpose were The Latines following the Greek do call it Mercurialis because as Pliny saith it was found by Mercury Dogs mercury which is also a kinde hereof is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cynaea and Cynâ—crambe which signifieth as much as Brassica Canina that is Dogs-Cabbage but because it hath no agreement with any Cabbage therefore some have chose rather to call it in Latin by the name of Mercurialis Canina propter ignobilitatem and other Mercurialis Sylvestris The Childes or the Childing-Mercury which is another sort hereof is called by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phyllum and EleophylluÌ„ quasi Oleaefolium because the Leaves are like unto those of the Olive The Kindes The kindes are sufficiently declared in speaking of the names and therefore I shall say no more of them onely that every sort hath a Male and Female The Forme French Mercury for so it is called though it grow in other places besides France riseth up with square green Stalks full
Monardus saith They flourish and flower in the months of May June July and August The Temperature Rupture-wort doth notably dry and throughly closeth up together and fasteneth The Signature and Vertues Rupture-wort saith mine Author hath such a Signature that thereby it may be perceived to be profitable for the falling down of the Guts into the Cods which is commonly called Burstness and indeed it hath neither its Signature nor its Name in vain for it hath been found by divers experiences to help and cure the Rupture not onely in Children but also in elder Persons if the Disease be not too inveterate a dram of the powder of the dryed herb being taken in Wine every day for certain dayes together as the strength of the Disease age of the Patient shall require for the older people are and the longer it is let alone the longer it will be before it be cured or the Decoction made of the Herb in wine and drunk or the juyce of the distilled water of the green herb taken in the same manner It is also wonderfully effectuall for helping all manner of Fluxes either of men or women Vomiting also and the Gonorrhea or Running of the Reines being taken any of the wayes aforesaid It doth most assuredly help those also that are grieved with the Strangury or have their Vrine otherwise stopped or are troubled with the Stone or Gravel in the Reines or Bladder causing them that take it to make water very freely and thereby to remove and wash down whatsoever sticketh or is offensive in the passages of the Vrine The same also helpeth much all Stitches in the Side all griping paines in the Stomach or Belly the obstructions of the Liver and cureth the Yellow Jaundise likewise and killeth Wormes in Children Being outwardly applyed it conglutinateth Wounds very notably and helpeth much to stay defluctions of Rheume from the Head to the Eyes Nose and Teeth the green Herb being bruised and bound thereto or the Decoction of the dryed Herb to bathe the Fore-head and Temples or the Nape of the Neck behind It also dryeth up the moisture of Fistulous Vlcers or any others that are foule and spreading The lesser Rupture-wort hath all the faculties of the other though not so exactly Monardus writeth that the Indian Rupture-wort is mervailously good for them that are bursten whether they be Children or Men that are so grieved the green Herb being bruised and applyed to the place whereunto a Truss must afterwards be bound CHAP. CCCXXII Of Thorough-wax The Names IT is called in Latine Perfoliata for it hath no certain Greek name that I can meet with quod caulis ejus singula folia dissecat atque penetraâ— because the Stalk groweth through the Leaves and therefore we call it in English Thorough-wax or Thorough-leaf The Kindes To this Kinde may be referred these nine sorts following 1. Common Thorough-wax 2. Double-flowred Thorough-wax 3. Broad-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 4. The lesser broad-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 5. The greater narrow-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 6. The lesser narrow-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 7. The least narrow-leafed Mountain Thorough-wax 8. Common codded Thorough-wax 9. Codded Thorough-wax with purple flowers The Forme The Coâ—mon Thorough-wax groweth up with one straight round Stalke and sometimes more till it be half a yard high or higher whose lower Leaves being of a blewish green colour are smaller and narrower than those that grow higher standing close thereto but not quite compassing it yet as they grow higher they do more and more encompasse the Stalk untill they so wholly close together that it passeth almost through the middle of them branching towards the top into many parts where the Leaves grow smaller again every one standing singly and never two at a joynt the Flowers are very small and yellow standing in tufts at the heads of the Branches where afterwards grow the Seed which is small and blackish many of them being thick thrust together the Root is small long and woody perishing after it hath perfected its seed which being permitted to shed riseth againe the next yeare The Places and Time The first groweth in many Corn-fields and Pasture-grounds of this Land as in the Corn-fields about Beechen-tree in the way between Oxford and Deddington very plentifully and is taken into Gardens by those that know the use of it where by the alteration of the soile it sometimes bears a double flower and is reckoned as a second sort though it be but a kinde of the first all the rest are strangers except the last save one which is found in our own Land They do all flower about July and the Seed is ripe in August or presently after The Temperature Thorough-waxe is hot and dry as may be perceived by the bitterishnesse and astringency that is in it The Signature and Vertues The commendations of Thorough-wax are so many and so great and the success so answerable thereunto as also to the Signature which Crollius saith it hath that to omit it in this place would argue me to be very careless Take notice therefore that the decoction of the Herb or the powder of the dryed Herb taken inwardly or the green Leaves bruised and applyed outwardly or both is very singular and available to cure Ruptures or Burstings especially in Children before it grow to be too old It is also an excellent Remedy to help those Children that have their Navels sticking out being applyed thereunto with a little Honey and Wax and so it draweth up the bowels and keepeth them in their naturall place and setleth them and slacketh them when they are too much windy and swollen It is also of singular good use with Chirurgions for all sorts of Bruises and Wounds either inward or outward and old Vlcers and Sores likewise if the decoction of the Herbe made with Water or Wine be drunke and the places washed therewith or the juyce or greene herb bruised and boyled either by it self or with other herbs in Oyle or Swines-greace be made into an Oyntment which may be used as any time of the yeare The Herb as also the distilled Water thereof is very good against St. Anthony's Fire and the Shingles The greene Leaves being stamped and boyled with Wax Oyle Rosin and Turpentine maketh an excellent Oyntment or Salve to incarnate or bring up flesh in deepe â—â—unds CHAP. CCCXXIII Of Solomons-Seale The Names ITt is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Polygonatum from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 multus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 genu because of the many Knees Joynts or Nodes that are in the Root in Latine also Polygonatum but more usually Sigillum Solomoniâ— because the flat round circles that are upon the Root do somewhat represent a Seale or else because of the wonderfull faculty that it hath in sealing or closing Burstennesses or green Wounds It is also called Scala caeli because the Leaves grow not together but one above another imitating the rounds of some fashioned Ladders We call it in
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
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