it The Names In Latine 'tis called Fumaria and Fumus terrae in English Fumittery The temperament It is hot in the first degree and dry in the second and not cold as the Vulgar conceive for its bitternesse sheweth it to be hot The duration The Hearb will keep good a year and the juice may be kept a year with Oyle of Olives powred on it The inward use Fumiterry purgeth gently Melancholly and salt humours it is opening cleansing and strengthening it purgeth the impurity of the blood and is usefull in obstructions and stoppings of the Liver Spleen and Entrals and doth corrobate or strengthen those parts It purgeth Chollerick humours by Urine and avails in the Itch Scab Leprosie Cancer Fistulaes and foule Diseases of the skin arising from adust humours as also in the French Disease It is profitable in Feavers arising from choller both yellow and black in the Jaundise Quartaine Ague Scorbute or Scurvie killeth Worms and prevails in Chronicall Diseases arising from stoppings of the viscerous parts and in affects of the Hypochonders The powder saith Brasavola of the dryed Hearb given for some time together hath cured a Melancholly person The distilled water cures the yellow Jaundise if three or four ounces be drunk morning and evening for certaine dayes together and avails against the Scab Itch and such like Diseases and being constantly taken it preserveth from the Leprosie Being taken with London Treacle and Bole Armoniack it is good in the Pestilence as a dram or two of Treacle and a scruple of Bole Armoniack mixed in two ounces of the water and so taken Also it dissolveth congealed blood and tumours and provoketh the Termes or Courses in Women The manner of administring it It is given in Potion Decoction in juice and in Powder A Potion against Melancholly and Choller Take of Sene two drams Fumiterry and Wormwood of each as much as you can hold between two or three fingers of Cinamon bruised a dram infuse them in Succory-water and a little Wine for a night strain it and in the strained liquour infuse or steep of Rubarbe cut in thin slices halfe a dram or a dram five or six hours then strain it again and add to it of the Electuary called Diacatholicon halfe an ounce make a Potion A Potion against Melancholly Take of Fumiterry tops of Hops of each halfe a handfull Raisons of the sun stoned halfe an ounce Polypodium of the Oak green bruised halfe an ounce Dodder Epithymum of each three drams Anniseed and Licoris bruised of each halfe a dram Make a decoction in a sufficient quantity of water strain it and infuse or steep therein of Sene two or three drams strain it and dissolve in it Diacatholicon an ounce and as much syrupe of Violets A Potion against the Dropsie Take of the juice of Fumiterry two or three ounces of the powder of the root of Esula prepared eight or ten grains elder-Elder-water an ounce with a little Suger make a Potion A delicate Potion to purge the blood Take of the decoction of Fumiterry made with Whey or Posset-drink five ounces steep therein on hot embers a whole night of Sene halfe an ounce Rubarbe a dram strain it and dissolve in it of syrupe of Roses Laxative or of Manna an ounce make a Potion Against the Scorbute or Scurvy Take the juice of Fumiterry and Scurvygrasse of each two ounces give it in the Spring time in Goats Whey A decoction of Fumiterry made with Posset-drink and four or five ounces thereof taken morning and evening in the Spring time doth much purifie and cleanse the blood Against the Jaundise Take Fumiterry Wormwood of each a handfull boyle it in Posset-drink or Whey and being strained drink of it four ounces morning and evening Or Take two or three ounces of the juice of Fumiterry and give it in two ounces of ceterach-Ceterach-water Against the Joynt-Gout Take of the juice of Fumiterry three ounces of Hermodactilles in powder two scruples mingle them together and give it in a morning fasting Against the Scab Itch and Leprosie Take of the juice of Fumiterry two ounces and a halfe or three ounces warm it over the fire and scum it then add a little sugar and half a dram of Fennellseed to it and give it in a morning The outward use The juice dropped into the eyes doth clear the eyes and quicken the sight but at the first it will cause the eyes to water the juice also mingled with Gum Arabicke and applied to the lids will cause that the haire that hath once been pulled off shall not grow again A decoction thereof made and the feet bathed therewith cures the Gout or boyled in Wine and so applyed doth the like the juice mixed with the juice of Docks and Oxymel or Vineger cureth the Morphew being anointed therewith Also a Bath made of the same with Mallowes Violets and Dock roots with Barly Bran and Nep cureth the Scab and Itch. The juice mingled with Oyle of Nuts and Vineger cures maligne Scabs and the Leprosie being noynted therewith The distilled water helpeth sores and Ulcers of the mouth being therewith washed and gargled especially if you take four ounces of the water adding thereto one ounce of honey of Roses and wash the mouth therewith The hurtfull quality It is somwhat flatulent or windy therefore 't is good to mix with the juice or decoction some Anniseed or Fennelseed and infused in Whey or given with infusion of Sene it doth work the better The Dose The juice is given from halfe an ounce to two or three ounces The Powder from two drams to foure drams The decoction from three ounces to five or six ounces Of such things as are made thereof The Water The Juice The Conserve The Syrupe both simple and compound Pills of Fumiterry and the Oyle distilled from the dry hearb CHAP. XXX De Galanga Of Galingall GAlingale is a small root of a reddish colour both within and without and smelleth somwhat sweet and groweth in China The Names It is called in Latine Galanga in English Galingall The temperament It is hot and dry in the second or third degree The sorts or kinds There are two sorts the greater and the lesser but the lesser is most in use The best kinde The best is that which is of a reddish colour or brownish within and without heavy and aromaticall or smelling sweet especially being bruised of a hot tast and full of smal holes The Duration It will keep good three or four years The inward Vse Galingal is profitable in all cold diseases of the stomach braine and wombe help 's concoction expels winde and crudities and strengthens the stomach being boyled in wine and taken morning and evening It strengthneth especially a moist brain helps the Vertigo or swimming of the head and avails against the palpitation or beating of the heart and is very usefull in the gnawing of the stomach and easeth the Collick which proceedeth of winde and in the diseases of the Mother
Opopanax Some commend it against the dimnesse of the sight being mixed with other things Opopanax doth much help to the curing of old ulcers and Fistulaes breeds good flesh and especially where the bones are bare and naked and that by a peculiar vertue It is with profit applied to the biting of any venomous creature The hurtfull Quality It must not be given to Women with childe for it destroyes the birth nor to such as have hot diseases It is corrected with Spiknard Mastick c. The Dose The Dose is from halfe a dram to a dram or a dram and a halfe Of such compounds as are made of Opopanax Extract of Opopanax Pills of Opopanax Oile of Opopanax CHAP. 51. De Polypodio of Polypodie POlipodium is a root generally knowne growing on the roots of Trees chiefly on Okes sometimes upon houses and old walls The names It is called in Latine Polipodium also â—ilicula quasi parva filix because the leaves are like Ferne. In English Polipodie and Oke-ferne The temperament Polypodie is hot and dry in the second degree The best kinde The best rootes are those that are fairest or biggest and full of nodes which groweth on Okes and is therefore called Polypodium quercinum The duration These roots will keep good a yeare or two Note that the hotter the Region is where it growes the better it is The inward use Polypodie purgeth adust choler or melancholie and flegme though but gently Therefore it is commended against melancholy as in affects of the Hypochonders quartane Ague also in stoppings of the Liver and Spleen Jaundise Scurvy or Scorbute and in any kinde of Gowt in the Leprosie Scab and foule diseases of the skin It doth much prevaile in the Collick arising from a cold cause and that by a specifick vertue The distilled water both of rootes and leaves is much commended against the quartane Ague being taken many dayes together as also against melancholie troublesome sleep and fearefull dreames And taken with some Sugar-Candy dissolved therein it is good against all the ill affects or diseases of the Lungs Also this water helps the pale colour of the face and purgeth the blood The Salt and Oile of Polypodie are used in the Pleurisie and paines of the side The manner of administring it It is given in decoction broth or infusions for it can hardly be made into powder alone By infusion Take of Sene. Raisons of the sun stoned of each halfe an ounce Maiden-haire Polypodie white Tartar of each three drams of fumitorie-Fumitorie-water Carduus water Buglosse-water of each two ounces let them infuse one night in the morning boile them gently then straine it and to foure ounces of the clearest add Honey of Roses Solutive or Manna two drams or halfe an ounce mixe them together and give it it purgeth gently Freitag aur med f. 256. Against hardnesse of the spleen and melancholy winde it may be given with Epithymum and Salindum or the decoction of an old Cock with Polypodie Sene Epithymum Thyme Dodder black Hellebore Buglosse Creame of Tartar Anise-seed Fennell-seed Raisons of the sun and such like is much commended In diseases of the breast use Polypodie with Figs Raisons of the sun Elecampane Hyssop Maydenhaire Hore-hound c. In the Collick boile it with Anise-seed Fennell-seed c. In the scab arising from burnt choler boile it in Posset-drink or Whey The outward use The juice of the green root or the powder of the root snuffed up into the nose cureth the disease called Polypus A plaister made of the roots and Honey helpeth luxations or bones out of joynt Ruptures chaps of the fingers and the Piles If the root be steeped in Wine foure and twenty houres made sharp with a little spirit of sulphur and then dryed it may be used for a Dentifrice or medicine to make the teeth white and cleane being rubbed therewith The hurtfull quality It is judged by many to be windy and to offend the stomach but daily experience doth manifest the contrary and that it is a safe and gentle medicine fit for all sorts of persons and may be given in any season It is given with Anise-seed Fennel-seed Ginger c. Not because it offends the stomach or hurteth the other inward parts but to help its energie or force Let the Polypodium you use be new for if it be too old it bindes the body Heurn prax med f. 271. The Dose It is given in decoction or infusion from halfe an ounce to two ounces or more Compounds made of Polypodie Salt of Polypodium Extract of Polypodium Syrup of Polypodium Oile of Polypodium CHAP. 52. De Psyllio of Flea-wort FLea-wort is an herb that riseth up with a stalk two foot high or more full of joynts and branches on every side up to the top and at every joynt two small long and narrow whitish green leaves somewhat hairie the seeds are small and black lâ—ke to Fleas in bignesse and colour The names It is called in Latine Psyllium Pulicaria harba and â—ulicaria because it is like unto Fleas and not because it driveth away Fleas for that it will not do In English Flea-wort not Flea-bane The temperament The seeds are cold and moist in the second degree The best seeds The best are the biggest and the fairest heavy that being put into the water they sinke The duration They will keep good a yeare or two in the seeds The inward use The seeds are chiefly in use the missilage or infusion whereof being made with rose-Rose-water or Barley-water and taken with syrups of Violets syrup of Roses or Sugar purgeth choler and thick flegme and is usefull in hot burning Feavers in great thirst and helps to â—eâ—ifie the drynesse of the mouth and throat it helpeth also the hoarsnesse of the voice and diseases of the breast and lungs caused by heat as the Pleurisie and such like It helpeth all inflammations of the head and all hot paines of the joynts The muccilage of the seed made into an Electuary with Marmalade of Quinces with Popie-seed and Sugar-pellets or Sugar-Candy and so taken doth temper the heat and roughnesse of the throat and tongue and stayeth hot fluxions or rheumes flowing downe In hot burning Agues it quencheth thirst and abates heat being taken with syrup of Violets or Barley-water and purgeth also choler gently The seeds torrified or dryed and taken with Plantaine-water stayeth the flux of the belly and helpeth the corrosions or gripings of the belly that come by reason of hot cholerick sharp and malignant humours or by the super-purgation or over-working of any violent medicine such as cammonie or the like The seeds being kept on the tongue easeth the cough and helpeth the drynesse thereof proceeding from heat It dothnso wonderfully coole that saith Fernelius being cast into hot boyling water it presently cooleth it Fernel meth med lib. 6. cap. 1. fol. 143. The outward use The seeds bruised or the herbe and mixed with the juice of House-leeke or
and Oile of Roses it is good for the infirmities of the eares and mixed only with Honey it cleers the dim sight It is a present remedy against burning or scalding if it be boiled with Linseed-oile and the parts anointed with the same or wet clouts therein and lay them on It is commended against the clifts or chaps of the hands if the powder be strewed thereon for it closeth them up and dryeth The Chymicall Oile of Amber is good for cold and moist diseases of the brain if the temples or nape of the neck be anointed with a few drops thereof it discusseth or expelleth winde in the eares and head and strengtheneth the memory It is commended in the curing of Wounds Ulcers and Fistulous tumours being applyed with other ingredients It helps the Cramp being anointed therewith and deafnesse if a few drops be put into the eares with Cotton-Wooll It helpeth the stinking of the breath if it be mixed with Plantain-water or Rose-water and the mouth washed therewith and easeth also the pain of the teeth comming from a cold cause it cleanseth black teeth and maketh them white and helpeth the putrefaction of the gums and teeth It is useful in the relaxation or swelling of the Uvula or palate of the mouth It stayeth the bleeding of the nose if the nostrils be anointed therewith especially if a cloth wet in Plantain-water be applyed to the temples A Plaister against the heat of Vlcers Take of white Amber in powder an ounce of Honey a pound of common Salt in powder two ounces mix them together and apply it This draweth out the heat easeth the paine and healeth it Doring de Ol. Succin virib f. 183. The hurtfull qualâ—ty It is not to be given in very hot and dry bodies The Dose Amber in powder is given from a scruple to a dram or four scruples The Chymicall Oile from three drops to ten Of such things as are made of Amber Oile of Amber Magister of Amber Tincture of Amber Pils of Amber Balsam of Amber CHAP. 63. De Tamarindis of Tamarinds TAmarinds are the fruit of a tree growing in India Gart. ab Horto aromat histor cum annotatione car clus f. 119. Others say they are strangers in India and grow in Arabia being brought from thence into the Indies Renodaeus de Mat. Med l. 1. sect 1. f. 349. The names They are called in Latine Tamarindi from the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tamar i. e. Palma and Indus In Greek they are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Palmulae acidae in English Tamarinds The temperament They are cold and dry in the second degree or in the beginning of the third The best kinde The best are of a blackish or reddish colour fresh and moist of a sharp taste with many threds as it were among them They are adulterated with Prunes but that is easily known by the colour and taste The duratisn They will keep good being kept close two or three yeers The inward use They purge choler and adust humours therefore are used in acute Feavers in the Frensie madnesse they stay vomiting cool inflammations both of the Liver and stomach as also of the reins and back and help the running of the Reins they also stay Rheumes and Distillations They open obstructions or stoppings both of the Liver and Spleen and are profitable against all eruptions or breakings forth of the skin which arise from the heat of the bloud or from sharp or salt water running between the flesh and the Skin or Scab Itch Leprosie and such like They quench thirst wonderfully and are good against the Jaundise as also most excellent in Erysipelas or Wild-fire bleeding of the nose arising from choler and Womens fluxes The manner of administring them They are given in Boles in Potions and Decoctions A Bole. Take of the pulp of Tamarinds an ounce and a half species Diarrhodon Abbatis two scruples mix them together and make a Bole. A Powder Take of the pulp of Tamarinds half an ounce Manna two ounces succory-Succory-water four ounces dissolve them in water and make a Potion Or Take of Prunes Sebestens of each ten in number Tamarinds an ounce of the foure greater cold-seeds viz. Gourds Cutruls Cucumers and Melons of each a dram of Borrage Buglosse Rosemary and Violet-flowers a dram make a gentle decoction in about a pinte of Endive or violet-Violet-water then strain it and add thereto syrupe of Roses one ounce and a half syrup of Violets half an ounce Oile of Vitriol five drops mix them together and give it This is excellent in burning Feavers arising of choler They may be given in Posset-drink or Whey also in succory-Succory-water or Goats-Whey Against the small Pox boil them with Dates Figs and Jujubes and give them in broth made with Lentiles But note that they must not be much boiled for they will not endure any long boyling They are most convenient in hot and acute Feavers in hot seasons and in hot bodies The externall use They are applied outwardly against all inflammations of the skin as Wheals Pimples and such like The hurtfull quality with the corrective meanes There are two inconveniences in Tamarinds First they offend and hurt a cold stomach therefore to help it give them with Mastich Cynamon Anise-seed Mace or such like Secondly they are very astringent and binding therefore in the beginning of putrid Feavers abstain from them and be very cautious in giving them except it be in a small quantity and with Manna Cassia or the like The Dose The Dose of the pulp is from one ounce to two ounces In decoction or infusion it is given from two ounces to three or four ounces The compound Medicines made of Tamarinds Pulp of Tamarinds Electuary lenitive Electuary Diacatholicon c. CHAP. 64. De Tormentilla of Tormentill TOrmentill is an hearb so like Cinquefoile that many mistake it CoÌ„mon Tormentil hath many slender weak branches rising froÌ„ the root leaning as it were upon the ground with many short leaves that stand closer to the stalks then the other Cinquefoiles do with the foot-stalks encompassing the branches at severall places the leaves be small five or most commonly seven growing upon a stem much like the leaves of Cinquefoile or five-leafed grasse but somewhat longer and lesser dented about the edges many of them the flowers be yellow much like Cinquefoile but smaller the root is black without but reddish within and sometimes a little crooked The names It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 septem et 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 folium that is seven leaves In Latine Tormentilla quia valet adversus tormenta intestinorum In English Tormentill and Set-foile The temperament It is dry in the third degree without any manifest heat binding and of subtile or thin parts The duration The herbe will keep a year and the root two yeares The inward use Tormentill is Diaphoreticall and Alexipharmacall and vulnerary that is it provokes sweat expels
The Leaves boyled in Vineger and applied warme to the side helpâ—s the Spleene Ache or Stich in the sides the same applied with Rose-water and Oyle of Roses to the fore-head and Temples doth ease the Head-ach although of long continuance the fresh Leaves boyled in wine and used doth clense old filthy Sores and Ulcers and is effectuall for greene wounds to heale them quickly and foder up the L ps thereof the same healeth scaldings of water and burnings by Fire or blisterings in the body The juyce of the Leaves or berries snuffed up into the Nose purgeth the Head and Braine of thin rheume and cureth the Ulcers and stench therein and dropped into the Eares doth helpe the old and running Sores of them the Berries or Leaves used causeth the Haire to grow blacke The greene Leaves are commonly used to be laid upon Issues in the Armes Legs or elsewhere The gum of Ivy is used being dissolved to take away superfluous haire in any place and to destroy Nits and Lice in any place the same dissolved in Vineger and put into hollow aking Teeth doth ease the same and being often used will cause them to fall out Some use it as a bait with other things to Kill Fâ—sh The fume of Ivy branches being burned driveth away Gnats Battes and all other hurtfull and noysome creatures The hurtfull quality It bringeth barrennesse in Man or Woman being too often used and brings weaknesse to the braine and senses It is an enemy to the nerves and sinewes being taken inwardly but helpefull to them applied outwardly The Dose The flowers and berries are given from half a dram to two scruples Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water Oyl of the berries good against all cold infirmities of the joynts provokes the termes breakes and expells the Stone in the Reines clenseth and health foule Ulcers CHAP. 112. De Hedera terrestri of Ground-Ivie or Alehoofe The Names IT is called in Latine Hedera terrestris and Corona terrae because it spreadeth and is like a Garland upon the ground in English Alehoofe Ground Ivy Gill creepe by the ground Cats-foote Haymaids and Tunnehoof because the Country people use it much in their Ale The Temperament It is hot and dry sharp and bitter in taste it openeth also clenseth and rarefieth or maketh thin The inward use It is a good wound herb for all inward wounds as also for Ulcerated lungs oâ— other parts either by it selfe or with other the like herbes boyled together and being drunk by them that have any griping paines of windy or chollerick humours in the Stomach Spleene or Belly doth ease them in a short space it helpeth likewise the yellow Jaundes by opening the stoppings of the Gall Liver and Spleene it expelleth venome or poyson and the Plague also it provoketh urine and womens courses but doth not stay them as some have thought but the Decoction of the herbe in wine being drunke for some time together helpeth them that have the Sciatica or Hip-gout as also the Gout in the Hands Knees or Feet helpeth to dissolve disperse the peccant humours and to procure ease The syrupe of Alehoofe is usefull in Ulcers of the Lungs and Consumptions as also in â—humes flowing downe to the Stomach Boyled in broth and taken it provoketh sleepe and expelleth ill humours out of the body Being steeped in Aquavitee and taken it doth bring away the gravell and Stone The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in Decoction See the Decoction of Mugwort The outward use A decoction thereof is good to gargle any sore throat or mouth putting thereto some Hony and a little burnt Allum as also to wash the Sores and Ulcers of the privy parts in man or woman it speedily healeth greene wounds being bound thereto and the juyce boyled with a little Hony and Vardigrease doth wonderfully cleanse Fistulas and hollow Ulcers and stayeth the malignity of spreading and eating Cankers and Ulcers it helpeth also the Itch Scabs Wheales and other breakings forth in the skin in any part of the Body the juyce of Celandine field Daisies and ground Ivie clarified and a little fine Sugar dissolved therein dropped into the eyes is a soveraigne remedy for all the paines rednesse and watering of the eyes the Pin and Web skins or Filmes growing over the sight or whatsoever might offend them the same helpeth beasts as well as men the juyce droped into the eares doth help the noyse and singing of them and helpeth also deafnesse The leaves are used in Bathes and Glisters to dissolve the Stone An oyntment to heale burnings Take ground Ivie foure handfulls Plantaine leaves a handfull Burnet halfe a handfull Bruise all these together and let them stand eight dayes then adde to them a handfull of Goose dung and one ounce of wax boyle them together till the herbes have almost lost their colour then straine and reserve it Or you may boyle them presently after they are bruised Of such things as are made thereof The distilled Water Conserve of the flowers Syrupe both simple and compound CHAP. 113. De Hordeo Gallico of French barly The Temperament IT is colde and dry in the first degree or cold and moist of a clensing faculty The inward use It is much used in pectorall diseases or diseases of the brest helpeth the sharpnesse of the throat and increaseth milke especially boyled with Fennell It provoketh urine and is very profitable in chollerick Feavers The manner of Administring it It is used onely in Decoction As thus Take two ounces of French-barly boyle it in two fresh waters then boyle it againe in a quart of water adding halfe an ounce of Licorish and a handfull of Violet leaves and as many strawberry leaves to a pint or a pint and a halfe strayne it and put thereto of syrupe of Violets two ounces or for the poorer sort you may sweeten it with a little Sugar This is good in a burning Feaver The outward use It is used outwardly to soften hard swellings and is good for inflamations and sorenesse of the throat being boyled alone or with other fitting Herbes and the mouth and throat washed therewith A bath good against the Scab Itch c. Take Mallowes Violet Beets black Hellebor Fumitory of each three handfulls of French barly sixe handfulls boyle them in a sufficient quantity of water for a bath The hurtfull quality It is bad for cold and windy bodies We have had of late yeares a Barly called Pearl'd Barly and is much in use for the forementioned Diseases CHAP. 114. De Junipero of the Iuniper-tree The Names THe Juniper tree is called in Latine Juniperus the berries are called Grana Juniperi or Baccae Juniperi the Gum that runneth from the tree being cut is callâ—d Lachrima Juniperi vernix or vernia quasi veris ros issuing forth in the spring as also Sandaracha and Sandarax of the Arabians but not of the Greeks Yet some will have Vernix to be made of Amber and Linseed
reason of the Gout and draweth forth Thornes Splinter or the like if it be dissolved with Vineger but it is more effectuall if it be mixed with Honey Birthworth and Saffron It consumes Strumas or swellings called the Kings Evill and ripeneth all kind of Imposthumes being applyed on Wool that is not greasie Being applyed to tumours of the Breast of Women it dissolveth them and brings them to maturity or ripenesse and mixed with Vineger it decreaseth the Milk and keepeth it from coagulating or curdling in the Breast being thereunto applied Being mixed with Honey and applied to the Throat it helpeth the Quinsie and swelling in the Neck or Throat It taketh away spots of the eyes being mixed with Womans Milk and it cleanseth the sight being mixed in Medicines for the eyes Ammoniacum and Frankinsence dissolved in Vineger and applied helpeth Ringwormes A Plaister for the hardnesse of the Spleene Take of Gum Ammoniacum one ounce Myrrhe Frankinsence Bdellium of each halfe an ounce dissolve them in Vineger of Rue and adde thereunto of the flowers of Camomill in powder a dram make a Plaister thereof and lay it warme to the Spleene Weichardus Thes pharmacent fol. 243. Or Take Garden mints Rue and Melilot in powder of each halfe an ounce Niter Salgem of each three drams Ammoniacum dissolved in wine one ounce with a little Wax and Oyle of Capers make a Plaster Or Take of Ammoniacum dissolved in Vineger halfe an ounce Vnguenium dialtheae compositum or Oyntment of Marsh-mallowes compound two ounces with a sufficient quantity of Wax make a Plaister Heurnius doth much commend this Plaister following against hardnesse of the Spleene Take of Hemlocke foure handfulls of Ammoniacum halfe a pound infuse them together eight dayes adding thereto three or foure ounces of strong Wine Vineger or more the Hemlocke also must be bruised Then having stood eight dayes dissolve the Gum by boyling it gently strain it forth boyle the strained liqour againe till the moysture be well consumed then with some Wax and Oyle of sweet Almonds make a Plaister or Oyntment A Cerot to dissolve all manner of hard knots and ganglious tumours Take of Ammoniacum six ounces Marsh mallow-roote and white Bryonie-root in powder of each an ounce of Turbith minerall halfe an ounce of fresh Butter one ounce and a halfe dissolve the Gums in Vineger and mix them all together and with one ounce of Wax make a Cerot Against Wormes Take of Ammoniacum one ounce dissolve it in Vineger and adde of the juice of Wormwood halfe an ounce boyle them a little and make a Plaister thereof warm it and lap it to the Navill The hurtfull quality Ammoniacum may not safely be given to pregnant Women or Women with Child for it will cause them to miscarry And though it provoke Urin yet if too great a quantity thereof be given it will cause one to pisse bloud These things following are made of Ammoniacum 1. Pills of Ammoniacum 2. Syrupe of Ammoniacum 3. Extract of Ammoniacum 4. Chymicall Oyle of Ammoniacum 5. A Plaster of Ammoniacum 6. Emplast ex cicuta cum Ammoniaco 7. Ceratum ex Ammoniaco The Dose The Dose is from a dram to four scruples CHAP. V. De Amygdalis Of Almonds ALmonds are of two sorts bitter and sweet of sweet some are bigger called Jordan Almonds others lesse called Valence Almonds and Barbary Almonds The Names The Almond-tree saith Plinie is the first that blossometh in the moneth of January and by March the Almond is ripe Plinie Nat. Hist lib. 16. cap. 25. In Latine Amygdalum and Amygdala The Temperament Sweet Almonds are hot and moist in the first degree but the bitter are hot and dry in the second degree The best sort The best are such as are yellow full and sound not broken nor rotten but hard and dry white within of a good smell and taste The Duration They will keep good two or three years The inward Vse The sweet Almonds are most pleasing to the tast and they yield good and plentifull nourishment to the body therefore they are good for weak and macerated persons or such as are leane They open and cleanse the breast provoke spitting and are good in the Pleurisy and shortnesse of breath they open the passages of Urin cleanse the Kidneyes and provoke sleep They increase geniture or seed both in men and women open the stoppings of the Liver and Spleen and help the sight Being blanched and dryed that they may be made into powder and so taken by it self or with other things stayeth the loosnesse of the belly The Oyle of sweet Almonds cleanseth the Reins and is good for such as are troubled with the Stone easeth the pain by opening and making slippery the passages thereof it is good for Women that are newly delivered for it helpeth throwes and after pains Being mingled with Sugar-candy and taken it helps the Cough and Hoarsnesse If you give two or three drams of it to Children that are newly borne that are troubled with Gripings and mingle Sugar Pellets or white candy therewith it will much prevaile Bitter Almonds open the stoppings of the Liver and Spleene cleanse the Lungs from grosse and tough flegme cleanse the Kidneyes and provoke Urine They take away flatulent or windy humours in the body and provoke the courses in Women Being taken with Amylum or Starch and Mints they are good against spitting of bloud and taken with water they are good for paines in the back and the inflamation of the Lungs They preserve from Drunkennesse if five or six be eaten in a morning fasting The Oyle of bitter Almonds being taken killeth Wormes helpeth the paines suffocations and tortions of the womb Being drunken with wine it mittigateth the Cough and brings away the stone or gravell in the Kidneyes It is reported that if bitter Almonds be given to a Fox he dieth thereof The manner of administring them Almonds are eaten alone or made into milk or emulsion lohoch or March panes An Emulsion for the Diseases of the Breast or Lungs Take of sweet Almonds one ounce of Pine-kernell halfe an ounce of the seeds of Citrull Gourds Melon and Bombar-seed or Cotten-tree of each a dram blanch the Almonds and prepare the Seeds Beat them in a Morter with a pound of the decoction of Jujubes and Raisons of the Sun beating them first and putting the water in by degrees then add four ounces of Sugar make an emulsion for four or five Doses Renodaeus dispens med fol 226. An Emulsion to extinguish the heat of the Reines and to help the sharpnesse of the Vrin Take Gourd Citrull Melon and Cucumer-seeds of each halfe an ounce Lettice and white Poppy-seed of each two drams Beat them in a Morter with a pint of violet-Violet-water then add syrupe of Water-Lillies three ounces make an Emulsion for three Doses or three times taking Almond-Milk much in use by Practitioners and others Take of sweet Almonds blanched which is soon done by casting them into warm water two
and fatty not ranced being put into water if it swim it is to be cast away The Duration The seeds will keep good three years The inward use The seeds purge Flegme and watery humors by vomit and siege It is a specifick remedy against the Collick It helpeth also the diseases of the breast and hypoconders openeth the obstructions of the viscerous parts and avails in the Dropsie and Jaundies Being made into a Loloch or licking Electuary with Sugar and Honey a few Almonds and Pine Kernels it cleanseth the lungs of Flegme sticking therein wonderfully causing it to be easily spit forth it also cleareth the voice and increaseth sperme by the often use of it With Honey it is excellent against the Cough Being bruised and strained into Milke it makes it to curdle and is usefull to open and loosen the belly Parrots doe eat of this seed yet it doth not loosen them at all The manner of administring it It is given in Emulsions in Tabulats in Electuaries in Pulpe c. An Emulsion or milke purging safely and gently Take of Mechoaehan white Turbith of each one ounce Anni-seed Fennel-seed Cinamon of each a dram bruise them and make a Decoction thereof Take of this Decoction eleven ounces of sweet Almonds blanched half an ounce of cinamon-Cinamon-water half an ounce or five drams make it into an Emulsion or milkie substance Tabulats purging or square Cakes Take of Diagredium Turbith of each one ounce of the Pulpe of Carthamus-seed half a dram Cinamon Ginger species of Diatragacanthum frigidum of each two drams Citron Pill the Pulpe of preserved Quinces of each a dram of Sugar nine ounces of white Sugar-candy one ounce Powder what is to be powdered and make Tabulats or Cakes thereof and dry them The Dose is from a dram and a halfe to three drams Freitag Aur. med fol. 282. Against the Jaundies Take of the Pulpe of Carthamus seeds a dram Syrup of Worm-wood an ounce of Succory water an ounce mixe them together and give it For the same Take of the flowers of Carthamus in powder a dram give it in Hydromel or Water and Honey or in Barley water The outward use The water of Carthamus is commended against wilde-fire if clouts be dipped therein and applyed The hurtfull quality There are two hurtfull properties in Carthamus the one that it offends the stomack and provokes to vomit to help this it must be given with Anni-seed Fennel-seed Galingal Cinamon Ginger Mastick or such like The other is that it works but slowly and stirreth up the humors to help this it may be given with Cardamoms Salgem and such like The Dose The Dose of the Pulpe is from a dram to two drams though it be rarely given by it selfe because of its viscosity or sliminesse In infusion from three drams to six drams or more Of those Medicines that are made of Carthamus First extract of Carthamus 2 Syrup of Carthamus 3 Electuary Diacarthamum 4 Species of Carthamus 5 The distilled water 6 Olium e enico expressum which being taken with Muskadel is excellent against the Collick 7 Oyle of the seed of Carthamus three drams of which being taken with powder of Anniseed and Cinamon doth purge flegm as saith Brassarolus CHAP. XIV De Cassia lignea Cinamomo Of Cassia Lignea and Cinamon BEcause these are so little differing from each other I shall joyne them together yet speake severally of their vertues They are both barks of trees brought to us from the East-Indies The Names Cinamon is called in Latine Cinnamomum Cinamomum in English Cinnamome and Cinamon I know no other names in use for the other but Cassia Lignea The Temperament Cinamon is hot and dry in the third degree or hot in the third-degree and dry in the second Cassia lignea is hot and dry in the third degree The best sort The best Cinamon is that which is of a reddish colour smelling fragrantly and of a sharp and biting tast usually the thin barks or rindes are the best The difference between Cassia lignea and Cinamon The Cinamon rinde is much bigger the Cassia lignea is in very small rindes or barkes besides there is a manifest difference in the tast for the Cinamon hath a rough tast but the Cassia lignea is very slippery upon the tongue The Duration They will keep good eight or ten years as some report which I somewhat doubt of especially of Cinamon The inward Vse Cinamon is of subtill parts and very Aromaticall it comforteth the heart and vitall parts corroborateth and strengthneth the stomack braine nerves and other cold parts of the body it easeth the pains of the Wind Collick provokes the Courses and Vrine hastneth the birth it preventeth and correcteth putrifaction of humours resisteth poyson stayeth vomiting and helpeth nauseousnesse of the stomach it is frequently used in Cardiack passions or passions of the heart faintings of the spirits and in trembling of the heart it causeth sweetnesse of the breath and brings a good colour in the face it strengthneth the retentive faculty of all the parts by drying up and consuming the moisture thereof It is used in the Dropsie and Cough proceeding from moisture In brief it avails in all cold diseases of the head stomack and womb and is most convenient for cold and moist bodies and is much used in Lasks or Loosnesse of the body Note That Cinamon is most fragrant about the full of the Moon and hath the best taste and is then fittest for any medicine especially for oyle Cassia lignea comforteth the Stomack Liver and all the principall parts openeth obstructions or stoppings disperseth grosse humour repelleth winde provokes urine brings downe the menses or termes in women and doth much facilitate or hasten the birth The Vse of Oyle and Water of Cinamon There is a Chymicall Oyle drawne from Cinamon which is most excellent for these Diseases It comforteth the Stomach Brain Heart and all the principall parts it helpeth a stinking Breath resisteth putrifaction provokes the menses and helpeth Women in hard labours easeth the Cough arising from cold and all cold pains of the head it is a singular help in fainting of the spirits and stayeth too much vomiting after the taking of Antimony if two or three drops thereof be taken in Mint-water Good Cinamon-water hath the same vertues The manner of administring them They are given in Powder in Potions Electuaries and in Pills A Powder to hasten the Birth Take of Cinamon a dram Saffron halfe a dram Cassia lignea two scruples make them all in powder Or Take Cinamon Saffron of each a scruple of Borax four scruples make them in powder and give it in a little Mugwort-water A Potion to hasten the Birth Take of Cassia lignea in powder a dram Saffron in powder a scruple syrupe of Mugwort halfe an ounce savin-Savin-water three ounces mingle them together and give it Pills to hasten the Birth Take of Cassia lignea or Cinamon a dram Castor six grains Storax calamita
in powder stirring them well together till it become a fit masse for pils The Dose is from ten grains to fifteen Freitag Aur. Med. f. 337. The external use A decoction of Coloquintida made with Veniger easeth the paine of the Teeth if they be washed therewith The powder thereof with Honey applyed to the Navill killeth wormes Being infused in Vineger it cureth the Morphew Leprosie Elephansie dry scurfe and scabs if the places be often rubbed therewith A bath made of Coloquintida and the feet and other parts fomented therewith bringeth downe the Courses in Women The juyce boyled with Hogs-greese and applyed to the hip easeth the Sciatica An oyle made of Coloquintida and dropped into the ear take's away the noyse and singing thereof and is good against baldnes and falling of the hair Coloquintida is used in Glisters and Suppositories A Glister Take of the Pulpe of Coloquintida two drams Camomel flowers a handfull Anniseed Cuminseed of each halfe an ounce Make a decoction in fair water straine it and in a pint of the decoction desolve honey of Roses oyl of Camomel of each three or four ounces and make a Glister A Suppository Take of Coloquintida in powder a scruple species Hiera simplex halfe a dram Salgem halfe a scruple with a sufficient quantity of Honey make a Suppository A Ball made of Coloquintida which purgeth onely by smelling to it Take of Colocynthis and Esula or pine spurge in powder Aloes and Myrrhe in powder of each a dram with the juice of Coriander make two bals to hold in each hand one and being warmed therewith smell often to them The hurtfull quality with the correcting means Coloquintida hurts the heart liver and stomach by its strong operation it opens the mouthes of the veines whereby many times after the taking of it blood is voided both upward and downeward It also excoriats the bowels and passages of the Urine and bringeth great gripings and tearing pains Therefore it must not be given to women with child for being but applyed to the wombe it killeth the child nor to children aged persons or such as are weake neither to any that have the Plurisie Hectich Feaver or any inflamation It is not safe to give it alone but being well corrected it may be given to strong and rustick bodies It is corrected with Hepaticall Cardiacall Stomachicall and other gentle means as Tragacanth oyle of sweet Almonds Ginger or Mastich Some adde Bdellium and other astringent things But surely those things that binde make the operation of the Medicine afterwards more strong for though the binding faculty of such things may hinder the operation for a time yet it will at length bring forth and worke more violently Sagapenum is counted a good corrector of Coloquintida because of it's clammy faculty whereby it preserves the bowels from gripings The Dose The Dose in powder is from five graines to ten or fifteen These things following are made of Coloquintida First Pils of Coloquintida 2 Pilulae Alhandal 3 Extract of Coloquintida 4 Trosses of Alhandal 5 Chimicall oyle of Coloquintida 6 Oyle by infusion of Coloquintida 7 Wine and Vineger of Coloquintida CHAP. XVIII De Corallio Rubro Of red Coral REd Coral is a hard stony substance growing on the Rocks in the Sea The Names Coral is called in Latine Corallium Coralium and Coralium this Corallium rubrum in English Red Coral The temperament Red Coral is cold and dry in the second degree The best kinde The best is that which is smooth clear and red for the redder it is the better it is The Duration It will keep good ten or twenty years The inward Vse Red Coral doth dry cool and bind it strengthneth the heart stomach and liver purifieth the blood and is therefore very usefull in the Pestilence against venome and all pestilent Feavers and malignant diseases it cheares the heart and is good against Melancholy helpeth such as spit blood or that bleed at the mouth or the nose as also stoppeth the Fluxe of blood in man or woman and being taken in wine or other liquor frequâ—ntly it taketh away the hardnesse and stopping of the Spleen it stayeth the Gonorrhaea or running of the reins in men and the whites in women helpeth conception by its binding faculty and is good for the stopping of of the Urine and paines of the Stone in the bladder if the powder when it is burnt be taken in Whitewine or Posset drinke the powder taken in Wine oâ— distilled Water brings rest to such as have an Ague and is good for such as have Cramps It is much commended in the falling sicknesse or to prevent it if a Childe so soon as it is borne take ten graines thereof in black-Cherry-water or in the Mothers miâ—ke Some affirme that it causeth an easie delivery of the birth which fit doe it is by a specifick vertue for experience doth manifest it to be of a binding nature The Chymicall oyle of Coral is commended against the Falling-sicknesse in children and others as also in all Fluxes of the belly and spitting of blood The manner of administring it It is given in Electuary powder c. An Electuary against the Flux of the belly Take of red Coral in powder three drams of Marmeâ—â—â—de of Quinces two ounces and a halfe species Diamargariton frigidum two drams with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Quinces make an Electuary take of it a little before meat An Electuary against vomiting of blood by reason of a bruise or fall Take of red Coral in powder a dram conserve of red Roses conserve of Comfry of each one ounce Bâ—le Armoniack washed in Rose water and in powder Blood stone in powder of each a dram Acacia Myrtle-Berries of each a dram Suger Pellets halfe an ounce with an ounce of Suger dissolved in rose-Rose-water make an Electuary The Dose is three drams or halfe an ounce with red Wine in the morning and before meat A Powder against Ruptures Take of Myrtle-berries Cinamon and Nutmeg of each two drams of Knot-grasse dry halfe an ounce seeds of Plantaine and Purslaine of each three drams and the seeds of Garden Cresses a dram of red Corall a dram and a halfe make all into powder adding so much Sugar as will make it sweet The Dose is from halfe a dram to a dram in red Wine every morning or second morning for a Months space if need require A Powder against the Fluxe of the belly Take of red Coral a scruple roots of Tormentil two scruples Mirrhe a scruple Gum Tragacanth a dram Plantaine-seeds halfe a dram Dragons blood a dram trosses of Spodium a dram Bole Armoniack and Harts-horne burnt of each a dram make them into powder The Dose is a dram in Plantaine-water The outward Vse It helpeth sore Gums and Ulcers in the mouth and healeth up soul hollow Ulcers in other parts and filleth with flesh and is used in medicines for the eyes to stay the Flux of Rheume and takes away the heat and rednesse thereof
by cooling and drying up the moisture thereof it fastneth loose teeth and maketh them white and helps to breed teeth in Children the gums being rubbed therewith and some hang it about their neck of such as have the Falling-sicknesse A Powder to white the Teeth Take red Coral Brick of each half an ounce make them into powder and take some of it lay it on a course linnen cloath and rub your teeth therewith For bleeding at the Nose Take of red Coral in powder half an ounce of Bole Arminick in powder an ounce with the juice of Sheapherds purse and lint or tow make Tents and put them up into the nostrils The hurtfull quality It must not be given too often where the body is very costive or hound Of those things that are made of red Corall First Estence of Tincture of Corall 2 Chymicall oyle or liquor of Coral 3 Flores Coralliorum 4 Olium Coralliorum succinatum good in the Falling-sicknesse and Apoplexie if three or four drops be given in any convenient liquor 5 Syrup of Coral simple and compound 6 Magister of Coral 7. Salt of Coral 8 Diacorallion The Dose The Dose is from a scruple to a dram CHAP. XIX De Cornu cervin et Ebore Of Harts-horne and Ivory THese being of some affinity I shall speake of them in one Chapter Ivory is the Elephants tooth Harts-horn is generally known The Names Harts-horne is called in Latine Cornu-eervi or Cornucervinum Ivory is called in Latine Ebor Ebur The Temperament They are cold and dry in the first degree The best kinde The best sort is the whitest The Duration They will keep good many years The inward use Harts-horn resisteth putrifaction provoketh sweat and is very cordiall It is chiefly used in the small Pox Measles putrid and Malignant Feavers and in such like diseases where sweating is needfull It is good in Fluxes of the belly spitting of blood Jaundies and paine of the bladder taken with Gum Tragacanth it stayeth the flowing of the wombe Burnt Harts-horne killeth wormes resisteth putrifaction helpeth the Collick stoppeth the Flux of the belly and provoketh sweat Ivory doth strengthen the vicerous parts stayeth the Whites in Women is usefull in the Jaundies driveth away Wormes easeth paines of the Stomack and doth wonderfully open obstructions or stoppings Some commend it against barrennesse and say it maketh Women fruitfull but it rather hinders fecundity and conception then helps it The manner of administring them They are given in Powder in Electuary in Decoction c. A Powder against the Jaundies Take Parsley-seed Nettle-seed Nutmeg shavings of Ivory Harts-horne burnt of each halfe a dram make all into powder Give halfe a dram of it at a time in White-wine or Posset drink for a week or more if need be A Powder to expell wormes Take of Worm-seed an ounce Lupines halfe an ounce Worme-wood dry two drams Harts horne burnt a dram and a halfe Make them into powder and give it from a Scruple to a dram Take of Purslane-seed and Lettuce-seed of each two drams Sene three drams and a halfe Harts horne burnt halfe an ounce of Dittany five drams make a powder thereof The Dose is from halfe a dram to a dram Note that the Sene is to be infused in strong Wine Vineger one night and afterwards to be dryed An Electuary against the Flux of the Belly Take of conserve of red Roses two ounces species of Aromaticum Rosatum a dram Bole Armonack in powder and red Corall in powder of each a dram Harts horne burnt in powder two scruples with syrupe of Quinces make an Electuary Give of it as much as a small Nut in the morning before dinner and at night An Electuary against the Pestilence Take shavings of Harts-horne Bole Armoniacke Sorrell-seeds of each two drams yellow Sanders halfe a dram Saffron in powder a scruple Conserve of red Roses Conserve of Wood-Sorrell of each two ounces Conserve of Borage and Sage-flowers of each six drams with Syrupe of Wood-sorrell make a moist Electuary and take so much as a Chesnut at a time once or twice a day if need be A Gellie to strengthen such as are weake Take Harts-horne and Ivory of each one ounce boyle them in a quart of water till it come to a jelly which you may soon know by setting some to coole then strein it and add Sugar Rose-water and a little juice of Lymonds and boyle it gently a while then keep it for your use Take often seaven or eight spoonfulls of it warm The outward use Harts-horne burnt and mixed in Plantaine water is a good Medicine for Vlcers of the eyes and to stay defluxions thereof It makes the Teeth white being rubbed therewith The shavings of Harts-horne being burnt the smell thereof driveth away Serpents and venomous Creatures Being made warm in Vineger and the Gums washed therewith it easeth Children that breed Teeth The ashes of Harts-horne burnt applied to the head with Wine is good against the Scurfe and Dandruffe of the head among the hairs as Plinie saith Nat. hist lib. 28. fol. 324. The shavings of Ivory in powder being mixed with Honey taketh away the duskish spots that appear in the Visage if the face be therewith anoynted Also the dust thereof which the File or Saw doth make in Filing or Sawing doth cure the white Flawes or Impostumations breeding at the root of the Nails Plin. Nat. Hist fol. 130 The Dose Burnt Harts-horne is given from five grainâ— to twenty Magister of Harts-horne is given from halfe a scruple in any convenient liquor Ivory is given from halfe a scruple to a scruple or to a scruple and a halfe Of such things as are made of them Of Harts-horne are made 1. Magister Which is an excellent Diaphoretick for it expelleth all obnoxious and filthy humours by the pores Grulingius Florileg fol. 209. and is usefull in Feavers Pestilence Scab Dysenterie or Bloody Flux Dropsie and Stone 2. Distilled Water 3. Liquor or Spirit 4. Oyle 5. Salt 6. Burnt Harts-horne 7. Extract thereof Of Ivory 1. Ivory Burnt 2. Magister of Ivory CHAP. XX. De Costo Of Costus-root COstus is a root brought from India and Arabia as Authors say of a brownish colour having a rind on the outside The Names It is called in Latine Costus and in English Costus The temperament Costus is hot and dry in the third degree The Kinds Some make three sorts others two sorts bitter and sweet but we have but one sort that I have seen of late The best sort The best is that which hath a good sent whitish light bitter and aromatick having a rind like Cinamon but thicker not old nor worm-eaten The Duration It will keep good five or six years The inward Vse It heaâ—s the body potently expelleth wind helpeth slow concoction hinders corruption of the meat easeth the Collick comming of Wind and Flegme killeth broad Worms of the belly provoketh the Courses and Urine helps to cleanse the womb from impurity and helpeth
themselves about herbs the one growing upon Time the other upon Flax or Line The Names Epithymum is called Time or laced Time Cuscutha is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cuscutha Cussutha Cassutha and Cassytha in English Dodder The Temperament Epithymum is hot and dry in the third degree Dodder is hot in the first degree and dry in the second The best The best is that which is fresh and new not too old the tops and flowers are most effectuall The best is that which comes from Crete The Duration They will keep good a year The inward Vse Epithymum purgeth Melancholy and adust Choller as also Flegme from the braine heart spleen and hypochonders It avails against Melancholy old and inveterate pains of the head swimming of the head madnesse falling-sicknesse faintings Quartaine Ague Hypochondriack passions Scirrhues or hardnesse of the Spleen and windinesse thereof stoppings of the Kidnies and is very usefull in the Scab and Itch Leprosie Elephansie malignant Vlcers and Cancers as also the French-Pox It cleanseth the blood very much from Melancholy and adust humours Avicen commends it against the Cramp It is profitable in the Jaundies in opening stoppings of the Gall. It hath also a strengthning property besides its purging quality as in Rubarbe and a very safe Medicine for the stoppings as well of the Liver as Spleen purging the Veins of flegmatick and chollerick humours and helpeth Childrens Agues if a little Wormseed be put to it Taken with Lapis lazul it cures the Quartaine Ague Note That it will not endure any long decocting or boyling Cuscuthe or Dodder is very profitable in stoppings of the Liver Gall and Spleen cleanseth the blood from Melancholly and is usefull in the Jaundise provokes Urine and cleanseth the Veins of Chollerick and Flegmatick humours Being taken with Wormwood it purgeth Choller If halfe a pint or lesse of the decoction be taken with halfe an ounce of Sugar it cures Children of Agues Moreover it hath the same vertues as Epithymum hath though not so fully only some will have Cuscutha more proper for the Liver and Epithymum for the Spleen But the Cuscutha is more or lesse effectuall according to the vertues of those hearbs on which it groweth For that which groweth on Nettles and Broom provokes Urine that which growes on Tares which is the most common is not so good for Tares are of hard digestion and bind the belly and breed thick and Melancholly blood The seeds drunk with Wine and Sage ease the Hip-Gout The distilled water of Cuscutha taken helps the effects of the Liver and Lungs by cleansing and strengthening also cures the Jaundise expells the stone of the Bladder and easeth gripings in the belly helps to bring downe the Courses in Women and swellings about the Navill and cures Agues in Children The Dose is three or four ounces morning and evening to Children give lesse The manner of administring them They are chiefly given in Potions and Powders A Potion against Melancholly Take of Epithymum halfe an ounce of Sene one ounce and a halfe Anni-seed two drams Licoris a dram Damask Prunes ten or twelve Bruise the Licoris and Anni-seed and cut the Prunes then infuse them on hot embers five or six hours with half a pint of Posset-drink strain it and give the clearest Or Take the flowers of Balme Rosemary Borrage and Buglosse of each halfe a handfull of the outside of yellow Myrobalans half an ounce Epithymum Time Sene Polypodium of each two drams or halfe an ounce boyle them in a sufficient quantity of water till about halfe be consumed strain it and add syrupe of Roses an ounce make a Potion and give it Or Take Epithymum Cuscutha Sene Origanum or Wild Marjoram of each two drams of red Ciches a dram make a decoction in a sufficient quantity of water strain it and in the clearest infuse or steep of Agarick trochiscated a dram of Cinamon halfe a dram let them stand one night then strain it and to the strained liquor add Confectio Hamech two drams or halfe an ounce and make all into a Potion The externall use The distilled water of Cuscutha or Dodder clears the fight if it be dropped into the eyes the leaves made into a Pultis and applied to the Spleen doth ease the pain thereof also boyled with Oyle and Wine and applied to the Flanks helpeth the Strangury The hurtfull quality They are not convenient for hot and dry bodies neither is the use of them so safe in Summer as in Winter The too frequent use of them offends the stomach and causeth dry'th And because they are weak in operation use them with Salgem Ginger or black Hellebor and to mitigate the drynesse of them give them with Posset-Ale or with a decoction of Raisons Violets and Borrage The Dose The Dose in substance is from two drams to three drams or halfe an ounce in infusion or decoction from an ounce to an ounce and a halfe or two ounces and let this be in the winter time for in hot weather you must give lesse in quantity Of such things as are made of them 1. The distilled water of Epithymum and Dodder 2. Syrupe of Epithymum 3. Decoction of Epithymum 4. Syrupe of Apples Magistrall Esula minor or Tithymall see Cataputia minor CHAP. XXVIII De Euphorbio Of Gum Euphorbium EVphorbium is a Gum of a brown yellowish colour in small grains like Mastich and comes from a certain plant growing in Lybia and in Barbary The Names It is called in Latine Euphorbium from a famous Physitian whose name was Euphorbius Brother to Antonius Musa who was also Physitian to Juba King of the Mauritanians or Moors and first found out the vertue of this Gum. In English 't is called also Gum Euforbium or the Gum Thistle or the Gum of the burning thorny plant The temperament Euphorbium is hot and dry in the fourth degree The best kinde The best is the clearest of a brown yellowish colour but whiter within and without filth That which is pale is to be rejected The Duration It will keep good four or five years Some affirme that it will keep its vertue forty years The inward use Euphorbium purgeth thick and tough flegme but chiefly and more strongly watery humours from the Joynts and remote parts of the body Therefore it helpeth the Dropsie and any kind of Gout It purgeth flegme and water from the Brain and Nervous parts and also thick flegme from the stomach It is profitable in the Apoplexie Palsly Lethargie and in all soporiferous or sleepy Diseases and cold Diseases of the Brain and resolution of the Nerves in Convulsions and tremblings And because it draweth tough and thick humours from the Joynts it is used in the French Pox and by some it is counted available in the Pestilence Also it is esteemed a present help against Apostumes and painfull Nodes or Bunches of the Joynts It speedily helps the Collick proceeding from tough and glassie flegme especially when the tunicles
for then it would burn and heat more in the mouth then it doth nor is it likely to be made of Rubarbe for it hath neither the taste nor qualities of Rubarbe besides Rubarbe is a stranger in those places from whence this is brought There are many other opinions about it which I will not trouble the Reader with It is brought unto us here in England from the East-Indies and some say from China The names Among all simples minerals or vegetables I have not observed many to have more names given it then this It is called Cambochia Cambogia Cambugio Gummi de Goa Gummi gutta Gummi Gith Gemon Gummi Indicum Gummi ad Podagram Gummi Peruanum Gutta Geman Gemu Gutta Gamandra Gutta Munda Chattajemon Ghittajemon Ghittajaman Catta Ganma Succus Gambici Succus Crambici crocuspurgans The Temperament It is hot and dry in the first degree The best kinde The best sort is that which looks yellow being pure without any filth or mixture and being wet with water or spittle lookes of a yellow colour and makes the water or spittle very yellow The Duration It will keep good many yeers The inward use It purgeth chiefly water and ferous humours and that without any great violence therefore it is useful in the Dropsy and any kinde of Gout as also in the yellow Jaundise and obstructions of the liver and spleen Many time it provokes to vomit sometimes it workes up and down It is used also against scab itch and such like The manner of administring it It is given in divers formes as in Pils Potions Powders Boles c. Pils Take of Gutta Gummi fifteen grains Species Diambrae three grains oile of Fennell three drops with a little Syrupe of Roses make six or seven Pils Pils against the Jaundise Take of the best Rubarbe in powder a dram of Cambogia six grains with syrup of Succory make Pils A Potion against the tertian Ague Take of Cambogia eight grains syrup of Roses solutive one ounce and a half endive-Endive-water two or three ounces make a Potion and give it before the third fit with physicall observation A Powder against Arthriticall paines Take of creame of Tartar two scruples and a half or a dramme Gutta Gummi foure graines Galingall and Cynamon of each four graines make all into powder and give it in any convenient liquour A Bole usefull in the Yellow Jaundise Take of Gutta gummi ten or twelve graines Conserve of Red Roses two drams make a Bole and give it in a morning fasting drinking a draught of posset-drink after it This I have used with good successe Tabulats or Rolls Take of Gutta gummi seven grains Trosses Ahandale four grains Oil of Anise-seeds two drops with Sugar dissolved in Cynamon-water make Rolls or little Cakes It may be given in broth or other convenient liquour As Take of Cambogia twelve or sixteen grains Creame of Tartar a scruple give it in broth with a little Sugar Against shortnesse of Breath in a Childe Take of Gutta gummi three or four grains Oxymel of Squils half an ounce or an ounce mingle them together and give it If you mix it with salt of Wormwood or with black salt of Ash and give it in the Dropsie you will finde it to work effectually The externall use It was in use with Painters and Picture-drawers before Physicians used it It is useful in Ointments and liniment for the Dropsie The hurtful qualities with the meanes to help it It worketh many times very churlishly and doth much trouble the stomack therefore it is given with Oile of Mace Chymicall or with Oile of Cynamon with species Diambrae with Conserve of Roses c. Also you may give it with Cream of Tartar or Tartar vitriolated in broth as is declared above It must be given with caution in hot and cholerick bodies These things are made of Gutta gummi Extract or Magister of gum Gutta Ghitta Jemu corrected by spirit of Vitriol or Tartar Minderi The Dose The Dose is from five grains to twelve or to a scruple CHAP. 36. De Helleboro albo of white Hellebore WHite Hellebore hath broad leaves with ribs or sinews like unto great Plantain leaves or Gentian the root being dry is black without and white within some as long as ones finger and some shorter The Names It is called in Arabick 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Charic from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Charac rupit corrupit and well it may for it is a tearing Medicine and soon breaks the veins in a mans body In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Copā quòd esu perimat In Latine Helleborus albus Helleborum veratrum album now it is called veratrum à verando unde veratores veraculi and because such Prophets were counted mad and out of their wits therefore it was so called for that it cureth such or quòd mentem vertat Plin. Nat. Hist lib. 25. c. 5. f. 218 In English 't is called white Hellebore or Neese-wort The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree The best kinde The best is the whitest not too hot and biting in tast nor provoking spittle for such doth sooner suffocate and being broken it seemes to smoak or send dust from it the best part is that which is towards the nether end for the uppermost part of the root which is thickest and bulbous like to an Onion-head is good only for Dogs The duration It will keep good many yeers some say thirty yeers The inward use The roots are only in use They are usefull against madnesse and melancholy also against the swimming of the head Falling Sickness Leprosie Cancer Elephancie and foule diseases of the skin as also the quartan Ague It brings down the courses and kils the childe in the wombe it helps the old Cough Dropsie Sciatica Gowt Cramp pains of the joynts and sinews It killeth Mice or Rats being boyled in milke or mingled with flower and Honey or Butter or boyled in milk and set where Flyes Wasps Gnats c. do much resort it kils as many as touch it The manner of administring it It is given in decoction in infusion and in substance take one example in substance Take of white Hellebore in powder a scruple give it in broth milk or Grewell but you were better let it alone Heurnius mentions an Electuary made of white Hellebore which you may finde in his Praxis Medicin f. 242. The outward use It is used to provoke sneesing being put into the nostrils and purgeth the head of superfluous humours and is good in the Lethargie and such like sleepy diseases especially if Marjoram be put to it and made in powder and so snuffed up into the nose it cures the Leprosie Scab Itch and such like foul diseases of the skin being used with Hogs-grease or mixed in oyntments The juice of the root dropped into the eares helps the noise and singing thereof and the root mixed with other things helps the dimnesse of the sight Being boiled
in lie and the head washed therewith it killeth Lice and helpeth the running scabs and sores thereof Boiled in vineger and the mouth washed therewith easeth the toothach the same decoction helpeth also itch and scab in the hands and cleanseth foul sores and ulcers in the legs and other parts put into Fistulaes it taketh away the hardnesse of them A Pessary made thereof and put up brings down the Courses and dead childe The hurtfull quality White Hellebore is a vehement and strangulatory medicine and induceth most terrible symptomes and causeth strong vomiting bringeth Convulsion Cramp Hicop and fainting of the spirits and ofttimes suddenly suffocateth the party therefore I advise the vulgar not to meddle with it but to leave it as a dangerous and deadly medicine But if any will venture to give it let it be with good advise and in very strong bodies Give it with Mead or honied water and sal-niter The safest way is to give it by infusion or decoction and not in substance let it be infused in juice of Quinces or given with the syrup of Quinces or give the decoction with Anise-seed and Cynamon adding a little Sugar thereto Pliny adviseth not to give it in close weather or upon a dark and cloudy day It must not be given to such as have long necks or are crooked and short-breath'd or to women with childe old persons or such as have any vein broken in their breast or lungs or spit bloud or to such as have any ulcer in their lungs If any desire to read more of white Hellebore let them consult with these following Authors Hippocrat Epist lib. de veratri usu f. 532. Oribas lib. 8. c. 2. c. 4 c. 5 6. c. Matthiolus Com. in lib. Diascor 146. fol. 754 755. Paul Aeginet lib. 7. c. 10. f. 433. Plin. Nat. Hist lib. 25 cap. 5. fol. 217 218 219. Pet. Salius divers de affect partic de Rabie c. 19. f. 370 371 372 373. Heurn Prax. med l. 2. f. 240 241 242. Valleriol Observat Med. lib. 3. Observat 9. f. 107 108 109. Marold Pract. Med. f. 378. Forst de Venenis l. XXX Observat 9. Antonius Benivenius de abditis morb causis cap. 51 52. relates of two that died after the taking of white Hellebore the one had a quartane Ague and took it who died within six houres after he was called to the party the other who was troubled with a pain of his stomack two yeers and could not be cured thereof by any Medicines at length white Hellebore was given him which cured him of all diseases for he died within a short time after the taking of it The Dose It is given in substance from ten grains to a scruple or more in decoction or infusion from a dram to two drams Of such things as are made of white Hellebore There are made thereof Oxymel Helleboratum Vomitorium Heurnii CHAP. 37. De Helleboro nigro of black Hellebore TRue black Hellebore hath sundry fair green leaves rising from the root each of them standing on a thick round stiff green stalk about an hand-breadth high from the ground divided into seven eight or nine parts or leaves and each of them dented from the middle of the leaf to the pointward on both sides abiding green all the Winter c. The roots are a number of brownish black strings which run down deep into the ground and are fastened to a thick head of the bignesse of ones finger There are other bastard kindes that are used in stead thereof The names It is called in Latine Helleborus niger veratrum nigrum also Melampodium and that because it was found by Melampos a Shepherd or Southsayer who was first thought to bring it in use and cured the daughters of Praetus therewith which were mad and foolish but by the use of this were brought to their right senses again In English 't is called Black Hellebore and Christmasse-Flower because it flourisheth about that time especially when the Winter is milde The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree The best sort The best is that which is not too new nor too old Heurnius will have it to be laid in leaven twenty dayes before it be used The duration It will keep good two or three yeeres The inward use The roots are most in use especially the barke Black Hellebore purgeth Melancholy and burnt choler as also thick and viscuous flegme from the bloud whereby that is infected and entrails and from remote parts therefore it is very usefuâ—l in pains of the head swimming giddines thereof in the Apoplexie in Melancholy Madnesse Falling Sicknesse Hypochondriack affects hardnesse of the spleen quartane Ague and erratick feavers also against the Dropsie Scab Leprosie Cancer scald Head or scurf Elephancie and such like foul diseases of the skin It is profitable against pain noyse of the eares and against stubborn and contumacious diseases It is counted as an Antidote against the Leprosie Scab Tetter c. hardnesse and swelling of the Spleen old quartane Agues pains of the joynts Aposthumes and the Kings Evil. It quickneth the brain and senses provokes urine and brings down the Courses in women It hath an excellent faculty to draw away whatsoever is mixed with the bloud and causeth it to corrupt and is profitable in a long continued Jaundise Some say it will cause the Devill to be cast out being taken by such as are possessed Thus we may say that although the Devil cannot be cast out by humane art or physicall means yet by taking black Hellebore the melancholy humour is drawn away which is Balneum sedes Diaboli the bath and seat of the Devill and so the Devill is more easily cast out from whence it may rightly say some be called fuga Daemonum But I think the white Hellebore rather deserves this name then the black It is usefull in pains of the belly in the Gowt Sciatica Cramp or Convulsion pains and aches of the joynts or sinews It killeth Wormes especially the leaves of the bastard kinde called Beares-foot Some commend it in Consumptions of the Lungs and of the whole body The extract of black Hellebore is very safe for the Diseases before mentioned The distilled water of the root saith Dorstenius purgeth Melancholy and glutinous humours out of the body if a dram thereof be given with three ounces of white wine and if half an ounce or one ounce of the water of the leaves be taken in a morning fasting it stayeth the flux of the body Dorsten Botanic fol. 111. The manner of administring it It is given in decoction in infusion or in substance In decoction Take of the bark of black Hellebore bruised two drams Anise-seed Fennell-seed of each a dram make a decoction in water straine it of which take four ounces of syrup of Roses an ounce make a Potion In infusion Take of the barke of black Hellebore two drams Anise-seed Fennell-seed of each a dram Cynamon Cloves of each
best Mechoacan is that which is new whitish in taste like meal or insipid not old or wormeaten The duration It will keep good two or three yeers The root is kept good and much preserved if it be kept in wax saith Tragosus Med. Ind. hist c. 35. f. 81. Monardus giveth counsel to roll it up in Sear-cloth Monard f. 26. The inward use Mechoacan purgeth chiefly thick flegme water and serous humours and that from the head stomach belly reins nerves and joynts therefore it is profitable in a long continued head-ach and lethargie in pains of the joynts reins and wombe in the Falling sicknesse Catarrhe Rheume diseases of the breast in old Coughs shortnesse of breath Jaundise stoppings of the Liver and Spleen It is very usefull in the Dropsie for it draweth away water and flegme and also strengtheneth the Liver and inward parts It is commended in the French Pox Kings Evill Scurvy and Gowt and causeth one to make water easeth the Collick and expelleth winde wonderfully It helpeth inveterate Agues whether Quotidian or Tertian It doth much conduce to the purging of crude and viscous or tough humours in the stomach and breasts of children It worketh without any hurtful quality molestation nauseousnesse or griping and is void of any hurtful quality for having done its work it leaveth the inward parts strengthened without debility and weaknesse contrary to most purgative Medicines Old-men children women with childe and weak persons may safely take this inoffensive Medicine The manner of administring it It is given in Powder Pils Boles Tabulates or Roulets and Potions But the best way is to give it in white Wine for so it works best It may be given with a little Cynamon in broth or with Mastick Anise-seed or Fennel-seed Note that the powder given by it self or with Wine doth work better then mixed with Syrups or other things A Powder against the Dropsie Take of Sene and Mechoacan of each two drams Ginger and species Diagalanga of each three grains Diagredium two grains make a powder and give it in broth Pils Take of Mechoacan in powder a scruple Gum Gutta six or eight grains with syrup of Roses make Pils and give them with Physical observation A Potion Take of Mechocan in powder a dram or a dram and a half white Wine or Fennel-water four ounces let them stand all night or all one day shaking them two or three times together then put to them of syrup of Roses laxative an ounce mix them together and make a Potion Or you may give it only with the white-Wine Tabulates Take of Mechoacan in fine powder a dram and a half of Diagredium three grains with Sugar dissolved in a little rose-Rose-water make cakes dry them gently and give them for a Dose A Bele Take of Mechoacan in powder a dram of the Electuary called Diacarthamum two drams with syrup of Storchados make a bole or lump and eat it in a morning fasting Note two errours of Monardus the one is in that he saith hac radice purgatos esse fortiores quà m antè the other that after the taking of a little broth or food it ceaseth to work any more which is contrary to daily experience Tragos Med. Ind. Hist f. 82. The hurtfull quality Although it work without any hurtfull quality yet in hot diseases and pure tertian Feavers and also in hot and dry bodies and in such as are subject to be bound 't is not safe to give it The Dose The Dose to a childe is a scruple or a scruple and a halfe to persons of yeers in substance from a dram to two drams in infusion from two drams to half an ounce Medicines made of Mechoacan Pils of Mechoacan extract of Mechoacan both simple and compound Vide Schroder Pharm Med Chym. l. 4. f. 232. CHAP. 47. De Myrobalanis of Myrobalans or purging Indian Plummes MYrobalans are fruits brought us from the East Indies The names and kindes There are five kindes of Myrobalanes First the yellow Myrobalane or purging Indian Plum as big as a reasonable Plum somewhat long and not round of a yellower colour then the rest called in Latine Myrobalanus Citrina The second is the Chebule or purple Myrobalane called in Latine Myrobalanus Chebula and is the greatest and longest of all the five sorts of a blackish purple colour on the out-side while it is fresh and also dry being five square as the former of the thickest substance and more fleshy then any other and with the smallest stone in the middle not fully so hard to break as the former but with the smallest kernel therein The third sort is the Bellerick or round Myrobalane yet being as it were three square in many of a pale russetish colour when they are fresh but of a dark or dusty whitish colour on the outside being dry of the thinnest substance or least fleshy of any of them the stone whereof is thick and greater then any other proportionable to the fruit very hard to break with a kernel within of a reasonable bignesse and is called in Latin Myrobalanus Bellerica The fourth sort is the six square Myrobalane or beaded called in Latine Myrobalanus Emblica they are round in shew and brought unto us broken into small pieces without any stones the kernels within being separated into three severall divisions having each of them two cauls wherein the parts of the kernell lie almost three square The fift sort is the black or Indick Myrobalane called in Latine Myrobalanus Indica and are eight square as Gartias saith which may be when they are fresh but they cannot be so plainly discerned in those that are brought over to us dry they are the smallest of all the rest somewhat long altogether fleshy without any stone in the middle and the blackest of any In Arabick they are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dulegi or delegi The temperament They are cold in in the first degree and dry in the second The best sort The best are such as are new and not too old fleshy thick and heavy or ponderous and gummie within The duration They will keep good two or three years The inward use All the sorts of Myrobalans do purge gently some more some lesse than others some also purging choler some flegme and some melancholy but they have in them also an astringent faculty much more then is in Rubarbe they are exellent in fluxes of the belly The Citrine or yellow Myrobalans do purge choler strengthen the stomack heart and liver profit such as have the Hemorrhoides and are proper for such as are of a temperate heat they are good in tertian feavers cause a good colour and hinder old age being often used The Chebule do purge flegme quicken the brain and sharpen the sight strengthen the stomach after purging they are profitable for such as have the Dropsie and are troubled with long continued Agues The Emblick and Bellerick purge the stomach from rotten flegme lying therein and strengtheneth the braine
poyson and is good to cure wounds The herbe root and water are in use It is much used in the pestilence and other malignant diseases as small pox measles spotted feavers and purples driving forth by sweat any contagion especially if a flux of the belly be joyned with these diseases It is usefull in Catarrhes to dry up rheumes and in the French disease It cureth the bloody flux and all other fluxes of the belly and stoppeth the spitting of blood pissing of blood vomiting and the over-flowing of womens courses The powder of the root or the decoction thereof is very available against Ruptures bruises or fals and dissolveth congealed blood and easeth the paines that happen thereupon It helpeth also the stoppings and hurts of the lungs and liver and is good against the Jaundise and cureth the tertian Ague The decoction of the root in wine being drunk hindereth abortion or miscarrying in women with childe the leaves killeth wormes in children and it is a great help to such as cannot keep their water if they put thereto some juyce of Plantain A dram of rhe root in powder taken in water wherein red hot iron or steel hath been quenched is a good remedy for such as have the running of the reines especially the body being first well purged The leaves seeds or roots are good to put in decoctions for wound-drinks In a word it is most excellent in â—he time of the plague or pestilence The distilled water of Tormentill taken in a morning fasting is lent against venome or any contagion and is a good preservative in times of infection The dose is two or three ounces The same taken morning and evening cures all inward ulcers in the body stayeth the flux of the belly especially the Dysentery or bloudy flix It doth comfort the brain heart stomach liver and spleen as also the whole body and cureth most Agues The best way to still the water is to steep the herb all night in wine and then distil it Balneo Mariae The manner of administring it It is given in Powder Electuary Potions and Decoctions A powder against the Pestilence Take Tormentil root Dyttany of each a dram Sorrel and Citron-seed of each a dram and a half Ginger Cynamon Saffron white and red Sanders of each half a scruple Bole Armoniack and terra sigillata or sealed earth of each four scruples Make all into powder and give half a dram thereof or more in Carduus-water and let them sweat after it An Electuary against the Pestilence Take of Tormentil-root in powder two drams of the three kindes of Sanders in powder of each a scruple Wood-Aloes in powder half of a scruple Angelica-root in powder a dram conserve of Red Roses and of Rosemary of each two ounces and a half with syrup of Gillowflowers make an Electuary Give of it morning and evening about a dram A Potion against Infection Take of Tormentil-root in powder half a dram London-Treacle a Dram carduus-Carduus-water an ounce and a halfe mix them together and give it warm let the party sweat after it The outward use The decoction of the root is good to cleanse sores and wounds and to dry them up the root or the juice may be put into ointments for Wounds and Ulcers The root of Tormentil and Pellitory of Spain and burnt Allome of each a like quantity made up into a paste and put into a hollow tooth doth not only asswage the pain but stayeth the flux of humours which was the cause thereof The decoction thereof helpeth rotten Sores and Ulcers of the mouth or secret parts It dissolveth all Knots Kernels and Hardnesse about the Eares Throat Jawes and the Kings Evill if the leaves and roots be bruised and laid thereunto The same also easeth the pains of the Hip-gowt by restraining the sharp humours that flow thereunto The juice of the leaves and roots used with a little vineger is a speciall remedy against the running sores in the head or other parts scabs also and the itch or any such eruptions in the skin proceeding of salt and sharp humours the same is effectual for the Hemorrhoides or Piles if they be washed and bathed therewith or with the distilled water of the herb and roots It dryeth up sharp Rheumes that fall from the head to the eyes and cause rednesse pain and watering itchings or the like if a little prepared Tutia or white Amber be used with the distilled water hereof The powder of the root doth wonderfully stay the bleeding of the nose or any wound or vomiting The same mixed with Vineger Oile of Roses and a little Wax being made into a plaister and laid to the back doth prevent Abortion in Women or miscarrying If women sit over the decoction thereof it is a good help to prevent miscarrying especially if after the use thereof they make a plaister with the powder and Honey laying it to the navel and back The distilled water being injected doth much help to cure the Whites or Reds in Women The powder of the root mixed with Oil of Camomile easeth the pains of the joynts The distilled water doth cleanse Wounds Fistulaes Cankers and Sores being washed therewith and doth much help to the speedy cure of them and the water also alone doth cleer the sight and stay the flux of Rheume being washed therewith A Plaister to prevent miscarrying in Women Take of the plaister called Emplastrum contra rupturam two ounces the root of Tormentill in powder two drams Oile of Roses or Quinces half an ounce make a plaister thereof and lay it to the back warm The hurtfull quality It must not be given in very dry bodies nor to such as are much bound in their bodies The Dose The Dose in powder is from a scruple to a dram in decoction from a dram to three drams Of such things as are made thereof The distilled Water Dioscorâ—ium c. CHAP. 65. De Turpetho of Turbith TVrbith is the root of a certain plant brought us from beyond the Sea neither have any set down certainly what it is The names It is called in Latine Turpethum Turpetum Turbitum Turbith in English also Turbith quasi turbatorium because it troubleth the stomach The temperament It is hot in the third degree and dry in the second or hot and dry in the second degree The best kinde The best is that which is white within and hollow like a Cane or Reed Gummy with an ash-coloured bark or out-side smooth and not rugged easie to be broken fresh not worm-eaten and not very great or thick which is not so good The duration It will keep good three or four yeers The inward use Turbith purgeth thick viscid and flegmatick humours from the stomach veins joynts nerves and breast moreover it draweth away water in the Dropsie It is profitable in the Gowt in long continued Agues comming from grosse and tough humours and in all diseases arising of thick flegm Some say it purgeth first and primarily flegm and then somewhat
cleanseth them from VVormes clenseth the foule Ulcers and spreading Scabs of the head and taketh away all Freckles Spots and markes in the Skin being washed therewith The Decoction of great Centory taketh away the paine and danger of the bitings or stingings of venemous Creatures it helpeth to sharpen the Eye sight if it be steeped in water and dropped in to them the whole plant as well herbe as roote is very availeable in all sorts of wounds or Ulcers to dry Sodder cleanse and heale them and should be a principall ingredient in all wound drinkes and injections It helpeth the Strangury and Stone if the juyce bee injected A Decoction against Arthritcall paines or the Joynt Gout Take Centory the lesser two handfulls roote of Assarum two Ounces spring water ten pints Boyle them to halfe The Dose is about half a pint in bed for divers mornings together An injection against Wormes in the Eares Take of Centory the lesser VVormwood Harehound and Calamint of each an Ounce Boyle them in a sufficient quantity of water to halfe add unto a pint of the strayning half a pound of Hony or lesse and keep it for your use The Dose The Dose in powder is from halfe a dram to a dram and a halfe The juyce to halfe an Ounce Of such things as are made thereof centory-Centory-water Extract of Centory Salt of Centory CHAP. 94. De Ceterach of Ceterach The Names IT is called in Latine Ceterach Asplenum and Splenium because it helps the Spleene also Scolopendrium and Scolopendria from the likenesse of a VVorme so called in the English Spleene wort Milt-wast and Scale-ferne The temperament It is hot and dry in the first degree or second of subtile parts and somewhat drying The Duration It will keepe a yeare or two The inward use It is generally used for the infiâ—mities of the Spleene and some report the Swine in Candy by feeding on it are found without spleenes It helpeth the Strangury and Stone in the Bladder the yellow Jandes and the Hicket Matthiolus saith that if a dram of the dust that is on the back of the Leaves be mixed with halfe a dram of Amber in powder and taken with the juyce of Purslâ—w or Plantine it will helpe the running of the reines speedily and that the hearbe and root being boyled and taken helpeth all melancholy Diseases and those also which rise from the French disease The distilled water is good against the Stone both in the Reines and Bladder and the Lye made of the ashes thereof being drunke for some time together helpeth Splenetick persons The manner of administring it It is given in powder and in Decoction but it must not be boyled long for then the strength doth evaporate The outward use It is used in outward remedies for the same purpose as is before mentioned The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull for Women that desire Children for it hindereth conception The Dose It is given in powder from halfe a dram to a dram in Decoction from two drams to half an Ounce Of such Medicines as are made thereof Syrup of Ceterach The distilled water CHAP. 95. De Chinae radice of China Root The Names IT is called in Latine China China radix and Chinaea radix in English China Root and Chine The Temperament It is moderately hot and dry The Duration This Roote will keepe good many yeares The inward Vse It is much commended for the French Disease and is profitable in Agues whether quotidian or intermittent or pestilentiall and also Hectickes and Consumptions to rectifie the evill disposition of the Liver the inveterate paines in the Head and Stomack and strengtheneth it and to dry up rheumes to help the Jandise and Ruptures in children or others by drying up the humours which is the cause thereof It helpeth also the Palsy and all other diseases of the Joynts and Bladder the Goute Sciatica and the Rodes also and Ulcers of the Yard Scabs and Leprosy Scirrous and watery tumours and is good in all cold and melancholy griefes and very usefull in the Dropsy and Green-sicknesse Some say it provokes lust The manner of administring it It is given in Decoction and some boyle it in broth with a chicken tyed up in thin slices in a Linnen-cloath A decoction of China Roote Take of China Roote cut in thin slices one Ounce and a halfe put it into a gallon of faire water and let it stand covered a night and day then boyle it gently till about halfe the water be consumed straine it and give about foure Ounces thereof in bed for diverse mornings together if need be The hurtfull quality It is not to be used in very hot and dry bodies The Dose The Dose in broth is from two drams to foure drams according to the quantity of water you provide CHAP. 96. De Chamedry of Germander The Names IT is called in Latine Chamaedrys that is a small or low Oke from the likenesse of the Leaves thereof though lesser therefore some call it Aevercula minor in English Germander or English Treacle The temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree and of thin parts The duration It will keepe good being dry a yeare The inward Vse Some say it purgeth choller It is good for coughs taken with Hony for those whose spleene is become hard for those that can hardly make water and helpeth those that are falling into a Dropsey in the beginning of the disease especially if a decoction be made thereof when it is greene and drunke It brings downe the termes helps to expell the dead childe and taken with Vineger doth wast or consume the Spleene It is effectuall against any poyson paines of the side and cureth both Quartaine and Tertian Ague as also the Cramp if the Decoction thereof be taken for some dayes together it is good against the Diseases of the Braine as paines of the Head Falling-sicknesse Melancholly Lethargy Palsie Gout and for those that are Sottish through the dulnesse of the spirits a dram of the seed taken in powder doth purge Choller by Urine and is thereby good for the yellow Jaundise and killeth wormes so will the tops of them when they are in flower steeped a day and a night in a draught of White-wine and drunke in the morning It is commended against the Plague and Pestilence The manner of Administring it It is given in powder and Decoction you may make the Decoction as of Mugwort The outward use It is good against venome and stinging of venemous Creatures being bruised and applyed used with Hony it cleanseth old and foule Ulcers and the juyce mixed with Hony and put into the eyes taketh their dimnesse and moistnesse the juyce also dropped into the eares killeth wormes therein The decoction thereof stayeth the whites in women if they sit therein while it is warme and likewise easeth the passions of the Mother being boyled in Vineger and applyed to the Stomach with a little Leaven stayeth vomitings that rise not from hot causes
Turneps is good for the same purpose Being boiled in milk it easeth the Gowt being laid thereto A decoction thereof helpeth the Leprosie and Malignant scab as also the Palsey if the parts affected be bathed therewith The Oile of the seed is used against the ruggednesse of the skin The hurtfull quality Turneps breed winde trouble a weak stomach being hard of digestion cause stopping in the Veines and pores and annoy the sinews and are hurtfull for those that have the Collick The Dose The seeds are given from a scruple to thirty graines Medicines made thereof The distilled water Syrup of Turneps CHAP. 150. De Rosis of Roses The names and kindes THere are chiefly three sorts of Roses in use the Red Damask and White the two first being principally used the Red Rose is called in Latine Rosarubra the Damask Rosa Damascena and the white Rosa alba The temperament Roses are counted by most cold in the first degree and dry in the second or cold and dry in the second degree others say they are partly cold and partly hot others again will have them hot because of their bitternesse fragrancy and purging faculty See Sennert Paralipomen fol. 158 159. The Damask Roses have more airy and spirituall parts in them the Red Roses are more earthy and binding The duration The leaves being dry will keep good a yeare The inward use Red Roses do strengthen the heart Stomach Liver and the retentive faculties they mitigate the paines that arise of heat asswage inflammations procure rest and sleep stay womens courses both White and Red the running of the Reines and the Fluxes of the Belly the juice of them doth purge and cleanse the body from choler and flegme The conserve of Red Roses is binding and cordiall good for those that have rheume falling from the Braine to the Nose or Lungs comforteth a weak stomach and a fainting heart being taken morning and evening The yellow threads in the middle of the Red Rose being powdered and taken in the distilled water of Quinces stayeth the abundance of womens courses If it be mixed with the powder of Mastich taken it is very good for running of the Reines and other loosenesse of humours in the body â—he Syrup of red Roses strengtheneth a weak stomach given to casting cooleth an over-heated Liver and the blood in Agues comforteth the heart and resisteth putrefaction and infection and helpeth to stay fluxes of the belly Sugar of Roses is a good cordial to strengthen the heart and spirits to dry up rheume and to help the Hectick Feaver The heads with seed being used in powder or in decoction stayeth the lask and spitting of blood The Damask Rose is more purging the juice of which doth gently and safely purge choler and hot humours the syrup of Roses laxative doth also purge choler and flegme gently and loosen the belly taken from one ounce to three or foure but the syrup of Roses with Agarick openeth the body more then the former and purgeth as much flegme as choler if you take one ounce of it or two at the most the compound syrup is more forceable in working on melancholy humours and available against the Lepry Itch Scab Tetters c. The conserve hereof doth also gently loosen the body the distilled water of the syrup of Damask Roses being taken doth binde the belly yet Costaeus saith that if ten ounces of Damask rose-Rose-water be drunk in the morning it doth open and purge the belly The manner of administring them They are given in powder in decoction in juice in electuary c. An Electuary to comfort the stomach and to dry up rheume Take of Conserve of Red Roses two ounces of the species called Aromaticum rosatum a dram mix them together and take often of it The outward use The decoction of Red Roses made with Wine and used is very good for the head-ach and paines in the Eyes Eares Throat and Gums the fundament also and lower bowels and the Matrix being bathed or put into them the same decoction with the Roses remaining in them is profitably applyed to the region of the heart to ease the inflammation therein as also Saint Anthonies fire and all other diseases of the stomach Red Roses are used with other things for sore Eyes and to dry up rheume the huskes of the Red Roses with the beards and the nailes of the Roses are binding and cooling and the distilled water of either of them is good for the heat and rednesse of the Eyes to stay and dry up the rheumes and watering of them so is the water of the leaves if the Eyes be washed therewith Vineger of Roses is of good use against paine and heat of the head as also to procure rest and sleep if some thereof and Rose-water together be used to smell unto or the nose and temples moistned therewith but more usually to moisten a piece of Red Rose-cake cut fit for the purpose and heated between a double-folded cloth with a little beaten Nutmeg and Poppy-seed strewed on that side that shall lye next to the forehead and temples and so bound thereto for all night the oyntment of Roses is much used against heat and inflammations in the head to anoint the forehead and temples and being mixed with some Populeon ointment to procure rest as also it is used for the heat of the Liver of the back and reines and to coole and heale Pushes wheales and other red pimples rising in the face and other parts Oile of Roses is not only used by it selfe to coole any hot swellings or inflammations and to binde and stay fluxes of humours unto sores but is put also into many other compositions both ointments and plaisters that are cooling and binding and restraining the flux of humours Rose-leaves and Mints heated and applied outwardly to the stomach stayeth castings and strengtheneth a weak stomach very much and applied as a fomentation to the region of the Liver and Heart doth much coole and temper the distemperature of them The distilled water of Damaske Roses and the distilled oile or spirit are much used for outward perfumes and the leaves are used also in sweet powders Honey of red Roses is used for sore mouths and throats either alone or with White Wine A Quilt or Bag to strengthen and comfort the stomach Take of red Roses dryed two drams of Mastick and red Corall of each halfe an ounce Anise-seed and Fennell-seed of each a dram Cloves and Nutmeg of each a dram and a halfe Wormewood and Mints of each a handfull Make them all into a grosse powder and make a quilted bag according to art to be laid to the stomach A Pultis against the bleeding of the Nose Take of the seeds of red Roses an ounce Dragons-blood Sealed earth Bole-Armoniack of each a dram make them into powder and with the white of an Eg and the haires of an Hare make a Pultis and lay it to the temples and nod of the neck also
make some of it stiffe and put up into the Nose The hurtfull quality It is not safe to give the juice of Damask Roses to women with childe because it provokes their courses and the water also thereof is hurtfull to such as are troubled with the head-ach The dose The leaves and seeds are given from a scruple to two scruples The juice is given from one ounce to two ounces Syrup of Roses laxative is given from one ounce to 3. or 4 ounces The electuary of the juice of Roses is given from two drams to six drams Of those Medicines that are made of Roses The distilled water of Damask red and white Roses Conserve both of Damask and red Roses Sugar of Roses or Sugar-roset Oile chymicall and spirit of Roses Species Aromaticum Rosatum Diarrhodon Abbatis Rosata novella Syrup of Roses solutive Syrup of the juice of Roses Syrup of Roses with Agarick Syrup of Roses solutive with Hellebore Syrup of Roses solutive with Sene. Syrup of red Roses dry Honey of Roses Tincture of Roses Oile of Roses by infusion Ointment of Roses Vineger of Roses Balsam c. CHAP. 151. De Rosmarino of Rosemary The names and temperament IT is called in Latine Rosmarinus Rosmarinum quasi Rosa marina English Rosemary It is hot and dry in the second degree and also of an astringent or binding quality yet of subtil or thin parts it is best for cold and moist seasons for the age flegmatick and rheumatick The duration It will keep good a yeare or two being dryed The inward use It helpeth all cold diseases of the head stomach Liver belly and wombe A decoction thereof in Wine helpeth the cold distillations of the braine into the eyes and the giddinesse or swimming of the braine drowsinesse or dulnesse of the minde and senses like a stupidnesse the dumbe Palsie or losse of speech the Lethargie Apoplexie and Falling Sicknesse it helpeth the paines in the Gums and teeth by rheume falling into them or by putrefaction causing an evill smell from them or a stinking breath it helpeth a weak memory by heating and drying up the cold moistures of the brain and quikening the senses It is a good remedy for windinesse in the stomach or bowels as also the Hypochondriack passion and winde in the spleen It helpeth those that are Liver-growne by opening the stoppings thereof by warming the coldnesse making thin the grossenesse and afterwards binding and strengthening the weaknesse thereof it helpeth dim Eyes and to quicken the sight as also the yellow Jandise and the whites in women and the rising of the Mother if the flowers or leaves be daily taken in decoction or in powder The dried leaves shred small and taken in a Pipe as Tobacco is taken help the Cough or Tissick and Consumption by warming and drying the thin rheum which causeth those diseases The Chymicall oile is good for the aforesaid diseases if two or three drops thereof be taken in Beere or other Liquor The flowers and the conserve made thereof doth comfort the braine and heart and is good to expel the contagion of the pestilence If you steep or infuse a few Cloves Mace and Anise-seed in the distilled water of the flowers for certaine dayes and take morning and evening thereof it helpeth a stinking breath and mouth The manner of administring it It is given in decoction or in powder The outward use It helpeth the cold diseases of the head if a decoction thereof be made and the temples and neck bathed therewith The leaves are much used in bathings and made into Ointments or Oiles is singular good to help cold benummed joints sinews or members the herb burned in houses and chambers in time of infection is good to correct the aire in them The Herb is much used in powders and quilts to dry up rheume and to strengthen the wombe The Chymical oil is good for the cold diseases of the braines if the temples nostrils and nape of the neck be anointed therewith An Epitheme for the cold head-ach Take Rose-mary Sage Camomil Melilot Betony and Bryonie-root of each a handfull Boile them in water and with a spnge or soft linen clothes made wet therein apply it hot to the forehead The hurtfull quality It must not be used in very hot and dry bodies The Dose It is gven in powder from a scruple to two scruples Of such Medi ines as are made thereof The distilled water Chymical Oile Conserve of the flowers Species Dianthos Balsame CHAP. 152. De Rusco of Knee-holme The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Ruscus Ruscum and Bruscus in English Butchers Broom and Knee-holme It is hot in the second degree and dry in the first with some tenuity or thinnesse of parts It is one of the five opening roots The duration The roots will keep good a yeer or two The inward use A decoction of the roots made in Wine and taken openeth stoppings provoketh urine and amendeth the strong smell thereof helpeth to expel gravel and the Stone Strangury and Womens courses the same also helpeth the yellow Jaundise and the Head-ach and with some Sugar or Honey put thereunto helpeth to bring away flegme and to cleanse the chest of much clammy humours gathered therein The juice of the leaves taken with Sugar helpeth spitting of bloud and cleanseth the wombe The manner of administring it It is given in decoction or in powder A Powder against Winde and gripings of the belly Take the roots of Knee-holme Anise-seed and Fennel-seed of each half an ounce make them in powder and mix therewith half an ounce of Sugar take every morning thereof as much as will lye on a shilling in White Wine or Posset-drink The outward use The juice thereof taketh away the stink of the mouth and Gums being washed therewith and the powder of the root cleanseth Wounds and preventeth a Gangrene being strewed therein The Dose It may be given from half a dram to a dram CHAP. 153. De Ruta of Rue The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Ruta and Ruta hortensis in English Rue and Herb-grace or Herb of Grace it is hot and dry in the third degree The duration It will keep good a yeer The inward use Rue provoketh urine and womens courses expelleth all venome and poyson and is most excellent in time of the Plague or sicknesse the seed also taken in Wine is an Antidote or Counterpoison against all dangerous Medicines or deadly poisons A decoction made thereof with some dried Dil-leaves and flowers easeth all pains and gripeings in the body The same being drunk helpeth the pains both of the chest and sides as also Coughs hardnesse or difficulty of breathing the inflammations of the Lungs as also the shaking of Agues to take a draught before the fit come It killeth Wormes being boiled in Wine and Honey and taken The juice taken with Wine purgeth women after their deliverance bringeth away the dead childe and after-birth It dryeth up the milk and the
the Church in a shadow by R. Cudworth D. D. now Master of Clare-Hall in Cambridge The Christian Conflict shewing the difficulties and duties of the Christian Warfare with the Armour and graces of Christian Souldiers partially applied to Magistrates and Ministers Husbands and Wives Together with the case of Vsury Depopulation and the errours of Antinomonists occasionally discussed by John Bentham A Remonstrance of the holy life and happy death of John Bruen Esquire exhibiting vanity of memorialls and exemplary passages usefull to all sorts of people as a path and president of piety and charity written by W. Hinde late of Bunbury in Cheshire THE NATURE OF Simple Medicines CHAP. I. De Absynthio Of Wormwood COmmon Wormwood is so well known that it needeth no description The Names It is called in Latine Absynthium because of its bitternesse Beasts will not feed on it neither doe most like the tast of it The Temperament It is hot in the second degree and dry in the third very bitter and cleansing yet binding and strengthening The Duration It will keep good a yeare The Inward Vse Wormwood draweth from the Tunicles of the Stomach and Intestines first choller then flegme and also doth strengthen the Stomach like Alois It purgeth choller likewise from the Reines and Liver and purgeth by Urin. It doth much prevaile in the Green-sicknesse Jaundise and Dropsie It helpeth such as have obstructed Livers and Stomachs the Collicke and gripings in the Belly cleanseth the womb and uterine parts help Crudities dryveth away the Hicket stayeth vomiting brings a good appetite expelleth winde and prevailes in intermittent Agues and obstructions of the Entralls It preserveth the bloud from putrifaction and is usefull in the Pestilence It prevents and resists Drunkennesse vomiting at Sea and killeth worms The Vineger wherein Wormwood is boiled helpeth a stinking breath that commeth from the teeth or gums or from the corruption in the Stomach It provokes the termes in women The wine made hereof is good for all the forementioned purposes except in such as have Feavers The Seeds of Wormwood helpe the Bloudy Flux and other Fluxes of the Belly Wormwood being steeped in Vineger and drunken helpeth such as have taken Mushromes or Toâ—d stooles The manner of administring it It is given in powder in decoction or the juice is taken by it selfe it is also infused in wine Against an Ague Take of Wormwood in pouder two drams Give it in White-wine or Posset-drink one hour or two before the fit commeth Against a Quartaine Ague Take of the juice of Wormwood half an ounce Venice Treacle halfe a dram Treacle water a spoonfull mingle them together Give this before the fit commeth Doe this for three or four fits together and it will prevaile especially at the beginning the body being first well purged A Decoction of Wormwood against Melancholy winde in the Stomach c. Take Wormwood Fumiterry of each a handfull Raisons of the Sun two ounces make an infusion and a gentle decoction in three Pints of Posset drinke to two Pints or two and a halfe strain it and drink every morning a good draught thereof It is good against Melancholly a cold Stomach as also to expell winde and to take away obstructions or stopping Wormwood-Wine Take of dry Wormwood a handfull put it into a gallon of wine stop the vessel close and let it stand to infuse This helpeth cold and crude stomachs expelleth winde easeth the Collick comming of winde strengthneth the stomach avails in the Jandise and killeth wormes Wormwood-Wine purging Water Take Wormwood a handfull and a halfe Cardus one handfull Agrimony a handfull Spleenwort Vervaine of each halfe a handfull Oris-root one ounce and a halfe Fennell-root one ounce Parsly-root halfe an ounce Capar barke Asarum Polypodium roots of Succory of each halfe an ounce or take one ounce and a halfe of Succory roots Fennell-seed Smallage-seed Parsly-seed and Anni-seed of each one dram Calamus Aromaticus Cinamon of each two drams Sene one ounce and a halfe Soldanella or Sea binde weed three handfulls Cut and bruise those things that are to be cut and bruised then put to them sixteen or eighteen pints of White-wine wherein Steel hath been quenched let them stand together after a week drink of it a good draught in the morning or about ten of the clock in the forenoone every day or every second day You may make but halfe the receipt The juice of Wormwood is commended against Melancholly if two or three drams thereof be taken in a morning Heurn Meth. ad prax cap. 9. f. 200. Against the Jandise Take the flowers of Wormwood or the tops thereof Rosemary and Black-thorne of each a like quantity of Saffron half so much boyle them gently in Renish-wine let it be given after the body is prepared by purging The externall or outward Vse Wormwood being outwardly applied killeth worms in the belly or stomach the juice with Honey helpeth dim eyes and mingled with Niter it helpeth the Quinsie being anointed therewith It taketh away black and blew spots in the skin that come after falls or bruises if it be mingled with Honey and anointed It helpeth soare and running ears and ceaseth the pain of them if the hot vapours of the decoction be taken in thereat by a Funnell or otherwise It easeth the tooth-ach Being bruised and applyed with Rose-water to the stomach it gives much ease and comfort to such as have been long sick It avails against the hardnesse of the Spleen or where there is a hot sharp water running between the flesh and the skin if it be used with Figs Vineger and Mâ—ale of Darnell A decoction thereof being made and the Temples bathed therewith it helpeth the paines of the head that come of a cold cause Also being boyled in Vineger and the mouth washed therewith it helpeth a stinking breath Being put into Chests or Presses where Cloaths are it preserveth from worms Moths If the skin be rubbed with the juice or with the oyle it drives away Fleas or Gnats If Children before they be three moneths old be bathed with a decoction thereof or their temples feet and hands be nointed with the juice thereof and well rubbed in they shall not be troubled nor molested with heat or cold all their life time It is so commended being used as before that the body shall not be infected with Scab Leprosie French Disease Lice or such like malady Nisi Deus eos velit punire except God will punish such for sin Joan. Rudolp Camerar Memorabil med mirab Nat. arcan cent 3. partic 70. fol. 189. Against the Wormes Take Wormwood Horehound and Lupines of each a handfull boyle them in water or honey or strong wine apply it hot to the Navell A Plaster against the Wormes Take of Mithridate two drams Aloes in powder a dram with the juice of Wormwood make a Plaister and lay it to the belly The hurtfull Quality The juice offends the Stomach being too much used and also
offends the head by raising up vapours which cause drowsinesse and sleepinesse Absinthium ingratum suum saporem deponit si prius per ferventem aquaÌ„ trahatur radix ejus dulcis penè insipida cum exignâ quâdam salfedine Camerarius in Horto It is not safe to use it in the Consumption of the Lungs Falling-sicknesse Arthritick paines Apoplexie Lethargie and continuall Feavers Where the Stomach is hot forbear the use of it especially being inflamed Of such things as are made of Wormwood There are many Medicines made of Wormwood as 1. Wormwood-water both hot and cold 2. Juice of Wormwood 3. Spirit of Wormwood 4. Wormwood-wine 5. Extract of Wormwood 6. Conserve of Wormwood This is excellent against the Dropsie and Green-sicknesse 7. Syrupe of Wormwood 8. Trosses of Wormwood 9. Salt of Wormwood Good in malignant and Pestilent Feavers 10. Chymicall Oyle 11. Oyle of Wormwood by infusion The Dose The powder is given from a dram and a halfe to two drams or three drams The juice from two drams to halfe an ounce The decoction from four ounces to six ounces or more CHAP. II. De Agarico Of Agaricke AGaricke is a Mushrome or spungeous substance growing in the Larir-tree The Names It is called in Latine Agaricus and Agaricum either because it was first used in Agaria or because the best commeth from thence It is called by Democratus and others Medicamentum familiae because it is usefull and profitable in a Family Massaria fol. 479. Freitag aur med c. 28. fol. 313. Renodaeus dispens f. 355. The Temperament Agaricke is hot in the first-degree and dry in the second or third degree The Kindes There are two kinds of Agaricke one called Male the other Female the Male is rejected and the Female onely in use The best Agaricke is that which is very white light friable or easie to be broken very loose and spungie in tast at the first sweet hard and well compact but that which is heavy blackish close clammie and conteining in it little threads as it were sinews is counted venomous and deadly The Duration Agaricke will keep good three or four years The Inward Vse Agaricke purgeth primarily Flegme and Viscuous humours from the breast mesentery and stomach and also from remote parts as from the Brain Nerves Muscles Purgaâ— pituiâ—am tennem aquosam non autem viscosam Lentam sed exhaustis tenuioribus partibus hanc difficiliorem reddit Heurn prax med fol. 262. Liver Spleen Reins Womb and Joynts It provokes the courses in Women killeth Worms is profitable against the Jaundise Arthriticall paines Falling sicknesse Quartaine Ague Stopping of the Vrin and Diuturnall or long continued Agues by purging away the offensive matter It is good against venome and all flegmatick Diseases and takes away the pale colour in women caused by the staying of their courses It helpeth to cure the Dropsie Hip-Gout Cough Shortnesse of breath and Consumption of the Lungs Spitting of bloud the pains of the Mother as also such as have fallen or are bruised and have Ruptures Some commend it in the Collicke and pain of the belly but it causeth gripings rather then easeth such The manner of Administring it It is in Potions in Pills in Boles in infusion and decoction though by reason of its light substance it will not endure any long decocting or boyling It is rarely given by it selfe A purging Potion that cleanseth the Breast Take of Raisons of the Sun stoned halfe an ounce Figs ten in number Agarick cut in thin slices two drams Ginger bruised halfe a scruple boyle them in fair water gently strain it and take thereof four ounces hot in which dissolve of the best Manna one ounce and as much syrupe of Roses make a Potion and take it Pills to purge Flegme Take Agaricke in powder one dram Salgem in powder one scruple Cinamon half a scruple with syrupe of Roses make Pils and take them in a morning A Bole to purge Flegme and Choller Take of Cassia that is new drawn one ounce Trosses of Agaricke in powder a dram and a half mix them and make a Bole take it in the morning A Potion that purgeth Choller and Flegme Take of Manna Honey of Roses Laxative of each a dram and a half Trosses of Agarick two drams in powder dissolve the Manna in two ounces of succory-Succory-water and make a Potion Or thus Take Trosses of Agarick one dram and a halfe of Succory-water three ounces infuse or steep it all night in the water then add one ounce of syrupe of Roses and make a potion adding thereto Diaphoenicon two drams Against shortnesse of Breath and Wormes Take Trosses of Agaricke two drams Oxymel simplex two ounces mix them well together and take it Massaria observeth that Agaricke being infused or steeped doth little or nothing purge Massar fol. 479. The Externall Vse It is used outwardly against the blacknesse of the skin Figs in the Fundament and against Fistulaes also against the biting of venomous beasts which hurt with cold poyson A lye made thereof and with other hearbs cureth the Dandraffe or Scurfe if the head be washed therewith also boyled with hearbs convenient it comforteth the brain and memory stayes Rheumes and Catarrhes Against the Tooth-ach Take a piece of Agarick and wet it in Oyle of Cloves or Oyle of Camphor and put it into a hollow tooth this will ease the pain thereof Against the Figge in the Fundament Take of Agaricke in powder two drams mix it with the juice of Sow-bread and a little Oyle Apply it Against Fistulaes Take of Salt burnt Tartar Agaricke in powder of each a like quantity mix them with Honey and apply it to Fistulaes The hurtfull Quality with the Correcting helpe Agaricke is offensive to the Stomach and many times causeth vomiting therefore that it offend not the Stomach the third part of Cloves Nutmeg Ginger Hyssop Galingall and Mastich may be put to it or that it may better purge Salgem and Ginger may be mixed with it It may also be given with Oxymell Scilliticum or Simplex Agarick is not to be given without it be well corrected except you give it to cause vomiting In all Burning Feavers and Inflamations Agaricke is very hurtfull as also in the Collicke The Compound Medicines made of Agaricke 1. Syrupe of Roses solutive with Agaricke 2. Pills of Agaricke 3. Pil. Hierae cum Agarico 4. Trosses of Agaricke 5. Extract of Agaricke The Dose The Dose in substance is from two scruples to a dram and a halfe In decoction from a dram to halfe an ounce CHAP. III. De Aloe Of Alloes Or Aloe succotrina ALoe is the juice of an Hearb like the Sea Onion which after it is pressed out is dryed and kept for to use as neede requireth The Names It is called in Latine Aloes succotrina in English Aloes Hearb Aloes and Sea Housteeke The Temperament Alces is hot in the first or second degree and dry in the third and very bitter
The Kindes Constantinus Affricanus mentioneth three kindes of Aloes one reddish which groweth in an Island called Scheta another sort which is black and is found in Persia a third kinde yellow which is found in Arabia Constant Affric de grad fol. 355. Schroderus saith there are four sorts in use now First A blackish sort called Aloe caballina because it is fit only for Horses Secondly Another sort more purer in colour like the Liver called Aloe Hepatica Thirdly A sort called Aloe succotrina because the powder thereof is of a citrine or yellow colour or because there is great plenty of it in the Island Socotra Fourthly The fourth kinde is the purest part of the juice and is called Aloe lucida because being held up against the beams of the Sun it sheweth very clear like a kinde of red glasse Schroder Parmac med Chym. l. 4. fol. 240. The best is that which is most clear and transparent of a reddish or yellow colour being easie to break and very bitter The Duration It will keep good nine or ten years being kept dry and from the wind and Sun The Inward Vse Aloes purgeth first Choller then Flegme not from all parts but chiefly from the stomach and belly therefore saith Gallen Est eustomachicum plus omnibus catharticis Gal. Alter de dinamid fol. 76. It is more proper for the Stomach then all other purging Medicines And by its adstrictive faculty it strengthneth the stomach It much helpeth a crude moist and nauseous stomach It is profitable in these Diseases in the Head-ach when vapours arise from the stomach in the Night-Mare in the Scorbute or Scurvy in the Falling sicknesse in Rheumes It resisteth putrifaction killeth worms of all sorts whether in the belly or stomach nay it is a speciall Antidote against Worms It preventeth Arthriticall paines or paines of the Joynts it quickneth the senses by purging obnoxious humours from the braine It provoketh womens courses and the Hemrods or Piles The use of Aloes doth preserve the body from many dangerous Diseases it helpeth those that have a pale colour and is used against the Jaundise Aloe doth hardly draw humours from any part above the Liver Fernel Meth. medend fol. 112. The manner of administring it and the time Aloes is given in powder in the pap of an Apple which is very frequent or in pils It is most convenient for Flegmatick persons and may be given before meat or after meat and in the morning fasting It is better to give it before meat then after meat Aloe is the basis of most pils for there are but few purgative pils which have it not as one chiefe ingredient Pils excellent for the Stomach Take of Aloes three ounces of Rubarbe in powder three drams mix them and infuse or steep them in a sufficient quantity of endive-Endive-water let it stand a night and a day then straine it out and boyle away the crudity of it and make a masse for Pills The Dose is halfe a dram or two scruples Pills to purge Choller Take of Rubarbe in powder one scruple Aloes and Mastich of each halfe a scruple Diagnieium six graines Spikneard and Nutmeg of each three graines with syrupe of Roses Laxative make Pills and take them all in a morning fasting with Physicall observation that is fasting and then to take some warm Broth and to keep your selfe warm but you must fast two or three hours first De Aloe Lota Rosata Aloes being washed looseth part of its purgative faculty and doth more strengthen then purge Gallen saith it may be given in Feavers so that the Feaver be gentle as in a Quotidian Feaver Gal. de compos pharmac fol. 710. Aloe Rosata is a Medicine very safe and gentle it may be given to all sorts of persons before or after meat It purgeth the stomach of Choller and other offensive humours openeth stoppings is good in the Jaundise and strengthneth the stomach and is thus made Take of pure Aloes in powder four ounces of the juice of Damuske Roses clarified one pound mix them together and digest in the Sun or in a Bath till all the moisture be exhaled or taken away then infuse it again in so much more of the juice and evaporate away the juice again doe thus four times then keep the masse or lump for your use The 〈◊〉 â—all Vse Aloes being outwardly applied hath a consolidating faculty to heal green Wounds and drieth as also mundifieth or cleanseth and takes away all putrifaction in Wounds It healeth Wounds of the Testicles and Privities it cures the rednesse of the eyes and consumes spots growing therein It is good in inflamations of the Eyes and Apostumes of the Lips Nose and Eyes It healeth Vlcers that are hardly brought to cicatrize and especially those in the Fundament and privy members Being mixed with Oxe-Gall or the juice of Wormwood it killeth Wormes If it be dissolved with wine and used it helpeth the falling or shedding of the hair Being made in powder and put on the Hemroids it stayeth the bleeding thereof mixed with honey and used it takes away blacknesse and spots Aloes in powder being mixed with Myrrhe and Dragons bloud and cast into putrified Wounds or Vlcers eateth out spungious flesh without pain A Plaister for Wormes Take of Aloes in fine powder a dram and a halfe of Mithridate three drams Oyle of Savin or Oyle of Wormwood two or three drams mix them together make a Plaister lay it on the Belly The Hurtfull Quality The daily and too frequent use of Aloes is much forbidden for being much and often taken it doth fret and excoriat the stomach and bowells Constant Affric de grad fol. 355. Aloes is hurtfull to old men Gal. de sanitat tuend fol. 365. Massaria fol. 72. Freitag aur med fol. 215. Fernel meth med fol. 112. Aloe openeth the Orifices or mouths of the Vaines therefore it is hurtfull to such as have the Hemroids or Piles Flux of the Womb Belly or any other Bloudy Flux as also to Women with Child to those that have the Hectick Feaver Burning Feaver and to all hot and dry and macerated or lean bodies It is very hurtfull to those that have hot Livers especially given in a large quantity which though some deny yet experience makes it good And Scaliger Exercitat 160. Sect. 3. saith they which deny Aloe to offend the Liver Experientiae scutica digni sunt hoc per annos quadraginta compertum habemus 'T is not to be given often to Children especially such as are of a hot and dry Constitution When the season is extream hot or very cold 't is not so safe to give Aloes for then it will cause one to void bloud Antonius Musa saith that after the taking of Aloes in the depth of Winter he was so troubled that he could not sit for the space of a week A. Musa exam simpl med 4o. 355. Wecher Antid spec 4o. 222. Cinamon Mace Nutmeg Cloves Mastich and Gum Tragacanth are the best
ounces of Gourd Cutrub Cucumer and Melon-seeds cleansed of each two drams Lettice and white Poppy-seed of each a dram make it according to art into an Emulsion or milk with a pint of rose-Rose-water or Barly-water Heurnius prax med fol. 21. A March-pane against leannesse or also for the Diseases of the Breast and Lungs Take of sweet Almonds blanched three drams of Pine-kernels steeped in Scabious water 9 or 10 hours half an ounce of Pistack-kernells steeped in scabious-Scabious-water a whole day one ounce Gum Tragacanth and Arabicke of each halfe a dram of white Starch in powder as much the pulp of Dates and Sebestens of each halfe an ounce of the whitest Sugar dissolved in rose-Rose-water so much as is sufficient to make it up into a March-pane Make it into small Cakes or Trosses and eat of them at any time Gorraeus form remed cap. 15. fol. 445. For the Stone and Gravell Take of Oyle of sweet Almonds fresh two ounces syrupe of Marsh mallowes one ounce mingle them together Give it in a morning fasting The outward Vse The Oyle both of bitter and sweet Almonds is good to cleanse the skin from roughnesse and spots but the bitter is most effectuall Being mixed with Oyle of Roses and Oyle of Capers and the Spleen annoynted therewith it helpeth the hardnesse thereof It cures deafnesse and noyse in the ears if it be dropped into the ears and helpeth the skurfinesse of the head and sores thereof If the Temples be annoynted therewith it easeth the paines of the head and brings rest or boyle bitter Almonds with Vineger of Roses and Rose-leaves apply it to the Temples Being bruised with Honey they are good against the biting of a mad Dog The powder of the Almond Cakes after the Oyle is pressed from them doth cleanse the hands or skin in any place far better then Sope and to supple the parts as also to make them smooth If the Oyle be mixed with Honey powder of Licoris Oyle of Roses and white Wax and the eyes therewith annoynted it clears them and helpeth dimnesse thereof To cleanse the skin and to beautifie the Face Take of Oyle of Tartar one ounce Oyle of sweet Almonds and of bitter Almonds one ounce and a halfe mix them together wash the face often therewith The hurtfull Quality It is not safe to give them to those that have hot chollerick stomachs and that have hot chollerick Feavers least they turne into heat and choller They also cause head-ach and fill the head with fumes and vapours Of such things as are made of Almonds 1. Confectio Amygdal dule 2. Oyle of sweet Almonds 3. Oyle of bitter Almonds 4. Lohoch de Papavere 5. Lohoch de Pino 6. Lohoch sanum expertum The Dose The Oyle of sweet Almonds is given from two drams to three ounces The Almonds themselves are eaten ad libitum or as men please at any time CHAP. VI. De Aristolochia longa rotunda Of long rooted Birth-wort and round rooted Birth-wort THese are long and round roots whitish within and rugged without well known to those that are Artists The Names It is called in Latine Aristolochia longa rotunda In English Round rooted Birthwort and Long rooted Birthwort or Hartworth The Temperament These roots are hot in the second degree and dry in the third degree or they are hot in the third degree and dry in the second The round hath lesse earthly substance and more tenuity of parts in it the long hath lesse tenuity of parts in it The round is most effectuall in all Diseases The Duration It will keep good two or three years The inward Vse Although all mention not the purging faculty that is in Aristolochia or Birthwort yet the Arabians and other Physitians say they purge first Flegme and then Choller and that without trouble or commotion to the body and strengthen the inward parts and are void of any maligne quality which is chiefly to be found in the round root Now because it doth attenuate and purge flegme and discusse windinesse it avails in the affects of the Brain Nerves Breast Stomach intestine Spleen and womb It is good in the Falling Sicknesse Cramp Convulsion Ruptures shortnesse of Breath paine of the Side Hicket gnawing of the Stomach Collicke and especially comming of Flegme or winde swelling of the Spleen It brings downe the After-Birth and provokes the courses and helps the impurity of the Womb. It is used with profit in the Joynt Gout against venome and poyson against cold Agues and against stoppings and rebellious humours that are the cause of long Agues It is excellent for Women that are near their time or especially in Travell for it causeth a speedy and easie delivery and clears the uterine parts of what is offensive to nature also it brings away the dead Child It killeth Worms and resisteth putrifaction It is given with Oxymel or Hydromel against the contusions of the Nerves and Muscles The long roots infused and taken helpe to dry up Scab and Itch. The manner of Administring it It is given in substance or in decoction A Powder against the Epilepsie or Falling-Sicknesse Take of round Aristolochia or Birthwort six drams of Piony-seed two drams make them in powder and add one ounce of fine Sugar The Dose is a dram at a time in blackcherry-Blackcherry-water A Powder against the Joynt-Gout Take Germander Ground-pine Centory the lesser Sage Betony Gentian round Birth-wort of each halfe an ounce of the wood called Lignum vitae or Guajacum seven ounces make them into powder Give hereof a dram every day in water of Honey for certaine moneths together if need require Freitag aur med fol. 286. A Potion against winde in the Stomach and paine thereof Take of round Birthwort halfe an ounce Anni-seed and Carraway-seed of each five drams Agaricke trochiscated two drams and a halfe Camomill flowers Centory the lesser of each two handfulls of Saffron ten grains boyle them in broth made with meat and make a drink for divers Doses taking a draught thereof morning and evening adding a little Sugar thereunto Or Take of Treacle of Andromachus two scruples of Mithridate a scruple of round Birth-wort halfe a dram make the Birthwort in powder and dissolve it with the rest in Sack and give it Pills having a cleansing and deterging faculty good against the Falling-Sicknesse Palsie Shortnesse of Breath Old Cough Hardnesse of the Liver beginning and in the stopping of the Courses bringing away the Birth and After-Birth being most convenient in the winter season for such as are of moist Constitutions and to be used after the Body is purged Take of round Birthwort one ounce Gentian-root Myrrhe of each three drams Aloes and Cinamon of each half an ounce Ginger a dram make them all into fine Powder and with Oyle of sweet Almonds make it into a masse or lump for Pills The Dose is a dram and a halfe taking Broth presently after them Fervel meth med lib. 7. fol. 192. Against paine of the side Take
of Birthwort root a dram Myrrhe in powder ten graines make the other in powder and with water of Honey or Carduus water make a Potion and give it Against the swelling of the Spleene Take of round Birthwort in powder a dram or of the Extract of round Birthwort halfe a dram Give it with Oxymel Acoratum or Carduus water Against the impurity of the Womb to provoke the courses expell the After-Birth and to bring away the dead Child Take of round Birthwort in powder a dram Myrrhe in powder twenty graines white Pepper in powder ten graines mix them together and give them in Savine water In Decoction Take of round Birthwort bruised two drams boyle it in Posset-drink and being strained give it Against Botium gulae or strumous swellings about the Throat Take round Birthwort Radish-root and stinking Gladwin of each a dram Pimpinell or Burnet Mouseare Rue of each two drams Figwort Droppewort of each halfe an ounce Anni seede two drams Ginger a dram Turbith and Sene of each three drams make them all into a fine powder and add thereto of white Sugar four ounces The Dose is one spoonfull every morning in White-wine or broom-Broom-water The outward Vse It is used in old rotten and maligne Vlcers and Fistulaes especially being mixed with Oris powder and Honey for thus used it cleanseth and incarneth It cures Vlcers of the secret parts if you wash them 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 applied It draweth forth Thorns and Splinters of bones that are broken being applyed with Terpintine It helpeth the biting of venomous Beasts being boyled in Wine and laid on or let the powder thereof be mixed with the juice of Rue and so applyed to the Wound Being mingled with the powder of Aloes Lime or Chalke and Honey into an Oyntment adding a little Wine it cures the Cancer in the Nose and Polypus if tents be made thereof and put up and make an Oyntment for the said purpose with the powder of round Birthwort Cypresse and Honey and use it as the former The powder thereof tempered with Honey cures the Vlcers of the mouth and gums A Pessary made hereof and with Myrrhe provokes the terms in Women It healeth all Wounds in the Head the fume thereof or the powder in a quilted Cap stayeth all Fluxes and distillations of thin Rheume from the head An Oyntment to procure flesh in Vlcers Take the powder of round Birthwort and Oris of each a dram roots of Reeds and Peucedanum or Hoggs Fennell in powder of each a dram and a halfe Francumsence Mastich and Myrrhe in powder of each two drams of the Oyntment called Vnguentum Comitissae three ounces Honey of Roses so much as is sufficent make all into an Oyntment An Oyle usefull in the Palsie and Epilepsie or Falling Sicknesse Take of round Birthworth two ounces bruise it Euphorbium and Castor of each a dram and a halfe boyle these in Oyle Olive twelve ounces strain it and anoint the spina dorsi from the Neck to the Buttocks or shutting of the Hips do thus for the space of a fortnight or three weeks The hurtfull Quality It is not to be given to Women with Child because it brings Abortion or causeth miscarrying Of such things as are made of Birthwort long and round 1. The Distilled Water Usefull against creeping Vlcers and Pustules of the Genitalls both in men and women being therewith washed or linnen cloaths dipt in the same and laid on the place all night 2. Pils of Aristolochia Fernel 3. Extract thereof 4. Diatessaron or Theriaca Diatessaron The Dose The Dose in powder is from a scruple to a dram In decoction from a dram to two drams or three drams CHAP. VII De Assa Foetida Of Assa Fetida ASsa Fetida is a Gum comming from the Plant called Laser or Sylphyum growing in Media Libia and Syria and not of Laserpitium of Diascorides the juice of which is unknown to Modern Writers Johan Schroder pharmac med chym lib. 4. fol. 180. Others will have it to come from Laserpitium The Names In Latine Laser medicum foetidum and Assa Foetida or Asa foetida It is so ill sented that the Germans call it Teuffelz drech that is Diaboli stercus Devils durt or dung The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree The best sort The best is that which is clear smelling somwhat like Garlicke tough and not dry or foul with sticks in colour like the best Myrrhe The Duration It will keep good many years It is adulterated by mixing Meal Bran and the Gum Sagapenum together The Inward use It is profitable for Women that are troubled with the rising of the Mother and Diseases of the Womb It bringeth downe the courses in Women and expells the secundine or After-Birth being taken with Pepper and Myrrhe It is usefull in Diseases of the Breast Nerves and Brain and being taken in an Egge that is soft it helps Hoarsnesse and given with Oxymel it helpeth the Cough Jaundise and Dropsie Given with Vineger of Squills or Mulsa that is Wine and Honey boyled together it helps the Falling Sicknesse Being given in Wine or Angelica water it helpeth against Venome and Poyson of venomous Beasts where any are stung therewith It cures the Quartaine Ague and Feavers of long continuance Taken with Oxymel it dissolveth coagulated milk in the breast it killeth Worms and expelleth wind it is used also to take away the loathing of the stomach to meat by the Indians and to strengthen the weaknesse of it also and is much in use by them to provoke unto Venery The manner of administring it It is given in Pils or in powder but hardly made into powder because of its moistnesse or it is given in wine or other liquor being first dissolved in the same A powder against the Quartaine Ague Take Assa Fetida Rue long Pepper of each two drams make them into powder and mix it with a little Honey Give a dram or a dram and a halfe of it in any convenient liquor before the fit commeth Wecher syntax fol. 248. 348. Note here that except the Assa Fetida be very dry you cannot make it into powder therefore you may dissolve it in honey or wine and so take it There is an Electuary made of Assa Fetida Pepper Ginger Rue Salniter and Honey which is commended against the Quartaine Ague and Chronicall Feavers or Agues of long continuance It is so much commended against wind that Mr Parkinson in his Herball tells a Story from Gartias of a Portugall that tried it upon a Horse whom the King of Bisnager would have bought but that he was over subject to break wind but after the Portugall had cured him thereof the King bought him and asking how he cured him he answered with Assa Fetida given in his Provender no marvaile said the King if he
were cured with the Gods meâ—t yea rather with the Devils said the Portugall but softly and in his owne language for fear of being over-heard The outward use If it be mingled with Rue Salniter and Honey it breaketh Carbuncles and Pestilentiall sores being thereto applied and in the same manner used it helpeth Cornes and draweth them forth Being applied with Garlicke and the white of an egge it helps Felons and white flaes of the fingers It clears the fight and helpeth suffusions or spots in the eyes being mixed with Honey and dropped in It cures the stinging of venomous Beasts being applied and the swelling of the Spleen being laid on as a Plaister A perfume thereof is good for the rising of the Mother also a fume thereof and of Goats horne prevents or much mitigates the fit of the Falling-Sicknesse if the party hold his head over it when he feels the fit come upon him It helpeth the Tooth-ach being put into a hollow tooth Plinie lib. 22. cap. 23. forbiddeth it thus to be used and saith he knew one that tried it in the same manner threw himselfe headlong from an high loft and brake his neck but surely this was by accident the party having a cachecticall or plethorick body and so it stirred up the humours The hurtfull quality Give it not to women with Child nor to such as have very hot and dry bodies These things following are made of Assa Fetida 1. Pills of Assa Fetida 2. Extract of Assa Fetida The Dose The Dose is from halfe a scruple to a dram CHAP. VIII De Asaro Of Asarabacca ASarum or Asarabacca is an hearb that hath a round leafe like Ivy but more round and tenderer the roots are many small and slender of a sweet and pleasing smell and a little biting the tongue It growes in many Gardens The Names It is called in Latine Asarum in English Asarabacca Asarobacca and Folefoot The temperament Asarum is hot and dry in the second degree or as some in the third degree The roots are hotter then the leaves The duration The roots will keep a year or two The leaves are best green which may be had almost all the year The inward use Asarum purgeth strongly by vomit and sometimes by stoole It draweth away thick Flegme and Choller both yellow and cruginous or green It is profitable for them that have the Dropsie Jaundise and that have Tertian and Quartaine Agues as also the Green-sicknesse Paine of the head arising of vapours from the Stomach It provokes sweat the Courses in Women and Urine therefore it is good in the Strangury and stopping of the Urine and also in the Hip-Gout and in Asthmatick persons or such as are short-winded It helpeth stoppings of the Liver Gall and Spleen The roots are effectuall against the biting of Serpents and therefore is put with other simples both into Mithridate and Treacle of Andromachus saith Mr Parkinson in his Herball but I find it only put into Mithridate It helpeth Chronicall or long continued Agues upon a double ground First Because it purgeth away thick Flegme and Choller of all sorts from the Stomach and parts adjacent as also whatsoever is of long continuance in the viscerous parts which is the cause of these Diuturnall or long-continued Agues now by vomit the humours aforesaid are taken away Secondly Because it provoketh sweat and so expelleth obnoxious humous from those parts by the ports of the skin The manner of administring it The leaves and roots are given by infusion decoction and in substance The green leaves are most effectuall to provoke one to vomit the roots more effectuall to purge by siege by Urine and to provoke sweat Neither the leaves nor roots will abide any long boyling for thereby the chiefest strength thereof vanisheth and is lost If you give it in fine powder it doth provoke vomit and Urine If you give it in course powder it purgeth downwards Before the fit of an Ague Take of the roots of Asarum or Asarabacca in powder a dram of white-wine four ounces mingle them together and give it before the fit commeth This taketh away the shaking fit and causeth the hot fit to be more remisse or gentle Or thus Take of Asarabacca-root a dram of Radish-root one ounce of Orach-seed halfe an ounce boyle them in Hydromel or water and honey straine it and give six ounces thereof as before Or Take of root of Asarabacca in powder Broome-flowers Broome-seeds of each halfe a dram in powder give it in Barly-water Against the Green-sicknesse Dropsie Jaundise c. Take of the green leaves of Asarabacca five six or seaven bruise them and steep them in Hydromel or Posset-drink all night in the morning straine it and give the clearest when it works take Posset-drink and keep your selfe warm To provoke the termes or courses in Women Take Myrrhe Cinamon of each a dram Savin halfe a dram Smalladge-seed and Parsly-seed Spiknard Asarum Squinanth or sweet Rush of each a scruple make all into powder and give hereof a dram in the juice of Sea-Holly or in the juice of Rue Freitag â—ur med fol. 325. Against the Quartaine Ague and Agues of long continuance Take of the distilled water of Asarabacca three or four ounces give it in a morning fasting or before the fit commeth This may be given divers times if need be The externall use The leaves bruised and applied outwardly cure creeping and cancerous Vlcers as also the swelling thereof and hinder their growth and increase They cleanse Wounds and sores If the head be washed with a lie made thereof it strengthneth the braine being molested with cold and quickneth the memory The juice and the water thereof with Pompholigos helpeth the dimnesse of the sight The leaves bruised and applied to the forehead and temples doe ease the pain thereof comming of cold There is an Oyle made thereof with which if the ridge of the back be nointed it provoketh sweat and taketh away the shaking fits of Agues The leaves also bruised and applied to Womens Breasts are good to dry up the milk and is good to be laid to the Disease called the Wilde fire especially at the beginning The hurtfull Quality It is not safe to give it to weak and tender bodies nor to Women with Child for though Fernelius saith in his Method medend l. 5. 117. it be free from any malignant quality and therfore may safely be given to women with Child especially if it be not given in fine powder yet Theodor. Dorstenius Botanic fol. 14. saith that both the decoction and water thereof driveth forth the Child living or dead and therefore may not safely be given to Women great with Child Of such things as are made of Asarabacca These following are made of Asarum 1. Diasarum Fernelij 2. Extract of Asarum or Coagulum Asari 3. Distilled Water of Asarum both of the leaves and roots 4. Oyle of Asarum The Dose The Dose in substance is from halfe a dram to two scruples or
halfe a pint of Posset-drink till about halfe be consumed strain it and give the clearest in a morning against the Diseases forementioned The outward Vse Being used in Fumigations it dryeth up Rheumes and stayeth Womens Fluxes or the bleeding of Wounds the fibres or fungous substance of the root doth wonderfully stop the bleeding of Wounds or bleeding of the Nose A decoction thereof helpeth sore mouths and inflamations of the Almonds and Throat if they be washed therewith the decoction of the roots in water whereunto some Pomegranet pills or flowers are added serveth for an injection into the matrice as well to stay the accesse or flowing of humours and to cure Vlcers thereof as also to bring it to the place being fallen downe and to help stay the abundance of their courses The water distilled from both leaves and roots is a good remedy to wash any place bitten or stung by any venomous creature and is very good to wash any running sores or Vlcers as also Cancers in the Nose and Polypus which is a Disease in the Nose if the powder of the root be applied afterwards A decoction of the root fastneth the loose teeth and helpeth the sorenesse of the Gums being washed therewith The powder of the root strewed upon any cut or bleeding Wound stayeth the bleeding thereof The powder mixed with a little Oyle of Roses and Wax helpeth the running of the Reins if the back be noynted therewith An Oyntment to hinder Abortion or miscarrying of Women Take Oyle of Roses Oyle of Quinces of each three ounces Cerusse washed in rose-Rose-water halfe an ounce Bistort root and red Corall of each two drams Barbery-seeds a dram of white Wax a sufficient quantity powder those things that are to be powdered and make hereof an Oyntment with which annoynt the back warm morning and evening laying a warm cloth thereon Rondelet meth cur morb cap. 63. fol. 168. Against the Tooth-ach Take Bistort root in powder Pellitory of Spaine burnt Allum in powder of each two drams make it into a paist with Honey Put a little piece thereof into a hollow Tooth or between the Teeth and it will ease the paine thereof and draw away much offensive matter from the head and parts adjacent The Dose The Dose in powder is from a scruple to a dram in decoction from a dram to two drams or three drams Of such things as are made of Bistort 1. The distilled water thereof 2. Diascordium 3. Emplastrum Coe saris 4. Emp. Hystericum Nic. CHAP. XI De Bryonia alba Of White Brionie WHite Brionie is somewhat like unto the common Vine in his leaves and branches but something rougher and whiter The root is sometimes very great long and bitter The Names In Latine Vitis alba Bryonia and Bryonia alba in English Brionie and Tetterberries The Temperament Briony is hot in the second degree and dry in the third The Duration The Root will keep good a year or more if it be gathered in a dry season and carefully dryed The inward use The root of White Briony purgeth strongly Choller Flegme and Water from the Brain Nerves Womb and Joynts it openeth obstructions or stoppings of the Liver Spleen and Womb therefore it avails much in Hystericall fits or fits of the Mother in the Falling Sicknesse Palsie Apoplexie and Vertigo or swimming of the head as also in the Gout or Shortnesse of breath It provokes the courses in Women and cleanseth the Womb provokes Urine and is excellent in the Dropsie for it draweth away water abundantly both by vomit and stoole It dissolveth congealed blood in the body by reason of falls or bruises The root is good against the biting of Vipers or Adders and killeth Worms in the body It is good in the Kings Evill the juice being taken with equall parts of Wine and Honey The foecula or dregs thereof are used for the aforesaid Diseases you may give five or ten grains of it The manner of administring it The root of White Brionie is given in powder in juice in decoction in syrupe and in electuary though every way not pleasing to the palate An Electuary of white Brionie purging the body Take of White Brionie root four ounces Turbith three ounces Agaricke cut in thin slices one ounce Ginger in powder Mastich Lonage seed bruised of each three drams macerate or steep them three dayes in two pints of Aquavitae then boyle them to the consumption of one pint straine it to which add clarified Honey the pulp of Prunes of each a pound Sugar a pound and a halfe Boyle them to the thicknesse of Honey then being cold let these things following be put in Gum Gutta in powder one ounce Diagredium six drams Anni-seed Fennell-seed in powder of each two drams Cloves in powder halfe an ounce mix them well together and make an Electuary The Dose is from halfe an ounce to six drams in white Wine or Posset drink This Electuary is excellent in the Dropsie and Gout Syrupe of Brionie simple Take of the juice of White Brionie-root in May a pound of pure Honey clarified two pound boyle them gently to the thicknesse of a syrupe by often scumming it The Compound Syrupe of Brionie Take of the juice of White Brionie-root five ounces Vineger of Squills a pound of the decoction made with Origanum dry Hyssope Lonage Seseleos Cardamomes Stoechados halfe a pound of good Honey two pound boyle them gently to the thicknesse of a syrupe Freitag aur med fol. 355 356. Both these foregoing syrupes are good in the Falling-Sicknesse Swimming of the Head and for Shortnesse of breath An Electuary for an old Cough and shortnesse of breath Take of White Brionie root in powder a dram of clarified Honey three ounces of the Lohoch or Electuary of Fox-Lungs halfe an ounce Spirit of Sulpher eight drops make all into an Electuary Take of it chiefly in the morning and evening as much as a small Nutmeg Against the Pestilence Take of White Brionie-root in powder a dram Diagredium one graine take it in the juice of Celandine and let the party sweat upon it Theod. Dorsten Botanic fol. 52. For such as have broken a Bone Take of the juice of White Brionie-root two drams or three drams of Comfry-water three ounces mingle them together and give it Continue it for a weeks space if need require The externall Vse A decoction of the root or the juice thereof taketh away Freckles or Sun-burning and all kind of Spots and Scarres So doth the Oyle wherein the roots of Brionie hath been boyled It dissolveth black Bloud and blew Marks by reason of bruises or falls and dissolveth new swellings It bringeth to maturity and breaks old Imposthumes It draweth forth splinters and broken bones and helpeth filthy Ulcers and white Flaes that grow up about the roots of the Nailes The leaves fruit and roots doe cleanse old and filthy sores and are good against fretting and running Cankers Gangrenes and Tetters therefore the beâ—ries are usually called by the
Countrey-people Tetter-berries may with good successe be applied to them The root cleanseth the skin from the Morphew Leprosie all running Scabs and Manginesse if a Bath be made thereof or the juice applied thereunto A Pessary made of the root bringeth downe the courses in Women and bringeth forth the After-birth and dead Child A Bath made hereof cleanseth the Womb from filthinesse and uncleannesse The root hung about the Neck is good against the Falling Sicknesse and Convulsion The root bruised and boyled in Vineger being applyed to the swollen Genitalls of men helpeth the same A decoction of the leaves or roots mingled with Honey and the mouth and throat washed therewith cureth Vlcers and sorenesse thereof The distilled water of the root worketh the same effect but more weakly yet the water is used for freckles and spots in the face Against hardnesse and stopping of the Spleene Take what quantity you will of the green root of Brionie bruise it with Figs and apply it to the Spleen adding thereunto a little Oyle of Capers Or Take Ammoniacum dissolved in Vineger Oyntment Dialtheae or of Marsh-mallows Plaister of Melilot of each halfe an ounce Brionie root and Orris in powder of each halfe an ounce Ducks-grease Goose grease and Hens-grease of each three drams Bdellium and Galbanum of each a dram and a halfe Oyle of Orris-root one ounce and a halfe of the Mussilage of Linseede and Fenugreeke a sufficient quantity of each dissolve the gums and boyle them gently together and add thereto of Wax four ounces of Turpintine and Rosin of each one ounce and a halfe make all into a Cerat according to art Against corrupt and fretting sores in the Legs Take the leaves or root of White Brionie bruise them with Salt and Vineger and apply it Against the Gout and Sciatica Take of Brionie-root green bruise it and apply it with Hogs-grease The hurtfull Quality with the correcting means The root of White Brionie doth much trouble the Stomach head and other parts therefore it must not be given to delicate bodies nor where the spirits are low for though it have a specifick vertue for the Diseases of the Brain before mentioned yet it offends the weak The hurtfull Quality hereof is taken away in part by adding to it Ginger Cinamon Quince or such like The same is also very dangerous for Women with Child however it be given for it causeth Abortion or miscarrying These things are made of Brionie 1. The Extract thereof 2. Faeces vel Faculae Brioniae 3. Water of Brionie 4. Oyntment of Brionie 5. Vnguentum Agrippae The Dose The Dose of the root in substance is from a scruple to a dram in infusion from two drams to halfe an ounce The juice of the root is given from a dram to two drams or more in strong bodies The faeces or dregs thereof are given from five graines to twenty Cambogia see Gutta Gummi CHAP. XII De Camphora Of Camphor or Campher CAmphor is a Gum or liquor of a Tree growing in India and other places partly distilling forth of its owne accord but chiefly by incision and commeth forth clear and white without any spot therein of a very strong sent and of thin parts so that being but a while expos'd to the air both sent and substance vanisheth away The Names It is called in Latine Camphora Caphura in English Camphire Camfire Camphor and Campher The temperament Some will have it to be cold and dry in the third degree others esteem it to be hot but of this more hereafter The best kinde The best is white shining clear as Crystall not full of spots easie to be broken and brittle also being set on fire it burneth and is not easily quenched and hath also a strong sent The Duration It will keep good many years some say forty years but it must be kept from the air and in Flax-seed or Fleawort-seed otherwise it will evaporate and consume to nothing The inward Vse It resisteth putrifaction and venome therefore it is frequently used in the Pestilence contagious diseases and in Feavers It extinguisheth venery or the lust of the body Camphora venenis strenuè resistit cardiacon est Joubert de peste f. 72 Vide Thoner observat l. 3. observat 8. fol. 187. and is good for the running of the Reins as also against the Whites in Women and for the rising of the Mother being dissolved in Balm-water and so taken It cools the heat of the Liver Backe and all hot inflamations in the body The manner of Administring it It is given in Electuaries in Powders Potions c. An Electuary against the Pestilence Take Myrrhe Saffron the bone of a Stags heart or Harts-horne in powder of each two scruples and a halfe of Dittany in powder two drams of white Ginger in powder halfe an ounce of Zedorie in powder two drams and a halfe of Tormentill-roots in powder a dram of Campher in powder or dissolved in Aqua vitae two drams Mithridate and London Treacle of each three ounces with a little Aqua vitae make an Electuary Take thereof morning and evening as much as a small Nut. A powder for the Pestilence Take of Zedoary White Dittany root Gentian-root Scordium Carduus Sorrell of each two drams make them into powder The Dose is a dram in a morning in Carduus-water or in the winter let it be given in White-wine This is a good preservative in times of infection Or Take of white Sugar-Candy a dram white Ginger two scruples Camphor halfe a scruple make them in powder and give it in two or three ounces of scabious-Scabious-water or Angelica-water Or Take Angelica-root Bay-berries of each halfe an ounce round Aristolochia or Birthwort two drams Gentian-root Nutmeg of each a dram Camphor halfe a scruple make all into powder The Dose is a dram or more in carduus-Carduus-water A Potion against the Pestilence Take of Treacle called Diatessaron a dram Angelica-root in powder halfe a dram or a dram of Rose-Vineger a dram Campher three grains Carduus-water two ounces Dissolve the Campher and the rest that is to be dissolved in the water and make a potion give it and let the party sweat after it This may be given divers times if need be Note That Campher will not be made into powder alone without a blanched Almond or some other such like unctious thing which hereby will be brought into fine powder neither will it easily dissolve in cold water but by warmth it will or with any syrupe it will soon dissolve The outward Vse It helpeth pain of the head and heat thereof if it be mixed with yellow Sanders and red Rose-water and the Temples and Forehead bath'd therewith It stoppeth blood that floweth out of the nostrills if it be smelled to and refresheth the brain It is used against Phlegmous and Erysipelas or Wilde-fire also against heat or inflamations of the eyes it is good in Wounds and Vlcers to abate the heat thereof and is of much
use among Women to beautify their face therefore it is much used against heat and pimpels of the face It extinguisheth Venery being applied to the Reins or Testicles with the juice of Nightshade Being put into a hollow Tooth that aketh it easeth the pain thereof also put into a piece of fine Linnen or Taffety and hanged about the neck it cures Agues especially in Children and that by a specifick vertue Also it is good to smell to for such as have lost their smelling and to preserve from infection in times of contagion Against rednesse of the eyes and to coole and dry Take of Sumach bruised two drams steep it in two ounces of red rose-Rose-water straine it and add to the liquor of Campher four grains dissolve the Campher and keep it for your use Against Ophthalmia or inflamation of the eyes in its declination Take of Tutia or Tutty in powder halfe an ounce Lapis Calaminaris quenched often in White-wine and in powder a dram Cloves in number powdered five of Honey one ounce White-wine two ounces red rose-Rose-water four ounces Campher dissolved in the rose-Rose-water a dram Mix them together shake it often and wash the eyes therewith Against rednesse and running of the eyes Take of Tutty in powder an ounce of Aloes succotrine powdered halfe an ounce Campher a dram rose-Rose-water one pound and a halfe of White-wine wherein some Pomegranat pill hath been infused or steeped four and twenty hours halfe a pint mix them together and let them be boyled very gently or rather warm it in a Kettle of hot water strain it and reserve it to use Against spots in the eyes Take of Campher a dram dissolve it in the juice of Fennel and add some Rose water to it drop some of it into the eyes Against the heat of the Liver Take of Campher halfe an ounce dissolve it in the juice of Nightshade dip linnen cloaths therein and lay them to the region of the Liver The hurtfull Quality It is not safe to give it to such as have weak heads or infirme Stomachs or to such as abhor the smell thereof for in great pains of the head and stomach it is dangerous to use it for it exciteth watchfullnesse and causeth head ach neither is it safe to give it in chollerick Diseases Dan. Sennert med pract l. 1. c. 1. fol. 12. f. 66. Rudolph Camerar memor med cent 4. fol. 254. The Dose The Dose according to some is from halfe a scruple to a scruple but I conceive if it be given alone 't is not safe to give above five or six graines at the most except it be in the Pestilence or such like Diseases Of such things as are made with Campher 1. Essence of Campher 2. Oyle of Campher Excellent in the Tooth-ach 3. Trossâ—s of Campher 4. Vnguentum Camphoratum album Whether Campher be cold or hot and whether it extinguish Venery or lust There is some controversie among Physitians about the nature of Campher most agree that Campher is cold and that without doubt because it is used in externall heats and inflamations that commeth by being in the Sun too long and because it helpeth pain of the head and cureth inflamations of the eyes as also extinguisheth Venery Others especially late Writers say Campher is hot and that upon these grounds First Because of its inflamability for it doth not only burne easily but being set on fire and cast into the water it will burne there But this Argument Scaliger exercit 104. sect 8. doth reject and deride but without just cause For nothing doth thus burne except it be of a sulphurous and butuminous nature as some conceive Now all inflamabilious things or such as are of burning and fiery nature are hot from whence it appears that Campher is hot although on the contrary we may not conclude that all things that are hot are of a burning nature Secondly Campher seems to be hot by it's taste being bitter how we say quod amarum calidum that which is bitter is hot Thirdly the strong smell or sent thereof doth demonstrate it to be hot Fourthly the tenuity or thinnesse of parts and it 's great penetrating faculty doth manifest it to be hot for such properties are not to be found in cold things Now that Campher doth extinguish heat heals inflamations and mitigates paine of the head proceeding from a hot cause this it doth by accident in drawing hot vapours and humours away and so discussing them in the same manner as Linseed-oyle Vernix and such like doth cure burning Others would reconcile the difference thus by saying Campher doth consist of a double faculty or substance as is in Veniger Rubarbe c. one hot which causeth the penetrating sharpe and burning faculty the other cold which extinguisheth lust and helps inflamations of the eyes But surely Campher is altogether hot for though it be affirmed to be cold yet t is not easily proved Neither can the double substance in Campher be separated as in Rubarbe and Roses for the whole substance thereof is hot and of a fiery nature and nothing at all cold for though it do cool yet it is not per se of it's proper nature but by accident as it is before shewed Now concerning it's faculty in extinguishing Venery t is denied by Scaliger exercit 104. sect 8. For he thus writes extingui venerem ea non esse verum pro certo habemus We have certain experience that Campher doth not extinguish Venery for saith he a young man did the feat strongly although he had a piece thereof in his hand Also he tryed it upon a proud Bitch by giving it inwardly and using it outward but all in vain Coivit concepit peperit But this experience is not sufficient for when it is said Campher doth extinguish Lust it is not so to be understood as if by one act or by using it outwardly once or twice it should prevaile but if it be often used doth inwardly and outwardly Dan. Sennert de morb mulier lib. 4. part 2. sect 3. c. 6. fol. 250. Paralipom fol. 156 157 158. Schroder Pharm med chym l. 4. f. 185. Pet. Paul de cur morb l. 1. c. 30. f. 87. Fragos med ind histor c. 7. f. 106. Greg. Host Epistol med lib. 2. sect 9. f. 491 492 c. CHAP. XIII De Carthami semine Of seed of Bastard Saffron CArthamus seed is a white and long cornered seed somewhat like French-barley but a little bigger and more picked at the one end then at the other The Names It is called in Latin Knicus Knecus and Knecum also Carthamus and the seed semen Carthami in English Bastard Saffron The Temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree although Galen saith it is hot and dry in the third degree which might be in respect of the region or place where it did grow The best sort The best is the whitest and cornered with a light and hard skin or bark full of Pulpe unctious
seven drams The outward Vse Cassia being outwardly applied to those that have the Gout easeth the paines thereof Also 't is good to gargle with Cassia to asswage and mitigate the tumours and swellings of the Throat It is used in Plaisters or Oyntments against hot pimpels and other eruptions or breakings out of the skin and to take away the roughnesse of the skin A Liniment against the Gout and arthriticall paines of Joynt-Gout Take of new Cassia two ounces Oyntment called Populeon one ounce with a little plantaine-Plantaine-water make a Liniment or thin Oyntment This is good in a hot Gout The hurtfull quality with the correcting meanes Cassia is not to be given to such as have weak stomachs nor windy bodies nor to such as are loose in their bodies Therefore 't is not safe to give it to those that have their Hypochonders much troubled or their Spleen swollen nor to such as have Iliack and collick passion nor to such as have Vlcers in their Kidneyes or Bladder It is also forbidden in the Palsie because of its moistnesse and in the Gout If the Belly be loose it may be given with a little Rubarbe or Myrobalanes In weaknesse of the stomach mingle with it Cinamon or Mastich In flatulent or windy bodies give it with Anni-seed or sweet Fennel-seed If the body be bound you may give it with Oyle of sweet Almonds The best and safest way to give it is with some of the foregoing correctors or the like and not alone by it selfe These things following are made of Cassia Fistula 1. Cassiae flos or the pulp of Cassia or Cassia extracted 2. Cassia extracted for Glysters 3. Cassia extracted with Sene. 4. Cassia extracted without Sene. 5. Dia Cassia with Manna 6. Extract of Cassia 7. Diacatholicon 8. Electuary Lenitive The Dose The Dose is from one ounce to an ounce and a halfe Whether Cassia be convenient in hot Feavers There are some that condemne the use of Cassia in Feavers especially in Burning Feavers as in Tertians and also in Malignant Feavers and that by reason of its dulcedinie and moysture it may soon turn into Choller and also increase putrifaction But seeing that most Authours Write that it purgeth Choller and hot humours I see no reason to condemne the use of it in hot Feavers nor in Malignant Feavers for it is not given to alter but to evacuate humours and especially if Tamarinds or the like be given with it Cinamon see Cassia lignea CHAP. XVI De Cataputia minore de esula minore seu Tithymalo pineo Of Garden-Spurge and of Pine-Spurge or Small esula GArden Spurge hath one hollow whitish stalk as big as a finger the leaves be long and narrow like the leaves of Willow yielding milk the Flowers are of a pale yellow colour Pine syrupe or Small esula hath weak and tender stalks half a yard long whereon grow many small long and narrow pointed leaves very like the leaves of Tode-flax at the top of the stalks grow yellow flowers The Names Pine spurge is called in Latine Tithymalus pineus esula ezula and esula minor Garden spurge is called in Latine Cataputia minor The Temperament They are hot and dry in the third degree The Duration The Bark will keep a year or two though it be best to have it fresh every year The inward use The liquor or juice the leaves seeds and roots or barks are in use All sorts of Spurge are of a hot biting and inflaming nature the strongest kind of Tithymale or Spurge is that of the Sea for the least drop of it being taken into the mouth will so burn heat and inflame that without present remedy it will endanger death The milky juice of them is the strongest worker the seeds and leaves are next in quality thereto and the roots or barks are of most of the same operation but not so strong The juice of any Tithymale is a strong Medicine to purge the belly and to cause vomiting and bringeth away tough flegme and chollerick humours The root is good for the Dropsie being rightly prepared The seeds of Garden spurge are most in use If you give five seaven nine or ten grains thereof at a time they purge by stool and vomit tough Flegme Choller Melancholly and water and is usefull in the Jaundise Iliack-passion Palsie and Quotidian-Ague And usually they swollow the seeds whole without breaking either husk or kernell for then they woâ—k the more gently and weakly but if the husk be broken and the kernells swallowed down whole or chewed or bruised and mixed with drink or Broth they work more violently The Milk hereof is more violent then the Seeds or Kernells The leaves being boyled in fat Broth worke more safely and somewhat more weakly Three or four of the leaves may be taken being boyled in broth Small Esula purgeth strongly downward both Choller and Flegme and easeth the hardnesse and pains of the belly and swellings of the Breast The seed and root prepared helpeth the Dropsie being carefully taken and with good advise The leaves steeped a while in Vineger and afterwards dryed and made into powder which is the preparation of them may be given to the weight of three drams saith Diascorides which is thought too much The root prepared as aforesaid is given likewise to the weight of two drams saith Diascorides in Mead or Honeyed-water but one dram must not be given without caution The seeds saith the former Author may be taken to the weight of a dram but seing nine or ten seeds of the Garden spurge is a sufficient strong Medicine 't is not safe to give so many of these And of the juice or Milk Diascorides appointeth a spoonfull being made into pils with flower which is the strongest of them all The extract hereof purgeth more safely The manner of administring it It is given in Powder Pills Electuary c. A Powder against the Dropsie Take of Esula prepared as above written five scruples Cinamon Fennel-seed Anni-seed Mastich of each six grains make them into powder and give it as need requireth Pills against the Dropsie Take of the bark of Ezula prepared as before Myrobalanâ— citrine or yellow of each four parts of Aloes five parts make them in powder or with the juice of Fennell or Endive make a masse or lump for pills The Dose is from a dram to two drams and a half Freitag Aur med fol. 413. A Potion against the Dropsie Take of the essence of Esula fifteen grains Oyle of Anni-seed Oyle of Citron-pill Oyle of Cinamon of each one drop of syrupe of Citron-pill and Mint-water of each halfe an ounce mix them together and make a Potion Or Take of the bark of Pine spurge prepared and in powder halfe a dram of the juice of Fennell well clarified one ounce or two ounces of White-wine or Posset-drink three ounces add a little Sugar and make a Potion The externall Vse Esula minor or small Tithymall hath a vertue to heal the bitings or
conception It is good against the pain of the breast healeth Ruptures cures Convulsions and pains of the side stirreth up Venery taken with Wine and Honey cures venome and the stinging of venomous Beasts therefore 't is used in Antidotes It is good in the Dropsie Gout Palsie and taketh away the stoppings of the Liver and Spleen The manner of administring it It is given in Powder Electuary Trosses Pills c. Trosses against the Hickop Take of Costus Saffron Roses Mastich Spikenard in powder of each halfe an ounce Asarum in powder two drams Aloes and Opium of each a dram with the juice of Fleawort make little Trosses Take a dram at a time Stocher prax cap. 32. fol. 166. The outward use It is used with Oyle to annoynt the body before the cold fit of Agues to warm it as also against the coldnesse and weaknesse of the finews and the Sciatica or Hip-Gout Used with Water and Honey it amendeth the discolouring or blemishes of the skin it helpeth the Mother and cold Diseases of the Womb as well by bathing as suming Being made into powder and cast into moist Wounds and Sores it dryeth up the moisture thereof The hurtfull quality Hot and dry bodies must not be too busie with Costus for that is proper only for cold and moist bodies The Dose The Dose in powder is from a dram to a dram and a halâ—e Compounds made of Costus 1. Electuary Caryo â—ostinum 2. Piluâ—â—e Mato costinae 3. Oyle if Costus CHAP. XXI De Croco Of Saffron SAffron is a Drug so common that 't is needlesse to describe it The Names It is called in Latine Crocus and Crocum in English Saffron The Temperament Saffron is hot in the second degree and dry in the first The best kinde The best is that which is new well coloured and hath the tops of it a little white in the very end long tough not soon brayed of a most fragrant smell which being moistned dyeth the hand and being tasted it coloureth the spittle and staineth the teeth The Duration It will keep good saith Platearius five years if it be kept in a bag of Leather but Plinie saith it is best to keep it in a box of horne Plin. Nut. lib. 21. cap. 20. The inward use Saffron is profitable for the Head Stomach Heart Liver Spleen Bladder Womb Animall Vitall and Naturall spirits It is usefull in cold Diseases of the Brain and Nerves quickens the memory and senses doth much comfort the heart and recreateth the spirits and makes them chearfull that use it therefore 't is called Corhominis 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 bag of Saffron It expells venomous vapours from the heart and therefore is very usefull in the Plague Pestilence and Small Pox strengthneth the stomach preserveth the entralls helpeth concoction and naturall heat it is very profitable for the Lungs and Phthifis or consumption of the Lungs and shortnesse of the breath therefore by some it is called Anima pulmonum the soule of the Lungs It is good in the Pleurisie openeth the stoppings of the Liver and Gall therefore is usefull in the Jaundise and against Melancholly provoketh Urine and Venus hastneth Child-birth is procures a good colour to them that use it and drives away drunkennesse as Authours say but I rather believe it hasteneth drunkennesse by fuming up to the Brain for 't is apparent that it provokes sleep and drowsinesse It is profitable in fits of the Mother especially the tincture thereof It is best for old persons such as are flegmatick and melancholick and that in the winter season The manner of administring it It is given in Powder Potions c. A Powder to bring away the Birth or After-Birth Take Saffron Cinamon of each a dram make them in Powder and give it in Posset-drink Or Take of Saffron a scruple of Cassia lignea a dram make them into Powder and give it as before A Potion for the same Take of Saffron in powder a dram of Mithridate two scruples or a dram dissolve them in sweet Wine and give it Against shortnesse of breath Take of Saffron in powder a scruple of Musk in powder a graine give them in Wine Against a Rheume that is ready to suffocate and shortnesse of Breath Take of the juice of Ocymum or Basill halfe an ounce of Saffron in powder a scruple Musk a graine mix them together and take it To expell the Small Pox or Measells Take of Saffron in powder five graines ten graines or more give it in Posset-drink The outward Vse It is outwardly used against the Gout to ease the paine thereof being mixed with the yelk of an Egge and Oyle of Roses and applied A Cataplasme or Pultis made of Saffron Milke and the crums of Bread being applied mollifieth Tumours and Aposthumes It easeth soar eyes and blood-shotten being used with red Roses and the white of an Egge Being mixed with red Rose-water and Womans milk it preserveth the eyes from the Small Pox and Measles it is used against Erysipelas or Wild-fire and inflamations it helpeth deafnesse if it be mixed with Oyle of bitter Almonds and put into the ear warm or dip black Wool in some of it and put it into the ears It killeth the Itch and is used in Pultisses for the Matrix and Fundament to ease the pain thereof and also for old Swellings and Aches Against a vehement paine of the head Take Saffron Gum Arabicke Euphorbium Myrrhe and Nutmeg in powder of each two drams mix them with the white of an Egge and apply it to the Fore-head and Temples A Collyrie for the paines of the eyes and to stay defluxion of humours Take of Saffron two drams red Roses halfe an ounce Gum Arabick three drams Opium and Spikenard of each a dram rose-Rose-water or Plantaine-water halfe a pint or more make a Collyrie and wash the eyes often with it An Oyntment against the Piles and the Disease called a Fig in the Fundament Take the yelk of an Egge and an ounce of Oyle of Roses beat them well together then add white Sugar and white Sugar-Candy in powder halfe an ounce Saffron in powder two scruples Apply it to the Fundament and if the pain be more inward dip a piece of linnen cloath in it and put it up The hurtfull quality Saffron causeth head-ach offendeth the brain and senses brings drowsinesse and hurts the fight it causeth a loathing of the stomach and takes away the appetite and provokes laughter especially being taken in too great a quantity Vid. Rudolph Camerar syllog memorab med cent 3. cap. 44. fol. 167. Some write that if two or three drams thereof be taken it brings death It is not safe to give it to women with Child The Dose The Dose is from a scruple to a scruple and a halfe but for Children the Dose must be lesse Of such Medicines as are made of Saffron 1. Tincture or
Essence of Saffron 2. Extract of Saffron 3. Chymicall Oyle 4. Trosses of Saffron 5. Crocomagma 6. Species Diacrocuma 7. Elect. de Ovo 8. Oleum crocinum 9. Emplastrum Oxycroceum CHAP. XXII De Curcuma Of Turmericke TVrmerick is a root like Ginger but yellow like Saffron within and without and not so flat as Ginger but rounder hot in the tast and bitterish but nothing so bitter being fresh by reason of the moysture in it as when it is dry The Names It is called in Latine Cyperus Indicus Crocus Indicus and Curcuma in English Turmerick The temperament Turmericke is hot and dry in the second degree or as some say in the third degree The best sort The best roots are those that are yellowest and soundest not worm-eaten The duration It will keep good many years The inward Vse It is very effectuall to open the stoppings of the Stomach Liver Gall Bladder and Womb it is much used against the yellow Jaundise and is very good in the Dropsie and Green-sicknesse for it openeth obstructions very much and helpeth to bring down the menses or womens courses The manner of administring it It is given in Powder Pills Decoction c. The outward use It is outwardly used to take away the hair and is put into those Medicines that are made for the eyes and for the Itch and Scab if some juice of Oranges and the Oyle of the Cocar or Indian Nut be mixed with it as Gartias saith Gart. ab horto Aromat hist l. 1. cap 39. It is much used to colour wooden dishes cups and such like in stead of Saffron The Indians use it much both to colour and season their meats and broths because it is cheaper then Saffron The hurtfull quality It must not be given to hot and dry bodies The Dose In powder the Dose is from a scruple to a dram in decoction from a dram to two drams or more Cuscutha see Epithymum CHAP. XXIII De Cyclamine Of Sow-Bread CYclamen or common Sow-bread is an hearb that hath leaves like Ivy or Asarabacco only the upper part of the leaves have here and there white spots and that side of the leafe which is next the ground is of a purple colour the root is round like Turnep black without and white within with many small threads or strings The Names It is called in Latine Cyclaminus Cyclamen Arthanita and Panis porcinus in English Sow-bread The temperament Sow-bread is hot and dry in the third degree The duration It will keep good a yeare The inward use Sow-bread purgeth tough flegme and water and is effectuall to take away obstructions or stoppings of all the inward parts helps the Collicke comming of thick flegme It is usefull in any Head-ach and in cold Diseases of the Brain and Nerves 't is profitable in shortnesse of breath in the Jaundise and expells choller by sweat openeth stopping of the Liver Spleen Reins Bladder and Womb also cleanseth the impurity thereof brings downe the courses violently provokes Urine openeth the mouths of the vessells and provokes the Hemroids helpeth the Dropsie and any hard swelling of the Spleen or Liver Being drunk with wine it expelleth poyson and venome The wine wherein Cyclamen hath been boyled doth help the stopping of the Spleen The root saith Plinie if it be put into a cup of wine it makes as many drunk as drink thereof Plin. Nat. Hist lib. 25. cap. 9. fol. 229. The manner of administring it It is given in decoction in powder and in juice The outward use The root boyled in Oyle of bitter Almonds or Oyle of Camomill and dropped into the ears cures Deafnesse and Noyse in the ears or the root bruised with Peach-kernells bitter Almonds and infused two or three dayes in a little Aqua vitae then presse out the juice or creamy substance and drop some of it into the ears It cures foul Vlcers and Fistulaes and takes away the hardnesse thereof consumes proud flesh dissolveth all cold swellings and scrophulous tumours The juice put up with wooll openeth the Hemroids and moveth to the stool strongly The same helpeth the Pin and Web in the eye being infused with Honey and put in the juice snuffed up purgeth the brain from offensive humours but be not too busie with it because it is a sharp Medicine If the belly be bath'd with the juice it will provoke to stool and that strongly and also killeth Worms The root being applied provokes the courses it cleanseth all deformities of the skin as freckles and spots and the marks of the Small Pox and Measles The juice or the decoction thereof with Vineger taketh away the falling of the haire if the place be bath'd therewith Applied to the region of the Spleen it easeth the hardnesse thereof the juice mixed with Honey or Plantaine-water helpeth all manner of fores in the Mouth or Throat or the Tooth-ach being washed therewith A decoction thereof healeth Wounds the running sores in the head bones or members out of joynt Kibes or Chilblaines and the Gout the root bruised and applied with Honey draweth forth splinters thorns and pieces of loose bones the root in powder mingled with Honey helpeth the fleshinesse that groweth in the Nose if it be therewith anoynted but 't is best to mix other things with it because of its sharpnesse Bruised and applied to the biting of any venomous Beast it helpeth the same Being burnt and the ashes mixed with Vineger and applied to the Hip it helpeth the Hip-Gout The leaves laid to the Navill and secret parts doth much help Women in Travell or the root hanged about them in their Travell The distilled water from the root saith Matthiolus snuffed up into the Nostrills stayeth the bleeding thereof wonderfully and if you give six ounces of the water to drink with an ounce of Suger it will stop the blood that cometh from the breast stomack or liver or if any veine be broken in them Matthiol in lib. 2. Diascor 159. fol. 407. The juice mingled with Vineger helpeth the falling downe of the fundament if it be anointed therewith The juice of Sow-bread and the juice of Plantaine of each a like quantity mixed together and Aloes Myrrhe and Olibanum added thereto stoppeth the bleeding of the nose if it be applyed to the nostrils and forehead An Errhine to purge the Head Take of the root of Sow-bread a dram of Elaterium a Scruple macerate or steep them in four ounces of Water and Honey one night Put up Tents dipped in the same into the Nose but beware of too frequent use thereof The dry powder is not safe to snuffe up without it be mingled with some other things The hurtfull quality and correction Sow-bread by reasons of its acrimony and biting faculty hurts the Liver and brings gnawing pains to the stomach neither must it be used inwardly without much caution It is dangerous for pregnant women or women with child to meddle with this herbe least they miscarry for it destroyeth the birth but
not so dangerous as some Authors fabulously report for Women to stride over or but to touch it It is not to be given without correcting helpe Now the correcting meanes are Mel Passulatum or Honey of Raisons Manna Mastick Syrup of Quinces or with species Diarrhodon Abbatis or with Oxymel and Hydromel or in powder it may be given with Chicken broth or Veale broth The Dose The Dose in substance is from a dram to a dram and a halfe The juyce is given from a dram to two drams or three drams Of such Medicines as are made of Sowbread First Vnguentum de Arthanita majus 2Vng de Arthanita minus CHAP. XXIV De Dactylis Of Dates DAtes are long and round fruits growing in the East and West Indies and in other places from whence we have them They abound in Indiae Syria Aegypt Arabia and such hot places The Names They are called in English Dates The best are called Cariotae and Phaenicobalanis which were also called Regiae because they were fittest for the dyet of Kings The Temperament Dates are hot and dry almost in the second degree and astringent or binding especially when they are not through ripe being through ripe they are hot and moist in the second degree some say hot and moist in the first degree The best sort The best Dates are such as are Yellowish in colour sweet ripe within new uncorrupt not worme-eaten and having their caps on therefore called Cap Dates for if the Caps fall off they soon decay The Duration Dates will not keep good long especially in the Summer time some will keep halfe a year or longer The inward Vse Dates yeeld a grosse and clammy and fatty or impingnating nourishment therefore they are used against Consumptions and wasting of the body they helpe the hoarsenesse and roughnesse of the throat the sharpe Cough by reason of sharpe rheume falling on the breast and lungs The decoction of them taken alayeth the force of hot Agues and stayeth spitting of blood the paine in the stomach and bowels by reason of a Flux and boyled in water and honey and taken doth refresh the spirits they somewhat provoke to Venery the decoction helpeth the weaknesse and paines in the back and bladder they strengthen the weaknesse of the Liver and Spleen being mixed with other convenient medicines They are used in broth 's against Consumptions and pining diseases and are counted restorative especially the sweet ones Dry Dates being eaten doe stop the belly and stay vomiting of women with childe and helpe against miscarying they stay womens courses and the bleeding and falling downe of the Fundament and Piles being taken in red Wine The manner of administring them They are given in brothes Decoctions and Electuaries A decoction against the Cough shortnesse of breath and the Plurisie Take of Dates six in number Figs four French Barley an ounce Raisons of the Sun stoned an ounce Sebesten and Jujubes of each fifteen Licoris halfe an ounce Maiden-haire Hysop Scabious Colts-foot of each halfe a handfull Cut the herbs and fruits and bruise the Licoris then boyle them in three pints of spring water to a quart straine it and drink of the clearest morning and evening seven or eight spoonfulls warme The outward Vse Dates made into a Poultis alone or with other things and applied to the stomack and belly stayeth the vomiting of Women with child The Decoction of Dates or the leaves of the Date-tree maketh the haireblack being often used and stayeth fretting Vlcers Being mixed with Wax and Saffron they helpe the black and blew marks remaining after stripes or blowes and reduceth the skin to its naturall colour Date stones being burnt and washed serve instead of Spodium to binde and restraine the fluent humours into the eyes and to consume the Pin and Web in them and to dry up Pushes being used with Spikenard it it stayeth the falling of the hair from the eye brows being mingled with wine and used it helpeth any Excressences of the flesh as Wens and such like and bringeth foul Vlcers to Cicatrising and stayeth the spreading of Vlcers A Poultis made of them and applyed helpeth any luxation or joynts out of place and they are used in astringent Cataplasmes or Pultises The hurtfull quality They breed ill and grosse humours and thick blood in the body and are hard of concoction especially in such as are of a hot constitution bring the head-ach obstruct the Liver and breed winde therefore they are not to be used by such as are troubled with the head-ach Collick or hot Livers These Medicines following are made of Dates First the Electuary Diaphoenicon mesuae 2 Diaphoenicon solidum 3 Electuarium resumptivum 4 Lohoch e Pino 5 Lohoch sanum experium Diagredium seu Scammonium CHAP. XXV De Dictamno Cretico Of Dittany of Creete or Candy DIttany of Crete is an hearb much like unto Penny-royal but hath greater leaves and hoary covered over with a soft downe and white woollen Cotten growing in Candy The Names It is called in Latine Dictamum and Dictamus or Dictamnum creticum also Dictamnus creticus and it is so called a dicte promontorio Cretae because plenty of it grows there in that mount in English Dittanie and Dittanie of Candy The temperament Dittany is hot and dry in the third degree of a biting nature especially being green The best kind The best is that which is newest white and not too full of strings The Duration It will keep a year or longer The inward Vse Dittany provokes the Courses hasteneth the birth and bringeth away the dead child and after birth It profits those that have the Dropsie Spleen swollen The juice drunken with wine is a present remedy for those that are bitten or stung by any venemous creature nay the herbe is so effectuall against the poyson of all beasts that are venemous that the very smell drives them away or if they do but touch the herbe The powder being mixed with hony and taken easeth the Cough an killeth Wormes and a decoction thereof taken is profitable in the Jaundies The distilled water is commended against the Pestilence if three ounces be drank morning and evening and sixe ounces thereof against Venome also three ounces thereof taken in a morning is profitable against the Stone The manner of administring it It is given in powder Electuary c. Powder to bring away the dead Childe Take of Dittany of Crete a dram of Saffron five grains make them in powder and give it in wine An Electuary against Venome Take Dittany of Candy round Birth-worth in powder of each halfe an ounce with six ounces of honey make an Electuary The Dose is from a scruple to a dram in wine or Carduus water The outward Vse A Pessarie made of the juice and the powder bringeth away the dead child and after birth being applyed A Bath or decoction made thereof and used all over cures the Jaundies The juice mixed with the powder help 's the
Vvula fallen being nointed therewith also the juyce mixed with womans milk taketh away the pain of the ears being put therein The root of Dittany and Acorus root in powder being snuffed up into the nostrils purgeth the brain The powder of Ditanie and Castor mixed with the juice of Rue and put up into the nose is good for those that have the falling-sicknes If a weak member be rubbed with the juice thereof it strengthneth the same It draweth forth thorns or splintes out of the feet or other parts being applyed It is reported that the wild Goats in Candy being wounded by the hunters with arrows doe by eating this herb drive them forth The juice is a present remedy for all wounds made with iron beeng put therein it doth mundifie and cleanse the same especially 't is commended for wounds made with venemous weapons The juice hath a purging faculty being anointed or applyed with Barley meal The hurtfull quality Beware of giving it to Women with child for it will soon cause them to miscarry 't is not for hot chollerick and dry bodies nor to be much used in hot seasons The Dose The powder is given from a scruple to a dram Of such things as are made of Dittanie First Distilled water of Dittanie 2. Diadictamnum Ebor seu cornu cervinum Ebulus seu Sambucus CHAP. XXVI De Elaterio Of Elaterium or the juice of wilde Cucumber ELaterium is the juice of wilde Cucumber dryed The Names It is called in Latine Elaterium and Elacterium The Temperament Elaterium is hot and dry in the second degree or as some hold in the third The best kinde The best Elaterium is that which is whitish 〈◊〉 gray light and bitter in tast The Duration Threophrastus lib. 9. cap. 14. saith that a Physician kept some Elaterium that was two hundred years old which notwithstanding was of much vertue I have kept some seven years and longer and I conceive that if it be well prepared and kept close from the aire it may keep ten years The inward use Elaterium purgeth Flegme Choller but chiefly water from the Abdomen or belly from the braine joynts nerves and veines It is profitable therefore in the Dropsie Green-sicknesse and joynt Gout in the head-ach whether Hemicrania or Cephalaea in the Falling-sicknesse Gout Shortnesse of breath Jaundies obstructions of the Liver and Spleen stoppings of the Courses and Hemrods as also in the Palsey and Quinsey The manner of administring it It is given in Pils Powder in Boles and in Potions Pils against the Dropsie Take of Pils called Alephanginae a scruple Elaterium three graines or four in a very strong body Mixe them together and make Pils Give them with Physicall observation Massaria fol. 481. Or Take of Pils of Rubarbe two scruples Pils Aggregative a scruple and a halfe Elaterium three graines with the juice of Ireos make pils Or Take Pils of Rubarbe Agarick trochiscated and in powder of each a scruple Rubarbe in powder halfe a scruple Elaterium three graines with the juice of Wormwood make Pils and take them as before Pils purging water and flegme from the joynts Take Pils Alephanginae halfe a scruple Pils Aggregative and Pils of Hermodactyls of each a scruple of Elaterium two or three grains with a little extract of Wormwood make pils thereof give these only to strong bodies A Powder against the Dropsie Take of Mechoachan in powder two scruples and a halfe speciâ— of Diaturbith 〈◊〉 â—ubarbe halfe a scruple Elaterium two or three grains Aâ—â—â—â—â—â— five grains Mastick three grains make a Powder hereof Or Take of Elaterium 6 grains of Soldanella or Sea-bindweed Ginger of each a scruple Galangal Cloves and Cinamon of each ten grains make a powder hereof for two Doses give it in any convenient liquor A Bole. Take of Elaterium two graines Diagredium two graines with a little conserve of Roses make a Bole. A Potion Take of Sene two drams Polypodium of the Oake three drams Damaask Prunes fix Anniseed sweet Fennel-seed Licoris bruised of each a dram bruise the Polypodium and make an infusion in strong Beer straine it and adde of Syrup of Roses laxative one one ounce of Elaterium two gaines make a Potion The externall use Elaterium boyled with Barley-meal and the yolke of an Egge or Eggs being applyed to Imposthumes ripeneth them and bringeth them to maturity and applyed with Terpentine it breaks them Also being mingled with Honey and Goats dung it dissolveth white swellings struma'es and other hard tumours if it be applyed thereunto Being mingled with Beane-flower and the juice of Fumitory it takes away spots and freckles of the face Elaterium boyled with the oyle of Lillies and Linseed-oyle cureth the Hemorrhoides that are much swollen An oyle made thereof is profitable for the nerves Palsey and trembling of the hands and being put into the ears it cures deafnesse It bringeth down Womens Courses that are stayed and killeth th the birth if it be applyed to the secret parts A Plaister against the Dropsie Take of the root of wilde Cucumbers bruised a pound macerate or steep it in a sufficient quantity of Vineger of Squils for the space of four and twenty hours then adde of Honey clarified two pound boyl them to the thicknesse of a Cerote then adde of Cummin-seed in fine powder four ounces make a Plaister and apply it to the belly warme An Oyntment for the Dropsie Take of the juice of wild Cucumber and of the juice of Walwort of each three ounces oyl of Sesanum seeds oyle of Orris of each two ounces Wax an ounce and two drams make an oyntment according to art with which annoynt the belly morning and evening warme The hurtful quality with the correcting means Elaterium hurts the inward parts provokes to vomit opens the mouths of the veins brings great gripings and torments in the belly killeth the birth though but outwardly applyed to the secret parts therefore it must not be given to women with child weak persons nor to such as have any inward inflammation or Ulcer in the bowels The best correctors of it are things that mitigate and allay the sharpenesse and acrimony of it and not such as are astringent but such as are a little cooling and moistning as Gum iragacanth Amylum and water of Honey sweet milk or Creame or conserve of Roses Violets juice of Licoris and with posset drink or with some cordiall spices It is not fafe to give it alone nor to any but such as have very strong and able bodies Of such things as are made of the juice of wilde Cucumber First an extract thereof 2 Syrup of the root of wild Cucumber Freitag aur med f. 343. 3 Oyle 4 Vnguentum Agrippae 5. Vnguentum Aregon The Dose The Dose is from two graines to four graines or five at the most CHAP. XXVII De Epithimo Cuscutha Of Dodder of Time and Dodder EPithymum and Dodder are plants like unto threads very much snarled or wrapped together confusedly winding
helpeth the pains in the sides and swellings of the Spleen cleanseth also the reins kidneys and bladder of the gravel and stone ingendred therein and hindreth the matter from growing and increasing to be a stone againe and provokes Urine aboundantly The constant use of the powder of the leaves and seeds doth cure the black Jaundies being taken in Wine The seeds purgelike Hellebor say the ancient but sure it is meant of Spartium of Diascorides or of Spanish-broom for our ordinary Brâ—om doth not work so nay we pickle the flowers and seeds in Vinegar calling them Broom-Capers and eat them with meat finding no ill quality in them but are excellent to stir up appetite to meat and helpe obstructions of the Spleen and to provoke Urine as also opens the Uritory parts The seeds and flowers being any way taken doe much preserve from the Gout and Stone The flowers being made into a conserve or preserve with Honey or Sugar and eaten off doe much consume the Kings evill The distilled water of the flowers is profitable for the aforesaid purposes and helpeth Surfets also altereth the fits of Agues being taken before the fit with some Centory water It is most excellent for to help the Kings evil if one ounce of the water be taken morning and evening for a months space or longer if need require The manner of administring it It is given in powder and decoction c. Against the Gout and Arthriticall pains Take of Broom-seeds a dram and a halfe of Mastick Roses and Cinnamon of each a scruple make them into powder and take it in broth this will draw flegmatick humours from remote parts and cause them to be voided both up and downe Or Take of Broom-seeds three drams Roses and Mastich of each a scruple make them into powder and give a dram thereof in broth or in Water and Honey The outward Vse The tops or flowers of Broome bruised and mixed with Hogs-grease cure the ach or pains of the knee as also the Gout or bruise or any swelling by reason of humours falling downe The flowers also bruised and mixed with Honey and Roses or the white of an Egge beaten together and applied consume the hard swelling of the Kings evil The juice of the young branches made into an ointment with Hogs-grease and anointed or the young branches bruised or flowers and heated in oyle or Swines-grease and laid to the sides that are pained either by the winde as in stitches and the like or in the Spleen easeth them in once or twice using it The same boyled in oyle is a safe and sure medicine to kill Lice and other vermine breeding in the head or body The juice boyled with oyle and applyed helpeth the Sciatica or Hip-gout The juice alone or mixed with Honey and applyed cures green wounds and putrified Ulcers The flowers and tops being bruised and applyed help the biting of Serpents and venemous creatures The Oyl distilled from the root and seeds is very usefull to take away spots freckles and deformities of the skin being applyed A decoction of the tops of Broom easeth the Tooth-ach being washed therewith Note that the flowers will not endure any long decocting or boyling The hurtfull quality and corrective means Because it doth offend the stomach and heart let it be given with Roses Mastich Anniseed Fennel-seed or with Honey of Roses The Dose The seeds are given from a dram to a dram and a halfe or two drams The juice of the flowers from a dram to two drams or three drams The powder of the dry flowers from a dram to two drams The powder of the dry root from two drams to halfe an ounce in broth or such like The juice of the root from a dram to halfe an ounce with Hydromel or water and honey Of those things that are made of Broom The distilled water of the branches and flowers Conserve of the flowers Salt of Broom The flowers preserved with Sugar CHAP. 33. De Gentianae radice of Gentian Root GEntian hath leaves like with ribs like Plantain but bigger and more like the leaves of white Hellebore the stalks are full of joynts and hollow the leaves grow by couples at every joynt the flowers are yellow the root is long and thick of the colour of earth without and yellowish within The names It is called in Latine Gentiana and 't is so called from Gentius King of the Illyrians who brought it first into use and credit in English 't is called Gentian and Felwort The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree or hot in the third degree and dry in the second The best sort The best is that which is yellow within sound without holes bitter and not easie to be broken The best saith Pliny is that which is found in Illyricum or Sclavonia The duration It will keep good a yeer or two The inward use The root is chiefly in use It is alexipharmacall opening and attenuating and avails in the Pestilence and contageous diseases against the stinging of venemous beasts and against the biting of mad dogs and preserves from putrefaction also in stoppings of the liver and spleen or for such as are liver-grown as they call it in the Dropsie and suffocation of the Mother and against Convulsions Falling Sicknesse Ruptures pains of the side bruises Wormes and debility or weaknesse of the stomack dissolveth congealed bloud and provokes the courses It brings away the birth after-birth and dead childe it is useful in the cough shortnesse of breath and gripings of the stomack and belly Being steeped in wine and drunk it refresheth those that are over wearied with travel and are by cold and ill lodging abroad grown lame in their joynts It is good against all Agues a decoction thereof being taken or the powder thereof also the decoction thereof helpeth the Stone and stopping of Urine It repelleth winde very much in the body and is profitable in all cold diseases for could we but like this and other bitter things it would effect very much in curing of many desperate diseases The Italians not undeservedly do call the Croswort Gentian Petimborsa quasi mettere in bursa put it in your purse either as Matthiolus saith that it was to be gathered wheresoever it was found and fit to be kept in our purse as ready to be used upon all occasions or that it did by curing of diseases get store of crowns to be put into the purse The distilled water of the leaves flowers and roots hath neer the same vertue and is excellent to cure Agues that proceed from obstructions of humours or bloud and killeth Wormes consumes all viscuous humours in the stomack provokes the courses in women and helpeth a stinking breath you may give two or three spoonfuls of the water morning and evening but before the fit of an Ague you may give two or three ounces thereof The manner of administring it It is given in decoction powder c. Against the biting of a mad
three grains make an infusion in water or white wine according to art of which being streined give three ounces In substance Take of black Hellebore-root prepared and in powder give it in Oxymel Or Take a dram of black Hellebore-root of Anise-seed Fennell-seed Cynamon Mastick of each ten graine make them into powder and give it in broth The externall use It is outwardly used against the Leprosie Morphew Scab Itch Warts and Pushes of the skin being boyled with vineger and bathed therewith The powder put into Fistulaes or hollow Ulcers doth soon heal them and if there be callons or hard flesh grown in the Fistula the root left in it for two or three dayes will consume it quite and put into a wound where dead or spongious flesh is it consumes it and preserves the flesh from putrefaction A decoction thereof helpeth the tooth-ach and the sores of the mouth being gargled and being put into the eares it helpeth the noyse thereof A Pessary made of the root and put up prevailes wonderfully to bring down the termes or courses in women A Cataplasme or Poultis made of the root with Barley-meale and wine is good to be applyed to the bellies of such as have the Dropsy In time of the Pestilence it is usefully applyed to or in any sores either in the groine or under the arme or an issue made and a piece of the root put in to keep it open doth much avail to draw sorth corrupt humours out of the body The root is in use to rowell cattel withall and to help them of the cough Being put upon the swollen Hemorrhoides it cleanseth them Against the Gowt Boyle the herbe or root in salt water and bath with it also lay the herb or root boyled to the affected part For wormes in the ears Take of the powder of black Hellebore-root half an ounce of the juice of Rue or Assmart four ounces mix them together and put thereof into the eares For the scurffe of the head Boyl the roots of Lupines in vineger and adde to it powder of black Hellebore and anoint with it wash the head after with warme water The hurtfull quality with its corrective help The ancient Writers counted it very dangerous though not so dangerous as the white yet that it worketh not without trouble and difficulty therefore it is not to be given but to robustick and strong bodies because it bringeth convulsions which happily may be spoken concerning Hellebore in substance of such as did grow in hotter clymates then ours is or of some other kinde then we now use for we do not finde any such great danger in any of that which is now in use with us yet 't is not safe to give it to children women with childe or weak persons It is corrected with Mastick Cynamon Anise-seed Origanum c. to a dram of Hellebore adde half a scruple of any of these It is given more safely in decoction or in infusion then in substance The Antients did infuse the root a day and night in vineger and then used it Macerate or steep the bark casting away the middle three dayes in Quince-wine or Muskadell dry it and keep it for your use It may be given also in broth with some seeds as before mentioned Also you may give it in wine of Raisons Oxymel syrupe of Quinces or with juice of Quinces Some give it with Scammonie to quicken its vertue Note that all preparations of Hellebore vvhich are made by sharp and acute liquours such as are spirit of wine Anise-seed-water or spirit of Anise-seed Aromatickes or oile of such also the putting Hellebore into Radish-root and so to take it except you desire a vomiting or turbatory medicine to be made of white or black Hellebore are to be rejected The Dose The dose in substance is from a scruple to two scruples in infusion or decoction from a dram to two drams or more Such Medicines as are made of black Hellebore The distilled water of black Hellebore both of the leaves and roots The extract thereof Syrup of Roses solutive with Hellebore Oxymel Helleboratum CHAP. 38. De Hermodactylis of Hermodactiles HErmodactyles are whitish roots about the bignesse of a Chesnut smooth flattish and sharp at the one end but somewhat fuller at the other growing upon I know not what plant comming from I know not what place and truly may be called opprobrium medicorum the shame or disgrace of Physicians The names This root is called in Latine Hermodactylus in English Hermodactyle and Hermodactyles The temperament They are hot and dry in the second degree The best kinde The best are such as are white both within and without of some good bignesse which being lightly bruised and made in powder look like wheat-flower and of a pleasant and sweet taste Such as are worm-eaten are to be rejected The duration They will keep good three or four yeers The inward use They purge chiefly thick and tough flegme from the joynts therefore they profit in any kinde of Gowt yea they are so available in the Gowt that this root is called Theriaca Arthritidis Treacle for the Gowt It is used also in the French Pox The manner of administring They are given in potions drinks Pils c. A Potion Take of Hermodactyles cut in thin slices or bruised Sene Epithymum of each two drams Raisons of the Sun stoned half an ounce licorish bruised a dram Ginger bruised half a dram make an infusion in a sufficient quantity of water upon hot embers all night strain it to which add of syrup of Roses one ounce A purging Drink against watery humours Take of Hermodactyles of Lignum vitae of each three ounces Mechoacan foure ounces Ginger two drams Sarsaparilla Licorish of each two ounces of Nutmegs two drams of Seabind-weed one ounce a half cut and bruise those those things that are to be cut bruised put them all in a vessell with three gallons of new Beer in a bag adding thereto of Seue an ounce After six dayes take a draught of it in the morning and before supper D. Sadlerus Prax. Med. f. 205 The externall use They are outerwardly used in the Gowt to ease pain they are also good to cleanse wounds and to consume proud flesh therein as also to heal old wounds and Ulcers A Poultes to ease the Gowt Take of new milk a quart Barley-meal a pinte or more Harmodactyles in powder three ounces the yolks of foure Eggs Saffron in powder two drams crumbs of bread so much as is sufficient to make a poultes apply it warm Or Take new Cow-dung a pound and a halfe Hogs-grease half a pound or twelve ounces Hermodactyles in powder two ounces and a half make a poultes and apply it The hurtfull quality and the corrective means There are two things in the use of Hermodactyles to be minded First that the hurtfull quality may be taken away for it troubleth the stomach and causeth windinesse now to help this let it be mixed with
Cummin-seed Mastick Ginger Long-pepper Mint Cynamon Cloves or Mace Secondly that means be used to quicken its slow operation and for of it self it works but slowly by sharp means Mesue commends Sea-onion for this purpose if Trosses be made of the juice thereof with the powder of Hermodactyle Ginger and Sal gem Neither is it unprofitable to this purpose if you make Trosses or little cakes thereof with Ginger and the juice of Radish In purging from the joynts it will be proper to mix with it a little Eupherbium well corrected Also if the essence thereof be drawn forth with spirit of wine or the like it will be very usefull for the forenamed diseases They are rarely given alone but by decoction infusion or mixed with something to correct the noxious or hurtfull quality thereof These compounds are made of Hermodactyles Pils of Hermodactyles Pils Arthriticall Electuary Caryocostinum Electuary benedicta laxativa extract thereof Pulvis Arthriticus The Dose They are given in substance from two scruples to a dram and a half in infusion or decoction from two drams to three drams CHAP. 39. De Hyperico of Saint Johns-wort SAint Johnswort is an herb that hath brownish upright hard round stalks two foot high having two small leaves set one against another at every place which are of a deep green colour somewhat like the leaves of lesser Centory but narrower and full of small holes in every leaf which are easily perceived being held up against the light the flowers are yellow which being bruised yield a reddish juice the root is hard and woody with divers strings of a brownish colour The names It is called in Latine Hypericon and Hypericum also of some Fuga Demonum quia Daemon inde fugere creditur because they superstitiously imagine that it drove away the Devil Some call it Perforata because of the smal holes in the leaves that seem to be bored through In English it is called Saint Johns-wort and Saint Johns-grasse The temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree and of subtile parts The duration It will keep good a yeer The inward use It is diuretical and vulnerary A dram of the seeds being taken doth purge choler causeth the stone to come away kils Wormes resists venome and helpeth the biting of venemous creatures also provokes urine and the courses in Women and helps the Falling sicknesse Palsey and Sciatica being drunk fourty dayes together A decoction thereof cures tertian and quartane Agues it is most excellent for all inward wounds in any place and for congealed bloud or spitting of bloud or vomiting bloud by reason of a vein broken in any place it is very useful in all vulnerary potions for it resolves opens consolidates and is of a glutinous nature and truly I know not a better wound herb Being made into powder and taken in Wine it cureth the Gowt and is much commended against the Jaundise The Salt of S. Johns-Wort helpeth the Plurisey and expelleth the Stone you may give a dram thereof in any convenient liquor The distilled water of S. Johns Wort profiteth such as have the Falling sicknesse especially taken with the root or seeds of Pyony as also the Apoplexie and Palsey the dose is two or three ounces every day It also stayeth the Flux of the belly being taken with Red Wine and cureth inward wounds The manner of administring it It is given in decoction or in powder Against the Jaundise Take of the herbe and flowers of St. Johns-wort two handfulls boile them in a pinte and a halfe of Wine or water straine it and give of it with Sugar for divers mornings together This â—toâ—herus doth much commend and further adviseth to put the herbe in your Shoes bosome and to weare it about your head Stocher prax aur f. 185. Against spitting or vomiting of blood Take of the seeds of â—t Johns-wort in powder halfe a dram or a dram of the juice of Knot-grasse one ounce or of plantaine-Plantaine-water two ounces of syrup of Quinces halfe an ounce mix them together and take it The outward use The leaves cure all green wounds except such as are in the head as also burnes and scalds The herbe dryed and made into powder is effectuall to cure wounds and sores and rotten festered Ulcers being strewed thereon The distilled water cures also wounds being washed therewith The Oile of St. Johns-wort either simple or compound is good for all green wounds and old sores and Ulcers in the legs or else where that are hard to be cured and is effectuall for all Cramps and aches in the joynts and paines in the Reines but the compound Oile is much better The simple Oile is made thus Take foure ounces of the flowers of St. Johns-wort infuse them in a pinte of Sallet-Oile and three ounces of white Wine set them in the Sunne for ten or twelve dayes then boyle them in a Balneo or Kettle of seething water straine it and put in new flowers and let it stand so long againe then straine it as before and renew it a third time and straine it againe which being hot put two ounces of pure Turpentine to it and keep it for green wounds or sinevvs that are prickt or any vvound made vvith a venomous vveapon Gerard hath a compound Oile made thus Take vvhite Wine tvvo pintes oile-Olive foure pounds oile of Turpentine tvvo pounds the leaves flovvers and seeds of St. Johns vvort tvvo great handfulls gently bruised put them altogether into a great double Glasse and set it in the Sun 8 or 10 dayes then boile them in the same Glasse per balneum Mariae that is in a kettle of vvater vvith some stravv in the bottome vvherein the Glasse must stand to boile vvhich done straine the liquor from the herbs and do as you did before putting in the like quantity of herbs flovvers and seeds but not any more Wine Another Oile of St. Johns-wort excellent against wounds Take of Sallet-Oile tvvo pound of earth vvormes vvashed and flit five ounces of the flovvers and tops of St. Johns-vvort halfe a pound of small Centory-flovvers and of the tops of svveet Trefoile of each tvvo drams Gum Elmne one ounce let them stand in the Sun certaine dayes then straine it and keep it for your use you may add some Turpentine if you vvill The Dose The seeds are given from a dram to tvvo drams Of such things as are made thereof The distilled vvater Salt Tincture thereof Oile CHAP. 40. De Jalapio of Jalap JAlap is a root like Mechoacan but covered vvith a black bark and grayish vvithin being put to the fire a gumminesse vvill arise and sometimes flame It is brought to us in thinne slices some bigger some lesser In taste it is pleasant but gummie vvhereby it stickes to the teeth being chevved The Names It is called Bryonia mechoacan nigricans Chelopa Celopa Celapa Gelapum Gelapo Jalapium Jalapa Jalappa Jalappium Gialapa Mechoacanna nigra Salapa Xalapa Zaqualtipan Rhabarbarum nigrum In
successe but the best and safest way is to give it with infusion of Sene with creame of Tartar or with a decoction of prunes and Tamarinds c. Actuarius meth med f. 340. VVecher antid spec f. 222. Theod. Dorstenius de herb caet simpl med f. 285. Constantinus Afric de gradibus f. 347. Fernel meth med l. 5. f 112. Tragos hist Ind. med f. 110. Matthiol Comment in lib. 1. Diascor f. 85. VVhether the Manna now in use among Physicians be such as the children of Israel had in the. wildernesse To which I answer in the negative and that for these reasons First because that Manna which the Israelites had was miraculous and but for a time Joshua 5.11 12. Nehemiah 9.20 21. now that it was miraculous appeares plainely by that place in Exod. 16.18 And when they did mete it with an Omer he that gathered much had nothing over and he that gathered little had no lack But our Manna has continued many yeares Secondly the heat of the Sun melted that but the heat of the Sun or fire condenses or hardens ours Thirdly that putrefied in one night when it was kept contrary to Gods command Exod. 16.20 ours doth not so but is durable and will keep good many monethes Fourthly that was hard to be ground in a Mill or beat in a Morter Numb 8.11 ours not so but soft and being put on the tongue it melts Fifthly that was nourishing ours purging Sixthly that fell all the yeare except on the Sabbath ours is gathered in the Summer CHAP. 45. De Mastiche of Mastich MAstick is a gum or a gummie rosen in small whitish graines flowing from the Lentisk-tree It is called in Latine Mastiche and Mastix in English Mastich or Masticke The temperament Mastick is hot and dry in the third degree The best kinde The best is that which is cleere splendent white and brittle and is brought from the Isle of Chio. The duration It will keep good many yeares The inward use Mastick is excellent for the stomach and doth much strengthen the same stayeth vomiting and nauseous subversions thereof and helps the retaining vertue of the stomach and brings good concoction and digestion It stoppeth the flux of the belly and profits those that spit blood and that have coughs being taken with syrup of Colts-foot or the like it stayeth the acrimonie or sharpnesse of strong purging medicines and is a good corrector of them it stayeth thin distillations falling from the braine and thikneth them especially in Fevers and preventeth the Falling-sicknesse and giddinesse of the head arising from vapours if a few graines thereof be taken after meate and helpeth also the stinking of the breath If three or foure graines thereof be taken at night when you go to bed it easeth all paines in the stomach and prevents the like for the future The powder of Mastick with Amber and Venice-Turpentine is good against the running of the reines and for both whites and reds in women Plinie saith it provoketh urine Plin. Nat. Hist l. 24. c. 7. f. 184. Oile of Mastick chymicall is usefull for the forenamed diseases The manner of administring it It is given in decoction in electuary in powder c. In decoction Take of mastick halfe an ounce boile it in three or foure pintes of water Give of the decoction often to drink of It is profitable in loosenes and fluxes of the belly .. Schroder Pharm med chym l. 4. f. 194. Mastick must not be too much boiled for feare of losing its vertue An electuary for the cough proceeding from thin rheume and against spitting of blood Take of mastick and Olibanum in powder of each two scruples Conserve of red Roses two ounces Diacodion halfe an ounce mixe them together and take thereof morning and evening as much as a small nutmeg The outward use Mastick being infused or steeped in rose-Rose-water is good to wash the mouth withall to fasten loose teeth and to strengthen the gums or mastick heated in wine and the Gums mouth and teeth washed therewith cleanseth the corruption thereof and fastneth the loosenesse both of Gums and Teeth It is used in ointments and plaisters to mundifie and heale ulcers and sores to stay the freeting fluxes of humours to them to dry them up and to fill up the hollownesse It strengtheneth and bindeth also the parts whereunto 't is applied and comforteth the aking joynts and sinews very much it is used also in plaisters and ointments to strengthen and comfort the stomach Mastick dissolved in milk and dropped into the eyes takes away the dimnesse thereof The teeth being rubbed with the powder thereof it whitens them Being held in the mouth and chewed upon it doth dry and comfort the brain draweth flegme from the brain and stayeth the falling down of humours and also causeth a sweet breath It is used to lay the haires of the eye-lids even The same spread on Velvet or Plush and laid upon the temples stayeth the Rheume from falling down and easeth the tooth-ach It knitteth broken bones The oile of Mastick made by infusion and ebullition or boiling is mollifying comforting and binding very usefull in diseases of the Mother against all pains in the belly and stomach the hardnesse of tumours and pains of the joynts and sinews it also comforteth the brain and strengtheneth the liver and heart Against pain of the temples proceeding from vapours ascending up to the brain Take of Mastick and Olibanum in powder of each half an ounce Bole Armoniack in powder two drams with the white of an Egg and a little Vineger make a poultesse and apply it on lint or towe to the temples Against chaps of the hands and lips Take of Mastick in powder half an ounce Deers-suet an ounce Oile of Roses four ounces make an Ointment by meking the Deers-suet with the Oile and keeping it stirred when it is almost cold put in the Mastick and keep it for your use The hurtfull quality Mastick causeth belchings in the stomach against which you may eat Carraway or Anise-seed-Comfits The Dose The Dose is from five grains to ten or twelve but give not too much of it Of such Medicines as are made of Mastick Pils of Mastick spirit of Mastick Oile Chymicall of Mastick Aqua Mastichina Oile by infusion and boiling Ointment of Mastick CHAP. 46. De Mechoacana of Mechoacan MEchoacan is a whitish root cut in thin slices brought to us from beyond the Sea somewhat like white Brionie-root The names It is called in Latine Mechoacanna Mechoacana Mechoaca Mechoaca Peruviana Mechoacanum Indicum Rhabarbarum album Rhabarbarum Mechoacanum in English 't is called Mechoacan Mechoaca and Indian Bryonie Now it is called Mechoacan because it is brought from a place in the Province of New Spain called Mechoacan neere the City Mexico The temperament Mechoacan is hot in the first degree and dry in the second consisting of an airie substance and subtile parts as also of an earthy quality or somewhat binding The best kinde The
and joints heart and liver and binde all other loose or fluent humours in the parts of the body and are very effectuall for the trembling of the heart and to stir up the appetite stay vomiting and restraineth the fury and belching of choler qualifieth the great heat of the inward parts and allayeth thirst giveth ease to those that are troubled with the Hemorrhoides or Piles by restraining the fiercenesse of choler flowing into them and for this last effect the Citrine are most used The Indies or black Myrobalans do purge Melancholy and black or a dust choller and therefore are available for the quartane Ague the Leprie and all Paraliticall diseases and they cause a good colour of the face They are brought over unto us preserved especially the Chebules and Emblicks whereof the Chebules are more used physically for such purposes as are before set downe then the Emblicks are Note that the rinde is to be used when you finde them in any receipt and not the stone The manner of administring them They are given in decoction in infusion and in powder but the decoction or infusion doth purge better then any way else yet so gently that they binde and strengthen the stomach liver and heart but given in powder they binde more then they purge A Potion against the Dysenterie flux Take of red Roses of Plantaine of each two drams of Licoris bruised halfe an ounce Raisons of the Sun stoned and Tamarinds of each six drams of yellow Myrobalans halfe an ounce boile them gently in a sufficient quantity of water and Honey strain it in which steep or infuse of Rubarbe foure scruples of Spicknard half a scruple let them stand five or six houres straine it and adde syrup of Quinces or syrup of red Roses an ounce make a Potion and give it Against a loosenesse of the body Take and burne a pinte of Clarret wine with a little Rose-mary and Sugar in which put to steep all night a dram of Rubarbe a little dryed at the fire and halfe a dram of Chebule Myrobalanes which standing by the fire all night and strained forth in the morning is to be taken at two severall times a draught in the morning fasting which if it help not sufficiently the first time being renued and taken two dayes more will certainly stay the laske wholly if the malignity and sharpnesse of the humours be not too strong that scarce any medicine will cure it Parkinson in his Herball folio 248. The outward use The Citrine are used in Collyries or medicines for the eyes with the juice of Fennell or Rose-water and against the inflammations and flowing of humours to the eyes the powder thereof with Mastick or Rose-water is used in Ulcers to heale them and dry them The powder of the kernels is used against dimnesse of the eyes or to take away the web therein or the powder thereof infused in Rose-water and dryed and then infused two or three times more and dry them then make it in powder and use it The Bellerick stay the flowing of the Hemorrhoides and help the falling of the haire the affected place being bathed with the decoction thereof and the powder strewed on afterwards and it makes the haire become blacker The hurtfull quality with the corrective help Although these may be given without any danger or detriment yet they are not to be used in obstructions or stoppings of the inward parts nor where the body is much bound nor in feavers They are profitably infused in Whey or Posset-drink or in the juice of Fumitory or juice of Worme-wood adding a little Spikenard or Honey thereto That they offend not the stomach being stopt they may be infused in Oile of sweet Almonds and rubbed with ones hands and then dryed Some give them in fat broth as with the pulp of Raisons or with Honey and Raisons of the Sun boiled together Others give them with Manna Cassia Conserve or syrup of Violets Others mixe a little Scammonie with them to quicken their slow operation They may be given also with infusion of Sene Hydromel or water and Honey or with opening and diureticall things or such things as provoke urine Note that the infusion of Myrobalanes doth only purge and little or nothing binde the body the decoction there of doth both purge and binde the powder of them doth also purge and binde but more binde then purge and being dried and so given they only constringe or binde the body The Dose The dose of them in infusion and decoction is from three drams to six drams or to an ounce in substance the dose is from halfe a dram to two drams or more Of the compounds made of Myrobalanes Pils of Myrobalans extract of Myrobalans Syrup of the five kinds Myrobalanes preserved CHAP. 48. De Myrrha of Myrrhe Myrrhe is a gum or concreted gummie juice of a certaine tree growing in Arabia Aethiopia and other places of a reddish colour Stacte is the purer part of Myrrhe or liquid Myrrhe sweating out from the tree of its owne accord before the tree be cut The names It is called in Latine Myrrha in English Myrrhe The temperament Myrrhe is hot and dry in the third degree The best kinde The best is that which is pinguous or fatty reddish and cleare having some whitish veines in it very bitter and light That which is heavy and blacke is to be rejected The difference between Bdellium and Myrrhe Bdellium in sight is somewhat like to Myrrhe but may be distinguished thus Myrrhe is extreame bitter so is not Bdellium againe Myrrhe is easier to be broken and of a more quick sharp sent The duration Myrrhe will keep good many yeares Platearius saith it will keep good a hundred yeares The inward use Myrrhe is opening discussing glutinative and drying it resisteth putrefaction and is usefull in stoppings of the wombe brings down the courses and expells the childe living or dead being taken with a decoction of Lupines ane the juice of Rue It helpeth stoppings of the Breast and Lungs and hoarsenesse as also the cough and is usefull in the Quinsey Pleurisy or paines of the side in the Collick in fluxes of the belly and killeth wormes It mollifieth the hardnesse of the Matrix and is good against rheumatick distillations It taketh away the shivering fits of Agues being taken an houre or two before the fit commeth especially of Quartane Agues as if a dram or lesse be taken in Muscadine warme two or three times before the fit come and sweat after it this cured Matthiolus of a quartane Ague Mathiol Com. in lib. Diascor Cap. 68. f. 78. Pils made thereof with Treacle and Birth-wort-root are effectuall for the same purpose to take one or two at a time as big as a Pease an houre before the fits for many dayes together it is also a great preservative in the Plague or pestilence and against the venome or poison of Serpents and venomous creatures therefore it is put into Antidotes and Counterpoisons it is
Night-shade easeth the hot Gowt and hot Apostumes being thereunto applyed mingled with Oile of Roses and Vineger it cures hot swellings in the joynts and Apostumes behinde the Eare with Vineger or Oile of Violets it helpeth the paine of the head if it be applied to the fore-head and Temples The same laid to with Vineger is good against the going out of the Navell and burstings of young Children The water wherein the seeds have been steeped is good against St. Anthonies fire or Wilde-fire The juice with Honey put into the Eares killeth wormes and stayeth the running thereof It helpeth hot swellings or eruptions of the skin as blaines wheales and such like as also paines of the joynts and places out of joynt and the Hip-gowt The same is applyed to womens nipples and sore breasts and that with good successe laying it often thereon Being mixed with Hogs-grease and applyed to foule corrupt and filthy Ulcers and sores cleanseth and healeth them by cooling the heat and repressing the sharpnesse of the humours flowing unto them The Muccilage of the seed made in Plantaine-water whereunto the yolke of an Egge or two and a little of the oint ment called Populeon is put is a most safe and sure remedy to ease the sharpnesse prickings and paines of the Hemorrhoides or Piles if it be laid on a cloth and bound thereunto It stayeth the bleeding of the Nose applied with the juice of Shepherds-purse and Bole. The hearb boyled or the seeds with the root and the fundament bathed therewith or to sit over the hot liquor easeth the Tenesmus a disease when one is often provoked to stoole It taketh away the burning and acrimonie of Lime Euphorbium and Cautharides It taketh away the roughnesse of the haire being bathed with the mussilage thereof Flea-wort-seed keepeth Camphor very well and that by its coldnesse and moisture The hurtfull quality and correction thereof Some have judged it to be dangerous to take it inwardly that it is hurtfull to the nature of man and causeth stifnesse and coldnesse of the body which is to be no otherwise understood then of all cold herbes such as Night-shade House-leeke and such like being not taken with discretion 'T is not amisse to give it with Cynamon or Mace It is not safe for cold and moist bodies neither may it be given to such as have narraw entrals or narrow passages within The Dose The seeds of Fleabane which are to be given in infusion rather then in substance are taken from a dram to three drams or halfe an ounce Of such things as are made of Flea-wort Electuary of Psyllium the Dose of which is from half an ounce to an ounce the distilled water of Flea-wort CHAP. 53. De Rhabarbaro of Rubarbe RVbarbe is a root of a yellow colour brought chiefly from China in the East Indies The names It is called in Latine Rhabarbarum in English Rubarbe and Rewbarbe The temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree of a mixt substance partly airie thin and purging whereby it openeth the stoppings of the Liver Gall and viscerous parts and also draweth away choler partly grosse and earthy whereby it bindes and constringeth the body and doth wonderfully strengthen the stomach and entrals or inward parts The kindes There are three kindes of Rubarbe mentioned by Authours First Rhabarbarum Indicum and that is brought from China Secondly Rhabarbarum Barbarum which comes from Barbary Thirdly Rhabarum Turcicum which comes from Pontus and Bosphorus for the Turkish Merchants bring it from thence The best kinde The best Rubarbe is brought from China and is of a light purplish red or yellowish colour being chewed in the mouth it is somewhat clammy and in colour like Saffron which being rubbed on paper sheweth the colour more plainly in taste it is somewhat bitter but of a pleasing smell The duration It will keep good two or three yeers if it be kept close from the aire The usuall way to keep it is to wrap it up in Cotten-wooll The inward use Rubarbe purgeth choler flegme and watery humours and is therefore usefull in diseases of the Liver as in cholerick and long continued Feavers in the Jaundise Green-sicknesse Dropsie Stoppings of the Liver as also against the hardnesse thereof or intemperate coldnesse It is so effectuall for the Liver that 't is called the life soul heart and the Treacle of the Liver It cleanseth the bloud gently and is profitable against tumours of the Spleen putrid or rotten Feavers and in all fluxes of the belly whether bloudy or not as also in spitting of bloud and in bruises or falls The powder of Rubarbe given with Cassia and Venice Turpentine washed cleanseth the reins and strengtheneth them afterwards and is very effectuall in Gonorrhaea or running of the Reins It killeth Wormes helpeth the Hickcock and may be given to weak persons old-men children women with childe and that without any danger The manner of administring it It is given in powder in infusion in Pils Boles c. A Powder Take of Rubarbe two drams Spicknard a scruple make them into powder and give it A Potion Take of Rubarbe cut in thin slices two drams Spicknard five grains Goats-Whey or Posset-drink four ounces steep them all night and strain it then add syrup of Roses solutive one ounce and a half make a potion Pils Take of Rubarbe in powder five scruples of Spicknard in powder five grains with syrup of Roses make pils and give them A Bole to cleanse the reins Take of Cassia newly drawn an ounce of Rubarbe in powder four scruples mixe them together and make a Bole or lump Now seeing Rubarbe is of a mixt substance as before is shewed if you desire to open Obstructions then give the infusion thereof if you desire to bind and strengthen give it in substance And when you would give it more to purge then to binde make but a gentle straining thereof but if you would binde the body more then purge strain it hard that so more of the earthy substance may come forth Rubarbe by boiling loseth its purgative faculty Note that there is a kinde of contrariety or Antipathy between Rubarbe and Diagredium for being put together in one Medicine they work very churlishly yet I have observed that when Diagredium is put to an infusion of Rubarbe being lightly strained it worketh better then when Diagredium is given with the substance of Rubarbe This I conceive may be the cause why Confectio Hamech worketh so churlishly upon the stomach for if you leave out the Rubarbe and put in the more of Sene you shall finde it to work better And so in other compositions where the substance of Rubarbe is put to Diagredium you shall finde them to work churlishly Rubarbe may be cut into thin slices or pieces and so taken with Raisons of the Sun as Massaria gives counsel f. 478. The outward use Rubarbe healeth those Ulcers that come in the eyes or eye-lids being steeped in white Wine or
and applyed it easeth paines of the side the cough and shortnesse of breath and is commended against the Pleurisy but I question whether it be not too hot except in a bastard Pleurisy If it be dissolved in Vineger and the juice of Rue and applyed it helpeth Contusions and bruises and used with Oile of Rue to the back it driveth away cold paines thereof Being dissolved with Vineger of Squills and applyed it dissolveth the hardnesse of the spleene as also the Kings evill or Scrophulaes bred under the eares and neare the throat and those hard nodes that arise in the joints after the Gowt with the juice of Rue or Fennell it cleareth the sight and takes away all spots therein Dissolved with Oile and applyed it strengtheneth those members that are out of joint or the strained members and joynts It draweth forth Thornes or splinters and breaketh any Botch or Boile Being put into Glysters it easeth the Collick and a Pessary made thereof and put up bringeth downe the after-birth and the courses A fumigation thereof with the horne of a Goat is commended against the Lethargie The hurtfull quality with the corrective meanes It hurts the Liver and Stomach therefore it is corrected with the third part of Mastick Cynamon Ginger Spicknard c. It must not be given to women with Childe for it kills the birth The best way to prepare it for the diseases of the braine nerves breast joynts and cold diseases of the Wombe is to dissolve it in Wine and with Aqualangii c. to draw forth its vertue in the manner of an extract The dose The dose is from halfe a dram to a dram The compounds made of Sagapenum Pils of Sagapenum extract of Sagapenum oile thereof CHAP. 56. De Sambuco Ebulo of Elder and Wall-wort or Dane-wort THe Elder and Dane-wort being of such affinity I shall joyne hem together in this Chapter The Dane-wort is very like Elder but much lower in growth The names Elder is called in Latine Sambucus from Sambix the first finder of it Dane-wort is called Low-Elder in Latine Ebulus in English Wall-wort Dane-wort or Dwarfe-Elder The temperament They are hot and dry in the second or third degree and the Wall-wort is somewhat hotter then Elder The duration They will keep good a yeere The inward use There is in use the flowers leaves inward barke or rinde the Seeds Berries and the spongie substance They are profitable in the Dropsie joynt-Gowt Agues stopping and swellings of the spleen stone of the Kidneys affects of the Wombe and St. Anthonies fire They purge tough flegme water and thin choler chiefly from the belly and joynts They are good in the Scorbute or Scurvy and kill wormes in the stomach or belly The first shoots or young leaves of the Elder boiled in Broth or Posset-drink draweth forth strongly choler and tough flegme the tender leaves eaten with Oile and Salt do the same The inner bark boiled in water and given to drink worketh much more violently and the berries also green or dry expell the same humour and is often given with good successe to help the Dropsie by evacuating great plenty of waterish humours the bark of the root also boiled in Wine or the juice thereof drunk worketh the same effect but more effectually then either leaves or fruit do the juice of the root taken provoketh vomit mightily and purgeth the watery humours of the Dropsie The decoction of the root cureth the biting of the Adder as also of a mad Dogge and bringeth downe the courses of women The decoction of the Berries in Wine being drunk provoketh Urine The powder of the seeds first prepared in Vineger and then taken in Wine halfe a dram at a time for certaine dayes together is a meanes to abate and consume the fat flesh of a corpulent body and to keep it leane The Berries so prepared and as much with Tartar and a few Anise-seeds put to them a dram of this powder given in Wine cureth the Dropsie by purging very gently The dry flowers are often used in decoction for Glisters to expell winde and easeth the Collick for they lose their purging quality which they have being green and reteine an attenuating The flowers in Ale or Beere are very good for such as have the Dropsie being put into a bag The flowers of both provoke sweat The Vineger made of the flowers of Elder by Ma ceration and setting in the Sunne is much more used in France then any where else and is gratefull to the stomach and effectuall to quicken the appetite and helpeth to cut grosse and tough flegme in the breast The distilled water of the inner bark of the Tree or of the root is very powerfull to purge the waterie humours of the Dropsie or Tympany taking it fasting and two hours before supper The dose is two ounces in the morning and as much before supper or take foure ounces in the morning The water of the flowers also is good in the Dropsie and openeth the stoppings of the Liver Spleen and Reines it driveth away the tertian Ague and is good against melancholy and strengthneth the stomach The dose is three or foure ounces fasting The Mushromes of the Elder called Jewes-eares are much used being dryed and boiled with Ale or milke with Columbine-leaves for sore throats and with a little Pepper and Pellitory of Spain in powder to put up the Uvula or palate of the mouth when it is fallen downe The young and tender branches of Dane-wort and leaves thereof taken with Wine helpeth those that are troubled with the stone and gravell The juice of the root is a strong purger of watery humours and excellent for the Dropsie The leaves boiled in water and given to drink helpeth the dry Cough and the Quinsie The dryed Berries or Seeds beaten to powder and taken in Wine fasting worketh the same effect as the juice of the root doth The powder of the seeds taken in the decoction of Ground-pine and a little Cynamon to the quantity of a dram at a time is an approved remedy both for the Gowt joint-aches and Sciatica as also for the French disease for it easeth the paines by withdrawing the humours from the places affected and by drawing forth those humours that are fluent peccant and offensive the powder of the root worketh the same effect The root steeped in Wine all night and a draught thereof given before the fit of an Ague doth much prevaile to abate the fit or to take it quite away especially taken the second or third time if need be In a word what hath been said of Elder may be said of Dane-wort only Dane-wort is more forceable or powerfull then Elder The manner of administring them They are given in powder Boles and decoction A Powder against the Hip-gowt and joynt-gowt Take Dane-wort-seed Turbith Hermodactyles Sene Tartar of each a dram of Cynamon two drams make all into fine powder The dose is foure scruples in any convenient liquor A
bole purging flegme and usefull in the Dropsie Take of the juice of Elder berries halfe an ounce powder of Seabinde-weed a dram Oile of Cynamon foure drops make a bole or lump rolle it up in Sugar and take it in a morning drinking some Posset-drink after it A decoction against the Quartane Ague and Quotidian Take of Elder-bark with the root of each an ounce of Asarum three drams Cynamon a dram and a halfe boile them in milk and give halfe of it This will work upward and downward Take it before the fit commeth once or twice if need be Vide Blochwitius Anotomiâ Sambuci The outward use A decoction of the roots of either mollifieth the hardnesse of the wombe if women do sit therein and openeth the veines and bringeth downe the courses The leaves boiled and laid hot upon any hot and painefull Apostumes especially in the more remote and sinewie parts doth both coole the heat and inflammation of them and ease the paines The juice of the leaves snuffed up into the Nostrils purgeth the tunicles of the brain The juice of the green leaves applyed to hot inflammations of the eyes asswageth them The juice of the berries boiled with a little Honey and dropped into the eares easeth the paines of them A decoction of the root maketh the haire black if it be washed therewith the leaves boiled till they be tender then beaten and mixed with Barley-meale and applyed to hot inflammations asswageth them and helpeth places that are burnt either by fire or water cureth Fistulous Ulcers being laid thereupon and easeth the paines of the Gowt being beaten and boiled with tallow of a Bull or Goat and laid warme thereon The young buds and leaves of the Elder and as much of the roots of Plantaine beaten together and boiled in Hogs-grease this being laid warme upon the place pained with the Gowt doth give present ease thereto the leaves also burnt and the powder of them put up into the Nostrils stayeth the bleeding once or twice used The leaves of Elders boiled tender and applied warme to the fundament easeth the paines of the Piles if they be once or twice renewed growing cold The pitch in the middle of the Elder stalkes being dried and put into the cavernous or hollovv holes of Fistulous Ulcers that are ready to close openeth and dilateth the Orifices whereby injections may be used and other remedies applied for the cure of them The Mushromes called Jewes-eares helpeth the inflammation of the eyes being macerated or steeped in Rose-water or Plantaine-water and the eyes washed therewith The dryed Jewes-eares steeped in Rose-water and applied to the Temples and forehead do ease the paines of the head or head-ach The distilled water of the flowers of Elder is of much use to cleare the skin from Sun-burning Freckles Morphew or the like and both the fore-part and hinder-part of the head being bathed therewith it taketh away all manner of head-ach that commeth of a cold cause The same water taketh away the heat and inflammation of the eyes and helpeth them when they are blood-shotten The hands being washed morning and evening with the same vvater of the flovver doth much help and ease them that have the Palsy in them and cannot keep them from shaking The foule inflamed or old Ulcers and sores of the leggs being often vvashed vvith the vvater of the leaves or of the flovvers distilled in the middle of the moneth of Maey doth heale them in a short space The water also helpeth the paine of the side if a linnen cloth be vvet therein and the side bathed therevvith vvarme Oile of Elder-flovvers doth assvvage paine cleanse and mundifie the skin profiteth in stoppings of the Liver and spleene and is good for the paines of the joynts and nerves and is very usefull in burning and wild-fire An ointment made of the green leaves of Dan-wort May butter made in the Moneth of May is accounted with many a sovereigne remedy for all outward paines aches and cramps in the joynts nerves or sinewes for starcknesse and lamenesse by cold and other casualties and generally to warme comfort and strengthen all the outward parts ill-affected as also to mollifie the hardnesse and to open the obstructions of the spleen the grieved parts anointed therewith Against burning by Fire or Water Take one pound of the inner bark of Elder bruise it or cut it small and put it into two pound of pure Sallet-Oile or Oile-Olive that hath been first washed oftentimes with the distilled water of Elder-flowers let them boile gently a good while together and afterwards straine forth the Oile pressing it very hard set this Oile on the fire againe and put thereto foure ounces of the juice of the young branches and leaves of the Elder-tree and as much new Wax let them boile to the Consumption of the juice after vvhich being taken from the fire put presently thereto two ounces of liquid Vernish such as Joyners use to vernish Bed-steds Cubboards c. and afterwards of Olibanum in fine powder foure ounces and the whites of two Egges being first well beaten by themselves all these being well stirred and mixed together put it up into a cleane pot and keep it for to use when occasion serveth Parkinson Treatise of Plantes fol. 210 211. taken out of Matthiolus Against the Tooth-ach Take of the root of Elder cut in thin slices two ounces and a halfe Vineger of Elder or White Wine halfe a pinte boile them together then wash the mouth and teeth therewith Or Take of the middle rinde of Elder and flowers thereof of each a handfull of Jewes-eares one or two boyle them in a sufficient quantity of Vineger and Wine use it as the former An Ointment against the hardnesse or scirrhus of the Spleene Take Oile of Elder an ounce Ammoniacum dissolved in Vineger of Elders two drams boile them to the Consumption of the watery substance then add a little wax and make an ointment Two or three drams of Wax will be sufficient With this Ointment anoint the spleen morning and evening warme laying a warme cloth on A Cataplasme or pultis against bruises Take of Elder-flowers in powder two ounces Camomill and Worme-wood in powder of each halfe an ounce mix them with a sufficient quantity of Oile of Elder and apply it warme to the bruised parts For the Piles or Hemorrhoides Take a handfull or two of Elder-leaves and boile them in water till they be tender take them out of the water and mix a little Linseed-Oile therewith then apply it warme upon a red cloth or a piece of Scarlet to the Piles there letting it lye till it be almost cold then apply fresh do thus for the space of an houre or two if need require and let it be bound up having the party to his warme bed This saith Gerard hath not failed at the first dressing to cure the said disease Ger. Herball fol. 1423. The hurtfull quality Both Elder and Dane-wort offend the head are
hurtfull to the stomach and liver that is hot as also bringeth gripings weakneth the body let them be given with Anise-seed Carraway-seed Cynamon Mace c. Wal-wort is not to be given but to such as have strong bodies The dose The juice of the leaves or rinde is given from halfe an ounce to an ounce or two ounces The juice of the berries from two drams to six drams The seeds from halfe a dram to a dram The distilled water from two ounces to four ounces The powder of the bark or rinde from halfe a dram to a dram Of such things as are made of them From the flowers of Elder are made these following The distilled water both of the flowers and leaves Spirit of Elder-flowers Wine of Elder-flowers Syrupus acetosus Sambucinus Honey of Elder Conserve of Elder Oile both by infusion and distillation From the berries Rob-Sambuci or Pulp of the berries Tincture Extract Wine Spirit water distilled Oile From the tender branches Conserve From the leaves middle rinde roots and Jewes-eares Distilled water Syrup Oile From Dane-wort are made the distilled water the spirit from the flowers Rob-Ebuli or the pulp of the berries Tincture or essence CHAP. 57. De Santalis of Sanders THese are woods that are brought to us from the Indies The names and kindes There are three sorts of Sanders white red and yellow The white is called in Latine Santalum and Sandalum album the red Santalum rubrum the yellow Santalum citrinum or flavum Difference betweene Brasill-wood and red Sanders They differ thus 1 They grow farre one from the other 2 Sanders is neither sweet in taste nor giveth any dye as the Brasil doth 3 Red-Sanders is more ponderous and weighty then Brasil and vvill sink in vvater 4 It is a harder and shorter grained vvood and more brittle in breaking short The temperament They are cold and dry in the second or third degree Some say they are hot the red is more cooling and binding The yellow is the best the next is the vvhite the red is least of use The duration They vvill keep good three or foure yeares or longer The inward use They are Cephalicall Hepaticall and Cardiacall that is good for the Head Liver and Heart to open the obstructions of the Liver and to coole the heat thereof and to ease the paine of the head especially the white and the yellovv They are good for faintings of the heart and paâ—pitation o beating thereof also for weak and faint stomackes which comes through heat good against melancholy and procureth mirth and alacrity They are used to stay and binde the spermaticall flux in men and women for which purpose either the powder taken in a reare Egge or mixed with other things for the purpose or steeped in red Wine and kept in a hot Balneo or in hot Embers close stopped all night and strained forth and drunk in the morning and evening both stay the Gonorrhea or running of the Reines in men and the whites in women They are good in hot diseases as in burning Fevers inflammations of the Liver and such like The Indians saith Gerarde do use the decoction made in water against hot burning Agues and the overflowing of the courses Erisipelas the Gowt and all inflammations especially if it be mixed with the juice of Night-shade House-leek or Purslane They are put in Collises and Jellies and all delicate meats which are good to strengthen and revive the spirits The red Sanders have an astrictive and strengthning faculty but are not cordiall as the other two they are used in divers Medicines and meats both for their faculty and pleasing red colour which they give to them as in savvces Pies c. The red is often used to stay defluxions of thin rheume from the head and to coole hot inflammations hot Gowts and to temper the heat of hot Agues The manner of administring them They are given in Powder Electuary and Pils A powder against the Pestilence Take of the three Sanders of each two drams Cloves and Cynamon of each a dram Harts-horn two drams make them into a fine powder and take thereof morning and evening half a dram in Carduus-Water An Electuary against the Whites in Women Take of old Conserve of Red-Roses four ounces White and Red Sanders in powder a dram and a half with syrup of Water-lillies make an Electuary and take of it morning and evening as much as a Nutmeg The outward use It is used outwardly in Catarrhes or Rheumes pains of the head against vomiting and in Epithemes and Fomentations against the intemperate heat of the Liver They are used against the Gowt and hot inflammations with the juice of Purslane and Plantain or Housleek Applied with Rose-water to the temples it giveth ease to the head-ach and keepeth back the flowing of humours to the eyes Being applyed to the breasts of Maids or Women mixed with the juice of Purslane abateth their greatnesse and hindereth their over-much growing The Dose The Dose is from a scruple to two scruples Of such things as are made of Sanders Extractum gummosum Species Diatrion santalon Trosses of Sanders Ointment of Sanders Cerote of Sanders CHAP. 58. De Sarcocolla of Sarcocoll SArcocolla is a Gum of a plant growing in Persia bitter in taste and in very small pieces and powder like the small pieces of Frankincense and little bigger then Poppy-seed The names In Latine Sarcocolla in English Sarcocoll The temperament It is hot and dry in the first degree or hot in the second degree and dry almost in the same The best kinde The best is that which is new inclining to white for being old it waxeth reddish or of a pale colour bitter in taste of a porous substance viscous and easie to be dissolved in water The duration It will keep good five or six yeers The inward use It purgeth flegme both crude and tough chiefly from the brain eyes nerves joynts breast and lungs therefore it profits and avails in coughs and shortnesse of breath especially in old persons that are flegmatick also in all pains of the joynts It is thought by some to fatten the body and to increase sperm or seed The manner of administring it It is given in powder or in pils The externall use It is used outwardly against inflammations of the eyes with milk and the white of an Egg and to stay Rheumes and Catarrhes Defluxions and Rednesse thereof also against all spots in the Eyes It cleanseth corrupt Ulcers and incarnateth or breedeth good flesh also closeth up Wounds and Ulcers A fume made thereof is profitable aganist Tenesmus a disease when one is often provoked to go to stool Being mixed with Saffron and Honey it heals Scrophulaes or hard swellings called the Kings Evill in the neck after they are sufficiently drawn It is used against bleeding of the Nose or to stay the bleeding of Wounds and healeth Ulcers in the Eares being mixed with Hydromel or Water and Honey and instilled therein A powder for
Wounds in the head Take of Myrrhe half an ounce Madder-seeds Cypresse Orris Sarcocoll of each three drams make them into powder and use it where need is A Powder to incarnate or breed good flesh Take Sarcocoll Aloës Olibanum Dragons-blood and Orris of each two drams make them into powder The hurtfull quality with the corrective meanes Sarcocolla must not be given to hot and dry bodies or cholerick stomacks for it doth much trouble and offend such The often use of it causeth young men to wax old and to become bald It is corrected as Sagapenum The Dose The Dose is from a dram to two drams Of such medicines as are made of Sarcocoll There are made Pils of Sarcocoll Trochisi albi Rasis CHAP. 59. De Scammonio of Scammonie SCammonie is the juice of a root being full of milkie juice of a grayish colour The names It is called in Arabick 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mahmûda in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. sodiendo cavenda radice saith Minsheu in his guide into the Tongues fol. 647. â—n Latine it is called Scammonium Scammoneum and may be derived from the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shamen i. e. pinguis because of it's unctious quality or Shamen per Metaphoram signifieth robustus for Scammonie is of strong operation and fit onely for robustious bodies Scammonie being prepared that is baked in a Quince in embers or baked in an oven is called Diagredium Diagrydium Diacrydium Diadredium In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Lachrymula a little teare The temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree The best kinde The best is of a dark grayish colour somewhat light and not ponderous a little spongie also or with some holes in it somwhat clear and not muddy or drossie of a strong taste brittle or easie to break being wet with the tongue it shewes like milke but not burning in the mouth or throat for that is a signe of adulteration and that it is mixed with Spurge The best comes from Antioch The duration It will keep good two or three yeares some say twenty The time of gathering and p eparing it The time to gather it and to prepare it is in June The inward use Scammonie purgeth primarily and chiefly choler and watery humours and that both strongly and speedily from remote parts afterward say some it purgeth flegmatick humours The manner of administring it It is given in Pils Potions Boles c and is the Basis or chief ingredient of most purging electuaries and pills Pils Take Pils Aggregative and Cochiae of each two scruples Diagredium three graines make Pils thereof A Potion Take of Polypodie Sene of each two drams Anise-seed and Licoris bruised of each a dram bruise the Polypodie and make an infusion in a quarter of a pinte or strong Beer or Ale all night on embers then strain it and adde of Diagredium eight grains syrup of Roses laxative an ounce make a Potion A bole Take of Conserve of Roses half an ounce of Diagredium eight or ten grains mix them together and make a Bole. The externall use Scammonie being mixed with Honey and Ox-gall and rubbed on pimples or wheales taketh them away and boiled in vineger and anointed taketh away the Leprosie and spreading scabs If it be mixed with oile of Roses and vineger and applyed to the head it easeth old pains thereof Being applyed with Honey and oil it dissolveth cold swellings A Pessary made thereof and put up bringeth down the Howers and expelleth the Secondine or after-birth The hurtfull quality with the corrective meanes There are these hurtfull qualities found in Scammony First it ingenders sharp and gnawing windes in the stomack insomuch that it provokes to vomit to help this it must be baked in a Quince with Fennell-seed Daucus-seed or Galingall Secondly it inflames the spirits especially in those that have obstructions or stoppings and have putrid humours whereby burning feavers are procured This is helped by putting into your decoctions those things which do cool and extinguish the heat thereof as Flea-wort-seed pulpe of Prunes juice of Roses or Violets or with rose-Rose-water or violet-Violet-water or with the juice of a sowre sweet Quince and mix with it a little Sumach or Spodium or before boiling of the same that is the Scammonie steep it in oile of Roses or Violets Thirdly it hath a strong opening and drawing faculty whereby it brings immoderate fluxes of the belly by opening the mouth of the veines exceedingly This is helped by mixing binding and astringent things therewith as Mastick the juice of Quince or of yellow Myrobalanes Fourthly it raseth or shaveth by it's acrimonie the intrals and guts and thereby brings paines and torments thereof and procureth the Dysenterie and Tenesmus or Bloody-Flux and often provoking to stool This hurt is taken away by using fat moist and slippery medicines as Gum Tragacanth or Bdellium oile of sweet Almonds oil of Roses or pulp of Prunes with Sugar with the mâ—ssilage of Fleawort-seed Mastick and Quinces taken afterwards and vvarm water last of all All which causeth it to passe the sooner from the stomack and bowels and keepeth it from doing hurt From hence the wise are taught to give Barley-broth sweetned with sugar to those that have taken thereof Fiftly it hurts the heart liver and stomack totius substantiae proprietate through the propertie or essence of it's whole substance This hurt is taken away if cold medicines as well as hot being mixed together and given thereby to yield help to the heart liver and stomack It may also be taken with Cassia Manna the pulp of Raisons and Sebesteus It is dangerous to give it in Feavers or to give it to old and weak persons children or women with childe or to such as have hot and dry bodies or to persons that have great obstructions It is seldome given alone but mixed with some other medicine Heurnius adviseth to give Barley-broth after the taking of it Heurn prax med f. 259. The Dose The Dose is from six graines to twelve The compound medicines made of Scammonie Extract of Scammonie Extractum Diagredii aromati satum Elixir Scammonii sive Pill Scammonii Crollii Scammonium sulphuratum Infusion of Scammonie or purging spirit Diacydonium lucidum Scammoniatum Gelatina Cidoniorum cum Turbith with many others which you may finde in Schroderus pharm med chym lib. 4. f. 247 248 249. CHAP. 60. De Sena of Sene. SEne is a leafe of a plant like unto Licoris and was not known to the ancient Writers The names It is called in Latine Senna Sena in English Sene. The temperament It is hot in the second degree and dry in the first The best kinde The best is the greenest leaves and that which is new not brown nor too old The best is said to come from Alexandria and is called Sena Alexandrina The duration It vvill keep tvvo or three years but the newer it is the better it vvorks Some
say it vvill keep good ten years The inward use Sene purgeth chiefly and primarily melancholy afterward thick flegme and other humours from the spleen Mesenterie and entrals also from the brain lungs liver and heart It is very profitable in obstructions of the spleen and Hypochonders and against hard swellings thereof as also in chronicall Agues whether quartaine or quotidian It is a singular remedy against melancholy the Falling-Sicknesse and foul diseases of the skin as in scab itch leprosie elephansie c. It quickens the senses both of seeing and hearing takes away the cause of sadnesse and melancholy and is usefull in madnesse in the frensie c. It causeth a fresh quick and lively habit of the body and cleanseth and purifieth the blood It is given also in all head-aches and palsies Sene is a very safe medicine and may be given to old men women with childe delicate bodies and children The manner of administring it It is given in substance in decoction or by infusion which last is the best way In substance Take of Sene of Alexandria a dram or a dram and a half make it in powder and give it in posset-drink or mace-drink In Decoction Take of Sene one ounce Anise-seed Carraway-seed Ginger of each a dram Licoris two drams Currents and Raisons of the Sun of each an ounce make a gentle decoction hereof in a sufficient quantity of water and strain it The Dose is from two ounces to foure ounces In infusion Take of Sene an ounce Raisons of the Sun half an ounce Anise-seed Citron-seed of each a dram make an infusion on hot embers in Fennel water for the space of five or six hours then strain it and give the clearest Or Take of the fore-mentioned infusion four ounces Confectio Hamech two drams and a halfe syrupe of Roses one ounce make a Potion and give it against melancholy Or thus for the poorer sort Take of Sene half an ounce Borrage-flowers and Rose-leaves of each half a dram Ginger half a dram let them be macerated or steeped in Whey or Posset-drink for the space of six or seven houres then strain it and being sweetned with Sugar give it to drink If you add three or four grains of Diagredium to the same it will be the more effectuall Weichard de Med. nunnul praepar f. 92. Note that â—ene doth better purge the body when it is infused then when it is decocted or boiled for this is certain that Sene being boiled doth much binde the body after the taking of it and Sene will not endure any long boiling The outward use The Lie wherein Sene and Cammomile-flowers are boiled is commended for weak brains to comfort and strengthen them as also for the sight and hearing if the head be washed therewith the same Lie is very profitable for the sinews that are stiffe with cold or shrunk with Cramps it helpeth also the Itch in the body and hands if they be washed therewith The hurtfull quality with the corrective means Because Sene is judged by many to be windy and to offend the stomach therefore it is corrected with Ginger Cloves Galingall Anise-seed or Cynamon It is excellent to infuse it in Whey or Posset-drink Also it may be given with fat broth of a Cock with the decoction of Prunes Jujubes Raisons Marsh-mallows or with Manna and Cassia or Polypodium Violet-flowers Borrage c. In hot Diseases inâ—use it in Whey or Posset-drink in cold diseases infuse it in Water of Fumitory or Wine for being steept in Wine it doth not offend the stomach Schyronius saith that Sene â—s hurtful to the bladder and Wombe especially if there be any Ulcer there Schyron Meth â—ed f. 107 116. The Dose The Dose in powder is from a dram to two drams in decoction from three drams to six drams in infusion from half an ounce to an ounce The compound Medicines made of Sene. Pulvis Senae Montagnan Syrup of the leaves of Sene. Syrupus de Pomis Reg. Saboris Electuarium Diabalsemer seu Elect. Senatum R. nâ—d Passulae laxativa Extract of Sene. Elect. de Sena Nicolas Confectio Hamech Whether Sene offend the stomach and be a griping and windy â—edicine Although some hold that Sene doth offend the stomach especially being weak yet in regard that it is somewhat bitter and partaking of heat and drynesse it doth rather strengthen and profit the stomuch then weaken and offend it Now that after the taking of Sene in some bodies especially in Women and flegmatick persons gripings do follow is not denied but this comes not from the flatulency or windinesse of the Sene but by accident in drawing grosse and flegmatick humours to the bowels and there causeth these gripings especially where the passages are much stopt Fernel Meth. l. 5. f. 115. â—reitag Aur. Med. f. 264. Sennert Instit f. 959. Matthiol Comment in lib. 3. Diascor f. 521. CHAP. 61. De Soldanella of Seabinde-weed SEabinde-weed is an herbe grovving neer the Sea having many small branches somewhat red trailing or lying upon the ground beset with small and round leaves not much unlike Asarabacca but smaller the flowers come forth like a bell of a bright red incarnate colour the seed is black and groweth in round cods the root is small and long The names In Latine Soldana Soldanella Convolvulus marinus in English Seabinde-vveed Seacavvl Seacoale Sea-vvith-vvinde because the branches winde themselves and the flowers are so like the small kinde of Binde-weed that it growes naturally neer the Sea-coasts It is called also Sea-beâ—ls for the likenesse of the flowers and some call it Sea-fole-foot for the resemblance of the leaves and Scottish scurvy-grasse The temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree The duration It will keep good a yeare The inward use Binde-weed purgeth chiefly water and flegme also therefore it is very usefull and profitable in the Dropsie and openeth the obstructions or stoppings of the liver and killeth wormes It hath two excellent properties the one is that it wonderfully draweth away watery humours the other that it corroborates or strengtheneth the liver The manner of administring it It is given in Powder Decoction Pils c. A Powder against the Dropsy Take of Sea-bindeweed a scruple Hermodactyles halfe a scruple Turbith and Diagredium of each seven graines Ginger and Cynamon of each four graines make a powder hereof and adde oile of Fennell and oile of Anise-seed of each two drops mix them together and give it in Posset-drink A Potion against the Dropsie Take of Sea-bindeweed a handfull Raisons of the Sun stoned an ounce Anise-seed a dram make a decoction in the broth of a cock straine it and adde syrupe of Pumitarie an ounce of the electuary Diaturbith two drams make a potion and give it The outward use The powder of the dried herbe is used to bring or raise up flesh in deep and hollow Ulcers helping also to heal them The juice also not pressed but issuing forth of its own
accord when it is broken gathered and dried and afterwards relented or made soft and laid as a plaister to the bottom of the belly draweth forth watery humours by siege The hurtfull quality and the corrective meanes Diascorides and some of the Ancient write that it is an enemy to the stomach and sharp in taste and therefore adviseth that it be boiled in broth of fat meat to hinder the strength of its working and they say it must be given only to strong bodies And happily it might operate so with them by reason of the climate where it did grow But that which we use now is a most safe medicine and may be given to children and weak persons as daily experience doth manifest It may be given with Cynamon Ginger Anise-seed Mastich or Sugar also with Rubarbe and Cubebs for Rubarbe is counted an excellent consort for it In decoction it is given with Raisons and Anise-seed The Dose In powder it is given from halfe a dram to a dram and a halfe or two drams In decoction from halfe an ounce to an ounce and a halfe The juice is given from two drams to halfe an ounce Of such things as are made thereof Extract of Seabinde-weed Succus inspissatus CHAP. 62. De Succino of Amber PLinie saith Amber issueth forth from trees like as Gum in Cherrie-trees and Rosin in Pines Plin. Nat. Hist lib. 37. Cap. 3. f. 607. But it is generally taken for a kinde of liquid Butimen whose springs and fountaines are in the Germane Seas and running into pieces some greater and lesser then others and is taken up with Iron-hooks being soft under water but hardning in the Aire like Corall The names In Latine Electrum Chrysolectrum Glessum Resina terrae but the usuall Latine names are Succum Carabe Charabe and Karabe in English 't is called Amber The temperament Amber is hot in the first degree and dry in the second The best kinde Although Authors mention three sorts yet there are but two sorts in shops the white and the yellow the best is the whitest and that which is most cleare and being rubb'd will draw straws unto it and gives a sent like Bitumen The duration It will keep good many yeares The inward use Amber strengtheneth the heart and stomach stayeth vomiting dryeth up moist humours in the stomach and hinders the breeding thereof and stayeth the flux of the belly It is usefull in cardiack passions and palpitations or beatings of the heart It recreates or refresheth the braine and is profitable in Rheumes or Catarrhes in the Falling Sicknesse Apoplexie Lethargie Swiming of the head suffocation and inflation or windinesse of the Mother It stayeth the flowing of blood and seed provokes the termes in women and causeth a speedy delivery It helpeth women that have the whites and men that have the running of the Reines for it stoppeth the flux and strengthneth the parts very much Being taken in Saxifrage-water it is a sure remedy for such as have their urine stopped It is very good for old coughs and those that are falling into a Consumption being mixed with conserve of Red Roses and so taken morning and evening and is profitable for joynt-aches and the running Gowt if it be taken vvith tvvo or three ounces of the decoction of Lignum vitae The chymicall oile of Amber taken inwardly availeth against the Pestilence and contagious aire if three or foure drops be taken for divers mornings together in Carduus or angelica-Angelica-water It helpeth the biting of a mad Dog and is excellent to preserve from the Apoplexie Falling Sicknesse svviming of the head and Night-mare taken in Piony-water Betony-vvater Lavender Rosemary black-Cherry-vvater or in Lily Convally-vvater or Sage-vvater or taken in Wine especially if it be taken about the nevv of the Moone in the morning fasting for this oile is a singular secret to comfort the animall vitall and naturall spirits If five or six drops be taken in Sage-water it restoreth the speech lost It dryeth up Rheumes and sharpneth the sight being taken in Fennel-water or Eye-bright-vvater It helpeth trembling of the heart and faintings of the spirits shortnesse of breath taken vvith Horehound-vvater and the Pleurisie vvith vvater of Sage of Jerusalem It helpeth spitting of blood taken vvith Tornentill-vvater It helpeth a cold stomach and vomiting being taken vvith Mint-vvater It helpeth the intemperate frigidity or coldnesse of the Liver and Spleene taken in Spleenwort-water or Wormwood-water and helpeth such as are melancholy if it be taken in Borrage or Buglosse-water Given in Endive-water or a few drops thereof taken in the pap of a roasted Apple with a leafe of Gold cureth the Jaundise It doth wonderfully ease the stone and urine stopt in the Kidneys or Bladder if a few drops be given in Saxifrage or Parsley-water It stirs up to Venery taken with Diasatyrion in Wine It helpeth the Running of the Reins taken with water or syrup of Purslan It easeth the Collick taken with Cynamon-water or Aqua-vitae It cureth the Dysentery or bloudy Flux taken in Tormentil-water It killeth Wormes taken in Tansey-water It helpeth the joynt-Gowt and Sciatica or Hip-Gowt taken with the decoction or Lignum sanctum as also trembling and the cramp It much helpeth the affects of the wombe as the suffocation and precipitation or â—aâ—ling down thereof as also barrennesse taken in Minch or Penny-royall-water or Anise-seed-water and easeth paines in travell bringeth away the childe and after-birth provoketh the termes and bringeth avvay the dead childe given in Savin-vvater especially if five or six drops thereof be given and then as much more vvithin halfe an hour if need require The manner of administring it It is given in povvder in Electuaries c. A powder to hasten the birth Take of Cynamon halfe a dram or a dram Cassia lignea tvvo scruples Saffron half 〈◊〉 dram of white Amber a scruple make all into powder and gâ—eâ— in Savin-water An Electuary against the pain and heat of the stomach c. Take of conserve of red Roses two ounces Marmelate of Quinces an ounce Mastick in powder two drams red Corall in powder a dram a half oile of Amber a scruple with syrup of Quinces make an Electuary Take of it morning and evening before meat and after meat It is excellent also to stay vomiting and the flux of the belly Doring de ol succinii viribus f. 73. The outward use Amber being burned on hot coals and the fume thereof received to the head doth help moist distillations thereof falling on the eyes teeth nose or stomach The fume thereof saith Doringius cured an old man of the Apoplexie that was judged to be certainly dead Doring de ol Succinii viribus f. 71. Being worn about the neck it cures Agues and helpeth swellings of the throat and almonds and is good in times of infection especially used with salt and hinders defluxions A fume thereof doth much help to cure the Falling Sicknesse and is good in the Pestilence made into powder and mixed with Honey
adust humours therefore it is used in the French pox Elephansie Leprosie Morphew and also in madnesse The manner of administring it It is given in decoction or in substance In decoction Take of Betony a handful Turbith three drams Citron-seed Long-Pepper of each half a dram make a decoction in a sufficient quantity of water strain it and add thereunto Honey of Roses solutive one ounce and a half make a potion Massar f. 481. In substance Take of Turbith in powder a dram and a half mix it with posset-drink wherein hath been boiled Betony Ivy Anise-seed c. and give it It may be given in broth wherein hath been boiled Raisons and Figs. It will endure boiling indifferent well but especially if it be first infused it is better The externall use The powder of Turbith being mingled with honey and applyed eateth and consumeth dead flesh in ulcers and wounds and is profitable in Gangrenes The hurtfull quality with the corrective means Turbith hath three hurtfull qualities first it is slow and weak in operation so that except it be quickened with something it oftentimes draweth away thin flegme and leaves the thick behind Secondly it offends and troubleth the stomach bringing a nauseousness thereof and many times causeth vomiting according to the verse Nolo damnosum Turbith mea viscera turbet Thirdly it macerates or consumes the body and brings leannesse and Consumption It is corrected with Ginger Cynamon Anise-seed Mastick and the like Also oil of sweet Almonds is a good corrective for it especially in lean bodies it is not safe to give it to women that are with child old and weak persons or to children After the use of Turbith the eating of fish is forbidden and also you must avoid the South-winde Heurn Prax. Med. fol. 266. Tretag Auror. Med. fol. 322. Sennert Instit fol. 857. The Dose The Dose in powder is from a dram to two drams in decoction two drams to halfe an ounce The compound Medicines made of Turbith Extract of Twrbith Species Diaturbith with Rubarbe Pils of Turbith Vineger of Turbith Deo soli gloria CHAP. 66. De Agrimonia of Agrimonie The names IT is called in Latine Eupatorium from Eapator the first finder of it and Agrimonia some also call it Hepatoxium because it is a good help to the Liver In English Agrimonie and Egrimonie The Temperament It is hot and doth moderately binde and is of a temperate drinesse it cutteth and scoureth and is of subtill parts The Duration It will keep good a yeare being well dryed The inward use It openeth the stoppings of the Liver and cleanseth it it helpeth the Jaundise and strengthneth the inward parts and is good for the Bowells and healeth their inward woundings and bruises or hurts and qualifieth all inward distempers that grow therein A decoction of the herbe made with wine and drunk is good against the sting and biting of Serpents and helpeth them that have foule or troubled and Bloody Waters and is usefull in long continued Fluxes of the Liver especially in old people It is good for the Strangury and helpeth also the Collick it helpeth the Cough and clenseth the Breast It is good help to ridde a Quartaine or Tertian Ague if a draught of the Decoction be taken warme before the fit the leaves and seeds stop the the Bloody flixe being taken in wine The roots or leaves boyled in wine and drunke helpeth such as have the Palsey It is accounted a good herbe against the Spleene being stopt as also against the Pestilence and the biting of a mad Dog The distilled water helpeth the Jaundies Cough and killeth wormes if two ounces thereof be taken Morning and Evening and it is esteemed a secret experiment against the Quartaine Ague if foure ounces thereof be taken Morning and Evening for many dayes together but I rather approve of the Decoction The leaves or roots are good in the Dropsey and Green-sicknesse The manner of administring it It is chiefly given in Decoction A Decoction against the Jaundes Take of Hore-hound two handfulls Elecampane root Buglosse and Agrimony of each a dram and a halfe of Rubarbe and wood Aloes of each a dram Bruise the wood Aloes and the roots boyle them in three pints of White-wine to a quart Note that the Rubarbe must not be put in till the rest be almost boyled Take of this two ounces Morning and Evening If there be a feaver boyle it in Water The outward use It helpeth old Sores Cankers and Ulcers that are of hard Curation being stamped with old Swines grease and applyed for it cleanseth and afterwards healeth them in the same manner also applyed it draweth forth thornes or splinters of wood Nayles or such like that is gotten into the flesh and helpeth to strengthen Members that be out of joynt it helpeth also foule impostumed eares being bruised and applyed or the juyce dropped into them The leaves bruised and applyed to the biting of a mad Dog helpeth the same and the juyce mingled with Vineger taketh away warts being laid thereon The distilled water of the herbe is good for all the purposes aforesaid and to cure Ulcers and sores of the mouth and throat being gargled or washed therewith Of such Medicines as are made thereof These following are made of Agrimonie Syrup of Agrimonie Pils of Agrimonie Trosses of Agrimonie Water of Agrimonie The Dose The leaves are given in Powder from a scruple to a dram CHAP. 67. De Agno Casto of the chaste Tree The Names IT is called Castus that is chast because the Athenian matrons in their Thesmophoria did use these leaves as Sheets to lye upon thereby to preserve their chastity In Latine it is called Agnus castus and vitex also Salix Marina or Salix Amerina in English Chast tree The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree and of a very thin essence or substance sharp also and binding The Duration It will keepe good a yeare the seede will keep longer The inward use It is a singular good remedy for all such as desire to live chaste for withstandeth all filthy desires to Venery or Lust and dryeth up the seed of generation in any manner used and taken The seeds being drunke resisteth the bitings of venemous Beasts Spiders or the like and helpeth the Dropsy and those that are troubled with the Spleen it also procureth milke in womens Breasts it procureth their courses and urine stopped and helpeth the windinesse of the Stomach and Belly and is usefull in the stoppings of the Liver A dram of the seed given in Powder causeth sleepe The decoction of the herbe and seeds is good for women troubled with the paines of the Mother or inflamation thereof and is said to help an Ague if a draught thereof be taken before the fit The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction powder electuary Trosses c. An Electuary to coole and abate Lust Take conserve of Water Lillyes and conserve of mints of each one ounce
of Lettice stalkes candyed sixe drams of the seeds of Agnus Castus a dram and a halfe of Rue seede halfe a dram of Corall a dram of Crystall halfe a dram of Camphor a scruple make those things in powder that are to be powdered and with syrupe of Purslane make an electuary Take often of it as much as a nut The outward use It helpeth hardnesse stoppings Apostumations and Ulcers of the Matrix if women sit in the Decoction thereof or receive the hot fume thereof The leaves with butter dissolve the swelling of the Cods being applyed applied to the head it easeth the paine thereof and is good in the Lethargy being boyled in salt water with Sage and Smallage and the hinder part of the head washed therewith the same used to the limbs taketh away wearinesse upon travaile or labour the leaves are good for wounds The seeds used with Barly meale doth mollifie hard swellings and break Impostumes and with Niter and Vineger it helpeth freckles of the face used with Hony it helpeth the sores in the mouth and throat With Vineger and Oyle it is good for the Frensy and Lethargy The Leaves used in a fume and also strowed drive away Serpents and being laid on cure their bitings Also strowed in the bed or carried about neere the skin it causeth chastnesse The seeds laid on with water doth heale the clifts of the fundament The hurtfull quality It troubleth the head and bringeth paine thereof especially when it is greene The Dose The seede is given from a scruple to a dram Medicines made thereof Syrupe of Agnus Castus Trosses of Agnus Castus CHAP. 68. De Erugine of Verdigrease VErdigrease is the rust of Copper or Brasse of a greene colour The Names It is called in Latine Aerugo Aes viride and Flos aeris in English Verdigrease The Temperament It is hot and dry in the fourth degree The best kinde The best is that which is greenest and cleane from drosse The Duration It will keepe good many years The outward use It is of a sharp corroding quality stoppeth freting spreading soars taketh away superfluous flesh in any Ulcer or Fistula and eateth out the callous or hard flesh thereof and is good in Ulcers sores of the Eyes mixed with Hony and used it consumes the fleshinesse in the nose called Polypus and helps the Disease in the fundament called a Fig. It cures Cankers and sores in the mouth being used with Hony and Plantaine water for a Gargarisme It is thought Achilles first used this Medicine in the cure of Telephus and therefore Achilles is commonly painted scraping off the rust of his Spheare head with his Sword into the wound of the said Telephus It is a drying astringent and corrosive Medicine It cures Kibes in cattell being mixed with Soap or Hogs-greace Pliny Nat. Hist lib. 25. cap. 5. fo 216. A water against Vlcers of the Privities Take of Raine water foure pints of white Candy halfe a pound Boyle them a little then adde of Verdy-grease in powder two ounces and keep it to use An Oyntment for the same Take of white Camphor oyntment foure ounces of Aloes an ounce burnt Allum a dram and a halfe Verdigrease a dram Oyle of Roses one ounce Tutty three drams Camphon sixe graines let those things that are to be powdered be made in powder and make all into an Oyntment The hurtfull quality It is a sharp corroding and burning Medicine therefore there must be care in the use of it Of such Medicines as are made thereof Vnguentum viride Vnguentum Apostolorum Vnguentum Aegyptiacum Greene Treat Tinctura viridis c. CHAP. 69. De Allio of Garlick The Names IT is called in Latine Allium in Egnlish Garlicke and poore mans Treacle The Temperament It is hot and dry in the fourth degree and raiseth Blisters being applyed to the Skinne The Duration It will keep a yeare or longer being taken up dry The inward use Garlick being eaten heateth the Body maketh thin thick and grosse humours cutteth such as are tough and clammie digesteth and consumeth them also openeth obstructions or stoppings and is an enemy to cold poysons and to the biting of venemous Beasts and therefore is by Gallen and others rightly called The Country-mans Treacle It taketh away the roughnesse of the throat helpeth an old Chugh provoketh Urine killeth Wormes expelleth Winde helpeth the Collick cures the Dropsy proceeding from a cold cause provoketh the courses in women and stirreth up Venus or Lust but dryeth the seed of Generation and is most excellent for a cold and moist stomach and to stir up naturall heate Zacutus Lucitanus de Prax. Med. Admir lib. 2. Obser 11. relates of an old man who in the winter season lying in the cold some time had the innate or naturall heate of his stomach almost gon and his appetite even lost and decayed who after many hot Medicines used yet all in vaine at length he was cured with Garlick and Hony It is a good Preservative against the contagious and pestilent ayre A Decoction thereof made with Origan and Wine being drunke killeth Wormes Lice and Nits It is profitable against the biting of a mad Dog and for such as are inclined to the Palsey for shortnesse of breath and to dry up Rhume and also for the cold Head-ach It is commended against the Consumption of the Lungs pissing of blood and for such as cannot hold their water The distilled water is good for the same Diseases and for the Quinsey The milke wherein Garlick hath been boyled is good for wormes in Children Give two ounces of the water Morning and Evening for a week if need be The outward use The Decoction thereof used for a Bath or Fume to sit over brings downe the flowers and after-birth It cureth the bitings of mad Dogs or the biting of any other venimous creature being bruised with Rue and applyed It taketh away the Morphew Tetters and cures scabbed heads in Children Dandraffe and Scurfe tempered with Hony and the parts anoynted therewith The juyce killeth Lice and Nits if the head be noynted therewith The ashes of Garlick being strowed in Ulcers cureth them The smell of Garlick driveth away venimous creatures and applyed with Figs and Cummin it cures the bitings of the Mouse called a Shrew A clove of Garlick put into a hollow tooth that aketh easeth the paine thereof or stamp it with Safforn and Pepper and hold it between the teeth being bruised and applyed to the throat it helpeth the Quinsie and swelling thereof it helpeth the Gout being stamped with House-leeke and applyed The juyce mixed with Safforn and Goose-grease cures the noyse of the eares being put therein Garlicke burned and the ashes mingled with Hony and laid to black and blew markes after bruises taketh them away and helpeth wilde fire and Scabs being bruised and applyed They usually cure the Pip in poultery with Garlicke Against the Cough in Children Take one ounce of Hogs grease and halfe an ounce of Garlick bruise it and
mixe them together lay it to the soles of the feet at night warme The hurtfull quality Garlick especially eaten raw maketh the eyes dim offendeth the head hurteth the stomach over liberally taken causeth thirst hurteth the Kidneys heateth and burneth the blood yeildeth no nourishment to the body and is hurtfull to Young men and to such as are hot and cholerick and in hot seasons and hurteth Women with Childe and such as give suck it is onely good for such as are cold and moist and abound with Flegmatick grosse and tough humours for old persons and in cold seasons The best way is to boyle it throughly and to eate it with Oyle Vineger or such like Of such things as are made thereoof The distilled water of Garlick The electuary of Garlick which is made thus Take of Garlick foure or five cloves bruise it well with two or three drams of Hony and as much Mithridate then adde of Parmacitty Juniper berries of each a scruple Castor two scruples Pellitory of the wall in powder a scruple with Oximell Squillitick make in Electuary and give of it Morning and Evening as much as a Nut. It is excellent in the Chollick and against winde Whether Garlick and Onions be convenient in the Pestilence Concerning Garlick and Onions there is some question whether they be convenient and profitable in the Pestilence Gallen 1. de Differ Feb. cap. 1. among foode of ill juyce and nourishment doth mention Garlick and Onions and many other Physitians doe forbid the use of them because they increase hot humours whereby a Feaver is soon bred But Galen also saith that Garlick is the Country-mans Treacle and doth commend it against the biting of a mad Dog and other venemous creatures But this may soone be decided thus If we say that Garlick and Onions are profitable and usefull not as aliment or food but as a Medicine For as it is certaine that it yeilds no good nourishment so it is as certaine that it is excellent against Venome and Poyson being used in a small quantity as before is shewed and very usefull in the Pestilence CHAP. 70. De Allumine of Allum The Names and kindes IT is called in Latine Allumen or Salfugo Terrae Antonius Musa mentions foure sorts of Allum Exam. Terrarum Fol. 459. Schroderus writes of five sorts Schroder Pharm Med. Chym. lib. 3. cap. 24. fol. 143. But we have but two sorts ordinarily among us Roch Allum and common Allum true Roch Allum is rare and hard to be got The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third or fourth degree The Duration It will keepe good many yeares The best kinde The best is that which is clearest white and pure and is brought out of Aegypt The inward use Plinie saith it is taken in Pills for the stoppings and hardnesse of the Spleene driveth away the Itch and bringeth forth corrupt blood by urine The vulgar use to make Possets of it as thus to take a pint of milke and a piece of Allum as big as a Wallnut and boyle it then take off the curd and drinke of the clearest a good draught before the fit of an Ague The outward use It is astringent or binding yet cleansing and is good in putrified Ulcers takes away proud flesh cureth the Itch and Scab cleareth the Sight and is usefull in lotions for the mouth throat or elsewhere mixed with a litle Vineger it cleanseth the Gums rotten Teeth and fastneth loose Teeth being washed therewith It stauncheth blood and used with Vineger into any place where the haire hath been plucked up it causeth that which cometh againe to be but soft and in manner of a downe With the juyce of Pomgranat it is good for the infirmities of the eares and amends the fleshinesse growing about the Nailes and helpeth Kibes Mixed with the juyce of Beets it cleanseth the Leprosie Boyled in water and used it kills Nits Lice and such venome breeding in the head and cures the Dandraffe In a Glister it is very good for the Bloody-flix Burnt Allum in Powder is chiefly used to take away spongious Flesh to dry up Ulcers and to procure a Cicatrize A Water against filthy eating Vlcers Take of Plantaine and red Rose water of each halfe a pound Alum two ounces Sugar one ounce boyle them together to the melting of the Sugar and Allum then reserve it to use A Water against the ill smell of the Armeholes and Feet Take of Allum one pound Boyle it in about a gallon of Water and wash the parts therewith Of such things as are made thereof Burnt Allum Spirit of Allum Magister of Allum c. Allum water Magistrall CHAP. 71. De Althaea of Marsh-Mallowes The Names IT is called in Latine Althaeae Bismalra because it is twice as good in effect as the other sorts are in English Marsh-Mallow Morish-Mallow and White Mallow from the colour of the leaves The Temperament It is moderately hot but dryer then the other Mallowes and of a mollifying and softning Nature the roots and seeds are more dry and of thinner parts The Duration The leaves will keep a yeare the roots longer The inward use The roots are in the most use A decoction thereof doth ease the gripings of the Belly bringeth away Gravell and the Stone easeth such as are short winded and is good in all diseases of the Brest and Lungs as Coughes hoarsenesse of the Throat and Voice Plurisy and such like The roots and seeds boyled in wine or water is usefull for them that have any Excorations or frettings in the guts or Bloudy-flix and this it doth by qualifying the sharp Cholerick humours that are cause thereof and by the Sliminesse easing the paines and healing the sorenesse and in some sort stayeth the further eruption of blood It it profitably taken of them that are troubled with Ruptures Sciatica Cramps or Convulsion of the Sinews The dryed roots boyled in milke and drunke are good for the chin-Cough The roots boyled in wine are good for such as have fallen and bruised themselves and for those that have any bone or member out of joynt and for such as have any swelling paine or Ach in the Muscles Sinewes or Arteries of the Body and cures such as are stung with Bees or the like The distilled water is good for the aforesaid purposes The syrop of Marsh-Mallow is chiefly used for the Collick Stone or Gravell in Blader or Kidneyes the Dose is a spoonfull or two in Posset drinke or with Wine in a morning The manner of Administring it Both leaves seeds and roots are used in decoction A decoction provoking urine Take of Marsh-Mallow root halfe an ounce Licorish two drams Fennell root and Parsely roote and Kneeholme of each one ounce Parsely seede and Gromell seede of each two drams Bruise them all and boyle them in a sufficient quantity of Water or Posset drinke straine it and adde Sugar to it Drinke a good draught thereof Morning and Evening warme The outward use The leaves or
they sweat before the fit come will in twice or thrice taking rid it quite away it helpeth also digestion in the Stomach and is a good remedy for a Surfet It helpeth the Collick the Strangury and stoppings of the Urine procureth womens courses and expelleth the after-birth easeth and discusseth all inward tumours and windinesse it openeth the stoppings of the Liver and Spleene cureth the bitings of mad Dogs and all other venemous creatures The roote taken dry or in any other drinke will abate the rage of Lust in young pâ—rsons The root being used greene helpeth such as be short breathed and be troubled with stuffings in their Stomach The root also steeped in Vineger and a little of the same taken fasting is a good preservative in time of contagion The decoction taken helpeth inward bruises and congealed blood and strengthneth the Stomach and is effectuall for the suffocation of the Mother The distilled water is good for the aforesaid Diseases especially if the roots and leaves be steeped in wine and distilled in a glasse The Dose is two or three spoonfulls at a time and doth much ease cold or gripings that come of cold or winde so as the body be not bound The said water taken with a scruple of the root in powder helpeth the Plurisie being taken at the beginning as also all other diseases of the Lungs and breast as Coughs shortnesse of the breath and such like The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction in powder Electuary Potion c. In Decoction Take of the leaves of Angelica a handfull of Angelica roots two drams boyle them in a pint and a halfe of water or Posset drinke to a pinte straine it and give a good draught thereof Morning and Evening A Potion against the Pestilence Take of Angellica root in powder of London Treacle of each a dram Angellica water three ounces wine Vineger halfe an ounce mixe them together take it and sweat upon it A Potion against faintnesse of the heart Take of Angellica root in powder thirty graines Angelica water one ounce Cinamon water a spoonfull mixe them together and give it divers times if need require The outward use The juyce or the water dropped into the eyes cleareth them takes away filmes or skins therein and helpeth deafnesse if dropped into the eares the juyce put into hollow teeth easeth the paine The roots in powder made up with a little Pitch into a Plaister and laid on the biting of a mad Dog or any other venemous creature doth wonderfully helpe them the juyce or the water dropped or tents wet therein and put into old and filthy deepe ulcers or the powder of the roote in want of the other doth cleanse them and cause them to heale quickly by covering the naked bones with flesh The distilled water applied to places pained with the Gout or Sciatica doth give a great deale of ease The root smelled to or held in the Mouth is a good preservative in the times of contagion The Dose The root or leaves are given in powder from halfe a dram to a dram Of such things as are made thereof The distilled water The juyce The extract thereof The Stalkes and roots canded Oyle Balsam of Angelica CHAP. 75. De Antimonio of Antimony or Stibium The Names IT is called in Latine Antimonium Antimonium Hyacinthinum vitrem Antimonii Stibium and Stiâ—â—mi in English Antimony and glasse of Antimony The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree The best kinde The best is the clearest glasse without drosse or earthy substance and of a red colour and brittle or easy to breake The Duration It will keepe good many years The inward use Antimony is a strong Medicine and worketh strongly both by Vomit and Stoole It is profitable in old paines of the head Catarrhes or Râ—umes paines of the Stomack arising from Malignant humours in the Dropsey Green-sicknesse shortnesse of breath Palsey Falling-sicknesse in the Tertian or Quartaine Ague in the French-pox Melancholly and madnesse in stoppings of the Liver and Spleene in the Leprosy Elephansy Scab Itch and foule Diseases of the skin It is most excellent in the Pestilence especially at the beginning The manner of administring it It is given in Substance or by Infusion In Substance Take of Stibium or glasse of Antimony in fine powder three or four graines of Sugar in powder two drams or halfe an ounce mixe them together and take it in a Morning fasting with Physicall observation Or thus Take of Stibium in fine powder three graines Sugar of Roses two drams or as much conserve of red Roses mixe them togther and take it as before A Bole good in the Dropsey Take of Antimony in very fine Powder three graines London Treacle a dram conserve of red Roses two drams being well mixed take it as before In Pills Take of Antimony in Powder three graines Pilula Alephanginae a scruple make Pills and cover them with leafe Gold Sed fraus honesta latet By Infusion Take of Stibium in powder three or foure graines white wine four ounces let them stand all night in the Morning poure off the clearest and give it The outward use Stibium is used in Medicines to cleare the sight and against Ulcers Festulas thereof or also to take away proud flesh in sores and procureth a cicatrice in Ulcers Being mixed with sope used it helpeth to cure Cankers and the fleshinesse growing in the Nostrills Plinie saith t stoppeth the bleeding of any fresh wound being strewed therein and singular to heale the bitings of Dogs but this I conceive is spoken of crude Antimony Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 33. cap. 6. fol. 473. A water to take away spots in the eyes and to dry up superfluous moysture Take of cleare Antimony in powder ten graines red Rose water three ounces mixe them together and let them stand foure and twenty houres then drop foure or five drops of the clearest into the eyes twice in a day The hurtfull quality Stibium is a strong and violent Medicine and brings Convulsions Cramps Faintings of the Spirits and many times sodaine death therefore take these cautions Cautions in the use of Antimony Give it onely to strong and able bodies Let it not be given where the body is much bound till a glister hath been administred Give it not to women with childe nor to weake persons nor to any that are in a Consumption or to such as spit blood or have bad Lungs Give it not to any immediately before or presently after bleeding When any doe take it let them keepe their beds while it workes and take warme Posset drinke having a care they take no cold Fabricius mentions two Matrons that after the taking of Antimony the one lost her hearing and the other became foolish Cent. 5. Obser 12. If anâ— desire to know more of the nature of Antimony let them read these following Authors Matthiol in lib. 5. Diascor cap. 59. f. 837. 838. Massar lib.
7. de Med. Purg. cap. 30. fol. 485. 486. Schroder Pharmacop Med. Chym. lib. 3. cap. 17. fol. 42. 43. 44. c. Freitag Aur. Med. lib. 4. cap. 15. fol. 616. 617. 618. c. Basil Antimon Ham. Poppii Printed 1618. Crol Basil Chym. Printed 1631. fol. 211. 212. 313. c. Of such Medicines as are made thereof Hepar Antimonii or Liver of Antimony Flowres of Antimony Antimony diaphoreticke Regulus Antimonii Oyle of Antimony L quor of Antimony Tinctura Salt Spirit of Antimony with many others The Dose The Dose is from three graines to five or sixe CHAP. 76. De Aniso of Anise-seed The names IT is called in Latine Anisum in English Anise and Anise-seed The Temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree or hot in the second degree and dry in the first The Duration It will keep good two or three yeares but the newer it is the better operation it hath The inward use The seed often taken helpeth a stinking breath and to break winde in any part of the body be it the Head Stomach Spleene Bowells or Mother and to provoke Urine and sleepe to them that want it they helpe Nurses to store of milke for their Children to eate the seeds comfited or Anise-seed comfits fasting and last at night and is very good for teeming women or with childe they helpe those that are short winded or have a Consumption to take the Decoction of them with Figs Licorish c. They helpe to expectorat flegme in them that have a Cough or straitnesse in the breasts and is very conducible to the Stomach and being boyled in wine and taken it helpeth the stoppings of the Liver and the Dropsey that cometh thereby The same stayeth the Hickock and helpeth Digestion It stirreth up bodily Lust and boyled in wine it is good against all poison and biting of all venimous beasts It availes in Children that have the Falling-sicknesse being taken The chymicall Oyle taken in broth or wine three or foure drops at a time doth helpe the giddinesse of the Head the straitnesse and paines in the breast and stomach or the crudities and belchings therein the much desire to cast and the rising of the Mother as also all other griefs and paines inwardly that rise of cold or winde The Quintessence gives ease to those that are Phrantick or distempered in their braines and for such as are troubled with the Falling-sicknesse or have the Cramp or Convulsion A Decoction of Anniseed is excellent in the Chollick and easeth the Cough The manner of Administring it It is given in powder in decoction or the seeds are eaten whole A Decoction against the Collick and winde in the Belly or Stomach Take of Anisse foure ounces Licorish two ounces boyle them in three or foure pints of water straine it and drinke thereof a good draught at any time The outward use If Anise either green or dry be beaten and laid to their Eyes that have any hurtfull thing fallen into them it will soone draw it forth and likewise take away the venome of any hurt by the biting of venemous creatures and healeth them quickly the seeds boyled in Oyle of Roses and dropped warme into the Eares easeth the paine and noyse in them the seeds bruised and mixed with Storax and the fumes thereof taken being cast on quick coales will soone ease the continuall Head-ache Being boyled with Hyssop and a little Vineger and Hony added thereto it helpeth the Quinsey if the throat be gargled therewith Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water of the hearbe and seed Confections of Anis-seede Laxative both simple and compound Anisseede comfits Oyle of Annisseed and Quintessence thereof Salt of Anisseede Species Dranisu Anisseede water hot CHAP. 77. De Argento vivo of Quicksilver The Names IT is called in Latine Argentum vivum from its agility and moving nature also Hydrargyrum that is watery Silver in English Quicksilver or Life-silver but Plinie saith it might be called Death-silver because it is the death of so many Plin. Nat. Hist lib. 33. cap. 6. fol. 473. The Temperament Some will have it hot and moist in the fourth degree others say its cold and moiste others say it is of a mixt quality partly hot and partly cold The Duration It will keepe many yeares The inward use Some commend this to be given inwardly for wormes and against the Chollick for by the weight thereof the gut is unfoulded and the Excrements and worms are brought away Paraus relates of a Gentleman that when he could not be freed from the paine of the Collick by any meanes prscribed by a learned Physitian at length by the Counsell of a certain German his friend dranke three ounces of Oyle of sweet Almonds drawne without fire and mixed with some White-wine and Pellitory water and swallowed a leaden bullet besmeared with Quick-silver and that bullet comming presently out by his fundament he was wholly freed from his Chollick Par. l. 17. cap 58. fol. 441. But this must be onely done in desperate cases and in strong Bodies for the outward use is dangerous and must be done with great caution Others give it to women against hard labours and to facilitate or hasten the birth and to bring away the secundine or after-birth Paraeus Booke 21. Chap. 38. and Doctor Primrose in his poular errours Booke 4. Chap. 29. Translated lately into English by Doctor Wittie But this must be onely used in desperate cases as is before shewed The outward use It is chiefly in use outwardly against the Frence-pox Itch Scab and kills Lice and Nits dissolves hard nodes or bunches of the joynts and swelling behinde the eares cures also maligne Ulcers penetrateth and Purgeth for it drawes from the center to the circumference that is from the inward parts to the outward An Oyntment against the Itch. Take Quicksilver killed with oyle of Bayes one ounce Hogs grease twelve ounces oyle of Turpentine one ounce red Bole in powder halfe an ounce the yolkes of foure Egs. Let the yolkes of Egs be rosted very hard and beaten well with the oyle of Turpentine then adde the rest and make an Oyntment Let the Body be anoynted with it f o divers nights together Or Take of Quicksilver killed with Fasting spitle halfe an ounce of Stavesacre in powder as much of Butter or Hogs grease sixe ounces or halfe a pound beat them well together and use it as before this will kill Lyce and cure the Itch. The hurtfull quality Quick-silver is counted by most writers a dangerous Medicine to be given inwardly because it brings dangerous symptomes as Cramps and Convulsions Lethargy Apoplexy Falling-sicknesse Tremulations Stupefaction Torments in the bowells and paine of the whole body suppresseth urine causeth the body to swell hurts the Stomach and Belly causeth vomiting and brings faintnesse of the heart Petrus Forestus de venenis Observat 8. in Scholia mentions an Apothecary who in stead of a glasse of water being dry to quench his
it is commended against biting of venemous Serpents and mad Dogs and hinders drunkennesse being taken before hand and quickly expels it afterwards it helps such as pisse Bloud or are brused by falls and those that are bursten and have a Rupture as also for those that have the Sciatica and have any inward wounds The Roots have not the same vertue but provoke vomit being taken The manner of administring it It is given in Powder Electuary or Decoction A Decoction thereof is made as is before shewed in the Chapter of Mugwort The outward use The Decoction with Wine Gargled easeth the Tooth-ach The greene Herbe bruised or the Juice applied to any green wound in the Head or Body will soone heale it and close it up as also to any Vâ—ines or Sinewes that are cut and will also draw forth any broken Bone or any Splinter Thorne or such like gotten into the Flesh it is no lesse profitable for old filthy Sores and Vlcers yea though they be Fistulous and hollow but some do advise to put a little Salt thereto for this purpose being applied with a little Hogs-lard it helpeth a Plague Sore and other Biles and Pushes the Fumes of the Decoction while it is warme received by a Funnell into the Eares easeth the paines of them destroyeth Wormes and cureth the running Sores in them the juyce dropped into them doth the same likewise The Leaves bruised and applied cureth the bitings of mad-dogs and of venemous Creatures and stoppeth bleeding at the Mouth or Nose A cerot against wounds of the Head Take of Betony in powder an Ounce Turpintine Rosin yellow wax of each halfe an Ounce Mastick and Francumsence of each half an Ounce Mummy three drams make all into a cerot and keepe it for your use The hurtfull quality It must not be used in very hot and dry bodies the roots provoke to vomit and causeth loathing and belchings of the stomack The Dose The leaves in powder are given from halfe a dram to a dram Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water Conserve of the flowers Syrup of Betony both simple and compound Plaster of Betony Salt of Betony CHAP. 81. De lapide Bezaar of the Bezar Stone The Names and Kindes BEzar-stone is taken out of a Beast like a Hart or Goate It is called Bezar from Paser which signifieth a Goat Or it is called Belzaar from Bâ—l dominus a Lord and zaar venenum Poyson the Lord of poyson as being good against venome and poyson There are two sortes the Eâ—st and thâ— West the East is called Bezoar orientalis and the West Bezar occidentalis the East is most in use The best kinde There is much written by Authors concerning the best choyce of these stones buâ— I shall onely say thus much that the best is that which you fiâ—de by experience to be most eff ctuall for I dare say there is scarce one good stone among forty to be found The temperament They are hot in the first or second degree some say temperat others cold The duration These stones will keep many years The inward use It is usefull in the swimming of the Head Falling sicknesse Jaundes Collick Disâ—ntery or Flux of the Belly also against Wormes the Stone the Courses stopt and hard labours of Women but especially it is used against poyson and venome the P stilence and P stilentiall Feavers in the small Pox and Mâ—asells and in many other Diseases to provoke Sweate and thereby to expell ill vapours from the Heart and vitall spirits and for Swouâ—ings and against Melancholly also and the Diseases that arise from thence and to preserve strength and youth Monardus doth commend it in the Pleurisy and saith it doth much profit such as have taken Arsenick or such like corrasives Thonerus in lib. 3. obscurat 5. f. 186. 187. he cured a Maide forty years old of the Mother fits by giving her six graines of Bezar in Balme-water It doth not alwayes provoke Sweat The manner of Administring it It is chiefly given in powder The outward Vse The powder put on the place that is bitten by any venemous Creature doth free them from danger of death and likewise put into a Plague-sore that is opened it doth the like The Dose I conceive there are two chiefe causes why Bezar-stone doth not worke and effâ—ct according to expectation the one is because wee seldome get the right B zar the other is because people take too small a Dose thereof for the ordinary Dose of the Eâ—st B zar is not above five or six Graines at the most nay the vulgar rare y give above two or three Gâ—aines thereof Whereas wee may safely give of it from three graines to ten or twelve yea to twenty Zacutus Lucitanus de pr. med ad mir lib. 3. obs 86. relates of a Woman that fell into a malignant Fâ—ver with dangerous symptomes who in three dayes brought upwards three score and two Wormes having Bâ—zar given her in a small quantity but after the taking of a dram of Bâ—zar at once shee soone recovered although before shâ—e was very dangerous If any desire to reade more of the Bâ—zar-stone let them read Monardus in English of the Bezar-stone and the Hearbe Escuerconera printed 1580. Also Doctor Primrose of errors tra slated by D ctor Witty into Englâ—sh lately And Paeraeus in English booke 21. Chapter 38. Of such Medicines as are made thereof Pulvis Beroardicus Pulvis è ch lis cancrorum compositus or Gascons powder Pulvis cardiacus magistralis CHAP. 82. De bolo Armenio of Bolarmoniacke The Names and temperature IT is called in Latine Bolus Armenius and Bolus Armenia and that â—ecause the best comes from Armenia in English Bolearmoniack and Bole-armeny or red Bole. It is cold and dry in the first degree The best sort The best is firme and close without gravell or stone heavy and for the most part wholly of one colour without discolouring parts and being put to the tongue it cleaveth very fast The Duration It will keep good many yeares The inward use It is drying astringent and strengthning therefore it is usefull in any Fluxe of the belly in womens Fluxes whether white or red in Rhumes and Catarrhes in spitting of blood bleeding of the nose or any inward bleeding it thickneth humours resisteth putrefaction and is excellent in all contagious diseases of the Pestilence Small-pox Measells and against poyson and venome The manner of Administring it It is given in powder or in Electuary The outward use It stoppeth the bleeding of the nose or the bleeding of any wound helpeth Ulcers of the mouth consolidateth broken bones and is much used in binding Pultises and astringent powders Against bleeding of the nose Take Bole Armoniack in powder an ounce red Rosewater foure ounces Vineger of Roses one ounce and a halfe mixe them well together and wet clothes therein and apply it cold into the forehead The Dose The dose is from halfe a dram to a dram in Plantaine water
the leaves and the seed of Nigella quilted in a Cap stayeth Rhume being boyled in lye with Lupines and the head washed therewith taketh away the Dandraffe or Scurfe thereof The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull for hot and dry bodies The Dose The Leaves and seeds are given from halfe a dram to a dram Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water Conserve and Syrupe CHAP. 97. De Consolida majore of great Comfrey The Names IT is called Consolida major and Symphytum majus in English Comfrey and great Comfrey The Temperament Comfrey is cold drying and binding in great measure The Duration It will keepe good a yeare The inward use Comfrey helpeth those that spit blood or that bleed at the mouth or that make a bloody urine as also for all inward hurts bruises and wounds and helpeth the Ulcers of the Lungs the roote being boyled in water or wine the same also drunke stayeth the flowing downe of Rhume from the head upon the Lungs the fluxes of humours or blood by the belly the reds and whites in women and the running of the Reines happening by what cause soever The Syrupe made hereof is very effectuall for all those inward griefs so is the distilled water A Decoction of the roots is most effectuall Two ounces of the juyce drunke doth much good in the Lethargy saith Camerarius The manner of Administring it It is chiefly given in Decoction The outward use The roots being outwardly applyed helpeth fresh wounds or cuts immediately being bruised and laid thereto by gluing together their Lips and is especiall good for Ruptures and broken bones it is good to be applyed to womens breasts that grow sore by much milke coming into them as also to stop the overmuch bleeding of the Hemorrhoides to coole the inflamation of the parts thereabouts and to ease paine the fresh root bruised and spread upon the Leather and laid to any place troubled with the Gout doth give present ease of the paines and applyed in the same manner giveth ease to pained joynts and profiteth very much for running and moist Ulcers Gangrenes mortifications and the like The distilled water helpeth outward wounds or Sores in the fleshy or sinewy parts of the body A mouth water against Vlcers in the mouths of Children Take Comfrey great and small of each a handfull boyle them in halfe a pint of White-wine or more then add to the strayned Liquor Sal gem two drams Hony of Roses two ounces mixe them together and reserve it The hurtfull quality It must not be used too frequently in such persons as are much â—ound in their body Of such things as are made thereof Comfrey water Conserve The root Candyed Extract of Comfrey-Oyle made of the dry root CHAP. 98. De Corallina of Coralline or Sea-mosse The Names IT is called in Latine Muscus Marinus and Corallina in English Coralline and Sea-mosse The Temperament It is cold and dry and astringent or binding The Duration It will keepe good many yeares The inward use It is used altogether to kill wormes in Children or Elder persons but by what quality it worketh this effect is not yet declared by any that I have seene happily it doth it by a specifick vertue It may be used against hot Gouts and inflamations The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in powder A Powder against wormes Take Coralline Harts horne burnt and wormeseede of each two drams make them in powder The Dose is a scruple or halfe a dram according to age in Beere or Muscadine The outward use It may be put into oyntments against wormes The Dose The Dose is from a scruple to a dram CHAP. 99. De Dauco of Wilde Carrot The Names IT is called in Latine Pastinaca sylvestris and Daucus in English wilde Carrot and Birds nest The temperament The roote and seeds are hot and dry in the second degree The Duration The seeds will keepe good a yeare or two The inward use It expelleth wine and easeth Stiches in the sides it provoketh urine and womens courses and helpeth to breake and expell the Stone the seede also worketh the like effects and is good for the Dropsie and those whose bellies are swollen with winde helpeth the Chollick and Stone in the Kidneyes the rising of the Mother provoke Lust and helpeth Conception being taken in wine or boyled in wine and taken It is good against the stinging of venomous creatures The manner of Administring it It is given in Powder or in Decoction The outward Vse The leaves being applyed with Hony to running Ulcers or Sores doth cleanse them The Dose The seeds are given in Powder from halfe a dram to a dram CHAP. 100. De Endivia of Endive The Names IT is called in Latine Intibus Intubus or Intubuus and Scariola in English Endive The Temperament It is cold and dry in the second degree The Duration It will keepe a yeare being well dryed The inward use It doth coole the heate in the Liver and Stomach and is good in hot fits of Agues and all other inflamations in any part of the body to use the decoction of the leaves or the juyce or distilled water the same also helpeth to coole the heate and sharpnesse in the urine the seed is of the same property or rather more powerfull and besides is availeable for the faintings and passions of the heart opens stoppings and provoketh urine It is hurtfull for the Palsie and trembling as also for cold Stomachs The manner of Administring it It is given chiefly in Decoction The outward use Being outwarly applyed it doth temper the sharpe humours of fretting Ulcers hot tumours and swellings and Pestilentiall Sores and helpeth wonderfully the rednesse of the eyes and dimnesse of the fight it is also used to allay the paines of the Gout The Dose The seeds are given to a dram or more Of such Medicines as are made thereof Endive water Syrupe of Endive both simple and compound Syr. Bizantinus simple and compound Salt of Endive CHAP. 101. De Enula of Elecampane The Names IT is called in Latine Enula and Enula Campana also Heleninâ— and that because Hellen first found it available against the bitings and stinging of venemous beasts or from Helena an Island where the best was found to grow in English Elecampane The Temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree especially being dry The Duration It will keep a yeare or two I meane the root The inward use It is good against fleagme tough and clammy humours which stick in the Chest and Lungs against the Cough and shortnesse of breath provoketh Urine comforteth the Stomach and helpeth Digestion A decoction of the root is good against poyson and bitings of Serpents for such as have Ruptures Cramps or Convulsions or have any Member out of joynt and for the Hip Gout the same or the juyce taken killeth all manner of wormes in the belly or Stomach and is good for them that spit blood or have inward bruises The roots
likewise coole the Liver and blood and asswage all inflamations in the reines and bladder provoketh urine and allaieth the heate and sharpnesse thereof the same also stayeth the bloudy Flux and womens courses and helpeth the swelling of the Spleene The water of the Berries carefully distilled is good in the panting or beating of the heart and good for the overflowing of the Gall the yellow Jandâ—es The manner of Administring them The Leaves and Roots are used in Decoctions The outward Vse The juyce dropped in to foule Ulcers or they washed therewith or with the decoction of the herbe and root doth wonderfully clense them and helpe to cure them the Leaves are good to be put into Lotions that are made for soâ—â—outhes or Ulceers therin or in the privy parts or elsewhere and also to fasten loose Teeth and to heale foule gums and to stay flowing of rheume into the Mouth Throat Teeth or Eyes the juyce or water is excellent for hot and red Eyes beeing dropped therein and also for all wheales or other eruptions or hot and sharp humours into the Face or Hands or other parts of the body to bath them therewith and taketh away rednesse in the Face and spots or other deformities of the skin The hurtfull quality Strawberries are hurtfull to cold watery and flegmatick stomacks and too many eaten soon putrify in the stomach Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water or the Leaves and fruit Syrupe Spirit and Tincture of Strawberries CHAP. 108. De Glycyrrhiza of Licoris The Names IT is called in Latine Glycyrrhiza Glyzirrhiza Liquiritia and Dulcis radix in English Licoris and Licorice The temperament It is temperate in heate and moisture The Duration It will keepe good a yeare The inward Vse Licoris is good against the roughnesse and hoarsnesse of the throat and is helpefull for Ulcers in the bladder and by its moisture it quencheth thirst and is excellent for any dry cough to digest flâ—gme and to cause it to be easily spit up to helpe shortnesse of breath and all other griefes of the Breast and Lungs the Tiffick or Consumptions caused by the distillations of Salt humours on them it is good also in paines of the Raines Strangury heat of the Urine especially boyled with Maidenhaire and Figs. The juyce of Licoris is as effectuall in all the Diseases of the Breast and Lungs the Reines and bladder as the decoction The manner of Administring it It is given in powder in juyce and in Decoction The outward use The fine powder of Licoris blowne through a quill into the Eyes that have a Pin and Wed or rheumatick distillations into them doth cleanse them and help them The Dose The Dose in powder is from a scruple to two scruples Of such Medicines as are made thereof Juyce of Licoris Syrup of Licoris CHAP. 109. De Gramine of Grasse The Names IT is called in Latine Gramen in Enlish Grasse The temperament The roots are moderately colde and dry a little biting and of thin parts the herbe cold in the first degree The inward Vse The Medow Grasse and couch Grasse or quick Grasse are most in use and open obstructions or stoppings of the Liver and Gall and the stoppings of the Urine being boyled in white Wine and to ease the gripings of the Belly and inflammations and wasteth the matter of the Stone in the Bladder and the Ulcers thereof the seede doth more powerfully expell Urine and stayeth the laske and casting or vomiting The distilled water or the Decoction alone being taken killeth Wormes in Children especially if some Worme-seede be added to it The juyce of the whole plant being taken helpeth spitting of Bloud The manner of Administring it The rootes and seeds are given in Decoction The outward use The rootes bruised and applied healeth wounds that are fresh or greene and ease paines of the head as also in inflammations and defluxions of the Eyes Of those things that are made thereof The distilled water CHAP. 110. De Guajaco of Guajacum or Pockwood The Names IT is called in Latine Guajacum Lignum Indicum Lignum Sanctum and Lignumâ—vitae in English Pockwood and Indiall Pockwood The temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree and hath a cleansing faculty The Duration It will keepe good many yeares The inward use The chiefe use of this Wood is against the French Disease for it provoketh Sweate resisteth contagion and putrifaction and cleanseth the Bloud It is good also in the Dropsy Falling Sicknesse Shortnesse of breath in Catarrhes Rheumes and cold distillations of the Lungs or other parts Coughes and Consumptions the Gout and all other joyntaches and for cold flegmatick humours for the Diseases of the Bladder and Reines and for all long and lingring Diseases proceeding from cold and moist causes it openeth the stoppings of the Liver and Spleene warmes and comforts the stomack and entralls and is good in Scabs Itch c. The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in Decoction A Decoction of Lignum vitae Take of Lignum Vitae or Pock-wood a pound of the barke thereof two Ounces steepe them in twelve or fourteene Pints of spring water foure and twenty houres then boyle them to seven or eight pints straine it and give thereof a good draught morning and Evening and let the party sweate upon it If you adde two Ounces of Licoris or more and some Anisseede it will be much more pleasant to take The barke may be given in powder from half a dram to a dram The outward use The decoction thereof doth make the Teeth white and firme being washed therewith The hurtfull quality It must not be used in hot and dry Bodies too frequently Of such Medicines as are made thereof Extract Chymicall Oyle Spirit and Salt of Guajacum CHAP. 111. De Hedera of Ivy. The Names IT is called in Latine Hedera and Hedera arborea in English Ivy. The temperament Ivy is of diverse qualities some sharpe and hot and some moist others cold dry and astringent The inward Vse A dram of the flowers drunke twice a day in red VVine helpeth the Laske and bloody Flix The yellow berries are good against the Jandise and to keepe from Drunkennesse and helpeth those that spit bloud the white berries being taken killeth wormes The juyce of the root is good to be taken against the biting of the Phalangium or deadly Spider the berries are held by many to be good against the Plague or Pestilence being made in powder and taken in wine they being taken in wine doe helpe to break the Stone provoke Urine and VVomens courses and brings away the birth and afterbirth The manner of Administring it The berries and flowers are given in decoction or in powder The outward Vse A Bath made of the Leaves and Berries doth bring down the Courses and bring away the dead birth and afterbirth being set in or a Pessary made and used doth the like but this must be done onely upon necessity
and Ulcers of the Lungs yea no remedy is found like it for the same it is excellent in the bloody flix or any other flux of the body where there is no Feaver nor choller abounding It mundifieth and cleanseth taketh away paines of the Breast Lungs Reines Bladder and Entrailes and very profitable in Ulcers of the bladder It is good for temperate bodies whose stomachs are free from chollerick and flegmatick humours for in such it is well digested aad engendereth good blood and maketh the countenance faire it asswageth heate and scalding of the urine furthereth Venus and is very good in times of infection The outward use It is used in Glysters against fluxes of the belly in the Gout to asswage paine and to soften swellings c. A Glyster against the Bloody-flux Take a pint and a halfe of new milke and adde theteto Barly a handfull Comfrey root and Linseede of each an ounce Boyle them therein to about a pint and being strained dissolve in it of browne Sugar an ounce the yolks of two Eggs and make a Glyster The hurtfull quality Milke is hurtfull for those that are troubled with the Head-ach or Feavers or Hypochondriacke winde or thirst or that avoid cholericke excrâ—ments downewards or have had some plentiâ—ull evacuation of blood as Hippocrates witnesseth It is also bad for cold windy and weake stomachs Gouty persons such as have the Stone and Livers stopt as also for the Palsie and Cramps for sore eyes and distillations of rheume hurteth the teeth and Gums and is unprofitable for old persons and such as have the Chollick Some boyle it and put thereto Salt Sugar or Hony others put in Mints In fluxes of the Belly let it be boyled or peeces of Steele quenched therein before it be taken and you may put some Cinamon therein or Sugar rosat Cautions to be observed in taking milke After the taking of milke the party is to rest lest by the motion of the body the heat be drawne from the Center to the circumference of outward parts After the taking of milke doe not sleepe lest head-ach heavinesse and drowsin sse follow onely very weake persons are permitted to slâ—epe after milke Let milke be taken fasting and take nothing after till it be concocted in the stomach Drinke no Wine after the taking of milke neither mingle any sharpe or soure things with it nor eate F sh with or after the taking of Milke Wash your Teeth and Gums well after the taking of Milke with Beere or Wine Of those things that are made of Milke Creame Butter Cheese and Curde Whey c. CHAP. 117. De Lactuca of Lettuce The Names and temperament IT is called Lactuca à Lacteo succo from the milky juyce which issueth forth from the wounded stalkes and Leaves in English Lettuce and Lettice It is cold and moist in the second or third degree The Duration It is rarely dryed for it will not keepe long but is used green The inward Vse Lettice is good for a hot stomack and yeeldeth good nourishment to the body Ant. Musa did by Lettice ease Augustus of the violence of his disease It procureth rest and sleepe being taken raw or boyled it helpeth to loosen the belly and the boyled more then the raw which eaten last performeth it the better and was generally so in ancient dayes It helpeth digestion quencheth thirst increaseth milke in Nourses and easeth all griping paines of the stomack or bowells that come of choller it abateth bodily lust and tempereth the Heate of Urine the seeds and distilled water are good for the virulâ—nt running of the Reines and for the heart of the Urine as also for the aforesaid purposes It was formerly eaten at the latter end of meales but now t is eaten at the beginning The manner of Administring it It is given onely in decoction as Take a handfull of Lettice and boyle it in a pint and a half of Posset drink to a pint straine it and drink a good draught at night thereof The outward use The juyce of Lettuce mixed or boyled with Oyle of Roses and applied to the forehead and temples procureth rest and sleepe and easeth the head-ach of any hot cause applied with camphor to the Cods it abateth the heat of lust or applied in the same manner to the region of the Heart Liver or Reines or by bathing the said place with the juyce or distillâ—d water wherein some white Sanders and red Roses are put doth abate the heate and inflammations therein as also comfort and strengthen those parts A Fomentation good in the Frensy Take Lettice Violets Plantaine Night-shade Housleeke Purslane of each a handfull Violet-flowers Water-Lillies and red Roses of each a Pugill that is as many as you can hold in three fingers or a small handfull of Mirtle flowers halfe a pugill make a decoction and bath the forepart of the head therewith The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull to phlegmatick and melancholicke bodies dimmeth the sight quencheth naturall heat causeth barrennesse maketh the body sluggish and weakneth the stomack being too much eaten and is bad also for those that are short-winded or have any imperfection in their Lungs or do use to spit bloud and hurts the Teeth It is good to eate Mints therewith or to boyle it and to eat Vineger and Pepper with it Of such things as are made thereof The distilled water Lettice-stalkes canded Syrupe of Lettuce Lapis Bezoar see Bezoar CHAP. 118. De Lavendula of Lavender The Names and temperament IT is called Lavendula and Lavandula and of some Lavanda because it was much used in washings It is hot and dry in the third degree and of thin substance The duration It will keepe good a yeare being dry The inward use It is of especiall good use for all the griefes and paines of the head and braines that proceede from a cold cause as the Apoplexy Falling-sicknesse Lethargy Cramps Convulsions and Palsies as also those that are given to faint often It strengthneth the stomack and freeth the Liver and Spleene from stoppings provoketh Womens Courses and expelleth the dead Childe and afterbirth Two spoonefulls of the distilled water of the flowers taken doth helpe those that have lost their Speech or Voyce restoring it them againe It helpeth also the tremblings and passions of the Heart and the swounings and faintings thereof The Chymicall Oyle is excellent for the Diseases before mentioned if a few drops thereof be taken in Beere or the like So is the Conserve made of the flowers and Sugar The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in Decoction as Mugwort The outward Vse The flowers of Lavender steeped in Wine helpeth them to make water that are stopped as also that are troubled with the winde-collick if the places be bathed therewith It is good to gargle the mouth with the Decoction of the flowers against the paine of the teeth The fume or smoake thereof driveth away Lice A Lotion to strengthen the senses and Nerves Take of Sene
one Ounce red Roses and Lavender flowers a handfull Boyle them in water and make a Lotion for the head The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull for hot and dry complexions and where the body is repleate or aboundeth with blood and humours Of those things that are made thereof The distilled water Conserve of the flowers Chymicall Oyle Lignum Vitae see Guajacum CHAP. 119. De Lupinis of Lupines The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Lupinum and Lupinus in English Lupines oâ— flat Beane It is hot and dry and very bitter The Duration They will keepe good a yeare or two or longer The inward use By reason of their bitternesse they open digest dissolve and clense being steeped in water and afterwards dryed beaten and taken with some Vineger taketh away the loathing of the stomack to Meate and provoketh the appetite the Decoction or Infusion of Lupines taken with Hony and Vinegar killeth Wormes in the belly but if you mixe Rue and Pepper thereto it will the more effectuall the Meale or Powder taken with Honey and Vineger or in Drinke doth the same the said Decoction taken openeth the stoppings of the Liver and Spleene provoketh Urine and Womens Courses If it bee taken with Myrrhe it expelleth the dead Childe The manner of administring it It is used in Decoction or in powder The outward use A Decoction or Lye made of Lupines with Wormewood Centory and bay-salt added thereto stayeth the running and spreading of a Gangrene being applied thereto very hot with stupes of Cloth or Tow A Decoction of them clenseth all Scabs Morphew Cancers Tetters and creeping or running Ulcers and Sores and boyled in Lie it cleanseth the head from Ulcers Scurfe c. breeding therein it also cleanseth the Face and taketh away the markes that the Pox does leave after their healing and all other markes and black and blew spots in the skin the meale thereof being boyled in Vineger and applied taketh away Pimples and scattereth the Rodes or Kernells that rise in the body and breaketh Carbuncles and Impostumes the burning of the huskes driveth away Gnats Flies c. whatsoever The powder mixed with Oyle of Sarin and applied to the belly killeth Wormes The hurtfull quality Being steeped some dayes in water untill they have lost their bitternesse they may be eaten but they breed grosse and crude humours are very hard to digest and slowly passe through the body Mace see Nutmeg CHAP. 120. De Majorana of Marjerome IT is called in Latine Majorana Amaracus Sampsuchum and Sampsuchus in English Marjerome and sweete Marjerome It is hot and dry in the second or as some in the third degree and of thin parts The Duration It will keepe good a Yeare The inward use Sweete Marjerome is comfortable in cold Diseases of the Head Stomack Sinewes and other parts it digesteth attenuateth openeth and strengthneth the Decoction thereof being drunke helpeth all the Diseases of the chest which hinder the freenesse of breathing it is likewise profitable for the stoppings of the Liver Spleene for it not onely cleareth them of those humours that did stuffe them but strengthneth the inward parts it helpeth the cold griefs of the Wombe and the windinesse thereof or in any other inward part the Decoction thereof helpeth such as entring into the Dropsy and such as cannot make water and provoketh the Courses in VVomen The Leaves in powder mingled with Honey and taken dissolveth congealed bloud in the body after falls or bruises it is used also against poyson A Decoction thereof made with Pelletory of Spaine and long Pepper or with Origanum or Acorus being taken helpeth the losse of speech by the resolution of the Tongue The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction or in powder The outward use The powder of the Leaves snuffed up into the nostrills provoketh sneesing draweth forth flegme and is very usefull in the Apoplexy Palsy and cold diseases of the braine it easeth the tooth-ach being chewed in the mouth the powder mixed with Honey and applied taketh away the black markes of blowes or bruises It is much used in sweet waters powders c. It is put into Oyntments and Salves that are made to warme and comfort the outward parts or members the joynts also and sinewes The Oyle made thereof is good against Cramps Convulsions and all aches proceeding from a colde cause A Liniment that easeth the Head-Ach caused by a Bruise Take the juyce of Marjerome and the juyce of Sage of each halfe an Ounce of Sack three drams make all into a Liniment with the yolke of an Egge and apply it to the part affected The hurtfull quality It must not be used in hot and dry bodies The Dose It is given in powder from a halfe a dram to a dram Of those Medicines that are made thereof The distilled water Oyle chymicall excellent in the Apoplexy Falling sicknesse losse of speech c. Oyle by infusion and boyling Conserve Balsame CHAP. 121. De Malvis of Mallowes The Names and temperament THe wild or common Mallow is called in Latine Malva and that quasi molva because it softneth the belly in English Mallow They are temperate in heate and moisture of a digestive and softning Nature The inward Vse The Leaves and the Roots boyled in VVine or in VVater or in broth with Parsly or Fennell-roots doth helpe to open the Body and is good in hot Agues and other distemperatures of the body for by the mollifying quality it not onely voideth hot cholerick and other offensive humours but easeth the paines and torments that come by stoppings of the belly the same used by Nurses increaseth Milke in their Breasts the Decoction of the Seeds made in VVine Milke or Posset drinke doth marvellously helpe all the Diseases of the Chest and Lungs that proceeds of hot causes as Excorations Pâ—isicke Pleurisy and the like if it bee continued for some time together the Leaves and the Rootes worke the same effects they helpe much also in the frettings of the Guts and harnesse of the Mother and in all hot and sharpe Diseases thereof the juyce drunke in VVine or the Decoction made in VVine doth helpe VVomen to a speedy and easy delivery They are counted also good against poyson or venome so as the poyson be presently voided by vomit The manner of administring it It is used chiefly in Decoction The outward Vse Mallowes are often used in mollifying Glysters The Leaves bruised and laid to the Eyes with a little Honey taketh away the impostumations of them the Leaves bruised or rubbed upon any place stung with Bees Waspes or the like taketh away the paines rednesse and swelling thereof A Pultis made of the Leaves of Mallowes boyled and bruised whereunto some Beane or Barly-flower and Oyle of Roses is put is an especiall remedy against all hard tumours and inflammations of impostumes and swellings of the Cods and other parts and easeth the paines of them as also against the hardnesse of the
Spleene or Liver to be applied to the places the juyce of Mallowes boyled in old Oyle and applied taketh away all roughnesse of the Skin as also the falling of the Haire the Scurfe Dandruffe or dry Scabs in the Head or other parts if they be anoynted therewith or washed with the Decoction the same also is effectuall against Scaldings or Burnings and to helpe wild fire and all other hot red and painfull Swellings in any part of the Body The flowers boyled in water and a little Hony added is a good Gargle for any sore mouth or throat If the feet be bathed with the Decoction of the Leaves Roots and flowers it helpeth the flowing downe of rheume from the Head which rose out of the stomack the greene Leaves beaten with niter and applied draweth out thornes or prickes in the flesh A Fomentation against winde Take of the Leaves and roots of mallowes a handfull of Camomill and Melilot flowers a handfull Linseede one Ounce Aniseede halfe an Ounce Figges in number forty Boyle them in water and fill a bladder with the hot Decoction apply it Once or twice to the side or part affected Of those things that are made thereof The distilled water The conserve of the flowers CHAP. 122. De Melle of Honey The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Mel in English Hony and is hot and dry in the second degree The Duration It wil keepe good two or three yeares The best Kinde The best Honey is very sweet pleasant in smell of a cleare yellowish colour indifferent firme and stiffe yeelding but little scum on the top when it is boyled The inward Vse Honey is profitable in many Diseases of the breast as Cough Shortnesse of Breath Pleurisy Cold Rheumes and doth cleanse the Breast and Lungs of flegmatick and Rheumatick humours it helpeth such as are costine or bound openeth the stoppings of the Liver and Spleene strengthneth weake Parts helpeth the Bladder and Reines and is good in the Dropsey It resisteth putrifaction and as Pliny saith suffereth no dead Bodies to putrify and is very profitable for old Age and flegmatick persons The Roman Pollio being asked by Augustus the Emperour by what meanes hee had prolonged his Life to an hundred Yeares Answered that hee had used Honey within and Oyle without It is better boyled then Raw. Pliny Nat. Hist Lib. 22. Cap. 24. The manner of Administring it It is chiefly used in manner of an Electuary or mixed with other things An Electuary for the Cough Take of pure Honey foure Ounces oâ— Elecampane in Powder two Drams of Licoris in Powder a Dramme mixe them together and take often of it especially Morning and Evening The outward use It is good in the Quinsie Sore Mouthes and Throates being used in mouth-Mouth-water or otherwise but if choller abound forbeare the use of it It cures Burnings and Scaldings without Scarre and healeth Ulcers of the Eares and good also to cleanse and heale other filthy Ulcers Being dropped into the Eyes it helpeth the Dimnesse of them and cureth Cornes in the Feete If it be mixed with a little Camphor and used it taketh away Spots or Pimples in the Face It is used in Supposittories The hurtfull quality It is hurtfull for hot stomacks cholerick Bodies and young persons for it inflames the Bloud increaseth Choller and hurteth such as have hot Livers And though it bee of a cleansing and opening Faculty yet being too much used it stoppeth the Body puffeth up the Stomack taketh away the appetite to Meate and must not be used in very windy Bodies Of such Medicines as are made of Honey Oxymel simple and compound Water of Honey Essence of Honey Tincture of Honey Hydromel that is Water and Honey boyled together Meade Methegline and many others CHAP. 123. De Meliloto of Melilot The Names and Temperament IT is called in Latine Melilotus in English Melilot Kings Claver and Hearts Claver because if it grow where Stagges and Deere resort they will greedilie feede thereon Now it is called Melilot from a Lotus that smelleth sweete like Honey It is Hot and Dry in the first Degree and hath a binding Quality besides a Wasting and Ripening Faculty The duration The Herbe and flowers will keepe good a Yeare The inward use The Herbe boyled in Wine and taken provoketh Urine breaketh the Stone and asswageth the paine of the Kidnies Bladder and Belly and ripeneth flegme The manner of administring it It is given in Decoction The outward use It mollifieth hard Tumours and Inflammations that happen in the Eyes or other parts of the Body as the Seate or Fundament and the privy Parts of Man or Woman being boyled in Wine and laid to the place and sometimes the Yolke of a roasted Egge or the powder of Fenigreeke or Linseede or fine flower or Poppy-seede or Endive is added unto it It easeth the paine of the Side or Stomack applied either fresh or boyled with any other of the aforenamed things The juyce dropped in the eyes cleareth the sight and taketh away the Web Pearle or spots therein it helpeth also the paines of the eares being dropped into them and steeped in Vineger or Rose-water it easeth the Head-ach the flowers of Melilot and Camomill are much used in Glysters to expell winde and to ease paines as also in Pultises that are made for the same purpose and to asswage swellings or tumours that happen in the Spleene or other parts It helpeth Wens being applyed after it is boyled in water and also running Ulcers of the head if it be applyed with Chalke Wine and Galls The plaster of Melilot dissolveth hard tumours and swellings of the Spleene and cureth greene wounds A quilt or bag to ease the paine of the side Take Melilot flowers Camomill Rosemary and Elder flowers of each halfe a handfull of Branne a handfull of Anisseed Fennell-seed and Carawey seed bruised of each two ounces make a quilted bag for the side sprinkle it with wine and being made hot apply it Of those things that are made thereof The distilled Water Plaster of Melilot both simple and compound CHAP. 124. De Melissa of Baulme or Bawme The Names IT is called in Latine Milissophillum and Melissa because Bees delight much in it and of the effect being good for Bees in English Bawme and Baulme from the singular effects therein in imitation of the true naturall Baulme The temperament It is hot and dry in the second degree The Duration It will keep good a yeare The inward use It is excellent against the Diseases of the Braine Stomach Heart Wombe as in Melancholly troublesome sleepe Palsie Apoplexie Falling sicknesse Swimming of the head and to revive the fainting heart falling into swimmings It is good for a cold stomach and to help digestion as also among other things for the Plague or Pestilence and the water thereof is used for the same purposes It provoketh the courses helpeth a stinking breath and good for the rising of the Mother A decoction of
thereof being burnt maketh the Teeth white being rubbled therewith It is of excellent use to kill the Itch Scab Morphew or any foule Diseases of the Skinne if it bee mixed with Fullers Earth and Vineger and the Skin anoynted therewith A Lotion for Tetters or Ringwormes Take of Nitre three Drams of common Salt a Dram of the distilled water of Dockes foure Ounces Vineger of Squills one Ounce dissolve and mixe them together moisten a Cloath or Sponge therein being warme and rub the places affected Or against the Itch dissolve Niter and Alume with distilled Vineger or with Water of Scabions and therewith wash and rub the places affected The hurtfull quality Where the Body is loose it must not bee given in any great quantity The Dose The Dose is from a Dram to a Dram and an half Medicines made thereof Spirit of Nitre Tincture of Nitre c. CHAP. 132. De Nuce Moscata Maci. Of Nutmeg and Mace The names and temperament THe Nutmeg is called in Latine Nux moschata and Nux myristica in English Nutmeg The Mace is called in Latine Macis in English Mace They are hot and dry in the second degree and somewhat astringent The best kinde The best Nutmegs are the heaviest fastest and such as are fullest of juyce which being pricked with a pin or needle yeeldeth an oyly juyce The largest Mace is the best The Duration They will keepe good many yeares The inward Vse The Nutmegs are used in all cold Diseases of the Head for Palsies shrinking of Sinewes and the Diseases of the Mother they stay the Laske cause a sweete breath expell winde in the stomack or belly helpe to quicken the sight stay vomiting comfort the spirits and strengthen the stomack They are profitable for the Liver and Spleen cause such as are leane to grow fat help venery and increase sperme they helpe to procure sleepe being applied to the Temples Being mixed with Venice Terpintine washed and taken it helpeth the running of the Reines They provoke Urine say some The Nutmeg being greene is preserved in the Indies and brought over the which is not so hot and dry as our dry Nutmegs and therefore very comfortable for the Head and Stomack eaten Morning and Evening or after meales Mace hath the same property but somewhat more warming and comforting and is good against Vomiting Fluxes and Spitting of bloud The chymicall Oyle of either is excellent for the cold Diseases of the Head and Stomack but must be cautelously and sparingly used The manner of Administring them They are given in powder Electuary c. The outward Vse They are used outwardly to stop fluxes to stay vomiting and to make the breath sweet The thick Oyle that is drawn both from Mace and Nutmegs are good for the Cough vomiting to warme a cold stomack and to dry up Rheume and cold raw humours therein A Cap or Quilt against the paine of the Head arising from superfluous moisture Take Galingall Calamus Odoratus and Cyperus Root of each three Drams Nutmeg and Cloves of each two Drams Betony and Marjerome of each an Ounce Rosemary-Flowers and Stoechados of each half an Ounce Powder them and make a Cap. The hurtfull quality They are hurtfull to hot and dry Bodies and to melancholy persons The Dose The Dose is from a Scruple to two Scruples Of those Medicines that are made thereof Oyle chymicall and oyle by expression of either Salt of Nutmegs Balsome of Nutmegs and Mace Nimphaea see the 69. Chapter CHAP. 133. De Ocimo of Bassill The names and temperament IT is called in Latine Ocimum and Basilicum in English Basill and Bassill It is hot in the second degree The Duration It will keepe good a yeare The inward use It is good for those that are short winded provoketh Urine and the Termes in Women and brings a speedy deliverance to them in travile The seeds are used to helpe the trembling of the Heart and to comfort the same as also to expell melancholy or sadnesse A Decoction of the herbe made and taken is good against poyson and the sting of Scorpions and helpfull for those that are given to swownings and it provokes venery or lust The manner of Administring it It is given in Decoction or in powder The outward Vse Used with Oyle of Roses or Mirtles and Vineger it is good against the paines of the Head and it is pofitably applied to those that are troubled with the Lethargy the Jandise and Dropsey It is good to be put into the Eares of young Children with a little Goose-Grease to helpe them of paines thereof the juyce or seede bruised put into the Nostrills procureth neesing Mixed with Honey and used it taketh away the spots in the Face The juyce put into the Eyes taketh away the dimnesse thereof and drieth up humours that fall into them Hollerius relates of a certaine Italian that by often smelling to Basil had a Scorpion bred in his Braine who after vehement and long paines Died thereof Hollerius Lib. 1. Cap. 1. Fol. 3. The hurtfull quality It dulleth the sight troubleth a weake braine and causetth headache The Dose It is given from a Scruple to thirty or forty graines Medicines made thereof The distilled Water CHAP. 134. De Nymphaea of Water Lilly The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Nymphaea and Nenuphar in English Water-Lilly The Leaves and Flowers are cold and moist but the root and seed cold and dry The duration The dryed Flowers will keepe a yeare The inward use The Flowers boyled and taken coole inflammations and all inward heats of Agues The Seedes and Rootes are effectuall to stay Fluxes of Bloud and Seede both in Man and Woman as also the running of the Reines and the involuntary passage of Sperme in sleepe and is so powerfull that the frequent use thereof extinguisheth lustfull or venerious actions the Roote likewise is very good for those whose Urine is hot and sharpe to be boyled in Wine or Water and the Decoction drunke The Syrupe of VVater Lilly or Conserve helpeth much to procure rest and to settle the Braines of Franticke Persons for it wonderfully helpeth the distemperature of the Head arising from heate The distilled VVater of the flowers is effectuall for the Diseases aforesaid The manner of Administring it It is used in Decoction The outward Vse The Leaves and Flowers are used in Lotions and Bathes against Heate and Inflammations as in the Frensey and Feavers The greene Leaves bruised and applied to the Back helpeth the running of the Reines The Distilled VVater used taketh away Freckles Spots Sunne-burning and Morphew from the Skin in the Face or any other part of the Body The Oyle made of the flowers as oyle of Roses is made doth coole hot tumours and the inflamations of Ulcers and wounds ease the paines and help to heale the sores Of Medicines made thereof The distilled water Syrupe both simple and compound Conserve Oyle and oyntment CHAP. 135. De Olibano of Olibanum The Names
handful Roch-Allome half an ounce boil them in a quarter of a pinte of strong Wine Vineger to the wasting of half then add to the strained liquour a spoonful of Honey and two drams of white Mercury boil them a little and reserve it The Dose The Dose is from half a dram to two scruples Medicines made thereof The distilled water Extract of Cinquefoile CHAP. 142. De Pimpinella of Burnet The Names and temperament IT is call'd in Latine Pimpinella and Sanguisorba in English Burnet Pimpinell It is hot and dry in the second degree say some others will have it to be cold in the second degree and dry in the third The duration It will keep good a yeer being dry The inward use It is a friend to the Heart Liver and other principall parts two or three of the stalks with leaves put into a cup of Wine especially Claret as all know give a wonderfull fine relish to it and besides do quicken the spirits refresh the heart and make it merry driving away melancholy it is a speciall help to defend the heart from noysome vapours and from the infection of the Plague or Pestilence and all other contagious diseases for which purpose 't is of grear effect the juice thereof being taken in some drink and they either laid to sweat thereupon or wrapped and kept very warm It is available in all manner of fluxes of bloud or humours to stanch inward bleedings laskes or scourings the bloudy flix Womans too abundant courses and the Whites also and cholerick belchings and castings of the stomach and is singular good for inward Wounds The powder of the herb taken in Comfrey-water is excellent for such as have falne or are bruised The Water hath the same effects being taken The manner of administring it It is given in decoction in powder or in Electuary An Electuary against the Consumption of the Lungs Take of Burnet in fine powder two ounces fine Sugar an ounce with a sufficient quantity of pimpinel-Pimpinel-water make an Electuary of which take morning and evening the quantity of a Nutmeg The outward use It is an excellent herb for all sorts of Wounds both of the head and body for all old Ulcers or running Cancers and moist sores which are of hard curation either the juice of decoction of the herb or the powder of the herb used or else made into Oile or Ointment by it self or with other things to be kept The seed dryeth up moist sores being put therein in powder The distilled Water maketh the face and hands fair being washed therewith An ointment to dry over moist Wounds Take four good handfuls of Burnet of May-butter or fresh Butter a pound cut the Burnet and boil them gently at the fire until the herb wax black then strain and reserve it The Dose Take half a dram of the herb or root at a time Of those Medicines that are made thereof The distilled water conserve made of the seed the root candied Oile Salt of Burnet CHAP. 143. De Pipere of Pepper The Names and sorts THere are three sorts of Pepper chiefly in use white Pepper called Piper album long Pepper called Piper longum and black Pepper called Piper nigrum and this last is most in use The temperament It is hot and dry in the third degree or neer the fourth degree of a heating and resolving quality The duration They will keep good many yeers â—he inward use The black pepper is most in use for sawce and meats They are all usâ—d to warm cold stomachs and to stirre up an appetite and to consume â—rude and moist humours therein or distilling from the head they also help to break and dissolve winde in the stomach or bowels to provoke urine to help the cough and other diseases of the breast and are effectuall against the bitings of Serpents and other poisons are therefore put into the great Antidotes They are given before the fits of Agues to abate the rigour and shaking thereof and are used in the Quinsie with Honey They strongly heat the sinews and musâ—les and all cold parts Pepper must not be too small beaten for fear of inflaming the bloud and other profitable humours of the body â—hey help the dimnesse of the sight and stirre up Venery If five or six grains of black or white Pepper be taken for certain dayes together it doth help a cold and raw stomach and such as are subject to the Collick The chymical oile of Pepper is good for the aforesaid diseases and especially against a tertian Ague if three drops thereof be taken with a scruple of Myrrhe two houres before the fit commeth Pepper is best for cold moist and grosse meats for cold and moist seasons for the aged and flegmatick for such as have cold weak and windy stomacks and that are subject to distillations The manner of administring them They are given in powder or in Electuary An Electuary against winde in the stomack and belly Take black white and long Pepper of each a dram and a half of Ginger Amse-seed and Thyme of each half a dram make them into a grosse powder and with six ounces of Honey or conserve of red Roses make an Electuary and take often of it as much as a Nutmeg The outward use It is used outwardly against Agues mixed with Honey and laid to the Wrists and against the Quinsie and disperseth the kernels as well in the throat as in any other part of the body it easeth the tooth-ach being put into a clout tied up and chewed on and snuffed up into the nostrils it provoketh neesing A Medicine to help the tooth-ach Take of Mastich an ounce Pepper Pellitory of Spain of each a dram and a half make them in powder and with Honey make a paste of which take about the bignesse of a small Bean and hold in the mouth by the space of half an houre fasting The hurtfull quality Pepper is hurtful to hot cholerick and dry bodies in hot weather and hot Countreys consumeth the seed and burneth the bloud if it be immoderately used The Dose It is given from half a scruple to thirty grains Medicines made thereof Species Diatrion pipereon Chymical Oile Oile by decoction CHAP. 144. De Plantagine of Plantaine The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Plantage in English Plantaine It is cold and dry in the second degree The duration It will keep good a yeer The inward use The juice of Plantaine clarified and drunk for divers dayes together either of it self or in other drink prevaileth wonderfully against all torments and frettings in the guts helpeth the distillations of Rheume from the head and stayeth all manner of fluxes in man or woman even the courses also in Women it is good to stay spitting of bloud and all other bleedings at the mouth by having a vein broken in the stomach and that maketh bloudy or foul water by any Ulcer in the Reins or Bladder it is held also an especial remedy for those
naturall seed of generation and quickeneth the sight The leaves of Rue first boiled then laid in pickle is by some eaten as sawce for the dimness of sight and to warm a cold stomach The manner of administring it It is given in powder in decoction and electuary Mithridates his Antidote against Poison Take twenty leaves of Rue a little Salt a couple of Wal-nuts and a couple of Figs beat them together into a masse This is for every day The outward use It helpeth tht swelling of the cods if it be boiled with Bay-leaves and they bathed therewith The juice mixed with Honey and the juice of Fennel helpeth dim eyes being dropped therein being boiled or infused in Oile it is good to help the winde-collick or the swelling hardnesse or windinesse of the Mother and freeth women from the strangling or suffocation of the Mother if the shares and parts thereabouts be anointed therewith It helpeth the Gowt or pains in the joints of hands feet or knees and also the Sciatica applied thereunto the same with Figs helpeth the Dropsie It cureth the Morphew and taketh away all sorts of Warts on the Hands Face Nose or any other parts if it be boiled in Wine with some Pepper and Nitre and the places rubbed therewith and with Allome and Honey helpeth the dry Scab or any Tetter The juice dropped into the eares easeth the pains thereof It is good against the bitings of venomous beasts and to be laid to Carbuncles A fomentation against the running Sores of Childrens heads Take of green Copperas two ounces of Rue and Sage of each a handful boil them in a quart of water to half and wash the head therewith The hurtfull quality It is hurtful for women with childe and destroyeth the ability of getting children The Dose The Dose in powder is from a scruple to thirty grains Medicines made thereof The distilled water Chymicall Oile Oile by infusion Salt Vineger of Rue and Balsame CHAP. 154. De Saccharo of Sugar The Names and temperament IT is called Saccharum Sacchar Succharum Mel Arundinaceum Mel Cannae it is Honey of the Cane because it grows in Canes in English Sugar It is hot and moist in the first degree or temperately hot and moist and is abstersive or cleansing The best sort Some commend the coarsest or brownest Sugar before the other but sure the whitest refined Sugar being made up without adulteration or deceit is the best and most wholesome for nourishment The duration It will keep good many yeers The inward use Sugar is good for the diseases of the breast cleanseth and strengtheneth the Lungs is convenient for the stomach helpeth the roughnesse and drinesse of the mouth and throat also thirst and drought in Feavers especially being mixed with water and so taken and it is very profitable for the Reins and Bladder The outward use Sugar or white Candy being put into the eye taketh away the dimnesse thereof and the bloud shotten therein and strewed into foul sores it cleanseth them A Water against an Ulcer in the Bladder Take of the water of Milk distilled half a pound of white Sugar five ounces mix them at the fire and inject it hot with a Syringe A Water against rednesse of the Eyes Take of white Sugar and Aloes of each five drams Tutia or Tutty in powder half a scruple White Wine Rose-water and Fennel-water of each half an ounce Put them together in a glasse vessell and let them infuse six or seven houres then use it as need requires The hurtfull quality Sugar soon turns to choler causeth thirst and is hurtful to hot constitutions being over-much used it produceth dangerous effects in the body for it heateth the bloud breedeth the Jaundise Stoppings the Green-sicknesse and Consumptions rotteth the teeth and maketh them black withall causing also many times a loathsome stinking breath And therefore let young persons especially beware how they meddle too much with it lest they have for their sweet meat sower sawce I knew a young maiden whose mother was so indulgent over her that she gave her all the sweet meats she desired and that for many yeers together till at length her teeth were so corrupt and her breath so stanck that she was loathsome to company then followed Apostumation of her teeth and gums the Kings Evil and so continued a long time Of such things as are made thereof White Sugar-Candy Red Sugar-Candy or Brown Sugar-Candy Sugar-Pellets Sugar of Roses Sugar of Violets Oil and Salt of Sugar CHAP. 155. De Sale of Salt The Names and temperament IT is call'd in Latine Sal in English Salt it is hot in the second degree and dry in the third it is of a cleansing digesting attenuating drying consuming and somewhat also of an astringent faculty The duration and kindes Salt will keep good many yeers There are two sorts in use White and Bay Salt The inward use Salt may most justly be called Condimentum condimentorum Sawce of sawces as being necessary for seasoning and preserving of meats that we cannot well live without it For it is a custome among us to set it first at the table and to take it away last It maketh thin grosse and clammy humours resisteth venome preventeth and correcteth putrefaction by drying and consuming all crude and moist superfluities stirreth up Venery strengtheneth weak and loose parts helpeth digestion especially in a cold and moist stomach consumeth all corrupt humours and is very profitable in stoppings of the urine and belly as also in the Collick The manner of administring it It is used chiefly in powder A powder to help concoction Take of common Salt one ounce and a half Pepper six drams Cummin-seed half an ounce Caraway-seed Cynamon Zedoarie of each three drams Ginger and Mace of each two drams and a half make all into a fine powder and let it be eaten with meat The outward use It is used in rotten and putrid Ulcers as also in creeping Ulcers and simple Tumours in the Itch Scab Tetters or Ringworme in the Gowt cold Aches pain of the Teeth Head-ach Collick and to take away the skin growing over the Eye It is good also in Gangrenes and in Burnings to draw out the heat A Lotion against the Gowt Take of common Salt three or four handfuls boil it in water to the consumption of half with which bathe the parts affected warm Against pains of the Eares Take Salt and dry it make it in powder and being put into a bag apply it warm to the eares A Suppository gently to provoke siege Take of Honey half an ounce of common Salt a dram boil it gently to a due light and form and being cold anoint it with Oile or Butter and put it up The hurtfull quality Salt used too much dryeth up the humours of the body wasteth seed burneth the Liver and Bloud ingenders sharp and biting humours causeth Itch and Scabs annoyeth the stomach dimmeth the sight destroyeth the radicall moisture corrupteth and spoileth the habit of the
whole body making persons soon look old and wrinkled as may be seen in young maidens that eat much thereof It is very hurtful for lean dry and cholerick persons Of such things as are made thereof Oile of Salt or Spirit Tincture of Salt Flowers of Salt CHAP. 156. De Salvia of Sage The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Salvia because it maketh men safe and sound in health in English Sage It is hot and dry in the second or beginning of the third degree The duration It will keep good a yeer The inward use A decoction of Sage made and drunk provoketh urine bringeth downe the courses easeth paines of the head that proceed from cold and rheumatick humours as also all paines of the joynts and therefore helpeth such as have the Falling Sicknesse the Lethargy or Drowsie Evil such as are dull and heavy of spirit and those that have the Palsey and is in much use in all distillations of thin rheum from the head and for the diseases of the breast The juice of Sage is much commended for women that have moist and slipperie wombes and not able to conceive by reason thereof if they take a quantity of the juice with a little Salt for foure dayes before they company with their Husbands and it is good to prevent miscarrying in women If three spoonfulls of the juice be taken fasting with a little Honey it doth stay the spitting or casting up of blood It stoppeth the whites and reds in women It is of excellent good use to help the memory by warming and quickening the senses and the Conserve made of the flowers is used to the same purpose as also for all the former recited diseases It is of good use in the time of the Plague and good also against the Cough hoarsenesse paines of the side and Dropsie The manner of administring it It is given in decoction in powder in Pills Potions c. A Potion against Arthriticall paines Take of Sage and Hyssop of each two ounces infuse thereein for a nights space of Agarick trochiscated two drams Rubarbe foure scruples Cynamon halfe a dram then strain it and dissolve therein of the Electuary Diacarthamum two drams Syrup of Stoâ—chodas halfe an ounce make a Potion Pills against a Comsumption Take of Spicknard and Ginger of each two drams of the seed of Sage a little dryed at the fire one ounce Long pepper twelve drams all these being made into fine powder make it up into a masse with the juice of Sage the dose is a dram every morning and evening The outward use A decoction of Sage taketh away the itching of the Cods if they be bathed therewith it stayeth the bleeding of wounds and cleanseth foule ulcers or sores The leaves of Sage and Nettles bruised together and laid upon the Impostume that riseth behinde the Ears doth asswage and help it much The leaves boiled in Wine and the place bathed therewith helpeth the Palsey Cramp cold joints paines in the side comming of winde if the grieved place be bathed warme therewith and the Herb after the boyling be laid warme also thereto Gargles for mouth-waters are made with Sage Rosemary Honey-sackles and Plaintane boyled in water or Wine with foine Allom put thereto to wash Cankers sore mouths and throats or the secret part of man or woman as need requireth It is also commended against the biting of Serpents The often chewing of Sage in the mouth is profitable for the Teeth and sinews for it strengtheneth the one and preserveth the other from putrefaction The hurtfull quality The frequent use of Sage is hurtfull to leane and dry bodies and in hot and dry seasons The dose The dose in powder is from a scruple to thirty graines Of such Medicines as are made thereof The distilled water Chymicall Oil. Conserve and Salt of Sage CHAP. 157. De Sassafras of Sassafras The names and Temperament IT is called in Latine Sassafras in English also Sassafras and Ague-tree of his vertue in healing Agues It is hot and dry in the beginning of the third degree The duration It will keep good many yeers The outward use The decoction of Sassafras is given in all cold diseases and stoppings of the Liver and Spleen as also in cold Rheumes that fall on the teeth eyes or lungs warming and drying up the moisture and strengthening the parts afterwards and therefore is available in Coughs and other cold diseases of the breast stomach and lungs and restraineth castings and helpeth digestion breaketh and expelleth winde the gravel and stone in the Kidneys and provoketh urine and Womens courses it also warmeth heateth and dryeth up the moysture of Womens Wombes which is the cause of barrennesse and causeth them to be more apt to conceive it is of good use in tertian and quotidian Agues that are of long continuance It is generally used in all diseases that come of cold and raw thin and corrupt humours the French Disease and other of the like foule nature The manner of administring it It is given chiefly in decoction as thus Take of Sassafras foure ounces steep it in a gallon and a half of water foure and twenty houres then boil it close covered till it be neer half consumed then being strained give a good draught thereof morning and evening for the diseases before mentioned The outward use It is thought to be good in the time of the Pestilence to weare some thereof continually about them that the smell of it may expel the corrupt and evil vapours of the Pestilence The hurtfull quality It is hurtful to very hot and dry bodies The Dose It is given in powder from a scruple to two scruples Medicines made thereof Extract of Sassafras Chymicall Oile CHAP. 158. De Sarsaparilla of Sarsaparilla The Names and temperament IT is called in Latine Sarsaparilla Salsaparilla and Zarzaparilla it is hot and dry in the first or second degree of thin parts and provoketh sweat The duration It will keep good many yeers The inward use It is chiefly used in the French Pox in Rheumes Gowts cold diseases of the head and stomach expelleth winde both from the stomach and mother It helpeth all manner of aches in the sinews and joynts all running sores in the legs all cold Swellings Tetters or Ring-wormes and all manner of spots and foulnesse of the skin The hurtfull quality It is bad for hot Livers and cholerick persons The manner of administring it It is given chiefly in decoction see the fore-goin Chapter The Dose The Dose in powder is from half a dram to a dram CHAP. 159. De Scordio of Water-Germander The names and temperament IT is called in Latine Scordium because it smels like Garlick in English Water-Germander and Garlick-Germander It is hot and dry in the second degree bitter in taste harsh and sharp The duration It will keep good a yeer or two The inward use It is effectuall to provoke urine and Womens courses killeth Wormes in the belly or stomach is also a safe
Dog Take of Gentian root bruised a dram or two drams boile it in about half a pinte of water and honey til neer half be consumed strain it and adde of Myrrhe in powder two scruples or a dram of Crabs-eyes burnt and in powder two drams mix them together and give it at four times morning and evening wash also the wound with vineger and salt water and apply Cupping-glasses thereto to draw out the venome Or Take of the root in powder two scruples or a dram give it in Carduus water Or Take of Gentian in powder thirty graines of Rue in powder a scruple of Pepper powdered five graines give it in Angelica-water The externall use The juice or powder of the root healeth fresh wounds and is very effectuall for all sorts of foul putrid or rotten ulcers wheresoever yea though hollow or fistulous cancrous fretting or running for it doth very much cleanse dry and heale up also the same applyed to ulcers knots or kernels of the neck or throat which is called the Kings evill healeth them safely and speedily as also the painfull swellings of the hemorrhoidall veines called the Piles when they are fallen down and grow ulcerous or sore The juice being put into the eyes takes away inflammations and rednesse therein and cleares them from skins and films growing upon them The root is in use among Chirurgions to inlarge the orifice of any wound or sore The fresh root or the dryed made into a Pessary and put into the Matrix expelleth the dead childe and after-birth for it throughly worketh upon those parts The juice root or herbe or decoction thereof is given to cattel to drink to free them from Bottes and Wormes and many other diseases as also when they begin to swell being poisoned by any venomous worme or ticke which they often licke up with the grasse as also when they are bitten or stung by the udders or other tender places which presently thereupon swel and put the cattel to much pain making them forbear their meat which being perceived the Countrey-people presently bruise the leaves of any kinde of Gentian and take the juice thereof and stroke the udder or bitten place which doth soon help them The distilled water of Gentian cleanseth the face from freckles morphew or other spots and discolourings of the skin being often lightly washed therewith Against Bruises Take of Gentian root in powder an ounce mix with it a little Oil-olive and apply it warm The hurtfull quality It must not be given to women with childe for it will cause them to miscarry neither is it to be used in hot and dry bodies The Dose It is given in powder from a scruple to a dram in decoction from a dram to three drams Of those things that are made of Gentian The distilled water of the leaves and root The extract of Gentian The thickned juice a dram whereof is excellent against intermittent Agues being taken before the fit Diatessaron CHAP. 34. De Gratiola of Hedge-Hyssope GRatiola is an herbe that hath leaves like common Hyssope but a little shorter and broader The names It is called in Latine Gratiola Gratia Dei in English Hedge-Hyssope Now it is called Gratiola per Antiphrasin because it is in no wise gratefull and pleasant to those that take it for it is very bitter and of violent operation The Temperament It is hot and dry in the beginning of the third degree or in the end of the second in taste very bitter and somewhat astringent The Duration It will keep good a yeare The inward use It purgeth choler and flegme but especially waterish humours Therefore it is profitable in the Dropsie Green-sicknesse obstructions of the liver and spleen in the Hip-gowt quartane Agues and long continued Feavers as also in quotidian Agues It prevails much against putrefaction and killeth Wormes It worketh both by vomit and stool Some commend it in the French Pox Scorbute or Scurvy and against the pestilence The manner of administring it It is given in Potions Powders Pils c. A Potion Take of Hedge Hyssope half a handfull Sene half an ounce Raisons of the Sun six drams Anise-seed Cynamon bruised of each half a dram boyl them in a pinte of Renish wine to half a pinte then straine it and being sweetned with sugar give it to drink in a morning fasting with physicall observation A Powder Take of Hedg Hysop in powder two drams Cynamon Anise-seed in powder of each a scruple of pure Sugar half an ounce mix them well together Give a dram or a dram and a half hereof in broth Pils excellent in the Dropsie Take extract of Hedge Hysop extract of Mechoacan of each a scruple Salt of Hedge Hysop six grains mix them together and make Pils thereof Jo. Hartmanus pract Chym. f. 246. Melichius mentions Saccharum Gratiolae magistrale in his Dispensatory which is not made with the flowers but of the leaves with Sugar not by boyling it but by setting it in the Sun and often stirring it together The Dose is from six drams to an ounce in strong bodies He saith that it worketh without any trouble Melich Dispensat f. 119. He doth not mention what quantity is to be taken but I conceive at least as much Sugar as leaves or as much more The externall use The powder of the herb or the juice thereof cureth green wounds and cleanseth old and rotten sores It may be put into Oiles and Ointments that are made to cleanse and heal wounds and old ulcers The hurtfull quality and the correcting help It worketh churlishly and troubleth the stomack therefore it must be given with Cynamon Anise-seed Liquorish Sugar Honey decoction of Cicers or in posset-drink Some macerate or steep it in vineger then dry it afterwards they infuse or steep it in milk and dry it again then they give it in powder The Dose It is given in powder to a scruple in decoction from half an ounce to an ounce but the extract thereof is more commodious then either the Dose of which is from a scruple to half a dram These compounds following are made of Gratiola or Hedge Hysope The extract Salt of Hedge Hysop Conserve of Hedge Hysop CHAP. 35. De Gutta gummi of Gum gutta or Cambogia GUtta gummi or Cambogia is a concreted or hardened juice rather then a gum made up into hard rolls yellow both within and without and being moistned it gives a yellow colour What it is made of none hath yet certainly determined some conceive it to be the juice of Spurge condensed or dryed and mixed with a little Saffron or Turmerick others judge it to be made of Scammonie and Tithymal others judge it to be made of Rubarbe others of Euphorbium others think it to be made of one kinde of Aloes But sure they are deceived that judge it to be made up of Aloes and that because it is not bitter as Aloes is moreover it purgeth rather water than choler Neither can it be made of Euphorbium