# Nicholas Culpeper, "The English Physitian" ("Culpeper's Herbal")
# Last edited on 2002-01-08 02:47:45 by stolfi
# From a Yale electronic edition.
# http://info.med.yale.edu/library/historical/culpeper/culpeper.htm
# Culpeper, Nicholas, 1616-1654.
# "The English physitian: or an astrologo-physical
# discourse of the vulgar herbs of this nation"
# London : Peter Cole, 1652.
# 8 p.l., 255 p. (i.e. 159 p.), [5] p., front. (port.)
# Pages numbered 1-92, 189-255.
# Electronic version prepared by Richard Siderits, M.D. Yale University.
# Adaptation to HTML by Toby Appel.
# Reformatted for statistical purposes by J. Stolfi, as follows:
# The marginal notes (lists of diseases) were displaced
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# /The English Physitian/
# Introduction by Richard Siderits, M.D.
# -------------------------------------------------------------------
# Nicholas Culpeper, a legendary figure in the field of herbal
# medicine and author of /The English Physitian/, transcribed
# within, was a man of mystery and glory - a revolutionary who taxed
# the heirarchal politicos, challenged the procedures and policies
# of the clergy and championed the wonderings of common folk, much
# to the chagrin of the established pedantists.
# Within this manuscript, the reader will find the wit, intellect,
# ethic and conviction of a man maligned by his colleagues and much
# respected by his community. Culpeper worked to bring medicinal
# treatments from the mysterious to the comprehensible. His
# philosophy was to teach the common folk to minister to themselves
# by providing them with the tools and knowledge for self health.
# His mind and ambition was to reform the whole system of medicine
# by being an innovative questioner paving the way for new thoughts
# and principles contrary to established traditions.
# A man of and for the common people, Culpeper wrote with a personal
# style revealing his insights as well as his struggles. Culpeper's
# writing tends to be comprehensive and exhaustive in its approach
# to reconciling astrology and medicine.
# DMS
#######################################################################
# part a TITLE_PAGES
## <a001>
# chapter 1 TITLE_PAGE
# unit B booktitle
THE
ENGLISH PHYSITIAN:~
# unit F booksubtitle
OR~
An Astrologo-Physical Discourse of the Vulgar
Herbs of this Nation.
# unit P text
Being a Compleat Method of Physick, whereby a man
may preserve his Body in Health; or cure himself, being
sick, for three pence charge, with such things only
as grow in England, they being most fit
for English Bodies.
Here in also shewed,
1. The way of making Plaisters, Oyntments, Oyls,
Pultisses, Syrups, Decoctions, Julips, or Waters, of
all sorts of Physical Herbs, That you may have them
readie for your use at all times of the yeer.
2. What Planet governeth every Herb or Tree (used in
Physick) that groweth in England.
3. The Time of gathering all Herbs, both Vulgarly, and
Astrologically.
4. The Way of drying and keeping the Herbs all the yeer.
5. The Way of keeping their Juyces ready for use at all
times.
6. The Way of making and keeping all kind of useful
Compounds made of Herbs.
7. The way of mixing Medicines according to Cause and and
Mixture of the Disease, and Part of the Body
Afflicted.
# unit A author
By Nich. Culpeper, Gent. Student in Physick
and Astrologie.
# unit N printer
LONDON:~
Printed by Peter Cole, at the sign of the Printing-Press in
Cornhil, near the Royal Exchange.
# unit Q printdate
1652.
# part b PROLOGUE
## <b001>
# chapter 1 TO_THE_READDR
# unit T chaptertitle
TO THE READDR.
# unit P text
Courteous Reader,
Aristotle, in his Metaphysicks writing of the Nature
of Man, hit the Nail on the Head when he said, That Man is
naturally enclined to, and desirous of Knowledg: and
indeed it is palpable and apparent, that as Pride is the
first visible sin in a child, whereby we may gather that
it was the first sin of Adam; so Knowledg being the first
Vertue a Child minds, as is apparent to them that do but
with the eye of Reason heed their actions even whilst they
are very yong, even before they are a yeer old, even by
natural instinct, whereby a man may more than guess that
Knowledg was the greatest loss, or at least one of the
greatest we lost by the fall of Adam: Knowledg, saith
Aristotle, is in Prosperity an Ornament, in Adversity a
Refuge; and truly there is almost no greater enemy to
Knowledg in the world that Pride and Covetousness;
Excellently said, Juvenal, Sat. 7.
# unit L latinverse
Scire volunt omnes, mercedem solvere nemo.~
# unit E englverse
Although all men, in Knowledg take delight,~
Yet they love money better, that's the spight.~
# unit P text
And again, some men are so damnable proud and envious
withal, that they would have no body know any thing but
themselves; the one I hope will shortly learn better
manners, and the other be a burden too heavy for the Earth
long to bear.
The Subject which I here fixed my thoughts upon is
not only the Description and Nature of Herbs, which had it
been all, I had authority sufficient to bear me out in it,
for Solomon employed part of that wisdom he asked, and
received of God in searching after them, which he wrote in
Books, even of all Herbs, Plants and Trees; some say those
Writings were carried to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar; being
kept in the Temple at Jerusalem for the publick view of
the People, but being transported to Babylon in the
Captivity, Alexander the GREAT TYRANT at the taking of
Babylon gave them to his Master Aristotle, who committed
them to the mercy of the fire.
But since the daies of Solomon, many have those
famous men been that have written of this Subject, and
great Encouragements have been given them by Princes, of
which I shall quote an example or two, Mathiolus his
greediness was such to finish his Comment upon
Dioscorides, which Book is yet in use in the famous
Universities in Leyden in Holland, & Mountpilier in
France, that he forgot to count what the charges of it
might amount to, although I rather comend him for his
dilligence in Studie and Care of the Worlds good, than
harbor the least ill thought of him for not counting the
middle and both ends before he began the Work, I say when
he came to count the charges of Printing and cutting the
Cuts, it far surmounted his Estate; in this he was
abundantly furnished by Ferdinand the Emperor, and diverse
other Princes of Germany, as himself confessed furnished
him with great sums of money, for perfecting that so
great, so good a Work; the Prince Elector of Saxony sent
him much money towards his charge, as also Joachim,
Marquess of Brandenburg, who as he was neighbor to Saxony
in Place, so was he in Affection to so good a Work;
Frederick, Count Palatine of the Rhine, the Cardinal
Prince of Trent, the Arch Bishop of Saltzberg, the Dukes
of Bavaria and Cleveland, and the Free State of Norimberg,
together with many others, so that he had the help of the
Emperor, of Arch Dukes, Dukes, Electors, Cardinals,
Princes. Happie is that Nation whose Magistrates
countenance such as mind and study their Good: I might
instance in many more, and thereby give you a glimps how
Magistrates formerly favored this Art, and which is more,
how studious they were in it. Bellonius a man that soared
high in the Nature of Herbs, also professed he had the
helping hand of Kings and Cardinals to maintain him in his
Studies, and more than this, kings themselves were
Studious in it; amongst which (Solomon excepted)
Mithridates that renowned King of Pontus seems to bear
away the Bell, his Writings after his death were found in
his Country Mannor by Pompey the great, but never a Roman
of them all had the honesty to print them with his name in
the Frontispiece, so that we have nothing of them but what
is quoted by some honest Authors, especially by Plutarch.
# unit L latinverse
Ad nos vix tenuis fame dilabitur aura.~
# unit E englverse
Men mind our good, but such cross times do fall,~
We only hear they did, and that is all.~
# unit P text
Mesue King of Damascus, Avicenna, and Evax King of
Arabia, labored much in this Study, and I could well have
afforded to have mentioned Dioclesian the Roman Emperor
had he not washed out his Vertues, and defiled them with a
Purple stain, in a most bloody persecution of Christians.
It is quoted in Virgil, that when a famous Prince was
proffered by Apollo to be taught his Arts, viz. Physick,
Musick, Augury, and the Art of Shooting in the Bow, he
made choice of Physick and to know the Nature of Herbs.
# unit L latinverse
Ipse suas artes, sua munera, laetus Appollo~
Augurium, Citheramq; dedit, celerefs; sagittas,~
Ille, ut depositi preferret fata Parentis~
Scire potestates Herbarum, usumq; Medendi~
Maluit: & mutas agitare(inglorias) Artes.~
# unit E englverse
His Arts to him, when great Appollo gave,~
He did nor Augury, nor Arrows crave,~
Nor the Melodius Lute, but to prevent~
His Fathers death, who now with age was spent,~
To be an Herbarist, and Medicine~
To learn, he rather did his thoughts incline.~
# unit P text
So precious hath the knowledg of the Vertues of Herbs
been in former times to men of quality, and indeed happy
is that Nation, whose Rulers mind Knowledg, as Solomon
saith on the contrary, Wo to that Nation whose King is a
Child, and indeed in Ancient times people need little
other Physick than such Herbs as grew neer them, some
Footsteps of which and but a few only, are now in use with
us to this day, as people usually boyl Fennel with Fish,
and know not why they do it but only for custom, when
indeed the Original of it was founded upon Reason, because
Fennel consumes that Flegmatick quality of Fish, which is
obnoxious to the Body of man, Fennel being an Herb of
Mercury, and he so great an Enemie to the Sign Pisces.
In this Art the Worthies of our own Nation, Gerard,
Johnson, and Parkinson are not to be forgotten, who did
much good in the Studie of this Art, yet they and all
others that wrote of the Nature of Herbs, gave not a bit
of a reason why such an Herb was apropriated to such a
part of the Body, nor why it cured such a Disease; truly
my own body being sickly brought me easily into a
capacitie to know that Health was the greatest of all
Earthly Blessings, and truly he was never sick that doth
not beleeve it; then I considered that all Medicines were
compounded of Herbs, Roots, Flowers, Seeds &c. and this
first set me awork in studying the Nature of Simples, most
of which I knew by sight before, and indeed all the
Authors I could reade gave me but little satisfaction in
this particular, or none at all; I cannot build my faith
upon authors words, nor beleeve a thing because they say
it, and could wish every bodie were of my mind in this, to
labor to be able to give a reason for every thing they say
or do; they say reason makes a man differ from a Beast, if
that be true, pray what are they that instead of Reason
for their judgment, quote old Authors, perhaps their
Authors knew a reason for what they Wrote, perhaps they
did not, what is that to us, do we know it? Truly in
writing this Work first, to satisfie my self I drew out all
the Vertues of vulgar Herbs, Plants, and Trees &c. out of
the best and most approved Authors I had or could get, and
having done so, I set my self to studie the Reason of
them; I knew well enough the whol world and every thing
in it was formed of a Composition of contrary Elements,
and in such a harmony as must needs shew the wisdom and
Power of a great God. I knew as well this Creation though
thus composed of contraries was one united Body, and man
an Epitome of it, I knew those various affections in man
in respect of Sickness and Health were caused Naturally
(though God may have other ends best known to himself) by
the various operations of the Macrocosm; and I could not
be ignorant, that as the Cause is, so must the Cure be,
and therefore he that would know the Reason of the
operation of Herbs must look up as high as the Stars; I
alwaies found the Disease vary according to the various
motion of the Stars, and this is enough one would think to
teach a man by the Effect where the Cause lay: Then to
find out the Reason of the Operation of Herbs, Plants, &c.
by the Stars went I, and herein I could find but few
Authors, but those as full of nonsense and contradictions
as an Egg is full of meat, this being little pleasing, and
less profitable to me, I consulted with my two Brothers,
Dr. REASON, and Dr. EXPERIENCE, by whose advice together
with the help of Dr. DILLIGENCE, I at last obtained my
desires, and being warned by Mr. HONESTY, a stranger in
our daies to publish it to the World, I have done it.
But you will say, What need I have written of this
Subject, seing so many famous and learned men have written
so much of it in the English Tongue, nay much more than I
have done?
To this I Answer,
# unit P text
1. All that have written of Herbs either in the English or
not in the English Tongue, have no waies answered my
intents in this Book, for they have intermixed many, nay
very many outlandish Herbs, and very many which are hard,
nay not at all to be gotten, and what harm this may do I
am very sensible of. Once a Student in Physick in Sussex
sent up to London to me, to buy for him such and such
Medicines, and send them down, which when I viewed, they
were Medicines quoted by authors living in another Nation,
and not to be had in London for Love nor Money, so the
poor man had spent much pains and Brains in studying
Medicines for a Disease that were not to be had; so a man
reading Gerards or Parkinsons Herbal for the Cure of a
Disease so may as like as not, light on an Herb that is
not here to be had, or not without great diffuculty, if
possible; but in mine, all grow neer him.
# unit P text
2. My last, though not the least of my Reasons is,
Neither Gerard nor Parkinson nor any that ever wrote in
the like Nature, ever gave one wise Reason for what they
wrote, and so did nothing els but train up yong Novices in
Physick in the School of Tradition, and teach them just as
a Parrot is taught to speak, an Author saith so, therefore
'tis true, and if all that Authors say be true, why do
they contradict one another? But in mine, if you view it
with the Eye of Reason, you shall see a Reason for every
thing that is written, whereby you may find the very
Ground and Foundation of Physick, you may know
what you
do, and wherefore you do it, and this shall call me
Father, it being (that I know of) never done in the world
before.
I have now but two things more to write and then I
have done.
# unit I textitem
1. What the profit and benefit of this Work is.
# unit I textitem
2. Instructions in the Use of it.
# unit P text
1. The Profit and Benefits arising from it, or that
may acrue to a wise man, from it are many, so many that
should I sum up all the particulars, the Epistle would be
as big as the Book; I shall only quote some few general
Heads.
First, The admirable Harmony of the Creation is
herein seen, in the Influence of Stars upon Herbs and the
Body of man, how one part of the Creation is subservient
to another, and all for the use of man whereby the
Infinite Power and Wisdom of God in the Creation appears;
and if I do not admire at the simplicity of the Ranters,
never trust me, who but viewing the Creation can hold such
a sottish Opinion, as that it was from eternity, when the
Mysteries of it are so cleer to everie eye; but that
Scripture shall be verified to them, Rom. I. 20. The
invisible things of Him from the Creation of the world are
cleerly seen, being understood by the things that are
made, even his eternal Power and Godhead, so that they are
without excuse. And a Poet could teach them a better
Lesson.
# unit L latinverse
Excideret ne tibi divini muneris author~
Presentem monstrat; qualibet Herba Deum.~
# unit E englverse
Because out of thy thoughts God should not pass,~
His Image stamped is on every Grass.~
# unit P text
This indeed is true, God hath stamped his Image upon
every Creature, and therefore the abuse of the Creature is
a great sin; but how much more doth the Wisdom and
Excellencie of God appear if we consider the Harmony of
the Creation in the Vertue and Operation of every Herb;
this is the first.
Secondly, Hereby thou maist know what infinite
Knowledg Adam had in his Innocencie, that by looking upon
a Creature, he was able to give it a name according to his
Nature, and by knowing that, thou maist know how great thy
fall was, and be humbled for it even in this respect,
because hereby thou are so ignorant.
Thirdly, Here is the right way for thee to begin the
study of Physick if thou art minded to begin at the right
end, for here thou hast the Reason of the whol Art. I
wrote before in certain Astrological Lectures which I
read, and printed, intituled Semeiotica Uranica what
Planet caused (as a second Cause) every Disease, and how
it might be found out what Planet caused it; here thou
hast what Planet cures it by Sympathy and Antipathy; and
this brings me to my last premise, Viz.
# unit S sectiontitle
Instructions for the right use of the Book.
# unit P text
And herein let me promise a word or two, Many Herbs,
Plants, &c are not in the Book apropriated to their
propper Planets, the Reason was, want of time, or some
other thing else, which many that know me will easily
guess at; at last the Book hanging longer in the Press
that I imagine it would, I took the time and pains (though
I could ill have spared either) to apropriate them all,
and have for thy benefit (Courteous Reader) inserted them
in order after the Epistle, now then for thy Instruction,
First, Consider what Planet causeth the Disease; that
thou maist find in my Semeiotia.
Secondly, Consider what part of the Body is afflicted
by the Disease, and whether it lie in the Flesh, or Blood,
or Bones, or Ventricles.
Thirdly, Consider by what Planet the afflictd part of
the Bodie is governed; that my Semeiotica will inform you
in also.
Fourthly, You have in this Book the Herbs for Cure
apropriated to the Several Diseases, and the Diseases for
your ease set down in the Margin, whereby you may
strengthen the part of the Bodie by its like, as the Brain
by Herbs of Mercury, the Breast and Liver by Herbs of
Jupiter, the Heart and Vitals by Herbs of the Sun, &c.
Fifthly, You may oppose Diseases by Herbs of the
Planet opposite to the Planet that causeth them, as
Diseases of Jupiter by Herbs of Mercury, and the contrary;
Diseases of the Luminaries by Herbs of Saturn, and the
contrary; Diseases of Mars by Herbs of Venus, and the
contrary.
Sixthly, There is a way to cure Diseases somtimes by
Sympathy, and so every Planet cures his own Diseases, as
the Sun and Moon by their Herbs cure the Eyes, Saturn the
Spleen, Jupiter the Liver, Mars the Gall and Diseases of
Choller, and Venus Diseases in the Instruments of
Generation.
Seventhly, There was a small Treatise of mine of
Humane Vertues, printed at the latter end of my Ephemeris
for the yeer 1651. I suppose it would do much good to
yong Students to peruse that with this Book.
Eighthly, Yong Students would do themselves much
good, and benefit themselves exceedingly in the Study of
Physick if they would tak the pains to view the Vertues of
the Herbs &c. in the Book, and compare them to these
Rules, they shall to their exceeding great content find
them all agreeable to them, and shall thereby see the
reason why such an Herb conduceth to the Cure of such a
Disease.
Ninthly, I gave you the Key of al in the Herb
Wormwood, which if because of the volubility of the
Language, any think it would not fit the Lock, I will here
give it you again in another Herb of the same Planet which
in the Book either through my own forgetfulness, or my
Amanuensis was omitted, and here I shal give it you
plainly without any circumstances.
# unit S sectiontitle
The Herb is Carduus Benedictus.
# unit P text
It is called Carduus Benedictus, or blessed Thistle
or holy Thistle, I suppose the name was put uppon it by
some that had little Holiness in themselves: It is an Herb
of Mars, and under the Sign Aries; now in handling this
Herb, I shall give you a rational Pattern of all the rest,
and if you please to view them throughout the Book, you
shall to your content find it true.
It helps Swimming and giiddiness of the Head, or the
Disease called Vertigo, because Aries is the House of
Mars.
It is an excellent Remedy against the yellow
Jaundice, and other infirmities of the Gall, because Mars
governs Choller.
It strengthens the attractive faculty in man, and
clarifies the Blood, because the one is ruled by Mars.
The continual drinking the Decoction of it helps red
Faces, Tetters, and Ringworms because Mars causeth them.
It helps Plague sores, Boils, and Itch, the Biting of
mad Dogs and venemous Beasts, all which infirmities are
under Mars. Thus you see what it doth by Sympathy.
# unit S sectiontitle
By Antypathy to other Planets.
# unit P text
It cures the French Pox by Antypathy to Venus who
governs it.
It strengthens the Memory and cures Deafness by
Antipathy to Saturn who hath his Fall in Aries which Rules
the Head.
It cures Quartan Agues, and other Diseases of
Melancholly and adult Choller by Sympathy to Saturn, Mars
being exalted in Capricorn.
Also it provokes Urine, the stopping of which is
usually caused by Mars or the Moon.
If you please to make use of these Rules, you shall
find them true throughout the Book, and by heeding them,
you may be able to give a Reason of your Judgment to him
that asketh you: I assure you it gave much content to me,
and for your goods did I pen it; but I must conclude, my
Epistle having exceeded its Bounds alreadie; hereby you
see what Reason may be given for Medicines, and what
necessity there is for every Physitian to be an
Astrologer, you have heard it before I suppose, but now
you know it; what remains, but that you labor to glorifie
God in your several places, and do good to your selves
first by encreasing your Knowledg, and to your Neighbors
afterwards by helping their Infirmities; some such I hope
this Nation is worthy of, and to such shall I remain a
Friend, during life, readie to my poor power to help.
Nich. Culpeper.
Spittle-fields next door to the red Lyon.
Novemb. 6. 1652.
# part c AUTHORITY_LIST
## <c001>
# chapter 1 AUTHORITY_LIST
# unit T chaptertitle
Authors made use of in this TREATISE.
# unit C listlabel
A
# unit M namelist
Aegineta.~
Aetius.~
Aristotle.~
Avicenna.~
Averrois.~
Avenaris.~
Andreas Caesalpinus.~
Antonius Musa.~
# unit C listlabel
B
# unit M namelist
Baubine.~
Bellus.~
Bartholomeus Anglus.~
Butler, a Manuscript.~
# unit C listlabel
C
# unit M namelist
Clusius.~
Cameravius.~
# unit C listlabel
D
# unit M namelist
Dodoneus.~
Dioscorides.~
# unit C listlabel
E
# unit M namelist
Dr. Experience.~
# unit C listlabel
F
# unit M namelist
Fabius Columna.~
Fuchsius.~
# unit C listlabel
G
# unit M namelist
Gesner.~
Galen.~
Gerrhard.~
# unit C listlabel
I
# unit M namelist
Isidore.~
Johnson.~
# unit C listlabel
L
# unit M namelist
Leonicerus.~
Lobel.~
Lugdunensis.~
# unit C listlabel
M
# unit M namelist
Mathiolus.~
Mesue.~
Mizaldus.~
# unit C listlabel
O
# unit M namelist
Otho Brunfelsius.~
# unit C listlabel
P
# unit M namelist
Parkinson.~
Pliny.~
Pena.~
Platearius.~
Pona.~
# unit C listlabel
R
# unit M namelist
Dr. Reason.~
Rhazis.~
# unit C listlabel
S
# unit M namelist
Serapio.~
# unit C listlabel
T
# unit M namelist
Taberna Montanus.~
Theophrastus.~
Turner.~
Tragus.~
# part d PLANTS_BY_PLANETS
## <d001>
# chapter 1 PLANTS_BY_PLANETS
# unit T chaptertitle
A Catalogue of the Herbs and Plants &c. in this
Treatise, apropriated to their several
PLANETS.
# unit P text
Under Saturn are,
# unit V plantlist
Barley~
Red Beets~
Beech-tree~
Bifoyl, or Twayblade~
Birdsfoot~
Bistort, or Snakeweed~
Blewbottles~
Buckshorn-Plantane~
Wild Campions~
Pilewort~
Cleavers, or Goosgrass~
Clowns Woundwort~
Comfry~
Cudweed, or Cottonweed~
Sciatica Cresses~
Crosswort~
Darnel~
Doddar~
Epithimum~
Elm-tree~
Osmond Royal~
Fleawort~
Flixweed~
Fumitory~
Stinking Gladwin~
Goutwort~
Wintergreen~
Haukweed~
Hemlock~
Hemp~
Henbane~
Horstail~
Knapweed~
Knotgrass~
Medlar-tree~
Moss~
Mullein~
Nightshade~
Polypodium~
Poplar-tree~
Quince-tree~
Rupture-wort~
Rushes~
Solomons-Seal~
Sarazens Confound~
Service-tree~
Spleenwort, or Cetrach~
Tamaris~
Melancholly-Thistle~
Blackthorn~
Throughwax~
Tutsan, or Parkleaves~
Woad.~
# unit P text
Under Jupiter are,
# unit V plantlist
Agrimony~
Alexanders~
Asparagus~
Avens~
Bay-tree~
White Beets~
Water-Bettony~
Wood-Bettony~
Bilberries~
Borrage~
Bugloss~
Chervil~
Sweet Cicely~
Cinkfoyl~
Costmary, or Alecost~
Dandelyon~
Docks~
Bloodwort~
Dog, or Quich-grass~
Endive~
Hartstongue~
Hysop~
Housleek, or Sengreen~
Liverwort~
Lungwort~
Sweet Maudlin~
Oak-tree~
Red Roses~
Sage~
Sauce alone, or Jack by the Hedg~
Scurvy-grass~
Succory~
Our Ladies Thistles.~
# unit P text
Under Mars are,
# unit V plantlist
Arsesmart~
Asarabacca~
Barberry-bush~
Sweet Bazil~
Bramble-bush~
Briony~
Brooklime~
Butchers-broom~
Broom~
Broomrape~
Crowfoot~
Cuckoopint, or Wake-Robin~
Cranebil~
Cotton-Thistle~
Flax-weed, or Toad-flax~
Fursebush~
Garlick~
Hawthorn~
Hops~
Naddir~
Masterwort~
Mustard~
Hedg-Mustard~
Mettles~
Onions~
Pepperwort, or Dittander~
Carduus Benedictus, in the Epistle~
Rhadish~
Horse Rhadish~
Rhubarb~
Rapontick~
Bastard Rhubard~
Thistles~
Star-thistle~
Tobacco~
Wolly Thistle~
Treacle Mustard~
Mithridate Mustard~
Wold, Weld, or Dyers Weed~
Wormwood.~
# unit P text
Under the Sun are,
# unit V plantlist
Angelica~
Ash-tree~
Bawm~
One-blade~
Burner~
Butter-bur~
Chamomel~
Chelondine~
Centaury~
Eyebright~
St. Johns wort~
Lovage~
Marigolds~
Misleto~
Peony~
St. Peters wort~
Pimpernel~
Rosa Solis~
Rosemary~
Rhue~
Saffron~
Tormentil~
Turnsole, or Heliotropium~
Vipers Bugloss~
Walnut-tree~
# unit P text
Under Venus are,
# unit V plantlist
Alehoof, or Ground-Ivy~
Black Alder-tree~
Alter-Tree~
Apple-Tree~
Stinking Arrach~
Arch-Angel, or Dead Nettles~
Beans~
Ladies Bedstraw~
Birch-tree~
Bishops Weed~
Blites~
Bugle~
Burdock~
Cherry-tree~
Winter Cherries~
Chickweed~
Cichpease~
Clary~
Cocks-head~
Coltsfoot~
Cowslips~
Daisies~
Devils-bit~
Elder~
Dwarf Elder~
Eringo~
Featherfew~
Figwort~
Filipendula~
Foxgloves~
Golden-rod~
Gromwel~
Groundsel~
Herb Robert~
Herb Truelove~
Kidneywort~
Ladies Mantle~
Mallows~
Marsh-Mallows~
Mercury~
Mints~
Motherwort~
Mugwort~
Nep, or Catmint~
Parsnip~
Peach-tree~
Pear-tree~
Penyroyal~
Plantane~
Plum-tree~
Primroses~
Ragwort~
Rocket~
Winter-Rocket~
Damask Roses~
Wood Sage~
Sanicle~
Selfheal~
Sopewort, or Bruisewort~
Sorrel~
Wood Sorrel~
Sowthistles~
Spignel~
Strawberries~
Garden Tansy~
Wild Tansy, or Silver-weed~
Teazles~
Vervain~
Vine-tree~
Violets~
Wheat~
Yarrow.~
# unit P text
Under Mercury are,
# unit V plantlist
Calaminth, or Mountain Mint~
Carrots~
Carraway~
Dill~
Elicampane~
Fern~
Fennel~
Hogs Fennel~
Germander~
Hazel Nut-tree~
Horehound~
Houndstongue~
Lavender~
Liquoris~
Wall-Rhue~
Maidenhair~
Golden Maidenhair~
Sweet Marjoram~
Melilot~
Moneywort~
Mulberry-tree~
Oats~
Parsley~
Cow Parsnep~
Pellitory of the Wall~
Groundpine, or Chamepitys~
Rest-Harrow, or Chamock~
Sampire~
Summer and winter Savory~
Scabious~
Smallage~
Southernwood~
Meadow Trefoyl~
Garden Valerian~
Woodbind, or Honey-Suckles.~
# unit P text
Under the Moon are,
# unit V plantlist
Adders Tongue~
Cabbages~
Coleworts~
Sea Coleworts~
Columbines~
Watercresses~
Duckmeat~
Yellow Waterflag~
Flower-de-luce~
Fluellin~
Ivy~
Lettice~
Water-Lillies~
Loosestrife, with, and without spiked Heads~
Moonwort~
Mousear~
Orpine~
Poppies~
Purslain~
Privet~
Rattle-grass~
White Roses~
White Saxifrage~
Burnet Saxifrage~
Wall-flowers, or Winter-gilliflowers~
Willow-tree~
# part g TITLE_PAGE_BIS
## <g000>
# chapter 0 TITLE_PAGE
# unit B booktitle
THE ENGLISH PHYSTIAN.
# part h HERBAL_PROPER
## <h001>
# chapter 1 ADDERS_TONGUE
# unit T chaptertitle
ADDERS TONGUE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This small Herb hath but one Leaf; which grows with the
Stalk a fingers length above the ground, being fat, and of
a fresh green colour, broad like the Water Plantane (but
less) without any middle Rib in it: from the bottom of
which Leaf on the inside, riseth up (ordinarily) one,
somtimes two or three small slender stalks, the upper half
wherof is somwhat bigger, and dented with smal round dents
of a yellowish green colour, like the Tongue of an Adder
or Serpent (only this is as useful as they are formidable)
The Root continues all the year.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in moist Meadows, and such like places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
And is to be found in April and May, for it quickly
perisheth with a little heat.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is temperate, in respect of heat, but dry in the
Second Degree. The Juyce of the Leaves drunk with the
distilled Water of Horstail is a singular Remedy for all
manner of wounds in the Breast, Bowels, or other parts of
the body, and is given with good success unto those who
are troubled with Casting, Vomiting, or bleeding at the
Mouth or Nose, or otherwise downwards. The said Juyce
given in the distilled Water of Oaken Buds is very good
for Women who have their usual Courses, or the Whites
flowing down too abundantly. It helps sore Eyes. The
Leaves infused or boyled in Oyl Omphacine, or unripe
Olives set in the Sun for certain daies, or the green
Leaves sufficiently boyled in the said Oyl, is made an
excellent green Balsom, not only for green and fresh
Wounds, but also for old and inveterate Ulcers, especially
if a little fine clear Turpentine be dissolved therin: It
also stayeth and represseth all inflamations that arise
upon pains, by Hurts, or Wounds.
# unit G marginalnote
Wounds in the Breast, Bowels, Vomiting,
Bleeding, Terms stops, Whites, Wounds, Ulcers,
Inflamations in Wounds.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is an Herb under the Dominion of the Moon in Cancer,
and therfore if the weakness of the Rententive Faculty be
caused by an evil influence of Saturn, in any part of the
Body governed by the Moon, or under the Dominion of
Cancer, this Herb cures it by Sympathy: It cures those
Diseases before specified in any part of the Body under
the influence of Saturn, by Antypathy.
What parts of the Body are under each Planet and Sign,
and also what Diseases may be found in my Astrological
Judgment of Diseases, and for the internal Work of Nature
in the Body of Man, as Vital, Animal, Natural, and
Procreative Spirit of Man, The Apprehension, Judgment,
Memory, the external Sences, viz. Seeing, Hearing,
Smelling, Tasting, and Feelings; the Vertues, Attractive,
Retentive, Digestive, Expulsive &c. under the Dominion of
what Planets they are, may be found in my Ephemeris for
the yeer 1651. in both which you shall find the Chaff of
Authors blown away by the Fame of Dr Reason, and nothing
but Rational Truths left for the Judgment of the Ingenious
to feed upon.
Lastly, To avoid blotting Paper with one thing many
times, and also to ease your Purses in the price of the
Book, and withal to make you Studious in Physick, you have
at the latter end of the Book, the way of preserving all
Herbs either in Juyce, Conserve Oyl, Oyntment, or
Plaister, Electuary Pill or Troches.
## <h002>
# chapter 2 AGRIMONY
# unit T chaptertitle
AGRIMONY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath divers long leaves (some greater, some
smaller) set upon a Stalk, all of them dented about the
edges, green above, and grayish underneath, and a little
hairy withal: Among which ariseth up usually, but one
strong, round, hairy, brown Stalk, two or three Foot high,
with smaller Leaves set here and there upon it, at the top
wherof grow many smal yellow Flowers one above another in
long Spikes: after which come rough heads of Seeds hanging
downwards which wil cleave to and stick upon Garments or
any thing that shal rub against them. The Root is black,
long, and somwhat woody, abiding many yeers and shooting
afresh every Spring which Root, though smal hath a
reasonable good scent.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth upon Banks near the sides of Hedges, or
Pales.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
And it Flowreth in July and August, the Seed being ripe
shortly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Uses.
# unit P text
It is of a clensing and cutting faculty without any
manifest heat, moderately drying and binding; It openeth
and clenseth the Liver, helpeth the Jaundice, and is very
beneficial to the Bowels, healing all inward Wounds,
Bruises, Hurts, and other distempers. The Decoction of the
Herb made with Wine and drunk is good against the stinging
and biting of Serpents, and helps them that have foul,
troubled, or bloody waters, and makes them piss cleer
spedily; It also helpeth the Chollick, clenseth the
Breast, and rids away the Cough. A draught of the
Decoction taken warm before the fit, first removes, and in
time rids away the Tertian or Quartan Agues; The Leaves
and Seed taken in Wine, stayeth the Bloody Flux.
Outwardly applied, being stamped with old Swines grease,
it helpeth old sores, Cancers, and inveterate Ulcers; and
draweth forth Thorns, Splinters or Wood, Nails, or any
other such thing gotten into the Flesh; it helpeth to
strengthen the Members that be out of joynt; and being
bruised and applied, or the Juyce dropped in, it helpeth
foul and imposthumed Ears.
# unit G marginalnote
Clensing, Drying, Binding, Liver, Jaundice,
Inward Wounds, Inward Bruises, Bloody and troubled urin,
Chollick, Breast, Cough, Tertian and Quartan Agues, Bloody
Flux, ulcers, Cancers, Thorns, Splinters and Nails in the
flesh, Members out of joynt, Aposthumes.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The distilled Water of the Herb is good to all the said
purposes, either inward or outward, but a great deal
weaker.
It is an Herb under Jupiter, and the Sign of Cancer,
and therfore strengthens those parts under that Planet and
Sign, and removes Diseases in them by Sympathy, and those
under Saturn, Mars, and Mercury, by Antipathy. If they
happen in any part of the Body governed by Jupiter, or
under the Signs, Cancer, Sagitary, or Pisces, and therfore
must needs be good for the Gout, either used outwardly in
an Oyl or Oyntment, or inwardly in an Electuary or Syrup,
or concreated Juyce, for which see the latter end of the
Book.
It is a most admirable remedy for such whose Livers are
annoyed either by heat or cold. The Liver is the former
of Blood, and Blood the Nourisher of the body, and
Agrimony and Strengthner of the Liver.
I cannot stand to give you a Reason in every Herb why
it cureth such Diseases, but if you please to peruse my
Judgment in the Herb Wormwood you shall find them there,
and it will be well worth your while to consider it in
every Herb, you shall find them true throughout the Book.
## <h003>
# chapter 3 ALEHOOF
# unit T chaptertitle
ALEHOOF, OR GROUND-IVY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This well known Herb, lieth, spreadeth, and creepeth
upon the ground, shooting forth Roots, at the corners of
the tender joynted Stalks, set all along with two round
Leavs at every Joynt, somwhat hairy, crumpled, and
unevenly dented about the edges with round dents: at the
Joynts likewise with the Leaves towards the end of the
Branches come forth hollow long Flowers of a blewish
Purple colour with small white spots upon the lips that
hang down: The Root is small with strings.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is commonly found under Hedges, and on the sides of
Ditches, under Houses, or in shadowed Lanes, and other
wast grounds in almost every part of the Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower somwhat early, and abide so a great while;
the Leaves continue green untill Winter, and somtimes
abide, except the Winter be very sharp and cold.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is quick, sharp, and bitter in tast, and is therby
found to be hot and dry, a singular Herb for all inward
Wounds, exulcerated Lungs, or other parts, either by it
self or boyled with other the like Herbs: And being drunk,
it in short time easeth all griping Pains, Windy and
Chollerick Humors in the Stomach, Spleen, or Belly: helps
the yellow Jaundice by opening the stoppings of the Gaul
and Liver, and Melancholly by opening the stoppings of the
Spleen, expelleth Venom or Poyson, and also the Plague, it
provoketh Urin, and Womens Courses. The Decoction of it
in Wine drunk for some time together procureth ease unto
them that are troubled with the Sciatica or Hip Gout, as
also the Gout in the Hands, Knees, or Feet: and if you put
to the Decoction, some Honey, and a little Burnt Allum, it
is excellent good to gargle any sore Mouth or Throat, and
to wash the Sores and Ulcers in the privy parts of man or
woman: It speedily healeth green Wounds being bruised and
bound therunto: The Juyce of it boyled with a little Hony
& Verdigrees, doth wonderfully clens Fistula's Ulcers, and
stayeth the spreading or eating of Cancers and Ulcers, It
helpeth the Itch, Scabs, Wheals, and other breakings out
in any part of the Body. The Juyce of Celondine, Field
Daysies, and Ground-Ivy clarified, and a little fine Sugar
dissolved therin and dropped into the Eyes is a Sovereign
Remedy for all the Pains, Redness, and Watering of them;
as also for the Pin and Web, Skins, and Films growing over
the Sight; It helpeth Beasts as well as Men; The Juyce
dropped into the Ears doth wonderfully help the noise and
singing of them, and helpeth the Hearing which is decayed.
It is good to Tun up with new Drink, for it will so
clarifie it in a night, that it will be the fitter to be
drunk the next morning; or if any Drink be thick with
removing or any other accident, it will do the like in a
few hours.
# unit G marginalnote
Inward Wounds, Pains Gripping, Wind, Choller,
Stomach, Spleen, Belly, Stopping in the Liver, Gaul,
Plague, Poyson, Gout, Sciatica, sore Mouth & Throat,
Ulcers in the Privities, Itch, Scabs, Pain in the Eye
Redness watering of them, Ulcers, noise in the Ears
Deafness.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is an Herb of Venus, and thefore cures her Diseases
by Sympathy, and those of Mars by Antipathy; how to
preserve it all the yeer you shall find at the latter end
of the Book.
## <h004>
# chapter 4 ALEXANDER
# unit T chaptertitle
ALEXANDER.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
It is usually sown in all the Gardens in Europe, and so
well known, that it needs no further Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in June and July, and the Seed is ripe in
August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It warmeth a cold Stomach, and openeth stoppings of the
Liver and Spleen, it is good to move Womens Courses to
expel the After-birth, to break Wind, to provoke Urine,
and help the Strangury; and these things the Seeds wil do
likewise, if either of them be boyled in Wine, or being
bruised and taken in Wine, it is also effectual against
the biting of Serpents. And now you know what Alexander
Porredg which is so familiar in this City is good for,
that you may no longer eat it out of ignorance but out of
knowledg.
# unit G marginalnote
Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, provokes
the Terms, Afterbirth, Wind, provokes urin, biting of
Serpents.
#end marginalnote
## <h005>
# chapter 5 BLACK_ALDER-TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE BLACK ALDER-TREE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This Tree seldom groweth to any great bigness, but for
the most part abideth like a Hedg, Bush, or Tree spreading
into Branches, the Wood of the Body being white, and of a
dark, red Core or Heart; the outward Bark is of a blackish
colour, with many white spots theron: but the inner Bark
next unto the Wood is yellow, which being chewed will turn
the Spittle neer unto a Saffron colour. The Leaves are
somwhat like those of the ordinary Alder-Tree, or the
Foemale Cornel, or Dogberry-Tree, called in Sussex
Dog-wood, but blacker, and not so long. The Flowers are
white, coming forth with the Leaves at the Joynts, which
turn into small round Berries, first green, afterwards
red, but blackish when they are through ripe, divided as
it were into two parts, wherin is contained two small
round and flat Seeds: The Root runneth not deep into the
Ground, but spreadeth rather under the upper crust of the
earth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This Tree or Shrub may be found plentifully in St.
Johns Wood by Hornsey, and in the Woods upon Hamsted
Heath; as also at a Wood called the old Park in Barcomb in
Sussex, near the Brooks side.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowereth in May, and the Berries are ripe in
September.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The inner yellow Bark herof purgeth downwards both
Choller & Flegm, & the watry humors of such as have the
Dropsie, and strengtheneth the inward parts again by
binding.
# unit G marginalnote
Choller, Flegm.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
If the Bark hereof be boyled with Agrimony, Wormwood,
Dodder, Hops, and some Fennel, with Smalledg, Endive, and
Succory Roots, and a reasonable draught taken every
morning for some time together, it is very effectual
against the Jaundice, Dropsie, and the evil disposition of
the Body, especially if some sutable purging Medicine have
been taken before to avoid the grosser excrements;
# unit G marginalnote
Jaundice, Dropsy, Cachexia, Liver, Spleen.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It purgeth and strengtheneth the Liver and Spleen,
clensing them from such evil humors, and hardness as they
are afflicted with: It is to be understood that these
things are performed by the dryed Bark, for the fresh
green Bark taken inwardly provoketh strong Vomitings,
pains in the Stomach, and gripings in the Belly: Yet if
the Decoction may stand and settle two or three daies
until the yellow colour be changed black, it will not work
so strongly as before, but will strengthen the Stomach,
and procure an Appetite to Meat.
# unit G marginalnote
Stomach weak, Apetite lost, Flux, Lice, Itch,
Scabs, Tooth-ach, Teeth loos.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The outer Bark contrarywise doth bind the Body, and is
helpful for all Lasks and Fluxes therof, but this must
also be dried first, wherby it wil work the better. The
inner Bark herof boyled in Vinegar, is an approved remedy
to kill Lice, to cure the Itch, and take away Scabs by
drying them up in a short time: It is singular good to
wash the Teeth, to take away the Pains, to fasten those
that are loos, to clens them, to keep them sound. The
Leaves are good Fodder for Kine to make them give more
Milk.
If in the Spring time you use the Herbs before
mentioned and will but take a handful of each of them, and
to them ad a handful of Elder Buds, and having bruised
them all, boyl them in a Gallon of ordinary Beer when 'tis
new, and having boyled them half an hour, ad this to three
Gallons more, and let them work together, and drink a
draught of it every morning half a pint or there about: It
is an excellent Purge for the Spring, to consume that
Flegmatick quality the Winter hath left behind it, and
withal keep your Body in health, and consume those evil
humors which the heat of Summer will readily stir up,
esteem it as a Jewel.
## <h006>
# chapter 6 COMMON_ALDER-TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE COMMON ALDER-TREE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Groweth to a reasonable heighth, and spreads much if it
like the place; It is so generally wel known unto Country
People that I conceive it needless to tel them that which
is no news.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place and Time.
# unit P text
It delighteth to grow in moist Woods and watry places,
Flowring in April or May and yeilding ripe Seed in
September.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Leaves and Bark of the Alder-Tree, are cooling,
drying, and binding, The fresh Leaves laid upon swelling,
dissolveth them, and staieth the Inflamations; The Leaves
put under the bare Feet gauled with travelling are a great
refreshing to them: The said Leaves gathered while the
morning dew is on them, and brought into a chamber
troubled with Fleas, wil gather them therinto, which being
suddenly cast out wil rid the Chamber of those troublesom
Bed-fellows.
# unit G marginalnote
Cooling, Drying, Binding, Swellings, Fleas.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is a Tree under the Dominion of Venus, and of some
watry Sign or other, I suppose Pisces, and therfore the
Decoction, or distilled Water of the Leaves is excellent
against Burnings, and Inflamation, either with Wounds or
without, to bath the place grieved with, and especially
for that inflamation in the Breast which the vulgar call
an Ague.
# unit G marginalnote
Burnings, Inflamations.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
If you cannot get the Leaves, as in Winter 'tis
impossible, make use of the Bark in the same manner.
## <h007>
# chapter 7 ANGELICA
# unit T chaptertitle
ANGELICA.
# unit P text
To write a Description of that which is so well known
to be growing in almost every Garden, I suppose is
altogether needless: yet for its Vertues it is of
admirable use.
In times of Heathenism when men had found out any
excellent Herb &c. they dedicated it to their gods, As the
Bay-tree to Apollo, the Oak to Jupiter, the Vine to
Bacchus, the Poplar to Hercules: These the Papists
following as their Patriarchs, they dedicate them to their
Saints, as our Ladies Thistle to the Blessed Virgin, St.
Johns Wort to St. John, and another Wort to St. Peter, &c.
Our Physitians must imitate like Apes, (though they cannot
come off half so cleverly) for they Blasphemously call
Pansies, or Hartseas, an Herb of the Trinity, because it
is of three colours: and a certain Oyntment, an Oyntment
of the Apostles, because it consisteth of twelve
Ingredients; Alas poor Fools, I am sorry for their folly,
and grieved at their Blasphemy; God send them the rest of
their Age, for they have their share of Ignorance already;
O! why must ours be Blasphemous becaus the Heathens and
Papists were Idolatrous? certainly they have read so much
in old rustie Authors, that they have lost all their
Decmity, for unless it were amongst the ranters, I never
read or heard of such Blasphemy: The Heathens and Papists
were bad, and ours wors, the Papists giving Idolatrous
Names to Herbs for their Vertues sake, not for their fair
looks; and thefore some called this an Herb of the Holy
Ghost, others more moderate called it Angelica, becaus of
its Angelical Vertues, and that name it retains still, and
all Nations follow it so near as their Dialect will
permit.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Uses.
# unit P text
It resists Poyson, by defending and comforting the
Heart, Bleed, and Spirits, it doth the like against the
Plague, and all Epidemical Diseases if the Root be taken
in pouder to the waight of half a dram at a time with some
good Triacle in Cardus Water, and the party therupon laid
to sweat in his Bed. If Treacle be not at hand, take it
alone in Cardus or Angelica Water. The Stalks or Roots
candied and eaten fasting are good Preservatives in time
of Infection; and at other times to warm and comfort a
cold Stomach. The Root also steeped in Vinegar, and a
little of that Vinegar taken somtimes fasting, and the
Root smelled unto is good for the same purpose. A water
distilled from the Root simply, or steeped in Wine and
distilled in Glass, is much more effectual than the Water
of the Leaves; and this Water drunk two or three spoonfuls
at a time, easeth all Pains and Torments coming of Cold
and Wind, so as the Body be not bound: and taken with some
of the Root in Pouder at the beginning helpeth the
Pluresy, as also all other Diseases of the Lungues and
Breast, as Coughs, Phthisick, and shortness of Breath; and
a Syrup of the Stalks doth the like: It helps pains of the
Colick, the Strangury, and stopping of the Urin, procureth
Womens Courses, and expelleth the After-birth, openeth the
stoppings of the Liver and Spleen, and briefly easeth and
discusseth al windiness and inward swellings. The
Decoction drunk before the fit of an Ague, that they may
sweat (if possible) before the fit come, wil in two or
three times taking rid it quite away: It helps digestion,
and is a remedy for a Surfet. The Juyce or the Water
being dropped into the Eyes or Ears, helps dimness of
sight and deafness: The Juyce put into the hollow Teeth,
easeth their pains. The Roots in Pouder made up into a
Plaister with a little Pitch; and laid on the biting of a
mad-Dog, or any other venemous creature, doth wonderfully
help: The Juyce or the Water dropped, or tents wet therin,
and put into old filthy deep Ulcers, Or the Pouder of the
Root (in want of either) doth clens and cause them to heal
quickly, by covering the naked Bones with Flesh. The
distilled Water applied to places pained with the Gout or
Sciatica, doth give a great deal of ease.
# unit G marginalnote
Poyson, Pestilence, Epidemical Diseases.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Chollick, provokes the Terms, afterbirth,
stoppings of the Liver and Spleen, Indigestion, Surfets,
Toothach, biting of Mad-dogs.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Ulcers, Gout, Sciatica.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The wild Angelica is not so effectual as the Garden,
although it may be safly used to all the purpose
aforesaid.
It is an Herb of the Sun in Leo; let it be gathered
when he is there, the Moon applying to his good Aspect;
let it be gathered either in his hour, or in the hour of
Jupiter, let Sol be angular. Observe the like in
gathering the Herbs of other Plants, and you may happen do
wonders. In all Epidemical Diseases caused by Saturn this
is as good a Preservative as grows.
## <h008>
# chapter 8 APPLES
# unit T chaptertitle
APPLES.
# unit P text
A Word or two of the most usual kinds of Apples, though
the Colledg of Physitians make use of none but such as
Vulgo vulgati, Pearmains, vel Pippins.
Apples in general are cold and windy, and being of
sundry tasts, Galen sheweth thereby how to distinguish
them: Som have a sharp tast, and are good for fainting
Stomachs and loos Bellies; others sowr, good to cool and
quench thirst; som sharp, fit to cut gross flegm; som
sweet, soon destributed in the Body, and as soon passed
away, yet sooner corrupted in the Stomach if they be
staid: The best sorts before they be throughly ripe are
to be avoided; then to be roasted or scalded is the best
way to take them and a little Spice or Seeds cast upon
them and taken after meat, do strengthen both Stomach and
Bowels, especially in those that loath, or hardly digest
their meat, or are given to casting, or have a Flux or
Lask: Those that are a little sowr and harsh used in that
manner are fittest: Sweet Apples loosen the Belly and
drive forth Worms; Sowr Apples stop the Belly, and provoke
Urin; and Crabs for this purpose are fittest: The sweet
Apples as the Pippin and Pearmain, help to dissolve
Melancholly humors, and to procure Mirth, and therfore are
fittest for Confectio Alkermes, and Syrupus de Pomis. The
Leavs boyled and given to drink in hot Agues, where the
heat of the Liver and Stomach causeth the Lips to break
out, and the Throat to grow dry, harsh and furred, is very
good to wash and gargle it withal, and to drink down som.
This may to good purpose be used when better things are
not at hand, or cannot be had. The Juyce of Crabs either
Verjuyce or Cider, is of singular good use in the Heat and
faintings of the Stomach, and against Casting to make a
Posset with, or taken som of it alone by it self. The
Juyce of Crabs, or Cider applied with wet cloaths therein
to scalded or burnt places, cooleth, healeth, and draweth
forth the Fire. A rotten Apple applied to Eyes
bloodshotten, or enflamed with heat, or that are black and
blue about them by any stroke of fall, and bound too all
day or night, helpeth them quickly. The distilled Water
of rotten Apples doth cool the heat and inflamations of
Sores, and is good to bath foul creeping Ulcers, and to
wash the Face to take away Spots, Freckles or other
discolorings. The distilled Water of good and sound
Apples is of special good use to procure Mirth, and expel
Melancholly. The ointment called Pomatum, if sweet and
well made, helpeth the Chops in the Lips or Hands, and
maketh smooth and supple the rough Skin of the Hands or
Face parched with wind or other accidents.
# unit G marginalnote
Fainting Stomach, Loos Bellies, Thirst, Flegm.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Stomach, Bowels, Vomiting, Flux, Loosen Worms,
Melancholly, Agues, heat of the Liver and Stomach.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Scalding, Burning, Eyes, Inflamation, Ulcers,
Spots, Freckles.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Chaps in the Lips & Hands.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Thus my Authors.
All that I can say of Apples is this:
# unit P text
1 That they are extream windy.
# unit P text
2 That they provoke Urin, being roasted (especially
Pomwaters) and mixed with fair Water, and drunk up at
night going to bed; half a dozen great ones mixed with a
quart of Water, excellently provokes Urin, if there be no
material stone in the Body: This I had of Gerhard, and
have often known it proved, and alwaies with good success.
All Apples loosen the Belly and pleasure the Stomach by
their coolness.
## <h009>
# chapter 9 ARRACH
# unit T chaptertitle
ARRACH WILD & STINKING.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath small and almost round Leaves, yet a little
pointed and without dent or cut, of a dusky mealy colour,
growing on the slender Stalks and Branches that spread on
the ground, with smal Flowers in clusters set with
the Leaves, and small Seeds succeeding like the rest,
perishing yearly, and rising again with its own sowing.
It smels like old rotten Fish, or somthing worse.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It grows usually upon Dunghills.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower in June and July, and their Seed is ripe
quickly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Stinking Arrach is used as a remedy to help Women
pained, and almost strangled with the Mother, by smelling
to it: But inwardly taken, there is not a better Remedy
under the Moon for that Disease. I would be large in
commendation of this Herb, were I but Eloquent. It is an
Herb under the dominion of Venus, and under the sign
Scorpio: It is common almost upon every Dunghil. The
Works of God are given freely to Man, his Medicins are
common and cheap, and easie to be found: 'tis the
Medicines of the Colledg of Physitians that are so dear
and scarce to find) I commend it for an Universal Medicine
for the Womb, and such a Medicine as will easily, safly,
and speedily cure any Diseas therof, as the fits of the
Mother, Dislocation or falling out therof; it cools the
Womb being over-heated. (And let me tel you this, and I
wil tel you but the truth, Heat of the womb is one of the
greatest causes of hard labor in Childbirth) It makes
barren women fruitful, it clenseth the Womb if it be foul
and strengthens it exceedingly; it provokes the Terms if
they be stopped, and stops them if they flow immoderately.
You can desire no good to your Womb, but this Herb will
effect it; therfore if you love Children, if you love
Health, if you love Ease, keep a Syrup alwaies by you made
of the juyce of this Herb and Sugar (or Honey if it be to
clens the Womb) and let such as be rich keep it for their
poor neighbors, and bestow it as freely as I bestow my
studies upon them, or els let them look to answer it
another day when the Lord shall come to make inquisition
for Bloud.
# unit G marginalnote
Mother,
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Womb.
#end marginalnote
## <h010>
# chapter 10 ARCHANGEL
# unit T chaptertitle
ARCHANGEL.
# unit P text
To put a gloss upon their practice; the Physitians call
an Herb (which Country people vulgarly know by the name of
Dead-Nettles) Archangel, wherein whether they favor of
more Superstition or Folly I leave to the judicious
Reader. There is more curiosity than courtesie to my
Countrymen used by others in the explaination, aswel of
the Names as Description of this so wel-known an Herb;
which that I may not also be guilty of, Take this short
Description first of the Red-Archangel.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath divers square stalks somwhat hairy, at the
joynts whereof grow two sad green Leaves dented about the
edges, opposit to one another, the lowermost upon long
footstalks, but without any toward the tops which are
somwhat round, yet pointed, and a little crumpled and
hairy: Round about the upper Joynts where the Leaves grow
thick, are sundry gaping Flowers of a pale reddish
colour, after which com the Seeds three or four in a Husk.
The Root is small and thriddy, perishing every year: the
whol Plant hath a strong scent, but not stinking.
White-Archangel hath diverse square stalks not standing
streight upright but bending downward, wheron stand two
Leavs at a Joynt, larger and more pointed than the other,
dented about the edges and greener also more like unto
Nettle-Leavs, but not stinking, yet hairy: At the Joynts
with three Leavs stand larger and more open gaping white
Flowers, in Husks round about the Stalks (but not with
such a bush of Leavs, as Flowers set in the top, as in on
the other) wherin stand smal roundish black Seeds: The
Root is white, with many strings at it, not growing
downward but lying under the upper crust of the Earth, and
abideth many years encreasing: This hath not so strong a
scent as the former.
Yellow-Archangel is like the White in the Stalks and
Leavs, but that the Stalks are more streight and upright,
and the Joynts with Leaves are further asunder, having
longer Leavs than the former; and the Flowers a little
larger and more gaping, of a fair yellow colour in most,
in som paler. The Roots are like the White, only they
creep not so much under the ground.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow almost everywhere, (unless it be in the
middle of the street) the Yellow most usually in the wet
grounds of Woods, and somtimes in the dryer, in divers
countries of this Nation.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower from the begining of the spring all the
summer long.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Archangels are somwhat hot and dryer than the
stinking Nettles, and used with better success for the
stopping and hardness of the Spleen than they by using the
Decoction of the Herb in Wine, and afterwards applying the
Herb hot unto the Region of the Spleen as a Plaister, or
the Decoction with Spunges. The Flowers of the White
Archangel are preserved, or conserved to be used to stay
the Whites and the Flowers of the Red to stay the Reds in
Women. It makes the Heart merry, drives away Melancholly,
quickens the Spirits, is good against Quartan Agues,
stancheth bleedings at Mouth or Nose, if it be stamped and
applied to the nape of the Neck: The Herb also brused
and with some Salt and Vinegar, and Hogs Greas laid upon
any hard tumor or swelling; or that which is vulgarly
called the Kings Evil, doth help to dissolve or discuss
them, and being in like manner applied doth much allay the
pains and give eas to the Gout, Sciatica, and other aches
of the Joynts and Sinews: It is also very effectual to
heal all green Wounds, and old Ulcers, also to stay their
fretting, gnawing, and spreading; It draweth forth
Splinters and such like things gotten into the flesh, and
is very good against bruises and burnings. But the yellow
Archangel, is most commended for old filty corrupt Sores
and Ulcers, yea, although they grow to be hollow; and to
dissolve tumors. The chief use of them is for Women it
being an Herb of Venus, and may be found in my Guide for
Women.
# unit G marginalnote
Spleen.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
White, Red and yellow Flux. Melancholy,
Quartan Agues, Bleeding at Nose, Swelling, Kings Evil,
Gout, Sciatica, Joynts, Ulcers, Old sores, Bruises,
Burnings.
#end marginalnote
## <h011>
# chapter 11 ARSMART
# unit T chaptertitle
ARSMART.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description of the Mild.
# unit P text
This hath broad Leaves set at the great red Joynts of
the Stalks, with semicircular blackish marks on them
usually, yet somtimes without: The Flowers grow in long
Spikes usually either blush or whitish with such like Seed
following. The Root is long with many strings therat
perishing yeerly; this hath no sharp tast (as another
sort hath, which is quick and biting) but rather sowr like
Sorrel, or els a little drying without tast.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It grows in watery Plashes, Ditches, and the like,
which for the most part are dry in Summer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June, and the Seed is ripe in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is of a cooling and drying quality, and very
effectual for putrified Ulcers in Man or Beast, to kill
the worms and clens the putrified Places: The Juyce
therof dropped in, or otherwise applied, consumeth all
cold Swellings, and dissolveth the congealed Blood of
bruises by strokes, falls, &c. A piece of the Root, or
some of the Seed bruised and held to an aching Tooth,
taketh away the pain. The Leaves bruised and laid to the
Joynt that hath a Fellon theron, taketh it away. The
Juyce destroyeth Worms in the Ears being dropped into
them: if the hot Arsmart be strewed in a Chamber it will
soon kill all the Fleas; and the Herb or Juyce of the cold
Arsmart put to Horses or other Cattels sores will drive
away the Flie in the hottest time of Summer: A good
handful of the hot biting Arsmart put under a Horses
Saddle will make him travel the better although he were
half tired before: The mild Arsmart is good against hot
Imposthumes and Inflamations at the beginning and to heal
green Wounds.
# unit G marginalnote
Ulcers, Cold swellings, Bruises, Congeled
Blood, Toothach, Felons, or Andicoms, Worms in the Ears,
Fleas, Tired Horses, Impostums Inflamations, Wounds.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
All Authors chop the Vertues of both sort of Arsmart
together, as men chop Herbs for the Pot, when both of them
are of clean contrary qualities, The hot Arsmart groweth
not so high or tall as the mild doth, but hath many leaves
of the colour of Peach leaves, very seldom or never
spotted, in other particulars it is like the former, but
may easily be known from it, if you will be but pleased to
break a Leaf of it cross your Tongue, for the hot will
make your Tongue to smart, so will not the cold; if you
see them both together you many easily distinguish them,
becaus the mild hath far broader Leaves: And our Colledg
of Physitians out of their learned care for the publick
good, Anglice their own gain, mistake the one for the
other in their New-Master-Piece, wherby they discover, 1.
Their Ignorance, 2. Their Carelesness, and he that hath
but half an eye may see their pride without a pair of
Spectacles. I have done what I could to distinguish them
in their Vertues, and when you find not the contrary
named, use the cold. The truth is, I have not yet spoken
with Dr. Reason, nor his Brother Dr. Experience,
concerning either of them both.
## <h012>
# chapter 12 ASARABACCA
# unit T chaptertitle
ASARABACCA.
# unit P text
Asarabacca hath many Heads rising from the Roots, from
whence come many smooth Leavs, every one upon his own
Footstalk, which are rounder and bigger than Violet
Leaves, thicker also, and of a darker green shining colour
on the upper side, and of a paler yellow green underneath,
little or nothing dented about the edges; from among which
rise smal round hollow, brown green husks, upon short
stalks about an inch long, divided at the brims into five
divisions, very like the Cups or Heads of the Henbane
Seed, but that they are smaller; and these be all the
Flowers it carrieth, which are somwhat sweet, being
smelled unto, and wherein when they are ripe is contained
smal cornered, rough Seeds, very like the Kernels or
Stones of Grapes or Raisons. The Roots are small and
whitish spreading divers waies in the ground, and
encreasing into divers Heads; but not running or creeping
under ground as some other creeping Herbs do; They are
somwhat sweet in smell, resembling Nardus, but more when
they are dry, than green; and of a sharp but not
unpleasant tast.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth frequently in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They keep their Leaves green all Winter, but shoot
forth new in the Spring, and with them come forth those
Heads or Flowers which give ripe Seed about Midsummer, or
somwhat after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This Herb being drunk, not only provoketh vomiting, but
purgeth downward, and by Urin also, purging both Choller
and Flegm: if you ad to it some Spicknard, with the Whey
of Goats Milk or Honeyed Water, it is made more strong,
but it purgeth Flegm more manifestly than Choller, and
therfore doth much help pains in the Hips and other parts,
it being boyled in Whey, it wonderfully helpeth the
Obstruction of the Liver and Spleen, and therfore
profitable for the Dropsie and Jaundice being steeped in
Wine and drunk. It helps those continual Agues that come
by the plenty of stubborn humors: An Oyl made therof by
setting it in the Sun, with some Laudanum added to it,
provoketh sweating (the ridg of the Back being anointed
therwith) and therby driveth away the shaking Fits of
Agues. It will not abide any long boyling, for it loseth
its chiefest strength therby; nor much beating; for the
finer Pouder doth provoke Vomit and Urin, and the courser
purgeth downwards.
# unit G marginalnote
Causeth Vomiting, Choller, Flegm, Urin,
Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, Dropsy, Jaundice,
Agues.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The common Use herof is to take the Juyce of five or
seven Leavs in a little Drink to caus Vomitings: The Roots
have also the same Vertue, though they do not operate so
forcibly, yet they are very effectual against the biting
of Serpents, and therfore is put as an ingredient both
into Methridate and Venice Treacle. The Leaves and Roots
being boyled in Ly, and the Head often washed therwith,
while it is warm, comforteth the Head and Brain that is
ill affected by taking cold, and helpeth the Memory.
# unit G marginalnote
Serpents. Head. Memory.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
I shall desire Ignorant people to forbear the use of
the Leavs, the Roots purge more gently, and may prove
beneficial in such as have Cancers, or old putrified
Ulcers, or Fistulaes upon their Bodies, to take a dram of
them in Pouder in a quarter of a pint of white Wine in the
morning. The truth is, I fancy Purging and Vomiting
Medicines as little as any Man breathing doth, for they
weaken Nature nor shall never advise them to be used
unless upon urgent necessity. If a Physitian be Natures
servant, it is his duty to strengthen his Mistris as much
as he can, and weaken her as little as may be.
## <h013>
# chapter 13 ASPARAGUS
# unit T chaptertitle
ASPARAGUS, SPARAGUS, OR SPERAGE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
It riseth up at first with divers whitish green scaly
Heads very brittle or easie to break while they are yong,
which afterwards rise up into very long and slender green
stalks, of the bigness of an ordinary riding wand at the
bottom of most, or bigger or lesser, as the Roots are of
growth; on which are set divers branches of green Leavs,
shorter and smaller than Fennel to the top, at the joynts
wherof come forth small mossie yellowish Flowers, which
turn into round Berries, green at the first, and of an
excellent red colour when they are ripe, shewing like
Beads of Corral, wherin are contained exceeding hard,
black Seeds. The Roots are dispersed from a spongeous
Head into many long, thick, and round strings, wherby it
sucketh much Nourishment out of the ground, and encreaseth
plentifully thereby.
## <h014>
# chapter 14 PRICKLY_ASPARAGUS
# unit T chaptertitle
PRICKLY ASPARAGUS, SPARAGUS, OR SPERAGE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
It groweth usually in Gardens; and some of it grows
wild, in Appleton Meadow in Gloucestershire, where the
poor people do gather the Buds, or yong Shoots, and sell
them cheaper than our Garden Asparagus is sold at London.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They do for the most part Flower, and bear their
Berries late in the yeer, or not at all, although they are
housed in Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The yong Bud or branches boyled in ones ordinary broth,
maketh the Belly soluble and open, and boyled in white
Wine, provoketh Urin being stopped, and is good against
the Strangury, or difficulty of making water; it expelleth
the gravel and stone out of the Kidneys, and helpeth pains
in the Reins: And boyled in white Wine or Vinegar it is
prevalent for them that have their Arteries loosned, or
are troubled with the Hip-Gout, or Sciatica. The
Decoction of the Roots boyled in Wine and taken is good to
cleer the sight, and being held in the Mouth easeth the
Toothach: And being taken fasting several mornings
together stirreth up bodily lust in Man or Woman
(whatsoever some have written to the contrary.) The
Garden Asparaus nourisheth more than the wild; yet hath it
the same effects in al the aforementioned Diseases. The
Decoction of the Roots in white Wine, and the Back and
Belly bathed therwith, or kneeling or lying down in the
same, or sitting therin as a Bath, hath been found
effectual against pains that happen to the lower parts of
the Body; and no less effectual against stiff and benummed
Sinews, or those that are shrunk by Cramps, and
Convulsions, and helpeth the Sciatica.
# unit G marginalnote
Belly, Strangury, Disury, Gout, Sciatica, Eyes,
Tooth-ach.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Reins, Bladder, Mother, Cramp, Chollick,
Convulsion.
#end marginalnote
## <h015>
# chapter 15 ASH-TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
ASH-TREE.
# unit P text
This is so wel known that time wil be misspent and
Paper wasted in writing a Description of it; and therfore
I shal only insist upon the Vertues of it.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The yong tender Tops with the Leaves taken inwardly,
and some of them outwardly applied are singular good
against the biting of the Viper, Adder, or any other
Venemous Beast: And the Water distilled therfrom, being
taken a smal quantity every morning fasting, is a singular
Medicine for those that are subject to a Dropsie, or to
abate the greatness of those who are too gross or fat.
The Decoction of the Leaves in white Wine, helpeth to
break the Stone and expel it, and cureth the Jaundice.
The Ashes of the Bark of the Ash made into Ly, and those
Heads bathed therwith which are Leprous, Scabby, or
Scal'd, they are therby cured. The Kernels within the
Husks commonly called Ashen Keys, prevaileth against
Stitches and pains in the sides proceeding of Wind, and
avoideth away the stone by provoking Urin.
# unit G marginalnote
Adders & Vipers biting, Dropsy, Stone,
Jaundice, Leprosie, Scabs, Scald Heads, Stitches, Stone,
Disury, Rickets.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
I can justly except against none of all this save only
the first, viz. That Ash-tree Tops and Leaves are good
against the biting of Serpents and Vipers, and I suppose
this had its rise from Gerard, or Pliny, both which hold
that there is such an Antipathy between an Adder and an
Ash-tree, that if an Adder be compassed round with
Ash-tree Leaves, she wil sooner run through the fire than
through the Leaves, the contrary to which is the truth, as
both my eyes are witnesses: the rest are Vertues somthing
likely, only if it be in Winter when you cannot get the
Leaves, you may safely use the Bark instead of them, the
Keys you may easily keep all the year, gathering them when
they are ripe.
## <h016>
# chapter 16 AVENS
# unit T chaptertitle
AVENS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The ordinary Avens hath many long, rough, dark green,
winged Leavs rising from the Root, every one made of many
Leavs set on each side of the middle Rib, the largest
three wherof grow at the ends and are snip'd or dented
round about the edges: the other being smal pieces,
somtimes two and somtimes four standing on each side of
the middle rib underneath them; among which do rise up
divers rough or hairy Stalks about two foot high branching
forth with Leavs at every Joynt, not so long as those
below, but almost as much cut in on the edges, some into
three parts, some into more: On the Tops of the Branches
stand smal pale yellow Flowers consisting of five Leavs,
like the Flowers of Cynkfoyl, but larger in the middle,
wherof standeth a smal green Head, which when the Flower
is fallen groweth to be rough and round, being made of
many long greenish purple Seeds (like grains) which wil
stick upon your Cloathes. The Root consists of many
brownish strings or fibres, smelling somwhat like unto
Clover, especially those which grow in the higher, hotter,
and drier grounds, and in the freer and clear Air.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow wild in many places under Hedg sides, and by
the Pathwaies in Fields, yet they rather delight to grow
in shadowy than in Sunny places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in May and June for the most part, and
their seed is ripe in July at the furthest.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is good for the Diseases of the Chest or Breast, for
pains and Stitches in the Sides, and to expel crude and
raw humors from the Belly and Stomach by the sweet savor
and warming quality; it dissolveth the inward congealed
Blood hapning by falls or bruises, and the spitting of
Blood, if the Roots either green or dryed be boyled in
Wine and drunk, as also al manner of inward Wounds or
outward if they be washed or bathed therwith. The
Decoction also being drunk comforteth the Heart, and
strengtheneth the Stomach, and a cold Brain, and therfore
is good in the Spring time to open Obstructions of the
Liver, and helpeth the wind Chollick; it also helpeth
those that have Fluxes; or are bursten, or have a Rupture;
It taketh away spots or marks in the Face, being washed
therwith: The Juyce of the fresh Root or Pouder of the
dried Root hath the same effect with the Decoction.
The Root in the Spring time steeped in Wine doth give it a
delicat savor and tast, and being drunk fasting every
morning comforteth the Heart, and is a good Preservative
against the Plague, or any other Poyson; it helpeth
Digestion, and warmeth a cold Stomach, and openeth the
Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen,
# unit G marginalnote
Breast, Stitches, Wind, Belly, Stomach Inward
Wounds, Heart, cold Brain, Obstructions, Chollick, Fluxes,
Ruptures, Spots and Marks in the Face, Plague, Poyson,
Indigestion.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is very safe, you need have no Dose prescribed; and
is very fit to be kept in every good bodies house.
## <h017>
# chapter 17 BALM
# unit T chaptertitle
BALM.
# unit P text
This Herb is so wel known to be an Inhabitant almost in
every Garden, that I shal not need to write any
Description thereof, although the Vertues thereof which
are many may not be omitted.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Arabian Physitians have extolled the Vertues hereof
to the Skyes, although the Greeks thought it not worth
mentioning. Serapio saith, It causeth the Mind and Heart
to becom merry, and reviveth the Heart fainting into
foundlings, especially of such who are over taken in their
sleep, and driveth away al troublesom cares and thoughts
out of the mind arising from Melancholly, or black
Choller; which Avicen also confirmeth. It is very good to
help Digestion, and open Obstructions of the Brain; and
hath so much purging quality in it (saith Avicen) as to
expel those Melancholly vapors from the Spirits & Blood
which are in the Heart and Arteries although it cannot do
so in other parts of the Body. Diascorides saith, That
the Leaves steeped in Wine, and the Wine drunk, and the
Leavs externally applied is a remedy against the sting of
Scorpions, and the bitings of mad Dogs, and commendeth the
Decoction therof for Women to bath or sit in to procure
their Courses; it is good to wash aching Teeth therwith
and profitable for those that have the bloody Flux. The
Leaves also with a little Nitre taken in Drink, are good
against a Surfet of Mushromes, helps the griping pains of
the Belly and being made into an Electuary is good for
them that cannot fetch their breath: Used with Salt it
takes away Wens, Kernels, or hard Swellings in the Flesh
or Throat; it clenseth foul Sores and easeth pains of the
Gout: It is good for the Liver and Spleen. A Tansie or
Cawdle made with Egs and the Juyce therof while it is
yong, putting to it some Sugar and Rosewater is good for
Women in Childbed when the After-birth is not throughly
avoided, and for their faintings upon, or after their sore
travel. The Herb bruised and boyled in a little Wine and
Oyl and laid warm on a Boil, will ripen and break it.
# unit G marginalnote
Mind, Heart, Faintings Swonings, Melancholy,
Indigestion, Obstruction of the Brain, Heart, Arteries,
Venemous Beasts, Mad Dogs, Terms provokes, Toothach, Blood
Flux. Mushroms dificulty of breathing, Gout, Liver,
Spleen, Women in Child bed, Fainting in travel, Boyls.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is an Herb of Jupiter and under Cancer, and
strengthens Nature much in al its actions; let a Syrup
made with the Juyce of it and Sugar, (as you shall be
taught at the latter end of the Book) be kept in every
Gentlewomans house, to releeve the weak stomachs and sick
Bodies of their poor sickly Neighbors; as also the Herb
kept dry in the Hous that so with other convenient Simples
you may make it into an Electuary with Hony according as
the Diseas is, and as you shall be taught at the latter
end of the Book.
## <h018>
# chapter 18 BARBERRY
# unit T chaptertitle
BARBERRY.
# unit P text
The Shrub is so wel known to every Boy and Girl that
hath but attained to the age of seven years, that it needs
no Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Mars owns the shrub, and present it to the use of my
Country-men to purge their Bodies of Choller. The inner
Rind of the Barberry Tree boyled in White-Wine and a
quarter of a pint drunk each morning, is an excellent
remedy to clense the Body of Chollick Humors, and free it
from such Diseases as Choller causeth, such be Scabs, Itch
Tetters, Ringworms, yellow Jaundice, Boils, &c. It is
excellent for hot Agues, Burnings, Scaldings, heat of
Bloud, heat of the Liver, Bloudy-flux, for the Berries are
as good as the Bark, and more pleasing; they get a man a
good stomach to his victuals, by strengthning the
attractive faculty, which is under Mars, as you see more
at large in the latter end of my Ephemeris for the year
1651. The Hair washed with the Ly made of the Ashes of
the Tree and Water, 'twil make it turn yellow, viz. of
Mars his own colour. The Fruit and Rind of the Shrub, the
Flowers of Broom and of Heath, or Furz, clens the Body of
Choller by Sympathy, as the Flowers, Leaves and Bark of
the Peach-Tree do by Antipathy; because these are under
Mars, that under Venus.
# unit G marginalnote
Choller, Scabs, Itch Tetters, Ringworm, Yellow
Jaundice, Boyls, Agues, Burning, Scaldings, Apetit lost,
Hair.
#end marginalnote
## <h019>
# chapter 19 BARLY
# unit T chaptertitle
BARLY.
# unit P text
The continual usefulness hereof hath made al in general
so aquainted herewith, that it is altogether needless to
describe its several kinds hereof plentifully growing,
being yearly sown in this Land. The Vertues whereof take
as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Barly in al the parts and compositions therof (except
Malt) is more cooling than Wheat, and a little clensing:
and al the Preparations therof, as Barly-water and other
things made therof, do give great nourishment to persons
troubled with Feavers, Agues, and heats in the Stomach.
A Pultis made of Barly Meal or Flower boyled with Vinegar
and Honey, and a few dry Figs put into them, dissolveth
all hard Imposthums, and aswageth Inflamations being
therto applied: And being boyled with Melilot and Chamomel
Flowers, and som Linseed, Fenngreek and Rue in Pouder, and
applied warm, it easeth the pains in the Sides and
Stomach, and windiness of the Spleen. The Meal of Barly
and Fleawort boyled in Water, and made into a Pultis with
Honey and Oyl of Lillies, applied warm, cureth swellings
under the Ears, Throat, Neck and such like: and a Plaister
made therof with Tar, Wax & Oyl, helpeth the Kings-Evil in
the Throat: Boyled with sharp Vinegar into a Pultis and
laid on hot helpeth the Leprosie: Being boyled in red Wine
with Pomgranat Rinds and Mirtles, stayeth the Lask or
other Flux of the Belly: Boyled with Vinegar and a Quince,
it easeth the hot pains of the Gout. Barly flower, white
Salt, Honey and Vinegar mingled together, taketh away the
Itch speedily and certainly: The Water distilled from the
green Barly in the end of May is very good for thos that
have Defluxions of humors fallen into their Eyes, and
easeth the pains being dropped into them: or White-Bread
steeped therein and bound on to the Eyes, doth the same.
# unit G marginalnote
Feavers, Agues, Stomach, Apostums,
Inflamations, Spleen, Ears, Throat, Neck, Kings Evil,
Leprosie, Flux, Gout, Itch Eyes.
#end marginalnote
## <h020>
# chapter 20 GARDEN_BAZIL
# unit T chaptertitle
GARDEN BAZIL or SWEET BAZIL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The greater ordinary Bazil riseth up usually with one
upright Stalk diversly branching forth on all sides, with
two Leaves at every Joynt, which are somewhat broad and
round, yet pointed, of a pale green colour, but fresh, a
little snipt about the edges, and of a strong heady scent:
The Flowers are smal and white standing at the tops of the
Branches, with two smal Leavs at the Joynt, in som places
green, in others brown, after which come black Seed. The
Root perisheth at the approach of Winter, and therfore
must be new sowen every year.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It only groweth in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It must be sowed late, and flowers in the heat of
Summer, being a very tender Plant.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This is the Herb which all Authors are together by the
Ears about, and rail at one another like Lawyers: Galen
and Diascorides hold it not fitting to be taken inwardly:
and Chrysippus rails at it with downright
Billingsgate-Rhetorick. Pliny, and the Arabian Physitians
defend it.
For mine own part I presently found that speech true;
# unit L latinverse
Non nostrum inter nos tantas componere lites.~
# unit P text
And away to Dr. Reason went I, who told me it was an
Herb of Mars, and under the Scorpion, and perhaps therfore
called Basilicon, and then no mervail if it carry a kind
of virulent quality with it: Being applied to the place
bitten by a venemous Beast, or stung by a Wasp or Hornet,
it speedily draws the Poyson to it; Every like draws his
like. Myzaldus affirms, That it being laid to rot in
Horsdung it wil breed Venemous Beasts. And Hollerius a
French Physitian affirms upon his own knowledg, That an
acquaintance of his by common smelling to it, had a
Scorpion bred in his Brain. Somthing is the matter this
Herb and Rue wil not grow together, no nor near one
another: And we know Rue is as great an enemy to Poyson as
any grows.
# unit G marginalnote
Venemous Beasts, Bees, Wasps, Hornets.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
To conclude: It expelleth both Birth, and After-birth;
and as it helps the deficiency of Venus in one kind, so it
spoils al her actions in another. I dare write no more of
it.
## <h021>
# chapter 21 BAY_TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE BAY TREE.
# unit P text
This is so wel known that it needs no Description; I
shal therfore only write the Vertues therof, which are
many.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Galen saith, That the Leaves or Bark do dry and heal
very much, and the Berries more than the Leaves: The Bark
of the Root is less sharp and hot, but more bitter, and
hath some astriction withal, whereby it is effectual to
break the Stone, and good to open obstructions of the
Liver, Spleen, and other inward parts, which bring the
Dropsie, Jaundice, &c. The Berries are very effectual
against al Poyson of venemous Creatures, and the Stings of
Wasps and Bees, as also against the Pestilence or other
infectious Diseases, and therfore is put into sundry
Triacles for that purpose: They likewise procure Womens
Courses; and seven of them given to a Woman in sore travel
of Child-birth, do cause a speedy delivery, and expel the
After-birth; and therfore not to be taken by such as have
not gon out their time lest they procure Abortment, or
cause Labor too soon: They wonderfully help al cold and
rhumatick Distillations from the Brain to the Eyes, Lungs
or other parts: And being made into an Electuary with
Honey, do help the Consumption, old Coughs, shortness of
Breath, and thin Rhewms: as also the Meagrim, they
mightily expel wind and provoke Urin; help the Mother, and
kil the Worms: The Leaves also work the like effects. A
Bath of the Decoction of the Leavs and Berries, is
singular good for Women to sit in that are troubled with
the Mother, or the Diseases therof, or the stoppings of
their Courses, or for the Diseases of the Bladder, pains
in the Bowels by wind, and stoppnig of Urin: A decoction
likewise of equal parts of Bay-berries, Cummin-Seed,
Hysop, Origanum, and Euphorbium, with some Honey, and the
Head bathed therwith doth wonderfully help Distillations
and Rhewms, and setleth the Pallat of the Mouth into its
place. The Oyl made of the Berries is very comfortable in
all cold Griefs of the Joynts, Nervs, Arteries, Stomach,
Belly, or Womb, and helpeth Palsies, Convulsions, Cramps,
Aches, trembling and numness in any part, weariness also,
and pains that come by sore travelling: Al griefs and
pains likewise proceeding from Wind, either in the Head,
Stomach, Back, Belly, or Womb, by anointing the parts
affected therwith: And pains in the Ears are also cured by
dropping in some of the Oyl, or by receiving into the Ears
the warm fume of the Decoction of the Berries through a
Funnel. The Oyl takes away marks of the Skin and Flesh by
bruises, Fals, &c. and dissolveth the congealed Bloud in
them: It helpeth also the Itch, Scabs, and Wheals in the
Skin.
# unit G marginalnote
Stone, Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen,
Dropsie, Poyson, Jaundice, Bees, Wasps, Hornets, Terms
provokes, Cause Delivery, Afterbirth, Eyes,Lungs.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Coughs, Shortness of Breath, Megrim, Wind,
Vertigo, Disury, Mother, Worms, Joynts, Nerves, Arteries,
Stomach, Belly, Womb, Ears, Marks in the Skin, Itch,
Scabs.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
I shal but only ad a word or two to what my Friend hath
written, viz. That it is a Tree of the Sun, and under the
Coelestial Sign Leo, and resisteth Witchcraft very
potently, as also al the evil old Saturn can do to the
Body of Man, and they are not a few, for it is the Speech
of one, and I am mistaken if it were not Myzaldus, That
neither Witch nor Devil, Thunder nor Lightning wil hurt a
Man in the place where a Bay-Tree is.
# unit G marginalnote
Witchcraft.
#end marginalnote
## <h022>
# chapter 22 BEANS
# unit T chaptertitle
BEANS.
# unit P text
Both the Garden and Field Beans are so wel known that
it saveth me labor of writing any Description of them:
Their Vertues briefly are as followeth.
The distilled wather of the Flowers of Garden Beans is
good to clens the Face and Skin from Spots and Wrinkles,
and the Meal or Flower of them, or the smal, doth the
same. The Water distilled from the green Husks is held to
be very effectual against the Stone, and to provoke Urine.
Bean Flower is used in Pultisses to asswage Inflamations
rising upon Wounds, and the swelling of Womens Breasts
caused by the curding of their Milk, and represseth their
Milk: The Flower of Beans and Fenugreek mixed with Honey,
and applied to Fellons, Boyls, Bruises, or blue Marks by
blows, or the Imposthumes in the Kernels of the Ears,
helpeth them all: And with Rose Leavs, Frankinsens and the
white of an Egg being applied to the Eyes, helpeth them
that are swoln, or do water, or have received any blow
upon them if used with Wine. If a Bean be parted in two,
the skin being taken away, and laid on the place where a
Leech hath been set that bleedeth too much, it staieth the
bleeding. Bean Flower boyled to a Pultis with Wine and
Vinegar and some Oyl put therto, ceaseth both pain and
swelling of the Cods: The Husks boyled in Water to a
consumption of a third part therof staieth a Lask: and the
Ashes of the Husks made up with old Hogs Greas, helpeth
the old pains, contusions and Wounds of the Sinews, the
Sciatica, and Gout. The Field Beans have all the
aforementioned Vertues as the Garden Beans
# unit G marginalnote
Spots, Stone, Disury, Inflamation, Womens
Breasts.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Felons, or Andicoms, Boils, Bruses, Ears, Eyes,
Leeches.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Cods swelled, Flux, Pain, Sinews, Sciatica,
Gout.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Beans eaten are extream windy meat, but if after the
Dutch fashion when they are half boyled you husk them, and
then stew them (I cannot tell you how, for I never was
Cook in al my life) they are wholsomer food.
## <h023>
# chapter 23 FRENCH-BEANS
# unit T chaptertitle
FRENCH-BEANS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The French or Kidney Bean ariseth up at first but with
one stalk which afterwards divideth its self into many
Arms or Branches, but also weak that if they be not
sustained with sticks or poles, they wil lie fruitless
upon the ground: at several places of these Branches grow
forth long footstalks, with every one of them three broad
round and pointed green Leavs at the end of them, towards
the tops wherof come forth divers Flowers made like unto
Pease Blossoms, of the same colour for the most part that
the fruit wil be of, that is to say, white, yellow, red,
blackish, or a deep purple; but white is most usual; after
which come long and slender flat Pods, some crooked, some
straight, with a string as it were running down the Back
therof, wherein are contained flattish round fruit made to
the fashion of a Kidney; the Root is long and spreadeth
with many strings annexed to it, and perisheth every year.
There is also another sort of French Beans commonly
growing with us in this land, which is called the Scarlet
flowred Bean.
This ariseth up with sundry Branches as the other, but
runs up higher to the length of Hop-poles, about which
they grow twining, but turning contrary to the Sun, having
Footstalks with three Leaves on each as on the other: The
Flowers also are in fashion like the other, but many more
set together, and of a most Orient Scalet colour. The
Beans are larger than the ordinary kind, of a deep Purple
colour, turning black when it is ripe and dry: The Root
perisheth also in Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues.
# unit P text
The ordinary French Beans are of an easie digestion,
they move the Belly, provoke Urin, enlarge the Breast that
is straitned with shortness of Breath, engender Sperme,
and incite Venery.
# unit G marginalnote
Disury, Shortess of breath, Incite to Venery.
A gallant shew.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
And the Scarlet-coloured Beans in regard of the
glorious beauty of their colour being set near a Quickset
Hedg, wil bravely adorn the same, by climing up theron; so
that they may be discerned a great way, not without
admiration of the beholder at a distance. But they wil go
near to kil the Quicksets by cloathing them in Scarlet.
## <h024>
# chapter 24 LADIES-BEDSTRAW
# unit T chaptertitle
LADIES-BEDSTRAW.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This ariseth up with divers smal brown and square
upright Stalks a yard high or more, somtimes branched
forth into divers parts, ful of Joynts, and with diverse
very fine small Leaves at every one of them little or
nothing rough at al: At the top of the Branches grow many
long tufts or branches of yellow Flowers very thick set
together, from the several Joynts which consist of four
smal Leavs apiece, which smel somwhat strong, but not
unpleasant: The Seed is smal and black like Poppy seed,
two for the most part joyned together: The Root is
reddish with many smal thrids fastned unto it, which take
strong hold of the ground and creepeth a little: And the
Branches leaning a little down to the ground take Root at
the Joynts therof, wherby it is easily encreased.
There is also another sort of Ladies-Bedstraw growing
frequently in England, which beareth white Flowers as the
other doth yellow; but the Branches of this are so weak
that unless it be sustained by the Hedges, or other things
near which it groweth it wil lie down on the ground; the
Leaves a little bigger than the former, and the Flowers
not so plentiful as those; and the Root hereof is also
thridy, and abiding.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in Meadows and Pastures both wet and dry, and
by the Hedges.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower in May for the most part, and the Seed is
ripe in July and August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Decoction of the former of these being drunk is
good to fret and break the Stone, and provokes Urin,
stayeth inward bleedings, and healeth inward Wounds: The
Herb or Flower bruised and put up into the Nostrils,
stayeth their bleeding likewise: The Flowers and the Herb
made into an Oyl by being set in the Sun, and changed
after it hath stood ten or twelve daies; or into an
Ointment being boyled in Axungia or Sallet-Oyl with some
Wax melted therein after it is strained; either the Oyl
made therof or the Ointment do help Burnings with Fire, or
Scalding with Water: the same also, or the Decoction of
the Herb and Flower is good to bath the Feet of Travellers
and Lacquies whose long running causeth weariness and
stifness in their Sinews and Joynts; If the Decoction be
used warm, and the Joynts afterwards anointed with the
Ointment. It helpeth the dry Scab, and the Itch in
Children: And the Herb with the white Flower is also very
good for the Sinews, Arteries, and Joynts to comfort and
strengthen them after travel, cold and pains.
# unit G marginalnote
Stone, Dysury, Bleeding, Wounds.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Burnings, Gauled-Feet, Weariness, Stiffness of
Joynts, Scabs, Itch.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
They are both Herbs of Venus and therfore strengthen
the patrs both internal and external which she rules.
## <h025>
# chapter 25 BEETS
# unit T chaptertitle
BEETS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
There are two sorts of Beets which are best known
generally, and wherof I shal principally intreat at this
time. Viz. The White and the Red Beets, and their
vertues.
The Common White Beet hath many great Leaves next the
ground somwhat large, and of a whitish green colour: The
Stalk is great, strong and ribbed, bearing great store of
leaves upon it almost to the very top of it: The flowers
grow in very long tufts, smal at the ends, and turning
down their Heads, which are smal, pale, greenish, yellow
Burrs, giving cornered prickled Seed. The Root is great,
long and hard, and when it hath given Seed of no use at
all.
The Common Red Beet differeth not from the White, but
only it is lesser and the Leaves and the Roots are somwhat
red: The Leaves are differently red, in som only with red
strakes or veins, som of a fresh red, and others of a dark
red. The Root hereof is red, spungy and not used to be
eaten.
# unit G marginalnote
Clens, Digest, Disury, Obstructions of the
Liver and Spleen, Vertigo, Venemous Beasts.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The White Beet doth much loosen the Belly, and is of a
clensing and digesting quality, and provoketh Urin: The
Juyce of it openeth obstructions both of the Liver and
Spleen, and is good for the Headaches and swimmings
therein, and turnings of the Brain; and is effectual also
against al venemous creatures: and applied upon the
Temples, stayeth Inflamations in the Eyes; it helpeth
Burnings being used without Oyl, and with a little Allum
put to it, is good for St. Anthonies fire. It is also
good for al Wheals, Pushes, Blisters, and Blains in the
Skin: The Herb boyled and laid upon Chilblains or Kibes,
helpeth them: The Decoction therof in Water and some
Vinegar healeth the Itch, if bathed therwith, and clenseth
the Head of Dandraf, Scurff, and dry Scabs, and doth much
good for fretting and running Sores, Ulcers, & Cankers in
the Head, Legs, or other parts, and is much commended
against Baldness and shedding of Hair.
# unit G marginalnote
Brning, St. Anthonies Fire, Wheals, Blisters,
Chilblains, Kibes,Itch, Dandriff, Scurff Scabs, Ulcers,
Cankers, Baldness.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The red Beet is good to stay the Bloody Flux, Womens
Courses, and the Whites, and to help the yellow Jaundice.
The Juyce or the Root put into the Nostrils purgeth the
Head, helpeth the nois in the Ears, and the Tooth-ach; the
Juyce snuffed up the Nose helps a stinking Breath if the
caus lie in the Nose as many times it doth, if any bruis
have been there, as also want of smel coming that way.
# unit G marginalnote
Flux Terms, Stops, Whites, Stinking Breath,
Noise in the Ears, Toothach, Smell lost.
#end marginalnote
## <h026>
# chapter 26 WATER-BETONY
# unit T chaptertitle
WATER-BETONY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
First of the Water-Betony, which riseth up with square
hard greenish Stalks, and somtimes brown, set with broad
dark green Leavs dented about the edges with notches,
somwhat resembling the Leavs of the Wood-Betony, but much
larger, two for the most part set at a Joynt. The Flowers
are many, set at the tops of the Stalks and Branches,
being round bellied, and open at the Brims and divided
into two parts, the uppermost being like a Hood, and the
lowest like a Lip hanging down, of a dark red colour,
which passing away, there comes in their places smal round
Heads with smal points in the ends, wherin lie smal and
brownish Seeds: The Root is a thick Bush of strings and
threds growing from an Head.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth by Ditchsides, Brooks, and other
Water-courses generally through this Land, and is seldom
found far from the Waters sides.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowereth about July and the Seed is ripe in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is of a clensing quality; the Leavs bruised and
applied are effectual for all old and filthy Ulcers; and
especially if the Juyce of the Leavs be boyled with a
little Honey, and tents dipped therin, and the Sores
dressed therwith: as also for Bruises or Hurts whether
inward or outward. The distilled water of the Leaves is
used for the same purposes; as also to bath the Face or
Hands spotted or blemished, or discolored by Sunburning.
# unit G marginalnote
Ulcers, Bruises, Sunburning.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
I confess I do not much fancy distilled Waters, I mean
such Waters as are distilled cold, some vertue of the Herb
they may happliy have (it were a strange thing else) but
this I am confident of, that being distilled in a Pewter
Stil, as the vulgar and apish fashion is, both Chymical
Oyl and Salt is left behind, unless you burn them, and
then all is spoiled, Water and al, which was good for as
little as can be by such a Distillation. You have the
best way of Distillation in my Translation of the London
Dispensatory. The Colledg of Physitians having as much
skil in Distillations as an Ass hath reading Hebrew.
Water-Betony is an Herb of Jupiter in Cancer and is
apropriated more to Wounds and Hurts in the Breast than
Wood-Betony which follows.
## <h027>
# chapter 27 WOOD-BETONY
# unit T chaptertitle
WOOD-BETONY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Common or Wood-Betony hath many Leavs rising from
the root which are somwhat broad and round at the ends,
roundly dented about the edges, standing upon long
Footstalks, from among which rise up smal, square,
slender, but yet upright hairy Stalks, with some Leaves
thereon, two apiece at the Joynts, smaller than the lower,
whereon are set several spiked Heads of Flowers like
Lavender, but thicker and shorter for the most part, and
of a reddish or purple colour, spotted with white spots
both in the upper and lower part; The Seeds being
contained within the Husks that hold the Flowers, are
blackish, somwhat long and uneven. The Roots are many
white threddy strings; the Stalk perisheth, but the Root
with some Leavs theron, abides al the Winter. The whole
Plant is somwhat smal.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth frequently in Woods, and delighteth in
Shady-places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
And it flowreth in July, after which, the Seed is
quickly ripe, yet in its prime in May.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Antonius Musa Physitian to the Emperor Augustus Caesar,
wrote a peculiar Book of the Vertues of this Herb, and
amongst other vertues, saith of it, That it preserveth the
Lives and Bodies of Men free from the danger of Epidemical
Diseases, and from Witchcrafts also: It is found by daily
experience to be good for many Diseases; It helpeth those
that loath, or cannot digest their Meat, those that have weak Stomachs, or sower belchings, or continual rising in
their Stomach, using it familiarly either green or dry;
either the Herb, the root, or the Flowers in Broth drunk,
or Meat, or made into Conserve, Syrup, Water Electuary, or
Pouder as every one may best frame themselvs unto, or as
the time or season requireth, taken any of the aforesaid
waies. It helpeth the Jaundice, Falling-sickness, the
Palsie, Convulsions, or shrinking of the Sinews, the Gout,
and those that are inclined to Dropsies, those that have
continual Pains in their Head, although it turn to
Phrensie. The Pouder mixed with pure Honey is no less
available for al sorts of Coughs or Colds, Wheesing or
shortness of Breath, Distillations of thin Rhewm upon the
Lungues, which causeth Consumptions. The Decoction made
with Mead and a little Penyroyal, is good for those that
are troubled with putrid Agues, whether Quotidian,
Tertian, or Quartan, and to draw down and evacuate the
Blood and humors that by falling into the Eyes do hinder
the Sight: The Decoction therof made in Wine and taken,
killeth the Worms in the Belly, openeth Obstructions both
of the Spleen and Liver, cureth Stitches and Pains in the
Back, or Sides, the Torments and griping pains of the
Bowels, and the wind Chollick: and mixed with Honey
purgeth the Belly, helpeth to bring down Womens Courses,
and is of especial use for those that are troubled with
the falling down of the Mother, and pains therof, and
causeth an easie and speedy delivery of Women in
Childbirth: it helpeth also to break and expel the Stone
either in the Bladder or Kidneys. The Decoction with Wine
gargled in the Mouth, easeth the Toothach. It is
commended against the sting or biting or Venemous Serpents
or Mad Dogs. Being used inwardly and applied outwardly to
the place. A dram of the Pouder in Betony taken with a
little Honey in some Vinegar, doth wonderfully refresh
those that are overwearied by travail; it staieth
bleedings at the Mouth or Nose, and helpeth those that
piss or spit Blood, and those that are Bursten or have a
Rupture, and is good for such as are bruised by any fall
or otherwise. The green Herb bruised, or the Juyce
applied to any inward hurt or outward green Wound in the
Head or Body wil quickly heal and close it up; as also any
Veins or Sinews that are cut; and will draw forth any
broken Bone, or Splinter, Thorn or other thing gotten into
the Flesh: It is no less profitable for old Sores, or
filthy Ulcers, yea, though they be Fistulaus and hollow,
but some do advise to put in a little Salt to this
purpose: Being applied with a little Hogs Lard, it
helpeth a Plague-Sore, and other Boyls and Pushes: The
fumes of the Decoction while it is warm received by a
Funnel into the Ears, easeth the pains of them, destroyeth
the Worms, and cureth the running Sores in them. The
Juyce dropped into them doth the same. The Root of Betony
is displeasing both to the tast and Stomach, whereas the
Leavs and Flowers by their sweet and spicy tast, are
comfortable both in Meat and Medicine.
# unit G marginalnote
Epidemical Diseases, Witchcraft, Apetite,
Indigestion, Stomach, Belching, Jaundice, Falling
sickness, Palsey, Convulsion, Shrinking of the Sinews,
Gout, Dropsie, Frensie, Cough, Cold, Shortness of Breath,
Agues of all sorts, Sore Eyes, Worms, Obstructions of the
Liver and Spleen, Stitches, Pains in the Back and Belly,
Terms provokes, Mother, Childbirth, Stone, Toothach,
Venemous Beasts, Mad-dogs, Weariness, Bleeding at Mouth
and Nose, Pissing & spitting of Blood, Ruptures, Bruises,
Wounds, Veins and Sinews, Cuts, Ulcers, Fistulaes, Boyls,
Ears.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
There are some of the many Vertues Antony Musa an
expert Physitian (for it was not the practice of Octavius
Caesar to keep Fools about him) apropriates to Bethony; It
is a very precious Herb that's certain, and most fitting
to be kept in a mans hous both in Syrup, Conserve, Oyl,
Oyntment, and Plaister. The Flowers are usually
Conserved.
The Herb is apropriated to the Planet Jupiter, and the
Sign Aries.
## <h028>
# chapter 28 BEECH_TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE BEECH TREE.
# unit P text
In treating of this Tree, you must understand that I
mean the great Mast Beech; which is by way of distinction
from that other smal rough sort, called in Sussex, the
small Beech; but in Essex, Hornbeam.
I suppose it needless to describe it, being already so
wel known to my Countrymen.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in Woods amongst Oaks, and other Trees, and
in Parks, Forrests, and Chases, to feed Deer; and in other
places to fatten Swine.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It bloometh in the end of April, or begining of May for
the most part, and the Fruit is ripe in September.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Leavs of the Beech-Tree are cooling and binding,
and therfore good to be applied to hot Swellings to
discuss them: The Nuts do much nourish such Beasts as
feed thereon: The Water that is found in the hollow places
of decaying Beeches, will cure both Man and Beast of any
Scurf, Scab, or running Tetters, if they be washed
therwith. You may boyl the Leavs into a Pultis, or make
an Ointment of them when time of year serves.
## <h029>
# chapter 29 BILBERRIES
# unit T chaptertitle
BILBERRIES:
Called also (by som)
Whorts, and Whortleberries.
# unit S sectiontitle
Descriptions.
# unit P text
Of these I shal only speak of two sorts, which are
commonly known in England, Viz. The Black, and the Red
Bilberries. And first of the Black.
This smal Bush creepeth along upon the ground scarce
rising half a yard high, with divers smal dark green
Leaves set on the green Branches, not alwaies one against
another, and a little dented about the edges: At the foot
of the Leaves com forth smal, hollow, pale, blush coloured
Flowers, the brims ending in five points, with a reddish
threed in the middle, which pass into smal round Berries
of the bigness and colour of Juniper Berries, but of a
Purple sweetish sharp tast; the Juyce of them giveth a
Purplish colour to their Hands and Lips that eat and
handle them, especially if they break them. The Root
groweth asloop under ground, shooting forth in sundry
places as it creepeth: This loseth its Leaves in Winter.
The Red Bilberry, or Whortle-bush, riseth up like the
former, having sundry harder Leaves, like the Box-Tree
Leaves, green and round pointed standing on the several
Branches, at the tops whereof only, and not from the sides
as in the former, com forth divers round flowers of a pale
red color, after which succeed, round reddish sappy
Berries when they are ripe, of a sharp tast: The Root
runneth in the ground, as the former; but the Leaves of
this abide al Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The first groweth in Forrests, on the Heaths and such
like barren plaaces: The Red grows in the North parts of
this Land, as Lancashire, Yorkshire, &c.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower in March and April; and the Fruit of the
Black is ripe in June and July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertue and Use.
# unit P text
The Black Bilberries are good in hot Agues and to cool
the heat of the Liver and stomach; they do somwhat bind
the Belly, and stay Vomitings and Loathings: The Juyce of
the Berries made into a Syrup, or the Pulp made into a
Conserve with Sugar, is good for the purposes aforesaid,
as also for an old Cough or an Ulcer in the Lungs, or
other diseases therein. The Red Whorts are more binding,
and stop Womens Courses, spitting of Blood, or any other
Flux of Blood or Humors, being used aswel outwardly as
inwardly.
# unit G marginalnote
Agues, Stomach, Liver, Vomiting, Apetite lost,
Cough, Phtisick, Fluxes.
#end marginalnote
## <h030>
# chapter 30 BIFOYL
# unit T chaptertitle
BIFOYL, or TWAYBLADE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This smal Herb from a Root somewhat sweet, shooting
downwards many long strings, riseth up a round green Stalk
bare or naked next the ground for an inch, two or three to
the middle therof, as it is in age or growth, as also from
the middle upward to the Flowers, having only two broad
Plantain-like Leaves (but whiter) set at the middle of the
Stalk one against another, and compasseth it round at the
bottom of them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is a usual Inhabitant in Woods, Copses, and in many
other places in this Land.
There is another sort growes in wet grounds and
Marshes, which is somwhat differing from the former: It is
a smaler Plant, and greener, having somtimes three Leaves;
the Spike of Flowers is less than the former, and the
Roots of this do run or creep in the ground.
They are much and often used by many to good purpose
for Wounds both green and old, and to consolidate or knit
Ruptures.
## <h031>
# chapter 31 BIRCH-TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE BIRCH-TREE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This groweth a goodly tall straight Tree, fraught with
many Boughes and slender Branches bending downward; the
old ones being covered with a discoloured chapped Bark,
and the yonger being browner by much: The Leaves at their
first breaking out are crumpled, and afterward like the
Beech Leaves, but smaler and greener, and dented about the
edges: It beareth smal short Catkins, somwhat like those
of the Hazel-Nut-tree, which abide on the Branches a long
time, until growing ripe they fall on the ground, and
their Seed with them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It usually groweth in Woods.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues.
# unit P text
The Juyce of the Leaves while they are yong, or the
distilled Water of them, or the Water that coms out of the
Tree, being bored with an Augur and distilled afterwards;
any of these being drunk for some time together, is
available to break the Stone in the Kidnies or Bladder;
and is good also to wash sore Mouths.
# unit G marginalnote
Stone, sore Mouths.
#end marginalnote
## <h032>
# chapter 32 BIRDS-FOOT
# unit T chaptertitle
BIRDS-FOOT.
# unit P text
This smal Herb groweth not above a span high, with many
Branches spread on the ground, set with many wings of smal
Leaves; The Flowers grow upon the Branches, many smal ones
of a pale yellow colour, being set at a head together,
which afterwards turn into so many smal joynted Cods with
Seeds in them; the Cods well resembling the Claws of smal
Birds, whence it took its name.
There is another sort of Birds-Foot in all
things like
the former, but a little larger; the Flowers of a pale
whitish red colour, and the Cods distinct by Joynts like
the other, but a little more crooked, and the Roots do
carry many small white Knots or Kernels amongst the
Strings.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
These grow on Heaths, and many open untilled places of
this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower and feed in the end of Summer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
They are of a drying, binding quality and therby very
good to be used in Wound-drinks, as also to apply
outwardly for the same purpose. But the latter Birds-foot
is found by experience to break the Stones in the Back or
Kidnies, and drive them forth, if the Decoction therof be
taken; and it wonderfully helpeth the Rupture, being taken
inwardly, and outwardly applied to the place.
# unit G marginalnote
Dry, Binds Wounds, Stone, Ruptures.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
All Salts have best operation upon the Ston, as
Ointments & Plaisters have upon Wounds; and therfore if
you may make a Salt of this for the Stone, the way how to
do so many be found in my Translation of the London
Dispensatory, and it may be I may give you again in
plainer terms at the latter end of this Book.
## <h033>
# chapter 33 BISHOPS-WEED
# unit T chaptertitle
BISHOPS-WEED.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Common Bishops-weed riseth up with a round straight
Stalk, somtimes as high as a Man, but usually three or
four foot high, beset with divers smal, long, and somwhat
broad Leavs, cut in som places and dented about the edges,
growing one against another, of a dark green colour;
having sundry Branches on them, and at the top smal umbels
of white flowers, which turn into smal round brown Seed,
little bigger than Parsly-seed, of a quick hot scent and
tast: The Root is white and stringie, perishing yearly
after it hath seeded, and usually riseth again of its own
sowing.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth wild in many places in England and Wales, as
between Greenheath and Gravsend.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues.
# unit P text
It digesteth Humors, provoketh Urin and Womens Courses,
dissolveth Wind; and being taken in Wine, easeth pains and
griping in the Bowels, and is good against the biting of
Serpents: It is used to good effect in those Medicins
which are given to hinder the poysonful operation of
Cantharides upon the passages of the Urin: Being mixed
with Honey, and applied to black and blue marks, coming of
Blows or bruises, it takes them away: and being drunk or
outwardly applied, it abates an high colour, and makes it
pale; and the Fumes therof taken with Rozin, or Raisons,
clenseth the Mother.
# unit G marginalnote
Disury, Terms provokes, Wind, Chollick,
Venemous Beasts, Cantharides, black and blew Spots, High
Colour, Mother.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is hot and dry in the third degree, of a bitter tast
and somthing sharp withal; it provokes Lust to purpose; I
suppose Venus owns it.
## <h034>
# chapter 34 BISTORT
# unit T chaptertitle
BISTORT, OR SNAKEWEED.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath a thick, short, knobbed Root, blackish
without, and somwhat reddish within, a little crooked or
turned together, of an harsh astringent tast, with divers
black threds hanging there, from whence spring up every
year divers Leaves standing upon long Footstalks, being
somwhat broad and long like a Dock-leaf, and a little
pointed at the ends, but that it is of a blewish green
colour on the upper side, and of an Ash colour gray, and a
little purplish underneath, with divers Veins therin; from
among which rise up divers smal and slender Stalks, two
foot high, and almost naked, and without Leavs, or with
very few, and narrow, bearing a spiky Bush of pale Flesh
colour'd Flowers, which being past there abideth smal
Seed, somwhat like unto Sorrel Seed, but greater.
There are other sorts of Bistort, growing in this Land,
but smaller, both in height, Root, and Stalks, and
especially in the Leavs, The Root blackish without, and
somwhat whitish within, of an austere binding tast as the
former.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in shadowy moist Woods, and at the foot of
Hils, but are chiefly nourished up in Gardens. The narrow
leaved Bistort groweth in the North, in Lancashire,
Yorkshire, and Cumberland.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower about the end of May, and the Seed is ripe
about the beginning of July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Both the Leavs and Roots have have a powerful faculty
to resist al Poyson: The Root in Pouder taken in drink
expelleth the Venem of the Plague, the smal Pox, Meazles,
Purples, or any other infectious Disease, driving it out
by sweating: The Root in Pouder or the Decoction therof
in Wine being drunk, stayeth al manner of inward bleedings
or spittings of Blood, and any Fluxes in the Body of
either Man or Woman or Vomitings; it is also very
available against Ruptures or Burstings or all bruises or
fals, dissolving the congealed Blood, and easeth the pains
that happen therupon, it also helpeth the Jaundice. The Water
distilled from both Leavs and Roots is a singular
remedy to wash any place bitten or stung by any venemous
creature; as also for any of the purposes before spoken
of.
# unit G marginalnote
Poyson, Plague, Smal Pocks, Meazles, Purples,
Epidemical Diseases. Inward bleeding, Flux, Vomiting
Ruptures, Jaundice, Venemous Beasts.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
And is very good to wash any running Sores or Ulcers.
The Decoction of the Root in Wine being drunk, hindreth
Abortion or Miscarriage in Child-bearing. The Leavs also
kil the Worms in Children, and is a great help for them
that cannot keep their Water, if the Juyce of Plantane be
added therto. And outwardly applied, much helpeth the
Gonorrhea, or Running of the Reins. A dram of the Pouder
of the Root taken in the Water thereof, wherein som red
hot Iron or Steel hath been quenched is also an admirable
help thereto, so as the Body be first prepared and purged
from the offensive humors. The Leaves, Seed, or Roots are
al very good in Decoctions, Drinks or Lotians, for inward
or outward Wounds or other sores: and the Pouder strewed
upon any cut or wound in a Vein, stayeth the immoderat
bleeding thereof. The Decoction of the Roots in Water
whereunto som Pomgranate Pils and Flowers are added,
injected into the Matrix, stayeth the access of humors to
the Ulcers thereof, and bringeth it to its right place,
being fallen down, and stayeth the immoderat flux of the
Courses. The Root hereof with Pellitory of Spain and
burnt Allum of each a like quantity, beaten smal and made
into Past, with some Honey, and a little piece thereof put
into an hollow-Tooth, or held between the Teeth if there
be no hollowness in them, stayeth the defluxion of Rhewm
upon them, which causeth pains, and helps to clense the
Head, and avoid much offensive Water. The Distilled Water
is very effectual to wash Sores or Cankers in the Nose or
any other part, if the Pouder of the Root be applied
therunto afterwards. It is good also to fasten the Gums,
and to take away the heat and inflamations that happen in
the Jaws, Almonds of the Throat or Mouth, if the Decoction
of the Leavs, Roots, or Seeds be used, or the Juyce of
them; but the Roots are most effectual to all the purposes
aforesaid.
# unit G marginalnote
Ulcers, Abortion, Worms, Diabites, Running of
the Reins, Wounds, Bleeding.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Matrix, Terms stops, Tooth-ach, Head, Cankers,
Gums, Inflamations, Almonds of the Ears.
#end marginalnote
## <h035>
# chapter 35 ONE-BLADE
# unit T chaptertitle
ONE-BLADE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This smal Plant never beareth more than one Leaf, but
only when it rises up with its Stalk which thereon beareth
another, and seldom more, which are of a bluish green
colour, broad at the bottom and pointed with many Ribs or
Veins like Plantane: At the top of the Stalk grow many
smal white Flowers Star-fashion smelling somthing sweet:
after which come smal reddish Berries when they are ripe.
The Root is smal, of the bigness of a Rush, lying and
creeping under the upper crust of the Earth, shooting
forth in diverse places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in moist shadowy, grassie places of Woods in
many places of this Realm.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It flowreth about May, and the Berries be ripe in June,
and then quickly perisheth until the next year it springth
from the same again.
# unit S sectiontitle
The Vertues.
# unit P text
Half a dram, or a dram at most of the Roots hereof in
Pouder, taken in Wine and Vinegar of each a like quantity,
and the party presently laid to sweat, is held to be a
sovereign remedy for those that are infected with the
Plague, and have a sore upon them, by expelling the Poyson
and defending the Heart and Spirits from danger: it is
also accounted a singular good Wound-Herb, and therfore
used with other Herbs in making such Balms as are
necessary or the curing of Wounds, either green or old,
and especially if the Nervs or Sinews be hurt.
## <h036>
# chapter 36 BRAMBLE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE BRAMBLE;
or Black-Berry-Bush.
# unit P text
This is so wel known that it needeth no Description.
The Vertues therof are as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Buds, Leavs and Branches while they are green are
of a good use in the Ulcers and putrid sores of the Mouth
and Throat, and for the Quinsie; and likewise to heal
other fresh Wounds and Sores; but the Flowers & Fruit
unripe are very binding, and so profitable for the
Bloudy-flux, Lasks, and are a fit remedy for spitting of
Bloud. Either the Decoction or Pouder of the Root being
taken is good to break or drive forth Gravel, and the
Stone in the Reins and Kidnies. The Leavs and Brambles
aswel green as dry, are excellent good Lotions for sores
in the Mouth or secret parts: The Decoction of them & of
the dried Branches, do much bind the Belly, and are good
for the too much flowing of Womens Courses: The Berries
or the Flowers are a powerful remedy against the Poyson of
the most venemous Serpents, as wel drunk as outwardly
applied, helpeth the sores of the Fundament, and the
Piles. The Juyce of the Berries mixed with Juyce of
Mulberries, do bind more effectually, and help fretting
and eating sores and Ulcers whersoever. The Distilled
Water of the Branches, Leaves and Flowers, or of the
Fruit, is very pleasant in tast, and very effectual
in Feavers and hot distempers of the Body, Head, Eyes and
other parts, and for al the purposes aforesaid. The
Leaves boyled in Ly and the Head washed therewith, healeth
the Itch and the running sores therof, and maketh the Hair
black. The Pouder of the Leaves strewed on cankrous and
running Ulcers, doth wonderfully help to heal them. Some
use to condensate the Juyce of the Leaves, and some the
Juyce of the Berries to keep for their use all the year,
for the purposes aforesaid.
# unit G marginalnote
Ulcers, Sores, Quinsie, Wounds, Flux, Bloody
flux, Spitting Bloud, Gravel, Stone, Secrets.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Terms stops, Poyson, Venemous Beasts.
Fundament Piles, Feavers, Head, Eyes, Itch, Scabby Heads.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is a Plant of Venus in Aries: You shall have Som
directions at the latter end of the Book for the gathering
of al Herbs and Plants &c. If any ask the reason why
Venus is so prickly? Tel them 'tis because she is in the
house of Mars.
## <h037>
# chapter 37 BLITES
# unit T chaptertitle
BLITES.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Of these there are two sorts commonly known, viz. White
and Red. The White hath Leavs somwhat like unto Beets,
but smaller, rounder and of a whitish green colour, every
one standing upon a smal long Footstalk: The Stalk riseth
up two or three foot high with such like Leavs theron:
The Flowers grow at the top in long round tufts or
clusters, wherein are contained smal and round Seed. The
Root is very full of threeds or strings.
The red Blite is in all things like the white, but that
his Leavs and tufted heads are exceeding red at first, and
after turn more Purplish.
There are other kinds of Blites which grow wild,
differing from the two former sorts but little, only the
wild are smaler in every part.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in Gardens, and wild in many places of this
Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They seed in August and September.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
They are all of them cooling, drying and binding,
serving to restrain the Fluxes of Bloud in either man or
woman, especially the Red; which also stayeth the
overflowing of women's Reds, as the white Blite stayeth
the Whites in Women. It is an excellent secret, you
cannot wel fail in the use; they are al under the Dominion
of Venus.
# unit G marginalnote
Reds and Whites in Women.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
There is one other sort of wild Blites, like the other
wild kinds, but having long and spike heads of greenish
Seed, seeming by the thick setting together to be al Seed.
This sort the Fishes are delighted with, and it is a
good and usual Bait; for the Fishes will bite fast enough
at them, if you have but wit enough to catch them when
they bite.
## <h038>
# chapter 38 BORRAGE_BUGLOSS
# unit T chaptertitle
BORRAGE & BUGLOSS.
# unit P text
These are so wel known to be Inhabitants in every
Garden, that I hold it needless to describe them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower in June and July, and the Seed is ripe
shortly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
They are very Cordial. The Leaves or Roots are to very
good purpose used in putrid and Pestilential Feavers, to
defend the Heart, and help to resist and expel the Poyson,
or the Venom of other Creatures; the Seed is of the like
effect; and the Seed and Leavs are good to encrease Milk
in Womens Breasts: The Leavs, Flowers and Seed, all, or
any of them are good to expel Pensiveness and Melancholly:
it helpeth to clarifie the Bloud, and mitigate heat in
Feavers. The Juyce made into a Syrup prevaileth much to
all the purposes aforesaid, and is put with other cooling,
opening, clensing Herbs, to open obstructions, and help
the yellow-Jaundice, and mixed with Fumitory, to cool,
clens, and temper the Blood, therby it helpeth the Itch,
Ringworms, and Tetters, or other spreading Scabs or Sores.
The Flowers candied, or made into a Conserve are helping
in the former causes, but are chiefly used as a Cordial,
and is good for those that are weak with long sickness,
and to comsumptions, or troubled with often swoonings or
passions of the Heart: The Distilled Water is no less
effectual to all the purposes aforesaid, and helpeth the
redness and inflamations of the Eyes being washed
therewith: The dried Herb is never used, but the green;
yet the Ashes therof boyled in Mead, or Honyed Water is
available against Inflamations and Ulcers in the Mouth or
Throat, to wash and gargle it therewith. The Roots of
Bugloss are effectual being made into a licking
Electuarie, for the Cough, and to condensate thin flegm,
and Rhewmatick Distillations upon the Lungs.
# unit G marginalnote
Feavers, Pestilence, Poyson, Venemous Beasts.
Milk in Nurses. Melancholy, Ill Bloud.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Yellow-Jaundice, Itch, Ringworms, Tetters,
Scabs, Weakness by long sickness, Consumption, Swooning,
Inflamations. Ulcers, sore Mouths & Throat, Cough, Flegm.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
They are both Herbs of Jupiter, and under Leo, both
great Cordials, great strengthners of Nature.
## <h039>
# chapter 39 BLUEBOTTLES
# unit T chaptertitle
BLUEBOTTLES.
# unit P text
These are so wel known generally unto my Country men to
grow among their Corn, that I suppose it needless to write
any Description therof: There are other kinds
which I purposely omit both in this and others, my intent being
only to insist most principally upon the vulgarly known,
and commonly growing Flowers and Herbs.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower and Seed in the Summer Months.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Pouder or dried Leavs of the Bluebottle, or
Cornflower is given with good success to those that are
bruised by a fal, or have broken a Vein inwardly, and void
much Blood at the Mouth, being taken in the Water of
Plantane, Horstail, or the greater Comfry. It is a
Remedy, against the Poyson of the Scorpion, and resisteth
al other Venoms and Poysons; The Seed or Leavs taken in
Wine is very good against the Plague, and al infectious
Diseases, and is very good in Pestilential Feavers. The
Juyce put into fresh or green Wounds doth quicky soder up
the Lips of them together, and is very effectual to heal
al Ulcers and Sores in the Mouth: The Juyce dropped into
the Eyes, taketh away the heat and inflamation in them.
The distilled Water of the Herb hath the same properties,
and may be used for all the Effects aforesaid.
# unit G marginalnote
Bruises, Broken Veins, Poyson, Plague,
Epidemical Diseases, Wounds, Ulcers, Inflamations in the
Eyes.
#end marginalnote
## <h040>
# chapter 40 BRIONY
# unit T chaptertitle
BRIONY or WILD VINE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Common white Briony groweth ramping upon the
Hedges, sending forth many long rough very tender branches
at the beginning with many very rough broad Leavs theron,
cut (for the most part) into five partitions, in form very
like a Vine Leaf, but smaller, rougher, and of a whitish
or hoary green colour, spreading very far, spreading and
twining with his smal Claspers (that come forth at the
Joynts with the Leavs) very far on whatsoever standeth
next it: At the several Joynts also (especially towards
the top of the Branches) cometh forth a long Stalk bearing
many whitish Flowers, together in a long tuft, consisting
of five smal Leaves apiece, laid open like a Star: after
which come the Berries, separated one from another more
than a Cluster of Grapes, green at the first, and very red
when they are through ripe, of no good sent, but of a most
loathsom tast provoking Vomit: The Root groweth to be
exceeding great with many long Twines or Branches growing
from it of a pale whitish colour on the outside, and more
white within, and of a sharp, bitter loathsom tast.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth on Banks, or under Hedges, through this Land
the Roots lie very deep.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowereth in July and August, some earlier and some
later than others.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Roots of the Briony purge the Belly with great
Violence, troubling the Stomach, and hurting the Liver,
and therfore not rashly to be taken, but being corrected
is very profitable for the Diseases of the Head, as
Falling-sickness, Giddiness, and Swimmings, by drawing
away much Flegm and Rhewmatick humors that oppress the
Head, as also the Joynts and Sinews, and is therfore good
for Palseys, Convulsions, Cramps, and Stitches in the
Sides, and the Dropsie; and in provoking Urin it clenseth
the Reins and Kidnies from Gravel and the Stone, and
consumeth the hardness and swellings therof. The
Decoction of the Root in Wine drunk once a week at going
to bed, clenseth the Mother, and helpeth the rising,
therof, expelleth the dead Child, and Afterbirth, but is
not to be used by Women with Child, for fear of abortion;
a dram of the Root in Pouder taken in white Wine bringeth
down their Courses. An Electuary made of the Roots and
Honey, doth mightily clens the Chest of Rotten Flegm, and
wonderfully help an old strong Cough, those that are
troubled with shortness of Breath, and is very good for
them that are brused inwardly, to help to expel the
clotted or congealed Blood. The Leavs, Fruit, and Root,
do clens old and filthy Sores, are good against al
fretting and running Cankers, Gangrenes, and Tetters, and
therfore the Berries are by some Country People called
Tetter-Berries. The Root clenseth the Skin wonderfully
from al black and blew Spots, Freckles, Morphew, Leprosie,
foul Scars, or other deformity whatsoever: as also al
running Scabs, and Manginess are healed by the Pouder of
the dried Root, or the Juyce therof, but especially by the
fine white hardned Juyce: The distilled water of the
Roots worketh the same effects but more weakly. The Root
bruised and applied of it self to any place where the
Bones are broken, helpeth to draw them forth, as also
Splinters and Thorns in the Flesh; and being applied with
a little Wine mixed therwith it breaketh Boyls, and
helpeth Whitlows on the Joynts.
# unit G marginalnote
Falling-sickness, Vertigo, Flegm, Palsies,
Convulsion, Cramp, Stitches, Dropsies, Gravel, Stone,
Obstructions, Womb, Mother, Dead Child, After-birth.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Cough, Shortness of Breath, Sores, Cankers,
Gangrenes, Tetters, Ringworms, Black Spots, Freckles,
Morphew, Leprosie.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
For al these latter beginning at Sores, Cankers &c.
apply it outwardly and take my advice along with you, you
shal find in my Translation of the London Dispensatory,
among the Preparations at latter end, a Medicin called
Focculae Brioniae, take that and use it, you have the way
there how to make it, and mix that with a little Hogs
Greas or other convenient Oyntment, and use it at your
need.
# unit G marginalnote
Broken Bones, Splinters, Thorns, Whitlows, or
Nail-wheals, or Andicoms.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
As for the former Diseases where it must be taken
inwardly, it purgeth very Violently, and needs an abler
hand to correct it than most Country people have, therfore
it is a better way for them (in my opinion) to let the
Simple alone, and take the Compound Water of it, mentioned
in my Dispensatory, and that is far more safe, being
wisely corrected.
## <h041>
# chapter 41 BROOKLIME
# unit T chaptertitle
BROOKLIME.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This sendeth forth from a creeping Root, that shooteth
forth strings at every Joynt as it runneth, divers and
sundry green Stalks, round and sappy with some branchs on
them, somwhat broad, round, deep green, and thick Leavs
set by couples theron: from the Bosom wherof shoot forth
long Footstalks, with sundry smal blue Flowers on them,
that consist of five smal round pointed Leavs apiece.
There is another sort nothing differing from the
former, but that it is greater, and the Flowers of a paler
blue Colour.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in smal Standing Waters, and usually neer
Watercresses.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
And Flower in June and July, giving Seed the next Month
after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Brooklime and Watercresses are generally used together
in Diet Drinks with other things, serving to purge the
Blood and Body from ill Humors that would destroy health,
and are helpful for the Scurvy: They do also provoke
Urin, and help to break the Stone and pass it away; they
procure Womens Courses, and expel the dead Child. Being
fried with Butter and Vinegar and applied warm, it helpeth
all manner of Tumors or Swellings, and Inflamations.
# unit G marginalnote
Blood purgeth, Ill Humors, Scurvy, Disury,
Stone, Terms provokes, Dead child, Swellings,
Inflamations.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Such drinks ought to be made of Sundry Herbs according
to the Malady offending, I shal give a plain and easie
Rule at the latter end of the Book.
## <h042>
# chapter 42 BUTCHERS-BROOM
# unit T chaptertitle
BUTCHERS-BROOM.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The first shoots that sprout from the Root of
Butchers-Broom are thick, whitish, and short, somwhat like
those of Asparagus, but greater; these rising up to be a
foot and an half high are spread into divers Branches,
green & somwhat crested with the roundness, tough and
flexible, wheron are set somwhat broad and almost round
hard Leavs, sharp and prickly pointed at the ends, of a
dark green colour, two for the most part set at a place,
very close or neer together; about the middle of the Leaf,
on the back or lower side from the middle Rib, breaketh
forth a smal whitish green Flower consisting of four smal
round pointed Leavs standing upon little or no Footstalk,
and in the place wherof cometh a smal round Berry, green
at the first, and red when it is ripe, wherin are two or
three white, hard, round Seeds contained: The Root is
thick, white, and great at the Head, and from thence
sendeth forth divers thick, white, long, tough strings.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in Copses, and upon Heaths and wast grounds,
and often times under or neer the Holly-Bushes.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It shooteth forth his yong buds in the Spring and the
Berries are ripe in or about September, The Branches and
Leavs abiding green al the Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Decoction of the Roots made with Wine, openeth
Obstructions, provoketh Urin, helpeth to expel Gravel and
the Stone, the Strangury, and Womens Courses, as also the
yellow Jaundice and the Head-ach; and with some Honey or
Sugar put therunto, clenseth the Breast of Flegm, and the
Chest of much clammy Humors gathered therin. The
Decoction of the Roots drunk, and a Pultis made of the
Berries and Leavs being applied, are effectual in knitting
and consolidating broken Bones and Parts out of Joynt.
# unit G marginalnote
Obstructions, Disury, Gravel, Stone, Strangury
Terms provokes, Yellow-Jaundice, Headach, Flegm. Broken
Bones, Dislocations.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is called Bruscus in some places, and in Sussex
Kneeholly, and Kneeholm. The common way of using it is to
boyl the Roots of it and Parsly, and Fennel, and Smallage
in white Wine, and drink the Decoction, adding the like
quantity of Grass Roots to them; the more of the Roots you
boyl the stronger will the Decoction be, it works no ill
effects, yet I hope you have wit enough to give the
strongest Decoction to the strongest Bodies.
## <h043>
# chapter 43 BROOM_BROOMRAPE
# unit T chaptertitle
BROOM, & BROOMRAPE.
# unit P text
To spend time in writing a Descripton herof is
altogether needless, it being so generally used by all the
good Huswifes almost through this Land to sweep their
Houses with and therfore very wel known to all sorts of
people.
The Broomrape springeth up in many places from the
Roots of the Broom, (but more often in fields, by Hedg
sides, and on Heaths). The Stalk wherof is of the bigness
of a Finger or Thumb, above two Foot high having a show of
Leavs on them and many Flowers at the top, of a deadish,
yellow colour, as also the Stalks and Leavs are.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in many places of this Land commonly, and as
commonly spoyl all the Land they grow in.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
And Flower in the Summer Months, and give their Seed
before Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Juyce, or Decoction of the yong Branches, or Seed,
or the Pouder of the Seed taken in Drink, purgeth
downwards, and draweth Flegmatick and watery humors from
the Joynts, wherby it helpeth the Dropsie, Gout, Sciatica,
and the pains in the Hips and Joynts: It also provoketh
strong Vomit, and helpeth the pains of the Sides, and
swellings of the Spleen, clenseth also the Reins, or
Kidneys and Bladder of the Stone, provoketh Urin
abundantly, and hindreth the growing again of the Stone
in the Body. The continual use of the Pouder of the
Leaves and Seed, doth cure the Black Jaundice: The
distilled Water of the Flowers is profitable for al the
same purposes; it also helpeth Surfets, and altereth the
Fits of Agues, if three or four ounces therof, with as
much of the Water of the lesser Centaury and a little
Sugar put therin, be taken a little before the fit cometh,
and the party be laid down to sweat in their Bed. The Oyl
or Water that is drawn from the ends of the green sticks
heated in the fire, helpeth the Toothach. The Juyce of
the yong Branches made into an Oyment of old Hogs Greas
and anointed, Or the yong Branches bruised and heated in
Oyl or Hogs Greas, and laid to the Sides pained by wind,
as in Stitches, or the Spleen, easeth them in once or
twice using it: The same boyled in Oyl is the safest and
surest Medicine to kil Lice in the Head or Body of any;
and is an especial Remedy for Joynt aches, and swoln Knees
that come by the falling down of Humors.
# unit G marginalnote
Flegm, Joynts, Dropsie, Sides, Spleen, Bladder,
Kidneys, Stone, Disury, black Jaundice, Agues.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Broomrape also is not without his Vertues.
# unit G marginalnote
Toothach, Wind, Stitches, Lice, Stone, Disury,
Green Wounds.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Decoction therof in Wine is thought to be as
effectual to avoid the Stone in the Kidnies and Bladder,
and to provoke Urin, as the Broom it self: The Juyce
therof is a singular good help to cure as wel green
Wounds, as old and filthy Sores, and malignant Ulcers.
The insolate Oyl wherin there hath been three or four
Repetitions of Infusion of the top stalks with Flowers
strained and cleered, clenseth the Skin of al manner of
Spots, Marks and Freckles that arise either by the heat of
the Sun, or the Malignity of humors.
As for the Broom (for as yet I know not what to say to
Broomrape in the business) but as from Broom, Mars owns
it, and it is exceeding prejucidial to the Liver, I
suppose by reason of the Antipathy between Jupiter and
Mars, therfore if the Liver be disaffected, administer not
of it.
## <h044>
# chapter 44 BUCK-HORN_PLANTANE
# unit T chaptertitle
BUCK-HORN PLANTANE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This being sown of Seed, riseth up at the first with
smal, long, narrow hairy dark green Leavs like grass,
without any division or gash in them; but those that
follow are gashed in on both sides the Leavs into three or
four gashes and pointed at the ends resembling the Knags
of a Bucks Horn (wherof it took the name) and being well
grown round about the Root upon the ground, in order one
by another therby rsembling the form of a Star: from among
which rise up divers hairy Stalks, about a hand breadth
high, bearing every one a smal long spiky Head like to
those of the common Plantane, having such like Bloomings
and Seed after them. The Root is single, long, and smal,
with divers strings at it.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in dry Sandy grounds, as in Tuttle-Fields by
Westminster, and divers other places of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower and Seed in May, June, and July, and their
green Leavs do in a manner abide fresh al the Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This boyled in Wine and drunk, and some of the Leavs
applied to the hurt place, is an excellent remedy for the
biting of the Viper or Adder which I take to be one and
the same: The same being also drunk helpeth those that
are troubled with the Stone in the Veins or Kidnies by
cooling the heat of the parts afflicted strengthning them:
as also weak Stomachs that cannot retain but cast up their
Meat. It stayeth al bleedings at Mouth and Nose, bloody
Urin, or the Bloody Flux, and stoppeth the Lask of the
Belly and Bowels. The Leavs herof bruised and laid to
their sides that have an Ague, suddenly easeth the Fit:
and the Leavs and Roots beaten with some Bay Salt and
applied to the Wrists, worketh the same effects. The Herb
boyled in Ale or Wine and given for some mornings and
evenings together, staieth the distillations of hot and
sharp Rhewms falling into the Eyes from the Head, and
helpeth al sorts of sore Eyes.
# unit G marginalnote
Venemous Beasts, Stone, Stomach, Vomiting,
Bleeding, Pissing blood, Flux, Bloody Flux, Agues, Eyes.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Venus challengeth the Dominion of this Herb.
## <h045>
# chapter 45 BUGLE
# unit T chaptertitle
BUGLE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath larger Leavs than those of the Selfheal, but
els of the same fashion, or rather a little longer, in
some green on the upper side, and in others more brownish,
dented about the edges, somwhat hairy, as the square Stalk
is also, which riseth up to be half a yard high somtimes,
with the Leavs set by couples; from the middle almost
hereof upwards stand the Flowers together, with many
smaler and browner Leaves than the rest on this stalk
below, set at distances, and the stalk bare between them,
among which Flowers are also smal ones of a bluish, and
somtimes of an Ash colour, fashioned like the Flowers of
the Ground-Ivy, after which come small, round, blackish
Seed. The Root is composed of many strings, and spreadeth
upon the ground in divers parts round about.
The White-flowered Bugle differeth not in form or
greatness from the former, saving that the Leavs and
Stalks are alwaies green and never brown like the other,
and that the Flowers therof are very white.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in Woods, wet Copses, and Fields generally
throughout England; but the White flowered Bugle is not so
plentiful as the other.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower from May until July, and in the mean time
perfect their Seed. The Roots and Leavs next therunto
upon the ground abiding all Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Decoction of the Leavs and Flowers made in Wine and
taken dissolveth the congeled Blood in those that are
bruised inwardly by a fall or otherwise, and is very
effectual for any inward wounds, Thrusts or Stabs in the
Body or Bowels, and is an especial help in all
Wound-drinks, and for those that are Liver-grown (as they
cal it.) It is wonderful in curing all manner of Ulcers
and Sores whether new and fresh, or old and inveterate,
yea Gangrenes and Fistulaes also, if the Leavs bruised be
aplied, or their Juyce used to wash and bath the places.
And the same made into a Lotion with some Honey and Allum,
cureth all sores of the Mouth or Gums be they never so
foul, or of long continuance; and worketh no less
powerfully and effectually for such Ulcers and Sores as
happen in the secret parts of Men or Women: Being also
taken inwardly, and outwardly applied, it helpeth those
that have broken any Bone, or have any Member out of
joynt. An Ointment made with the Leaves of Bugle,
Scabious and Sanicle bruised and boyled in Hogs-Greas,
until the Herbs be dry, and then strained forth into a
Pot, for such occasions as shal require it is so singular
good for all sorts of hurts in the Body, that non that
know its usefulness will be without it.
# unit G marginalnote
Bruises, Falls, Wounds, Scabs, Ulcers,
Liver-grown, Gangreans, Fistulaes, Sore Mouths, Gums.
Sores in the Secrets, broken bones.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
This Herb is belonging to Dame Venus, and if the
Vertues of it make you in love with it, (as they wil if
you be wise) keep a Syrup of it to take inwardly, and an
Ointment and Plaister of it to use outwardly alwaies by
you.
The truth is I have known this Herb cure some Diseases
of Saturn, of which I thought good to quote one. Many
times such as give themselvs much to drinking are troubled
with strange Fancies, strange sights in the night-time,
and some with Voices, as also with the Diseas Ephialtes or
the Mare. I take the reason of this to be (according to
Fernelius) a Melancholly vapor made thin by excessive
drinking strong Liquor, and so flys up and disturbs the
Fancy, and breeds imaginations like it self, viz. fearful
and troublesom: These I have known cured by taking only
two spoonfuls of the Syrup of this Herb, after Supper two
hours when you go to bed. But whether this do it by
Sympathy or Antipathy is som question; all that know any
thing in Astrologie, know that there is a great Antipathy
between Saturn and Venus in matter of Procreation, yea
such an one, that the barreness of Saturn can be removed
by none but Venus, nor the lust of Venus be repelled by
none but Saturn: but I am not yet of opinion this is done
this way; and my reason is because these vapors though in
quality Melancholly, yet by their flying upward seem to be
somthing Aeriel, therfore I rather think it is done by
Sympathy, Saturn being exalted in Libra the house of
Venus.
# unit G marginalnote
Mares, Strange Sights in the night.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Selfheal, which follows, is of the same nature, and I
am of opinion the same Herb, only differs a little in form
according to the difference of place they grow in; this I
am sure they work the same effect.
## <h046>
# chapter 46 BURNET
# unit T chaptertitle
BURNET.
# unit P text
The common Garden Burnet is so well known that it
needeth no description. There is another sort which is
wild, the description wherof take as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The great wild Burnet, hath winged Leavs rising from
the Roots like the Garden Burnet, but not so many, yet
each of these Leavs are at the least twice as large as the
other, and nicked in the same manner about the edges, of a
grayish colour on the underside: The Stalks are greater
and rise higher, with many such like Leavs set theron, and
greater heads at the tops of a brownish green colour, and
out of them come smal dark purple Flowers, like the
former, but greater. The Root is black and long like the
other, but greater also: It hath almost neither scent nor
tast therin like the Garden kind.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The first grows frequently in Gardens. The Wild kind
groweth in divers Countries of this Land, especially in
Huntington & Northampton shires in the Meadows there; as
also near London by Pancras-Church, and by a Causey side
in the middle of a Field by Paddington.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower about the end of June and beginning of
July, and their Seed is ripe in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues.
# unit P text
They are accounted to be both of one property, but the
lesser is more effectual, because quicker and more
Aromatical: It is a friend to the Heart, Liver, and other
the principal parts of a mans Body. Two or three of the
Stalks with Leavs put into a Cup of Wine, especially
Clarret, are known to quicken the Spirits, refresh and
cheer the Heart and drive away Melancholly. It is a
special help to defend the Heart from noisom vapors, and
from Infection of the Pestilence, the Juyce therof being
taken in som Drink, and the party laid to sweat thereupon.
They have also a drying and an astringent quality, whereby
they are available in all manner of Fluxes or Bloud or
Humors, to stanch bleedings inward or outward, Lasks,
Scourings, the Bloudy-flux, Womens too abundant Courses,
the Whites, and the Chollerick belchings and castings of
the Stomach; and is a singular good Wound-herb for all
sorts of Wounds both of the Head and Body, either inward
or outward; for all old Ulcers, or running Cankers and
moist sores to be used either by the Juyce or Decoction of
the Herb, or by the Pouder of the Herb or Root, or the
Water of the Distilled Herb, or Ointment by it self, or
with other things to be kept. The Seed is also no less
effectual both to stop Fluxes and dry up moist Sores,
being taken in Pouder inwardly, in Wine or steeled Water,
that is, wherin hot Gads of Steel have been quenched. Or
the Pouder of the Seed mixed with the Ointments.
# unit G marginalnote
Heart, Liver, Melancholy, Pestilence,
epidemical Diseases, Bleeding, Stoppeth Terms and Whites,
Belching, Vomiting, Wound, Ulcers, Cankers, Sores, Fluxes.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
This is an Herb the Sun challengeth dominion over, and
is a most precious Herb, little inferior to Betony: The
continual use of it preservs the Body in health, and the
Spirits in vigor; for if the Sun be the preserver of life
under God, his Herbs are the best in the World to do it
by.
## <h047>
# chapter 47 BUTTER-BUR
# unit T chaptertitle
THE BUTTER-BUR.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This riseth up in February, with a thick Stalk about a
foot high, whereon are set a few smal Leavs, or rather
pieces, and at the tops a long spiked head of Flowers, of
a blush or deep red colour, according to the soil wherin
it groweth; and before the Stalk with the Flowers have
abidden a month above ground, wil be withered and gone,
blown away with the wind; and the Leaves will begin to
spring, which being full grown are very large & broad,
being somwhat thin and almost round, whose thick red
footstalks, about a foot long stand towards the middle of
the Leavs: The lower parts being divided into two round
parts, close almost one to another, and of a pale green
colour, and hoary underneath. The Root is long and
spreading under ground, being in some places no bigger
than ones Finger, in others much bigger, blackish on the
outside & white within, of a bitter and unpleasant tast.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place and Time.
# unit P text
They grow in low and wet ground by Rivers and Waters
side: their Flower (as is said) rising and decaying in
February and March, before the Leavs which appear in
April.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Roots hereof are by long experience found to be
very available against the Plague and Pestilential
Feavers, by provoking Sweat, if the Pouder therof be taken
in Wine, it also resisteth the force of any other Poyson.
The Root hereof taken with Zedoary and Angelica, or
without them, helps the rising of the Mother: The
Decoction of the Root in Wine is singular good for those
that wheeze much, or are short-winded. It provoketh Urin
also and Womens courses, and killeth the flat and broad
Worms in the Belly. The Pouder of the Root doth
wonderfully help to dry up the moisture of sores that are
hard to be cured, and taketh away all spots and blemishes
of the skin.
# unit G marginalnote
Plague, epidemical Diseases. Poyson, Mother,
Wheezing, Difficulty of breathing, Disury, Terms provokes,
Flat and broad Worms, Blemishes of the skin.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It were wel if Gentlewomen would keep this Root
preserved to help their poor Neighbors: It is fit the
Rich should help the Poor, for the Poor cannot help
themselvs.
## <h048>
# chapter 48 BUR-DOCK
# unit T chaptertitle
THE BUR-DOCK.
# unit P text
It is so well known even to the little Boys who pul off
the Burs to throw and stick upon one another, that I shal
spare to write any description of it.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow plentifully by Ditches and Water-sides, and
by the high-wales almost every where through this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Bur Leavs are cooling, moderatly drying, and
discussing withal, whereby it is good for old Ulcers and
Sores: A dram of the Roots taken with Pine Kernels,
helpeth them that spit foul, mattery, and bloudy Flegm:
The Leavs applied on the places troubled with the
shrinking of the Sinews or Arteries, give much ease: The
Juyce of the Leavs, or rather the Roots themselvs given to
drink with old Wine doth wonderfully help the bitings of
any Serpents: And the Root beaten with a little Salt and
laid on the place, suddenly easeth the pain thereof, and
helpeth those that are bit with a mad-Dog. The Juyce of
the Leavs taken with Honey provoketh Urin, and remedieth
the pain of the Bladder. The Seed being drunk in Wine
forty daies together, doth wonderfully help the Sciatica.
The Leavs bruised with the White of an Egg and applied to
any place burnt with Fire, taketh out the Fire, gives
sudden ease, and heals it up afterwards. The Decoction of
them fomented on any fretting sore or Canker stayeth the
corroding quality, which must be afterwards anointed with
an Ointment made of the same Liquor, Hogs-Greas, Nitre and
Vinegar, boyled together. The Roots may be preserved with
Sugar, and taken fasting, or at other times for the said
purposes, and for Consumptions, the Ston, and the Lask.
The Seed is much commended to break the Stone and cause it
to be expelled by Urin; and is often used with other Seeds
and things to that purpose.
# unit G marginalnote
Cools, Dryes, Ulcers, Sores, Flegm, Sinews,
Arteries, Venemous Beast, Mad dogs, Disury, Bladder,
Sciatica, Burning, Sores, Cankers, Consumption, Stone,
Flux.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Venus challengeth this Herb for her own, and by its
Leaf or Seed you may draw the Womb which way you pleas,
either upward by applying it to the Crown of the Heed, if
in case it fal out; or downward in fits of the Mother, by
applying it to the Soals of the Feet; Or if you would stay
it in its place, apply it to the Navel, and that is one
good way to stay the Child in it. See more of it in my
Guide for Women.
## <h049>
# chapter 49 CABBAGES_COLEWORTS
# unit T chaptertitle
CABBAGES and COLEWORTS.
# unit P text
I shal spare a labor in writing a Description of these,
sith almost every one that can but write at all may
describe them from his own knowledg, they being generally
so well know that Descriptions are altogether needless.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
These are generally planted in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
Their flowering time is towards the middle or end of
July, and the Seed is ripe in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Cabbages or Coleworts boyled gently in Broth and
eaten do open the Body, but the second Decoction doth bind
the Body. The Juyce therof drunk in Wine helpeth those
that are bitten by an Adder, and the Decoction of the
Flowers bringeth down Womens Courses. Being taken with
Honey, it recovereth hoarsness or loss of the voice. The
often eating of them wel boyled, helpeth those that are
entring into a Consumption. The Pulp of the middle Ribs
of Coleworts boyled in Almond Milk, and made up into an
Electuary with Honey, being taken often, is very
profitable for those that are pursie and short-winded.
Being boyled twice, and a old Cock boyled in the Broth and
drunk, it helpeth the pains and obstructions of the Liver
and Spleen, and the Stone in the Kidnies. The Juyce
boyled with Honey and dropped into the corner of the Eye,
cleareth the sight, by consuming any Film or cloud
begining to dim it; it also consumeth the Canker growing
therin. They are much commended being eaten before meat,
to keep one from surfetting, as also from being drunk with
too much Wine, or quickly make a man sober again that is
drunk before. For (as they say) there is such an
Antipathy or enmity between the Vine and the Colewort,
that the one will die where the other groweth. The
Decoction of Colworts taketh away the pain and ach, and
allayeth the swellings of swoln and gouty Legs and Knees,
wherein many gross and watry humors are fallen, the place
being bathed therwith warm: It helpeth also old and
filthy sores, being washed therewith, and healeth all smal
Scabs, Pushes and Wheals that break out in the Skin. The
Ashes of Colwort Stalks mixed with old Hogs-Grease are
very effectual to annoint the Sides of those that have had
long pains therin, or any other place pained with
Melancholly and windy humors.
# unit G marginalnote
Venemous Beasts. Terms provokes, Hoarsness,
Consumption, Obstructions, Stone, Sight, Canker Surfets,
Swellings, Gout, Sores, Scabs, Wheals, Melancholly, Wind.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
This was surely Chrysippus his god, and therfore he
wrote a whol Volumn of them and their Vertues, and that
none of the least neither, for he would be no smal Fool,
he apropriates them to every part of the Body, and to
every Disease in every part, and honest old Cato they say
used no other Physick, I know not what Mettals their
Bodies were made of, this I am sure, Cabbages are extream
windy whether you take them as Meat, or as Medicine, yea
as windy Meat as can be eaten, unless you eat Bagpipes or
Bellows, and they are but seldom eaten in our daies, and
Colewort Flowers are somthing more tollerable, and the
wholsomer Food of the two.
The Moon challengeth the Dominion of the Herb.
## <h050>
# chapter 50 SEA_COLEWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
THE SEA COLEWORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath divers somwhat long and broad, large thick
wrinkled Leavs, somwhat crumpled upon the edges, growing
each upon a several thick Footstalk very brittle, of a
grayish green colour. From among which riseth up a strong
thick stalk two Foot high and better, with some Leavs
theron to the top, where it brancheth forth much; and on
every Branch, standeth a large Bush of pale whitish
Flowers, consisting of four Leavs apiece: The Root is
somwhat great and shooteth forth many Branches under
ground, keeping the green Leavs al the Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in many places upon the Sea Coasts, as wel on
the Kentish, as Essex Shores, as at Lidd in Kent,
Colechester in Essex, and divers other places, and in
other Countries of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower and Seed about the time that other kinds
do.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues.
# unit P text
The Broth or first Decoction of the Sea Colewort doth
by the sharp nitrous and bitter qualities therin, open the
Belly and purge the Body, it clenseth and digesteth more
powerfully than the other kind: The Seed herof bruised
and drunk, killeth Worms. The Leavs or the Juyce of them
applied to Sores or Ulcers clenseth and healeth them, and
dissolveth Swellings, and taketh away Inflamations.
# unit G marginalnote
Sores, Wounds, Ulcers, Swellings, Inflamations.
#end marginalnote
## <h051>
# chapter 51 CALAMINT
# unit T chaptertitle
CALAMINT, or MOUNTAIN MINT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This is a smal Herb seldom rising above a a Foot high,
with square hoary and woody Stalks, and two smal hoary
Leavs set at a Joynt, about the bigness of Marjoram, or
not much cigger, a little dented about the edges, and of a
very fierce or quick scent, as the whol Herb is: The
Flowers stand at several spaces of the Stalks from the
middle almost upwards, which are smal and gaping like to
those Mints, and of a pale Blush colour: after which
follow smal, round, blackish Seeds: The Root is smal and
Woody, with divers smal sprigs spreading within the
ground, and dieth not, but abideth many yeers.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth on Heaths, and Upland dry grounds, in many
places of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in July, and their Seed is ripe quickly
after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Decoction of the Herb being drunk, bringeth down
Womens Courses and provoketh Urin: It is profitable for
those that are Bursten, or troubled with Convulsions or
Cramps, with shortness of Breath, or Chollerick torments
and pains in their Bellies or Stomachs, it also helpeth
the yellow Jaundice, and staieth Vomiting, being taken in
Wine; taken with Salt and Honey, it killeth al manner of
Worms in the Body: It helpeth such as have the Leprosie,
either taken inwardly, drinking Whey after it, or the
green Herb outwardly applied: It hindreth Conception in
Women: being either burned, or strewed in the Chamber, it
driveth away Venemous Serpents. It takes away black and
blue marks in the Face, and maketh black Scars become wel
colored, if the green Herb (not the dry) be boyled in Wine
and laid to the place, or the place washed therwith.
Being applied to the Hucklebone, by continuance of time it
spendeth the humors which caused the pain of the Sciatica.
The Juyce dropped into the Ears killeth the Worms in them:
The Leavs boyled in Wine and drunk provoketh sweat, and
openeth Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen; it helpeth
them that have a Tettian Ague (the body being first
purged) by taking away the cold Fits. The Decoction herof
with some Sugar put therto afterwards, is very profitable
for those that be troubled with the overflowing of the
Gal, and that have an old Cough, and that are scarce able
to breath by the shortness of their wind: That have any
cold distemper in their Bowels, and are troubled with the
hardness of the Spleen, for al which purposes, both the
Pouder called Diacalaminthes and the Compound Syrup of
Calamint (which are to be had at the Apothecaries) are
most effectual.
# unit G marginalnote
Terms provokes, Disury, Ruptures, Convulsions.
Cramps, Shortness of Breath, Jaundice, Vomiting, Worms,
Leprosie, Serpents, Black and blue Marks, Scars, Sciatica,
Obstruction of the Liver and Spleen. Tertian Agues.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Let not Women be too busy with it, for it works very
violently upon the Foeminin parts.
## <h052>
# chapter 52 CHAMOMEL
# unit T chaptertitle
CHAMOMEL.
# unit P text
This is so wel known every where that it is but lost
time and labor to describe it. The Vertues wherof are as
followeth.
A Decoction made of Chamomel and drunk, taketh away al
pains and Stitches in the Sides. The Flowers of Chamomel
beaten and made up into Bals with Oyl driveth away al
sorts of Agues; if the party grieved be anointed with that
Oyl taken from the Flowers, from the Crown of the Head to
the Soal of the Foot, and afterwards laid to sweat in his
Bed, and that he sweat wel: This is Nichessor an
Egyptian's Medicine. It is profitable for all sorts of
Agues that come either from Flegm or Melancholly, or from
an Inflamation of the Bowels being applied when the Humors
causing them shal be concocted; and there is nothing more
profitable to the sides and Region of the Liver and Spleen
than it. The bathing with a Decoction of Chamomel taketh
away weariness, easeth pains to what part of the Body
soever they be applied: it comforteth the Sinews that are
overstrained, mollifieth al Swellings: It moderately
comforteth al parts that have need of warmth, digesteth
and dissolveth whatsoever hath need therof by a wonderful
speedy property. It easeth al the pains of the chollick
and Stone, and al pains and torments ofthe Belly, and
gently provoketh Urin. The Flowers boyled in Posset Drink
provoketh Sweat, and helpeth to expel Colds, Aches, and
Pains, whersoever and is an excellent help to bring down
Womens Courses. A Syrup made of the Juyce of Chamomel
with the Flowers and white Wine, is a Remedy against the
Jaundice and Dropsie. The Flowers boyled in a Ly, are
good to wash the Head, and comfort both it and the Brain.
The Oyl made of the Flowers of Chamomel is much used
against al hard swellings, pains or aches, shrinking of the
Sinews or Cramps, or pains in the Joynts, or any other
part of the Body; being used in Clisters, it helpeth to
dissolve wind and pains in the Belly; anointed also it
helpeth Stitches and pains in the Sides.
# unit G marginalnote
Stitches in the Side, Agues, Liver, Spleen,
Weariness.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Sinews, Swellings, Chollick, Stone, Belly-ach.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Cold, Ach, Jaundice, Dropsie, Brain, Cramp,
Stitch in the Side.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Nichessor saith the Egyptians dedicated it to the Sun
becaus it cured Agues;and they were like enough to do it,
for they were the arrantest Apes in their Religion that
ever I read of. Baccinus, Pena, and Lobel commend the
Syrup made of the Juyce of it and Sugar, taken inwardly,
to be excellent for the Spleen. Also this is certain,
that it most wonderfully breaks the Stone, some take it in
Syrup or Decoction, others inject the Juyce of it into the
Bladder with a Syring; my Opinion is, That the Salt of it
taken half a dram in a morning, in a little White or
Rhenish Wine is better than either, that it is excellent
for the Stone appears by this, which I have seen tried,
viz. That a Stone that hath been taken out of the Body of
a man being wrapped in Chamomel will in time dissolve, and
in a little time too.
## <h053>
# chapter 53 CAMPIONS_WILD
# unit T chaptertitle
CAMPIONS WILD.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The white wild Campion hath many long and somwhat broad
dark green Leavs, lying upon the ground with divers Ribs
therin somwhat like Plantane, but somwhat hairy, broader,
and not so long: The hairy Stalks rise up in the middle
of them three of four foot high, and somtimes more, with
divers great white Joynts at several places theron, and
two such like Leavs therat up to the top, sending forth
Branches at the several Joynts also al which bear on
several Footstalks white Flowers at the tops of them,
consisting of five broad pointed Leavs, every one cut in
on the end unto the middle, making them seem to be two
apiece, smelling somwhat sweet, and each of them standing
in large green striped hairy Husks, large and round below
next to the Stalk: The Seed is smal and grayish in the
hard Heads that come up afterwards: The Root is white and
long, spreading divers fangs in the ground.
The Red Wild Campion groweth in the same manner as the
White, but his Leavs are not so plainly ribbed, somewhat
shorter, rounder and more woolly in handling: The Flowers
are of the same form and bigness, but in som of a pale, in
others of a bright red colour, cut in at ends more finely,
which maketh the Leavs seem more in number than the other.
The Seed and the Roots are alike: The Roots of both sorts
abiding many years.
There are forty five kinds of Campions more, those of
them which are of Physical uses having the like Vertues
with these above described, which I take to be the two
chiefest kinds.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow commonly through this Land by Fields,
Hedg-sides, and Ditches.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower in Summer som earlier than others, and some
abiding longer than others.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is found by experience that the Decoction of the
Herb either the White or Red being drunk, doth stay inward
bleedings; and applied outwardly it doth the like: And
being drunk helpeth to expel the Urin being stop'd, and
Gravel or the Stone in the Reins or Kidnies. Two drams of
the Seed drunk in Wine, purgeth the Body of Chollerick
humors, and helpeth those that are stung by Scorpions, or
other venemous Beasts; and may be as effectual for the
Plague: It is of very good use in old Sores, Ulcers,
Cankers, Fistulaes and the like, to clens and heal them,
by consuming the moist humors falling into them, and
correcting the putrifaction of Humors offending them.
# unit G marginalnote
Bleeding inward & outward, Disury, Gravel,
Choller, Venemous Beasts. Plagues, Sores, Ulcers,
Cankers, Fistules.
#end marginalnote
## <h054>
# chapter 54 CARROTS
# unit T chaptertitle
CARROTS.
# unit P text
The Garden kind are so wel known that they need no
Description; but because they are of less Physical use
than the Wild kind (as indeed almost in all Herbs the Wild
are most effectual in Physick, as being more powerful in
operation then the Garden kinds) I shal therfore briefly
describe the Wild Carrot.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
It groweth in a manner altogether like the Tame, but
that the Leavs and Stalks are somwhat whiter and rougher:
The Stalks bear large tufts of white Flowers, with deep
Purple spot in the middle, which are contracted together
when the Seed begins to ripen, that the middle part being
hollow and low, and the outer Stalks rising high, maketh
the whol Umbel to shew like a Birds-Nest. The Root is
smal, long, and hard, unfit for meat, being somwhat sharp
and strong.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The Wild kind groweth in divers parts of this Land
plentifully by the Fields sides, and in untilled places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower and seed in the end of Summer.
# unit S sectiontitle
The Vertues.
# unit P text
The Wild kind, breaketh Wind, and removeth Stitches in
the Sides, provoketh Urin and Womens Courses, and helpeth
to break and expel the Stone: The Seed also of the same
worketh the like effect, and is good for the Dropsie, and
those whose Bellies are swollen with Wind; helpeth the
Chollick, the Stone in the Kidnies, and the rising of the
Mother, being taken in Wine, or boyled in Wine and taken;
and helpeth Conception. The Leavs being applied with
Honey to running Sores or Ulcers, doth clense them.
# unit G marginalnote
Wind, Stitches, provokes Urin and the Terms,
Stone, Dropsie, Chollick, Barrenness, Ulcers.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
I suppose the Seeds of them perform this better than
the Roots; And though Galen commend Garden Carrots highly,
to break Wind; yet experience teacheth that they breed it
first; and we may thank Nature for expelling it, not they:
The Seeds of them expel Wind indeed, and so mend what the
Root marreth.
## <h055>
# chapter 55 CARAWAY
# unit T chaptertitle
CARAWAY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
It beareth divers Stalks of fine cut Leavs lying upon
the ground somwhat like to the Leavs of Carrots, but not
bushing so thick, of a little quick tast in them, from
among which riseth up a square Stalk not so high as the
Carrot, at whose Joynts are set the like Leavs but smaler
and finer, and at the top smal open tufts or umbels of
white Flowers, which turn into smal blackish Seed smaler
than the Anniseed, and of a quicker and hotter tast. The
Root is whitish, smal and long, somwhat like unto a
Parsnep, but with more wrinckled Bark, and much less, of a
little hot and quick tast, and stronger than the Parsnep,
and abideth after Seed-time.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is usually sown with us in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower in June or July, and seed quickly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Caraway Seed hath a moderat sharp quality wherby it
breaketh Wind and provoketh Urin, which also the Herb
doth. The Root is better food than the Parsnep, and is
pleasant & comfortable to the Stomach, helping digestion.
The Seed is conducing to all the cold griefs of Head and
Stomach, the Bowels or Mother, as also the wind in them,
and helpeth to sharpen the Eye-sight. The Pouder of the
Seed put into a Pultis, taketh away black and blue spots
of Blows or Bruises. The Herb it self, or with some of
the Seed bruised and fryed, laid hot in a bag or double
cloth to the lower part of the Belly, easeth the pains of
the wind Chollick.
# unit G marginalnote
Wind, Disury, Indigestion, Head, Stomach,
Bowels, Mother, Black and blue spots, Bruises, Chollick.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Roots of Caraway eaten as men eat Parsnips,
strengthen the Stomacks of ancient people exceedingly, and
they need not make a whol meal of them neither, and are
fit to be planted in every ones Garden.
Caraway Comfects, once only dipped in Sugar, and half a
spoonful of them eaten in the morning fasting, and as many
after each meal is a most admirable Remedy for such as are
troubled with Wind.
## <h056>
# chapter 56 CELANDINE
# unit T chaptertitle
CELANDINE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath divers tender, round, whitish, green Stalks,
with greater Joynts than ordinary in other Herbs, as it
were Knees, very brittle and easie to break, from whence
grow Branches with large tender long Leavs, much divided
into many parts, each of them cut in on the edges, set at
the Joynts on both sides of the branches, of a dark bluish
green colour on the upper side like Columbines, and of a
more pale bluish green underneath, ful of a yellow sap,
when any part is broken, of a bitter tast and strong
scent. At the tops of the Branches which are much
divided, grow gold yellow Flowers of four Leaves apiece,
after which come smal long pods, with blackish seed
therin. The Root is somwhat great at the head, shooting
forth divers other long Roots and smal Strings, reddish on
the outside and yellow within, ful of a yellow sap
therein.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in many places by old Walls, by the Hedges,
and way sides in untilled places; and being once planted
in a Garden, especially in some shady place, it wil remain
there.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower all the Summer long, and the Seed ripeneth
in the mean time.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Herb or Roots boyled in white-Wine and drunk, a few
Aniseeds being boyled therwith, openeth Obstructions of
the Liver and Gall, helpeth the yellow Jaundice: and the
often using it, helps the Dropsie, and the Itch, and those
that have old Sores in their Legs, or other parts of the
Body. The Juyce thereof taken fasting, is held to be of
singular good use against the Pestilence: The distilled
Water, with a little sugar, and a little good Triacle
mixed therwith (the party upon the taking being laid down
to sweat a little) hath the same effect. The Juyce dropped
into the Eyes clenseth them from Films and the Cloudiness
which darken the sight, but it is best to allay the
sharpnes of the Juyce with a little Breast-milk: It is
good in old filthy corroding creeping Ulcers whersoever,
to stay their malignity of fretting and running, and to
cause them to heal the more speedily: The Juyce often
applied to Tetters, Ringworms, or other such like
spreading Cancers, will quickly heal them, and rubbed
often upon Warts will taken them away. The Herb with the
Roots bruised and heated with Oyl of Camomel, applied to
the Navel, taketh away the griping pain in the Belly and
Bowels, and all the pains of the Mother: and applied to
Womens Breasts stayeth the overmuch flowing of their
Courses. The Juyce Decoction of the Herb gargled between
the Teeth that ake, easeth the pain; and the Pouder of the
Dryed Root, laid upon an aching hollow, or loos Tooth, wil
cause it to fal out. The Juyce mixed with som Pouder of
Brimstone, is not only good against the Itch, but taketh
away al discolourings of the Skin whatsoever: And if it
chance that in a tender Body it causeth any Itching or
Inflamation, by bathing the place with a little Vinegar it
is helped.
# unit G marginalnote
Obstructions of the Liver and Gall, yellow
Jaundice, Dropsie, Pestilence, Eyes, Ulcers, Tetters,
Ringworms, Cancers, Warts, Belly, Bowels, Mother Worms,
Terms, Stops, Toothach, Itch, Beauty lost.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
This is an Herb of the Sun, & under the Coelestial
Lyon, and is one of the best cures for the Eyes that is.
Al that know any thing in Astrologie, know as wel as I can
tel them, That the Eyes are subject to the Luminaries; let
it then be gathered when the Sun is in Leo, and the Moon
in Aries applying to his Trine; let Leo arise, then may
you make it into an Oyl or Oyntment which you please to
anoint your sore Eyes withal: I can prove it both by my
own experience, and the experience of those to whom I have
taught it, That most desperat sore Eyes have been cured by
this only Medicine; And then I pray, is not this farbetter
than endangering the Eyes by the art of the Needle? for if
this do not absolutly take away the Film, it wil so
facilitate the work that it may be don wihout danger.
Another il-favored trick have Physitians got to use to
the Eye, and that is worse than the Needle; which is, To
eat away the Film by corroding or gnawing Medicines. This
I absolutly protest against.
# unit P text
1. Because the Tunicles of the Eye are very thin, and
therfore soon eaten asunder.
# unit P text
2. The Callus or Film that they would eat away is
seldom of an equal thickness in every place, and then the
Tunicle may be eaten asunder in one place, before the Film
be consumed in another, and so be a readier way to
extinguish the sight than to restore it.
It is called Chelidonium from the Greek word ***
which sigifies a Swallow, because they say, That if you
prick out the Eyes of yong Swallows when they are in the
Nest, the old ones wil recover their Eyes again with this
Herb. This I am confident, for I have tried it, That if
you mar the very Apple of their Eyes with a Needle, she
wil recover them again, but whether with this Herb or no I
know not.
Also I have read (and it seems to be somwhat probable)
That the Herb being gathered as I shewed before, and the
Elements drawn apart from it by the art of the Alchymist,
and after they are drawn apart, rectified, the earthy
quality still in rectifying them, added to the Terra
damnata (as Alchymists call it) or Terra sacratissima (as
som Phylosophers call it) the Elements so rectified are
sufficient for the Cure of al Diseases, the humor
offending being known and the contrary Element given, It
is an Experience wurth the trying, and can do no harm.
## <h057>
# chapter 57 LESSER_CELONDINE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE LESSER CELONDINE~
usually known by the Name of~
PILEWORT.
# unit P text
I wonder what ailed the Antients to give this the name
of Celandine which resembles it neither in Nature nor
form: It acquired the Name of Pilewort from its Vertues,
and it being no great matter where I set it down, so I do
set it down at al, I humor'd Dr. Tradition so much as to
set it down here.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This Celandine then or Pilewort (which you please) doth
spread many round, pale, green Leavs set on weak and
trailing Branches which lie upon the ground, and are fat,
smooth, and somwhat shining, and in some places (though
seldom) marked with black spots, each standing on a long
Footstalk among which rise smal yellow Flowers, consisting
of nine or ten smal narrow Leavs, upon slender Footstalks
very like unto a Crowfoot, wherunto the Seed also is not
unlike, being many smal ones set together upon a Head.
The root is made of many smal Kernels like grain of Corn,
some twice as long as others, of a whitish colour with
some Fibres at the end of them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth for the most part in the moist corners of
Fields, and places that are neer water Sides, yet wil
abide in dryer grounds, if they be but a little shadowed.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowereth betimes about March or April, is quite
gone in May, so as it cannot be found until it spring
again.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is certain by good experience that the Decoction of
the Leavs and Roots, doth wonderfully help the Piles and
Hemorrhoids as also Kernels by the Ears and Throat called
the Kings evil; or any other hard Wens or Tumors.
Here's another Secret for my Country Men and Women, a
couple of them together, Pilewort being made into an Oyl
Oyntment or Plaister readily cures both the Piles or
Hemorrhoids, and the Kings Evil, If I may Lawfully cal it
the Kings Evil now there is no King, the very Herb born
about ones Body next the Skin, helps in such Diseases,
though it never touch the place grieved, let good people
make much of it for these uses, with this I cured my own
Daughter of the Kings Evil, broke the Sore, drew out a
quarter of a pint of Corruption, and cured it without any
Scar at all, and in one Weeks time.
# unit G marginalnote
Hemorrhoids, Kings Evil.
#end marginalnote
## <h058>
# chapter 58 ORDINARY_SMALL_CENTAURY
# unit T chaptertitle
THE ORDINARY SMALL CENTAURY
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This groweth up most usually but with one round and
somwhat crested stalk, about a foot high, or better,
branching forth at the top into many sprigs, and some also
from the Joynts of the Stalks below; The Flowers that
stand at the tops as it were in an umbel or tuft, are of a
pale red, tending to a Carnation colour, consisting of
five, somtimes six small Leavs, very like those of St.
Johns Wort, opening themselvs in the daytime, and closing
at night; after which come Seed in little short Husks in
form like unto Wheat Corns: The Leavs are smal and
somwhat round. The Root smal and hard, perishing every
year: The whol Plant is of an exceeding bitter tast.
There is another sort in al things like the former,
save only it beareth white Flowers.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow ordinarily in Fields, Pastures, and Woods,
but that with the white Flowers, not so frequent as the
other.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in July, or there abouts, and Seed within
a Month after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This Herb boyled and drunk, purgeth Chollerick and
gross humors, and helpeth the Sciatica: It openeth
Obstructions of the Liver, Gall, and Spleen, helping the
Jaundice, and easing pains in the Sides, and hardness of
the Spleen, used outwardly, and is given with very good
effect in Agues: It helpeth those that have the Dropsie
or the green Sickness, being much used by the Italians in
pouder for that purpose. It killeth the Worms in the
Belly as is found by experience. The Decoction therof
(viz.) the tops of the Stalks with the Leavs and Flowers,
is good against the Chollick, and to bring down Womens
Courses, helpeth to avoid the dead birth, and easeth pains
of the Mother, and is very effectual in al old pains of
the Joynts, as the Gout, Cramps, or Convulsions. A dram
of the Pouder therof taken in Wine, is a wonderful good
help against the biting and poyson of the Adder. The
Juyce of the Herb with a little Honey put to it, is good
to cleer the Eyes from dimness, mists, and clouds that offend
or hinder the Sight: It is singular good both for
green and fresh Wounds, as also for old Ulcers and Sores,
to close up the one and clens the other, and perfectly to
cure them both, although they be hollow or Fistulous; the
green Herb especially being bruised and laid therto. The
Decoction therof dropped into the Ears, clenseth them from
Worms, clenseth the foul Ulcers and spreading Scabs of the
Head, and taketh away al Freckles, Spots, and Marks in the
Skin being washed therwith.
# unit G marginalnote
Choller, Sciatica, Obstructions, Liver, Gall,
Spleen, Agues, Dropsie, green sickness, Chollick, Terms
provokes, Joynts, Gout, Sciatica.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Cramp, Convulsion, Venemous Beasts, Eyes,
Wounds, Ulcers.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Ears, Scabby Heads, Freckles, Spots.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Herb is so safe you cannot fail in the using of it,
only give inwardly for inward Diseases, use it outwardly
for outward Diseases, 'Tis very wholsom but not very
toothsom.
Dr. Reason and Dr. Experience could not agree (the last
time I spake with them) whether the Herb were under the
Dominion of the Sun or Mars.
## <h059>
# chapter 59 CHERRY-TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE CHERRY-TREE.
# unit P text
I suppose there are few but know this Tree, for his
Fruits sake, and therfore shal spare the writing a
Description therof.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
For the place of its growth, it is afforded room in
every Orchard.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Cherries, as they are of different tasts, so they are
of divers qualities: The sweet pass through the Stomach
and Belly more speedily, but are of little Nourishment.
The tart or sowr, are more pleasing to an hot Stomach,
procuring appetite to meat, and help to cut tough Flegm
and gross humors; but when these are dryed they are more
binding the belly than when they are fresh, being cooling
in hot Diseases, and welcom to the Stomach, and provoke
Urin. The Gum of the Cherry-Tree dissolved in Wine, is
good for a cold Cough, and hoarsness of the Throat,
mendeth the colour in the Face, sharpneth the Eye-sight,
provoketh appetite, and helpeth to break and expel the
Stone. The Black Cherries bruised with the Stones and
distilled, the Water therof is much used, to break the
Stone, expel gravel, and break the Wind.
# unit G marginalnote
Appetite lost, Flegm, Gross Humors, Cool,
provoke Urine, Cough, Hoarsness, Sight, Gravel, Wind.
#end marginalnote
## <h060>
# chapter 60 WINTER_CHERRIES
# unit T chaptertitle
WINTER CHERRIES.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Winter Cherry hath a running or creeping Root in
the ground of the bigness many times of ones little
Finger, shooting forth at several Joynts ins everal
places, wherby it quickly spreadeth a great compass of
ground: The Stalk riseth not above a yard high, wheron
are set many broad, and long green Leavs, somwhat like
Nightshade but larger, at the Joynts wherof come forth
whitish Flowers made of five Leavs apiece; which after
turn into green Berries, inclosed with thin Skins, which
change to be reddish, when they grow ripe, the Berry
likewise being reddish, and as large as a Cherry, wherein
are contained many flat and yellowish Seeds lying within
the pulp; which being gathered and strung up are kept all
the yeer to be used upon occasion.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow not naturally in this Land, but are cherished
in Gardens for their Vertues.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower not until the middle or latter end of July,
and the Fruit is ripe about the end of August, or
beginning of September.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
They are of great use in Physick: The Leavs being
cooling may be used in Inflamations, but not opening, as
the Berries and Fruit are, which by drawing down the Urine
provoke it to be avoided plentifully when it is stopped or
grown hot, sharp, and painful in the passage; it is good
also to expel the Stone and Gravel out of the Reins,
Kidnies, and Bladder, helping to dissolve the Stone, and
avoiding it by greet or gravel sent forth in the Urin; It
also helpeth much to clens inward Impostumes or Ulcers in
the Reins or Bladder, or in those that avoid a Bloody or
foul Urin. The distilled Water of the Fruit, or the Leavs
together with them, or the Berries green or dry, distilled
with a little Milk, and drunk morning and evening with a
little Sugar, is effectual to al the purposes afore
specified, and especially against the heat and sharpness
of the Urin. I shal only mention one way amongst many
others which might be used for ordering the Berries to be
helpful for the Urin and the Stone, which is thus. Take
three or four good handfuls of the Berries either green
and fresh, or dried and having bruised them, put them into
so many Gallons of Beer or Ale when it is new tunned up:
This Drink taken daily hath been found to do much good to
many, both to eas the pains and expel Urin, and the Stone;
and to caus the Stone not to ingender. The Decoction of
the Berries in Wine or Water is the most usual way; but
the Pouder of them taken in drink is more effectual.
# unit G marginalnote
Inflamations, Disury, Stone, Gravel, Ulcers in
the Reins and Bladder, pissing Blood, Sharpness of Urins.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
A precious Receipt.
#end marginalnote
## <h061>
# chapter 61 CHERVIL
# unit T chaptertitle
CHERVIL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Garden Chervil doth at first somwhat resemble
Parsly, but after it is better grown the Leavs are much
cut in and jagged resembling Hemlocks, being a little
hairy and of a whitish green colour, somtimes turning
reddish in the Summer with the Stalks also; It riseth
little above half a Foot high, bearing white Flowers in
spoked tufts, which turn into long and round Seed pointed
at the ends, and blackish when they are ripe; of a sweet
tast, but no smel, though the Herb it self smelleth
reasonable wel: The Root is smal and long and perisheth
every yeer, and must be sowen anew in the Spring for Seed,
and after July for Autumn Sallet.
The wild Chervil growth two or three foot high, with
yellow Stalks and Joynts, set with broader and more hairy
Leavs, divided into sundry parts nicked about the edges,
and of a darker green colour, which likewise grow reddish
with the Stalks; at the tops wherof stand smal white tufts
of Flowers & afterwards smaller and longer seed: The Root
is white, hard, and enduring long. This hath little or no
scent.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The first is sown in Gardens, for a Sallet-Herb. The
second groweth wild in many of the Meadows of this Land,
and by the Hedg-sides, and on Heaths.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower and seed early, and thereupon are sown
again in the end of Summer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Garden Chervil being eaten, doth moderately warm
the Stomach, and is a certain remedy (Saith Tragus) to
dissolve congealed or clotted Bloud in the Body, or that
which is clotted by bruises, fals, &c. The Juyce or
distilled Water therof being drunk, and the bruised Leavs
laid to the place, being taken either in meat or drink, it
is held good to provoke Urin, to expel the Stone in the
Kidnies, to send down Womens Courses, and to help the
Plurisie and prickings of the Sides.
# unit G marginalnote
Stomach Clotted Blood, Bruises, Falls, Disury,
Stone, Pleuresie, Sides, Swellings, black and blue Spots.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The wild Chervil bruised and applied, dissolveth
Swellings in any part of the Body, and taketh away the
Spots and Marks of congealed Blood by Bruises or Blows, in
a little space.
## <h062>
# chapter 62 SWEET_CHERVIL
# unit T chaptertitle
SWEET CHERVIL or SWEET CICELY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This groweth very like the greater Hemlock having large
spread Leavs, cut into diverse parts, but of a fresher
green colour than the Hemlock, tasting as sweet as the
Anniseed. The Stalk riseth up a yard high or better being
crested or hollow, having the like Leavs at the Joynts,
but lesser; and at the tops of the branched Stalks, Umbels
or Tufts of white Flowers; after which com large and long
crested, black shining Seed, pointed at both ends, tasting
quick, yet sweet and pleasant. The Root is great and
white, growing deep in the ground, and spreading sundry
long Branches therin, in tast and smel stronger than the
Leavs or Seed, and continuing many years.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This groweth in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues.
# unit P text
This whol Plant besides its pleasantness in Sallets,
hath also his Physical Vertues. The Root boyled and eaten
with Oyl and Vinegar, (or without Oyl) doth much pleas and
warm an old and cold Stomach, oppressed with wind or
flegm, or those that have the Phtisick or Consumption of
the Lungs. The same drunk with Wine, is a peservative
from the Plague; it provoketh Womens Courses, and
expelleth the After-birth, procureth an appetit to meat,
and expelleth Wind. The Juyce is good to heal the Ulcers
of the Head and Face. The candied Roots hereof are held
as effectual as Angelica to preserv from Infection in the
time of a Plague, and to warm and comfort a cold weak
Stomach.
# unit G marginalnote
Cold Stomach, Wind, Flegm, Lungues, Phtisick,
Pestilence, Terms provokes, Afterbirth, Appetite lost,
Ulcers, Epidemical Diseases.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is so harmless you cannot use it amiss.
## <h063>
# chapter 63 CHICKWEED
# unit T chaptertitle
CHICKWEED.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This is generally known to most People, I shal therfore
not trouble you with the Description therof; nor my self
with setting fourth the several kinds; sith but only two
or three are considerable for their usefulness.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
These are usually found in moist and watry places, by
Wood sides, and els-where.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flower about June, and their Seed is ripe in July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is found to be as effectual as Purslane to al the
purposes whereunto it serveth, except for meat only. The
Herb bruised or the Juyce applied (with cloaths or spunges
dipped therein) to the Region of the Liver, and as they
dry to have fresh applied, doth wonderfully temper the
heat of the Liver; and is effectual for all Imposthums and
Swellings wheresoever; for Scabs, the Juyce either simply
used, or boyled with Hogs-Greas and applied; the same
helpeth Cramps, Convulsions and Palsies; The Juyce or
distilled Water is of much good use for al heat and
redness in the Eyes to drop som therof into them; as also
into the Ears to ease pains in them, and is of good effect
to ease the pains, the heat, and sharpness of Blood in
the Piles and generally al pains in the Body that arise of
heat; it is used also in hot and virulent Ulcers and sores
in the privy parts of Man or Woman, or on the Legs or
els-where. The Leavs boyled with Marsh Mallows and made
into a Pultis with Fenugreek, and Linseed, applied to
Swellings or Imposthumes ripeneth and breaketh them, or
swageth the swellings and easeth the pains: It helpeth the
Sinews when they are shrunk by Cramps or otherwise, and to
extend and make them pliable again, by this Medicine.
Boyl an handful of Chickweed and a handful of Red-Rose
Leavs dryed, but not distilled in a Quart of Muscadine
until a fourth part be consumed; then put to them a pint
of the Oyl of Trotters, or Sheeps-feet; let them boyl a
good while still stirring them wel; which being strained,
anoint the grieved place herewith, warm against a fire,
rubbing it wel in with ones hand, and bind also some of
the Herb (if you wil) to the place, and with Gods blessing
it will help in three times dressing.
# unit G marginalnote
Hot Liver, Apostums, Swellings, Red Face,
Wheals, Pushes, Itch, Scabs, Cramp, Convulsion, Palsy, Red
Eyes, Hemorrhoids, Ulcers, Sinews.
#end marginalnote
## <h064>
# chapter 64 CICH-PEAS
# unit T chaptertitle
CICH-PEAS, or CICERS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Garden sorts, whether Red, Black, or White, brings
forth Stalks a yard long, wheron do grow many smal and
almost round Leavs, dented about the edges, set on both
sides of a middle Rib: at the Joynts come forth one or two
Flowers upon short Footstalks, Peas fashion, either white
or whitish, or purplish red, lighter or deeper according as
the Peas that follow will be, that are contained in smal,
thick, and short Pods, wherin lie one or two Peas more
usually, a little pointed at the lower end, and almost
round at the Head, yet a little corner'd or sharp. The
Root is smal, and perisheth yeerly.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place and Time.
# unit P text
They are sown in Gardens, or the Fields, as Peas, being
sown later than Peas, and gathered at the same time with
them, or presently after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
They are no less windy than Beans, but nourish more,
they provoke Urine, and are thought to encreas Sperm, they
have a clensing faculty, wherby they break the Stones in
the Kidneys. To drink the cream of them being boyled in
Water is the best way; it moveth the Belly downwards,
provoketh Womens Courses, and Urin, and encreaseth both
Milk and Seed. One ounce of Cicers, two ounces of French
Barley, and a smal handful of Marsh-Mallow Roots, clean
washed and cut, being boyled in the broth of a Chicken,
and four ounces taken in the morning and fasting two hours
after is a good Medicine for a pain in the Side. The
white Cicers are used more for Meat than Medicine, yet
have they the same effect, and are thought more powerful
to encrease Milk and Seed.
# unit G marginalnote
Disury, Seed encreas, Stone, Costivness, Terms
provokes, Pain in the sides, Obstruction, Stone, Open,
Digest, Dissolve.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The wild Cicers are so much more powerful than the
Garden kinds, by how much they exceed them in heat and
driness; whereby they do more open Obstructions, break the
Stone, and have al the properties of cutting, opening,
digesting, and dissolving, and this more speedily, and
certainly than the former.
## <h065>
# chapter 65 CINKFOYL
# unit T chaptertitle
CINKFOYL, or FIVE LEAVED GRASS;~
Called in some Countries,~
FIVE FINGER'D GRASS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This spreadeth and creepeth far upon the ground, with
long slender strings like Strawberries, which take Root
again and shooteth forth many Leavs made of five parts,
and somtimes of seven, dented about the edges and somwhat
hard; The Stalks are slender leaning downwards, and bear
many smal yellow Flowers theron, with some yellow threds
in the middle, standing about a smooth green head; which
when it is ripe is a little rough, and containeth smal
brownish Seeds. The Root is of a blackish brown colour,
seldom so big, as ones little finger but growing long with
some threds therat; and by the smal strings it quickly
spreadeth over the ground.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth by Wood sides, Hedg sides, the Pathwaies in
Fields, and in the Borders and Corners of them almost
through all this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in Summer, some sooner, some later.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is an especial Herb used in all Inflamations and
Feavers whether Infectious or Pestilential; or among other
Herbs to cool, and temper the Blood and humors in the
Body; As also for all Lotions, Gargles, Injections, and
the like for sore Mouths, Ulcers, Cankers, Fistulaes, and
other corrupt Foul, or running sores. The Juyce herof
drunk about four ounces at a time for certain daies
together, cureth the Quinsie, and the yellow Jaundice, and
taken for thirty daies together cureth the
Falling-sickness. The Roots boyled in Milk and drunk is a
most effectual remedy, for all Fluxes in Man or Woman,
whether the Whites, or Reds, as also the Bloody Flux. The
Roots boyled in Vinegar, and the Decoction therof held in
the Mouth easeth the pains of the Toothach. The Juyce or
Decoction taken with a little Honey, helpeth the hoarsness
of the Throat, and is good for the Cough of the Lungs.
The distilled Water of both Roots and Leavs is also
effectual to all the purposes aforesaid: and if the Hands
be often washed therin and suffered at every time to dry
in of it self without wiping, it wil in short time help
the Palsy or shaking in them. The Roots boyled in
Vinegar, helpeth all Knots, Kernels, hard swellings, and
lumps growing in any part of the Flesh, being therto
applied; as also al Inflamations, and St. Anthonies Fire,
all Imposthumes, and painful Sores, with heat and
putrefaction; the shingles also, and all other sorts of
running, and foul Scabs, Sores, and Itch. The same also
boyled in Wine, and applied to any Joynts full of pain and
ach, or the Gout in the Hands or Feet, or the Hip-gout
called the Sciatica, and the Decoction therof drunk the
while, doth cure them; and easeth much pains in the
Bowels. The Roots are likewise effectual to help Ruptures
or Burstings, being used with other things available to
that purpose, taken either inwardly or outwardly, or both;
as also for Bruises, or Hurts by Blows, Falls, or the
like, and to stay the bleeding of Wounds in any part
inward or outward.
# unit G marginalnote
Inflamation, Feavers, Pestilence, Sore Mouths,
Ulcers, Cankers, Fistulaes, Quincy, Yellow Jaundice,
Falling sickness, Flux, Terms, Stops.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Whites, Bloody Flux, Tooth-ach, Hoarsness,
Cough, Palsey of the Hands, Knots in the Flesh, St.
Anthonies Fire, Shingles, Scabs, Itch, Joynts pained,
Sciatica, Ruptures, Gouts, Bruises, Fall, Bleeding, Agues.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
This is an Herb of Jupiter, and therfore strengthens
the parts of the Body that he rules, let Jupiter be
angular and strong when it is gathered, and if you give
but a scruple (which is but twenty grains of it) at a
time, either in white Wine, or white Wine Vinegar, you
shal very seldom miss the cure of an Ague be it what Ague
soever in three Fits, as I have often proved to the
admiration both of my self and others, let no Man despise
it becaus it is plain and easie, the waies of God are all
such, 'tis the ungodliness and impudencey of Man that made
things hard, and hath (by so doing) made sport for al the
Devils in Hell, and grieved the good Angels, and when you
reade this your own Genius if you be any thing at al
acquainted with it, may dictate to you many as good
Conclusions both of this and other Herbs.
Some hold that one Leaf cures a Quotidian, three a
Tertian, and four a Quartan Ague, and a hundred to one if
it be not Dioscorides, for he is ful of such Whimseys.
The truth is I never stood so much upon the number of the
Leavs, nor whether I gave it in Pouder or Decoction: If
Jupiter were strong and the Moon applying to him or his
good aspect at the gathering of it, I never knew it miss
the desired effects.
## <h066>
# chapter 66 CLARY
# unit T chaptertitle
CLARY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Our ordinary Garden Clary hath four square Stalks, with
broad, rough, wrinkled, whitish, or hairy green Leavs,
somwhat evenly cut in on the edges, and of a strong, sweet
sent, growing some neer the ground, and some by couples
upon the Stalks: The Flowers grow at certain distances
with two smal Leavs at the Joynts under them, somwhat like
unto the Flowers of Sage, but smaller, and of a whitish
blue colour: The Seed is brownish, and somwhat Flat, or
not so round as the wild, the Roots are blackish and
spread not far, and perish after the Seed time: It is
usually sown, for it seldom riseth of its own sowing.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This groweth in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowereth in June and July, some a little later than
others, and their Seed is ripe in August, or therabouts.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Seed is used to be put into the Eyes to cleer them
from Moats, or other such like things gotten within the
Lids to offend them, as also to clear them from white or
red spots in them. The Muccilage of the Seed made with
Water, and applied to Tumors and swellings, disperseth and
taketh them away, as also draweth forth Splinters, Thorns,
or other things gotten into the Flesh. The Leavs used
with Vinegar either by it self or with a little Honey,
doth help hot Inflamations, as also Boyls, Felons, and the
hot Inflamations that are gathered by their pains, if it
be applied before they be grown too great. The Pouder of
the dried Leavs put into the Nose provoketh neesing, and
therby purgeth the Head and Brain of much Rhewm and
Corruption. The Seed or Leavs taken in Wine provoketh to
Venery. It is of much use both for Men and Women that
have weak Backs, to help to strengthen the Reins, used
either by it self or with other Herbs conducing to the
same effect, and in Tansies often: The fresh Leavs dipped
in a Batter of Flower, Egs, and a little Milk, and fried
in Butter, and served to the Table, is not unpleasant to
any, but exceeding profitable for those that are troubled
with weak Backs, and the effects therof. The Juyce of the
Herb put into Ale or Beer, and drunk, bringeth down Womens
Courses, and expelleth the After-birth.
# unit G marginalnote
Eyes, Swellings, Splinters, Thorns,
Inflamations, Boyls, Felons, Head, Brain, Lust provokes,
Back, Terms provokes, Afterbirth.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is an usual cours with Men when they have gotten the
running of the Reins, or Women the Whites, then run to the
bush of Clary; Maid bring hither the Frying Pan, fetch me
some Butter quickly, then to eating fryed Clary, just as
Hogs eat Acorns, and thus they think wil cure their
Disease (forsooth) wheras when they have devoured as much
Clary as wil grow upon an Acre of ground, their Backs are
as much the better as though they had pissed in their
shoos, nay perhaps much wors.
As for the trick of curing the Eyes by it I can as yet
say nothing to it, for the rest it may be effectual.
We will grant that Clary strengthens the Back, but this
we deny, That the caus of the running of the Reins in Men,
or the Whites in Women lies in the Back (though the Back
may somtimes be weakned by them) and therfore the Medicine
is as proper, as for me when my Toe is sore, to lay a
Plaister to my Nose.
## <h067>
# chapter 67 CLEAVERS
# unit T chaptertitle
CLEAVERS, or GOOSGRASS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Cleavers hath divers very rough square
Stalks, not so big as the Tag of a Point, but rising up to
be two or three yards high somtimes, if it meet with any
tall Bushes or Trees wheron it may climb (yet without any
Claspers) or els much lower and lying upon the Ground full
of Joynts, and at every of them shooteth forth a Branch,
besides the Leavs therat, which are usually six, set in a
round compass like a Star, or the Rowel of a Spur: from
between the Leavs at the Joynts towards the tops of the
Branches, come forth very smal white Flowers, every one
upon a smal threddy Footstalk, which after they are
fallen, there do shew two smal, round, rough Seeds, joyned
together like two Testicles, which when they are ripe grow
hard and whitish, having a little hole on the side,
somewhat like unto a Navil. Both Stalks, Leavs, and Seeds
are so rough that they wil, cleave to any thing shal touch
them. The Root is small and very threddy, spreading much
in the Ground, but dieth every yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth by the Hedg, and Ditch Sides in many places
of this Land, and is so troublesom an Inhabitant in
Gardens, that it rampeth upon and is ready to choak what
ever grows next it.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June and July, and the Seed is ripe and
falleth again in the end of July or August, from whence it
springeth up again and not from the old Roots.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Juyce of the Herb, and Seed together taken in Wine,
helpeth those that are bitten with an Adder, by preserving
the Heart from the Venom; It is familiarly taken in Broth
to keep them lean and lank that are apt to grow fat. The
distilled Water drunk twice a day helpeth the yellow
Jaundice, and the Decoction of the Herb in experience
found to do the same, and stayeth Lasks and Bloody Fluxes.
The Juyce of the Leavs, or they a little bruisep and
applied to any bleeding wound, stayeth the Bleeding. The
Juyce is also very good to close up the Lips of green
Wounds; and the Pouder of the dried Herb strewed therupon
doth the same, and likewise helpeth old Ulcers: Being
boyled with Hogs Greas, it healeth al sorts of hard
Swellings or Kernels in the Throat, being anointed
therwith. The Juyce dropped into the Ears taketh away the
pains of them.
# unit G marginalnote
Venemous Beasts, Heart, Fatness, Yellow
Jaundice, Flux, Bloody Flux, Wounds, Ulcers, Swellings,
Kings Evil, Pain in the Ears.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is a good remedy in the Spring eaten (being first
chopped smal and boyled well) in Water-gruel, to clens the
Blood, and strengthen the Liver, thereby keeping the Body
in health, and fitting it for that change of Season that
is coming.
## <h068>
# chapter 68 CLOWNS_WOUNDWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
CLOWNS WOUNDWORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
It groweth up somtimes to three or four Foot high, but
usually about two Foot, with square, green, rough Stalks,
but slender joynted somwhat far asunder, and two very long
and somwhat narrow, dark green Leavs, bluntly dented about
the edges thereat ending in a long point, the Flowers
stand toward the tops compassing the Stalks at the Joynts
with the Leavs and end likewise in a spiked top, having
long and much open gaping hoods of a Purplish red colour,
with whitish spots in them, standing in somwhat rough
Husks, wherein afterwards stand blackish round Seeds. The
Root is composed of many long strings, with some tuberous
long Knobs growing among them, of a pale yellowish or
whitish colour, yet at some times of the year these knobby
Roots in many places are not seen in the Plant: The whol
Plant smelleth somwhat strongly.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in sundry Counties of this Land both North
and West, and frequently by Path sides in the Fields neer
about London, and within three or four miles distance
about it, yet it usually grows in or neer Ditches.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June and July, and the Seed is ripe soon
after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
I is singularly effectual in all fresh and green
Wounds, and therfore beareth not this name for nought.
And is very available in stanching of Blood, and to dry up
the Fluxes of Humors in old fretting Ulcers, Cancers, &c.
that hinder the healing of them.
# unit G marginalnote
Wounds, Ulcers, Blood, Cancers, Bloody Flux,
Vessels broken, Ruptures, Spitting, pissing, and Vomiting
Blood, Veins Swelled, Muscles cut.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
A Syrup made of the Juyce of it is inferior to none for
inward Wounds, Ruptures of Veins, Bloody Flux, Vessels
broken, spitting, pissing or vomiting Blood, Ruptures are
excellently and speedily, even to admiration cured by
taking now and then a little of the Syrup, and applying an
Oyntment or Plaister of the Herb to the place. Also if
any Vein be swelled or Muscle cut apply a Plaister of this
Herb to it, and if you ad a little Comfry to it 'twil not
do amiss, I assure the Herb deservs Commendations though
it have gotten but a Clownish name, and whoever reades
this (if he try it as I have done) will commend it as well
as I.
I have done, only take notice, that it is of a dry
Earthy quality, and under the Dominion of the Planet
Saturn.
## <h069>
# chapter 69 COCKS-HEAD
# unit T chaptertitle
COCKS-HEAD.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath divers weak, but rough Stalks, half a yard
long, leaning downwards, beset with winged Leavs, longer
and more pointed than those of Lentils, and whitish
underneath; from the tops of these Stalks arise up other
slender Stalks, naked without Leavs unto the tops, where
there grow many smal Flowers in manner of a Spike, of a
pale reddish colour, with some blueness among them: after
which rise up in their places, round, rough, and somwhat
flat Heads. The Root is tough and somwhat woody, yet
liveth and shootheth anew every yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth under Hedges, and somtimes in the open
Fields, in divers places of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower all the Months of July and August, and the
Seed ripeneth in the mean while.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It hath a power to rarifie and digest, and therfore the
green Leavs bruised and laid as a Plaister disperseth
Knots, Nodes, or Kernels in the Flesh, and if when it is
dry it be taken in Wine, it helpeth the Strangury: and
being anointed with Oyl, it provoketh Sweat. It is a
singular Food for Cattel to cause them to give store of
Milk, and why then may it not do the like being boyled in
the ordinary drink of Nurses.
# unit G marginalnote
Knots and Kernels in the Flesh, Strangury, Milk
in Cattel.
#end marginalnote
## <h070>
# chapter 70 COLUMBINES
# unit T chaptertitle
COLUMBINES.
# unit P text
These are so wel known, growing in almost every Garden,
that I think I may save the expence of time in writing a
Description of them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in May, and abide not for the most part
when June is past, perfecting their Seed in the mean time.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Leavs of Columbines are commonly used in Lotions
with good success for sore Mouths and Throats: Tragus
saith, That a dram of the Seed taken in Wine with a little
Saffron, openeth Obstructions of the Liver, and is good
for the yellow Jaundice, if the party after the taking
therof be laid to sweat wel in his Bed: The seed also
taken in Wine causeth a speedy Delivery of Women in
Childbirth; if one draught suffice not, let her drink a
second, and it is effectual: The Spaniards use to eat a
piece of the Root hereof in a morning fasting, many daies
together to help them being troubled with the Stone in the
Reins or Kidneys.
# unit G marginalnote
Sore Mouths and Throats, Obstructions, yellow
Jaundice, Womens Travail, Stone.
#end marginalnote
## <h071>
# chapter 71 COLTSFOOT
# unit T chaptertitle
COLTSFOOT, or FOALSFOOT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This shooteth up a slender Stalk with small yellowish
Flowers somwhat early, which fall away quickly, and after
they are past, come up somwhat round Leavs, somtimes
dented a little about the edges, much lesser, thicker and
greener than those of Butterbur, with a little down or
Freez over the green Leaf on the upper side, which may be
rubbed away, and whitish or mealy underneath. The Root is
smal and white spreading much underground, so that where
it taketh, it windwardly be driven away again if any
little piece be abiding therin; and from thence springeth
fresh Leavs.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth as well in wet grounds, as in drier places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
And Flowreth in the end of February, the Leavs
beginning to appear in March.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The fresh Leavs, or Juyce, or a Syrup made therof is
good for a hot dry Cough, for wheesings and shortness of
breath. The dry Leavs are best for those that have thin
Rhewms, and Distillations upon the Lungs, causing a Cough, for which also the dried Leavs taken as tobacco, or the
Root, is very good. The distilled water herof simply, or
with Elder Flowers and Nightshade, is a singular remedy
against al hot Agues, to drink two ounces at a time, and
apply Cloathes wet therein to the Head and Stomach; which
also doth much good being applied to any hot Swellings or
Inflamations, it helpeth St. Anthonies Fire, and Burnings,
and is singular good to take away Wheals, and smal Pushes
that arise through heat; As also the burning heat of the
Piles, or privy parts, cloathes wet therin being therunto
applied.
# unit G marginalnote
Cough, Wheesing, Shortness of breath, Agues,
Inflamations, Swelling, St. Anthonies fire, Burnings,
Chollerick, Pushes, Piles, Inflammations in the Privities.
#end marginalnote
## <h072>
# chapter 72 COMFRY
# unit T chaptertitle
COMFRY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common great Comfry hath divers very large and
hairy green Leavs lying on the ground, so hairy or prickly
that if they touch any tender part of the Hands, Face, or
Body, it will caus it to itch: The Stalk that riseth up
from among them being two or three Foot high, hollow and
cornered, is very hairy also, having many such like Leavs
as grow below, but lesser and lesser up to the top. At
the Joynts of the Stalks, it is divided into many branches
with some Leavs theron, and at the ends stand many Flowers
in order one about another, which are somwhat long and
hollow like the finger of a Glove, of a pale whitish
colour, after which come smal black Seed. The Roots are
great and long, spreading great thick Branches under
ground, black on the outside and whitish within, short or
easie to break, and ful of a glutinous or clammy Juyce of
little or no tast at al.
There is another sort in al things like this, save only
it is somwhat less, and beareth Flowers of a pale purple
colour.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow by Ditches and Water Sides, and in divers
Fields that are moist, for therin they chiefly delight to
grow: The first generally through al the Land, and the
other but in some several places.
By the leave of my Author, the first grow often in dry
places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in June and July, and give their Seed in
August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The great Comfry helpeth those that spit blood, or make
a Bloody Urin; The Root boyled in Water or Wine and the
Decoction drunk, helpeth al inward Hurts, Bruises and
Wounds, and the Ulcers of the Lungs, causing the Flegm
that oppresseth them to be easily spit forth; It staieth
the defluxions of Rhewm from the Head upon the Lungs, the
Fluxes of Blood or humors by the Belly, Womens immoderate
Courses, as well the Reds, as the Whites; and the running
of the Reins hapning by what caus soever. A syrup made
therof is very effectual for all those inward Griefs and
Hurts; and the distilled Water for the same purpose also,
and for outward Wounds and Sores in the Fleshy, or Sinewy
part of the Body whersoever; as also to take away the fits
of Agues, and to allay the sharpness of Humors. A
Decoction of the Leavs herof is available to all the
purposes, though not so effectual as of the Roots. The
Roots being outwardly applied, helpeth fresh Wounds or
Cuts immediatly, being bruised and laid therunto; and is
especial good for Ruptures and broken Bones: yea it is
said to be so powerful to consolidate and Knit together;
that if they be boyled with dissevered pieces of Flesh in
a pot it will joyn them together again. It is good to be
applied to Womens Breasts that grow sore by the abundance
of Milk coming into them: as also to repress the overmuch
bleeding of the Hemorrhoids to cool the Inflamation of the
parts therabouts, and to give eas of pains. The Roots of
Comfry taken fresh, beaten smal, and spread upon Leather,
and laid upon any place troubled with the Gout, do
presently give eas of the pains; and applied in the same
manner giveth eas to pained Joynts and profiteth very much
from running and moist Ulcers; Gangrenes, Mortifications,
and the like, for which it hath by often experience been
found helpful.
# unit G marginalnote
Spitting, pissing Blood, Inward Wounds &
Bruises, Phtisick, Bloody Flux, Terms stops, Whites, Nervs
cut, Muscles cut, sharp Humors, Wounds, Ruptures, broken
Bones, Knotted Breasts, Hemorrhoids, Inflamation, Gout,
Pained Joynts, Gangreans.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
This is also an Herb of Saturn, and I suppose under the
Sign Capricorn, cold dry, and earthy in quality, what was
spoken of Clowns Woundwort may be said of this.
## <h073>
# chapter 73 COSTMARY
# unit T chaptertitle
COSTMARY, or ALECOST.
# unit P text
This is so frequently known to be an Inhabitant in
almost every garden, that I suppose it needless to write a
Description therof.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June and July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The ordinary Costmary as well as Maudlin, provoketh
Urin abundantly, and moistneth the hardness of the Mother;
It gently purgeth Choller and Flegm, extenuating that
which is gross, and cutting that which is tough and
gluttenous clenseth that which is foul, and hindreth
putrefaction and corruption, it dissolveth without
Attraction, openeth Obstructions, and healeth their evil
effect, and is a wonderful help to al sorts of day Agues.
It is astringent to the Stomach, and strengtheneth the Liver and al the other inward parts and taken in Whey
worketh the more effectually. Taken fasting in the
morning, it is very profitable for the pains in the Head
that are continual, and to stay, dry up, and consume all
thin Rhewms, or distillations from the Head into the
Stomach, and helpeth much to digest raw humors that are
gathered therein. It is very profitable for those that
are fallen into a continual evil disposition of the whol
Body called Cachexia, being taken especially in the
beginning of the Diseas: It is an especial friend and help
to evil, weak, and cold Livers. The Seed is familiarly
given to Children for the Worms, and so is the infusion of
the Flowers in white Wine, given them to the Quantity of
two ounces at a time: It maketh an excellent Salve to
clens and heal old Ulcers, being boyled with Oyl Olive,
and Adders Tongue with it: and after it is strained, to
put a little Wax, Rozin, and Turpentine to bring it into a
convenient Body.
# unit G marginalnote
Disury, Womb, Choller, Flegm, Putrefaction,
Corruption, Obstructions, Quotidian Agues, Stomach,
Liver, Head-ach, Rhewm, Raw Humors, Cachexia, Worms,
Ulcers.
#end marginalnote
## <h074>
# chapter 74 CUDWEED
# unit T chaptertitle
CUDWEED, or COTTONWEED.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Cudweed riseth up but with one Stalk
somtime, and somtimes with two or three, thick set on all
sides with small long, and narrow whitish or wooly Leavs
from the middle of the Stalk almost up to the top; with
every Leaf standeth a smal Flower, of a dun or brownish
yellow colour, or not so yellow as others; in which Heads
after the Flowers are fallen come smal Seed wrapped up
with the down therin and is carried away with the Wind.
The Root is small and threddy.
There are other sorts hereof, which are somwhat lesser
than the former, not much different, save only that as the
Stalk and Leavs are shorter, so the Flowers are paler, and
more open.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in dry, barren, sandy, and gravelly Grounds,
in most places of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower about July, some earlier, some later, and
their Seed is ripe in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Plants are all stringent, or binding and drying,
and therfore profitable for Defluxions of Rhewm from the
Head, and to stay Fluxes, of Blood whersoever. The
Decoction being made into red Wine and drunk, or the
Pouder taken therin; it also helpeth the Bloody Flux, and
easeth the torments that come therby, stayeth the
immoderate Courses of Women, and is also good for inward
or outward Wounds, Hurts, and Bruises, and helpeth
Children both of Burstings and the Worms; and the Disease
called Tenasmus which is an often provocation to the
Stool, and doing nothing, being either drunk or injected:
The green Leavs bruised and laid to any green Wound
staieth the bleeding, and healeth it up quickly: The
Decoction or Juyce therof doth the same, and helpeth all
old and filthy Ulcers quickly: The juyce of the Herb
taken in Wine and Milk is (as Pliny saith) a Soverign
remedy against the Mumps and Quinsie; and further saith,
That whosoever shal so take it, shal never be troubled
with that Disease again.
# unit G marginalnote
Bind, Dry, Fluxes, Terms ill stopped, Ruptures,
Worms, Tenasmus, Wounds, Bleeding Ulcers, Quinsy.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Venus is Lady of it.
## <h075>
# chapter 75 COWSLIPS
# unit T chaptertitle
COWSLIPS.
# unit P text
Both the Wild and Garden Cowslips are so wel know that
I wil neither trouble my self nor the Reader with any
description of them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in April and May.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Flowers are held to be more effectual than the
Leavs and the Roots of little use.
An Oyntment being made with them taketh away Spots,
and Wrinkles of the Skin, Sunburning and Freckles, and ads
Beauty exceedingly: They remedy all infirmities of the
Head coming of Heat and Wind, as Vertigo, Ephialtes, Fals
apparitions, Phrensies, Falling-sickness, Palsies,
Convulsions, Cramps, Pains in the Nerves: The Roots eas
pains in the Back and Bladder, and open the passages of
Urine: The Leavs are good in Wounds, and the Flowers take
away trembling: If the Flowers be not well dried and kept
in a warm place, they wil soon putrifie and look green,
have a special eye over them: if you let them see the Sun
once a Month, it wil do neither the Sun nor them harm.
# unit G marginalnote
Spots, Wrinkles, Sunburning, Head Heat, Wind,
Beauty ads, Vertigo, Ephialtes, Convulsion, Cramp, Back,
Bladder, Wounds, Trembling, Frenzy, Falling-sickness,
Palsey.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Because they strengthen the Brain and Nerves, and
remedy Palsies the Greeks gave them the name Prralisis;
The Flowers preserved or conserved, and the quantity of a
Nutmeg eaten every morning, is a sufficient Dose, for
inward Diseases, but for Wounds, Spots, Wrinkles, and
Sunburnings, an Oyntment is made of the Leavs and Hogs
greas.
Venus laies claim to the Herb as her own, and it is
under the Sign Aries, and our City Dames know wel enough
the Oyntment or Distilled Water of it ads Beauty, or at
least restores it when it is lost.
## <h076>
# chapter 76 SCIATICA-CRESSES
# unit T chaptertitle
SCIATICA-CRESSES.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
These are of two kinds; The first riseth up with a
round Stalk about two foot high spread into divers
Branches, whose lower Leavs are somwhat larger than the
upper, yet all of them cut, or torn on the edges, somewhat
like unto Garden Cresses, but smaller: The Flowers are
smal and white, growing at the tops of the Branches, where
afterwards grow Husks with smal brownish Seed therin, very
strong and sharp in tast, more than the Cresses of the
Garden: The Root is long, white and woody.
The other hath the lower leavs whol, somwhat long and
broad not torn at al, but only somwhat deeply dented about
the edges towards the ends, but those that grow up higher
are lesser. The Flowers and Seed are like the former, and
so is the Root likewise: and both Root and Seed as sharp
as it.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
These grow by the waysides in untilled places, and by
the sides of old Walls.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
The Flower in the end of June, and their Seed is ripe
in July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Leavs, but especially the Roots taken fresh in the
Sumer time, beaten & made into a Pultis or Salve, with old
Hogs Greas, and applied to the place pained with the
Sciatica, to continue theron four hours if it be on a Man,
and two hours on a Woman; the place afterwards bathed
with Wine and Oyl mixed together, and then wrapped with
Wool or Skins after they have set a little, wil assuredly
cure not only the same Diseas in the Hips, Hucklebone, or
other of the Joynts, as the Gout in the Hands or Feet, but
all other old Griefs of the Head (as inveterate Rhewms)
and other part of the Body that is hard to be cured: And
if of the former Griefs any part remain; the same Medicine
after twenty daies is to be applied again. The same is
also effectual in the Diseases of the spleen and applied
to the Skin it taketh away the blemishes therof, whether
they be Scars, Leprosie, Scabs or Scurf: which although it
exulcerate the part, yet that is to be helped afterwards
with a Salve made of Oyl and Wax.
# unit G marginalnote
Sciatica, Gout, Head-ach, Rhewms, Spleen,
Scars, Leprosie, Scurf, Scabs.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Esteem of this as another Secret.
## <h077>
# chapter 77 WATER-CRESSES
# unit T chaptertitle
WATER-CRESSES.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Our ordinary Water-Cresses spreadeth forth with many
weak hollow sappy Stalks, shooting out fibres at the
Joynts and upwards, long winged Leavs, made of sundry
broad, sappy and almost round Leavs of a brownish green
colour. The Flowers are many and white, standing on long
Footstalks, after which come small yellow Seed, contained
in smal long pods like Horns: The whol Plant abideth
green in the Winter and tasteth somwhat hot and sharp.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow (for the most part) in the smal standing
Waters, yet somtimes in smal Rivulets of running Water.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower and Seed in the beginning of Summer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
They are more powerful against the Scurvy, and to clens
the Blood and Humors than Brooklime is, and serve in al
the other uses in which Brooklime is available, as to
break the Stone, and provoke Urin, and Womens Courses.
The Decoction therof clenseth Ulcers by washing them
therwith. The Leavs brused, or the Juyce, is good to be
applied to the Face, or other parts troubled with
Freckles, Pimples, Spots, or the like, at night, and
washed away in the morning, The Juyce mixed with Vineger,
and the forepart of the Head bathed therwith is very good
for those that are dull and drowsie, or have the Lethargy.
# unit G marginalnote
Scurvy, Blood, Humors, Stone, Disury, Terms
provokes, Ulcers, Freckles, Pimples, Spots, Dulness,
Lethargy.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Water-cress Pottage is a good Remedy to clens the Blood
in the Spring and help Head-aches, and consume the gross
Humors Winter hath left behind, those that would live in
health may use it if they pleas, if they will not I cannot
help it: If any fancy not Pottage they may eat the Herb
as a Sallet.
## <h078>
# chapter 78 CROSSWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
CROSSWORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Common Crosswort groweth up with square hairy brown
Stalks, little above a Foot High, having four smal broad
and pointed hairy, yet smooth green Leavs, growing at
every Joynt, each against other Cross waies, which hath
caused the name: Toward the tops of the Stalks at the
Joynts with the Leavs in three or four rows upwards, stand
smal pale, yellow Flowers, after which come smal blackish
round Seed, four for the most part set in every Husk. The
Root is very smal and full of Fibres, or Threads, taking
good hold of the ground, and spreading with the Branches a
great deal of ground which perisheth not in Winter,
although the Leavs die every year, and spring again anew.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in many moist grounds as well Meadows, as
untilled places about London. In Hamsted Church-yard, at
Wye in Kent, and sundry other places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth from May al the Summer long in one place or
other, as they are more open to the Sun; and the Seed
ripeneth soon after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This is a singular good Wound Herb, and is used
inwardly, not only to stay bleeding of Wounds, but to
consolidate them, as it doth outwardly any green Wounds,
which it quickly sodereth up and healeth. The Decoction
of the Herb in Wine, helpeth to expectorate Flegm out of
the Chest, and is good for Obstructions in the Breast,
Stomach or Bowels, and helpeth a decayed Appetite; It is
also good to wash any Wound or Sore with, to clens and
heal it: The Herb bruised and then boyled and applied
outwardly for certain daies together, renewing it often,
and in the mean time, the Decoction of the Herb in Wine
taken inwardly every day doth certainly cure the Rupture
in any, so as it be not too inveterate; but very speedily
if it be fresh and lately taken.
# unit G marginalnote
Wounds inward & outward, Flegm, Obstructions,
Stomach, Bowels, Ruptures.
#end marginalnote
## <h079>
# chapter 79 CROWFOOT
# unit T chaptertitle
CROWFOOT.
# unit P text
Abundance are the sorts of this Herb, that to describe
them all would tire the Patience even of Socrates himself,
but because I have not yet attained to the Spirit of
Socrates, I shall but describe the most usual.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The most common Crowfoot hath many dark green Leavs cut
into divers parts, in tast biting & sharp, biting &
blistering the Tongue, it bears many Flowers and those of a
bright resplendent yellow colour, I do not remember that
ever I saw any thing yellower, Virgins in Ancient time
used to make Pouder of them to strew Bride Beds, after
which Flowers come smal heads of Seeds, round, but tugged
like a Pine Apple.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow very common every where, unless you run your
Head into a Hedg you cannot chuse but see some of them
wherever you walk.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in May and June, even till September.
# unit S sectiontitle
Names.
# unit P text
Many are the Names this furious biting Herb hath
obtained, almost enough to make up a Welch-mans Pedegree,
if he fetch it no further than John of Gaunt of William
the Conqueror, for it is called Frogs-foot from the Greek
name ***, Crowfoot,
Gold Knobs, Gold Cups, King Kob, Bassinets, Troll Flower,
Polts, Locker Goulons, and Butter-Flowers.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This fiery and hot spirited Herb of Mars is no way fit
to be given inwardly, but an Oyntment of the Leavs or
Flowers wil draw a Blister and may so be fitting applied
to the nape of the Neck to draw back Rhewm from the Eyes,
the Herb being bruised and mixed with a little Mustard,
draws a Blister as well and as perfectly as Cantharides,
and with far less danger to the Vessels of Urin which
Cantharides Naturally delight to wrong, I knew the Herb
once applied to a Pestilential rising that was falling
down, and it saved life even beyond hope, it were good
keeping an Oyntment and Plaister of it if it were but for
that.
## <h080>
# chapter 80 CUCKOWPINT
# unit T chaptertitle
CUCKOWPINT, or WAKE-ROBIN.
# unit P text
This shooteth forth three, four, or five Leavs at the
most from one Root, every one wherof is somwhat large and
long, broad at the bottom next the Stalk, and forked, but
ending in a point without cut on the edges, of a ful green
colour each standing upon a thick round Stalk, of a hands
breadth long or more: among which after two or three
Months that they begin to wither, riseth up a bare round
whitish green Stalk, spotted and straked with purple,
somwhat higher than the Leavs: at the top wherof standeth
a long hollow Hose or Husk close at the bottom, but open
from the middle upwards ending in a point; in the middle
whereof standeth a smal long Pestle or Clapper, smaller at
the bottom than at the top, of a dark purple colour as the
Husk is on the inside, though green without; which after
it hath so abidden for some time, the Husk with the
Clapper decayeth, and the foot or bottom therof groweth to
be a smal long Bunch of Berries, green at the first, and
of a yellowish red colour when they are ripe, of the
bigness of an Hazel nut Kernel; which abide theron almost
until Winter; The Root is round and somwhat long, for the
most part lying along, the Leavs shooting forth at the
bigger end, which when it beareth his Berries, is somwhat
wrinkled and loos, another being growing under it, which
is solid and firm with many smal threads hanging therat:
The whol Plant is of a very sharp biting tast, pricking
the Tongue as Nettles do the Hands, and so abideth for a
great while without alteration: The Root hereof was
anciently used instead of Starch to starch Linnen withal.
There is another sort of Cockowpint with lesser Leavs
than the former, and somwhat; harder, having blackish
spots upon them which for the most part abide longer green
in Summer than the former; and both Leavs and Roots are
more sharp and fierce than it: In al things els it is
like the former.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
These two sorts grow frequently almost under every Hedg
side in many places of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They shoot forth Leavs in the Spring and continue but
until the middle of Summer, or somwhat later, their Husks
appearing before they fall away; and their Fruit shewing
in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Tragus reporteth that a dram weight, or more if need be
of the spotted Wake-Robin, either fresh and green, or
dried, being beaten and taken is a most present and pure
Remedy for Poyson and the Plague. The Juyce of the Herb
taken to the quantity of a spoonful hath the same effect.
But if there be a little Vinegar added therunto as well as
unto the Root aforesaid it somwhat allayeth the sharp
biting tast therof upon the Tongue. The green Leavs
bruised and laid upon any Boyl or Plague Sore, doth
wonderfully help to draw forth the Poyson; a dram of the
Pouder of the dried Root taken with twice so much Sugar in
the form of a licking Electuary, or the green Root doth
wonderfuly help those that are pursie and short winded, as
also those that have a Cough; it breaketh, digesteth, and
riddeth away Flegm from the Stomach, Chest, and Lungs.
The Milk wherin the Root hath been boyled is effectual also
for the same purpose. The said Pouder taken in Wine or
other Drink; or the Juyce of the Berries, or the Pouder of
them; or the Wine wherein they have been boyled, provoketh
Urine, and bringeth down Womens Courses, and purgeth them
effectually after Child-bearing to bring away the
After-birth. Taken with Sheeps Milk it healeth the inward
Ulcers of the Bowels. The distilled Water herof is
effectual to all the purposes aforesaid; A spoonful taken
at a time healeth the Itch; And an ounce or more taken at
a time for some daies together doth help the Rupture; The
Leavs either green or dry, or the Juyce of them, doth
clens all manner of rotten and filthy Ulcers in what part
of the Body soever, and healeth the stinking Sores in the
Nose called Polipus. The Water wherin the Root hath been
boyled dropped into the Eyes, clenseth them from any Film
or Skin, Clouds or Mists which begin to hinder the Sight,
and helpeth the watering or redness of them; or when by
some chance they become black and blue. The Root mixed
with Bean Flower and applied to the Throat or Jaws that
are inflamed helpeth them. The Juyce of the Berries
boyled in Oyl of Roses, or beaten into Pouder and mixed
with the Oyl, and dropped into the Ears and easeth pains
in them. The Berries or the Roots beaten with hot Ox
Dung, and applied, easeth the pains of the Gout. The
Leavs and Roots boyled in Wine with a little Oyl, and
applied to the Piles, or the falling down of the Fundament
easeth them; and so doth sitting over the hot fumes
therof. The fresh Roots bruised, and distilled with a
little Milk, yieldeth a most Sovereign Water to clens the
Skin from Scurff, Freckles, Spots, or Blemishes whatsoever
therin.
# unit G marginalnote
Poyson, Plague, Boyl, Difficulty of breath,
Cough, Flegm, Disury, Terms provokes, Afterbirth, Ulcers,
Itch, Ruptures.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Polipus, Eyes, Throat, Jaws, Gout, Piles, or
Hemorrhoids, Fundament falling down, Scurf, Freckles,
Spots, Blemishes.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Authors have left large Commendation of this Herb you
see, but for my part I have neither spoken with Dr.
Reason, nor Dr. Experience about it.
## <h081>
# chapter 81 DAISIES
# unit T chaptertitle
DAISIES.
# unit P text
These are so wel known to almost every Child, that I
suppose it altogether needless to write any Description of
them. Take therfore the Vertues of them as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The greater wild Daisie is a Wound Herb of good
respect, often used in those Drinks or Salvs that are for
Wounds, either inward or outwards. The Juyce or distilled
Water of these, or the smal Daisies, doth much temper the
heat of Choller, and refresheth the Liver and other inward
parts. A Decoction made of them and drunk, helpeth to
cure the Wounds made in the hollowness of the Breast: The
same also cureth al Ulcers and Pustles in the Mouth or
Tongue, or in the secret parts. The Leavs bruised and
applied to the Cods, or to any other parts that are
swollen and hot, doth resolve it and temper the Head: A
Decoction made hereof with Walwort and Agrimony and the
places fomented or bathed therwith warm, giveth great eas
to them that are troubled with the Palsy, Sciatica, or the
Gout. The same also disperseth and dissolveth the Knots
or Kernels that grow in the Flesh of any part of the Body
and the Bruises and Hurts that come of Fals and Blows:
They are also used for Ruptures, and other inward Burnings
with very good success. An Oyntment made hereof doth
wonderfully help al Wounds that have Inflamations about
them, or by reason of moist humors having access unto
them, are kept long from healing and such are those for
the most part that happen in the Joynts of the Arms or
Legs. The Juyce of them dropped into the running Eyes of
any doth much help them.
# unit G marginalnote
Wounds, inward & outward, Choller, Liver,
Breast, Ulcers, Swellings, Kernels, Bruises, Falls,
Ruptures, Burnings, Inflamations.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Herb is under the Sign Cancer, and under the
Dominion of Venus, and therfore excellent good for Wounds
in the Breast, and very fitting to be kept both in Oyls,
Oyntments, and Plaisters, as also in Syrup.
## <h082>
# chapter 82 DANDELYON
# unit T chaptertitle
DANDELYON,~
Vulgarly called,~
PISS-A-BEDS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This is wel known to have many long and deeply gashed
Leavs lying on the ground, round about the Head of the
Root; the ends of each Gash or Jag on both sides looking
downwards towards the Root, the middle rib being white
which broken yieldeth abundance of bitter Milk, but the
Root much more: from among the Leavs which alwaies abide
green, arise many slender, weak, naked Footstalks, every
one of them bearing at the top one large yellow Flower,
consisting of many rows of yellow Leavs, broad at the
points and nicked in with a deep spot of yellow in the
middle, which growing ripe, the green Husk wherin the
Flower stood turneth it self down to the Stalk, and the
Head of down becometh as round as a Ball, with long
reddish Seed underneath, bearing a part of the Down on the
Head of every one, which together is blown away with the
Wind, or may be at once blown away with ones Mouth. The
Root growth downwards exceeding deep, which being broken
off within the ground, wil notwithstanding shoot forth
again; and wil hardly be destroyed where it hath once
taken deep Root in the ground.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth frequent in al Meadows and Pasture Grounds.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in one place or other almost all the yeer
long.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is of an opening and clensing quality, and therfore
very effectual for the Obstructions of the Liver, Gall,
and Spleen, and the Diseases that arise from them, as the
jaundice, & Hypocondriacal Passion: It wonderfully openeth
the Passages of the Urin both in yong and old. It
powerfully clenseth Aposthumes, and inward in the Uritory
passages, and by the drying and temperate quality doth
afterwards heal them; for which purpose the Decoction of
the Roots or Leavs in white Wine, or the Leavs chopped as
Potherbs with a few Allisanders and boyled in their Broth,
is very effectual. And whoso is drawing towards a
Consumption, or an il Disposition of the whol Body called
Cachexia by the use herof for some time together shal find
a wonderful help: It helpeth also to procure rest and
sleep to Bodies distempered by the Heat of Ague Fits, or
otherwise. The distilled Water is effectual to drink in
Pestilential Feavers, and to wash the Sores.
# unit G marginalnote
Openeth, Clenseth, Obstructions, Liver, Gall,
Spleen, Jaundice, Hypochodriacal Melancholly, Disury,
Consumption, Cachexia, Watching, Heat, Agu, Pestilence.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
You see here what Vertues this common Herb hath, and
that's the reason you French and Dutch so often eat them
in the Spring; and now if you look a little further you
may see plainly wthout a pair of Spectakles, that Forraign
Physitians are not so selfish as ours are, but more
communicative of the Vertues of Plants to People.
## <h083>
# chapter 83 DARNEL
# unit T chaptertitle
DARNEL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath all the Winter long, sundry long, fat, and
rough Leavs, which when the Stalk riseth which is slender
and joynted, are narrower, but rough stil; on the top
groweth a long spike composed of many Heads, set one above
another, containing two or three Husks with sharp, but
short Beards or awns at the ends; the Seed is easily
shaked out of the Ear, the Husk it self being somwhat
tough.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The Country Husbandmen do know this too well to grow
among their Corn: or in the Borders and Pathwaies of other
Fields that are fallow.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
As this is not without some Vices, so hath it also many
Vertues. The Meal of Darnel is very good to stay
Gangreans, and other such like fretting and eating
Cankers, and putrid Sores: It also clenseth the Skin of al
Lepries, Morphews, Ringworms, and the like, if it be used
with Salt and Rhadish Roots. And being used with quick
Brimstone and Vinegar it dissolveth Knots and Kernels and
breaketh those that are hard to be dissolved, being boyled
in Wine with Pidgeons Dung and Linseed: A Decoction
therof made with Water and Honey and the place bathed
therwith is profitable for the Sciatica. Darnel Meal
applied in a Poltis, draweth forth Splinters and broken
Bones in the Flesh: The red Darnel boyled in red Wine and
taken stayeth the Lask and all other Fluxes, and Womens
bloody Issues; and restraineth Urin that passeth away too
suddenly.
# unit G marginalnote
Gangreans, Cankers, Leprosie, Morphew,
Ringworms, Sciatica, Thorns, Splinters, broken Bones,
Diabets.
#end marginalnote
## <h084>
# chapter 84 DILL
# unit T chaptertitle
DILL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Dill groweth up with seldom more than one
Stalk, neither so high nor so great usually as Fennel,
being round and with fewer Joynts theron, whose Leavs are
sadder, and somwhat long, and so like Fennel that it
deceiveth many; but harder in handling and somwhat
thicker, and of a stronger unpleasanter set: The tops of
the Stalks have four Branches and smaller Umbels of yellow
Flowers, which turn into smal Seed somwhat flatter and
thinner than Fennel Seed. The Root is small and woody,
perishing every year after it hath born Seed; and is also
unprofitable, being never put to any use.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is most usually sown in Gardens, and Grounds for the
purpose, & is also found wild with us in some places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Dill being boyled and drunk is good to eas
Swellings & pains, it also stayeth the Belly, and Stomach
from casting: The Decoction thereof helpeth Women that
are troubled with the Pains and Windiness of the Mother,
if they fit therin. It stayeth the Hiccough, being boyled
in Wine and but smelled unto, being tied in a Cloth. The
Seed is of more use than the Leavs and more effectual to
digest raw and viscuous humors, and is used in Medicines
that serve to expel Wind and the pains proceeding
therfrom. The Seed being toasted or fried and used in
Oyls or Plaisters, dissolveth the Imposthumes in the
Fundament, and drieth up all moist Ulcers (especially in
the secret parts.) The Oyl made of Dill is effectual to
warm, to resolve Humors and Imposthumes, to eas pains and
to procure rest.
# unit G marginalnote
Swellings, Pains, Loosness, Vomiting, Mother,
Hiccough, Raw and tough Humors, Wind, Apostums, Ulcers,
Terms provokes.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Decoction of Dill be it Herb or Seed (only if you
boyl the Seed you must bruis it) in white Wine, being
drunk is a gallant expeller of Wind and provoker of the
Terms.
## <h085>
# chapter 85 DEVILS-BIT
# unit T chaptertitle
DEVILS-BIT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This riseth up with a round green, smooth Stalk about
two foot high set with divers long and somwhat narrow,
smooth, dark, green Leavs, somwhat snip'd about the edges
for the most part, being els al whol and not divided at al
or but very seldom, even to the tops of the Branches which
yet are smaller than those below, with one Rib only in the
middle: At the end of each Branch standeth a round Head
of many Flowers set together in the same manner or more
neatly than the Scabious, and of a more blewish purple
colour; which being past there followeth Seed that falleth
away. The Root is somehat thick, but short and blackish
with may Strings, abiding after Seed time many yeers.
This Root was longer untill the Devil (as the Fryars say)
bit away the rest of it for spight, envying its usefulness
unto Man-kind. For sure he was not troubled with any
Disease for which it is proper.
# unit G marginalnote
A Learned Tale that cost a dull Fryar seven
yeers study.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
There are two other sorts hereof in nothing unlike the
former, save that the one beareth White and the other
Blush colour'd Flowers.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The first groweth as well in dry Meadows and Fields, as
moist, in many places of this Land: But the other two are
more rare, and hard to meet with, yet they are both found
growing wild about Appledore, neer Rye in Kent.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower not usually untill August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Herb or Root (all that the Devil hath left of it)
being boyled in Wine and drunk is very powerful against
the Plague, and all Pestilential Diseases or Feavers,
Poysons also, and the bitings of Venemous Beasts; It also
helpeth those that are inwardly bruised by any casualty,
ar outwardly by Falls or Blows, dissolving the clotted
Blood: and the Herb or Root beaten and outwardly applied,
taketh away the black and blue Marks that remain in the
Skin. The Decoction of the Herb, with Honey of Roses put
therin is very effectual to help the inveterate tumors and
Swellings of the Almonds and Throat, by often gargling the
Mouth therwith. It helpeth also to procure Womens
Courses, and easeth all pains of the Mother, and to break
and discuss Winds therein and in the Bowels. The Pouder
of the Root taken in Drink, driveth forth the Worms in the
body: The Juyce, or distilled Water of the Herb is
effectual for green Wounds, or old Sores, and clenseth the
Body inwardly, and the Seed outwardly from Sores, Scurff,
Itches, Pimples, Freekles, Morphew, or other deformities
therof, but especially if a little Vitriol be dissolved
therin.
# unit G marginalnote
Pestilence, Feaver, Poyson, Venemous Beasts,
Bruises, Falls, Clotted Blood, Swellings of the Throat,
Mother, Wind, Worms, Wounds, Scurff, Itch, Dandriff,
Pimples, Freckles, Morphew.
#end marginalnote
## <h086>
# chapter 86 DOCK
# unit T chaptertitle
DOCK.
# unit P text
These are so wel known many kinds of them, that I shall
not trouble you with a Description of them; my Book grows
big too fast.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
All of them have a kind of cooling(but not all alike)
drying quality the Sorrels being most cold, and the
Bloodworts most drying: Of the Bur-dock I have spoken
already by himself. The Seed of most of the other kinds
whether of the Garden or Field, do stay Lasks or Fluxes of
all sorts, the loathings of the Stomach through Choller,
and is helpful to those that spit Blood. The Roots boyled
in Vinegar helpeth the Itch, Scabs, and breakings out of
the Skin if it be bathed therwith. The Distilled Water of
the Herb and Roots hath the same Vertue, and clensth the
Skin of Freckles, Morphews, and all other Spots and
Discolourings therin.
# unit G marginalnote
Flux, Loathing of Meat, Spitting Blood, Scabs,
Itch, Freckles, Morphew.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
All Docks being boyled with Meat, make it boyled the
sooner: Besides Bloodwort is exceeding strengthning to
the Liver, and procures good Blood, being as wholsom a Pot
Herb as any grows in a Garden, yet such is the nicity of
our times forsooth, that Women will not put it in the Pot
becaus it makes the Pottage black, Pride and Ignorance (a
couple of Monsters in the Creation) preferring Nicity
before Health.
## <h087>
# chapter 87 DODDER_OF_TIME
# unit T chaptertitle
DODDER OF TIME, or EPITHIMUM, and other
DODDERS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This first from seeds giveth Roots in the ground, which
shooteth forth threads or Strings, grosser or finer, as
the property of the Plant wherein it groweth, and the
climate doth suffer, creeping and spreading on that Plant
wheron it fastneth, be it high or low. These Strings have
no Leavs at all upon them but wind and interlace
themselves so thick upon a smal Plant that it taketh away
all comfort of the Sun from it, and is ready to choke or
strangle it: After these Strings are risen up to that
Height that they may draw Nourishment from the Plant, they
seem to be broken off from the ground, either by the
strength of ther rising, or withered by the heat of the
Sun. Upon these Strings are found clusters of small Heads
or Husks, out of which start forth whitish Flowers, which
afterwads give smal pale colour'd Seed somwhat flat, and
twice as big as Poppy Seed. It generally participates of
the Nature of that Plant which it climbeth upon, but the
Dodder of Time is accounted the best, and is the only true
Epithimum.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This is accounted the most effectual for Melanchollick
Diseases, and to purge black or burnt Choller, which is
the caus of many Diseases of the Head and Brains, as also
for the trembling of the Heart, faintings, and swounings.
It is helpful in all Diseases and Griefs of the Spleen,
and of that Melancholly that ariseth from the windiness of
the Hypochondria. It purgeth also the Reins or Kidneys by
Urin. It openeth Obstructions of the Gall, wherby it
profiteth them that have the Jaundice; as also of the
Liver, and Spleen; purging the Veins of Chollerick and
Flegmatick Humors, and helpeth Childrens Agues, a little
Wormfeed being put therto.
The other Dodders do (as I said before) participate of
the Nature of those Plants whereon they grow: As that
which hath been found growing upon Nettles in the West
Country, hath by experience been found very effectual to
procure plenty of Urin where it hath been stopped or
hindred. And so of the rest.
# unit G marginalnote
Melancholy, Addust Choller, Trembling,
fainting, swooning, Spleen, Hypochondria, Obstructions,
Gall, Jaundice, Liver, Disury.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
All Dodders are under Saturn. Tell not me of
Physitians crying up Epithimum, or that Dodder which grows
upon Time (most of which comes from Hymettus in Greece, or
Hybla in Sicilia, becaus those Mountains abound with Time)
he is a Physitian indeed that hath wit enough to chuse his
Dodder according to Nature of the Diseas and Humor
peccant, we confess, Time is the hottest Herb it usually
grows upon, and therfore that which grows upon Time is
hotter than that which grows upon colder Herbs, for it
draws Nourishment from what it grows upon as well as from
the Earth where its Root is and thus you see old Saturn is
wise enough to have two Strings to his Bow.
Sympathy and Antipathy, are the two Hinges upon which
the whol Moddel of Physick turns, and that Physitian which
minds them not is like a Door off from the Hooks, more
likely to do a man a mischief than to secure him: then
all the Diseases Saturn causeth, this helps by Sympathy, &
strengthens al the parts of the Body he rules, such as
caused by Sol it helps by Antipathy, what those Diseases
are see my Judgment of Diseases by Astrology, and you be
pleased to look the Herb Wormwood, you shal find a
Rational way for it.
## <h088>
# chapter 88 DOGS-GRASS
# unit T chaptertitle
DOGS-GRASS or QUICH-GRASS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
It is well known that this Grass creepeth far about
under ground with long white joynted Roots, and smal
fibres almost at every Joynt very sweet in tast, as the
rest of the Herb is, and interlacing one another, from
whence shoot forth many fair long grassy Leavs small at
the ends and cutting or sharp on the edges. The Stalks
are joynted like Corn with the like Leavs on them, and a
long spiked Head with long Husks on them and hard rough
Seed in them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth commonly through this Land in divers plowed
grounds, to the no smal trouble of the Husbandman, as also
of the Gardiners in Gardens to weed it out if they can,
for it is a constant Customer to the place it gets footing
in.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This is the most Medicinable of all the Quich-grasses:
Being boyled and drunk it openeth Obstructions of the
Liver and Gall, and the stoppings of the Urin, and easeth
the griping pains of the Belly, and Inflamations; wasteth
the matter of the Stone in the Bladder, and the Ulcers
thereof also: The Roots brused and applied doth
consolidate Wounds: The Seed doth more powerfully expel
Urin, and stayeth the Lask, and Vomitings; The distilled
Water alone, or with a little Wormfeed killeth the Worms
in Children.
# unit G marginalnote
Liver, Gall, Disury, Griping, Inflamations,
Ulcers, in the Bladder, Wounds, Vomiting, Worms, Stopping.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The way of use is to bruis the Roots, and having well
boyled them in white Wine, drink the Decoction; 'tis
opening, but not purging very safe; 'tis a Remedy against
all Diseases coming of Stopping and such are half those
which are incident to the Body of man; and although a
Gardiner be of another opinion, yet a physitian holds half
an Acre of them to be worth five Acres of Carrots twice
told over.
## <h089>
# chapter 89 DOVESFOOT
# unit T chaptertitle
DOVESFOOT, or CRANES-BILL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath divers small, round, pale, green Leavs, cut
in about the edges, much like Mallows, standing upon long
reddish hairy Stalks lying in a round compass upon the
ground; among which rise up two or three, or more reddish
Joynted, slender, weak, and hairy Stalks, with some such
like Leavs thereon, but smaller, and more cut in up to the
tops, where grow many very smal, bright, red Flowers of
five Leavs apiece after which follow smal Heads, with smal
short beaks pointing forth, as all other sorts of these
Herbs do.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in Pasture Grounds, and by the Path sides in
many places and wil also be in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June, July, and August, some earlier,
and some later and the Seed is ripe quickly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is found by experience to be singular good for the
Wind Chollick, and pains thereof, as also to expel the
Stone and Gravel in the Kidnies. The Decoction thereof in
Wine is an exceeding good Wound Drink for those that have
inward Wounds, Hurts, or Bruises, both to stay the
bleeding to dissolve and expel the congealed Blood, and to
heal the parts, as also to clens, and heal outward Sores,
Ulcers, and Fistulaes; and for green Wounds many do but
bruise the Herb, and apply it to the place, and it healeth
them quickly. The same Decoction in Wine fomented to any
place pained with the Gout, or to Joynt-aches, or pain, of
the Sinews giveth much eas. The Pouder, or Decoction of
the Herb taken for some time together is found by
experience to be singular good for Ruptures, and Burstings
in People, either yong or old.
# unit G marginalnote
Chollick, Stone, Gravel, Wounds, Congealed
Blood, Sores, Ulcers, Fistulaes, Gout, Sinews, Ruptures.
#end marginalnote
## <h090>
# chapter 90 DUCKSMEAT
# unit T chaptertitle
DUCKSMEAT.
# unit P text
This is so well known to swim on the top of standing
Waters, as Ponds, Pools, and Ditches, that it is needless
further to describe it.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is effectual to help Inflamations and St. Anthonies
fire, as also the Gout, either applied by it self, or in a
Pultis with Barley Meal. The distilled Water herof is by
some highly esteemed, against all inward Inflamations, and
Pestilent Feavers; as also to help the redness of the
Eyes, the Swellings of the Cods, and of the Breasts before
they be grown too much. The fresh Herb applied to the
Forehead, easeth the Pains of the Head-ach coming of heat.
# unit G marginalnote
Inflamations, St. Anthonies Fire, Pestilence,
Eyes, Swillings of the Cods, Headach.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Cancer claims the Herb, and the Moon wil be Lady of it,
a word is enough to a Wise man.
## <h091>
# chapter 91 DOWN
# unit T chaptertitle
DOWN, or COTTON-THISTLE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath many large Leavs lying on the ground, somwhat
cut in, and as it were crumpled on the edges, of a green
colour on the upper side, but covered over with a long
hairy Wool, or Cottony Down, set with most sharp, and
cruel pricks; from the middle of whose Heads of Flowers,
thrust forth many Purplish, Crimson Treds, and somtimes
(although more seldom) white ones. The Seed that
followeth in these Heads, lying in a great deal of fine
white Down is somwhat large, long, and round, like the
Seed of Ladies Thistle, but somwhat paler. The Root is
great and thick spreading much, yet it usually dieth after
Seed time.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth on divers Ditches Banks, and in the
Corn-fields, and High-waies generally every where
throughout the Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth and beareth Seed about the end of Summer,
when other Thistles do Flower and Seed.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Pliny and Dioscorides write That the Leavs & Roots
hereof taken in Drink, helpeth those that have a Crick in
their Neck, wherby they cannot turn their Neck but their
whol Body must turn also (Sure they do not mean those that
have got a Crick in their Neck by being under the Hangmans
Hands.) Galen saith that the Root and Leavs hereof are of
an heating quality, and good for such Persons as have
their Bodies drawn together by some Spasme or Convulsion;
as it is with Children that have the Rickets, or rather
(as the Colledg of Physitians will have it) the Rachites,
for which name for the Disease, they have (in a particular
Treatise lately set forth by them) Learnedly Disputed, and
put forth to the publick view, that the World may see,
they took much pains to little purpose.
# unit G marginalnote
Wry Neck, Spasmus, Convulsion, Rickets.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Mars owns the Plant, and manifests to the World, that
though it may hurt your Fingers it will help your Body,
for I fancy it much for the Premises.
## <h092>
# chapter 92 ELDER-TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE ELDER-TREE.
# unit P text
I hold it needless to write any Description of this,
sith every Boy that plaies with a Potgun, will not mistake
another Tree instead of Elder. I shall therfore in this
place only describe the Dwarf Elder, called also Danewort,
and Walewort.
## <h093>
# chapter 93 DWARF_ELDER
# unit T chaptertitle
THE DWARF ELDER.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This is but an Herb every yeer dying with his Stalks to
the ground, and rising again afresh every Spring; and is
like unto the Elders both in form and quality, rising up
with a four square rough hairy Stalk four foot high or
more somtimes. The winged Leavs are somwhat narrower than
the Elder, but els very like them. The Flowers are white
with a dash of Purple standing in Umbels, very like the
Elder also but more sweet in scent, after which come smal
blackish Berries, full of Juyce while they are fresh,
wherein there lie smal hard Kernels or Seed. The Root
doth creep under the upper crust of the ground, springing
afresh in divers places being of the bigness of ones
finger or Thumb somtimes.
# unit S sectiontitle
Places.
# unit P text
The Elder-Tree groweth in Hedges, being planted there
to strengthen the Fences, and Partitions of Grounds, and
to hold up the Banks by Ditches, and Water-courses.
The Dwarf Elder groweth Wild in many places of England,
where being once gotten into a Ground it is not easily
gotten forth again.
# unit S sectiontitle
Times.
# unit P text
Most of the Elder-Trees Flower in June, and their Fruit
is ripe for the most part in August.
But the Dwarf Elder, or Wallwort Flowreth somwhat
later, and his fruit is not ripe until September.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The first Shoots of the common Elder boyled like
Asparagus, & the yong Leavs & Stalks boyled in Fat Broth,
doth mightily carry forth Flegm and Choller. The middle
or inner Bark boyled in Water, and given to drink worketh
much more violently; and the Berries either green or dry,
expel the same humors, and is often given with good
success to help the Dropsie. The Bark of the Root boyled in Wine, or the Juyce therof drunk, worketh the same
effects, but more powerfully than either the Leavs or
Fruit. The Juyce of the Root taken doth mightily provoke
Vomit, and purgeth the watery Humors of the Dropsie. The
Decoction of the Root taken cureth the biting of the
Adder, and biting of Mad Dogs; It mollifieth the hardness
of the Mother, if Women sit therin and openeth the Veins,
and bringth down their Courses: The Berries boyled in
Wine performeth the same effect; and the hair of the Head
washed therwith is made black. The Juyce of the green
Leavs applied to the hot Inflamations of the Eyes,
asswageth them. The Juyce of the Leavs snuffed up into
the Nostrils purgeth the Tunicles of the Brain. The Juyce
of the Berries boyled with a little Honey and dropped into
the Ears, helpeth the pains of them. The Decoction of the
Berries in Wine being drunk provoketh Urine. The
distilled Water of the Flowers is of much use to clear the
Skin from Sunburning, Freckles, Morphew, or the like; and
taketh away Headaches coming of a cold caus, the Head
being bathed therwith. The Leavs or Flowers distilled in
the Month of May, and the Legs often washed with the said
distilled Water, it taketh away the Ulcers and Sores of
them: The Eyes washed therewith, it taketh away the
redness and Bloodshot: And the Hands washed morning and
evening therwith helpeth the Palsey, and shaking of them.
# unit G marginalnote
Flegm, Choller, Dropsie.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Venemous Beasts, Mad Dogs, Terms provokes.
Inflamation, Brain, Ears, Urine provokes, Sunburning,
Freckles, Morphew. Headach, Ulcers, Palsey.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Gout Inflamation, Burning, Scalding, Chollick,
Stone, Disury.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Dwarf Elder is more powerful than the Common Elder,
in opening and purging Choller, Flegm, and Water, in
helping the Gout, the Piles, and Womens Diseases, coloreth
the Hair black, helpeth Inflamation in the Eyes, and pains
in the Ears; the biting of Serpents or a Mad Dog, Burnings
and Scaldings, the wind Chollick, Chollick and Stone, the
difficulty of Urine, the cure of old Sores, and Fistulous
Ulcers.
Either Leavs or Bark of Elder stripped upward as you
gather it causeth Vomiting, but stripped downward it
purgeth downwards. Also Dr. Butler in a Manuscript of his
commends Dwarf Elder to the Sky for Dropsies, viz. to
drink it being boyled in white Wine, to drink the
Decoction I mean, not the Elder.
## <h094>
# chapter 94 ELM_TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE ELM TREE.
# unit P text
This Tree is so well known, growing generally in all
Countries of this Land; that it is needless to describe
it.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Leavs herof bruised and applied healeth green
Wounds being bound thereon with its own Bark: The Leavs
or the Bark used with Vinegar, cureth Scurf, and Lepry
very effectually: The Decoction of the Leavs, Bark or
Root, being bathed, healeth broken Bones. The Water that
is found in the Bladders on the Leavs, while it is fresh,
is very effectual to clens the Skin and make it fair: and
if clothes be often wet therin and applied to the Ruptures
of Children it helpeth them; if they be after wel bound up
with a Truss. The said Water put into a Glass, and set in
the Ground, or els in Dung for twenty five daies, the
Mouth therof being close stopped; and the bottom set upon
a lay of ordinary Salt, that the Feces may setttle and the
Water become very cleer, is a singular and Soveraign Balm
for green Wounds, being used with soft tents: The
Decoction of the Bark of the Root fomented mollifieth hard
tumors, and the shrinking of the Sinews. The Roots of the
Elm boyled for a long time in Water, and the fat rising on
the top therof being clean scummed off, and the place
anointed therwith that is grown Bald, and the Hair fallen
away, will quickly restore them again. The said Bark,
ground with Brine and Pickle until it come to the form of
a Pultis and laid on the place pained with the Gout,
giveth great eas. The Decoction of the Bark in Water is
excellent to bath such places as have burned with fire.
# unit G marginalnote
Wounds Scurff, Leprosie, Beauty, Ruptures,
Swellings, Baldness, Gout, Burning.
#end marginalnote
## <h095>
# chapter 95 ENDIVE
# unit T chaptertitle
ENDIVE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Garden Endive beareth a longer and a larger
Leaf than Succory, and abideth but one yeer, quickly
running up to Stalk and Seed, and then perisheth: It hath
blue Flowers, and the Seed of the ordinary Endive is so
like Succory Seed, that it is hard to distinguish them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Decoction of the Leavs, or the Juyce, or the
distilled Water of Endive serveth well to cool the
excessive Heat in the Liver and Stomach, and in the hot
Fits of Agues, and all other Inflamations in any part of
the Body; it cooleth the heat and sharpness of the Urine,
and the Excoriations in the Uritory parts; The Seed is of
the same property or rather more powerful, and besides is
available for the faintings, swounings, and passions of
the Heart. Outwardly applied they serve to temper the
sharp Humors of fretting Ulcers, hot Tumors and Swellings,
and Pestiential Sores; and wonderfully helpeth not only
the redness and Inflamation in the Eyes, but the dimness
of the Sight also: They are also used to allay the pains
of the Gout.
# unit G marginalnote
Liver, Stomach, Agues, Sharpness of Urine, and
Excoriations thereby, Passion of the Heart, Ulcers,
Swellings, Eyes, Gout.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
You cannot use it amiss, a Syrup of it is a fine
cooling Medicine for Feavers.
## <h096>
# chapter 96 ELECAMPANE
# unit T chaptertitle
ELECAMPANE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This shooteth forth many large Leavs, long, and broad,
lying neer the ground, smal at both ends, somwhat soft in
handling, of a whitish green on the upper side, and gray
underneath, each set upon a short Footstalk; from among
which rise up divers great, and strong hairy Stalks, three
or four foot high with some Leavs thereon compassing them
about at the lower ends, and are branched toward the tops,
bearing divers great and large Flowers like those of the
Corn Marigold, both the Border of Leavs and the middle
thrum being yellow, which turn into Down; with long small
brownish Seed among it, and is carried away with the wind.
The Root is great and thick, branched forth divers waies,
blackish on the outside, and white within, of a very
bitter tast, and strong, but good sent, especially when
they are dryed, no part els of the Plant having any smel.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in the moist Grounds, and shadowy places
oftner than in the dry and open Borders of Fields and
Lanes, and in other wast places almost in every Country of
this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in the end of June and July, and the Seed
is ripe in August, The Roots are gathered for use, as well
in the Spring before the Leaves come forth, as in Autumn
or Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The fresh Roots of Elcampane preserved with Sugar, or
made into a Syrup or Conserve, are very effectual to warm
a cold and windy Stomach, or the pricking therin, and
Stiches in the Sides caused by the Spleen; and to help the
Cough, shortness of Breath, and wheesing in the Lungs.
The dried Root made into Pouder, and mixed with Sugar and
taken, serveth to the same purposes, and is also
profitable for those that have their Urine stopped; or the
stopping of Womens Courses, the pains of the Mother, and
of the Stone in the Reins, Kidneys, or Bladder: It
resisteth Poyson, and stayeth the spreading of the Venom
of Serpents, as also of putrid and pestilential Feavers,
and the Plague it self. The Roots and Herb beaten and put
into new Ale or Beer, and dayly drunk, cleareth,
strengthneth, and quickneth the Sight of the Eyes
wonderfully. The Decoction of the Roots in Wine or the
Juyce taken therin, killeth and driveth forth all manner
of Worms in the Belly, Stomach, and Maw; and gargled in
the mouth; or the Root chewed fastneth loos Teeth, and
helpeth to keep them from Putrefaction: And being drunk
is good for those that spit Blood, helpeth to remove
Cramps or Convulsions, and the pains of the Gout, the
Sciatica, the loosness and pains in the Joynts, or those
Members that are out of Joynt, by cold or moisture hapning
to them, applied outwardly as well as inwardly, and is
good for those that are bursten, or have any inward bruis.
The Roots boyled well in Vinegar, beaten afterwards and
made into an Oyntment, with Hogs Suet or Oyl of Trotters
is an excellent remedy for Scabs or Itch in yong or old:
The places also bathed or washed with the Decoction doth
the same; it also helpeth all sorts of filthy, old, putrid
Sores or Cankers wheresoever. In the Roots of this Herb
lieth the chief effect for all the Remedies aforesaid:
The distilled Water of the Leavs and Roots together is
very profitable to clens the Skin of the Face or other
parts, from any Morphew, Spots, or Blemishes therein, and
maketh it cleer.
# unit G marginalnote
Cold, Stomach, Wind, Stitch, Spleen, Cough,
Shortness of Breath, Wheesing, Terms provokes, Mother,
Stone, Poyson, Venemous Beasts, Pestilence, Eyes, Worms.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Loos Teeth, Spitting Blood, Cramps,
Convulsions, Gout, Joynts, Itch, Cankers, Freckles,
Morphew, Spots.
#end marginalnote
## <h097>
# chapter 97 ERINGO
# unit T chaptertitle
ERINGO, or SEA-HOLLY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The first Leavs of our ordinary Sea-Holly, are nothing
so hard and prickly as when they grow old, being almost
round and deeply dented about the edges; hard, and sharp
pointed and a little crumpled, of a bluish green colour,
every one upon a long Footstalk: but those that grow up
higher with the Stalk, do as it were compass it about.
The stalk it self is round and strong, yet somwhat crested
with Joynts and Leavs set therat, but more divided, sharp,
and prickle; and branches rising from thence, which have
likewise other smaller Branches, each of them bearing
several bluish round prickly Heads, with many smal jagged
prickly Leavs under them standing like a Star, and are
somtimes found greenish or whitish: The Root groweth
wonderful long, even to eight or ten Foot in length, set
with Rings or Circles, toward the upper part, but smooth
and without Joynts down lower, brownish on the outside,
and very white within, with a pith in the middle, of a
pleasant tast, but much more being artificially preserved
and candy'd with Sugar.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is found about the Sea Coasts, in almost every
Country of this Land which bordereth upon the Sea.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in the end of Summer, and giveth ripe Seed
within a Month after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Decoction of the Root herof in Wine is very
effectual to open the Obstructions of the Spleen and
Liver, and helpeth the yellow Jaundice, the Dropsie, the
pains in the Loins, and wind Chollick, provoketh Urine,
and expelleth the Stone, and procureth Womens Courses.
The continued use of the Decoction for 15 daies taken
fasting and next to Bedward, doth help the strangury, the
pissing by drips, the stopping of Urine and Stone, and all
defects of the Reins or Kidneys; and if the said drink be
continued longer, it is said that it perfectly cureth the
Stone, and that experience hath found it so: It is found
good against the French Pox. The Roots bruised and
applied outwardly, helpeth the Kernels of the Throat,
commonly called the Kings evil; or taken inwardly and
applied to the place stung or bitten by any Serpent,
healeth it speedily. If the Roots be bruised and boyled in
old Hogs greas, or salted Lard and applied to broken
Bones, Thorns &c. remaining in the Flesh doth not only
draw them forth, but healeth up the place again, gathering
new Flesh where it was consumed: The Juyce of the Leavs
dropped into the Ears, helpeth Imposthumes therin: The
Distilled Water of the whol Herb when the Leavs and Stalks
are yong, is profitably drunk for all the purposes
aforesaid; and helpeth the Melancholly of the Heart, and
is available in Quartane and Quotidian Agues, as also for
them that have their Necks drawn awry, and cannot turn
them, without turning their whol Body.
# unit G marginalnote
Obstructins, Spleen, Liver, Yellow Jaundice,
Dropsie, Chollick, Disury, Strangury, Reins.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
French Pox, Kings Evil, Venemous Beasts,
Thorns, broken Bones, Splinters, Thorns, Apostums,
Melancholly, Quartan, & Quotidian Agues, Wry Necks.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Seed breedeth.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Plant is Venerial, and breedeth Seed exceedingly
and strengthens the Spirit procreative, it is hot and
moist, and under the Coelestial Ballance.
## <h098>
# chapter 98 EYEBRIGHT
# unit T chaptertitle
EYEBRIGHT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Eyebright is a small low Herb, rising up
usually but with one blackish, green Stalk, a span high,
or not much more, spread from the bottom into sundry
Branches, wheron are set smal and almost round, yet
pointed dark, green, Leavs finely snipped about the edges,
two alwaies set together, and very thick: At the Joynts
with the leavs from the middle upward, come forth small
white Flowers stryped with purple and yellow Spots or
stripes; after which follow small round Heads with very
small Seed therin: The Root is long, small, and threddy at
the end.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in many Meadows, and grassy places, in this
Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
If this Herb were but as much used as it is neglected,
it would half spoil the Spectacle makers Trade; and a man
would think that reason should teach people to prefer the
preservation of their Natural before Artificial
Spectacles: which that they may be instructed how to do,
take the Vertues of Eyebright as followeth.
The Juyce or distilled Water of Eyebright taken
inwardly in white Wine or Broth, or dropped into the Eyes
for divers daies together, helpeth all infirmities of the
Eyes that caus dimness of Sight: Some make a Conserv of
the Flowers to the same effect: Being used any of these
waies it also helpeth a weak Brain or Memory, This tunned
up with strong Beer that it may work together, and drunk;
Or the Pouder of the dried Herb mixed with Sugar, a little
Mace, and Fennel Seeds, and drunk or eaten in Broth: Or
the said Pouder made into an Electuary with Sugar and
taken, hath the same powerful effect to help and restore
the Sight decaied through age. And Arnoldus de villa
nova, saith, It hath restored Sight to them that have been
blind a long time before.
# unit G marginalnote
Eyes, Dimness, Brain, Memory.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is under the Sign of the Lyon, and Sol claims
Dominion over it.
## <h099>
# chapter 99 FERN
# unit T chaptertitle
FERN.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Of this there are two kinds principally to be noted;
viz. The Male and Female: The Female groweth higher than
the Male, but the Leavs therof are lesser, & more divided
or dented; & of as strong a smel as the Male: The Vertues
of them are both alike; and therfore I shall not trouble
you with any further Description or distinction of them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They both grow on Heaths, and in shady places neer the
Hedg sides in all Countries of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flourish and give their Seed at Mid-summer.
The Femal Fern is that plant which is in Sussex called
Brakes, the Seed of which some Authors hold to be so rare,
such a thing there is I know, and may easily Be had upon
Mid-summer Eve, and for ought yet I know two or three
daies before or after, if not more.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Roots of both these sorts of Ferns, being bruised
and boyled in Mead or Honyed Water, and drunk, killeth
both the broad and long Worms in the Body; and abateth the Swelling and hardness of the Spleen. The green Leavs
eaten, purgeth the Belly and Chollerick and waterish
humors, but it troubles the Stomach. They are dangerous
for Women with Child to meddle with, by reason they caus
abortment. The Roots bruised and boyled in Oyl or Hogs
greas, maketh a very profitable Oyntment to heal Wounds,
or pricks gotten into the Flesh. The Pouder of them used
in foul Ulcers, drieth up their Malignant moisture, and
causeth their speedier healing: Fern being burned, the
smoke therof driveth away Serpents, Gnats, and other
noisom Creatures, which in the Fenny Countries do in the
night time trouble and molest people lying in their Beds
with their Faces uncovered it causeth Barrenness.
# unit G marginalnote
Worms, Spleen, Choller, Flegm, Stomach, Wounds,
Ulcers, Serpents, Gnats, Venemous Beasts.
#end marginalnote
## <h100>
# chapter 100 OSMOND_ROYAL
# unit T chaptertitle
OSMOND ROYAL, or WATER FERN.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This shooteth forth in the Spring time (for in the
Winter the Leavs perish) divers rough hard Stalks, half
round and hollowish, or flat on the other side, two Foot
high, having divers Branches of winged yellowish green
Leavs on all sides, set one against another, longer,
narrower, and not nicked on the edges as the former: From
the top of some of these Stalks grow forth a long Bush of
smal, and more yellowish green scaly aglets as it were set
in the same manner on the Stalks as the Leavs are; which
are accounted the Flower and Seeds; The Root is rough,
thick, and Scaly, with a white pith in the middle which is
called the Heart therof.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth on Moors, Bogs, and Watery places in many
parts of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It is green all the Summer; and the Root only abideth
in Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This hath all the Vertues mentioned in the former
Ferns, and is much more effectual than they both for
inward and outward Griefs; and is accounted singular good
in Wounds, Bruises or the like, the Decoction to be drunk,
or boyled into an Oyntment or Oyl, as a Balsom or Balm,
and so it is singular good against Bruises, and Bones
broken or out of joynt, and giveth much eas to the
Chollick, and Splenetick Diseases; as also for Ruptures,
or burstings. The Decoction of the Root in white Wine
provokes Urine exceedingly and clenseth the Bladder and
passages of Urine.
# unit G marginalnote
Wounds, Bruises, Broken Bones, Chollick,
Spleen, Ruptures, Disury.
#end marginalnote
## <h101>
# chapter 101 FEATHERFEW
# unit T chaptertitle
FEATHERFEW.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Common Featherfew hath many large fresh green Leavs
very much torn or cut on the edges: The Stalks are hard
and round set with many such like Leavs, but somwhat
smaller, and at the tops stand many single Flowers upon
several smal Footstalks, consisting of many smal white
Leavs, standing round about a yellow thrum in the middle.
The Root is somwhat hard and short, with many strong
Fibres at it: The scent of the whol Plant is very strong,
and stuffing, and tast very bitter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This groweth wild in some places of this Land; but it
is for the most part nourished in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in the Months of June and July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is chiefly used for the Diseases of the Mother,
whether it be the strangling or rising of the Mother, or
Hardness or Inflammations of the same, applied outwardly
thereunto: or a Decoction of the Flowers in Wine with a
little Nutmeg or Mace put therin, and drunk often in a
day, & is an approved Remedy to bring down Womens Courses
speedily, and helpeth to expel the dead Birth and
Afterbirth. For a Woman to sit over the hot fumes of the
Decoction of the Herb made in Water or Wine is effectual
also for the same; and in some cases to apply the boyled
Herb warm to the privy parts. The Decoction therof made,
with some Sugar or Honey put therto, is used by many with
good success, to help the Cough, and stuffing of the Chest
by cold, as also to clens the Reins and Bladder, and help
to expel the stone in them. The Pouder of the Herb taken
in Wine, with some Oximel purgeth both Choller and Flegm,
and is available for those that are short winded; and are
troubled with Melancholly and Heaviness or sadness of the
Spirits. It is very effectual for all pains in the Head
coming of a cold caus, the Herb being bruised, and applied
to the crown of the Head; as also for a Vertigo, that is a
turning or swimming in the Head. The Decoction therof
drunk warm, and the Herb bruised with a few Corns of Bay
Salt and applied to the Wrists before the coming of the
Ague Fits, doth take them away. The distilled Water
taketh away Freckles & other Spots and Deformities in the
Face. The Herb bruised and heated on a Tyle, with some
Wine to moisten it, or fried with a little Wine and Oyl in
a frying Pan, and applied warm outwardlly to the places,
helpeth the wind and Chollick in the lower part of the
Belly: It is an especial Remedy against Opium taken too
liberally.
# unit G marginalnote
Mother, Womb, Terms provokes, Dead Birth,
Afterbirth.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Cough, Reins, Bladder, Choller, Flegm,
Melancholly, Sadness, Headach, Vertigo.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Ague, Deformity of the Skin, Wind, Chollick,
Opium.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Venus commands the Herb and hath commanded it to
succour her Sisters (Women) and to be a general
strengthner of their Wombs and remedy such infirmities, as
a careless Midwife hath there caused, if they will be but
pleased to make use of her Herb boyled in white Wine, and
drink the Decoction, it clenseth the Womb, expelleth the
Afterbirth, doth the Woman all the good she can desire of
an Herb. And if any grumble because they cannot get the
Herb in Winter, tell them if they pleas they may make a
Syrup of it in Summer.
## <h102>
# chapter 102 FENNEL
# unit T chaptertitle
FENNEL.
# unit P text
Every Garden affordeth this so plentifully, that it
needeth no Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Fennel is good to break wind, to provoke Urine, and eas
the pains of the Stone, and help to break it. The Leavs or
Seed boiled in Barley Water and drunk is good for Nurses
to encreas their Milk and make it more wholsom for the
Child: The Leavs, or rather the Seed boyled in Water
staieth the Hiccough, and taketh away that loathing which
oftentimes hapneth to the Stomachs of Sick, and Feaverish
Persons, and allayeth the heat therof. The Seed boyled in
Wine and drunk, is good for those that are bitten by
Serpents, or have eaten Poyson full Herbs or Mushroms:
The Seed and the Root much more helpeth to open
Obstructions of the Liver, Spleen, and Gall, and thereby
helpeth the painful and windy swellings of the Spleen, and
the yellow Jaundice, as also the Gout and Cramps. The
Seed is of good use in Medicines to help shortness of
breath, and Wheesing by stopping of the Lungs. It helpeth
also to bring down the Courses and to clens the parts
after delivery. The Roots are of most use in Physick
Drinks and Broths that are taken to clens the Blood, to
open Obstructions of the Liver to provoke Urine, and amend
the ill colour in the Face after Sickness, and to caus a
good habit through the Body: Both Leavs, Seeds, and Roots
hereof are much used in Drinks or Broths, to make people
more spare and lean that are too fat. The distilled Water
of the whol Herb or the condensate Juyce dissolved, but
especially the Natural Juyce that in hot Countries issueth
out thereof of its own accord, dropped into the Eyes,
clenseth them from mists and films that hinder the sight.
The sweet Fennel is much weaker in Physical uses, than the
common Fennel. The wild Fennel is stronger and hotter
than the tame; and therefore most powerful against the
Stone, but not so effectual to encreas Milk, because of
its driness.
# unit G marginalnote
Wind, Disury, Stone, Encreaseth Milk, Amends
Milk, Hiccough, Loathing of meat, Venemous Beasts, Poyson,
Mushroms.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Obstructions in the Liver, Spleen, and Gall,
Yellow Jaundice, Gout, Cramp, Wheesing, Terms provokes,
After Delivery, Clens, open, Fatness, Eyes.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
One good old fashion is not yet quite left off, viz. To
boil Fennel with Fish, for it consumes that Flegmatick
humor which Fish most plentifully afford and annoy the
body by, therefore it is a most fit Herb for that purpose
though few that use it know why or wherfore they do it, I
suppose the Reason of its benefit this way is becaus it is
an Herb of Mercury and under Virgo, and therfore bears
Antipathy to Pisces. Dill is also an Herb of Mercury,
which I forgot to certifie you of before.
## <h103>
# chapter 103 SOW_FENNEL
# unit T chaptertitle
SOW FENNEL, or HOGS FENNEL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Sow-Fennel hath divers branched Stalks of
thick and somwhat long Leavs, three for the most part
joyned together at a place, among which riseth a crested
strait Stalk, less than Fennel with some Joynts theron,
and Leavs growing thereat, and toward the top some
Branches issuing from thence, likewise on the tops of the
Stalk and Branches stand divers tufts of yellow Flowers,
where after grow somwhat flat, thin, and yellowish Seed
bigger than Fennel Seed: The Root groweth great and deep
with many other parts and Fibres about them, of a strong
scent like hot Brimstone and yielding forth a yellowish
Milk, or clammy Juyce almost like Gum.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth plentifully in the Salt low Marshes neer by
Feaversham in Kent.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth and seedeth in July and August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Juyce of Sow-Fennel (saith Dioscorides and Galen)
used with Vinegar and Rosewater, or the Juyce with a
little Euphorbium put to the Nose, helpeth those that are
troubled with the Lethargy, the Frensie, the turning or
Giddiness of the Head, the Falling-Sickness, long and
inveterate Headach, the Palsie, Sciatica, and the Cramp,
and generally all the Diseases of the Sinews, used with
Oyl and Vinegar. The Juyce dissolved in Wine, or put into
an Eg, is good for the Cough, or shortness of Breath and
for those that are troubled with the Wind in the Body; It
purgeth the Belly gently, helpeth the hardness of the
Spleen, giveth eas to Women that have sore travail in
Childbirth, and easeth the pains of the Reins and Bladder,
and also of the Womb. A little of the Juyce dissolved in
Wine and dropped into the Ears, easeth much of the pains
in them; and put into an hollow Tooth, easeth the pain
therof. The Root is less effectual in all the aforesaid
Diseases: yet the Pouder of the Root clenseth foul Ulcers
being put into them; and taketh out Splinters of broken
Bones or other things in the Flesh and healeth them up
perfectly, as also it dryeth up old and inveterate running
Sores, and is of admirable Vertue in all green Wounds.
# unit G marginalnote
Lethargy, Frenzie, Vertigo, Falling-Sickness,
Headach, Palsey, Sciatica, Cramp, Sinews, Cramp, Shortness
of breath, Wind, Spleen.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Childbirth, Reins, Bladder, Womb, Ears, Hollow
Teeth, Ulcers, broken Bones, Thorns, Wounds.
#end marginalnote
## <h104>
# chapter 104 FIGWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
FIGWORT, or THROATWORT.
# unit P text
The common great Figwort sendeth forth divers great,
strong, hard, square, brown Stalks three or four Foot
high, wherin grow large, hard, and dark green Leavs, two
at a Joynt, which are larger and harder than Nettle Leavs,
but not stinging: At the tops of the Stalks stand many
purple Flowers set in Husks, which are somwhat gaping and
open, somwhat like those of Water-Betony; after which come
hard round Heads, with a small point in the middle, wherin
lie small brownish Seed. The Root is great, white, and
thick, with many branches at it growing aslope under the
upper crust of the Ground, which abideth many yeers but
keepeth not his green Leavs in Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth frequently in moist and shadowy Woods, and
in the lower parts of Fields and Meadows.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowereth about July, and the Seed will be ripe
about a Month after the Flowers are fallen.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Decoction of the Herb taken inwardly, and the
bruised Herb applied outwardly dissolveth clotted or
congealed Blood within the Body, coming by any Wound,
Bruis, or Fall; and is no less effectual for the Kings
Evil, or any other Knots, Kernels, Bunches or Wens growing
in the Flesh whersoever, and for the Hemorrhoids or Piles,
or other Knobs or Kernels which somtimes grow about the
Fundament: An Oyntment made hereof, may be used at all
times when the fresh Herb is not to be had. The distilled
Water of the whol Plant, Roots and all is used for the
same purposes, and drieth up the superfluous virulent
moisture of hollow and corroding Ulcers; It taketh away
all redness, Spots and Freckles in the Face, as also the
Scurff or any foul Deformity therin, and the Leprosie
likewise.
# unit G marginalnote
Congealed Blood by Wound, Bruise, or Fall,
Kings Evil, Wens, Hemorrhoids, Fundament, Ulcers, Scurff,
Spots, Freckles, Deformity, Leprosie.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Some Latin Authors call it Cervicria becaus 'tis
apropriated to the Neck, and we Throatwort becaus 'tis
apropriated to the Throat: Venus owns the Herb, and the
Coelestial Bull will not deny it, therefore a better
Remedy cannot be for the Kings Evil, becaus the Moon that
rules the Diseas is exalted there, nor for any Diseas in
the Neck, the rest of the Diseases specified, you may if
you look see a very good reason for their cure by this
Herb.
## <h105>
# chapter 105 FILIPENDULA
# unit T chaptertitle
FILIPENDULA, or DROPWORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This sendeth forth many Leavs some bigger, some lesser,
set on each side of a middle Rib, and each of them dented
about the edges, somwhat resembling wild Tansie, or rather
Agrimony, but harder in handling, among which riseth up
one or more Stalks two or three Foot high, with like Leavs
growing theron, and somtimes also divided into other
Branches spreading at the top into many white sweet
smelling Flowers, consisting of five Leavs apiece with
some threds in the middle of them standing together in a
tuft or Umbel each upon a smal Footstalk, which after they
have been open and blown a good while do fall away, and in
their places appear smal, round chaffy heads like Buttons
wherein are the chaffy Seed set and placed. The Root
consists of many smal black tuberous pieces, fastned
together by many smal long blackish Strings which run from
one to another.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in many places of this Land, in the Corners
of dry Fields and Meadows, and their Hedg Sides.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in June and July, and their Seed is ripe in
August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is very effectual to open the passages of the Urine,
and help the Strangury, and all other pains of the Bladder
and Reins, helping mightily to expel the Stone in the
Kidnies or Bladder, and the Gravel also, and these are
done by taking the Roots in Pouder, or a Decoction of them
in white Wine, whereunto a little Honey is added: The
same also helpeth to expel the Afterbirth. The Roots made
into Pouder and mixed with Honey into the form of an
Electuary doth much help them whose Stomachs are swollen,
dissolving and breaking the Wind which was the cause
therof, and is also very effectual for all diseases of the
Lungs, as shortness of breath, wheesings, hoarsness of the
Throat, and the Cough, and to expectorate cold Flegm, or
any other parts thereabouts.
# unit G marginalnote
Disury, Strangury, Reins, Bladder, Stone,
Gravel, Wind, Lungs, Wheesing, Hoarseness, Cough, Flegm.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is called Dropwort becaus it helps such as piss by
drops.
## <h106>
# chapter 106 YELLOW_WATER-FLAG
# unit T chaptertitle
THE YELLOW WATER-FLAG, or, FLOWER-de-LUCE
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This groweth like the Flower-de-luces, but it hath much
longer, and narrower sad green Leavs joyned together in
that fashion; the Stalk also groweth oftentimes as high,
bearing smal yellow Flowers, shaped like the
Flower-de-luce with three falling Leavs, and other three
arched that cover their Bottoms; but instead of the three
upright Leavs as the Flower-de-luce hath, this hath only
three short pieces standing in their places, after which
succeed thick and long three square Heads containing in
each part somwhat big and Flat Seed like to those of the
Flower-de-luces: The Root is long and slender, of a pale
brownish colour on the outside, and of a Hore flesh colour
on the inner side, with many hard fibres thereat, and very
harsh in tast.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It usually groweth in watery Ditches, Ponds, Lakes, and
More sides which are alwaies overflown with water.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It flowreth in July, and the Seed is ripe in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Root of this Water-Flag is very astringent,
cooling, and drying, and therby helpeth all Lasks and
Fluxes, whether of Blood or Humors, as bleeding at Mouth,
Nose, or other parts, bloody Fluxes, and the immoderate
Flux of Womens Courses. The distilled water of the whol
Herb, Flowers, and Roots is a Soveraign good Remedy for
watering Eyes, both to be dropped into them, and to have
Cloathes or Spunges wetted therin and applied to the
Forehead; It also helpeth the Spots or Blemishes that
happen in or about the Eyes, or in any other parts: The
said water fomented on Swellings and hot Inflamations of
Womens sore Breasts, upon Cankers also, and those
spreading Ulcers called Noli me Tangere, doth much good:
It helpeth also foul Ulcers in the privy parts of man or
woman, or elswhere. An Oyntment made of the Flowers is
better for these external applications.
# unit G marginalnote
Binds, Cools, Dries, Flux, Bloody flux,
Bleeding, Terms stops, Eyes, Spots, Blemishes,
Inflamations, Sore Breasts, Cankers, Ulcers, Noli me
tangere.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Take notice that the Moon rules the Plant and then I
have done.
## <h107>
# chapter 107 FLAXWEED
# unit T chaptertitle
FLAXWEED, or TOADFLAX.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Our common Flaxweed hath divers Stalks full fraught
with long and narrow blue or Ash-colour'd Leavs, and from
the middle of them almost upward stored with a number of
pale yellow Flowers, of a strong unpleasant scent, with
deeper yellow mouths, and blackish flat Seeds in round
Heads. The Root is somwhat woody and white, especially
the main downright one, with many fibres, abiding many
yeers, shooting forth Roots every way round about, and new
Branches every yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This groweth throughout this land, both by the way
sides in Meadows, as also by Hedg sides, and upon the
sides of Banks and Borders of Fields.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in Summer, and the Seed is ripe usually
before the end of August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This is frequently used to provoke Urine being stopped,
and to spend the abundance of those watery Humors by Urine
which caus the Dropsie. The Decoction of the Herb both
Leavs and Flowers in Wine, taken and drunk doth somwhat
move the Belly downwards, openeth Obstructions of the
Liver, and helpeth the yellow Jaundice, expelleth Poyson,
provoketh Womens Courses, driveth forth the dead Child,
and Afterbirth. The Distilled water of the Herb and
Flowers is eflectual for all the same purposes, especially
being drunk with a dram of the Pouder of the Seeds, or
Bark of the Root of Walwort and a little Cinnamon for
certain daies together, is held a singular Remedy for the
Dropsie: The Juyce of the Herb or the distilled Water
dropped into the Eyes is a certain Remedy for all heat,
Inflamations and redness in them. The Juyce or water put
into foul Ulcers whither they be Cancrous or Fistulous
with tents rouled therin, or the parts washed or injected
therwith clenseth them throughly from the bottom, and
healeth them up safely. The same Juyce or Water also
clenseth the Skin wonderfully of all sorts of deformity
thereof, as Lepry, Morphew, Scurff, Wheals, Pimples, or
any other Spots or Marks in the Skin, applied of it self,
or used with some Pouder of Lupines.
# unit G marginalnote
Disury, Dropsie, Obstructions of the Liver,
yellow Jaundice, Dead Child and Afterbirth, Inflamations,
Eyes, Ulcers, Cancers, Fistulaes, Leprosie, Scabs,
Pimples, Freckles.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Mars owns the Herb, in Sussex we call it, Gall-wort and lay it in our Chickens water, to cure them of the Gall I
think, I am sure it releevs them when they are drooping.
## <h108>
# chapter 108 FLEAWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
FLEAWORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The ordinary Fleawort 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 Leavs somwhat hairy: At the tops of
every Branch stand divers small short scaly or chaffy
Heads, out of which come forth small whitish yellow
threds, like to those of the Plantane Herbs, which are the
Bloomings or Flowers. The Seed inclosed in those Heads is
smal and shining while it is Fresh very like unto Fleas,
both for colour and bigness, but turning black when it
groweth old. The Root is not long but white, hard, and
woody, perishing every yeer and rising again of its own
Seed for divers yeers if it be suffered to shed: The whol
Plant is somwhat whitish and hairy, smelling somwhat like
Rozin.
There is another sort hereof differing not from the
former in the manner of growing, but only that his Stalk
and Branches being somwhat greater do a little more bow
down to the ground: The Leavs are somwhat larger; the
Heads somewhat lesser, the Seed alike; and the Root and
Leavs abide all the Winter, and perish not as the former.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The first groweth only in Gardens, the second
plentifully in Fields that are neer the Sea.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in July, or thereabouts.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Seed fried and so taken staieth the Flux or Lask of
the Belly, and the corrosions that come by reason of hot,
Chollerick, Sharp, and malignant Humors or by the too much
purging of any violent Medicine, as Scammony or the like.
The Muccilage of the Seed made with Rose Water, and a
little Sugar Candy put therto is very good in all hot
Agues and burning Feavers, and other Inflamations to cool
the thirst, and lenify the dryness and roughness of the
Tongue and Throat. It helpeth also hoarsness of the
voice, and Diseases of the Breast and Lungs caused by
heat, or sharp salt humors, and the Pluresie also. The
Muccilage of the Seed made in Plantane Water, whereunto
the Yolk of an Egg or two, and a little Populeon is put,
is a most safe and sure Remedy to eas the sharpness,
prickings, and pains of the Hemorrhoids or Piles, if it be
laid on a cloath and bound therto. It helpeth also all
Inflamations in any parts of the Body and the pains that
come thereby, as the Headach and Megrim, and all hot
Imposthumes or Swellings, or breakings out of the Skin, as
Blains, Wheals, Pushes, Purples, and the like; as also the
pains of the Joynts, and of those that are out of joynt;
the pains of the Gout and Sciatica, the Bursting of yong
Children, and the swelling of the Navel applied with Oyl
of Roses and Vinegar. It is also very good to heal the
Nipples and Sore Breasts of Women being often applied
thereonto. The Juyce of the Herb with a little Honey put
into the Ears helpeth the running of them, and the Worms
breeding in them: The same also mixed with Hogs Greas,
and applied to corrupt and filthy Ulcers and Sores,
clenseth and healeth them.
# unit G marginalnote
Flux, Corrosion, Chollerick, Humors, Agues,
Feavers, Inflamation, Thirst, Hoarseness, Salt Humors,
Pleuresie.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Hemorrhoids, Headach, Megrim, Apostums, Blains,
Wheals, Pushes, Purples, Gout, Joynts, Sciatica, Nipples,
Sore Breasts, Ears, Worms, Ulcers.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Herb is cold and dry, Saturnine, I suppose it
obtained the name Fleawort becaus the Seeds are so like
Fleas.
## <h109>
# chapter 109 FLIXWEED
# unit T chaptertitle
FLIXWEED.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This riseth up with a round upright hard Stalk four or
five Foot high, spread into sundry Branches, wheron grow
many grayish green Leavs very finely cut and severed into
a number of short and almost round parts. The Flowers are
very smal and yellow growing Spike fashion, after which
come very smal, long Pods, with very smal yellowish Seed
in them. The Root is long and woody perishing every yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow wild in the Fields by Hedgsides, and
High-waies, and among rubbish, and in many other places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower and Seed quickly after, namely in June and
July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Both the Herb and Seed of Flixweed is of excellent use
to stay the Flux or Lask of the Belly being drunk in Water
wherein gads of Steel heated have been often quenched; and
is no less effectual for the said purpose than Plantane or
Comfry, and to restrain any other Flux of Blood in man or
Woman, as also to consolidate Bones broken or out of
Joynt. The Juyce therof drunk in Wine, or the Decoction
of the Herb drunk, doth kill the Worms in the Stomach or
Belly, or the Worms that grow in putrid and filthy Ulcers;
And made into a Salve doth quickly heal all old sores, how
foul or Malignant soever they be. The distilled water of
the Herb worketh the same effects although somwhat weaker,
yet is a fair Medicine, and more acceptable to be taken.
# unit G marginalnote
Flux, Bleeding, Bloody Flux, Terms stops,
broken Bones, Members disjoynted, Worms, Sores, Ulcers.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is called Flixweed becaus it cures the Flux, and for
its uniting broken Bones, &c. Paracelsus extols it to the
Skies. It is fitting Syrups, Oyntments, and Plaisters of
it were kept in our Houses.
## <h110>
# chapter 110 FLOWER-de-LUCE
# unit T chaptertitle
FLOWER-de-LUCE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This is so wel known, being nursed up in most Gardens,
that I shall not need to spend time in writing a
Description thereof.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
The Flaggy kinds thereof have the most Physical uses;
the Dwarf kinds thereof flower in April, the greater sorts
in May.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Juyce or Decoction of the green Roots of the Flaggy
kind of Flower-de-luce, with a little Honey drunk, doth
purge and clens the Stomach of gross and tough Flegm and
Choller therin; It helpeth the Jaundice and the Dropsie by
evacuating those humors both upwards and downwards, and
becaus it somwhat hurteth the Stomach, is not to be taken
but with Honey and Spicknard. The same being drunk doth
eas the pains and torments of the Belly and Sides, the
shaking of Agues, the Diseases of the Liver and Spleen,
the Worms in the belly, the Stone in the Reins,
Convulsions or Cramps that come of cold Humors, it also
helpeth those whose Seed passeth from them unawars; It is
a Remedy against the bitings and stingings of Venemous
Creatures being boyled in Water and Vineger and drunk:
Being boyled in Wine and drunk it provoketh Urine, helpeth
the Chollick, bringeth down Womens Courses; and made up
into a Pessary with Honey, and put up into the Body,
draweth forth the dead Child. It is much commended
against the Cough to expectorate tough Flegm; It much
easeth pains in the Head, and procureth sleep: Being put
into the Nostrils it procureth Neesing, and therby purgeth
the Head of Flegm: The Juyce of the Root applied to the
Piles or Hemorrhoids giveth much eas. The Decoction of
the Roots gargled in the Mouth easeth the Toothach, and
helpeth a Stinking breath. The Oyl called Oleum Irinum if
it be rightly made of the great broad Flag Flower-de-luce
(and not of the great Bulbous blue Flower-de-luce as is
used by some Apothecaries) and Roots of the same of the
Flaggy kinds is very effectual to warm and comfort all
cold Joynts and Sinews, as also the Gout and Sciatica, and
mollifieth, dissolveth, and consumeth Tumors or Swellings
in any part of the Body, as also of the Matrix: It
helpeth the Cramp and Convulsion of the Sinews: The Head
and Temples anointed therwith helpeth the Catark or thin
Rhewm distilling from thence; and used upon the Breast or
Stomach, helpeth to extenuate the cold tough Flegm. It
helpeth also the pains and noise in the Ears, and the
stench of the Nostrils. The Root it self either green or
in Pouder helpeth to clens, heal, and incarnate Wounds,
and to cover the naked Bones with Flesh again that Ulcers
have made bare; and is also very good to clens and heal up
Fistulaes and Cankers that are hard to be cured.
# unit G marginalnote
Stomach, Flegm, Choller, Jaundice, Dropsie,
Belly, Sides, Agues, Liver, Spleen, Stones, Convulsion,
Cramp, Venemous Beasts, Disury, Chollick, Terms provokes,
Cough.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Sneesing, Hemorrhoids, Toothach, Joynts,
Sinews, Gout, Sciatica, Womb, Rhewm, Breast, Wounds,
Ulcers, Fistulaes, Cankers.
#end marginalnote
## <h111>
# chapter 111 FLUELLIN
# unit T chaptertitle
FLUELLIN.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This shooteth forth many long Branches partly lying
upon the Ground, and part standing upright, set with
almost round Leavs, yet a little pointed, and somtimes
more long than round, without order theron, somwhat hoary,
and of an evil greenish white colour; at the Joynts all
along the Stalks, and with the Leavs come forth smal
Flowers one at a place, upon a very small short Footstalk,
gaping somwhat like Snapdragons, or rather like Toadflax,
with the upper Jaw of a yellow colour, and the lower of a
Purplish, with a small heel or Spur behind, after which
come small round Heads, containing smal black Seed. The
Root is smal and threddy, dying every yeer, and raiseth it
self again of its own sowing.
There is another sort of Lluellin which hath longer
Branches wholly trailing upon the ground two or three foot
long, and somtimes more, thinner set with Leavs theron,
upon smal Footstalks: The Leavs are a little larger and
somwhat round, and cornered somtimes in some places on the
edges; but the lower part of them being the broadest, hath
on each side a smal point, making it seem as if they were
Ears, somwhat hairy but not hoary, and of a better green
colour than the former; The Flowers come forth like the
former, but the colours therein are more white than
yellow, and the Purple not so fair: It is a larger
Flower, and so are the Seed, and Seed Vessels: The Root is
like the other, and perisheth every yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in divers Corn Fields, and in borders about
them, and in other fertile grounds, about Southfleet in
Kent abundantly, at Buckworth, Hamerton, and Richwesworth
in Huntingtonshire; and in divers other places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They are in Flower about June and July, and the whol
Plant is dry and withered before August be done.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Leavs bruised and applied with Barley Meal to
watering Eyes that are hot and inflamed by defluxions from
the Head, doth very much help them, as also the Fluxes of
Blood or Humors, as the Lask, Bloody Flux, Womens Courses,
and staieth all manner of bleeding at Nose, Mouth, or any
other place, or that cometh by any Bruis, or Hurt, or
bursting a Vein; and wonderfully it helpeth all those
inward parts that need consolidating or strengthening: and
is no less effectual both to heal and close green Wounds,
as to clens or heal all foul or old Ulcers, fretting or
spreading Cankers or the like.
# unit G marginalnote
Eyes, Flux.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Bloody Flux, Terms stops, Wounds, Ulcers,
Cankers.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Bees are industrious and go abroad to gather Honey from
each Plant and Flower, but Drones lie at home, and eat up
what the Bees have taken pains for; Just so do our Colledg
of Physitians, lie at home and domineer, and suck out the
Sweetness of other Mens Labors and Studies, themselvs
being as ignorant in the Knowledg of Herbs as a Child of
four yeers old, as I can make appear to any Rational man
by their last Dispensatory, now then to hide their
Ignorance, there is not a readier way in the World, than
to hide Knowledg from their Country men, that so no Body
might be able so much as to smel out their Ignorance, when
Simples were more in use mens Bodies were in better health
by far than now they are, or shall be if the Colledg can
help it. The truth is, this Herb is of a fine cooling,
drying quality, and an Oyntment or Plaister of it, might
do a Man a courtsie that hath any hot virulent Sores, 'tis
admirable for the Ulcers of the French Pox, and being a
gallant Antivenerian Medicine, under the Dominion of
Saturn, if taken inwardly may cure the Diseas. It was at
first called Faemale Speedwel, but a Shentle man of Wales
whose Nose was almost eaten off with the Pox, and so neer
the matter, that the Docters commanded it to be cut off,
being cured by only the Use of this Herb, to honor the
Herb for saving his Nose whol, gave it one of her own
Country names, Lluellin.
## <h112>
# chapter 112 FOXGLOVE
# unit T chaptertitle
FOXGLOVE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath many long and broad Leavs lying upon the
Ground dented about the edges, a little soft or woolly,
and of a hoary green colour among which rise up somtimes
sundry Stalks, but one very often bearing such Leavs
thereon from the bottom to the middle, from whence to the
top it is stored with large and long hollow reddish Purple
Flowers, a little more long and eminent at the lower edg,
with some white Spots within them, one above another, with
smal green Leavs at every one, but all of them turning
their Heads one way and hanging downwards, having some
threds also in the middle, from whence rise round Heads
pointed sharp at the ends, wherein smal brown Seed lieth.
The Roots are many smal Huskie Fibres, and some greater
strings among them; The Flower hath no scent; but the
Leavs have a bitter hot tast.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth on the dry sandy Grounds for the most part,
and as well on the higher as lower places under Hedg-sides
in almost every Country of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It seldom Flowreth before July, and the Seed is ripe in
August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This Herb is familiarly and frequently used by the
Italians to heal any fresh or green Wound, the Leavs being
but bruised and bound thereon; and the Juyce therof is
also used in old Sores, to clens, dry, and heal them. The
Decoction hereof made up with some Sugar or Honey is
available to clens and purge the Body, both upwards and
downwards somtimes of tough Flegm and clammy Humors and to
open Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen; It hath been
found by experience to be available for the Kings Evil,
the Herb bruised and applied; or an Oyntment made with the
Juyce thereof and so used: And a Decoction of two
handfuls therof with four Ounces of Polipody in Ale, hath
been found by late experience to cure divers of the
Falling-sickness, that have been troubled with it above
twenty yeers.
# unit G marginalnote
Wounds, Clens, dry, Heal, Obstruction of the
Liver and Spleen, Kings Evil, Falling-sickness, Scabby
Heads.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
My self am confident that an Oyntment of it is one of
the best Remedies for a Scabby Head that is.
## <h113>
# chapter 113 FUMITORY
# unit T chaptertitle
FUMITORY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Our common Fumitory is a tender sappy Herb, sending
forth from one square slender weak Stalk and leaning
downwards on all sides many Branches two or three foot
long, with finely cut and jagged Leavs of a whitish or
rather Blewish, Seagreen colour: At the tops of the
Branches stand many small Flowers, as it were in a long
spike one above another, made like little Birds of a
reddish Purple colour with whitish Bellies: After which
come small round Husks containing smal black Seed. The
Root is yellow, smal, and not very long, ful of Juyce
while it is green But quickly perishing with the ripe
Seed: In the Corn Fields in Cornwal this beareth white
Flowers.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in the Corn Fields almost every where as
well as in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in May for the most part, and the Seed
ripeneth shortly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Juyce or Syrup made thereof, or the Decoction made
in Whey by it self, with some other purging or opening
Herbs and Roots to caus it to work the better, (it self
being but weak) is very effectual for the Liver and
Spleen, opening the Obstructions thereof and clarifying
the Blood from Saltish, Chollerick, and Adult Humors,
which cause Lepry, Scabs, Tetters, and Itches, and such
like breakings out of the Skin, and after the Purging doth
strengthen all the inward parts; it is good also against
the yellow Jaundice, and spendeth it by Urin, which it
procureth in abundance. The Pouder of the dried Herb
given for some time together cureth Melancholly, but the
Seed is strongest in operation for all the former
Diseases. The dististilled Water of the Herb is also of
good effect in the former Diseases, and conduceth much
against the Plague and Pestilence, being taken with good
Treacle. The Distilled Water also, with a little Water
and Honey of Roses helpeth all the Sores of the Mouth or
Throat, being gargled often therwith. The Juyce dropped
into the Eyes cleareth the Sight, and taketh away redness
and other defects in them, although it procure some pain
for the present and cause Tears. Dioscorides saith it
hindreth any fresh springing of hairs on the Eyelids
(after they be pulled away) if the Eyelids be anointed
with the Juyce hereof with Gum Arabick dissolved therin.
The Juyce of Fumitory and Docks mingled with Vinegar, and
the places gently washed or wet therwith, cureth all sorts
of Scabs, Pimples, Itches, Wheals, or Pushes which arise
on the Face or Hands, or any other part of the Body.
# unit G marginalnote
Liver, Spleen, Choller, Adult Melancholly,
Madness, Forgetfulness, Jaundice, yellow & black.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Pestilence, Sore Mouth & Throat, Eyes, Hairs,
Scabs, Itch, Pimples, Wheals.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Saturn owns the Herb and presents it to the World as a
Cure for his own Diseases, and a strengthner of the parts
of the Body he rules: If by my Astrological Judgment of
Diseases, from the Decombiture, you find Saturn Author of
the Disease, or if by Direction from a Nativity you fear a
Saturnine Disease approaching, you may by this Herb
prevent it in the one, and cure it in the other; and
therfore 'tis fit you keep a Syrup of it alwaies by you.
## <h114>
# chapter 114 FURS-BUSH
# unit T chaptertitle
THE FURS-BUSH.
# unit P text
This is so well known, as well by this name, as in some
Countries by the name Gors, that I shal not need to write
any Description therof, my intent being to teach my
Country men what they know not, rather than to tell them
again of that which is generally known before.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They are known to grow on dry barren Heaths, and other
wast gravelly or sandy grounds in all Countries of this
Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They also Flower in the Summer Months.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
They are hot and dry good to open Obstructions of the
Liver and Spleen. A Decoction made with the Flowers
therof hath been found effectual against the Jaundice, as
also to provoke Urine, and clens the Kidneys from Gravel
or Stones ingender'd in them.
# unit G marginalnote
Obstructions, Liver, Spleen, Yellow Jaundice,
Disury, Gravel, Stone.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is a Plant of Mars, and doth all this by Sympathy.
## <h115>
# chapter 115 GARLICK
# unit T chaptertitle
GARLICK.
# unit P text
The offensivenes of the breath of him that hath eaten
Garlick will leade you by the Nose to the knowledg hereof,
and (instead of a description) direct you to the place
wher it groweth in Gardens, which kinds are the best and
most phisical.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This was antiently accounted the Poormans Treacle, it
beeing a remedy for all diseases or hurts (except those
which it self breeds). It provoketh Urine and womens
Courses, helpeth the biting of a Mad Dog and of other
Venemous Creatures, killeth Worms in
Children, cutteth and
avoydeth tough flegm purgeth the head, helpeth the
Lethargie, is a good preservative against, a remedy for
any Plague sore, or foul Ulcer: taketh away spots and
blemishes in the Skin, easeth pains of the eares ripeneth
and breaketh Impostumes or other swellings: And for all
these diseases the Onyons are also effectual; But the
Garlick hath some more peculiar vertues besides the
former: viz. It hath a speciall quality to discuss the
inconveniences coming by corrupt Agues or Mineral Vapours
or by drinking corrupt and stinking waters; as also by
taking of Wolfbane, Henbane, Hemlock, or other poysonfull
and dangerous herbs. It is also held good in Hydropick
diseases, the Jaundice, falling-sickness, Cramps,
Convulsions, the piles or Hemorrhoids or other cold
diseases.
# unit G marginalnote
Urine, Terms provokes, Mad Dogs, Venemous
Beasts, Worms.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Lethargy, Flegm, Pestilence, Apostums, Mineral
vapors, Stinking Vapors, Henbane, Hemlock, Wolfbane,
Dropsie, Cramps, Convulsions, Falling-sickness.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
My Author quotes here many diseases this is good for,
but conceals its vices: its heat is very vehement, and al
vehement hot things send up but ill favor'd vapors to the
brain; in chollerick men 'twil ad fuel to the fire, in men
oppressed by melancholly t'wll attenuate the humor and
send up strange fancies and as strange visions to the
head, therfore let it be taken inwardly with great
moderation, outwardly you may make more bold with it.
Mars owns the herb.
## <h116>
# chapter 116 GERMANDER
# unit T chaptertitle
GERMANDER.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Common Germander shooteth forth sundry stalks with
small and somwhat round leavs, dented about the edges:
The Flowers stand at the tops, of a deep purple colour:
The Root is composed of divers sprigs, which shoot forth a
great way round about, quickly over spreading a ground.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth usually with us in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
And flowreth in June or July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This taken with Honey (saith Dioscorides) is a remedy
for Coughs for hardnes of the Spleen, and difficulty of
Urin, & helpeth those that are fallen into a Dropsie,
especially at the beginning of the disease, a Decoction
being made therof when it is green & drunk: It also
bringeth down Womens Courses and expelleth the dead child:
It is most effectual against the poyson of al Serpents,
being drunk in Wine and the bruised herb outwardly applyed
used with Honey, it clenseth old and foul Ulcers, and made
into an Oyl and the Eyes anoynted therwith, taketh away
their dimness and moystness: It is likewise good for the
paines in the sides: and Cramps. The Decoction thereof
taken for some daies together, driveth away and cureth
both Tertian and Quartan Agues. It is also good against
all diseases of the brain as continual Headach
Falling-sickness, Melancholly, Drowsines and Dulnes of
spirit, Convulsions and Palseys. A dram of the seed taken
in Pouder purgeth by Urine and is good against the yellow
Jaundice. The Juyce of the leaves dropped into the eares
killeth the worms in them: The tops therof when they are
in flower steeped twenty four hours in a draught of white
Wine and drunk, killeth wormes in the belly.
# unit G marginalnote
Cough, Spleen, Disury, Dropsie, Terms provokes,
Dead child, Poyson, Ulcers, Cramps, Agues, Falling
sickness, Headach, Melancholy, dulness of Spirit,
Convulsion, Palsey, Yellow Jaundice, Worms.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is a most prevalent Herb of Mercury, and strengthens
the brain and apprehention exceedingly; you may see what
humane vertues are under Mercury in the latter end of my
Ephemeris for 1651. Strengthen them when weak, relieve
them, when drooping, by this Herb.
## <h117>
# chapter 117 STINKING_GLADWIN
# unit T chaptertitle
STINKING GLADWIN.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This is one of the kinds of Flower-de-luces, having
divers Leavs rising from the Roots very like a
Flower-de-luce, but that they are sharp edged on both
sides, and thicker in the middle, of a deeper green
colour, narrower and sharper pointed and of a strong ill
scent if they be bruised between the fingers: In the
midle riseth up a reasonable strong Stalk a yard high at
least, beareth 3 or 4 Flowers at the top made somwhat like
the Flowers of the Flower-de-luce with three upright
Leaves of a dead Purplish Ash-colour with some Veins
discoloured in them, the other three do not fall down, nor
the three other smal ones are so arched nor cover the
lower leaves as the Flower-de-luce doth, but stand loose,
or asunder from them: After they are past, there come up
three square hard Husks opening wide into three parts when
they are ripe, wherin lie reddish seed, turning black when
it hath abidden long: The Root is like that of the
Flower-de-luce but reddish on the outside, and whitish
within, very sharp and hot in tast, of as evil a scent as
the leavs.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This groweth as well on the upland grounds as also in
moist places, in woods and shadowy places by the Sea side
in many places of this Land, and is usually nursed up in
Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It flowreth not until July, and the seed is ripe in
August or September, yet the Huskes after they are ripe
opening themselves, will hold their seeds within them for
2 or 3 Months, and not shedd them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is used by many countrey people to purge corrupt
tough Flegm and Choller which they do by drinking the
decoction of the Root, and some to make it work more
gently do but infuse the sliced roots in Ale, and some
take the leavs wch serveth wel for the weaker stomachs.
The Juyce herof put up, or snuffed up the nose causeth
neezing, & draweth from the head much corruption; & the
pouder therof doth the same: The Pouder therof drunke in
wine, helpeth those that are troubled with Cramps, and
Convulsion or wth the Gout or Sciatica and giveth ease to
those that have any griping pains in their body or belly,
and helpeth those that have the Strangury: It is given
wth much profit to those that have had long Fluxes by the
sharp & evil quality of humors, which it stayeth having
first clensed & purged them by the drying and binding
property therin. The Root boyled in wine and drunk doth
effectually procure womens courses, and used as a Possary
worketh the same effect, but causeth Abortion in women
with child. Half a dram of the seed beaten to pouder and
taken in wine doth speedily caus one to pis which otherwis
cannot: The same taken with vinegar, dessolveth the
hardnes & swellings of the spleen. The Root is very
effectual in all Wounds, and specially of the head, as
also to draw forth any splinters, Thornes, Broken bones,
or any other thing sticking in the flesh without causing
pain, being used with a little Verdigreese and Honey, and
the great Centaury Root: The same boyled in Vinegar and
laid upon any Tumor or Swelling, doth very effectually
dissolve and consume them, yea even the swellings of the
Throat called the Kings evil. The Juyce of the Leavs and
Roots healeth the Itch and all running or spreading Scabs
or Sores, and Blemishes or Scars in the Skin wheresoever
they be.
# unit G marginalnote
Flegm, Choller, Head, Cramp, Convulsion, Gout,
Sciatica, Belly-ach, Strangury, Fluxes.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Terms provokes, Disury, Spleen, Wounds,
Splinters, Thorns, broken Bones, Kings Evil, Itch, Scabs,
Blemishes in the Skin.
#end marginalnote
## <h118>
# chapter 118 GOLDEN_ROD
# unit T chaptertitle
GOLDEN ROD.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This riseth up with brownish smal round Stalks two foot
high and somtimes more, having thereon many narrow and
long dark greene leaves very seldom with any dents about
the edges, or any strakes or white spots therin, yet they
are somtimes so found; divided at the tops into many small
branches, with divers small yellow flowers on every one of
them, all which are turned one way, and being ripe do turn
into down & are caried away with the wind. The Root
consisteth of many small fibres which grow not deep in the
ground, but abideth all the winter therin, shooting forth
new branches every yeer, the old ones dying downe to the
ground.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in the open places of woods and Copses both
moyst and dry grounds in many places of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth about the Month of July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Arnoldus de villa nova, commendeth it much against the
Stone in the Reins and Kidneys, and to provoke Urine in
abundance, whereby also the Gravel or Stone may be
avoided. The Decoction of the Herb green or dry, or the
distilled Water therof is very effectual for inward
Bruises, as also to be outwardly applied, it stayeth
bleedings in any part of the Body, and of Wounds also, the
Fluxes of Humors, the Bloody Flux, and Womens Courses; and
is no less prevalent in all Ruptures or Burstings, being
drunk inwardly and outwardly applied. It is a Soveraign
Wound Herb, inferior to none, both for inward and outward
Hurts, green Wounds and old Sores and Ulcers are quickly
cured therewith. It is also of especial use in all
Lotions for Sores or Ulcers in the Mouth, Throat, or privy
parts of Man or Woman: The Decoction also helpeth to
fasten the Teeth that are loos in the Gums.
# unit G marginalnote
Stone, Gravel, Disury, Wounds, Flux, Bloody
Flux, Terms stops, Ruptures.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Ulcers, Sore Mouth & Throat, Teeth loos, Beauty
lost.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Venus claims the Herb, and therefore to be sure, it
restores Beauty lost.
## <h119>
# chapter 119 GOUTWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
GOUTWORT, or HERB-GERRARD.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This is a low Herb seldom rising half a yard high,
having sundry Leavs standing on brownish green Stalks by
threes, snipped about, and of a strong unpleasant favour.
The Umbels of Flowers are white, and the Seed blackish,
the Root runneth in the Ground, quickly taking up a great
deal of room.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth by Hedg and Wall sides, and often in the
borders or Corners of Fields, and in Gardens also.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth, and Seedeth about the end of July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Goutwort had not his name for nothing, but upon good
experience to help the cold Gout, and Sciatica, as also
Joynt aches, and other cold Griefs.
# unit G marginalnote
Gout, Sciatica, Joynts.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The very bearing of it about one, easeth the pains of
the Gout, and defends him that bears it from the Disease.
## <h120>
# chapter 120 GROMEL
# unit T chaptertitle
GROMEL.
# unit P text
Of this I shall briefly describe three kinds which are
principally used in Physick, the Vertues whereof are
alike, though somwhat different in their manner and form
of growing.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The greater Gromel groweth up with slender hard and
hairy Stalks trailing and taking Root in the ground as it
lieth thereon, and parted into many other smaller Branches
with hairy dark green Leavs thereon. At the Joynts with
the Leavs come forth very smal blew Flowers, and after
them hard stony roundish Seed. The Root is long and woody
abiding the Winter and shooting forth fresh Stalks in the
Spring.
The smal wild Gromel sendeth forth divers upright hard
branched Stalks two or three foot high, full of Joynts, at
every of which growth smal, long, hard, and rough Leavs,
like the former but lesser, among which Leavs come forth
small white Flowers, and after them grayish round Seed
like the former. The Root is not very long, but with many
Strings thereat.
The Garden Gromel hath divers upright slender woody
hairy Stalks brown and crested, very little branched, with
Leavs like the former, and white Flowers, after which in
rough brown Husks is contained a white hard round Seed
shining like Pearls, & greater than either of the former:
The Root is like the first described, with divers Branches
and Strings thereat, which continueth (as the first doth)
all Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The two first grow wild in barren or untilled places,
and by the way sides in many places of this Land. The
last is a Nursling in the Gardens of the curious.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They all Flower from Midsummer unto September somtimes,
and in the mean time the Seed ripeneth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
These are accounted to be of as singular force as any
other Herb or Seed whatsoever, to break the Stone, and to
avoid it and the Gravel either in the Reins or Bladder; as
also to provoke Urine being stopped, and to help the
Strangury. The Seed is of greatest use, being bruised and
boiled in white Wine, or in Broth, or the like, or the
Pouder of the Seed taken therin: Two drams of the Seed in
Pouder taken with Womens Breast-Milk, is very effectual to
procure a speedy Delivery to such Women as have sore pains
in their Travail and cannot be delivered. The Herb it
self (when the Seed is not to be had) either boyled or the
Juyce therof drunk, is effectual to all the purposes
aforesaid but not so powerful or speedy in operation.
# unit G marginalnote
Stone, Gravel, Strangury, Travail in Women.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Herbe belongs to Dame Venus, and therfore if Mars
caus the Chollick or Stone, as usually he doth if in
Virgo, this is your cure.
## <h121>
# chapter 121 WINTER_GREEN
# unit T chaptertitle
WINTER GREEN.
# unit P text
This sendeth forth 7. 8. or 9 Leaves from a smal
brownish creeping Root, every one standing upon a long
Footstalk, which are almost as broad as long, round
pointed, of a sad green colour and hard in handling, and
like the Leaf of a Pear-tree, from whence ariseth a
slender weak Stalk, yet standing upright, bearing at the
top many smal, white and sweet smelling Flowers, laid open
like a Star, consisting of five round pointed Leavs, with
many yellowish threds standing in the middle, about a
green Head, and a long stile with them, which in time
groweth to be the Seed Vessel, which being ripe is found
five square with a smal point at it, weerin is contained
Seed as small as dust.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth seldom in the Fields, but frequently in the
Woods Northwards, viz. In Yorkshire, Lancashire, and
Scotland.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth about June or July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Winter-Green is a singular good Wound Herb and an
especial Remedy for to heal green Wounds speedily, the
green Leavs being brused and applied, or the Juyce of
them: A Salve made of the green Herbs stamped or the Juyce
boyled with Hogs Lard, or with Sallet Oyl and Wax, and
some Turpentine added unto it, is a Soveragn Salve, and
highly extolled by the Germans who much use it to heal all
manner of Wounds and Sores. The Herb boyled in Wine and
Water and given to drink to them that have any inward
Ulcers in their Kidneys or Neck of the Bladder, doth
wonderfully help them: It staieth also all Fluxes whether
of Blood or Humors, as the Lask, bloody Flux, Womens
Courses, and bleeding of Wounds, and taketh away any
Inflamation rising upon pains of the Heart. It is no less
helpful for foul Ulcers hard to be cured, as also for
Cankers or Fistulaes. The distilled Water of the Herb
doth effectually perfrom the same things.
# unit G marginalnote
Wounds.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Ulcers, Kidneys, Bladder, Flux, Bloody flux,
Terms stops, Inflamations, Cankers, Fistulaes.
#end marginalnote
## <h122>
# chapter 122 GROUNDSEL
# unit T chaptertitle
GROUNDSEL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Our common Groundsel hath a round green, and somwhat
brownish Stalk spread toward the top into Branches, set
with long and somwhat narrow green Leavs cut in on the
edges, somwhat like the Oak Leavs, but lesser and round at
the ends; at the tops of the Branches stand many smal
green Heads, out of which grow small yellow threds or
thrums, which are the Flowers, and continue many daies
blown in that manner before it pass away into Down, and
with the Seed is carried away in the wind. The Root is
smal and threddy, and soon perisheth, and as soon riseth
again of its own sowing, so that it may be seen many
Months in the Yeer, both green, and in Flower and Seed,
for it will Spring and Seed twice in a yeer at least if it
be suffered in a Garden.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This groweth almost every where, as wel on the tops of
Walls as at the foot among Rubbish, and untilled grounds,
but especially in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth as is said before, almost in every Month
through the yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Decoction of the Herb (saith Dioscorides) made with
Wine and Drunk helpeth the pains in the Stomach proceeding
of Choller (which it may well do by a Vomit, as daily
experience sheweth) the Juyce hereof taken in Drink, or
the Decoction of it in Ale, gently performeth the same:
It is good against the Jaundice and Falling-sickness being
taken in Wine, as also against difficulty of making Water,
it provoketh Urin, expelleth Gravel in the Reins or
Kidneys; a dram thereof given in Oximel, after some
walking or stirring the Body; It helpeth also the
Sciatica, griping of the Belly and the Chollick, helpeth
the defects of the Liver, and provoketh Womens Courses.
The fresh Herb boyled and made into a Pultis and applied
to the Breasts of Women that are swollen with pain and
heat, as also to the privy parts of Man or Woman, the
Seat, or Fundament, or the Arteries, Joynts, and Sinews
when they are inflamed and swoln, doth much eas them: and
used with some Salt helpeth to dissolve Knots or Kernels
in any part of the Body. The Juyce of the Herb, or (as
Dioscorides saith) the Leavs and Flowers with some fine
Frankincense in Pouder, used in Wounds of the Body, Nervs,
or Sinews, doth singularly help to heal them: The
Distilled water of the herb performeth well all the
aforesaid Cures, but especially for Inflamations or
watering of the Eyes by reason of the Defluxion of Rhewm
into them.
# unit G marginalnote
Choller in the Stomach, Yellow Jaundice,
Falling-sickness, Disury, Gravel, Sciatica, Chollick,
Liver, Terms provokes, Womens Breasts, Privy parts,
Arteries, Joynts & Sinews over heated, Kernels, Wounds in
the Sinews, Inflamations in the Eyes.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
This Herb is Venus her Mrs. piece, and is as gallant an
Universal Medicine for all Diseases coming of heat
whatsoever they be, or in what part of the Body soever
they lie, as the Sun shines upon; 'tis very safe and
friendly to the Body of Man, yet causeth Vomiting if the
Stomach be afflicted, if not, it purging, and it doth it
with more gentleness than can be expected. 'Tis moist and
somwhat cold withal, thereby causing expulsion, and
repressing the Heat caused by the motion of the internal
parts in Purges and Vomits, Lay by your Learned Receipts,
Take so much Senna, so much Scammony, so much Colocynthis,
so much Infusion of Crocus Metallorum, &c, This Herb
alone preserved in a Syrup, in a distilled Water, in an
Oyntment shal do the deed for you in all hot Diseases, and
it shall do it, 1. Safely, 2. Speedily.
## <h123>
# chapter 123 HARTS-TONGUE
# unit T chaptertitle
HARTS-TONGUE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath divers Leavs rising from the Root every one
severally which fold themselvs in their first springing
and spreading; when they are full grown are about a foot
long, smooth and green above, but hard and with little Sap
in them, and straked on the back athwart on both sides of
the middle Rib, with smal and somwhat long brownish marks;
the bottoms of the Leavs are a little bowed on each side
of the middle Rib somwhat narrow with the length, and
somwhat smal at the end. The Root is of many black
threds, folded or interlaced together.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It is green all the Winter, but new Leavs spring every
yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Harts-Tongue is much commended against the hardness and
stoppings of the Spleen and Liver, and against the heat of
the Liver and Stomach, and against Lasks and the Bloody
Flux: The Distilled Water therof is also very good
against the Passions of the Heart, and to stay the
Hiccough, to help the falling of the Pallat, and stay the
bleeding of the Gums being gargled in the mouth.
Dioscorides saith it is good against the stinging or
biting of Serpents.
# unit G marginalnote
Spleen, Liver, Flux, Bloody flux, Hiccough,
Gums, Venemous Beasts.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Jupiter claims Dominion over this Herb, therfore is a
singular Remedy for the Liver, both to strengthen it when
weak, and eas it when afflicted, 'tis no matter by what
you should do well to keep it in a Syrup all the yeer, for
though my Author say 'tis green all the yeer, I scarce
beleev it.
As for the use of it, my Directions at latter end will
be sufficient, and enough for those that are studious in
Physick to whet their Brains upon for one year or two.
## <h124>
# chapter 124 HAZEL_NUT
# unit T chaptertitle
THE HAZEL NUT.
# unit P text
These ar so well known to every Boy, that they need no
Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The parched Kernels made into an Electuary, or the Milk
drawn from the Kernels with Mead or Honeyed Water, is very
good to help an old Cough; and being parched and a little
Pepper put to them and drunk digesteth the Distillations
of Rhewm from the Head: The dried Husks and Shels to the
weight of two drams taken in red Wine, staieth Lasks, and
Womens Courses, and so doth the red Skin that covers the
Kernels which is more effectual to stay Womens Courses.
# unit G marginalnote
Cough, Phtisick, Flux, Terms stops.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
And if this be true as it is, then why should the
Vulgar so familiarly affirm, that eating Nuts causeth
shortness of Breath than which nothing is falser, for how
can that which strengthens the Lungues cause shortness of
breath? I confess the Opinion is far older than I am, I
knew Tradition was a Friend to Errors before, but never
that he was the Father of Slanders, or are mens tongues so
given to slandering one another that they must slander
Nuts too, to keep their tongues in use? If any thing of
the Hazel Nut be stopping 'tis the Husks and Shels, and no
body is so mad to eat them unless Physically, and the red
Skin which covers the Kernel which you may easily pull
off. And thus have I made an Apology for Nuts which
cannot speak for themselves.
## <h125>
# chapter 125 HAWKWEED
# unit T chaptertitle
HAWKWEED.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath many large hairy leaves lying on the ground,
much rent or torn on the sides into many gashes like
Dandelion but with greater parts more like the smooth sow
Thistle from among wth ariseth a hollow rough stalk two or
three foot high branched from the middle upward, wherin
are set at every Joynt longer leaves, little or nothing
rent or cut in, bearing at their tip sundry pale, yellow
Flowers consisting of many small narrow leavs, broad
pointed and nicked in at the ends, set in a double row or
more, the outermost beeing larger than the inner, which
form most of the Hawkweeds (for there are many kinds of
them) do hold, which turne into down, and with the small
brownish seeds, is blown away with the wind: The Roote is
long somwhat greater with many small fibres thereat. The
whole is full of bitter milke.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in divers places about Field sides, and the
path waies in dry grounds.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It flowreth & flies away in the Sumer Months.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Hawkweed (saith Dioscorides) is cooling somwhat drying
and binding, and therfore good for the heat of the
stomach, and gnawings therein, for Inflamations and the
hot fits of Agues. The Juice therof in wine helpeth
digestion, discusseth wind, hindreth crudities abiding in
the stomack, and helpeth the difficulty of making Water,
the biting of Venemous Serpents, and sting of the
Scorpion, if the herb be also outwardly applyed to the
place, and is very good against all other Poysons. A
scruple of the dryed Juyce given in wine and vinegar is
profitable for those that have the Dropsie. The decoction
of the Herb taken with Honey, digesteth thin flegm in the
chest or lungs, and with Hysop helpeth the cough. The
Decoction therof and of wild Succory made with wine and
taken helpeth the wind chollick and hardness of the
spleen, it procureth rest and sleep, hindereth venery and
venereous dreams, cooleth, heats, purgeth the stomach,
encreaseth blood, & helpeth the diseases of the Reins and
Bladder. Outwardly applied it is singular good for all
the defects and diseases of the eyes, used with some
womens Milke, and is used wth good success in fretting or
creeping ulcers, especially in the beginning. The green
Herb bruised and with a little Salt applyed to any place
burnt with fire before blisters do arise, helpeth them, as
also inflamations St. Anthonies fire and al Pushes, and
eruptions, heat, and salt Flegm. The same applyed with
Meal and salt water in manner of a Poltis to any place
affected with convulsions and the Cramp or such as are out
of Joynt doth give help and ease. The distilled water
clenseth the skin and taketh away freckles, Spots, the
Morphew or Wrinkles in the face.
# unit G marginalnote
Cools, Dries, Binds, Gnawing in the Stomach,
Inflamations, Agues, Crudity, Disury, Venemous Beasts,
Poyson, Dropsie, Flegm, Chollick, Spleen, Watching, Lust
stops, Venerious Dreams, Reins, Bladder, Eyes, Ulcers,
Burnings, Inflamations, St. Anthonies Fire, Heat, salt
Flegm, Convulsion, Cramp, Freckles, Spots, Morphew,
Wrinkles.
#end marginalnote
## <h126>
# chapter 126 HAWTHORN
# unit T chaptertitle
THE HAWTHORN.
# unit P text
It is not my intent to trouble you with a Description
of this Tree which is so well known that it needeth none.
It is ordinarily but a Hedg Bush, although being pruned
and dressed it groweth to be a Tree of a reasonable
height.
As for the Hawthorn tree at Glastenbury, which is said
to flower yearly on Christmas Day, it rather shews the
superstition of those who observe it for the time of its
Flowring, than any great wonder, sith the like may be
found in diverse other places of this land, as in
Whey-street in Rumney Marsh, and neer unto Nantwiche in
Cheshire by a place called White-Green, where if the
Winter be milde they will be white blossomes all over
before and about Christmas, as in May, if the weather be
frosty, it Flowreth not until January, or that the hard
weather be over.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Berries or the seed in the Berries beaten to pouder
and drunk in wine, are held singular good against the
stone and are good for the dropsy. The distilled water of
the Flowers stayeth the lask. The seeds cleared from the
Down, bruised and boyled in wine & drunk is good for
inward tormenting pains: If cloathes and spunges be wet
in the said distilled water and applyed to any place
wherin thornes, splinters or the like do abide in the
Flesh, it will notably draw them forth.
# unit G marginalnote
Stone, Dropsie, Flux, Inward pains, Splinters,
Thorns.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
And thus you see the thorn gives a medicine for his own
pricking, and so doth almost every thing else.
## <h127>
# chapter 127 HEMLOCK
# unit T chaptertitle
HEMLOCK.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Common great Hemlock groweth up with a green stalk
four or five foot high or more, ful of red spots somtimes,
and at the Joynts very large winged leavs set at them
which are divided into many other winged leaves, one set
against another dented about the edges, of a sad green
colour branched towards the top where it is full of Umbles
of white Flowers, and afterwards with whitish flat Seed:
The Root is long, white, and somtimes crooked and hollow
within, the whol Plant and every part hath a strong,
heady, and ill favor'd scent, much offending the Senses.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in all Countries of this Land by Wals and
Hedges sides, in wast Grounds and untilled places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth and Seedeth in July, or there abouts.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Hemlock is exceeding cold and very dangerous,
especially to be taken inwardly: It may safely be applied
to Inflamations, Tumors, and Swelling in any part of the
Body (save the Privy parts) as also to St. Anthonies fire
Wheals, Pushes, and creeping Ulcers that rise of hot sharp
Humors, by cooling and repelling the heat. The Leavs
bruised and laid to the Brow or Forehead, is good for
their Eyes that are red and swollen, as also to take away
a Pin and Web growing in the Eye, this is a tried
Medicine; Take a smal Handful of the Herb and half so much
Bay Salt beaten together, and applied to the contrary
Wrest of the Hand for twenty four Hours, doth remove it in
thrice dressing. If the Root hereof be roasted under the
Embers, wrapped in double wet Papers, until it be soft and
tender, and then applied to the Gout in the Hands or
Fingers it will quickly help this evil. If any shall
through mistake eat the Herb Hemlock instead of Parsly, or
the Root instead of a Parsnip (both which it is very like)
whereby hapneth a kind of Phrensie, or Perturbation of the
senses, as if they were stupified or drunk, The Remedy is
as Pliny saith, to drink of the best and strongest pure
Wine, before it strike to the Heart, or Gentian put into
Wine or a draught of good vinegar, wherewith Tragus doth
affirm that he cured a Woman that had eaten the Root.
# unit G marginalnote
Inflamations, St. Anthonies Fire, Tetters,
Ringworms, Eyes, Pin and web, Gout, Lechery.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Saturn claims Dominion over the Herb, yet I wonder why
it may not be applied to the privities in a Priapismus, or
continual standing of the Yard, it being very beneficial
for that Disease; I suppose my Authors Judgment was first
upon the opposit Disposition of Saturn to Venus in those
Faculties, and therfore he forbid the applying of it to
those parts that it might not caus Barrenness, or spoil
the Spirit Procreative, which if it do, yet applied to the
Privities it stops lustful thoughts.
## <h128>
# chapter 128 HEMP
# unit T chaptertitle
HEMP.
# unit P text
This is so well known to every good Huswife in the
Country, that I shal not need to write any Description of
it.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It is sown in the end of March, or beginning of April,
and is ripe in August or September.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Seed of Hemp consumeth Wind, and by the much use
thereof disperseth it so much that it drieth up the
natural Seed for Procreation; yet being boyled in Milk and
taken, helpeth such as have a hot dry Cough. The Dutch
make an Emulsion out of the Seed, and give it with good
success to those that have the Jaundice, especially in the
beginning of the Disease if there be no Ague accompanying
it, for it openeth Obstructions of the Gall, and causeth
digestion of Choller. The Emulsion or Decoction of the
Seed staieth Lasks and continual Fluxes, easeth the
Chollick, and allayeth the troublesom Humors in the
Bowels, and staieth bleeding at the Mouth, Nose, or other
place, some of the Leavs being fried with the Blood of
that bleed, and so given them to eat. It is held very
good to kill the Worms in man or Beast, and the Juyce
dropped into the Ears killeth Worms in them, and draweth
forth Earwigs, or other living Creatures gotten into them.
The Decoction of the Root allayeth Inflamations in the
Head or any other parts; the Herb it self, or the
Distilled Water thereof doth the like: The Decoction of
the Roots easeth the pains of the Gout, the hard Tumors,
or Knots in the Joynts, the pains and shrinking of the
Sinews, and the pains of the Hips: The fresh Juyce mixed
with a little Oyl and Butter, is good for any place that
hath been burnt with fire being thereto applied.
# unit G marginalnote
Wind, Cough, Jaundice, Gall, Choller.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Flux, Chollick, Bleeding, Worms, Earwigs,
Inflamation, Gout, Sinews shrunk.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is a Plant of Saturn, and good for something els you
see than to make Halters only.
## <h129>
# chapter 129 HENBANE
# unit T chaptertitle
HENBANE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Our common Henbane hath very large, thick, soft, wooly
Leavs lying upon the ground, much cut in or torn on the
edges of a dark ill grayish green colour, among which rise
up divers thick & short Stalks two or three foot high,
spread into divers smaller Branches with lesser Leavs on
them, and many hollow Flowers scarce appearing above the
Husks, and usually torn on the one side, ending in five
round points growing one above another, of a deadish
yellow colour, somwhat paler toward the edges, with many
purplish Veins therein, and of a dark yellowish purple in
the bottom of the Flower, with a smal pointel of the same
colour in the middle, each of them standing in hard close
Husk, which after the Flower is past, groweth very like
the Husk of Asarabacca, and somwhat sharp at the top
Points, wherein is contained much smal Seed very like
Poppy Seed, but of a dusky grayish colour. The Root is
great, white and thick, branching forth divers waies under
ground, so like a Parsnip Root (but that it is not so
white) that it hath deceived divers. The whol Plant more
than the Root hath a heavy ill soporiferous smell somwhat
offensive.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It commonly groweth by the way sides, and under Hedg
sides and Wals.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in July, and springeth again yeerly of its
own Seed.
I doubt my Author mistook July for June, if not for
May.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Leavs of Henbane do cool all hot Inflamations in
the Eyes or any other part of the Body; and are good to
asswage all manner of Swellings of the Cods or Womens
Breasts, or els where, if they be boyled in Wine, and
either applied themselves or the Fomentation warm; it also
asswageth the pain of the Gout, the Sciatica and all other
pains in the Joynts which arise from an hot caus. And
applied with Vinegar to the Forehead and Temples, helpeth
the Headach and want of sleep in hot Feavers. The Juyce
of the Herb or Seed, or the Oyl drawn from the Seed doth
the like. The Oyl of the Seed is helpful for the
Deafness, Nois, and Worms in the Ears, being dropped
therein; the Juyce of the Herb, or Root doth also the
same. The Decoction of the Herb, or Seed, or both,
killeth Lice in Man and Beast. The fume of the dried Herb
Stalks and Seed burned, quickly healeth Swellings,
Chilblains, or Kibes in the Hands or Feet, by holding them
in the fume thereof. The Remedy to help those that have
taken Henbane is to drink Goats Milk, Honyed Water or Pine
Kernels, with Sweet Wine: or in the absence of these,
Fennel Seed, Nettle Seed, the Seed of Cresses, Mustard, or
Radish, as also Onions, or Garlick taken in Wine, do all
help to free them from danger, and restore them to their
due temper again.
# unit G marginalnote
Inflamation, Cods, Womens Breasts, Gout,
Sciatica, Joynts, Watching, Deafness, Noise in the Ears,
Chilblains, Kibes, French Pox.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Take notice that this Herb must never be taken
inwardly, outwardly, an Oyl, Oyntment, or Plaister of it,
is most admirable for the Gout, to cool the Venerial heat
of the Reins in the French Pox, to stop the Toothach being
applied to the aching side, to allay all Inflamations, and
to help the Diseases before premised.
I wonder in my Heart how Astrologers could take on them
to make this an Herb of Jupiter, and yet Mizaldus, a man
of a penetrating Brain, was also of this Opinion as wel as
the rest, the Herb is indeed under the Dominion of Saturn,
and I prove it by this Argument.
All the Herbs which delight most to grow in Saturnine
places, are Saturnine Herbs.
But Henbane delights most to grow in Saturnine places,
and whol Cart loads of it may be found neer the places
where they empty the common Jakes, and scarce a stinking
Ditch to be found without, it growing by it.
Ergo 'tis an Herb of Saturn.
## <h130>
# chapter 130 HERB_ROBERT
# unit T chaptertitle
HERB ROBERT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This riseth up with a reddish stalk two foot high,
having divers leaves thereon upon very long and reddish
footstalkes, divided at the ends into three or five
divisions, each of them cut in on the edges some deeper
then others, and all dented likewise about the edges,
which often tims turn reddish: At the tops of the stalk
come forth divers flowers made of five leavs, much larger
than the Doves foot, and of a more reddish colour after
which come beak heads as in others: The Roote is small
and threddy, and smelleth as the whole plant very strong,
almost stinking.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This groweth frequently every where by way sides, upon
ditch banks, and wast grounds whersoever one goeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It flowreth in June and July chiefly, and the seed is
ripe shortly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Herb Robert is commended not only against the stone,
but to stay bloud, where or howsoever flowing; it speedily
healeth all green wounds, and is effectual in old ulcers
in the privy parts or else where.
# unit G marginalnote
Stone, Bleeding, Terms stops, Wounds, Ulcers in
the Privities.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
You may perswade your self this is true and also
conceive a good reason for it, if you doe but consider
'tis an herb of Venus for al it hath gotten a mans name.
## <h131>
# chapter 131 HERB_TRUE-LOVE
# unit T chaptertitle
HERB TRUE-LOVE,
or
ONE-BERRY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The ordinary Herb True-love, hath a small creeping Root
running under the upper crust of the ground, somwhat like
a Coutchgrass Root but not so white, shooting forth stalks
with leavs, some wherof carry no berries, though others
do, every stalk smooth without Joynts and blackish green,
rising about half a foot high if it bear berries otherwise
seldom so high, bearing at the top four leaves set
directly one against another in maner of a Cross or a
Riband tied (as it is called) on a True-loves Knot: which
are each of them a part: somwhat like unto a Nightshade
Leav, but somwhat broader, having somtimes but three
Leavs, sometimes five, sometimes six, and these somtimes
greater than in others. In the middle of the four Leavs
riseth up one smal slender Stalk about an inch high,
bearing at the top thereof one Flower spread open like a
Star consisting of four small and narrow long pointed
Leavs of a yellowish green colour, and four other lying
between them lesser than they; in the middle wherof
standeth a round dark purplish Button or Head, compassed
about with eight smal yellow Mealy threds, with three
colours make it the more conspicuous and lovely to behold:
This Button or Head in the middle, when the other Leavs
are withered, becometh a blackish Purple Berry full of
Juyce of the bigness of a reasonable Grape, having within
it many white Seeds: The whol Plant is without any
manifest tast.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in Woods and Copses, and somtimes in the
corners or borders of Fields and wast Grounds in very many
places of this Land; and abundantly in the Woods, Copses,
and other places about Chisselhurst and Maidstone in Kent.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They spring up in the middle of April or May, and are
in Flower soon after; The Berries are ripe in the end of
May, and in some places in June.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Leavs or Berries hereof are effectual to expel
poyson of all sorts, especially that of the Aconites, as
also the Plague, and other Pestilential Diseases. Some
have been holpen therby saith Mathiolus, that have lien
long in a lingring sickness, and others that by Witchcraft
(as it was thought) were become half foolish, by taking a
dram of the Seeds or Berries hereof in Pouder every day
for twenty daies together, they were restored to their
former health. The Roots in Pouder taken in Wine easeth
the pains of the chollick speedily: The Leavs are very
effectual as well for green Wounds, as to clens and heal
up old filthy Sores and Ulcers; and is very powerful to
discuss all Tumors, and Swellings in the Cods, privy
Parts, or Groyn, or in any part of the Body, and speedily
to ally all Inflamations. The Leavs or their Juyce
applied to Felons, or those Nails of the Hands or Toes
that have Imposthumes or Sores gathered together at the
Roots of them, healeth them in short space.
# unit G marginalnote
Poyson, Pestilence, Feavers, Witchcraft,
Chollick, Wounds, Ulcers, Swellings in the Groyn, Cods,
and Privities, Inflamations, Aposthumes.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Herb is not to be described for the premises, but
is fit to be nourished in every good Womans Garden.
Venus owns it.
## <h132>
# chapter 132 HYSOP
# unit T chaptertitle
HYSOP.
# unit P text
This is so well known to be an Inhabitant in every
Garden, that it wil save me Labor in writing a Description
thereof. The Vertues are as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Dioscorides saith that Hysop boyled with Rue and Honey,
and drunk, helpeth those that are troubled with Coughs,
shortness of breath, wheesing, and Rhewmatick
Distillations upon the Lungs: Taken also with Oximel, it
purgeth gross Humors by the Stool; and with Honey killeth
Worms in the Belly; and with fresh or new Figs bruised,
helpeth to loosen the Belly, and more forcibly if the Root
of Flower-de-luce and Cresses be added therto. It
amendeth and cherisheth the Native colour of the Body
spoiled by the yellow Jaundice, and being taken with Figs
and Nitre helpeth the Dropsie and the Spleen. Being
boyled with Wine, it is good to wash Inflamations: and
taketh away black and blew Spots and Marks that come by
Strokes, Bruises, or Fals, being applied with warm Water.
It is an excellent Medicine for the Quinsie, or Swelling
in the Throat, to wash and gargle it, being boyed with
Figs. It helpeth the Toothach, being boyled in Vinegar,
and gargled therwith. The hot Vapors of the Decoction
taken by a Funnel in at the Ears, easeth the Inflamations
and singing nois of them: Being bruised and Salt, Honey,
and Cummin Seed put to it, it helpeth those that are stung
by Serpents. The Oyl thereof being anoynted killeth Lice,
and taketh away Itching of the Head: It helpeth those
that have the Falling-sickness which way soever it be
applied: It helpeth to expectorate tough Flegm, and is
effectual in al cold Griefs, or Diseases of the Chest and
Lungs, being taken either in a Syrup or licking Medicine.
The green Herb bruised and a little Sugar put thereto,
doth quickly heal any cut, or green Wound, being therunto
applied.
# unit G marginalnote
Cough, Shortness of breath, Wheesing, Gross
Humors, Worms, yellow Jaundice, Dropsie, Spleen,
Inflamations, black and blue spots, Quinsie, Toothach,
Noise in the Ears, Venemous Beasts, Lice, Itching of the
Head, Falling-sickness, Wounds.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Herb is Jupiters, and the Sign Cancer; It
strengthens all the parts of the Body under Cancer and
Jupiter, which what they be may be found amply discoursed
of in my Astrological Judgment of Diseases.
## <h133>
# chapter 133 HOPS
# unit T chaptertitle
HOPS.
# unit P text
These are so well known that they need no Description,
I mean the manured kind which every good Husband or
Huswife is acquainted with.
The wild Hop groweth up as the other doth, ramping upon
Trees or Hedges that stand next unto them, with rough
branches, and Leavs like the former; but it giveth smaller
Heads & in far less plenty than it, so that there is
scarce a Head or two seen in a year on divers of this wild
kind; wherein consisteth the chief difference.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They delight to grow on low moist grounds, and are
found in all parts of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They spring not up until April, and Flower not until
the latter end of June, the heads are not gathered until
the middle or latter end of September.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This Physical operation is to open Obstructions of the
Liver and Spleen to clens the Blood, to loosen the Belly,
to clens the Reins from Gravel, and provoke Urine. The
Decoction of the tops of Hops, as well of the tame as the
wild, worketh the same effects. In clensing the Blood
they help to cure the French Disease, and al manner of
Scabs, Itch, and other breakings out in the Body, as also
al Tetters, Ringworms, and spreading Sores, the Morphew,
and all discolourings of the Skin. The Decoction of the
Flowers and tops, do help to expel poyson that any one
hath drunk: Half a dram of the Seed in Pouder taken in
drink, killeth Worms in the Body, bringeth down Womens
Courses, and expelleth Urin: A Syrup made of the Juyce
and Sugar, cureth the yellow Jaundice, easeth the Headach
that comes of Heat, and tempereth the heat of the Liver
and Stomach, and is profitably given in long and hot Agues
that rise of Choller and Blood. Both the wild and the
manured are of one property, and alike effectual in al the
aforesaid Diseases.
# unit G marginalnote
Obstructions, Liver, Spleen, Blood, Reins
clenseth, French Pox, Scabs, Itch, Tetters, Ringworms,
Morphew, Poyson, Worms, Terms provokes, Disury, yellow
Jaundice, Liver, Stomach, Agues.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
By all these Testimonies, Beer appears to be better
than Ale.
Mars owns the Plant, and then Dr. Reason will tell you
how it performs these actions.
## <h134>
# chapter 134 HOREHOUND
# unit T chaptertitle
HOREHOUND.
# unit S sectiontitle
Discription.
# unit P text
Common Horehound groweth up with square hoary Stalks,
half a yard or two foot high, set at the Joynts with two
round crumpled rough Leavs, of a sullen hoary green
colour, of a reasonable good scent, but a very bitter
tast: The Flowers are smal, white and gaping, set in
rough, hard, prickly Husks, round about the Joynts with
the leaves from the middle of the Stalk upwards, wherein
afterwards is found smal round blackish Seed. The root is
blackish, hard, and woody, with many strings thereat, and
abideth many years.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is found in many parts of this Land, in dry grounds
and wast green places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in or about July, and the Seed is ripe in
Augst.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
A Decoction of the dried Herb with the Seed, or the
Juyce of the green Herb taken with Honey, is a Remedy for
those that are pursie or short winded, or have a Cough or
are fallen into a Consumption either through long
sickness, or thin Distillations of Rhewm upon the Lungs.
It helpeth to expectorate tough Flegm from the Chest,
being taken with the Roots of Iris or Orris. It is given
to Women to bring down their Courses, to expel the
Afterbirth, and to them that have sore and long Travails,
as also to those that have taken Poyson, or are stung or
bitten by Venemous Serpents: The Leavs used with Honey
purge foul Ulcers stay running or creeping sores, and the
growing of the Flesh over the Nails. It also helpeth
pains of the sides. The Juyce thereof with Wine and Honey
helpeth to cleer the Eyesight, and snuffed up into the
Nostrils, purgeth away the yellow Jaundice, and with a
little Oyl of Roses dropped into the Ears easeth the pains
of them. Galen saith it openeth Obstructions both of the
Liver and Spleen, purgeth the Breast and Lungues of Flegm;
and used outwardly, it both clenseth and digesteth. A
decoction of Horehound (saith Mathiolus) is available for
those that have bad Livers, and for such as have Itches
and running Tetters; The Pouder hereof taken, or the
Decoction, killeth Worms. The green Leavs bruised and
boyled in old Hogs Greas unto an Oyntment, healeth the
biting of Dogs abateth the Swellings of Womens Breasts,
and taketh away the Swelling and Pains that come by any
pricking of Thorns, or such like means, and used with
Vinegar it clenseth and healeth Tetters. There is a Syrup
made of Horehound to be had at the Apothecaries, very good
for old Coughs, to rid the tough Flegm, as also to avoid
cold Rhewm from the Lungs of old Folks, and for those that
are Asmatick or short winded.
# unit G marginalnote
Difficulty of breath, Cough, Consumption,
Flegm, Terms provokes, Afterbirth, Weariness, Poyson,
Venemous Beasts, Ulcers, Sides, Eyes, Yellow Jaundice,
Ears, Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen. Liver, Itch,
Tetters, Worms, Dogs bitings, Womens Breasts, Thorns,
Asthmaes.
#end marginalnote
## <h135>
# chapter 135 HORSTAIL
# unit T chaptertitle
HORSTAIL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Of this there are many kinds, but I shall not trouble
you not my self with any large Description of them, which
to do, were but as the Proverb is, to find a knot in a
Rush; All the kinds hereof being nothing else but knotted
Rushes, some with Leavs and some without: Take the
Description of the most eminent sort as followeth.
The greater Horstail at the first springing hath Heads
somwhat like those of Asparagus, and after grow to be
hard, rough, hollow Stalks, joynted at sundry places up to
the top, a foot high, so made as if the lower part were
put into the upper, whereat grow on each side a Bush of
smal, long, Rush-like hard Leavs, each part resembling a
Hors Tail (from whence it was so called). At the tops of
the Stalks come forth smal Catkins like to those of Trees.
The Root creepeth under ground having Joynts at sundry
places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This (as most of the other sorts hereof) groweth in wet
grounds.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They spring up in April, and their blooming Catkins in
July, seeding for the most part in August, and then perish
down to the ground, rising afresh in the Spring.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Horstail, the smoother rather than the rough, and the
Leaved rather than the Bare are most Physical. It is very
powerful to stanch bleedings whersoever, either inward or
outward, the Juyce or Decoction, or distilled Water
applied outwardly: It staieth also al sorts of Lasks and
Fluxes in Man or Woman, and the pissing of Blood, and
healeth also not only the inward Ulcers, and excoriations
of the Entrails, Bladder, &c. but al other sorts of foul,
moist, and running Ulcers, and soon sodereth together the
tops of green Wounds; It cureth also Ruptures in Children.
The Decoction hereof in Wine being drunk provoketh Urin,
and helpeth the Stone and the Strangury; and the distilled
Water thereof drunk two or three times in a day, a smal
quantity at a time; as also easeth the Intrails or Guts,
and is effectual against a Cough that cometh by
distillation from the Head. The Juyce or distilled Water
being warmed, and hot Inflamations, Pustules, or red
Wheals, and other breakings out in the Skin, being bathed
therewith doth help them, and doth no less eas the
Swellings, heat, and Inflamations of the Fundament or
Privy parts in Man or Woman.
# unit G marginalnote
Bleeding, Flux, Terms stops, Pissing Blood,
Inward Ulcers, Excoriations of the Bladder, Ulcers,
Wounds, Ruptures, Disury, Stone, Strangury, Cough,
Inflamations, Pimples, Red Faces.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Herb is belonging to Saturn yet is very harmless,
and excellent good for the Premises.
## <h136>
# chapter 136 HOUSLEEKS
# unit T chaptertitle
HOUSLEEKS, or SENGREEN
# unit P text
These are so wel known unto my Country Men that I shal
not need to write any Description of them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth commonly on Walls and Hous sides, and
flowreth in July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Our ordinary Housleek is good for all inward heats, as
wel as outward, and in the Eyes or other parts of the
Body: A Posset made with the Juyce of Housleek is
singular good in al hot Agues, for it cooleth and
tempereth the Blood and Spirits, and quench the thirst;
and is also good to stay al hot Defluxions of sharp and
salt Rhewms in the Eyes, the Juyce being dropped into
them, or into the Ears helpeth them; It helpeth also other
Fluxes of Humors into the Bowels, and the immoderate
Courses of Women. It cooleth and restraineth also all
other hot Inflamations. St. Anthonies Fire, Scaldings and
Burnings, the Shingles, fretting Ulcers, Cankers, Tetters,
Ringworms and the like, and much easeth the pain of the
Gout proceeding from an hot caus. The Juyce also taketh
away Warts and Corns in the Hands or Feet, being often
bathed therewith, and the Skin of the Leavs being laid on
them afterwards. It easeth also the Headach, and
distempered heat of the Brain in Phrensies, or through
want of sleep, being applied to the Temples and Forehead.
The Leavs bruised and laid upon the Crown or Seam of the
Head staieth bleeding at the Nose very quickly. The
distilled Water of the Herb is profitable for all the
purposes aforesaid: The Leavs being gently rubbed on any
place stung with Nettles or Bees, doth quickly take away
the Pain.
# unit G marginalnote
Heat, Eyes, Agues, Thirst, Salt Rhewms, Ears,
Terms stops, Fluxes, Inflamations, St. Anthonies Fire,
Burnings, Scaldings, Tetters, Ringworms, Corns on the
Hands and Feet, Headach, Frenzy, Watching, Bleeding,
Nettles, Bees, &c.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is an Herb of Jupiter, and it is reported by
Myzaldus to preserve, it grows upon from Fire and
Lightning.
## <h137>
# chapter 137 HOUNDSTONGUE
# unit T chaptertitle
HOUNDSTONGUE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The great ordinary Houndstongue hath many long and
somwhat narrow, soft, hairy darkish green Leavs, lying on
the ground somwhat like unto Bugloss Leavs, from among
which riseth up a rough hairy Stalk about two foot high,
with some smaller Leavs thereon, and branched at the top
into divers parts, with a smal Leaf at the Foot of every
Branch, which is somwhat long, with many Flowers set along
the same, which Branch is crooked or turned inwards before
it Flowreth and openeth by degrees as the Flowers do blow,
which consist of four smal purplish red Leavs of a dead
colour, scarce rising out of the Husk wherein they stand,
with some threds in the middle: It hath somtimes a white
Flower. After the Flowers are past there cometh rough
flat Seed, with a smal pointel in the middle, easily
cleaving to any Garment that is toucheth, and not so
easily pulled off again: The root is black, thick, and
long, hard to break, and ful of a clammy Juyce, smelling
somwhat strong, of an evil scent as the Leavs also do.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in most places of this Land, in wast
grounds, and untilled places by high way sides, Lanes, and
Hedg sides.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth about May and June, and the Seed is ripe
shortly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Root is very effectually used in Pills, as wel as
in Decoctions, or otherwise, to stay al sharp and thin
Defluxions of Rhewm from the Head into the Eyes or Nose,
or upon the Stomach or Lungs, as also for Coughs or
shortness of breath. The Leavs boyled in Wine (saith
Dioscorides) but others do rather appoint it to be made
with Water, and to ad thereto Oyl and Salt, mollifieth or
openeth the Belly downwards; it also helpeth to cure the
biting of a mad Dog, some of the Leavs being also applied
to the Wound: The Leavs bruised, or the Juyce of them
boyled in Hogs Lard, and applied, helpeth the falling away
of the Hair which cometh of hot and sharp humors; as also
for any place that is scalded or burnt: The Leavs bruised
and laid to any green Wound doth heal it up quickly. The
Root baked under the Embers wrapped in Past, or wet
Papers, or in a wet double Cloth, and thereof a
Suppository made and put up into, or applied to the
Fundament, doth very effectually help the painful Piles or
Hemorrhoids. The distilled Water of the Herb and Roots,
is very good to al the purposes aforesaid, to be used as
wel inwardly to drink, as outwardly to wash any sore
places, or it healeth al manner of Wounds and Punctures
and those foul Ulcers that arise by the French Pox.
# unit G marginalnote
Eyes, Nose, Stomach, Lungs, Shortness of
breath, Mad Dogs.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Scaldings, Burnings, Hemorrhoids, Wounds,
Ulcers, French Pox.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Mizaldus ads to this, that the Leavs laid under the
Feet wil keep the Dogs from barking at you, Houndstongue
becaus it tries the Tongue of Hounds, whether it be true
or not I never tried yet I have cured the biting of a mad
Dog with this only Medicine.
## <h138>
# chapter 138 ST_JOHNS_WORT
# unit T chaptertitle
ST. JOHNS WORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common St. Johns-wort shooteth forth brownish,
upright, hard, round Stalks, two foot high, spreading many
Branches from the sides up to the tops of them with two
smal Leavs set one against another at every place, which
are of a deep green colour, somwhat like the Leavs of the
lesser Centaury, but narrower, and ful of smal holes in
every Leaf, which cannot be so wel perceived as when they
are held up to the light: At the tops of the Stalks and
Branches stand yellow Flowers made of five Leavs apiece,
with many yellow threds in the middle, which being bruised
do yeild a reddish Juyce like blood after which come smal
round Heads wherein is contained smal blackish Seed
smelling like Rozin: The Root is hard and woody with
divers strings and fibres at it, and of a brownish colour
which abideth in the ground many yeers, shooting anew
every Spring.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This groweth in Woods and Copses, as wel those that are
shady, as open to the Sun.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower about Midsummer, and in July, and their
Seed is ripe in the latter end of July or in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
St. Johns-wort, is as singular a Wound Herb as any
other whatsoever, either for inward Wounds, Hurts, or
Bruises, to be boyled in Wine and drunk, or prepared into
Oyl or Oyntment, Bath or Lotion outwardly: It hath power
to open Obstructions, to dissolve Swellings to close up
the Lips of Wounds, and to strengthen the parts that are
weak & feeble. The Decoction of the Herb and Flowers, but
of the Seed especially in Wine being drunk; or the Seed
made into Pouder and drunk with the Juyce of Knotgrass,
helpeth al manner of spitting and Vomiting of Blood, be it
by any Vein broken inwardly, by Bruises, Falls, or
howsoever: The same helpeth those that are bitten or
stung by any Venemous Creature: And is good for those
that are troubled with the Stone in their Kidneys, or that
cannot make water; and being applied provoketh Womens
Courses. Two drams of the Seed of St. Johns-wort made
into Pouder and drunk in a little Broth, doth gently expel
Choller, or congealed Blood in the Stomach; The Decoction
of the Leavs and Seeds being drunk somwhat warm before the
Fits of Agues, whether by the Tertians, or Quartanes, doth
alter the fits, and by often using doth take them quite
away: The Seed is much commended being drunk for forty
daies together, to help the Sciatica: The Falling
sickness, and the Palsey.
# unit G marginalnote
Wounds, Bruises, Obstructions, Swellings,
Spitting and Vomiting blood.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Venemous Beasts, Disury, Choller, Agues,
Sciatica, Falling-sickness, Palsey.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is under the Coelestial Sign Leo, and under the
Dominion of the Sun, it may be if you meet with a Papist
that is an Astrologer, he will tel you St. John made it
over to him by a Letter of Attourney, especially if withal
he be a Lawyer also.
## <h139>
# chapter 139 IVY
# unit T chaptertitle
IVY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This is so well known to every Child al to grow in
Woods upon the Trees, and upon the stone Walls of
Churches, Houses, &c. and somtimes to grow alone of it
self, though but seldom.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth not until July, and the Berries are not
ripe til Christide that they have felt the Winter Frosts.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
A pugil of the Flowers, which may be about a dram
(saith Dioscorides) drunk twice a day in red Wine, helpeth
the Lask and Bloody Flux. It is an enemy to the Nerves
and Sinews being much taken inwardly, but very helpful
unto them being outwardly applied. Pliny saith that the
yellow Berries are good against the Jaundice, and taken
before one be set to drink hard, preserveth from
drunkeness, and helpeth those that spit Blood: and that
the white Berries being taken inwardly, or applied
outwardly killeth the Worms in the Belly. The Berries are
a singular Remedy to prevent the Plague, as also to free
them from it that have got it, by drinking the Berries
therof made in Pouder, for two or three daies together:
They being taken in Wine do certainly help to break the
Stone, provoke Urine and Womens Courses. The fresh Leavs
of Ivy boyled in Vinegar, and applied warm to the sides of
those that are troubled with the Spleen, Ach, or Stitch in
the sides, doth give them much eas: The same applied with
some Rosewater and Oyl of Roses to the Temples and
Forehead, easeth the Headach though it be of long
continuace. The fresh Leavs boyled in Wine, and old
filthy Ulcers that are hard to be cured washed therewith,
doth wonderfully help to clens and heal them, it also
quickly healeth green Wounds, as also it is effectual to
heal al Burnings and Scaldings, and all kinds of
ezuicerations coming thereby. or by Salt Flegm or hot
Humors in other parts of the Body. The Juyce of the
Berries or Leavs snuffed up into the Nose, purgeth the
head and Brain of thin Rhewm that maketh Defluxions into
the Eyes and Nose, and cureth the Ulcers and Stench
therin: The same dropped into the Ears helpeth the old
and running Sores of them. Those that are troubled with
the Spleen shal find much eas by continual drinking out of
a Cup made of Ivy, so as the drink may stand some smal
time therein before it be drunk. Cato saith, that Wine
put into such a Cup wil soak through it, by reason of the
Antipathy that is between them.
# unit G marginalnote
Flux, Bloody Flux, Jaundice, Spitting Blood,
Worms, Drunkeness, Pestilence.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Stone, Disury, Terms provokes, Spleen, Stitch,
Headach, Ulcers, Wounds, Burnings, Scaldings, salt Flegm,
Rhewm, Sore Ears.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
There seems to be a very Antipathy between Wine and
Ivy, for if any have got a surfet by drinking Wine, his
speediest cure is to drink a draught of the same Wine
wherein a handful of Ivy Leavs being first bruised have
been boyled.
## <h140>
# chapter 140 KIDNEYWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
KIDNEYWORT, or WALL-PENYROYAL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath many thick, flat, and round Leavs growing
from the Root, every one having a long Footstalk fastned
underneth about the middle of it and a little unevenly
waved somtimes about the edges, of a pale green colour,
and somwhat hollow on the upper side like a Sawcer; from
among which rise one or more tender smooth hollow Stalks
half a foot high with two or three smal Leavs thereon,
usually not round as those below, but somwhat long and
devided at the edges: The tops are somtimes devided into
long Branches, bearing a number of Flowers, set round
about a long spike one above another, which are hollow and
like a little Bell, of a whitish green colour, after which
come smal Heads containing very smal brownish Seed, which
falling on the ground, wil plentifully spring up before
Winter, if it have moisture. The Root is round and most
usually smooth, grayish without and white within, having
smal fibres at the head of the Root, and bottom of the
Stalk.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth very plentifully in many places of this
Land, but especially in all the West parts thereof, upon
stone and mud Wals, upon Rocks also, and in stony places
upon the ground, at the Bottom of old Trees, and somtimes
on the Bodies of them that are decayed and rotten.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It usually Flowreth in the beginning of May and the
Seed is ripening quickly after, sheddeth it self: so that
about the end of Many usually, the Leavs and Stalks, are
withered, dry, and gone until September, that the Leavs
spring up again, and so abide all Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Juyce or the distilled water being drunk is very
effectual for al Inflamations and unnatural heats, to cool
a fainting hot Stomach, or a hot Liver or the Bowels: The
bruised Herb or the place bathed with the Juyce or
distilled Water thereof and outwardly applied healeth
Pimples, Redness, St. Anthonies Fire, and other outward
heats and Inflamations. The said Juyce or Water helpeth
much also to heal sore Kidneys, torn or fretted by the
Stone, or exulcerated within, and easeth the pains; It
also provoketh Urine, and is available for the Dropsie,
and helpeth to break the Stone, cooling the Inflamed parts
and other pains of the Bowels, and the bloody Flux; It is
singular good to cool the painful Piles, or Hemorrhoidal
Veins, the Juyce being used as a Bath unto them, or made
into an Oyntment: It is no less effectual to give eas of
pains to the hot Gout, the Sciatica, and the Inflamations
and Swellings in the Cods; It helpeth the Kernels or Knots
in the Neck or Throat, called the Kings Evil; healeth
Kibes and Chilblains if they be bathed with the Juyce, or
anointed with an Oyntment made thereof, and some of the
skin of the Leaf laid upon them; It is also used in green
Wounds to stay the Blood, and to heal them quickly.
# unit G marginalnote
Inflamations, Pimples, Redness, St. Anthonies
fire, Kidneys hurt by the Stone, Disury, Dropsie, Stone,
Bloody flux, Piles, Hemorrhoids, Gout, Sciatica, Cods,
Kings Evil, Kibes, Chilblains.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Venus challengeth the Herb, under Libra.
## <h141>
# chapter 141 KNAPWEED
# unit T chaptertitle
KNAPWEED.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common sort herof hath many long and somwhat broad
darke green leaves, rising from the root deeply dented
about the edges, and somtimes a little rent or torne on
both sides in two or three places, and somwhat hairy
withal among which riseth up a strong round stalk four or
five foot high, devided into many branches: at the tops
wherof stand great scalygreen heads, & from the middle of
them thrust forth a number of dark purplish red thrumms or
threds, which after they are withered and past, ther is
found divers black Seeds: lying in a great deal of down,
somwhat like unto a Thistle Seed, but smaller: The Root is
white, hard and woody, with divers fibres annexed
therunto, which perisheth not but abideth with leavs
theron all the winter, shooting out fresh every Spring.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in most Feilds and Meadows, and about their
borders and Hedges and in many wast grounds also, almost
every where.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It usually flowreth in June and July, and the seed is
ripe shortly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This Knapweed helpeth to stay Fluxes, both of blood at
the mouth or nose, or other outward parts, and those veins
that are inwardly broken, or inward wounds, as also the
Fluxes of the belly; It stayeth the distillations of thin
and sharp humors from the head upon the stomach and Lungs:
it is good for those that are bruised by any fall, blowes,
or otherwise. It is very profitable for those that are
bursten and have a Rupture, by drinking the decoction of
the Hearbe and roots in wine and applying the same
outwardly to the place. It is singular good in al running
sores, cankrous and fistulous drying up the moysture and
healing them up gently, without sharpness; it doth the
like to running sores or scabs of the head or other parts.
It is of special use for the soreness of the Throat,
swelling of the Vvula and Jaws; and excellent good to stay
the bleeding and heale up all green wounds.
# unit G marginalnote
Fluxes, Bleeding, Veins broken, Phtisick,
Falls, Blows, Ruptures, Sores, Cankers, Scabby head, Sore
throat, Vvula, Jaws.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Saturn challengeth the herb for his own.
## <h142>
# chapter 142 KNOT-GRASS
# unit T chaptertitle
KNOT-GRASS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This is generally so wel known that it needeth no
Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in every Country of this Land, by the
Highway sides and by foot paths in Fields, as also by the
sides of old Walls.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It springeth up late in the Spring, and abideth until
Winter, when all the branches perish.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Juyce of the common kind of Knot-grass, is most
effectuall to stay bleeding at the mouth, being drunke in
steeled or red Wine: and the bleeding at the Nose, to be
applyed to the Forehead and Temples or to be squirted up
into the Nostrils. And no less effectuall to coole and
temper that heat of the blood, & stomach and to stay any
Flux of the blood or humors, as Lask, Bloody flux, Womens
courses, and Running of the Reins. It is singular good to
provoke Urine, helpe the strangurie, and allay the heate
that cometh therby; and it powerful by Urin to expel the
Gravell, or stone in the kidneys or Bladder, a dram of the
pouder of the Herb being taken in wine for many dayes
together: Being boyled in wine and drunke, it is
profitable to those that are stung or bitten by venemous
creatures, and very effectual to stay al defluxions of
rhewmatick humors upon the stomach, & killeth Worms in the
belly or stomack, quieteth inward paines that arise from
the heat, sharpness & corruption of blood and Choller: The
distilled water herof taken by itself, or wth the pouder
of the Herb or seed, is very effectual to al the purposes
aforesaid, and is accounted as one of the most Soveraign
remedies to cool all manner of inflamations, breakings out
through heate, hot Swellings, and Impostumations,
Gangrenes, and Fistulous Cankers, or foule filthy Ulcers,
being applyed or put into them; but especially for all
sorts of Ulcers and Sores happening in the privie parts of
men or women. It helpeth all fresh and green Wounds, and
speedily helpeth them: The Juyce dropped into the Ears
cleanseth them being foule and having running matter in
them.
# unit G marginalnote
Bleeding, Heat, Flux, Bloody Flux, Courses
stops, Disury, Gravel, Venemous Beasts, Rhewm, Worms,
Heat.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Choller, Inflamations, Apostums, Gangrenes,
Fistulaes, Cankers, Ulcers, Wounds, Ears.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Saturn seems to me to own the Hearb, and yet some hold
the Sun, out of doubt 'tis Saturn, it is very prevalent
for the premises: as also for btoken Joynts, and Ruptures.
## <h143>
# chapter 143 LADIES-MANTLE
# unit T chaptertitle
LADIES-MANTLE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath many leavs rising from the Root, standing
upon long hairy footstalkes, being almost round, but a
little cut in on the edges, into eight or ten parts more
or less, making it seem like a Star, with so many corners
and points, and dented round about, of a light green
colour somwhat hard in handling, and as if it were folded,
or plaited at first, and them crumpled in divers places,
and a little hairy as the Stalk is also, which riseth up
among them to the height of two or three foot, with such
like Leavs thereon but smaller, and being weak is not able
to stand upright, but bendeth down to the Ground, devided
at the top into two or three smal Branches, with smal
yellowish green Heads, and Flowers of a whitish colour,
breaking out of them; which being past, there cometh smal
yellow Seed like Poppy Seed: The Root is somwhat long and
black with many strings or fibres thereat.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth naturally in many Pastures, and Wood sides,
in Harfordshire, Wiltshire, and Kent, and other places of
this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in May and June, and abideth after Seed
time green al the Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Ladies Mantle is very proper for those Wounds that have
Inflamations, and is very effectual to stay Bleedings,
Vomitings, Fluxes of al sorts in man or woman, and Bruises
by Fals or otherwise, and helpeth Ruptures, and such Women
or Maids as have over great Flagging Breasts, causing them
to grow less and hard, being both drunk, and outwardly
applied: The distilled water drunk for twenty daies
together helpeth Conception, and to retain the Birth, if
the Woman do somtimes also sit in a Bath made of the
Decoction of the Herb. It is one of the most singular
Wound Herbs that is, and therfore highly prized and
praised by the Germans, who use in al Wounds inward and
outward, to drink the Decoction thereof and wash the
Wounds therewith, or dip Tents therein and put them into
the Wounds, which wonderfully drieth up al humidity of the
Sores, and abateth Inflamations therein. It quickly
healeth al green Wounds, not suffering any corruption to
remain behind, and cureth old Sores though Fistulous and
hollow.
# unit G marginalnote
Inflamations, Bleeding, Vomiting, Fluxes,
Bruises, Ruptures, Flagging Breasts, Barrenness, Women
with child.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Venus claims the Herb as her own.
## <h144>
# chapter 144 LAVENDER
# unit T chaptertitle
LAVENDER.
# unit P text
This is so wel known, being an Inhabitant in almost
every Garden, that it needeth no Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It flowreth about the end of June and beginning of
July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Lavender is of special good use, for all the Griefs and
pains of the Head and Brains that proceed of a cold caus,
as the Apoplexy, Falling-sickness, the drowsie or sluggish
Malady, Cramps, Convulsions, Palseys, and often Faintings.
It strengtheneth the Stomach, and freeth the Liver and
Spleen from Obstructions, provoketh Womens Courses, and
expelleth the dead Child and Afterbirth. The Flowers of
Lavender steeped in Wine helpeth them to make water that
are stopped, or are troubled with the Wind or Chollick, if
the place be bathed therewith. A Decoction made with the
Flowers of Lavender, Horehound, Fennel, and Asparagus
Roots, and a little Cinnamon is very profitably used to
help the Falling-sickness, and the giddiness or turning of
the Brain. To gargle the Mouth with the Decoction thereof
is good against the Toothach. Two spoonfuls of the
distilled Water of the Flowers taken, helpeth them that
have lost their voice; as also the tremblings and passions
of the Heart, and faintings and swounings, not only being
drunk, but applied to the Temples, or Nostrils to be smelt
unto but it is not safe to use it where the Body repleat
with Blood and Humors, becaus of the hot and subtil
spirits wherewith it is possessed. The Chimical Oyl drawn
from Lavender, usually called Oyl of Spike, is of so
fierce and piercing Spirits that it is cautiously to be
used: some few drops being sufficient to be given with
other things, either for inward or outward Griefs.
# unit G marginalnote
Head, Brains, Apoplexie, Falling-sickness,
Lethargy, Cramps, Convulsions, Palsey both dead and
shaking, Stomach, Liver, Spleen, Terms provokes, Chollick,
Vertigo, loss of voyce, Trembling, Fainting.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Mercury owns the Herb, and it carries his effects very
potently.
Lavender Cotten hath the same Vertues with
Southernwood, which shal be shewed you when I come to
speak of it.
## <h145>
# chapter 145 LETTICE
# unit T chaptertitle
LETTICE.
# unit P text
This is so wel known being generally used as a Sallet
Herb, that it is altogether needless to write any
Description thereof.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Juyce of Lettice mixed or boyled with Oyl of Roses,
and applied to the Forehead and Temples procureth Sleep,
and easeth the Headach proceeding of an hot caus; being
eaten boyled, it helpeth to loosen the Belly. It helpeth
digestion, quencheth thirst, encreaseth Milk in Nurses,
easeth griping pains of the Stomach or Bowels, that come
of Choller. It abateth Bodily lust, represseth Venerous
Dreams, being outwardly applied to the Cods with a little
Camphire: Applied in the same manner to the Region of the
Heart, Liver or Reins, or by bathing the said place with
the Juyce or distilled Water, wherein some white Sanders
and red Roses are put also, it not only represseth the
heat and Inflamation therein, but comforts and strengthens
those parts, and also tempereth the heat of Urine. Galen
adviseth old men to use it with Spices, and where Spices
are wanting to ad Mints, Rocket and such like hot Herbs,
or els Citron, Lemmon, or Orange Seeds, to abate the cold
of one, and heat of the other. The Seed and distilled
Water of the Lettice work the like effects in al things:
but the use of Lettice is chiefly forbidden to those that
are short winded, or have any imperfection in their Lungs,
or spit Blood.
# unit G marginalnote
Watching, Head-ach, Indigestion, Thirst, Milk
encreaseth, Choller, Bowels, Lust, Venerious Dreams,
Inflamation, Heat of Urine.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Moon owns them, and that's the reason they cool and
moisten what heat and driness Mars causeth, because Mars
hath his fall in Cancer, and they cool the Heart, becaus
the Sun rules it, between whom and the Moon is a Reception
in the Generation of Man, as you may see in my Guide for
Women.
## <h146>
# chapter 146 WATER-LILLY
# unit T chaptertitle
THE WATER-LILLY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Of these there are two principally noted kinds, Viz.
The White, and the Yellow.
The White Lilly hath very large, round and thick dark
green Leavs lying on the Water, sustained by long and
thick Footstalks, that rise from a great thick, round and
long tuberous black Root, spungy or loos with many Knobs
thereon like Eyes, and whitish within, from amidst the
which rise other the like thick and great Stalks,
sustaining one large white Flower thereon, green on the
outside, but as white as Snow within, consisting of divers
rows of long, and somwhat thick and narrow Leavs, smaller
and thinner the more inward they be, encompassing a head
within wth many yellow threds, or thrums in the middle,
where after they are past, stand round Poppy-like Heads
ful of broad, Oyly, and bitter Seed.
The yellow kind is little different from the former
save only it hath fewer Leavs on the Flowers, greater and
more shining Seed, and a whitish Root, both within and
without: The Roots of both being somwhat sweet in tast.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They are found growing in great Pools and standing
Waters, and somtimes in slow running Rivers and lesser
Ditches of Water, in sundry places of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower most commonly about the end of May, and
their Seed is ripe in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Leavs and Flowers of the Water-Lillies are cold and
moist, but the Root and Seed is cold and dry: The Leavs
do cool al Inflamations, and both outward and inward heats
of Agues, and so doth the Flowers also, either, by the
Syrup or Conserve; The Syrup helpeth much to procure rest,
and to settle the Brains of Frantick persons, by cooling
the hot distemperature of the Head. The Seed as wel as
the Root is effectual to stay Fluxes of Blood or Humors,
either of Wounds, or of the Belley; but the Roots are most
used, some chusing the one, and some the other to be more
effectual to cool, bind and restrain all Fluxes in Man or
Woman, as also the running of the Reins, and the passage
away of the Seed when one is asleep: but the frequent use
hereof extinguisheth Venerous actions: The Root is
likewise very good for those whose Urine is hot and sharp
to be boyled in Wine or Wter, and the Decoction drunk.
The Distilled water of the Flowers is every effectual for
al the Diseases aforesaid both inwardly taken and
outwardly applied, and is much commended to take away
Freckles, Spots, Sunburn, and Morphew from the Face, or
other parts of the Body. The Oyl made of the Flowers as
Oyl of Roses is made, is profitably used to cool hot
Tumors, and the Inflamations of Ulcers and Wounds and to
eas the pains, and help the Sores.
# unit G marginalnote
Inflamations, Agues, Watching, Frenzy, Flux,
Belly, Running of the Reins, Venery, Freckles, Spots,
Sunburn, Morphew.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Herb is under the Dominion of the Moon, and
therefore cools and moistens like the former.
## <h147>
# chapter 147 LIQUORIS
# unit T chaptertitle
LIQUORIS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Our English Liquoris riseth up with divers woody
Stalks, whereon are set at several distances, many narrow
long green Leavs, set together on both sides of the Stalk,
and an od one at the the end, very wel resembling a yong
Ash-tree sprung up from the Seed: This by many yeers
continuance in a place without removing, and not else,
will bring forth Flowers, many standing together Spike
fashion one above another upon the Stalks, of the form of
Pease Blossoms, but of a very pale blue colour, which turn
into long somwhat flat and smooth Rods, wherein is
contained smal, round hard Seed: The Root runneth down
exceeding deep into the ground, with divers other smaller
Roots and Fibres growing with them, and shoot out Suckers
from the main Roots al about, wherby it is much encreased,
of a brownish colour on the outside, and yellow within.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is planted in Fields and Gardens in divers places of
this Land, and thereof good profit is made.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Liquoris is boyled in fair Water with some Maindenhair
and Figs, maketh a good Drink for those that have a dry
Cough, or Hoarceness, Wheesing, shortness of breath; and
for al the Griefs of the Breast and Lungs, Phytisick or
Consumption caused by the Distillation of Salt humors on
them. It is also good in all pains of the Reins, the
Strangury, and heat of Urine: The fine Pouder of Liquoris
blown through a Quil into the Eyes that have a Pin and Web
(as they cal it) or Rhewmatick Distillations into them,
doth clens and help them: The Juyce of Liquoris is as
effectual in al the Diseases of the Breast & Lungs, the
Reins and Bladder, as the Decoction. The Juyce dissolved
in Rose Water with some Gum-Tragacanth, is a fine licking
Medicine for Hoarceness, Wheesings, &c.
# unit G marginalnote
Cough, Hoarsness, Phtisick, Consumption, Reins,
Strangury, Heat of Urine, Eyes, Bladder.
#end marginalnote
## <h148>
# chapter 148 LIVERWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
LIVERWORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Common Liverwort, groweth close and spreadeth much
upon the ground in moyst and shadowy places, with many sad
green leaves, or rather (as it were) sticking flat one to
another, very unevenly cut in on the edges, and crumpled,
from among which arise smal slender stalks an Inch or two
high at most, bearing smal Starlike Flowers at the tops:
The Roots are very fine and smal.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is a singular good Herb for all the diseases of the
Liver, both to cool and clense it, and helpeth the
Inflamations in any part, and the yellow Jaundice
likewise: Being bruised and boyled in small Beer and
drunke, it cooleth the heat of the Liver and Kidneys, and
helpeth the runing of the Reins in man, & the Whites in
Women: It is a singular remedy to stay the spreading of
Tetters, Ringworms, and other fretting and running Sores &
Scabs, and is an excellent remedy for such whose Livers
are corrupted by surfets wch causeth their bodies to break
out, for it fortifies the Liver exceedingly and make it
impregnable.
# unit G marginalnote
Liver, Inflamation, yellow Jaundice, Spleen,
Running of the Reins, Whites, Tetters, Ringworms, Surfets.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It being under the command of Jupiter, and under the
sign Cancer.
## <h149>
# chapter 149 LOOS-STRIFE
# unit T chaptertitle
LOOS-STRIFE or WILLOW HEARB.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Common yellow Loos-strife groweth to be four or
five foot high or more, with great round stalks a little
crested, diversly branched from the middle of them to the
tops, into great & long Branches, on al wch at the Joynts
ther grow long and narrow Leavs, but broader below, and
usually two at a Joynt, yet somtimes three or four somwhat
like Willow Leavs, smooth on the edges, and of a faint
green colour from the upper Joynts of the branches, and at
the tops of them also stand many yellow Flowers of five
Leaves a piece, with diverse yellow threeds in the middle,
which turn into small round heads, containing small
cornered Seeds: The Roote creepeth under ground, almost
like Couchgrass, but greater, and shooteth up every
Spring, brownish heads, which afterwards grow up into
stalks: It hath no scent nor tast but only astringent.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in many places of this Land in moyst
Meadowes and by water sides.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth from June to August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This Hearb is good to stay all manner of Bleeding at
Mouth or Nose or Wounds, and all Fluxes of the Belly, and
the bloody Flux, given either to drinke, or taken by
Clystor; it stayeth also the abundance of Womens Courses:
It is a singular good wound Hearb for green wounds, to
stay the bleeding, and quickly to close together the lips
of the Wound, if the herb be bruised and the Juyce only
applyed: It is often used in Gargles for sore mouthes, as
also for the secret parts: the smoke herof being burned
driveth away Flyes and Gnats which use in the night-time
to molest people inhabiting neere Marshes and the Fenney
Countryes.
# unit G marginalnote
Bleeding, Flux, Bloody Flux, Terms stops,
Wounds, Sore Mouth, Privities, Gnats.
#end marginalnote
## <h150>
# chapter 150 LOOS-STRIFE
# unit T chaptertitle
LOOS-STRIFE, with SPIKED HEADS OF FLOWERS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This groweth with many woody square stalkes, full of
Joynts about three foot high at least, at everyone wherof
stand two long Leaves, shorter, narrower, and of a deeper
green colour than the former; and some brownish. The
stalkes are branched into many long stemmes of spiked
Flowers, half a foot long, growing in Rundles one above
another, out of smal husks very like the Spiked heads of
Lavender, each of which Flowers have five round pointed
Leaves of a Purple Violet Colour, or somwhat inclining to
redness, in wch husks stand small round heads, after the
Flowers are fallen, wherein is contained small seed: The
Root creepeth under ground like unto the yellow, but is
greater than it; and so is the heads of the Leaves when
they first appear out of the ground and more brown than
the other.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth usually by Rivers, and Ditches sides in wet
grounds, as about the Ditches at and neer Lambeth: and in
many other places of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in the months of June and July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This Herb is no whit inferior unto the former; it
having not only all the vertues which the former hath, but
some particular vertues of its own found out by
experience, as namely.
The distilled water is a present remedy for hurts and
blows on the eyes and for blindness, so as the Christaline
humor be not perished or hurt; and this hath been
sufficiently proved true by the experience of a man of
judgment, who kept it long to himself as a great secret.
It also cleareth the Eyes of dust or any other thing
gotten into them, and preserveth the Sight: It is also
very much available against Wounds and Thrusts, being made
into an Oyntment on this manner; To every ounce of the
Water, ad two drams of May Butter without Salt, and of
Sugar and Wax of each as much also, let them boyl gently
all together: Let Tents be dipped in the Liquor that
remaineth after it is cold, and put into the Wounds, and
the place covered with a Linen cloth doubled and anointed
with the Oyntment, and this is also an approved Medicine.
It is likewise clenseth and healeth all foul Ulcers and
Sores wheresoever, and staieth their Inflamations by
washing them with the Water, and laying on them a green
Leaf or two in the Summer, or dry Leaves in the Winter.
This Water gargled warm in the Mouth, and somtimes drunk
also doth cure the Quinsie, or Kings Evil in the Throat.
The said Water applied warm taketh away all Spots, Marks,
and Scars in the Skin: And a little of it drunk quencheth
thirst when it is extraordinary.
# unit G marginalnote
Eyes, Blindness, Wounds, Ulcers, Inflamations,
Quinsie, Kings Evil, Spots, Marks, Scars.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Herb is an Herb of the Moon, and under the Sign
Cancer, neither do I know a better Preserver of the Sight
when 'tis well, nor a better Curer of sore Eyes than
Eyebright taken inwardly, and this used outwardly, 'tis
cold in quality.
## <h151>
# chapter 151 LOVAGE
# unit T chaptertitle
LOVAGE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath many long and great Stalks, of large winged
Leavs devided into many parts like Smallage, but much
larger and greater, every Leaf being cut about the edges
broadest forwards, and smallest at the Stalk, of a sad
green colour, smooth and shining, from among which rise up
sundry strong hollow green Stalks, five or six foot, yea
somtimes seven or eight foot high, full of Joynts, but
lesser Leavs set at them than grow below, and with them
toward the tops come forth long Branches, bearing at their
tops large Umbels, of yellow Flowers, and after them flat
brownish Seed: The Root groweth thick, great and deep,
spreading much and enduring long, of a brownish colour on
the outside, and whitish within: The whol Plant, and
every part of it smelleth strong, and Aromatically, and is
of an hot sharp biting tast.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is usually planted in Gardens, where if it be
suffered it groweth huge and great.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in the end of July, and seedeth in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It openeth, cutteth and digesteth Humors, and mightily
provoketh Womens Courses and Urine. Half a dram at a time
of the dried Root in Pouder taken in Wine, doth
wonderfully warm a cold Stomach, helping digestion, and
consuming all raw & superfluous moisture therein; easeth
al inward gripings and pains, dissolveth wind, and
resisteth Poyson and infection: It is a known and much
practiced Remedy to drink the Decoction of the Herb for
any sort of Ague, and to help the pains and Torments of
the Body and Bowels coming of cold. The Seed is effectual
to al the purposes aforesaid (except the last) and worketh
more powerfully. The distilled water of the Herb helpeth
the Quinsie in the Throat, if the Mouth and Throat be
gargled and washed therewith, and helpeth the Pluresie,
being drunk three or four times. Being dropped into the
Eyes it taketh away the redness or dimness of them, it
likewise taketh away Spots or Freckles in the Face. The
Leavs bruised and fried with a little Hogs Lard & laid hot
to any Botch or Boyl, wil quickly break it.
# unit G marginalnote
Humors, Terms provokes, Disury, Cold Stomach,
Indigestion, Wind, Poyson, Epidemical Diseases, Agues,
Belly-ach, Quinsie, Pleuresie, Spots, Freckles, Boyls.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is an Herb of the Sun under the Sign Taurus, if
Saturn offend the Throat (as he alwaies doth if he be
occasioner of the Malady and in Taurus in the Genesis)
this is your cure.
## <h152>
# chapter 152 LUNGWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
LUNGWORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This is a kind of Moss, that groweth on sundry sorts of
Trees, especially Oaks, and Beeches, with broad grayish
tough Leavs; diversly folded, crumpled, and gashed in on
the edges, and somtimes spotted also, with many smal spots
on the upper side: It was never seen to bear any Stalk or
Flower at any time.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This is of great use with many Physitians to help the
Diseases of the Lungs, and for Coughs, Wheesings, and
shortness of breath, which it cureth both in Man and
Beast: It is very profitably put into Lotions that are
taken to stay the moist Humors that flow to Ulcers, and
hinder their healing, as also to wash all other Ulcers in
the privy parts of Man or Woman.
# unit G marginalnote
Lungues, Coughs, Wheesings, Shortness of
breath, Ulcers in the Privities and elswhere.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is an excellent Remedy boyled in Beer for
broken-winded Horses.
Jupiter seems to own the Herb.
## <h153>
# chapter 153 MADDER
# unit T chaptertitle
MADDER.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Garden Madder shooteth forth many very long, weak
four square reddish Stalks trailing on the Ground a great
way, very rough or hairy and full of Joynts; At every of
those Joynts come forth divers long, and somwhat narrow
Leavs, standing like a Star about the Stalks, rough also
and hairy, toward the tops whereof come forth many smal
pale yellow Flowers: after which come smal round Heads,
green at first, and reddish afterwards, but black when
they are ripe, wherin is contained the Seed. The Root is
not very great, but exceeding long, running down half a
mans length into the ground, red and very clear while it
is fresh, spreading divers waies.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is only manured in Gardens or larger Fields for the
profit that is made thereof.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth towards the end of Summer, and the Seed is
ripe quickly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It hath an opening quality, and afterwards to bind and
strengthen. It is an assured Remedy for the yellow
Jaundice by opening the Obstructions of the Liver and
Gall, and clensing those parts: It openeth also the
Obstructions of the Spleen, and diminisheth the
Melanchollick humor. It is available for the Palsey and
Sciatica, and effectual for Bruises inward or outward, and
is therfore much used in Vulnerary Drinks. The Root for
all those aforesaid purposes, is to be boyled in Wine or
Water, as the caus requireth, and some Honey or Sugar put
therunto afterwards. The Seed herof taken with Vinegar
and Honey, helpeth the Swellings and Hardness of the
Spleen. The Decoction of the Leavs and Branches is a good
Fomentation for Women to sit over that have not their
Courses. The Leavs and Roots beaten and applied to any
part that is discoloured with Freckles, Morphew, the white
Scurf, or any such deformity of the Skin, clenseth them
throughly, and taketh them away.
# unit G marginalnote
Yellow Jaundice, Obstructions of the Liver and
Gall, Spleen, Melancholly, Palsey, Sciatica, Bruises
inward and outward, Terms provokes, Freckles, Morphew,
Scurf.
#end marginalnote
## <h154>
# chapter 154 MAIDENHAIR
# unit T chaptertitle
MAIDENHAIR.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Our common Maindenhair doth from a number of hard black
Fibres send forth a great many blackish shining brittle
Stalks, hardly a span long; many not half so long, on each
side set very thick with smal round dark green leavs, and
spotted on the back of them like other Ferns.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth much upon old Stone Wals in the West parts,
and Wales, in Kent and divers other places of this Land;
It joyeth likewise to grow by Springs, Wels, and rockie
moist and shadowy places; and is alwaies green.
## <h155>
# chapter 155 WALL-RUE
# unit T chaptertitle
WALL-RUE; or ORDINARY WHITE MAIDENHAIR.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath very fine pale green Stalks, almost as fine
as hairs, set confusedly with divers pale green Leavs on
very short Footstalks, somwhat neer unto the colour of
Garden Rue, and not much differing in form, but more
diversly cut in on the edges, and thicker, smooth on the
upper part and spotted finely underneath.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in many places of this Land, as at Dartford,
and the Bridg at Ashford in Kent, at Beconsfield in
Buckinghamshire, at Wolley in Huntingtonshire, on
Frammingham Castle in Suffolk, on the Church wals at
Mayfield in Sussex, in Summerset shire and divers other
places of this Land, and is green in Winter as well as in
Summer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Vertues of both these are so neer alike; that
although I have described them, and their places of
growing, severally; yet I shall in writing the Vertues of
them joyn them both together: as followeth.
The Decoction of the Herb Maidenhair being drunk,
helpeth those that are troubled with the Cough, shortness
of breath, the yellow Jaundice, diseases of the spleen,
stopping of Urin, and helpeth exceedingly to break the
Stone in the Kidneys: (in all which Diseases the Wall Rue
is also very effectual) It provoketh Womens Courses, and
staieth both Bleedings and Fluxes of the Stomach and
Belly, especially when the Herb is dry, for being green,
it loosneth the Belly, and avoideth Choller and Flegm from
the Stomach and Liver, it clenseth the Lungs, and by
rectifying the Blood causeth a good colour to the whol
Body: The Herb boyled in Oyl of Chamomel, dissolveth
Knots, allayeth Swellings, and drieth up moist Ulcers.
The Ly made thereof is singular good to clens the head
from Scurf, and from dry and running Sores; stayeth the
falling of shedding of the Hair, and causeth it to grow
thick, fair, and wel coloured; for which purpose some boyl
it in Wine putting some Smallage Seed thereto, and
afterwards some Oyl. The Wall Rue is as effectual as
Maidenhair in all Diseases of the Head, and falling or the
recovering of Hair again; and generally for all the
aforementioned Diseases: and besides, The Pouder of it
taken in drink for fourty daies together, helpeth the
burstings in Children.
# unit G marginalnote
Cough, Shortness of breath, the yellow
Jaundice, Spleen, Disury, Stone, Terms provokes, Bleeding,
Fluxes, Lungs, Swellings, Ulcers, Scurff, Sores, Baldness.
#end marginalnote
## <h156>
# chapter 156 GOLDEN_MAIDENHAIR
# unit T chaptertitle
GOLDEN MAIDENHAIR.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
To the two former give me leave to ad this, and I shall
do no more but only describe it unto you, and for the
Vertues refer you unto the former, sith whatsoever is said
of them, may be also said of this:
It hath many small brownish red hayres to make up the
form of Leavs growing about the ground from the Root, and
in the middle of them in Summer, rise smal Stalks of the
same colour, set with very fine yellowish green hairs on
them, and bearing a smal gold yellow head, lesser than a
Wheat Corn standing in a great Husk. The Root is very
smal and threddy.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth on Bogs and Moorish places, and also on dry
shadow places at Hampstead Heath and elswhere.
## <h157>
# chapter 157 MALLOWS
# unit T chaptertitle
MALLOWS, and MARSH-MALLOWS.
# unit P text
The Common Mallowes are generally so well known that
they need no Description.
Our common Marsh-mallows have divers soft hoary white
stalkes rising to be three or four foot high, spreading
forth many Branches the Leavs wherof are soft and hairy,
somwhat lesser then the other Mallow Leaves but longer
pointed, cut (for the most part) into some few deivisions,
but deep: The Flowers are many but smaller also then the
other Mallows & white, or tending to a blush colour.
After which come such like round cases and Seed as in the
other Mallows. The Roots are many and long, shooting from
one Head, of the bigness of a Thumb or Finger, very
pliant, tough and bending like Liquoris, of a whitish
yellow colour on the outside, and more white within, full
of a slimy juyce which being, layd in water will thicken
it as if it were gelly.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The Common Mallows grow in every countrey of this Land.
The Common Marsh Mallowes in most of the Salt Marshes
from Woolwich, downe to the Sea, both on the Kentish and
Essex Shoares and in diverse other places of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower all the Summer Months, even until the
Winter do pull them down.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Leavs of either of the sorts above named, and the
Roots also boyled in Wine or Water, or in Broth, with
Parsley or Fennel Roots, doth help to open the Body, and
is very convenient in hot Agues or other distempers of the
Body to apply the Leavs so boyled warm to the Belly; It
not only voideth hot Chollerick and other offensive
Humors, but easeth the pains and torments of the Belly
coming thereby; and are therefore used in all Clysters
conducing to those purposes: The same used by Nurses,
procureth them store of Milk.
# unit G marginalnote
Agues, Choller, Gripings in the Belly, Milk,
Excoriation, Phtisick, Pleuresie, Travail in Women.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Decoction of the Seed of any of the common Mallows,
made in Milk or Wine doth Merveilously help excoriations,
the Phtisick, Plurisie, and other Diseases of the Chest
and Lungues that proceed of hot causes, if it be continued
taking for sometime together: The Leavs and Roots work the
same effects: They help much also in the excoriations of
the Guts and Bowels and hardness of the Mother, and in all
hot and sharp diseases thereof. The Juyce drunk in Wine,
or the Decoction of them therein doth help Women to a
speedy and easie Delivery. Pliny saith, That whosoever
shal take a spoonful of any of the Mallows, shal that day
be free from all Diseases that may come unto him; and that
it is special good for the Falling-sickness. The Syrup
also and Conserve made of the Flowers are very effectual
for the same Diseases, and to open the Body being costive:
The Leavs bruised and laid to the Eyes with a little
Honey, taketh away the Impostumations of them. The Leavs
bruised or rubbed upon any place stung with Bees, Wasps or
the like, presently taketh away the pains, redness, and
Swellings that rise thereupon: and Dioscorides saith, The
Decoction of the Leavs and Roots helpeth all sorts of
Poyson, so as the Poyson be presently voided by Vomit. A
Pultis made of the Leavs boyled and bruised, whereunto
some Bean or Barley Flower and Oyl of Roses is an especial
Remedy against all hard Tumors and Inflamations of
Impostums and Swellings of the Cods and other parts, and
easeth the pains of them; as also against the hardness of
the Liver or Spleen, being applied to the places. The
Juyce of the Mallows boyled in old Oyl and applied, taketh
away al roughness of the Skin, as also the Scurf, Dandrif,
or dry Scabs in the Head or other parts if they be
anointed therewith, or washed with the Decoction, and
preserveth the Hair from falling off. It is also effectual
against Scaldings and Burnings, St. Anthonies fire, and
all other hot, red, and painful Swellings in any part of
the Body. The Flowers boyled in Oyl or Water (as every
one is disposed) wherunto a little Honey and Allum is put,
is an excellent Gargle to wash, clens, and heal any sore
Mouth or Throat in a short space. If the Feet be bathed
or washed with the Decoction of the Leavs, Roots, and
Flowers, it helpeth much the Defluxions of Rhewm from the
Head. If the Head be washed therewith, it staieth the
falling and shedding of the Hair. The green Leavs (saith
Pliny) beaten with Nitre and applied draweth out Thorns,
or Pricks in the Flesh.
# unit G marginalnote
Falling sickness, Eyes, Bees, Wasps &c.,
Poyson, Hard swelling, Inflamation, Cods, Liver, Spleen,
Roughness of the skin.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Scurff, Dandrif, Scabby Heads, Scalding,
Burning, St. Anthonies Fire, Sore Mouth & Throat,
Baldness, Thorns, Belly.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Stone, Reins, Kidneys, Bladder, Coughs,
Hoarsness, Shortness of Breath, Wheesing, Excoriation of
the Guts, Ruptures, Cramps, Convulsions, The Kings Evil,
Kernels, Chincough.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Marsh Mallows are more effectual in al the Diseases
before mentioned: The Leavs are likewise used to loosen
the Belly gently, and in Decoctions for Clysters, to eas
al pains of the Body, opening the strait Passages, and
making them slippery, whereby the Stone may descend the
more easily and without pain, out of the Reins, Kidneys,
and Bladder, and to eas the torturing pains thereof: But
the Roots are of more especial use for those purposes, as
well as for Coughs, Hoarsness, shortness of Breath, and
Wheesings, being boyled in Wine or Honeyed Water and
drunk. The Roots and Seeds hereof boyled in Wine or
Water, is with good success used by them that have
Excoriations in the Guts, or the bloody Flux, by
qualifying the violence of the sharp fretting Humors,
easing the pains, and healing the Soreness: It is
profitably taken of them that are troubled with Ruptures,
Cramps, or Convulsions of the Sinews; and boyled in white
Wine for the Impostumes of the Throat, commonly called the
Kings Evil, and of those Kernels that rise behind the
Ears, and Inflamations or Swellings in Womens Breasts.
The dried Roots boyled in Milk and drunk is special good
for the Chin-Cough. Hippocrates used to give the
Decoction of the Roots, or the Juyce therof to drink to
those that were wounded, and ready to faint through loss
of Blood, and applied the same, mixed with Honey and Rozin
to the Wounds: As also the Roots boyled in Wine to those
that had received any Hurt by Bruises, Falls, or Blows, or
had any Bone or Member out of Joynt, or any Swelling pain,
or ach in the Muscles, Sinews, or Arteries. The Muccilage
of the Roots, and of Linseed, and of Fennugreek put
together, is much used in Pultises, Oyntments, and
plaisters, to mollifie and digest all hard Swellings, and
the Inflamation of them, and to eas pains in any part of
the Body. The Seed either green or dry mixed with
Vinegar clenseth the Skin of the Morphew, and al other
discolourings, being bathed therewith in the Sun.
# unit G marginalnote
Wounds, Bruises, Falls, Blows, Muscles,
Morphew, Sunburning.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
You may remember that not long since there was a raging
Disease called the Bloody Flux, the Colledg of Physitians
not knowing what to make of it, called it the Plague in
the Guts, for their wits were at ne plus ultra about it.
My son was taken with the same Disease, and the
excoriation of his Bowels was exceeding great; my self
being in the Country was sent for up, the only thing I
gave him was Mallows bruised and boyled both in his Milk
and Drink, in two daies (the blessing of God being upon
it) it cured him, and I here to shew my thankfulness to
God in communicating it to his Creatures, leav it to
posterity.
## <h158>
# chapter 158 SWEET_MARJEROM
# unit T chaptertitle
SWEET MARJEROM.
# unit P text
This is so wel known being an Inhabitant in every
Garden, that it is needless to write any Description
thereof, neither of the Winter Sweet Marjerom, nor Pot
Margerom.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grown commonly in Gardens; some sorts there are
that grow wild in the Borders of Corn Fields, and Pastures
in sundry places of this Land, but it is not my purpose to
insist upon them: The Garden kinds being most used and
useful.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in the end of Summer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues of Use.
# unit P text
Our common Sweet Marjerom is warming and comfertable in
cold Diseases of the Head, Stomach, Sinews, and other
parts, taken inwardly, or outwardly applied: The
Decoction thereof being drunk helpeth al the Diseases of
the Chest which hinder the freeness of breathing; and is
also profitable for the Obstructions of the Liver and
Spleen: It helpeth the cold Griefs of the Womb, and the
windiness thereof, and the loss of Speech, by resolution
of the Tongue. The Decoction thereof made with som
Pellitory of Spain, and long Pepper, or with a little
Acorus or Origanum, being drunk, is good for those that
are beginning to fall into a Dropsie, for those that
cannot make Water, and against pains and torments in the
Belly; it provoketh Womens Courses if it be put up as a
Pessary. Being made into Pouder and mixed with Honey, it
taketh away the black marks of Blows and Bruises, being
therto applied. It is good for the Inflamations and
watering of the Eyes, being mixed with fine Flower and
laid unto them. The Juyce dropped into the Ears easeth
the Pains and singing nois in them. It is profitably put
into those Oyntments and Salves that are made to warm and
comfort the outwards parts, as the Joynts and Sinews, for
Swellings also and places out of Joynt. The Pouder
thereof snuffed up into the Nose, provoketh neezing, and
thereby purgeth the Brain; and chewed in the Mouth draweth
forth much Flegm. The Oyl made thereof is very warming
and comfortable to the Joynts that are stiff, and the
Sinews that are hard to mollifie and supple them.
Margerom is much used in all odoriferous Waters, Pouders,
&c. that are for Ornament or delight.
# unit G marginalnote
Head, Stomach, Breast, Obstructions, Liver,
Spleen, Womb, Wind, Dropsie, Bellyach, Terms provokes,
Marks of Blows, Noise in the Ears, Joynts, Sinews,
Swellings, Neesing, Flegm.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is an Herb of Mercury and under Aries, and is
therefore an excellent Remedy for the Brain and other
parts of the Body and Mind, under the Dominion of the same
Planet.
## <h159>
# chapter 159 MARIGOLDS
# unit T chaptertitle
MARIGOLDS.
# unit P text
These being so Plentifull in every Garden are so well
known that they need no Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower al the Summer long, and somtimes in the
Winter if it be mild.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Flowers either green or dryed are used much in
Possets, broths, and drinkes, as a comforter of the Heart
and spirits, and to expell any malignant or pestilential
quality which might annoy them.
It is an Herb of the Sun and under Leo they strengthen
the heart exceedingly, and are very expulsive, and little
less Effectual in the smal pox and measles than Saffron.
The Juyce of Marigold Leaves mixed with Vinegar, and any
hot swelling bathed with it, instantly giveth ease and
asswageth it.
# unit G marginalnote
Heart, Vital Spirits, Pestilence, Smal Pox,
Meazles, Hot swellings, Feavers, Pestilence.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
A plaister made with the dry Flowers in pouder, hogs
greas, Turpentine and Rozin, and applyed to the breast
strengthens and succours the heart infinitly in feavers
whether pestilential or not pestilential.
## <h160>
# chapter 160 MASTERWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
MASTERWORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Common Masterwort hath divers stalks of winged Leaves
devided into sundry parts, three for the most part
standing together at a small footstalk on both sides of
the greater, and three likewise at the end of the stalk,
somwhat broad and cut in on the edges, into three or more
devisions all of them dented about the brims, of a dark
green colour, somwhat resembling the leaves of Angelica,
but that these grow lower to the ground, & on lesser
stalks: among which rise up 2. or 3. short stalks about 2.
foot high, and slender, with such like Leavs at the Joynts
as grow below, but with lesser & fewer devisions, bearing
Umbels of white Flowers, and after them small, thinne,
flat, blackish seed bigger than Dil seeds: The Root is
somwhat greater and groweth rather sideways than down deep
into the ground, shooting forth sundry heads, which tast
sharp, biting on the Tongue, and is the hottest and
sharpest part of the Plant, and the seed next unto it,
being somewhat blackish on the outside, and smelling well.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is usually kept in Gardens with us in England.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth and seedeth about the end of August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Root of Masterwort is hotter than Pepper and very
available in all cold Greifes and Diseases both of Stomach
and body, dissolving very powerfully upward and downward:
It is also used in a decoction with wind against al cold
rhewms, or distillations upon the Lungs, and shortness of
breath, to be taken morning and evening; it also provoketh
Urin and helpeth to break the Stone, and expel the
Greavell from the Kidneys, procureth womens Courses, and
expelleth the dead birth; is singular good for the
strangling of the Mother, and other such like Feminine
Diseases. It is effectuall also aganist the Dropsie,
Cramps, and the Falling sicknes, for the decoction in wine
being gargled in the Mouth draweth down much water and
flegm from the brain, purging & easing it of what
oppresseth it. It is of a rare quality against al sorts
of cold poyson, to be taken as there is cause, It
provoketh sweat. But lest the tast herof, or of the seed
(which worketh to the like effect though not so
powerfully) should be too offensive; the best way is to
take the water distilled both from the Herb and Root. The
Juyce herof dropped or Tents dipped therin, and applyed
either to green wounds, or filthy rotten Ulcers and those
that come by invenomed Weapons, doth soon clens and heal
them, or if they be bathed with the distilled water. The
same is also very good to help the Gout coming of a cold
cause.
# unit G marginalnote
Cold Griefs, Stomach, Wind, Cold Rhewms, Urine,
Stone, Gravel, Womens Courses, Dead Child, Mother,
Dropsie, Cramps, & Falling-sickness, Cold, Poysons, Sweat,
Green Wounds, Rotten Ulcers, Gout.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is an Herb of Mars.
## <h161>
# chapter 161 SWEET_MAUDLIN
# unit T chaptertitle
SWEET MAUDLIN.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Common Maudlin have somwhat long and narrow Leaves,
snip'd about the edges: the stalks are two foot high,
bearing at the topps many yellow flowers Set round
together and all of an equal height, in umbels tufts like
unto Tansy after which flowereth small whitish Seed almost
as big as Wormseed. The whol Herb is sweet and bitter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place and Time.
# unit P text
It groweth in Gardens, and Flowreth in June and July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Vertues hereof being the same with Costmary, or
Alecost, I shal not trouble you to make any repetition
thereof, lest my Book grow too big: but rather refer you
unto Costmary for satisfaction.
## <h162>
# chapter 162 MEDLAR
# unit T chaptertitle
THE MEDLAR.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This Tree groweth neer the bigness of the Quince Tree,
spreading Branches reasonable large, with longer and
narrower Leaves than either the Apple or Quince, and not
dented about the edges: At the end of the Sprigs stand
the Flowers made of Five white, great broad pointed Leavs,
nicked in the middle, with some white threds also: after
which cometh the Fruit, of a brownish green colour, being
ripe, bearing a Crown as it were on the top, which were
the five green leaves; and being rubbed off or fallen
away, the head of the Fruit is seen to be somwhat hollow.
The Fruit is very harsh before it be mellowed, and hath
usually five hard Kernels within it.
There is another kind hereof differing nothing from the
former, but that it hath some Thorns on it in several
places, which the other hath not, and the Fruit is smal
and not so pleasant.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They grow in this Land; and Flower in May for the most
part, and bear ripe Fruit in September, and October.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
They are very powerful to stay any Fluxes of Blood or
Humors in Man or Woman: the Leavs have also the like
quality. The Fruit eaten by Women with Child, stayeth
their longings after unusual meats, and is very effectual
for them that are apt to miscarrry, and be delivered
before their time, to help that malady, and make them
joyful Mothers. The Decoction of them is good to gargle
and wash the Mouth, Throat and Teeth, when there is any
defluxion of Blood to stay it, or of Humors, which causeth
Pains and Swellings: It is a good bath for Women to sit
over that have their Courses flow too abundantly; or for
the Piles when they bleed too much. If a Pultis or
Plaister be made with dried Medlars beaten and mixed with
the Juyce of red Roses, whereunto a few Cloves and Nutmeg
may be added, and a little red Correl also, and applied to
the Stomach that is given to casting, or loathing of meat,
it effectually helpeth. The dried Leavs in Pouder,
strewed on fresh, bleeding Wounds, restraineth the Blood,
and healeth up the Wound quickly: The Medlar stones made
into Pouder and drunk in Wine, wherein some Parsley Roots
have bien infused all night, or a little boyled, do break
the Stone in the Kidneys, helping to expel it.
# unit G marginalnote
Fluxes, Stayeth Womens Longings, Hinders
Miscarriage, Gargle, Womens Courses, Piles, Loathing of
Meat, or Casting, Bleeding, Fresh Wounds, Stone in the
Kidneys, Miscarriage.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Fruit is old Saturns, and sure a better Medicine he
hardly hath to strengthen the retentive faculty; therfore
it staies Womens Longings, the good old Man cannot endure
Womens minds should run a gadding: Also a Plaister made of
the Fruit dried before they be rotten, and other
convenient things, and applied to the Reins of the Back,
stops Miscarriage in Women with Child.
## <h163>
# chapter 163 MELILOT
# unit T chaptertitle
MELILOT, or KINGS CLAVER.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath many green Stalks two or three foot high,
rising from a tough long white Root, which dieth not every
yeer; set round about at the Joynts with smal and somwhat
long wel smelling Leavs set three together, unevenly
dented about the edges: The Flowers are yellow, and well
smelling also, made like other Trefoyls, but smal,
standing in long Spikes, one above another, for an hand
breath long, or better, which afterwards turn into long
crooked Cods, wherein is contained flat Seed, somwhat
Brown.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth plentifully in many places of this Land, as
in the edg of Suffolk and in Essex, as also in
Huntingtonshire, and in other places, but most usually in
Corn Fields, in corners of Meadows.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June and July and is ripe quickly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Melilot boyled in Wine and applied mollifieth all hard
Tumors and Inflamations that happen in the Eyes or other
parts of the Body, as the Fundament: or privy parts of Man
or Woman; and somtimes the Yolk of a roasted Egg, or fine
Flower or Poppy Seed, or Endive is added unto it: It
helpeth the spreading Ulcers in the Head, it being washed
with a Ly made thereof; It helpeth the pains of the
Stomach being applied fresh, or boyled with any of the
aforenamed things. It helpeth also the pains of the Ears
being dropped into them; and steeped in Vinegar and Rose
Water it mitigateth the Headach. The Flowers of Melilot
and Chamomel are much used to be put together in Clisters
to expel Wind & to eas pains; also into Pultices for the
same purpose, and to asswage Swellings or Tumors in the
Spleen or other parts; & helpeth Inflamations in any part
of the Body. The Juyce dropped into the Eyes is a
singular good Medicine to take away any Film or Skin that
cloudeth or dimmeth the Eyesight. The Head often washed
with the distilled Water of the Herb and Flowers, or a Ly
made therwith, is effectual for those that have suddenly
lost their senses; as also to strengthen the Memory, to
comfort the Head and Brains, and to preserve them from
pains and the Apoplexie.
# unit G marginalnote
Hard Tumors & Inflamations in the Eyes, or
elswhere, Ulcers in the Head, Stomach pained, Headach,
Wind, Spleen, Dimness of sight, Stupidity of Senses,
Strengthen Memory, Apoplexy.
#end marginalnote
## <h164>
# chapter 164 FRENCH_DOGS_MERCURY
# unit T chaptertitle
FRENCH, and DOGS MERCURY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This riseth up with a square green stalk full of Joynts
two foot high or therabouts, with two Leaves at every
Joynt and branches likewise from both sides of the stalk,
set with fresh green Leaves somwhat broad and long, about
the bigness of the Leaves of Bassell finely dented about
the edges: towards the topps of the stalks and branches
come forth at every Joynt in the Male Mercury two small
round green heads, standing together upon a short
footstalk which growing ripe are the seeds; not having any
Flower: In the female; The stalk is longer, spike fashion,
set round about with smal green husks, which are the
Flowers made like smal branches of Grapes which give no
seed, but abide long upon the stalks without shedding:
The Root is composed of many smal Fibres, which perisheth
every year at the first approach of winter, and riseth
again of its own sowing, and where it once is suffered to
sow it self, the ground will never want it aftewards even
both sorts of it.
## <h165>
# chapter 165 DOGS_MERCURY
# unit T chaptertitle
DOGS MERCURY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Discription.
# unit P text
Having described unto you that which is called French
Mercury, I come now to shew you in a Description this kind
also.
This is likewise of two kinds, Male and Female, having
many stalks slender & lower than Mercury and without any
branches at all upon them: The Male is set with two Leavs
at every Joynt somwhat greater than the Female, but more
pointed and full of Veins, and somwhat harder in handling,
of a darker green colour, and less dented or snip'd about
the edges: At the Joynts with the Leavs come forth longer
Stalks then the former, with two hairy round Seeds upon
them twice as big as those of the former Mercury: The tast
hereof is Herby, and the smel somwhat strong and Virulent:
The Female hath much harder Leavs standing upon longer
Footstalks, and the stalks are also longer: From the
Joynts come forth Spikes of Flowers, like the French
Female Mercury, The Roots of them both are many, and full
of smal Fibres, which run under ground, and mat themselves
very much, not perishing as the former Mercuries do, but
abiding the Winter, and shoot forth new Branches every
yeer (for the old die down to the ground.)
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The Male and Female French Mercury are found wild in
divers places of this Land; as by a Village called
Brookland in Rumney Marsh in Kent.
The Dogs Mercury in sundry places of Kent also, and
elswhere; but the Female more seldom than the Male.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flourish in the Summer months, and therein give
their Seed.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Decoction of the Leavs of Mercury, or the Juyce
thereof in Broth, or Drunk with a little Sugar put to it,
purgeth Chollerick and waterish Humors. Hippocrates
commendeth it wonderfully for Womens Diseases; and applied
it to the secret parts to eas the pains of the Mother; and
used the Decoction of it both to procure Womens Courses,
and to expel the Afterbirth: And give the Decoction
thereof with Mirrh or Pepper, or used to apply the Leavs
outwardly against the Strangury, and Diseases of the Reins
and Bladder. He used it also for sore and watering Eyes,
and for the Deafness and pain in the Ears, by dropping the
Juyce therof into them, and bathing them afterwards in
white Wine.
# unit G marginalnote
Purgeth Chollerick Humors, Womens sickness,
Mother, Womens Courses, Strangury, sore Eyes, Agues,
Flegm, Rhewms and Catarrhes, Melancholly Humors.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Decoction therof made with Water and a Cock
Chicken, is a most safe Medicine against the hot fits of
Agues: It also clenseth the Breast and Lungs of Flegm, but
a little offendeth the Stomach: The Juyce or distilled
Water snuffed up into the Nostrils purgeth the Head and
Eyes of Catarrhes and Rhewms. Some use to drink two or
three ounces of the distilled water with a little Sugar
put to it, in the morning fasting, to open and purge the
Body of gross viscous and Melancholly Humors. It is
wonderful (if it be not Fabulous) that Dioscorides and
Theophrastus do relate of it: Viz. That if Women use these
Herbs either Inwardly or outwardly for three daies
together after Conception, and their Courses be past, they
shal bring forth Male or Female Children, according to
that kind of Herb they use. Mathiolus saith, That the
Seed of both the Male and Female Mercury boyled with
Wormwood and drunk, cureth the yellow Jaundice in a speedy
manner: The Leavs or the Juyce rubbed upon Warts, taketh
them away: The Juyce mingled with some Vinegar, helpeth
all running Scabs, Tetters, Ringworms and the Itch. Galen
saith that being applied in manner of a Pultis, to any
Swelling or Inflamation, it digesteth the Swelling and
allayeth the Inflamation; and is therfore given in
Clysters to evacuate the Belly from offensive Humors.
# unit G marginalnote
Yellow Jaundice, Warts, Scabs, Tetters, &
ringworms, Swellings, Inflamations, Waterish & Melancholly
Humors.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Dogs Mercury, although it be less used yet may
serve in the same manner to the same purpose to purge
waterish and Melanchollick Humors.
Mercury they say owns this Herb, but I rather think
'tis Venus, and am partly confident of it too, for I never
read that Mercury ever minded Womens businesses so much, I
beleev he minds his study more.
## <h166>
# chapter 166 MINT
# unit T chaptertitle
MINT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Of all the kinds of Mints, the Spear-Mint or
Heart-Mint, being most useful; I shal only describe it: as
followeth.
Spear-Mint, hath divers round Stalks, and long, but
narrowish Leavs set thereon; of a dark green colour. The
Flowers stand in Spiked Heads at the tops of the Branches,
being of a pale blush colour. The smel or scent hereof is
somwhat neer unto Bassil. It encreaseth by the Root under
ground, as all the others do.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is an usual Inhabitant in Gardens; And becaus it
seldom giveth any good Seed, the defect is recompensed by
the plentiful encreas of the Root, which being once
planted in a Garden will hardly be rid out again.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth not until the beginning of August, for the
most part.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Dioscorides saith, It hath an heating, binding and
drying quality, and therefor the Juyce taken with Vinegar,
staieth Bleeding: It stirreth up Venery or Bodily lust:
Two or three Branches thereof taken with the Juyce of sowr
Pomegranates stayeth the Hiccough, Vomiting, and allayeth
Choller: It dissolveth Impostumes being laid too with
Barley Meal. It is good to repress the Milk in Womens
Breasts, and for such as have swollen, flagging, or great
Breasts: applied with Salt, it helpeth the biting of a Mad
Dog; with Mead or Honeyed Water, it easeth the pains of
the Ears and taketh away the roughness of the Tongue being
rubbed thereupon. It suffereth not Milk to curdle in the
Stomach if the Leavs hereof be steeped or boyled in it
before you drink it. Briefly it is very profitable to the
Stomach: The often use hereof is a very powerful Medicine
to stay Womens Courses, and the Whites. Applied to the
Forehead or Temples, it easeth pains of the Head. And is
good to wash the Heads of yong Children therewith, against
all manner of breakings out, Sores, or Scabs therein; and
healeth the chops of the Fundament. It is also profitable
against the Poyson of Venemous Creatures. The distilled
Water of Mints is available to all the purposes aforesaid,
yet more weakly.
# unit G marginalnote
Provokes Venery, stayeth Vomiting, Allayeth
Choller, Impostums, great Breasts, Mad Dogs biting, Pains
of the Ears.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
But if a Spirit thereof be rightly and Chimically drawn
it is much more powerful than the Herb it self. Simeon
Sethi saith, It helpeth a cold Liver, strengthneth the
Belly and Stomach, causeth digestion, staieth Vomit and
the Hiccough, is good against the Gnawings of the Heart,
provoketh Appetite, taketh away Obstructions of the Liver,
and stirreth up Bodily Lust: But thereof too much must not
be taken, becaus it maketh the Blood thin and wheyish, and
turneth it into choller, and therfore Chollerick persons
must obstain from it.
# unit G marginalnote
Good for the Stomach, Pains of the Head, Sores
and Scabs, Chops of the Fundament, Poyson.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is a safe Medicine for the biting of a Mad Dog,
being bruised with Salt and laid thereon. The Pouder of
it being dried and taken after Meat helpeth digestion, and
those that are Splenetick: taken with Wine it helpeth
Women in the Sore Travail in Child-bearing; It is good
against the Gravel and the Stone in the Kidneys, and the
Strangury. Being smelled unto, it is comfortable for the
Head and Memory. The Decoction thereof gargled in the
Mouth cureth the Gums and Mouth that is sore, and mendeth
an ill favoured Breath: as also with Rue and Coriander,
causeth the Pallat of the Mouth that is down to return to
his place, the Decoction being gargled and held in the
Mouth.
# unit G marginalnote
Helpeth Liver and Stomach, stayeth Vomiting and
Hiccough, provoketh Lust, Spleen, Gravel, Stone, and
Strangury, comforts the Head, sore Mouth, ill Breath,
Pallet down, Wind, Veneral Dreams, and Nightly pollutions,
Ears pained, biting of Serpents, Kings Evil, stinking
Breath, Lepry, Dandrif.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Vertues of the wild or Hors Mints, such as grow in
Ditches (whose Description I purposely omitted in regard
that are well enough known) are especially to dissolve
wind in the Stomach, to help the Chollick, and those that
are short winded, and are an especial Remedy for those
that have Venerous Dreams and pollutions in the Night
being outwardly applied to the Testicles or Cods. The
Juyce dropped into the Ears easeth the pains of them, and
destroyeth the Worms that breed therein. They are good
against the Venemous biting of Serpents. The Juyce laid
on warm helpeth the Kings Evil, or Kernels in the Throat:
The Decoction or distilled Water helpeth a stinking Breath
proceeding from the corruption of the Teeth; and snuffed
up into the Nose purgeth the Head. Pliny saith, That
eating of the Leavs hath been found by experience to cure the Lepry, and applying some of them to the Face: and to
help the Scurf or Dandrif of the Head used with Vinegar.
They are extream bad for wounded people and they say a
wounded man that eats Mints his Wound will never be cured,
and that's a long day.
## <h167>
# chapter 167 MISSELTO
# unit T chaptertitle
MISSELTO.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This riseth up from the Branch or Arm of the Tree
whereon it groweth, with a woody Stem, parting it self
into sundry Branches, and they again devided into many
other smaller Twigs, interlacing themselves one within
another, very much covered with a grayish green Bark,
having two Leaves set at every Joynt, and at the end
likewise, which are somwhat long and narrow, smal at the
bottom but broader toward the end. At the Knots or Joynts
of the Boughs and Branches, grow smal yellowish Flowers,
which turn into smal round white transparant Berries three
or four together, full of glutinous moisture, with a
blackish Seed in every of them, which was never yet known
to spring being put into the ground or any where els to
grow.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth very rarely on Oaks with us, but upon sundry
other, as well Timber as Fruit-Trees, plentifully in
Woods, Groves, and the like through all this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in the Spring time, but the Berries be not
ripe until October, and abide on the Branches all the
Winter, unless the Black-Birds, and other Birds do devour
them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Both the Leavs and Berries of Mistleto do heat and dry,
and are of subtil parts: The Birdlime doth mollifie hard
Knots, Tumors, and Impostumes, ripeneth and discusseth
them; and draweth forth thick as well as thin Humors from
the remote places of the Body, digesting and separating
them: And being mixed with equal parts of Rozin and Wax,
doth mollifie the hardness of the Spleen, and healeth old
Ulcers and Sores: Being mixed with Sandarack, and Ortment,
it helpeth to draw off foul Nails: and if quicklime and
Wine Lees be added thereunto it worketh the stronger. The
Mistleto it self of the Oak (as the best) made into Pouder
and given in drink to those that have the
Falling-sickness, doth assuredly heal them as Mathiolus
saith, but it is fit to use it for forty daies together.
Some have so highly esteemed of the Vertues hereof that
they have called it Lignum Sanctae Crucus, Wood of the
holy Cross, beleeving it to help the Falling-sickness,
Apoplexie, and Palsie very speedily, not only to be
inwardly taken, but to be hung at their Necks. Tragus
saith, That the fresh Wood of any Mistleto bruised, and
the Joyce drawn forth and dropped into the Ears that have
Imposthumes in them, doth help and eas them within a few
daies.
# unit G marginalnote
Impostums, Spleen, Ulcers, Falling-sickness,
Apoplexy, Palsey.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
That it is under the Dominion of the Sun, I do not
question, and can also take for granted that that which
grows upon Oaks participates somthing of the Nature of
Jupiter, becaus an Oak is one of his Trees; as also that
which grows upon Pear-trees and Apple-trees, participates
somthing of the Nature, becaus he rules the Trees, and it
draws sap from the Trees, it grows upon having no Root of
its own, but why that should have most vertues that grows
upon Oaks I know not, unless becaus 'tis rarest, and
hardest to come by, and our Colledges Opinion is in this
contrary to the Scripture which saith, Gods tender Mercies
are over all his Works, and so 'tis, Let the Colledg of
Physitians walk as contrary to him as they pleas, and
that's as contrary as the East is to the West. Clusius
affirms that which grows upon Pear-trees to be as
prevalent, and give order that is should not touch the
ground after it is gathered, and also saith, That being
hung about the Neck, it remedies Witchcraft.
## <h168>
# chapter 168 MONEY-WORT
# unit T chaptertitle
MONEY-WORT, or HERB TWO-PENCE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Money-wort, sendeth forth from a small
threddy Root, divers long, weak, and slender Branches
lying and running upon the ground two or three Foot long
or more, set with Leavs two at a Joynt one against another
at equal distances, which are almost round, but pointed at
the ends, smooth and of a good green colour: At the Joynts
with the Leavs from the middle foreward come forth at
every Joynt somtimes one yellow Flower, and somtimes two,
standing each on a smal Footstalk, and made of five Leavs,
narrow, and pointed at the ends, with some yellow threds
in the middle: which being past, there stand in their
places smal round Heads of Seed.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth plentifully in almost all places of this
Land; commonly in moist grounds by Hedg sides, and in the
middle of grassy Fields.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in June and July, and their Seed is ripe
quickly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Moneywort is singular good to stay all Fluxes in Men or
Woman, whether they be Lasks, Bloody Fluxes, the Flowing
of Womens Courses, Bleedings inwardly or outwardly, and
the weakness of the Stomach that is given to casting. It
is very good also for all Ulcers, or Excoriations of the
Lungs or other inward parts. It is exceeding good for all
Wounds, either fresh or green to heal them speedily; and
for old Ulcers that are of a spreading nature: For all
which purposes, The Juyce of the Herb, or the Pouder drunk
in Water, wherein hot Steel hath been often quenched: Or
the Decoction of the green Herb in Wine or Water drunk; Or
the Seed, Juyce or Decoction used to the outward places to
wash or bath them, or to have Tents dipped therein and put
into them, are effectual.
# unit G marginalnote
Fluxes, Ulcers, Green Wounds, Old Ulcers.
#end marginalnote
## <h169>
# chapter 169 MOONWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
MOONWORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This riseth up usually but with one dark green thick
and fat Leaf standing upon a short footstalk, not above
two fingers breadth; but when it will flower it may be
said to beare a small slender stalk about four or five
Inches high, having but one leaf set in the middle therof,
which is much devided on both sides into somtimes five or
seven parts on a sid, somtimes more, each of which parts
is small next the middle rib, but broad forwards and round
pointed, resembling therein an half Moon from whence it
took the name, the upper most parts or divisions being
less than the lowest: The Stalk riseth above this Leaf two
or three inches, bearing many Branches of small long
Tongues, every one like the spiky Head of Adders-tongue,
of a brownish colour, which whether I shall call them
Flowers or the Seed, I well know not: which after they
have continued a while resolve into a Mealy dust: The Root
is smal and Fibrous. This hath somtimes divers such like
Leavs as are before Described, with so many branches or
tops arising from one Stalk each devided from the other.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth on Hills, and Heaths, yet where there is
much Grass, for therein it delighteth to grow.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It is to be found only in April and May, for in June
when any hot weather cometh for the most part it is
withered and gone.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Moonwort is cold and drying more than Adders-tongue,
and is therefore held to be more available for all Wounds
both inward and outward: The Leavs boyled in red Wine and
drunk stayeth the immoderate Flux of Womens Courses and
the Whites: It also staieth Bleeding, Vomitings, and other
Fluxes; It helpeth all Blows and Bruises, and to
consolidate all Fractures and Dislocations. It is good
for Ruptures: But it is chiefly used by most, with other
Herbs to make Oyls or Balsoms to heal fresh or green
Wounds (as I said before) either inward or outward, for
which it is excellent good.
# unit G marginalnote
Womens Courses, Bleedings, Vomiting, Fluxes,
Broken and disjoynted Bones, Green Wounds.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Moonwort is an Herb which they say will open Locks, and
unshoo such Horses as tread upon it, this some laugh to
scorn, and those no smal Fools neither, but Country people
that I know, call it 俗nshoo the Horse� besides I have
heard Commanders say, That on White Down in Devon neer
Tiverton, there was found thirty Hors shoos, pulled off
from the feet of the Earl of Essex his Horses being there
drawn up in a Body, many of them being but newly shod, and
no reason known, which caused much admiration; and the
Herb described usually grows upon Heaths. The Moon owns
the Herb.
## <h170>
# chapter 170 MOSSES
# unit T chaptertitle
MOSSES.
# unit P text
I shal not trouble the Reader with any Description of
these, sith my intent is to speak only of two kinds as the
most principal, Viz. Ground-Moss, and Tree-Moss, both
which are very well know.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The Gound-Moss, growing in our moist Woods, and the
bottoms of Hills, in boggy grounds, and in shadowy
Ditches, and many other such like places.
The Tree-Moss groweth only on Trees.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Ground-Moss, is held to be singular good to break
the Stone, and to expel and drive it forth by Urin, being
boyled in Wine and drunk: The Herb bruised and boyled in
Water and applied easeth al Inflamations and pains coming
of an hot caus; and is therfore used to eas the pains of
the hot Gout.
# unit G marginalnote
Stone, Inflamations, Fluxes, Vomiting,
Bleeding, Womens Courses, Dropsie, Headach, Sinews.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Tree-Mosses are cooling and binding, and partake of
a digesting and mollifying quality withal, as Galen saith.
But each Moss doth partake of the Nature of the Tree from
whence it is taken; therefore that of the Oak is more
Binding; and is of good effect to stay Fluxes in man or
Woman, as also Vomitings or Bleedings, the Pouder thereof
being taken in Wine: The Decoction thereof in Wine is
very good for Women to be bathed with, or to sit in that
are toubled with the overflowing of their Courses: The
same being drunk stayeth the Stomach that is troubled with
casting, or the Hiccough; and as Avicenna saith, it
comforteth the Heart: The Pouder thereof taken in Drink
for some time together, is thought available for the
Dropsie. The Oyl of Roses that hath had fresh Moss
steeped therin for a time, and after boyled and applied to
the Temples and Forehead, doth Merveilously eas the
Headach coming of a hot caus, as also the Distillations of
hot Rhewm or Humors to the Eyes or other parts: The
Antients much used it in their Oyntments and other
Medicines against Lassitude, and to strengthen and comfort
the Sinews. For which, if it was good then, I know no
reason but it may be found so still.
## <h171>
# chapter 171 MOTHERWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
MOTHERWORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath a hard, square, brownish, rough, strong
Stalk, rising three or four foot high at the least,
spreading into many Branches, whereon grow Leavs on each
side with long Footstalks, two at every Joynt, which are
somwhat broad and long as it were, rough, or crumpled,
with many great Veins therein; of a sad green colour, and
deeply dented about the edges, and almost devided: From
the middle of the Branches up to the tops of them (which
are very long and smal) grow the Flowers round about them
at distances in sharp pointed rough hard Husks, of a more
red or purple-colour than Balm or Horehound, but in the
same manner and form as the Horehounds: after which come
smal round blackish Seed in great plenty: The Root sendeth
forth a number of long Strings and smal Fibres, taking
strong hold in the Ground; of a dark yellowish or brownish
colour, and abideth as the Horehound doth; the smell of
this being not much different from it.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth only in Gardens with us in England.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Motherwort, is held to be of much use for the trembling
of the Heart, and in faintings and swounings from whence
it took the name Cardiaca. The Pouder thereof to the
quantity of a spoonful drunk in Wine is a wonderful help
to Women in their Sore Travails, as also for the
suffocations or risings of the Mother; and from these
effects it is likely it took the name of Motherwort with
us. It also provoketh Urine and Womens Courses, clenseth
the Chest of cold Flegm oppressing it, and killeth the
Worms in the Belly: It is of good use to warm and dry up
the cold Humors, to digest and dispers them that are
settled in the Veins, Joynts, and Sinews of the Body, and
to help Cramps, and Convulsions.
# unit G marginalnote
Swounings, Sore Travail, Mother, Urine, Womens
Courses, Flegm, Cold Flegm, Cramps, Convulsions,
Melancholly, Vapors.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Venus owns the Herb, and it is under Leo, there is no
better Herb to drive Melancholly Vapors from the Heart, to
strengthen it, and make a merry cheerful blith soul, than
this Herb, it may be kept in a Syrup or Conserv, therfore
the Latins called it Cardiaca: Besides, it makes Women
joyful Mothers of Children, and settles their Wombs as
they should be, therfore we call it Motherwort.
## <h172>
# chapter 172 MOUSEAR
# unit T chaptertitle
MOUSEAR.
# unit P text
Ths is a low Herb creeping upon the ground by small
strings like the Strawberry Plant, whereby it shooteth
forth small Roots, whereat grow upon the Ground many small
and somwhat short Leavs set in a round form together,
hollowish in the middle where they are broadest, of an
hoary colour all over, and very hairy, which being broken
do give a white Milk: From among these Leavs spring up two
or three smal hoary Stalks about a span high, with a few
smaller Leavs thereon; At the tops whereof standeth
usually but one Flower, consisting of many paler yellow
Leavs broad at the points, and a little dented in, set in
three or four rows, the greater outermost, very like a
Dandelyon Flower, and a little reddish underneath about
the edges, especially if it grow in a dry ground: which
after they have stood long in Flower, do turn into Down,
which with the Seed is carryed away with the Wind.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in Ditch Banks, and somtimes in Ditches if
they be dry and in sandy Grounds.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth about June and July, and abideth green all
the Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Juyce hereof taken in Wine or the Decoction thereof
drunk doth help the Jaundice although of long continuance,
to drink thereof morning and evening, and abstain from
other drink two or three hours after: It is a special
Remedy against the Stone, and the tormenting pains
thereof; as also other Tortures and griping pains of the
Bowels; The Decoction thereof with Succory and Centaury,
is held very eflectual to help the Dropsie, and them that
are inclining thereunto, and the Diseases of the Spleen.
It stayeth the Fluxes of Blood either at the Mouth or
Nose, and inward Bleedings also, for it is a singular
Wound Herb for Wounds both inward and outward; It helpeth
the Bloody Flux and stayeth the abundance of Womens
Courses: There is a Syrup made of the Juyce hereof and
Sugar by the Apothecaries of Italy, and other places,
which is of much account with them, to be given to those
that are troubled with the Cough or Phtisick: The same
also is singular good for Ruptures or Burstings. The
green Herb bruised and presently bound to any fresh cut or
Wound, doth quickly soder the lips thereof. And the
Juyce, Decoction, or Pouder of the dried Herb, is most
singular to stay the Malignity of spreading and fretting
Cankers and Ulcers wheresoever, yea in the Mouth, or
secret parts: The distilled Water of the Plant is
available in all the Diseases aforesaid, and to wash
outward Wounds and Sores, and to apply Tents, or Cloaths
wet therein.
# unit G marginalnote
Jaundice, Stone, Bellyach, Dropsie, Flux,
Wounds, Bloody Flux, Terms stops, Cough, Phtisick,
Ruptures, Canker, Ulcers, Spreading sores.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Moon owns the Herb also, and though Authors cry out
upon Alchymists for attempting to fix Quick Silver by this
Herb and Moonwort: A Roman would not have judged a thing
by the success, if it be to be fixed at all, 'tis by Lunar
Influence.
## <h173>
# chapter 173 MUGWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
MUGWORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Mugwort have divers Leavs lying upon the
ground, very much devided, or cut deeply in about the
Brims somwhat like Wormwood but much larger, of a dark
green colour on the upper side and very hoary white
underneath. The stalks rise to be four or five foot high,
having on it such like Leavs as those below, but somwhat
smaller, branching forth very much toward the top, whereon
are set very small pale yellowish Flowers like Buttons,
which fall away, and after them come small Seed inclosed
in round Heads: The Root is long and hard with many smal
Fibres growing from it, whereby it taketh strong hold in
the ground, but both Stalk and Leaf do die down every
yeer, and the Root shooteth anew in the Spring. The whol
Plant is of a reasonable good scent, and is more easily
propogated by the Slips, than by the Seed.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth plentifully in many places of this Land, by
the way sides, as also by smal Water-Courses, and in
divers other places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth and Seedeth in the end of Summer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Mugwort is with good success put among other Herbs that
are boyled for Women to sit over the hot Decoction, to
draw down their Courses, to help the Delivery of the
Birth, and expel the Afterbirth, as also for the
Obstructions and Inflamations of the Mother. It breaketh
the Stone, and causeth one to make water where it is
stopped: The Juyce thereof made up with Mirth, and put
under as a Pessary, worketh the same effect, and so doth
the Root also, being made up with Hogs Greas into an
Oyntment, it taketh away Wens and hard Knots and Kernels
that grow about the Neck and Throat, and easeth the pains
about the Neck more effectually, if some Field Daisies be
put with it. The Herb it self being fresh or the Juyce
thereof taken, is a special Remedy upon the overmuch
taking of Opium. Three drams of the Pouder of the dried
Leavs taken in Wine, is a speedy and the best certain help
for the Sciatica. A Decoction thereof made with Chamomel
and Agrimony, and the place bathed therewith while it is
warm, taketh away the pains of the Sinews and the Cramp.
# unit G marginalnote
Terms provokes, Birth, Afterbirth, Womb
Inflamed, Wens, Kings Evil, pains in the Neck, Opium,
Sciatica, Sinews pained, Cramp.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
This is an Herb of Venus, therefore maintaineth the
parts of the Body she rules, and Remedies the Diseases of
the parts that are under her Signs, Taurus and Libra.
## <h174>
# chapter 174 MULBERRY-TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE MULBERRY-TREE.
# unit P text
This is so well known in the places where it groweth,
that it needeth no Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It beareth Fruit in the Months of July and August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Mulberry is of different parts; the ripe Berries by
reason of their Sweetness and slippery moisture, opening
the Belly, and the unripe binding it, especially when they
are dried, and then they are good to stay Fluxes, Lasks,
and the abundance of Womens Courses. The Bark of the Root
killeth the broad Worms in the Body. The Juyce, or the
Syrup made of the Juyce of the Berries, helpeth all
Inflamations and Sores in the Mouth or Throat, and the
Pallet of the Mouth when it is fallen down. The Juyce of
the Leavs is a Remedy against the biting of serpents, and
for those that have taken Aconite: The Leavs beaten with
Vinegar is good to lay on any place that is burnt with
fire. A Decoction made of the Bark and Leavs, is good to
wash the Mouth and Teeth when they ach. If the Root be a
little slit or cut, and a smal hole made in the ground
next thereunto, in the Harvest time, it will give out a
certain Juyce, which being hardned, the next day is of
good use to help the Toothach, to dissolve Knots, and
purge the Belly: The Leavs of Mulberries are said to stay
bleeding at Mouth or Nose, or the Bleeding of the Piles,
or of a Wound being bound unto the places. A Branch of
the Tree taken when the Moon is at the full and bound to
the Wrist of a Womans Arm whose Courses come down too much
doth stay them in a short space.
# unit G marginalnote
Binding, Fluxes, Lasks, Terms stops,
Inflamation, Uvula, sore Mouth and Throat, Toothach,
Bleeding, Hemorrhoids, Acurious secret.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Mercury rules the Tree, therefore are its effects
variable as his are.
## <h175>
# chapter 175 MULLEIN
# unit T chaptertitle
MULLEIN.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common white Mullein hath many fair large wooly
white Leavs lying next the ground, somwhat longer than
broad, pointed at the ends, and as it were dented about
the edges: The Stalk riseth up to be four or five Foot
high, covered over with such like Leavs, but lesser, so
that no Stalk can be seen for the multitude of Leavs
thereon up to the Flowers, which come forth on all sides
of the Stalk, without any Branches for the most part, and
are many set together in a long spike, in some of a gold
yellow colour, in others more pale, consisting of five
round pointed Leavs, which afterwards give smal round
Heads, wherein is smal brownish Seed contained: The Root
is long, white, and Woody, perishing after it hath born
Seed.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth by the way sides, and in Lanes in many
places of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in July, or thereabouts.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
A smal quantity of the Root given in Wine, is commended
by Dioscorides against Lasks and Fluxes of the Belly: The
Decoction thereof drunk is profitable for those that are
Bursten, and for Cramps and Convulsions, and for those
that are troubled with an old Cough. The Decoction
thereof gargled easeth the pains of the Toothach: An Oyl
made by the often Infusion of the Flowers, is of very good
effect for the Piles. The Decoction of the Root in Red
Wine, or in Water (if there be an Ague) wherein red hot
Steel hath been often quenched, doth stay the Bloody Flux.
The same also openeth Obstructions of the Bladder and
Reins when one cannot make water. A Decoction of the
Leavs hereof, and of Sage, Marjerom and Camomil Flowers
and the places bathed therewith that have Sinews stark
with cold, or Cramps, doth bring them much eas, and
comfort. Three ounces of the distilled water of the
Flowers drunk morning and evening for some daies together
is said to be the most excellent Remedy for the hot Gout.
The Juyce of the Leavs and Flowers being laid upon rough
Warts, as also the Pouder of the dried Roots rubbed on
doth easily take them away; but doth no good to smooth
Warts. The pouder of the dried Flowers is an especial
Remedy for those that are troubled with belly-aches or the
pains of the Chollick. The Decoction of the Root, and so
likewise of the Leavs is of great effect to dissolve the
Tumors, Swellings, or Inflamation of the Throat. The Seed
and Leavs boyled in Wine, and applied, draweth forth
speedily Thorns, or Splinters gotten into the Flesh,
easeth the pains, and healeth them also. The Leavs
bruised and wrapped in double papers, and covered with hot
Ashes and Embers to bake a while, and then taken forth and
laid warm on any Botch or Boyl hapning in the Groyn or
share, doth dissolve and heal them. The Seed bruised, and
boyled in Wine and laid on any Member that hath been out
of Joynt and is newly set again, taketh away all Swellings
and pains thereof.
# unit G marginalnote
Flux, Ruptures, Cramp, Convulsion, Cough,
Toothach, Hemorrhoids, Bloody Flux, Obstructions, Reins,
Bladder, Sinews, Gout, Warts.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Bellyach, Chollick, Inflamation, Thorns,
Splinters, Boyls, Groyn, Disjunctures.
#end marginalnote
## <h176>
# chapter 176 MUSTARD
# unit T chaptertitle
MUSTARD.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Mustard hath large and broad rough Leavs,
very much jagged with uneven, and unorderly gashes,
somwhat like Turnip Leavs, but lesser and rougher: The
Stalk riseth to be more than a foot high, and somtimes two
foot high, being round, rough, and branched at the top,
bearing such like Leavs thereon as grow below, but lesser,
and less devided; and divers yellow Flowers one above
another at the tops; after which come smal rough pods,
with smal lank flat ends, wherein is contained round
yellowish Seed, sharp, hot, and biting upon the Tongue:
The Root is smal, long, and woody, when it beareth Stalks
and perisheth every yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This groweth with us in Gardens only, and other manured
places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It is an annual Plant, Flowring in July, and their Seed
is ripe in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Mustard Seed hath the Vertue of Heating, discussing,
rarefying and drawing out Splinters of Bones, and other
things out of the Flesh. It is of good effect to bring
down Womens Courses, for the Falling sickness or Lethargy,
drousie forgetful evil, to use it both inwardly and
outwardly to rub the Nostrils, Forehead, and Temples, to
warm and quicken the Spirits, for by the fierce sharpness
it purgeth the Brain by sneezing, and drawing down Rhewm
and other Viscuous Humors, which by their Distillations
upon the Lungs and Chest procure coughing, and therefore with some Honey added thereto doth much good therein. The
Decoction of the Seed made in Wine and drunk, provoketh
Urine, resisteth the force of Poyson, the Malignity of
Mushroms, and the Venom of Scorpions, or other Venemous
Creatures, if it be taken in time: and taken before the
cold fits of Agues, altereth, lesseneth, and cureth them.
The Seed taken either by it self or with other things
either in an Electuary or Drink, doth mightily stir up
Bodily lust, and helpeth the Spleen and pains in the
sides, and gnawing in the Bowels. And used as a Gargle,
draweth up the Pallat of the Mouth being fallen down, and
also it dissolveth the Swellings about the Throat, if it
be outwardly applied. Being chewed in the Mouth, it
oftentimes helpeth the Toothach: The outward application
hereof upon the pained place of the Sciatia, discusseth
the Humors, and easeth the pains, as also of the Gout, and
other Joynt aches. And is much and often used to eas
pains in the sides of loyns, the shoulders or other parts
of the Body, upon the applying thereof to rais Blisters,
and cureth the Diseas by drawing it to the outward part of
the Body: It is also used to help the falling of the Hair:
The Seed bruised, mixed with Honey and applied, or made up
with Wax, taketh away the Marks, and black and blue spots
of Bruises or the like, the roughness or Scabbedness of
the Skin, as also the Leprosie and lowsie evil: it helpeth
also the crick in the Neck. The distilled Water of the
Herb when it is in Flower is much used to drink inwardly
to help in any the Diseases aforesaid, or to wash the
Mouth when the Pallat is down, and for the Diseases of the
Throat to gargle, but outwardly also for Scabs, Itch, or
other like Infirmities, and clenseth the Face from
Morphew, Spots, Freckles, and other Deformities.
# unit G marginalnote
Heats, Dries, Splinters, Thorns, Terms
provokes, Falling sickness, Lethargy, Sneezing.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Disury, Poyson, Mushroms, Venemous Beasts,
Agues, Lust provokes, Spleen, Uvula, Sciatica, Toothach,
Pains, Hair, Bruises, Black and blue spots, roughness,
Leprosie, Lowsie Evil, Freckles, Wry Necks.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is an excellent Sawce for such whose Blood wants
clarifying and for weak Stomachs being an Herb of Mars,
but naught for Chollerick people, though as good for such
as are aged or troubled with cold Diseases, Aries claims
somthing to do with it, therfore it strengthens the heart
and resisteth poyson, let such whose Stomachs are so weak,
they cannot digest their meat or appetite it, take of
Mustard Seed a dram, Cinnamon as much, and having beaten
them to Pouder ad half as much Mastich in Pouder, and with
Gum Arabick dissolved in Rose Water, make it up into
Troches, of which they may take one of about half a dram
weight an hour or two before meals, let old men and women
make much of this medicine, and they will either give me
thanks, or manifest ingratitude.
## <h177>
# chapter 177 HEDG-MUSTARD
# unit T chaptertitle
HEDG-MUSTARD.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This groweth up usually but with one blackish green
Stalk, tough, easie to bend but not break, branched into
diverse parts, and somtimes with divers Stalks set full of
Branches, whereon grow long, rough, or hard rugged Leavs,
very much torn and cut on the edges into many parts, some
bigger, and some lesser, of a dirty green colour: The
Flowers are smal and yellow, that grow at the tops of the
Branches, in long Spikes, flowring by degrees, so that
continuing long in Flower the stalks will have smal round
Cods at the bottom, growing upright and close to the
Stalk, while the top Flowers yet shew themselvs; in which
are contained smal yellow Seed, sharp and strong, as the
Herb is also: The Root groweth down slender and woody, yet
abiding, and springing again every yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This groweth frequently in this Land by the Waies and
Hedg sides, and somtimes in the open Fields.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It flowreth most usually about July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is singular good in all the Diseases of the Chest
and Lungs, hoarceness of voice, and by the use of the
Decoction therof for a little space, those have been
recovered who had utterly lost their voice, and almost
their Spirits also. The Juyce threof made into a Syrup,
or licking Medicine with Honey or Sugar is no less
effectual for the same purpose, and for all other Coughs,
Weesings, and shortness of Breath. The same is also
profitable for those that have the Jaundice, the Pluresie,
pains in the Back and Loyns, and for torments in the Belly
or the Chollick, being also used in Clysters. The Seed is
held to be a special Remedy against Poyson and Venom: It
is singular good for the Sciatica, the Gout, and all
Joynt-aches, Sores and Cankers in the Mouth, Throat, or
behind the Ears; and no less for the hardness and Swelling
of the Testicles, or of Womens Breasts.
# unit G marginalnote
Breast, Lungs, Hoarceness, Cough, Shortness of
breath, Jaundice, Pleuresie, Back, Loyns, Belly, Chollick,
Poyson, Sciatica, Gout, Joynts, Fistulaes, Ulcers,
Cankers, Testicles, Womens Breasts.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Mars owns this Herb also.
## <h178>
# chapter 178 NEP
# unit T chaptertitle
NEP, or CATMINT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common garden Nep shooteth forth hard four square
Stalks with a hoariness on them, a yard high or more, full
of Branches, bearing at every Joynt two broad Leavs,
somwhat like Balm but longer pointed, softer, whiter, and
more hoary, nicked about the edges, and of a strong sweet
scent. The Flowers grow in large tufts at the tops of the
branches, and underneath them likewise on the Stalks many
together, of a whitish Purple colour. The Roots are
composed of many long strings or Fibres, fastning
themselves strongly in the ground, and abide with green
Leavs thereon all the Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is only nursed up in our Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
And it flowreth in July or thereabouts.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Nep is generally used for Women to procure their
Courses, being taken inwardly or outwardly, either alone
or with other convenient Herbs in a decoction to bath
them, or sit over the hot fumes therof, and by the
frequent use thereof it taketh away barrenness, and the
wind and pains of the Mother. It is also used in pains of
the Head coming of any cold caus, as Catarrh's, Rhewms,
and for swimming and giddiness thereof, and is of especial
use for the windiness of the Stomach and Belly. It is
effectual for any Cramps or cold aches to dissolve the
cold and wind that afflicteth the place, and is used for
Colds, Coughs, and shortness of breath. The Juyce thereof
drunk in Wine is profitable for those that are bruised by
any accident. The green Herb bruised and applied to the
Fundament, and lying there two or three hours, easeth the
pains of the Piles. The Juyce also being made up into an
Oyntment, is effectual for the same purpose: The head
washed with a Decoction thereof, it taketh away Scabs; and
may be effectual for other parts of the Body also.
# unit G marginalnote
Terms provokes, Barrenness Womb, Wind, Mother,
Cough, Rhewms, Vertigo, Cramp, Cold ach, Difficulty of
breath, Bruises, Hemorrhoids, Scabby Heads.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is an Herb of Venus.
## <h179>
# chapter 179 NETTLES
# unit T chaptertitle
NETTLES.
# unit P text
These are so well known that they need no Description
at all, they may be found by the feeling in the darkest
night.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Roots or Leavs boyled or the Juyce of either of
them, or both, made into an Electuary with Honey or Sugar,
is a safe and sure Medicine to open the Pipes and passages
of the Lungs, which is the caus of wheesing and shortness
of breath, and helpeth to expectorate tough Flegm, as also
to raise the impostumated Pleuresie, and spend it by
spitting; The same helpeth the swelling of the Almonds of
the Throat, the Mouth and Throat being gargled therewith:
The Juyce is also effectual to settle the Pallate of the
Mouth in its place, and to heal and temper the
Inflamations and soreness of the Mouth and Throat. The
Decoction of the Leavs in Wine being drunk is singular
good to provoke Womens Courses, and settle the suffocation
or strangling of the Mother, and all other Diseases
thereof, as also applied outwardly with a little Mirrh.
The same also, or the Seed provoketh Urine, and expelleth
the Gravel and Stone in the Reins or Bladder often proved
to be effectual in many that have taken it. The same
killeth the Worms in Children, easeth pains in the sides,
and dissolveth the windiness in the Spleen, as also in the
Body, although others think it only powerful to provoke
Venery. The Juyce of the Leavs taken two or three daies
together, staieth bleeding at the Mouth: The Seed being
drunk is a Remedy against the stinging of Venemous
Creatures, the biting of Mad Dogs, The poysonful qualities
of Hemlock, Henbane, Nightshade, Mandrake, or other such
like Herbs that stupifie or dull the senses, as also the
Lethargy, especially to use it outwardly to rub the
Forehead and Temples in the Lethargy, and the places
bitten or stung with Beasts, with a little Salt. The
distilled water of the Herb is also effectual (although
not so powerful) for the Diseases aforesaid, as for
outward Wounds and Sores to wash them, and to clens the
Skin from Morphew, Lepry, and other discolourings thereof:
The Seed or Leaves bruised and put into the Nostrils,
staieth the bleeding of them, and taketh away the Flesh
growing in them called Polipus. The Juyce of the Leavs,
or the Decoction of them, or of the Roots, is singular
good to wash either old rotten and stinking sores, or
Fistulaes and Gangrenes, and such as are fretting, eating,
or corroding Scabs, Mainginess and Itch in any part of the
Body, as also green Wounds by washing them therwith, or
applying the green Herb bruised thereunto, yea although
the Flesh were seperated from the Bones. The same applied
to our wearied Members refresheth them, or to places that
have been out of Joynt being first set again,
strengthneth, drieth and comforteth them, as also those
places troubled with Aches and Gouts, and the Defluxion of
Humors upon the Joynts or Sinews, it easeth the pains, and
drieth or dissolveth the Defluxions. An Oyntment made of
the Juyce, Oyl, and a little Wax, is singular good to rub
cold and benummed Members. An handful of the Leavs of
green Nettles, and another of Wallwort, or Danewort,
bruised and applied simply of themselves to the Gout,
Sciatica, or Joynt aches in any part hath been found to be
an admirable help thereunto.
# unit G marginalnote
Lungs, Wheezing, Shortness of breath,
Pleuresie, Almonds of the Ears, Ears, Throat, Mouth,
Uvula, Terms provokes, Mother, Disury, Gravel, Worms,
Spleen, Bleeding, Venemous Beasts, Mad Dogs, Hemlock,
Henbane, Night-shade, Mandrakes, Lethargy, Morphew,
Leprosie, Bleeding, Polipus, Ulcers, Fistulaes, Gangrenes,
Scabs, Itch, Wounds, Weariness, Disjunctures, Gout,
Sciatica, Joynts.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
This also is an Herb Mars claims Dominion over, you
know Mars is hot and dry, and you know as well that Winter
is cold and moist; then you may know as well the reason
why Nettle tops eaten in Spring consume the Flegmatic
superfluities in the Body of man, that the coldness and
moisture of Winter, hath left behind.
## <h180>
# chapter 180 NIGHTSHADE
# unit T chaptertitle
NIGHTSHADE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Common Nightshade hath an upright, round, green, hollow
stalk, about a Foot or half a yard high, bushing forth
into many Branches, whereon grow many green Leavs, somwhat
broad and pointed at the ends, soft and full of Juyce,
somwhat like unto Bazil, but larger, and a little unevenly
dented about the edges at the tops of the Stalks and
Branches, come forth three or four or more white Flowers
made of five smal pointed Leavs apiece, standing on a
Stalk together, one above another with yellow pointels in
the middle, composed of four or five yellow threds set
together which aftewards turn into so many pendulous green
Berries of the bigness of smal Pease, full of green Juyce,
and smal whitish round flat Seed lying within it. The
Root is white and a little woody when it hath given Flower
and Fruit with many smal Fibres at it; The whol Plant is
of a waterish insipide tast, but the Juyce within the
Berries is somwhat viscuous, and of a cooling and binding
quality.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth wild with us, under old Walls, and in
Rubbish, the common paths, and sides of Hedges and Fields,
as also in our Gardens here in England without any
planting.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It dieth down every yeer, and ariseth again of its own
sowing, but springeth not until the latter end of April at
the soonest.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This Common Nighshade is wholly used to cool all hot
Inflamations either inwardly or outwardly, being no way
dangerous to any that shall use it, as most of the rest of
the Nightshades are; yet it must be used moderately: The
distilled water only of the whol Herb is fittest and
safest to be taken inwardly. The Juyce also clarified and
taken being mingled with a little Vinegar, is good to wash
the Mouth and Throat that is inflamed: But outwardly the
Juyce of the Herb or Berries with Oyl of Roses, and a
little Vinegar and Ceruss labored together in a leaden
Morter, is very good to anoint all hot Inflamations in the
Eyes; It doth also much good for the Shingles, Ringworms,
and in all running fretting, and corroding Ulcers, and in
moist Fistulaes, if the Juyce be made up with some Hens
dung and applied thereto: A Pessary dipp'd in the Juyce,
and put up into the Matrix stayeth the immoderate Flux of
Womens Courses: A Cloth wet therein and applied to the
Testicles or Cods, upon any Swelling therein giveth much
eas, as also to the Gout that cometh of hot and sharp
Humors. The Juyce dropped into the Ears, easeth pains
therin that arise of heat or Inflamation. And Pliny
saith, it is good for hot Swellings under the Throat.
# unit G marginalnote
Inflamations, Eyes, Shingles, Ringworms, Terms
stops, Testicles, Gouts, Ears.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Have a care you mistake not the deadly Nightshade for
this; if you know it not, you may let them both alone and
take no harm, having other Medicines sufficient in the
Book.
## <h181>
# chapter 181 OAK
# unit T chaptertitle
THE OAK.
# unit P text
This is so well known (the timber therof being the
Glory and Safety of this Nation by Sea) that it needeth no
Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Leavs and Bark of the Oak, and the Acorn Cups, do
bind and dry very much: The inner Bark of the Tree, and
the thin Skin that covereth the Acorn, are most used to
stay the spitting of Blood, and the Bloody Flux: The
Decoction of that Bark and the Pouder of the Cups, to stay
Vomitings, spitting of blood, bleeding at Mouth or other
Flux of Blood in man or woman, Lasks also, and the
involuntary Flux of Natural Seed. The Acorns in Pouder
taken in Wine, provoketh Urine, and resisteth the Poyson
of Venemous Creatures. The Decoction of Acorns and the
Bark made in Milk and taken resisteth the force of
Poysonous Herbs and Medicines, as also the Virulency of
Cantharides, when one by eating them, hath his Bladder
exulcerated, and pisseth Blood.
# unit G marginalnote
Dry, Bind, Spitting Blood, Bloody Flux
Vomiting, Venerious Acts, Disury, Poyson, Venemous Beasts,
Cantarides, Ulcers of the Bladder, Mother, Wounds,
Inflamation, Flux, Pestilences, Epidemical Diseases,
Liver, Stone, Terms stops, Scabs.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Hippocrates saith, he used the fumes of Oak Leavs to
Women that were troubled with the strangling of the
Mother; and Galen applied them being bruised to cure green
Wounds. The Distilled water of the Oaken Buds before they
break out into Leavs, is good to be used either inward, or
outwardly, to asswage Inflamations and stop all manner of
Fluxes in man or woman: The same is singular good in
Pestilential and hot burning Feavers, for it resisteth the
force of the infection, and allayeth the heat; it cooleth
the heat of the Liver, breaketh the Stone in the Kidneys,
and staieth womens Courses: The Decoction of the Leavs
worketh the same effects. The water that is found in the
hollow places of old Oaks, is very effectual against any
foul or spreading Scab.
The Distilled Water (or Decoction which is better) of
the Leavs is one of the best Remedies that I know for the
Whites in Women.
Jupiter owns the Tree.
## <h182>
# chapter 182 OATS
# unit T chaptertitle
OATS.
# unit P text
These are also so well known that they need no
Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Oats fryed with Bay-Salt, and applied to the sides,
takes away the pains of Stitches and Wind in the sides or
Belly: A Pultis made of the Meal of Oats, and some Oyl of
Bays put thereto, helpeth the Itch, and the Leprosie, as
also the Fistulaes of the Fundament, and dissolveth hard
Impostuhmes. The Meal of Oats boyled with Vinegar and
applied, taketh away Freckles and Spots in the face, or
other parts of the Body.
# unit G marginalnote
Stitch, wind, Itch, Leprosie, Fistulaes,
Apostums, Freckles.
#end marginalnote
## <h183>
# chapter 183 ONE-BLADE
# unit T chaptertitle
ONE-BLADE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This smal Plant never beareth more than one Leaf, but
only when it riseth up with his Stalk, which thereon
beareth another, and seldom more, which are of a blewish
green colour, pointed, with many Ribs or Veins therein,
like Plantane: At the top of the Stalk, grow many smal
white Flowers, Star-fashion, smelling somwhat sweet; after
which come smal reddish Berries when they are ripe. The
Root is small of the bigness of a Rush, lying and creeping
under the upper crust of the Earth, shooting forth in
diverse places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in moist, shadowy, and grassy places of
Woods, in many places of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth about May, and the Berries be ripe in June,
and then quickly perisheth until the next yeer, it
springeth from the same Root again.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Half a Dram, or a Dram at most in Pouder of the Roots
hereof taken in Wine and Vinegar, of each equal parts, and
the party laid presently to sweat thereupon, is held to be
a Soveraign Remedy for those that are infected with the
Plague, and have a Sore upon them, by expelling the poyson
and infection, and defending the Heart and Spirits from
danger. It is a singular good Wound Herb, and is therupon
used with other the like effects in making Compound Balms
for the curing of Wounds, be they fresh and green or old
and Malignant, and especially if the Sinews be hurt.
# unit G marginalnote
Pestilence, Poyson, Epidemical Diseases,
Wounds, Sinews cut.
#end marginalnote
## <h184>
# chapter 184 ONIONS
# unit T chaptertitle
ONIONS.
# unit P text
These are so well known that I need not spend time
about writing a Description of them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Vices.
# unit P text
Onions are Flatulent or Windy, yet they do somwhat
provoke appetite, encreas thirst, eas the Belly and
Bowels; provoke Womens Courses, help the biting of a mad
Dog, and of other Venemous Creatures, to be used with
Honey and Rue, and encreaseth Sperm, especially the Seed
of them: They also kill the Worms in Children if they
drink the Water fasting wherein they have been steeped all
night. Being roasted under the Embers and eaten with
Honey, or Sugar and Oyl they much conduce to help an
inveterate Cough and expectorate the tough Flegm. The
Juyce being snuffed up into the Nostrils, purgeth the Head
and helpeth the Lethargy (yet the often eating of them is
said to procure pains in the Head) It hath been held with
divers Country people a good preservative against
Infection to eat Onions fasting with Bread and Salt: as
also to make a great Onion hollow, filling the place with
good Triacle, and after to roast it well under the Embers,
which after taking away of the outermost skin thereof,
being beaten together, is a Soveraign Salve for either
Plague-Sore, or any other putrid Ulcer. The Juyce of
Onions is good for either scalding, or burning by fire,
water, or Gunpouder, and used with Vinegar, taketh away
all Blemishes, Spots, and Marks in the Skin, and dropped
into the Ears, easeth the pains and nois of them. Applied
also with Figs beaten together, helpeth to ripen and break
Impostumes and other Sores.
# unit G marginalnote
Mad Dogs, Worms, Cough, Lethargy, Epidemical
Diseases.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Leeks are like them in quality as a Pomewater is like
an Apple: They are a Remedy against a Surfeit of Mushroms,
being baked under the Embers and taken and being boyled
and applied warm helpeth the Piles; In other things they
have the same property as the Onions, although not so
effectual.
Mars owns them, and they have gotten this quality, to
draw any corruption to them, for if you pill one and lay
him upon a Dunghill, you shall find him rotten in half a
day, by drawing putrifaction to it, then being bruised and
applied to a Plague-Sore 'tis very probable 'twill do the
like.
## <h185>
# chapter 185 ORPINE
# unit T chaptertitle
ORPINE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Common Orpine riseth up with diverse round brittle
Stalks, thick set with fat and fleshy Leavs without any
order, and little or nothing dented about the edges, of a
pale green colour; The Flowers are white or whitish
growing in tufts, after which come small chaffy Husks,
with Seed like dust in them. The Roots are diverse thick,
round white tuberous clogs; and the Plant groweth not to
big in some places as in others where it is found.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is frequent almost in every Country of this Land,
and is cherished in Gardens with us, where it groweth
greater than that which is wild, and groweth in the
shadowy sides of Fields and Woods.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth about July and the Seed is ripe in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Orpine is seldom used in inward Medicines with us,
although Tragus saith from experience in Germany that the
distilled water thereof is profitable for gnawings or
excoriations in the Stomach or Bowels, and for Ulcers in
the Lungs, Liver, or other inward parts, as also in the
Matrix, and helpeth all those Diseases, being drunk for
certain daies together: And that is stayeth the sharpness
of Humors in the Bloody Flux, and other Fluxes in the
Body, or in Wounds: The Root thereof also performeth the
same effect. It is used outwardly to cool any heat or
Inflamation upon any Hurt or Wound, and easeth the pains
of them: as also to heal Scaldings or Burnings: The Juyce
thereof beaten with some green Sallet Oyl, and anointed:
The Leaf also bruised and laid to any green Wound in the
Hands or Legs, doth heal them quickly; and being bound to
the Throat, much helpeth the Quinsie. It helpeth also
Ruptures and Burstiness.
# unit G marginalnote
Excoriation of Bowels, Phtisick, Womb, Bloody
Flux, Wounds, Inflamation, Scalding, Burnings, Quinsie,
Ruptures.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
If you pleas to make the Juyce into a Syrup with Honey
or Sugar, you may safely take a spoonful or two at a time
(let my Author say what he will) for a Quinsie, and you
shall find the Medicine more pleasant, and the Cure more
speedy, than if you took a Dogs-turd which is the Learned
Colledges vulgar Cure.
The Moon owns the Herb, and he that knows but her
Exaltation, knows what I say is true.
## <h186>
# chapter 186 PARSLEY
# unit T chaptertitle
PARSLEY.
# unit P text
This is so well known to be an Inhabitant in every
Garden, that it is needless to write any Description of
it. The vertues of it being many are as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is very comfortable to the Stomach, and helpeth to
provoke Urine and Womens Courses, and to break wind both
in the Stomach and Bowels, and doth a little open the
Body, but the Root much more, and openeth Obstructions
both of the Liver and Spleen, and is therfore accounted
one of the five opening Roots; Galen commendeth it against
the Falling-sickness, and to provoke Urine mightily,
especialy if the Roots be boyled and eaten like Parsnips.
The Seed is effectual to provoke Urine and Womens Courses,
to expel wind, to break the Stone, and eas the pains and
torments thereof, or of any other part in the Body
occasioned by Wind. It is also effectual against the Venom
of any poysonfull Creature, and the danger that cometh to
them that have taken Litharge, and is good against the
Cough. The distilled water of Parsley is a familiar
Medicine with Nurses to give their Children when they are
troubled with wind in the Stomach or Belly, which they
call the frets, and is also much available to them that
are of greater yeers. The Leavs of Parsley laid to the
Eyes that are inflamed with heat or swoln, doth much help
them, if it be used with Bread or Meal; and being fryed
with Butter and applied to Womens Breasts that are hard
through the curdling of their Milk, it abateth the
hardness quickly, and also it taketh away black and blue
marks coming of Bruises or Falls. The Juyce thereof
dropped into the Ears with a little Wine easeth the pains.
Tragus setteth down an excellent Medicine to help the
Jaundice and Falling-sickness, the Dropsie, and Stone in
the Kidneys, in this manner: Take of the Seeds of
Parsley, Fennel, Annis, and Caraways of each an ounce; of
the Roots of Parsley, Burnet, Saxifrage, and Carawares, of
each one ounce and a half, let the Seeds be bruised, and
the Roots washed and cut smal: Let them lie all night in
steep in a pottle of
white Wine, and in the morning be
Boyled in a close earthen Vessel until a third part or
more be washed, which being strained and cleared; take
four ounces thereof morning and evening first and last,
abstaining from drink after it for three hours: This
openeth Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, and
expelleth the Dropsie and Jaundice by Urine.
# unit G marginalnote
Stomach, Disury, Terms provokes, Liver, Spleen,
Falling-sickness, Stone, Wind, Venemous Beasts, Cough,
Sucking Children, Eyes, Womens Breasts, Curdled Milk,
Black and blue marks, Jaundice, Falling-sickness, Dropsie.
#end marginalnote
## <h187>
# chapter 187 PARSNIP
# unit T chaptertitle
PARSNIP.
# unit P text
The Garden kind hereof is so well known (the Root being
commonly eaten) that I shal not trouble you with any
Description of it. But the wild kind being of more
Physical use, I shall in this place describe unto you.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The wild Parsnip differeth little from the Garden kind,
but groweth not so fair and large, nor hath so many Leavs;
and the Root is shorter, more woody and not so fit to be
eaten, and therefore the more Medicinable.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The name of the first sheweth the place of its growth,
Viz. In Gardens.
The other groweth wild in divers places, as in the
Marshes by Rochester and elswhere, and flowreth in July;
the Seed being ripe about the beginning of August, the
second yeer after the sowing: for if they do flower the
first yeer the Country people call them Madneps.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Garden Parsnep nourisheth much, and is good and
wholsom Nourishment, but a little windy, whereby it is
thought to procure bodily lust: but it fatneth the Body
much if much used. It is conducible to the Stomach and
Reins, and provoketh Urine. But the wild Parsnep hath a
cutting, attenuating, clensing and opening quality
therein: It resisteth and helpeth the bitings of
Serpents, easeth pains and Stitches in the sides, and
dissolveth wind both in the Stomach and Bowels, which is
the Chollick, and provoketh Urine. The Root is often
used, but the Seed much more.
# unit G marginalnote
Lust provokes, Disury, Clense, Open, Venemous
Beasts, Chollick, Disury.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The wild being better than the tame shews Dame Nature
is the best Physitian.
## <h188>
# chapter 188 COW-PARSNEP
# unit T chaptertitle
COW-PARSNEP.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This groweth with three or four large spread, winged,
rough, Leavs, lying often on the Ground, or else raised a
little for it, with long, round, hairy footstalks under
them, parted usually into five devisions, the two couples
standing each against other, and one at the end, and each
Leaf being almost round, yet somwhat deeply cut in on the
edges in some Leavs, and not so deep in others, of a
whitish green colour, smelling somwhat strongly: among
which ariseth up a round crested hairy Stalk two or three
foot high with a few Joynts and Leavs thereon, and
branched at the top, where stand large Umbels of white,
and somtimes reddish Flowers, and after them, flat,
whitish, thin winged Seed, two alwaies joyned together.
The Root is long and white with two or three long strings
growing down into the ground, smelling likewise strongly,
and unpleasant.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in moist Meadows, and the borders and
corners of Fields, and neer Ditches, generally through
this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in July, and Seedeth in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Seed hereof as Galen saith is of sharp and cutting
quality, and is therefore a fit Medicine for the Cough and
shortness of Breath, the Falling-sickness and the
Jaundice. The Root is available to all the purposes
aforesaid, and is also of great use to take away the hard
skin that groweth on a Fistula, if it be but scraped upon
it. The Seed hereof being drunk clenseth the belly from
tough Flegmatick matter therein: easeth them that are
Liver-grown, and Womens passions of the Mother, as well
being drunk as the smoke thereof received underneath, and
likewise raiseth such as are fallen into a deep sleep, or
have the Lethargy, but burning it under their Nose: The
Seed and Root boyled in Oyl, and the Head rubbed
therewith, helpeth not only those that are fallen into a
Frenzy, but also the Lethargy or Drowsie evil; and those
that have been long troubled with the Headach, if it be
likewise used with Rue: It helpeth also the running Scab
and the Shingles: The Juyce of the Flowers dropped into
the Ears that run and are ful of matter, it clenseth and
healeth them.
# unit G marginalnote
Cough, Difficulty of breath, Falling-sickness,
Jaundice, Fistula, Flegm, Liver, Mother, Lethargy, Frenzy,
Headach, Scabs, Shingles.
#end marginalnote
## <h189>
# chapter 189 PEACH-TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE PEACH-TREE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Peach-tree groweth not so great as the
Apricock-tree, yet spreadeth Branches reasonable well,
from whence spring smaller reddish twigs, whereon are set
long and narrow green leavs dented about the edges. The
Blossoms are greater than the Plum, and of a light Purple
colour. The Fruit round, and somtimes as big as a
reasonable Pippin, others are smaller, as also differing
in colours and tasts, as russet, red, or yellow, waterish
or firm, with a frieze or Cotton all over, with a cleft
therein like an Apricock, and a rugged furrowed great
Stone within it, and a bitter Kernel within the Stone: It
sooner waxeth old, and decayeth, than the Apricock, by
much.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They are nursed up in Gardens and Orchards through this
Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in the Spring, and Fructifie in Autumn.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Leavs of Peaches bruised and laid on the Belly
killeth Worms; and so they do also being boyled in Ale and
drunk, and open the Belly likewise; and being dried is a
safe Medicine to discuss Humors. The Pouder of them
strewed upon fresh bleeding Wounds, stayeth their bleeding
and closeth them up. The Flowers steeped all night in a
little Wine standing warm, strained forth in the morning
and drunk fasting, doth gently open the Belly and move it
downwards. A Syrup made of them as the Syrup of Roses is
made, worketh more forcibly than that of Roses, for it
provoketh Vomiting, and spendeth waterish and Hydropick
Humors by the continuance thereof. The Flowers made into
a Conserve worketh the same effect. The Liquor that
droppeth from the Tree being wounded, is given in the
Decoction of Coltsfoot, to those that are troubled with
the Cough or shortness of breath, by adding thereto some
sweet Wine; and putting some Saffron also therin, it is
good for those that are hoarce or have lost their voice;
helpeth all defects of the Lungs, and those that vomit or
spit blood. Two drams thereof given in the Juyce of
Lemmons or of Radish, is good for those that are troubled
with the Stone. The Kernels of the Stones do wonderfully
eas the pains and wringings of the Belly through wind or
sharp Humors, and help to make an excellent Medicine for
the Stone upon all occasions, on this manner: Take fifty
Kernels of Peach Stones, and one hundred of the Kernels of
Cherry Stones, a handful of Elder Flowers, fresh or dried,
and three pints of Muscadine, set them in a closed pot
into a bed of Horse dung for ten daies, which after
distill in Glass with a gentle fire, and keep it for your
use; you may drink upon occasion three or four ounces at a
time. The Milk or Cream of these Kernels being drawn
forth with some Vervain Water, and applied to the Forehead
and Temples, doth much help to procure rest and sleep to
sick persons wanting it. The Oyl drawn frm the Kernels,
the Temples being therewith anointed doth the like: The
said Oyl put into Clysters easeth the pains of the wind
Chollick, and anointed on the lower part of the Belly doth
the like, and dropped into the Ears easeth the pains of
them: The Juyce of the Leavs doth the like: being also
anointed on the Forehead and Temples, it helpeth the
Megrim and all other pains in the Head. If the Kernels be
bruised and boyled in Vinegar until they become thick,
and appliled to the Head, it merveilously procure the Hair
to grow again upon bald places or where it is too thin.
# unit G marginalnote
Worms, Open, Humors, Wounds, Dropsie, Cough,
Shortness of Breath, Vomiting.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Spitting of Blood, Stone, Wind, Chollick,
Watching, Ears, Baldness.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Lady Venus owns this Tree, and by it opposeth the ill
effects of Mars, and indeed for Children and yong people,
nothing is better to purge Choller, and the Jaundice, than
the Leavs and Flowers of this Tree, being made into a
Syrup or Conserve, let such as delight to please their
lust regard the Fruit, but such as love their health and
their Childrens, let them regard what I say, they may
safely give two spoonfuls of the Syrup at a time, 'tis as
gentle as Venus her self.
## <h190>
# chapter 190 PEAR-TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE PEAR-TREE.
# unit P text
These are so well known that they need no Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
For their Physical use they are best discerned by their
tasts: All the sweet or lushious sorts whether manured or
wild, do help to move the Belly downward more or less:
Those that are harsh and sowr do on the contrary bind the
Belly as much; and the Leavs do so also. Those that are
moist do in some sort cool, but harsh or wild sorts much
more, and are very good in repelling Medicines: as if the
wild sorts be boyled with Mushroms, it maketh them the
less dangerous. The said Pears boyled with a little
Honey, helpeth much the oppressed Stomach, as al sorts of
them do, some more, some less; but the harsher sorts do
most cool and bind, serving well to be bound to green
wounds to cool and stay the Blood, and heal up the wound
without further trouble or Inflamation; as Galen saith he
hath found by experience. And wild Pears do sooner close
up the Lips of green Wounds than the others.
# unit G marginalnote
Mushroms, Stomach, Inflamations, Cool, Bind,
Wounds.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Schola Salerni adviseth to drink much Wine after Pears,
or els (they say) they are as bad as poyson, nay and they
curs the Tree for it too, but if a poor man find his
Stomach oppressed by eating Pears 'tis but working hard
and it will do as wel as drinking Wine. The Tree belongs
to Venus, and so doth the Apple-tree.
## <h191>
# chapter 191 PELLITORY_OF_THE_WALL
# unit T chaptertitle
PELLITORY OF THE WALL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This riseth up with many brownish, red, tender and
weak, clear, and almost transparent stalks about two foot
high, upon which grow at the several Joynts, two Leavs
somwhat broad and long, of a dark green colour, which
afterwards turn brownish, smooth on the edges, but rough
and hairy as the Stalks are also: At the Joynts with the
Leavs from the middle of the Stalks upwards, wher it
spreadeth into some branches, stand many smal pale,
purplish Flowers, in hairy rough Heads or Husks; after
which come smal black and rough Seed, which will stick to
any cloth or Garment that shall touch it. The Root is
somwhat long with many smal Fibres thereat, of a dark
reddish colour, which abideth the Winter, although the
Stalks and Leavs perish and spring afresh every yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth wild generally through this Land, about the
borders of Fields, and by the sides of Walls, and among
Rubbish; It will endure well being brought into Gardens,
and planted on the shady side, where it will spring of its
own sowing.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It flowreth in June and July, and the Seed is ripe soon
after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The dried Herb Pellitory made up into an Electuary with
Honey, or the Juyce of the Herb, or the Decoction thereof
made up with Sugar or Honey, is a singular Remedy for any
old or dry Cough, the shortness of breath, and Wheesing in
the Throat. Three ounces of the Juyce thereof taken at a
time, doth wonderfully help stopping of the Urine and to
expel the Stone or Gravel in the Kidneys or Bladder: and
is therefore usually put among other Herbs, used in
Clisters to mitigate pains in the Back, Sides, or Bowels
proceeding of wind, stopping of Urine, the Gravel or Stone
as aforesaid: If the bruised Herb sprinkled with some
Muskadine be warmed upon a Tile; or in a Dish upon a few
quick coals in a Chafing-dish, and applied to the Belly,
it worketh the same effect. The Decoction of the Herb
being drunk, easeth pains of the Mother, and bringeth down
Womens Courses; it also easeth those griefs that arise
from Obstructions of the Liver, Spleen, and Reins: The
same Decoction with a little Honey added thereto is good
to gargle a sore Throat. The Juyce held a while in the
Mouth, easeth pains in the Teeth. The distilled water of
the Herb drunk with some Sugar worketh the same effects;
and clenseth the Skin from Spots, Freckles, Purples,
Wheals, Sunburn, Morphew, &c.
# unit G marginalnote
Old or Dry Cough, Shortness of Breath, Stone
and Gravel, Mother, Womens Courses, Obstructions, Sore
Throats, Teeth.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Freckles, Wheals, Sunburn, Morphew, pain in the
Ears, Impostums, burnings and Scaldings, Inflamations,
Ulcers, Scabs, Falling of the Hair, Piles, Gout,
Fistulaes, Green Wounds, Bruised Tendon or Muscle.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Juyce dropped into the Ears easeth the noise in
them, and taketh away the pricking and shooting pains
therein: The same or the distilled Water, asswageth hot
and swelling Impostumes, Burnings and Scaldings by fire or
Water, as also all other hot Tumors and Inflamations, or
breakings out of Heat, being bathed often with wet
Cloathes dipped therein. The said Juyce made into a
Liniment with Ceruss and Oyl of Roses and anointed
therewith, clenseth foul rotten Ulcers, and stayeth
spreading or creeping Ulcers, and the running Scabs or
Sores in Childrens Heads: and helpeth to stay falling of
the Hair from off the Head. The said Oyntment, or the
Herb applied to the Fundament openeth the Piles and easeth
their pains; and being mixed with Goats Tallow, helpeth
the Gout. The Juyce is very effectual to clens Fistulaes,
and to heal them up safely; or the Herb it self bruised,
and applied with a little Salt. It is likewise so
effectual to heal any green Wound, that if it be bruised
and bound thereto for three daies, you shall need no other
Medicine to heal it further. A Pultis made hereof with
mallows, and boyled in Wine, with Wheat Bran, and Bean
Flower, and some Oyl put thereto, and applied warm to any
bruised Sinew, Tendon, or Muscle, doth in a very short
time restore them to their strength, taking away the pains
of the Bruises; and dissolveth the congealed Blood coming
of Blows or Falls from high places.
The Juyce of Pellitory of Wall clarified and boyled
into a Syrup with Honey, and a spoonful of it drunk every
morning by such as are subject to the Dropsie, if
continuing that cours through but once a week, if ever
they have the Dropsie, let them come but to me, and I will
cure them gratis.
## <h192>
# chapter 192 PENY-ROYAL
# unit T chaptertitle
PENY-ROYAL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This is so well known unto all (I mean the common kind)
that it needeth no Description.
There is a greater kind than the ordinary sort found
wild with us, which so abideth being brought into Gardens,
and differeth not from it but only in the largeness of the
leavs and Stalks, in rising higher, and not creeping upon
the ground so much. The Flowers whereof are Purple,
growing in Rundles about the Stalk like the other.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The first which is common in Gardens groweth also in many moist and watery places of this Land.
The second is found wild in Essex in divers places by
the High-way from London to Colechester, and thereabouts
more abundantly than in other Countries, and is also
planted in their Gardens in Essex.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in the latter end of Summer, about August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Dioscorides saith, That Peny-royal maketh thin, tough
Flegm, warmeth the coldness of any part whereto it is
apylied, and digesteth raw or corrupt matter: Being boyled
& drunk, it provoketh Womens Courses and expelleth the
dead Child and afterbirth, and staieth the disposition to
Vomit, being taken in Water and Vinegar mingled together.
And being mingled with Honey and Salt it avoideth Flegm
out of the Lungs, and purgeth Melancholly by the Stool.
Drunk with Wine it helpeth such as are bitten or stung
with Venemous Beasts: and applied to the Nostrils with
Vinegar, reviveth those that are fainting and swouning.
Being dried and burnt it strengtheneth the Gums; It is
helpful to those that are toubled with the Gout being
applied of it self to the place until it wax red: and
applied in a Plaister, it taketh away spots or marks in
the Face: Applied with Salt, it profiteth those that are
Splenetick or Liver-grown. The Decoction doth help the
Itch, if washed therwith: Being put into Baths for Women
to sit therein, it helpeth the Swelling and hardness of
the Mother. The green Herb bruised and put into Vinegar
clenseth foul Ulcers, and taketh away the marks and
bruises of blows about the Eyes, and all discolourings of
the Face by fire, yea and the Leprosie, being drunk and
outwardly applied: Boyled in Wine with Honey and Salt, it
helpeth the Toothach. It helpeth the cold Griefs of the
Joynts, taking away the pains, and warming the cold parts,
being fast bound to the place after a bathing, or sweating
in an hot hous. Pliny addeth that Penny-royal and Mints
together help faintings or swounings, being put into
Vinegar, and put to the Nostrils to be smelled unto, or a
little thereof put into the Mouth. It easeth the Headach,
and the pains of the breast and Belly, stayeth the gnawing
of the Stomach, and inward pains of the Bowels; being
drunk in Wine it provoketh Womens Courses, and expelleth
the dead child and afterbirth: Being given in Wine it
helpeth the Falling-sickness: Put into unwholsom or
stinking Water that men must drink (as at Sea, and where
other cannot be had) it maketh them the less hurtful: It
helpeth Cramps or Convulsions of the Sinews being applied
with Honey, Salt, and Vinegar. It is very effectual for
the Cough, being boyled in Milk and drunk, and for Ulcers
or Sores in the Mouth. Mathiolus saith, The Decoction
thereof being drunk, helpeth the Jaundice and Dropsie, and
all pains of the Head and Sinews that come of a cold caus,
and that it helpeth to clear and quicken the Eyesight.
Applied to the Nostrils of those that have the
Falling-sickness, or the Lethargy, or put into the Mouth,
it helpeth them much, being bruised and with Vinegar
applied. And applied with Barley Meal, it helpeth
Burnings by fire, and put into the Ears, easeth the pains
of them.
# unit G marginalnote
Tough Flegm, Terms provokes, Dead Child &
Afterbirth, Vomiting, Melancholly, Venemous Beasts,
Fainting and Swouning, Gums, Gout, Marks in the Face,
Toothach, Pains in the Joynts, Headach, pains of the Belly
& Breast, Falling-sickness, Stinking Water, Cramps &
Convulsions.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Sore Mouth, Jaundice, Dropsie, pains of the
Head & Sinews, Eyesight, Lethargy, Burnings.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Herb is under Venus.
## <h193>
# chapter 193 PEONY
# unit T chaptertitle
PEONY, MAS. & FEMINA.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Male Peony riseth up with many brownish Stalks,
whereon grow many fair green and somtimes reddish Leavs,
one set against another upon a Stalk without any
particular devision in the Leaf at all. The Flowers stand
at the tops of the Stalks, consisting of five or six broad
Leavs, of a fair purplish red colour, with many yellow
threds in the middle standing about the Head, which after
riseth to be the Seed Vessels, devided into two, three, or
four rough crooked Pods like Horns, which being ful ripe,
open, and turn themselves down one edge to another
backward, shewing within them divers round, black shining
Seed, having also many red or Crimson grains, intermixed
with the black, whereby it maketh a very pretty shew. The
Roots are great, thick, and long, spreading and running
down reasonable deep in the Ground.
The ordinary Female Peony hath many Stalks and more
Leavs on them than the Male: the Leavs not so large but
nicked diversly on the edges, some with great and deep,
others with smaller cuts and devisions, of a dark or dead
green colour. The Flowers are of a strong heady scent,
most usually smaller and of a more purple colour than the
Male, with yellow thrums about the Head as the Male hath.
The Seed Vessels are like Horns as in the Male, but
smaller, the Seed also is black but less shining. The
Roots consist of many thick and short tuberous clogs,
fastned at the ends of long strings and all from the Head
of the root which is thick and short, and of the like
scent with the Male.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place and Time.
# unit P text
They grow in Gardens; and Flower usually about May.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Root of the Male Peony fresh gathered, hath been
found by experience to cure the Falling-sickness; but the
surest way is (besides hanging it about the Neck, by which
Children have been cured) to take the Root of the Male
Peony washed clean and stamped somwhat smal, and lay it to
infuse in Sack for twenty four Hours, at the least, after
strain it, and take first and last, morning and evening a
good draught for sundry daies together before and after a
full Moon, and this will also cure older persons, if the
Disease be not grown too old and past cure, especially if
there be a due and orderly preparation of the Body, with
Posset drink made of Betony &c. The Root is also
effectual for Women that are not sufficiently clensed
after Childbirth, and such as are troubled with the
Mother; for which likewise the black Seed beaten to Pouder
and given in Wine, is also available. The black Seed also
taken before bed time, and in the morning, is very
effectual for such as in their sleep are troubled with the
Disease called Ephialtes or Incubus, but we do commonly
cal it the Night-Mare; a diseas which Melancholly persons
are subject unto; It is also good against Melanchollick
Dreams. The Distilled water, or Syrup made of the
Flowers, worketh the same effects that the Root and the
Seed do, although more weakly. The Female is often used
for the purposes aforesaid, by reason the Male is so
scarce a Plant that it is possessed by few, and those
great Lovers of rarities in this kind.
# unit G marginalnote
Falling-sickness, Women not clensed in
Childbirth, Mother, Ephialtes, or the Night-Mare,
Melanchollick Dreams.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is an Herb of the Sun, and under the Lyon,
Physitians say Male Peony Roots are best, but Dr. Reason
told me, male Peony was best for men, and female Peony for
women and he desires to be judged by his brother Dr.
Experience. The Roots are held to be of most Vertue, then
the Seeds next the Flowers, and last of all the Leavs.
## <h194>
# chapter 194 PEPPERWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
PEPPERWORT, or DITTANDER.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Our common Pepper-wort sendeth forth somwhat long and
broad Leavs, of a light blewish green colour, finely
dented about the edges, and pointed at the ends, standing
upon round hard Stalks three or four foot high, spreading
many Branches on all sides, and having many smal white
Flowers at the tops of them, after which follow small Seed
in small Heads: The Root is slender running much under
ground, and shooting up again in many places; and both
Leavs and Root, are very hot and sharp of tast like
Pepper, for which caus it took the name.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth Naturally in many places of this Land, as at
Clare in Essex, neer also unto Exceter in Devonshire, upon
Rochester common in Kent; in Lancashire and divers other
places; but is usually kept in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in the end of June, and in July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Pliny and Paulus Aegineta say that Pepper-wort is very
effectual for the Sciatica, or any other Gout or pain in
the Joynts, or any other inveterate grief; the Leavs
hereof to be bruised and mixed with old Hogs grease and
applied to the place; and to continue thereon four hours
in Men, and two hours in women, the place being afterwards
bathed with Wine and Oyl mixed together, and then wrapped
with Wool or Skins after they have sweat a little. It
also amendeth the Deformities or discolourings of the
Skin, and helpeth to take away Marks, Scars, and Scabs, or
the foul marks of burning with fire or iron. The Juyce
hereof is in some places used to be given in Ale to drink
to women with child, to procure them a speedy delivery in
Travail.
# unit G marginalnote
Sciatica, Gout, pains in the Joynts,
Discolourings of the Skin, Marks & Scars by Burning,
Speedy Delivery.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Here's another Martial Herb for you, make much of it.
## <h195>
# chapter 195 PERIWINKLE
# unit T chaptertitle
PERIWINKLE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common sort hereof hath many Branches trayling, or
running upon the ground shooting out smal Fibres at the
Joynts as it runneth, taking thereby hold in the ground
and Rooteth in divers places. At the Joynts of these
Branches stand two small dark green shining Leavs, somwhat
like Bay Leavs, but smaller, and with them come forth also
the Flowers (one at a Joynt standing upon a tender
Footstalk) being somwhat long and hollow, parted at the
brims, somtimes into four somtimes five Leavs, the most
ordinary sort are of a pale blue Colour, some are pure
white, and some of a dark reddish Purple colour. The Root
is little bigger than a Rush, bushing in the ground, and
creeping with his Branches far about, whereby it quickly
possesseth a great compass, and is therfore most usually
planted under Hedges, where it may have room to run.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
Those with the pale blue, and those with the white
Flowers grow in Woods and Orchards by the Hedg sides in
diverse places of this Land. But those with the Purple
Flowers in Gardens only.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in March and April.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Periwincle is a great binder, staying bleeding both
at Mouth and Nose, if some of the Leavs be chewed: The
French use it to stay Womens Courses. Discorides, Galen,
and Aegineta commend it against the Lask, and Fluxes of
the Belly to be drunk in Wine.
# unit G marginalnote
Stanch bleeding, Womens Courses, Flux of the
Belly.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Venus owns this Herb, and saith that the Leavs eaten by
man and wife together, causeth love between them.
## <h196>
# chapter 196 ST_PETERS-WORT
# unit T chaptertitle
ST. PETERS-WORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Name.
# unit P text
If Superstition had not been the Father of Tradition,
as well as Ignorance the Mother of Devotion, this Herb as
well as St. Johns wort had found some other name to be
known by; but we may say of our Fore-fathers as St. Paul
of the Athenians, I perceive that in many things you are
too Superstitious: Yet seing it is come to that pass, that
Custom having gotten possession pleads Prescription for
the name, I shall let it pass, and come to the Description
of the Herb, which take as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
It riseth up with square upright Stalks for the most
part, somwhat greater and higher than St. Johns wort (and
good reason too, St. Peter being the greater Apostle (ask
the Pope else) for though God would have the Saints equal,
the Pope is of another Opinion) but brown in the same
manner, having two Leavs at every Joynt, somwhat like, but
larger than St. Johns wort, and a little rounder pointed
with few or no Holes to be seen therein, and having
somtimes some smaller Leavs rising from the Bosom of the
greater, and somtimes a little hairy also: At the tops of
the Stalks stand many Starlike Flowers, with yellow threds
in the middle very like those of St. Johns wort, insomuch
that this is hardly discerned from it but only by the
largeness of height, the Seed being also alike in both.
The Root abideth long sending forth new shoots every yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in many Groves and small low Woods, in
divers places of this Land, as in Kent, Huntington,
Cambridg, and Northampton shires, as also neer water
Courses in other places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June and July, and the Seed is ripe in
August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is of the same property with St. Johns wort, but
somwhat weak, and therefore more seldom used. Two drams
of the Seed taken at a time in Honeyed water, purgeth
Chollerick Humors (as saith Dioscorides, Pliny, and Galen)
and thereby helpeth those that are troubled with the
Sciatica: The Leavs are used as St. Johns wort, to help
those places of the Body that have been burnt with Fire.
# unit G marginalnote
Chollerick Humors, Sciatica, Burnings.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
There is not a straw to chuse between this and St.
Johns wort, only St. Peter must have it, lest he should
lack Pot-herbs.
## <h197>
# chapter 197 PIMPERNEL
# unit T chaptertitle
PIMPERNEL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Discription.
# unit P text
Common Pimpernel hath diverse weak square Stalks lying
on the ground beset all along with two smal and almost
round Leavs at every Joynt one against another, very like
Chickweed, but hath no Footstalks, for the Leavs do as it
were compass the Stalk: The Flowers stand singly each by
themselves at them and the Stalks, consisting of five
round small pointed Leavs of a fine pale red colour,
tending to an Orange, with so many threds in the middle,
in whose places succeed, smooth round Heads, wherein is
contained smal Seed. The Root is smal and fibrous
perishing every yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth every where almost, as well in the Meadows
and Cornfields, as by the Waysides, and in Gardens arising
of it self.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth from May unto August, and the Seed ripeneth
in the mean time and falleth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This is of a clensing and attractive quality, whereby
it draweth forth Thorns or Splinters, or other such like
things gotten into the Flesh, and put up into the Nostrils
purgeth the Head; and Galen saith also they have a drying
faculty, whereby they are good to soder the lips of
Wounds, and to clens foul Ulcers. The distilled Water or
Juyce is much esteemed by French Dames to clense the Skin
from any roughness, deformity, or discolouring thereof:
Being boyled in Wine, and given to drink, it is a good
Remedy against the Plague, and other Pestilential Feavers,
if the Party after taking it warm lie in his bed and sweat
for two hours after, and use the same twice at least. It
helpeth also all stingings and bitings of Venemous Beasts
or mad Dogs, being used inwardly and applied outwardly:
The same also openeth the Obstructions of the Liver, and
is very available against the Infirmities of the Reins, it
provoketh Urine, and helpeth to expel the Stone and Gravel
out of the Kidneys and Bladder, and helpeth much in all
inward Wounds and Ulcers. The Decoction or distilled
Water is no less effectual to be applied to all wounds
that are fresh and green, or old filthy fretting and
running Ulcers, which it very effectually cureth in short
spaces. A little Honey mixed with the Juyce and dropped
into the Eyes clenseth them from cloudy mists, or thick
Films which grow over them and hinder the sights: It
helpeth the Toothach being dropped into the Ear on the
contrary side of the pain. It is also effectual to eas
the pains of the Hemorrhoids or Piles.
# unit G marginalnote
Thorns or Splinters, purgeth the Head, Wounds &
Ulcers, Clenseth Face, Plague & Pestilential Feavers,
Venemous Beasts, Mad Dogs biting, Obstructions, Urine,
Stone and Gravel, Wounds & Ulcers, Clouds or Mists in the
Eyes, Toothach, Hemorroids.
#end marginalnote
## <h198>
# chapter 198 GROUND_PINE
# unit T chaptertitle
GROUND PINE, or CHAMEPITYS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Our common Ground Pine groweth low, seldom rising above
an handbreadth high, shooting forth divers smal Branches,
set with slender smal long narrow grayish or whitish Leavs
somwhat hairy; and devided into three parts many times
many bushing together at a Joynt, and somtimes some
growing scatteredly upon the Stalks, smelling somwhat
strong like unto Rozin; the Flowers are somwhat smal and
of a pale yellow colour growing from the Joynts of the
Stalks all along among the Leavs, after which come small,
long, and round Husks: The Root is smal woody perishing
every yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth more plentifully in Kent than in any other
Country of this Land; as namely, in many places from on
this side Dartford, along to Southfleet, Cotham, and
Rochester, and upon Chattam down hard by the Beacon, and
half a mile from Rochester in a Field nigh a Hous called
Selsey.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth and giveth Seed in the Summer Months.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Decoction of Ground Pine drunk, doth wonderfully
prevail against the Strangury or any inward pains arising
from the Diseases of the Reins and Urine, and is especial
good for all Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and
gently openeth the Body, for which purpose they were wont
in former times to make Pills with the Pouder thereof, and
the Purple Figs. It marveilously helpeth all the Diseases
of the Mother used inwardly, or applied outwardly,
procuring Womens Courses, and expelling the dead Child and
afterbirth, yea it is so powerful upon those Feminine
parts that it is utterly forbidden to Women with Child, in
that it will caus abortment or delivery before the time:
It is as effectual also in all pains and Diseases of the
Joynts, as Gouts, Cramps, Palseys, Sciatica, and Aches;
either the Decoction of the Herb in Wine taken inwardly,
or applied outwardly, or both for some time together, for
which purpose the Pills made with the Pouder of Ground
Pine, and of Hermodactils with Venice Turpentine are very
effectual. These Pills also are special good for those
that have the Dropsie, to be continued for some time. The
same is a special good help for the Jaundice, and for
griping pains in the Joynts, Belly, or inward parts: It
helpeth also all Diseases of the Brain proceeding of cold
and Flegmatick Humors and Distillations, as also for the
Falling-sickness. It is an especial Remedy for the Poyson
of the Aconites of all sorts, and other poisonful Herbs,
as also against the stinking of any Venemous Creature: It
is a good Remedy for a cold Cough, especially in the
beginning. For all this purposes aforesaid, the Herb being
tunned up in new Drink and drunk is almost as effectual,
but far more accetable to weak and dainty Stomachs. The
Distilled Water of the Herb hath the same effects, but
more weakly. The Conserve of the Flowers doth the like,
which Mathiolus much commendeth against the Palsey. The
green Herb or the Decoction thereof being applied,
dissolveth the hardness of Womens Breasts, and all other
hard Swellings in any other part of the Body. The green
Herb also applied, or the Juyce thereof with some Honey,
not only clenseth putrid, stinking foul and Malignant
Ulcers and Sores of all sorts, but healeth and sodereth up
the lips of green Wounds in any part also.
# unit G marginalnote
Strangury, Obstructions, Mother, Womens
Courses, Dead Child and Afterbirth.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Gouts, Cramps, Palseys, Sciatica, Aches &c.
Dropsie, poyson of the Aconites, venemous Creatures, Cold
Cough, Palsie, Hard Breasts & hard Swellings, Ulcers & old
Sores, Green Wounds.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Let Women forebear it if they be with Child, for it
works violently upon the Foeminine part; and Mars owns it,
I tell them but so.
## <h199>
# chapter 199 PLANTANE
# unit T chaptertitle
PLANTANE.
# unit P text
This groweth so familiarly in Meadows and Fields, and
by Pathways, and is so well known that it needeth no
Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It is in its beauty about June, and the Seed ripeneth
shortly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Juyce of Plantane clarified and drunk for divers
daies together, either of it self or in other drink
prevaileth wonderfully against all torments or
Excoriations in the Guts or Bowels, helpeth the
distillations of Rhewm from the Head, and staieth all
manner of Fluxes even Womens Courses when they flow too
abundantly; It is good to stay spitting of Blood, and all
other Bleedings at the Mouth, or the making of foul or
bloody water by reason of any Ulcer in the reins or
Bladder, and also stayeth the too free bleeding of Wounds.
It is held an especial Remedy for those that are troubled
with the Phtisick, or Consumption of the Lungs, or Ulcers
in the Lungs, or Coughs that come of heat. The Decoction
or Pouder of the Roots or Seed, is much more binding for
all the purposes aforesaid than the Leavs. Dioscorides
saith, That three Roots boyled in Wine and taken helpeth
the Tertain Ague, and four the Quartan Ague: But (letting
pass the number as Fabulous) I conceive the Decoction of
divers Roots may be effectual. The Herb (but especially
the Seed) is held to be profitable againt the Dropsie, the
Falling-sickness, the yellow Jaundice, and stoppings of
the Liver and Reins. The Roots of Plantane and Pellitory
of Spain beaten to Pouder and put into hollow Teeth,
taketh away the pains of them: The clarified Juyce or
distilled Water dropped into the Eyes cooleth the
Inflamations in them, and taketh away the Pin and Web; and
dropped into the Ears easeth pains in them, and helpeth
and restoreth the Hearing: The same also with Juyce of
Housleek is profitable against all Inflamations and
breakings out in the Skin, and against Burnings or
Scaldings by fire or Water. The Juyce or Decoction made
either of it self or other things of like nature is of
much use and good effect for old and hollow Ulcers that
are hard to be cured, and for Cankers and Sores in the
Mouth or privy parts of Man or Woman; and helpeth also the
pains of the Piles in the Fundament. The Juyce mixed with
Oyl of Roses, and the Temples and Forhead anointed
therewith, easeth the pains of the Head proceeding from
heat, and helpeth Lunatick, and Phrenetick persons very
much; as also the bitings of Serpents or a Mad Dog: The
same also is profitably applied to all hot Gouts in the
Feet or Hands, especially in the beginning. It is also
good to be applied where any Bone is out of Joynt to
hinder Inflamations, Swellings and Pains that presently
rise thereupon. The Pouder of the dried Leavs taken in
drink, killeth Worms of the Belly, and boyled in Wine
killeth Worms that breed in old and foul Ulcers. One part
of Plantane Water, and two parts of the brine of Pouder'd
Beef boyled together and clarified, is a most sure Remedy
to heal all spreading Scabs and Itch in the Head or Body,
and all manner of Tetters, Ringworms, the Shingles, and
all other running and fretting Sores. Briefly the
Plantanes are singular good Wound Herbs to heal fresh, or
old Wounds and Sores either inward or outward.
# unit G marginalnote
Pains in the Guts, Distillation of Rhewm,
Fluxes, Womens Courses, Spitting Blood or Bleeding at
Mouth or Nose or of Wounds, phtisick, Consumption or
Ulcers in the Lungs.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Tertian Ague, Dropsie & Falling-sickness,
Toothach, pin and web in the Eyes, pains in the Ears,
Inflamations, Burning or Scalding, Hollow Ulcers, Cankers,
and sore Mouth, or privy parts, Piles.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
pains of the Head, Lunacy & phrensie, Biting of
Serpents, or Mad Dogs, Hot Gouts, Bones out of Joynt,
Worms in the Belly, or in Ulcers, Scabs and Itch, Tetters,
Ringworms, Shingles, & fretting sores, Wounds.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Its true Myzaldus and others yea almost all
Astrologo-Physitians hold this to be an Herb of Mars, and
they give a verisimile of a truth for it too, Viz. becaus
it cures diseases of the Head and privities which are
under the Houses of Mars, Aries, and Scorpio: All
Diseases of the Head coming of heat are caused by Mars,
for Venus is made of no such hot mettle, or at least deals
in inferior parts. The truth is, it is under the command
of Venus, and cures the Head by Antipathy to Mars, and the
Privities by Sympathy to Venus, neither is there hardly a
Martial Diseas but it cures, If I were to fortifie my Body
against a Martial Diseas I would do it by this Herb as
soon as by any, and may do it (it may be) when time shal
serve.
## <h200>
# chapter 200 PLUMS
# unit T chaptertitle
PLUMS.
# unit P text
These are so well known that they need no Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
As there is great diversity of the kinds, so is there
in the operations of Plums, for some that are sweet,
moisten the Stomach and make the Belly soluble; those that
are sowr quench thirst more and bind the Belly; the moist
and waterish do soonest corrupt in the Stomach, but the
firm do nourish more and offend less: The dried Fruit
sold by the Grocers under the name of Damask Prunes, do
somwhat loosen the Belly, and being stewed are often used
both in health and sickness, to rellish the Mouth and
Stomach to procure Appetite, and a little to open the
Body, allay Choller, and cool the Stomach: Plum-tree Leavs
boyled in Wine, is good to wash and gargle the Mouth and
Throat to dry the Flux of Rhewm coming to the Pallat,
Gums, or Almonds of the Ears. The Gum of the Trees is
good to break the Stone. The Gum or Leavs boyled in
Vinegar and applied, killeth Tetters and Ringworms.
Mathiolus saith, The Oyl pressed out of the Kernels of the
Stones, as Oyl of Almonds is made, is good against the
inflamed Piles, the Tumors or Swellings of Ulcers,
Hoarsness of the voice, roughness of the Tongue and
Throat, and likewise the pains in the Ears. And that five
ounces of the said Oyl taken with one ounce of Muscadine,
driveth forth the Stone, and helpeth the Chollick.
# unit G marginalnote
Open the Belly, Quench Thirst, pind the Belly,
procure Appetite, Allay Choller, Cool the Stomach, Rhewm,
Stone, Tetters & Ringworms, Piles, Ulcers, Hoarsness, and
pains in the Ears, Stone, and Chollick.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
All Plums are under Venus, and are like Women, some
better, some worse.
## <h201>
# chapter 201 POLLIPODY_of_the_OAK
# unit T chaptertitle
POLLIPODY of the OAK.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This is a smal Herb consisting of nothing but Roots and
Leavs: bearing neither Stalk, Flower, nor Seed as it is
thought. It hath three or four Leavs rising from the
Root, every one singly by it self, of about a hand length,
which are winged, consisting of many smal narrow Leavs,
cut into the middle rib standing on each side of the
Stalk, large below, and smaller up to the top, not dented
or notched on the edges at all, as the Male Fern hath; of
a sad green colour and smooth on the upper side, but on
the underside somwhat rough, by reason of certain
yellowish spots set thereon: The Root is smaller than ones
little finger lying aslope, or creeping along under the
upper crust of the earth, browish on the outside, and
greenish within, of a sweetish harshness in tast, set with
certain rough Knags on each side thereof, having also much
Mossiness or yellow hairiness upon it, and some Fibres
underneath it, whereby it is nourished.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth as well upon old rotten stumps, or trunks of
Trees, as Oak, Beech, Hazel; Willow, or any other, as in
the Woods under them; and upon old Mud Wals, as also in
Mossie, Stony, and gravelly places, neer unto Woods; That
which groweth upon Oaks is accounted the best, but the
quantity thereof is scarce sufficient for the common use.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It being alwaies green, may be gathered for use at any
time.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Mesues (who is called the Physitians Evangelist, for the
certainty of his Medicines, and the truth of his Opinions)
saith, That it drieth up thin Humors, digesteth thick and
tough, and purgeth burnt Choller, and especially tough and
thick Flegm, and thin Flegm also, even from the Joynts;
and is therfore good for those that are troubled with
Melancholly; or Quartan Agues, especially if it be taken
in Whey, or Honeyed Water, or in Barley water, or the
Broth of a Chicken with Epithimum, or with Beets and
Mallows. It is also good for the hardness of the Spleen
and for prickings or Stitches in the sides, as also for
the Chollick, some use to put to it some Fennel Seeds, or
Annis Seeds or Ginger to correct that loathing it bringeth
to the Stomach, which is more than needeth, it being a
safe and gentle Medicine fit for al persons at al seasons,
which daily experience confirmith; And an ounce of it may
be given at a time in a Decoction, if there be not Saena
or some other strong purger put with it. A dram or two
of the Pouder of the dried Roots, taken fasting in a cup
of Honeyed water, worketh gently, and for the purposes
aforesaid. The distilled water both of Roots and Leavs is
much commended for the Quartan Ague, to be taken for many
daies together, as also against Melancholly, or fearful or
troublesom sleeps or Dreams, and with some Sugar Candy
dissolved therein, is good against the Cough, shortness of
breath and Wheesings, and those distillations of thin
Rhewm upon the Lungs, which caus Phtisicks, and oftentimes
Consumptions. The fresh Roots beaten smal: or the Pouder
of the dried Roots mixed with Honey and applied to any
Member that is out of Joynt, doth much help it: Applied
also to the Nose cureth the Diseas called Polipus, which
is a piece of Flesh growing therein which in time stoppeth
the passage of breath through that Nostril; And it helpeth
those clefts or Chops that come between the fingers or
Toes.
# unit G marginalnote
Dryeth Humors, purgeth burnt Choller, Flegm,
Melancholly, Quartan Agues, Spleen, Chollick.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Troublesom sleeps, Cough, Shortness of Breath,
and Wheesings, Lungs, phtisick, Member out of Joynt,
pollipus or Diseas in the Nose, Chops in the Fingers or
Toes.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
And why I pray must Pollipodium of the Oak only be
used, Gentle Colledg of Physitians, can you give me but a
glimps of a reason for it? is it only becaus it is
dearest? will you never leave your covetousness till your
lives leav you? The Truth is, that which grows upon the
Earth is best ('tis an Herb of Saturn and he seldom climbs
trees) to purge Melancholly, if the humor be otherwise,
chuse your Pollipodium accordingly.
## <h202>
# chapter 202 POPLAR-TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE POPLAR-TREE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
There are two sorts of Poplars which are most familiar
with us, Viz. The Black, and the White, both which I shall
here describe unto you.
The white Poplar groweth great and reasonable high,
covered with a thick smooth white Bark, especially the
Branches, having large Leavs cut into several devisions
almost like a Vine Leaf, but not of so deep a green on the
upper side, and hoary white underneath, of a reasonable
good scent, the whol form representing the Leaf of
Coltsfoot. The Catkins which it bringeth forth before the
Leavs, are long, and of a faint reddish colour, which fall
away bearing seldom good Seed with them. The Wood hereof
is smooth, soft, and white, very finely waved, whereby it
is much esteemed.
The Black Poplar groweth higher and straiter than the
White, with a grayish Bark bearing broad and green leaves
somwhat like Ivy Leavs, not cut in on the edges like the
White, but whol and dented, ending in a point, and not
white underneath, hanging by slender long Footstalks,
which with the Air are continually shaken like as the
Aspin Leavs are: The Catkins hereof are greater than of
the White, composed of many round green Berries as it were
set together in a long Cluster, containing much downice
matter, which being ripe is blown away with the wind, The
clammy Buds hereof before they spread into Leavs, are
gathered to make the Unguentum Populeon, and are of a
yellowish green colour and smal, somwhat sweet, but
strong. The Wood is smooth, tough, and white, and easie
to be cloven: On both these Trees groweth a sweet kind of
Musk, which in former times was used to be put into sweet
Oyntments.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in moist Woods and by water sides in sundry
places of the Land, yet the white is not so frequent as
the other.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
Their time is likewise expressed before, The Catkins
coming forth before the Leavs and ripen in the end of
Summer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The White Poplar, saith Galen, is of a clensing
property: The weight of one ounce in Pouder of the Bark
thereof being drunk saith Dioscorides is a Remedy for
those that are troubled with the Sciatica, or the
Strangury: The Juyce of the Leavs dropped warm into the
Ears easeth the pains in them: The yong clammy Buds or
Eyes before they break out into Leavs, bruised, and a
little Honey put to them, is a good Medicine for a dull
Sight. The Black Poplar is held to be more cooling than
the White, and therefore the leavs bruised with Vinegar
and applied, helpeth the Gout; The Seed drunk in Vinegar
is held good against the Falling-sickness. The Water that
droppeth from the hollow places of this Tree, taketh away
Warts, Pushes, Wheals, and other the like breakings out in
the Body. The yong black Poplar Buds, saith Mathiolus,
are much used by Women to beautifie their hair, bruising
them with fresh Butter and straining them after thay have
been kept for some time in the Sun. The Oyntment called
Populeon, which is made of this Poplar, is singular good
for all heat, or Inflamation in any part of the Body, and
tempereth the heat of Wounds: It is much used to dry up
the Milk in Womens Breasts, when they have weyned their
Children.
# unit G marginalnote
Sciatica, Strangury, pain in the Ears, Dull
sight, Gout, Falling-sickness, Warts, Pushes & Wheals,
Heat & Inflamations, Dryeth Womens Milk.
#end marginalnote
## <h203>
# chapter 203 POPPY
# unit T chaptertitle
POPPY.
# unit P text
Of this I shal describe three kinds, Viz. The White and
Black, of the Garden, and the Erratick, wild Poppy, or
Corn Rose.
# unit S sectiontitle
Discription.
# unit P text
The white Poppy hath at first four or five whitish
green Leavs lying upon the ground, which rise with the
Stalk, compassing it at the bottom of them, and are very
large, much cut or torn in on the edges, and dented also
besides: The Stalk which is usually four or five foot
high, hath somtimes no Branches at the Top, & usually but
two or three at most bearing every one but one Head,
wrapped in a thin Skin, which boweth down before it be
ready to blow, and then rising and being broken, the
Flower within it spreadeth it self open, and consisteth of
four very large White round Leavs, with many whitish round
threds in the middle, set about a small round green Head,
having a Crown, or Star-like cover at the Head thereof,
which growing ripe becometh as large as a geat Apple,
wherein are contained a great number of smal round Seed,
in several partitions or devisions next unto the shell,
the middle thereof remaining hollow and empty. All the
whol Plant, both Leavs, Stalks and Heads, while they are
fresh, yong, and green, yield a Milk when they are broken,
of an unpleasant bitter tast, almost ready to provoke
casting, and of a strong heady smel, which being
condensate is called Opium. The Root is white, and woody,
perishing as soon as it hath given ripe Seed.
The Black Poppy little differeth from the former, until
it beareth his Flower, which is somwhat less, and of a
black Purplish colour, but without any purple spots in the
bottom of the Leaf. The Head of Seed is much less than
the former, and openeth it self a little round about the
top under the Crown, so that the Seed which is very black
will fall out if one turn the Head thereof downwards.
The wild Poppy, or Corn Rose, hath long and narrow
Leavs very much cut in on the edges into many devisions,
of a light green colour, and somtimes hairy withal; The
Stalk is blackish and hairy also, but not so tall as the
Garden kinds, having some such like Leavs thereon as grow
below, parted into three or four Branches somtimes,
whereon grow smal hairy Heads bowing down before the Skin
break, wherein the Flower is inclosed, which when it is
ful blown open, is of a fair yellowish red or crimson
colour, and in some much paler, without any spot in the
bottom of the Leavs, having many black soft threds in the
middle compassing a smal green Head, which when it is ripe, is not bigger than ones little finger end, wherin is
contained much black Seed, smaller by half then that of
the Garden. The Root perisheth every yeer, and springeth
again of its own sowing. Of this kind there is one lesser
in al the parts thereof, and differeth in nothing els.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The Garden kinds do not naturally grow wild in any
place, but are all sown in Gardens where they grow.
The Wild Poppy, or Corn Rose is plentiful enough, and
many times too much in the Corn Fields of all Countries
through this Land, and also upon Ditch Banks, and by Hedg
sides: The smaller wild kind is also found in Corn
Fields, and also in some other places, but not so
plentiful as the former.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
The Garden kinds are usually sown in the Spring, which
then Flower about the end of May, and somwhat earlier, if
they spring of their own sowing.
The Wild kinds Flower usually from May untill July, and
the Seed of them is ripe soon after the Flowring.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Garden Poppy Heads with Seeds made into a Syrup, is
frequently and to good effect used to procure rest and
sleep in the sick and weak, and to stay Catarth's and
Defluxions of hot thin Rhewms from the Head into the
Stomach, and upon the Lungs, causing a continual Cough,
the Fore-runner of a Consumption: It helpeth also
Hoarsness of the Throat, and when one hath lost their
voice, which the Oyl of the Seed doth likewise. The black
Seed boyled in Wine and drunk, is said also to stay the
Flux of the Belly and Womens Courses. The empty shels of
the Poppy Heads are usually boyled in water and given to
procure rest and sleep; so do the Leavs in the same
manner; as also if the Head and Temples be bathed with the
Decoction warm, or with the Oyl of Poppies, the green
Leaves or Heads bruised and applied with a little Vinegar,
or made into a Pultis with Barley Meal, or Hogs Greas, it
cooleth and tempereth al Inflamations, as also the Diseas
called St. Anthonies Fire. It is generally used in
Treacle and Methridate, and in all other Medicines that
are made to procure rest and sleep, and to eas pains in
the Head as well as in other parts; It is also used to
cool Inflamations, Agues, or Phrensies, and to stay
Defluxions which caus a Cough or Consumption, and also
other Fluxes of the Belly, or Womens Courses; It is also
put into hollow Teeth to eas the pain, and hath been found
by experience to eas the pain of the Gout.
# unit G marginalnote
Procure sleep, Catarrhs and defluxions of Rhewm
stayeth, Hoarsness, Flux of the Belly and Womens' Courses,
Inflamations and St. Anthonies Fire, paints in the Head,
Phrensies, Toothach, Falling-sickness, Plurisie, Surfets,
Agues and Inflamations.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Wild Poppy, or Corn Rose (as Mathiolus saith) is
good to prevent the Falling-sickness. The Syrup made with
the Flowers is with good effect given to those that have
the Pluresie; and the dried Flowers also, either boyled in
water, or made into Pouder and drunk either in the
Distilled Water of them, or in some other Drink worketh
the like effect. The Distilled Water of the Flowers, is
held to be of much good use against Surfets, being drunk
evening and morning; It is also more cooling than any of
the other Poppies, and therefore cannot but be as
effectual in hot Agues, Phrensies, and other Inflamations
either inward or outward, the Syrup or Water to be used
therein, or the green Leavs used outwardly, either in an
Oyntment, as it is in Populeon, a cooling Oyntment, or any
other waies applied. Galen saith the Seed is dangerous to
be used inwardly.
The Herb is Lunar, and of the Juyce of it is made
Opium, only for lucre of Money they cheat you, and tell
you 'tis a kind of Tear, or some such like thing that
drops from Poppies when they weep, and that is some where
beyond the Sea, I know not where, beyond the Moon.
## <h204>
# chapter 204 PURSLANE
# unit T chaptertitle
PURSLANE.
# unit P text
The Garden Purslane (being used as a Salet Herb) is so
well known that it needeth no Description; I shal
therefore only speak of its Vertues, as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is good to cool any heat in the Liver, Blood, Reins,
and Stomach, and in hot Agues, nothing better; It stayeth
hot and Chollerick Fluxes of the Belly, Womens Courses,
the Whites, and Gonorrhea, or running of the Reins, the
Distillations from the Head, and pains therein proceeding
of heat, want of sleep, or the Phrensie. The Seed is more
effectual than the Herb, and is of singular good use to
cool the heat and sharpness of Urine, and the outragious
Lust of the Body, Venerious Dreams, and the like, insomuch
that the overfrequent use hereof, extinguisheth the Heat
and Vertue of Natural Procreation. The Seed bruised and
boyled in Wine and given to Children, expelleth the Worms.
The Juyce of the Herb is held as effectual to all the
purposes aforesaid, as also to stay Vomitings; and taken
with some Sugar or Honey, helpeth an old and dry Cough,
shortness of Breath, and the Phtisick, and stayeth
immoderate Thirst. The Distilled water of the Herb is used
by many (as the more pleasing) with a little Sugar, to
work the same effects. The Juyce also is singular good in
the Inflamations and Ulcers of the secret parts in man or
woman, as also of the Bowels and Hemorrhoids, when they
are Ulcerous, or Excoriations in them. The Herb bruised
and applied to the Forehead and Temples, allayeth
excessive heat therein, hindring rest and sleep; and
applied to the Eyes taketh away the redness and
Inflamation in them, and those other parts, where Pushes,
Wheals, Pimples, St. Anthonies Fire and the like break
forth, especially if a little Vinegar be put to it: And
being laid to the Neck with as much of Galls and Linseed
together, taketh away the pains therein, and the Crick in
the Neck. The Juyce is used with Oyl of Roses for the said
causes, or for blastings by Lightning, and Burnings by
Gun-Pouder, or for Womens sore Breasts, and to ally the
heat in all other Sores or Hurts: applied also to the
Navels of Children that stick forth, it helpeth them: It
is also good for sore Mouths, and Gums that are swollen to
fasten loos Teeth. Camerarius saith, That the distilled
water used by some, took away the pain of their Teeth when
all other Remedies failed, and that the thickned Juyce
made in Pills with the Pouder of Gum Tragacanth, and
Arabick, being taken prevaileth much to help those that
make a bloody water. Applied to the Gout, it easeth pains
thereof, and helpeth the hardness of Sinews if it come not
of the Cramp, or a cold caus.
# unit G marginalnote
Cooleth heat of Blood in hot Agues, Chollerick,
Fluxes, Womens Courses, the Whites & Gonorrhea,
Distillations, Phrensie, Heat of Urine, Lust, and Venerous
Dreams, Worms, Vomiting, old, dry Cough, Short Breath, &
Phtisick, Ulcers in the secret parts.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Redness of the Eyes, and Inflamations, Crick,
or pain in the Neck, Blastings by Lightning, Burning by
Gun-pouder, Sore Breasts, Childrens Navils, Sore Mouths, &
swollen Gums, Fastneth Teeth, Toothach, Bloody Urine,
Gout, Cramp, & stifness of the Sinews.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
'Tis an Herb of the Moon. See Lettice.
## <h205>
# chapter 205 PRIMROSES
# unit T chaptertitle
PRIMROSES.
# unit P text
These are so well known that they need no Description.
Of the Leavs of Primroses is made as fine a Salve to
heal green Wounds as any is that I know: you shall be
taught to make Salves of any Herb at the latter end of the
Book, make this as you are taught there, and do not (you
that have any Ingenuity in you) see your poor Neighbors go
with wounded Limbs when a Halfpenny cost will heal them.
## <h206>
# chapter 206 PRIVET
# unit T chaptertitle
PRIVET.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Our common Privet is carried up with many slender
Branches, to a reasonable height and breadth, to cover
Arbours, Bowrs, and Banquetting Houses, and brought,
wrought, and cut into many forms, of Men, Horses, Birds,
&c. which though at first supported, groweth afterwards
strong of it self: It beareth long and narrow green Leavs
by couples, and sweet smelling white Flowers in tufts at
the ends of the Branches, which turn into smal black
Berries that have a Purplish Juyce within them, and some
Seeds that are flat on the one side, with a hole or dent
therein.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in this Land in divers Woods.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
Our Privet Flowreth in June and July; The Berries are
ripe in August and September.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is little used in Physick with us in these times,
more than in Lotions to wash Sores, and Sore Mouths, and
to cool Inflamations and dry up Fluxes. Yet Mathiolus
saith it serveth to all the uses for which Ciprus or the
East Privet is appointed by Dioscorides and Galen. He
further saith, That the Oyl that is made of the Flowers of
Privet infused therin, and set in the Sun, is singular
good for the Inflamations of Wounds, and for the Headach
coming of an hot caus. There is a sweet water also
distilled from the Flowers that is good for all those
Diseases that need cooling and drying, and therefore
helpeth all Fluxes of the Belly or Stomach. Bloody
Fluxes, and Womens Courses, being either drunk or applied,
as also for those that void Blood at their Mouth or at any
other place, and for Distillations of Rhewms into the Eyes
especially if it be used with Tutiae.
# unit G marginalnote
Lotions to wash sore Mouths & Throats, Cool
Inflamations, Dry Fluxes, Inflamation in Wounds, Headach,
Fluxes, & Womens Courses, Voiding Blood, Rhewm in the
Eyes.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
QUEEN of the MEADOWS, MEADOW-SWEET, or MEAD-SWEET.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Stalks of this are reddish, rising to be three foot
high, somtimes four or five foot, having at the Joynts
thereof large winged Leavs, standing one above another at
distances, consisting of many and somwhat broad Leavs, set
on each side of a middle rib , being hard, rough, or
rugged, crumpled much like to Elm Leavs, having also some
smaller Leavs with them (as Agrimony hath) somewhat deeply
dented about the edges, of a sad green colour on the upper
side, and graish underneath, of a pretty sharp scent and
tast, somwhat like unto Burnet, and a Leaf hereof put into
a Cup of Claret Wine giveth also a fine rellish to it: At
the tops of the Stalks and Branches stand many tufts of
small white Flowers, thrust thick together, which smel
much sweeter than the Leavs: and in their places, being
fallen, come crooked and cornered Seed; The Root is
somwhat woody, and blackish on the outside, and brownish within, with divers greater strings, and lesser Fibres set
thereat, of a strong scent, but nothing so pleasant as the
Flowers and Leavs and perisheth not, but abideth many
yeers, shooting forth anew every Spring.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in moist Meadows, that lie much wet, or neer
the Courses of Water.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in some place or other all the three Summer
Months, that is, June, July, and August, and their Seed is
ripe quickly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is used to stay all manner of Bleedings, Fluxes,
Vomitings, and Womens courses, and also their Whites, It
is said to alter and take away the fits of Quartan Agues,
and to make a merry heart, for which purpose some use the
Flowers, and some the Leavs. It helpeth speedily those
that are troubled with the Chollick, being boyled in Wine;
and with a little Honey taken warm, it openeth the Belly:
but boyled in red Wine and drunk it stayeth the Flux of
the Belly. Being outwardly applied, it healeth old Ulcers
that are Cankrous or eaten, or hollow and Fistulous, for
which it is by many much commended, as also for the Sores
in the Mouth or secret parts.
# unit G marginalnote
Bleedings, Fluxes, Vomitings, Womens Courses,
and the Whites, Quartan Ague, Chollick, Opens the Belly,
Old Ulcers healeth, Sore Mouths, or Secrets, Raise
Blisters, Inflamation in the Eyes.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Leavs when they are full grown being laid upon the
Skin, will in a short time raise Blisters thereon, as
Tragus saith. The water thereof helpeth the heat and
Inflamation in the Eyes.
Venus claims dominion over the Herb.
## <h207>
# chapter 207 QUINCE-TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE QUINCE-TREE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Ordinary Quince-tree groweth often to the height
and bigness of a reasonable Apple tree, but more usually
lower and crooked with a rough Bark, spreading Arms and
Branches far abroad. The Leavs are somwhat like those of
the Apple-tree, but thicker, harder, and fuller of Veins,
and white on the under side, not dented at all about the
edges. The Flowers are large and white, somtimes dash'd
over with a Blush: The Fruit that followeth is yellow,
being neer ripe, and covered with a white Freez or Cotton,
thick set on the yonger, and growing les as they grow to
be through ripe; bunched out often times in some places,
some being liker an Apple and some a Pear, of a strong
heady scent, and not durable to keep, and is sowr, harsh,
and of an unpleasant tast to eat fresh, but being scalded,
roasted, baked, or preserved, becometh more pleasant.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place and Time.
# unit P text
It best likes to grow neer Ponds and Water-sides, and
is frequent through this Land; and Flowreth not until the
Leavs be come forth. The Fruit is ripe in September or
October.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Quince when they are green, helps all sorts of Fluxes
in man or Woman, and Chollerick, Lasks, Castings, and
whatsoever needeth Astriction more than any way prepared
by fire: Yet the Syrup of the Juyce, or the Conserve, are
much conducible much of the binding quality being consumed
by the fire: If a little Vinegar be added, it stirreth up
the languishing Appetite, and the Stomach given to
casting; Some Spices being added, it comforteth and
strengthneth the decayed and fainting Spirits, and helpeth
the Liver oppressed; that it cannot perfect the digestion,
and correcteth Choller and Flegm: If you would have them
Purging, put Honey to them instead of Sugar; and if more
Laxative, for Choller, Rubarb; for Flegm, Turbith; for
watery Humors, Scammony, but if more forcibly to bind, use
the unripe Quince with Roses, and Acacia, or Hypocistis,
and some torrefied Rubarb. To take of the crude Juyce of
Quinces, is held a Preservative against the force of
deadly poyson; for it hath been found most certain true,
that the very smel of a Quince hath taken away all the
strength of the Poyson of White Hellebore. If there be
need of any outward binding and cooling of any hot Fluxes;
The Oyl of Quinces, or other Medicines that may be made
thereof are very available to anoint the Belly, or other
parts therewith: It likewise strengtheneth the Stomach and
Belly, and the Sinews that are loosned by sharp Humors
falling on them, and restraineth immoderate sweatings.
The Muccilage taken from the Seeds of Quinces boyled a
little in Water, is very good to cool the Head and heal
the Sore Breasts of Women. The same with a little Sugar
is good to lenefie the harshness and hoarsness of the
Throat, and roughness of the Tongue. The Cotton or Down
of Quinces boyled and applied to Plague Sores, healeth
them up; and laid as a Playster made up with Wax, it
bringeth hair to them that are bald, and keepeth it from
falling if it be ready to shed.
# unit G marginalnote
Fluxes, Lasks &c., Provoketh Appetite, stayeth
Vomiting, Fainting Spirits, Choller, Flegm, Poyson, Womens
Breasts, Plague Sores, Preserveth Hair.
#end marginalnote
## <h208>
# chapter 208 RADISH_HORSE-RADISH
# unit T chaptertitle
RADISH and HORSE-RADISH.
# unit P text
The Garden Radish is so wel known that it needeth no
Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Hors-Radish hath his first Leavs that rise before
Winter, about a foot and a half long, very much cut in or
torn on the edges into many parts of a dark green colour,
with a great Rib in the middle: After these have been up a
while, others follow, which are greater, rougher, broader,
and longer whol, and not devided as the first, but only
somwhat roundly dented about the edges: The Stalk when it
beareth Flowers (which is but seldom) is great rising up
with some few lesser Leavs thereon to three or four foot
high, spreading at the top many smal Branches of whitish
Flowers, made of four Leavs apiece after which come smal
Pods like those of Shepheards-Purs, but seldom with any
Seed in them. The Root is great, long, white, and rugged
shooting up divers Heads of Leavs, which may be parted for
encreas, but it doth not creep within ground nor run above
ground, and is of a strong sharp and bitter tast, almost
like Mustard.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is found wild in some places of this Land, but is
chiefly planted in Gardens where it joyeth in a moist and
shadowy place.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth but seldom, but when it doth, it is in
July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Juyce of Hors-Radish given in drink is held to be
very effectual for the Scurvy. It killeth the Worms in
Children being drunk, and also laid upon the Belly. The
Root bruised and laid to the place grieved with the
Sciatica, Joynt-ach, or the hard Swellings of the Liver
and Spleen doth wonderfully help them all. The Distilled
water of the Herb and Roots is more familiar to be taken
with a little Sugar for all the purposes aforesaid.
# unit G marginalnote
Scurvy, Worms, Sciatica, Liver, & Spleen.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Garden Radishes are in wantonness by the Gentry eaten
as Sallet, but they breed but scurvy Humors in the
Stomach, and corrupt the Blood, and then send for a
Physitian as fast as you can, this is one caus, makes the
owners of such nice Pallats so unhealthful, yet for such
as are troubled with the Gravel, Stone, or stoppage of
Urine, they are good Physick if the Body be strong that
takes them, you may make the Juyce of the Roots into a
Syrup if you pleas for that use, they purge by Urine
exceedingly.
# unit G marginalnote
Stone, Disury.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
I know not what Planet they are under, I think none of
all the Seven will own them.
## <h209>
# chapter 209 RAGWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
RAGWORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The greater common Ragwort hath many large and long
dark green Leavs lying on the ground, very much rent and
torn on the sides into many pieces, from among which rise
up somtimes but one, and sometimes two or three square or
crested blackish or brownish Stalks three or four foot
high, sometimes branched bearing diverse such like Leavs
upon them at several distances unto the tops, where it
brancheth forth into many Stalks bearing yellow Flowers,
consisting of diverse Leaves set as a Pale or Border, with
a dark yellow thrum in the middle, which do abide a great
while, but at last are turned into Down, and with the smal
blackish gray Seed are carried away with the wind. The
Root is made of many Fibres, whereby it is firmly fastned
into to the ground, and abideth many yeers.
There is another sort hereof different from the former
only in this, That it riseth not so nigh; the Leavs are
not so finely jagged, not of so dark a green colour, but
rather somwhat whitish, soft and woolly, and the Flowers
usually paler.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow both in them wild in Pastures, and untilled
grounds in many places, and oftentimes both of them in one
Field.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in June and July, and the Seed is ripe in
August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Ragwort, Clenseth, Digesteth, and Discusseth. The
Decoction of the Herb to wash the Mouth or Throat that
have Ulcers or Sores therein; and for Swellings, hardness,
or Impostumations, for it throughly clenseth and healeth
them; as also the Quinsie and the Kings Evil: It helpeth
to stay Catarrhes, thin Rhewms & Defluxions from the Head
into the Eyes, Nose, or Lungs. The Juyce is found by
experience to be singular good to heal green Wounds, and
to clense and heal all old and filthy Ulcers in the
Privities and in other parts of the Body; as also inward
Wounds and Ulcers, and stayeth the Malignity of fretting
or running Cankers and hollow Fistulaes, not suffering
them to spread further. It is also much commended to help
Aches and pains either in the Fleshy parts or in the Nervs
and Sinews; as also the Sciatica, or pain of the Hips or
Huckle-Bone, to bath the places with the Decoction of the
Herb, or to anoint them with an Oyntment made of the Herb
bruised and boyled in old Hogs Suet, with some Mastich and
Olibanum in Pouder, added unto it after it is strained
forth.
# unit G marginalnote
Sore Mouth or Throat, Swellings and Impostumes,
Quinsie & Kings Evil, Catarrhs & Defluxions, Green Wounds
& Ulcers in the privy Parts, Running Cankers, & hollow
Fistulaes, Aches & pains, Sciatica.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
In Sussex we call it Ragweed.
## <h210>
# chapter 210 RATTLE-GRASS
# unit T chaptertitle
RATTLE-GRASS.
# unit P text
Of this there are two kinds, which I shall speak of,
Viz. The Red and yellow.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common red Rattle, hath sundry reddish hollow
Stalks, and somtimes green rising from the Root, lying for
the most part on the ground, yet some growing more
upright, with many smal reddish or greenish Leavs set on
both sides of a middle Rib finely dented about the edges:
The Flowers stand at the tops of the Stalks and Branches,
of a fine purplish red colour, like smal gaping hoods,
after which come flat blackish Seed in small Husks, which
lying loos therein, will Rattle with shaking. The Root
consists of two or three small whitish strings, with some
fibres thereat.
The common Yellow Rattle hath seldom above one round
green Stalk rising from the Root, about half a yard or two
foot high, and but few Branches theron having two long and
somwhat broad Leavs set at a Joynt, deeply cut in on the
edges, resembling the Comb of a Cock, broadest next to the
Stalk and smaller to the end: The Flowers grow at the
tops of the Stalks with some shorter Leavs with them,
hooded after the same manner that the others are, but of a
fair yellow colour in most, or in some paler, and in some
more white. The Seed is contained in large Husks, and
being ripe will rattle or make a nois with lying loose in
them. The Root is small and slender perishing every yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in our Meadows and Woods, generally through
this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They are in Flower from Midsummer until August be past
somtimes.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Red Rattle is accounted profitable to heal up
Fistulaes, and hollow Ulcers and to stay the Flux of
Humors to them, as also the abundance of Womens Courses,
or any other Flux of Blood, being boyled in red Wine and
drunk.
# unit G marginalnote
Fistulaes, & hollow Ulcers, Womens Courses,
Fluxes, Cough, Dim Sight.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Yellow Rattle or Cocks Comb is held to Be good for
those that are troubled with a Cough, or with Dimness of
Sight, if the Herb being boyled with Beans, and some Honey
put thereto, be drunk, or dropped into the Eyes. The whol
Seed being put into the Eyes draweth forth any Skin,
Dimness, or Film from the sight without trouble or pain.
## <h211>
# chapter 211 REST-HARROW
# unit T chaptertitle
REST-HARROW, or CAMMOAK.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Rest-Harrow riseth up with divers rough
woody twigs, half a yard, or a yard high, set at the
Joynts without order, with little roundish Leavs somtimes
more than two or three at a place, of a dark green colour,
without thorns while they are yong, but afterwards armed
in sundry places with short and sharp Thorns. The Flowers
come forth at the tops of the twigs and Branches whereof
it is ful, fashioned like Peas, or Broom Blossoms, but
lesser, flatter, and somwhat closer, of a faint purplish
colour; after which come smal Pods, containing smal, flat,
and round Seed: The Root is blackish on the outside and
whitish within, very tough and hard to break when it is
fresh and green, and as hard as an Horn when it is dried,
thrusting down deep into the ground, and spreading
likewise, every piece being apt to grow again if it be
left in the ground.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in many places of this Land, as well in the
Arable as wast ground.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth about the beginning or middle of July, and
the Seed is ripe in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is singular good to provoke Urine when it is
stopped, and to break and drive forth the Stone, which the
Pouder of the Bark of the Root taken in Wine performeth
effectually. Mathiolus saith, the same helpeth the
Disease called Hiernia Carnosa, the Fleshy Rupture by
taking the said Pouder for some Months together
constantly, and that it hath cured some which seemed
incurable by any other means than by cutting or burning.
The Decoction thereof made with some Vinegar and gargled
in the Mouth, easeth the Toothach, especially when it
comes of Rhewm; and the said Decoction is very powerful to
open Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, and other
parts. A Distilled Water made in Balneo Mariae with four
pound of the Roots hereof first sliced smal, and
afterwards steeped in a Gallon of Canary Wine, is singular
good for all the purposes aforesaid and to clens the
passages of the Urine. The Pouder of the said Root made
into an Electuary or Lozenges with Sugar: as also the Bark
of the fresh Roots boyled tender and afterwards beaten
into a Conserve with Sugar, worketh the like effect. The
Pouder of the Roots strewed upon the Brims of Ulcers, or
mixed with any other convenient thing and applied
consumeth the hardness and causeth them to heal the
better.
# unit G marginalnote
Urine stopped, Stone, Fleshy Rupture, Toothach,
Liver & Spleen Obstructed, Ulcers.
#end marginalnote
## <h212>
# chapter 212 ROCKET
# unit T chaptertitle
ROCKET.
# unit P text
In regard the garden Rocket is rather used as a Sallet
Herb than to any Physical purposes. I shall omit it, and
only speak of the common wild Rocket: The Description
whereof take as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The comon wild Rocket, hath longer and narrower Leavs
much more devided into slender cuts and jags on both sides
of the middle Rib, than the Garden kinds have, of a sad or
verworn green colour, from among which riseth up divers
still Stalks two or three foot high, sometimes set with
the like Leavs but smaller, and smaller upwards, branched
from the middle into divers stiff Stalks, bearing sundry
yellow Flowers on them made of four Leavs apiece, as the
others are, which afterwards yield smal reddish Seed, in
smal long Pods, of a more bitter and hot biting tast than
the Garden kinds, as the Leavs are also.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is found wild in divers places of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth about June and July, and the Seed is ripe
in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Wild Rocket is more strong and effectual to encreas
Sperm and Venerous qualities, whereunto also the Seed is
more effectual than the Garden kinds: It serveth also to
help Digestion and provoketh Urine exceedingly. The Seed
is used to cure the bitings of Serpents, the Scorpion, and
the Shrew-Mouse, and other Poysons, and expelleth Worms
and other noisom Creatures that breed in the Body. The
Herb boyled or stewed, and some Sugar put there to,
helpeth the Cough in Children being taken often. The Seed
also taken in drink taketh away the ill scent of the
Armpits, encreaseth Milk in Nurses, and wasteth the
Spleen. The Seed mixed with Honey, and used on the face,
clenseth the Skin from Spots, Morphew and other
discolourings therein: and used with Vinegar taketh away
Freckles and redness in the Face or other parts, and with
the Gall of an Ox, it amendeth foul Scars, black and blew
Spots, and the marks of the smal Pox.
# unit G marginalnote
Increaseth Sperm & Venery, Helps Digestion,
Provokes Urine, Biting of Serpents &c. Cough in Children,
Increaseth Milk, Clenseth the Face, Scars, Blue Spots,
Marks of smal Pox.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The wild Rockets are forbidden to be used alone in
regard their sharpness fumeth into the Head, causing ach
and pain therein: and are no less hurtful to hot and
Chollerick persons, for fear of inflaming their Blood, and
therfore for such we may say, a little doth but a little
harm. For angry Mars rules them, and he somtimes will be
testy when he meets with Fools.
## <h213>
# chapter 213 WINTER_ROCKET
# unit T chaptertitle
WINTER ROCKET, or CRESSES.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Winter Rocket, or Winter Cresses, hath diverse somwhat
large sad green Leavs lying upon the ground, torn or cut
into divers parts, somwhat like unto Rocket, or Turnep
Leavs with smaller pieces next the bottom, and broad at
the ends which so abide all Winter (if it spring up in
Autumn, when it is used to be eaten) from among which
riseth up divers smal round Stalks full of branches,
bearing many smal yellow Flowers of four Leavs apiece,
after which come smal long Pods with reddish Seed in them:
The Root is somwhat stringy, and perisheth every yeer
after the Seed is ripe.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth of its own accord in Gardens and Fields by
the way sides in diverse places, and particularly in the
next Pasture to the Conduit-Head behind Grayes-Inne that
brings Water to Mr. Lamb's Conduit in Holbourn.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in May, and Seedeth in June, and then
perisheth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This is profitable to provoke Urine, and helpeth the
Strangury, and to expel Gravel and the Stone; It is also
of good effect in the Scurvy: It is found by experience to
be a singular good Wound Herb, to clense inward Wounds,
the Juyce or Decoction being drunk, or outwardly applied
to wash foul Ulcers and Sores, clensing them by sharpness,
and hindring or abating the dead Flesh from growing
therein and healing them by the drying quality.
# unit G marginalnote
Strangury, Gravel & Stone, Scurvy, Wounds,
Ulcers, & Sores.
#end marginalnote
## <h214>
# chapter 214 ROSES
# unit T chaptertitle
ROSES.
# unit P text
I hold it altogether needless to trouble the Reader
with a Description of any of these, sith both the Garden
Roses, and the Wild Roses of the Bryars are well enough
known; Take therefore the Vertues of them as followeth: And first I shal begin with the Garden kinds.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The White and the Red Roses are cooling and drying, yet
the White is taken to exceed the Red in both those
properties, but is seldom used inwardly in any Medicine.
The bitterness in the Roses when they are fresh,
especially the Juyce purgeth Choller, and watery Humors,
but being dried and that heat which caused the bitterness
being consumed, they have then a binding and astringent
quality; Those also that are not ful blown do both cool
and bind more than those that are full blown, and the
White Roses more than the Red. The Decoction of Red Roses
made with Wine and used, is very good for the Headach, and
pains in the Eyes, Ears, Throat, and Gums, as also for the
Fundament, the lower Bowels, and the Matrix, being bathed,
or put into them. The same Decoction with the Roses
remaining in it is profitably applyed to the Region of the
Heart to eas the Inflamation therin; as also St. Anthonies
fire, and other Diseases of the Stomach. Being dried and
beaten to Pouder, and taken in steeled Wine or Water, it
helpeth to stay Womens Courses. The yellow threds in the
middle of the red Roses (wch are erroniously called the
Rose Seeds) being poudered and drunk in the distilled
water of Quinces, stayeth the overflowing of Womens
Courses, and doth wonderfully stay the Defluxions of Rhewm
upon the Gums and Teeth, preserving them from corruption,
and fastning them if they be loose, being washed and
gargled therewith, and some Vinegar of Squils added
thereto. The Heads with Seed being used in Pouder or in a
Decoction, stayeth the Lask, and spitting of Blood. Red
Roses do strengthen the Heart, the Stomack, and the Liver,
and the retentive Faculties, they mitigate the pains that
arise from Heat, asswage Inflamations, procure rest and
sleep, stay both Whites and Reds in Women, the Gonorrhea,
running of the Reins, and the Fluxes of the Belly; The
Juyce of them doth purge and clens the Body from Choller
and Flegm: The Husks of the Roses with the Beards and
Nails of the Roses are binding and cooling, and the
Distilled Water of either of them is good for the Heat and
redness in the Eyes, and to stay and dry up the Rhewms and
watering of them. Of the Red Roses are usually made many
Compositions all serving to sundry good uses; Viz.
Electuary of Roses; Conserve both moist and dry, which is
more usually called Sugar of Roses; Syrup of dryed Roses,
and Honey of Roses; The Cordial Pouder called Diarhodon
Abbatis, and Aromatica Rosarum; The Distilled Water of
Roses, Vinegar of Roses, Oyntment and Oyl of Roses, and
the Rose Leavs dried, which although no Composition, yet
of very great use and effect. To write at large of
everyone of these would make my Book swel too big, it
being sufficient for a Volum by it self to speak fully of
them: But briefly; The Electuary is purging, whereof two
or three Drams taken by it self in some convenient Liquor
is a Purge sufficient for a weak Constitution; but may be
encreased to six drams according to the strength of the
Patient. It purgeth Choller without trouble, and is good
in hot Feavers, and pains of the Head arising from hot
Chollerick Humors, and heat in the Eyes, the Jaundice
also, and Joynt Aches proceeding of hot Humors. The moist
Conserve is of much use, both binding and Cordial, for
until it be about two years old it is more binding than
Cordial, and after that, more Cordial than Binding: Some
of the yonger Conserve taken with Methridatum mixed
together, is good for those that are troubled with
Distillations of Rhewm from the Brain to the Nose, and
Defluxions of Rhewm into the Eyes, as also for Fluxes, and
Lasks of the Belly; and being mixed with the Pouder of
Mastick is very good for the Running of the Reins, and for
other loosness of Humors in the Body. The old Conserve
mixed with Aromaticum Rosarum is a very good Cordial
against Faintings, Swounings, Weakness, and Tremblings of
the Heart, strengthning both it, and a weak Stomach,
helpeth digestion, stayeth casting, and is a very good
Preservative in the time of Infection. The dry Conserve
which is called Sugar of Roses, is a very good Cordial to
strenthen the Heart and Spirits as also to stay
Defluxions. The Syrup of dried Red Roses strenthneth a
Stomack given to casting, cooleth an overheated Liver and
the Blood in Agues, comforteth the Heart and resisteth
putrefaction and infection, and helpeth to stay Lasks and
Fluxes. Honey of Roses is much used in Gargles and
Lotions to wash Sores either in the Mouth, Throat, or
other parts, both to clens and heal them, and to stay the
Fluxes of Humors falling upon them; it is also used in
Clisters both to cool and clens. The Cordial Pouders
called Diarhodon Abbatis and Aromaticum Rosarum do comfort
and strengthen the Heart and Stomach, procure an Appetite,
help Digestion, stayeth Vomiting; and is very good for
those that have slippery Bowels to strengthen them, and to
dry up their moisture. Red Rose Water is of well known
and familiar use in all occasions (and better than Damask
Rose Water) being cooling and Cordial, refreshing and
quickning the weak and faint Spirits, used either in meats
or broths, to wash the Temples, or to smel to at the Nose,
or to smel the sweet vapors therof out of a perfuming Pot
or cast on a hot Fire-shovel: It is also of much good use
against the redness and Inflamations in the eyes to bath
them therewith, and the Temples of the Head also against
pain and ach for which purpose also Vinegar of Roses is of
much good use, and to procure rest and sleep, if some
thereof and Rosewater together be used to smel 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 the side
that must lie next to the Forehead & Temples, & so bound
therto for al night. The Oyntment of Roses is much used
against heat & Inflamations in the Head, to anoint the
forhead & temples, & being mixed with Unguentum Populeon,
to procure rest; as also it is used for the heat of the
Liver, of the Back and Reins, and to cool and heal Pushes,
Wheals and other red Pimples rising in the Face or other
parts. Oyl of Roses is not only used by it self to coole
any hot Swellings or Inflamations, and to bind and stay
Fluxes of Humors unto Sores, but is also put into
Oyntments and Plaisters that are cooling and binding, and
restraining the Flux of Humors. The dried Leavs of the
Red Roses are used both inward and outwardly, both
cooling, binding, and Cordial, for with them are made both
Aromaticum Rosarum, Diarhodon Abbatis, and Saccharum
Rosarum, each of whose Properties are before declared.
Rose Leavs and Mints heated and applied outwardly to the
Stomach, stayeth castings, and very much strengthneth a
weak Stomach; and applied as a Fomentation to the Region
of the Liver and Heart, doth much cool and temper them,
and also serveth instead of a Rose Cake (as is said
before) to quiet the over hot spirits and cause rest and
sleep. The Syrup of Damask Roses is both Simple and
Compound, and made with Agrick. The Simple Solutive
Syrup, is a familiar, safe, gentle, and easie Medicine,
purging Choller, taken from one ounce to three or four;
yet this is remarkable herein, That the distilled Water of
this Syrup should notably bind the Belly; The Syrup with
Agrick is more strong and effectual, for one ounce thereof
by it self will open the Body more than the other, and
worketh as much on Flegm as Choller. The Compound Syrup
is more forcible in working on Melanchollick Humors, and
available against the Lepry, Itch, Tetters, &c, and the
French Diseas: Also Honey of Roses Solutive is made of the
same infusion that the Syrup is made of, and therefore
worketh the same effect both in opening and purging, but
is oftener given to Flegmatick than Chollerick persons,
and is more used in Clysters than in Potions, as the Syrup
made with Sugar is. The Conserve and Preserved Leavs of
these Roses are also operative, in gently opening the
Belly. The Simple Water of the Damask Roses is chiefly
used for fumes to sweeten things, as the dried Leavs
thereof to make sweet Pouders, and fill sweet Bags, and
little use they are put to in Physick, although they have
some purging quality; The wild Roses also are few or none
of them used in Physick, but yet are generally held to
come neer the Nature of the Manured Roses. The Fruit of
the wild Bryar which are called Heps being throughly ripe
and made into a Conserve with Sugar besides the
pleasantness of the tast doth gently bind the Belly, and
stay Defluxions from the Head upon the Stomach, drying up
the moisture thereof, and helpeth digestion. The Pulp of
the Heps dried unto a hard consistence, like to the Juyce
of Liquoris, or so dried that it may be made into Pouder
and taken in drink stayeth speedily the Whites in Women.
The Bryar Ball is often used being made into Pouder and
drunk to break the Stone, to provoke Urine when it is
stopped, and to eas and help the Chollick; some appoint it
to be burnt, and then taken for the same purpose. In the
middle of these Balls are often found certain white Worms,
which being dried and made into Pouder, and some of it
drunk, is found by experience of many to kill and drie
forth the Worms of the Belly.
# unit G marginalnote
Choller, & Waterish Humors, Headach, Pains in
the Ears, Eyes, Throat & Gums, Fundament, Bowels & Matrix.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
St. Anthonies fire, Stomach, Womens Courses,
Defluxions, fastneth Teeth, Lask & spitting of Blood, Heat
& Inflamations, Rest & sleep, Whites & Reds in Women,
Choller & Flegm, Redness & watering of the Eyes.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
A Purge for Choller, Hot Feavers, Pains of the
Head, Heat of the Eyes, Jaundice, & Joynt Aches,
Distillations, & Defluxions of Rhewm, Fluxes, & Lasks,
running of the Reins, Faintings, Swounings & trembling of
the Heart, Helpeth Digestion, Stayeth casting, Infection,
Cooleth the Liver & Blood, resisteth Putrefaction, &
Infection, sore Mouths, Throats, &c.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Comfort the Heart & Stomach, stay vomiting,
Faint spirits, Redness of Eyes.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Procure sleep, Heat of the Liver, Back & Reins,
Pushes, Wheals & Pimples, Fluxes of Humors.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Weak stomach, Purge Choller, Bind the Belly.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Melanchollick, Humors, Lepry, Itch, Tetters,
French Pox, Opens the Belly.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Bind the Belly, & stay Defluxions, Whites in
Women, Stone, provoke Urine, Chollick, Worms.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
What a quarter have Authors made with Roses, what a
racket have they kept? I shal ad, Red Roses are under
Jupiter, Damask under Venus, and White under the Moon, and
Province under the King of France.
## <h215>
# chapter 215 ROSA_SOLIS
# unit T chaptertitle
ROSA SOLIS, or SUN-DEW.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath diverse smal round hollow Leavs, somwhat
greenish, but full of certain red hairs, which makes them
seem red, every one standing upon its own Footstalk,
reddish hairy likewise. The Leavs are continualty moist
in the hottest day, yea the hotter the Sun shines on them
the moister they are, with a certain sliminess that will
ripe (as we say) the smal hairs alwaies holding this
moisture: Among these Leavs rise up small slender stalks,
reddesh also, three or four fingers high, bearing diverse
smal white Knobs one above another which are the Flowers,
after which in the Heads are certain smal Seeds. the Root
is a few small hairs.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth usually on Bogs, and in wet places, and
somtimes in moist Woods.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June, and then the Leavs are fittest to
be gathered.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Rosa Solis is accounted good to help those that have
salt Rhewm distilling on their Lungs which breedeth a
Consumption, and therfore the Distilled water thereof in
Wine is held fit and profitable for such to drink, which
Water will be of a gold yellow colour: The same Water is
held to be good for all other Diseases of the Lungs, as
Phtisicks, Wheesing, shortness of Breath, or the Cough; as
also to heal the Ulcers that happen in the Lungs, and it
comforteth the Heart and fainting Spirits; The Leavs
outwardly applied to the Skin will raise Blisters, which
hath caused some to think it, dangerous to be taken
inward; but there are other things which will also draw
Blisters, yet nothing dangerous to be taken inwardly.
There is an usual Drink made hereof with Aqua vitae and
Spices frequently, and without any offence or danger, but
to good purpose used in qualms and passions of the Heart.
# unit G marginalnote
Distillations of Rhewm, Phtisick, Wheesings;
Shortness of breath, Cough, Ulcers in the Lungs, Comfort
the Heart, Raise Blisters. Passions of the Heart.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Sun rules it, and 'tis under the Sign Cancer.
## <h216>
# chapter 216 ROSEMARY
# unit T chaptertitle
ROSEMARY.
# unit P text
Our Garden Rosemary is so well known, that I need not
here describe it.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in April and May with us, and somtimes
again in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is an Herb of as great use with us in these daies,
as any whatsoever, not only for Physical but Civil
purposes. The Physical use of it (being my present Task)
is very much, both for inward and outward Diseases; For by
the warming and comforting heat thereof it helpeth all
cold Diseases, both of the Head, Stomach, Liver, and
Belly. The Decoction thereof in Wine helpeth the cold
Distillations of Rhewm into the Eyes, and all other cold
Diseases of the Head and Brain, as the Giddiness or
swimming therein, Drowsiness, or Dulness of the mind and
senses, like a stupidness, the dumb Palsey, or loss of
speech, the Lethargy, and Falling-sickness, to be both
drunk and the Temples bathed therewith. It helpeth the
pains in the Gums and Teeth, by Rhewm falling into them,
or by putrefaction causing an evil smel from them, or a
stinking Breath. It helpeth a weak Memory, and quickneth
the Senses. It is very comfortable to the Stomach in all
the old Griefs thereof, helping both retention of meat,
and digestion, the Decoction or Pouder being taken in
Wine: It is a Remedy for the windiness in the Stomach or
Bowels, and expelleth it powerfully, as also Wind in the
Spleen. It helpeth those that are Livergrown, by opening
the Obstructions thereof. It helpeth dim Eyes, and
procureth a cleer sight, the Flowers thereof being taken
all the while it is Flowring, every morning fasting with
bread and Salt. Both Dioscorides and Galen say, That if a
Decoction be made thereof with Water and they that have
the yellow Jaundice do exercise their Bodies presently
after the taking thereof, it will certainly cure it: The
Flowers and the Conserve made of them, is singular good to
comfort the Heart, and to expel the contagion of the
Pestilence; to burn the Herb in Houses and Chambers
correcteth the Air in them: Both the Flowers and the Leavs
are very profitable for Women that are troubled with the
Whites, if they be daily taken. The dried Leavs shred
smal and taken in a Pipe like as Tobacco is taken, helpeth
those that have any Cough or Phtisick, or Consumption, by
warming and drying the thin Distillations which caus those
Diseases. The Leavs are much used in Bathings, and made
into Oyntments or Oyls, is singular good to help cold
benummed Joynts, Sinews, or Members. The Chimical Oyl
drawn from the Leavs and Flowers, is a Soveraign help for
all the Diseases aforesaid; to touch the Temples and
Nostrils with two or three drops, for all the Diseases of
the Head and Brains spoken of before; as also to take a
drop two or three as the caus requireth for the inward
griefs, yet must it be done with Descretion, for it is
very quick and piercing, and therefore but a very little
must be taken at a time. There is also another Oyl made
by insolation in this manner: Take what quantity you will
of the Flowers, and put them into a strong Glass close
stopped, tie a fine linnen cloth over the Mouth, and turn
the Mouth down into another strong Glass, which being set
in the Sun, an Oyl will distill down into the lower Glass,
to be preserved as precious for divers uses, both inward
and outward as a Sovereign Balm to heal the Diseases
before mentioned, to cleer a dim sight, and to take away
spots, marks and scars in the skin.
# unit G marginalnote
Cold Diseases, Rhewm, swimming of the Head,
Drowsiness, Stupidity, Dumb Palsey, Lethargy & Falling
sickness, Toothach, stinking breath, Weak Memory.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Stomach, Retention of Meat, Wind, Liver grown,
Dim sight, Yellow Jaundice, Pestilence, Whites in Women,
Cough, Phtisick, or Consumption, benummed Joynts, spots
and scars in the Skin.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Sun claims Priviledg in it and 'tis under the
Coelestial Ram.
## <h217>
# chapter 217 RUBARB
# unit T chaptertitle
RUBARB, or RHAPONTICK
# unit P text
Do not start, and say this grows you know not how far
off; and then ask me, How it comes to pass that I bring it
among our English Simples: for though the name may speak
it Forreign yet it grows with us in England, and that
frequent enough in our Gardens, and when you have
throughly perused its Vertues, you will conclude it
nothing inferior to that which is brought us out of China,
& by that time this hath been as much used as that hath
been, the name which the other hath gotten wil be eclipsed
by the fame of this: Take therfore a Description at large
of it, as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
At the first appearing out of the ground when the
Winter is past, it hath a great round brownish head rising
from the middle or sides of the Root, which openeth it
self into sundry Leavs one after another, very much
crumpled or folded together at the first, and brownish,
but afterward it spreadeth it self and becometh smooth
very large and almost round, every one standing on a
brownish Stalk of the thickness of a mans Thumb, when they
are grown to their fulness, and most of them two foot and
more in length, especially when they grow in any moist or
good Ground; and the Stalk of the Leaf also from the
bottom thereof to the Leaf it self, being also two Foot,
The breadth thereof from edg to edg in the broadest place,
being also two foot, of a sad or dark green colour, of a
fine tart, or sowrish tast, much more pleasant than the
Garden or Wood sorrel. From among these riseth up some
but not every yeer, a strong thick Stalk, not growing so
high as the Patience or Garden Dock, with such round Leavs
as grow below, but smaller, at every Joynt up to the top,
and among the Flowers which are white spreading forth into
many Branches, and consisting of five or six small white
Leavs apiece, hardly to be discerned from the white threds
in the middle, and seeming to be all threds, after which
come brownish three square Seed like unto other Docks, but
larger whereby it may be plainly known to be a Dock. The
Root groweth in time to be very great, with divers and
sundry great spreading Branches from it, of a dark,
brownish, or reddish colour on the outside, with a pale
yellow skin under it which covereth the inner substance or
Root, which rind and Skin being pared away, the Root
appeareth of so fresh and lively a colour, with
flesh-colour'd Veins running through it, that the choicest
of that Rubarb that is brought us from beyond the Seas
cannot excel it: Which Root if it be dried carefully and
as it ought (which must be in our Countrey by the gentle
heat of a fire in regard the Sun is not hot enough here to
do it, and every piece kept from touching one another )
will hold his colour almost as well as when it is fresh;
and hath been approved of and commended by those who have
oftentimes used them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in Gardens, and Flowreth about the beginning
or middle of June, and the Seed is ripe in July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
The Roots that are to be dried and kept all the yeer
following, are not to be taken up before the Stalk and
Leavs be quite withered and gone, and that is not until
the middle or end of October; and if they be taken a
little before the Leavs do spring, or when they are sprung
up, the Roots will not have half so good a colour in them.
I have given the precedence unto this, becaus in
vertues also it hath the preheminence; I come now to
describe unto you that which is called Patience, or Monks
Rubarb; and next unto that, the great round Leav'd Dock,
or Bastard Rubarb; for the one of these may happily supply
in the absence of the other; being not much unlike in
their Vertues, only one more powerful and efficacious than
the other; and Lastly; shall shew you the Vertues of all
the three Sorts.
## <h218>
# chapter 218 GARDEN_PATIENCE
# unit T chaptertitle
GARDEN PATIENCE, or MONKS RUBARB.
# unit P text
This is a Dock, bearing the name of Rubarb, for some
purging quality therein, and groweth up with large tall
Stalks, set with somwhat broad and long fair green Leavs,
not dented at all; The tops of the Stalks being devided
into many smal Branches, bear reddish or purplish Flowers,
and three square Seed like unto other Docks. The Root is
long, great and yellow like unto the wild Docks, but a
little redder, and if it be a little dried sheweth less
store of discoloured veins, than the next doth when it is
dry.
## <h219>
# chapter 219 GREAT_ROUND_LEAVD_DOCK
# unit T chaptertitle
GREAT ROUND LEAV'D DOCK, or BASTARD RUBARB.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath divers large, round, thin, yellowish green
Leavs, rising from the Root, a little waved about the
edges, every one standing on a reasonable thick, and long
brownish Footstalk; from among which, riseth up a pretty
big Stalk about two foot high, with some such like Leavs
growing thereon, but smaller. At the top whereof stand in
a long spike many smal brownish Flowers, which turn into
hard three square shining brown Seed, like the Garden
Patience before described. This Root groweth greater than
that, with many Branches or great Fibres thereat, yellow
on the outside, and somwhat pale yellow within, with some
discoloured veins like to the Rubarb which is first
discribed, but much less than it, especially when it is
dry.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place and Time.
# unit P text
These also grow in Gardens and Flower and Seed at or
neer the same time that our true Rubarb doth, Viz. they
Flower in June, and the Seed is ripe in July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
A dram of the dried Root of Monks Rubarb, with a
scruple of Ginger made into Pouder and taken fasting in a
draught or mess of warm Broth, purgeth Choller and Flegm
downward very gently, and safely without danger: The Seed
thereof contrarily doth bind the Belly, and helpeth to
stay any sort of Lask or Bloody Flux. The distilled water
thereof is very profitably used to heal Scabs, as also
foul Ulcerous Sores, and to allay the Inflamations of
them: The Juyce of the Leavs or Roots, or the Decoction of
them in Vinegar is used as a most effectual Remedy to heal
Scabs and running Sores.
The Bastard Rubarb hath all the properties of the Monks
Rubarb, but more effectual for both inward and outward
Diseases. The Decoction thereof with Vinegar dropped into
the Ears, taketh away the pains: gargled in the Mouth,
taketh away Toothach, and being drunk healeth the
Jaundice. The Seed thereof taken easeth the gnawing and
griping pains of the Stomach, and taketh away the loathing
thereof unto Meat: The Root thereof helpeth the ruggedness
of the Nails, and being boyled in Wine helpeth the
Swellings of the Throat, commonly called the Kings evil,
as also the Swellings of the Kernels of the Ears: It
helpeth them that are troubled with the Stone; provoketh
Urine, and helpeth the dimness of the Sight. The Roots of
this Bastard Rubarb are used in opening and purging Diet
Drinks with other things, to open the Liver, and to clens
and cool the Blood.
# unit G marginalnote
Purge Choller & Flegm, stay Lasks and bloody
Flux, Scabs & Ulcerous Sores, Running Sores, Pains of the
Ears, Toothach, Jaundice, pains of the Stomach & loathing
of Meat, Kings Evil, Stone, Urine, Dim sight.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The properties of that which is called the English
Rubarb, are the same with the former, but much more
effectual, and hath all the properties of the true Indian
Rubarb, except the force in purging, wherein it is but of
half the strength thereof, and therfore a double quantity
must be used: it likewise hath not that bitterness and
astriction; in other things it worketh almost in an equal
quality, which are these: It purgeth the Body of Choller
and Flegm, being either taken of it self, made into Pouder
and drunk in a draught of white Wine, or steeped therein
all night and taken fasting, or put among other Purgers,
as shall be thought convenient, clensing the Stomach,
Liver, and Blood, opening Obstructions, and helping those
griefs that come thereof; as the Jaundice, Dropsie,
swelling of the Spleen, Tertian and day Agues, and the
pricking pain of the sides, and also it stayeth spitting
of Blood. The Pouder taken with Cassia dissolved, and a
little wash'd Venice Turpentine, clenseth the Reins and
strengthneth them afterwards, and is very effectual to
stay the running of the Reins or Gonorrea. It is also
given for the pains and swellings in the Head, for those
that are troubled with Melancholly, and helpeth the
Sciatica, the Gout, and the Cramp. The Pouder of Rubarb
taken wih a little Mummia and Madder Roots in some red
Wine, dissolveth clotted Blood in the Body, hapning by any
fall or bruise, and healeth burstings and broken parts as
well inward as outward: The Oyl likewise wherein it hath
been boyled, worketh the like effects, being anointed. It
is used to heal those Ulcers that happen in the Eyes and
Eyelids, being steeped and strained; as also to asswage
the Swellings and Inflamations; and applied with Honey, or
boyled Wine, it taketh away all black and blue Spots or
Marks that happen therein. Whey, or white Wine are the
best Liquors to steep it in, and thereby it worketh more
effectually in opening Obstructions, and purging the
Stomach and Liver. Many do use a little Indian Spicknard
as the best Correcter thereof.
# unit G marginalnote
Liver & Blood, Choller & Flegm, Obstructions,
Jaundice, Dropsie, Spleen, Agues, pains of the sides, &
spitting of Blood, Running of the Reins, Swelling in the
Head, Sciatica, Gout, Cramp, Clotted Blood, Ulcers in the
Eyes, or Eyelids, swellings & Inflamations, Black & blue
spots, Purge the Liver & Stomach.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Mars claims Predominancy over all these wholsom Herbs,
you cry out upon him for an infortune, when God created
him for your good (only he is angry with Fools) what
dishonor is this, not to Mars, but to God Himself.
## <h220>
# chapter 220 MEADOW_RUE
# unit T chaptertitle
MEADOW RUE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This riseth up with a yellow stringy Root, much
spreading in the ground, and shooting forth new sprouts
round about, with many Herby green Stalks two foot high,
crested all the length of them, set with Joynts here and
there, and many large Leavs on them as well as below,
being devided into smaller Leavs, nicked or dented in the
forepart of them, of a sad green colour on the upperside,
and pale green underneath: Toward the top of the Stalk
there shooteth forth divers short Branches, on every one
thereof there stand two, three, or four smal round Heads
or Buttons, which breaking the skin that incloseth them
shew forth a tuft of pale greenish yellow threds, which
falling away there comes in their place small three
cornre'd Cods, wherein is contained smal, long, and round
Seed. The whol Plant hath a strong unpleasant scent.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in many places of this Land; in the Borders
of moist Meadows, and by Ditch sides.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth about July or the beginning of August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Dioscorides saith that this Herb bruised and applied
perfectly healeth old Sores: and the distilled water of
the Herb and Flowers doth the like. It is used by some
among other Pot-herbs to open the Body and make it
soluble; but the Roots washed clean, and boyled in Ale and
drunk provoketh to the Stool more than the Leavs; but yet
very gently. The Root boyled in Water, and the places of
the Body most troubled with Vermine or Lice, washed
therewith while it is warm, destroyeth them utterly. In
Italy it is used against the Plague, and in Saxony against
the Jaundice, as Camerarius saith.
# unit G marginalnote
Old sores, Open the Body, Lice & Vermine,
Plague, Jaundice.
#end marginalnote
## <h221>
# chapter 221 GARDEN_RUE
# unit T chaptertitle
GARDEN RUE.
# unit P text
This is so well known, both by this name, and the Name
Herb of Grace, that I shal not need to write you any
further Description of it: But shall only shew you the
Vertues of it as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It provoketh Urine and Womens Courses, being taken
either in Meat or Drink. The Seed thereof taken in Wine,
is an Antidote against all dangerous Medicines or deadly
Poysons. The Leavs taken either by themselves, or with
Figs and Walnuts is called Methridates his Counter poyson,
against the Plague and causeth all Venemous things to
become harmless: Being often taken in Meat or Drink it
abateth Venery, and destroyeth the ability to beget
Children. A Decoction made thereof with some dried Dill
Leavs and Flowers, easeth all pains and torments inwardly
to be drunk, and outwardly to be applied warm to the place
grieved. The same being drunk helpeth the pains both of
the Chest and Sides, as also Coughs, hardness of
breathing, the Inflamations of the Lungs, and the
tormenting pains of the Sciatica, and the Joynts, being
anointed or laid to the places, as also the shaking Fits
of Agues, to take a draught before the Fit come: Being
boyled or infused in Oyl it is good to help the wind
Chollick, the hardness or windiness of the Mother, and
freeth women from the strangling or suffocation thereof,
if the Share and the Parts thereabouts be anointed
therewith: It killeth and driveth forth the Worms of the
Belly, if it be drunk after it is boyled in Wine to the
half with a little Honey: It helpeth the Gout or pains in
the Joynts of Hands, Feet, or Knees applied thereunto: and
with Figs it helpeth the Dropsie being bathed therewith:
being bruised and put into the Nostrils it staieth the
Bleeding thereof. It helpeth the swelling of the Cods if
they be bathed with a Decoction of Rue and Bay Leaves. It
taketh away Wheals and Pimples if being bruised with a few
Mirtle Leavs, if it be made up with Wax and applied: It
cureth the Morphew and taketh away all sorts of Warts, if
boyled in Wine with some Pepper and Nitre and the places
rubbed therewith: and with Allum and Honey, helpeth the
dry Scab or any Tetter or Ringworm: The Juyce thereof
warmed in a Pomegranate Shel or Rind, and dropped into the
Ears helpeth the pains of them. The Juyce of it and
Fennel with a little Honey, and the Gall of a Cock put
thereto, helpeth the dimness of the Eyesight. An Oyntment
made of the Juyce therof with Oyl of Roses, Ceruss, and a
little Vinegar, and anointed cureth St. Anthonies Fire,
and all foul running Sores in the Head; and the stinking
Ulcers of the Nose or other parts. The Antidote used by
Methridates every morning fasting to secure himself from
any Poyson or Infection, was this. Take twenty Leavs of
Rue, a little Salt, a couple of Walnuts, and a couple of
Figs beaten together into a Mass with twenty Juniper
berries, which is the quantity appointed for every day.
Another Electuary is made thus; Take of Nitre, Pepper, and
Cummin Seed, of each equal Parts, of the Leavs of Rue
clean picked, as much in weight as all the other three
weighed, beat them well together, and put to as much Honey
as will make it up into an Electuary; (but you must first
steep your Cummin seed in Vinegar twenty four hours, and
then dry it, or rather toast it in a hot Fire-shovel, or
in an Oven) and it is a Remedy for the pains or griefs of
the Chest or Stomach, of the Spleen, Belly or Sides, by
Wind or Stitches; of the Liver by Obstructions, of the
Reins and Bladder by the stopping of Urine, and helpeth
also to extenuate fat corpulent Bodies.
# unit G marginalnote
Urine, Womens Courses, Poysons, Plague, Abate
Venery, pains of the Chest & Sides, Cough, Hard breathing,
Sciatica, & Joynt aches, Agues, Wind Chollick, Mother,
Worms, Gout, Dropsie, Bleeding, Swelling of the Cods,
Wheals & Pimples.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Morphew & Warts, Scab, Tetter & Ringorm, Pains
of the Ears, Dimsight, St. Anthonies fire, Running sores
of the Head, Ulcers of the Nose, Antidote, pains of the
Chest, Stomach, Spleen, Belly Obstructions.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
What an Infamy is cast upon the Ashes of Methridates
(or Methradates, as the Augustanes read his name) by
unworthy people; they that deserve no good report
themselves, love to give none to others, Viz. That that
renowned King of Pontus fortified his Body by Poyson
against Poyson (He cast out Devils by Beelzebub the Prince
of Devils) what a sot is he that knows not if he had
accustomed his Body to cold Poysons hot Poysons would have
dispatch'd him, or the contrary if not, corrosions would
have done it, the whol world is at this very time
beholding to him for his Studies in Physick, and he that
useth the quantity of but a Hazel Nut of that Recept every
morning, to which his name is adjoyned shall to admiration
preserve his Body in health, if he do but consider that
Rue is an Herb of the Sun and under Leo, and gather it and
the rest accordingly.
## <h222>
# chapter 222 RUPTURE_WORT
# unit T chaptertitle
RUPTURE WORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This spreadeth very many threddy Branches round about
upon the ground, about a span long, devided into many
other smaller parts, full of small Joynts set very thick
together, whereat come forth two very small Leavs of a
fresh yellowish green colour branches and all, where
groweth forth also a number of exceeding smal yellowish
Flowers, scarce to be discerned from the Stalks and Leavs,
which turn into Seed as smal as the very dust: The Root is
very long and smal, thrusting down deep into the ground:
This hath neither smel nor tast at first, but afterward
hath a little astringent tast, without any manifest heat,
yet a little bitter and sharp withal.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in dry, sandy, and Rockie places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It is fresh and green all the Summer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Rupture wort hath not his name in vain, for it is found
by experince to cure the Rupture, not only in Children but
also in Elder Persons, if the Disease be not too
inveterate, by taking a dram of the Pouder of the dried
Herb every day in Wine for certain daies together; Or the
Decoction made in Wine and drunk: Or the Juyce or
distilled water of the green Herb taken in the same
manner; and helpeth all other Fluxes either in men or
Women; Vomitings also, and the Gonorrhea or running of the
Reins, being taken any of the waies aforesaid. It doth
also most assuredly help those that have the Strangury, or
have their Urine stopped, or are troubed with the Stone or
Gravel in their Reins or Bladder. The same also helpeth
much all Stitches in the Side, all griping pains in the
Stomach or Belly, the Obstructions of the Liver, and
cureth the yellow Jaundice likewise: It killeth also the
Worms in Children: Being outwardly applied it conglutineth
Wounds notably, and helpeth much to stay Defluxions of
Rhewm from the Head to the Eyes, Nose, and Teeth, being
bruised green and bound thereto; Or the Decoction of the
dried Herb, to bath the Forehead and Temples, or the Nape
of Neck behind: It also drieth up the moisture of
Fistulous Ulcers, or any others that are foul and
spreading.
# unit G marginalnote
Ruptures, Fluxes, Running of the Reins,
Strangury, Stone or Gravel, Stitches, Yellow Jaundice,
Worms, Wounds, Defluxions, Foul Ulcers.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
They say Saturn causeth Ruptures, if he do, he doth no
more than he can cure, if you want wit he will teach you
though to your cost, this Herb is Saturns own, and is a
notable Antivenerian.
## <h223>
# chapter 223 RUSHES
# unit T chaptertitle
RUSHES.
# unit P text
Although there are many kinds of Rushes, yet I shall
only here insist upon those which are best known, and most
Medicinal, as the Bulrushes, and other of the soft and
smooth kinds; which grow so commonly in almost every place
of this Land, and are so generally noted, that I suppose
it needless to trouble you with any Description of them:
Briefly then take the Vertues of them as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Seeds of these soft Rushes, saith Dioscorides and
Galen, toasted (saith Pliny) being drunk in Wine and
Water, stayeth the Lask and Womens Courses when they come
down too abundantly: but it causeth Headach: It provoketh
sleep likewise but must be given with caution, lest the
party that takes it wake not until the Resurrection: Pliny
saith, The Root boyled in water to the consumption of one
third, helpeth the Cough.
Thus you see that Conveniences have their
Inconveniences, and Vertue is seldom unaccompanied with
some Vices. What I have written concerning Rushes is to
satisfie my Country-mens Question, Are our Rushes good for
nothing? Yes, and as good let alone as taken; There are
Remedies enough without them for every Diseas, and
therfore as the Proverb is, I care not a Rush for them, or
rather they will do you as much good as if one had given
you a Rush.
## <h224>
# chapter 224 RYE
# unit T chaptertitle
RYE.
# unit P text
This is so well known in all the Countries of this
Land, and especially to the Country people who feed much
thereon, that if I should describe it, they would
presently say, I might well have spared that Labor: Its
Vertues follow.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Rye is more digesting that Wheat; The Bread and the
Leaven thereof ripeneth and breaketh Impostumes, Boyls,
and other Swellings: The Meal of Rye put between a double
cloth, and moistned with a little Vinegar, and heated in a
Pewter dish, set over a Chafing-dish of coals, and bound
fast to the Head while it is hot, both much eas the
continual pains of the Head. Mathiolus saith, That the
ashes of Rye straw put into Water and suffered therein a
day and a night, and the Chops of the Hands or Feet washed
therewith, doth heal them.
# unit G marginalnote
Impostumes, Boyls & Swellings, Pains of the
Head, Chops of the Hands or Feet.
#end marginalnote
## <h225>
# chapter 225 SAFFRON
# unit T chaptertitle
SAFFRON.
# unit P text
The Herb needs no Description it being known generally
where it grows.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It grows frequently at Walden in Essex, and in Cambridg
shire.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is an Herb of the Sun, and under the Lion, and
therfore you need not demand a reason why it strengthens
the heart so exceedingly; Let not abov ten grains be given
at one time, for if the Sun which is the Fountain of Life,
may dazle the Eyes and make them blind, a Cordial being
taken in an immoderate quantity may hurt the Heart instead
of helping it. It quicken the Brain, for the Sun is
exalted in * as well as he hath his House
in * it help Consumption of the Lungs, help
difficulty of breathing: it is an excellent thing in
Epidemical Diseases, as Pestilences, smal Pox, and
Measles: It is a notable expulsive Medicine, and a notable
Remedy for the yellow Jaundice. My own Opinion is (but I
have no Author for it) that Hermodactils is nothing else
but the Roots of Saffron dried, and my reason is, that the
Roots of all Crocus both white and yellow purge Flegm as
Hermodactils do, and if you please to dry the Roots of any
Crocus, neither your eye nor your tast shal distinguish it
from Hermodactils.
## <h226>
# chapter 226 SAGE
# unit T chaptertitle
SAGE.
# unit P text
Our ordinary Garden Sage needeth no Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in or about July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
A Decoction of the Leavs and Branches of Sage made and
drunk, saith Dioscorides provoketh Urine, bringeth down
Womens Courses, helpeth to expel the dead Child, and
causeth the hairs to become black; It staieth the bleeding
of Wounds, and clenseth foul Ulcers or Sores; The said
Decoction made in Wine taketh away the itching ofthe Cods
if they be bathed therwith. Agrippa saith, That if Women
that cannot conceive by reason of the moist slipperiness
of their Wombs shall take a quantity of the Juyce of Sage
with a little Salt for four daies before they company with
their Husbands, it will help them not only to Conceive,
but also to retain the Birth without miscarrying. Orpheus
saith, Three spoonfuls of the Juyce of Sage taken fasting
with a little Honey, doth presently stay the spitting or
casting up of Blood. For them that are in a consumption,
these Pills are much commended. Take of Spicknard and
Ginger of each two drams; of the Seed of Sage toasted at
the fire, eight drams, of long Pepper twelve drams, all
these being brought into fine Pouder, put thereto so much
Juyce of Sage as may make them into a Mass for Pills,
taking a dram of them every morning fasting, and so
likewise at night, drinking a little pure Water after
them. Mathiolus saith, it is very profitable for all
manner of pains of the Head coming of cold and Rhewmatick
Humors, as also for all pains of the Joynts, whether used
inwardly or outwardly, and therfore helpeth the
Falling-sickness, the Lethargy, such as are dull and heavy
of spirit, the Palsey, and is of much use in all
Defluxions of Rhewm from the Head, and for the Diseases of
the Chest or Breast. The Leavs of Sage and Nettles
bruised together, and laid upon the Impostume that riseth
behind the Ears, doth asswage it much: The Juyce of Sage
taken in warm water, helpeth a Hoarsness and the Cough.
The Leavs sodden in Wine and laid upon the place affected
with the Palsey helpeth much, if the Decoction be drunk
also. Sage taken with Wormwood is used for the bloody
Flux. Pliny saith, it procureth Womens Courses, and
stayeth them coming down too fast, helpeth the stinging
and biting of Serpents, and killeth the Worms that breed
in the Ears and in Sores. Sage is of excellent use to
help the Memory, warming and quickning the senses; and the
Conserve made of the Flowers is used to the same purpose,
and also for all the former recited Diseases. The Juyce
of Sage drunk with Vinegar hath been of good use in the
time of Plague at all times. Gargles likewise are made
with Sage, Rosemary, Honeysuckles, and Plantane boyled in
Wine or Water, with some Honey and Allum put thereto, to
wash sore Mouthes and Throats, Cankers, or the secret
parts of man or woman as need requireth. And with other
hot and comfortable Herbs. Sage is boyled to bath the
Body or Legs in the Summer time, especially to warm cold
Joynts or Sinews troubled with the Palsey or Cramp, and to
comfort and strengthen the parts. It is much commended
against the Stitch or pains in the side coming of Wind, if
the place be fomented warm with the Decoction thereof in
Wine, and the Herb after the boyling be laid warm also
thereunto.
# unit G marginalnote
Provoke urine, Womens Courses, Expel the Dead
Child & Afterbirth, Stanch Bleeding, Clense Ulcers &
sores, Itching of the Cods.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Help Conception & hinder Miscarriage, spitting
Blood, Consumption, Pains of the Head & Joynts,
Falling-sickness, Lethargy, Dulness of spirit, Palsey,
Defluxions of Rhewm, Impostume behind the Ears, Hoarsness
& Cough, Bloody Flux, Biting of Serpents, Worms in the
Ears, or Sores, Quicken the senses & help Memory, Sore
Mouths & Throats, Cankers, Palsey or Cramp, Stitch in the
side.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Jupiter claims this, and bid me tell you it is good for
the liver, and to breed good Blood.
## <h227>
# chapter 227 WOOD-SAGE
# unit T chaptertitle
WOOD-SAGE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Wood-Sage riseth up with square hoary Stalks two foot
high at the least, with two Leavs set at every Joynt,
somwhat like other Sage Leavs, but smaller, softer,
whiter, and rounder, and a little dented about the edges
and smelling somwhat strongly: At the tops of the Stalks
and Branches stand the Flowers on a slender long Spike
turning themselves all one way when they blow, and are of
a pale and whitish colour, smaller than Sage, but hooded
and gaping like unto them: The Seed is blackish and round,
four usually set in a husk together: The Root is long and
stringy, with diverse Fibres thereat, and abideth many
yeers.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in Woods, and by Wood-sides, as also in
diverse Fields and by Lanes in this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June, July, and August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Decoction of Wood-Sage provoketh Urine and Womens
Courses: it also provoketh Sweat, digesteth Humors, and
discusseth Swellings, and Nodes in the Flesh, and is
therefore thought to be good against the French Pox. The
Decoction of the green Herb made with Wine is a safe and
sure Remedy for those who by falls, bruises, or Blows,
doubt some Vein to be inwardly broken, to disperse and
avoid the congealed blood, and to consolidate the Vein; It
is also good for such as are inwardly or outwardly
bursten, the drink used inwardly, and the Herb applied
outwardly: The same used in the same manner is found to be
a sure Remedy for the Palsey: The Juyce of the Herb or
the Pouder thereof dried, is good for moist Ulcers and
Sores in the Legs or other parts, to dry them, and caus
them to heal the more speedily: It is no less effectual
also in green Wounds to be used upon any occasion.
# unit G marginalnote
Provokes Urine & Womens Courses, & Sweat.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Swellings in the flesh, French Pox, Vein
broken, Bursteness, Palsey, Ulcers & Sores, Green Wounds.
#end marginalnote
## <h228>
# chapter 228 SOLOMONS_SEAL
# unit T chaptertitle
SOLOMONS SEAL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Solomons Seal riseth up with a round Stalk
about half a yard high, bowing or bending down to the top,
set with single Leavs one above another, somwhat large and
like the Leavs of the Lilly-Convalley, or May Lilly, with
an eye of blewish upon the green, with some ribs therein,
and more yellowish underneath. At the foot of every Leaf
almost from the bottom up to the top of the Stalk come
forth small long white and hollow pendulous Flowers,
somwhat like the Flowers of May-Lilly, but ending in five
long points, for the most part two together, at the end of
a long Footstalk, and somtimes but one, and sometimes also
two Stalks with Flowers at the Foot of a Leaf, which are
without any scent at all, and stand all on one side of the
Stalk: After they are past, come in their places, smal
round Berries, green at the first, and blackish green,
tending to blewness when they are ripe, wherein lie smal
white hard and stony Seed: The Root is of the thickness of
ones finger or Thumb, white and knobbed in some places,
with a flat round circle representing a Seal, whereof it
took the name, lying along under the upper crust of the
Earth, and not growing downward but with many fibres
underneath.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is frequent in diverse places of this Land, as
namely in a Wood two miles from Canterbury, by
Fishpool-Hill: as also in a bushy Close belonging to the
Parsonage of Alderbury neer Clarindon, two miles from
Salisbury; in Chesson Wood, on Chesson Hill, between
Newington and Sittinborn in Kent, and in diverse other
places, in Essex and other Counties.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth about May, The Root abideth, and shooteth
anew every yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Root of Solomons Seal is found by experience to be
available in Wounds, Hurts, and outward Sores, to heal and
close up the lips of those that are green, and to dry up
and restrain the Flux of Humors to those that are old: It
is singular good to stay Vomitings, and Bleedings
wheresoever, as also al Fluxes in man or woman, whether
the Whites or Reds in Women, or the running of the Reins
in men; also to knit any Joynt which by weakness useth to
be often out of place, or will not stay in long, when it
is set: also to knit and joyn broken Bones in any part of
the Body, the Roots being bruised and applied to the
place. Yea it hath been found by late experience that the
Decoction of the Root in Wine, or the bruised Root put in
Wine or other drink, and after a nights infusion strained
forth hard and drunk, hath holpen both man and Beast whose
Bones have been broken by any occasion, which is the most
assured refuge of help to people of diverse Countries of
this Land, that they can have: It is no less effectual to
help Rupture and Burstings, the Decoction in Wine, or the
Pouder in Broth or Drink being inwardly taken and
outwardly applyed to the Place: The same is also available
for inward or outward Bruises, Falls or Blows, both to
dispel the congealed blood, and to take away both the
pains and the black and blew Marks that abide after the
hurt. The same also or the distilled water of the whol
Plant used to the Face or other part of the Skin, clenseth
it from Morphew, Freckles, Spots; or Marks whatsoever,
leaving the place fresh, fair, and Lovely, for which
purpose it is much used by the Italian Dames.
# unit G marginalnote
Wounds & Sores, Vomiting & Bleeding, Fluxes,
Running of the Reins, Knit Joynts, & broken Bones in man &
beast, Ruptures, Bruises & Falls, black & blew Marks,
Beautifie the Face.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Saturn owns this Plant for he loves his Bones well.
## <h229>
# chapter 229 SAMPIRE
# unit T chaptertitle
SAMPIRE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Rock Sampire groweth up with a tender green Stalk,
about half a yard or two foot high at the most, branching
forth almost from the very bottom, and stored with sundry
thick, and almost round somwhat long Leavs, of a deep
green colour, somtimes three together, and somtimes more
on a Stalk, and are sappy, and of a pleasant, hot, or
spicy tast: At the tops of the Stalk and Branches, stand
Umbels of white Flowers, and after them come large Seed
bigger than Fennel Seed, yet somwhat alike. The Root is
great, white, and long, continuing many yeers, and is of a
hot spicy tast likewise.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth on the Rocks that are often moistened at the
least, if not overflown with the Sea water.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
And it Flowreth and Seedeth in the end of July and
August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is a safe Herb, very pleasant both to the tast and
Stomach, helping digestion, and in some sort opening the
Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, provoking Urine, and
helping thereby to wash away the Gravel and Stone
ingendred in the Kidneys or Bladder.
# unit G marginalnote
Helps digestion, Opens Obstructions, provokes
Urin, Expel Gravel and the Stone.
#end marginalnote
## <h230>
# chapter 230 SANICLE
# unit T chaptertitle
SANICLE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The ordinary Sanicle sendeth forth many great round
Leavs standing upon long brownish stalkes, every one
somewhat deeply cut or divided into five or six parts, and
some of those also cut in, somwhat like the Leaf of a
Crowfoot, or Doves-foot, and finely dented about the
edges, smooth, and of a dark green shining colour, and
somtimes reddish about the brims, from among which riseth
up smal round green Stalks without any Joynt or Leaf
thereon, saving at the top, where it brancheth forth into
Flowers, having a Leaf devided into three or four parts at
that Joynt with the Flowers, which are smal and whit,
starting out of smal round greenish yellow heads, many
standing together in a tuft; in which afterward are the
Seeds contained, which are smal round rough Burs, somwhat
like the Seeds of Cleavers, and stick in the same manner
upon any thing that they touch: The Root is composed of
may black strings or fibres set together, at a little long
head, which abideth with the green Leavs all the Winter
and perish not.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is found in many shadowy Woods, and other places of
this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June, and the Seed is ripe shortly
after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is exceeding good to heal all green Wounds speedily,
or any Ulcers, Impostumes, or bleedings inwardly: It doth
wonderfully help those that have any Tumors in any part of
their Bodies, for it represseth and dissipateth the
Humors, if the Decoction or Juyce thereof be taken, or the
Pouder in drink, and the Juyce used outwardly; For there
is not found any Herb that can give such present help
either to Man or Beast when the Disease falleth upon the
Lungs or Throat, and to heal up all the putrid Malignant
Ulcers in the Mouth, Throat, and Privities, by gargling or
washing with the Decoction of the Leavs and Root, made in
Water, and a little Honey put thereto. It helpeth to stay
Womens Courses, and all other Fluxes of Blood either by
the Mouth, Urine or Stool, and Lasks of the Belly, the
Ulceration of the Kidneys also, and the pains in the
Bowels, and the Gonorrhea or running of the Reins, being
boyled in Wine or Water, and drunk. The same also is no
less powerful to help any Ruptures or Burstings, used both
inwardly and outwardly, and briefly it is effectual in
binding, restraining, consolidating, heating, drying, and
healing; as Comfry, Bugle, Self-heal, or any other of the
Confounds, or Vulnerary Herbs whatsoever.
# unit G marginalnote
Green Wounds, Ulcers, Impostums, Inward
Bleedings, Swellings, Ulcers in the Mouth, Throat &
Privities, Womens Courses, Fluxes of Blood, Lasks, Ulcers
in the Kidneys, Running of the Reins, Ruptures.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
This is one of Venus her Herbs to cure either Wounds,
or what other mischiefs Mars inflicteth upon the Body of
Man.
## <h231>
# chapter 231 SARAFENS_CONFOUND
# unit T chaptertitle
SARAFENS CONFOUND.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This groweth very high somtimes with brownish Stalks,
and other whiles with green and hollow to a mans height,
having many long and narrow green Leavs snip'd about the
edges, somwhat like those of the Peach-Tree, or Willow
Leavs, but not of such a white green colour: The tops of
the Stalks are furnished with many pale yellow Starlike
Flowers standing in green heads, which when they are
fallen, and the Seed ripe, which is somwhat long, smal,
and of a yellowish brown colour wrapped in down, is
therewith carried away with the wind: The Root is composed
of many strings or fibres, set together at a head, which
perish not in Winter, but abide, although the Stalks dry
away, and no Leaf appeareth in Winter. The tast hereof is
strong and unpleasant, and so is the smel also.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in moist and wet grounds by Wood sides, and
somtimes in the moist places of shady Groves, as also by
the water side.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in July, and the Seed is soon ripe, and
carryed away with the wind.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Among the Germans, this Wound Herb is preferred before
all others of the same quality. Being boiled in Wine and
drunk, it helpeth the indisposition of the Liver, and
freeth the Gall from Obstructions, whereby it is good for
the yellow Jaundice, and for the Dropsie in the beginning
of it, for all inward ulcers of the Reins, or elswhere,
and inward Wounds and Bruises: And being steeped in Wine
and then distilled, the Water thereof drunk is singular
good to ease all gnawings in the Stomach, or other pains
of the Body, as also the pains of the Mother: And being
boyled in Water it helpeth continual Agues; And this said
Water, or the Juyce or Decoction, are very effectual to
heal any green Wound or old sore or Ulcer whatsoever,
clensing them from corruption and quickly healing them up:
It is no less effectual for the Ulcers in the mouth or
Throat, be they never so foul or stinking, by washing and
gargling them therewith; and likewise for such Sores as
happen in the privy parts of man or Woman: Briefly
whatsoever hath been said of Bugle or Sanicle, may be
found herein.
# unit G marginalnote
Obstructions, yellow Jaundice, Dropsie, Ulcers
of the Reins, Inward Wounds & Bruises, Pains in the Body,
Mother, Agues, Green Wounds, Old Sores or Ulcers, Ulcers
in the Mouth or Throat, Sores in the Privy Parts.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Saturn owns this Herb, and 'tis of sober condition like
him.
## <h232>
# chapter 232 SAWCEALONE
# unit T chaptertitle
SAWCEALONE, or JACK BY THE HEDG.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The lower Leavs of this are rounder than those that
grow towards the tops of the Stalks, and are set singly
one at a Joynt, being somwhat round and broad, and pointed
at the ends, dented also about the edges, somwhat
resembling Nettle Leavs for the form but of a fresher
green colour, and not rough or pricking: The Flowers are
very smal and white, growing at the tops of the Stalks one
above another, which being past, there follow smal and
long round pods, wherein are cantained, smal round Seed
somwhat blackish: The Root is stringy and threddy,
perishing every yeer after it hath given Seed, and raiseth
it self again of its own sowing: The Plant or any part
thereof being bruised, smelleth of Garlick, but more
pleasantly, and tasteth somwhat hot and sharp, almost like
unto Rocket.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth under Walls, and by Hedg sides, and
Pathwaies in Fields, in many places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June, July, and August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
This is eaten by many Country people as Sawce to their
Salt-fish, and helpeth well to digest the crudities and
other corrupt Humors ingendred thereby, it warmeth also
the Stomach, and causeth digestion: The Juyce thereof
boyled with Honey, is accounted to be as good as
Hedg-Muster for the Cough, to cut and expectorate the
tough Flegm. The Seed bruised and boyled in Wine is a
singular good Remedy for the Wind Chollick, or the Stone,
being drunk warm; It is also given to Women troubled with
the Mother, both to drink, and the Seed put into a Cloth
and applied while it is warm is of singular good use. The
Leavs also or Seed boyled is good to be used in Clysters
to ease the pains of the Stone: The green Leavs are held
to be good to heal the Ulcers in the Legs.
# unit G marginalnote
Helps digestion, Cough, Tough Flegm, Wind
Chollic, Stone, Ulcers in the Legs.
#end marginalnote
## <h233>
# chapter 233 WINTER_AND_SUMMER_SAVORY
# unit T chaptertitle
WINTER AND SUMMER SAVORY.
# unit P text
Both these are so well known (being entertained as
constant Inhabitants in our Gardens) that they need no
Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
They are both of them hot and dry, especially the
Summer kind, which is both sharp and quick in tast,
expelling Wind in the Stomach and Bowels, and is a present
help for the rising of the Mother procured by Wind,
provoketh Urine and Womens Courses, and is much commended
for Women with Child to take inwardly, and to smell often
unto. It cutteth tough Flegm in the Chest and Lungs, and
helpeth to expectorate it the more easily; It quencheth
the dull spirits in the Lethargy, the Juyce thereof being
snuffed, or cast up into the nostrils: The Juyce dropped
into the Eyes cleareth a dull sight, if it proceed of thin cold humors distilling from the Brain: The Juyce heated
with a little Oyl of Roses, and dropped into the Ears
easeth them of the noise and singing in them, and of
deafness also: Outwardly applied with white flower in
manner of a Pultis, it giveth ease to the Sciatica, and
Palsey'd Members, heating and warming them, and taketh
away their pains: It also taketh away the pain that comes
of stinging by Bees, Wasps, &c.
# unit G marginalnote
Expelleth Wind, Mother, provokes Urine & Womens
Courses, Tough Flegm, Lethargy, Dull sight, Singing in the
Ears & Deafness, Sciatica & Palsey, stinging of Bees &c.,
Chollick, Illiack passion.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Mercury claims the Dominion over this Herb, neither is
there a better Remedy against the Chollick and Illiack
passions than this Herb, keep it dry by you all the yeer
if you love your selves, and your ease, as 'tis an hundred
pound to a penny if you do not: keep it dry, make
Conserves and Syrups of it for your use; and withal, take
notice that the Summer kind is the best.
## <h234>
# chapter 234 COMMON_WHITE_SAXIFRAGE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE COMMON WHITE SAXIFRAGE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath a few smal reddish Kernels or Roots, covered
with some Skins lying among diverse smal blackish Fibres,
which send forth diverse round, faint, or yellowish green
Leavs, and grayish underneath, lying above the ground
unevenly dented about the edges, & somwhat hairy, every
one upon a little footstalk from whence riseth up a round
brownish hairy green stalk, two or three foot high, with a
few such like round Leaves as grow below, but smaller, and
somwhat branched at the top, whereon stand pretty large
white Flowers of five Leaves apiece, with some yellow
threds in the middle, standing in long crested brownish
green Husks: After the Flowers are past there ariseth
somtimes a round hard head by, forked at the top, wherein
is contained small blackish Seed, but usually they fall
away without any Seed; and it is the Kernels or grains of
the Root which are usually called the white Saxifrage
Seed, and so used.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in many places of our Land, as well in the
lower moist, as in the upper dry corners of Meadows, and
grassy sandy places; It used to grow neer Lambs Conduit,
on the back side of Grayes-Inn.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in May, and is then gathered as well for
that which is called the Seed, as to distil, for it
quickly perisheth down to the ground when any hot weather
comes.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is very effectual to clense the Reins and Bladder,
and to dissolve the Stone ingendred in them, and to expel
it and the Gravel by Urine, to provoke Urine also being
stopped, and to help the Strangury: for which purposes the
Decoction of the Herb or Roots in white Wine, or the
Pouder of the smal Kernelly Roots which is called the Seed
taken in white Wine, or in the same Decoction made with
white Wine is most usual. The Distilled water of the whol
Herb, Roots, and Flowers, is most familiar to be taken: It
provoketh also Womens Courses, and freeth and clenseth the
Stomach and Lungs from thick and tough Flegm that troubles
them. There is not many better Medicines to break the
Stone than this.
# unit G marginalnote
Clenseth the Reins, Stone, Gravel, provoke
Urine, Womens Courses, Tough Flegm.
#end marginalnote
## <h235>
# chapter 235 BURNET_SAXIFRAGE
# unit T chaptertitle
BURNET SAXIFRAGE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The greater sort of our English Burnet Saxifrage
groweth up with diverse long Stalks of winged Leavs, set
directly opposite one to another on both sides, each being
somwhat broad, a little pointed and dented about the
edges, of a sad green colour. At the tops of the Stalks
stand Umbels of white Flowers, after which comes small and
blackish Seed: The Root is long and whitish, abiding long.
Our lesser Burnet Saxifrage, hath much finer Leaves than
the former, and very smal, and set one against another,
deeply jagged about the edges, and of the same colour as
the former: The Umbels of Flowers are white, and the Seed
very small, and so is the Root, being also somwhat hot and
quick in tast.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
These grow in most Meadows of this Land, and are easie
to be found, being well sought for among the Grass,
wherein many times they lie hid scarcely to be discern'd.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
The Flower about July, and their Seed is ripe in
August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
These Saxifrages are as hot as Pepper, and Tragus saith
by his experience they are more wholsom: They have the
same properties that the Parsleys have, but in provoking
Urine, and easing the pains thereof, or of the Wind and
Chollick, are much more effectual; The Roots or Seed being
used either in Pouder, or in Decoction, or any other way;
and likewise helpeth the Windy pains of the Mother, and to
procure their Courses, to break and avoid the Stone in the
Kidneys, to digest cold, viscous, and tough Flegm in the
Stomach, and is a most especial Remedy against all kind of
Venom. Castorium being boyled in the distilled water
hereof, is singular good to be given to those that are
troubled with Cramps and Convulsions: some do use to
make the Seed into Comfits (as they do Caraway Seed) which
is effectual to all the purposes aforesaid. The Juyce of
the Herb dropped into the most grievous Wounds of the
Head, drieth up their moisture and healeth them quickly.
Some Women use the distilled Water, to take away Freckles
or Spots in the Skin or Face: and to drink the same
sweetned with Sugar for all the purposes aforesaid.
# unit G marginalnote
Provoke Urine, Ease Wind & Chollick, Mother,
Womens Courses, Stone, Tough Flegm, Venom, Cramps &
Convulsions, Wounds in the Head, Freckles & spots.
#end marginalnote
## <h236>
# chapter 236 SCABIOUS
# unit T chaptertitle
SCABIOUS, THREE SORTS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Field Scabious groweth up with many hairy
soft, whitish green Leaves, some whereof are but very
little, if at all jagged on the edges, others very much
rent and torn on the sides, and have threds in them, which
upon the breaking may be plainly seen: from among which
rise up diverse hairy green Stalks three of four foot
high, with such like hairy green leavs on them, but more
deeply and finely devided, branched forth a little: At the
tops hereof which are naked and bare of Leaves for a good
space, stand round Heads of Flowers, of a pale blewish
colour set together in a head, the outermost wherof are
larger than the inward, wth many threds also in the
middle, somwhat flat at the top, as the Head with Seed is
likewise: The Root is great, white, & thick growing down
deep into the ground, and abideth many yeers. There is
another sort of Field Scabious, different in nothing from
the former, but only it is smaller in all respects.
The Corn Scabious, differeth little from the first, but
that it is greater in all respects and the Flowers more
declining to Purple: And the Root creepeth under the upper
crust of the Earth, and runneth not deep in the ground as
the first doth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The first groweth most usually in Meadows, especially
about London every where.
The second in some of the dry Fields about this City,
but not so plentiful as the former.
The third, in the standing Corn, or Fallow Fields, and
the borders of such like Fields.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in June and July, and some abide Flowring
until it be late in August, and the Seed is ripe in the
mean time.
There are many other sorts of Scabious, but I take
those which I have here described to be most familiar with
us; The vertues both of these and the rest being much
alike, take them as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Scabious is very effectual for all sorts of Coughs,
shortness of Breath, and all other Diseases of the Breast
and Lungs, ripening and digesting cold Flegm, and other
tough humors, voiding them forth by Coughing and spitting:
It ripeneth also all sorts of inward Ulcers and
Impostumes, the Plurisie also, if the Decoction of the
Herb dry or green, be made with Wine, and drunk for some
time together: four ounces of the clarified Juyce of
Scabious taken in the morning fasting, with a dram of
Methridate, or Venice Treacle, freeth the heart from any
infection of Pestilence, if after the taking of it, the
party sweat two hours in their Beds; and this Medicine be
again and again repeated if need require: The green Herb
bruised and applied to any Carbuncle or Plague sore, is
found by certain experience to dissolve or break it in
three hours space. The same Decoction also drunk, helpeth
the pains and Stitches in the sides. The Decoction of the
Roots taken for fourty daies together, or a dram of the
Pouder of them taken at a time in Whey, doth (as Mathiolus
saith) wonderfully help those that are troubled with
running or spreading Scabs, Tetters, or Ringworms, yea
though they proceed of the French Pox, which he saith he
hath tryed by experience: The Juyce or Decoction drunk,
helpeth also Scabs and breakings out in Itch and the like:
The Juyce also made up into an Oyntment and used, is
effectual for the same purpose. The same also helpeth all
inward Wounds by the drying, clensing, and healing quality
therin: A Syrup made of the Juyce and Sugar is very
effectual to all the purposes aforesaid, and so is the
distilled water of the Herb and Flowers made in due
season; especially to be used when the green Herb is not
in force to be taken. The Decoction of the Herb and Roots
outwardly applied, doth wonderfully help al sorts of hard
or cold Swellings, in any part of the Body; and is as
effectual for any shrunk Sinew or Vein. The Juyce of
Scabious made up with the Pouder of Borax and Camphire,
clenseth the Skin of the Face or other part of the Body,
not only from Freckles and Pimples, but also from Morphew
and Lepry. The Head washed with the same Decoction
clenseth it from Drandrif, Scurf, Sores, Itches, and the
like, being used warm. Tents also dipped in the Juyce or
Water thereof not only healeth all green Wounds, but old
Sores and Ulcers also: The Herb also bruised and applied
doth in short time loosen, and cause to be drawn forth any
Splinter, broken bone, Arrow head, or other such like
thing lying in the Flesh.
# unit G marginalnote
Coughs & shortness of Breath, Cold Flegm,
Inward Ulcers & Impostumes, Plurisie, Infection, Carbuncle
or Plague sores; Pains or stitches in the side: Scabs,
tetters, Ringworms, Itch, inward Wounds, Cold swellings,
Shrunk Sinews; Freckles & Pimples, Morphew & Lepry,
Dandriff & Scurf, Green Wounds, Old sores & Ulcers,
Splinters, Thorns, & broken Bones &c.
#end marginalnote
## <h237>
# chapter 237 SCURVY-GRASS
# unit T chaptertitle
SCURVY-GRASS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Our ordinary English Scurvygrass hath many thick fat
Leavs, more long than broad, and somtimes longer and
narrower, somtimes also smooth on the edges, and somtimes
a little waved, somtimes plain, smooth, and pointed,
somtimes a little hollow in the middle and round pointed,
of a sad green, and somtimes brownish colour, every one
standing by it self upon a long Footstalk, which is
brownish or greenish also: from among which rise smal
slender Stalks, bearing a few Leaves thereon like the
other, but longer and lesser for the most part: At the
tops whereof grow many whitish Flowers, with yellow threds
in the middle, standing about a green head which becometh
the Seed Vessel, which will be somwhat flat when it is
ripe, wherein is contained reddish Seed tasting somwhat
hot: The Root is made of many white strings, which stick
deeply in the mud, wherein it chiefly delighteth: yet it
will well abide in the more upland and dryer grounds, and
tasteth a little brackish or Salt, even there, but not so
much as where it hath the Salt water to feed upon.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth all along the Thames side, both on the Essex
and Kentish Shoars, from Woolwich round about the Sea
Coasts to Dover, Portsmouth, and even to Bristol, where it
is had in plenty: The other with round Leavs groweth in
the Marshes in Holland in Lincolnshire, and other places
of Lincolnshire by the Sea side.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
There is also another sort called Dutch Scurvy-Grass,
which is most known and frequent in Gardens, which hath
diverse fresh green, and almost round Leaves rising from
the Root, nothing so thick as the former, yet in some rich
ground, very large, even twice so big as in others, not
dented about the edges, not hollow in the middle, every
one standing upon a long Footstalk: from among these rise
up divers long slender weak Stalks higher than the former,
and with more white Flowers at the tops of them, which
turn into smaller pods, and smaller brownish Seed than the
former: The Root is white, smal, and threddy: The tast of
this is nothing Salt at all, but hath an hot Aromatical
spicy tast.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in April or May, and give their Seed ripe
quickly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The English Scurvy-grass is more used for the Salt tast
it beareth, wch doth somwhat open and clense; but the
Dutch Scurvy-grass is of better effect, and chiefly used
(if it may be had) by those that have the Scurvey,
especially to purge and clense the Blood, the Liver, and
the Spleen, for all which Diseases it is of singular good
effect by taking the Juyce in the Spring every morning
fasting in a cup of Drink: The Decoction is good for the
same purpose, and the Herb tunned up in new Drink, either
by it self or with other things, for it openeth
Obstructions, evacuateth cold clammy and Flegmatick Humors
both from the Liver and the Spleen, wasting and consuming
both the swelling and hardness thereof, and thereby
bringing to the body a more lively colour. The Juyce also
helpeth all foul Ulcers and Sores in the Mouth, if it be
often gargled therewith; and used outwardly, clenseth the
Skin from spots, marks, or Scars, that happen therein.
# unit G marginalnote
Scurvy, Liver & Spleen, flegmatick Humors, Foul
Ulcers & sore Mouths, Spots & Scars in the Skin.
#end marginalnote
## <h238>
# chapter 238 SELF-HEAL
# unit T chaptertitle
SELF-HEAL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Self-heal is a small low creeping Herb,
having many small roundish pointed Leavs somwhat like the
Leaves of Wild Mints, of a dark green colour without any
dents on the edges, from among which rise diverse square
hairy Stalks scarce a foot high, which spread somtimes
into Branches with diverse such smal Leaves set thereon,
up to the tops, where stand brown spiked Heads, of many
smal brownish Leaves like scales and Flowers set together,
almost like the Head of Cassidony, which Flowers are
gaping, and of a blewish purple, or more pale blew, in
some places sweet, but not so in others: The Root consists
of many strings or fibres downward, and spreadeth strings
also, whereby it encreaseth: The smal stalks with the
Leaves creeping upon the ground, shoot forth fibres taking
hold of the ground, wherby it is made a great tuft in
short time.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is found in Woods and Fields every where.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in May, and somtimes in April.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
As Self-heal is like Bugle in form, so also in the
Qualities and Vertues serving for al the purposes whereto
Bugle is applied with good success either inwardly or
outwardly, for inward Wounds or Ulcers wheresoever within
the Body, for Bruises and Falls and such like hurts: if it
be accompanied with Bugle, Sanicle, and other the like
Wound Herbs it will be the more effectual, and to wash or
inject into Ulcers in the parts outwardly where there is
cause to repress the heat and sharpness of Humors flowing
to any sore Ulcer, Inflamation, Swelling or the like, or
to stay the Flux of blood in any Wound or Part, this is
used with good success, as also to clense the foulness of
Sores, and cause them more speedily to be healed. It is
an especial Remedy for all green Wounds to soder the lips
of them, and to keep the place from any further
inconveniences: The Juyce hereof used with Oyl of Roses to
anoint the Temples and Forehead, is very effectual to
remove the Headach: and the same mixed with Honey of
Roses, clenseth and healeth all Ulcers in the Mouth and
Throat, and those also in the secret parts. And the
Proverb of the Germans, French, and others is verified in
this, That he needeth neither Physitian nor Chyrurgion,
that hath Self-heal and Sanicle to help himself.
# unit G marginalnote
Inward Wounds & Ulcers, Bruises, Flux of Blood;
Foul sores, Green wounds; Headach; Sores in the Mouth or
Throat & secret parts.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Here is another Herb of Venus, Self-heal whereby when
you hurt, you may heal your self, 'tis indeed a special
Herb for inward and outward Wounds, take it inwardly in
Syrups for inward Wounds, outwardly in Unguents and
Plaisters for outward.
## <h239>
# chapter 239 SERVICE-TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE SERVICE-TREE.
# unit P text
This is so well know in the places where it grows that
it needeth no Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth before the end of May, and the Fruit is
ripe in October.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Services when they are mellow are fit to be taken to
stay Fluxes, Scowring, and Castings, yet less than
Medlars: if they be dried before they be mellow, and kept
all the yeer, they may be used in Decoctions for the said
purpose, either to drink, or to bath the parts requiring
it: and is profitably used in that manner to stay the
bleeding of Wounds, and at the Mouth or Nose, to be
applied to the Forehead and Nape of the Neck.
# unit G marginalnote
Fluxes, Scowrings & Casting: Bleeding of wounds
or at Mouth & Nose.
#end marginalnote
## <h240>
# chapter 240 SMALLAGE
# unit T chaptertitle
SMALLAGE.
# unit P text
This also is very well known, and therefore I shall not
trouble the Reader with any Description thereof.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth naturally in wet and Marsh grounds, but if
it be sown in Gardens it there prospereth very well.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It abideth green all the Winter, and Seedeth in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Smallage is hotter, dryer, and much more Medicinable
than Parsley, for it much more openeth Obstructions of the
Liver and Spleen, rarifieth thick Flegm, and clenseth it
and the Blood withal. It provoketh Urine and Womens
Courses, and is singular good against the yellow Jaundice:
It is very effectual against Tertian and Quartan Agues, if
the Juyce thereof be taken; but especially made into
Syrup. The Juyce also put to Honey of Roses, and Barley
Water, is very good to Gargle the Mouth and Throat of
those that have Sores and Ulcers in them, and will quickly
heal them: The same Lotion also clenseth and healeth all
other foul Ulcers and Cankers elswhere if they be washed
therewith. The Seed is especially used to break and expel
wind, to kill Worms and to help a stinking Breath: The
Root is effectual to all the purposes aforesaid, and is
held to be stonger in operation than the Herb, but
especially to open Obstructions, and to rid away an Ague,
if the Juyce thereof be taken in Wine, or the Decoction
thereof in Wine be used.
# unit G marginalnote
Liver & Spleen; Urine & womens Courses, Yellow
Jaundice, Agues; sore Mouths & Throats, Ulcers & Cankers,
wind, worms, stinking Breath.
#end marginalnote
## <h241>
# chapter 241 SOPEWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
SOPEWORT, or BRUISEWORT.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Root creepeth under ground far and neer, with many
Joynts therein, of a brown colour on the outside and
yellowish within, shooting forth in diverse places many
weak round Stalks, full of Joynts, set with two Leaves
apiece to every one of them on the contrary side, which
are ribbed somwhat like unto Plantane, and fashioned like
the common field white Campion Leaves, seldom having any
Branches from the sides of the Stalks, but set with
diverse Flowers at the top standing in long Husks like the
wild Campions, made of five Leavs apiece, round at the
ends, and a little dented in the middle, of a pale Rose
colour, almost white, somtimes deeper, and somtimes paler,
of a reasonable good scent.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth wild in many low and wet grounds of this
Land, by the Brooks, and sides of running Waters.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth usually in July, and so continueth all
August, and part of September before they be quite spent.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Country people in diverse places do use to bruise
the Leaves of Sopewort, and lay it to their Fingers,
Hands, or Legs when they are cut, to heal them up again.
Some make great boast thereof that it is Diuretical to
provoke Urine, and thereby to expel Gravel and the Stone
in the reins or Kidneys: and do also account it singular
good to avoid Hydropical waters thereby to cure the
disease of the Dropsie: And they no less extol it to
perform an absolute cure in the French Pox, more than
either Sarsaparilla, Gujacum, or China can do, which how
true it is, I leave to others to judg.
# unit G marginalnote
Cut Fingers, provokes Urine, Expels Gravel &
Stone, Dropsie, French Pox.
#end marginalnote
## <h242>
# chapter 242 SORREL
# unit T chaptertitle
SORREL.
# unit P text
Our ordinary Sorrel, which groweth in Gardens and also
wild in the Fields, is so well known that it needeth no
Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Sorrel is prevalent in all hot Diseases, to cool any
Inflamation and heat of Blood in Agues Pestilential or
Chollerick, or other sicknesses and faintings, rising from
heat, and to refresh the overspent Spirits with the
violence of furious or fiery fits of Agues, to quench
Thirst, and procure an Appetite in fainting or decayd
Stomachs: for it resisteth the putrefaction of the Blood,
killeth Worms, and is as a Cordial to the heart which the
Seed doth more effectually being more drying and binding,
and thereby stayeth the hot Fluxes of Womens Courses, or
of Humors in the Bloody Flux, or Flux of the Stomach. The
Roots also in a Decoction, or in Pouder, is effectual for
all the said purposes. Both Roots and Seed as well as the
Herb is held powerful to resist the poyson of the
Scorpion. The Decoction of the Roots is taken to help the
Jaundice, and to expel Gravel and the Stone in the Reins
or Kidneys. The Decoction of the Flowers made with Wine
and drunk helpeth the black Jaundice, as also the inward
Ulcers of the Body or Bowels. A Syrup made with the Juyce
of Sorrel and Fumitary is a Soveraign help to kill those
sharp Humors that cause the Itch. The Juyce thereof with a
little Vinegar serveth well to be used outwardly for the
same cause, and is also profitable for Tetters, Ringworms
&c. It helpeth also to discuss the Kernels in the Throat,
and the Juyce gargled in the Mouth helpeth the Sores
therein. The Leaves wrapped up in a Colewoort Leaf, and
roasted under the Embers, and applied to a hard Impostume,
Botch, Boyl, or Plague Sore, both ripeneth and breaketh
it. The Distilled water of the Herb is of much good use
for all the purposes aforesaid.
# unit G marginalnote
Cooleth Inflamations, & heat of Blood; Agues,
Quench thirst, Provoke Appetite, Kill worms, Womens
Courses; Fluxes, Poyson, Jaundice, Gravel & stone, Black
Jaundice, Inward Ulcers; Itch, Tetters & Ringworms,
Kernels in the Throat, sore Mouth, Impostume, Boyl or
Plague sore.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Venus owns it, and she will never deny the Herb that
follows.
## <h243>
# chapter 243 WOOD_SORREL
# unit T chaptertitle
WOOD SORREL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This groweth low upon the ground, having a number of
Leaves coming from the Root, made of three Leaves like a
Trefoyl but broad at the ends and cut in the middle, of a
faint yellowish green colour, every one standing on a long
Footstalk, which at their first coming up are close folded
together to the Stalk, but opening themselves afterwards,
and are of a fine sowr rellish, and yeelding a Juyce which
will turn red when it is clarified, and maketh a
most-dainty clear Syrup: Among these Leavs riseth up
diverse slender weak Footstalks, with every one of them a
Flower at the top, consisting of five small pointed Leaves
Star fashion, of a white colour in most places, and in
some dash'd over with a small shew of blush, on the back
side only: After the Flowers are past follow smal round
heads, with small yellowish Seed in them: The Roots are
nothing but smal strings fastned to the end of a smal long
piece, all of them being of a yellowish colour.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in many places of our Land, in Woods and
Wood sides, where they be moist and shadowed, and in other
places not too much open to the Sun.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in April and May.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Wood Sorrel, serveth to all purposes that the other
Sorrels do, and is more effectual in hindring the
putrefaction of Blood, and Ulcers in the Mouth and Body,
and in cooling and tempering heats & Inflamations, to
quench thirst, to strengthen a weak Stomach, to procure an
appetite, to stay Vomiting, and very excellent in any
contagious sickness, or Pestilential Feavers. The Syrup
made of the Juyce is effectual in all the causes
aforesaid, and so is the Distilled Water of the Herb also.
Spunges or Linnen Cloathes wet in the Juyce and applied
outwardly to any hot Swellings or Inflamations, doth much
cool and help them: The same Juyce taken and gargled in
the Mouth, and after it is spit forth, fresh taken, doth
wonderfully help a foul stinking Canker, or Ulcer therein.
It is singular good in Wounds, Thrusts, and Stabs in the
Body, to stay bleeding, and to clense and heal the Wounds
speedily; and helpeth to stay any hot Defluxions into the
Throat or Lungs.
# unit G marginalnote
Ulcers, Inflamations, procure Appetite, stay
Vomiting, Pestilential Feavers, Hot swellings, Canker or
Ulcer in the Mouth, Wounds or scabs, Defluxions.
#end marginalnote
## <h244>
# chapter 244 SOW-THISTLES
# unit T chaptertitle
SOW-THISTLES.
# unit P text
These are generally so well known that they need no
Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in our Gardens and manured Grounds, and
somtimes by old Walls, the path sides of Fields and
High-waies.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Sow-thistles are cooling and somwhat binding, and are
very fit to cool an hot Stomach, and to ease the gnawing
pains thereof; The Herb boyled in Wine is very helpful to
stay the dissolutions of the Stomach: And the Milk that is
taken from the Stalks when they are broken, given in
drink, is beneficial to those that are short Winded and
have a wheesing withal: Pliny saith that it hath caused
the Gravel and Stone to be voided by Urine, and that the
eating thereof helpeth a stinking breath: Three spoonfuls
of the Juyce thereof taken in white Wine warmed, and some
Oyl put thereto causeth Women in Travel to have so easie
and speedy delivery, that they may be able to walk
presently after: The said Juyce taken in warm drink,
helpeth the Strangury and pains in making water.
# unit G marginalnote
Pains & heat of the Stomach, short wind &
wheesing, Gravel & Stone, stinking Breath, speedy
Delivery, Strangury, Milk increased, Deafness & singing in
the Ears, Inflamed Eyes, Wheals, & Blisters, Hemorrhoids,
Cleer the Face.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Decoction of the Leaves and Stalks, causeth
abundance of Milk in Nurses, and their Children to be well
coloured, and is good for those whose Milk doth curdle in
their Breasts. The Juyce boyled or throughly heated with
a little Oyl of Bitter Almonds in the Pill of a
Pomegranate, and dropped into the Ears, is a sure Remedy
for Deafness, singings, and all other Diseases in them.
The Herb bruised or the Juyce is profitably applied to all
hot Inflamations in the Eyes, or wheresoever else, and for
Wheals, Blisters, or other the like eruptions of heat in
the Skin; as also for the heat and itching of the
Hemorrhoids, and the heat and sharpness of Humors in the
Secret parts of man or Woman: The distilled water of the
Herb, is not only effectual for all the Diseases aforesaid
to be taken inwardly with a little Sugar(which Medicine
the daintiest Stomach will not refuse) but outwardly, by
applying Cloathes or Spunges wetted therein: It is
wonderful good for Women to wash their Faces therewith, to
cleer the Skin, and give a lustre thereto.
## <h245>
# chapter 245 SOUTHERNWOOD
# unit T chaptertitle
SOUTHERNWOOD.
# unit P text
This is so well known to be an Ordinary Inhabitant in
our Gardens, that I shall not need to trouble you with any
Description thereof. The Vertues are as followeth.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth for the most part in July and August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Dioscorides saith, That the Seed bruised, heated in
warm Water & drunk, helpeth those that are Bursten, or
troubled with Cramps, or Convulsions of the Sinews, the
Sciatica, or difficulty in making water, and bringeth down
Womens Courses. The same taken in Wine is an Antidote or
Counter poyson against all deadly Poyson, and driveth away
Serpents, and other venemous Creatures; as also the smel
of the Herb being Burnt, doth the same. The Oyl thereof
anointed on the Backbone before the Fits of Agues come
taketh them away: it taketh away Inflamations in the Eyes,
if it be put with some part of a roasted Quince and boyled
with a few crums of bread and applied. Boyled with Barley
Meal it taketh away Pimples, Pushes, or Wheals, that rise
in the Face or other part of the Body. The Seed as well
as the dried Herb is often given to kill the Worms in
Children: The Herb bruised and laid to, helpeth to draw
forth Splinters, and Thorns out of the Flesh. The Ashes
thereof dryeth up and healeth old Ulcers that are without
Inflamation, although by the sharpness thereof it biteth
sore and putteth them to sore pains: as also the Sores in
the privy Parts of man or woman. The Ashes mingled with
old Sallet Oyl, helpeth those that have their hair fallen
and are bald, causing the hair to grow again either on the
Head or Beard. Durantes saith, That the Oyl made of
Southernwood and put among the Oyntments that are used
against the French Disease, is very effectual, and
likewise killeth Lice in the Head. The Distilled Water of
the Herb is said to help them much that are troubled with
the Stone, as also for the Diseases of the Spleen and
Mother. The Germans commend it for a singular Wound Herb,
and therefore call it Stabwort. It is held by all
Writers, Antient and Modern to be more offensive to the
stomach than Wormwood.
# unit G marginalnote
Bursten, Cramps & Convulsions, Sciatica,
Strangury, Womens Courses, Poyson, Agues, Inflamed Eyes,
Pimples, Pushes & Wheals, Worms, Splinters & Thorns, Old
Ulcers, Sores in the Privities, Baldness, French pox,
Stone, Spleen & Mother.
#end marginalnote
## <h246>
# chapter 246 SPIGNEL
# unit T chaptertitle
SPIGNEL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Roots of common Spignel do spread much and deep in
the ground, many strings or branches growing from one Head
which is hairy at the tops, of a blackish brown colour on
the outside and white within, smelling well,a nd of an
Aromatical tast, from whence rise sundry long stalks of
most fine cut Leaves like hairs, smaller than Dill, set
thick on both sides of the Stalks, and of a good scent.
Among these Leaves rise up round stif stalks, with few
Joynts and Leaves at them, and at the tops an Umbel of
fine pure white Flowers, at the edges whereof somtimes
will be seen a shew of reddish blush colour, especially
before they be full blown, and are succeeded by smal
somwhat round Seed, bigger than the ordinary Fennel, and
of a browner colour, devided into two parts, and crested
on the back, as most of the Umbelliferous Seeds are.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth wild in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and other
Northern Countries, and is also planted in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Galen saith, The Roots of Spignel are available to
provoke Urine and Womens Courses, but if too much thereof
be taken it causeth Headach: The Roots boyled in Wine or
Water and drunk, helpeth the Strangury, and stoppings of
the Urine, the Wind, swellings and pains in the Stomach,
pains of the Mother, and all Joynt Aches. If the Pouder
of the Roots be mixed with Honey, and the same taken as a
licking Medicine, it breaketh tough Flegm, and drieth up
the Rhewm that falleth on the Lungs. The Roots are
accounted very effectual against the stinging or biting of
any Venemous Creature, and is one of the Ingredients in
Methridate, and other Antidotes for the same.
# unit G marginalnote
Provokes Urine & Womens Courses, Strangury,
pain in the stomach, Mother, Joynt aches; Tough flegm;
Venemous Creatures.
#end marginalnote
## <h247>
# chapter 247 SPLEENWORT
# unit T chaptertitle
SPLEENWORT, or CETERACH.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The smooth Spleenwort from a black, threddy and bushy
Root, sendeth forth many long single Leaves, cut in on
both sides into round dents, almost to the middle, which
is not so hard as that of Pollipodie, each devision being
not alwaies set opposite unto the other, but between each,
smooth, and of a light green on the upper side, and a dark
yellowish roughness on the back, folding or rolling it
self inward at the first springing up.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth as well upon stone walls as moist and
shadowy places about Bristol and other the West parts
plentifully; as also on Framingham Castle, on Beckonsfield
Church in Barkshire, at Strowde in Kent, and elswhere, and
abideth green all the Winter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is generally used against infirmities of the Spleen,
it helpeth the strangury and wasteth the Stone in the
Bladder, and is good against the yellow Jaundice and the
Hiccough; but the use of it in Women hindreth Conception.
Mathiolus saith, That if a dram of the dust that is on the
back side of the Leaves, be mixed with half a dram of
Amber in Pouder, and taken with the Juyce of Purslane or
Plantane, it will help the running of the Reins speedily,
and that the Herb and Root being boyled and taken, helpeth
all Melanchollick Diseases, and those especially that
arise from the French Disease. Camerarius saith, That the
Distilled water thereof being drunk is very effectual
against the Stone in the Reins and Bladder: and that the
Ly that is made of the Ashes thereof being drunk for some
time together, helpeth Splenetick persons: It is used in
outward Remedies for the same purpose.
# unit G marginalnote
Spleen, Strangury, Stone, yellow Jaundice;
Running ofthe Reins, Melancholly Diseases.
#end marginalnote
## <h248>
# chapter 248 STAR-THISTLE
# unit T chaptertitle
STAR-THISTLE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Star-thistle hath diverse long and narrow
Leaves lying next the ground, cut or torn on the edges,
somwhat deeply, into many almost even parts, soft or a
little woolley all over the green, among which rise up
diverse weak stalks parted into many Branches all lying,
or leaning down to the ground, that it seemeth a pretty
Bush, set with diverse the like devided Leaves up to the
tops, where severally do stand long and small whitish
green heads, set with very sharp and long white pricks (no
part of the Plant being else prickly) which are somwhat
yellowish: out of the middle whereof riseth the Flower
composed of many small reddish purple threds; and in the
Heads after the Flowers are past, come small whitish round
Seed lying in down, as others do. The Root is small,
long, and woody, perishing every yeer, and rising again of
its own sowing.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth wild in the Fields about London in many
places, as at Mile-end-Green, in Finsbury Fields beyond
the Wind-mils, and many other places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth early, and Seedeth in July, and somtimes in
August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Seed of this Star-thistle made into Pouder and
drunk in Wine, provoketh Urine, and helpeth to break the
Stone, and drive it forth. The Root in Pouder and given
in Wine and drunk, is good against the Plague or
Pestilence, and drunk in the mornings fasting for some
time together, is very profitable for a Fistula in any
part of the Body. Baptista Sardus doth much commend the
distilled Water hereof being drunk; to help the French
Disease, to open Obstructions of the Liver, and clense the
Blood from corrupted Humors, and is profitably given
against Quotidian or Tertian Agues.
# unit G marginalnote
Provokes Urine, stone, plague, fistula, french
pox, Obstructions, Agues.
#end marginalnote
## <h249>
# chapter 249 STRAWBERRIES
# unit T chaptertitle
STRAWBERRIES.
# unit P text
These are so well known through this Land, that they
need no Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in May ordinarily, and the Fruit is ripe
shortly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Strawberries when they are green, are cold and dry, but
when they are ripe they are cold and moist: The Berries
are excellent good to cool the Liver, the Blood and the
Spleen, or an hot Chollerick stomach, to refresh & comfort
the fainting Spirits, & to quench Thirst: They are good
also for other Inflamations, yet it is not amiss to
refrain them in a Feaver, lest by their putrefying in the
Stomach they encrease the Fits. The Leavs and Roots
boyled in Wine and Water and drunk, do likewise cool the
Liver and Blood,and asswage all Inflamations in the Reins
and bladder, provoketh Urine, and allayeth the heat and
sharpness thereof: The same also being drunk stayeth
the Bloody Flux, and Womens Courses, and helpeth the
Swellings of the Spleen. The Water of the Berries
carefully distilled is a Soveraign Remedy and Cordial in
the panting and beating of the Heart, and is good for the
yellow Jaundice. The Juyce dropped into foul Ulcers, or
they washed therewith, or the Decoction of the Herb and
Root, doth wonderfully clense, and help to cure them.
Lotions and Gargles for sore Mouthes, or Ulcers therin, or
in the privy Parts, or elswhere, are made with the Leaves
and Roots hereof; which is also good to fasten loose
Teeth, and to heal spungy foul Gums: It helpeth also to
stay Catarrhs or Defluxions of Rhewm into the Mouth,
Throat, Teeth, or Eyes; The Juyce or Water is singular
good for hot and red Inflamed Eyes, if dropped into them,
or they bathed therewith; it is also of excellent property
for all Pushes, Wheals, and other breakings forth of hot &
sharp Humors in the Face and Hands, or other parts of the
Body, to bath them therewith; and to take away any redness
in the Face, or Spots, or other Deformites in the Skin,
and to make it cleer and smooth. Some use this Medicine,
Take so many Strawberries as you shall think fitting, and
put them into a Distillatory or body of Glass fit for
them, which being well closed, set it in a bed of Horsdung
for twelve or fourteen daies, and afterwards distill it
carefully and keep it for your use: It is excellent
water, for hot inflamed Eyes, and to take away any film or
Skin that beginneth to grow over them, and for such other
defects in them as may be helped by any outward Medicine.
# unit G marginalnote
Cool the Liver, Spleen, & stomach, Quench
Thirst, Inflamations, Provoke Urine, stay the Bloody flux
& Womens Courses, panting of the heart, Yellow Jaundice,
Ulcers, sore Mouths or Ulcers in thep rivities, Loos
teeth, Catarrhs & Defluxions, Inflamed Eyes.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Venus owns the Herb.
## <h250>
# chapter 250 SUCCORY
# unit T chaptertitle
SUCCORY.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Garden Succory hath longer and narrower Leaves than
Endive, and more cut in or torn on the edges, and the Root
abideth many yeers: It beareth also blew Flowers like
Endive, and the Seed is hardly distinguished from the Seed
of the smooth or ordinary Endive.
The wild Succory hath diverse long Leaves lying on the
ground very much cut in or torn on the edges, on both
sides even to the middle rib ending in a point; somtimes
it hath a red Rib down the middle of the Leaves, from
among which riseth up a hard, round, woody stalk spreading
into many Branches, set with smaller and lesser devided
Leaves on them up to the tops where stand the Flowers,
which are like the Garden kind as the Seed is also (only
take notice that the Flowers of the Garden kind are gone
in one Sunny day, they being so cold that they are not
able to endure the Beams of the Sun; and therfore most
delight in the shadow.) The Root is white, but more hard
and woody than the Garden kind: The whol Plant is
exceeding bitter.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This groweth in many places of our Land, in wast,
untilled, and barren Fields. The other only in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Garden Succory as it is more dry, and less cold than
Endive, so it openeth more: An handful of the Leavs or
Roots boyled in Wine or Water, and a draught thereof drunk
fasting, driveth forth Chollerick and Flegmatick Humors;
openeth Obstructions of the Liver, Gall, and Spleen,
helpeth the yellow Jaundice, the Heat of the Reins and of
the Urin, the Dropsie also, and those that have an evil
disposition in their Bodies by reason of long sickness,
evil Diet &c. which the Greeks call ***
Cachexia. A Decoction thereof made with Wine and drunk,
is very effectual against long lingring Agues: and a dram
of the Seed in Pouder drunk in Wine before the Fit of an
Ague, helpeth to drive it away: The Distilled Water of the
Herb and Flowers (if you can take them in time) hath the
properties, and is especial good for hot Stomachs, and in
Agues, either Pestilential or of long continuance, for
swounings and Passions of the Heart, for the heat and
Headach in Children, and to the blood and Liver. The said
water or the Juyce, or the bruised Leaves applied
outwardly, allayeth Swellings, Inflamations, St. Anthonies
Fire, Pushes, Wheals, and Pimples, especially used with a
little Vinegar, as also to wash pestiferous Sores. The
said Water is very effectual for sore Eyes that are
inflamed with redness, and for Nurses Breasts that are
pained by the abundance of Milk.
# unit G marginalnote
Chollerick & flegmatick Humors, Obstructions,
Yellow Jaundice, Hot Reins & Urine, Dropsie, Agues.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
passions of the Heart, Headach, Swellings &
Inflamations, St. Anthonies fires, pushes, wheals &
pimples, Inflamed Eyes, Too much Milk.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The wild Succory as it is more bitter, so it is more
strengthning to the Stomach and Liver.
## <h251>
# chapter 251 ENGLISH_TOBACCO
# unit T chaptertitle
ENGLISH TOBACCO.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This riseth up with a thick round Stalk about two foot
high, whereon do grow thick fat green leaves, nothing so
large as the other Indian kinds, somwhat round pointed
also, and nothing dented about the edges: The Stalk
brancheth forth, and beareth at the tops diverse Flowers
set in green Husks, like the other but nothing so large,
scarce standing above the Brims of the Husks, round
pointed also, and of a greenish yellow colour. The Seed
that followeth is not so bright, but larger, contained in
the like great Heads. The Roots are neither so great, nor
woody, and perishing every yeer with the hard Frosts in
Winter, but riseth generally of its own sowing.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
This came from some parts of Brassile as is thought,
and is more familier to our Country, than any of the other
sorts, early giving ripe Seed, which the others seldom do.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth from June somtimes to the end of August, or
later, and the Seed ripeneth in the mean time.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is found by good experience to be available to
expectorate tough Flegm from the Stomach, Chest, and
Lungs: The Juyce thereof made into a Syrup, or the
distilled water of the Herb drunk with some Sugar, or
without if you will: Or the smoke taken by a Pipe as is
usual, but fasting. The same helpeth to expel Worms in
the Stomach and Belly, and to ease the pains in the Head
or Meagrim, and the griping pains in the Bowels: It is
profitable for those that are troubled with the Stone in
the Kidneys, both to ease pains and by provoking Urine to
expel Gravel and the Stone ingendred therein, and hath
been found very effectual to expel windiness and other
Humors which cause the strangling of the Mother: The Seed
hereof is very effectual to help the Toothach, and the
Ashes of the burnt Herb, to clense the Gums, and make the
Teeth white. The Herb bruised and applied to the place
grieved with the Kings Evil (as they call it) helpeth it
in nine or ten daies effectually: Monardus saith it is a
Counter-poyson for the biting of any Venemous Creature;
the Herb also being outwardly applied to the hurt place:
The distilled water is often given with some Sugar before
the Fit of an Ague to lessen them, and take them away in
three or four times using. If the Distilled fieces of the
Herb having been bruised before the Distillation, and not
distilled dry be set in warm dung for fourteen daies, and
afterwards hung up in a Bag in a Wine Celler; that liquor
that distilleth therefrom is singular good to use for
Cramps, Aches, the Gout, and Sciatica, and to heal Itches,
Scabs, and running Ulcer, Cankers, and foul Sores
whatsoever: The Juyce is also good for all the said
griefs, and likewise to kill Lice in Childrens Heads. The
green Herb bruised and applied to any green Wound, cureth
any fresh Wound or cut whersoever: and the Juyce put into
old Sores both clenseth and healeth them: There is also
made hereof a singular good Salve to help Impostumes, hard
Tumors, and other swellings by blows or falls.
# unit G marginalnote
Tough Flegm, worms, Meagrim, pains in the
Bowels, Gravel & Stone, wind.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Mother, toothach, Kings Evil, Venemous
Creature, Ague, Cramps & Aches, Sciatica, Itch, Scabs &
Ulcers, Cankers & foul Sores, Lice, Fresh wound, Old
sores, Impostums & hard Swellings.
#end marginalnote
## <h252>
# chapter 252 TAMARISK_TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE TAMARISK TREE.
# unit P text
This is so well known in the places where it grows that
it needeth no Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth about the end of May, or in June, and the
Seed is ripe and blown away in the beginning of September.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
If the Root, Leaves, or yong Branches be boyled in Wine
or Vinegar and drunk, and applied outwardly, it is very
powerful against the hardness of the spleen. The Leaves
boyled in Wine and drunk is good to stay the bleeding of
the Hemorrhoidal Veins, the spitting of Blood, and Womens
too abounding Courses, and helpeth the Jaundice, the
Chollick, and the bitings of all Venemous Serpents, except
the Asp. The Bark is as effectual if not more to all the
purposes aforesaid, and both it and the Leaves boyled in
Wine, and the Mouth and Teeth washed therewith helpeth the
Toothach; being dropped into the Ears easeth the pains,
and is good for the redness and watering of the Eyes. The
said Decoction with some Honey put thereto is good to stay
Gangrenes and fretting Ulcers, and to wash those that are
subject to Nits and Lice. The Wood is very effectual to
consume the Spleen, and therefore to drink out of Cups and
Cans made thereof is good for Splenetick persons. The
Ashes of the Wood are used for all the purposes aforesaid,
and besides doth quickly help the Blisters raised by
Burnings or Scaldings, by fire or water. Alpinus and
Veslingius do affirm, That the Aegyptians do with as good
success use the Wood hereof to cure the French Disease, as
others do Lignum Vite, or Gujacum; and give it also to
such as are possessed with Lepry, Scabs, Pushes, Ulcers,
or the like, and is available also to help the Dropsie,
arising from the hardness and Obstruction of the Spleen,
as also for Melancholly, and the black Jaundice that
ariseth thereof.
# unit G marginalnote
Spleen, Hemorrhoids, spitting Blood, womens
Courses, Jaundice & Chollick, Venemous Serpents.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Toothach, Pain in the Ears, watering Eyes,
Gangrenes & Ulcers, Nits & Lice, Spleen, Burning &
Scalding, French Pox, Lepry & Scabs, Dropsie, Melancholly,
Black Jaundice.
#end marginalnote
## <h253>
# chapter 253 GARDEN_TANSIE
# unit T chaptertitle
GARDEN TANSIE.
# unit P text
This also is so well known, that it needeth no
Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June and July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Thee Decoction of the common Tansie, or the Juyce drunk
in Wine is a singular Remedy for all the griefs that come
by stopping of the Urine, helpeth the Strangury and those
that have weak Reins and Kidneys: It is also very
profitable to dissolve and expel Wind in the Stomach,
Belly, or Bowels, to procure Womens Courses, and expel
windiness in the Matrix. If it be bruised and often
smelled unto, as also applied to the lower part ofthe
Belly, it is very profitable for such Women as are given
to miscarry in Childbearing, to caus them to go out their
full time: It is used also against the Stone in the
Reins, especially to men. The Herb fried with Eggs (as is
accustomed in the Spring time) which is called a Tansie,
helpeth to digest, and carry downward those bad Humors
that trouble the Stomach: The Seed is very profitably
given to Children for the Worms, and the Juyce in Drink is
as effectual. Being boyled in Oyl it is good for the
sinews shrunk by Cramps, or pained with cold, if thereto
applied.
Dame Venus was minded to pleasure Women with Child by
this Herb, for there grows not an Herb fitter for their
uses than this is, it is just as though it were cut out
for the purpose, the Herb bruised and applied to the Navil
staies miscarriage, I know no Herb like it for that use;
boyled in ordinary Beer, and the Decoction drunk, doth the
like, and if her Womb be not as she would have, this
Decoction will make it as she would have it, or as least
as she should have it; let those Women that desire
Children love this Herb, 'tis their best Companion, their
Husband excepted. Also it consumes the Flegmatick Humors,
the cold and moist constitution of Winter most usually
infects the Body of Man with, and that was the first
reason of eating Tansies in the Spring, as last the world
being over run with Popery, a Monster called Superstition
perks up his head, and as a just Judgment of God obscures
the bright beams of Knowledg by his dismal looks
(Pysitians seeing the Pope and his Imps selfish they began
to be so too) and now forsooth Tansies must be eaten only
on Palm and Easter Sundaies, and their neighbor daies; as
last Superstion of the time was found out, but the Vertue
of the Herb hidden, and now 'tis almost, if not
altogether, left off: Surely our Physitians are beholding
to none so much as they are to Monks and Fryars, for want
of eating this Herb in Spring, make people sickly in
Summer, and that makes work for the Physitian. If it be
against any man or womans Conscience to eat a Tansie in
the Spring, I am as unwilling to burden their consciences
as I am that they should burden mine, they may boyl it in
Wine and drink the Decoction, it will work the same
effect.
# unit G marginalnote
Disury, Strangury, Reins, Kidneys, wind, Womb,
Miscarriage, Stone, Stomach, Worms, Cramps.
#end marginalnote
## <h254>
# chapter 254 WILD_TANSIE
# unit T chaptertitle
WILD TANSIE, or SILVERWEED.
# unit P text
This also is so well known that it needeth no
Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth almost in every place.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June and July.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Wild Tansie stayeth the Lask, and all Fluxes of Blood
in men or women, which some say it will do if the green
Herb be worn in the Shoos, so it be next the Skin, and
'tis true enough that 'twil stop the Terms if worn so, and
the Whites too for ought I know. It stayeth also spitting
or Vomiting of Blood. The Pouder of the dried Herb taken
in some of the distilled Water helpeth the Whites in
women, but more especially if a little Coral and Ivory in
Pouder be put to it: It is also much commended to help
Children that are bursten and have a Rupture being boyled
in Water and Salt. Being boyled in Wine and drunk , it
easeth the griping pains of the Bowels, and is good for
the Sciatica and Joynt Aches. The same boyled in Vinegar
with Honey and Allum, and gargled in the Mouth, easeth the
pains of the Toothach, fastneth loose Teeth, helpeth the
Gums that are sore, and setleth the pallat of the Mouth in
its place when it is fallen down: It clenseth and healeth
the Ulcers in the Mouth or secret parts, and is very good
for inward Wounds, and to close the lips of green Wounds;
as also to heal old, moist, corrupt running Sores in the
Legs or elswhere: Being bruised and applied to the Soles
of the Feet, and the Hand-wrests, it wonderfully cooleth
the hot fits of Agues, be they never so violent. The
distilled water clenseth the skin of all disclourings
therein, as Morphew, Sunburnings &c. as also Pimples,
Freckles, and the like; and dropped into the Eyes or
cloaths wet therein and applied, taketh away the heat, and
Inflamations in them.
# unit G marginalnote
Flux, Terms stops, Spitting Vomiting of Blood,
Whites, Ruptures, Belly-ach, Sciatica, Joynts, toothach,
Loos teeth, Gums, Ulcers in the Mouth, wounds, Sore Legs,
pimples, Freckles, Sunburning.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Now Dame Venus hath fitted women with two Herbs of one
name, one to help Conception, the other to maintain
beauty, and what more can be expected of her? What now
remains for you but to love your Husbands, and not to be
wanting to your poor Neighbors.
## <h255>
# chapter 255 THISTLES
# unit T chaptertitle
THISTLES.
# unit P text
Of these there are many kinds growing here in England,
which are so well known that they need no Description:
Their difference is easily known by the places where they
grow: Viz.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
Some grow in Fields, some in Meadows, and some among
the Corn: others, on Heaths, Greens, and wast grounds in
many places.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They all Flower in July and August, and their Seed is
ripe quickly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
All these Thistles are good to provoke Urine, and to
amend the stinking smell thereof; as also the rank smel of
the Armpits, or of the whol Body, being boyled in Wine and
drunk; and are said also to help a stinking breath and to
strengthen the Stomach. Pliny saith that the Juyce bathed
on the place that wanteth hair, it being fallen off, will
cause it to grow again speedily.
# unit G marginalnote
Disury, Ill smel, stinking Breath, Stomach.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Sure Mars rules it, it is such a prickly business.
## <h256>
# chapter 256 MELANCHOLLY_THISTLE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE MELANCHOLLY THISTLE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This riseth up with a tender single hoary green Stalk,
bearing thereon four or five long hoary green Leaves,
dented about the edges, the points whereof are little or
nothing prickly, and at the top usually but one Head, yet
somtimes from the bosom of the upper most Leaf there
shooteth forth another smaller Head, scaly and somwhat
prickly; with many reddish Purple Thrums or Threds in the
middle, which being gathered fresh will keep the colour a
long time, and fadeth not from the Stalk in a long time,
while it perfecteth the Seed, which is of a mean bigness
lying in the Down: The Root hath many long Strings fastned
to the Head, or upper part, which is blackish and
perisheth not.
There is another sort little differing from the former,
but that the Leaves are more green above and more hoary
underneath; and the Stalk being about two foot high
beareth but one large scaly Head, with threds and Seeds as
the former.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in many moist Meadows of this Land, as well
in these Southern, as in the Northern parts.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower about July, or August, and their Seed
ripeneth quickly after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Their Vertues are but a few, but those not to be
despised, for the Decoction of the Thistles in Wine being
drunk, expels superfluous Melancholly out of the Body, and
make a man as merry as a Cricket, superfluous Melancholly
causeth care, fear, sadness, despair, envy, and many evils
more besides, but Religion, teacheth to wait upon Gods
Providence, and cast our care upon Him, who careth for us;
what a fine thing were it if men and women could live so?
and yet seven yeers care and fear makes a man never the
wiser, nor a farthing the richer. Dioscorides saith, the
Root born about one doth the like, and removes all
diseases of Melancholly. Modern Writers laugh at him, let
them laugh that wins, my Opionin is, that 'tis the best
Remedy against all Melancholly Diseases that grow, they
that please may use it: 'tis under Capricorn, and
therefore under both Saturn and Mars, one rids Melancholly
by Sympathy, the other by Antipathy.
# unit G marginalnote
Melancholly.
#end marginalnote
## <h257>
# chapter 257 OUR_LADIES_THISTLE
# unit T chaptertitle
OUR LADIES THISTLE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath diverse very large and broad Leaves lying on
the ground, cut in, and as it were crumpled, but somwhat
hairy on the edges, of a white green shining colour,
wherein are many lines and strakes of a milky white
colour, running all over, and set with many sharp and
stiff prickles all about; Among which riseth up one or
more strong, round, and prickly stalks, set full of the
like Leaves up to the top, where at the end of every
Branch, cometh forth a great prickly Thistle like head,
strongly armed with pricks, and with bright purple Thrums
rising out of the middle of them; after they are past, the
Seed groweth in the said heads, lying in a great deal of
soft white Down, which is somwhat flattish and shining,
large and brown. The Root is great, spreading in the
ground, with many strings, and smal fibres fastned
thereto. All the whol Plant is bitter in tast.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It frequent on the Bank of almost every Ditch.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
If Flowreth and Seedeth in June, July, and August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Our Ladies Thistle is thought to be as effectual as
Carduus Benedictus for Agues, and to prevent and cure
infection of the Plague, as also to open Obstructions of
the Liver and Spleen, and thereby is good against the
Jaundice; It provoketh Urine, breaketh and expelleth the
Stone, and is good for the Dropsie: It is effectual also
for the pains in the sides and many other inward pains and
gripings: The Seed and distilled water are held powerful
to all the purposes aforesaid; and besides, it is often
applied both inwardly to drink, and outwardly with
Cloathes or Spunges to the Region of the Liver to cool the
distemperature thereof, and to the Region of the Heart,
against swounings and passions of it.
# unit G marginalnote
Agues, Plague, Obstructions, Liver, Spleen,
Stone, Dropsie, Stitches in the side, Liver, Blood.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It clenseth the blood exceedingly, and in Spring if you
please to boyl the tender Plant, (but cut off the
Prickles, unless you have a mind to choak your self) it
will change your blood as the season changes, and that's
the way to be safe, as to change as the times change is
the way to live secure, and that Flatterers and
Weather-cocks know wel enough.
## <h258>
# chapter 258 WOOLLEY
# unit T chaptertitle
THE WOOLLEY, or COTTON THISTLE.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath many large Leaves lying on the ground,
somwhat cut in, and as it were crumpled on the edges, of a
green colour on the upper side, but covered over with a
long hairy Wool or Cottony Down, set with most sharp and
cruel pricks; from the middle of whose heads of Flowers
come forth many purplish crimson threds, and somtimes
white, although but seldom: The Seed that followeth in
these white downy heads is somwhat large, long, and round,
resembling the Seed of Ladies Thistle, but paler: The Root
is great, and thick, spreading much, yet usually dieth
after Seed time.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth on diverse Ditch Banks, and in the
Cornfields and High-wayes, generally throughout the Land;
and is often found growing in Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth and beareth Seed about the end of Summer,
when other Thistles do Flower and Seed.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Dioscorides and Pliny write, That the Leavs and Roots
hereof taken in drink, helpeth those that have a Crick in
their Neck, that they cannot turn it unless they turn
their whol Body. Galen saith, That the Root and Leaves
hereof are good for such persons that have their Bodies
drawn together by some Spasm or Convulsion, or other
Infirmities, as the Rickets (or as the Colledg of
Physitians would have it, the Rachites, about which name
they have quarrel'd sufficiently) in Children; being a
Disease that hindereth their growth, by binding their
Nerves, Ligaments, and whol structure of their Body.
## <h259>
# chapter 259 FULLERS_THISTLE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE FULLERS THISTLE, or TEASEL.
# unit P text
This is so well known that it needeth no Description,
being used by the Cloath-workers.
The wild Teasel is in all things like the former but
that the prickles are smal, soft, and upright, not hooked
or stiff; and the Flowers of this are of fine blush or
pale Carnation colour, but of the Manured kind whitish.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The first groweth being sown in Gardens or Fields for
the use of Cloathworkers: The other neer Ditches and Cills
of water in many places of this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in July, and are ripe in the end of August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Dioscorides saith, That the Root bruised and boyled in
Wine until it be thick, and kept in a brazen Vessel or
Pot, ond after spread as a Salve and applied to the
Fundament, doth heal the clefts thereof, as also Cankers
and Fistulaes therein, as also taketh away Warts and Wens:
The Juyce of the Leaves dropped into the Ears, killeth
Worms in them. The distilled water of the Leaves dropped
into the Eyes, taketh away redness and mists in them that
hinder the sight; and is often used by women to preserve
their beauty, and to take away redness and Inflamations,
and all other heat or discolourings.
## <h260>
# chapter 260 TREACLE_MUSTARD
# unit T chaptertitle
TREACLE MUSTARD.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This riseth up with a hard round stalke about a foot
high, parted into some branches, having divers soft green
leaves somewhat long and narrow set thereon, waved, but
not cut in on the edges, broadest towards the ends, and
somewhat round pointed : The flowers are white that grow
at the tops of the branches, spike fashion one above
another, after which come large round pouches, parted in
the middle with a furrow, having one blackish brown seed
in either side, somewhat sharp in tast, and smelling of
Garlick, especially in the fields where it is naturall,
but not so much in gardens: The roots are small and
threddy, perishing every yeare. And here give me leave to
adde Methridate Mustard, although it may seem more
properly by the name to belong to the Alphabet M.
## <h261>
# chapter 261 METHRIDATE_MUSTARD
# unit T chaptertitle
METHRIDATE MUSTARD.
# unit P text
This groweth higher then the former, spreading more and
longer branches, whose leaves are smaller and narrower,
sometimes unevenly dented about the edges; the Flowers are
smal and white, growing on long branches, with much
smaller and rounder seed vessels after them, and parted in
the same manner, having smaller browne seeds then the
former, and much sharper in taste: The root perisheth
after seed time, but abideth the first winter after the
springing.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow in sundry places of this Land, as halfe a
mile from Hatfield by the river side under a hedge as you
go to Hatfield, and in the street of Peckham on Surry
side.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They flowre and seed from May to August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
These Mustards are said to purge the body both upwards
and downwards, and procureth Womens Courses so abundantly,
that it suffocateth the birth: It breaketh inward
Imposthumes being taken inwardly, and used in Glisters,
helpeth the Sciatica, and seed applied outwardly doth the
same. It is an especiall ingredient unto Methridate and
Treacle, being of it selfe an Antidote resisting poyson,
venome, and putrefaction: It is also availeable in many
causes for which the common Mustard is used, but somwhat
weaker.
## <h262>
# chapter 262 BLACK-THORNE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE BLACK-THORNE, or SLOE-BUSH.
# unit P text
This is so well knowne, that it needeth no description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in every place and Countrey, in the hedges
and borders of fields.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It flowreth in Aprill, and sometimes in March, but
ripeneth the fruit after all other plums whatsoever, and
is not fit to be eaten until the Autumne frost have
mellowed it.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
All the parts of the Sloe-Bush are binding, cooling,
and drying, and all effectuall to stay bleeding at the
nose and mouth, or any other place; the Lask of the belly,
or stomach, or the Bloody Flux, the two much abounding of
womens Courses, and helpeth to ease the paines in the
sides, bowels, and guts, that come by over-much scowring,
to drink the decoction of the barke of the roots, or more
usually the decoction of the Berries either fresh or
dried. The Conserve is also of very much use, and most
familiarly taken for the purposes aforesaid: But the
distilled water of the Flowers first steeped in Sack for a
night, and drawne there from by the heat of Balneum
Angliceabaths, is a most certaine remedy tried and
approved to ease all manner of gnawings in the stomach,
the sides and bowels, or any griping pains in any of them,
to drink a smal quantity when the extremety of pain is
upon them: The Leaves also are good to make Lotions, to
gargle and wash the Mouth and Throat, wherein are
Swellings, Sores, or Kernels and to stay the Defluxions of
Rhewm to the Eyes or other parts, as also to cool the heat
and Inflamations in them, and to ease hot pains of the
Head, to bath the Forehead and Temples therewith. The
simple distilled water of the Flowers is very effectual
for the said purposes, and is the condensate Juyce of the
Sloes. The distilled water of the green Berries is used
also for the said effects.
# unit G marginalnote
Binds, cools, dries Bleeding, Flux, Bloody
Flux, grawings in bowels and stomach, Sore Mouth & Throat,
Headach.
#end marginalnote
## <h263>
# chapter 263 THOROUGHWAX
# unit T chaptertitle
THOROUGHWAX.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Throughwax sendeth forth one straight round
Stalk, and somtimes more, two foot high and better, whose
lower Leaves being of a blewish green colour are smaller
and narrower than those up higher, and stand close
thereto, not compassing it; but as they grow higher, they
do more and more encompass the Stalk, until it wholly (as
it were) pass through them, branching toward the top into
many parts, where the Leaves grow smaller again, every one
standing singly, and never two at any Joynt: The Flowers
are very smal and yellow, standing in tufts at the heads
of the Branches, where afterwards grow the Seed, smal and
blackish, many thick thrust together: The Root is smal,
long, and woody, perishing every yeer after Seed time, and
rising again plentifully of its own sowing.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is found growing in many Corn Fields, and Pasture
grounds in this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in July, and the Seed is ripe in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Thoroughwax is of a singular good use, for all sorts of
Bruises and Wounds either inward or outward, and old
Ulcers and Sores likewise, if the Decoction of the Herb
with water or Wine be drunk, and the places washed
therwith, or the Juyce or green Herb bruised or boyled
either by it self, or with other Herbs in Oyl or Hogs
Grease, to be made into an Oyntment to serve all the yeer:
The Decoction of the Herb, or the Pouder of the dried Herb
taken inwardly, and the same or the green Leaves bruised
and applied outwardly, is singular good to cure Ruptures
and Burstings, especially in Children, before it be two
old. Being also applied with a little Flower and Wax to
Childrens Navils that stick forth it helpeth them.
# unit G marginalnote
Bruises, Wounds, Ulcers, Ruptures, Navils
sticking out.
#end marginalnote
## <h264>
# chapter 264 TORMENTIL
# unit T chaptertitle
TORMENTIL.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath many reddish slender weak Branches rising
from the Root, lying upon the ground, or rather leaning
than standing upright, with many short Leaves that stand
closer to the Stalks than Cinkfoyl doth (which this is
very like) with the Footstalk encompassing the Branches in
several places, but those that grow next to the ground are
set upon long Footstalks, each whereof are like the Leaves
of Cinkfoyl, but somwhat longer and lesser, and dented
about the edges, many of them devided but into five
Leaves, but most of them into sevens whence it is also
called Setfoyl; yet some may have six and some eight,
according to the fertility of the Soyl: At the tops of the
Brancbes stand diverse smal yellow Flowers consisting of
five Leaves, like those of Cinkfoyl, but smaller. The
Root is smaller than Bistort, somwhat thick, but blacker
without, and not so red within, yet somtimes a little
crooked, having many blackish fibres thereat.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth as well in Woods and shadowy places, as in
the open Champion Country, about the borders of Fields in
many places of this Land, and almost in every Broom Field
in Essex.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth all the Summer long.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Tormentil is most excellent to stay all kind of Fluxes
of Blood or Humors, in man or woman, whether at Nose,
Mouth, Belly, or any Wound in the Veins or elswhere: The
Juyce of the Herb or Root taken in drink, not only
resisteth all Poyson and Venom of any Creature, but of the
Plague it self, and Pestilential Feavers, and contagious
Diseases, as the Pox, Measels, Purples, &c. expelling the
Venom and Infection from the Heart by sweating, if the
green Root be not at hand to be had, the Pouder of the dry
Root is as effectual a dram thereof being taken every
morning: The Decoction likewise of the Herbs and Roots
made in Wine and drunk worketh the same effect; and so
doth the distilled water of the Herb and Root being
steeped in Wine for a night, and then distilled in Balneo
Mariae. This Water thus distilled taken with some Venice
Treacle, and the party presently laid to sweat will
certainly (with Gods help) expel any Venom or poyson, or
the Plague, Feaver, &c. for it is an ingredient of
especial respect in all Antidotes or Counterpoysons.
There is not found any Root more effectual to help any Flux of the Belly, Stomach, Spleen, or Blood than this, to
be taken inwardly, or applied outwardly. The Juyce taken
doth wonderfully open Obstructions of the Liver and Lungs,
and thereby in short space helpeth the yellow Jaundice.
Some use to make Cakes hereof as well to stay all Fluxes,
as to restrain all Chollerick Belchings, and much
vomitings with Loathings in the Stomach: The Pouder of the
dried Root made up with the white of an Egg and baked upon
a hot Tile will do it.
# unit G marginalnote
Flux, Bleeding, Veins cut, terms stops,
Feavers, Pestilence, Smal pox, Measels, Purples, Poyson,
Spleen, Blood Inflamed, Liver, Lungs, Yellow Jaundice.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Andreus Valesius is of opinion, That the Decoction of
this Root is no less effectual to cure the French Pox,
than Guajacum, or China and 'tis not unlikely, because it
so mightily resisteth putrefaction: Lobel saith, That
Rondelitius used it as Hermodactils for Joynt-aches: The
Pouder also, or Decoction to be drunk, or to sit therein
as a Bath is an assured Remedy against abortion in Women,
if it proceed from the over Fluxibility or weakness of the
inward retentive faculty: as also a Plaister made
therewith and Vinegar applyed to the Reins of the Back,
doth much help not only this but also those that cannot
hold their Water, the Pouder being taken in the Juyce of
Plantane; and it is also commended against the worms in
Children. It is very powerful in Ruptures and Burstings:
as also for Bruises and Falls, to be used as well outward
as inwardly. The Root hereof made up with Pellitory of
Spain and Allum, and put into an hollow Tooth, not only
asswageth the pain, but staieth the Flux of Humors which
caused it, Tormentil is no less effectual and powerful a
Remedy for outward Wounds, Sores, and Hurts, than for
inward, and is therefore a special Ingredient meet to be
used in all Wound drinks, Lotions, and Injections for foul
corrupt rotten Sores and Ulcers, of the Mouth, Secrets, or
other parts of the Body. And to put either the Juyce or
Pouder of the Root into such Oyntments, Plaisters, and
such things that are to be applied to Wounds and Sores: it
also dissolveth all Knots, Kernels, and hardness gathered
about the Ears, the Throat, and Jaws and the Kings Evil if
the Leaves and Roots be bruised and applied thereto: The
same also easeth the pains of the Sciatica or Hip-gout by
restraining the sharp Humors that flow thereto. The Juyce
of the Leaves and Roots used with a little Vinegar, is
also a special Remedy against the running Sores of the
Head or other parts, Scabs also and the Itch, or any such
eruptions in the Skin proceeding of Salt and sharp Humors.
The same also is effectual for the Piles or Hemorrhoids if
they be washed and bathed therwith, or with the Distilled
water of the Herb and Roots: It is found also helpful to
dry up any sharp Rhewm that distilleth from the Head into
the Eyes causing, redness, pain, waterings, Itchings, or
the like, if a little prepared Tutia, or white Amber be
used with the Distilled water hereof: Many Women use this
Water as a secret to help themselves and others when they
are troubled with the too much flowing of the Whites or
Reds, both to drink it, and inject it with a Syringe. And
there's enough, only remember, the Sun challengeth the
Herb.
# unit G marginalnote
French pox, Miscarriage, Diabetes, Worms,
Ruptures, toothach, Wounds, Sores, Hurt, Gout, Scabby
Heads.
#end marginalnote
## <h265>
# chapter 265 TURNSOLE
# unit T chaptertitle
TURNSOLE, or HELIOTROPIUM.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The greater Turnsole riseth up with one upright Stalk
about a foot high or more, deviding it self almost from
the bottom into diverse smaller Branches of a hoary
colour: at each Joynt of the Stalk and Branches grow two
smal broad Leaves somwhat white or hoary also: At the tops
of the Stalks and Branches stand many small white Flowers
consisting of four and somtimes five very small Leaves,
set in order one about another, upon a smal crooked spike
which turneth inwards like a bowed finger, opening by
degrees as the Flowers blow open; after which in their
places come smal corner'd Seed, four for the most part
standing together. The Root is smal and threddy perishing
every yeer, and the Seed shedding every yeer, raiseth it
again the next Spring.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in Gardens, and Flowreth and Seedeth with us
in England, notwithstanding it is not natural to this
Land, but to Italy, Spain, and France, where it groweth
plentifully.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Dioscorides saith, That a good Handful of this, which
is called the greater Turnsole, boyled in Water and drunk,
purgeth both Choller and Flegm: And boyled with Cummin and
drunk, helpeth the Stone in the Reins, Kidneys, or
Bladder, provoketh Urine and Womens Courses, and causeth
an easie and speedy delivery in Childbirth. The Leaves
bruised and applied to places pained with the Gout, or
that have been out of joynt and newly set are full of pain,
do give much ease. The Seed, and the Juyce of the Leaves
also being rubbed with a little Salt upon Warts, Wens, and
other hard Kernels in the Face, Eyelids, or any other part
of the Body, will by often using take them away.
# unit G marginalnote
Choller, Flegm, Stons, Disury, Terms provokes,
Gout, Warts, Wens, Disjunctures.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
'Tis an Herb of the Sun, and a good one too.
## <h266>
# chapter 266 MEADOW_TREFOYL
# unit T chaptertitle
MEADOW TREFOYL, or HONEYSUCKLES.
# unit P text
These are so well known, especially by the name of
Honeysuckles, White and Red, that I need not describe
them.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
They grow almost everywhere in this Land.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Dodoneus saith, The Leaves and Flowers are good to ease
the griping pains of the Guts, the Herb being boyled and
used in a Clyster: If the Herb be made into a Pultis and
applied to Inflamations, it will ease them. The Juyce
dropped into the Eyes is a familier Medicine with many
Country people to take away the Pin and Web (as they call
it) in the Eyes, it also allayeth the Heat and
bloodshooting of them: Country people do also in many
places drink the Juyce hereof against the biting of an
Adder, and having boyled the Herb in water, they first
wash the place with the Decoction, and then lay some of
the Herb also to the hurt place. The Herb also bruised
and heated between two Tiles, and applied hot to the
share, causeth them to make water who had it stop'd
before: It is held likewise to be good for Wounds, and to
take away Scars. The Decoction of the Herb and Flowers
with the Seed and Root taken for some time, helpeth Women
that are troubled with the Whites. The Seed and Flowers
boyled in Water, and after made into a Pultis with some
Oyl and applied, helpeth hard Swellings and Impostumes.
# unit G marginalnote
Belly-ach, Inflamations, Pin & Web, Eyes,
Venemous Beast.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Disury, Wounds, Scars, Whites, Swellings,
Apostums.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Of Trefoyl or three leaved Gras, there are very many
sorts described by Authors, but one I have found out which
I never red of, the Leaf is but small and it beareth a
small yellow Flower, in the midst of each Leaf of the
Herb, is a perfect picture of a Heart in red colour, it
grows plentifully in a Field between Longford and Bow;
also I found one Root in the High-way between Chadwel and
Rumford in Essex, as also another in the High-way between
Horn-Church and Upminster in the same County, the tast is
somthing more hot and spicy than the tast of the rest is.
## <h267>
# chapter 267 TUTSAN
# unit T chaptertitle
TUTSAN, or PARK LEAVES.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath many brownish shining round Stalks, crested
all the length thereof, rising to be two and somtimes
three foot high, branching forth even from the bottom,
having diverse Joynts, and at each of them two fair large
Leaves standing, of a dark blewish green colour on the
upper side, and of a yellowish green underneath, turning
reddish towards Autumn, but abiding on the Branches all
the Winter: At the tops of the Stalks and Branches stand
large yellow Flowers, and Heads with Seed, which being
greenish at the first, and afterwards reddish, turn to be
of a blackish purple colour when they are through ripe,
with smal brownish Seed within them, and then yield a
reddish Juyce or Liquor, of a reasonable good scent,
somwhat resinous, and of an harsh or stiptich tast, as the
Leaves also and the Flowers be, although much less, but do
not yield such a cleer Claret Wine Liquor as some say it
doth: The Root is brownish, somwhat great, hard, and
woody, spreading well in the ground.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth in many Woods, Groves, and Woody Grounds, as
Parks and Forrests, and by Hedg sides in many places of
this Land, as in Hampsted Wood, by Ratley in Essex, in the
Wild of Kent, and in many other places needless to recite.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth later than St. Johns, or St. Peters wort.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Tutsan purgeth Chollerick Humors as St. Peters-wort is
said to do, for therein it worketh the same effects, both
to help the Sciatica and Gout, and to heal burnings by
fire: It stayeth also the bleeding of Wounds, if either
the green Herb be bruised, or the pouder of the dry be
applied thereto. It hath been accounted and certainly is
a Soveraign Herb to heal any Wound or Sore either
outwardly or inwardly, and therfore alwaies used in
Drinks, Lotions, Balms, Oyls, Oyntments for any sort of
green Wound, or old Ulcers and Sores, in all which the
continual experience of former Ages hath confirmed the use
thereof to be admirable good, though it be not so much in
use now as when Physitians and Chirurgeons were so wise as
to use Herbs more than now they do.
# unit G marginalnote
Choller, Sciatica, Gout, Burning, Bleeding,
Wounds, Ulcers.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
It is an Herb of Saturn and a most noble Antivererian.
## <h268>
# chapter 268 GARDEN_VALERIAN
# unit T chaptertitle
GARDEN VALERIAN.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath a thick short grayish Root lying for the most
part above ground, shooting forth on all sides other such
like small pieces or Roots, which have all of them many
long and great strings or fibres under them, in the
ground, whereby it draweth nourishment. From the Heads of
these Roots spring up many green Leaves, which at first
are somewhat broad and long without any devision at all in
them, or denting on the edges, but those that rise up
after are more and more devided on each side, some to the
middle Rib, being winged, as made of many Leaves together
on a Stalk, & those upon the Stalk in like manner are more
devided, but smaller towards the top than below: The Stalk
riseth to be a yard high or more, somtimes branched at the
top, wth many smal whitish Flowers, somtimes dash'd over
at the edges with a pale purplish colour, of a little
scent: which passing away there followeth small brownish
white Seed that is easily carried away with the wind. The
Root smelleth more strong than either Leaf or Flower, and
is of more use in Medicine.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is generally kept with us in our Gardens.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June and July, and continueth Flowring
until the Frosts pull it down.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Dioscorides saith, That the Garden Valerian hath a
warming Faculty, and that being dryed and given to drink,
it provoketh Urine and helpeth the Strangury: The
Decoction therof taken doth the like also, and taketh away
pains of the sides, provoketh Womens Courses and is used
in Antidotes. Pliny saith, That the Pouder of the Root
given in drink, or the Decoction thereof taken, helpeth
all stoppings and stranglings in any part of the Body,
whether they proceed of pains in the Chest or sides, and
taketh them away. The Root of Valerian boyled with
Liquoris, Raisons, and Annis Seed, is singular good for
those that are short winded, and for those that are
troubled with the Cough, and helpeth to open the passages,
and to expectorate Flegm easily. It is given to those
that are bitten or stung by any Venemous Creature, being
boyled in Wine. It is of especial Vertue against the
Plague, the Decoction thereof being drunk, and the Root
being used to smell unto; It helpeth also to expel the
wind in the Belly. The green Herb with the Root taken
fresh, being bruised and applied to the Head taketh away
the pains and prickings therein, staieth Rhewms and thin
Distillations, and being boyled in white Wine, and the
drop thereof put into the eye, taketh away the dimness of
the sight, or any Pin or Web therein: It is of excellent
property to heal any inward Sores or Wounds, as also for
outward Hurts or Wounds, and draweth any Splinter or Thorn
out of the Flesh.
# unit G marginalnote
Disury, Strangury, Stitch, terms provokes,
breast, short wind, Cough, Flegm, Pestilence, Wind,
Headach, Eyes, Pin and Web, Wounds, Splinters, thorns.
#end marginalnote
## <h269>
# chapter 269 VERVAIN
# unit T chaptertitle
VERVAIN.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common Vervain, hath somwhat long and broad Leaves
next the ground deeply gash'd about the edges and some
only deeply dented or cut all alike, of a blackish green
colour on the upper side, and somwhat gray underneath: The
Stalk is square branched into several parts, rising about
two foot high, especially if you reckon the long spike of
Flowers at the tops of them, which are set on all sides
one above another, and somtimes two or three together,
being small and gaping, of a Purplish blew colour, and
white intermixt; after which come small round Seed in
small and somwhat long Heads: The Root is small and long,
but of no use.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth generally throughout this Land in diverse
places by the Hedges and way sides, and other wast
grounds.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth about July, and the Seed is ripe soon
after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Vervain is hot and dry, bitter, opening Obstructions,
clensing, and healing, It helpeth the yellow Jaundice, the
Dropsie, and the Gout, the defects of the Reins and Lungs,
and generally, all inward pains and torments of the Body,
the Leaves being boyled and drunk; The same is held to be
good against the bitings of Serpents, and other Venemous
Beasts; and against the Plague, and both Tertian and
Quartane Agues, killeth and expelleth Worms in the Belly,
and causeth a good colour in the Face and Body,
strengthneth as well as correcteth the Diseases of the
Liver and Spleen, is very effectual in all Diseases of the
Stomach and Lungs, as Coughs, shortness of Breath and
Wheesings, and is singular good against the Dropsie, to be
drunk with some Peony Seeds, bruised and put thereto; and
is no less prevalent for the defects of the Reins and
Bladder, to clense them of those Humors that ingender the
Stone, and helpeth to break the Stone and to expel Gravel:
It consolidateth and healeth also all Wounds both inward
and outward, and stayeth bleedings, and used with some
Honey healeth all old Ulcers and Fistulaes in the Legs or
other parts of the Body, as also those Ulcers that happen
in the Mouth; or used with old Hogs grease it helpeth the
Swellings and pains of the secret parts in man or Woman,
as also for the Piles and Hemorrhoids: Applied with some
Oyl of Roses and Vinegar unto the Forehead and Temples, it
easeth the inveterate pains and ach of the Head, and is
good for those that are Frenetick. The Leaves bruised, or
the Juyce of them mixed with some Vinegar doth wonderfully
clense the Skin, and taketh away Morphew, Freckles,
Pustulaes, and other such like Inflamations and
deformities of the Skin in any part of the Body. The
distilled water of the Herb when it is in his full
strength, dropped into the Eyes, clenseth them from Films,
Clouds, or mists that darken the sight, and wonderfully
strengtheneth the Optick Nerves; The said Water is
very powerful in all the Diseases aforesaid either inward
or outward, whether they be old corroding Sores, or green
Wounds.
# unit G marginalnote
Obstructions, Clensing, Healing, Yellow
Jaundice, Venemous Beasts, Pestilence, Agues, Worms,
Cough, shortness of Breath, Wheesing, Stone, Gravel,
Reins, Bladder.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
This also is an Herb of Venus, and an excellent Herb
for the Womb, to strengthen it and remedy all the cold
griefs of it, as Plantane doth the hot, the Herb bruised
and hung about the Neck helps the Headach.
## <h270>
# chapter 270 VINE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE VINE.
# unit P text
The Leaves of the English Vine (I do not intend to send
you to the Canaries for a Medicine) being boyled make a
good Lotion for sore Mouths, being boyled with Barley Meal
into a Pultis, it cools Inflamations of Wounds, the
droppings of the Vine when 'tis cut in the spring, which
Country people call Tears, being boyled into a Syrup with
Sugar and taken inwardly, is excellent to stay Womens
longings after every thing they see, which is a Disease
many Women with Child are subject too; the Decoction of
Vine Leaves in white Wine doth the like: also the Tears of
the Vine drunk, two or three spoonfuls at a time, breaks
the Stone in the Bladder: This is a very good Remedy, and
it is discreetly done to kill a Vine to cure a Man, but
the Salt of the Leaves is held to be better.
# unit G marginalnote
Sore Mouth, Inflamations, Womens Longing,
Stone, Teeth black.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The Ashes of the burnt Branches will make Teeth that
are as black as a coal to be as white as snow if you do
but every morning rub them with it.
## <h271>
# chapter 271 VIOLETS
# unit T chaptertitle
VIOLETS.
# unit P text
These, both Tame and Wild, are so well known that they
need no Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower until the end of July, but are best in
March and the beginning of April.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
All the Violets are cold and moist while they are fresh
and green, and are used to cool any heat or distemperature
of the Body, either inwardly or outwardly, as inflamations
in the Eyes, in the Matix or Fundament, in Impostumes,
also and hot Swellings, to drink the Decoction of the
Leaves or Flowers made with Water or Wine, or to apply
them Pultis wise to the grieved place, it likewise easeth
pains in the Head, caused through want of sleep; or in
any place arising of heat, being applied in the same
manner, or with Oyl of Roses. A dram weight of the dried
Leaves of the Flowers of Violets (but the Leaves more
strongly) doth purge the Body of Chollerick Humors, and
asswageth the heat being taken in a draught of Wine or any
other Drink: The Pouder of the purple Leaves of the
Flowers only pick'd and dried, and drunk in Water is said
to help the Quinsie, and the Falling-sickness in Children,
especially in the beginning of the Disease. The Flowers of
the White Violets ripeneth and dissolveth Swellings. The
Herb or Flowers while they are fresh, or the Flowers when
they are dry, are effectual in the Plurisie, and all
Diseases of Lungs, to lenefie the sharpness of hot Rhewms,
and the Hoarsness of the Throat, the heat also, and
sharpness of Urine, and all pains of the Back, or Reins
and the Bladder: It is good also for the Liver and the
Jaundice, and in al hot Agues to cool the Heat and quench
the Thirst: But the Syrup of Violets is of most use and of
better effect, being taken in some convenient Liquor; and
if a little of the Juyce or Syrup of Lemmons be put to it,
or a few drops of the Oyl of Vitriol, it is made thereby
the more powerful to cool the heat and to quench the
Thirst, and giveth to the drink a Clarret Wine colour, and
a fine tart rellish, pleasing the tast. Violets taken, or
made up with Honey doth more clense than cool, and with
Sugar contrary-wise. The dryed Flowers of Violets are
accounted among the Cordial Drinks, Pouders, and other
Medicines especially where cooling Cordials are necessary: The green Leaves are used with other Herbs, to make
Plaisters and Pultisces for Inflamations and Swellings,
and to ease pains wheresoever, arising of heat, and for
the Piles also, being fried with Yolks of Eggs and applied
therto.
# unit G marginalnote
Inflamations, Eyes, Womb, Head-ach, Watching,
Choller, Quinsie, Falling-sickness, Swellings, Pleuresie,
Flegm, Hoarseness, Throat, Back, Reins, Bladder, Thirst,
Heart.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
Tansies or Heartsease are like unto Violets in all
their operations but somwhat hotter and dryer, yet very
temperate, and by viscuous Juyce therein doth somwhat
mollifie, yet less than Mallows: It is conducing in like
manner as Violets to the hot Diseases of the Chest and
Lungs: for Agues, Convulsions, and Falling-sickness in
Children. The Decoction helpeth Itch and Scabs being
bathed therwith: It is said also to soder green Wounds,
and to help old Sores, the Juyce or distilled Water
thereof being drunk.
## <h272>
# chapter 272 VIPERS_BUGLOSS
# unit T chaptertitle
VIPERS BUGLOSS.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
This hath many long rough Leaves lying on the ground,
from among which rise up diverse hard round Stalks, very
rough, as if they were thick set wth prickles or hairs,
wherein are set such like long rough hairy or prickly sad
green Leavs, somwhat narrow; the middle Rib for the most
part being white. The Flowers stand at the tops of the
Stalks, branched forth into many long spiked Leaves of
Flowers, bowing or turning like the Turnsole, all of them
opening for the most part on the one side, which are long
and hollow, turning up the Brims a little, of a Purplish
Violet colour in them that are fully blown, but more
reddish while they are in the Bud, as also upon their
decay and withering; but in some places of a paler purple
colour, with a long pointel in the middle, feathered or
parted at the top: After the Flowers are fallen the Seeds
growing to be ripe, are blackish, cornered and pointed
somwhat like unto the Head of a Viper. The Root is
somwhat great and blackish, and woolly, when it groweth
toward Seed time; and perisheth in the Winter.
There is another sort little differing from the former,
only in that it beareth white Flowers.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
The first groweth wild almost every where. That with
white Flowers, about the Castle Walls of Lewes in Sussex.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in Summer, and their Seed is ripe quickly
after.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
It is an especial Remedy against the biting of the
Viper, and of all other Venemous Beasts or Serpents, as
also against poyson and poysonful Herbs. Dioscorides and
others say, That whosoever shall take of the Herb or Root
before they be bitten, shall not be hurt by the poyson of
any Serpent. The Roots or Seeds are thought to be most
effectual to comfort the heart, and expel Sadness, or
cause less Melancholly, it tempers the Blood, and allayeth
the hot Fits of Agues: The Seed drunk in Wine procureth
abundance of Milk in Womens Brests. The same also being
taken easeth the pains in the Loyns, Back, and Kidneys:
The distilled Water of the Herb when it is in Flower, or
his chiefest strength, is excellent to be applied either
inwardly or outwardly for all the Griefs aforesaid. There
is a Syrup made hereof very effectual for the comforting
of the Heart, and expelling Sadness and Melancholly.
# unit G marginalnote
Venemous Beasts, Poyson, Heart, Sadness,
Melancholly, Agues, Milk, Loyns, Back, Kidneys.
#end marginalnote
## <h273>
# chapter 273 WALL-FLOWERS
# unit T chaptertitle
WALL-FLOWERS, or WINTER GILLY-FLOWERS.
# unit P text
The Garden kinds are so well known that they need no
Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common single Wall-Flowers which grow wild abroad,
hath sundry smal long, narrow, and dark green Leaves, set
without order upon smal round whitish woody Stalks which
bear at the tops diverse single yellow Flowers one above
another, every one having four Leaves apiece, and of a
very sweet scent: after which come long Pods containing
reddish Seed. The Root is white, hard and threddy.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth upon old Church Walls, and old Walls of many
Houses, and on other stone Walls in diverse places. The
other sorts in Gardens only.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
All the single kinds do Flower many times in the end of
Autumn, and if the Winter be mild, all the Winter long,
but especially in the Months of February, March, and
April, and until the heat of the Spring do spend them: But
the double kinds continue not Flowring in that manner all
the yeer along, although they Flower very early somtimes,
and in some places very late.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Galen in his seventh Book of Simple Medicines saith,
That the yellow Wall-flowers worketh more powerfully than
any of the other kinds. and is therefore of more use in
Physick; It clenseth the Blood and freeth the Liver and
Reins from Obstructions, provoketh Womens Courses,
expelleth the Secondine and dead Child, helpeth the
hardness and pains of the Mother, and of the Spleen also,
stayeth Inflamations and Swellings, comforteth and
strengthneth any weak part, or out of Joynt: helpeth to
clense the Eyes from mistiness and Films on them, and to
clense foul and filthy Ulcers in the Mouth or any other
part, and is a singular Remedy for the Gout, and all Aches
and Pains in the Joynts and Sinews. A Conserve made of
the Flowers is used for a Remedy both for the Apoplexie
and Palsey.
# unit G marginalnote
Obstructions, Liver, Terms provokes,
Afterbirth, Dead Child, Spleen, Weakness, Disjuncture,
Gout, Sinews, Apoplexy, Palsey.
#end marginalnote
## <h274>
# chapter 274 WALNUT_TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE WALNUT TREE.
# unit P text
This is so well known, that it needeth no Description.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Blossometh early, before the Leaves come forth, and
the Fruit is ripe in September.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
The Bark of the Tree, doth bind and dry very much, and
the Leaves are much of the same temperature, but the
Leaves when they are older, are heating and drying the
Second Degree, and harder of digestion than when they are
fresh, which by reason of their sweetness are more
pleasing and better digesting in the Stomach, and taken
with sweet Wine they move the Belly downwards; but being
old, they grieve the Stomach, and in hot Bodies cause
Choller to abound, and the Headach, and are an enemy to
those that have the Cough: But are less hurtful to those
that have colder Stomachs, and are said to kill the broad
Worms in the Belly or Stomach. If they be taken with
Onions, Salt, and Honey, they help the biting of a Mad
Dog, or the Venom or infectious poyson of any Beast &c.
Oneus Pompeius found in the Treasury of Methridates King
of Pontus, when he was overthrown, a Scrowl of his own
Hand-writing, containing a Medicine against any Poyson and
Infection, which is this: Take two dry Walnuts, and as
many good Figgs, and twenty Leaves of Rue bruised and
beaten together with two or three Corns of Salt, and
twenty Juniper Berries, which taken every morning fasting,
preserveth from danger of Poyson or Infection, that day it
is taken. The Juyce of the outer green Husks, boyled up
with Honey, is an excellent gargle for sore Mouths, the
Heat and Inflamations in the Throat and Stomach: The
Kernels when they grow old are more Oyly, and therfore not
so fit to be eaten, but are then used to heal the Wounds
of the Sinews, Gangrenes, and Carbuncles; The said Kernels
being burned, are then very astringent, and will then stay
Lasks and Womens Courses, being taken in red Wine; and
stay the falling of the Hair and make it fair, being
anointed with Oyl and Wine; The green Husks will do the
like being used in the same manner. The Kernels beaten
with Rue and Wine, being applied, helpeth the Quinsie; and
bruised with some Honey and applied to the Ears, easeth
the pains and Inflamations of them: A piece of the green
Husk put unto a hollow Tooth, easeth the pains. The
Catkins hereof taken before they fall off, dried and given
a dram thereof in pouder with white Wine, wonderfully
helpeth those that are troubled with the rising of the
Mother. The Oyl that is pressed out of the Kernels, is
very profitably taken inward like Oyl of Almonds, to help
the Chollick, and to expel wind very effectually, an ounce
or two thereof may be taken at a time. The yong green
Nuts taken before they be half ripe and preserved with
Sugar, are of good use for those that have weak Stomachs,
or Defluxions thereon. The distilled water of the green
Husk before they be half ripe, is of excellent use to cool
the heat of Agues, being drunk an ounce or two at a time,
as also to resist the Infection of the Plague, if some
thereof be also applied to the Sores thereof: The same
also cooleth the heat of green Wounds and old Ulcers, and
healeth them being bathed therewith: The distilled Water
of the green Husks being ripe when they are shelled from
the Nuts, being drunk with a little Vinegar, is also found
by experience to be good for those that are infected with
the Plague, so as before the taking therof of a Vein be
opened. The said Water is very good against the Quinsin
being gargled and bathed therewith, and wonderfully
helpeth Deafness, the Noise, and other pains in the Ears.
The Distilled water of the yong green Leaves in the end of
May performeth a singular cure on foul running Ulcers and
Sores, to be bathed with wet Cloathes or Spunges applied
to them evening and morning.
# unit G marginalnote
Binds, Dries, Worms, Poyson, Epidemical
Diseases.
#end marginalnote
# unit G marginalnote
Inflamation in the Throat, wounds of the
Sinews, Gangrenes, Carbuncles, Flux, Terms stops,
Baldness, Quinsie, Toothach, Mother, Chollick, Wind,
Agues, Deafness, Ears.
#end marginalnote
## <h275>
# chapter 275 WOLD_WELD
# unit T chaptertitle
WOLD, WELD, or DYERS WEED.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The common kind groweth bushing with many Leaves, long,
narrow, and flat upon the ground, of a dark, blewish,
green colour, somwhat like unto Woad, but nothing so
large, a little crumpled and as it were round pointed
which do so abide the firt yeer: And the next Spring from
among them rise diverse round Stalks two or three foot
high, beset with many such like Leaves thereon, but
smaller, and shooting forth some smal Branches, which with the Stalks carry many smal yellow Flowers in a long spiked
Head at the tops of them where afterwards come the Seed,
which is small and black inclosed in Heads that are
devided at the tops into four parts. The Root is long,
white, and thick, abiding the Winter: The whol Herb
changeth to be yellow after it hath been in Flower a
while.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It groweth every where by the way sides in moist
grounds as well as dry, in Corners of Fields and by Lanes:
and somtimes all over the Field; in Sussex and Kent they
call it Greenweed.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It is in Flower about June.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Mathiolus saith, That the Root hereof cutteth tough
Flegm, digesteth raw Flegm, thinneth gross Humors,
dissolveth hard Tumors, and openeth Obstructions. Some
do highly commend it against the bitings of Venemous
Creatures, to be taken inwardly and applyed outwardly to
the hurt place; as also for the Plague or Pestilence. The
People in some Countries of this Land do use to bruise the
Herb and lay it to Cuts or Wounds in the Hands or Legs to
heal them.
# unit G marginalnote
Flegm, Humors, Tumors, Venemous Beasts,
Pestilence, Worms.
#end marginalnote
## <h276>
# chapter 276 WHEAT
# unit T chaptertitle
WHEAT.
# unit P text
The several kinds hereof are so well known unto almost
all people that it is altogether needless to write any
Description thereof.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Dioscorides saith, That to eat the Corns of green Wheat
is hurtful to the Stomach, and breedeth Worms. Pliny
saith, That the Corns of Wheat toasted upon an Iron Pan
and eaten, is a pleasant Remedy for those that are chilled
with cold. The Oyl pressed from Wheat between two thick
Plates of Iron or Copper heated, healeth all Tetters and
Ringworms being used warm, and hereby Galen saith he hath
known many to be cured. Mathiolus commendeth the same Oyl
to be put into hollow Ulcers to heal them up, and it is
also good for Chops in the Hands or Feet, and to make a
rugged Skin smooth.
# unit G marginalnote
Cold, Tetters, Ringworms, Ulcers, Chops in the
Hands & Feet, Mad Dogs, Eyes, Kings Evil.
#end marginalnote
# unit P text
The green Corns of Wheat being chewed, and applied to
the place bitten by a mad Dog, healeth it: Slices of Wheat
Bread soaked in Red Rose-water, and applied to the Eyes
that are hot, red, and inflamed, or blood-shotten, helpeth
them. Hot Bread applyed for an hour at a time three daies
together, perfectly healeth the Kernels in the Throat
commonly called the Kings Evil. The Flower of Wheat
mixed with the Juyce of Henbane, stayeth the Flux of
Humors to the Joynts being laid theron: The said Meal
boyled in Vinegar helpeth the shrinking of the Sinews
saith Pliny; and mixed with Vinegar and Honey boyled
together, healeth all Freckles, Spots, and Pimples on the
Face. Wheat Flower, mixed with the Yolk of an Eg, Honey,
and Turpentine, doth draw, clense, and heal, any Boyl,
Plague Sore, or foul Ulcer. The Bran of Wheat Meal
steeped in sharp Vinegar, and then bound in a Linnen
Cloth, and rubbed on those places that have the Scurf,
Morphew, Scabs, or Leprosie, wil take them away, the Body
being first well purged and prepared. The Decoction of
the Bran of Wheat or Barley, is of good use to bath those
places that are Bursten by a Rupture: and the said Bran
boyled in good Vinegar, and appled to swollen Breasts,
helpeth them, and stayeth all Inflamations; it helpeth
also the bitings of Vipers (which I take to be no other
but our English Adder) and all other Venemous Creatures.
The Leaves of Wheat Meal applied with some Salt, taketh
away hoarness of the Skin, Wharts, and hard Knots in the
Flesh. Starch moistned with Rosewater and laid to the
Cods taketh away their Itching. Wafers put in Water and
drunk, stayeth the Lask and Bloody Flux, and is profitably
used both inward and outwardly for the Ruptures in
Children: Boyled in Water unto a thick Gelly and taken, it
stayeth spitting of Blood: and boyled with Mints and
Butter it helpeth the hoarsness of the Throat.
# unit G marginalnote
Sinews, Pestilence, Scabs, Leprosie, Venemous
Beasts, Cods, Hoarceness.
#end marginalnote
## <h277>
# chapter 277 WILLOW-TREE
# unit T chaptertitle
THE WILLOW-TREE.
# unit P text
These are so well known that they need no Description:
I shall therefore only shew you the Vertues thereof.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Both the Leaves, Bark, and the Seed are used to stanch
bleeding of Wounds, and at Mouth and Nose, spitting of
Blood, and all other Fluxes of Blood in man or woman, and
to stay Vomiting, and provocation thereunto, if the
Decoction of them in Wine be drunk. It helpeth also to
stay thin, hot, sharp, salt Distillations from the Head
upon the Lungs causing a Consumption: The Leaves bruised
with some Pepper and drunk in Wine, much helpeth the wind
Chollick. The Leaves bruised and boyled in Wine and drunk
staieth the heat of Lust in man or woman, and quite
extinguisheth it, if it be long used; The Seed is also of
the same effect. The Water that is gathered from the
Willow when it flowreth, the Bark being slit, and a
fitting Vessel set to receive it, is very good for redness
and dimness of Sight, for films that grow over the Eyes,
and stay the Rhewms that fall into them, to provoke Urin being stopped if it be drunk and to cleer the Face and
Skin from Spots and Discolourings. Galen saith, The
Flowers have an admirable faculty in drying up Humors,
beeing a Medicine without any sharpness or corrosion: You
may boyl them in white Wine, and drunk as much as you will
(So you drink not your self drunk.) The Bark work the
same effects, if used in the same manner, and the Tree
hath alwaies Bark upon it though not alwaies Flowers: The
Burnt ashes of the Bark, being mixed with Vinegar taketh
away Warts, Corns, and Superfluous Flesh being applied to
the place. The Decoction of the Leaves or Bark in Wine,
takes away Scurf or Dandriff by washing the place with it:
'Tis a fine cool Tree, The Boughs of which are very
convenient to be placed in the Chamber of one sick of a
Feaver.
# unit G marginalnote
Stanch Bleeding, Spitting of Blood, Fluxes of
Blood, Vomiting, Distillations on the Lungs, Wind
Chollick, Heat of Lust, Dimness of sight, & other Diseases
in the Eyes, Cleer the Face, Dry up Humors, Warts, Corns &
superfluous flesh, Scurf or Dandriff, Feaver.
#end marginalnote
## <h278>
# chapter 278 WOAD
# unit T chaptertitle
WOAD.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
It hath diverse large Leaves, long, and somwhat broad
withal, like to those of the greater Plantane, but larger,
thicker, of a greenish colour and somwhat blew withal:
From among which Leaves riseth up a lusty Stalk three or
four foot high, with diverse Leaves set thereon; The
higher the Stalk riseth, the smaller are the Leaves, at
the top it spreadeth into diverse Branches, at the ends of
which appear pretty little yellow Flowers, and after they
pass away like other Flowers of the Field, come Husks,
long, and somwhat flat withal, in form they resemble a
Tongue, in colour they are black, and they hang bobbing
downwards. The Seed contained within these Husks (if it
be a little chewed) gives an Azure colour. The Root is
white and long.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is sowed in Fields for the benefit of it, where
those that sow it cut it three times a yeer.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowreth in June, but is long after before the Seed
is ripe.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Some People affirm the Plant to be destructive to Bees,
which if it be I cannot help it: They say it possesseth
Bees with a Flux, but that I can hardly beleeve, unless
Bees be contrary to all other Creatures, I should rather
think it possesseth them with the contrary Disease, the
Herb being exceeding drying and binding. However, if any
Bees be diseased thereby, the cure is to set Urine by
them, but set it in such a Vessel that they cannot drown
themselves, which may be remedied if you put pieces of
Cork in it. I told you before the Herb was drying and
binding, and so drying and binding that it is not fit to
be given inwardly. An Oyntment made thereof stancheth
Bleeding: A Plaister made thereof and applied to the
Region of the Spleen (and I pray you take notice, that the
Spleen lies on the left side) takes away the hardness and
pains thereof: The Oyntment is excellent good in such
Ulcers as abound with moisture, and takes away the
corroding and fretting Humors: It cools Inflamations,
quencheth St. Anthonies fire, and stayeth Defluxions of
Blood to any part of the Body.
# unit G marginalnote
Bleeding, Spleen, Ulcers, Inflamations, St.
Anthonies fire, defluxions of Blood.
#end marginalnote
## <h279>
# chapter 279 WOODBINE
# unit T chaptertitle
WOODBINE, or HONEY-SUCKLES.
# unit P text
The Plant is so common that everyone that hath Eyes
knows them, and he that hath none cannot reade a
Description if I should write it.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
They Flower in June, and the Fruit is ripe in August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
Doctor Tradition, that grand Introducer of Errors, that
Hater of Truth, that Lover of Folly, and that mortal Foe
to Doctor Reason, hath taught the common People to use the
Leaves and Flowers of this Plant in Mouth Waters, and by
long continuance of time hath so grounded it in the Brains
of the Vulgar that you cannot beat it out with a Beetle:
All Mouth Waters ought to be cooling and drying, but
Honeysuckles are clensing, consuming, and digesting, and
therefore no waies fit for Inflamations, Thus Doctor
Reason. Again, If you please we will Leave Dr. Reason a
while and come to Dr. Experience, a learned Gentleman, and
his Brother; Take a Leaf and chew it in your Mouth, and
you will quickly find it likelier to cause a sore Mouth or
Throat than to cure it. Well then, if it be not good for
this, What is it good for? 'Tis good for somthing: For
God and Nature made nothing in vain: It is an Herb of
Jupiter and apropriated to the Lungs, the Coelestial Crab
claims Dominion over it; neither is it a Foe to the Lyon:
If the Lungs be afflicted by Mercury, this is your Cure:
It is fitting a Conserve made of the Flowers of it were
kept in every Gentlewomans House; I know no better cure
for an Asthma than this; Besides, It takes away the evil
of the Spleen, provokes Urine, procures speedy Delivery to
Women in Travail, helps Cramps, Convulsions and Palseys,
and whatsoever griefs comes of cold or stopping: If you
please to make use of it in an Oyntment, it will cleer
your Skin of Morphew, Freckles, and Sunburning, or
whatsoever else discolours it, and then the Maids will
love it. I have done, when I have told you what Authors
say, and cavelled a little with them, They say the Flowers
are of more effect than the Leaves, and that's true; but
they say, The Seeds are of least effect of all: But Dr.
Reason told me, That there was a Vital Spirit in every
Seed to beget its like; and Dr. Experience told me, That
there was a greater heat in a Seed than there was in any
other part of a Plant, and withal, That Heat was the
Mother of action, and then judg if old Dr. Tradition (who
may well be honor'd for his Age, but not for his Goodness)
have not so poysoned the World with his Errors before I
was born, that it was never well in its wits since, and
there is great fear it will die mad.
# unit G marginalnote
Lungs afflicted, Asthma, Spleen, provokes Urine
& speedy Delivery in Childbirth, Cramps, Convulsions &
Palseys, Freckles & Sunburning.
#end marginalnote
## <h280>
# chapter 280 WORMWOOD
# unit T chaptertitle
WORMWOOD.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
Three Wormwoods are familiar with us; One I shall not
descrabe, another I shall describe, and the Third be
Critical at. And I care not greatly if I begin with the
last first.
Sea Wormwood hath gotten as many Names as vertues (and
perhaps one more) Seriphion, Santonicon, Belgicum,
Narbonense, Xantomicum, Misnense, and a matter of twenry
more, which I will not blot Paper withal: A Papist got the
Toy by the end, and he called it Holy Wormwood; and in
truth I am of Opinion, Their giving so much holiness to
Herbs is the Reason there remains so little in themselves.
The Seed of this Wormwood is that which usually Women
give their Children for the Worms: Of all Wormwoods that
grow here, this is the weakest; I but Doctors commend it,
and Apothecaries sell it, the one must keep his Credit,
and the other get Money, and that's the key of the work.
The Herb is good for somthing, because God made nothing in
vain; Will you give me leave to weigh things in the
Ballance of Reason; Then thus, The Seeds of the common
Wormwood are far more prevalent than the Seed of this, to
expell Worms in Children, or People of ripe age: Of both,
some are weak, some are strong. The Seriphian Wormseed is
the weakest, & happily may prove to be fittest for weakest
Bodies (for it is weak enough in all conscience) Let such
as are strong take the common Wormseed, for the other will
do but little good. Again, neer the Sea many people live,
and Seriphium grows neer them, and therfore is more
fitting for their Bodies because nourished by the same
Air; and this I had from Dr. Reason. In whose Body Dr.
Reason dwels not, dwels Dr. Madness, and he brings in his
Brethren, Dr. Ignorance, Dr. Folly, and Dr. Sickness, and
these together make way for Dr. Death, and the latter end
of that man is worse than the beginning. Pride was the
cause of Adam's Fall, Pride begate a Daughter, I do not
know the Father of it unless the Divil, but she christned
it, and call'd it Appetite, and sent her Daughter to tast
these Wormwoods, who finding this the least bitter, made
the sqeamish Wench extol it to the Skies, though the
Vertues of it never reached to the middle Region of the
Air. Its due praise is this; It is weakest, therefore
fitter for weak Bodies, and fitter for those Bodies that
dwel neer it than those that live far from it: my reason,
is The Sea (as those that live far from it know when they
comt neer it) casteth not such a smel as the Land doth:
The tender Mercies of God being over all his Works, hath
by his eternal Providence planted Seriphium by the Sea
side, as a fit Medicine for the Bodies of those that live
neer it. Lastly, It is known to all that know any thing
in the Course of Nature, That the Liver delights in sweet
things; if so, it abhors bitter, then if your Liver be
weak, it is none of the wisest courses to plague it with
an Enemy: if the Liver be weak a Consumption follows;
Would you know the Reason? 'tis this, A mans Flesh is
repaired by Blood, by a third concoction which transmutes
Blood into Flesh ('tis well I said 青onction� for if I had
said 雨oyling� every Cook would have understood me.) The
Liver makes Blood, and if it be weakned that it makes not
enough the Flesh wasteth, and why must Flesh alwaies be
renewed? Because the eternal God when he made the
Creation, made one part of it in continual dependency upon
another: And why did he so? Because Himself is only
Permanent, to reach us, That we should not fix our
affections upon what is transitory, but upon what endures
for ever. The result of all is this, If the Liver be weak
and cannot make Blood enonough (I would have said
俟anguifie� if I had written only to Schollers) The
Seriphian which is the weakest of Wormwoods is better than
the best. I have been Critical enonough (if not too much.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It grows familiarly in England by the Sea side.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
It starts up out of the earth with many round woody
hoary Stalks from one Root, its height is four foot high,
or three at the least. The Leaves in Longitude are long,
in Latitude narrow, in Colour white, in Foam hoary, in
Similitude like Southernwood, only broader and longer, in
Tast, rather salt than bitter, because it grows so neer
the Salt Water: At the joynts with the Leaves toward the
tops it bears little yellow Flowers. The Root lies deep
and is woody.
Common Wormwood I shall not describe, for every Boy
that can eat an Eg knows it.
Romane Wormwood; And why Romane, seeing it grows
familiarly in England? It may be it was so called because
'tis special good for a stinking Breath, which the Romans
cannot be very free from maintaining so many Baudy Houses
by Authority of his Holiness.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
The Stalks are slenderer and shorter than the common
Wormwood by one foot at least; the Leaves are more finely
cut and devided than they are but somthing smaller; both
Leaves and Stalks are hoary; the Flowers of a pale yellow
colour, it is altogether like the common Wormwood, save
only in bigness, for 'tis smaller; in tast, for 'tis not
so bitter, in smell, for it is spicy.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
It groweth upon the tops of the Mountains (it seems
'tis aspiring) there 'tis Natural; but usually nursed up
in Gardens for the use of the Apothecaries in London.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
All Wormwoods usually Flower in August, a little sooner
or later.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
Will you give me leave to be Critical a little? I must
take leave; Wormwood is an Herb of Mars, and if Pontanus
say otherwise he is beside the Bridg. I prove it thus:
What delights in Martial places is a Martial Herb, But
Wormwood delights in Martial places, (for about Forges and
Iron Works you may gather a Cart load of it) Ergo it is a
Martial Herb. It is hot and dry in the first degree, Viz.
Just as hot as your Blood and not hotter: It remedies the
evils Choller can inflict on the Body of man by Sympathy.
It helps the evils Venus and her wanton Girls produce, by
Antipathy; and it doth somthing else besides; It clenseth
the Body of Choller (and who dares say Mars doth no good?)
It provokes Urine, helps Surfets, Swellings in the Belly;
it causeth an Appetite to meat, because Mars rules the
Attractive faculty in Man: The Sun never shone upon a
better Herb for the yellow Jaundice than this is: Why
should men cry out so much upon Mars for an Infortune (or
Saturn either?) Did God make Creatures to do the Creation
a mischief? This Herb testifies that Mars is willing to
cure all the Diseases he causes; the truth is, Mars loves
no Cowards, nor Saturn Fools, nor I, either. Take the
Flowers of Wormwood, Rosemary, and black Thorn, of each a
like quantity, half that quantity of Saffron, boyl this in
Renish Wine, but put not in the Saffron till it is almost
boyled; This is the way to keep a Mans Body in health,
appointed by Camerarius in his Book intituled, Hortus
Medicus, and 'tis a good one too. Besides all this,
Wormwood provokes the Terms. I would willingly teach
Astrologers, and make them Physitians (if I knew how) for
they are most fitting for the Calling, if you will not
beleeve me, ask Dr. Hippocrates, and Dr. Galen, a couple
of Gentlemen that our Colledg of Physitians keep to vapor
with, not to follow. In this one Herb I shall give the
Pattern of a Rule to the Sons of Art, rough cast, yet as
neer the Truth as the men of Benjamin could throw a stone;
whereby my Brethern of the Society of Astrologers may know
by a penny how a shilling is coyned: (as for the Colledg
of Physitians they are too stately to learn, and too proud
to continue, They say a Mouse is under the Dominion of the
Moon, and that's the reason they feed in the night: The
House of the Moon is Cancer: (Rats are of the same nature
with Mice but that they are a little bigger.) Mars
receives his fall in Cancer, Ergo Wormwood being an Herb
of Mars is a present Remedy for the biting of Rats and
Mice. Mushroms (I cannot give them the title of Herba,
Frutex, or Arbor) are under the Dominion of Saturn (and
take them one time with another they do as much harm as
good:) if any have poyson'd himself by eating them,
Wormwood an Herb of Mars cures him, because Mars is
exalted in Capricorn the Hous of Saturn, & this it doth by
Sympathy as it did the other by Antipathy. Wheals,
Pushes, black & blew Spots coming eitheir by bruises or
beatings, Wormwood an Herb of Mars helps becaus Mars (as
bad as you love him, & as ill as you hate him) will not
break your Head, but he'l give you a Plaister. If he do
but teach you to know your selves, his Courtesie is
greater than his Discourtesie: The greatest Antipathy
between the Planets is between Mars and Venus, one is hot,
the other cold, one Diurnal, the other Nocturnal; one dry,
the other moist, their Houses are opposite, one Masculine
the other Feminine, one publick the other private, one is
valiant, the other effeminate, one loves the light, the
other hates it, one loves the Field, the other the Sheets;
then the Throat is under Venus, the Quinsie lies in the
Throat and is an Inflamation there: Venus rules the Throat
(it being under Taurus her Sign) Mars eradicates all
Diseases in the Throat by his Herbs (of which Wormwood is
one) and send them to Aegypt on an errand never to return
more; this by Antipathy. The Eyes are under the
Luminaties, the right Eye of a Man, and the left Eye of a
Woman, the Sun claims Dominion over: The left Eye of a
Man, and the right Eye of a Woman, are the priviledg of
the Moon, Wormwood an Herb of Mars cures both; What
belongs to the Sun by Sympathy becaus he is exalted in his
House; but what belongs to the Moon by Antipathy, because
he hath his Fall in hers. Suppose a man be bitten or
stung by a martial Creature, imagine a Wasp, a Hornet or
Scorpion, Wormwood an Herb of Mars gives you a present
cure: Then Mars as Chollerick as he is, hath learned that
Patience, to pass by your evil speeches of him, and tells
you by my Pen, That he gives you no Affliction but he
gives you a Cure; You need not run to Apollo nor
Aesculapius; and if he were so Chollerick as you make him
to be, he would have drawn his Sword for Anger to see the
ill conditions of those people that can spy his Vices and
not his Vertues. The enternal God when he made Mars, made
him for a publick good, and the Sons of Men shall know it
in the latter end of the world. Et caelum Mars solus
habet. You say Mars is a Destroyer, mix a little Wormwood
an Herb of Mars with your Ink, and neither Rats nor Mice
will touch the Paper is written with it, and then Mars is
a Preserver. Astrologers say Mars causeth Scabs and Itch,
and the Virgins are angry with him, because wanton Venus
told them he deforms their Skin: But quoth Mars, my only
desire is they should know themselves; my Herb Wormwood
will restore them to the beauty they formerly had, and in
that I will not come an inch behind my opposite Venus; for
which doth the greatest evil, he that takes away an innate
beauty, and when he hath done knows how to restore it
again; or she that reaches a company of wanton Lasses to
paint their Faces? If Mars be in the Virgin in a
Nativity, they say he usually causeth the Chollick ('tis
well God hath set some body to pul down the Pride of Man)
He in the Virgin troubles none wth the Chollick but them
that know not themselves (for who knows himself may easily
know all the world:) Wormwood an Herb of Mars is a present
cure for it: and whether it be most like a Christian to
love him for his good, or hate him for his evil, judg ye.
I had almost forgotten that Charity thinks no evil, I was
once in the Tower and viewed the Wardrobe, and there was a
great many fine Cloathes (I can give them no other title,
for I was never neither Linnen or Woollen Draper) yet as
brave as they looked, my opinion was, the Moaths might
consume them (yea Henry the eighth his Codpiece) Moaths
are under the Dominion of Mars, his Herb Wormwood being
laid amongst Cloathes will make a Moath scorn to meddle
with the Cloath, as much as a Lyon scorns to meddle with a
Mouse, or an Eagle a Fly. You say Mars is angry, and 'tis
true enough, he is angry with my Country-men for being
such Fools to be led by the Noses by a Colledg of
Physitians, as they lead Bears to Paris-Garden.
Melancholly men cannot endure to be wrong'd in point of
good name, and that hath sorely troubled old Saturn,
because they called him the greatest Infortune: In the
Body of Man he rules the Spleen (and that makes Covetous
men so Splenetick.) The poor old man lies crying out of
his left side, Father Saturn's angry, Mars comes to him,
come Brother, I confess thou art evil spoken of, and so am
I, thou knowest I have my exaltation in thy House, I'le
give him an Herb of mine, Wormwood, to cure the poor man;
Saturn consented, but spoke but little, and so Mars cured
him by Sympathy. When Mars was free from War (for he
loves to be fighting, and is the best friend a Soldier
hath) I say when Mars was free from War he called a
Councel of War in his own Brain to know how he should do
poor sinful man good, (desiring to forget his abuses in
being called an Infortune) He musters up his own Forces
and places them in Battalia, Oh, quoth he, why do I hurt a
poor silly Man or Woman? His Angel Answers him, Tis
because they have offended their God (Look back to Adam)
Well, saies Mars, though they speak evil of me, I'le do
good to them; Death's cold, my Herbs shall heat them, They
are full of ill Humors (else they would never have spoken
ill of me) my Herb shall clense them and dry them: They
are poor weak Creatures, my Herb shall strengthen them;
they are dul witted, my Herb shall fortifie their
Apprehensions; and yet amongst Astrologers, all this doth
not deserve a good word; Oh, the Patience of Mars.
# unit G marginalnote
Choller, Venery, Provokes Urine, Helps Surfets,
Swellings, Appetite lost, Yelloow Jaundice, Preserve
Health, Terms provokes, Biting of Rats & Mice, Mushroms
wheals, Pushes, Black & blew Spots, Quinsie, Eyes, Biting
or stinging by Venemous Beasts, Spleen, French Pox,
Surfet, Stinking Breath, Dull Brain, Weak Sight.
#end marginalnote
# unit L latinverse
Faelix qui potuit verum cognoscere causas~
Inque domus superum scandere cura fuit.
# unit E englverse
O happy he that can the Knowledg gain,~
To know th' eternal God made nought in vain.
# unit P text
To this I add,
# unit E englverse
I know the reason causeth such a Dearth~
Of Knowledg, 'tis, becaus men love the Earth.
# unit P text
The other day Mars told me he met with Venus, and he
asked her what the Reason was that she accused him for
abusing Women, he never gave them the Pox, in the Dispute
they fell out, and in anger parted, and Mars told me that
his brother Saturn told him, that an Antivenerial Medicine
was the best against the Pox. Once a Month he meets with
the Moon, Mars is quick enough of speech, and the Moon not
much behind hand (neither are most Women) The Moon looks
much after Children, and Children are much troubled with
the Worms, she desired a Medicine of him, he bad her take
his own Herb Wormwood: He had no sooner parted with the
Moon but he met with Venus, and she was as drunk as a
Bitch, Alas poor Venus quoth he, What, thou a Fortune and
be drunk? I'le give thee an Antipathetical Cure, take my
Herb Wormwood, thou shalt never get a Surfet by drinking.
A poor silly Countryman hath got an Ague and cannot go
about his business, he wishes he had it not, and so do I,
but I'le tell him a Remedy whereby he may prevent it.
Take the Herb of Mars Wormwood, and if Infortunes will do
good what will Fortunes do? Some say the Lungs are under
Jupiter, and if the Lungs, then the breath, and yet a man
somtimes gets a stinking breath, and yet Jupiter is a
Fortune forsooth; up comes Mars to him, Come Brother
Jupiter, thou knowest I sent thee a couple of Trines to
thy Houses last night, the one from Aries, and other from
Scorpio, give me thy leave by Sympathy to cure the poor
man by drinking a draught of Wormwood Beer every morning.
The Moon was weak the other day, and she gave a man to
terrible mischiefs, a dull Brain, and a weak sight, Mars
laies by his Sword and comes to her, Sister Moon saith he
This man hath anger'd thee, but I beseech thee take notice
he is but a Fool, prithee be patient, I will with my Herb
Wormwood cure him of both Infirmities by Antipathy, for
thou knowest, thou and I cannot agree; with that the Moon
began to quarrel; Mars (not delighting much in Womens
Tongues) went away, and did it whether she would or no.
He that reades this and understands what he reades, he
hath a Jewel more worth then a Diamond: He that
understands it not, is as little fit to give Physick.
There lies a Key in these words, which will unlock (if it
be turned by a wise hand) the Cabbinet of Physick: I have
delivered it so plainly as I durst; 'tis not upon Wormwood
only that I wrote, but upon all Plants, Trees, and Herbs:
He that understands it not, is unfit (in my Opinion) to
give Physick. This shall live when I am dead; and thus I
leave it to the World, not caring a Halfpenny whether they
like or dislike it. The Grave equals all men, and
therefore shall equal me with the Princes, until which
time the Eternal Providence is over me; then the ill
tongue of a pratling Priest, or of one who hath more
Tongue than Wit, or more Pride than Honesty, shall never
trouble me. Wisdom is justified of her Children; and so
much for Wormwood.
## <h281>
# chapter 281 YARROW
# unit T chaptertitle
YARROW.
# unit S sectiontitle
Description.
# unit P text
It hath many long Leaves spread upon the ground and
fine cut, and devided into many smal parts, Its Flowers
are white but not all of a whiteness, and staied in Knots,
upon diverse green Stalks which rise from amongst the
Leaves.
# unit S sectiontitle
Place.
# unit P text
It is very frequent in all Pastures.
# unit S sectiontitle
Time.
# unit P text
It Flowers late even in the latter end of August.
# unit S sectiontitle
Vertues and Use.
# unit P text
An Oyntment of them cures Wounds and is most fit for
such as have Inflamations, it being an Herb of Dame Venus;
It stops the Terms in Women being boyled in white Wine and
the Decoction drunk, as also the Bloody Flux; the Oyntment
of it is not only good for green Wounds, but also for
Ulcers and Fistulaes, especially such as abound with
moisture; It staies the shedding off of Hair, the Head
being bathed with the Decoction of it; inwardly taken, it
helps the retentive faculty of the Stomach, it helps the
running of the Reins in men, and the whites in women, and
helps such as cannot hold their water; and the Leaves
chewed in the Mouth ease the Toothach; and these Vertues
being put together shew the Herb to be drying and binding.
Achilles is supposed to be the first that left the Vertues
of this Herb to posterity, having learned them of his
Master Chyron the Centaure, and certainly a very
profitable Herb it is in the Camp, and perhaps therfore
called Militaris.
# part r RECIPES
## <r001>
# chapter 1 DIRECTIONS
# unit T chaptertitle
DIRECTIONS.
# unit P text
Having in diverse places of this Treatise promised you
the way of making Syrups, Conserves, Oyls, Oyntments, &c.
of Herbs, Roots, Flowers &c. wherby you may have them
ready for your use at such times when otherwise they
cannot be had; I come now to perform what I promised, and
you shall find me rather better than worse than my word.
That this may be done Methodically, I shall devide my
Directions into two grand Sections, and each Section into
several Chapters, and then you shall see it look with such
a Countenance as this is.
# unit D contentsheader
SECT. 1. Of gathering, drying, and keeping Simples and their Juyces.
# unit W contentslines
CHAP. 1. Of Leaves of Herbs &c.~
CHAP. 2. Of Flowers.~
CHAP. 3. Of Seeds.~
CHAP. 4. Of Roots.~
CHAP. 5. Of Barks.~
CHAP. 6. Of Juyces.~
# unit D contentsheader
SECT. 2. Of making and keeping Compounds.
# unit W contentslines
CHAP. 1. Of Distilled Water.~
CHAP. 2. Of Syrups.~
CHAP. 3. Of Juleps.~
CHAP. 4. Of Decoctions.~
CHAP. 5. Of Oyls.~
CHAP. 6. Of Electuaries.~
CHAP. 7. Of Conserves.~
CHAP. 8. Of Preserves.~
CHAP. 9. Of Lohochs.~
CHAP. 10. Of Oyntments.~
CHAP. 11. Of Plaisters.~
CHAP. 12. Of Pultisses.~
CHAP. 13. Of Troches.~
CHAP. 14. Of Pills.~
CHAP. 15. The way of fitting Medicines to Compound Diseases.~
# unit P text
All of these in order.
# unit S sectiontitle
SECT. 1.
The way of gathering, drying. And preserving
Simples and their Juyces.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 1.
Of Leaves of Herbs or Trees.
# unit P text
1. Of Leaves, chuse only such as are green and full of
Juyce, pick them carefully, and cast away such as are any
way declining, for they will putrifie the rest, so shall
one handful be worth ten of those you buy in Cheap-side.
# unit P text
2. Note in what place they most delight to grow in, and
gather them there, for Bettony that grows in the shadow is
far better than that which grows in the Sun, because it
delights in the shadow; so also such Herbs as delight to
grow neer the Water, though happily you may find some of
them upon dry ground, the Treatise will inform you where
every Herb delights to grow.
# unit P text
3. The Leaves of such Herbs as run up to Seed, are not so
good when they are in flower as before (some few excepted,
the Leaves of which are seldom or never used) in such
cases, if through ignorance they were not known, or
through negligence forgotten, you had better take the top
and the Flower than the Leaf.
# unit P text
4. Dry them well in the Sun, and not in the shadow as the
swinge of Physitians is, for if the Sun draw away the
Vertues of Herbs, it must needs do the like by Hay by the
same Rule, which the experience of every Country Farmer
will explode for a notable piece of non-sense.
# unit P text
5. Such as are Artists in Astrology (and indeed none else
are fit to make Physitians) such I advise, let the Planet
that governs the Herb be Angular, and the stronger the
better, if they can in Herbs of Saturn, let Saturn be in
the Ascendent, in the Herbs of Mars,let Mars be in the
Mid-heaven, for in those Houses they delight, let the Moon
apply to them by good Aspect, and let her not be in the
Houses of their Enemies: If you cannot well stay till she
apply to them, let her apply to a Planet of the same
Triplicity, if you cannot wait that time neither, let her
be with a fixed Star of their Nature.
# unit P text
6. Having well dryed them put them up in brown Papers,
sewing the Paper up like a Sack, and press them not too
hard together, and keep them in a dry place neer the fire.
# unit P text
7. As for the duration of dryed Herbs, a just time cannot
be given, let Authors prate their pleasures: For,
First, Such as grow upon dry grounds will keep better
than such as grow on moist.
Secondly, Such Herbs as are full of Juyce will not
keep so long as such as are dryer.
Thirdly, Such Herbs as are well dryed will keep longer
than such as are ill dried.
Yet this I say, by this you may know when they are
corrupted, viz. By their loss of colour, or smell, or
both, and if they be corrupted, reason will tell you that
they must needs corrupt the Bodies of those people that
take them.
# unit P text
8. Gather all Leaves in the hour of that Planet that
governs them.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 2.
Of Flowers.
# unit P text
1. The Flower which is the beauty of the Plant, and of
none of the least use in Physick, groweth yeerly, and is
to be gathered when it is in its prime.
# unit P text
2. As for the time of gathering them, let the Planetary
hour, and the Planet that rules the Plant they come of, be
observed, as we shewed you in the foregoing Chapter; as
for the time of the day let it be when the Sun shines upon
them that so they may be dry, for if you gather either
Herbs or Flowers when they are wet or dewy, they will not
keep, and this I forgot before.
# unit P text
3. Dry them well in the Sun, and keep them in Papers neer
the fire, as I shewed you in the foregoing Chapter.
# unit P text
4. So long as they retain their colour and smel they are
good, either of them being gone so is the Vertue also.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 3.
Of Seeds.
# unit P text
1. The Seed is that part of the Plant which is endewed
with a vitall faculty to bring forth its like, and it
contains potentially the whol Plant in it.
# unit P text
2. As for place let them be gathered from the plants
where they delight to grow.
# unit P text
3. Let them be full ripe when they are gathered, and
forget not the Coelestial Harmony before mentioned, for I
have found by experience that their Vertues are twice as
great at such times than at others: There is an appointed
time for every thing under the Sun.
# unit P text
4. When you have gathered them dry them a little, and but
a little in the Sun before you lay them up.
# unit P text
5. You need not be so careful of keeping them so neer the
fire as the other before mentioned, because they are
fuller of Spirit, and therefore not so subject to corrupt.
# unit P text
6. As for the time of their duration 'tis palpable they
will keep good many yeers, yet this I say, they are best
the first yeer, and this I make appear by a good argument,
They will grow soonest the firt yeer they be set,
therefore then are they in their prime, and 'tis an easie
matter to renew them yeerly.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 4.
Of Roots.
# unit P text
1. Of Roots chuse such as are neither rotten nor
wormeaten, but proper in their tast, colour, and smell,
such as exceed neither in softness nor hardness.
# unit P text
2. Give me leave to be a little critical against the
Vulgar received Opinion, which is, That the Sap falls down
into the Root in Autumn, and rises again in Spring, as men
go to Bed at night and rise in the morning; and this idle
tale of untruth is so grounded in the Heads not only of
the Vulgar but also of the Learned, that a man cannot
drive it out by Reason: I pray let such Sap-mongers answer
me to this Argument, If the Sap fall into the Root in the
fall of the Leaf, and lie there all the Winter, then must
the Root grow only in the Winter, as experience
witnesseth, but the Root grows not at all in the Winter,
as the same experience teacheth, but only in the Summer.
Ergo,
If you set an Apple Kernel in the Spring, you shall
find the Root to grow to a pretty bigness in that Summer,
and be not a whit bigger next Spring: What doth the Sap do
in the Root all that while? pick straws? For God's sake
build not your faith upon Tradition, 'tis as rotten as a
rotten Post.
The truth is, when the Sun declines from the Tropick
of Cancer, the Sap begins to congeal both in Root and
Branch, when he toucheth the Tropick of Capricorn and
ascends to us ward, it begins to wax thin again, and by
degrees as it congealed: But to proceed.
# unit P text
3. The dryer time you gather your Roots in the better
they are, for they have the less excrementitious moisture
in them.
# unit P text
4. Such Roots as are soft, your best way is to dry in the
Sun, or else hang them up in the Chimney corner upon a
string; as for such as are hard you may dry them any
where.
# unit P text
5. Such Roots as are great will keep longer than such as
are small, yet most of them will keep a yeer.
# unit P text
6. Such Roots as are soft it is your best way to keep
them alwaies neer the fire, and take this general Rule, If
in Winter time you find any of your Roots, Herbs or
Flowers begin to grow moist, as many times you shall,
especially in the Winter time (for 'tis your best way to
look to them once a month) dry them by a very gentle fire,
or if you can with convenience keep them neer the fire,
you may save your self the labor.
# unit P text
7. It is in vain to dry such Roots as may commonly be
had, as Parsly, Fennel, Plantane &c. but gather them only
for present need.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 5.
Of Barks.
# unit P text
1. Barks which Physitians use in Mediscines are these
sorts, of Fruits, of Roots, of Boughs.
# unit P text
2. The Barks of Fruits is to be taken when the Fruit is
full ripe, as Orrenges, Lemmons, &c. but because I have
nothing to do with Exoticks here, I shall pass them
without any more words.
# unit P text
3. The Barks of Trees are best gathered in the Spring, if
it be of great Trees, as Oaks or the like, because then
they come easiest off, and so you may dry them if you
please, but indeed your best way is to gather all Barks
only for present use.
# unit P text
4. As for the Bark of Roots, 'tis this, and thus to be
gotten, Take the Roots of such Herbs as have a pith in
them, as Parsly, Fennel, &c. slit them in the middle, and
when you have taken out the pith (which you may easily and
quickly do) that which remains is called (though somthing
improperly) the Bark and indeed is only to be used.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 6.
Of Juyces.
# unit P text
1. Juyces are to be pressed out of Herbs when they are
yong and tender, and also out of some Stalks, and tender
tops of Herbs and Plants, and also out of some Flowers.
# unit P text
2. Having gathered your Herb you would preserve the Juyce
of, when it is very dry (for otherwise your Juyce will not
be worth a Button) bruise it very wel in a stone Mortar
with a wooden Pestle, then having put it into a Canvas Bag
(the Herb I mean, not the Mortar for that will yield but
little Juyce) press it hard in a press, then take the
Juyce and clarifie it.
# unit P text
3. The manner of clarifying of it is this, put it into a
Pipkin or Skillet, or some such thing and set it over the
fire, and when the Scum riseth, take it off, let it stand
over the fire till no more Scum rise, then have you your
Juyce clarified, cast away the Scum as a thing of no use.
# unit S sectiontitle
SECT. 2.
The way of making and keeping all Necessary Compounds.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 1.
Of Distilled Waters.
# unit P text
Hitherto we have spoken of Medicines which consist in
their own Nature, which Authors vulgarly call Simples,
though somthing improperly, for indeed and in truth,
nothing is Simple but the pure Elements; all things else
are compounded of them: We come now to treat of the
Artificial Medicines, in the front of which (because we
must begin somewhere) we place distilled Waters; In which
consider,
# unit P text
1. Waters are distilled out of Herbs, Flowers, Fruits,
and Roots.
# unit P text
2. We treat not here of strong Waters but of cold, as
being to act Galen's Part and not Paracelsus.
# unit P text
3. The Herbs ought to be distilled when they are in their
greatest vigor, and so ought the Flowers also.
# unit P text
4. The vulgar way of Distillation which people use,
because they know no better, is in a Peuter Still, and
although Distilled Waters are the weakest of all
Artificial Medicines, and good for little unless for
mixtures of other Medicines, yet this way distilled they
are weaker by many degrees than they would be, were they
distilled in Sand: If I thought it not impossible to teach
you the way of distilling in Sand by writing, I would
attempt it.
# unit P text
5. When you have distilled your Water put it into a
Glass, and having bound the top of it over with a Paper
pricked full of holes, that so the excrementitious and
fiery vapors may exhale (which indeed are they that cause
that setling in distilled Waters called the Mother, which
corrupts the Waters and might this way be prevented) cover
it close and keep it for your use.
# unit P text
6. Stopping distilled Waters with a Cork makes them
musty, and so will a Paper also if it do but touch the
Water, your best way then is to stop them with a Bladder,
being first wet in Water, and bound over the top of the
Glass.
Such cold Waters as are distilled in a Peuter Still (if
well kept) will endure a yeer, such as are distilled in
Sand, as they are twice as strong, so will they endure
twice as long.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 2.
Of Syrups.
# unit P text
1. A Syrup is a Medicine of a Liquid form, composed of
Infusion, Decoction and Juyce; and 1. for the more
grateful tast, 2. for the better keeping of it, with a
certain quantity of Honey or Sugar; hereafter mentioned
boiled to the thickness of new Honey.
# unit P text
2. You see at the first view then that this Aphorism
devides it self into three Branches, which deserve
severally to be treated of, viz.
# unit I textitem
1. Syrups made by Infusion.
# unit I textitem
2. Syrups made by Decoction.
# unit I textitem
3. Syrups made by Juyce.
# unit P text
Of each of these (for your Instruction sake kind
Country men and women) I speak a word, or two or three
apart.
First, Syrups made by Infusion are usually made of
Flowers, and of such Flowers, as soon lose both colour and
strength by boyling, as Roses, Violets, Peach-Flowers &c.
my Translation of the London Dispensatory will instruct
you in the rest: They are thus made, having picked your
Flowers clean, to every pound of them ad three pound (or
three pints, which you will for it is all one) of Spring
Water made boyling hot by the fire, first put your Flowers
in a Peuter Pot with a cover, then powr the Water to them,
then shutting the Pot, let it stand by the fire to keep
hot twelve hours, then strain it out (in such Syrups as
purge, as Damask Roses, Peach-Flowers, &c. the usual and
indeed the best way is to repeat this Infusion, adding
fresh Flowers to the same Liquor diverse times that so it
may be the stronger) having strained it out, put the
Infusion into a Peuter Bason, or an Earthen one well
glassed, and to every pint of it, ad two pound of fine
Sugar, which being only melted over the fire without
boyling, and scummed, will produce you the Syrup you
desire.
Secondly, Syrups made by Decoction are usually used of
Compounds yet may any Simple Herb be thus converted into
Syrup; Take the Herb, Root, or Flower you would make into
Syrup and bruise it a little, then boyl it in a convenient
quantity of Spring Water, the more water you boyl it in
the weaker will it be, a handful of the Herb, Root, &c. is
a convenient quantity for a pint of Water; boyl it till
half the water be consumed, then let it stand till it be
almost cold, and strain it (being almost cold) through a
woollen cloth, letting it run out at leisure without
pressing, to every pint of this Decoction ad one pound of
Sugar and boyl it over the fire till it come to a Syrup,
which you may know if you now and then cool a little of it
in a spoon, scum it all the while it boyls, and when it is
sufficiently boyled, whilst it is hot strain it again
through a woollen cloth, but press it not; thus have you
the Syrup perfected.
Thirdly, Syrups made of Juyces are usually made of
such Herbs as are full of Juyce, and indeed they are
better made into a Syrup this way than any other; the
Operation is thus, having beaten the Herb in a stone
Mortar with a wooden Pestle, press out the Juyce and
clarifie it as you were taught before in the Juyces, then
let the Juyce boyl away till a quarter of it (or neer
upon) be consumed, to a pint of this ad a pound of Sugar,
and boyl it to a Syrup, alwaies scumming it, and when it
is boyled enough, strain it through a woollen cloth as we
taught you before, and keep it for your use.
# unit P text
3. If you make Syrups of Roots that are any thing hard,
as Parsley, Fennel, and grass Roots &c. when you have
bruised them, lay them in steep some time in that Water
which you intend to boyl them in, hot, so will the Vertue
the better come out.
# unit P text
4. Keep your Syrups either in Glasses or stone Pots, and
stop them not with Cork, nor Bladder, unless you would
have the Glass break and the Syrup lost; and as many
Opinions as there are in this Nation, I suppose there are
but few or none of this, only bind a Paper about the
Mouth.
# unit P text
5. All Syrups if well made will continue a yeer, with
some advantage yet of all, such as are made by Infusion
keep the least while.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 3.
Of Juleps.
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1. Juleps were first invented as I suppose in Arabia, and
my reason is because the word Juleb is an Arabick word.
# unit P text
2. It signifies only a pleasant Potion, and was vulgarly
used (by such as were sick and wanted help, or such as
were in health, and wanted no money) to quench thirst.
# unit P text
3. Now a daies 'tis commonly used,
# unit P text
1. To prepare the Body for Purgation.
# unit P text
2. To open Obstructions and the Pores.
# unit P text
3. To digest tough Humors.
# unit P text
4. To qualifie hot distempers &c.
# unit P text
4. It is thus made (I mean Simple Juleps for I have
nothing to say to Compounds here; all Compounds have as
many several Idea's as men have crotchets in their Brain)
I say Simple Juleps are thus made: Take a pint of such
distilled Water as conduceth to the cure of your
distemper, which this Treatise will plentifully furnish
you withal, to which add two ounces of Syrup conducing to
the same effect (I shall give you Rules for it in the last
Chapter) mix them together and drink a draught of it at
your pleasure; If you love tart things ad ten drops of Oyl
of Vitriol to your pint and shake it together, and it will
have a fine grateful tast.
# unit P text
5. All Juleps are made for present use, and therefore it
is in vain to speak of their duration.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 4.
Of Decoctions.
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1. All the difference between Decoctions and Syrups made
by Decoction is this, Syrups are made to keep, Decoctions
only for present use, for you can hardly keep a Decoction
a week at any time, if the weather be hot, not half so
long.
# unit P text
2. Decoctions are made of Leaves, Roots, Flowers, Seeds,
Fruits, or Barks, conducing to the cure of the Disease you
make them for; in the same manner are they made as we
shewed you in Syrups.
# unit P text
3. Decoctions made with Wine last longer than such as are
made with Water, and if you take your Decoction to clense
the passages of Urine, or open Obstructions, your best way
is to make it with white Wine instead of Water, because
that is most penetrating.
# unit P text
4. Decoctions are of most use in such Diseases as lie in
the Passages of the Body, as the Stomach, Bowels, Kidneys,
Passages of Urine, and Bladder, because Decoctions pass
quicker to those places than any other form of Medicines.
# unit P text
5. If you will sweeten your Decoction with Sugar, or any
Syrup fit for the occasion you take it for which is
better, you may and no harm done.
# unit P text
6. If in a Decoction you boyl both Roots, Herbs, Flowers,
and Seeds together, let the Roots boyl a good while first,
because they retain their Vertue longest, then the next in
order by the same Rule; viz.
# unit I textitem
1. the Barks,
# unit I textitem
2. the Herbs,
# unit I textitem
3. the Seeds,
# unit I textitem
4. the Flowers,
# unit I textitem
5. the Spices if you put any in, because their vertue
comes soonest out.
# unit P text
7. Such things as by boyling cause sliminess to a
Decoction, as Figs, Quince Seeds, Linseed &c. your best
way is, after you have bruised then, to tie them up in a
linnen rag, as you tie up a Calves Brains, and so boyl
them.
# unit P text
8. Keep all Decoctions in a Glass close stopped, and in
the cooler place you keep them, the longer will they last
ere they be sowr.
Lastly, The usual Dose to be given at one time, is
usually two, three, four, or five ounces, according to the
age and strength of the Patient, the season of the yeer,
the strength of the Medicine, and the quality of the
Disease.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 5.
Of Oyles.
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1. Oyl Olive, which is commonly known by the name of
Sallet Oyl, I suppose because it is usually eaten with
Sallets by them that love it; If it be pressed out of ripe
Olives, according to Galen is temperate, and exceeds in no
one quality.
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2. Of Oyls, some are Simple, and some are Compound.
# unit P text
3. Simple Oyuls are such as are made of Fruits or Seeds,
by expression, as Oyl of sweet and bitter Almonds,
Linseed, and Rapeseed Oyl &c. of which see my
Dispensatory.
# unit P text
4. Compound Oyls are made of Oyl of Olives and other
Simples, imagine Herbs, Flowers, Roots, &c.
# unit P text
5. The way of making them is this, having bruised the
Herbs or Flowers you would make your Oyl of, put them in
an Earthen pot, and to two or three handfuls of them, powr
a pint of Oyl, cover the pot with a paper, and set it in
the Sun, about a Fortnight or less according as the Sun is
in hotness; then having warmed it very well by the fire,
press out the Herbs &c. very hard in a press, and ad as
many more Herbs to the same Oyl, bruised (the Herbs I mean
not the Oyl in like manner, set them in the Sun as before,
the oftner you repeat this the stronger will your Oyl be;
at last when you conceive it strong enough, boyl both
Herbs and Oyl together till the Juyce be consumed which
you may know by its leaving its bubling, and the Herbs
will be crisp, then strain it, whilst it is hot, and keep
it in a stone or Glass Vessel for your use.
# unit P text
6. As for Chymical Oyls, I have nothing to say in this
Treatise.
# unit P text
7. The General use of these Oyls is for pain in the
Limbs, roughness of the Skin, the Itch &c. as also for
Oyntments and Plaisters.
# unit P text
8. If you have occasion to use it for Wounds or Ulcers,
in two ounces of Oyl, dissolve half an ounce of
Turpentine, the heat of the fire will quickly do it, for
Oyl it self is offensive to Wounds, and the Turpentine
qualifies it.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 6.
Of Electuaries.
# unit P text
Physitians make more a quoil than needs behalf about
Electuaries: I shall prescribe but one general way of
making them up, as for the Ingredients you may vary them
as you please, and according as you find occassion by the
last Chapter.
# unit P text
1. That you may make Electuaries when you need them, it
is requisite that you keep alwaies Herbs, Roots, Seeds,
Flowers &c. ready dried in your House, that so you may be
in readiness to beat them into pouder when you need them.
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2. Your better way is to keep them whol than beaten, for
being beaten they are the more subject to lose their
strength, because the Air soon penetrates them.
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3. If they be not dry enough to beat into pouder when you
need them, dry them by a gentle fire till they are so.
# unit P text
4. Having beaten them, sift them through a fine Tiffany
Searce, that so there may be no great pieces found in your
Electuary.
# unit P text
5. To an ounce of your Pouder, ad three ounces of
clarified Honey, this quantity I hold to be sufficient; I
confess Authors differ about it: If you would make more or
less Electuary, vary your proportions accordingly.
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6. Mix them well together in a Mortar, and take this for
a truth, you cannot mix them too much.
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7. The way to clarifie Honey is to set it over the fire
in a convenient vessel till the scum arise, and when the
scum is taken off it is clarified.
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8. The usual Dose of Cordial Electuaries is from half a
dram to two drams, of purging Electuaries from half an
ounce to an ounce.
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9. The manner of keeping them is in a pot.
# unit P text
10. The time of taking them, is either in the morning
fasting, and fasting an hour after them, or a night going
to bed three or four hours after supper.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 7.
Of Conserves.
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1. The way of making Conserves is two-fold, one of Herbs
and Flowers, and the other of Fruits.
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2. Conserves of Herbs and Flowers are thus made, If you
make your Conserves of Herbs, as of Scurvy-grass,
Wormwood, Rue, or the like, take only the Leaves and
tender tops (for you may beat your heart out before you
can beat the Stalks small) and having beaten them, waigh
them, and to everie pound of them ad three pound of Sugar,
beat them verie well together in a Mortar, you cannot beat
them too much.
# unit P text
3. Conserves of Fruits, as of Barberries, Sloes, and the
like is thus made; First scald the Fruit, then rub the
pulp through a thick hair Sieve made for the purpose,
called a pulping Sieve, you may do it for a need with the
back of a Spoon, then take this Pulp thus drawn, and ad to
it its waight of Sugar and no more, put it in a Peuter
Vessel, and over a Charcoal fire stir it up and down till
the Sugar be melted, and your Conserve is made.
# unit P text
4. Thus have you the way of making Conserves, the way of
keeping of them is in Earthen pots.
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5. The Dose is usually the quantity of a Nutmeg at a time
morning and evening, or (unless they be purging) when you
please.
# unit P text
6. Of Conserves, some keep many yeers, as Conserves of
Roses, others but a yeer, as Conserves of Borrage,
Bugloss, Cowslips and the like.
# unit P text
7. Have a care of the working of some Conserves presently
after they are made, look to them once a day and stir them
about; Conserves of Borrage, Bugloss, and Wormwood have
gotten an excellent faculty at that sport.
# unit P text
8. You may know when your Conserves are almost spoiled by
this, you shall find a hard crust at top with little holes
in it as though Worms had been eating there.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 8.
Of Preserves.
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Of Preserves are sundry sorts, and the Operations of
all being somthing different we will handle them all
apart.
There are preserved with Sugar,
# unit I textitem
1 Flowers.
# unit I textitem
2 Fruits.
# unit I textitem
3 Roots.
# unit I textitem
4 Barks.
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1. Flowers are but very seldom preserved, I never saw any
that I remember save only Cowslip Flowers, and that was a
great fashion in Sussex when I was a boy; It is thus done,
first, take a flat Glass, we call them jarr Glasses, strew
in a lain of fine Sugar, on that a lain of Flowers, on
that another lain of Sugar, on that another lain of
Flowers, do so til your Glass be full, then tie it over
with a paper, and in a little time you shall have very
excellent and pleasant Preserves.
There is another way of Preserving Flowers, namely with
Vinegar and Salt, as they pickle Capers and Broom Buds,
but because I have little skill in it my self I canot
teach you.
# unit P text
2. Fruits, as Quinces and the like are preserved two
waies.
First, Boyl them well in Water, and then pulp them
through a Sieve as we shewed you before; then with the
like quantity of Sugar boyl the Water they were boyled in
to a Syrup, viz. a pound of Sugar to a pint of Liquor, to
every pound of this Syrup ad four ounces of the Pulp, then
boyl it with a very gentle fire to the right consistence,
which you may easily know if you drop a drop of it upon a
Trencher, if it be enough it will not stick to your
fingers when it is cold.
Secondly, Another way to preserve Fruits is this, First
pare off the rind, then cut them in halves and take out
the Core, then boyl them in Water till they are soft, If
you know when Beef is boyled enough you may easily know
when they are; then boyl the Water with its like waight of
Sugar into a Syrup, put the Syrup into a Pot, and put the
boyled Fruit as whol as you left it when you cut it into
it, and let it so remain till you have occasion to use it.
# unit P text
3. Roots are thus preserved, First, scrape them very
clean, and clense them from the Pith if they have any, for
some Roots have not, as Eringo and the like, boyl them in
Water till they be soft as we shew you before in the
Fruits, then boyl the Water you boyled the Roots into a
Syrup as we shewed you before, then keep the Roots whol in
the Syrup till you use them.
# unit P text
4. As for Barks we have but few come to our hands to be
done, and those of those few that I can remember, are
Orrenges, Lemmons, Citrons, and the outer Bark of Walnuts
which grows without the Shell, for the Shels themselves
would make but scurvy Preserves, there be they I can
remember, if there be any more put them into the number.
The way of Preserving these is not all one in Authors,
for some are bitter, some are not, such as are bitter, say
Authors, must be soaked in warm Water, often times changed
till their bitter tast be fled, but I like not this way,
and my reason is, because I doubt when their bitterness is
gone, so is their Vertues also; I shall then prescribe one
commmon way, namely the same with the former, viz. First
boyl them whol till they be soft, then make a Syrup with
Sugar and the Liquor you boyled them in, and keep the
Barks in the Syrup.
# unit P text
5. They are kept in Glasses or glassed Pots.
# unit P text
6. The preserved Flowers will keep a yeer if you can
forbear eating of them, the Roots and Barke much longer.
# unit P text
7. This Art was plainly and cleerly at first invented for
delicacy, yet came afterwards to be of excellent use in
Physick; For,
First, Hereby Medicines are made pleasant for sick and
queazy Stomachs, which else would loath them.
# unit P text
2. Hereby they are preserved from decaying a long time.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 9.
Of Lohochs.
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1. That which the Arabians call Lohoch, and the Greeks
Eclegma, the Latins call Linetus, and in plain English,
signifies nothing else but a thing to be licked up.
# unit P text
2. Their first invention was to prevent and remedy
afflictions of the Breast and Lungs, to clense the Lungs
of Flegm, and make it fit to be cast out.
# unit P text
3. They are in Body thicker than a Syrup, and not so
thick as an Electuary.
# unit P text
4. The manner of taking them is often to take a little
with a Liquoris stick and let it go down at leisure.
# unit P text
5. They are easily thus made, make a Decoction of any
pectoral Herbs, the Treatise will furnish you with enough,
and when you have strained it, with twise its waight of
Honey or Sugar, boyl it to a Lohoch; If you are molested
with tough Flegm, Honey is better than Sugar, and if you
ad a little Vinegar to it you will do well, if not, I hold
Sugar to be better than Honey.
# unit P text
6. It is kept in Pots and will a yeer and longer.
# unit P text
7. Its use is excellent for roughness of the Windpipe,
Inflamations of the Lungs, Ulcers in the Lungs,
difficultie of Breath, Asthmaes, Coughs and distillation
of Humors.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 10.
Of Oyntments.
# unit P text
1. Various are the waies of making Oyntments which
Authors have left to posteritie, which I shall omit and
quote one which is easiest to be made, and therefore most
beneficial to people that are ignorant in Physick, for
whose sakes I write this; It is thus done.
Bruise those Herbs, Flowers, or Roots you would make an
Oyntment of, and to two handfuls of your bruised Herbs ad
a pound of Hogs Grease tryed, or clensed from the skins,
beat them very well together in a stone Mortar with a
wooden Pestle, then put it in a stone Pot (the Herbs and
Grease I mean, not the Mortar) cover it with a paper, and
set it either in the Sun or some other warm place three,
four, or fivs daies, that it may melt, then take it out
and boyl it a little, then whilst it is hot, strain it
out, pressing it out very hard in a Press, to this Grease
ad as many more Herbs bruised as before, let them stand in
like manner as long, then boyl them as you did the former, if you think your
Oyntment be not strong enough you may do
it the third and fourth time; yet this I tell you, the
fuller of Juyce your Herbs are, the sooner will your
Oyntment be strong, the last time you boyl it, boyl it so
long till your Herbs be crisp and the Juyce consumed, then
strain it, pressing it hard in a Press, and to every pound
of Oyntment, ad two ounces of Turpentine, and as much Wax,
because Grease is offensive to Wounds as well as Oyl,
# unit P text
2. Oyntments are vulgarly known to be kept in Pots, and
will last above a yeer, above two yeer.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 11.
Of Plaisters.
# unit P text
1. The Greeks made their Plaisters of diverse Simples and
put Mettals in most of them if not in all, for having
reduced their Mettals into Pouder they mixed them with
that fatty substance, whereof the rest of the Plaister
consisted. whilst it was yet hot, continually stirring it
up and down lest it should sink to the bottom, so they
continually stirred it till it was stiff, then they made
it up in rolls, which when they need for use they could
melt by the fire again.
# unit P text
2. The Arabians made up theirs wih Meals, Oyl, and Fat,
which needed not so long boyling.
# unit P text
3. The Greeks Emplasters consisted of these Ingredients,
Mettals, Stones, diverse sorts of Earths, Feces, Juyces,
Liquoiris, Seeds, Roots, Herbs, Excrements of Creatures,
Wax, Rozin, Gums.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 12.
Of Pultisses.
# unit P text
1. Pultisses are those kind of things which the Latins
call Cataplasmata, and our learned Fellows that if they
can read English thats all, call them Cataplasms, because
'tis a crabbed word few understand; it is indeed a very
fine kind of Medicine to ripen Sores,
# unit P text
2. They are made of Herbs and Roots fitted to the Disease
and Member afflicted, being chopped smal and boyled in
Water almost to a Jelly, then by adding a little Barley
Meal or Meal of Lupines, and a little Oyl or rough Sheep
Suet, which I hold to be better, spread upon a cloath and
applied to the grieved place.
# unit P text
3. Their use is to ease pains, to break Sores, to cool
Inflamations, to dissolve hardness, to ease the Spleen, to
concoct Humors, to dissipate Swellings.
# unit P text
4. I beseech you take this Caution along with you, Use no
Pultissees (if you can help it) that are of a heating
Nature; before you have first clensed the Body, because
they are subject to draw the Humors to them from every
part of the Body.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 13.
Of Troches.
# unit P text
1. The Latins call them Placentule, or little Cakes (and
you might have seen what the Greeks call them too, had not
the last Edition of my London Dispensatory been so
hellishly printed, that's all the Commonwealth gets by one
Stationer's printing anothers Coppies, viz. To plague the
Country with false Prints, and disgrace the Author) ***
they are usually little round flat Cakes, or you may make them square if you will.
# unit P text
2. Their first invention was, that Pouders being so kept
might resist the intromission of Air and so endure pure
the longer.
# unit P text
3. Besides, they are the easier carried in the Pockets of
such as travel; many a man (for example) is forced to
travel whose Stomach is too cold, or at least not so hot
as it should be, which is most proper, for the Stomach is
never cold till a man be dead; in such a case 'tis better
to carry Troches of Wormwood or of Galanga, in a Paper in
his Pocket and more convenient behalf than to lug a
Gall-pot along with him.
# unit P text
4. They are thus made, At night when you go to bed, take
two drams of fine Gum Tragacanth, put it into a Gally-pot,
and put half a quarter of a pint of any distilled Water
fitting the purpose you would make your Troches for, to
it, cover it, and the next morning you shall find it in
such a Jelly as Physitians call Mussilage, with this you
may (with a little pains taking) make any Pouder into
Past, and that Past into little Cakes called Troches.
# unit P text
5. Having made them, dry them well in the shadow and keep
them in a Pot for your use.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. 14.
Of Pills.
# unit P text
1. They are called Pilulae because they resemble little
Balls, the Greeks call them Catapotia.
# unit P text
2. It is the Opinion of Modern Physitians that this way
of making up Medicines was invented only to deceive the
Pallat, that so by swallowing them down whol, the bitterness
of the medicine might not be perceived or at least it might not be unsufferable, and indeed most of
their Pills though not all are very bitter.
# unit P text
3. I am of a clean contrary Opinion to this, I rather
think they were done up in this hard form that so they
might be the longer in digesting, and my Opinion is
grounded upon Reason too, not upon Fancy nor Hear-say; The
first invention of Pills was to purge the Head, now as I
told you before, such Infirmities as lay neer the
passages, were best removed by Decoctions, because they
pass to the grieved part soonest, so here, if the
infirmity lie in the Head or any other remote part, the
best way is to use Pills, because they are longer in
digestion, and therefore the better able to call the
offending Humor to them.
# unit P text
4. If I should tell you here a long Tale of Medicines
working by Sympathy and Antipathy, you would not
understand a word of it, they that are fit to make
Physitians may find it in the Treatise: All Modern
Physitians know not what belonged to a Sympathetical Cure,
no more than a Cookoo knows what belongs to Flats and
Sharps in Musick, but follow the vulgar road, and call it
a hidden quality because 'tis hid from the Eyes of Dunces,
and indeed none but Astrologers can give a reason of it,
and Physick without Reason is like a Pudding without Fat.
# unit P text
5. The way to make Pills is very easie, for with the help
of a Pestle and Mortar and little diligence, you may make
any Pouder into PiIls, either with Syrup or the Jelly I
told you of before.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Chap. ult.
The way of mixing Medicines according to the Cause of
the Disease and part of the Body afflicted.
# unit P text
This being indeed the Key of the Work, I shall be
somthing, the more dilligent in it: I shall deliver my self thus;
# unit P text
1. To the Vulgar.
# unit P text
2. To such as study Astrology, or such as study
Physick Astrologically.
# unit P text
First to the Vulgar: Kind souls I am sorry it hath been
your hard mishap to have been so long trained in such
Egyptian darkness, even darkness which to your sorrows may
be felt; the vulgar road of Physick is not my practice,
and I am therefore the more unfit to give you advice; and
I have now published a little Book which will fully
instruct you not only in the knowledg of your own Bodies
but also in fit Medicines to remedy each part of it when
afflicted, mean season take these few Rules to stay your
Stomachs.
# unit P text
1. With the Disease regard the Cause and part of the Body
afflicted, for example, suppose a Woman be subect to
miscarry through wind, thus do,
# unit P text
1. Look 隹bortion� in the Table of Diseases, and
you shall be directed by that how many Herbs
prevent miscarriage.
# unit P text
2. Look 俐ind� in the same Table, and you shall see
how many of those Herbs expell wind.
# unit P text
These are the Herbs Medicinal for your Grief.
# unit P text
2. In all Diseases strengthen the part of the Body
afflicted.
# unit P text
3. In mixed Diseases there lies some difficulty, for
somtimes two parts of the Body are afflicted with contrary
Humors the one to the other, somtimes one part is
afflicted with two contrary Humors, as somtimes the Liver
is afflicted with Choller and Water, as when a man hath
both a Dropsie and the yellow Jaundice, and this is
usually mortal.
In the former, suppose the Brain be too cold and
moist, and the Liver too hot and dry, thus do,
# unit P text
1. Keep your Head outwardly warm.
# unit P text
2. Accustom your self to smell of hot Herbs.
# unit P text
3. Take a Pill that heats the Head at night going
to bed.
# unit P text
4. In the morning take a Decoction that cools the
Liver, for that quickly passeth the Stomach,
and is at the Liver immediately.
# unit P text
You must not think (Courteous People) that I can
spend time to give you examples of all Diseases, these are
enough to let you see so much light as you without Art are
able to received, If I should set you to look upon the Sun
I should dazle your eyes and make you blind.
Secondly, To such as study Astrology (who are the only
men I know that are fit to study Physick, Physick without
Astrology, being like a Lamp without Oyl) you are men I
exceedingly respect, and such Documents as my Brain can
give you at present (being absent from my study) I shall
give you, and an example to shew the proof of them.
# unit P text
1. Fortifie the Body with Herbs of the Nature of
the lord of the Ascendent, 'tis no matter
whether he be a Fortune or an Infortune in this
case.
# unit P text
2. Let your Medicine be somthing Antipathetical to
the lord of the sixth.
# unit P text
3. Let your Medicine be somthing of the Nature of
the Sign ascending.
# unit P text
4. If the lord of the Tenth be strong, make use of
his Medicines.
# unit P text
5. If this cannot well be, make use of the Medicines
of the light of time.
# unit P text
6. Be sure alwaies fortifie the grieved part of the
body by Sympathetical Remedies.
# unit P text
7. Regard the Heart, keep that upon the Wheels
because the Sun is the Fountain of Life, and
therefore those Universal Remedies Aurum
potabile, and the Phylosophers Stone, cure all
Diseases by only fortifying the Heart.
# unit P text
But that this may appear unto you as cleer as the
Sun when he is upon the Meridian, I here quote you an
Example, which I performed when I was as far off from my
study as I am now, yet am I not ashamed the world should
see how much or little of my Lesson I have learned without
Book.
On July, 25. 1651. there came a Letter to me out of
Bedfordhsire, from a Gentleman (at that time) altogether
to me unknown, though since well known, who was a Student
both in Astrologie and Physick: The words which are these;
Mr. Culpeper,
My Love remembred unto you, although I know you not
by face; yet because I do much respect that pretty little
Lark, you so lately let fly into the world, which you call
Semeiotica Uranica, which I have lately taken into my
Cage; I am therefore imboldned to write unto you in the
behalf of a Neighbors Wife, who is taken with a very
violent Disease which began in the lowr parts of her Body,
but is now ascended upwards, and tormenteth her in her
Breast, Throat, Tongue, and Lips: This Disease took
possession of her (as she relateth to me) about a
fortnight before Michaelmas last, but the certain day and
hour she is not able to nominate; she sent for me, and
enquired whether she were not under an ill Tongue or not,
or of what nature the Disease was: I have sent you the
enclosed Scheam, I could find but one testimony of
Fascination or Witchcraft, which was one Sign possessing
the Cusps of the Twelfth and First Houses, which to me
holds forth no more than a strong suspition of it by the
Querent; However I am confident there is a natural Disease
which hurts much, because the Lord of the Sixt, which
usually gives signification of Natural Diseases, is now
placed in the Ascendent; but at present I forbear to make
any large discours of mine own Opinions, being desirous
that you would endeavor your Skill in this Cure, for there
is not a Doctor of them all far or near that have been so
skilful to find out the Disease, much less to effect the
Cure. Sr. I expect your Answer; mean time bid you
farewel, and remain yours in Affection, &c.
# unit H figtitle
The inclosed Scheam.
***
# unit P text
My Answer to the Letter, was to this effect.
Sir,
I received yours, July 25. wherein I find your
enclosed Scheam, and (I suppose) the nature of the
Disease, and have sent you such an Answer as I could,
being far from my Study, which I entreat you to take in
good part, being Fastinanti calamo Conscripta. As for the
ignorance of your Country Doctors, they wanting the true
Judgment of Astrology, is to me no waies admirable; I
perceive you to be a yong man by the time of your Genesis,
which you also sent me, beware whom you trust with that,
he that knows your Nativity knows when ill Directions
operate, and if he be an Enemy, knows when to do you a
mischief; If Cecil had not had Essex his Nativity, he had
never gotten his Head off, but to instruct you being a
yong Student, I shall give you my Judgment Methodically.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Diacritica.
# unit P text
You say you can find no Arguments of Witchcraft, but
only one Sign possessing the Cusps of both Twelth and
Ascendent, but if you had regarded the Propinquity of
Venus to Saturn you would have made another of that, yet
do not I think she is bewitched, because of other more
prevalent testimonies; the Moon passing from the beams of
Mars to the beams of Venus may seem to give some suspition
of Honesty, and the Disease to come that way, which is
encreased by Mars his being in the Ascendent in Scorpio,
and the Dragons Tail upon the Cusp, yet I can hardly
beleeve this, for Cauda in a humane Sign usually gives
Slanders and not Tales of Truth, 'tis a hundred to one if
she suffer not in point of good name by the vulgar (this
was too true) Besides, the neerness of Venus to Saturn may
well shew trouble of mind, and it being in the ninth
House, pray enquire whether she have not been troubled
about some tenents in Religion (the trouble of mind was
true, but it was about a stranger, which the ninth House
also signifies.)
# unit R subsectiontitle
Diagnostica.
# unit P text
Venus, Lady of the Twelfth, and Ascendent, and Kigth,
shews her alwaies to be her own foe in respect of Health;
and truly I beleeve the original of the Disease was a
Surfet either by eating moist Fruits, or else by catching
wet in travelling; Venus with Saturn who is in square to
the Ascendent troubles her Breast with tough Flegm and
Melancholly: Besides, there being a most forcible
reception between the Moon and Venus from fruitful Signs,
I question whether she be not with Child or not, the Moon
being in the fifth House, Mars is lord of the Disease,
really in the Scorpion, and accidentally in the Ascendent,
together with Aries on the sixt, shew the Disease keeps
his Court in the Womb, and accidentaly afflicts the Head
from thence, so that heat of the Womb must needs be cause
of the present distemper, and Mars in a moist Sign in the
first neer the second may well denote heat, and breaking
out about her Face and Throat.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Prognostica.
# unit P text
Whether she be curable or not, or how or when the
Disease will end is our next Point; Truly I can see no
danger of death the Moon being strong in her hain, and
applying by Trine with a strong reception to the Lady of
the Ascendent; yet this is certain, Mars strong in a fixed
Sign will maintain the Disease stoutly, her hopes will be
but smal when Venus comes to the Body of Saturn, viz.
August 2. for she will be overpressed with Melancholly,
the time I suppose of her Cure may be (if good courses be
taken) when Mars leaves the Sign he is in, and comes to
the place where the Body of Jupiter is, or at least then
it may turn to another Disease more propitious; the Sun
strong in the Tenth shews she may be cured by Medicine,
and he being exalted in the seventh, and caput there, I do
not know but you are as likely a man to do it as any.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Indications Curative.
# unit P text
It is confessed here that the Sun being exceeding
strong in the tenth House, should naturally signifie the
curative Medicine, and as true that the evils of Mars,
viz. heat in the Womb, and a salt humor in the blood ought
to be removed before you meddle with the tough Flegm in
the Breast, but yet seeing the Disease seems rather to
participate of offending heat than any other Simple
quality, you must have a care of hot Medicines lest you go
about ignem oleo extinguere, the Medicines must 1. be
cool, 2. strengthning the Womb, 3. repressing the vapors,
4. of the nature of Sol and Venus.
# unit R subsectiontitle
Therapeutice.
# unit P text
To this intent, I first commend unto you stinking
Arrach, a pattern whereof I have sent you enclosed, you
may find it upon Dunghils, especially such as are made of
Horse dung: It is cold and moist, an Herb of Venus in the
Scorpion; Also Ros Solis an Herb of the Sun and under the
Coelestial Crab, may do very well, and the better because
Venus is in Cancer: It grows upon Bogs in untilled places,
and is in flower about this time, it grows very low, with
roundish green leaves full of red hairs, and is fullest of
dew when the Sun is hottest, whence it took its name; to
these you may ad Tansie, which I take to be an Herb of
Venus in Libra, and Lettice if you please which is an Herb
of the Moon, Mars having his fall in Cancer they are all
harmless, you may use them according to your own
descretion: also Orpine, another Herb of the Moon is very
good in this case.
Sir, I wish you well, and if you esteem of my Lark
above his deserts, I pray trim his Feathers for him
(correct the Errors by the Errata) else will he make but
unpleasing Musick. Thus remain yours, &c.
I the rather chose this Figure to judg of, because none
should have just occasion to say of us Astologers that we
do as Physitians vulgar practice is, when they judg of
Piss; first pump what they can out of the Querent, and
then judg by his words; of which I will rehearse you one
merry story, and so I will conclude the Book.
A Woman whose Husband had bruised himself, took his
Water, and away to the Doctor trots she; the Doctor takes
the Piss and shakes it about, How long hath this party
been ill (saith he) Sr. saith the Woman, He hath been ill
these two daies, This is a mans water quoth the Doctor
presently, this he learned by the word HE; then looking on
the water he spied blood in it, the man hath had a bruise
saith he, I indeed saith the woman, my Husband fell down a
pair of stairs backwards, then the Doctor knew well enough
that what came first to danger must needs be his back and
shoulders, said, the Bruise lay there; the woman she
admired at the Doctors skil, and told him, that if he
could tell her one thing more she would account him the
ablest Physitian in Europe; well, what was that? How many
Stairs her Husband fell down, this was a hard Question
indeed, able to puzle a stronger Brain than Mr. Doctor
had, to pumping goes he, and having taken the Urinal and
given it a shake or two, enquires whereabout she lived,
and knowing well the place, and that the Houses
thereabouts were but low built Houses, made answer (after
another view of the urine for fashion sake) that probably
he might fall down some seven or eight stairs; ah, quoth
the woman, now I see you know nothing, my Husband fell
down thirty; thirthy! quoth the Doctor, and snatching up
the Urinal, is here all the water saith he? no saith the
woman, I spilt some in putting of it in, look you there
quoth Mr. Doctor, there were all the other stairs spilt.
Yet mistake me not, I do not deny but such whose daily
experience is to judg Waters, and usually judg a hundred
in a day may know somthing by them: If any thing may be
known by Urine, I am sure it may by Art, put them both
together, vis unita fortior. Thus I take my leave of you;
be diligent and I am yours.
Nich. Culpeper.
# part x INDEX
## <x001>
# chapter 1 INDEX
# unit T chaptertitle
AN ALPHABETICAL CATALOGUE OF THE DISEASES SPECIFIED IN THIS TREATISE:
Together with the Page where to find the cure.
# unit Y indexlabel
A
# unit Z indexlines
Abortion 17~
Adders 19~
Afterbirth 3,5,11,20,32,34,41,43,50,53,67,86,192,195,212,234~
Aconitum 195~
Agues 2,5,6,8,10,11,15,16,22,26,27,30,34,37,47,49,50,54,55,58,62,66,
73,75,77,81,88,196,199,201,209,210,215,219,220,223,224,227,232,
234,235~
Andicomes 7,12,20~
Apostumes 2,11,32,49,54,58,65,71,91,231~
Appetite lost 3,10,14,16,31,32,196,201,220,239~
Arteries 10,12,25,61~
St. Anthonies fire 14,34,37,45,62,63,70,78,199,205,210,224,237~
Almonds of the Ears 17,89~
Ach 27,195,202, 205,210,222,224~
Adust Choller 44~
Adust Melancholly 57~
Asthma 67,237~
Apoplexy 72,81,83,235~
Baldness 14,47,190~
Barrenness 28,72,89~
Belly 2,8,27,59,77,78,85,87,192,201,206,220,226,231~
Belching 14,24~
Binding 2,3,15,17,38,53,62,86,196,206,228~
Beauty 29,38,47,59~
Breath 12,13,14,24,26,36,48,51,66,67,76,89,189,190,199,217,221,226~
Bleeding 1,6,13,15,17,24,28,53,54,65,67,68,71,72,84,86,194,196,200,220,
213,219,228,229,231~
Blood 18,21,36,39,44,45,69,205,209,212,230~
Bloody Flux 2,10,17,34,35,37,53,54,56,59,60,61,71,92,228~
Black and Blew Spots 17,20,24,26,41,53,54,56,59,60,61,71,92,228~
Bowels 1,40,92~
Bees 216~
Black Jaundice 22~
Bladder 8,22,25,31,38,50,52,73~
Blisters 14~
Breast 1,2,3,8,10,41,55,78,88,192~
Back 34,38~
Brain 8,10,27,49, xx~
Burning 3,5,7,13,14,25,28,37,42,47,68,69,78,92,192,193,194,200,231~
Birth 50,86~
Bruises 7,12,14,15,222,32,34,37,42,43,50,52,76,78,88,89~
Boyls 10,12,41,220,221~
Bees 11~
Breasts 8,12,53,61,82,89,194,200,201~
Broken Bones 20,21,37,49,50,52,54,84,xx~
# unit Y indexlabel
B
# unit Z indexlines
Cachexia 38,42~
Cancers 2,29,36,53~
Cantharides 17~
Cankers 17,24,25,28,33,42,48,53,54,56,60,86,88,196,212,219,220~
Childbirth 12,14,52,237~
Chops 5,82,197,236~
Clensing 2,13,51,56,189,194,214~
Chincough 78~
Chollick 2,5,9,27,28,45,47,49,50,61,62,64,65,72,87,189,190,197,210,
215,235,236~
Cough 2,4,12,15,16,18,19,34,36,41,48,50,53,54,58,62,63,66,67,73,75,76,
86,87,88,89,91,92,189,190,213,214,210,212,215,232~
Choller 2,3,8,10,28,30,37,41,46,50,54,57,64,69,72,77,81,82,194,
196,199,210,214,215,209,223,230,233,239~
Cold 4,15,27,79,89,236~
Chilblains 64~
Cods 13,45,64,65,77,210,236~
Congealed blood 7~
Cools 9,15,25,53,62,190,196,199,214,220,223,228~
Convulsion 9,15,19,26,30,38,48,54,58,59,62,72,78,85,87,192,221~
Cramp 9,19,26,27,30,38,48,54,58,59,62,72,78,85,86,87,89,192,195,209,212,221~
Consumption 18,25,42,46,67~
Corns 68,237~
Clotted blood 33,43,209~
Costiveness 33~
Corrosion 53~
Curdled milk 92~
# unit Y indexlabel
D
# unit Z indexlines
Dandriff 14,43,78~
Dead child 21,53,79,192,195,212,235~
Deformity 50,52,193~
Deafness 2,64,216,217,221,235~
Diabets 17,230~
Digests 33~
Dissolves 33~
Disury 8,9,12,13,15,21,22,24,25,26,28,31,32,37,39,
41,42,45,47,49,50,52,53,55,57,58,59,61,62,66,67,70,75,76,
89,90,92,201,226,231~
Dislocations 21~
Dogs 66~
Dropsie 3,8,9,11,20,22,27,28,30,46,49,53,55,58,62,63,66,70,78,
79,85,92,190,192,195,196,209,210,215,225,227~
Dimness of Sight 49,81,197,202,207,209,215~
Dulness 39,213~
Drying 2,4,15,62,90,197,198,235~
Drunkenness 69~
Dreams 72,82,199~
Disjunctures 87,89,235~
# unit Y indexlabel
E
# unit Z indexlines
Ears 2,10,12,14,18,31,35,47,52,68,70,82,89,190,197,205,235~
Errwigs 64~
Epidemical Diseases 4,14,20,24,32,75,91~
Eyes 6,8,10,11,12,18,31,34,41,45,47,51,53,56,63,68,73,77,81,
205,215,223,224,236,239~
# unit Y indexlabel
F
# unit Z indexlines
Fainting 5,10,72,192~
Falling-Sickness 18,20,33,38,56,58,61,66,72,77,79,83,92,192,195~
Falls 21,32,34,52,78~
Felones 7,12~
Fatness 51~
Flegm 3,5,8,19,21,22,25,31,32,40,50,58,67,69,79,81,85,189,
192,197,209,215,217,224~
Fleas 2,7~
Feavers 10,54,65,79,229~
Fistulaes 21,28,33,45,53,55,71,88,189,203~
Flux 2,3,5,9,10,12,14,21,25,33,37,8,44,53,54,56,60,67,69,71,
72,75,84,85,194,199,201,209,213,225,328,229~
Forgetfulness 57~
Freckles 5,20,31,39,41,44,53,75,76,88,191,226,238~
Frenzy 18,38,73,198~
French Pox 49,64,66,206,230~
Fundament 17,41,52~
# unit Y indexlabel
G
# unit Z indexlines
Gall 2,27,42,44,45,64~
Gangrenes 20,23,37,42,71,89~
Gauls 13~
Gnats 50~
Gout 2,5,7,8,10,11,12,15,25,34,37,39,41,48,54,55,59,63,
64,79,89,90,191,192,193,196,198,200,209,230,231~
Gums 17,23,192,205,226~
Guts 195~
Gravel 17,20,21,28,31,52,57,59,79,82,89,191,194,
204,211,214,216,220~
Griping 2~
Groyn 66,87~
# unit Y indexlabel
H
# unit Z indexlines
Headach 21,47,54,58,72,85,189,192,205,209,224,232~
Head 28,34,72~
Heart 9,10,47,205,233~
Hemorrhoids 30,33,52,54,55,86,89,195,224~
Horses tired 7~
Hortnets 11~
Hoarceness 25,31,34,73,233~
Humors 31,75,81,82,190,194,197,206,236~
Hypochondria 42,44~
Hiccough 43~
# unit Y indexlabel
I
# unit Z indexlines
Jaundice 2,3,8,9,10,11,15,26,27,44,55,57,63,85,88,189,220,223,230~
Jaws 41~
Joynts 7,12,13,22,37,59,88,207,220,222,226~
Illiack Passion 216~
Inflammations 1,4,5,7,12,17,20,21,26,31,34,37,45,47,53,54,
62,63,64,67,68,71,72,73,74,77,89,82,90,91,92,190,191,199,220,223,233~
Impostumes 7,83,191,214,220~
Itch 2,3,11,12,29,32,41,44,57,59,66,196,206~
Indigestion 9,10,28,72,75~
# unit Y indexlabel
K
# unit Z indexlines
Kings Evil 7,11,30,35,52,56,59,70,75,78,86,202~
Kidneys 70,225~
# unit Y indexlabel
L
# unit Z indexlines
Leprosie 9,11,26,42,47,52,53,83,88,91~
Lethargy 39,51,72,87,91,192,207,212,215~
Liver 3,5,10,11,13,15,27,29,30,38,41,42,49,57,61,66,74,
76,78,92,189,202,203,209,219,227,230~
Lice 3,210~
Lechery 63~
Loathing of meat 44~
Loosness 5,43~
Loose teeth 48~
Longings 80~
Lungs 3,11,32,53,68,75,197,230,237~
Lust provokes 189~
Lust stops 199~
# unit Y indexlabel
M
# unit Z indexlines
Mare 23,193~
Madness 57,193~
Mad-dogs 5,10,15,25,47,57,82,89,91~
Meazles 17,229~
Megrim 12,224~
Melancholly 5,6,10,24,26,42,50,57,58,76,81,82,85,192,193,197,206,
226,234~
Memory 8,49,57,212~
Mother 6,9,12,15,17,24,28,29,43,48,50,79,85,89,90,191,193,215,223,235~
Mineral Vapors 58~
Mind 10~
Milk in Nurses 18,50,72,77,234~
Milk in cattel 36~
Mouth 16,18,23,33,59,78,192,196,200,205,215,219,220,229,233~
Morphew 20,42,43,44,47,48,62,66,73,88,191,210,233~
Muscles 37,78,191~
Miscarriage 80,212,225~
Mushroms 88,190,239~
# unit Y indexlabel
N
# unit Z indexlines
Navil 200~
Nails in the Flesh 2~
Nepples 54~
Nerves 12,17,37~
Nightshade eaten 89~
Noise in the Ears 2,14,64,66,78~
Nits 225~
Nose 6,15,68,196~
--Noli me tangere, se Polipus.~
# unit Y indexlabel
O
# unit Z indexlines
Obstructions 3,9,10,11,15,20,21,28,29,30,37,42,44,
49,51,53,56,57,66,69,78,87,189,185,210,215,223,227~
Opening 33,42,51,189,190,201,214~
Opium 51,86~
# unit Y indexlabel
P
# unit Z indexlines
Pain 2,12,15,35,37,43,63,82,192,195,199,205,209,210,211,221~
Palsey 15,20,32,34,38,47,51,58,67,72,76,83,216,217~
Piles 17,37,41,70,80,191,196~
Pissing Blood 15,22,67~
Pin and Web 63,231,232~
Plague 2,4,9,17,18,19,20,24,32,33,41,42,43,48,57,68,65,69,
79,91,194,201,210,217,220,223,232,236~
Pleuresy 4,32,33,54,75,77,88,89,197,217,233~
Poyson 2,4,9,11,17,18,19,20,41,43,48,58,65,67,77,79,88,90,91,
194,201,210,220,221,229,234,235~
Phthisick 16,32,37,62,71,73,77,92,196,197,199,207~
Purples 17,54,229~
Pushes 37,206,221,223,239~
Pimples 39,43,53,57,67,206,210,217,224~
Polipus 41,53,89,197~
Privities 2,37,65~
# unit Y indexlabel
Q
# unit Z indexlines
Quartan Agues 2,49,197~
Quotidian Agues 49~
Quinsie 33,38,75,92,202,233,239~
Quikens the Sences 212~
# unit Y indexlabel
R
# unit Z indexlines
Raw Humors 43~
Rhewm 38,39,40,71,81,89,195,196,199,200,205,207,212~
Reds 19,205~
Red Faces 67,70~
Reins 9,49,50,52,66,86,216,223,225~
Rickets 9~
Ringworms 10,19,20,29,63,66,68,74,82,196,210,217,220,236~
Roughness of the Skin 74~
Running of the Reins 18,74,209,211,213,214,222~
Ruptures 9,15,17,26,34,36,37,38,40,45,47,50,59,71,92,211,213,214,226,229~
# unit Y indexlabel
S
# unit Z indexlines
Scaldheads 9~
Scaldings 5,10,47,68,69,78,92,191~
Scabs 2,3,9,10,12,14,15,19,23,25,34,39,44,53,57,59,66,189,191~
Scars 39,218,231~
Sciatica 2,5,7,8,12,25,30,34,36,39,51,55,59,61,64,69,70,88,
89,198,202,220,226~
Scurff 14,15,39,41,52,76,78,217~
Serpents 3,8,26,50,82~
Seed encreaseth 33,49~
Scurvy 20,39,202,226~
Sides 22,32,55,67~
Stifness 13~
Shingles 34,189,196~
Smelling 14~
Smal Pox 17~
Sneezing 55~
Sores 20,23,24,25,26,28,55,71,76,82,215,220,230~
Spitting blood 18,36,37,44,48,69,90,196,212~
Splinters 2,20,34,42,59,63,232~
Spleen 2,3,6,8,10,11,13,15,26,27,30,42,50,57,58,59,61,62,66,69,72,
77,78,81,83,88,202,220,221,227,230,235,237~
Spots 5,9,12,20,38,39,41,48,52,62,73,75,218~
Stitches 9,15,20,22,27,28,91,212,227,232~
Stomach 2,3,5,11,12,15,16,23,32,37,40,48,50,55,62,66,68,
72,78,80,190,209,220~
Stoppings 45~
Surfets 25,74,239~
Swellings 4,7,21,25,26,27,32,34,37,41,42,43,65,69,82,202,220,224,
231,233,239~
Strangury 4,8,21,49,52,60,67,73,198,221,232~
Stone 9,11,12,13,15,16,17,20,21,22,25,27,28,31,36,39,45,47,48,49,
60,63,65,67,70,78,80,84,85,91,190,191,202,203,221,214,215,216,221,227~
Sunburning 14,38,47,73,191,226~
Swoonings 10,44,85~
Sinews 12,15,25,27,33,51,55,61,64,87,200~
# unit Y indexlabel
T
# unit Z indexlines
Teeth loose 3,59~
Teeth 52,191,200,233~
Tertian Agnes 2~
Terms stops 1,14,18,24,33,53,54,59,62,65,66,67,74,
86,91,194,195,219,203,225,235~
Terms provokes 11,15,21,24,25,28,33,34,41,43,48,50,55,57,58,59,66,76,
81,85,86,87,89,92,192,210,213,215,221,230,232,239~
Tetters 15,29,66,67,74,196,290,220,236~
Thorns 2,20,34,49,52,78,217,232~
Thirst 196,22,233~
Throat 2,41,43,191,205,213,219,220,221,229,233,235~
Toothach 3,7,8,14,18,22,34,55,192,196,200,203,225~
Travail in Women 36,77~
Trembling 72~
# unit Y indexlabel
V
# unit Z indexlines
Venemous beasts 11,13,18,25,30,47,48,50,51,55,59,
61,66,67,69,71,88,89,192,236,240~
Vertigo 12,13,20,38,50,72~
Vipers 9~
Veins 36,71~
Ulcers 5,7,15,18,19,20,25,26,28,31,33,38,39,41,43,45,47,52,
53,55,60,65,75,76,79,80,86,89,90,194,196,201,203,210,211,
214,215,217,220,221,226,229,236~
Venery 9,73,82,90,189,219,204~
Vomiting 1,8,17,22,24,26,36,45,72,82,90,190,192,219,201,
220,225,236~
# unit Y indexlabel
W
# unit Z indexlines
Watching 68~
Warts 29,82,87,230~
Weariness 13,15~
Wens 230~
Wind 12,32,43,48,50,51,63,79,81,82,89,91,215,232,235~
Witchcraft 14,65~
Whites 1,7,14,18,34,37,74,205,206,207~
Whitloes 20~
Worms 5,7,24,29,43,54,69,91,202,211,215,225~
Womb 17,20,50,89,233~
Wounds 1,2,7,9,15,17,20,22,23,24,26,31,35,36,37,38,39,
43,45,47,50,52,56,60,65,69,74,75,79,80,84,85,90,190,
191,200,204,213,214,215,217,219,220,224,229,230~
Wry Necks 46~
Wrinkles 62~
# unit Y indexlabel
Y
# unit Z indexlines
Yellow Jaundice 10,21,49,53,57,61,66,67,74,76,207,211,215,223,239~