THE ENGLISH PHYSITIAN: OR An Astrologo-Physical Discourse of the Vulgar Herbs of this Nation.
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.
By Nich. Culpeper, Gent. Student in Physick and Astrologie.
LONDON:
Printed by Peter Cole, at the sign of the Printing-Press in
Cornhil, near the Royal Exchange. 1652.
TO THE READDR.
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.
Scire volunt omnes, mercedem solvere nemo.
Although all men, in Knowledg take delight,
Yet they love money better, that's the spight.
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 {page_A_verso} 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.
Ad nos vix tenuis fame dilabitur aura.Men mind our good, but such cross times do fall,
We only hear they did, and that is all.
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.
{page_A2_recto}
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.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.
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 {page_A2_verso} 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,
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.
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 {page_B_recto} 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.
1. What the profit and benefit of this Work is.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.
2. Instructions in the Use of it.
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.
Excideret ne tibi divini muneris author
Presentem monstrat; qualibet Herba Deum.Because out of thy thoughts God should not pass,
His Image stamped is on every Grass.
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.
Instructions for the right use of the Book.
And herein let me promise a word or two, Many Herbs, Plants, &c {page_B_verso} 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.
The Herb is Carduus Benedictus.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 {page_B2_recto} 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.
By Antypathy to other Planets.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.
{page_B2_verso}
Authors made use of in this
TREATISE.
A
Aegineta.
Aetius.
Aristotle.
Avicenna.
Averrois.
Avenaris.
Andreas Caesalpinus.
Antonius Musa.
B
Baubine.
Bellus.
Bartholomeus Anglus.
Butler, a Manuscript.
C
Clusius.
Cameravius.
D
Dodoneus.
Dioscorides.
E
Dr. Experience.
F
Fabius Columna.
Fuchsius.
G
Gesner.
Galen.
Gerrhard.
I
Isidore.
Johnson.
L
Leonicerus.
Lobel.
Lugdunensis.
M
Mathiolus.
Mesue.
Mizaldus.
O
Otho Brunfelsius.
P
Parkinson.
Pliny.
Pena.
Platearius.
Pona.
R
Dr. Reason.
Rhazis.
S
Serapio.
T
Taberna Montanus.
Theophrastus.
Turner.
Tragus.
{page_C}
A Catalogue of the Herbs and Plants &c. in this
Treatise, apropriated to their several
PLANETS.
Under Saturn are,
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.
Under Jupiter are,
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.
Under Mars are,
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
{page_C_verso}
Bastard Rhubard
Thistles
Star-thistle
Tobacco
Wolly Thistle
Treacle Mustard
Mithridate Mustard
Wold, Weld, or Dyers Weed
Wormwood.
Under the Sun are,
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
Under Venus are,
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.
Under Mercury are,
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.
Under the Moon are,
Adders Tongue
Cabbages
Coleworts
{page_C2}
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
{page_1}
THE
ENGLISH PHYSTIAN.
ADDERS TONGUE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in moist Meadows, and such like places.
Time.
And is to be found in April and May, for it quickly perisheth with a little heat.
Vertues and Use.
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.
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.
AGRIMONY.
Description.
This hath divers long leaves (some greater, some smaller) set upon a Stalk, all of them dented about the edges, green above, and {page_2} 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.
Place.
It groweth upon Banks near the sides of Hedges, or Pales.
Time.
And it Flowreth in July and August, the Seed being ripe shortly after.
Vertues and Uses.
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.
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.
ALEHOOF, OR GROUND-IVY.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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 {page_3} 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.
ALEXANDER.
Description.
It is usually sown in all the Gardens in Europe, and so well known, that it needs no further Description.
Time.
They Flower in June and July, and the Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowereth in May, and the Berries are ripe in September.
Vertues and Use.
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.
If in the Spring time you use the Herbs be{-}{page_4}fore 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.
THE COMMON ALDER-TREE.
Description.
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.
Place and Time.
It delighteth to grow in moist Woods and watry places, Flowring in April or May and yeilding ripe Seed in September.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
ANGELICA.
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.
Vertues and Uses.
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
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.
APPLES.
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
All that I can say of Apples is this:
1 That they are extream windy.
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.
ARRACH WILD & STINKING.
Description.
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 {page_6} 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.
Place.
It grows usually upon Dunghills.
Time.
They flower in June and July, and their Seed is ripe quickly after.
Vertues and Use.
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
ARCHANGEL.
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.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They flower from the begining of the spring all the summer long.
Vertues and Use.
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
ARSMART.
Description of the Mild.
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.
Place.
It grows in watery Plashes, Ditches, and the like, which for the most part are dry in Summer.
Time.
It Flowreth in June, and the Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
ASARABACCA.
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.
{page_8} Place.
It groweth frequently in Gardens. Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
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
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.
ASPARAGUS, SPARAGUS, OR SPERAGE.
Description.
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.
PRICKLY ASPARAGUS, SPARAGUS, OR SPERAGE.
Description.
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.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
ASH-TREE.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
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.
AVENS.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They Flower in May and June for the most part, and their seed is ripe in July at the furthest.
Vertues and Use.
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
It is very safe, you need have no Dose prescribed; and is very fit to be kept in every good bodies house.
{page_10} BALM.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
BARBERRY.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
BARLY.
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.
Vertues and Use.
Barly in al the parts and compositions therof (except
Malt) is more cooling than Wheat, and a little clensing:
and al the Preparations
{page_11} therof, as Barly-water and other
things made therof, do give great nourishment to persons
troubled with Feavers, Agues, and heats in the Stomach.
GARDEN BAZIL or SWEET BAZIL.
Description.
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.
Place.
It only groweth in Gardens. Time.
It must be sowed late, and flowers in the heat of Summer, being a very tender Plant.
Vertues and Use.
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;
Non nostrum inter nos tantas componere lites.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
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.
THE BAY TREE. This is so wel known that it needs no Description; I shal therfore only write the Vertues therof, which are many.
Vertues and Use.
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
I shal but only ad a word or two to what my Friend hath
BEANS.
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.
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.
FRENCH-BEANS.
Description.
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 Foot{-}{page_13}stalks 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.
Vertues.
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.
LADIES-BEDSTRAW.
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow in Meadows and Pastures both wet and dry, and by the Hedges.
Time.
They flower in May for the most part, and the Seed is ripe in July and August.
Vertues and Use.
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
BEETS.
Description.
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.
The red Beet is good to stay the Bloody Flux, Womens
Courses, and the Whites, and to help the yellow Jaundice.
WATER-BETONY.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth by Ditchsides, Brooks, and other Water-courses generally through this Land, and is seldom found far from the Waters sides.
Time.
It Flowereth about July and the Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
WOOD-BETONY.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth frequently in Woods, and delighteth in Shady-places.
Time.
And it flowreth in July, after which, the Seed is quickly ripe, yet in its prime in May.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
THE BEECH TREE.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It bloometh in the end of April, or begining of May for the most part, and the Fruit is ripe in September.
Vertues and Use.
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.
BILBERRIES: Called also (by som) Whorts, and Whortleberries.
Descriptions.
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.
{page_16} 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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They flower in March and April; and the Fruit of the Black is ripe in June and July.
Vertue and Use.
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
BIFOYL, or TWAYBLADE.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
THE BIRCH-TREE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It usually groweth in Woods.
Vertues.
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;
BIRDS-FOOT.
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 {page_17} 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.
Place.
These grow on Heaths, and many open untilled places of this Land.
Time.
They flower and feed in the end of Summer.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
BISHOPS-WEED.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth wild in many places in England and Wales, as between Greenheath and Gravsend.
Vertues.
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,
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.
BISTORT, OR SNAKEWEED.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They Flower about the end of May, and the Seed is ripe about the beginning of July.
Vertues and Use.
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
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
ONE-BLADE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in moist shadowy, grassie places of Woods in many places of this Realm.
Time.
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.
The Vertues.
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.
THE BRAMBLE; or Black-Berry-Bush.
This is so wel known that it needeth no Description. The Vertues therof are as followeth.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
BLITES.
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow in Gardens, and wild in many places of this Land.
Time.
They seed in August and September.
Vertues and Use.
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.
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.
BORRAGE & BUGLOSS.
These are so wel known to be Inhabitants in every Garden, that I hold it needless to describe them.
Time.
They flower in June and July, and the Seed is ripe shortly after.
Vertues and Use.
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
They are both Herbs of Jupiter, and under Leo, both great Cordials, great strengthners of Nature.
BLUEBOTTLES.
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 {page_20} 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.
Time.
They Flower and Seed in the Summer Months.
Vertues and Use.
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
BRIONY or WILD VINE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth on Banks, or under Hedges, through this Land the Roots lie very deep.
Time.
It Flowereth in July and August, some earlier and some later than others.
Vertues and Use.
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 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,
As for the former Diseases where it must be taken inwardly, it purgeth very Violently, and {page_21} 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.
BROOKLIME.
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow in smal Standing Waters, and usually neer Watercresses.
Time.
And Flower in June and July, giving Seed the next Month after.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
BUTCHERS-BROOM.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in Copses, and upon Heaths and wast grounds, and often times under or neer the Holly-Bushes.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
BROOM, & BROOMRAPE.
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 {page_22} the top, of a deadish, yellow colour, as also the Stalks and Leavs are.
Place.
They grow in many places of this Land commonly, and as commonly spoyl all the Land they grow in.
Time.
And Flower in the Summer Months, and give their Seed before Winter.
Vertues and Use.
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
The Broomrape also is not without his Vertues.
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.
BUCK-HORN PLANTANE.
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow in dry Sandy grounds, as in Tuttle-Fields by Westminster, and divers other places of this Land.
Time.
They Flower and Seed in May, June, and July, and their green Leavs do in a manner abide fresh al the Winter.
Vertues and Use.
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.
{page_23} BUGLE.
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow in Woods, wet Copses, and Fields generally throughout England; but the White flowered Bugle is not so plentiful as the other.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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,
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
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.
BURNET.
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.
Description.
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 {page_24} 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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They flower about the end of June and beginning of July, and their Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues.
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.
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.
THE BUTTER-BUR.
Description.
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.
Place and Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
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.
{page_25} THE BUR-DOCK.
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.
Place.
They grow plentifully by Ditches and Water-sides, and by the high-wales almost every where through this Land.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
{page_25} CABBAGES and COLEWORTS.
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.
Place.
These are generally planted in Gardens.
Time.
Their flowering time is towards the middle or end of July, and the Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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,
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.
THE SEA COLEWORT.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They Flower and Seed about the time that other kinds do.
Vertues.
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.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth on Heaths, and Upland dry grounds, in many places of this Land.
Time.
They Flower in July, and their Seed is ripe quickly after.
Vertues and Use.
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
Let not Women be too busy with it, for it works very violently upon the Foeminin parts.
CHAMOMEL.
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
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.
CAMPIONS WILD.
Description.
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.
{page_28} Place.
They grow commonly through this Land by Fields, Hedg-sides, and Ditches.
Time.
They flower in Summer som earlier than others, and some abiding longer than others.
Vertues and Use.
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
CARROTS.
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.
Description.
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.
Place.
The Wild kind groweth in divers parts of this Land plentifully by the Fields sides, and in untilled places.
Time.
They flower and seed in the end of Summer.
The Vertues.
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
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.
CARAWAY.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is usually sown with us in Gardens.
Time.
They flower in June or July, and seed quickly after.
Vertues and Use.
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.
Caraway Comfects, once only dipped in Sugar, and half a spoonful of them eaten in the morning fasting, and as many after each {page_29} meal is a most admirable Remedy for such as are troubled with Wind.
CELANDINE.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They flower all the Summer long, and the Seed ripeneth in the mean time.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
1. Because the Tunicles of the Eye are very thin, and therfore soon eaten asunder.
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 *{GreekScript} 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) {page_30} 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.
THE LESSER CELONDINE
usually known by the Name of
PILEWORT.
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.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowereth betimes about March or April, is quite gone in May, so as it cannot be found until it spring again.
Vertues and Use.
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 ORDINARY SMALL CENTAURY
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow ordinarily in Fields, Pastures, and Woods, but that with the white Flowers, not so frequent as the other.
Time.
They Flower in July, or there abouts, and Seed within a Month after.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
THE CHERRY-TREE.
I suppose there are few but know this Tree, for his Fruits sake, and therfore shal spare the writing a Description therof.
Place.
For the place of its growth, it is afforded room in every Orchard
. Vertues and Use.
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.
WINTER CHERRIES.
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow not naturally in this Land, but are cherished in Gardens for their Vertues.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
CHERVIL.
Description.
The Garden Chervil doth at first somwhat resemble Parsly, but after it is better grown the Leavs are much cut in and jagged {page_32} 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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They flower and seed early, and thereupon are sown again in the end of Summer.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
SWEET CHERVIL or SWEET CICELY.
Description.
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.
Place.
This groweth in Gardens.
Vertues.
This whol Plant besides its pleasantness in Sallets,
hath also his Physical Vertues. The Root boyled and eaten
It is so harmless you cannot use it amiss.
CHICKWEED.
Description.
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.
Place.
These are usually found in moist and watry places, by Wood sides, and els-where.
Time.
They flower about June, and their Seed is ripe in July.
Vertues and Use.
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
CICH-PEAS, or CICERS.
Description.
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 pur
plish 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.
Place and Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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,
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.
CINKFOYL, or FIVE LEAVED GRASS;
Called in some Countries,
FIVE FINGER'D GRASS.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth by Wood sides, Hedg sides, the Pathwaies in Fields, and in the Borders and Corners of them almost through all this Land.
Time.
It Flowreth in Summer, some sooner, some later.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
CLARY.
Description.
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.
Place.
This groweth in Gardens.
Time.
It Flowereth in June and July, some a little later than others, and their Seed is ripe in August, or therabouts.
Vertues and Use.
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,
{page_35} 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.
CLEAVERS, or GOOSGRASS.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
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.
CLOWNS WOUNDWORT.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth in June and July, and the Seed is ripe soon after.
{page_36} Vertues and Use.
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.
I have done, only take notice, that it is of a dry Earthy quality, and under the Dominion of the Planet Saturn.
COCKS-HEAD.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth under Hedges, and somtimes in the open Fields, in divers places of this Land.
Time.
They Flower all the Months of July and August, and the Seed ripeneth in the mean while.
Vertues and Use.
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
COLUMBINES.
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.
Time.
They Flower in May, and abide not for the most part when June is past, perfecting their Seed in the mean time.
Vertues and Use.
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
COLTSFOOT, or FOALSFOOT.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth as well in wet grounds, as in drier places.
Time.
And Flowreth in the end of February, the Leavs beginning to appear in March.
Vertues and Use.
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
COMFRY.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They Flower in June and July, and give their Seed in August.
Vertues and Use.
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;
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.
COSTMARY, or ALECOST.
This is so frequently known to be an Inhabitant in almost every garden, that I suppose it needless to write a Description therof.
Time.
It Flowreth in June and July.
Vertues and Use.
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
{page_38} 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
CUDWEED, or COTTONWEED.
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow in dry, barren, sandy, and gravelly Grounds, in most places of this Land.
Time.
They Flower about July, some earlier, some later, and their Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
Venus is Lady of it.
COWSLIPS.
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.
Time.
They Flower in April and May.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
{page_39} SCIATICA-CRESSES.
Description.
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.
Place.
These grow by the waysides in untilled places, and by the sides of old Walls.
Time.
The Flower in the end of June, and their Seed is ripe in July.
Vertues and Use.
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
Esteem of this as another Secret.
WATER-CRESSES.
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow (for the most part) in the smal standing Waters, yet somtimes in smal Rivulets of running Water.
Time.
They Flower and Seed in the beginning of Summer.
Vertues and Use.
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.
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.
CROSSWORT.
Description.
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 blac{-}{page_40}kish 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.
Place.
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.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
CROWFOOT.
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.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They Flower in May and June, even till September.
Names.
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 *{GreekScript'bad_potion'}, Crowfoot, Gold Knobs, Gold Cups, King Kob, Bassinets, Troll Flower, Polts, Locker Goulons, and Butter-Flowers.
Vertues and Use.
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.
CUCKOWPINT, or WAKE-ROBIN.
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 {page_41} 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.
Place.
These two sorts grow frequently almost under every Hedg side in many places of this Land.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
EDGENOTE: Poyson, Plague, Boyl, Difficulty of breath, Cough, Flegm, Disury, Terms provokes, Afterbirth, Ulcers, Itch, Ruptures.
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
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.
{page_41} DAISIES.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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 a{-}{page_42}ny part of the Body
and the Bruises and Hurts that come of Fals and Blows:
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.
DANDELYON,
Vulgarly called,
PISS-A-BEDS.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth frequent in al Meadows and Pasture Grounds.
Time.
It Flowreth in one place or other almost all the yeer long.
Vertues and Use.
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,
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.
DARNEL.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
DILL.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is most usually sown in Gardens, and Grounds for the purpose, & is also found wild with us in some places.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
DEVILS-BIT.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They Flower not usually untill August.
Vertues and Use.
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,
{page_44} DOCK.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
DODDER OF TIME, or EPITHIMUM, and other DODDERS.
Description.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
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.
{page_45} DOGS-GRASS or QUICH-GRASS.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
DOVESFOOT, or CRANES-BILL.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in Pasture Grounds, and by the Path sides in many places and wil also be in Gardens.
Time.
It Flowreth in June, July, and August, some earlier, and some later and the Seed is ripe quickly after.
Vertues and Use.
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
DUCKSMEAT.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
{page_46} DOWN, or COTTON-THISTLE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth on divers Ditches Banks, and in the Corn-fields, and High-waies generally every where throughout the Land.
Time.
It Flowreth and beareth Seed about the end of Summer, when other Thistles do Flower and Seed.
Vertues and Use.
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.
{page_46;_repeated?} THE ELDER-TREE.
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.
THE DWARF ELDER.
Description.
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.
Places.
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.
Times.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
THE ELM TREE.
This Tree is so well known, growing generally in all Countries of this Land; that it is needless to describe it.
Vertues and Use.
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
ENDIVE.
Description.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
ELECAMPANE.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
ERINGO, or SEA-HOLLY.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is found about the Sea Coasts, in almost every Country of this Land which bordereth upon the Sea.
Time.
It Flowreth in the end of Summer, and giveth ripe Seed within a Month after.
{page_49} Vertues and Use.
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.
EYEBRIGHT.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in many Meadows, and grassy places, in this Land.
Vertues and Use.
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;
It is under the Sign of the Lyon, and Sol claims Dominion over it.
FERN.
Description.
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.
Place.
They both grow on Heaths, and in shady places neer the Hedg sides in all Countries of this Land.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
{page_50} 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
OSMOND ROYAL, or WATER FERN.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth on Moors, Bogs, and Watery places in many parts of this Land.
Time.
It is green all the Summer; and the Root only abideth in Winter.
Vertues and Use.
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
FEATHERFEW.
Description.
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.
Place.
This groweth wild in some places of this Land; but it is for the most part nourished in Gardens.
Time.
It Flowreth in the Months of June and July.
Vertues and Use.
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,
FENNEL.
Every Garden affordeth this so plentifully, that it needeth no Description.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
SOW FENNEL, or HOGS FENNEL.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth plentifully in the Salt low Marshes neer by Feaversham in Kent.
Time.
It Flowreth and seedeth in July and August.
Vertues and Use.
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
FIGWORT, or THROATWORT.
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.
Place.
It groweth frequently in moist and shadowy Woods, and in the lower parts of Fields and Meadows.
Time.
It Flowereth about July, and the Seed will be ripe about a Month after the Flowers are fallen.
Vertues and Use.
The Decoction of the Herb taken inwardly, and the
bruised Herb applied outwardly dissolveth clotted or
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.
FILIPENDULA, or DROPWORT.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in many places of this Land, in the Corners of dry Fields and Meadows, and their Hedg Sides.
Time.
They Flower in June and July, and their Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
It is called Dropwort becaus it helps such as piss by drops.
THE YELLOW WATER-FLAG, or, FLOWER-de-LUCE
Description.
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.
Place.
It usually groweth in watery Ditches, Ponds, Lakes, and More sides which are alwaies overflown with water.
Time.
It flowreth in July, and the Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
Take notice that the Moon rules the Plant and then I have done.
FLAXWEED, or TOADFLAX.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth in Summer, and the Seed is ripe usually before the end of August.
Vertues and Use.
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,
Mars owns the Herb, in Sussex we call it, {page_54} 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.
FLEAWORT.
Description.
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.
Place.
The first groweth only in Gardens, the second plentifully in Fields that are neer the Sea.
Time.
They Flower in July, or thereabouts.
Vertues and Use.
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
The Herb is cold and dry, Saturnine, I suppose it obtained the name Fleawort becaus the Seeds are so like Fleas.
FLIXWEED.
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow wild in the Fields by Hedgsides, and High-waies, and among rubbish, and in many other places.
Time.
They Flower and Seed quickly after, namely in June and July.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
FLOWER-de-LUCE.
Description.
This is so wel known, being nursed up in most Gardens, that I shall not need to spend time in writing a Description thereof.
Time.
The Flaggy kinds thereof have the most Physical uses; the Dwarf kinds thereof flower in April, the greater sorts in May.
Vertues and Use.
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
FLUELLIN.
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow in divers Corn Fields, and in borders about them, and in other fertile {page_56} grounds, about Southfleet in Kent abundantly, at Buckworth, Hamerton, and Richwesworth in Huntingtonshire; and in divers other places.
Time.
They are in Flower about June and July, and the whol Plant is dry and withered before August be done. Vertues and Use.
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,
FOXGLOVE.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It seldom Flowreth before July, and the Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
My self am confident that an Oyntment of it is one of the best Remedies for a Scabby Head that is.
{page_57} FUMITORY.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in the Corn Fields almost every where as well as in Gardens.
Time.
It Flowreth in May for the most part, and the Seed ripeneth shortly after.
Vertues and Use.
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,
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.
THE FURS-BUSH.
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.
Place.
They are known to grow on dry barren Heaths, and other wast gravelly or sandy grounds in all Countries of this Land.
Time.
They also Flower in the Summer Months.
Vertues and Use.
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.
{page_57} GARLICK.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
Mars owns the herb.
GERMANDER.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth usually with us in Gardens.
Time.
And flowreth in June or July.
Vertues and Use.
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 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.
STINKING GLADWIN.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
It is used by many countrey people to purge corrupt
tough Flegm and Choller which they
{page_59} 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.
GOLDEN ROD.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in the open places of woods and Copses both moyst and dry grounds in many places of this Land.
Time.
It Flowreth about the Month of July.
Vertues and Use.
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
Venus claims the Herb, and therefore to be sure, it restores Beauty lost.
GOUTWORT, or HERB-GERRARD.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth by Hedg and Wall sides, and often in the borders or Corners of Fields, and in Gardens also.
Time.
It Flowreth, and Seedeth about the end of July.
Vertues and Use.
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.
{page_60} GROMEL.
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.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They all Flower from Midsummer unto September somtimes, and in the mean time the Seed ripeneth.
Vertues and Use.
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.
WINTER GREEN.
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.
Place.
It groweth seldom in the Fields, but frequently in the Woods Northwards, viz. In Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Scotland.
Time.
It Flowreth about June or July.
Vertues and Use.
Winter-Green is a singular good Wound Herb and an
especial Remedy for to heal green Wounds speedily, the
{page_61} GROUNDSEL.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth as is said before, almost in every Month through the yeer.
Vertues and Use.
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.
HARTS-TONGUE.
Description.
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.
Time.
It is green all the Winter, but new Leavs spring every yeer.
Vertues and Use.
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.
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.
THE HAZEL NUT.
These ar so well known to every Boy, that they need no Description.
Vertues and Use.
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.
HAWKWEED.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in divers places about Field sides, and the path waies in dry grounds.
Time.
It flowreth & flies away in the Sumer Months.
Vertues and Use.
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
THE HAWTHORN.
It is not my intent to trouble you with a Description of this Tree which is so well known that it needeth none.
{page_63} 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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
HEMLOCK.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in all Countries of this Land by Wals and Hedges sides, in wast Grounds and untilled places.
Time.
It Flowreth and Seedeth in July, or there abouts.
Vertues and Use.
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.
HEMP.
This is so well known to every good Huswife in the Country, that I shal not need to write any Description of it.
Time.
It is sown in the end of March, or beginning of April, and is ripe in August or September.
Vertues and Use.
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
It is a Plant of Saturn, and good for something els you see than to make Halters only.
HENBANE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It commonly groweth by the way sides, and under Hedg sides and Wals.
Time.
It Flowreth in July, and springeth again yeerly of its own Seed.
I doubt my Author mistook July for June, if not for May.
Vertues and Use.
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.
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.
{page_65} HERB ROBERT.
Description.
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.
Place.
This groweth frequently every where by way sides, upon ditch banks, and wast grounds whersoever one goeth.
Time.
It flowreth in June and July chiefly, and the seed is ripe shortly after.
Vertues and Use.
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.
HERB TRUE-LOVE, or ONE-BERRY.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
The Herb is not to be described for the premises, but is fit to be nourished in every good Womans Garden. Venus owns it.
{page_66} HYSOP.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
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.
HOPS.
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.
Place.
They delight to grow on low moist grounds, and are found in all parts of this Land.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
HOREHOUND.
Discription.
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 {page_67} woody, with many strings thereat, and abideth many years.
Place.
It is found in many parts of this Land, in dry grounds and wast green places.
Time.
It Flowreth in or about July, and the Seed is ripe in Augst.
Vertues and Use.
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
HORSTAIL.
Description.
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.
Place.
This (as most of the other sorts hereof) groweth in wet grounds.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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 Herb is belonging to Saturn yet is very harmless, and excellent good for the Premises.
{page_68} HOUSLEEKS, or SENGREEN
These are so wel known unto my Country Men that I shal not need to write any Description of them.
Place.
It groweth commonly on Walls and Hous sides, and flowreth in July.
Vertues and Use.
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
It is an Herb of Jupiter, and it is reported by Myzaldus to preserve, it grows upon from Fire and Lightning.
HOUNDSTONGUE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in most places of this Land, in wast grounds, and untilled places by high way sides, Lanes, and Hedg sides.
Time.
It Flowreth about May and June, and the Seed is ripe shortly after.
Vertues and Use.
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
{page_69} ST. JOHNS WORT.
Description.
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.
Place.
This groweth in Woods and Copses, as wel those that are shady, as open to the Sun.
Time.
They Flower about Midsummer, and in July, and their Seed is ripe in the latter end of July or in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
IVY.
Description.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth not until July, and the Berries are not ripe til Christide that they have felt the Winter Frosts.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
KIDNEYWORT, or WALL-PENYROYAL.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
Venus challengeth the Herb, under Libra.
KNAPWEED.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in most Feilds and Meadows, and about their borders and Hedges and in many wast grounds also, almost every where.
{page_71} Time.
It usually flowreth in June and July, and the seed is ripe shortly after.
Vertues and Use.
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
Saturn challengeth the herb for his own.
KNOT-GRASS.
Description.
This is generally so wel known that it needeth no Description.
Place.
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.
Time.
It springeth up late in the Spring, and abideth until Winter, when all the branches perish.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
LADIES-MANTLE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth naturally in many Pastures, and Wood sides, in Harfordshire, Wiltshire, and Kent, and other places of this Land.
Time.
It Flowreth in May and June, and abideth after Seed time green al the Winter.
Vertues and Use.
Ladies Mantle is very proper for those Wounds that have
Inflamations, and is very
{page_72} 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
Venus claims the Herb as her own.
LAVENDER.
This is so wel known, being an Inhabitant in almost every Garden, that it needeth no Description.
Time.
It flowreth about the end of June and beginning of July.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
LETTICE.
This is so wel known being generally used as a Sallet Herb, that it is altogether needless to write any Description thereof.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
{page_73} THE WATER-LILLY.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They Flower most commonly about the end of May, and their Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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,
The Herb is under the Dominion of the Moon, and therefore cools and moistens like the former.
LIQUORIS.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is planted in Fields and Gardens in divers places of this Land, and thereof good profit is made.
Vertues and Use.
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
{page_74} LIVERWORT.
Description.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
It being under the command of Jupiter, and under the sign Cancer.
LOOS-STRIFE or WILLOW HEARB.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in many places of this Land in moyst Meadowes and by water sides.
Time.
It Flowreth from June to August.
Vertues and Use.
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:
LOOS-STRIFE, with SPIKED HEADS OF FLOWERS.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth in the months of June and July.
Vertues and Use.
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.
{page_75}
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.
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.
LOVAGE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is usually planted in Gardens, where if it be suffered it groweth huge and great.
Time.
It Flowreth in the end of July, and seedeth in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
LUNGWORT.
Description.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
Jupiter seems to own the Herb.
{page_76} MADDER.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is only manured in Gardens or larger Fields for the profit that is made thereof.
Time.
It Flowreth towards the end of Summer, and the Seed is ripe quickly after.
Vertues and Use.
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
MAIDENHAIR.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
WALL-RUE; or ORDINARY WHITE MAIDENHAIR.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
GOLDEN MAIDENHAIR.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth on Bogs and Moorish places, and also on dry shadow places at Hampstead Heath and elswhere.
MALLOWS, and MARSH-MALLOWS.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They Flower all the Summer Months, even until the Winter do pull them down.
Vertues and Use.
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.
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.
SWEET MARJEROM.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They Flower in the end of Summer.
Vertues of Use.
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
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.
MARIGOLDS.
These being so Plentifull in every Garden are so well known that they need no Description.
Time.
They Flower al the Summer long, and somtimes in the Winter if it be mild.
Vertues and Use.
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.
MASTERWORT.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is usually kept in Gardens with us in England.
Time.
It Flowreth and seedeth about the end of August.
Vertues and Use.
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
It is an Herb of Mars.
SWEET MAUDLIN.
Description.
Common Maudlin have somwhat long and narrow Leaves, snip'd about the edges: the stalks are two foot high, bearing at {page_80} 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.
Place and Time.
It groweth in Gardens, and Flowreth in June and July.
Vertues and Use.
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.
THE MEDLAR.
Description.
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.
Time.
They grow in this Land; and Flower in May for the most part, and bear ripe Fruit in September, and October.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
MELILOT, or KINGS CLAVER.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth in June and July and is ripe quickly after.
Vertues and Use.
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
FRENCH, and DOGS MERCURY.
Description.
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.
DOGS MERCURY.
Discription.
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.)
Place.
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.
Time.
They flourish in the Summer months, and therein give their Seed.
Vertues and Use.
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.
EDGENOTE Purgeth Chollerick Humors, Womens sickness, Mother, Womens Courses, Strangury, sore Eyes, Agues, Flegm, Rhewms and Catarrhes, Melancholly Humors.
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
{page_82} Herb they use. Mathiolus saith, That the
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.
MINT.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth not until the beginning of August, for the most part.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
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.
MISSELTO.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
MONEY-WORT, or HERB TWO-PENCE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth plentifully in almost all places of this Land; commonly in moist grounds by Hedg sides, and in the middle of grassy Fields.
Time.
They Flower in June and July, and their Seed is ripe quickly after.
{page_84} Vertues and Use.
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
MOONWORT.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth on Hills, and Heaths, yet where there is much Grass, for therein it delighteth to grow.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
MOSSES.
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.
Place.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
MOTHERWORT.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth only in Gardens with us in England.
Vertues and Use.
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.
MOUSEAR.
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.
Place.
It groweth in Ditch Banks, and somtimes in Ditches if they be dry and in sandy Grounds.
Time.
It Flowreth about June and July, and abideth green all the Winter.
Vertues and Use.
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.
{page_86} 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.
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.
MUGWORT.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth plentifully in many places of this Land, by the way sides, as also by smal Water-Courses, and in divers other places.
Time.
It Flowreth and Seedeth in the end of Summer.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
THE MULBERRY-TREE.
This is so well known in the places where it groweth, that it needeth no Description.
Time.
It beareth Fruit in the Months of July and August.
Vertues and Use.
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
Mercury rules the Tree, therefore are its effects variable as his are.
MULLEIN.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth by the way sides, and in Lanes in many places of this Land.
Time.
It Flowreth in July, or thereabouts.
Vertues and Use.
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.
MUSTARD.
Description.
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.
Place.
This groweth with us in Gardens only, and other manured places.
Time.
It is an annual Plant, Flowring in July, and their Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
HEDG-MUSTARD.
Description.
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.
Place.
This groweth frequently in this Land by the Waies and Hedg sides, and somtimes in the open Fields.
Time.
It flowreth most usually about July.
Vertues and Use.
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
Mars owns this Herb also.
{page_89} NEP, or CATMINT.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is only nursed up in our Gardens.
Time.
And it flowreth in July or thereabouts.
Vertues and Use.
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
It is an Herb of Venus.
NETTLES.
These are so well known that they need no Description at all, they may be found by the feeling in the darkest night.
Vertues and Use.
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:
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.
NIGHTSHADE.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It dieth down every yeer, and ariseth again of its own sowing, but springeth not until the latter end of April at the soonest.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
THE OAK.
This is so well known (the timber therof being the Glory and Safety of this Nation by Sea) that it needeth no Description.
Vertues and Use.
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.
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.
OATS.
These are also so well known that they need no Description.
Vertues and Use.
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
ONE-BLADE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in moist, shadowy, and grassy places of Woods, in many places of this Land.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
ONIONS.
These are so well known that I need not spend time about writing a Description of them.
Vertues and Vices.
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.
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.
ORPINE.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth about July and the Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
{page_92;_repeated?} PARSLEY.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
PARSNIP.
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.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
The wild being better than the tame shews Dame Nature is the best Physitian.
COW-PARSNEP.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in moist Meadows, and the borders and corners of Fields, and neer Ditches, generally through this Land.
Time.
It Flowreth in July, and Seedeth in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
THE PEACH-TREE.
Description.
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 {page_190} 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.
Place.
They are nursed up in Gardens and Orchards through this Land.
Time.
They Flower in the Spring, and Fructifie in Autumn.
Vertues and Use.
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;
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.
THE PEAR-TREE.
These are so well known that they need no Description.
Vertues and Use.
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:
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.
{page_191} PELLITORY OF THE WALL.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It flowreth in June and July, and the Seed is ripe soon after.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
PENY-ROYAL.
Description.
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.
Place.
The first which is common in Gardens {page_192} 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.
Time.
They Flower in the latter end of Summer, about August.
Vertues and Use.
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.
The Herb is under Venus.
PEONY, MAS. & FEMINA.
Description.
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.
Place and Time.
They grow in Gardens; and Flower usually about May.
Vertues and Use.
The Root of the Male Peony fresh gathered, hath been
found by experience to cure the
{page_193} 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
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.
PEPPERWORT, or DITTANDER.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth in the end of June, and in July.
Vertues and Use.
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
Here's another Martial Herb for you, make much of it.
PERIWINKLE.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
{page_194} Time.
They Flower in March and April.
Vertues and Use.
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.
ST. PETERS-WORT.
Name.
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.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth in June and July, and the Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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.
PIMPERNEL.
Discription.
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.
Place.
It groweth every where almost, as well in the Meadows and Cornfields, as by the Waysides, and in Gardens arising of it self.
Time.
It Flowreth from May unto August, and the Seed ripeneth in the mean time and falleth.
Vertues and Use.
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:
GROUND PINE, or CHAMEPITYS.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth and giveth Seed in the Summer Months.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
PLANTANE.
This groweth so familiarly in Meadows and Fields, and by Pathways, and is so well known that it needeth no Description.
Time.
It is in its beauty about June, and the Seed ripeneth shortly after.
Vertues and Use.
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
{page_196} 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.
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.
PLUMS.
These are so well known that they need no Description.
Vertues and Use.
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.
All Plums are under Venus, and are like Women, some better, some worse.
{page_196;_should_be_197} POLLIPODY of the OAK.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It being alwaies green, may be gathered for use at any time.
Vertues and Use.
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;
THE POPLAR-TREE.
Description.
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 {page_198} 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.
Place.
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.
Time.
Their time is likewise expressed before, The Catkins coming forth before the Leavs and ripen in the end of Summer.
Vertues and Use.
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
POPPY.
Of this I shal describe three kinds, Viz. The White and Black, of the Garden, and the Erratick, wild Poppy, or Corn Rose.
Discription.
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 {page_199} 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.
Place.
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.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
PURSLANE.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
'Tis an Herb of the Moon. See Lettice.
PRIMROSES.
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.
PRIVET.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in this Land in divers Woods.
Time.
Our Privet Flowreth in June and July; The Berries are ripe in August and September.
Vertues and Use.
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
QUEEN of the MEADOWS, MEADOW-SWEET, or MEAD-SWEET.
Description.
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 {page_200;_should_be_201} 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.
Place.
It groweth in moist Meadows, that lie much wet, or neer the Courses of Water.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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;
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.
THE QUINCE-TREE.
Description.
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.
Place and Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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;
{page_202} RADISH and HORSE-RADISH.
The Garden Radish is so wel known that it needeth no Description.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth but seldom, but when it doth, it is in July.
Vertues and Use.
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
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
I know not what Planet they are under, I think none of all the Seven will own them.
RAGWORT.
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow both in them wild in Pastures, and untilled grounds in many places, and oftentimes both of them in one Field.
Time.
They Flower in June and July, and the Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
In Sussex we call it Ragweed.
RATTLE-GRASS.
Of this there are two kinds, which I shall speak of, Viz. The Red and yellow.
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow in our Meadows and Woods, generally through this Land.
Time.
They are in Flower from Midsummer until August be past somtimes.
Vertues and Use.
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.
REST-HARROW, or CAMMOAK.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in many places of this Land, as well in the Arable as wast ground.
Time.
It Flowreth about the beginning or middle of July, and the Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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.
ROCKET.
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.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is found wild in divers places of this Land.
Time.
It Flowreth about June and July, and the Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
WINTER ROCKET, or CRESSES.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth in May, and Seedeth in June, and then perisheth.
Vertues and Use.
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
ROSES.
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 follo{-}{page_205}weth: And first I shal begin with the Garden kinds.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
ROSA SOLIS, or SUN-DEW.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth usually on Bogs, and in wet places, and somtimes in moist Woods.
Time.
It Flowreth in June, and then the Leavs are fittest to be gathered.
Vertues and Use.
Rosa Solis is accounted good to help those that have
salt Rhewm distilling on their Lungs which breedeth a
Consumption, and therfore
{page_207} the Distilled water thereof in
Wine is held fit and profitable for such to drink, which
The Sun rules it, and 'tis under the Sign Cancer.
ROSEMARY.
Our Garden Rosemary is so well known, that I need not here describe it.
Time.
It Flowreth in April and May with us, and somtimes again in August.
Vertues and Use.
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,
The Sun claims Priviledg in it and 'tis under the Coelestial Ram.
RUBARB, or RHAPONTICK
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 {page_208} hath gotten wil be eclipsed by the fame of this: Take therfore a Description at large of it, as followeth.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in Gardens, and Flowreth about the beginning or middle of June, and the Seed is ripe in July.
Time.
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.
GARDEN PATIENCE, or MONKS RUBARB.
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.
GREAT ROUND LEAV'D DOCK, or BASTARD RUBARB.
Description.
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.
Place and Time.
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.
{page_209} Vertues and Use.
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
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
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.
MEADOW RUE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in many places of this Land; in the Borders of moist Meadows, and by Ditch sides.
Time.
It Flowreth about July or the beginning of August.
Vertues and Use.
Dioscorides saith that this Herb bruised and applied
perfectly healeth old Sores: and the distilled water of
GARDEN RUE.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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:
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.
{page_211} RUPTURE WORT.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in dry, sandy, and Rockie places.
Time.
It is fresh and green all the Summer.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
RUSHES.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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.
RYE.
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.
Vertues and Use.
Rye is more digesting that Wheat; The Bread and the
Leaven thereof ripeneth and breaketh Impostumes, Boyls,
{page_212} SAFFRON.
The Herb needs no Description it being known generally where it grows.
Place.
It grows frequently at Walden in Essex, and in Cambridg shire.
Vertues and Use.
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 *{astrological_symbol_for_Aries} as well as he hath his House in *{astrological_symbol_for_Leo} 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.
SAGE.
Our ordinary Garden Sage needeth no Description.
Time.
It Flowreth in or about July.
Vertues and Use.
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
Jupiter claims this, and bid me tell you it is good for the liver, and to breed good Blood.
{page_213} WOOD-SAGE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth in Woods, and by Wood-sides, as also in diverse Fields and by Lanes in this Land.
Time.
It Flowreth in June, July, and August.
Vertues and Use.
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
SOLOMONS SEAL.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth about May, The Root abideth, and shooteth anew every yeer.
Vertues and Use.
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
Saturn owns this Plant for he loves his Bones well.
SAMPIRE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth on the Rocks that are often moistened at the least, if not overflown with the Sea water.
Time.
And it Flowreth and Seedeth in the end of July and August.
Vertues and Use.
It is a safe Herb, very pleasant both to the tast and
Stomach, helping digestion, and in some sort opening the
SANICLE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is found in many shadowy Woods, and other places of this Land.
Time.
It Flowreth in June, and the Seed is ripe shortly after.
Vertues and Use.
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
This is one of Venus her Herbs to cure either Wounds, or what other mischiefs Mars inflicteth upon the Body of Man.
SARAFENS CONFOUND.
Description.
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{-}{page_215}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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth in July, and the Seed is soon ripe, and carryed away with the wind.
Vertues and Use.
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,
Saturn owns this Herb, and 'tis of sober condition like him.
SAWCEALONE, or JACK BY THE HEDG.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth under Walls, and by Hedg sides, and Pathwaies in Fields, in many places.
Time.
It Flowreth in June, July, and August.
Vertues and Use.
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
WINTER AND SUMMER SAVORY.
Both these are so well known (being entertained as constant Inhabitants in our Gardens) that they need no Description.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
THE COMMON WHITE SAXIFRAGE.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
BURNET SAXIFRAGE.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
The Flower about July, and their Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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;
SCABIOUS, THREE SORTS.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
{page_218} SCURVY-GRASS.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Description.
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.
Time.
They Flower in April or May, and give their Seed ripe quickly after.
Vertues and Use.
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
SELF-HEAL.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is found in Woods and Fields every where.
Time.
It Flowreth in May, and somtimes in April.
Vertues and Use.
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
{page_219} into Ulcers in the parts outwardly where there is
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.
THE SERVICE-TREE.
This is so well know in the places where it grows that it needeth no Description.
Time.
It Flowreth before the end of May, and the Fruit is ripe in October.
Vertues and Use.
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
SMALLAGE.
This also is very well known, and therefore I shall not trouble the Reader with any Description thereof.
Place.
It groweth naturally in wet and Marsh grounds, but if it be sown in Gardens it there prospereth very well.
Time.
It abideth green all the Winter, and Seedeth in August.
Vertues and Use.
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:
SOPEWORT, or BRUISEWORT.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth wild in many low and wet grounds of this Land, by the Brooks, and sides of running Waters.
Time.
It Flowreth usually in July, and so continueth all August, and part of September before they be quite spent.
{page_220} Vertues and Use.
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.
SORREL.
Our ordinary Sorrel, which groweth in Gardens and also wild in the Fields, is so well known that it needeth no Description.
Vertues and Use.
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
Venus owns it, and she will never deny the Herb that follows.
WOOD SORREL.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth in April and May.
Vertues and Use.
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.
{page_221} SOW-THISTLES.
These are generally so well known that they need no Description.
Place.
They grow in our Gardens and manured Grounds, and somtimes by old Walls, the path sides of Fields and High-waies.
Vertues and Use.
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.
SOUTHERNWOOD.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth for the most part in July and August.
Vertues and Use.
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
{page_222} SPIGNEL.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth wild in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and other Northern Countries, and is also planted in Gardens.
Vertues and Use.
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,
SPLEENWORT, or CETERACH.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
STAR-THISTLE.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
{page_223} Time.
It Flowreth early, and Seedeth in July, and somtimes in August.
Vertues and Use.
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
STRAWBERRIES.
These are so well known through this Land, that they need no Description.
Time.
They Flower in May ordinarily, and the Fruit is ripe shortly after.
Vertues and Use.
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.
SUCCORY.
Description.
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.
Place.
This groweth in many places of our Land, in wast, untilled, and barren Fields. The other only in Gardens.
Vertues and Use.
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;
The wild Succory as it is more bitter, so it is more strengthning to the Stomach and Liver.
{page_224} ENGLISH TOBACCO.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth from June somtimes to the end of August, or later, and the Seed ripeneth in the mean time.
Vertues and Use.
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
THE TAMARISK TREE.
This is so well known in the places where it grows that it needeth no Description.
Time.
It Flowreth about the end of May, or in June, and the Seed is ripe and blown away in the beginning of September.
Vertues and Use.
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
GARDEN TANSIE.
This also is so well known, that it needeth no Description.
Time.
It Flowreth in June and July.
Vertues and Use.
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;
WILD TANSIE, or SILVERWEED.
This also is so well known that it needeth no Description.
Place.
It groweth almost in every place.
Time.
It Flowreth in June and July.
Vertues and Use.
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
{page_226} 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;
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.
THISTLES.
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.
Place.
Some grow in Fields, some in Meadows, and some among the Corn: others, on Heaths, Greens, and wast grounds in many places.
Time.
They all Flower in July and August, and their Seed is ripe quickly after.
Vertues and Use.
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
Sure Mars rules it, it is such a prickly business.
THE MELANCHOLLY THISTLE.
Description.
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.
Place.
They grow in many moist Meadows of this Land, as well in these Southern, as in the Northern parts.
Time.
They Flower about July, or August, and their Seed ripeneth quickly after.
Vertues and Use.
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?
{page_227} OUR LADIES THISTLE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It frequent on the Bank of almost every Ditch.
Time.
If Flowreth and Seedeth in June, July, and August.
Vertues and Use.
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.
THE WOOLLEY, or COTTON THISTLE.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth on diverse Ditch Banks, and in the Cornfields and High-wayes, generally throughout the Land; and is often found growing in Gardens.
Time.
It Flowreth and beareth Seed about the end of Summer, when other Thistles do Flower and Seed.
Vertues and Use.
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.
THE FULLERS THISTLE, or TEASEL.
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 {page_228} upright, not hooked or stiff; and the Flowers of this are of fine blush or pale Carnation colour, but of the Manured kind whitish.
Place.
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.
Time.
They Flower in July, and are ripe in the end of August.
Vertues and Use.
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.
TREACLE MUSTARD.
Description.
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.
METHRIDATE MUSTARD.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
They flowre and seed from May to August.
Vertues and Use.
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.
THE BLACK-THORNE, or SLOE-BUSH.
This is so well knowne, that it needeth no description.
Place.
It groweth in every place and Countrey, in the hedges and borders of fields.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
THOROUGHWAX.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is found growing in many Corn Fields, and Pasture grounds in this Land.
Time.
It Flowreth in July, and the Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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:
TORMENTIL.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth all the Summer long.
Vertues and Use.
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
{page_230} 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.
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:
TURNSOLE, or HELIOTROPIUM.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
'Tis an Herb of the Sun, and a good one too.
{page_231} MEADOW TREFOYL, or HONEYSUCKLES.
These are so well known, especially by the name of Honeysuckles, White and Red, that I need not describe them.
Place.
They grow almost everywhere in this Land.
Vertues and Use.
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
TUTSAN, or PARK LEAVES.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It Flowreth later than St. Johns, or St. Peters wort.
Vertues and Use.
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
It is an Herb of Saturn and a most noble Antivererian.
{page_232} GARDEN VALERIAN.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is generally kept with us in our Gardens.
Time.
It Flowreth in June and July, and continueth Flowring until the Frosts pull it down.
Vertues and Use.
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
VERVAIN.
Description.
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.
Place.
It groweth generally throughout this Land in diverse places by the Hedges and way sides, and other wast grounds.
Time.
It Flowreth about July, and the Seed is ripe soon after.
Vertues and Use.
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:
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.
THE VINE.
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
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.
VIOLETS.
These, both Tame and Wild, are so well known that they need no Description.
Time.
They Flower until the end of July, but are best in March and the beginning of April.
Vertues and Use.
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
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.
VIPERS BUGLOSS.
Description.
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.
Place.
The first groweth wild almost every where. That with white Flowers, about the Castle Walls of Lewes in Sussex.
Time.
They Flower in Summer, and their Seed is ripe quickly after.
Vertues and Use.
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
WALL-FLOWERS, or WINTER GILLY-FLOWERS.
The Garden kinds are so well known that they need no Description.
Description.
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.
Place.
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.
Time.
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.
Vertues and Use.
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
THE WALNUT TREE.
This is so well known, that it needeth no Description.
Time.
It Blossometh early, before the Leaves come forth, and the Fruit is ripe in September.
Vertues and Use.
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.
WOLD, WELD, or DYERS WEED.
Description.
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, {page_236} 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.
Place.
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.
Time.
It is in Flower about June.
Vertues and Use.
Mathiolus saith, That the Root hereof cutteth tough
Flegm, digesteth raw Flegm, thinneth gross Humors,
dissolveth hard Tumors, and openeth Obstructions. Some
WHEAT.
The several kinds hereof are so well known unto almost all people that it is altogether needless to write any Description thereof.
Vertues and Use.
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.
THE WILLOW-TREE.
These are so well known that they need no Description: I shall therefore only shew you the Vertues thereof.
Vertues and Use.
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
{page_237} being stopped if it be drunk and to cleer the Face and
Skin from Spots and Discolourings. Galen saith, The
WOAD.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is sowed in Fields for the benefit of it, where those that sow it cut it three times a yeer.
Time.
It Flowreth in June, but is long after before the Seed is ripe.
Vertues and Use.
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
WOODBINE, or HONEY-SUCKLES.
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.
Time.
They Flower in June, and the Fruit is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
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,
WORMWOOD.
Description.
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 «Conction» for if I had said «Boyling» 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 «Sanguifie» 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.
Place.
It grows familiarly in England by the Sea side.
Description.
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 {page_239} 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.
Description.
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.
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.
Time.
All Wormwoods usually Flower in August, a little sooner
or later.
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,
Faelix qui potuit vevum cognoscere causas
Inque domus superum scanasre cura fuit.
O happy he that can the Knowledg gain,
To know th' eternal God made nought in vain.
To this I add,
I know the reason causeth such a Dearth
Of Knowledg, 'tis, becaus men love the Earth.
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 {page_241} 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.
YARROW.
Description.
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.
Place.
It is very frequent in all Pastures.
Time.
It Flowers late even in the latter end of August.
Vertues and Use.
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.
{page_243} DIRECTIONS.
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.
SECT. 1.
Of gathering, drying, and
keeping Simples and
their Juyces
.
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
SECT. 2.
Of making and keeping
Compounds.
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.
All of these in order.
{page_244} SECT. 1.
The way of gathering, drying. And preserving
Simples and their Juyces..
Chap. 1.
Of Leaves of Herbs or Trees.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
8. Gather all Leaves in the hour of that Planet that governs them.
Chap. 2.
Of Flowers.
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.
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.
3. Dry them well in the Sun, and keep them in Papers neer the fire, as I shewed you in the foregoing Chapter.
4. So long as they retain their colour and smel they are good, either of them being gone so is the Vertue also.
{page_245} Chap. 3.
Of Seeds.
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.
2. As for place let them be gathered from the plants where they delight to grow.
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.
4. When you have gathered them dry them a little, and but a little in the Sun before you lay them up.
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.
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.
Chap. 4.
Of Roots.
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.
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.
3. The dryer time you gather your Roots in the better they are, for they have the less excrementitious moisture in them.
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.
5. Such Roots as are great will keep longer than such as are small, yet most of them will keep a yeer.
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.
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.
Chap.5.
Of Barks.
1. Barks which Physitians use in Mediscines are these sorts, of Fruits, of Roots, of Boughs.
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.
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.
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.
{page_246} Chap. 6.
Of Juyces.
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.
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.
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.
SECT. 2.
The way of making and keeping all Ne-
cessary Compounds.
Chap. 1.
Of Distilled Waters.
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,
1. Waters are distilled out of Herbs, Flowers, Fruits, and Roots.
2. We treat not here of strong Waters but of cold, as being to act Galen's Part and not Paracelsus.
3. The Herbs ought to be distilled when they are in their greatest vigor, and so ought the Flowers also.
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.
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.
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 {page_247} 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.
Chap. 2.
Of Syrups.
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.
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.
1. Syrups made by Infusion.
2. Syrups made by Decoction.
3. Syrups made by Juyce.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chap. 3.
Of Juleps.
1. Juleps were first invented as I suppose in Arabia, and my reason is because the word Juleb is an Arabick word.
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.
3. Now a daies 'tis commonly used,
{page_248}
1. To prepare the Body for Purgation.
2. To open Obstructions and the Pores.
3. To digest tough Humors.
4. To qualifie hot distempers &c.
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.
5. All Juleps are made for present use, and therefore it is in vain to speak of their duration.
Chap. 4.
Of Decoctions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1. the Barks,
2. the Herbs,
3. the Seeds,
4. the Flowers,
5. the Spices if you put any in, because their vertue
comes soonest out.
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.
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.
Chap. 5.
Of Oyles.
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.
2. Of Oyls, some are Simple, and some are Compound.
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.
4. Compound Oyls are made of Oyl of Olives and other Simples, imagine Herbs, Flowers, Roots, &c.
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.
6. As for Chymical Oyls, I have nothing to say in this Treatise.
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.
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.
{page_249} Chap. 6.
Of Electuaries.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4. Having beaten them, sift them through a fine Tiffany Searce, that so there may be no great pieces found in your Electuary.
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.
6. Mix them well together in a Mortar, and take this for a truth, you cannot mix them too much.
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.
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.
9. The manner of keeping them is in a pot.
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.
Chap. 7.
Of Conserves.
1. The way of making Conserves is two-fold, one of Herbs and Flowers, and the other of Fruits.
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.
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.
4. Thus have you the way of making Conserves, the way of keeping of them is in Earthen pots.
5. The Dose is usually the quantity of a Nutmeg at a time morning and evening, or (unless they be purging) when you please.
6. Of Conserves, some keep many yeers, as Conserves of Roses, others but a yeer, as Conserves of Borrage, Bugloss, Cowslips and the like.
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.
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.
Chap. 8.
Of Preserves.
Of Preserves are sundry sorts, and the Operations of all being somthing different we will handle them all apart.
There are preserved with Sugar,
1 Flowers.
2 Fruits.
3 Roots.
4 Barks.
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.
{page_205;should_be_250} 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.
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.
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.
5. They are kept in Glasses or glassed Pots.
6. The preserved Flowers will keep a yeer if you can forbear eating of them, the Roots and Barke much longer.
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.
2. Hereby they are preserved from decaying a long time.
Chap. 9.
Of Lohochs.
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.
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.
3. They are in Body thicker than a Syrup, and not so thick as an Electuary.
4. The manner of taking them is often to take a little with a Liquoris stick and let it go down at leisure.
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.
6. It is kept in Pots and will a yeer and longer.
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.
Chap. 10.
Of Oyntments.
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 man{-}{page_251}ner 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,
2. Oyntments are vulgarly known to be kept in Pots, and will last above a yeer, above two yeer.
Chap. 11.
Of Plaisters.
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.
2. The Arabians made up theirs wih Meals, Oyl, and Fat, which needed not so long boyling.
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.
Chap. 12.
Of Pultisses.
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,
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.
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.
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.
Chap. 13.
Of Troches.
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) *{Greek script} they are usually little round flat Cakes, or you may make them square if you will.
2. Their first invention was, that Pouders being so kept might resist the intromission of Air and so endure pure the longer.
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.
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.
5. Having made them, dry them well in the shadow and keep them in a Pot for your use.
Chap. 14.
Of Pills.
1. They are called Pilulae because they resemble little Balls, the Greeks call them Catapotia.
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 {page_242;_should_be_252} least it might not be unsufferable, and indeed most of their Pills though not all are very bitter.
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.
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.
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.
Chap. ult.
The way of mixing Medicines according to the Cause of the Disease and part of the Body afflicted. This being indeed the Key of the Work, I shall be somthing, the more dilligent in it: I shall deliver my self thus;
1. To the Vulgar.
2. To such as study Astrology, or such as study Physick Astrologically.
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.
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,
1. Look «Abortion» in the Table of Diseases, and you shall be directed by that how many Herbs prevent miscarriage.
2. Look «Wind» in the same Table, and you shall see how many of those Herbs expell wind.
These are the Herbs Medicinal for your Grief.
2. In all Diseases strengthen the part of the Body afflicted.
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,
1. Keep your Head outwardly warm.
2. Accustom your self to smell of hot Herbs.
3. Take a Pill that heats the Head at night going to bed.
4. In the morning take a Decoction that cools the Liver, for that quickly passeth the Stomach, and is at the Liver immediately.
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.
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.
2. Let your Medicine be somthing Antipathetical to the lord of the sixth.
3. Let your Medicine be somthing of the Nature of the Sign ascending.
4. If the lord of the Tenth be strong, make use of his Medicines.
5. If this cannot well be, make use of the Medicines of the light of time.
6. Be sure alwaies fortifie the grieved part of the body by Sympathetical Remedies.
{page_253} 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.
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.
The inclosed Scheam.
{page_254} 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.
Diacritica.
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.)
Diagnostica.
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.
Prognostica.
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.
Indications Curative.
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.
Therapeutice.
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.
{page_255} 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.
AN
ALPHABETICAL CATALOGUE
OF THE
DISEASES
SPECIFIED IN THIS
TREATISE:
Together with the Page where to find the cure.
A
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
B
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
D
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
E
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
F
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
G
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
H
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
I
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
K
Kings Evil 7,11,30,35,52,56,59,70,75,78,86,202
Kidneys 70,225
L
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
M
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
N
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.
O
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
P
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
Q
Quartan Agues 2,49,197
Quotidian Agues 49
Quinsie 33,38,75,92,202,233,239
Quikens the Sences 212
R
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
S
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
T
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
V
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
W
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
Y
Yellow Jaundice 10,21,49,53,57,61,66,67,74,76,207,211,215,223,239