The Herball Room
John Gerard's Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes (London, 1597) was the largest herbal yet printed in English: some 1,400 pages and more than 1,800 woodcuts, built on Rembert Dodoens' Latin herbal and on Gerard's own garden in Holborn. Here it is chapter by chapter, from the Source Library's transcription, in Gerard's spelling: what each plant looks like, where it grows, when it flowers, what it is called in a dozen languages, and its “vertues”.
255 chapters transcribed so far, 20 linked to codex sheets. The Source Library is still transcribing the rest of the book; chapters appear here as they do.
The First Booke: grasses, rushes, corn, flags, bulbous and onion-like plants
Of Medow grasseChap. 1 · p. 1The decoction of grasse with the rootes of parsley drunke, helpeth the dissurie and prouoketh vrine. The rootes of grasse, according to Galen, doe glew and consolidate togither new and bleeding wounds. The iuice of grasse mixed with honie and the powder of Sothernwood taken in drinke, killeth wormes in children, but if the childe be yoong, or tender of nature, it shall suffice to mixe the iuice of grasse and the gall of an oxe or bull togither, and therewith annoint the childes bellie, and lay a clout wet therein vpon the nauell. Fernelius saith, that grasse doth helpe the obstructions of the liuer, raines and kidneies, and all euill affections of the raines called Nephritis. Hay sodden in water till it be tender, and applied hot to the chaps of beasts that be chap-fallen through long standing in pound, or stable without meate, is a present remedie.
Of Red Dwarfe grasseChap. 2 · p. 3These kindes of grasses do agree as it is thought, with the common Medow grasse, in nature and vertues, notwithstanding they haue not been vsed in phisicke as yet that I can reade of.
Of Corne grasseChap. 3 · p. 4These grasses are thought to agree with common grasse, as well in temperature, as vertues, although not used in phisicke, as yet knowen.
Of Millet grasseChap. 4 · p. 5
Of Darnell grasseChap. 5 · p. 6
Of Pannicke grasseChap. 6 · p. 7There is no vertue ascribed vnto these grasses, for the vse of phisicke, but they are reckoned vnprofitable, both for man and beast.
Of great Foxe-taile grasseChap. 7 · p. 8They are as vnprofitable for our vse, as the former.
Of great Cats-taile grasseChap. 8 · p. 10There is nothing written of them in phisicke worth the setting downe.
Of Cyperus grasseChap. 9 · p. 11The ancients haue written nothing of their nature and vse, but leaue them vnprofitable for the vse of man and beast.
Of Water grasseChap. 10 · p. 12Their nature and vertues are referred vnto Dogs grasse, whereof we will speake hereafter.
Of Flote grasseChap. 11 · p. 13Their natures and vertues are as vnprofitable as the rest.- Of Kneed grasseChap. 12 · p. 13We haue nothing deliuered vs by the ancients of their nature and properties.
Of Bearded grasseChap. 13 · p. 14They are vnprofitable for phisicke, and therefore there is nothing left vs of their vertues and nature.
Of Hedgehog grasseChap. 14 · p. 15Their natures and vertues are frutelesse as many of the others are, and therefore nothing is deliuered vs of them by our writers.
Of Hairie Wood grasseChap. 15 · p. 16
Of Sea Spike grasseChap. 16 · p. 17
Of Couch grasse or Dogs grasseChap. 17 · p. 21Couch grasse healeth greene wounds. The decoction of the roote is good for the kidneies and bladder: it prouoketh vrine gently, and driueth foorth grauell. Dioscorides and Galen do agree, that the roote stamped and laid vpon greene wounds doth heale them speedily. The decoction thereof serueth against griping paines of the bellie, and difficultie of making water. Marcellus an old author maketh mention in his 26. chapter, that seuen and twenty knots of this Gramen nodosum boiled in wine till halfe be consumed, pressed foorth, strained and giuen to drinke to him that is troubled with the strangurie, hath so great vertue, that after the patient hath once begun to make water without paine, it may not be giuen with wine any more, but with water onely. By which words it appeereth, that this knotted grasse was taken for that which is properly called Gramen or Agrostis, and hath been also commended against the stone and diseafes of the bladder. The later Phisitions do vse the rootes sometimes of this, and sometimes of the other indifferently.
Of Sea Dogs grasseChap. 18 · p. 23
Of vpright Dogs graffeChap. 19 · p. 24The vertues are referred to the Dogs grasses.
Of Dew grasseChap. 20 · p. 25Apuleius saith, if a plaister be made of this grasse, hogs grease, and leuen of houshold bread, it cureth the biting of a mad dog. As in the description I told you, this plant in his tuft or eare is diuided into sundry branches, some tuft into three, some fower, and some fiue clouen parts like Cocks toes. Apuleius reporteth, if ye take that eare which is diuided onely into three parts, it wonderfully helpeth the running or dropping of the eies, and those that begin to be bleare eied, being bound about the necke, and so vsed for certaine daies together, it turneth the humors away from the weake part.
Of Cotton grasseChap. 21 · p. 26Cordus saith, that Iuncus bombicinus sodden in wine, and so taken, helpeth the throwes and gripings of the bellie, that women haue in their childing. There be also sundrie kindes of grasses wholy vnknowen, or at the least not remembred of the old writers, whereof some few are touched in name onely by the late and new writers: now for as much as they haue onely named them, I will refer the better consideration of them to the industrie and diligence of painfull searchers of nature, and prosecute my purposed labour, to unfolde the diuers sorts and manifold kindes of Cyperus, Flags, and Rushes: and bicause that there is added unto many of the grasses before mentioned, this difference Cyperoides, that is to say, grasse like, or resembling Cyperus, I thought it expedient to ioine next unto the historie of grasses, the discourse of Cyperus and his kinds, which are as followeth.
Of English GalingaleChap. 22 · p. 28It maketh a most profitable drinke to breake and expell grauell, and helpeth the dropsie. If it be boiled in wine and drunke, it prouoketh vrine, driueth foorth the stone, and bringeth downe the naturall sicknes of women. The same taken as aforesaid, is a remedie against the stinging and poison of serpents. D Fernelius saith, the roote of Cyperus used in baths, helpeth the coldnes and stopping of the matrix, and prouoketh the termes. E He writeth also that it increaseth blood by warming the bodie, and making good digestion; wonderfully refreshing the spirits, and exhilarating the minde, comforting the senses, and increasing their liuelinesse, restoring the colour decayed, and making a sweete breath. F The powder of Cyperus doth not onely drie up all moist ulcers either of the mouth, priuie members, or fundament, but staieth the humor, and healeth them, though they be maligne and virulent, according to the iudgement of Fernelius.
Of Sea Rush grasseChap. 23 · p. 30The seede of rushes dried at the fire, and drunke with wine alaied with water, staieth the laske, and the ouermuch flowing of womens termes. Galen yeeldeth this reason thereof, bicause that their temperature consisteth of an earthie essence, moderately cold and waterie, and meanly hot: and therefore doth the more easily drie vp the lower parts, and by little and little send vp the cold humors to the head, whereby it prouoketh drowsines and desire to sleepe; but causeth headach, whereof Galen yeeldeth the reason as before. The tender leaues that be next the roote, make a conuenient ointment against the bitings of the spider called Phalangium. The seede of the Bull rush is most soporiferous; and therefore the greater care must be had in the administration thereof, least in prouoking sleepe, you induce a drowsines, or deepe sleepe.
Of ReedesChap. 24 · p. 32The rootes of reede stamped small, drawe foorth thornes and splinters fixed in any part of mans bodie. The same stamped with vineger, ease all luxations, and members out of ioint. And likewise stamped they heale hot and sharpe inflammations. The ashes of them mixed with vineger helpeth the scales and scurfe of the head, and helpeth the haire to grow in Alopecia, or falling of the haire. The great reede or cane is not used in phisicke, but is esteemed to make slearres for weauers, sundrie sorts of pipes, as also to light candles that stand before images, and to make hedges and pales as we do of laths and such like: and also to make certaine diuisions in ships to diuide the sweete orenges from the sower, the pomecitron and lemons likewise in sunder, and many other purposes.
Of Sugar CaneChap. 25 · p. 34 · Sugarcane in the codexThe Sugar or iuice of this Reede is of a temperate qualitie: it drieth and clenseth the stomacke, maketh smooth the roughnesse of the breast and lungs, cleereth the voice, and putteth away hoarsnes, the cough, and all sowrenes and bitternes, as Isaac saith in Dictis. The use. Of the iuice of this Reede is made the most pleasant and profitable sweete, called Sugar, whereof is made infinite confections, confectures, sirupes, and such like, as also preseruing and conseruing of sundrie fruits, herbes and flowres; as Roses, Violets, Rosemary, flowres, and such like, which still retaine with them the name of Sugar, as Sugar Roset, Sugar Violet, &c. The which to write of would require a peculiar volume, and not pertinent vnto this historie, for that it is not my purpose to make of my booke a confectionarie, a Sugar bakers furnace, a gentlewomans preseruing pan, nor yet an apothecaries shop or dispensatorie, but onely to touch the chiefest matter that I purposed to handle in the beginning; that is, the nature, properties, and descriptions of plants. Notwithstanding I thinke it not amisse to shewe vnto you the ordering of these Reedes when they be new gathered, as I receiued it from the mouth of an Indian my seruant, he saith: They do cut them in small peeces, & put them into a trough made of one whole tree, wherein they put a great stone in maner of a milstone, whereunto they tie a horse, busle, or some other beast which draweth it rounde: in which trough, they put those peeces of Canes, and so crush and grinde them, as we do the barkes of trees for Tanners, or apples for Cyder. But in some places they vse a great wheele, wherein slaues do tread and walke, as dogs do in turning the spit: and some others do feede as it were the bottome of the said wheele, wherein are some sharpe or hard things, which do cut and crush the Canes into powder. And some likewise haue found the inuention to turne the wheele with water workes, as we do our iron mils. The Canes being thus brought into dust or powder, they do put them into great cauldrons with a little water, where they boile vntill there be no more sweetenes left in the crushed reede. Then do they straine them through mats and such like things, and put the liquor to boile againe vnto the consistence of honie, which being cold, is like vnto sand both in shewe and handling, but somewhat softer: and so afterward it is caried into all parts of Europe; where it is by the Sugar bakers artificially purged and refined to that whitenes, as we see.
Of the flowring ReedeChap. 26 · p. 36There is not any thing set downe as touching the temperature and vertues of this Flourishing reede, either of the ancients, or of the new or later writers.- Of Paper ReedeChap. 27 · p. 36
Of Mat WeedeChap. 28 · p. 37
Of Camels haieChap. 29 · p. 39Some write, that the knops or rough burres of these plants boiled in wine, are good against the bitings of venemous beasts, if either they be drunke, or the wound washed therewith.
Of Cats taileChap. 31 · p. 41A The foft downe ftamped with fwines greafe well wafhed, healeth burnings or fcaldings with fire or water. B Some practitioners by their experience haue found, that the downe of the Cats taile beaten with the leaues of Betonie, the rootes of Gladiole, and the leaues of Hippogloffon into powder, and mixed with the yelks of egs hard fodden, and fo eaten, is accounted a moft perfect medicine, againft the difeafe in children called in Greeke Ἐντεροκήλη, which is, when the gut called Intestinum cæcum, is fallen into the cods. This medicine muft be miniftered euery day fafting for the fpace of thirtie daies, the quantitie whereof to be miniftered at one time is 1. ʒ. This being vfed, as before is specified, doth not onely helpe children and ftriplings, but growen men alfo, if in time of their cure, they vfe conuenient ligature or truffings, and fit confounding plaifters vpon the greeued place, according to art appointed for that purpofe in chirurgerie. C This downe in fome places of the Ile of Ely, and the lowe countries adioining thereto, is gathered and well fold, to make mattreffes of, for plowmen and poore people. D It hath been alfo often prooued, to heale kibed or humbled heeles (as they are termed) being applied to them, either before or after the skin is broken.
Of StitchwoortChap. 32 · p. 42They are woont to drinke it in wine with the powder of Acornes, against the paine in the side, stitches, and such like. Diuers report, saith Dioscorides, that the seede of Stitchwoort being drunke, causeth a woman to bring foorth a man chiilde, if after the purgation of hir sicknes before she conceiue, she do drinke it fasting thrise in a day, halfe a dram at a time, in three ounces of water many daies togither. | 1 Iris vulgaris. | 2 Iris palustris lutea. | | :--- | :--- | | Flower de-luce. | Water flags, or Flower de-luce. | The roote of the common Flower de-luce cleane washed and stamped, with a fewe drops of rose water, and laide plaister-wise vpon the face of man or woman, doth in two daies at the most, take away the blacknes or blewnes of any stroke or bruise: so that if the skin of the same woman, or anie other person, be very tender and delicate; it shall be needfull that yee laie a peece of silke, sindall, or a peece of fine laune betweene the plaister and the skin: for otherwise in such tender bodies, it often causeth heate and inflammation. The iuice of the same doth not onely mightily and vehemently drawe foorth choler, but most especially waterish humours, and is a speciall and singular purgation for them that haue the dropsie, if it be drunk in whaie or some other liquor, that may somewhat temper and alaie his heate. The drie rootes attenuate or make thin thicke and tough humors, which are hardly and with difficultie purged away. They are good in a loche or licking medicine for shortnes of breath, an old cough, and all infirmities of the chest, which rise heereupon. They remedie those that haue euill spleenes, and those that are troubled with convulsions or cramps, biting of serpents, and the running of the raines, being drunke with vineger, as saith Dioscorides; and drunke with wine, it bringeth downe the monthly course of women. The decoction is good in womens bathes, for it mollifieth and openeth the matrix. Being boiled very soft, and laid to plaisterwise, mollifieth or softeneth the kings euill, and old hard swellings.
Of Flower de-luce of FlorenceChap. 35 · p. 47The iuice of these Flower de-luces doth not onely mightily and vehemently draw foorth choler, but most especially watrish humors, and is a singular good purgation for them that haue the dropsie, if it be drunke in sweete woort or whay. The same is good for them that haue euill spleenes, or that are troubled with cramps or conuulsions, and for such as are bit with serpents. It profiteth also much those that haue the Gonorrhey or running of the raines, being drunke with vineger as Dioscorides saith: and drunke with wine they bring downe the monethly termes.
Of variable Flower de-luceChap. 36 · p. 51The faculties and temperature of these rare and beautifull flowers, are referred to the other sorts of Flower de-luces, whereunto they do very well accord. There is an excellent oyle made of the Flowers and rootes of Flower de-luce, of ech a like quantitie, called Oleum Irinum, made after the same maner that oyle of Roses, Lilies, and such like be made: which oile profiteth much to strengthen the sinews and ioints, helpeth the crampe, proceeding of repletion, and the disease called in Greeke Peripneumonia. The flowers of French Flower de-luce distilled with Diatrion sandalon, and Cinnamom, and the water drunke, preuaileth greatly against the dropsie, as testifieth Hollerius and Gesnerus.
Of stinking GladdonChap. 37 · p. 53Such is the facultie of the rootes of all the Irides before named, that in pownding them they prouoke sneesing, and purge the head: generally all the kinds haue an heating, and extenuating quality. They are effectuall against the cough: they easily digest, and consume the grosse humors, which are hardly concocted: they purge choler and tough flegme: they procure sleepe, and helpe the gripings within the bellie. It helpeth the inuoluntarie effusion of naturall seede, as Plinie saith. If it be drunke in wine it prouoketh the termes, and being put in bathes for women to sit ouer, it prouoketh the like effect most exquisitely. The roote put in maner of a pessarie, hastneth the birth. They couer with flesh, bones bones that be bare, being vsed in plaifters. The rootes boiled soft, and vsed plaisterwise, soften all old hard tumors, and the swellings of the throte, called Strumas, that is, the Kings euill; and emplastered with honie, it draweth out broken bones. The meale thereof, healeth all the rifts of the fundament, and the infirmities thereof, called Condilomata: and openeth the Hemorrhoides. The iuice sniffed or drawne vp into the nose, prouoketh sneesing, and draweth downe by the nose great store of filthie excrements, which would fall into other parts, by secret and hidden waies and conueiances of the channels. It profiteth being vsed in a pessarie, to prouoke the termes, and to cause abortion. It preuaileth much against all euill affections of the brest and lungs, being taken in a little sweete wine, with some Spiknard, or in the whaie of milke, with a little Masticke. The roote of Xyris or Gladdon, is of great force against wounds and fractures of the head, for it draweth out all thornes, stubs, pricks and arrow heads, without greefe: which qualitie it affecteth as Galen saith, by reason of his tenuitie of parts, and of his attracting, drying, and digesting facultie, which chiefely consisteth in the seede or fruite, which mightily prouoketh vrine. The roote giuen in wine, called in phisicke Passum, profiteth much against conuulsions, ruptures, the paine of the huckle bones, the strangurie, and the fluxe of the bellie. Where note, that whereas it is said, that the potion aboue named staieth the fluxe of the bellie, hauing a purging qualitie: it must be vnderstood, that it worketh in that maner as Rhabarbarum, & Asarum do, in that they concoct and take away the cause of the laske, otherwise no doubt it mooueth vnto the stoole, as Rheubarb, Asarum, and the other Irides do. Heereof the countrey people of Sommerfetshire haue good experience, who vse to drinke the decoction of this roote. Others do take the infusion thereof in ale and such like, wherewith they purge themselues, and that vnto very good purpose & effect. The seed therof mightily purgeth by vrine as Galen saith, & the cuntry people haue found it true.
Of GingerChap. 38 · p. 54 · Ginger in the codexGinger, as Dioscorides reporteth, is right good with meate in sauces, or otherwise in conditures: for it is of an heating and digesting qualitie, it gently looseth the bellie, and is profitable for the stomacke, and effectually opposeth it selfe against all darknes of the sight, answering the qualities and effects of Pepper. It is to be considered, that greene canded or condited Ginger is hot and moist in qualitie, prouoking venerie: and being dried, it heateth and drieth in the third degree.
Of Aromaticall ReedesChap. 39 · p. 56
Of CorneChap. 40 · p. 58 · Bread wheat in the codexRawe Wheate saith Dioscorides, being eaten, breedeth woormes in the belly: being chewed and applied doth cure the biting of madde dogs. The flower of Wheate being boiled with hony and water, or with oyle and water, taketh away all inflammations or hot swellings. The bran of Wheate boiled in strong vineger, clenseth away scurffe and dry scales, and dissolueth the beginning of all hot swellings, if it be laid vnto them. And boiled with the decoction of Rue, it slaketh the swellings in womens brests. The graines of white Wheat, as Pliny writeth in his 22. booke, & 7. chap. being dried browne, but not burnt, & the powder thereof mixed with white wine, is good for watering eies, if it be laid therto. The dried powder of red Wheate, boiled with vineger, helpeth the shrinking of sinews. The meale of Wheate, mingled with the iuice of Henbane, and plaisterwise applied, appeaseth inflammations, as Ignis sacer, or S. Anthonies fire, and such like: staying the fluxe of humors from the ioints, which the Grecians call Rheumismata. Paste made of fine meale, such as Booke binders vse, helpeth such as do spit blood, taken warme one spoonfull at once. The bran of Wheate boiled in sharpe vineger, and rubbed vpon them that be scuruie and mangie, easeth the partie very much. The leauen made of Wheate hath vertue to heate & draw outward, it resolueth, concocteth and openeth all swellings, bunches, tumors and felons, being mixed with salt. The fine flower mixed with the yolke of an egge, honie and a little saffron, doth draw and heale biles and such like sores in children, and in old people, very well & quickly. Take crums of Wheaten bread one pound and an halfe, barley meale ℥ ii. Fennigreeke and Lineseede of ech halfe an ounce, the leaues of Mallowes, Violets, Dwale, Sengreene and Cotyledon, ana one handfull: boile them in water and oile vntil they be tender: then stampe them very small in a stone morter, and adde thereto the yolkes of three egs, oile of roses, and oile of violets, ana ℥ ii. Incorporate them altogither, but if the inflammation grow to Erisipelas, then adde thereto the iuice of Nightshade, Plantaine and Henbane, ana ℥ ii. easeth Erisipelas or S. Anthonies fire and all inflammations very speedely. Slices of fine White bread, laide to infuse or steepe in rose water, and so applied vnto sore eies, which haue many hot humors falling into them, doth easily defend the humour and cease the pain. The oile of Wheate pressed foorth betweene two plates of hot iron, healeth the chappes and chinkes of the hands, feete and fundament which come of colde, making smooth the hands, face, or any other part of the body. The same vsed as a Balsame, doth excellently heale wounds, and being put among salues or vnguents, it causeth them to worke more effectually, especially in old vlcers. There hath not any peculiar vertues been attributed to this kinde of Amylcorne, more than hath been said, that is to feede cattell, pullen, and to make starch, the nature is referred vnto the base kinds of Wheate or Barly.
Of BarlyChap. 44 · p. 63Barly, saith Dioscorides, doth clense, prouoke vrine, breedeth windines, & is an enimie to the stomacke. Barly meale boiled in honied water with figs, taketh away inflammations: with pitch, rosine, and pigeons dung, it softneth and ripeneth hard swellings. With melilot and poppie seeds it taketh away the paine in the sides: it is a remedie against windines of the guts, being applied with lineseede, fænugreeke and rewe: with tar, waxe, oyle and the vrine of a yoong boy, it doth digest, soften and ripen hard swellings in the throte, called the Kings euill. Boiled with wine, mirtils, the barke of the pomegranate, wilde peares, and the leaues of brambles, it stoppeth the laske. Further it serueth for Ptifana, Polenta, Maza, mault, ale, and beere. The making whereof if anie be desirous to learne, let them reade L. Obelius Aduersaria, in the chapter of Barly. But I thinke our London beere brewers, would scorne to learne to make beere of either French or Dutch, much lesse of me that can say nothing therein of mine owne experience more than by the writings of others. But I may deliuer vnto you a confection made thereof, as Columella did concerning sweete wine, sodden to the halfe, which is this: boile strong ale till it come to the thicknes of honie, or the forme of an vnguent or salue, which applied to the paines of the sinews and ioints, (as hauing the propertie to abate aches and paines) may for want of better remedies be vsed for old and new sores, if it be made after this maner. Take strong ale two pound, one oxe gall, and boile them to one pound with a soft fire, continually stirring it, adding thereto of vineger one pound, of Olibanum one ounce, flowers of camomil and melilote of ech one ounce, rewe in fine powder halfe an ounce, a little honie, and a small quantitie of the powder of comin seede, boile them altogither to the forme of an vnguent or salue, and so applie it. There be sundry sorts of confections made of Barly, as Polenta, Ptifana made of water and vnhusked or hulled Barly and such like. Polenta is the meate made of parched Barly, which the Grecians do properly call ἄλφιτον. Maza is made of parched Barly tempered with water, after Hippocrates and Xenophon: Cyrus hauing called his soldiers togither, exhorteth them to drinke water wherein parched Barly hath been steeped, calling it by the same name, Maza: Hesychius doth interpret μᾶζα to be Barly meale mixed with water and oile. Barly meale boiled in water with garden nightshade, the leaues of garden Poppie, the powder of Fenugreke, and lineseed, and a little hogs grease, is good against all hot and burning swellings, and preuaileth against the dropsie being applied vpon.
Of Naked BarlyChap. 45 · p. 65This Barly boiled in water cooleth vnnaturall and hot burning choler. In vehement feuers you may adde thereto the seedes of white Poppie and Lettufe, not onely to coole, but also to prouoke sleepe. Against the shortnes of breth and pains of the brest, may be added to all the aforesaid, figs, raisons of the sunne, liquerice and annise feede. Being boiled in the whay of milke, with the leaues of Sorrell, Marigolds, and Scabious, it quencheth thirst, and cooleth the heate of the inflamed liuer, being drunke first in the morning, and last to bedward.
Of Burnt BarlyChap. 46 · p. 66This bastard wilde Barly stamped and applied unto places wanting haire, doth cause it to growe A and come foorth, whereupon in old time it was called Reslida.
Of Saint Peters CorneChap. 47 · p. 67
Of Bearded OtesChap. 50 · p. 78
Of DarnellChap. 51 · p. 71The seede of Darnell, pigeons dung, oile oliue, and powder of lineseed, boiled to the forme of a plaister, consumeth wens, hard lumps, and such like excrescence in any part of the body. The new bread wherein Darnell is, eaten hot, causeth drunkennes: in like maner doth beere or ale wherein the seede is fallen, or put into the mault. Darnell taken with red wine staieth the fluxe of the belly, and the ouermuch flowing of womens termes. Dioscorides saith, that Darnell meale doth staie and keepe backe eating sores, gangrenes and putrified vlcers: and being boiled with radish rootes, salt, brimstone and vineger, it cureth spreading scabs and dangerous tetters, called in Greeke λειχῆνες, and leprous or naughtie scurffe. The seede of Darnell giuen in white or rhenish wine, prouoketh the flowers or menses. A fume made thereof with parched barly meale, myrrhe, saffron and frankensence made in form of a pultus, and applied vpon the belly, helpeth conception, and causeth easie deliuerance of childe bearing. Red Darnell as Dioscorides writeth, being drunke in sower or harsh red wine, stoppeth the laske, and the ouermuch flowing of the flowers or menses, and is a remedie for those that pisse in bed.
Of RiceChap. 52 · p. 72 · Asian rice in the codexGalen faith, that all men vfe to ftaie the belly with this graine, being boiled after the fame maner that Chondrus is. In England we vfe to make with milke and Rife, a certaine food, or pottage which doth both meanely binde the belly, and alfo nourifh. Many other good kinds of foode is made with this graine, as thofe that are skilfull in cookerie can tell.
Of MilletChap. 53 · p. 73The meale of Mill mixed with tar, is laid to the bitings of serpents and all venemous beasts. There is a drinke made hereof bearing the name of sirupus Ambrosii, or Ambrose his syrupe, which procureth sweate, and quencheth thirst, vsed in the citie of Milan in tertian agues. The receit whereof Henricus Rantzovius in his booke of the gouernment of health setteth downe in this maner: Take faith he, of vnhusked Mill a sufficient quantitie, boile it till it be broken: then take fiue ounces of the hot decoction, and adde there to two ounces of the best white wine, and so giue it hot vnto the patient being well couered with clothes, and then will he sweate throughly. This is likewise commended by Ioannes Heurneus in his booke of practise.
Of Turkie corneChap. 54 · p. 74 · Maize in the codexTurky wheate doth nourish far lesse than either Wheate, Rie, Barly or Otes. The bread which is made thereof is meanly white, without bran: it is hard and drie as bisket is, and hath in it no clammines at all: for which cause it is of hard digestion, and yeeldeth to the body little or no nourishment, it slowly descendeth and bindeth the belly, as that doth which is made of Mill or Panick. We haue as yet no certaine proofe or experience concerning the vertues of this kinde of Corne, although the barbarous Indians which know no better, are constrained to make a vertue of necessitie, and think it a good food; whereas we may easily iudge that it nourisheth but little, and is of hard and euill digestion, a more conuenient foode for swine than for men.
Of Turkie MilletChap. 55 · p. 77 · Sorghum in the codexThe seed of Turkie Mill is like vnto Panicke in taste and temperature: the countrie people sometimes make bread heerof, but it is brittle and of little nourishment, and for the most part it serueth to fatten hens and pigeons with.
Of PanickChap. 56 · p. 78Pannick stoppeth the laske as Millet doth, being boiled (as Plinie reporteth) in Goates milke and drunke twise in a day. Bread made of Pannick nourisheth little, and is cold and dry, verie brittle, hauing in it neither clamminesse, nor fatnesse; and therefore it drieth a moist belly.
Of Canarie seede, or Petie PanickChap. 57 · p. 80I finde not any thing set downe as touching the temperature of Phalaris, notwithstanding it is thought to be of the nature of Millet. The iuice and seed as Galen saith, are thought to be profitable drunke against the paines of the bladder: Apothecaries for want of Millet do vse the same with good successe in fomentations: for in drie fomentations it serueth in steed thereof, and is his succedaneum, or quid pro quo. We vse it in England also to feed the Canarie birds.
Of FoxetaileChap. 58 · p. 81I find not any thing extant woorthie the memorie, either of his nature or vertues.- Of Iobs TearesChap. 59 · p. 81
Of Wilde Cow wheateChap. 62 · p. 84There is not much set downe either of the nature or vertues of these plants: onely it is reported that the seedes do cause giddines and drunkennes as Darnell doth. The seede of Crateogonon made in fine flower, and giuen in broth or otherwise, mightily prouoketh venerie. Some write that it will likewise cause women to bring foorth male children.
Of White AsphodillChap. 63 · p. 85After the opinion of Dioscorides and Aetius, the rootes of Asphodill eaten, prouoke vrine and the termes effectually, especially being stamped and strained with wine and drunke. One dram thereof taken in wine in maner before rehearsed, helpeth the paine in the sides, ruptures, conuulsions, and the old cough. The rootes boiled in dregs of wine cure foule eating vlcers, all inflammations of the dugs, or stones, and easeth the fellon being put thereto as a pultus. The iuice of the roote boiled in old sweete wine, togither with a little myrrhe and saffron, maketh an excellent Collyrie profitable for the eies. Galen saith, the rootes burnt to ashes, and mixed with the grease of a ducke, helpeth Alopecia, bringeth haire againe that was fallen by meanes of that disease. The weight of a dram thereof taken with wine helpeth the drawing together of sinewes, cramps, and burstings. The like quantitie taken in broth prouoketh vomit, and helpeth those that are bitten with any venemous beast. The iuice of the roote clenseth and taketh away the white morphew, if the face be annointed therewith: but first the place must be chafed and well rubbed with a course linnen cloth.
Of the Kings SpeareChap. 64 · p. 88It is not yet found out what vse there is of either of them in nourishment or medicines.
Of Onion AsphodillChap. 65 · p. 89The yoong sprouts or springs thereof is a singular medicine against the yellow Iaunders, for that the roote is of power to make thin and open. The rootes hereof, as Galen writeth in his booke of the Faculties of simple medicines, are like in vertues to wake Robin or Aron, and Plinies cowkowpintle, and likewise to Dragons as aforesaid. Galen saith that the ashes of this Bulbe mixed with oile or hens grease, cureth the pilling or falling of the haire in spots, as Alopecia doth.
Of Yellow LilliesChap. 66 · p. 90Diofcorides faith, that the roote ftamped with honie, and a mother peffarie made thereof with wooll, and put vp, bringeth foorth water and blood. The leaues ftamped and applied, do alay hot fwellings in the dugs after womens trauell in childe bearing, and likewife taketh away the inflammation of the eies. The rootes and the leaues be laid with good fucceffe vpon burnings and fcaldings.
Of Bulbed Flower deluceChap. 67 · p. 91Take saith Apuleius, of the herbe Hierobulbus fixe $\text{℥}$. Goates suet as much, oile of Alcanet one pound, pound, mixe them togither being first stamped in a stone mortar, it taketh away the paine of the goute. Moreouer, if a woman doe vse to wash her face with the decoction of the roote, mixed with the meale of Lupines, it foorthwith cleanseth away the freckels and morphew, & such like deformities.
Of Spanish nutChap. 68 · p. 94Of these kinds of Flower de-luce there hath been little or nothing at all left in writing concerning their natures or vertues: onely the Spanish Nut is eaten at the tables of rich and delicious, naie vicious persons in sallads, or otherwise to procure lust and lecherie.
Of Corne FlagChap. 69 · p. 95The roote stamped with the powder of frankensence and wine, applied, draweth foorth splinters and thornes that sticke fast in the flesh. Being stamped with the meale of Darnell and honied water, doth waste and make subtill harde lumps, nodes and swellings being emplaistred. Some affirme that the vpper roote prouoketh bodilie lust, and the lower causeth barrennesse. The vpper roote drunke in water, is profitable against that kinde of bursting in children called Enterocele. The roote of Corne flag stamped with hogs grease and wheaten meale, hath been found by late practitioners in Phisicke and Chirurgerie to be a certaine and approoued remedie against Struma, Scrophulas, and such like swellings in the throte. The cods with the seed dried and beaten into powder, & drunke in Goates milke, or Asses milke, presentlie taketh away the paine of the collicke.
Of Hyacinthes and there kindsChap. 70 · p. 97The root of Hyacinth boiled in wine and drunke, stoppeth the belly, prouoketh vrine, and helpeth against the venemous bitings of the fielde spider. The seede is of the same vertue, and is of greater force in stopping of the laske and bloudy flixe: being drunke in wine it preuaileth against the falling sicknes. The rootes after the opinion of Dioscorides, procure haire in beardlesse men, and such as haue been ouertaken with Alopecia.
Of faire haired IacintChap. 71 · p. 102There is not any thing set down of the ancient or later writers, of the nature and vertues of these, but they are referred unto the other Iacints.
Of Muscari, or Musked grape flowerChap. 72 · p. 105There hath not as yet any thing been touched concerning the nature or vertues of these plants, onely they are kept and maintained in gardens for the pleasant smell of their flowers, but not for their beautie, for that many stinking field flowers do in beautie far surpasse them. But it should seem that Mathiolus called them Vomitorius, in that they procure vomiting, which of other auctors hath not been remembered.
Of Woolly BulbusChap. 73 · p. 106
Of two fained picturesChap. 74 · p. 107Galen saith, that the rootes of Narcissus haue such woonderful qualities in drying, that they confound and glue togither verie great wounds, yea and such rifts, gashes or cuts, as happen about the vaines, sinewes, and tendons. They haue also a certaine wiping, cleansing, and attracting facultie. The rootes of Narcissus stamped with honie and applied plaisterwise, helpeth them that are burnt with fire, and ioineth togither sinewes that are cut in sunder. Being vsed in maner aforesaid, it helpeth the great wrenches of the ankles, the aches and paines of the ioints. The same taken with honie and the seed of nettles, purgeth the disease which causeth spottines in the body, called Ephelis and Alphos, and sunne burning. The same stamped with barrowes grease, and leuen of rie bread, hasteneth to maturation hard impostumes, which are not easily brought to ripenesse. Being stamped with the meale of cockle and honie, it draweth foorth thornes and stubs out of any part of the bodie. The roote by the experiment of Apuleius, stamped and strained, and giuen in drinke, helpeth the cough and collicke, and those that be entered into a ptisicke. The rootes whether they be eaten or drunken, do moue vomit; and being mingled with vineger and nettle seed, taketh away lentiles and spots in the face.
Of the bastard DaffodilsChap. 76 · p. 115There hath not been any thing set downe of the ancient or later writers as touching the nature or vertues of the Tulipaes, but are esteemed especially for the beautie of their flowers.
Of Bulbed stocke GilloflowersChap. 78 · p. 120Touching the faculties of these Bulbed stocke Gilloflowers we haue nothing to say, seeing that nothing is set downe heerof by the old writers, nor any thing obserued by the new: onely they are maintained and cherished in gardens for the beautie and rarenesse of the flowers, and sweetenes of their smell.
Of Turkie or Ginnie-hen flowerChap. 79 · p. 122Of the faculties of these pleasant flowers there is nothing set downe in the ancient or later writers, but are greatly esteemed for the beautifieng of our gardens, and the bosomes of the beautifull.
Of SaffronChap. 80 · p. 123 · Saffron crocus in the codexA Auicen affirmeth that it caufeth headach, and is hurtfull to the braine, which it cannot doe by taking it now and then, but by too much vfing of it: for too much vfing of it cutteth off fleepe, through want whereof the head and fences are out of frame. But the moderate vfe of it is good for the head, and maketh the fences more quicke and liuely, fhaketh off heauie and drowfie fleepe, and maketh a man merrie. B Alfo Saffron ftrengtheneth the hart, concocteth crude or rawe humors of the cheft, openeth the lungs, and remooueth obftructions or ftoppings. C It is alfo fuch a fpeciall remedie for thofe that haue confumption of the lungs, and are, as we tearm it, at deaths doore, & almoft paft breathing, that it bringeth breath againe, & prolongeth life for certaine daies, if ten or twentie graines at the moft be giuen, with new or fweete wine. For we haue found by often experience that being taken in that fort, it prefently, and in a moment remooueth away difficultie of breathing, which moft dangerously and fuddenly happeneth. D Dioscorides teacheth, that being giuen in the fame fort, it is alfo good against a furfet. E It is commended against the ftoppings of the liuer and gall, and against the yellow Iaundife. And heereupon Dioscorides writeth that it maketh a man well coloured. It is put into al drinks that are made to helpe the diseases of the intrailes, as the fame Author affirmeth, & into those especially which bring down the flowers, the birth & the after burthen. It prouoketh vrine, stirreth fleshly lust, and is vsed in Cataplafmes & pultefies for the matrix and fundament, & alfo in plaifters and fearecloths which ferue for old fwellings and aches, and likewise for hot fwellings that haue alfo in them Saint Anthonies fire. F It is with good fucceffe put into compofitions for infirmities of the eares. G The eies being annointed with the fame diffolued in milke or fenell, or rofe water, are preferued from being hurt by the fmall poxe and meafels, and are defended thereby from humours that would fall into them. H The Chiues fteeped in water, ferueth to illumine, or as we fay, limme pictures and imagerie, as alfo alfo to colour fundry meates and confections. It is with good fucceffe giuen to procure bodilie luft. The confections called Crocomagna, Oxycroceum, and Diacurcuma, with diuers other emplai-fters and electuaries, cannot be well made without this Saffron. The waight of ten graines of Saffron, the kernels of Walnuts ii. ounces, Figs ii. ℥. Mithridate I one dram, and a fewe fage leaues, ftamped together with a fufficient quantitie of Pimpernell water, and made into a maffe or lumpe and kept in a glaffe for your vfe, and thereof twelue graines giuen in the morning fafting, preferueth from the peftilence and expelleth it from thofe that are infected.
Of wilde SaffronChap. 81 · p. 125The rootes of meade saffron is of force to purge. It is properly giuen saith Paulus to those that haue the goute, euen then when the humours are in flowing. The same stamped and mixed with the whites of egges, barly meale, and crums of bread, and applied plaisterwise, easeth the paine of the goute, swellings and aches about the ioints. The same strengtheneth, nourisheth, and maketh good iuice, increaseth sperme or naturall seede, and is also good to clense vlcers and rotten sores. The correction. The powder of Ginger, long Pepper, Annise seede, or Commin seed, and a little Masticke, correcteth the churlish working of that Hermodactile or meade saffron, which is vsed in shops. But those which haue eaten of the common medow Saffron must drinke the milke of a cow, or els death presently ensueth.
Of Star of BethlehemChap. 83 · p. 131The vertues of them are unknowne, notwithstanding Hieronymus Tragus writeth that the roote of the yellow Star of Bethlehem rosted in hot embers, and applied with honie in maner of a cataplasme or pultus, healeth old eating ulcers. The rootes which are to be used in Phisicke, if any part thereof be, do not make any good iuice. They are windie, saith Dioscorides, and hard to be digested, and through their windines prouoke fleshly lust.
Of OnionsChap. 84 · p. 133The Onions do fret, attenuate or make thin, and cause drines: being boiled they do lose their sharpnes, especially if the water be twise or thrise changed, and yet for all that they do not lose their attenuating qualitie. They also breake and consume winde, prouoke vrine, and be more soluble boiled than rawe, and being rawe they nourish not at all, and but a little though they be boiled. They be naught for those that are cholericke: but good for such as are replete with rawe and flegmatike humours: and for women that haue their termes staied vpon a cold cause, by reason they open the conduits that are stopped. Galen writeth that they prouoke the Hemorrhoides to bleede if they be laid vnto them, either by themselues or stamped with vineger. The iuice of Onions sniffed vp into the nose, purgeth the head and draweth foorth rawe flegmatike humours. Being stamped with salt, rewe and honie, and applied, is good against the biting of a mad dogge. Being rosted in the embers and applied, ripeneth and breaketh colde apostumes, biles and such like. The iuice of Onions mixed with the decoction of Penniriall and annointed vpon the goutie member with a feather, or a cloth wet therein and applied, easeth the same very much. The iuice annointed vpon a pilde or balde head in the sunne, bringeth againe the haire very speedily. The iuice taketh away the heate of scalding with water or oile, as also burning with fire and gunpowder, as is set foorth by a very skilfull Chirurgion named master VVilliam Clowes, one of the Queenes Chirurgions. Onions sliced and dipped in the iuice of sorell, and giuen vnto the sicke of a tertian ague to eate, doth take away the fit in once or twice so taking it. The hurts. The Onion being eaten, yea though it be boiled causeth headach; hurteth the eies, and maketh a man dim sighted, dulleth the sences, engendreth windines, and prouoketh ouermuch sleepe, especially being eaten rawe.
Of Sea OnionChap. 85 · p. 135The roote is to be couered with paste or claie (as Dioscorides teacheth) and then put into an ouen to be baked, or else buried in hot embers till such time as it be throughly rosted: for not being so baked or rosted it is very hurtfull to the inner parts. It is likewise baked in an earthen pot close couered, & set in an ouen. That is to be taken especially which is in the middest, which being cut in peeces must be boiled, but the water still to be changed, till such time as it is neither bitter nor sharpe: then must the peeces be hanged on a thred and dried in the shadow, so that no one peece touch an other. These slices of the Squil are vsed to make oile, wine, or vineger of Squill. Of this vineger of Squill is made an oximell or sharpe sirupe. The vse whereof is to cut thicke, tough, and clammie humours. This rosted or baked Onion is mixed with potions and other medicines which prouoke vrine, and open the stoppings of the liuer & spleene, and is also put into treacles. It is giuen to those that haue the dropsie, the yellow Iaundife, and to such as are tormented with gripings of the belly, and is vsed in a licking medicine against an old rotten cough, and for shortnesse of breath. One part of this Onion being mixed with eight parts of salt, and taken in the morning fasting to the quantitie of a spoonfull or two, looseth the belly. The inner part of Squilla boiled in oile & turpentine, is with great profit applied to the chaps or chilblanes of the feete or heeles. It driueth foorth long and round wormes if it be giuen with honie and oile.
Of LeekesChap. 86 · p. 138A Being boiled it is lesse hurtfull by reason that it loseth a great part of his sharpenes: and yet being so vsed, it yeeldeth to the body no good iuice. But being taken with colde herbes, his qualitie is tempered. B Being boiled and eaten with Ptisana, or barly creame, it concocteth and bringeth vp rawe humors that lie in the chest. Some affirme it to be good in a loch or licking medicine, and to clense the pipes of the lunges. C The iuice drunke with honie is profitable against the bitings of venemous beasts, and likewise the leaues stamped and laid thereupon. D The same iuice with vineger, frankensence and milke, or oile of roses dropped into the eares, mitigateth their paine, and is good for the noise in them. E Two drams, or a quarter of an ounce of the seede, with the like weight of Myrtill berries being drunke, stoppeth the spitting of bloud which hath continued a long time. The same put into wine keepeth it from sowring, and being already sower it correcteth the same as diuers write. It cutteth grosse and tough humours. * The hurts. It heateth the bodie, ingendreth naughtie blood, causeth troublesome and terrible dreames, offendeth the eies, dulleth the sight, hurteth those that are by nature hot and cholericke, and is noisome to the stomacke, and breedeth windines.
Of Ciues, Chiues, or wilde LeekesChap. 87 · p. 139The Ciues attenuate or make thinne, open, prouoke vrine, ingender hotte and grosse vapors, and are hurtfull to the eies and braine. They cause troublesome dreames, and worke all the effects, that the Leeke doth. The Vine Leeke prouoketh vrine mightily, and bringeth downe the flowers. It cureth the bitings of venemous beasts, as Dioscorides writeth.
Of GarlickChap. 88 · p. 140 · Garlic in the codexBeing eaten it heateth the bodie extremely, attenuateth and maketh thin, thicke and grosse humors; cutteth such as are tough and clammie, digesteth and consumeth them, also openeth obstructions, is an enimie to all colde poisons, and to the bitings of venemous beasts: and therefore Galen nameth it Theriaca rusticorum, or the husbandmans Treacle. It yeeldeth to the body no nourishment at all, it engendreth naughtie and sharpe blood. Therefore such as are of a hot complexion must especially abstaine from it. But if it be boiled in water vntill such time as it hath lost his sharpnes, it is the lesse forcible, and retaineth no longer his euill iuice, iuice, as Galen writeth. It taketh away the roughnes of the throte, it helpeth an old cough, it prouoketh vrine, it breaketh the stone, and consumeth winde, it is a remedie for the dropsie proceeding of a colde cause. It killeth wormes in the belly, and driueth them foorth. The milke also wherein it hath been sodden, is giuen to yoong children with good successe against the wormes. It helpeth a colde stomacke, and is a preseruatiue against the contagious and pestilent aire. The decoction of Garlicke vsed for a bathe to sit ouer, bringeth downe the flowers and secondines or afterburthen, as Dioscorides saith. It taketh away the morphew, tetters or ringwoormes, scabbed heads in children, dandrafe and scurfe, tempered with hony and the parts annointed therewith. With figge leaues and cummin it is laide on against the bitings of the mouse, called in Greeke μυγάλη: in English a Shrew.
Of wilde GarlickeChap. 89 · p. 141A Wilde Garlick or Crow Garlick as Galen saith, is stronger and of more force then the garden Garlicke. B The leaues of Ramsons be stamped and eaten of diuers in the low countries with fish for a sauce, euen as we do eate greene sauce made with sorrell. C The same leaues may very well be eaten in April and Maie with butter, of such as are of a strong constitution, and laboring men. D The distilled water drunke breaketh the stone, and driueth it foorth and prouoketh vrine. | 3 Scorodoprasum. | 4 Allium Alpinum latifolium seu victorialis. | | :--- | :--- | | Great mountaine Garlick. | Brode leaued mountaine Garlick. |
Of white LilliesChap. 91 · p. 146The roote of the garden Lillie stamped with honie, gleweth togither sinewes that be cut in sunder. It consumeth or scoureth away the vlcers of the head called Achores, and likewise all scurvinesse of the beard and face. The roote stamped with vineger, the leaues of Henbane, or the meale of barly, cureth the tumors and apostemes of the priuie members. It bringeth the haire againe vpon places which haue beene burned or scalded, if it be mingled with oile or grease, and the place therewith annointed. The same rosted in the embers and stamped with some leuen of rie bread and hogs grease, breaketh pestilentiall botches. It ripeneth apostemes in the flankes comming of venerie and such like. The flowers steeped in oile oliue and shifted two or three times during sommer, and set in the sunne in a strong glasse, is good to soften the hardnesse of sinewes and the hardnes of the matrix. Florentinus scriptor rei rusticæ saith, that if the roote be curiously opened, and therein be put some red, blew or yellow colour that hath no causticke or burning qualitie, will cause the flowers to be of the same colour. Iulius Alexandrinus saith, that the water thereof distilled and drunke, causeth easie and spedie deliuerance, and expelleth the secondine or after burthen in most speedie maner. Casarius Archiater saith, the leaues boiled in sower wine, and deepe and perillous wounds fomented or bathed therewith, doe greatly helpe the working of the other medicines that are applied thereto, comforting the parts adioining, as Galen likewise doth report in his 7. booke de Simpl. med. facultati. The roote of the white Lillie stamped and strained with wine, and giuen to drinke for two or three daies togither, expelleth poison of the pestilence, and causeth it to breake forth in blisters in the outward part of the skin, according to the experience of a learned gentleman master VVilliam Godorus, Sergeant Chirurgion to the Queenes Maiestie: who also hath cured many of the dropsie with the iuice thereof, tempered with barly meale and baked in cakes, and so eaten ordinarily for some month or fixe weekes togither with meate, but no other bread during the time.
Of Red LilliesChap. 92 · p. 148
Of mountaine LilliesChap. 93 · p. 150There hath not been any thing left in writing either of the nature or vertues of these plants: notwithstanding we may deeme that God which gaue them such seemely and beautifull shape, hath not left them without their peculiar vertues: the finding out whereof we leaue to the learned and industrious searcher of nature. The red Lilly of Constantinople. Chap. 94. Of the nature or vertues there is not any thing as yet set downe, but esteemed especially for the beautie and rarenes of the flower, referring what may be gathered hereof to a further consideration.
Of the Persian LillieChap. 95 · p. 152There is not any thing knowne of the nature or vertues of this Persian Lillie, esteemed as yet for his rarenes and comely proportion: although if I might be so bold with a stranger that hath vouchsafed to trauell so many hundreds of miles for our acquaintance; we haue in our English fields manie scores of flowers in beautie far excelling it.
Of the crowne ImperiallChap. 96 · p. 153The vertues of this admirable plant is not yet knowne, neither his faculties or temperature in working.
Of Dogs toothChap. 97 · p. 154The women that dwell about the place where these grewe and do growe, haue with great profite put the dried meale or powder of it in their childrens pottage, against the woormes of the belly. Being drunke with wine, it hath been prooued maruellously to asswage the collick passion. It strengthneth and nourisheth the bodie in great measure, and being drunke with water it cureth children of the falling sicknes. It prouoketh bodily lust if it be onely handled, but much more if it be drunke with wine.
Of Dogs stonesChap. 98 · p. 156It is reported as Dioscorides writeth, that if men do eate of the great full or fat rootes of these kinds of Dogs stones, they cause them to beget male children: and if women eate of the lesser, drie or barren roote which is withered or shriueled, they shall bring foorth females. These are some Doctors opinions onely. It is further reported that in Thessalia, the women giue the tender full roote to be drunke in gotes milke, to mooue bodily lust, and the drie to restraine the same. Our age vseth all the kindes of stones to stirre vp venerie, and the apothecaries doe mixe any of them indifferently with compositions seruing for that purpose. But the best and most effectuall are the Goates stones as most haue deemed: yet both the bulbes or stones are not to be taken indifferētly, but the harder and fuller, and that which conteineth most quantitie of iuice: for that which is wrinckled is lesse profitable or not fit at al to be vsed in medicine. And the fuller roote is not alwaies the greater, but often the lesser, especially if the rootes be gathered before the plant hath shed his flowers, or when the stalke first commeth vp, for that which is fuller of iuice is not the greatest before the seed be perfectly ripe. For seeing that euery other yeere by course one stone or bulbe waxeth full, the other emptie & perisheth, it cannot be that the harder and fuller of iuice should be alwaies the greater. For at such time as the leaues com forth, the fuller then beginneth to increase, & whilest the same doth by little & little increase, the other doth decrease and wither vntill the seed be ripe: then the whole plant togither with the leaues and stalkes doth foorthwith fall away and perish, and that which in the meane time increased, remaineth still fresh and full vnto the next yeere.
Of Fooles stonesChap. 99 · p. 158The vertues of these Foole stones are thought to haue the vertues of Dogs stones, whereunto they are referred.
Of Goates stonesChap. 100 · p. 159The temperature and vertues of these are referred to the Foole stones, notwithstanding they are seldome or neuer vsed in phisick, in regarde of the stinking and lothsome smell and sauour they are possessed with.
Of Foxe stonesChap. 101 · p. 161The nature and vertues of these kindes of Orchis are referred vnto the others, namely to those of the Foxe stones: notwithstanding there is no great vse of these in Phisicke, but regarded for the pleasant and beautifull flowers, wherewith nature hath seemed to plaie and disport hir selfe.
Of Sweete CullionsChap. 102 · p. 167The full and sappy rootes of Ladie traces eaten or boiled in milke and drunke, prouoke venery, Anourish and strengthen the bodie, and be good for such as are fallen into a consumption or feuer Hectique.
Of Satyrion royallChap. 103 · p. 169Nicolaus Nicols in the chapter of the cure of a quartaine ague, saith, that the rootes of Palma Christi are of force to purge vpward and downward, and that a roote or two stamped and giuen with wine before the fit commeth, is a good remedie against old quartaines after purgation, and reporteth that one Biliolus after he had endured fower and fortie fits was cured therewith.
Of Serapias stonesChap. 104 · p. 170Serapias stones are thought to be in nature, temperature, and vertues like vnto the Satyrion roiall, although not so much vsed in Phisicke, yet doubtlesse they worke the effect of the other stones.
Of Fennie stonesChap. 105 · p. 174The bulbus or knobbed roote, which is properly called Rapum or Turnep, and hath giuen the name to the plant, is many times eaten raw especially of the poore people in Wales, but most commonly boiled. The raw roote is windie and engendreth grosse and cold blood: the boiled doth coole lesse, and so little as that it cannot be perceiued to coole at all, yet it is moist and windie. It auaileth not a little after what maner it is to be prepared; for being boiled in water or in certaine broth, it is more moist and sooner descendeth, and maketh the bodie more soluble; but being rosted or baked it drieth and ingendreth lesse winde, and yet it is not altogither without winde. But howsoeuer they be dressed they yeelde more plentie of nourishment than those that are eaten rawe: they do increase milke in women brests, and naturall seed, and prouoke vrine. The decoction of Turneps is good against the cough and hoarsnesse of the voice, being drunke in the euening with a little sugar or a quantitie of clarified hony. Dioscorides writeth that the Turnep it selfe being stamped is with good successe applied vpon mouldie or kibed heeles, and that also oile of roses boiled in an hollowe Turnep vnder the hot embers doth cure the same. The yoong and tender shootes or springs of Turneps at their first comming foorth of the ground, boiled and eaten as a sallade, prouoke vrine. The seed is mixed with counterpoisons and treacles: and being drunke it is a remedie against poison. They of the lowe countries doe giue the oile which is pressed out of the seede, against the after throwes of women newly brought to bed, and also do minister it to yoong children against the wormes, which it both killeth and driueth foorth. The oile washed with water doth allaie the feruent heat, and ruggidnes of the skin.
The Second Booke: herbs for meat, medicine and sweet-smelling use
Of wilde TurnepsChap. 2 · p. 179Diuers vse the seede of Rape in steed of mustard seede, who either make heereof a sauce bearing the name of mustard, or else mixe it with mustard seede: but this kinde of sauce is not so pleasant to the taste, bicause it is bitter. Galen writeth that these being eaten engender euill blood: yet Dioscorides saith, they warme the stomack and nourish somewhat.
Of NauewesChap. 3 · p. 180The Nauew and the Turnep are all one in temperature and vertues, yet some suppose that the Nauew is a little drier and not so soone concocted, nor passeth downe so easily, and doth withall ingender lesse winde. In the rest it is answerable to the Turnep.
Of Lyons Turnep, or Lyons leafeChap. 4 · p. 182The roote (saith Dioscorides) taken in wine doth helpe them that are bitten of Serpents, and it doth most speedily alaie the paine. It is put into glisters which are made for them that be tormented with the Sciatica.- Of RadishChap. 5 · p. 182Radish are eaten raw with bread in stead of other foode; but being eaten after that maner, they yeeld Dioscorides writeth, that the leaues are receiued among the pot herbes, and likewise the boiled roote, which as he saith, doth heate, and prouoke vrine.
Of Horse RadishChap. 7 · p. 186Horse Radish stamped with a little vineger put thereto, is commonly vsed among the Germanes for sauce to eate fish with, and such like meates, as we do mustarde; but this kinde of sauce doth heate the stomacke better, and causeth better digestion than mustard. Oxymel or syrupe made with vineger and honie, in which the rindes of Horse radish haue beene infused three daies, causeth vomit and is commended against the quartaine ague. The leaues boiled in wine, and a little oile oliue added thereto and laid vpon the greeued parts in maner of Pultus, do mollifie and take away the hard swellings of the liuer and milte; and being applied to the bottome of the belly is a remedie for the strangurie. It profiteth much in the expulsion of the secondine or after-birth. It mittigateth and asswageth the paine of the hip or haunch, commonly called Sciatica. It profiteth much against the collicke, strangurie, and difficultie of making water, vsed in steade of mustard as aforesaid. The roote stamped and giuen to drinke, killeth the wormes in children: the iuice giuen doth the same, an ointment made thereof, doth the like: being annointed vpon the belly of the child. The leaues of Pepper woorte but especially the rootes, be extreame hot, for they haue a burning and bitter taste. It is of the number of scorching and blistring simples saith Plinie in his 20. booke, 17. chapter, and therefore by his hot qualitie, it mendeth the skin in the face, and taketh away scabs, scarres, and manginesse, if any thing remaine after the healing of vlcers and such like.
Of Winter CressesChap. 8 · p. 188The seede of winter Cresse causeth one to make water, driueth foorth grauell, and helpeth the strangurie. The iuice thereof mundifieth corrupt and filthie vlcers, being made in forme of an vnguent with waxe, oyle, and turpentine. In winter when sallade herbes be scarce, this herbe is thought to be equall with Cresses of the garden, or Rocket. This herbe helpeth the scuruie, being boiled among scuruie grasse, called in Latin Cochlearia, causing it to worke the more effectually.
Of MustardChap. 9 · p. 189The seede of Mustard pound with vineger, is an excellent sauce good to be eaten, with any grosse meates, either fish or flesh, bicause it doth helpe digestion, warmeth the stomacke, and prouoketh appetite. It is giuen with good successe in like manner to such as be short winded, and are stopped in the breast with tough flegme from the head and braine. It appeaseth the toothach, being chewed in the mouth. They vse to make a gargarisme with honie, vineger, and Mustard seede against the tumors and swelling of the Vuula, and the Almondes about the throate and roote of the toong. Mustard dronke with water and honie, prouoketh the tearmes and vrine. The seede of mustard beaten and put into the nostrils, causeth sneezing, and raiseth women sick of the mother out of their fits. It is good against the falling sicknes, and such as haue the Lithargie, if it be laid plaisterwise vpon the heade (after shauing) being tempered with figs. It helpeth the Sciatica or ache in the hippe or huckle bone: it also cureth all manner of old pains proceeding of a colde cause. It is mixed with good successe with drawing plaisters, and with such as waste and consume nodes and and hard swellings. It helpeth those that haue their haire pilled off; it taketh away the blew and blacke markes that come of brusings.
Of RocketChap. 10 · p. 191Rocket is a good sallade herbe, if it be eaten with lettuce, purslane, and such colde herbes; for being so eaten, it is good and wholesome for the stomacke, and causeth that such colde herbes do not ouer coole the same; otherwise to be eaten alone, it causeth headach and heateth too much. The vse of Rocket stirreth vp bodely lust, especially the seede. It prouoketh vrine, and causeth good digestion. Plinie reporteth, that whosoeuer taketh the seede of Rocket before he be whipt, shall be so hardned, that he shall easily endure the paines. The roote and seede stamped, and mixed with vineger, and the gall of an oxe, taketh away freckles, lentiles, blacke and blew spots, and all such deformities of the face.
Of TarragonChap. 11 · p. 193Tarragon is not to be eaten alone in sallades, but ioyned with other herbes, as lettuce, purslaine, and such like, that it may also temper the coldnes of them, like as Rocket doth, neither do we knowe what other vse this herbe hath.
Of Garden CressesChap. 12 · p. 194Galen saith that Cresses may bee eaten with bread Veluti obsonium, as the lowe Countrie men many times do, who commonly vse to feede of Cresses with bread and butter. It is eaten with other sallade herbes, as Tarragon and Rocket: and for this cause it is chiefly sowen. It is good against the disease which the Germaines call Scorbuck and Scorbuyt: in Latine Scorbutus: which we in England call the Scuruie, and Scurby, and vpon the seas the Skyrby: it is as good and as effectuall as the Scuruie grasse, or water Cresses. Dioscorides saith, if the seede be stamped and mixed with honie, it cureth the hardnesse of the milte: with vineger and barly meale parched, it is a remedie against the Sciatica, and taketh awaie hard swellings, and inflammations. It scoureth away tetters, mixed with brine: it ripeneth felons called in Greeke δοθιῆνες: it forceablie cutteth vp thicke and tough humours of the chest, if it be mixed with things proper against the stuffing of the lunges. Dioscorides saith it is hurtfull to the stomacke, and troubleth the belly. It driueth foorth woormes, bringeth downe the flowers, killeth the childe in the mothers womb, and prouoketh bodily lust. Being inwardly taken, it is good for such as haue fallen from high places: it dissolueth cluttered bloud, and preuenteth the same that it do not congeale and thicken in any part of the body: it procureth sweate, as the later Physitions haue found and tried by experience.
Of Indian CressesChap. 13 · p. 193We haue no certaine knowledge of his nature or vertues, but are content to refer it to the kinds of Cresses, or to a farther consideration.
Of Sciatica CressesChap. 14 · p. 197The rootes gathered in Autumne, saith Dioscorides, do heate and burne, and are with good successe with swines grease made vp in manner of a plaister, and put vpon such as are tormented with the Sciatica: it is to lie on the grieued place but fower howers at the most, and then taken away, and the patient bathed with warme water, and the place afterwards annointed with oile and wooll laide on it; which things Galen in his ninth booke of medicines, according to the place grieued, citeth out of Democrates in certaine verses tending to that effect.- Of Banke CressesChap. 15 · p. 197The seed of bancke Cresses is good against the rheume that falleth into the chest, by rotting the same. It remedieth the cough, the yellow iaundise, and the Sciatica or ache of the huckle bones, if it be taken with honie in manner of a Lohoc and often licked. It is also drunke against deadly poisons, as Diofcorides addeth: and being made vp in a plaister with water and honie and applied, it is a remedie against hidden cankrous apostumes behinde the eares, hard swellings, and inflammations of the pappes and stones.
Of Docke CressesChap. 16 · p. 199Taken in meate as Galen and Dioscorides affirme, it engendreth euill iuice, and naughtie nourishment.- Of water CressesChap. 17 · p. 199Water Cresse being boiled in wine or milke, and drunke for certaine daies togither, is verie good against the scuruie or scorbute. Being chopped and boiled in the broth of flesh, and eaten for xxx. daies togither at morning, noone and night, prouoketh vrine, wasteth the stone, and driueth it foorth. Taken in the same manner, it doth cure yoong maidens of the greene sicknesse, bringeth downe their termes, and sendeth into the face their accustomed liuely colour, lost by the stopping of their menstrue.
Of wilde water Cresses or Cuckow flowersChap. 18 · p. 201These herbes be hot and drie in the second degree: we haue no certaine proofe or authoritie of their vertues, but surely from the kindes of water Cresse they cannot much differ, and therefore to them they may be referred in their vertues.
Of Treacle MustardeChap. 19 · p. 203The seede of Thlaspi or treacle Mustarde eaten, purgeth choler both vpward and downwarde, prouoketh flowers, and breaketh inwarde apostemes. The same vsed in clysters, helpeth the sciatica, and is good vnto those purposes for which Mustard seede serueth.
Of Candie MustardChap. 20 · p. 207A Dioscorides saith, that they vse to eate the dried seede of this herbe with meate, as we do Mustarde, especially in Cappadocia. B They vse likewise to boile the herbe with the decoction of Barly, called Ptifana, in which being so boiled, it concocteth and bringeth foorth of the chest tough and rawe flegme, which sticketh therein. C It is reckoned a chiefe among those Simples with which mithridate and treacle is made, and is mixed in counter poysons and such like compositions.
Of Treacle MustardeChap. 21 · p. 208The seeds of these churlish kindes of treacle mustarde, haue a sharpe or biting qualitie: breake inwarde apostumes, bring downe the flowers, kill the birth, and helpeth the sciatica or paine in the hip. They purge choler vpward and downewarde, if you take two ounces & a halfe of them, as Dioscorides writeth. They are mixed in counterpoisons, as treacle, mithridate, and such like compositions.
Of woody MustardeChap. 21 · p. 211Likewise I finde nothing extant of their natures or vertues, but are referred to the kindes of Thlaspios, whereof no doubt they are of kinred and affinitie.
Of Towers MustardeChap. 22 · p. 212It is thought saith Dioscorides, that the roughnes of the skinne is polished and made smooth with the oilie fatnesse of the seede of Myagrum. Ruellius teacheth, that the juice of the herbe healeth vlcers of the mouth, and that the poore peasant doth vse the oile in banquets, and the rich in their lampes. The seede of Camelina stamped and giuen children to drinke, killeth wormes, and driueth them foorth both by siege and vomit.
Of Shepheardes purseChap. 22 · p. 214Shepheardes purse staieth bleeding in any part of the bodie, whether the iuice or the decoction thereof be drunke, or whether it be vsed Pultus wise, or in bath, or any other way else. In a clyster it cureth the bloudy flixe: it healeth greene and bleeding woundes: it is maruelous good for inflammations newly begun, and for all diseases which must be checked backe and cooled. The decoction doth stop the laske, the spitting and pissing of blood, and all other fluxes of blood.
Of Italian RocketChap. 24 · p. 215
Of GroundsellChap. 25 · p. 216
Of Saint Iames his woortChap. 26 · p. 218It is commended by the later physitions to bee good for greene woundes, and olde filthie vlcers which are not scoured, mundified & made cleane, and also healeth them with the iuice hereof tempered with honie and Maie butter boiled togither to the forme of an vnguent or salue. It is much commended and not without cause to helpe olde aches and pains in the armes, hippes, and legs, boiled with hogs grease to the forme of an ointment. Moreouer the decoction hereof gargarized is much set by as a remedie against swellings and impostumations of the throte, which it wasteth away and throughly healeth. The leaues stamped verie small, and boiled with some hogs greace vnto the consumption of the iuice, adding thereto in the ende of the boiling a little Mastich and Olibanum, and then strained, taketh away the olde ache in the hucklebones called Sciatica.
Of garden SuccorieChap. 27 · p. 219These herbs when they be greene haue vertue to coole the hot burning of the liuer, to helpe the stopping of the gall, yellow iaunders, lacke of sleepe, stopping of vrine, and hot burning feauers. A syrupe made thereof and sugar is very good for the diseases aforesaid. The distilled water is good in potions, cooling and purging drinks. The distilled water of Endiue, Plantaine and Roses profiteth against excoriations in the conduit of the yarde to be iniected with a firing, whether the hurt came by vncleannesse or by small stones and grauell issuing foorth with the vrine as often hath been seene. These herbes eaten in sallades or otherwise especially the white Endiue, doth comfort the weake and feeble stomacke, and cooleth and refresheth the stomacke ouermuch heated. The leaues of Succorie brused are good against inflammation of the eies being outwardly applied to the greeued place.
Of wilde SuccorieChap. 28 · p. 222The leaues of these wilde herbes are boiled in pottage or brothes for sicke and feeble persons that haue hot, weake and feeble stomacks to strengthen the same. They are iudged to haue the same vertues with those of the garden, if not of more force in working.
Of Gumme SuccorieChap. 29 · p. 224The iuice of gum Succorie taken with red and thicke wine and drunke, staieth the laske. The root and leaues tempered with & honie made vp into Trocis or little flat cakes with niter or saltpeter added thereto, doe clense away the morphewe, sun burnings, and all spots of the face. The gum which is gathered from the braunches whereof it tooke his name, laieth downe the staring haires of the eie browes and such like places. The gum powdered with myrrhe and put into a linnen cloth and a pessarie made thereof like a finger, and put vp, bringeth downe the termes in yoong wenches and such like. The seedes of Zazintha brought to powder and giuen in the decreasing of the Moone to the quantitie of a spoonefull, taketh away wartes and such like excrefcence in what part of the bodie soeuer they be; the which medicine a certaine Chirurgion of Padua did much vse, whereby he gained great sums of money, as reporteth that auncient Physition Ioachimus Camerarius now liuing in Nuremberg a famous citie in Germanie.
Of DandelionChap. 30 · p. 228 · Dandelion in the codexDandelion is like in temperature to Succorie, that is to saie to wilde Endiue. It is colde, but it drieth more, and doth withall clense and open by reason of the bitternes which it hath ioined with it: and therefore it is good for those things for which Succorie is.
Of SowthistleChap. 31 · p. 229Whilest they are yet yoong and tender they are eaten as other potherbes are, but whether they be eaten or outwardly applied in maner of a pultus they euidently coole: therefore they be good for all inflammations or hot swellings if they be laide thereon. Sowthistle giuen in broth, taketh away the gnawings of the stomack proceeding of an hot cause, and encrease milke in the breasts of nurses, causing their children whom they nurse to haue a good colour, and of the same vertue is the broth if it be drunken. The iuice of these herbes doth coole and temper the heate of the fundament and priuie parts.
Of HaukeweedeChap. 32 · p. 232They are in vertue and operation like to Sonchus or Sowthistle, and being vsed after the same maner, be as good to all purposes that it doth serue vnto. They be good for the eie sight, if the iuice of them be dropped into the eies, especially that that is called Diuels bit, which is thought to be the best and of greatest force. Therefore as Dioscorides writeth, it is good for an hot stomacke, and for inflammations if it be laid vpon them. The herbe and roote being stamped and applied, is a remedie for those that be stung of the scorpion, which effect not onely the greater Haukeweedes, but the lesser ones also, do performe.
Of Clusius HaukeweedesChap. 33 · p. 236I finde not any thing at all set downe either of their natures or vertues, and therefore I forbeare to saie any thing else of them as a thing not necessarie to write any experiment vpon my owne conceit and imagination.
Of LettuceChap. 34 · p. 238Lettuce cooleth a hot stomacke, called the hart burning; and helpeth it when it is troubled with choler: it quencheth thirst, causeth sleepe, maketh plentie of milke in nurses, who through heate & drinesse do growe barraine and drie of milke: for it breedeth milke by tempering the drinesse and heat. But in bodies that be naturally colde, it doth not ingender milke at all, but is rather an hindrance thereunto. Lettuce maketh a pleasant sallade, being eaten rawe with vineger, oile, and a little salt: but if it be boiled, it is sooner digested, and nourisheth more. It is serued in these daies, and in these countries at the beginning of supper, and eaten first before any other meate, which also Martialis testifieth to be done in times past, marueiling why some did vse it for a seruice at the ende of supper, in these verses: > Claudere quæ cænas Lactuca solebat auorum, > Dic mihi, cur nostras inchoat illa dapes? Notwithstanding it may now and then be eaten at both those times to the health of the bodie: for being taken before meate it doth many times stir vp appetite: and eaten after supper it keepeth away drunkennesse which commeth by the wine; and that is by reason that it staieth the vapors from rising vp into the head. The iuice which is made in the veines by Lettuce is moist and colde, yet not ill nor much in quantitie: Galen affirmeth that it doth neither binde the belly nor loose it, for it hath in it no harshnesse nor stiptike qualitie by which the belly is staied, neither is there in it any sharpe or biting facultie, which scoureth and prouoketh to the stoole. But howsoeuer Galen writeth this, and howsoeuer the same wanteth these qualities, yet it is found by experience that it maketh the body soluble, especially if it be boiled, for by moistning of the belly it maketh it the more slipperie, which Martialis very well knewe writing in his 11. booke of Epigrams in this maner, > Prima tibi dabitur, ventri Lactuca mouendo--- > Vtilis Lettuce being outwardly applied mittigateth all inflammations: it is good for burnings and scaldings if it be laide thereon with salt before the blisters do appeere, as Plinie writeth. The iuice of Lettuce cooleth and quencheth the naturall seede if it be too much used, but procureth sleepe.
Of Lambes Lettuce, or Corne salladeChap. 35 · p. 242
Of OrachChap. 41 · p. 256Dioscorides writeth that the garden Orach is both moist and colde, and that it is eaten boiled as other sallade herbes are, and that it softneth and looseth the bellie. It consumeth away the swellings of the throate, whether it be laide on rawe or sodden. The seede being drunke with meade or honied water, is a remedie against the yellow iaunders. Galen thinketh that for that cause it hath a clensing qualitie, and may open the stoppings of the liuer.
Of stinking OrachChap. 42 · p. 258There hath beene little or nothing set downe of the auncients either of his nature or vertues: notwithstanding it hath beene thought profitable by reason of his stinking smell for such as be troubled with the Mother: for as Hippocrates saith, when the Mother doth stifle or strangle, such things are to be applied vnto the nose as haue a rancke and stinking smell.- Of Goose-footeChap. 43 · p. 258
Of SpinachChap. 45 · p. 260It is eaten boiled, but it yeeldeth little or no nourishment at all: it is something windie, and easily causeth a desire to vomite, it is vsed in sallades when it is yoong and tender. This herbe of all other pot herbes and sallade herbes, maketh the greatest diuersitie of meates and sallades.- Of Pellitorie of the wallChap. 46 · p. 260Pellitorie of the wall boiled and the decoction of it drunken, helpeth such as are vexed with an olde cough; the grauell and stone; & is good against the difficultie of making water, & stopping of the same, not onely inwardly, but also outwardly applied vpon the region of the bladder, in maner of a fomentation or warme bathing, with spunges or double clouts or such like. Dioscorides saith that the iuice tempered with Ceruse or white leade, maketh a good ointment against Saint Anthonies fire and the shingles: & mixed with the cerot of Alcanua or with the male Goates tallowe, it helpeth the gout of the feete; which Plinie also affirmeth in his 22. booke 17. chapter. It is applied saith he, to the paines of the feete with goates suet and waxe of Cyprus: where insteede of waxe of Cyprus there must be put the Cerote of Alcanua. Dioscorides addeth, that the iuice hereof is a remedie for old coughes, and taketh away hot swellings of the Almonds in the throat if it be vsed in a gargarisme or otherwise applied: it mitigateth also the paines in the eares being poured in with oile of roses mixed therewith. It is affirmed that if three ounces of the iuice be drunke, it prouoketh vrine out of hande. The leaues tempered with oile of sweete almonds in maner of a pultus and laide to the pained parts, is a remedie for them that be troubled with the stone and that can hardly make water.
Of French MercurieChap. 47 · p. 261It is vsed in our age in glisters, and thought very good to clense and scoure away the excrements and other filth conteined in the guts. It serueth to purge the belly being eaten or otherwise taken, voiding out of the belly not onely the excrements, but also phlegme and choler. Dioscorides reporteth that the decoction hereof purgeth waterish humours. The leaues stamped with butter and applied to the fundament prouoketh to the stoole, and the herbe brused and made vp in maner of a pessarie, clenseth the mother, and helpeth conception. Costæus in his booke of the nature of plants saith, that the iuice of Mercurie, Hollihocks, and Purslane mixed togither, and the hands bathed therein, defendeth them from burning if they be thrust into boiling leade.
Of wilde MercurieChap. 48 · p. 263These wilde kinds of Mercurie are not vsed in Phisicke, notwithstanding it is thought they agree as well in nature as qualitie with the other kinds of Mercurie.
Of TornesoleChap. 49 · p. 284A good handfull of the great Tornsole boiled in wine and drunke, doth gently purge the body of hot cholericke humours and tough clammie or flimie flegme. The same boiled in wine and drunke is good against the stinging of Scorpions or other venemous beasts, and is very good to be applied outwardly vpon the griefe or wounde. The seede stamped and laide vpon warts and such like excrescens or superfluous outgrowings, causeth them to fall away. The small Tornsole and his seede boiled with Hysope, Cresses, and saltpeter and drunke, driueth foorth flat and round wormes. With the small Tornsole they in Fraunce doe die linnen rags and clouts into a perfect purple colour, wherewith cookes and confectionaries do colour iellies, wines, meates, and sundrie confectures: which clouts in shops be called Tornesole after the name of the herbe.
Of Scorpion grasseChap. 50 · p. 266There is not any thing remembred of the temperature, yet Dioscorides saith that the leaues of Scorpion grasse applied to the place is a present remedie against the stinging of Scorpions: & likewise boiled in wine and drunke preuaileth against the said bitings, as also of adders, snakes, and such like venemous beasts: being made in an vnguent or salue with oile, waxe, and a little gum Elempni, is profitable against such hurts as require a healing medicine.
Of NightshadeChap. 51 · p. 267Dioscorides writeth, that Nightshade is good against Saint Anthonies fire, the shingles, paine of the head, the hart burning or heate of the stomacke, and other like accidents proceeding of sharpe and biting humours: notwithstanding that it hath these vertues, yet it is not alwaies good that it shoulde be applied vnto those infirmities, for that many times there hapneth more dangers by applying of these remedies, then of the disease it selfe. For as Hippocrates writeth in the 6. booke of his Aphorismes, the 25. particular, that it is not good, that Saint Anthonies fire should be driuen from the outward parts to the inward: and likewise in his prognostickes he saith, that it is necessarie that Saint Anthonies fire shoulde breake foorth, and that it is death to haue it driuen in; which is to be vnderstoode not onely of Saint Anthonies fire, but also of other like burstings out procured by nature. For by vsing of these kind of cooling & repelling medicines, the bad, corrupt and sharp humors are driuen back inwardly to the chiefe & principall parts, which cannot be done without great danger and hazarde of life. And therefore we must not vnaduisedly, lightly, or rashly minister such kinde of medicines vpon the comming out of Saint Anthonies fire, the shingles, or such hot pimples and blemishes of the skin. The iuice of the greene leaues of garden Nightshade mixed with barley meale, is very profitable applied vnto Saint Anthonies fire and to all hot inflammations. The iuice mixed with oile of roses, ceruse, and littarge of golde, and applied, is more proper and effectuall to the purposes before set downe. Neither the iuice heereof nor any other part is to be giuen inwardly. The leaues stamped are profitable put into the ointment of poplar buds, called Vnguentum populeon, good and all other ointments.
Of sleeping NightshadeChap. 51 · p. 269 · Deadly nightshade in the codexThis kinde of Nightshade causeth sleepe, troubleth the minde, bringeth madnes if a fewe of the berries be inwardly taken, but if mo be giuen they also kill and bring present death. Theophrastus in his 6. booke doth likewise write of Mandrake in this maner; Mandrake causeth sleepe, and if also much of it be taken it bringeth death. The greene leaues of deadly Nightshade may with great aduise be vsed in such cases at Pettimorrell: but if you will follow my counsell, deale not with the fame in any case, and banish it from your gardens and the vse of it also, being a plant so furious and deadly: for it bringeth such as haue eaten thereof into a dead sleepe wherein many haue died, as hath beene often seene and prooued by experience both in England and else where. But to giue you an example hereof it shall not be amisse: It came to passe that three boies of Wisbich in the Ile of Ely, did eate of the pleasant and beautifull fruite hereof, two whereof died in lesse then 8. howers after they had eaten of them. The thirde childe had a quantitie of honie and water mixed together giuen him to drinke, causing him to vomite often: God blessed this meanes and the childe recouered. Banish therefore these pernicious plants out of your gardens, and all places neere to your houses, where children or women with childe do resort, which do oftentimes long and lust after things most vile and filthie; & much more after a berrie of a bright shining black colour, and of such great beautie, as it were able to allure any such to eate thereof. The leaues hereof laid vnto the temples cause sleep, especially if they be imbibed or moistened in wine vineger. It easeth the intollerable paines of the headach proceeding of heat in furious agues, causing rest being applied as aforesaid.
Of winter CherriesChap. 52 · p. 270The fruite brused and put to infuse or stiepe in white wine two or three howers, and after boiled two or three bublings, straining it and putting to the decoction a little sugar and cinamome, and drunke; preuaileth very mightily against the stopping of urine, the stone and grauell, the difficultie and sharpenes of making water and such like diseases: if the greefe be olde the greater quantitie must be taken, if newe and not great, the lesse: it scoureth away the yellowe iaundise also as some write.
Of the maruaile of the WorldChap. 53 · p. 272We haue not as yet any instructions from the people of India concerning the nature or vertues of this plant: the which is esteemed as yet rather for his rarenesse, beautie, and sweetenesse of his flowers, then for any vertues knowne; but it is a pleasant plant to decke the gardens of the curious. Howbeit Iacobus Antonius Cortusus of Padua hath by experience found out, that two drams of the roote thereof taken inwardly doth very notably purge waterish humours.
Of madde ApplesChap. 54 · p. 273
Of apples of LoueChap. 55 · p. 275 · Tomato in the codexIn Spaine and those hot regions they vse to eate the apples prepared and boiled with pepper, salt, and oile: but they yeelde very little nourishment to the bodie, and the same naught and corrupt. Likewise they do eate the apples with oile, vineger and pepper mixed together for sauce to their meate, euen as we in these cold countries do mustarde.
Of the Æthiopian appleChap. 56 · p. 276These apples are not vsed in Phisicke that I can reade of, onely they are vsed for a sauce and seruice vnto rich mens tables to be eaten, being first boiled in the broth of fat flesh with pepper and salt, and haue a lesse hurtfull iuice then either madde apples or golden apples.- Of Thorne applesChap. 57 · p. 276 · Jimsonweed (Thorn apple) in the codexThe iuice of Thorne apples boiled with hogges grease to the forme of an vnguent or salue, cureth all inflammations whatsoeuer, all maner of burnings or scaldings, as wel of fire, water, boiling lead, gunpowder, as that which comes by lightning, and that in very short time, as my selfe haue found by my daily practise to my great credite and profite. The first experience came from Colchester, where mistresse L'Obel, a marchants wife there, being most greeuously burned with lightning, and not finding ease or cure in any other thing, by this founde helpe when all hope was past, by the report of master William Ramme, publike notarie of the saide towne was perfectly cured. The leaues stamped small and boiled with oile oliue vntill the herbes be as it were burnt, then strained and set to the fire againe with some waxe, rosin, and a little turpentine, & made into a salue, doth most speedily cure olde vlcers, newe and fresh wounds, vlcers vpon the glandulous part of the yarde, and other sores of hard curation.
Of Bitter sweete, or woode NightshadeChap. 58 · p. 278The decoction of the leaues is reported to remooue the stoppings of the liuer and gall: and to be drunke with good successe against the yellow iaundise. The iuice is good for those that haue fallen from high places, and thereby brused, or dry beaten: for it is thought to dissolue bloud congealed or cluttered any where in the entrailes, and to heale the hurt places. Hyeronimus Tragus teacheth to make a decoction of wine with the woode finely sliced & cut into small peeces, which he reporteth to purge gently both by vrine and siege, those that haue the dropsie and iaundise. Dioscorides doth ascribe vnto Cyclaminus altera, or Bitter sweete with white flowers, as I conceaue it, the like faculties. The fruite saith he, being drunke in the waight of one dram with iij. ounces of white wine, for 40. daies togither helpeth the spleene. It is drunke against difficultie of breathing: it throughly clenseth women that are newly brought a bedde.
Of Bindweede NightshadeChap. 59 · p. 280There is no vse of this herbe either in Phisicke or chirurgerie that I can read of, which hath hapned by the corruption of time, and the errour of some who haue taken Mandragoras for Circæa, in which errour they haue still persisted vnto this daie, attributing vnto Circæa the vertues of Mandragoras: by which meanes there hath not any thing beene saide of the true Circæa, by reason as I haue saide, that Mandragoras hath beene called Circæa: but doubtlesse it hath the vertue of garden Nightshade, and may serue in steede thereof without errour.- Of MandrakeChap. 60 · p. 280Dioscorides doth particularly set downe many faculties hereof, of which notwithstanding there be none proper vnto it, sauing those that depende vpon the drowsie and sleeping power thereof, which which qualitie consisteth more in the roote then in any other part. The apples are milder, and are reported that they may be eaten, being boiled with Pepper and other hot spices. Galen saith, that the apples are something hot and moist, and that the barke of the roote is of greatest strength, and doth not onely coole, but also drie. The iuice of the leaues is very profitable put into the ointment called Populeon, and all cooling ointments. The iuice drawen foorth of the rootes, dried, and taken in small quantitie, purgeth the belly exceedingly from flegme and melancholicke humours. It is good to be put into medicines and colliries, that do mitigate the paine of the eies: and put vnder as a pessarie it draweth foorth the dead childe and secondine. The greene leaues stamped with barrowes grease and barley meale, coole all hot swellings and inflammations: and they haue vertue to consume apostemes and hot vlcers, being brused & applied thereon. A suppositorie made with the same iuice and put into the fundament causeth sleepe. The wine wherein the roote hath beene boiled or infused, prouoketh sleepe, and asswageth paine. The smell of the apples mooueth to sleepe likewise; but the iuice worketh more effectually if you take it in small quantitie. Great and strange effects are supposed to be in Mandrakes, to cause women to be fruitfull and beare children if they shall carie the same neer vnto their bodies. Some do from hence ground it, for that Rahel desired to haue hir sisters Mandrakes (as the text is translated) but if we looke well into the circumstances which there we shall finde, we may rather deeme otherwise. Yoong Ruben brought home amiable and sweete smelling flowers (for so signifieth the Hebrewe word, which is vsed Cantic. 7. 13. in the same sence:) and the lad brought them home rather for their beautie & smell, then for their vertue. Now in the flowers of Mandrake there is no such delectable or amiable smell, as was in these amiable flowers which Ruben brought home. Besides we read not that Rahel conceaued heereupon, for Leah Iacobs wife had fower children before God graunted that blessing of fruitfulnesse vnto Rahel. And last of all (which is my chiefest reason) Iacob was angrie with Rahel when she said, Giue me children else I die: and demaunded of hir whether he were in the steade of God or no, who had withhelde from hir the fruite of hir bodie. And we know that the prophet Dauid saith, Children and the fruite of the wombe are the inheritance, that commeth from the Lord, Psalm. 127. Serapio, Anicene, and Paulus AEgineta, do write, that the seede and fruite of Mandragoras taken in drinke, do clense the matrix or mother, and Dioscorides wrote the same long before them. He that woulde know more heereof may read that chapter of doctor Turner his booke concerning this matter, where he hath written largely and learnedly of this simple.
Of HenbaneChap. 61 · p. 282Henbane causeth drowsinesse, and mitigateth all kinde of paine. It is good against hot & sharpe distillations of the eies and other parts: it staieth bleeding and the disease in women: it is applied to inflammations of the stones and other secret parts. The leaues stamped with the ointment Populeon, made of popler buds, asswageth the paine of the gout, gout and the swellings of the stones, and the tumours of womens brests; and are good to be put into the same ointment, but in small quantitie. To wash the feete in the decoction of Henbane causeth sleepe: or giuen in a glister it doth the same; and also the often smelling to the flowers. The leaues, seed, and iuice taken inwardly causeth an vnquiet sleepe, like vnto the sleepe of drunkennesse, which continueth long, and is deadly to the partie. The seede of white Henbane is good against the cough, the falling of waterie humours into the eies or brest, against the inordinate fluxe of womens issues, and all other issues of blood, taken in the weight of ten graines with water wherein honie hath beene sodden. The roote boiled in vineger and the same holden hot in the mouth, easeth the paine of the teeth. The seede is vsed of mountibancke toothdrawers which runne about the countrey, for to cause woormes come foorth of mens teeth by burning it in a chafing dish with coles, the partie holding his mouth ouer the fume thereof: but some craftie companions to gaine money conuey small lute strings into the water, perswading the patient that those small creeping beasts came out of his mouth or other parts, which he intended to ease.
Of yellow Henbane, or English TabacoChap. 62 · p. 284This herbe preuaileth against all apostemes, tumours, inueterate vlcers, botches and such like, being made into an vnguent or salue as followeth. Take of the greene leaues three pounde and a halfe, stampe them very small in a stone morter; of oile oliue one quart; set them to boile in a brasse pan or such like, vpon a gentle fire, continually stirring it vntill the herbes seeme blacke, and will not bubble nor boile any more; then shall you haue an excellent greene oile, which being strained from the feces or drosse, put the cleere and strained oile to the fire againe, adding thereto of waxe halfe a pounde, of rosen fower ounces, and of good turpentine two ounces; melt them altogether and keepe it in pots for your vse to cure inueterate vlcers, apostemes, burnings, greene wounds, and all cuts and hurts in the head, wherewith I haue gotten both crownes and credit. It is vsed of some in steede of Tabaco, but to small purpose or profite, although it do stupifie or dull the sences, and cause that kinde of giddinesse that Tabaco doth, and likewise spitting, which any other herbe of hot temperature will do, as rosemarie, time, winter sauorie, sweete marierome, and such like, any of the which I like better to be taken in smoke then this kinde of doubtfull Henbane.
Of Tabaco or Henbane of PeruChap. 63 · p. 285Nicolaus Monardis saith that the leaues hereof are a remedie for the paine in the head called the Megram or Migraime that hath beene of long continuance: and also for a colde stomacke, especially in children; and that it is good against the paines in the kidneies. It is a present remedie for the fits of the mother: it mitigateth the paine of the gout if they bee rosted in hot embers and applied to the greeued part. It is likewise a remedie for the toothach, if the teeth and gummes bee rubbed with a linnen cloth dipped in the iuice; and afterward a rounde ball of the leaues laid vnto the place. The iuice boiled with sugar in forme of a sirupe and inwardly taken, driueth foorth woormes of the bellie; if withall a leafe be laide to the nauell. The same doth likewise scoure and clense olde and rotten vlcers, and bringeth them to perfect digestion as the same author affirmeth. In the low countries it is vsed against scabs and filthinesse of the skin, & for the cure of wounds: but some holde opinion that it is to be vsed onely to hot and strong bodies: for they say that the vse is not safe in weake and olde folke: and for this cause, as it seemeth, the women in America (as Theuetus saith) abstaine from the herbe Petun or Tabaco, and do in no wise vse it. The weight of fower ounces of the iuice hereof drunke purgeth both vpwards and downwards, and procureth after a long & sound sleepe, as we haue learned of a friend by obseruation, affirming that a strong countrieman of a middle age, hauing a dropsie, tooke of it, and being wakened out of his sleepe, called for meate and drinke, and after that became perfectly whole. Moreouer the same man reported, that he had cured many countriemen of agues with the destilled water of the leaues drunke a little while before the fit. Likewise there is an oile to be taken out of the leaues that healeth merrie galles, kibed heeles and such like. It is good against poison, and taketh away the malignitie thereof, if the iuice be giuen to drinke, or the wounds of venemous beasts be washed therewith. The drie leaues are vsed to be taken in a pipe set on fire and suckt into the stomacke, and thrust foorth again at the nosthrils against the paines of the head, rheumes, aches in any part of the bodie, whereof soeuer the originall doth proceed, whether from Fraunce, Italy, Spaine, Indies, or from our familiar and best knowne diseases: those leaues do palliate or ease for a time, but neuer performe any cure absolutely: for although they emptie the bodie of humours, yet the cause of the griefe cannot be so taken away. But some haue learned this principle, that repletion requireth euacuation; that is, fulnesse craueth emptinesse, and by euacuation assure themselues of health: but this doth not take away so much with it this day, but the next bringeth with it more; as for example, a Well doth neuer yeelde such store of water as when it is most drawne and emptied. My selfe speake by proofe, who haue cured of that infectious disease a great many; diuers of which had couered or kept vnder the sicknesse by the helpe of Tabaco as they thought, yet in the ende haue beene constrained to haue vnto such an hard knot, a crabbed wedge, or else had vtterly perished. Some vse to drinke it (as it is tearmed) for wantonnesse or rather custome, and cannot forbeare it, no, not in the middest of their dinner, which kinde of taking is unholsome and very daungerous: although to take it seldome and that Phisically is to be tolerated and may do some good, but I commende the syrupe aboue this fume or smokie medicine. It is taken of some phisically in a pipe for that purpose once in a day at the most, and that in the morning fasting against paines in the head, stomacke, and griefe in the brest and lungs: against catarrhes and rheumes, and such as haue gotten colde and hoarsenesse. Some haue reported that it little preuaileth against an hot disease, and that it profiteth an hot complexion nothing at all: but experience hath not shewed it to be iniurious to either. They that haue seene the proofe heereof, haue credible reported, that when the Moores and Indians haue fainted either for want of foode or rest, this hath beene a present remedie unto them to supplie the one, and to helpe them to the other. The priests and inchaunters of the hot countries do take the fume thereof untill they be drunken, that after they haue lien for dead three or fower howers, they may tell the people what woonders, visions or illusions they haue seene, and so giue them a propheticall direction or foretelling (if wee may trust the diuell) of the successe of their businesse. The iuice or distilled water of the first kinde, is very good against catarrhes, the dizzinesse of the heade and rheumes that fall downe the eies, against the paine called the migram, if either you applie it unto the temples or take one or two greene leaues, or a drie leafe moistned in wine, and dried cunningly upon the embers and laid thereto. It cleereth the sight, and taketh away the webs and spots thereof, being annointed with the iuice blood warme. The oile or iuice dropped into the eares is good against deafenesse; a cloth dipped in the same, and laide upon the face, taketh away the lentils, rednesse, and spots thereof. Many notable medicines are made heereof against the olde and inueterate cough, against asthmaticall or pectorall griefes, which if I shoulde set downe at large, woulde require a peculiar volume. It is giuen to such as are accustomed to swoune, and are troubled with the collicke & windinesse, against the dropsie, the woormes in children, the piles and the sciatica. It is used in outward medicines either the herbe boiled with oile, waxe, rosin and turpentine, as before is set downe in yellow Henbane, or the extraction thereof with salt, oile, balsame, the distilled water and such like, against tumours, apostemes, olde ulcers, of hard curation, botches, scabs, stinging with nettles, carbuncles, poisoned arrowes, and woundes made with guns or any other weapon. It is excellent good in burnings and scaldings with fire, water, oile, lightning, or such like, boiled with hogs greace in forme of an ointment, which I haue often prooued and found most true, adding a little of the iuice of thorne apple leaues, spreading it upon a cloth and so applying it. I do make heereof an excellent balsame to cure deepe wounds and punctures, made by some narrowe sharpe pointed weapon: which balsame doth bring up the flesh from the bottome very speedily, and also heale simple cuts in the flesh according to the first intention, that is, to glewe or soder the lips of the wound togither, not procuring matter or corruption unto it, as is commonly seene in the healing of wounds. The receit is this, take oile of roses, oile of Saint Iohns woort, of either one pint, the leaues of Tabaco stamped small in a stone morter two pound, boile them togither to the consumption of the iuice, straine it and put it to the fire againe, adding thereto of Venice Turpentine two ounces, of olibanum & masticke of either halfe an ounce, in most fine & subtill powder, the which you may at all times make into an unguent or salue by putting thereto waxe and rosin to giue unto it a stiffie bodie, which worketh exceeding well in maligne and virulent ulcers, as in woundes and punctures: I sende this iewell unto you women of all sorts, especially to such as cure and helpe the poore and impotent of your countrie without rewarde. But unto the beggerly rabble of witches, charmers, & such like couseners, that regarde more to get money then to helpe for charitie, I wish these fewe medicines far from their understanding, and from those deceiuers whom I wish to bee ignoraunte heerein. But curteous gentlewomen, I may not for the malice that I doe beare unto such, hide any thing from you of such importaunce: and therefore take one more that followeth, wherewith I haue done very many and good cures, although of small cost, but regarde it not the lesse for that cause. Take the leaues of Tabaco two pounde, hogges grease one pound stamp the herbe small in a stone morter, putting thereto a final cupful of red or claret wine, stir them well together, couer the morter from filth and so let it rest vntill morning; then put it to the fire and let it boile gently, continually stirring it vntill the consumption of the wine; straine it and set it to the fire againe, putting thereto the iuice of the herbe one pounde, of Venice Turpentine fower ounces; boile them together to the consumption of the iuice, then adde thereto of the rootes of round Aristolochia or birth woort in most fine powder two ounces, sufficient waxe to giue it a body, the which keepe for thy wounded poore neighbour, as also the olde and filthie vlcers of the legges and other parts of such as haue neede of helpe.
Of tree NightshadeChap. 64 · p. 289We haue not as yet any thing set downe as touching the temperature or vertues of this plant, but is referred of some to the kinds of Ginnie pepper, but without any reason at all; for Ginny pepper though it bring foorth fruite verie like in shape vnto this plant, yet in taste most vnlike, for that Capsicum or Ginny pepper is more sharpe in taste then our common pepper; and the other hath no taste of biting at all, but is like vnto the berries of garden Nightshade in taste, although they differ in colour: which hath mooued some to call this plant red Nightshade, of the colour of the berries: and tree Nightshade, of the wooddy substance which doth continue and grow from yeere to yeere: and Ginnie pepper dieth at the first approch of winter.
Of Balme apple, or apple of HierusalemChap. 65 · p. 290The leaues are reported to heale greene wounds if they be brused and laide thereon; and taken with wine they are saide to be a remedie for the collicke; and an effectuall medicine for burstings and conuulsions or crampes. The leaues of the male Balsamina dried in the shadowe, and beaten into powder and giuen in wine vnto those that are mortally wounded in the bodie, doth cure them inwardly, and helpeth also the collicke. The oile which is drawen foorth of the fruite doth cure all greene and fresh wounds as the true naturall Balsam: it helpeth the crampes and conuulsions and the shrinking of sinewes, being annointed therewith. It profiteth women that are in great extremitie of childbirth in taking away the paine of the matrix, causing easie deliuerance being applied to the place, and annointed vpon their bellies, or cast into the matrix with a syring, and easeth the dolour of the inward parts. It cureth the Hemorrhoides and all other paines of the fundament, being thereto applied with lint of old clouts. The leaues drunken in wine, heale ruptures. I find little or nothing written of the property or vertues of the female kind, but that it is thought to drawe neere vnto the first in temperament and vertue. Oyle oliue in which the fruite (the seede taken foorth) is either set in the sunne as we do when we make oile of roses, or boiled in a double glasse set in hot water, or else buried in hot horse dung; taketh away inflammations that are in wounds. It doth also easily and in short time consolidate or glew them togither, and perfectly cure them. It cureth the vlcers of the dugges or paps, the head of the yarde or matrix, as also the inflammation thereof being injected or conueied into the place with a syringe or mother pessarie. This apple is with good successe applied vnto wounds, prickes, and hurts of the sinewes. It hath great force to cure scaldings and burnings: it taketh away scarres and blemishes, if in the meane time the powder of the leaues be taken for certaine daies togither. It is reported that such as be barren are made fruitfull heerewith, if the woman first be bathed in a fit and conuenient bath for the purpose, & the parts about the share and matrix annointed herewith, and the woman presently haue the companie of hir husband.
Of Ginnie or Indian PepperChap. 66 · p. 292 · Chilli pepper in the codexGinnie pepper hath the tafte of pepper, but not the power or vertue, notwithftanding in Spaine and fundrie parts of the Indies they do vfe to dreffe their meate therewith, as we do with Calecute pepper: but (faith my author) it hath in it a malitious qualitie, whereby it is an enimie to the liuer & other of the entrails; Auicen writeth that it killeth dogs. It is faide to die or colour like faffron, and being receiued in fuch fort as faffron is vfually taken, it warmeth the ftomacke, and helpeth greatly the digeftion of meates. It diffolueth the fwellings about the throte called the Kings Euill, as kernels and cold fwellings; and taketh away fpots and lentiles from the face, being applied therto with honie.
Of horned PoppieChap. 67 · p. 293The roote of horned Poppie boiled in water vnto the consumption of the one halfe, and drunke, prouoketh vrine, and openeth the stopping of the liuer. The seede taken in the quantitie of a spoonefull, looseth the bellie gently. The iuice mixed with meale and honie, mundifieth olde rotten and filthie vlcers. The leaues and flowers put into Vnguents or salues appropriate for greene woundes, digeste them, that is, bringe them to white matter, with perfect quitture or sanies.
Of garden PoppieChap. 68 · p. 295 · Opium poppy in the codexThe seede, as Galen saith in his booke of the faculties of nourishments, is good to season breade with; but the white is better then the blacke. Hee also addeth that the same is colde and causeth sleepe, and yeeldeth no commendable nourishment to the bodie; it is often vsed in comfits, or serued at the table with other iunketting dishes. The oile which is pressed out of it is pleasant and delightfull to be eaten, and is taken with bread or any other waies in meate, without any fence of cooling. A greater force is in the knobs or heads which do specially preuaile to mooue sleepe, and to stay and represse distillations or rheumes, and come neere in force to Opium, but more gentle. Opium, or the harde iuice of Poppie heads is strongest of all: Meconium (which is the iuice of the heads and leaues) is weaker. Both of them any waies taken either inwardly, or outwardly applied to the heade, prouoke sleepe. Opium somewhat too plentifully taken doth also bring death, as Plinie truelie writeth. It mitigateth all kindes of paines: but it leaueth behinde it oftentimes a mischiefe worse then the disease it selfe, and that hard to be cured, as a dead palsie and such like. The vse of it, as Galen in his 11. booke of medicines according to the places affected saith, is offensive to the firme and solide partes of the bodie, as that they had neede afterwardes to bee restored. So also colliries or eie medicines made with Opium haue beene hurtfull to many; insomuch that they haue weakened the eies, & dulled the sight of those that haue vsed it: it bringeth hardnes of hearing whatsoever is compounded of Opium to mitigate the extreme paines of the eares. Wherfore all those medicines and compoundes are to be shunned that are made of Opium, and are not to be vsed but in extreme necessitie; and that is, when no other mitigator or asswager of paine doth any thing preuaile, as Galen in his thirde booke of medicines according to the places affected, doth euidently declare. The leaues of Poppie boiled in water with a little sugar & drunke, causeth sleepe: or if it be boiled without sugar, and the head, feete, and temples bathed therewith, it doth effect the same. The heads of Poppie boiled in water with sugar in manner of a sirupe causeth sleepe, and is good against rheumes and catarrhes that distill and fall downe from the braine into the lungs, and easeth the cough. The greene knops of Poppie stamped with barly meale, & a little barrowes grease, helpeth Saint Anthonies fier, called Ignis sacer. The leaues, knops, and seede, stamped with vineger, womans milke, and saffron, cureth Erysipelas (another kind of Saint Anthonies fire:) and easeth the gout mightily, and put into the fundament as a clister, causeth sleepe. The seede of blacke Poppie drunke in wine stoppeth the fluxe of the bellie, and the overmuch flowing of womens sicknesse. A caudle made of the seede of white Poppie, or made into almonde milke, and so giuen, causeth sleepe.
Of corne Rose, or wilde PoppieChap. 69 · p. 299Most men being led rather by false experiments then reason, commende the flowers against the pleurisie, giuing to drinke assoone as the paine commeth, either the distilled water, or syrupe made by often infusing the leaues. And yet many times it hapneth that the paine ceaseth by that meanes, though hardly sometimes, by reason that the spittle commeth vp hardly and with more difficultie, especially in those that are weake and haue not a strong constitution of bodie. Baptista Sardus might be counted the author of this errour; who hath written that most men haue giuen the flowers of this Poppie against the paine of the sides: and that it is good against the spitting of blood. It is manifest that this wilde Poppie is that of which the composition Diacodium is to be made: as Galen hath at large entreated in his seuenth booke of medicines according to the places affected. Crito also, and after him Themiso, and Democrates do appoint ἀγριον, or the wilde Poppie, to bee in the same composition; and euen that same Democrates addeth, that it shoulde bee that which is not sowen: and such an one is this, which groweth without sowing.
Of bastarde wilde PoppieChap. 70 · p. 300
Of Winde flowersChap. 71 · p. 301A The leaues stamped, and the iuice sniffed vp into the nose, purgeth the head mightily. B The roote champed or chewed procureth spitting, and causeth water and flegme to run foorth of the mouth, as Pellitorie of Spaine doth. C It profiteth in colliries for the eies, to cease the inflammation thereof. D The iuice mundifieth and clenseth maligne, virulent and corosiue vlcers. E The leaues and stalkes boiled and eaten of nurses causeth them to haue much milke: it prouoketh the tearmes, and easeth the leprosie being bathed therewith.
Of wilde Anemones, or Winde flowersChap. 72 · p. 306The faculties and temperature of these plants are referred to the garden sorts of Anemones. 3 Pulsatilla flore albo. White Pasque flower. There is nothing extant in writing among authors of any peculiar vertue, but they serue onely for the adorning of gardens and garlands, being flowers of great beautie.
Of Adonis flowerChap. 74 · p. 309These herbes are of a mixture betweene colde and heate, and almost drie in the thirde degree, Aespecially the seede which is verie astringent. The powder of any of the kindes of Dockes drunke in wine, stoppeth the laske and blouddie flixe, and easeth the paines of the stomacke. The rootes boiled till they be very soft, and stamped with barrows grease, and made into an ointment, helpeth the itch and all scuruie scabs and mangines. And for the same purpose it shall be necessarie to boile them in water, as aforesaid, and the partie to be bathed and rubbed therewith.
Of water DockesChap. 78 · p. 312The leaues of the garden Docke or Patience may be eaten, and are somewhat colde, but more moist, and haue withall a certaine clamminesse; by reason whereof, they easily and quickly passe through the belly when they be eaten: and Dioscorides writeth that all the Dockes being boiled doe mollifie the bellie, which thing also Horace hath noted in his second booke of Sermons, the fourth Satyre writing thus, > --------- Si dura morabitur aluus > Mugilus, & viles pellent obstantia concha, > Et lapathi breuis herba. He calleth it a short herbe, being gathered before the stalke be growen vp; at which time it is fittest to be eaten. And being sodden, it is not so pleasant to be eaten as either Beetes or Spinage: it ingendreth moist bloud of a meane thicknesse, and which nourisheth little. The leaues of the sharpe pointed Docke are colde and drie: but the seede of Patience, and the water Docke, do coole, with a certaine thinnesse of substance. The decoction of the rootes of Monkes Rubarbe is drinke against the bloudie flixe, the laske, the wambling of the stomacke which commeth of choler: and also against the stinging of serpents as Dioscorides writeth. It is also good against the spitting of bloud, being taken with Acacia (or as some would haue it, the dried iuice of sloes) as Plinie writeth. Monkes Rubarbe or Patience is an excellent holsome potherbe; for being put into the pottage in some reasonable quantitie, it doth loosen the belly; helpeth the iaunders; the tympanie and such like diseases, proceeding of colde causes. If you take the rootes of Monkes Rubarbe, & red Madder, of eche halfe a pound; Sena fower ounces; annise seede and licorice, of eche two ounces; Scabiouse and agrimonie, of eche one handfull; slice the rootes of the Rubarbe, bruise the annise seede and licorice, breake the hearbes with your hands, and put them into a stone pot called a steane, with fower gallons of strong ale to steepe or infuse the space of three daies: and then drinke this liquor as your ordinarie drinke for three weeks togither at the least, though the longer you take it, so much the better; prouiding in a readines an other stean so prepared that you may haue one vnder another, being alwais careful to keepe a good diet: it cureth the dropsie, the yellowe iaunders, all maner of itch, scabs, breaking out, and manginesse of the whole bodie: it purifieth the bloud from all corruption; preuaileth against the greene sicknesse very greatly, and all oppilations or stoppings: maketh yoong wenches to looke faire and cherrie like, and bringeth downe their tearmes, the stopping whereof hath caused the same. The seede of bastarde Rubarbe is of a manifest astringent nature, insomuch that it cureth the bloudie flixe, mixed with the seede of Sorrell, and giuen to drinke in red wine. There haue not beene any other faculties attributed to this plant either of the auncient or later writers, but generally of all it hath beene referred to the other Docks or Monkes Rubarbe, of which number I assure my selfe this is the best; and doth approch neerest vnto the true Rubarbe. Manie reasons induce me so to thinke and saie: first this hath the shape and proportion of Rubarbe, the fame colour, both within and without, without any difference. They agree as well in taste as smell: it coloureth the spittle of a yellowe colour when it is chewed, as Rubarbe doth: and lastly it purgeth the belly after the same gentle manner that the right Rubarbe doth, onely heerein it differeth, that this must be giuen in three times the quantitie of the other. Other distinctions and differences with the temperature and euery other circumstance, I leaue vnto the learned phisitions of our London colledge (who are very well able to search into this matter) as a thing far aboue my reach, being no graduate, but a countrie scholler, as the whole framing of this historie doth well declare: but I hope my good meaning will be well taken, considering I do my best, not doubting but some of greater learning will perfect that which I haue begun according to my small skill, especially the ice being broken vnto him, and the woode rough hewed to his handes. Notwithstanding I thinke it good to saie thus much more in mine owne defence: that although there be manie wants and defects in me, that were requisite to performe such a worke; yet may my long experience by chaunce happen vpon some one thing or other that may do the learned good: considering what a notable experiment I learned of one John Bennet a chirurgion of Maidstone in Kent, a man as slenderly learned as my selfe, which he practised vpon a butchers boie of the same towne, as himselfe reported vnto me; his practise was this: being desired to cure the foresaide ladde of an ague, which did greeuously vexe him, he promised him a medicine, & for want of one for the present (for a shift, as himselfe confessed vnto me) he tooke out of his garden three or fower leaues of this plant of Rubarbe, which my selfe had among other simples giuen him, which he stamped and strained with a draught of ale, and gaue it the ladde in the morning to drinke: it wrought extremely downwarde and vpwarde within one hower after, and neuer ceased vntill night. In the ende the strength of the boie ouercame the force of the phisicke, it gaue ouer working, and the ladde lost his ague; since which time (as he saith) he hath cured with the same medicine many of the like maladie, hauing euer great regarde vnto the quantitie, which was the cause of the violent working in the first cure. By reason of which accident, that thing hath beene reuealed vnto posteritie, which heeretofore was not so much as dreamed of. Whose blunt attempt, may set an edge vpon some sharper wit, and greater iudgement in the faculties of plants, to seeke farther into their nature then any of the ancients haue done: and none fitter then the learned phisitions of the Colledge of London; where are many singularly well learned, and experienced in naturall things. The rootes sliced and boiled in the water of Carduus Benedictus to the consumption of the third part, adding thereto a little honie, of the which decoction eight or ten sponfuls drunke before the fit, cureth the ague in two or three times so taking it at the most: vnto robustous or strong bodies twelue sponfuls may be giuen. This experiment was practised by a worshipfull gentlewoman called mistresse Anne Wylbraham, vpon diuers of hir poore neighbours with good successe.
Of RubarbeChap. 79 · p. 315
Of SorrellChap. 80 · p. 318
Of SnakeweedeChap. 81 · p. 322The iuice of Bistort put vp into the nose, preuaileth much against the disease called Polypus, and the biting of serpents, or any venemous beast, being drunke in wine, or the water of Angelica. The roote boiled in wine and drunke, stoppeth the laske, and bloodie flixe; it staieth also the ouermuch flowing of womens monethly sickneffes. The roote taken as aforesaid, staieth vomiting, and healeth the inflammation, and sorenes of the mouth and throte: it likewise fasteneth loose teeth, being holden in the mouth for a certaine space, and at sundrie times.
Of Scuruie grasse, or SpoonewoortChap. 82 · p. 323
Of Twayblade, or herbe BifoileChap. 83 · p. 326It is reported of the Herbarists of our time, to be good for greene wounds, burstings, and ruptures; whereof I haue in my vnguents and Balsams for greene wounds, had great experience, and good successe.
Of Adders toongChap. 84 · p. 327The leaues of Adders toong stamped in a stone morter, and boiled in oile oliue vnto the consumption of the iuice, and vntill the herbes be drie and parched, then strained, will yeelde a most excellent greene oile, or rather a Balsame for greene wounds, comparable vnto oile of Saint Iohns woort, if it do not farre surpasse it by many degrees: whose beautie is such, that very many Artists haue thought the same to be mixed with Verdigrease.
Of one Berrie, or herbe Trueloue, and MoonewoortChap. 85 · p. 328The berries of Herbe Paris giuen by the fpace of twentie daies, are excellent good againft poifon, or the powder of the herbe drunke in like manner halfe a fpoonefull at a time in the morning fafting. The fame is miniftered with great fucceffe, vnto fuch as are become peeuifh, or without vnderftanding, being miniftered as is aforefaide, euery morning by the fpace of twentie daies, as Baptista Sardus and Mathiolus haue recorded. Since which time, there hath beene further experience made thereof againft poifon, and put in practife in the citie of Paris, in Louaine, and at the bathes in Heluetia, by the right excellent Herbariits Mathias de L'obel, and Petrus Pena, who hauing often read, that it was one of the Aconites, called Pardalianches, and fo by confequence, of a poifoning qualitie, they gaue it vnto dogs and lambes, who receiued no hurt by the fame: wherefore they further profecuted the experience thereof, and gaue vnto two dogs faft bound or coupled together, a dram of Arfenicke, and one dram of Mercurie fublimate, mixed with flefh, which the dogs would not willingly eate, and therefore they had it crammed downe their throtes: vnto one of thefe dogs, they gaue this antidote following in a little red wine, whereby he recouered his former health againe, within a few howers; but the other dog, which had none of the medicine, died incontinently. This is the receit. > R. *utriufque Angelica, (innuit) domesticam, & siluestrem Vicetoxici, Valeriana domestica, Polypody querni, radicum Althea, & Vrtica, ana ʒ.iiij. Corticis Mezerei Germanici, ʒ.ij. granorum herba Paridis, N.24. foliorum eiufdem cum toto, Num. 36. Ex maceratis in aceto radicibus, & siccatis fit omnium puluis.* The people in Germanie do vfe the leaues of Paris herbe in greene wounds, for the which it is very good, as reporteth Ioachimus Camerarius, who likewife faith, that the powder of the rootes giuen to drinke, doth fpeedily ceafe the gripings and paine of the collicke. Small Moonewort is fingular to heale greene and frefh wounds; it ftaieth the bloodie flixe. It hath beene vfed among the Alchymiftes, and witches to do wonders withall, who fay, that it will loofe locks, and make them to fall from the feete of horfes that grafe where it doth growe, and hath beene called of them Martagon, whereas in truth they are all but drowfie dreames and illufions, but fingular for wounds as aforefaid.
Of Winter greeneChap. 86 · p. 330Pyrola is a most singular wound herbe, either giuen inwardly, or applied outwardly, the leaues whereof stamped and strained, and the iuice made into an vnguent, or healing salue, with waxe, oile, and turpentine, doth cure wounds, vlcers, and fistulaes, that are mundified from the callous and tough matter, which keepeth the same from healing. The decoction hereof made with wine, is commended to close vp and heale wounds of the entrailes, and inward partes: it is also good for vlcers of the kidneies, especially made with water, and the rootes of Comfrey added thereto. The leaues of Monophyllon, or Vnifolium, are of the same force in wounds with Pyrola, especially in wounds among the nerues and sinewes. Moreouer, it is esteemed of some late writers, a most perfect medicine against the pestilence, and all poisons, if halfe a dram of the roote be giuen in wine, and the sicke go to bed and sweate vpon it.
Of Lilly in the valley, or May LillieChap. 87 · p. 331The flowers of the Valley Lillie distilled with wine, and drunke the quantitie of a spoonefull, restoreth speech vnto those that haue the dum palsie and that are fallen into the Apoplexie, & is good against the gowte, and comforteth the hart. The water aforesaid doth strengthen the memorie that is weakened and diminished; it helpeth also the inflammation of the eies, being dropped thereinto. The flowers of May Lillies put into a glasse, and set in a hill of antes close stopped for the space of a moneth, and then taken out, therein you shall finde a liquor, that appeaseth the paine and griefe of the gowte, being outwardly applied; which is commended to be most excellent.
Of Sea LauanderChap. 87 · p. 332The seede beaten into powder, and drunk in wine, helpeth the collicke, strangurie, & Dysenteria. The seede taken as aforesaid, staieth the ouermuch flowing of womens termes, and al other fluxes of blood.
Of Serapias Turbith, or Sea StarwortChap. 88 · p. 333The roote of Tripolium taken in wine by the quantitie of two drams, driueth forth by siege waterish and grosse humors, for which cause it is often giuen to them that haue the dropsie. It is an excellent herbe against poison, and comparable with Pyrola, if not of greater efficacie, in healing of wounds either outward or inward.
Of Turbith of AntiochChap. 89 · p. 334The Indian phisitions do vse it to purge flegme, to which if there be no ague they do adde ginger, otherwise they giue it without it in the broth of a chicken, and sometimes in faire water. Mesues writeth, that Turbith is hot in the thirde degree; and that it voideth thicke tough flegme out of the stomacke, chest, sinewes, and out of the furthermost parts of the bodie: but (as he saith) it is slowe in working, and troubleth and ouerturneth the stomacke: and therefore ginger, masticke, and other spices are to be mixed with it; also oile of sweete almondes, or almondes themselues, or sugar, least the bodie with the vse thereof shoulde pine and fall away. Others temper it with dates, sweete almonds, and certaine other things, making thereof a composition (that the apothecaries call an Electuarie) which is named Διακωρίνων: common in shops, and in continuall vse among expert phisitions. There is giuen at one time of this Turbith one dram (more or lesse) two at the most: but in the decoction, or in the infusion three or fower,
Of Arrowe head, or water ArcherChap. 90 · p. 336I finde not any thing extant in writing either concerning their vertues or temperament, but doubtlesse they are colde and drie in qualitie, and are like water Plantaine in facultie and temperament.
Of water PlantaineChap. 91 · p. 337The leaues of water Plantaine as some authors report, are good to be laide vpon the legges of such as are troubled with the dropsie, and hath the same propertie that the land Plantaine hath.
Of Land PlantaineChap. 92 · p. 338 · Broadleaf plantain in the codexPlantaine is good for vlcers that are of hard curation, for fluxes, issues, rewmes and rottennesse, and for the bloodie flixe. It staieth bleeding, it healeth vp hollow sores, and concauate vlcers as well olde as new. Of all the Plantaines the greatest is the best, and excelleth the rest in facultie and vertue. The iuice or decoction of Plantaine drunken, stoppeth the bloodie flixe and all other fluxes of the belly, stoppeth the pissing of blood, spitting of blood, with all other issues of blood in man or woman, and the desire to vomite. Plantaine leaues stamped and made into a Tansie, with the yelks of egges, staieth the inordinate fluxe of the termes, although it haue continued many yeeres. The roote of Plantaine with the seede boiled in white wine and drunke, openeth the conduites or passages of the liuer and kidneies, cure the iaundies, and vlcerations of the kidneies and bladder. The iuice dropped into the eies, doth coole the heate or inflammation thereof. I finde in ancient writers many Good morrowes, which I thinke not meete to bring into your memorie againe, as that three rootes will cure one griefe, fower another disease, fixe hanged about the necke, are good for another maladie, &c. all which are but ridiculous toies. The leaues are singular good to make a water to wash a sore throte and mouth, or the priuie parts of man or woman. The leaues of Plantaine stamped, & put into oile oliue, & set in the hot sunne for a moneth togither, and after boiled in a kettle of seething water (which we do call Balnea Mariæ) & then strained: preuaileth against the paines in the eares, the yarde or matrix (being dropped into the eares, or cast with a siring into the other parts before rehearsed) or the paines of the fundament: prooued by a learned gentleman, Master William Godowrus Sergeant Chirurgion to the Queenes Maiestie.
Of RibwoortChap. 93 · p. 341The vertues are referred to the kindes of Plantaine.
Of sea PlantainesChap. 94 · p. 342Galen, Dioscorides, and Pliny haue prooued it to be such an excellent wounde herbe, that it presently closeth or shutteth vp a wounde though it be very great and large: and by the same authority I speake it, that if it be put into a pot where many peeces of flesh are boiling, it will foder them togither. These herbes haue the same faculties and vertues that the other Plantaines haue, and are thought to be the best of all the kindes.
Of sea Buckhorne PlantainesChap. 95 · p. 344The leaues of Bucks horne boiled in drinke, and giuen morning and euening for certaine daies together, helpeth most woonderfully those that haue sore eies, waterie, or blasted, and most of the griefes that happen vnto the eies, experimented by a learned Phisition of Colchester called master Duke, and the like by an excellent apothecarie of the same towne called master Buckstone. The leaues and rootes stamped with baie salt, and tied to the wrests of the armes, taketh awaie fits of the ague: and it is reported to worke the like effect being hanged about the necke of the patient in a certaine number, as vnto men nine plants rootes and all, and vnto women and children seauen.
Of Saracenes ConfoundChap. 97 · p. 347Saracens Confound is not inferior to any of the wounde herbes whatsoeuer, being inwardly ministred, or outwardly applied in ointments or oiles: with it I cured master Cartwright a gentleman of Grayes Inne, who was greeuously wounded into the lungs, and that by Gods permission in short space. The leaues boiled in water and drunken, doth restraine and staie the wasting of the liuer, taketh away the oppilation and stopping of the same, and profiteth against the iaundies and feauers of long continuance. The decoction of the leaues made in water, is excellent against the sorenesse of the throte, if it be therewith gargarised; it increaseth also the vertue and force of lotion or washing waters, appropriate for priuie maimes, sore mouthes, and such like, if it be mixed therewith.
Of Golden RodChap. 98 · p. 348Golden Rod prouoketh vrine, wasteth away the stones in the kidneies, and expelleth them; and withall bringeth downe tough and rawe flegmatike humors sticking in the vrine vessels, which now and then do hinder the comming away of the stones; and causeth the grauell or sand which is brittle, to be gathered togither into one stone. And therfore Arnoldus Villanouanus by good reason hath commended it against the stone and paine of the kidneies. It is of the number of those plants that serue for wound drinkes, and is reported that it can fully performe all those things that Saracens Confound can: and in my practise shall be placed in the foremost ranke. Arnoldus writeth, that the distilled water drunke with wine for some few daies togither, worketh the same effect, that is, for the stone and grauell in the kidneies. It is extolled aboue all other herbes for the stopping of blood in sanguinolent vlcers and bleeding wounds; and hath in times past been had in greater estimation and regarde than in these daies: for within my remembrance, I haue knowne the drie herbe which came from beyond the seas, solde in Bucklers burie in London for halfe a crowne an ounce. But since it was founde in Hampsteed wood, euen as it were at our townes end, no man will giue halfe a crowne for an hundred weight of it: which plainly setteth foorth our inconstancie and sudden mutabilitie, esteeming no longer of any thing (how pretious soeuer it be) than whilest it is strange and rare. This verifieth our English prouerbe, Far fetcht and deere bought, is best for Ladies. Yet it may be more truly said of fantasticall Phisitions, who when they haue found an approued medicine, & perfect remedy neer home against any disease; yet not contented with that, they will seeke for a new farther off, and by that meanes many times hurt more than they helpe. Thus much I haue spoken, to bring these new fangled fellowes backe againe to esteeme better of this admirable plant than they haue done; which no doubt hath the fame vertue now that then it had, although it do growe so neere our own homes in neuer so great quantitie.
Of captaine Andreas Doreas his WoundwoortChap. 99 · p. 349Two drammes of the rootes of Herba Doria boiled in wine and giuen to drinke, draweth down waterish humors, and prouoketh vrine. The same is with good successe vsed in medicines that expell poison.
Of Felwoort, or BaldmoneyChap. 100 · p. 350It is excellent good, as Galen saith, when there is neede of attenuating, purging, clensing, and remouing of obstructions, which qualitie it taketh of his extreme bitternesse. It is reported to be good for those that are troubled with crampes and conuulsions; for such as are burst, or haue fallen from some high place; for such as haue euill liuers and bad stomackes. It is put into counterpoisons, as into the composition named Theriaca diatessaron: which AEtius calleth Mysterium, a misterie or hid secret. This is of such force and vertue, saith Plinie, that it helpeth cattle which are not onely troubled with the cough, but are also broken winded. The roote of Gentian giuen in powder the quantitie of a dram, with a little pepper and herb Grace mixed therewith, is profitable for them that are bitten or stung with any maner of venemous beast or madde Dogge: or for any that hath taken poison. The decoction drunke is good against the stoppings of the liuer and stomacke, helpeth digestion, dissolueth and scattereth congealed bloud; and is good against all colde diseases of the inward parts.
Of English FelwoortChap. 101 · p. 352Of the faculties of this plant, as yet I can say nothing, referring it vnto the other Gentians, vntill time shall disclose that, which yet is secrete and vnknowen.
Of Bastard FelwoortChap. 102 · p. 353There faculties in working are referred vnto the other Gentians, although they be of lesse force and bitternesse.
Of Calathian Violet, or Autumne bell flowerChap. 103 · p. 354
Of Venus Looking glasseChap. 104 · p. 355We haue not found any thing written either of his vertue or temperature, of the ancient or later writers.
Of Neesing roote, or NeesewoortChap. 105 · p. 356The faculties of these wilde Hellebors are referred vnto the white Neesewoort, whereof they are kindes. It is reported, that the decoction of wilde Hellebor drunken, openeth the stoppings of the liuer, or helpeth any imperfections of the same.
Of our Ladies SlipperChap. 107 · p. 359Touching the faculties of our Ladies shoo, wee haue nothing to write, being not sufficiently knowne to the old writers, nor nor to the new.- Of SopewoortChap. 108 · p. 359It is hot and drie, and not a little scowring withal, hauing no vse in phisicke set downe by any author of credit.
Of Arsmart, or water PepperChap. 109 · p. 360The leaues and seede of Arsmart do waste and consume all colde swellings, dissolue and scatter congealed bloud that commeth of brusings or stripes. The same bruised and bound vpon an impostume in the ioints of the fingers (called among the vulgare sort a fellon or vncome) for the space of an hower, taketh away the paine: but saith the author, it must be first buried vnder a stone before it be applied; which doth somewhat discredite the medicine. The leaues rubbed vpon a tyred iades backe, and a good handfull or two laide vnder the saddle, and the same set on againe, woonderfully refresheth the wearied horse, and causeth him to trauell much the better. It is reported that dead Arsmart is good against inflammations and hot swellings, being applied in the beginning, and for greene woounds if it be stamped and boiled with oile oliue, waxe and turpentine.
Of Bell flowersChap. 110 · p. 362The roote is colde and somewhat binding, and not vsed in phisicke, but esteemed for one of the sallet rootes, boiled and eat en with oile, vineger and pepper.
Of Throtewoort, or Canterbury BelsChap. 110 · p. 363Theophrastus and Pliny haue not set downe any thing concerning the vertues of these Bel flowers: notwithstanding we haue founde in the later writers as also of our owne experience: that they are excellent good against the inflammation of the throte & Vuula or almonds, & all maner of cankers and vlcerations in the mouth, if the mouth and throte be gargarized and washed with the decoction hereof, and is of all other herbes the chiefe and principall to be put into lotions, or washing waters, to iniect into the priuie parts of man or woman, boiled with honie, Allam, water, and some white wine.
Of Peach bels, and Steeple belsChap. 111 · p. 366These Bell flowers, especially the fower last mentioned, are cold and drie, and of the natu Rapes, whereof they be kindes.
Of Rampions, or wilde Bell flowersChap. 112 · p. 369The rootes are especially used in sallads, being boiled and eaten with oile, vineger, and pepper. Some affirme, that the decoction of the rootes are good for all inflammations of the mouth, and almonds of the throte, and other diseases happening in the mouth and throte, as the other Throteworts.
Of Wall flowers, or yellow stocke GilloflowersChap. 113 · p. 370Dioscorides writeth that the yellowe Wall flower is most vsed in phisicke, and more then the rest of stocke Gilloflowers, whereof this is holden to be a kinde; which hath mooued me to preferre it vnto the first place. He saith, that the iuice mixed with some vnctious or oilie thing, and boiled to the forme of a lyniment, helpeth the choppes or riftes of the fundament. The herbe boiled with white wine, honie, and a little allom, doth cure hot vlcers, and cankers of the mouth. The leaues stamped with a little baie salt, and bound about the wrests of the hands, taketh awaie the shaking fits of the agewe.
Of Stocke GilloflowersChap. 114 · p. 372They are referred vnto the Wall flower, although in vertue much inferior, yet are they not vsed in phisicke, except amongst certaine Empericks and Quacksaluers, about loue and lust matters, which for modestie I omit. Ioachimus Camerarius reporteth, that a conferue made of the flowers of Stocke Gilloflower, and giuen with the distilled water thereof, helpeth the Apoplexie and the palsie: whereof Plutarch speaketh in his booke De amore fraterno pulcherr. inter Echinopodas velut asperam, & inter ononin nascuntur passim mollia Leucoia.
Of Sea stocke GilloflowersChap. 115 · p. 374There is no vse of these in phisicke, but they are esteemed for the beautie of their flowers.
Of Dames Violets, or Queenes GilloflowersChap. 116 · p. 376The distilled water of the flowers heereof is counted to be a most effectuall thing to procure sweate.
Of white Sattin flowerChap. 117 · p. 377The seede of Bolbonac is of temperature hot and drie, and sharpe of taste, and is like in taste and force to the seede of Treacle mustard; the rootes likewise are somewhat of a biting qualitie, but not much: they are eaten with sallads as certaine other rootes are. A certaine Chirurgian of the Heluetians, composed a most singular vnguent for wounds of the leaues of Bolbonac and Sanicle stamped together, adding thereto oile and waxe. The seede is greatly commended against the falling sicknesse.
Of Galen his Moonewoort, or MadwoortChap. 118 · p. 379Galen saith it is giuen vnto such as are enraged by the biting of a mad dog, which therby are perfectly cured, as is knowne by experience, without any artificiall application, or method at all. The which experiment if any shall prooue, he shall finde in the working thereof. It is of temperature meanly drie, digesteth and something scowreth withall; for this cause it taketh away the morphew and sunne burning, as the same author affirmeth. Many fabulous narrations haue been set foorth concerning the vse of these Lunaries by the ancient writers of sorcerie, with which I list not to trouble your eares, being fitter for Cornelius Agrippa his booke, than to be inserted in our historie of plants.
Of Rose CampionChap. 119 · p. 380Flower of Constantinople, besides that grace and... and beautie which it hath in gardens and garlands, is for ought we know of no vse at all in phisicke: for which cause the vertues thereof are not yet found out.
Of Rose CampionChap. 120 · p. 381The seede drunken in wine is a remedie for them that are stung with a scorpion, as Dioscorides testifieth.
Of wilde rose CampionsChap. 121 · p. 382The weight of two drams of the seede of wilde Campion, beaten to powder and drunke, doth purge choler by the stoole; and is good for them that are stung or bitten of any venemous beast.
Of Willow herbe, or Loose strifeChap. 122 · p. 385The iuice according to Dioscorides, is good against the bloodie flixe, being taken either by potion or glister. It is excellent good for greene wounds, and stancheth the blood: being also put into the nostrils it stoppeth the bleeding at the nose. The smoke of the burned herbe driueth away serpents, and killeth flies and gnats in a house which Plinie speaketh of in his 25. booke, chap. 8. Snakes saith he, craull away at the smell of Loose strife. The same author affirmeth in his 26. booke, last chap. that it dieth haire yellow; which is not very vnlike to be done by reason the flowers are yellow. The others haue not beene experimented, wherefore vntill some matter woorthy the noting doth offer it selfe vnto our consideration, I will omit further to discourse hereof. The iuice of yellow Lysimachia taken inwardly, stoppeth all fluxe of blood, and the Dysenteria or bloodie flixe.
Of Fleabane MulletChap. 124 · p. 390The leaues and flowers be good againft the ftrangurie, the iaundife, and the gnawing or griping of the bellie. The fame taken with vineger, helpeth the Epilepfie or falling fickneffe. If women do fit ouer the decoction thereof, it greatly eafeth their paines of the mother. The herbe burned, where flies, gnats, fleas, or any venemous things are, doth driue them away.
Of Starre woortChap. 125 · p. 391The decoction of Woade drunken, is good for such as haue any stopping or hardnes in the milt or spleene, and is also good for wounds and vlcers in bodies of a strong constitution, as of countrie people, and such as are accustomed to great labour, and hard course fare. It serueth well to die and colour cloth, profitable to some few, and hurtfull to many.
Of Cow BasillChap. 127 · p. 395I finde not any thing extant concerning the nature and vertues of Vaccaria, called Cowe Basill. Ephemerum (as Dioscorides writeth) boiled in wine, and the mouth washed with the decoction thereof, taketh away the toothache.
Of Sefamoides, or bastard Weld or Woade, out of DioscChap. 128 · p. 396Dioscorides affirmeth that the weight of a halfe pennie of the seede drunke with meade, or honied water, purgeth flegme and choler by the stoole. The same being applied doth waste harde knots and swellings.
Of Diers weedeChap. 129 · p. 398- Of Staues akerChap. 130 · p. 398A Ricinus his seede taken inwardly, openeth the bellie, and causeth vomit, drawing flimie flegm and choler from the places possessed therewith. B The broth of the meate supped vp, wherein the seede hath been sodden, is good for the collick and the gowte, and against the paine in the hips called Sciatica, it preuaileth also against the iaundise and dropsie. C The oile that is made or drawen from the seede, is called Oleum Cicinum: in shops it is called Oleum de Cherua: it heateth and drieth, as was said before, and is good to annoint and rub all rough hardnes and scuruineffe gotten by itch. D This oile, as Rabbi Dauid Chimchi writeth, is good against extreme coldnes of the bodie.
Of SpurgeChap. 132 · p. 401
Of Herbe TerribleChap. 133 · p. 408There is nothing either of their nature or vertues, more then is set forth in the descriptions.
Of herbe Aloë, or Sea HouseleekeChap. 134 · p. 409 · Aloe vera in the codex
Of Houseleeke, or SengreeneChap. 135 · p. 411
Of little Housleeke or StonecropChap. 136 · p. 413The Orpines are of a cooling nature like vnto the great ones, and are good for those things that the others be. The former of these is vsed in many places in sallads, in which it hath a fine relish, and a pleasant taste: it is good for the hart-burne.
Of the smallest Stonecrops, called wall PepperChap. 137 · p. 415It wasteth away hard kernels, and the kings euill, if it be laide vnto them, as Dioscorides writeth. The iuice hereof extracted or drawne forth & taken with vineger or other liquor, procureth vomite, and bringeth vppe grosse and flegmatike humours, and also cholericke; and doth thereby oftentimes cure the quartaine ague and other agues of long continuance; and giuen in this maner it is a remedie against poisons inwardly taken.- Of OrpyneChap. 138 · p. 415Dioscorides saith, that being laide on with vineger it taketh away the white morphew: Galen saith the blacke also, which thing it doth by reason of the scouring or clensing qualitie that it hath: whereupon Galen attributeth vnto it a hot facultie, though the taste sheweth the contrary, which foresaid scouring qualitie declareth that the other two also be likewise colde. But colde things may as well clense, if drinesse of temperature, and thinnes of essence be ioined withall.
Of the smaller OrpinsChap. 139 · p. 417Their temperature and faculties in working are referred vnto the common Orpin.
Of PurflaneChap. 140 · p. 418Rawe Purstane is much used in sallads with oile, salt, and vineger: it cooleth an hot stomack, and provoketh appetite; but the nourishment which commeth hereof is little, bad, colde, grosse, and moist: being chewed it is good for teeth that are set on edge or astonied; the juice doth the same being held in the mouth, and also the distilled water. Purstane is likewise commended against woormes in yoong children, and is singular good especially if an ague be joined: for it both allaies the over much heate, and killeth the woormes: which thing is done through the saltnes mixed therewith, which is not onely an enimie to woormes, but also to putrefactions. The leaves of Purstane either rawe or boiled, and eaten as sallads, are good for those that have great heate in their stomacks and inward partes, and doth coole and temper the inflamed blood. The same taken in like manner is good for the bladder and kidneies, and allaieth the outragious lust of the bodie: the juice also hath the same vertue. The juice of Purstane stoppeth the bloody flixe, the fluxe of the hemorrhoides, monthly termes, spitting of blood, and all other fluxes whatsoever. The same throwen up with a mother firing, cureth the inflammations, frettings, and ulcerations of the matrix; and put into the fundament with a clister pipe, helpeth the ulcerations and fluxe of the guts. The leaves eaten rawe, taketh away the paine of the teeth, and fasteneth them; and is good for teeth that are set on edge with eating of sharpe things. The seede being taken, killeth and driueth forth woormes, and stoppeth the laske.
Of sea Purstane, and of the bastarde grounde Pines, Anthyllis, or stinking ground PineChap. 141 · p. 419The leaues (faith Dioscorides) are boiled to be eaten: a dramme waight of the roote being drunke with meade or honied water, is good against cramps and drawings awrie of sinewes, burstings, and gnawings of the belly: it also causeth nurses to haue store of milke. The leaues be in the Lowe countries preserued in salt or pickle as capers are, and bee serued and eaten at mens tables in steede of them; and that without any mislike of taste, to which it is pleasant. Galen doth also report that the yoong and tender buds are woont in Cilicia to be eaten, and also laide vp in store for vse.
Of herbe Iue, or ground PineChap. 142 · p. 421The leaues of Chamaepytis tunned vp in ale, or infused in wine, or sodden with hony, and drunk by the space of eight or ten daies, cureth the iaundies, the Ischiatica, the stoppings of the liuer, the difficultie of making water, the stoppings of the spleene, and causeth women to haue their naturall sicknes. Chamaepytis stamped greene with honie cureth wounds, malignant and rebellious vlcers, and dissolueth the hardnes of womens brests or paps, and profitably helpeth against poison, or biting of any venemous beast. The decoction drunke, dissolueth congealed blood, and drunke with vineger driueth foorth the dead childe. It clenseth the intrals: it helpeth the infirmities of the liuer and kidneies: it cureth the yellow iaundies being drunke in wine: it bringeth downe the desired sicknes, and prouoketh vrine: being boiled in Meade or honied water and drunke, it helpeth the Sciatica in fortie daies. The people of Hera- Heraclea in Pontus do vse it against Wolfes bane in steed of a counterpoison. The powder hereof taken in pils with a fig, mollifieth the belly; it wasteth away the hardnes of the paps; it healeth wounds; it cureth putrified vlcers being applied with honie: and these things the first ground Pine doth performe, so doth the other two; but not so effectually, as witnesseth Dioscorides. Clusius of whom mention was made, hath not said any thing of the vertues of Chamæpytis Austriaca; but verily I thinke it better by many degrees for the purposes aforesaid: my coniecture I take from the taste, smell, and comely proportion of this herbe, which is more pleasing and familiar to the nature of man, than those which we haue plentifully in our owne countrie growing.
Of Nauelwoort, or Penniwoort of the wallChap. 143 · p. 423The iuice of Wall Pennywoort is a singular remedie against all inflammations and hot tumors, as Erysipelas, Saint Anthonies fire, and such like: and is good for kibed heeles, being bathed therewith, and one or more of the leaues laid vpon the heele. The leaues and rootes eaten do breake the stone, prouoke vrine, and preuaile much against the dropsie. The ignorant Apothecaries do vse the Water Pennywoort in steade of this of the wall, which they cannot do without great error, and much danger to the patient: for husbandmen know well, that it is noisome vnto sheepe, and other cattell that feede thereon, and for the most part bringeth death vnto them, much more to men, by a stronger reason.
Of Sea PennywoortChap. 144 · p. 425Sea Nauell woort prouoketh urine, and digesteth the filthinesse and sliminesse gathered in the iointes. Two drams of it, as Dioscorides saith, drunke in wine, bringeth downe great store of urine out of their bodies that haue the dropsie, and maketh a good plaister to cease the paine of the gout.
Of Rosewoort, or Rose rooteChap. 145 · p. 426There is little extant in writing of the faculties of Rosewoort: but this I haue founde, that if the roote be stamped with oile of Roses and laide to the temples of the head, it easeth the paine of the head.- Of SampierChap. 146 · p. 426A little quantitie of the herbe inwardly taken, doth not onely mightily prouoke vrine, but in like sort casteth foorth the dead childe. It draweth foorth by siege waterish humors, and purgeth away the dropsie. A great quantitie taken, is mischieuous and deadly. The smell and smoke also of this herbe being burnt, doth driue away serpents. The ashes are likewise tempered with those medicines, that serue to take away scabs and filth of the skin: it easily consumeth proud and superfluous flesh that groweth in poisonsome vlcers, as Auicen and Serapio do report. We reade in the copies of Serapio, that Glassewoort is a tree so great, that a man may stande vnder the shadow thereof: but it is very like, that this error proceedeth rather from the interpreter, than from the author himselfe. The flower of Christall, or (as they commonly terme it, the fat of Glasse) doth woonderfully drie. It easily taketh away scabs and manginesse, if the foule partes be washed and bathed with the water wherein it is boiled.
Of Thorowe waxeChap. 148 · p. 429The decoction of Thorowe waxe made of water or wine, healeth wounds. The iuice is excellent for wounds made either into an oile or vnguent. The greene leaues stamped, boiled with waxe, oile, rosin and turpentine, maketh an excellent vnguent or salue to incarnate, or bring vp flesh in deepe wounds.
Of Honie woortChap. 149 · p. 431Plinie and Auicen seeme to agree, that these herbes are of a colde complexion, notwithstanding there is not any experiment of their vertues worth the writing.
Of Saint Iohns woortChap. 150 · p. 432 · St John's wort in the codexS. Iohns woort, with his flowers and seede boiled and drunken, prouoketh vrine, and is right good against the stone in the bladder, and stoppeth the laske. The leaues stamped are good to be laide vpon burnings, scaldings, and all wounds; and also for rotten and filthie vlcers. The leaues, flowers, and seedes stamped, and put into a glasse with oile oliue, and set in the hot sunne for certaine weekes together, and then strained from those herbes, and the like quantitie of new put in, and sunned in like maner, doth make an oile of the colour of blood, which is a most pretious remedy for deep wounds, & those that are thorow the bodie, for sinewes that are prickt, or any wound made with a venomed weapon. I am accustomed to make a compound oile hereof, the making of which yee shall receiue at my hands, bicause that I knowe in the world there is not a better, no not naturall Balsam it selfe; for I dare vndertake to cure any such wound, as absolutely in each respect, if not sooner and better, as any man whatsoeuer shall or may with naturall Balsam. Take white wine two pintes, oile oliue fower pounds, oile of turpentine two pounds, the leaues, flowers, and seedes of S Iohns woort, of each two great handfuls gently brused; put them all together into a great double glasse & set it in the sunne eight or ten daies; then boile them in the same glasse per Balneum Mariæ, that is, in a kettle of water, with some strawe in the bottome, wherein the glasse must stand to boile; which done, straine the licour from the herbes, and do as you did before, putting in the like quantitie of herbes, flowers, and seedes, but not any more wine. And so haue you a great secret for the purposes aforesaid. Dioscorides saith, that the seede drunk for the space of fortie daies together, cureth the Sciatica, and all aches that happen in the hips. The same author saith, that being drunk with wine, it taketh away tertian and quartan agues.
Of S. Peters woort, or square S. Johns grasseChap. 151 · p. 434It is endued with the same vertues that S. Iohns woort is indued withall. The seede, saith Dioscorides, being drunke in fower ounces and a halfe of Meade, doth plentifully purge by siege, cholericke excrements. Galen doth likewise affirme the same.- Of Tutsan, or Parke leauesChap. 152 · p. 434The feede hereof beaten to powder, and drunke to the weight of two drams, doth purge cholericke excrements, as Diofcorides writeth, and is a fingular remedie for the Sciatica, prouided that the patient do drinke water for a day or two after purging. The herbe cureth burnings, and applied vpon new woundes, it ftancheth the blood, and healeth them. The leaues laide vpon broken fhins and fcabbed legs, healeth them, and many other hurtes and griefes, whereof it tooke his name Tout faine, or Tutfane, of healing all things.
Of the great CentorieChap. 153 · p. 435The roote taken in the quantitie of two drams, is good for them that are burften, or fpit bloud; againft the crampe and fhrinking of finewes, the fhortnes of winde or difficultie of breathing, the cough and gripings of the belly. There is not any part of the herbe, but it rather worketh miracles then ordinarie cures in greene wounds: for it ioineth togither the lips of fimple wounds in the the flefh, according to the firft intention, that is, glewing the lips togither, not drawing to the place any matter at all. These things and mo befides Diofcorides telleth of. The roote (faith he) is a remedie for ruptures, conuulfions and cramps, taken in the weight of two drams to be giuen with wine to thofe that are without a feauer, and to thofe that haue, with water. Galen faith, that the iuice of the leaues thereof, performeth thofe things that the roote doth, which is alfo vfed in fteede of Lycium, a kinde of harde iuice of a fharpe tafte.
Of small CentorieChap. 154 · p. 436Being boiled in water and drunke, it openeth the stoppings of the liuer, gall, and spleene, it helpeth the yellowe iaundise, and likewise long and lingering agues: it killeth the wormes in the bellie; to be briefe, it clenseth, scoureth, and maketh thinne humors that are thicke, and doth effectually performe whatsoeuer bitter things can. Dioscorides, and Galen after him, report, that the decoction draweth downe by siege choler and thicke humours, and helpeth the sciatica: but though we haue vsed this often and luckely, yet could we not perceiue euidently that it purgeth by the stoole any thing at all, and yet hath performed the effects aforesaide. This Centorie being stamped and laide on whilest it is fresh and greene, doth heale and close vp greene wounds, clenseth old vlcers, and perfectly cureth them. The iuice is good in medicines for the eies, mixed with hony it clenseth away such things as hinder the sight, and being drunke it hath a peculiar vertue against the infirmities of the sinewes, as Dioscorides teacheth. The Italian Phisicions do giue the powder of the leaues of yellowe Centorie once in three daies, in the quantitie of a dram, with annise and carowaie seedes, in wine or other liquor, which preuaileth against the dropsie and greene sicknesse, of which plant Ioannes Postius hath thus written; > Flos mihi suaue rubet, sed inest quoque succus amarus, > Qui iuuat obsessum bile, aperitque iecur. > My flower is sweete in smell, bitter my iuice in taste, > Which purge choler and helps liuer that else would waste.
Of Calues snout, or SnapdragonChap. 155 · p. 438The seede of Snapdragon, as Galen saith, is good for nothing in the use of phisicke; and the herbe it selfe is of like facultie with Bubonium, or Starwoort, but not so effectuall. They report, saith Dioscorides, that the herbe being hanged about one, preserveth a man from being bewitched, and that it maketh a man gratious in the sight of people. Apuleius writeth, that the distilled water or the decoction of the herbe and roote made in water, is a speedie remedie for the watering of eies proceeding of a hot cause, if they be bathed therewith.
Of Tode flaxeChap. 156 · p. 440The decoction of Tode flaxe taketh away the yellownesse and deformitie of the skin, being washed and bathed therewith. The same drunken openeth the stoppings of the liuer and spleene, and is singular good for the iaundise which is of long continuance. The same decoction doth also prouoke vrine, in those that pisse drop after drop, vnstoppeth the kidneies and bladder.
Of Garden FlaxeChap. 157 · p. 444 · Flax (Linseed) in the codexGalen in his first booke of the faculties of nourishments saith, that diuers vse the seede hereof parched as a sustenance with Garum, no otherwise then made salt. They also vse it mixed with honie; some likewise put it among bread, but it is hurtfull to the stomacke, and is hard of digestion, and yeeldeth to the bodie but little nourishment: but touching the qualities which maketh the belly soluble, neither wil I praise or dispraise it; yet that hath it some force to prouoke vrine, is more apparant when it is parched: but then it also staieth the belly more. The same author in his bookes of the faculties of simple medicines saith, that Lineseede being eaten is windie although it be parched, so full is it of superfluous moisture: and it is also after a sort hot in the first degree, and in a meane betweene moist and drie. But how windie the seede is, and how full of superfluous moisture it is in euery part, might very wel haue beene perceiued a few yeeres since at Middleborough in Zeland, where for want of graine and other corne, most of the Citizens were faine to eate breade and cakes made hereof with honie and oile, who were in short time after swolne in the bellie about the short ribs, faces, and other parts of their bodies in such sort, that a great number were brought to their graues thereby: for these symptomes or accidents came no otherwise then by the superfluous moisture of the seede, which causeth windinesse. Lineseed, as Dioscorides hath written, hath the same properties that Fenugreeke hath: it wasteth awaie and mollifieth all inflammations or hot swellings, as well inwarde as outward, if it be boiled with honie, oile, and a little faire water, and made vp with clarified honie; it taketh away blemishes of the face and the sunne burning, called in Greeke Epheleis, being rawe & vnboiled; and also foule spots, if it be mixed with salt peter & figs: it causeth rugged and ill fauoured nailes to fall off, mixed with honie and water Cressis. It draweth foorth of the chest corrupted flegme and other filthie humours, if a composition with honie be made thereof to licke on, and easeth the cough. Being taken largely with pepper and honie made vp into a cake, it stirreth vp lust. The oile which is pressed out of the seede, is profitable for many purposes in phisicke and chirurgerie; and is vsed of painters, picture makers, and other artificers. It softneth all hard swellings; it stretcheth foorth the sinewes that are shrunke and drawne togither, mitigateth paine, being applied in maner of an ointment. Some also giue it to drinke to such as are troubled with paine in the side & collicke; but it must be fresh and newly drawne: for if it be olde and ranke, it causeth aptnesse to vomite, and withall it ouermuch heateth. Lineseed boiled in water with a little oile, & a quantitie of Annise seede impowdered and implaistered vpon angina, or any swelling in the throate, helpeth the same. It is with good successe vsed plaisterwise, boiled in vineger, vpon the diseases called Coliaca, and Dyssentaria, which are fluxes and paines of the bellie. The seedes stamped with the rootes of wilde Cucumbers, draweth foorth splinters, thornes, broken bones, or any other thing fixed in any part of the bodie. The decoction is an excellent bath for women to sit ouer for the inflammation of the secret parts, bicause it softneth the hardnesse thereof, and easeth paine and aking. The seed of Line & Fenugreek made into powder, boiled with Mallowes, Violet leaues, Smallage, & Chickweed, vntill the herbs be soft; then stamped in a stone morter with a litle hogs grease to the forme of a cataplasme or pultus: appeaseth all maner of paine, softneth al colde tumors or swellings, mollifieth & bringeth to suppuration all apostemes; defendeth wounded members from swellings, & rankling, and when they be alreadie rankled, it taketh the fame away being applied verie warme euening and morning.
Of Wilde FlaxeChap. 158 · p. 446The faculties of these kindes of Wilde flaxe are referred vnto the manured flaxe; but they are seldome vsed either in phisicke or chirurgerie.
Of blacke Salt woortChap. 159 · p. 447A. This Milkwoort taken with milke, drinke or pottage, ingendreth store of milke, and therefore it is good to be used by nurses that want the same.
Of Milke woortChap. 160 · p. 448Galen, Theophrastus, and Dioscorides do account these for Milke woorts, and may without error be used for those purposes, whereunto Glaux serueth.
Of Knot grasseChap. 161 · p. 451The iuice of Knot grasse is good against the spitting of blood, the pissing of blood, and all other issues or fluxes of blood, as Brasavolus reporteth, and Camerarius saith he hath cured many with the iuice thereof, that haue vomited blood, giuen in a little stipticke wine. It greatly preuaileth against the Gonorrhæa, that is, the running of the reines, and the weaknes of the backe comming by meanes thereof, being shred and made in a tansie with egs and eaten. The decoction of it cureth the disease aforesaid, in as ample maner as the iuice: or giuen in powder in a reare egge, helpeth the backe very much. The herbe boiled in wine and honie, cureth the vlcers and inflammations of the secret partes of man or woman, adding thereto a little allume, and the parts washed therewith. Dioscorides saith that it prouoketh vrine, and helpeth such as do pisse drop after drop, when the vrine is hot and sharpe. It is giuen vnto swine with good successe, when they are sicke, and will not eate their meate: whereupon the countrie people do call it Swines grasse, and Swines skir.
Of sundry sortes of Knot grassesChap. 162 · p. 452The iuice of Knotgrasse is good against the spitting of bloude, the pissing of bloud, and all other issues and fluxe of bloud: it preuaileth against the Gonorrhæa, and the weaknesse of the backe, being made in a tansie with egges. The decoction of Knotgrasse cureth the disease aforesaid, in as ample manner as the iuice, and being boiled in honie and wine, it cureth the ulcers & inflammations of the priuie or secret parts of man or woman. Dioscorides saith that Knot grasse prouoketh urine, and helpeth such as pisse drop by drop, when the urine is hot and sharpe. Heere according to my promise I haue thought good to insert this medicine made with Knawel, which herbe is called (as I saide before) Parsley Piert; but if I might without offence, it shoulde be called Petra Pungens: for that barbarous worde Parsley Piert, was giuen by some simple man, who had not well learned the true terme. The composition which followeth must be giuen in warme white wine halfe a dram, yea two scruples or more, according to the constitution of the bodie which is to receiue it. The leaues of Parsley Piert, Mouseare, of eche one ounce when the herbes be dried, Baie berries, Turmericke, Cloues, the seedes of the great Burre, the seedes in the berries of heppes or Briertree, Fenugreeke, of eche one ounce, the stone in the oxe gall, the waight of 24. Barley cornes, or halfe a dram, made togither into a most fine and subtill powder, taken and drunke in manner aforesaid, hath beene prooued most singular for the disease aforesaid.
Of Rupture woortChap. 163 · p. 454It is reported, that being drunke it is singular good for ruptures, and that very many that haue beene bursten, were restored to health by the vse of this herbe: also the powder heereof taken with wine, doth make a man to pisse that hath his water stopt, and that it wasteth awaie the stones in the kidneies, and expelleth them.
Of wilde TimeChap. 164 · p. 455It bringeth downe the desired sicknes, prouoketh vrine, applied in bathes and fomentations it procureth sweate: being boiled in wine, it helpeth the ague, it easeth the strangurie, it staieth the hicket, it breaketh the stones in the bladder, it helpeth the Lythargie, frensie, and madnes, and staieth the vomiting of blood. Wilde Time boiled in wine and drunke, is good against the wambling and gripings of the bellie, ruptures, conuulsions, and inflammations of the liuer. It helpeth against the bitings of any venemous beast, either taken in drinke, or outwardly applied. AEtius D AEtius writeth, that Serpillum infused well in vineger, and then sodden and mingled with rose water, is a right singular remedie to cure them that haue had a long phrensie or lythargie. E Galen prescribeth one dram of the iuice to be giuen in vineger against the vomiting of bloud, and helpeth such as are greeued with the spleene.
Of garden TimeChap. 165 · p. 458 · Common thyme in the codexTime boiled in water and honie and drunken, is good against the cough and shortnesse of the breath; it prouoketh vrine, expelleth the secondine or afterbirth, and the dead childe; and dissolueth clotted or congealed bloud in the bodie. The same drunke with vineger and salt, purgeth flegme: and boiled in Meade or Metheglin, clenseth the brest, lungs, reines, and matrix, and killeth wormes. Made into powder and taken in the waight of three drams with Meade or honied vineger, called Oximell, Oximell, and a little salt, purgeth by stoole tough and clammie flegme, sharpe cholericke humours, and all corruption of blood. The same taken in like sort, is good against the Ischiatica, the paine in the side and brest, against the winde in the side and bellie, and is profitable also for such as are fearefull, melancholike, and troubled in minde. It is good to be giuen unto those that haue the falling sicknesse to smell unto. Epithymum, after Galen, is of more effectuall operation in Phisicke then Time, being hot & dry in the third degree, more mightily clensing, heating, drying, and opening then Cuscuta, hauing right good effect to eradicate melancholie, or any other humour in the spleene, or other disease, sprong by occasion of the spleene. It helpeth the long continued paines of the head, and besides his singular effects about spleneticall matters; it helpeth the lepry, or any disease of melancholie, or hypochondriacs; all quartaine agues, and such like griefes proceeding from the spleene. Dioscorides saith, Epithymum drunke with honied water, pulleth downe by siege flegme, called Pituita, and melancholie. Of his natiue propertie it releeueth them which be melancholike, or houen up, swollen in the face and other parts, if you pound Epithymum and take the fine powder thereof in the quantitie of fower scruples in the liquor which the apothecaries call Passum, or with Oximell and salt, which taketh away all flatuous humours and ventosities.
Of SauorieChap. 165 · p. 460Winter Sauorie is of temperature hot and drie in the third degree, it maketh thinne, cutteth; it clenseth clenfeth the passages, to be briefe, it is altogither of like vertue with Time. Sommer Sauorie is not full so hot as Winter Sauorie, and therefore saith Dioscorides, more fit to be vsed in medicine: it maketh thin, and doth maruellously preuaile against winde: therefore it is with good successe boiled and eaten with beanes, peason, and other windie pulses, yea if it be applied to the belly in a fomentation, it foorthwith helpeth the mother proceeding of winde.
Of DodderChap. 166 · p. 452This kinde of Dodder remooueth the stoppings of the liuer and of the milt or spleene, it disburdeneth the veines of flegmatike, cholericke, corrupt and superfluous humours: prouoketh vrine gently, and in a meane openeth the kidneies, cureth the yellowe iaundise which are ioined with the stopping of the liuer and gall: it is a remedie against lingring agues, corrupt and long tertians, quartains also, and properly agues in infants and yoong children, as Mesues saith in Serapio: who also teacheth, that the nature of Dodder is to purge choler by the stoole, and that more effectually if it haue Wormewoode ioined with it; but too much vsing of it, is hurtfull to the stomacke: yet Auicen writeth that it doth not hurt it, but strengtheneth a weake or feeble stomacke; which opinion also we do better allowe of. Epithymum, or the Dodder which groweth vpon Time, is hotter and drier then the Dodder that groweth vpon flaxe, that is to saie, euen in the thirde degree, as Galen saith. It helpeth all the infirmities of the milt: it is a remedie against obstructions and hard wennie swellings: it taketh awaie olde head aches, the falling sicknesse, madnesse that commeth of melancholie, and especially that which proceedeth from the spleene and parts thereabout: it is good for those that haue the French disease, and such as be troubled with contagious vlcers, the leprosie, and the scabbie euill. It purgeth downwards blacke and melancholicke humours, as Aetius, Actuarius, and Mesues write; and also flegme as Dioscorides noteth: that likewise purgeth by stoole which groweth vpon Sauorie and Scabious, but more weakly, as Actuarius saith. Cuscuta, or Dodder that groweth vpon flaxe, boiled in water or wine and drunk, openeth the stoppings of the liuer, the bladder, the gall, the milt, the kidneies and veines, and purgeth both by siege and vrine cholericke humours. It is good against the ague which hath continued a long time, and against the iaundise, I meane that Dodder especially that groweth vpon brambles. Epiurtica or Dodder growing vpon nettles, is a most singular and effectual medicine to prouoke vrine, and to loose the obstructions of the body, and is prooued oftentimes in the west parts to haue good successe against many maladies.
Of HyssopeChap. 167 · p. 463A decoction of Hyffope made with figs, and gargled in the mouth and throte, ripeneth and breaketh the tumors and impoftumes of the mouth and throte, and eafeth the difficultie of fwallowing, comming by cold rheumes. The fame made with figs, water, honie, and rue, and drunken, helpeth the inflammation of the lungs, the olde cough, and fhortnes of breath, and the obftructions or ftoppings of the breaft. The firupe or iuice of Hyffope taken with the firupe of vineger, purgeth by ftoole tough and clammie flegme, and driueth foorth wormes, if it be eaten with figs. The diftilled water drunke, is good for thofe difeafes before named, but not with that fpeede, and force.
Of Hedge HyffopeChap. 168 · p. 465Who so taketh but one scruple of Gratiola bruised, shall perceiue euidently his effectuall operation & vertue, in purging mightily, and that in great abundance, watrish, grosse, & slimie humors. Conradus Gesnerus experimented this, and found it to be true, and so haue I my selfe and many others. Gratiola boiled, and the decoction drunker or eaten with any kinde of meate, in manner of a sallade, openeth the belly, and causeth notable loosenes, and to scowre freely, and by that meanes purgeth grosse flegmes, and cholerike humors. Gratiola, or Hedge Hyssope boiled in wine and giuen to drinke, helpeth feuers of what sort soeuer, and is most excellent in dropsies, and such like diseases proceeding of colde and waterie causes. The extraction giuen with the powder of cinamom and a little of the iuice of Calamint, preuaileth against tertian and quotidian feuers, set downe for most certaine by the learned Ioachimus Camerarius.
Of Lauander spikeChap. 169 · p. 467 · English lavender in the codexThe distilled water of Lauander smelt vnto, or the temples and forehead bathed therewith, is refreshing to them that haue the Catalepsie, a light Migram, and to them that haue the fallin sicknes, & that vse to swoune much. But when there is abundance of humors, especially mixed wit blood, it is not then to be vsed safely, neither is the composition to be taken, which is made of disti led wine: in which such kinde of herbes, flowers, or seedes, and certaine spices are infused and steeped, though most men do rashly and at aduenture giue them without making any difference at all. For by vsing such hot things that fill and stuffe the head, both the disease is made greater, and the sicke man also brought into danger, especially when letting of blood, or purging haue not gone before. This much by way of admonition, bicause euery where diuers rash and ouerbold Apothecaries, and other foolish women, do by and by giue such compositions, and others of the like kinde, not onely to those that haue the Apoplexie; but also to those that cannot sleepe, & haue also an ague; to whom they can giue nothing worse, seeing those things do very much hurt, and oftentimes bring death it selfe. The flowers of Lauander picked from the knaps, I meane the blew part, and not the huske, mixed with Cinamom, nutmegs, and cloues, made into powder, and giuen to drinke in the distilled water thereof, doth helpe the panting and passion of the hart, preuaileth against giddinesse, turning, or swimming of the braine, and members subiect to the palsie. Conserue made of the flowers with sugar, profiteth much against the diseases aforesaid, if the quantitie of a beane be taken thereof in the morning fasting. It profiteth them much that haue the palsie, if they be washed with the distilled water of the flowers, or annointed with the oile made of the flowers and oile oliue, in such manner as oile of roses is, which shall be expressed in the treatise of Roses.
Of French Lauander, or StickadoueChap. 170 · p. 469Dioscorides teacheth that the decoction thereof doth helpe the diseases of the chest, and is with good successe mixed with counterpoisons. The later phisitions affirme, that Stæchas, and especially the flowers of it, are most effectuall against paines of the head, and all diseases thereof proceeding of colde causes, and therefore they be mixed in all compositions almost which are made against headach of long continuance, the apoplexie, the falling sicknesse, and such like diseases. The decoction of the huskes and flowers drunke, openeth the stoppings of the liuer, the lungs, the milt, the mother, the bladder, and in one worde all other inwarde parts, clensing and driuing foorth all euill and corrupt humours, and procureth vrine.
Of FleawoortChap. 171 · p. 470The seede of Fleawoort boiled in water, or infused, and the decoction or infusion drunke, purgeth downwardes adust and cholericke humors, cooleth the heate of the inward partes, hot feuers, burning agues, and such like diseases proceeding of heate, and quencheth drought and thirst. The seede stamped, and boiled in water to the forme of a plaister, and applied, taketh away all swellings of the ioints, especially if you boile the same with vineger and oile of roses, and applie it as aforesaid. The same applied in maner aforesaid, vnto any burning heate, called S. Anthonies fire, or any hot and violent flaming impostume, aswageth the same, and bringeth it to ripenes. Some hold that the herbe strowed in the chamber where many fleas be, will driue them away; for which cause it tooke the name Fleawoort: but I thinke it is rather bicause the seede doth resemble a flea so much, that it is hard to discerne the one from the other.
Of Cloue GilloflowersChap. 172 · p. 472The Conferue made of the flowers of the Cloue Gilloflower and fugar, is exceeding cordiall, and woonderfully aboue meafure doth comfort the hart, being eaten now and then. It preuaileth againft hot peftilentiall feuers, expelleth the poifon and furie of the difeafe, and greatly comforteth the ficke, as hath of late been found out by a learned gentleman of Lee in Effex, called Mafter Rich.
Of Pinks, or wilde GilloflowersChap. 173 · p. 473These are not vsed in phisicke, but esteemed for their vse in garlands and nosegaies. They are good to be put into vineger, to giue it a pleasant taste, and gallant colour, as Ruellius writeth. Fuchsius saith, that the rootes are commended against the infection of the plague; and that the iuice thereof is profitable to waste away the stone, and to driue it foorth: and likewise to cure them that haue the falling sicknesse.
Of Sweete Iohns, and Sweete WilliamsChap. 174 · p. 478These plants are not used either in meate or medicine, but esteemed for their beautie to decke up gardens, the bosomes of the beautifull, garlands and crownes for pleasure.
Of Crowe flowers, or wilde WilliamsChap. 175 · p. 480
Of Catch Flie, or bird-Lime woortChap. 176 · p. 481The nature and vertues of these wilde Williams are referred to the wilde Pinkes and Gilloflowers.
Of Thrift, or our Ladies cushionChap. 177 · p. 482Their use in phisicke as yet is not knowen, neither doth any seeke into the nature thereof, but esteeme them onely for their beautie and pleasure in gardens.
Of Sneese woortChap. 178 · p. 483The iuice mixed with vineger and holden in the mouth easeth the paine of the toothach. The herbe chewed and holden in the mouth, bringeth mightily from the braine slimie fleagme like Pellitorie of Spaine, and therefore from time to time it hath beene taken for a wilde kinde thereof.