The English Physitian, P-Q, pp. 92, 189-201

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PARSLEY.

This is so well known to be an Inhabitant in every Garden, that it is needless to write any Description of it. The vertues of it being many are as followeth.

Vertues and Use.

It is very comfortable to the Stomach, and helpeth to provoke Urine and Womens Courses, and to break wind both in the Stomach and Bowels, and doth a little open the Body, but the Root much more, and openeth Obstructions both of the Liver and Spleen, and is therfore accounted one of the five opening Roots; Galen commendeth it against the Falling-sickness, and to provoke Urine mightily, especialy if the Roots be boyled and eaten like Parsnips. The Seed is effectual to provoke Urine and Womens Courses, to expel wind, to break the Stone, and eas the pains and torments thereof, or of any other part in the Body occasioned by Wind. It is also effectual against the Venom of any poysonfull Creature, and the danger that cometh to them that have taken Litharge, and is good against the Cough. The distilled water of Parsley is a familiar Medicine with Nurses to give their Children when they are troubled with wind in the Stomach or Belly, which they

[EDGENOTE:] Stomach, Disury, Terms provokes, Liver, Spleen, Falling-sickness, Stone, Wind, Venemous Beasts, Cough, Sucking Children, Eyes, Womens Breasts, Curdled Milk, Black and blue marks, Jaundice, Falling-sickness, Dropsie.

call the frets, and is also much available to them that are of greater yeers. The Leavs of Parsley laid to the Eyes that are inflamed with heat or swoln, doth much help them, if it be used with Bread or Meal; and being fryed with Butter and applied to Womens Breasts that are hard through the curdling of their Milk, it abateth the hardness quickly, and also it taketh away black and blue marks coming of Bruises or Falls. The Juyce thereof dropped into the Ears with a little Wine easeth the pains. Tragus setteth down an excellent Medicine to help the Jaundice and Falling-sickness, the Dropsie, and Stone in the Kidneys, in this manner: Take of the Seeds of Parsley, Fennel, Annis, and Caraways of each an ounce; of the Roots of Parsley, Burnet, Saxifrage, and Carawares, of each one ounce and a half, let the Seeds be bruised, and the Roots washed and cut smal: Let them lie all night in steep in a pottle of

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white Wine, and in the morning be Boyled in a close earthen Vessel until a third part or more be washed, which being strained and cleared; take four ounces thereof morning and evening first and last, abstaining from drink after it for three hours: This openeth Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, and expelleth the Dropsie and Jaundice by Urine.

PARSNIP.

The Garden kind hereof is so well known (the Root being commonly eaten) that I shal not trouble you with any Description of it. But the wild kind being of more Physical use, I shall in this place describe unto you.

Description.

The wild Parsnip differeth little from the Garden kind, but groweth not so fair and large, nor hath so many Leavs; and the Root is shorter, more woody and not so fit to be eaten, and therefore the more Medicinable.

Place.

The name of the first sheweth the place of its growth, Viz. In Gardens.

The other groweth wild in divers places, as in the Marshes by Rochester and elswhere, and flowreth in July; the Seed being ripe about the beginning of August, the second yeer after the sowing: for if they do flower the first yeer the Country people call them Madneps.

Vertues and Use.

The Garden Parsnep nourisheth much, and is good and wholsom Nourishment, but a little windy, whereby it is thought to procure bodily lust: but it fatneth the Body much if much used. It is conducible to the Stomach and Reins, and provoketh Urine. But the wild Parsnep hath a cutting, attenuating, clensing and opening quality therein: It resisteth and helpeth the bitings of

[EDGENOTE:] Lust provokes, Disury, Clense, Open, Venemous Beasts, Chollick, Disury.

Serpents, easeth pains and Stitches in the sides, and dissolveth wind both in the Stomach and Bowels, which is the Chollick, and provoketh Urine. The Root is often used, but the Seed much more.

The wild being better than the tame shews Dame Nature is the best Physitian.

COW-PARSNEP.

Description.

This groweth with three or four large spread, winged, rough, Leavs, lying often on the Ground, or else raised a little for it, with long, round, hairy footstalks under them, parted usually into five devisions, the two couples standing each against other, and one at the end, and each Leaf being almost round, yet somwhat deeply cut in on the edges in some Leavs, and not so deep in others, of a whitish green colour, smelling somwhat strongly: among which ariseth up a round crested hairy Stalk two or three foot high with a few Joynts and Leavs thereon, and branched at the top, where stand large Umbels of white, and somtimes reddish Flowers, and after them, flat, whitish, thin winged Seed, two alwaies joyned together. The Root is long and white with two or three long strings growing down into the ground, smelling likewise strongly, and unpleasant.

Place.

It groweth in moist Meadows, and the borders and corners of Fields, and neer Ditches, generally through this Land.

Time.

It Flowreth in July, and Seedeth in August.

Vertues and Use.

The Seed hereof as Galen saith is of sharp and cutting quality, and is therefore a fit Medicine for the Cough and shortness of Breath, the Falling-sickness and the Jaundice. The Root is available to all the purposes aforesaid, and is also of great use to take away the hard

[EDGENOTE:] Cough, Difficulty of breath, Falling-sickness, Jaundice, Fistula, Flegm, Liver, Mother, Lethargy, Frenzy, Headach, Scabs, Shingles.

skin that groweth on a Fistula, if it be but scraped upon it. The Seed hereof being drunk clenseth the belly from tough Flegmatick matter therein: easeth them that are Liver-grown, and Womens passions of the Mother, as well being drunk as the smoke thereof received underneath, and likewise raiseth such as are fallen into a deep sleep, or have the Lethargy, but burning it under their Nose: The Seed and Root boyled in Oyl, and the Head rubbed therewith, helpeth not only those that are fallen into a Frenzy, but also the Lethargy or Drowsie evil; and those that have been long troubled with the Headach, if it be likewise used with Rue: It helpeth also the running Scab and the Shingles: The Juyce of the Flowers dropped into the Ears that run and are ful of matter, it clenseth and healeth them.

THE PEACH-TREE.

Description.

The Peach-tree groweth not so great as the Apricock-tree, yet spreadeth Branches reasonable well, from whence spring smaller reddish twigs, whereon are set long and narrow green leavs dented about the edges. The Blossoms are greater than the Plum, and of a light Purple colour. The Fruit round, and somtimes as big as a reasonable Pippin, others are smaller, as also differing in colours and

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tasts, as russet, red, or yellow, waterish or firm, with a frieze or Cotton all over, with a cleft therein like an Apricock, and a rugged furrowed great Stone within it, and a bitter Kernel within the Stone: It sooner waxeth old, and decayeth, than the Apricock, by much.

Place.

They are nursed up in Gardens and Orchards through this Land.

Time.

They Flower in the Spring, and Fructifie in Autumn.

Vertues and Use.

The Leavs of Peaches bruised and laid on the Belly killeth Worms; and so they do also being boyled in Ale and drunk, and open the Belly likewise; and being dried is a safe Medicine to discuss Humors. The Pouder of them strewed upon fresh bleeding Wounds, stayeth their bleeding and closeth them up. The Flowers steeped all night in a little Wine standing warm, strained forth in the morning and drunk fasting, doth gently open the Belly and move it downwards. A Syrup made of them as the Syrup of Roses is made, worketh more forcibly than that of Roses, for it provoketh Vomiting, and spendeth waterish and Hydropick Humors by the continuance thereof. The Flowers made into a Conserve worketh the same effect. The Liquor that droppeth from the Tree being wounded, is given in the Decoction of Coltsfoot, to those that are troubled with the Cough or shortness of breath, by adding thereto some sweet Wine; and putting some Saffron also therin, it is good for those that are hoarce or have lost their voice;

[EDGENOTE:] Worms, Open, Humors, Wounds, Dropsie, Cough, Shortness of Breath, Vomiting.

helpeth all defects of the Lungs, and those that vomit or spit blood. Two drams thereof given in the Juyce of Lemmons or of Radish, is good for those that are troubled with the Stone. The Kernels of the Stones do wonderfully eas the pains and wringings of the Belly through wind or sharp Humors, and help to make an excellent Medicine for the Stone upon all occasions, on this manner: Take fifty Kernels of Peach Stones, and one hundred of the Kernels of Cherry Stones, a handful of Elder Flowers, fresh or dried, and three pints of Muscadine, set them in a closed pot

[EDGENOTE:] Spitting of Blood, Stone, Wind, Chollick, Watching, Ears, Baldness.

into a bed of Horse dung for ten daies, which after distill in Glass with a gentle fire, and keep it for your use; you may drink upon occasion three or four ounces at a time. The Milk or Cream of these Kernels being drawn forth with some Vervain Water, and applied to the Forehead and Temples, doth much help to procure rest and sleep to sick persons wanting it. The Oyl drawn frm the Kernels, the Temples being therewith anointed doth the like: The said Oyl put into Clysters easeth the pains of the wind Chollick, and anointed on the lower part of the Belly doth the like, and dropped into the Ears easeth the pains of them: The Juyce of the Leavs doth the like: being also anointed on the Forehead and Temples, it helpeth the Megrim and all other pains in the Head. If the Kernels be bruised and boyled in Vinegar until they become thick, and appliled to the Head, it merveilously procure the Hair to grow again upon bald places or where it is too thin.

Lady Venus owns this Tree, and by it opposeth the ill effects of Mars, and indeed for Children and yong people, nothing is better to purge Choller, and the Jaundice, than the Leavs and Flowers of this Tree, being made into a Syrup or Conserve, let such as delight to please their lust regard the Fruit, but such as love their health and their Childrens, let them regard what I say, they may safely give two spoonfuls of the Syrup at a time, 'tis as gentle as Venus her self.

THE PEAR-TREE.

These are so well known that they need no Description.

Vertues and Use.

For their Physical use they are best discerned by their tasts: All the sweet or lushious sorts whether manured or wild, do help to move the Belly downward more or less:

[EDGENOTE:] Mushroms, Stomach, Inflamations, Cool, Bind, Wounds.

Those that are harsh and sowr do on the contrary bind the Belly as much; and the Leavs do so also. Those that are moist do in some sort cool, but harsh or wild sorts much more, and are very good in repelling Medicines: as if the wild sorts be boyled with Mushroms, it maketh them the less dangerous. The said Pears boyled with a little Honey, helpeth much the oppressed Stomach, as al sorts of them do, some more, some less; but the harsher sorts do most cool and bind, serving well to be bound to green wounds to cool and stay the Blood, and heal up the wound without further trouble or Inflamation; as Galen saith he hath found by experience. And wild Pears do sooner close up the Lips of green Wounds than the others.

Schola Salerni adviseth to drink much Wine after Pears, or els (they say) they are as bad as poyson, nay and they curs the Tree for it too, but if a poor man find his Stomach oppressed by eating Pears 'tis but working hard and it will do as wel as drinking Wine. The Tree belongs to Venus, and so doth the Apple-tree.

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PELLITORY OF THE WALL.

Description.

This riseth up with many brownish, red, tender and weak, clear, and almost transparent stalks about two foot high, upon which grow at the several Joynts, two Leavs somwhat broad and long, of a dark green colour, which afterwards turn brownish, smooth on the edges, but rough and hairy as the Stalks are also: At the Joynts with the Leavs from the middle of the Stalks upwards, wher it spreadeth into some branches, stand many smal pale, purplish Flowers, in hairy rough Heads or Husks; after which come smal black and rough Seed, which will stick to any cloth or Garment that shall touch it. The Root is somwhat long with many smal Fibres thereat, of a dark reddish colour, which abideth the Winter, although the Stalks and Leavs perish and spring afresh every yeer.

Place.

It groweth wild generally through this Land, about the borders of Fields, and by the sides of Walls, and among Rubbish; It will endure well being brought into Gardens, and planted on the shady side, where it will spring of its own sowing.

Time.

It flowreth in June and July, and the Seed is ripe soon after.

Vertues and Use.

The dried Herb Pellitory made up into an Electuary with Honey, or the Juyce of the Herb, or the Decoction thereof made up with Sugar or Honey, is a singular Remedy for any old or dry Cough, the shortness of breath, and Wheesing in the Throat. Three ounces of the Juyce thereof taken at a time, doth wonderfully help stopping of the Urine and to expel the Stone or Gravel in the Kidneys or Bladder: and is therefore usually put among other Herbs, used in

[EDGENOTE:] Old or Dry Cough, Shortness of Breath, Stone and Gravel, Mother, Womens Courses, Obstructions, Sore Throats, Teeth.

Clisters to mitigate pains in the Back, Sides, or Bowels proceeding of wind, stopping of Urine, the Gravel or Stone as aforesaid: If the bruised Herb sprinkled with some Muskadine be warmed upon a Tile; or in a Dish upon a few quick coals in a Chafing-dish, and applied to the Belly, it worketh the same effect. The Decoction of the Herb being drunk, easeth pains of the Mother, and bringeth down Womens Courses; it also easeth those griefs that arise from Obstructions of the Liver, Spleen, and Reins: The same Decoction with a little Honey added thereto is good to gargle a sore Throat. The Juyce held a while in the Mouth, easeth pains in the Teeth. The distilled water of the Herb drunk with some Sugar worketh the same effects;

[EDGENOTE:] Freckles, Wheals, Sunburn, Morphew, pain in the Ears, Impostums, burnings and Scaldings, Inflamations, Ulcers, Scabs, Falling of the Hair, Piles, Gout, Fistulaes, Green Wounds, Bruised Tendon or Muscle.

and clenseth the Skin from Spots, Freckles, Purples, Wheals, Sunburn, Morphew, &c.

The Juyce dropped into the Ears easeth the noise in them, and taketh away the pricking and shooting pains therein: The same or the distilled Water, asswageth hot and swelling Impostumes, Burnings and Scaldings by fire or Water, as also all other hot Tumors and Inflamations, or breakings out of Heat, being bathed often with wet Cloathes dipped therein. The said Juyce made into a Liniment with Ceruss and Oyl of Roses and anointed therewith, clenseth foul rotten Ulcers, and stayeth spreading or creeping Ulcers, and the running Scabs or Sores in Childrens Heads: and helpeth to stay falling of the Hair from off the Head. The said Oyntment, or the Herb applied to the Fundament openeth the Piles and easeth their pains; and being mixed with Goats Tallow, helpeth the Gout. The Juyce is very effectual to clens Fistulaes, and to heal them up safely; or the Herb it self bruised, and applied with a little Salt. It is likewise so effectual to heal any green Wound, that if it be bruised and bound thereto for three daies, you shall need no other Medicine to heal it further. A Pultis made hereof with mallows, and boyled in Wine, with Wheat Bran, and Bean Flower, and some Oyl put thereto, and applied warm to any bruised Sinew, Tendon, or Muscle, doth in a very short time restore them to their strength, taking away the pains of the Bruises; and dissolveth the congealed Blood coming of Blows or Falls from high places.

The Juyce of Pellitory of Wall clarified and boyled into a Syrup with Honey, and a spoonful of it drunk every morning by such as are subject to the Dropsie, if continuing that cours through but once a week, if ever they have the Dropsie, let them come but to me, and I will cure them gratis.

PENY-ROYAL.

Description.

This is so well known unto all (I mean the common kind) that it needeth no Description.

There is a greater kind than the ordinary sort found wild with us, which so abideth being brought into Gardens, and differeth not from it but only in the largeness of the leavs and Stalks, in rising higher, and not creeping upon the ground so much. The Flowers whereof are Purple, growing in Rundles about the Stalk like the other.

Place.

The first which is common in Gardens

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groweth also in many moist and watery places of this Land.

The second is found wild in Essex in divers places by the High-way from London to Colechester, and thereabouts more abundantly than in other Countries, and is also planted in their Gardens in Essex.

Time.

They Flower in the latter end of Summer, about August.

Vertues and Use.

Dioscorides saith, That Peny-royal maketh thin, tough Flegm, warmeth the coldness of any part whereto it is apylied, and digesteth raw or corrupt matter: Being boyled & drunk, it provoketh Womens Courses and expelleth the dead Child and afterbirth, and staieth the disposition to Vomit, being taken in Water and Vinegar mingled together. And being mingled with Honey and Salt it avoideth Flegm out of the Lungs, and purgeth Melancholly by the Stool. Drunk with Wine it helpeth such as are bitten or stung with Venemous Beasts: and applied to the Nostrils with Vinegar, reviveth those that are fainting and swouning.

[EDGENOTE:] Tough Flegm, Terms provokes, Dead Child & Afterbirth, Vomiting, Melancholly, Venemous Beasts, Fainting and Swouning, Gums, Gout, Marks in the Face, Toothach, Pains in the Joynts, Headach, pains of the Belly & Breast, Falling-sickness, Stinking Water, Cramps & Convulsions.

Being dried and burnt it strengtheneth the Gums; It is helpful to those that are toubled with the Gout being applied of it self to the place until it wax red: and applied in a Plaister, it taketh away spots or marks in the Face: Applied with Salt, it profiteth those that are Splenetick or Liver-grown. The Decoction doth help the Itch, if washed therwith: Being put into Baths for Women to sit therein, it helpeth the Swelling and hardness of the Mother. The green Herb bruised and put into Vinegar clenseth foul Ulcers, and taketh away the marks and bruises of blows about the Eyes, and all discolourings of the Face by fire, yea and the Leprosie, being drunk and outwardly applied: Boyled in Wine with Honey and Salt, it helpeth the Toothach. It helpeth the cold Griefs of the Joynts, taking away the pains, and warming the cold parts,

[EDGENOTE:] Sore Mouth, Jaundice, Dropsie, pains of the Head & Sinews, Eyesight, Lethargy, Burnings.

being fast bound to the place after a bathing, or sweating in an hot hous. Pliny addeth that Penny-royal and Mints together help faintings or swounings, being put into Vinegar, and put to the Nostrils to be smelled unto, or a little thereof put into the Mouth. It easeth the Headach, and the pains of the breast and Belly, stayeth the gnawing of the Stomach, and inward pains of the Bowels; being drunk in Wine it provoketh Womens Courses, and expelleth the dead child and afterbirth: Being given in Wine it helpeth the Falling-sickness: Put into unwholsom or stinking Water that men must drink (as at Sea, and where other cannot be had) it maketh them the less hurtful: It helpeth Cramps or Convulsions of the Sinews being applied with Honey, Salt, and Vinegar. It is very effectual for the Cough, being boyled in Milk and drunk, and for Ulcers or Sores in the Mouth. Mathiolus saith, The Decoction thereof being drunk, helpeth the Jaundice and Dropsie, and all pains of the Head and Sinews that come of a cold caus, and that it helpeth to clear and quicken the Eyesight. Applied to the Nostrils of those that have the Falling-sickness, or the Lethargy, or put into the Mouth, it helpeth them much, being bruised and with Vinegar applied. And applied with Barley Meal, it helpeth Burnings by fire, and put into the Ears, easeth the pains of them.

The Herb is under Venus.

PEONY, MAS. & FEMINA.

Description.

The Male Peony riseth up with many brownish Stalks, whereon grow many fair green and somtimes reddish Leavs, one set against another upon a Stalk without any particular devision in the Leaf at all. The Flowers stand at the tops of the Stalks, consisting of five or six broad Leavs, of a fair purplish red colour, with many yellow threds in the middle standing about the Head, which after riseth to be the Seed Vessels, devided into two, three, or four rough crooked Pods like Horns, which being ful ripe, open, and turn themselves down one edge to another backward, shewing within them divers round, black shining Seed, having also many red or Crimson grains, intermixed with the black, whereby it maketh a very pretty shew. The Roots are great, thick, and long, spreading and running down reasonable deep in the Ground.

The ordinary Female Peony hath many Stalks and more Leavs on them than the Male: the Leavs not so large but nicked diversly on the edges, some with great and deep, others with smaller cuts and devisions, of a dark or dead green colour. The Flowers are of a strong heady scent, most usually smaller and of a more purple colour than the Male, with yellow thrums about the Head as the Male hath. The Seed Vessels are like Horns as in the Male, but smaller, the Seed also is black but less shining. The Roots consist of many thick and short tuberous clogs, fastned at the ends of long strings and all from the Head of the root which is thick and short, and of the like scent with the Male.

Place and Time.

They grow in Gardens; and Flower usually about May.

Vertues and Use.

The Root of the Male Peony fresh gathered, hath been found by experience to cure the

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Falling-sickness; but the surest way is (besides hanging it about the Neck, by which Children have been cured) to take the Root of the Male Peony washed clean and stamped somwhat smal, and lay it to infuse in Sack for twenty four Hours, at the least, after strain it, and take first and last, morning and evening a good draught for sundry daies together before and after a full Moon, and this will also cure older persons, if the Disease be not grown too old and past cure, especially if there be a due and orderly preparation of the Body, with Posset drink made of Betony &c. The Root is also

[EDGENOTE:] Falling-sickness, Women not clensed in Childbirth, Mother, Ephialtes, or the Night-Mare, Melanchollick Dreams.

effectual for Women that are not sufficiently clensed after Childbirth, and such as are troubled with the Mother; for which likewise the black Seed beaten to Pouder and given in Wine, is also available. The black Seed also taken before bed time, and in the morning, is very effectual for such as in their sleep are troubled with the Disease called Ephialtes or Incubus, but we do commonly cal it the Night-Mare; a diseas which Melancholly persons are subject unto; It is also good against Melanchollick Dreams. The Distilled water, or Syrup made of the Flowers, worketh the same effects that the Root and the Seed do, although more weakly. The Female is often used for the purposes aforesaid, by reason the Male is so scarce a Plant that it is possessed by few, and those great Lovers of rarities in this kind.

It is an Herb of the Sun, and under the Lyon, Physitians say Male Peony Roots are best, but Dr. Reason told me, male Peony was best for men, and female Peony for women and he desires to be judged by his brother Dr. Experience. The Roots are held to be of most Vertue, then the Seeds next the Flowers, and last of all the Leavs.

PEPPERWORT, or DITTANDER.

Description.

Our common Pepper-wort sendeth forth somwhat long and broad Leavs, of a light blewish green colour, finely dented about the edges, and pointed at the ends, standing upon round hard Stalks three or four foot high, spreading many Branches on all sides, and having many smal white Flowers at the tops of them, after which follow small Seed in small Heads: The Root is slender running much under ground, and shooting up again in many places; and both Leavs and Root, are very hot and sharp of tast like Pepper, for which caus it took the name.

Place.

It groweth Naturally in many places of this Land, as at Clare in Essex, neer also unto Exceter in Devonshire, upon Rochester common in Kent; in Lancashire and divers other places; but is usually kept in Gardens.

Time.

It Flowreth in the end of June, and in July.

Vertues and Use.

Pliny and Paulus Aegineta say that Pepper-wort is very effectual for the Sciatica, or any other Gout or pain in the Joynts, or any other inveterate grief; the Leavs hereof to be bruised and mixed with old Hogs grease and applied to the place; and to continue thereon four hours in Men, and two hours in women, the place being afterwards

[EDGENOTE:] Sciatica, Gout, pains in the Joynts, Discolourings of the Skin, Marks & Scars by Burning, Speedy Delivery.

bathed with Wine and Oyl mixed together, and then wrapped with Wool or Skins after they have sweat a little. It also amendeth the Deformities or discolourings of the Skin, and helpeth to take away Marks, Scars, and Scabs, or the foul marks of burning with fire or iron. The Juyce hereof is in some places used to be given in Ale to drink to women with child, to procure them a speedy delivery in Travail.

Here's another Martial Herb for you, make much of it.

PERIWINKLE.

Description.

The common sort hereof hath many Branches trayling, or running upon the ground shooting out smal Fibres at the Joynts as it runneth, taking thereby hold in the ground and Rooteth in divers places. At the Joynts of these Branches stand two small dark green shining Leavs, somwhat like Bay Leavs, but smaller, and with them come forth also the Flowers (one at a Joynt standing upon a tender Footstalk) being somwhat long and hollow, parted at the brims, somtimes into four somtimes five Leavs, the most ordinary sort are of a pale blue Colour, some are pure white, and some of a dark reddish Purple colour. The Root is little bigger than a Rush, bushing in the ground, and creeping with his Branches far about, whereby it quickly possesseth a great compass, and is therfore most usually planted under Hedges, where it may have room to run.

Place.

Those with the pale blue, and those with the white Flowers grow in Woods and Orchards by the Hedg sides in diverse places of this Land. But those with the Purple Flowers in Gardens only.

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Time.

They Flower in March and April.

Vertues and Use.

The Periwincle is a great binder, staying bleeding both at Mouth and Nose, if some of the Leavs be chewed: The French use it to stay Womens Courses. Discorides, Galen, and Aegineta commend it against the Lask, and Fluxes of the Belly to be drunk in Wine.

[EDGENOTE:] Stanch bleeding, Womens Courses, Flux of the Belly.

Venus owns this Herb, and saith that the Leavs eaten by man and wife together, causeth love between them.

ST. PETERS-WORT.

Name.

If Superstition had not been the Father of Tradition, as well as Ignorance the Mother of Devotion, this Herb as well as St. Johns wort had found some other name to be known by; but we may say of our Fore-fathers as St. Paul of the Athenians, I perceive that in many things you are too Superstitious: Yet seing it is come to that pass, that Custom having gotten possession pleads Prescription for the name, I shall let it pass, and come to the Description of the Herb, which take as followeth.

Description.

It riseth up with square upright Stalks for the most part, somwhat greater and higher than St. Johns wort (and good reason too, St. Peter being the greater Apostle (ask the Pope else) for though God would have the Saints equal, the Pope is of another Opinion) but brown in the same manner, having two Leavs at every Joynt, somwhat like, but larger than St. Johns wort, and a little rounder pointed with few or no Holes to be seen therein, and having somtimes some smaller Leavs rising from the Bosom of the greater, and somtimes a little hairy also: At the tops of the Stalks stand many Starlike Flowers, with yellow threds in the middle very like those of St. Johns wort, insomuch that this is hardly discerned from it but only by the largeness of height, the Seed being also alike in both. The Root abideth long sending forth new shoots every yeer.

Place.

It groweth in many Groves and small low Woods, in divers places of this Land, as in Kent, Huntington, Cambridg, and Northampton shires, as also neer water Courses in other places.

Time.

It Flowreth in June and July, and the Seed is ripe in August.

Vertues and Use.

It is of the same property with St. Johns wort, but somwhat weak, and therefore more seldom used. Two drams of the Seed taken at a time in Honeyed water, purgeth Chollerick Humors (as saith Dioscorides, Pliny, and Galen) and thereby helpeth those that are troubled with the Sciatica: The Leavs are used as St. Johns wort, to help those places of the Body that have been burnt with Fire.

[EDGENOTE:] Chollerick Humors, Sciatica, Burnings.

There is not a straw to chuse between this and St. Johns wort, only St. Peter must have it, lest he should lack Pot-herbs.

PIMPERNEL.

Discription.

Common Pimpernel hath diverse weak square Stalks lying on the ground beset all along with two smal and almost round Leavs at every Joynt one against another, very like Chickweed, but hath no Footstalks, for the Leavs do as it were compass the Stalk: The Flowers stand singly each by themselves at them and the Stalks, consisting of five round small pointed Leavs of a fine pale red colour, tending to an Orange, with so many threds in the middle, in whose places succeed, smooth round Heads, wherein is contained smal Seed. The Root is smal and fibrous perishing every yeer.

Place.

It groweth every where almost, as well in the Meadows and Cornfields, as by the Waysides, and in Gardens arising of it self.

Time.

It Flowreth from May unto August, and the Seed ripeneth in the mean time and falleth.

Vertues and Use.

This is of a clensing and attractive quality, whereby it draweth forth Thorns or Splinters, or other such like things gotten into the Flesh, and put up into the Nostrils purgeth the Head; and Galen saith also they have a drying faculty, whereby they are good to soder the lips of Wounds, and to clens foul Ulcers. The distilled Water or Juyce is much esteemed by French Dames to clense the Skin from any roughness, deformity, or discolouring thereof:

[EDGENOTE:] Thorns or Splinters, purgeth the Head, Wounds & Ulcers, Clenseth Face, Plague & Pestilential Feavers, Venemous Beasts, Mad Dogs biting, Obstructions, Urine, Stone and Gravel, Wounds & Ulcers, Clouds or Mists in the Eyes, Toothach, Hemorroids.

Being boyled in Wine, and given to drink, it is a good Remedy against the Plague, and other Pestilential Feavers, if the Party after taking it warm lie in his bed and sweat for two hours after, and use the same twice at least. It helpeth also all stingings and bitings of Venemous Beasts or mad Dogs, being used inwardly and applied outwardly: The same also openeth the Obstructions of the Liver, and is very available against the Infirmities of the Reins, it provoketh Urine, and helpeth to expel the Stone and Gravel out of the Kidneys and Bladder, and

[p. 195]

helpeth much in all inward Wounds and Ulcers. The Decoction or distilled Water is no less effectual to be applied to all wounds that are fresh and green, or old filthy fretting and running Ulcers, which it very effectually cureth in short spaces. A little Honey mixed with the Juyce and dropped into the Eyes clenseth them from cloudy mists, or thick Films which grow over them and hinder the sights: It helpeth the Toothach being dropped into the Ear on the contrary side of the pain. It is also effectual to eas the pains of the Hemorrhoids or Piles.

GROUND PINE, or CHAMEPITYS.

Description.

Our common Ground Pine groweth low, seldom rising above an handbreadth high, shooting forth divers smal Branches, set with slender smal long narrow grayish or whitish Leavs somwhat hairy; and devided into three parts many times many bushing together at a Joynt, and somtimes some growing scatteredly upon the Stalks, smelling somwhat strong like unto Rozin; the Flowers are somwhat smal and of a pale yellow colour growing from the Joynts of the Stalks all along among the Leavs, after which come small, long, and round Husks: The Root is smal woody perishing every yeer.

Place.

It groweth more plentifully in Kent than in any other Country of this Land; as namely, in many places from on this side Dartford, along to Southfleet, Cotham, and Rochester, and upon Chattam down hard by the Beacon, and half a mile from Rochester in a Field nigh a Hous called Selsey.

Time.

It Flowreth and giveth Seed in the Summer Months.

Vertues and Use.

The Decoction of Ground Pine drunk, doth wonderfully prevail against the Strangury or any inward pains arising from the Diseases of the Reins and Urine, and is especial good for all Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and

[EDGENOTE:] Strangury, Obstructions, Mother, Womens Courses, Dead Child and Afterbirth.

gently openeth the Body, for which purpose they were wont in former times to make Pills with the Pouder thereof, and the Purple Figs. It marveilously helpeth all the Diseases of the Mother used inwardly, or applied outwardly, procuring Womens Courses, and expelling the dead Child and afterbirth, yea it is so powerful upon those Feminine parts that it is utterly forbidden to Women with Child, in that it will caus abortment or delivery before the time: It is as effectual also in all pains and Diseases of the Joynts, as Gouts, Cramps, Palseys, Sciatica, and Aches;

[EDGENOTE:] Gouts, Cramps, Palseys, Sciatica, Aches &c. Dropsie, poyson of the Aconites, venemous Creatures, Cold Cough, Palsie, Hard Breasts & hard Swellings, Ulcers & old Sores, Green Wounds.

either the Decoction of the Herb in Wine taken inwardly, or applied outwardly, or both for some time together, for which purpose the Pills made with the Pouder of Ground Pine, and of Hermodactils with Venice Turpentine are very effectual. These Pills also are special good for those that have the Dropsie, to be continued for some time. The same is a special good help for the Jaundice, and for griping pains in the Joynts, Belly, or inward parts: It helpeth also all Diseases of the Brain proceeding of cold and Flegmatick Humors and Distillations, as also for the Falling-sickness. It is an especial Remedy for the Poyson of the Aconites of all sorts, and other poisonful Herbs, as also against the stinking of any Venemous Creature: It is a good Remedy for a cold Cough, especially in the beginning. For all this purposes aforesaid, the Herb being tunned up in new Drink and drunk is almost as effectual, but far more accetable to weak and dainty Stomachs. The Distilled Water of the Herb hath the same effects, but more weakly. The Conserve of the Flowers doth the like, which Mathiolus much commendeth against the Palsey. The green Herb or the Decoction thereof being applied, dissolveth the hardness of Womens Breasts, and all other hard Swellings in any other part of the Body. The green Herb also applied, or the Juyce thereof with some Honey, not only clenseth putrid, stinking foul and Malignant Ulcers and Sores of all sorts, but healeth and sodereth up the lips of green Wounds in any part also.

Let Women forebear it if they be with Child, for it works violently upon the Foeminine part; and Mars owns it, I tell them but so.

PLANTANE.

This groweth so familiarly in Meadows and Fields, and by Pathways, and is so well known that it needeth no Description.

Time.

It is in its beauty about June, and the Seed ripeneth shortly after.

Vertues and Use.

The Juyce of Plantane clarified and drunk for divers daies together, either of it self or in other drink prevaileth wonderfully against all torments or Excoriations in the Guts or Bowels, helpeth the distillations of Rhewm from the Head, and staieth all manner of Fluxes even Womens Courses when they flow too abundantly; It is good to stay spitting of [p. 196]

Blood, and all other Bleedings at the Mouth, or the making of foul or bloody water by reason of any Ulcer in the reins or Bladder, and also stayeth the too free bleeding of Wounds.

[EDGENOTE:] Pains in the Guts, Distillation of Rhewm, Fluxes, Womens Courses, Spitting Blood or Bleeding at Mouth or Nose or of Wounds, phtisick, Consumption or Ulcers in the Lungs.

It is held an especial Remedy for those that are troubled with the Phtisick, or Consumption of the Lungs, or Ulcers in the Lungs, or Coughs that come of heat. The Decoction or Pouder of the Roots or Seed, is much more binding for all the purposes aforesaid than the Leavs. Dioscorides saith, That three Roots boyled in Wine and taken helpeth the Tertain Ague, and four the Quartan Ague: But (letting pass the number as Fabulous) I conceive the Decoction of divers Roots may be effectual. The Herb (but especially the Seed) is held to be profitable againt the Dropsie, the Falling-sickness, the yellow Jaundice, and stoppings of the Liver and Reins. The Roots of Plantane and Pellitory of Spain beaten to Pouder and put into hollow Teeth, taketh away the pains of them: The clarified Juyce or distilled Water dropped into the Eyes cooleth the Inflamations in them, and taketh away the Pin and Web; and dropped into the Ears easeth pains in them, and helpeth and restoreth the Hearing: The same also with Juyce of

[EDGENOTE:] Tertian Ague, Dropsie & Falling-sickness, Toothach, pin and web in the Eyes, pains in the Ears, Inflamations, Burning or Scalding, Hollow Ulcers, Cankers, and sore Mouth, or privy parts, Piles.

Housleek is profitable against all Inflamations and breakings out in the Skin, and against Burnings or Scaldings by fire or Water. The Juyce or Decoction made either of it self or other things of like nature is of much use and good effect for old and hollow Ulcers that are hard to be cured, and for Cankers and Sores in the Mouth or privy parts of Man or Woman; and helpeth also the pains of the Piles in the Fundament. The Juyce mixed with Oyl of Roses, and the Temples and Forhead anointed therewith, easeth the pains of the Head proceeding from heat, and helpeth Lunatick, and Phrenetick persons very much; as also the bitings of Serpents or a Mad Dog: The same also is profitably applied to all hot Gouts in the Feet or Hands, especially in the beginning. It is also good to be applied where any Bone is out of Joynt to hinder Inflamations, Swellings and Pains that presently

[EDGENOTE:] pains of the Head, Lunacy & phrensie, Biting of Serpents, or Mad Dogs, Hot Gouts, Bones out of Joynt, Worms in the Belly, or in Ulcers, Scabs and Itch, Tetters, Ringworms, Shingles, & fretting sores, Wounds.

rise thereupon. The Pouder of the dried Leavs taken in drink, killeth Worms of the Belly, and boyled in Wine killeth Worms that breed in old and foul Ulcers. One part of Plantane Water, and two parts of the brine of Pouder'd Beef boyled together and clarified, is a most sure Remedy to heal all spreading Scabs and Itch in the Head or Body, and all manner of Tetters, Ringworms, the Shingles, and all other running and fretting Sores. Briefly the Plantanes are singular good Wound Herbs to heal fresh, or old Wounds and Sores either inward or outward.

Its true Myzaldus and others yea almost all Astrologo-Physitians hold this to be an Herb of Mars, and they give a verisimile of a truth for it too, Viz. becaus it cures diseases of the Head and privities which are under the Houses of Mars, Aries, and Scorpio: All Diseases of the Head coming of heat are caused by Mars, for Venus is made of no such hot mettle, or at least deals in inferior parts. The truth is, it is under the command of Venus, and cures the Head by Antipathy to Mars, and the Privities by Sympathy to Venus, neither is there hardly a Martial Diseas but it cures, If I were to fortifie my Body against a Martial Diseas I would do it by this Herb as soon as by any, and may do it (it may be) when time shal serve.

PLUMS.

These are so well known that they need no Description.

Vertues and Use.

As there is great diversity of the kinds, so is there in the operations of Plums, for some that are sweet, moisten the Stomach and make the Belly soluble; those that are sowr quench thirst more and bind the Belly; the moist and waterish do soonest corrupt in the Stomach, but the firm do nourish more and offend less: The dried Fruit sold by the Grocers under the name of Damask Prunes, do somwhat loosen the Belly, and being stewed are often used both in health and sickness, to rellish the Mouth and Stomach to procure Appetite, and a little to open the Body, allay Choller, and cool the Stomach: Plum-tree Leavs boyled in Wine, is good to wash and gargle the Mouth and Throat to dry the Flux of Rhewm coming to the Pallat, Gums, or Almonds of the Ears. The Gum of the Trees is good to break the Stone. The Gum or Leavs boyled in Vinegar and applied, killeth Tetters and Ringworms.

[EDGENOTE:] Open the Belly, Quench Thirst, pind the Belly, procure Appetite, Allay Choller, Cool the Stomach, Rhewm, Stone, Tetters & Ringworms, Piles, Ulcers, Hoarsness, and pains in the Ears, Stone, and Chollick.

Mathiolus saith, The Oyl pressed out of the Kernels of the Stones, as Oyl of Almonds is made, is good against the inflamed Piles, the Tumors or Swellings of Ulcers, Hoarsness of the voice, roughness of the Tongue and Throat, and likewise the pains in the Ears. And that five ounces of the said Oyl taken with one ounce of Muscadine, driveth forth the Stone, and helpeth the Chollick.

All Plums are under Venus, and are like Women, some better, some worse.

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POLLIPODY of the OAK.

Description.

This is a smal Herb consisting of nothing but Roots and Leavs: bearing neither Stalk, Flower, nor Seed as it is thought. It hath three or four Leavs rising from the Root, every one singly by it self, of about a hand length, which are winged, consisting of many smal narrow Leavs, cut into the middle rib standing on each side of the Stalk, large below, and smaller up to the top, not dented or notched on the edges at all, as the Male Fern hath; of a sad green colour and smooth on the upper side, but on the underside somwhat rough, by reason of certain yellowish spots set thereon: The Root is smaller than ones little finger lying aslope, or creeping along under the upper crust of the earth, browish on the outside, and greenish within, of a sweetish harshness in tast, set with certain rough Knags on each side thereof, having also much Mossiness or yellow hairiness upon it, and some Fibres underneath it, whereby it is nourished.

Place.

It groweth as well upon old rotten stumps, or trunks of Trees, as Oak, Beech, Hazel; Willow, or any other, as in the Woods under them; and upon old Mud Wals, as also in Mossie, Stony, and gravelly places, neer unto Woods; That which groweth upon Oaks is accounted the best, but the quantity thereof is scarce sufficient for the common use.

Time.

It being alwaies green, may be gathered for use at any time.

Vertues and Use.

Mesues (who is called the Physitians Evangelist, for the certainty of his Medicines, and the truth of his Opinions) saith, That it drieth up thin Humors, digesteth thick and tough, and purgeth burnt Choller, and especially tough and thick Flegm, and thin Flegm also, even from the Joynts;

[EDGENOTE:] Dryeth Humors, purgeth burnt Choller, Flegm, Melancholly, Quartan Agues, Spleen, Chollick.

and is therfore good for those that are troubled with Melancholly; or Quartan Agues, especially if it be taken in Whey, or Honeyed Water, or in Barley water, or the Broth of a Chicken with Epithimum, or with Beets and Mallows. It is also good for the hardness of the Spleen and for prickings or Stitches in the sides, as also for the Chollick, some use to put to it some Fennel Seeds, or Annis Seeds or Ginger to correct that loathing it bringeth to the Stomach, which is more than needeth, it being a safe and gentle Medicine fit for al persons at al seasons, which daily experience confirmith; And an ounce of it may be given at a time in a Decoction, if there be not Saena or some other strong purger put with it. A dram or two of the Pouder of the dried Roots, taken fasting in a cup of Honeyed water, worketh gently, and for the purposes aforesaid. The distilled water both of Roots and Leavs is much commended for the Quartan Ague, to be taken for many daies together, as also against Melancholly, or fearful or troublesom sleeps or Dreams, and with some Sugar Candy dissolved therein, is good against the Cough, shortness of breath and Wheesings, and those distillations of thin Rhewm upon the Lungs, which caus Phtisicks, and oftentimes Consumptions. The fresh Roots beaten smal: or the Pouder of the dried Roots mixed with Honey and applied to any Member that is out of Joynt, doth much help it: Applied also to the Nose cureth the Diseas called Polipus, which is a piece of Flesh growing therein which in time stoppeth the passage of breath through that Nostril; And it helpeth those clefts or Chops that come between the fingers or Toes.

[EDGENOTE:] Troublesom sleeps, Cough, Shortness of Breath, and Wheesings, Lungs, phtisick, Member out of Joynt, pollipus or Diseas in the Nose, Chops in the Fingers or Toes.

And why I pray must Pollipodium of the Oak only be used, Gentle Colledg of Physitians, can you give me but a glimps of a reason for it? is it only becaus it is dearest? will you never leave your covetousness till your lives leav you? The Truth is, that which grows upon the Earth is best ('tis an Herb of Saturn and he seldom climbs trees) to purge Melancholly, if the humor be otherwise, chuse your Pollipodium accordingly.

THE POPLAR-TREE.

Description.

There are two sorts of Poplars which are most familiar with us, Viz. The Black, and the White, both which I shall here describe unto you.

The white Poplar groweth great and reasonable high, covered with a thick smooth white Bark, especially the Branches, having large Leavs cut into several devisions almost like a Vine Leaf, but not of so deep a green on the upper side, and hoary white underneath, of a reasonable good scent, the whol form representing the Leaf of Coltsfoot. The Catkins which it bringeth forth before the Leavs, are long, and of a faint reddish colour, which fall away bearing seldom good Seed with them. The Wood hereof is smooth, soft, and white, very finely waved, whereby it is much esteemed.

The Black Poplar groweth higher and straiter than the White, with a grayish Bark bearing broad and green leaves somwhat like Ivy

[p. 198]

Leavs, not cut in on the edges like the White, but whol and dented, ending in a point, and not white underneath, hanging by slender long Footstalks, which with the Air are continually shaken like as the Aspin Leavs are: The Catkins hereof are greater than of the White, composed of many round green Berries as it were set together in a long Cluster, containing much downice matter, which being ripe is blown away with the wind, The clammy Buds hereof before they spread into Leavs, are gathered to make the Unguentum Populeon, and are of a yellowish green colour and smal, somwhat sweet, but strong. The Wood is smooth, tough, and white, and easie to be cloven: On both these Trees groweth a sweet kind of Musk, which in former times was used to be put into sweet Oyntments.

Place.

They grow in moist Woods and by water sides in sundry places of the Land, yet the white is not so frequent as the other.

Time.

Their time is likewise expressed before, The Catkins coming forth before the Leavs and ripen in the end of Summer.

Vertues and Use.

The White Poplar, saith Galen, is of a clensing property: The weight of one ounce in Pouder of the Bark thereof being drunk saith Dioscorides is a Remedy for those that are troubled with the Sciatica, or the Strangury: The Juyce of the Leavs dropped warm into the Ears easeth the pains in them: The yong clammy Buds or Eyes before they break out into Leavs, bruised, and a little Honey put to them, is a good Medicine for a dull Sight. The Black Poplar is held to be more cooling than the White, and therefore the leavs bruised with Vinegar

[EDGENOTE:] Sciatica, Strangury, pain in the Ears, Dull sight, Gout, Falling-sickness, Warts, Pushes & Wheals, Heat & Inflamations, Dryeth Womens Milk.

and applied, helpeth the Gout; The Seed drunk in Vinegar is held good against the Falling-sickness. The Water that droppeth from the hollow places of this Tree, taketh away Warts, Pushes, Wheals, and other the like breakings out in the Body. The yong black Poplar Buds, saith Mathiolus, are much used by Women to beautifie their hair, bruising them with fresh Butter and straining them after thay have been kept for some time in the Sun. The Oyntment called Populeon, which is made of this Poplar, is singular good for all heat, or Inflamation in any part of the Body, and tempereth the heat of Wounds: It is much used to dry up the Milk in Womens Breasts, when they have weyned their Children.

POPPY.

Of this I shal describe three kinds, Viz. The White and Black, of the Garden, and the Erratick, wild Poppy, or Corn Rose.

Discription.

The white Poppy hath at first four or five whitish green Leavs lying upon the ground, which rise with the Stalk, compassing it at the bottom of them, and are very large, much cut or torn in on the edges, and dented also besides: The Stalk which is usually four or five foot high, hath somtimes no Branches at the Top, & usually but two or three at most bearing every one but one Head, wrapped in a thin Skin, which boweth down before it be ready to blow, and then rising and being broken, the Flower within it spreadeth it self open, and consisteth of four very large White round Leavs, with many whitish round threds in the middle, set about a small round green Head, having a Crown, or Star-like cover at the Head thereof, which growing ripe becometh as large as a geat Apple, wherein are contained a great number of smal round Seed, in several partitions or devisions next unto the shell, the middle thereof remaining hollow and empty. All the whol Plant, both Leavs, Stalks and Heads, while they are fresh, yong, and green, yield a Milk when they are broken, of an unpleasant bitter tast, almost ready to provoke casting, and of a strong heady smel, which being condensate is called Opium. The Root is white, and woody, perishing as soon as it hath given ripe Seed.

The Black Poppy little differeth from the former, until it beareth his Flower, which is somwhat less, and of a black Purplish colour, but without any purple spots in the bottom of the Leaf. The Head of Seed is much less than the former, and openeth it self a little round about the top under the Crown, so that the Seed which is very black will fall out if one turn the Head thereof downwards.

The wild Poppy, or Corn Rose, hath long and narrow Leavs very much cut in on the edges into many devisions, of a light green colour, and somtimes hairy withal; The Stalk is blackish and hairy also, but not so tall as the Garden kinds, having some such like Leavs thereon as grow below, parted into three or four Branches somtimes, whereon grow smal hairy Heads bowing down before the Skin break, wherein the Flower is inclosed, which when it is ful blown open, is of a fair yellowish red or crimson colour, and in some much paler, without any spot in the bottom of the Leavs, having many black soft threds in the middle compassing a smal green Head, which when it

[p. 199]

is ripe, is not bigger than ones little finger end, wherin is contained much black Seed, smaller by half then that of the Garden. The Root perisheth every yeer, and springeth again of its own sowing. Of this kind there is one lesser in al the parts thereof, and differeth in nothing els.

Place.

The Garden kinds do not naturally grow wild in any place, but are all sown in Gardens where they grow.

The Wild Poppy, or Corn Rose is plentiful enough, and many times too much in the Corn Fields of all Countries through this Land, and also upon Ditch Banks, and by Hedg sides: The smaller wild kind is also found in Corn Fields, and also in some other places, but not so plentiful as the former.

Time.

The Garden kinds are usually sown in the Spring, which then Flower about the end of May, and somwhat earlier, if they spring of their own sowing.

The Wild kinds Flower usually from May untill July, and the Seed of them is ripe soon after the Flowring.

Vertues and Use.

The Garden Poppy Heads with Seeds made into a Syrup, is frequently and to good effect used to procure rest and sleep in the sick and weak, and to stay Catarth's and Defluxions of hot thin Rhewms from the Head into the Stomach, and upon the Lungs, causing a continual Cough, the Fore-runner of a Consumption: It helpeth also Hoarsness of the Throat, and when one hath lost their voice, which the Oyl of the Seed doth likewise. The black Seed boyled in Wine and drunk, is said also to stay the Flux of the Belly and Womens Courses. The empty shels of the Poppy Heads are usually boyled in water and given to procure rest and sleep; so do the Leavs in the same manner; as also if the Head and Temples be bathed with the Decoction warm, or with the Oyl of Poppies, the green Leaves or Heads bruised and applied with a little Vinegar, or made into a Pultis with Barley Meal, or Hogs Greas, it cooleth and tempereth al Inflamations, as also the Diseas called St. Anthonies Fire. It is generally used in

[EDGENOTE:] Procure sleep, Catarrhs and defluxions of Rhewm stayeth, Hoarsness, Flux of the Belly and Womens' Courses, Inflamations and St. Anthonies Fire, paints in the Head, Phrensies, Toothach, Falling-sickness, Plurisie, Surfets, Agues and Inflamations.

Treacle and Methridate, and in all other Medicines that are made to procure rest and sleep, and to eas pains in the Head as well as in other parts; It is also used to cool Inflamations, Agues, or Phrensies, and to stay Defluxions which caus a Cough or Consumption, and also other Fluxes of the Belly, or Womens Courses; It is also put into hollow Teeth to eas the pain, and hath been found by experience to eas the pain of the Gout.

The Wild Poppy, or Corn Rose (as Mathiolus saith) is good to prevent the Falling-sickness. The Syrup made with the Flowers is with good effect given to those that have the Pluresie; and the dried Flowers also, either boyled in water, or made into Pouder and drunk either in the Distilled Water of them, or in some other Drink worketh the like effect. The Distilled Water of the Flowers, is held to be of much good use against Surfets, being drunk evening and morning; It is also more cooling than any of the other Poppies, and therefore cannot but be as effectual in hot Agues, Phrensies, and other Inflamations either inward or outward, the Syrup or Water to be used therein, or the green Leavs used outwardly, either in an Oyntment, as it is in Populeon, a cooling Oyntment, or any other waies applied. Galen saith the Seed is dangerous to be used inwardly.

The Herb is Lunar, and of the Juyce of it is made Opium, only for lucre of Money they cheat you, and tell you 'tis a kind of Tear, or some such like thing that drops from Poppies when they weep, and that is some where beyond the Sea, I know not where, beyond the Moon.

PURSLANE.

The Garden Purslane (being used as a Salet Herb) is so well known that it needeth no Description; I shal therefore only speak of its Vertues, as followeth.

Vertues and Use.

It is good to cool any heat in the Liver, Blood, Reins, and Stomach, and in hot Agues, nothing better; It stayeth hot and Chollerick Fluxes of the Belly, Womens Courses, the Whites, and Gonorrhea, or running of the Reins, the Distillations from the Head, and pains therein proceeding of heat, want of sleep, or the Phrensie. The Seed is more effectual than the Herb, and is of singular good use to cool the heat and sharpness of Urine, and the outragious Lust of the Body, Venerious Dreams, and the like, insomuch that the overfrequent use hereof, extinguisheth the Heat and Vertue of Natural Procreation. The Seed bruised and boyled in Wine and given to Children, expelleth the Worms.

[EDGENOTE:] Cooleth heat of Blood in hot Agues, Chollerick, Fluxes, Womens Courses, the Whites & Gonorrhea, Distillations, Phrensie, Heat of Urine, Lust, and Venerous Dreams, Worms, Vomiting, old, dry Cough, Short Breath, & Phtisick, Ulcers in the secret parts.

The Juyce of the Herb is held as effectual to all the purposes aforesaid, as also to stay Vomitings; and taken with some Sugar or Honey, helpeth an old and dry Cough, shortness of Breath, and the Phtisick, and stayeth immoderate Thirst. The Distilled water of the Herb is used by many (as the more pleasing) with a little Sugar, to work the same effects. The Juyce also is singular good in the Inflamations and Ulcers of the secret parts in man or woman, as also of the Bowels and Hemorrhoids, when they are Ulcerous, or Excoriations

[ p. 200]

in them. The Herb bruised and applied to the Forehead and Temples, allayeth excessive heat therein, hindring rest and sleep; and applied to the Eyes taketh away the redness and

[EDGENOTE:] Redness of the Eyes, and Inflamations, Crick, or pain in the Neck, Blastings by Lightning, Burning by Gun-pouder, Sore Breasts, Childrens Navils, Sore Mouths, & swollen Gums, Fastneth Teeth, Toothach, Bloody Urine, Gout, Cramp, & stifness of the Sinews.

Inflamation in them, and those other parts, where Pushes, Wheals, Pimples, St. Anthonies Fire and the like break forth, especially if a little Vinegar be put to it: And being laid to the Neck with as much of Galls and Linseed together, taketh away the pains therein, and the Crick in the Neck. The Juyce is used with Oyl of Roses for the said causes, or for blastings by Lightning, and Burnings by Gun-Pouder, or for Womens sore Breasts, and to ally the heat in all other Sores or Hurts: applied also to the Navels of Children that stick forth, it helpeth them: It is also good for sore Mouths, and Gums that are swollen to fasten loos Teeth. Camerarius saith, That the distilled water used by some, took away the pain of their Teeth when all other Remedies failed, and that the thickned Juyce made in Pills with the Pouder of Gum Tragacanth, and Arabick, being taken prevaileth much to help those that make a bloody water. Applied to the Gout, it easeth pains thereof, and helpeth the hardness of Sinews if it come not of the Cramp, or a cold caus.

'Tis an Herb of the Moon. See Lettice.

PRIMROSES.

These are so well known that they need no Description.

Of the Leavs of Primroses is made as fine a Salve to heal green Wounds as any is that I know: you shall be taught to make Salves of any Herb at the latter end of the Book, make this as you are taught there, and do not (you that have any Ingenuity in you) see your poor Neighbors go with wounded Limbs when a Halfpenny cost will heal them.

PRIVET.

Description.

Our common Privet is carried up with many slender Branches, to a reasonable height and breadth, to cover Arbours, Bowrs, and Banquetting Houses, and brought, wrought, and cut into many forms, of Men, Horses, Birds, &c. which though at first supported, groweth afterwards strong of it self: It beareth long and narrow green Leavs by couples, and sweet smelling white Flowers in tufts at the ends of the Branches, which turn into smal black Berries that have a Purplish Juyce within them, and some Seeds that are flat on the one side, with a hole or dent therein.

Place.

It groweth in this Land in divers Woods.

Time.

Our Privet Flowreth in June and July; The Berries are ripe in August and September.

Vertues and Use.

It is little used in Physick with us in these times, more than in Lotions to wash Sores, and Sore Mouths, and to cool Inflamations and dry up Fluxes. Yet Mathiolus saith it serveth to all the uses for which Ciprus or the East Privet is appointed by Dioscorides and Galen. He further saith, That the Oyl that is made of the Flowers of Privet infused therin, and set in the Sun, is singular

[EDGENOTE:] Lotions to wash sore Mouths & Throats, Cool Inflamations, Dry Fluxes, Inflamation in Wounds, Headach, Fluxes, & Womens Courses, Voiding Blood, Rhewm in the Eyes.

good for the Inflamations of Wounds, and for the Headach coming of an hot caus. There is a sweet water also distilled from the Flowers that is good for all those Diseases that need cooling and drying, and therefore helpeth all Fluxes of the Belly or Stomach. Bloody Fluxes, and Womens Courses, being either drunk or applied, as also for those that void Blood at their Mouth or at any other place, and for Distillations of Rhewms into the Eyes especially if it be used with Tutiae.

QUEEN of the MEADOWS, MEADOW-SWEET, or MEAD-SWEET.

Description.

The Stalks of this are reddish, rising to be three foot high, somtimes four or five foot, having at the Joynts thereof large winged Leavs, standing one above another at distances, consisting of many and somwhat broad Leavs, set on each side of a middle rib , being hard, rough, or rugged, crumpled much like to Elm Leavs, having also some smaller Leavs with them (as Agrimony hath) somewhat deeply dented about the edges, of a sad green colour on the upper side, and graish underneath, of a pretty sharp scent and tast, somwhat like unto Burnet, and a Leaf hereof put into a Cup of Claret Wine giveth also a fine rellish to it: At the tops of the Stalks and Branches stand many tufts of small white Flowers, thrust thick together, which smel much sweeter than the Leavs: and in their places, being fallen, come crooked and cornered Seed; The Root is somwhat woody, and blackish on the outside, and [200] brownish within, with divers greater strings, and lesser Fibres set thereat, of a strong scent, but nothing so pleasant as the Flowers and Leavs and perisheth not, but abideth many yeers, shooting forth anew every Spring.

Place.

It groweth in moist Meadows, that lie much wet, or neer the Courses of Water.

Time.

It Flowreth in some place or other all the three Summer Months, that is, June, July, and August, and their Seed is ripe quickly after.

Vertues and Use.

It is used to stay all manner of Bleedings, Fluxes, Vomitings, and Womens courses, and also their Whites, It is said to alter and take away the fits of Quartan Agues, and to make a merry heart, for which purpose some use the Flowers, and some the Leavs. It helpeth speedily those that are troubled with the Chollick, being boyled in Wine;

[EDGENOTE:] Bleedings, Fluxes, Vomitings, Womens Courses, and the Whites, Quartan Ague, Chollick, Opens the Belly, Old Ulcers healeth, Sore Mouths, or Secrets, Raise Blisters, Inflamation in the Eyes.

and with a little Honey taken warm, it openeth the Belly: but boyled in red Wine and drunk it stayeth the Flux of the Belly. Being outwardly applied, it healeth old Ulcers that are Cankrous or eaten, or hollow and Fistulous, for which it is by many much commended, as also for the Sores in the Mouth or secret parts.

The Leavs when they are full grown being laid upon the Skin, will in a short time raise Blisters thereon, as Tragus saith. The water thereof helpeth the heat and Inflamation in the Eyes.

Venus claims dominion over the Herb.

THE QUINCE-TREE.

Description.

The Ordinary Quince-tree groweth often to the height and bigness of a reasonable Apple tree, but more usually lower and crooked with a rough Bark, spreading Arms and Branches far abroad. The Leavs are somwhat like those of the Apple-tree, but thicker, harder, and fuller of Veins, and white on the under side, not dented at all about the edges. The Flowers are large and white, somtimes dash'd over with a Blush: The Fruit that followeth is yellow, being neer ripe, and covered with a white Freez or Cotton, thick set on the yonger, and growing les as they grow to be through ripe; bunched out often times in some places, some being liker an Apple and some a Pear, of a strong heady scent, and not durable to keep, and is sowr, harsh, and of an unpleasant tast to eat fresh, but being scalded, roasted, baked, or preserved, becometh more pleasant.

Place and Time.

It best likes to grow neer Ponds and Water-sides, and is frequent through this Land; and Flowreth not until the Leavs be come forth. The Fruit is ripe in September or October.

Vertues and Use.

Quince when they are green, helps all sorts of Fluxes in man or Woman, and Chollerick, Lasks, Castings, and whatsoever needeth Astriction more than any way prepared by fire: Yet the Syrup of the Juyce, or the Conserve, are much conducible much of the binding quality being consumed by the fire: If a little Vinegar be added, it stirreth up the languishing Appetite, and the Stomach given to casting; Some Spices being added, it comforteth and strengthneth the decayed and fainting Spirits, and helpeth the Liver oppressed; that it cannot perfect the digestion, and correcteth Choller and Flegm: If you would have them Purging, put Honey to them instead of Sugar; and if more Laxative, for Choller, Rubarb; for Flegm, Turbith; for watery Humors, Scammony, but if more forcibly to bind, use the unripe Quince with Roses, and Acacia, or Hypocistis, and some torrefied Rubarb. To take of the crude Juyce of Quinces, is held a Preservative against the force of deadly poyson; for it hath been found most certain true, that the very smel of a Quince hath taken away all the strength of the Poyson of White Hellebore. If there be need of any outward binding and cooling of any hot Fluxes;

[EDGENOTE:] Fluxes, Lasks &c., Provoketh Appetite, stayeth Vomiting, Fainting Spirits, Choller, Flegm, Poyson, Womens Breasts, Plague Sores, Preserveth Hair.

The Oyl of Quinces, or other Medicines that may be made thereof are very available to anoint the Belly, or other parts therewith: It likewise strengtheneth the Stomach and Belly, and the Sinews that are loosned by sharp Humors falling on them, and restraineth immoderate sweatings. The Muccilage taken from the Seeds of Quinces boyled a little in Water, is very good to cool the Head and heal the Sore Breasts of Women. The same with a little Sugar is good to lenefie the harshness and hoarsness of the Throat, and roughness of the Tongue. The Cotton or Down of Quinces boyled and applied to Plague Sores, healeth them up; and laid as a Playster made up with Wax, it bringeth hair to them that are bald, and keepeth it from falling if it be ready to shed.

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