The English Physitian, R, pp. 202-211

[p. 202]

RADISH and HORSE-RADISH.

The Garden Radish is so wel known that it needeth no Description.

Description.

The Hors-Radish hath his first Leavs that rise before Winter, about a foot and a half long, very much cut in or torn on the edges into many parts of a dark green colour, with a great Rib in the middle: After these have been up a while, others follow, which are greater, rougher, broader, and longer whol, and not devided as the first, but only somwhat roundly dented about the edges: The Stalk when it beareth Flowers (which is but seldom) is great rising up with some few lesser Leavs thereon to three or four foot high, spreading at the top many smal Branches of whitish Flowers, made of four Leavs apiece after which come smal Pods like those of Shepheards-Purs, but seldom with any Seed in them. The Root is great, long, white, and rugged shooting up divers Heads of Leavs, which may be parted for encreas, but it doth not creep within ground nor run above ground, and is of a strong sharp and bitter tast, almost like Mustard.

Place.

It is found wild in some places of this Land, but is chiefly planted in Gardens where it joyeth in a moist and shadowy place.

Time.

It Flowreth but seldom, but when it doth, it is in July.

Vertues and Use.

The Juyce of Hors-Radish given in drink is held to be very effectual for the Scurvy. It killeth the Worms in Children being drunk, and also laid upon the Belly. The

[EDGENOTE:] Scurvy, Worms, Sciatica, Liver, & Spleen.

Root bruised and laid to the place grieved with the Sciatica, Joynt-ach, or the hard Swellings of the Liver and Spleen doth wonderfully help them all. The Distilled water of the Herb and Roots is more familiar to be taken with a little Sugar for all the purposes aforesaid.

Garden Radishes are in wantonness by the Gentry eaten as Sallet, but they breed but scurvy Humors in the Stomach, and corrupt the Blood, and then send for a Physitian as fast as you can, this is one caus, makes the

[EDGENOTE:] Stone, Disury.

owners of such nice Pallats so unhealthful, yet for such as are troubled with the Gravel, Stone, or stoppage of Urine, they are good Physick if the Body be strong that takes them, you may make the Juyce of the Roots into a Syrup if you pleas for that use, they purge by Urine exceedingly.

I know not what Planet they are under, I think none of all the Seven will own them.

RAGWORT.

Description.

The greater common Ragwort hath many large and long dark green Leavs lying on the ground, very much rent and torn on the sides into many pieces, from among which rise up somtimes but one, and sometimes two or three square or crested blackish or brownish Stalks three or four foot high, sometimes branched bearing diverse such like Leavs upon them at several distances unto the tops, where it brancheth forth into many Stalks bearing yellow Flowers, consisting of diverse Leaves set as a Pale or Border, with a dark yellow thrum in the middle, which do abide a great while, but at last are turned into Down, and with the smal blackish gray Seed are carried away with the wind. The Root is made of many Fibres, whereby it is firmly fastned into to the ground, and abideth many yeers.

There is another sort hereof different from the former only in this, That it riseth not so nigh; the Leavs are not so finely jagged, not of so dark a green colour, but rather somwhat whitish, soft and woolly, and the Flowers usually paler.

Place.

They grow both in them wild in Pastures, and untilled grounds in many places, and oftentimes both of them in one Field.

Time.

They Flower in June and July, and the Seed is ripe in August.

Vertues and Use.

Ragwort, Clenseth, Digesteth, and Discusseth. The Decoction of the Herb to wash the Mouth or Throat that have Ulcers or Sores therein; and for Swellings, hardness, or Impostumations, for it throughly clenseth and healeth them; as also the Quinsie and the Kings Evil: It helpeth to stay Catarrhes, thin Rhewms & Defluxions from the Head into the Eyes, Nose, or Lungs. The Juyce is found by experience to be singular good to heal green Wounds, and

[EDGENOTE:] Sore Mouth or Throat, Swellings and Impostumes, Quinsie & Kings Evil, Catarrhs & Defluxions, Green Wounds & Ulcers in the privy Parts, Running Cankers, & hollow Fistulaes, Aches & pains, Sciatica.

to clense and heal all old and filthy Ulcers in the Privities and in other parts of the Body; as also inward Wounds and Ulcers, and stayeth the Malignity of fretting or running Cankers and hollow Fistulaes, not suffering them to spread further. It is also much commended to help Aches and pains either in the Fleshy parts or in the Nervs and Sinews; as also the Sciatica, or pain of the Hips or Huckle-Bone, to bath the

[p. 203]

places with the Decoction of the Herb, or to anoint them with an Oyntment made of the Herb bruised and boyled in old Hogs Suet, with some Mastich and Olibanum in Pouder, added unto it after it is strained forth.

In Sussex we call it Ragweed.

RATTLE-GRASS.

Of this there are two kinds, which I shall speak of, Viz. The Red and yellow.

Description.

The common red Rattle, hath sundry reddish hollow Stalks, and somtimes green rising from the Root, lying for the most part on the ground, yet some growing more upright, with many smal reddish or greenish Leavs set on both sides of a middle Rib finely dented about the edges: The Flowers stand at the tops of the Stalks and Branches, of a fine purplish red colour, like smal gaping hoods, after which come flat blackish Seed in small Husks, which lying loos therein, will Rattle with shaking. The Root consists of two or three small whitish strings, with some fibres thereat.

The common Yellow Rattle hath seldom above one round green Stalk rising from the Root, about half a yard or two foot high, and but few Branches theron having two long and somwhat broad Leavs set at a Joynt, deeply cut in on the edges, resembling the Comb of a Cock, broadest next to the Stalk and smaller to the end: The Flowers grow at the tops of the Stalks with some shorter Leavs with them, hooded after the same manner that the others are, but of a fair yellow colour in most, or in some paler, and in some more white. The Seed is contained in large Husks, and being ripe will rattle or make a nois with lying loose in them. The Root is small and slender perishing every yeer.

Place.

They grow in our Meadows and Woods, generally through this Land.

Time.

They are in Flower from Midsummer until August be past somtimes.

Vertues and Use.

The Red Rattle is accounted profitable to heal up Fistulaes, and hollow Ulcers and to stay the Flux of Humors to them, as also the abundance of Womens Courses, or any other Flux of Blood, being boyled in red Wine and drunk.

[EDGENOTE:] Fistulaes, & hollow Ulcers, Womens Courses, Fluxes, Cough, Dim Sight.

The Yellow Rattle or Cocks Comb is held to Be good for those that are troubled with a Cough, or with Dimness of Sight, if the Herb being boyled with Beans, and some Honey put thereto, be drunk, or dropped into the Eyes. The whol Seed being put into the Eyes draweth forth any Skin, Dimness, or Film from the sight without trouble or pain.

REST-HARROW, or CAMMOAK.

Description.

The common Rest-Harrow riseth up with divers rough woody twigs, half a yard, or a yard high, set at the Joynts without order, with little roundish Leavs somtimes more than two or three at a place, of a dark green colour, without thorns while they are yong, but afterwards armed in sundry places with short and sharp Thorns. The Flowers come forth at the tops of the twigs and Branches whereof it is ful, fashioned like Peas, or Broom Blossoms, but lesser, flatter, and somwhat closer, of a faint purplish colour; after which come smal Pods, containing smal, flat, and round Seed: The Root is blackish on the outside and whitish within, very tough and hard to break when it is fresh and green, and as hard as an Horn when it is dried, thrusting down deep into the ground, and spreading likewise, every piece being apt to grow again if it be left in the ground.

Place.

It groweth in many places of this Land, as well in the Arable as wast ground.

Time.

It Flowreth about the beginning or middle of July, and the Seed is ripe in August.

Vertues and Use.

It is singular good to provoke Urine when it is stopped, and to break and drive forth the Stone, which the Pouder of the Bark of the Root taken in Wine performeth effectually. Mathiolus saith, the same helpeth the Disease called Hiernia Carnosa, the Fleshy Rupture by taking the said Pouder for some Months together constantly, and that it hath cured some which seemed incurable by any other means than by cutting or burning.

[EDGENOTE:] Urine stopped, Stone, Fleshy Rupture, Toothach, Liver & Spleen Obstructed, Ulcers.

The Decoction thereof made with some Vinegar and gargled in the Mouth, easeth the Toothach, especially when it comes of Rhewm; and the said Decoction is very powerful to open Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, and other parts. A Distilled Water made in Balneo Mariae with four pound of the Roots hereof first sliced smal, and afterwards steeped in a Gallon of Canary Wine, is singular good for all the purposes aforesaid and to clens the passages of the Urine. The Pouder of the said Root made into an Electuary or Lozenges with Sugar: as also the Bark of the fresh Roots boyled tender and afterwards beaten into a Conserve with Sugar, worketh the like effect. The Pouder of

[p. 204]

the Roots strewed upon the Brims of Ulcers, or mixed with any other convenient thing and applied consumeth the hardness and causeth them to heal the better.

ROCKET.

In regard the garden Rocket is rather used as a Sallet Herb than to any Physical purposes. I shall omit it, and only speak of the common wild Rocket: The Description whereof take as followeth.

Description.

The comon wild Rocket, hath longer and narrower Leavs much more devided into slender cuts and jags on both sides of the middle Rib, than the Garden kinds have, of a sad or verworn green colour, from among which riseth up divers still Stalks two or three foot high, sometimes set with the like Leavs but smaller, and smaller upwards, branched from the middle into divers stiff Stalks, bearing sundry yellow Flowers on them made of four Leavs apiece, as the others are, which afterwards yield smal reddish Seed, in smal long Pods, of a more bitter and hot biting tast than the Garden kinds, as the Leavs are also.

Place.

It is found wild in divers places of this Land.

Time.

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

Vertues and Use.

The Wild Rocket is more strong and effectual to encreas Sperm and Venerous qualities, whereunto also the Seed is more effectual than the Garden kinds: It serveth also to help Digestion and provoketh Urine exceedingly. The Seed is used to cure the bitings of Serpents, the Scorpion, and the Shrew-Mouse, and other Poysons, and expelleth Worms and other noisom Creatures that breed in the Body. The

[EDGENOTE:] Increaseth Sperm & Venery, Helps Digestion, Provokes Urine, Biting of Serpents &c. Cough in Children, Increaseth Milk, Clenseth the Face, Scars, Blue Spots, Marks of smal Pox.

Herb boyled or stewed, and some Sugar put there to, helpeth the Cough in Children being taken often. The Seed also taken in drink taketh away the ill scent of the Armpits, encreaseth Milk in Nurses, and wasteth the Spleen. The Seed mixed with Honey, and used on the face, clenseth the Skin from Spots, Morphew and other discolourings therein: and used with Vinegar taketh away Freckles and redness in the Face or other parts, and with the Gall of an Ox, it amendeth foul Scars, black and blew Spots, and the marks of the smal Pox.

The wild Rockets are forbidden to be used alone in regard their sharpness fumeth into the Head, causing ach and pain therein: and are no less hurtful to hot and Chollerick persons, for fear of inflaming their Blood, and therfore for such we may say, a little doth but a little harm. For angry Mars rules them, and he somtimes will be testy when he meets with Fools.

WINTER ROCKET, or CRESSES.

Description.

Winter Rocket, or Winter Cresses, hath diverse somwhat large sad green Leavs lying upon the ground, torn or cut into divers parts, somwhat like unto Rocket, or Turnep Leavs with smaller pieces next the bottom, and broad at the ends which so abide all Winter (if it spring up in Autumn, when it is used to be eaten) from among which riseth up divers smal round Stalks full of branches, bearing many smal yellow Flowers of four Leavs apiece, after which come smal long Pods with reddish Seed in them: The Root is somwhat stringy, and perisheth every yeer after the Seed is ripe.

Place.

It groweth of its own accord in Gardens and Fields by the way sides in diverse places, and particularly in the next Pasture to the Conduit-Head behind Grayes-Inne that brings Water to Mr. Lamb's Conduit in Holbourn.

Time.

It Flowreth in May, and Seedeth in June, and then perisheth.

Vertues and Use.

This is profitable to provoke Urine, and helpeth the Strangury, and to expel Gravel and the Stone; It is also of good effect in the Scurvy: It is found by experience to

[EDGENOTE:] Strangury, Gravel & Stone, Scurvy, Wounds, Ulcers, & Sores.

be a singular good Wound Herb, to clense inward Wounds, the Juyce or Decoction being drunk, or outwardly applied to wash foul Ulcers and Sores, clensing them by sharpness, and hindring or abating the dead Flesh from growing therein and healing them by the drying quality.

ROSES.

I hold it altogether needless to trouble the Reader with a Description of any of these, sith both the Garden Roses, and the Wild Roses of the Bryars are well enough known; Take therefore the Vertues of them as follo-

[p. 205]

weth: And first I shal begin with the Garden kinds.

Vertues and Use.

The White and the Red Roses are cooling and drying, yet the White is taken to exceed the Red in both those properties, but is seldom used inwardly in any Medicine. The bitterness in the Roses when they are fresh, especially the Juyce purgeth Choller, and watery Humors, but being dried and that heat which caused the bitterness being consumed, they have then a binding and astringent quality; Those also that are not ful blown do both cool and bind more than those that are full blown, and the White Roses more than the Red. The Decoction of Red Roses

[EDGENOTE:] Choller, & Waterish Humors, Headach, Pains in the Ears, Eyes, Throat & Gums, Fundament, Bowels & Matrix.

made with Wine and used, is very good for the Headach, and pains in the Eyes, Ears, Throat, and Gums, as also for the Fundament, the lower Bowels, and the Matrix, being bathed, or put into them. The same Decoction with the Roses remaining in it is profitably applyed to the Region of the Heart to eas the Inflamation therin; as also St. Anthonies fire, and other Diseases of the Stomach. Being dried and beaten to Pouder, and taken in steeled Wine or Water, it helpeth to stay Womens Courses. The yellow threds in the middle of the red Roses (wch are erroniously called the Rose Seeds) being poudered and drunk in the distilled water of Quinces, stayeth the overflowing of Womens Courses, and doth wonderfully stay the Defluxions of Rhewm upon the Gums and Teeth, preserving them from corruption, and fastning them if they be loose, being washed and

[EDGENOTE:] St. Anthonies fire, Stomach, Womens Courses, Defluxions, fastneth Teeth, Lask & spitting of Blood, Heat & Inflamations, Rest & sleep, Whites & Reds in Women, Choller & Flegm, Redness & watering of the Eyes.

gargled therewith, and some Vinegar of Squils added thereto. The Heads with Seed being used in Pouder or in a Decoction, stayeth the Lask, and spitting of Blood. Red Roses do strengthen the Heart, the Stomack, and the Liver, and the retentive Faculties, they mitigate the pains that arise from Heat, asswage Inflamations, procure rest and sleep, stay both Whites and Reds in Women, the Gonorrhea, running of the Reins, and the Fluxes of the Belly; The Juyce of them doth purge and clens the Body from Choller and Flegm: The Husks of the Roses with the Beards and Nails of the Roses are binding and cooling, and the Distilled Water of either of them is good for the Heat and redness in the Eyes, and to stay and dry up the Rhewms and watering of them. Of the Red Roses are usually made many Compositions all serving to sundry good uses; Viz. Electuary of Roses; Conserve both moist and dry, which is more usually called Sugar of Roses; Syrup of dryed Roses, and Honey of Roses; The Cordial Pouder called Diarhodon Abbatis, and Aromatica Rosarum; The Distilled Water of Roses, Vinegar of Roses, Oyntment and Oyl of Roses, and the Rose Leavs dried, which although no Composition, yet of very great use and effect. To write at large of

[EDGENOTE:] A Purge for Choller, Hot Feavers, Pains of the Head, Heat of the Eyes, Jaundice, & Joynt Aches, Distillations, & Defluxions of Rhewm, Fluxes, & Lasks, running of the Reins, Faintings, Swounings & trembling of the Heart, Helpeth Digestion, Stayeth casting, Infection, Cooleth the Liver & Blood, resisteth Putrefaction, & Infection, sore Mouths, Throats, &c.

everyone of these would make my Book swel too big, it being sufficient for a Volum by it self to speak fully of them: But briefly; The Electuary is purging, whereof two or three Drams taken by it self in some convenient Liquor is a Purge sufficient for a weak Constitution; but may be encreased to six drams according to the strength of the Patient. It purgeth Choller without trouble, and is good in hot Feavers, and pains of the Head arising from hot Chollerick Humors, and heat in the Eyes, the Jaundice also, and Joynt Aches proceeding of hot Humors. The moist Conserve is of much use, both binding and Cordial, for until it be about two years old it is more binding than Cordial, and after that, more Cordial than Binding: Some of the yonger Conserve taken with Methridatum mixed together, is good for those that are troubled with Distillations of Rhewm from the Brain to the Nose, and Defluxions of Rhewm into the Eyes, as also for Fluxes, and Lasks of the Belly; and being mixed with the Pouder of Mastick is very good for the Running of the Reins, and for other loosness of Humors in the Body. The old Conserve

[EDGENOTE:] Comfort the Heart & Stomach, stay vomiting, Faint spirits, Redness of Eyes.

mixed with Aromaticum Rosarum is a very good Cordial against Faintings, Swounings, Weakness, and Tremblings of the Heart, strengthning both it, and a weak Stomach, helpeth digestion, stayeth casting, and is a very good Preservative in the time of Infection. The dry Conserve which is called Sugar of Roses, is a very good Cordial to strenthen the Heart and Spirits as also to stay Defluxions. The Syrup of dried Red Roses strenthneth a Stomack given to casting, cooleth an overheated Liver and the Blood in Agues, comforteth the Heart and resisteth putrefaction and infection, and helpeth to stay Lasks and Fluxes. Honey of Roses is much used in Gargles and Lotions to wash Sores either in the Mouth, Throat, or other parts, both to clens and heal them, and to stay the Fluxes of Humors falling upon them; it is also used in Clisters both to cool and clens. The Cordial Pouders called Diarhodon Abbatis and Aromaticum Rosarum do comfort and strengthen the Heart and Stomach, procure an Appetite, help Digestion, stayeth Vomiting; and is very good for

[EDGENOTE:] Procure sleep, Heat of the Liver, Back & Reins, Pushes, Wheals & Pimples, Fluxes of Humors.

those that have slippery Bowels to strengthen them, and to dry up their moisture. Red Rose Water is of well known and familiar use in all occasions (and better than Damask Rose Water) being cooling and Cordial, refreshing and quickning the weak and faint Spirits, used either in meats or broths, to wash the Temples, or to smel to at the Nose, or to smel the sweet vapors therof out of a perfuming Pot or cast on a hot Fire-shovel: It is also of much good use against the redness and Inflamations in the eyes to bath them therewith, and the Temples of

[p. 206]

the Head also against pain and ach for which purpose also Vinegar of Roses is of much good use, and to procure rest and sleep, if some thereof and Rosewater together be used to smel unto, or the Nose and Temples moistned therewith, but more usually to moisten a piece of Red Rose Cake cut fit for the purpose, and heated between a double folded Cloth, with a little beaten Nutmeg and Poppy Seed strewed on the side that must lie next to the Forehead & Temples, & so bound therto for al night. The Oyntment of Roses is much used against heat & Inflamations in the Head, to anoint the forhead & temples, & being mixed with Unguentum Populeon, to procure rest; as also it is used for the heat of the Liver, of the Back and Reins, and to cool and heal Pushes, Wheals and other red Pimples rising in the Face or other parts. Oyl of Roses is not only used by it self to coole any hot Swellings or Inflamations, and to bind and stay Fluxes of Humors unto Sores, but is also put into Oyntments and Plaisters that are cooling and binding, and restraining the Flux of Humors. The dried Leavs of the Red Roses are used both inward and outwardly, both cooling, binding, and Cordial, for with them are made both Aromaticum Rosarum, Diarhodon Abbatis, and Saccharum Rosarum, each of whose Properties are before declared. Rose Leavs and Mints heated and applied outwardly to the Stomach, stayeth castings, and very much strengthneth a weak Stomach; and applied as a Fomentation to the Region of the Liver and Heart, doth much cool and temper them,

[EDGENOTE:] Weak stomach, Purge Choller, Bind the Belly.

and also serveth instead of a Rose Cake (as is said before) to quiet the over hot spirits and cause rest and sleep. The Syrup of Damask Roses is both Simple and Compound, and made with Agrick. The Simple Solutive Syrup, is a familiar, safe, gentle, and easie Medicine, purging Choller, taken from one ounce to three or four; yet this is remarkable herein, That the distilled Water of this Syrup should notably bind the Belly; The Syrup with Agrick is more strong and effectual, for one ounce thereof by it self will open the Body more than the other, and worketh as much on Flegm as Choller. The Compound Syrup is more forcible in working on Melanchollick Humors, and available against the Lepry, Itch, Tetters, &c, and the French Diseas: Also Honey of Roses Solutive is made of the same infusion that the Syrup is made of, and therefore worketh the same effect both in opening and purging, but is oftener given to Flegmatick than Chollerick persons, and is more used in Clysters than in Potions, as the Syrup made with Sugar is. The Conserve and Preserved Leavs of these Roses are also operative, in gently opening the Belly. The Simple Water of the Damask Roses is chiefly

[EDGENOTE:] Melanchollick, Humors, Lepry, Itch, Tetters, French Pox, Opens the Belly.

used for fumes to sweeten things, as the dried Leavs thereof to make sweet Pouders, and fill sweet Bags, and little use they are put to in Physick, although they have some purging quality; The wild Roses also are few or none of them used in Physick, but yet are generally held to come neer the Nature of the Manured Roses. The Fruit of the wild Bryar which are called Heps being throughly ripe and made into a Conserve with Sugar besides the pleasantness of the tast doth gently bind the Belly, and stay Defluxions from the Head upon the Stomach, drying up the moisture thereof, and helpeth digestion. The Pulp of the Heps dried unto a hard consistence, like to the Juyce

[EDGENOTE:] Bind the Belly, & stay Defluxions, Whites in Women, Stone, provoke Urine, Chollick, Worms.

of Liquoris, or so dried that it may be made into Pouder and taken in drink stayeth speedily the Whites in Women. The Bryar Ball is often used being made into Pouder and drunk to break the Stone, to provoke Urine when it is stopped, and to eas and help the Chollick; some appoint it to be burnt, and then taken for the same purpose. In the middle of these Balls are often found certain white Worms, which being dried and made into Pouder, and some of it drunk, is found by experience of many to kill and drie forth the Worms of the Belly.

What a quarter have Authors made with Roses, what a racket have they kept? I shal ad, Red Roses are under Jupiter, Damask under Venus, and White under the Moon, and Province under the King of France.

ROSA SOLIS, or SUN-DEW.

Description.

This hath diverse smal round hollow Leavs, somwhat greenish, but full of certain red hairs, which makes them seem red, every one standing upon its own Footstalk, reddish hairy likewise. The Leavs are continualty moist in the hottest day, yea the hotter the Sun shines on them the moister they are, with a certain sliminess that will ripe (as we say) the smal hairs alwaies holding this moisture: Among these Leavs rise up small slender stalks, reddesh also, three or four fingers high, bearing diverse smal white Knobs one above another which are the Flowers, after which in the Heads are certain smal Seeds. the Root is a few small hairs.

Place.

It groweth usually on Bogs, and in wet places, and somtimes in moist Woods.

Time.

It Flowreth in June, and then the Leavs are fittest to be gathered.

Vertues and Use.

Rosa Solis is accounted good to help those that have salt Rhewm distilling on their Lungs which breedeth a Consumption, and therfore

[p. 207]

the Distilled water thereof in Wine is held fit and profitable for such to drink, which

[EDGENOTE:] Distillations of Rhewm, Phtisick, Wheesings; Shortness of breath, Cough, Ulcers in the Lungs, Comfort the Heart, Raise Blisters. Passions of the Heart.

Water will be of a gold yellow colour: The same Water is held to be good for all other Diseases of the Lungs, as Phtisicks, Wheesing, shortness of Breath, or the Cough; as also to heal the Ulcers that happen in the Lungs, and it comforteth the Heart and fainting Spirits; The Leavs outwardly applied to the Skin will raise Blisters, which hath caused some to think it, dangerous to be taken inward; but there are other things which will also draw Blisters, yet nothing dangerous to be taken inwardly. There is an usual Drink made hereof with Aqua vitae and Spices frequently, and without any offence or danger, but to good purpose used in qualms and passions of the Heart.

The Sun rules it, and 'tis under the Sign Cancer.

ROSEMARY.

Our Garden Rosemary is so well known, that I need not here describe it.

Time.

It Flowreth in April and May with us, and somtimes again in August.

Vertues and Use.

It is an Herb of as great use with us in these daies, as any whatsoever, not only for Physical but Civil purposes. The Physical use of it (being my present Task) is very much, both for inward and outward Diseases; For by the warming and comforting heat thereof it helpeth all cold Diseases, both of the Head, Stomach, Liver, and Belly. The Decoction thereof in Wine helpeth the cold Distillations of Rhewm into the Eyes, and all other cold Diseases of the Head and Brain, as the Giddiness or swimming therein, Drowsiness, or Dulness of the mind and senses, like a stupidness, the dumb Palsey, or loss of speech, the Lethargy, and Falling-sickness, to be both drunk and the Temples bathed therewith. It helpeth the pains in the Gums and Teeth, by Rhewm falling into them,

[EDGENOTE:] Cold Diseases, Rhewm, swimming of the Head, Drowsiness, Stupidity, Dumb Palsey, Lethargy & Falling sickness, Toothach, stinking breath, Weak Memory.

or by putrefaction causing an evil smel from them, or a stinking Breath. It helpeth a weak Memory, and quickneth the Senses. It is very comfortable to the Stomach in all the old Griefs thereof, helping both retention of meat, and digestion, the Decoction or Pouder being taken in Wine: It is a Remedy for the windiness in the Stomach or Bowels, and expelleth it powerfully, as also Wind in the Spleen. It helpeth those that are Livergrown, by opening the Obstructions thereof. It helpeth dim Eyes, and procureth a cleer sight, the Flowers thereof being taken all the while it is Flowring, every morning fasting with bread and Salt. Both Dioscorides and Galen say, That if a Decoction be made thereof with Water and they that have the yellow Jaundice do exercise their Bodies presently after the taking thereof, it will certainly cure it: The Flowers and the Conserve made of them, is singular good to comfort the Heart, and to expel the contagion of the Pestilence; to burn the Herb in Houses and Chambers correcteth the Air in them: Both the Flowers and the Leavs are very profitable for Women that are troubled with the Whites, if they be daily taken. The dried Leavs shred smal and taken in a Pipe like as Tobacco is taken, helpeth those that have any Cough or Phtisick, or Consumption, by warming and drying the thin Distillations which caus those Diseases. The Leavs are much used in Bathings, and made into Oyntments or Oyls, is singular good to help cold benummed Joynts, Sinews, or Members. The Chimical Oyl drawn from the Leavs and Flowers, is a Soveraign help for all the Diseases aforesaid; to touch the Temples and

[EDGENOTE:] Stomach, Retention of Meat, Wind, Liver grown, Dim sight, Yellow Jaundice, Pestilence, Whites in Women, Cough, Phtisick, or Consumption, benummed Joynts, spots and scars in the Skin.

Nostrils with two or three drops, for all the Diseases of the Head and Brains spoken of before; as also to take a drop two or three as the caus requireth for the inward griefs, yet must it be done with Descretion, for it is very quick and piercing, and therefore but a very little must be taken at a time. There is also another Oyl made by insolation in this manner: Take what quantity you will of the Flowers, and put them into a strong Glass close stopped, tie a fine linnen cloth over the Mouth, and turn the Mouth down into another strong Glass, which being set in the Sun, an Oyl will distill down into the lower Glass, to be preserved as precious for divers uses, both inward and outward as a Sovereign Balm to heal the Diseases before mentioned, to cleer a dim sight, and to take away spots, marks and scars in the skin.

The Sun claims Priviledg in it and 'tis under the Coelestial Ram.

RUBARB, or RHAPONTICK

Do not start, and say this grows you know not how far off; and then ask me, How it comes to pass that I bring it among our English Simples: for though the name may speak it Forreign yet it grows with us in England, and that frequent enough in our Gardens, and when you have throughly perused its Vertues, you will conclude it nothing inferior to that which is brought us out of China, & by that time this hath been as much used as that hath been, the name which the other

[p. 208]

hath gotten wil be eclipsed by the fame of this: Take therfore a Description at large of it, as followeth.

Description.

At the first appearing out of the ground when the Winter is past, it hath a great round brownish head rising from the middle or sides of the Root, which openeth it self into sundry Leavs one after another, very much crumpled or folded together at the first, and brownish, but afterward it spreadeth it self and becometh smooth very large and almost round, every one standing on a brownish Stalk of the thickness of a mans Thumb, when they are grown to their fulness, and most of them two foot and more in length, especially when they grow in any moist or good Ground; and the Stalk of the Leaf also from the bottom thereof to the Leaf it self, being also two Foot, The breadth thereof from edg to edg in the broadest place, being also two foot, of a sad or dark green colour, of a fine tart, or sowrish tast, much more pleasant than the Garden or Wood sorrel. From among these riseth up some but not every yeer, a strong thick Stalk, not growing so high as the Patience or Garden Dock, with such round Leavs as grow below, but smaller, at every Joynt up to the top, and among the Flowers which are white spreading forth into many Branches, and consisting of five or six small white Leavs apiece, hardly to be discerned from the white threds in the middle, and seeming to be all threds, after which come brownish three square Seed like unto other Docks, but larger whereby it may be plainly known to be a Dock. The Root groweth in time to be very great, with divers and sundry great spreading Branches from it, of a dark, brownish, or reddish colour on the outside, with a pale yellow skin under it which covereth the inner substance or Root, which rind and Skin being pared away, the Root appeareth of so fresh and lively a colour, with flesh-colour'd Veins running through it, that the choicest of that Rubarb that is brought us from beyond the Seas cannot excel it: Which Root if it be dried carefully and as it ought (which must be in our Countrey by the gentle heat of a fire in regard the Sun is not hot enough here to do it, and every piece kept from touching one another ) will hold his colour almost as well as when it is fresh; and hath been approved of and commended by those who have oftentimes used them.

Place.

It groweth in Gardens, and Flowreth about the beginning or middle of June, and the Seed is ripe in July.

Time.

The Roots that are to be dried and kept all the yeer following, are not to be taken up before the Stalk and Leavs be quite withered and gone, and that is not until the middle or end of October; and if they be taken a little before the Leavs do spring, or when they are sprung up, the Roots will not have half so good a colour in them.

I have given the precedence unto this, becaus in vertues also it hath the preheminence; I come now to describe unto you that which is called Patience, or Monks Rubarb; and next unto that, the great round Leav'd Dock, or Bastard Rubarb; for the one of these may happily supply in the absence of the other; being not much unlike in their Vertues, only one more powerful and efficacious than the other; and Lastly; shall shew you the Vertues of all the three Sorts.

GARDEN PATIENCE, or MONKS RUBARB.

This is a Dock, bearing the name of Rubarb, for some purging quality therein, and groweth up with large tall Stalks, set with somwhat broad and long fair green Leavs, not dented at all; The tops of the Stalks being devided into many smal Branches, bear reddish or purplish Flowers, and three square Seed like unto other Docks. The Root is long, great and yellow like unto the wild Docks, but a little redder, and if it be a little dried sheweth less store of discoloured veins, than the next doth when it is dry.

GREAT ROUND LEAV'D DOCK, or BASTARD RUBARB.

Description.

This hath divers large, round, thin, yellowish green Leavs, rising from the Root, a little waved about the edges, every one standing on a reasonable thick, and long brownish Footstalk; from among which, riseth up a pretty big Stalk about two foot high, with some such like Leavs growing thereon, but smaller. At the top whereof stand in a long spike many smal brownish Flowers, which turn into hard three square shining brown Seed, like the Garden Patience before described. This Root groweth greater than that, with many Branches or great Fibres thereat, yellow on the outside, and somwhat pale yellow within, with some discoloured veins like to the Rubarb which is first discribed, but much less than it, especially when it is dry.

Place and Time.

These also grow in Gardens and Flower and Seed at or neer the same time that our true Rubarb doth, Viz. they Flower in June, and the Seed is ripe in July.

[p. 209]

Vertues and Use.

A dram of the dried Root of Monks Rubarb, with a scruple of Ginger made into Pouder and taken fasting in a draught or mess of warm Broth, purgeth Choller and Flegm downward very gently, and safely without danger: The Seed thereof contrarily doth bind the Belly, and helpeth to stay any sort of Lask or Bloody Flux. The distilled water thereof is very profitably used to heal Scabs, as also foul Ulcerous Sores, and to allay the Inflamations of them: The Juyce of the Leavs or Roots, or the Decoction of them in Vinegar is used as a most effectual Remedy to heal Scabs and running Sores.

The Bastard Rubarb hath all the properties of the Monks Rubarb, but more effectual for both inward and outward Diseases. The Decoction thereof with Vinegar dropped into the Ears, taketh away the pains: gargled in the Mouth, taketh away Toothach, and being drunk healeth the Jaundice. The Seed thereof taken easeth the gnawing and griping pains of the Stomach, and taketh away the loathing thereof unto Meat: The Root thereof helpeth the ruggedness

[EDGENOTE:] Purge Choller & Flegm, stay Lasks and bloody Flux, Scabs & Ulcerous Sores, Running Sores, Pains of the Ears, Toothach, Jaundice, pains of the Stomach & loathing of Meat, Kings Evil, Stone, Urine, Dim sight.

of the Nails, and being boyled in Wine helpeth the Swellings of the Throat, commonly called the Kings evil, as also the Swellings of the Kernels of the Ears: It helpeth them that are troubled with the Stone; provoketh Urine, and helpeth the dimness of the Sight. The Roots of this Bastard Rubarb are used in opening and purging Diet Drinks with other things, to open the Liver, and to clens and cool the Blood.

The properties of that which is called the English Rubarb, are the same with the former, but much more effectual, and hath all the properties of the true Indian Rubarb, except the force in purging, wherein it is but of half the strength thereof, and therfore a double quantity must be used: it likewise hath not that bitterness and

[EDGENOTE:] Liver & Blood, Choller & Flegm, Obstructions, Jaundice, Dropsie, Spleen, Agues, pains of the sides, & spitting of Blood, Running of the Reins, Swelling in the Head, Sciatica, Gout, Cramp, Clotted Blood, Ulcers in the Eyes, or Eyelids, swellings & Inflamations, Black & blue spots, Purge the Liver & Stomach.

astriction; in other things it worketh almost in an equal quality, which are these: It purgeth the Body of Choller and Flegm, being either taken of it self, made into Pouder and drunk in a draught of white Wine, or steeped therein all night and taken fasting, or put among other Purgers, as shall be thought convenient, clensing the Stomach, Liver, and Blood, opening Obstructions, and helping those griefs that come thereof; as the Jaundice, Dropsie, swelling of the Spleen, Tertian and day Agues, and the pricking pain of the sides, and also it stayeth spitting of Blood. The Pouder taken with Cassia dissolved, and a little wash'd Venice Turpentine, clenseth the Reins and strengthneth them afterwards, and is very effectual to stay the running of the Reins or Gonorrea. It is also given for the pains and swellings in the Head, for those that are troubled with Melancholly, and helpeth the Sciatica, the Gout, and the Cramp. The Pouder of Rubarb taken wih a little Mummia and Madder Roots in some red Wine, dissolveth clotted Blood in the Body, hapning by any fall or bruise, and healeth burstings and broken parts as well inward as outward: The Oyl likewise wherein it hath been boyled, worketh the like effects, being anointed. It is used to heal those Ulcers that happen in the Eyes and Eyelids, being steeped and strained; as also to asswage the Swellings and Inflamations; and applied with Honey, or boyled Wine, it taketh away all black and blue Spots or Marks that happen therein. Whey, or white Wine are the best Liquors to steep it in, and thereby it worketh more effectually in opening Obstructions, and purging the Stomach and Liver. Many do use a little Indian Spicknard as the best Correcter thereof.

Mars claims Predominancy over all these wholsom Herbs, you cry out upon him for an infortune, when God created him for your good (only he is angry with Fools) what dishonor is this, not to Mars, but to God Himself.

MEADOW RUE.

Description.

This riseth up with a yellow stringy Root, much spreading in the ground, and shooting forth new sprouts round about, with many Herby green Stalks two foot high, crested all the length of them, set with Joynts here and there, and many large Leavs on them as well as below, being devided into smaller Leavs, nicked or dented in the forepart of them, of a sad green colour on the upperside, and pale green underneath: Toward the top of the Stalk there shooteth forth divers short Branches, on every one thereof there stand two, three, or four smal round Heads or Buttons, which breaking the skin that incloseth them shew forth a tuft of pale greenish yellow threds, which falling away there comes in their place small three cornre'd Cods, wherein is contained smal, long, and round Seed. The whol Plant hath a strong unpleasant scent.

Place.

It groweth in many places of this Land; in the Borders of moist Meadows, and by Ditch sides.

Time.

It Flowreth about July or the beginning of August.

Vertues and Use.

Dioscorides saith that this Herb bruised and applied perfectly healeth old Sores: and the distilled water of

[EDGENOTE:] Old sores, Open the Body, Lice & Vermine, Plague, Jaundice.

the Herb and Flowers doth the like. It is used by some among other Pot-

[p. 210]

herbs to open the Body and make it soluble; but the Roots washed clean, and boyled in Ale and drunk provoketh to the Stool more than the Leavs; but yet very gently. The Root boyled in Water, and the places of the Body most troubled with Vermine or Lice, washed therewith while it is warm, destroyeth them utterly. In Italy it is used against the Plague, and in Saxony against the Jaundice, as Camerarius saith.

GARDEN RUE.

This is so well known, both by this name, and the Name Herb of Grace, that I shal not need to write you any further Description of it: But shall only shew you the Vertues of it as followeth.

Vertues and Use.

It provoketh Urine and Womens Courses, being taken either in Meat or Drink. The Seed thereof taken in Wine, is an Antidote against all dangerous Medicines or deadly Poysons. The Leavs taken either by themselves, or with Figs and Walnuts is called Methridates his Counter poyson, against the Plague and causeth all Venemous things to become harmless: Being often taken in Meat or Drink it abateth Venery, and destroyeth the ability to beget Children. A Decoction made thereof with some dried Dill Leavs and Flowers, easeth all pains and torments inwardly to be drunk, and outwardly to be applied warm to the place grieved. The same being drunk helpeth the pains both of the Chest and Sides, as also Coughs, hardness of breathing, the Inflamations of the Lungs, and the tormenting pains of the Sciatica, and the Joynts, being anointed or laid to the places, as also the shaking Fits of Agues, to take a draught before the Fit come: Being boyled or infused in Oyl it is good to help the wind Chollick, the hardness or windiness of the Mother, and freeth women from the strangling or suffocation thereof, if the Share and the Parts thereabouts be anointed therewith: It killeth and driveth forth the Worms of the Belly, if it be drunk after it is boyled in Wine to the half with a little Honey: It helpeth the Gout or pains in the Joynts of Hands, Feet, or Knees applied thereunto: and with Figs it helpeth the Dropsie being bathed therewith:

[EDGENOTE:] Urine, Womens Courses, Poysons, Plague, Abate Venery, pains of the Chest & Sides, Cough, Hard breathing, Sciatica, & Joynt aches, Agues, Wind Chollick, Mother, Worms, Gout, Dropsie, Bleeding, Swelling of the Cods, Wheals & Pimples.

being bruised and put into the Nostrils it staieth the Bleeding thereof. It helpeth the swelling of the Cods if they be bathed with a Decoction of Rue and Bay Leaves. It taketh away Wheals and Pimples if being bruised with a few Mirtle Leavs, if it be made up with Wax and applied: It cureth the Morphew and taketh away all sorts of Warts, if boyled in Wine with some Pepper and Nitre and the places rubbed therewith: and with Allum and Honey, helpeth the dry Scab or any Tetter or Ringworm: The Juyce thereof warmed in a Pomegranate Shel or Rind, and dropped into the Ears helpeth the pains of them. The Juyce of it and Fennel with a little Honey, and the Gall of a Cock put thereto, helpeth the dimness of the Eyesight. An Oyntment made of the Juyce therof with Oyl of Roses, Ceruss, and a little Vinegar, and anointed cureth St. Anthonies Fire, and all foul running Sores in the Head; and the stinking Ulcers of the Nose or other parts. The Antidote used by Methridates every morning fasting to secure himself from any Poyson or Infection, was this. Take twenty Leavs of Rue, a little Salt, a couple of Walnuts, and a couple of Figs beaten together into a Mass with twenty Juniper berries, which is the quantity appointed for every day.

[EDGENOTE:] Morphew & Warts, Scab, Tetter & Ringorm, Pains of the Ears, Dimsight, St. Anthonies fire, Running sores of the Head, Ulcers of the Nose, Antidote, pains of the Chest, Stomach, Spleen, Belly Obstructions.

Another Electuary is made thus; Take of Nitre, Pepper, and Cummin Seed, of each equal Parts, of the Leavs of Rue clean picked, as much in weight as all the other three weighed, beat them well together, and put to as much Honey as will make it up into an Electuary; (but you must first steep your Cummin seed in Vinegar twenty four hours, and then dry it, or rather toast it in a hot Fire-shovel, or in an Oven) and it is a Remedy for the pains or griefs of the Chest or Stomach, of the Spleen, Belly or Sides, by Wind or Stitches; of the Liver by Obstructions, of the Reins and Bladder by the stopping of Urine, and helpeth also to extenuate fat corpulent Bodies.

What an Infamy is cast upon the Ashes of Methridates (or Methradates, as the Augustanes read his name) by unworthy people; they that deserve no good report themselves, love to give none to others, Viz. That that renowned King of Pontus fortified his Body by Poyson against Poyson (He cast out Devils by Beelzebub the Prince of Devils) what a sot is he that knows not if he had accustomed his Body to cold Poysons hot Poysons would have dispatch'd him, or the contrary if not, corrosions would have done it, the whol world is at this very time beholding to him for his Studies in Physick, and he that useth the quantity of but a Hazel Nut of that Recept every morning, to which his name is adjoyned shall to admiration preserve his Body in health, if he do but consider that Rue is an Herb of the Sun and under Leo, and gather it and the rest accordingly.

[p. 211]

RUPTURE WORT.

Description.

This spreadeth very many threddy Branches round about upon the ground, about a span long, devided into many other smaller parts, full of small Joynts set very thick together, whereat come forth two very small Leavs of a fresh yellowish green colour branches and all, where groweth forth also a number of exceeding smal yellowish Flowers, scarce to be discerned from the Stalks and Leavs, which turn into Seed as smal as the very dust: The Root is very long and smal, thrusting down deep into the ground: This hath neither smel nor tast at first, but afterward hath a little astringent tast, without any manifest heat, yet a little bitter and sharp withal.

Place.

It groweth in dry, sandy, and Rockie places.

Time.

It is fresh and green all the Summer.

Vertues and Use.

Rupture wort hath not his name in vain, for it is found by experince to cure the Rupture, not only in Children but also in Elder Persons, if the Disease be not too inveterate, by taking a dram of the Pouder of the dried Herb every day in Wine for certain daies together; Or the Decoction made in Wine and drunk: Or the Juyce or

[EDGENOTE:] Ruptures, Fluxes, Running of the Reins, Strangury, Stone or Gravel, Stitches, Yellow Jaundice, Worms, Wounds, Defluxions, Foul Ulcers.

distilled water of the green Herb taken in the same manner; and helpeth all other Fluxes either in men or Women; Vomitings also, and the Gonorrhea or running of the Reins, being taken any of the waies aforesaid. It doth also most assuredly help those that have the Strangury, or have their Urine stopped, or are troubed with the Stone or Gravel in their Reins or Bladder. The same also helpeth much all Stitches in the Side, all griping pains in the Stomach or Belly, the Obstructions of the Liver, and cureth the yellow Jaundice likewise: It killeth also the Worms in Children: Being outwardly applied it conglutineth Wounds notably, and helpeth much to stay Defluxions of Rhewm from the Head to the Eyes, Nose, and Teeth, being bruised green and bound thereto; Or the Decoction of the dried Herb, to bath the Forehead and Temples, or the Nape of Neck behind: It also drieth up the moisture of Fistulous Ulcers, or any others that are foul and spreading.

They say Saturn causeth Ruptures, if he do, he doth no more than he can cure, if you want wit he will teach you though to your cost, this Herb is Saturns own, and is a notable Antivenerian.

RUSHES.

Although there are many kinds of Rushes, yet I shall only here insist upon those which are best known, and most Medicinal, as the Bulrushes, and other of the soft and smooth kinds; which grow so commonly in almost every place of this Land, and are so generally noted, that I suppose it needless to trouble you with any Description of them: Briefly then take the Vertues of them as followeth.

Vertues and Use.

The Seeds of these soft Rushes, saith Dioscorides and Galen, toasted (saith Pliny) being drunk in Wine and Water, stayeth the Lask and Womens Courses when they come down too abundantly: but it causeth Headach: It provoketh sleep likewise but must be given with caution, lest the party that takes it wake not until the Resurrection: Pliny saith, The Root boyled in water to the consumption of one third, helpeth the Cough.

Thus you see that Conveniences have their Inconveniences, and Vertue is seldom unaccompanied with some Vices. What I have written concerning Rushes is to satisfie my Country-mens Question, Are our Rushes good for nothing? Yes, and as good let alone as taken; There are Remedies enough without them for every Diseas, and therfore as the Proverb is, I care not a Rush for them, or rather they will do you as much good as if one had given you a Rush.

RYE.

This is so well known in all the Countries of this Land, and especially to the Country people who feed much thereon, that if I should describe it, they would presently say, I might well have spared that Labor: Its Vertues follow.

Vertues and Use.

Rye is more digesting that Wheat; The Bread and the Leaven thereof ripeneth and breaketh Impostumes, Boyls,

[EDGENOTE:] Impostumes, Boyls & Swellings, Pains of the Head, Chops of the Hands or Feet.

and other Swellings: The Meal of Rye put between a double cloth, and moistned with a little Vinegar, and heated in a Pewter dish, set over a Chafing-dish of coals, and bound fast to the Head while it is hot, both much eas the continual pains of the Head. Mathiolus saith, That the ashes of Rye straw put into Water and suffered therein a day and a night, and the Chops of the Hands or Feet washed therewith, doth heal them.

Next section
Table of Contents