The English Physitian, S, pp. 213-224
[p. 212]
SAFFRON.
The Herb needs no Description it being known generally
where it grows.
Place.
It grows frequently at Walden in Essex, and in Cambridg
shire.
Vertues and Use.
It is an Herb of the Sun, and under the Lion, and
therfore you need not demand a reason why it strengthens
the heart so exceedingly; Let not abov ten grains be given
at one time, for if the Sun which is the Fountain of Life,
may dazle the Eyes and make them blind, a Cordial being
taken in an immoderate quantity may hurt the Heart instead
of helping it. It quicken the Brain, for the Sun is
exalted in [astrological symbol for Aries] as well as he hath his House
in [astrological symbol for Leo] it help Consumption of the Lungs, help
difficulty of breathing: it is an excellent thing in
Epidemical Diseases, as Pestilences, smal Pox, and
Measles: It is a notable expulsive Medicine, and a notable
Remedy for the yellow Jaundice. My own Opinion is (but I
have no Author for it) that Hermodactils is nothing else
but the Roots of Saffron dried, and my reason is, that the
Roots of all Crocus both white and yellow purge Flegm as
Hermodactils do, and if you please to dry the Roots of any
Crocus, neither your eye nor your tast shal distinguish it
from Hermodactils.
SAGE.
Our ordinary Garden Sage needeth no Description.
Time.
It Flowreth in or about July.
Vertues and Use.
A Decoction of the Leavs and Branches of Sage made and
drunk, saith Dioscorides provoketh Urine, bringeth down
Womens Courses, helpeth to expel the dead Child, and
causeth the hairs to become black; It staieth the bleeding
of Wounds, and clenseth foul Ulcers or Sores; The said
Decoction made in Wine taketh away the itching ofthe Cods
if they be bathed therwith. Agrippa saith, That if Women
that cannot conceive by reason of the moist slipperiness
of their Wombs shall take a quantity of the Juyce of Sage
with a little Salt for four daies before they company with
their Husbands, it will help them not only to Conceive,
but also to retain the Birth without miscarrying. Orpheus
saith, Three spoonfuls of the Juyce of Sage taken fasting
with a little Honey, doth presently stay the spitting or
casting up of Blood. For them that are in a consumption,
these Pills are much commended. Take of Spicknard and
Ginger of each two drams; of the Seed of Sage toasted at
the fire, eight drams, of long Pepper twelve drams, all
these being brought into fine Pouder, put thereto so much
Juyce of Sage as may make them into a Mass for Pills,
taking a dram of them every morning fasting, and so
[EDGENOTE:] Provoke urine, Womens Courses, Expel the Dead
Child & Afterbirth, Stanch Bleeding, Clense Ulcers &
sores, Itching of the Cods.
likewise at night, drinking a little pure Water after
them. Mathiolus saith, it is very profitable for all
manner of pains of the Head coming of cold and Rhewmatick
Humors, as also for all pains of the Joynts, whether used
inwardly or outwardly, and therfore helpeth the
Falling-sickness, the Lethargy, such as are dull and heavy
of spirit, the Palsey, and is of much use in all
Defluxions of Rhewm from the Head, and for the Diseases of
the Chest or Breast. The Leavs of Sage and Nettles
bruised together, and laid upon the Impostume that riseth
behind the Ears, doth asswage it much: The Juyce of Sage
taken in warm water, helpeth a Hoarsness and the Cough.
[EDGENOTE:] Help Conception & hinder Miscarriage, spitting
Blood, Consumption, Pains of the Head & Joynts,
Falling-sickness, Lethargy, Dulness of spirit, Palsey,
Defluxions of Rhewm, Impostume behind the Ears, Hoarsness
& Cough, Bloody Flux, Biting of Serpents, Worms in the
Ears, or Sores, Quicken the senses & help Memory, Sore
Mouths & Throats, Cankers, Palsey or Cramp, Stitch in the
side.
The Leavs sodden in Wine and laid upon the place affected
with the Palsey helpeth much, if the Decoction be drunk
also. Sage taken with Wormwood is used for the bloody
Flux. Pliny saith, it procureth Womens Courses, and
stayeth them coming down too fast, helpeth the stinging
and biting of Serpents, and killeth the Worms that breed
in the Ears and in Sores. Sage is of excellent use to
help the Memory, warming and quickning the senses; and the
Conserve made of the Flowers is used to the same purpose,
and also for all the former recited Diseases. The Juyce
of Sage drunk with Vinegar hath been of good use in the
time of Plague at all times. Gargles likewise are made
with Sage, Rosemary, Honeysuckles, and Plantane boyled in
Wine or Water, with some Honey and Allum put thereto, to
wash sore Mouthes and Throats, Cankers, or the secret
parts of man or woman as need requireth. And with other
hot and comfortable Herbs. Sage is boyled to bath the
Body or Legs in the Summer time, especially to warm cold
Joynts or Sinews troubled with the Palsey or Cramp, and to
comfort and strengthen the parts. It is much commended
against the Stitch or pains in the side coming of Wind, if
the place be fomented warm with the Decoction thereof in
Wine, and the Herb after the boyling be laid warm also
thereunto.
Jupiter claims this, and bid me tell you it is good for
the liver, and to breed good Blood.
[p. 213]
WOOD-SAGE.
Description.
Wood-Sage riseth up with square hoary Stalks two foot
high at the least, with two Leavs set at every Joynt,
somwhat like other Sage Leavs, but smaller, softer,
whiter, and rounder, and a little dented about the edges
and smelling somwhat strongly: At the tops of the Stalks
and Branches stand the Flowers on a slender long Spike
turning themselves all one way when they blow, and are of
a pale and whitish colour, smaller than Sage, but hooded
and gaping like unto them: The Seed is blackish and round,
four usually set in a husk together: The Root is long and
stringy, with diverse Fibres thereat, and abideth many
yeers.
Place.
It groweth in Woods, and by Wood-sides, as also in
diverse Fields and by Lanes in this Land.
Time.
It Flowreth in June, July, and August.
Vertues and Use.
The Decoction of Wood-Sage provoketh Urine and Womens
Courses: it also provoketh Sweat, digesteth Humors, and
discusseth Swellings, and Nodes in the Flesh, and is
therefore thought to be good against the French Pox. The
[EDGENOTE:] Provokes Urine & Womens Courses, & Sweat.
Decoction of the green Herb made with Wine is a safe and
sure Remedy for those who by falls, bruises, or Blows,
doubt some Vein to be inwardly broken, to disperse and
avoid the congealed blood, and to consolidate the Vein; It
is also good for such as are inwardly or outwardly
bursten, the drink used inwardly, and the Herb applied
outwardly: The same used in the same manner is found to be
[EDGENOTE:] Swellings in the flesh, French Pox, Vein
broken, Bursteness, Palsey, Ulcers & Sores, Green Wounds.
a sure Remedy for the Palsey: The Juyce of the Herb or
the Pouder thereof dried, is good for moist Ulcers and
Sores in the Legs or other parts, to dry them, and caus
them to heal the more speedily: It is no less effectual
also in green Wounds to be used upon any occasion.
SOLOMONS SEAL.
Description.
The common Solomons Seal riseth up with a round Stalk
about half a yard high, bowing or bending down to the top,
set with single Leavs one above another, somwhat large and
like the Leavs of the Lilly-Convalley, or May Lilly, with
an eye of blewish upon the green, with some ribs therein,
and more yellowish underneath. At the foot of every Leaf
almost from the bottom up to the top of the Stalk come
forth small long white and hollow pendulous Flowers,
somwhat like the Flowers of May-Lilly, but ending in five
long points, for the most part two together, at the end of
a long Footstalk, and somtimes but one, and sometimes also
two Stalks with Flowers at the Foot of a Leaf, which are
without any scent at all, and stand all on one side of the
Stalk: After they are past, come in their places, smal
round Berries, green at the first, and blackish green,
tending to blewness when they are ripe, wherein lie smal
white hard and stony Seed: The Root is of the thickness of
ones finger or Thumb, white and knobbed in some places,
with a flat round circle representing a Seal, whereof it
took the name, lying along under the upper crust of the
Earth, and not growing downward but with many fibres
underneath.
Place.
It is frequent in diverse places of this Land, as
namely in a Wood two miles from Canterbury, by
Fishpool-Hill: as also in a bushy Close belonging to the
Parsonage of Alderbury neer Clarindon, two miles from
Salisbury; in Chesson Wood, on Chesson Hill, between
Newington and Sittinborn in Kent, and in diverse other
places, in Essex and other Counties.
Time.
It Flowreth about May, The Root abideth, and shooteth
anew every yeer.
Vertues and Use.
The Root of Solomons Seal is found by experience to be
available in Wounds, Hurts, and outward Sores, to heal and
close up the lips of those that are green, and to dry up
and restrain the Flux of Humors to those that are old: It
is singular good to stay Vomitings, and Bleedings
wheresoever, as also al Fluxes in man or woman, whether
the Whites or Reds in Women, or the running of the Reins
in men; also to knit any Joynt which by weakness useth to
[EDGENOTE:] Wounds & Sores, Vomiting & Bleeding, Fluxes,
Running of the Reins, Knit Joynts, & broken Bones in man &
beast, Ruptures, Bruises & Falls, black & blew Marks,
Beautifie the Face.
be often out of place, or will not stay in long, when it
is set: also to knit and joyn broken Bones in any part of
the Body, the Roots being bruised and applied to the
place. Yea it hath been found by late experience that the
Decoction of the Root in Wine, or the bruised Root put in
Wine or other drink, and after a nights infusion strained
forth hard and drunk, hath holpen both man and Beast whose
Bones have been broken by any occasion, which is the most
assured refuge of help to people of diverse Countries of
this Land, that they can have: It is no less effectual to
help Rupture and Burstings, the Decoction in Wine, or the
Pouder in Broth or Drink being inwardly taken and
outwardly applyed to the Place: The same is also available
for inward
[p. 214]
or outward Bruises, Falls or Blows, both to
dispel the congealed blood, and to take away both the
pains and the black and blew Marks that abide after the
hurt. The same also or the distilled water of the whol
Plant used to the Face or other part of the Skin, clenseth
it from Morphew, Freckles, Spots; or Marks whatsoever,
leaving the place fresh, fair, and Lovely, for which
purpose it is much used by the Italian Dames.
Saturn owns this Plant for he loves his Bones well.
SAMPIRE.
Description.
The Rock Sampire groweth up with a tender green Stalk,
about half a yard or two foot high at the most, branching
forth almost from the very bottom, and stored with sundry
thick, and almost round somwhat long Leavs, of a deep
green colour, somtimes three together, and somtimes more
on a Stalk, and are sappy, and of a pleasant, hot, or
spicy tast: At the tops of the Stalk and Branches, stand
Umbels of white Flowers, and after them come large Seed
bigger than Fennel Seed, yet somwhat alike. The Root is
great, white, and long, continuing many yeers, and is of a
hot spicy tast likewise.
Place.
It groweth on the Rocks that are often moistened at the
least, if not overflown with the Sea water.
Time.
And it Flowreth and Seedeth in the end of July and
August.
Vertues and Use.
It is a safe Herb, very pleasant both to the tast and
Stomach, helping digestion, and in some sort opening the
[EDGENOTE:] Helps digestion, Opens Obstructions, provokes
Urin, Expel Gravel and the Stone.
Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, provoking Urine, and
helping thereby to wash away the Gravel and Stone
ingendred in the Kidneys or Bladder.
SANICLE.
Description.
The ordinary Sanicle sendeth forth many great round
Leavs standing upon long brownish stalkes, every one
somewhat deeply cut or divided into five or six parts, and
some of those also cut in, somwhat like the Leaf of a
Crowfoot, or Doves-foot, and finely dented about the
edges, smooth, and of a dark green shining colour, and
somtimes reddish about the brims, from among which riseth
up smal round green Stalks without any Joynt or Leaf
thereon, saving at the top, where it brancheth forth into
Flowers, having a Leaf devided into three or four parts at
that Joynt with the Flowers, which are smal and whit,
starting out of smal round greenish yellow heads, many
standing together in a tuft; in which afterward are the
Seeds contained, which are smal round rough Burs, somwhat
like the Seeds of Cleavers, and stick in the same manner
upon any thing that they touch: The Root is composed of
may black strings or fibres set together, at a little long
head, which abideth with the green Leavs all the Winter
and perish not.
Place.
It is found in many shadowy Woods, and other places of
this Land.
Time.
It Flowreth in June, and the Seed is ripe shortly
after.
Vertues and Use.
It is exceeding good to heal all green Wounds speedily,
or any Ulcers, Impostumes, or bleedings inwardly: It doth
wonderfully help those that have any Tumors in any part of
their Bodies, for it represseth and dissipateth the
Humors, if the Decoction or Juyce thereof be taken, or the
Pouder in drink, and the Juyce used outwardly; For there
is not found any Herb that can give such present help
either to Man or Beast when the Disease falleth upon the
[EDGENOTE:] Green Wounds, Ulcers, Impostums, Inward
Bleedings, Swellings, Ulcers in the Mouth, Throat &
Privities, Womens Courses, Fluxes of Blood, Lasks, Ulcers
in the Kidneys, Running of the Reins, Ruptures.
Lungs or Throat, and to heal up all the putrid Malignant
Ulcers in the Mouth, Throat, and Privities, by gargling or
washing with the Decoction of the Leavs and Root, made in
Water, and a little Honey put thereto. It helpeth to stay
Womens Courses, and all other Fluxes of Blood either by
the Mouth, Urine or Stool, and Lasks of the Belly, the
Ulceration of the Kidneys also, and the pains in the
Bowels, and the Gonorrhea or running of the Reins, being
boyled in Wine or Water, and drunk. The same also is no
less powerful to help any Ruptures or Burstings, used both
inwardly and outwardly, and briefly it is effectual in
binding, restraining, consolidating, heating, drying, and
healing; as Comfry, Bugle, Self-heal, or any other of the
Confounds, or Vulnerary Herbs whatsoever.
This is one of Venus her Herbs to cure either Wounds,
or what other mischiefs Mars inflicteth upon the Body of
Man.
SARAFENS CONFOUND.
Description.
This groweth very high somtimes with brownish Stalks,
and other whiles with green and hollow to a mans height,
having many long and narrow green Leavs snip'd about the
edges, somwhat like those of the Peach-
[p. 215]
Tree, or Willow
Leavs, but not of such a white green colour: The tops of
the Stalks are furnished with many pale yellow Starlike
Flowers standing in green heads, which when they are
fallen, and the Seed ripe, which is somwhat long, smal,
and of a yellowish brown colour wrapped in down, is
therewith carried away with the wind: The Root is composed
of many strings or fibres, set together at a head, which
perish not in Winter, but abide, although the Stalks dry
away, and no Leaf appeareth in Winter. The tast hereof is
strong and unpleasant, and so is the smel also.
Place.
It groweth in moist and wet grounds by Wood sides, and
somtimes in the moist places of shady Groves, as also by
the water side.
Time.
It Flowreth in July, and the Seed is soon ripe, and
carryed away with the wind.
Vertues and Use.
Among the Germans, this Wound Herb is preferred before
all others of the same quality. Being boiled in Wine and
drunk, it helpeth the indisposition of the Liver, and
freeth the Gall from Obstructions, whereby it is good for
the yellow Jaundice, and for the Dropsie in the beginning
of it, for all inward ulcers of the Reins, or elswhere,
[EDGENOTE:] Obstructions, yellow Jaundice, Dropsie, Ulcers
of the Reins, Inward Wounds & Bruises, Pains in the Body,
Mother, Agues, Green Wounds, Old Sores or Ulcers, Ulcers
in the Mouth or Throat, Sores in the Privy Parts.
and inward Wounds and Bruises: And being steeped in Wine
and then distilled, the Water thereof drunk is singular
good to ease all gnawings in the Stomach, or other pains
of the Body, as also the pains of the Mother: And being
boyled in Water it helpeth continual Agues; And this said
Water, or the Juyce or Decoction, are very effectual to
heal any green Wound or old sore or Ulcer whatsoever,
clensing them from corruption and quickly healing them up:
It is no less effectual for the Ulcers in the mouth or
Throat, be they never so foul or stinking, by washing and
gargling them therewith; and likewise for such Sores as
happen in the privy parts of man or Woman: Briefly
whatsoever hath been said of Bugle or Sanicle, may be
found herein.
Saturn owns this Herb, and 'tis of sober condition like
him.
SAWCEALONE, or JACK BY THE HEDG.
Description.
The lower Leavs of this are rounder than those that
grow towards the tops of the Stalks, and are set singly
one at a Joynt, being somwhat round and broad, and pointed
at the ends, dented also about the edges, somwhat
resembling Nettle Leavs for the form but of a fresher
green colour, and not rough or pricking: The Flowers are
very smal and white, growing at the tops of the Stalks one
above another, which being past, there follow smal and
long round pods, wherein are cantained, smal round Seed
somwhat blackish: The Root is stringy and threddy,
perishing every yeer after it hath given Seed, and raiseth
it self again of its own sowing: The Plant or any part
thereof being bruised, smelleth of Garlick, but more
pleasantly, and tasteth somwhat hot and sharp, almost like
unto Rocket.
Place.
It groweth under Walls, and by Hedg sides, and
Pathwaies in Fields, in many places.
Time.
It Flowreth in June, July, and August.
Vertues and Use.
This is eaten by many Country people as Sawce to their
Salt-fish, and helpeth well to digest the crudities and
other corrupt Humors ingendred thereby, it warmeth also
the Stomach, and causeth digestion: The Juyce thereof
boyled with Honey, is accounted to be as good as
[EDGENOTE:] Helps digestion, Cough, Tough Flegm, Wind
Chollic, Stone, Ulcers in the Legs.
Hedg-Muster for the Cough, to cut and expectorate the
tough Flegm. The Seed bruised and boyled in Wine is a
singular good Remedy for the Wind Chollick, or the Stone,
being drunk warm; It is also given to Women troubled with
the Mother, both to drink, and the Seed put into a Cloth
and applied while it is warm is of singular good use. The
Leavs also or Seed boyled is good to be used in Clysters
to ease the pains of the Stone: The green Leavs are held
to be good to heal the Ulcers in the Legs.
WINTER AND SUMMER SAVORY.
Both these are so well known (being entertained as
constant Inhabitants in our Gardens) that they need no
Description.
Vertues and Use.
They are both of them hot and dry, especially the
Summer kind, which is both sharp and quick in tast,
expelling Wind in the Stomach and Bowels, and is a present
help for the rising of the Mother procured by Wind,
provoketh Urine and Womens Courses, and is much commended
for Women with Child to take inwardly, and to smell often
unto. It cutteth tough Flegm in the Chest and Lungs, and
helpeth to expectorate it the more easily; It quencheth
[EDGENOTE:] Expelleth Wind, Mother, provokes Urine & Womens
Courses, Tough Flegm, Lethargy, Dull sight, Singing in the
Ears & Deafness, Sciatica & Palsey, stinging of Bees &c.,
Chollick, Illiack passion.
the dull spirits in the Lethargy, the Juyce thereof being
snuffed, or cast up into the nostrils: The Juyce dropped
into the Eyes cleareth a dull sight, if it proceed of thin
[p. 216]
cold humors distilling from the Brain: The Juyce heated
with a little Oyl of Roses, and dropped into the Ears
easeth them of the noise and singing in them, and of
deafness also: Outwardly applied with white flower in
manner of a Pultis, it giveth ease to the Sciatica, and
Palsey'd Members, heating and warming them, and taketh
away their pains: It also taketh away the pain that comes
of stinging by Bees, Wasps, &c.
Mercury claims the Dominion over this Herb, neither is
there a better Remedy against the Chollick and Illiack
passions than this Herb, keep it dry by you all the yeer
if you love your selves, and your ease, as 'tis an hundred
pound to a penny if you do not: keep it dry, make
Conserves and Syrups of it for your use; and withal, take
notice that the Summer kind is the best.
THE COMMON WHITE SAXIFRAGE.
Description.
This hath a few smal reddish Kernels or Roots, covered
with some Skins lying among diverse smal blackish Fibres,
which send forth diverse round, faint, or yellowish green
Leavs, and grayish underneath, lying above the ground
unevenly dented about the edges, & somwhat hairy, every
one upon a little footstalk from whence riseth up a round
brownish hairy green stalk, two or three foot high, with a
few such like round Leaves as grow below, but smaller, and
somwhat branched at the top, whereon stand pretty large
white Flowers of five Leaves apiece, with some yellow
threds in the middle, standing in long crested brownish
green Husks: After the Flowers are past there ariseth
somtimes a round hard head by, forked at the top, wherein
is contained small blackish Seed, but usually they fall
away without any Seed; and it is the Kernels or grains of
the Root which are usually called the white Saxifrage
Seed, and so used.
Place.
It groweth in many places of our Land, as well in the
lower moist, as in the upper dry corners of Meadows, and
grassy sandy places; It used to grow neer Lambs Conduit,
on the back side of Grayes-Inn.
Time.
It Flowreth in May, and is then gathered as well for
that which is called the Seed, as to distil, for it
quickly perisheth down to the ground when any hot weather
comes.
Vertues and Use.
It is very effectual to clense the Reins and Bladder,
and to dissolve the Stone ingendred in them, and to expel
it and the Gravel by Urine, to provoke Urine also being
stopped, and to help the Strangury: for which purposes the
Decoction of the Herb or Roots in white Wine, or the
Pouder of the smal Kernelly Roots which is called the Seed
taken in white Wine, or in the same Decoction made with
[EDGENOTE:] Clenseth the Reins, Stone, Gravel, provoke
Urine, Womens Courses, Tough Flegm.
white Wine is most usual. The Distilled water of the whol
Herb, Roots, and Flowers, is most familiar to be taken: It
provoketh also Womens Courses, and freeth and clenseth the
Stomach and Lungs from thick and tough Flegm that troubles
them. There is not many better Medicines to break the
Stone than this.
BURNET SAXIFRAGE.
Description.
The greater sort of our English Burnet Saxifrage
groweth up with diverse long Stalks of winged Leavs, set
directly opposite one to another on both sides, each being
somwhat broad, a little pointed and dented about the
edges, of a sad green colour. At the tops of the Stalks
stand Umbels of white Flowers, after which comes small and
blackish Seed: The Root is long and whitish, abiding long.
Our lesser Burnet Saxifrage, hath much finer Leaves than
the former, and very smal, and set one against another,
deeply jagged about the edges, and of the same colour as
the former: The Umbels of Flowers are white, and the Seed
very small, and so is the Root, being also somwhat hot and
quick in tast.
Place.
These grow in most Meadows of this Land, and are easie
to be found, being well sought for among the Grass,
wherein many times they lie hid scarcely to be discern'd.
Time.
The Flower about July, and their Seed is ripe in
August.
Vertues and Use.
These Saxifrages are as hot as Pepper, and Tragus saith
by his experience they are more wholsom: They have the
same properties that the Parsleys have, but in provoking
Urine, and easing the pains thereof, or of the Wind and
Chollick, are much more effectual; The Roots or Seed being
used either in Pouder, or in Decoction, or any other way;
[EDGENOTE:] Provoke Urine, Ease Wind & Chollick, Mother,
Womens Courses, Stone, Tough Flegm, Venom, Cramps &
Convulsions, Wounds in the Head, Freckles & spots.
and likewise helpeth the Windy pains of the Mother, and to
procure their Courses, to break and avoid the Stone in the
Kidneys, to digest cold, viscous, and tough Flegm in the
Stomach, and is a most especial Remedy against all kind of
Venom. Castorium being boyled in the distilled water
hereof, is singular good to be given to those that are
troubled
[p. 217]
with Cramps and Convulsions: some do use to
make the Seed into Comfits (as they do Caraway Seed) which
is effectual to all the purposes aforesaid. The Juyce of
the Herb dropped into the most grievous Wounds of the
Head, drieth up their moisture and healeth them quickly.
Some Women use the distilled Water, to take away Freckles
or Spots in the Skin or Face: and to drink the same
sweetned with Sugar for all the purposes aforesaid.
SCABIOUS, THREE SORTS.
Description.
The common Field Scabious groweth up with many hairy
soft, whitish green Leaves, some whereof are but very
little, if at all jagged on the edges, others very much
rent and torn on the sides, and have threds in them, which
upon the breaking may be plainly seen: from among which
rise up diverse hairy green Stalks three of four foot
high, with such like hairy green leavs on them, but more
deeply and finely devided, branched forth a little: At the
tops hereof which are naked and bare of Leaves for a good
space, stand round Heads of Flowers, of a pale blewish
colour set together in a head, the outermost wherof are
larger than the inward, wth many threds also in the
middle, somwhat flat at the top, as the Head with Seed is
likewise: The Root is great, white, & thick growing down
deep into the ground, and abideth many yeers. There is
another sort of Field Scabious, different in nothing from
the former, but only it is smaller in all respects.
The Corn Scabious, differeth little from the first, but
that it is greater in all respects and the Flowers more
declining to Purple: And the Root creepeth under the upper
crust of the Earth, and runneth not deep in the ground as
the first doth.
Place.
The first groweth most usually in Meadows, especially
about London every where.
The second in some of the dry Fields about this City,
but not so plentiful as the former.
The third, in the standing Corn, or Fallow Fields, and
the borders of such like Fields.
Time.
They Flower in June and July, and some abide Flowring
until it be late in August, and the Seed is ripe in the
mean time.
There are many other sorts of Scabious, but I take
those which I have here described to be most familiar with
us; The vertues both of these and the rest being much
alike, take them as followeth.
Vertues and Use.
Scabious is very effectual for all sorts of Coughs,
shortness of Breath, and all other Diseases of the Breast
and Lungs, ripening and digesting cold Flegm, and other
tough humors, voiding them forth by Coughing and spitting:
It ripeneth also all sorts of inward Ulcers and
Impostumes, the Plurisie also, if the Decoction of the
Herb dry or green, be made with Wine, and drunk for some
time together: four ounces of the clarified Juyce of
Scabious taken in the morning fasting, with a dram of
Methridate, or Venice Treacle, freeth the heart from any
infection of Pestilence, if after the taking of it, the
party sweat two hours in their Beds; and this Medicine be
again and again repeated if need require: The green Herb
bruised and applied to any Carbuncle or Plague sore, is
found by certain experience to dissolve or break it in
three hours space. The same Decoction also drunk, helpeth
the pains and Stitches in the sides. The Decoction of the
Roots taken for fourty daies together, or a dram of the
Pouder of them taken at a time in Whey, doth (as Mathiolus
saith) wonderfully help those that are troubled with
running or spreading Scabs, Tetters, or Ringworms, yea
though they proceed of the French Pox, which he saith he
hath tryed by experience: The Juyce or Decoction drunk,
helpeth also Scabs and breakings out in Itch and the like:
The Juyce also made up into an Oyntment and used, is
effectual for the same purpose. The same also helpeth all
inward Wounds by the drying, clensing, and healing quality
therin: A Syrup made of the Juyce and Sugar is very
[EDGENOTE:] Coughs & shortness of Breath, Cold Flegm,
Inward Ulcers & Impostumes, Plurisie, Infection, Carbuncle
or Plague sores; Pains or stitches in the side: Scabs,
tetters, Ringworms, Itch, inward Wounds, Cold swellings,
Shrunk Sinews; Freckles & Pimples, Morphew & Lepry,
Dandriff & Scurf, Green Wounds, Old sores & Ulcers,
Splinters, Thorns, & broken Bones &c.
effectual to all the purposes aforesaid, and so is the
distilled water of the Herb and Flowers made in due
season; especially to be used when the green Herb is not
in force to be taken. The Decoction of the Herb and Roots
outwardly applied, doth wonderfully help al sorts of hard
or cold Swellings, in any part of the Body; and is as
effectual for any shrunk Sinew or Vein. The Juyce of
Scabious made up with the Pouder of Borax and Camphire,
clenseth the Skin of the Face or other part of the Body,
not only from Freckles and Pimples, but also from Morphew
and Lepry. The Head washed with the same Decoction
clenseth it from Drandrif, Scurf, Sores, Itches, and the
like, being used warm. Tents also dipped in the Juyce or
Water thereof not only healeth all green Wounds, but old
Sores and Ulcers also: The Herb also bruised and applied
doth in short time loosen, and cause to be drawn forth any
Splinter, broken bone, Arrow head, or other such like
thing lying in the Flesh.
[p. 218]
SCURVY-GRASS.
Description.
Our ordinary English Scurvygrass hath many thick fat
Leavs, more long than broad, and somtimes longer and
narrower, somtimes also smooth on the edges, and somtimes
a little waved, somtimes plain, smooth, and pointed,
somtimes a little hollow in the middle and round pointed,
of a sad green, and somtimes brownish colour, every one
standing by it self upon a long Footstalk, which is
brownish or greenish also: from among which rise smal
slender Stalks, bearing a few Leaves thereon like the
other, but longer and lesser for the most part: At the
tops whereof grow many whitish Flowers, with yellow threds
in the middle, standing about a green head which becometh
the Seed Vessel, which will be somwhat flat when it is
ripe, wherein is contained reddish Seed tasting somwhat
hot: The Root is made of many white strings, which stick
deeply in the mud, wherein it chiefly delighteth: yet it
will well abide in the more upland and dryer grounds, and
tasteth a little brackish or Salt, even there, but not so
much as where it hath the Salt water to feed upon.
Place.
It groweth all along the Thames side, both on the Essex
and Kentish Shoars, from Woolwich round about the Sea
Coasts to Dover, Portsmouth, and even to Bristol, where it
is had in plenty: The other with round Leavs groweth in
the Marshes in Holland in Lincolnshire, and other places
of Lincolnshire by the Sea side.
Description.
There is also another sort called Dutch Scurvy-Grass,
which is most known and frequent in Gardens, which hath
diverse fresh green, and almost round Leaves rising from
the Root, nothing so thick as the former, yet in some rich
ground, very large, even twice so big as in others, not
dented about the edges, not hollow in the middle, every
one standing upon a long Footstalk: from among these rise
up divers long slender weak Stalks higher than the former,
and with more white Flowers at the tops of them, which
turn into smaller pods, and smaller brownish Seed than the
former: The Root is white, smal, and threddy: The tast of
this is nothing Salt at all, but hath an hot Aromatical
spicy tast.
Time.
They Flower in April or May, and give their Seed ripe
quickly after.
Vertues and Use.
The English Scurvy-grass is more used for the Salt tast
it beareth, wch doth somwhat open and clense; but the
Dutch Scurvy-grass is of better effect, and chiefly used
(if it may be had) by those that have the Scurvey,
especially to purge and clense the Blood, the Liver, and
the Spleen, for all which Diseases it is of singular good
[EDGENOTE:] Scurvy, Liver & Spleen, flegmatick Humors, Foul
Ulcers & sore Mouths, Spots & Scars in the Skin.
effect by taking the Juyce in the Spring every morning
fasting in a cup of Drink: The Decoction is good for the
same purpose, and the Herb tunned up in new Drink, either
by it self or with other things, for it openeth
Obstructions, evacuateth cold clammy and Flegmatick Humors
both from the Liver and the Spleen, wasting and consuming
both the swelling and hardness thereof, and thereby
bringing to the body a more lively colour. The Juyce also
helpeth all foul Ulcers and Sores in the Mouth, if it be
often gargled therewith; and used outwardly, clenseth the
Skin from spots, marks, or Scars, that happen therein.
SELF-HEAL.
Description.
The common Self-heal is a small low creeping Herb,
having many small roundish pointed Leavs somwhat like the
Leaves of Wild Mints, of a dark green colour without any
dents on the edges, from among which rise diverse square
hairy Stalks scarce a foot high, which spread somtimes
into Branches with diverse such smal Leaves set thereon,
up to the tops, where stand brown spiked Heads, of many
smal brownish Leaves like scales and Flowers set together,
almost like the Head of Cassidony, which Flowers are
gaping, and of a blewish purple, or more pale blew, in
some places sweet, but not so in others: The Root consists
of many strings or fibres downward, and spreadeth strings
also, whereby it encreaseth: The smal stalks with the
Leaves creeping upon the ground, shoot forth fibres taking
hold of the ground, wherby it is made a great tuft in
short time.
Place.
It is found in Woods and Fields every where.
Time.
It Flowreth in May, and somtimes in April.
Vertues and Use.
As Self-heal is like Bugle in form, so also in the
Qualities and Vertues serving for al the purposes whereto
Bugle is applied with good success either inwardly or
outwardly, for inward Wounds or Ulcers wheresoever within
the Body, for Bruises and Falls and such like hurts: if it
be accompanied with Bugle, Sanicle, and other the like
Wound Herbs it will be the more effectual, and to wash or
inject
[p. 219]
into Ulcers in the parts outwardly where there is
[EDGENOTE:] Inward Wounds & Ulcers, Bruises, Flux of Blood;
Foul sores, Green wounds; Headach; Sores in the Mouth or
Throat & secret parts.
cause to repress the heat and sharpness of Humors flowing
to any sore Ulcer, Inflamation, Swelling or the like, or
to stay the Flux of blood in any Wound or Part, this is
used with good success, as also to clense the foulness of
Sores, and cause them more speedily to be healed. It is
an especial Remedy for all green Wounds to soder the lips
of them, and to keep the place from any further
inconveniences: The Juyce hereof used with Oyl of Roses to
anoint the Temples and Forehead, is very effectual to
remove the Headach: and the same mixed with Honey of
Roses, clenseth and healeth all Ulcers in the Mouth and
Throat, and those also in the secret parts. And the
Proverb of the Germans, French, and others is verified in
this, That he needeth neither Physitian nor Chyrurgion,
that hath Self-heal and Sanicle to help himself.
Here is another Herb of Venus, Self-heal whereby when
you hurt, you may heal your self, 'tis indeed a special
Herb for inward and outward Wounds, take it inwardly in
Syrups for inward Wounds, outwardly in Unguents and
Plaisters for outward.
THE SERVICE-TREE.
This is so well know in the places where it grows that
it needeth no Description.
Time.
It Flowreth before the end of May, and the Fruit is
ripe in October.
Vertues and Use.
Services when they are mellow are fit to be taken to
stay Fluxes, Scowring, and Castings, yet less than
Medlars: if they be dried before they be mellow, and kept
[EDGENOTE:] Fluxes, Scowrings & Casting: Bleeding of wounds
or at Mouth & Nose.
all the yeer, they may be used in Decoctions for the said
purpose, either to drink, or to bath the parts requiring
it: and is profitably used in that manner to stay the
bleeding of Wounds, and at the Mouth or Nose, to be
applied to the Forehead and Nape of the Neck.
SMALLAGE.
This also is very well known, and therefore I shall not
trouble the Reader with any Description thereof.
Place.
It groweth naturally in wet and Marsh grounds, but if
it be sown in Gardens it there prospereth very well.
Time.
It abideth green all the Winter, and Seedeth in August.
Vertues and Use.
Smallage is hotter, dryer, and much more Medicinable
than Parsley, for it much more openeth Obstructions of the
Liver and Spleen, rarifieth thick Flegm, and clenseth it
and the Blood withal. It provoketh Urine and Womens
Courses, and is singular good against the yellow Jaundice:
[EDGENOTE:] Liver & Spleen; Urine & womens Courses, Yellow
Jaundice, Agues; sore Mouths & Throats, Ulcers & Cankers,
wind, worms, stinking Breath.
It is very effectual against Tertian and Quartan Agues, if
the Juyce thereof be taken; but especially made into
Syrup. The Juyce also put to Honey of Roses, and Barley
Water, is very good to Gargle the Mouth and Throat of
those that have Sores and Ulcers in them, and will quickly
heal them: The same Lotion also clenseth and healeth all
other foul Ulcers and Cankers elswhere if they be washed
therewith. The Seed is especially used to break and expel
wind, to kill Worms and to help a stinking Breath: The
Root is effectual to all the purposes aforesaid, and is
held to be stonger in operation than the Herb, but
especially to open Obstructions, and to rid away an Ague,
if the Juyce thereof be taken in Wine, or the Decoction
thereof in Wine be used.
SOPEWORT, or BRUISEWORT.
Description.
The Root creepeth under ground far and neer, with many
Joynts therein, of a brown colour on the outside and
yellowish within, shooting forth in diverse places many
weak round Stalks, full of Joynts, set with two Leaves
apiece to every one of them on the contrary side, which
are ribbed somwhat like unto Plantane, and fashioned like
the common field white Campion Leaves, seldom having any
Branches from the sides of the Stalks, but set with
diverse Flowers at the top standing in long Husks like the
wild Campions, made of five Leavs apiece, round at the
ends, and a little dented in the middle, of a pale Rose
colour, almost white, somtimes deeper, and somtimes paler,
of a reasonable good scent.
Place.
It groweth wild in many low and wet grounds of this
Land, by the Brooks, and sides of running Waters.
Time.
It Flowreth usually in July, and so continueth all
August, and part of September before they be quite spent.
[p. 220]
Vertues and Use.
The Country people in diverse places do use to bruise
the Leaves of Sopewort, and lay it to their Fingers,
Hands, or Legs when they are cut, to heal them up again.
[EDGENOTE:] Cut Fingers, provokes Urine, Expels Gravel &
Stone, Dropsie, French Pox.
Some make great boast thereof that it is Diuretical to
provoke Urine, and thereby to expel Gravel and the Stone
in the reins or Kidneys: and do also account it singular
good to avoid Hydropical waters thereby to cure the
disease of the Dropsie: And they no less extol it to
perform an absolute cure in the French Pox, more than
either Sarsaparilla, Gujacum, or China can do, which how
true it is, I leave to others to judg.
SORREL.
Our ordinary Sorrel, which groweth in Gardens and also
wild in the Fields, is so well known that it needeth no
Description.
Vertues and Use.
Sorrel is prevalent in all hot Diseases, to cool any
Inflamation and heat of Blood in Agues Pestilential or
Chollerick, or other sicknesses and faintings, rising from
heat, and to refresh the overspent Spirits with the
violence of furious or fiery fits of Agues, to quench
Thirst, and procure an Appetite in fainting or decayd
Stomachs: for it resisteth the putrefaction of the Blood,
killeth Worms, and is as a Cordial to the heart which the
Seed doth more effectually being more drying and binding,
and thereby stayeth the hot Fluxes of Womens Courses, or
of Humors in the Bloody Flux, or Flux of the Stomach. The
[EDGENOTE:] Cooleth Inflamations, & heat of Blood; Agues,
Quench thirst, Provoke Appetite, Kill worms, Womens
Courses; Fluxes, Poyson, Jaundice, Gravel & stone, Black
Jaundice, Inward Ulcers; Itch, Tetters & Ringworms,
Kernels in the Throat, sore Mouth, Impostume, Boyl or
Plague sore.
Roots also in a Decoction, or in Pouder, is effectual for
all the said purposes. Both Roots and Seed as well as the
Herb is held powerful to resist the poyson of the
Scorpion. The Decoction of the Roots is taken to help the
Jaundice, and to expel Gravel and the Stone in the Reins
or Kidneys. The Decoction of the Flowers made with Wine
and drunk helpeth the black Jaundice, as also the inward
Ulcers of the Body or Bowels. A Syrup made with the Juyce
of Sorrel and Fumitary is a Soveraign help to kill those
sharp Humors that cause the Itch. The Juyce thereof with a
little Vinegar serveth well to be used outwardly for the
same cause, and is also profitable for Tetters, Ringworms
&c. It helpeth also to discuss the Kernels in the Throat,
and the Juyce gargled in the Mouth helpeth the Sores
therein. The Leaves wrapped up in a Colewoort Leaf, and
roasted under the Embers, and applied to a hard Impostume,
Botch, Boyl, or Plague Sore, both ripeneth and breaketh
it. The Distilled water of the Herb is of much good use
for all the purposes aforesaid.
Venus owns it, and she will never deny the Herb that
follows.
WOOD SORREL.
Description.
This groweth low upon the ground, having a number of
Leaves coming from the Root, made of three Leaves like a
Trefoyl but broad at the ends and cut in the middle, of a
faint yellowish green colour, every one standing on a long
Footstalk, which at their first coming up are close folded
together to the Stalk, but opening themselves afterwards,
and are of a fine sowr rellish, and yeelding a Juyce which
will turn red when it is clarified, and maketh a
most-dainty clear Syrup: Among these Leavs riseth up
diverse slender weak Footstalks, with every one of them a
Flower at the top, consisting of five small pointed Leaves
Star fashion, of a white colour in most places, and in
some dash'd over with a small shew of blush, on the back
side only: After the Flowers are past follow smal round
heads, with small yellowish Seed in them: The Roots are
nothing but smal strings fastned to the end of a smal long
piece, all of them being of a yellowish colour.
Place.
It groweth in many places of our Land, in Woods and
Wood sides, where they be moist and shadowed, and in other
places not too much open to the Sun.
Time.
It Flowreth in April and May.
Vertues and Use.
Wood Sorrel, serveth to all purposes that the other
Sorrels do, and is more effectual in hindring the
putrefaction of Blood, and Ulcers in the Mouth and Body,
and in cooling and tempering heats & Inflamations, to
quench thirst, to strengthen a weak Stomach, to procure an
appetite, to stay Vomiting, and very excellent in any
contagious sickness, or Pestilential Feavers. The Syrup
made of the Juyce is effectual in all the causes
aforesaid, and so is the Distilled Water of the Herb also.
[EDGENOTE:] Ulcers, Inflamations, procure Appetite, stay
Vomiting, Pestilential Feavers, Hot swellings, Canker or
Ulcer in the Mouth, Wounds or scabs, Defluxions.
Spunges or Linnen Cloathes wet in the Juyce and applied
outwardly to any hot Swellings or Inflamations, doth much
cool and help them: The same Juyce taken and gargled in
the Mouth, and after it is spit forth, fresh taken, doth
wonderfully help a foul stinking Canker, or Ulcer therein.
It is singular good in Wounds, Thrusts, and Stabs in the
Body, to stay bleeding, and to clense and heal the Wounds
speedily; and helpeth to stay any hot Defluxions into the
Throat or Lungs.
[p. 221]
SOW-THISTLES.
These are generally so well known that they need no
Description.
Place.
They grow in our Gardens and manured Grounds, and
somtimes by old Walls, the path sides of Fields and
High-waies.
Vertues and Use.
Sow-thistles are cooling and somwhat binding, and are
very fit to cool an hot Stomach, and to ease the gnawing
pains thereof; The Herb boyled in Wine is very helpful to
stay the dissolutions of the Stomach: And the Milk that is
taken from the Stalks when they are broken, given in
drink, is beneficial to those that are short Winded and
have a wheesing withal: Pliny saith that it hath caused
the Gravel and Stone to be voided by Urine, and that the
eating thereof helpeth a stinking breath: Three spoonfuls
of the Juyce thereof taken in white Wine warmed, and some
Oyl put thereto causeth Women in Travel to have so easie
and speedy delivery, that they may be able to walk
presently after: The said Juyce taken in warm drink,
helpeth the Strangury and pains in making water.
[EDGENOTE:] Pains & heat of the Stomach, short wind &
wheesing, Gravel & Stone, stinking Breath, speedy
Delivery, Strangury, Milk increased, Deafness & singing in
the Ears, Inflamed Eyes, Wheals, & Blisters, Hemorrhoids,
Cleer the Face.
The Decoction of the Leaves and Stalks, causeth
abundance of Milk in Nurses, and their Children to be well
coloured, and is good for those whose Milk doth curdle in
their Breasts. The Juyce boyled or throughly heated with
a little Oyl of Bitter Almonds in the Pill of a
Pomegranate, and dropped into the Ears, is a sure Remedy
for Deafness, singings, and all other Diseases in them.
The Herb bruised or the Juyce is profitably applied to all
hot Inflamations in the Eyes, or wheresoever else, and for
Wheals, Blisters, or other the like eruptions of heat in
the Skin; as also for the heat and itching of the
Hemorrhoids, and the heat and sharpness of Humors in the
Secret parts of man or Woman: The distilled water of the
Herb, is not only effectual for all the Diseases aforesaid
to be taken inwardly with a little Sugar(which Medicine
the daintiest Stomach will not refuse) but outwardly, by
applying Cloathes or Spunges wetted therein: It is
wonderful good for Women to wash their Faces therewith, to
cleer the Skin, and give a lustre thereto.
SOUTHERNWOOD.
This is so well known to be an Ordinary Inhabitant in
our Gardens, that I shall not need to trouble you with any
Description thereof. The Vertues are as followeth.
Time.
It Flowreth for the most part in July and August.
Vertues and Use.
Dioscorides saith, That the Seed bruised, heated in
warm Water & drunk, helpeth those that are Bursten, or
troubled with Cramps, or Convulsions of the Sinews, the
Sciatica, or difficulty in making water, and bringeth down
Womens Courses. The same taken in Wine is an Antidote or
Counter poyson against all deadly Poyson, and driveth away
Serpents, and other venemous Creatures; as also the smel
of the Herb being Burnt, doth the same. The Oyl thereof
anointed on the Backbone before the Fits of Agues come
[EDGENOTE:] Bursten, Cramps & Convulsions, Sciatica,
Strangury, Womens Courses, Poyson, Agues, Inflamed Eyes,
Pimples, Pushes & Wheals, Worms, Splinters & Thorns, Old
Ulcers, Sores in the Privities, Baldness, French pox,
Stone, Spleen & Mother.
taketh them away: it taketh away Inflamations in the Eyes,
if it be put with some part of a roasted Quince and boyled
with a few crums of bread and applied. Boyled with Barley
Meal it taketh away Pimples, Pushes, or Wheals, that rise
in the Face or other part of the Body. The Seed as well
as the dried Herb is often given to kill the Worms in
Children: The Herb bruised and laid to, helpeth to draw
forth Splinters, and Thorns out of the Flesh. The Ashes
thereof dryeth up and healeth old Ulcers that are without
Inflamation, although by the sharpness thereof it biteth
sore and putteth them to sore pains: as also the Sores in
the privy Parts of man or woman. The Ashes mingled with
old Sallet Oyl, helpeth those that have their hair fallen
and are bald, causing the hair to grow again either on the
Head or Beard. Durantes saith, That the Oyl made of
Southernwood and put among the Oyntments that are used
against the French Disease, is very effectual, and
likewise killeth Lice in the Head. The Distilled Water of
the Herb is said to help them much that are troubled with
the Stone, as also for the Diseases of the Spleen and
Mother. The Germans commend it for a singular Wound Herb,
and therefore call it Stabwort. It is held by all
Writers, Antient and Modern to be more offensive to the
stomach than Wormwood.
[p. 222]
SPIGNEL.
Description.
The Roots of common Spignel do spread much and deep in
the ground, many strings or branches growing from one Head
which is hairy at the tops, of a blackish brown colour on
the outside and white within, smelling well,a nd of an
Aromatical tast, from whence rise sundry long stalks of
most fine cut Leaves like hairs, smaller than Dill, set
thick on both sides of the Stalks, and of a good scent.
Among these Leaves rise up round stif stalks, with few
Joynts and Leaves at them, and at the tops an Umbel of
fine pure white Flowers, at the edges whereof somtimes
will be seen a shew of reddish blush colour, especially
before they be full blown, and are succeeded by smal
somwhat round Seed, bigger than the ordinary Fennel, and
of a browner colour, devided into two parts, and crested
on the back, as most of the Umbelliferous Seeds are.
Place.
It groweth wild in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and other
Northern Countries, and is also planted in Gardens.
Vertues and Use.
Galen saith, The Roots of Spignel are available to
provoke Urine and Womens Courses, but if too much thereof
be taken it causeth Headach: The Roots boyled in Wine or
Water and drunk, helpeth the Strangury, and stoppings of
the Urine, the Wind, swellings and pains in the Stomach,
[EDGENOTE:] Provokes Urine & Womens Courses, Strangury,
pain in the stomach, Mother, Joynt aches; Tough flegm;
Venemous Creatures.
pains of the Mother, and all Joynt Aches. If the Pouder
of the Roots be mixed with Honey, and the same taken as a
licking Medicine, it breaketh tough Flegm, and drieth up
the Rhewm that falleth on the Lungs. The Roots are
accounted very effectual against the stinging or biting of
any Venemous Creature, and is one of the Ingredients in
Methridate, and other Antidotes for the same.
SPLEENWORT, or CETERACH.
Description.
The smooth Spleenwort from a black, threddy and bushy
Root, sendeth forth many long single Leaves, cut in on
both sides into round dents, almost to the middle, which
is not so hard as that of Pollipodie, each devision being
not alwaies set opposite unto the other, but between each,
smooth, and of a light green on the upper side, and a dark
yellowish roughness on the back, folding or rolling it
self inward at the first springing up.
Place.
It groweth as well upon stone walls as moist and
shadowy places about Bristol and other the West parts
plentifully; as also on Framingham Castle, on Beckonsfield
Church in Barkshire, at Strowde in Kent, and elswhere, and
abideth green all the Winter.
Vertues and Use.
It is generally used against infirmities of the Spleen,
it helpeth the strangury and wasteth the Stone in the
Bladder, and is good against the yellow Jaundice and the
Hiccough; but the use of it in Women hindreth Conception.
Mathiolus saith, That if a dram of the dust that is on the
back side of the Leaves, be mixed with half a dram of
Amber in Pouder, and taken with the Juyce of Purslane or
[EDGENOTE:] Spleen, Strangury, Stone, yellow Jaundice;
Running ofthe Reins, Melancholly Diseases.
Plantane, it will help the running of the Reins speedily,
and that the Herb and Root being boyled and taken, helpeth
all Melanchollick Diseases, and those especially that
arise from the French Disease. Camerarius saith, That the
Distilled water thereof being drunk is very effectual
against the Stone in the Reins and Bladder: and that the
Ly that is made of the Ashes thereof being drunk for some
time together, helpeth Splenetick persons: It is used in
outward Remedies for the same purpose.
STAR-THISTLE.
Description.
The common Star-thistle hath diverse long and narrow
Leaves lying next the ground, cut or torn on the edges,
somwhat deeply, into many almost even parts, soft or a
little woolley all over the green, among which rise up
diverse weak stalks parted into many Branches all lying,
or leaning down to the ground, that it seemeth a pretty
Bush, set with diverse the like devided Leaves up to the
tops, where severally do stand long and small whitish
green heads, set with very sharp and long white pricks (no
part of the Plant being else prickly) which are somwhat
yellowish: out of the middle whereof riseth the Flower
composed of many small reddish purple threds; and in the
Heads after the Flowers are past, come small whitish round
Seed lying in down, as others do. The Root is small,
long, and woody, perishing every yeer, and rising again of
its own sowing.
Place.
It groweth wild in the Fields about London in many
places, as at Mile-end-Green, in Finsbury Fields beyond
the Wind-mils, and many other places.
[p. 223]
Time.
It Flowreth early, and Seedeth in July, and somtimes in
August.
Vertues and Use.
The Seed of this Star-thistle made into Pouder and
drunk in Wine, provoketh Urine, and helpeth to break the
Stone, and drive it forth. The Root in Pouder and given
in Wine and drunk, is good against the Plague or
[EDGENOTE:] Provokes Urine, stone, plague, fistula, french
pox, Obstructions, Agues.
Pestilence, and drunk in the mornings fasting for some
time together, is very profitable for a Fistula in any
part of the Body. Baptista Sardus doth much commend the
distilled Water hereof being drunk; to help the French
Disease, to open Obstructions of the Liver, and clense the
Blood from corrupted Humors, and is profitably given
against Quotidian or Tertian Agues.
STRAWBERRIES.
These are so well known through this Land, that they
need no Description.
Time.
They Flower in May ordinarily, and the Fruit is ripe
shortly after.
Vertues and Use.
Strawberries when they are green, are cold and dry, but
when they are ripe they are cold and moist: The Berries
are excellent good to cool the Liver, the Blood and the
Spleen, or an hot Chollerick stomach, to refresh & comfort
the fainting Spirits, & to quench Thirst: They are good
also for other Inflamations, yet it is not amiss to
refrain them in a Feaver, lest by their putrefying in the
Stomach they encrease the Fits. The Leavs and Roots
boyled in Wine and Water and drunk, do likewise cool the
Liver and Blood,and asswage all Inflamations in the Reins
and bladder, provoketh Urine, and allayeth the heat and
sharpness thereof: The same also being drunk stayeth
the Bloody Flux, and Womens Courses, and helpeth the
Swellings of the Spleen. The Water of the Berries
carefully distilled is a Soveraign Remedy and Cordial in
the panting and beating of the Heart, and is good for the
yellow Jaundice. The Juyce dropped into foul Ulcers, or
they washed therewith, or the Decoction of the Herb and
Root, doth wonderfully clense, and help to cure them.
[EDGENOTE:] Cool the Liver, Spleen, & stomach, Quench
Thirst, Inflamations, Provoke Urine, stay the Bloody flux
& Womens Courses, panting of the heart, Yellow Jaundice,
Ulcers, sore Mouths or Ulcers in thep rivities, Loos
teeth, Catarrhs & Defluxions, Inflamed Eyes.
Lotions and Gargles for sore Mouthes, or Ulcers therin, or
in the privy Parts, or elswhere, are made with the Leaves
and Roots hereof; which is also good to fasten loose
Teeth, and to heal spungy foul Gums: It helpeth also to
stay Catarrhs or Defluxions of Rhewm into the Mouth,
Throat, Teeth, or Eyes; The Juyce or Water is singular
good for hot and red Inflamed Eyes, if dropped into them,
or they bathed therewith; it is also of excellent property
for all Pushes, Wheals, and other breakings forth of hot &
sharp Humors in the Face and Hands, or other parts of the
Body, to bath them therewith; and to take away any redness
in the Face, or Spots, or other Deformites in the Skin,
and to make it cleer and smooth. Some use this Medicine,
Take so many Strawberries as you shall think fitting, and
put them into a Distillatory or body of Glass fit for
them, which being well closed, set it in a bed of Horsdung
for twelve or fourteen daies, and afterwards distill it
carefully and keep it for your use: It is excellent
water, for hot inflamed Eyes, and to take away any film or
Skin that beginneth to grow over them, and for such other
defects in them as may be helped by any outward Medicine.
Venus owns the Herb.
SUCCORY.
Description.
The Garden Succory hath longer and narrower Leaves than
Endive, and more cut in or torn on the edges, and the Root
abideth many yeers: It beareth also blew Flowers like
Endive, and the Seed is hardly distinguished from the Seed
of the smooth or ordinary Endive.
The wild Succory hath diverse long Leaves lying on the
ground very much cut in or torn on the edges, on both
sides even to the middle rib ending in a point; somtimes
it hath a red Rib down the middle of the Leaves, from
among which riseth up a hard, round, woody stalk spreading
into many Branches, set with smaller and lesser devided
Leaves on them up to the tops where stand the Flowers,
which are like the Garden kind as the Seed is also (only
take notice that the Flowers of the Garden kind are gone
in one Sunny day, they being so cold that they are not
able to endure the Beams of the Sun; and therfore most
delight in the shadow.) The Root is white, but more hard
and woody than the Garden kind: The whol Plant is
exceeding bitter.
Place.
This groweth in many places of our Land, in wast,
untilled, and barren Fields. The other only in Gardens.
Vertues and Use.
Garden Succory as it is more dry, and less cold than
Endive, so it openeth more: An handful of the Leavs or
Roots boyled in Wine or Water, and a draught thereof drunk
fasting, driveth forth Chollerick and Flegmatick Humors;
[EDGENOTE:] Chollerick & flegmatick Humors, Obstructions,
Yellow Jaundice, Hot Reins & Urine, Dropsie, Agues.
openeth Obstructions of the Liver, Gall, and Spleen,
helpeth the yellow Jaundice, the Heat of the Reins and of
the Urin,
[p. 224]
the Dropsie also, and those that have an evil
disposition in their Bodies by reason of long sickness,
evil Diet &c. which the Greeks call [Greek script)
Cachexia. A Decoction thereof made with Wine and drunk,
is very effectual against long lingring Agues: and a dram
[EDGENOTE:] passions of the Heart, Headach, Swellings &
Inflamations, St. Anthonies fires, pushes, wheals &
pimples, Inflamed Eyes, Too much Milk.
of the Seed in Pouder drunk in Wine before the Fit of an
Ague, helpeth to drive it away: The Distilled Water of the
Herb and Flowers (if you can take them in time) hath the
properties, and is especial good for hot Stomachs, and in
Agues, either Pestilential or of long continuance, for
swounings and Passions of the Heart, for the heat and
Headach in Children, and to the blood and Liver. The said
water or the Juyce, or the bruised Leaves applied
outwardly, allayeth Swellings, Inflamations, St. Anthonies
Fire, Pushes, Wheals, and Pimples, especially used with a
little Vinegar, as also to wash pestiferous Sores. The
said Water is very effectual for sore Eyes that are
inflamed with redness, and for Nurses Breasts that are
pained by the abundance of Milk.
The wild Succory as it is more bitter, so it is more
strengthning to the Stomach and Liver.
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