The English Physitian, T, pp. 224-231
[p. 224]
ENGLISH TOBACCO.
Description.
This riseth up with a thick round Stalk about two foot
high, whereon do grow thick fat green leaves, nothing so
large as the other Indian kinds, somwhat round pointed
also, and nothing dented about the edges: The Stalk
brancheth forth, and beareth at the tops diverse Flowers
set in green Husks, like the other but nothing so large,
scarce standing above the Brims of the Husks, round
pointed also, and of a greenish yellow colour. The Seed
that followeth is not so bright, but larger, contained in
the like great Heads. The Roots are neither so great, nor
woody, and perishing every yeer with the hard Frosts in
Winter, but riseth generally of its own sowing.
Place.
This came from some parts of Brassile as is thought,
and is more familier to our Country, than any of the other
sorts, early giving ripe Seed, which the others seldom do.
Time.
It Flowreth from June somtimes to the end of August, or
later, and the Seed ripeneth in the mean time.
Vertues and Use.
It is found by good experience to be available to
expectorate tough Flegm from the Stomach, Chest, and
Lungs: The Juyce thereof made into a Syrup, or the
distilled water of the Herb drunk with some Sugar, or
without if you will: Or the smoke taken by a Pipe as is
usual, but fasting. The same helpeth to expel Worms in
the Stomach and Belly, and to ease the pains in the Head
or Meagrim, and the griping pains in the Bowels: It is
[EDGENOTE:] Tough Flegm, worms, Meagrim, pains in the
Bowels, Gravel & Stone, wind.
profitable for those that are troubled with the Stone in
the Kidneys, both to ease pains and by provoking Urine to
expel Gravel and the Stone ingendred therein, and hath
been found very effectual to expel windiness and other
Humors which cause the strangling of the Mother: The Seed
hereof is very effectual to help the Toothach, and the
Ashes of the burnt Herb, to clense the Gums, and make the
Teeth white. The Herb bruised and applied to the place
grieved with the Kings Evil (as they call it) helpeth it
in nine or ten daies effectually: Monardus saith it is a
Counter-poyson for the biting of any Venemous Creature;
the Herb also being outwardly applied to the hurt place:
[EDGENOTE:] Mother, toothach, Kings Evil, Venemous
Creature, Ague, Cramps & Aches, Sciatica, Itch, Scabs &
Ulcers, Cankers & foul Sores, Lice, Fresh wound, Old
sores, Impostums & hard Swellings.
The distilled water is often given with some Sugar before
the Fit of an Ague to lessen them, and take them away in
three or four times using. If the Distilled fieces of the
Herb having been bruised before the Distillation, and not
distilled dry be set in warm dung for fourteen daies, and
afterwards hung up in a Bag in a Wine Celler; that liquor
that distilleth therefrom is singular good to use for
Cramps, Aches, the Gout, and Sciatica, and to heal Itches,
Scabs, and running Ulcer, Cankers, and foul Sores
whatsoever: The Juyce is also good for all the said
griefs, and likewise to kill Lice in Childrens Heads. The
green Herb bruised and applied to any green Wound, cureth
any fresh Wound or cut whersoever: and the Juyce put into
old Sores both clenseth and healeth them: There is also
made hereof a singular good Salve to help Impostumes, hard
Tumors, and other swellings by blows or falls.
THE TAMARISK TREE.
This is so well known in the places where it grows that
it needeth no Description.
Time.
It Flowreth about the end of May, or in June, and the
Seed is ripe and blown away in the beginning of September.
Vertues and Use.
If the Root, Leaves, or yong Branches be boyled in Wine
or Vinegar and drunk, and applied outwardly, it is very
powerful against the hardness of the spleen. The Leaves
boyled in Wine and drunk is good to stay the bleeding of
the Hemorrhoidal Veins, the spitting of Blood, and Womens
too abounding Courses, and helpeth the Jaundice, the
[EDGENOTE:] Spleen, Hemorrhoids, spitting Blood, womens
Courses, Jaundice & Chollick, Venemous Serpents.
Chollick, and
[p. 225]
the bitings of all Venemous Serpents, except
the Asp. The Bark is as effectual if not more to all the
purposes aforesaid, and both it and the Leaves boyled in
Wine, and the Mouth and Teeth washed therewith helpeth the
Toothach; being dropped into the Ears easeth the pains,
and is good for the redness and watering of the Eyes. The
said Decoction with some Honey put thereto is good to stay
Gangrenes and fretting Ulcers, and to wash those that are
subject to Nits and Lice. The Wood is very effectual to
consume the Spleen, and therefore to drink out of Cups and
Cans made thereof is good for Splenetick persons. The
[EDGENOTE:] Toothach, Pain in the Ears, watering Eyes,
Gangrenes & Ulcers, Nits & Lice, Spleen, Burning &
Scalding, French Pox, Lepry & Scabs, Dropsie, Melancholly,
Black Jaundice.
Ashes of the Wood are used for all the purposes aforesaid,
and besides doth quickly help the Blisters raised by
Burnings or Scaldings, by fire or water. Alpinus and
Veslingius do affirm, That the Aegyptians do with as good
success use the Wood hereof to cure the French Disease, as
others do Lignum Vite, or Gujacum; and give it also to
such as are possessed with Lepry, Scabs, Pushes, Ulcers,
or the like, and is available also to help the Dropsie,
arising from the hardness and Obstruction of the Spleen,
as also for Melancholly, and the black Jaundice that
ariseth thereof.
GARDEN TANSIE.
This also is so well known, that it needeth no
Description.
Time.
It Flowreth in June and July.
Vertues and Use.
Thee Decoction of the common Tansie, or the Juyce drunk
in Wine is a singular Remedy for all the griefs that come
by stopping of the Urine, helpeth the Strangury and those
that have weak Reins and Kidneys: It is also very
profitable to dissolve and expel Wind in the Stomach,
Belly, or Bowels, to procure Womens Courses, and expel
windiness in the Matrix. If it be bruised and often
smelled unto, as also applied to the lower part ofthe
Belly, it is very profitable for such Women as are given
to miscarry in Childbearing, to caus them to go out their
full time: It is used also against the Stone in the
Reins, especially to men. The Herb fried with Eggs (as is
accustomed in the Spring time) which is called a Tansie,
helpeth to digest, and carry downward those bad Humors
that trouble the Stomach: The Seed is very profitably
given to Children for the Worms, and the Juyce in Drink is
as effectual. Being boyled in Oyl it is good for the
sinews shrunk by Cramps, or pained with cold, if thereto
applied.
Dame Venus was minded to pleasure Women with Child by
this Herb, for there grows not an Herb fitter for their
uses than this is, it is just as though it were cut out
for the purpose, the Herb bruised and applied to the Navil
staies miscarriage, I know no Herb like it for that use;
[EDGENOTE:] Disury, Strangury, Reins, Kidneys, wind, Womb,
Miscarriage, Stone, Stomach, Worms, Cramps.
boyled in ordinary Beer, and the Decoction drunk, doth the
like, and if her Womb be not as she would have, this
Decoction will make it as she would have it, or as least
as she should have it; let those Women that desire
Children love this Herb, 'tis their best Companion, their
Husband excepted. Also it consumes the Flegmatick Humors,
the cold and moist constitution of Winter most usually
infects the Body of Man with, and that was the first
reason of eating Tansies in the Spring, as last the world
being over run with Popery, a Monster called Superstition
perks up his head, and as a just Judgment of God obscures
the bright beams of Knowledg by his dismal looks
(Pysitians seeing the Pope and his Imps selfish they began
to be so too) and now forsooth Tansies must be eaten only
on Palm and Easter Sundaies, and their neighbor daies; as
last Superstion of the time was found out, but the Vertue
of the Herb hidden, and now 'tis almost, if not
altogether, left off: Surely our Physitians are beholding
to none so much as they are to Monks and Fryars, for want
of eating this Herb in Spring, make people sickly in
Summer, and that makes work for the Physitian. If it be
against any man or womans Conscience to eat a Tansie in
the Spring, I am as unwilling to burden their consciences
as I am that they should burden mine, they may boyl it in
Wine and drink the Decoction, it will work the same
effect.
WILD TANSIE, or SILVERWEED.
This also is so well known that it needeth no
Description.
Place.
It groweth almost in every place.
Time.
It Flowreth in June and July.
Vertues and Use.
Wild Tansie stayeth the Lask, and all Fluxes of Blood
in men or women, which some say it will do if the green
Herb be worn in the Shoos, so it be next the Skin, and
'tis true enough that 'twil stop the Terms if worn so, and
the Whites too for ought I know. It stayeth also spitting
or Vomiting of Blood. The
[p. 226]
Pouder of the dried Herb taken
in some of the distilled Water helpeth the Whites in
women, but more especially if a little Coral and Ivory in
Pouder be put to it: It is also much commended to help
Children that are bursten and have a Rupture being boyled
in Water and Salt. Being boyled in Wine and drunk , it
easeth the griping pains of the Bowels, and is good for
the Sciatica and Joynt Aches. The same boyled in Vinegar
with Honey and Allum, and gargled in the Mouth, easeth the
pains of the Toothach, fastneth loose Teeth, helpeth the
Gums that are sore, and setleth the pallat of the Mouth in
its place when it is fallen down: It clenseth and healeth
the Ulcers in the Mouth or secret parts, and is very good
for inward Wounds, and to close the lips of green Wounds;
[EDGENOTE:] Flux, Terms stops, Spitting Vomiting of Blood,
Whites, Ruptures, Belly-ach, Sciatica, Joynts, toothach,
Loos teeth, Gums, Ulcers in the Mouth, wounds, Sore Legs,
pimples, Freckles, Sunburning.
as also to heal old, moist, corrupt running Sores in the
Legs or elswhere: Being bruised and applied to the Soles
of the Feet, and the Hand-wrests, it wonderfully cooleth
the hot fits of Agues, be they never so violent. The
distilled water clenseth the skin of all disclourings
therein, as Morphew, Sunburnings &c. as also Pimples,
Freckles, and the like; and dropped into the Eyes or
cloaths wet therein and applied, taketh away the heat, and
Inflamations in them.
Now Dame Venus hath fitted women with two Herbs of one
name, one to help Conception, the other to maintain
beauty, and what more can be expected of her? What now
remains for you but to love your Husbands, and not to be
wanting to your poor Neighbors.
THISTLES.
Of these there are many kinds growing here in England,
which are so well known that they need no Description:
Their difference is easily known by the places where they
grow: Viz.
Place.
Some grow in Fields, some in Meadows, and some among
the Corn: others, on Heaths, Greens, and wast grounds in
many places.
Time.
They all Flower in July and August, and their Seed is
ripe quickly after.
Vertues and Use.
All these Thistles are good to provoke Urine, and to
amend the stinking smell thereof; as also the rank smel of
the Armpits, or of the whol Body, being boyled in Wine and
[EDGENOTE:] Disury, Ill smel, stinking Breath, Stomach.
drunk; and are said also to help a stinking breath and to
strengthen the Stomach. Pliny saith that the Juyce bathed
on the place that wanteth hair, it being fallen off, will
cause it to grow again speedily.
Sure Mars rules it, it is such a prickly business.
THE MELANCHOLLY THISTLE.
Description.
This riseth up with a tender single hoary green Stalk,
bearing thereon four or five long hoary green Leaves,
dented about the edges, the points whereof are little or
nothing prickly, and at the top usually but one Head, yet
somtimes from the bosom of the upper most Leaf there
shooteth forth another smaller Head, scaly and somwhat
prickly; with many reddish Purple Thrums or Threds in the
middle, which being gathered fresh will keep the colour a
long time, and fadeth not from the Stalk in a long time,
while it perfecteth the Seed, which is of a mean bigness
lying in the Down: The Root hath many long Strings fastned
to the Head, or upper part, which is blackish and
perisheth not.
There is another sort little differing from the former,
but that the Leaves are more green above and more hoary
underneath; and the Stalk being about two foot high
beareth but one large scaly Head, with threds and Seeds as
the former.
Place.
They grow in many moist Meadows of this Land, as well
in these Southern, as in the Northern parts.
Time.
They Flower about July, or August, and their Seed
ripeneth quickly after.
Vertues and Use.
Their Vertues are but a few, but those not to be
despised, for the Decoction of the Thistles in Wine being
drunk, expels superfluous Melancholly out of the Body, and
make a man as merry as a Cricket, superfluous Melancholly
causeth care, fear, sadness, despair, envy, and many evils
more besides, but Religion, teacheth to wait upon Gods
Providence, and cast our care upon Him, who careth for us;
what a fine thing were it if men and women could live so?
[EDGENOTE:] Melancholly.
and yet seven yeers care and fear makes a man never the
wiser, nor a farthing the richer. Dioscorides saith, the
Root born about one doth the like, and removes all
diseases of Melancholly. Modern Writers laugh at him, let
them laugh that wins, my Opionin is, that 'tis the best
Remedy against all Melancholly Diseases that grow, they
that please may use it: 'tis under Capricorn, and
therefore under both Saturn and Mars, one rids Melancholly
by Sympathy, the other by Antipathy.
[p. 227]
OUR LADIES THISTLE.
Description.
This hath diverse very large and broad Leaves lying on
the ground, cut in, and as it were crumpled, but somwhat
hairy on the edges, of a white green shining colour,
wherein are many lines and strakes of a milky white
colour, running all over, and set with many sharp and
stiff prickles all about; Among which riseth up one or
more strong, round, and prickly stalks, set full of the
like Leaves up to the top, where at the end of every
Branch, cometh forth a great prickly Thistle like head,
strongly armed with pricks, and with bright purple Thrums
rising out of the middle of them; after they are past, the
Seed groweth in the said heads, lying in a great deal of
soft white Down, which is somwhat flattish and shining,
large and brown. The Root is great, spreading in the
ground, with many strings, and smal fibres fastned
thereto. All the whol Plant is bitter in tast.
Place.
It frequent on the Bank of almost every Ditch.
Time.
If Flowreth and Seedeth in June, July, and August.
Vertues and Use.
Our Ladies Thistle is thought to be as effectual as
Carduus Benedictus for Agues, and to prevent and cure
infection of the Plague, as also to open Obstructions of
the Liver and Spleen, and thereby is good against the
Jaundice; It provoketh Urine, breaketh and expelleth the
Stone, and is good for the Dropsie: It is effectual also
for the pains in the sides and many other inward pains and
gripings: The Seed and distilled water are held powerful
to all the purposes aforesaid; and besides, it is often
applied both inwardly to drink, and outwardly with
Cloathes or Spunges to the Region of the Liver to cool the
distemperature thereof, and to the Region of the Heart,
against swounings and passions of it.
[EDGENOTE:] Agues, Plague, Obstructions, Liver, Spleen,
Stone, Dropsie, Stitches in the side, Liver, Blood.
It clenseth the blood exceedingly, and in Spring if you
please to boyl the tender Plant, (but cut off the
Prickles, unless you have a mind to choak your self) it
will change your blood as the season changes, and that's
the way to be safe, as to change as the times change is
the way to live secure, and that Flatterers and
Weather-cocks know wel enough.
THE WOOLLEY, or COTTON THISTLE.
Description.
This hath many large Leaves lying on the ground,
somwhat cut in, and as it were crumpled on the edges, of a
green colour on the upper side, but covered over with a
long hairy Wool or Cottony Down, set with most sharp and
cruel pricks; from the middle of whose heads of Flowers
come forth many purplish crimson threds, and somtimes
white, although but seldom: The Seed that followeth in
these white downy heads is somwhat large, long, and round,
resembling the Seed of Ladies Thistle, but paler: The Root
is great, and thick, spreading much, yet usually dieth
after Seed time.
Place.
It groweth on diverse Ditch Banks, and in the
Cornfields and High-wayes, generally throughout the Land;
and is often found growing in Gardens.
Time.
It Flowreth and beareth Seed about the end of Summer,
when other Thistles do Flower and Seed.
Vertues and Use.
Dioscorides and Pliny write, That the Leavs and Roots
hereof taken in drink, helpeth those that have a Crick in
their Neck, that they cannot turn it unless they turn
their whol Body. Galen saith, That the Root and Leaves
hereof are good for such persons that have their Bodies
drawn together by some Spasm or Convulsion, or other
Infirmities, as the Rickets (or as the Colledg of
Physitians would have it, the Rachites, about which name
they have quarrel'd sufficiently) in Children; being a
Disease that hindereth their growth, by binding their
Nerves, Ligaments, and whol structure of their Body.
THE FULLERS THISTLE, or TEASEL.
This is so well known that it needeth no Description,
being used by the Cloath-workers.
The wild Teasel is in all things like the former but
that the prickles are smal, soft, and
[p. 228]
upright, not hooked
or stiff; and the Flowers of this are of fine blush or
pale Carnation colour, but of the Manured kind whitish.
Place.
The first groweth being sown in Gardens or Fields for
the use of Cloathworkers: The other neer Ditches and Cills
of water in many places of this Land.
Time.
They Flower in July, and are ripe in the end of August.
Vertues and Use.
Dioscorides saith, That the Root bruised and boyled in
Wine until it be thick, and kept in a brazen Vessel or
Pot, ond after spread as a Salve and applied to the
Fundament, doth heal the clefts thereof, as also Cankers
and Fistulaes therein, as also taketh away Warts and Wens:
The Juyce of the Leaves dropped into the Ears, killeth
Worms in them. The distilled water of the Leaves dropped
into the Eyes, taketh away redness and mists in them that
hinder the sight; and is often used by women to preserve
their beauty, and to take away redness and Inflamations,
and all other heat or discolourings.
TREACLE MUSTARD.
Description.
This riseth up with a hard round stalke about a foot
high, parted into some branches, having divers soft green
leaves somewhat long and narrow set thereon, waved, but
not cut in on the edges, broadest towards the ends, and
somewhat round pointed : The flowers are white that grow
at the tops of the branches, spike fashion one above
another, after which come large round pouches, parted in
the middle with a furrow, having one blackish brown seed
in either side, somewhat sharp in tast, and smelling of
Garlick, especially in the fields where it is naturall,
but not so much in gardens: The roots are small and
threddy, perishing every yeare. And here give me leave to
adde Methridate Mustard, although it may seem more
properly by the name to belong to the Alphabet M.
METHRIDATE MUSTARD.
This groweth higher then the former, spreading more and
longer branches, whose leaves are smaller and narrower,
sometimes unevenly dented about the edges; the Flowers are
smal and white, growing on long branches, with much
smaller and rounder seed vessels after them, and parted in
the same manner, having smaller browne seeds then the
former, and much sharper in taste: The root perisheth
after seed time, but abideth the first winter after the
springing.
Place.
They grow in sundry places of this Land, as halfe a
mile from Hatfield by the river side under a hedge as you
go to Hatfield, and in the street of Peckham on Surry
side.
Time.
They flowre and seed from May to August.
Vertues and Use.
These Mustards are said to purge the body both upwards
and downwards, and procureth Womens Courses so abundantly,
that it suffocateth the birth: It breaketh inward
Imposthumes being taken inwardly, and used in Glisters,
helpeth the Sciatica, and seed applied outwardly doth the
same. It is an especiall ingredient unto Methridate and
Treacle, being of it selfe an Antidote resisting poyson,
venome, and putrefaction: It is also availeable in many
causes for which the common Mustard is used, but somwhat
weaker.
THE BLACK-THORNE, or SLOE-BUSH.
This is so well knowne, that it needeth no description.
Place.
It groweth in every place and Countrey, in the hedges
and borders of fields.
Time.
It flowreth in Aprill, and sometimes in March, but
ripeneth the fruit after all other plums whatsoever, and
is not fit to be eaten until the Autumne frost have
mellowed it.
Vertues and Use.
All the parts of the Sloe-Bush are binding, cooling,
and drying, and all effectuall to stay bleeding at the
nose and mouth, or any other place; the Lask of the belly,
or stomach, or the Bloody Flux, the two much abounding of
womens Courses, and helpeth to ease the paines in the
sides, bowels, and guts, that come by over-much scowring,
to drink the decoction of the barke of the roots, or more
usually the decoction of the Berries either fresh or
dried. The Conserve is also of very much use, and most
[EDGENOTE:] Binds, cools, dries Bleeding, Flux, Bloody
Flux, grawings in bowels and stomach, Sore Mouth & Throat,
Headach.
familiarly taken for the purposes aforesaid: But the
distilled water of the Flowers first steeped in Sack for a
night, and drawne there from by the heat of Balneum
Angliceabaths, is a most certaine remedy tried and
approved to ease all manner of gnawings in the stomach,
the sides and bowels,
[p. 229]
or any griping pains in any of them,
to drink a smal quantity when the extremety of pain is
upon them: The Leaves also are good to make Lotions, to
gargle and wash the Mouth and Throat, wherein are
Swellings, Sores, or Kernels and to stay the Defluxions of
Rhewm to the Eyes or other parts, as also to cool the heat
and Inflamations in them, and to ease hot pains of the
Head, to bath the Forehead and Temples therewith. The
simple distilled water of the Flowers is very effectual
for the said purposes, and is the condensate Juyce of the
Sloes. The distilled water of the green Berries is used
also for the said effects.
THOROUGHWAX.
Description.
The common Throughwax sendeth forth one straight round
Stalk, and somtimes more, two foot high and better, whose
lower Leaves being of a blewish green colour are smaller
and narrower than those up higher, and stand close
thereto, not compassing it; but as they grow higher, they
do more and more encompass the Stalk, until it wholly (as
it were) pass through them, branching toward the top into
many parts, where the Leaves grow smaller again, every one
standing singly, and never two at any Joynt: The Flowers
are very smal and yellow, standing in tufts at the heads
of the Branches, where afterwards grow the Seed, smal and
blackish, many thick thrust together: The Root is smal,
long, and woody, perishing every yeer after Seed time, and
rising again plentifully of its own sowing.
Place.
It is found growing in many Corn Fields, and Pasture
grounds in this Land.
Time.
It Flowreth in July, and the Seed is ripe in August.
Vertues and Use.
Thoroughwax is of a singular good use, for all sorts of
Bruises and Wounds either inward or outward, and old
Ulcers and Sores likewise, if the Decoction of the Herb
with water or Wine be drunk, and the places washed
therwith, or the Juyce or green Herb bruised or boyled
either by it self, or with other Herbs in Oyl or Hogs
Grease, to be made into an Oyntment to serve all the yeer:
[EDGENOTE:] Bruises, Wounds, Ulcers, Ruptures, Navils
sticking out.
The Decoction of the Herb, or the Pouder of the dried Herb
taken inwardly, and the same or the green Leaves bruised
and applied outwardly, is singular good to cure Ruptures
and Burstings, especially in Children, before it be two
old. Being also applied with a little Flower and Wax to
Childrens Navils that stick forth it helpeth them.
TORMENTIL.
Description.
This hath many reddish slender weak Branches rising
from the Root, lying upon the ground, or rather leaning
than standing upright, with many short Leaves that stand
closer to the Stalks than Cinkfoyl doth (which this is
very like) with the Footstalk encompassing the Branches in
several places, but those that grow next to the ground are
set upon long Footstalks, each whereof are like the Leaves
of Cinkfoyl, but somwhat longer and lesser, and dented
about the edges, many of them devided but into five
Leaves, but most of them into sevens whence it is also
called Setfoyl; yet some may have six and some eight,
according to the fertility of the Soyl: At the tops of the
Brancbes stand diverse smal yellow Flowers consisting of
five Leaves, like those of Cinkfoyl, but smaller. The
Root is smaller than Bistort, somwhat thick, but blacker
without, and not so red within, yet somtimes a little
crooked, having many blackish fibres thereat.
Place.
It groweth as well in Woods and shadowy places, as in
the open Champion Country, about the borders of Fields in
many places of this Land, and almost in every Broom Field
in Essex.
Time.
It Flowreth all the Summer long.
Vertues and Use.
Tormentil is most excellent to stay all kind of Fluxes
of Blood or Humors, in man or woman, whether at Nose,
Mouth, Belly, or any Wound in the Veins or elswhere: The
Juyce of the Herb or Root taken in drink, not only
resisteth all Poyson and Venom of any Creature, but of the
Plague it self, and Pestilential Feavers, and contagious
Diseases, as the Pox, Measels, Purples, &c. expelling the
Venom and Infection from the Heart by sweating, if the
green Root be not at hand to be had, the Pouder of the dry
Root is as effectual a dram thereof being taken every
morning: The Decoction likewise of the Herbs and Roots
made in Wine and drunk worketh the same effect; and so
doth the distilled water of the Herb and Root being
steeped in Wine for a night, and then distilled in Balneo
Mariae. This Water thus distilled taken with some Venice
Treacle, and the party presently laid to sweat will
certainly (with Gods help) expel any Venom or poyson, or
the Plague, Feaver, &c. for it is an ingredient of
especial respect in all Antidotes or Counterpoysons.
There is not found any Root more effectual to
[p. 230]
help any Flux of the Belly, Stomach, Spleen, or Blood than this, to
be taken inwardly, or applied outwardly. The Juyce taken
doth wonderfully open Obstructions of the Liver and Lungs,
and thereby in short space helpeth the yellow Jaundice.
[EDGENOTE:] Flux, Bleeding, Veins cut, terms stops,
Feavers, Pestilence, Smal pox, Measels, Purples, Poyson,
Spleen, Blood Inflamed, Liver, Lungs, Yellow Jaundice.
Some use to make Cakes hereof as well to stay all Fluxes,
as to restrain all Chollerick Belchings, and much
vomitings with Loathings in the Stomach: The Pouder of the
dried Root made up with the white of an Egg and baked upon
a hot Tile will do it.
Andreus Valesius is of opinion, That the Decoction of
this Root is no less effectual to cure the French Pox,
than Guajacum, or China and 'tis not unlikely, because it
so mightily resisteth putrefaction: Lobel saith, That
Rondelitius used it as Hermodactils for Joynt-aches: The
Pouder also, or Decoction to be drunk, or to sit therein
as a Bath is an assured Remedy against abortion in Women,
if it proceed from the over Fluxibility or weakness of the
inward retentive faculty: as also a Plaister made
therewith and Vinegar applyed to the Reins of the Back,
doth much help not only this but also those that cannot
hold their Water, the Pouder being taken in the Juyce of
Plantane; and it is also commended against the worms in
Children. It is very powerful in Ruptures and Burstings:
[EDGENOTE:] French pox, Miscarriage, Diabetes, Worms,
Ruptures, toothach, Wounds, Sores, Hurt, Gout, Scabby
Heads.
as also for Bruises and Falls, to be used as well outward
as inwardly. The Root hereof made up with Pellitory of
Spain and Allum, and put into an hollow Tooth, not only
asswageth the pain, but staieth the Flux of Humors which
caused it, Tormentil is no less effectual and powerful a
Remedy for outward Wounds, Sores, and Hurts, than for
inward, and is therefore a special Ingredient meet to be
used in all Wound drinks, Lotions, and Injections for foul
corrupt rotten Sores and Ulcers, of the Mouth, Secrets, or
other parts of the Body. And to put either the Juyce or
Pouder of the Root into such Oyntments, Plaisters, and
such things that are to be applied to Wounds and Sores: it
also dissolveth all Knots, Kernels, and hardness gathered
about the Ears, the Throat, and Jaws and the Kings Evil if
the Leaves and Roots be bruised and applied thereto: The
same also easeth the pains of the Sciatica or Hip-gout by
restraining the sharp Humors that flow thereto. The Juyce
of the Leaves and Roots used with a little Vinegar, is
also a special Remedy against the running Sores of the
Head or other parts, Scabs also and the Itch, or any such
eruptions in the Skin proceeding of Salt and sharp Humors.
The same also is effectual for the Piles or Hemorrhoids if
they be washed and bathed therwith, or with the Distilled
water of the Herb and Roots: It is found also helpful to
dry up any sharp Rhewm that distilleth from the Head into
the Eyes causing, redness, pain, waterings, Itchings, or
the like, if a little prepared Tutia, or white Amber be
used with the Distilled water hereof: Many Women use this
Water as a secret to help themselves and others when they
are troubled with the too much flowing of the Whites or
Reds, both to drink it, and inject it with a Syringe. And
there's enough, only remember, the Sun challengeth the
Herb.
TURNSOLE, or HELIOTROPIUM.
Description.
The greater Turnsole riseth up with one upright Stalk
about a foot high or more, deviding it self almost from
the bottom into diverse smaller Branches of a hoary
colour: at each Joynt of the Stalk and Branches grow two
smal broad Leaves somwhat white or hoary also: At the tops
of the Stalks and Branches stand many small white Flowers
consisting of four and somtimes five very small Leaves,
set in order one about another, upon a smal crooked spike
which turneth inwards like a bowed finger, opening by
degrees as the Flowers blow open; after which in their
places come smal corner'd Seed, four for the most part
standing together. The Root is smal and threddy perishing
every yeer, and the Seed shedding every yeer, raiseth it
again the next Spring.
Place.
It groweth in Gardens, and Flowreth and Seedeth with us
in England, notwithstanding it is not natural to this
Land, but to Italy, Spain, and France, where it groweth
plentifully.
Vertues and Use.
Dioscorides saith, That a good Handful of this, which
is called the greater Turnsole, boyled in Water and drunk,
purgeth both Choller and Flegm: And boyled with Cummin and
drunk, helpeth the Stone in the Reins, Kidneys, or
[EDGENOTE:] Choller, Flegm, Stons, Disury, Terms provokes,
Gout, Warts, Wens, Disjunctures.
Bladder, provoketh Urine and Womens Courses, and causeth
an easie and speedy delivery in Childbirth. The Leaves
bruised and applied to places pained with the Gout, or
that have been out of joynt and newly set are full of pain,
do give much ease. The Seed, and the Juyce of the Leaves
also being rubbed with a little Salt upon Warts, Wens, and
other hard Kernels in the Face, Eyelids, or any other part
of the Body, will by often using take them away.
'Tis an Herb of the Sun, and a good one too.
[p. 231]
MEADOW TREFOYL, or HONEYSUCKLES.
These are so well known, especially by the name of
Honeysuckles, White and Red, that I need not describe
them.
Place.
They grow almost everywhere in this Land.
Vertues and Use.
Dodoneus saith, The Leaves and Flowers are good to ease
the griping pains of the Guts, the Herb being boyled and
used in a Clyster: If the Herb be made into a Pultis and
applied to Inflamations, it will ease them. The Juyce
dropped into the Eyes is a familier Medicine with many
Country people to take away the Pin and Web (as they call
it) in the Eyes, it also allayeth the Heat and
bloodshooting of them: Country people do also in many
[EDGENOTE:] Belly-ach, Inflamations, Pin & Web, Eyes,
Venemous Beast.
places drink the Juyce hereof against the biting of an
Adder, and having boyled the Herb in water, they first
wash the place with the Decoction, and then lay some of
the Herb also to the hurt place. The Herb also bruised
and heated between two Tiles, and applied hot to the
share, causeth them to make water who had it stop'd
before: It is held likewise to be good for Wounds, and to
take away Scars. The Decoction of the Herb and Flowers
with the Seed and Root taken for some time, helpeth Women
that are troubled with the Whites. The Seed and Flowers
boyled in Water, and after made into a Pultis with some
Oyl and applied, helpeth hard Swellings and Impostumes.
[EDGENOTE:] Disury, Wounds, Scars, Whites, Swellings,
Apostums.
Of Trefoyl or three leaved Gras, there are very many
sorts described by Authors, but one I have found out which
I never red of, the Leaf is but small and it beareth a
small yellow Flower, in the midst of each Leaf of the
Herb, is a perfect picture of a Heart in red colour, it
grows plentifully in a Field between Longford and Bow;
also I found one Root in the High-way between Chadwel and
Rumford in Essex, as also another in the High-way between
Horn-Church and Upminster in the same County, the tast is
somthing more hot and spicy than the tast of the rest is.
TUTSAN, or PARK LEAVES.
Description.
This hath many brownish shining round Stalks, crested
all the length thereof, rising to be two and somtimes
three foot high, branching forth even from the bottom,
having diverse Joynts, and at each of them two fair large
Leaves standing, of a dark blewish green colour on the
upper side, and of a yellowish green underneath, turning
reddish towards Autumn, but abiding on the Branches all
the Winter: At the tops of the Stalks and Branches stand
large yellow Flowers, and Heads with Seed, which being
greenish at the first, and afterwards reddish, turn to be
of a blackish purple colour when they are through ripe,
with smal brownish Seed within them, and then yield a
reddish Juyce or Liquor, of a reasonable good scent,
somwhat resinous, and of an harsh or stiptich tast, as the
Leaves also and the Flowers be, although much less, but do
not yield such a cleer Claret Wine Liquor as some say it
doth: The Root is brownish, somwhat great, hard, and
woody, spreading well in the ground.
Place.
It groweth in many Woods, Groves, and Woody Grounds, as
Parks and Forrests, and by Hedg sides in many places of
this Land, as in Hampsted Wood, by Ratley in Essex, in the
Wild of Kent, and in many other places needless to recite.
Time.
It Flowreth later than St. Johns, or St. Peters wort.
Vertues and Use.
Tutsan purgeth Chollerick Humors as St. Peters-wort is
said to do, for therein it worketh the same effects, both
to help the Sciatica and Gout, and to heal burnings by
fire: It stayeth also the bleeding of Wounds, if either
the green Herb be bruised, or the pouder of the dry be
applied thereto. It hath been accounted and certainly is
[EDGENOTE:] Choller, Sciatica, Gout, Burning, Bleeding,
Wounds, Ulcers.
a Soveraign Herb to heal any Wound or Sore either
outwardly or inwardly, and therfore alwaies used in
Drinks, Lotions, Balms, Oyls, Oyntments for any sort of
green Wound, or old Ulcers and Sores, in all which the
continual experience of former Ages hath confirmed the use
thereof to be admirable good, though it be not so much in
use now as when Physitians and Chirurgeons were so wise as
to use Herbs more than now they do.
It is an Herb of Saturn and a most noble Antivererian.
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