,.,^,1.1. arsuiujw jo Aavaan ivnoiivn 3NOia3w jo Aavaan ivnoiivn % ! ,sK\ ?.'".fe-' d- MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE %41 ^0s* v%^7 x-^ X^M^ I IVNOIIVN 3NIDia3W JO AilVo9n IVNOIIVN 3NIDI03W JO ASVaail IVNOIIVN MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE 1 IVNOIIVN 3NIDICJ3W JO AaVaaiT IVNOIIVN 3NIDI03W JO AaVHSn IVNOIIVN F MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE TX^T X. °" ✓ /^tT c \**^ X " rzJ vr^- an ivnoiivn 3NIDIQ3W jo Aavaan ivnoiivn gmoiaaw jo Aavaan ivnoiivn 3F MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE c 311 IVNOIIVN 3NIDIQ3W dO A»V«fln IVNOIIVN 3NIDIQ3W JO AoVagil IVNOIIVN tkXh \ >>w DF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE r an ivnoiivn 3Nioia3w jo Aavaan ivnoiivn snidicisw jo Aavaan ivnoiivn / 1 ^1^ I )F MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE H IVNOIIVN 3NIDIQ3W JO Aavaail IVNOIIVN 3NIDIQ3W JO AavaBIT IVNOIIVN MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE CULPEPPEITS FAMILY PHY- __________SICIAJV. /? THE ENGLISH PHYSICIAN ENLARGED, CONTAINING 300 MEDICINES, MADE OF AMERICAN HERBS. BEING An Astrologo-Physical Discourse of the vulgar Herbs of this nation, containing a complete method of Physic,-whereby a man may preserve his body in health, or cure himself, being sick, with such things only as grow in America, they being most fit for American bodies. HEREIN IS ALSO SHEWED, 1. The way of making Plaisters, Ointments, Oils, Poultices, Syrups, Decoctions, Juleps, or Waters of all sorts cf physical herbs, that you may have them ready for your use at all times of the year.—2. What planet governeth every herb or tree (used in Physic) that groweth in Ame- rica.—3. The time of gathering all herbs, both vulgarly and astrologically.—i. The way of drying and keeping the herbs all the year.—5. The way of keeping their juice ready for use at all times.—6. The way of making and keeping all kinds of useful compounds made of herbs.— 7. The way of making medicines according to the cause and mixture of disease and part of the body afflicted. LIKEWISE, k. variety of Receipts—for Colds and old Coughs—Felons —Rheumatics—White Swellings—Risings in the Flesh— Cramp—Fevers—To draw Splinters and Thorns out of the flesh—Cold Agues out the Face, Teeth, or any wounds —for the Strangury, and those that are troubled to hold their water; with many other Receipts for Diseases, too numerous to mention.—Also....A Receipt for making the famous Kittridge Bone Ointment (so called,,) or Juber- tus Ointment. —•— »'. REVISED, CORRECTED, AND ENLARGED, - -.,:'«/ * By JAMES SCAMMON EXETER: ^v \ ' ' /\J PUBLISHED BY JAMES SCAMMON, 1824. O B. WILLIAMS. NEW-HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT, TO WIT: Dittrict Clerk's Office. BE IT REMEMBERED that on the twenty-ninth day of October, A. D. 1824, and in the forty-ninth year of the Independence of the United States of America, JAMES SCAMMON of the said District, hath deposited in this Of- fice the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as Author in the words fill- lowing, to wit: u Culpepper's Family Physician.—The English Physician Enlarged, containing 300 Me- dicines, made of American Herbs. Being an Attrologo-Phy>ieat Discourse of the vulgar Herbs of this nation, containing a complete method of Physic, whereby a man may preserve his body in health,or cure hinmlf, being sick, with such things only as grow in Anuria, they being most fit for American bodies. Herein is also shewed,—!. The way of making Plaisters, Ointments, Oils, Poultices, Syrups, Decoctions, Juleps, or Waters of all sorts of physical herbs, that you may have them ready for your use at all times of the year.—2. what planet governeth every herb or tree (used in Phytic) that groweth in Amtrica.—3. The time ofgathering all herbs, both vulgarly and astrologically.—4. The way of drying and keeping the herbs all'the year.—5. The way of keeping their juice rtady for use at all times.—6. The way of making and keeping all kinds of useful compounds made of herbs.— 7. The way of making medicines according to the cause and mixture of disease and part of the body afflicted. Likewise, A variety of Receipts, for Colds and old Coughs—Felons—Rheu- matics—White Swelling!—Risings in the Flesh—Cramp—Fevers—To draw Splinters aud Thorns out of the flesh—Cold Agues out of the Face, Teeth, or any wounds—for the Stran- gury, and those that are troubled to hold their water ; with many other Receipts for Dis- eases, too numerous to mention.—Also—A Receipt for making the famous Kittridgt Bone Ointment. Revised, corrected, and enlarged, by James Scammon. In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the Uniut! States, entitled,u An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books to the authors . and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned ;" and alio Id an Act,* entitled " An Act supplementary to an Act, entitled an Act for the encouragement of Karn- ing, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, and extendingthe benefits thereof to the art! of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints." 6 6 " WILLIAM CLAGGETT, Clerk of the District of Xctv-Hamptfure. , A trite «py of Record, Attest, WILLIAM CLAGGETT. Ckrk. fusils OF HERBS AND PLANTS. SAMARA DULCIS 13 Garden Basil, or Sweet All-Heal 15 . Basil 36 Alkanet 16 The Bay Tree 37 V Adder's Tongue 17 Beans 39 V Agrimony 18 Ladies' Bedstraw 40 Water Agrimony 20 Beets, red and white 41 Alehoof 21 Water Betony, called also Alexander or Alisander 22 Brown Wort, and Bish- Black Alder Tree 23 op's Leaves 42 Common Alder Tree 24 Wood Betony 43 Angelica 25 Beech Tree 45 Archangel, red, white, & Bilberries 46 V yellow 27 Bifoyl 47 Arssmart, and Dead Arss- Birch Tree ib. mart 29 Bishop's Weed, or Bul- Asparagus and prickly wort 48 Sparagus 30 Bistort 49 Artichokes 140 One Blade 50 Asb tree 31 Bramble, or Black-berry Avens 32 bush 51 Arum, see Cuckow-pint Borage and Bugloss 52 Aparine, see Clavers Blue-bottle and Blue-blow 54 Acanthus, see Brank Ursine Brankursine and Bear's Ammi and Ammios, see Bish- breech 55 op's weed. Briony 56 Brooklime 58 B. Butcher's broom and Brus- "• cus 58 BALM 33 Buck's-horn Plantane 59 Barbary Parley 35 Buck's-horn 60 ify. Bugles, or Brown Bugles 61 TABLE OF Burnet 63 Burdock 64 Bitter-sweet, see Amara dul- cis Spanish Bugloss, see Alkanet Bare-foot, see Black Helle- bore Baldmoney, see Gentian Brimstone-wort, see Fennel Barba-aron, see Cuckow point Bull's-foot, see Colt's-foot Blessed Thistle, see Carduus Bcnedictus Bipennula, see Burnet Bastard Agrimony, see Water Agrimony CABBAGES and Cole- worte The Sea Colewort Calomint, or Mountain Mint Comomile Water Caltrops, or Cal- trops Carduus Benedictus Carrots Carraway Celandine The ordinary small Cen- taury The Cherry-tree Winter Cherry Sweet Chervil and Sweet Cicely Chesnut-Trec Earth Chesnuts and Ciper Nuts duckweed Cinquefoil, 65 66 67 OH 70 ib. 71 72 73 75 77 ib. 79 ib. 80 ib. 81 Cives, Chives, and Chivet, 83 Clary, or Clear Eyes, ib. Wild Clary, or Christ's Eye 85 Clevers and Clavers ib. Cock's-Head 87 Columbines ib. Coltsfoot, or Coughwort 88 Comfrey 89 Coralwort 90 Cudweed, or Cottonweed 91 Cowslips 92 Crab*> Claw ' 93 Black Cresses 94 Water Cresses 94 Crowfoot 95' Cuckowpint, or Pintle, or Calvesfoot 96 Cucumbers, or Cowcum- bers OS Caterach, see Spleenwort Carpenter's herb,see Self-heal Cammock, see Rest-harrow Corn Rose, see Poppy Champetys, see Ground Pine Callians, see Orchis Catmint, see Nep Cuckow Flowers, see Ladie's Smock Christmas herb, see Black Hellebore Call me to you, see Heart's Ease Crane's Bill, sec Dove's-foot Crop, see Darnel Middle Confound, Comfrey, or herb Carpenter, see Bu- gle Corn Flowers, see Blue Bottle Cummin Royal, and Ethiopi- an Cummin seed, for botlfcg see Bishop's Weed HERBS AND PLANTS. 5 Clovewort, see Avens F. Catsfoot, see Alehoof. FERN 115 Water Fern ib. P. Featherfew 116 Fennel 117 PAISIES 99 Sow Fennel and Hog's Dandelion 100 Fennel 118 Darnel 101 The Yellow Water Flag V Dill 102 or Flower-de-luce 119 Devil's Bit 103 Flax-weed 120 y Docks 104 Flea Wort 121 Dodder of Thyme, and Flower-de-luce 123 other Dodders 105 Flix-weed ib. Dog's Grass 106 Fluellin, or Lluellin 125 Dove's Foot 107 Foxglove 126 Duck's Meat 108 Fumitory 127 Down, or Cotton Thistle 108 Furz Bush 129 Dittander, see Pepper Wort Felwort, see Gentian Dog's Stone, see Orchis Fresh Water Soldier, see Dewberry Bush, see Goose- Crab's Claws berry Bush Foal-foot, see Colt's-foot Dentaria, see Coral Wort Five finger, or five leaved Dragon Wort, see Bisto rt grass, see Cinquefoil Fig-wort, see the lesser Ce- E. landine ELDER-TREE 109 G. Dwarf Elder ib. GARLICK 129 Elm-Tree Ill Genet i an 130 Endive 112 Clove Gilliflowers 131 Elicampane ib. Germander 182 Eye-Bright 114 Stinking Gladwin 133 Epithimum, see D,oddc r of Goldenrod 134 Thyme Earih Nuts, see Earth Ches- nuts English Serpentary, see Bis- tort Eupatoi'ium, see Water Agri- mony 1* Gout-wort or herb Gerard 135 Gromwell 136 Goosberry bush 137 V Winter-green ib. Grounsei 138 Garden-patience, see Monk's Rhubarb 6 TABLE OF Goat-stoiaes, see Orchis Gofts. see Furz Bush Quick-grass, or Couch-grass, see Dog's-grass Gold-knobs, Gold-cups, see Crow-foot Goose-grass, or Goose-share, see Clevers Ground-nuts, see Earth Ches- nuts Gill-go-by-ground, and Gill- creep-by-ground, see Ale- hoof H. HERCULES All-heal, see All-heal Hercules Wound-wort, see All-heal Heart's-ease 140 Heart's-tongue 141 Hazel-nut ib. Hawk-weed 142 Hemlock 143 Hemp 144 Henbane 145 Hedge hvssop 147 Clack-Hellebore 148 Herb Robert 149 Herb Truelove 150 Hyssop 151 Hops 152 Horehound 153 Horse-tail 154 Housleek 155 Hound's-tongue 156 Honey-suckles, sec Meadow- trefoil Honey-suckle, •"•ee Wood-bine Small Housleek, see Stone- crop Heliotropium, see Turnsole Hook-heal, see Self-heal Horse-radish, see Radish Horse-strange, and Horse- strong, see Hog's Fennel Horse-hoof, see Colt's-foot Holy Thistle, see Carduus Benedictus Harts - horn, Herba - stella, Hcrba-stellaria, Herb-eye, and Herb-ivy, see Buck s- horn Heart-sickle, see Blue-bottle Herb William, see Bishop'g- weed Herb Bennet, see Avcns Horse-parsley, see Alexander Haymaids, see Aleboof Hepatorium, see Water Agri- mony St. JOHN'S-WORT 157 Ivy 1">S Juniper-bush 159 St. James's-wort, see Rag- wort Juray, see Darnel Jams, see Cuckow-point Ground-ivy, see Ale-hoof K. KIDNEY-WORT 160 Knapweed li»2 Knot-grass ib. King's clever, see Melilot Knight's Pound-wort, see Crab's-claws Knee-holm, Knee-holly, Knee-hulvex, see Butcher'5 broom HERBS BND PLANTS. 7 LADIES' MANTLE 163 Lavender 164 Ladies' smocks 165 Lettuce 166 Water Lilly, white and yellow 167 Lilly of the Valley, Gon- val Lilly, May Lilly, and Lilly Confancy 168 White Lillies ib. Liquorice 169 Liver-wort 170 Loose-strife ib. Loose-strife, with spiked heads of flowers 171 Lovage 172 Long-wort 173 Love in Idleness, see Heart's- Ease Locker's Goulons, see Crow- foot Loppa Major, see Burdock Ladies' Seal, see Briony Longue de heuf, see Borage and Bugloss M. MAYWEED 189 Moral, see Amara Dulcis Madder 174 Maiden-hair, or Wall-rue 175 Golden Maiden-hair 176 Mallows and Marshmal- lows ib. Maple-tree 179 Wild,Bastard, and Grove Marjoram 179 Sweet Marjoram 180 Marigolds 181 Master-wort 182 Medlar 183 Melilot, or King's Claver 184 French and Dog's Mercu- ry 185 Mint 187 Moon-wort 189 Mosses 190 Mother-wort 191 Mouse-ear 192 Mugwort 193 Mulberry-tree 194 Mullein 195 Mustard 196 Hedge Mustard 198 Medick-fetch, see Cock's head Macedonian parsley seed, see Alexander N. NEP CATMINT 199 Nettles 200 Nightshade 201 Dead Nettles, see Archangel O. OAK 203 Oats ib. One Blade 204 Orchis ib. Onions 205 Orpine 206 Orgains, Origanum, see wild Marjoram Osmond Royal, see Water Fern Ox-tongue, see Bugloss Oyster-loit, see Bistort Opoponax-wort, see All-heal Orchanet, see Alkanet 9 TABLE OV PARSLEY 207 Parsley-piert, or Paisley Breakstone 208 Parsnip 209 Cow Parsnip ib. Peach-Trcc 210 Pear-Tree 212 Pellitory of Spain 213 Pellitoryofthe AVall 214 Penny-royal 216 Peony, masculine and fe- • • Ol 7 Pepper-wort 219 Periwinkle ib. Pimpernel 220 Ground Pine 221 Plantain 223 Polypody of the Oak 224 Poplar-tree 226 Poppy, white and black and the wild Poppy or Corn-rose 228 Purslam 230 Privet 231 Prick-madam, see Stone-crop Prunel, see Self-heal Pansy, see Heart's ease Piss-a-bed, see Dandelion Pi iest-pintle. :-ee Cuckow pint Poults, see Crowfoot Pcagles, see Cowslips Pig-nut, see Earth-Chesnuts Pile-wort, see the lesser Cel- andine Pinipinella, see Burnet Pottigree,sec Butcher's broom Passions, see Bistort Poiticniia, or Peach-wort, or Plumbago see A i smart Black Potherb, see Alexander Wild Parsley, sec Alexander Panacea, see All-heal Q. Queen of the Meadows, Mea- dow sweet, or Mead sweet 232 Quince-tree 233 R. RHADISH and Horse- Rbadish 235 Ragwort 236 Rattle-grass red and yel- low " 237 Rest barrow, or Cam- mock 238 Winter rocket, or Win- ter-cross 239 Damask roses, White ro- ses 240 Rosa solis, or Sun-dew 244 Rosemary 245 Rheubarb, or Rhaphon- tick 246 G arden Patience, or MonkV Rhubarb, or Bastard Rhubarb 248 Garden Rue 250 Rupture wort 252 Rye 253 Rump and Wake Robin, see Cuckow pint Red Fntcliing.see Cock's head Rush Leeks, see Civis Ruscus, see Butcher's Broom S. SAFFRON 25:1 Sa-e •y»4 NVood Sage 256 HERBS AND PLANTS. 9 Solomon's Seal 256 Samphire 258 Sanicle 259 Saracens Confound, or Saracens Wound-wort 260 Sauce-alone, or Jack by the hedge 261 Winter and Summer Sa- vory 262 Savine ib. The common white Sax- ifrage 263 Burnet Saxifrage 264 Scabious, three sorts 265 Scurvy-grass 267 Self-heal, and Sickle- wort * 268 Service-tree 269 Shepherd's purse 270 Smallage ib. Sorrel 271 Wood Sorrel 272 Sow-Thistle 273 Southernwood 274 Spleen-wort 275 Star-thistle 276 Strawberries ib. Succory 278 Stone-crop, small Hous- - leek 279 Septfoil, sea Tormentil Silverwjood, see Wild Tansy Staggerwood and Stammer- wort and Segrum, see Rag- wort Satyrion, see Orchis Sengreen, see Housleek Setter-wort and Setter-grass, see Black Hellebore Sulphur-wort, see Sow Fennel Starch-wort, see Cuckow-pint Sweth, see Cives Saligot, see Caltrops Sickle-wort, see Bugloss Sanguinare and Swine-cres- ses, see Buck's-horn Syamus, see Blue-bottle Snakeweed, see Bistort Sparagus, or Sperage, see Asparagus Serpent's Tongue, see Ad- der's Tongue Spanish Bugloss, see Alkanet T. ENGLISH TOBACCO 279 Garden Tansy 281 Wild Tansy 282 Melancholy Thistle 283 Our Lady's Thistle 284 Fuller's Thistle,or Teasle 285 Treacle and Mithridate Mustard 286 Black Thorn, or Sloe Bush 287 Thorough-wax, or Thor- ough-leaf ib. Thyme 288 Thyme (Mother of) 289 Tormentil, or Septfoil ib. Turnsole, or Heliotropi- um 291 Meadow Trefoil, or Ho- ney-suckles 292 Heart Trefoil 293 Pearl Trefoil ib. Three Faces in one Hood, see Heart's Ease Cotton Thistle, see Down Tooth-wort,toothed,and Dog- teeth Violet, see Coral-wort Tribus Aquaticus, and Tribus Mecinus, see Water Cal- trops 10 TABLE OF Tamas, see Briony Two-blade, see Bifoyl Turnhoof, see Alehoof V. GARDEN VALERIAN 293 Vervain 295 The Vine 296 Violets ib. Viper's Bugloss 297 Black and white Vine, Wild, or Wood Vine, see Briony W. WALL FLOWERS, or Winter Gilliftowers 299 Walnut ib. Wheat 301 The Willow-tree 302 Wood 303 Woodbine, or Honey suckle 304 Wormwood 305 Wall-penny-royal, or Wall penny-wort, see Kidney- wort Wine berry-bush, see Goose- berry-bush Whins, see the Furz bush Water-flag, see yellow Flow- er-de-luce Wall-wort, see Elder-tree Wray, see Darnel Wading Pond-weed, see Crab's-claws Water-nuts, and Water-ches- nuts, see Caltrops Water-pimpernel, see Brook- lime Worts, and Whortle-berries» see Bil-berries Woody Night-shade, see Am- ara Dulcis Hercules Wound-wort, see All heal Y. YARROW, called Nose bleed, Milfoil, and Thou- sand-leaf 312 The Contents of the Directions for making Syrups, Con- serves, Oils, Ointments, Plaisters, Sfc. of Herbs, Roots, Flowers, fyc. whereby you may have them ready for use all the year long. SECT. I. The way of gathering, drying, and preserving Simples, and their Juices. CHAP. 1. Of leaves of Herbs, or Trees 315 Chap. 2. Of Flowers 316 Chap. 3. Of Seeds ib. The way of making and keep, CHAP. 1. Of distilled Waters. 319 Chap. 2. Of Syrups 320 Chap. 3. Of Juleps ■ 321 Chap. 4. Of Decoctions 322 Chap. 5. Of Oils 323 Chap. 6. Of Electuaries 324 Chap. 7. Of Conserves ib. Chap. 8. Of Preserves 325 Chap. 9. OfLohocks 327 Chap. 4. Of Roots 317 Chap. 5. Of Barks 318 Chap. 6. Of Juices ib. ing all necessary Compounds, Chap. 10. Of Ointments 327 Chap. 11. Of Plaisters 328 Chap. 12. Of Poultices ib. Chap. 13. Of Troches 329 Chap. 14. Of Pills 330 Chap. 15. The way of mixing Medicines according to the cause of the Disease, and parts of the body afflicted ib. SECT. II. THE ENGLISH PHYSICIAN ENLARGED. 4. AMARA DULCIS. Obstructions of the Liver, Bruises, Falls, Dropsy, Black Jaun- dice, Women after Delivery. CONSIDERING divers shires in this nation give divers names to one and the same herb, and that the common name which it bears in one county, is not known in another, 1 shall take the pains to set down all the names that I know of each herb : Pardon me for setting that name first, which is most common to myself. Besides Amara Dulcis, some call it Mortal, others Bitter-sweet; some Woody Night- shade, and others Felon-wort. Descript.] It grows up with woody stalks even to a man's height, and sometimes higher. The leaves fall ofF at the approach of winter, and spring out of the same stalks at spring-time : The branch is compassed about with a whitish bark, and hath a pith in the middle of it: The main branch brancheth itself into many small ones with claspers, laying hold on what is next to them, as vines do : It bears many leaves, f1iey grow in no order at all, at least in no regular order : The leaves are longish, though somewhat broad, and pointed at the ends : many of them have two little leaves growing at the end of their foot-stalk ; some have but one, and some none. The leaves are of a pale green colour ; the flowers are of a purple colour, or of a perfect blue like to 2 14 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. violets, and they stand many of them together in knots ; the berries are green at first, but when they are ripe they are very red ; if you taste them, you shall find them just as the crabs which we in Sussex call bitter sweets, viz. sweet at first, and bitter afterwards. Place.] They grow commonly almost throughout Eng- land, especially in moist and shady places. Ttm«.J Thei leaves shoot out about the latter end of March if the temperature of the air be ordinary ; it flower- eth in July, and the seeds are ripe soon after, usually in the next month. Government and Virtues.] It is under the planet Mercury, and a notable herb of his also, if it be rightly gathered un- der his influence. It is excellent good to remove witchcraft both in men and beasts, as also all sudden diseases whatso- ever. Being tied round about the neck, is one of the ad- mirablest remedies for the vertigo or dizziness in the head that is ; and that is the reason (as Tragus saith) the people in Germany commonly hang it about their catties necks, A\hen they fear any such evil hath betided them : Country people commonly use to take the berries of it, and having bruised them, they apply them to felons, and thereby soon rid their fingers of such troublesome guests. We have now shewed you the external use of the herb; we shall speak a word or two of the internal, and so con- clude. Take notice, it is a Mercurial herb, and therefore of very subtle parts, as indeed all mercurial plants are; therefore take a pound of the wood and leaves together, bruise the wood (which you may easily do, for it is not 60 hard as oak) then put it in a pot, and put to it three pints of white wine, put on the pot-lid and shut it close ; and let it infuse hot over a gentle fire twelve hours, then strain it out, so have you a most excellent drink to open obstructions of the liver and spleen, to help difficulty Of breath, bruises and falls, and .congealed blood in any part of the body, it helps the yellow-jaundice, the dropsy and black jaundice, and to cleanse women newly brought to bed. You may , cureth such diseases; but if you please to peruse my judg- ment in the herb Wormwood, you shall find them there, and it will be well worth your while to consider it in every herb, you shall find them true throughout the book. 20 C-]NGLISH PHYSICIAN. WATER AGRIMONY. Dropsy, Yellow Jaundice, Liver, Spleen, Imposthumes, xtrais. Provokes, Worms. IT is called, in some countries, Water Hemp, Bastard Hemp, and Bastard Agrimony, Eupatorium, and Hepa- torium, because it strengthens the liver. Descript.] The root continues a long time, having many long slender strings. The stalk grows up about two feet high, sometimes higher. They are of a dark purple colour. The branches are many, growing at distances the one from the other, the one from the one side A the stalk, the other from the opposite point. The leaves are winded and much indented at the edges. The flowers grow at the top of the branches, of a brown yellow colour, spotted with black spots, having a substance within the midst of them like that of a Daisy: If you rub them between your fingers, they smell like rosin or ceder when it is burnt. The seeds are long, and easily stick to any woollen thing they touch. Place.] They delight not in heat, and therefore they are not so frequently found in the southern parts of England, as in the northern, where they grow frequently: You may look for them in cold grounds, by ponds and ditches sides, as also by running waters; sometimes you shall find them grow in the midst of the waters. Time.] They all flower in July or August, and the seed is ripe presently after. Government and Virtues.] It is a plant of Jupiter, as weU as the other Agrimony, only this belongs to the celestial sign Cancer. It healeth and drieth, cutteth and eleanseth thick and tough humours of the breast, and for this I hold it inferior to but few herbs that grow. It helps the cachexia or evil dispositions of the body, the dropsy and yellow jaun- dice. It opens obstructions of the liver, mollifies the hard- ness of the spleen, being applied outwardly. It breaks im- posthumes, taken inwardly: It is an excellent remedy for the third day ague. It provokes urine and the terms; it kills worms, and eleanseth the body of sharp humours, which are the cause of itch and scabs; the herb being burnt, the smoke thereof drives away flies, wasps, &,c. It strengthens the lungs exceedingly. Country people give it to their cattle when they are troubled with the couch, or broken winded. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 21 GROUND-IVY, or ALE HOOF. Inward wounds, Pains, Griping stomach, Wind, Liver, Gall, Gout, Sciatica, Sore mouth, Ulcers in the privets, Web in the eyes, Ulcers in the nose, Deafness. SEVERAL counties give it several names, so that there is scarce an herb growing of that bigness that has got so many: It is called Cats-foot, Ground-ivy, Gill-go-by- ground, and Gill-creep-by-ground, Turnhoof, Haymaids, and Alehoof. Descript.] This well known herb lieth, spreadeth, and creepeth upon the ground, shooteth forth roots, at the cor- ners of tender jointed stalks, set with two round leaves at every joint somewhat hairy, crumpled, and unevenly dented about the edges with round dents; at the joints likewise, with the leaves towards the end of the branches, come forth hollow, long flowers, of a blueish purple colour, with small white spots upon the lips that hang down. The root is small with strings. Place.] It is commonly found under hedges, and on the sides of dithes, under houses, or in shadowed lanes, and other waste grounds, in almost every part of this land. Time.] They flower somewhat early, and abide a great while; the leaves continue green until winter, and some- times abide, except the winter be very sharp and cold. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Venus, and therefore cures the diseases she causes by sympathy, and those of Mars by antipathy; you may usually find it all the year long, except the year be extremely frosty; it is quick, sharp, and bitter in taste, and is thereby found to be hot and dry ; a singular herb for all inward wounds, exulcerated lungs, or other parts, either by itself, or boiled with other the like herbs; and being drank, in a short time it easeth all griping pains, windy and cholerick humours in the sto- mach, spleen or belly; helps the yellow jaundice, by open- ing the stoppings of the gall and liver, and melancholy, by opening the stoppings of the spleen; expelleth venom or poison, and also the plague; it provokes urine and womens courses; the decoction of it in wine drank for some time together, procureth ease unto them that are troubled with the sciatica, or hip-gout; as also the gout in hands, knees, or feet; if you put to the decoction some honey and a little 22 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. burnt allum, it is excellent good to gargle any sore mouth or throat, and to wash the sores and ulcers in the privy parts of man or woman; it speedily helpeth green wounds, being bruised and bound thereto. The juice of it boiled with a little honey and verdigrease, both wonderfully cleanse sistulas, ulcers, and stayeth the spreading or eating of can- cers and ulcers ; it helpeth the itch, scabs, wheals, and other breakings out in any part of the body. The juice of Celan- dine. Field-daisies, and Ground-ivy clarified, and a little fine sugar dissolved therein, and dropped into the eyes, is a sovereign remedy for all pains, redness, and watering of them ; as also for the pin and web, skin and films growing over the sight; it helpeth beasts as well as men. The juice dropped into the ears, doth wonderfully help the noise and singing of them, and helpeth the hearing which is decayed. It is good to tun up with new drink, for it will clarify it in a night, that it will be the fitter to be drank the next morn- ing ; or if any drink be thick with removing, or any other accident, it will do the like in a few hours. ALEXANDER or PARSLEY. Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, Provokes, Terms after birth, Provokes urine, Wind. JT is also called Alisander, Horse-parsley, and Wild- parsley, and the Black Pot-herb; the seed of it is that which is usually sold in apothecaries shops for Macedonian Parsley-seed. Descript,] It is usually sown in all the gardens in Europe, and so well known, that it needs no farther description. Time.] It flowereth in June and July; the seed is ripe in August. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Jupiter, and therefore friendly to nature, for it warmeth a cold stomach, and openeth a stoppage to the liver and spleen; it is good to move womens courses, to expel the aftpr-birth, to break wind, to provoke urine, and helpeth the strangury: and these things the seeds will do likewise. If either of them be boiled in wine, or being bruised and taken in wine, is also effectual against the biting of serpents. And you know what Alexander Pottage is good for, that you may no lort- -i'-r eat it out of ignorance, but out of knowledge. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 23 BLACK ALDER-TREE. Jaundice, Dropsey, Liver, Stomach, Appetite, Scabs. Descript.] ^I^IS tree seldom groweth to any great big- ™ JL ness, but for the most part abideth like a hedge-bush, or a tree spreading its branches, the woods of the body being white, and a dark red cole, or heart; the outward bark is of a blackish colour, with many whitish spots therein; but the inner bark next the wood is yellow, which being chewed, will turn the spittle near into a saffron colour. The leaves are somewhat like those of an ordinary Alder-tree, or the Female Cornet, or Dogberry-tree, called in Sussex Dog-wood, but blacker, and not so long. The flowers are white, coming forth with the leaves at the joint's, which turn into small round berries, first green, afterwards red, but blackish when they are thorough ripe, divided, as it were, into two parts, wherein is contained two small round and flat seeds. The root runneth not deep into the ground, but spreads rather under the upper crust of the earth. Place.] This tree or shrub may be found plentifully in St. John's wood by Hornsey, and the woods upon Hamstead- Heath; as also a wood called the Old Park in Barcomb in Essex, near the brooks sides. Time.] It flowereth in May, and the berries are ripe in September. Government and Virtues.] It is a tree of Venus, and per-. haps under the celestial sign Cancer. The inner yellow bark hereof purgeth downwards both choler and phlegm, and the watery humours of such that have the dropsy, and strengthens the inward parts again by binding. If the bark hereof be boiled with Agrimony, Wormwood, Dodder, Hops and some Fennel, with Smallage, Endive, and Succory- roots, and a reasonable draught taken every morning for some time together, it is very effectual against the jaundice, dropsy, and the evil disposition of the body, especially if some suitable perging medicines have been taken before, to void the grosser excrements: It purgeth and strengtheneth the liver and spleen, cleansing them from such evil humours and hardness as they are afflicted with. It is to be under- stood that these things are performed by the dried bark; for the fresh green bark taken inwardly provokes strong vomitings, pains in the stomach, and gripings in the belly; 24 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. yet if the decoction may stand and settle two or three days, until the yellow colour be changed, black, it will not work so strongly as before, but will strengthen the stomach, and procure an appetite to meat. The outward bark contrariwise doth bind the body, and is helpful for all lasks and fluxes thereof, but this also must be dried first, whereby it will work the better. The inner bark thereof boiled in vinegar is an approved remedy to kill lice, to cure the itch, and take away scabs, by drying them in a short time. It is sin- gularly good to wash the teeth, to take away the pains, to fasten those that are loose, to cleanse them, and keep them sound. The leaves are good fodder for kine, to make them give more milk. In the spring-time you use the herbs before-mentioned, and will take but a handful of each of them, and to them add an handful of Elder buds, and having bruised them all, boil them in a gallon of ordinary beer, when it is new; and having boiled them half an hour, add to this three gallons more, and let them work together, and drink a draught of it every morning, half a pint, or thereabouts, it is an excel- lent purge for the spring, to consume the phlegmatic quality the winter hath left behind it, and withal to keep your bodv in health, and consume those evil humours which the heat of summer will readily stir up. Esteem it as a jewel. COMMON ALDER-TREE. Burnings, Cooling, Drying, Swellings. Descript 1 f^ ROWETH to a reasonable height, and " \jf spreads much if it like the place. It is so generally well known unto country people, that I conceive it needless to tell that which is no news. Place and Time.] It delighteth to grow in moist woods, and watery places; flowering in April or May, and yield- ing ripe seed in September. Government and Use.] It is a tree under the dominion of Venus, and of some watery sign or other, I suppose Pisces ; and therefore the decoction, or distilled water of the leaves, is excellent against burnings and inflammations, either with wounds or without, to bathe the place grieved with, and es- pecially for that inflammation in the breast, which the vul- gar call an ague. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 25 If you cannot get the leaves (as in winter 'tis impossible) make use of the bark in the same manner. The leaves and bark of the Alder-tree are cooling, dry- ing, and binding. The fresh leaves laid upon swellings dis- solve them, and stay the inflammations. The leaves put under the bare feet gauled with travelling, are a great re- freshing to them. The said leaves gathered while the morn- ing dew is on themr and brought into a chamber troubled with fleas, will gather them thereunto, which being sudden- ly cast out, will rid the chamber of those troublesome bed- fellows. ANGELICA. Poison, Pestilence, Cold, Wind, Cough, Lungs, Strangury. Shortness of breath, Provokes the Terms, Liver and Spleen, Surfeits, Biting of mad dogs. TO write a description of that which is so well known to be growing in almost every garden, I suppose is al- together needless; yet for its virtues it is of admirable use. In time of Heathenism, when men had found out any excellent herb, they dedicated it to their gods; as4he Bay- tree to Apollo, the Oak to Jupiter, the Vine to Bacchus, the Poplar to Hercules. These the Papists following as the Patriarchs, they dedicated to their Saints; as our Lady's Thistle to the Blessed Virgin, St. John's Wort to St. John, and another Wort to St. Peter, &c. Our physicians must imitate like apes (though they cannot come off half so clev- erly) for they blasphemously call Phansies or Hearts-ease, an herb for the Trinity, because it is of three colours : And a certain ointment, an ointment of the Apostles, because it con- sists of twelve ingredients: Alas, I am sorry for their folly, and grieved at their blasphemy; God send them wisdom the rest of their age, for they have their share of ignorance already. Oh! Why must ours be blasphemous, because the Heathens and Papists were idolatrous 1 Certainly they have read so much in old rusty authors, that they have lost all their divinity; for unless it were amongst the Ranters, I never read or heard of such blasphemy. The Heathens and Papists were bad, and ours worse; the Papists giving idol- atrous names to herbs for their virtues sake, not for their fair looks; and therefore some call this an herb of the Holy 3 26 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Ghost; others more moderate called it Angelica, because of its angelical virtues, and that name it retains still, and all nations follow it so near as their dialect will permit. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of the Sun in Leo? let it be gathered when he is there, the Moon applying to his good aspect; let it be gathered either in his hour, or in the hour of Jupiter* let Sol be angular; observe the like in gathering the herbs of other planets, and you may happen to do wonders. In all epidemical diseases caused by Saturn, that is as good a preservative as grows : It resists poison, by defending and comforting the heart, blood, and spirits; it doth the like against the plague and all-epidemical dis- eases, if the root be taken in powder to the weight of half a dram at a time, with some good treacle in Carduus water, and the party thereupon laid to sweat in his bed; if treacle be not to be had, take it alone in Carduus or Angelica wa- ter. The stalks or roots candied and eaten fasting, are good preservatives in time of infection; and at other times to warm and comfort a cold stomach. The root also steep- ed in vinegar, and a little of that vinegar taken sometimes fasting, and the root smelled unto, is good for the same pur- pose. A water distilled from the root simply, as steeped in wine, and distilled in a glass, is much more effectual than the water of the leaves; and this water, drank two or three spoonfuls at a time, easeth all pains and torments coming of cold and wind, so that the body be not bound; and taken with some of the root in powder at the beginning, helpeth the pleurisy, as also all other diseases of the lungs and breast, as coughs, phthysick, and shortness of breath; and a syrup of the stalks doth the like. It helps pains of the colick,. the strangury and stoppage of the urine, procureth womens courses, and expelleth the after-birth, openeth the stoppings of the liver and spleen, and briefly easeth and discusseth all windiness and inward swellings. The decoction drunk be- fore the fit of an ague, that they may sweat (if possible) be- fore the fit comes, will, in two or three times taking, rid it quite away; it helps digestion, and is a remedy for a sur- feit. The juice, or the water, being dropped into the eyes or ears, helps dimness of sight and deafness; the juice put into the hollow teeth, easeth their pains. The root in pow- der, made up into a plaister with a little pitch, and laid on thtf biting of mad dogs, or any other venomous creature, ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 27 doth wonderfully help. The juice or the water dropped, or tents wet therein, and put into filthy dead ulcers, or the powder of the root (in want of either) doth cleanse and cause them to heal quickly, by covering the naked bones with flesh; the distilled water applied to places pained with the gout, or sciatica, doth give a great deal of ease. The wild Angelica is not so effectual as the garden; al- though it may be safely used to all the purposes aforesaid. ARCHANGEL or DEAD NETTLES. Spleen, Agues, Bleeding at the nose, Kihg^s evil, Sciatica, Gout, Ulcers, Bruises, Burnings, TO put a gloss upon their practice, the physicians call an herb (which country people vulgarly know by the name of Dead Nettle) Archangel; whether they favour more of superstition or folly, I leave to the judicious reader. There is more curiosity than courtesy to my countrymen used by others in the explanation as well of the names, as description of this so well known herb; which, that I may not also be guilty of, take this short description, first of the Red Archangel. Descript.] This has divers square stalks, somewhat hairy, at fche joints whereof grow two sad green leaves dented about the edges, opposite to one another to the lowermost upon long foot stalks, but without any toward the tops, which are somewhat round, yet pointed, and a little crump- led and hairy; round about the upper joints, where th« leaves grow thick, are sundry gaping flowers of a pale red- dish colour; after which comes the seeds three or four in a husk. • The root is smaller and thready, perishing every year; the whole plant hath a strong scent, but not stinking. White Archangel hath divers square stalks, none standing straight upward, but bending downward, whereon stand two leaves at a joint, larger and more pointed than the other, dented about the edges, and greener also, more like unto Nettle leaves, but not stinking, yet hairy. At the joints with the leaves stand larger and more open gaping wliite flowers, husks round about the stalks, but not with such a bush of leaves as flowers set in the top, as is on the other wherein stand small roundish black seeds; the root is white, with many strings at it, not growing downward, but lying 26 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. under the upper crust of the earth, and abideth many years increasing; this has not so strong a scent as the former. Yellow Archangel is like the White in the stalks and leaves; but that the stalks are more straight and upright, and the joints with leaves are farther asunder, having long- er leaves than the former, and the flowers a little larger and more gaping, of a fair yellow colour in most, in some paler. The roots are like white, only they creep not so much un- der the ground. Place/] They grow almost everywhere (unless it be in the middle of the street) the yellow most usually in the wet grounds of woods, and sometimes in the drier, in divers counties of this nation. Time.] They flower from the beginning of the spring all the summer long. Virtues and Use.] The Archangels are somewhat hot and drier than the stinging Nettles, and used with better success for the stopping and hardness of the spleen, than they, by using the decoction of the herb in wine, and afterwards ap- plying the herb hot unto the region of the spleen as a plais- ter, or the decoction with spunges. Flowers of the White Archangel are preserved or conserved to be used to stay the whites, and the flowers of the red to stay the reds in women. It makes the heart merry, drives away melancholy, quickens the spirits, is good against quartan agues, stancheth bleeding at mouth and nose, if it be stamped and applied to the nape of the neck; the herb also bruised, and with some salt and vinegar and hogs-grease, laid upon an hard tumour or swelling, or that vulgarly called the king's evil, do help to dissolve or discuss them; and being in like manner ap- plied, doth much allay the pains, and give ease to the gout, sciatica, and other pains of the joints and sinews. It is also very effectual to heal green wounds, and old ulcers: also to stay their fretting, gnawing and spreading. It draweth forth splinters, and such like things gotten into the flesh, and is very good against bruises and burnings. But the \ ellow Archangel is most commended for old, filthy, corrupt sores and ulcers, yea although they grow to be hollow; and to dissolve tumours. The chief use of them is for wo- men, it being a herb of Venus, and may be found in my Guide for Women. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 29 ARSSMART. Ulcers, Cold swellings, Bruises, Congealed blood, Fellons. Worms in the ears, Inflammations, Wounds. THE hot Arssmart is called also Water-pepper, or Cul- rage. The wild Arssmart is called dead Arssmart Percicaria, or Peach-wort, because the leaves are so like the leaves of a peach-tree; it is also called Plumbago. Description of the Mild.] This hath broad leaves set at the great red joint of the stalks; with semi-circular blackish marks on them, usually either bluish or whitish, with such like seed following. The root is long, with many strings thereat, perishing yearly; this hath no sharp taste (as an- other sort hath, which is quick and biting) but rather sour like sorrel, or else a little drying, or without taste. Place.] It groweth in watery places, ditches, and the like, which for the most part are dry in summer. Time.] It flowereth in June, and the seed is ripe in August. Government and Virtues.] As the virtue of both these is various, so is also their government; for that which is hot and biting, is under the dominion of Mars, but Saturn chal- lengeth the other, as appears by that leaden coloured spot he hath placed upon the leaf. It is of a cooling and drying quality, and very effectual for putrified ulcers in man or beast, to kill worms, and cleanse the putrified places. The juice thereof dropped in, or otherwise applied, consumeth all cold swellings, and dis- solveth the congealed blood of bruises, by strokes, falls, &c. A piece of the root, or some of the seeds bruised, and held to an aching tooth, taketh away the pain. The leaves bruis- ed and laid to the joint that hath a felon thereon taketh it away. The juice destroyeth worms in the ears, being drop- ped into them ; if the hot Arssmart be strewed in a cham- ber, it will soon kill all the fleas; and the herb or juice of the cold Arssmart, put to a horse, or other cattle's sores, will drive away the fly in the hottest time of summer; a good handful of the hot biting Arssmart put under a horse's saddle, will make him travel the* tetter, although he were half tired before. The mild Arssmart is good against all imposthumes and inflammations at the beginning, and to heal green wounds. 30 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. All authors chop the virtues of both sorts of Arssmart to- gether as men chop herbs to the pot, when both of them are of clean contrary qualities. The hot Arssmart groweth not so high or tall as the mild doth, but hath many leaves of the colour of peach leaves, very seldom or never spotted; in other particulars it is like the former, but may easily be known from it, if you will but be pleased to break a leaf of it cross your tongue, for the hot will make your tongue to smart, so will not the cold. If you see them both together; you may easily distinguish them, because the mild hath far broader leaves; and our College of Physicians, out of the learned care of the publick good, Anghce, their own gain, mistake the one for the other in their New Master-piece, whereby they discover, 1. Their ignorance. 2. Their carelessness; and he that hath but half an eye, may see their pride without a pair of spectacles. I have done what I could to distinguish them in the virtues, and when you find not the contrary named, use the cold. The truth is, I have not yet spoken with Dr. Reason, nor his brother Dr. Experience concerning either of them. ASPARAGUS or SPERAGE. Descrivt 1 T^ r'seth up at first with divers white and green J L scaly heads, very brittle or easy to break while they are young, which afterwards rise up in very long and slender green stalks, of the bigness of an ordinary rid- ing wand, at the bottom of most, or bigger or lesser, as the roots are of growth; on which are set divers branches of green leaves shorter and smaller than fennel to the top; at the joints whereof come forth small yellowish flowers, which run into round berries, green at first, and of an excellent red colour when they are ripe, shewing like bead or coral, wherein are contained exceeding hard black seeds, the roots are dispersed from a spongeous head into many long, thick, and round strings, wherein is sucked much nourishment out of the ground, and increaseth plentifully thereby. PRICKLY ASPARAGUS or SPERAGE. Strangury, Gout, Eyes, Sciatica, Rains, Bladder, Cramp, Cholic. Descript 1 TT Sroweth usually in gardens, and some of it 1 'J J_ grows wild in Appleton meadows in Glou- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 31 cestershire, where the poor people do gather the buds of young shoots, and sell them cheaper than our garden Aspa- ragus is sold at London. Time.] They do for the most part flower and bear their berries late in the year, or not at all, although they are housed in winter. Government and Virtues.] They are both under the domin- ion of Jupiter. The young buds or branches boiled in or- dinary broth, make the belly soluble and open, and boiled in white wine, provoke urine, being stopped, and is good against the strangury or difficulty of making water; it ex- pelleth the gravel and stone out of the kidneys, and helpeth pains in the reins. And boiled in white wine or vinegar, it is prevalent for them that have their arteries loosened, or are troubled with the hip-gout or sciatica. The decoction of the roots boiled in wine and taken, is good to clear the sight, and being held in the mouth easeth the tooth-ache; and being taken fasting several mornings together, stireth up bodily lust in man or woman (whatever some have writ- ten to the contrary.) The garden Asparagus nourisheth more than the wild, yet hath it the same effects in all the afore-mentioned diseases: The decoction of the roots in white wine, and the back and belly bathed therewith, or kneeling or lying down in the same, or sitting therein as a bath, hath been found effectual against pains of the reins and bladder, pains of the mother and colick, and generally against all pains that happen to the lower parts of the body, and no less effectual against stiff and benumbed sinews, or those that are shrunk by cramps and convulsions, and help- eth the sciatica. ASH TREE. Adders and Vipers biting, Dropsy, Stone, Jaundice, Scabs or Scald heads, Stone, Rickets. THIS is so well known, that time will be mispent in writing a description of it; and therefore I shall only insist upon the virtues of it. Government and Virtues.] It is governed by the Sun; and the young tender tops, with the leaves taken inwardly, and some of them outwardly applied, are singular good against the biting of viper, adder, or any other venomous beast; and the water distilled therefrom being taken a small quantity 32 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. every morning fasting, is a singular medicine for those that are subject to dropsy, or to abate the greatness of those that are too gross or fat. The decoction of the leaves in white wine helpeth to break the stone, and expel it, and cureth the jaundice. The ashes of the bark of the Ash made into lee, and those heads bathed therewith, which are leprous, scabby, or scald, they are thereby cured. The kernels within the husks, commonly called Ashen Keys, prevail against stitches and pains in the sides, proceeding of wind, and voideth away the stone by provoking urine. I can justly except against none of this, save only the first, viz. That Ash-tree tops and leaves are good against the biting of serpents and vipers. I suppose this had its rise from Gerrard or Pliny, both which hold, That there is such an antipathy between an adder and an Ash-tree, that if an adder be encompassed round with Ash-tree leaves, she will sooner run through the fire than through the leaves : The contrary to which is the truth, as both my eyes are wit- ness. The rest are virtues something likely, only if it be in winter when you cannot get the leaves, you may safely use the bark instead of them. The keys you may easily keep all the year, gathering them when they are ripe. AVENS, COLEWORT, and HERB BONET. Breast, Wind, Stomach, Inward wounds, Cholic, Heart, Fluxes, Ruptures, Poison, Indigestion. Descript.] HPHE ordinary Avens hath many long, rough, ^ 'J dark green winged leaves, rising from the root, every one made of many leaves set on each side of the middle rib, the largest three whereof grow at the end, and are snipped or dented round about the edges; the other be- ing small pieces, sometimes two and sometimes four, stand- ing on each side of the middle rib underneath them. Among which do rise up divers rough or hairy stalks about two feet high, branching forth with leaves at every joint, not so long as those below, but almost as much cut in on the edges, some into three parts, some into more. On the tops of the branches stand small pale yellow flowers, consisting of five leaves, like the flowers of Cinquefoil, but large, in the mid- dle whereof standeth a small green herb, which when the flower is fallen, groweth to be round, being made of many ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 33 long greenish purple seeds, (like grains) which will stick upon your cloaths. The root consists of many brownish strings or fibres, smelling somewhat like unto cloves, espe- cially those which grow in the higher, hotter, and drier grounds, and in free and clear air. Place.] They grow wild in many places under hedges sides, and by the path-ways in fields; yet they rather de- light to grow in shadowy than in sunny places. Time.] They flower in May and June for the most part, and their seed is ripe in July at the farthest. Government and Virtues.] It is governed by Jupiter, and that gives hopes of a wholesome healthful herb. It is good for the diseases of the chest or breast, for pains, and stiches in the side, and to expel crude and raw humours from the belly and stomach, by the sweet savour and warming quali- ty. It dissolves the inward congealed blood happening by falls or bruises, and the spitting of blood, if the roots, either green or dry, be boiled in wine and drank ; as also all man- ner of inward wounds or outward, if washed or bathed therewith. The decoction also being drank, comforts the heart, and strengthens the stomach and a cold brain, and therefore is good in the spring-time to open obstructions of the liver, and helpeth the wind colick; it also helps those that have fluxes, or are bursten, or have a rupture ; it taketh away spots or marks in the face, being washed therewith. The juice of the fresh root, or powder of the dried root, hath the same effect with the decoction. The root in the spring-time, steeped in wine, doth give it a deli- cate savour and taste, and being drank fasting every morn- ing, comforteth the heart, and is a good preservative against the plague, or any other poison. It helpeth digestion, and warmeth a cold stomach, and openeth obstructions of the liver and spleen. It is very safe ; you need have no dose prescribed ; and is very fit to be kept in every body's house. BALM. Faintings, Melancholy, Indigestion, Obstructions, Mad dogs, Terms, Provokes, Bloody Flux, Difficulty of breathing, Gout, Liver and Spleen, Women in child-bed, Boils. THIS herb is so well known to be an inhabitant almost in every garden, that I shall not need to write any 34 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. description thereof, although the virtues thereof, which are many, should not be omitted. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Jupiter, and under Cancer, and strengthens nature much in all its ac- tions. Let a syrup made with the juice of it and sugar (as you shall be taught at the latter end of the book) be kept in every gentlewoman's house, to relieve the weak sto- machs and sick bodies of their poor sickly neighbours ; as also the herb kept dry in the house, that so with other con- venient simples, you may make it into an electuary with honey, according as the disease is, you shall be taught at the latter end of my book. The Arabian physicians have extolled the virtues thereof to the skies ; although the Greeks thought it not worth mentioning. Seraphio saith, it causeth the mind and heart to become merry, and revi- veth the heart, faintings and swoonings, especially of such who are overtaken in sleep and driveth away all trouble- some cares and thoughts out of the mind, arising from melancholy or black choler ; which Avicen also confirm- eth. It is very good to help digestion, and open obstruc- tions of the brain, and hath so much purging quality in it (saith Avicen) as to expel those melancholy vapours from the spirits and blood which are in the heart and arteries, although it cannot do .so in other parts of the body. Dio- scorides saith, That the leaves steeped in wine, and the wine drank, and the leaves externally applied, is a remedy against the stings of a scorpion, and the bitings of mad dogs ; and commendeth the decoction thereof for women to bathe or sit in to procure their courses ; it is good to wash aching teeth therewith, and profitable for those that have the bloody-flux. The leaves also, with a little nitre taken in drink, are good against the surfeit of mushrooms, help the griping pains of the belly ; and being made into an electuary, it is good for them that cannot fetch their breath ; Used with salt, it takes away wens, kernels, or hard swellings in the flesh or throat; it eleanseth foul sores, and easeth pains of the gout. It is good for the liver and spleen. A tansy or caudle made with eggs, and juice thereof while it is young, putting to it some sugar and'rose- water, is good for a woman in child-bed, when the after- birth is not thoroughly voided, and for their faintings upon or in their sore travel. The herb bruised and boiled in a ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 35 little wine and oil, and laid warm on a boil, will ripen it, and break it. BARBERRY. Scabs, Itch, Tetters, Ringworms, Boils, Jaunders, Appetite lost. THE shrub is so well known by every boy and girl that hath but attained to the age of seven years, that it needs no description. Government and Virtues.] Mars owns the shrub, and pre- sents it to the use of my countrymen to purge their bodies of choler. The inner rind of the Barberry-tree boiled in white wine, and a quarter of a pint drank each morning, is an excellent remedy to cleanse the body of cholerick hu- mours, and free it from such diseases as choler causeth, such as scabs, itch, tetters, ringworms, yellow jaundice, boils, &c. It is excellent for hot agues, burnings, scald- mgs, heat of the blood, heat of the liver, bloody flux, for the berries are as good as the bark and more pleasing; they get a man a good stomach to his victuals, by strength- ening the attractive faculty, which is under Mars, as you may see more at large at the latter end of my Ephemeris for the year 1651 : The hair washed with the lee made of ashes of the tree and water, will make it turn yellow, viz. of Mars' own colour. The fruit and rind of the shrub, the flowers of broom and of heath, or furz, cleanse the body of choler by sympathy, as the flowers, leaves, and bark of the peach-tree do by antipathy; because these are under Mars, that under Venus. BARLEY. Fevers, Agues, Inflammations, Spleen, Ears, Throat, King's evil, Gout, Itch, Eyes. THE continual usefulness hereof hath made all in ge- neral so acquainted herewith, that it is altogether needless to describe it, several kinds hereof plentifully growing, being yearly sown in this land. The virtues thereof take as followeth. Government and Virtues.] It is a notable plant of Saturn : if you view diligently its effects by sympathy and antipathy you may easily perceive a reason of them ; as also why barley-bread is so unwholsome for melancholy people. Barley in all the parts and compositions thereof, (except 36 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. malt) is more cooling than wheat, and a little cleansing: And all the preparations thereof, as barley-water and other things made thereof, do give great nourishment to persons troubled with fevers, agues, and heats in the stomach. A poultice made of barley-meal or flour boiled in vinegar and honey, and a few dry figs put into them, dissolveth all hard imposthumes, and assuageth inflammations, heing thereto applied. And being boiled with melilot and camomile-flow- ers, and some linseed, fenugreek, and rue in powder, and applied warm, it easeth pains in side and stomach, and windiness of the spleen. The meal of barley and flleawors boiled in water, and made a poultice with honey and oil of lilies applied warm, cureth swellings under the ears, throat, neck, and such like ; and a plaister made thereof with tar, wax, and oil, helpeth the king's evil in the throat; boiled with sharp vinegar into a poultice, and laid on hot, helpeth the leprosy; being boiled in red wine with pomgranate rind, and myrtles, stayeth the lask or other flux of the belly : boiled with vinegar and quince, it easeth the pains of the gout; barley-flour, white salt, honey, and vinegar mingled together, taketh away the itch speedily and certainly. The water distilled from the green barley in the end of May, is very good for those that have defluctions of humours fallen into their eyes, and easeth the pain being dropt into them ; or white bread steeped therein, and bound on the eyes, doth the same. GARDEN or SWEET BAZIL. Venomous beasts, Beas, Wasps, Hornets. Descript} f I ^HE Sreat or ordinary Bazil riseth up " "J J_ usually with one upright stalk diversely branching forth on all sides, with two leaves at every joint, which are somewhat broad and round, yet pointed of a pale green colour, but fresh ; a little snipped about the edges, and of a strong healthy scent. The flowers are small and white, and standing at the tops of the branches, wit,h two small leaves at the joints, in some places green, in others brown, after which come black seed. The root perisheth at the approach of winter, and therefore must be new sown every year. Place.] It groweth in gardens. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 37 Time.] It must be sowed late, and flowers in the heart of summer, being a very tender plant. Government and Virtues.] This is the herb which all au- thors are together by the ears about, and rail at one another (like lawyers.) Galen and Dioscorides hold it not fitting to be taken inwardly ; and Chrysipus rails at it with down- right Billinsgate rhetoric : Pliny and the Arabian physicians defend it. For mine own part, I presently found that speech true ; Non nostrum inter nos tantas componcre lites. And away to Dr. Reason went I, who told me it was an herb of Mars, and under the Scorpion, and perhaps there- fore called Basilicon, and it is no marvel if it carry a kind of virulent quality with it. Being applied to the place bit- ten by venomous beasts, or stung by a wasp or hornet, it speedily draws the poison to it. Every like draws his like. Mizaldus affirms, that, being laid to rot in horse-dung, it will breed venomous beasts. Hilarious, a French physician affirms upon his own knowledge, that an acquaintance df his, by common smelling to it, had a scorpion bred in his brain. Something is the matter, this herb and rue will ne- ver grow together, no, nor near one another; and we know rue is as great an enemy to poison as any that grows. To conclude : it expelleth both birth^and after birth ; and as it helps the deficiency of Venus in one kind, so it spoils all her actions in another. I dare write no more of it. THE BAY or BAYBERRY TREE, or BUSH. Stone, Obstructions of the Liver, Spleen, Dropsy, Poison, Jaun- - dice, Wasps, Terms, Provokes, Eases delivery, After-birth, Cough, Short breath, Wind, Mother, Worms, Stomach, Womb, Belly, Itch and Scabs. THIS is so well known that it needs no description ; I shall therefore only write the virtues thereof, which are many. Government and Virtues.] I shall but only add a word or two to what my friend hath written, viz. That it is a tre« of the sun, and under the celestial sign Leo, and resisteth witchcraft very potently, as also all the evils old Saturn ca» do to the body of man, and they are not a few; for it is the 4 38 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. speech of one, and I am mistaken if it were not Mizaldus, that neither witch nor devil, thunder nor lightning, will hurt a man in the place where a bay-tree is. Galen said, that the leaves or bark do dry and heal much, and the berries, more than the leaves ; the bark of the root is less sharp and hot, but more bitter, and hath some astriction withal, whereby it is effectual to break the stone, and good to open obstructions of the liver, spleen, and other inward parts, which bring the jaundice, dropsy, &c. The berries are very effectual against all poison of venomous creatures, and the stings of wasps and bees ; as also against the pestilence, or other infectious diseases, and therefore put into sundry treacles for that purpose : They hkewise procure women's courses; and seven of them given to a woman in sore tra- vel of child-birth, do cause a speedy delivery, and expel the after-birth, and therefore not to be taken by such as have not gone out their time, lest they procure abortion, or cause labour too soon. They wonderfully help all cold and rheu- matic distillations from the brain to the eyes, lungs, or other parts ; and being made into an electuary with honey, do help the consumption, old coughs, shortness of breath, and thin rheums ; as also the megrum. They mightily expel the wind, and provoke urine ; help the mother and kill the worms. The leaves also work the like effects. A bath of the decoction of the leaves and berries, is singular good for women to sit in, that are troubled with the mother, or the diseases thereof, or the stoppings of their courses, or for the diseases of the bladder, pains in the bowels by wind and stopping of urine. A decoction hkewise of equal parts of Bay berries, cummin-seed, hysop, origanum, and euphorbi- um, with some honey, and the head bathed therewith, doth wonderfully help distillations and rheums, and settleth the palate of the mouth into its place. The oil made of the berries is very comfortable in all cold griefs of the joints, nerves, arteries, stomach, belly, or womb, and helpeth palsies, convulsions, cramp, aches, tremblings and numbness in any part, weariness also, and pains that come by sore travelling. All griefs and pains proceeding from wind, either in the head, stomach, back, belly, or womb, by anointing the parts therewith : And pains in the «ars are also cured by drop- ping in some of the oil, or by receiving into the ears the fume of the decoction of the berries through a funnel. The ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 30 oil takes away the marks of the skin and flesh by bruises, falls, &c. and dissolveth the congealed blood in them : It helpeth also the itch, scabs and weals in the skin. BEANS. Stone, Inflammations, Women's Breasts, Fellons, Boils, Bruises, Cods, Swellings, Fluxes, Sinews, GoutT Sciatica. BOTH the garden and field beans are so well known, that it saveth me the labour of writing any description of them. Their virtues follow. Government and Virtues.] They are plants of Venus, and the distilled water of the flower of garden beans is good to clean the face and skin from spots and wrinkles, and the meal or flour of them, or the small beans doth the same. The water distilled from the green husks, is held to be very ( effectual against the stone, and to provoke urine. Bean flour is used in poultices to assuage inflammations rising up- on wounds, and the swelling of women's breasts, caused by the curdling of their milk, and represseth their milk,; Flour of beans and fenugreek mixed with honey, and applied to felons, boils, bruises, or blue marks by blows, or the impos- thumes in the kernels of the ears, helpeth them all; and with rose leaves, frankincense, and the white of an egg, being applied to the eyes, helpeth them that are swollen or do water, or have received any blow upon them, if used with wine. If a Bean be parted in two, the skin being tak- en away, and laid on the place where the leech hath been set that bleedeth too much, stayeth the bleeding. Bean flour boiled to a poultice with wine and vinegar, and some oil put thereto, easeth both pains and swelling of the cods. The husk boiled in water to the consumption of a third part thereof, stayeth a lask : And the ashes of the husks, made up with old hog's grease, helpeth the old pains, contusions, and wounds of the sinews, the sciatica, and gout. The field Beans have all the aforementioned virtues as the garden Beans. Beans eaten are extremely windy meat; but if after the Dutch fashion, when they are half'boiled you husk them, and then stew them (I cannot tell you how, for I never was cook in all my life) they are wholesome food. 40 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. LADIES BED-STRAW or WILD ROSEMARY. Stone, Disury, Bleeding, Wounds, Burnings, Stiffness oj joints. BESIDES the common name above written, it is called Cheese Rennet, because it performs the same office ; as also Gallion, Pettimugget, and Maid-Hair ; and by some wild Rosemary. Descript.] This riseth up with divers small, brown and square upright stalks a yard high or more; sometimes branches forth into divers parts, full of joints and with di- vers very fine small leaves at every one of them, little or nothing rough at all; at the tops of the branches grow many long tufts or branches of yellow flowers very thick set to- gether, from the several joins which consist of four leaves a-piece, Which smell somewhat strong, but not unpleasant. * The seed is small and black like poppy seed, two for the " most part joined together : The root is reddish, with many small threads fastened unto it, which take strong hold of the ground and creepeth a little : and the branches leaning a little down to the ground, take root at the joints thereof, lyhereby it is easily increased. There is another sort of ladies Bed-straw growing fre- quently in England winch beareth white flowers as the other doth yellow ; but the branches of this are so weak, that un- less it be sustained by the hedges, or other things near which it groweth, it will lie down to the ground : The leaves a lit- tle bigger than the former, and the flowers not so plentiful as these ; and the root hereof is also thready and abiding. Place.] They grow in meadows and pastures both wet and dry, and by the hedges. Time.] They flower in May for the most part, and the seed is ripe in July and August. Government and Virtues.] They are both herbs of Venus, and therefore strengthening the parts both internal and ex- ternal, which she rules. The decoction of the former of those being drank, is good to fret and break the stone, pro- voke urine, stayeth inward bleeding, and healeth inward wounds. The herb or flower bruised and put up into the nostrils, stayeth their bleeding likewise : The flowers and herbs being made into an oil, by being set in the sun, and changed after it hath stood ten or twelve days; or into an ointment being boiled in Axunga, or sallet oil, with some ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 41 wax melted therein, after it is strained; either the oil made thereof, or the ointment, do help burnings with fire, or scaldings with water : The same also, or the decoction of the herb and flower, is good to bathe the feet of travellers and lacquies, whose long running causeth weariness and stiffness in their sinews and joints. If the decoction be used warm, and the joints afterwards annointed with ointment, it helpeth the dry scab, and the itch in children ; and the herb with the white flower is also very good for the sinews, arteries, and joints, to comfort and strengthen them after travel, cold, and pains. BEETS. Disury, Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, St. Anthony s fire, Itch, Dandruf, Ulcers, Cankers, Flux, Terms, Stops, Whites. OF Beets there are two sorts, which are best known generally, and whereof I shall principally treat, at this time, viz. the white and red Beets, and their virtues. Descript] The common white Beet hath many great leaves next the ground, somewhat large, and of a whitish green colour. The stalk is great, strong, and ribbed, bear- ing great store of leaves upon it, almost to the very top of it. The flowers grow in very long tufts, small at the end, and turning down their heads, which are small, pale, green- ish, yellow buds, giving cornered prickly seed. The root is great, long, and hard, and when it hath given seed, is of no use at all. The common red Beet differeth not from the white, but only it is lesser, and the leaves and the roots are somewhat red: The leaves are differently red, some only with red stalks or veins; some of a fresh red, and others of a dark red. The root thereof is red, spungy and not used to be eaten. Government and Virtues.] The government of these two sorts of beets are *"ar different: the red Beet being under Saturn, and the wliite, under Jupiter; therefore take the virtues of them apart, each by itself: The white Beet doth much loosen the belly, and is of a cleansing, digesting quality, and provoketh urine. The juice of it openeth ob- structions both of the liver and spleen, and is good for the head-ach and swimmings therein, and turnings of the brain; 4* 42 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. and is effectual also against all venomous creatures ; and applied unto the temples, stayeth inflammations in the eyes ; it helpeth burnings, being used without oil, and with a little allum put to it, is good for St. Anthony's fire. It is good for all wheals, pushes, blisters, and blains in the skin : the herb boiled and laid upon chilblains or kibes, helpeth them. The decoction thereof in water and some vinegar, healeth the itch, if bathed therewith, and eleanseth the head of dan- druff, scurf, and dry scabs, and doth much good for fretting and running sores, ulcers, and cankers in the head, legs, or other parts, and is much commended against baldness and shedding the hair. The red Beet is good to stay the bloody-flux, women's courses, and the whites, and to help the yellow jaundice : the juice of the root put into the nostrils, purgeth the head, helpeth the noise in the ears, and the tooth-ach ; the juice snuffed up the nose, helps a stinking breath, if the cause lies in the nose, as many times it doth, if any bruise hath been there ; as also want of smell coming that way. WATER BETONY. Ulcers, Bruises and Sun burnings. CALLED also Brown-wort, and in Yorkshire, Bishops- leaves. Descript.] First, of the Water Betony, which riseth up with square, hard, greenish stalks, sometimes brown, set with broad dark green leaves dented about the edges with notches, somewhat resembling the leaves of the Wood Be- tony, but much larger too, for the most part set at a joint. The flowers are many, set at the tops of the stalks and branch- es, being round bellied and opened at the brims, and divid- ed into two parts, the uppermost being like a hood, and the lowermost like a hip hanging down, of a dark red colour, which passing, there come in their places small round heads with small points at the ends, wherein lie small and brown- ish seeds ; the root is a thick bush of strings and shreds growing from the head. Place.] It groweth by the ditch-side, brooks, and-other water-courses, generally through this land, and is seldom found far from the water-side. Time.] It flowereth about July, and the seed is ripe in August. EAGLlMi FiiifSICTAN. 43 Government and Virtues.] Water Betony is an herb of Ju- piter in Cancer, and is appropiated more to wounds and hurts in the breasts than Wood Betony, which follows : It is an excellent remedy for sick hogs. It is of a cleansing quality : The leaves bruised and applied are effectual for all old and filthy ulcers ; and especially if the juice of the leaves be boiled with a little honey, and dipped therein, and the sores dressed therewith; as also for bruises or hurts, whether inward or outward: The distilled water of the leaves is used for the same purpose ; as also to bathe the face and hands spotted or blemished, or discoloured by sun burnings. I confess I do not much fancy distilled waters, I mean such waters as are distilled cold ; some virtues of the herb they may happily have (it were a strange thing else ;) but this 1 am confident of, that being distilled in a pewter still, as the vulgar and apish fashion is, both chemical oil and salt is left behind, unless you burn them, and then all is spoiled, water and all, which was good for as little as can be by such a distillation in my translation of the London Dispensatory. WOOD BETONY. Indigestion, Stomach, Jaundice, Falling sickness, Palsey, Sin- exes, Gout, Dropsy, Cough, Shortness of breath, Worms, Liver, Spleen, Pains in the back, Terms, Provokes, Mad dogs, Bleeding, Pissing and spitting blood, Bruises,Old ulcers, Boils. D . , ^lOMMON or Wood Betony hath many " "J \^/ leaves rising from the root, which are some- what broad and round at the end, roundly dented about the edges, standing upon long foot stalks, from among which arise up small, square, slender, but upright hairy stalks, with some leaves thereon to a piece at the joints, smaller than the loAver, whereon are set several spiked heads of flowers like lavender, but thicker and shorter for the most part, and of a reddish or purple colour, spotted with white spots both in the upper and lower part, the seeds being con- tained within the husks that hold the flowers, are blackish, somewhat long and uneven. The roots are many white thready strings; the stalk perisheth, but the roots, with some leaves thereon, abide all the winter. The whole plant is something small. Place] It groweth frequently in woods, and delighteth in shady places. 44 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Time.] And it flowereth in July ; after which the seed is quickly ripe, yet in its prime in May. Government and Virtues.] The herb is appropriated to the planet Jupiter, and the sign Aries. Antonius Musa, physi- cian to the Emperor Augustus Caesar, wrote a peculiar book of the virtues of this herb ; and among other virtues, saith of it, that it preserveth the liver and bodies of men from the danger of epidemical diseases, and from witchcrafts also; it helpeth those that loath or cannot digest their meat, those that have weak stomachs, or sour belchings, or continual rising in their stomach, using it familiarly, either green or dry; either the herb or root, or the flowers in broth, drink, or meat, or made into conserve, syrup, water, electuary, or powder, as every one may best frame themselves unto, or as the time or season requireth; taken any of the aforesaid ways, it helpeth the jaundice, falling-sickness, the palsy, convulsions, or shrinking of the sinews, the gout, and those that are inclined to dropsy, those that have continual pains in their heads, although it turn to phrensy. The powder mixed with pure honey, is no less available for all sorts of coughs or colds, wheesing, or shortness of breath, distil- lations of thin rheum upon the lungs, which causeth con- sumptions. The decoction made with mead, and a little penny-royal, is good for those that are troubled with pu- trid agues, whether quotidian, tertian, or quartan, and to draw down and evacuate the blood and humours, that by falling into the eyes, do hinder the sight; the decoction thereof made in wine, and taken, killeth the worms in the belly, openeth obstructions both of the spleen and liver, cureth stitches, and the pains in the back, or sides, the torments and griping pains of the bowels, and the wind-colick ; and mixed with honey purgeth the belly, helpeth to bring down women's courses, ahd is of special use for those that are troubled with the falling down of the mother, and pains thereof, and causeth an easy and speedy delivery of women in child-birth. It helpeth also to break and expel the stone, either in the bladder or kidneys. The decoction with wine gargled in the mouth, easeth the tooth-ach. It is commended against the stinging or bitinw of venomous serpents, or mad dogs, being used inwardly and applied outwardly to the place. A dram of the pow- der of Betony, taken with a little honey in some vinegar, ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 45 doth wonderfully refresh those that are over wearied by travel. It stayeth bleeding at the mouth or nose, and helpeth those that piss or spit blood, and those that are bursten or have a rupture, and is good for such as are bruised by any fall or otherwise. The green herb bruised, or the juice applied to any inward hurt, or outward green wound in the head or body, will quickley heal and close it up; as also any veins or sinews that are cut; and will draw forth any broken bone or splinter, thorn or any other things got into the flesh. It is no less profitable for old sores or filthy ulcers; yea, though they be fistulous and hollow. But some do advise to put a little salt to this pur- pose, being applied with a little hog's lard, it helpeth a plague sore, and other boils and pushes. The fume of the decoction while it is warm, received by a funnel into the ears, easeth the pains of them, destroys the worms and cur- eth the running sores in them. The juice dropped into them doth the same. The root of Betony is displeasing both to the taste and stomach, whereas the leaves and flow- ers, by their sweet and spicy taste, are comfortable both to meat and medicine. These are some of the many virtues Antony Muse, an ex- pert physician (for it was not the practice of Octavius Caesar to keep fools about him) appropriates to Betony; it is a very precious herb, that is certain, and most fitting to be kept in a man's house, both in syrup, conserve, oil, ointment, and plaister. The flowers are usually conserved. THE BEECH TREE. Colds, Binds) Hot swellings, Tetters, Scurf, Scabs. IN treating of this tree, you must understand that I mean the green Mast-beech, which is, by way of distinction from that other small rough sort, called in Sussex the smal- ler Beech, but in Essex Horn-bean. I suppose it is needless to describe it, being already too well known to my countrymen. Place.] It groweth in woods lamongst oaks and other trees, and in parks, forests, and chaces, to feed deer; and in other places to fatten swine. Time.] It bloometh in the end of April, or beginning of May, for the most part, and the fruit is ripe in September. 46 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Government and Virtues.] ^It is a plant of Saturn, and therefore performs his qualities and proportion in these operations : The leaves of the Beech Tree are cooling and binding, and therefore good to be applied, to hot swellings to discuss thein ; the nuts do much nourish such beasts as feed thereon. The water that is found in the hollow places of decayed Beeches will cure both man and beast of any scurf, scab, or running tetters, if they be washed therewith; you may boil the leaves into a poultice, or make an oint- ment of them when time of year serves. BILBERRIES, called by some WHORTS, and WHORTLE-BERRIES. Agues, Stomach, Appetite lost, Fluxes and Cough. Detc ' 11 ^^E these I shall only speak of two sort» " '* \J which are common in England, viz. the black and red berries. And first of the black. The small bush creepeth along upon the ground, scarce rising half a yard high, with divers small dark green leaves set in the green branches, not always one against the other, and a little dented about the edges ; at the foot of the leaves come forth small, hollow, pale, bluish coloured flowers, the brims ending in five points, with a reddish thread in the middle, which pass into small round berries of the bigness and colour of juniper berries, but of a purple, sweetish, sharp taste ; the juice of them giveth a purplish colour in their hands and lips that eat and handle them, especially if they break them. The root groweth aslope under ground, shooting forth in sundry places as it creepeth. This loses its leaves in winter. The Red Bilberry, or Whortle-Bush, riseth up like the former having sundry hard leaves, like the Box-tree leaves, green and round pointed, standing on the several branches, at the top whereof only, and not from the sides, as in the former, come forth divers round, reddish, sappy, berries, when they are ripe, of a sharp taste. The root runneth in the ground, ajijhAtJlie.forjjjgr, but the leaves of tins abide all the winter. *'*' ^t»,' Place.] The first groweth in forests, on the heaths, and such like barren places. The red grows in the north parts of this land, as Lancashire, Yorkshire, &c. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 47 Time.] They flower in March and April, and the fruit of the black is ripe in July and August. Government and Virtues.] They are under the dominion of Jupiter. It is a pity they are used no more in physick than they are. The Black Bilberries are good in hot agues, and to cool the heat of the liver and stomach ; they do somewhat bind the belly, and stay vomitings and loathings; the juice of the berries made in a syrup, or the pulp made into a con- serve with sugar, is good for the purposes aforesaid, as also for an old cough, or an ulcer in the lungs, or other diseases therein. The red Whorts are more binding, and stop wo- men's courses, spitting of blood, or any other flux of blood or humours, being used as well outwardly as inwardly. BIFOIL, or TWABLADE. rj • , 1 ^ I ^HIS small herb, from a root somewhat 1 sweet, shooting downwards many long strings, riseth up a round green stalk, bare or naked next the ground for an inch, two or three to the middle thereof, as it is an age or growth ; as also from the middle upward to the flowers, having only two broad plantain-like leaves (but whiter) set at the middle of the stalk, one against an- other, compasseth it round at the bottom of them. Place.] It is an usual inhabitant in woods, copses, and in many other places in this land. There is another sort groweth in wet grounds and marsh- es, which is somewhat different from the former. It is a smaller plant, and greener, having sometimes three leaves; the spike of the flowers' is less than the former, and the roots of this do run or creep in the ground. They are much and often used by many to good, purpose for wounds, both green and old, and to consolidate or knit ruptures ; as well it may, being a plant of Saturn. THE BIRCH TREE. Descript.] f I ^HIS glweth a goodly *ta11 straight tree, " "J fraught with many boughs, and slender branches bending downward; the oltT'tJeiffg covered with a discoloured chapped bark, and the younger being browner by much. The leaves at the first breaking out are crum- pled, and afterwards like beech leaves, but smaller and greener, and dented about the edges. It beareth small 48 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. short cat-skins, somewhat like those of the hazel nut-tree, which abide on the branches a long time, until growing ripe, they fall on the ground, and their seed with them. Place.] It usually groweth in woods. Government and Virtues.] It is a tree of Venus ; the juice of the leaves, while they are young, or the distilled water of them, or the water that comes from the tree being bored with an auger, and distilled afterwards; any of these being drank for some days together, is available to break the stone in the kidneys and bladder, and is good also to wash sore mouths. BISHOPS-WEED. Disury, Terms, Wind cholic, Black and blue spots, Mother. BESIDES the common name Bishop-weed, it is usually known by the Greek name Ammi and Ammios; some call it Ethiopian Cummin-seed, and others Cummin-royal, as also Herb-William, and Bull-wort. Descript.] Common Bishops-weed riseth up with a round straight stalk, sometimes as high as a man, but usually three or four feet high, beset with divers small, long, and somewhat broad - leaves, cut in some places, and dented about the edges, growing one against another, of a dark green colour, having sundry branches on them, and at the top small umbels of white flowers, which turn into small round seeds, little bigger than parsley-seeds, of a quick hot scent and taste : the root is white and stringy, perishing yearly, and usually riseth again on its own sowing.' Place.] It groweth wild in many places in England and Wales, as between Greenhith and Gravesend. Government and Virtues.] It is hot and dry in the third degree, of a bitter taste, and somewhat sharp withal ; it provokes lust to purpose : I suppose Venus owns it. It digesteth humours, provoketh urine and women's courses, dissolveth wind, and being taken in wine it easeth pain and griping in the bowels, and is good against the biting of ser- pents ; it is used to good effects in those medicines which are given to hinder the poisonous operation of Cantharidcs upon the passage of the urine; being mixed with honey and applied to black and blue marks, coming of blows or bruises, it takes them away ; and being drank or outward- ly applied, it abatcth an high colour, and makes it pale ; ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 49 and the fume sthereof taken with rosin or raisins, eleanseth the mother. BISTORT, or SNAKEWEED. Poison, Plague, Measles, Blcading inward, Flux, Vomiting, Jaundice, Ulcers, Abortion, nTorms, Matrix, Terms, Tooth- achi, Almonds of the ears. IT is called Snakeweed, English Serpentary, Dragon- wort, Osterick, and Passions. Descript.] This hath a thick short knobbed root, blackish without, and somewhat reddish within, a little crooked or turned together, of a hard astringent taste, with divers black threads hanging there, from whence spring up every year divers leaves standing upon long foot stalks, being somewhat broad and long like a dock-leaf, and a little pointed at the ends, but that it is of a blueish green colour on the upper side, and of an ash-colour grey, and a little purplish underneath, with divers veins therein, from among u hich rise up divers small and slender stalks, two feet high, and almost naked and without leaves, or with a very few, and narrow bearing a spikey bush of pale coloured flowers ; which being past, there abideth small seed, like unto sorrel seed, but greater. There are other sorts of Bistort growing in this land, but smaller, both in height, root, and stalks, and especially in the leaves. The root blackish without, and somewhat whitish within : of an austere binding taste, as the former. Place.] They grow in shadowy moist woods, and at the foot of hills, but are chiefly nourished up in gardens. The narrow-leafed Bistort groweth in the north, in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cumberland. Time.] They flower about the end of May, and the seed is ripe about the beginning of July. Government and VirtuesT] It belongs to Saturn, and is in operation cold and dry ; both the leaves and roots have a powerful faculty to resist all poison. The root in powder taken in drink expelleth the venom of the plague, the sinallpox, measles, purples, or any other infectious disease, 'driving it out by sweating. The root in powder, the de- coction thereof in wine being drank stayeth all manner of inward bleeding, or spitting of blood, and any fluxes in the body of either man or woman, or vomiting. It is also very 5 50 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. available against ruptures, or burstings, or all bruises, of falls, dissolving the congealed blood and easing the pains that happen thereupon ; it also helpeth the jaundice. The water distilled from both leaves and roots, is a singular remedy to wash any place bitten or stung by any venomous creature ; as also for any of the purposes before spoken of, and is very good to wash any running sores or ulcers. The decoction of the root in wine being drank, hindereth abortion or miscarriage in child-bearing. The leaves also kill the worms in children, and is a great help to them that cannot keep their water ; if the juice of plan- tain be added thereto, and outwardly applied, much help- eth the gonorrhea or running of the reins. A dram of the powder of the root taken in water thereof, wherein some red-hot iron or steel hath been quenched, is also an admirable help thereto, so as the body be first prepared and purged from the offensive humours. The leaves, seed, or roots, are all very good in decoctions, drinks, or lotions, for inward or outward wounds, or other sores. And the powder strewed upon any cut or wound in a vein, stayeth the immoderate bleeding thereof. The decoction of the root in water, whereunto some pomegranate-peels and flow- ers added, injected into the matrix, stayeth the immoderate flux of the courses. The root thereof with pellitory of Spain, and burnt allum, of each a little quantity, beaten small and made into paste, with some honey, and a little piece thereof put into an hollow tooth, or held between the teeth, if there be no hollowness in them, stayeth the deflux- ion of rheum upon them, which causeth pains, and helps to cleanse the head, and void much offensive water. The distilled water is very effectual to wash sores or cankers in the nose, or any other part; if the powder of the root be applied thereunto afterwards. It is good also to fasten the gums, and to take away the heat and inflammations that happen in the jaws, almonds of the throat, or mouth, if the decoction of the leaves, roots, or seeds bruised, or the juice of them be applied ; but the roots are most effectual to the purposes aforesaid. ONE-BLADE. Pestilence, Wounds, Nerves, Sinews. Descriot 1 ^T^HIS sma11 Plant never beareth more than JL one le*£ but OHly when il riseth up with ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 51 its stalk, which thereon beareth another, and seldom more, which are of a blueish green colour, broad at the bottom, and pointed with many ribs or veins like plantain: at the top of the stalk grows many small flowers star-fashion, smel- ling somewhat sweet; after which cometh small reddish berries when they are ripe ; The root small, of the bigness of a rush,, lying and creeping under the upper crust of the earth, shooting forth in divers places. Place.] It grows in moist, shadowy, grassy places of woods, in many places of this realm. Time.] It flowereth about May, and the berries are ripe in June, and then quickly perisheth, until the next year it springeth from the same njain. Government and Virtues?] It is an herb of the Sun, and therefore cordial; half a dram, or a dram at most, of the roots hereof in powder, taken in wine and vinegar, of each a like quantity, and the party presently laid to sweat, is held to be a sovereign remedy for those that are infected with the plague, and have a sore upon them, by expelling the poison, and defending the heart and spirits from danger. It is also accounted a singular good wound herb, and therefore used with other herbs in making such balms as are necessa- ry for curing of wounds, either green or old, and especially if the nerves be hurt. THE BRAMBLE, or BLACK-BERRY BUSH. Ulcers, Quinsey, Bloody-flux, Spitting blood, Gravel, Secrets, Terms, Poison, Fundament, Piles, Scabby heads. IT is so well known that it needeth no description. The virtues thereof are as follow. Government and Virtues.] It is a plant of Venus in Aries. You shall have some directions at the latter end of the book for the gathering of all herbs and plants, &c. If any ask the reason why Venus is so prickly ? Tell them 'tis because she is in the house of Mars. The buds, leaves, and branch- es, while they are green, are of a good use in the ulcers and putrid sores of the mouth and throat, and of the quinsy, and likewise to heal other fresh wounds and sores ; but the flowers and fruits unripe are very binding, and so profitable for the bloody-flux, lasks, and are a fit remedy for spitting of blood. Either the decoction or powder of the root being 52 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. taken, is good to break or drive forth gravel and the stone in the reins and kidneys. The leaves and brambles, as well green as dry, are excellent good lotions for sores in the mouth, or secret parts. The decoction of them, and of the dried branches, do much bind the belly, and are good for too much flowing of women's courses ; the berries of the flowers are a powerful remedy against the poison of the most venomous serpents : as well drank as outwardly ap- plied, helpeth the sores of the fundament, and the piles ; the juice of the berries mixed with the juice of mulberries, do bind more effectually, and help all fretting and eating sores and ulcers whatsoever. The distilled water of the branches, leaves, and flowers, or of the fruit, is very pleasant in taste, and very effectual in fevers, and hot distempers of the body, head, eyes, and other parts, and for the purposes aforesaid. The leaves boiled in lee, and the head washed therewith, healeth the itch, and the running sores thereof, and maketh the hair black. The powder of the leaves strewed on can- kers and running ulcers, wonderfully helps to heal them. Some use to condensate the juice of leaves, and some the juice of the berries, to keep for their use all the year, for the purposes aforesaid. BORAGE and BUGLOSS. Fevers, Poison, Milk in nurses, Jaundice, Itch, Weakness by long sickness, Consumption, Ulcers, Sore throat, Cough. THESE are so well known to the inhabitants in every garden, that I hold it needless to describe them. To these I may add a third sort, which is not so common, nor yet so well known, and therefore I shall give you its name and description. It is called Langue de Beuf ; but why then should they call one herb by the name Bugloss, and another by the name Langue de Beuf? It is some question to me, seeing one sig- nifies Ox-tongue in Greek, and the other signifies the same in French. Descript.] The leaves whereof are smaller than those of Bugloss, but much rougher; the stalks arising up about a foot and a half high, and is most commonly of a red colour; the flowers stand in scaly rough heads, being composed of many small yellow flowers, not much unlike to those of ENGLISH PHYSICIAN- 5fr Dandelions, and the seed flieth away in down, as that doth ; you may easily know the flowers by their taste, for they are very bitter. Place.] It groweth wild in many places of this land, and may be plentifully found near London, as between Rother- hith and Deptford, by the ditch-side. Its virtues are held to be the same with Borage and Bugloss, only this is some- what hotter. Time.] They flower in June and July, and the seed is ripe shortly after. Government and Virtues.] They are all three herbs of Ju- piter, and under Leo, all great cordials, and great strength- ened of nature. The leaves and roots are to very good purpose used in putrid and pestilential fevers, to defend the heart, and help to resist and expel the poison, or the venom of other creatures ; the seed is of the like effects ; and the seed and leaves are good to increase milk in women's breasts; the leaves, flowers, and seed, all or any of them, are good to expel pensiveness and melancholy ; it helpeth to clarify the blood, and mitigate heat in fevers. The juice made into a syrup, prevaileth much to all the purposes aforesaid, and is put with other cooling, opening, and cleansing herbs to open obstructions, and help the yellow jaundice, and mixed with fumitory, to cool, cleanse, and temper the blood thereby; it helpeth the itch, ringworms, and tetters, or other spread- ing scabs or sores. The flowers candied or made into a conserve are helpful in the former cases, but are chiefly used as a cordial, and are good for those that are weak in long sickness, and to comfort the heart and spirits of those that are in a consumption, or troubled with often swoonings, or passions of the heart. The distilled water is no less ef- fectual to all the purposes aforesaid, and helpeth the redness and inflammations of the eyes, being washed therewith; the dried herb is never used, but the green; yet the ashes thereof, boiled in mead, or honied water, is available against the inflammations and ulcers in the mouth or throat to gargle it therewith ; the roots of Bugloss are effectual, being made into a licking electuary for the cough, and to con- densate thick phlegm, and the rheumatic distillations upon the lungs. 5* 54 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. BLUE-BOTTLE. Bruises, Poison, Wounds, Ulcers, Inflammations in the eye*. IT is called Syanus, I suppose from the colour of it; Hurtsickle, because it turns the edge of the sickles that reap the corn ; Blue-blow, Corn-flower, and Blue-bottle. » Descript.] I shall only describe that which is commonest, and in my opinion most useful; its leaves spread upon the ground, being of a whitish green colour, somewhat on the edges like those of Cornscabions, amongst which ariseth up a stalk divided into divers branches, beset with long leaves of a greenish colour, either but very little indented, or not at all; the flowers are of a blue colour, from whence it took its name, consisting of an innumerable company of small flowers set in a scaly head, not much unlike those of knap- weed ; the seed is smooth, bright and shining, wrapped up in a wooly mantle ; the root perisheth every year. Place.] They grow in corn-fields, amongst all sorts of corn (peas, beans, and tares excepted.) If you please to take them up from thence, and transplant them in your gar- den, especially towards the full of the moon, they will grow more double than they are, and many times change colour. Time.] They flower from the beginning of May to the end of harvest. Government and Virtues.] As they are naturally cold, dry, and binding, so they are under the dominion of Saturn. The powder or dried leaves of the Blue-bottle, or Corn-flower, is given with good success to those that are bruised by a fall, or have broken a vein inwardly, and void much blood at the mouth ; being taken in the water of plantain, horsetail, or the greater comfrey, it is a remedy against the poison of the scorpion, and resisteth all venoms and poison. The seed or leaves taken in wine, is very good against the plague, and all infectious diseases, and is very good in pestilential fevers. The juice put into fresh or green wounds, doth quickly sol- der up the lips of them together, and is very effectual to heal all ulcers and sores in the mouth. The juice dropped into the eyes takes away the heat and inflammation of them. The distilled water of this herb hath the same properties, and may be used for the effects aforesaid. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 5-j BRANK URSINE, or GARDEN THISTLE. Bloody-flux, King^s evil, Cramp, Gout, Hectic fevers, Radical moisture. BESIDE the common name Brank Ursine, it is also called Bears-breech, and Acanthus, though I think our English names to be more proper ; for the Greek word, Acanthus, signifies any thistle whatsoever. Descript.] This thistle shooteth forth many large thick, sad green smooth leaves upon the ground, with a very thick and juicy middle rib ; the leaves are parted with sundry deep gashes on the edges ; the leaves remain a long time before any stalk appears, afterwards riseth up a rea- sonable big stalk, three or four feet high, and bravely decked with flowers from the middle of the stalk upwards ; for on the lower part of the stalk there is neither branches nor leaf. The flowers are hooded and gaping, being white in colour, and standing in brownish husks, with a long small undivided leaf under each leaf; they seldom seed in our country. Its roots are many, great and thick, blackish without, and whitish within, full of a clammy sap ; a piece of them, if you set in the garden, and defend it from the first winter cold, will grow and flourish. Place.] They are only nursed up in the gardens in Eng- land, where they will grow very well. Time.] It flowereth in June and July. Government and Virtues.] It is an excellent plant under the dominion of the Moon; I could wish such as are studious would labour to keep it in the gardens. The leaves being boiled and used in clisters, are excellent good to molify the belly, and make the passage slippery. The decoction drank inwardly, is excellent and good for the bloody-flux. The leaves being bruised, or rather boiled, and applied like a poultice, are excellent good to unite broken bones, and strengthen joints that have been put out. The decoction of either leave? or roots being drank, and the decoction of leaves applied to the place, is excellent good for the king's evil that is broken and runneth; for by the influence of the Moon, it reviveth the ends of the veins which are relaxed: There is scare a better remedy to be applied to such places as are burnt with fire than this is, for it fetches out the fife, and heals it without a scar. This is an excellent remedy for 56 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. such as are bursten, being either taken inwardly, or applied to the place. In like manner used it helps the cramp and the gout. It is excellent good in hectic fevers, and restores radical moisture to such as are in consumptions. BRIONY, or WILD VINE. Falling sickness, Palsey, Cramps, Dropsies, Gravel, Stone. Womb, Mother, Dead child, Cough, Shortness of breath, Can- ker, Freckles, Morphew, Whitlows. IT is called Wild, and Wood Vine, Tamus or Ladies Seal. The white is called White Vine by some ; and the black, Black Vine. Descript.] The common White Briony groweth ramping upon the hedges, sending forth many long, rough, very ten- der branches at the beginning, with many very rough, and broad leaves thereon, cut (for the most part) into five parti- tions, in form very like a vine leaf, but smaller, rough and of a whitish hoary green colour, spreading very far, spread- ing and twining with his small claspers (that come forth at the joints with the leaves) very far on whatsoever standeth next to it. At the several joints also (especially towards the top of the branches) cometh forth a long stalk bearing many whitish flowers together on a long tuft, consisting of five small leaves a-piece, laid open like a star, after which come the berries separated one from another, more than a cluster of grapes, green at the first, and very red when they are thorough ripe, of no good scent, but of a most loathsome taste, provoking vomit. The root groweth to be exceeding great, with many long twines or branches going from it, of a pale whitish colour on the outside, and more white within, and of a sharp, bitter, loathsome taste. Place.] It groweth on banks, or under hedges, through this land: the roots lie very deep. Time.] It flowereth in July and August, some earlier, and some later than the other. Government and Virtues.] They are furious martial plants. The root of Briony purges the belly with great violence, troubling the stomach and burning the liver, and therefore not rashly to be taken; but being corrected is very profit- able for the diseases of the head, as falling sickness, giddi- ness and swimmings, by drawing away much phlegm and ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 57 rheumatick humours that oppress the head, as also the joints and sinews; and is therefore good for palsies, convulsions, cramps, and stitches in the sides, and the dropsy, and in provoking urine: it eleanseth the reins and kidneys from gravel and stone, by opening the obstruction of the spleen, and consumeth the hardness and swelling thereof. The de- coction of the root in wine, drunk once a week at going to bed, eleanseth the mother, and helpeth the rising thereof, expelleth the dead child; a dram of the root in powder tak- en in white wine, bringeth down their courses. An electu- ary made of the roots and honey, doth mightily cleanse the chest of rotten phlegm, and wonderfully helps any old strong cough, to those that are troubled with shortness of breath, and is very good for them that are bruised inwardly, to help to expel the clotted or congealed blood. The leaves, fruit and root do cleanse old and filthy sores, are good against all fretting and running cankers, gangrenes, and tetters, and therefore the berries are by some country people called tet- ter-berries. The root eleanseth the skin wonderfully from all black and blue spots, freckles, morphew, leprosy, foul scars, or other deformity whatsoever; also all running scabs and manginess are healed by the powder of the dried root, or the juice thereof, but especially by the fine white harden- ed juice. The distilled water of the root worketh the same effects, but more weakly; the root bruised and applied of itself to any place where the bones are broken, helpeth to draw them forth, as also splinters and thorns in the flesh; and being applied with a little wine mixed therewith, it breaketh boils, and helpeth whitlows on the joints—For all these latter beginning at sores, cancers, &c. apply it out- wardly, and take my advice in my translation of the Lon- don Dispensatory, among the preparations at the latter end, where you have a medicine called Feecula Brionia, which take and use, mixing it with a little hog's grease, or other convenient ointment. As for the former diseases where it must be taken inward- ly, it purgeth very violently, and needs an abler hand to correct it than most country people have ; therefore it is a better way for them in my opinion to let the simple alone, and take the compound water of it mentioned in my Dis- pensatory, and that is far more safe, being wisely corrected. 58 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. BROOK LIME, or WATER PIMPERNEL. Blood, Purgeth ill humours, Scurvey, Terms, Dead child. Descri 11 HP^I8 sendeth forth from a creeping root that r ? '* - _§_ shooteth forth strings at every joint, as it runneth, divers and sundry green stalks round and sappy, with some branches on them, somewhat broad, round, deep green and thick leaves, set by couples thereon ; from the hottom whereof shoot forth long foot-stalks, with sundry small blue flowers on them, that consist of five small round pointed leaves a-piece. There is another sort nothing differing from the former. but that it is greater, and the flowers of a paler green colour. Place.] They grow in small standing waters, and usually near water cresses. Time.] And flowers in June and July, giving seed the next month after. Government and Virtues.] It is a hot and biting martial plant. Brook-lime and water-cresses are generally used to- gether in diet-drink, with other things serving to purge the blood and body from all ill humours that would destroy health, and are helpful to the scurvy. They do all provoke urine, and help to break the stone, and pass it away; they procure women's courses, and expel the dead child. Being fried with butter and vinegar, and applied warm, it helpeth all manner of tumours, swellings, and inflammations. Such drinks ought to be made of sundry herbs, according to the malady. I shall give a plain and easy rule at the latter end of this book. BUTCHERS BROOM. Gravel, Stone, Strangury, Terms. Jaundice, Head-ache, Broken bones. IT is called Ruscus, and Bruscus, Kneeholm, Kneeholy, Knechulvcr, and Pettigree. Descript.] The first shoots that sprout from the root of Butchers Broom, are thick, whitish, and short, somewhat like those of asparagus, but greater, they rising up to be a foot and a half high, are spread into divers branches, green, and somewhat cressed with the roundness, tough and flexi- ble, whereon are set somewhat broad and almost round hard ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 59 leaves, and prickly, pointed at the end, of a dark green colour, two for the most part set at a place, very close and near together; about the middle of the leaf, on the back and lower side from the middle rib, breaketh forth a small wliitish green flower, consisting of four small round pointed leaves, standing upon little or no foot-stalk, and in the place whereof cometh a small round berry, green at the first, and red when it is ripe, wherein are two or three white, hard, round seeds contained. The root is thick, white, and great at the head, and from thence sendeth forth divers thick, white, long, tough strings. Place,] It groweth in copses, and upon heaths and waste grounds, and oftentimes under or near the holly bushes. Time.] It shooteth forth its young buds in the spring, and the berries are ripe about September, the branches of leaves abiding green all the winter. Government and Virtues.] 'Tis a plant of Mars, being of a gallant cleansing and opening quality. The decoction of the root made with wine, openeth obstructions, provoketh urine, helpeth to expel gravel and the stone, the strangury and women's courses, also the yellow jaundice and the head- ache : And with some honey or sugar put thereunto, eleans- eth the breast of phlegm, and the chest of such clammy hu- mours gathered therein. The decoction of the root drank, and a poultice made of the berries and leaves being applied, are effectual in knitting and consolidating broken bones or parts out of joint. The common way of using it, is to boil the root of it, and parsley and fennel, and smallage in white wine, and drink the decoction, adding the like quantity of grass-root to them: The more of the root you boil, the stronger will the decoction be ; it works no ill effects, yet I hope you have wit enough to give the strongest decoction to the strongest bodies. BUCKS-HORN PLANTAIN. Stone, Stomach, Vomiting, Bleeding, Pissing blood, Bloody- flux, Agues, Eyes. Descrivt 1 ^ I ^IS being sown of seed, riseth up at first " *J j_ with small, long, narrow, hairy, dark green leaves like grass, without any division or gash in them, but those that follow are gashed in on both sides the leaves into 60 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. three or four gashes, and pointed at the ends, resembling the knags of a buck's horn, (whereof it took its mime) and be- ing well ground round about the root upon the ground, or order one by another, thereby resembling the form of a star, from among which rise up divers hairy stalks about a hand's breadth high, bearing every one a small, long, spikey head, like to those of the common plantain, having such like bloomings and seed after them. The root is single long and small, with divers strings at it. Place] They grow in sandy grounds, as in Tothil-fields, by Westminster, and divers other places of this land. Time, j They flower and seed in May, June, and July, and their green leaves do in a manner abide fresh all the winter. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of Sat- urn, and is of a gallant, drying and binding quality. This boiled in wine and drank, and some of the leaves put to the hurt place, is an excellent remedy for the biting of the vi- per or adder, which I take to be one and the same : The same being also drank, helpeth those that are troubled with the stone in the reins or kidneys, by cooling the heat of the part afflicted, and strengthening them ; also weak stomachs that cannot retain, but cast up their meat. It stayeth all bleeding both at mouth and nose ; bloody urine or the bloody-flux, and stoppeth the lask of the belly and bowels. The leaves hereof bruised and laid to their sides that have an ague, suddenly easeth the fit ; and the leaves and roots being beaten with some bay salt and applied to the wrists, worketh the same effects. The herb boiled in ale or wine, and given for some mornings and evenings together, stay- eth the distillation of hot and sharp rheums falling into the eyes from the head, and helpeth all sorts of sore eyes. BUCKS HORN. IT is called Harts-horn, Herba-stella, and Herba-stella- ria, Sanguinaria, Herb-Eve, Herb-Ivy, Wort-Tresses, and Swine-Cresses. Descript.] They have many small and weak straggling branches trailing here and there upon the ground : The leaves are many, small and jagged, not much unlike to those of Bucks-horn Plantain, but much smaller, and not so hairy. The flowers grow among the leaves in small, rough, whitish clusters : The seeds are smaller and brown- ish, of a bitter taste. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 61 Place.] They grow in dry, barren, sandy grounds. Time.] They flower and seed when the rest of the plan- tains do. Government and Virtues.] This is also under the dominion of Saturn; the /virtues are held to be the same as Bucks- horn Plantain, and therefore by all authors it is joined with it: The leaves bruised and applied to the place, stops bleed- ing ; the herb bruised and applied to warts, will make them consume and waste away in a short time. BUGLE. Bruises, FalU, Ulcers, Liver, Fistula, Sore mouths, Secret Parts, Broken bones. BESIDES the name Bugle, it is called middle Confound and Middle Comfrey, Brown Bugle, and of some Sicklewort, and Herb-Carpenter; though in Essex we call another herb by that name. Descript.] This hath larger leaves than those of the Self- heal, but else of the same fashion, or rather longer, in some green on the upper side, and in others more brownish, dent- ed about the edges, somewhat hairy, as the square stalk is also, which riseth up to be half a yard high sometimes, with the leaves set by couples, from the middle almost, whereof upwards stand the flowers, together with many smaller and browner leaves than the rest, on the stalk below set at dis- tance, and the stalk bare between them; among which flowers are also small ones of a bluish and sometimes of an ash colour, fashioned like the flowers of ground-ivy, after which come small, round, blackish seeds. The root is com- posed of many strings, and spreadeth upon the ground. The white flowered Bugle differeth not in form or great- ness from the former, saving that the leaves and stalks are always green, and never brown, like the other, and the flow- ers thereof are white. Place.] They grow in woods, copses, and fields, generally throughout England, but the wliite flowered Bugle is not so plentiful as the former. . Time.] They flower from May until July, and in the mean time perfect their seed. The roots and leaves next thereunto upon the ground abiding all the winter. Government and Virtues.] This herb belongeth to Dame 6 62 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Venus : If the virtues of it make you fall in love with it (as they will if you be wise) keep a syrup of it to take inwardly, and an ointment and plaister of it to use outwardly, always by you. The decoction of the leaves and flowers made in wine, and taken, dissolveth the congealed blood in those that are bruised inwardly by a fall, or otherwise, and is very effec- tual for any inward wounds, thrusts or stabs in the body or bowels; and is an especial help in all wound-drinks, and for those that are liver-grown (as they call it). It is won- derful in curing all manner of ulcers and sores, whether new and fresh, or old and inveterate; yea, gangrenes and fistu- las also, if the leaves bruised and applied, or their juice be used to wash and bathe the place, and the same made into a lotion, and some honey and allum, cureth all sores in the mouth and gums, be they never so foul, or of long continu- ance ; and worketh no less powerfully and effectually for such ulcers and sores as happen in the secret parts of men and women. Being also taken inwardly, or outwardly ap- plied, it helpeth those that have broken any bone, or have any member out of joint. An ointment made with the leaves of Bugle, Scabions, and Sanicle bruised and boiled in hog's grease, until the herbs be dry, and then strained forth into a pot for such occasions as shall require; it is so singular good for all sorts of hurts in the body, that none that know its usefulness will be without it. The truth is, I have known this herb cure some diseases of Saturn, of which I thought good to quote one. Many times such as give themselves much to drinking are troubled with strange fancies, strange sights in the night time, and some with voices, as also with the disease ephialtes, or the mare. I take the reason of this to be (according to Ferne- lius) a melancholy vapour made thin by excessive drinking strong liquor, and so flies up and disturbes the fancy, and breeds imaginations like itself, viz. fearful and troublesome. These I have known cured by taking only two spoonfuls of the syrup of this herb, after supper two hours, when you go to bed. But whether this does it by sympathy or antipathy, is some doubt in astrology. I know there is a great anti- pithy between Saturn and Venus in matter of procreation; yea, such a one, that the barrenness of Saturn can be re- moved by none but Venus ; nor the lust of Venus be repelled ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 63 by none but Saturn; but I am not of opinion this is done this way, and my reason is, because these vapours, though in quality melancholy, yet by their flying upward, seem to be something aerial; therefore I rather think it is done by sympathy; Saturn being exalted in libra, in the house of Venus. BURNET. Heart, Liver, Bleeding, Stoppeth Terms, and Whites, Ulcers, Cankers, Fluxes. IT is called Sanguisorbia, Pimpinella, Bipula Solbegrella, &c. The common garden Burnet is so well known, that it needeth no description.—There is another sort which is wild, the description whereof take as follbweth. Descript.] The great wild Burnet hath winged leaves rising from the roots like the garden Burnet, but not so many; yet each of these leaves are at the 'least twice as large as the other, and nicked in the same manner about the edges, of a greyish colour on the under side; the stalks are greater, and rise higher, with many such like leaves set thereon, and greater heads at the top, of a brownish colour, and out of them come small dark purple flowers like the former, but greater. The root is black and long like the other, but great also : It hath almost neither scent nor taste therein, like the garden kind. Place.] The first grows frequently in gardens. The wild kind groweth in divers counties of this island, especially in Huntingdon and Northamptonshires, in the meadows there: as also near London, by Pancras church, and by a causey- side in the middle of a field by Paddington. Time.] They flower about the end of June, and beginning of July, and their seed is ripe in August. Government and Virtues.] This is an herb the sun chal- lenged dominion over, and is a most precious herb, Uttle inferior to Betony; the continual use of it preserves the body in health, and the spirits in vigour; for if the sun be the preserver of life under God, his herbs are the best in the world to do it. They are accounted to be both of one property, but the lesser is more effectual because quicker and more aromatical: It is a friend to the heart, liver and other principal parts of a man's body. Two or three of the stalks, with leaves put into a cup of wine, especially claret, 64 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. are known to quicken the spirits, refresh and clear the heart, and drive away melancholy : It is a special help to defend the heart from noisom vapours, and from infection of the pestilence, the juice thereof being taken in some drink, and the party laid to sweat thereupon. They have also a drying and astringent quality, whereby they are available in all manner of fluxes of blood or humours, to staunch bleedings inward or outward, lasks, scourgings, the bloody- flux, women's too abundant flux of courses, the whites, and the choleric belchings and castings of the stomach, and is a singular wound herb for all sorts of wounds, both of the head and body, either inward or outward; for all old ulcers, running cankers, and most sores* to be used either by the juice or decoction of the herb, or by the powder of the herb or root, or the water of the distilled herb or ointment by it- self, or with other things to be kept. The seed is also no less effectual both to fluxes, and dry up moist sores, being taken in powder inwardly in wine, or steeled water, that is, wherein hot gads or steel have been quenched; or the pow- der, or the seed mixed with the ointments. THE BURDOCK. Cools, Dries, Sinews, Mad dogs, Cankers, Flux, Consumption. THEY are also called Personata, and Loppy-major, great Burdock and Clod-bur; it is so well known, even by the little boys, who pull off the Burs to throw and stick upon one another, that I shall spare to write any de- scription of it. Place.] They grow plentifully by ditches and water-sides, and by the high-ways almost every where through this land. Government and Virtues.] Venus challengeth this herb for her own, and by its leaf and seed you may draw the womb which way you please, either upwards by applying it to the crown of the head, in case it falls out; or downwards in fits of the mother, by applying it to the soles of the feet; or if you would stay it in its place, apply it to the navel, and that is one good way to stay the child in it. (See more of it in my Guide for Women.) The Burdock leaves are cool- ing, moderately drying, and discussing withal, whereby it is good for old ulcers and sores. A dram of the roots taken with pine-kernel*, helpeth them that spit foul, matter}-, and ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 65 bloody phlegm. The leaves applied to the places troubled with the shrinking of the sinews or arteries, give much ease. The juice of the leaves, or rather the roots themselves, given to drink with old wine, doth wonderfully help the bit- ing of any serpents : And the root beaten with a little salt. and laid on the place, suddenly easeth the pain thereof, and helpeth those that are bitten by a mad dog. The juice of the leaves being drank with honey, provoketh urine, and remedieth the pain of the bladder. The seed being drank in wine forty days together, doth wonderfully help the sci- atica. The leaves bruised with the white of an egg, and applied to any place burnt with fire, taketh out the fire, gives sudden ease, and heals it up afterwards. The decoc- tion of them fomented on any fretting sore or canker, stay- eth the corroding quality, which must be afterwards anoint- ed with an ointment made of the same liquor, hogs-greasc nitre and vinegar boiled together. The roots may be pre- served with sugar, and taken fasting, or at other times, for the same purposes, and for consumptions, the stone, and the lask. The seed is much commended to break the stone, and cause it to be expelled by urine, and is often used with other seeds and things to that purpose. CABBAGES and COLEWORTS. Terms and Hoareness, Consumption, Stone, Canker, Surfeits. 1 Shall spare a labour in writing a description of these, since almost every one that can but write at all, may describe them from his own knowledge, they being gene- rally so well known, that descriptions are altogether need- less. Place.] They are generally planted in gardens. Time.] Their flower time is towards the middle or end f>f July, and the seed is ripe in August. Government and Virtues.] The Cabbages or Coleworts boiled gently in broth, and eaten, do open the body, but the second decoction doth bind the body. The juice thereof drank in wine, helpeth those that are bitten by an adder; and the decoction tf the flowers bringeth down women's courses : Being taken with honey, it recovereth hoarseness, or loss of the voice. The often eating of them well boiled, helpeth those that are entering into a consumption. The 6* 66 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. pulp of the middle ribs of Coleworts boiled in almond milk, and made up into an electuary with honey, being taken often, is very profitable for those that are pursy and short winded. Being boiled twice, an old cock boiled in the broth and drank, it helpeth the pains, and the obstruc- tions of the liver and spleen, and the stone in the kidneys. The juice boiled with honey, and dropped into the corner of the eyes, cleareth the sight, by consuming any film or cloud beginning to dim it; it also consumeth the canker growing therein. They are much commended, being eaten before meat to keep one from surfeiting, as also from being drunk with too much wine, or quickly make a man sober again that is drunk before. For (as they say) there is such an antipathy or enmity between the Vine and the Coleworts, that the one will die where the other groweth. The de- coction of Coleworts taketh away the pain and ach, and allayeth the swellings of sores and gouty legs and knees, wherein many gross and watery humours are fallen, the place being bathed therewith warm. It helpeth also old and filthy sores, being bathed therewith, and healeth all small scabs, pushes, and wheels, that break out in the skin. The ashes of Colewort stalks mixed with old hog's grease, are very effectual to anoint the sides of those that have had long pains therein, or any other place pained with melan- choly and windy humours. This was surely Chrysippus's God, and therefore he wrote a whole volume of them and their virtues, and that none of the least neither, for he would be no small fool: He appropriates them to every part of the body, and to every disease in every part; and honest old Cato (they say) used no other physic. I know not what metal their bodies were made of; this I am sure, Cabbages are extremely windy, whether you take them as meat or as medicine ; yea, as windy meat as can be eaten, unless you eat bag-pipes or bellows, and they are but seldom eaten in our days; and Cole wort-flowers are something more tolera- ble, and the wholesomer food of the two. The moon chal- lengeth the dominion of the herb. THE SEA COLEWORTS. Descript 1 ^T^HIS hath divers somewhat long and broad, J_ large, and thick wrinkled leaves, somewhat crumpled about the edges, and growing each upon a thick ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 67 footstalk, very brittle, of a greyish green colour, from among which riseth up a strong thick stalk, two feet high, and better, with some leaves thereon to the top, where it branches forth much ; and on every branch standeth a large bush of pale whitish flowers, consisting of four leaves a-piece ; The root is somewhat great, shootetli forth many branches under ground, keeping the leaves green all the winter. Place.] They grow in many places upon the sea-coasts, as well on the Kentish as Essex shores ; as at Lid in Kent, Colchester in Essex, and divers other places, and in other counties of this land. Time.] They flower and seed about the time that other kinds do. Government and Virtues.] The moon claims the dominion of these also. The broth, or first decoction of the Sea Colewort, doth by the sharp, nitrous and bitter qualities therein, open the belly, and purge the body ; it eleanseth and digests more powerfully than the other kind : The seed hereof bruised and drank killeth worms. The leaves or the juice of them applied to sores or ulcers, eleanseth and healeth them, and dissolveth swellings, and taketh away inflammations. CALAMINT, or MOUNTAIN-MINT. Terms, Provokes, Dysury, Shortness of breath, Vomiting, Worms, Sciatica, Spleen. ^ . . , f ■ 1HIS is a small herb, seldom rising above a ° '•! J_ foot high, with square hairy, and woody stalks, and two small hoary leaves set at a joint, about the bigness of a marjoram, or not much bigger, a httle dented about the edges, and of a very fierce or quick scent, as the whole herb is : The flowers stand at several spaces of the stalks, from the middle almost upwards, which are small and gaping like to those of Mints, and of a palejduish col- our : After which follow small, round blackish seed. The root is small and woody, with divers small strings spreading within the ground, and dieth not, but abideth many years. Place.] It groweth on heaths, and uplands, and dry grounds in many places of this land. Time.] They flower in July, and their seed is ripe quick- ly after. OS ENGLISH PHYSICIAN- Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Mercury, and a strong one too, therefore excellent good in all afflictions of the brain; the decoction of the herb being drank, bring- eth down women's courses, and provoketh urine. It is profitable for those that are bursten, or troubled with con- vulsions or cramps, with shortness of breath, or cholerick torments and pains in their bellies or stomach ; it also help- eth the yellow jaundice, and stayeth vomiting, being taken in wine : Taken with salt and honey, it killeth all manner of worms in the body. It helpeth such as have the leprosy, either taken inwardly, drinking whey after it, or the green herb outwardly applied. It hindereth conception in wo- men, but either burned or strewed in the chamber, it driveth away venomous serpents. It taketh away black and bine marks in the face, and maketh black scars become well coloured, if the green herb (not the dry) be boiled in wine, and laid to the ■place, or the place washed there- with. Being applied to the huckle-bone, by continuance of time, it spends the humours, which cause the pain of the sciatica. The juice being dropped into the ears, kill- eth the worms in them. The leaves boiled in wine, and drank, provoke sweat, and open obstructions of the liver and spleen. It helpeth them,that have a cretain ague (the body being first purged) by taking away the cold fits. The deeoction hereof, with some sugar put thereto afterwards, is very profitable for those that be troubled with the over- flowing of the gall, and that have an old cough, and that are scarce able to breathe by shortness of their wind ; that have any cold distemper in their bowels, and are troubled with the hardness of the spleen, for all which purposes, both the powder, called Diacaluminthes, and the compound syrup of Calamint (which are to be had at the apothecaries) are the most effectual. Let not women be too busy with it, for it works very violent upon the feminine part. CAMOMILE. Pains in the sides, Agues, Gravel and Stone. IT is so well known everywhere, that it is but lost time and labour to describe it. The virtues thereof are as followeth : A decoction made of Camomile, and drank, taketh away ENGLISH PHYSICIAN, 69 all pains and stitches in the side. The flowers of Camomile beaten, and made up into balls with Gil, drive away all sorts of agues, if the part grieved be anointed with that oil, taken from the flowers, from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, and afterwards laid to sweat in his bed, and that he sweats well. This is Nechessor an Egyptian's medicine. It is profitable for all sorts of agues that come either from phlegm, or melancholy, or from an inflamma- tion of the bowels, being applied when the humours causing them shall be concocted ; and there is nothing more profit- able to the sides and region of the liver and spleen than it. The bathing with a decoction of Camomile taketh away weariness, easeth pains, to what part of the body soever they be applied. It comforteth the sinews that are over- strained, mollifieth all swellings : It moderately comforteth all parts- that have need of warmth, digesteth and dissolveth whatsoever hath need thereof*, by a wonderful speedy prop- erty. It easeth all the pains of the choke and stone, and all pains and torments of the belly, and gently provoketh urine. The flowers boiled in posset-drink provoke sweat, and help to expel all colds, aches and pains whatsoever, and is an excellent help to bring down women's courses. Syrup made of the juice of Camomile, with the flowers in white wine, is a remedy against the jaundice and dropsy. The flowers boiled in lee are good to wash the head, and comfort both it and the brain. The oil made of the flowers of Camomile, is much used against all hard swellings, pains or aches, shrinking of the sinews, or cramps, or pains in the joints, or any other part of the body. Being used in glysters, it helps to dissolve the wind and pains in the bel- ly ; anointed also, it helpeth stitches and pains in the sides. Ndchessor saith, the Egyptians dedicated it to the sun, because it cured agues, and they were like enough to do it, for they were the arrantest apes in their religion I ever read of. Bachinua, Bena, and Lobel, commend the syrup made of the juice of it and sugar, taken inwardly, to be excellent for the spleen. Also this is certain, that it most wonderfully breaks the stone : Some take it in syrup or decoction, others inject the juice of it into the bladder with a syringe. My opinion is, that the salt of it taken half a dram in the morning in a little white or rhenish wine i> better than either ; that it is excellent for the stone, ap- 70 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. pears in this which I have tried, viz. That a stone that hath been taken out of the body of a man, being wrapped in Camomile, will in time dissolve, and in a little time too. WATER CALTROPS, or WATER NUTS. Cankers, Mouth, Throat, Almonds, Gravel, Poison. THEY are called also Tribulus Aquaticus, Tribulus Lacusoris, Tribulus Marinus, Caltrops, Saligos, Water Nuts, and Water Chesnuts. Descript.] As .for the greater sort of Water Caltrop it is- not found here, or very rarely. Two other sorts there are, which I shall here describe. The first hath a long creeping and jointed root, sending forth tufts at each joint, from which joints arise long, flat, slender-knotted stalks, even to the top of the water, divided towards the top into many branches, each carrying two leaves on both sides, being about two inches long, and half an inch broad, thin and almost transparent they look as though they were torn ; the flowers are long, thick and whitish, set together almost like a bunch of grapes, which being gone, there succeed for the most part sharp pointed grains altogether, containing a small white kernel in them. The second differs not much from this, save that it de- lights in more clear water; its stalks are not flat, but round ; its leaves are not so long, but more pointed: As for the place we need not determine, for their name sheweth they grow in the water. Government and Virtues.] They are under the dominion of the Moon, and being made into a poultice, are excellent good for hot inflammations, swellings, cankers, sore mouths and throats, being washed with the decoction ; it eleanseth and strengtheneth the neck and throat, and helps those swellings which when people have, they say the almonds of their ears are fallen down; it is excellent good for the king's evil; they are excellent good for the stone and gravel, es- pecially the nuts being dried; they also resist poison, and bitings of venomous beasts. CARDUUS BENEDICTUS. Jaundice, Tetters, Boils, Mad dogs, French Pox, Urine. IT is called Carduus Benedictus, or Blessed Thistle, or Holy Thistle ; I suppose the name was put upon it by some that had little holiness in themselves. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 71 I shall spare a labour in writing a description of this, as almost every one that can but write at all, may describe them from his own knowledge. Time.] They flower in August, and seed not long after. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Mars, and under the sign Aries. Now, in handling this herb, I shall give you a rational pattern of all the rest; and if you please to view them throughout the book, you shall, to your content, find it true. It helps swimmings and giddines of the head, or the disease called Virtigo, because Aries is in the house of Mars. It is an excellent remedy against the yellow jaundice, and other infirmities of the gall, because Mars governs choler. It strengthens the attractive faculty in man, and clarifies the blood, because the one is ruled by Mars. The continu- al drinking the decoction of it, helps red faces, tetters, and ring-worms, because Mars causeth them. It helps the plague, sores, boils, and itch, the bitings of mad dogs and venomous beasts, all which infirmities are under Mars ; thus you see what it doth by sympathy. By antipathy to other planets it cures the French pox. By antipathy to Venus, who governs it, it strengthens the memory, and cures deafness by antipathy to Saturn, who hath his fall in Aries, which rules the head. It cures quar- tan agues, and other diseases of melancholy, and adust cho- ler, by sympathy to Saturn, Mars being exalted in Capri- corn. Also it provokes urine, the stopping of which is us- ually caused by Mars or the Moon. CARROTS. Wind, Provoks urine, Stone, Cholic, Barrenness and Dropsy. GARDEN CARROTS are so well known, that they need no description; but because they are of less physical use than the wild kind (as indeed almost in all herbs the wild are most effectual in physic, as being more powerful in operations than the garden kind) I shall there- fore briefly describe the Wild Carrot. Descript.] It groweth in a manner altogether like the tame, but that the leaves and stalks are somewhat whiter, and rougher. The stalks bare large tufts of white flowers, with a deep purple spot in the middle, which are contracted together when the seed begins to ripen, that the middle-fart 72 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. being hollow and low, and the outward stalk rising high, maketh the whole umbel shew like a bird's nest. The roots small, long and hard, and unfit for meat, being somewhat sharp and strong. Place.] The wild kind groweth in divers parts of this land plentifully by the field-sides, and untilled places. Time.] They flower and seed in the end of summer. Government and Virtues.] Wild Carrots belong to Mercu- ry, and therefore break wind, and remove stitches in the sides, provoke urine and women's courses, and helpeth to break and expel the stone ; the seed also of the same work- eth the like effect, and is good for the dropsy, and those whose bellies are swollen with wind; helpeth the colick, the stone in the kidneys, and rising of the mother; being taken in wine, or boiled in wine, and taken, it helpeth con- ception. The leaves being applied with honey to running sores or ulcers, do cleanse them. I suppose the seeds of them perform this better than the roots; and though Galen commended garden Carrots high- ly to break wind, yet experience teacheth they breed it first, and we may thank nature for expelling it, not they; the seeds of them expel wind indeed, and so mend what the root marreth. CARRAWAY. Wind, Dysury, Head, Stomach, Bowels, Mother, Bruises. Descritit 1 W^- Deareth divers stalks of fine cut leaves, lying " *J JL upon the ground, somewhat like to the leaves of carrots, but not bushing so thick, of a httle quick taste in them, from among which riseth up a square stalk, not so high as the carrot, at whose joints are set the like leaves, but smaller and fitter, and at the top small open tufts, or umbels of white flowers, which turn into small blackish seed, smaller than the Anniseed, and of a quicker and bet- ter taste.' The root is whitish, small and long, somewhat like unto a parsnip, but with more wrinkled bark, and much less, of a little hot and quick taste, and stronger than the parsnip, and abideth after seed-time. Place.] It is usually sown with us in gardens. Time.] They flower in June and July, and seed quickly after. 'Government and Virtues.] This is also a Mercurial plant. t ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 73 Carraway seed hath a moderate sharp quality, whereby it breaketh wind, and provoketh urine, which also the herb doth. The root is better food than the parsnips; it is pleas- ant and comfortable to the stomach, and helpeth digestion, The seed is conducing to all cold griefs of the head and stomach, bowels, or mother, as also the wind in them, and helpeth to sharpen the eye-sight. The powder of the seed put into a poultice, talieth away black and blue spots of blows and bruises. The herb itself, or with some of the seed bruised and fried, laid hot in a bag or double cloth, to the lower parts of the belly, easeth the pains of the wind and colick. The roots of Carraways eaten as men eat parsnips, strengthen the stomachs of ancient people exceedingly, and they need not to make a whole meal of them neither, and are fit to be planted in every garden. Carraway confects, once only dipped in sugar, and half a spoonful of them eaten in the morning fasting, and as many after each meal, is a most admirable remedy for those that are troubled with wind. CELANDINE. Liver and Gall, Jaundice, Dropsy, Ulcers, Cancers, Mother, Beauty lost. H ' / 1 PT^HIiS hath divers tender, round whtish green " '■* stalks, %ith greater joints than ordinary in other herbs, as it were knees, very brittle and easy to break, from whence grow branches with large tender broad leaves, divided into many parts, each of them cut in on the edges, set at the joint on both sides of the branches, of a dark bluish green colour, on the upper side like columbines, and of a more pale bluish green underneath full of yellow sap, when any part is broken, of a bitter taste, and strong scent. At the flowers of four leaves a-piece, after which come small long pods, with blackish seed therein. The root is somewhat great at the head, shooting forth divers long root.> and small strings, reddish on the out-side, and yellow within, full of yellow sap therein. Place.] They grow in many places by old walls, hedges and way-sides in untitled places ; and being once planted m a garden, especially some shady places, it will remain there. 74 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Time.] They flower all the summer long, and the seed ripeneth in the mean time. Government and Virtues.] This is an herb of the Sun, and under the celestial Lion, and is one of the best cures for the eyes ; for, all that know any thing in astrology, know that the eyes are subject to the luminaries ; let it then be ga- thered when the Sun is in Leo, and the Moon in Aries, applying to this time ; let Leo arise, then may you make it into an oil or ointment, which you please, to anoint your sore eyes with : I can prove it doth both by my own expe- rience, and the experience of those to whom I have taught it, that most desperate sore eyes have been cured by this only medicine ; and then I pray, is not this far better than endangering the eyes by the art of the needle ? For if this doth not absolutely take away the film, it will so facilitate the work, that it may be done without danger. The herb or root boiled in white wine and drank, a few anniseeds being boiled therewith, openeth obstructions of the liver and gall, helpeth the yellow jaundice ; and often using it, helps the dropsy and the itch, and those that have old sores in their legs, or other parts of the body. The juice thereof taken fasting, is held to be of singular gooclnse against the pestilence. The distilled water, with a little sugar and a little good treacle mixed therewith (the party upon the tak- ing being laid down to sweat a little) hath the same effect. The juice dropped in the eyes, eleanseth them from films and cloudiness which darken the sight, but it is best to allay the sharpness of the juice with a little breast-milk. It is good in old filthy corroding creeping ulcers wheresoever, to stay their malignity of fretting and running, and to cause them to heal more speedily : The juice often applied to tet- ters, ring-worms, or other such like spreading cankers, will quickly heal them, and rubbed often upon warts, will take them aWay. The herb with the roots bruised and bathed with oil of camomile, and applied to the navel, taketh away the griping pains in the belly and bowels, and all the pains of the mother ; and applied to women's breasts, stayeth the overmuch flowing of the courses. The juice or decoction of the herb gargled between the teeth that ache, easeth the pain, and the powder of the dried root laid upon any ach- ing, hollow or loose tooth, will cause ,it to fall out. The juice mixed with some powder of brimstone is not only good ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 75 against the itch, but taketh away all discolourings of the skin whatsoever ; and if it chance that in a tender body it causeth any itchings or inflammations, by bathing the place with a little vinegar it is helped. Another ill favoured trick have physicians got to use to the eye, and that is worse than the needle ; which is to take away films by corroding or gnawing medicines. This I absolutely protest against. 1. Because the tunicles of the eyes are very tlun, and therefore soon eaten asunder. 2. The callus or film that they would eat away, is seldom of an equal thickness in every place, and then the tunicle may be eaten asunder in one place, before the film be con- sumed in another, and so be a readier way to extinguish the sight than to restore it. It is called Chelidonium, from the Greek word chelidon, which signifies a swallow, because they say, that if you put out the eyes of young swallows when they are in their nest, the old ones will recover their eyes again with this herb. This I am confident, for I have tried it, that if we mar the very apple of their eyes with a needle, she will recover them again; but whether with this herb or not, I know not. Also I have read (and it seems to be somewhat probable) that the herb, being gathered as I shewed before, and the elements drawn apart from it by art of the alchymist, and after they are drawn apart rectified, the earthly quality, still in rectifying them, added to the Terra damnata (as Alchy- mists call it) or Terra sacratissima (as some philosophers call it) the elements so rectified are sufficient for the cure of all diseases, the humours offending being known, and the contrary element given: It is an experiment worth the try- ing, and can do no harm. THE ORDINARY SMALL CENTAURY. Sciatica, Liver, Gall, Spleen, Cholic, Cramps, Ulcers, Freckles. Descriot 1 ^l^HIS groweth up most usually but with one * ,J round and somewhat crusted stalk, about a foot high or better, branching forth at the top into many sprigs, and some also from the joints of the stalks below ; the flowers thus stand at the tops as it were in one umbel or tuft, are of a pale red, tending to carnation colour, con- 76 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. sisting of five, sometimes six small leaves, very like those of St. John's Wort, opening themselves in the day time and closing at night, after which come seeds in little short husks, in form like unto wheat corn. The leaves are small and somewhat round ; the root small and hard, perishing every year. The whole plant is of an exceeding bitter taste. There is another dort in all things like the former, save only it beareth white flowers. Place.] They grow ordinary in fields, pastures and M'oods, but that with the white flowers not so frequently as the other. Time.] They flower in July or thereabouts, and seed with- in a month after. Government and Virtues.] They are under the dominion of the Sun, as appears in that their flowers open and shut as the Sun either showeth or hideth his face. This herb boiled and drank, purgeth cholerick and gross humours, and help- eth the sciatica; it openeth obstructions of the liver, gall, and spleen, helpeth the jaundice, and easeth the pains in the sides, and hardness of the spleen, used outwardly, and is given with very good effect in agues. It helpeth those that have the dropsy, or the green-sickness, being much used by the Italians in powder for that purpose. It killeth the worms in the belly, as is found by experience. The decoction thereof, viz. the tops of the stalks, with the leaves and flowers, is good against the colick, and to bring down women's courses, helpeth to void the dead birth, and easeth pains of the mother, and is very effectual in old pains of the joints, as the gout, cramps, or convulsions. A dram of the powder thereof taken in wine, is a wonderful good help against the biting and poison of an adder. The juice of the herb with a little honey put to it, is good to clear the eyes from dimness, mists and clouds that offend or hinder sight. It is singular good both for green and fresh wounds, as also for old ulcers and sores, to close up the one, and cleanse the other, and perfectly to cure them both, although they are hollow and fistulous ; the green herb especially being bruised and laid thereto. The decoction therefore dropped into the ears, eleanseth them from worms, eleanseth the foul ulcers and spreading scabs of the head, and taketh away all freckles, spots, and marks in the skin, being wash- ed with it, the herb is so safe you cannot fail in the using of it, only giving it inwardly for inward diseases. 'Tis very wholesome, but not very toothsome. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 77 There is beside these, another small Centaury, which beareth a yellow flower ; in all other respects it is like the former, save that the leaves are bigger, and of a darker green, and the stalk passeth through the midst of them, as it doth the herb Thorowan. They are all of them, as I told you, under the government of the Sun; yet this, if you ob- serve it, you shall find an excellent truth ; in diseases of the blood, use the red Centaury ; if of choler, use the yellow; but if phlegm or water, you will find the white best. THE CHERRY-TREE. Appetite lost, Provoke urine, Hoarseness. I Suppose there are few but know this tree, for its fruit's sake; and therefore I shall spare writing a description thereof. Place.] For the place of its growth, it is afforded room in every orchard. Government and Virtues.] It is a tree of Venus. Cherries, as they are of different tastes, so they are of different qual- ities. The sweet pass through the stomach and the belly more speedily, but are of little nourishment; the tart or sour are more pleasing to an hot stomach, procure appetite to meat, and help to cut tough phlegm, and gross humours; but when these are dried, they are more binding to the bel- ly than when they are fresh, being cooling in hot diseases, and welcome to the stomach, and provoke urine. The gum of the Cherry-tree, dissolved in wine, is good for a cold, cough, and hoarseness of the throat; mendeth the colour in the face, sharpeneth the eye-sight, provoketh appetite and helpeth to break and expel the stone ; The black Cherries bruised with the stones, and dissolved, the water thereof is much used to break the stone, and to expel gravel and wind. WINTER CHERRIES. Inflammations, Ulcers in the Reins and Bladder, Pissing blood, Sharpness of urine. I) ■ n npHE Winter Cherry hath a running or creep- uesenpt.] |^ .^ roQt -n the ground) of the bigness many times of one's little finger, shooting forth at several joints in several places, whereby it quickly spreads a great compass 78 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. of ground. The stalk riseth not above a yard high, where- on are set many broad and long green leaves, somewhat like nightshade, but larger ; at the joints whereof come forth whitish flowers made of five leaves a-piece, which afterwards turn into green berries inclosed with thin skins, which change to be reddish when they grow ripe, the berries like- wise being reddish, and as large as a cherry, wherein are contained many flat and yellowish seeds lying within the pulp, which being gathered and strung up, are kept all the year to be used upon occasion. Place.] They grow not naturally in this land, but are cherished in gardens for their virtues. Time.] They flower not until the middle or latter end of July ; and the fruit is ripe about August, or the beginning of September. Government and Virtues.] This is also a plant of Venus. They are of great use in physic : The leaves being cooling, may be used in inflammations, but not opening as the ber- ries and fruit are; which by drawing down the urine pro- voke it to be voided plentifully when it is stopped or grown hot, sharp, and painful in the passage ; it is good also to expel the stone and gravel out of the reins, kidneys, and bladder, helping to dissolve the stone, and voiding it by grit or gravel sent forth in the urine; it also helpeth much to cleanse inward imposthumes or ulcers in the reins or blad- der, or in those that void a bloody and foul urine. The distilled water of the fruit, or the leaves together with them, or the berries, green or dry, distilled with a little milk and drank morning and evening with a little sugar, is effectual to all the purposes before specified, and especially against the heat and sharpness of the urine. I shall only mention one way, amongst many others, which might be used for ordering the berries, to be helpful for the urine and stone ; which is this: Take three or four good handfuls of the ber- ries either green or fresh, or dried, and having bruised them, put them into so many gallons of beer or ale when it is new tunned up : This drink, taken daily, hath been found to do much good to many, both to ease the pains, and expel urine and the stone, and to cause the stone not to engender. The decoction of the berries in wine and water is the most usual way; but the powder of them taken in drink is more effec- tual. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 79 SWEET CHERVIL, or SWEET CICELY. Cold stomach, Lungs, Terms, Appetite lost, Ulcers. Descript 1 ^T^HIS groweth very like the great hemlock, ^ '■* J_ having large spread leaves cut into divers parts, but of a fresher green colour than the hemlock, tast- ing as sweet as the anniseed. The stalks rise up a yard high, or better, being cressed or hollow, having leaves at the joints, but lesser; and at the tops of the branched stalks, umbels or tufts of white flowers; after which comes large and long crested black shining seed, pointed at both ends, tasting quick, yet sweet and pleasant. The root is great and white, growing deep in the ground, and spreading sun- dry long branches therein, in taste and smell stronger than the leaves or seeds, and continuing many years. Place.] This groweth in gardens. Government and Virtues.] These are of the nature of Ju- piter, and under his dominion. This whole plant, besides its pleasantness in sallets, hath its physical virtue. The root boiled, and eaten with oil and vinegar, (or without oil) does much please and warm old and cold stomachs oppres- sed with wind and phlegm, or those that have the phthisick or consumption of the lungs. The same drank with wine is a preservation from the plague. It provoketh women's courses, and expelleth the after-birth, procureth an appetite to meat, and expelleth wind. The juice is good to heal the ulcers of the head and face; the candied roots hereof are held as effectual as Angelica, to preserve from infection in the time of a plague, and to warm and comfort a cold weak stomach. It is so harmless, you cannot use it amiss. CHESNUT TREE. TT were as needless to describe a tree so commonly known, as to tell a man he had gotten a mouth; there- fore take the government and virtues of them thus : The tree is abundantly under the dominion of Jupiter, and therefore the fruit must needs breed good blood, and yield commendable nourishment to the body ; yet, if eaten over much, they make the blood thick, procure head-ache, and bind the body : the inner skin, that covereth the nut, is of so binding a quality, that a scruple of it being taken by a man, or ten grains by a child, soon stops any flux whatso- 80 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. ever : The whole nut being dried and beaten into powder, and a dram taken at a time, is a good remedy to stop the terms in women. If you dry Chesnuts, (only the kernels I mean) both the barks being taken away, beat them into powder, and make the powder up into an electuary with honey, so have you an admirable remedy for the cough and spitting of blood. EARTH CHESNUTS. Provokes lust, Spitting of blood, Pissing of blood, Dysury. THEY are called Earth nuts, Earth Chesnuts, Ground Nuts, Cipper-nuts, and in Sussex Pig-nuts. A de- scription of them were needless, for every child knows them. Government and Virtues.] They are something hot and dry in quality, under the dominion of Venus, they provoke lust exceedingly, and stir up those sports she is mistress of; the seed is excellent good to provoke urine ; and so also is the root, but it doth not perform it so forcibly as the seed doth. The root being dried and beaten into powder, and the powder made into an electuary, is as singular a remedy for spitting and pissing of blood, as the former Chesnut was for coughs. CHICKWEED. Hot Liver, Red face, Scabs, Cramp, Red Eyes, Sinews. IT is so generally known to most people, that I shall not trouble you with the description thereof, nor myself with setting forth the several kinds, since but only two or three are considerable for their usefulness. Place.] They are usually found in moist and watery plac- es, by wood sides, and elsewhere. Time.] They flower about June, and their seed is ripe in July. Government and Virtues.] It is a fine soft pleasing herb, under the dominion of the Moon. It is found to be effec- tual as Purslain to all the purposes whereunto it serveth, ex- cept for meat only. The herb bruised, or the juice applied (with cloaths or spunges dipped therein) to the region of the liver, and as they dry, to have it fresh applied, doth wonderfiilly temperate the heat of the liver, and is effectual for all impo6thumes and swellings whatsoever, for all red- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 81 ness in the face, wheals, pushes, itch, scabs ; the juice either simply used, or boiled with hog's grease and applied helpeth cramps, convulsions, and palsy. The juice, or distilled water, is of much good use for all heats and redness in the eyes, to drop some thereof into them ; as also into the ears, to ease pains in them ; and is of good effect to ease pains from the heat and sharpness of the blood in the piles, and generally all pains in the body that arise of heat. It is used also in hot and virulent ulcers and sores in the privy parts of men and women, or on the legs, or elsewhere. The leaves boiled with marsh-mallows, and made into a poultice with fenugreek and linseed, applied to swellings and im- posthumes, ripen and break them, or assuage the swellings and ease the pains. It helpeth the sinews when they are shrunk by cramps, or otherwise, and to extend and make them pliable again by this medicine. Boil a handful of Chickweed, and a handful of red rose leaves dried, in a quart of mascadine, until a fourth part be consumed ; then put to them a pint of oil of trotters or sheep's feet; let them boil a good while, still tirring them well; which being strain- ed, anoint the grieved place therewith, warm against the fire, rubbing it well with one hand ; and bind also some of the herb (if you will) to the place, and, with God's blessing, it will help it in three times dressing. CINQUEFOIL, or FIVE-LEAVED GRASS; called in some Counties FIVE-FINGERED GRASS. Fevers, Ulcers, Cankers, Jaundice, Flux, Terms stops, Wites, Hoarseness, Cough, St. Anthony1 s fire, Gout, Bleeding. n . , TT spreads and creeps far upon the ground, escnp .J j y w-tji \on„ blender strings like strawberries, which take root again, and shoot forth many leaves made of five parts, and sometimes of seven, dented about the edges, and somewhat hard. The stalks are slender, leaning down- wards, and bear many small yellow flowers thereon, with some yellow threads in the middle, standing about a smooth green head, which, when it is ripe, is a little rough, and containeth small brownish seed. The root is of a blackish brown colour, as big as one's little finger, but growing long, with some threads thereat; and by the small strings it quickly spreadeth over the ground. 82 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Place.] It groweth by wood sides, hedge sides,'the path- way in fields, and in the borders and corners of them, al- most through all this land. Time.] It flowereth in summer, some sooner, some later. Government and Virtues.] This is an herb of Jupiter, and therefore strengthens the part of the body it rules; let Ju- piter be angular and strong when it is gathered; and if you give but a scruple (which is but twenty grains) of it at a time, either in white wine, or in white wine vinegar, you shall very seldom miss the cure of an ague, be it what ague soever, in three fits, as I have often proved, to the admira- tion both of myself and others ; let no man despise it because it is plain and easy, the ways of God are all such. It is an especial herb used in all inflammations and fevers, whether infectious or pestilential; or among other herbs to cool and temper the blood and humours in the body. As also for all lotions, gargles, infections, and the like, for sore mouths, ulcers, cancers, fistulas, and other corrupt, foul, or running sores. The juice hereof drank, about four ounces at a time, for certain days together, cureth the quinsy and yellow jaundice; and taken for thirty days together, cureth, the falling sickness. The roots boiled in milk and drank, is a more effectual remedy for all fluxes in man or woman, whe- ther the white or red, as also the bloody-flux. The roots boiled in vinegar, and the decoction thereof held in the mouth, easeth the pains of the tooth-ache. The juice or de- coction taken with a little honey, helpeth the hoarseness of the throat, and is very good for the cough of the lungs. The distilled water of both roots and leaves is also effectual to all the purposes aforesaid; and if the hands be often washed therein, and suffered at every time to dry in of itself without wiping, it will in a short time help the palsy or shaking in them. The root boiled in vinegar, helpeth all knots, kernels, hard swellings, and lumps growing in any part of the flesh, being thereto applied ; as also inflamma- tions, and St. Anthony's fire, all imposthumes, and painful sores with heat and putrefaction, the shingles also, and all other sorts of running and foul scabs, sores, and itch. The same also boiled in wine, and applied to any joint full of pain, ache, or the gout in the hands or feet, or the hip gout, called the Sciatica, and the decoction thereof drank the while, doth cure them, and easeth much pain in the bowels. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 83 The roots are likewise effectual to help ruptures or burst- ings, being used with other things available to that purpose, taken either inwardly or outwardly, or both ; as also bruis- es or hurts by Wows, falls, or the like, and to stay the bleed- ing of wounds in any parts inward or outward. Some hold that one leaf cures a quotidian, three a tertian, and four a quartan ague, and a hundred to one if it be not Dioscoridcs; for he is full of whimsies. The truth is, I never stood so much upon the number of the leaves, nor whether I give it in powder or decoction: If Jupiter were strong, and the Moon applying to him, or his good aspect at the gathering, I never knew it miss the desired effects. CIVES. CALLED also Rush Leeks, Chives, Civet, and Sweth. Temperature and Virtues.] I confess I had not added these, had it not been for*a country gentleman, who by a letter certified me, that amongst other herbs, I had left these out; they are indeed a kind of leeks, hot and dry in the fourth degree as they are, and so under the dominion of Mars; if they be eaten raw, (I do not mean raw, opposite to roasted or boiled, but raw, opposite to chymical prepara- tion) they send up very hurtful vapours to the brain, caus- ing troublesome sleep, and spoiling the eye-sight, yet of them, prepared by the art of the alchymist, may be made an excellent remedy for the stoppage of urine. CLARY, or more properly, CLEAR-EYE. Eyes, Swellitigs, Inflammations, Splinters, Thorns, Boils, Fe- lons, Lust, Terms. Descript 1 ^^^^ ordinary garden Clary, hath four square \J stalks, with broad, rough, wrinkled, whitish or hoary green leaves, somewhat evenly cut in on the edges. and of a strong sweet scent, growing some near the ground, and some by couples upon stalks. The flowers grow at certain distances, with two small leaves at the joints under them, somewhat like unto the flowers of sage, but smaller, and of a whitish blue colour. The seed is brownish, and somewhat flat, or not so round as the wild. The roots are blackish, and spread not far, and perish after the seed time. It is usually sown, for it seldom rises of its own sowing. M ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Place.] This groweth in gardens. Time.] It flowcreth in June and July, some a little later than others, and their seed is ripe in August, or thereabouts. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of the Moon. The seed put into the eyes clears them from motes and such like things gotten within the lids to offend them, as also clears them from white and red spots on them. The mucilage of the seed made with water, and applied to tumours, or swellings, disperseth and taketh them away; as also draweth forth splinters, thorns, or other things gotten into the flesh. The leaves vised with vinegar, either by it- self, or with a little honey, doth help boils, felons, and the hot inflammations that are gathered by their pains, if applied before it be grown too great. The powder of the dried root put into the nose, provoketh sneezing, and thereby purgeth the head and brain of much rheum and corruption. The seed or leaves taken in wine, provoketh to venery. It is of much use both for men and women that have weak backs, and helpeth to strengthen the reins ; used either by itself, or with other herbs conducing to the same effect, and in tan- sies often. The fresli leaves dipped in a batter of flour, eggs, and a little milk, and fried in butter, and served to the table, is not unpleasant to any, but exceeding profitable for those that are troubled with weak backs, and the effects thereof. The juice of the herb put into ale or beer, and drank, bringeth down women's courses, and expelleth the after-birth. It is an usual course with many men, when they have got- ten the running of the reins, or women, the whites, they run to the bush of Clary ; Maid, bring hither the fryingpan, fetch me some butter quickly, then for eating fried Clary, just as hogs eat acorns ; and this they tliink will cure their disease (forsooth,) whereas when they have devoured as much Clary as will grow upon an acre of ground, their backs are as much the better, as though they had pissed in their shoes ; nay, perhaps much worse. We will grant that Clary strengthens the back ; but this we deny, that, the cause of the running of the reins in men, or the whites, in women, lies in the back (though the back sometimes be weakened by them ;) and therefore the medi- cine is as proper, as for me when my toe is sore, to lay a plaister upon my nose. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 85 WILD CLARY. Provokes lust, Congealed blood, Cold stomach, Sore eyes, Films. ILD Clary is most blasphemously called Christ's Eye, because it cures diseases of the eyes. I could wish from my soul, blasphemy, ignorance, and tyranny were ceased among physicians, that they may be happy, and I joyful. Descript.] It is like the other Clary, but lesser, with many stalks about a foot and a half high. The stalks are square and somewhat hairy ; the flowers of a blush colour : He that knows the common Clary cannot be ignorant of this. Place.] It grows commonly in this nation in barren places ; you may find it plentifully, if you look in the fields near Gray's-Inn, and the fields near Chelsea. Time.] They flower from the beginning of June, till the latter end of August. Government and Virtues.] It is something hotter and drier than the garden Clary is, yet nevertheless under the domi- nion of the Moon, as well as that: the seeds of it being beaten to powder, and drank with wine, is an admirable help to provoke lust. A decoction of the leaves being drank, warm the stomach, and it is a wonder if it should not, the stomach being under Cancer, the house of the Moon. Also it helps digestion, scatters congealed blood in any part of the body. The distilled water hereof eleanseth the eyes of redness, waterishness and heat: It is a gallant remedy for dimness of sight, to take one of the seeds of it, and put into the eyes, and there let it remain till it drops out itself, the pain will be nothing to speak on ; it will cleanse the eyes of all filthy and putrified matter, and in often repeating it, will take off a film which covereth the sight; a hand- pomer, safer, and easier remedy by a great deal, than to tear it off with a needle. CLEAVERS. Jaundice, Flux, Bloody-flux, Ulcers, King's evil, Pain in the ears. JT is also called Aparine, Goose-share, Goose-grass, and Cleavers. Descript.] The common Cleavers have divers very rough square stalks, Hot so big as the top of a point, but rasing up to be two or three yards high sometimes, if it meet with 8 w 86 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. any tall bushes or trees, whereon it may climb, yet without any claspers, or else much lower, and lying on the ground, full of joints, and at every one of them shooteth forth a branch, besides the leaves thereat, which are usually six, set in a round compass like a star, or a rowel of a spur : From between the leaves or the joints towards the tops of the branches, come forth very small white flowers, at every end upon small thready foot-stalks, which after they have fallen, there do shew two small round and rough seeds joined to- gether like two testicles, which, when they are ripe, grow hard and whitish, having a httle hole on the side, something like unto a navel. Both stalks, leaves, and 6eeds are so rough, that they will cleave to any thing that shall touch them. The root is small and thready, spreading much to the ground, but dieth every year. Place.] It groweth by the hedge and ditch-sides in many places of this land, and is so troublesome an inhabitant in gardens, that it rampeth upon, and is ready to choak what- ever grows near it. Time.] It flowereth in June or July, and the seed is ripe and falleth again in the end of July or August, from whence it springeth up again, and not from the old roots. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of the Moon. The juice of the herb and the seed together taken in wine, helpeth those bitten with an adder, by preserving rhe heart from the venom. It is familiarly taken in broth to keep them lean and lank, that are apt to grow fat. The distilled water drank twice a day, helpeth the yellow jaun- dice, and the decoction of the hern, in experience, is found to do the same, and stayeth lasks and bloody-fluxes. The juice of the leaves, or they a little bruised and applied to any bleeding wounds, stayeth the bleeding. The juice also is very good to close up the lips of green wounds, and the powder of the dried herb strewed thereupon doth the same, and likewise helpeth old ulcers. Being boiled in hog's grease, it helpeth all sorts of hard swellings or kernels in the throat, being anointefl therewith. The juice dropped into the ears, taketh away the pain of them. It is a good remedy in the spring, eaten (being first chop- ped small, and boiled well) in water-gruel, to cleanse the blood, and strengthen the liver, thereby to keep the body in health, and fitting it for that change of season that is coming. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 87 COCK's HEAD, RED FITCHING, or MEDICK FETCH. Knots and Kernels in the flesh. 71 ' t"\ ^1 ^HIS hath divers weak but rough stalks, half c c tp .] ft var(i long, leaning downwards, but set with winged leaves, longer and more pointed than those of lintels, and whitish underneath ; from the tops of these stalks arise up other slender stalks, naked without leaves unto the tops, where there grow many small flowers in man- ner of a spike of pale reddish colour, with some blueness among them ; after which arise up in their places, round, rough, and somewhat flat heads. The root is tough, and somewhat woody, yet liveth and shooteth a-new every year. Place.] It groweth under hedges, and sometimes in the open fields, in divers places of this land. Time.] They flower all the months of July and August. and the seed ripeneth in the mean while. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of Venus. It hath power to rarefy and^digest; and therefore the green leaves bruised and laid as a plaister, disperse knots, nodes, or kernels in the flesh ; and if when dry it be taken in wine, it helpeth the strangury ; and being anoint- ed with oil, it provoketh sweat. It is a singular food for cattle, to cause them to give store of milk ; and why then may it not do the like, being boiled in ordinary drink, for nurses ? COLUMBINES. Jaundice, Sore mouth and throat, Women's Travel. THESE are so well known, growing almost in every garden, that I think I may save the expence of time in writing a description of them. Time.] They flower in May, and abide not for the mos* part when June is past, perfecting their seed in the mean time. Government and Virtues.] It is also an herb of Venus. The leaves of Columbines are commonly used in lotion* with good success for sore mouths and throats. Tragus saith, that a dram of the seed taken in wine with a little saffron openeth obstructions of the liver, and is good for the yellow jaundice, if the party after the taking thereof be laid 88 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. to sweat well in bed. The seed also taken in wine causeth a speedy delivery of women in child-birth ; if one draught suffice not, let her drink the second, and it is effectual: The Spaniards used to eat a piece of the root thereof in a morn- ing fasting, many days together, to help them when troubled with the stone in the reins or kidneys. COLTSFOOT. Cough, Wheezing or shortness of breath, Agues, St. Antho- ny''s fire, Piles, Privets. CALLED also Coughwort, Foals-foot, Horse-hoof, and Bulls-foot. Descript.] This shooteth up a slender stalk, with small yellowish flowers somewhat earlier, which fall away quick- ly, and after they are past, come up somewhat round leaves, sometimes dented about the edges, much lesser, thicker, and greener than those of butter-bur, with a little down or frieze over the green leaf on the upper side, which may be rubbed away, and whitish or meally underneath. The root is small and white, spreading much under ground, so that where it taketh it will hardly be driven away again, if any little piece be abiding therein ; and from thence spring fresh leaves. Place.] It groweth as well in wet grounds as in drier places. Time.] And flowereth in the end of February, the leaves begin to appear in March. Government and Virtues.] The plant is under Venus, the fresh leaves or juice, or a syrup thereof is good for a hot dry cough, or wheesing, and shortness of breath. The dry leaves are best for those that have thin rheums and distillations upon their lungs, causing a cough, for which also the dried leaves taken as tobacco, or the root is very good. The distilled water hereof simply, or with elder flowers and night-shade, is a singular good remedy against all hot agues, to drink two ounces at a time, and apply cloths wet therein to the head and stomach, which also does much good, being applied to any hot swellings and inflammations : It helpeth St. Anthony's fire and burnings, and is singular good to take away wheals and small pushes that arise through heat; as also the burning heat of the piles, or privy parts, cloths wet therein being thereunto applied. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. »» COMFREY. Inward wounds, Spitting and pissing blood, Flux, Terms. Stops Whites, Broken bones, Gout, Pained joints, Gan- grenes. . 1 fT^HE common Great Comfrey hath divers Descript.] J^ yery large najry green leaves lying on the ground, so hairy or prickly, that if they touch any tender part of the hands, face, or body, it will cause it to itch ; the stalk that riseth from among them, being two or three feet high, hollow and cornered, is very hairy also, having many such like leaves as grow below, but lesser and lesser up to the top, at the joints of the stalks it is divided into many branches, with some leaves thereon, and at the ends stand many flowers in order one above another, which are some- what long and hollow like the finger of a glove, of a pale whitish colour, after which come small black seeds. The roots are great and long, spreading great thick branches un- der ground, black on the outside, and whitish within, short and easy to break, and full of glutinous or clammy juice, of little or no. taste at all. There is another sort in all things like this, only some- what less, and beareth flowers of a pale purple colour. Place.] They grow by ditches and water-sides, and in divers fields that are moist, for therein they chiefly delight to grow. The first generally through all the land, and the other but in some places. By the leave of my authors, I know the first grows often in dry places. Time.] They flower in June or July, and give their seed in August. Government and Virtues.] This is an herb of Saturn, and 1 suppose under the sign Capricorn, cold, dry, and earthly in quality. What was spoken of Clowns Woundwort, may be said of this. The Great Comfrey helpeth those that spit blood, or make a bloody urine. The root boiled in water or wine, and the decoction drank, helps all inward hurts, bruises, wounds, and ulcers of the lungs, and causeth the phlegm that oppresseth them to be easily spit forth: It help- eth the defluxion of rheum from the head upon the lungs, the fluxes of blood or humours by the belly, women s im- moderate courses, as well the reds as the whites, and the running of the reins, happening by what cause soever. A 90 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. syrup made thereof is very effectual for all those inward griefs and hurts, and the distilled water for the same pur- pose also, and for outward wounds and sores in the fleshy or sinewy part of the body whatsoever, as also to take aWay the fits of agues, and to allay the sharpness of humours. A decoction of the leaves hereof is available to all the purpo- ses, though not so effectual as the roots. The roots being outwardly applied, help fresh wounds or cuts immediately, being bruised and laid thereto ; and is special good for rup- tures and broken bones ; yea it is said to be so powerful to consolidate and knit together, that if they be boiled with dis- severed pieces of flesh in a pot, it will join them together again. It is good to be applied to women's breasts that grow sore by the abundance of milk coming into them ; also, to repress the overmuch bleeding of the haemorrhoids, to cool the inflammation of the parts thereabouts, and to give ease of pains. The roots of Comfrey taken fresh, beaten small, and spread upon leather, and laid upon any place troubled with the gout, doth presently give ease of the pains; and applied in the same manner, giveth ease to pained joints, and profiteth very much for running and moist ulcers, gan- grenes, mortifications, and the like, for which it hath by of- ten experience been found helpful. CORALWORT. Dysury, Stone, Gravel, Breast, Lungs, Bowels, Fluxes, Ulcers. IT is also called by some Toothwort, Tooth Violet, Dog Teeth Violet, and Dentaria. Descript.] Of the many sorts of this herb two of them may be found growing in this nation; the first of which shooteth forth one or two winged leaves, upon long brownish footstalks, which are doubled down at their first coming out of the ground ; when they are fully opened they consist of seven leaves, most commonly of a sad green colour, dented about the edges, set on both sides the middle rib one against another, as the leaves of the ash tree ; the stalk beareth no leaves on the lower half of it; the upper half beareth some- times three or four, each consisting of five leaves, sometimes of three ; on the top stand four or five flowers upon short foot-stalks with long husks ; the flowers are very like the flowers of stockgilliflowers, of a pale purplish colour, con- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. m listing of four leaves a-piece, after which come small cods, which contain the seed ; the root is very smooth, white, and shining; it doth not grow downwards, but creeping along under the upper crust of the ground, and consisteth of divers small round knobs set together ; towards the top of the stalk there grows some single leaves, by each of which cometh a small cloven bulb, which when it is ripe, if it be set in the ground, it will grow to be a root. As for the other Coralwort which groweth in this nation, 'tis more scarce than this, being a very small plant, much like crowfoot, therefore some think it to be one of the sorts of crowfoot; I know not where to direct you to it, therefore I shall forbear the description. Place.] The first groweth in Mayfield in Sussex, in a wood called Highread, and in another wood there also, cal- led Foxholes. Time.] They flower from the latter end of April, to the middle of May, and before the middle of July they are gone, and not to be found. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of the Moon. It eleanseth the bladder, and provoketh urine, ex- pels gravel, and the stone ; it easeth pains in the sides and bowels, is excellent good for inward wounds, especially such as are made in the breast and lungs, by taking a dram of the powder of the root every morning in wine ; the same is excellent good for ruptures, as also to stop fluxes ; an oint- ment made of it is excellent good for wounds and ulcers, for it soon drives up the watery humours which hinder the cure. CUDWEED, or COTTONWEED. Fluxes, Terms stopped, Ruptures, Worms, Bleeding, Ulcers, Quinsey. BESIDES Cudweed and Cottonweed, it is also called Chaffweed, Dwarff Cotton, and Petty Cotton. Descript.] The common Cudweed riseth up with one stalk sometimes, and sometimes with two or three, thick set on all sides with small, long and narrow whitish or woody leaves, from the middle of the stalk almost up to the top, with every leaf standeth a small flower of a dun or brownish yellow colour, or not so yellow as others; in which herbs, after the flowers are fallen, come small seed wrapped up, 92 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. with the down therein, and is carried away with the wind; the root is small and thready. There are other sorts hereof, which are somewhat lesser than the former, not much different, save only that the stalks and leaves are shorter, so the flowers are paler and more open. Place.] They grow in dry, barren, sandy, and gravelly grounds, in most places of this land. Time.] They flower about July, some earlier, some later, and their seed is ripe in August. Government and Virtues.] Venus is lady of it. The plants are all astringent, binding, or drying and therefore profitable for defluctions of rheum from the head, and to stay fluxes of blood wheresoever, the decoction being made into red wine and drank, or the powder taken therein. It also helpeth the bloody-flux, and easeth the torments that come thereby, stayeth the immoderate courses of women, and is also good for inward or outward wounds, hurts and bruises, and helpeth children both of burstings and the worms, and being either drank or injected, for the disease called Tenesmus, which is an often provocation to the stool without doing any thing. The green leaves bruised, and laid to any green wound, stayeth the bleeding, and healeth it up quickly. The juice of the herb taken in wine and milk is, as Pliny saith, a sove- reign remedy against the mumps and quinsy ; and further saith, that whosoever shall so take it, shall never be troubled with that disease again. COWSLIPS, or PEAGLES. Spots, Wrinkles, Cramps, Beauty adds, Wounds, Palsey, Bladder, Trembling. BOTH the wild and garden Cowslips are so well known that I will neither trouble myself nor the reader with a description of them. Time.] They flower in April and May. Government and Virtues.] Venus lays claim to this herb as her own, and it is under the sign Aries, and our city dames know well enough the ointment or distilled Avater of it adds beauty, or at least restores it when it is lost. The flowers are held to be more effectual than the leaves, and the roots of little use. An ointment being made with them, taketh away spots and wrinkles of the skin, sun-burning and free- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 93 kles, and adds beauty exceedingly ; they remedy all infirm- ities of the head coming of heat and wind, as vertigo, ephi- altes, false apparitions, phrensies, falling sickness, palsies, convulsions, cramps, pains in the nerves; the roots ease pains in the back and bladder, and open the passages of urine. The leaves are good in wounds, and the flowers take away trembling. If the flowers be not well dryed, and kept in a warm place, they will soon putrify and look green: Have a special eye over them. If you let them see the sun once a month, it will do neither the sun northern harm. . Because they strengthen the brain and nerves, and remedy palsies, the Greeks gave them the name Paralysis : The flowers preserved or conserved, and the quantity of a nutmeg eaten every morning, is a sufficient dose for inward diseases ; but for wounds, spots, wrinkles, and sun-burnings, an oint- ment is made of the leaves, and hog's grease. CRABS CLAWS. Reins, St. Anthony's fire, Inflammations, Kidneys, Pissing blood, Terms stop. CALLED also Water Sengreen, Knights Pond Water, Water Houseleek, Pond Weed, and Fresh-water Soldier. Descript.] It hath sundry long narrow leaves, with sharp prickles on the edges of them also, very sharp-pointed ; the stalks which bear flowers seldom grow so high as the leaves, bearing a falked head, like a crab's claws, out of which comes a white flower, consisting of three leaves, with divers yellowish hairy threads in the middle ; it taketh root in the mud in the bottom of the water. Place.] It groweth plentifully in the fens in Lincolnshire. Time.] It flowereth in June, and usually from thence till August. Government and Virtues.] 'Tis a plant under the dominion of Venus, and therefore a great strengthener of the reins ; it is excellent good in that inflammation which is commonly ctdled St. Anthony's fire; it assuageth all inflammations, and the swellings in wounds; and an ointment made of it, is excellent good to heal them ; there is scarce a better re- medy growing than this is for such as have bruised their kidneys, and upon that account pissing blood; a dram of 94 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. the powder of the herb- taken every morning, is a very good remedy to stop the terms. BLACK CRESSES. Rheums, Sciatica, Cough, Jaundice, Inflammations, Testicles* Descript 1 TT hath lonS leaves> deeply cut and jagged oh F *J I both sides, not much unlike wild mustard; the stalks small, very limber, though very tough; you may twist them round as you may a willow, before they break. The stones be very small and yellow, after which comes small cods, which contain the seed. Place.] It is a common herb, grows usually by the way- sides, and sometimes upon mud walls about London, but it delights most to grow among stones and rubbish. Time.] It flowers in June and July, and the seed is ripe in August and September. Government and Virtues.] It is a" plant of a hot and biting nature, under the dominion of Mars. The seed of Black Cresses strengthens the brain exceedingly, being in perform- ing that oflice little inferior to mustard seed, if at all; they are excellent good to stay those rheums which may fall down from the head upon the lungs ; you may beat the seed into powder, if you please, and make it up into an electuary with honey ; so you have an excellent remedy by you, not only for the premises, but also for the cough, yellow jaun- dice, and sciatica. The herb boiled into a poultice, is an excellent remedy for inflammations both in women's breasts and men's testicles. WATER CRESSES. Scurvy, Stone, Humours, Dysury, Terms, Ulcers, Freckles. Descript 1 ^fcUR or(unary Wat«r Cresses spread forth ^ ,J \J with many weak, hollow, sappy stalks, shooting out fibres at the joints, and upwards long winged leaves made of sundry broad sappy almost round leaves, of a brownish colour. The flowers are many and white, stand- ing on long foot-stalk9, after which come small yellow seed contained in small long pods like horns. The whole plant abideth green in the winter, and tasteth somewhat hot and sharp. Place.] They grow (for the most part) in small standing waters, yet sometimes in small rivulets of running water. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 95 Time.] They flower and seed in the beginning of summer. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb under the domi- nion of the Moon. They are more powerful against the scurvy, and to cleanse the blood and humours, than Brook- lime is, and serve in all the other uses in which Brooklime is available, as to break the stone, and provoke urine and women's courses. The decoction thereof eleanseth ulcers, by washing them therewith. The leaves bruised, or the juice, is good to be applied to the face or other parts troub- led with freckles, pimples, spots, or the like, at night, and washed away in the morning. The juice mixed with vine- gar, and the forepart of the head bathed therewith, is very good for those that are dull and drowsy, or have the le- thargy. Watercress pottage is a good remedy to cleanse the blood in the spring, and help headaches, and consume the gross humours winter hath left behind ; those that would live in health, may use it if they please, if they will not, I cannot help it. If any fancy not pottage, they may eat the herb as a sallet. + CROWFOOT. MANY are the names, this furious biting herb hath ob- tained, almost enough to make up a Welshman's pe- digree, if he fetch no farther than John of Gaunt, or William the Conqueror; for it is called Frogsfoot from the Greek name Barrakion; Crowfoot, Gold Knobs, Gold Cups, King's Knob, Barrmers, Troilflowers, Polts, Locket GoUlions, and Butterflowers. Abundance are the sorts of this herb, that to describe them all would tire the patience of Socrates himself; but because I have not yet attained to the spirits of Socrates, I shall but describe the most usual. Descript.] The most common Crowfoot hath many dark green leaves, cut into divers parts, in taste biting and sharp, biting and bhstering the tongue : it bears many flowers, and those of a bright, resplendent, yellow colour. I do not re- member, that I ever saw any thing yellower. Virgins in ancient time used to make powder of them to furrow bride beds; after winch-flowers come small heads, some spiked and rugged like a pine-apple. Place.] They grow very common every where : unless you turn your head into a hedge, you cannot but see them as you walk. 96 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Time.] They flowerin May and June, even till September. Government and Virtues.] This firey and hot spirited herb of Mars is no way fit to be given inwardly, but anoint- ment of the leaves or flowers will draw a blister, and may be so fitly applied to the nape of the neck to draw back rheum from the eyes. The herb being bruised and mixed with a little mustard, draws a blister as well, and as per- fectly as Cantharides, and with far less danger to the vessels of urine, which Cantharides naturally delight to wrong; I knew the herb once applied to a pestilential rising that was fallen down, and it saved life even beyond hope ; it were good to keep an ointment and plaister of it, if it were but for that. CUCKOW-POINT. Poison, Boils, Cough, Phlegm, Dysury, Terms, Provokes, Polypu, Throat, Piles, Fundament, Blemishes, Freckles. IT is called Aron, Janus, Barba-aron, Calves-foot, Ramp, Starchwort, Cuckow-pintle, Priests-pintle, Wake Ro- bin, Dragon-root, and Wild Turnip. Descript.] This shooteth forth three, four or five leaves at the most, from one root, every one whereof is somewhat large and long, broad at the bottom next the stalk, and forked, but ending in a point, without a cut on the edge, of a full green colour, each standing upon a thick round stalk, of a hand-breadth long, or more, among which after two or three months that they begin to wither, riseth up a bare, round, whitish green stalk, spotted and streaked with pur- ple, somewhat higher than the leaves : At the top whereof standeth a long hollow husk, close at the bottom, but open from the middle upwards, ending in a point; in the middle whereof stand the small long pestle or clapper, smaller at the bottom than at the top, of a dark purple colour, as the husk is on the inside, though green without; which, after it hath so abided for some time, the husk with the clapper de- cnyeth, and the root or bottom thereof groweth to be a small long bunch of berlies, green at the first, and of a yellowish red colour when they are ripe, of the bigness of a hazel nut kernel, which abideth thereon almost until winter ; the root is round, and somewhat long, for the most part lying alonsr, the leaves shooting forth at the largest end, which when it beareth his berries, are somewhat wrinkled and loose, an- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 97 other growing under it, which is solid and firm, with man) small threads hanging thereat. The whole plant is of a very sharp biting taste, pricking the tongue as nettles do the hands, and so abideth for a great while without alteration. The root thereof was anciently used instead of starch to starch linen with. There is another sort of Cuckow-point, with lesser leave* than the former, and sometimes harder, having blackish spots upon them, which for the most part abide longer green in summer than the former, and both leaves and roots are more sharp and fierce than it: In all things else it is like the former. Place.] These two sorts grow frequently almost under every hedge side in many places in this land. Time.] They shoot forth leaves in the spring, and con- tinue but until the middle of summer, or somewhat later ; their husks appearing before they fall away, and their fruit shewing in ApriL Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of .Mars. Tragus reporteth, that a dram weight, or more, if need be, of the spotted Wake Robin, either fresh and green, or dried, being beaten and taken, is a present and sure re- medy for poison and the plague. The juice of the herb taken to the quantity of a spoonful hath the same effect. But if there be a little vinegar added thereto, as well as to the root aforesaid, it somewhat allayeth the sharp biting taste thereof upon the tongue. The green leaves bruised, and laid upon the boil or plague sore, doth wonderfully help to draw forth the poison : A dram of the powder of the dri- ed root taken with twice so much sugar in the form of a licking electuary, or the green root, doth wonderfully help those that are pursy and shortwinded, as also those that have a cough; it hreaketh, digesteih, and rjddeth away phlegm from the stomach, chest, and lungs. The milk wherein the root hath been boiled is effectual also for the same purjiose. The said powder taken in wine or other drink, or the juice of the berries, or the powder of them, or the wine wherein they have been boiled, provoketh urine, and bringeth down women's courses, and purgeth them ef- fectually after child-bearing, to bring away the after birth. Taken with sheeps milk, it healeth the inward ulcers of the bowels. The distilled water thereof i& effectual to all the 9 98 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. purposes aforesaid. A spoonful taken at a time healeth the itch; and an ounce or more taken at a time for some days together, doth help the rupture : The leaves either green or dry, or the juice of them, doth cleanse all manner of rotten and filthy ulcers, in what part of the body soever ; and healeth the stinking sores in the nose, called Polypus. The water wherein the root hath been boiled, dropped into the eyes, eleanseth them from any film or skin, cloud or mists, which begin to hinder the sight, and helpeth the water and redness of them, or when, by some chance, they become black and blue. The root mixed with bean-flour, and ap- plied to the throat or jaws that are inflamed, helpeth them. The juice of the berries boiled in oil of roses, or beaten into powder mixed with the oil, and dropped into the ears, easeth pains in them. The berries, or the roots beaten with hot ox- dung, and applied, easeth the pains of the gout. The leaves and roots boiled in wine with a httle oil, and applied to the piles, or the falling down of the fundament, easeth them, an d so doth sitting over the hot fumes thereof. The fresh roots bruised and distilled with a little milk, yieldeth a most sovereign water to cleanse the skin from scurf, freck- les, spots, or blemishes whatsoever therein. Authors have left large commendations of this herb you see, but for my part, I have neither spoken with Dr. Rea- son, nor Dr. Experience about it. CUCUMBERS. Stomach, Hot Liver, Raw skin, Provoke urine, Ulcers in the bladder, Sun-burning, Freckles, Morphew. Government and f ■ iHERE is no dispute to be made, but Virtues.] that they are under the dominion of the Moon, though they are so much cried out against for their coldness, and if they were but one degree colder they would be poison. The best of Galenists hold them to be cold and moist in the second degree, and then not so hot as* either lettuces or purslain : They are excellent good for a hot stomach, and hot liver; the unmeasurable use of them fills the body full of raw humours, and so indeed the umeas- urable use of any thing else doth harm. The face being washed with their juice, eleanseth the skin, and is excellent good for hot rheums in the eyes ; the seed is excellent good ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 99 to provoke urine, and eleanseth the passages thereof when they are stopped ; there is not a better remedy for ulcers in the bladder growing, than Cucumbers are. The usual course is, to use the seeds in emulsions, as they make al- mond milk ; but a far better way (in my opinion) is this : When the season of the year is, Take the Cucumbers and bruise them well and distil the water from them, and let such as are troubled with ulcers in the bladder drink no other drink. The face being washed with the same water, cureth the reddest face that is ; it is also excellent good for sun-burning, freckles, and morphew. DAISIES, or WHITEWEED. Wounds, inward or outward, Liver, Breasts, Ulcers, Bruises, Inflammations. THESE are so well known almost to every child, that I suppose it needless to write any description of them. Take therefore the virtues of them as followeth. Government and Virtues.] The herb is under the sign Cancer, and under the dominion of Venus, and therefore excellent good for wounds in the breast, and very fitting to be kept both in oils, ointments, and plaisters, as also in sy- rup. The greater wild Daisey is a wound herb of good respect, often used in those drinks or salves that are for wounds, either inward or outward. The juice or distilled water of these, or the small Daisey, doth much temper the heat, and choler, and refresh the liver, and the other inward parts. A decoction made of them, and drank, helpeth to cure the wounds made in the hollowness of the breast. The same cureth also all ulcers and pustules in the mouth or tongue, or in the secret parts. The leaves bruised and ap- plied to the cods, or to any other parts that are swollen and hot, doth dissolve it, and temper the heat. A decoction made thereof, of wallwort and agrimony, and the places fomented or bathed therewith warm, giveth great ease to them that are troubled with the palsy, sciatica, or the gout. The same also disperseth and dissolveth the knots or kernels that grow in the flesh of any part of the body, and bruises and hurts that come of falls and blows ; they are also used for ruptures, and other inward burnings, with very good success. An ointment made thereof doth wonderfully help 100 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. all wounds that have inflammations about them, or by rea- son of moist humours having access unto them, are kept long from healing, and such are those, for the most part, that happen to the joints of the arms or legs. The juice of them dropped into the running eyes of any, doth much help them. DANDELION, vulgarly called PISS-A-BEDS. Cleanseth, Gall, Jaundice, Melancholy, Consumption, Spleen, Agues. r. . 1 TT is well known to have many long and deep e c ip .j j^ gashed leaves, lying on the ground round about the head of the roots ; the ends of each gash or jag, on both sides looking downwards towards the roots ; the middle rib being white, which being broken, yieldeth abun- dance of bitter milk, but the root much more ; from among the leaves, which always abide green, arise many slender, weak, naked foot-stalk«, every one of them bearing at the top one large yellow flower, consisting of many rows of yellow leaves, broad at the points, and nicked in with deep spots of yellow in the middle, which growing ripe, the green husk wherein the flowers stood turns itself down to the stalk, and the head of down becomes as round as a ball; with long reddish seed underneath, bearing a part of the down on the head of every one, which together is blown away with the wind, or may be at once blown away with one's mouth. The root growing downwards exceeding deep, which being broken off within the ground, will yet shoot forth again, and will hardly be destroyed where it hath once taken deep root in the ground. Place.] It groweth frequently in all meadows and pas- ture-grounds. Time.] It flowereth in one place or other almost all the year long. {rovernment and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of Jupiter. It is of an opening and cleansing quality, and therefore very effectual for the obstructions of the liver, gall and spleen, and the diseases that arise from them, as the jaundice and hypochondriac ; it openeth the passages of the urine both in young and old ^powerfully eleanseth impos- thumes and inward ulcers in the urinary passage, and by ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 101 its drying and temperate quality doth afterwards heal them ; for which purpose the decoction of the roots or leaves in white wine, or the leaves chopped as pot herbs, with a few alisanders, and boiled in their broth, are very effectual. And whoever is drawing towards a consumption, or an evil disposition of the whole body, called Cachexia, by the use hereof for some time together, shall find a wonderful help. It helpeth also to procure rest and sleep to bodies distempered by the heat of ague fits, or otherwise : The distilled water is effectual to drink in pestilential fevers, and to wash the sores. You see here what virtues this common herb hath, and that is the reason the French and Dutch so often eat them in the spring: and now, if you look a little further, you may see plainly, without a pair of spectacles, that foreign phy- sicians are not so selfish as ours are, but more communica- tive of the virtues of plants to people. DARNEL. Gangrenes, Cankers, Morphew, Sciatica, Thorns, Splinters, Broken bones. IT is called Jum and Wray ; in Sussex they call it Crop, it being a pestilent enemy among corn. Descript.] This hath all the winter long, sundry long, flat, and rough leaves, which, when the stalk riseth, which is slender and jointed, are narrower, but rough still; on the top groweth\i long spike, composed of many heads set one above another, containing two or three husks, with sharp but short beards of awns at the end; the seed is easily shak- ed out of the ear, the husk itself being somewhat rough. Place.] The country husbandmen do know this two well to grow among their corn, or in the borders and pathways of the other fields that are fallow. Government and Virtues.] It is a malicious part of sullen Saturn. As it is not without some vices, so hath it also many virtues. The meal of Darnel is very good to stay gangrenes, and other such like fretting and eating cankers, and putrid sores : It also eleanseth the skin of all leprosies,. morphews, ringworms, and the like, if it be used with salt and reddish roots. And being used with quick brimstone and vinegar, it dissolveth knots and kernels, and breaketh 9* 102 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. those that are hard to be dissolved, being boiled in wine with pigeons-dung and linseed : A decoction thereof made with water and honey, and the places bathed therewith, is profitable for the sciatica. Darnel meal applied in a poultice' draweth forth splinters and broken bones in the flesh : The red Darnel, boiled in red wine and taken, stay- eth the lask and all other fluxes, and women's bloody is- sues ; and restraineth urine that passeth away too suddenly. DILL. Swellings, Looseness, Vomiting, Mother, -Hickcough, Terms. T) ' /1 ^ I ^HE common Dill groweth up with seldom * "-•' J_ more than one stalk, neither so high, nor so great usually as Fennel, being round and fewer joints there- on, whose leaves are sadder, and somewhat long, and so like Fennel that it deceiveth many, but harder in handling, and somewhat thicker and of a stronger unpleasant scent: The tops of the stalks have four branches, and smaller um- bels of yellow flowers, which turn into small seed, somewhat flatter and thinner than Fennel seed. The root is somewhat small and woody, perisheth every year after it hath borne seed ; and is also unprofitable, being never put to any use. Place.] It is most usually sown in gardens and grounds for the purpose, and is also found wild in many places. Government and Virtues.] Mercury hath the dominion of this plant, and therefore to be sure it strengthens the brain. The Dill being boiled and drank, is good to ease swellings and pains ; it also stayeth the belly and stomach from cast- ing. The decoction thereof helpeth women that are trou- bled with pains and windiness of the mother, if they sit there- in. It stayeth the hiccough, being boiled in wine, and but smelled unto, being tied in a cloth. The seed is of more use than the leaves, and more effectual to digest raw and viscous humours, and is used in medicines that serve to ex- pel wind, and the pains proceeding therefrom. The seed, being roasted or fried, and used in oils or plaisters, dissolve the imposthumes in the fundament ; and drieth up all moist ulcers, especially in the fundament ; an oil made of Dill is effectual to warm, or dissolve humours and im- posthumes, to ease pains, and to procure rest. The decoc- tion of Dill, be it herb or seed (only if you boil the seed ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 103 you must bruise it) in white wine, being drank, it is a gal- lant expeller of wind, and provoker of the terras. DEVIL'S-BIT. Fevers, Venomous beasts, Bruises, Clotted blood, Throat, Dandruff, Pimples, Freckles. T) ' f 1 ^ 11HIS rises up with a round, green, smooth * '-* J_ stalk, about two feet high, set with di- vers long and somewhat narrow, smooth, dark green leaves, somewhat nipp'd about the edges, for the most part, being else all whole, and not divided at all, or but very seldom, even to the tops of the branches, which yet are smaller than those below, with one rib only in the middle. At the end of each branch standeth a round head of many flowers set together in the same manner, or more neatly than Sca- bions, and of a more bluish purple colour, which being past, there followeth seed that falleth away. The root somewhat thick, but short and blackish with many strings, abiding after seed time many years. This root was longer, until the devil (as the friars say) bit away the rest of it for ^ spite, envying its usefulness to mankind ; for sure he was not troubled with any disease for which it is proper. • There are two other sorts hereof, in nothing unlike the former, save that the one beareth white, and the other blush coloured flowers. Place.] The first groweth as well in dry meadows and fields as moist, in many places of this land : But the other two are more rare, and hard to be met with, yet they are both found growing wild about Appledore, near Rye in Kent. Time.] They flower not usually until August. Government and Virtues.] The plant is venereal, pleasing and harmless. The herb or the root (all that the devil hath left of it) being boiled in wine, and drank, is very powerful against the plague, and all pestilential diseases or fevers, poisons also, and the bitings of venom ous% beasts : It helpeth also those that are inwardly bruised by any casualty, or outwardly by falls or blows, dissolving the clotted blood ; and the herb or root beaten and outwardly applied, taketh away the black and blue marks that remain in the skin. The decoction of the herb, with honey of roses put therein, >s very effectual to help the inveterate tumours and swell- 104 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. ings of the almonds and throat, by often gargling the mouth therewith. It helpeth also to procure women's courses, and easeth all pains of the mother, and to break and discuss wind therein, and in the bowels. The powder of the root taken in drink, driveth forth the worms in the body. The juice, or distilled water of the herb, is effectual for green wounds, or old sores, and eleanseth the body inwardly, and the seed outwardly from sores, scurf, itch, pimples, freckles, morphew, or other deformities thereof, especially if a Uttle vitriol be dissolved therein. DOCK. Cleanse the blood, Loathing of meat, Spitting blood, Itch, Freckles. ANY kinds of these are so well known, that I shall not trouble you with a description of them : My book grows big too fast. Government and Virtues.] All Docks are under Jupiter, of which the Red Dock, which is commonly called Blood- wort, eleanseth the blood, and strengthens the liver; but the yellow Dock-root is best to be taken when either the ■Wood or liver is affected by choler. All of them leave a kind of cooling (but not all alike) drying quality, the sor- rel being most cold, and the bloody-worts most drying. Of the Burdock I have spoken already by itself. The seed of most of the other kinds, whether the gardens or fields, do stay lasks and fluxes of all sorts, the loathing of the stomach through choler, and is helpful for those that spit blood. The roots boiled in vinegar helpeth the itch, scabs, and breaking out of the skin, if it be bathed therewith. The distilled water of the herb and roots have the same virtue, and eleanseth the skin from freckles, morphews, and all other spots, and discolourings therein. All Docks being boiled with meat, make it boil the sooner: Besides Blood-wort is exceeding strengthening to the liver, and procures good blood, being as wholesome a pot-herb as grows in a garden ; yet such is the nicety of our times (for- sooth) that women will not put it into a pot, because it makes the pottage black ; pride and ignorance (a couple of monsters in the creation) preferring nicety before health. M ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 105 DODDER of THYME, EPITHYMUM, ano other DODDERS. Trembling, Fainting, Spleen, Hypochondria, Gall, Jaundice. Descript "l ^I^IS first from seed giveth roots in the ™ '■' JL ground, which shooteth forth threads or strings, grosser or finer as the property of the plant wherein it groweth, and the climate doth suffer, creeping and spread- ing on that plant whereon it fasteneth, be it high or low. The strings have no leaves at all upon them, but wind and interlace themselves, so thick upon a small plant, that it taketh away all comfort of the sun from it; and is ready to choak or strangle it. After these strings are risen up to that height, that they may draw nourishment from that plant, they seem to be broken off from the ground, either by the strength of their rising, or withered by the heat of the sun. Upon these strings arc found clusters of small heads or husks, out of which shoot forth whitish flowers, which afterwards give small pale-coloured seed, somewhat flat, and twice as big as a Poppy-seed. It generally partici- pates of the nature of the plant which it climbeth upon ; but the Dodder of Thyme is accounted the best, and is the only true Epithymum. Government and Virtues.] All Dodders are under Saturn. Tell not me of physicians crying up Epithymum, or that Dodder which grows upon Thyme, (most of which comes from Hemetius in Greece, or Hybla in Sicily, because those mountains abound with Thyme) he is a physician indeed, that hath wit enough to choose his Dodder, according to the nature of the disease and humour peccant. We con- fess, Thyme is the hottest herb it usually grows upon ; and therefore that which grows upon Thyme is hotter than that which grows upon colder herbs ; for it draws nourishment from what it grows upon, as well as from the earth where its root is, and thus you see old Saturn is wise enough to have two strings to his bow. This is accounted the most effectual for melancholy diseases, and to purge blach or burnt choler, which is the cause of many diseases of the head aud brain, as also for the trembling of the heart, faint- ings, and swoonings. It is helpful in all diseases and griefs of the spleen, and melancholy that arises from the windiness of the hypochondria. It purgeth also the reins or kidneys 106 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. by urine ; it openeth obstructions of the gall, whereby it profiteth them that have the jaundice ; as also the leaves, the spleen ; purging the veins of the cholerick and phlegmatick humours," and helpeth children in agues, a little worm seed being put thereto. The other Dodders do (as I said before) participate of the nature of those plants whereon they grow: as that which bath been found growing upon nettles in the west-country, hath, by experience, been found very effectual to procure plenty of urine, where it hath been stopped or hindered. And so of the rest. Sympathy and antipathy are two hinges upon which the whole mode of physic turns ; and that physician which minds them not, is like a door off from the hooks, more like to do a man mischief than to secure him. Then all the diseases Saturn causeth, this helps by sympathy, and strengthens all the parts of the body he rules; such as be caused by Sol, it helps by antipathy. What those diseases are, see my judg- ment of diseases by astrology ; and if you be pleased to look the herb Wormwood, you shall find a rational way for it. DOG's-GRASS, or COUCH-GRASS. Liver, Gall, Inflammation, Ulcers, Bladder, Vomiting, Worms. n . , , TT is well known that the Grass creepeth far e 'J J_ about under ground, with long white jointed roots, and small fibres almost at every joint, very sweet in taste, as the rest of the herb is, and interlacing one another, from whence shoot forth many fair grassy leaves, small at the ends, and cutting or sharp on the edges. The stalks are jointed like corn, with the like leaves on them, and a large spiked head, with a long husk in them, and hard rough seed in them. If you know it not by this description, watch the dogs when they are sick, and they will quickly lead you to it. Place.] It groweth commonly through this land, in divers ploughed grounds, to the no small trouble of the husband- men, as also of the gardeners, in gardens, to weed it out, if they can ; for it is a constant customer to the place it gets footing in. Government and Virtues.] 'Tis under the dominion of Jupiter, and is most medicinable of all the Quick-grasses. Being boiled and drank, it. openeth obstructions of the liver ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 107 and gall, and the stopping of urine, and easeth the griping pains of the belly, and inflammations ; wasteth the matter of the stone in the bladder, and the ulcers thereof also. The roots bruised and applied do consolidate wounds. The seed doth more powerfully expel urine, and stayeth the lask and vomiting. The distilled water alone, or with a little worm- seed, killeth the worms in children. The way of use is to bruise the roots, and having well boiled them in white wine, drink the decoction : 'Tis open- ing, but not purging, very safe : 'Tis a remedy against all diseases coming of stopping, and such are half those that are incident to the body of man ; and although a gardener be of another opinion, yet a physician holds half an acre of them to be worth five acres of Carrots twice told over. DOVES-FOOT, or CRANES-BILL. Cholic, Gravel, Congealed blood, Ulcers, Gout, Sinews. D ' 11 rT^HIS hath divers small, round, pale-green " "-' leaves, cut in about the edges, much like mallows, standing upon long, reddish, hairy stalks, lying in a round compass upon the ground; among which rise up two, or three, or more reddish jointed, slender, weak, hairy stalks, with such like leaves thereon, but smaller, and more cut in up to the tops, where grow many very small bright red flowers of five leaves a-piece; after which follow small heads, with small short beaks pointed forth, as all other sorts of those herbs do. Place.] It groweth in pasture grounds, and by the path sides in many places, and will also be in gardens. Time.] It flowereth in June, July, and August, some ear- lier and some later ; and the seed is ripe quickly after. Government and Virtues.] It is a very gentle, though mar- tial plant. It is found by experience to be singular good for the wind colic, as also to expel the stone and gravel in the kidneys. The decoction thereof in wine, is an excellent good cure for those that have inward wounds, hurts, or bruises, both to 6tay the bleeding, to dissolve and expel the congealed blood, and to heal the parts, as also to cleanse and heal outward sores, ulcers, and fistulas ; and for green wounds, many do only bruise the herb, and apply it to the place, and it healeth them quickly. The same decoction 108 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. in wine fomented to any place pained with the gout, or to joint-aches, or pain of the sinews, giveth much ease. The powder or decoction of the herb taken for some time toge- , ther, is found by experience to be singular good for ruptures and burstings in people, either young or old. DUCK'S MEAT. Inflammations, St. Anthony''s fire, Swelling of the cods. THIS is so well known to swim on the top of standing waters, as ponds, pools, and ditches, that it is need- less further to describe it. Government and Virtues.] Cancer claims the herb, and the Moon will be lady of it; a word is enough to a wise man. It is effectual to help inflammations, and St. Antho- ny's fire, as also the gout, either applied by itself, or in a poultice with barley meal. The distilled water by some is highly esteemed against all inward inflammations and pestilent fevers ; as also to help the redness of the eyes, and swellings of the cods, and of the breasts before they be grown too much. The fresh herb applied to the forehead, easeth the pains of the head-ache coming of heat. DOWN, or COTTON THISTLE. Wryneck, Spasms, Convulsions. Descript.l HPHIS hath larSe leaves lying on the ground, ^ *J J_ somewhat cut in, and as it were crumpled on the edges, of a green colour on the upper side, but co- vered with long hairy wool, or Cotton Down, set with most sharp and cruel pricks, from the middle of whose heads of flowers, thrust forth many purplish crimson threads, and sometimes (although very seldom) white ones. The seed that followeth in the heads, lying in a great deal of white down, is somewhat large, long, and round, like the seed of ladies thistle, but somewhat paler. The root is great and thick, spreading much, yet it usually dieth after seed-time. Place.] It groweth in divers ditches, banks, and in corn fields and highways, generally everywhere throughout the land. Time.] It flowereth and beareth seed about the end of summer, when other thistles do flower and seed. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 109 Government and Virtues.] Mars owns the plant, and mani- fests to the world, that though it may hurt your finger, it will help your body; for I fancy it much for the ensuing virtues. Pliny and Dioscorides write, That the leaves and roots thereof taken in drink, help those that have a criok in their neck, whereby they cannot turn their neck, but their whole body must turn also (sure they do not mean those that have got a crick in their neck by being under the hang- man's hand.) Galen saith, that the root and leaves hereof are of a heating quality, and good for such persons as have their bodies drawn together by some spasm or convulsion-, as it is with children that have the rickets, or rather (as the college of physicians will have it) the Rachites, for which name of the disease they have (in a particular treatise lately set forth by them) learnedly disputed and put forth to pub- lick view, that the world may see they have took much pains to little purpose. THE ELDER TREE. I Hold it needless to write any description of this, since every boy that plays with a pot-gun will not mistake another tree instead of Elder. I shall therefore in this place only describe the Dwarf Elder, called also Dead-wort. and Wall-wort. DWARF ELDER, or PIGEON WEED. Phlegm, Dropsy, Terms, Provokes urine, Provokes, Head- ache, Freckles. _____ s Tt ' 11 r I ^HIS is but an herb every year, dying with crip .j j^ ^s gtajks tQ tjie grouners, Thirst, Hoarseness, Plurisy, Sciatica, Gout, Joints, Sore nipples. Descript 1 /^k^^INARY Flea-wort riseth up with a stalk * '-' \_J two feet high or more, full of joints and branches on every side up to the top, and at every joint two small, long, and narrow whitish green leaves somewhat hairy: At the top of every branch stand divers small, short, scaly, or chaffy heads, out of which come forth small whitish yellow threads, like to those of the plantain herbs, which are the bloomings of flowers. The seed inclosed in these heads is small and shining while it is fresh, very like unto fleas both 11 122 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. for colour and bigness, but turning black when it groweth old. The root is not long, but white, hard and woody, pe- rishing every year, and rising again of its own seed for divers years, if it be suffered to shed : The whole plant is somewhat whitish and hairy, smelling somewhat like rosin. There is another sort hereof, differing not from the former in the manner of growing, but only that this stalk and branch- es being somewhat greater, do a little more bow down to the ground: The leaves are somewhat greater, the heads somewhat lesser, the seed alike ; and the root and leaves abide all winter and perish not as the former. Place.] The first groweth only in gardens, the second plentifully in fields that are near the sea. Time.] They flower in July, or thereabouts. Government and Virtues.] The herb is cold, dry, and Sa- turnine. I suppose it obtained the name of Flea-wort, be- cause the seeds are like Fleas. The seed fried, and taken, stayeth the flux or lask of the belly, and the corrosions that come by reason of hot choleric, or sharp and malignant hu- mours, or by too much purging of any violent medicine, as Scammony, or the like. The mucilage of the seed made with Rosewater, and a little sugar-candy put thereto, is very good in all hot agues and burning fevers, and other inflammations, to cool the thirst, and lenify the dryness and roughness of the tongue and throat. It helpeth hoarseness of the voice, and diseases of the breast and lungs, caused by heat, or sharp salt humours, and the plurisy also. The mucilage of the seed made with plantain water, whereunto the yolk of an egg or two, and a little populeon are put, is a most safe and sure remedy to ease the sharpness, pricking, and pains of the haemorrhoids or piles, if it be laid on a cloth, and bound thereto. It helpeth all inflammations in any part of the body, and the pains that come thereby, as the head-ache and megrims, and all hot im- posthumes, swellings, or breaking out of the skin, as blains, wheals, pushes, purples, and the hke ; as also the joints of those that are out of joint, the pains of the gout and sciatica, the bursting of young children, and the swelling of the navel, applied with oil of roses and vinegar. It is also good to heal the nipples and sore breasts of women, being often applied thereunto. The juice of the herb with a little honey put into the ears helpeth the running of them, and the worms breed- ing in them : The same also mixed with hog's grease, and ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 123 applied to corrupt and filthy ulcers, eleanseth and healeth them. FLUXWEED. Flux, Bleeding, Terms, Broken bones, Worms. n . . -. I~T riseth up with a round upright hard stalk, " '-• JL four or five feet high, spread into sundry branches, whereon grow many greyish green leaves, very finely cut and severed into a number of short and almost round parts. The flowers are very small and yellow, grow- ing spike fashion, after which come small long pods, with small yellowish seed in them. The root is long and woody, perishing every year. There is another sort, differing in nothing, save only it hath somewhat broader leaves; they have a strong evil sa- vour, being smelled unto, and are of a drying taste. Place.] They flower wild in the fields by hedge-sides and high ways, and among rubbish and other places. Time.] They flower and seed quickly after, namely in June and July. Government and Virtues.] This herb is Saturnine also. Both the herb and seed of Fluxweed are of excellent use to stay the flux or lask of the belly, being drank in water wherein gads of steel heated have been often quenched ; and it is no less effectual for the same purpose than plantain or comfrey, and to restrain any other flux of blood in man or woman, as also to consolidate bones broken or out of joint. The juice thereof drank in wine, or the decoction of the herb drank, doth kill the worms in the stomach or belly, or the worms that grow in putrid and filthy ulcers ; and made into a salve doth quickly heal all old sores, how foul, or malignant soever they be. The distilled water of the herb worketh the same effects, although somewhat weaker, yet it is a fair medi- cine, and more acceptable to be taken. It is called Fluxweed because it cures the flux, and for its uniting broken bones, &c. Paracelsus extols it to the skies. It is fitting that syr- up, ointment, and plaisters of it were kept in your houses. FLOWER-DE-LUCE. Jaundice, Stomach, Phlegm, Sides, Spleen, Dysury, Cough, Tooth-ache, Womb, Sciatica, Canker. IT is so well known, being nourished up in most gardens, that I shall not need to spend time in writing a descrip- tion thereof. 124 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Time.] The flaggy kinds thereof have the most physical uses; the dwarf kinds thereof flower in April, the greater sorts in May. Government and Virtues.] The herb is Lunar. The juice or decoction of the green root of the flaggy kind of Flower- de-luce, with a little honey drank, doth purge and cleanse the stomach of gross and tough phlegm and choler therein ; it helpeth the jaundice and the dropsy, evacuating those hu- mours both upwards and downwards ; and because it some- what hurts the stomach, is not to be taken without honey and spikenard. The same being drank, doth ease the pains and torments of the belly and sides, the shaking of agues, the diseases of the liver and spleen, the worms of the belly, the stone in the reins, convulsions and cramps that come of old humours; it also helps those whose seed passeth from them unawares : It is a remedy against the bitings and sting- ings of venomous creatures, being boiled in water and vine- gar and drank : Boiled in water and drank, it provoketh urine, helpeth the colick, bringeth down women's courses ; and made up into a pessary with honey, and put up into the body, draweth forth the dead child. It is much commended against the cough, to expectorate tough phlegm ; it much easeth pains in the head, and procureth sleep ; being put into the nostrils it procureth sneezing, and thereby purgeth the head of phlegm : The juice of the root applied to the piles or haemorrhoids, giveth much ease. The decoction of the roots gargled in the mouth, easeth the tooth-ache, and help- eth a stinking breath. Oil called Oleum Irinum, if it be rightly made of the great broad flag Flower-de-luce (and not of the green bulbus blue Flower-de-luce, as is used by some apothecaries) and roots of the same of the flaggy kinds, is very effectual to warm and comfort all cold joints and sinews, as also the gout and sciatica, and mollifieth, dissolveth, and consuineth tumours and swellings in any part of the body, as also of the matrix ; it helpeth the cramp, or convulsions of the sinews: The head and temples anointed therewith, helpeth the catarrh, or thin rheum distilled from thence : and used upon the breast or stomach, helpeth to extenuate the cold tough phlegm ; it helpeth also pains and noise in the ears, and the stench of the nostrils. The root itself, either green or in powder, helpeth to cleanse, heal, and incarnate wounds, and to cover the naked bones with flesh again, that ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 125 ulcers have made bare ; and is also very good to cleanse and heal up fistulas and cankers that are hard to be cured. FLUELLIN, or LLUELLIN. Eyes, Bloody-flux, Cankers, Ulcers, French pox. p. . . -I TT shooteth forth many long branches partly ly- " 'J J ing upon the ground, and partly standing up- right, set with almost red leaves, yet a little pointed, and sometimes more long and round, without order thereon, somewhat hairy, and of an evil greenish white colour ; at the joints all along the stalks, and with the leaves come forth small flowers, one at a place, upon a very small short foot- stalk, gaping somewhat like snap-dragons, or rather like toad-flax, with the upper jaw of a yellow colour, and the lower of a purplish, with a small heel or spur behind; after which come forth small round heads, containing small black seed. The root is small and thready, dying every year, and raiseth itself again of its own sowing. There is another sort of Lluellin which hath longer branches wholly trailing upon the ground, two or three feet long, and somewhat more thin, set with leaves thereon, up- on small foot-stalks. The leaves are a little larger, and somewhat round, and cornered sometimes in some places on the edges ; but the lower part of them being the broadest, hath on each side a small point, making it seem as if they were ears, sometimes hairy, but not hoary, and a better green colour than the former. The flowers come forth like the former, but the colours therein are more white than yel- low, and the purple not so far : It is a large flower, and so are the seed and seed vessels. The root is like the other, and perisheth every year. Place.] They grow in divers corn fields, and in borders about them, and in other fertile grounds about Southfleet in Kent abundant: at Buchrite, Hamerton, and Richmanworth in Huntingdonshire, and in divers other places. Time.] They are in flower about June and July, and the whole plant is dry and withered before August be done. Government and Virtues.] It is a Lunar herb. The leaves bruised and applied with barley meal to watery eyes that are hot and inflamed by defluxions from the head, do very much help them, as also the fluxes of blood or humours, as 1J* 126 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. the lask, bloody-flux, women's courses, and stayeth all man- ner of bleeding at the nose, mouth, or any other place, or that cometh by any bruise or hurt, or bursting a vein ; it wonderfully helpeth all those inward parts that need corrsoli- dating or strengthening, and is no less effectual both to heal and close green wounds, than to cleanse and heal all foul or old ulcers, fretting or spreading cankers or the hke. Bees are industrious, and go abroad to gather honey from each plant and flower, but drones lie at home, and eat up what the bees have taken pains for : Just so do the, college of phy- sicians lie at home and domineer, and suck out the sweetness of other men's labour and studies, themselves being as igno- rant in the knowledge of herbs as a child of four years old, as I can make appear to any rational man by their last dis- pensatory. Now then to hide their ignorance, there is no readier way in the world than to hide knowledge from their countrymen, that so no body might be able so much as to smell out their ignorance. When simples were in use, men's bodies were better in health by far than now they are, or shall be, if the college can help it. The truth is, this herb is of a fine cooling, drying quality, and an ointment or plaister of it might do a man a courtesy that hath any hot virulent sores: 'Tis admirable for the ulcers of the French pox ; if taken in- wardly, may cure the disease. It was first called Female Speedwell, but a shentleman of Wales, whose nose was al- most eaten off with the pox, and so near the matter, that the doctors commanded it to be cut off, being cured only by the use of this herb ; and to honour the herb, for saving hur nose whole, gave it one of hur country names, Fluellin. FOX-GLOVES. Wounds, Obstructions of the Liver, Spleen, King's-evil, Scab- by head. n . , TT hath many long and broad leaves lying upon Uescript.\ j^ the ground Rented upon the edges, a little soft or woolly, and of a hoary green colour, among whieh riseth up sometimes sundry stalks, but one very often, bearing such leaves thereon from the bottom to the middle, from whence to the top it is stored with large and long hollow reddish purple flowers, a Httle more long and imminent at the lower edge, with some white spots with them, one above another, ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 127 with small green leaves at every one, but all of them turning their heads one way, and gauging downwards, having some threads also in the middle, iWHn whence rise round heads, pointed sharp at the ends, wherein small brown seed lieth. The roots are so many small fibres, and some greater strings among them; the flowers have no scent, but the leaves have a bitter hot taste. Place.] It groweth on dry sandy ground for the most part, and as well on the higher as the lower places under hedge sides in almost every county of this land. Time.] It seldom flowereth before July, and the seed is ripe in August. Government and Virtues.] The plant is under the dominion of Venus, being of a gentle cleansing nature, and withal very friendly to nature. The herb is familiarly and frequently used by the Italians to heal any fresh or green wound, the leaves being but bruised and bound thereon ; and the juice thereof is also used in old sores, to cleanse, dry, and heal them. The decoction hereof made up with some sugar or honey, is available to cleanse and purge the body both up- wards and downwards, sometimes of tough phlegm and clam- my humours, and to open obstructions of the liver and spleen. It hath been found by experience to be available for the king's evil, the herb bruised and applied, or an ointment made with the juice thereof, and so used; and a decoction of two hand- fuls thereof, with four ounces of Polypody in ale, hath been found by late experience to cure divers of the falling sick- ness, that have been troubled with it above twenty years. I am confident that an ointment of it is one of the best reme- dies for a scabby head that is. FUMITORY. Liver, Spleen, Choler, Black Jaundice, Sore Mouth, Throat, Pimples. Y* , . . -J /^\UR common Fumitory is a tender sappy herb, V 'J \<_J sendeth forth from one square, a slender weak stalk, and leaning downwards on all sides, many branches two or tliree feet long, with finely cut and jagged leaves of whitish,- or rather bluish sea green colour : At the tops of the branches stand many small flowers, as it were in a long spike one above another, made like little birds, of a reddish purple 128 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. colour, with whitish bellies, after which come small round husks, containing small black seeds. The root is yellow, small and not very long, full of juice while it is green, but quickly perisheth with the ripe seed. In the cornfields in Cornwall, it beareth white flowers. Place.] It groweth in corn fields almost every where, as well as in gardens. Time.] It flowereth in May, for the most part, and the seed ripeneth shortly after. Government and Virtues.] Saturn owns the herb, and presents it to the world as a cure for his own disease, and strengthener of the parts of the body he rules. If by my as- trological judgment of diseases, from the decumbiture, you find Saturn author of the disease, or if by direction from a nativity you fear a Saturnine disease approaching, you may by this herb prevent it in the one, and cure it in the other, and therefore it is fit you keep a syrup of it always by you. The juice or syrup made thereof, or the decoction made in whey by itself, with some other purging or opening herbs and roots to cause it to work the better (itself being but weak) is very effectual for the liver and spleen, opening the obstruc- tions thereof, and clarifying the blood from saltish, cholerick, and adust humours, which cause leprosy, scabs, tetters, and itches, and such like breakings out of the skin, and after the purgings doth strengthen all the inward parts. It is also good against the yellow jaundice, and spendeth it by urine, which it procureth in abundance. The powder of the dried herb given for some time together, cureth melancholy, but the seed is strongest in operation for all the former diseases. The distilled water of the herb is also of good effect in the former diseases, and conduceth much against the plague and pesti- lence, being taken with good treacle. The distilled water also, with a little water and honey of roses, helpeth all the sores of the mouth or throat, being gargled often therewith. The juice dropped into the eyes, cleareth the sight, and taketh away redness and other defects in them, although it procureth some pain for the present, and causes tears. Dios- corides saith it hindereth any fresh springing of hairs on the eye-lids (after they are pulled away) if the eye-lids be anoint- ed with juice hereof, with Gum Arabic dissolved therein. The juice of the Fumitory and Docks mingled with vinegar. and the places gently washed or wet therewith, cureth all ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 129 sorts of scabs, pimples, blotches, wheals, and pushes which arise on the face or hands, or any other parts of the body. THE FUZ BUSH. Obstructions of the Liver, Gravel and Stone. IT is as well known by this name, as it is in some counties by the name of Gorz or Whins, that I shall not need to write any description thereof, my intent being to teach my countrymen what they know not, rather than to tell them again of that which is generally known before. Place.] They are known to grow on dry barren heaths, and other waste, gravelly, or sandy grounds, in all counties of this land. Time.] They also flower in the summer months. Government and Virtues.] Mars owns the herb. They are hot and dry, and open obstructions of the liver and spleen. A decoction made with the flowers thereof hath been found effectual against the jaundice, as also to provoke urine, and cleanse the kidneys from gravel or stone engendered in them. Mars doth also this by sympathy. GARLICK. Urine, Worms, Lethargy, Phlegm, Stinking waters, Dropsy, Cramp, Falling sickness. THE offensiveness of the breath of him that hath eaten Garlick, will lead you by the nose to the knowledge hereof, and (instead of a description) direct you to the place where it groweth in gardens, which kinds are the best, and most physical. Government and Virtues.] Mars owns this herb. This was anciently accounted the poor man's treacle, it being a remedy for all diseases and hurts (except those which itself breed.) It provoketh urine and women's courses, helpeth the biting of mad dogs, and other venomous creatures ; killeth worms in children, cutteth and voideth tough phlegm, purgeth the head, helpeth the lethargy, is a good preservative against, and a remedy for any plague, sore, or foul ulcer; taketh away spots and blemishes in the skin, easeth pains in the ears, ripeneth and breaketh imposthumes, or other swellings. And for all these diseases the onions are as effectual. But the 130 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Garlick hath some more peculiar virtues besides the former, viz. it hath a special quality, to discuss inconveniencies com- ing by corrupt agues or mineral vapours, or by drinking cor- rupt and stinking waters; as also by taking wolf-bane, hen- bane, hemlock, or other poisonous and dangerous herbs. It is also held good in hydropick diseases, the jaundice, falling- sickness, cramps, convulsions, the piles or haemorrhoids, or other cold diseases. Many authors quote many diseases this is good for ; but conceal its vices. Its heat is very vehe- ment, and all vehement hot things send up but ill-favoured vapours to the brain. In cholerick men it will add fuel to the fire ; in men oppressed by melancholy, it will attenuate the humour, and send up strong fancies, and as many strange visions to the head; therefore let it be taken inwardly with great moderation ; outwardly you may make more bold with it. GENTIAN, FELWORT, or BALDMONY. Putrifaction, Poison, Strengthens stomach, Helps digestion, Comforts the heart, Mad dogs, Restoreth appetite. IT is confessed that Gentian, which is most used amongst us, is brought over from beyond sea, yet we have two sorts of it growing frequently in our nation, which besides the reasons so frequently alleged why English herbs should be fittest for English bodiesfhath been proved by the experi- ence of divers physicians, to be not a whit inferior in virtue to that which cometh from beyond sea, therefore be pleased to take the description of them as followeth. Descript.] The greater of the two hath many small long roots thrust down deep into the ground, and abiding all the winter. The stalks are sometimes more, sometimes fewer, of a brownish green colour, which is sometimes too feet high, if the ground be fruitful, having many long, narrow, dark green leaves, set by couples up to the top ; the flowers are long and hollow, of a purple colour, ending in fine corners. The smaller sort which is to be found in our land, groweth up with sundry stalks, not a foot high, parted into several small branches, whereon grow divers small leaves together, very like those of the lesser Centaury, of a whitish green co- lour ; on the tops of these stalks grow diverse perfect blue flowers; standing in long husks, but not so big as the other; the root is very small, and full of threads. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 131 Place.] The first groweth in divers places of both the East and AVest countries, and as well in wet as in dry grounds, as near long-field by Gravesend, near Cobham in Kent, near Lillinstone in Kent, also in a chalk pit hard by a paper-mill not far from Dartford in Kent. The second groweth also in divers places in Kent, as about Southfleet and Longfield; up- on Barton's Hills in Bedfordshire ; also not far from St. Al- bans, upon a piece of waste chalky ground, as you go out of Dunstable way towards Gorhambury. Time.] They.flower in August. Government and Virtues.] They are under the dominion of Mars, and of them the most principal herbs, he is ruler of. They resist putrefactions, poison, and a more sure remedy cannot be found to prevent the pestilence than it is ; it strengthens the stomach exceedingly, helps digestion, com- forts the heart, and preserves it against faintings and swoon- ings : The powder of the dry roots help the biting of mad dogs and venomous beasts, opens obstructions of the liver, and restoreth an appetite of their meat to such as have lost it. The herb steeped in wine, and the wine drank, refresh- eth such as be over-weary with travel, and grow lame in their joints, either by cold or evil lodgings ; it helps stitches, and griping pains in the sides ; is an excellent remedy for such as are bruised by falls ; it provokes urine and the terms ex- ceedingly, therefore let it not be given to women with child: The same is very profitable for such as are troubled with cramps and convulsions, to drink the decoction: Also they say it breaks the stone, and helps ruptures most certainly ; it is excellent in all cold diseases, and such as are troubled with tough phlegm, scabs, itch, or any fretting sores and ul- cers ; it is an admirable remedy to kill the worms, by taking half a dram of the powder in a morning in any convenient liquor ; the same is excellent good to be taken inwardly for the king's evil, it helps agues of all sorts, and the yellow jaundice, as also the bots in cattle ; when kine are bitten on the udder by any venomous beast, do but stroke the place with the decoction of any of these, and it will instantly heal them. CLOVE GILLIFLOWERS. Brain, Heart, Strengthens nature. TT is vain to describe an herb so well known. Government and Virtues.] They are gallant, fine, tern- 132 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. perate flowers, of the nature and under the dominion of Jupiter ; yea, so temperate, that no excess, neither in heat, cold, dryness, nor moisture, can be perceived in them ; they are great strengthened both of the brain and heart, and will therefore serve either for cordials or cephalicks, as your occasion will serve. There is both a syrup and a conserve made of them alone, commonly to be had at every apothecary's. To take now and then a little of either, streng- thens nature much in such as are in consumptions. They are also excellent good in hot pestilent fevers, and expel poison. GERMANDER. Cough, Spleen, Dropsy, Ulcers, Agues, Head-ache, Melancholy, Worms, Palsy. n . , ^"^OMMON Germander shooteth forth sun- escnp .j ^^ j^ stalks, with small and somewhat round leaves, dented about the edges. The flowers stand at the tops, of a deep purple colour. The root is composed of divers sprigs, which shoot forth a great way round about, quickly overspreading a garden. Place.] It groweth usually with us in gardens. Time.] And flowereth in June and July. Government and Virtues.] It is a most prevalent herb of Mercury, and strengthens the brain and apprehension ex- ceedingly ; (you may see what human virtues are under Mercury, in the latter end of my Ephemeris for 1652,) streng- thens them when weak, and relieves them when drooping. This taken with honey (saith Dioscorides) is a remedy for coughs, hardness of the spleen, and difficulty of urine, and helpeth those that are fallen into a dropsy, especially at the beginning of the disease, a decoction being made thereof when it is green, and drank. It also bringeth down women's courses, and expelleth the dead child. It is most effectual against the poison of all serpents, being drank in wine, and the bruised herb outwardly applied ; used with honey, it eleanseth old and foul ulcers ; and made into an oil, and the eyes anointed therewith, taketh away the dimness andmoist- ness. It is likewise good for the pains in the sides and cramps. The decoction thereof taken for four days together, driveth away and cureth both tertian and quartan agues. It is also good against all diseases of the brain, as continual ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 133 head-ache, falling-sickness, melancholy, drowsiness and dull- ness of the spirits, convulsions and palsies. A dram of the seed taken in powder purgeth by urine, and is good against the yellow jaundice. The juice of the leaves dropped into the ears killeth the' worms in them. The tops thereof, when they are in flowers, steeped twenty-four hours in a draught of wliite wine, and drank, killeth the worms in the belly. STINKING GLADWIN. Corrupt phlegm, Choler, Sneezing, Cramps, Convulsions, Gout, Sciatica, Griping pains, Strangury, Fluxes. T) •' t~\ PT^HIS is one of the kinds of Flower-de-luce, ' '-' J_ having divers leaves arising from the roots, very like a Flower-de-luce, but that they are sharp-edged on both sides, and thicker in the middle, of a deeper green colour, narrower and sharper pointed and a strong ill scent, if they be bruised between the fingers. In the middle riseth up a reasonable strong stalk, a yard high at the least, bear- ing three or four flowers at the top, made somewhat like the flowers of the Flower-de-luce, with three upright leaves. of a dead purplish ash colour, with some veins discoloured in them ; the other three do not fall down, nor are the three other small ones so arched, nor cover the lower leaves as the Flower-de-luce doth, but stand loose or asunder from them. After they are past, there come up three square hard husks, opening wide into three parts when they are ripe, wherein lie reddish seed, turning back when it hath abiden long. The root is like that of the Flower-de-luce, but red- dish on the outside, and whitish within, very sharp and hot in the taste, of as evil scent as the leaves. Place.] This groweth as well in upland grounds as in moist places, woods, and shadowy places by the sea-side in many places of this land, and is usually nursed up in gardens. Time.] It flowereth not until July, and the seed is ripe in August or September, yet the husks after they are ripe, opening themselves, will hold their seed with them for two or three months, and not shed them. Government and Virtues.] It is supposed to be under the dominion of Saturn. It is used by many country people to purge corrupt phlegm and choler, which they do by drinking the decoction of the roots ; and some, to make it 12 134 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. more gentle, do but infuse the sliced roots in ale ; and some take the leaves, which serve well for the weaker stomachs: The juice hereof put up, or snuffed up the nose, causeth sneezing, and draweth from the head much corruption ; and the powder thereof doth the same. The powder thereof drank in wine, helpeth those that are troubled with cramps and convulsions, or with the gout and sciatica, and giveth ease to those that have griping pains in their body and belly, and helpeth those that have the strangury. It is given with much profit to those that have had long fluxes by the sharp and evil quality of humours, which it stayeth, having first cleansed and purged them by the drying and binding property therein. The root boiled in wine and drank, doth effectually procure women's courses, and used as a pessary, worketh the same effect, but causeth abortion in women with child. Half a dram of the seed beaten to powder, and taken in wine, doth speedily cause one to piss, which other- wise cannot. The same taken with vinegar, dissolveth the hardness and swellings of the spleen. The root is effectual in all wounds, especially of the head ; as also to draw forth any splinters, thorns, or broken bones, or any other thing stick- ing in the flesh, without causing pains, being used with a little verdigrease and honey, and the great Centaury root. The same boiled in vinegar, and laid upon any tumour or swelling, doth very effectually dissolve and consume them; yea, even the swellings of the throat called the king's evil; the juice of the leaves or roots healeth the itch, and all run- ning or spreading scabs, sores, blemishes, or scars in the skin, wheresoever they be. GOLDEN ROD. Beauty lost, Stone, Dysury, Bloody-flux, Terms Stop, Sore mouth, Throat, Loose teeth. D * 11 T^HIS ariseth up with brownish small round escrip .j j^ stalks, two feet high, and sometimes more, having thereon many narrow and long dark green leaves, very seldom with any dents about the edges, or any stalks or white spots therein, yet they are sometimes found so di- vided at the tops in many small branches, with divers small yellow flowers on every one of them, all which are turned one way, and being ripe, do turn into down, and are carried ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 135 away by the wind. The root consists of many small fibres, which grow not deep in the ground, but abideth all the win- ter therein, shooting forth new branches every year, the old one lying down to the ground. Place.] It groweth in the opev. places of woods and copses, both moist and dry grounds, in many places of this land. Time.] It flowereth about the month of July. Government and Virtues.] Venus claims the herb, and therefore to be sure it respeets beauty lost. Arnoldus de VUla Nova commends it much against the stone in the reins and kidneys, and to provoke urine in abundance, whereby also all the gravel and stone may be voided. The decoction of the herb, green or dry, or the distilled water thereof, is very effectual for inward bruises, as also to be outwardly applied, it stayeth bleeding in any part of the body, and of wounds; also the fluxes of humours, the bloody-flux, and women's courses ; and is no less prevalent in all ruptures or burstings, being drank inwardly, and outwardly applied; It is a sovereign wound herb, inferior to none, both for. inward and outward hurts ; green wounds, old sores and ulcers, are quickly cured therewith. It also is of especial use in.all h> tions for sores or ulcers in the mouth, throat, or privy parts of man or woman. The decoction also helpeth to fasten the teeth that are loose in the gums. GOUTWORT, on HERB GERRARD. Gout, Sciatica, Joints. p. . , TT is a low herb, seldom rising half a yard high, ^ '-» j^ having sundry leaves standing on brownish green stalks by three, snipped about, and of a strong unplea- sant savour : The umbels of the flowers are white, and the seed blackish, the root runneth in the ground, quickly taking a great deal of rooim Place.] It groweth by hedge and wall-sidfes, and often in the border and corners of fields, and in gardens also. Time.] It flowereth and seedeth about the end of July. Government and Virtues.], Saturn rules it. Neither is it to be supposed Goutwort hath its name for nothing, but upon experiment to heal the gout and sciatiea; as also joint-aches» and other cold griefs. The very bearing of it about one, easeth the pains of the gout, and defends him that bears it from the disease. 136 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. GROMEL. Stone, Gravel, Strangury, Travel in women. OF this I shall briefly describe their kinds, which are principally used in physic, the virtues whereof are alike, though somewhat different in their manner and form of growing. Descript.] The greater Gromel groweth up with slender hard and hairy stalks, trailing and taking root in the ground, as it lieth thereon, and parted into many other small branch- es with hairy dark green leaves thereon. At the joints with the leaves come forth very small blue flowers, and after them hard stony roundish seed. The root is long and woody, abid-. ing the winter, and shooteth forth fresh stalks in the spring. The smaller wild Gromel sendeth forth divers upright hard branched stalks, two or three feet high, full of joints, at every of which groweth small, long, hard and rough leaves like the former, but lesser ; among which leaves come forth small white flowers, and after them greyish round seed like the former ; the root is not very big, but with many strings thereat. The garden Gromel hath divers upright, slender, woody, hairy stalks, blown and cressed, very little branched, with leaves like the former, and white flowers ; after which, in rough brown husks, is contained a white, hard, round seed, shining like pearls, and greater than either of the former; the root is like the first described, with divers branches and sprigs thereat, which continueth (as the first doth) all the winter. Place.] The two first grow wild in barren or untilled pla- ces, and by the way-sides in many places of this land. The last is a nursling in the gardens of the curious. Time.] They all flower from midsummer until September sometimes, and in the mean time the seed ripeneth. Government and Virtues.] The herb belongs to Dame Ve- nus ; and therefore if Mars cause the colick or stone, as usually he doth, if in Virgo, this is your cure. These are accounted to be of as singular force as any herb or seed what- soever, to break the stone and to void it, and the gravel either in the reins or bladder, as also to provoke urine being stopped, and to help the strangury. The seed is of greatest use, being bruised and boiled in white wine, or in broth, or ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 137 the like, or the powder of the seed taken therein. Two drams of the seed in powder taken with women's breast-milk, is ve- ry effectual to procure a very speedy delivery to such women as have sore pains in their travail, and cannot be delivered : The herb itself, (when the seed is not to be had) either boil- ed, or the juice thereof drank, is effectual to all the purposes aforesaid, but not so powerful and speedy in operation. GOOSEBERRY-BUSH. Appetite, Women's longings, St. Anthony's fire, Liver, Stone, Gravel. CALLED also Feapberry, and in Sussex Dewberry Bush, and in some counties Wineberry. Government and Virtues.] They are under the dominion of Venus. The berries while they are unripe, being scalded, or baked, are good to stir up a fainting or decayed appetite, especially such whose stomachs are afflicted by choleric hu- mours : They are excellent good to stay longings of women with child. You may keep them preserved with sugar all the year long. The decoction of the leaves of the tree cools hot swellings and inflammations ; as also St. Anthony's fire. The ripe Gooseberries being eaten, are an excellent remedy to allay the violent heat both of the stomach and liver. The young tender leaves break the stone, and expel gravel both from the kidneys and bladder. All the_evils they do to the body of man is, they are supposed to breed crudities, and by crudities, worms. WINTER-GREEN. Wounds, Ulcers, Kidney, Bladder, Bloody-flux, Cankers. T) ' t~\ ^T^HIS sends forth seven, eight, or nine leaves P "•! J_ from a small brown creeping root, every one standing upon a long foot stalk, which are almost as broad as long, round pointed, of a sad green colour, and hard in handling, and like the leaf of a Pear-tree ; from whence ariseth a slender weak stalk, yet standing upright, bearing at the top many small white sweet-smelling flowers, laid open like a star, consisting of five round pointed leaves, with many yellowish threads standing in the middle about a green head, and a long stalk with them, which being ripe is found five square, with a small point at it, wherein is contained seed as small as dust. 12* x 138 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Place.] It groweth seldom in fields, but frequent in the woods northwards, viz. in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Scot- land. Time.] It flowereth about June and July. Government and Virtues.] Winter-green is under the domi- nion of Saturn, and is a singular good wound herb, and an especial remedy for to heal green wounds speedily, the green leaves being bruised and applied, or the juice of them. A salve made of the green herb stamped, or the juice boiled with hog's lard, or with sallad oil and wax, and some terpen- tine added unto it, is a sovereign salve, and highly extolled by the Germans, who use it to heal all manner of wounds and sores. The herb boiled in wine and water, and given to drink to them that have any inward ulcers in their kidneys, or neck of the bladder, doth wonderfully help them. It stayeth all fluxes, as the lask, bloody-fluxes, women's courses, and bleeding of wounds, and taketh away any inflammations rising upon pains of the heart; it is no less helpful for foul ulcers hard to be cured; as also for cankers or fistulas. The distilled water of the herb doth effectually perform the same things. GROUNDSEL. Choler, Stomach, Jaundice, Gravel, Cholic, Terms, Women'* breasts, Privy parts, Sinews, Joints, Sore eyes. D * tl f\^^ conimon Groundsel hath a round green ^ '* \_J and somewhat brownish stalk, spreading toward the top into branches, set with long and somewhat narrow green leaves, cut in on the edges, somewhat like the oak-leaves, but lesser, and round at the end. At the tops of the branches stand many small green heads, out of which grow small, yellow threads or thumbs, which are the flowers, and continue many days blown in that manner, before it pass away into Down, and with the seed is carried away in the wind. The root is small and thready, and soon perisheth, and as soon riseth again of its own sowing, so that it may be seen many months in the year, both green and in flower, and seed; for it will spring and seed twice in a year at least, if it be suffered in a garden. Place.] This groweth almost everywhere, as well on tops of walls, as at the foot, amongst rubbish and untitled grounds, but especially in gardens. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 139 Time.] It flowereth, as is said before, almost in every month throughout the year. Government and Virtues.] This herb is Venus's mistress*- piece, and is a gallant and universal medicine for all diseases coming of heat, in what part of the body soever they be, as the sun shines upon ; it is very safe and friendly to the body of man ; yet causeth vomiting if the stomach be afflcted ; if not, purging; and it doth it with more gentleness than can be expected ; it is moist, and something cold withal, thereby causing expulsion, and repressing the heat caused by the mo- tion of the internal parts in purges and vomits. Lay by our learned receipts ; take so much Sena, so much Scammony, so much Colocynthis, so much infusion of Crocus Metallo- rum, &c. this herb alone preserved in a syrup, in a distilled water, or in an ointment, shall do the deed for you in all hot diseases, and, shall do it, 1. Safely, 2. Speedily. The decoction of the herb (saith Dioscorides) made with wine, and drank, helpeth the pains of the stomach, proceed- ing of choler, (which it may well do by a vomit) as daily experience sheweth. The juice thereof taken in drink, or the decoction of it in ale, gently performeth the same. It is good against the jaundice and falling sickness, being taken in wine ; as also against difficulty of making water. It pro- voketh urine, expelleth gravel in the reins or kidneys; a dram thereof given in oxymel, after some walking or stirring of the body. It helpeth also the sciatica, griping of the belly, the colick ; defects of the liver, and provoketh women's cour- ses. The fresh herb boiled, and made into a poultice, ap- plied to the breasts of women that are swollen with pain and heat, as also the privy parts of man or woman, the seat or fundament, or the arteries, joints and sinews, when they are inflamed and swollen, doth much ease them ; and used with some salt, helpeth to dissolve knots or kernels in any part of the body. The juice of the herb, or (as Dioscorides saith) the leaves and flowers, with some fine frankincense in pow- der, used in wounds of the body, nerves, or sinews, do sin- gularly help to heal them. The distilled water of the herb performeth well all the aforesaid cures, but especially for inflammations or watering of the eyes, by reason of the de- Auction of rheum unto them. 140 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN HEART's-EASE. French pox, Inflammation, Breast and Lungs, Scabs and Itch.- THIS is that herb which such physicians as are licensed to blaspheme by authority, without danger of having their tongues burned through with an hot iron, called an herb of the Trinity. It is also called by those that are more mo- derate, Three Faces in a Hood, Live in Idleness, Cull me to you : and in Sussex we call them Pancies. Place.] Besides those which are brought up in gardens, they grow commonly wild in the fields, especially in such as are very barren; sometimes you may find it on the tops of the high hills. Time.] They flower all the spring and summer long. Government and Virtues.] The herb is really Saturnine, something cold, viscous and slimy. A strong decoction of the herbs and flowers (if you will, you may make it into syrup) is an excellent cure for the French pox, the herb being a gallant antivenerean; and that antivenereans are the best cure for that disease, far better and safer than to torment them with the flux, divers foreign physicians have confessed. The spirit of it is excellent good for the convulsions in children, as also for the falling sickness, and a gallant remedy for the inflammation of the lungs and breasts, pleurisy, scabs, itch, &c. It is under the celestial Sign Cancer. . ARTICHOKES. Provokes lust, Nocturnal pollution, Purge by urine. THE Latins call them Cinera, only our college calls them Artiehocus. i Government and Virtues.] They are under the dominion of Venus, and therefore it is no marvel if they provoke lust, as indeed they do, being something windy meet; and yet they stay the involuntary course of natural seed in man, which is commonly called nocturnal pollutions. And here I care not greatly if I quote a httle of Galen's nonsense in his treatise of the faculties of nourishment. He saith, they contain plenty of choleric juice (which notwithstanding I can scarcely be- lieve) of which he saith is engendered melancholy juice, and of that melancholy juice thin choleric blood. But to pro- ceed ; this is certain, that the decoction of the root boiled in ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 141 wine, or the root bruised and distilled in wine in an alembic, and being drank, purgeth by urine exceedingly. HARTS-TONGUE. Spleen and Liver, Bloody-flux, Hiccough. Descript 1 HT^^IS hath divers leaves arising from the root, ^ *■" J_ every one severally, which fold themselves in their first springing and spreading: when they are full grown, are about a foot long, smooth and green above, but hard and with little sap in them, and streaked on the back, thwart on both sides of the middle rib with small and some- what long brownish marks; the bottoms of the leaves are a little bowed on each side of the middle rib, somewhat narrow with the length, and somewhat small at the end. The root is of many black threads, folded or interlaced together. Time.] It is green all the winter; but new leaves spring every year. Government and Virtues.] Jupiter claims dominion over this herb, therefore it is a singular remedy for the liver, both to strengthen it when weak, and ease it when afflicted, you shall do well to keep it in a syrup all the year : For though authors say it is green all the year, I scarce believe it. Harts Tongue is much commended against the hardness and stoppings of the spleen and liver, and against the heat of the liver and stomach, and against lasks, and the bloody-flux. The distilled water thereof is also very good against the passions of the heart, and to stay the hiccough, to help the falling of the palate, and to stay the bleeding of the gums, being gargled in the mouth. Dioscorides saith, it is good against the stinging or biting of serpents. As for the use of it, my direction at the latter end will be sufficient, and enough for those that are studious in physic, to whet their brains upon for one year or two. HAZEL-NUT. Cough, Phthysic, Terms stops, Catarrh. HAZEL-NUTS are so well known to every body, that they need no description. Government arid Virtues.] They are under the dominion of Mercury. The parted kernels made into an electuary, or the milk drawn from the kernels with mead or honeyed water, 142 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. is very good to help an old cough; and being parched, and a little pepper put to them and drank, digesteth the distila- tions of rheum from the head. The dried husks and shells, to the weight of two drams, taken in red wine, stayeth lasks and woments courses, and so doth the red skin that covers the kernels, which is more effectual to stay women's courses. And if this be true, as it is, then why should the vulgar So familiarly affirm, that eating Nuts causeth shortness of breath 1 than whioh nothing is falser. For, how can that which strengthens the lungs, cause shortness of breath ? I confess, the opinion is far older than I am; I know tradition was friend to error before, but never that he was the father of slander: Or are men's tongues so given to slandering one an- other;.that they must slander Nuts too, to keep their tongues in use ? If any thing of the Hazel-Nut be stopping, it is the husks and shells, and no body is so mad to eat them, unless physically; and the red skin whieh covers the kernel, you may easily pull off. And so thus have I made an apology for Nuts, which cannot speak for themselves. HAWK-WEED, or HIGH MILK-WEED. Eyes, Ulcers, Burnings, St. Anthony's fire, Salt Phlegm, Freckles, Wrinkles, Gnawing in the Stomach, Dropsy, Phlegm, Spleen. n . , TFT hath many large leaves lying upon the ground, escrip .j j^ Jnnffn rent or torn on the sides into gashes like Dandelion, but with greater parts, more like the smooth Sow Thistle, from among which riseth a hollow, rough stalk, two or three feet high, branched from the middle upward, where- on are set at every joint longer leaves, little or nothing rent or cut, bearing on their top sundry pale* yellow flowers, con- sisting of many small, narrow leaves, broad pointed, and nicked in at the ends, set in a double row or more, the out- ermost being larger than the inner, which from most of the Hawk-weeds (for there are many kinds of theih) do hold, which turn into down, and with the small brownish seed is blown away with the wind. The root is long, and somewhat greater, with many small fibres thereat. The whole plant is. full of bitter milk. Place.]' It groweth in divers places about the field-sides, and the path-ways in dry grounds. Time.} It flowereth and flies away ia summer months. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 143 Government and Virtues.] Saturn owns it. Hawk-weed (saith Dioscorides) is cooling, somewhat drying and binding, and therefore good for the heat of the stomach, and gnawings therein ; for inflammations, and the hot fits of agues. The juice thereof in wine, helpeth digestion, discusseth wind/hin- dereth crudities abiding in the stomach, and helpeth the dif- ficulty of making water, the biting of venomous serpents, and stinging of the scorpion, if the herb be also outwardly appli- ed to the place, and is very good against all other poison*. A scruple of the dried root given in wine and vinegar, is profitable for those that have the dropsy. The deGoction of the herb taken with honey, digesteth the phlegm in the chest or lungs, and with hyssop helpeth the cough. The decoction thereof, and of wild succory, made with wine, and taken, helpeth the wind colic, and hardness of the spleen ; it pro- cureth rest and sleep, hindereth venery and venerous dreams, cooling heats, purgeth the stomach, increaseth blood, and helpeth the diseases of reins and bladder. Outwardly applied, it is singularly good for all the defects and diseases of the eyes, used with some women's wilk ; and used with good success in fretting or creeping ulcers, especially in the beginning. The green leaves bruised, and with a httle salt applied to any place burnt with fire, before blisters do arise, helpeth them; as also inflammations, St. Anthony's fire, and all pushes and eruptions, hot and salt phlegm. The same applied with meal and fair water in manner of a poultice, to any place affected with convulsions and the cramp, such as are out of joint, doth give help and ease. The distilled water eleanseth the skin, and taketh away freckles, spots, morphew, or wrinkles in HEMLOCK. C^iu^^MtK&uLfcy*. Lechery, Inflammations, St. Anthony''s fire, Eyes pin and web, Gout. ____ n ' t~\ ^I^HE common great Hemlock groweth up with P "■! _§_ a green stalk, four or five feet high, or more, full of red spots sometimes, and at the joints very large wing- ed leaves set at them, which are divided into many other winged leaves one set against the other, dented about the edges, of a sad green colour, branched towards the top, where it is full of umbels of white flowers, and afterwards with whitish flat seed : The root is long, white, and some- times crooked, and hollow within. The whole plant, and 144 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. every part, hath a strong, heady, and ill-favoured scent, much offending the senses. Place.] It groweth in all counties of this land, by walls and hedge-sides, in waste grounds and untilled places. Time.] It flowereth and seedeth in July, or thereabouts. Government and Virtues.] Saturn claims dominion over this herb, yet I wonder why it may not be applied to the privities in a Priapism, or continual standing of the yard, it being very beneficial to that disease : I suppose, my author's judgment was first upon the opposite disposition of Saturn to Venus in those faculties, and therefore he forbad the apply- ing of it to those parts, that it might not cause barrenness, or spoil the spirit procreative ; which if it do, yet applied to the privities, it stops its lustful thoughts. Hemlock is exceed- ingly cold, and very dangerous, especially to be taken in- wardly. It may safely be applied to inflammations, tumours, and swellings in any part of the body (save the privy parts) as also to St. Anthony's fire, wheals, pushes, and creeping ulcers that arise of hot sharp humours, by cooling and re- pelling the heat; the leaves bruised and laid to the brow or forehead are good for their eyes that are red and swollen ; as also to take away a pin and web growing in the eye; this is a tried medicine: Take a small handful of this herb, and half so much Bay salt, beaten together, and applied to the contrary wrist of the hand, for twenty-four hours, doth re- move it in thrice dressing. If the root thereof be roasted under the embers, wrapped in double wet paper, until it be soft and tender, and then applied to the gout in the hands or fingers, it will quickly help this evil. If any through mistake eat the herb hemlock instead of Parsley, or the roots instead of a Parsnip (both of which it is very like) whereby happen- eth a kind of frenzy, or perturbation of the senses, as if they were stupid and drunk, the remedy is (as Pliny saith) to drink of the best and strongest pure wine, before it strikes to the heart, or gentian put in wine, or a draught of vinegar, wherewith Tragus doth affirm, that he cured a woman that had eaten the root. HEMP. Wind, Cough, Jaundice, Gall, Cholerick, Bleeding, Worms, Earwigs, Siricws shrunk. THIS is so well known to every good housewife in the country, that I shall not *ieed to write any description of it. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 145 Time.] It is sown in the end of March, or beginning of April, and is ripe in August or September. Government and Virtues.] It is a plant of Saturn, and good for something else, you see, than to make halters only. The seed of Hemp consumeth wind, and by too much use thereof disperseth it so much, that it drieth up the natural seed for procreation ; yet, being boiled in milk, and taken, helpeth such as have a hot dry cough. The Dutch make an emulsion out of the seed, and give it with good success to those that have the jaundice, especially in the beginning of the disease, if there be no ague accompanying it, for it openeth obstruc- tions of the gall, and causeth digestion of choler. The emul- sion or decoction of the seed stayeth lasks and continual fluxes, easeth the cohck, and allayeth the troublesome humours in the bowels, and stayeth bleeding at the mouth, nose, or other places, some of the leaves being fried with the blood of them that bleed, and so given them to eat. It is held very good to kill the worms in men or beasts ; and the juice dropped into the ears killeth worms in them ; and draweth forth earwigs, or other living creatures gotten in them. The decoction of the root allayeth inflammations of the head, or any other parts ; the herb itself, or the distilled water thereof, doth the like. The decoction of the roots easeth pains of the gout, the hard humours of knots in the joints, the pains and shrink- ing of the sinews, and the pains of the hips. The fresh juice mixed with a little oil and butter, is good for any place that hath been burnt with fire, being thereto applied. HENBANE. Inflammations, Cods, Women's breasts, Gout, Deafness, Ribs' French pox. J. . . -] ^~\UR common Henbane hath very large, thick* ■^ "-l \J soft, woolly leaves, lying on the ground* much cut in, or torn on the edges of a dark, ill greyish green colour ; among which arise up divers thick and short stalks, two or three feet high spread into divers small branches, with lesser leaves on them, and many hollow flowers, scarce appearing above the husk, and usually torn on one side end- ing in five'round points, growing one above another, of a deadish yellowish colour, somewhat paler towards the edges, with many purplish veins therein, and a dark, yellowish 13 146 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. purple in the bottom of the flower, with a small point of the same colour in the middle, each of them standing in a hard close husk, which after the flowers are past, groweth very like the husk of Asarabacca, and somewhat sharp at the top points, wherein is contained much small seed, very like Poppy-seed, but of a dusky, greyish colour. The root is great, white and thick, branching forth divers ways under ground, so like a Parsnip root (but that it is not so white) that it hath deceived others. The whole plant, more than the root, hath a very heavy, ill, soporiferous smell, some- what offensive. Place.] It commonly groweth by the way-sides, and under hedge-sides and walls. Time.] It flowereth in July, and springeth again yearly of its own seed. I doubt my authors mistook July for June, if not for May. Government and Virtues.] I wonder how astrologers could take on them to make this an herb of Jupiter; and yet Me- zaldus, a man of a penetrating brain, was of that opinion as well as the rest; the herb is indeed under the dominion of Sa- turn, and I prove it by this argument : All the herbs which delight most to grow in Saturnine places, are Saturnine herbs. But Henbane delights most to grow in Saturnine places, and whole cart loads of it may be found near the places where they empty the common Jacks, and scarce a ditch to be found without it growing by it. Ergo, it is an herb of Saturn. The leaves of Henbane do cool all hot inflammations in the eyes, or any other part of the body ; and are good to assuage all manner of swellings of the cods, or womens breasts, or elsewhere, if they be boiled in wine, and either applied them- selves, or the fomentation warm ; it also assuageth the pain of the gout, the sciatica, and other pains in the joints which arise from a hot cause. And applied with vinegar to the forehead and temples, helpeth the head-ache and want of sleep in hot fevers. The juice of the herb or seed, or the oil drawn from the seed, does the like. The oil of the seed is helpful for deafness, noise, and worms in the ears, being dropped therein; the juice of the herb or root doth the same. The decoction of the herb or seed, or both, killeth lice in man or beast. The fume of the dried herb, stalks and seed, burned, quickly healeth swellings chilblains or kibes in the hands or feet, by holding them in the fume thereof. The ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 147 remedy to help those that have taken Henbane is to drink goat's milk, honeyed water, or pine kernels, with sweet wine ; or, in the absence of these, Fennel-seed, Nettle-seed the seed of Cresses, Mustard, or Radish ; as also Onions or Garlick taken in wine, do all help to free them from danger, and restore them to their due temper again. Take notice, that this herb must never be taken inwardly ; outwardly, an oil, ointment, or plaister of it, is most admi- rable for the gout, to cool the veneral heat of the reins in the French pox ; to stop the tooth-ache, being applied to the aching side ; to allay all inflammations, and to help the dis- eases before premised. HEDGE HYSSOP. Choler and Phlegm, Dropsy, Gout, Sciatica, Worms, Ulcers. Descript 1 T\IVERS sorts there are of this plant; the ^ '■' JL# first of which is an Italian by birth, and only nursed up here in the gardens of the curious. Two or three sorts are found commonly growing wild here, the de- scription of two of which I shall give you. The first is a smooth, low plant, not a foot high, very bitter in taste, with many square stalks, diversly branched from the bottom- to the top, with divers joints, and two small leaves at each joint, broader at the bottom than they are at the end, and full of veins. The flowers stand at the joints, being of a fair purple colour, with some white spots in them, in fashion like those of dead nettles. The seed is small and yellow, and the roots spread much under ground. The second seldom groweth half a foot high, sending up many small branches, whereon grow many small leaves, set one against the other, somewhat broad hut very short. The flowers are like the flowers of the other in fashion, but of a pale reddish colour. The seeds are small and yellowish. The root spreadeth like the other, neither will it yield to its fellow one ace of bitterness. Place.] They grow in wet low grounds, and by the water- sides ; the last may be found among the bogs on Hampstead Heath. Time.] They flower in June and July, and the seed is ripe presently after. Government and Virtues.] They are herbs of Mars, and as 148 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. choleric and churlish as he is, being most violent purges, especially of choler and phlegm. It is not safe taking them inwardly, unless they be well rectified by the art of the al- chymist, and only the purity of them given; so used they may be very helpful both for the dropsy, gout, and sciatica; outwardly used in ointments they kill worms, the belly anointed with it, and are excellent good to cleanse old and filthy ulcers. BLACK HELLEBORE. Fatting sickness, Black jaundice, Gout, Cough, Ulcers, Poi- son in cattle. IT is also called Setter-wort, Setter-grass, Bear's-foot, Christmas-herb, and Christmas-flower. Descript.] It hath sundry fair green leaves rising from the root, each of them standing about an handful high from the earth ; .each leaf is divided into seven, eight, or nine parts, dented from the middle of the leaf to the point on both sides, abiding green all the winter; about Christmas-time, if the weather be any thing temperate, the flowers appear upon foot-stalks, also consisting of five large, round, white leaves a-piece, which sometimes are purple towards the edges, with many pale yellow thumbs in the middle ; the seeds are di- vided into several cells, like those of Columbines, save only that they are greater; the seeds are in colour black, and in form long and round. The root consisteth of numberless blackish strings all united into one head. There is another Black Hellebore, which grows up and down in the woods very like this, but only that the leaves are smaller and nar- rower, and perish in the winter, which this doth not. Place.] The first is maintained in gardens. The second is commonly found in the woods in Northamptonshire. Time.] The first flowereth in December or January ; the second in February or March. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Saturn, and therefore no marvel if it hath some sullen conditions with it, and would be far safer, being purified by the art of the alchymist than given raw. If any have taken any harm by taking it, the common cure is to take goat's milk: If you cannot get goat's milk, you must make a shift with such as you can get. The roots are very effectual against all melan- choly diseases, especially such as are of long standing, as ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 149 quartan agues and madness : it helps the falling sickness, the leprosy, both the yellow and the black jaundice, the gout, sci- atica, and convulsions ; and this was found out by experience, that the- root of that which groweth wild in our country, works not so churlishly as those do which are brought from beyond sea, as being maintained by a more temperate air. The root, used as a pessary, provoke the terms exceedingly ; also being beaten into powder, and strewed upon foul ulcers, it consumes the dead flesh, and instantly heals them ; nay, it will help gangrenes in the beginning. Twenty grains taken inwardly is a sufficient dose for one time, and let that be corrected with half so much cinnamon ; country people used to rowel their cattle with it. If a beast be troubled with a cough, or have taken any poison, they bore a hole through his ear, and put a piece of the root in it, this will help him in twenty-four hours time. Many other uses farriers put it to which I shall forbear. HERB ROBERT. Stone, Bleeding, Ulcers, Privets, Terms, Wounds. tj . . -J I~T riseth up with a reddish stalk two feet high '" "-* _|_ having divers leaves thereon upon very long and reddish foot-stalks, divided at the end into three or five divisions, each of them cut in on the edges, some deeper than others, and all dented likewise about the edges, which some- times turn reddish. At the tops of the stalks come forth di- vers flowers made of five leaves, much larger than the dove's- foot, and a more reddish colour; after which come back heads, as in others. The root is small and thready, and smelleth as the whole plant, very strong, almost stinking. Place.] This groweth frequently every where by the way- sides, upon ditch banks and waste grounds wheresoever one goeth. Time.] It flowereth in June and July chiefly, and the seed is ripe shortly after. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of Ve- nus. Herb Robert is commended not only against the stone, hut to stay blood, where or howsoever flowing; it speedily healeth all green wounds, and is effectual in old ulcers in the privy parts, or elsewhere. You may persuade yourself this is true, and also conceive a good reason for it, do but con- eider it is an herb of Venus, for all it hath a man's name. 13* 150 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. HERB TRUE-LOVE, or ONE-BERRY. Poison, Cholic, Fevers, Wounds, Ulcers, Cods and Privets, Inflammations. Desert 11 /"\RDINARY Herb True-love, hath a small ^ '-" \^P creeping root running under the uppermost crust of the ground, somewhat like couch-grass root, but not so white, shooting forth stalks with leaves, some whereof carry no berries, the others do; every stalk smooth without joints, and blackish green, rising about half a foot high, if it bear berries, otherwise seldom so high, bearing at the top four leaves set directly one against another, in manner of a cross or ribband tied (as it is called) in a true-love's knot, which are each of them apart somewhat like unto a night- shade leaf, but somewhat broader, having sometimes three leaves, sometimes five, sometimes six, and those sometimes greater than in others, in the middle of the four leaves riseth up one small slender stalk, about an inch high, bearing at the tops thereof one flower spread like a star, consisting of four small and long narrow-pointed leaves of a yellowish green colour, and four others lying between them lesser than they; in the middle whereof stands a round dark purplish button or head, compassed about with eight small yellow mealy threads with three colours, making it the more conspicuous, and lovely to behold. This button or head in the middle, when the other leaves are withered, becometh a blackish purple berry, full of juice, of the bigness of a reasonable grape, having within it many white seeds. The whole plant is without any manifest taste. Place.] It groweth in woods and copses, and sometimes in the corners or borders of fields, and waste grounds in very many places of this land, and abundantly in the woods, copses, and other places about Chislehurst, and Maidstone in Kent. Time.] They spring up in the middle of April or May, and are in flower soon after. The berries are ripe in the end of May, and in some places in June. Government and Virtues.] Venus owns it; the leaves or berries hereof are effectual to expel poison of all sorts, espe- cially that of the aconites ; as also, the plague, and other pestilential disorders : Matthiolus saith, that some that have fain long in a lingering sickness, and others that by witch- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 151 craft (as it was thought) were become half foolish, by taking a dram of the seeds or berries hereof in powder every day for twenty days together, were restored to their former health. The roots in powder taken in wine easeth the pains of the colick speedily. The leaves are very effectual as well for green wounds, as to cleanse and heal up filthy old sores and ulcers ; and is very powerful to discuss all tumours and swellings in the cods, privy parts, the groin, or in any part of the body, and speedily to allay all inflammations. The juice of the leaves applied to felons, or those nails of the hands or toes that have imposthumes or sores gathered to- gether at the roots of them, healeth them in a short space. The herb is not to be described for the premises, but is fit to be nourished in every good woman's garden. HYSSOP. Cough, Shortness of breath, Jaundice, Dropsy, Quinsy, Fal- ling sickness. HYSSOP is so well known to be an inhabitant in every garden, that it will save me labour in writing a de- scription thereof. The virtues are as follow : •Temperature and Virtues.] The herb is Jupiter's, and the sign Cancer. It strengthens all the parts of the body under Cancer and Jupiter ; which, what they may be, is found amply discoursed in my astrological judgment of diseases. Dioscorides saith, that Hyssop boiled with rue and honey, and drank, helpeth those that are troubled with coughs, short- ness of breath, wheezing and rheumatic distillations upon the lungs ; taken also with oxymel, it purgeth gross humours by stool; and with honey killeth worms in the belly; and with fresh and new figs bruised, helpeth to loosen the belly, and more forcibly if the root of Flower-de-luce and cresses be added thereto. It amendeth and cherisheth the native colour of the body, spoiled by the yellow jaundice ; and being taken with figs and nitre, helpeth the dropsy and spleen ; being boiled with wine, it is good to wash inflammations, and taketh away the black and blue spots and marks that come by strokes, bruises, or falls, being applied with warm water. It is an excellent medicine for the quinsy, or swelling in the throat, to wash and gargle it, being boiled in figs ; it help- eth the tooth-ache, being boiled in vinegar and gargled there- 152 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. with. The hot vapours of the decoction taken by a funnel in at the ears, easeth the inflammations and singing noise of them. Being bruised, and salt, honey, and cummin-seed put to it, helpeth those that are stung by serpents. The oil there- of (the head being anointed) killeth lice, and taketh away itching of the head. It helpeth those that have the falling sickness, which way soever it be applied. It helpeth to ex- pectorate tough phlegm, and is effectual in all cold griefs or diseases of the chest or lungs, being taken either in syrup or licking medicine. The green herb bruised and a little sugar put thereto, doth quickly heal any cut or green wounds, be- ing thereunto applied. HOPS. Liver, Spleen, French pox, Morphew, Worms, Dysury, Terms, Jaundice, Agues. THESE are so well known that they need no descrip- tion ; I mean the manured kind, which every good husband or housewife is acquainted with. Descript.] This wild hop groweth up as the other doth, ramping upon trees or hedges, that stand next to them, with rough branches and leaves like the former, but it giveth smaller heads, and in far less plenty than it, so that there is scarce a head or two seen in a year on divers of this wild kind, wherein consisteth the chief difference. Place.] They delight to grow in low moist grounds, and are found in all parts of this land. Time.] They spring not up until April, and flower not until the latter end of June ; the heads are not gathered un- til the middle or latter end of September. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of Mars. This, in physical operations, is to open obstructions of the liver and spleen, to cleanse the blood, to loosen the belly, to cleanse the reins from gravel, and provoke urine. The de- coction of the tops of Hops, as well of the tame as the wild, worketh the same effects. In cleansing the blood they help to cure the French disease, and all manner of scabs, itch, and other breakings-out of the body ; as also all tetters, ring- worms, and spreading sores, the morphew; and all discolour- ing of the skin. The decoction of the flowers and tops, do help to expel poison that any one hath drank. Half a dram of the seed in powder taken in drink, killeth worms in the ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 153 body, bringeth down women's courses, and expelleth urine. A syrup made of the juice and sugar, cureth the yellow jaun- dice, easeth the head-ache that comes of heat, and tempereth the heat of the liver and stomach, and is profitably given in long and hot agues that riseth in choler and blood. Both the wild and the manured are of one property, and like effectual in all the aforesaid diseases. By all these testimonies beer appears to be better than ale. Mars owns the plant, and then Dr. Reason will tell you how it performs these actions. HOREHOUND. Difficulty of breathing, Cough, Consumption, Phlegm, Ulcers, Sides, Eyes, Jaundice, Hard livers, Women's breasts. D tr int 1 /~^^MMON Horehound groweth up with square P '-' \^y hairy stalks, half a yard or two feet high, set at the joints with two round crumpled rough leaves of a sullen hoary green colour, of a reasonable good scent, but a very bitter taste. The flowers are small, white and gaping, set in a rough hard prickly husk round about the joints, with the leaves in the middle of the stalk upward, wherein after- ward is found small round blackish seed. The root is black- ish, hard and woody, with many strings, and abideth many years. Place.] It is found in many parts of this land, in dry grounds, and waste green places. Time.] It flowereth in July, and the seed is ripe in August. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Mercury. A de- coction of the dried herb, with the seed, or the juice of the green herb taken with honey, is £ remedy for those that are short-winded, have a cough, or are fallen into a consumption, either through long sickness, or thin distillations of rheum upon the lungs. It helpeth to expectorate tough phlegm from the chest, being taken from the roots of Iris or Orris. It is given to women to bring down their courses, to expel their after-birth, and to them that have sore and long travails ; as also to those that have taken poison, or are stung or bitten by venomous serpents. The leaves used with honey, purge foul ulcers, stay running or creeping sores, and the growing of the flesh over the nails. Jt also helpeth pains of the sides. Tho juice thereof with wine and honey, helpeth to clear the 154 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. eye-sight, and snuffed up into the nostrils, purgeth away the yellow jaundice, and with a little oil of roses, dropped into the ears, easeth the pains of them. Galen saith, it openeth obstructions both of the liver and spleen, and purgeth the breast and lungs' of phlegm ; and used outwardly it both eleanseth and digesteth. A decoction of Horehound (saith Matthiolus) is available for those that have hard livers, and for such as have itches and running tetters. The powder hereof taken, or the decoction killeth worms. The green leaves bruised, and boiled in old hog's grease into an oint- ment, healeth the bitings of dogs, abateth the swellings and pains that come by any pricking of thorns, or such like means ; and used with vinegar, eleanseth and healeth tetters. There is a syrup made of Horehouna1 to be had at the apo- thecaries, very good for old coughs, to rid phlegm ; as also to void cold rheums from the lungs of old folks, and for those that are asthmatic or short-winded. HORSETAIL. Bleeding, Pissingblood, Bladder, Strangury, Cough, Red face. OF that there are many kinds, but I shall not trouble you nor myself with any large description of them, which to do, were but as the proverb is. To find a knot in a rush, all the kinds thereof being nothing else but knotted-rushes, some with leaves, and some without. Take the description of the most eminent sort as followeth : Descript.] The great Horsetail at the first springing hath heads somewhat like those of asparagus, and after grow to be barfly, rough, hollow stalks, jointed at sundry places up to the icept- a foot high, so*made as if the lower parts were put into the upper, where grow on each side a bush of small long rush-like hard leaves, each part resembling a horsetail, from whence it is so called. 'Atthe^tops of the stalks come forth small catkins, like those of trees. The root creepeth under ground, having joints at sundry places. Place.] This (as most of the other sorts hereof) groweth in wet grounds. Time.] They spring up in April, and their blooming cat- kins in July, seeding for the most part'in August, and then perish down to the ground, Rising afresh in the spring. Government and Virtues.] The herb belongs to Saturn, vet ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. loo is very harmless, and excellent good for the things following: Horsetail, the smoother rather than the rough, and the leaved rather than the bare, is most physical. It is very powerful to staunch bleeding either inward or outward, the juice or the decoction thereof being drank, or the juice, decoction, or distilled water applied outwardly. It also stayeth all sorts of lasks or fluxes in man or woman, and the pissing of blood; and healeth also not only the inward ulcers, and the excori- ation of the entrails, bladder, &c. but all other sorts of foul, moist, and running ulcers, and soon sodereth together the tops of green wounds. It cureth all ruptures in children. The decoction thereof in wine being drank, provoketh urine, and helpeth the stone and strangury ; and the distilled water thereof drank two or three times in a day, and a small quan- tity at a time, also easeth the entrails or guts, and is effectual against a cough that comes by distillation from the head. The juice or distilled water being warmed, and hot inflam- mations, pustles or red wheals, and other breakings-out in the skin, being bathed therewith, doth help them, and doth no less ease the swelling heat and inflammations of the fun- dament, or privy parts of men or women. HOUSELEEK, or SENGREEN. Heat, Thirst, Eyes, Salt rheums, Stops Terms, Fluxes, St. Anthony's fire, Burnings, Bleeding. BOTH these are so well known to my countrymen, that I shall not need to write any description of them. Place.] It groweth commonly upon walls and house-sides, and flowereth in July. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Jupiter, and it is reported by Mezaldus, to preserve what it grows upon from fire and lightning. Our ordinary Houseleek is good for all inward heats as well as outward, and in the eyes or other parts of the body ; a posset made with the juice of Houseleek, is singular good in all hot agues, for it cooleth and tempereth the blood and spirits, and quencheth the thirst; and also good to stay all hot defluxions or sharp and salt rheums in the eyes, the juice being dropped into them, or into the ears, helpeth them. It helpeth also other fluxes of humours in the bowels, and the immoderate courses o§ women. It cooleth and re- strained all other hot inflammations, St. Anthony's fire, 156 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. scaldings and burnings, the shingles, frettings,ulcers, cankers, tetters, ringworms, and the like ; and much easeth the pain of the gout proceeding from a hot cause. The juice also taketh away warts and corns in the hands or feet, being often bathed therewith, and the skin and leaves being laid on them afterwards. It easeth also the head-ache, and distempered heat of the brain in frenzies, or through want of sleep, being applied to the temples and forehead. The leaves bruised and laid upon the crown or seam of the head, stayeth bleeding at the nose very quickly^ The distilled water of the herb is profitable for all the purposes aforesaid. The leaves being gently rubbed on any place stung with nettles or bees, doth quickly take away the pain. HOUND's TONGUE. Eyes, Nose, Stomach, Lungs, Mad dogs, French pox. n ' 11 ^ I ^HE great ordinary Hound's Tongue hath " *-• many long and somewhat narrow, soft, hairy, darkish green leaves, lying on the ground, somewhat like unto Bugloss leaves, from amongst which riseth up a rough hairy stalk about two feet high, with some smaller leaves thereon, and branched at the tops with divers parts, with a small leaf at the foot of every branch, which is somewhat long, with many flowers set along the same, which branch is crooked or turneth inwards before it flowereth, and openeth by degrees as the flowers do blow, which consist of small purplish red leaves of a dead colour, rising out of the husks wherein they stand with some threads in the middle. It hath sometimes a white flower. After the flowers are past, there cometh rough flat seed, with a small pointle in the middle, easily cleaving to any .garment that it toucheth, and not so easily pulled off again. The root is black, thick, and long, hard to break, and full of clammy juice, smelling somewhat strong, of an evil scent, as the leaves also do. Place.] It groweth in moist places of this land, in.waste grounds, and unfilled places, by highway-sides, lanes, and hedge-sides. Time.] It flowereth about May or June, and the seed is ripe shortly after. ' Government and Virtues.] It is a plant under the dominion of Mercury. The root is very effectually used in pillsy as ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 157 well as the decoction, or otherwise, to stay all sharp and thin defluctions of rheum from the head into the eyes or nose, or upon the stomach or lungs, as also for coughs and shortness of* breath. The leaves boiled in wine (saith Dioscorides, but others do rather appoint it to be made with water, and do add thereto oil and salt) mollifieth or openeth the belly downwards. It also helpeth to cure the biting of a mad dog, some of the leaves being also applied to the wound: The leaves bruised, or the juice of them boiled in hog's-lard, and applied, helpeth falling away of the hair, which cometh of hot and sharp humours ; as also for any place that is scalded or burnt; the leaves bruised and laid to any green wound doth heal it quickly; the root baked under the embers, wrapped in paste or wet paper, or in a wet double cloth, and thereof a suppository made, and put up into or applied to the fundament, doth very effectually help the painful piles or haemorrhoids. The distilled water of the herbs and roots is very good to-all the purposes aforesaid, to be used as well inwardly to drink, as outwardly to wash any sore place, for it healeth all manner of wounds and punctures, and those foul ulcers that arise by the French pox. Mizaldus adds that the leaves laid under the feet, will keep the dogs from bark- ing at you. It is called Hound's-tongue, because it ties the tongues of hounds ; whether true, or not, I never tried, yet I cured the biting of a mad dog with this only medicine. St. JOHN'S WORT. Wounds, Bruises, Swelling, Spitting and vomiting blood. D g . , ^lOMMON St. John's Wort shooteth forth c c ip .] ^^ brownish, upright, hard, round stalks, two feet liigh, spreading branches from the sides up to the tops of them, with two small leaves set one against another at every place, which are of a deep green colour, somewhat like the leaves of the lesser centaury, but narrow, and full of small holes in every leaf, which cannot be so well perceived, as when they are held up to the light ; at the tops of the stalks and branches stand yellow flowers of five leaves a-piece, with many yellow threads in the middle, which being bruised do yield a reddish juice like blood ; after which come small round heads, wherein is contained small blackish seed smell- ing like rosin. The root is hard and woody, with divers 14 158 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. strings and fibres at it, of a brownish colour, which abideth in the ground many years, shooting anew every spring. Place.] This groweth in woods and copses, as well those that are shady, as open to the sun. Time.] They flower about midsummer and July, and their seed is ripe about the latter end of July or August. Government and Virtues.] It is under the celestial sign Leo, and the dominion of the Sun. It may be, if you meet a Pa- pist, he will tell you, especially if he be lawyer, that St. John made it over to him by a letter of attorney. It is a singular wound herb ; boiled in wine and drank, it healeth inward hurts or bruises ; made into an ointment, it opens obstruc- tions, dissolves swellings, and closes up the lips of wounds. The decoction of the herb and flowers, especially of the seed being drank in wine, with the juice of knot-grass, helpeth all manner- of vomitting and spitting of blood, is good for those that are bitten or stung by any venomous creature, and for those that cannot make water. Two drams of the seed of St. John's Wort made into powder, and drank in a little broth, doth gently expel choler or congealed blood in the stomach. The decoction of the leaves and seeds drank some- what warm before the fits of agues, whether they be tertians or quartans, alters the fits, and, by often using, doth take them quite away. The seed is much commended, being drank for forty days together, to help the sciatica, the falling sickness, and the palsy. IVY. Bloody-flux, Spitting blood, Jaundice, Provokes Terms, Ulcers. Wounds. IT is well known, to every child almost, to grow in woods upon the trees, and upon the stone walls of churches, houses, &c. and sometimes to grow alone of itself, though but seldom. Time.] It flowereth not until July, and the berries are not ripe till Christmas, when they have felt winter frosts. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of Sa- turn. A pugil of the flowers, which may be about a drame (saith Dioscorides) drank twice a day in red wine, helpeth the lask, and bloody-flux. It is an enemy to the nerves and sinews, being much taken inwardly, but very helpful unto them, being outwardly applied. Pliny saith, the yellow ber- ries arc good against the jaundice ; and taken before one be ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 159 set to drink hard, preserveth from drunkenness, and helpeth those that spit blood ; and that the white berries being taken inwardly, or applied outwardly, killeth the worms in the belly. The berries are a singular remedy to prevent the plague, as also to free them from it that have got it, by drinking the berries thereof made into powder, for two or three days together. They being taken in wine, do cer- tainly help to break the stone, provoke urine, and womenV courses. The fresh leaves of Ivy, boiled in vinegar, and applied warm to the sides of those that are troubled with the «pleen, ache, or stitch in the sides, do give much ease : The same applied with some Rosewater, and oil of Roses, to the temples and forehead, easeth the head-ache, though it be of long continuance. The fresh leaves boiled in wine, and old filthy ulcers hard to be cured washed therewith, do wonder- fully help to cleanse them. It also quickly healeth green wounds, and is effectual to heal all burnings and scaldmgs, and all kinds of exulcerations coming thereby, or by salt phlegm or humours in other parts of the body. The juice of the berries or leaves snuffed up into the nose, purgeth the head and brain of rheum that maketh defluxions into the eyes and nose, and curing the ulcers and stench therein ; the same dropped into the ears, helpeth the old and running sores of them; those that are troubled with the spleen, shall find much ease by continual drinking out of a cup made of Ivy, so as the drink may stand some small time therein before it be drank. Cato saith, That wine put into the cup, will soak through it, by reason of the antipathy that is between them. There seems to be a very great antipathy between wine and Ivy ; for if one hath got a surfeit by drinking of wine, his speediest cure is to drink a draught of the same wine wherein a handful of Ivy leaves, being first bruised, have been boiled. JUNIPER BUSH. Provokes urine and terms, Dropsy, Fits of the mother, Cough, Consumption, Pains in the belly, Speedy delivery, Gout. FOR to give a description of a bush so commonly known, is needless. Place.] They grow plentifully in divers woods in Kent, Warney Common near Brentwood in Essex, upon Finchley Common without Highgate ; hard by the New-found Wells near Duhvich, upon a Common between Mitcham and Croy- 160 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. don, in the Highgate near Amersham in Buckinghampshire. and many other places. Time.] The berries are not ripe the first year, but contin- ue green two summers and one winter before they are ripe ; at which time they are all of a black colour, and therefore you shall always find upon the bush green berries ; the ber- ries are ripe about the fall of the leaf. Government and Virtues.] This admirable solar shrub is scarce to be paralleled for its virtues. The berries are hot in the third degree, and dry but in the first, being a most admi- rable counter-poison, and as great a resister of the pestilence, as any grows ; they are excellent good against the bitings of venomous beasts, they provoke urine exceedingly, and there- fore are very available to dysuries and stranguries. It is so powerful a remedy against the dropsy, that the very lee made of the ashes of the herb being drank, cures the disease. It provokes the terms, helps the fits of the mother, strengthens the stomach exceedingly, and expels the wind. Indeed there is scarce a better remedy for wind in any part of the body, or the colick, than the chymical oil drawn from the berries ; such country people as know not how to draw the chymical oil, may content themselves by eating ten or a dozen of the ripe berries every morning fasting. They are admirable good for a cough, shortness of breath, and consumption, pains in the belly, ruptures, cramps, and convulsions. They give safe and speedy delivery to women with child, they strengthen the brain exceedingly, help the memory, and fortify the sight by strengthening the optic nerves ; are excellent good in all sorts of agues; help the gout and sciatica, and srtengthen all the limns of the body. The ashes of the wood is a speedy remedy to such as have the scurvy, to rub the gums with. The berrief stay all fluxes, help the haemorrhoids or piles, and lull worms in children. A lee made of the ashes of the wood, and the body bathed with it, cures the itch, scabs and leprosy. The berries break the stone, procure appetite when it is lost, and are excellent good for all palsies, and falling-sickness. KIDNEYWORT, or WALL PENNYROYAL, or WALL PENNYWORT. Pimples, Redness,' St. Anthony's fire, Stone, Kidneys hurt, Piles, Cods, King's evil. Descript} TT hath many thick' flat' and round leaves i growing from the root, every one having a ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 161 long footstalk, fastened underneath, about the middle of it, and a httle unevenly weaved sometimes about the edges, of a pale green colour, and somewhat yellow on the upper side like a saucer ; from among which arise one or more tender, smooth, hollow stalks half a foot high, with two or three small leaves thereon, usually not round as those below, but somewhat long, and divided at the edges ; the tops are some- what divided into long branches, bearing a number of flow- ers, set round about a long spike one above another, which are hollow like a little bell of a whitish green colour, after which come small heads, containing very small brownish seed, which falling on the ground, will plentifully spring up before winter, if it have moisture. The root is round and most usually smooth, greyish without, and white within, having small fibres at the head of the root, and bottom of the stalk. Place.] It groweth very plentifully in many places in this land, but especially in all the west parts thereof, upon stone and mud walls, upon rocks also, and in stony places upon the ground, at the bottom of old trees, and sometimes on the bodies of them that are decayed and rotten. Time.] It usually flowereth in the beginning of May, and the seed ripeneth quickly after, sheddeth itself; so that about the end of May, usually the leaves and stalks are withered, dry, and gone until September, and the leaves spring up again, and so abide all winter. Government and Virtues.] Venus challengeth the herb under Libra. The juice or the distilled water being drank, is very effectual for all inflammations and unnatural heats, to cool a fainting hot stomach, a hot liver, or the bowels ; the herb, juice, or distilled water thereof, outwardly applied, healeth pimples, St. Anthony's fire, and other outward heats. The said juice or water helpeth to heal sore kidneys, torn or fret- ted by the stone, or exulcerated within ; it also provoketh urine, is available for the dropsy, and helpeth to break the stone. Being used as a bath, or made an ointment, it cool- eth the painful piles or haemorrhoidal veins. It is no less effectual to give ease to pains of the gout, the sciatica, and the inflammations and swellings in the cods ; it helpeth the kernels or knots in the neck or throat, called the king's evil; healing kibes and chilblains if they be bathed with the juice, or anointed with ointment made thereof, and some of the skin of the leaf upon them; it is also used in green wounds to stay the blood, and to heal them quickly. 14* 162 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. KNAPWEED. Fluxes, Bleeding, Blows, Cankers? Sore throat, Jaws. D ' 11 ^ I iHE common sort hereof hath many long and escrip .j somewhat broad dark green leaves, rising from the root, dented about the edges, and sometimes a little rent and torn on both sides in two or three places, and some- what hairy withal; amongst which ariseth a long round stalk, four or five feet high, divided into many branches, at the tops whereof stand great scaly green heads, and from the middle Of them thrust forth a number of dark purplish red thrumbs or threads, which after they are withered and past, there are found divers black seeds, lying in a great deal of down, somewhat like unto Thistle seed, but smaller ; the root is white, hard and woody, and divers fibres annexed thereunto, which perisheth not, but abideth with leaves thereon all the winter, shooting out fresh every spring. Place.] It groweth in most fields and meadows, and about their borders and hedges, and in many waste grounds also everywhere. Time.] It usually flowereth in June or July, and the seed is ripe shortly after. Government and Virtues.] Saturn challengeth the herb for his own. This Knapweed* helpeth to stay fluxes, both of blood at the mouth or nose, or other outward parts, and those veins that are inwardly broken, or inward wounds, as also the fluxes of the belly; it stayeth distillations of thin and sharp humours from the head upon the stomach and lungs ; it is good for those that are bruised by any fall, blows, or other- wise, and is profitable for those that are bursten, and have ruptures, by drinking the decoction of the herb and roots in wine, and applying the same outwardly to the place. It is singularly good in all running sores, cancerous and fistulous, drying up of the moisture, and healing them up gently, with- out sharpness; it doth the like to running sores or scabs of the head or other parts. It is of special use for the soreness of the throat, swelling of the uvula and jaws, and excellent good to stay bleeding and heal up all green wounds. KNOTGRASS. Bleeding, Flux, Bloody, Worms, Cankers, Ulcers, Wounds. IT is generally known so well that it needeth no descrip? tion, ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 163 Place.] It groweth in every county of this land, by the highway sides, and by foot paths in fields ; as also by the sides of old walls. Time.] It springeth up late in the spring, and abideth un- til the winter, when all the branches perish. Temperature and Virtues.] Saturn seems to me to own the herb, and yet some hold the Sun ; out of all doubt 'tis Saturn. The juice of the common kind of Knotgrass is most effectual to stay bleeding of the mouth, being drank in steeled or red wine ; and the bleeding at the nose, to be applied to the fore- head or temples, or to be squirted up into the nostrils. It is no less effectual to cool and temper the heat of the blood and stomach, and to stay any flux of the blood and humours, as lasks, bloody-flux, women's courses, and running of the reins. It is singular good to provoke urine, help the strangury, and allayeth the heat that cometh thereby ; and is powerful by urine to expel the gravel or stone in the kidneys and bladder, a dram of the powder of the herb being taken in wine for many days together : Being boiled in wine and drank, it is profitable to those that are stung or bitten by venomous crea- tures, and very effectual to stay all defluxions of rheumatick humours upon the stomach, and killeth worms in the belly or stomach, quieteth inward pains that arise from the heat, sharpness and corruption of blood and choler. The distilled water thereof taken by itself, or with the powder of the herb or seed, is very effectual to all the purposes aforesaid, and is accounted one of the most sovereign remedies to cool all manner of inflammations, breaking out through heat, hot swellings and imposthumes, gangrene and fistulous cankers, or foul filthy ulcers, being applied or put into them ; but especially for all sorts of ulcers and sores happening in the privy parts of men and women. It helpeth all fresh and green wounds, and speedily healeth them. The juice dropped into the ears, eleanseth them being foul, and having running matter in them. It is very prevalent for the premises ; as also for broken joints and ruptures. LADIES-MANTLE. Vomiting, Fluxes, Flaging breasts, Barrenness, Women with child. /) •' ' 1 T^ natn manv leaves rising from the root stand- • " "J J_ jng upon long hairy foot-stalks, being almost 164 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. round, and a little cut on the edges, into eight or ten parts, making it seem like a star, with so many corners and points, and dented round about, of a light colour, somewhat hard in handling, and as it were folded or plaited at first, and then crumpled in divers places, and a little hairy, as the stalk is also, which riseth up among them to the height of two or three feet; and being weak* is not able to stand upright, but bendeth to the ground, divided at the top into two or three branches, with small yellowish green heads, and flowers of a whitish colour breaking out of them ; which being past, there cometh a small yellowish seed like a poppy-seed : The root is somewhat long and black, with many strings and fibres thereat. Place.] It groweth naturally in many pastures and wood- sides in Hertfordshire, Wiltshire, and Kent, and other places of this land. Time.] It flowereth in May and June, abideth after seed- time green all the winter. Government and Virtues.] Venus claims the herb as her own. Ladies-Mantle is very proper for those wounds that have inflammations, and is very effectual to stay bleeding, vomitings, fluxes of all sorts, bruises by falls or otherwise, and helpeth ruptures; and such women or maids as have over great flagging breasts, causing them to grow less and hard, being both drank, and outwardly applied for twenty days together helpeth conception, and to retain the birth ; if the woman do sometimes also sit in a bath made of the de- coction of the herb. It is one of the most singular wound herbs that is, and therefore highly prized and praised by the Germans, who use it in all wounds inward and outward, to drink a decoction thereof, and wash the wounds therewith, or dip tents therein, and put them into the wounds, which wonderfully drieth up all humidity of the sores, and abateth inflammations-therein. It quickly healeth all green wounds, not suffering any corruptions to remain behind, and cureth all old sores, though fistulous and hollow. LAVENDER. Head, Brains, Lethargy, Convulsions, Cramps, Palsy, Liver, Loss of voice. BEING an inhabitant almost in evey garden, it is so well known, that it needeth no description. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 165 Time.] It flowereth about the end of June, and beginning of July. Government and Virtues.] Mercury owns the herb, and it carries his effects very potently. Lavender is of a special good use for all the griefs and pains of the head and brain that proceed of a cold cause, as the apoplexy, falling-sick- ness, the dropsy, or a sluggish malady, cramps, convulsions, palsies, and often faintings. It strengthens the stomach, and freeth the liver and spleen from obstructions, provoketh wo- men's courses, and expelleth the dead child and after-birth. The flowers of Lavender steeped in wine, helpeth them to make water that are stopped, or are troubled with the wind or cohck, if the place be bathed therewith. A decoction made with the flowers of Lavender, Hore-hound, Fennel, and Asparagus root, and a little Cinnamon, is very profitably used to help the falling-sickness, and the giddiness, or turning of the brain ; to gargle the mouth with the decoction thereof, is good against the tooth-ache. Two spoonfuls of the distilled water of the flowers taken, helpeth them that have lost their voice, as also the trembhngs and passions of the heart, and faintings and swooning, not only being drank, but applied to the temples, or nostrils to be smelt unto ; but it is not safe to use it where the body is replete with blood and hu- mours, because of the hot and subtil spirits wherewith it is possessed. The chymical oil drawn from Lavender, usually called Oil of Spike, is of so fierce and piercing a quality, that it is cautiously to be used, some few drops being suffi- cient, to be given with other things, either for inward or out- ward griefs. LADIES SMOCK, or CUCKOW-FLOWERS. Scurvy, Provoketh urine, Lost appetite, Indigestion. H •' 11 ^IiHE root is composed of many small white * 'J .\ threads, from whence spring divers long stalks of winged leaves, consisting of round, tender, dark, green leaves, set one against another upon a middle rib, the greatest being at the end,amongst which arise up divers tender, weak round, green stalks, somewhat streaked, with longer and smaller leaves upon them ; on the tops of which stand flowers almost like the Stock Gilliflowers, but rounder, and not so long, of a blushing, white colour ; the seed is reddish, 166 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. and groweth to small bunches, being of a sharp biting taste, and so hath the herb. Place.] They grow in moist places, and near to brooksides. Time.] They flower in April and May, and the lower leaves continue green all the winter. Government and Virtues.] They are under the dominion of the Moon, and very little inferior to Water-Cresses in all their operations; they are excellent good for the scurvey; they provoke urine, and break the stone, and excellently warm a cold and weak stomach, restoring lost appetite, and help di- gestion. LETTUCE. Watchings, Head-ache, Indigestion, Increaseth milk, Bowels, Lust, Heat of urine. IT is so well known, being generally used as a sallet-herb, that it is altogether needless to write any description thereof Government and Virtues.] The Moon owns them, and that is the reason they cool and moisten what heat and dryness Mars causeth, because Mars hath his fall in Cancer ; and they cool the heat because the Sun rules it, between whom and the Moon is a reception in the generation of man, as you may see in my guide for women. The juice of Lettuce mix- ed or boiled with oil of Roses, applied to the forehead and temples procureth sleep, and easeth the head-ache proceeding of an hot cause: Being eaten boiled, it helpeth to loosen the belly. It helpeth digestion, quencheth thirst, increaseth milk in nurses, easeth griping pains in the stomach and bowels, that come of choler. It abateth bodily lust, represseth vene- rous dreams, being outwardly applied to the cods with a lit- tle Camphire. Applied in the same manner to the region of the heart, liver or reins, or by bathing the said place with the juice of distilled water, wherein some white Sanders, or red Roses are put; also it not only represseth the heat and inflammations therein, but comforts and strengthens those parts, and also tempereth the heat of urine. Galen adviseth old men to use it with spice; and where spices are wanting. to add mints, rochet, and such like hot herbs, or else citron, lemon or orange seeds, to abate the cold of one and heat of the other. The seed and distilled water of the Lettuce work the same effects in all things; but the use of Lettuce is ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 167 chiefly forbidden to those that are short-winded, or have any imperfection in the lungs, or spit blood. WATER LILY. Flux, Running of the Reins, Venery, Freckles. OF these there are two principally noted kinds, viz. the White, and the Yellow. Descript.] The White Lily hath very large and thick dark green leaves lying on the water, sustained by long and thick foot-stalks, that arise from a great, thick, round, and long tuberous black root, spongey or loose, with many knobs thereon, like eyes, and whitish within: from amidst which rise other the like thick green stalks, sustaining one large great flower thereon, green on the outside, but as white as 1 snow within, consisting of divers rows of long and somewhat thick and narrow leaves, smaller and thinner, the more inward they be, encompassing a head with many yellow threads or thrums in the middle ; where, after they are past, stand round Poppy-like heads, full of broad oily and bitter seed. The Yellow kind is little different from the former, save only that it hath fewer leaves on the flowers, greater and more shining seed, and a whitish root, both within and with- out. The root of both is somewhat sweet in taste. Place.] They are found growing in great pools, and stand- ing waters, and sometimes in slow running rivers, and lesser ditches of water, in sundry places of this land. Time.] They flower most commonly about the end of May and their seed is ripe in August. Government and. Virtues.] The herb is under the dominion | of the Moon, and therefore cools and moistens like the for- mer. The leaves and flowers of the Lilies are cold and moist, but the roots and seeds are cold and dry ; the leaves do cool all inflammations, both outward and inward heat of agues; and so doth the flowers also, either by the syrup or conserve ; the syrup helpeth much to procure rest, and to settle the brain of frantick persons, by cooling the hot distemperature of the head. The seed as well as the root is effectual to stay fluxes of blood or humours, either of wounds or of the belly ; but the roots are most used, and more effectual to cool, bind, and restrain all fluxes in men and women; also running of the reins, and passing away of the seed when one is asleep; but 168 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. the frequent use hereof extinguish venerous actions. The root is likewise very good for those whose urine is hot and sharp, to be boiled in wine and water, and the decoction drank. The distilled water of the flowers is very effectual for all the diseases aforesaid, both inwardly taken, and out- wardly applied; and is much commended to take away freck- les, spots, sunburn, and morphew from the face, or other parts of the body. The oil made of the flowers, as oil of roses is made, is profitably used to cool hot tumours, and to ease the pains, and help the sores. LILY OF THE VALLEY. Brain, Memory, Lost speech, Head and Gout. CALLED also Conval Lily, Male Lily, and Lily Consancy, Descript.] The root is small, and creepeth far in the ground, as grass roots do. The leaves are many, against which riseth up a stalk half a foot high, with many white flowers, like little bells with turned edges, of a strong, though pleasing smell ; the berries are red, not much unlike those of Asparagus. Place.] They grow plentifully upon Hampstead-Heath, and many other places in this nation. Time.] They flower in May, and the seed is ripe in Sep- tember. Temperature and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of Mer- cury, and therefore it strengthens the brain, recruits a weak memory, and makes it strong again: The distilled water dropped into the eyes, helps inflammations there; as also that infirmity which they call a pin and web. The spirit of the flowers distilled in wine, restoreth lost speech, helps the palsy, and is exceeding good in the apoplexy, comforteth the heart and vital spirits. Gerrard saith, that the flowers being close stopped up in a glass, put into an ant-hill, and taken away again a month after, ye shall find a liquor in the glass, which, being outwardly applied, helps the gout. WHITE LILIES. Dropsy, Scald head, Sinews, Swellings in theprivits, Burstings. IT were in vain to describe a plant so commonly known in every one's garden: therefore I shall not tell you what they are, but what they are good for. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 169 Government and Virtues.] They are under the dominion of the Moon, and by antipathy to Mars expel poison ; they are excellent good in pestilential fevers, the roots being bruised and boiled in wine, and the decoction drank ; for it expels the venom to the exterior parts of the body : The juice of it being tempered with barley-meal, baked, and so eaten for ordinary bread, is an excellent cure for the dropsy : An oint- ment made of the root, and hog's grease, is excellent good for scald heads, unites the sinews when they are cut, and cleanses ulcers. The rootboiledin any convenient decoction, gives speedy delivery to women in travail, and expels the after-birth. The root roasted, and mixed with a little hog's grease, makes a gallant poultice to ripen and break plague- sores. The ointment is excellent good for swellings in the privities, and will cure burnings and scaldings without a Scar, and trimly deck a blank place with hair. LIQUORICE. Hoarseness, Phthisic, Consumption, Strangury, Heat of urine. p. . , ^VUR English Liquorice riseth up with divers P "•! \^y Avoody stalks, wherein are set at several dis- tances many narrow, long, green leaves, set togfthcr on both sides of the stalk, and an odd one at the end, very well re- sembling a young ash-tree sprung up from the seed. This by many years continuance in a place without removing, and not else, will bring forth flowers, many standing together spike fashion, one above another upon the stalk, of the form of pease blossoms, but of a very pale blue colour, which turn into long, somewhat flat and smooth cods, wherein is con- tained a small, round, hard seed : The roots run down ex- ceeding deep into the ground, with divers other small roots and fibres growing with them, and shoot out suckers from the main roots all about, whereby it is much increased, of a brownish colour on the outside, and yellow within. Place.] It is planted in fields and gardens, in divers places of this land, and thereof good profit is made. Government and Virtues*] It is under the dominion of Mer- cury. Liquorice boiled in fair water, with some Maiden- hair and figs, maketh a good drink for those that have a dry cough or hoarseness, wheezing or shortness of breath, and for all the griefs of the breasts and lungs, phthysic, or con- 15 170 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. gumptions caused by the distillation of salt humours on them. It is also good in all pains of the reins, the strangury, and heat of urine : The fine powder of Liquorice blown through a quill into the eyes that have a pin and web (as they call it) or rheumatic distillations in them, doth cleanse and help them: The juice of Liquorice is as effectual in all the diseases of the breast and lungs, the reins and the bladder, as the decoction. The juice distilled in Rose-water, with some gum tragacanth, is a fine licking medicine for hoarseness, wheezing, &c. LIVERWORT. Liver, Inflammations, Whites, Worms. Ds 'ntl ^^I^MMON Liverwort groweth close, and 6 * '■! \_j spreadeth much upon the ground in moist and shady places with many small green leaves, or rather (as it were) sticking flat to one another, very unevenly cut in on the edges, and crumpled ; from among which arise small slender stalks an inch or two high at most, bearing small star-like flowers at the top ; the roots are very fine and small. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of Jupi- per, and under ir sign Cancer. It is a singular good herb for all the diseat.cs of the liver, both to cool and cleanse it, and helpeth ^^inflammations in any part, and the yellow jaundice likewise: Being bruised and boiled in small beer, ai£ drank, it cooleth the heat of the liver and kidneys, and helpeth the running of the reins in men, and the whites in women ; it is a singular remedy to stay the spreading of tet- ters, ringworms, and other fretting and running sores and scabs, and is an excellent remedy for such whose livers are corrupted by surfeits, which cause their bodies to break out, for it fortifieth the liver exceedingly, and makes it impreg- nable. LOOSESTRIFE, or WILLOWHERB. Stops terms, Sore mouth. Descr'vt 1 f^OMMON yerlow Loosestrife groweth to be ™ '■■ \y four or five feet high, or more, with great round stalks a little crested, diversly branched from the mid- dle of them to the tops into great and long branches, on all which at the joints grow long and narrow leaves, but broader below, and usually two at a joint, yet sometimes three or ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 171 four, somewhat like willow leaves, smooth on the edges, and a fair green colour from the upper joints of the branches, and at the tops of them also stand many yellow flowers of five leaves a-piece, with divers yellow threads in the middle, which turn into small round heads, containing small cornered seeds ; the root creepeth Under ground, almost like couch- grass, but greater, and shooteth up every spring brownish heads, which afterwards grow up into stalks. It hath no scent or taste, but only astringent. Place.] It groweth in many places of this land in moist meadows, and by water-sides. Time.] It flowereth from June to August. Government and Virtues.] This herb is good for all manner of bleeding at the mouth, nose, or wounds, and all fluxes of the belly, and the bloody-flux, given either to drink or taken by clyster; it stayeth also the abundance of women's courses; it is a singular good wound-herb for green wounds, to stay the bleeding, and quickly close together the hps of the wound, if the herb be bruised, and the juice only applied. It is often used in gargling for sore mouths, as also for the secret parts. The smoke hereof being burned, driveth away flies and gnats, which in the night-time molest people inhabitingjiear marsh- es, and in the fenny countries. mtk LOOSESTRIFE, with SPIKED HEADS op FLO\|| ERS. Eyes, Blindness, King's evil, Scars. n '/l r I ^HIS groweth with many woody,square stalks, uescnpt.\ j^ fuU Qf joint>s about three feet high at leaat. at every one whereof stand two long leaves, shorter, narrower, and a larger green colour than the former, and some brownish. The stalks are branched into many long stems of spiked flow- ers half a foot long, growing in bundles one above another, out of small husks, very like the spiked heads of lavender, each of which flowers have five round-pointed leaves of a purple violet colour, or somewhat inclining to redness; in which husks stand small round heads after the flowers are fallen, wherein is contained small seed. ^The root creepeth under ground like unto the yellow, but is greater than it, and so are the heads of the leaves when they first appear out of the ground, and more brown than the other. .172 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Place.] It groweth usually by rivers, and ditch-sides in wet ground, as about the ditches at and near Lambeth, and in many other places of this land. Time.] It flowereth in the months of June and July. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of the Moon, and under the sign Cancer ; neither do I know a better preserver of the sight when 'tis well, nor a better cure of sore eyes than Eyebright, taken inwardly, and this used outwardly; 'tis cold in quality. This herb is no whit inferior unto the former, it having not only all the virtues which the former hath, but some peculiar virtues of its own, found out by experience ; as namely, That distilled water is a present re- medy for hurts and blows on the eyes, and for blindness, so as the Christalline humour be not perished or hurt; and this hath been sufficiently proved true by the experience of a man of judgment, who kept it long to himself as a great secret. It cleareth the eyes of dust, or any thing gotten into them, and preserveth the sight. It is also very available against wounds and thrusts, being made into an ointment in this manner: Tp every ounce of the water, add two drams of May butter without salt, and of sugar and wax, of each as much also ; let them boil gently together. Let tents dipped into that honor that remaineth after it is cold, be put into the woundsHpd the place covered with a linen cloth doubled and anointed with the ointment; and this is also an approved medicine. It likewise eleanseth and healeth all foul ulcers, and sores whatsoever, and stayeth their inflammations by washing them with the water, and laying on them a green leaf or two in the summer, or dry leaves in the winter. This water gargled warm iu the mouth, and sometimes drank also, doth cure the quinsy, or king's evil in the throat. The said water applied warm, taketh away all spots, marks, and scabs in the skin ; and a little of it drank, quencheth thirst when it is extraordinary. LOVAGE. Provokes terms, Cold stomach, Quinsy, Freckles. Descript.} TT hath many long and great stalks of larSe * *J _§ winged leaves, divided into many parts, like Smallage, but cut much larger and greater, every leaf being cut about the edges, broadest forward, and smallest at the stalk, of a sad green colour, smooth and shining: from among ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. \TA winch rise up sundry strong, hollow green stalks, five or six, sometimes seven or eight feet high, full of joints, but lesser leaves set on them than grow below ; and with them towards the tops come forth large branches, bearing at their tops large umbels of yellow flowers, and after them flat brownish seed. The root groweth thick, great and deep, spreading much, and enduring long, of a brownish colour on the out- side, and whitish within. The whole plant and every part of it smelling strong, and aromatically, and is of a hot, sharp, biting taste. Place.] It is usually planted in gardens, where, if it be suffered, it groweth huge and great. Time.] It flowereth in the end of July, and seedeth in August. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of the Sun, under the sign Taurus. If Saturn offend the throat (as he always doth if he be occasioner of the malady, and in Taurus is the Genesis) this is your cure. It openeth, cureth and digesteth humours, and mightily provoketh women's courses and urine. Half a dram at a time of the dried root in powder taken in wine doth wonderfully warm a cold stomach, helpeth di- gestion, and consumeth all raw and superfluous moisture therein ; easeth all inward gripings and pains, dissolveth wind and resisteth poison and infection. It is a known and much praised remedy to drink the decoction of the herb for any sort of ague, and to help the pains and torments of the body and bowels coming of cold. The seed is effectual to all the purposes aforesaid (except the last) and worketh more pow- erfully. The distilled water of the herb helpeth the quinsy in the throat, if the mouth and throat be gargled and washed therewith, and helpeth the pleurisy, being drank three or four times. Being dropped into the eyes, it taketh away the red- ness or dimness of them ; it likewise taketh away spots or freckles in the face. The leaves bruised, and fried with a little hog's lard, and laid hot to any blotch or boil, will (juickly break it. LUNGWORT. Lungs, Wheezings, Ulcers in the privets. De< riot 1 ^ 11UIS is a kind of moss that groweth on sun- t '\ J^ (jjy sorts 0f trees, especially oaks and beeches, with broad, greyish, tough leaves diversly folded, 14* 174 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. crumpled, and gashed in on the edges, and some spotted also with many small spots on the upper side. It was never seen to bear any stalk or flower at any time. Government and Virtues.] Jupiter seems to own this herb. It is of great use to physicians to help the diseases of the lungs, and for coughs, wheezings, and shortness of breath, which it cureth both in man and beast. It is very profitable to put into lotions that are taken to stay the moist humours that flow to ulcers, and hinder their healing, as also to wash all other ulcers in the privy parts of man or woman. It is an excellent remedy boiled in beer for broken-winded horses. MADDER. Jaundice, Gall, Sciatica, Inward wounds, Provokes terms, Freckles. #^ • . -i f^i ARDEN Madder shooteth forth many very \jf long, weak, four-square, reddish stalks, trail- ing on the ground a great way, very rough and hairy, and full of joints ; At every one of these joints come forth divers long and narrow leaves, standing like a star about the stalks, rough also and hairy, towards the tops whereof come forth many small pale yellow flowers, after which come small round heads, green at first, and reddish afterwards but black when they are ripe, wherein is contained the seed. The * root is not very great, but exceeding long, running down half a man's length into the ground, red and very clear while it is fresh, spreading divers ways. 1 Place.] It is only manured in gardens, or larger fields, for the profit that is made thereof. Time.] It flowereth towards the end of summer, and the seed is ripe quickly after. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Mars. It hath an opening quality, and afterward to bind and strengthen. It is a sure remedy for the yellow jaundice, by opening the obstructions of the liver and gall, and cleansing those parts ; it openeth also the obstructions of the spleen, and diminisheth the melancholy humour : It is available for the palsy and sciatica, and effectual for bruises inward and outward, and is therefore much used in vulnerary drinks. The root for all those aforesaid purposes, is to be boiled in wine or water, as the cause requireth, and some honey and sugar put thereunto afterwards. The seed hereof taken in vinegar and honey, ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 175 helpeth the swelling and hardness of the spleen. The de- coction of the leaves and branches is a good fomentation for women to sit over that have not their courses. The leaves and roots beaten and applied to any part that is discoloured with freckles, morphew, the white scurf, or any such defor- mity of the skin, eleanseth thoroughly, and taketh them away. MAIDEN-HAIR. n . , /^kUR common Maiden-Hair doth, from a rescript.} |J number of hard black fibres, send forth a great many blackish shining brittle stalks, hardly a span long, in many not half so long, on each side set very thick with small, round, dark, green leaves, and spitted on the back of them like a fern. Place.] It groweth upon old stone walls in the West parts in Kent, and divers other places of this land ; it delighteth likewise to grow by springs, wells, and rocky moist and shady places, and is always green. WALL RUE, or, ORDINARY WHITE MAIDEN- HAIR. Cough, Provokes the terms, Lungs. , rTMHS hath very fine pale, green stalks, almost J)esen/)t.\ J^ ag fine ag nairg) get confusedly with divers pale green leaves on very short foot-stalks, somewhat in form, but more divcrsly cut in on the edges, and thicker, smooth on the upper part, and spotted finely underneath. Place.] It groweth in many places of this land, at Dart- ford, and the bridge at Ashford in Kent, at Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire, at Wolly in Huntingdonshire, or Far- mingham Castle in Suffolk, on the church walls at Mayfield in Sussex, in Somersetshire, and divers other ather places of this land ; and is green in winter as well as summer. Government and Virtues.] Both this and the former arc under the dominion of Mercury, and so is that also which followcth after, and the virtue of both these are so near alike, that though I have described them and their places of grow- ing severally, yet I shall, in writing the virtues of them, join them both together as followcth : The decoction of the herb Maiden-Hair being dark, help- eth those that are troubled with the cough, shortness of breath, yellow jaundice, diseases of the spleen, stopping of urine, and helpeth exceedingly to break the stone in the kid- 176 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. neys, (in all which diseases the Wall Rue is also very effectu- al.) It provoketh women's courses, and stays both bleedings and fluxes of the stomach and belly, especially when the herb is dry ; for being green it looseneth the belly, and voideth choler and phlegm from the stomach and liver ; it eleanseth the lungs, and by rectifying the blood, causeth a good colour to the whole body. The herb boiled in oil of camomile, dis- solveth knots, allayeth swellings, and drieth up moist ulcers. The lee made thereof is singular good to cleanse the head from scurf, and from dry and running sores, stayeth the fal- ling or shedding of the hair, and causeth it to grow thick, fair and well coloured ; for which purpose some boil it in wine, putting some Smallage thereto, and afterwards some oil. The Wall Rue is as effectual as Maiden-Hair, in all diseases of the head, or falling and recovering of the hair again, and generally for all the aforementioned diseases : And besides, the powder of it taken in drink for forty days together, helpeth the burstings in children. GOLDEN MAIDEN HAIR. TO the former give me leave to add this, and I shall no more but only describe it unto you, and for the virtues refer you to the former, since whatsoever is said of them, may be also said of this. Descript.] It hath many small, brownish, red hairs to make up the form of leaves growing about the ground from the root; and in the middle of them, in summer, rise small stalks of the same colour, set with very fine yellowish green hairs on them, and bearing a small gold, yellow head, lesser than a wheat corn, standing in a great husk. The root is very small and thready. Place.] It groweth in bogs and moorish places, and also on dry shady places, as Hampstead Heath, and elsewhere. MALLOWS and MARSHMALLOWS. Agues, Belly, Travel in women, Roughness, Sore throat, Stone, Reins, Kidneys, King's evil, Chin-cough. COMMON Mallows are generally so well known that they need no description. Our common Marshmallows have divers soft hairy white stalks, rising to be three or four feet high, spreading forth ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 177 many branches, the leaves whereof are soft and hairy, some- what lesser than the other Mallow leaves, but longer pointed, cut (for the most part) into some few divisions, but deep. The flowers are many, but smaller also than the other Mallows, and white or tending to a bluish colour. After which come secli long, round cases and seeds, as in the other Mallows. The roots are many and long, shooting from one head, of the bigness of a thumb or finger, very pliant, tough, and be- ing like liquorice, of a whitish yellow colour on the outside, and more white within, full of a slimy juice, which being laid in water, will thicken, as if it were a jelly. Place.] The common Mallows grow in every county of this land. The common Marshmallows in most of the salt marshes, from Woolwich down to the sea, both on the Kent- ish and Essex shore, and in divers other places of this land. Time.] They flower all the summer months, even until the winter do pull them down. , Gvernment and Virtues.] Venus owns them both. The leaves of either of the sorts before specified, and the roots also boiled in wine and water, or in broth withj*«rsley or fennel roots, do help to open the body, and are v«fconven- ient in hot agues, or other distempers of the body, to apply the leaves so boiled warm to the belly. It not only voideth hot, choleric, and other offensive humours, but easeth the pains and torments of the belly coming thereby; and are therefore used in all clysters conducing to those purposes. The same used by nurses, procureth them store of milk. The decoction of the seed of any of the common Mallows made. in milk or wine, doth marvellously help excoriations, the phthisic, pleurisy, and other diseases of the chest and luns>>, that proceed of hot causes, if it be continued taking for some time together. The leaves and roots work the same effects. They help much also in the excoriations of the guts and bowels. and hardness of the mother, and in all hot an sharp diseases thereof. The juice drank in wine, or the decoction of them therein, doth help women to a speedy and easy delivery. Fliny saith, that whosoever shall take a spoonful of any of the Mallows, shall that day be free from all diseases that may come unto him ; and that it is special good for the fall- ing-sickness. The syrup also and conserve made of the flow- ers, are very effectual for the same diseases, and to open the bodv, being costive. The leaves bruised, and laid to the 178 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. eyes with a little honey, take away the imposthumes of them. The leaves bruised or rubbed upon the place stung with bees, wasps, or the like, presently take away the pains, redness, and swellings that arise thereupon. And Dioscorides saith, The decoction of the roots and leaves helpeth all sorts of poison, so as the poison be presently voided by vomit. A poultice made of the leaves, boiled and bruised, with some bean or barley flower, and oil of roses added, is an especial remedy against all hard tumours and inflammations, or im- posthumes, or swellings of the cods and other parts, and easeth the pains of them ; as also against the hardness of the liver or spleen, being applied to the places. The juice of Mallows boiled in old oil and applied, taketh away all rough- ness of the skin, as also the scurf, dandriff, or dry scabs in the head, or other parts, if they be anointed therewith, or washed with the decoction, and preserveth the hair from fall- ing pff% It is also effectual against scaldings and burnings, St. Anthony's fire, and all other hot, red and painful swel- lings in any part of the body. The flowers boiled in oil or water (fpvery one is dsposed) whereunto a little honey and allum w^at, is an excellent gargle to wash, cleanse or heal any sore mouth or throat in a short space. If the feet be bathed or washed with the decoction of the leaves, roots and flowers, it helpeth much the defluctions of rheum from the head ; if the head be washed therewith, it stayeth the falling and shedding of the hair. The green leaves (saith Pliny) beaten with nitre, and applied, draw out thorns or prickles in the flesh. The Marshmallows are more effectual in all the diseases before mentioned : The leaves are likewise used to loosen the belly gently, and in decoctions for clysters to ease all pains of the body, opening the strait passages, and making them slippery, whereby the stone may descend the more easily, and without pain, out of the reins, kidneys and bladder, and to ease the torturing pains thereof. But the roots are of more special use for those purposes, as well for coughs, hoarseness, shortness of breath and wheezings, being boiled in wine, or honied water, and drank. The roots and seeds hereof boiled in wine and water, are with good success used by them that have excoriations in the guts, or the bloody-flux, by qualifying the violence of sharp fretting humours, easing pains, and healing the soreness. It is profitably taken of ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 179 them that are trqubled with ruptures, cramps or convulsions of the sinews ; and boiled in white wine, for the imposthumes of the throat, commonly called the king's evil, and of those kernels that rise behind the ears, and inflammations or swel- lings in women's breasts. The dried roots boiled in milk and drank, is special good for the chin-cough. Hippocrates used to give the decoction of the roots, or the juice thereof, to drink, to those that are wounded, and ready to faint through loss of blood, and applied the same mixed with honey and rosin to the wounds. As also, the roots boiled in wine to those that have received any hurt by bruises, falls, or blows, or had any hone or member out of joint, or any swelling pain, or ache in the muscles, sinews or arteries. The mucilage of the roots, and of linseed and fenugreek put together, is much used in poultices, ointments, and plaisters, to mollify and di- gest all hard swellings, and the inflammation of them, and to ease pains in any part of the body. The seed either green or dry, mixed with vinegar, eleanseth the skin of morphew, and all other discolourings, being boiled therewith in the Sun. You may remember, that not long since there was a raging disease called the bloody-flux ; the college of physicians not knowing what to make of it, called it the plague of the guts, for their wits were at. ne plus ultra about it: My son was taken with the same disease, and the excoriation of his bowels was exceeding great; myself being in the country, was sent for up; the only thing I gave him, was Mallows bruised and boiled both in milk and drink, in two days (the blessing of God being upon it) it cured him. And I here, to shew my thankfulness to God, in communicating it to his creatures, leave it to posterity. MAPLE TREE. Strengthens the Liver and Spleen. Government and TT is under the dominion of Jupiter. Virtues.] JL The decoction either of the leaves or bark, must needs strengthen the liver much, and so you shall find it to do, if you use it. It is excellent good to open ob- structions both in the hver and spleen, and easeth pains of the sides thence proceeding. WILD MARJORAM. Stomach, Appetite, Consumption of the Lungs, Provokes urine, Dropsy, Deafness, Pains in ears. CALLED also Origane, Origanum, Eastward Marjoram ; Wild Marjoram, and Grove Marjoram. 180 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Descript.] Wild or field Marjoram hath a root which creepeth much under ground, which continueth a long time, sending up sundry brownish, hard, square stalks, with small dark green leaves, very like those of Sweet Marjoram, but harder, and somewhat broader; at the top of the stalks stand tufts of flowers, of a deep purplish red colour. The seed is small and something blacker than that of Sweet Marjoram. * Place.] It groweth plentifully in the borders of corn fields, and in some copses. Time.] It flowereth towards the latter end of summer. Government and Virtues.] This is also under the dominion of Mercury. It strengthens the stomach and head much, there being scarce a better remedy growing for such as are troubled with a sour humour in the stomach ; it restores the appetite being lost; helps the cough, and consumption of the lungs ; it eleanseth the body of choler, expelleth poison, and remedieth the infirmities of the spleen; helps the bitings of venomous beasts, and helps such as have poisoned them- selves by eating hemlock, henbane, or opium. It provoketh urine, and the terms in women, helps the dropsy, and the scurvy, scabs, itch, and yellow jaundice. The juice beingdrop- ped into the ears, helps deafness, pain and noise in the ears. And thus much for this herb, between which and adders, there is a deadly antipathy. SWEERMARJQRAM. Head, Breast, Womb, Dropsy, Provokes the terms, Sneezing. SWEET Marjoram is so well known, being an inhabitant in every garden, that it is needless to write any descrip- tion thereof, neither of the Winter Sweet Marjoram, or Pot Marjoram. Place.] They grow commonly in gardens; some sort there are that grow wild in the borders of corn fields and pastures, in sundry places of this land; but it is not my purpose to insist upon them. The garden kinds being most used and useful. Time.] They flower in the end of summer. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Mercury, and under Aries, and therefore is an excellent remedy for the brain and other parts of the body and mind, under the domi- nion of the same planet. Our common Sweet Marjoram is ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 181 wanning and comfortable in the cold diseases of the head, sto- mach, sinews, and other parts, taken inwardly or outwardly applied. The decoction thereof being drank, helpeth all dis- eases of the chest which hinder the freeness of breathing, and is also profitable for the obstructions of the liver and spleen. It helpeth the cold griefs of the womb, and the windiness thereof, and the loss of speech, by resolution of the tongue. The decoction thereof made with some pellitory of Spain, and long pepper, or with a little acorns or origanum, being drank, is good for those that are beginning to fall into a dropsy, for those that cannot make water, and against pains and torments in the*belly ; it provoketh women's courses, if it be put as a pessary. Being made into powder, and mixed with honey, it taketh away the black marks of blows, and bruises, being thereunto applied; it is good for the in- flammations and watering of the eyes, being mixed with fine flour, and laid upon them. The juice dropped into the ears, easeth the pains and singing noise in them. It is profitably put into those ointments and salves that are warm, and com- fort the outward parts, as the joints and sinews ; for swel- lings also, and places out of joint. The powder thereof, snuffed up into the nose provoketh sneezing, and thereby purgeth the brain ; and chewed in the mouth, draweth forth much phlegm. The oil made thereof, is very warm and comfortable to the joints that are stiff, and the sinews that are hard, to mollify and supple them. Marjoram is much used in all odoriferous waters, powders, &c. that are for ornament or delight. MARIGOLDS. Heart, Vital spirits, Measles, Hot swellings, Fevers. THESE being so plentiful in every garden, are so well known that they need no description. Time.] They flower all the summer long, and sometimes in winter, if it be mild. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of the Sun, and under Leo. They strengthen the heart exceedingly, and are very expulsive, and little less effectual in the small-pox and measles than saffron. The juice of Marigold leaves mixed with vinegar, and any hot swellings bathed with it, instantly giveth ease, and assuageth it. The flowers, cither green or dried, are much used in possets, broths, 16 182 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. and drink, as a comforter of the heart and spirits, and to expel any malignant or pestilential quality which might annoy them. A plaister made with the dry flowers in powder, hog's-grease, turpentine, and rosin, applied to the breast, strengthens and succours the heart infinitely in fevers, whether pestilential or not pestilential. MASTERWORT. Cold griefs, Gravel, Women's courses, Mother, Rotten ulcers, Gout. jj . .n ^iOMMON Masterwort hath divers stalks of " "■' \^/ winged leaves divided into sundry parts, three for the most part standing together at a small foot- stalk on both sides of the greater, and three likewise at the end of the stalk, somewhat broad, and cut in on the edges into three or more divisions, all of them dented.about the brims, of a dark green colour, somewhat resembling the leaves of Angelica, but that these grow lower to the ground, and on lesser stalks ; among which rise up two or three short stalks about two feet high, and slender, with such hke leaves at the joints which grow below, but with lesser and fewer divisions, bearing umbels of wliite flowers, and after them thin, flat blackish seeds, bigger than Dill-seeds. The root is somewhat greater, and growing rather side- ways than down deep in the ground, shooting forth sundry heads, which taste sharp, biting on the tongue, and is the hottest and sharpest part of the plant, and the seed next unto it being somewhat blackish on the outside, and smelling well. Place.] It is usually kept in gardens with us in England. Time.] It flowereth and seedeth about the end of August. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Mars. The root of Masterwort is hotter than pepper, and very available in cold griefs and diseases both of the stomach and body, dissolving very powerfully upwards and downwards. It is also used in a decoction with wine against all cold rheums, distillatidn upon the lungs, or shortness of breath, to be taken morning and evening. It also provoketh urine, and helpeth to break the stone, and expel the gravel from the kidneys ; provoketh women's courses, and expelleth the dead birth. Is singular good for strangling of the mother, and other such like feminine diseases. It is effectual also against the dropsy, cramps, falling sickness; for the decoction in ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 183 wine being gargled in the mouth, draweth down much water and phlegm, from the brain, purging and easing it of what oppresseth it. It is of a rare quality against all sorts of cold poison, to be taken as there is cause; it provoketh sweat. But lest the taste hereof, or of the seed (which worketh to the like effect, though not so powerfully) should be too offen- sive, the best way is to take the water distilled both from the herb and root. The juice hereof dropped, or tents dipped therein, and applied either to green wounds or filthy rotten ulcers, and those that come by envenomed weapons, doth soon cleanse and heal them. The same is also very good to help the gout coming of a cold cause. THE MEDLAR. Miscarriages, Women's longings, Women's courses, Piles, Stone in the kidneys. . , rflHE Tree groweth near the bigness of the Descript.] J^ Qumce Tree, spreading branches reason- ably large, with longer and narrower leaves than either the apple or quince, and not dented about the edges. At the end of the sprigs stand the flowers, made of five white, great broad-pointed leaves, nicked in the middle with some white threads also ; after which cometh the fruit, of a brown- ish green colour being ripe, bearing a crown as it were on the top, which were the five green leaves ; and being rubbed off, or fallen away, the head of the fruit is seen to be some- what hollow. The fruit is very harsh before it is mellowed, and hath usually five hard kernels within it. There is. an- other kind hereof nothing differing from the forrser, but that it hath some thorns on it in several places, which the other hath not; and usually the fruit is small, and not so pleasant. Time and Place.] They grow in this land, and flower iu May for the most part, and .bear fruit in September and October. Government and Virtues.] The fruit is old Saturn's, and sure a better medicine he hardly hath to strengthen-the re- tentive faculty ; therefore it stayeth women's longings : The good old man cannot endure women's minds should run a gadding. Also a plaister made of the fruit dried before they are rotten, and other convenient things, and applied to the reins of the back, stops miscarriage in women with child. They are very powerful'to stay any fluxes of the blood or J84 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. humours in men and women ; the leaves also have this qual- ity. The fruit eaten by women with child, stayeth their longing after unusual meets, and is very effectual for them that are apt to miscarry and may be delivered before their time, to help that malady, and make them joyful mothers. The decoction of them is good to gargle and wash the mouth, throat and teeth, when there is any defluxions of blood to stay it, or of humours, which causeth the pains and swellings. It is a good bath for women to sit over, that have their cour- ses flow too abundant; or for the piles when they bleed too much. If a poultice or plaister be made with dried Medlars, beaten and mixed with the juice of red roses, whereunto a few cloves and nutmegs may be added, and a Utile red coral also, and applied to the stomach, that is given to casting or loathing of meat, it effectually helpeth. The dried leaves in powder strewed on fresh bleeding wounds restraineth the blood and healeth up the wound quickly. The Medlar-stones made into powder, and drank in wine, wherein some Parsley- roots have Iain infused all night, or a Uttle boiled, do break the stone in the kidneys, helping to expel it. MELLILOT, or KING's CLAVER. Inflammations w the eyes, Dimness of sight, Stupidity, Memory, Apoplexy. n ' / V ^ I iHIS hath many green stalks, two or three Lfescript.] J^ £eet nign) nsing from a tough, long, white root, which dieth not every year, set round about at the joints with small and somewhat long, well-smelling leaves, set three together unevenly dented about the edges. The flowers are yellow, and well-smelling also, made like other trefoil, but small, standing in long spikes one above another, for an hand breadth long or better, which afterwards turn into long crocked cods, wherein is contained flat seed, some- what brown. Place.] It groweth plentifully in many places of this land, as in the edge of Suffolk, and in Essex, as also in Hunting- donshire, and in other places, but most usually in corn fields, in corners of meadows. Time.] It flowereth in June and July, and is ripe quickly after. Government and Virtues.] Mellilot, boiled in wine, and ap- plied, mollifieth all hard tumeurs and inflammations that ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 185 happea in the eyes, or other parts of the body, as the funda- ment, or privy parts of men and women ; and sometimes the yolk of a roasted egg, or fine flour, or poppy-seed, or endive, is added unto it. It helpeth the spreading ulcers in the head, it being washed with a lee made thereof. It helpeth the pains of the stomach, being apphed fresh ; or boiled with any of the aforenamed things : Also the pains of the ears, being dropped into them ; and steeped in vinegar, or rose- water, it mitigateth the head-ache. The flowers of Melhlot or camomile are much used to be put together in clysters to expel wind, and ease pains; and also in poultices for the same purpose, and to assuage swelling tumours in the spleen or other, parts, and helpeth inflammations in any part of the body. The juice dropped into the eyes, is a singular good medicine to take away the film or skin that cloudeth or dim- neth the eye-sight. The head often washed with the distil- led water of the herb and flower, or a lee made therewith, is effectual for those that suddenly lose their senses ; as also to strengthen the memory, to comfort the head and brain. and to preserve them from pain and the apoplexy. DOG MERCURY. Jaundice, Warts, Scabs, Women's sickness. HAVING described unto you that which is called French Mercury, I come now to shew you a description of ibis kind also. Descript.] This is likewise of two kinds, male and female, having many stalks slender and lower than Mercury, without anv branches at all upon them, the root is set with two leaves at every joint, somewhat greater than the female, but more pointed and full of veins, and somewhat harder in handhng; of a dark green colour, and less dented or snipped about the edges. At the joints with the leaves comes forth longer stalks than the former, with two hairy round seeds upon them, twice as big as those of the former Mercury. The taste hereof is herby, and the smell somewhat strong and virulent. The female has much harder leaves standing upon longer foot-stalks, and the stalks are also longer ; from the joints come forth spikes of flowers like the French Female Mercury. The roots of them both are many, and full of small fibres which run under ground, and mat themselves 16* 186 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. very much, not perishing as the former Mercuries do,' but abiding the winter, and shoot forth new branches every year. for the old lie down to the ground. Place.] The male and female French Mercury are found wild in divers places of this land, as by a village called Brookland in Rumney-Marsh in Kent. The Dog Mercury in sundry places of Kent also, and elsewhere ; but the female more seldom than the male. Time.] They flower in the summer months, and therein give their seed. Government and Virtues.] Mercury, they say, owns the herb, but I rather think it is Venus's, and I am partly con- fident of it too, for I never heard that Mercury ever minded women's business so much: I believe he minds his study more. The decoction of the leaves of Mercury, or the juice thereof in broth, or drank with a little sugar put to it, purgeth colerick and waterish humours. Hippocrates commended it wonderfully for women's diseases, and applied to the secret parts, to ease the pains of the mother ; and used the decoc- tion of it, both to procure women's courses, and to expel the after-birth ; and gave the decoction thereof with myrrh or pepper, or used to apply the leaves outwardly against the strangury and diseases of the reins and bladder. He used it also for sore and watering eyes, and for the deafness and pains in the ears, by dropping the juice thereof into them, and bathing them afterwards in white wine. The decoction thereof made with water and a cock chicken, is a most safe medicine against the hot fits of agues. It also eleanseth the breast and lungs of phlegm, but a little offendeth the sto- mach. The juice or distilled water snuffed up into the nos- trils, purgeth the head and eyes of catarrhs and rheums. Some use to drink two or three ounces of the distilled water, with a little sugar put to it, in the morning fasting, to open and purge the body of gross, viscous and melancholy hu- mours. It is wonderful (if it be not fabulous) which Dio- 3Corides and Theophrastus do relate of it, viz. That if women use these herbs either inwardly or outwardly, for three days together after conception, and their courses be past* they shall bring forth male or female children, accor- ding to that kind of herb they use. Matthiolus saith, that the seed both of the male and female Mercury boiled with wormwood and drank, cureth the yellow jaundice in a speedy ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 187 manner. The leaves or the juice rubbed upon warts, taketh them away. The juice mingled with some vinegar, helperii all running scabs, tetters, ringworms, and the itch. Galen saith, that being applied in manner of a poultice to any swelling or inflammation, it digesteth the swelling, and allayeth the inflammation, and is therefore given in clys- ters to evacuate from the belly offensive humours. The Dog Mercury, although it be less used, yet may serve in the same manner, to the same purpose, to purge waterish and melan- choly humours. MINT. Provokes lust, Stays vomitings, Mad dog's biting, Ears, Pains of the head, Scabs of the fundament, Hiccough, Sore mouth, Palate down, King's evil. OF all the kinds of Mint, the Spear Mint, or Heart Mint, being most usual, I shall only describe as follows : Descript.] Spear Mint hath divers round stalks, and long but narrow leaves set thereon, of a dark green colour. The flowers stand in spiked heads at the tops of the branches, being of a pale blue colour. The smell or scent thereof is somewhat near unto Basil; it increaseth by the root under ground, as all others do. Place.] It is an usual inhabitant in gardens ; And because it seldom giveth any good seed, the effects is recompensed by the plentiful increase of the root, which being once plant- ed in a garden, will hardly be rid out again. Time.] It flowereth not until the beginning of August, for the most part. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Venus. Diosco- rides saith it hath a heating, binding and drying quality, and therefore the juice taken in vinegar, stayeth bleeding: It stirreth up venery or bodily Just; two or three branches thereof taken in the juice of four pomegranates, stayeth the hiccough, vomiting, and allayeth the choler. It dissolveth imposthumes being laid to with barley-meal. It is good to repress the milk in women's breasts, and for such as have swollen, flagging, or great breasts. Applied with salt, it helpeth the biting of a mad dog; with mead and honied water, it easeth the pains of the ears, and taketh away the roughness of the tongue, being rubbed thereupon. It suffer- eth not milk to curdle in the stomach, if the leaves thereof be steeped or boiled in it before you drink it: Briefly it i« 188 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. very profitable to the stomach. The often use hereof h a very powerful medicine to stay women's courses and the whites. Applied to the forehead and temples, it easeth the pains in the head, and is good to wash the heads of young children therewith, against all manner of breakings-outj sores or scabs therein, and healeth the chops of the funda- ment. It is also profitable against the poison of venomous creatures. The distilled water of mint is available to all the purposes aforesaid, yet more weakly. But if a spirit thereof be rightly and chymically drawn, it is much more powerful than the herb itself. Simeon Sethi saith, it helpeth a cold liver, strengtheneth the belly, causeth digestion, stayeth vomits and the hiccough ; it is good against the gnawing of the heart, provoketh appetite, taketh away obstructions of the liver, and stirreth up bodily lust; but therefore too much must not be taken, because it maketh the blood thin and wheyish, and turneth it into choler, and therefore cholerick persons must abstain from it. It is a safe medicine for the biting of a mad dog, being bruised with salt, and laid thereon. The powder of it being dried and taken after meat, helpeth digestion, and those that are splenetick. Taken with wine, it helpeth women in their sore travail in child-bearing. It is good against the gravel and stone in the kidneys, and the strangury. Being smelled unto, it is comfortable for the head and memory. The decoction hereof gargled in the mouth, cureth the gums and mouth that is sore, and mend- eth an ill-savoured breath; as also the rue and coriander, causeth the palate of the mouth to turn to its place, the de- coction being gargled and held in the mouth. The virtues of the Wild or Horse-Mint, such as grow in ditches (whose description I purposely omitted, in regard they are well enough known) are especially to dissolve wind in the stomach, to help the colick, and those that are short- winded, and are an especial remedy for those that have ve- neral dreams and pollutions in the night, being outwardly applied to the testicles or cods. The juice dropped into the ears easeth the pains of them, and destroyeth the worms that breed therein. They are good against the venomous biting of serpents. The juice laid on warm, helpeth the king's evil, or kernels in the throat. The decoction or distilled water helpeth a stinking breath, proceeding from corruption of the teeth, and snuffed up the nose, purgeth the head. Pliny ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 183 saith, that eating of the leaves hath been found by experi- ence to cure the leprosy, applying some of them to the face, and to help the scurf or dandriff of the head used with vine- gar. They are extreme bad for wounded people ; an,d they say a wounded man that eats Mint, his wound will never be cured, and that is a long day. MAYWEED. THIS herb is so weU known by every child of eight years old, that it needs no description ; I therefore shall only give its virtues. The decoction thereof taken at night when going to bed wonderfully provokes sweat and is exceeding good for all colds and choleric complaints, likewise proves very effectual in taking away the pains in the back, sides, or elsewhere, if a sweat is continued, and is the most admirable sweat herb in case of fevers of whatever kind, almost known, which is easily proved by a single trial. MOONWORT. Women's courses, Vomiting, Broken and disjointed bones, Fluxes. n . , TT riseth up usually but with one dark, green, escrip .J J thick and flat leaf, standing upon a short foot- stalk not above two fingers breadth ; but when it flowers it may be said to bear a smaU slender stalk about four or five inches high, having but one leaf in the middle thereof, which is much divided on both sides into sometimes five or seven parts on a side, sometimes more; each of which parts is small like the middle rib, but broad forwards, pointed and round, resembling therein a half moon, from whence it took the name ; the uppermost parts or divisions being bigger than the lowest. The stalks rise above this leaf two or three inches, bearing many branches of small long tongues, every one like the spiky head of the adder's tongues, of a brownish colour, (which whether I shall call them flowers, or the seed, I well know not) which, after they have continued for a while, resolve into a mealy dust. The root is small and fi- brous. This hath sometimes divers such like leaves as are before described, with so many branches or tops rising from one stalk, each divided from the other. Place.] It groweth on hills and heaths, yet where there is much grass, for therein it delighteth to grow. 190 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Time. It is to be found only in April and May; for in June, when any hot weather cometh, for the most part it in withered and gone. Government and Virtues.] The Moon owns the herb. Moonwort is cold, and drying more than adder's tongue, and is therefore held to be more available for all wounds both inward and outward. The leaves boiled in red wine, and drank, stay the immoderate flux of women's courses, and the whites. It also stayeth bleeding, vomiting, and other fluxes. It helpeth all blows and bruises, and to consolidate all frac- tures and dislocations. It is good for ruptures, but is chiefly used by most with other herbs to make oils or balsams to heal fresh or green wounds (as I said before) either inward or outward, for which it is excellent good. Moonwort is an herb which (they say) will open locks, and unshoe such horses as tread upon it: This some laugh to scorn, and those no small fools neither ; but country peo- ple that I know, call it Unshoe the Horse. Besides I have heard commanders say, that on White Down in Devonshire, near Tiverton, there were found thirty horse-shoes, pulled off from the feet of the Earl of Essex's horses, being there drawn up in a body, many of them being but newly shod, and no reason known, which caused much admiration, and the herb described usually grows upon heaths. MOSSES. Fluxes, Vomiting, Dropsy, Head-ache. I SHALL not trouble the reader with a description of these, since my intent is to speak only of two kinds, as the most principal, viz. Ground Moss and Tree Moss, both which are very well known. Place.] The Ground Moss groweth in our moist woods, and in the bottom of hills, in boggy grounds, and in shadowy ditches, and many other such like places. The tree Moss groweth only on trees. Government and Virtues.] All sorts of Mosses are under the dominion of Saturn. The Ground Moss is held to be singular good to break the stone, and to expel and drive it forth by urine, being boiled in wine and drank. The herb, being bruised and boiled in water, and applied, easeth all inflammations and pains coming from an hot cause; and is therefore used to ease the pains of the gouu ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 191 The tree Mosses are cooling and binding, and partake of a digesting and mollifying quality withal, as Galen saith. But each moss doth partake of the nature of the tree from whence it is trrioW1 » therefore that of the oak is more binding, and i> of good effect to stay fluxes in man or woman ; as also vo- miting or bleeding, the powder thereof being taken in wine.- The decoction thereof in wine is very good for women to be bathed, or to sit in, that are troubled with the overflowing of their courses. The same being drank, stayeth the sto- mach that is troubled with casting, or the hiccough ; and, as Avicena saith, it comforteth the heart.' The powder thereof taken in drink for some time together, is thought available for the dropsy. The oil that has had fresh moss steeped therein for a time, and afterwards boiled and applied to the temples and forehead, doth marvellously ease the head-ache coining of a hot cause ; as also the distillations of hot rheums or humours in the eyes, or other parts. The ancients much used it in their ointments and other medicines against the lassitude, and to strengthen and comfort the sinews. For which, if it was good then, I know no reason but it may be found so still. MOTHERWORT. Melancholy vapours, Sore travail, Women's courses, Coldphlegm, Cramp. n •* /l ^ 1 iHIS hath a hard, square, brownish, rough, ' 'J strong stalk, rising three or four feet high at least, spreading into many branches, whereon grow leaves on each side, with long foot-stalks, two at every joint, which are somewhat broad and long, as if it were rough or coupled, with many great veins therein of a sad green colour, and deeply dented about the edges, and almost divided. From the middle of the branches up to the tops of them (which are long and small) grow the flowers round them at distances, in sharp-pointed, rough, hard husks, of a more red or purple colour than balm or horehound, but in the same manner or form as the horehounds, after which come small, round, blackish seeds in great plenty. The root sendeth forth a number of long strings and small fibres, taking strong hold in the ground, of a dark yellowish or brownish colour, and abideth as the horehound doth ; the smell of this not much differeth from it. Place.] It groweth only in gardens with us in England. 192 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Government and Virtues.] Venus owns the herb, and it is under Leo. There is no better herb to take melancholy vapours from the heart, to strengthen it, and make a merry, cheerful, blythe soul than this herb. It may be to* * in a syrup or conserve ; therefore the Latins called it Cardiaca. Besides, it makes women joyful mothers of children, and settles their wombs as they should be, therefore we call it Motherwort. It is held to be of much use for the trembling of the heart, and faintings and swoonings ; from whence it took the name Cardiaca. The powder thereof, to the quan- tity of a spoonful, drank in wine, is a wonderful help to wo- men in their sore travail, as also for the suffocating or risings of the mother, and for these effects, it is likely it took the name of Motherwort with us. It also provoketh urine and women's courses, eleanseth the chest of cold phlegm, oppres- sing it, killeth worms in the belly. , It is of good use to warm and dry up the humours, to digest and disperse them that are settled in the veins, joints, and sinews of the body, and to help cramps and convulsions. MOUSE-EAR. Jaundice, Belly-ache, Stops the terms, Cough, Spreading sores. Descript.} "|%/|"OUSE-Ear is a low herb> creeping upon * *J |y | the ground by small strings, like the straw- berry plant, whereby it shooteth forth small roots, whereat grow upon the ground many small and somewhat short leaves, set in a round form together, and very hairy, which being broken do give a whitish milk: From among these leaves spring up two or three small hoary stalks about a span high, with a few smaller leaves thereon ; at the tops whereof standeth usually but one flower, consisting of many pale yellow leaves, broad at the point, and a little dented in, set in three or four rows (the greater uppermost) very like a dandelion flower, and a little reddish underneath about the edges, especially if it grow in a dry ground; which after they have stood long in flower do turn into down, which with the seed is carried away with the wind. Place.] It groweth on ditch banks, and sometimes in ditches, if they be dry, and in sandy grounds. f Time.] It flowereth about June or July, and abideth green* all the winter. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 193 Government and Virtues.] The Moon owns this herb also ; and though authors cry out upon Alchymists, for attempting to fix quicksilver by this herb and Moonwort, a Roman would not have judged a thing by the success ; if it be to be fixed at all, it is by lunar influence. The juice thereof taken in wine, or the decoction thereof drank, doth help the jaun- dice, although of long continuance, to drink thereof morning and evening, and abstain from other drink two or three hours after. It is a special remedy against the stone, and the tor- menting pains thereof; as also other tortures and griping pains of the bowels. The decoction thereof with succory and centaury is held very effectual to help the dropsy, and them that are inclining thereunto, and the diseases of the spleen. It stayeth the fluxes of blood, either at the mouth or nose, and inward bleeding also, for it is a singular wound herb for wounds both inward and outward : It helpeth the bloody-flux, and helpeth the abundance of women's courses. There is a syrup made of the juice thereof, and sugar, by the apothecaries of Italy, and other places, which is of much account with them, to be given to those that are troubled with the cough or phthisick. The same also is singular good for ruptures or burstings. The green herb bruised and pre- sently bound to any cut or wound, doth quickly solder the lips thereof. And the juice, decoction, or powder of the dried herb is most singular to stay maMgnity of spreading and fretting cankers and ulcers whatsoever, yea, in the mouth and secret parts. The distilled water of the plant is availa- ble in all diseases aforesaid, and to wash outward wounds and sores, and apply tents of cloths wet therein. MUGWORT. Womb, After-birth, Pains in the neck, King's evil, Sinews, Cramp. n . , ^iOMMON Mugwort hath divers leaves lying JJescnpt.] ^^ upon the grouiMjt very much divided, or cut deeply in about the brims, somewhat like wormwood, but much larger, of a dark green colour on the upper side, and very hoary white underneath. The stalks rise to be four or five feet high, having on it such like leaves as those below, but somewhat smaller, branching forth very much towards the top, whereon are set very small, pale, yellowish flowers like buttons, which fall away, and after them come small 17 194 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. seeds inclosed in round heads. The root is long and hard, with many small fibres growing from it, whereby it taketh strong hold on the ground: but both stalks and leaf do lie down every year, and the root shooteth anew in the spring. The whole plant is of a reasonable scent, and is more easily propagated by the slips than the seed. Place.] It groweth plentifully in many places of this land, by the water-sides; as also by small water-courses, and in divers other places. Time.] It flowereth and seedeth in the end of summer. Government and Virtues.] This is an herb of Venus, there- fore maintaineth the parts of the body she rules, remedies the diseases of the parts that are under her signs Taurus and Libra. Mugwort is with good success put among other herbs that are boiled for women to sit over the hot decoction to draw down their courses, to help the delivery of their birth, and expel the after-birth. As also for the obstructions and inflammations of the mother. It breaketh the stone, and causeth one to make water where it is stopped. The juice thereof made up with myrrh, and put under as a pessary, worketh the same effects, and so doth the root also. Being made up with hog's grease into an ointment, it taketh away wens and hard knots and kernels that grow about the neck and throat, and easeth the pains about the neck more effectu- ally, if some field daisies be put with it. The herb itself being fresh, or the juice thereof taken, is a special remedy upon the overmuch taking of opium. Three drams of the powder of the dried leaves taken in wine, is a speedy and best certain help for the sciatica. A decoction thereof made with camomile and agrimony, and the place bathed there- with while it is warm, taketh away the pains of the sinews, and the cramp. THE MULBERRY-TREE. Bleeding, Lasks, Sore mouth and throat, Tooth-ache. THIS is so well known where it groweth, that it need- eth no description. Time.] It beareth fruit in the month of July and August. Government and Virtues.] Mercury rules the Tree, there- fore are its effects variable as his are. The Mulberry is of different parts ; the ripe berries, by reason of their sweetness and slippery moisture, opening the body, and the unripe ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 195 binding it, especially when they are dried, and then they are good to stay fluxes, lasks, and the abundance of women's courses. The bark of the root killeth the broad worms in the body. The juice or the syrup made of the juice of the berries, helpeth all inflammations or sores in the mouth, or throat, and palate of the mouth when it is fallen down. The juice of the leaves is a remedy against the bitings of serpents, and for those that have taken aconite. The leaves beaten with vinegar, are good to lay on any place that is burnt with fire. A decoction made of the bark and leaves is good to wash the mouth and teeth when they ache. If the root be a little slit or cut, and a small hole made in the ground next thereunto, in the harvest-time, it will give out a certain juice, which being hardened the next day, is of good use to help the tooth-ache, to dissolve knots, and purge the belly. The leaves of Mulberries are said to stay bleeding at the mouth or nose, or the bleeding of the piles, or of a wound, being bound unto the places. A branch of the tree taken when the Moon is at die full, and bound to the wrist of a woman's arm, whose courses come down too much, doth stay them in a short space. MULLEIN. Ruptures, Cramps, Tooth-ache, Bloody-flux, Cholic, Thorns, Splinters and boils. D . , ^lOMMON White Mullein hath many fair, Uescnp .j ^^ large, woolly white leaves, lying next the ground, somewhat larger than broad, pointed at the end, and as it were dented about the edges. The stalk riseth up to be four or five feet liigh, covered over with such like leaves, hut lesser, so that no stalk can be seen for the multitude of leaves thereon up to the flowers, which come forth on all sides of the stalk, without any branches for the most part, and are many set together in a long spike, in some of a yel- low colour, in others more pale, consisting of five round- pointed leaves, which afterwards have small round heads, wherein is small brownish seed contained. The root is long, white, and woody, perishing after it hath borne seed. Place.] It groweth by way-sides and lanes, in many places of this land. Time.] It flowereth in July, or thereabouts. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of Sa- turn. A small quantity of the root given in wine, is com- 196 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. mended by Dioscorides, against tasks and fluxes of the belly. The decoction hereof drank, is profitable for those that are bursten, and for cramps and convulsions, and for those that are troubled with an old cough. The decoction thereof gargled, easeth the pains of the tooth-ache. And the oil made by the often infusion of the flowers, is of very good effect for the piles. The decoction of the root in red wine or in water, (if there'be an ague) wherein red hot steel hath been often quenched, doth stay the bloody-flux. The same also openeth obstructions of the bladder and reins when one cannot make water. A decoction of the leaves hereof, and of'sage, [marjoram* and camomile flowers, and the places bathed therewith, that have sinews stiff with cold or cramps, doth bring them much ease and comfort. Three ounces of the distilled water of the flowers drank morning and evening for some days together, is said to be the most excellent re- medy for the gout. The juice of the leaves and flowers being laid upon rough warts, also the powder of the dried roots rubbed on, doth easily take them away, but doth no good to smooth warts. The powder of the dried flowers is an es- pecial remedy for these that are troubled with the belly-ache, or the pains of the colick. The decoction of the root, and so likewise of the leaves, is of great effect to dissolve the tumours, swellings, or inflammations of the throat. The seed and leaves boiled in wine, and applied, draw forth speedily thorns or splinters gotten into the flesh, ease the pains, and heal them also. The leaves bruised and wrapped in double papers, and covered with hot ashes and embers to bake a while, and then taken forth and laid warm on any blotch or boil hap- pening in the groin or share, doth dissolve and heal them. The seed bruised and boiled in wine, and laid on any mem- ber that hath been out of joint, and newly set again, taketh aWay all swelling and pain thereof. MUSTARD. Qhcst, Lungs, Cough, Shortness of breath, Belly, Back, Ulcers, Cankefs, Testicles, Women's Breasts. J* . . -J /~\UR common Mustard hath large and broad ^ '■• \_J rough leaves, very much jagged with uneven and unorderly gashes, somewhat hke turnip leaves but lesser and rougher. The stalk riseth to be more than a foot high, and sometimes two feet high, being round, rough, and branch- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 197 ed at the top, bearing such like leaves thereon as grow below, but lesser, and less divided, and divers yellow flowers one above another at the tops, after which come small rough pods, with small, lank, flat ends, wherein is contained round yellowish seed, sharp, hot, and biting upon the tongue. The root is small, long, and woody when it beareth stalks, and perisheth every year. Place.] This groweth with us in gardens only, and other manured places. Time.] It is an annual plant, flowering in July, and the seed is ripe in August. Government and Virtues.] It is an excellent sauce for such whose blood wants clarifying, and for weak stomachs, being an herb of Mars, but naught for cholerick people, though as good for such as are aged, or troubled with, cold diseases. Aries claims something to do with it, therefore it strengthens the heart and resisteth poison. Let such whose stomachs are so weak they cannot digest their meat, or appetite it, take of Mustard-seed a dram, cinnamon as much, and having beaien them to powder, and half as much mastick in powder, and with gum arabick dissolved in rose-water, make it up into troches, of which they may take one of about half a dram weight an hour or two before meals ; let old men and women make much of this medicine, and they will either give me thanks, or shew manifest ingratitude. Mustard^seed hath the virtue of heat, discussing, rarifying, and drawing out splinters of bones, and other things of the flesh. It is of good effect to bring down women's courses, for the fall- ing-sickness or lethargy, drowsy forgetful evil, to use it both inwardly and outwardly, to rub the nostrils, forehead, and temples, to warm and quicken the spirits ; for by the fierce sharpness it purgeth the brain by sneezing, and draw- ing down rheum and other viscous humours, which by their distillations upon the lungs and chest, procure coughing, and therefore with some honey added thereto, doth much good therein. The decoction of the seed made in wine, and drank, provoketh urine, resisteth the force of poison, the malignity of mushrooms, and venom of scorpions, or other venomous creatures, if it be taken in time ; and taken before the cold fits of agfles, altereth, lesseneth, and cureth them. The seed taken either by itself, or with other things, either in an electuary or drink, doth mightily stir up bodily 17* 198 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. lust, and helpeth the spleen and pains in the sides, and gnawings in the bowels; and used as a gargle draweth up the palate of the mouth, being fallen down; and also it dissolveth the swellings about the throat, if it be outward- ly applied. Being chewed in the mouth it oftentimes help- eth the tooth-ache. The outward applications hereof upon the pained place of the sciatica, discusseth the humours, and easeth the pains, as also the gout, and other joint aches ; and is much and often used to ease pains in the sides or loins, the shoulders, or other parts of the body, upon the applying thereof to raise blisters, and cureth the disease by drawing it to the outward parts of the body. It is also used to help the falling off the hair. The seed bruised, mixed with honey, and applied, or made up with wax, taketh away the marks and black and blue spots of bruises, or the like, the roughness or scabbiness of the skin, as also the leprosy, and lousy evil. It helpeth also the crick in the neck. The distilled water of the herb, when it is in the flower, is much used to drink inwardly to help in any of the diseases afore- said, or to wash the mouth when the palate is down, and for the diseases of the throat to gargle, but outwardly also for scabs, itch, or other the like infirmities, and eleanseth the face from morphew, spots, freckles, and other deformities. THE HEDGE-MUSTARD. Chest, Lungs, Cough, Back, Cankers. n * / 1 ri^HIS groweth up usually but with one black- Uescnpt.j j^ .gh green gtalk^ tough> easy to Bg,^ but not to break, branched into divers parts, and sometimes with divers stalks, set full of branches, whereon grow long, rough, or hard rugged leaves, very much tore or cut on the edges in many parts, some bigger, and some lesser, of a dirty green colour. The flowers are small and yellow, that grow on the tops of the branches in long spikes, flowering by degrees; so that continuing long in flower, the stalk wiU have small round cods at the bottom, growing upright and close to the stalk, while the top flowers yet shew themselves, in which are contained small yellow seed^harp and strong, as the herb is also. The root groweth Tfown slender and woodyi yet abiding and springing again every year. Place.] This groweth frequently in this land, by the ways and hedge-sides, and sometimes in the open fields. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 199 Time.] It flowereth most usually about July. Government and Virtues.] Mars owns this herb also. It is singular good in all the diseases of the chest and lungs, hoarse- ness of voice; and by the use of the decoction thereof for a little space, those have been recovered who had utterly lost their voice, and almost their spirits also. The juice thereof made into a syrup, or licking medicine, with honey or sugar, is no less effectual for the same purpose, and for all other coughs, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The same is also profitable for those that have the jaundice, pleurisy, pains in the back and loins, and for torments in the belly, or colick, being also used in clysters. The seed is held to be a special remedy against poison and venom. It is singular good for the sciatica, and in joint-aches, ulcers, and cankers in the mouth, throat, or behind the ears, and no less for the hard- ness and swelling of the testicles, or of women's breasts. NEP, or CATMINT. Provokes terms, Barrenness, Womb, Mother, Cough, Difficulty of breathing, Scaby heads. D ' tl ^OMMON Garden Nep shooteth forth hard Uescrip .J ^^ four-square stalks, with a hoariness on them, a yard high or more, full of branches, bearing at every joint two broad leaves like balm, but longer pointed, softer, wliite, and more hoary, nicked about the edges, and of a strong sweet scent. The flowers grow in large tufts at the tops of the branches, and underneath them likewise on the stalks many together, of a whitish purple colour. The roots are composed of many long strings or fibres, fastening them- selves stronger in the ground, and abide with green leaves thereon all the winter. Place.] It is only nursed up in our gardens. Time.] And it flowereth in July, or thereabouts. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Venus. Nep is generally used for women to procure their courses, being taken inwardly or outwardly, either alone, or with other con- venient herbs in a decoction to bathe them, or sit over the hot fumes thereof; and by the frequent use thereof, it takes away barrenness, and the wind, and pains of the mother. It is also used in pains of the head coming of any cold cause, catarrhs, rheums, and for swimming and giddiness thereof, and is of special use for the windiness of the stomach and 200 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. belly. It is effectual for any cramp, or cold aches, to dissolve cold and wind that afllicteth the place, and is used for colds, coughs, and shortness of breath. The juice thereof drank in wine, is profitable for those that are bruised by an accident. The green herb bruised and applied to the fundament, and lying there two or three hours, easeth the pains of the piles; the juice also being made up into an ointment, is effectual for the same purpose. The head washed with a decoction thereof, it taketh away scabs, and may be effectual for other parts of the body also. NETTLES. Lungs, Shortness of breath, Almonds of the ears, Gravel, Worms, Mad dogs, Polypus, Morphew, Gout. NETTLES are so well known, that they need no de" scription; they may be found by feeling, in the dark- est night. Government and Virtues.] This is also an herb that Mars claims dominion over. You know Mars is hot and dry, and you know as well that winter is cold and moist; then you may know as well the reason why Nettle-Tops eaten in the spring consumeth the phlegmatic superfluities in the body of man, that the coldness and moistness of winter hath left be- hind. The roots or leaves boiled, or the juice of either of them, or both made into an electuary with honey and sugar, is a safe and sure medicine to open the pipes and passages of the lungs, which is the cause of wheezing and shortness of breath, and helpeth to expectorate tough phlegm, as also to raise the iinposthumed pleurisy; and spend it by spitting; the same helpeth the swelling of the almonds of the throat, the mouth and throat being gargled therewith. The juice is also effectual to settle the palate of the mouth in its place, and to heal and temper the inflammations and soreness of the mouth and throat. The decoction of the leaves in wine, be- ing drank, is singular good to provoke women's courses, and settle the suffocation, strangling of the mother, and all other diseases thereof; as also applied outwardly with a little myrrh. The same also, or the seed, provoketh urine, and expelleth the gravel and stone in the reins or bladder, often proved to be effectual in many that have taken it. The same killeth the worms in children, easeth pains in the sides, and dissolveth the windiness in the spleen, as also in the body, ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 201 although others think it only powerful to provoke venery. The juice of the leaves taken two or three days together, stayeth bleeding at the mouth. The seed being drank, is a remedy against the stinging of venomous creatures, the biting of mad dogs, the poisonful qualities of hemlock; henbane, nightshade, mandrake, or other such like herb9 that stupify or dull the senses; as also the lethargy, especially to use it outwardly, to rub the forehead or temples in the lethargy, and the places stung or bitten with beasts, with a little salt. The distilled water of the herb is also effectual (though not so powerful) for the diseases aforesaid; as for outward wounds and sores to wash them, and to cleanse the skin from morphew, leprosy, and other discolourings thereof. The seed or leaves bruised, and put into the nostrils, stayeth the bleeding of them, and taketh away the flesh growing in them called po- lypus. The juice of the leaves, or the decoction of them, or of the root, is singular good to wash either old, rotten, or stinking sores or fistulas, and gangrenes, and such as fret- ting, eating, or corroding scabs, manginess, and itch, in any part of the body, as also green wounds, by washing them therewith, or applying the green herb bruised thereunto, yea, although the flesh were separated from the bones ; the same applied to our wearied members, refresh them, or to place those that have been out of joint, being first set up again, strengthened!, drieth, and comforteth them, as also those places troubled with aches and gouts, and the defluction of humours upon the joints or sinews ; it easeth the pains, and drieth or dissolveth the defluctions. An ointment made of the juice, oil, and a little wax, is singular good to rub cold and benumbed members. An handful of the leaves of green Nettles, and another of Wallwort, or Deanwort, bruised and applied simply themselves to the gout, sciatica, or joint aches in any part, hath been found to be an admirable help there- unto. NIGHTSHADE. Inflammations in the Eyes, Testicles and Gout. n . , f^OMMON Nightshade hath an upright, round, Ucscnpt.] ^^ green, hollow stalk, about a foot or half a yard high, bushing forth in many branches, whereon grow many green leaves, somewhat broad, and pointed at the ends, soft and full of juice, somewhat like unto Bazil, but longer 202 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. and a little unevenly dented about the edges : At the tops of the stalks and branches come forth three or four more white flowers made of five small-pointed leaves a-piece, standing on a stalk together, one above another, with yellow pointels in the middle, composed of four or five yellow threads set toge- ther, which afterwards run into so many pendulous green berries, of the bigness of small pease, full of green juice, and small whitish round flat seed lying within it. The root is white, and a little woody when it hath given flower and fruit, with many small fibres at it : The whole plant is of a- waterish insipid taste, but the juice within the berries is some- what viscous, and of a cooling and binding quality. Place.] It groweth wild with us under our walls, and in rubbish, the common paths, and sides of hedges and fields, as also in our gardens here in England, without any planting. Time.] It lieth down every year, and riseth again of its own sowing, but springeth not until the latter end of April at the soonest. Government and Virtues.] It is a cold Saturnine plant. The common Nightshade is wholly used to cool hot inflammations either inwardly or outwardly, being no ways dangerous to any that use it, as most of the rest of the Nightshades are : yet it must be used moderately. The distilled water only of the whole herb is fitest and safest to be taken inwardly : The juice also clarified and taken, being mingled with a little vinegar, is good to wash the mouth and throat that is in- flamed : But outwardly the juice of the herbs or berries, with oil of roses, and a little vinegar and ceruse laboured together in a leaden mortar, is very good to anoint all hot inflamma- tions in the eyes. It also doth much good for the shingles, ringworms, and in all running, fretting and corroding ulcers, applied thereunto. A pessary dipped in the juice, and drop- ped into the matrix, stayeth the immoderate flux of women's courses ; a cloth wet therein, and applied to the testicles or cods, upon swelling therein, giveth much ease, also to the gout that cometh of hot and sharp humours. The juice dropped into the ears, easeth pains thereof that arise of heat or inflammations. And Pliny saith, it is good for hot swel- lings under the throat. Have a care you mistake not the Deadly Nightshade for this ; if you know it not, you may let them both alone, and take no harm, having other medi- cines sufficient in the book. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 203 THE OAK. Sjtitting blood, Vomiting, Dysury, Ulcers of the bladder. BT is so well known (the timber thereof being the glory and safety of this nation by sea) that it needeth no de- scription. Government and Virtues.] Jupiter owns the tree. The leaves and bark of the Oak, and the acorn cups, do bind and dry very much. The inner bark of the tree, and the thin skin that covereth the acorn, are most used to stay the spitting of blood, and the bloody-flux. The decoction of that bark, and the powder of the cups, do stay vomitings, spitting of blood, bleeding at the mouth, or other flux of blood in men or women; lasks also, and the involuntary flux of natural seed. The acorn in powder taken in wine, provoketh urine, and resisteth the poison of venomous creatures. The decoc- tion of acorns and bark made in milk and taken, resisteth the force of poisonous herbs and medicines, as also the viru- lency of cantharides, when one by eating them hath his blad- der exulccrated, and pisseth blood. Hippocrates saith, he used the fumes of Oak leaves to women that were troubled with the strangling of the mother ; and Galen applied them, being bruised, to cure green wounds. The distilled water of the Oaken bud, before they break out into leaves is good to be used either inwardly or outwardly, to assuage inflamma- tions, and to stop all manner of fluxes in man or woman. The same is singular srood in pestilential and hot burning fevers ; for it resisteth the force of the infection, and allayeth the heat: It cooleth the heat of the liver, breaketh the stone in the kidneys, and stayeth women's courses. The decoction of the leaves worketh the same effects. The water that is found in the hollow places of old Oaks, is very effectual against any foul or spreading ,scabs. The distilled water for concoction, (which is better) of the leaves, is one of the best remedies that I know of for the whites in women. OATS. Stitch, IVind, Itch, Leprosies, Freckles. ARE so well known that they need no description. Government and Virtues.] Oats fried with bay salt and applied to the sides, take away the pains of stitches, and 204 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. wind in the sides of the belly. A poultice made of meal of Oats, and some oil of bays put thereunto, helpeth the itch and the leprosy, as also the fistulas of the fundament, and dissolveth hard imposthumes. The meal of Oats boiled with vinegar, and applied, taketh away freckles and spots in the face, and other parts of the body. ONE BLADE. Pestilence, Wounds, Sinews, Cuts. n ■•«* 1 PT^HIS small plant never beareth more than one Descript.] lea^ feut Qnjy wnere it riseth up with his stalk, which thereon beareth another, and seldom more, which are a bluish green colour, pointed, with many ribs or veinB therein, like plantain. At the top of the stalk grow many small white flowers, star-fashion, smelling somewhat sweet; after which come small red berries, when they are ripe. The root is small, of the bigness of a rush, lying and creeping under the upper crust of the earth, shooting forth in divers places. Place.] It groweth in moist, shadowy, and grassy places of woods, in many places of this land. Time.] It flowereth about May, and the berries are ripe in June, and then quickly perisheth, until the next year it springeth from the same root again. Government and Virtues.] It is a precious herb of the Sun. Half a dram, or a dram at most, in powder of the roots hereof taken in wine and vinegar, of each equal parts, and the party laid presently to sweat thereupon, is held to be a sovereign remedy for those that are infected with the plague, and have a sore upon them, by expelling the poison and in- fection, and defending the heart and spirits from danger. It is a singular good wound herb, and is thereupon used with other the like effects in many compound balms for curing of wounds, be they fresh and green, or old and malignant, and especially if the sinews be burnt. ORCHIS. f /' Worms, King's evil, Lust provoketh. IT hath gotten almost as many several names attributed to the several sorts of it, as would almost fill a sheet of ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 205 paper; as dog-stones, goat-stones, fool-stones, fox-stones, satirion, cullians, together with many others too tedious to rehearse. Descript.] To describe all the several sorts of it were an endless piece of work ; therefore I shall only describe the roots, because they are to be used Avith some discretion. They have each of them a double root within, some of them are round, in others like a hand ; these roots alter every year by course, when the one riseth and waxeth full, the other wax- eth lank, and perisheth : Now, it is that which is full which is to be used in medicines, the other being either of no use at all, or else according to the humour of some, it destroys and disannuls the virtue of the other, quite undoing what that doth. Time.] One or other of them may be found in flower from the beginning of April to the latter end of August. Temperature and Virtues.] They are hot and moist in ope- ration, under the dominion of Dame Venus, and provoke lust exceedingly, which, they say, the dried and withered roots do restrain. They are held to kill worms in children; as also, being bruised and applied to the place, to heal the king's evil. ONIONS. Mad dogs, Worms, Cough, Lethargy, Epidemical diseases. THEY are so well known, that I need not spend time about writing a description of them. Government and Virtues.] Mars owns them, and they have gotten this quality, to draw any corruption to them, for if you peel one, and lay it upon a dunghill, you shall find him rotten in half a day, by drawing putrefaction to it; then be- ing bruised and applied to a plague sore, it is very probable will do the like. Onions are flatulent, or windy ; yet they do somewhat provoke appetite, increase thirst, e«se the belly and bowels, provoke women's courses, help the biting of a mad dog, and of other venomous creatures, to be used with honey and rue, increase sperm, especially the seed of them. They also kill worms in children if they drink the water fasting wherein they have been steeped all night. Being roasted under the embers, and eaten with honey, or sugar and oil, they much conduce to help an inveterate cough, and ex- pectorate the tough phlegm. The juice being snuffed up in 206 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. the nostrils, purgeth the head, and helpeth the lethargy, (yet the often eating them is said to procure pains in the head.) It hath been held by divers country people a great preserva- tive against infection, to eat Onions fasting with bread and salt: As also to make a great Onion hollow, filling the place with good treacle, and after to roast it well under the em- bers, which, after taking away the outermost skin thereof, being beaten together, is a sovereign salve for either plague or sores, or any other putrified ulcer. The juice of Onions is good for either scalding or burning by fire, water, or gun- powder, and used with vinegar, taketh away all blemishes, spots, and marks in the skin ; and dropped in the ears, easeth the pains and noise of them. Apphed also with figs beaten together, helpeth to ripen and break imposthumes, and other sores. Leeks are as hke them in quality, as the pome-water is like an apple : They are a remedy against a surfeit of mush- rooms, being baked under the embers and taken ; and being boiled and applied very warm, help the piles. In other things they have the same property as the Onions, although not so effectual. ORPINE, or AARON's ROD. Excoriations of the bowels, Phthisic, Womb, Inflammations, Quinsy. r. . . -i ^"^OMMON Orpine riseth up with divers round " '•! \_y brittle stalks, thick set with flat and fleshy leaves, without any order, and Uttle or nothing dented about the edges, of a green colour : The flowers are white, or whitish, growing in tiifts, after which come small chaffy husks, with seeds like dust in them. The roots are divers thick, round, white tuberous clogs ; and the plant groweth not so big in some places as in others where it is found. Place.] It is frequent in almost every county in this land, and is cherished in gardens with us, where it groweth greater than that which is wild, and groweth in shadowy sides of fields and woods. Time.] It flowereth about July, and the seed is ripe in August. Government and Virtues.] The Moon owns the herb, and he that knows but her exaltation, knows what I say is true. Orpine is seldom used in inward medicines with us, although Tragus saith from experience in Germany, that the distilled ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 207 water thereof is profitable for gnawings or excoriations in the stomach or bowels, or for ulcers in the lungs, liver, or other inward parts, as also in the matrix, and helpeth all those diseases, being drank for certain days together. It stayeth the sharpness of humours in the bloody-flux, and other fluxes in the body or in wounds. The root thereof also performeth the hke effect. It is used outwardly to cool any heat or inflammation upon any hurt or wound, and easeth the pains of them ; as also, to heal scaldings or burnings, the juice thereof being beaten with some green sallad oil, and anointed. The leaf bruised, and laid to any green wound in the hands or legs, doth heal them quickly ; and being bound to the throat, much helpeth the quinsy ; it helpeth also ruptures and burstenness. If you please to make the juice thereof into a syrup with honey or sugar, you may safely take a spoonful or two at a time (let my author say what he will) for a quinsy, and you shall find the medicine more pleasant, and the cure more speedy, than if you had taken dog's turd, which is the vulgar cure. PARSLEY. Stomach, Dysury, Wind, Sucking children, Women's breasts. Curdled milk, Dropsy, Jaundice, Spleen. THIS is so well known, that it needs no description. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of Mercury; is very comfortable to the stomach ; helpeth to provoke urine and women's courses, to break wind both in the stomach and bowels, and doth a little open the body, but the root much more. It openeth obstructions both of liver and spleen, and is therefore accounted one of the five opening roots. Galen commended it against the falling-sickness, and to provoke urine mightily, especially if the roots be boiled, and eaten like parsnips. The seed is effectual to provoke urine and women's courses, to expel wind, to break the stone, and easeth the pains and torments thereof; it is also effectual against the venom of any poisonous creature, and the danger that cometh to them that have the lethargy, and is as good against the cough. The distilled water of Parsley is a familiar medicine with nurses to give their children when they are troubled with wind in the stomach or belly, which they call the frets ; and is also much available to them that are of great rears. The leaves of Parsley laid to the eyes that are in- 208 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. flamed with heat, or swollen, doth much help them, if it be used with bread and meal ; and being fried with butter, and applied to women's breasts that are hard through the curd- ling of their milk, it abateth the hardness quickly, and also it taketh away black and blue marks coming of bruises or falls. The juice thereof dropped into the ears with a little wine, easeth the pains. Tragus setteth down an excellent medicine to help the jaundice and falling-sickness, the dropsy, and stone in the kidneys, in this manner : Take of the seed of Parsley, Fennel, Annise, and Carraways, of each an ounce ; of the roots of Parsley, Burnet, Saxifrage, and Carraways, of each an ounce and an half; let the seeds be bruised, and the roots washed and cut small; let them lie all night in steep in a bottle of white wine, and in the morning be boiled in a close earthen vessel until a third part or more be wasted; which being strained and cleared, take four ounces thereof morning and evening first and last, abstaining from drink af- ter it for three hours. This openeth obstructions of the liver and spleen, and expeUeth the dropsy or jaundice by urine. PARSLEY PIERT, or, PARSLEY BREAKSTONE. Provokes urine, Gravel in the kidneys, Stone. D •' /l PT^HE root, although it be very small and esci ip .j j^ thready, yet it continues many years, from whence arise many leaves lying along on the ground, each standing upon a long small foot-stalk, the leaves as broad as a man's nail, very deeply dented on the edges, somewhat like a parsley-leaf, but of a very dusky green colour. The stalks are very weak and slender, about three or four fingers in length, set so full of leaves that they can hardly be seen, either having no foot-stalk at all, or but very short; the flowers are so small they can hardly be seen, and the id as small as may be. Place.] It is a common herb throughout the nav. n. and rejoiceth in barren, sandy, moist places. It may be found plentifully about Hampstead-Heath, Hyde-Park, and in To- thill-Fields. Time.] It may be found all the summer-time, even from the beginning of April to the end of October. Government and Virtues.] Its operation is very prevalent to provoke urine, and to break the stone. It is a very good sallad herb. It were good the gentry would pickle it up as HNGLISH PHYSICIAN. 209 they pickle up samphire for their use all the winter. I cannot teach them how to do it; yet this I can tell them, it is a very wholesome herb. They may also keep the herb dry, or in a syrup, if they please. You may take a dram of the powder of it in white wine ; it would bring away gravel from the kidneys insensibly, and without pain. It also helps the strangury. PARSNIP. Provokes lust, Dysury, Cholic. THE garden kind thereof is so well known (the root being commonly eaten) that I shall not trouble you with any description of it. But the wild kind being of more physical use, I shall in this place describe it unto you." Descript.] The wild Parsnip differeth little from the gar- den, but groweth not so fair and large, nor hath so many leaves, and the root is shorter, more woody, and not so fit. to be eaten, and therefore more medicinal. Place.] The name of the first sheweth the place of its growth. The other groweth wild in divers places, as in the marshes by Rochester, and elsewhere, and flowereth in July; the seed being ripe about the beginning of August, the se- cond year after the sowing; for if they do flower the first year, the country people call them Madneps. Government and Virtues.] The garden Parsnips are under Venus. The garden Parsnip nourisheth much, and is good and wholesome nourishment, but a little windy, whereby it is thought to procure bodily lust 4 but it fatteneth the body much, if much used. It is conducible to the stomach and reins, and provoketh urine. But the wild Parsnip hath a cutting, attenuating, cleansing, and opening quality therein. It resisteth and helpeth the bitings of serpents, easeth the pains and stitches in the sides, and dissolveth wind both in the stomach and bowels, which is the colick, and provoketh urine. The root is often used, but the seed much more. The wild being better than the tame, shews Dame Nature to be the best physician. COW PARSNIP. Cough, Difficulty of breathing, Jaundice, Mother, Head-ache, Shingles. n " 1 PT^HIS groweth with three or four large, spread- uescnpt.j ■ wingedj rough ieaveg, lying often on the 18* 210 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. ground, or else raised a little from it, with long, round hairy foot-stalks under them, parted usually into five divi- sions, the two couples standing each against the other; and one at the end, and each leaf being almost round, yet somewhat deeply cut in on the edges in some leaves, and not so deep in others, of a whitish green colour, smelling somewhat strongly ; among which riseth up A round, crust- ed, hairy stalk, two or three feet high, with a few joints and leaves thereon, and branched at the top, where stand large umbels of white, and sometimes reddish flowers, and after them flat, whitish, thin, winged seed, two always joined to- gether. The root is long and white, with two or three long strings growing down into the ground, smelling likewise strongly and unpleasant. Place.] It groweth in moist meadows, and the borders and corners of fields, and near ditches, through this land. Time.] It flowereth in July, and seedeth in August. Government and Virtues.] Mercury hath the dominion over them. The seed thereof, as Galen saith, is of a sharp and cutting quality, and therefore is a fit medicine for a cough and shortness of breath, the falling-sickness and jaundice. The root is available to all the purposes aforesaid, and is also of great use to take away the hard skin that groweth on a fistula, if it be but scraped upon it. The seed hereof being drank, eleanseth the belly from tough phlegmatic wa- ter therein, easeth them that are liver-grown, women's pas- sions of the mother, as well being drank as the smoke thereof received underneath, and likewise riseth such as are fallen into a deep sleep, or have the lethargy, by burning it under their nose. The seed and root boiled in oil, and the head rubbed therewith, helpeth not only those that are fallen into a frenzy, but also the lethargy or drowsy evil, and those that have been long troubled with the head-ache, if it be likewise used with rue. It helpeth also the running scab and the shingles. The juice of the flowers dropped into the ears that run and are full of matter, eleanseth and healeth them. THE PEACH-TREE. Dropsy, Cough, Shortness of breath, Spitting blood, Wind cholic. n . _ A Peach-Tree groweth not so great at the Descrtpt.] J^ Apricet-Tree, yet spreadeth branches rea- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 211 sonable well, from whence spring smaller reddish twigs. whereon are set long and narrow green leaves dented about the edges. The blossoms are greater than the plum, and of a light purple colour ; the fruit round, and sometimes as big as a reasonable pippin, others smaller, as also differing in colour and taste, as russet, red, or yellow, waterish or firm, with a frize or cotton all over, with a cleft therein like an apricot, and a rugged, furrowed, great stone within it, and a bitter kernel within the stone. It sooner waxeth old, and decayeth, than the apricot, by much. Place.] They are nursed in gardens and orchards through this land. Time.] They flower in the spring, and fructify in autumn. Government and Virtues.] Lady Venus owns this Tree, and by it opposeth the ill effects of Mars ; and indeed for children arid young people, nothing is better to purge choler and the jaundice, than the leaves or flowers of this tree, be- ing made into a syrup or conserve ; let such as delight to please their lust regard the fruit; but such as have lost their health, and their children's, let them regard what I say, they may safely give two spoonfuls of the syrup at a tune ; it is as gentle as Venus herself. The leaves of peaches bruised and laid on the belly, kill worms ; and so they do also being boiled in ale and drank, and open the belly hkewise; and being dried is a safer medicine to discuss humours. The powder of them strewed upon fresh bleeding wounds stayeth their bleeding, and closeth them up. The flowers steeped all night in a little wine standing warm, strained forth in the morning, and drank fasting, doth gently open the bel- ly, and move it downward. A syrup made of them, as the syrup of roses is made, worketh more forcibly than that of roses, for it provoketh vomiting, and spendeth waterish and hydropick humours by the continuance thereof. The flow- ers made into a conserve, worketh the same effect. The liquor that droppeth from the tree, being wounded, is given in the decoction of Coltsfoot, to those that are troubled with the cough or shortness of breath, by adding thereunto some sweet wine, and putting some saffron also therein. It is good for those that are hoarse, or have lost their voice; helpeth all defects of the lungs, and those that vomit and spit blood. Two drams hereof given in the juice of lemons, or of rad- dish is good for them that are troubled with the stone. The 212 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. kernels of the stones do wonderfully ease the pains and wringings of the belly, through wind or sharp humours, and help to make an excellent medicine for the stone upon all occasions in this manner : J take fifty kernels of peach-stones, and one hundred of the kernels of cherry-stones, a handful of elder flowers fresh or dried, and three pints of muscadel; set them in a close pot into a bed of horse dung for ten days, after which distil in a glass with a gentle fire, and keep it for your use : You may drink upon occasion three or four ounces at a time. The milk or cream of these kernels being drawn forth with some vervain water, and applied to the forehead and temples, doth much help to procure rest and sleep to sick persons wanting it. The oil drawn from the kernels, the temples being therewith anointed, doth the like. The said oil put into clysters, easeth the pains of the wind-colick; and anointed on the lower part of the belly, doth the like, and dropped into the ears, easeth pains in them ; the juice of the leaves doth the like. Being also anointed on the forehead and temples, it helpeth the megrim, and all other parts in the head. If the kernels be bruised and boiled in vinegar, until they become thick, and applied to the head, it marvellously procures the hair to grow again upon bald places, or where it is too thin. THE PEAR-TREE. Mushrooms, Stomach, Inflammations, Cool wounds. PEAR-Trees are so well known, that they need no de- scription. Government and Virtues.] The tree belongs to Venus, and so doth the apple-tree. For their physical use they are best discerned by their taste. All the sweet and lucious sorts, whether manured or wild, do help to move the belly down- wards, 'more or less. Those that are hard and sour, do, on the contrary, bind the belly as much, and the leaves do so also : Those that are moist do in some sort cool, but harsh or wild sorts much more, and are very good in repelhng medicines; and if the wild sort be boiled with mushrooms, it makes them less dangerous. The said Pears boiled with a little honey, helps much the oppressed stomach, as all sorts of them do, some more, some less ; but the harsher sorts do more cool and bind, serving well to be bound in green ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 213 wounds, to cool and stay the blood, and to heal up the wound without further trouble, or inflammation, as Galen saith he found it by experience. The wild Pears do sooner close up the hps of green wounds than others. Schola Salerni adviseth to drink much wine after Pears, or else (say they) they are as bad as poison ; nay, and they curse the tree for it too; but if a poor man find his stomach oppressed by eating Pears, it is but working hard, and it will do as well as drinking wine. PELLITORY OF SPAIN. Brain purgeth, Agues, Distillations of the brain, Consump- tion, Head-ache, Black and blue spots. COMMON Pelitory of Spain, if it be planted in our gar- dens, it will prosper very well; yet there is one sort growing ordinarily here wild, which I esteem to be little in- ferior to the other if at all. I shall not deny you the descrip- tion of them both. Descript.] Common Pellitory is a very common plant, and will not be kept in our gardens without diligent looking to. The root goes down right into the grourid, bearing leaves, being long and finely cut upon the stalk, lying on the ground, much larger than the leaves of the camomile are. At the top it bears one single large flower at a place, having a border of many leaves, white on the upper side, and red- dish underneath, with a yellow thrum in the middle, not standing so close as that of camomile doth. The other common Pellitory which groweth here, hath a root of a sharp biting taste, scarce discernable by the taste from that before described, from whence arise divers brittle stalks, a yard high and more, with narrow long leaves finely dented about the edges, standing one above another up to the tops. The flowers are many and white, standing in tufts like those of yarrow, with a small, yellowish thrum in the middle. The seed is very small. Place.] The last groweth in the fields in the hedges sides and paths, almost every where. Time.] It flowereth at the latter end of June and July. Government and Virtues.] It [is under the government of Mercury, and 1 am persuaded it is one of the best purges of the brain that grows. An ounce of the juice taken in a draught of muscadel an hour before the fit of the ague 214 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. comes, it will assuredly drive away the ague at the second or third time taking at the farthest. Either the herb or root dried and chewed in the mouth, purgeth the brain of phlegmatic humours ; thereby not only easing pains in the head and teeth, but also hindereth the distilling of the brain upon the lungs and eyes, thereby preventing coughs, phthisicks and consumptions, the apoplexy and fall- ing sickness. It is an excellent approved remedy in the lethargy. The powder of the herb or root being snuffed up the nostrils, procureth sneezing, and easeth the head-ache; being made into an ointment with hog's grease, it takes away black and blue spots occasioned by blows or falls, and helps both the gout and sciatica. PELLITORY of the WALL. Dry cough, Stone, Gravel, Mother, Sore throat, Teeth, Ulcers, Piles,"Gout, Tendons. jy . . -I TTT riseth with brownish, red, tender, weak, J L clear, and almost transparent stalks, about two feet high, upon which grow at the joints two leaves somewhat broad and long, of a dark green colour, which afterwards turn brownish, smooth on the edges, but rough and hairy, as the stalks are also. At the joints with the leaves from the middle of the stalk upwards, where it spread- etb into branches, stand many small, pale, purplish flowers in hairy rough heads, or husks, after which come small black, rough seed, which will stick to any cloth or garment that shall touch it. The root is somewhat long, with small fibres thereat, of a dark reddish colour, which abideth the winter, although the stalks and leaves perish and spring every year. Place.] It groweth wild generally through the land, about the borders of fields, and by the sides of walls, and among rubbish. It will endure well being brought up in gardens, and planted on the shady side, where it will spring of its own sowing. Time.] It flowereth in June and July, and the seed is ripe ' soon after. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of Mer- cury. The dried herb Pellitory made up into an electuary with honey, or the juice of the herb, or the decoction thereof made up with sugar of honey, is a singular remedy for an old or dry cough, the shortness of breath, and wheezing in ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 215 the throat. Three ounces of the juice thereof taken at a time, doth wonderfully help stopping of the urine, and to expel the stone or gravel in the kidneys or bladder, and is therefore usually put among other herbs used in clysters to mitigate pains in the back, sides, or bowels, proceeding of wind, stopping of urine, the gravel or stone, as aforesaid. If the bruised herb, sprinkled with some muscadel, be warmed upon a tile, or in a dish upon a few quick* coals in a chafing- dish, and applied to the belly, it worketh the same effect. The decoction of the herb, being drank, easeth pains in the mother, and bringeth down women's courses : It also easeth those griefs that arise from obstructions of the liver, spleen and reins. The same decoction, with a little honey added thereto, is good to gargle a sore throat. The juice held a while in the mouth, easeth pains in the teeth. The distilled water of the herb drank with some sugar, worketh the same effects, and eleanseth the skin from spots, freckles, purples, wheals, sun-burn, morphew, &c. The juice dropped into the ears, easeth the noise in them, and taketh away the prick- ing and shooting pains therein: The same, or the distilled water, assuageth hot and swelling imposthumes, burnings, and scaldings by fire or water ; as also all other hot tumours and inflammations, or breakings out of heat, being bathed often with wet cloths dipped therein : The said juke made into a Uniment with ceruse, and oil of roses, and anointed therewith, eleanseth foul rotten ulcers, and stayeth spreading or creeping ulcers, and running scabs or sores in childrens heads ; and helpeth to stay the hair from falling off the head : The said ointment, or the herb applied to the funda- ment, openeth the piles, and easeth their pains; and being mixed with goats tallow, helpeth the gout: The juice is very effectual to cleanse fistulas, and to heal them up safely; or the herb itself bruised and applied with a little salt. It is likewise also effectual to heal any green wound; if it be bruised and bound thereto for three days, you shall need no other medicine to heal it further. A poultice made hereof with mallows, and boiled in wine and wheat bran and bean flower, and some oil put thereto, and applied warm to any bruised sinews, tendon, or muscle, doth in a very short time restore them to their strength, taking away the pains of the bruises, and dissolveth the congealed blood coming of blows, or falls from high places. 216 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. The juice of Pellitory of the Wall clarified and boiled in a syrup with honey, and a spoonful of it drank every morning by such as are subject to the dropsy; if continuing that course, though but once a week, if ever they have the dropsy, let them come but to me, and I will cure them gratis. PENNYROYAL. Tough phlegm, Provokes terms, Dead child, Head-ache, Fall- ing sickness, Sinking water, Cramps, Sore mouth, Dropsy, Eye sight. PENNYROYAL is so well known unto all, I mean the common kind, that needeth no description. There is a greater kind than the ordinary sort found wild with us, which so abideth being brought into gardens, and differeth not from it, but only in the largeness of the leaves and stalks, in rising higher, and not creeping upon the ground so much. The flowers whereof are purple, growing in run- dies about the stalks like the other. Place.] The first, which is common in gardens, groweth also in many moist and watery places of this land. The second is found wild in effect in divers places by the highways from London to Colchester, and thereabouts, more abundantly than in any other countries, and is also planted in their gardens in Essex. Time.] They flower in the latter end of summer, about August. Government and Virtues.] The herb is under Venus. Di- oscorides saith, that Pennyroyal maketh thin tough phlegm, warmeth the coldness of any part whereto it is applied, and digesteth raw or corrupt matter: Being boiled and drank, it provoketh womehjs, courses, and expelleth the dead child and after-birth, and stayeth -the disposition to vomit being taken in water and vinegar mingled together. And being mingled with honey and salt, it voideth phlegm out of the lungs, and purgeth melancholy by the stool. Drank with wine, it help- eth such as are bitten and stung with venomous beasts, and applied to the nostrils with vinegar, reviveth those that are fainting and swooning. Being dried and burnt, it strength- ened! the gums. It is helpful to those that are troubled with the gout, being applied of itself to the place until it was red, and applied in a plaister, it takes away spots or marks in the face, applied with salt, it profiteth those that are splenet- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 217 lck, or liver grown. The decoction doth help the itch, if washed therewith ; being put into baths for women to sit therein, it helpeth the swellings and hardness of the mother. The green herb bruised and put into vinegar, eleanseth foul ulcers, and taketh away the marks or bruises and blows about the eyes, and all discolourings of the face by fire, yea, and the leprosy, being drank and outwardly applied : Boiled in wine with honey and salt, it helpeth the toothache. It helpeth the cold griefs of the joints, taking away the pains, and warmeth the cold part, being fast bound to the place, after a bathing or sweating in an hot house. Pliny addeth, that Pennyroyal and mints together, help faintings, being put into vinegar, and smelled unto, or put into the nostrils or mouth. It easeth head-aches, pains of the breast and belly," and gnawing of the stomach ; applied with honey, salt, and vinegar, it helpeth cramps or convulsions of the sinews : Boiled in milk, and drank, it is effectual for the .cough, and for ulcers and sores in the mouth; drank in wine it provok- eth women's courses, and expelleth the dead child, and after- birth. Matthiolus saith, The decoction thereof being drank, helpeth the jaundice and dropsy, all pains of the head and sinews that come of a cold cause, and cleareth the eye-sight. It helpeth the lethargy, and applied with barley-meal, helpeth burnings ; and put into the ears easeth the pains of them. MALE and FEMALE PEONY. Falling sickness, Women not cleansed in child birth, Night- ?nare. D ' 11 1%/T^kl2 Peony riseth up with brownish stalks, " "-1 I Tl whereon grow green and reddish leaves, upon a stalk"without any particular division in the leaf at all. The flowers stand at the top of the stalks, consisting of five or six broad leaves, of a fair purplish red colour, with many yellow threads in the middle standing about the head, which after riseth up to be the seed vessels, divided into two, three, or four crooked pods like horns, which being full ripe, open and turn themselves down backward, shewing within them divers round, black, shining seeds, having also many crimson grains, intermixed with black, whereby it maketh a very pretty shew. The roots are great, thick, and long,., spread- ing and running down deep in the ground. The ordinary Female Peony hath as many stalks, and more 19 218 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. leaves on them than the Male ; the leaves not so large, but nicked on the edges, some with great and deep, others with smaller cuts and divisions, of a dead green colour. The flowers are of a strong heady scent, usually smaller, and of a more purple colour than the Male, with yellow thrums about the head, as the Male hath. The seed vessels are like horns, as in the Male, but smaller, the seed is black, but less shin- ing. The roots consist of many short tuberous clogs, fastened at the end of long strings, and all from the heads of the roots, which is thick and short, and of the hke scent with the Male. Place and Time.] They grow in gardens, and flower us- ually about May, Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of the Sun, and under the Lion. Physicians say, Male Peony roots are best; but Dr. Reason told me Male Peony was best for men, and Female Peony for women, and he desires to be judged by his brother Dr. Experience. The roots are held to be of more virtue than the seed ; next the flowers, and last of all, the leaves. The root of the Male Peony, fresh gathered, having been found by experience to cure the falling sickness ; but the surest way is, besides hanging it about the neck, by which children have been cured, to take the root of the Male Peony washed clean, and stamped somewhat small, and laid to in- fuse in sack for 24 hours at the least, afterwards strain it, and take it first and last morning and evening, a good draught for sundry days together, before and after a full moon, and this will also cure older persons, if the disease be not grown too old, and past cure, especially if there be a due and or- derly preparation of the body with posset drink made of be- tony, &c. The root is also effectual for women that are not sufficiently cleansed after child-birth, and such as are troubled with the mother ; for which likewise the black seed beaten to powder, and given in wine, is also available. The black seed also taken before bed-time, and in the morning, is very effectual for such as in their sleep are troubled with the dis- ease called Ephialte, or Incubus, but we do commonly call it the Night-mare ; a disease which melancholy persons are subject unto : It is also good against melancholy dreams. The distilled water or syrup made of the flowers, worketh, the same effects that the root and the seed do, although more weakly. The Female is often used for the purposes afore- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 219 said, by reason the Male is so scarce a plant, that it is pos- sessed by few, and those great lovers of rarities in this kind. PEPPERWORT, or DITTANDER. Sciatica, Pained joints, Marks in the skin. n . . -] ^~\UR common Pepperwort sendeth forth * ■■■ \J somewhat long and broad leaves, of a Ught bluish greenish colour, finely dented about the edges, and pointed at the ends, standing upon round hard stalks, three or four feet high, spreading many branches on all sides, and having many small white flowers at the tops of them, after which follow ^amall seeds in small heads. The root is slender, running much under ground, and shooting up again in many places, and both leaves and roots are very hot and sharp of taste, like pepper, for which cause it took the name. Place.] It groweth naturally in many places of this land, as at Clare in Essex ; also near unto Exeter in Devonshire; upon Rochester Common in Kent; in Lancashire, and divers other places ; but usually kept in gardens. Time.] It flowereth in the end of June, and in July. Government and Virtues.] Here is another martial herb for you, make much of it. Pliny and Paulus iEgineta say, that Pepperwort is very successful for the sciatica, or any other gout or pain in the joints, or any other inveterate grief: The leaves hereof to be bruised, and mixed with old hog's grease and applied to the place, and to continue thereon four hours in men, and two hours in women, the place being afterwards bathed with wine and oil mixed together, and then wrapt up with wool or skins, after they have sweat a little. It also amendeth the deformities or dis- colourings of the skin, and helpeth to take away marks, scars, and scabs, or the foul marks of burning with fire or iron. The juice hereof is by some used to be given in ale to drink to women with child, to procure them a speedy deliv- ery in travail. PERIWINKLE. Stanch bleeding, Women's courses, Flux of the belly. n ' /1 T^HE common sort hereof hath many Uescnpt.] j^ branches trailing or running upon the 220 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. ground, shooting out small fibres at the joints as it runneth, taking thereby hold in the ground, and rooteth in divers places. At the joints of these branches stand two small dark, green, shining leaves, somewhat like bay leaves but smaller, and with them come forth also the flowers (one at a joint) standing upon a tender foot-stalk, being somewhat long and hollow, parted at the brims, sometimes into four, some- times into five leaves : The most ordinary sorts are of a pale blue colour ; some are pure white, and some of a dark red- dish purple colour. The root is Uttle bigger than a rush, bushing in the ground and creeping with his branches far about, whereby it quickly possesseth a great compass, and is therefore most usually planted under hedges where it may have room to run. Place.] Those with the pale blue, and those with the white flowers, grow in woods and orchards, by the hedge- sides, in divers places of this land ; but those with the pur- ple flowers, in gardens only. Time.] They flower in March and April. Temperature and Virtues.] Venus own3 this herb, and saith, That the leaves eaten by man and wife together, cause love between them. The Periwinkle is a great binder, stayeth bleeding both at the mouth and nose, if some of the leaves be ohewed. The French use it to stay women's courses. Dioscorides, Galen, and jEgineta, commended it against the lasks and fluxes of the belly to be drank in wine. PIMPERNEL. Thorns, Splinters, Purge the head, Fevers, Bite of mad dogs, Urine, Stone, Gravel, Ulcers. . , ^iOMMON Pimpernel hath divers weak square Descript.] «^ staiks lying on the ground, beset all with two small and almost round leaves at every joint, one against another, very like chickweed, but hath no foot-stalks ; for the leaves, as it were, compass the stalk. The flowers stand singly each by themselves at them and the stalk, consisting of five small round-pointed leaves, of a pale red colour, tend- ing to an orange, with so many threads in the middle, in whose places succeed smooth round heads, wherein is con- tained small seed. The root is small and fibrous, perishing every year. Place.] It groweth everywhere almost, as well in the ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 221 meadows and corn-fields, as by the way sides, and in gar- dens, arising of itself. Time.] It flowereth from May until April, and the seed ripeneth in the meantime, and falleth. Government and Virtues.] It is a gallant solar herb, of a cleansing attractive quality, whereby it draweth forth thorns or splinters, or other such like things gotten into the flesh ; and put up into the nostrils, purgeth the head ; and Galen saith also, they have a drying faculty, whereby they are good to solder the lips of wounds, and to cleanse foul ulcers. The distilled water or juice is much esteemed by French . dames to cleanse the skin from any roughness, deformity, or discolouring thereof; being boiled in wine and given to drink, it is a good remedy against the plague, and other pes'- tilential fevers, if the party after taking it, be warm in hie bed, and sweat for two hours after, and use the same for twice at least. It helpeth also all stingings and bitings of venomous beasts, or mad dogs, being used inwardly, and applied outwardly. The same also openeth obstructions of the liver, and is very available against the infirmities of the reins: It provoketh urine, and helpeth to expel the stone and gravel out of the kidneys and bladder, and helpeth much in all inward pains and ulcers. The decoction, or distilled water, is no less effectual to be applied to all wounds that are fresh and green, or old, filthy, fretting, and running ul- eers, which it very effectually cureth in a short space. A little mixed with the juice, and dropped into the eyes, eleans- eth them from cloudy mists, or thick films which grow over them, and hinder the sight. It helpeth the tooth-ache, being dropped into the ear on the contrary side of the pain. It is also effectual to ease the pains of the haemorrhoids or piles. GROUND PINE, or CHAMEPITYS. Strangury, Women's courses, Mother, Gout, Dropsy, Cough, Breast, Old sores. n •' tl f\^^ cornmon Ground Pine groweth low, IJesenpt.j ^p seldom rising above an hand's breadth high, shooting forth divers small branches set with slender, small, long, narrow, greyish, or whitish leaves, somewhat hairy, and divided into three parts, many bushing together at a joint, some growing scatteringly upon the stalks, smelling somewhat strong, like unto rosin : The flowers are small, 19* 222 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. and of a pale yellow colour, growing from the joint of the stalk all along among the leaves; after which come small and round husks. The root is smaU and woody, perishing every year. Place.] It groweth more plentifully in Kent than any other county of this land; as namely, in many places on this side Dartford, along to Southfleet, Chatham, and Rochester, and upon Chatham Down, hard by the Beacon, and half a mile from Rochester, in a field nigh a house called Selesys. Time.] It flowereth and giveth seed in the summer months. Government and Virtues.] Mars owns the herb. The de- coetion of Ground Pine drank, doth wonderfully prevail against the strangury, or any inward pains arising from dis- eases of the reins and urine, and is special good for all obstructions of the liver and spleen, and gently openeth the body ; for which purpose they were wont in former times to make pills with the powder thereof, and the pulp of figs. It marvellously helpeth all the diseases of the mother, inwardly or outwardly applied, procuring women's courses, and ex- pelling the dead child and after-birth; yea, it is so powerful upon these feminine parts, that it is utterly forbidden for women with child, for it will cause abortion or delivery be- fore the time. The decoction of the herb in wine taken in- wardly, or applied outwardly, or both, for some time together, is also effectual in all pains and diseases of the joints, as gouts, cramps, palsies, sciaticav and aches ; for which pur- pose the pills made with powder of Ground Pine, and of hermodactyls with Venice turpentine are very effectual. The pills also, continued for some time, are special good for those that have the dropsy, jaundice, and for griping pains of the joints, belly, or inward parts. It helpeth also all diseases of the brain, proceeding of cold and phlegmatick humours and distillations, as also for the falling-sickness. It is a spe- cial remedy for the poison of the aconites, and other poison- ful herbs, as also against the stinging of any venomous crea- ture. It is a good remedy for a cold cough, especially in the beginning. For all the purposes aforesaid, the herb be- ing tunned up in new drink and drank, is almost as effectual, but far more acceptable to weak and dainty stomachs. The distilled water of the herb hath the same effects, but more weakly. The conserve of the flowers doth the like, which Matthiolus much £ommendeth against the palsy. The green ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 225 herb, or the decoction thereof, being applied, dissolveth the hardness of women's breasts, and all other hard swellings in any other part of the body. The green herb also applied, or the juice thereof with some honey, not only eleanseth putrid, stinking, foul, and malignant ulcers and sores of all sorts, but healeth and soldereth up the lips of green wounds in any part also. Let women forbear, if they be with child, for it works violently upon the feminine part. PLANTAIN. Distillations of rheum, Phtfiisic, Consumption, Uulcers in the lungs, Dropsy, Web in the eye, Hollow ulcers, Sore in the private parts, Piles, Bones, Joints, Worms, Shingles, Fret- ting sores. THIS groweth usually in meadows and fields, and by path-sides, and is so well known, that it needeth no description. Time.] It is in its beauty about June, and the seed ripen- eth shortly after. Government and Virtues.] It is true, Mizaldus and others, yea, almost all astrology physicians hold this to be an herb of Mars, because it cures the diseases of the head and privi- ties, which are under the houses of Mars, Aries, and Scor- pio : The truth is, it is under the command of Venus, and cures the head by antipathy to Mars, and the privities by sympathy to Venus ; neither is there hardly a martial disease but it cures. The juice of Plantain clarified and drank for divers days together, either of itself, or in other drink, prevaileth won- derfully against all torments or excoriations in the guts or bowels, helpeth the distillations of rheum from the head, and stayeth all manner of fluxes, even women's courses, when they flow too abundantly. It is good to stay spitting of blood, and other bleedings at the mouth, or the making of foul and bloody water, by reason of any ulcer in the reins or bladder, and also stayeth the too free bleeding of wounds. It i> held an especial remedy for those that are troubled with the phthisick, or consumption of the lungs, or ulcers of the lungs, or coughs that come of heat. The decoction or pow- der of the roots or seeds is much more binding for all the purposes aforesaid than the leaves. Dioscorides saith, that three roots boiled in wine and taken, helpeth the tertian ague, 224 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. and for the quartan ague, (but letting the number pass as fabu- lous) I conceive the decoction of divers roots may be effectual. The herb (but especially the seed) is held to be profitable against the dropsy, the falling-sickness, the yellow jaundice, and stop- pings of the liver and reins. The roots of Plantain, and Pellitory of Spain, beaten into powder, and put into the hol- low teeth taketh away the pains of them. The clarified juice, or distilled water, dropped into the eyes, cooleth the inflammations in them, and taketh away the pin and web ; and dropped into the ears, easeth the pains in them, and helpeth and removeth the heat. The same also with the juice of houseleek is profitable against all inflammations and breakings out of the skin, and against burnings and scald- ings by fire and water. The juice or decoction made either of itself, or other things of the j like nature, is of much use and good effect for old and hollow ulcers that are hard to be cured, and for cankers and sores in the mouth or privy parts of man or woman; and helpeth also the pains of the piles in the fundament. The juice mixed with oil of roses, and the temples and forehead fmointed therewith, easeth the pains of the head proceeding from heat, and helpeth luna- tick and frantick persons very much; as also the biting of serpents, or a mad dog. The same also is profitably applied to all hot gouts in the feet or hands, especially in the begin- ning. It is also good to be applied where any bone is out of joint, to hinder inflammations, swelUngs, and pains that pre- sently rise thereupon. The powder of the dried leaves taken in drink, killeth worms of the belly ; and boiled in wine, kil- leth worms that breed in old and foul ulcers. One part of Plantain water, and two parts of the brine of powdered beef, boiled together and clarified, is a most sure remedy to heal all spreading scabs or itch in the head and body, all manner of tetters, ringworms, the shingles, and all other running and fretting sores. Briefly, the Plantains are singular good wound herbs to heal fresh or old wounds or sores, either inward or outward. POLYPODY op the OAK. Drieth humours, Phlegm, Cholic, Spleen, Cough, Shortness of breath, Lungs, Phthisic. fl^HIS is a small herb consisting of nothing Dcstry/t.] ■ ^ut roots and leaves, bearing neither stalk, flower^nor seed, as it is thought. It hath three or fou* ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 225 leaves rising from the root, every one single by itself, of about a hand length, are winged, consisting of many small narrow leaves, cut into the middle rib, standing on each side of the stalk, large below and smaller up to the top, not dented nor notched at the edges at all, as the male fern hath, of a sad green colour, and smooth on the upper side, but on the other side somewhat rough by reason of some yeUowish spots set thereon. The root is smaller than one's little finger, lying aslope, or creeping along under the upper crust of the earth, brownish on the outside and greenish within, of a sweetish harshness in taste, set with certain rough knags on each side thereof, having also much mossiness or yellow hairiness upon it, and some fibers underneath it, whereby it is nourished. Place.] It groweth as well upon old rotten stumps, or trunks of trees, as oak, beech, hazel, willow, or any other, as in the woods under them, and upon old mud walls, as also in mossy, stoney, and gravelly places near unto wood. That which groweth upon oak is accounted the best; but 4he quantity thereof is scarce sufficient for the common use. Time.] It being always green, may be gathered for use at any time. Government and Virtues.] And why, I pray, must Polypo- dium of the Oak only be used, gentle college of physicians ? Can you give me but a glimpse of reason for it ? It is only because it is dearest. Will you never leave your covetous- ness till your lives leave you? The truth is, that which grows upon the earth is best ('tis an herb of Saturn, and he seldom climbs trees) to purge melancholy; if the humour be otherwise, chuse you Polypodium accordingly. Meuse (who is called the physicians evangelist for the certainty of his medicines, and the truth of his opinion) saith, That it drieth up thin humours, digesteth thick and tough, and purgeth burnt choler, and especially tough and thick phlegm, and thin phlegm also, even from the joints, and therefore good for those that are troubled with melancholy, or quartan agues, especially if it be taken in whey or honied water, or in barley water, or the broth of a chicken with epithymum, or with beets and mallows. It is good for the hardness of the spleen, and for prickings or stitches in the sides, as also for the cohck: Some use to put to it some fennel seeds, or annise seeds, or ginger, to correct that loathing it bringeth to the stomach, which is more than needeth, it being a safe and 226 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. gentle medicine, fit for all persons, which daily experience confirmeth ; and an ounce of it may be given at a time in a decoction, if there be not sen£, or some other strong purger put with it. A dram or two of the powder of the dried roots taken fasting in a cup of honied water, worketh gently, and for the purposes aforesaid. The distilled water, both of roots and leaves, is much more commended for the quartan ague, to be taken for many days.together, as also against melancholy, or fearful and troublesome sleeps or dreams ; and with some sugar-candy dissolved therein, is good against the cough, shortness of breath, and wheezings, and those dis- tillations of thin rheum upon the lungs, which cause phthi- sicks, and often times consumptions. The fresh roots beaten small, or the powder of the dried roots mixed with honey, and applied to the member that is out of joint, doth much help it; and applied also to the nose, cureth the disease called Polypus, which is a piece of flesh growing therein, which in time stoppeth the passage of breath through that nostril; and it helpeth those clefts or chops that come between the fingers or toes. THE POPLAR TREE. Sciatica, Pains in the ears, Dull sight, Drieth women's milk, THERE are two sorts of Poplars, which are most fami- liar with us, viz. the Black and White, both which I shall here describe unto you. Descript.] The White Poplar groweth great and reasona- bly high, covered with thick, smooth, white bark, especially the branches, having long leaves cut into several divisions almost like a vine leaf, but not of so deep a green on the up- per side, and hoary white underneath, of a reasonable good scent, the whole form representing the form of Coltsfoot. The catkins which it bringeth forth before the leaves, are lonsr. and of a faint reddish colour, which fall away, bearing seldom good seed with them. The wood hereof is smooth, soft, and white, very finely waved, whereby it is much es- teemed. The Black Poplar groweth higher and straiter than the White, with a greyish bark, bearing broad green leaves, somewhat like ivy leaves, not cut in on the edges like the White, but whole and dented, ending in a point, and not white underneath, hanging by slender long foot-stalks, which ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 227 with the air are continually shaken like as the aspen leaves are. The catkins hereof are greater than those of the White, composed of many round green berries, as if they where 6et together in a long cluster, containing much downy matter, which being ripe, is blown away with the wind. The clam- my buds hereof, before they spread into leaves, are gathered to make Unguentum Populneum, and are of a yellowish green colour, and small somewhat sweet, but strong. The wood is smooth tough and wliite, and easy to be cloven. On both these trees groweth a sweet kind of musk, which in former times was used to put into sweet ointments. Place.] They grow in moist woods, and by water-sides in sundry places of this land; yet the white is not so frequent as the other. Time.] Their time is likewise expressed before. The cat- kins coming forth before the leaves in the end of summer. Government and Virtues.] Saturn hath dominion over both. White Poplar, saith Galen, is of a cleansing property: The weight of one ounce in powder of the bark thereof being drank, saith Dioscorides, is a remedy for those that are troub- led with the sciatica, or the strangury. The juice of the leaves dropped warm into the ears, easeth the pains in them. The young clammy buds or eyes before they break out into leaves, bruised, and a little honey put to them, is a good medicine for a dull-sight. The Black Poplar is held to be more cooling than the White, and therefore the leaves bruis- ed with vinegar and applied, help the gout. The seed drank in vinegar, is held good against the falling sickness. The water that droppeth from the hollow places of this tree, tak- eth away worts, pushes, wheals, and other the like breakings out of the body. The young Black Poplar buds, saith Mat- thiolus, are much used by women to beautify their hair, bruising them with fresh butter, straining them after they have been kept for some time in the sun. The ointment called Populneum, which is made of this Poplar, is singular good for all heat and inflammations in any part of the body, and tempereth the heat of wounds. It is much used to dry up the milk of women's breasts, when they have weaned their children. 228 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. POPPY. Procureth sleep, Catarrh, Defluxions of rheum, Flux of the belly, Hoarseness, Women's courses, St. Anthony's fire, Frenzies, Tooth-ache. OF this I shall describe three kinds, viz. the White and Black of the garden, and the Erratick Wild Poppy, or Corn Rose. Descript.] The White Poppy, hath at first four or five whitish green leaves lying upon the ground, which rise with the stalk, compassing it at the bottom of them, and are very large, much cut or torn on the edges, and dented also be- sides : The stalk, which is usually four or five feet high, hath sometimes no branches at the top, and usually but two or three at most bearing every one but one head wrapped up in a thin skin, which boweth down before it is ready to blow, and then rising, and being broken, the flower within it spread- ing itself open, and consisting of four very large, white round leaves, with many whitish round threads in the middle, set about a small, round, green head, having a crown, or star- like cover at the head thereof, which growing ripe, becomes as large as a great apple, wherein are contained a great num- ber of small round seeds in several partitions or divisions next unto the shell, the middle thereof remaining hollow and empty. The whole plant, both leaves, stalks and heads, while they are fresh, young, and green, yield a milk when they are broken, of an unpleasant bitter taste, almost ready to provoke casting, and of a strong heady smell, which being condensate, is called Opium. The root is white and woody, perishing as soon as it hath given ripe seed. The Black Poppy little differeth from the former, until it beareth its flower, which is somewhat less, and of a black purplish colour, but without any purple spots in the bottom of the leaf. The head of the seed is much less than the form- er, and openeth itself a little round about the top, under the crown, so that the seed, which is very black, will fall out, if one turn the head thereof downward. The Wild Poppy, or Corn Rose, hath long and narrow leaves, very much cut in on the edges into many divisions, of a light green colour, sometimes hairy withal: The stalk is blackish and hairy also, but not so tall as the garden-kind, having some such like leaves thereon to grow below, parted into three or four branches sometimes, whereon grow small ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 229 hairy heads bowing down before the skin break, wherein the flower is inclosed, which, when it is full blown open, is of a fair yellowish red or crimson colour, and in some much pa- ler, without any spot in the bottom of the leaves, having many black soft threads in the middle, compassing a small green head, which whev it is ripe, is not bigger than one's little finger's end, wherein is contained much black seed, smaller by half than that of the garden. The root perisheth every year, and springeth again of its own sowing. Of this kind there is one lesser in all the parts thereof, and differeth in nothing else. Place.] The garden kinds do not naturally grow wild in any place, but are all sown in gardens where they grow. The Wild Poppy or Corn Rose, is plentifully enough, and many times too much in the corn-fields of all counties through this land, and also upon ditch banks, and by hedge sides. The smaller wild kind is also found in corn-fields, and also in some other places, but not so plentifully as the former. Time.] The garden kinds are usually sown in the spring, which then flower about the end of May, and somewhat ear- lier, if they spring of their own sowing. The Wild kind flower usually from May until July, and rhe seed of them is ripe soon after the flowering.. Government and Virtues.] The herb is Lunar, and of the juice of it is made opium ; only for lucre of money they cheat you, and tell you it is a kind of tear, or some such like thing, that drops from poppies when they weep, and that is somewhere beyond the seas, I know not where beyond the Moon. The garden poppy heads with seeds made into a syrup, is frequently, and to good effect used to procure rest, and sleep, in the sick and weak, and to stay catarrhs and defluxions of thin rheums from the head into the stomach and lungs, causing a continual cough, the fore-runner of a consumption; it helpeth also hoarseness of the throat, and when one hath lost their voice, which the oil of the seed doth likewise. The black seed boiled in wine, and drank, is said also to stay the flux of the belly, and women's courses. The empty shells, or poppy heads, are usually boiled in water, and given to procure rest and sleep : So do the leaves in the same manner; as also if the'head and temples be bathed with the decoction warm, or with the oil of poppies, the green leaves or heads bruised, and applied with a Uttle vine- 20 230 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. gar, or made into a poultice with bailey meal or hog's grease, cooleth and tempereth all inflammations, as also the disease called St. Anthony's fire. It is generally used in treacle and mithridate, and in all other medicines that are made to procure rest and sleep, and to ease pains in the head as well as in other parts. It is also used to cool inflammations, agues, or frenzies, or to stay defluxions which cause a cough, or consumption, and also other fluxes of the belly, or wo- men's courses ; it is also put into hollow teeth, to ease the pain, and hath been found by experience to ease the pains of the gout. The Wild Poppy or Corn Rose (as Matthiolus saith) is good to prevent the falling-sickness. The syrup made with the flower, is with good effect given to those that have the pleurisy ; and the dried flowers also, either boiled in water, or made into a powder and drank, either in the distilled water of them, or some other drink, worketh the like effect. The distilled water of the flowers is held to be of much good use against surfeits, being drank evening and morning : It is also more cooling than any of the other poppies, and therefore cannot but be as effectual in hot agues, frenzies, and other inflammations either inward or outward. Galen saith, the seed is dangerous to be used inwardly. PURSLANE. Cooleth the heat of blood, Whites. Distillations, Urine, Lust, Worms, Vomiting, Phthisic, Seen t parts, Eyes, Sore mouth, Bloody urine, Gout, Stiffness of the sinews. GARDEN Purslane (being used as a sallad herb) is so well known that it needeth no description; I shall therefore only speak of its virtues as followeth. Government and Virtues.] 'Tis an herb of the Moon. It is good to cool any heat in the liver, blood, reins, and sto- mach, and in hot agues nothing better : It stayeth hot and cholerick fluxes of the belly, women's courses, the whites, and gonorrhoea, or running of the reins, the distillation from the head, and pains therein proceeding from heat, want of sleep, or the frenzy. The seed is more effectual than the herb, and is of singular good use to cool the heat and sharp- ness of urine, and the outrageous lust of the body, venereou* dreams, and the like : Insomuch that the over frequent use hereof extinguished! the heat and virtue of natural procrea- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 23) tion. The seed bruised and boiled in wine, and given to children, expelleth the worms. The juice of the herb is held effectual to all the purposes aforesaid ; as also to stay vomit- ings, and taken with some sugar or honey, helpeth an old and dry cough, shortness of breath, and the phthisick, and stayeth immoderate thirst. The distilled water of the herb is used by many (as the more pleasing) with a little sugar to work the same effects. The juice also is singular good in the inflammations and ulcers in the secret parts of man or woman, as also the bowels and haemorrhoids, when they are ulcerous, or excoriations in them : The herb bruised and ap- plied to the forehead and temples, allays excessive heat therein, that hinders rest and sleep; and applied to the eyes, taketh away the redness and inflammation in them, and those other parts where pushes, wheals, pimples, St. Antho- ny's fire, and the like, break forth; if a little vinegar be put to it, and laid to the neck, with as much of galls and linseed together, it taketh away the pains therein, and the crick in the neck. The juice is used with oil of roses for the same causes, or for blasting by lightning, and burnings by gun- powder, or for women's sore breasts, and to allay the heat in all other sores or hurts; applied also to the navels of children that stick forth, it helpeth them ; it is also good for sore mouths and gums that are swollen, and to fasten loose teeth. Camerarius saith, that the distilled water used by some, took away the pain of their teeth, when all other remidies failed, and the thickened juice made into pills with the powder of gum tragacanth and arabick, being taken, pre- vaileth much to help those that make bloody water. Appli- ed to the gout it easeth pains thereof, and helpeth the hard- ness of the sinews, if it come not of the cramp, or a cold cause. PRIVET. Lotions to wash sore mouths and throats, Dry fluxes, Head- ache, Fluxes, Women's courses, Rheum in the eyes. »j . . 1 ^~\UR common Privet is carried up with many " 'J \_J slender branches to a reasonable height and breadth, to cover arbours, bowers and banquetting houses, and brought, wrought, and cut into so many forms, of men, hor- ses, birds, &c. which though at first supported, groweth af- terwards strong of itself. It beareth long and narrow green leaves by the couples, and sweet smelling white flowers in 232 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. tufts at the end of the branches, which turn into small black berries that have a purplish juice with them, and some seeds that are flat on the one side, with a hole or dent therein. Place.] h groweth in this land, in divers woods. Time] Our Privet flowereth in June and July, the berries are ripe in August and September. Government and Virtues.] The Moon is lady of this. It is little used in physic with us in these times, more than in lotions to wash sores, and sore mouths, and to cool inflam- mations, and dry up fluxes. Yet Matthiolus saith, it serveth to all the uses for the which cypress, or the East Privet, is appointed by Dioscorides and Galen. He farther saith, That the oil that is made of the flowers of Privet infused therein, and set in the sun, is singular good for the inflammations of wounds and for the head-ache, coming of an hot cause. There is a sweet water also distiUed from the flowers, that is good for all those diseases that need cooUng and drying, and therefore helpeth all fluxes of the belly and stomach, bloody- fluxes, and women's courses, being either drank or appUed : as all those that void blood at the mouth, or any other place, and for distiUations of rheum in the eyes, especially if it be used with tutia. QUEEN of the MEADOWS, MEADOW SWEET, or MEAD SWEET, or STONE BRAKE. Bleeding, Women's courses, Opens the belly, Healeth sore mouths, or secrets, Inflammations in the eyes. n ' t~\ HT^IE stalks of this are reddish, rising to be Uescrtp .j j^ three feet high, sometimes four or five feet, having at the joints thereof large winged leaves, standing one above another at distances, consisting of many and somewhat; broad leaves, set on each side of a middle rib, being hard, rough, or rugged, crumpled much like unto elm leaves, having also some smaller leaves with them, (a? agri- mony hath) somewhat deeply dented about the edges, of a sad green colour on the upper side, and greyish underneath, of a pretty sharp scent and taste, somewhat like unto the burnet, and a leaf hereof put into a cup of claret wine, giveth also a line relish to it. At the tops of the stalks and branch- es stand many tufts of small wliite flowers thrust thick to- gether, which smell much sweeter than the leaves ; and in their places, being fallen, some crooked and cornered seed. ENixJ^iori PHYSICIAN. 233 The root is somewhat woody, and blackish on the outside, and brownish within, with divers great strings, and lesser fi- bres set thereat, of a strong scent, but nothing so pleasant as the flowers and leaves, and perisheth not, but abideth many years, shooting forth anew every spring. Place.] It groweth in moist meadows that lie much wet, or near the courses of water. Time.] It flowereth in some places or other all the three summer months, that is, June, July, and August, and the seed is ripe soon after. Government and Virtues.] Venus claims dominion over the herb. It is used to stay all manner of bleedings, fluxes, vomitings, and women's courses, as also their whites : It is said to alter and take away the fits of the quartan agues, and to make a merry heart, for which purpose some use the flowers, and some the leaves. It helpeth speedily those that are troubled with the colick ; being boiled in wine, and with a little honey taken warm, it openeth the belly, but boiled in red wine, and drank, it stayeth the flux of the belly. Outwardly applied it helpeth old ulcers that are cankerous, or hollow and fistulous, for which it is by many much com- mended, as also for the sores in the mouth, or secret parts. The leaves, when they are full grown, being laid on the skin, will in a short time, raise blisters thereon, as Tragus saith. The water thereof helpeth the heat and inflammation in tho eyes. THE QUINCE-TREE. Provoketh appetite, Stayeth vomiting, Poison and women's breasts. T) ' f 1 ^ I iHE ordinary Quince/Tree groweth often to P 'J J_ the height and bigness of a reasonable ap- ple-tree, but more usually lower, and crooked, with a rough bark, spreading arms and branches far abroad. The leaves are somewhat like those of the apple-tree, but thicker, broad- er, and fuller of veins, and whiter on the other side, not dent- ed at all about the edges. The flowers are large and white, sometimes dashed over with a blush. The fruit that follow- eth is yellow, being near ripe, and covered with a white freze, or cotton ; thick set on the younger, and growing less as they grow to be thorough ripe, bunched out oftentimes in some places, some being like an apple, and some like a pear, of a strong heady scent, and not durable to keep, and is 20* 234 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. / sour, harsh, and of an unpleasant taste to eat fresh ; but being scalded, roasted, baked, or preserved, becometh more pleasant. Place and Time.] It best likes to grow near ponds and wa- ter-sides, and is frequent through this land ; and flowereth not until the leaves be come forth. The fruit is ripe in Sep- tember or October. Government and Virtues.] Old Saturn owns the tree. Quinces when they are green, help all sorts of fluxes in men or women, and cholerick lasks, casting, and whatever needeth astriction, more than any way prepared by fire ; yet the sy- rup of the juice, or the conserve, are much conducible, much of the binding quality being consumed by the fire ; if a little vinegar be added, it stirreth up the languishing appetite, and the stomach given to casting ; some spices being added, comforteth and strengthened the decaying and fainting spir- its, and helpeth the liver oppressed, that it cannot perfect the digestion, or correcteth choler and phlegm. If you would have them purging, put honey to them instead of sugar ; and if more laxative, for choler, rhubarb ; for phlegm, turbith ; for watery humours, scammony ; but if more forcibly to bind, use the unripe Quinces, with roses and acacia, hypo- ^ cistis, and some t orrified rhubarb. To take the crude juice of Quinces, is held a preservative against the force of deadly poison ; for it hath been found most certainly true, that the very smell of a Quince hath taken away all the strength of the poison of white hellibore. If there be need of any out- wardly binding and cooling of hot fluxes, the oil of Quinces, or other medicines that may be made thereof, are very avail- able to anoint the belly or other parts therewith ; it likewise strengthened! the stomach and belly, and the sinews that are loosened by sharp humours falling on them, and restraineth immoderate sweatings. The mucilage taken from the seeds of Quinces, and boiled in a little water, is very good to cool the heat, and heal the sore breasts of women. The same with a little sugar, is good to lenify the harshness and hoarse- ness of the throat, and roughness of the tongue. The cot- ton or down of Quinces boiled and applied to plague sores, healeth them up; and laid as a plaister, made up with wax. it h, ingcth hair to them that are bald, and keepeth it from falling, if it be ready to shed. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 235 RADDISH, or HORSE-RADDISH. Scurvy, Worms, Sciatica, Liver, Spleen, Stone, Dysury. THE garden Raddish is so well known, that it needeth no description. Descript.] The Hdrse-Raddish hath its first leaves that rise before winter, about a foot and a half long, very much cut in or torn on the edges into many parts, of a dark green colour, with a greater rib in the middle ; after these have been up a while, others follow, which are greater, rougher, broader and longer, whole and not divided at first, but only somewhat rougher dented about the edges ; the stalks when it beareth flowers (which is seldom) are great, rising up with some few lesser leaves thereon, to three or four feet high, spreading at the top many small branches of whitish flowers, made of four leaves a-piece: after which come small pods, like those of shepherd's purse, but seldom with any seed in them. The root is great, long, white and rugged, shooting up divers heads of leaves, which may be parted for increase, but it doth not creep in the ground, nor run above ground, and is of a strong, sharp and bitter taste, almost like mustard. Place.] It is found wild in some places, but is chiefly planted in gardens, and joyeth in moist and shadowy places. Time.] It seldom flowereth, but when it doth, it is in July. Government and Virtues.] They are both under Mars. The juice of Horse-Raddish given to drink, is held to be very effectual for the scurvy. It killeth the worms in children, being drank, and also laid upon the belly. The root bruis- ed and laid to the place grieved with the sciatica, joint-ache, or the hard swellings of the liver and spleen, doth wonder- fully help them all. The distilled water of the herb and root is more familiar to be taken with a little sugar for all the purposes aforesaid. Garden Raddishes are in wantonness by the gentry eaten as a sallad, but they breed but scurvy humours in the sto- mach, and corrupt the blood, and then send for a physician as fast as you can ; this is one cause makes the owners of such nice palates so unhealthful; yet for such as are troub- led with the gravel, stone, or stoppage of urine, they are good physick, if the body be strong that takes them; you may make the juice of the roots into a syrup if you please, for that use : They purge by urine exceedingly. 236 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. RAGWORT. Quinsy, King's evil, Catarrhs, Ulcers in the privy parts, Run- ning cankers, Achs and pains. IT is called also St. James's-wort, and Stagger-wort, and Stammer-wort, and Segrum. Descript.] The greater common Regwort hath many large and long, dark green leaves lying on the ground, very much rent and torn on the sides in many places ; from among which rise up sometimes but one, and sometimes two or three square or crested blackish or Jirownish stalks, three or four feet high, sometimes branched, bearing divers such like leaves upon them, at several distances unto the top, where it branch- es forth into many stalks bearing yellow flowers, consisting of divers leaves, set as a pale or border, with a dark yellow thrum in the middle, which do abide a great while, but at last are turned into down, and with the small blackish grey seed, are carried away with the wind. The root is made of many fibres, whereby it is firmly fastened into the ground, and abideth many years. There is another sort thereof different from the former only in this, that it riseth not so high; the leaves are not so finely jagged, nor of so dark a green colour, but rather some- what whitish, soft and woolly, and the flowers usually paler. Place.] They grow both of them wild in pastures, and untilled grounds in many places, and oftentimes both in one field. Time.] They flower in June and July, and the seed is ripe in August. Government and Virtues.] Ragwort is under the command of Dame Venus, and eleanseth, digesteth, and discusseth. The decoction of the herb is good to wash the mouth or throat that hath ulcers or sores therein ; and for swellings, hardness, or itnposthumations, for it thoroughly eleanseth and healeth them ; as also the quinsy, and the king's evil. It helpeth to stay catarrhs, thin rheums, and defluctions from the head into the eyes, nose, or lungs. The juice is found by experience to be singular good to heal green wounds, and to cleanse and heal all old and filthy ulcers in the privi- ties, and in other parts of the body, as also inward wounds and ulcers ; stayeth the malignity of fretting and running cankers, and hollow fistulas, not suffering them to spread ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 237 farther. It is also much commended to help aches and pains either in the fleshy part, or in the nerves and sinews ; as also the sciatica, or pain of the hips or huckle-bone, to bathe the places with the decoction of the herb, or to anoint them with an ointment made of the herb, bruised and boiled in old hog's suet, with some mastick and olibanum in powder add- ed unto it after it is strained forth. In Sussex we call it Ragweed. RATTLE GRASS. Hollow ulcers, Women's courses, Cough, Dim sight. OF this there are two kinds which I shall speak of, viz. the red and yellow. Descript.] The common Red Rattle hath sundry reddish, hollow stalks, and sometimes green, rising from the root, lying for the most part on the ground, some growing more upright, with many small reddish or green leaves set on both sides of a middle rib, finely dented about the edges : The flowers stand at the tops of the stalks and branches, of a fine purplish red colour, like small gaping hooks ; after which come hlackish seed in small husks, which lying loose therein, will rattle with shaking. The root consists of two or three small whitish strings with some fibres thereat. The common Yellow Rattle hath seldom above one round great stalk, rising from the foot, about half a yard, or two feet high, and but few branches thereon, having two long and somewhat broad leaves set at a joint, deeply cut in on the edges, resembling the comb of a cock, broadest next to the stalk, and smaller to the end. The flowers grow at the tops of the stalks, with some shorter leaves with them, hooded after the same manner that the others are, but of a fair yellow colour, or in some paler, and in some more white. The seed is contained in large husks, and being ripe, will rattle or make a noise with lying loose in them. The root is small and slender, perishing every year. Place.] They grow in meadows and woods generally thro1 this land. Time.] They are in flower from Midsummer until August be past, sometimes. Government and Virtues.] They are both of them under the dominion of the Moon. The Red Rattle is accounted profitable to heal up fistulas and hollow ulcers, and to stay ■13$ ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. the flux of humours in them, as also the abundance of wo- men's courses, or any other flux of blood, being boiled in red wine, and drank. The Yellow Rattle, or Cock's-Comb, is held to be good for those that are troubled with a cough, or dimness of sight, if the herb, being boiled with beans, and some honey put thereto, be drank or dropped into the eyes. The whole seed being put into the eyes, draweth forth any skin, dimness or film, from the sight, without trouble or pain. REST HARROW or CAMMOCK. Urine stopped, Stone, Tooth-ache, Liver and spleen. n . -j ^lOMMON Rest Harrow riseth up with divers P *-• \^y rough woody twigs half a yard, or a yard high, set at the joints without order, with little roundish leaves, sometimes more than two or three at a place, of a dark green colour, without thorns while they are young ; but afterwards armed in sundry places, with short and sharp thorns. The flowers come forth at the tops of the twigs and branches, whereof it is full fashioned like pease or broom blossoms, but lesser, flatter, and somewhat closer, of a faint purplish colour; after which come smaU pods containing small, flat, round seed : The root is blackish on the outside, and whitish within, very rough, and hard to break when it is fresh and green, and as hard as an horn when it is dried, thrusting down deep into the ground, and spreading likev ise, every piece being apt to grow again if it be left in the ground. Place.] It groweth in many places of this land, as well in the arable as waste ground. Time.] It flowereth about the beginning or middle of July, and the seed is ripe in August. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of Mars. It is singular good to provoke urine when it is stopped, and to break and drive forth the stone, which the powder of the bark of the root taken in wine performeth effectually. Mat- thiolus saith, The same helpeth the disease called Hernia Carnosa, the fleshy rupture, by taking the said powder for some months together constantly, and that it hath cured some which seemed incurable by any other means than by cutting or burning. The decoction thereof made with some vinegar, gargled in the mouth, easeth the tooth-ache, especially when ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 239 it comes of rheum ; and the said decoction is very powerful to open obstructions of the liver and spleen, and other parts. A distilled water in Balneo Maria:, with four pounds of the root hereof first sliced small, and afterwards steeped in a gal- lon of Canary wine, is singular good for all the purposes aforesaid, and to cleanse the passages of the urine. The pow- der of the said root made into an electuary, or lozenges, with sugar, as also the bark of the fresh roots boiled tender, and afterwards beaten to a conserve, with sugar, worketh the like effect. The powder of the roots strewed upon the brims of ulcers, or mixed with any other convenient thing, and applied, consumeth the hardness, and causeth them to heal the better. WINTER-ROCKET, or, CRESSES. Strangury, Gravel and stone, Scurvy, Ulcers, and sores. . , m m TINTER-Rocket, or Winter-Cresses, hath Descript.] yy divers somewhat large sad green leaves lying upon the ground, torn or cut in divers parts, some- what like unto Rocket or turnip-leaves, with smaller pieces next the bottom, and broad at the ends, which so abide all the winter, (if it spring up in Autumn, when it is used to be eaten) from among which rise up divers small round stalks, full of branches, bearing many small yellow flowers of four leaves a piece, after which come small pods, with reddish seed in them. The root is somewhat stringy, and perisheth every year after the seed is ripe. Place.] It groweth of its own accord in gardens and fields, by the way-sides, in divers places, and particularly in the next pasture to the Conduit-head behind Gray's-Inn, that brings water to Mr. Lamb's Conduit in Holburn. Time.] It flowereth in May, seedeth in June, and then perisheth. Government and Virtues.] This is profitable to provoke urine, to help strangury, and expel gravel and the stone. It is good for the scurvy, and found by experience to be a singular good wound-herb to cleanse inward wounds ; the juice or decoction being drank, or outwardly applied to wash foul ulcers and sores, cleansing them by sharpness, and hin- dering or abating the dead flesh from growing therein, and healing them by the drying quality. * 240 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. ROSES. Waterish humours, Head-ache, Throat, Fundament, St. An- thony's fire, Matrix, Women's courses, Teeth, Whites and reds in women, Fevers, Jaundice, Heart, Putrifaction, Heat of the liver, Pimples, Weak stomach, French pox, Opening the belly. I Hold it altogether needless to trouble the reader with a description of any of these, since both the garden Roses, and the Roses of the briars are well enough known ; take therefore the virtue of ,them as followeth : And first I shaU begin with the garden kinds. Government and Virtues.] What a pother have authors made with Roses ! What a racket have they kept 1 I shall add, red Roses are under Jupiter, Damask under Venus, White under the Moon, and Provence under the King of France. The white and red Roses are cooling and drying, and yet the white is taken to exceed the red in both the pro- perties, but is seldom used inwardly in any medicine : The bitterness in the Roses when they are fresh, especially the juice, purgeth choler, and watery humours; but being dried, and that heat which caused the bitterness being consumed, tbey have then a binding and astringent quality : Those also that are not full blown, do both cool and bind more than those that are full blown, and the white Rose more than the red. The decoction of red Roses made with wine and used, is very good for the head-ache, and pains iu the eyes, ears, throat and gums ; as also for the fundament, the lower parts of the.belly and the matrix, being bathed or put into them. The same decoction with the roots remaining in it, is profit- ably applied to the region of the heart to ease the inflamma- tion therein ; as also St. Anthony's fire, and other diseases of the stomach. Being dried and beaten to powder, and taken in steeled wine or water, it helpeth to stay women's courses. The yellow threads in the middle of the Roses (which arc eroneously called the Rose Seed) being powder- ed and drank in the distilled water of quinces, stayeth the overflowing of women's courses, and doth wonderfully stay the defluctions of rheum upon the gums and teeth, preserving tht in from corruption, and fastening them if they be loose, being washed and gargled therewith, and some vinegar of squills added thereto. The heads with the seed being used hi powder, or in a decoction, stayeth the lask and spitting of ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 241 blood. Red Roses do strengthen the heart, the stomach and the liver, and the retentive faculty : They mitigate the pains that arise from heat, assuage inflammations, procure rest and sleep, stay both whites and reds in women, the gonor- rhea, or running of the reins, and fluxes of the belly; the juice of them doth purge and cleanse the body from choler and phlegm. The husks of the roses, with the beards and nails of the Roses, are binding and cooUng, and the distilled water of either of them is good for the heat and redness in the eyes, and to stay and dry up the rheums and watering of them. Of the red Roses are usually made many composi- tions, all serving to sundry good uses, viz. Electuary of Roses, conserve, both moist and dry, which is more usually called Sugar of Roses, Syrup of dry Roses, and Honey of' Roses. The cordial powder called Diarrhodon Abbatis, and Aromatica Rosarum. The distilled water of Rose^, vinegar of Roses, ointment, and oil of Roses, and the Rose leaves dried, are of very great use and effect. To write at large of every one of these, would make my book swell too big, it being sufficient for a volume of itself, to speak fully of them. But briefly the electuary is purging, whereof two or three drams taken by itself in some convenient liquor, is a purge sufficient for a weak constitution, but may be increased to six drams, according to the strength of the patient. It purg- eth choler without trouble, and it is good in hot fevers, and pains of the head arising from hot cholerick humours, and heat in the eyes, the jaundice also, and joint-aches proceed- ing of hot humours. The moist conserve is of much use, both binding and cordial; for until it be about two years old, it is more binding than cordial, and after that, more cordial than binding. Some of the younger conserve taken with mithridate mixed together, is good for those that are trou- bled with distillations of rheum from the brain to the nose, and defluxions of rheum into the eyes ; as also for fluxes and lasks of the belly; and being mixed with the powder of ma- stick, is very good for the running of the reins, and for the looseness of humours in the body. The old conserve against faintings, swoonings, weakness and tremblings of the heart, strengthens both it and a weak stomach, helpeth digestion, stayeth casting, and is a very good preservative in the time of infection. The dry conserve, which is called the Sugar of Roses, is a very good cordial to strengthen the heart and 21 J42 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. .-pirits ; as also to stay defluxions. The syrup of dried red Roses strengthens a stomach given to casting, cooleth an over- heated liver, and the blood in agues, comforteth the heart, and resisteth putrefaction and infection, and helpeth to stay lasks and fluxes. Honey of Roses is much used in gargles and lotions to wash sores, either in the mouth, throat, or other parts, both to cleanse and heal them, and to stay the fluxes of humours falling upon them. It is also used in clys- ters both to cool and cleanse. The cordial powders, called Diarrhodon Abbatis and Aromatica Rosarum, do comfort and strengthen the heart and stomach, procure an appetite, help digestion, stay vomiting, and are very good for those that have slippery bowels, to strengthen them, and to dry up their moisture: Red Rose-water is well known, and of a familiar use on all occasions, and better than damask Rose- water, being cooling and cordial, refreshing, quickening the weak and faint spirits, used either in meats or broths, to wash the temples, to smeU at the nose, or to smell the sweet vapours thereof out of a perfuming pot, or cast into a hot fire-shovel. It is also of much good use against the redness and inflammations of the eyes to bathe them therewith, and the temples of the head ; as also against pain and ache, for which purpose also vinegar of Roses is of much good use, and to procure rest and sleep, if some thereof, and Rose-water together, be used to smeU unto, or the nose and temples moistened therewith, but more usually to moisten a piece of a red Rose-cake, cut for the purpose, and heated between a double-folded cloth, with a little beaten nutmeg, and poppy- seed strewed on the side that must lie next to the forehead and temples, and bound so thereto all night. The ointment of Roses is much used against heat and inflammations in the head, to anoint the forehead and temples, and being mixt with Unguentum Populneum, to procure rest; it is also used for the heat of the liver, the back and reins, and to cool and heal pushes, wheals, and other red pimples rising in the face or other parts. Oil of Roses is not only used by itself to cool any hot swellings or inflammations, and to bind and stay fluxes of humours unto sores, but is also put into oint- ments and plaisters that are cooling and binding, and re- straining the flux of humours. The dried leaves of the red Roses are used both inwardly and outwardly, both cooling, binding, and cordial, for with them are made both Aromati- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 243 earn Rosarum, Diarrhodon Abbatis, and Saccharum Rosarum, each of whose properties are before declared. Rose leaves and mint, heated and applied outwardly to the stomach, stay castings, and very much strengthen a weak stomach ; and applied as a fomentation to the region of the liver and heart, do much cool and temper them, and also serve instead of a Rose-cake (as is said before) to quiet the over-hot spirits, and cause rest and sleep. The syrup of damask Roses is both simple and compound, and made with agarick. The simple solutive syrup is a familiar, safe, gentle and easy medicine, purging choler, taken from one ounce to three or four, yet this is remarkable herein, that the distilled water of this sy- rup should notably bind the belly. The syrup with agarick is more strong and effectual, for one ounce thereof by itself will open the body more than the other, and worketh as much on phlegm as choler. The compound syrup is more forcible in working on melancholick humours ; and avail- able against the leprosy, itch, tetters, &c. and the French disease: Also honey of Roses solutive is made of the same infusions that the syrup is made of, and therefore worketh the same effect, both opening and purging, but is oftener given to phlegmatick than cholerick persons, and is more used in clysters than in portions, as the syrup made with su- gar is. The conserve and preserved leaves of those Roses are also operative in gently opening the belly. The simple water of the damask Roses is chiefly used for fumes to sweeten things, as the dried leaves thereof to make sweet powders, and fill sweet bags ; and little use they are put to in physick, although they have some purging quality; the wild Roses also are few or none of them used in physick, but are generally held to come near the nature of the ma- nured Roses. The fruit of the wild briar, which are called Hips, being thoroughly ripe, and made into a conserve with sugar, besides the pleasantness of the taste, doth gently bind the belly, and stay defluxions from the head upon the stomach, drying up the moisture thereof, and helpeth di- gestion. The pulp of the hips dried into a hard consistence, like to the juice of liquorice, or so dried that it may be made into powder and taken in drink, stayeth speedily the whites in women. The briar ball is often used, being made into powder and drank, to break the stone, to provoke urine when it is stopped, and to ease and help the colick ; some appoint 244 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. it to be burnt, and then taken for the same purpose. In the middle of the balls are often found certain white worms, which being dried and made into powder, and some of it drank, is found by experience of many to kill and drive forth the worms of the belly. ROSA SOLIS, or SUN-DEW. Distillations of rheum, Phthisic, Cough, Ulcers in the lungs. ■p. . . -J TT hath divers small, round, hoUow leaves "^ j\\ somewhat greenish, but fuU of certain red hairs, which make them seem red, every one standing upon his own foot-stalk, reddish, hairy likewise. The leaves are continually moist in the hottest day, yea, the hotter the sun shines on them the moister they are, with a sliminess that will rope (as we say) the small hairs always holding this moisture. Among these leaves rise up slender stalks, red* thsh also, three or four fingers high, bearing divers small white knobs one above another, which are flowers ; after which in the heads are contained small seeds. The root is a few small hairs. Place.] It groweth usually in bogs and wet places, and sometimes in moist woods. Time.] It flowereth in June, and then the leaves are fittest to be gathered. Government and Virtues.] The Sun rules it, and it is un- der the sign Cancer. Rosa SoUs is accounted good to help those that have a salt rheum distilling on the lungs, which breedeth a consumption, and therefore the distilled water thereof in wine is held fit and profitable for such to drink, whioh water will be of a good yellow colour. The same water is held to be good for all other diseases of the lungs, as phthisicks, wheezings, shortness of breath, or the cough ; as also to heal the ulcers that happen in the lungs; and it comforteth the heart and feinting spirits. The leaves outwardly applied to the skin, will raise blisters, which has caused some to think it dangerous to be taken inwardly ; but there are other things which will also draw blisters, yet no- thing dangerous to be taken inwardly. . There is an usual drink made thereof with aqua vitse and spices frequently, and without any offence or danger, but to good purpose used in qualms and passions of the heart. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 245 ROSEMARY. Cold diseases, Swimming of the head, Drowsiness, Dumb palsy, \ Veak memory, Dim sight, Whites in women, Consumption. OUR garden Rosemary is so well known, that I need not describe it. Time.] It flowereth in April and May with us, sometimes again in August. Government and Virtues.] The Sun claims privilege in it, and it is under the celestial Ram. It is an herb of as great use with us in these days as any whatsoever, not only for physical but civil purposes. The physical use of it (being my present task) is very much both for inward and outward diseases, for by the warming and comforting heat thereof it helpeth all cold diseases, both of the head, stomach, liver, and belly. The decoction thereof in wine, helpeth the cold distillations of rheums into the eyes, and all other cold dis- eases of the head and brain, as the giddiness or swimmings therein, drowsiness or dullness of the mind and senses like a stupidness, the dumb palsy, or loss of speech, the lethargy, and falling-sickness, to be both drank, and the temples bath- ed therewith. It helpeth the pains in the gums and teeth, by rheum falling into them, not by putrefaction, causing an evil smell from them, or a stinking breath. It helpeth a weak memory, and quickeneth the senses. It is very com- fortable to the stomach in all the cold griefs thereof, helpeth both retention of meat, and digestion, the decoction or pow- der being taken in wine. It is a remedy for the windiness in the stomach, bowels, and spleen, and expels it powerfully. It helpeth those that are liver-grown, by opening the obstruc- tions thereof. It helpeth dim eyes, and procureth a clear- sight, the flowers thereof being taken all the while it is flow- ering, every morning fasting, with bread and salt. Both Dioscorides and Galen say, That if a decoction be made thereof with water, and they that have the yellow jaundice exercise their bodies presently after the taking thereof, it will certainly cure them. The flowers, and conserve made of them, are singular good to comfort the heart, and to expel the contagion of the pestilence ; to burn the herb in houses and chambers, correcteth the air in them. Both the flowers and leaves are very profitable for women that are troubled with the whites, if they be daily taken. The dried leaves 21* 246 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. shred small, and taken in a pipe, as tobacco is taken, help- eth those that have any cough, phthisick, or consumption, by warming and drying the thin distiUations which cause those diseases. The leaves are very much used in bathings ; and made into ointments or oil, are singular good to help cold benumbed joints, sinews, or members. The chymical oil drawn from the leaves and flowers, is a sovereign help for all the diseases aforesaid, to touch the temples and nostrils with two or three drops for all the diseases of the head and brain spoken of before ; as also to take one drop, two or three, as die case requireth, for the inward griefs : Yet must it be done with discretion, for it is very qnick and piercing, and there- fore but a very little must be taken at a time. There is also another oil made by insolation in this manner : Take what quantity you will of the flowers, and put them into a strong glass close stopped, tie a fine linen cloth over the mouth, and turn the mouth down into another strong glass, which being set in the sun, an oil will distil down into the lower glass, to be preserved as precious for divers uses, both inward and outward, as a sovereign balm to heal the diseases before- m entioned, to clear dim sights, and take away spots, marks, and scars in the skin. RHUBARB, or RAPHONTICK. DO not start, and say, This grows you know not how far off; and then ask me, How it comes to pass that I bring it among our English simples ? For though the name may speak it foreign, yet it grows with us in England, and that frequent enough in our gardens ; and when you have thoroughly pursued its virtues, you will conclude it nothing inferior to that which is brought out of China, and by that time this hath been as much used as that hath been, the name which the other hath gotten will be eclipsed by the fame of this ; take therefore a description at large of it as followcth : Descript.] At the first appearing out of the ground, when the winter is past, it hath a great round brownish head, ris- ing from the middle or sides of the root, which openeth itself into sundry leaves one after another, very much crumpled or folded together at the first, and brownish ; but afterwards it spreadeth itself, and bec.ometh smooth, very large and al- most round, every one standing on u brownish stalk of tlu< EiNtiLlStl PHYSICIAN. 247 thickness of a man's thumb, when they are grown to their fulness, and most of them two feet and more in length, espe- cially when they grow in any moist or good ground ; and the stalk of the leaf, from the bottom thereof to the leaf itself, being also two feet, the breadth thereof from edge to edge, in the broadest place, being also two feet, of a sad or dark green colour, of a fine tart or smooth taste, much more pleasant than the garden orlivood sorrel. From among these riseth up some, but not every year, strong thick stalks, not growing so high as the patience, or garden dock, with such round leaves as grow below, but smaller at every joint up to the top, and among the flowers, which are white, spreading forth into many branches, consisting of five or six small leaves a- piece, hardly to be discerned from the threads of the middle, and seeming to be all threads, after which come brownish three-square seeds, like unto other docks, but larger, whereby it may be plainly known to be a dock. The root grows in time to be very great, with divers and sundry great spreading branches from it, of a dark brownish or reddish colour on the outside, with a pale yellow skin under it, which covereth the inner substance or root, which rind and skin being pared away, the root appears of so fresh and lively a colour, with fresh coloured veins running through it, that the choicest of that Rhubarb that is brought us from beyond the seas cannot excel it, which root, if it be dried carefully, and as it ought (which must be in our country by the gentle heat of a fire, in regard the sun is not enough here to do it, and every piece kept from touching one another) will hold its colour almost as well as when it is fresh, and hath been approved of, and commended by those who have oftentimes used them. Place.] It groweth in gardens, and flowereth about the beginning or middle of June, and the seed is ripe in July. Time.] The roots that are to be dried and kept all the year following, are not to be taken up before the stalk and leaves be quite withered and gone, and that is not until the middle or end of October, and if they be taken a little before the leaves do spring, or when they are sprung up, the roots will not have half so good a colour in them. I have given the precedence unto this, because in virtues also it hath the pre-eminece. I come now to describe unto you, that which is called Patience, or Monk's Rhubarb; and next unto that, the great round-leaved Dock, or Bastard 248 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Rhubarb, for the one of these may happily supply in the absence of the other, being not much unlike in their virtues, only one more powerful and efficacious than the other. And lastly, shall shew you the virtues of all the three sorts. GARDEN-PATIENCE, or MONK's RHUBARB. D ' /1 ^ ilHIS is a Dock bearing the name of Rhu- " "■! J_ barb for some purging puality therein, and groweth up with large tall stalfos, set with somewhat broad and long fair green leaves, not dented at all. The tops of the stalks being divided into many small branches, bear red- dish or purplish flowers, and three-square seed, like unto other docks. The root is long, great and yellow, like unto the wild docks, but a little redder; and if it be a little dried, sheweth less store of discoloured veins than the next doth when it is dry. GREAT ROUND-LEAVED DOCK, or BASTARD RHUBARB. Purge Choler and Phlegm, Bloody flux, Ulcerous sores, Tooth- ache, Jaundice, Pain of the stomach and sides, Spitting of blood, Sciatica, Gout, Clotted blood. D ' tl ^I^IH^ natn divers large round, thin, yellowish JL green leaves rising from the root, a little waved about the edges, every one standing upon a reasonable thick and long brownish foot-stalk, from among which riseth up a pretty big stalk, about two feet high, with some such like leaves growing thereon, but smaller ; at the top whereof stand in a long spike many small brownish flowers, which turn into a hard three-square shining brown seed, like the garden Patience before described. The root groweth greater than that, with many branches of great fibres thereat, yellow on the outside, and somewhat pale ; yellow within, with some discoloured veins like to the Rhubarb which is first de- scribed, but much less than it, especially when it is dry. Place and Time.] These also grow in gardens and flower and seed at or near the same time that our true Rhubarb doth, viz. they flower in June, and the seed is ripe in July. Temperature and Virtues.] Mars claims predominancy over all these wholesome herbs : You cry out upon him for an in- fortunate, when God created him for your good (only he is angry with fools.) What dishonour is this, not to Mars, but ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 249 to God himself? A dram of the dried root of Monk's Rhu- barb*, with a scruple of ginger made into powder, and taken fasting in a draught or mess of warm broth, purgeth choler and phlegm downwards very gently and safely, without dan- ger. The seed thereof contrary doth bind the belly, and helpeth to stay any sort of lasks or bloody-flux. The distil- led water thereof is very profitably u$ed to heal scabs ; also foul ulcerous sores, and to lay the inflammation of them ; the juice of the leaves or roots, or the decoction of them in vine- gar, is used as a most effectual remedy to heal scabs and run- ning sores. The Bastard Rhubarb hath all the properties of the Monk's Rhubarb, but more effectual for both inward and outward diseases. The decoction thereof without vinegar dropped into the ears, taketh away the pains ; gargled in the mouth, taketh away the tooth-ache ; and being drank, healeth the jaundice. The seed thereof taken, easeth the gnawing and griping pains of the stomach, and taketh away the loathing thereof unto meat. The root thereof helpeth the ruggedness of the nails, and being boiled in wine, helpeth the swelling of the throat, commonly called the king's-evil, as also the swellings of the kernels of the ears. It helpeth them that are troubled with the stone, provoketh urine, and helpeth the dimness of the sight. The roots of this Bastard Rhubarb are used in opening and purging diet-drinks, with other things, to open the liver, and to cleanse and cool the blood. The properties-of that which is called the English Rhu- barb, are the same with the former, but much more effectual, and hath all the properties of the true Italian Rhubarbs, ex- cept the force in purging, wherein it is but of half the strength thereof, and therefore a double quantity must be uses ; it likewise hath not that bitterness and astriction ; in other things it worketh almost in an equal quantity, which are these: It puigeth the body of choler and phlegm, being either taken of itself, made into powder, and drank in a draught of white wine, or steeped therein all night, and taken fasting, or put among other purges, as shall be thought con- venient, cleansing the stomach, liver, and blood, opening obstructions, and helpeth those griefs that come thereof, as the jaundice, dropsy, swelling of the spleen, tertian, and dai- ly agues, and pricking pains of the sides ; and also it stayeth spitting of blood. The powder taken with cassia dissolved, 250 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. and washed Venice Turpentine, eleanseth the reins, and strengtheneth them afterwards, and is very effectual to stay the running of the reins, or gonorrhea. It is also given for the pains and swellings in the head, for those that are troub- led with melancholy, and helpeth the sciatica, gout, and the cramp. The powder of the Rhubarb taken with a little mutnmia and madder roots in some red wine, dissolveth clot- ted blood in the body, happening by any fall or bruise, and helpeth burstings and broken parts, as well inward as out- ward. The oil likewise wherein it hath been boiled, worketh the Uke effects, being anointed. It is used to heal those ul- cers that happen in the eyes or eyelids, being steeped and strained ; as also to assuage the swellings#nd inflammations ; and applied with honey, boiled in wine, it taketh away all blue spots or marks that happen therein. Whey or white wine are the best liquors to steep it in, and thereby it work- eth more effectually in opening obstructions, and purging the stomach and liver. Many do use a little Indian spike- nard as the best corrector thereof. GARDEN RUE. Abateth venery, Poison, Pain in the side, Cough, Wind cholic, Mother, Worms, Dropsy, Cods, Pimples, Pains in the ears, St. Anthony's fire, Sores in the head. GARDEN Rue is so well known by this name, and the name Herb of Grace, that I shall not need to write any further description of it. but shall only shew you the virtue of it, as followeth : Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of the Sun, and under Leo. It provoketh urine and women's courses, being taken either in meat or drink. The seed thereof taken in wine, is an antidote against all dangerous medicines or deadly poisons. The leaves taken either by themselves, or with figs and walnuts, is called Mithridate's counter-poison against the plague, and causeth all venomous things to become harm- l< vs ; being often taken in meat and drink, it abateth venerv, and destroyeth the ability to get children. A decoction made thereof with some dried dill-leaves and flowers, easeth all pains and torments inwardly to be drank, and outwardly to be applied warm to the place grieved. The same being drunk. helpeth the pains both of the chest and sides, as also cou"hv ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 251 ;md hardness of breathing, the inflammations of the lungs. and the tormenting pains of the sciatica and the joints, being anointed, or laid to the places ; as also the shaking fits of agues, to take a draught before the fit comes ; being boiled or infused in oil, it is good to help the wind-colick, the hardness and windiness of the mother, and freeth women from the strangling or suffocation thereof, if the share and the parts thereabouts be anointed therewith : It killeth and driveth forth the worms of the belly, if it be drank after it is boiled in wine to the half, with a little honey; it helpeth the gout or pains in the joints, hands, feet or knees, applied thereunto ; and with figs it helpeth the dropsy, being bathed therewith : Being bruised and put into the nostrils, it stay- eth the bleeding thereof; it helpeth the swelling of the cods^ if they be bathed with a decoction of Rue and bay leaves, It taketh away wheals and pimples, if being bruised with a few myrtle leaves, it be made up with wax, and applied. It cureth the morphew, and taketh away all sorts of warts, if boiled in wine with some pepper and nitre, and the place rubbed therewith, and with almond and honey, helpeth the dry scabs, or any tetter or ring-worm. The juice thereof warmed in a pomegranate shell or rind, and dropped into the ears, helpeth the pains of them. The juice of it and fennel, with a little honey, and the gall of a cock put there- unto, helpeth the dimness of the eye-sight. An ointment made of the juice thereof with oil of roses, ceruse, and a little vinegar, and anointed, cureth St. Anthony's fire, and all running sores in the head : and the stinking ulcers of the nose, or other parts. The antidote used by Mithri- dates, every morning fasting, to secure himself from any poison or infection, was this : Take twenty leaves of rue, a little salt, a couple of walnuts, and a couple of figs, beaten together into a mess, with twenty juniper berries, which is the quantity appointed for every day. Another electuary is made thus : Take of nitre, pepper, and cummin-seed, of each equal parts ; of the leaves of Rue clean picked, as much in weight as all the other three weighed ; beat them well together, and put as much honey as will make it up into an electuary (but you must first steep your cummin-seed in vinegar twenty-four hours, and then dry it, or rather roast it in a hot fire-shovel, or in an oven) and is a remedy for the pains or griefs in the chest or stomach, of the spleen, belly, 252 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. or sides, by wind or stitches ; of the liver by obstructions ; of the reins and bladder by the stopping of urine ; and help- eth also to extenuate fat corpulent bodies. What an infamy is cast upon the ashes of Mithridates, or Methridates (as the Augustines read his name) by unworthy people. They that deserve no good report themselves, love to give none to oth- ers, viz. That renowned King of Pontus fortified his body by poison against poison, {He cast out devils by Beelzebub, prince of the devils.) What a sot is he that knows not if he had accustomed his body to cold poisons, hot poisons would have dispatched him 1 On the contrary, if not, corrosions would have done it. The whole world is at this present time beholden to him for his studies in physic, and he that ueeth the quantity but of an hazel-nut of that receipt every morning, to which his name is adjoined, shall to admiration preserve his body in health, if he do but consider that Rue is an herb of the Sun, and under Leo, and gather it and the rest accordingly. RUPTURE-WORT. Ruptures, Running of the reins, Strangury, Stone, Gravel, Jaundice, all ulcers. D^crivt~\ ^ I "^IIIS spreads very many thready branches if 'J J^ round about upon the ground, about a span long, divided into many other smaller parts full of small joints set very thick together, whereat come forth two very small leaves of a French yellow, green coloured branches and all, where groweth forth also a number of exceeding small yel- lowish flowers, scarce to be discerned from the stalk and leaves, which turn into seeds as small as the very dust. The root is very long and small, thrusting down deep in the ground. This hath neither smell nor taste at first, but afterwards hath a little astringent taste, without any manifest heat; yet a little bitter and sharp withal. Place.] It groweth in dry, sandy, and rocky places. Time.] It is fresh and green all the summer. Government and Virtues.] They say Saturn causeth rup- tures : if he do, he doth no more than he can cure ; if you want wit, he will teach you, though to your cost. This herb is Saturn's own, and is a noble antivenerean. Rupture- wort hath not its name in vain ; for it is found by experience to cure the rupture, not only in children, but also in elder persons, if the disease be not too inveterate, by taking a dram ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 253 of the powder of the dried herb every day in wine, or a de- coction made and drank for certain days together. The juice of distilled water of the green herb, taken in the same man- ner, helpeth all other fluxes either of man or woman ; vomit- ing also, and the gonorrhea or running of the reins, being taken any of the ways aforesaid. It doth also most assuredly help those that have the strangury, or are troubled with the stone or gravel in the reins or bladder. The same helpeth stitches in the sides, griping pains of the stomach or beUy, the obstructions of the liver, and cureth the yellow jaundice; likewise it kills also the worms in children. Being outwardly applied, it conglutinateth wounds notably, and helpeth much to stay defluxions of rheum from the head to the eyes, nose and teeth, being bruised green, and bound thereto: or the forehead, temples, or the nape of the neck behind, bathed with the decoction of the dried herb. It also drieth up the moisture of fistulous ulcers, or any other that are foul and spreading. , RYE. Inflammations, Piles, Clwps of the hands or feet. THIS is so well known in all the counties of this land, and especially to the country people, who feed much thereon, that if I did describe it, they would presently say, I might as well have spared that labour. Its virtues follow : Government and Virtues.] Rye is more digesting than wheat; the bread and leaven thereof ripeneth and breaketh imposthumes, boils, and other swellings : The meal of Rye put between a double cloth, and moistened with a little vine- gar, and heated in a pewter dish, set over a chaffing-dish of coals, and bound fast to the head while it is hot, doth much ease the continual pains of the head. Matthiolus saith, That the ashes of Rye straw put into water, and steeped therein a day and a night, and the chops of the hands or feet washed therewith, doth heal them. SAFFRON. Heart, Brain, Consumption, Lungs, Smallpox, Measles, Jaun- dice. THE herb needs no description, it being known general- ly where it grows. Place.] It grows frequently at Walden in Essex, and in Cambridgeshire. 22 254 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of the Sun, and under the Lion, and therefore you need not demand a rea- son why it strengthens the heart so exceedingly. Let not above fen grains be given at one time, for the Sun, which is the fountain of light, may dazzle the eyes, and make them blind; a cordial being taken in an immoderate quantity, hurts the heart instead of helping it. It quickeneth the brain, for the Sun is exalted in Aries, as well as he hath his house in Leo: It helps consumptions of the lungs, and difficulty of breathing. It is excellent in epidemical diseases, as pesti- lence, small-pox, and measles. It is a notable expulsive me- dicine, and a notable remedy for the yellow jaundice. My opinion is, (but I have no author for it) that hermodactyls are nothing else but the roots of Saffron dried ; and my rea- son is that the roots of all crocus, both white and yellow, purge phlegm as hermodactyls do ; and if you please to dry the roots of any crocus, neither your eyes nor your taste shall distinguish them from hermodactyls. SAGE. Provokes urine, Women's courses, After-birth, Ulcers, Sores, Cods, Spitting blood, Consumption, Hoarseness and cough, Worms in the ears, Sore mouth and throat. OUR ordinary garden Sage needeth no description. Time.] It flowereth in or about July. Government and Virtues.] Jupiter claims this, and bids me tell you, it is good for the liver, and to breed blood. A de- coction of the leaves and branches of Sage made and drank, saith Dioscorides, provokes urine, bringeth down women's courses, helps to expel the dead child, and causeth the hair to become black. It stayeth the bleeding of wounds, and eleanseth foul ulcers and sores. The decoction made in wine, taketh away the itching of the cods, if they be bathed there- with. Agrippa saith, that if women that cannot conceive by reason of the moist slipperiness of their wombs, shall take a quantity of the juice of Sage, with a little salt, for four days before they company with their husbands, it will help them not only to conceive, but also to retain the birth with- out miscarrying. Orpheus saith, Three spoonfuls of the juice of Sage taken fasting, with a little honey, doth pre- sently stay the spitting or casting of blood in them that are in a consumption. These pills are much commended : Take ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 255 of spikenard, ginger, of each two drams ; of the seed of Sage toasted at the fire, eight drams ; of the long-pepper twelve drams ; all these being brought into powder, put thereto so much juice of Sage as may make them into a mass of pills, taking a dram of them every morning fasting, and so hke- wise at night, drinking a little pure water after them. Mat- thiolus saith, it is very profitable for all manner of pains in the head coming of cold and rheumatick humours ; as also for all pains of the joints, whether inwardly or outwardly, and therefore helpeth the falling-sickness, the lethargy, such as are dull and heavy of spirit, the palsy; and is of much use in all defluxions of rheum from the head, and for the dis- eases of the chest or breast. The leaves of Sage and nettles bruised together, and laid upon the imposthume that riseth behind the ears, doth assuage it much. The juice of Sage taken in warm water, helpeth a hoarseness and a cough. The leaves soddened in wine, and laid upon the place ef- fected with the palsy, helpeth much, if the decoction be drank : Also, Sage taken with wormwood is good for the bloody-flux. Pliny saith, it procures women's courses, and stayeth them coming down too fast; helpeth the stinging and biting of serpents, and killeth the worms that breed in the ear, and in sores. Sage is of excellent use to help the memory, warming and quickening the senses ; and the con- serve made of the flowers is used to the same purpose, and also for all the former recited diseases. The juice of Sage drank with vinegar, hath been of good use in time of the plague at all times. Gargles likewise are made with Sage, rosemary, honey-suckles, and plantain, boiled in wine or water, with some "honey or allum put thereto, to wash sore mouths and throats, cankers, or the secret parts of man or woman, as need requireth. And with other hot and com- fortable herbs, Sage is boiled to bathe the body and legs in the summer time, especially to warm cold joints or sinews, troubled with the palsy and 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 also after boiling be laid thereunto. 256 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. WOOD-SAGE. Provokes urine, Sweat, French pox, Vein broken, Palsy, Ul- cers, Green wounds. Tt ' t~l \\ 7~OOD-Sage «seth up with square hoary ▼ T stalks, two feet high at the least, with two leaves set at every joint, somewhat like other Sage leaves, but smaller, softer, whiter, and rounder, and a little dented about the edges, and smelling somewhat stronger. At the tops of the stalks and branches stand the flowers, on a slender like 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 seem in a husk together ; the root is long and stringy, with divers fibres thereat, and abideth many years. Place.] It groweth in woods, and by wood-sides ; as also in divers fields and by lanes in the land. Time.] It flowereth in June, July and August. Government and Virtues.] The herb is under Venus. The decoction of the Wood-Sage provoketh urine and women's courses: It also provoketh sweat, digesteth humours, and discusseth swellings and nodes in the flesh; and is therefore thought to be good against the French pox. The decoction of the green herb, made with wine, is a safe and sure remedy for those who by falls, bruises, or blows, suspect some vein to be inwardly broken, to disperse and void the congealed blood, and to consolidate the veins. The drink used in- wardly, and the herb used outwardly, is good for such as are inwardly bursten, and is found to be a sure remedy for the palsy. The juice of the herb, or the powder thereof dried, is good for moist ulcers and sores in the legs, and other parts, to dry them, and cause them to heal more spee- dily. It is no less effectual also in green wounds, to be used upon any occasion. SOLOMON'S SEAL. Wounds and sores, Vomiting, Running of the reins, Knit joints and broken bones, Beautify the face. Descript 1 r|^IIE common Solomon's Seal riseth up with A a round stalk half a yard high, bowing or bending down to the ground, set with single leaves one above another, somewhat large, and like the leaves of the ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 257 Uly-convally, or May-lily, with an eye of bluish upon the green, with some ribs therein, and more yellowish under- neath. 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, somewhat like the flowers of May- Uly, but ending in five long points, for the most part two together, at the end of a long foot-stalk, and sometimes but one, and sometimes also two stalks, with flowers at the foot of a leaf, which are without any scent at all, and stand on one side of the stalk. After they are past, come in their places small round berries, great at the first, and blackish green, tending to bluness when they are ripe, wherein lie small, white, hard, and stony seeds. The root is of the thick- ness of one's finger or thumb, white and knotted in some pla- ces, 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 divers places of this land ; as, namely, in a wood two miles from Canterbury, by Fish-Pool Hill, as also in the Bushy Close belonging to the parsonage of Alderbury, near Clarendon, two miles from Salisbury; in Cheffon-wood, or Cheffon Hill, between Newington and Sittingbourn in Kent, and divers other places in Essex, and other counties. Time.] It flowereth about May: The root abideth and shooteth anew every year. Government and Virtues.] Saturn owns the plant, for he loves his bones well. The root of Solomon's 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 humours to those that are old. It is singular good to stay vomitings and bleeding wheresoever, as also all fluxes in man or woman, whether whites or reds in women, or the running of the reins in men; also to knit any joint, which by weakness useth to be often out of place, or will not stay in long when it is set; also, to knit and join broken bones in any part of the body, the roots being bruised and applied to the places ; yea, it hath been found by late experience, that the decoction of the root in wine, or the bruised root put into wine or other drink, after a night's infusion, strained forth hard and drank, hath help- ed both man and beast, whose> bones hath been broken by 22* 258 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. any occasion, which is the most assured refuge of help to people of divers counties of the land that they can have : It is no less effectual to help ruptures and burstings, the decoc- tion in wine, or the powder in broth or drink, being inwardly taken, and outwardly applied to the place. The same is also available for inward or outward bruises, falls or blows, both to dispel the congealed blood, and to take away both the pains and the black and blue marks that abide after the hurt. The same also, or the distilled water of the whole plant, used to the face, or other parts of the skin, eleanseth 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. SAMPHIRE. Helps digestion, Expels gravel and the stone. n . , ~W\ OCK Samphire groweth up with a tender uescript.} j-^ green gtalk about half ft yardj or tWQ feet high at the most, branching forth almost from the very bot- tom, and stored with sundry thick and almost round (some- what long) leaves, of a deep green colour, sometimes two to- gether, and sometimes more on a stalk, and sappy, and of a pleasant, hot, and spicy taste. At the tops of the stalks and branches stand umbels of white flowers, and after them come large seed bigger than fennel seed, yet somewhat like it. The root is great, white, and long, continuing many years, and is of an hot and spicy taste also. Place.] It groweth on the rocks that are often moistened at the least, if not overflowed with the sea water. Time.] And it flowereth and seedeth in the end of July and August. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Jupiter, and was in former times wont to be used more than now it is; the more is the pity. It is well known almost to every body, that ill digestions and obstructions are the cause of most of the diseases which the frail nature of man is subject to ; both which might be remidied by a more frequent use of this herb. If people would have sauce to their meat, they may take some for profit as well as for pleasure. It is a safe herb, very pleasant both to the taste and stomach, helping digestion, and in some sort opening obstructions of the hver ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 259 and spleen ; provoketh urine, and helpeth thereby to wash away the gravel and stone engendered in the kidneys or bladder. SANICLE. Green wounds, Inward bleedings, Ulcers, Throat, Mouth and privities, Ulcers in the kidneys, Running of the reins. Descript 1 ^k^^INARY Sanicle sendeth forth many great ™ "■• \_P round leaves, standing upon long brownish stalks, every one somewhat deeply cut or divided into five or six parts, and some of these also cut in somewhat like the leaf of crow's-foot, or dove's-foot, and finely dented about the edges, smooth, and of a dark shining colour, and some- times reddish about the brim ; from among which arise up small, round green stalks, without any joint or leaf thereon, saving at the top, where it branches forth into flowers, hav- ing a leaf divided into three or four parts at that joint with the flowers, which are small and white, starting out of small round greenish yeUow heads, many standing together in a tuft, in which afterwards are the seeds contained, which are small round burs, somewhat like the leaves of clevers, and stick in the same manner upon any thing that they touch. The root is composed of many blackish strings or fibres, set together at a little long head, which abideth with green leaves all the winter, and perisheth not. Place.] It is found in many shadowy woods, and other places of this land. Time.] It flowereth in June, and the seed is ripe shortly after. Government and Virtues.] This is one of Venus's herbs to cure the wounds or mischiefs Mars inflicteth upon the body of man. It heals green wounds speedily, or any ulcers, im- posthumes, or bleedings inward, also tumours in any part of the body; for the decoction or powder in drink taken, and the juice used outwardly, dissipateth the humours ; and there is not found any herb that can give such present help either to man or beast, when the disease faUeth upon the lungs or throat, and to heal up putrid malignant ulcers in the mouth, throat and privities, by gargling or washing with the decoc- tion of the leaves and roots made in water, and a little honey put thereto. It helpeth to stay women's courses, and all ether fluxes of blood, either by the mouth, urine, or stool, 260 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. and lasks of the belly ; the ulcerations of the kidneys also, and the pains in the bowels, and gonorrhoea, or running of the reins, being boiled in wine or water, and drank. The same also is no less powerful to help any rupture or burst- ings, used both inwardly and outwardly : And briefly, it is as effectual in binding, restraining, consoUdating, heating, drying and healing, as comfrey, bugle, self-heal, or any other of the vulnerary herbs whatsoever. SARACENS CONFOUND, or SARACENS WOUND- WORT. Obstructions, Yellow jaundice, Dropsy, Ulcers of the reins, Mother, Ulcers in the mouth or throat, Sores in the privy parts. Descript 1 ^ I ^HIS groweth high sometimes, with brownish ■*■ '* stalks, and other whiles with green, to a man's height, having narrow green leaves snipped about the edges, somewhat like those of the peach tree, or willow leaves, but not of such a white green colour. The tops of stalks a*e furnished with many yellow star-like flowers, standing in green heads, which when they are fallen, and the seed ripe, which is somewhat long, small and of a brown colour, wrapped in down, is therewith carried away with the wind. The root is composed of fibres set together at a head, which perisheth not in winter, although the stalks dry away, and no leaf appeareth in the winter. The taste here- of is strong and unpleasant; and so is the smell also. Place.] It groweth in moist and wet grounds, by wood- sides, and sometimes in the moist places of shadowy groves, as also by the water side. Time.] It flowereth in July, and the seed is soon ripe, and carried away with the wind. Government and Virtues.] Saturn owns the herb, and it is of a sober condition like him. Among the Germans this wound herb is preferred before all others of the same quality. Being boiled in wine, and drank, it helpeth the indisposition of the liver, and freeth the gall from obstructions ; whereby it is good for the yellow jaundice, and for the dropsy in the beginning of it; for all inward ulcers of the reins, mouth or throat, and inward wounds and bruises, likewise for such sores as happen in the privy parts of men or women ; being- steeped in wine, and then distilled, the water thereof drank ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 261 is singular good to ease all gnawings in the stomach, or other pains of the body, as also the pains of the mother: And be- ing boiled in water, it helpeth continual agues ; and the said water, or the simple water of the herb distilled, or the juice or decoction, are very effectual to heal any green wound, or old sore or ulcer whatsoever, cleansing them from curruption, and quickly healing them up : Briefly, whatsoever hath been said of bugle or sanicle, may be found herein. SAUCE-ALONE, or JACK BY THE HEDGE-SIDE. Helps digestion, Cough, Tough phlegm, Wind cholic, Stone, Ulcers in the legs. n ' 11 ^I^HE lower leaves of this are rounder than " *J those that grow towards the tops of the stalks, and are set singly on the joint, being somewhat round and broad, pointed at the ends, dented also about the edges, somewhat resembling nettle leaves for the form, but of a fresher green colour, not rough or pricking : The flowers are white, growing at the top of the stalks one above another, which being past, follow small round pods, wherein are con- tained round seed somewhat blackish. The root stringy and thready, perisheth every year after it hath given seed, and raiseth itself again of its own sowing. The plant, or any part thereof, being bruised, smeUeth of garlick, but more pleasantly, and tasteth somewhat hot and sharp, almost like unto rocket. Place.] It groweth under walls, and by hedge-sides, and path-ways in fields in many places. Time.] It flowereth in June, July, and August. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of Mercury. This is eaten by many country people as sauce to their salt fish, and helpeth well to digest the crudities and other corrupt humours engendered thereby : It warmeth also the stomach, and causeth digestion : The juice thereof boded with honey is accounted to be as good as hedge mustard for the cough, to cut and expectorate the tough phlegm. The seed bruised and boiled in wine, is a singular good remedy for the wind colick, or the stone, being drank 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 leaves also, or the seed boiled, is 262 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. good to be used in clysters to ease the pains of the stone. The green leaves are held to be good to heal the ulcers in the legs. WINTER AND SUMMER SAVORY. Cholic, Iliac passions, Mother, Provokes urine, Tough phlegm, Dull sight, Deafness, Singing in the ears, Stinging of bees. BOTH these are so well known (being entertained as con- stant inhabitants in our gardens) that they need no de- scription. Government and Virtues.] Mercury claims the dominion over this herb, neither is there a better remedy against the colick and iliac passion, than this herb ; keep it dry by you all the year, if you love yourself and your ease, and it is a hundred pounds 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. They are both of them hot and dry, especially the summer kind, which is both sharp and quick in taste, expelling wind in the stomach and bowels, and is a present help for the rising of the mother procured by wind ; provoketh urine and women's courses, and is much commended for women with child to take inwardly, and to smell often unto. It cureth tough phlegm in the chest and lungs, and helpeth to ex- pectorate it the more easily ; quickens the dull spirits in the lethargy, the juice thereof being snuffed up into the nostrils. The juice dropped into the eyes, cleareth a dull sight, if it proceed of thin cold humours distilled from the brain. The juice heated with oil of Roses, and dropped into the ears, easeth them of the noise and singing in them, and of deafness- also : Outwardly applied with wheat flour, in manner of a poultice, it giveth ease to them, and taketh away their pains. It also taketh away the pain that comes by stinging of bees, wasps, tion of the herb with water and wine be drank, and the place washed therewith, or the juice of the green herb bruised or boiled, either by itself, or with other herbs, in oil or hog's grease, to be made into an ointment to serve all the year. The decoction of the herb, or powder of the dried herb taken inwardly, and the same, or the leaves bruised, and applied outwardly, is singular good for aU ruptures and burstings, especially in children before they be too old. Being applied with a little flour and wax to childrens navels that stick forth, it helpeth them. The decoction of the dried herb is singular good for the jaundice, it often causes vomiting and purging in an easy and gentle manner ; it is a safe medicine to be taken by young as well as old people, it also helps the piles, and an ointment made of this herb and hog's grease is good to anoint the fun- dament or any inflammation on any part of the body. THYME. Lungs, Chin-cough, Safe and speedy delivery, Swelled cods, Expels wind. J T is in vain to describe an herb so commonly known. Government and Virtues.] It is a noble strengthener of th- lungs, as notable a one as grows ; neither is there scarce abetter remedy growing for that disease in children which they commonly call the Chin-cough, than it is. It purgeth ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 289 the body of phlegm, and is an excellent remedy for shortness of breath. It kills worms in the belly, and being a notable herb of Venus, provokes the terms, gives safe and speedy delivery to women in travail, and brings away the after-birth. It is so harmless you need not fear the use of it. An oint- ment made of it takes away hot swellings and warts, helps the sciatica and dulness of sight, and takes away pains and hardness of the spleen : 'Tis excellent for those that are trou- bled with the gout; as also, to anoint the cods that are swell- ed. It easeth pains in the loins and hips. The herb taken any way inwardly, comforts the stomach much, and expels wind. WILD THYME, or MOTHER OF THYME. Urine, Provokes Coughing, Vomiting, Womb and Wind. WILD Thyme also is so well known, that it needeth no description. Place.] It may be found commonly in commons and other barren places throughout the nation. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of Ve- nus, and under the sign Aries, and therefore chiefly appro- priated to the head. It provoketh urine and the terms, and easeth the griping pain of the belly, cramps, ruptures, and inflammation of the liver. If you make a vinegar of the herb, as vinegar of roses is made (you may find out the way in my translation of the London Dispensatory) and anoint the head with it, it presently stops the pains thereof. It is excellent good to be given either in phrenzy or lethargy, although they are two contrary diseases : It helps spitting and pissing of blood, coughing, and vomiting; it comforts and strengthens the head, stomach, reins, and womb, expels wind, and breaks the stone. TORMENTIL, or SEPTFOIL. Flux, Terms stop, Fever, Smallpox, French pox, Gout, Scaby head. D s ' 11 ^ I ^HIS nath reddish, slender, weak branches l" '■' J_ rising from the root, lying on the ground, rather leaning than standing upright, with many short leaves that stand closer to the stalks than Cinquefoil (to which this is very like) with the foot-stalk compassing the branches in several places; but those that grow to the ground are set 25 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. upon long foot-stalks, each whereof are like the leaves of Cinquefoil, but somewhat long and lesser, dented about the edges, many of them divided but into five leaves, but most of them into seven, whence it is also called Septfoil; yet some may have six, and some eight, according to the fertility of the soil. At the tops of the branches stand divers small yellow flowers, consisting of five leaves, like those of Cinque- foil, but smaller. The root is smaller than Bistort, some- what thick, but blacker without, and not so red within, yet sometimes a little crooked, having blackish fibres thereat. Place.] It groweth as well in woods and shadowy places, as in the open champain country, about the borders of fields in many places of this land, and almost in every broomfield in Essex. Time.] It flowereth all the summer long. Government and Virtues.] This is a gallant herb of the Sun. Tormentil is most excellent to stay all kind of fluxes of blood or humours in man or woman, whether at nose, mouth, or belly. The juice of the herb and root, or the de- coction thereof, taken with some Venice treacle, and the per- son laid to sweat, expels any venom or poison, or the plague, fever, or other contagious diseases, as the pox, measles, &c. for it is an ingredient in all antidotes or counter poisons. Andreas Valesus is of opinion, that the decoction of this root is no less effectual to cure the French pox than Guaiacum or China ; and it is not unlikely, because it so mightily re- sisteth putrefaction. The root taken inwardly is most effec- tual to help any flux of the belly, stomach, spleen, or blood ; and the juice wonderfully opens obstructions of the liver and lungs, and thereby helpeth the yellow jaundice. The pow- der or decoction drank, or to sit thereon as a bath, is an assured remedy against abortion in women, if it proceed from the over-flexibility or weakness of the inward retentive fa- culty ; as also a plaister made therewith, and vinegar applied to the reins of the back, doth much help not only this, but also those that cannot hold their water, the powder being ta- ken in the juice of plantain, and is commended against the worms in children. It is very powerful to ruptures and burstings, as also for bruises and falls, to be used as well out- wardly as inwardly. The root hereof made up with pel- Utory of Spain and allum, and put into n. hollow tooth, not »nly assuageth the pain, but stayeth the flux of humours ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 291 which causeth it. Tormentil is no less effectual and power- ful a remedy against outward wounds, sores and hurts, than for inward, and is therefore a special ingredient to be used in wound drinks, lotions and injections, for foul corrupt rot- ten sores and ulcers of the mouth, secrets, or other parts of the body. The juice or powder of the root put in ointments, plaisters, and such things that are applied to wounds or sores, is very effectual, as the juice of the leaves, and the root bruised and applied to the throat, or jaws, healeth the king's evil, and easeth the pain of the sciatica ; the same used with a little vinegar, is 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 hu- mours. The same is also effectual for the piles or haemor- rhoids, if they be washed or bathed therewith, or with the distilled water of the herb and roots. It is found also help- ful to dry up any sharp rheum that distilleth from the head into the eyes, causing redness, pain, waterings, itching, or the like, if a little prepared tutia, or white amber, be used with the distilled water thereof. Many women use this wa- ter as a secret to help themselves and others, when they are troubled with too much flowing of the whites or reds, both to drink it, or inject it with a syringe. And here is enough, only remember the Sun challengeth this herb. TURNSOLE, or HELIOTROPIUM. Choler, Phlegm, Stone, Terms, Gout, Warts, Wens, Disjunc- tures. D ' fl PTT^HE greater Turnsole riseth with one up- V '* \_ right stalk, about a foot high, or more, dividing itself almost from the bottom, into divers small branches, of a hoary colour ; at each joint of the stalk and branches grow small broad leaves, somewhat white and hoa- ry. At the tops of the stalks and branches stand small white flowers, consisting of four, and sometimes five small leaves, set in order one above another, upon a small crooked spike, which turneth inwards like a bowed finger, opening by de- grees as the flowers blow open ; after which in their place come forth cornered seed, four for the most part standing together ; the root is small and thready, perishing every year, and the seed shedding every year, raiseth it again the next spring. 292 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Place.] It groweth in gardens, and flowereth and seedeth with us, notwithstanding it is not natural to this land, but to Spain and France, where it grows plentifully. Government and Virtues.] It is an herb of the Sun, and a good one too. Dioscorides saith, That a good handful of this, which is called the Great Turnsole, boiled in water, and drank, purgeth both choler and phlegm ; and boiled with cummin, helpeth the stone in the reins, kidneys, or bladder, provoketh urine and women's courses, and causeth an easy and speedy delivery in child-birth. The leaves bruis- ed and applied to places pained with the gout or that have been out of joint, and newly set, and full of pain, do give much ease ; the seed and juice of the leaves also being rubbed with a little salt upon warts or wens, and other kernels in the face, eye-lids, or any other part of the body, will, by often using, take them away. MEADOW TREFOIL, or HONEYSUCKLES. Belly-aches, Inflammations, Web in the eyes, Whites, Swel- lings, Imposthumes. IT is so well known, especially by the name of Honey- suckles, white and red, that I need not describe them. Place.] They grow almost everywhere in this land. Government and Virtues.] Mercury hath dominion over the common sorts. Dodoneus saith, The leaves and flowers are good to ease the griping pains of the gout, the herb being boiled and used in a clyster. If the herb be made into a poultice, and applied to inflammations, it will ease them. The juice dropped in the eyes, is a familiar 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 blood shoot- ing of them. Country people do also in many places drink the juice thereof against the biting of an adder ; and having boiled 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 boiled in swine's grease, and so made into an ointment, is good to apply to the biting of any ven- omous creatures. The herb also bruised and heated between tiles, and applied hot to the share, causeth them to make water who had it stopt before. It is held likewise to be good for wounds, and to take away seed. The decoction of the ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 293 herb and flowers, with the seed and root, taken for some time, helpeth women that are troubled with the whites. The seed and flowers boiled in water, and after made into a poul- tice with some oil, and appUed, helpeth hard swellings and imposthumes. HEART TREFOIL. Strengthens the heart, Vital sjjirits, Evil vipers. BESIDES the ordinary sort of Trefoil, here are two more remarkable, and one of which may be probably called Heart Trefoil, not only because the leaf is triangular, like the heart of a man, but also because each leaf contains the perfect icon of a heart, and that in its proper colours, viz. a flesh-colour. Place.] It groweth between Longford and Bow, and be- yond Southwark, by the highway and parts adjacent. Government and Virtues.] It is under the dominion of the Sun, and if it were used, it would be found as great a strengthener of the heart, and cherisher of the vital spirits as grows, relieving the body against fainting and swoonings, fortifying it against poison and pestilence, defending the heart against the noisome vapours of the spleen. PEARL TREFOIL. Pin and web in the eyes. IT differs not from the common sort, save only in this one particular, it hath a white spot in the leaf like a pearl. It is particularly under the dominion of the Moon, and its icon sheweth that it is of a singular virtue against the pearl, or pin and web in the eyes. GARDEN VALERIAN. Dysury, Strangury, Stitch, Provokes terms, Breast, Cough, Pestilence, Head-ache, Splinters, Thorns. D ' tl n^HIS hath a thick short greyish root, lying " "■• J_ for the most part above ground, shooting forth on all other sides such like small pieces of roots, which have all of them many long green strings and fibres under them in the ground, whereby it draweth nourishment. From the head of these roots spring up many green leaves, which 25* 294 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. at first are somewhat broad and long, without any divisions at all in them, or denting on the edges ; but those that rise up after are more and more divided on each side, some to the middle rib, being winged, as made of many leaves to- gether on a stalk, and those upon a stalk, in like manner ■more divided, but smaller towards the top than below ; the stalk riseth to be a yard high or more, sometimes branched at the top, with many small whitish flowers, sometimes dash- ed over at the edges with a pale purplish colour, of a little scent, which passing away, there followeth small brownish white seed, that is easily carried away with the wind. The root smelleth more strong than either leaf or flower, and is of more use in medicines. Place.] It is generally kept with us in gardens. Time.] It flowereth in June and July, and continueth flowering until the frost pull it down. Government and Virtues.] This is under the influence of Mercury. Dioscorides saith, That the Garden Valerian hath a warming faculty, and that being dried and given to drink, it provoketh urine, and helpeth the strangury. The decoc- tion thereof taken, doth the like also, and taketh away pains of the sides, provoketh women's courses, and is used in an- tidotes. Pliny saith, That the powder of the root given in drink, or the decoction thereof taken, helpeth all stoppings and stranghngs in any part of the body, whether they pro- ceed of pains in the chest or sides, and talieth them away. The root of Valerian boiled with liquorice, raisins and anni- »eed, is singular good for those that are short-winded, and for those that are troubled with the cough, and helpeth. to open the passages, and to expectorate phlegm easily. It is given to those that are bitten or stung by any venomous crea- ture, being boiled in wine. It is of a special virtue against the plague, the decoction thereof being drank, and the root being used to smell to. It helpeth to expel the wind in the belly. The green herb with the root taken fresh, being bruised and applied to the head, taketh away the pains and prickings there, stayeth rheum and thin distillations, and being boiled in white wine, and a drop thereof put into the eyes, taketh away the dimness of the sight, or any pin or web therein : It is of excellent property to heal any inward sores or wounds, and also for outward hurts or wounds, and drawing away splinters or thorns out of the flesh. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 295 VERVAIN. Obstructions, Jaundice, Venomous beasts, Worms, Cough, Agues, Gravel, Reins, Womb, Dropsy, Festulas, Phrensy. . , f I ^HE common Vervain hath somewhat long Lfcsct ipt.] J^ broad leaves next the ground deeply gash- - ed about the edges, and some only deeply dented, or cut all alike, of a blackish green colour on the upper side, somewhat grey underneath. The stalk is square, branched into several parts, rising about two feet high, especially if you reckon the long spike of flowers at the tops of them, which are set on all sides one above another, and sometimes two or three together, being small and gaping, of a blue colour and white intermixed, after which come small round seed, in small and somewhat long heads : The root is small and long, but of no use. Place.] It groweth generally throughout this land in divers places of the hedges and way-sides, and other waste grounds. Time.] It flowereth in July, and the seed is ripe soon after. . Government and Virtues.] This is an herb of Venus, and excellent for the womb to strengthen and remedy all the cold griefs of it, as Plantain doth the hot. Vervain is hot and dry, opening obstructions, cleansing and healing : It helpeth the yellow jaundice, the dropsy and the gout; it killeth and expelleth worms in the belly, and causeth a good colour in the face and body, strengtheneth as well as correcteth the diseases of the stomach, liver, and spleen ; helps the cough, wheezings, and shortness of breath, and all the defects of the reins and bladder, expelling the gravel and stone. It is held to be good against the biting of serpents, and other ve- nomous beasts, against the plague, and both tertian and quartan agues. It consohdateth and healeth also all wounds, both inward and outward, stayeth bleedings, and used with some honey, healeth all old ulcers and fistulas in the legs or other parts of the body ; as also those ulcers that happen in the mouth ; or used with hog's grease, it helpeth the swel- lings and pains of the secret parts in man or woman, also for the"pilcs or haemorrhoids ; applied with some oil of roses and vinegar unto the forehead and temples, it easeth the invete- rate pains and ache of the head, and is good for those that are frantick. The leaves bruised, or the juice of them mixed with some vinegar, doth wonderfully cleanse the skin, and 296 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. taketh away morphew, freckles, fistulas, and other such Uke inflammations and deformities of the skin in any part of the body. The distilled water of the herb when it is in full strength, dropped into the eyes, eleanseth them from films, clouds, or mists, that darken the sight, and wonderfully strengthens the optic nerves : The said water is very power- ful in all the diseases aforesaid, either inward or outward, whether they be old corroding sores, or green wounds. THE VINE. Sore mouths, Inflammations, Women's longings, Stone. THE leaves of the English Vine (I do not mean to send you to the Canaries for a medicine) being boiled, make a good lotion for sore mouths; being boiled with barley meal into a poultice, it cools inflammations of wounds; the dropping of die Vine, when it is cut in the spring, which country people call Tears, being boiled in a syrup, with su- gar, and taken inwardly, is excellent to stay women's long-^ ings after every thing they see, which is a diseases many wo- men with child are subject to. The decoction of Vine leaves in white wine doth the like ; also the tears of the Vine, drank two or three spoonfuls at a time, breaks the stone in the bladder. This is a very good remedy, and it is discreetly done to kill a Vine to cure a man, but the salt of the leaves are held to do better. The ashes of the burnt branches will make teeth that are as black as a coal, to be as white as snoW, if you but every morning rub them with it. It is a most gal- lant Tree of the Sun, very sympathetical with the body of man, and that is the reason spirit of wine is the greatest cor- dial among all vegetables. VIOLETS. k Inflammations, Eyes, Falling sickness, Quinsy, Hoarseness, Throat, Reins, Thirst. BOTH the tame and the wild are so well known, that they need no description. lYmc.] They flower until the end of July, but are best in March, and the beginnig of April. Government and Virtues.] They are a fine, pleasing plant of Venus, of a mild nature, noway harmful. All the Vior ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 29? lets are cold and moist while they are fresh and green, and are used to cool any heat, or distemperature of the body, either inwardly or outwardly, as inflammations in the eyes, in the matrix or fundament, in imposthumes also, and hot swellings, to drink the decoction of the leaves and flowers made with water and wine, or to apply them poultice-wise to the grieved places: It likewise easeth pains in the head, caused through want of sleep ; or any other pains arising of heat, being applied in the same manner, or with oil of roses. A dram weight of the dried leaves or flowers of Violets, but the leaves more strongly, doth purge the body of cholerick humours, and assuageth the heat, being taken in a draught of wine, or any other drink ; the powder of the purple leaves of the flowers, only picked and dried and drank in water, is said to help the quinsy, and the falling-sickness in chil- dren, especially in the beginning of the disease. The flow- ers of the white Violets ripen and dissolve swellings. The herb or flowers, while they are fresh, or the flowers when they are dry, are effectual in the pleurisy, and all diseases of the lungs, to lenify the sharpness of the rheums, and the hoarseness of the throat, the heat and sharpness of urine, and all the pains of the back or reins and bladder. It is good also for the liver and the jaundice, and all hot agues to cool the liver, and quench the thirst; but the syrup of Violets is of most use, and of better effect, being taken in some con- venient liquor ; and if a little of the juice or syrup of lemons be put to it, or a few drops of the oil of vitriol, it is made thereby the more powerful to cool the heat, and quench the thirst, and giveth to the drink a claret wine colour, and a fine tart relish, pleasing the taste. Violets taken, or made up with honey, do more cleanse and cool, and with sugar contrary-wise. The dried flowers of Violets are accounted amongst the cordial drinks, powders and other medicines, especially where cooling cordials are necessary. The green leaves are used with other herbs to make plaisters and poul- tices for inflammations and swellings, and to ease all pains whatsoever, arising of heat, and for the piles also, being fry- ed with yolks of eggs, and applied thereto, VIPER's BUGLOSS. Poison, Heart sadness, Agues, Milk, Loins, Back, Kidney,. . . rflHIS hath many long rough leaves lying on Descnpt.] J^ Ao grou,ui, from among which arise up 298 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. divers bard round stalks, very rough, as if they were thick set with prickles or hairs, whereon are set such like rough, hairy, or prickly sad green leaves, somewhat narrow ; the middle rib for the most part being white. The flowers stand at the top of the stalk, branched forth in many long-spiked leaves of flowers, bowing or turning like the turnsole, all opening for the most part on the one side, which are long and hollow, turning up the brims a Uttle, of a purplish vio- let colour in them that are fully blown, but more reddish while they are in the bud, as also upon their decay and withering ; but in some places of a paler purple colour, with a long- pointel in the middle, feathered or parted at the top. After the flowers are fallen, the seeds growing to be ripe, are black- ish, cornered and pointed somewhat like the head of a viper. The root is somewhat great and blackish, and woolly, when it groweth toward seed-time, and perisheth in the winter. There is another sort, little differing from the former, only in this, that it beareth white flowers. Place.] The first groweth wild almost everywhere. That with white flowers about the castle-walls in Lewes in Sussex. Time.] They flower in summer, and their seed is ripe quickly after. Government and Virtues.] It is a most gallant herb of the Sun ; it is a pity it is no more in use than it is. It is an especial remedy against the biting of the Viper, aud all other venomous beasts, or serpents ; as also against poison, or poi- sonful herbs. Dioscorides and others say, That whosoever shall take of the herb or root before they be bitten, shall not be hurt by the poison of any serpent. The root or seed is thought to be most effectual to comfort the heart, and expel sadness, or causeless melancholy ; it tempers the blood, and allayeth hot fits of agues. The seed drank in wine, pro- cureth abundance of milk in women's breasts. The same also being taken, easeth the pain in the loins, back, and kid- neys. The distilled water of the herb when it is in flower, or its chief strength, is excellent to be applied either inward- ly or outwardly, for all the griefs aforesaid. There is a sy- rup made hereof very effectual for the comforting the heart, and expelling sadness and melancholy. ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 299 WALL-FLOWERS, or WINTER-GILLIFLOWERS. Liver, Provokes terms, After-birth, Gout, Apoplexy. r i 'IHE garden kind are so well known, that they need no _l description. "Descript.] The common single Wall-Flowers, which grow wild abp6ad, have sundry small, long, narrow, dark green leaves, set without order upon small, round, whitish woody stalks, which bear at the tops divers single yellow flowers one above another, every one bearing four leaves a-piece, and of a very sweet scent; after which come long pods, containing a reddish seed. The roots are white, hard and thready. Place.] It groweth upon church-walls, and old walls of many houses, and other stone-walls in divers places : The other sort in gardens only. Time.] All the single kinds do flower many times in the end of autumn; and if the winter be mild, all the winter long, but especially in the months of February, March, and April, and until the heat of the spring do spend them. But the double-kinds continue not flowering in that manner all the year long, although they flower very early sometimes, and in some places very late. Government and Virtues.] The Moon rules them. Galen, in his seventh book of simple medicines, saith, That the yel- low Wall-Flowers work more powerfully than any of the other kinds, and are therefore of more use in physick. It eleanseth the blood, and freeth the liver and reins from ob- structions, provoketh women's courses, expelleth the secun- dine, and the dead child ; helpeth the hardness and pains of the mother, and of the spleen also ; stayeth inflammations' and swellings, comforteth and strengtheneth any weak part, or out of joint; helpeth to cleanse the eyes from mistiness and films on them, and to cleanse the filthy ulcers in the mouth, or any other part, and is a singular remedy for the gout, and all aches and pains in the joints and sinews. A conserve made of the flowers, is used for a remedy both for the apoplexy and palsy. THE WALNUT TREE. Worms, Poison, Inflammations, Carbuncles, Baldness, Quinsy, Cholic, Mother, Deafness. IT is so well known, that it needeth no description. Time.] It blossometh early before the leaves come forth, and the fruit is ripe in September. 800 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Government and Virtues.] This is also a plant of the Sun. Let the fruit of it be gathered accordingly, which you shall find to be of most virtues whilst they are green, before they have shells. The bark of the tree doth bind and dry very much, and the leaves are much of the same temperature ; but the leaves, when they are older, are heating and drying in the second degree, and harder of digestion than when they are fresh, which, by reason of their sweetness, are more pleasing, and better digesting in the stomach ; and taken with sweet wine, they move the belly downwards, but being old, they grieve the stomach ; and in hot bodies cause the choler to abound, and the head-ache, and are an enemy to those that have the cough; but are less hertful to those that have a colder stomach, and are said to kill the broad worms in the belly or stomach. If they be taken with onions, salt and honey, they help the biting of a mad dog, or the venom, or infectious poison of any beast, &c. Caius Pompeius found in the treasury of Mithridates, king of Pontus, when he was overthrown, a scroll of his own hand-writing, con- taining a medicine against any poison or infection; which is this: Take two dry Walnuts, and as many good figs, and twenty leaves of rue, bruised and beaten together with two or three corns of salt, and twenty juniper berries, which take every morning fasting, preserveth from danger of poison and infection that day it is taken. The juice of the other green husks boiled with honey, is an excellent gargle for a sore mouth, or the heat and inflammations in the throat and sto- mach. The kernels, when they grow old, are more oily, and therefore not fit to be eaten, but are then used to heal the wounds of the sinews, gangrenes and carbuncles. The said kernels being burned, are then very astringent, and will stay lasks and women's courses, being taken in red wine, and stay the falling of the hair, and make it fair, being an- ointed with oil and wine. The green husks will do the like, being used in the same manner. The kernels beaten with rue and wine, being applied, helpeth the quinsy ; and bruised with some honey, and applied to the ears, easeth the pains and inflammations of them. A piece of the green husks put into a hollow tooth, easeth the pain. The catkins hereof, taken before they fall oft", dried, and given a dram thereof in powder with white wine, wonderfully helpeth those that are troubled with the rising of the mother. The oil that is pres- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 301 sed out of the kernels, is very profitable taken inwardly like oil of almonds, to help the cohck, and to expel wind very effectually: an ounce or two thereof may be taken at any time. The young green nuts taken before they be half ripe, and preserved with sugar, are of good use for those that have weak stomachs, or defluxions thereon. The distilled water of the green husks, before they be half ripe, is of excellent use to cool the heat of agues, being drank an ounce or two at a time ; as also to resist the infection of the plague, if some of the same be also apphed to the sores thereof. The same also cooleth the heat of green wounds and old ulcers, and healeth them, being bathed therewith. The distilled water of the green husks being ripe, when they are shelled from the nuts, and drank with a little vinegar, is good for the plague, so as before the taking thereof a vein be opened. The said water is very good against the quinsy, being gargled and bathed therewith, and wonderfully helpeth deafness, the noise, and other pains in the ears. The distilled water of the young green leaves in the end of May, performeth a singular cure of foul running ulcers and sores, to be bathed, with wet cloths or sponges apphed to them every morning. WHEAT. Cold, Tetters, Ringworms, Ulcers, Mad dogs, King's evil, Cods, Hoarseness. ALL the several kinds hereof are so well known unto al- most all people, that it is altogether needless to write a description thereof. Government and Virtues.] It is under Venus. Dioscori- des saith, That to eat the corn of green Wheat is hurtful to the stomach, and breedeth worms. PUny saith, That the corn of Wheat roasted upon an iron pan, and eaten, are a present remedy for those that are chilled with cold. The oil pressed from Wheat, between two thick plates of iron, or cop- per, heated, healeth all tetters and ringworms, being used warm ; and hereby Galen saith, he hath known many to be cured. Matthiolus commendeth the same to be put into hol- low ulcers to heal them up, and it is good for chops in the hands and feet, and to make rugged skin smooth. The green corns of Wheat being chewed, and applied to the place bitten by a mad dog, heals it ; slices of Wheat bread soaked tn red 302 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. rose water, and applied to the eyes that are hot, red andin- flamed, or blood-shotten, helpeth them. Hot bread applied for an hour, at times, for three days together, perfectly heal- eth the kernels in the throat, commonly called the lung's evil. The flour of Wheat mixed with the juice of henbane, stays the flux of humours to the joints, being laid thereon. The said meal boiled in vinegar, helpeth the shrinking of the sinews, saith Pliny ; and mixed with vinegar, and boiled together, healeth all freckles, spots, and pimples on the face. Wheat flour, mixed with the yolk of an egg, honey and turpentine, doth draw, cleanse and heal any boil, plague sore, or foul ul- cer. The bran of Wheat meal steeped in sharp vinegar, and then bound in a linen cloth, and rubbed on those places that have the scurf, morphew, scabs or leprosy, wiU take them away, the body being first well purged and prepared. The decoction of the bran of Wheat or barley, is of good use to bathe those places that are bursten by a rupture ; and the said bran boiled in good vinegar, and applied to swollen breasts, helpeth them, and stayeth all inflammations. It helpeth also the biting of vipers (which I take to be no other than our English adder) and all other venomous creatures. The leaves of wheat meal, applied with salt, take away hard- ness of the skin, warts and hard knots in the flesh. Starch moistened in rose water, and laid to the cods, taketh away their itching. Wafters put in water, and drank stayeth the lasks and bloody flux, and are profitably used both inwardly and outwardly for the ruptures in children. Boiled in wa- ter unto a thick jelly, and taken, it stayeth spitting of blood ; and boiled with mint and butter, it helpeth the hoarseness of the throat. THE WILLOW TREE. Staunch bleeding, Spitting blood, Distillations on the lungs, Heat of lust, Dimness of sight, Warts, Dandriff. THESE are so well known that they need no description, I shall therefore only shew you the virtues thereof. Government and Virtues.] The Moon owns it. Both the leaves, bark, and the seed are used to staunch bleeding of wounds, and at mouth and nose, spitting of blood, and other fluxes of blood in man or woman, and to stay vomiting, and provocation thereunto, if the decoction of them in wine be drank. It helpeth alse te stay thin, hot, sharp salt distilla- ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 303 tions from the head upon the lungs, causing a consumption. The leaves bruised with some pepper, and drank in wine, helps much the wind colick. The leaves bruised and boiled in wine, stayeth the heat of lust in man or woman, and quite extinguisheth it, if it be long used : The seed is also of the same effect. Water that is gathered from the Willow, when it flowereth, the bark being slit, and a vessel fitting to receive it, is very good for redness and dimness of 3ight, or films that grow over the eyes, and stay the rheums that fall into them; to provoke urine, being stopped, if it be drank ; to clear the face and skin from spots and discolourings. Galen saith, The flowers have an admirable faculty in drying up humours, being a medicine without any sharpness or corro- sion ; you may boil them in white wine, and drink as much as you will, so you drink not yourself drunk. The bark works the same effect, if used in the same manner, and the tree hath always a bark upon it, though not always flowers ; the burnt ashes of the bark being mixed with vinegar, taketh away warts, Corns and superfluous flesh, being applied to the place. The decoction of the. leaves or bark in wine, takes away scurff and dandriffby washing the place with it. It is a fine cool tree, the boughs of which are very convement to be placed in the chamber of one sick of a fever. WOAD. Bleeding, Spleen, Ulcers, St. Anthony's fire. TT hath divers large leaves, long and somewhat Descript.] J^ broad witha\, i^e those of the greater plan- tain, but larger, thicker, of a greenish colour, somewhat blue withal. From among which leaves riseth up a lusty stalk, three or four feet high, with divers leaves set thereon; the higher the stalk riseth, the smaller are the leaves; at the top it spreadeth divers branches, at the end of which appear very pretty, little yellow flowers, and after they pass away like other flowers of the field, come husks, long and some- what flat withal; in form they resemble a tongue, in colour they are black, and they hang bobbing downwards. Ihe seed contained within these husks (if it be a little chewed) «ive an azure colour. The root is white and long. * Place.] It is sowed in fields for the benefit of it, where those that sow it, cut it three times a year. 304 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. Time.] It flowers in June, but it is long after before the seed is ripe. Government and Virtues.] It is a cold and dry plant of Sa- turn. Some people affirm the plant to be destructive to bees, and fluxes them, which if it be, I cannot help it. I should rather think, unless bees be contrary to other crea- tures, it possesseth them with the contrary disease, the herb being exceeding dry and binding. However, if any bees be diseased thereby, the cure is, to set urine by them, but set it ^ in a vessel, that they cannot drown themselves, which may 1 be remidied, if you put pieces of cork in it. The herb is so\,J drying and binding, that it is not fit to be given inwardly. Au Ti ointment made thereof stancheth bleeding. A plaister made thereof and* applied to the region of the spleen which lies on the left side, takes away the herdness and pains thereof. The ointment is excellent good in such ulcers as abound with moisture, and takes away the corroding and fretting humours : It cools inflammations, quencheth St. Anthony's fire, and stayeth defluxion of the blood to any part of the body. WOODBINE, or HONEY-SUCKLES. Lungs, Spleen, Freckles and Sun-burnings. IT is a plant so common, that every one that hath eyes knows it, and he that hath none, cannot read a descrip- tion, if I should write it. Time.] They flower in June, and the fruit is ripe in Au- i gust. ' . Government and Virtues.] Doctor Tradition, that grand introducer of errors, that hater of truth, that lover of folly, and that mortal foe to Dr. Reason, hath taught the common people to use the leaves or flowers of this plant in mouth water, and by long continuance of time, hath so grounded it in the brains of the vulgar, that you cannot beat it. out with a beetle : All mouth-waters ought to be cooling and drying, but Honey-Suckles are cleansing, consuming and digesting, and therefore no way fit for inflammations ; thus Dr. Rea- son. A wain if you please, we will leave Dr. Reason awhile, and come to Dr. Experience, a learned genleman, and his brother: Take a leaf and chew it in your mouth, and you will quickly find it likelier to cause a sore mouth and throat than to cure it. Well then, if it be not good for this, What ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 305 is it good for ? It is good for something, for God and nature made nothing in vain. It is an herb of Mercury, and appro- priated to the lungs ; the celestial Crab claims dominion over it; neither is it a foe to the Lion : if the lungs be afflicted by Jupiter, this is your cure : It is fitting a conserve made of the flowers of it were kept in every gentlewoman's house ; I know no better cure for an asthma than this ; be- sides it takes away the evil of the spleen, provokes urine, procures speedy delivery of women in travail, helps cramps, convulsions, and palsies, and whatsoever griefs come of cold or stopping; if you please to make use of it as an ointment, it wUl clear your skin of morphew, freckles, and sun-burn- ings, or whatever else discolours it, and then the maids will love it. Authors say, The flowers are of more effect than the leaves, and that is true ; but they say the seeds are least effectual of all. But Dr. Reason told me, That there, was a vital spirit in every seed to beget its like ; and Dr. Experi- ence told me, That there was a greater heat in the seed than there was in any other part of the plant; and withal, That. heat was the mother of action, and then judge if old Dr. Tra- dition (who may well be honoured for his age, but not for his goodness) hath not so poisoned the world with errors be- fore I was born, that it was never well in its wits since, and there is great fear it will die mad. WORMWOOD. Choler, Venery, Provokes urine, Helps surfeits, Appetite lost-, Jaundice, Preserveth health, Biting of rats and mice, Black and blue spots, Quinsy, Biting or stinging of venomous beasts, Spleen, French pox, Surfeits, Stinking breath, Weak sight. THREE Wormwoods are familiar with us ; one I shall not describe, another I shall describe, and the third be critical at: and I care not greatly if I begin with the last first. Sea Wormwood hath gotten as many names as virtues, (and perhaps one more) Seriphian, Santonieon, Belchion, Narbinense, Hantonicon, Misneule, and a matter of twenty more which I shall not blot paper withal. A Papist got the toy by the end, and he called it Holy Wormwood; and in truth, I am of opinion, their giving so much holiness to herbs, is the reason there remains so little in themselves. The seed of this wormwood is that which usually women give their 26* 2 f06 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. children for worms. Of all wormwoods that grow here, this is the weakest, but doctors commend it, and apothecaries sell it; the one must keep his credit, and the other get mo- ney, and that is the key of the work. The herb is good for something, because God made nothing in vain : Will you give me leave to weigh things in the balance of reason ; then thus : The seeds of the common Wormwood are far more prevalent than the seed of this to expel worms in children, or people of ripe age; of both, some are weak, some are strong. The Seriphian Wormwood is the weakest, and haply may prove to be fittest for the weak bodies, (for it is weak enough of all conscience.) Let such as are strong take the common Wormwood, for the others will do but lit- tle good. Again near the sea many people live, and Seri- phian grows near them, and therefore is more fitting for their bodies, because nourished by the same air; and this I had from Dr. Reason. In whose body Dr. Reason Dwells not, dwells Dr. Madness, and he brings in his brethren, Dr. Ignorance, Dr. Folly, and Dr. Sickness, and these together make way for death, and the latter end of that man is worse than the beginning. Pride was the cause of Adam's fall; pride begat a daughter, I do not know the father of it, unless the devil, but she christened it, and called it Appetite, and sent her daughter to taste these Wormwoods, who finding this the least bitter, made the squeamish wench extol it to the skies, though the virtues of it never reached to the mid- dle region of the air. Its due praise is this : It is weakest, therefore fittest for weak bodies, and fitter for those bodies that dwell near it, than those that live far from it; my rea- son is, the sea (those that live far from it, know when they come near it) casteth not such a smell as the land doth. The tender mercies of God being over all his works, hath by his eternal Providence planted Seriphian by the sea side, as a fit medicine for the bodies of those that live near it. Lastly, it is known to all that know any thing in course of na- ture, that the liver delights in sweet things, if so it abhors bitter ; then if your liver be weak, it is none of the wisest courses to plague it with an enemy. If the liver be weak, a consumption follows ; would you know the reason ? it is this, A man's flesh is repaired by blood, by a third concoction, which transmutes the blood into flesh; it is well I said (con- coction) say I, if I had said (boiling) every cook would have ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 30? understood me. The liver makes blood, and if it be weak- end that it makes not enough, the flesh wasteth ; and why must flesh always be renewed 1 Because the eternal God, when he made the creation, made one part of it in continual dependency upon another : And why did he so ? Because himself only is permanent: to teach us, That we should not fix our affections upon what is transitory, but upon what en- dures for ever. The, result of this is, if the liver be weak, and cannot make blood enough, (I would have said sanguify, if I had only written to scholars) the Seriphian, which is the weakest of wormwoods, is better than the best. I have been critical enough, if not too much. Place] It grows familiarly in England, by the sea side. Descript.] It starts up out of the earth, with many round, woody, hairy stalks from one root. Its hight is four feet, or three at least. The leaves in longitude are long, in latitude, narrow, in colour, white, in form, hoary, in similitude like Southernwood, only broader and longer ; in taste rather salt than bitter, because it grows so near the salt water. At the joints, with the leaves toward the tops it bears little yellow flowers ; the root Ues deep, and is woody. Common Wormwood I shall not describe, for every boy that can eat an egg knows it. Roman Wormwood; and why Roman, seeing it grows fa- miliarly in England 1 It may be so called, because it is good for a stinking breath, which the Romans cannot be very free from, maintaining so many bawdy-houses by authority of his Holiness. Descript.] The stalks are slender, and shorter than the common Wormwood by one foot at least; the leaves are more finely cut and divided than they are, but something smaller; both leaves and stalks are hoary, the flowers of a pale yellow colour ; it is altogether like the common Worm- wood, save only in bigness, for it is smaller ; in taste, for it is not bitter ; in smell, for it is spicy. Place.] It groweth upon the tops of the mountains (it seems 'tis aspiring) there 'tis natural, but usually nursed up in gardens for the use of the apothecaries in London. Place.] All Wormwoods usually flower in August, a little sooner or later. Government and Virtues.] Will you give me leave to be critical a little ? I must take leave : Wo. mwood is an herb 308 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. of Mars, and if Pontanussay otherwise, he is beside the bridge ; I prove it thus : What delights in martial places is a martial herb ; but Wormwood delights in martial places, (for about forges and iron works you may gather a cart-load of it) ergo, it is a martial herb. It is hot and dry in the first degree, viz. just as hot as your blood, and no hotter. It remedies the evils choler can inflict 6n the body of man by sympathy. It helps the evils Venus and the wanton Boy produce, by antipathy; and it doth something else besides. It eleanseth the body of choler (who dares say Mars doth no good ?) It provokes urine, helps surfeits, or swellings in the belly; it causeth appetite to meat, because Mars rules the attractive faculty in man : The sun never shone upon a better herb for the yellow jaundice than this : Why should men cry out so much upon Mars for an unfortunate, (or Saturn either ?) Did God make creatines to do the creation a mischief ? This herb testifies, that Mars is willing to cure all diseases he causes ; the truth is, Mars loves no cow- ards, nor Saturn, fools, nor I neither. Take of the flowers of Wormwood, Rosemary, and Black Thorn, of each a Uke quantity, half that quantity of saffron ; boil this in Rhenish wine, but put it not in saffron till it is almost boiled : This is the way to keep a man's body in health, appointed by Camerarius, in his book, intitled, Hortus Medicus, and it is a good one too. Besides all this, Wormwood provokes the terms. I would willingly teach astrologers, and make them physicians (if I knew how) for they are most fitting for the calling ; if you will not believe me ask Dr. Hippocrates, and Dr. Galen, a couple of gentlemen, that our College of Phy- sicians keep to vapour with, not to follow. In this herb, I shall give the pattern of a ruler, the sons of art rough cast, yet as near the truth as the men of Benjamin could throw a stone : Whereby, my brethren, the astrologers may know by a penny how a shilling is coined : As for the College of Physicians, they are too stately to learn, and too proud to continue. They say a mouse is under the dominion of the Moon, and that is the reason they feed in the night; the house of the Moon is Cancer ; rats are of the same nature with mice, but they are a little bigger ; mars receives his fall in Cancer, ergo, Wormwood being an herb of Mars, is a present remedy for the biting of rats and mice. Mushrooms (I cannot give them the title of Herba, Frutex or Arbor) are ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 309 under the dominion of Saturn, (and take one time with an- other, they do as much harm as good ;) if any have poison- ed himself by eating them, Wormwood, an herb of Mars, cures him, because Mars is exalted in Capricorn, the house of Saturn, and that it doth by sympathy, as it did the other by antipathy. Wheals, pushes, black and blue spots, coming either by bruises or beatings, Wormwood, an herb of Mars, helps, because Mars, (as bad as you love him, and as you hate him) will not break your head, but he wiU give you a plaister. If he do but teach you to know yourselves, his courtesy is greater than his discourtesy. The greatest an- tipathy between the planets, is between Mars and Venus ; one is hot, the other cold ; one diurnal, the other nocturnal; one dry, the other moist; their houses are opposite, one mas- culine, the other feminine; one public, the other private; one is valiant, the other effeminate ; one loves the light, the other hates it; one loves the field, the other sheets ; then the throat is under Venus, the quinsy lies in the throat, and is an inflammation there : Venus rules the throat (it being un- der Taurus her sign.) Mars eradicates all diseases in the throat by his herbs (of which wormwood is one) and sends them to Egypt on an errand never to return more, this done by antipathy. The eyes are under the Luminaries ; the the right-eye of a man, and the left-eye of a woman the Sun claims dominion over ; the left-eye of a man, and the right- eye of a woman, are privileges of the Moon, Wormwood, an herb of Mars, cures both ; what belongs to the Sun by sym- pathy, because he is exalted in his house; but what belongs to the Moon by antipathy, because he hath his fall in her's. Suppose a man be bitten or stung by a martial creature, im- agine a wasp, a hornet, a scorpion, Wormwood, an herb of Mars, giveth you a present cure ; then Mars, cholerick as he is, hath learned that patience, to pass by your evil speech- es of him, and tells you by my pen, That he gives you no affliction, but he gives you a cure ; you need not run to Ap- ollo, nor ^Esculapius ; and if he was so cholerick as you make him to be, he would have drawn his sword for anger, to see the ill conditions of those people that can spy his vices, and not his virtues. The eternal God, when he made Mars, made him for public good, and the sons of men shall know it in the latter end of the world. E caelum Mars solus habet. You say Mars is a destroyer ; mix a little Wormwood, an 310 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. herb of Mars, with your ink, neither rats nor mice touch the paper written with it, and then Mars is a preserver. As- trologers think Mars causeth scabs, and itch, and the vergins are angry with him, because wanton Venus told them he de- forms their skins ; but, quoth Mars, My only desire is, they should know themselves ; my herb Wormwood, will restore them to the beauty they formerly had, and in that I will not come an inch behind my opposite, Venus ; for which doth the greatest evil, he that takes away an innate beauty, and when he has done, knows how to restore it again 1 Or she that teaches a company of wanton lasses to paint their faces 1 If Mars be in a virgin, in the nativity, they say he causeth the colick (it is well God hath set somebody to pull down the pride of man.) He in the Virgin troubles none with the colick, but them that know not themselves (for who knows himself, may easily know all the world.) Wormwood, an herb of Mars, is a present cure for it; and whether it be most like a Christian to love him for his good, or hate him for his evil, judge ye. I had almost forgotten, that charity thinks no evil. I was once in the Tower and viewed the wardrobe, and there was" a great many fine cloaths : (I can give them no other title, for I was never either linen or wool- len-draper) yet as brave as they looked, my opinion was that the moths might consume them ; moths are under the domin- ion of Mars ; this herb Wormwood being laid among cloaths, will make a moth scorn to meddle with the cloaths, as much as a lion scorns to meddle with a mouse, or an eagle with a fly. You sav Mars is aiiny, and it is true enough he is an- gry with many countrymen, for being such fools to be led by the noses by the college of physicians, as they lead bears to Paris garden. Melancholy men cannot endure to be wrong- ed in point of good fame, and that doth sorely trouble old Saturn, because they call him the greatest unfortunate ; in the body of man he rules the spleen, (and that makes cove- tous men so splenetick) the poor old man Ues crying out of his left side. Father Saturn's angry, Mars comes to him : Come brother, I confess thou art evil spoken of, and so am I: thou k no west I have mv exaltation in thy house, I give him an herb of mine, Wormwood, to cure the poor man: Saturn consented, but spoke little, and Mars cured him by sympathy. When Mars was free from war, (for he loves to be fighting, and is the best friend a soldier hath) I say. when ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 311 Mars was free from war, he called a council of war in his own brain, to know how he should do poor sinful man good, desiring to forget his abuses in being called an unfortunate. He musters up his- own forces, and places them in battalia. Oh ! quoth he, why do I hurt a poor silly man or woman 1 His angel answers him, It is because they have offended their God, (Look back to Adam!) Well, says Mars, though they speak evil of me, I will do good to them : Death's cold, my herb shall heat them ; they are full of ill humours (else they would never have spoken ill of me;) my herb shall cleanse them, and dry them ; they are poor weak creatures, my herb shall strengthen them ; they are dull-witted, my herb shall fortify their apprehensions; and yet among astrologers all this does not deserve a good word : Oh the patience of Mars! Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas, Inque domus superum scandere curafacit. Oh happy he that can the knowledge gain, To know th' eternal God made nought in vain. To this I add, I know the reason causeth such a dearth Of knowledge; 'tis because men love the earth. The other day Mars told me he met with Venus, and he asked her, What was the reason that she accused him for abusing women ? In the dispute they fell out, and in anger parted, and Mars told me that his brother Saturn told him, that an anti-venerean medicine was the best against the pox. Once a month he meets with the Moon. Mars is quick enough of speech, and the Moon not much behind hand, (nei- ther are most women.) The Moon looks much after child- ren, and children are much troubled with the worms ; she desired a medicine of him, he bid her take his herb, Worm- wood. He had no sooner parted with the Moon but he met with Venus, and she was as drunk as a bitch : Alas ! poor Venus, quoth he ; What! thou a fortune, and be drunk 1 I'll give thee an antipathetical cure : Take my herb, Worm- wood, and thou shalt never get a surfeit by drinking. A poor silly countryman hath got an ague, and cannot go about his business ; he wishes he had it not, and so do I ; but I will tell him a remedy, whereby he shall prevent it; Take 312 ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. the herb of Mars, Wormwood, and if infortunes will do good, what will fortunes do ? Some think the lungs are under Ju- piter ; arid if the lungs, then the breath ; and though some- times a man gets a stinking breath, and yet Jupiter is a for- tune, forsooth ; up comes Mars to him : Come, brother Ju- piter, thou knowest I sent thee a couple of trines to thy house last night, the one from Aries, and the other from Scorpio ; give me thy leave by sympathy to cure this poor man with drinking a draught of Wormwood beer every morning. The Moon was weak the other day, and she gave a man two ter- rible mischiefs, a dull brain and a weak sight ; Mars laid by his sword, and comes to her : Sister Moon, said he, this man hath angered thee, but I beseech thee take notice he is but a fool ; prithee be patient, I will with my herb Worm- wood, cure him of both infirmities by antipathy, for thou knowest thou and I cannot agree ; with that the Moon be- gan to quarrel ; Mars (not delighting much in women's tongues) went away, and did it whether she would or no. He that reads this, and understands what he reads, hath a jewel of more worth than a diamond ; he that understands it not, is as little fit to give physick. There lies a key in these words which wiU unlock, (if it be turned by a wise hand) the cabinet of physick : I have delivered it as plain as I durst ; it is not only upon Wormwood as I wrote, but upon all plants, trees, and herbs ; he that understands it not, is unfit (in my opinion) to give physick. This shall Uve when I am dead. And thus I leave it to the world, not careing a fartliing whether they like or dislike it. The grave equals all men, and therefore shaU equal me with all princes ; until which time the eternal Providence is over me: Then the ill tongue of a prating fellow, or one that hath more tongue than wit,*or more proud than honest, shall never trouble me, Wisdom is justified by her children. And so much for Worm- wood. YARROW, called NOSE-BLEED, MILFOIL anb THOUSAND-LEAF. Wounds, Inflammations, Baldness, JJlcers, Retentive faculty, Running of the reins, Whites, Tooth-ache. Descript} l~T hath many lon£ le"aves^spread upon the * M_ ground, finely cut, and divided into many ENGLISH PHYSICIAN. 313 small parts : Its flowers are white, but not all of a whiteness,^ and stayed in knots, upon divers green stalks which rise from among the leaves. Place.] It is frequent in -aH-pastures, with little holes in it, as though worms had been eating there. CHAP. VIII. Of Preserves. OF Preserves are sundry sorts, and the operations of all being somewhat different, we will handle them all apart. These are preserved with sugar : 1. Flowers. I 3. Roots. 2. Fruits. J 4. Barks. 1. Flowers are very seldom preserved ; I never saw any that I remember, save only cowslip flowers, and that was a great fashion in Sussex when I was a boy. It is thus done : Take a flat glass, we cal' them jat-glasses ; strew in a laying of fine sugar, on that a laying of flowers, on that another 28 32G DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING laying of sugar, on that another laying of flowers, so do till your glass be full ; then tie it over with a paper, and in a little time you shall have very excellent and pleasant con- serves. There is another way of preserving flowers : namely, with vinegar and salt, as they pickle capers and broom buds ; but as I have little skill in it myself, I cannot teach you. 2. Fruits, as quinces, and the like, are preserved two ways : (1.) Boil them well in water, and then pulp them thro' a sieve, as we shewed you before ; then with the like quan- tity of sugar, boil the water they were boiled in into a syrup, riz. a pound of sugar to a pint of liquor ; to every pound of this syrup, add four ounces of the pulp ; then boil it with a iery gentle fire to their right consistence, which you may easily know, if you drop a drop of it upon a trencher ; if it be enough, it will not stick to your fingers when it is cold. (2.) Another way to preserve fruits is this : First, Pare off the rind ; then cut them in halves, and take out the core ; then boil them in water till they are soft ; if you know when beef is boiled enough, you may easily know when they are : Then boil the water with its like weight of sugar into a syrup ; put the syrup into a poi, and put the boiled fruit as whole as you left it when you cut it into it, and let it remain till you have occasion to use it. 3. Roots are thus preserved : First, serape them very clean, and cleanse them from the pith, if they have any, for some roots have not, as Eringo and the like : Boil them in water till they be soft, as we shewed you before in the fruits ; then boil the water you boiled the root in into a syrup, as we shew- ed you before ; then keep the root whole in the syrup till you use them. 4. As for barks, we have but few come to our hands to be done, and of those the few that I can remember, are oranges, lemons, citrons, and the outer bavk of walnuts, which orow without-side the shell, for the shells themselves would make but scurvy preserves ; these be they I can remember, if there be^any iriore, put them into the number. The way of preserving these, is not all one in authors, for soine are bitter, some are hot ; such as are bitter, say authors, must be soaked in warm water, oftentimes changing till their bitter taste be fled : But I like not this way, arid my reason SYRUPS, CONSERVES, &c. 327 is this : Because I doubt when their bitterness is gone, so is their virtue also ; I shall then prescribe one common way, namely, the same with the former, viz. First boil them whole till they be soft, then make a syrup with sugar and the liquor you boiled them in, and keep the barks in the syrup. 5. They are kept in glasses, or in glazed pots. 6. The preserved flowers will keep a year, if you can for- bear eating of them ; the roots and barks much longer. 7. This art was plainly and first invented for delicacy, yet came afterwards to be of excellent use in physick : For, (1.) Hereby medicines are made pleasant for sick and squeamish stomachs ; which else would loath them. (2.) Hereby they are preserved from decaying a long time. CHAP. IX. OfLohocks. r»lHAT which the Arabians call Lohocks, and the Greeks Eclegma, the Latins call Linctus, and in plain English signifies nothing else but a thing to be licked up. 2. Their first invention was to prevent and remedy afflic- tions of the breast and lungs, to cleanse the lungs of phlegm, and make it fit to be* cast out. 3. They are in body thicker than a syrup, and not so thick as an electuary. 4. The manner of taking them is, often to take a little with liquorice stick, and let it go down at leisure. 5. They are easily thus made : Make a decoction of pec- toral herbs, and the treatise will furnish you with enough, and when you have strained it, with twice its weight of ho- ney or sugar, boil it to a lohock; if you are molested with much phlegm, honey is better than sugar; and if you add a little vinegar to it, you will do well; if not, I hold sugar to be better than honey. 6. It is kept in pots and may be kept a year and longer. 7. It is excellent for roughness of the wind-pipe, inflam- mations and ulcers of the lungs, difficulty of breathing, asth- mas, coughs, and distillations of humours. CHAP. X. Of Ointments. "^TARIOUS are the ways of making ointments, which \ authors have left to posterity, which I shall omit, and quote one which is easiest to be made, and therefore most beneficial to people that are ignorant in physick, for whose sake I write this. It is thus done : 328 DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING Bruise those herbs, flowers, or-roots, you will make an ointraent of, and to two handfuls of your bruised herbs add a pound of hog's grease dried, or cleansed from the skins, beat them very well together in a stone mortar with a wood- en pestle, then put it into a stone pot, (the herb and grease I mean, not the mortar) cover it with a paper, and set it either in the sun, or some other warm place, three, four, or five days, that it may melt; then take it out and boil it a little ; then while it is hot strain it out, pressing it out very hard in a press ; to this grease add as many more herbs bruised as before ; let them stand in like manner as long, then boil them as you did the former : If you think your oint- ment not strong enough, you may do it the third and fourth time ; yet this I will tell you, the fuller of juice the herbs are, the sooner will your ointment be strong; the last time you boil it, boil it so long till your herbs be crisp, and the juice consumed, then strain it, pressing it hard in a press, and to every pound of ointment add two ounces of turpen- tine, and as much wax, because grease is offensive to wounds, as well as oil. 2. Ointments are vulgarly known to be kept in pots, and will last above a year, some above two years. CHAP. XL Of Plaisters. . riT^HE Greeks made their plaisters of divers simples, and put metals into most of them, if not all; for, having reduced their metals into powder, they mixed them with that fatty substance whereof the rest of the plaister con- sisted, whilst it was yet hot, continuaUy stirring it up and down, lest it should sink to the bottom ; so they continually stirred it till it was stiff; then they made it up in rolls, which when they needed for use, they could melt by fire again. 2. The Arabians made up theirs with oil and fat, which needeth not so long boiling. 3. The Greeks emplaisters consisted of these ingredients, metals, stones, divers sorts of earth, feces, juices, liquors, seeds, roots, herbs, excrements of creatures, wax, rosin, gums. CHAP. XII. Of Poultices. POULTICES are those kind of things which the Latins call Cataplasmata, and our learned fellows, that if »TRUPS, CONSERVES, &o* 329 they can read English, that's all, call them Cataplasms, be- cause 'tis a crabbed word few understand; it is indeed a very fine kind of medicine to ripen sores. 2. They are made of herbs and roots, fitted for the disease and members afflicted, being chopped small, and boiled in water almost to a jelly ; then adding a little barley-meal, or meal of lupins, and a little oil, or rough sweet suet, which I hold to be better, spread upon a cloth and apply to the griev- ed place. 3. Their use is to ease pain, to break sores, to cool in- flammations, to dissolve hardness, to ease the spleen, to con- coct humours, and dissipate swellings. 4. I beseech you to take this caution along with you : Use no poultices (if you can help it) that are of an healing na- ture, before you have first cleansed the body, because they are subject to draw the humours to them from every part of the body. CHAP. XIII. Of Troches. THE Latins call them Placentula, or little cakes, and the Greeks Prochikois, Kukliscoi, and Artiscoir they are usually little round flat cakes, or you may make thcin square if you will. 2. Their first invention was, that powders being so kept, might resist the intermission of air, and so endure pure the longer. , 3. Besides, they are easier carried in the pockets of such as travel; as many a man (for example) is forced to travel whose stomach is too cool, or at least not so hot as it should be, which is most proper, for the stomach is never cold till a man be dead; in such a case, it is better to carry troches of wormwood, or galangal, in a paper in his pocket, than to lay a gallipot along with him. 4. They are made thus : At night when you go to bed, take two drams of fine gum tragacanth ; put it into a gallipot, and put half a quarter of a pint of any distilled water fitting for the purpose you would make your troches for, to cover it, and the next morning you shall find it in such a jelly as the physicians call mucilage : With this you may (with a little pains taking) make a powder into a paste, and that paste into a cake called trocher. 5. Having made them, dry them in the shade, and keep them in a pot for your use. 28* 330 DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING CHAP. XIV. Of Pills. f ■ ^HEY are called Pilula, because they resemble little J_ balls ; the Greeks call them Catapotia. 2. It is the opinion of modern physicians, that this way of making medicines, was invented only to deceive the palate, that so, by swallowing them down whole, the bit- terness of the medicine might not be perceived, or at least it might not be insufferable ; and indeed most of their pills, though not all, are very bitter. fc3. 1 am of a clean contrary opinion to this. I rather think they were done up in this hard form, that so they might be the longer in digesting ; and my opinion is ground- ed upon reason too, not upon fancy or hearsay. The first invention of pills was to purge the head ; now, as I told you before, such infirmities as lie near the passages, were best removed by decoctions, because they pass to the grieved part soonest; so here, if the infirmity lies in the head, or any other remote part, the best way is to use pills, because they are longer in digestion, and therefore better able to call the offending humour to them. 4. If I should tell you here a long tale of medicines work- ing by sympathy and antipathy, you would not understand a word of it: They that are set to make physicians, may find it in the treatise. All modern physicians know not what be- longs to flats and sharps in musick, but follow the vulgar road and call it a hidden quality, because it is hidden from the eyes of dunces, and indeed none but astrologers can give a reason for it; and physick without reason, is like a pud- ding without fat. 5. The way to make pills is very easy, for with the help of a pestle and mortar, and a little diligence, you may make any powder into pills, either with syrup, ,or the jelly I told you before. CHAP. XV. The way of mixing medicines, according to the cause of the disease, and part of the body afflicted. THIS being indeed the key of the work, I shall be some- what the more diligent in it. I shall deliver myself thus: 1. To the vulgar. 2. To such as study Astrology; or such as study physick astrologically. SYRUPS, CONSERVES, &c. 331 1st. To the Vulgar. Kind souls, I am sorry it hath been your hard mishap to have been so long trained in such Egyp- tian darkness, even darkness which to your sorrow may be felt: The vulgar road of physick is not my practice, and I am therefore the more unfit to give you advice. I have now published a little book, {Galen's Art of Physick) which will fully instruct you, not only in the knowledge of your own bodies, but also in fit medicines to remedy each part of it when afflicted ; in the mean season take these few rules to stay your stomachs. 1. With the disease, regard the cause, and the part of the body afflicted ; for example, suppose a woman be subject to miscarry, through wind ; thus do : (1.) Look Abortion in the table of diseases, and you shall be directed by that, how many herbs prevent miscarriage. (2.) Look wind in the same table, and you shall see how many of these herbs expel wind. These are the herbs medicinal for your grief. 2. In all diseases strengthen the part of the body afflicted. 3. In mixed diseases there lies some difficulty, for some- times two parts of the body are afflicted with contrary hu- mours, as sometimes the liver is afflicted with choler and water, as when a man hath had the dropsy and the yellow jaundice ; and this is usually mortal. In the former, suppose the brain to be too cold and moist, and the liver to be hot and dry; thus do : 1. Keep your head outwardly warm. 2. Accustom yourself to the smell of hot herbs. 3. Take a pill that heats the head at night going to bed. 4. In the morning take a decoction that cools the liver, for that quickly passeth the stomach, and is at the liver im- mediately. You must not think, courteous people, that I can spend time to give you examples of all diseases : These are enough to let you see so much light as you without art are able to receive : If I should set you to look at the sun, I should daz- zle your eyes, and make you blind. 2dly, To such as study Astrology, (who are the only men I know that are fit to study physick, physick without astrolo- gy being like a lamp without oil) you are the men I exceed- ingly respect, and such documents as my brain can give you atVresent (being absent from my study) I shaU give you. 382 SYRUPS, CONSERVS, &c. 1. Fortify the body with herbs of the nature of the Lord of the Ascendant, 'tis no matter whether he be -a Fortune or Infortune in this case. 2. Let your medicine be something antipathetical to the Lord of the Sixth. 3. Let your medicine be something of the nature of his sign ascending. 4. If the Lord of the Tenth be strong, make use of his medicines. 5. If this cannot well be, make use of the medicines of the Light of Time. 6. Be sure always to fortify the grieved part of the body by sympathetical remedies. 7. Regard the Heart, keep that upon the wheels, because the Sun is the foundation of life, and therefore those univer- sal remedies, Aurum Potabile, and the Philosopher's Stone, cure all diseases by fortifying the heart. RECEIPTS. Cure-All Drops. THESE drops are prepared in the following manner: Take one gallon best fourth proof cogmac brandy, put it into a stone jug, or glass derni-john, add two ounces cayenne pepper pounded fine, and shake them well together, and then the drops are fit for use. For a larger or less quantity, ob- serve the same proportion of brandy and cayenne. These drops are useful in all cases of pain, applied upon the outside, or taken inwardly. In cases of common head- ache, it will generally relieve in a few minutes by putting some on the head, and snuffing some into the nose. Hold some in the mouth for the tooth-ache, then wet cotton wool with it and put it on the tooth, which generally relieves the pain in a short time. By taking from half to an whole table spoonfull in cases of pain in the stomach or bowels, the pain will soon be re- moved. Bathing the sides or bowels, will remove the pain in a short time. For the Cramp. TAKE the sulphur of brimstone, two ounces, put it into a junk bottle, fill the bottle with new rum, adding to it one glass of molasses and it is fit for use, which is as follows, viz. take one glass full at night for two nights in succession, then miss two nights, and so continue a short time, and relief will soon be found. But at the time of beginning to take the rum quilt some brimstone into woollen garters and wear them on the legs, and the cramp cannot remain but a short time. For the Cramp. TAKE cayenne or bell pepper tea, made strong and sweet- ened with molasses soon after going to bed, then put a hot stone at the feet and sweat twelve hours, then wash aU over 334 RECEIPTS. in vinegar and dress yourself warm so as not to take cold, and the cramp will abscond. For Sores. TAKE single rose bush leaves, while green? red raspberry leaves, and sage leaves, of each, one pound, of hemlock bark, four ounces, boil them together till all their strength is out, strain out the liquor, add to it one half pound of bees wax, and one pound of mutton tallow, simmer them together over a moderate fire till the water is wasted away, and it is fit for use, this salve is singular good for all old sores, green wounds, cankers, &c. To knit broken Bones and help Sprains. TAKE Buck's-Horn roots, bruise and simmer them toge- ther in milk till it is soft, then spread it on a cloth and apply it to the spraint place and it gives relief beyond conception, and it is found to be singular good to knit all broken bones and the like. When Buck's-Horn cannot be obtained, take garden Com- frey roots prepared in the same way and used in the same manner, has the like effect. . Weak Knees, or when the Joints slip out. TAKE Lamb Poison, boil it strong, dip a woollen cloth into the liquor, wrap it round the knee and wear it twelve hours, will often produce a good effect, but it must not be too freely used because it is likely to do damage, if it is used too much. For Canker Sores and other Wounds. TAKE one peck of red clover heads and one peck of red raspberry leaves, put them into a two pail kettle and boil them till the strength is out, then strain the liquor from the leaves and boil it over a moderate fire till it becomes as thick as tar, then add a sufficient quantity of fresh butter to soften it, that it may be spread with ease, this plaister being spread and applied to any canker sore, or breaking out of the skin, wonderfully healeth them, and it wonderfully helpeth any raw or running sore whether in the body or limbs, it also is exceeding good for all green wounds, scalds, or burns, if it is applied. RECEIPTS. 335 For Salt Rheum. TAKE the bark of elm roots and boil it in water until the wafer becomes a strong tea, then strain it from the bark and it iz fit for use, which is as follows, viz. a small quantity of it must be drank in the morning, again at eleven o'clock, and again soon after going to Vd at night, wash the sores with the same tea as often as the tea is drank, and so continue for several days together, and it doth give great relief. I have known it to this complaint when the patient was as it were all over of a mature, and to my astonishment a tea made in this manner ajid taken, in the course of ten or twelve days the skin become as smooth as that of a child. To take old Agues out of the Face and Teeth, or Wounds. TAKE two onions, cut them fine and boil them in water till they become soft, then add so much Indian bran or hulls of Indian meal (the hulls are to be used not the meal) as will make it suitable for a poultice, apply this poultice to the face or any other part where the ague shall seem to resort, as warm as it can be borne, and renew it as often as it becomes cool, and it taketh away the above complaints. For the Phthisic. TAKE one half pint of angle worms put them into a bowl when alive, add one half pound of brown sugar to them, let them set one hour and the worms will be dead, and the sugar will become as thin as honey, take out the worms and it is fit for use, which is as follows, viz. take half a table spoonfull of the liquor at a time, much relieveth the phthisic, asthma, shortness of breath, wheezing, and the like. For a Chalice. Take one pint of angle worms, one half pound of fresh butter and one gill of neats foot oil, put them into a quart mug, make a paste of rye meal and cover the mug close, put it into the oven when hot enough to stew them moderately six hours, then it is fit for use in a manner as follows : anoint therewith and it greatly helpeth a choice and loosens all shrunk sinews and the like. 336 RECEIPTS. For the Bilious Cholic. FOR the bilious cholic take the bark of white ash rootsi make a strong tea of it and take a glass and a half at a time> once in thirty minutes, until it works as puke and physic ; after the pain is subsided take a tea made of garden worm- wood night and morning for several days together, which wonderfully expels the boil, eleanseth and strengthens the stomach and bowels. For the Wind C&olic. TAKE a strong decoction of arssmart with a small sprig ©r a few heads of lobelia which will expel the wind, kill the cold, and cause the pain to subside in a few hours. Inflammation on any part of the Body or Limbs. WHEN any of those parts are inflamed first take of the lobelia to cleanse the stomach, then take a'moderate sweat which wonderfully relieves the inflamed parts, whether in the body or limbs. In case a mortification should take place, make a poultice of the inside of hemlock bark, or nifish , rosemary roots pounded fine, or hops, eitiier of which is ex- / tremely good with the addition of a biscuit which must be put into the poultice, then lay it on the place mortified, and renew it as often as may be thought proper, until the mortifi- cation is gone : Then to heal the wound, take one ounce of tar, one ounce of terpentine, one and a half ounces of bees wax, and three ounces of mutton tallow, simmer them toge- ther until they are properly mixed, then it is fit for use. For a Pain in the Side. TAKE potatoes, boil them soft, then put them into a flan- nel bag, lay them on the side where the pain is when going to bed, at the same time take one pint of wormwood or pep- permint tea, by the continuing of this poultice several nights together, many have found relief beyond conception. Dr. S. Shepard. To stop any eating Sore. TAKE bees wax one pound and one pound of baberry tallow, two pounds of 'nutton tallow and one half pound of turpentine, melt them together and it is fit for use. It is good for a burn and all eating and running sores. RECEIPTS. 337 Cold Feet. Cold feet is generally attended witli the head-ache, cold hands, and frequently a pain in the stomach, which often causes a bleeding at the stomach, which is caused by the blood not having a free circulation to the feet and hands, therefore the pressure of blood is so great at the stomach it causes the head to ache, and sometimes it even bursts the blood vessels in the stomach. A remedy for the above complaints, take arssmart a suita- ble quantity to make a strong tea, boil it in water until the strength is out of the herb, soak the feet in the tea as hot as it can be borne, and rub them with a brush till the water is almost cold, wrap them warm in flannel and make a tea of mayweed or peppermint to drink, all of which must be done immediately after going to bed. If the patient is troubled with costiveness, make a tea of dandelion roots and tops with one third the quantity of elder flowers there is of dandelions, by taking of this tea after going to bed, great relief is obtained by opening the obstructions of the bowels and cleansing the stomach, after which take horse rhadish roots one hundfull, one half gill of mustard seed pounded fine, put them into a two quart jug, fill the jug with good cider, shake it well together and let is stand twelve hours and it is fit for use. Take one glass full of this every morning, which will quicken the blood*and by continuing it, it often causes a free circulation of the blood through the whole system, which causes a genial warmth to every part of the body and limbs, which puts the body in health. The Bitter Herb, Snake Weed, or Rhewn Wort. s> THIS groweth from one to twofeet high, with a square stalk and longish dark green leaves, dented hke saw teeth about the edges, with one leaf set against another about two inches asunder, bearing on the top a cluster of heads or buds each having a long white blossom when in full blow much resembling the head and mouth of a snake when open, it blossoms in August and September and the seed is ripe soon after, the leaves are of a sharp bitter taste; the root abideth all winter and groweth again in the spring; it groweth in low wet ground (generally in bunches) throughout the County of lidikingham. 29 338 RECEIPTS. Virtues.] Take of the herb and steep it in rum, wonder- fully helpeth the appetite and strengthens the stomach ex- ceedingly. It is likewise highly recommended for the salt rheum by preparing and using it as follows, viz. first make a tea of the leaves and drink it for three or four days, three glasses each day, one in the morning, one at eleven o'clock, and the other going to bed. Then make an ointment of the leaves with fresh butter and anoint the sores with it for some time together and continue to take the tea at the time of anointing, wonderfully helps the complaint, it also helpeth all itch, scabs, sunburnings, and the like. For Corns. TAKE the seed of cayenne pepper (pounded fine) and mix the powder with tar of a suitable quantity and it is fit for use, which is as follows, viz. spread it on soft leather, pare the corn down to the quick, then apply the plaister and continue to wear it with renewing it twice in a week and it likewise taketh away warts in the same manner. Billions Complaint. TAKE the bark of white ash roots, cut it fine, and fill a quart mug full of it, then boil it in water until it has got the strength from the bark. The manner of use is as follows, viz. take two thirds of a common tea cup full of the tea in the morning and continue to take that quantity once in each hour until it works as puke and physic, which clears the bile from the stomach and bowels and it often leaves the body in health. Bitters. TAKE one half pint of juniper berries, two ounces of ca- momile flowers, and one ounce of annis seed, pound the seeds fine put them all into a bottle, to it add one pint and a half of gin, let it steep twelve hours and it is fk for use. Virtues.] By taking two or three spoons full in the morn- ing, repeat it at ten o'clock, and again at five in the afternoon, wonderfully helpeth to remove wind from the stomach and bowels and expels the diziness of the head. For the Catarrh and other Complaints. TAKE of the leaves and tops of thorough wort or thorough wax one large handful, add one half as much garden worm- RECEIPTS. 339 wood as there is of thorough wax, take one ounce of the bark of baberry roots pounded, one tea cup full of juniper berries pounded, then put them all together in a suitable vessel, pour boiling water to them, and keep it boiUng until the strength is out, strain it and reduce it one fourth part by boiling, when cold add one half pint of gin, put it into a glass bottle, cork it tight and it is fit for use, which is as follows, viz. by taking a wine glass full at night after going to bed, wonderfully helpeth the catarrh, easeth the pain in the stomach and bowels, causes an easy digestion, strengthens the appetite, opens the obstruc- tions of the liver and gall. Frost Weed, or Coke Ash. THERE are two kinds, the large and small frost weeds, and I shall give a description of both, and the virtues of only the large. The small frost weed hath round small purple stalks two feet high or more lightish blue flowers. The large frost weed groweth from two to three feet liigh, having a rmmd hairy stalk spreading itself into a number of branches having longish leaves, the flowers are of the same colour of the small frost weed flowers, but they are a little larger, they both flower in September and October, and the seed is ripe soon after. Virtues.] Take the leaves and flowers of the green or dried herb made into a tea and taken wonderfully helpeth those who are troubled with the dysentary or any cold in the bowels it hke- wise is exceeding good for a cold stomach and all cold griefs in any part of the body. The roots dried and pounded fine three ounces put it into a junk bottle, fill the bottle with the best cognack, brandy, go to bed, put a hot stone at the feet and drink* of the brandy, while laying in bed, of a suitable quantity to raise a sweat which must be kept up about twelve hours, and it will remove beyond conception, all rheumatic complaints, likewise steep the quantity of roots in gin in the manner above-mentioned, and it helpeth pains in the stomach, back, bowels, and sides, finally it is so universal a medicine, it aught always to be kept ready for use. Lobelia, it is likewise called Indian. Tobacco, EmeUic and Puke Weed. THIS herb is so*well known by every child often years old that it needs no description. 340 RECEIPTS. Virtues.] It being boiled in water and a strong tea made of it, is a singular good puke or vomit medicine by taking two thirds of a common tea cup full of the tea for a grown person, and in proportion for a younger, once in thirty minutes, for two or three times, if it should not puke in the course of that time, take a piece of salaratus as large as a common pea and a half and put it into a gill of warm water and stir it till it is dissolved, when about luke warm drink it, which cau- ses the puke immediately, then if the stomach is not clear, another emettic must be taken, which seldom fails of clearing the bile out of the stomach and giving relief to the patient, it is likewise exceedingly good to open the pores and cause the sweat to flow easy. - It is an excellent remedy for the cholic, by taking a small sprig of it and a handfuU of arssmart put together and a tea made of it and taken after going to bed and wrapping up warm, soon easeth the pain thereof. It is also a safe and easy remedy for the asthma being taken in a manner as follows, viz. begin with one table spoonful^ °f the tea made strong and continue to take that quantity at a time once in twenty minutes until it causes a little puke, keep Warm tiff the operation is over, and by so continuing it opens the obstructions of the lungs in a wonderful manner. By taking one or two tea spoons full of the strong tea after going to bed and wrapping warm often takes away the pains of the stomach and sides and causes an easy and sweet sleep. N. B. This herb, if it don't puke the patient it does no damage or harm to him by taking it. If it should puke too much which it seldom does, take sparemint or peppermint tea, which will turn the sickness. For the Rheunnties. ^^^^U^c^.i. Fiana. It is also called Princes Fiana, Pyrola, Tooth-ache root, Winter green, Rheumity weed and Noble pine. It is so well known, it is needless to twrite a description thereof. Virtues.] Take of the leaves of fiana, and the same quantity of for bark there is of fiana, put them together and make a strong tea of them when going to bed, take one glass and a half of good brandy, then take of the tea until the sweat starts freely, then continue the sweat in a moderate manner from twelve to eighteen hours or till the RECEIPTS. 341 cause is removed, then wash aU over in warm rum, and dress in clean woollen clothes arid be careful to take no cold and the cure is done. N. B. A few potatoes boiled soft and put into a small bag and Iain upon that part where the pain is the most severe, it greatly helps to mitigate and take away the pain, the po- tatoes must be kept warm, and applied often while it is in the sweat. A strong tea made of fiana and drank constantly for some time together, provokes urine, helps the dropsy, and is good for consumptive complaints. Strengthening Plaister. TAKE the terpentine of white pine, put it into a thin cloth or bag and boil it, squeeze it as it boils, skim it off as it rises on the top of the water, and pour it into cold water, then work it in the same manner as in making wax until it becomes as white, then put it into a close thing and it is fit for use, which is as follows, viz. spread the plaister on thick fulled cloth and lay it on the part agrieved, wonderfully tak- eth away all black and blue spots or bruises in the flesh ; it Ukewise helpeth blows and strains ; it also proves very effec- tual in healing green wounds or cracks in the hand, it is a most admirable plaister by strewing a little cayenne over it after it is spread, for all those that are troubled with pains in the back or sides, and them that have weak wrists. To cure a Felon. TAKE the plaister of white pine turpentine with the addi- tion of cayenne and fine salt, of equal quantities, and work them together until they are properly mixed with the plais- ter, then apply it to the fellon for twelve hours, then pare off the dead or outside skin, then put on the plaister twelve hours more and it will draw up a small bunch or tit, pare that off and so continue the plaister and paring till it opens, then soak it in warm salt pickle, a short time after which ap- ply the plaister without the addition of cayenne and salt un- til the whole matter is discharged, and the felon will soon be gone. The said plaister is good for any rising in the flesh, whitlows or the like. N. B. The sooner application is made the quicker relief obtained. 29* 342 RECEIPTS. Physic. TAKE bark of elder roots one peck, oilnut bark scraped downwards towards the root two pecks, and one pint of juni- per berries pounded fine, put the whole into a large kettle and boil it in water, observing to recruit the water as it wastes by boiling, until the whole strength of bark is out, strain the liquor from the bark and roots, and boil it down till it be- comes as thick as molasses, doing it with- great care that it may not scorch or burn it, after it is cool, thicken it With flour so that it may be rolled into pills, and it is fit for use, which is as follows, viz. By taking two or three pills at night when going to bed, relieves costiveness very gently, expels the wind from the stomach and bowels, takes away the bile from the stomach, and is exceeding good for the dropsy, and helps the catarrh, and it is a beautiful and safe remedy for the cholic and jaundice, and finally it ought to be kept the whole time prepared and fit for use, but if at any time im- mediate use of it should be required, and the pills not pre- pared, make a tea of the bark, roots and berries, in the same proportion as in making the pills, and prepare it in liquor sweetened with molasses, and it is used thus, take three or four table spoons full at a time, once in a half an hour, until it works as physic and it easeth the griping pains of the sto- mach and bowels ; finally, it answers the same purpose of the pills. -For a Burn. MAKE a strong tea of raspberry leaves, after which, add to it half as much milk as there is of the tea, which is to wash the place burnt, then to take out the fire make a poul- tice of flour bread to lay on the place burnt, which must be done at night before the tea is used ; to cleanse the wound, take warm water and hard soap, which must be used to wash the wound in the morning before using the tea. For Humours. TAKE meadow fern, which is sometimes called baybush, make a tea of the twigs and leaves, as strong as common tea, and stronger if needed, drink it with your victuals con- tinually, the same as tea, or at any time in the course of the day. It is said to be a sovereign remedy for humours. This bush generally grows round water, and one kind of it may be known by its golden bur ; when it is grown, either kind will answer. RECEIPTS. 343 TAKE draggon root/flax seed, top of new milk and ho- ney, of each orieTtea spoon full, and mix them together, and it is fit for use, which is as follows, viz. if the cough is hard take one tea spoonful once an hour, if not, once in two or three hours. For the gravel. TAKE bald spruce balls and make a strong tea, and drink once an hour, and it is said to relieve that distress. For inward Weakness and Female Complaints. TAKE one ounce of white curhash roots, dry them and pound them to powder, then put them into two quarts of new rum and a half pint of molasses, shake them together, and let it stand twenty-four hours, then take a half of a wine glass full at a time, two or three times a day. For any Hot or Scrofulous Humors. TAKE one handful of yellow dock root, twice as much burdock root, one half as much of garden rhubarb as of the yellow dock, then add so much nettle roots with the others as to fill a pail pot, fill it with water, then lay on a small flat stone to keep it together, boil it until it is reduced to one quart, strain it and add one pint of Holland gin and one half pint of molasses, then put it into a stone jug and set it into a spring of water for the space of six days, then take one glass full three times in each day one hour before eating. After taking the whole of this take two portions of the oil-nut physic, one of which is to be taken one morning the other next, which often gives relief beyond conception.—Lamprey. Long Tape Worms, or any others. • TAKE allows, the bigness of a common bean every morn- ing fasting, ifthat is too much take a less quantity, if not enough take more, having it mixed with molasses. To stop the Emjnees, or too much flowing of Woman's Courses. TAKE one half ounce of pikery add to it one pint of gin and it is fit for use, which is thus, take two thirds of a wine glass full every morning and it seldom fails of effecting a cure. 344 RECEIPTS. For the Hooping Cough. TAKE a white arsed hornet's nest, steep it in water and make a tea and use it for a constant drink ; and it is like- wise no less effectual in relieving the phthisic. For any Human or Neat Creature that is Choaked. TAKE one cartridge of gun-powder and put down into the throat is always safe, and generally a sure relief. N. B. To get it into a cow or the like, the tongue must be drawn out by the mouth and then the cartridge put in as far down as it can be got, then by drawing in the tongue carries down the powder ; the powder is meant not the paper. Young. To stop Joint water and take out Proud flesh. TAKE bee's wax, honey and red lead of equal parts, mix them together in a manner to make a salve and apply that to the wound and qtfick relief is found therefrom. Bite of a Mad Dog. TAKE white ash bark boiled in milk, to cure the bite of a mad dog. For a Rose Canser. TAKE garget plums full ripe, cimmer them them in cream moderately, then anoint it two or three times a day till the canser comes out. How to make Green Frog Ointment. JULY and August is the best time to make this ointment: Catch green frogs, stund them and put them into a stew pan, add their weight of fresh butter, stew them on coals half a day with coals on the lid of the pa*n, and be careful not to burn it; put this ointment into a glass vessel to be kept. Virtues. This ointment is good for inflammations, swel- lings and stiff joints. Dysentgry and various other Complaints. TAKE bauld spruce bark, boil it strong, after which it is fit for use. In case of dysentary take two table spoons-full at a time, once every hour until the cause is removed. It is likewise exceeding good for aU swellings, rotten sores and green wounds, whether in man or beast, being often RECEIPTS. 34o washed therewith it seldom fails of having the desired effect. It is also very good for horses that have the horse and tongue ail, by taking one pint of the above decoction once in twelve hours. Straw. Stiff Joints and Sinews. TAKE angleworms, neats-foot oil and brandy, each one gill,_cimmer them together moderately and it is fit for use, which is as follows, viz. anoint the place afflicted morning and night in each day by a gentle fire, after which keep it wrapt In a manner that it may be kept warm, and it seldom fails of producing a cure. To strengthen the Nerves and Joints. TAKE one half pint of neats-foot oil, one half pint of brandy, one half gill of the oil of turpentine, and the oil of rfnnes ten drops, cimmer the brandy and the neats-foot oil together, then stir the others in with it and it is fit for use, with which you may anoint the place afflicted from time to time as the case may require. N. B. This is called the Kitridge nerve ointment. To turn Sickness or stop Puking. TAKE hogweed make a tea of it and drink it seldom fails to give rehef. . Rheumaties. TAKE balsom of cqmpeyey, white pine turpentine and salt-petre of equal parts, mix them together, after which make it into pills as large as a pea, then take one at night and one in the morning, by so doing many have found relief. fi. Risings in the Flesh. TAKE life of man or Indian root pounded fine, boil it in milk, apply it to the place afflicted and renew it often and it frequently produces a cure. To bring down Women's Courses. TAKE of their own water as much as they can at a time as often as they make it, for some time together, it wonder- fully helpeth the complaint; it likewise is exceeding good for colds, old coughs, or hoarseness of the lungs, being taken in the morning with a little molasses, at the time of getting up. 346 RECEIPTS. For a Cough. TARE one large turnip cut it into slices, put it into a quart mug, then fill the mug with molasses and cimmer it till the turnip becomes soft and it is done ; use it as follows, take two table spoons-full at a time, three times a day, often gives immediate relief. For the Piles. TAKE three pounds of oil-nut bark add to it eight quarts of spring water and reduce it by boiling to one pint and a half, then add to it one and a half pints of brandy, one half pound of loaf sugar, two ounces cream of tarter, one ounce of annes-seed and two ounces of manna. The manner of use is to take a wine glass full every morning, which gene- rally proves a sure remedy. To cure a Felon. TAKE fine salt and chimney soot of equal parts and pound them together, then mix them with the yolk of an egg and apply this composition to the felon when it first begins and it commonly effects a cure. TAKE saltpetre, sulphur of brimstone and honey of equal parts, mix them together into a salve and it is good for white swellings, fellons, risings in the flesh, whitlows and the like complaints. Weejcly habits and Billious complaints. TAKE peach leaves one handful, dandalion roots and tops one half peck, one large handfuU^ of Roman wormwood, double the quantity of five-fingered leaves there is of the wormwood, one half peck of the bark of elder roots and put them into a two-pail pot and boil them together until you get the strength, then strain it and reduce it by boiling to two quarts, when cold add one pint and a half of good gin, after which put it into bottles, keep it tight from the air and it is fit for use. This is extremely good for all weakly habits or complaints, such as are troubled with head-ache,, cold feet and billious complaints. In addition as a remedy for these complaints, take of mustard seed one glass full and a half; of horse rliadish roots four times the quantity that there is of the mustard seed, pound them fine and put them into a bot- tle, after which, add one pint and a half of good cider. The manner of taking them is as follows, viz. take of the former RECEIPTS. , 347 two thirds of a wine glass full every night when going to bed, which will purge and cleanse the blood and remove the bile. Take of the latter one glass full every morning fasting which will quicken and warm the blood and help to remove the complaint. For a Cold. 'TAKE a large tea spoonful of linseed with two penny worth of stick liquorice, and a quarter of a pound of sun raisins, put them in two quarts of soft water ; and then add to it a quarter of a pound of brown sugar candy powder, a table spoonful of white wine vinegar, or lemon juice. N. B. The vinegar is to be added only to that quantity you are immediately a going to take; for if it be put into the whole, it is liable in little time to grow flat; drink a half a pint at going to bed; and drink a little when the cough is troublesome, and it generally cures the worst of colds, in one, two or three days. For the Mother Cholic. TAKE a limb from a pleasant sour apple-tree, as large as a person's little finger, peal the bark for about six inchesr put it into a tea-cup of boiling water, setting it off of the fire, steeping it while it becomes the colour of weakish tea, then apply it to the person and will produce fearful feelings working a real cure. For a Scald or Burn. TAKE unslacked lime, a piece as large as an egg, put it into three gills of spring water and let it slack, after slack- ing take a part of the water and add sweet oil equal to the quantity of water, and stir them until they are properly mix- ed together, after which, spread it on a linen cloth, apply it to the scald or burn, and it giveth relief. Chase. For a Cough. TAKE two onions and eight garlics of common size and cut them fine, then put them into three pints of water and 348 RECEIPTS. boil them until it is reduced to one pint, then strain it thro' a cloth and add one third part honey and a half pint of gin, it is then fit for use, then take it when you have your'spells of coughing, a spoonful or two at a time, which often gives relief beyond conception. Dr. S. Shepard. To draw Splinters or Thorns out of the flesh. TAKE angleworms, bruise or pound them and apply them to the wound, and in the course of twelve or twenty-four hours you may squeese it out. But if you cannot get the worms take hogs fat and put it into a pan and heat it so hot as not to scorch it, then stir in Indian meal so as to make a poultice, and by the apphcation of which you may find great relief. For the Strangury or the Stoppage of the Water. TAKE pumpkin seeds and peal one half pint of them and pound them fine, and then mix it with the white of an egg, and it is fit for use. N. B. You are to take the whole of the above quantity in the course of six hours, which often effects a cure. A Remedy for those who are thrpubled to hold their Water. TAKE sulphur of brimstone, put it on wool, quilt it in between two cloths the one to be full cloth for the outside, the other for the inside to be of thin flannel, put it on the small of the back and wear it for a long time, then take the back bone and the pin bones that grow over the kidneys of a beef creature, burn the bones tUl they become white, then pound them to a powder, then mix the powder with molasses and take one table spoonful at night and another in the morning, and you will find great relief therefrom. Shrunk Sinews. TAKE angleworms, put them into a junk bottle, cork it tight, put it into a heap of warm horse-dung, let it set t^en- ty^four hours, and it is fit for use in the manner foUowing, viz. take the oil that comes from them, and it is a singular remedy for all shrunk sinews, strains, chalices coming by fever sores, and the like complaints. For the Nerves when attacked with hpochondriqc so called. PUT seven grains of musk into one ounce of spirits of la- vender, and take twenty drops or more at discretion, twice RECEIPTS. 349 in a day. N. B. Care must be taken to wear a muskquash skin on the stomach and the feet must be kept warm. Shepard. To make a Cordial for Weakly Children. TAKE one ounce of the meats of peach stones, one ounce of gum mur pounded1 fine, and four ounces of sugar; after mixing those articles together, add to them one pint of bran- dy, then let it stand two days, and it is fit for use, which is as follows : take one table spoonful at a time twice in a day, if the child can bear so much, if not, it must be used by dis- cretion as it can be borne. * A 1- • .-. ' ,./*/.-- To make the famous Kittridge orJubertus Ointment. TAKE of tobacco leaves .bruised, two pounds, steep them a whole night in red wine, in the morning boil it in fresh hog's itfctktS? diligently washed one pound, till the wine be consumed, strain it and add half a pound of the juice of to- bacco, rosin four ounces, boil it to the consumption of the juice, adding towards the end, round birthwort roots in pow- der, two ounces, new wax or white rosin as much as is suf- ficient to make it into an ointment according to art. It would *pk a whole summer's day to write the particu- lar virtues of this ointment, and my poor genius is too weak to give it the hundredth part of its due praise. The fol- lowing are a few of its many virtues : it cures tumours, apos- th£mes, wounds, ulcers, gun-shot, botches, scabs, itch, sting- ing with nettles, bees, wasps, hornets, venomous beasts, wounds made with poisoned arrows &c. Tush ! this is nothing, it helps scaldings, though made with oil; burnings, though made with lightning, and that without scar; it helps nasty, rotten, stinking, putrified ulcers, though in the legs, whither the humours are most subject to resort, in fistulaes, though the bone be affected, it shall scale it without any in- strument, and bring up the flesh from the very bottom. Would you be fair 1 your face being anointed with this, soon will the redness, pimples and sunburning, vanish. A wound dressed with this, will never putrify. A wound made with so small a weapon that no tent will follow, anoint but with this, and you need fear no danger ; if your head ache, anoint your temples with this, and you shall have ease. The sto- mach being anointed with it no infirmity dares harbour there, 30 350 RECEIPTS. no, not asthmaes, nor consumption of the lungs : the belly being anointed with it, it helps the cholick, and iliac pas- sion, the worms, and what not! It helps the luermorrhoids, &c. piles, and is the best ointment that is, for the gouts of all sorts. Finally, there may be as universal a medicine for all diseases, as tobacco, as of any thing in the world, the philosopher's stone excepted. O Jubertus, thou shalt never want praise for inventing this medicine by those that use it, so long as the sun and moon endureth. N. B. When birth wort cannot be obtained, use, the same quantity of wake-robin or draggon-root. To tmat a Fever of whatever kind. FEVERS are caused by colds, which generally produce a pain in the head and back, with sickness at the stomach, and frequented with cold and shivering chills over the body. Dr. Reason teaches us that cold must be subdued by heat: there- fore, the first thing to be done, is to soake the feet in warm water and go to bed ; take a lobelia puke, put a hot stone at the feet as large as a quart mug, wrapt in a cloth wet with water or vinegar, then give a tea made of may^weed, pennyroyal, or peppermint, with the addition of a little red pepper or cayenne, which may be given freely until the pa- tient is caused to sweat, which must be continued in a mod- erate way until the fever is gone, which will be in a few days. But if those things should fail to produce a sweat, a whey must be made of vinegar and given freely, which I never knew to fail of causing the sweat to flow; (the use of it is easy and safe to the patient) great care must be taken to keep*the inward heat the highest. If a true balance of heat is kept, the patient will lay and sweat with the greatest ease. But if the patient is restless, "and don't sweat, more hot tea must be immediately given to bring a true balance, but if restless, and sweats at the same time, some of the clothes must be taken off, so that the patient may rest easy. (Give the patient at the same time, any thing to eat that the appetite craves.) After the fever is gone, the patient must be washed all over with rum, and wiped dry, then dressed in clean and dry woollen clothes, (after which great care must be taken to prevent taking cold) and then make a tea of wormwood and peach leaves, taking one third the quanti- ty of peach leaves there i6 of wormwood, it must be taken RECEIPTS. 351 night and morning to help the appetite, strengthen the sto- mach, and bowels help the digestion, and put the body in health. Dysentery. TAKE one large mullien leaf, or two small ones, and grimmer it in a tea cup of new milk until the strength is out, apply it to the patient, repeating it two or three times if ne- cessary, so said. For the Wind Cholic. TAKE a table spoonful of draggon root, mixed with mo- lasses for a grown person, or a less quantity for a smaller person according to the stature. To quicken the blood and relieve numbness. TAKE sage and steep the same in good brandy over a moderate fire, or in an oven and give a moderate dose, as the cause may require. Itch Ointment. TAKE one ounce of red precipitate," eleven ounces of fresh butter, and two ounces of the spirits of turpentine, mix thein together cold and it is done. The manner of use is as follows, viz. anoint the joints, the hollow of the arm's, the hams, rub the inside of the hands, and smell of it at the same time. The time to anoint is when going to bed. One ounce of the ointment is sufficient to cure two per- sons. Cure for St. Anthony's Fire. AT the time the elder tree blossoms, and in the spring of the year, at each season for about a month, drink every motning fasting, half a pint of elder flower tea, and the same quantity in the afternoon. It may be drank hot or cold as best suits the stomach. I have recommended this tea from my experience of it, to a number of my fellow suf- ferers since my cure ; every one of whom have found a spe- cific remedy. A sufficient quantity of those flowers should be gathered in a dry day, and dried with great care for spring use. The tea is made by pouring a quart of boiling- water on two handfols of elder flowers, when green, when dry, a less quantity will do. 352 RECEIPTS. For the Dysentery, or Bloody-flux. TAKE new churned butter, without salt, just s.kirninS off the kurdy part when melted over a clear fire, give two spoons lull of the clarified, twice or thrice within the day, to the person effected, and this has never failed to make almost an instant cure. OF DISEASES. A. St. Anthony's Fire, 16 82 88 93 108 137 161 230 240 251 279 Ague, 18 27 36 46 60 69 88 100 117 121 214 Appetite, 23 35 46 77 180 234 Abortion, 49 Almonds, 70 200 Appetite lost, 79 308 Apoplexy, 185 299 After birth, 22 38 121 194 218 B. Bruises, 14 16 28 29 39 43 54 61 73 99 158 Back, 16 43 197 Burnings, 24 27 155 156 Biting of mad dogs, 25 65 71 Bleeding of the nose, 28 43 270 Bladder, 31 165 Breast, 33 91 99 181 Boils, 34 35 39 44 71 84 97 Bees, 37 30* Binds, 46 120 Bleeding inward, 49 259 Blood spitting, 51 80 89 104 113 159 203 211 249 254 Blood, 58 Bones broken, 59 61 89 101 116 123 190 257 Bleeding, 60 63 82 120 123 163 220 233 Barrenness, 72 199 Bowels, 72 91 280 Beauty lost, 74 Blood congealed, 29 85 108 Beauty adds, 92111 Blemishes, 97 120 Beasts venomous, 37 103 308 Blood, clotted 103 250 Blood, eleanseth 104 Brain, 114 132 214 Breast sore, 120 Blood, spitting and vomiting 158 270 Burstings, 169 274 Blindness, 172 Breath, short 25 38 68 151 197 200 210 211 Blood, hot 230 Belly, 244 Baldness, 300 Bleeding, staunch 302 354 TABLE OF DISEASES. Breath, stinking 308 Blood, pissing 60 78 80 93 155 270 Belly pained, 160 193 292 C. Cramp, 15 31" 54 57 74 92 122 216 Cough, 18 25 38 43 46 53 82 88 97 113 114 123 142 160 197 205 210 Cooling, 24 64 120 Cold, 25 46 114 Cholic, 31 33 72 74 107 117 139 196 209 211 225 Cods, 39 146 150 161251255 Consumption, 53 64 66 100 153 160 169 180 214 223 254 Child, dead 57 58 Cankers, 64 66 70 82 101 123 126^137 197 236 273 Cancers, 74 Cods, swelled 108 289 Convulsions, 109 134 265 Catarrh, 14f 2.30 236 277 Chin Cough, 177 288 Chest, 199 Cough, dry 214 222 225 238 294 D. Dropsy, 14 23 32 44 72 110 129 132 148 160 169 18J 211 217 222 Deafness, 21 146 180 262 301 Drying, 24 64 Dysury, 40 41 48 73 80 91 95 97 121 235 281 294 Dandruf, 42 Dead birth, 117 216 Dog's, mad 131 157 206 221 302 Delivered, speedily 160 289 Drowsiness, 245 Delivery, easy 38 E. Eyes, 30 36 60 84 112 121 123 172 Eyes, red 80 Eyes, sore 85 139 Ears, pained 86 180 227 Eyes, dim 114 185 217 262 303 Earwigs, 145 Epidemical diseases, 205 Excoriation of the bowels, 207 Eyes inflamed, 233 279 297 F. Falls, 14 61 Flux, bloody 18 54 60 86 120 126 163 277 Felons, 29 39 84 Fluxes, 33 46 51 64 82 89 121 123 230 Faintings, 34 105 Fevers, 36 53 82 121 151 182 Falling sickness, 44 56 119 129 218 Fundament, 60 97 Fever, Hectic 54 Fistula, 61 Freckles, 76 95 97 99 103 167 173 283 Face, red 80 155 277 295 161 TABLE OF DISEASES. 355 Films, 85 277 Fits of the Mother, 160 Frenzies, 230 Face beautified, 572 G. Gout, 15 21 27 30 34 36 39 82 89 r"60 182 215 222 Gravel, 16 51 91 107 182 57 59 69 70 129 137 259 Gall, 21 74 105 107 145 Gangrenes, 89 Gall, eleanseth 100 Gravel in the kidneys, 108 Gnawing in the bowels, 287 H. Heart, 33 63 132 182 277 Hornets, 37 Head-ache, 59 72 110 114 117 132 181 210 232 294 Hoarseness 66 122 77 82 169 254 297 302 Humour, 95 Hiccough, 102 118 141 Hypocondria, 105 HeadTscabby 127 Head, purge 221 Head distillations, 230 Humours, watery 240 Head, swiming 245 Hands, chopt 253 Humours, choleric 278 Health, 308 Humours, purge 58 I. Inflammations, 16 17 29 36 •39 78 93 151 212 Imposthumes 20 286 Indigestion, 33 34 166 Itch, 35 40 53 104 113 204 281 Infections, 266 Inflammations cooled, 271 J. Jaundice, 14 16 19 20 23 32 35 38 44 53 71 74 82 308 Joint aches, 15 89 219 Joints, 122 Jaundice, black 182 Jaws, 162 K. King's evil, 28 36 55 86 127 161 172 177 236 263 279 302 Knots and Kernels in the flesh, 87 Kidneys, 93 161 171 282 Kibs, 146 L. Lethargy, 15 119 129 Liver, 21 25 34 61 63 74 76 99 107 127 152 170 179 239 Lungs, 25 79 91 140 174 1,99 200 304 350 TABLE OF DISEASES. Lust, provokes 80 84 85 1 166 187 209 230 Liver, hot 80 98 121 277 Loosness, 102 Leprosy, 111 Lechery, 142 Liver, hard 153 Lasks, 185 Legs, sore 262 283 Lice, 281 Loins, 298 M. Morphew, 16 98 101 200 Melancholy, 34 100 284 Mother, 48 58 74 102 1 199 Measles, 49 182 254 Matrix, 49 Milk in nurses, 53 298 Mouth, 70 Mouth, sore 88 128 171 18 Memory, 114 185 Milk, increaseth 118 166 Miscarriages, 183 Milk, curdled 207 Mushrooms, 212 Marks in the skin, 219 N. Nerves, 50 Nipples, sore 122 Nature, strengthen 132 Nose, 157 Night mare, 218 Navels sticking out, 288 Neck pained, 194 O. Obstructions of the liver, 13 15 22 34 38 41 127 129 P. Pains, 21 Poison, 25 33 49 51 53 54 70 97 130 234 250 298 Pestilence, 25 Plague, 49 Palsy, 56 132 245 Pox, French 71 126 140 148 152 241 256 274 308 Privets, 88 236 Phlegm, 97 114 129 133 153 192 216 225 264 280 Polypus, 97 200 Pimples, 103 128 161 241 251 Putrifaction, 131 Privy parts, 139 224 Pollution, 140 Phthisic, 142 169 223 225 231 Poison in cattle, 149 Pallate down, 187 Pox, small 254 Plague sores, 266 Q. Quinsey, 51 92 161 173 20.7 236 297 301 308 R. Reins, 30 93 TABLE OF DISEASES. 357 Ruptures, 33 288 Ringworms, 35 301 Radical moisture, 55 Rheums, 94 Rheum, salt 156 Running of the reins, 167 253 313 Rheum, distillations of 223 244 303 Rheum in the eyes, 232 S. Spleen, 16 25 34 36 68 76 100 123 239 Sciatica, 21 27 30 39 68 76 94 101 122 123 225 235 Stomach, 23 33 38 46 60 "73 113 123 207 212 282 Swellings, 24 39 84 102 111 158 Strangury, 25 59 222 253 274 281 Surfeits, 25 31 308 Swellings, cold 29 267 Stone, 32 37 39 40 66 69 72 91 95 129 161 177 281 Scabs, 23 30 35 46 186 Scald heads, 29 Sinews, 39 64 108 194 231 Sun burning, 43 98 283 305 Swellings, hot 46 182 273 Scurf, 46 111 Scurvy, 58 95 116 239 268 Secret parts, 6l 231 233 Stomach, cold 79 85 113 173 Splinters, 84 101 221 274 Stomach, hot 98 Skin, raw 98 Spasms, 109 Sneezing, 134 181 Sinews, shrunk, 145 267 Speech lost, 168 Stone in the kidneys, 184 Stupidity, 185 Scabs of the Fundament, 187 Sores, spreading 193 Stich, 204 Shingles, 210 224 Spots, black and blue 214 308 Sores, 223 224 Sleep, cureth 229 Stomach, pained 249 Sores in the privets, 274 Sight, weak 308 T. Tooth-ache, 15 49 230 313 Terms, stop 17 41 48 63 82 89 142 170 Thorns in the flesh, 18 83 119 221 Terms, provoke 22 25 34 38 173 181 216 299 Tetters, 35 46 71 301 Throat, sore 53 70 128 136 215 261 Terms., 84 123 Trembling, 92 105 Testicles, 94 197 202 Teeth, loose 113 135 Thirst, 122 271 297 Travel, sore 192 Thorns, 196 U. Ulcers, 16 17 21 27 29 44 51 86 126 182 215 221 223 358 TABLE OF DISEASES. Urine, bloody and troubled 18 231 Ulcers in the privets, 21 43 174 Urine, provokes 22 71 77 98 110 160 208 238 262 Ulcers in the reins and blad- der, 78 98 137 230 260 Urine, purge 140 221 Urine, hot 16 61 78 112 Ulcers of the lungs, 244 Ulcers in the* kidneys, 260 Ulcers in the mouth, 279 V. Vomiting, 17 49 60 68 120 170 187 230 231 234 257 Venery, 167 308 Vital sperits, 182 Vapours, 192 Venery, abateth 250 Veins, broken 256 Venom, 265 286 Vomiting, stays 302 W. Women after deUvery, 14 22 37 Worms, 15 16 20 37 49 68 107 113 115 145 148 163 200 235 271 282 295 Wounds in the breast, 17 29 50 119 Whites, 17 64 82 89 170 230 292 313 Worms, provoke 20 Wind, 21 22 25 33 38 72 117 Web in the eyes, 21 224 292 Worms in the ears, 29 123 132 254 Women in child bed, 34 Wasps, 37 Womb, 38 58 117 123 194 281 289 295 Women's breasts, 39 153 223 234 Weakness by long sickness, 53 Wounds, 54 99 115 116 127 163 259 313 Whitlows, 58 Woman's Travel 88 136 177 Wounds, inward 89 99 269 Wheezing, 88 113 117 174 Water, stinking 130 216 Women's longings, 137 183 296 Watchings, 166 Women's courses, 183 184 190 192 222 233 Warts,. 186 285 Women's sickness, 186 Wens, 285 Ei-Eis or ssaosiiira* A. Agues of the face, teeth, or wounds 335 St. Anthony's fire 351 B. Broken bones &. sprains -234 Bitter herb, Snake weed, or Rheum wort 337 Bilious complaints 338, 346 Bitters 338 Burns 342 Blood, to quicken, and relieve numbness 351 Cramp 333 Canker sores and other wounds 334 Chalice 335 Cholic, bilious 336 Cholic, wind ib. Corns 338 Catarrh and other com- plaints ib. Cough 343 Cough, hooping 344 Choaked, human or neat creature , 344 Cancer, rose * ib. Cough 346,347 Cordial, for weakly chil- dren 349 Cholic, wind 351 D. Drops, cure-all 333 Dysentery 351 Dysentery or bloody flux ib. Feet, cold 337 Frost weed or Coke Ash 339 Felon 341, 346 Fever of whatever kind, to treat 350 Gravel G. H. Humours Iiypocmvdriac, nerves attacked with 343 342 348 36© TABLE OF RECEIPTS. I. Inflammation 336 Itch ointment 351 J. Joints slipt out 334 Joint water, to stop 344 Joints and sinews, stiff 345 K. Knees weak 334 Kittridge or Jubertus ointment 349 L. Lobelia or Indian tobacco 339 Lemon walnut or oil-nut physic 347 M. Mad dogs, bite of 344 N. Nerves and joints, to strengthen 345 O. Ointment, green frog 344 P. Phthisic 335 Pain in the side 336 Plaister, strengthening 341 Physic 342 Proud flesh 344 Piles 346 R. Rheumatics 340, 345 Risings in the flesh ib. S. Sores • 334 Sprains ib. Salt Rheum 335 Sores, eating 336 Scrofulous humours 343 Sickness turn, or stop puking 345 Scalds or burns 347 Splinters and thorns 348 Strangury ib. Shrunk sinews ib, W. Water, to hold 348 Weakness, inward, and Female complaints 343 Worms, long tape or any other ib. Women's courses or E- mences ib. Women's courses, to bring down ' 34o NLM010018348