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The Complete Herbal
The Complete Herbal
TAKE Notice, That in this Edition I have made very many Additions to every sheet in the book: and, also, that those books of mine that are printed of that Letter the small Bibles are printed with, are very falsely printed: there being twenty or thirty gross mistakes in every sheet, many of them such as are exceedingly dangerous to such as shall venture to use them: And therefore I do warn the Public of them: I can do no more at present; only take notice of these Directions by which you shall b
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Instructions for the right use of the book.
Instructions for the right use of the book.
And herein let me premise a word or two. The Herbs, Plants, &c. are now in the book appropriated to their proper planets. Therefore, First, Consider what planet causeth the disease; that thou mayest find it in my aforesaid Judgment of Diseases. Secondly, Consider what part of the body is afflicted by the disease, and whether it lies in the flesh, or blood, or bones, or ventricles. Thirdly, Consider by what planet the afflicted part of the body is governed: that my Judgment of Diseases wi
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TO HIS DEAREST CONSORT MRS. ALICE CULPEPER.
TO HIS DEAREST CONSORT MRS. ALICE CULPEPER.
Culpeper was a writer and translator of several Works, the most celebrated of which is his Herbal, “being an astrologo-physical discourse of the common herbs of the nation; containing a complete Method or Practice of Physic, whereby a Man may preserve his Body in Health, or cure himself when sick, with such things only as grow in England, they being most fit for English Constitutions.” This celebrated, and useful Physician died at his house in Spitalfields, in the year 1654. This Book will remai
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AMARA DULCIS.
AMARA DULCIS.
We have now showed you the external use of the herb; we shall speak a word or two of the internal, and so conclude. Take notice, it is a Mercurial herb, and therefore of very subtile 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 so 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 twel
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ALL-HEAL.
ALL-HEAL.
It is called All-heal, Hercules’s All-heal, and Hercules’s Woundwort, because it is supposed that Hercules learned the herb and its virtues from Chiron, when he learned physic of him. Some call it Panay, and others Opopane-wort. Descript. ] Its root is long, thick, and exceeding full of juice, of a hot and biting taste, the leaves are great and large, and winged almost like ash-tree leaves, but that they are something hairy, each leaf consisting of five or six pair of such wings set one against
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ALKANET.
ALKANET.
Besides the common name, it is called Orchanet, and Spanish Bugloss, and by apothecaries, Enchusa. Descript. ] Of the many sorts of this herb, there is but one known to grow commonly in this nation; of which one take this description: It hath a great and thick root, of a reddish colour, long, narrow, hairy leaves, green like the leaves of Bugloss, which lie very thick upon the ground; the stalks rise up compassed round about, thick with leaves, which are less and narrower than the former; they a
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ADDER’S TONGUE OR SERPENT’S TONGUE.
ADDER’S TONGUE OR SERPENT’S TONGUE.
Descript. ] This herb has but one leaf, which grows with the stalk a finger’s length above the ground, being flat and of a fresh green colour; broad like Water Plantain, but less, without any rib in it; from the bottom of which leaf, on the inside, rises up (ordinarily) one, sometimes two or three slender stalks, the upper half whereof is somewhat bigger, and dented with small dents of a yellowish green colour, like the tongue of an adder serpent (only this is as useful as they are formidable).
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AGRIMONY.
AGRIMONY.
Descript. ] This has divers long leaves (some greater, some smaller) set upon a stalk, all of them dented about the edges, green above, and greyish underneath, and a little hairy withal. Among which arises up usually but one strong, round, hairy, brown stalk, two or three feet high, with smaller leaves set here and there upon it. At the top thereof grow many small yellow flowers, one above another, in long spikes; after which come rough heads of seed, hanging downwards, which will cleave to and
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WATER AGRIMONY.
WATER AGRIMONY.
It is called in some countries, Water Hemp, Bastard Hemp, and Bastard Agrimony, Eupatorium, and Hepatorium, 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 of the stalk, the other from the opposite point. The leaves are fringed, and much indented at
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ALEHOOF, OR GROUND-IVY.
ALEHOOF, OR GROUND-IVY.
Several counties give it different names, so that there is scarcely any herb growing of that bigness that has got so many: It is called Cat’s-foot, Ground-ivy, Gill-go-by-ground, and Gill-creep-by-ground, Turn-hoof, Haymaids, and Alehoof. Descript. ] This well known herb lies, spreads and creeps upon the ground, shoots forth roots, at the corners 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 th
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ALEXANDER.
ALEXANDER.
It is 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 flowers 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 warms a cold stomach, and opens a stoppage of
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THE BLACK ALDER-TREE.
THE BLACK ALDER-TREE.
Descript. ] This tree seldom grows to any great bigness, 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 colet 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, cal
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THE COMMON ALDER-TREE.
THE COMMON ALDER-TREE.
Descript. ] This grows to a reasonable height, and spreads much if it like the place. It is so generally known to country people, that I conceive it needless to tell that which is no news. Place and Time. ] It delights to grow in moist woods, and watery places; flowering in April or May, and yielding ripe seed in September. Government and virtues. ] It is a tree under the dominion of Venus, and of some watery sign or others, I suppose Pisces; and therefore the decoction, or distilled water of th
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ANGELICA.
ANGELICA.
To write a discription of that which is so well known to be growing almost in every garden, I suppose is altogether needless; yet for its virtue it is of admirable use. In time of Heathenism, when men had found out any excellent herb, they dedicated it to their gods; as the bay-tree to Apollo, the Oak to Jupiter, the Vine to Bacchus, the Poplar to Hercules. These the idolators following as the Patriarchs they dedicate to their Saints; as our Lady’s Thistle to the Blessed Virgin, St. John’s Wort
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AMARANTHUS.
AMARANTHUS.
Besides its common name, by which it is best known by the florists of our days, it is called Flower Gentle, Flower Velure Floramor, and Velvet Flower. Descript. ] It being a garden flower, and well known to every one that keeps it, I might forbear the description; yet, notwithstanding, because some desire it, I shall give it. It runs up with a stalk a cubit high, streaked, and somewhat reddish towards the root, but very smooth, divided towards the top with small branches, among which stand long
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ANEMONE.
ANEMONE.
Called also Wind flower, because they say the flowers never open but when the wind blows. Pliny is my author; if it be not so, blame him. The seed also (if it bears any at all) flies away with the wind. Place and Time. ] They are sown usually in the gardens of the curious, and flower in the Spring-time. As for discription I shall pass it, being well known to all those that sow them. Government and virtues. ] It is under the dominion of Mars, being supposed to be a kind of Crow-foot. The leaves p
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GARDEN ARRACH.
GARDEN ARRACH.
Called also Orach, and Arage; it is cultivated for domestic uses. Descript. ] It is so commonly known to every housewife, it were labour lost to describe it. Time. ] It flowers and seeds from June to the end of August. Government and virtues. ] It is under the government of the Moon; in quality cold and moist like unto her. It softens and loosens the body of man being eaten, and fortifies the expulsive faculty in him. The herb, whether it be bruised and applied to the throat, or boiled, and in l
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ARRACH, WILD AND STINKING.
ARRACH, WILD AND STINKING.
Called also Vulvaria, from that part of the body upon which the operation is most; also Dog’s Arrach, Goat’s Arrach, and Stinking Motherwort. Descript. ] This has small and almost round leaves, yet a little pointed and without dent or cut, of a dusky mealy colour, growing on the slender stalks and branches that spread on the ground, with small flowers set with the leaves, and small seeds succeeding like the rest, perishing yearly, and rising again with its own sowing. It smells like rotten fish,
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ARCHANGEL.
ARCHANGEL.
To put a gloss upon their practice, the physicians call a 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 discription of this so well known herb; which that I may not also be guilty of, take this short discription: first, of the Red Archangel. This is likewise called Be
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ARSSMART.
ARSSMART.
The hot Arssmart is called also Water-pepper, or Culrage. The mild Arssmart is called dead Arssmart Persicaria, 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 has broad leaves set at the great red joint of the stalks; with semicircular blackish marks on them, usually either blueish or whitish, with such like seed following. The root is long, with many strings thereat, perishing yearly; this has no sharp taste
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ASARABACCA.
ASARABACCA.
Descript. ] Asarabacca appears like an evergreen, keeping its leaves all the Winter, but putting forth new ones in the time of Spring. It has many heads rising from the roots, from whence come many smooth leaves, every one upon his foot stalks, which are rounder and bigger than Violet leaves, thicker also, and of a dark green shining colour on the upper side, and of a pale yellow green underneath, little or nothing dented about the edges, from among which rise small, round, hollow, brown green h
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ASPARAGUS, SPARAGUS, OR SPERAGE.
ASPARAGUS, SPARAGUS, OR SPERAGE.
Descript. ] It rises up at first with divers white and green 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 riding 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 turn into round berries, green at firs
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PRICKLY ASPARAGUS, OR SPERAGE.
PRICKLY ASPARAGUS, OR SPERAGE.
Descript. ] This grows usually in gardens, and some of it grows wild in Appleton meadows in Gloucestershire, where the poor people gather the buds of young shoots, and sell them cheaper that our garden Asparagus is sold in London. Time. ] For the most part they 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 dominion of Jupiter. The young buds or branches boiled in ordinary broth, make the belly
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ASH TREE.
ASH TREE.
This is so well known, that time would be misspent in writing a description of it; 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 singularly good against the bitings of viper, adder, or any other venomous beast; and the water distilled therefrom being taken, a small quantity every morning fasting, is a singular medicine for those that are
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AVENS, CALLED ALSO COLEWORT, AND HERB BONET.
AVENS, CALLED ALSO COLEWORT, AND HERB BONET.
Descript. ] The ordinary Avens hath many long, rough, 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 being small pieces, sometimes two and sometimes four, standing 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 no
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BALM.
BALM.
This herb is so well known to be an inhabitant almost in every garden, that I shall not need to write any discription thereof, although its virtues, which are many, may not be omitted. Government and virtues. ] It is an herb of Jupiter, and under Cancer, and strengthens nature much in all its actions. Let a syrup made with the juice of it and sugar (as you shall be taught at the latter end of this book) be kept in every gentlewoman’s house to relieve the weak stomachs and sick bodies of their po
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BARBERRY.
BARBERRY.
The shrub is so well known by every boy or girl that has but attained to the age of seven years, that it needs no description. Government and virtues. ] Mars owns the shrub, and presents 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 choleric humours, and free it from such diseases as choler causes, such as scabs, itch, tetters, ring
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BARLEY.
BARLEY.
The continual usefulness hereof hath made all in general 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 follow. 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 unwholesome for melancholy people. Barley in all the parts and compos
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GARDEN BAZIL, OR SWEET BAZIL.
GARDEN BAZIL, OR SWEET BAZIL.
Descript. ] The greater of Ordinary Bazil rises up usually with one upright stalk, diversly 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, with two small leaves at the joints, in some places green, in others brown, after which come black seed. The root perishes
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THE BAY TREE.
THE BAY TREE.
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 has written, viz. , that it is a tree of the sun, and under the celestial sign Leo, and resists witchcraft very potently, as also all the evils old Saturn can do to the body of man, and they are not a few; for it is the speech of one, and I am mistaken if it were not Mizaldus, that neither witch nor de
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BEANS.
BEANS.
Both the garden and field beans are so well known, that it saves me the labour of writing any description of them. The 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 husk, is held to be very effectual against the stone, and to provoke urine. Bean flour is used in p
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FRENCH BEANS.
FRENCH BEANS.
Descript. ] This French or kidney Bean arises at first but with one stalk, which afterwards divides itself into many arms or branches, but all so weak that if they be not sustained with sticks or poles, they will be fruitless upon the ground. At several places of these branches grow foot stalks, each with three broad round and pointed green leaves at the end of them; towards the top comes forth divers flowers made like to pease blossoms, of the same colour for the most part that the fruit will b
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BEETS.
BEETS.
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 has many great leaves next the ground, somewhat large and of a whitish green colour. The stalk is great, strong, and ribbed, bearing 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 gre
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WATER BETONY.
WATER BETONY.
Called also Brown-wort, and in Yorkshire, Bishop’s-leaves. Descript. ] First, of the Water Betony, which rises 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 Betony, but much larger too, for the most part set at a joint. The flowers are many, set at the tops of the stalks and branches, being round bellied and open at the brims, and divided into two parts, the uppermost being l
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WOOD BETONY.
WOOD BETONY.
Descript. ] Common or Wood Betony has many leaves rising from the root, which are somewhat broad and round at the end, roundly dented about the edges, standing upon long foot stalks, from among which rise up small, square, slender, but upright hairy stalks, with some leaves thereon to a piece at the joints, smaller than the lower, 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 b
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THE BEECH TREE.
THE BEECH TREE.
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 smaller Beech, but in Essex Horn-beam. I suppose it is needless to describe it, being already too well known to my countrymen. Place. ] It grows in woods amongst oaks and other trees, and in parks, forests, and chases, to feed deer; and in other places to fatten swine. Time. ] It blooms in the end of April, or beginning of May, for
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BILBERRIES, CALLED BY SOME WHORTS, AND WHORTLE-BERRIES.
BILBERRIES, CALLED BY SOME WHORTS, AND WHORTLE-BERRIES.
Descript. ] Of these I shall only speak of two sorts which are common in England, viz. The black and red berries. And first of the black. The small bush creeps along upon the ground, scarcely rising half a yard high, with divers small 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 at five points, with a reddish thread in the middle, w
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BIFOIL OR TWABLADE.
BIFOIL OR TWABLADE.
Descript. ] This small herb, from a root somewhat sweet, shooting downwards many long strings, rises up a round green stalk, bare or naked next the ground for an inch, two or three to the middle thereof as it is in age or growth; as also from the middle upwards to the flowers, having only two broad Plaintain-like leaves (but whiter) set at the middle of the stalk one against another, compassing it round at the bottom of them. Place. ] It is an usual inhabitant in woods, copses, and in many place
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THE BIRCH TREE.
THE BIRCH TREE.
Descript. ] This grows a goodly tall straight tree, fraught with many boughs, and slender branches bending downward: the old being covered with discoloured chapped bark, and the younger being browner by much. The leaves at the first breaking out are crumpled, and afterwards like the beech leaves, but smaller and greener, and dented about the edges. It bears small short cat-skins, somewhat like those of the hazelnut-tree, which abide on the branches a long time, until growing ripe, they fall on t
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BIRD’S FOOT.
BIRD’S FOOT.
This small herb grows not above a span high with many branches spread upon the ground, set with many wings of small leaves. The flowers grow upon the branches, many small ones of a pale yellow colour being set a-head together, which afterwards turn into small jointed pods, well resembling the claw of small birds, whence it took its name. There is another sort of Bird’s Foot in all things like the former, but a little larger; the flowers of a pale whitish and red colour, and the pods distinct by
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BISHOP’S-WEED.
BISHOP’S-WEED.
Besides the common name Bishop’s-weed, it is usually known by the Greek name Ammi and Ammois ; some call it Æthiopian Cummin-seed, and others Cummin-royal, as also Herb William, and Bull-wort. Descript. ] Common Bishop’s-weed rises 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
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BISTORT, OR SNAKEWEED.
BISTORT, OR SNAKEWEED.
It is called Snakeweed, English Serpentary, Dragon-wort, Osterick, and Passions. Descript. ] This has 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 therefrom, whence springs up every year divers leaves, standing upon long footstalks, 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 si
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ONE-BLADE.
ONE-BLADE.
Descript. ] This small plant never bears more than one leaf, but only when it rises up with its stalk, which thereon bears another, and seldom more, which are of a blueish green colour, broad at the bottom, and pointed with many ribs or veins like Plaintain; at the top of the stalk grows many small flowers star-fashion, smelling somewhat sweet; after which comes 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 ear
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THE BRAMBLE, OR BLACK-BERRY BUSH.
THE BRAMBLE, OR BLACK-BERRY BUSH.
It is so well known that it needs no description. The virtues thereof are as follows:— Government and virtues. ] It is a plant of Venus in Aries. If any ask the reason why Venus is so prickly? Tell them it is because she is in the house of Mars. The buds, leaves, and branches, while they are green, are of a good use in the ulcers and putrid sores of the mouth and throat, and of the quinsey, and likewise to heal other fresh wounds and sores; but the flowers and fruit unripe are very binding, and
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BLITES.
BLITES.
Descript. ] Of these there are two sorts commonly known, viz. white and red. The white has leaves somewhat like to Beets, but smaller, rounder and of a whitish green colour, every one standing upon a small long footstalk: the stalk rises up two or three feet high, with such like leaves thereon; the flowers grow at the top in long round tufts, or clusters, wherein are contained small and round seeds; the root is very full of threads or strings. The red Blite is in all things like the white but th
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BORAGE AND BUGLOSS.
BORAGE AND BUGLOSS.
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 Bœuf ; but why then should they call one herb by the name of Bugloss, and another by the name Langue de Bœuf ? it is some question to me, seeing one signifies Ox-tongue in Greek, and the other signifies the same in French. Descript. ] The
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BLUE-BOTTLE.
BLUE-BOTTLE.
It is called Syanus, I suppose from the colour of it; Hurt-sickle, 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 Corn-Scabious, amongst which rises up a stalk divided into divers branches, beset with long leaves of a greenish colour, either but very
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BRANK URSINE.
BRANK URSINE.
Besides the common name Brank-Ursine, it is also called Bear’s-breach, and Acanthus, though I think our English names to be more proper; for the Greek word Acanthus , signifies any thistle whatsoever. Descript. ] This thistle shoots forth very many large, thick, sad green smooth leaves on 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 rising up a reasonable big sta
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BRIONY, OR WILD VINE.
BRIONY, OR WILD VINE.
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 grows ramping upon the hedges, sending forth many long, rough, very tender branches at the beginning, with many very rough, and broad leaves thereon, cut (for the most part) into five partitions, in form very like a vine leaf, but smaller, rough, and of a whitish hoary green colour, spreading very far, spreading and twining with his smal
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BROOK LIME, OR WATER-PIMPERNEL.
BROOK LIME, OR WATER-PIMPERNEL.
Descript. ] This sends forth from a creeping root that shoots forth strings at every joint, as it runs, 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 bottom 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 different from the former, but that it is greater, and the flow
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BUTCHER’S BROOM.
BUTCHER’S BROOM.
It is called Ruscus, and Bruscus, Kneeholm, Kneeholly, Kneehulver, and Pettigree. Descript. ] The first shoots that sprout from the root of Butcher’s Broom, are thick, whitish, and short, somewhat like those of Asparagus, but greater, they rise up to be a foot and half high, are spread into divers branches, green, and somewhat creased with the roundness, tough and flexible, whereon are set somewhat broad and almost round hard leaves and prickly, pointed at the end, of a dark green colour, two at
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BROOM, AND BROOM-RAPE.
BROOM, AND BROOM-RAPE.
To spend time in writing a description hereof is altogether needless, it being so generally used by all the good housewives almost through this land to sweep their houses with, and therefore very well known to all sorts of people. The Broom-rape springs up in many places from the roots of the broom (but more often in fields, as by hedge-sides and on heaths). The stalk whereof is of the bigness of a finger or thumb, above two feet high, having a shew of leaves on them, and many flowers at the top
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BUCK’S-HORN PLANTAIN.
BUCK’S-HORN PLANTAIN.
Descript. ] This being sown of seed, rises up at first 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 three or four gashes, and pointed at the ends, resembling the knags of a buck’s horn (whereof it took its name), and being well wound round about the root upon the ground, in order one by another, thereby resembling the form of a star, from among which rise up divers hairy stal
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BUCK’S HORN.
BUCK’S HORN.
It is called Hart’s-horn, Herba-stella and Herba-stellaria, Sanguinaria, Herb-Eve, Herb-Ivy, Wort-Tresses, and Swine-Cresses. Descript. ] They have many small and weak straggled branches trailing here and there upon the ground: The leaves are many, small and jagged, not much unlike to those of Buck’s-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 brownish, of a bitter taste. Place. ] They grow in d
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BUGLE.
BUGLE.
Besides the name Bugle, it is called Middle Confound and Middle Comfrey, Brown Bugle, and by some Sicklewort, and Herb-Carpenter; though in Essex we call another herb by that name. Descript. ] This has 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, dented about the edges, somewhat hairy, as the square stalk is also which rises up to be half a yard high sometimes, with the leaves set by coupl
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BURNET.
BURNET.
It is called Sanguisorbia, Pimpinella, Bipulo, Solbegrella, &c. The common garden Burnet is so well known, that it needs no description.—There is another sort which is wild, the description whereof take as follows:— Descript. ] The great wild Burnet has winged leaves arising 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
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THE BUTTER-BUR, OR PETASITIS.
THE BUTTER-BUR, OR PETASITIS.
Descript. ] This rises up in February, with a thick stalk about a foot high, whereon are set a few small leaves, or rather pieces, and at the top a long spiked head; flowers of a blue or deep red colour, according to the soil where it grows, and before the stalk with the flowers have abiden a month above ground, it will be withered and gone, and blow away with the wind, and the leaves will begin to spring, which being full grown, are very large and broad, being somewhat thin and almost round, wh
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THE BURDOCK.
THE BURDOCK.
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 each other, that I shall spare to write any description of it. Place. ] They grow plentifully by ditches and water-sides, and by the highways almost everywhere through this land. Government and virtues. ] Venus challenges this herb for her own, and by its leaf or seed you may draw the womb which way you please, either upwards by
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CABBAGES AND COLEWORTS.
CABBAGES AND COLEWORTS.
I shall spare 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 generally so well known, that descriptions are altogether needless. Place. ] They are generally planted in gardens. Time. ] Their flower time is towards the middle, or end of 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 decoctio
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THE SEA COLEWORTS.
THE SEA COLEWORTS.
Descript. ] This has divers somewhat long and broad large and thick wrinkled leaves, somewhat crumpled about the edges, and growing each upon a thick footstalks very brittle, of a greyish green colour, from among which rises 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 stands a large bush of pale whitish flowers, consisting of four leaves a-piece: The root is somewhat great, shoots forth many branches un
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CAMOMILE.
CAMOMILE.
A decoction made of Camomile, and drank, takes away all pains and stitches in the side. The flowers of Camomile beaten, and made up into balls with Gill, 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 melanchol
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WATER-CALTROPS.
WATER-CALTROPS.
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 has a long creeping and jointed root, sending forth tufts at each joint, from which joints rise long, flat, slender, knotted stalks, even to the top of the water, divided towards the top into many branches, each ca
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CAMPION, WILD.
CAMPION, WILD.
Descript. ] The wild White Campion has many long and somewhat broad dark green leaves lying upon the ground, and divers ribs therein, somewhat like plantain, but somewhat hairy, broader, but not so long. The hairy stalks rise up in the middle of them three or four feet high, and sometimes more, with divers great white joints at several places thereon, and two such like leaves thereat up to the top, sending forth branches at several joints also; all which bear on several foot-stalks white flowers
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CARDUUS BENEDICTUS.
CARDUUS BENEDICTUS.
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 themselves. 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 of Aries. Now, in handling this herb, I shall give you a rational pattern of all
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CARROTS.
CARROTS.
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 the most effectual in physic, as being more powerful in operation than the garden kinds,) I shall therefore briefly describe the Wild Carrot. Descript. ] It grows in a manner altogether like the tame, but that the leaves and stalks are somewhat whiter and rougher. The stalks bear large tufts of white flowers, with a deep purple
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CARRAWAY.
CARRAWAY.
It is on account of the seeds principally that the Carraway is cultivated. Descript. ] It bears divers stalks of fine cut leaves, lying upon the ground, somewhat like to the leaves of carrots, but not bushing so thick, of a little quick taste in them, from among which rises up a square stalk, not so high as the Carrot, at whose joints are set the like leaves, but smaller and finer, and at the top small open tufts, or umbels of white flowers, which turn into small blackish seed, smaller than the
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CELANDINE.
CELANDINE.
Descript. ] This hath divers tender, round, whitish green stalks, with 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 blueish green colour, on the upper side like Columbines, and of a more pale blueish green underneath, full of yellow sap, when any is broken, of a bitter taste,
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THE ORDINARY SMALL CENTAURY.
THE ORDINARY SMALL CENTAURY.
Descript. ] This grows up most usually but with one 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, consisting 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
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THE CHERRY-TREE.
THE CHERRY-TREE.
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 qualities. 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 m
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WINTER-CHERRIES.
WINTER-CHERRIES.
Descript. ] The Winter Cherry has a running or creeping root in the ground, of the bigness many times one’s little finger, shooting forth at several joints in several places, whereby it quickly spreads a great compass of ground. The stalk rises not above a yard high, whereon are set many broad and long green leaves, somewhat like nightshades, 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 skin
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CHERVIL.
CHERVIL.
It is called Cerefolium, Mirrhis, and Mirrha, Chervil, Sweet Chervil, and Sweet Cicely. Descript. ] The garden Chervil doth at first somewhat resemble Parsley, but after it is better grown, the leaves are much cut in and jagged, resembling hemlock, being a little hairy and of a whitish green colour, sometimes turning reddish in the Summer, with the stalks also; it rises a little above half a foot high, bearing white flowers in spiked tufts, which turn into long and round seeds pointed at the end
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SWEET CHERVIL, OR SWEET CICELY.
SWEET CHERVIL, OR SWEET CICELY.
Descript. ] This grows very like the great hemlock, having large spread leaves cut into divers parts, but of a fresher green colour than the Hemlock, tasting as sweet as the Anniseed. The stalks rise up a yard high, or better, being creased 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 long crested black shining seed, pointed at both ends, tasting quick, yet sweet and pleasant. The root is great and
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CHESNUT TREE.
CHESNUT TREE.
It were as needless to describe a tree so commonly known as to tell a man he had gotten a mouth; therefore 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 covers the nut, is of so binding a quality, that a scruple of it being taken by a m
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EARTH CHESNUTS.
EARTH CHESNUTS.
They are called Earth-nuts, Earth Chesnuts, Ground Nuts, Ciper-nuts, and in Sussex Pig-nuts. A description 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 to 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 p
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CHICKWEED.
CHICKWEED.
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 places, 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 effectual as Purslain
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CHICK-PEASE, OR CICERS.
CHICK-PEASE, OR CICERS.
Descript. ] The garden sorts whether red, black, or white, bring forth stalks a yard long, whereon do grow many small and almost round leaves, dented about the edges, set on both sides of a middle rib; At the joints come forth one or two flowers, upon sharp foot stalks, pease-fashion, either white or whitish, or purplish red, lighter or deeper, according as the pease that follow will be, that are contained in small, thick, and short pods, wherein lie one or two pease, more usually pointed at the
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CIVES.
CIVES.
Called also Rush Leeks, Chives, Civet, and Sweth. Government 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 preparation) they send up very hurtful vapours to the b
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CLARY, OR MORE PROPERLY CLEAR-EYE.
CLARY, OR MORE PROPERLY CLEAR-EYE.
Descript. ] Our ordinary garden Clary has four square 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
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WILD CLARY.
WILD CLARY.
Wild Clary is most blasphemously called Christ’s Eye, because it cures diseases of the eye. I could wish for 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 bluish colour; He that knows the common Clary cannot be ignorant of this. Place. ] It grows commonly in this nation in b
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CLEAVERS.
CLEAVERS.
It is also called Aperine, Goose-shade, Goose-grass, and Cleavers. Descript. ] The common Cleavers have divers very rough square stalks, not so big as the top of a point, but rising up to be two or three yards high sometimes, if it meet with 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 shoots forth a branch, besides the leaves thereat, which are usually six, set in a round compass li
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CLOWN’S WOODS.
CLOWN’S WOODS.
Descript. ] It grows up sometimes to two or three feet high, but usually about two feet, with square green rough stalks, but slender, joined somewhat far asunder, and two very long, somewhat narrow, dark green leaves, bluntly dented about the edges thereof, ending in a long point. The flowers stand towards the tops, compassing the stalks at the joints with the leaves, and end likewise in a spiked top, having long and much gaping hoods of a purplish red colour, with whitish spots in them, standin
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COCK’S HEAD, RED FITCHING, OR MEDICK FETCH.
COCK’S HEAD, RED FITCHING, OR MEDICK FETCH.
Descript. ] This has divers weak but rough stalks, half a yard long, leaning downward, 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 manner of a spike, of a pale reddish colour with some blueness among them; after which rise up in their places, round, rough, and somewhat flat heads. The root is tough, and some
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COLUMBINES.
COLUMBINES.
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 most 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 lotions with good success for sore mouths and throats. Tragus saith, that a dram of the seed taken in wine with a little saffron, opens obstructi
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COLTSFOOT.
COLTSFOOT.
Called also Coughwort, Foal’s-foot, Horse-hoof, and Bull’s-foot. Descript. ] This shoots up a slender stalk, with small yellowish flowers somewhat earlier, which fall away quickly, 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 mu
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COMFREY.
COMFREY.
This is a very common but a very neglected plant. It contains very great virtues. Descript. ] The common Great Comfrey has divers very large hairy green leaves lying on the ground, so hairy or prickly, that if they touch any tender parts of the hands, face, or body, it will cause it to itch; the stalks that rise 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 less and less up to the top: At the joints of the
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CORALWORT.
CORALWORT.
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 shoots forth one or two winged leaves, upon long brownish foot-stalks, 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,
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COSTMARY, OR ALCOST, OR BALSAM HERB.
COSTMARY, OR ALCOST, OR BALSAM HERB.
This is so frequently known to be an inhabitant in almost every garden, that I suppose it needless to write a description thereof. Time. ] It flowers in June and July. Government and virtues. ] It is under the dominion of Jupiter. The ordinary Costmary, as well as Maudlin, provokes urine abundantly, and moistens the hardness of the mother; it gently purges choler and phlegm, extenuating that which is gross, and cutting that which is tough and glutinous, cleanses that which is foul, and hinders p
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CUDWEED, OR COTTONWEED.
CUDWEED, OR COTTONWEED.
Besides Cudweed and Cottonweed, it is also Called Chaffweed, Dwarf Cotton, and Petty Cotton. Descript. ] The common Cudweed rises 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 stands small flowers 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, with t
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CRAB’S CLAWS.
CRAB’S CLAWS.
Descript. ] It has 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 forked head, like a Crab’s Claw, out of which comes a white flower, consisting of three leaves, with divers yellowish hairy threads in the middle; it takes root in the mud at the bottom of the water. Place. ] It grows plentifully in the fens in Lincolnshire. Time. ] It flowers in June, and usually from thence
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BLACK CRESSES.
BLACK CRESSES.
Descript. ] It has long leaves, deeply cut and jagged on both sides, not much unlike wild mustard; the stalk small, very limber, though very tough: you may twist them round as you may a willow before they break. The flowers are very small and yellow, after which comes small pods, which contains the seed. Place. ] It is a common herb, grows usually by the way-side, and sometimes upon mud walls about London, but it delights to grow most among stones and rubbish. Time. ] It flowers in June and July
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SCIATICA CRESSES.
SCIATICA CRESSES.
Descript. ] These are of two kinds; The first rises up with a round stalk about two feet high, spreads into divers branches, whose lower leaves are somewhat larger than the upper, yet all of them cut or torn on the edges, somewhat like the garden Cresses, but smaller, the flowers are small and white, growing at the tops of branches, where afterwards grow husks with small brownish seeds therein very strong and sharp in taste, more than the Cresses of the garden; the root is long, white, and woody
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WATER CRESSES.
WATER CRESSES.
Descript. ] Our ordinary Water Cresses spread forth 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 standing on long foot-stalks after which come small yellow seed, contained in small long pods like horns. The whole plant abides green in the winter, and tastes somewhat hot and sharp. Place. ] They grow, for the most part, in small standing wa
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CROSSWORT.
CROSSWORT.
This herb receives its name from the situation of its leaves. Descript. ] Common Crosswort grows up with square hairy brown stalks a little above a foot high, having four small broad and pointed, hairy yet smooth thin leaves, growing at every joint, each against other one way, which has caused the name. Towards the tops of the stalks at the joints, with the leaves in three or four rows downwards, stand small, pale yellow flowers, after which come small blackish round seeds, four for the most par
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CROWFOOT.
CROWFOOT.
Many are the names this furious biting herb has obtained, almost enough to make up a Welchman’s pedigree, if he fetch no farther than John of Gaunt, or William the Conquerer; for it is called Frog’s-foot, from the Greek name Barrakion: Crowfoot, Gold Knobs, Gold Cups, King’s Knob, Baffiners, Troilflowers, Polts, Locket Gouions, 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
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CUCKOW-POINT.
CUCKOW-POINT.
It is called Aron, Janus, Barba-aron, Calve’s-foot, Ramp, Starchwort, Cuckow-point, and Wake Robin. Descript. ] This shoots 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, rises up
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CUCUMBERS.
CUCUMBERS.
Government and virtues. ] There is no dispute to be made, but 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 lettuce or purslain: They are excellently good for a hot stomach, and hot liver; the unmeasurable use of them fills the body full of raw humours, and so indeed the
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DAISIES.
DAISIES.
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 follows. Government and virtues. ] The herb is under the sign Cancer, and under the dominion of Venus, and therefore excellently good for wounds in the breast, and very fitting to be kept both in oils, ointments, and plaisters, as also in syrup. The greater wild Daisy is a wound herb of good respect, often used in those drinks or salves that are for wo
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DANDELION, VULGARLY CALLED PISS-A-BEDS.
DANDELION, VULGARLY CALLED PISS-A-BEDS.
Descript. ] It is well known to have many long and deep 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, yields abundance of bitter milk, but the root much more; from among the leaves, which always abide green, arise many slender, weak, naked foot-stalks, every one of them bearing at the top one large yellow flower, consisting of many rows of yello
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DARNEL.
DARNEL.
It is called Jam and Wray: in Sussex they call it Crop, it being a pestilent enemy among corn. Descript. ] This has all the winter long sundry long, flat, and rough leaves, which, when the stalk rises, which is slender and jointed, are narrower, but rough still; on the top grows a long spike, composed of many heads set one above another, containing two or three husks, with a sharp but short beard of awns at the end; the seed is easily shaken out of the ear, the husk itself being somewhat rough.
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DILL.
DILL.
Descript. ] The common Dill grows up with seldom more than one stalk, neither so high, nor so great usually as Fennel, being round and fewer joints thereon, whose leaves are sadder, and somewhat long, and so like Fennel that it deceives many, but harder in handling, and somewhat thicker, and of a strong unpleasant scent: The tops of the stalks have four branches and smaller umbels of yellow flowers, which turn into small seed, somewhat flatter and thinner than Fennel seed. The root is somewhat s
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DEVIL’S-BIT.
DEVIL’S-BIT.
Descript. ] This rises up with a round green smooth stalk, about two feet high, set with divers long and somewhat narrow, smooth, dark green leaves, somewhat nipped 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 stands a round head of many flowers set together in the same manner, or more neatly than Scabions, a
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DOCK.
DOCK.
Many 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 Bloodwort, cleanses the blood, and strengthens the liver; but the yellow Dock-root is best to be taken when either the blood or liver is affected by choler. All of them have a kind of cooling (but not all alike) drying quality, the sorrel being most cold, and the Blood-wor
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DODDER OF THYME, EPITHYMUM, AND OTHER DODDERS.
DODDER OF THYME, EPITHYMUM, AND OTHER DODDERS.
Descript. ] This first from seed gives roots in the ground, which shoot forth threads or strings, grosser or finer as the property of the plant wherein it grows, and the climate doth suffer, creeping and spreading on that plant whereon it fastens, be it high or low. The strings have no leaves at all on them, but wind and interlace themselves, so thick upon a small plant, that it takes away all comfort of the sun from it; and is ready to choak or strangle it. After these strings are risen to that
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DOG’S-GRASS, OR COUGH GRASS.
DOG’S-GRASS, OR COUGH GRASS.
Descript. ] It is well known, that the grass creeps far about under ground, with long white joined 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 de
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DOVE’S-FOOT, OR CRANE’S-BILL.
DOVE’S-FOOT, OR CRANE’S-BILL.
Descript. ] This has divers small, round, pale-green leaves, cut in about the edges, much like mallow, 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 some 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
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DUCK’S MEAT.
DUCK’S MEAT.
This is so well known to swim on the tops of standing waters, as ponds, pools, and ditches, that it is needless 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. Anthony’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 al
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DOWN, OR COTTON-THISTLE.
DOWN, OR COTTON-THISTLE.
Descript. ] This has large leaves lying on the ground, somewhat cut in, and as it were crumpled on the edges, of a green colour on the upper side, but covered with long hairy wool, or Cotton Down, set with most sharp and cruel pricks, from the middle of whose head of flowers, thrust forth many purplish crimson threads, and sometimes (although very seldom) white ones. The seed that follows in the heads, lying in a great deal of white down, is somewhat large, long, and round, like the seed of ladi
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DRAGONS.
DRAGONS.
They are so well known to every one that plants them in their gardens, they need no description; if not, let them look down to the lower end of the stalks, and see how like a snake they look. Government and virtues. ] The plant is under the dominion of Mars, and therefore it would be a wonder if it should want some obnoxious quality or other: In all herbs of that quality, the safest way is either to distil the herb in an alembick, in what vehicle you please, or else to press out the juice, and d
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THE ELDER TREE.
THE ELDER TREE.
I hold it needless to write any description of this, since every boy that plays with a pop-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....
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THE DWARF-ELDER.
THE DWARF-ELDER.
Descript. ] This is but an herb every year, dying with his stalks to the ground, and rising afresh every Spring, and is like unto the Elder both in form and quality, rising up with square, rough, hairy stalks, four feet high, or more sometimes. The winged leaves are somewhat narrower than the Elder, but else like them. The flowers are white with a dash of purple, standing in umbels, very like the Elder also, but more sweet is scent; after which come small blackish berries, full of juice while th
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THE ELM TREE.
THE ELM TREE.
This tree is so well known, growing generally in all counties of this land, that it is needless to describe it. Government and virtues. ] It is a cold and saturnine plant. The leaves thereof bruised and applied, heal green wounds, being bound thereon with its own bark. The leaves or the bark used with vinegar, cures scurf and leprosy very effectually; The decoction of the leaves, bark, or root, being bathed, heals broken bones. The water that is found in the bladders on the leaves, while it is f
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ENDIVE.
ENDIVE.
Descript. ] Common garden Endive bears a longer and larger leaf than Succory, and abides but one year, quickly running up to a stalk and seed, and then perishes; it has blue flowers, and the seed of the ordinary Endive is so like Succory seed, that it is hard to distinguish them. Government and virtues. ] It is a fine cooling, cleansing, jovial plant. The decoction of the leaves, or the juice, or the distilled water of Endive, serve well to cool the excessive heat of the liver and stomach, and i
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ELECAMPANE.
ELECAMPANE.
Descript. ] It shoots forth many large leaves, long and broad, lying near the ground, small at both ends, somewhat soft in handling of a whitish green on the upper side, and grey underneath, each set upon a short footstalk, from among which arise up divers great and strong hairy stalks, three or four feet high, with some leaves thereupon, compassing them about at the lower end, and are branched towards the tops, bearing divers great and large flowers, like those of the corn marigold, both the bo
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ERINGO, OR SEA-HOLLY.
ERINGO, OR SEA-HOLLY.
Descript. ] The first leaves of our ordinary Sea-holly, are nothing so hard and prickly as when they grow old, being almost round, and deeply dented about the edges, hard and sharp pointed, and a little crumpled, of a bluish green colour, every one upon a long foot stalk; but those that grow up higher with the stalk, do as it were compass it about. The stalk itself is round and strong, yet somewhat crested, with joints and leaves set thereat, but more divided, sharp and prickly; and branches ris
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EYEBRIGHT.
EYEBRIGHT.
Descript. ] Common Eyebright is a small low herb, rising up usually but with one blackish green stalk a span high, or not much more, spread from the bottom into sundry branches, whereon are small and almost round yet pointed dark green leaves, finely snipped about the edges, two always set together, and very thick: At the joints with the leaves, from the middle upward, come forth small white flowers, marked with purple and yellow spots, or stripes; after which follow small round heads, with very
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FERN.
FERN.
Descript. ] Of this there are two kinds principally to be treated of, viz. the Male and Female. The Female grows higher than the Male, but the leaves thereof are smaller, and more divided and dented, and of as strong a smell as the male; the virtue of them are both alike, and therefore I shall not trouble you with any description or distinction of them. Place. ] They grow both in heaths and in shady places near the hedge-sides in all counties of this land. Time. ] They flower and give their seed
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OSMOND ROYAL, OR WATER FERN.
OSMOND ROYAL, OR WATER FERN.
Descript. ] This shoots forth in Spring time (for in the Winter the leaves perish) divers rough hard stalks, half round, and yellowish, or flat on the other side, two feet high, having divers branches of winged yellowish green leaves on all sides, set one against another, longer, narrower, and not nicked on the edges as the former. From the top of some of these stalks grow forth a long bush of small and more yellow, green, scaly aglets, set in the same manner on the stalks as the leaves are, whi
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FEVERFEW OR FEATHERFEW.
FEVERFEW OR FEATHERFEW.
Descript. ] Common Featherfew has large, fresh, green leaves, much torn or cut on the edges. The stalks are hard and round, set with many such like leaves, but smaller, and at the tops stand many single flowers, upon small foot stalks, consisting of many small white leaves standing round about a yellow thrum in the middle. The root is somewhat hard and short, with many strong fibres about it. The scent of the whole plant is very strong, and the taste is very bitter. Place. ] This grows wild in m
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FENNEL.
FENNEL.
Every garden affords this so plentifully, that it needs no description. Government and virtues. ] One good old fashion is not yet left off, viz. to boil Fennel with fish; for it consumes that phlegmatic humour, which fish most plentifully afford and annoy the body with, though few that use it know wherefore they do it; I suppose the reason of its benefit this way is because it is an herb of Mercury, and under Virgo, and therefore bears antipathy to Pisces. Fennel is good to break wind, to provok
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SOW-FENNEL, OR HOG’S-FENNEL.
SOW-FENNEL, OR HOG’S-FENNEL.
Besides the common name in English, Hog’s Fennel, and the Latin name Peucidanum, is called Hoar-strange, and Hoar-strong, Sulphur-wort, and Brimstone-wort. Descript. ] The common Sow-Fennel has divers branched stalks of thick and somewhat long leaves, three for the most part joined together at a place, among which arises a crested straight stalk, less than Fennel, with some joints thereon, and leaves growing thereat, and towards the tops some branches issuing from thence; likewise on the tops of
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FIG-WORT, OR THROAT-WORT.
FIG-WORT, OR THROAT-WORT.
Descript. ] Common great Fig-wort sends divers great, strong, hard, square brown stalks, three or four feet high, whereon grow large, hard, and dark green leaves, two at a joint, harder and larger than Nettle leaves, but not stinking; at the tops of the stalks stand many purple flowers set in husks, which are sometimes gaping and open, somewhat like those of Water Betony; after which come hard round heads, with a small point in the middle, wherein lie small brownish seed. The root is great, whit
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THE YELLOW WATER-FLAG, OR FLOWER-DE-LUCE.
THE YELLOW WATER-FLAG, OR FLOWER-DE-LUCE.
Descript. ] This grows like the Flower-de-luce, but it has much longer and narrower sad green leaves, joined together in that fashion; the stalk also growing oftentimes as high, bearing small yellow flowers shaped like the Flower-de-luce, with three falling leaves, and other three arched that cover their bottoms; but instead of the three upright leaves, as the Flower-de-luce has, this has only three short pieces standing in their places, after which succeed thick and long three square heads, con
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FLAX-WEED, OR TOAD-FLAX.
FLAX-WEED, OR TOAD-FLAX.
Descript. ] Our common Flax-weed has divers stalks full fraught with long and narrow ash-coloured leaves, and from the middle of them almost upward, stored with a number of pale yellow flowers, of a strong unpleasant scent, with deeper yellow mouths, and blackish flat seed in round heads. The root is somewhat woody and white, especially the main downright one, with many fibres, abiding many years, shooting forth roots every way round about, and new branches every year. Place. ] This grows throug
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FLEA-WORT.
FLEA-WORT.
Descript. ] Ordinary Flea-wort rises up with a stalk 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 enclosed in these heads is small and shining while it is fresh, very lik
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FLUX-WEED.
FLUX-WEED.
Descript. ] It rises up with a round upright hard stalk, 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, growing 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 has somewhat broad leaves; they have
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FLOWER-DE-LUCE.
FLOWER-DE-LUCE.
It is so well known, being nourished up in most gardens, that I shall not need to spent time in writing a description thereof. Time. ] The flaggy kinds thereof have the most physical uses; the dwarf kinds thereof flowers in April, the greater sorts in May. Government and virtues. ] The herb is Luner. 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 helps t
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FLUELLIN, OR LLUELLIN.
FLUELLIN, OR LLUELLIN.
Descript. ] It shoots forth many long branches partly lying upon the ground, and partly standing upright, set with almost red leaves, yet a little pointed, and sometimes more long than 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 colou
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FOX-GLOVE.
FOX-GLOVE.
Descript. ] It has many long and broad leaves lying upon the ground dented upon the edges, a little soft or woolly, and of a hoary green colour, among which rise 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 little more long and eminent at the lower edge, with some white spots within them, one above another with small green leaves at every one, but
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FUMITORY.
FUMITORY.
Descript. ] Our common Fumitory is a tender sappy herb, sends forth from one square, a slender weak stalk, and leaning downwards on all sides, many branches two or three feet long, with finely cut and jagged leaves of a whitish or rather blueish 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 colour, whith whitish bellies, after which come small round husks, containing small black se
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THE FURZE BUSH.
THE FURZE BUSH.
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. Th
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GARLICK.
GARLICK.
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 grows 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 provokes urine, and women’s courses, helps the biting of mad dogs and other
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GENTIAN, FELWORT, OR BALDMONY.
GENTIAN, FELWORT, OR BALDMONY.
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 alledged why English herbs should be fittest for English bodies, has been proved by the experience of divers physicians, to be not a wit inferior in virtue to that which comes from beyond sea, therefore be pleased to take the description of them as follows. Descript. ] The greater of the two hath many
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CLOVE GILLIFLOWERS.
CLOVE GILLIFLOWERS.
It is vain to describe an herb so well known. Government and virtues. ] They are gallant, fine, temperate 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 strengtheners both of the brain and heart, and will therefore serve either for cordials or cephalics, as your occasion will serve. There is both a syrup and a conserve made of them alone, commonly to be had at ever
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GERMANDER.
GERMANDER.
Descript. ] Common Germander shoots forth sundry 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 shoots forth a great way round about, quickly overspreading a garden. Place. ] It grows usually with us in gardens. Time. ] And flowers in June and July. Government and virtues. ] It is a most prevalent herb of Mercury, and strengthens the brain and apprehension exceedingly when w
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STINKING GLADWIN.
STINKING GLADWIN.
Descript. ] This is one of the kinds of Flower-de-luce, 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 rises up a reasonably strong stalk, a yard high at least, bearing three or four flowers at the top, made somewhat like the flowers of the Flower-de-luce, with three u
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GOLDEN ROD.
GOLDEN ROD.
Descript. ] This rises up with brownish small round 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 so found divided at the tops into 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 away by the wind. The root consists of many small fibr
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GOUT-WORT, OR HERB GERRARD.
GOUT-WORT, OR HERB GERRARD.
Descript. ] It is a low herb, seldom rising half a yard high, having sundry leaves standing on brownish green stalks by three, snipped about, and of a strong unpleasant savour: The umbels of the flowers are white, and the seed blackish, the root runs in the ground, quickly taking a great deal of room. Place. ] It grows by hedge and wall-sides, and often in the border and corner of fields, and in gardens also. Time. ] It flowers and seeds about the end of July. Government and virtues. ] Saturn ru
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GROMEL.
GROMEL.
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 grows up with slender hard and hairy stalks, trailing and taking root in the ground, as it lies thereon, and parted into many other small branches with hairy dark green leaves thereon. At the joints, with the leaves, come forth very small blue flowers, and after them hard stony roundish see
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GOOSEBERRY BUSH.
GOOSEBERRY BUSH.
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 humours: They are excellently 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 dw
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WINTER-GREEN.
WINTER-GREEN.
Descript. ] This sends forth seven, eight, or nine leaves 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 arises 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 yellow threads standing in the middle a
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GROUNDSEL.
GROUNDSEL.
Descript. ] Our common Groundsel has a round green 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 less, and round at the end. At the tops of the branches stand many small green heads, out of which grow several 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
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HEART’S-EASE.
HEART’S-EASE.
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 moderate, 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 top
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ARTICHOKES.
ARTICHOKES.
The Latins call them Cinera, only our college calls them Artichocus. 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 somewhat windy meat; 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 little of Galen’s nonsense in his treatise of the faculties of nourishment. He saith, they contain plenty of choleri
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HART’S-TONGUE.
HART’S-TONGUE.
Descript. ] This has divers leaves arising from the root, 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, athwart on both sides of the middle rib, with small and somewhat long and brownish marks; the bottoms of the leaves are a little bowed on each side of the middle rib, somewhat small at the end. The root is of many black th
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HAZEL-NUT.
HAZEL-NUT.
Hazel Nuts are so well known to every body, that they need no description. Government and 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, is very good to help an old cough; and being parched, and a little pepper put to them and drank, digests the distillations of rheum from the head. The dried husks and shells, to the weight of two drams, taken in red wine, stays lasks and women’s courses
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HAWK-WEED.
HAWK-WEED.
There are several sorts of Hawk-weed, but they are similar in virtues. Descript. ] It has many large leaves lying upon the ground, much rent or torn on the sides into gashes like Dandelion, but with greater parts, more like the smooth Sow Thistle, from among which rises a hollow, rough stalk, two or three feet high, branched from the middle upward, whereon are set at every joint longer leaves, little or nothing rent or cut, bearing on them sundry pale, yellow flowers, consisting of many small, n
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HAWTHORN.
HAWTHORN.
It is not my intention to trouble you with a description of this tree, which is so well known that it needs none. It is ordinarily but a hedge bush, although being pruned and dressed, it grows to a tree of a reasonable height. As for the Hawthorn Tree at Glastonbury, which is said to flower yearly on Christmas-day, it rather shews the superstition of those that observe it for the time of its flowering, than any great wonder, since the like may be found in divers other places of this land; as in
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HEMLOCK.
HEMLOCK.
Descript. ] The common great Hemlock grows up with a green stalk, four or five feet high, or more, full of red spots sometimes, and at the joints very large winged 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 sometimes crooked, and hollow within. The whole plant,
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HEMP.
HEMP.
This is so well known to every good housewife in the country, that I shall not need to write any description of it. Time. ] It is sown in the very 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 consumes wind, and by too much use thereof disperses it so much that it dries up the natural seed for procreation; yet, being boiled in milk and ta
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HENBANE.
HENBANE.
Descript. ] Our common Henbane has very large, thick, 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, ending in five round points, growing one above another, of a deadish yellowish colour, somewhat paler tow
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HEDGE HYSSOP.
HEDGE HYSSOP.
Divers sorts there are of this plant; the 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 description of two of which I shall give you. Descript. ] 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 en
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BLACK HELLEBORE.
BLACK HELLEBORE.
It is also called Setter-wort, Setter-grass, Bear’s-foot, Christmas-herb, and Christmas-flowers. 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,
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HERB TRUE-LOVE, OR ONE-BERRY.
HERB TRUE-LOVE, OR ONE-BERRY.
Place. ] It grows 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 sort
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HYSSOP.
HYSSOP.
Hyssop is so well known to be an inhabitant in every garden, that it will save me labour in writing a description thereof. The virtues are as follow. Government 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 described in my astrological judgment of diseases. Dioscorides saith, that Hyssop boiled with rue and honey, and drank, helps those that are troubled with coughs, shortness o
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HOPS.
HOPS.
These are so well known that they need no description; I mean the manured kind, which every good husband or housewife is acquainted with. Descript. ] The wild hop grows 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 gives smaller heads, and in far less plenty than it, so that there is scarcely a head or two seen in a year on divers of this wild kind, wherein consists the chief difference. Place. ] They delight t
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HOREHOUND.
HOREHOUND.
There are two kinds of Horehound, the white and the black. The black sort is likewise called Hen-bit; but the white one is here spoken of. Descript. ] Common Horehound grows up with square 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 from the mi
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HORSETAIL.
HORSETAIL.
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 follows. Descript. ] The great Horsetail at the first springing has heads somewhat like those of asparagus, and afterwards grow to be hard, rough, hollow stalks, jointed at sundry p
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HOUSELEEK OR SENGREEN.
HOUSELEEK OR SENGREEN.
Both these are so well known to my countrymen, that I shall not need to write any description of them. Place. ] It grows commonly upon walls and house-sides, and flowers 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 singularly good in
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HOUND’S TONGUE.
HOUND’S TONGUE.
Descript. ] The great ordinary Hound’s Tongue has many long and somewhat narrow, soft, hairy, darkish green leaves, lying on the ground, somewhat like unto Bugloss leaves, from among which rises up a rough hairy stalk about two feet high, with some smaller leaves thereon, and branched at the tops into 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 turned inwards before it flowers, and opens by
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HOLLY, HOLM, OR HULVER BUSH.
HOLLY, HOLM, OR HULVER BUSH.
For to describe a tree so well known is needless. Government and virtues. ] The tree is Saturnine. The berries expel wind, and therefore are held to be profitable in the cholic. The berries have a strong faculty with them; for if you eat a dozen of them in the morning fasting when they are ripe and not dried, they purge the body of gross and clammy phlegm: but if you dry the berries, and beat them into powder, they bind the body, and stop fluxes, bloody-fluxes, and the terms in women. The bark o
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ST. JOHN’S WORT.
ST. JOHN’S WORT.
This is a very beautiful shrub, and is a great ornament to our meadows. Descript. ] Common St. John’s Wort shoots forth brownish, upright, hard, round stalks, two feet high, spreading many 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
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IVY.
IVY.
It is so 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 flowers 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 Saturn. A pugil of the flowers, which may be about a dram, (saith Dioscorides) drank twice a day in red wine, helps the lask, and bloody fl
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JUNIPER BUSH.
JUNIPER BUSH.
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 Newfound Wells near Dulwich, upon a Common between Mitcham and Croydon, in the Highgate near Amersham in Buckinghamshire, and many other places. Time. ] The berries are not ripe the first year, but continue green two Summers and one Winter before they are ripe; at which time they are al
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KIDNEYWORT, OR WALL PENNYROYAL, OR WALL PENNYWORT.
KIDNEYWORT, OR WALL PENNYROYAL, OR WALL PENNYWORT.
Descript. ] It has many thick, flat, and round leaves growing from the root, every one having a long footstalk, fastened underneath, about the middle of it, and a little 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
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KNAPWEED.
KNAPWEED.
Descript. ] The common sort hereof has many long and somewhat dark green leaves, rising from the root, dented about the edges, and sometimes a little rent or torn on both sides in two or three places, and somewhat hairy withal; amongst which arises 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 pas
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KNOTGRASS.
KNOTGRASS.
It is generally known so well that it needs no description. Place. ] It grows 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 springs up late in the Spring, and abides until the Winter, when all the branches perish. Government and virtues. ] Saturn seems to me to own the herb, and yet some hold the Sun; out of doubt ’tis Saturn. The juice of the common kind of Knotgrass is most effectual to stay bleeding of the mouth,
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LADIES’ MANTLE.
LADIES’ MANTLE.
Descript. ] It has many leaves rising from the root standing upon long hairy foot-stalks, being almost 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 green 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 rises up among them to the height of two or three feet; and being weak
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LAVENDER.
LAVENDER.
Being an inhabitant almost in every garden, it is so well known, that it needs no description. Time. ] It flowers 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-sickness, the dropsy, or sluggish malady, cramps, convulsions, palsies, and often faintings. It strengthens t
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LAVENDER-COTTON.
LAVENDER-COTTON.
It being a common garden herb, I shall forbear the description, only take notice, that it flowers in June and July. Government and virtues. ] It is under the dominion of Mercury. It resists poison, putrefaction, and heals the biting of venomous beasts: A dram of the powder of the dried leaves taken every morning fasting, stops the running of the reins in men, and whites in women. The seed beaten into powder, and taken as worm-seed, kills the worms, not only in children, but also in people of rip
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LADIES-SMOCK, OR CUCKOW-FLOWER.
LADIES-SMOCK, OR CUCKOW-FLOWER.
This is a very pretty ornament to the sides of most meadows. Descript. ] The root is composed of many small white threads from whence spring up 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
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LETTUCE.
LETTUCE.
It is so well known, being generally used as a Sallad-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 has 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 men, as you may see in my Guide for Women. The juice of Lettuce mixed or boiled with Oil of Roses, a
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WATER LILY.
WATER LILY.
Of these there are two principally noted kinds, viz. the White and the Yellow. Descript. ] The White Lily has 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 spongy or loose, with many knobs thereon, green on the outside, but as white as snow within, consisting of divers rows of long and somewhat thick and narrow leaves, smaller and thinner the more inward they be, encompassing
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LILY OF THE VALLEY.
LILY OF THE VALLEY.
Called also Conval Lily, Male Lily, and Lily Confancy. Descript. ] The root is small, and creeps far in the ground, as grass roots do. The leaves are many, against which rises 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 i
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WHITE LILIES.
WHITE LILIES.
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. Government and virtues. ] They are under the dominion of the Moon, and by antipathy to Mars expel poison; they are excellently 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 ea
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LIQUORICE.
LIQUORICE.
Descript. ] Our English Liquorice rises up with divers woody stalks, whereon are set at several distances many narrow, long, green leaves, set together on both sides of the stalk, and an odd one at the end, very well resembling 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 col
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LIVERWORT.
LIVERWORT.
There are, according to some botanists, upwards of three hundred different kinds of Liverwort. Descript. ] Common Liverwort grows close, and spreads 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 vir
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LOOSESTRIFE OR WILLOW-HERB.
LOOSESTRIFE OR WILLOW-HERB.
Descript. ] Common yellow Loosestrife grows to be four or five feet high, or more, with great round stalks, a little crested, diversly branched from the middle of them to the tops into great and long branches, on all which, at the joints, there grow long and narrow leaves, but broader below, and usually two at a joint, yet sometimes three or four, somewhat like willow leaves, smooth on the edges, and of a fair green colour from the upper joints of the branches, and at the tops of them also stand
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LOOSESTRIFE, WITH SPIKED HEADS OF FLOWERS.
LOOSESTRIFE, WITH SPIKED HEADS OF FLOWERS.
It is likewise called Grass-polly. Descript. ] This grows with many woody square stalks, full of joints, about three feet high at least; at every one whereof stand two long leaves, shorter, narrower, and a greener colour than the former, and some brownish. The stalks are branched into many long stems of spiked flowers 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
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LOVAGE.
LOVAGE.
Descript. ] It has many long and green stalks of large winged leaves, divided into many parts, like Smallage, but 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 which 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, bear
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LUNGWORT.
LUNGWORT.
Descript. ] This is a kind of moss, that grows on sundry sorts of trees, especially oaks and beeches, with broad, greyish, tough leaves diversly folded, 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
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MADDER.
MADDER.
Descript. ] Garden Madder shoots forth many very long, weak, four-square, reddish stalks, trailing on the ground a great way, very rough or 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, round 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 se
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MAIDEN HAIR.
MAIDEN HAIR.
Descript. ] Our common Maiden-Hair doth, from a 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 grows upon old stone walls in the West parts in Kent, and divers other places of this land; it delights likewise to grow by springs, wells, and rocky moist and shady places, and is always green....
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WALL RUE, OR, WHITE MAIDEN-HAIR.
WALL RUE, OR, WHITE MAIDEN-HAIR.
Descript. ] This has very fine, pale green stalks, almost as fine as hairs, set confusedly with divers pale green leaves on every short foot stalk, somewhat near unto the colour of garden Rue, and not much differing in form but more diversly cut in on the edges, and thicker, smooth on the upper part, and spotted finely underneath. Place. ] It grows in many places of this land, at Dartford, and the bridge at Ashford in Kent, at Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire, at Wolly in Huntingtonshire, on Fram
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GOLDEN MAIDEN HAIR
GOLDEN MAIDEN HAIR
To the former give me leave to add this, and I shall say no more but only describe it to you, and for the virtues refer you to the former, since whatever is said of them, may be also said of this. Descript. ] It has 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, less than a whea
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MALLOWS AND MARSHMALLOWS.
MALLOWS AND MARSHMALLOWS.
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 many branches, the leaves whereof are soft and hairy, somewhat less 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 such long, r
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WIND MARJORAM.
WIND MARJORAM.
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 cleanses the body of choler, expels poison, and remedies the infirmities of the spleen; helps the bitings of venomous beasts, and helps such as have poisoned themselves by eating Hemlock, Henbane, o
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SWEET MARJORAM.
SWEET MARJORAM.
Sweet Marjoram is so well known, being an inhabitant in every garden, that it is needless to write any description thereof, neither of the Winter Sweet Marjoram, or Pot Marjoram. Place. ] They grow commonly in gardens; some sorts 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,
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MARIGOLDS.
MARIGOLDS.
These being so plentiful in every garden, and 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 a little less effectual in the small-pox and measles than saffron. The juice of Marigold leaves mixed with vinegar, and any hot swelling bathed with it, instantly gives ease, and assuages it. Th
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MASTERWORT.
MASTERWORT.
Descript. ] Common Masterwort has 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
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SWEET MAUDLIN.
SWEET MAUDLIN.
Descript. ] Common Maudlin hath somewhat long and narrow leaves, snipped about the edges. The stalks are two feet high, bearing at the tops many yellow flowers set round together and all of an equal height, in umbels or tufts like unto tansy; after which follow small whitish seed, almost as big as wormseed. Place and Time. ] It grows in gardens, and flowers in June and July. Government and virtues. ] The Virtues hereof being the same with Costmary or Alecost, I shall not make any repetition ther
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THE MEDLAR.
THE MEDLAR.
Descript. ] The Tree grows near the bigness of the Quince Tree, spreading branches reasonably 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 comes the fruit, of a brownish green colour, being ripe, bearing a crown as it were on the top, which were the five green leaves; and being rubbed
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MELLILOT, OR KING’S CLAVER.
MELLILOT, OR KING’S CLAVER.
Descript. ] This hath many green stalks, two or three feet high, rising from a tough, long, white root, which dies not every year, set round about at the joints with small and somewhat long, well-smelling leaves, set three together, unevently 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 crooked pods, wherein is contained fla
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FRENCH AND DOG MERCURY.
FRENCH AND DOG MERCURY.
Descript. ] This rises up with a square green stalk full of joints, two feet high, or thereabouts, with two leaves at every joint, and the branches likewise from both sides of the stalk, set with fresh green leaves, somewhat broad and long, about the bigness of the leaves of Bazil, finely dented about the edges; towards the tops of the stalk and branches, come forth at every joint in the male Mercury two small, round green heads, standing together upon a short foot stalk, which growing ripe, are
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DOG MERCURY.
DOG MERCURY.
Having described unto you that which is called French Mercury, I come now to shew you a description of this kind also. Descript. ] This is likewise of two kinds, male and Female, having many stalks slender and lower than Mercury, without any 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 handling: of a dark green colour, and less denied or snipped about the edges. At the joint
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MINT.
MINT.
Of all the kinds of Mint, the Spear Mint, or Heart Mint, being most usual, I shall only describe as follows: Descript. ] Spear Mint has divers round stalks, and long but narrowish 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 Bazil; it encreases by the root under ground as all the others do. Place. ] It is an usual inhabitant in gardens; and because it seldom
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MISSELTO.
MISSELTO.
Descript. ] This rises up from the branch or arm of the tree whereon it grows, with a woody stem, putting itself into sundry branches, and they again divided into many other smaller twigs, interlacing themselves one within another, very much covered with a greyish green bark, having two leaves set at every joint, and at the end likewise, which are somewhat long and narrow, small at the bottom, but broader towards the end. At the knots or joints of the boughs and branches grow small yellow flower
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MONEYWORT, OR HERB TWOPENCE.
MONEYWORT, OR HERB TWOPENCE.
Descript. ] The common Moneywort sends forth from a small thready root divers long, weak, and slender branches, lying and running upon the ground two or three feet long or more, set with leaves two at a joint one against another at equal distances, which are almost round, but pointed at the ends, smooth, and of a good green colour. At the joints with the leaves from the middle forward come forth at every point sometimes one yellow flower, and sometimes two, standing each on a small foot-stalk, a
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MOONWORT.
MOONWORT.
Descript. ] It rises up usually but with one dark green, 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 small 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,
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MOSSES.
MOSSES.
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 grows in our moist woods, and at the bottom of hills, in boggy grounds, and in shadowy ditches and many other such like places. The Tree Moss grows only on trees. Government and virtues. ] All sorts of Mosses are under the dominion of Saturn. The Ground Moss is held to be singular
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MOTHERWORT.
MOTHERWORT.
Descript. ] This hath a hard, square, brownish, rough, 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 crumpled, 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 th
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MOUSE-EAR.
MOUSE-EAR.
Descript. ] Mouse-ear is a low herb, creeping upon the ground by small strings, like the Strawberry plant, whereby it shoots 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 stands usually but one flower, consisting of many pale y
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MUGWORT.
MUGWORT.
Descript. ] Common Mugwort hath divers leaves lying upon the ground, 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 sm
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THE MULBERRY-TREE.
THE MULBERRY-TREE.
This is so well known where it grows, that it needs no description. Time. ] It bears fruit in the months of July and August. Government and virtues. ] Mercury rules the tree, therefore 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 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
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MULLEIN.
MULLEIN.
Descript. ] Common White Mullein has many fair, 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 rises up to be four or five feet high, covered over with such like leaves, but less, 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
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MUSTARD.
MUSTARD.
Descript. ] Our common Mustard hath large and broad rough leaves, very much jagged with uneven and unorderly gashes, somewhat like turnip leaves, but less and rougher. The stalk rises to be more than a foot high, and sometimes two feet high, being round, rough, and branched 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 con
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THE HEDGE-MUSTARD.
THE HEDGE-MUSTARD.
Descript. ] This grows up usually but with one blackish green stalk, tough, easy to bend, 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 less, 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 w
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NAILWORT, OR WHITLOW-GRASS.
NAILWORT, OR WHITLOW-GRASS.
Descript. ] This very small and common herb hath no roots, save only a few strings: neither doth it ever grow to be above a hand’s breadth high, the leaves are very small, and something long, not much unlike those of Chickweed, among which rise up divers slender stalks, bearing many white flowers one above another, which are exceeding small; after which come small flat pouches containing the seed, which is very small, but of a sharp taste. Place. ] It grows commonly upon old stone and brick wall
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NEP, OR CATMINT.
NEP, OR CATMINT.
Descript. ] Common Garden Nep shoots forth hard 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, white, 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
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NETTLES.
NETTLES.
Nettles are so well known, that they need no description; they may be found by feeling, in the darkest night. Government and virtues. ] This is also an herb 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 consume the phlegmatic superfluities in the body of man, that the coldness and moistness of Winter hath left behind. The roots or leaves boiled, or the juice of
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NIGHTSHADE.
NIGHTSHADE.
Descript. ] Common Nightshade hath an upright, round, 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 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
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THE OAK.
THE OAK.
It is so well known (the timber thereof being the glory and safety of this nation by sea) that it needs no description. 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 covers 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,
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OATS,
OATS,
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 wind in the sides or the belly. A poultice made of meal of Oats, and some oil of Bays put thereunto, helps the itch and the leprosy, as also the fistulas of the fundament, and dissolves hard imposthumes. The meal of Oats boiled with vinegar, and applied, takes away freckles and spots in the face, and other parts of the body....
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ONE BLADE.
ONE BLADE.
Descript. ] This small plant never bears more than one leaf, but only when it rises up with his stalk, which thereon bears another, and seldom more, which are of a blueish green colour, pointed, with many ribs or veins 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, shootin
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ORCHIS.
ORCHIS.
It has almost as many several names attributed to the several sorts of it, as would almost fill a sheet of paper; as dog-stones, goat-stones, fool-stones, fox-stones, satiricon, 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 with some discretion. They have each of them a double root within, some of them are round, in others like a
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ONIONS.
ONIONS.
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 it rotten in half a day, by drawing putrefaction to it; then, being bruised and applied to a plague sore, it is very probable it will do the like. Onions are flatulent, or windy; yet they do somewhat provoke appetite, increase thirst, ease
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ORPINE.
ORPINE.
Descript. ] Common Orpine rises up with divers rough brittle stalks, thick set with fat and fleshy leaves, without any order, and little or nothing dented about the edges, of a green colour: The flowers are white, or whitish, growing in tufts, after which come small chaffy husks, with seeds like dust in them. The roots are divers thick, round, white tuberous clogs; and the plant grows not so big in some places as in others where it is found. Place. ] It is frequent in almost every county of this
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PARSLEY PIERT, OR PARSLEY BREAK STONE.
PARSLEY PIERT, OR PARSLEY BREAK STONE.
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 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 w
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PARSNIPS.
PARSNIPS.
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 differs little from the garden, but grows 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 shews the place of its growth. The
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COW PARSNIPS.
COW PARSNIPS.
Descript. ] This grows with three or four large, spread winged, rough leaves, lying often on the ground, or else raised a little from it, with long, round, hairy foot-stalks under them, parted usually into five divisions, 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 rises up a round, cruste
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THE PEACH TREE.
THE PEACH TREE.
Descript. ] A peach tree grows not so great as the Apricot tree, yet spreads branches reasonable 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 plumb, 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
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THE PEAR TREE.
THE PEAR TREE.
Pear Trees are so well known, that they need no description. 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 luscious sorts, whether manured or wild, do help to move the belly downwards, 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 a
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PELLITORY OF SPAIN.
PELLITORY OF SPAIN.
Common Pellitory of Spain, if it be planted in our gardens, will prosper very well; yet there is one sort growing ordinarily here wild, which I esteem to be little inferior to the other, if at all. I shall not deny you the description 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 ground bearing leaves, being long and finely cut upon the stalk, lying on the ground, much larger t
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PELLITORY OF THE WALL.
PELLITORY OF THE WALL.
Descript. ] It rises with brownish, red, tender, weak, 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 spreads into branches, stand many small, pale, purplish flowers in hairy, rough heads, or husks, after which come small,
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PENNYROYAL.
PENNYROYAL.
Pennyroyal is so well known unto all, I mean the common kind, that it needs no description. There is a greater kind than the ordinary sort found wild with us, which so abides, being brought into gardens, and differs 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 rundles about the stalks like the other. Place. ] The first, which is common in gardens, grows also in many moist an
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MALE AND FEMALE PEONY.
MALE AND FEMALE PEONY.
Descript. ] Male Peony rises up with brownish stalks, 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 rises 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 backwar
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PEPPERWORT, OR DITTANDER.
PEPPERWORT, OR DITTANDER.
Descript. ] Our common Pepperwort sends forth somewhat long and broad leaves, of a light blueish green 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 small 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 shar
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PERIWINKLE.
PERIWINKLE.
Descript. ] The common sort hereof hath many branches trailing or running upon the ground, shooting out small fibres at the joints as it runs, 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, sometime
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ST. PETER’S WORT.
ST. PETER’S WORT.
If Superstition had not been the father of Tradition, as well as Ignorance the Mother of Devotion, this herb, (as well as St. John’s Wort) hath found some other name to be known by; but we may say of our forefathers, as St. Paul of the Athenians, I perceive in many things you are too superstitious . Yet seeing it is come to pass, that custom having got in possession, pleads prescription for the name, I shall let it pass, and come to the description of the herb, which take as follows. Descript. ]
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PIMPERNEL.
PIMPERNEL.
Descript. ] Common Pimpernel hath divers weak square stalks 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, compase 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, tending to an orange, with so many threads in the middle, in whose places succeed smooth round heads, wh
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GROUND PINE, OR CHAMEPITYS.
GROUND PINE, OR CHAMEPITYS.
Descript. ] Our common Ground Pine grows low, seldom rising above a 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 rozin: The flowers are small, and of a pale yellow colour, growing from the joint of the stalk all along among the leaves; after which come small a
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PLANTAIN.
PLANTAIN.
This grows usually in meadows and fields, and by path sides, and is so well known, that it needs no description. Time. ] It is in its beauty about June, and the seed ripens shortly after. Government and virtues. ] It is true, Misaldus and others, yea, almost all astrology-physicians, hold this to be an herb of Mars, because it cures the diseases of the head and privities, which are under the houses of Mars, Aries, and Scorpio: The truth is, it is under the command of Venus, and cures the head by
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PLUMS.
PLUMS.
Are so well known that they need no description. Government and virtues. ] All Plums are under Venus, and are like women, some better, and some worse. As there is great diversity of kinds, so there is in the operation of Plums, for some that are sweet moisten the stomach, and make the belly soluble; those that are sour quench thirst more, and bind the belly; the moist and waterish do sooner corrupt in the stomach, but the firm do nourish more, and offend less. The dried fruit sold by the grocers
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POLYPODY OF THE OAK.
POLYPODY OF THE OAK.
Descript. ] This is a small herb consisting of nothing but roots and leaves, bearing neither stalk, flower, nor seed, as it is thought. It hath three or four 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 sad green colour, and smooth on the upp
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THE POPLAR TREE.
THE POPLAR TREE.
There are two sorts of Poplars, which are most familiar with us, viz. the Black and White, both which I shall here describe unto you. Descript. ] The White Poplar grows great, and reasonably 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 upper side, and hoary white underneath, of a reasonable good scent, the whole form representing the form of Coltsfoot. The catkins wh
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POPPY.
POPPY.
Of this I shall describe three kinds, viz. the White and Black of the Garden, and the Erratic 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 besides: 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 ever
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PURSLAIN.
PURSLAIN.
Garden Purslain (being used as a sallad herb) is so well known that it needs no description; I shall therefore only speak of its virtues as follows. Government and virtues. ] ’Tis an herb of the Moon. It is good to cool any heat in the liver, blood, reins, and stomach, and in hot agues nothing better: It stays hot and choleric fluxes of the belly, women’s courses, the whites, and gonorrhæa, or running of the reins, the distillation from the head, and pains therein proceeding from heat, want of s
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PRIMROSES.
PRIMROSES.
They are so well known, that they need no description. Of the leaves of Primroses is made as fine a salve to heal wounds as any that I know; you shall be taught to make salves of any herb at the latter end of the book: make this as you are taught there, and do not (you that have any ingenuity in you) see your poor neighbours go with wounded limbs when an halfpenny cost will heal them....
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PRIVET.
PRIVET.
Descript. ] Our common Privet is carried up with many 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, horses, birds, &c. which though at first supported, grows afterwards strong of itself. It bears long and narrow green leaves by the couples, and sweet smelling white flowers in tufts at the end of the branches, which turn into small black berries that have a purplish juice with
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QUEEN OF THE MEADOWS, MEADOW SWEET, OR MEAD SWEET.
QUEEN OF THE MEADOWS, MEADOW SWEET, OR MEAD SWEET.
Descript. ] The stalks of these are reddish, rising to be 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 (as Agrimony hath) somewhat deeply dented about the edges, of a sad green colour on the upper side, and greyish under
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THE QUINCE TREE.
THE QUINCE TREE.
Descript. ] The ordinary Quince Tree grows often to the height and bigness of a reasonable apple tree, but more usually lower, and crooked, with a rough bark, spreading arms, and branches far abroad. The leaves are somewhat like those of the apple tree, but thicker, broader, and full of veins, and whiter on the under side, not dented at all about the edges. The flowers are large and white, sometimes dashed over with a blush. The fruit that follows is yellow, being near ripe, and covered with a w
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RADDISH, OR HORSE-RADDISH.
RADDISH, OR HORSE-RADDISH.
The garden Raddish is so well known, that it needs no description. Descript. ] The Horse-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 great 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 bears flowers (w
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RAGWORT.
RAGWORT.
It is called also St. James’-wort, and Stagger-wort, and Stammer-wort, and Segrum. Descript. ] The greater common Ragwort 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 brownish stalks, three or four feet high, sometimes branched, bearing divers such-like leaves upon them, at several distances upon the top, where it branches f
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REST HARROW, OR CAMMOCK.
REST HARROW, OR CAMMOCK.
Descript. ] Common Rest Harrow rises up with divers 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
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ROCKET.
ROCKET.
In regard the Garden Rocket is rather used as a sallad herb than to any physical purposes, I shall omit it, and only speak of the common wild Rocket. The description whereof take as follows. Descript. ] The common wild Rocket has longer and narrower leaves, much more divided into slender cuts and jags on both sides the middle rib than the garden kinds have; of a sad green colour, from among which rise up divers stalks two or three feet high, sometimes set with the like leaves, but smaller and sm
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WINTER-ROCKET, OR CRESSES.
WINTER-ROCKET, OR CRESSES.
Descript. ] Winter -Rocket, or Winter-Cresses, hath divers somewhat large sad green leaves lying upon the ground, torn or cut in divers parts, somewhat 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 redd
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ROSES.
ROSES.
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 virtues of them as follows; And first I shall begin with the garden kinds. Government and virtues. ] What a pother have authors made with Roses! What a racket have they kept? 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 r
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ROSA SOLIS, OR SUN DEW.
ROSA SOLIS, OR SUN DEW.
It is likewise called Red-rot, and Youth-wort. Descript. ] It hath, divers small, round, hollow leaves somewhat greenish, but full 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 the moisture. Among these leaves rise up slender stalks, redd
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ROSEMARY.
ROSEMARY.
Our garden Rosemary is so well known, that I need not describe it. Time. ] It flowers 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 used both for inward and outward diseases, for by the warming and comforting heat thereof it he
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RHUBARB, OR REPHONTIC.
RHUBARB, OR REPHONTIC.
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 eclipse
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GARDEN-PATIENCE, OR MONK’S RHUBARB.
GARDEN-PATIENCE, OR MONK’S RHUBARB.
Descript. ] This is a Dock bearing the name of Rhubarb for some purging quality therein, and grows up with large tall stalks, 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 reddish or purplish flowers, and three-square seed, like unto other Docks. The root is long, great and yellow, like unto the wild Docks, but a little redder; and if it be a little dried, shews less store of discoloured veins than the
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GREAT ROUND-LEAVED DOCK, OR BASTARD RHUBARB.
GREAT ROUND-LEAVED DOCK, OR BASTARD RHUBARB.
Descript. ] This has divers large, round, thin yellowish green leaves rising from the root, a little waved about the edges, every one standing upon a reasonably thick and long brownish footstalk, from among which rises up a pretty big stalk, about two feet high, with some such high 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 gr
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MEADOW-RUE.
MEADOW-RUE.
Descript. ] Meadow-rue rises up with a yellow stringy root, much spreading in the ground, shooting forth new sprouts round about, with many herby green stalks, two feet high, crested all the length of them, set with joints here and there, and many large leaves on them, above as well as below, being divided into smaller leaves, nicked or dented in the fore part of them, of a red green colour on the upper-side, and pale green underneath; Toward the top of the stalk there shoots forth divers short
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GARDEN-RUE.
GARDEN-RUE.
Garden-rue is so well known by this name, and the name Herb of Grace, that I shall not need to write any farther description of it, but shall shew you the virtue of it, as follows. Government and virtues. ] It is an herb of the Sun, and under Leo. It provokes 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 Mit
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RUPTURE-WORT.
RUPTURE-WORT.
Descript. ] This spreads very many thready branches 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 grows forth also a number of exceedingly small yellowish flowers, scarce to be discerned from the stalks and leaves, which turn into seeds as small as the very dust. The root is very long and small, thrusting down de
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RUSHES.
RUSHES.
Although there are many kinds of Rushes, yet I shall only here insist upon those which are best known, and most medicinal; as the bulrushes, and other of the soft and smooth kinds, which grow so commonly in almost every part of this land, and are so generally noted, that I suppose it needless to trouble you with any description of them: Briefly then take the virtues of them as follows: Government and virtues. ] The seed of the soft Rushes, (saith Dioscorides and Galen, toasted, saith Pliny) bein
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RYE.
RYE.
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 virtue follows. Government and virtues. ] Rye is more digesting than wheat; the bread and the leaven thereof ripens and breaks imposthumes, boils, and other swellings: The meal of Rye put between a double cloth, and moistened with a little vinegar, and heated in a pewter dish, set ove
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SAFFRON.
SAFFRON.
The herb needs no description, it being known generally where it grows. Place. ] It grows frequently at Walden in Essex, and in Cambridgeshire. Government and virtues. ] It is an herb of the Sun, and under the Lion, and therefore you need not demand a reason why it strengthens the heart so exceedingly. Let not above ten 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 hea
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SAGE.
SAGE.
Our ordinary garden Sage needs no description. Time. ] It flowers 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 decoction of the leaves and branches of Sage made and drank, saith Dioscorides, provokes urine, brings down women’s courses, helps to expel the dead child, and causes the hair to become black. It stays the bleeding of wounds, and cleanses foul ulcers. Three spoonfuls of the juice of Sage taken fast
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WOOD-SAGE.
WOOD-SAGE.
Descript. ] Wood-sage rises up with square hoary 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 i
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SOLOMON’S SEAL.
SOLOMON’S SEAL.
Descript. ] The common Solomon’s Seal rises up with 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 lily-convally, or May-lily, with an eye of bluish upon the green, with some ribs therein, and more yellowish underneath. At the foot of every leaf, almost from the bottom up to the top of the stalk, come forth small, long, white and hollow pendulous flowers, somewhat like the flowers of May-l
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SAMPHIRE.
SAMPHIRE.
Descript. ] Rock Samphire grows up with a tender green stalk about half a yard, or two feet high at the most, branching forth almost from the very bottom, and stored with sundry thick and almost round (somewhat long) leaves of a deep green colour, sometimes two together, and sometimes more on a stalk, and sappy, and of a pleasant, hot, and spicy taste. At the top of the stalks and branches stand umbels of white flowers, and after them come large seed, bigger than fennel seed, yet somewhat like i
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SANICLE.
SANICLE.
This herb is by many called Butter-wort. Descript. ] Ordinary Sanicle sends forth many great 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 somewhat reddish about the brims; from among which arise up small, round green stalks, without any joint or leaf thereon, saving a
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SARACEN’S CONFOUND, OR SARACEN’S WOUNDWORT.
SARACEN’S CONFOUND, OR SARACEN’S WOUNDWORT.
Descript. ] This grows 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 the stalks are 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 therefore carried away with the
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SAUCE-ALONE, OR JACK-BY-THE-HEDGE-SIDE.
SAUCE-ALONE, OR JACK-BY-THE-HEDGE-SIDE.
Descript. ] The lower leaves of this are rounder than those that grow towards the top of the stalks, and are set singly on a 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 contained round seed somewhat blackish. The root string
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WINTER AND SUMMER SAVOURY.
WINTER AND SUMMER SAVOURY.
Both these are so well known (being entertained as constant inhabitants in our gardens) that they need no description. Government and virtues. ] Mercury claims dominion over this herb, neither is there a better remedy against the colic 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
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SAVINE.
SAVINE.
To describe a plant so well known is needless, it being nursed up almost in every garden, and abides green all the Winter. Government and virtues. ] It is under the dominion of Mars, being hot and dry in the third degree, and being of exceeding clean parts, is of a very digesting quality. If you dry the herb into powder, and mix it with honey, it is an excellent remedy to cleanse old filthy ulcers and fistulas; but it hinders them from healing. The same is excellently good to break carbuncles an
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THE COMMON WHITE SAXIFRAGE.
THE COMMON WHITE SAXIFRAGE.
Descript. ] This hath a few small reddish kernels of roots covered with some skins, lying among divers small blackish fibres, which send forth divers round, faint or yellow green leaves, and greyish underneath, lying above the grounds, unevenly dented about the edges, and somewhat hairy, every one upon a little foot-stalk, from whence rises up round, brownish, hairy, green stalks, two or three feet high, with a few such like round leaves as grow below, but smaller, and somewhat branched at the t
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BURNET SAXIFRAGE.
BURNET SAXIFRAGE.
Descript. ] The greater sort of our English Burnet Saxifrage grows up with divers long stalks of winged leaves, set directly opposite one to another on both sides, each being somewhat broad, and a little pointed and dented about the edges, of a sad green colour. At the top of the stalks stand umbels of white flowers, after which come small and blackish seed. The root is long and whitish, abiding long. Our lesser Burnet Saxifrage hath much finer leaves than the former, and very small, and set one
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SCABIOUS, THREE SORTS.
SCABIOUS, THREE SORTS.
Descript. ] Common field Scabious grows up with many hairy, soft, whitish green leaves, some whereof are very little, if at all jagged on the edges, others very much rent and torn on the sides, and have threads in them, which upon breaking may be plainly seen; from among which rise up divers hairy green stalks, three or four feet high, with such like hairy green leaves on them, but more deeply and finely divided and branched forth a little: At the tops thereof, which are naked and bare of leaves
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SELF-HEAL.
SELF-HEAL.
Place. ] It is found in woods and fields every where. Time. ] It flowers in May, and sometimes in April. Government and virtues. ] Here is another herb of Venus, Self-heal, whereby when you are hurt you may heal yourself: It is a special herb for inward and outward wounds. Take it inwardly in syrups for inward wounds: outwardly in unguents, and plaisters for outward. As Self-heal is like Bugle in form, so also in the qualities and virtues, serving for all the purposes whereto Bugle is applied to
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THE SERVICE-TREE.
THE SERVICE-TREE.
It is so well known in the place where it grows, that it needs no description. Time. ] It flowers before the end of May, and the fruit is ripe in October. Government and virtues. ] Services, when they are mellow, are fit to be taken to stay fluxes, scouring, and casting, yet less than medlers. If they be dried before they be mellow, and kept all the year, they may be used in decoctions for the said purpose, either to drink, or to bathe the parts requiring it; and are profitably used in that mann
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SHEPHERD’S PURSE.
SHEPHERD’S PURSE.
It is called Whoreman’s Permacety, Shepherd’s Scrip, Shepherd’s Pounce, Toy-wort, Pickpurse, and Casewort. Descript. ] The root is small, white, and perishes every year. The leaves are small and long, of a pale green colour, and deeply cut in on both sides, among which spring up a stalk which is small and round, containing small leaves upon it even to the top. The flowers are white and very small; after which come the little cases which hold the seed, which are flat, almost in the form of a hear
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SMALLAGE.
SMALLAGE.
This is also very well known, and therefore I shall not trouble the reader with any description thereof. Place. ] It grows naturally in dry and marshy ground; but if it be sown in gardens, it there prospers very well. Time. ] It abides green all the Winter, and seeds in August. Government and virtues. ] It is an herb of Mercury. Smallage is hotter, drier, and much more medicinal than parsley, for it much more opens obstructions of the liver and spleen, rarefies thick phlegm, and cleanses it and
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SOPEWORT, OR BRUISEWORT.
SOPEWORT, OR BRUISEWORT.
Descript. ] The roots creep under ground far and near, with many joints therein, of a brown colour on the outside and yellowish within, shooting forth in divers places weak round stalks, full of joints, set with two leaves a-piece at every one of them on a contrary side, which are ribbed somewhat like to plantain, and fashioned like the common field white campion leaves, seldom having any branches from the sides of the stalks, but set with flowers at the top, standing in long husks like the wild
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SORREL.
SORREL.
Our ordinary Sorrel, which grows in gardens, and also wild in the fields, is so well known, that it needs no description. Government and virtues. ] It is under the dominion of Venus. Sorrel is prevalent in all hot diseases, to cool any inflammation and heat of blood in agues pestilential or choleric, or sickness and fainting, arising from heat, and to refresh the overspent spirits with the violence of furious or fiery fits of agues; to quench thirst, and procure an appetite in fainting or decayi
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WOOD SORREL.
WOOD SORREL.
Descript. ] This grows upon the ground, having a number of leaves coming from the root made of three leaves, like a trefoil, but broad at the ends, and cut in the middle, of a yellowish green colour, every one standing on a long foot-stalk, which at their first coming up are close folded together to the stalk, but opening themselves afterwards, and are of a fine sour relish, and yielding a juice which will turn red when it is clarified, and makes a most dainty clear syrup. Among these leaves ris
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SOW THISTLE.
SOW THISTLE.
Sow Thistles are generally so well known, that they need no description. Place. ] They grow in gardens and manured grounds, sometimes by old walls, pathsides of fields, and high ways. Government and virtues. ] This and the former are under the influence of Venus. Sow Thistles are cooling, and somewhat binding, and are very fit to cool a hot stomach, and ease the pains thereof. The herb boiled in wine, is very helpful to stay the dissolution of the stomach, and the milk that is taken from the sta
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SOUTHERN WOOD.
SOUTHERN WOOD.
Southern Wood is so well known to be an ordinary inhabitant in our gardens, that I shall not need to trouble you with any description thereof. Time. ] It flowers for the most part in July and August. Government and virtues. ] It is a gallant mercurial plant, worthy of more esteem than it hath. Dioscorides saith, That the seed bruised, heated in warm water, and drank, helps those that are bursten, or troubled with cramps or convulsions of the sinews, the sciatica, or difficulty in making water, a
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SPIGNEL, OR SPIKENARD.
SPIGNEL, OR SPIKENARD.
Descript. ] The roots of common Spignel do spread much and deep in the ground, many strings or branches growing from one head, which is hairy at the top, of a blackish brown colour on the outside, and white within, smelling well, and of an aromatical taste from whence rise sundry long stalks of most fine cut leaves like hair, smaller than dill, set thick on both sides of the stalks, and of a good scent. Among these leaves rise up round stiff stalks, with a few joints and leaves on them, and at t
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SPLEENWORT, CETERACH, OR HEART’S TONGUE.
SPLEENWORT, CETERACH, OR HEART’S TONGUE.
Descript. ] The smooth Spleenwort, from a black, thready and bushy root, sends forth many long single leaves, cut in on both sides into round dents almost to the middle, which is not so hard as that of polypody, each division being not always set opposite unto the other, cut between each, smooth, and of a light green on the upper side, and a dark yellowish roughness on the back, folding or rolling itself inward at the first springing up. Place. ] It grows as well upon stone walls, as moist and s
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STAR THISTLE.
STAR THISTLE.
Descript. ] A common Star Thistle has divers narrow leaves lying next the ground, cut on the edges somewhat deeply into many parts, soft or a little wooly, all over green, among which rise up divers weak stalks, parted into many branches: all lying down to the ground, that it seems a pretty bush, set with divers the like divided leaves up to the tops, where severally do stand small whitish green heads, set with sharp white pricks (no part of the plant else being prickly) which are somewhat yello
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STRAWBERRIES.
STRAWBERRIES.
These are so well known through this land, that they need no description. Time. ] They flower in May ordinarily, and the fruit is ripe shortly after. Government and virtues. ] Venus owns the herb. Strawberries, when they are green, are cool and dry; but when they are ripe, they are cool and moist: The berries are excellently good to cool the liver, the blood, and the spleen, or an hot choleric stomach; to refresh and comfort the fainting spirits, and quench thirst: They are good also for other i
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SUCCORY, OR CHICORY.
SUCCORY, OR CHICORY.
Descript. ] The garden Succory hath long and narrower leaves than the Endive, and more cut in or torn on the edges, and the root abides many years. It bears also blue flowers like Endive, and the seed is hardly distinguished from the seed of the smooth or ordinary Endive. The wild Succory hath divers long leaves lying on the ground, very much cut in or torn on the edges, on both sides, even to the middle rib, ending in a point; sometimes it hath a rib down to the middle of the leaves, from among
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STONE-CROP, PRICK-MADAM, OR SMALL-HOUSELEEK.
STONE-CROP, PRICK-MADAM, OR SMALL-HOUSELEEK.
Descript. ] It grows with divers trailing branches upon the ground, set with many thick, flat, roundish, whitish green leaves, pointed at the ends. The flowers stand many of them together, somewhat loosely. The roots are small, and run creeping under ground. Place. ] It grows upon the stone walls and mud walls, upon the tiles of houses and pent-houses, and amongst rubbish, and in other gravelly places. Time. ] It flowers in June and July, and the leaves are green all the Winter. Government and v
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ENGLISH TOBACCO.
ENGLISH TOBACCO.
Descript. ] This rises up with a round thick stalk, about two feet high, whereon do grow thick, flat green leaves, nothing so large as the other Indian kind, somewhat round pointed also, and nothing dented about the edges. The stalk branches forth, and bears at the tops divers flowers set on great husks like the other, but nothing so large: scarce standing above the brims of the husks, round pointed also, and of a greenish yellow colour. The seed that follows is not so bright, but larger, contai
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THE TAMARISK TREE.
THE TAMARISK TREE.
It is so well known in the place where it grows, that it needs no description. Time. ] It flowers about the end of May, or June, and the seed is ripe and blown away in the beginning of September. Government and virtues. ] A gallant Saturnine herb it is. The root, leaves, young branches, or bark boiled in wine, and drank, stays the bleeding of the hæmorrhodical veins, the spitting of blood, the too abounding of women’s courses, the jaundice, the cholic, and the biting of all venomous serpents, ex
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GARDEN TANSY.
GARDEN TANSY.
Garden Tansy is so well known, that it needs no description. Time. ] It flowers in June and July. Government and virtues. ] Dame Venus was minded to pleasure women with child by this herb, for there grows not an herb, fitter for their use than this is; it is just as though it were cut out for the purpose. This herb bruised and applied to the navel, stays miscarriages; I know no herb like it for that use: Boiled in ordinary beer, and the decoction drank, doth the like; and if her womb be not as s
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WILD TANSY, OR SILVER WEED.
WILD TANSY, OR SILVER WEED.
This is also so well known, that it needs no description. Place. ] It grows in every place. Government and virtues. ] Now Dame Venus hath fitted women with two herbs of one name, the one to help conception, and the other to maintain beauty, and what more can be expected of her? What now remains for you, but to love your husbands, and not to be wanting to your poor neighbours? Wild Tansy stays the lask, and all the fluxes of blood in men and women, which some say it will do, if the green herb be
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THISTLES.
THISTLES.
Of these are many kinds growing here in England which are so well known, that they need no description: Their difference is easily known on the places where they grow, viz. Place. ] Some grow in fields, some in meadows, and some among the corn; others on heaths, greens, and waste grounds in many places. Time. ] They flower in June and August and their seed is ripe quickly after. Government and virtues. ] Surely Mars rules it, it is such a prickly business. All these thistles are good to provoke
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THE MELANCHOLY THISTLE.
THE MELANCHOLY THISTLE.
Descript. ] It rises up with tender single hoary green stalks, bearing thereon four or five green leaves, dented about the edges; the points thereof are little or nothing prickly, and at the top usually but one head, yet sometimes from the bosom of the uppermost leaves there shoots forth another small head, scaly and prickly, with many reddish thrumbs or threads in the middle, which being gathered fresh, will keep the colour a long time, and fades not from the stalk a long time, while it perfect
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OUR LADY’S THISTLE.
OUR LADY’S THISTLE.
Descript. ] Our Lady’s Thistle hath divers very large and broad leaves lying on the ground cut in, and as it were crumpled, but somewhat hairy on the edges, of a white green shining colour, wherein are many lines and streaks of a milk white colour, running all over, and set with many sharp and stiff prickles all about, among which rises up one or more strong, round, and prickly stalks, set full of the like leaves up to the top, where at the end of every branch, comes forth a great prickly Thistl
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THE WOOLLEN, OR, COTTON THISTLE.
THE WOOLLEN, OR, COTTON THISTLE.
Descript. ] This has many large leaves lying upon the ground, somewhat cut in, and as it were crumpled on the edges, of a green colour on the upper side, but covered over with a long hairy wool or cotton down, set with most sharp and cruel pricks; from the middle of whose heads of flowers come forth many purplish crimson threads, and sometimes white, although but seldom. The seed that follow in those white downy heads, is somewhat large and round, resembling the seed of Lady’s Thistle, but paler
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THE FULLER’S THISTLE, OR TEASLE.
THE FULLER’S THISTLE, OR TEASLE.
It is so well known, that it needs no description, being used with the clothworkers. The wild Teasle is in all things like the former, but that the prickles are small, soft, and upright, not hooked or stiff, and the flowers of this are of a fine blueish, or pale carnation colour, but of the manured kind, whitish. Place. ] The first grows, being sown in gardens or fields for the use of clothworkers: The other near ditches and rills of water in many places of this land. Time. ] They flower in July
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TREACLE MUSTARD.
TREACLE MUSTARD.
Descript. ] It rises up with a hard round stalk, about a foot high, parted into some branches, having divers soft green leaves, long and narrow, set thereon, waved, but not cut into the edges, broadest towards the ends, somewhat round pointed; the flowers are white that grow at the tops of the branches, spike-fashion, one above another; after which come round pouches, parted in the middle with a furrow, having one blackish brown seed on either side, somewhat sharp in taste, and smelling of garli
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MITHRIDATE MUSTARD.
MITHRIDATE MUSTARD.
Descript. ] This grows higher than the former, spreading more and higher branches, whose leaves are smaller and narrower, sometimes unevenly dented about the edges. The flowers are small and white, growing on long branches, with much smaller and rounder vessels after them, and parted in the same manner, having smaller brown seeds than the former, and much sharper in taste. The root perishes after seed time, but abides the first Winter after springing. Place. ] They grow in sundry places in this
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THE BLACK THORN, OR SLOE-BUSH.
THE BLACK THORN, OR SLOE-BUSH.
It is so well known, that it needs no description. Place. ] It grows in every county in the hedges and borders of fields. Time. ] It flowers in April, and sometimes in March, but the fruit ripens after all other plums whatsoever, and is not fit to be eaten until the Autumn frost mellow them. Government and virtues. ] All the parts of the Sloe-Bush are binding, cooling, and dry, and all effectual to stay bleeding at the nose and mouth, or any other place; the lask of the belly or stomach, or the
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THOROUGH WAX, OR THOROUGH LEAF.
THOROUGH WAX, OR THOROUGH LEAF.
Descript. ] Common Thorough-Wax sends forth a strait round stalk, two feet high, or better, whose lower leaves being of a bluish colour, are smaller and narrower than those up higher, and stand close thereto, not compassing it; but as they grow higher, they do not encompass the stalks, until it wholly pass through them, branching toward the top into many parts, where the leaves grow smaller again, every one standing singly, and never two at a joint. The flowers are small and yellow, standing in
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THYME.
THYME.
It is in vain to describe an herb so commonly known. Government and virtues. ] It is a noble strengthener of the lungs, as notable a one as grows; neither is there scarce a better remedy growing for that disease in children which they commonly call the Chin-cough, than it is. It purges 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 b
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WILD THYME, OR MOTHER OF THYME.
WILD THYME, OR MOTHER OF THYME.
Wild Thyme also is so well known, that it needs 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 Venus, and under the sign Aries, and therefore chiefly appropriated to the head. It provokes urine and the terms, and eases the griping pain of the belly, cramps, ruptures, and inflamation of the liver. If you make a vinegar of the herb, as vinegar of roses is made (you may find out the w
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TORMENTIL, OR SEPTFOIL.
TORMENTIL, OR SEPTFOIL.
Descript. ] This hath reddish, slender, weak branches rising from the root, lying on the ground, rather leaning than standing upright, with many short leaves that stand closer to the stalk than cinquefoil (to which this is very like) with the root-stalk compassing the branches in several places; but those that grow to the ground are set 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 into five leaves
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TURNSOLE, OR HELIOTROPIUM.
TURNSOLE, OR HELIOTROPIUM.
Descript. ] The greater Turnsole rises with one upright 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 hairy. 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 turns inwards like a bowed finger, opening by
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MEADOW TREFOIL, OR HONEYSUCKLES.
MEADOW TREFOIL, OR HONEYSUCKLES.
It is so well known, especially by the name of Honeysuckles, white and red, that I need not describe them. Place. ] They grow almost every where in this land. Government and virtues. ] Mercury hath dominion over the common sort. 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
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HEART TREFOIL.
HEART TREFOIL.
Besides the ordinary sort of Trefoil, here are two more remarkable, and one of which may be properly called Heart Trefoil, not only because the leaf is triangular, like the heart of a man, but also because each leaf contains the perfection of a heart, and that in its proper colour, viz. a flesh colour. Place. ] It grows between Longford and Bow, and beyond 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
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PEARL TREFOIL.
PEARL TREFOIL.
It differs not from the common sort, save only in this particular, it hath a white spot in the leaf like a pearl. It is particularly under the dominion of the Moon, and its icon shews that it is of a singular virtue against the pearl, or pin and web in the eyes....
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TUSTAN, OR PARK LEAVES.
TUSTAN, OR PARK LEAVES.
Descript. ] It hath brownish shining round stalks, crested the length thereof, rising two by two, and sometimes three feet high, branching forth even from the bottom, having divers joints, and at each of them two fair large leaves standing, of a dark blueish green colour on the upper side, and of a yellowish green underneath, turning reddish toward Autumn. At the top of the stalks stand large yellow flowers, and heads with seed, which being greenish at the first and afterwards reddish, turn to b
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GARDEN VALERIAN.
GARDEN VALERIAN.
Descript. ] This hath a thick short greyish root, lying 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 draws nourishment. From the head of these roots spring up many green leaves, which 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 sid
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VIOLETS.
VIOLETS.
Both the tame and the wild are so well known, that they need no description. Time. ] They flower until the end of July, but are best in March, and the beginning of April. Government and virtues. ] They are a fine pleasing plant of Venus, of a mild nature, no way harmful. All the Violets 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 imposthu
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VIPER’S BUGLOSS.
VIPER’S BUGLOSS.
Descript. ] This hath many long rough leaves lying on the ground, from among which rises up divers hard 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 ar
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WALL FLOWERS, OR WINTER GILLI-FLOWERS.
WALL FLOWERS, OR WINTER GILLI-FLOWERS.
The garden kind are so well known that they need no description. Descript. ] The common single Wall-flowers, which grow wild abroad, 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 grows upon ch
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THE WALLNUT TREE.
THE WALLNUT TREE.
It is so well known, that it needs no description. Time. ] It blossoms early before the leaves come forth, and the fruit is ripe in September. 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 while 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 th
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WOLD, WELD, OR DYER’S WEED.
WOLD, WELD, OR DYER’S WEED.
The common kind grows bushing with many leaves, long, narrow and flat upon the ground; of a dark blueish green colour, somewhat like unto Woad, but nothing so large, a little crumpled, and as it were round-pointed, which do so abide the first year; and the next spring from among them, rise up divers round stalks, two or three feet high, beset with many such like leaves thereon, but smaller, and shooting forth small branches, which with the stalks carry many small yellow flowers, in a long spiked
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WHEAT.
WHEAT.
All the several kinds thereof are so well known unto almost all people, that it is all together needless to write a description thereof. Government and virtues. ] It is under Venus. Dioscorides saith, That to eat the corn of green Wheat is hurtful to the stomach, and breeds worms. Pliny 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 copper heated, heals
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THE WILLOW TREE.
THE WILLOW TREE.
These are so well known that they need no description. I shall therefore only shew you the virtues therof. Government and virtues. ] The Moon owns it. Both the leaves, bark, and the seed, are used to stanch 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 helps also to stay thin, hot, sharp, salt distillations from the head upon the lungs, causing
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WOAD.
WOAD.
Descript. ] It hath divers large leaves, long, and somewhat broad withal, like those of the greater plantain, but larger, thicker, of a greenish colour, somewhat blue withal. From among which leaves rises up a lusty stalk, three or four feet high, with divers leaves set thereon; the higher the stalk rises, the smaller are the leaves; at the top it spreads 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
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WOODBINE, OR HONEY-SUCKLES.
WOODBINE, OR HONEY-SUCKLES.
It is a plant so common, that every one that hath eyes knows it, and he that hath none, cannot read a description, if I should write it. Time. ] They flower in June, and the fruit is ripe in August. Government and virtues. ] Doctor Tradition, that grand introducer of errors, that hater of truth, lover of folly, and the 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 brai
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WORMWOOD.
WORMWOOD.
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, Santomeon, 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 opinion, their giving so much holines
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YARROW, CALLED NOSE-BLEED, MILFOIL AND THOUSAND-LEAL.
YARROW, CALLED NOSE-BLEED, MILFOIL AND THOUSAND-LEAL.
Descript. ] It hath many long leaves spread upon the ground, finely cut, and divided into many 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 all pastures. Time. ] It flowers late, even in the latter end of August. Government and virtues. ] It is under the influence of Venus. An ointment of them cures wounds, and is most fit for such as have inflammations, it being an herb o
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SECTION II. Of making and keeping Compounds.
SECTION II. Of making and keeping Compounds.
Of all these in order....
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CHAPTER I. Of Leaves of Herbs, or Trees.
CHAPTER I. Of Leaves of Herbs, or Trees.
1. Of leaves, choose only such as are green, and full of juice; pick them carefully, and cast away such as are any way declining, for they will putrify the rest: So shall one handful be worth ten of those you buy at the physic herb shops. 2. Note what places they most delight to grow in, and gather them there; for Betony that grows in the shade, is far better than that which grows in the Sun, because it delights in the shade; so also such herbs as delight to grow near the water, shall be gathere
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CHAPTER II. Of Flowers.
CHAPTER II. Of Flowers.
1. The flower, which is the beauty of the plant, and of none of the least use in physick, grows yearly, and is to be gathered when it is in its prime. 2. As for the time of gathering them, let the planetary hour, and the planet they come of, be observed, as we shewed you in the foregoing chapter: as for the time of the day, let it be when the sun shine upon them, that so they may be dry; for, if you gather either flowers or herbs when they are wet or dewy, they will not keep. 3. Dry them well in
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CHAPTER IV. Of Roots.
CHAPTER IV. Of Roots.
1. Of roots, chuse such as are neither rotten nor worm-eaten, but proper in their taste, colour, and smell; such as exceed neither in softness nor hardness. 2. Give me leave to be a little critical against the vulgar received opinion, which is, That the sap falls down into the roots in the Autumn, and rises again in the Spring, as men go to bed at night, and rise in the morning; and this idle talk of untruth is so grounded in the heads, not only of the vulgar, but also of the learned, that a man
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CHAPTER V. Of Barks.
CHAPTER V. Of Barks.
1. Barks , which physicians use in medicine, are of these sorts: Of fruits, of roots, of boughs. 2. The barks of fruits are to be taken when the fruit is full ripe, as Oranges, Lemons, &c. but because I have nothing to do with exotics here, I pass them without any more words. 3. The barks of trees are best gathered in the Spring, if of oaks, or such great trees; because then they come easier off, and so you may dry them if you please; but indeed the best way is to gather all barks only f
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CHAPTER VI. Of Juices.
CHAPTER VI. Of Juices.
1. Juices are to be pressed out of herbs when they are young and tender, out of some stalks and tender tops of herbs and plants, and also out of some flowers. 2. Having gathered the herb, would you preserve the juice of it, when it is very dry (for otherwise the juice will not be worth a button) bruise it very well in a stone mortar with a wooden pestle, then having put it into a canvas bag, the herb I mean, not the mortar, for that will give but little juice, press it hard in a press, then take
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CHAPTER I. Of distilled Waters.
CHAPTER I. Of distilled Waters.
Hitherto we have spoken of medicines which consist in their own nature, which authors vulgarly call Simples, though sometimes improperly; for in truth, nothing is simple but pure elements; all things else are compounded of them. We come now to treat of the artificial medicines, in the form of which (because we must begin somewhere) we shall place distilled waters in which consider, 1. Waters are distilled of herbs, flowers, fruits, and roots. 2. We treat not of strong waters, but of cold, as bei
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CHAPTER III. Of Juleps.
CHAPTER III. Of Juleps.
1. Juleps were first invented, as I suppose, in Arabia; and my reason is, because the word Julep is an Arabic word. 2. It signifies only a pleasant potion, as is vulgarly used by such as are sick, and want help, or such as are in health, and want no money to quench thirst. 3. Now-a-day it is commonly used— 4. Simple Juleps, (for I have nothing to say to compounds here) are thus made; Take a pint of such distilled water, as conduces to the cure of your distemper, which this treatise will plentifu
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CHAPTER IV. Of Decoctions.
CHAPTER IV. Of Decoctions.
1. All the difference between decoctions, and syrups made by decoction, is this; Syrups are made to keep, decoctions only for present use; for you can hardly keep a decoction a week at any time; if the weather be hot, not half so long. 2. Decoctions are made of leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, fruits or barks, conducing to the cure of the disease you make them for; are made in the same manner as we shewed you in syrups. 3. Decoctions made with wine last longer than such as are made with water; and
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CHAPTER V. Of Oils.
CHAPTER V. Of Oils.
1. Oil Olive, which is commonly known by the name of Sallad Oil, I suppose, because it is usually eaten with sallads by them that love it, if it be pressed out of ripe olives, according to Galen, is temperate, and exceeds in no one quality. 2. Of oils, some are simple, and some are compound. 3 Simple oils, are such as are made of fruits or seeds by expression, as oil of sweet and bitter almonds, linseed and rape-seed oil, &c. of which see in my Dispensatory. 4. Compound oils, are made of
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CHAPTER VI. Of Electuaries.
CHAPTER VI. Of Electuaries.
Physicians make more a quoil than needs by half, about electuaries. I shall prescribe but one general way of making them up; as for ingredients, you may them as you please, and as you find occasion, by the last chapter. 1. That you may make electuaries when you need them, it is requisite that you keep always herbs, roots, flowers, seeds, &c. ready dried in your house, that so you may be in a readiness to beat them into powder when you need them. 2. It is better to keep them whole than be
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CHAPTER VII. Of Conserves.
CHAPTER VII. Of Conserves.
1. The way of making conserves is two-fold, one of herbs and flowers, and the other of fruits. 2. Conserves of herbs and flowers, are thus made: if you make your conserves of herbs, as of scurvy-grass, wormwood, rue, and the like, take only the leaves and tender tops (for you may beat your heart out before you can beat the stalks small) and having beaten them, weigh them, and to every pound of them add three pounds of sugar, you cannot beat them too much. 3. Conserves of fruits, as of barberries
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CHAPTER VIII. Of Preserves.
CHAPTER VIII. Of Preserves.
Of Preserves are sundry sorts, and the operation of all being somewhat different, we will handle them all apart. These are preserved with sugar: 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 call them jat glasses; strew on a laying of fine sugar, on that a laying of flowers, and on that another laying of sugar, on that another laying of flowers, so d
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CHAPTER X. Of Ointments.
CHAPTER X. Of Ointments.
1. Various 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 physic, for whose sake I write this. It is thus done: Bruise those herbs, flowers, or roots, you will make an ointment 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 wooden pest
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CHAPTER XI. Of Plaisters.
CHAPTER XI. Of Plaisters.
1. The Greeks made their plaisters of divers simples, and put metals into the 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 consisted, whilst it was thus hot, continually 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 the fire again. 2. The Arabians made
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CHAPTER XIII. Of Troches.
CHAPTER XIII. Of Troches.
1. The Latins call them Placentula , or little cakes, and the Greeks Prochikois , Kukliscoi , and Artiscoi ; they are usually little round flat cakes, or you may make them 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 cold, or at least not so hot as it should b
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CHAPTER XIV. Of Pills.
CHAPTER XIV. Of Pills.
1. They are called Pilulæ , because they resemble little 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 bitterness of the medicine might not be perceived, or at least it might not be unsufferable: and indeed most of their pills, though not all, are very bitter. 3. I am of a clean contrary opinion to this. I rather think they were done up in th
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CHAPTER XV. The way of mixing Medicines according to the Cause of the Disease, and Parts of the Body afflicted.
CHAPTER XV. The way of mixing Medicines according to the Cause of the Disease, and Parts of the Body afflicted.
This being indeed the key of the work, I shall be somewhat the more diligent in it. I shall deliver myself thus; 1. To the Vulgar. 2. To such as study Astrology; or such as study physic astrologically. 1st, To the Vulgar. Kind souls, I am sorry it hath been your hard mishap to have been so long trained in such Egyptian darkness which to your sorrow may be felt; The vulgar road of physic is not my practice, and I am therefore the more unfit to give you advice. I have now published a little book,
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THE ENGLISH PHYSICIAN AND FAMILY DISPENSATORY.
THE ENGLISH PHYSICIAN AND FAMILY DISPENSATORY.
AN ASTROLOGO-PHYSICAL DISCOURSE OF THE HUMAN VIRTUES IN THE BODY OF MAN; BOTH PRINCIPAL AND ADMINISTERING. Human virtues are either PRINCIPAL for procreation, and conservation ; or ADMINISTRING , for Attraction, Digestion, Retention, or Expulsion . Virtues conservative , are Vital, Natural, and Animal. By the natural are bred Blood, Choler, Flegm, and Melancholy. The animal virtue is Intellective, and Sensitive. The Intellective is Imagination, Judgment, and Memory. The sensitive is Common, and
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ROOTS.
ROOTS.
Acanths, Brancæ Ursinæ. Of bearsbreech, or brankursine, it is meanly hot and dry, helps aches and numness of the joints, and is of a binding quality, good for wounds and broken bones. Dioscorides saith, they are profitable for ruptures, or such as are bursten, or burnt with fire, a dram of the root in powder being taken in the morning fasting, in a decoction made with the same root and water. Acori, Veri, Perigrini, vulgaris, &c. See Calamus Aromaticus . I shall not speak concerning the
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BARKS.
BARKS.
A Pil Rad. Of the roots of Smallage. Take notice here, that the Barks both of this root, as also of Parsley, Fennel, &c. is all of the root which is in use, neither can it properly be called bark, for it is all the root, the hard pith in the middle excepted, which is always thrown away, when the roots are used. It is something hotter and drier than Parsley, and more medicinal; it opens stoppings, provokes urine, helps digestion, expels wind, and warms a cold stomach: use them like grass
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WOODS AND THEIR CHIPS, OR RASPINGS.
WOODS AND THEIR CHIPS, OR RASPINGS.
A Gallochus, Lignum Aloes. Wood of Aloes; is moderately hot and dry: a good cordial: a rich perfume, a great strengthener to the stomach. Aspalathus. Rose-wood. It is moderately hot and dry, stops looseness, provokes urine, and is excellent to cleanse filthy ulcers. Bresilium. Brasil. All the use I know of it is, to die cloth, and leather, and make red ink. Buxus. Box. Many Physicians have written of it, but no physical virtue of it. Cypressus. Cypress. The Wood laid amongst cloaths, secures the
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HERBS AND THEIR LEAVES.
HERBS AND THEIR LEAVES.
A Brotanum, mas, fœmina. Southernwood, male and female. It is hot and dry in the third degree, resists poison, kills worms; outwardly in plaisters, it dissolves cold swellings, and helps the bitings of venomous beasts, makes hair grow: take not above half a dram at a time in powder. Absinthium, &c. Wormwood. Its several sorts, are all hot and dry in the second or third degrees, the common Wormwood is thought to be hottest, they all help weakness of the stomach, cleanse choler, kill worms
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FLOWERS.
FLOWERS.
Borage , and Bugloss flowers strengthen the brain, and are profitable in fevers. Chamomel flowers , heat and assuage swellings, inflammation of the bowels, dissolve wind, are profitably given in clysters or drink, to such as are troubled with the cholic, or stone. Stæchea , opens stoppings in the bowels, and strengthens the whole body. Saffron powerfully concocts, and sends out whatever humour offends the body, drives back inflammations; applied outwardly, encreases venery, and provokes urine. C
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FRUITS AND THEIR BUDS.
FRUITS AND THEIR BUDS.
Green Figs , are held to be of ill juice, but the best is, we are not much troubled with them in England ; dry figs help coughs, cleanse the breast, and help infirmities of the lungs, shortness of wind, they loose the belly, purge the reins, help inflammations of the liver and spleen; outwardly they dissolve swellings. Pine-nuts , restore such as are in consumptions, amend the failings of the lungs, concoct flegm, and yet are naught for such as are troubled with the head-ache. Dates , are bindin
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SEEDS OR GRAINS.
SEEDS OR GRAINS.
Coriander seed, hot and dry, expels wind, but is hurtful to the head; sends up unwholesome vapours to the brain, dangerous for mad people. Fenugreek seeds, are of a softening, discussing nature, they cease inflammations, be they internal or external: bruised and mixed with vinegar they ease the pains of the spleen: being applied to the sides, help hardness and swellings of the matrix, being boiled, the decoction helps scabby heads. Lin-seed hath the same virtues with Fenugreek. Gromwell seed, pr
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TEARS, LIQUORS, AND ROZINS.
TEARS, LIQUORS, AND ROZINS.
Laudanum , is of a heating, mollifying nature, it opens the mouth of the veins, stays the hair from falling off, helps pains in the ears, and hardness of the womb. It is used only outwardly in plaisters. Assafœtida. Is commonly used to allay the fits of the mother by smelling to it; they say, inwardly taken, it provokes lust, and expels wind. Benzoin , or Benjamin , makes a good perfume. Sanguis Draconis , cools and binds exceedingly. Aloes , purges choler and flegm, and with such deliberation t
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JUICES.
JUICES.
That all juices have the same virtues with the herbs or fruits whereof they are made, I suppose few or none will deny, therefore I shall only name a few of them, and that briefly. Sugar is held to be hot in the first degree, strengthens the lungs, takes away the roughness of the throat, succours the reins and bladder. The juice of Citrons cools the blood, strengthens the heart, mitigates the violent heat of fevers. The juice of Lemons works the same effect, but not so powerfully. Juice of Liquor
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THINGS BRED FROM PLANTS.
THINGS BRED FROM PLANTS.
These have been treated of before, only two excepted. The first of which is, Agaricus. Agarick: It purges flegm, choler, and melancholy, from the brain, nerves, muscles, marrow, (or more properly brain) of the back, it cleanses the breast, lungs, liver, stomach, spleen, reins, womb, joints; it provokes urine, and the menses, kills worms, helps pains in the joints, and causes a good colour: it is very seldom or never taken alone. See Syrup of Roses with Agarick. Lastly, Vicus Quircinus , or Misle
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LIVING CREATURES.
LIVING CREATURES.
Millepedes (so called from the multitude of their feet, though it cannot be supposed they have a thousand) sows, hog-lice, wood-lice, being bruised and mixed with wine, they provoke urine, help the yellow jaundice, outwardly being boiled in oil, help pains in the ears, a drop being put into them . The flesh of vipers being eaten, clear the sight, help the vices of the nerves, resist poison exceedingly, neither is there any better remedy under the sun for their bitings than the head of the viper
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PARTS OF LIVING CREATURES, AND EXCREMENTS.
PARTS OF LIVING CREATURES, AND EXCREMENTS.
The brain of Sparrows being eaten, provokes lust exceedingly. The brain of an Hare being roasted, helps trembling, it makes children breed teeth easily, their gums being rubbed with it, it also helps scald heads, and falling off of hair, the head being anointed with it. The head of a young Kite , being burnt to ashes and the quantity of a drachm of it taken every morning in a little water, is an admirable remedy against the gout. Crab-eyes break the stone, and open stoppings of the bowels. The l
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BELONGING TO THE SEA.
BELONGING TO THE SEA.
Sperma Cœti , is well applied outwardly to eating ulcers, the marks which the small pox leaves behind them; it clears the sight, provokes sweat; inwardly it troubles the stomach and belly, helps bruises, and stretching of the nerves, and therefore is good for women newly delivered. Amber-grease , heats and dries, strengthens the brain and nerves exceedingly, if the infirmity of them come of cold, resists pestilence. Sea-sand , a man that hath the dropsy, being set up to the middle in it, it draw
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METALS, MINERALS, AND STONES.
METALS, MINERALS, AND STONES.
GOLD is temperate in quality, it wonderfully strengthens the heart and vital spirits, which one perceiving, very wittily inserted these verses: However, this is certain, in cordials, it resists melancholy, faintings, swoonings, fevers, falling-sickness, and all such like infirmities, incident either to the vital or animal spirit. Alum. Heats, binds, and purges; scours filthy ulcers, and fastens loose teeth. Brimstone , or flower of brimstone, which is brimstone refined, and the better for physic
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ROOTS.
ROOTS.
Culpeper. ] These be the roots the college hath named, and but only named, and in this order I have set them down. It seems the college holds a strange opinion, viz. That it would do an Englishman a mischief to know what the herbs in his garden are good for. But my opinion is, that those herbs, roots, plants, &c. which grow near a man, are far better and more congruous to his nature than any outlandish rubbish whatsoever, and this I am able to give a reason of to any that shall demand it
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WOODS.
WOODS.
College.] Firr, Wood of Aloes, Rhodium, Brazil, Box, Willow, Cypress, Ebony, Guajacum, Juniper, Lentisk, Nephriticum, Rhodium, Rosemary, Sanders, white, yellow, and red, Sassafras, Tamarisk. Of these some are hot. Wood of Aloes, Rhodium, Box, Ebony, Guajacum, Nephriticum, Rosemary, Sassafras, Tamarisk. Some cold. As Cypress, Willow, Sanders white, red, and yellow. Rosemary is appropriated to the head, wood of Aloes to the heart and stomach, Rhodium to the bowels and bladder, Nephriticum to the l
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HERBS.
HERBS.
College.] Southernwood male and female. Wormwood, common, Roman, and such as bear Wormseed, Sorrel, wood Sorrel, Maiden-hair common, white or wall Rue, black and golden Maudlin, Agremony, Vervain, Mallow, Ladies Mantle, Chickweed, Marshmallows, and Pimpernel both male and female, Water Pimpernel, Dill, Angelica, Smallage, Goose-grass, or Cleavers, Columbine, wild Tansie, or Silver Weed, Mugwort, Asarabacca, Woodroofe, Arach, Distaff Thistle, Mousear, Costmary, or Alcost, Burdock greater and less
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FLOWERS.
FLOWERS.
College.] Wormwood, Agnus Castus, Amaranthus, Dill, Rosemary, Columbines, Orrenges, Balaustins, or Pomegranate Flowers, Bettony, Borrage, Bugloss, Marigolds, Woodbine or Honeysuckles, Clove Gilliflowers, Centaury the less, Chamomel, Winter Gilliflowers, Succory, Comfry the greater, Saffron, Blue-bottle great and small, ( Synosbatus , Tragus , and Dedonæus hold our white thorn to be it, Cordus and Marcelus think it to be Bryars, Lugdunensis takes it for the sweet Bryar, but what our College takes
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FRUITS.
FRUITS.
College.] Winter-cherries, Love Apples, Almonds sweet and bitter, Anacardia, Oranges, Hazel Nuts, the oily Nut Ben, Barberries, Capers, Guinny Pepper, Figs, Carpobalsamum, Cloves, Cassia Fistula, Chestnuts, Cherries black and red, Cicers, white, black and red, Pome Citrons, Coculus Indi, Colocynthis, Currants, Cornels or Cornelian Cherries, Cubebs, Cucumbers garden and wild, Gourds, Cynosbatus, Cypress, Cones, Quinces, Dates, Dwarf-Elder, Green Figs, Strawberries, common and Turkey Galls, Acorns
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SEEDS.
SEEDS.
In the fourth. Water-cresses, Mustard-seed. Cold in the first degree. Barley, &c. In the second. Endive, Lettice, Purslain, Succory, Gourds, Cucumbers, Melons, Citruls, Pompions, Sorrel, Nightshade. In the third. Henbane, Hemlock, Poppies white and black. Moist in the first degree. Mallows, &c. Dry in the first degree. Beans, Fennel, Fenugreek, Barley, Wheat, &c. In the second. Orobus, Lentils, Rice, Poppies, Nightshade, and the like. In the third. Dill, Smallages, Bishop
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METALS, STONES, SALTS, AND OTHER MINERALS.
METALS, STONES, SALTS, AND OTHER MINERALS.
Ver-de-grease, Scales of Brass, Ætitis, Alana Terra, Alabaster, Alectorions, Alum Seisile and Roach Amethist, Amianth, Amphelites, Antimony, leaves and filings of Silver, Quick Silver, Lapis, Armenius, native Arsenic, both white and red, artificial Arsenic, white and realgar, Argilla, Asteria, leaves and filings of Gold, Belemites, Berril, Bole-armenick, Borrax, Toad-stone, Lapis Calaminatis, Cadmia, Lime quick and quenched, Vitriol, white, blue, and green, Steel, Borrax, Chrisolite, Chrisopus,
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SIMPLE DISTILLED WATERS.
SIMPLE DISTILLED WATERS.
Briony, Onions, Elecampane, Orris, or Flower-de-luce, Turnips. Southernwood, both sorts of Wormwood, Wood Sorrel, Lady’s-Mantle, Marsh-mallows, Angelica, Pimpernel with purple flowers, Smallage, Columbines, Sparagus, Mouse-ear, Borrage, Shepherd’s Purse, Calaminth, Woodbine or Honey-suckles, Carduus Benedictus, our Lady’s Thistles, Knotgrass, Succory, Dragons, Colt’s-foot, Fennel, Goat’s Rue, Grass, Hyssop, Lettice, Lovage, Toad-flax, Hops, Marjoram, Mallows, Horehound, Featherfew, Bawm, Mints,
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SIMPLE WATERS DISTILLED, being digested before-hand.
SIMPLE WATERS DISTILLED, being digested before-hand.
Of the leaves of Agrimony, wild Tansy, or Silverweed, Mugwort, Bettony, Marigolds, Chamomel, Chamepitys, Celandine, Pilewort, Scurvy-grass, Comfry the greater, Dandelyon, Ash-tree leaves, Eyebright, Fumitory, Alehoof, or ground Ivy, Horsetail, St. John’s Wort, Yarrow, Moneywort, Restharrow, Solomon’s Seal, Res solis, Rue, Savin, Saxifrage, Hart’s tongue, Scordium, Tamarisk, Mullin, Vervain, Paul’s Bettony, Mead-sweet, Nettles. Of the Flowers of Mayweed, Broom, Cowslips, Butter-bur, Peony, Elder.
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COMPOUNDS. SPIRIT AND COMPOUND DISTILLED WATERS.
COMPOUNDS. SPIRIT AND COMPOUND DISTILLED WATERS.
Leanness of body, costiveness, hollow eyes, anger without a cause, a testy disposition, yellowness of the skin, bitterness in the throat, pricking pains in the head, the pulse swifter and stronger than ordinary, the urine higher coloured, thinner and brighter, troublesome sleeps, much dreaming of fire, lightning, anger, and fighting. The veins are bigger (or at least they seem so) and fuller then ordinary; the skin is red, and as it were swollen; pricking pains in the sides, and about the temple
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TINCTURES.
TINCTURES.
College. ] Take two drams of Saffron, eight ounces of Treacle water, digest them six days, then strain it. Culpeper. ] See the virtues of Treacle water, and then know that this strengthens the heart something more, and keeps melancholy vapours thence by drinking a spoonful of it every morning. College. ] Take of Castoreum in powder half an ounce, spirit of Castoreum half a pound, digest them ten days cold, strain it, and keep the Liquor for Tincture. Culpeper. ] A learned invention! ’Tis somethi
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PHYSICAL WINES.
PHYSICAL WINES.
College. ] Take a handful of dried Wormwood, for every gallon of Wine, stop it in a vessel close, and so let it remain in steep: so is prepared wine of Rosemary flowers, and Eye-bright. Culpeper. ] It helps cold stomachs, breaks wind, helps the wind cholic, strengthens the stomach, kills worms, and helps the green sickness. Rosemary-flower Wine, is made after the same manner. It is good against all cold diseases of the head, consumes flegm, strengthens the gums and teeth. Eye-bright Wine is made
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PHYSICAL VINEGARS.
PHYSICAL VINEGARS.
College. ] Fill a glass or stone alembick with the best Vinegar to the third part, separate the flegm with a gentle fire, then encrease the fire by degrees, and perform the work. College. ] Take of red Rose buds, gathered in a dry time, the whites cut off, dried in the shade three or four days, one pound, Vinegar eight sextaries, set them in the sun forty days, then strain out the Roses, and repeat the infusion with fresh ones. After the same manner is made Vinegar of Elder flowers, Rosemary flo
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DECOCTIONS.
DECOCTIONS.
College. ] Take of Mallows, Violets, Pellitory, Beets, and Mercury, Chamomel flowers, of each one handful, sweet Fennel seeds half an ounce, Linseeds two drams, boil them in a sufficient quantity of common water to a pound. Culpeper. ] This is the common decoction for all clysters, according to the quality of the humour abounding, so you may add what Simples, or Syrups, or Electuaries you please; only half a score Linseeds, and a handful of Chamomel flowers are added. College. ] Take of Myrobala
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ALTERING SYRUPS.
ALTERING SYRUPS.
The College. ] Take of the clarified Juice of common Wormwood, clarified Sugar, of each four pounds, make it into a Syrup according to art. After the same manner, are prepared simple Syrups of Betony, Borrage, Bugloss, Carduus, Chamomel, Succory, Endive, Hedge-mustard, Strawberries, Fumitory, Ground Ivy, St. John’s Wort, Hops, Mercury, Mousear, Plantain, Apples, Purslain, Rasberries, Sage, Scabious, Scordium, Houseleek, Colt’s-foot, Paul’s Bettony, and other Juices not sour. Culpeper. ] See the
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PURGING SYRUPS.
PURGING SYRUPS.
College. ] Take of whole Barley, the roots of Smallage, Fennel, and Sparagus, of each two ounces, Succory, Dandelyon, Endive, smooth Sow-thistles, of each two handfuls, Lettuce, Liverwort, Fumitory, tops of Hops, of each one handful, Maiden-hair, white and black, Cetrachs, Liquorice, winter Cherries, Dodder, of each six drams, to boil these take sixteen pounds of spring water, strain the liquor, and boil in it six pounds of white sugar, adding towards the end six ounces of Rhubarb, six drams of
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SYRUPS MADE WITH VINEGAR AND HONEY.
SYRUPS MADE WITH VINEGAR AND HONEY.
Culpeper. ] It is used as an emollient in clysters. College. ] Take of the juice of Mulberries and Blackberries, before they be ripe, gathered before the sun be up, of each a pound and a half, Honey two pounds, boil them to their due thickness. Culpeper. ] It is vulgarly known to be good for sore mouths, as also to cool inflammations there. College. ] Take of the juice of the outward bark of green Walnuts, gathered in the dog days two pounds, boil it gently till it be thick, and with one pound o
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ROB, OR SAPA: AND JUICES.
ROB, OR SAPA: AND JUICES.
Culpeper. ] 1. Rob, or Sapa, is the juice of a fruit, made thick by the heat either of the sun, or the fire, that it is capable of being kept safe from putrefaction. 2. Its use was first invented for diseases in the mouth. 3. It is usually made, in respect of body, somewhat thicker than new Honey. 4. It may be kept about a year, little more or less. College. ] Take of Wine newly pressed from white and ripe Grapes, boil it over a gentle fire to the thickness of Honey. Culpeper. ] Whenever you rea
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LOHOCH, OR ECLEGMATA.
LOHOCH, OR ECLEGMATA.
Culpeper. ] Because this word also is understood but by few, we will first explain what it is. 1. The word Lohoch is an Arabick word, called in Greek Eclegma , in Latin Linctus , and signifies a thing to be licked up. 2. It is in respect of body, something thicker than a Syrup, and not so thick as an electuary. 3. Its use was against the roughness of the windpipe, diseases, and inflammations of the lungs, difficulty of breathing, colds, coughs, &c. 4. Its manner of reception is with a Li
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PRESERVED ROOTS, STALKS, BARKS, FLOWERS, FRUITS.
PRESERVED ROOTS, STALKS, BARKS, FLOWERS, FRUITS.
College. ] Take of Eringo Roots as many as you will, cleanse them without and within, the pith being taken out, steep them two days in clear water, shifting the water sometimes, then dry them with a cloth, then take their equal weight in white Sugar, and as much Rose-water as will make it into a Syrup, which being almost boiled, put in the roots, and let them boil until the moisture be consumed, and let it be brought to the due body of a Syrup. Not much unlike to this are preserved the roots of
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CONSERVES AND SUGARS.
CONSERVES AND SUGARS.
College. ] Conserves of the herbs of Wormwood, Sorrel, Wood-sorrel, the flowers of Oranges, Borrage, Bugloss, Bettony, Marigolds, the Tops of Carduus, the Flowers of Centaury the less, Clove-gilliflowers, Germander, Succory, the Leaves of Scurvy-grass, the flowers of Comfrey the greater. Citratiæ, Cinosbati, the roots of Spurge, herbs and flowers of Eye-bright, the tops of Fumitory, Goat’s-rue, the flowers of Broom not quite open, Hyssop, Lavender, white Lilies, Lilies of the Valley, Marjoram, M
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SUGARS.
SUGARS.
College. ] Take of white Poppy heads, meanly ripe, and newly gathered, twenty, steep them in three pounds of warm spring water, and the next day boil them until the virtue is out, then strain out the liquor, and with a sufficient quantity of good sugar, boil it according to art, that you may make it up into Lozenges. Culpeper. ] The virtues are the same with the common Diacodium, viz. to provoke sleep, and help thin rheums in the head, coughs, and roughness of the throat, and may easily be carri
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SPECIES, OR POWDERS.
SPECIES, OR POWDERS.
College. ] Take of Cloves seven drams, Mace, Zedoary, Galanga the less, yellow Sanders, Troches, Diarrhodon, Cinnamon, wood of Aloes, Indian Spikenard, long Pepper, Cardamoms the less, of each a dram, Red Roses four ounces, Gallia Moschata, Liquorice, of each two drams, of Indian leaf, Cubebs of each two scruples, beat them all diligently into powder. Culpeper. ] This powder strengthens the heart and stomach, helps digestion, expels wind, stays vomiting, and cleanses the stomach of putrified hum
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ELECTUARIES.
ELECTUARIES.
College. ] Take of Sassafras two ounces, common Water three pounds, boil it to the consumption of the third part, adding, towards the end, Cinnamon bruised half an ounce, strain it, and with two pounds of white sugar, boil it to the thickness of a Syrup, putting in, in powder, Cinnamon, a dram, Nutmegs, half a scruple, Musk three grains, Ambergris, two and thirty grains, ten leaves of Gold, Spirit of Vitriol four drops, and so make it into an electuary according to art. Culpeper. ] It opens obst
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PURGING ELECTUARIES.
PURGING ELECTUARIES.
College. ] Take of choice Turbith ten drams, Diacridium, bark of Spurge Roots prepared, Hermodactils, Red Roses, of each five drams, Cloves, Spikenard, Ginger, Saffron, long Pepper, Amomus, or for want of it Calamus Aromaticus, Cardamoms the less, the seeds of Smallage, Parsley, Fennel, Asparagus, Bruscus, Saxifrage, Gromwell, Caraway, sal. gem. Galanga, Mace, of each a dram, with their treble weight of clarified Honey: make them into an electuary according to art. Also you may keep the species
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PILLS.
PILLS.
College. ] Take of Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamoms the less, Nutmegs, Mace, Calamus Aromaticus, Carpobalsamum, or Juniper berries, Squinanth, Wood of Aloes, yellow Sanders, red Roses dried, Wormwood, of each half an ounce, let the tincture be taken out of these, being grossly bruised in spirit of Wine, the vessel being close stopped; in three pounds of this tincture, being strained, dissolve Aloes one pound, which being dissolved, add Mastich, Myrrh, of each half an ounce, Saffron two drams, Balsam
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TROCHES.
TROCHES.
College. ] Take of red Roses, Wormwood leaves, Annis seeds, of each two drams, juice of Maudlin made thick, the roots of Asarabacca, Rhubarb, Spikenard, Smallage seeds, bitter Almonds, Mastich, Mace, of each one dram, juice of Succory so much as is sufficient to make it into troches according to art. Culpeper. ] They strengthen the stomach exceedingly, open obstructions, or stoppings of the belly and bowels: strengthen digestion, open the passages of the liver, help the yellow jaundice, and cons
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SIMPLE OILS BY EXPRESSION.
SIMPLE OILS BY EXPRESSION.
College. ] It is made like Oil of sweet Almonds, but that you need not blanch them, nor have such a care of heat in pressing out the oil. Culpeper. ] It opens stoppings, helps such as are deaf, being dropped into their ears, it helps the hardness of the nerves, and takes away spots in the face. It is seldom or never taken inwardly. College. ] It is made of the Kernels, cleansed, bruised, and beat, and pressed like Oil of sweet Almonds. Culpeper. ] You must put them in a vessel (viz. a glass, or
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SIMPLE OILS BY INFUSION AND DECOCTION.
SIMPLE OILS BY INFUSION AND DECOCTION.
College. ] Take of red Roses before they be ripe, bruised in a stone mortar, four ounces, oil Omphacine one pound, set them in a hot sun, in a glass close stopped, a whole week, shaking them every day, then boil them gently in a bath, press them out, and put in others, use them in like manner, do so a third time: then keep the Oil upon a pound of juice of Roses. Is made in the same manner, with sweet and ripe oil, often washed, and red Roses fully open, bruised, set in the sun, and boiled gently
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COMPOUND OILS BY INFUSION AND DECOCTION.
COMPOUND OILS BY INFUSION AND DECOCTION.
College. ] Take of the roots of Carduus and Valerian, of each one ounce, the flowers of St. John’s Wort two ounces, Wheat one ounce and an half, old Oil four ounces, Cypress Turpentine eight ounces, Frankincense in powder two ounces, infuse the roots and flowers, being bruised, in so much white Wine as is sufficient to cover them, after two days’ infusion put in the Oil with the Wheat, bruised, boil them together till the Wine be consumed; then press it out, and add the Frankincense and Turpenti
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OINTMENTS MORE SIMPLE.
OINTMENTS MORE SIMPLE.
College. ] Take of Oil of Roses nine ounces, Ceruss washed in Rose-water and diligently sifted, three ounces, white Wax two ounces, after the wax is melted in the oil, put in the Ceruss, and make it into an ointment according to art, add two drams of Camphire, made into powder with a few drops of oil of sweet Almonds, so will it be camphorated. Culpeper. ] It is a fine cooling, drying ointment, eases pains, and itching in wounds and ulcers, and is an hundred times better with Camphire than witho
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OINTMENTS MORE COMPOUND.
OINTMENTS MORE COMPOUND.
College. ] Take of Briony roots two pounds, the roots of wild Cucumbers one pound, Squills half a pound, fresh English Orris roots, three ounces, the roots of male Fern, dwarf Elder, water Caltrops, or Aaron, of each two ounces, bruise them all, being fresh, and steep them six or seven days in four pounds of old oil, the whitest, not rank, then boil them and press them out, and in the oil melt fifteen ounces of white Wax, and make it into an ointment according to art. Culpeper. ] It purges excee
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CERECLOATHS.
CERECLOATHS.
College. ] Take of red Sanders, ten drams, white and yellow Sanders, of each six drams, red Roses twelve drams, Bole-ammoniac seven drams, Spodium four drams, Camphire two drams, white Wax washed thirty drams, Oil of Roses omphacine six ounces: make it into a cerecloath according to art. Culpeper. ] It wonderfully helps hot infirmities of the stomach, liver, and other parts, being but applied to them....
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PLAISTERS.
PLAISTERS.
College. ] Take of Ammoniacum, Bran well sifted, of each an ounce, Ointment of Marsh-mallows, Melilot plaister compound, roots of Briony, and Orris in powder, of each half an ounce, the fat of Ducks, Geese, and Hens, of each three drams, Bdellium, Galbanum, of each one dram and an half, Per-Rozin, Wax, of each five ounces, oil of Orris, Turpentine, of each half an ounce, boil the fats and oil with mussilage of Lin-seed, and Fenugreek seed, of each three ounces, to the consumption of the mussilag
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Of the Temperature of Medicines.
Of the Temperature of Medicines.
Herbs, plants, and other medicines manifestly operate, either by heat, coldness, dryness, or moisture, for the world being composed of so many qualities, they and only they can be found in the world, and the mixtures of them one with another. But that they may appear as clear as the sun when he is upon the meridian, I shall treat of them severally, and in this order...
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Of Medicines Temperate.
Of Medicines Temperate.
If the world be composed of extremes, then it acts by extremes, for as the man is, so is his work: therefore it is impossible that any medicine can be temperate, but may be reduced to heat, cold, dryness, or moisture, and must operate, (I mean such as operate by manifest quality) by one of these, because there is no other to operate by, and that there should be such a temperate mixture, so exquisitely of these qualities in any medicine, that one of them should not manifestly excel the other, I d
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Of Medicines hot.
Of Medicines hot.
The care of the ancient Physicians was such that they did not labour to hide from, but impart to posterity, not only the temperature of medicines in general, but also their degrees in temperature, that so the distempered part may be brought to its temperature, and no further; for all things which are of a contrary temperature, conduce not to cure, but the strength of the contrariety must be observed, that so the medicine may be neither weaker nor stronger, than just to take away the distemper; f
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Of Medicines hot in the first degree.
Of Medicines hot in the first degree.
Those are said to be hot in the first degree, which induce a moderate and natural heat to the body, and to the parts thereof; either cold by nature, or cooled by accident, by which natural heat is cherished when weak, or restored when wanting. Effect 1. The first effect then of medicines hot in the first degree, is, by their sweat and temperate heat to reduce the body to its natural heat, as the fire doth the external parts in cold weather, unless the affliction of cold be so great that such mil
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Of Medicines hot in the second degree.
Of Medicines hot in the second degree.
These are something hotter than the natural temper of a man. Use. Their use for such whose stomachs are filled with moisture, because their faculty is too hot and dry; they take away obstructions or stoppings, open the pores of the skin, but not in the same manner that such do as are hot in the first degree, for they do it without force, by a gentle heat, concocting, and expelling the humours, by strengthening and helping nature in the work; but these cut tough humours, and scatter them by their
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Of Medicines hot in the third degree.
Of Medicines hot in the third degree.
Those which attain the third degree of heat, have the same faculties with those before mentioned; but as they are hotter, so are they more powerful in their operations, for they are so powerful in heating and cutting, that if unadvisedly given they cause fevers. Use. Their use is to cut tough and compacted humours, to provoke sweat abundantly; hence it comes to pass they all of them resist poison....
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Of Medicines hot in the fourth degree.
Of Medicines hot in the fourth degree.
Those medicines obtain the highest degree of heat, which are so hot that they burn the body of a man, being outwardly applied to it, and cause inflammations, or raise blisters, as Crowfoot, Mustard-seed, Onions, &c. Of these more hereafter....
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Of cooling Medicines.
Of cooling Medicines.
Physicians have also observed four degrees of coldness in medicines, which I shall briefly treat of in order....
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Of Medicines cold in the first degree.
Of Medicines cold in the first degree.
Those medicines which are least cold of all, obtain the first degree of coldness; and I beseech you take notice of this, that seeing our bodies are nourished by heat, and we live by heat, therefore no cold medicines are friendly to the body, but what good they do our bodies, they do it by removing an unnatural heat, or the body heated above its natural temper. The giving then of cold medicines to a man in his natural temper, the season of the year also being but moderately hot, extinguishes natu
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Of Medicines cold in the second and third degree.
Of Medicines cold in the second and third degree.
Use 1. Such whose stomachs are strong, and livers hot, may easily bear such medicines as are cold in the second degree, and in cases of extremity find much help by them: as also by such as are cold in the third degree, the extremity of the disease considered, for by both these the unbridled heat of choler is assuaged. Use 2. Also they are outwardly applied to hot swellings, due consideration being had, that if the inflammation be not great, use those that are less; if the inflammation be vehemen
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Of Medicines cold in the fourth degree.
Of Medicines cold in the fourth degree.
Lastly, The use of medicines cold in the fourth degree, is, To mitigate desperate and vehement pains, stupifying the senses, when no other course can be taken to save life: of the use of which more hereafter....
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Of moistening Medicines.
Of moistening Medicines.
There can be no such difference found amongst moistening medicines, that they should surpass the second degree. For seeing all medicines are either hot or cold, neither heat nor cold, seeing they are extremes, can consist with moisture, for the one dries it up, the other condensates it. Use. Phylosophers therefore call moisture and dryness, passive qualities , yet have they their operation likewise; for moist medicines lenify and make slippery, ease the cough, and help the roughness of the throa
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Of drying Medicines.
Of drying Medicines.
Drying medicines have contrary faculties to these, viz. To consume moisture, stop fluxes, and make such parts dry as are slippery, they make the body and members firm, when they are weakened by too much moisture, that so they may perform their proper functions. Yet although the members be strengthened by drying medicines, they have notwithstanding their own proper moisture in them, which ought to be conserved, and not destroyed, for without it they cannot consist: If then this moisture be consum
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CHAPTER I. Of Medicines appropriated to the head.
CHAPTER I. Of Medicines appropriated to the head.
By [ head ] is usually understood all that part of the body which is between the top of the crown, and the uppermost joint of the neck, yet are those medicines properly called Cephalical , which are appropriated to the brain, not to the eyes, ears, nor teeth; neither are those medicines which are proper to the ears, proper also to the eyes, therefore (my intent being to write as plain as I can) I shall subdivide this chapter into these parts. Medicines appropriated For what medicines are appropr
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CHAPTER II. Of Medicines appropriated to the breast and lungs.
CHAPTER II. Of Medicines appropriated to the breast and lungs.
The medicines appropriated to the breast and lungs, you shall find called all along by the name of [ pectorals ] that’s the term Physicians give them, when you heat them talk of pectoral Syrups, pectoral rows, or pectoral Ointments. They are divers, some of which regard the part afflicted, others the matter afflicting. But although sometimes in ulcers of the lungs, we are forced to use binding medicines, to join the ulcer, yet are not these called pectorals, because binding medicines are extreme
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CHAPTER III. Of Medicines appropriated to the heart.
CHAPTER III. Of Medicines appropriated to the heart.
These are they which are generally given under the notion of Cordials; take them under that name here. The heart is the seat of the vital spirit, the fountain of life, the original of infused heat, and of the natural affections of man. So then these two things are proper to the heart. 1. By its heat to cherish life throughout the body. 2. To add vigour to the affections. And if these be proper to the heart, you will easily grant me, that it is the property of cordials to administer to the heart
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CHAPTER IV. Of Medicines appropriated to the stomach.
CHAPTER IV. Of Medicines appropriated to the stomach.
By stomach, I mean that ventricle which contains the food till it be concocted into chyle. Medicines appropriated to the stomach are usually called stomachicals. The infirmities usually incident to the stomach are three. When the appetite is lost, the man feels no hunger when his body needs nourishment. When digestion is weakened it is not able to concoct the meat received into the stomach, but it putrifies there. When the retentive faculty is spoiled the stomach is not able to retain the food t
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CHAPTER V. Of Medicines appropriated to the liver.
CHAPTER V. Of Medicines appropriated to the liver.
Be pleased to take these under the name of Hepatics , for that is the usual name physicians give them, and these also are of three sorts. The palate is the seat of taste, and its office is to judge what food is agreeable to the stomach, and what not, by that is both the quality and quantity of food for the stomach discerned: the very same office the meseraik veins perform to the liver. Sometimes such food pleases the palate which the liver likes not (but not often) and therefore the meseraik vei
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CHAPTER VI. Of Medicines appropriated to the spleen.
CHAPTER VI. Of Medicines appropriated to the spleen.
In the breeding of blood, are three excrements most conspicuous, viz. urine , choler , and melancholy . The proper seat of choler is in the gall. The urine passeth down to the reins or kidneys, which is all one. The spleen takes the thickest or melancholy blood to itself. This excrement of blood is twofold: for either by excessive heat, it is addust, and this is that the Latins call Atra Bilis : or else it is thick and earthly of itself, and this properly is called melancholy humour. Hence then
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CHAPTER VII. Of Medicines appropriated to the reins and bladder.
CHAPTER VII. Of Medicines appropriated to the reins and bladder.
The office of the reins is, to make a separation between the blood and the urine; to receive this urine thus separated from the blood, is the bladder ordained, which is of a sufficient bigness to contain it. Both these parts of the body officiating about the urine, they are both usually afflicted by the vices of the urine. Medicines appropriated to the reins and bladder are usually called Nephriticals , and are threefold; some cool, others cut gross humours, and a third sort breaks the stone. In
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CHAPTER VIII. Of Medicines appropriated to the womb.
CHAPTER VIII. Of Medicines appropriated to the womb.
These, physicians call Hystericals , and to avoid multiplicity of words, take them in this discourse under that notion. Take notice that such medicines as provoke the menses, or stop them when they flow immoderately, are properly hystericals, but shall be spoken to by and by in a chapter by themselves. As for the nature of the womb, it seems to be much like the nature of the brain and stomach, for experience teacheth that it is delighted with sweet and aromatical medicines, and flies from their
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CHAPTER IX. Of Medicines appropriated to the joints.
CHAPTER IX. Of Medicines appropriated to the joints.
The joints are usually troubled with cephalic diseases, and then are to be cured by cephalic medicines. Medicines appropriated to the joints, are called by the name Arthritical medicines. The joints, seeing they are very nervous, require medicines which are of a heating and drying nature, with a gentle binding, and withal, such as by peculiar virtue are appropriated to them, and add strength to them. It is true, most cephalics do so, yet because the joints are more remote from the centre, they r
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CHAPTER I. Of Emolient Medicines.
CHAPTER I. Of Emolient Medicines.
The various mixtures of heat, cold, dryness, and moisture in simples, must of necessity produce variety of faculties, and operations in them, which now we come to treat of, beginning first at emolients. What is hard, and what is soft, most men know, but few are able to express. Phylosophers define that to be hard which yields not to touching, and soft to be the contrary. An emolient, or softening medicine is one which reduceth a hard substance to its proper temperature. But to leave phylosophy,
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CHAPTER II. Of hardening Medicines.
CHAPTER II. Of hardening Medicines.
Galen in Lib. 5. de Simple, Med. Facult. Cap. 10. determines hardening medicines to be cold and moist, and he brings some arguments to prove it, against which other physicians contest. I shall not here stand to quote the dispute, only take notice, that if softening medicines be hot and moist (as we shewed even now) then hardening medicines must needs be cold and dry, because they are contrary to them. The universal course of nature will prove it, for dryness and moisture are passive qualities, n
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CHAPTER III. Of Loosening Medicines.
CHAPTER III. Of Loosening Medicines.
By loosening here, I do not mean purging, nor that which is opposite to astringency; but that which is opposite to stretching: I knew not suddenly what fitter English name to give it, than loosening or laxation, which latter is scarce English. The members are distended or stretched divers ways, and ought to be loosened by as many, for they are stretched sometimes by dryness, sometimes by cold, sometimes by repletion or fullness, sometimes by swellings, and sometimes by some of these joined toget
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CHAPTER IV. Of drawing Medicines.
CHAPTER IV. Of drawing Medicines.
The opinion of physicians is, concerning these, as it is concerning other medicines, viz. Some draw by a manifest quality, some by a hidden, and so (quoth they) they draw to themselves both humours and thorns, or splinters that are gotten into the flesh; however this is certain, they are all of them hot, and of thin parts; hot because the nature of heat is to draw off thin parts that so they may penetrate to the humours that are to to be drawn out. Use 1. That the bowels may be disburdened of co
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CHAPTER V. Of discussive Medicines.
CHAPTER V. Of discussive Medicines.
The nature of discussing (or sweating) medicines is almost the same with attractive, for there are no discussive medicines but are attractive, nor scarce any attractive medicine but is in some measure or other discussing. The difference then is only this; that discussive medicines are hotter than attractive, and therefore nothing else need be written of their nature. Use. Their use may be known even from their very name; for diseases that come by repletion or fulness, are cured by evacuation or
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CHAPTER VI. Of repelling Medicines.
CHAPTER VI. Of repelling Medicines.
Repelling medicines are of contrary operation to these three last mentioned, viz. attenuating, drawing, and discussive medicines: It is true, there is but little difference between these three, some hold none at all; and if you will be so nice, you may oppose them thus. And so medicines making thick, correspond to attenuating medicines, or such as make thin, repelling medicines are opposed to such as draw, and such as retain the humours and make them tough, are opposite to such as discuss, some
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CHAPTER VII. Of cleansing Medicines.
CHAPTER VII. Of cleansing Medicines.
Cleansing medicines can neither be defined by heat, nor coldness, because some of both sorts cleanse. A cleansing medicine, then, is of a terrene quality, which takes away the filth with it, and carries it out. Definition. ] Here, to avoid confusion, a difference must be made between washing and cleansing. A thing which washeth, carries away by fluxion, as a man washeth the dirt off from a thing. A cleansing medicine by a certain roughness or nitrous quality, carries away the compacted filth wit
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CHAPTER VIII. Of Emplasters.
CHAPTER VIII. Of Emplasters.
By Emplasters, here, I do mean things glutinative, and they are quite contrary to things cleansing. They are of a far more glutinous and tenacious substance. They differ from things stopping because they do not stop the pores so much, as stick to them like Birdlime. They have a certain glutinous heat, tempered both with coldness and moisture. From these plasters take their names. Their taste is either none at all, or not discernable whether hot or cold, but fat, insipid, or without taste, or swe
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CHAPTER IX. Of suppuring Medicines.
CHAPTER IX. Of suppuring Medicines.
These have a great affinity with emolients, like to them in temperature, only emolients are somewhat hotter. Yet is there a difference as apparent as the sun when he is upon the meridian, and the use is manifest. For, Emolients are to make hard things soft, but what suppures, rather makes a generation than an alteration of the humour. Natural heat is the efficient cause of suppuration, neither can it be done by any external means. Therefore such things are said to suppure, which by a gentle heat
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CHAPTER X. Of Medicines provoking urine.
CHAPTER X. Of Medicines provoking urine.
The causes by which urine is suppressed are many. 1. By too much drying, or sweating, it may be consumed. 2. By heat or inflammation of the reins, or passages whereby it passes from the reins, it may be stopped by compression. Urine is the thinnest part of blood, separated from the thickest part in the reins. If then the blood be more thick and viscous than ordinary, it cannot easily be separated without cutting and cleansing medicines. This is for certain, that blood can neither be separated no
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CHAPTER XI. Of Medicines breeding flesh.
CHAPTER XI. Of Medicines breeding flesh.
There are many things diligently to be observed in the cures of wounds and ulcers, which incur and hinder that the cure cannot be speedily done, nor the separated parts reduced to their natural state. Viz. Fluxes of blood, inflammation, hardness, pain, and other things besides our present scope. Our present scope is, to shew how the cavity of ulcers may be filled with flesh. Such medicines are called Sarcoticks . This, though it be the work of nature, yet it is helped forward with medicines, tha
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CHAPTER XII. Of glutinative Medicines.
CHAPTER XII. Of glutinative Medicines.
That is the true cure of an ulcer which joins the mouth of it together. That is a glutinative medicine, which couples together by drying and binding, the sides of an ulcer before brought together. These require a greater drying faculty than the former, not only to consume what flows out, but what remains liquid in the flesh, for liquid flesh is more subject to flow abroad than stick to together. The time of using them, any body may know without teaching, viz. when the ulcer is cleansed and fille
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CHAPTER XIII. Of Medicines resisting poison.
CHAPTER XIII. Of Medicines resisting poison.
Such medicines are called Alexiteria , and Alexipharmaca , which resist poison. Some of these resist poison by astral influence, and some physicians (though but few) can give a reason for it. These they have sorted into three ranks: 1. Such as strengthen nature, that so it may tame the poison the easier. 2. Such as oppose the poison by a contrary quality. 3. Such as violently thrust it out of doors. Such as strengthen nature against poison, either do it to the body universally, or else strengthe
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CHAPTER XIV. Of purging Medicines.
CHAPTER XIV. Of purging Medicines.
Much jarring hath been amongst physicians about purging medicines, namely, whether they draw the humours to them by a hidden quality, which in plain English is, they know not how; or whether they perform their office by manifest quality, viz. by heat, dryness, coldness, or moisture: it is not my present scope to enter the lists of a dispute about the business, neither seem it such an hidden thing to me that every like should draw its like, only to make the matter as plain as I can, I sub-divide
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Select Medicinal Aphorisms and Receipts, for many diseases our frail natures are incident to.
Select Medicinal Aphorisms and Receipts, for many diseases our frail natures are incident to.
Boil Pimpernel well in Wine, and drink a draught of the Wine in the evening, hot, but in the morning cold. Stew Onions in a close pot, and bathe the head and mouth, and nose therewith. Beat Linseeds very well, and mix them with Sallad-oil; and when you have well mixed them, anoint the head therewith, and in three or four times using it will help you. Chew the root of Pellitory of Spain, and chew it on both sides of thy mouth, and as the rheum falls down into thy mouth, spit it out, but retain th
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FOR THE EYES, AND THEIR IMPEDIMENTS.
FOR THE EYES, AND THEIR IMPEDIMENTS.
Only wear a piece of black Sarcenet before thy eyes, and meddle with no medicine; only forbear wine and strong drink. Take of Fennel, Eyebright, Roses, white, Celandine, Vervain and Rue, of each a handful, the liver of a Goat chopt small, infuse them well in Eyebright-water, then distil them in an alembic, and you shall have a water will clear the sight beyond comparison. Take Agrimony, and bruise it very well, and temper it with white Wine, and the white of an egg: spread it pretty thick upon a
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FOR THE EARS, AND THEIR IMPEDIMENTS.
FOR THE EARS, AND THEIR IMPEDIMENTS.
Drop a little oil of sweet Almonds into the ear, and it easeth the pain instantly: (and yet oil of bitter Almonds is our doctor’s common remedy.) Boil some milk, and put it into a stone pot with a narrow mouth, and hold the sore ear over the pot whilst the milk is very hot, that the vapour of the milk may ascend into the ear: this is an often approved remedy to take away the pain, and break the imposthume....
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FOR THE NOSE, AND ITS INFIRMITIES.
FOR THE NOSE, AND ITS INFIRMITIES.
Take the juice of Ivy, and make a tent with a little cotton, the which dip in the juice and put it up in the nostril. Snuff up the juice of red Beet-root; it will cleanse not only the nose, but also the head, this is a singular remedy for such as are troubled with hard congealed stuff in their nostrils. Bind the arms and legs as hard as you can with a piece of tape-ribboning; that, perhaps, may call back the blood. Boil strong ale till it be thick, if the Canker be in the outside of the nose, sp
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OF THE MOUTH, AND ITS DISEASES.
OF THE MOUTH, AND ITS DISEASES.
Whosoever would keep their mouth, or tongue, or nose, or eyes, or ears, or teeth, from pain or infirmities, let them often use sneezing, and such gargarisms as they were instructed in a preceding chapter; for, indeed, most of the infirmities, if not all, which infest those parts, proceed from rheum. Take Rib-wort, and boil it in red Wine, and hold the decoction as warm in your mouth as you can endure it. Wash the mouth often with Verjuice....
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OF THE TEETH, AND THEIR MEDICINES.
OF THE TEETH, AND THEIR MEDICINES.
If you will keep your teeth from rotting, or aching, wash your mouth continually every morning with juice of Lemons, and afterwards rub your teeth either with a Sage-leaf, or else with a little Nutmeg in powder; also wash your mouth with a little fair water after meats; for the only way to keep teeth sound, and free from pain, is to keep them clean. Dip a little piece of white cloth in Vinegar of Quinces, and rub your gums with it, for it is of a gallant binding quality, and not only makes the t
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OF THE GUMS, AND THEIR INFIRMITIES.
OF THE GUMS, AND THEIR INFIRMITIES.
Take Cloves, and boil them in Rose-water, then dry them, and beat them to powder, and rub the gums with the powder, and drink the decoction in the morning fasting an hour after it. Use red Rose-water, for that is the best. Take Sage-water, and wash your mouth with it every morning, and afterwards rub your mouth with a Sage-leaf....
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OF THE FACE, AND ITS INFIRMITIES.
OF THE FACE, AND ITS INFIRMITIES.
It is palpable, that the cause of redness and breaking out of the face, is a venomous matter, or filthy vapours ascending from the stomach towards the head; where meeting with a rheum or flegm thence descending, mix with it, and break out in the face. Therefore let the first intention of cure be to cleanse the stomach. Let such as are troubled with red faces, abstain from salt meats, salt fish and herrings, drinking of strong beer, strong waters or Wine, Garlick, Onions, and Mustard. Dissolve Ca
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OF THE THROAT, AND ITS INFIRMITIES.
OF THE THROAT, AND ITS INFIRMITIES.
Diseases in the throat, most commonly proceed of rheum descending from the head upon the trachea arteria , or wind-pipe; in such cases there is many times no other cure than first to purge the body of flegm, and then the head of rheum, as you were taught in the first chapter. Take of sugar so much as will fill a common taster, then put so much rectified spirit of Wine to it as will just wet it, eat this up at night going to bed, use this three or four times together. If the body be feverish, use
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OF WOMEN’S BREASTS, THEIR INFIRMITIES AND CURES.
OF WOMEN’S BREASTS, THEIR INFIRMITIES AND CURES.
Take a handful of Figs, and stamp them well till the kernels are broken, then temper them with a little fresh grease, and apply them to the breast as hot as the patient can endure; it will presently take away the anguish, and if the breast will break, it will break it, else it will cure it without breaking. Let her drink either the juice or decoction of Vervain: it were fit that syrup were made of it to keep all the year....
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OF THE STOMACH, AND ITS INFIRMITIES.
OF THE STOMACH, AND ITS INFIRMITIES.
Infirmities of the stomach usually proceed from surfeiting. Let such as have weak stomachs, avoid all sweet things, as honey, sugar, and the like; milk, cheese and all fat meats: let him not eat till he is hungry, nor drink before he is dry; let him avoid anger, sadness, much travel, and all fryed meats: let him not vomit by any means, nor eat when he is hot. Take a drachm of Galanga, in powder, every morning in a draught of that Wine you like best. Swallow four or five grains of Mastich every n
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OF THE LIVER, AND ITS INFIRMITIES.
OF THE LIVER, AND ITS INFIRMITIES.
If the liver be too hot, it usually proceeds from too much blood, and is known by redness of urine, the pulse is swift, the veins great and full, the spittle, mouth, and tongue, seem sweeter than they used to be: the cure is letting blood in the right arm. Take Oil of Wormwood, and so much Mastich in powder as will make it into a poultice, lay it warm to your right side. If the liver be stopped, the face will swell, and you shall be as sure to have a pain in your right side, as though you had it
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