The English Physitian, M, pp. 76-88

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MADDER.

Description.

The Garden Madder shooteth forth many very long, weak four square reddish Stalks trailing on the Ground a great way, very rough or hairy and full of Joynts; At every of those Joynts come forth divers long, and somwhat narrow Leavs, standing like a Star about the Stalks, rough also and hairy, toward the tops whereof come forth many smal pale yellow Flowers: after which come smal round Heads, green at first, and reddish afterwards, but black when they are ripe, wherin is contained the Seed. The Root is not very great, but exceeding long, running down half a mans length into the ground, red and very clear while it is fresh, spreading divers waies.

Place.

It is only manured in Gardens or larger Fields for the profit that is made thereof.

Time.

It Flowreth towards the end of Summer, and the Seed is ripe quickly after.

Vertues and Use.

It hath an opening quality, and afterwards to bind and strengthen. It is an assured Remedy for the yellow Jaundice by opening the Obstructions of the Liver and Gall, and clensing those parts: It openeth also the Obstructions of the Spleen, and diminisheth the Melanchollick humor. It is available for the Palsey and

[EDGENOTE:] Yellow Jaundice, Obstructions of the Liver and Gall, Spleen, Melancholly, Palsey, Sciatica, Bruises inward and outward, Terms provokes, Freckles, Morphew, Scurf.

Sciatica, and effectual for Bruises inward or outward, and is therfore much used in Vulnerary Drinks. The Root for all those aforesaid purposes, is to be boyled in Wine or Water, as the caus requireth, and some Honey or Sugar put therunto afterwards. The Seed herof taken with Vinegar and Honey, helpeth the Swellings and Hardness of the Spleen. The Decoction of the Leavs and Branches is a good Fomentation for Women to sit over that have not their Courses. The Leavs and Roots beaten and applied to any part that is discoloured with Freckles, Morphew, the white Scurf, or any such deformity of the Skin, clenseth them throughly, and taketh them away.

MAIDENHAIR.

Description.

Our common Maindenhair doth from a number of hard black Fibres send forth a great many blackish shining brittle Stalks, hardly a span long; many not half so long, on each side set very thick with smal round dark green leavs, and spotted on the back of them like other Ferns.

Place.

It groweth much upon old Stone Wals in the West parts, and Wales, in Kent and divers other places of this Land; It joyeth likewise to grow by Springs, Wels, and rockie moist and shadowy places; and is alwaies green.

WALL-RUE; or ORDINARY WHITE MAIDENHAIR.

Description.

This hath very fine pale green Stalks, almost as fine as hairs, set confusedly with divers pale green Leavs on very short Footstalks, somwhat neer 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 groweth in many places of this Land, as at Dartford, and the Bridg at Ashford in Kent, at Beconsfield in Buckinghamshire, at Wolley in Huntingtonshire, on Frammingham Castle in Suffolk, on the Church wals at Mayfield in Sussex, in Summerset shire and divers other places of this Land, and is green in Winter as well as in Summer.

Vertues and Use.

The Vertues of both these are so neer alike; that although I have described them, and their places of growing, severally; yet I shall in writing the Vertues of them joyn them both together: as followeth.

The Decoction of the Herb Maidenhair being drunk, helpeth those that are troubled with the Cough, shortness of breath, the yellow Jaundice, diseases of the spleen, stopping of Urin, and helpeth exceedingly to break the Stone in the Kidneys: (in all which Diseases the Wall Rue is also very effectual) It provoketh Womens Courses, and

[EDGENOTE:] Cough, Shortness of breath, the yellow Jaundice, Spleen, Disury, Stone, Terms provokes, Bleeding, Fluxes, Lungs, Swellings, Ulcers, Scurff, Sores, Baldness.

staieth both Bleedings and Fluxes of the Stomach and Belly, especially when the Herb is dry, for being green, it loosneth the Belly, and avoideth Choller and Flegm from the Stomach and Liver, it clenseth the Lungs, and by rectifying the Blood causeth a good colour to the whol Body: The Herb boyled in Oyl of Chamomel, dissolveth Knots, allayeth Swellings, and drieth up moist Ulcers. The Ly made thereof is singular good to clens the head from Scurf, and from dry and running Sores; stayeth the falling of shedding of the Hair, and causeth it to grow thick, fair, and wel coloured; for which purpose some boyl it in

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Wine putting some Smallage Seed thereto, and afterwards some Oyl. The Wall Rue is as effectual as Maidenhair in all Diseases of the Head, and falling or the recovering of Hair again; and generally for all the aforementioned Diseases: and besides, The Pouder of it taken in drink for fourty daies together, helpeth the burstings in Children.

GOLDEN MAIDENHAIR.

Description.

To the two former give me leave to ad this, and I shall do no more but only describe it unto you, and for the Vertues refer you unto the former, sith whatsoever is said of them, may be also said of this:

It hath many small brownish red hayres to make up the form of Leavs growing about the ground from the Root, and in the middle of them in Summer, rise smal Stalks of the same colour, set with very fine yellowish green hairs on them, and bearing a smal gold yellow head, lesser than a Wheat Corn standing in a great Husk. The Root is very smal and threddy.

Place.

It groweth on Bogs and Moorish places, and also on dry shadow places at Hampstead Heath and elswhere.

MALLOWS, and MARSH-MALLOWS.

The Common Mallowes are generally so well known that they need no Description.

Our common Marsh-mallows have divers soft hoary white stalkes rising to be three or four foot high, spreading forth many Branches the Leavs wherof are soft and hairy, somwhat lesser then the other Mallow Leaves but longer pointed, cut (for the most part) into some few deivisions, but deep: The Flowers are many but smaller also then the other Mallows & white, or tending to a blush colour. After which come such like round cases and Seed as in the other Mallows. The Roots are many and long, shooting from one Head, of the bigness of a Thumb or Finger, very pliant, tough and bending like Liquoris, of a whitish yellow colour on the outside, and more white within, full of a slimy juyce which being, layd in water will thicken it as if it were gelly.

Place.

The Common Mallows grow in every countrey of this Land.

The Common Marsh Mallowes in most of the Salt Marshes from Woolwich, downe to the Sea, both on the Kentish and Essex Shoares and in diverse other places of this Land.

Time.

They Flower all the Summer Months, even until the Winter do pull them down.

Vertues and Use.

The Leavs of either of the sorts above named, and the Roots also boyled in Wine or Water, or in Broth, with Parsley or Fennel Roots, doth help to open the Body, and is very convenient in hot Agues or other distempers of the Body to apply the Leavs so boyled warm to the Belly; It not only voideth hot Chollerick and other offensive Humors, but easeth the pains and torments of the Belly coming thereby; and are therefore used in all Clysters conducing to those purposes: The same used by Nurses, procureth them store of Milk.

[EDGENOTE:] Agues, Choller, Gripings in the Belly, Milk, Excoriation, Phtisick, Pleuresie, Travail in Women.

The Decoction of the Seed of any of the common Mallows, made in Milk or Wine doth Merveilously help excoriations, the Phtisick, Plurisie, and other Diseases of the Chest and Lungues that proceed of hot causes, if it be continued taking for sometime together: The Leavs and Roots work the same effects: They help much also in the excoriations of the Guts and Bowels and hardness of the Mother, and in all hot and sharp diseases thereof. The Juyce drunk in Wine, or the Decoction of them therein doth help Women to a speedy and easie Delivery. Pliny saith, That whosoever shal take a spoonful of any of the Mallows, shal that day be free from all Diseases that may come unto him; and that it is special good for the Falling-sickness. The Syrup also and Conserve made of the Flowers are very effectual for the same Diseases, and to open the Body being costive:

[EDGENOTE:] Falling sickness, Eyes, Bees, Wasps &c., Poyson, Hard swelling, Inflamation, Cods, Liver, Spleen, Roughness of the skin.

The Leavs bruised and laid to the Eyes with a little Honey, taketh away the Impostumations of them. The Leavs bruised or rubbed upon any place stung with Bees, Wasps or the like, presently taketh away the pains, redness, and Swellings that rise thereupon: and Dioscorides saith, The Decoction of the Leavs and Roots helpeth all sorts of Poyson, so as the Poyson be presently voided by Vomit. A Pultis made of the Leavs boyled and bruised, whereunto

[EDGENOTE:] Scurff, Dandrif, Scabby Heads, Scalding, Burning, St. Anthonies Fire, Sore Mouth & Throat, Baldness, Thorns, Belly.

some Bean or Barley Flower and Oyl of Roses is an especial Remedy against all hard Tumors and Inflamations of Impostums and Swellings of the Cods and other parts, and easeth the pains of them; as also against the hardness of the Liver or Spleen, being applied to the places. The Juyce of the Mallows boyled in old Oyl and applied, taketh away al roughness of the Skin,

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as also the Scurf, Dandrif, or dry Scabs in the Head or other parts if they be anointed therewith, or washed with the Decoction, and preserveth the Hair from falling off. It is also effectual against Scaldings and Burnings, St. Anthonies fire, and all other hot, red, and painful Swellings in any part of the Body. The Flowers boyled in Oyl or Water (as every one is disposed) wherunto a little Honey and Allum is put, is an excellent Gargle to wash, clens, and heal any sore Mouth or Throat in a short space. If the Feet be bathed or washed with the Decoction of the Leavs, Roots, and Flowers, it helpeth much the Defluxions of Rhewm from the Head. If the Head be washed therewith, it staieth the falling and shedding of the Hair. The green Leavs (saith Pliny) beaten with Nitre and applied draweth out Thorns, or Pricks in the Flesh.

[EDGENOTE:] Stone, Reins, Kidneys, Bladder, Coughs, Hoarsness, Shortness of Breath, Wheesing, Excoriation of the Guts, Ruptures, Cramps, Convulsions, The Kings Evil, Kernels, Chincough.

The Marsh Mallows are more effectual in al the Diseases before mentioned: The Leavs are likewise used to loosen the Belly gently, and in Decoctions for Clysters, to eas al pains of the Body, opening the strait Passages, and making them slippery, whereby the Stone may descend the more easily and without pain, out of the Reins, Kidneys, and Bladder, and to eas the torturing pains thereof: But the Roots are of more especial use for those purposes, as well as for Coughs, Hoarsness, shortness of Breath, and Wheesings, being boyled in Wine or Honeyed Water and drunk. The Roots and Seeds hereof boyled in Wine or Water, is with good success used by them that have Excoriations in the Guts, or the bloody Flux, by qualifying the violence of the sharp fretting Humors, easing the pains, and healing the Soreness: It is profitably taken of them that are troubled with Ruptures, Cramps, or Convulsions of the Sinews; and boyled in white Wine for the Impostumes of the Throat, commonly called the Kings Evil, and of those Kernels that rise behind the Ears, and Inflamations or Swellings in Womens Breasts.

[EDGENOTE:] Wounds, Bruises, Falls, Blows, Muscles, Morphew, Sunburning.

The dried Roots boyled in Milk and drunk is special good for the Chin-Cough. Hippocrates used to give the Decoction of the Roots, or the Juyce therof to drink to those that were wounded, and ready to faint through loss of Blood, and applied the same, mixed with Honey and Rozin to the Wounds: As also the Roots boyled in Wine to those that had received any Hurt by Bruises, Falls, or Blows, or had any Bone or Member out of Joynt, or any Swelling pain, or ach in the Muscles, Sinews, or Arteries. The Muccilage of the Roots, and of Linseed, and of Fennugreek put together, is much used in Pultises, Oyntments, and plaisters, to mollifie and digest all hard Swellings, and the Inflamation of them, and to eas pains in any part of the Body. The Seed either green or dry mixed with Vinegar clenseth the Skin of the Morphew, and al other discolourings, being bathed therewith in the Sun.

You may remember that not long since there was a raging Disease called the Bloody Flux, the Colledg of Physitians not knowing what to make of it, called it the Plague in the Guts, for their wits were at ne plus ultra about it. My son was taken with the same Disease, and the excoriation of his Bowels was exceeding great; my self being in the Country was sent for up, the only thing I gave him was Mallows bruised and boyled both in his Milk and Drink, in two daies (the blessing of God being upon it) it cured him, and I here to shew my thankfulness to God in communicating it to his Creatures, leav it to posterity.

SWEET MARJEROM.

This is so wel known being an Inhabitant in every Garden, that it is needless to write any Description thereof, neither of the Winter Sweet Marjerom, nor Pot Margerom.

Place.

They grown commonly in Gardens; some sorts there are that grow wild in the Borders of Corn Fields, and Pastures in sundry places of this Land, but it is not my purpose to insist upon them: The Garden kinds being most used and useful.

Time.

They Flower in the end of Summer.

Vertues of Use.

Our common Sweet Marjerom is warming and comfertable in cold Diseases of the Head, Stomach, Sinews, and other parts, taken inwardly, or outwardly applied: The Decoction thereof being drunk helpeth al the Diseases of the Chest which hinder the freeness of breathing; and is also profitable for the Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen: It helpeth the cold Griefs of the Womb, and the windiness thereof, and the loss of Speech, by resolution of the Tongue. The Decoction thereof made with som Pellitory of Spain, and long Pepper, or with a little Acorus or Origanum, being drunk, is good for those that are beginning to fall into a Dropsie, for those that cannot make Water, and against pains and torments in the Belly; it provoketh Womens Courses if it be put up as a Pessary. Being made into Pouder and mixed with Honey, it

[EDGENOTE:] Head, Stomach, Breast, Obstructions, Liver, Spleen, Womb, Wind, Dropsie, Bellyach, Terms provokes, Marks of Blows, Noise in the Ears, Joynts, Sinews, Swellings, Neesing, Flegm.

taketh away the black marks of Blows and Bruises, being therto applied. It is good for the Inflamations and watering of the Eyes, being mixed with fine Flower and laid unto them. The Juyce dropped into the Ears easeth the Pains and singing nois in them. It is profitably put into those Oyntments and Salves

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that are made to warm and comfort the outwards parts, as the Joynts and Sinews, for Swellings also and places out of Joynt. The Pouder thereof snuffed up into the Nose, provoketh neezing, and thereby purgeth the Brain; and chewed in the Mouth draweth forth much Flegm. The Oyl made thereof is very warming and comfortable to the Joynts that are stiff, and the Sinews that are hard to mollifie and supple them. Margerom is much used in all odoriferous Waters, Pouders, &c. that are for Ornament or delight.

It is an Herb of Mercury and under Aries, and is therefore an excellent Remedy for the Brain and other parts of the Body and Mind, under the Dominion of the same Planet.

MARIGOLDS.

These being so Plentifull in every Garden are so well known that they need no Description.

Time.

They Flower al the Summer long, and somtimes in the Winter if it be mild.

Vertues and Use.

The Flowers either green or dryed are used much in Possets, broths, and drinkes, as a comforter of the Heart and spirits, and to expell any malignant or pestilential quality which might annoy them.

It is an Herb of the Sun and under Leo they strengthen the heart exceedingly, and are very expulsive, and little less Effectual in the smal pox and measles than Saffron. The Juyce of Marigold Leaves mixed with Vinegar, and any hot swelling bathed with it, instantly giveth ease and asswageth it.

[EDGENOTE:] Heart, Vital Spirits, Pestilence, Smal Pox, Meazles, Hot swellings, Feavers, Pestilence.

A plaister made with the dry Flowers in pouder, hogs greas, Turpentine and Rozin, and applyed to the breast strengthens and succours the heart infinitly in feavers whether pestilential or not pestilential.

MASTERWORT.

Description.

Common Masterwort hath divers stalks of winged Leaves devided into sundry parts, three for the most part standing together at a small footstalk on both sides of the greater, and three likewise at the end of the stalk, somwhat broad and cut in on the edges, into three or more devisions all of them dented about the brims, of a dark green colour, somwhat resembling the leaves of Angelica, but that these grow lower to the ground, & on lesser stalks: among which rise up 2. or 3. short stalks about 2. foot high, and slender, with such like Leavs at the Joynts as grow below, but with lesser & fewer devisions, bearing Umbels of white Flowers, and after them small, thinne, flat, blackish seed bigger than Dil seeds: The Root is somwhat greater and groweth rather sideways than down deep into the ground, shooting forth sundry heads, which tast sharp, biting on the Tongue, and is the hottest and sharpest part of the Plant, and the seed next unto it, being somewhat blackish on the outside, and smelling well.

Place.

It is usually kept in Gardens with us in England.

Time.

It Flowreth and seedeth about the end of August.

Vertues and Use.

The Root of Masterwort is hotter than Pepper and very available in all cold Greifes and Diseases both of Stomach and body, dissolving very powerfully upward and downward: It is also used in a decoction with wind against al cold rhewms, or distillations upon the Lungs, and shortness of breath, to be taken morning and evening; it also provoketh Urin and helpeth to break the Stone, and expel the Greavell from the Kidneys, procureth womens Courses, and expelleth the dead birth; is singular good for the

[EDGENOTE:] Cold Griefs, Stomach, Wind, Cold Rhewms, Urine, Stone, Gravel, Womens Courses, Dead Child, Mother, Dropsie, Cramps, & Falling-sickness, Cold, Poysons, Sweat, Green Wounds, Rotten Ulcers, Gout.

strangling of the Mother, and other such like Feminine Diseases. It is effectuall also aganist the Dropsie, Cramps, and the Falling sicknes, for the decoction in wine being gargled in the Mouth draweth down much water and flegm from the brain, purging & easing it of what oppresseth it. It is of a rare quality against al sorts of cold poyson, to be taken as there is cause, It provoketh sweat. But lest the tast herof, or of the seed (which worketh to the like effect though not so powerfully) should be too offensive; the best way is to take the water distilled both from the Herb and Root. The Juyce herof dropped or Tents dipped therin, and applyed either to green wounds, or filthy rotten Ulcers and those that come by invenomed Weapons, doth soon clens and heal them, or if they be bathed with the distilled water. The same is also very good to help the Gout coming of a cold cause.

It is an Herb of Mars.

SWEET MAUDLIN.

Description.

Common Maudlin have somwhat long and narrow Leaves, snip'd about the edges: the stalks are two foot high, bearing at

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the topps many yellow flowers Set round together and all of an equal height, in umbels tufts like unto Tansy after which flowereth small whitish Seed almost as big as Wormseed. The whol Herb is sweet and bitter.

Place and Time.

It groweth in Gardens, and Flowreth in June and July.

Vertues and Use.

The Vertues hereof being the same with Costmary, or Alecost, I shal not trouble you to make any repetition thereof, lest my Book grow too big: but rather refer you unto Costmary for satisfaction.

THE MEDLAR.

Description.

This Tree groweth neer the bigness of the Quince Tree, spreading Branches reasonable 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 Leavs, nicked in the middle, with some white threds also: after which cometh 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 off or fallen away, the head of the Fruit is seen to be somwhat hollow. The Fruit is very harsh before it be mellowed, and hath usually five hard Kernels within it.

There is another kind hereof differing nothing from the former, but that it hath some Thorns on it in several places, which the other hath not, and the Fruit is smal and not so pleasant.

Time.

They grow in this Land; and Flower in May for the most part, and bear ripe Fruit in September, and October.

Vertues and Use.

They are very powerful to stay any Fluxes of Blood or Humors in Man or Woman: the Leavs have also the like quality. The Fruit eaten by Women with Child, stayeth their longings after unusual meats, and is very effectual for them that are apt to miscarrry, and be delivered before their time, to help that malady, and make them joyful Mothers. The Decoction of them is good to gargle and wash the Mouth, Throat and Teeth, when there is any

[EDGENOTE:] Fluxes, Stayeth Womens Longings, Hinders Miscarriage, Gargle, Womens Courses, Piles, Loathing of Meat, or Casting, Bleeding, Fresh Wounds, Stone in the Kidneys, Miscarriage.

defluxion of Blood to stay it, or of Humors, which causeth Pains and Swellings: It is a good bath for Women to sit over that have their Courses flow too abundantly; or for the Piles when they bleed too much. If a Pultis or Plaister be made with dried Medlars beaten and mixed with the Juyce of red Roses, whereunto a few Cloves and Nutmeg may be added, and a little red Correl also, and applied to the Stomach that is given to casting, or loathing of meat, it effectually helpeth. The dried Leavs in Pouder, strewed on fresh, bleeding Wounds, restraineth the Blood, and healeth up the Wound quickly: The Medlar stones made into Pouder and drunk in Wine, wherein some Parsley Roots have bien infused all night, or a little boyled, do break the Stone in the Kidneys, helping to expel it.

The Fruit is old Saturns, and sure a better Medicine he hardly hath to strengthen the retentive faculty; therfore it staies Womens Longings, the good old Man cannot endure Womens minds should run a gadding: Also a Plaister made of the Fruit dried before they be rotten, and other convenient things, and applied to the Reins of the Back, stops Miscarriage in Women with Child.

MELILOT, or KINGS CLAVER.

Description.

This hath many green Stalks two or three foot high, rising from a tough long white Root, which dieth not every yeer; set round about at the Joynts with smal and somwhat long wel smelling Leavs set three together, unevenly dented about the edges: The Flowers are yellow, and well smelling also, made like other Trefoyls, but smal, standing in long Spikes, one above another, for an hand breath long, or better, which afterwards turn into long crooked Cods, wherein is contained flat Seed, somwhat Brown.

Place.

It groweth plentifully in many places of this Land, as in the edg of Suffolk and in Essex, as also in Huntingtonshire, and in other places, but most usually in Corn Fields, in corners of Meadows.

Time.

It Flowreth in June and July and is ripe quickly after.

Vertues and Use.

Melilot boyled in Wine and applied mollifieth all hard Tumors and Inflamations that happen in the Eyes or other parts of the Body, as the Fundament: or privy parts of Man or Woman; and somtimes the Yolk of a roasted Egg, or fine Flower or Poppy Seed, or Endive is added unto it: It

[EDGENOTE:] Hard Tumors & Inflamations in the Eyes, or elswhere, Ulcers in the Head, Stomach pained, Headach, Wind, Spleen, Dimness of sight, Stupidity of Senses, Strengthen Memory, Apoplexy.

helpeth the spreading Ulcers in the Head, it being washed with a Ly made thereof; It helpeth the pains of the Stomach being applied fresh, or boyled with any of the aforenamed things. It helpeth also the pains of the Ears being dropped into

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them; and steeped in Vinegar and Rose Water it mitigateth the Headach. The Flowers of Melilot and Chamomel are much used to be put together in Clisters to expel Wind & to eas pains; also into Pultices for the same purpose, and to asswage Swellings or Tumors in the Spleen or other parts; & helpeth Inflamations in any part of the Body. The Juyce dropped into the Eyes is a singular good Medicine to take away any Film or Skin that cloudeth or dimmeth the Eyesight. The Head often washed with the distilled Water of the Herb and Flowers, or a Ly made therwith, is effectual for those that have suddenly lost their senses; as also to strengthen the Memory, to comfort the Head and Brains, and to preserve them from pains and the Apoplexie.

FRENCH, and DOGS MERCURY.

Description.

This riseth up with a square green stalk full of Joynts two foot high or therabouts, with two Leaves at every Joynt and branches likewise from both sides of the stalk, set with fresh green Leaves somwhat broad and long, about the bigness of the Leaves of Bassell finely dented about the edges: towards the topps of the stalks and branches come forth at every Joynt in the Male Mercury two small round green heads, standing together upon a short footstalk which growing ripe are the seeds; not having any Flower: In the female; The stalk is longer, spike fashion, set round about with smal green husks, which are the Flowers made like smal branches of Grapes which give no seed, but abide long upon the stalks without shedding: The Root is composed of many smal Fibres, which perisheth every year at the first approach of winter, and riseth again of its own sowing, and where it once is suffered to sow it self, the ground will never want it aftewards even both sorts of it.

DOGS MERCURY.

Discription.

Having described unto you that which is called French Mercury, I come now to shew you in a Description this kind also.

This is likewise of two kinds, Male and Female, having many stalks slender & lower than Mercury and without any branches at all upon them: The Male is set with two Leavs at every Joynt somwhat greater than the Female, but more pointed and full of Veins, and somwhat harder in handling, of a darker green colour, and less dented or snip'd about the edges: At the Joynts with the Leavs come forth longer Stalks then the former, with two hairy round Seeds upon them twice as big as those of the former Mercury: The tast hereof is Herby, and the smel somwhat strong and Virulent: The Female hath much harder Leavs standing upon longer Footstalks, and the stalks are also longer: From the Joynts come forth Spikes of Flowers, like the French Female Mercury, The Roots of them both are many, and full of smal Fibres, which run under ground, and mat themselves very much, not perishing as the former Mercuries do, but abiding the Winter, and shoot forth new Branches every yeer (for the old die down to the ground.)

Place.

The Male and Female French Mercury are found wild in divers places of this Land; as by a Village called Brookland in Rumney Marsh in Kent.

The Dogs Mercury in sundry places of Kent also, and elswhere; but the Female more seldom than the Male.

Time.

They flourish in the Summer months, and therein give their Seed.

Vertues and Use.

The Decoction of the Leavs of Mercury, or the Juyce thereof in Broth, or Drunk with a little Sugar put to it, purgeth Chollerick and waterish Humors. Hippocrates commendeth it wonderfully for Womens Diseases; and applied it to the secret parts to eas the pains of the Mother; and used the Decoction of it both to procure Womens Courses, and to expel the Afterbirth: And give the Decoction thereof with Mirrh or Pepper, or used to apply the Leavs outwardly against the Strangury, and Diseases of the Reins and Bladder. He used it also for sore and watering Eyes, and for the Deafness and pain in the Ears, by dropping the Juyce therof into them, and bathing them afterwards in white Wine.

EDGENOTE Purgeth Chollerick Humors, Womens sickness, Mother, Womens Courses, Strangury, sore Eyes, Agues, Flegm, Rhewms and Catarrhes, Melancholly Humors.

The Decoction therof made with Water and a Cock Chicken, is a most safe Medicine against the hot fits of Agues: It also clenseth the Breast and Lungs of Flegm, but a little offendeth the Stomach: The Juyce or distilled Water snuffed up into the Nostrils purgeth the Head and Eyes of Catarrhes and Rhewms. Some use to drink two or three ounces of the distilled water with a little Sugar put to it, in the morning fasting, to open and purge the Body of gross viscous and Melancholly Humors. It is wonderful (if it be not Fabulous) that Dioscorides and Theophrastus do relate of it: Viz. That if Women use these Herbs either Inwardly or outwardly for three daies together after Conception, and their Courses be past, they shal bring forth Male or Female Children, according to that kind of

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Herb they use. Mathiolus saith, That the

[EDGENOTE:] Yellow Jaundice, Warts, Scabs, Tetters, & ringworms, Swellings, Inflamations, Waterish & Melancholly Humors.

Seed of both the Male and Female Mercury boyled with Wormwood and drunk, cureth the yellow Jaundice in a speedy manner: The Leavs or the Juyce rubbed upon Warts, taketh them away: The Juyce mingled with some Vinegar, helpeth all running Scabs, Tetters, Ringworms and the Itch. Galen saith that being applied in manner of a Pultis, to any Swelling or Inflamation, it digesteth the Swelling and allayeth the Inflamation; and is therfore given in Clysters to evacuate the Belly from offensive Humors.

The Dogs Mercury, although it be less used yet may serve in the same manner to the same purpose to purge waterish and Melanchollick Humors.

Mercury they say owns this Herb, but I rather think 'tis Venus, and am partly confident of it too, for I never read that Mercury ever minded Womens businesses so much, I beleev he minds his study more.

MINT.

Description.

Of all the kinds of Mints, the Spear-Mint or Heart-Mint, being most useful; I shal only describe it: as followeth.

Spear-Mint, hath divers round Stalks, and long, but narrowish Leavs set thereon; of a dark green colour. The Flowers stand in Spiked Heads at the tops of the Branches, being of a pale blush colour. The smel or scent hereof is somwhat neer unto Bassil. It encreaseth by the Root under ground, as all the others do.

Place.

It is an usual Inhabitant in Gardens; And becaus it seldom giveth any good Seed, the defect is recompensed by the plentiful encreas of the Root, which being once planted in a Garden will hardly be rid out again.

Time.

It Flowreth not until the beginning of August, for the most part.

Vertues and Use.

Dioscorides saith, It hath an heating, binding and drying quality, and therefor the Juyce taken with Vinegar, staieth Bleeding: It stirreth up Venery or Bodily lust: Two or three Branches thereof taken with the Juyce of sowr Pomegranates stayeth the Hiccough, Vomiting, and allayeth Choller: It dissolveth Impostumes being laid too with Barley Meal. It is good to repress the Milk in Womens Breasts, and for such as have swollen, flagging, or great Breasts: applied with Salt, it helpeth the biting of a Mad Dog; with Mead or Honeyed Water, it easeth the pains of the Ears and taketh away the roughness of the Tongue being rubbed thereupon. It suffereth not Milk to curdle in the

[EDGENOTE:] Provokes Venery, stayeth Vomiting, Allayeth Choller, Impostums, great Breasts, Mad Dogs biting, Pains of the Ears.

Stomach if the Leavs hereof be steeped or boyled in it before you drink it. Briefly it is very profitable to the Stomach: The often use hereof is a very powerful Medicine to stay Womens Courses, and the Whites. Applied to the Forehead or Temples, it easeth pains of the Head. And is good to wash the Heads of yong Children therewith, against all manner of breakings out, Sores, or Scabs therein; and healeth the chops of the Fundament. It is also profitable against the Poyson of Venemous Creatures. The distilled Water of Mints is available to all the purposes aforesaid, yet more weakly.

But if a Spirit thereof be rightly and Chimically drawn it is much more powerful than the Herb it self. Simeon Sethi saith, It helpeth a cold Liver, strengthneth the Belly and Stomach, causeth digestion, staieth Vomit and the Hiccough, is good against the Gnawings of the Heart, provoketh Appetite, taketh away Obstructions of the Liver, and stirreth up Bodily Lust: But thereof too much must not be taken, becaus it maketh the Blood thin and wheyish, and turneth it into choller, and therfore Chollerick persons must obstain from it.

[EDGENOTE:] Good for the Stomach, Pains of the Head, Sores and Scabs, Chops of the Fundament, Poyson.

It is a safe Medicine for the biting of a Mad Dog, being bruised with Salt and laid thereon. The Pouder of it being dried and taken after Meat helpeth digestion, and those that are Splenetick: taken with Wine it helpeth Women in the Sore Travail in Child-bearing; It is good against the Gravel and the Stone in the Kidneys, and the Strangury. Being smelled unto, it is comfortable for the Head and Memory. The Decoction thereof gargled in the Mouth cureth the Gums and Mouth that is sore, and mendeth an ill favoured Breath: as also with Rue and Coriander, causeth the Pallat of the Mouth that is down to return to his place, the Decoction being gargled and held in the Mouth.

[EDGENOTE:] Helpeth Liver and Stomach, stayeth Vomiting and Hiccough, provoketh Lust, Spleen, Gravel, Stone, and Strangury, comforts the Head, sore Mouth, ill Breath, Pallet down, Wind, Veneral Dreams, and Nightly pollutions, Ears pained, biting of Serpents, Kings Evil, stinking Breath, Lepry, Dandrif.

The Vertues of the wild or Hors Mints, such as grow in Ditches (whose Description I purposely omitted in regard that are well enough known) are especially to dissolve wind in the Stomach, to help the Chollick, and those that are short winded, and are an especial Remedy for those that have Venerous Dreams and pollutions in the Night being outwardly applied to the Testicles or Cods. The Juyce dropped into the Ears easeth the pains of them, and destroyeth the Worms that breed therein. They are good against the Venemous biting of Serpents. The Juyce laid on warm helpeth the Kings Evil, or Kernels in the Throat: The Decoction or distilled Water helpeth a stinking Breath proceeding from the corruption of the Teeth; and snuffed up into the Nose purgeth the Head. Pliny saith, That eating of the Leavs hath been found by expe-

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rience to cure the Lepry, and applying some of them to the Face: and to help the Scurf or Dandrif of the Head used with Vinegar.

They are extream bad for wounded people and they say a wounded man that eats Mints his Wound will never be cured, and that's a long day.

MISSELTO.

Description.

This riseth up from the Branch or Arm of the Tree whereon it groweth, with a woody Stem, parting it self into sundry Branches, and they again devided into many other smaller Twigs, interlacing themselves one within another, very much covered with a grayish green Bark, having two Leaves set at every Joynt, and at the end likewise, which are somwhat long and narrow, smal at the bottom but broader toward the end. At the Knots or Joynts of the Boughs and Branches, grow smal yellowish Flowers, which turn into smal round white transparant Berries three or four together, full of glutinous moisture, with a blackish Seed in every of them, which was never yet known to spring being put into the ground or any where els to grow.

Place.

It groweth very rarely on Oaks with us, but upon sundry other, as well Timber as Fruit-Trees, plentifully in Woods, Groves, and the like through all this Land.

Time.

It Flowreth in the Spring time, but the Berries be not ripe until October, and abide on the Branches all the Winter, unless the Black-Birds, and other Birds do devour them.

Vertues and Use.

Both the Leavs and Berries of Mistleto do heat and dry, and are of subtil parts: The Birdlime doth mollifie hard Knots, Tumors, and Impostumes, ripeneth and discusseth them; and draweth forth thick as well as thin Humors from the remote places of the Body, digesting and separating them: And being mixed with equal parts of Rozin and Wax, doth mollifie the hardness of the Spleen, and healeth old Ulcers and Sores: Being mixed with Sandarack, and Ortment, it helpeth to draw off foul Nails: and if quicklime and

[EDGENOTE:] Impostums, Spleen, Ulcers, Falling-sickness, Apoplexy, Palsey.

Wine Lees be added thereunto it worketh the stronger. The Mistleto it self of the Oak (as the best) made into Pouder and given in drink to those that have the Falling-sickness, doth assuredly heal them as Mathiolus saith, but it is fit to use it for forty daies together. Some have so highly esteemed of the Vertues hereof that they have called it Lignum Sanctae Crucus, Wood of the holy Cross, beleeving it to help the Falling-sickness, Apoplexie, and Palsie very speedily, not only to be inwardly taken, but to be hung at their Necks. Tragus saith, That the fresh Wood of any Mistleto bruised, and the Joyce drawn forth and dropped into the Ears that have Imposthumes in them, doth help and eas them within a few daies.

That it is under the Dominion of the Sun, I do not question, and can also take for granted that that which grows upon Oaks participates somthing of the Nature of Jupiter, becaus an Oak is one of his Trees; as also that which grows upon Pear-trees and Apple-trees, participates somthing of the Nature, becaus he rules the Trees, and it draws sap from the Trees, it grows upon having no Root of its own, but why that should have most vertues that grows upon Oaks I know not, unless becaus 'tis rarest, and hardest to come by, and our Colledges Opinion is in this contrary to the Scripture which saith, Gods tender Mercies are over all his Works, and so 'tis, Let the Colledg of Physitians walk as contrary to him as they pleas, and that's as contrary as the East is to the West. Clusius affirms that which grows upon Pear-trees to be as prevalent, and give order that is should not touch the ground after it is gathered, and also saith, That being hung about the Neck, it remedies Witchcraft.

MONEY-WORT, or HERB TWO-PENCE.

Description.

The common Money-wort, sendeth forth from a small threddy Root, divers long, weak, and slender Branches lying and running upon the ground two or three Foot long or more, set with Leavs two at a Joynt one against another at equal distances, which are almost round, but pointed at the ends, smooth and of a good green colour: At the Joynts with the Leavs from the middle foreward come forth at every Joynt somtimes one yellow Flower, and somtimes two, standing each on a smal Footstalk, and made of five Leavs, narrow, and pointed at the ends, with some yellow threds in the middle: which being past, there stand in their places smal round Heads of Seed.

Place.

It groweth plentifully in almost all places of this Land; commonly in moist grounds by Hedg sides, and in the middle of grassy Fields.

Time.

They Flower in June and July, and their Seed is ripe quickly after.

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Vertues and Use.

Moneywort is singular good to stay all Fluxes in Men or Woman, whether they be Lasks, Bloody Fluxes, the Flowing of Womens Courses, Bleedings inwardly or outwardly, and the weakness of the Stomach that is given to casting. It

[EDGENOTE:] Fluxes, Ulcers, Green Wounds, Old Ulcers.

is very good also for all Ulcers, or Excoriations of the Lungs or other inward parts. It is exceeding good for all Wounds, either fresh or green to heal them speedily; and for old Ulcers that are of a spreading nature: For all which purposes, The Juyce of the Herb, or the Pouder drunk in Water, wherein hot Steel hath been often quenched: Or the Decoction of the green Herb in Wine or Water drunk; Or the Seed, Juyce or Decoction used to the outward places to wash or bath them, or to have Tents dipped therein and put into them, are effectual.

MOONWORT.

Description.

This riseth up usually but with one dark green thick and fat Leaf standing upon a short footstalk, not above two fingers breadth; but when it will flower it may be said to beare a small slender stalk about four or five Inches high, having but one leaf set in the middle therof, which is much devided on both sides into somtimes five or seven parts on a sid, somtimes more, each of which parts is small next the middle rib, but broad forwards and round pointed, resembling therein an half Moon from whence it took the name, the upper most parts or divisions being less than the lowest: The Stalk riseth above this Leaf two or three inches, bearing many Branches of small long Tongues, every one like the spiky Head of Adders-tongue, of a brownish colour, which whether I shall call them Flowers or the Seed, I well know not: which after they have continued a while resolve into a Mealy dust: The Root is smal and Fibrous. This hath somtimes divers such like Leavs as are before Described, with so many branches or tops arising from one Stalk each devided from the other.

Place.

It groweth on Hills, and Heaths, yet where there is much Grass, for therein it delighteth to grow.

Time.

It is to be found only in April and May, for in June when any hot weather cometh for the most part it is withered and gone.

Vertues and Use.

Moonwort is cold and drying more than Adders-tongue, and is therefore held to be more available for all Wounds both inward and outward: The Leavs boyled in red Wine and drunk stayeth the immoderate Flux of Womens Courses and the Whites: It also staieth Bleeding, Vomitings, and other Fluxes; It helpeth all Blows and Bruises, and to consolidate all Fractures and Dislocations. It is good for Ruptures: But it is chiefly used by most, with other Herbs to make Oyls or Balsoms to heal fresh or green Wounds (as I said before) either inward or outward, for which it is excellent good.

[EDGENOTE:] Womens Courses, Bleedings, Vomiting, Fluxes, Broken and disjoynted Bones, Green Wounds.

Moonwort is an Herb which they say will open Locks, and unshoo such Horses as tread upon it, this some laugh to scorn, and those no smal Fools neither, but Country people that I know, call it [Unshoo the Horse] besides I have heard Commanders say, That on White Down in Devon neer Tiverton, there was found thirty Hors shoos, pulled off from the feet of the Earl of Essex his Horses being there drawn up in a Body, many of them being but newly shod, and no reason known, which caused much admiration; and the Herb described usually grows upon Heaths. The Moon owns the Herb.

MOSSES.

I shal not trouble the Reader with any Description of these, sith my intent is to speak only of two kinds as the most principal, Viz. Ground-Moss, and Tree-Moss, both which are very well know.

Place.

The Gound-Moss, growing in our moist Woods, and the bottoms of Hills, in boggy grounds, and in shadowy Ditches, and many other such like places.

The Tree-Moss groweth only on Trees.

Vertues and Use.

The Ground-Moss, is held to be singular good to break the Stone, and to expel and drive it forth by Urin, being boyled in Wine and drunk: The Herb bruised and boyled in Water and applied easeth al Inflamations and pains coming of an hot caus; and is therfore used to eas the pains of the hot Gout.

[EDGENOTE:] Stone, Inflamations, Fluxes, Vomiting, Bleeding, Womens Courses, Dropsie, Headach, Sinews.

The Tree-Mosses are cooling and binding, and partake of a digesting and mollifying quality withal, as Galen saith. But each Moss doth partake of the Nature of the Tree from whence it is taken; therefore that of the Oak is more Binding; and is of good effect to stay Fluxes in man or Woman, as also Vomitings or Bleedings, the Pouder thereof being taken in Wine: The Decoction thereof in Wine is very good for Women to be bathed with, or to sit in that are toubled with the overflowing of their Courses: The same being drunk stayeth the Stomach that is troubled with casting,

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or the Hiccough; and as Avicenna saith, it comforteth the Heart: The Pouder thereof taken in Drink for some time together, is thought available for the Dropsie. The Oyl of Roses that hath had fresh Moss steeped therin for a time, and after boyled and applied to the Temples and Forehead, doth Merveilously eas the Headach coming of a hot caus, as also the Distillations of hot Rhewm or Humors to the Eyes or other parts: The Antients much used it in their Oyntments and other Medicines against Lassitude, and to strengthen and comfort the Sinews. For which, if it was good then, I know no reason but it may be found so still.

MOTHERWORT.

Description.

This hath a hard, square, brownish, rough, strong Stalk, rising three or four foot high at the least, spreading into many Branches, whereon grow Leavs on each side with long Footstalks, two at every Joynt, which are somwhat broad and long as it were, rough, or crumpled, with many great Veins therein; of a sad green colour, and deeply dented about the edges, and almost devided: From the middle of the Branches up to the tops of them (which are very long and smal) grow the Flowers round about them at distances in sharp pointed rough hard Husks, of a more red or purple-colour than Balm or Horehound, but in the same manner and form as the Horehounds: after which come smal round blackish Seed in great plenty: The Root sendeth forth a number of long Strings and smal Fibres, taking strong hold in the Ground; of a dark yellowish or brownish colour, and abideth as the Horehound doth; the smell of this being not much different from it.

Place.

It groweth only in Gardens with us in England.

Vertues and Use.

Motherwort, is held to be of much use for the trembling of the Heart, and in faintings and swounings from whence it took the name Cardiaca. The Pouder thereof to the quantity of a spoonful drunk in Wine is a wonderful help to Women in their Sore Travails, as also for the suffocations or risings of the Mother; and from these effects it is likely it took the name of Motherwort with us. It also provoketh Urine and Womens Courses, clenseth the Chest of cold Flegm oppressing it, and killeth the Worms in the Belly: It is of good use to warm and dry up the cold Humors, to digest and dispers them that are settled in the Veins, Joynts, and Sinews of the Body, and to help Cramps, and Convulsions.

[EDGENOTE:] Swounings, Sore Travail, Mother, Urine, Womens Courses, Flegm, Cold Flegm, Cramps, Convulsions, Melancholly, Vapors.

Venus owns the Herb, and it is under Leo, there is no better Herb to drive Melancholly Vapors from the Heart, to strengthen it, and make a merry cheerful blith soul, than this Herb, it may be kept in a Syrup or Conserv, therfore the Latins called it Cardiaca: Besides, it makes Women joyful Mothers of Children, and settles their Wombs as they should be, therfore we call it Motherwort.

MOUSEAR.

Ths is a low Herb creeping upon the ground by small strings like the Strawberry Plant, whereby it shooteth forth small Roots, whereat grow upon the Ground many small and somwhat short Leavs set in a round form together, hollowish in the middle where they are broadest, of an hoary colour all over, and very hairy, which being broken do give a white Milk: From among these Leavs spring up two or three smal hoary Stalks about a span high, with a few smaller Leavs thereon; At the tops whereof standeth usually but one Flower, consisting of many paler yellow Leavs broad at the points, and a little dented in, set in three or four rows, the greater outermost, very like a Dandelyon Flower, and a little reddish underneath about the edges, especially if it grow in a dry ground: which after they have stood long in Flower, do turn into Down, which with the Seed is carryed away with the Wind.

Place.

It groweth in Ditch Banks, and somtimes in Ditches if they be dry and in sandy Grounds.

Time.

It Flowreth about June and July, and abideth green all the Winter.

Vertues and Use.

The Juyce hereof taken in Wine or the Decoction thereof drunk doth help the Jaundice although of long continuance, to drink thereof morning and evening, and abstain from other drink two or three hours after: It is a special Remedy against the Stone, and the tormenting pains thereof; as also other Tortures and griping pains of the Bowels; The Decoction thereof with Succory and Centaury, is held very eflectual to help the Dropsie, and them that are inclining thereunto, and the Diseases of the Spleen.

[EDGENOTE:] Jaundice, Stone, Bellyach, Dropsie, Flux, Wounds, Bloody Flux, Terms stops, Cough, Phtisick, Ruptures, Canker, Ulcers, Spreading sores.

It stayeth the Fluxes of Blood either at the Mouth or Nose, and inward Bleedings also, for it is a singular Wound Herb for Wounds both inward and outward; It helpeth the Bloody Flux and stayeth the abundance of Womens Courses:

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There is a Syrup made of the Juyce hereof and Sugar by the Apothecaries of Italy, and other places, which is of much account with them, to be given to those that are troubled with the Cough or Phtisick: The same also is singular good for Ruptures or Burstings. The green Herb bruised and presently bound to any fresh cut or Wound, doth quickly soder the lips thereof. And the Juyce, Decoction, or Pouder of the dried Herb, is most singular to stay the Malignity of spreading and fretting Cankers and Ulcers wheresoever, yea in the Mouth, or secret parts: The distilled Water of the Plant is available in all the Diseases aforesaid, and to wash outward Wounds and Sores, and to apply Tents, or Cloaths wet therein.

The Moon owns the Herb also, and though Authors cry out upon Alchymists for attempting to fix Quick Silver by this Herb and Moonwort: A Roman would not have judged a thing by the success, if it be to be fixed at all, 'tis by Lunar Influence.

MUGWORT.

Description.

The common Mugwort have divers Leavs lying upon the ground, very much devided, or cut deeply in about the Brims somwhat 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 foot high, having on it such like Leavs as those below, but somwhat smaller, branching forth very much toward the top, whereon are set very small pale yellowish Flowers like Buttons, which fall away, and after them come small Seed inclosed in round Heads: The Root is long and hard with many smal Fibres growing from it, whereby it taketh strong hold in the ground, but both Stalk and Leaf do die down every yeer, and the Root shooteth anew in the Spring. The whol Plant is of a reasonable good scent, and is more easily propogated by the Slips, than by the Seed.

Place.

It groweth plentifully in many places of this Land, by the way sides, as also by smal Water-Courses, and in divers other places.

Time.

It Flowreth and Seedeth in the end of Summer.

Vertues and Use.

Mugwort is with good success put among other Herbs that are boyled for Women to sit over the hot Decoction, to draw down their Courses, to help the Delivery of the Birth, and expel the Afterbirth, as also for the Obstructions and Inflamations of the Mother. It breaketh

[EDGENOTE:] Terms provokes, Birth, Afterbirth, Womb Inflamed, Wens, Kings Evil, pains in the Neck, Opium, Sciatica, Sinews pained, Cramp.

the Stone, and causeth one to make water where it is stopped: The Juyce thereof made up with Mirth, and put under as a Pessary, worketh the same effect, and so doth the Root also, being made up with Hogs Greas into an Oyntment, it taketh away Wens and hard Knots and Kernels that grow about the Neck and Throat, and easeth the pains about the Neck more effectually, if some Field Daisies be put with it. The Herb it self being fresh or the Juyce thereof taken, is a special Remedy upon the overmuch taking of Opium. Three drams of the Pouder of the dried Leavs taken in Wine, is a speedy and the best certain help for the Sciatica. A Decoction thereof made with Chamomel and Agrimony, and the place bathed therewith while it is warm, taketh away the pains of the Sinews and the Cramp.

This is an Herb of Venus, therefore maintaineth the parts of the Body she rules, and Remedies the Diseases of the parts that are under her Signs, Taurus and Libra.

THE MULBERRY-TREE.

This is so well known in the places where it groweth, that it needeth no Description.

Time.

It beareth Fruit in the Months of July and August.

Vertues and Use.

The Mulberry is of different parts; the ripe Berries by reason of their Sweetness and slippery moisture, opening the Belly, and the unripe binding it, especially when they are dried, and then they are good to stay Fluxes, Lasks, and the abundance of Womens Courses. The Bark of the Root killeth the broad Worms in the Body. The Juyce, or the Syrup made of the Juyce of the Berries, helpeth all

[EDGENOTE:] Binding, Fluxes, Lasks, Terms stops, Inflamation, Uvula, sore Mouth and Throat, Toothach, Bleeding, Hemorrhoids, Acurious secret.

Inflamations and Sores in the Mouth or Throat, and the Pallet of the Mouth when it is fallen down. The Juyce of the Leavs is a Remedy against the biting of serpents, and for those that have taken Aconite: The Leavs beaten with Vinegar is good to lay on any place that is burnt with fire. A Decoction made of the Bark and Leavs, is good to wash the Mouth and Teeth when they ach. If the Root be a little slit or cut, and a smal hole made in the ground next thereunto, in the Harvest time, it will give out a certain Juyce, which being hardned, the next day is of good use to help the Toothach, to dissolve Knots, and purge the Belly: The Leavs of Mulberries are said to stay bleeding at Mouth or Nose, or the Bleeding of the Piles, or of a

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Wound being bound unto the places. A Branch of the Tree taken when the Moon is at the full and bound to the Wrist of a Womans Arm whose Courses come down too much doth stay them in a short space.

Mercury rules the Tree, therefore are its effects variable as his are.

MULLEIN.

Description.

The common white Mullein hath many fair large wooly white Leavs lying next the ground, somwhat longer than broad, pointed at the ends, and as it were dented about the edges: The Stalk riseth up to be four or five Foot high, covered over with such like Leavs, but lesser, so that no Stalk can be seen for the multitude of Leavs thereon up to the Flowers, which come forth on all sides of the Stalk, without any Branches for the most part, and are many set together in a long spike, in some of a gold yellow colour, in others more pale, consisting of five round pointed Leavs, which afterwards give smal round Heads, wherein is smal brownish Seed contained: The Root is long, white, and Woody, perishing after it hath born Seed.

Place.

It groweth by the way sides, and in Lanes in many places of this Land.

Time.

It Flowreth in July, or thereabouts.

Vertues and Use.

A smal quantity of the Root given in Wine, is commended by Dioscorides against Lasks and Fluxes of the Belly: The Decoction thereof drunk is profitable for those that are Bursten, and for Cramps and Convulsions, and for those that are troubled with an old Cough. The Decoction thereof gargled easeth the pains of the Toothach: An Oyl made by the often Infusion of the Flowers, is of very good effect for the Piles. The Decoction of the Root in Red Wine, or in Water (if there be an Ague) wherein red hot Steel hath been often quenched, doth stay the Bloody Flux.

[EDGENOTE:] Flux, Ruptures, Cramp, Convulsion, Cough, Toothach, Hemorrhoids, Bloody Flux, Obstructions, Reins, Bladder, Sinews, Gout, Warts.

The same also openeth Obstructions of the Bladder and Reins when one cannot make water. A Decoction of the Leavs hereof, and of Sage, Marjerom and Camomil Flowers and the places bathed therewith that have Sinews stark with cold, or Cramps, doth bring them much eas, and comfort. Three ounces of the distilled water of the Flowers drunk morning and evening for some daies together is said to be the most excellent Remedy for the hot Gout.

[EDGENOTE:] Bellyach, Chollick, Inflamation, Thorns, Splinters, Boyls, Groyn, Disjunctures.

The Juyce of the Leavs and Flowers being laid upon rough Warts, as also the Pouder of the dried Roots rubbed on doth easily take them away; but doth no good to smooth Warts. The pouder of the dried Flowers is an especial Remedy for those that are troubled with belly-aches or the pains of the Chollick. The Decoction of the Root, and so likewise of the Leavs is of great effect to dissolve the Tumors, Swellings, or Inflamation of the Throat. The Seed and Leavs boyled in Wine, and applied, draweth forth speedily Thorns, or Splinters gotten into the Flesh, easeth the pains, and healeth them also. The Leavs bruised and wrapped in double papers, and covered with hot Ashes and Embers to bake a while, and then taken forth and laid warm on any Botch or Boyl hapning in the Groyn or share, doth dissolve and heal them. The Seed bruised, and boyled in Wine and laid on any Member that hath been out of Joynt and is newly set again, taketh away all Swellings and pains thereof.

MUSTARD.

Description.

The common Mustard hath large and broad rough Leavs, very much jagged with uneven, and unorderly gashes, somwhat like Turnip Leavs, but lesser and rougher: The Stalk riseth to be more than a foot high, and somtimes two foot high, being round, rough, and branched at the top, bearing such like Leavs thereon as grow below, but lesser, and less devided; and divers yellow Flowers one above another at the tops; after which come smal rough pods, with smal lank flat ends, wherein is contained round yellowish Seed, sharp, hot, and biting upon the Tongue: The Root is smal, long, and woody, when it beareth Stalks and perisheth every yeer.

Place.

This groweth with us in Gardens only, and other manured places.

Time.

It is an annual Plant, Flowring in July, and their Seed is ripe in August.

Vertues and Use.

Mustard Seed hath the Vertue of Heating, discussing, rarefying and drawing out Splinters of Bones, and other things out of the Flesh. It is of good effect to bring down Womens Courses, for the Falling sickness or Lethargy, drousie forgetful evil, to use it both inwardly and outwardly to rub the Nostrils, Forehead, and Temples, to

[EDGENOTE:] Heats, Dries, Splinters, Thorns, Terms provokes, Falling sickness, Lethargy, Sneezing.

warm and quicken the Spirits, for by the fierce sharpness it purgeth the Brain by sneezing, and drawing down Rhewm and other Viscuous Humors, which by their Distillations upon the Lungs and Chest procure coughing, and therefore

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with some Honey added thereto doth much good therein. The Decoction of the Seed made in Wine and drunk, provoketh Urine, resisteth the force of Poyson, the Malignity of Mushroms, and the Venom of Scorpions, or other Venemous Creatures, if it be taken in time: and taken before the cold fits of Agues, altereth, lesseneth, and cureth them.

[EDGENOTE:] Disury, Poyson, Mushroms, Venemous Beasts, Agues, Lust provokes, Spleen, Uvula, Sciatica, Toothach, Pains, Hair, Bruises, Black and blue spots, roughness, Leprosie, Lowsie Evil, Freckles, Wry Necks.

The Seed taken either by it self or with other things either in an Electuary or Drink, doth mightily stir up Bodily lust, and helpeth the Spleen and pains in the sides, and gnawing in the Bowels. And used as a Gargle, draweth up the Pallat of the Mouth being fallen down, and also it dissolveth the Swellings about the Throat, if it be outwardly applied. Being chewed in the Mouth, it oftentimes helpeth the Toothach: The outward application hereof upon the pained place of the Sciatia, discusseth the Humors, and easeth the pains, as also of the Gout, and other Joynt aches. And is much and often used to eas pains in the sides of loyns, the shoulders or other parts of the Body, upon the applying thereof to rais Blisters, and cureth the Diseas by drawing it to the outward part of the Body: It is also used to help the falling of the Hair: The Seed bruised, mixed with Honey and applied, or made up with Wax, taketh away the Marks, and black and blue spots of Bruises or the like, the roughness or Scabbedness of the Skin, as also the Leprosie and lowsie evil: it helpeth also the crick in the Neck. The distilled Water of the Herb when it is in Flower is much used to drink inwardly to help in any the Diseases aforesaid, or to wash the Mouth when the Pallat is down, and for the Diseases of the Throat to gargle, but outwardly also for Scabs, Itch, or other like Infirmities, and clenseth the Face from Morphew, Spots, Freckles, and other Deformities.

It is an excellent Sawce for such whose Blood wants clarifying and for weak Stomachs being an Herb of Mars, but naught for Chollerick people, though as good for such as are aged or troubled with cold Diseases, Aries claims somthing to do with it, therfore it strengthens the heart and resisteth poyson, let such whose Stomachs are so weak, they cannot digest their meat or appetite it, take of Mustard Seed a dram, Cinnamon as much, and having beaten them to Pouder ad half as much Mastich in Pouder, and with Gum Arabick dissolved in Rose Water, make it up into Troches, of which they may take one of about half a dram weight an hour or two before meals, let old men and women make much of this medicine, and they will either give me thanks, or manifest ingratitude.

HEDG-MUSTARD.

Description.

This groweth up usually but with one blackish green Stalk, tough, easie to bend but not break, branched into diverse parts, and somtimes with divers Stalks set full of Branches, whereon grow long, rough, or hard rugged Leavs, very much torn and cut on the edges into many parts, some bigger, and some lesser, of a dirty green colour: The Flowers are smal and yellow, that grow at the tops of the Branches, in long Spikes, flowring by degrees, so that continuing long in Flower the stalks will have smal round Cods at the bottom, growing upright and close to the Stalk, while the top Flowers yet shew themselvs; in which are contained smal yellow Seed, sharp and strong, as the Herb is also: The Root groweth down slender and woody, yet abiding, and springing again every yeer.

Place.

This groweth frequently in this Land by the Waies and Hedg sides, and somtimes in the open Fields.

Time.

It flowreth most usually about July.

Vertues and Use.

It is singular good in all the Diseases of the Chest and Lungs, hoarceness of voice, and by the use of the Decoction therof for a little space, those have been recovered who had utterly lost their voice, and almost

[EDGENOTE:] Breast, Lungs, Hoarceness, Cough, Shortness of breath, Jaundice, Pleuresie, Back, Loyns, Belly, Chollick, Poyson, Sciatica, Gout, Joynts, Fistulaes, Ulcers, Cankers, Testicles, Womens Breasts.

their Spirits also. The Juyce threof made into a Syrup, or licking Medicine with Honey or Sugar is no less effectual for the same purpose, and for all other Coughs, Weesings, and shortness of Breath. The same is also profitable for those that have the Jaundice, the Pluresie, pains in the Back and Loyns, and for torments in the Belly or the Chollick, being also used in Clysters. The Seed is held to be a special Remedy against Poyson and Venom: It is singular good for the Sciatica, the Gout, and all Joynt-aches, Sores and Cankers in the Mouth, Throat, or behind the Ears; and no less for the hardness and Swelling of the Testicles, or of Womens Breasts.

Mars owns this Herb also.

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