CHAP. XXVI.
¶ The vertues and properties of the Hyacinth, and Lychnis, in Physicke. [unspec K]
THe Hyacinth loueth France very well, and prospereth there exceedingly. The French vse therewith to die their light reds or lustie-gallant, for default of graine to color their scar∣let. The root is bulbous & Onion-like, well known to these slaue-coursers, who buy them at best hand: and after, tricking, trimming, and pampering them vp for sale, make gain of them: for being reduced into a liniment, they vse it with wine to annoint as well the share of youths, as the chin and checks, to keep them for euer being vnder-grown, or hauing haire on their face, that they may appeare young still and smooth. It is a good defensatiue against the prick of ve∣nomous spiders: and besides, allaieth the griping torments of the belly. It forciby prouoketh vrine. The seed of this hearbe, giuen with Abrotonum, is a preseruatiue against the venome of serpents and scorpions; it cureth the jaundise. [unspec L]
As touching Lychnis, that fllaming hearbe surnamed Flammea, the seed of it beaten to pou∣der and taken in wine, is singular good against the sting of serpents, scorpions, hornets, and such like. The wild of this kind is hurtfull to the stomacke, and yet it is laxatiue and purgeth down∣ward. Two drams thereof is a sufficient dose to purge choller, for it worketh mightily. Such an enemie it is to scorpions, that if they doe but see it, they are taken with a nummednesse that they cannot stir. In Asia or Natolia, they call the root of this hearbe Bolites, which if it be laid vpon the eies and kept bound thereto, taketh away the pin and the web, as they say.