The English physitian, or An astrologo-physical discourse of the vulgar herbs of this nation being a compleat method of physick, whereby a man may preserve his body in health, or cure himself being sick for three pence charge, with such things only as grow in England ... / by Nich. Culpeper.

Flixweed.

Description.

THis riseth up with a round upright hard Stalk four or five Foot high, spread into sundry Branches, wheron grow many grayish green Leavs very finely cut and severed into a number of short and almost round parts. The Flowers are very smal and yellow growing Spike fashion, after which come very smal, long Pods, with very smal yellowish Seed in them. The Root is long and woody perishing every yeer.

There is another sort differing in nothing save only it hath somwhat broader Leaves: They have a strong evil savor being smelt un∣to, and are of a drying tast.

Place.

They grow wild in the Fields by Hedg∣sides, and High-waies, and among rubbish, and in many other place.

Time.

They Flower and Seed quickly after, name∣ly in June and July.

Vertues and use.

Both the Herb and Seed of Flixweed is of excellent use to stay the Flux* 1.1 or Lask of the Besly being drunk in Water wherein gads of Steel heated have been often quenched; and is no less effectual for the said purpose than Plantane or Comfry, and to restrain any o∣ther Flux of Blood in man or Woman, as al∣so to consolidate Bones broken or out of Joynt. The Juyce therof drunk in Wine, or the Decoction of the Herb drunk, doth kill the Worms in the Stomach or Belly, or the

Worms* 1.2 that grow in putrid and filthy Ulcers; And made into a Salve doth quickly heal all old sores, how foul or Malignant soever they be. The distilled water of the Herb worketh the same effects although somwhat weaker, yet is a fair Medicine, and more acceptable to be taken.

It is called Flixweed becaus it cures the Flux, and for its uniting broken Bones, &c. Paracelsus extols it to the Skies. It is fitting Syrups, Oyntments, and Plaisters of it were kept in your Houses.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Flux, Bleeding, Bloody Flux, Terms stops, broken Bones, Members disioynted.
• * 1.2

  warms, Sores, Ulcers.