Vertues and use.
Howkweed (saith Dioscorides) is cooling* 1.1 somwhat drying and binding, and therfore good for the heat of the stomach, and gna∣wings therein, for Inflamations and the hot fits of Agues. The Juice therof in wine helpeth digestion, discusseth wind, hindreth crudities abiding in the stomack, and helpeth the difficulty of making Water, the biting of Venemous Serpents, and sting of the Scorpion, if the herb be also outwardly apply∣ed to the place, and is very good against all other Poysons. A scruple of the dryed Juyce given in wine and vinegar is profitable for those that have the Dropsie. The decoction of the Herb taken with Honey, digeisteth thin flegm in the chest or lungs, and with Hysop helpeth the cough. The Decoction therof and of wild Succory made with wine and taken helpeth the wind chollick and hard∣ness of the spleen, it procureth rest and sleep, hindereth venery and venercous dreams, coo∣leth, heats, purgeth the stomach, encreaseth blood, & helpeth the diseases of the Reins and Bladder. Outwardly applied it is singular good for all the defects and diseases of the eyes, used with some womens Milke, and is used wth good success in fretting or creeping ulcers, elpecially in the beginning. The green Herb bruised and with a little Salt applyed to any place burnt with fire before blisters do arise, helpeth them, as also inflamations St Antho∣nies fire and al Pushes, and eruptions, heat, and salt Flegm. The same applyed with Meal and fair water in manner of a Poultis to any place affected with convulsions and the Cramp or such as are out of Joynt doth give help and ease. The distilled water clenseth the skin and taketh away freckles, Spots, the Morphew or Wrinkles in the face.