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.

Vertues and use.

Our common Sweet Marjerom is warming and comfertable in cold Diseases of the Head, Stomach,* 1.1 Sinews, and other parts, taken in∣wardly, or outwardly applied: The Decocti∣on thereof being drunk helpeth al the Diseases of the Chest which hinder the freeness of breathing; and is also profitable for the Ob∣structions of the Liver and Spleen:* 1.2 It helpeth the cold Griefs of the Womb, and the windi∣ness thereof, and the loss of Speech, by resolu∣tion 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 begin∣ning to fall into a Dropsie,* 1.3 for those that can∣not make Water, and against pains and tor∣ments in the Belly; it provoketh Womens Courses if it be put up as a Pessary. Being made into Pouder and mixed with Honey, it taketh away the black marks of Blows* 1.4 and Bruises, being therto applied. It is good for the Inflamations and watering of the Eyes, be∣ing mixed with fine Flower and laid unto them. The Juyce dropped into the Ears* 1.5 easeth the Pains and singing nois in them. It is pro∣fitably put into those Oyntments and Salves

that are made to warm and comfort the out∣ward parts, as the Joynts and Sinews, for Swellings also and places out of Joynt.* 1.6 The Pouder thereof snuffed up into the Nose, pro∣voketh neezing, and thereby purgeth the Brain; and chewed in the Mouth draweth forth much Flegm.* 1.7 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. Marjerom 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 therfore an excellent Remedy for the Brain and other parts of the Body and Mind, under the Dominion of the same Planet.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Head, Stomach,
• * 1.2

  Breast, Obstru∣ctions, Liver, Spleen, Womb, Wind,
• * 1.3

  Dropsie, Bellyach, Terms provokes,
• * 1.4

  Marks of Blows,
• * 1.5

  Noise in the Ears,
• * 1.6

  Joynts, Sinews, Swellings, Ne••sing,
• * 1.7

  Flegm.