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.

The Ground-Moss, is held to be singular good to break the Stone,* 1.1 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 all Inflamations and pains coming of an hot caus •• and is therfore used to eas the pains of the hot Gout.

The Tree-Mosses are cooling and binding, and partake of a digesting and mollifying qua∣lity withal, as Galon 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 hathed with, or to sit in that are troubled with the overflowing of their Courses: The same being drunk stay∣eth the Stomach that is troubled with casting,

or the Hiccough; and as A••••i••••nna saith, it comforteth the Heart: The Pouder thereof taken in Drink for some time together, is thought available for the Dropsie.* 1.2 The Oyl of Roses that hath had fresh Moss steeped ther∣in for a time, and after boyled and applied to the Temples and Forehead, doth Merveilous∣ly eas the Headach* 1.3 coming of a hot caus, as also the Distillations of hot Rhewm or Hu∣mors to the Eyes or other parts: The Anti∣ents much used it in their Oyntments and o∣ther Medicines against Lassitude, and to strengthen and comfort the Sinews.* 1.4 For which, if it was good then, I know no reason but it may be fonnd so still.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Stone, Inflama∣tions; Fluxes, Vomiting, Bleeding, Womens Courses,
• * 1.2

  Dropsie,
• * 1.3

  Headach,
• * 1.4

  Sinews.