Page 89
Nep, or Catmint.
Description.
THe common garden Nep shooteth forth hard four square Stalks with a hoariness on them, a yard high or more, full of Branches, bearing at every Joynt two broad Leavs, somwhat like Balm but longer pointed, softer, whiter, and more hoary, nicked about the edges, and of a strong sweet scent. The Flowers grow in large tusts at the tops of the Branches, and un∣derneath them likewise on the Stalks many to∣gether, of a whitish Purple colour. The Roots are composed of many long strings or Fibres, fastning themselves strongly in the ground, and abide with green Leavs thereon all the Winter.
Place.
It is only nursed up in our Gardens.
Time.
And it flowreth in July or thereabouts.
Vertues and Use
Nep is generally used for Women to procure their Courses, being taken inwardly or out∣wardly, either alone or with other convenient Herbs in a decoction to bath them, or sit over the hot fumes therof, and by the frequent use thereof it taketh away barrenness, and the wind and pains of the Mother.* 1.1 It is also used in pains of the Head coming of any cold caus, as Catarrh's, Rhewms, and for swimming and giddiness thereof, and is of especial use for the windiness of the Stomach and Belly. It is effectual for any Cramps or cold aches to dissolve the cold and wind that afflicteth the place, and is used for Colds, Coughs, and shortness of breath. The Juyce thereof drunk in Wine is profitable for those that are bruised by any accident. The green Herb bruised and applied to the Fundament, and lying there two or three hours, easeth the pains of the Piles. The Juyce also being made up into an Oyntment, is effectual for the same purpose: The head washed with a Decoction thereof, it taketh away Scabs; and may be effectual for other parts of the Body also.
It is an Herb of Venus.