Ground Pine, or Cha∣mepitys.
Description.
OUr common Ground Pine groweth low, seldom rising above an handbreadth high, shooting, forth divers smal Branches, set with slender smal long narrow grayish or whi∣tish Leavs somwhat hairy; and devided into three parts many times many bushing together at a Joynt, and somtimes some growing scat∣teredly upon the Stalks, smelling somwhat strong like unto Rozin; the Flowers are somwhat smal and of a pale yellow colour gro∣wing from the Joynts of the Stalks all along among the Leavs, after which come small, long, and round Husks: The Root is smal woody perishing every yeer.
Place.
It groweth more plentifully in Kent than in any other Country of this Land; as namely, in many places from on this side Dartford, a∣long to Southfleet, Cotham, and Rochester, and upon Chattam down hard by the Beacon, and half a mile from Rochester in a Field nigh a Hous called Salsey.
Time.
It Flowreth and giveth Seed in the Summer Months.
Vertues and Use.
The Decoction of Ground Pine drunk, doth wonderfully prevail against the Strangury* 1.1 or any inward pains arising from the Diseases of the Reins and Urine, and is especial good for all Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen and gently openeth the Body, for which purpose they were wont in former times to make Pills with the Pouder thereof, and the Purple Figs. It marveilously helpeth all the Diseases of the Mother used inwardly, or applied outwardly, procuring Womens Courses, and expelling the dead Child and af∣terbirth, yea it is so powerful upon those Fe∣minine parts that it is utterly forbidden to Women with Child, in that it will caus abort∣ment or delivery before the time: It is as effe∣ctual also in all pains and Diseases of the Joynts, as Gouts, Cramps, Palseys, Sciatica, and Aches;* 1.2 either the Decoction of the Herb in 'Wine taken inwardly, or applied outward∣ly, or both for some time together, for which purpose the Pills made with the Pouder of Ground Pine, and of Hermodactils with Ve∣nice Turpentine are very effectual. These Pills also are special good for those that have the Dropsie, to be continued for some time. The same is a special good help for the Jaun∣dice, and for griping pains in the Joynts, Bel∣ly, or inward parts; It helpeth also all Disea∣ses of the Brain proceeding of cold and Fleg∣matick Humors and Distillations, as also for the Falling-sickness. It is an espcial Remedy for the Poyson of the Aconites of all sorts, and other poisonful Herbs, as also against the stinking of any Venemous Creature. It is a good Remedy for a cold Cough, especially in the beginning. For all this purposes afore∣said, the Herb being tunned up in new Drink and drunk is almost as effectual, but far more acceptable to weak and dainty Stomachs. The Distilled Water of the Herb hath the same ef∣fects, but more weakly. The Conserve of the Flowers doth the like, which Mathiolus much commendeth against the Palsey. The green Herb or the Decoction thereof being applied, dissolveth the hardness of Womens Breasts, and all other hard Swellings in any other part of the Body. The green Herb also applied, or the Juyce thereof with some Honey, not only clenseth putrid, stinking foul and Malignant Ulcers and Sores of all sorts, but healeth and sodereth up the lips of green Wounds in any part also.
Let Women forbear it if they be with Child, for it works violently upon the Foe∣minine part; and Mars owns it, I tell them but so.