Vertues and Use.
Scabious is very effectual for all sorts of Coughs, shortness of Breath, and all other Diseases of the Breast and Lungs, ripening and digesting cold Flegm, and other tough humors, voiding them forth by Coughing and spitting: It ripeneth also all sorts of inward Ulcers and Impostimes, the Plurisie also, if the Decoction of the Herb dry or green, be made with Wine, and drunk for some time to∣gether; four ounces of the clarified Juyce of Scabious taken in the morning fasting; with a dram of Methridate, or Venice Treacle, freeth the heart from any infection of Pestilence if after the taking of it, the party sweat two hours in their Beds; and this Medicine be again and again repeated if need require: The green Herb bruised and applied to any Carbuncle or Plague sore, is found by certain experience to dissolve or break it in three hours space. The same Decoction also drunk, helpeth the pains and Stitches in the sides. The Decoction of the Roots taken for fourty daies together, or a dram of the Pouder of them taken at a time in Whey, doth (as Math••olus saith) wonder∣fully help those that are troubled with running or spreading Scabs, Tetters, or Ringwornis; yea though they proceed of the French Pox, which he saith he hath tryed by experience: The Juyce or Decoction drunk, helpeth also Scabs and breakings out in Itch and the like: The Juyce also made up into an Oyntment and used, is effectual for the same purpose. The same also helpeth all inward Wounds by the drying, clensing, and healing quality ther∣in: A Syrup made of the Juyce and Sugar is very effectual to all the purposes aforesaid, and so is the distilled water of the Herb and Flo∣wers made in due season; especially to be used when the green Herb is not in force to be ta∣ken. The Decoction of the Herb and Roots outwardly applied, doth wonderfully help al sorts of hard or cold Swellings in any part of the Body; and is as effectual for any shrunk Sinew or Vein. The Juyce of Scabiaus made up with the Pouder of Borax and Camphl••e, clenseth the Skin of the Face or other part of the Body, not only from Freckles and Pim∣ples, but also from Morphew and Lepry. The Head washed with the same Decoction, clen∣seth it from Dandrif, Scurf, Sores Itches, and the like, being used warm. Tents also dipped in the Juyce or Water thereof not only hea∣leth all green Wounds, but old Sores and Ul∣cers also: The Herb also bruised and applied doth in short time loosen, and cause to be drawn forth any Splinter, broken bone, Arrow head, or other such like thing lying in the Flesh.