Vertues and use.
Dioscorides saith, That the Seed bruised, heated in warm Water & drunk, helpeth those that are Bursten,* 1.1 or troubled with Cramps, or Convulsions of the Sinews, the Sciatica, or difficulty in making water, and bringeth down Womens Courses. The same taken in Wine is an Antidote or Counter poyson against all deadly Poyson, and driveth away Serpents, and other Venemous Creatures; as also the smel of the Herb being Burnt, doth the same. The Oyl thereof anointed on the Backbone before the Fits of Agues come taketh them a∣way: it taketh away Inflamations in the Eyes, if it be put with some part of a roasted Quince and boyled with a few crums of bread and ap∣plied. Boyled with Barely Meal it taketh a∣way Pimples, Pushes, or Wheals, that rise in the Face or other part of the Body. The Seed as well as the dried Herb is often given to kill the Worms in Children: The Herb bruised and laid to, helpeth to draw forth Splinters, and Thorns out of the Flesh. The Ashes thereof dryeth up and healeth old Ulcers that are without Inflamation, although by the sharpness thereof it biteth sore and putteth them to sore pains: as also the Sores in the privy Parts of man or woman. The Ashes mingled with old Sallet Oyl, helpeth those that have their hair fallen and are bald, causing the hair to grow again either on the Head or Beard. Di••rantes saith, That the Oyl made of Southernwood and put among the Oynt∣ments that are used against the French Diseas, is very effectual, and likewise killeth Lice in the Head. The Distilled Water of the Herb is said to help them much that are troubled with the Stone, as also for the Diseases of the Spleen and Mother. The Germans commend it for a singular Wound Herb, and therefore call it Stabwort. It is held by all Writers, Antient and Modern to be more offensive to the stomach than Wormwood.