Vervain.
Description.
THe common Vervain, hath somwhat long and broad Leaves next the ground deeply gash'd about the edges and some only deeply dented or cut all alike, of a blackish green co∣lour on the upper side, and somwhat gray un∣derneath: The Stalk is square branched into several parts, rising about two foot high, espe∣cially if you reckon the long spike of Flowers at the tops of them, which are set on all sides one above another, and somtimes two or three together, being small and gaping, of a Pur∣plish blew colour, and white intermixt; af∣ter which come small round Seed in small and somwhat long Heads: The Root is small and long, but of no use.
Place.
It groweth generally throughout this Land in diverse places by the Hedges and way sides, and other wast grounds.
Time.
It Flowreth about July, and the Seed is ripe soon after.
Vertues and Use.
Vervain is hot and dry, bitter, opening Ob∣structions, clensing, and healing,* 1.1 It helpeth the yellow Jaundice, the Dropsie, and the Gout, the defects of the Reins and Lungs, and gene∣rally, all inward pains and torments of the Bo∣dy, the Leaves being boyled and drunk; The same is held to be good against the bitings of Serpents, and other Venemous Beasts; and against the Plague, and both Tertian and Quartane Agues, killeth and expelleth Worms in the Belly, and causeth a good colour in the Face and Body, strengthneth as well as corre∣cteth the Diseases of the Liver and Spleen, is very effectual in all Diseases of the Stomach and Lungs, as Coughs, shortness of Breath and Wheesings, and is singular good against the Dropsie, to be drunk with some Peony Seeds, bruised and put thereto; and is no less prevalent for the defects of the Reins and Bladder, to clense them of those Humors that ingender the Stone, and helpeth to break the Stone and to expel Gravel: It consolidateth and healeth also all Wounds both inward and