Vertues.
They are accounted to be both of one pro∣perty, but the lesser is more effectual, because quicker and more Aromatical: It is a friend to the Heart, Liver,* 1.1 and other the principal parts of a mans Body. Two or three of the Stalks with Leavs put into a Cup of Wine, e∣specially Clarret, are known to quicken the Spirits, refresh and cheer the Heart and drive away Melancholly. It is a special help to de∣fend the Heart from noisom vapors, and from Infection of the Pestilence, the Juyce therof being taken in som Drink, and the party laid to sweat thereupon. They have also a drying and an astringent quality, whereby they are a∣vailable in all manner of Fluxes of Bloud or Humors, to stanch bleedings inward or out∣ward, Lasks, Scourings, the Bloudy-flux, Wo∣mens too abundant Courses, the Whites, and the Chollerick belchings and castings of the Stomach; and is a singular good Wound-herb for all sorts of Wounds both of the Head and Body, either inward or outward; for all old Ulcers, or running Cankers and moist sores to be used either by the Juyce or Decoction of the Herb, or by the Pouder of the Herb or Root, or the Water of the Distilled Herb, or Ointment by it self, or with other things to be kept. The Seed is also no less effectual both to stop Fluxes and dry up moist Sores, being taken in Pouder inwardly, in Wine or steeled Water, that is, wherin hot Gads of Steel have been quenched. Or the Pouder of the Seed mixed with the Ointments.
This is an Herb the Sun challengeth domi∣nion over, and is a most precious Herb, little inferior to Betony: The continual use of it preservs the Body in health, and the Spirits in vigor; for if the Sun be the preserver of life under God, his Herbs are the best in the World to do it by.