The English physitian, or An astrologo-physical discourse of the vulgar herbs of this nation being a compleat method of physick, whereby a man may preserve his body in health, or cure himself being sick for three pence charge, with such things only as grow in England ... / by Nich. Culpeper.

Vertues and use.

This Herb boyled and drunk, purgeth Chollerick and gross humors, and helpeth the Sciatica: It openeth Obstructions of the Liver, Gall, and Spleen, helping the Jaun∣dice, and easing pains in the Sides, and hard∣ness of the Spleen, used outwardly, and is gi∣ven with very good effect in Agues: It hel∣peth those that have the Dropsie or the green Sickness, being much used by the Italians in pouder for that purpose. It killeth the Worms in the Belly as is found by experience. The Decoction therof (viz.) the tops of the Stalks with the Leavs and Flowers, is good against the Chollick, and to bring down Womens Courses, helpeth to avoid the dead birth, and easeth pains of the Mother, and is very effe∣ctual in al old pains of the Joynts, as the Gout,* 1.1 Cramps, or Convulsions.* 1.2 A dram of the Pouder therof taken in Wine, is a wonderful good help against the biting and poyson of the Adder. The Juyce of the Herb with a little Honey put to it, is good to cleer the Eyes from dimness, mists, and clouds that of∣fend

or hinder the Sight: It is singular good both for green and fresh Wounds, as also for old Ulcers* 1.3 and Sores, to close up the one and clens the other, and perfectly to cure them both, although they be hollow or Fistulous; the green Herb especially being bruised and laid therto. The Decoction therof dropped into the Ears, clenseth them from Worms, clen∣seth the foul Ulcers and spreading Scabs of the Head, and taketh away al Freckles, Spots,* 1.4 and Marks in the Skin being washed therwith.

The Herb is so safe you cannot fail in the using of it, only give inwardly for inward Diseases, use it outwardly for outward Diseases, 'Tis very wholsom but not very toothsom.

Dr. Reason and Dr. Experience could not a∣gree (the last time I spake with them) whe∣ther the Herb were under the Dominion of the Sun or Mars.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Choller, Sciatica, Obstructi∣ons, Lver, Gall, Spleen, Agues, Dropsie, green sick∣ness, Chol∣lick, Terms provokes, Joynts, Gout, Sci∣atica,
• * 1.2

  Cramp, Convulsi∣on, Vene∣mous Beasts,
• * 1.3

  Eyes, Wounds, ulcers.
• * 1.4

  Ears, Scabby Heads, Freckles, Spots,