Vertues and use.
The great Comfry helpeth those that spit blood, or make a Bloody Urin; The Root boyled in Water or Wine and the Decoction drunk, helpeth al inward Hurts, Bruises and Wounds, and the Ulcers of the Lungs, cau∣sing the Flegm that oppresseth them to be ea∣sily spit forth; It staieth the defluxions of Rhewm from the Head upon the Lungs, the Fluxes of Blood or humors by the Belly, Wo∣mens immoderate Courses, as well the Reds; as the Whites; and the running of the Reins hapning by what caus soever. A Syrup made therof is very effectual for all those inward Griefs and Hurts; and the distilled Water for the same purpose also, and for outward Wounds and Sores in the Fleshy, or Sinewy part of the Body whersoever; as also to take away the fits of Agues, and to allay the sharpness of Hu∣mors. A Decoction of the Leavs herof is a∣vailable to all the purposes, though not so effe∣ctual as of the Roots. The Roots being out∣wardly applied, helpeth fresh Wounds or Cuts immediatly, being bruised and laid therunto; and is especial good for Ruptures and broken Bones: yea it is said to be so powerful to con∣solidate and Knit together; that if they be boyled with dissevered pieces of Flesh in a pot it will joyn them together again. It is good to be applied to Womens Breasts that grow sore by the abundance of Milk coming into them: as also to repress the overmuch blee∣ding of the Hemorrhoids to cool the Inflama∣tion of the parts therabouts, and to give eas of pains. The Roots of Comfry taken fresh, beaten smal, and spread upon Leather, and laid upon any place troubled with the Gout, do presently give eas of the pains; and applied in the same manner giveth eas to pained Joynts and profiteth very much for running and moist Ulcers; Gangrenes,* 1.1 Mortifications, and the like, for which it hath by often experience been found helpful.
This is also an Herb of Saturn, and I sup∣pose under the Sign Capricorn, cold, dry, and earthy in quality, what was spoken of Clowns Woundwort may be said of this.