Pharmacopœia Londinensis, or, The London dispensatory further adorned by the studies and collections of the Fellows, now living of the said colledg ... / by Nich. Culpeper, Gent.

ROOTS.

ACANTHI, Brancae Ursinae. Of Bears-breech, or Brank-ursine; it is meanly hot and dry, it helps ach and numness of the joynts, and is of a binding quality, good for wounds and bro∣ken bones. Dioscorides saith, they are profita∣ble for Ruptures, or such as are bursten, or burnt with fire, a drachm of the Root in Pouder being taken in the morning fasting, in a Decoction made with the same Root and Water.

Acori, Veri, Perigrini vulgaris, &c. See Calamus Aromaticus. I shall not, nor dare not make a long Paraphrase about the sorts of it, one of which is Water-flag, or Flower-de-luce, which is hot and dry in the second degree, binds, strengthens, stops fluxes of the belly, and immo∣derate flowing of the terms in women, a drachm being taken in red wine every morning.

Alljum. Garlick. It is hot and dry in the fourth degree, breeds naughty and corrupt blood, yet is an enemy to all Poysons, and such as are bitten by cold venemous beasts, viz. Adders, Toads, Spiders, &c. it provokes urin, and expels wind.

Alcannae. Of Privet. See the Leaves.

Althaeae. Of Marshmallows: are meanly hot, of a digesting softning nature, ease pains, help bloody fluxes, the stone and gravel; being bruised and well boyled in Milk, and the Milk drunk, is a gallant Remedy for the gripings of the belly, and the Bloody flux: If a Feaver accom∣pany the Disease, boyl a handful of common Mallow leaves with a handful of these Roots.

Angelicae. Of Angelica; is hot and dry in the third degree, strengthens the heart excee∣dingly, and is a singular remedy against pesti∣lence and poyson, half a drachm taken in the morning fasting.

Anchusae. Of Alkanet; cold and dry, bin∣ding, good for old Ulcers.

Anthorae. An outlandish root, the counter∣poyson for Monkshood, it is an admirable re∣medy for the wind-chollick, and resists poyson. They that would know more of it, let them reade Guainerius, and Solerius, both which li∣ved neer the places where it plentifully grew.

Apii. Of Smallage. See the Barks.

Aristolochiae. Of Birthwort: of which are three sorts, long, round, and climing: All hot and dry in the third degree.

The long, being drunk in Wine, brings a∣way* 1.1 both birth and after-birth, and whatsoever a careless Midwife hath left behind.* 1.2

The round, being drunk with Wine, helps (besides the former) stuffings of the lungues, hardness of the spleen, ruptures, convulsions; both of them resist poyson.

I never read any use of the climing Birthwort. Artanitae, Cyclaminis, &c, Of Sowbread: hot and dry in the third degree, a most violent purge, dangerous; outwardly applied to the place, it profits much in the bitings of vene∣mous beasts, also being hung about women in labor, it causeth speedy deliverance. See the Herb.

Arundinis, Vallatoriae, & Saccharinae. Of common Reeds and sugar Reeds. The Roots of common Reeds applied to the place draw out thorns, case sprains; the ashes of them mixed with Vinegar, take scurf, or dandrif off from the head, and prevent the falling off of the hair, they are hot and dry in the second degree, according to Galen.

I would not have the Reader build too much confidence upon the degrees of temperature (or more properly intemperature) neither of this, or any other Simple, because most of them are quo∣ted by Outlandish Authors; and out of question the difference of the climate may somthing alter their temperature in degree.

I never read any vertue of the Root of Sugar Cane.

Ari, &c. Of Cuckow-pints, or Wake-Ro∣bin, hot and dry in the third degree. I know no great good they do inwardly taken, unless to play the rogue withal, or make sport: outward∣ly applied, they take off Scurf, Morphew, or Frec∣kles from the face, and cleer the skin, and case the pains of the Gout.

Asclepiadis, vincetoxici. Of Swallow-wort, hot and dry, good against poyson, and gripings of the belly, as also against the bitings of mad∣dogs, taken inwardly.

Asari. Of Asarabacca: the Roots are a safer purge than the Leaves and not so violent, I do not much fancy any of them both, ignorant people had better let them alone than be too bu∣sie with what they have no skill in: they purge by vomit, stool, and urine, they are profitable for such as have Agues, Dropsies, stoppings of the Liver, or Spleen, green sickness.

Asparagi. Of Sparagus, or Sperage: they are temperate in quality, opening, they provoke urine, and cleanse the reins and bladder, being boyled in white wine, and the wine drunk.

Asphodeli, Hastae Regiae, foem. Of Kings spear, or foemale Asphodel. I know no physical use of the Roots, probably there is: for I do not be∣leeve God created any thing of no use.

Asphodeli, Albuci, maris, of male Asphodel. Hot and and dry in the second degree. Inward∣ly taken, they provoke vomit, urine, and the terms in women: outwardly used in Oyntments, they cause hair to grow, clense Ulcers, take a∣way Morphew and Freckles from the face.

Bardanae &c. Of Bur, Clot-bur, or Bur∣dock,* 1.3 temperately hot and dry. Helps such as spit blood and matter, bruised and mixed with* 1.4 salt and applied to the place, helps the bitings of mad-dogs. It expels wind, easeth pains of the teeth, strengthens the back, helps the running of the reins, and the whites in women, being taken inwardly.

Behen. alb. rub. Of Valerian, white and red. Mesue, Serapio and other Arabians say they are hot and moist, in the latter end of the first, or beginning of the second degree, and comfort the heart, stir up lust. The Graecians held them to be dry in the second degree, that they stop fluxes, and provoke urine.

Bellidjs. Of Dacies. See the Leaves.

Betae, nigrae, albae, rubrae. Of Beets, black, white, and red; as for black Beets I have no∣thing to say, I doubt they are as rare as black Swans. The red Beet root boyled and preserved in Vinegar, makes a fine cool, pleasing, clensing, digesting sawce. See the Leaves.

Bistortae &c. Of Bistort, or Snakeweed, cold and dry in the third degree, binding, the quan∣tity of half a dram at a time taken inwardly, resist pestilence and poyson, helps ruptures, and brui∣ses, staies fluxes, vomiting, and immoderate flowing of the terms in women, helps inflama∣tions and soreness of the mouth, and fastens loose teeth, being bruised and boyled in white Wine and the mouth washed with it.

Borraginis. Of Borrage, hot and moist in* 1.5 the first degree, cheers the heart, helps drooping spirits.

Brionae &c. Of Briony both white and black, they are both hot and dry, some say in the third degree, and some say, but in the first: they purge flegm and watry humors, but they trouble the stomach much, they are very good for dropsies; the white is most in use, and is admirable good for the fits of the Mother; both of them externally used, take away Freckles, Sun∣burning and Morphew from the face, and clense filthy Ulcers: It is but a churlish purge, but being let alone, can do no harm.

Buglossi. Of Bugloss: Its vertues are the same with Borrage, and the Roots of either sel∣dom used.

Bulbus Vomitorius. A vomiting Root: I ne∣ver read of it elsewhere by this general name.

Calami Aromatici. Of Aromatical Reed, or sweet garden flag: It provokes Urine, streng∣thens the lungues, helps bruises, resists poyson, &c. being taken inwardly in pouder, the quan∣tity of half a drachm at a time. In beating of it be very speedy, for the strength will quickly fly out. You may mix it with Syrup of Violets, if your body be feaverish.

Capparum. Of Cappar Roots. Are hot and dry in the second degree, cutting and clensing; they provoke the Terms, help malignant Ulcers, case the Toothach, asswage Swellings, and help the Rickets. See Oyl of Cappers.

Cariophillatae &c. Of Avens, or Herb Ben∣net. The Roots are dry, and somthing hot, of a cleansing quality, they keep garments from be∣ing moth-eaten. See the Leaves.

Caulium. Of Coleworts. I know nothing

the Roots are good for, but only to bear the the herbs and flowers.

Centaurij Majoris. Of Centaury the greater. The Roots help such as are bursten, such as spit blood, shrinking of sinews, shortness of wind, Coughs, Convulsions, Cramps: half a drachm in pouder being taken inwardly, either in Mus∣chadel, or in a Decoction of the same Roots. They are either not at all, or very scarce in Eng∣land, our Centaury is the smal Centaury.

Cepae. Of Onions. Are hot and dry (ac∣cording to Galen) in the fourth degree: they cause driness, and are extreamly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for cho∣lerick people, they breed but little nourishment, and that little is naught; they are bad meat, yet good Physick for flegmatick people, they are o∣pening, and provoke Urine, and the terms, if cold be the cause obstructing; bruised and out∣wardly applied, they cure the bitings of mad dods; rosted and applied, they help Boils, and Aposthumes; raw, they take the fire out of burnings; but ordinarily eaten, they cause head∣ach, spoil the sight, dull the sences, and fill the body full of wind.

Chameleontis albi nigri &c. Of Chameleon white and black. Tragus calleth the Carline Thistle by the name of white Chameleon, the root whereof is hot in the second degree, and dry in the third; it provokes sweat, kils worms, resists pestilence and poyson, it is given with success in pestilential feavers, helps the tooth∣ach, by being chewed in the mouth, opens the stoppings of the Liver and Spleen, it provokes urine, and brings down the terms: give but lit∣tle of it at a time, by reason of its heat. As for the black Chemeleon, All Physicians hold it to have a kind of venemous quality, and unfit to be used inwardly, both Galen, Clusius, Nican∣der, Dioscorides, and Aegineta. Outwardly in Oyntments, it is profitable for Scabs, Morphew, Tetters, &c. and all things that need clensing.

Chelidonij, majoris, minoris. Of Celondine, the greater and lesser: The greater is that which we usually call Celondine: The Root is mani∣festly hot and dry, clensing and scouring, proper for such as have the yellow Jaundice, it opens obstructions of the Liver; being boyled in white Wine, and the Decoction drunk; and if chewed in the mouth it helps the tooth-ach.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 the lesser is that which usually we call Pilewort, which though Galen, and Dio∣scorides teach to be hot in the fourth degree, and might happily be so in those Countries where they lived, yet with us it scarce exceeds the first degree, the Juyce of the root mixed with Honey and snuffed up into the nose, purgeth the Head, helps the Hemorrhoids or Piles being bathed with it, as also doth the root only carried about one, being made into an Oyntment helps the* 1.6 disease in the neck commonly called the Kings Evil.

China, wonderfully extenuateth and drieth, provoketh sweat, resisteth putrefaction, it streng∣thens the Liver, helps the Dropsie and malig∣nant Ulcers, Leprosie, Itch, and French-pocks, and is profitable in Diseases coming of fasting. It is commonly used in diet drinks for the pre∣mises.

Cichoris. Of Succory; cools and dries in the second degree, strengthens the Liver and Veins, it opens obstructions, stoppings of the Liver and Spleen, being boyled in white Wine and the Decoction drunk.

Colchici. Of Meadow-Saffron. The Roots are held to be hurtful to the stomach, therefore I let them alone.

Consolidae, majoris, minoris. Consolida major, is that which we ordinarily call Comfry; it is of a cold quality, yet pretty temperate, of such a gluttenous quality that according to Dioscorides they will joyn meat together that is cut in sun∣der, if they be boyled with it; it is excellent for all wounds, both internal and external, for spit∣ting of blood, Ruptures or Burstness, pains in the back, it strengthens the Reins, it stops the Terms, and helpeth Hemorrholds. The way to use them is to boyl them in water and drink the Decoction.

Consolida minor, is that we call Self-heal, and the Latins Prunella. See the Herb.

Costi utriusque. Of Costus both sorts, being Roots coming from beyond Sea, hot and dry, break wind, being boyld in Oyl, it is held to help the Gout by anointing the grieved place with it.

Cucumeris agrestis. Of wild Cucumer Roots, or Cowcumber as the vulgar call them; they purge flegm, and that with such violence, that I would advise the Country man that knows not how to correct them, to let them alone.

Cinarae &c. Of Artichokes. The Root purgeth by Urin, whereby the rank savor of the body is much amended.

Cynoglossae &c. Of Houndstong. Cold and dry: being roasted and laid to the fundament, helps the Hemorrhoids, is also good against bur∣nings and Scaldings.

Curcumae. Of Turmerick, hot, in the third degree, opens obstructions, is profitable against the yellow Jaundice, and cold distempers of the Liver and Spleen, half a drachm being taken at night going to bed in the pulp of a rosted Apple, and if you ad a little Saffron to it, it will be the better by far.

Cyperi utriusque, longi, rotundi. Of Cyperus grass, or English Galanga, both sorts, long and round; is of a warming nature, provokes urine, breaks the Stone, provokes the Terms; the A∣shes of them (being burnt) is used for Ulcers in the mouth, Cankers, &c.

Dauci. Of Carrots. Are moderately hot and moist, breed but little nourishment, and it extream windy; I omit what vertues Galen writes of them, as being confident there was such a difference between them, that our Carrots will never answer those effects, or if any do, 'tis the wild kind.

Dentaria majoris &c. Of Tooth-wort, too∣thed Violets, or Coral-wort; they are drying, binding, and strengthening; are good to ease

pains in the sides and bowels; also being boy∣led, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is said to be good to wash green Wounds and Ulcers with.

Dictamni. Of Dittany: is hot and dry in the third degree, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 travail in women, provokes the Terms. (See the Leaves.)

〈◊〉〈◊〉. Of Doronicum, a supposed kind of Wolf-bane: I am of opinion that Serapio and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and other Arabian Physitians did not intend that Root we now use for Doronicum when they wrote so much against it, I shall ad∣hear to the judgment of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which is verifi∣ed by dayly experience; It is hot and dry in the third degree, strengthens the heart, is a soveraign cordial, and preservative against the Pestilence; It helps the Vertigo or swimming of the head, is admirable against the bitings of Venemous beasts, and such as have taken too much Opium, as also for Lethargies, the Juyce helps hot 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the eyes; a scruple of the Root in pouder is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to take at one time.

〈◊〉〈◊〉, Dracunculi. Diverse Authors at∣tribute 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 to this name, it is most pro∣bable* 1.7 to me that they mean Dragons, the Roots* 1.8 of which cleanse mightily, and take away proud, or dead flesh, the very smell of them is hurtful for women with Child, outwardly in Oynt∣ments, they take away Scurf, Morphew, and Sun∣burning; I would not wish any unless very well read in Physick, to take them inwardly.

Ebuli. Of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Elder, Walwort, or Dane∣wort; hot and dry in the third degree; the Roots are as gallant a purge for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as any is under the Sun, which besides the Autho∣rity of the Ancient, was often proved by the ne∣ver dying Dr. Butler of Cambridg, as my self have it in a Manuscript of his. You may take a drachm or two drachms (if the Patient be strong) in white Wine at a tim.

Echij. Of Vipers Bugloss, or Wild Bugloss: I warrant you if Authors had not differed about this herb, the Colledg would have set down five or six names to have explained their meaning, as they usually do where they need not: I have set down the most usual name, and alwaies quote the vertues to what I set down: They say the root of this being carried in ones hand, no vene∣mous beast will bite him, (and so they say of Dragons which I forgot before) so that you may walk without danger amongst Adders, Vipers, and Serpents; (but I beleeve you had best have a care you do not tread upon them): this root is cold and dry, good for such as are bitten by vene∣mous beasts, either being boiled in Wine and drunk, or bruised and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the place; being also boiled in Wine and drunk, it encreaseth milk in Nurses.

Ellebori, Veratri, albi, nigri. Of Helle∣bore, white and black. The root of white Hel∣lebore, or Sneezwort, being grated and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up the nose, causeth Sneezing, kills Rats, and Mice, being mixed with their meat: it is but a scurvy, churlish Medicine; being taken inwardly, and therefore better let alone than used; and yet Dr. Bright commends it for such as are mad through Melancholly. Others are of opinion such harsh Medicines are not convenient for so sullen an humor, and of that opinion am I my self: If you will use it, for sneezing, let your head and neck be wrapped hot for fear of car∣ching cold.

Black Hellebore, Bears-foot, or Christmas flower; both this and the former are hot and dry in the third degree. This is nothing so vio∣lent nor dangerous as the former, Both Galen, and Julius Alexandrinus, report the roots of this boiled in Vineger to be an admirable remedy against inveterate Scabs, Itch and Leprosie, the same helps the Tooth-ach, being held in the mouth, and dropped into the ears, help deafness coming of Melancholly, and noise in the ears; a 1.9 corrected with a little Cionamon (in pouder) it purgeth Melancholly, resisteth Madness. Al∣so Pliny, Absyrtus, and Columella, affirm that a piece of root put into a hole made in the ear of a beast troubled with the Cough, or that hath ta∣ken any poyson, and drawn quite through next day about that time, helpeth them: out of que∣stion it is a special thing to rowel Cattel with∣all.

Enulae Campanae, Helenij. Of Elecampane. Is hot and dry in the third degree, wholsom for the stomach, resists poyson, helps old Coughs and shortness of breath, helps Ruptures and pro∣vokes lust: in Oyntments, it is good against Scabs and Itch.

Endiviae &c. Of Endive. Garden Endive which is the root here specified, is held to be somewhat colder, though not so dry and clean∣sing as that which is wild, it cools hot stomachs, hot livers, amends the blood corrupted by heat, and therefore must needs be good in Feavers; it cools the Reins, and therefore prevents the Stone, it opens obstructions and provokes Urine, you may bruise the root and boyl it in white wine, 'tis very harmless.

Eringij. Of Eringo, or Sea-holy: the roots are moderately hot, something drying and clen∣sing, bruised and applied to the place, they help the Scrophula, or diseace in the throat called the Kings Evil, they break the Stone, encrease seed, stir up lust, provoke the Terms &c.

Esulae, majoris, minoris. Of Spurge the grea∣ter and lesser; they are both (taken inwardly) too violent for a vulgar use; outwardly in Oyntments they clense the Skin, and take away sunburning.

Filicis &c. Fearn, of which are two grand di∣stinctions, viz. male and foemale; I suppose they intend the male here, because they adjoyn some other names to it, which the Greeks attributed only to the male, the foemale is that which we in Sussex call Brakes; both of them are hot and dry, and exellent good for the Rickets in children, and diseases of the Spleen, but dangerous for women with child.

Filipendulae. Of Dropwort, The roots are hot and dry in the third degree, opening, clen∣sing, yet somewhat binding, they provoke U∣rine, case pains in the bladder, and are a good

preservative against the Falling sickness.

Foeniculi. Of Fennl: The root is hot and dry, some say in the third degree, opening; it pro∣vokes Urine, and the Terms, strengthens the Liver, and is good against the dropsie.

Fraxini. Of Ash-tree. I know no great ver∣tues in Physick of the roots.

Galangae, majoris, minoris. Galanga com∣monly called Galingal, the greater and lesser: They are hot and dry in the third 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the lesser are accounted the hotter, it strengthens the stomach exceedingly, and takes away the pains thereof coming of cold or wind, the smel* 1.10 of it strengthens the brain, it releeves saint hearts, takes away windiness of the womb, heats the Reins, and provokes lust: you may take half a drachm at a time.

Gentianae, Of Gentian, called so from* 1.11 his name that first found it out, some call it Felwort, and Baldmoney. It is hot, clenssng, and scour∣ing, a notable counterpoyson, it opens obstru∣ctions, helps the bitings of venemous beasts, and mad dogs, helps digestion, and clenseth the body of raw humors; our Chyrurgians use the root in form of a tent, to open the sore, they are also very profitable for Ruptures, or such as are burst,

〈◊〉〈◊〉. Of Liquoris; the best that is grows in England: it is hot and moist in tem∣perature, helps the roughness of the Wind∣pipe, Hoarsness, diseases in the Kidnies, and Bladder, and ulcers in the Bladder, (which in my opinion is a very difficult thing to cure, al∣though curable) it concocts raw humors in the stomach, helps difficulty of breathing, is pro∣fitable for all salt humors; the root dried and beaten into pouder and the pouder put into the eye, is a special remedy for a Pin and a Web.

Graminis. Of Grass, such as in London they call Couch-Grass, and Squitch-grass, in Sussex Dog-Grass. It gallantly provokes Urine, and easeth the Kidnies 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with Gravel, gri∣pings of the belly, and difficulty of Urine. Let* 1.12 such as are troubled with these Diseases, drink* 1.13 a draught of white Wine, wherein these Roots (being bruised) have been boyled for their mor∣nings draught; if they find ease, let them thank God, if not, let them blame me. Bruised and applied to the place, they speedily help green Wounds.

Hermodactyli. Of Hermodactils. They are hot and dry, purge flegm, especially from the joynts, therefore are good for Gouts, and other Diseases in the Joynts. Their vices are corre∣cted with long Pepper, Ginger, Cinnamon, or Mastich: I would not have unskilful people too busie with Purges.

Hyacinthi. Of Jacinths: The Roots are dry in the first degree, and cold in the second; they stop loosness, bind the belly.

Iridis, vulgaris, & Florentinae, &c. Orris, or Flower-de-luce (after the French name) both that which grows with us, and that which comes from Florence. They are hot and dry in the third degree, resist poyson, help shortness of the breath, provoke the terms; the Root being green and bruised, takes away blackness and blewness of a stroke being applied thereto.

Imperitoriae &c. Of Masterwort. The Root is hot and dry in the third degree; mitigates the rigor of agues, helps Dropsies, provokes Sweat, breaks Carbuncles, and Plague-sores be∣ing applied to them; it is very profitable being given inwardly in bruises.

Isatidis, Glasti. Of Woad. I know no great Physical vertue in the Root. See the Herb.

Labri Veneris, Dipsaci. Fullers-Thistle, Teazle. The Root being boyled in Wine till it be thick (quoth Discorides) helps by unction the clefts of the Fundament, as also takes away Warts and Wens. Galen saith, they are dry in the second degree: and I take it all Authors hold them to be cold and dry.

Lactucae. Of Lettice. I know no Physical vertue residing in the Roots.

Lauri. Of the Bay-tree. The Bark of the Root, drunk with Wine, provokes Urine, breaks the Stone, opens obstructions of the Liver and* 1.14 Spleen. But according to Dioscorides is naught for women with Child.

Lapathi acuti, Oxylapathi. Sorrel, according to Galen: but Sharp-pointed-Dock, according to Dioscorides: But which the Colledg intends, I know not. The Roots of Sorrel are held to be profitable against the Jaundice. Of Sharp∣pointed Dock; clense, and helps Scabs, and Itch.

Levistici, Of Lovage. They are hot and dry, and exceeding good for any diseases coming of wind.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 albi. Of white 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Root is somthing hot and dry, helps Burnings, softens the Womb, provokes the Terms; if boyled in Wine, is given with good success in rotten Fea∣vers, Pestilences, and all Diseases that require suppuration: (it being outwardly applied) helps Ulcers in the head, and amends the ill colour of the face.

Malvae. Of Mallows. They are cool, and digesting, resist Poyson, and help Errosions, or gnawing of the bowels, or any other part; as al∣so Ulcers in the Bladder. See Marsh-mallows.

Mandagorae. Of Mandrakes. A Root dan∣gerous for its coldness, being cold in the fourth 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the Root is scarcy, and dangerous for the vulgar to use; therefore I leave it to those that have skill.

Mechoachanae. Of Mechoacan. It is corre∣cted with Cinnamon, is temperate, yet drying, purgeth flegm chiefly from the head and joynts, it is good for old diseases in the head, and may safely be given even to Feaverish bodies, because of its temperature, it is also profitable against Coughs and pains in the Reins; as also against the French-Pox: the strong may take a dram at a time.

Mei &c. Spignel. The Roots are hot and dry in the second or third degree, and send up unwholsom vapors to the head; and therefore seeing God hath alootted such plentiful Remedy

for those maladies, this Root conduceth to the cure of: I pass it by with silence.

Mezerei &c. Of Spurge Olive, or Widdow∣wail. See the Herb, if you think it worth the seeing.

Merorum Celci. Of the Mulberry-tree. The bark of the Root is bitter, hot and dry, opens stoppings of Liver and Spleen, purgeth the bel∣ly, and kills worms, boyled in Vinegar, helps the tooth-ach.

Morsus Diaboli, Succisae &c. Devils-bit. See the Herb.

Nardi Spicae, Indicae, Celticae. Of Spiknard, Indian, and Celtique. Celtick Nard, according to Rondetitius wonderfully provokes Urine. They are both hot and dry, but I let the degree alone, till the Learned are agreed about it: The Indian also provokes Urine, and stops fluxes, helps windiness of the Stomach, resisteth the pe∣stilence, helps gnawing pains of the Stomach, and dries up Rhewms that molest the head. The Celtick Spicknard performs the same offices though in a weaker measure.

Nenupharis, Nymphae. Of Water-Lillies. They are cold and dry, and stop lust: I never dived so deep to find any other vertue the Roots have.

Ononidis, Arrestae Bovis &c. Of Cammock, or Rest-Harrow: so called because it makes Oxen stand still when they are ploughing. The Roots are hot and dry in the third degree; it breaks the Stone, (viz. the bark of it) the Root it self, according to Pliny, helps the Falling∣sickness, according to Mathiolus, helps Rup∣tures; you may take half a dram at a time.

Ostrutij. Masterwort: given once before un∣der the name of Imperitoria. But I have som∣thing else to do than to write one thing twice as they did.

Pastinatae, Sativae, & silvestris. Garden and wild Parsnips. They are of a temperate quality, enclining something to heat: the Garden Par∣snips provoke lust, and nourish as much and more too, than any Root ordinarily eaten; the Wild are more Physical, (and so are usually all Wild Plants, I could give reasons for it if I durst spend time and paper) being cutting, clensing, and opening; they resist the bitings of vene∣mous beasts, ease pains and stitches in the sides, and are a soveraign Remedy against the Wind Chollick.

Pentaphyllis Of Cinkfoyl: Commonly cal∣led Five-leaved, or Five-fingered grass; the Root is very drying, but very moderately hot: It is admirable against all Fluxes, and stops blood flowing from any part of the body, it helps infirmities of the Liver and Lungues, helps putrified ulcers of the mouth, the Root boyled in Vinegar is good against the Shingles, and ap∣peaseth the rage of any fretting sores. You may sasely take a drachm at a time in any convenient Liquor.

Petacitae. Of butter-bur. The Roots are hot and dry in the second degree, they are exceeding good in violent and pestilential Feavers, they provoke the Terms, expel Poyson, and kill Worms.

Peucedani, foeniculi porcini. Of Sulphur∣wort, Hog-fennel, or Hore-strange. It is very good applied to the navils of Children that stick out, Ruptures; held in the mouth, it is a present Remedy for the fits of the Mother; it being ta∣taken inwardly, gives speedy deliverance to wo∣men in travail, and brings away the after-birth.

Poeoniae, maris, foemellae. Of Peony, male, and foemale. They are meanly hot, but more drying, the male is more effectual in operation than the foemale (say Authors) and yet quoth Dr. Reason, why should not the male be best for men, and the foemale for women? The Root helps women not sufficiently purged after tra∣vail, it provokes the Terms, and helps pains in the Belly, as also in the Reins and Bladder, Fal∣ling-sickness, and Convulsions in children, be∣ing either taken inwardly or hung about their necks. You may take half a drachm at a time, and less for children.

Phu, Valerinae, majoris, minoris. Valerian, or Setwal, greater and lesser. They are tempe∣rately hot, the greater provoke Urine and the Terms, helps the Strangury, staies Rhewms in the Head, and takes away the pricking pains thereof. The lesser resists Poyson, asswageth the swelling of the Cods, coming either through wind or cold, helps cold taken after sweating or labor, Wind Chollick; outwardly it draws out thorns, and cures both Wounds and Ulcers.

Pimpinellae &c. Of Burnet. It doth this good, To bring forth a gallant Physical Herb.

Plantaginis. Of Plantane. The Root is somthing dryer than the Leaf, but not so cold, it opens stoppages of the Liver, helps the Jaun∣dice and Ulcers of the Reins and Bladder. Dio∣scorides affirmeth that one Root helpeth a Quo∣tidian Ague, three a Tertain, and four a Quartan, which though our late writers hold to be fabu∣lous, yet there may be a greater truth in it than they are aware of; yet I am as loth to make Su∣perstition a foundation to build on as any of them, let Experience be Judg, and then we weigh not modern Jury Men. A little bit of the Root being eaten, instantly staies pains in the Head, even to admiration.

Polypodij. Of Polypodium, or Fearn of the Oak. It is a gallant, though gentle purger of Melancholly; Also in the opinion of Mesue (as famous a Physitian as ever I read for a Gal∣lenist) it dries up superfluous Humors, takes a∣way swellings from the hands, feet, knees, and joynts, stitches, and pains in the sides, infirmi∣ties of the Spleen, Rickets: correct it with a few Annis seeds, or Fennel seeds, or a little Ginger, and then the stomach will not loath it. Your best way of taking it, is to bruise it well, and boyl it in white Wine till half be consumed, you may put in much, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 little, according to strength of the Diseased, it works very safely. I can give no better reason why Polypodium of the Oak should be the best, unless because 'tis rarest, it draws either very little sap from the Oak, or

none at all; or if it did, the reason were as far to seek. I am of opinion, that which grows on the ground is the best to evacuate Melancholly, but it is more Sympathetical.

Poligonati, sigilli Solomonis &c. Of Solo∣mons Seal. Let it be no dishonor to Galen nor Dioscorides that English men have found out in late daies that these Roots may safely be given inwardly; Intruth they may be excused if the difference of the climates they and we lived, and now live in, be but considered, neither I hope will my Country men blame me for follo∣wing only Dr. Experience in the vertues of this Root: stamped and boyled in Wine it speedily helps (being drunk I mean, for it will not do the deed by looking upon it) all broken bones, it is of an incredible vertue that way; as also being stamped and applyed to the place it soon heals all Wounds, and quickly takes away the black and blew marks of blows, being bruised and applied to the place, and for these, I am perswaded there is not a better Medicine under the Sun (or as Copernicus and Kipler will have it above the Sun.)

Porri. Of Leeks. They say they are hot and dry in the fourth degree, they breed but ill favo∣red nourishment at the best, they spoil the eyes, heat the body, caus troublesom sleep, and are noi∣som to the stomach, yet are they good for some∣thing else (than only to stick in Welchmens hats) for the juyce of them dropped into the ears, takes away the noise of them, mixed with a little Viniger and snuffed up the nose, it staies the bleeding of it; they are better of the two boiled then raw, but both waies exceeding hurtfull for Ulcers in the bladder; and so are Onions and Garlick.

Prunellorum Silvestrium. Of Slo-bush, or Slo-tree. I think the Colledge set this amongst the roots only for fashion sake, and I did it be∣cause they did.

Pyrethri Salivaris &c. Pelitory of Spain. It is hot and dry in the foutrh degree, chewed in the mouth, it draws away Rewm in the Tooth-ach; bruised and boiled in oyl, it provokes sweat by unction; inwardly taken, they say it helps Pal sies and other cold effects in the brain and nerves.

Rhapontici. Reupontick, or Reubarb of Pon∣tus. It takes away windiness, and weakness of sto∣mach, sighings, sobbings, spittings of blood, dis∣eases of the Liver and Spleen, Rickets &c. if you take a dram at a time it will purge a little but bind much, and therefore fit for foul bodies that have fluxes.

Rhabarbari. Of Reubarb. It gently purgeth Choller from the stomach and liver, opens stop∣pings, withstands the Dropsie, Hypocondriack Melancholly, a little boyling takes away the ver∣tue of it, and therefore it is best given by infu∣sion only; If your body be any thing strong you may take two drams of it at a time being slised thin and steeped all night in white Wine, in the morning strain it out and drink the white Wine; it purgeth but gently, it leaves a binding quality behind it, therefore dryed a little by the fire and beaten into pouder, it is usually given in Fluxes.

Rhaphani, Domesticae & sylvestris. Of Radi∣shes, Garden and Wild. Garden Radishes pro∣voke Urine, break the stone, and purge by urine exceedingly, yet breed very bad blood, are of∣fensive to the stomach, and hard of digestion, hot and dry in quality. Wild, or Horse Radi∣shes, such as grow in ditches, are hotter and dri∣er than the former, and more effectual in the premises.

Rhodie Rad. Rose Root, called (I suppose) by that name because of its sweetness. Stamped and applied to the head it mitigates the pains thereof, being somewhat cool in quality.

Rhabarbari Monachorum. Patience, Monks∣Reubarb, or BastardReubarb, It also purgeth, clenseth the blood, opens obstructions of the liver.

Rubiae tinctorum. Of Maddir. In this were Galen and Dioscorides quite beside the cushion, in saying this root was opening, and clensing, when clean contrary; it is both drying and binding, yet not without some opening quality, for it helps the Yellow Jaundice, and therefore opens the obstructions of the Liver and Gall; it is given with good success to such as have had bruises by falls, stops Loosness, the Hemor∣rhoids, and the Terms in women.

Rusci. Of Knee-holly, or Butchers-broom, or Bruscus. They are meanly hot and dry, pro∣voke urine, break the stone, and help such as cannot piss freely. Vse them like grass roots.

Sambuci. Of Elder. I know no wonders the root will do.

Sarsae-Parigliae, Of Sarsa-Parilla, or bind∣weed; somewhat hot and dry, helpful against pains in the head, and joynts, they provoke sweat, and are used familiarly in drying Diet drinks.

Satyrij utriusque. Of Satyrion, each sort. They are hot and moist in temper, provoke lust, and encrease seed; each branch beareth two roots, both spongy, yet the one more solid than the o∣ther, which is of most vertue, and indeed only to be used, for some say the most spongy root is quite contrary in operation to the other, as the one increaseth, the other decreaseth; yet if in your eye they contend for dignities, put them both in water, and the most solid which is for use will sink, the other swim.

Saxifragiae albae. Of white Saxifrage; in Sussex we call them Lady-smocks. The roots powerfully break the Stone, expel wind, provoke Urine, and cleanse the reins.

Sanguisorbae. A kind of Burnet.

Scabiosaer Of Scabious. The roots either boyled or beaten into pouder and so taken, helps such as are extreamly troubled with Scabs and Itch, are medicinal in the French-pocks, hard swellings, inward wounds, being of a drying, clensing, and healing faculty.

Scordij. Of Scordium, or Water Germander. See the Herb.

Scillae. Of Squils. See the Vineger, and Wine of Squils in the Compounds.

Scrophulariae &c. Of Figwort. The roots being of the same vertue with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, I refer you thither.

Scorzonerae. Of Vipers grass. The root cheers the heart, and strengthens the vital spirits, resists poyson, helps passions and tremblings of the heart, faintness, sadness, and melancholly, opens stoppings of the liver and spleen, provekes the terms, easeth women of the sits of the mo∣ther, and helps swimmings in the head.

Seseleos. Of Seseli, or Hart-wort. The roots provoke mine, helps the falling sickness.

Sisari, secacul. Of Scirrets. They are hot and moist, of good nourishment, something windy, as all roots are; by reason of which, they provoke lust, they stir up apetitite, and provoke urine.

I hope I may without offence forbear mention∣ing, Comfry, and black Briony, twice, though the Colledg did not.

Sonchi. Of Sowthistles. See the herb.

Spinae Albae, Bedeguar. I scarce know what name to give it, that will please the Colledg; Our English, both physitians and Apothecaries, call that ball of threed that grows upon the Bry∣ars, Bedeguar; but the Arabians called our Ladies thistles, by that name; The roots of which are drying and binding, stops fluxes, blee∣ding, takes away cold swellings, and case the pains of the teeth.

Spatulae soctidae. Stinking Gladon, A kind of Flower-de-luce-, called so for its unsavory smel: It is hot and dry in the third degree; outwardly they help the Kings Evil, soften hard swellings, draw out broken benes: Inwardly ta∣ken, they help Convulsions, Ruptures, Bruises, Infirimities of the Lungues.

Tamarisci. Of Tamaris. See the berbs, and Barks.

Tanaceti. Of Tansie. The root eaten, is a singular remedy for the Gout: the rich may be∣stow the cost to preserve it.

Thapsi &c. A venemous root, outlandish: therefore no more of it.

Tormentillae. Of Tormentil. A kind of Sinkfoil; dry in the third degree, but moderate∣ly hot; exceeding good in pestilences, provokes sweat, staies vomiting, cheers the heart, expels poyson.

〈◊〉〈◊〉. Of Tresoyl. See the Herb.

Tribuli Aquatici. OfWater Caltrops. The roots lie too far under water for me to reach to.

Trachellij. Of Throatwort: by some called Canterbury Bels: by some Coventry Bels. They help diseases and ulcers in the throat.

Trinitatis herbae. Hearts-ease, or Pansies. I know no great vertue they have.

Tunicis. I shall tell you the vertues when I know what it is.

Tripolij. The root purgeth flegm, expels poy∣son.

Turbith. The root purgeth flegm, (being hot in the third degree) chiefly from the exterior parts of the body: it is corrected with Ginger, or Mastick. Let not the vulger be to busie with it.

Tubernum. Of Toad-stools. Whether these be roots or no, it matters not much: for my part I know but little need of them, either in food or Phyfick.

Victorialis. An Outlandish kind of Garlick. They say, being hung about the neck of Cattel that are blind suddenly, it helps them; and de∣fends those that bear it, from evil spirits.

Swallow-wort, and Teazles were handled be∣fore.

Ulmariae, Reginae prati &c. Meadsweet. Cold and dry, binding, stops fluxes, and the immo∣derate flowing of the terms in women: you may take a drachm at a time.

Urticae Of Nettles. See the Leaves.

Zedoariae. Of Zedoary, or Setwal, This and Zurumbet, according to Rhazis, and Mesue, are all one; Avicenna thinks them different: I hold with Mesue; indeed they differ in form, for the one is long, the other round; they are both hot and dry in the second degree, expel wind, resist poyson, stop Fluxes, and the terms, stay vomiting, help the Chollick, end kill worms; you may take half a dram at a time.

Zingiberis. Of Ginger. Helps digestion, warms the stomach, cleers the sight, and is pro∣fitable for old men, heats the joynts, and there∣fore is profitable against the Gout, expels Wind; it is hot and dry in the third degree.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Dioscori∣des.
• * 1.2

  Galen.
• * 1.3

  Dioscori∣des.
• * 1.4

  Apuleius.
• * 1.5

  Dioscori∣de.
• * 1.6

  Scro∣phula.
• * 1.7

  Mathio∣lus.
• * 1.8

  Diosco∣rides.
• a 1.9

  You must boyl them but very little, for the strength will soon fly out in vapor.
• * 1.10

  Mathiolus
• * 1.11

  Gentius a Prince.
• * 1.12

  Galen.
• * 1.13

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.14

  Galen.