The compleat herbal of physical plants containing all such English and foreign herbs, shrubs and trees as are used in physick and surgery ... : the doses or quantities of such as are prescribed by the London-physicians and others are proportioned : also directions for making compound-waters, syrups simple and compound, electuaries ... : moreover the gums, balsams, oyls, juices, and the like, which are sold by apothecaries and druggists are added to this herbal, and their irtues and uses are fully described / by John Pechey ...

N.

Navel-wort, in Latin Umbilicus veneris.

It has a tuberous Root, and small Fibres. The Leaves are fat, thick and round, and full of Juice, and taste clammy. It has two or three Stalks that are half a Foot high, or higher. The Tops sometimes divide themselves into Branches. It has Flowers almost from Bottom to Top; they are hollow, like a Bell, and of a whitish Colour. The Seeds are small, like the Seeds of Purslain. It grows commonly on old Walls.

'Tis cold and moist, and somewhat astringent. 'Tis good for Inflammations, and St. Anthony's Fire. The Leaves and Roots eaten, are supposed to be good in the Stone, and to force U∣rine. 'Tis also good for the King's-Evil, Kibes and Chilblains, being used in an Ointment.

Nep-Calmint, in La∣tin Mentha Cattaria.

It has a woody Root. The Stalks are three or four Foot high, or higher, four∣square, hairy, and reddish near the Earth, in other parts hoary; they are full of Branches, and bear at every Joint two broad Leaves, like Balm, but longer pointed, softer and whiter; they taste hot, and smell like Mint. The Flowers come from the Wings of the Leaves, on the top of the Stalks and Branches, many together, in large Tufts, and are of a light purple Co∣lour.

'Tis hot and dry. 'Tis chiefly used for Obstru∣ctions of the Womb, for Barrenness, and to hasten Delivery, and to help Ex∣pectoration. 'Tis used outwardly in Baths for the Womb, and the Itch.

Cats tear it to pieces when it is first set in Gar∣dens, unless it be cover'd with Thorns; but when it has flourish'd a while they do not injure it, nor that which is sown; according to the following Rhime:

If you set it, The Cats will eat it: If you sow it, The Cats can't know it.

Nettle, in Latin Ʋrti∣ca.

'Tis Diuretick, and Li∣thontriptick. Eaten with Pot-herbs, it loosens the Belly, expels Gravel, and promotes Expectoration. The Buds are used in Broths, in the Sprin-time, to purifie the Blood. The bruis'd Herb, or the Juice, put up the Nostrils, stops Bleeding at the Nose. It does good in Putrid and Malignant Ulcers, and dis∣cusses h••••d Swellings. The Seed is Diuretick, and pro∣vokes V••n••••y, and is used in Diseases of the Lungs. Take of the clarified Juices of Nettles and Plantain, each six Ounces; of Aqua la∣ctis Alexiteria four Ounces, of Cinnamon-water hor∣deated three Ounces, of White Sugar a sufficient quantity; mingle them, make a Julep: Take four Ounces Morning and Even∣ing, daily, for three Days. This is commended for Bleeding at the Nose. Oyl of Roses, or Juice of Net∣tles, cures the Stings of Nettles presently.

Woody-Night-shade, or Bitter-sweet, in Latin So∣lanum lignosum.

It sends forth small, woody, brittle Twigs, five or six Foot long▪ that encompass any thing that is near; others lie on the Ground. The Bark of the young Twigs is green; but the Bark of that which is old is rough and whitish without, with∣in it is very green, having a Pith in the middle. The Leaves are placed alter∣nately;

they are somewhat broad, long, and pointed; with two small Leaves, or rather pieces of Leaves, at the bottom of most of them. At the Tops and Sides of the Branches come forth many Flowers; they consist of fine, narrow and long Violet-purple colour'd Leaves. The Berries are red when they are ripe, soft, and full of Juice; of a bitter, unpleasant Taste. The Root is fibrous. It grows in Hedges, near Water commonly.

'Tis said to provoke U∣rine, and to be good in a Dropsie, and for the Jaun∣dice. The Juice of the Leaves, says Parkinson, purges much. The Leaves are used outwardly, with good Success, in Inflamma∣tions, and itching Tumours of the Hands and Feet. Take four Handfuls of the Leaves cut, and four Ounces of Flax-seed pow∣der'd; make a Cataplasm with Lard; apply it hot. This asswages Tumours, and cures great Contusions.

Nipple-wort, in Latin Lampsana.

It has a white▪ single Root, with Twigs and Fibres. The Stalk is two or three Foot high, or higher, round, hairy, red∣dish, concave and branchy. The Leaf is like the Leaf of South-thistle. The Flow∣ers are small, and yellow. The Seed is oblong, black∣ish, and a little crooked. The whole Plant being cut, yields a bitter Milk. It flowers in June and July, and grows frequently in Gardens.

'Tis reckon'd good for the Nipples, when they are sore.