Male-Speed-well, in Latin Veronica mas supina & vulgatissima.
It creeps upon the Ground, and sends down Roots from the Joints. The Stalks are small, round, long, hairy, and jointed. The Leaves are set by Pairs at the Joints; they are hairy, and indented about the Edges; they taste bitterish and a∣crid. The Flowers are placed upon a Spike; they are compos'd of four light purple Leaves. The Seed is contain'd in small Husks, like Shepherd's-purse. It grows plentifully in dry Pastures, and amongst Heath.
'Tis Vulnerary, and Su∣dorifick. 'Tis used in Ob∣structions of the Lungs, and Spleen; for the Cho∣lick, Consumption, Plague, Wounds, and Itch. A large Dose of the Deco∣ction, taken for some time, expell'd a Stone from the Kidny of a Woman, that had been there sixteen Years. A Woman that had been barren seven Years, conceiv'd by taking the Powder of it in the di∣still'd Water of the Herb for many Days. The Sy∣rup of it is of great use in Diseases of the Lungs. One that had an incurable Ulcer in his Leg, found present Ease by dipping Rags in the Water, and applying them; for it took off the Inflammation, and all the Symptoms that ac∣companied it. One that had a Fistula in the Breast, and had used several Me∣dicines in vain, was cured by the inward use of this Water. Scabby Children have been cured by Rags