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 ...

Birch-tree, in Latin, Betula.

The Branches of this Tree are small and flexible, and most of them hang downwards. The Bark is very various; when the Tree is young 'tis yellow, or brown; af∣terwards it grows lighter. It bears long Buds, like Long-Pepper. It grows fre∣quently in cold and wa∣tery Places, and on moist Heaths. The slender Twigs of it were formerly used for the Magistrates Verge: Now they serve to disci∣pline Boys, and to tame wild Horses, and to make Brooms, and to catch Birds with Bird-Lime, and Bands for Fagots. Fishermen in Northumberland fish a-nights by the Light of this Bark: They put it into a cleft Stick, which serves for a Candle-stick▪ and so they see how to use their Three-teeth'd Spear for killing

Fish. In Alsatia the best Hoops are made of Birch.

The Leaves are hot and dry, cleansing, resolving, opening, and bitter: For which Reason they are of no small use in a Drop∣sie, and the Itch, and the like. The Bark is Bitu∣minous, and is therefore mix'd with Perfumes that are to correct the Air. The Fungus of it has an astringent Quality; upon which Account it stops Blood miraculously.

This Tree, in the Begin∣ning of Spring, before the Leaves come forth, being pierced, yields plentifully a sweet and potulent Juice, which Shepherds, when they are thirsty, often drink in the Woods. Tra∣gus, Helmont, Charleton, and others, commend the Virtue and Efficacy of this Liquor, and not undeserv∣edly for the Stone in the Kidnies and Bladder, for Bloody Urine and the Strangury. This Tree be∣gins to yield its Juice about the Middle of February, and sometimes not till the Beginning of March. Tra∣gus also commends it for the Jaundice. Some wash their Faces with it, to take off Spots, and to beautifie. Dr. Needham cured Scorbu∣tick Consumptions with it: He used to mix with it good Wine and Honey. Rennet infused in the Juice, preserves the Cheese from Worms, says Tragus. The Juice of Birch cures Warts, and Pimples in the Face, if it be washed with it in the Day time, Morning and Evening, and permitted to dry on.