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 ...

B.

BArbery-tree, in Latin Berberis.

The Berries cool, and are astringent; they provoke Appetite, and strengthen the Stomach; and therefore the Conserve of them is frequently used in Fevers, a Loosness, and the Bloody Flux. The in∣ward Bark of the Branches and Root, infus'd in White∣wine, is an excellent Re∣medy for the Jaundice. The Juice of the Berries, a Decoction of the Bark, or the Juice of the Leaves, mix'd with Vinegar, cure the Pain of the Teeth occa∣sioned by Fluxion. The Conserve of it frequently taken, cures Inflammations of the Mouth and Throat; or the Mouth being gar∣gled with some of the Con∣serve, dissolv'd in Water and Vinegar.

Barley, in Latin Hor¦deum.

The French-Barley is much used in Fevers, and for Diseases of the Breast, and for Heat of Urine. A Pultis of Barley-meal and Butter is very Anodine, and eases painful Tumours.

Barley-water.

Boyl two Ounces of French-Barley in Fountain-water,

change the Water twice; boyl it the third time in a Quart of Water, to a Pint and an half; adding Liquorish half an Ounce, Violet-leaves and Straw∣berry-leaves, each one hand∣ful; sweeten it with Sugar, or Syrup of Violets.

The Cinnamon-water with Barley.

Infuse twelve Ounces of Cinnamon in four Quarts of Barley-water prepared by it self, without the Li∣quorish and other Ingredi∣ents; distill them in B. M.

Garden-Basil, in Latin Ocymum.

'Tis about nine Inches high, and has many four-square Branches that are somewhat red, and a little hairy, The Leaves are like Pellitory-Leaves, they are smooth; some are indented, some not: They have a fragrant Smell, but do not taste very well. The Flowers are white, or of a purplish Colour; they smell sweet, and are plac'd on long Spikes, in Whirls. The Seed is small, and black. The Root is woody, black and fibrous. It grows only in Gardens.

It comforts the Heart, and expels Melancholy: It cleanses the Lungs, and moves the Courses. 'Tis an Ingredient of three Com∣pound-Waters in the Lon∣don-Dispensatory, viz. Gil∣berts-water, Briony-water, and the Celestial-water.

Wild-Basil, in Latin A∣cinos.

It has but one thin Root, with but a few Fi∣bres. The Stalks are one Hand high, hairy, red, four-square, branchy, tho' near the Earth they seem round. There are two Leaves at each Joint, and their Foot-stalks are con∣trary one to another; they are like wild Thyme, but larger; they are indented about the Edges, are green above, underneath whitish: Their Nerves are conspi∣cuous, they are plac'd up∣on short Foot-stalks. The Flowers are dispos'd like a Whirl at the top of the Stalks and Branches, and shew themselves of a pur∣ple Colour. The Cup is

oblong, channell'd, big-bel∣lied, but narrow at the Neck. It grows of its own accord upon chalky Hills, and on dry and gravelly Ground. It flowers in June.

The Virtue of it is not certainly known; and, in∣deed, one would judge by the Smell and Taste, that it had no great Virtue, tho' Schwenckfeld says that 'tis hot and dry, and that it forces the Courses, and the Birth, and removes Melan∣choly.

Baulm, in Latin Me∣lissa.

'Tis reckon'd among the Cordial-Herbs. It re∣moves Melancholy, and cheers the Heart. 'Tis much commended for Fainting and Beating of the Heart, and for the Palsie and Falling-sickness, and for other cold Diseases of the Brain. Put the green Leaves into Canary-wine, and drink a Glass or two at Meals, it provokes the Courses, and Child-bed-Purgations; and is good for Mother-fits, and cures a Stinking Breath. For Mad∣ness, Take one Handful of the Leaves, cut them small, and infuse them in four Ounces of Brandy; add of prepar'd Pearl half a Dram; the Dose is two Spoonfuls Morning and Evening. This was counted a great Secret at Montpelier. For Melancholy, Take of the Conserve of Balm one Ounce, of the Conserve of Bugloss and Borage-flowers, each half an Ounce; of Confection of Alkermes one Dram; make an Electuary with the Syrup of the five opening Roots: Take the quantity of a Nutmeg Morning and Evening for the space of a Month, be∣ing first purg'd once or twice. A Maid was cur'd of deep Melancholy, and the Green-sickness, by the use of this Medicine. 'Tis us'd in Baths to comfort the Joints and Sinews; and for Diseases of the Womb. It flowers in June, July and August.

Bay-tree, in Latin Laurus.

A Decoction of the Bark, Berries and Leaves makes a good Bath for the Diseases of the Womb and Bladder. The

Berries are very effectual against all Poison of ve∣nomous Creatures, and the stinging of Wasps and Bees, and also in the Plague, and infectious Diseases; and therefore are an Ingredient in the London-Treacle. They procure the Courses; and 'tis said that seven of the Berries taken inwardly, will hasten Delivery, and expel the After-Birth. Be∣ing made into an Electua∣ry with Hony, they cure old Coughs, and Shortness of Breath, and stop Rheums; they expel Wind, and pro∣voke Urine, and comfort the Stomach. The Oyl which is made of the Ber∣ries is very useful in cold Diseases of the Joints and Nerves. The Electuary of it is frequently used in Cly∣sters, to expel Wind, and to ease the Pain of the Cholick. So do the Berries themselves.

A Clyster for the Cho∣lick.

Take of the Leaves of Mercury, Marsh-mallows, Pellitory of the Wall, each one Handful; of the Flow∣ers of Camomil one Dram; of the Seed of Caraways, Cumin, of Bay-berries pow∣der'd, each one Ounce; boyl them in clear Posset-drink, to three quarters of a Pint of the Liquor strain∣ed: Add three Ounces of Mercurial Honey, (which see among the Vertues of Mercury) of Hiera Picra two Drams. Make a Cly∣ster.

Beans, in Latin Faba.

They are the chief Diet all the Summer-time in some Places, and are certainly very nourishing. A poor Country-man, when Corn was dear, dieted his Chil∣dren only with Beans dried; and they were better co∣lour'd, and fatter, than o∣ther Children.

The Distill'd Water of the Flowers provokes U∣rine; and is much used for beautifying the Face, and taking Spots from thence. For the Gravel, make a Lee of the Ashes, strain it, and sweeten it with Sugar: Take six Ounces, with twenty Drops of Tincture

of Cinnamon in it. One that voided Blood by Stool three or four Months, was cured by eating Red Beans boyl'd in Milk, Morning and Evening, when other Medicines would do no good. They provoke Ve∣nery; but they are windy, and occasion troublesom Dreams.

Bears-foot, in Latin Helleboraster.

It grows on∣ly in Gardens. The Pow∣der of the Leaves kills Worms in Children: But it is a churlish Medicine.

Beech-tree, in Latin Fagus.

The Leaves of the Beech-tree bruis'd, and ap¦plied to hot Swellings, dis∣cusses them. The Water contained in old and hol∣low Oaks and Beech-trees, cures the Itch in Men, and Cattel when they are mangy.

White-Beet, in Latin Beta alba.

It has a woody Root, of the thickness of the Little Finger, pretty long, and white. The Leaves are of a light green Colour, thick, and succu∣lent; of a nitrous Taste. The Stalk is four Foot high, or higher, small, and chan∣nell'd; and has many Wings, wherein are the little Flowers, in a long Series, consisting of yellow Tufts. The Seed is round, rough and brown.

Sea-Beet, in Latin Beta Maris.

'Tis like the White-Beet, but the Leaves are smaller and greener. They are plain and equal; and have sometimes red Veins, and sometimes not. The Stalk is also less. 'Tis common in salt Marshes, and on the Sea-shore.

Beet is hot and dry, and loosens the Belly by reason of its Nitrosity. 'Tis an Errhine, especially the Root; for the Juice of it, received into the Nostrils, occasions Neezing. The young Plants, with their Roots, gently boyled, and eaten with Vinegar, pro∣cure an Appetite, extin∣guish Thirst, and suppress Choler in the Stomach. Beet, amongst the Ancients, was much taken notice of for its insipid Taste, Mar∣tial

reproaches it in the fol∣lowing Distick.

Ut sapiant fatuae fabrorum prandia Betae, O quam saepe petet vina pi∣perque coquus?

The Juice of this Herb, drawn up into the Nostrils, powerfully evacuates Phle∣gmatick Humours from the Brain, and cures invete∣rate Head-aches. This is counted a great Secret by some.

Wood-Betony, in La∣tin Betonica.

It grows in Bushes and Woods. The Flower is commonly pur∣ple, sometimes white.

Many Vertues are attri∣buted to this Plant, taken any way. Scroder describes the Vertues, in short, thus. 'Tis hot and dry, acrid and bitter. It discusses, at∣tenuates, opens and cleanses. 'Tis Cephalick, Epatick, Splenetick, Thoracick, U∣terine, Vulnerary, and Diu∣retick. 'Tis used frequent∣ly, inwardly and outward∣ly, especially in Diseases of the Head. 'Tis observed, that the Faculties of the Root are quite different from the Vertues of the Leaves and Flowers; for, 'tis very nauseous in the Mouth and Stomach, and occasions Nauseousness, Belching and Vomiting: The Leaves, on the con∣trary, are Aromatick, and of a pleasant Taste, and agreeable to Nature in Food and Physick. Coun∣terfeit Tea, made of Sage, Betony and Ground-pine, sweetned, and drank hot, is very good for the Gout, Head-ach, and Diseases of the Nerves; and eases Pain, occasioned by these Diseases.

Common-Bilberries, in Latin Vaccinia nigra vulga∣ris.

This small Bush has many green, angled Sprigs, a Foot, or two Foot high, which are hard to break. They are divided into ma∣ny Branches, whereon there are many tender, green Leaves; about an Inch long, and half an Inch broad. They are sharp-pointed, smooth, and cu∣riously indented about the Edges, They taste partly

acid, and partly harsh. The Flowers are placed, each on a Foot-stalk, among the Leaves: They are of a pale-red Colour, with a Saffron-colour'd Thread in the middle; and, in form, are like a Water-Pitcher. To each Flower succeeds one Berry, like to a Juni∣per-berry; which is rather of a Violet-colour when it is ripe, than black. At first tasting of the Berries they seem pleasantly acid, but they leave somewhat that is nauseous upon the Pa∣late. It flowers in May: The Fruit is ripe in Au∣gust, and sometimes in July.

The Berries are cooling, and astringent. They are very agreeable to an hot Stomach, and quench Thirst. They cure a Looseness, and the Bloody-Flux, occasioned by Cho∣ler: And are good in the Disease called Cholera mor∣bus. They stop Vomiting, and take off Feverish Heats. A Syrup made of the Juice of the Berries, is most agreeable: viz. Take of the Juice strain'd, one Pint; Fine Sugar, one Pound and an half: Boyl it to a Syrup with a gentle Fire. Take one Spoonful at a time, or mix it with three Ounces of some pro∣per Water.

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.

The Greater Bistort, or Snake-weed, in Latin Bi∣storta major.

The Stalks are sometimes more than two Foot high, small, smooth, and jointed at the Top; whereon are Ears of Flowers of a Flesh-colour; and being unfolded, they consist of five small Leaves, with Tufts of the same Co∣lour in the middle. The Seed is brown, or almost black, and triangular. The Leaves are smaller than those of sharp-pointed Dock; above of a dark-green Colour, below gray.

The Root represents a crooked Finger, is red, and very astringent. 'Tis com∣mon in the Meadows and Pastures about Sheffeild in Yorkshire, and in several other Places of that Coun∣ty. It grows also plenti∣fully in some Meadows about Tamworth and Fasely in Warwickshire.

It cools and dries. The Root of it is very astrin∣gent, harsh, alexipharmick, and Sudorifick. 'Tis chief∣ly used to take off Vomit∣ing, and to prevent Abor∣tion, and the like. The Powder of the Root, mix∣ed with Conserve of Ro∣ses, does wonderfully stop Spitting of Blood, and the Bloody Flux, and other Fluxes. It stops the Cour∣ses when they are immo∣derate. The Powder sprinkl∣ed upon Wounds, stops the Blood.

Take of the Roots of Bistort and Tormentil, each one Ounce; of the Leaves of Meadow-sweet, Burnet, Wood-Sorrel, each one handful; of Burnt Harts-horn two Drams; of Sha∣vings of Harts-horn and Ivory, each two Drams: Boyl them in three Pints of Fountain-water, to two; add towards the End three Ounces of Red Roses; strain them. The Dose is six Spoonfuls often in a Day.

Ʋpright-Blite, in Latin Blitum erectius.

It has a red and single Root, with some small Fibres. It roots deep in the Earth if the Place be agreeable to it; otherwise it is fibrous. The Stalk is nine Inches high, channell'd, smooth, solid; sending forth many Branch∣es, near the Earth longer than the very Stalks. The Leaves are plac'd some∣times opposite to one ano∣ther, but oftner alternate∣ly. Their Foot-stalks are an Inch long, smooth, and not so frequent as in other Blites. The Leaves re∣semble the Leaves of Wild-Marjoram, but they are somewhat bigger; from the Wings whereof, and from the Extremities of the Branches, come forth small purple Flowers, in Clusters. The Seed is small, and

black. It grows plentiful∣ly upon Dung-hills, in Hop-grounds, and upon fat Earth.

It mollifies, cools, and tastes insipid.

Blue-Bottles, in La∣tin Cyanus.

The Root is woody, and fibrous. It has many Stalks a Foot and an half, or two Foot high; they have Angles, are hoary, and divided in∣to Branches. The lower∣most Leaves have sharp Jags, like Scabious, or Dan∣delion; the other are long, and as broad as a Blade of Grass; and have Nerves, that run along them: They are Sky-colour'd, or whi∣tish. The Flowers come from little Heads that are compos'd of Scales; they consist of little jagged Horns, and are commonly of a Sky-colour, sometimes white, or of a light red, or purple. The Seed is contain'd in the little Head of the Flower. The whole Plant tastes dry, and some∣what nauseous, and has no good Smell. It grows com∣monly among Corn.

The Flowers and the distill'd Water are useful for Inflammations of the Eyes, and for the Bleared∣ness of them. The Juice of the Flowers distill'd, is good for putrid Ulcers. The Powder of it, taken inwardly, is very effectual in the Jaundice. The Flowers infus'd in Spirit of Wine, or in common Water, impart their Co∣lour to the Liquor; and they also colour Sugar ve∣ry curiously, as do the Flowers of Succory, and the like.

Borrage, in Latin Bor∣rago.

'Tis very cordial; and the Flower is one of the four Cordial-Flowers. The distill'd Water, and the Conserve of the Flow∣ers, comfort the Heart, re∣lieve the Faint, chear the Melancholy, and purifie the Blood. This Herb is suppos'd to be Homer's Ne∣penthe; by the Juice where∣of, mix'd with Wine, he was wont to expel Sorrow. The Water of it is good for Inflammations of the Eyes, and for all Fevers; as is also the Conserve of

the Flowers. The Con∣serve of the Flowers mix'd with Wine, is said to open Women's Obstructions.

To chear the Heart, Take of the Conserve of Borrage-Flowers one Ounce, of the Confection of Alkermes two Drams; mix them: The Dose is the quantity of a Nutmeg▪ two Hours after Meals, drinking a Glass of Canary presently after it.

Box-tree, in Latin Bu∣xus.

This Tree is always green, and full of Branches. The Bark is white and rough. The Substance of it is very hard and yellow, and very heavy, and with∣out Pith. It has many Leaves; they are smooth, more obtuse than the Leaves of the Myrtle, firm, and sometimes con∣cave; and, which is worth Observation, they are dou∣ble: They smell pretty well, but taste ill. A great many of these Trees grow on Box-hill, near Darking in Surrey.

'Tis seldom used in Phy∣sick. The Oyl drawn from the Wood, is much com∣mended for the Falling-Sickness, and Pains in the Teeth. 'Tis said, the De∣coction of the Wood cures the French-Pox, as well as Guiacum. 'Tis chiefly used by Turners.

For the Pain of the Teeth, drop two or three Drops of the Oyl upon a little Lint, and stop the hollow Tooth with it, and it will soon give Ease.

Bramble, in Latin Ru∣bus.

The Ancients attri∣buted many Virtues to al∣most every part of this Plant. The Leaves, the Buds, the Flowers, and the Fruit are astringent; but the Fruit, before it is ripe, is very astringent; where∣fore it is good for Vomit∣ing, and all Fluxes. 'Tis good for Sore Mouths; and is commended by some for the Scurvy, and not without Reason; for, in quality and figure, 'tis like the Cloud-Berry of the Alps, which is a Specifick for this Disease; and therefore we need not charge Children

so strictly not to eat them. They do, indeed, occasion Children's Heads to be scabby; but it is because they eat immoderately of them: And so any other Fruit would produce the same Effect. A pleasant and generous Wine may be made of the Juice of the Berries, press'd out, and fermented with a little Su∣gar. A Syrup made of the Juice, is very good for Heat of Urine.

'Tis most commonly prescrib'd in Gargarisms to cure Sore Mouths: Take of Bramble-tops, of the Leaves of Columbine, Cyprus and Sage, each one Handful; boyl them in two Quarts of Water wherein Iron has been quench'd, till one is consum'd: Add, Allum, one Dram and an half; Hony of Roses, one Ounce: Make a Gargarism, where∣with wash the Mouth often in a Day.

White-Briony, in La∣tin Brionia alba.

The Root is as thick as ones Arm, white and fungous, of a bitter and ac••id Taste. It sends forth pliant Twigs, channell'd, and somewhat hairy; which spread them∣selves far and wide by the help of their Tendrels, and climb up every thing that is near. The Leaves are like Ivy-leaves, but larger; they are hairy, and green. The Flowers, joyn'd toge∣ther, come out of the Wings of the Leaves, and are of a whitish Colour. It grows frequently in Hedges.

It purges strongly Wa∣tery and Phlegmatick Hu∣mours. 'Tis proper for the Diseases of the Spleen, Li∣ver and Womb; for it o∣pens the Obstructions of those Parts. It drains the Water of Hydropical Peo∣ple by Vomit and Stool. It provokes the Courses, helps Delivery, cures the Suffocation of the Womb, and the Asthma.

Juglers and Fortune-tel∣lers make wonderful Mon∣sters of this Root, which, when they have hid in the Sand for some Days, they dig up for Mandrakes; and by this Imposture these Knaves impose on our

Common People. Con∣serve of White Briony-Roots, taken twice a Day, to the quantity of a Nut∣meg, for a long time, cures the Falling-Sickness, and Mother-Fits. A piece of the Root put into the Pot the Sick drinks out of, does the same. The Compound-water of Briony is most in use. I have used this Com∣position that follows, with excellent Success, in Wo∣men's Obstructions; and it is, undoubtedly much better in Hysterick Diseases, than the common Com∣pound-water of the Lon∣don-Dispensatory. Take of dried Briony-Roots, beaten to a gross Powder, two Ounces; of the Leaves of Rue, and dried Mugwort, each half a pound; Savine dried, three quarters of an Handful; of Featherfew, Cat-mint and Penny-royal, dried, each half an Hand∣ful; of the fresh yellow Pill of one Orange; of Mirrh half an Ounce, of Castor two Drams, of the best Nants-Brandy one Quart: Put them into a Glass, and let them infuse six Days in warm Ashes; then strain the Liquor off, and keep it in a Glass-bottle, well stop∣ped. The Dose is half a Spoonful, to be taken in three Ounces of Penny-royal-water, sweetned with Sugar, Morning and Even∣ing.

The Lees of Briony, cal∣led in Latin Foecula Brioniae, are made after the follow∣ing manner: Take what quantity of the Roots of Briony you please, slice them, and press out the Juice; this being kept in Vessels unmov'd, will in a few Hours depose the Lees, or Foecula; which being se∣parated by pouring the Water away gently, must be dried in a Glass-Vessel. They are used in a Drop∣sie.

Common-Brook-Lime, in Latin Anagallis aquatica.

It grows commonly in little Brooks.

It heats and moistens moderately. 'Tis chief∣ly used in the Scurvy; it powerfully expels the Stone of the Kidnies and Blad∣der; it provokes the Cour∣ses,

and expels a dead Child. Outwardly appli∣ed, it cures Inflam'd Tu∣mours, and St. Anthony's Fire. 'Tis much of the same virtue with Water∣cresses, only not so strong.

Country-people cure Wounds with Brook-lime, mix'd with a little Salt, and a Spider's Web, and applied to the Wound, wrapp'd about with a dou∣ble Cloth.

Brook-lime boyld in Wa∣ter, applied to blind Piles, has presently eas'd the Pain, when other Medicines would do no good. Fabri∣cius says, he knew a large Ulcer that possess'd almost the whole Leg, and reach∣ed almost to the Bone, was cured in a Scorbutical Person only with Brook-lime boyl'd in Beer, and applied twice a Day. But it is most commonly used inwardly to cure the Scur∣vy: Take of the Juice of Brook-lime, Water-cresses and Scurvy-grass, each half a Pint; of the Juice of Oranges, four Ounces; fine Sugar, two Pounds; make a Syrup over a gen∣tle Fire: Take one Spoon∣ful in your Beer every time you drink.

Broom, in Latin Geni∣sta.

'Tis common in San∣dy and barren Grounds. It flowers at the Latter End of April. 'Tis Splenetick, Nepthritick, and Hepatick. It expels the Stone, and purges Watery Humours upwards and downwards, by Stool and Urine: Wherefore it is of great use in Obstructions of the Liver, Spleen, and Mesen∣tery: And in the Dropsie and Catarrhs, the Flowers, the Seeds, and Tops are in use.

The Leaves, the Branch∣es, and Tops, boyl'd in Wine or Water, or the Juice of them, are good in a Dropsie, and all Ob∣structions of the Kidnies and Bladder; for they partly purge watery and superflous Humours by Stool, and partly by U∣rine: One Dram of the Seed does the same. The Flowers, when they are green, are commonly pick∣led,

and make an agreeable Sauce; for they provoke Appetite, and force Urine. The Ashes are most in use, and frequently commended in the Dropsie: Take of the Ashes of Broom one Pound, infuse them cold in two Quarts of Rhenish-Wine, adding to it half an Handful of Common Wormwood: Take four Ounces of the clear Li∣quor in the Morning, at Four in the Afternoon, and in the Evening, every Day.

Broom-rape, in Latin Orobanche.

'Tis two Foot high, or more; the Stalk is streight, round and hai∣ry, pale or yellowish, or brownish; whereon are Leaves that are narrow and longish, if they may be called Leaves, for they seem rather the Beginning of Leaves: They soon fade, and Flowers succeed them, which are on a Spike, like the Flowers of Orchis, but at a greater distance; they are of a dull yellow Co∣lour. The Root is round and scaly, and tastes very bitter. The Flowers smell pretty well.

The Herb candied, or the Root, is of excellent use in Diseases of the Spleen, and for Melancho∣ly. An Ointment made of it, with Lard, is good to discuss hard and Scirrhous Tumours.

Butcher's-Broom, in La∣tin Ruscus, or Bruscus.

'Tis a Foot and an half high, and sometimes three or four Foot high: It has ma∣ny tough Branches, and is full of Leaves, and they are like the Leaves of the Myrtle; they are ridged, nervous and prickly; they have no Foot-stalks; they are hard and strong, and taste bitter. At the Mid∣dle of the Leaf is plac'd a small Flower, on a very short Foot-stalk. When first it rises it represents a little Bunch of small Needles; but being open'd, three lit∣tle, broadish Leaves ap∣pear. A round Fruit suc∣ceeds the Flower, that is larger than the Berries of Asparagus; 'tis reddish and sweetish. Under the Skin of it lie two great yellow Seeds, bunching out on one side, and plain on the other:

They are very hard. The Root is thick, oblique, and has many Fibres that are white and long, like the Fibres of Asparagus.

The Root is one of the five opening Roots. 'Tis chiefly used for Obstructi∣ons of the Liver, the U∣rine, and the Courses. The Syrup of the five opening Roots is much in use, and is prepar'd in the following manner: Take of the Roots of Butcher's-Broom, Fennel, Asparagus, Parsly and Smallage, each two Ounces; Fountain-water three Quarts; digest them hot, then boyl them in B. M. to the Liquor pressed out hard, and clarified, add eight Ounces of Vine∣gar, and five Pounds and an half of fine Sugar; make a Syrup with a gentle Heat. The Dose is two Spoonfuls, in four Ounces of any proper di∣still'd Water.

Buck-thorn, in Latin Rhamnus Catharticus.

This small Tree is common in the Hedges in some pla∣ces. The outward Bark is black; there are two within, one green, the o∣ther yellow: The Wood is pale, and hard. It has many Branches, that are plac'd most commonly op∣posite one to another; and it has hard, ridged and long Thorns plac'd among the Leaves, the Ends of the Branches being thorny al∣so. The Leaves are like the Leaves of a Crab-tree, but smaller; they are pointed, of a dark Green, indented, and nervous, and have an astringent Taste. It has many small Flowers together, of a light green Colour; each con∣sists of four Leaves. The Berries succeed the Flow∣ers: Great Numbers of them are plac'd at the Roots of the Thorns, up∣on pretty long Foot-stalks: When they are ripe they are black, and full of green Juice. They have three or four triangular Grains, which have a blackish Bark, and a white Marrow that does not taste ill. The Taste of the Ber∣ries is bitter, and astrin∣gent; and the Juice has a certain peculiar Taste.

The Berry of this Shrub yields three sorts of Colours. Those that are gather'd in Harvest-time, and dried, and powder'd, and infus'd with Water and Allum, make a yellow, or rather a Saffron-colour; and is now in use for paint∣ing of Playing-Cards and Leather. Those that are gather'd in the Autumn, when they are ripe and black, being pounded, and kept in a Glass-Vessel, af∣ford a delicate Green, which is called Sap-Green, and is much used by Paint∣ers. Those that remain on the Trees till the Feast of St. Martin make a red Colour. The Berries are purging, a Dram, or a Dram and an half of them being taken at a time. Some take fifteen or twen∣ty of the Berries at a time: But they work so power∣fully, that they are not to be given in Substance to weakly People. The Sy∣rup is most in use: Take of the Juice of ripe and fresh Berries, gather'd in September, 2 Pounds, let it clear by standing; then add of Cinnamon and Nutmegs, each three Drams; infuse it in B. M. for the space of a Day; then press them out, and add a Pound and an half of White Sugar, and make a Syrup in B. M.

Bugle, in Latin Bugu∣la.

The Stalk is four∣square, empty, and hairy; an Hand, or half a Foot high. The Leaves are in∣dented, like the Leaves of the greater Water-Brook∣lime; two are plac'd by Intervals, opposite one to another; of a Violet-co∣lour, or purple, or green: They taste at first sweet, afterwards bitter and a∣stringent. The Flowers come out of the Wings of the Leaves, in a short hai∣ry Cup, that is divided in∣to five parts: They are of a Sky and changeable Co∣lour, and of a sweetish Taste. The Root is small and fibrous, and tastes more astringent than the Leaves. 'Tis common in Woods, and moist Mea∣dows; and flowers in May.

The Virtues are much the same with those of

Self-heal. 'Tis Vulnerary, either taken inwardly, or outwardly applied. 'Tis us'd in the Jaundice, in Ob∣structions of the Liver, and for Stoppage of Urine. An Ointment made of the Leaves of Bugle, Scabious and Sanicle, bruis'd, and boyl'd in Lard till they are dry, and then press'd out, is of excellent use for all sorts of Ulcers and Bruises, and to heal Wounds. 'Tis one of the Ingredients for the Wound-Drink of the London-Dis∣pensatory, commonly cal∣led The Traumatick Deco∣ction.

Bugloss, in Latin Bu∣glossum.

It has many Stalks coming from the same Root, about three or four Foot high, round and rough, with ridgid Hairs. 'Tis branchy at the top, whereon the Leaves grow without Foot-stalks: They are many, narrow, oblong, of a Sky-colour'd Green, not wrinkl'd, like Burrage; they end in a sharp Point, and are hairy on both sides, and equal about the Edges from the Wings of the Leaves; and sometimes at their Sides, or lower, or a little higher, the Branches rise. The Flowers come on the top of the Stalks and Branches, from a Cup compos'd of five oblong, norrow, sharp, hairy pie∣ces; the Flowers are less than those of Borrage, and consist of one Leaf, of a light purple Colour; an oblong Thread grows up from the bottom of the Cup, which is encompass'd with four Seeds that are of a russet Colour and wrink∣led when they are ripe. The Root lives many Years, is black without, and white within. It flow∣ers in June and July, and the Summer after.

It has the same Virtues with Borrage. The Flow∣ers are of great use in Me∣lancholy and Hypochon∣driack Diseases, and are reckon'd among the four Cordial Flowers. A Per∣son was cured of the Fall∣ing-Sickness by the con∣stant Use of the Flowers in Wine for half a Year. Take of the Leaves of Bugloss, Borrage, Balm,

Fumitory, Water-cresses, and Brook-lime, each four Handfuls; of July-flowers, Marrigolds, Borrage-flow∣ers and Cowslips, each three handfuls; the out∣ward Barks of six Oranges, and of four Limons: All being cut and bruis'd, pour upon them four Quarts of Posset-drink made with Cyder; distill them in a cold Still, and mingle all the Water. Take three Ounces Night and Morn∣ing.

Bur-dock, in Latin Bardana.

It has a single, thick Root, that grows deep in the Earth; with∣out black, within white. The Leaves are plac'd up∣on long Foot-stalks; they are very large, green a∣bove, and hairy under; they have a thick, short Down; they are not exact∣ly round, but a little long∣ish, and end in a sharp Point; they have short, small Prickles about the Edges, that are scarce vi∣sible. The Stalk is two Foot and an half high, or higher; thick, round and hairy, and of a purplish Colour, and full of Pith; the Leaves are plac'd on them alternately, at small distances; they branch out almost from the bottom. The Flowers are plac'd on the top of the Stalks and Branches, and come out of rough Heads, or Burrs, with crooked Prickles; they are purplish; the Burs are apt to stick to Clothes. The Seed is pretty large, oblong, and of a brown Colour.

'Tis Drying, Pulmonick, Diuretick, Diaphoretick, Cleansing, and somewhat Astringent. 'Tis good in an Asthma, for the Stone, and Spitting of Blood; for old Sores, and Swellings of the Spleen, and of all other Parts in Gouty Dis∣eases, wherein it is pecu∣liarly proper. The Seed is an excellent Lithontripick, being powder'd, and taken in Small Beer or Posset-drink. The Leaves are applied outwardly, to old Sores, and to Burns. The Seed powder'd, and taken forty Days together, cures the Hip-Gout. 'Tis said, it provokes Venery.

Take of the Seeds of Bur-dock two Drams, of Wild-Carrot-Seeds one Dram, of Salt of Amber one Dram, of Oyl of Nut∣megs half a Scruple, Balsa∣mum Capivii a sufficient quantity; make small Pills, take four Morning and Evening. This is a good Diuretick Medicine. But the Root is chiefly us'd.

Take of the Roots of Bur-dock three Ounces, of Sarsaparilla six Ounces, of the Wood of Guaiacum three Ounces, of the Bark of the same one Ounce, of the Roots of Notty China three Ounces, of Sassaphras one Ounce and an half, of Harts-horn and Ivory, rasp'd, each one Ounce; of Red and White Sanders, and of the sweet-smelling Flag, each six Drams; of Raisins of the Sun, ston'd, one Hand∣ful; of the Seeds of A∣nise and Fennel, each half an Ounce: Infuse them in eight Quarts of Fountain-water for twenty four Hours in B. M. and cover the Vessel close; then boyl it with a gentle Fire, till a third part of the Liquor is is consum'd; towards the latter end of Boyling, add of the Tops of Eye-bright, Betony, dried Sage, and of the Cordial-Flowers, each one Pugil; of Woody Cas∣sia half an Ounce; of Nut∣megs, number two; strain it for use. Take half a Pint four times a Day.

Burnet, in Latin Pim∣pinella vulgaris, sive minor.

It has a long, slender, brown Root, with some Fibres. The Stalks are a Foot, or two Foot high, angl'd, branchy, and of a light red Colour. At the top of the Branches are small Heads, from whence arise small purplish Flow∣ers. The Seeds are short, and four-square. It has many long, wing'd Leaves, that lie on the Ground, which consist of several small, roundish Leaves, green above, and grayish underneath, finely indented about the edges, and set on each side of a Middle-rib. It grows commonly on chalky Ground, and in hilly Pastures.

'Tis Cordial, and Alexi∣pharmick. The green Herb is put into Wine, to chear the Heart; and it renders it very pleasant, by impart∣ing an Aromatick Smell and Taste to it. 'Tis a good Preservative against the Plague, and other con∣tagious Diseases. 'Tis al∣so astringent: Of ex∣cellent use in immoderate Fluxes of the Courses and Belly, and in all Hemor∣rhages, and to dry and heal Wounds and Ulcers, and the Biting of a Mad Dog. The following Wa∣ter was much us'd in the last London-Plague: Take of the Tops of Burnet, Rosemary, Wormwood, Sun-Dew, Mugwort, Dra∣gon's Scabious, Agrimony, Balm, Carduus, Betony, the Lesser Centory, one Handful each; of the Roots of Tormentil, An∣gelica, Peony, Zedoary, Liquorish and Elecampane, each half an Ounce; of the Leaves of Sage, Ce∣landine and Rue, of the Leaves and Flowers of Marigolds, each one Hand∣ful; cut them, and infuse them three Days in four Quarts of the best White∣wine, then distil them carefully, and keep the Water for use. The Dose was four Spoonfuls.

Butter-bur, or Pesti∣lent-wort, in Latin Petasitis.

First it sends forth a Stalk about nine Inches high, that is concave and downy, with narrow, sharp Leaves on it. At the top is a long, spiked Head of Flowers, of a purplish Colour. When the Flowers fade, and the Stalks die, large Leaves succeed, like the Leaves of Colts-foot, but twice or thrice as large, or larger; hook'd near the Foot-stalk; they are almost round, and indented about the Edges. The Root is thick and bit∣ter, and creeps much. It grows in moist places, and near the Banks of Rivers▪ the Spike and Flower flou∣rish in April.

'Tis much us'd in Pestilential Fevers. 'Tis also reckon'd good in Coughs, and for an Asth∣ma. It expels the broad Worms of the Belly, and provokes Urine and the

Courses. 'Tis outwardly applied to Bubo's, and Ma∣lignant Ulcers. 'Tis us'd also to provoke Sweat, and to expel Malignity: Take of the Root of Bur-dock, Virginian Snake-weed and Contrayerva, each one Dram; of Cochinell and Saffron, each half a Dram; make a Powder. The Dose is half a Dram▪ to be taken in a proper Wa∣ter.

Butterwort, or York∣shire-Sanicle, in Latin Pin∣guicula.

The Root has some white Fibres, that are pretty large consider∣ing the smalness of the Plant. It does not grow deep. Six or seven of the Leaves lie on the Earth, and sometimes more; of a pale yellow Green; they look greasie, and shine as if they were besmear'd; in length two Inches, and in breadth about one; they are somewhat blunt at the Ends, the Edges are smooth, the upper part of the Leaf is cover'd with a very short Down, which is scarcely seen. Some Foot-stalks, about an Hand high, arise amongst the Leaves; at the top of each is plac'd one purplish Flower, of one Leaf, divided into five parts. It grows in marshy Places, and on moist Hills.

The Leaves bruis'd and applied, cure fresh Wounds. Country-People cure Chaps in Cows Dugs, and Chaps and Swellings on their Hands, by anointing them with the fat Juice of this Herb. The Welsh make a Syrup of it, wherewith they purge themselves: They also boyl the Herb in Broth for the same purpose, for it purges Flegm very briskly: They also make an Ointment of it, which is of excellent use for Obstru∣ction of the Liver. The Leaves beat, and applied to Parts affected with Pain, ease the Pain. 'Tis reckon'd Vulnerary, and very good for Ruptures in Children.