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DEscript.]. This is neither gum distilling out of any tree, as other gums do, nor condensed juice; yet it will melt with heat and burn with fire; but is a certain matter wrought by great winged Ants that breed in the ground, and sucking out from trees of divers sorts, but especially from that which is called Mala Indica, from which they take the substanc•• of
their work about the smaller branches as Bees do Hony Combs, and make this Lacca, which is a dark red substance, and somewhat transparent, har∣der than any gum, and being chewed it will make the spittle look red. It is first wrought on sticks by the Ants; and then melted being cleered from the sticks, and the wings of the Ants, and made into Cakes, or small peeces, is so brought unto us aswell as on the sticks and is the original of the hard Wax, wherewith Letters are sealed, whose colours of red green, yellow or black are added in the new melting of it again and making it into such Rouls, as we buy it in; but some do Counterfeit it, by putting of wax unto it; which ma∣keth it softer and run thinner.
The Painters Lake or Lack, is made of Brasill or other dying stuffes, and hath in former times been very ignorantly by some put into the composition called Dia-lacca; but that Error is reformed.
Government and Vertues.] Lacca is governed by Jupiter: it is of tem∣perature hot in the second degree, it strengthneth the Stomack and Liver, and freeth them from ob∣structions, and dissolveth the hardness of the Li∣ver, helpeth the yellow Jaundies, and driveth forth watry humors of the Dropsie; provokes Urine and breaks the Stone, both in Kidneys, and Bladder.
Names.] IT is called in Latine, Larix; and the liquid Rozen, Resina laricea, or larigna, and Terebinthia Venetia.
Description.] The Larch-tree is usually lower then the Pine, or Firre-tree, but sometimes groweth as high as either: it hath a rugged thick bark, full of Chaps, and reddish in the inside, the branches very comely one above another, having several small yellowish knobs or bunches, set at several distances, from which do yearly shoot forth many long, narrow, thick, soft and smooth leaves, as it were in a tuft together, of a green-colour; which do not abide in Winter but fall away, shooting fresh ones every Spring; the flo∣wers are of a Crimson colour and very sweet, which afterwards turn into small soft Cones, like to Cypresse Nuts, while they are close, but longer than they, made of many fine scales, lying one upon another, standing on a short stalk having seed in the inside of every scale, formed like a small bird with two wings, and a small sweet kernel within them like the Pine kernel; the wood is very firm hard and close, long in growing, and long lasting; It yield∣eth forth a liquid Rozen being bored, ve••y clear, and white, which is called Venice Turpentine. There is also found upon the bodies, and great boughs thereof, a kind of hard and dry Mushroom called Agarick.
Place and Time.] It groweth plentifully in the Woods by Trent, and in many other places of Germany, and between Germany and Italy. It shooteth forth leaves in the Spring and the blossomes presently after,
and the fruit is ripe towards the latter end of Summer.
The Turpentine is gathered in the hottest time of the Summer, but the Agarick about November and December.
Governments and Vertues.] The Larix-tree is under the dominion of Venus: the leaves, bark and fruit are of the same temperature as those of the Pine-tree; the Turpentine thereof taken to the quantity of an ounce will gently open the belly, provoke Urine, and cleanse the Reines, Kidneys, and Bladder; and helps to dissolve the Stone and drive forth the Gravel, and gives ease to those that have the Gout; if it be rouled up in Sugar, and taken, it helps the running of the Reins; But pills most excellent for the Gonorrhaea or running of the Reins may be made thereof in this manner:
Take Turpentine-and wash it in Plaintain and Rose-water; then with the powder of white Amber, red Corral, Mastick and a little Camphire, make it into Pills, which are to be taken morning and Even∣ing for certain dayes together.
It is good also for the Tissick, and Consumption of the Lungs, being taken with hony in an Electuary; it expectorates tough flegm, and helps those that are troubled with a continual Cough; it is of excellent use also, outwardly to be used as an ingredient amongst salves. It doth, both draw cleanse and heal all sores or Ulcers whether new or old; and green Wounds: the Chymical oyl drawn from Turpentine, is more drying and consolidating, than the Turpentine it self, so that it is singular good to be used in Wounds; and to warm and ease paines in the joints and sinews, caused with cold; and being mixed with oyl of St. Johns-wort, it is singular good against Sprains, Wrinches, and outward Bruises caused by falls or o∣therwise, the parts being fomented; This oyl being drank the quantity of twenty drops at a time in Ale or white Wine, provokes Urine, cleanseth and cureth all Ulcers and Sores in the Kidney or Bladder or Uretory passages. The water that is distilled with the oyl is good for freckles and spots in the Face; A scruple in weight of that water, taken in white Wine, procureth a Vo∣mit; and giveth much ease to those whose Stomacks are overcharged with Flegm.
Agarick which is the Tuberous substance which groweth upon this tree; is a good purging medicine, and often used by it self, but more commonly is mixed with other medicines of a pur∣ging quality, to open obstructions of the Liver, Spleen,
and entrails; it purgteh all vitious humors which offend the body: It is usually corrected wich Ginger, and given with Oxymel, that is, a sirrup made with Vinegar and Hony; otherwise of it self it is apt to trouble the Stomack, and cause Vomiting. It purgeth thin, and rotten tough flegm, both yellow, hard, and black, burnt Choller, from the Head, and Brain, Breast, Lungs, stomack, Liver and Spleen; and from the Reins; joints, Sinews and Muscles, whereby it helpeth such as are troubled with the Gout, Dropsie, Falling-sickness, Jaundise, Chollick, Sciatica, shortness of Breath, Cough, Consumption of the Lungs, spitting of Blood paines of the Womb, sharpness of Urine, and the Wormes.
It is also helpful to cure all sorts of Agues, to ease griping pains of the Stomack, and Belly, and such as have had Falls and Bruises or are bursten-Bellied. Half a dram or two scruples being taken in Wine, either by the infusion or in powder, is good against all poisons, and bitings of Serpents.
The most usual way of preparing it for the other diseases before mentioned, is to slice a dram, and put it into a gentle purging decocti∣on or an Infusion.
If it be boyled in Lye with other Cephalicks, and the head washed therewith, it comforteth the, Brain Memory, and giddinessof the Head, and stayes Rhumes, and Catarrhs; and cleanseth it from scurff, and Dandriff.
Names.] IT is also called Wild Laurel, and in Latine Laureola.
Descript.] The Spurge Laurel, springeth up usually but with one stem, but sometimes with more; very tough and pliant, having a whi∣tish thick, tough bark▪ branching forth into divers parts towards the tops, whereon grow many long, thick, somewhat broad and shining, dark, green leaves, longer smoother and softer than Bay-leaves; and without any veins therein; the flowers come forth towards the tops of the stalks and branches, and at the joints with the leaves, many set together, which are somewhat long and hollow, having four small leaves, of a whitish, yellow, green, colour; after which come small round and somewhat long, black berries, when they are ripe, wherein is contained a white kernell, the root groweth deep into the ground and spreadeth with long white strings; and is somewhat wooddy: The leaves flower bark and root are very hot in tast, burning the mouth and Throat of any that shall tast them; the leaves continue green all the Winter.
Place.] Spurge Laurel groweth Wild in many places of this land, particularly in Cobham Park in Kent.
Time.] It floureth very early as about January if the Winter be mild, and the berries are ripe about June.
Government and Vertues.] Mars rules this plant: both leaves and ber∣ries hereof are violent purges: of a heating, burning quality so that they inflame the throat and Stomack of whosoever shall take thereof; yet being given advisedly, and prepared by a skilful hand, it cleanseth the Stomack of Flegm both by purge and Vomit, it driveth down Womens Courses, and being chewed in the Mouth, it draweth down much corrupt matter from the Head and brain; if the leavs and berries when they are fresh be boyled in oyl and the oyle strained forth; this oyle looseneth the belly and helpeth the Chollick, the belly being anointed therewith; it pro∣vokes Urine, and helpeth the Piles; some give the powder of the leaves, in a little broth to ease the pains of the Chollick, and purge forth watry humors in the Dropsie.
Lay the leaves or berries in steep in Vinegar a whole day, then dry it and make it into powder adding to it Annise or Fennel seed, gum Tragant, and Mastick, and so give it together with some cooling water, as of Endive, Succory, or Orenges, it will perform its operation, without troubling or inflaming the Throat nor the inward parts.
Names.] IT is called by the Indians Cadegi Indi, that is, Folium Indum; It is called also Malabathrum, and of the East-Indians Tamala patra.
Descript.] They are broad leaves with three ribs onely in them; a little pointed at the ends, which have been brought unto us, but in small quantity, and amongst them some leaves on their bran∣ches, two usually at a joint; tasting somewhat hot, like unto bay-leaves, and the bark of the branches hath the same tast: amongst these leaves sometimes hath been found a small fruit like unto an Acorn, in the cup; which is probably the fruit of the tree, and gathered with the leaves.
Government and Vertues.] It is Solar; The vertues are, to provoke U∣rine, to warm and strengthen the Stomack, and it maketh the Breath sweet.
It is good to be put into Cordial and Stomachical compositions. It resisteth poison and Venome, and the infusion thereof in Wine warm,
helpeth inflamations and redness of the Eyes, being bathed there∣with.
Kinds and Names.] THey are called Lens, and Lenticula, in Latine. In some Countries of England where they sow them, for meat for their Cattel, they call them Tills.
There are found three sorts hereof. 1. Lens Major, the greater Lentill. 2. Lens Minor, the lesser Lentil. And 3. Lens Maculata, the spotted Lentil.
Descript.] 1. The greater Lentil groweth about two foot long with ma∣ny hard, yet slender and weak branches, from whence at several places shoot forth long stalks of small winged leaves; many on each side of a middle rib, which middle rib endeth in a small clasper: between the leaves and the stalks come the flowers which are small, of a sad red∣dish purplish colour, almost like the flowers of Vetches; they stand for the most part two at the end of a long footstalk: after the flowers are gone, there succeed, small short flat Cods, wherein is flat round smooth seed, of a pale yellowish Ash-colour; the root is fibrous and dyeth every winter.
2. The lesser lentill differeth from the former onely in this, that the stalks, leaves and seed is lesser, the flowers are more pale, and the seeds are whiter
The third differs not much from the last, but the seed which is black∣ish is spotted with blacker spots.
Place and Time.] The two first in parts beyond the Seas are sown in manured Fields, and so they are in some Countries in England, especi∣ally the smaller sort. The greater doth seldome come to maturity with us, if the season be not very mild and dry: the spotted kind hath been growing wild in Portugal.
Government and Virtues.] They are under the dominion of Saturn of a mean temperature, between heat and cold; yet they are dry in the second degree according to Galen; they are somewhat astringent and bind the body especially the outer skin. It is of contrary qualities for the decoction thereof doth not bind but loosen the body: therfore those that would have it bind, let them cast away the first water and use the second, which stoppeth Lasks, and streng∣theneth the Stomack and inward parts.
Lentils husked lose the strength of binding but nou∣rish more than those that are not husked; but Galen saith, that to cat much of the broth of Lentils, breedeth Cankers and Leprosie, being grosse and thick meat. It breedes the Melancholy humor, but is good for moist and watry bodies, but forbidden to those that are of a dry
constitution. It is also hurtful to the fight, but is convenient for Women that have their Courses in too much abundance, the decoction thereof applied with Wheat flower easeth the Gout; and used with hony, it closeth up the Lips of Wounds and cleanseth foul sores: being boyled with Vinegar it dissolveth knots and kernels, and a decoction made thereof with Quinces, Melilot, and a little Rose-water put thereto; it helpeth the Inflamation of the Eyes and Fundament. But for the chaps of the Fundament, let it be boyled with dryed Roses, and Pomgranate rindes, adding a little hony unto it. And so it is good for creeping Cankers, adding some Sea water unto it, and for Wheals, and running watry sores, St. Antho∣nies-fire, Kibes, and for the curdling of Milk in Wo∣mens Breasts: And a decoction there of with Rose leaves and Quinces, is a good lotion for Ulcers in the Mouth, Privy parts, or Fundament.
Names.] IT is called in Latine Lentiscus, and the gum or Rozen, resina Lentiscina, and Mastiche and Mastix; in English, Mastick.
Descript.] The Mastick or Lentisk-tree, groweth like a tree if it be suffered to grow up, and often it riseth but as a shrub: the body and branches are of a reddish colour; tough and gentle having their ends bending some∣what downwards, whereon do grow winged, dark green leaves consisting of four couples, standing one against another, of the bigness of the large Myrtle leaf; with a reddish Circle about their edges, and somewhat red∣dish veins on the underside, smelling sweet, and always continuing green; the flowers grow in clusters at the joints, with the leaves, being small and of a pale purplish green colour, after them come small blackish berries, of the bigness of a Pepper-corn, with a hard black shell under the outer skin, and a white kernel within: it beareth also certain hornes, with a cleer li∣quor in them which turneth into small flies, that fly away. It yeeldeth also a clear white gum in small drops, when the stocks are cut in sundry places, which is carefully gathered and preserved.
Place.] The Lentisk-tree groweth in Provence of France, and also in divers places of Italy, and Candy, and in many places of Greece; but yeeldeth little gum there, But especially in the Isle of Chio now called Sio.
Time.] It floureth in April, and the berries are ripe in September: It is pruned and manured with as great care and pains, as others do their Vines; it goeth beyond them, in the profit of the Gum.
Government and Vertues.] The Lentisk-tree is under the influence of Jupiter. It is of temperature moderately hot, but both root and branch,
bark, leaf, fruit and Gum, are of a binding quality, and do stop all Fluxes, and spitting of Blood; strengthens a weak Stomack, and helps falling down of the Mother or Funda∣ment. The decoction healeth up hollow sores, sodereth broken bones, fasteneth loose Teeth, and stayeth creeping Sores, they being fomented therewith. The oyl that is pressed out of the berries, helpeth the Itch, Leprosie and Scabbs both in Men and Beasts; the gum-Mastick doth bind & stay fluxes in like manner taken any way in powder, or if 3 or 4 grains of it be swallowed whole at night when you go to bed, it not onely easeth pains of the Stomack but keep∣eth it from the like afterwards; the powder of Mastick, with Amber and Turpentine, is good against the running of the Reins, and to stay the Whites and Redds in Women; The powder of Mastick mixed with conserve of red Roses is good to stay distillations of thin Rhumes falling upon the Lungs; which causeth a continual Cough, and spitting of Bloud; And if some white Frankincense in powder be mixed therewith also, it will be more effectual; It comforteth the Brain, procureth an Appetite to meat, stayeth Vomiting, and makes the Breath sweet. Mastick being heated in Wine and the Mouth and gums washed with it, cleanseth them from corruption, and fastneth the Teeth; It is much used in Salves and plaisters, to cleanse and heal, Ulcers and Sores, and to stay the flowing of humors unto them, and dryeth them up and filleth up their hollowness. It comforteth a king joints and sinews, being ap∣plied thereunto.
There is an oyl made thereof by infusion and ebullition, which is sin∣gular good against all the aforesaid diseases, and doth moderately comfort, bind, and mollifie, and is effectu∣al against diseases of the Mother; the Chollick and pains in the Stomack and Belly, pains of the Joints and sinews and hardness of Tumors. It comforteth the Brain, and strengtheneth the Liver and Heart. There is also a pure Chymical oyl, drawn from Ma∣stick, one drop whereof is more effectual then an ounce of the former, for all the purposes aforesaid.
Names.] THere are several sorts of Lemons, some great, others small; some having very thick and rugged peels, and some very smooth; some are of a wild juice, others sharp, and some very tart and crabbed: which alterations may be made both by the Soil, and place where they grow or are planted.
1. The ordinary Lemon-tree is called Malus Limonia, acida, vulga∣ris.
2. Malus Limonia, acida, cortice tenui; the thin rin'd sower Le∣mon.
3. Malus Limonia, acida, fructu rotundo; The sower round Le∣mon.
4. Malus Limonia, dulcis, major; The greater sweet Lemon.
5. Malus Limonia dulcis minor. The lesser sweet Lemon, or Civil Lemon.
6. Malus Lemonia Silvestris minima. The least wild Lemon-tree.
Descript.] 1. The ordinary Lemon-tree groweth great and high, with great Arms and slender branches, with long greenish thorns, the leaves are long like unto Bay-leaves, but dented about the edges, and full of holes: the flowers are white and sweet, the fruit long and round, of a pale yellow colour, and the rind rugged and uneven; the juice is sharp.
Descript.] 2. All the difference between this and the former, is this; that the other is bigger, the rind is of a fine pale, yellow colour and smoother then the other, and thinner full of a pleasant sharp juice, with seeds amongst it as the other hath.
Descript.] 3. The tree that beareth the round Lemons, is in all things like the last, onely in this, that it hath few or no thornes upon it; and the fruit is like it, having a thin rind, but is somewhat rounder, with a small Crown at the head.
Descript.] 4. The greater sweet Lemon is greater then any other of the former Lemons, the rind is more smooth and yellower; and the juice more sweet and pleasant.
Descript.] 5. This Lemon is of the same size as the thin-rinded sower Lemons, and so like that it is hard by the outside to know one from the other but this hath a little deeper coloured rind, and the juice of a sweet pleasant taste, with a little sharpeness.
Descript.] 6. The least wild Lemon, groweth wild in Syria and Egypt; and heareth very smal fruit no bigger then Pigeons Eggs.
Place.] These Lemons are brought unto us from Spain and several of their Islands.
Time.] They hold their leaves on, alwayes green & are never without
blossomes, green, and ripe fruit, at all times throughout the year.
Government and Vertues.] The Lemons are Solar, yet of different parts, and contrary effects; it is of good use to resist poison, Venome or Infection; an ounce and an half, of the juice of unripe Lemons, drunk in Wine, clean∣seth the Kidneys of the Stone and gravel; and kill∣eth Worms in the body and driveth them forth.
Take 4 ounces of the pure juice of Lemons, steep therein an Angel of Gold, or the weight thereof in leaf Gold, the space of four and twenty hours, then take out the Gold, or draw the juice dear from it, and give some of it in a draught of Wine, with a little of the pow∣der of Angelica-root unto any infected with the plague, and if there be any hopes of recovery it will help them. The juice of sweet Lemons is neither so cooling nor operative as the other. The distilled water, drawn from the inner pulpe or white substance of the Lemons, cleareth the skin and Face from Freckles and Spots, provokes Urine, expels the Stone, being drunk; and helpeth the running Scab, kills Lice in the Head, the Worms in the hands or Nose, and Wheals or pushes in the skin: The juice of Lemons is good for Seamen and others in Voyages at Sea, to put into their Beverage to keep them from the Scurvy; whereunto long voyages much subject their bodies, and also to quench thirst in hot Countries: But I need not teach the Seamen to make a bowl of punch, but pray they may at no time want materials.
Take a Lemon and cut it through the middle and cast thereon some fine powder of Brimstone; then rost him either against the fire or under the Embers as you do a Warden-Pear, and therewith rub the parts troubled with Itch or Scabs.
It is also the best most soveraign and clear remedy to destroy those pediculi inguinales, vulgarly called Crab-lice, the parts afflicted with them being rubbed therewith.
Kinds and Names.] OF the Line-tree, there are accounted two sorts the Male, and the Female; and of the Female also two sorts, the greater and the lesser. It is called in Latine Tilia.
Descript.] 1. Tilia mas, the Male Line, groweth to be a great tree, with large spreading boughs but not so much as the Female, nor so flexible but harder and more brittle, and of a thicker bark; the leaves are like unto Elder-leaves but smaller and longer; and on every one for the most part grow small bladders full for Worms which turn into flyes, which being ripe do fly away.
This tree seldom beareth either flower or fruit, yet when it doth bear, it is round flat husks; many growing close together, each hanging on a long foot-stalk by it self, with a notch or clift at the head or end thereof. The wood hereof is harder, more knotty and yellower then the Female.
Descript.] 2. Tilia foemina, major. The greater Female Line-tree groweth to be a larger tree then the former (especially if it happen to be planted in good ground;) covered with a dark coloured bark, the next thereunto being very pliable to bend and bind, having some other thin rindes within it, the leaves are fair & broad greener smoother, gentler, & rounder than Elm-leaves, and with a longer end; dented about the edges, and of a reasonable good scent: at the end of the branches oftentimes and at the foot of the leaves, shoot forth long and narrow, whitish leaves, along the middle rib, whereof springeth out a slender long stalk with divers white flowers thereon, smelling very sweet, after which follow small berries, wherein is contained black round seed, the wood is whitish, smooth, and light.
Descript.] 3. Tilia foemina, minor. The lesser Linden-tree is like the last in all things, saving that it groweth smaller in body, leaves and flo∣wers, the leaves are of a darker green colour, and beareth no fruit after the flowers.
Place and Time.] The greater Female-kind is planted in many places in this land, in pleasant Walks it making a large sweet shadow, and usually flowreth in May. The other are great strangers, and scarce to be seen any where in this land.
Government and Vertues.] There is no medicinal use made of the Male Linden: The Female is under the dominion of Venus, of a mode∣rate temperature, and somewhat drying and astringent, the decoction of the leaves being sod in water is a pood Lotion to wash the sore Mouthes of young Children, or any sore Mouths that have Ulcers, blisters, or Cankers in them. The leaves being pounded or bruised after the boyling, and applied to the Legs or Feet that are
swelled with falling down of humors, doth help them; the hark is also effectual for the same purpose.
The flowers of the Line-tree, and of Lilly Convally, distilled toge∣ther, the water thereof is good against the Falling-sickness; so like∣wise is the distilled water of the bark, and is good against those fretting humors, that cause the bloody Flux, and griping in the Guts; the wa∣ter wherein the inner bark hath been steeped till the water become thick and muscilaginous, and applied with clothes wet therein, helps burnings and scaldings.
Descript. and Place.] LIquid Amber is a thick Rozen like gum, drop∣ing by incision from certain great trees in the West-Indies; which trees are full of branches covered with a thick Ash-coloured bark, the leaves are like unto Ivy leaves, and the Gum which issu∣eth from the tree is of a strong and sweet smell, and is somewhat like unto Liquid Storax; and may passe instead thereof for the same uses; but there is a coarse sort, which is the scum of the uppermost fatness that is made by boyling the branches, and is supposed to be that Storax liquida sold by Druggists and Apothecaries: out of the first sort while it is fresh and laid in the Sun, there droppeth a certain clear reddish oyl, called oyle of Liquid Amber, and, of some, Liquid Amber it self.
Government and Virtues.] Both Tree and Gum are under the influ∣ence of Jupiter, of a moderately hot and moist temperature; and is use∣ful either of it self or mixed with other things, to com∣fort and warm a cold moist braine, being used as an oyntment; and easeth all pains proceeding from a cold cause being applied thereunto: It comforts and strengtheneth a weak Stomack, helps digestion and procures an Appetite; But more effectually if a plaister be made thereof with some Storax, Musk and Amber, and ap∣plied to the Stomack: it is also profitably used in all cold griefs of the the Mother; it warms mollifies, and dissolves, Tumors, and opens ob∣structions, and stoppings of the Terms.
Kinds and Names.] THere are several sorts of these plants, & are ge∣nerally called Autumn small▪ Gentians, Gentianel¦lae Autumnales, and of some Pneumonanthe.
Descript.] 1. The greater Autumn Gentian, Pneumonanthe dicta, riseth up according to the richness of the ground, higher or lower, sometimes
two foot high, and sometimes not above a foot, and sometimes with many and sometimes with fewer stalks; of a brownish green colour, with many long and narrow dark green leaves, set by couples upon them, up to the tops•• which seldom branch forth, but bear every one a large hollow flower, in most of them of a deep blewish purple colour, but in some a little paler, ending in five points; the roots are many small and long; growing deep into the ground; and abiding all the Winter.
Descript.] 2. Gentianella Autumnalis simbriato flore; Antumn-Geatian of Naples. This doth creep up like Couch-grasse from a long yel∣lowish small root, shooting forth a few long and narrow leavs, lik•• those of Flax, but shorter; but those that grow up, to the middle of the stalk are larger, and lesser again from the middle to the top, two set at every joint all along, and striped from every one of the joints on both sides, to the top of the stalk, which is green, and about a foot high: at the top commeth a purplish green husk, which hath four large pointed leaves and encloseth the flower, which is long and writhed before it be blown, and of a pale blew colour; but when it is blown open is of a deeper blew colour, having four leaves some∣what long: and as it were purfled about the edges, with a little hairiness at them; and a small leaf at the bottom of each flower with a few yellow threds in the middle standing about a head, which groweth to be the seed-vessel, forked into two parts at the head, being greater there then below, and containeth in it very small black seed when it is ripe.
Descript.] 3. Autumn-Gentian with small Centory-leaves, called in Latine Gentianella Autumnalis, Centaureae minoris folio. This riseth up with sundry stalks scarce a foot high, parted into many small branches whereon do stand two leaves together very like those of the lesser Centaury, not so long as either of the former, but a little broader and of a whiter green colour; at the tops of the stalks and branches grow divers blew flowers, set in small long husks, half way rising above the tops of them; the seed is small and groweth in long horned vessels; the root is small and fi∣brous.
Descript.] 4. There is another sort with small Centory-like flowers; which is more spreading; small, but hath larger leaves and flowers than Cen∣tory; and of the same colour as are the flowers of Centory, yet having many more and lasteth longer; the root abideth not the Winter.
Descript.] 5. Another smaller Gentian with Centaury-leaves is very like unto the last but smaller, and the stalks much lower, not above three inches high, having many small branches whereon are large blew flowers; the seed and vessels when they are ripe are like unto the last; the root is also small, but hath many more fibres than the others.
Place.] The first is found growing in many places of Germany, and other outlandish parts; and in divers places of our own land, as by Gravesend, neer Greenhith, in a Chalk-pit not far from Dartford, and at Cobham in Kent; it groweth both in wet and dry grounds. The second upon the hills in Naples as saith Columna; The third in divers place••
of Kent; as about South-fleet, and Long-field, and also in Bedfordshire and Hartfordshire neer old Verulam; The rest are strangers heer.
Time.] These flower not untill August, and thence got the name of Autumn-Gentian.
Government and Vertues.] These Lung-flowers, or Autumn-Gentians, are also under the dominion of Mars, as the Gentian or Felwort is; and much of the same temperature, in heat and dryness; and may be used both inwardly and outwardly as effectually as Gentian, and where these are in plenty, and the other not easie to be had, may well serve instead thereof.
They are powerful against Putrefaction, Venome, and Poison: The Germans accompt it their Treakle and did formerly make a Treakle with it and other things, at Jena: which was brought unto us and called Jenes-Treakle, made of these Gentians, Aristolochia, Bay-leaves, and other things, which were very good for griefs and pains in the Stomack, and very effectual against infection of the Plague, and other infectious diseases, to expel the malignity thereof, and to preserve the Heart, and strengthen it a∣gainst Fainting and Swoonings: which Treakle was of a bitter tast. But that which is now commonly used by the vulgar people, and ge∣nerally by them called Treacle, which is of a sweet and pleasant tast, is not any kind of Treacle, but is called properly Molosses; and is no∣thing else but the grosse dross of Sugar, taken in the refining or boyling thereof, and is not helpful in any disease, yet usually and greedily de∣sired and taken by the common People as an universal medicine.
The roots of these Gentians, being made into fine powder, and ta∣ken in Wine, either by themselves or with other things, as Myrrhe, Rue, Pepper, or the like, is an effectual remedy against the bitings or stingings of Serpents, Scorpions, or any other Venemous Creatures, and against the bitings of Mad-Dogs being taken three or four dayes together, and the wound carefully kept open with Vinegar and Salt-water, and orderly cleansed and dressed.
The same roots also, being so taken in Wine, open obstructions of the Liver, and help such as are Liver-grown. It easeth pains in the Stomack, and helpeth such as cannot keep or relish their meat, or have lost their appetite to meat: It refresheth such as are overweary with Tra∣vail; being steeped in Wine and drunk, helps such as are Lame in their joints by cold or bad lodging: and is effectual for pains, stiches and prickings in the sides: and is good for those who are bruised by falls, dissolving congealed Blood, and easing the pains thereof. The root is held to be good also a∣gainst Agues, to be taken not in Wine but in some other drink, or the distilled water of the herb.
The fresh root of the dryed made into a pessary and put into the Matrix expelleth the Dead-Child, and After-birth. And being taken inwardly it driveth down the Courses and provokes Urine. The decocti∣on of the root is excellent to give ease to them who are pained with the Stone; the same taken in Wine is very good for those that are troubled with cramps or Convulsions; and is good also for Ruptures and those that are Bursten.
Dioscorides commendeth the roots hereof not to help men only, but also for beasts that are troubled with Coughs, out-going of their en∣trails, and that it killeth and driveth forth Worms, and breaketh Wind in the body. It is available in all cold diseases either inward or outward. It doth extenuate and make thin, thick Flegm or gross humors, cleanseth corrupt and filthy sores or Ulcers, purging of offen∣sive and peccant humors: and opens obstructions of the Liver, Lungs, Gaul and Spleen, and freeing the parts affected with any the diseases incident unto them.
The decoction of the leaves, or the juice of them, or the roots, worketh the same effect, and so doth the distilled water there∣of.
The distilled water of the leaves, flowers, and roots, drawn in a glasse-body in Balneo Mariae, hath been found effectual in a wonderful manner to cure putrified Agues, and cleanses the bloud, and killeth Worms in the belly; the same water used to the Face, cleanseth it from Spots, Freckles and Morphew; The powder of juice of the root healeth Green Wounds, and all sorts of foul putrid and rot∣ten Ulcers; the same or the powder of the dryed roots, helpeth the knots or kernels of the Kings-Evil; and the soreness of the Piles; the juice either fresh or condensate is good to take away inflamations and swellings of the Eyes; and to cleanse them from films.
The decoction of the herb or root, is good to drench Cattell with, to free them, from Bottes and Worms; or if they have received any harm by licking up any Venemous Worm or Tick with their grasse (as often they do) the same decoction of juice of the bruised leaves is good to bath the Udders of kine, which have been bitten or stung by any hurtful worm or other poisonous vermine, by two or three times so bathing they are perfectly cured.
Kinds and Names] THere are several kinds of Lupines, as, The great white Lupine called Lupinus sativus albus. 2. The spotted white Lupine called Lupinus alter albus; and the smallest blew Lupine, called Lupinus minimus Coeruleus.
Descript.] 1. The great white Lupine, riseth up with a strong, upright, round woolly stalk, set confusedly with divers soft woolly leaves upon long footstalks, each being divided into several parts, narrow long and soft, green∣ish on the upperside, and woolly underneath: the main stalk is divided into two parts, after the flowers are grown from the uppermost joint, and are like unto the great Garden-bean, but wholly white without any spot: after the flowers, come long soft woolly stalks containing in them flat, white leaves, somewhat yellowish within; of a very bitter taste. The root is long hard and fibrous, and perisheth every Winter.
Descript.] 2. The spotted white Lupine, differeth from the former, in the greatness, and in the flower: which is spotted with blew, on the head of the inner most leaves, and the hollow of the uppermost.
Descript.] 3. The smallest blew Lupine, is very like unto the other blew Lupine; but smaller both stalks and leaves; the flowers are blew, the seed a little spotted.
Place.] They grow naturally wild, but in England are only planted in Gardens.
Time.] The Lupines do flower in July and August, and the seed is ripe soon after.
Government and Vertues.] Lupines are under the dominion of Mars; and have an opening, cleansing dissolving, and digestive property: but if they be steeped in water untill they have lost their bitterness, they may be eaten; but they are very hard to digest and breed grosse hu∣mors, and passe slowly through the belly, yet do not stop any flux: If they be so steeped, and afterwards dryed and taken with Vinegar, they provoke Appetite, and help the loathing of the Stomack to meat. The decoction of Lupines taken with hony, opens obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, provokes Urine, and the Terms and expelleth the Dead-child, if it be taken with Myrrhe. The decoction of them cleanseth the body of Scabs, Morphew, Cankers, Tetters, and soul running Ulcers, or Sores; It also cleanseth the Face, and taketh away the marks or pits which the Pox leaves behind it; and cleareth the skin of Marks, and black and blew Spots.
Take the meal of Lupines, the gaul of a Goat or Sheep, juice of Le∣mons, and a little Alumen Saccharimum; mingle them into the form of a soft oyntment.
The meal of Lupines, being boyled in Vinegar and applied, taketh away knobs, and kernels, or pimples: The smoak of the shells, being burned drives away gnats and flyes, which annoy many houses in Summer.
Stomack, Liver
Obstructions
Jaundies, dropsies
Ʋrine, Stone
Reines, Kidneys
Bladder, Stone,
Gravel, Gout
Tissick, Lungs.
Wounds, Ʋl••ers
Pains, Sprains
Bruises-freckles
Kidneys
Bladder
Liver, Spleen
Flegm, Choler
Head, Lungs
Stomack, Liver
Spleen, Gout
Dropsie, Chollick
Blood, Womb
Agues.
Brain, Memory
Rhumes, Scurff
Flegm, Terms
Lasks, Stomack
Terms, Gout
Sores, knots
Kernels
Cankers, Kibes St. Anthonies-fire, Mouth Privy parts Fundament
Fluxes
Blood
Stomack
Mother
Funda∣ment, sores
Bones
Loose-teeth, Itch
Leprosie
Scabbs
Stomack
Reins
Whites
Redds
Mother, chollick
Stomack, Belly
tumors, Sinews
Brain, Memory
Liver, Heart
Venome, Infection
Stone, Worms
Freokles, Spots
Stone, Scabs
Lice, Wormes
Wheales
Sore mouths
Ʋlcers, blisters
cankers, swel∣led Feet.
Brain Stomack Digestion▪ Ape∣tite, Mother Tumors
Poyson, Plague.
Stomack, plague
Venemous bitings Mad-Dogs
Liver grown, stomack, lame∣ness, Sides Stiches, bruises Agues
Dead-Child Courses, Ʋrine Stone, Cramps
Liver, Lungs, Gaul, Spleen
Agues, Worms Green Wounds Ʋlcers, Kings-Evil, Piles, Eyes
Appetite, Sto∣mack, Liver Spleen, Ʋrine Terms, Dead-Child, Scabbs Morphew, can∣kers, Tetters Sores.