Adam in Eden, or, Natures paradise the history of plants, fruits, herbs and flowers with their several names ... the places where they grow, their descriptions and kinds, their times of flourishing and decreasing as also their several signatures, anatomical appropriations and particular physical vertues together with necessary observations on the seasons of planting and gathering of our English simples with directions how to preserve them in their compositions or otherwise : ... there is annexed a Latin and English table of the several names of simples, with another more particular table of the diseases and their cures ... / by William Coles ...

The Signature and Vertues.

There are upon this Plant also many prickles, and therefore it is good for the Stitches of the side, and other Diseases thereof, by Signature, if the Decoction or Powder thereof be taken. It is also very effectuall for Agues, and to prevent and cure the infection of the Plague: as also to open obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, and thereby is good against the Jaundies. It provoketh Urine, breaketh and expelleth the Stone, and is good for the Dropsie. The Root is good for those that are troubled with the Lask, and the Bloody Flix: it stayeth bleedings, wast∣eth away cold swellings, easeth the pain of the Teeth, if they be washed with the decoction thereof. The Seed is held to be as effectuall, if not more, for the pur∣poses aforesaid, as also for the Cramp, and so is the distilled water, which besides is often applyed, both inwardly to drink, and outwardly with Cloaths or Spun∣ges, to the Region of the Liver, to cool the distemperature thereof, and to the Region of the Heart, against swounings and passions of it. The tender leaves ha∣ving the prickles taken off, and eaten with other Herbs, are exceeding good to cleanse the blood, in the Spring-time; and the young stalks peeled and dressed, as the stalks of the other Chardons and wild Artichokes, are good meat, especially for Nurses to increase their milk, which it doth by Signature also.