The Vertues and Signature.
The inner Bark aforesaid, which is of a yellow colour, being steeped in Wine or Beere, and drunk, causeth to vomit vehemently, and cleanseth the stomack. It doth also purge downward, both Choler and Flegme, and the watry humours of Hydropick persons, and strengtheneth the inward parts again afterwards, even as Rubarb doth: If it be boyled with Agrimony, Worm-wood, Dodder, Hops, and some Fennel and Small••ge, Endive and Chicory Roots, and a reasonable draught taken every morning for some time together, it is very effectuall against the Jaun∣dise by Signature, the Dropsie and evill disposition of the Body; especially, if some purging Medicine have been taken before, to avoid the grosser excrements; and then it not only purgeth, but also strengtheneth the Liver and Spleen. clean∣sing them from such evill humours and hardness as they are afflicted with: I••••s to be understood, that these things are performed when it is dry; for if it be ••∣ken inwardly before it be dryed, the superfluous moysture will cause extraor••••∣nary vomiting, pains in the stomack, and gripings in the Belly: yet if the de∣coction thereof be made, and suffered to stand, and settle for two or three dayes, untill the yellow colour be changed black, it will not work so strongly as before, but will strong then the stomack, and procure an appetite to meat. Being boyled in Vinegar, it is an approved remedy to kill Lice, to cure the Itch, and take away Scabs, by drying them up in a short time. The same is singular good to wash the Teeth, to take away the pains, to fasten those that are loose, to cleanse them and keep them sound. Though the inner Bark be so purgative, as you heard before, yet the outermost doth bind the Body, and is helpful for all Lasks, and Fluxes thereof; but this also must be dryed first, or else it will not work so effectually. The Leaves are reported to be good Fodder for Cattle, especially for those that give milk, which they breed exceedingly.