Tutsan, or Park leaves. Siciliana.
TUtsan groweth up with brownish, [Description.] shining, round stalks, crested, hard, and woody, about two foot high, branching out from the bottom, ha∣ving divers joynts, and two fair large leaves at every joynt, of a dark blueish green colour on the upper side, and yellowish underneath, turning reddish toward the Autumne, and abiding on the branches all the Winter; at the tops whereof stand large yellow flowers, after which come heads of seed, at first greenish, then reddish, and last of a darkish purple colour, wherein are contain∣ed a small brownish seed, and also a reddish juyce, like unto blood, of a reasonable scent, and a harsh stiptick taste, like as the leaves and flowers are, though in a lower degree. The root is brownish, great, hard, and woody, spreading in the ground, and continueth a long time.
Names.] The Latines call it Androsaemum, and some call it Dionysia, and Siciliana; in English it is called Park-leaves, because it familiarly grows in Woods and Parks; and Tutsan from the French word Toutsaine, it being a good Wound Herb.
Place and Time.] It delights to grow in Woods, and woody Grounds, Parks, and Forrests; flowers in July and August, and the berries are ripe in September.
Nature and Vertues.] Tutsan is moderately hot and dry, yet abstersive, a Saturnine Plant: The leaves and flowers of Tutsan abate lust, and venerial motions, being taken in drink, or otherwise, and the seeds more powerfully being toasted, and then eat or drunk. Castory boiled in the juyce of Tutsan and drunk helps the Gonorrhea. The Green herb bruised and ap∣plyed, helps burnings by fire, and the same, or the powder of the dry herb, stayes bleeding of Wounds; it is a sovereign Wound herb, for any Wound either inwardly or outwardly; it