Tractatus de simplicium medicamentorum facultatibus. = A treatise of the nature and qualities of such simples as are most frequently used in medicines,: both purging, and others. Methodically handled, for the benefit of those that understand not the Latine tongue. To which is added: many compound medicines for most diseases incident to mankinde: as also two alphabeticall tables, very necessary for the reader. Together with, the explanation of all hard words or termes of art, whereby the vulgar may the better understand it. / By Robert Pemel, practitioner in physick, at Cranebrooke in Kent. Licensed and enterd according to order.

CHAP. 153. De Ruta, of Rue.

The Names and temperament.

IT is called in Latine Ruta, and Ruta hortensis, in English Rue, and Herb-grace, or Herb of Grace; it is hot and dry in the third de∣gree.

The duration.

It will keep good a yeer.

The inward use.

Rue provoketh urine and womens courses, expelleth all venome and poyson, and is most excellent in time of the Plague or sicknesse: the seed also taken in Wine is an Antidote or Counterpoison against all dangerous Medicines, or deadly poisons. A decoction made there∣of with some dried Dil-leaves and flowers, easeth all pains and gripe∣ings in the body. The same being drunk helpeth the pains both of the chest and sides, as also Coughs, hardnesse, or difficulty of breathing, the inflammations of the Lungs, as also the shaking of Agues, to take a draught before the fit come. It killeth Wormes being boiled in Wine and Honey, and taken. The juice taken with Wine, purgeth women after their deliverance, bringeth away the dead childe and after-birth. It dryeth up the milk, and the naturall seed of genera∣tion, and quickeneth the sight.

The leaves of Rue first boiled & then laid in pickle, is by some eaten as sawce, for the dimness of sight, and to warm a cold stomach.

The manner of administring it.

It is given in powder, in decoction, and electuary.

Mithridates his Antidote against Poison.

Take twenty leaves of Rue, a little Salt, a couple of Wal-nuts, and a couple of Figs; beat them together into a masse. This is for every day.

The outward use.

It helpeth tht swelling of the cods, if it be boiled with Bay-leaves, and they bathed therewith. The juice mixed with Honey, and the juice of Fennel, helpeth dim eyes being dropped therein: being boiled or infused in Oile, it is good to help the winde-collick, or the swelling hardnesse, or windinesse of the Mother, and freeth women from the strangling or suffocation of the Mother, if the shares and parts thereabouts be anointed therewith: It helpeth the Gowt or pains in the joints of hands, feet, or knees, and also the Sciatica ap∣plied thereunto: the same with Figs helpeth the Dropsie. It cureth the Morphew, and taketh away all sorts of Warts on the Hands, Face, Nose, or any other parts, if it be boiled in Wine with some Pepper and Nitre, and the places rubbed therewith: and with Al∣lome and Honey, helpeth the dry Scab, or any Tetter. The juice dropped into the eares, easeth the pains thereof. It is good against the bitings of venomous beasts, and to be laid to Carbuncles.

A fomentation against the running Sores of Childrens heads.

Take of green Copperas two ounces, of Rue and Sage of each a handful; boil them in a quart of water to half, and wash the head therewith.

The hurtfull quality.

It is hurtful for women with childe, and destroyeth the ability of getting children.

The Dose.

The Dose in powder is from a scruple, to thirty grains.

Medicines made thereof.

The distilled water, Chymicall Oile, Oile by infusion, Salt, Vine∣ger of Rue, and Balsame.