CHAP. 40. De Jalapio, of Jalap.
JAlap is a root like Mechoacan, but covered vvith a black bark, and grayish vvithin, being put to the fire a gumminesse vvill arise, and sometimes flame. It is brought to us in thinne slices, some bigger, some lesser. In taste it is pleasant, but gummie, vvhereby it stickes to the teeth being chevved.
The Names.
It is called Bryonia mechoacan nigricans, Chelopa, Celopa, Celapa, Ge∣lapum, Gelapo, Jalapium, Jalapa, Jalappa, Jalappium, Gialapa, Mechoa∣canna nigra, Salapa, Xalapa, Zaqualtipan, Rhabarbarum nigrum; In English 'tis called, Black Mechoacan, or Jalap.
The temperament.
It seemeth to be like Mechoacan in quality.
The duration.
It will keep good two or three yeares.
The inward use.
It purgeth Flegmatick, Cholerick, and Melancholick humours, but chiefly watery humours: Therefore it is profitable in the Drop∣sie and cachecticall diseases, that is, such as are subject to the Green sicknesse. It strengtheneth the Liver, Spleen and stomach.
The manner of administring it.
It is given in Powder, in Pils, in Boles, and in Potions.
In Powder.
Take of Jalap in powder two scruples, or a dram, creame of Tar∣tar a scruple, Oile of Cynamon and Anise-seed, of each a drop, mixe them together, and give it in Succorie-water.
Or
Take Jalap and Creame, of Tartar, of each two scruples, make them in powder, and give it as before.
In Pils.
Take of Jalap in powder two scruples, of Scammonie three or four graines, Oile of Cynamon a drop, with syrup of Roses, make Pils and give them.
In a Bole or lump.
Take of Jalap in powder two scruples, Creame of Tartar in pow∣der a scruple, Oile of Anise-seed two drops, Conserve of Roses halfe an ounce, make a Bole, and give it.
In a Potion.
Take Sene, Polipodium of the Oke bruised, of each two drams, Ja∣lap cut in thin slices a dram and a halfe, Anise-seed and Fennell-seed bruised, of each a drame, make an infusion in halfe a pinte of strong beere, upon Embers all night, then straine it, and adde to the clear of the electuary Diaphoenicon two drams, syrup of Roses halfe an ounce; make a Potion and give it.
The hurtfull quality.
It many times troubleth the stomach, and causeth a Nauseousnes thereof, or inclination to vomit; therefore the safest way is to give it with some Oile of Anise-seed, Cynamon, Mint, or with Anise-seed and Ginger. It workes well in white Wine. To quicken it, you may mixe therewith a few graines of Scammonie, or the ex∣tract of Scammonie.
Of those compounds made of Jalap.
There are made thereof, extract of Jalap, Magister of Jalap.
The Dose.
The dose in powder is from a scruple to a dram; in infusion from a dram and a halfe to two drams and a halfe.
