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. 54. De Rubia tinctorum, of Madder.

MAdder hath many long four-square reddish stalkes trailing on the ground, rough or hairy, and full of joynts: at every joynt come forth long and somewhat narrow leaves, standing like a star, or the rowell of a spur about the stalks, rough and hairy: to∣wards the tops whereof come forth many small pale yellow flowers, the root is very long and red.

The names.

It is called also Rubia tinctorum, and all from the colour, because it dieth Wooll or Cloth into a red colour.

The temperament

Madder-roots are hot in the second degree, and dry in the third, and have an opening quality, and also an astringent property.

The best.

The best are the reddest and fairest roots, not too old.

The duration.

The roots will keep good two or three yeers.

The inward use.

Madder bringeth down the courses in women, and provoketh u∣rine, bringeth away the birth and after-birth, cureth the Jaundise, o∣peneth the stoppings of the Speen, Liver and Gall, and diminisheth the Melancholy humour. Some have reported that it provokes urine so much, that it causeth bloud to come forth with it, but this is only the colour of the root, which being taken into the body doth cause the urine to look like bloud, as Rubarbe doth make it look yellow. The same taken in decoction or powder, dissolveth congealed bloud in the body, and is good for such as have falne, or are bruised, and is much used in vulnerary or wound-drinks. It is good for such as have the Dropsie, Palsie, Sciatica, or Hip-gowt. The seeds of Madder taken with Vineger and Honey, helpeth the swelling and hardness of the Spleen. It is used also to amend, or help the ill colour of the face, and it helpeth Ulcers of the mouth, if to the decoction be added a little Alome and Honey of Roses. The juice of the root or deco∣ction

thereof is given to such as are hurt with venomous beasts, and preserveth the body from putrefaction. It is very good for such as have the Itch or Scab.

The manner of administring it.

It is given in decoction, and in powder.

A decoction to provoke the Courses.

Take of Madder-roots bruised two ounces, of Licoris bruised an ounce, of Mugwort two handfuls, of Rue half a handful; boil these in three pintes of White Wine, till a pinte or more be consumed, then strain it, and sweeten it with Sugar. Give a good draught there∣of warm, morning and evening.

A powder against falls or bruises.

Take of Madder-roots two drams, Mumme a dram, Rubarbe half an ounce; make them into powder, and give a dram (for a Dose) in Wine.

The outward use.

Madder-roots bruised (especially green) and applyed to any part that is discoloured with Freckles, Morphew, the White-scurfe, or such like deformities of the skin, cleanseth them throughly, and ta∣keth them away, especially if Vineger be mixed therewith, or the powder of the root mixed with a little juice of Gar∣lick, Oile, and a little Honey, cureth any Itch, Scab, or foulness of the skin, being anointed therewith. The juice of the root drop∣ped into the eares, mitigates the pain thereof. The roots applyed as a Pessary, or the powder of the root made up with Oile of Savin, and applied brings away the birth and after-birth. The leaves of Madder have a speciall property to colour the haire of the head. Dyers use it much, saith Plinie (Nat. Hist. lib. 24. c. 11. fol. 192.) to colour their Wooll, and Woollen-cloth, so do Curriers about their skins and Leathers.

The hurtfull qualities.

It must not be given to Women with childe, nor often to such as have hot and dry bodies.

The Dose.

The Dose in powder is from a scruple to two scruples, or more, in decoction, from tvvo drams to half an ounce.