50 THE COMPLETE HERBAL 
and foul scabs, sores and itch. The same 
also boiled in wine, and applied to any joint 
full of pain, ach, or the gout in the hands 
or feet, or the hip gout, called the Sciatica, 
and the decoction thereof drank the while, 
doth cure them, and eases much pain in 
the bowels. The roots are likewise effectual 
to help ruptures or burstings, being used 
with other things available to that purpose, 
taken either inwardly or outwardly, or 
both; as also bruises or hurts by blows, 
falls, or the like, and to stay the bleeding 
of wounds in any parts inward or outward. 
Some hold that one leaf cures a quo- 
tidian, three a tertain, and four a quartan 
ague, and a hundred to one if it be not 
Dioscorides; for he is full of whimsies, 
The truth is, I never stood so much upon 
the number of the leaves, nor whether I 
give it in powder or decoction: If J upiter 
were strong, and the Moon applying to 
him, or his good aspect at the gathering, 
I never knew it miss the desired effect. 
CIVES. 
Ca.uep also Rush Leeks, Chives, Civet, 
and Sweth. 
Temperature and virtues.] I confess I 
had not added these, had it not been for a 
country gentleman, who by a letter certified 
me, that amongst other herbs, I had left 
these out; they are indeed a kind of leeks, 
hot and dry in the fourth degree as they 
are, and so under the dominion of Mars; 
if they be eaten raw, (I do not mean raw, 
opposite to roasted or boiled, but raw, 
opposite to chymical Preparation) they 
send up very hurtful vapours to the brain, 
causing troublesome sleep, and spoiling the 
eye-sight, yet of them prepared by the art 
ae of the alchymist, may be made an excellent 
remedy for the stoppage of the urine. 
has four square stalks, with broad, rough, 
wrinkled, whitish, or hoary green leaves, 
somewhat evenly cut in on the edges, and — 
of a strong sweet scent, growing some near 
the ground, and some by couples upon — 
stalks. The flowers grow at certain dis- | 
tances, with two small leaves at the joints — 
under them, somewhat like unto the flowers 
of Sage, but smaller, and of a whitish blue 
colour. The seed is brownish, and some- | 
what flat, or not so round as the wild. The — 
roots are blackish, and spread not far, and 
perish after the seed time. It is usually — 
sown, for it seldom rises of its own sowing. 
Place.| This grows in gardens. 
Time.| It flowers in June and July, 
some a little later than others, and their 
seed is ripe in August, or thereabouts. 
Government and virtues.] It is under the — 
dominion of the Moon. The seed put into 
the eyes clears them from motes, and such 
like things gotten within the lids to offend 
them, as also clears them from white and | 
red spots on them. The mucilage of the — 
seed made with water, and applied to 
tumours, or swellings, disperses and takes 
them away; as also draws forth splinters, 
thorns, or other things gotten into the flesh. 
The leaves used with vinegar, either by 
itself, or with a little honey, doth help boils, _ 
felons, and the hot inflammations that are 
gathered by their pains, if applied before 
it be grown too great. The powder of the 
dried root put into the nose, provokes — 
sneezing, and thereby purges the head and 
brain of much rheum and corruption. The 
seed or leaves taken in wine, provokes to 
venery. It is of much use both for men — 
and women that have weak backs, and helps _ 
to strengthen the reins: used either by 
itself, or with other herbs conducing to the — 
same effect, and in tansies often. The fresh 
leaves dipped in a batter of flour, eggs, and - 
a little milk, and fried in butter, and served _ 
is not unpleasant to any, but ~ 
“profitable for those that 
for those that are 
