PERSrCARIA. 289 



as to be scarcely tolerable, for which reason alone, 

 probably, it is but little used in modern practice. 

 As an external application, in form of a poultice, 

 the biting taste can be of no objection ; and it is 

 stated, that the fresh leaves pounded and applied 

 are of great efficacy in cleansing and altering the 

 ill condition of long standing ulcers. It is also va- 

 luably applied in this manner to contusions and 

 blows, for the purpose of speedily removing the 

 blackness, by promoting the absorption of ex- 

 travasated blood. 



Country people chew the leases as a cure for 

 the tooth-ach, and they are said to have relieved 

 the pains of the gout when applied to the parts 

 affected. 



Linnaeus tells us, that all domestic quadrupeds 

 reject this Biting Persicaria; and when it is 

 gathered whilst in full blossom and preserved, it 

 effectually keeps insects from wardrobes and other 

 places, and on this account it is used by the 

 Germans to keep their chambers free from fleas. 



Vol. II. U 



