HERBS AND THEIR ORIGIN 31 



In Deadly Nightshade both root and leaves 

 are used; their medicinal value is for the 

 relief of pain in rheumatic diseases, and 

 also by oculists for the dilation of the pupil 

 of the eye. 



Viper^s Bugloss has its stem speckled like a 

 snake, pointing out to all that it could cure 

 snake bites and the stings of scorpions. In 

 spite of its pretty forget-me-not-blue flowers, 

 the plant has a viperish look, which makes 

 it very distinctive. 



Pulmonariay or Lung Wort, has broadish leaves, 

 spotted in a manner resembling the lungs 

 of men and animals. It was esteemed useful 

 in all chest and lung complaints. 



The Heart Trefoil has heart-shaped leaves, which 

 are sometimes bloodstained, so this herb 

 protects the heart. 



The leaves of the St. JohrCs Wort look as if they 

 were perforated with tiny holes, like the 

 pores of the skin, so here we have a herb 

 that cures cuts and abrasions. This herb is 

 indeed one of the most magical of plants, 

 as evil spirits positively shudder at it, flying 

 off at the first whiff of its scent. 



There are many legends woven about the 

 St. John's Wort, and one of them tells us that if 

 after sunset on St. John's Eve you happen to step 

 on the plant, a fairy horse arises out of the ground 

 which will carry you gloriously all the night, to 

 leave you wherever you may happen to be when 

 the first ray of the rising sun stirs the world. 



There may ^be more in these cures of Nature 

 than people of late years have been willing to 



