OF SUNDRY HERBS 87 



moment all her knowledge forsook her. From that time, 

 it is said, the Mugwort obtained the additional name of 

 Zabytko, or the Herb of Forget fulness. Sir John Hill says 

 of this herb : " The leaves and tops of the young shoots 

 and flowers in this plant are all full of virtue, they are 

 aromatic to the taste with a little sharpness. The herb has 

 been famous from the earliest time, and Providence has 

 placed it everywhere about our doors so that reason, and 

 authority, as well as the notice of our senses, point it out 

 for use, but chemistry has banished natural medicines." 



MUGWORT TEA. One pint of boiling water poured on to 

 an ounce of the flowering tops. 



MULLEIN 



" It is a plant whereof is made a manner of lynke (torch) 

 if it be tallowed." Gerard, The Crete Herball, 1597. 



In the Irish papers one frequently sees advertisements for 

 the mullein leaves, in whose healing properties, especially for 

 chest complaint, the peasants have the utmost faith, but in 

 England it is a much neglected herb. Gerard tells us the 

 old story of Circe using mullein in her incantations, and 

 formerly the plant was often called " Hag-taper." 



The Romans used to dip the stalk in suet and burn them 

 as torches, and it is said this was also done in England. 

 The Romans valued mullein highly for chest troubles, and 

 they are supposed to have taught the English the use of it. 



MULLEIN MILK. Boil a handful of the leaves in a pint of 

 milk for ten minutes, then strain and drink hot. 



NETTLE 



" He that holdeth this herbe in hys hand with an herbe 

 called Mylfoyle, or noseblede is sure from all feare and 

 fantasye or vysion and yf it be put with the juyce of house- 

 lyke, and the bearers hande be anpynted with it, and the 

 residue be put in water if he enter in ye water where fyshes 

 be, they will gather together to hys handes. And yf hys 

 hande be drawen forth they will leape agayne to theyr 



