40 THE ENGLISH PHYSICIAN ENLARGEI^. 



frtitclics, and pains in the back or sides, the torments and 

 griping pains of the bowclvS and the wind-choiic ; and 

 mixed with honey piirgeth the belly, helpeth to bring 

 down wonuni's courses, and is of special use for those 

 that are troubled with the failing down of the mother, 

 and i)ains thereof, and causcth an easy and speedy deli- 

 very of women in child-birth. It helpeth also to break 

 and expel the stone, either in the bladder or kidnies. 

 The decotiion with wine gargled in the mouth, easeth the 

 tooth-ach. It is commended against the stinging or biting 

 of venomous serpents, or mad dogs, being used inwardly 

 and applied outwardly to the place. A dram of the 

 powder of Betony, taken with a little honey in some vi- 

 negar, doth wonderfully refresh those that are over 

 wearied by travel. It stayeth bleeding at the mouth or 

 nose, and helpeth those that spit blood, or make bloody 

 urine, and those that are bursten or have a rupture, and 

 is good for such as are bruised by any fall or otherwise. 

 The green herb bruised, or the juice applied to any in- 

 ward tiurt, or outward green wound in the head or body, 

 will quickly heal and close it up ; as also any veins or 

 sinews that are cut ; and will draw forth any broken bone 

 or splinter, thorn, or other things got into the Ilesh. It 

 is no less profitable for old sores or filthy ulcers ; yea, 

 though they be fistulous and hollow. But some do advise 

 to put a little salt to this purpose. Being applied with a 

 little hog's lard, it helpeth a plague sore, and other 

 boils and pushes. The fume of the decoction while it is 

 warm, received by a funnel into the ears, easeth the 

 pains of them, destroys the worms, and cureth the run- 

 ning sores in them. The juice dropped into them doth 

 the same. The root of Betony is disjjleasing both to the 

 taste and stomach, whereas the leaves and llowers, by 

 their sweet and spicy taste, are comfortable both to moat 

 and medicine. 



These are some of the many virtues Anthony Muse, an 

 expert physician (for it was not the practice of Octavius 

 Caisar to keep fools about him) appropriates to Botony ; 

 it is a very precious herb, that is certain, and most litting 

 to be kept in a man's house, both in syrup, conserve, 

 ils, ointment, and plai&tcr. The flowers are usually 

 coaserved. 



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