LETTUCE. 327 



obstructions of the viscera, if it were duly 

 continued. 



The dandelion is cooling and aperitive, 

 and a diuretic that is good to cleanse the 

 kidneys and bladder. It is boiled in posset 

 drink, and frequently used in all kinds of 

 fevers.* 



Parkinson recommends a decoction of the 

 leaves and roots in wine or broth for a con- 

 sumption, or any ill habit of body. The 

 leaves, as they get old, are very bitter, and 

 give a faint tincture of red to blue paper ; 

 the roots give it much deeper : they are 

 bitter, styptic, and detersive. Tragus pre- 

 scribed the water of this herb in internal 

 inflammations; and Barbette advised the juice 

 to be taken for the same complaint. 



# James. 



