MINT. 349 



•J 



Coles notices six varieties of* the penny- 

 royal ; but Miller enumerates only three. 



Its qualities are nearly the same as those 

 of other mints, except that, being milder, it 

 is not so efficacious. It has been greatly 

 recommended in dropsies, jaundice, and other 

 chronic distempers. 



Pliny tells us, that several physicians met 

 in his chamber to consult on the virtues of 

 this herb, and that they all agreed, that a 

 chaplet of pennyroyal was, without compari- 

 son, far better for the giddiness and swim- 

 ming of the head than one of roses ; and 

 that they were of opinion, that if a garland 

 of pennyroyal were worn, it would not only 

 ease the head from pain, but that it would 

 preserve the brain from disorders, which are 

 brought on by either heat or cold. 



Xenocrates relates, that pennyroyal wrap- 

 ped in wool, was given to those to smell who 

 had the ague, and that it was put under the 

 coverings of the beds of those who suffered 

 under that disease. 



Dodona?us informs us, that this herb, when 

 fresh and in blossom, will, by its perfume, 

 keep flies out of a room. The same author 

 states, that when necessity obliges us to 

 drink corrupt, stinking, or saltish water, wo 



