SAFFRON. 195 



matic, and a cordial so highly stimulating, 

 that it is said to exhilarate the spirits to such 

 a degree, (if taken in large quantities,) as to 

 occasion immoderate mirth, and involuntary 

 laughter. It is, therefore, particularly ser- 

 viceable in hysteric depressions, proceeding 

 from a cold cause, and on this account it 

 has been called Cor hominis, the heart of man ; 

 and there is an old proverb, alluding to one 

 of a merry temper, Dormivit in sacco Croci, 

 *■ He hath slept in a bag of saffron." 



Saffron imparts the whole of its virtues and 

 colour to rectified or proof spirits, which will 

 retain its qualities for many years. 



Dodoens recommends saffron in diet as 

 comforting the stomach, and causing good 

 digestion ; and when drunk in wine, he says, 

 it prevents intoxication. The same author 

 says, that the root of this plant is a diuretic, 

 that greatly relieves the stone or the gravel. 

 Ancient physicians, and some of our old 

 medical writers, affirm, that saffron causes 

 head-aches, and that the use of it is hurtful 

 to the brain ; but we presume that they al- 

 lude to a too frequent use of this drug, 

 which, by preventing sleep, would naturally 

 injure the head. Gerard tells us, that the 

 " moderate vse of it is good for the head, 



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