SORREL. 217 



of the leaves or roots, in whey of new milk, 

 is exceedingly good against all lingering dis- 

 eases in general, where there is an acrimony 

 tending to putrefaction. No plant better 

 cleanses the body of feculent humours col- 

 lected in winter. A handful of the leaves 

 boiled in a pint of whey, is an excellent 

 medicine in April. In short, it is one of the 

 most effectual remedies against the scurvy, 

 if the plant be eaten green, or its juice drunk; 

 for it helps an offensive breath, fastens loose 

 teeth, and cures the putrefaction of the gums ; 

 and is extremely beneficial in all cases where 

 the blood is too fluid, and the vessels lax. 



They who spit blood, and are prone to 

 consumption, find extraordinary relief from 

 taking the juice hereof, which is of use also 

 externally applied ; for it is proper to cleanse 

 sordid ulcers ; and the leaves, contused 

 with fresh butter, are of the greatest ser- 

 vice against such carbuncles as tend to 

 gangrene.* 



The leaves of the wood-sorrel are said to 

 excel common sorrel in all physical virtues, 

 and are reckoned more cordial and useful in 

 inflammatory fevers.-f 



The juice of this plant, says Boerhaave, is 



* Hist. Plant. + James. 



