CULPEPER'8 complete HEBBJLIk 249 



With smaller leaves, smooth as well as the stalk, a little 

 torn, especially those which grow high upon the branches, 

 which are round and broad at the bottom, and encompass 

 the stalk, ending in a narrow point, of a bluish green co- 

 lour. The flowers grow on the tops of the stalks, of four 

 bright yellow leaves, succeeded by long cylindrical nods, 

 containing small round black seed, the root is white, longi 

 and slender. 



Place, — It is sown in gardens. 



Time, — It flowers in April The seed is used in medicine. 



Government and Ftr^w«.— This is a plant of Venus. The 

 seed is good against all kinds of poison, and the bites of 

 venomous creatures, to provoke urine, and the terms. It 

 is extolled against all kmds of infectious distempers, aad 

 to expel the malignity, and drive out the small -pox and 

 measles. It is an ingredient in the Theriaca AndromackL 



KEF.—(I^epeta Cataria,) 



Called also Cat-Mint. 



Descrip,— It shoots forth hard, foot-square stalks, with 

 a hoariness on them, about a yard high, full of branches, 

 bearing at every point two broad leaves, soft, white, and 

 hoary, nicked about the edges, and of a strong sweet scent. 

 The flowers grow in long tufts at the tops of the branches^ 

 and underneath them likewise on the stalks many together, 

 of a purplish white colour. The roots are composed of 

 many long strings or fibres, fastened firmly in the ground, 

 ind abide with green leaves thereon all the winter. 



PloM. — It is only nursed up in our cardena 



Time. — It flowers in July, or thereabouts. 



Oovemment and Virtues. — It is an herb of Venus, and 

 if generally used to procure womens' courses, taken out- 

 wardly or inwardly, either alone, or with other convenient 

 herbs in a decoction to bathe them, or sit over the hot 

 fames ; and by frequent use it takes away barrenness, the 

 wind and pains of the mother. It is used in pains of the 

 head commg of ai^y cold cause, catarrhs, rneums, and 

 swimming and giddiness ; and is of use for wind in the 

 itomach and belly. It is efiectual for cramp or cold aches, 

 and is used for colds, coughs, and shortness of breath. The 

 juice drunk in wine, is profitable for bruises by accidents. 

 The green herb bruised and applied, eases the piles ; the 

 jaioe made up into an ointment, is effectual for the same 

 parooee. The head washed with the decoction, takes away 

 •caoi. and will do the same for other parts of the body 



