BOOK XX. xxii. 48-xxin. 51 



XXII. Headed leek has tlie same properties as Cucieek. 

 cut leek, but they are stronger. Those who spit 

 blood are given its juice along with ground gall-nut 

 or frankincense, or with gum acacia. Hippocrates 

 directs it also to be given without other ingredient, 

 and is of opinion that a contracted womb opens 

 under its influence ; hkewise that by its use as food 

 the fertility of vvomen is increased. Beaten up, 

 vvith honey added, it cleanses sores. Cough, catarrh 

 of the chest, and affections of the lungs and of the 

 trachea are cured by it vvhen given in a draught of 

 barley-vvater or eaten ravv, the head excepted, 

 without bread ; it must however be taken only on 

 alternate days, even if pus be expectorated. Given 

 thus it greatly benefits the voice, venerv and sleep, 

 The heads, boiled in water that is tvvice changed 

 checks diarrhoea and chronic fiuxes ; a decoction of 

 the skin serves as a dye for grey hair. 



XXUI. Garhc has powerful properties, and is of aariic. 

 great benefit against changes of water and of resi- 

 dence. It keeps ofF serpents and scorpions by its 

 smell, and, as some have maintained, every kind of 

 beast. It cures bites when drunk or eaten, or appHed 

 as ointment, being particularly efficacious against 

 the haemorrhois " when taken with wine and brought 

 up by voniiting. Lest we be surprised that it is an 

 antidote against the poisonous bite of the shrevv- 

 mouse, it neutralizes aconite, which is also known 

 by the name of pardaUanches,* as well as henbane 

 and dog-bites ; for the wounds of the latter it is made 

 into an ointment with honey. For the bites of ser- 

 pents it is very eflicacious to roast it with its own 

 leaves and make a liniment by adding oil ; also for 



* " Panther-strangler." 



31 



