BOOK XX. Li. 143-Lni. 147 



foetus is killed by it. Of all plants rue is the one 

 niost generally used for the diseases of quadrupeds 

 also, whether it be dilficulty of breathing or the 

 bites of noxious creatures ; it is injected through the 

 nostrils in wine, or in vinegar if a bloodsucker has 

 been swallowed ; in any type of illness it is com- 

 pounded as in the corresponding illness in man. 



LII. Mentastrum is wild mint, differing from the wiidmini 

 cultivated kind in tlie appearance of its leaves, which 

 have the shape of those of ocimum and the smell of 

 pennyroyal, for which reason some call it wild 

 pennyroyal. If these leaves are chewed and applied, 

 elephantiasis is cured, as was discovered in the time 

 of Pompeius Magnus by the chance experiment of 

 some one who for shame smeared liis face with them. 

 The same leaves are appHed, or taken in drink, for 

 the bites of serpents, in doses of two drachmae in 

 two cyathi of wine, for the stings of scorpions witli 

 salt, oil and vinegar ; for the wound of the scolo- 

 pendra" the juice of a decoction is used. The leaves 

 are dried to a powder and kept as an antidote for 

 all poisons. Spread out or burnt, the plant drives 

 away even scorpions. Taken in drink it brings on 

 menstruation, but it kills the foetus. For ruptures, 

 spasms, orthopnoea, cholic and cholera it is very 

 beneficial, and an external appUcation is so for 

 lumbago and gout. The juice is injected into ears 

 that are infected with pai-asites. It is taken in 

 drink for jaundice, and apphed as ointment for 

 scrofula; it prevents amorous dreams, and if taken 

 in vinegar expels worms ; for dandruff, vinegar 

 with the plant in it is poured over the head in the 

 sun. 



LIII. The smell of mint by itself refreshes our Mint 



85 



