BOOK XX. Lv. 157-LV11. 160 



fully efficacious ; for cramps it is administered as a 

 drink with Iioney and salt; in lung troubles it 

 makes expectoration easier. Taken vvith salt it is 

 heneficial for splenic trouble, bladder, astlmia and 

 flatulence ; a deeoction of it, quite as well as the 

 juice, rephices disphiced uterus, and is an antidote 

 for the wound inflicted by scoiopendra, whether land 

 or sea variety, by scorpions, and especially for the 

 hite of a man. Its root is most efficacioiis when 

 fresh for spreading ulcers, but the dried root 

 restores scars to their natural state. 



LVI. There is likewise kinship between penny- vamim. 

 royal and catmint. Boiled down to one third in 

 water they disperse chills, help menstruation and 

 allay the heats of summer. Catmint also has power 

 to counteract the poisons of serpents. The smoke 

 and smell of burning catmint drives them away ; 

 so those about to sleep in fear of snakes had 

 better phice catmint under the bedclothes. The 

 pounded plant is appUed to Lachrymal fistula, and 

 the fresh plant with one third part of bread mixed 

 in vinegar is used as a liniment for headache. The 

 juice of it dropped into the nostrils when thrown 

 back stops bleeding at the nose ; the root likewise, 

 which with myrtle seed makes in warm raisin-wine 

 a gargle that heals quinsy. 



LVII. There is also a wild cummin, a very slender cummin 

 plant with four or five serrated leave , but, like the 

 cultivated variety, of great use, especially as a 

 remedy for stomach trouble. Pounded and taken 

 with bread, or drunk in water and wine, it dispels 

 phlegms and flatulence ; gripings also and pains in 

 the bowels. All cummin, however, produces pale- 

 ness in those who drink the draughts. At least it is 



93 



