BOOK XXII. XXIX. 59-61 



Mixed with rose oil it relieves headache. The juice 

 fVom the leaf, with salt added, takes away warts ; 

 for which reason our countrymen have called it wart 

 plant, although it is more worthy to have a name 

 derived from its other properties. For taken in 

 wine or hydromel it counteracts the poison of snakes 

 and scorpions, according to the statements of Apollo- 

 phanes and Apollodorus. An application of the 

 leaves cures the infantile catarriis that are called 

 siriasis," and also convulsions, even though caused 

 by epilepsy. It is very healthful, too, to wash out 

 the mouth with a decoction. A draught of the same 

 expels tape-worms and gravel ; if cummin be added, 

 it breaks up stone. A decoction should include the 

 root, which with leaves and he-goat suet is applied 

 to gouty limbs. The other kind, called by us tri- 

 coccum and having the further name of scorpiuron, 

 has leaves which not only are smaller but also turn 

 towards the ground. Its seed is shaped like a 

 scorpion's tail, which accounts for its name. An 

 application is of great efficacy against the poison of 

 all venomous animals and spiders, but especially 

 against that of scorpions. Those carrying it are 

 never stung, and if with a sprig of hehotropium a 

 circle be drawn on the ground round a scorpion, it is 

 said that it never moves out, and moreover, that 

 if the plant is put on a scorpion, or if a scorpion 

 merely be sprinkled with the wet plant, it dies at 

 once. Four grains of the seed taken in drink are 

 said to be good for quartan ague, three grains how- 

 ever for tertian, or the plant itself may be carried 

 three times round the patient and then placed under 

 his head. The seed is also aphrodisiac, mixed with 

 honey it disperses superficial abscesses. This helio- 



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