BOOK XXVI. XX. 36-xxiv. 40 



into a gruel, to which wine should be added. An- 

 other remedy is gentian, thoroughly pounded after 

 being steeped the day before, the dose being a 

 denarius by weight in three cyathi of wine. 



XXI. Geum has Httle roots, slender, blackish and Oeum. 

 with a pleasant smell. It not only is a cure for pains in 



the chest or side, but also dispels indigestion, having 

 besides a pleasant taste. Vervain however is a cure 

 for troubles of all the internal organs — sides, lungs, 

 Uver and chest. But especially good for the lungs, and 

 for those attacked by pulmonary tuberculosis, is the 

 root of the plant consiHgo, which I have said was but 

 recently discovered." It is a sovereign remedy in- 

 deed for lung trouble in pigs and in all cattle, even 

 though it is merely placed across the ear-lap. It 

 ought to be drunk in water and hekl continuously in 

 the mouth under the tongue. Whether the part of 

 this plant above ground is of any use is not yet agreed. 

 The kidneys are benefited by plantain taken as food, 

 by betony taken in drink, and by agaric taken in 

 drink as is prescribed for cough. 



XXII. TripoHon is found on coastal rocks washed by THpoUon. 

 the waves,but neither in the sea nor on dry ground; 



the leaf is that of isatis only thicker, the stem a span 

 high and divided at the end, and the root white, thick, 

 with a strong smell and a hot taste. Cooked in 

 emmer wheat it is prescribed for patients with Uver 

 complaint. This plant is thought by some to be the 

 same as polium, about which I have spoken ^ in its 

 proper place. 



XXIII. Gromphaena, which has its leaves alter- Gromphaena 



, \ 111 1 ''"'^ olher 



nately green and rose-colour along the stem, taken piaius. 

 in vinegar and water cures spitting of blood ; XXIV. 

 and the plant malundrum cures troubles of the Uver ; 



293 



