60 BKTONY, 



more lauded by the ancients than this. Dioscorides and Galen 

 highly celebrate its powers*. It was extolled by Lucius Apulius, 

 and Antonius Musa, physician to Augustus, as an infallible remedy 

 in forty-seven different diseases, among which are enumerated 

 paralysis, madness, and consumption. A plaster of betony has 

 been recommended even in modern days to consolidate fractures 

 of the skull. These extravagant and absurd stories have tended 

 to obscure whatever "medical virtues the plant may in reality 

 possess. Murrayf , with great reason, doubts whether this is 

 the Bsrovixrj of Dioscorides, whose description would apply 

 equally well to many other Labiatae. 



Most writers agree that Betony is not entirely destitute of 

 remedial virtues. Scopoli speaks highly of its cephalic and 

 corroborant effects. Geoffroy recommends it in paralysis, 

 hemicrania, and vertigo ; and Etmuller, in all kinds of headaches. 

 A small handful of the plant infused in half a pint of boiling 

 water, makes an excellent tea, of great service in bilious head- 

 aches and complaints of the stomach. Its efficacy in gout has 

 also been advanced, but seems rather questionable. The roots 

 are said to be emetic and purgative. 



The dried leaves and flowers are sternutatory, and have been 

 found serviceable in headaches. Niemann gives the following 

 formula : 



Take of, Herb of Sage ^ 



Betony \ Of each one handful. 

 Marjoram^ 

 Root of Florentine Iris, one ounce. 

 Make a powder. 



According to Dr. Woodville, this plant and the Eyebrigiu 

 enter into the composition of Rowley's British herb tobacco and 

 snuff. 



* The enthusiasm of the Greeks seems to have descended to the Italians, 

 who still have a proverb : " Ha piu virtu che bettonica" — " He has as many 

 virtues as betony;" and another, " Vende la tonica e compra la bettonica." 



f Apparatus Medicaminum, Vol. II. p. 191. 



