150 MUGWORT. 



decoction for similar purposes. Its emmenagogue virtues have 

 also been asserted by the modems, and it has been much ex- 

 tolled in suppressions of the menses, and lochia:, and in hysteri- 

 cal complaints, either as an internal remedy or employed in baths 

 and fomentations. Home * states that a drachm of the dried 

 and pulverized leaves, taken four times a day, removed hysteric 

 fits, after asther and assafcetida had been tried in vain. A 

 decoction of the plant is used by poor persons as a remedy for 

 intermittent fevers. The dried leaves, bruised in a mortar, and 

 rubbed between the hands until the downy part is separated 

 from the woody fibre, and rolled into little cones, is a good 

 substitute for the Chinese moxa, and is much used in Japan and 

 Cochin-China, according to Kcempfer-)-, in affections of the 

 joints. The part is first moistened and then a cone of the moxa 

 is applied, which is set on fire at the apex and gradually burns 

 down to the skin, producing a dark coloured spot; by repeating 

 the process an eschar is formed, and this on separation leaves 

 an ulcer, which may be kept open or healed as circumstances 

 may require. Various other plants have been employed for this 

 purpose, such as fungi, hemp, flax, the pith of the sun-flower, 

 and of certain rushes, or cotton dipped in a solution of nitrate of 

 potass. 



The aqueous or vinous infusion of the flowering tops is the 

 best preparation ; the latter, especially, is considered tonic and 

 emmenagogue. Hufeland states that a drachm of the powdered 

 leaves, taken twice a day in warm beer, is very efficacious in 

 epilepsy. A syrup and conserve are also prepared from it, 

 which are reputed to be useful in coughs, &c. Externally, 

 in baths or fomentations, it may be combined with feverfew, 

 mallow, melilot, chamomile flowers, &c. ; in this way it cleanses 

 and relaxes the skin and promotes perspiration, and may 

 thus deserve its ancient reputation of obviating fatigue and 

 invigorating the limbs. 



yet by the sun itself ; and also that it is drunke against opium, or the juyce 

 of blacke poppy. Many other fantasticall deuices inuented by poets are 

 to be seene in the works of the antient writers, tending to witchcraft and 

 sorcerie, and the great dishonour of God ; wherefore I do of purpose ornit 

 them as things unworthy of my recording to your reuiewing." 



* Clin. Exper. t Amcenit. exot. p. 589, scq. 



