Chap. 20.] 
ASCYROTS". 
229 
consume the spleen, it is said, the leaves being applied simul- 
taneously. The leaves give relief also in hiccup. This plant 
should never be given to females, being productive of sterility. 
CHAP. 18. THE ASCLEPIAS : TWO EEMEDIES. 
The asclepias^® has leaves like those of ivy,^ long branches, 
and numerous roots, thin, and odoriferous. The flower has a 
strong offensive smell, and the seed is like that of securidaca:^^ 
it is found growing in mountainous districts. The roots are 
used for the cure of griping pains in the bowels, and of 
stings inflicted by serpents, either taken in drink or applied 
topically. 
CHAP. 19. THE ASTER OE BTJBONION *. THREE REMEDIES. 
The aster^® is called bubonion" by some, from the circum- 
stance of its being a sovereign remedy for diseases of the 
groin. It has a diminutive stem with oblong leaves, two or 
three in number ; and at the summit it is surmounted with small 
radiated heads, like stars. This plant is taken also in drink 
as an antidote to the venom of serpents : but if required foi^ 
the cure of inguinal complaints, it is recommended that it 
should be gathered with the left hand, and attached to the 
body near the girdle. It is of great service also, worn as an 
amulet, for sciatica. 
CHAP. 20. ASCYRON AKD ASCrROlDES : THREE REMEDIES. 
Ascyron^ and ascyroides are plants similar to one another, 
and to hypericon'^^ as well, except that the plant known as 
6^ Possibly the Asclepias vincetoxicum of Linnseus, the Common white- 
flower swallow-wort ; though Fee considers it somewhat doubtful. 
56 Those of Swallow- wort have no such resemblance. 
67 See B. xviii. c. 44. 
68 Desfontaines suggests the Inula bnbonium, but Fee adopts the opinion 
of Jussieu and Sprengel, that it is the Aster amellus of Linneeus, the 
Italian starwort. It is probably the same plant as the Inguinalis, men- 
tioned in B. xxvi. c. 59. 
69 Identified by Fee and Desfontaines with the Hypericum androsaemum 
of Linnaeus, the Common tutsan, or Park leaves. Littre gives as the 
synonym the Hypericum perforatum of Linnaeus, the Perforated St. John's 
wort ; which last is also preferred by Sprengel. Fuchsius and Mathioli 
think that it is the Hypericum, montanum of Linnaeus. 
7" See B. xxvi. c. 53. 
