The Complete Herbal / To which is now added, upwards of one hundred additional herbs, with a display of their medicinal and occult qualities physically applied to the cure of all disorders incident to mankind: to which are now first annexed, the English physician enlarged, and key to Physic.

by Nicholas Culpeper

OF WOMEN’S BREASTS, THEIR INFIRMITIES AND CURES.

40. For sore Breasts.

Take a handful of Figs, and stamp them well till the kernels are broken, then temper them with a little fresh grease, and apply them to the breast as hot as the patient can endure; it will presently take away the anguish, and if the breast will break, it will break it, else it will cure it without breaking.

41. An inward medicine for a sore Breast.

Let her drink either the juice or decoction of Vervain: it were fit that syrup were made of it to keep all the year.