CHAP. 11. (4.)—TURNIPS; THOSE KNOWN AS BUNION AND BUNIAS: FIVE REMEDIES.
The Greeks distinguish two kinds of turnips,[1343] also, as employed in medicine. The turnip with angular stalks and a flower like that of anise, and known by them as “bunion,”[1344] is good for promoting the menstrual discharge in females and for affections[1345] of the bladder; it acts, also, as a diuretic. For these purposes, a decoction of it is taken with hydromel, or else one drachma of the juice of the plant.[1346] The seed, parched, and then beaten up, and taken in warm water, in doses of four cyathi, is a good remedy for dysentery; it will stop the passage of the urine, however, if linseed is not taken with it.
The other kind of turnip is known by the name of “bunias,”[1347] and bears a considerable resemblance to the radish and the rape united, the seed of it enjoying the reputation of being a remedy for poisons; hence it is that we find it employed in antidotes.