CHAP. 19. (17).—THE HELXINE: TWELVE REMEDIES.
The helxine[2551] is called by some, “perdicium,” from the circumstance of its forming the principal food of partridges.[2552] Other persons, however, give it the name of “sideritis,” and to some it is known as “parthenium.” It has leaves, the shape of which is a mixture of those of the plantago and the marrubium;[2553] the stalks are slight and closely packed, and are of a light red colour. The seeds, enclosed in heads resembling those of the lappa,[2554] adhere to the clothes, a circumstance, it is said, to which it owes its name[2555] of “helxine.” We have already stated in the preceding Book[2556] what are the characteristics of the plant properly so called.
The one of which we are now speaking is used for dyeing[2557] wool, and is employed for the cure of erysipelas, tumours, all kinds of abscesses, and burns. The juice of it, taken in doses of one cyathus with white lead, is a cure for inflamed tumours, incipient swellings of the throat, and inveterate coughs.[2558] It is good, too, for all maladies of the humid parts of the body, the tonsillary glands, for instance; and, in combination with rose oil, it is useful for varicose veins. It is employed topically for the gout, with goat suet and Cyprian wax.