Κύτισος,
Cytisus; its leaves are of a gently discutient and tepid nature, like those of melons.
Commentary. After maturely weighing the opinions which have been held respecting this classical herb, we have no hesitation in agreeing with those who refer it to the Tree-medick (Medicago arborea L.) Dioscorides says its leaves are cooling and discutient when applied externally, and diuretic when taken in decoction. (iv, iii.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it very succinctly, like our author. Avicenna briefly recommends it as a diuretic medicine, and one which is applicable in diseases of the spleen. (ii, 2, 24.)
Κώνειον,
Cicuta, Hemlock; that it is possessed of extremely cold powers is obvious.
Commentary. It appears unquestionably to be the Conium maculatum. Stoerck and Bergius, contrary to the opinions of the ancient physicians, affirm that it is aphrodisiacal. This, however, seems doubtful. We have treated of its effects as a poison in the [Fifth Book]. As a medicine it does not appear to have been much used latterly, although Dioscorides says that its inspissated juice is of great use in the healing art, being mixed with wine in anodyne collyria, and used as a cataplasm for the cure of erysipelas and herpes. He also speaks of its being applied as a cataplasm to the testicles for the removal of the pollutio nocturni somni, and with the view of inducing impotence; and to the breasts, in order to dispel milk and render them atrophied. (iv, 79.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius, like our author, merely state of it, in their works in the Mat. Med., that it is possessed of intensely refrigerant powers. It would appear that Galen was in the practice of administering it internally. (T. ii, 451, ed. Basil.) Of the Arabians, Avicenna gives the fullest exposition of its remedial powers, but he copies closely from Dioscorides, recommending it as a cold and narcotic application in the same cases as Dioscorides. He says it stops bleeding, congeals the blood, and induces torpor. (ii, 2, 662.) See also Serapion (c. 347.) It is, most probably, the cicuta of Celsus, who places it in his list of emollients. (v, 15.) It occurs also in the Hippocratic Collection, where both its leaves and seeds are recommended in fomentations. (De Steril.; de Fistulis, &c.)
Κῶνος,
Strobilus, the Wild Pine; the bark and leaves have powers like the pine, but more acrid and drastic. As to the fruit, which is called strobilus, the green has some bitterness and acrimony, with humidity, and hence it is applicable for promoting expectoration from the chest. The esculent kind, when soaked in water, so as to lay aside its acrimony, becomes of a good temperament, being free from pungency and emplastic, and hence it smooths asperities.
Commentary. It here signifies the Pinus sylvestris, or Wild-pine; but it is commonly put for the Nux Pinea, or the cones of the Pinus Pinea, called in the shops Pignoli pines, and the seeds pine-nuts. Athenæus says that Theophrastus called the tree πέυκη and the fruit κῶνος. Diphilus, as quoted by the same, calls the pine-nuts nutritious, and says that they lubricate the trachea, and promote expectoration. (Deip. ii.) Galen, Serapion, and the other authorities also commend them in similar cases. Dioscorides treats of this subject in the 86th, 87th, and 88th chapters in the First Book, but not under the same head as our author. He recommends the different articles in nearly the same cases as Paulus and the other authorities. The fruit of the wild pine he commends as a demulcent in affections of the bladder and kidneys, and as a sedative in pains of the stomach. Celsus prescribes “nuclei ex pinu silvestri duodecim,” among his remedies for ulcerated kidneys. (iv, 10.) Avicenna treats of the subject under different heads, like Dioscorides, whom he closely follows. (ii, 2, 280, 301, 555, 693.) He recommends these articles in diseases of the chest and kidneys. He calls the fruit aphrodisiacal. See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 3, 20); Serapion (c. 63); Averrhoes (Coll. v, 42.) All speak favorably of these medicines in diseases of the kidneys and bladder.