Labri Veneris, Dipsaci. Fullers-Thistle, Teazle. The root being boiled in wine till it be thick (quoth Dioscorides) helps by unction the clefts of the fundament, as also takes away warts and wens. Galen saith, they are dry in the second degree: and I take it all Authors hold them to be cold and dry. Unslacked lime beaten into powder, and mixed with black soap, takes away a wen being anointed with it.
Lactucæ. Of Lettice. I know no physical virtue residing in the roots.
Lauri. Of the Bay-tree. The Bark of the root drunk with wine, provokes urine, breaks the stone, opens obstructions of the liver and spleen. But according to Dioscorides is naught for pregnant women. Galen.
Lapathi acuti, Oxylapathi. Sorrel, according to Galen; but Sharp-pointed Dock, according to Dioscorides. The roots of Sorrel are held to be profitable against the jaundice. Of Sharp-pointed Dock; cleanse, and help scabs and itch.
Levistici. Of Lovage. They are hot and dry, and good for any diseases coming of wind.
Lillij albi. Of white Lillies. The root is something hot and dry, helps burnings, softens the womb, provokes the menses, if boiled in wine, is given with good success in rotten Fevers, Pestilences, and all diseases that require suppuration: outwardly applied, it helps ulcers in the head, and amends the ill colour of the face.
Malvœ. Of Mallows. They are cool, and digesting, resist poison, and help corrosions, or gnawing of the bowels, or any other part; as also ulcers in the bladder. See Marsh-mallows.
Mandragoræ. Of Mandrakes. A root dangerous for its coldness, being cold in the fourth degree: the root is dangerous.
Mechoachanæ. Of Mechoacah. It is corrected with Cinnamon, is temperate yet drying, purges flegm chiefly from the head and joints, it is good for old diseases in the head, and may safely be given even to feverish bodies, because of its temperature: it is also profitable against coughs and pains in the reins; as also against venereal complaints; the strong may take a dram at a time.
Mei, &c. Spignel. The roots are hot and dry in the second or third degree, and send up unwholesome vapours to the head.