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

College.] Take of Hart’s-horn two ounces, the seeds of Citrons, Sorrel, Peony, Bazil, of each one ounce, Scordium, Coral-liana, of each six drams, the roots of Angelica, Tormentil, Peony, the leaves of Dittany, Bay-berries, Juniper-berries, of each half an ounce, the flowers of Rosemary, Marigolds, Clove Gilliflowers, the tops of Saint John’s Wort, Nutmegs, Saffron, of each three drams, the Roots of Gentian, Zedoary, Ginger, Mace, Myrrh, the leaves of Scabious, Devil’s-bit, Carduus, of each two drams, Cloves, Opium, of each a dram, Malaga Wine as much as is sufficient, with their treble weight in Honey, mix them according to art.

Culpeper.] The receipt is a pretty cordial, resists the pestilence, and is a good antidote in pestilential times, it resists poison, strengthens cold stomachs, helps digestion, crudities of the stomach. A man may safely take two drams of it in a morning, and let him fear no harm.

Diacrocuma.

College.] Take of Saffron, Asarabacca roots, the seeds of Parsley, Carrots, Annis, Smallage, of each half an ounce, Rhubarb, the roots of Meum, Indian Spikenard, of each six drams, Cassia Lignea, Costus, Myrrh, Schenanth, Cubebs, Madder roots, the juices of Maudlin, and Wormwood made thick, Opobalsamum, or oil of Nutmegs, of each two drams, Cinnamon, Calamus Aromaticus, of each a dram and an half, Scordium, Cetrach, juice of Liquorice, of each two drams and an half, Tragacanth a dram, with eight times their weight in white sugar, dissolved in Endive water, and clarified, make it into an electuary according to art.

Culpeper.] It is exceeding good against cold diseases of the stomach, liver, or spleen, corruption of humours and putrefaction of meat in the stomach, ill favoured colour of the body, dropsies, cold faults in the reins and bladder, provokes urine. Take a dram in the morning.

PURGING ELECTUARIES.

Benedicta Laxativa.

College.] Take of choice Turbith ten drams, Diacridium, bark of Spurge Roots prepared, Hermodactils, Red Roses, of each five drams, Cloves, Spikenard, Ginger, Saffron, long Pepper, Amomus, or for want of it Calamus Aromaticus, Cardamoms the less, the seeds of Smallage, Parsley, Fennel, Asparagus, Bruscus, Saxifrage, Gromwell, Caraway, sal. gem. Galanga, Mace, of each a dram, with their treble weight of clarified Honey: make them into an electuary according to art. Also you may keep the species itself in your shops.

Culpeper.] It purges flegm, chiefly from the joints, also it purges the reins and bladder.