CHAP. 16. (14.)—THE LAMIUM: SEVEN REMEDIES.
The variety of nettle, too, which we have already[2541] spoken of under the name of “lamium,”[2542] the most innoxious of them all, the leaves not having the property of stinging, is used for the cure of bruises and contusions, with a sprinkling[2543] of salt, as also for burns and scrofulous sores, tumours, gout, and wounds. The middle of the leaf is white, and is used for the cure of erysipelas. Some of our authors have distinguished the various species of this plant according to their respective seasons; thus, for instance, the root of the autumn nettle, they say, carried on the person as an amulet, is a cure for tertian fevers, if due care is taken, when pulling up the root, to mention the patient’s name, and to state who he is and who are his parents. They say, too, that this plant is productive of similar results in quartan fever: and they pretend that the root of the nettle, with the addition of salt, will extract foreign substances from the body; and that the leaves, mixed with stale axle-grease, will disperse scrofulous sores, or if they suppurate, cauterize them and cause them to fill up with new flesh.
CHAP. 17. (15.)—THE SCORPIO, TWO KINDS OF IT: ONE REMEDY.
The scorpio[2544] has received its appellation from the animal of that name, in consequence of the resemblance of its seeds to a scorpion’s tail. The leaves of it are few in number, and it is efficacious for the sting[2545] of the animal from which it derives its name. There is also another plant[2546] known by the same name, and possessed of similar properties; it is destitute of leaves, has a stem like that of asparagus,[2547] and a sharp point at the top, to which it owes its appellation.
CHAP. 18. (16.)—THE LEUCACANTHA, PHYLLOS, ISCHIAS, OR POLYGONATOS: FOUR REMEDIES.
The leucacantha,[2548] known also as the phyllos, ischias, or polygonatos,[2549] has a root like that of the cypirus, which, when chewed, has the effect of curing[2550] tooth-ache; as also pains in the sides and loins, according to Hicesius, the seed or juice being taken in drink, in doses of eight drachmæ.—This plant is employed also for the cure of ruptures and convulsions.
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.