Oil of chamæmyrsine, or oxymyrsine,[3019] possesses similar properties. Oil of cypress[3020] also, produces the same effects as oil of myrtle, and the same as to oil of citrus.[3021] Oil of walnuts, which we have previously mentioned[3022] as being called “caryinon,” is good for alopecy, and is injected into the ears for the cure of hardness of hearing. Used as a liniment, it relieves head-ache; but in other respects it is of an inert nature and disagreeable taste; indeed, if part only of one of the kernels should happen to be decayed, the whole making is spoilt. The oil extracted from the grain of Cnidos[3023] has similar properties to castor[3024] oil. Oil of mastich[3025] is very useful as an ingredient in the medicinal preparation known as “acopum;”[3026] indeed it would be fully as efficacious as oil of roses, were it not found to be somewhat too styptic in its effects. It is employed in cases of too profuse perspiration, and for the cure of pimples produced thereby. It is extremely efficacious also for itch in beasts of burden. Oil of balanus[3027] removes spots on the skin, boils, freckles, and maladies of the gums.[3028]
CHAP. 46.—THE CYPRUS, AND THE OIL EXTRACTED FROM IT; SIXTEEN REMEDIES. GLEUCINUM: ONE REMEDY.
We have already enlarged[3029] upon the nature of the cyprus, and the method of preparing oil of cyprus. This oil is naturally warming, and relaxes the sinews. The leaves of the tree are used as an application to the stomach,[3030] and the juice of them is applied in a pessary for irritations of the uterus. Fresh gathered and chewed, the leaves are applied to running ulcers of the head, ulcerations of the mouth, gatherings, and condylomatous sores. A decoction of the leaves is very useful also for burns and sprains. Beaten up and applied with the juice of the strutheum,[3031] they turn the hair red. The blossoms, applied to the head with vinegar, relieve head-ache, and the ashes of them, burnt in a pot of raw earth, are curative of corrosive sores and putrid ulcers, either employed by themselves, or in combination with honey. The odour[3032] exhaled by these blossoms induces sleep.
The oil called “gleucinum”[3033] has certain astringent and refreshing properties similar to those of oil of œnanthe.
CHAP. 47.—OIL OF BALSAMUM: FIFTEEN REMEDIES.
The oil of balsamum is by far the most valuable of them all, as already stated[3034] by us, when treating of the unguents. It is extremely efficacious for the venom of all kinds of serpents, is very beneficial to the eyesight, disperses films upon the eyes, assuages hardness of breathing, and acts emolliently upon all kinds of gatherings and indurations. It has the effect, also, of preventing the blood from coagulating, acts as a detergent upon ulcers, and is remarkably beneficial for diseases of the ears, head-ache, trembling,[3035] spasms, and ruptures. Taken in milk, it is an antidote to the poison of aconite, and used as a liniment upon the access of the shivering fits in fevers, it modifies their violence. Still, however, it should be used but sparingly, as it is of a very caustic nature, and, if not employed in moderation, is apt to augment the malady.
CHAP. 48.—MALOBATHRUM: FIVE REMEDIES.
We have already[3036] spoken, also, of the nature of malobathrum, and the various kinds of it. It acts as a diuretic, and, sprinkled in wine upon the eyes, it is used very advantageously for defluxions of those organs. It is applied also to the forehead, for the purpose of promoting sleep; but it acts with still greater efficacy, if the nostrils are rubbed with it, or if it is taken in water. The leaves, placed beneath the tongue, impart a sweetness to the mouth and breath, and put among clothes, they produce a similar effect.
CHAP. 49.—OIL OF HENBANE: TWO REMEDIES. OIL OF LUPINES: ONE REMEDY. OIL OF NARCISSUS: ONE REMEDY. OIL OF RADISHES: FIVE REMEDIES. OIL OF SESAME: THREE REMEDIES. OIL OF LILIES: THREE REMEDIES. OIL OF SELGA: ONE REMEDY. OIL OF IGUVIUM: ONE REMEDY.
Oil of henbane[3037] is of an emollient nature, but it is bad for the nerves; taken in drink, it disturbs the brain. Therminum,[3038] or oil of lupines, is emollient, and very similar to oil of roses in its effects. As to oil of narcissus, we have already[3039] spoken of it when describing that flower. Oil of radishes,[3040] cures phthiriasis[3041] contracted in a long illness, and removes roughness of the skin upon the face. Oil of sesame is curative of pains in the ears, spreading ulcers, and the cancer[3042] known as “cacoethes.” Oil of lilies, which we have previously[3043] mentioned as being called oil of Phaselis and oil of Syria, is extremely good for the kidneys and for promoting perspiration, as also as an emollient for the uterus, and as tending to bring internal tumours to a head. As to oil of Selga, we have already[3044] spoken of it as being strengthening to the tendons; which is the case, also, with the herbaceous[3045] oil which the people of Iguvium[3046] sell, on the Flaminian Way.