[1710] Or “horse lapathum;” the Rumex patientia of Linnæus: or dock, as Fée thinks: though, according to Sprengel, the cultivated lapathum was identical with that plant.
[1711] The medicinal properties of the lapathum vary according to the parts of the plant employed. The leaves and stalks of the acid kinds of Rumex are refreshing, and slightly diuretic and laxative. The action of those which are not acid is sudorific, antiherpetic, and depurative.
[1712] Fée says that it would be of no benefit whatever for tooth-ache.
[1713] It is not possessed of any stomachic properties, Fée remarks.
[1714] It would be of no utility in such a case, Fée says.
[1715] Supposed by Fée to be the same as the wild lapathum of the last Chapter, the Rumex acetosella of Linnæus; small sorrel.
[1716] Fée remarks that no part of lapathum is naturally astringent.
[1717] Or “ox lapathum.” Fée considers this to be identical with the “hippolapathon” of the last Chapter.
[1718] In B. xix. c. 54. Fée identifies these three varieties of mustard as follows; the slender-stemmed mustard of Pliny he identifies with the Sinapis alba of Linnæus, mustard with white seeds. The mustard mentioned as having the leaves of rape he considers to be the same as the Sinapis nigra of Linnæus, mustard with black seed; and that with the leaf of the rocket he identifies with the Sinapis erucoïdes of Linnæus, the Eruca silvestris of Gessner, or rocket-leaved mustard.
[1719] In reality, mustard is injurious for all affections of the chest and throat.