CHAP. 18.—THE ASCLEPIAS: TWO REMEDIES.
The asclepias[1774] has leaves like those of ivy,[1775] long branches, and numerous roots, thin, and odoriferous. The flower has a strong offensive smell, and the seed is like that of securidaca:[1776] it is found growing in mountainous districts. The roots are used for the cure of griping pains in the bowels, and of stings inflicted by serpents, either taken in drink or applied topically.
CHAP. 19.—THE ASTER OR BUBONION: THREE REMEDIES.
The aster[1777] is called “bubonion” by some, from the circumstance of its being a sovereign remedy for diseases of the groin. It has a diminutive stem with oblong leaves, two or three in number; and at the summit it is surmounted with small radiated heads, like stars. This plant is taken also in drink as an antidote to the venom of serpents: but if required for the cure of inguinal complaints, it is recommended that it should be gathered with the left hand, and attached to the body near the girdle. It is of great service also, worn as an amulet, for sciatica.
CHAP. 20.—ASCYRON AND ASCYROÏDES: THREE REMEDIES.
Ascyron[1778] and ascyroïdes are plants similar to one another, and to hypericon[1779] as well, except that the plant known as “ascyroïdes”[1780] has larger branches, ferulaceous, red all over, and bearing small yellow heads. The seed, enclosed in small calyces, is diminutive, black, and resinous. The tops of the branches, when bruised, stain like blood; for which reason some persons have given it the name of “androsæmon.”[1781] The seed is used for the cure of sciatica, being taken in doses of two drachmæ, in one sextarius of hydromel. It relaxes the bowels, and carries off bile: it is applied also to burns.
CHAP. 21.—THE APHACA: THREE REMEDIES.
The aphaca[1782] has remarkably diminutive leaves, and is but little taller than the lentil. The pods are of a larger size, and enclose some three or four seeds, of a darker colour, moister, and more diminutive than those of the lentil: it grows in cultivated fields. It is naturally more astringent than the lentil, but in other respects is applied to much the same purposes. The seed, used in a decoction, arrests fluxes of the stomach and bowels.
CHAP. 22.—ALCIBIUM: ONE REMEDY.
I have not found it stated by authors what kind of plant alcibium[1783] is; but the root, I find, and the leaves, are pounded and employed, both externally and internally, for injuries inflicted by serpents. When the leaves are used, a handful of them is bruised in three cyathi of undiluted wine: the root is employed in the proportion of three drachmæ to the same quantity of wine.