CHAP. 30. (8.)—THE BALLOTES, MELAMPRASION, OR BLACK LEEK: THREE REMEDIES.
The Greeks give to the ballotes[1813] the other name of “melamprasion,” meaning “black leek.”[1814] It is a branchy plant, with black angular stems, covered with hairy leaves, larger and darker than those of the leek,[1815] and possessed of a powerful smell. The leaves, bruised and applied with salt, are highly efficacious for bites inflicted by dogs: cooked upon hot ashes and applied in a cabbage leaf, they are curative of condylomata. Mixed with honey, this plant acts as a detergent upon sordid ulcers.
CHAP. 31.—BOTRYS, AMBROSIA, OR ARTEMISIA: ONE REMEDY.
Botrys[1816] is a shrublike plant, which has small yellow branches, with the seed growing all round them, and leaves resembling[1817] those of endive. It is found upon the banks of running streams, and is used for the cure of hardness of breathing. The people of Cappadocia call this plant “ambrosia,” others again, “artemisia.”
CHAP. 32.—THE BRABYLA: ONE REMEDY.
The brabyla[1818] is possessed of astringent properties like those of the quince, but beyond this, authors give no particulars relative to it.
CHAP. 33.—BRYON MARITIMUM: FIVE REMEDIES.
Sea bryon[1819] is a plant, no doubt,[1820] with leaves like those of the lettuce, of a wrinkled, pursed appearance, and destitute of stem, the leaves arising from a single root: it grows upon rocks more particularly, and shells sunk in the sand. It has desiccative[1821] and astringent qualities in a very high degree, properties which render it useful for reducing all kinds of abscesses and inflammations, those attendant upon gout in particular. It is good also for all affections which stand in need of cooling applications.