CHAP. 51.—EMPETROS, BY OUR PEOPLE CALLED CALCIFRAGA: FOUR REMEDIES.
Empetros,[1869] by the people of our country called “calcifraga,”[1870] grows on mountains near the sea, and is generally found upon rocks: the nearer it grows to the sea the salter it is, acting as an evacuant of bile and pituitous secretions. That, on the other hand, which grows at a greater distance and more inland, is of a more bitter flavour. It carries off the aqueous humours of the body, being taken for that purpose in broth of some kind, or else hydromel. When old, it loses its strength; but used fresh, either boiled in water or pounded, it acts as a diuretic, and disperses urinary calculi. Authorities who wish full credence to be given to this asserted property, assure us that pebbles boiled with it will split asunder.
CHAP. 52.—THE EPIPACTIS OR ELLEBORINE: TWO REMEDIES.
The epipactis,[1871] called “elleborine” by some, is a diminutive plant with small leaves. Taken in drink, it is extremely useful for diseases of the liver, and as an antidote to poisons.
CHAP. 53.—THE EPIMEDION: THREE REMEDIES.
The epimedion[1872] consists of a stem of moderate size, with ten or twelve leaves like those of ivy: it never flowers, and has a thin, black root, with a powerful smell. It grows in humid soils. This plant also has certain astringent and cooling properties, but females must be on their guard[1873] against it. The leaves, beaten up in wine, prevent the bosom from growing too large in young girls.
CHAP. 54.—THE ENNEAPHYLLON: TWO REMEDIES.
The enneaphyllon[1874] has nine long leaves, and is of a caustic nature. It is employed topically, but when used it is wrapped in wool to prevent it from cauterising further than desirable, for it blisters immediately. For lumbago and sciatica it is of the greatest utility.
CHAP. 55.—TWO VARIETIES OF FILIX OR FERN, KNOWN TO THE GREEKS AS PTERIS, OR BLACHNON, AND AS THELYPTERIS, OR NYMPHÆ PTERIS: ELEVEN REMEDIES.
Of fern there are two varieties, equally destitute of blossom and of seed.[1875] The Greeks give the name of “pteris,” and sometimes “blachnon,” to the kind[1876] in which numerous shoots take their rise from a single root, exceeding two cubits even in length, and with a not unpleasant smell:[1877] this plant is thought to be the male fern.