CHAP. 82.—THE NYMA: ONE REMEDY.
The plant called “nyma”[1941] bears three long leaves, like those of endive: applied to scars, it restores the skin to its natural colour.
CHAP. 83.—THE NATRIX: ONE REMEDY.
“Natrix”[1942] is the name of a plant, the root of which, when taken out of the ground, has just the rank smell of the he-goat. It is used in Picenum for the purpose of keeping away from females what with a singular credulity they call by the name of “Fatui.”[1943] For my own part, however, I should think that persons requiring to be treated with such medicaments as these, must be labouring under a sort of mental hallucination.
CHAP. 84.—ODONTITIS: ONE REMEDY.
Odontitis[1944] is a sort of hay-grass,[1945] which throws out from a single root numerous, small, jointed stems, of a triangular form and of a swarthy hue. At the joints there are small leaves, somewhat longer than those of the polygonos;[1946] and in the axils formed by these leaves is the seed, similar to barley in appearance. It has a purple, diminutive flower, and is found growing in meadows.[1947] A handful of the stems, boiled in astringent wine, is used for the cure of tooth-ache,[1948] the decoction being retained for some time in the mouth.
CHAP. 85.—THE OTHONNA: ONE REMEDY.
The othonna[1949] is a Syrian plant, resembling rocket in appearance; its leaves are pierced with numerous holes, and its flower resembles that of saffron, for which reason some persons have given it the name of “anemone.” The juice of this plant is employed in ophthalmic preparations; it is slightly pungent, of a warming nature, and astringent as it dries. It acts as a detergent upon cicatrizations, films on the eyes, and all impediments of the sight. Some say that the plant is washed and dried, and then divided into lozenges.
CHAP. 86.—THE ONOSMA: ONE PROPERTY.
The onosma[1950] has leaves some four fingers in length, lying upon the ground, and indented like those of the anchusa:[1951] it has neither[1952] stem, blossom, nor seed. A pregnant woman, they say, if she eats of this plant, or even walks over it, will be sure to miscarry.