introduction the Potato tubers were grown only by men of fortune as

a delicacy; and the general cultivation of this vegetable was strongly opposed by the public, [443] chiefly by the Puritans, because no mention of it could be found in the Bible. Also in France great opposition was offered to the recognised use of Potatoes: and it is said that Louis the Fifteenth, in order to bring the plant into favour, wore a bunch of its flowers in the button hole of his coat on a high festival. Later on during the Revolution quite a mania prevailed for Potatoes. Crowds perambulated the streets of Paris shouting for "la liberte, et des Batatas"; and when Louis the Sixteenth had been dethroned the gardens of the Tuileries were planted with Potatoes. Cobbett, in this country, exclaimed virulently against the tuber as "hogs' food," and hated it as fiercely as he hated tea. The stalks, leaves, and green berries of the plant share the narcotic and poisonous attributes of the nightshades to which it belongs; and the part which we eat, though often thought to be a root, is really only an underground stem, which has not been acted on by light so as to develop any poisonous tendencies, and in which starch is stored up for the future use of the plant. The stalks, leaves, and unripe fruit yield an active principle apparently very powerful, which has not yet been fully investigated. There are two sorts of tubers, the red and the white. A roasted Potato takes two hours to digest; a boiled one three hours and a half. "After the Potato," says an old proverb, "cheese." Chemically the Potato contains citric acid, like that of the lemon, which is admirable against scurvy: also potash, which is equally antiscorbutic, and phosphoric acid, yielding phosphorus in a quantity less only than that afforded by the apple, and by wheat. It is of the first importance that the potash salts should be retained by the potato during cooking: and the [444] tubers should therefore be steamed with their coats on; else if peeled, and then steamed, they lose respectively seven and five per cent. of potash, and phosphoric acid. If boiled after peeling they lose as much as thirty-three per cent. of potash, and twenty-three per cent. of phosphoric acid. "The roots," says Gerard, "were forbidden in Burgundy, for that they were persuaded the too frequent use of them causeth the leprosie." Nevertheless it is now believed that the Potato has had much to do with expelling leprosy from England. The affliction has become confined to countries where the Potato is not grown. Boiled or steamed Potatoes should turn out floury, or mealy, by reason of the starch granules swelling up and filling the cellular tissue, whilst absorbing the albuminous contents of its cells. Then the albumen coagulates, and forms irregular fibres between the starch grains. The most active part of the tuber lies just beneath the skin, as may be shown by pouring some tincture of guaiacum over the cut surface of a Potato, when a ring of blue forms close to the skin, and is darkest there while extending over the whole cut surface. Abroad there is a belief the Potato thrives best if planted on Maundy Thursday. Rustic names for it are: Taiders, Taities, Leather Coats, Leather Jackets, Lapstones, Pinks, No Eyes, Flukes, Blue Eyes, Red Eyes, and Murphies; in Lancashire Potatoes are called Spruds, and small Potatoes, Sprots. The peel or rind of the tuber contains a poisonous substance called "solanin," which is dissipated and rendered inert when the whole Potato is boiled, or steamed. Stupes of hot Potato water are very serviceable in some forms of rheumatism. To make the [445] decoction for this purpose, boil one pound of Potatoes (not peeled, and divided into quarters.) in two pints of water slowly down to one pint; then foment the swollen and painful parts with this as hot as it can be borne. Similarly some of the fresh stalks of the plant, and its unripe berries, as well as the unpeeled tubers cut up as described, if infused for some hours in cold water, will make a liquor in which the folded linen of a compress may be loosely rung out, and applied most serviceably under waterproof tissue, or a double layer of dry flannel. The carriage of a small raw Potato in the trousers' pocket has been often found preventive of rheumatism in a person predisposed thereto, probably by reason of the sulphur, and the narcotic principles contained in the peel. Ladies in former times had their dresses supplied with special bags, or pockets, in which to carry one or more small raw Potatoes about their person for avoiding rheumatism. If peeled and pounded in a mortar, uncooked Potatoes applied cold make a very soothing cataplasm to parts that have been scalded, or burnt. In Derbyshire a hot boiled Potato is used against corns; and for frost-bites the mealy flour of baked potatoes, when mixed with sweet oil and applied, is very healing. The skin of the tuber contains corky wood which swells in boiling with the jackets on, and which thus serves to keep in all the juices so that the digestibility of the Potato is increased; at the same time water is prevented from entering and spoiling the flavour of the vegetable. The proportion of muscle-forming food (nitrogen) in the Potato is very small, and it takes ten and a half pounds of the tubers to equal one pound of butcher's meat in nutritive value. The Potato is composed mainly of starch, which [446] affords animal heat and promotes fatness, The Irish think that these tubers foster fertility; they prefer them with the jackets on, and somewhat hard in the middle--"with the bones in." A potato pie is believed to invigorate the sexual functions. New Potatoes contain as yet no citric acid, and are hard of digestion, like sour crude apples; their nutriment, as Gerard says, "is sadly windy," the starch being immature, and not readily acted on by the saliva during mastication. "The longer I live," said shrewd Sidney Smith, "the more I am convinced that half the unhappiness in the world proceeds from a vexed stomach, or vicious bile: from small stoppages, or from food pressing in the wrong place. Old friendships may be destroyed by toasted cheese; and tough salted meat has led a man not infrequently to suicide." A mature Potato yields enough citric acid even for commercial purposes; and there is no better cleaner of silks, cottons, and woollens, than ripe Potato juice. But even of ripe Potatoes those that break into a watery meal in the boiling are always found to prove greatly diuretic, and to much increase the quantity of urine. By fermentation mature Potatoes, through their starch and sugar, yield a wine from which may be distilled a Potato spirit, and from it a volatile oil can be extracted, called by the Germans, _Fuseloel_. This is nauseous, and causes a heavy headache, with indigestion, and biliary disorders together with nervous tremors. Chemically it is amylic ether. Also when boiled with weak sulphuric acid, the Potato starch is changed into glucose, or grape sugar, which by fermentation yields alcohol: and this spirit is often sold under the name of British brandy. A luminosity strong enough to enable a bystander to [447] read by its light issues from the common Potato when in a state of putrefaction. In Cumberland, to have "taities and point to dinner," is a figurative expression which implies scanty fare. At a time when the duty on salt made the condiment so dear that it was scarce in a household, the persons at table were fain to point their Potatoes at the salt cellar, and thus to cheat their imaginations. Carlyle asks in _Sartor Resartus_ about "an unknown condiment named 'point,' into the meaning of which I have vainly enquired; the victuals _potato and point_ not appearing in any European cookery book whatever." German ladies, at their five o'clock tea, indulge in Potato talk (_Kartoffel gesprach_) about table dainties, and the methods of cooking them. Men likewise, from the four quarters of the globe, in the days of our childhood, were given to hold similar domestic conclaves, when:-- "Mr. East made a feast, Mr. North laid the cloth, Mr. West brought his best, Mr. South burnt his mouth Eating a cold Potato." With pleasant skill of poetic alliteration, Sidney Smith wrote in ordering how to mix a sallet:-- "Two large Potatoes passed through kitchen sieve, Unwonted softness to a salad give." And Sir Thomas Overbury wittily said about a dolt who took credit for the merits of his ancestors: "Like the Potato, all that was good about him was underground." PRIMROSE. The Common Primrose (_Primula veris_) is the most widely known of our English wild flowers, and appears in the Spring as its earliest herald. [448] It gets its name from the Latin _primus_, first, being named in old books and M.S. _Pryme rolles_, and in the _Grete Herball_, Primet, as shortened from Primprint. In North Devon it is styled the Butter Rose, and in the Eastern counties it is named (in common with the Cowslip) Paigle, Peagle, Pegyll, and Palsy plant. Medicinally also it possesses similar curative attributes, though in a lesser degree, to those of the Cowslip. Both the root and the flowers contain a volatile oil, and "primulin" which is identical with mannite: whilst the acrid principle is "saponin." Alfred Austin, Poet Laureate, teaches to "make healing salve with early Primroses." Pliny speaks of the Primrose as almost a panacea: _In aqua potam omnibus morbis mederi tradunt_. An infusion of the flowers has been always thought excellent against nervous disorders of the hysterical sort. It should be made with from five to ten parts of the petals to one hundred of water. "Primrose tea" says Gerard, "drunk in the month of May, is famous for curing the phrensie." The whole plant is sedative and antispasmodic, being of service by its preparations to relieve sleeplessness, nervous headache, and muscular rheumatism. The juice if sniffed up into the nostrils will provoke violent sneezing, and will induce a free flow of water from the lining membranes of the nostrils for the mitigation of passive headaches: though this should not be tried by a person of full habit with a determination of blood to the head. A teaspoonful of powdered dry Primrose root will act as an emetic. The whole herb is somewhat expectorant. When the petals are collected and dried they become of a greenish colour: whilst fresh they have a honey-like odour, and a sweetish taste. [449] Within the last few years a political significance and popularity have attached themselves to the Primrose beyond every other British wild flower. It arouses the patriotism of the large Conservative party, and enlists the favour of many others who thoughtlessly follow an attractive fashion, and who love the first fruits of early Spring. Botanically the Primrose has two varieties of floral structure: one "pin-eyed," with a tall pistil, and short stamens; the other "thrum-eyed," showing a rosette of tall stamens, whilst the short pistil must be looked for, like the great Panjandrum himself, "with a little round button at the top," half way down the tube. Darwin was the first to explain that this diversity of structure ensures cross fertilisation by bees and allied insects. Through advanced cultivation at the hands of the horticulturist the Primula acquires in some instances a noxious character. For instance, the _Primula biconica_, which is often grown in dwelling rooms as a window plant, and commonly sold as such, will provoke an crysipelatous vesicular eruption of a very troublesome and inflamed character on the hands and face of some persons who come in contact with the plant by manipulating it to take cuttings, or in other ways. A knowledge of this fact should suggest the probable usefulness of the said Primula, when made into a tincture, and given in small diluted doses thereof, to act curatively for such an eruption if attacking the sufferer from idiopathic causes. The Latins named the Ligustrum (our Privet) Primrose. Coles says concerning it (17th century): "This herbe is called Primrose; it is good to 'Potage.'" They also applied the epithet, "Prime rose" to a lady. The Evening Primrose (_OEnothera biennis_, or _odorata_) is found in this country on sand banks in the West of England and Cornwall; but it is then most probably a [450] garden scape, and an alien, its native habitat being in Canada and the United States of America. We cultivate it freely in our parterres as a brilliant, yellow, showy flower. It belongs to the natural order, _Onagraceoe_, so called because the food of wild asses; and was the "vini venator" of Theophrastus, 350 B.C. The name signifies having the odour of wine, _oinos_ and _theera_. Pliny said: "It is an herbe good as wine to make the heart merrie. It groweth with leaves resembling those of the almond tree, and beareth flowers like unto roses. Of such virtue is this herbe that if it be given to drink to the wildest beast that is, it will tame the same and make it gentle." The best variety of this plant is the _OEnothera macrocarpa_. The bark of the Evening Primrose is mucilaginous, and a decoction made therefrom is of service for bathing the skin eruptions of infants and young children. To answer such purpose a decoction should be made from the small twigs, and from the bark of the larger branches, retaining the leaves. This has been found further of use for diarrhoea associated with an irritable stomach, and asthma. The infusion, or the liquid extract, acts as a mild but efficient sedative in nervous indigestion, from twenty to thirty drops of the latter being given for a dose. The ascertained chemical principle of the plant, _OEnotherin_, is a compound body. Its flowers open in the evening, and last only until the next noon; therefore this plant is called the "Evening Primrose," or "Evening Star." Another of the Primrose tribe, the Cyclamen, or Sow-bread (_Panis porcinus_), is often grown in our gardens, and for ornamenting our rooms as a pot plant. Its name means (Greek) "a circle," and refers to the reflected corolla, or to the spiral fruit-stalks; and again, [451] from the tuber being the food of wild swine. Gerard said it was reported in his day to grow wild on the Welsh mountains, and on the Lincolnshire hills: but he failed to find it. Nevertheless it is now almost naturalised in some parts of the South, and East of England. As the petals die, the stalks roll up and carry the capsular berries down to the surface of the ground. A medicinal tincture is made (H.) from the fresh root when flowering. The ivy-leaved variety is found in England, with nodding fresh-coloured blossoms, and a brown intensely acrid root. Besides starch, gum, and pectin, it yields chemically, "cyclamin," or "arthanatin," with an action like "saponin," whilst the juice is poisonous to fish. When applied externally as a liniment over the bowels, it causes them to be purged. Gerard quaintly and suggestively declares "It is not good for women with childe to touch, or take this herbe, or to come neere unto it, or to stride over the same where it groweth: for the natural attractive vertue therein contained is such that, without controversie, they that attempt it in manner above said, shall be delivered before their time; which danger and inconvenience to avoid, I have fastened sticks in the ground about the place in my garden where it groweth, and some other sticks also crosswaies over them, lest any woman should by lamentable experiment find my words to be true by stepping over the same. Again, the root hanged about women in their extreme travail with childe, causeth them to be delivered incontinent: and the leaves put into the place hath the like effect." Inferentially a tincture of the plant should be good for falling and displacement of the womb. "Furthermore, Sowbread, being beaten, and made into little flat cakes, is reputed to be a good amorous medicine, to make one in love." [452] In France, another Primula, the wild Pimpernel, occurs as a noxious herb, and is therefore named Mouron. QUINCE. The Quince (_Cydonia_) is cultivated sparingly in our orchards for the sake of its highly fragrant, and strong-smelling fruit, which as an adjunct to apples is much esteemed for table uses. It may well be included among remedial Herbal Simples because of the virtues possessed by the seeds within the fruit. The tree is a native of Persia and Crete; bearing a pear-shaped fruit, golden yellow when gathered, and with five cells in it, each containing twelve closely packed seeds. These are mucilaginous when unbroken, and afford the taste of bitter almonds. When immersed in water they swell up considerably, and the mucilage will yield salts of lime with albumen. _Bandoline_ is the mucilage of Quince seeds to which some Eau de Cologne is added: and this mixture is employed for keeping the hair fixed when dressed by the _Coiffeur_. The mucilage of Quince seeds is soothing and protective to an irritated or inflamed skin; it may also be given internally for soreness of the lining mucous membranes of the stomach and bowels, as in gastric catarrh, and for cough with a dry sore throat. One dram of the seeds boiled slowly in half-a-pint of fresh water until the liquor becomes thick, makes an excellent mucilage as a basis for gargles and injections; or, one part of the seeds to fifty parts of rosewater, shaken together for half-an-hour. From growing at first in Cydon, now Candia, the tree got its name _Cydonia_: its old English title was Melicotone; and in ancient Rome it was regarded as a sacred fruit, [453] being hung upon statues in the houses of the great. Now we banish the tree, because of its strong penetrating odour, to a corner of the garden. Lord Bacon commended "quiddemy," a preserve of Quinces, for strengthening the stomach; and old Fuller said of this fruit, "being not more pleasant to the palate than restorative to the health, they are accounted a great cordiall." Jam made from the Quince (_Malmelo_) first took the name of Marmalade, which has since passed on to other fruit conserves, particularly to that of the Seville Orange. In France the Quince is made into a _compote_ which is highly praised for increasing the digestive powers of weakly persons. According to Plutarch Solon made a law that the Quince should form the invariable feast of the bridegroom (and some add likewise of the bride) before retiring to the nuptial couch. Columella said: "Quinces yield not only pleasure but health." The Greeks named the Quince "Chrysomelon," or the Golden Apple; so it is asserted that the golden fruit of the Hesperides were Quinces, and that these tempted Hercules to attack their guardian dragon. Shakespeare makes Lady Capulet when ordering the wedding feast, "Call for dates, and Quinces in the pastry." In Persia the fruit ripens, and is eaten there as a dessert delicacy which is much prized. If there be but a single Quince in a caravan, no one who accompanies it can remain unconscious of its presence. In Sussex at one time a popular wine was made of Quinces. They are astringent to stay diarrhoea; and a syrup may be concocted from their juice to answer this purpose. For thrush and for excoriations within the mouth and upper throat, one drachm of the seeds should [459] be boiled in eight fluid ounces of water until it acquires a proper demulcent mucilaginous consistence. "Simon Sethi writeth," says Gerard: "that the woman with child that eateth many Quinces during the time of her breeding, shall bring forth wise children, and of good understanding." Gerard says again: "The marmalad, or Cotiniat made of Quinces and sugar is good and profitable to strengthen the stomach that it may retain and keep the meat therein until it be perfectly digested. It also stayeth all kinds of fluxes both of the belly, and of other parts, and also of blood. Which cotiniat is made in this manner. Take four Quinces, pare them, cut them in pieces, and cast away the core: then put into every pound of Quinces a pound of sugar, and to every pound of sugar a pint of water. These must be boiled together over a still fire till they be very soft: next let it be strained, or rather rubbed through a strainer, or a hairy sieve, which is better. And then set it over the fire to boil again until it be stiff: and so box it up: and as it cooleth, put thereto a little rose water, and a few grains of musk mingled together, which will give a goodly taste to the cotiniat. This is the way to make marmalad." "The seed of Quinces tempered with water doth make a mucilage, or a thing like jelly which, being held in the mouth is marvellous good to take away the roughness of the tongue in hot burning fevers." Lady Lisle sent some cotiniat of Quinces to Henry the Eighth by her daughter Katharine. They were reputed a sexual stimulant. After being boiled and preserved in syrup, Quinces give a well known pleasant flavour to apple pie. As the fruit is free from acid, or almost so; its marmalade may be eaten by the goutily disposed with more impunity than that made with the Seville orange. An after taste suggestive of [455] garlic is left on the palate by masticating Quince marmalade. In the modern treatment of chronic dysentery the value of certain kinds of fresh fruit has come to be medically recognised. Of these may be specified strawberries, grapes, fresh figs, and tomatoes, all of which are seed fruits as distinguished from stone fruit. It is essential that they shall be absolutely sound, and in good condition. Dr. Saumaurez Lacy, of Guernsey, has successfully practised this treatment for many years, and it has been recently employed by others for chronic dysentery, and diarrhoea, with most happy results. RADISH. The common garden Radish (_Raphanus sativus_) is a Cruciferous plant, and a cultivated variety of the Horse Radish. It came originally from China, but has been grown allover Europe from time immemorial. Radishes were celebrated by Dioscorides and Pliny as above all roots whatsoever, insomuch, that in the Delphic temple there was a Radish of solid gold, _raphanus ex auro dicatus_: and Moschinus wrote a whole volume in their praise; but Hippocrates condemned them as _vitiosas, innatantes, acoegre concoctiles._ Among the oblations offered to Apollo in his temple at Delphi, turnips were dedicated in lead, beet in silver, and radishes in wrought gold. The wild Radish is _Raphanus raphanistrum_. The garden Radish was not grown in England before 1548. Later on John Evelyn wrote in his _Acetaria_: "And indeed (besides that they decay the teeth) experience tells us that, as the Prince of Physicians writes, it is hard of digestion, inimicous to the stomach, causing nauseous eructations, and sometimes vomiting, though [456] otherwise diuretic, and thought to repel the vapours of wine when the wits were at their genial club." "The Radish," says Gerard, "provoketh urine, and dissolveth cluttered sand." The roots, which are the edible part, consist of a watery fibrous pulp, which is comparatively bland, and of an external skin furnished with a pungent volatile aromatic oil which acts as a condiment to the phlegmatic pulp. "Radishes are eaten with salt alone as carrying their pepper in them." The oil contained in the roots, and likewise in the seeds, is sulphuretted, and disagrees with persons of weak digestion. A young Radish, which is quickly grown and tender, will suit most stomachs, especially if some of the leaves are masticated together with the root; but a Radish which is tough, strong, and hollow, "_fait penser a l'ile d'Elbe: il revient_." The pulp is chemically composed chiefly of nitrogenous substance, being fibrous and tough unless when the roots are young and quickly grown. On this account they should not be eaten when at all old and hard by persons of slow digestion, because apt to lodge in the intestines, and to become entangled in their caecal pouch, or in its appendix. But boiled Radishes are almost equal to asparagus when served at table, provided they have been cooked long enough to become tender, that is, for almost an hour. The syrup of radishes is excellent for hoarseness, bronchial difficulty of breathing, whooping cough, and other complaints of the chest. For the cure of corns, if after the feet have been bathed, and the corns cut, a drop or two of juice be squeezed over the corn from the fresh pulp of a radish on several consecutive days, this will wither and [457] disappear. Also Radish roots sliced when fresh, and applied to a carbuncle will promote its healing. An old Saxon remedy against a woman's chatter was to "taste at night a root of Radish when fasting, and the chatter will not be able to harm him." In some places the Radish is called Rabone. From the fresh plant, choosing a large Spanish Radish, with a turnip-shaped root, and a black outer skin, and collected in the autumn, a medicinal tincture (H.) is made with spirit of wine. This tincture has proved beneficial in cases of bilious diarrhoea, with eructations, and mental depression, when a chronic cough is also liable to be present. Four or five drops should be given with a tablespoonful of cold water, twice or three times in the day. The Black Radish is found useful against whooping cough, and is employed for this purpose in Germany, by cutting off the top, and then making a hole in the root. This is filled with treacle, or honey, and allowed to stand for a day or two; then a teaspoonful of the medicinal liquid is given two or three times in the day. Roman physicians advised that Radishes should be eaten raw, with bread and salt in the morning before any other food. And our poet Thomson describes as an evening repast:-- "A Roman meal Such as the mistress of the world once found Delicious, when her patriots of high note, Perhaps by moonlight at their humble doors, Under an ancient Oak's domestic shade, Enjoy'd spare feast, a RADISH AND AN EGG." RAGWORT. The Ragwort (_Senecio Jacoboea_) is a very common plant in our meadows, and moist places, closely allied to the [458] Groundsel, and well known by its daisy-like flowers, but of a golden yellow colour, with rays in a circle surrounding the central receptacle, and with a strong smell of honey. This plant goes popularly by the name of St. James's wort, or Canker wort, or (near Liverpool) Fleawort, and in Yorkshire, Seggrum; also Jacoby and Yellow Top. The term Ragwort, or Ragweed, is a corruption of Ragewort, as expressing its supposed stimulating effects on the sexual organs. For the same reason the _pommes d'amour_ (Love Apples, or Tomatoes) are sometimes caned Rage apples. The Ragwort was formerly thought to cure the staggers in horses, and was hence named Stagger wort, or because, says Dr. Prior, it was applied to heal freshly cut young bulls, known as Seggs, or Staggs. So also it was called St. James's wort, either because that great warrior and saint was the patron of horses, or because it blossoms on his day, July 25th: sometimes also the plant has been styled Stammer wort. Furthermore it possesses a distinct reputation for the cure of cancer, and is known as Cankerwort, being applied when bruised, either by itself, or combined with Goosegrass. Probably the lime which the whole plant contains in a highly elaborated state of subdivision has fairly credited it with anti-cancerous powers. For just such a reason Sir Spencer Wens commended powdered egg shells and powdered oyster shells as efficacious in curing certain cases under his immediate observation of long-standing cancer, when steadily given for some considerable time. A poultice made of the fresh leaves, and applied externally two or three times in succession "will cure, if ever so violent, the old ache in the hucklebone known as sciatica." Chemically the active principle of the [459] Ragwort is "senecin," a dark resinous substance, of which two grains may be given twice or three times in the day. Also the tincture, made with one part of the plant to ten parts of spirit of wine (tenuior), may be taken in doses of from five to fifteen drops, with a spoonful of water three times in the day. Either form of medicine will correct monthly irregularities of women where the period is delayed, or difficult, or arrested by cold. It must be given steadily three times a day for ten days or a fortnight before the period becomes re-established. In suitable cases the Senecio not only anticipates the period, but also increases the quantity: and where the monthly time has never been established the Ragwort is generally found useful. This herb--like its congener, the common Groundsel--has lancinated, juicy leaves, which possess a bitter saline taste, and yield earthy potash salts abundantly. Each plant is named "Senecio" because of the grey woolly pappus of its seeds, which resemble the silvered hair of old age. In Ireland the Ragwort is dedicated to the fairies, and is known as the Fairies' Horse, on the golden blossoms of which the good little people are thought to gallop about at midnight. RASPBERRY. The Raspberry (_Rubus Idoeus_) occurs wild plentifully in the woods of Scotland, where children gather the fruit early in summer. It is also found growing freely in some parts of England--as in the Sussex woods--and bearing berries of as good a quality as that of the cultivated Raspberry, though not so large in size. Another name for the fruit is _Framboise_, which is [460] a French corruption of the Dutch word _brambezie_, or brambleberry. Again, the Respis, or Raspberry, was at one time commonly known in this country as Hindberry, or the gentler berry, as distinguished from one of a harsher and coarser sort, the Hartberry. "Respberry" signifies in the Eastern Counties of England a shoot, or sucker, this name being probably applied because the fruit grows on the young shoots of the previous year. Raspberry fruit is fragrant and cooling, but sugar improves its flavour. Like the strawberry, if eaten without sugar and cream, it does not undergo any acetous fermentation in the stomach, even with gouty or strumous persons. When combined with vinegar and sugar it makes a liqueur which, if diluted with water, is most useful in febrile disorders, and which is all excellent addition to sea stores as preventive of scurvy. The Latins named this shrub "the bramble of Ida," because it grew in abundance on that classic mountain where the shepherd Paris adjudged to Venus the prize for beauty--a golden apple--on which was divinely inscribed the words, _Detur pulchriori_--"Let this be awarded to the fairest of womankind." The fresh leaves of the Raspberry are the favourite food of kids. There are red, white, yellow, and purple varieties of this fruit. Heat develops the richness of its flavour; and Raspberry jam is the prince of preserves. Again, a wine can be brewed from the fermented juice, which is excellent against scurvy because of its salts of potash--the citrate and malate. Raspberry vinegar, made by pouring vinegar repeatedly over successive quantities of the fresh fruit, is a capital remedy for sore throat from cold, or of the [461] relaxed kind; and when mixed with water it furnishes a most refreshing drink in fevers. But the berries should be used immediately after being gathered, as they quickly spoil, and their fine flavour is very evanescent. The vinegar can be extemporised by diluting Raspberry jelly with hot vinegar, or by mixing syrup of the fruit with vinegar. In Germany a conserve of Raspberries which has astringent effects is concocted with two parts of sugar to one of juice expressed from the fruit. Besides containing citric and malic acids, the Raspberry affords a volatile oil of aromatic flavour, with crystallisable sugar, pectin, colouring matter, mucus, some mineral salts, and water. Gerard says: "The fruit is good to be given to them that have weake, and queasie stomackes." A playful example of the declension of a Latin substantive is given thus:-- _Musa, Musoe_, The Gods were at tea: _Musoe, Musam_, Eating Raspberry jam: _Musa, Musah_, Made by Cupid's mamma. RHUBARB (Garden). _see_ Dock, _page_ 159. RICE. Rice, or Ryse, the grain of _Oryza sativa_, a native cereal of India, is considered here scarcely as a Herbal Simple, but rather as a common article of some medicinal resource in the store cupboard of every English house-hold, and therefore always at band as a vegetable remedy. Among the Arabs Rice is considered a sacred food: [462] and their tradition runs that it first sprang from a drop of Mahomet's perspiration in Paradise. Being composed almost exclusively of starch, and poorer in nitrogen, as well as in phosphoric acid, than other cereals, it is less laxative, and is of value as a demulcent to palliate irritative diarrhoea, and to allay intestinal distress. A mucilage of Rice made by boiling the well-washed grain for some time in water, and straining, contains starch and phosphate of lime in solution, and is therefore a serviceable emollient. But when needed for food the grain should be steamed, because in boiling it loses the little nitrogen, and the greater part of the lime phosphate which it has scantily contained. Rice bread and Rice cakes, simply made, are very light and easy of digestion. The gluten confers the property of rising on dough or paste made of Rice flour. But as an article of sustenance Rice is not well suited for persons of fermentative tendencies during the digestion of their food, because its starch is liable to undergo this chemical change in the stomach. Dr. Tytler reported in the _Lancet_ (1833), cases resembling malignant cholera from what he termed the _morbus oryzoeus_, as provoked by the free and continued use of Rice as food. And Boutins, in 1769, published an account of the diseases common to the East Indies, in which he stated that when Rice is eaten more or less exclusively, the vision becomes impaired. But neither of these allegations seems to have been afterwards authoritatively confirmed. Chemically, Rice consists of starch, fat, fibrin, mineral matter such as phosphate of lime, cellulose, and water. A spirituous liquor is made in China from the grain of Rice, and bears the name "arrack." [463] Rice cannot be properly substituted in place of succulent green vegetables dietetically for any length of time, or it would induce scurvy. The Indians take stewed Rice to cure dysentery, and a decoction of the grain for the purpose of subduing inflammatory disorders. Paddy, or Paddee, is Rice from which the husk has not been removed before crushing. It has been said by some that the cultivation of Rice lowers vitality, and shortens life. In Java a special Rice-pudding is made by first putting some raw Rice in a conical earthen pot wide at the top, and perforated in its body with holes. This is placed inside another earthen pot of a similar shape but not perforated, and containing boiling water. The swollen Rice soon stops up the holes of the inner pot, and the Rice within becomes of a firm consistence, like pudding, and is eaten with butter, sugar, and spices. An ordinary Rice-pudding is much improved by adding some rosewater to it before it is baked. This grain has been long considered of a pectoral nature, and useful for persons troubled with lung disease, and spitting of blood, as in pulmonary consumption. The custom of throwing a shower of Rice after and over a newly married couple is very old, though wheat was at first the chosen grain as an augury of plenty. The bride wore a garland of ears of corn in the time of Henry the Eighth. ROSES. Certain curative properties are possessed both by the Briar, or wild Dog Rose of our country hedges, and by the cultivated varieties of this queen of flowers in our Roseries. The word Rose means red, from the Greek [464] _rodon_, connected also with _rota_, a wheel, which resembles the outline of a Rose. The name Briar is from the Latin _bruarium_, the waste land on which it grows. The first Rose of a dark red colour, is held to have sprung from the blood of Adonis. The fruit of the wild Rose, which is so familiar to every admirer of our hedgerows in the summer, and which is the common progenitor of all Roses, is named Hips. "Heps maketh," says Gerard, "most pleasant meats or banquetting dishes, as tarts and such like, the concoction whereof I commit to the cunning cook, and teeth to eat them in the rich man's mouth." Hips, derived from the old Saxon, _hiupa, jupe_, signifies the Briar rather than its fruit. They are called in some parts, "choops," or "hoops." The woolly down which surrounds the seeds within the Hips serves admirably for dispelling round worms, on which it acts mechanically without irritating the mucous membrane which lines the bowels. When fully ripe and softened by frost, the Hips, after removal of their hard seeds, and when plenty of sugar is added, make a very nice confection, which the Swiss and Germans eat at dessert, and which forms an agreeable substitute for tomato sauce. Apothecaries employ this conserve in the preparing of electuaries, and as a basis for pills. They also officinally use the petals of the Cabbage Rose (_Centifolia_) for making Rose water, and the petals of the Red Rose (_Gallica_) for a cooling infusion, the brilliant colour of which is much improved by adding some diluted sulphuric acid; and of these petals they further direct a syrup to be concocted. Next in development to the Dog Rose, or Hound's Rose, comes the Sweetbriar (Eglantine), with a delicate perfume contained under its glandular leaves. [465] "_Fragrantia ejus olei omnia alia odoramenta superest_." This (_Rosa rubiginosa_) grows chiefly on chalk as a bushy shrub. Its poetic title, Eglantine, is a corruption of the Latin _aculeius_, prickly. A legend tells that Christ's crown of thorns was made from the Rose-briar, about which it has been beautifully said:-- "Men sow the thorns on Jesus' brow, But Angels saw the Roses." Pliny tells a remarkable story of a soldier of the Praetorian guard, who was cured of hydrophobia, against all hope, by taking an extract of the root of the _Kunoroddon_, Dog Rose, in obedience to the prayer of his mother, to whom the remedy was revealed in a dream; and he says further, that it likewise restored whoever tried it afterwards. Hence came the title _Canina_. "_Parceque elle a longtemps ete en vogue pour guerir de la rage_." But the term, Dog Rose, is generally thought to merely signify a flower of lower quality than the nobler Roses of garden culture. The five graceful fringed leaflets which form the special beauty of the Eglantine flower and bud, have given rise to the following Latin enigma (translated):-- "Of us five brothers at the same time born, Two from our birthday always beards have worn: On other two none ever have appeared, While our fifth brother wears but half a beard." From Roses the Romans prepared wine and confections, also subtle scents, sweet-smelling oil, and medicines. The petals of the crimson French Rose, which is grown freely in our gardens, have been esteemed of signal efficacy in consumption of the lungs [466] since the time of Avicenna, A.D. 1020, who states that he cured many patients by prescribing as much of the conserve as they could manage to swallow daily. It was combined with milk, or with some other light nutriment; and generally from thirty to forty pounds of this medicine had to be consumed before the cure was complete. Julius Caesar hid his baldness at the age of thirty with Roman Roses. "Take," says an old MS. recipe of Lady Somerset's, "Red Rose buds, and clyp of the tops, and put them in a mortar with ye waight of double refined sugar; beat them very small together, then put it up; must rest three full months, stirring onces a day. This is good against the falling sickness." It is remarkable that while the blossoms of the Rose Order present various shades of yellow, white, and red, blue is altogether foreign to them, and unknown among them. As the Thistle is symbolical of Scotland, the Leek of Wales, and the Shamrock of Ireland: so the sweet, pure, simple, honest Rose of our woods is the apt-chosen emblem of Saint George, and the frank, bonny, blushing badge of Merrie England. The petals of the Cabbage Rose (_Centifolia_), which are closely folded over each other like the leaves of a cabbage, have a slight laxative action, and are used for making Rose-water by distillation, whether when fresh, or after being preserved by admixture with common salt. This perfumed water has long enjoyed a reputation for the cure of inflamed eyes, more commonly when combined with zinc, or with sugar of lead. Hahnemann quotes the same established practice as a tacit avowal that there exists in the leaves of the Rose some healing power for certain diseased conditions of [567] the eyes, which virtue is really founded on the homoeopathic property possessed by the Rose, of exciting a species of ophthalmia in healthy persons; as was observed by Echtius, Ledelius, and Rau. It is recorded also in his _Organon of Medicine_, that persons are sometimes found to faint at the smell of Roses (or, as Pope puts it, to "die of a rose in aromatic pain"); whereas the Princess Maria, cured her brother, the Emperor Alexius, who suffered from faintings, by sprinkling him with Rose-water, in the presence of his aunt Eudoxia. The wealthy Greeks and Romans strewed Roses on the tombs of departed friends, whilst poorer persona could only afford a tablet at the grave bearing the prayer: "Sparge, precor, rosas super mea busta, viator." "Scatter Roses, I beseech you, over my ashes, O pitiful passer-by." But nowadays many persons have an aversion to throwing a Rose into a grave, or even letting one fall in. Roses and reticence of speech have been linked together since the time of Harpocrates, whom Cupid bribed to silence by the gift of a golden Rose-bud; and therefore it became customary at Roman feasts to suspend over the table a flower of this kind as a hint that the convivial sayings which were then interchanged wore not to be talked of outside. What was spoken "sub vino" was not to be published "sub divo": "Est rosa flos veneris, cujus quo facta laterent Harpocrati, matris dona, dicavit amor: Inde rosam mensis hospes suspendid amicis, Conviva ut sub ea dicta tacenda sciat." [468] For the same reason the Rose is found sculptured on the ceilings of banqueting rooms; and in 1526 it began to be placed over Confessionals. Thus it has come about that the Rose is held to be the symbol of secrecy, as well as the flower of love, and the emblem of beauty: so that the significant phrase "sub rosa,"--under the Rose,-- conveys a recognised meaning, understood, and respected by everyone. The bed of Roses is not altogether a poetic fiction. In old days the Sybarites slept upon mattresses which were stuffed with Rose petals: and the like are now made for persons of rank on the Nile. A memorial brass over the tomb of Abbot Kirton, in Westminster Abbey, bears testimony to the high value he attached during life to Roses curatively:-- "Sis, Rosa, flos florum, morbis medicina meoium." Many country persons believe, that if Roses and Violets are plentiful in the autumn, some epidemic may be expected presently. But this conclusion must be founded like that which says, "a green winter makes a fat churchyard," on the fact that humid warmth continued on late in the year tends to engender putrid ferments, and to weaken the bodily vigour. Attar of Roses is a costly product, because consisting of the comparatively few oil globules found floating on the surface of a considerable volume of Rose water thrice distilled. It takes five hundredweight of Rose petals to produce one drachm by weight of the finest Attar, which is preserved in small bottles made of rock crystal. The scent of the minutest particle of the genuine essence is very powerful and enduring:-- "You may break, you may ruin, the vase if you will, But the scent of the Roses will hang round it still." The inscription, _Rosamundi, non Rosa munda,_ was graven on the tomb of fair Rosamund, the inamorata of Henry the Seventh:-- "Hic jacet in tomba Rosa Mundi, non Rosa munda; Non redolet, sed olet quae redolere solet." "Here Rose the graced, not Rose the chaste, reposes; The smell that rises is no smell of Roses." In Sussex, the peculiar excrescence which is often found on the Briar, as caused by the puncture of an insect, and which is known as the canker, or "robin redbreast's cushion," is frequently worn round the neck as a protective amulet against whooping cough. This was called in the old Pharmacopeias "Bedeguar," and was famous for its astringent properties. Hans Andersen names it the "Rose King's beard." The Rosary was introduced by St. Dominick to commemorate his having been shown a chaplet of Roses by the Blessed Virgin. It consisted formerly of a string of beads made of Rose leaves tightly pressed into round moulds and strung together, when real Roses could not be had. The use of a chaplet of beads for recording the number of prayers recited is of Eastern origin from the time of the Egyptian Anchorites. The Rock Rose (a _Cistus_), grows commonly in our hilly pastures on a soil of chalk, or gravel, bearing clusters of large, bright, yellow flowers, from a small branching shrub. These flowers expand only in the sunshine, and have stamens which, if lightly touched, spread out, and lie down on the petals. The plant proves medicinally useful, particularly if grown in a soil containing magnesia. A tincture is prepared (H.) from the whole plant, English or Canadian, which is useful for curing shingles, on the principle of its producing, when taken by healthy provers in doses of various [470] potencies, a cutaneous outbreak on the trunk of the body closely resembling the characteristic symptoms of shingles, whilst attended with nervous distress, and with much burning of the affected skin. The plant has likewise a popular reputation for healing scrofula, and its tincture is beneficial for reducing enlarged glands, as of the neck and throat; also for strumous swelling of the knee joint, as well as of other joints. It is a "helianthemum" of the Sunflower tribe. The Canadian Rock Rose is called Frostwort and Frostweed, because crystals of ice shoot from the cracked bark below the stem during freezing weather in the autumn. A decoction of our plant has proved useful in prurigo (itching), and as a gargle for the sore throat of scarlet fever. For shingles, from five to ten drops of the tincture, third decimal strength, should be given with a spoonful of water three times a day. ROSEMARY. The Rosemary is a well-known, sweet-scented shrub, cultivated in our gardens, and herb beds on account of its fragrancy and its aromatic virtues. It came originally from the South of Europe and the Levant, and was introduced into England before the Norman Conquest. The shrub (_Rosmarinus_) takes its compound name from _ros_, dew, _marinus_, belonging to the sea; in allusion to the grey, glistening appearance of the plant, and its natural locality, as well as its odour, like that of the sea. It is ever green, and bears small, pale, blue flowers. Rosemary was thought by the ancients to refresh the memory and comfort the brain. Being a cordial herb it was often mentioned in the lays, or amorous ballads, of the Troubadours; and was called "Coronaria" [471] because women were accustomed to make crowns and garlands thereof. "What flower is that which regal honour craves? Adjoin the Virgin: and 'tis strewn o'er graves." In some parts of England Rosemary is put with the corpse into the coffin, and sprigs of it are distributed among the mourners at a funeral, to be thrown into the grave, Gay alludes to this practice when describing the burial of a country lass who had met with an untimely death:-- "To show their love, the neighbours far and near Followed, with wistful looks, the damsel's bier; Sprigged Rosemary the lads and lasses bore, While dismally the Parson walked before; Upon her grave the Rosemary they threw, The Daisy, Butter flower, and Endive blue," In _Romeo and Juliet_, Father Lawrence says:-- "Dry up your tears, and stick your Rosemary On this fair corse." The herb has a pleasant scent and a bitter, pungent taste, whilst much of its volatile, active principle resides in the calices of the flowers; therefore, in storing or using the plant these parts must be retained. It yields its virtues partially to water, and entirely to rectified spirit of wine. In early times Rosemary was grown largely in kitchen gardens, and it came to signify the strong influence of the matron who dwelt there:-- "Where Rosemary flourishes the woman rules," The leaves and tops afford an essential volatile oil, but not so much as the flowers. A spirit made from this essential oil with spirit of wine will help to renovate the vitality of paralyzed limbs, if rubbed in with brisk friction. The volatile oil [472] includes a special camphor similar to that possessed by the myrtle. The plant also contains some tannin, with a resin and a bitter principle. By old writers it was said to increase the flow of milk. The oil is used officinally for making a spirit of Rosemary, and is added to the compound tincture of Lavender, as well as to Soap liniment. By common consent it is agreed that the volatile oil (or the spirit) when mixed in washes will specially stimulate growth of the hair. The famous Hungary water, first concocted for a Queen of Hungary who, by its continual use, became effectually cured of paralysis, was prepared by putting a pound and a half of the fresh tops of Rosemary, when in full flower, into a gallon of proof spirit, which had to stand for four days, and was then distilled. Hungary water (_l'eau de la reine d'Hongrie_) was formerly very famous for gout in the hands and feet. Hoyes says, the formula for composing this water, written by Queen Elizabeth's own hand in golden characters, is still preserved in the Imperial Library at Vienna. An ounce of the dried leaves and flowers treated with a pint of boiling water, and allowed to stand until cold, makes one of the best hair washes known. It has the singular power of preventing the hair from uncurling when exposed to a damp atmosphere. The herb is used in the preparation of _Eau de Cologne_. Rosemary wine, taken in small quantities, acts as a quieting cordial to a heart of which the action is excitable or palpitating, and it relieves ally accompanying dropsy by stimulating the kidneys. This wine may be made by chopping up sprigs of Rosemary, and pouring on them some sound white wine, which after two or [473] three days, may be strained off and used. By stimulating the nervous system it proves useful against the headaches of weak circulation and of languid health. "If a garlande of the tree be put around the heade it is a remedy for the stuffing of the head that cometh from coldness." The green-leaved variety of Rosemary is the sort to be used medicinally. There are also silver and gold-leaved diversities. Sprigs of the herb were formerly stuck into beef whilst roasting as an excellent relish. A writer of 1707 tells of "Rosemary-preserve to dress your beef." The toilet of the Ancients was never considered complete without an infusion, or spirit of Rosemary; and in olden times Rosemary was entwined in the wreath worn by the bride at the altar, being first dipped in scented water. Anne of Cleves, one of Henry the Eighth's wives, wore such a wreath at her wedding; and when people could afford it, the Rosemary branch presented to each guest was richly gilded. The custom which prevailed in olden times of carrying a sprig of Rosemary in the hand at a funeral, took its rise from the notion of an alexipharmick or preservative powder in this herb against pestilential disorders; and hence it was thought that the smelling thereof was a powerful defence against any morbid effluvia from the corpse. For the same reason it was usual to burn Rosemary in the chambers of the sick, just as was formerly done with frankincense, which gave the Greeks occasion to call the Rosemary _Libanotis_. In the French language of flowers this herb represents the power of rekindling lost energy. "The flowers of Rosemary," says an old author, "made up into plates (lozenges), with sugar, [474] and eaten, comfort the heart, and make it merry, quicken the spirits, and make them more lively." "There's Rosemary for you--that's for remembrance! Pray you, love, remember!" says Ophelia in _Hamlet_. The spirit of Rosemary is kept by all druggists, and may be safely taken in doses of from twenty to thirty drops with a spoonful or two of water. Rosemary tea will soon relieve hysterical depression. Some persons drink it as a restorative at breakfast. It will help to regulate the monthly flow of women. An infusion of the herb mixed with poplar bark, and used every night, will make the hair soft, glossy, and strong. In Northern Ireland is found the Wild Rosemary, or Marsh Tea (_Ledum palustre_), which has admirable curative uses, and from which, therefore, though it is not a common plant in England, a medicinal tincture (H.) is made with spirit of wine. The herb belongs to the Rock Rose tribe, and contains citric acid, leditannic acid, resin, wax, and a volatile principle called "ericinol." This plant is of singular use as a remedy for chilblains, as well as to subdue the painful effects of a sting from a wasp or bee; also to relieve gouty pains, which attack severely, but do not cause swelling of the part, especially as regards the fingers and toes. Four or five drops of the tincture should be taken for a dose with a tablespoonful of cold water, three or four times in the day; and linen rags soaked in a lotion made with a teaspoonful of the tincture added to half a tumblerful of cold water, should be kept applied over the affected part. It equally relieves whitlows; and will heal punctured wounds, if arnica, or the Marigold, or St. John's Wort is not indicated, or of use. When tested by provers in large doses, it has caused a widespread eruption of [475] eczema, with itching and tingling of the whole skin, extending into the mouth and air passages, and occasioning a violent spasmodic cough. Hence, one may fairly assume (and this has been found to hold good), that a gouty, spasmodic cough of the bronchial tubes, attended with gouty eczema, and with pains in the smaller joints, will be generally cured by tincture or infusion of the Wild Rosemary in small doses of a diluted strength, given several times a day, the diet at the same time being properly regulated. Formerly this herb was used in Germany for making beer heady; but it is now forbidden by law. RUE. The wild Rue is found on the hills of Lancashire and Yorkshire, being more vehement in smell and in operation than the garden Rue. This latter, _Ruta graveolens,_ (powerfully redolent), the common cultivated Rue of our kitchen gardens, is a shrub with a pungent aromatic odour, and a bitter, hot, penetrating taste, having leaves of a bluish-green colour, and remaining verdant all the year round. It is first mentioned as cultivated in England by Turner, in his _Herbal_, 1562, and has since become one of the best known and most widely grown Simples for medicinal and homely uses. The name _Ruta_ is from the Greek _reuo_, to set free, because this herb is so efficacious in various diseases. The Greeks regarded Rue as an anti-magical herb, since it served to remedy the nervous indigestion and flatulence from which they suffered when eating before strangers: which infirmity they attributed to witchcraft. This herb was further termed of old "Serving men's joy," because of the multiplicity of common ailments which it was warranted to cure. It constituted a chief ingredient of the famous antidote of Mithridates to poisons, the formula of which [476] was found by Pompey in the satchel of the conquered King. The leaves are so acrid, that if they be much handled they inflame the skin; and the wild plant possesses this acridity still more strongly. Water serves to extract the virtues of the cultivated shrub better than spirit of wine is able to do. The juice of Rue is of great efficacy in some forms of epilepsy, operating for the most part insensibly, though sometimes causing vomiting or purging. Piperno, a Neapolitan physician, in 1625, commended Rue as a specific against epilepsy and vertigo. For the former malady at one time some of this herb was suspended round the neck of the sufferer, whilst "forsaking the devil with all his works, and invoking the Lord Jesus." Goat's Rue, _Galega_, is likewise of service in epilepsy and convulsions. If a leaf or two of Rue be chewed, a refreshing aromatic flavour will pervade the mouth, and any nervous headache, giddiness, hysterical spasm, or palpitation, will be quickly relieved. Two drachms of powdered Rue, if taken every day regularly as a dose for a long while together, will often do wonders. It was much used by the ancients, and Hippocrates commended it. The herb is strongly stimulating and anti-spasmodic; its most important constituent being the volatile oil, which contains caprinic, pelargonic, caprylic, and oenanthylic acids. The oxygenated portion is caprinic aldehyde. In too full doses the oil causes aching of the loins, frequent urination, dulness and weight of mind, flushes of heat, unsteadiness of gait, and increased frequency of the pulse, but with diminished force. Similar symptoms are produced during an attack of the modern epidemical influenza; as like-wise by oil of wormwood, and some other essential oils. [477] Externally, Rue is an active irritant to the skin, the bruised leaves blistering the hands, and causing a pustular eruption. Gerard says, "The wild Rue venometh the hands that touch it, and will also infect the face; therefore it is not to be admitted to meat, or medicine." It stimulates the monthly function in women, but must be used with caution. The decoction and infusion are to be made from the fresh plant, or (when this plant cannot be got), the oil may be given in a dose of from one to five drops. Externally, compresses saturated with a strong decoction of the plant when applied to the chest, have been used beneficially for chronic bronchitis. Rue is best adapted to those of phlegmatic habit, and of languid constitutional energies. It is often employed in the form of tea. The _Schola Salernitana_ says about this plant:-- "Ruta viris minuit venerem, mulieribus addit Ruta facit castum, dat lumen, et ingerit astum Coctaque ruta facit de pulicibus loca tuta." "Rue maketh chaste: and eke preserveth sight; Infuseth wit, and putteth fleas to flight." The leaves promote the menses, being given in doses of from fifteen to twenty grains. "Pliny," says John Evelyn, "reports Rue to be of such effect for the preservation of sight that the painters of his time used to devour a great quantity of it; and the herb is still eaten by the Italians frequently mingled amongst their salads." With respect to its use in epilepsy, Julius Caesar Baricellus said: "I gave to my own children two scruples of the juice of Rue, and a small matter of gold; and, by the blessing of God, they were freed from their fits." The essential oil of Rue may be used for the same purpose, and in like manner. [478] Formerly this plant was thought to bestow second sight; and so sacred a regard was at one time felt for it in our islands, that the missionaries sprinkled their holy water from brushes made of the Rue; for which cause it was named "Herb of Grace." Gerard tells us: "The garden Rue, which is better than the wild Rue for physic's use, grows most profitably (as Dioscorides said) under a fig tree." Country people boil its leaves with treacle, thus making a conserve of them. These leaves are curative of croup in poultry. In the early part of the present century it was customary for judges, sitting at Assize, to have sprigs of Rue placed on the bench of the dock, as defensive against the pestilential infection brought into court from gaol by the prisoners. The herb was supposed to afford powerful protection from contagion. At the present time the medicinal tincture (H.) is used for the treatment of rheumatism when developed in the membranes which invest the bones. If bruised and applied, the leaves will ease the severe pain of sciatica. The expressed juice taken in small quantities is a noted remedy for nervous nightmare. A quaint old rhyme says of the plant:-- "Nobilis est ruta quia lumina reddit acuta." "Noble is Rue! it makes the sight of eyes both sharp and clear; With help of Rue, oh! blear-eyed man I thou shalt see far and near." This is essentially the case when the vision has become dim through over exertion of the eyes. It was with "Euphrasy and Rue" the visual nerve of Adam was purged by Milton's Angel. As a preserver of chastity Ophelia was made by Shakespeare to give Rue to Hamlet's mother, the Queen of Denmark. [479] RUSHES. The true Rushes (_Juncaceoe_) include the Soft Rush (_effusus_); the Hard Rush (_glaucus_); and the Common Rush (_conglomeratus_). The Bulrush (Pool Rush) is a Sedge; the Club Rush is a Typha; and the flowering Rush, a Butomus. "Rish" was the old method of spelling the name. A medicinal tincture is made (H.) from the fresh root of the _juncus effusus_. It will be found helpful against spinal irritability, with some crampy tightness felt in the arms and legs, together with headache and flatulent indigestion. Four or five drops should be given for a dose, with a spoonful of water, three or four times in the day. This, the Soft Rush, is commonly used for tying the bines of hops to the poles; and, as these bines grow larger in size, the rushes wither, setting the bines free in a timely fashion. To find a green-topped Seave, or Rush, and a four-leaved Clover, is, in rural estimation, equally lucky. The generic title, _Juncus_, has been applied because Rushes are _in conjunction_ when planted together for making cordage. The common Rush is found by roadsides in damp pastures, and is readily known by its long, slender, round, naked stem, containing pith, and showing about the middle of July a dense globular bead of brown flowers. Rushes of this sort were employed by our remote ancestors for strewing, when fresh and green, about the floor of the hall after discontinuing its big fire at Eastertide. Shakespeare says in _Romeo and Juliet:_-- "Wantons, light of heart, Tickle the senseless rushes with their heels." [480] In obedience to a bequest (1494); Rushes are still strewn about the pavement of Redcliff Church at Bristol every Whit-Sunday. The common phrase, "not worth a Rush," took its origin from this general practice. Distinguished guests were honoured in mediaeval times with clean fresh Rushes; but those of inferior rank had either the Rushes left by their superiors, or none at all. The sweet-scented "Flag," or Rush (_Acorus calamus_), was always used by preference where it could be procured. It is a native of this country, growing on watery banks, and very plentiful in the river's of Norfolk, from whence the London market is supplied. The roots have a warm, bitter taste, and the essential oil is highly aromatic, this being used for preparing aromatic vinegar. In Norfolk the powdered dry rhizome is given for ague. With sugar it makes an agreeable cordial conserve. (See _Flag (Sweet)_, _page_ 201 ). For preserving the aromatic qualities within the dried rhizome; or root, it should be kept in stock unpeeled. This contains "oleum calami," and the bitter principle "acorin." Some of the root may be habitually chewed for the relief of chronic indigestion. The odorous delights of a pastoral time passed near these sweetly-fragrant plants have been happily alluded to in the well-known lines of idyllic verse:-- "Green grow the Rushes, oh! Green grow the Rushes, oh! The sweetest hours that e'er I spent Were spent among the lasses, oh!" "Virent junci fluviales, Junci prope lymphas: Ah! quain ridet quoe me videt Hora inter Nymphas!" [481] The old saying, "As fit as Tib's Rush for Tom's fore-finger," alludes to an ancient custom of making spurious marriages with a ring constructed from a Rush. Tom and Tib were vulgar epithets applied in Shakespeare's time to the rogue, and the wanton. The Bulrush (_Scirpus lacustris_) is a tall, aquatic plant, which belongs to the Sedge tribe. It name was formerly spelt "Pole Rush," and was given because this grows in pools of water, and not like other Rushes, in mire. Bottoms of chairs are frequently made with its stems. Its seed is prepared medicinally, being astringent and somewhat sedative; "So soporiferous," says Gerard, "that care must be had in the administration thereof, lest in provoking sleep you induce a drowsiness, or dead sleep." Street hawkers, in Autumn, offer as Bulrushes the tall, round spikes of the Great Reed Mace, which is not a true Rush. Artists are responsible in the first instance for the mistake--notably Paul De la Roche, in his famous picture of "The Finding of Moses." The future great leader of the Israelites is there depicted in an ark amid a forest of Great Cat's-tail Reeds. The flowering Rush, or water gladiole, which grows by the banks of rivers is called botanically "butomus," from the Greek, _bous_, an ox, and _temno_, to cut, because the sharp edges of the erect three-cornered leaf-blades wound the cattle which come in contact with them, or try to eat them. Its root is highly esteemed in Russia for the cure of hydrophobia, being regarded by the doctors as a specific for that disease. Its flowers are large, and of a splendid rose colour. The seeds promote the monthly flow in women, act on disordered kidneys, prove astringent against fluxes, and serve to woo sleep in nervous wakefulness. Gerard tells that "the seed [482] of Rushes drieth the overmuch flowing of women's termes." The Reed Mace, or Cat's-tail, is often incorrectly called Bulrush, though it is a typha (_tuphos_, marsh) plant. The Bog Asphodel (_Narthecium ossifragum_) grows in bogs, and bears a spike of yellow, star-like flowers. Its second nominative was given to signify its causing the bones of cattle which feed thereon to become soft; but probably this morbid state is incurred rather through the exhalations arising from the bogs where the cattle are pastured. To the same plant has been given also the name "Mayden heere," because young damsels formerly used it for making their hair yellow. The Great Cat's-tail (_Typha palustris_), or Great Reed Mace, a perennial reed common in Great Britain, affords by the tender white part of its stalks when peeled near the root, a crisp, cooling, pleasant article of food. This is eaten raw with avidity by the Cossacks. Aristophanes makes mention of the Mace in his comedy of frogs who were glad to have spent their day skipping about _inter Cyperum et Phleum_, among Galingale and Cat's-tail. Sacred pictures which represent our Saviour wearing the crown of thorns, place this reed in His hands as given Him in mockery for a kingly Mace. The same _Typha_ has been further called "Dunse-down," from making persons "dunch," or deaf, if its soft spikes accidentally run into the ears. "_Ejus enim paniculoe flos si aures intraverit, exsurdat_." It is reasonable to suppose that, on the principle of similars, a preparation of this plant, if applied topically within the ear, as well as taken medicinally, will be curative of a like deafness. Most probably the injury to the hearing caused by the spikes at first is toxic as well as of the nature of an injury. The Poet Laureate sings of "Sleepy breath made sweet [483] with Galingale" (_Cyperus longus_). Other names again are, "Chimney-sweeper's brush"; "Blackheads" until ripe, then "Whiteheads"; and "Water torch," because its panicles, if soaked in oil, will burn like a torch. SAFFRON (Meadow and Cultivated). The Meadow Saffron (_Colchicum autumnale_) is a common wild Crocus found in English meadows, especially about the Midland districts. The flower appears in the autumn before the leaves and fruit, which are not produced until the following spring. Its corollae resemble those of the true Saffron, a native of the East, but long cultivated in Great Britain, where it is sometimes found apparently wild. They are plants of the Iris order. From the Meadow Saffron is obtained a corm or bulb, dug up in the spring, of which the well-known tincture of colchicum, a specific for rheumatism, is made; and from the true Saffron flowers are taken the familiar orange red stigmata, which furnish the fragrant colouring matter used by confectioners in cakes, and by the apothecary for his syrup of Saffron, etc. The flower of the Meadow Saffron rises bare from the earth, and is, therefore, called "Upstart" and "Naked Lady." This plant owes its botanical name _Colchicum_, to Colchis, in Natalia, which abounded in poisonous vegetables, and gave rise to the fiction about the enchantress Medea. She renewed the vitality of her aged father, AEneas, by drawing blood out of his veins and refilling them with the juices of certain herbs. The fabled origin of the Saffron plant ran thus. A certain young man named Crocus went to play at quoits in a field with Mercurie, when the quoit of his companion happened by misfortune to hit him on the head, whereby, before long, he died, to the great sorrow of [484] his friends. Finally, in the place where he had bled, Saffron was found to be growing: whereupon, the people, seeing the colour of the chine as it stood, adjusted it to come of the blood of Crocus, and therefore they gave it his name. The medicinal properties of Colchicum have been known from a very early period. In the reign of James the First (1615), Sir Theodore Mayerne administered the bulb to his majesty together with the powder of unburied skulls. In France, it has always been a favourite specific for gout; and during the reign of Louis the Fifteenth, it became very fashionable under the name of _Eau Medicinale_; but the remedy is somewhat dangerous, and should never be incautiously used. Instances are on record where fatal results have followed too large a medicinal dose, even on the following day, after taking sixty drops of the wine of Colchicum overnight; and when given in much smaller doses it sometimes acts as a powerfully irritating purgative, or as an emetic. The medicine should not be employed except by a doctor; its habitual use is very harmful. The acrimony of the bulb may be modified in a measure if it, or its seeds, are steeped in vinegar before being taken as a medicine. The French designate the roots of the Meadow Saffron (_Colchicum_) as "_Tue-chien_"; "_morte aux chiens_," "death to dogs." Alexander of Tralles, a Greek physician of the sixth century, was the first to advise Colchicum (_Hermodactylon_) for gout, with the effect that patients, immediately after its exhibition, found themselves able to walk. "But," said he, and with shrewd truth, "it has this bad property, that it disposes those who take it curatively for gout or rheumatism, to be afterwards more frequently attacked with the disease than before." [485] Our druggists supply an officinal tincture of Colchicum (Meadow Saffron) made from the seeds, the dose of which is from ten to thirty drops, with a spoonful of water; also a wine infused from the bulb, of which the dose is the same as that of the tincture, twice or three times a day; and an acetous extract prepared from the thickened juice of the crushed bulbs, of which from half to two grains may be given in a pilule, or dissolved in water, twice or three times a day, until the active symptoms are subdued, and then less often for another day or two afterwards. The most important chemical constituent of the bulb, flowers, and seeds, is "Colchicin." Besides this there are contained starch, gum, sugar, tannin, and some fatty resinous matter. There is also a fixed oil in the seeds. _Crocus vernus_, the True Saffron, grows wild about Halifax, and in the neighbourhood of Derby; but for commercial uses the supply of stigmata is had from Greece, and Asia Minor. This plant was cultivated in England as far back as during the reign of Edward the Third. It is said that a pilgrim then brought from the Levant to England the first root of Saffron, concealed in a hollow staff, doing the same thing at the peril of his life, and planting such root at Saffron Walden, in Essex, whence the place has derived its name. The stigmata are picked out, then dried in a kiln, over a hair cloth, and pressed afterwards into cakes, of which the aromatic quality is very volatile. The plant was formerly cultivated at Saffron Walden, where it was presented in silver cups by the Corporation to some of our sovereigns, who visited Walden for the ceremony. Five guineas were paid by the Corporation for the pound of Saffron which they purchased for Queen Elizabeth; and to constitute this quantity forty [486] thousand flowers were required. The City Arms of Walden bears three Saffron plants, as given by a Charter of Edward the Sixth. Saffron Hill, in Holborn, London, belonged formerly to Ely House, and got its name from the crops of saffron which were grown there: "_Occult? Spolia hi Croceo de colle ferebant_" (Comic Latin Grammar). In our rural districts there is a popular custom of giving Saffron tea in measles, on the doctrine of colour analogy; to which notion may likewise be referred the practice of adding Saffron to the drinking water of canaries when they are moulting. In England, it was fashionable during the seventh century to make use of starch stained yellow with Saffron; and in an old cookery book of that period, it is directed that "Saffron must be put into all Lenten soups, sauces, and dishes; also that without Saffron we cannot have well-cooled peas." Confectioners were wont to make their pastry attractive with Saffron. So the Clown says in Shakespeare's _Winter's Tale_, "I must have Saffron to colour the warden pies." We read of a Saffron-tub in the kitchen of Bishop Swinfield, 1296. During the fourteenth century Saffron was cultivated in the herbarium of the manor-house, and the castle. Throughout Devonshire this product is quoted to signify anything costly. Henry the Eighth forbade persons to colour with Saffron the long locks of hair worn then, and called Glibbes. Lord Bacon said, "the English are rendered sprightly by a liberal use of Saffron in sweetmeats and broth": also, "Saffron conveys medicine to the heart, cures its palpitation, removes melancholy and uneasiness, revives the brain, renders the mind cheerful, and generates boldness." The restorative plant has been termed "_Cor hominis_;" "_Anima_ [487] _pulmonum_," "the Heart of Man"; and there is an old saying alluding to one of a merry temper, "_Dormivit in sacco Croci_," "he has slept in a sack of Saffron." It was called by the ancients "_Aurum philosophorum_," contracted to "_Aroph_." Also, _Sanguis Herculis_, and _Rex Vegetabilium_, "being given with good success to procure bodily lust." The English word Saffron comes from the Arabian--_Zahafram_--whilst the name Crocus of this golden plant is taken from the Greek_ krokee_--a thread-- signifying the dry thin stigmata of the flower. Old Fuller wrote "the Crocodile's tears are never true save when he is forced where Saffron groweth (whence he hath his name of _Croco-deilos_, or the Saffron-fearer), knowing himself to be all poison, and it all antidote." Frequently Marigold stigmata are cheaply used for adulterating the true Saffron. Homer introduces Saffron as one of the flowers which formed the nuptial couch of Jupiter: and Solomon mentioned it as growing in his garden: "Spikenard and saffron: calamus, and cinnamon" (_Canticles_ iv., 14). Pliny states that wine in which Saffron was macerated gave a fragrant odour to theatres about which it was sprinkled. The Cilician doctors advised Cleopatra to take Saffron for clearing her complexion. The medicinal use of Saffron has always obtained amongst the Orientals. According to a treatise, _Croco-logia_ (1670), by Hartodt, it was then employed as a medicine, as a pigment, and for seasoning various kinds of food. The colouring matter of Saffron is a substance called polychroite, or crocin; and its slightly stimulating properties depend upon a volatile oil. Boerhaave said that Saffron possesses the power of liquefying the blood; hence, "Women who use it too freely suffer from immoderate menses." A tincture is [488] made (H.) from the Saffron of commerce, which is of essential use for controlling female haemorrhages. Four or five drops of the tincture may be given with a spoonful of water every three or four hours for this purpose. The same tincture is good for impaired vision, when there is a sense of gauze before the eyes, which the person tries to wink, or wipe away. Smelling strongly and frequently at the Hay Saffron of commerce (obtained from Spain and France), will cause headache, stupor, and heavy sleep; whilst, during its internal use, the urine becomes of a deep yellow colour. Of the syrup of Saffron, which is a slightly stimulating exhilarant, and which possesses a rich colour, from one to two teaspoonfuls may be given for a dose, with two tablespoonfuls of cold water. It serves to energise the organs within the middle trunk of both males and females; also to recruit an exhausted brain. In Devonshire, Saffron used to be regarded as a most valuable remedy to restore consumptive patients, even when far advanced in the disease, and it was, therefore, esteemed of great worth:-- "Nec poteris croci dotes numerare, nec usus." Saffron is such a special remedy for those that have consumption of the lungs, and are--as we term it--at death's door, and almost past breathing, "that it bringeth breath again, and prolongeth life for certain days, if ten, or twenty grains at most, be given in new, or sweet wine. It presently, and in a moment, removeth away difficulty of breathing, which most dangerously and suddenly happeneth." In Westphalia, an apple mixed with Saffron, on the doctrine of signatures, is given on Easter Monday, against jaundice. Evelyn tells us: "The German [489] housewives have a way of forming Saffron into balls; by mingling it with a little honey, which, when thoroughly dried, they reduce to powder, and sprinkle it over their sallets for a noble cordial." Those of Spain and Italy, we know, generally make use of this flower, mingling its golden tincture with almost everything they eat. But, an excessive use of Saffron proves harmful. It will produce an intense pain in the head, and imperil the reason. Half-a-scruple, _i.e._, ten grains, should be the largest dose. In fuller doses this tincture will provoke a determination of blood to the head, with bleeding from the nose, and sometimes with a disposition to immoderate laughter. Small doses, therefore, of the diluted tincture, ought to relieve these symptoms when they occur as spontaneous illness. The inhabitants of Eastern countries regard Saffron as a fine restorative, and nuptial invitations are often powdered by them with this medicament. In Ireland women dye their sheets with Saffron to preserve them from vermin, and to strengthen their own limbs. "Green herbs, red pepper, mussels, _Saffron_, Soles, onions, garlic, roach and dace; All these you eat at Ferre's tavern In that one dish of bouillabaisse." --_Thackeray_. SAGE. Our garden Sage, a familiar occupant of the English herb bed, was formerly celebrated as a medicine of great virtue. This was the _Elalisphakos_ of the Greeks, so called from its dry and withered looking leaves. It grows wild in the South of Europe, but is a cultivated Simple in England, France, and Germany. Like other labiate herbs [490] it is aromatic and fragrant, because containing a volatile, camphoraceous, essential oil. All parts of the plant have a strong-scented odour, and a warm, bitter, astringent taste. The Latin name, _Salvia_, has become corrupted through _Sauja_, _sauge_, to Sage, and is derived from _salvere_, "to be sound," in reference to the medicinally curative properties of the plant. A well-known monkish line about it ran to this effect: _Cur moriatur homo cui Salvia crescit in horto_? "Why should a man die whilst Sage grows in his garden?" And even at this time, in many parts of England, the following piece of advice is carefully adopted every year:-- "He that would live for aye Must eat Sage in May." During the time of Charlemagne, the school of Salerno thought so highly of Sage that they originated the dictum quoted above of Saracenic old pharmacy, but they wisely added a second line:-- "Contra vim mortis non est medicamen in hortis." The essential oil of the herb may be more readily dissolved in a spirituous than in a watery vehicle. Of this, the active principle is "salviol," which confers the power of resisting putrefaction on animal substances; whilst the bitterness and condimentary pungency of the herb enable the stomach to digest rich, luscious meats and gravies, if it be eaten therewith. Hence has arisen the custom of stuffing ducks for the table, and geese, with the conventional Sage and onions. Or there is no better way of taking Sage as a stomachic wholesome herb than by eating it with bread and butter. In Buckinghamshire a tradition maintains [491] that the wife rules where Sage grows vigorously in the garden: and it is believed that this plant will thrive or wither, just as the owner's business prospers or fails. George Whitfield, when at Oxford (1733), took only Sage-tea, with sugar, and coarse bread. Old sayings tell of the herb, as _Salvia salvatrix; naturoe conciliatrix_; and the line runs:-- "Salvia cum ruta faciunt tibi pocula tuta." recommending to plant Rue among the Sage so as to keep away noxious toads. The Chinese are as fond of Sage as we are of their fragrant teas; and the Dutch once carried on a profitable trade with them, by exchanging a pound of Sage leaves for each three-pound parcel of tea. It was formerly thought that Sage, if used in the making of cheese, improved its flavour. "Marbled with Sage the hardening cheese she pressed." --_Gay_. "Sage," says Gerard, "is singular good for the head and brain; it quickeneth the senses and memory; strengtheneth the sinews; restoreth health to those that hath the palsy; and takes away shaky trembling of the members." Agrippa called it "the holy herb," because women with child, if they be likely to come before their time, "do eat thereof to their great good." Pepys, in his well-known Diary says, "between Gosport and Southampton we observed a little churchyard where it is customary to sow all the graves with Sage." In _Franche Comte_ the herb is supposed to mitigate grief, mental and bodily. "Salvia comfortat nervos, manuumque tremorem Tollit; et ejus ope febris acuta fugit." "Sage helps the nerves, and by its powerful might Palsy is cured, and fever put to flight." [492] But if Sage be smelt for some time it will cause a sort of intoxication, and giddiness. The leaves, when dried and smoked in a pipe as tobacco, will lighten the brain. In Sussex, a peasant will munch Sage leaves on nine consecutive mornings, whilst fasting, to cure ague. A strong infusion of the herb has been used with success to dry up the breast milk for weaning; and as a gargle Sage leaf tea, when sweetened with honey, serves admirably. This decoction, when made strong, is an excellent lotion for ulcers, and to heal raw abrasions of the skin. The herb may be applied externally ill bags as a hot fomentation. Some persons value the Wormwood Sage more highly than either of the other varieties. In the Sage flower the stamens swing round their loosely-connected anther cells against the back of any blundering bee who is in search of honey, just as in olden days the bag of sand caught the shoulders of a clumsy youth when tilting at the Quintin. Wild Meadow Sage (_Salvia verbenaca_), or Meadow Clary, grows in our dry pastures, but somewhat rarely, though it is better known as a cultivated herb in our kitchen gardens. The leaves and flowers afford a volatile oil, which is fragrant and aromatic. Some have attributed the name _Salvia sclarea_, Clary (Clear eye) to the fact of the seeds being so mucilaginous, that when the eye is invaded by any small foreign body, their decoction will remove the same by acting as an emulsion to lubricate it away. The leaves and flowers may be usefully given in an infusion for hysterical colic and similar troubles connected with nervous weakness. Also they make a pleasant fermented wine. The Wood Sage is the Wood Germander, [493] _Teucrium scorodinia_, a woodland plant with sage-like leaves, containing a volatile oil, some tannin, and a bitter principle. This plant has been used as a substitute for hops. It was called "hind heal" from curing the hind when sick, or wounded, and was probably the same herb as _Elaphoboscum_, the Dittany, taken by harts in Crete. A snuff has been made from its powder to cure nasal polypi: also the infusion (freshly prepared), should be given medicinally, two tablespoonfuls for a dose: or, of the powder, from thirty to forty grains. The name "Germander" is a corruption from Chamoedrys, _chamai_, ground, and _drus_, oak, because the leaves are like those of the oak. SAINT JOHN'S WORT (_see page_ 287) SAVIN. Savin, the Juniper Savin (_Sabina_), or Saffern, is a herb which grows freely in our bed of garden Simples, if properly cared for, and which possesses medicinal virtues of a potential nature. The shrub is a native of southern Europe, being a small evergreen plant, the twigs of which are densely covered with little leaves in four rows, having a strong, peculiar, unpleasant odour of turpentine, with a bitter, acrid, resinous taste. The young branchlets are collected for medicinal use. They contain tannin, resin, a special volatile oil, and extractive matters. A medicinal tincture (H.) is made from the fresh leaves, and the points of the shoots of the cultivated Savin. But this is a powerful medicine, and must be used with caution. In small doses of two or three drops with a tablespoonful of cold water it is of singular efficacy for arresting an active florid flux from the [494] womb at the monthly times of women when occurring too profusely, the remedy being given every two, three, or four hours. Or from one to four grains of powdered Savin may be taken instead of each dose of the tincture. The stimulating virtues of Savin befit it for cleansing carbuncles, and for benefiting baldness. When mixed with honey it has removed freckles with success; the leaves, dried and powdered, serve, when applied, to dispel obstinate warty excrescences about the genitals. Rubbed together with cerate, or lard, powdered Savin is used for maintaining the sores of blisters, and of issues, open when it is desired to keep up their derivative action. The essential oil will stimulate the womb to functional activity when it is passively congested and torpid. As to its elementary composition this oil closely resembles the spirit of turpentine; and when given in small well diluted doses as a tincture (made of the oil mixed with spirit of wine), such medicine does good service in relieving rheumatic pains and swellings connected with impaired health of the womb. For these purposes the ordinary tincture (H.) of Savin should be mixed, one part thereof with nine parts of spirit of wine, and given in doses of from six to ten drops with a tablespoonful of water. Dr. Pereira says about the herb: "According to my own observation, Savin is the most certain and powerful stimulator of the monthly courses in the whole of our _Materia Medica_; and I never saw any ill effects result from its administration." The essential oil may be preferred in a dose of from one to four drops on sugar, or in milk, when this functional activity is sought. Savin was known of old as the "Devil's Tree," and the "Magician's Cypress," because much affected by witches and sorcerers when working their spells. [495] SCURVY GRASS. One of the roost useful, but not best known, of the Cruciferous wild plants which are specifics against Scrofula is our English Scurvy Grass. It grows by choice near the sea shore, or in mountainous places; and even when found many miles from the sea its taste is Salt. It occurs along the muddy banks of the Avon; also in Wales, and in Cumberland, more commonly near the coast, and likewise on the mountains of Scotland; again it may be readily cultivated in the garden for medicinal uses. If eaten as a salad in its fresh state it is the most effectual of all the antiscorbutic plants. The herb is produced with an angular smooth shilling stem, twelve or fourteen inches high, having narrow green leaves, and terminating in thick clusters of white flowers. Its leaves are good and wholesome when eaten in spring with bread and butter. The juice, when diluted with water, makes a good mouth-wash for spongy gums. The whole plant contains tannin, and a bitter principle, which is butyl-mustard oil, and on which the medicinal properties depend. This oil is of great volatility and penetrating power; one drop instilled on sugar, or dissolved in spirit, communicates to a quart of wine the taste and smell of Scurvy Grass. The fresh plant taken as such, or the expressed fresh juice, confers the benefits of the herb in by far the most effectual way. A distilled water, and a conserve prepared with the leaves, were formerly dispensed by druggists; and the fresh juice mixed with that of Seville oranges went by the name of "spring drinks," or "juices." The plant is found in large quantities at Lymington [496] (Hants), on low banks almost dipping into the sea. Its expressed juice was formerly taken in beer, or boiled in milk as a decoction, flavoured with pepper, aniseed, etc. This Scurvy Grass has the botanical name _Cochlearia_, or, in English, Spoonwort, so named from its leaves resembling in shape the bowl of an old-fashioned spoon. It is supposed to be the famous _Herba Britannica_ of the ancients. Our great navigators have borne unanimous testimony to its never-failing value in scurvy; and it has been justly noticed that the plant grows most plentifully in altitudes where scurvy is specially troublesome and frequent. The green herb bruised may be applied as a poultice. For making a decoction of the plant as a blood purifier, and against scurvy, put two ounces of the whole plant and its roots into a quart jug, and fill up with boiling water, taking care to keep this well covered. When it is cold take a wineglassful thereof three, or four times in the day. Another name for the plant is Scruby grass. The fresh herb has a strong pungent odour when bruised, and a warm bitter taste. Its beneficial uses in scurvy, are due to the potash salts which it contains. Externally, the juice will cleanse and heal foul ulcers, and ill-favoured eruptions. SEA PLANTS and SEA WEEDS. Of marine plants commonly found, the Samphire and the Sea Holly have certain domestic and medicinal uses which give them a position as Simples; and of the more ordinary Sea Weeds (cryptogamous, or flowerless plants) some few are edible, though sparingly nutritious, whilst curative and medicinal virtues are attributed to several others, as Irish Moss, Scotch Dulse, Sea Tang, and the [497] Bladderwrack. It may be stated broadly that the Sea Weeds employed as remedial Simples owe their powers to the bromine, iodine, and sulphate of soda which they contain. Pliny and Dioscorides in their days extolled the qualities of various Sea Weeds; and practitioners of medicine on our sea coasts are now unanimous in pronouncing Sea Weed liniments, and poultices, as of undoubted value in reducing glandular swellings, and in curing obstinate sprains; whilst they administer the Bladderwrack, etc., internally for alterative purposes with no little success. Bits of Sea Weed, called Ladies' trees, are still to be seen as chimney ornaments in many a Cornish cottage, being fixed on small stands, and supposed to protect the dwelling from fire, or other mishaps. Samphire, of the true sort, is a herb difficult to be gathered, because it grows only out of the crevices of lofty perpendicular rocks which cannot be easily scaled. This genuine Samphire (_Crithmum maritimum_) is a small plant, bearing yellow flowers in circular umbels on the tops of the stalks, which flowers are followed by seeds like those of the Fennel, but larger. The leaves are juicy, with a warm aromatic taste, and may be put into sauce; or they make a good appetising condimentary pickle, which is wholesome for scrofulous subjects. Persons living by the coast cook this plant as a pot herb. Formerly, it was regularly cried in the London streets, and was then called Crest Marine. Shakespeare alludes in well-known lines to the hazardous proceedings of the Samphire gatherer's "dreadful trade":-- "How fearful And dizzy 'tis to cast one's eyes so low! The crows and choughs that wing the midway air Show scarce so gross as beetles: half-way down _Hangs one that gathers Samphire_: dreadful trade! Methinks he seems to bigger than his head."--_King Lear_. [498] And Evelyn has praised the plant for excellence of flavour, as well as for aromatic virtues against the spleen. Pliny says Samphire is the very herb that the good country wife Hecate prepared for Theseus when going against the Bull of Marathon. Its botanic name is from the Greek _crithe_, "barley," because the seeds are thought to resemble that grain. The title Samphire is derived from the French _Herbe de St. Pierre_, because the roots strike deep in the crevices of rocks. St. Peter's Wort has become corrupted to Sampetre, Sampier, and Samphire. A spurious Samphire, the _Inula crithmoides_, or Golden Samphire, is often supplied in lieu of the real plant, though it has a different flavour, and few of the proper virtues. This grows more abundantly on low rocks, and on ground washed by salt water. Also a Salicornia, or jointed Glasswort, or Saltwort, or Crabgrass, is sold as Samphire for a pickle, in the Italian oil shops. Gerard says of Samphire: "It is the pleasantest sauce, most familiar, and best agreeing with man's body." "Preferable," adds Evelyn, "for cleansing the passages, and sharpening appetite, to most of our hotter herbs, and salad ingredients." The Sea Holly (_Eryngium maritimum_), or Sea Hulver, is a well-known prickly sea-green plant, growing in the sand on many parts of our coasts, or on stony ground, with stiff leaves, and roots which run to a great length among the sand, whilst charged with a sweetish juice. A manufactory for making candied roots of the Sea Holly was established at Colchester, by Robert Burton, an apothecary, in the seventeenth century, as they were considered both antiscorbutic, and excellent for health. [499] Gerard says: "The roots, if eaten, are good for those that be liver sick; and they ease cramps, convulsions, and the falling sickness. If condited, or preserved with sugar, they are exceeding good to be given to old and aged people that are consumed and withered with age, and which want natural moisture." He goes on to give an elaborate receipt how to condite the roots of Sea Holly, or Eringos (which title is, according to Liddell and Scott, the diminutive of _eerungos_, "the beard of a goat." Or, Eryngo has been derived from the Greek _eruggarein_, to eructate, because the plant is, according to herbalists, a specific against belching). With healthy provers, who have taken the Sea Holly experimentally in toxical doses of varying strength the sexual energies and instincts became always depressed. This accounts for the fact that during the Elizabethan era, the roots of the plant used _in moderation_ were highly valued for renovating masculine vigour, such as Falstaff invoked, and which classic writers have extolled:-- "Non male turn graiis florens eryngus in hortis Quaeritur; hunc gremio portet si nupta virentem Nunquam inconcessos conjux meditabitur ignes." --_Rapinus_. These Eryngo roots, prepared with sugar, were then called "Kissing Comfits." Lord Bacon when recommending the yolks of eggs for giving strength if taken with Malmsey, or sweet wine, says: "You shall doe well to put in some few slices of Eringium roots, and a little Ambergrice: for by this means, besides the immediate facultie of nourishment, such drinke will strengthen the back." Plutarch writes: "They report of the Sea Holly, if one goat taketh it into her mouth, it causeth her first to stand still, and afterwards the whole flock, until such [500] time as the shepherd takes it from her." Boerhaave thought the root "a principal aperient." Irish Moss, or _Carraigeen_, is abundant on our rocky coasts, and is collected on the north western shores of Ireland, while some of it comes to us from Hamburg. Its chief constituent is a kind of mucilage, which dissolves to a stiff paste in boiling water, this containing some iodine, and much sulphur. But before being boiled in water or milk, the Moss should be soaked for an hour or more in cold water. Officinally, a decoction is ordered to be made with an ounce of the Moss to a pint of water: of which from one to four fluid ounces may be taken for a dose. This Lichen contains starchy, heat-giving nourishment, about six parts of the same to one of flesh-forming food; therefore its jelly is found to be specially sustaining to persons suffering from pulmonary consumption, with an excessive waste of the bodily heat. At one time the Irish Moss fetched as high a price as half-a-crown for the pound. It bears the botanical name of _Chondrus crispus_, and varies much in size and colour. When growing in small pools, it is shallow, pale, and stunted; whilst when found at the bottom of a deep pool, or in the shadow of a great rock, it occurs in dense masses of rich ruddy purple, with reddish green thick fronds. Iceland Moss contains the form of starch called "lichenin." It is a British lichen found especially in Wales and Scotland. Most probably the Icelanders were the first to learn its helpful properties. In two kinds of pulmonary consumption this lichen best promotes a cure-that with active bleeding from the lungs, and that with profuse purulent expectoration. The Icelanders boil the Moss in broth, or dry it in cakes used as bread. They likewise make gruel of it mixed [501] with milk: but the first decoction of it in water, being purgative, is always thrown away. An ounce of the Iceland Moss boiled for a quarter-of-an-hour in a pint of milk, or water, will yield seven ounces of thick mucilage. This has been found particularly useful in dysentery. Also contained in the Moss are cetrarin, uncrystallizable sugar, gum, and green wax; with potash, and phosphate of lime. It affords help in diabetes, and for general atrophy; being given also in powder, or syrup, or mixed with chocolate. Francatelli directs for making _Iceland Moss Jelly_. Boil four ounces of the Moss in one quart of water: then add the juice of two lemons, and a bit of the rind, with four ounces of sugar (and perhaps a gill of sherry?). Boil up and remove the scum from the surface. Strain the jelly through a muslin bag into a basin, and set it aside to become cold. It may be eaten thus, but it is more efficacious when taken warm. A Sea-Moss, the _Lichen marinum_, is "a singular remedy to strengthen the weakness of the back." It is called "Oister-green." In New England the generic term "Moss" is a cant word signifying money: perhaps as a contraction of Mopuses, or as a play on the proverb, "a rolling stone gathers no moss." The Dulse is used in Scotland and Ireland both as food and medicine. Botanically it bears the name of _Iridea edulis_, or _Rhodymenia palmata_ (the sugar _Fucus_ of Iceland). There is a saying in Scotland: "He who eats of the Dulse of Guerdie, and drinks of the wells Kindingie, will escape all maladies except black death." This marine weed contains within its cellular structure much iodine, which makes it a specific remedy for scrofulous glandular enlargements, or morbid deposits. [502] In Ireland the Dulse is first well washed in fresh water, and exposed in the air to dry, when it gives out a white powdery substance, which is sweet and palatable, covering the whole plant. The weed is presently packed in cases, and protected from the air, so that being thus preserved, it may either be eaten as it is, or boiled in milk, and mixed with flour of rye. The powdery substance is "mannite," which is abundant likewise on many of our Sea Weeds. Cattle and sheep are very fond of Dulse, for which reason in Norway it is known as Soudsell, or Sheep's Weed. This _Iridea edulis_ is pinched with hot irons by the fishermen in the south west of England, So as to make it taste like an oyster. In Scotland it is roasted in the frying-pan. The Maritime Sea Tang (_Laminaria digitata_) was belauded in the _Proverbial Philosophy_ of Martin Tupper:-- "Health is in the freshness of its savour; and it cumbereth the beach with wealth; Comforting the tossings of pain with its violet tinctured Essence." Tang signifies Anglo-Saxon "thatch," from Sea Weed having been formerly used instead of straw to cover the roofs of houses. When bruised and applied by way of a poultice to scrofulous swellings and glandular tumours, the Sea Tang has been found very valuable. The famous John Hunter was accustomed to employ a poultice of sea-water and oatmeal. This weed is of common marine growth, consisting of a wide smooth-brown frond, with a thick round stem, and broad brown ribbons like a flag at the end of it. It is familiarly known as Seagirdles, Tangle, Sea Staff, Sea Wand, and Cows' Tails. Fisher boys cut up the stems as handles for knives, or hooks, because, after the haft of [503] the blade is inserted within the stem, this dries, and contracts on the iron staple, becoming densely hard and firm. The absorbent stem power of the _Laminaria_ for taking up iodine is very large; and this element is afterwards brought out by fire in the kelp kilns of Ireland and Scotland. Sea Tang acts most beneficially against the various forms of scrofulous disease; and signally relieves some rheumatic affections. It is also used largely in the making of glass. Likewise for scrofula, seawater, being rich in chlorides and iodides, has proved both curative and preventive. Dr. Sena, of Valencia, gave bread made with sea-water in the Misericordia Hospital for cases of scrofulous disease, and other states of defective nutrition, with singular success. Another Laminaria (_Saccharina_), with a single olive yellow semi-transparent frond, yields an abundance of sweet "mannit" when boiled and evaporated. The Bladderwrack (_Fucus vesiculosus_), Kelpware, or Our Lady's Wrack, is found on most of our sea coasts in heavy brown masses of coarse-looking Sea Weed, which cover, and shelter many small algae. Kelp is an impure carbonate of soda containing sulphate, and chloride of sodium, with a little charcoal. By its characteristic bladders, or vesicles studded about the blades of the branched narrowish fronds, this Sea Weed may be easily known. These bladders are full of a glutinous substance, which makes the weed valuable both as a remedy for the glandular troubles of scrofula, and, when bottled in rum, as an embrocation, such as is specially useful for strengthening the limbs of rickety, or bandy-legged children. Against glandular swellings also the weed is [504] taken internally as a medicine, when burnt to a black powder. An analysis of the Bladderwrack has shown it to contain an empyreumatic oil, sulphur, earthy salts, some iron, and iodine freely. Thus it is very rich in anti-scrofulous elements. The fluid extract of this Sea Weed has the long standing reputation of safely diminishing an excess of personal fat. It is given for such a purpose three times a day, shortly after meals, in doses of from one to four teaspoonfuls. The remedy should be continued perseveringly, whilst cutting down the supplies of fat, starchy foods, sugar, and malt liquors. When thus taken (as likewise in the concentrated form of a pill, if preferred) the Bladderwrack will especially relieve rheumatic pains; and the sea pod liniment dispensed by many druggists at our chief marine health resorts, proves signally efficacious towards the same end. Furthermore, they prepare a sea-pod essence for applying on a wet compress beneath waterproof tissue to strumous tumours, goitre, and bronchocele; also for old strains and bruises. This Sea Weed should not be obtained when too fully matured, as it quickly undergoes decomposition. Wrack is Sea Weed thrown ashore, from _Vrage_, to reject. Wrack Grass (_Zostera Marina_), is a marine plant with long grass-like leaves. There are four common Fuci on our coasts--the _Nodosus_ (Knobbed Wrack), the _Vesiculosus_ (Bladder Wrack), the _Serratus_ (Saw-edged Sea Weed), and the _Caniculatus_ (Channeled Sea Weed). It is by reason of its contained bromine and iodine as safe medicinal elements, the _Fucus vesiculosus_ acts in reducing fatness; these elements stimulating all the absorbent glands of the body to increased activity. [505] In common with the other Fuci it furnishes mannite, an odorous oil, a bitter principle, mucilage, and ash, this last constituent abounding in the bromine and iodine. For internal use, a decoction may be made with from two to four drachms of the weed to a pint of water, boiled together for a few minutes; and for external application to enlarged or hardened glands, the bruised weed may be applied as a cold poultice. This Bladder Wrack is reputed to be the _Anti-polyscarcique_ nostrum of Count Mattaei. Although diminishing fat it does no harm by inducing any atrophied wasting of the breast glands, or of the testicles. The Bladderwrack yields a rich produce to the seaside agriculturist highly useful as manure for the potato field and for other crops: and it is gathered for this purpose all along the British coast. In Jersey and Guernsey it is called _vraic_. Among the Hebrides, cheeses, whilst drying, are covered with the ashes of this weed which abounds in salt. Patients who have previously suffered much from rheumatism about the body and limbs have found themselves entirely free from any such pains or trouble whilst taking the extract of _Fucus Vesiculosus_ (Bladderwrack). This Sea Weed is in perfection only during early and middle summer. For fresh sprains and bruises a hot decoction of the Bladderwrack should be used at first as a fomentation; and, afterwards, a cold essence of the weed should be rubbed in, or applied on wet lint beneath light thin waterproof tissue, or oiled silk, as a compress: this to be changed as often as hot or dry. Laver is the popular name given to some edible Sea Weeds--the _Porphyra lanciniata_, and the _Ulva latissima_. The same title was formerly bestowed by Pliny on an [506] aquatic plant now unknown, and called also Sloke, or Sloken. _Porphyra_, from a Greek word meaning "purple," is the true Laver, or Sloke. It is slimy, or semi-gelatinous of consistence when served at table, having been stewed for several hours until quite tender, and then being eaten with butter, vinegar, and pepper. At the London Reform Club Laver is provided every day in a silver saucepan at dinner, garnished with lemons, to flank the roast leg of mutton. Others prefer it cooked with leeks and onions, or pickled, and eaten with oil and lemon juice. The Englishman calls this Sea Weed, Laver; the Irishman, Sloke; the Scotchman, Slack; and the student, _Porphyra_. It varies in size and colour between tidemarks, being sometimes long and ribbon-like, of a violet or purple hue; sometimes long and broad, whilst changing to a reddish purple, or yellow. It is very wholesome, and preventive of scurvy, being therefore valuable on sea voyages, as it will keep good for a long time in closed tin vessels. The _Ulva latissima_ is a deep-green Sea Weed, called by the fishermen Oyster Green, because employed to cover over oysters. This is likewise known as Laver, because sometimes substituted by epicures for the true Laver (_Porphyra_) when the latter cannot be got; but it is not by any means as good. The name _Ulva_ is from _ul_, meaning "water." Sea Spinach (_Satsolacea--Spirolobea_) is a Saltwort found growing on the shore in Hampshire and other parts of England, the best of all wild vegetables for the table, having succulent leaves shaped like worms, and being esteemed as an excellent antiscorbutic. The Sea Beet--a Chenopod--which grows plentifully on our shores, gave origin to the cultivated Beetroot of [507] our gardens. Its name was derived from a fancied resemblance borne by its seed vessels when swollen with seed to the Greek letter B (_beta_). "Nomine cum Graio cui litera proxima primoe Pangitur in cera doeti mucrone magistri." "The Greeks gave its name to the Beet from their alphabet's second letter, As an Attic teacher wrote it on wax with a sharp stiletto." By the Grecians the Beet was offered on silver to Apollo in his temple at Delphi. A pleasant wine may be made from its roots, and its juice when applied with a brush is an excellent cosmetic. The Mangel Wurzel, also a variety of Beet, means literally, "scarcity root." Another Sea Weed, the Bladderlocks (_Alaria esculenta_), "henware," "honeyware," "murlins," is edible, the thick rib which runs through the frond being the part chosen. This abounds on the Northern coasts of England and Scotland, being of a clear olive yellow colour, with a stem as thick as a small goosequill, varying in length, with its fronds, from three to twenty feet. The fruit appears as if partially covered with a brown crust consisting of transparent spore cases set on a stalk in a cruciform manner. Common Coraline (_Corallina Anglica_), a Sea Weed of a whitish colour, tinged with purple and green, and of a firm substance, is famous for curing Worms. The presence of gold in sea water, even as surrounding our own islands, has been sufficiently proved; though, as yet, its extraction is a costly and uncertain process. One analyst has estimated that the amount of gold contained in the oceans of the globe must be ten million tons, without counting the possible quantity locked up in floating icebergs about the Poles. Professor Liveredge, of the Sydney University, [508] examined sea water collected off the Australian coast, as also some from Northern shores, and obtained gold, from five-tenths to eight-tenths of a grain per ton of the sea water. It occurs as the chloride, and the bromide of gold; which salts, as recently shown by Dr. Compton Burnett, when administered in doses almost infinitesimally small, are of supreme value for the cure of epilepsy, secondary syphilis, sexual debility, and some disorders of the heart. Dr. Russell wrote on the uses of sea water in diseases of the glands. He found the soapy mucus within the vesicles of the Bladderwrack an excellent resolvent, and most useful in dispersing scrofulous swellings. He advises rubbing the tumour with these vesicles bruised in the hand, and afterwards washing the part with sea water. SELFHEAL. Several Herbal Simples go by the name of Selfheal among our wild hedge plants, more especially the Sanicle, the common Prunella, and the Bugle. The first of these is an umbelliferous herb, growing frequently in woods, having dull white flowers, in panicled heads, which are succeeded by roundish seeds covered with hooked prickles: the Wood Sanicle (_Europoea_). It gets its name Sanicle, perhaps, from the Latin verb _sanare_, "to heal, or make sound;" or, possibly, as a corruption of St. Nicholas, called in German St. Nickel, who, in the _Tale of a Tub_, is said to have interceded with God in favour of two children whom an innkeeper had murdered and pickled in a pork tub; and he obtained their restoration to life. Anyhow, the name Sanicle was supposed in the middle ages to mean "curative," whatever its origin: [509] thus, _Qui a la Bugle, et la Sanicle fait aux chirurgiens la nicle_--"He who uses Sanicle and Bugle need have no dealings with the doctor." Lyte and other herbalists say concerning the Sanicle: "It makes whole and sound all wounds and hurts, both inward and outward." "Celui qui Sanicle a De plaie affaire il n'a." "Who the Sanicle hath At the surgeon may laugh." The name Prunella (which belongs more rightly to another herb) has been given to the Sanicle, perhaps, through its having been originally known as Brunella, Brownwort, both because of the brown colour of its spikes, and from its being supposed to cure the disease called in Germany _die braune_, a kind of quinsy; on the doctrine of signatures, because the corolla resembles a throat with swollen glands. The Sanicle is popularly employed in Germany and France as a remedy for profuse bleeding from the lungs, bowels, womb, and urinary organs; also for the staying of dysenteric diarrhoea. The fresh juice of the herb may be given in tablespoonful doses. As yet no analysis has been made of this plant; but evidence of tannin in its several parts is afforded by the effects produced when these are remedially applied. The _Prunella vulgaris_ is a distinct plant from the Self Heal, or Sanicle, and belongs to the labiate order of herbs. It grows commonly in waste places about England, and bears pink flowers, being sometimes called Slough heal. This is incorrect, as the surgical term "slough" was not used until long after the Prunella and the Sanicle became named Self-heal. Each of these was applied as a vulnerary, not to sloughing sores, but to fresh cut wounds. [510] The _Prunella Vulgaris_ has a flattened calyx, and whorls of purplish blue flowers, which are collected in a head. It is also known as Carpenter's Herb, perhaps, from its corolla, when seen in profile, being shaped like a bill hook; and therefore, on the doctrine of signatures, it was supposed to heal wounds inflicted by edge tools; whence it was likewise termed Hook-heal and Sicklewort, arid in Yorkshire, Black man. By virtue of its properties as a vulnerary it has also been called _Consolida_; but the daisy is the true _Consolida minor_. "The decoction of Prunell," says Gerard, "made with wine and water, doth join together and make whole and sound all wounds, both inward and outward, even as Bugle doth. To be short, it serveth for the same that the Bugle serveth; and in the world there are not two better wound herbs, as bath been often proved." The Bugle, or middle Comfrey, is also a Sanicle, because of its excellence for healing wounds, in common with the Prunella and the true Sanicle. It grows in almost every wood, and copse, and moist shadowy place, being constantly reckoned among the Consounds. This herb (_Ajuga reptans_) is of the labiate order, bearing dark blue or purple flowers, whorled, and crowded into a spike. Its decoction, "when drunk, healeth and maketh sound all wounds of the body." "It is so singular good for all sorts of hurts that none who know its usefulness will be ever without it. If the virtues of it make you fall in love with it (as they will if you be wise), keep a syrup of it, to take inwardly, and an ointment and plaister of it to use outwardly, always by you." The chemical principles of the Prunella and the Bugle [511] resemble those of other Labiate herbs, comprising a volatile oil, some bitter principle, tannin, sugar, and cellulose. The Ladies' Mantle, Alchemilla--a common inconspicuous weed, found everywhere--is called Great Sanicle, also Parsley-breakstone, or Piercestone, because supposed to be of great use against stone in the bladder. It contains tannin abundantly, and is said to promote quiet sleep if placed under the pillow at night. "_Endymionis somnum dormire_." SHEPHERD'S PURSE. The small Shepherd's Purse (_Bursa Capsella Pastoris_) is one of the most common of wayside English weeds. The name _Capsella_ signifies a little box, in allusion to the seed pods. It is a Cruciferous plant, made familiar by the diminutive pouches, or flattened pods at the end of its branching stems. This herb is of natural growth in most parts of the world, but varies in luxuriance according to soil and situation, whilst thickly strewn over the whole surface of the earth, facing alike the heat of the tropics, and the rigours of the arctic regions; even, if trodden underfoot, it rises again and again with ever enduring vitality, as if designed to fulfil some special purpose in the far-seeing economy of nature. It lacks the winged valves of the _Thlaspi_. Our old herbalists called it St. James's Wort, as a gift from that Saint to the people for the cure of various diseases, St. Anthony's Fire, and several skin eruptions. In France, too, the plant goes by the title of _Fleur de Saint Jacques_. It flowers from early in Spring until Autumn, and has, particularly in Summer, an acrid bitter taste. Other names for the herb are, "Case weed," "Pick pocket," and "Mother's heart," as called so by [512] children. If a pod is picked they raise the cry, "You've plucked out your mother's heart." Small birds are fond of the seeds. Bombelon, a French chemist, has reported most favourably about this herb as of prompt use to arrest bleedings and floodings, when given in the form of a fluid extract, one or two teaspoonfuls for a dose. He explains that our hedge-row Simple contains a tannate, an alkaloid "bursine," (which resembles sulphocyansinapine), and bursinic acid, this last constituent being the active medicinal principle. English chemists now prepare and dispense the fluid extract of the herb. This is given for dropsy in the U. S. America as a diuretic; from half to one teaspoonful in water for a dose. Dr. Von Ehrenwall relates a recent case of female flooding, which had defied all the ordinary remedies, and for which, at the suggestion of a neighbour, he tried an infusion of the Shepherd's Purse weed, with the result that the bleeding stopped after the first teacupful of the infusion had been taken a few minutes. Since then he has used the plant in various forms of haemorrhage with such success that he considers it the most reliable of our medicines for staying fluxes of blood. "Shepherd's Purse stayeth bleeding in any part of the body, whether the juice thereof be drunk, or whether it be used poultice-like, or in bath, or any way else." Besides the ordinary constituents of herbs, it is found to contain six per cent. of soft resin, together with a sulphuretted volatile oil, which is identical with that of Mustard, as obtained likewise from the bitter Candytuft, _Iberis amara_. Its medicinal infusion should be made with an ounce of the plant to twelve ounces of water, reduced by [513] boiling to half-a-pint; then a wineglassful may be given for a dose. The herb and its seeds were employed in former times to promote the regular monthly flow in women. It bears, further, the name of Poor Man's Permacetty (or Spermaceti), "the sovereignst remedy for bruises;"--"perhaps," says Dr. Prior, "as a joke on the Latin name _Bursa pastoris_, or 'Purse,' because to the poor man this is always his best remedy." And in some parts of England the Shepherd's Purse is known as Clapper Pouch, in allusion to the licensed begging of lepers at our crossways in olden times with a bell and a clapper. They would call the attention of passers-by with the bell, or with the clapper, and would receive their alms in a cup, or a basin, at the end of a long pole. The clapper was an instrument made of two or three boards, by rattling which the wretched lepers incited people to relieve them. Thus they obtained the name of Rattle Pouches, which appellation has been extended to this small plant, in allusion to the little purses which it hangs out by the wayside. Because of these miniature pockets the herb is also named Toy Wort; and Pick Purse, through being supposed to steal the goodness of the land from the farmer. In Queen Elizabeth's time leper hospitals were common throughout England; and many of the sufferers were banished to the Lizard, in Cornwall. The Shepherd's Purse is now announced as the chief remedy of the seven "marvellous medicines" prepared by Count Mattaei, of Bologna, which are believed by his disciples to be curative of diseases otherwise intractable, such as cancer, internal aneurism, and destructive leprosy. Count Mattaei professed to extract certain vegetable [514] electricities found stored up in this, and some other plants, and to utilize them for curative purposes with almost miraculous success. His other herbs, as revealed by a colleague, Count Manzetti, are the Knotgrass, the Water Betony, the Cabbage, the Stonecrop, the Houseleek, the Feverfew, and the Watercress. Lady Paget, when interviewing Count Mattaei, gathered that Shepherd's Purse is the herb which furnishes the so-called "blue electricity," of extraordinary efficacy in controlling haemorrhages. Small birds are fond of the seeds: and the young radical leaves are sold in Philadelphia as greens in the Spring. SILVERWEED. Two _Potentillas_ occur among our common native plants, and possess certain curative virtues (as popularly supposed), the Silverweed and the Cinquefoil. They belong to the Rose tribe, and grow abundantly on our roadsides, being useful as mild astringents. The _Potentilla anserina_ (Silverweed) is found, as its adjective suggests, where geese are put to feed. Country folk often call it Cramp Weed: but it is more generally known as Goose Tansy, or Goose Gray, because it is a spurious Tansy, fit only for a goose; or, perhaps, because eaten by geese. Other names for the herb are Silvery Cinquefoil, and Moorgrass. It occurs especially on clay soils, being recognised by its pinnate white silvery leaves, and its conspicuous golden flowers. In Yorkshire the roots are known as "moors," which boys dig up and eat in the winter; whilst swine will also devour them greedily. They have then a sweet taste like parsnips. In Scotland, also, they are eaten roasted, or boiled; and sometimes, in hard seasons, [515] when other provisions were scanty, these roots have been known to support the inhabitants of certain islands for months together. Both the roots and the leaves are mildly astringent; so that their infusion helps to stay diarrhoea, and the fluxes of women; making also with honey a useful gargle. The leaf is of an exquisitely beautiful shape, and may be seen carved on the head of many an old stall in Church, or Cathedral. By reason of its five leaflets, this gives to the plant the title "five leaf," or five fingered grass, _Pentedaktulon_. _Potentilla_ comes from the Latin _potens_, as alluding to the medicinal virtues of the species. In former days the Cinquefoil was much affected as a heraldic device through the number of the leaflets answering to the five senses of man; whilst the right to bear Cinquefoil was considered an honourable distinction to him who had worthily mastered his senses, and conquered his passions. Silverweed tea is excellent to relieve cramps of the belly; and compresses, wrung out of a hot decoction of the herb, may at the same time be helpfully applied over the seat of the cramps. A potent Anglo-Saxon charm against crampy bellyache was to wear a gold ring with a Dolphin engraved on it, and bearing in Greek the mystic words:--"Theos keleuei mee keneoon ponois," "_God forbids the pains of colic_." This acted doubtless by mental suggestion, as in the cure of warts. The knee-cap bone, or patella, of a sheep, known locally as the "cramp-bone," is worn in Northamptonshire for a like purpose; also the application of a gold wedding ring (first wetted with saliva, an ingredient in the holy salve of the Saxons), to a stye threatened in an eyelid is often found to disperse the swelling; but in this case [516] it may be, that a sulphocyanide of gold is formed with the spittle, which promotes the cure by absorption. A strong infusion, if used as a lotion, will check the bleeding of piles, the ordinary infusion being meantime taken as a medicine. The good people of Leicestershire were accustomed in bygone days to prevent pitting by small-pox with the use of Silverweed fomentations. A distilled water of the herb takes away freckles, spots, pimples in the face, and sunburnings; whilst all parts of the plant are found to contain tannin. The Creeping Cinquefoil (_Potentilla replans_) grows also abundantly on meadow banks, having astringent roots, which have been used medicinally since the times of Hippocrates and Dioscorides. They were found to cure intermittent fevers, such as used to prevail in marshy or ill-drained lands much more commonly than now in Great Britain; though country folk still use the infusion or decoction for the same purpose in some districts; also for jaundice. Likewise, because of the tannin contained in the outer bark of the roots, their decoction is useful against diarrhoea; and their infusion as a gargle for relaxed sore throats. But, except in mild cases, other more positively astringent herbs are to be preferred. The roots afford a useful red dye. SKULLCAP. A useful medicinal tincture (H.) is made from the Skullcap (_Scutellaria_), which is a Labiate plant of frequent growth on the banks of our rivers and ponds, having bright blue flowers, with a tube longer than the calyx. This is the greater variety (_Galericulata_). There is a lesser variety (_Scutellaria minor_), which is [517] infrequent, and grows in bogs about the West of England, with flowers of a dull purple colour. Each kind gets its name from the Latin _scutella_, "a little cap," which the calyx resembles, and is therefore called Hood Wort, or Helmet flower. The upper lip of the calyx bulges outward about its middle, and finally closes down like a lid over the fruit. When the seed is ripe it opens again. Provers of the tincture (H.) in toxic doses experienced giddiness, stupor, and confusion of mind, twitchings of the limbs, intermission of the pulse, and other symptoms indicative of the epileptiform "petit mal"; for which morbid affection, and the disposition thereto, the said tincture, of a diluted strength, in small doses, has been successfully given. The greater Skullcap contains, in common with most other plants of the same order, a volatile oil, tannin, fat, some bitter principle, sugar, and cellulose. If a decoction of the plant is made with two ounces of the herb to eight ounces of water, and is taken for some weeks continuously in recent epilepsy, or when the disease has only functional causes, it will often prove very beneficial. Likewise, this decoction, in common with an extract of the herb, has been given curatively for intermittent fever and ague, as well as for some depressed, and disordered states of the nervous system. A dried extract of the lesser Skullcap (_Lateriflora_) is made by chemists, and given in doses of from one to three grains as a pill to relieve severe hiccough, and as a nervine stimulant; also for the sleeplessness of an exhausted brain. SLOE. The parent tree which produces the Sloe is the Blackthorn, our hardy, thorny hedgerow shrub (_Prunus_ [518] _spinosa_), Greek _Prounee_, common everywhere, and starting into blossom of a pinky white about the middle of March before a leaf appears, each branchlet ending in a long thorn projecting beyond the flowers at right angles to the stem. From the conspicuous blackness of its rind at the time of flowering, the tree is named Blackthorn, and the spell of harsh unkindly cold weather which prevails about then goes by the name of "blackthorn winter." The term Sloe, or Sla, means not the fruit but the hard trunk, being connected with a verb signifying to slay, or strike, probably because the wood of this tree was used as a flail, and nowadays makes a bludgeon. In the Autumn every branch becomes clustered with the oval blue-black fruit presently covered with a fine purple bloom; and until mellowed by the early frosts, this fruit is very harsh and sour. The leaves, when they unfold late in the spring, are small and narrow. If dried, they make a very fair substitute for tea, and when high duties were placed on imported tea, it was usual to find the sloe trees stripped of their marketable foliage. Furthermore, the dark ruby juice of Sloes enters largely into the manufacture of British port wine, to which it communicates a beautiful deep red colour, and a pleasant sub-acid roughness. Letters marked upon linen fabric with this juice, when used fresh, will not wash out. If obtained by expression from the unripe fruit, it is very useful as an astringent medicine, and is a popular remedy for stopping a flow of blood from the nose. It may be gently boiled to a thick consistence, and will then keep throughout the year without losing its virtues. Winter-picks is a provincial name for the Sloe fruit, [519] and winter-pick wine takes the place of port in the rustic cellar. The French call them Prunelles. Sloe-blossoms make a safe, harmless, laxative medicine. To use these, "Boil them up, and drink a cup of the tea daily for three or four days; it will act gently, painlessly, but thoroughly." The syrup is especially useful for children. Country people bury the Sloes in jars to preserve them for winter use; and the bush which bears this fruit is sometimes called, provincially, Scroggs. Sloes may be gathered when ripe on a dry day, picked clean, and put into jars or bottles, without any boiling or other process, and then covered with loaf sugar; a tablespoonful of brandy should presently be added, and the jar sealed. By Christmas, the syrup formed from the juice, the sugar, and the spirit, will have covered and saturated the fruit, and then a couple of tablespoonfuls will not only make an agreeable dessert liqueur, but will act as an astringent cordial of a very pleasant sort. In Somersetshire the Sloe is named Snag (as corrupted from "Slag," i.e., Sloe). The juice is viscid, and when thickened to dryness, is the German Gum Acacia. Those provers who have taken experimentally a tincture made from the wood and bark and leaves of the Blackthorn, all had to complain of sharp pains in the right eyeball and accordingly the diluted tincture is found, when administered in small quantities, to give signal relief for ciliary neuralgia, arising from a functional disorder of the structures within the eyeball. Dr. Hughes says: "It not only relieves such pains, but also checks the inflammation, and clears the vision." The medicinal tincture is made (H.) with proof spirit of wine from the flower buds collected in early spring [520] before they expand. The Sloe has been employed as a styptic ever since the time of Dioscorides. "From the effects," says Withering, "which I have repeatedly observed to follow a wound from the thorns, I find reason for believing that there is something poisonous in their nature, particularly in the autumn." Next to the Sloe in order of development comes the Bullace (_Prunus insititia_), a shrub with fewer thorns, and bearing its flowers after the leaves have begun to unfold. The fruit is five times as big as the Sloe, but likewise of a delicate bluish colour. It is named from the Latin plural bullas, meaning the round bosses which the Romans put on their bridles. Lydgate (1440) used the phrase, "As bright as Bullaces," in one of his poems. In Lincolnshire the blossom is known as "Bully bloom," and the fruit are "Bullies." After harvest the women and children go out gathering them for Bullace-wine. Boys in France call Slot's "_Sibarelles_," because it is impossible to whistle immediately after eating them. Some writers say the signification of "Sloe" is "that which sets the teeth on edge." Finally comes the true Wild Plum (_Prunus domestica_), which is far less common than the two preceding sorts. Its flowers are large, and in small clusters, whilst the leaves unfold with the blossom. The fruit is a small brownish plum, intensely sharp and acrid to the taste, and the tree is thorny. Only in this latter respect does it differ from an inferior kind of garden plum of which the cultivation has been neglected. The cultivated Plum has been developed from the Wild Plum, and has been made to exhibit some fifty varieties of form and character. The fruit of Damascus was formerly much valued, being now known as Damascenes, (damsons), Damasin, or Damask prune. [521] All the Wild Plums develop thorns; but the cultivated kinds have entirely cast them off. The Plum, as a fruit, was known to the Romans in Cato's time, but not the tree. "Little Jack Horner," says the familiar nursery rhyme, "sat in a corner, eating a Christmas pie; he put in his thumb, and he pulled out a plum, and said 'What a good boy am I.'" "Inquit, et unum extraheus prunum, Horner, quam fueris nobile pueris Exemplar imitabile"! When ripe, cultivated Plums are cooling and slightly laxative, especially the French fruit, which is dried and bottled for dessert. They are useful for costive habits, and may be made into an electuary; but, when unripe, Plums provoke choleraic diarrhoea. The garden fruit contains less sugar than cherries, but a large amount of gelatinising pectose. Dr. Johnson was specially fond of veal pie with plums and sugar. He taunted Boswell about the need of gardeners to produce in Scotland what grows wild in England. "Pray, Sir," said he, "are you ever able to bring the Sloe to perfection there?" On Change a hundred thousand pounds are whimsically known as "a plum," and a million of money is "a marigold." Lately a Chicago physician whilst officiating at a Reformatory found that the boys behaved themselves much better when taking prunes in their diet than at any other time. These act, he supposes, on certain organs which are the seats, and centres of the passions. From France comes the Greengage, named in that country (out of compliment to the Queen of Francis the First) _La Reine Claude_. It was brought to England from [522] the Monastery of La Grande Chartreuse, about the middle of the eighteenth century, by the Rev. John Gage, brother to the owner of Hengrave Hall, near Coldham, Suffolk; and taking his name this fruit soon became diffused throughout England. French Prunes are conveyed to England in their dried state from Marseilles. With their pulp, figs, tamarinds, and senna, the officinal "lenitive electuary" is made; and apothecaries prepare a medicinal tincture from the fresh flower-buds of the Blackthorn. Culpeper says: "All Plumbs are under Venus, and are like women-- some better, some worse." In Sussex and some other counties, a superstitious fear attaches itself to the Blackthorn in bloom, because of the apparent union of life and death when the tree is clothed in early Spring with white flowers, but is destitute of leaves; so that to carry, or wear a piece of Blackthorn in blossom, is thought to signify bringing a death token. SOAPWORT. The Soapwort (_Saponaria officinalis_) grows commonly in England near villages, on roadsides, and by the margins of woods, in moist situations. It belongs to the _Caryophyllaceoe_, or Clove and Pink tribe of plants; and a double flowered variety of it is met with in gardens. This is Miss Mitford's "Spicer" in _Our Village_. It is sometimes named "Bouncing Bet," and "Fuller's herb." The root has a sweetish bitter taste, but no odour. It contains resin and mucilage, in addition to saponin, which is its leading principle, and by virtue of which decoctions of the root produce a soapy froth. Saponin is likewise found in the nuts of the Horse-chestnut tree, and in the Scarlet Pimpernel. [523] A similar soapy quality is also observed in the leaves, so much so that they have been used by mendicant monks as a substitute for soap in washing their clothes. This "saponin" has considerable medicinal efficacy, being especially useful for the cure of inveterate syphilis without giving mercury. Several writers of note aver that such cases have been cured by a decoction of the plant; though perhaps the conclusion has been arrived at through the resemblance between the roots of Soapwort and those of Sarsaparilla. Gerard says: "Ludovicus Septalius, when treating of decoctions in use against the French poxes, mentions the singular effect of the Soapwort against that filthy disease"; but, he adds, "it is somewhat of an ungrateful taste, and therefore must be reserved for the poorer sort of patients." He employed it _soepe et soepius_. The _Pharmacopoeia Chirurgica_ of 1794, teaches: "A decoction of this plant has been found useful for scrofulous, impetiginous, and syphilitic affections. Boil down half a pound of the bruised fresh herb in a gallon of distilled water to two quarts, and give from one to three pints in the twenty-four hours." Formerly the herb was called Bruisewort, and was thought of service for contusions. It will remove stains, or grease almost as well as soap, but contains no starch. Saponin, when smelt, excites long-continued sneezing; if injected or administered, it reduces the frequency and force of the heart's pulsations, paralyzing the cardiac nerves, and acting speedily on the vaso-motor centres, so as to arrest the movements of the heart, on which principle, when given in a diluted form, and in doses short of all toxic effects, it has proved of signal use in low typhoid inflammation of the lungs, where restorative stimulation of the heart is to be aimed at. [524] Also, likewise for passive suppression of the female monthly flow, it will act beneficially as a stimulant of the womb to incite its periodical function. In a patient who took a poisonous quantity of Saponin at Saint Petersburg all the muscular contractile sensitiveness was completely abolished; whilst, nevertheless, all the bodily functions were normally performed. Per contra, this effect should be a curative guide in the use of Soapwort as a Simple. Saponin is found again in the root and unripe seeds of the Corn Cockle, and in all parts of the Nottingham Catch-fly except the seeds; also in the wild Lychnis, and some others of the Pink tribe. SOLOMON'S SEAL. The Solomon's Seal (_Convallaria polygonatum_) is a handsome woodland plant by no means uncommon throughout England, particularly in Berkshire, Bucks, Rants, Kent, and Suffolk. It grows to the height of about two feet, bearing along its curved drooping branches handsome bells of pure white, which hang down all along the lower side of the gracefully weeping flower stalks. The oval leaves are ribbed, and grow alternately from the stem, for which reason the plant is called Ladder-to-heaven; or, "more probably," says Dr. Prior, "from a confusion of _Seal de notre Dame_ (our Lady's Seal), with _Echelle de notre Dame_ (our Lady's Ladder)." The round depressions resembling seal marks, which are found on the root, or the characters which appear when it is cut transversely, gave rise to the notion that Solomon, "who knew the diversities of plants, and the virtues of roots," had set his seal upon this in testimony of its value to man as a medicinal root. The rhizome and [525] herb contain convallarin, asparagin, gum, sugar, starch, and pectin. In Galen's time the distilled water was used by ladies as a cosmetic for removing pimples and freckles from the skin, "leaving the place fresh, fair, and lovely." During the reign of Elizabeth it had great medical celebrity, so that, as we learn from a contemporary writer, "The roots of Solomon's Seal, stamped whilst fresh and green, and applied, taketh away, in one night, or two at the most, any bruise, black or blue spots gotten by falls, or woman's wilfulness in stumbling upon their hasty husband's fists, or such like," and "that which might be trewly written of this herb as touching the knitting of bones, would seem to some well nigh incredible; yea, although they be but slenderly, and unhandsomely wrapped-up; but common experience teacheth that in the worlde there is not to be found another herbe comparable for the purpose aforesaid. It was given to the patients in ale to drink--as well unto themselves as to their cattle--and applied outwardly in the manner of a pultis." The name Lady's Seal was conferred on this plant by old writers, as also St. Mary's Seal, _Sigillum sanctoe Marioe_. The Arabs understand by Solomon's Seal the figure of a six-pointed star, formed by two equilateral triangles intersecting each other, as frequently mentioned in Oriental tales. Gerard maintains that the name, _Sigillum Solomunis_, was given to the root "partly because it bears marks something like the stamp of a seal, but still more because of the virtue the root hath in sealing or healing up green wounds, broken bones, and such like, being stamp't and laid thereon." The bottle of brass told of in the _Arabian Nights_ as fished up was closed with a stopper of lead bearing the [526] "Seal of our Lord Suleyman." This was a wonderful talisman which was said to have come down from heaven with the great name of God engraved upon it, being composed of brass for the good genii, and iron for the evil jinn. The names _Convallaria polygonatum_ signify "growth in a valley," and "many jointed." Other titles of the plant are Many Knees, Jacob's Ladder, Lily of the Mountain, White wort, and Seal wort. The Turks eat the young shoots of this plant just as we eat Asparagus. SORREL. (_See_ "Dock," _page_ 157.) SOUTHERNWOOD. Southernwood, or Southern Wormwood, though it does not flower in this country, is well known as grown in every cottage garden for its aromatic fragrance. It is the _Artemisia Abrotanum_, a Composite plant of the Wormwood tribe, commonly known as "Old Man." Pliny explains that this title is borne because of the plant being a sexual restorative to those in advanced years, as explained by Macer:-- "Hoec etiam venerem pulvino subdita tantum Incitat." Pliny says further that this herb is potent against syphilis, and _veneficia quibus coitus inhibeatur_. Its odour is lemon-like, and depends on a volatile essential oil which consists chiefly of absinthol, and is common to the other Wormwoods. "Abrotanum" is a Greek term. Another appellation of this plant is "Lad's love," and "Boy's love," from the making of an ointment with its [527] ashes, to be used by youngsters for promoting the growth of the beard. "Cinis Abrotani barbam segnius tardiusque enascentem cum aliquo dictorum oleorum elicit." The plant is found in Spain and Italy as an indigenous herb. Its leaves and tops have a strong aromatic odour, and a penetrating warms bitterish taste which is rather nauseous. An infusion, or tea, of the herb is agreeable: but a decoction is distasteful, having lost much of the aroma. The plant was formerly in great repute as a cordial against hysterics, and to strengthen the stomach of a weakly person. It will expel both round worms and thread worms, whilst its presence is hostile to moths; and hence has been got one of its French names, "Garde robe." Externally it will promote the growth of the hair. In Lincolnshire it is known as "Motherwood." SOWBREAD, or CYCLAMEN. (_See page_ 450, "Primrose.") SPEEDWELL. This little plant, with its exquisite flowers of celestial blue, grows most familiarly in our hedgerows throughout the Spring, and early Summer. Its brilliant, gemlike blossoms show a border of pale purple, or delicate violet, marked with deeper veins or streaks. But the lovely circlet of petals is most fragile, and falls off at a touch; whence are derived the names Speedwell, Farewell, Good-bye, and Forget-me-not. Speedwell is a Veronica (_fero_, "I bring," _nikee_, "victory"), which tribe was believed to belong especially to birds. So the plant bears the name "Birds' Eyes," as well as "Blue Eyes," "Strike Fires," and "Mammy Die" (because of the belief that if the herb were brought [528] into a family the mother would die within the year). Turner calls the plant "Fluellin," or "Lluellin," a name "the shentleman of Wales have given it because it saved her nose, which a disease had almost gotten from her." Further, it is the Paul's Betony, called after Paulus OEgineta. The plant belongs to the Scroflua-curing order. It is related that a shepherd observed how a stag, whose hind-quarters were covered with a scabby eruption brought about through the bite of a wolf, cured itself by rolling on plants of the Speedwell, and by eating its leaves. Thereupon he commended the plant to his king, and thus promoted his majesty's restoration to health. In Germany it bears the title _Grundheele_, from having cured a king of France who suffered from a leprosy for eight years, which disease is named _grund_ in German. At one time the herb was held in high esteem as a specific for gout in this country, but it became adulterated, and its fame suffered a downfall. The only sensible quality of the Speedwell is the powerful astringency of its leaves, and this property serves to protect it from herbivorous foes. It has been long held famous among countryfolk as an excellent plant for coughs, asthma, and pulmonary consumption. The leaves are bitter, with a rough taste; and a decoction of the whole plant stimulates the kidneys. The infusion promotes perspiration, and reduces feverishness. The juice may be boiled into a syrup with honey, for asthma and catarrhs. When applied outwardly, it is said to cure the itch; and by some it has been asserted that a continued use of the infusion will overcome sterility, if taken daily as a tea. The French still distinguish the plant as the [529] _The d'Europe_; and a century ago it was used commonly in Germany in substitution for tea. As a medicine, by reason of its astringency, it became called _Polychresta herba veronica_. "My freckles with the Speedwell's juices washed," says Alfred Austin, our Poet Laureate. The Germans also name this plant _Ehren-preis_, or Prize of Honour; which fact favours the supposition of its being the true "Forget-me-not," or _souveigne vous de moy_, as legendary on knightly collars of yore to commemorate a famous joust fought in 1465 between the most accomplished champions of England and France. The present Forget-me-not is a _Myosotis_, or Mouse Ear, or Scorpion Grass. In Somersetshire, the pretty little Germander Speedwell is known as Cat's Eye: and because seeming to reflect by its azure colour the beautiful blue firmament above, this pure-tinted blossom has got its name of _veron eikon_, the "true image" (_Veronica_); just as the napkin with which a compassionate maiden wiped the face of Christ on the morning of His crucifixion, held imprinted for ever on its fabric a miraculous portrait, which led to her being afterwards canonised on this account as Saint Veronica. The Emperor Charles the Fifth of Spain is said to have derived much relief to his gout from the use of this herb. It contains tannin, and a particular bitter principle. SPINACH. Spinach (_Lapathum hortense_) is a Persian plant which has been cultivated in our gardens for about two hundred years; and considerably longer on the Continent. Some say the Spinach was originally brought [530] from Spain. It was produced by monks in France at the middle of the 14th century. This is a light vegetable, easily digested, and rather laxative, besides having some wonderful properties ascribed to its use. Its sub-order, the Saltworts (_Salsolaceoe_), are found growing in marshes by the seashore, and as weeds by waste places, serving some of them to expel worms. "Spinach," says John Evelyn, "if crude, the oft'ner kept out of Sallets the better; but being boiled to a pulp; and without other water than its own moisture, is a most excellent condiment with butter, vinegar, or lemon, for almost all sorts of boiled flesh, and may accompany a sick man's diet. 'Tis laxative and emollient, and therefore profitable for the aged." Spinach is richer in iron than the yolk of the egg, which contains more than beef. Its juice produced in cooking the leaves without adding any water is a wholesome drink, and improves the complexion. It was with a delicate offering of "gammon and spinach" in his hands, Mr. Anthony Roley, of nursery fame, went so sadly a wooing:-- "Ranula furtivos statuebat quaoerere amores: Me miserum! tristi Rolius ore gemit. Ranula furtivos statuebat quoerere amores, Mater sive daret, sive negaret iter." A wild species of Spinach, the "Good King Henry," grows in England, and is popular as a pot herb in Lincolnshire. SPINDLE TREE (Celastracoe). During the autumn, in our woody hedgerows a shrub becomes very conspicuous by bearing numerous rose-coloured floral capsules, strikingly brilliant, each with a [531] scarlet and orange-coloured centre. This is the Spindle Tree (_Euonymus_), so called because it furnishes wood for spindles, or skewers, whence it is also named Prickwood, Skewerwood, and Gadrise, or Gad Rouge. The word "gad" is used in our western counties for a stick pointed at both ends to fasten down thatch. The Spindle Tree has a green bark, and glossy leaves, producing only small greenish flowers: whilst the pendulous ornaments so brilliantly borne in autumn are four-lobed capsules of a pale red hue, which open out and disclose ruddy orange-coloured seeds wrapped in a scarlet arillus. It is further known as the Louseberry Tree, from the fruit being applied to destroy lice in children's heads, whilst its powdered bark will kill nits, and serve to remove scurf. Other popular titles owned by this shrub are "gatter," "gatten," and "gatteridge." The ripe fruit, from which a medicinal tincture is prepared, furnishes euonymin, a golden resin, which is purgative and emetic. This acts specially on the liver, and promotes a free flow of bile. The plant also yields asparagin, and euonic acid. An ointment is made with the fruits: and the powdered resin is given in doses of from half-a-grain to two grains. In the United States of America, this tree is the Wahoo, or Burning Bush. The green leaves of one species are eaten by the Arabs to induce watchfulness. In allusion to the actively irritating properties of the shrub, its name, _Euonymus_, is associated with that of Euonyme, the Mother of the Furies. The bark is mildly aperient and causes no nausea, whilst at the same time stimulating the liver somewhat freely. To make its decoction add an ounce to a pint of water, and boil together slowly. A small wineglassful may be given, when cool, for a dose two or three times in the day. Of the medicinal tincture made from the bark with spirit [532] of wine, a dose of from five to ten drops may be taken with water in the same way. French doctors call the shrub Fusain, or _bonnet de pretre_ (birretta). They give the fruit, three or four for a dose, as a purgative in rural districts: and employ the decoction, whilst adding some vinegar, as a lotion against mange in horses and cattle. Also, they make from the wood when slightly charred a delicate crayon for artists. SPURGE. Conspicuous in Summer by their golden green leaves, and their striking epergnes of bright emerald blossoms, the Wood Spurge, and the Petty Spurge, adorn our woodlands and gardens commonly and very remarkably. Together with many other allied plants, foreign and indigenous, they yield from their severed stems a milky juice of medicinal properties. The name _Euphorbioe _has been given to this order from Euphorbus, the favourite physician of Juba, King of Mauritania. All the Spurges possess the same poisonous principle, which may, however, be readily dissipated by heat; and then, in many instances, the root becomes a nourishing and palatable food. For example, the Manioc, a South American Spurge, furnishes a juice which has been known to kill in a few minutes. Nevertheless, its root baked, after first draining away the juice, makes a wholesome bread: and by washing the fresh pulp a starch is produced which we know as Tapioca for our table. This is so sustaining that half-a-pound a day is said to be sufficient of itself to support a healthy man. The Indian rubber and Castor oil plants belong also to this order of Euphorbioe. The Wood Spurge, seen so frequently during our country rambles, suggests by its spreading aspect a [533] clever juggler balancing on his upturned chin a widely-branched series of delicate green saucers on fragile stems, which ramify below from a single rod. Each saucer is the bearer again of sub-divided pedicels which stretch out to support other brightly verdant little leafy dishes; so that the whole system of well poised flowering perianths forms a specially handsome candelabrum of emerald (cup-like) bloom. The botanical title Spurge is derived from _expurgare_, to act as a purgative, because of the acrid juice possessing this property. Gerard says "the juice of the Wood Spurge, if given as physic, must be ministered with discretion, and prepared with correctories by some honest apothecary." Furthermore, this juice, "if mixed with honey causeth hair to fall from that part which is anointed therewith, if it be done in the sun." Therefore, what better place may there be than a wooded English meadow on a sunny day for a clean and convenient natural shave by those of the fair sex who, unhappily, own hirsute facial appendages of which they would gladly be rid? _Euphorbia Peplus_, the Petty Spurge, is equally common, and often called "wart weed." It signifies, "Welcome to our house," and turns its flowers towards the sun. The Irish Spurge (_Hiberna_), is so powerful that a small bundle of its bruised plant will kill the fish for several miles down a river. Yet another Spurge (_Lathyris_), a twin brother, bears caper-like seeds which are sometimes dishonestly pickled and sold as a (dangerous) substitute for the toothsome flowerbuds taken in sauce with our boiled mutton. The whole tribe of Spurges contains two hundred genera, and forms, what we call now-a-days, "a large order." The roots of several common kinds are used in making quack medicines, which are unsafe, [534] and violent in action. Because of its milk-white sap the Wood Spurge bears the name in Somersetshire of Virgin Mary's Nipple: and yet in other parts, for the like reason, this plant is known as Devil's Milk. Chemically, most of the Spurges contain caoutchouc, resin, gallic acid, and their particular acrid principle which has not been fully defined. In France the rustics sometimes purge themselves with a dose of from six to twelve grains of the dried Wood Spurge: and its juice is used in this country as an application to destroy warts; also, to be rubbed in behind the ear for ear-ache, or face-ache. The famous surgeon, Cheselden, employed a noted plaster made with the resin of Spurge for relieving disease of the hip joint by counterstimulation. But, to sum up, I would say with wise Gerard, "these herbes by mine advice should not be received into the body, considering there be so many other good and wholesome potions to be made with other herbes that may be taken without peril." Nevertheless, a tincture prepared (H.) from the Wood Spurge, with spirit of wine, may be given admirably in much diluted doses for curing the same severe symptoms which the plant produces when taken to a toxical degree. Offensive diarrhoea, with prolapse of the lowest bowel, will be certainly remedied by four or five drops of this tincture, first decimal strength, with water, every two or three hours: especially if, at the same time, there be a burning and stinging soreness of the throat. Said young Rosamond Berew (1460), in _Malvern Chase_, concerning "a tall gaunt figure," noted for her knowledge of herbs, sometimes called the Witch, but worshipped by the hinds and their children:--"There is Mary, of Eldersfield; I expect she has been on Berthill after Nettles to make a capon sit, or to gather Spurges for ointments." [535] STITCHWORT. The Stitchworts, greater and less (_Stellaria holostea_), grow very abundantly as herbal weeds in all our dry hedges and woods, having tough stems which run closely together, and small white star-like (_stellaria_) blossoms. These plants are of the same order (Chickweed) as the Alsine and the small Chickweed. Their second name, Holostea, signifies "all bones," because the whole plant is very brittle from the flinty elements which its structures contain. As its title declares, the great Stitchwort has a widespread reputation for curing the stitch, or sharp muscular pain, which often attacks one or other side of the body about the lower ribs. In the days of the old Saxon leechdoms it was customary against a stitch to make the sign of the cross, and to sing three times over the part:-- "Longinus miles lancea pinxit dominum: Restet sanguis, et recedat dolor!" "The spear of Longinus, the soldier, pierced our Saviour's side: May the blood, therefore, quicken: and the pain no longer abide!" Or some similar form of charm. Gerard said of folk, in his day: "They are wont to drink it in wine (with the powder of acorns) against the pain in the side, stitches, and such like." But according to Dr. Prior, the herb is named rather because curing the sting (in German _stich_) of venomous reptiles. In country places the Stitchwort is known as Adder's meat, and the Satin Flower: also Miller's Star, Shirtbutton, and Milk Maid, in Yorkshire: the early English name was Bird's Tongue. [536] About, Plymouth, it is dedicated to the Pixies; whilst the lesser variety is called White Sunday, because of its delicate white blossoms, with golden-dusted stamens. These were associated with the new converts baptised in white garments on Low Sunday--the first Sunday after Easter--named, therefore, White Sunday. But in some parts of Wales the Stitchwort bears the names of Devil's-eyes and Devil's-corn. Boys in Devonshire nickname the herb Snapjack, Snapcrackers, and Snappers. Parkinson tells us that in former days it was much commended by some to clear the eyes of dimness by dropping the fresh juice into them. Again, Galen said: "The seed is sharp and biting to him that tastes it." As a modern curative Simple, the Stitchworts, greater and less, stand related to silica, a powerfully remedial preparation of highly pulverised flint. This is because of the exquisitely subdivided flint found abundantly dispersed throughout the structures of Stitchwort plants; which curative principle is eminently useful in chronic diseases, such as cancer, rickets, and scrofula. It exercises a deep and slow action, such as is remedially brought to bear by the Bethesda waters of America, and the powdered oyster shells of Sir Spencer Wells. The fresh infusion should be steadily taken, a tea-cupful three times daily, for weeks or months together. It may be made with a pint of boiling water to an ounce of the fresh herb. Likewise, the fresh plant should be boiled and eaten as "greens," so as to secure medicinally the insoluble parts of the silica. This further serves against albumen, and sugar in the urine. [537] STONE CROP (_See House Leek, page 273_). STRAWBERRY. Properly, our familiar Strawberry plant is a native of cold climates, and so hardy that it bears fruit freely in Lapland. When mixed with reindeer cream, and dried in the form of a sausage, this constitutes Kappatialmas, the plum pudding of the Polar regions. "Strawberry" is from the Anglo-Saxon _Strowberige_, of which the first syllable refers to anything strewn. The wild woodland Strawberry (_Fragaria vesca_) is the progenitor of our highly cultivated and delicious fruit. This little hedgerow and sylvan plant has a root which is very astringent, so that when held in the mouth it will stay any flow of blood from the nostrils. Its berries are more acid than the garden Strawberry, and make an excellent cleanser of the teeth, the acid juice dissolving incrustations of tartar without injuring the enamel. A medicinal tincture is ordered (H.) from the berries of this Woodland Strawberry, which is of excellent service for nettle rash, or allied erysipelas: also for a suffocative swelling of the swallowing throat. "_Ipsa tuis manibus sylvestri nata sub umbraa: mollia fraga leges_," says Ovid. An infusion of the leaves is of excellent service in Dysentery. It is incorrect to call the fruit a berry, because the edible, succulent pulp is really a juicy cushion over which numerous small seeds are plentifully dotted; whilst the name Strawberry is a corruption of Strayberry, in allusion to the trailing runners, which stray in all directions from the parent stock. Being of very ancient date, the Strawberry is found widely diffused throughout most parts of the world. [538] Among the Greeks its name _Komaros_, "a mouthful," indicated the compact size of the fruit. By the Latins it was termed _Fragaria_, because of its delicate perfume. Virgil ranked it with sweet-smelling flowers; Ovid gave it a tender epithet; Pliny mentions the Strawberry as one of the native fruits of Italy; Linnaeus declared he kept himself free from gout by eating plentifully of the fruit; and Hoffman says he has known consumption cured by the same means. From Shakespeare we learn that in his day the fruit was grown in Holborn, now the centre of London. Gloster, when contemplating the death of Hastings, wishes to get the Bishop of Ely temporarily out of the way, and thus addresses him:-- "My Lord of Ely--when I was last in Holborn I saw good Strawberries in your garden there; I do beseech you send for some of them." In Elizabeth's time doctors made a tea from the leaves to act on the kidneys, and used the roots as astringent. All former Herbalists agreed in pronouncing strawberries wholesome and beneficial beyond every other English fruit. Their smell is refreshing to the spirits; they abate fever, promote urine, and are gently laxative. The leaves may be used in gargles for quinsies and sore mouths, but, "if anyone suffering from a wound in the head should partake of this fruit, it would certainly prove fatal," in accordance with a widespread superstition. So wholesome are Strawberries, that if laid in a heap and left by themselves to decompose, they will decay without undergoing any acetous fermentation; nor can their kindly temperature be soured even by exposure to the acids of the stomach. They are constituted entirely of soluble matter, and leave no residuum to [539] hinder digestion. It is probably for this reason, and because the fruit does not contain any actual nutriment as food, that a custom has arisen of combining rich clotted cream with it at table, whilst at the same time the sharp juices are thus agreeably modified. "Mella que erunt epulis, et lacte fluentia fraga":-- "Then sit on a cushion, and sew up a seam; And thou shalt have Strawberries, sugar, and cream." Cardinal Wolsey regaled off this delicate confection with the Lords of the Star Chamber; and Charles Lamb is reported to have said, "Doubtless, God Almighty could have made a better berry, but He never did." Parkinson advised that water distilled from strawberries is good for perturbation of the spirits, and maketh the heart merry. The fruit especially suits persons of a bilious temperament, being "a surprising remedy for the jaundice of children, and particularly helping the liver of pot companions, wetters, and drammers." "Some also do use thereof to make a water for hot inflammations in the eyes, and to take away any film that beginneth to grow over them. Into a closed glass vessel they put so many strawberries as they think meet for their purpose, and let this be set in a bed of hot horse manure for twelve or fourteen days, being afterwards distilled carefully, and the water kept for use." The chemical constituents of the Strawberry are--a peculiar volatile aroma, sugar, mucilage, pectin, citric and malic acids in equal parts, woody fibre, and water. The fruit is mucilaginous, somewhat tart and saccharine. It stimulates perspiration, and imparts a violet scent to the urine. When fermented for the purpose it yields an ardent spirit. If beaten into a pulp [540] when ripe, and with water poured thereupon, it makes a capital cooling drink which is purifying, and somewhat laxative. Strawberries are especially suitable in inflammatory and putrid fevers, and for catarrhal sore throats. French herbalists direct that when fresh, and recently crushed, the fruit shall be applied on the face at night for heat spots and freckles by the sun. From the juice, with lemon, sugar, and water, they concoct a most agreeable drink, _Bavaroise a la grecque_; also they employ the roots and leaves against passive hemorrhages, and in chronic diarrhoea. In Germany, stewed strawberries, and strawberry jam are taken at dinner with roasted meats, or with chicken. This jam promotes a free flow of urine. It is to be noticed that though most commonly wholesome and refreshing, yet with some persons, particularly those of a strumous bodily habit, Strawberries will often disagree. The late Dr. Armstrong held a very strong opinion that the seed grains which lie sprinkled allover the outer surface of each pulpy berry are prone to excite much intestinal irritation, and he advised his patients to suck their Strawberries through muslin, in order to prevent these diminutive seeds from being swallowed. German legends dedicate Strawberries to the Virgin, with whom they are reputed to have been a favourite fruit. She went a berrying with the children on St. John's morning; and therefore no mother who has lost a young child, will taste the delicacy then. The Strawberries symbolise little children who have died when young, and the mothers suppose they ascend to heaven concealed in the fragrant pulp. From the French, _fraise_, signifying the Strawberry [541] leaves borne on the family shield, is derived in Scotland the name of the Frazers. And eight of these (so called) leaves wrought in ornamental gold form a part of the coronet which our English dukes claim as one of their proud insignia, conferred by Henry the Fourth. Being desirous of adding fresh splendour to the Coronation of a Lancastrian Prince he introduced these leaves into the regal Crown. An earl's coronet has eight leaves: that of a marquis four. SUCCORY. The Wild Succory (_Cichorium intybus_) is a common roadside English plant, white or blue, belonging to the Composite order, and called also Turnsole, because it always turns its flowers towards the sun. It blows with a blue blossom somewhat paler than the Cornflower, but "bearing a golden heart." Its fresh root is bitter, and a milky juice flows from the rind, which is somewhat aperient and slightly sedative, so that this specially suits persons troubled with bilious torpor, and jaundice combined with melancholy. An infusion of the herb is useful for skin eruptions connected with gout. If the root and leaves are taken freely, they will produce a gentle diarrhoea, their virtue lying chiefly in the milky juice; and on good authority the plant has been pronounced useful against pulmonary consumption. In Germany it is called Wegwort, or "waiting on the way." The Syrup of Succory is an excellent laxative for children. The Succory or Cichorium was known to the Romans, and was eaten by them as a vegetable, or in salads. Horace writes (_Ode_ 31): "Me pascunt olivae, Me chicorea, levesque malvae." [542] And Virgil, in his first _Georgic_, speaks of _Amaris intuba fibris_. When cultivated it becomes large, and constitutes Chicory, of which the taproot is used extensively in France for blending with coffee, being closely allied to the Endive and the Dandelion. This is the _Chicoree frisee_ when bleached, or the _Barbe de Capucin_. The cortical part of the root yields a milky saponaceous juice which is very bitter and slightly sedative. Some writers suppose the Succory to be the Horehound of the Bible. In the German story, _The Watcher of the Road_, a lovely princess, abandoned for a rival, pines away, and asking only to die where she can be constantly on the watch, becomes transformed into the wayside Succory. This Succory plant bears also the name of _Rostrum porcinum_. Its leaves, when bruised, make a good poultice for inflamed eyes, being outwardly applied to the grieved place. Also the leaves when boiled in pottage or broths for sick and feeble persons that have hot, weak, and feeble stomachs, do strengthen the same. It is said that the roots, if put into heaps and dried, are liable to spontaneous combustion. The taproot of the cultivated plant is roasted in France, and mixed with coffee, to which, when infused, it gives a bitterish taste and a dark colour. The chemical constituents of Succory and Chicory are--in addition to those ordinarily appertaining to vegetables--inulin, and a special bitter principle not named. Chicory, when taken too habitually or too freely, causes venous passive congestion in the digestive organs within the abdomen, and a fulness of blood in the head. Both it and Succory, if used in excess as a medicine, will bring about amaurosis, or loss of visual power in [543] the retina of the eyes. Therefore, when given in a much diluted form they are remedial for these affections. The only benefit of quality which Chicory gives to coffee is by increase of colour and body, with some bitterness, but not by possessing any aroma, or fragrant oil, or stimulating virtue. French writers say it is _contra-stimulante_, and serving to correct the excitation caused by the active principles of coffee, and therefore it suits sanguineo-bilious subjects who suffer from habitual tonic constipation. But it is ill adapted for persons whose vital energy soon flags; and for lymphatic, or bloodless people its use should be altogether forbidden. The flowers of Succory used to rank among the four cordial flowers, and a water was distilled from them to allay inflammation of the eyes. The seeds contain abundantly a demulcent oil, whilst the petals furnish a glucoside which is colourless unless treated with alkalies, when it becomes of a golden yellow. SUNDEW. The Sundew (_Ros solis_, or _Drosera rotundifolia_) is a little plant always eagerly recognised in marshy and heathy grounds by ardent young botanists. In the sun its leaves seem tipped with dew (_drosos_). It grows plentifully in Hampshire and the New Forest, bearing a cluster of hairy leaves in a stellate form, at the top of a slender stem. These leaves either from lack of other sustenance in so barren a soil, or more probably as an advance in plant evolution to a higher grade of development, excrete a sticky moisture or dew, which entangles unwary flies settling on the plant, and which serves to digest these victims therewith. Each of the long red [544] hairs on the leaves is viscid, and possesses a small secreting gland at its top. Some writers say the word Sundew means "sin" ever, moist (dew). The plant is also called Redrot, and Moor Grass, because the soil in which it grows is unwholesome for sheep. It goes further by the additional names of Youthwort, and Lustwort--_quia acrimonia sua sopitum veneris desiderium excitat_ (Dodoeus). The fresh juice of the herb contains malic acid in a free state, various salts, and a red colouring matter; also glucose, and a peculiar crystallisable acid. Cattle of the female gender are said to have their copulative instincts excited by eating even a small quantity of the plant. Throughout Europe it has long been esteemed a remedy of repute for chronic bronchitis and asthma; and more recently, in the hands of homoeopathic practitioners, it has acquired a fame for specifically curing whooping cough in its spasmodic stages, after the first feverishness of this malady has become subdued. It signally lessens the frequency and force of the spasmodic attacks, besides diminishing the sickness. Provers who have pushed on themselves the administration of the Sundew in toxical quantities, developed hoarseness, with expectoration of yellow mucus from the throat and upper lungs, as well as a hacking cough, and loss of flesh, this combination of symptoms closely resembling the form of tubercular consumption which begins in the throat, and extends mischievously to the lungs. Regarded from such point the Sundew may be justly pronounced a homoeopathic antidote to consumptive disease of the nature here indicated, when attacking spontaneously from constitutional causes. [545] Moreover, country folk notice that sheep who eat the Sundew in their pasturage have often a violent cough, and waste away. Dr. Curie, of Paris, fed cats with this plant, and they died subsequently with all the symptoms of lung consumption, their chest organs being afterwards found studded with tubercular deposit though cats are not ordinarily liable to tubercle. So the Sundew may fairly be accepted as a medicinal Simple for laryngeal and pulmonary consumption in its early stages, as well as for whooping-cough, after the manner already explained. A tincture is made (H.) from the entire fresh plant, with spirit of wine, of which a couple of drops may be given in water several times a day, to a child of from four to eight years old, for confirmed whooping-cough; and if this dose seems to aggravate the paroxysms, or to provoke sickness, it must be reduced in strength, and dilution. Also from four to ten drops of the tincture may be administered with a tablespoonful of cold water, two or three times a day, for several consecutive weeks, to a consumptive adult, in the early stages of this disease. Dr. Hughes (Brighton) has employed a diluted tincture of the Sundew (one part of this tincture admixed with nine parts of spirit of wine) in doses of from three to five drops with water, to a child of from three to eight years of age, for spasmodic whooping-cough, several times in the day, with marked success; whilst a larger dose or the stronger tincture served only to increase the cough in violence and frequency. The same results may perhaps follow too strong or full a dose to a consumptive patient, so that it must be regulated by the effects produced. Externally, the juice [546] of the fresh Sundew has been used for destroying warts. SUNFLOWER. The Sunflower (_Helianthus annuus_) which is so popular and brilliant an ornament of cottage gardens throughout England in summer and autumn, is an importation of long standing, and has been called the Marigold of Peru. Its general nature and appearance are so well known as scarcely to need any description. The plant is of the Composite order, indigenous to tropical America, but flourishing well in this country, whilst bearing the name of _Heli-anthus_ (Sunflower), and smelling of turpentine when the disc of the flower is broken across. The growing herb is highly useful for drying damp soils, because of its remarkable power of absorbing water; for which reason several acres of Sunflowers are now planted in the Thames Valley. Swampy districts in Holland have been made habitable by an extensive culture of the Sunflower, the malarial miasmata being absorbed and nullified, whilst pure oxygen is emitted abundantly. An old rhyme declares, for some unknown reason:-- "The full Sunflower blew And became a starre of Bartholomew." The name Sunflower has been given as most persons think because the flowers follow the sun by day turning always towards its shining face. But Gerard says, about this alleged fact, he never could observe it to happen, though he spared no pains to observe the matter; he rather thought the flower to have got its title because resembling the radiant beams of the sun. Likewise, [547] some have called it Corona Solis, and Sol Indianus, the Indian Sunne-floure: by others it is termed Chrysanthemum Peruvianum. In Peru this flower was much reverenced because of its resemblance to the radiant sun, which luminary was worshipped there. In their Temples of the Sun the priestesses were crowned with Sunflowers, and wore them in their bosoms, and carried them in their hands. The early Spanish invaders found in these temples numerous representations of the Sunflower wrought in pure virgin gold, the workmanship of which was so exquisite that it far out-valued the precious metal whereof they were made. Some country folk call it "Lady eleven o'clock." If the buds of the Sunflower before expanding be boiled, and eaten with butter, vinegar and pepper, after the manner of serving the Jerusalem Artichoke, they are exceeding pleasant meat, surpassing the artichoke moreover in provoking the _desiderium veneris_. The Chinese make their finest yellow dye from the Sunflower, which they worship because resembling the sun. All parts of the plant contain much carbonate of potash; and the fruit, or seed, furnishes a fixed oil in abundance. The kernels of the seeds contain helianthic acid, and the pith of the plant will yield nine per cent. of carbonate of potash. The oil of the Sunflower may be used as olive oil, and the cake after expressing away this oil makes a good food for cattle. A medicinal tincture (H.) is prepared from the seed with rectified spirit of wine; also from the fresh juice with diluted spirit. Each of these serves admirably against intermittent fever and ague, instead of quinine. The Sunflower is adored by the Chinese as the most useful of all vegetables. From its seeds the best oil is [548] extracted, and an excellent soap is made. This oil burns longer than any other vegetable oil, and Sunflower cake is more fattening to cattle than linseed cake. The flowers furnish capital food for bees, and the leaves are of use for blending with tobacco. The stalk yields a fine fibre employed in weaving Chinese silk, and Evelyn tells of "The large Sunflower, ere it comes to expand and show its golden face, being dressed as an artichoke, and eaten as a dainty." The plant is closely allied in its species to the Globe Artichoke, and the Jerusalom Artichoke (_girasole_), so named from turning _vers le soleil_, or _au soleil_, this being corrupted to "Jerusalem," and its soup by further perversion to "Palestine" soup. The original Moorish name was Archichocke, or Earththorn. The Globe Artichoke (_Cinara maxima anglicana_) of our kitchen gardens, when boiled and brought to table, has a middle pulp which is eaten as well as the soft delicate pulp at the base of each prickly floret. "This middle pulp," says Gerard, "when boiled with the broth of fat flesh, and with pepper added, makes a dainty dish being pleasant to the taste, and accounted good to procure bodily desire. (It stayeth the involuntary course of the natural seed)." Evelyn tells us: "This noble thistle brought from Italy was at first so rare in England that they were commonly sold for crowns apiece." Pliny says: "Carthage spent three thousand pounds sterling a year in them." The plant is named Cinara, from _cinis_, "ashes," because land should be manured with these. It contains phosphoric acid, and is, therefore, stimulating. The leaves of the Globe Artichoke afford somewhat freely on expression a juice which is bitter, and acts as [549] a brisk diuretic in many dropsies. Such a constituent in the plant was known to the Arabians for curdling milk. The Jerusalem Artichoke (_Helianthus tuberosus_) is of the Sunflower genus, having been brought at first from Brazil, and being now commonly cultivated in England for its edible tubers. These are red outside, and white within; they contain sugar, and albumen, with all aromatic volatile principle, and water. The tuber is the _Topinambour_, and _Pois de terre_ of the French; having been brought to Europe in 1617. It furnishes more sugar and less starch than the Potato. In 1620 the Jerusalem Artichoke was quite common as a vegetable in London: though, says Parkinson, when first introduced, it was "a dainty for a queen." Formerly, it was baked in pies with beef marrow, dates, ginger, raisins, and sack. The juice pressed out before the plant blossoms was used by the ancients for restoring the hair of the head, even when the person was quite bald. The Sunflower has been from time immemorial a popular remedy for malarial fevers in Russia, Turkey, and Persia, being employed as a tincture made by steeping the stems and leaves in brandy. It is considered even preferable to quinine, sometimes succeeding when this has failed, and being free from any of the inconveniences which often arise from giving large doses of the drug: whilst the pleasant taste of the plant is of no small advantage in the case of children. Cases in which both quinine and arsenic proved useless have been completely cured by the tincture of Sunflower in a week or ten days. Golden Sunflowers are introduced at Rheims into the stained glass of an Apse window in the church of St. Remi, with the Virgin and St. John on either side of [550] the Cross, the head of each being encircled with an aureole having a Sunflower inserted in its outer circle. The flowers are turned towards the Saviour on the Cross as towards their true Sun. TAMARIND. The Tamarind pod, though of foreign growth, has been much valued by our immediate ancestors as a household medicinal Simple; and a well stocked jar of its useful curative pulp was always found in the store cupboard of a prudent housewife. But of late years this serviceable fruit has fallen into the background of remedial resources, from which it may be now brought forward again with advantage. The natives of India have a prejudice against sleeping under the Tamarind; and the acid damp from the trees is known to affect the cloth of tents pitched under them for any length of time. So strong is this prejudice of the natives against the Tamarind tree that it is difficult to prevent them from destroying it, as they believe it hurtful to vegetation. The parent tree, Tamar Hindee, "Indian date," is of East, or West Indian growth; but the sweet pulpy jam containing shining stony seeds, and connected together by tough stringy fibres, may be readily obtained at the present time from the leading druggists, or the general provision merchant. It fulfils medicinal purposes which entitle it to high esteem as a Simple for use in the sick-room. Large quantities of this luscious date are brought to our shores from the Levant and Persia, but before importation the shell of the pod is removed; and the pulp ought not to exhibit any presence of copper, as shown on a clean steel knife-blade held within the same, though the fruit by nature possesses traces of gold in its composition. Chemically, this pulp contains citric, tartaric, [551] and malic acids, as compounds of potassium; with gum, pectin and starch. Boiled syrup has been poured over it as a preliminary. The fruit is sharply acid, and may be made into an excellent cooling drink by infusion with boiling water, being allowed to become cold, and then strained off as an agreeable tea, which proves highly grateful to a fevered patient. The Arabians first taught the use of Tamarinds, which contain an unusual proportion of acids to the sweet constituents. They are anti-putrescent, and exert a laxative action corrective of bilious sluggishness. A capital whey may be made by boiling two ounces of the fruit with two pints of milk, and then straining. Gerard tells that "travellers carry with them the pulp mixed with sugar throughout the desert places of Africa." Tamarinds are an efficient laxative if enough (from one to two ounces) can be taken at a time: but this quantity is inconvenient, and apt to clog by its excess of sweetness. Therefore a compressed form of the pulp is now in the market, known as Tamar Indien lozenges, coated with chocolate. These are combined, however, with a purgative of greater activity, most probably jalap. The fruit of the Tamarind is certainly antibilious, and by the virtue of its potash salts it tends to heal any sore places within the mouth. In India it is added as an ingredient to punch; but the tree is superstitiously regarded as the messenger of the God of death. When acids are indicated, to counteract septic fever, and to cool the blood, whilst in natural harmony with the digestive functions, the Tamarind will be found exceptionally helpful; and towards obviating [552] constipation a dessertspoonful, or more, of the pulp may be taken with benefit as a compote at table, together with boiled rice, or sago. The name Tamarind is derived from _tamar_, the date palm; and _indus_, of Indian origin. Formerly this fruit was known as Oxyphoenica (sour date). Officinally apothecaries mix the pulp with senna as an aperient confection. It is further used in flavouring curries on account of its acid. TANSY. The Tansy (_Tanacetum vulgare_--"buttons,"--bed of Tansy), a Composite plant very familiar in our hedgerows and waste places, being conspicuous by its heads of brilliant yellow flowers, is often naturalized in our gardens for ornamental cultivation. Its leaves smell like camphor, and possess a bitter aromatic taste; whilst young they were commonly used in times past, and are still employed, when shredded, for flavouring cakes, puddings, and omelets. The roots when preserved with honey, or sugar, are reputed to be of special service against the gout, if a reasonable quantity thereof be eaten fasting every day for a certain space. The fruit is destructive to round worms. The seed also of the Tansy is a singular and appropriate medicine against worms: for "in whatsoever sort taken it killeth and driveth them forth." In Sussex a peasant will put Tansy leaves in his shoes to cure ague; and the plant has a rural celebrity for correcting female irregularities of the functional health. The name Tansy is probably derived from the Greek word _athanasia_ which signifies immortality, either, as, says Dodoeus, _quia non cito flos inflorescit_, "because it lasts so long in flower," or, _quia ejus succus, vel oleum extractum cadavera a putredine conservat_ (as Ambrosius writes), "because it is so capital [558] for preserving dead bodies from corruption." It was said to have been given to Ganymede to make him immortal. The whole herb contains resin, mucilage, sugar, a fixed oil, tannin, a colouring matter, malic or tanacetic acid, and water. When the camphoraceous bitter oil is taken in any excess it induces venous congestion of the abdominal organs, and increases the flow of urine. If given in moderate doses the plant and its essential oil are stomachic and cordial, whether the leaves, flowers, or seeds be administered, serving to allay spasm, and helping to promote the monthly flow of women; the seeds being also of particular use against worms, and relieving the flatulent colic of hysteria. This herb will drive away bugs from a bed in which it is placed. Meat rubbed with the bitter Tansy will be protected from the visits of carrion flies. Ten drops of the essential oil will produce much flushing of the head and face, with giddiness, and with beat of stomach; whilst half a drachm of the oil has been followed by a serious result. But from one to four drops may be safely given for a dose according to the symptoms it is desired to relieve. Cases of epilepsy (not inherited) have been successfully treated with the liquid extract of Tansy in doses of a drop with water four times in the day. The essential oil will toxically produce epileptic seizures. The plant has been used externally with benefit for some eruptive diseases of the skin; and a hot infusion of it to sprained, or rheumatic parts will give relief from pain by way of a fomentation. In Scotland the dried flowers are given for gout, from half to one teaspoonful for a dose two or three times in the day; or an infusion is drank prepared from the flowers and seeds. This has kept inveterate gout at bay for years. [554] A medicinal tincture is made (H.) from the fresh plant with spirit of wine. From eight to ten drops of the same may be given with a tablespoonful of cold water to an adult twice or three times in the day. Formerly this was one of the native plants dedicated to the Virgin Mary; and the "good wives" used to take a syrup of Tansy for preventing miscarriage. "The Laplanders," says Linnoeus, "use Tansy in their baths to facilitate parturition." At Easter also it was the custom, even, by the Archbishops, the Bishops, and the clergy of some churches, to play at handball (so say the old chroniclers), with men of their congregations, whilst a Tansy cake was the reward of the victors, this being a confection with which the bitter herb Tansy was mixed. Some such a corrective was supposed to be of benefit after having eaten much fish during Lent. The Tansy cake was made from the young leaves of the plant mixed with eggs, and was thought to purify the humours of the body. "This Balsamic plant" said Boerhaave, "will supply the place of nutmegs and cinnamon." In Lyte's time the Tansy was sold in the shops under the name of Athanasia. TARRAGON. The kitchen herb Tarragon (_Artemisia dracunculus_) is cultivated in England, and more commonly in France, for uses in salads, and other condimentary purposes. It is the "little Dragon Mugwort: in French, _Herbe au Dragon_"; to which, as to other Dragon herbs, was ascribed the faculty of curing the bites and stings of venomous beasts, and of mad dogs. The plant does not fructify in France. It is of the Composite order, and closely related to [555] our common Wormwood, and Southernwood, but its leaves are not divided. This herb is a native of Siberia, but has been long grown largely by French gardeners, and has since become widespread in this country as a popular fruit, also for making a vinegar, and for adding to salads. The word Tarragon is by corruption "a little dragon." French cooks commonly mix their table mustard with the vinegar of the herb. Many strange tales have been told about the origin of the plant, one of which, scarce worth the noting, runs that the seed of flax put into a radish root, or a sea onion, and being thus set doth bring forth this herb Tarragon (so says Gerard). In Continental cookery the use of Tarragon is advised to temper the coldness of other herbs in salads, like as a Rocket doth. "Neither," say the authorities, "do we know what other use this herb hath." The volatile essential oil of Tarragon is chemically identical with that of Anise, and it is found to be sexually stimulating. Probably by virtue of its finely elaborated camphor it exercises its specific effects, the fact being established that too much camphor acts in the opposite direction. John Evelyn says of the plant "'Tis highly cordial and friendly to the head, heart, and liver." THISTLES. Thistles are comprised in a large mixed genus of our English weeds, and wild plants, several of them possessing attributed medicinal virtues. Some of these are Thistles proper, as the _Carduus_, the _Cnicus_, and the _Carlina_: others are Teasels, Eryngiums, and Globe Thistles, etc. Consideration should be given here to the _Carduus marianus_, or Lady's Thistle, the common [556] Carline Thistle, the _Carduus benedictus_ (Blessed Thistle), the wild Teasel (_Dipsacus_), and the Fuller's Teasel, as Herbal Simples; whilst others of minor curative usefulness are to be incidentally mentioned. As a class Thistles have been held sacred to Thor, because, say the old authors, receiving their bright colours from the lightning, and because protecting those who cultivate them from its destructive effects. In Devon and Cornwall Thistles are commonly known as Dazzels, or Dashel flowers. As a rule they flourish best in hot dry climates. The _Carduus marianus_ (Lady's Thistle), Milk Thistle, or Holy Thistle, grows abundantly in waste places, and near gardens throughout the British Isles, but it is not a native plant. The term _Carduus_, or Cardinal, refers to its spring leaves, and the adjectives "Marianus," "Milk," and "Holy," have been assigned through a tradition that some drops of the Virgin Mary's milk fell on the herb, and became exhibited in the white veins of its leaves. By some persons this Thistle is taken as the emblem of Scotland. Dioscorides told of the Milk Thistle, "the seeds being drunk are a remedy for infants that have their sinews drawn together." He further said: "The root if borne about one doth expel melancholy, and remove all diseases connected therewith." Modern writers do laugh at this: "Let them laugh that win! My opinion is that this is the best remedy that grows against all melancholy diseases." The fruit of the _Carduus marianus_ contains an oily bitter seed: the tender leaves in spring may be eaten as a salad; and the young peeled stalks, after being soaked, are excellent boiled, or baked in pies. The heads of this Thistle before the flowers open may be [557] cooked like artichokes. The seeds were formerly thought to cure hydrophobia. They act as a demulcent in catarrh and pleurisy, being also a favourite food of Goldfinches. A decoction of the seeds when applied externally is said to have proved beneficial in cases of cancer. Thistle down was at one time gathered by poor persons and sold for stuffing pillows. It is very prolific in germination, and an old saying runs on this score:-- "Cut your Thistles before St. John, Or you'll have two instead of one." This Milk Thistle (_Carduus marianus_) is said to be the empirical nostrum, _anti-glaireux_, of Count Mattaei. "Disarmed of its prickles," writes John Evelyn, "and boiled, it is worth esteem, and thought to be a great breeder of milk, and proper diet for women who are nurses." In Germany it is very popular for curing jaundice and kindred biliary derangements. When taken by healthy provers in varying quantities to test its toxic effects the plant has caused distension of the whole abdomen, especially on the right side, with tenderness on pressure over the liver, and with a deficiency of bile in hard knotty stools, the colouring matter of the faeces being found by chemical tests present in the urine: so that a preparation of this Thistle modified in strength, and considerably diluted in its doses proves truly homoeopathic to simple obstructive jaundice through inaction of the liver, and readily cures the disorder. A tincture is prepared (H.) for medicinal use from equal parts of the root, and the seeds (with the hull on) together with spirit of wine. The _Carduus benedictus_ (Blessed Thistle) was first [558] cultivated by Gerard in 1597, and has since become a common medicinal Simple. It was at one time considered to be almost a panacea, and capable of curing even the plague by its antiseptic virtues. This Thistle was a herb of Mars, and, as Gerard says: "It helpeth giddiness of the head: also it is an excellent remedy against the yellow jaundice. It strengthens the memory, cures deafness, and helps the bitings of mad dogs and venomous beasts." It contains a bitter principle "cnicin," resembling the similar tonic constituent of the Dandelion, this being likewise useful for stimulating a sluggish liver to more healthy action. The infusion should be made with cold water: when kept it forms a salt on its surface like nitre. The herb does not yield its virtues to spirit of wine as a tincture. Its taste is intensely bitter. The Carline Thistle (_Carlina vulgaris_) was formerly used in magical incantations. It possesses medicinal qualities very like those of Elecampane, being diaphoretic, and in larger doses purgative. The herb contains some resin, and a volatile essential oil of a camphoraceous nature, like that of Elecampane, and useful for similar purposes, as cordial and antiseptic. This Thistle grows on dry heaths especially near the sea, and is easily distinguished from other Thistles by the straw-coloured glossy radiate long inner scales of its outer floral cup. They rise up over the florets in wet weather. The whole plant is very durable, like that of the "everlasting flowers:" Cudweed (_Antennaria_). The name Carlina was given because the Thistle was used by Charles the Great as a remedy against the plague. It was revealed to him when praying for some means to stay this pestilence which was destroying his army. In his sleep there appeared to him an angel who shot [559] an arrow from a cross bow, telling him to mark the plant upon which it fell: for that with such plant he might cure his soldiers of the dire epidemic: which event really happened, the herb thus indicated being the said thistle. In Anglo-Saxon it was the ever-throat, or boar-throat. On the Continent a large white blossom of this species is nailed upon cottage doors by way of a barometer to indicate the weather if remaining open or closing. The wild Teasel (_Dipsacus sylvestris_) grows commonly in waste places, having tall stems or stalks, at the bottom of which are leaves (like bracts) united at their sides so as to form a cup, open upwards, around the base of the stalk, and hence the term "_Dipsacus_," thirsty. This cup serves to retain rain water, which is thought to acquire curative properties, being used, for one purpose, to remove warts. The cup is called Venus' basin, and its contents, says Ray, are of service _ad verrucas abigendas_; also it is named Barber's Brush, and Church Broom. The Fuller's Teasel, or Thistle (_Dipsacus fullonum_) is so termed from its use in combing and dressing cloth,--_teasan_, to tease,-- three Teaselheads being the arms of the Cloth Weavers' Company. This is found in the neighbourhood of the cloth districts, but is not considered to be a British plant. It is probably a cultivated variety of the wild Teasel, but differs by having the bristles of its receptacles hooked. The Sow Thistle (_Sonchus oleraceus_), named _sonchus_ because of its soft spikes instead of prickles, grows commonly as a weed in gardens, and having milky stalks which are reputed good for wheezy and short-winded folk, whilst the milk may be used as a wash for the face. It is named also "turn sole" because always facing the sun, and Hare's Thistle (the hare's panacea, [560] says an old writer, is the Sow Thistle), or Hare's Lettuce because "when fainting with the heat she recruits her strength with the herb; or if a hare eat of this herb in the summer when he is mad he shall become whole." Another similar title of the herb is Hare's palace, since the creature was thought to get shelter and courage from it. Some suppose that the botanical term _Sonchus_ signifies _apo ton soon ekein_, from its yielding a salubrious juice. The Sow thistle has been named also Milkweed. According to tradition it sometimes conceals marvels, or treasures; and in Italian stories the words, "Open Sow Thistle" are used as of like significance with the magical invocation "Open sesame." Another name is "Du Tistel" or Sprout Thistle; because the plant may be used for its edible sprouts, which Evelyn says, were eaten by Galen as a lettuce. And Matthiolus told of the Tuscans in his day "_Soncho nostri utuntur hyeme in acetariis_." The Melancholy Thistle (_Carduus heterophyllus_) has been held curative of melancholy. It grows most frequently in Scotland and the North of England, and is a non-prickly plant. THYME. The Wild English thyme (_Thymus serpyllum_) belongs to the Labiate plants, and takes its second title from a Greek verb signifying "to creep," which has reference to the procumbent habit of the plant. It bears the appellation "Brotherwort." Typically the _Thymus serpyllum_ flourishes abundantly on hills, heaths, and grassy places, having woody stems, small fringed leaves, and heads of purple flowers which diffuse a sweet perfume into the surrounding air, [561] especially in hot weather. Shakespeare's well known line alludes to this pleasant fact: "I know a bank where the wild Thyme grows." The name Thyme is derived from the Greek _thumos_, as identical with the Latin _fumus_, smoke, having reference to the ancient use of Thyme in sacrifices, because of its fragrant odour; or, it may be, as signifying courage (_thumos_), which its cordial qualities inspire. With the Greeks Thyme was an emblem of bravery, and activity; also the ladies of chivalrous days embroidered on the scarves which they presented to their knights the device of a bee hovering about a spray of Thyme, as teaching the union of the amiable and the active. Horace has said concerning Wild Thyme:-- "Impune tutum per nemus arbutos Quaerunt latentes, et thyma deviae Olentis uxores mariti." Wild Thyme is subject to variations in the size and colour of its flowers, as well as in the habits of the varieties. This wild Thyme bears also the appellation, "Mother of Thyme," which should be "Mother Thyme," in allusion to its medicinal influence on the womb, an organ which the older writers always termed the "Mother." Isidore tells that the wild Thyme was called in Latin, _Matris animula, quod menstrua movet_. Platearius says of it: _Serpyllum matricem comfortat et mundificat. Mulieres Saliternitanoe hoc fomento multum utuntur_. Dr. Neovius writes enthusiastically in a Finnish Journal on the virtues of common Thyme in combating whooping cough. He has found that if given _fresh_, from an ounce and a half to six ounces a day, mixed [562] with a little syrup, regularly for some weeks, it is practically a specific. If taken from the first, the symptoms vanish in two or three days, and in a fortnight the disease is expelled. The simplicity, harmlessness, and cheapness of this remedy are great supporters of its claims. Other titles of the herb are Pulial mountain, and creeping Thyme. It is anti-spasmodic, and good for nervous or hysterical headaches, for flatulence, and the headache which follows inebriation. The infusion may be profitably applied for healing skin eruptions of various characters. Virgil mentions (in _Eclogue_ xi., lines 10, 11) the restorative value of Thyme against fatigue:-- "Thestylis et rapido fessis messoribus oestu Allia, Serpyllumque herbas contundit olentes." Or, "Thestlis for mowers tired with parching heat Garlic and Thyme, strong smelling herbs, doth beat." Tournefort writes: "A conserve made from the flowers and leaves of wild Thyme (_Serpyllum_) relieves those troubled with the falling sickness, whilst the distilled oil promotes the monthly flow in women." The delicious flavour of the noted honey of Hymettus was said to be derived from the wild Thyme there visited by the bees. Likewise the flesh of sheep fed on pasturage where the wild Thyme grows freely has been said to gain a delicate flavour and taste from this source: but herein a mistake is committed, because sheep are really averse to such pasturage, and refuse it if they can get other food. An infusion of the leaves of Thyme, whether wild, or cultivated, makes an excellent aromatic tea, the odour of which is sweet and fragrant, whilst the taste of the [563] plant is bitter and camphoraceous. There is in some districts an old superstition that to bring wild Thyme into the house conveys severe illness, or death to some member of the family. In Grecian days the Attic elegance of style was said to show an odour of Thyme. Shenstone's schoolmistress had a garden:-- "Where herbs for use and physic not a few Of grey renown within those borders grew, The tufted Basil,--_pun provoking_ Thyme, The lordly Gill that never dares to climb." Bacon in his _Essay on Gardens_ recommends to set whole alleys of Thyme for the pleasure of its perfume when treading on the plant. And Dioscorides said Thyme used in food helps dimness of sight. Gerard adds: "Wild Thyme boiled in wine and drunk is good against the wamblings and gripings of the belly": whilst Culpeper describes it as "a strengthener of the lungs, as notable a one as grows." "The Thyme of Candy, Musk Thyme, or Garden Thyme is good against the sciatica, and to be given to those that have the falling sickness, to smell to." The volatile essential oil of Wild Thyme (as well as of Garden Thyme) consists of two hydrocarbons, with thymol as the fatty base, this thymol being readily soluble in fats and oils when heated, and taking high modern rank as an antiseptic. It will arrest gastric fermentation when given judiciously as a medicine, though an overdose will bring on somnolence, with a ringing in the ears. Officinally Thymol, the stearoptene obtained from the volatile oil of _Thymus vulgaris_, is directed to be given in a dose of from half to two grains. [564] Thymol is valued by some authorities more highly even than carbolic acid for destroying the germs of disease, or for disinfecting them. It is of equal service with tar for treating such skin affections as psoriasis, and eczema. When inhaled thymol is most useful against septic sore throat, especially during scarlet fever. At the hospital for throat diseases the following formula is ordered: Thymol twenty grains to rectified spirit of wine three drachms, and carbonate of magnesia ten grains, with water to three ounces; a teaspoonful to be used in a pint of water at 150 deg. Fahrenheit for each inhalation. Against ringworm an ointment made with one drachm of thymol to an ounce of soft paraffin is found to be a sure specific. The spirit of thymol should consist of one part of thymol to ten parts of spirit of wine; and this is a convenient form for use to medicate the wool of antiseptic respirators. As a purifying and cleansing lotion for wounds and sores, thymol should be mixed in the proportion of five grains thereof to an ounce of spirit of wine, an ounce of glycerine, and six ounces of water. The common Garden Thyme is an imported sort from the South of Europe. Its odour and taste depend on an essential oil known commercially as oil of origanum. Another variety of the Wild Thyme is Lemon Thyme (_Thymus citriodorus_), distinguished by its parti-coloured leaves, and by its lilac flowers. Small beds of this Thyme, together with mint, are cultivated at Penzance, in which to rear millepedes, or hoglice, administered as pills for several forms of scrofulous disease. The woodlouse, sowpig, or hoglouse abounds with a nitrous salt which has long found favour for curing scrofulous [565] disease, and inveterate struma, as also against some kinds of stone in the bladder. The Hoglouse, or Millepede was the primitive medicinal pill. It is found in dry gardens under stones, etc., and rolls itself up into a ball when touched. These are also called Chiselbobs, and Cudworms. From three to twelve were formerly given in Rhenish wine for a hundred days together to cure all kinds of cancers; or they were sometimes worn round the neck in a small bag (which was absurd!). In the Eastern counties they are known as "Old Sows," or "St. Anthony's Hogs." Their Latin name is _Porcellus Scaber_. The Welsh call this small creature the "withered old woman of the wood," "the little pig of the wood," and "the little grey hog," also "Grammar Sows." Their word "gurach" like "grammar" means a dried up old dame. Cat Thyme (_Teucrium marum verum_) was imported from Spain, and is cultivated in our gardens as a cordial aromatic herb, useful in nervous disorders. Its flowers are crimson, and its bark is astringent. The dried leaves may be given in powder or used in snuff. A tincture (H.) is made from the whole herb which is effectual against small thread worms. Provers of the herb in material toxic quantities have experienced troublesome itching and irritation of the fundament. For similar conditions, and to expel thread worms, two or three drops of the tincture diluted to its first decimal strength should be given with a spoonful of water three or four times in the day to a child of from four to six years. TOADFLAX. The Toadflax, or Flaxweed (_Linaria vulgaris_) belongs to the scrofula-curing order of plants, getting its name from _linum_, flax, and being termed "toad" by a [566] mistaken translation of its Latin title _Bubonio_, this having been wrongly read _bufonio_,-- belonging to a toad,--or because having a flower (as the Snapdragon) like a toad's mouth: whereas "bubonio" means "useful for the groins." It is an upright herbaceous plant most common in hedges, having leaves like grass of a dull sea green aspect, and bearing dense clusters of yellow flowers shaped like those of the garden Snapdragon, with spurs at their base. It continues in flower until the late autumn. The Russians cultivate the Snapdragon for the oil yielded by its seeds. The Toadflax has a faint disagreeable smell, and a bitter saline taste. It acts medicinally as a powerful purge, and promoter of urine, and therefore it is employed for carrying off the water of dropsies, being in this respect a well known rural Simple. Waller says: "Country people boil the whole plant in ale, and drink the decoction; but the expressed juice of the fresh plant acts still more powerfully." In many districts the herb is familiarly known as "butter and eggs;" and in Germany though dedicated to the Virgin it is called "devil's band." Again in Devonshire it goes by the names of "Rambling," or "Wandering Sailor," "Pedler's Basket," "Mother of Millions" (the ivy-leaved sort), "Lion's Mouth" and "Flaxweed." When used externally an infusion of the herb acts as an anodyne to subdue irritation of the skin, and it may be taken as a medicine to modify skin diseases. The fresh juice is attractive to flies, but at the same time it serves to poison them: so if it be mixed with milk, and placed where flies resort they will drink it and perish at the first sip. [567] As promoting a free flow of urine, the herb has been named "Urinalis," or sometimes "Ramsted." The flowers contain a yellow colouring matter, mucilage, and sugar. In Germany they are given with the rest of the plant for dropsy, jaundice, piles, and some diseases of the skin. Gerard says: "The decoction openeth the stoppings of the liver, and spleen: and is singular good against the jaundice which is of long continuance." He advises an ointment made from the plant stampt with lard for certain skin eruptions, and a decoction made with four drachms of the herb in eight ounces of boiling water. The bruised leaves are useful externally for curing blotches on the face, and for piles. An old distich says of the Toadflax as compared with the Larkspur:-- "Esula lactescit: sine lacte Linaria crescit;" or, "Larkspur with milk doth flow: Toadflax without milk doth grow," (alluding to the dry nature of the toadflax). To which the Hereditary Marshal of Hesse added the following line:-- "Esoula nil nobis, sed dat linaria _taurum_," implying that the herb was of old valued for its good effects when applied externally to piles as an ointment, a fomentation, or a poultice, each being made from the leaves and the flowers. The originator of this ointment was a Dr. Wolph, physician to the Landgrave of Hesse, who only divulged its formula on the prince promising to give him _a fat ox_ annually for the discovery. TOMATO (or LOVE APPLE). Though only of recent introduction as a common vegetable in this country, and though grown chiefly [568] under glass for the table in England, yet the Tomato is so abundantly imported, and so extensively used by all classes now-a-days throughout the British Isles that it may fairly take consideration for whatever claims it can advance as a curative Simple. Imported early in the present century from South America it remained for a while an exclusive luxury produced for the rich like pine apples and melons. But gradually since then the Tomato has steadily acquired an increasing popularity, and now large crops of the profitable fruit are brought from Bordeaux and the Channel Islands, to meet the demands of our English markets. Much of the favour which has become attached to this ruddy, polished, attractive-looking fruit is due to a widespread impression that it is good for the liver, and a preventive of biliousness. Nevertheless, rumours have also gone abroad that habitual Tomato-eaters are especially liable to cancerous disease in this, or that organ. Belonging to the Solanums the Tomato (_Lycopersicum_) is a plant of Mexican origin. Its brilliant fruit was first known as _Mala oethiopica_, or the Apples of the Moors, and bearing the Italian designation _Pomi dei Mori_. This name was presently corrupted in the French to _Pommes d'amour_; and thence in English to the epithet Love Apples, a perversion which shows by what curious methods primary names may become incongruously changed. They are also called Gold Apples from their bright yellow colour before getting ripe. The term _Lycopersicum_ signifies a "wolf's peach," because some parts of the plant are thought to excite animal passions. The best fruit is supposed to grow within sight, or smell of the sea. It needs plenty of sunlight and heat. The quicker it is produced the fewer will be the seeds discoverable in its pulp. [568] Green when young, Tomatoes acquire a bright yellow hue before reaching maturity, and when ripe they are smooth, shining, furrowed, and of a handsome red. Chemically this Love Apple contains citric and malic acids: and it further possesses oxalic acid, or oxalate of potash, in common with the Sorrel of our fields, and the Rhubarb of our kitchen gardens. On which account each of this vegetable triad is ill suited for gouty constitutions disposed to the formation of irritating oxalate of lime in the blood. With such persons a single indulgence in Tomatoes, particularly when eaten raw, may provoke a sharp attack of gout. Otherwise there are special reasons for supposing the Tomato to be a wholesome fruit of remarkable purifying value. Dr. King Chambers classifies it among remedies against scurvy, telling us that Tomatoes mixed with brown bread make a capital sauce for costive persons. And the fruit owns a singular property in connection with diseases of plants, suggesting its probable worth as protective against bacterial germs, and microbes of disease in our bodies when it is taken as food, or medicinally. If a Tomato shrub be uprooted at the end of the summer, and allowed to wither on the bough of a fruit tree, or if it be burnt beneath the fruit tree, it will not only kill any blight which may be present, but will also preserve the tree against any future invasion by blight. The hostility thus evinced by the plant to low organisms is due to the presence of sulphur, which the Tomato shrub largely contains, and which is rendered up in an active state by decay, or by burning. Now remembering that digestion likewise splits up the Tomato into its chemical constituents, and releases its sulphur within us, we may fairly assume that persons [570] who eat Tomatoes habitually are likely to have a particular immunity from bacterial and putrefactive diseases. Wherefore it is altogether improbable that Tomatoes will engender cancer, which is essentially a disease of vitiated blood, and of degenerate cell tissue. Possibly the old exploded doctrine of signatures may have suggested, or started this accusation against the maligned, though unguarded Tomato: for it cannot be denied the guileless fruit bears a nodulated tumour-like appearance, whilst showing, when cut, an aspect of red raw morbid fleshy structure strangely resembling cancerous disease. Vegetarians who eat Tomatoes constantly and freely claim that cancer is a disease almost unknown among their ranks; but an Italian doctor writing from Rome gives it as the experience of himself and his medical brethren that cancer is as common in Italy and Sicily among vegetarians as with mixed eaters. Most of our American cousins, who are the enterprising fathers of this medicinal fruit, persuade themselves that they are never in perfect health except during the Tomato season. And with us the ruddy Solanum has obtained a wide popularity not simply at table as a tasty cooling sallet, or an appetising stew, but essentially as a supposed antibilious purifier of the blood. When uncooked it contains a notable quantity of Solanin, and it would be dangerous to let animals drink water in which the plant had been boiled. The Staff of the Cancer Hospital at Brompton have emphatically declared "they see no ground whatever for supposing that the eating of Tomatoes predisposes to cancer." Nevertheless some country people in the remote American States attribute cancer to an excessively free use of the wild uncultivated tomato as food. [571] The first mention of this fruit by the London Horticultural Society occurred in 1818. Chemically in addition to the acids already named the Tomato contains a volatile oil, a brown resinous extractive matter very fragrant, a vegeto-mineral matter, muco-saccharin, some salts, and in all probability an alkaloid. The whole plant smells unpleasantly, and its juices when subjected to heat by the action of fire emit a vapour so powerful as to provoke vertigo and vomiting. The specific principles furnished by the Tomato will, when concentrated, produce, if taken medicinally, effects very similar to those brought about by taking mercurial salts, viz., an ulcerative-state of the mouth, with a profuse flow of saliva, and with excessive stimulation of the liver: peevishness also on the following day, with a depressing backache in men, suggesting paralysis, and with a profuse fluor albus in women. When given in moderation as food, or as physic, the fruit will remedy this chain of symptoms. By reason of its efficacy in promoting an increased flow of bile if judiciously taken, the Tomato bears the name in America of Vegetable Mercury, and it has almost superseded calomel there as a biliary medicinal provocative. Dr. Bennett declares the Tomato to be the most useful and the least harmful of all known medicines for correcting derangements of the liver. He prepares a chemical extract of the fruit and plant which will, he feels assured, depose calomel for the future. Across the Atlantic an officinal tincture is made from the Tomato for curative purposes by treating the apples, and the bruised fresh plant with alcohol, and letting this stand for eight days before it is filtered and strained. A teaspoonful of the tincture is a sufficient dose with one or two tablespoonfuls of cold water, three times in the day. [572] The fluid extract made from the plant is curative of any ulcerative soreness within the mouth, such as nurses' sore mouth, or canker. It should be given internally, and applied locally to the sore parts. Spaniards and Italians eat Tomatoes with pepper and oil. We take them as a salad, or stewed with butter, after slicing and stuffing them with bread crumb, and a spice of garlic. The green Tomato makes a good pickle, and in its unripe state is esteemed an excellent sauce with rich roast pork, or goose. The fruit when cooked no longer exercises active medicinal effects, as its volatile principles have now become dispelled through heat. By the late Mr. Shirley Hibberd, who was a good naturalist, it was asserted with seeming veracity that the cannibal inhabitants of the Fiji Islands hold in high repute a native Tomato which is named by them the _Solanum anthropophagorutm_, and which they eat, _par excellence_, with "Cold Missionary." Nearer home a worthy dame has been known with pious aspirations to enquire at the stationer's for "Foxe's book of To-Martyrs." "Chops and Tomato sauce" were ordered from Mrs. Bardell, in Pickwick's famous letter. "Gentlemen!" says Serjeant Buzfuz, in his address to the jury, "What does this mean?" But he missed a point in not going on to add--"I need not tell you, gentlemen, the popular name for the Tomato is _love apple_! Is it not manifest, therefore, what the base deceiver intended?" "A cucumber in early spring Might please a sated Caesar, Rapture asparagus can bring, And dearer still green peas are: Oh! far and wide, where mushrooms hide, I'll search, as wide and far too For watercress; but all their pride Must stoop to thee,--Tomato!" [573] TORMENTIL. The Tormentil (_Potentilla Tormentilla_) belongs to the tribe of wild Roses, and is a common plant on our heaths, banks, and dry pastures. It is closely allied to the _Potentilla_, but bears only four petals on its flowers, which are of bright yellow. The woody roots are medicinally useful because of their astringent properties. Sometimes the stem is trailing, making this the _Tormentilla Reptans_, but more commonly it ascends. The name comes from _tormina_, which signifies such griping of the intestines as the herb will serve to relieve, as likewise the twinges of toothache. The root is employed both for tanning leather, and for dyeing it by the thickened red juice. Furthermore through its astringency this root is admirable for arresting bleedings. Vesalius considered it to be as useful against syphilis as Guiacum, and Sarsaparilla. A decoction of Tormentil makes a capital gargle, and will heal ulcers of the mouth if used as a wash. If a piece of lint soaked therein be kept applied to warts, they will wither and disappear. Chemically the herb contains "_Tormentilla Red_," identical with that of the Horse Chestnut, also tannic, and kinoric acids. The decoction should be made with four drams to half-a-pint of water boiled together for ten minutes, adding half a dram of Cinnamon stick at the end of boiling; one or two tablespoonfuls will be the dose, or of the powdered root (dried) the dose will be from five to thirty grains. "_In fluxu sanguinis, fluore albo, et mictu involuntario Tormentilla valet_." Dr. Thornton (1810) tells of a labouring botanist who learnt the powers of this root, and by its decoction, sweetened with honey, cured intractable agues, severe diarrhoeas, and scorbutic ulcers (which had been turned out of hospitals as inveterate), [578] also many fluxes. Lord William Russell heard about this, and allowed the poor man a piece of his park in which to cultivate the herb, "_Non est vegetabile quod in fluxionibus alvi efficacius est_." The root is so rich in tannin that it may be used instead of oak bark. TURNIP. The Turnip (_Brassica Rapa_) belongs to the Cruciferous Cabbage tribe, being often found growing in waste places, though not truly wild. In this state it is worth nothing to man or beast; but, by cultivation, it becomes a most valuable food for cattle in the winter, and a good vegetable for our domestic uses. It exercises some aperient action, and the liquid in which turnips are boiled will increase the flow of urine. It is called also "bagie," and was the "gongyle" of the Greeks, so named from the roundness of the root. When mashed, and mixed with bread and milk, the Turnip makes an excellent cleansing and stimulating poultice for indolent abscesses or sores. The Scotch eat small, yellow-rooted Turnips as we do radishes. "Tastes and Turnips proverbially differ." At Plymouth, and some other places, when a girl rejects a suitor, she is said to "give him turnips," probably with reference to his sickly pallor of disappointment. The seventeenth of June--as the day of St. Botolph, the old turnip man,--is distinguished by various uses of a Turnip, because in the Saga, which figuratively represents the seasons, the seeds were sown on that day. It is told that the King of Bithynia in some expedition against the Scythians during the winter, and when at a great distance from the sea, had a violent [575] longing for a small fish known as _aphy_--a pilchard, or anchovy. His cook cut a Turnip to a perfect imitation of its shape, which, when fried in oil, well salted, and powdered with the seeds of a dozen black poppies, so deceived the king that he praised the root at table as an excellent fish. Being likely to provoke flatulent distension of the bowels, Turnips are not a proper vegetable for hysterical persons, or for pregnant women. The rind is acrimonious, but the tops, when young and tender, may be boiled for the table as a succulent source of potash, and other mineral salts in the Spring. The fermented juice of Turnips will yield an ardent spirit. When properly cooked they serve to sweeten the blood. An essential volatile oil contained in the root, chiefly in the rind, disagrees, by provoking flatulent distension. This root is sometimes cut up and partly substituted for the peel and pulp of oranges in marmalade. If Turnips are properly grown in dry, lean, sandy earth, a wholesome, agreeable sort of bread can be made from them, "of which we have eaten at the greatest persons' tables, and which is hardly to be distinguished from the best of wheat." Some persons roast Turnips in paper under the embers, and serve them with butter and sugar. The juice made into syrup is an old domestic remedy for coughs and hoarseness. A nice wholesome dish of Piedmontese Turnips is thus prepared: Half boil your Turnip, and cut it in slices like half-crowns; butter a pie dish, and put in the slices, moisten them with a little milk and weak broth, sprinkle over lightly with bread crumbs, adding pepper and salt; then bake in the oven until the Turnips become of a light golden colour. [576] The Turnip, a navew, or variety of Rape (_navus_), should never be sown in a rich soil, wherein it would become degenerate and lose its shape as well as its dry agreeable relish. Horace advised field-grown Turnips as preferable at a banquet to those of garden culture. They may be safely eaten when raw, having been at one time much consumed in Russia by the upper classes. Turnips have been introduced into armorial bearings to represent a person of liberal disposition who relieves the poor. Dr. Johnson's famous illustration of false logic ran thus:-- "If a man fresh Turnips cries: But cries not when his father dies, Is this a proof the man would rather Possess fresh Turnips than a father?" TURPENTINE. From our English Pines, if their stems be wounded, the oleo-resin known as Turpentine, can be procured. This is so truly a vegetable product, and so readily available for medical uses in every household, being withal so valuable for its remedial and curative virtues that no apology is needed for giving it notice as a Herbal Simple. The said oleo-resin which exudes on incising the bark furnishes our oil, or so-called spirit of Turpentine. But larger quantities, and of a richer resin, can be had from abroad than it is practicable for England to provide, so that our Turpentine of commerce is mainly got from American and French sources. The oleo-resin consists of a resinous base and a volatile essential oil, which is usually termed the spirit. The _Pinus Picra_, or Silver Fir-tree, yields common [577] Turpentine; and to sleep on a pillow made from its yellow shavings is a capital American device for relieving asthma. Fir cones are called "buntins," and "oysters." "Tears," or resin drops, which trickle out on the stems of the Pine, if taken, five or six of these tears in a day, will benefit chronic bronchitis, and will prove useful to lessen the cough of consumption. When swallowed in a full dose, Turpentine gives a sensation of warmth, and excites the secretion of urine, to which it imparts a violet hue. It also promotes perspiration, and stimulates the bronchial mucous membrane. From eight to twenty drops may be given as a dose to produce these effects; but an immoderate dose will purge, or intoxicate, and stupefy, causing strangury, and congestion of the kidneys. For bleeding from the lungs, five drops may be given, and repeated at intervals of not less than half-an-hour, whilst needed. The dose may be taken in milk, or on sugar, or bread. With the object of meeting for a curative purpose such symptoms occurring as disease which large doses of this particular drug will produce, as if by poisoning, in a healthy person, quite small doses of Turpentine oil will promptly relieve simple congestion of the kidneys, when occurring as illness, it may be from exposure to cold, and accompanied by some feverishness, with frequent urination, as well as a dragging of the loins. On which principle three or four drops of a diluted tincture of Turpentine (made with one part of Turpentine to nine parts of spirit of wine), given in a spoonful of milk every four hours, will speedily dispel the congestion, thus acting as an infallible specific, and a similar dose of the same tincture will quickly subdue rheumatic inflammation of the eyes. [578] A pleasant form in which to administer Turpentine, whether for chronic bronchitis or for kidney congestion from cold, is a confection. This may be made by rubbing up one part of oil of turpentine, with one part of liquorice powder, and with two parts of clarified honey. Combine the first two together, then add the honey. If the Turpentine separates, pour it off, and add it again with plenty of rubbing until it unites. From half to one teaspoonful of this confection, when mixed with two tablespoonfuls of peppermint-water, will be found palatable, and may be repeated two or three times in the day. What is called Terebene, a most useful medicine for winter cough, is produced by the action of sulphuric acid on Turpentine. From five to ten drops may be taken on sugar three or four times in the day, and its vapour acts by inhalation as a very useful antiseptic sedative in consumptive disease of the lungs. Externally, Turpentine is stimulating and counter-irritating, and derivative. When applied to the skin, unless properly diluted, Turpentine will cause redness and smarting to a painful degree, with an outbreak of small blisters. As an embrocation, the oil of turpentine mixed with spirit of wine and camphor, together with soap liniment, proves very efficacious for the relief of sciatica, and for the chronic rheumatism of joints. Also, when compounded with wax and resin, it makes an excellent healing ointment for indolent, and unhealthy sores. In Dublin, Turpentine is commingled with peppermint water, and used as an external stimulant for chronic bronchitis. The famous liniment of St. John Long consisted of oil of turpentine one part, acetic acid one part, and liniment of camphor one part. This was of admirable [579] service for rubbing along the spine to relieve the irritability of the spinal nerves, and it has proved effectual to modify or prevent epileptic attacks, by being thus applied. In cases of colic attending obstinate constipation, with strengthless distension of the bowels, Turpentine mixed with starch or thin gruel, an ounce to the pint, and administered as a clyster, makes one of the most reliable and safe evacuants. Also as a remedy for round worms, six or eight drops (more or less according to age) may be safely and effectively given to a child on one or more nights in milk. Pills made from Chian Turpentine, which is got from Cyprus, were extolled by Dr. Clay of Manchester, in 1880, as a cure for cancer of the womb, and for some other forms of cancerous disease. From five to ten grains were to be given in a pill, or mixed with mucilage as an emulsion, so that in all daily, after food, and in divided doses, one hundred and eighty grains of this Turpentine were swallowed; and the quantity was gradually increased until five hundred grains a day were taken. In many cases this method of treatment proved undoubtedly useful. A small quantity of powdered sulphur was also incorporated by Dr. Clay in his Chian pills. About the fourth day the pain was relieved, and the cancerous growth would melt away in a period of from four to thirteen weeks. The arrest of bleeding and the continued freedom from glandular infection after a prolonged use of this Chian Turpentine were highly important points in the improvement produced. From the _Pinus Sylvestris_ an oil is distilled by steam, and of this from ten drops to a teaspoonful may be given for a dose, in milk, for chronic rheumatism or chronic bronchitis. [580] It is most useful in the treatment of diphtheria to burn in the room, near the patient, a mixture of turpentine and tar in a pan or deep dish. The fumes serve to dissolve the false membrane, and have helped to effect a cure in desperate cases. This tree had the Anglo-Saxon name Pimm, from pen, or pin, a sharp rock,--"_ab acumine foliorum_," or perhaps as a contraction of _picinus_--pitchy. It furnishes from its leaves an extract, and the volatile oil. Wool is saturated with the latter, and dried, being then made into blankets, jackets, spencers, and stockings, for the use of rheumatic sufferers. There are establishments in Germany where the Pine Cure is pursued by the above means, together with medicated baths. Pine cones were regarded of old by the Assyrians as sacred symbols, and were employed as such in the decoration of their temples. From the tops of the Norway Spruce fir a favourite invigorating drink is brewed which is known in the north as spruce beer. This has an excellent reputation for curing scurvy, chronic rheumatism, and cutaneous maladies. Laplanders make a bread from the inner bark of the Pine. Tar (_pix liquida_) is furnished abundantly by the _Pinus Sylvestris_, or Scotch Fir, and is extracted by heat. The tree is cut into pieces, which are enclosed in a large oven constructed for the purpose: fire is applied, and the liquid tar runs out through an opening at the bottom. It is properly an empyreumatic oil of turpentine, and has been much used in medicine both externally and internally. Tar water was extolled in 1744, by Bishop Berkley, almost as a panacea. He gave it for scurvy, skin eruptions, ulcers, asthma, and rheumatism. It evidently promotes the secretions, especially the urine. [581] Tar yields pyroligneous acid, oil of tar, and pitch: as well as guiacol and creasote. Syrup of tar is an officinal medicine in the United States of America for chronic bronchitis, and winter cough. By this the expectoration is made easier, and the sleep at night improved. From one to two teaspoonfuls are given as a dose, with or without water. Also tar pills are prepared of pitch and liquorice powder in equal parts, five grains in the whole pill. Two or three of these may be taken twice or three times in the day. Tar ointment is highly efficacious against some forms of skin disease; but in eczema and allied maladies of the skin, no preparation of tar should be employed as long as the skin is actively inflamed, or any exudation of moisture is secreted by it. Dr. Cullen met with a singular practice respecting Tar. A leg of mutton was put to roast, being basted during the whole process with tar instead of butter. Whilst roasting, a sharp skewer was frequently thrust into the substance of the meat to let the juices escape, and with the mixture of tar and gravy found in the dripping pan, the body of the patient was anointed all over for three or four nights consecutively, throughout all this time the same body linen being worn. The plan proved quite successful in curing obstinate lepra. A famous liquor called "mum" was concocted by the House of Brunswick, some of which was sent to General Monk. It was chiefly brewed from the rind and tops of firs, and was esteemed very powerful against the formation of stone, and to cure all scorbutick distempers. Various herbs, as best approved by the maker, were infused with the mum in concocting it, such as betony, birch, burnet, brooklime, elder-flowers, horse-radish, [582] marjoram, thyme, water-cress, pennyroyal, etc., together with several eggs, "the shells not cracked or broken"! The Germans, especially in Saxony, have so great a veneration for mum that they fancy their bodies can never decay as long as they are lined, and embalmed with so powerful a preserver. The Swedes call the fir "the scorbutick tree" to this day. Tar is soluble in its own bulk of spirit of wine, rectified, but separates when water is added. Inhaled, its vapour is very useful in chronic bronchitis. Tar water should be made by stirring a pint of tar with half a gallon of water for fifteen minutes, and then decanting it. From half-a-pint to a pint may be taken daily, and it may be used as a wash. Or from twenty to sixty drops of tar are to be swallowed for a dose several times in the day, whether for chronic catarrhal affections, or for irritable urinary passages. Tar ointment is prepared with five parts of tar to two pounds of yellow wax. It is an excellent application for scald head in a child. Juniper tar oil is known as "oil of Cade," and Birch tar is got from the Butcher's Broom. A recognised plaster and an ointment are made with Burgundy pitch (from the _Picus Picea_) and yellow wax. Probably the modern employment of carbolic acid, and its various combinations--all derived from tar--for neutralising the septic elements of disease, and for acting as germicides, was unknowingly forestalled by the sagacious Right Reverend Lord Bishop of Cloyne, in his _Philosophical Reflections and Inquiries concerning the virtues of Tar Water_, two centuries ago, when the cup which "cheers but not inebriates" was first told of by him, long before Cowper. Bishop Berkley said, "I do, verily, think there is not any other medicine whatsoever [583] so effectual to restore a crazy constitution and to cheer a dreary mind: or so likely to subvert that gloomy empire of the spleen which tyranniseth over the better sort." In _Great Expectations_, by Charles Dickens, the wife of Joe Gargery is described as possessed of great faith in the curative virtues of Tar water. VALERIAN. The great Wild Valerian, or Heal-all (from _valere_, to be well), grows abundantly throughout this country in moist woods, and on the banks of streams. It is a Benedicta, or blessed herb, being dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as preservative against poisons; and it bears the name of Capon's tail, from its spreading flowers. When found among bushes, in high pastures, and on dry heaths, it is smaller, with the leaves narrower, but the roots more aromatic, and less nauseous. The Valerian family of plants is remarkable for producing aromatic and scented genera, which are known as "Nards" (the Spikenard of Scripture), and which are much favoured in Asiatic harems under several varieties, according to the situation of growth. Judas valued the box of ointment made from the Spikenard (_Valeriana Jatamansi_), with which Mary anointed the feet of our Saviour at two hundred denarii (L6: 9s: 2d.). We have also the small Marsh Valerian, which is wild, and the cultivated Red Valerian, of our cottage gardens. The roots of our Wild Valerian exercise a strange fascination over cats, causing an ecstasy of delight in these animals, who become almost intoxicated when brought into contact with the Simple. And rats strangely exhibit the same fondness for these roots [584] which they grub up. It has been suggested that the Pied Piper of Hamelin may have carried one of such roots in his wallet. They have been given from an early period with much success for hysterical affections, and for epileptic attacks induced by strong emotional excitement, as anger or fear: likewise, they serve as a safe and effectual remedy against habitual constipation when active purgatives have failed to overcome this difficulty. The plant is largely cultivated for the apothecary's uses about the villages near Chesterfield, in Derbyshire. It is named Setwall in the North of England; and, says Gerard, "No broths, pottage, or physicall meats be worth anything if Setwall (a corruption from Zedoar), be not there":-- "They that will have their heale, Must put Setwall in their keale." The Greeks employed one kind of Valerian named _Phu_ for hanging on doors and windows as a protective charm. But some suppose this to have been a title of aversion, like our English "faugh" against any thing which stinks. Dr. Uvedale introduced the Valerian into his garden, at Eltham Palace, before 1722; and Uvedale House still exists in Church Street, at Chelsea. The herb is sometimes called Cut-heal, not because, as Gerard thought, it is "useful for slight cuts and wounds," but from its attributed efficacy in disorders of the womb (kutte cowth). Joined with Manna, Valerian has proved most useful in epilepsy; and when combined with Guiacum it has resolved scrofulous tumours. In Germany imps are thought to be afraid of it. At Plymouth, the broad-leaved Red Valerian goes by the name of Drunken Sailor, and Bovisand soldier, the [585] larger sort being distinguished as Bouncing Bess, whilst the smaller, paler kind is known as Delicate Bess throughout the West of Devon. An officinal tincture is made from the rhizome of Valerian with spirit of wine, of which from one to two teaspoonfuls may be given for a dose, with a little water. Also a tincture (ammoniated) is prepared with aromatic spirit of ammonia on the rhizome, and this is considerably stronger; from twenty to forty drops is a sufficient dose with a spoonful or two of water. The essential oil of Valerian lessens the sensibility of the spinal cord after primary stimulation of its nervous substance. A drop of this oil in a spoonful of milk will be a proper dose: especially in some forms of constipation. Used externally, by friction, the volatile oil of Valerian has proved beneficial as a liniment for paralyzed limbs. The powdered root mixed in snuff is of efficacy for weak eyes. The cultivated plant is less rich in the volatile oil than the wild herb. On exposure to the air Valerian oil becomes oxidised, and forms valerianic acid, which together with an alcohol, "borneol," constitutes the active medicinal part of the plant. The root also contains malic, acetic, and formic acids, with a resin, tannin, starch, and mucilage. It is by first arousing and then blunting the reflex nervous activities of the spinal cord, that the oil of Valerian overcomes chronic constipation. Preparations of Valerian act admirably for the relief of nervous headache associated with flatulence, and in a person of sensitive temperament. They likewise do good for infantine colic, and they diminish the urea; when the urine contains it in excess. [586] The Greek Valerian is another British species, found growing occasionally in the North of England and in Scotland, being known as the blue Jacob's Ladder. It is also named "Make bate," because said to set a married couple quarrelling if put in their bed. This must be a play on its botanical name _Polemonium_, from the Greek _polemos_, war. It is called Jacob's Ladder from its successive pairs of leaflets. VERBENA. The Verbena, or Common Vervain, is a very familiar herb on waste ground throughout England, limited to no soil, and growing at the entrance into towns and villages, always within a quarter of a mile of a house, and hence called formerly the Simpler's joy. Of old, much credit for curative virtues attached itself to this plant, though it is without odour, and has no taste other than that of slight astringency. But a reputation clings to the vervain because it used to be held sacred, as "Holy Herb," and was employed in sacrificial rites, being worn also around the neck as an amulet. It was called "Tears of Isis" "Tears of Juno" "Persephonion" and "Demetria." The juice was given as a remedy for the plague. Vervain grew on Calvary: and Gerard says "the devil did reveal it as a secret, and divine medicine." It is a slender plant with but few leaves, and spikes of small lilac flowers, when wild; but its cultivated varieties, developed by the gardener, are showy plants, remarkable for their brilliant colours. The name Frogfoot has been applied to the Vervain because its leaf somewhat resembles in outline the foot of that creature. Old writers called the plant _Verbinaca_ and _Peristerium_:-- "Frossis fot men call it, For his levys are like the frossy's fet." [587] The practice of wearing it round the neck became changed from a religious observance to a medicinal proceeding, for which reason it was ordered that the plant should be _bruised_ before being appended to the person; and thus it gained a name for curing inveterate headaches. Presently also it was applied to other parts as a cataplasm. Nevertheless, the Vervain has fallen of late years into disfavour as a British Herbal Simple, though a pamphlet has recently appeared, written by a Mr. Morley, who strongly advises the revived use of the herb for benefiting scrofulous disease. Therein it is ordered that the root of Vervain shall be tied with a yard of white satin ribband round the neck of the patient until he recovers. Also an infusion and an ointment are to be prepared from the leaves of the plant. The expressed juice of Verbena will act as a febrifuge; and the infusion by its astringency makes a good lotion for weak and inflamed eyes, also for indolent ulcers, and as a gargle for a relaxed sore throat. The Druids gathered it with as much reverence as they paid to the Mistletoe. It was dedicated to Isis, the goddess of birth, and formed a famous ingredient in love philtres. Pliny saith: "They report that if the dining chamber be sprinkled with water in which the herb Verbena has been steeped, the guests will be the merrier." Geoffrey St. Hilaire and Pasteur praise the Vervain highly as beneficial against ailments of the hair, the fresh juice being especially used. Other names of the plant are Juno's tears, Mercury's moist blood, Pigeons' grass, and Columbine--the two latter being assigned because pigeons show a partiality for the herb. Verbena plants were named _Sagmina_ of old, because [588] cut up by the Praetor in the Capitol. When borne by an Ambassador Verbena rendered his person inviolable. All herbs used in sacred rites were probably known as Verbena. They were reported as of singular force against the tertian and quartan agues; "but one must observe Mother Bombie's rules--to take just so many knots, or sprigs, and no more, lest it fallout that it do you no good, if you catch no harm by it." VINE. The fruit of the Vine (_Vitis vinifera_) has already been treated of here under the heading "Grapes," as employed medicinally whether for the purgation of the bilious--being then taken crude, and scarcely ripe,--or for imparting fat and bodily warmth in wasting disease by eating the luscious and richly-saccharine berries. It should be added that the fumes exhaled from the wine-presses whilst the juice is fermenting, prove highly beneficial as a restorative for weakly and delicate young persons (an example which might be followed perhaps at our home breweries). Consumptive patients are sent with this view to the Gironde, where the vapour from the wine vats is more stimulating and curative than in Burgundy. Young girls who suffer from atrophy are first made to stand for some hours daily in the sheds when the wine pressing is going forward. After a while, as they become less weak, they are directed to jump into the wine press, where, with the vintagers and labourers they skip about and inhale the fumes of the fermenting juice, until they sometimes become intoxicated, and even senseless. This effect passes off after one or two trials, and the girls return to their labour with renewed strength and heightened colour, hopeful, joyous, and robust. The [589] vats of the famous Chateau d'yquem are the most celebrated of all for the wondrous cures they have effected even in cases considered past human aid. VIOLET. The Wild violet or Pansy (_Viola tricolor_) is found commonly throughout Great Britain on banks and in hilly pastures, from whence it has come to be cultivated in our gardens. _Viola_, a corruption of "Ion," is a name extended by old writers to several other different plants. But the true indigenous representative of the Violet tribe is our Wild Pansy, or Paunce, or Pance, or Heart's ease; called also "John of my Pink," "Gentleman John," "Meet her i' th' entry; kiss her i' th' buttery" (the longest plant name in the English language), and "Love in idleness." "A little Western flower, Before milk-white, now purple with love's wound, And maidens call it--'Love in idleness.'" From its coquettishly half hiding its face, as well as from some fancied picture in the throat of the corolla it has received various other amatory designations, such as "cuddle me to you," "tittle my fancy," "jump up and kiss me," and "garden gate": also it is called "Flamy," because its colours are seen in the flame of burning wood, and Flame Flower. The term "heart's ease" has signified a cordial which is comforting to the heart. But the fact is that Pansies, "pretty little Puritans," produce anything but heart's ease if eaten, and their roots provoke sickness so speedily that these are sometimes employed as an emetic. Dr. Johnson derived the word Pansy from Panacea, [590] as curing all diseases; but this was a mistake, The true derivation is from the French _pensee_, "thoughts," as Shakespeare knew, when making Ophelia say: "There is pansies--that's for thoughts." From its three colours it has been called the herb Trinity. A medicinal tincture is made (H.) from the _Viola tricolor_ with spirit of wine, using the entire plant. Hahnemann found that the Pansy violet, when taken by provers, served to induce cutaneous eruptions, or to aggravate them, and he reasoned out the curative action of the plant in small diluted doses for the cure of these symptoms, when occurring as disease. "For milk crust and scald head," says Dr. Hughes (Brighton)--the plague of children, "I have rarely needed any other medicine than this _Viola tricolor_; and I have more than once given it in recent impetigo (pustular eczema) for adults, with very satisfactory effects." For the first of these maladies the tincture should be given in doses of from three to six drops, to a child of from two to six or eight years, three times a day in water. Again, "for curing scalled (from _scall_, a shell) head in children, a small handful of the fresh plant, or half a drachm of the dried herb, boiled for two hours in milk, is to be taken each night and morning; also a bread poultice made with this decoction should be applied to the affected part. "During the first eight days the eruption increases, and the urine, when the medicine succeeds, has a nauseous odour like that of the cat, which presently passes off; then, as the use of the plant is continued, the scabs disappear, and the skin recovers its natural clean condition." The root of the _Viola tricolor_ has similar properties [591] to that of Ipecacuanha, and is often used beneficially as a substitute by country doctors. An infusion thereof is admirable for the dysentery of young children. It loves a mixture of chalk in the soil where it grows. The Pansy contains an active chemical principle, "violin," resin, mucilage, sugar, and the other ordinary constituents of plants. When bruised the plant, and especially its root, smells like peach kernels, or prussic acid. It acts as a slight laxative: and "the distilled water of the flowers" says Gerard--"cureth the French disease." The Germans style the Pansy _Stief-mutter_, because figuratively the mother-in-law appears in the flower predominant in purple velvet, and her own two daughters gay in purple and yellow, whilst the two poor little Cinderellas, more soberly and scantily attired, are squeezed in between. Again, another fable says, with respect to the five petals and the five sepals of the Pansy, two of which petals are plain in colour, whilst each has a single sepal, the three other petals being gay of hue, one of these (the largest of all) having two sepals; that the Pansy represents a family of husband, wife, and four daughters, two of the latter being step-children of the wife. The plain petals are the step-children, with only one chair; the two small gay petals are the daughters, with a chair each; and the large gay petal is the wife, with two chairs. To find the father, one must strip away the petals until the stamens and pistils are bare. These then bear a fanciful resemblance to an old man with a flannel wrapper about his neck, having his shoulders upraised, and his feet in a bath tub. The French also call the Pansy "The Step-mother." The chemical principle, "violin," contained in the [592] flowering Wild Pansy resembles emetin in action. If the dried plant is given medicinally, from ten to sixty grains may be taken as a dose, in infusion. The Sweet Violet (_Viola odorata_) is well known for its delicious fragrance of perfume when growing in our woods, pastures, and hedge banks. The odour of its petals is lost in drying, but a pleasant syrup is made from the flowers which is a suitable laxative for children. A conserve, called "violet sugar," prepared from the flowers, has proved of excellent use in consumption. This conserve was made in the time of Charles the Second, being named "Violet plate." Also, the Sweet Violet is thought to possess admirable virtues as a cosmetic. Lightfoot gives a translation from a Highland recipe in Gaelic, for its use in this capacity, rendered thus: "Anoint thy face with goat's milk in which violets have been infused, and there is not a young prince upon earth who will not be charmed with thy beauty." There is a legend that Mahomet once compared the excellence of Violet perfume above all other sweet odours to himself above all the rest of creation: it refreshes in summer by its coolness, and revives in winter by its warmth. The Syrup of Sweet Violets should be made as follows: To one pound of sweet violet flowers freshly picked, add two-and-a-half pints of boiling water: infuse these for twenty-four hours in a glazed china vessel, then pour off the liquid, and strain it gently through muslin; afterwards add double its weight of the finest loaf sugar, and make it into a syrup, but without letting it boil. Violets are cultivated largely at Stratford-on-Avon for the purpose of making the syrup, which when mixed with almond oil, is a capital laxative for children, [593] and will help to soothe irritative coughs, or to relieve a sore throat. The flowers have been commended for the cure of epilepsy and nervous disorders; they are laxative when eaten in a salad. The seeds are diuretic, and will correct gravel. The Sweet Violet contains the chemical principle "violin" in all its parts. A medicinal tincture (H.) is made from the entire fresh plant with proof spirit. It acts usefully for a spasmodic cough, with hard breathing; also for rheumatism of the wrists especially the right one. This Violet is highly esteemed likewise in Syria, chiefly because of its being chosen for making the violet sugar used in sherbet. That which is drunk by the Grand Signior himself is compounded of sweet violets, and sugar. From the flower may be pleasantly contrived a pretty miniature bird, by carefully removing the calyx and corolla, leaving only the stamens and pistil attached to the receptacle; then the stigma forms the bead and neck, whilst the anthers make a golden breast, and their tongues appear like a pair of green wings. Mademoiselle Clarion, a noted French actress, had a nosegay of violets sent her every morning of the season for thirty years; and to enhance the value of the gift, she stripped off the petals every evening, being passionately devoted to the flower, and took them in an infusion as tea. Pliny recommended a garland of sweet violets as a cure for headache. The Romans made wine of the flowers; and Napoleon the Great claimed the Violet as _par excellence_ his own, for which reason he was often styled, _Le pere du violette_. This floral association took date from the time of his exile to Elba. The Emperor's return was alluded to among his adherents by a pass [594] word, "_Aimez vous la Violette? Eh, bien! reparaitra au printemps_." The scentless Dog Violet (_Viola canina_) is likewise mildly laxative, and possesses the virtues of the _Viola odorata_ in a lesser degree. The Water Violet is "feather foil" (_Hottonia palustris_). VIPER'S BUGLOSS. The Simpler's passing consideration should be given to this tall handsome English herb which grows frequently in gravel pits, and on walls. It belongs to the Borage tribe (see page 60), and, in common with the Lungwort (_Pulmonaria_), the Comfrey, and the ordinary Bugloss, abounds in a soft mucilaginous saline juice. This is demulcent to the chest, or to the urinary passages, being also slightly laxative. Bees favour the said plants, which are rich in honey. Each herb goes by the rustic name of "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," because bearing spires of tricoloured flowers, blue, purple, and red. The Viper's Bugloss is called botanically _Echium_, having been formerly considered antidotal to the bite of (_Echis_) a viper: and its seed was thought to resemble the reptile's head: wherefore such a curative virtue became attributed to it after the doctrine of signatures. "_In Echio, herba contra viperarum morsus celeberrima, natura semen viperinis capitibus simile procreavit_." Similarly the Lungwort (or Jerusalem Cowslip), because of its spotted leaves, was held to be a remedy for diseased lungs. This rarely grows wild, but it is of frequent cultivation in cottage gardens, bearing also the rustic name, "Soldiers and Sailors," "To-day and to-morrow," and "Virgin Mary." From either of these herbs a fomentation of the flowers, or a decoction of the whole bruised plant, may be employed with benefit locally to sore or raw surfaces: [595] whilst an infusion made with three drams of the dried herb to a pint of boiling water will be good in feverish pulmonary catarrh. By our ancestors viper broth was thought to be highly invigorating: and vipers cooked like eels were given to patients suffering from ulcers. The Sardinians still take them in soup. Marvellous powers were supposed to be acquired by the Druids through their possession of a viper's egg, laid in the air, and caught before reaching the earth. All herbs of the Borage order are indifferently "of force and virtue to drive away sorrow and pensiveness of the mind: also to comfort and strengthen the heart." With respect to the Comfrey (see page 120), quite recently the President of the Irish College of Surgeons has reported the gradual disappearance of a growth ("malignant, sarcomatous, twice recurrent, and of a bad type"), since steadily applying poultices of this root to the tumour. "I know nothing," says Professor Thomson, "of the effects of Comfrey root: but the fact that this growth has simply disappeared is one of the greatest surprises and puzzles I have met with." WALLFLOWER. The Wallflower, or Handfiower (_Cheiranthus cheiri_), or Wall-gilliflower, has been cultivated in this country almost from time immemorial, for its fragrance and bright colouring. It is found wild in France, Switzerland, and Spain, as the Keiri or Wallstock. Formerly this flower was carried in the hand at classic festivals. Herrick, in 1647, gave a more romantic origin to the name Wallflower:-- "Why this flower is now called so List, sweet maids, and you shall know: Understand this wilding was Once a bright and bonny lad [596] Who a sprightly springal loved, And to have it fully proved Up she got upon a wall Tempting to slide down withal: But the silken twist untied, So she fell: and, bruised, she died. Love, in pity of the deed, And such luckless eager speed, Turned her to this plant we call Now the 'Floweret of the Wall.'" It is the only British species belonging to the Cruciferous order of plants, and flourishes best on the walls of old buildings, flowering nearly all the summer, though scantily supplied with moisture. We may presume it was one of the earliest cultivated flowers in English gardens, as it is discovered on the most ancient houses. Turner, an early writer on Plants, calls it Wallgelouer, or "Hartisease;" and by Spencer it was termed Cherisaunce, as meaning a cordial to the heart, this being really the herb to which the name Heart's-ease was originally given. By rustics it is known also as the "Beeflower." But the common Stock likewise bore the appellation, "Gilliflower": and the probability is, there was in old days, as Cotgrave suggests, a popular medicine or food "for the passions of the heart," called "gariofile," from the cloves which it contained, the Latin for a clove being _caryophyllum_. Hence it came about that the Wallflower, the Pansy, and the Stock, by virtue of their cordial qualities, were alike called Gilliflowers, or Heart's-ease. There are two varieties of the cultivated Wallflower, the Yellow and the Red; those of a deep colour growing on old rockeries and similar places, are often termed [597] Bloody Warriors, and Bleeding Heart. The double Wallflower has been produced for more than two centuries. If the flowers are steeped in oil for some weeks, they contribute thereto a stimulating warming property useful for friction to limbs which are rheumatic, or neuralgic. Gerard suggests that the "oyle of Wallflowers is good for use to annoint a paralyticke." An infusion of the flowers, made with boiling water, will relieve the headache of debility, and is cordial in nervous disorders, by taking a small wine-glassful immediately, and repeating it every half-hour whilst required. The aromatic volatile principles of the flowers are _caryophyllin_ and _eugenol_. "This Wallflower," adds Gerard, "and the Stock Gilliflower are used by certain empiricks and quack salvers about love and lust,--matters which for modesty I omit." WALNUT. The Walnut tree is known of aspect to most persons throughout Great Britain as of stately handsome culture, having many spreading branches covered with a silvery grey bark, which is smooth when young, though thick and cracked when old. The flowers occur in long, hanging, inconspicuous spikes or catkins, of a brownish green colour. This tree is a native of Asia Minor, but is largely grown in England. The Greeks called it "Karuon," and the Latins "Nux." Its botanical title is _Juglans regia_, a corruption of _glans_, the acorn, _jovis_, of Jupiter, or the "royal nut of Jupiter," food fit for the Gods! Its fruit is also named Ban nut, or Ball nut, and Welsh nut, or Walnut-- the word Wal, or Welsh, being Teutonic for "stranger." "As for the timber," said Fuller, "it may be termed the English Shittim Wood." [598] The London Society of Apothecaries has directed that the unripe fruit of the Walnut should be used pharmaceutically on account of its worm-destroying virtues. It is remarkable that no insects will prey on the leaves of this tree. In good seasons the produce of nuts is weighty enough to pay the rent of the land occupied by the trees. The vinegar of the pickled fruit makes a very useful gargle for sore throats, even when slightly ulcerated: and the green husks, or early buds of the blossom, being dried to powder, serve in some places for pepper. The kernel of the nut (or the part of the inside taken at dessert) affords an oil which does not congeal by cold, and which painters find very useful on such account. This oil has proved useful when applied externally for troublesome skin diseases of the leprous type. Indeed, the Walnut has been justly termed vegetable arsenic, because of its curative virtues in eczema, and other obstinately diseased conditions of the skin. The tincture when made (H.) from the rind of the green fruit and the fresh leaves, with spirit of wine, and given in material doses, will determine in a sound person a burning itching eruption of the skin, of an eczematous character, lasting a long time, and leaving the parts which have been affected afterwards blue and swollen. Reasoning from which it has been found that the tincture, in a reduced form, and of a diminished strength, proves admirably curative of eczema, impetigo, and ecthyma. The unripe fruit is laxative, and of beneficial use in thrush, and in ulcerative sore throat. The leaves are said to be anti-syphilitic: likewise the green husk, and unripe shell. Obstinate ulcers may be cured with sugar well moistened in a strong decoction of the leaves. [599] Well kept, kiln-dried Walnuts, of some age, are better digested than newer fruit; in contrast to old gherkins, about which it has been humorously said, "avoid stale Q-cumbers: they will W-up." In many parts of Germany the peasants literally subsist on Walnuts for several months together; and a young farmer before he marries has to own a certain number of flourishing Walnut trees. The bark or yellow skin which clothes the inner nut is a notable remedy for colic, being given when dried and powdered, in a dose of thirty or forty grains mixed with some carminative water; and the same powder will help to expel worms. According to the Salernitan maxim, if the fruit of the Walnut be eaten after fish, the digestion of the latter is promoted:-- Post pisces nux sit: post carnes case us esto. Or, "Take Welsh nuts after fish: take cheese after flesh meat." But with some persons coughing is excited by eating Walnuts. The roots, leaves, and rind yield a brown dye which is supposed to contain iodine, and which gipsies employ for staining their skins. It also serves to turn the hair black. A custom prevails (says a Latin sentence) among certain country folk to thrash the nuts out of their husks while still on the trees, so that they may grow more abundantly the following year. In allusion to which practice the lines run thus:-- "Nux, asinus, mulier, simili sunt lege ligata; Haec trieo nil fructus faciunt si verbera cessant." "A woman, a donkey, a walnut tree-- The more you beat them, the better they be." [600] It is a fact, that by acting in this way, the barren ends of the branches are knocked off, and fresh fruit-bearing twigs spring out at each side in their stead. Walnut cake, after expressing out the oil from the kernels, is a good food for cattle, these kernels being the crumpled cotyledons or seed leaves. They contain oil, mucilage, albumen, mineral matter, cellulose, and water. The rook has a most abiding affection for Walnuts. As soon as there is any fruit on the trees worth eating, this bird finds it out, and brings it to the ground, choosing only those nuts which are soft enough for him to penetrate. Ovid has left a charming little poem, _Nucis Elegia_--the plaint of the Walnut tree--because beaten with sticks and pelted with stones, in return for the generosity with which it bestows on mankind its fair produce. A valuable medicinal Spirit is distilled by druggists from the fruit of the Walnut. It is an admirable remedy for spasmodic indigestion, and to relieve the morning sickness of pregnancy. A teaspoonful of the spirit (_Spiritus nucis juglandis_) may be given with half a wine-glassful of water every hour or two, for most forms of sickness, and the dose may be increased if necessary. "Nucin," or "juglon," is the active chemical principle of the several parts of the tree and its fruit. The leaves, when slightly rubbed, emit a rich aromatic odour, which renders them proof against the attacks of insects. Qualities of this odoriferous sort commended the tree to King Solomon, whose "garden of nuts" was clearly one of Walnuts, according to the Hebrew word _eghoz_. The longevity of the tree is very great. There is at Balaclava, in the Crimea, a Walnut tree believed to be a thousand years old. [601] The shade of the Walnut tree was held by the Romans to be baneful, but the nuts were thought propitious, and favourable to marriage as a symbol of fecundity. The ceremony of throwing nuts, for which boys scrambled at a wedding, was of Athenian origin:-- "Let the air with Hymen ring Hymen! Io! Hymen sing! Soon the nuts will now be flung: Soon the wanton verses sung." --_Catullus_. In Italy this is known as the "Witches tree." It is hostile to the oak. The leaves of the American Black Walnut tree, which grows naturally in Virginia, are of the highest curative value for scrofulous diseases and for strumous eruptions. Chronic, indolent sores have been healed by these after every other remedy has failed. The parts should be washed several times a day with a strong decoction of the leaves, and an infusion of the same should be taken internally; also of the extract made from the leaves, four grains in a pill each night and morning. For such purposes the leaves of our English Walnut are almost equally efficacious. To make an infusion one ounce should be used to twelve ounces of boiling water. For a syrup mix eight grains of the extract with an ounce of simple syrup: and give one teaspoonful of this twice a day with water. Also apply to any sore some of the powdered leaves on lint soaked in the decoction. For scrofulous joints, or glands, this treatment is invaluable. A green English Walnut, boiled in syrup and preserved in the same, is an excellent homely remedy for constipation. It will be noticed that the fruit becomes black by boiling. The Chinese put the raw kernels into their tea to give it a flavour. [602] By the Romans Walnuts were scattered among the people when a marriage was celebrated, as an intimation that the wedded couple henceforth abandoned the frivolities of youth. The "titmouse" walnut produces very delicate fruit, rich in oil, and with thin shells, so that the little creatures can pierce the husks and shells while the fruit is still on the bough. Nuts of various kinds, being charged with carbon and oil, are highly nutritious, but on account of this oil abounding, they are not readily digested by some persons. In Southern Europe, the Chestnut is a staple article of food, The title "nut" signifies a hard round lump, from _nodus_, a knot. Leigh Hunt wrote meaningly of the "inexorably hard cocoa nut-- milky at heart." In Devonshire a plentiful crop of hazel nuts is believed to portend an unhealthy year:-- "Many nits (nuts) Many pits (graves)." When eating almonds and raisins at dessert we get the nitrogenous food of the nuts with the saccharine nourishment of the grapes. WART-WORT, OR WART-WEED. This name has been commonly applied to the Petty Spurge, or to the Sun Spurge, a familiar little weed growing abundantly in English gardens, with umbels of a golden green colour which "turn towards the sun." Its stem and leaves yield, when wounded, an acrid milky juice which is popularly applied for destroying warts, and corns. But our Greater Celandine (see page 92) or Swallow-wort is better known abroad as the Wart-wort: and its sap is widely given in Russia for the cure, not only of [603] warts, but likewise of cancerous outgrowths, whether occurring on the skin surface, or assailing membranes inside the body. Conclusive evidence has been adduced of cancerous disease within the gullet and the stomach--as well as on the external skin--being healed by this herb. Its sap, or juice, contains chemically, "chelidonine," and "sanguinarine," which latter principle (obtained heretofore from the Canadian "blood root"), is of long established repute for repressing fungoid granulations of indolent ulcers, when powdered over them, and of quickly advancing their cure. Each principle exercises a narcotic influence on the nervous system, and will, thereby, relieve spasmodic coughs. Healthy provers have taken the fresh juice of the Greater Celandine in doses of from twenty to two hundred drops, at repeated intervals; the results of the larger portions being drastic purgation, with persistent nervous torpor, and with an outbreak on the skin of irritating, sore, itching eruptions. In some of the provers active inflammatory congestion of the right lung ensued, with turgidity of the liver. The root beaten into a conserve with sugar will operate by stool, and by urine. For cancerous excrescences from five to ten drops of the fresh juice, or of the mother tincture (H.) should be given steadily three times a day, this quantity being reduced if it should move the bowels too freely. Some of the sap, or tincture, should be also used outwardly as a lotion, either by itself, or diluted with an equal quantity of cold water. WATER PLANTS (Other). (Water Dropwort, Water Lily, Water Pepper.) The Water Dropwort--Hemlock (_oenanthe crocata_) is an umbelliferous plant, frequent in our marshes and ditches. [604] It is named from _oinos_, wine, and _anthos_, a flower, because its blossoms have a vinous smell. A medicinal tincture is made (H.) from the ripe fruit. The leaves look like Celery, and the roots like parsnips. A country name of this plant is Dead-tongue, from its paralyzing effects on the organs of the voice. Of eight lads who were poisoned by eating the root, says Mr. Vaughan, five died before morning, not one of them having spoken a word. Other names are Horsebane, from its being thought in Sweden to cause in horses a kind of palsy; (due, as Linnaeus thought, to an insect, _curculio paraplecticus_, which breeds in the stem); and Five-fingered-root, from its five leaflets. The roots contain a poisonous, milky juice, which becomes yellow on exposure to the air, and which exudes from all parts of the plant when wounded. It will be readily seen that because of so virulent a nature the plant is too dangerous for use as a Herbal Simple, though the juice has been known to cure obstinate and severe skin disease. It yields an acrid emetic principle. The root is sometimes applied by country folk to whitlows, but this has proved an unsafe proceeding. The plant has a pleasant odour. Its leaves have been mistaken for Parsley, and its root for the Skirret. The _OEnanthe Phellandrium_ (Water Fennel) is a variety of the same species, but with finer leaves. Pliny gave the seeds, twenty grains for a dose, against stone, and disorders of the bladder. Also they have been commended for cancer. In this country Water Lilies, or Pond Lilies, comprise the White Water Lily--a large native flower inhabiting clear pools and slow rivers--and the Yellow Water Lily, frequent in rivers and ditches, with a yellow, globose flower smelling like brandy, so that it is called "Brandy [605] bottle" in Norfolk and other parts. Its root and stalks contain much tannin. This latter Yellow Lily (_Nuphar lutea_) possesses medicinal virtues against diarrhoea, such as is aggravated in the morning, and against sexual weakness. A tincture is made (H.) from the whole plant with spirit of wine. The second title, _lutea_, signifies growing in the mud; whilst the large white Water Lily is called _Nymphoea_, from occurring in the supposed haunts of the nymphs: and Flatter-dock. The root stocks of the Yellow Water Lily, when bruised, and infused in milk, will destroy beetles and cockroaches. The smoke of the same when burnt will get rid of crickets. The small Yellow Pond Lily bears the name of Candock, from the shape of its seed vessel, like that of a silver can or flagon, and this perhaps has likewise to do with the appellations, "Brandy bottle" and "Water can:" which latter may be given because of the half unfolded leaves floating on the water like cans. The root of the larger white Water Lily is acrid, and will redden the skill if the juice is applied thereto. An Ointment may be made with this juice to stimulate the scalp so as to prevent falling out of the hair. The root contains tannin and mucilage, it is therefore astringent and demulcent. Also the expressed juice from the fresh leaves of this white Water Lily, the "one sinless flower," if used as a head wash, will preserve the hair. "Oh, destinee des choses d'ici bas! Descendre des austerities du Cloitre dans l'officine Cancaniere du perruquier!" Dutch boys are said to be extremely careful about plucking or handling the Water Lily, for, if a boy fall [606] with the flowers in his possession, he is thought to immediately become subject to fits. The Water Pepper (_Polygonum Hydropiper_) or Arsmart, Grows abundantly by the sides of lakes and ditches in Great Britain. It bears a vulgar English name signifying the irritation which it causes when applied to the fundament; and its French sobriquet, _Culrage_, conveys the same meaning:-- "An erbe is the cause of all this rage, In our tongue called Culrage." The plant is further known to rustics as Cyderach, or Ciderage, and as Red-knees, from its red angular points. It possesses an acrid, biting taste, somewhat like that of the Peppermint, which resides in the glandular dots sprinkled about its surface, and which is lost in drying. Fleas will not come into rooms where this herb is kept. It is called also "lake weed." A tradition says that the plant when placed under the saddle will enable a horse to travel for some long time without becoming hungry or thirsty. The Scythians knew this herb (_Hippice_) to be useful for such a purpose. The Water Pepper has its virtues first taught by a beggar of Savoy. It is admirable against syphilis, and to arrest sexual losses: being long adored because "healing the original sin." Farriers use it for curing proud flesh in the sores of animals, and when applied to the human skin, the leaves will serve the purpose of a mustard poultice. Also, a piece of the plant may be chewed to relieve toothache, as well as to cure small ulcers of thrush in the mouth, and pimples on the tongue. The expressed juice of the freshly-gathered plant has been found very useful in jaundice. From one to three [607] tablespoonfuls may be taken for a dose. A hot decoction made from the whole herb (Water Persicaria) has a sheet soaked in it as an American remedy for cholera, the patient being wrapped therein immediately when seized. This herb, together with the _Thuja Occidentalis_ (_Arbor vitoe_) makes the _Anti-venereo_ of Count Mattaei. Another Polygonum, the great Bistort, or Snakeweed, and Adderswort, is a common wild plant in the northern parts of Great Britain, having bent or crooked roots, which are difficult to be extirpated, and are strongly astringent. This Bistort, "twice twisted," on account of its snake-like root, was at one time called _Serpentaria_, _Columbrina_, and _Dracunculus_. It has been thought to be the _Oxylapathum Britannicum_ and _Limonium_ of the ancients. The dose of the root in substance is from twenty to sixty grains. In the North of England the plant is known as Easter Giant, and its young shoots are eaten in herb pudding. About Manchester they are substituted for greens, under the name of Passion's dock. The root may be employed both externally as a poultice, and inwardly as a decoction, when an astringent is needed. It is most useful for a spongy state of the gums, attended with looseness of the teeth. This plant grows in moist meadows, but is not common. Its roots are reddish of colour inside. The Bistort contains starch, and much tannin; likewise its rhizome (crooked root) furnishes gallic acid. The decoction is to be made with an ounce of the bruised root boiled in a pint of water; one tablespoonful of this may be given every two hours in passive bleedings, and for simple diarrhoea. Other names for the [608] plant are Osterick, and Twice writhen (_bis tort_), Red legs, and Man giant, from the French _mangeant_, eatable. WHITETHORN. (_See_ "Hawthorn," _page 245_.) WHORTLEBERRY. (_See_ "Bilberry," _page 52_.) WOODRUFF. Concerning the Sweet Woodruff (_Asperula odorata_), it is a favourite little plant growing commonly in our woods and gardens, with a pleasant smell which, like the good deeds of the worthiest persons, delights by its fragrance most after death. This herb is of the Rubiaceous order, and gets its botanical name from the Latin _asper_, rough, in allusion to the rough leaves possessed by its species. It may be readily recognised by its small white flowers set on a slender stalk, with narrow leaves growing round it in successive whorls, just as in the Cleaver (Goosegrass), which belongs to the same order. The name Woodruffe has been whimsically spelt Woodderowffe, thus:-- Double U, double O, double D, E R, O, double U, double F, E. Its terminal syllable, "ruff," is derived from _rofe_, a wheel,--with the diminutive _rouelle_, a little wheel or rowel, like that of an ancient spur,--which the verticillate leaves of this herb closely resemble. They serve to remind us also of good Queen Bess, and of the high, starched, old-fashioned ruff which she is shown to wear [609] in her portraits. Therefore, the plant is known as Woodrowel. When freshly gathered, it has but little odour, but when dried it exhales a delightful and lasting aroma, like the scent of meadow grass, or of peach blossoms. A fragrant and exhilarating tea may be made from the leaves and blossoms of the sweet Woodruffe, and this is found to be of service in correcting sluggishness of the liver. "When it is desired," says Mr. Johns, "to preserve the leaves merely for their scent, the stem should be cut through just below and above a joint, and the leaves pressed in such a way as not to destroy their star-like arrangement." Gerard tells us: "The flowers are of a very sweet smell, as is the rest of the herb, which, being made up into garlands or bundles, and hanged up in houses, in the heat of summer, doth very well attemper the air, cool and make fresh the place, to the delight and comfort of such as are therein." The agreeable odour of this sweet Woodruffe is due to a chemical principle named "coumarin," which powerfully affects the brain; and the plant further contains citric, malic, and rubichloric acids, together with some tannic acid. Another species of the same genus is the Squinancy Woodruff (_Asperula cynanchica_), so called from the Greek _cynanche_, which means quinsy, because an excellent gargle may be made from this herb for the troublesome throat affection here specified, and for any severe sore throat. Quinsy is called cynanche, from the Greek words, _kuon_, a dog, and _ancho_, to strangle, because the distressed patient is compelled by the swollen state of his highly inflamed throat, to gasp with his mouth open like a choking dog. [610] This plant is found growing in dry pastures, especially on a chalky or limestone soil, but it is not common; it has very narrow leaves, and tufts of lilac flowers. Reverting to the Sweet Woodruff, the dried herb may be kept amongst linen, like lavender, to preserve it from insects. She--"Fresh Woodruff soaks To brew cool drink, and keep away the moth." --_A. Austin, Poet Laureate_. It was formerly employed for strewing churches, littering chambers, and stuffing beds. Withering declares that its strongly aromatic flowers make an infusion which far exceeds even the choice teas of China. The powdered leaves are mixed with fancy snuffs, because of their enduring fragrance. WOODSORRELL (_See also "Docks."_) This elegant little herb, called also French Sorrel, Rabbits' food, Shamrock, and Wood Sour (_Oxalis acetosella_), is abundant throughout our woods, and in other moist, shady places. It belongs to the natural order of Geraniums, and bears the provincial names of Sour trefoil, Cuckoo's bread, or Gowk's-meat, and Stubwort (from growing about the stubs of hewn trees). Its botanical title is got from the Greek word _oxus_, sharp, or acid, because of its penetrating sour taste. This is due to the acid oxalate of potash which it contains abundantly, in common with the Dock Sorrel, and the Garden Rhubarb. By reason of this chemical salt being present in combination with less leafy matter than in the other plants which are akin to it, the Wood Sorrel makes a lighter and more palatable salad. In olden days the Monks named this pretty little [611] woodland plant _Alleluia_, because it blossoms between Easter and Whitsuntide, when the Psalms--from the 113th to the 117th, inclusive--which end with the aspiration, "Hallelujah!" were sung. St. Patrick is said to have shown on the ternate leaf of the Wood Sorrel to his rude audience the possibility of a Trinity in Unity. The herb has been long popular as a Simple for making a fever drink, which is thought to be somewhat sedative to the heart, and for helping to cure scurvy. Also, it has proved useful against intermittent fever. Towards assisting to digest, by their free acid, the immature fibre of young flesh meats, the Wood Sorrel leaves are commonly eaten as a dressing with veal, and lamb. But too habitual use of such a salad or sauce has led to the formation of gouty crystals (oxalate of lime) in the urine, with considerable irritation of the kidneys. Externally, the bruised leaves are of excellent service for cleansing and stimulating foul sores and ulcers, being first macerated in a Cabbage leaf with warmth. This familiar harbinger of Spring, with its three delicate leaflets on a long stalk, and its tiny white flowers, having purple veins like those of the Wood Anemone, bears the fanciful name of Fairy-bells in Welsh districts. Fra Angelico placed the claret-stained flowers in the foreground of his pictures representing the Crucifixion. After the doctrine of signatures, because of its shape like a heart, the leaf of the Wood Sorrel was formerly esteemed as a cordial medicine. It was called in Latin _Panis Cuculi_, meaning the "Cuckoo's bread and cheese." The leaves, when bruised, make with sugar a capital conserve which is refreshing to a fevered stomach, or, if boiled in milk, they form an agreeable sub-acid whey. [612] Twenty pounds of the fresh plant will yield four ounces of the oxalate of potash, commonly known as salt of lemons or salt of sorrel, which is often used for taking ink stains out of linen. Francus, an old classical author, concluded by experiment that the herb is of value (_cordis vires reparare_) to recruit the energies of the heart, and (_anginum abigere_) to dispel the quinsy. Its infusion makes an excellent anti-putrescent gargle. There is also a yellow variety of the Wood Sorrel. WORMWOOD. The common Wormwood (_Artemisia absinthium_) has been partly considered here together with Mugwort, to which it is closely allied. It is a Composite herb of frequent growth on waste ground, being a bushy plant with silky stems, and collections of numerous small heads of dull yellow flowers. The name Wormwood is from _wehren_, to keep off--_mought_, a maggot or moth; and _absinthium_, from-a-negative--_psinthos_, delight, in allusion to the very bitter taste. The whole plant is of an aromatic smell and bitter flavour. The flowers, when dried and powdered, destroy worms more effectually than worm seed, whilst the leaves resist putrefaction and help to make capital antiseptic fomentations. Wormwood tea, or the powdered herb in small doses, mixed in a little soup, will serve to relieve bilious melancholia, and will help to disperse the yellow hue of jaundice from the skin. This herb was formerly thought to possess the power of dispelling demons, and was thus associated with the ceremonials of St. John's Eve, owning the name, on the Continent, of St. John's Herb, or St. John's Girdle. Both it, and the Mugwort were dedicated to Diana: [613] and Venus gave thereof (Ambrose) to AEneas. It bears the provincial name "old woman." The smell of common Wormwood is very refreshing, and its reviving qualities in heated Courts are almost equal to a change of air. Dioscorides declared it a preventive of intoxication, and a remedy for the ill-effects of any such excess; for which reason the _poculum absinthiacum_ was a favourite beverage. Gerard says: "The plant voideth away the worms, not only taken inwardly, but applied outwardly; it withstandeth all putrefactions, and is good against the stinking breath." It keepeth garments also from the moths--_A tineis tutam reddit qua conditur arcam_ (Macer); and Dr. W. Bulleyne says "it keepeth clothes from moths and wormes." This is the great preventive used by cloth manufacturers. "Furthermore," adds Gerard, "taken in wine it is good against the biting of the shrew mouse, and of the sea dragon. It may be applied against the Squincie, or inflammation of the throat, with honey and water: likewise, after the same manner, to dim eyes, and mattery ears." The characteristic odour of the plant is due to a volatile oil which consists mainly of absinthol; and the intensely bitter taste resides in "absinthin." The plant also contains tannin, resin, starch, succinic, malic, and acetic acids, with nitrate of potash, and other salts. In some districts it is popularly called "green ginger." Wormwood is of benefit for strengthless flatulent indigestion. An infusion may be made of an ounce of the dried plant to a pint of boiling water, and given in doses of from one to two tablespoonfuls three times during the day. [614] This infusion with a few drops of the essential oil will prevent the hair from falling off. Absinthe, a liqueur concocted from Wormwood, is used largely in France, and the medical verdict pronounced there about its effects shows that it exercises through the pneumogastric nerve a painful sensation, which has been taken for that of extreme hunger. This feeling goes off quickly if a little alcohol is given, though it is aggravated by coffee, whilst an excessive use of absinthe from day to day is not slow in producing serious symptoms: the stomach ceases to perform its duty, there is an irritative reaction in the brain, and the effects of blind drunkenness come on after each debauch. The French Military call absinthe _un perroquet_. The daily taking even for a short while only of a watery infusion of Wormwood shows its bad effects by a general languor, with obscurities of the sight, giddiness, want of appetite, and painful indigestion. When indulged-in as an appetiser by connoisseurs, absinthe, the "fairy with the green eyes," is modified by admixture with anisette, noted as an "agreeable and bronchitis-palliating" liqueur. As a result of his experiments on animals, Dr. Maignan has come to the conclusion that absinthe (Wormwood) determines tremblings, dulness of thought, and epileptiform convulsions,--symptoms which alcohol alone will not produce. Hence it may be inferred that absinthe contains really a narcotic poison which should prevent its being employed as a liqueur, or as a homely medicament, to any excess. Dogs are given to eat the Wormwood as a remedy for their ailments. Its medicinal and curative uses have been already partly discussed, together with those of _Mugwort_. [615] WOUNDWORT. The Hedge Woundwort (_Stachys sylvatica_) is a common Labiate plant in our hedges and woods, branched and hairy, with whorls of small dull purple flowers on a spike two feet high or more. There are other varieties of the herb, such as the Marsh (March) Woundwort, the Corn Woundwort, and the Downy Woundwort. The Hedge Woundwort was named by Gerard, Clown's all heal, or the Husbandman's Woundwort, because a countryman who had cut his hand to the bone with a scythe, healed the wound in seven days with this plant. It is called by some the Hedge Dead Nettle, from its nettle-like leaves, and the place of its growth. "The leaves," says Gerard, "stampt (pounded) with hog's grease, and applied unto green wounds in the manner of a poultice, heal them in such short time and such absolute manner, that it is hard for anyone that hath not had the experience thereof to believe. For instance, a deep and grievous wound in the breast with a dagger, and two others in the abdomen (or nether belly), so that the fat commonly named the caul, issued forth, the which mortal wounds, by God's permission, and the virtues of this herb, I perfectly cured within twenty days--for the which the name of God be praised." The name _Stachys_ given to this herb, is from the Greek _stakos_, a bunch, because of the arrangement of the flowers. It contains a volatile oil, and a bitter principle undetermined. The _Stachys Germanica_ (Downy Woundwort) is so called from its soft, downy leaves having been employed instead of lint as a surgical dressing to wounds. The plant grows on a chalky soil in Bedfordshire, [616] Berkshire, and Oxfordshire: being named also "Lamb's Ear." This _Stachys lanata_ (Woolly Woundwort) is known as Saviour's blanket, in Sussex; also in Devonshire and Somersetshire, as Mouse's ear, Donkey's ear, and Lamb's tongue. The Knights' Water Woundwort (_Statiotes aloides_) was supposed from its blade-like leaves, acting on the doctrine of signatures, to heal sword wounds. YARROW. The Yarrow, from _hiera_, holy herb (_Achillea millefolium_), or Milfoil, is so called from the very numerous fine segments of its leaves. It is a Composite plant very common on waysides and in pastures throughout Britain. The name _Achillea_ has been bestowed thereupon because the Greek warrior, Achilles, is said to have disclosed its virtues which he had been taught by Chiron, the Centaur. This herb is the _Stratiotes chiliophullos _of the Greek botanists, by whom it was valued as an excellent astringent and vulnerary. But Gerard supposes it may have been the _Achillea millefolium nobile_, which grows with a thick root and longer leaves, on a fat and fruitful soil, a stranger in England, "and the very same with which Achilles cured the wounds of his soldiers." But, he adds, "the virtues of each sort of Milfoil are set to be both alike." The flowers of the Common Yarrow or Nosebleed are white or pink; those of the _Nobile_ are yellow. The popular name of Nosebleed has been given to the Yarrow because the hairy filaments of the leaves, when put up the nose, provoke an exudation of blood, and will thus afford relief to headache, caused by a passive fulness of the vessels. Parkinson says "if it be [617] pat into the nose, assuredly it will stay the bleeding of it," which mast be the' effect of action according to similars. Or if using Yarrow in the same way as a love charm, the following lines were repeated:-- "Green arrow! green arrow! You bear a white blow; If my love love me My nose will bleed now." The leaves have a somewhat fragrant smell, and a bitterish taste. The odour of the flowers, when rubbed between the fingers, is aromatic. In consequence of this pungent, volatile principle, the herb has proved useful in hysteria, flatulence, heartburn, colic, and epilepsy; also, it is employed in Norway for the cure of rheumatism, and sometimes chewed for toothache. Yarrow is one of the few aboriginal English plants, having held the primitive title, _Gearwe_. Greek botanists seem to have known the identical species which we now possess, and to have used it against haemorrhagic losses. It yields, chemically, a dark-green volatile oil, and achilleic acid, which is said to be identical with aconitic acid; also resin, tannin, gum; and earthy ash consisting of nitrates, phosphates, and chlorides of potash and lime. For preparing an infusion of the plant, half an ounce should be boiled down in half a pint of water to six ounces; one tablespoonful for a dose. Sir John Hill says the best way of giving Yarrow is in a strong decoction of the whole plant. A hot infusion of the herb taken freely on going to bed at night seldom fails to make short work of a cold. A medicinal tincture (H.) is prepared from the whole plant with spirit of wine. This, when employed in a diluted form of the first or third decimal strength, and [618] in small doses of from five to ten drops in a tablespoonful of cold water, will act admirably in arresting nocturnal losses in the male; likewise bleeding from the lungs, the kidneys, or the nose, especially in florid, hectic subjects. It has been found by healthy provers that stronger, and larger doses of any preparation of the herb will induce or aggravate one or another of these bleedings. The fresh juice of the plant may be had, a dessert-spoonful three times in the day; or of the volatile essential oil, from three to five drops for a dose. These medicines greatly stimulate and promote the appetite. "For ague," says Parkinson, "drink a decoction of the herb warm before the fit, and so for two or three fits together." Externally, a strong decoction of the leaves has been used as an injection into the nostrils to stay bleeding from the nose. It is similarly of service for piles, and for female floodings, because exerting a special local action on the organs within the middle trunk. The bruised herb, or an ointment made from it, is applied by rustics to heal fresh cuts and contusions. Even in ancient times it was famous as a topical remedy for piles. It is further of benefit for sore nipples as a lotion, and for a relaxed sore throat as a gargle: also as a hair wash. The leaves were applied in former days as a poultice to wounds; and because of its healing and astringent virtues when so used, the plant gained the names Sanguinary, Thousand leaf, Old Man's pepper, Soldiers' Woundwort. Other local names for it are Staunch grass, Carpenters' weed, and Bloodwort: also, "Old Man's Mustard," "Bad Man's Plaything," and "Devil's Plaything." In Gloucestershire and some other parts, the double-flowered Yarrow is brought to a wedding by [619] bridesmaids as "seven years' love." In Cheshire, children draw the herb across the face to produce a tingling sensation, and they call it "Devil's nettle." Culpeper spoke of the same as a profitable herb in cramps, and therefore called _Militaris_. Yarrow, worn in a little bag over the stomach, was the secret (confided to Boyle) of a great lord against ague. A famous physician had used it with strange efficacy. Similarly a charmed packet containing dried Yarrow has been credited with bringing success to its bearer, if at the same time he were admitted to the knowledge of a traditional secret (only whispered to the initiated) that this was the first herb our Saviour had put into His hand when a child. Again, Elspeth Reoch, in 1616, when tried for witchcraft, acknowledged to having employed the Yarrow in her incantations. She "plucked one herbe called Meleflower, sitting on her right knee, and pulling it betwixt the mid-finger and thumbe, and saying: _In nominee Patris, Filii, et Spiritus Sancti_." The Meleflower is the _Achilloea Ptarmica_ or Sneezewort. By the plant so gathered, she was enabled to cure distempers, and to impart the faculty of prediction. YEW. Although the Yew--a Conifer--which is so thoroughly English a tree, is known to be highly poisonous as regards its leaves to the humans subject, and as concerning its loppings or half-dead branches, to oxen, horses, and asses, yet a medicinal tincture (H.) is made from the young shoots, which has distinct and curative uses. Both the Yew and the Ivy were called _abiga_, because [620] causing abortion. From which word when corrupted was formed _iua_; and under this latter name, says Dr. Prior, the Ivy and the Yew became inextricably mixed up. Moreover, the red berries, or their coloured fleshy cups, are not poisonous when taken in moderation, but rejecting the seeds. Gerard says: "When I was yong, and went to schoole, divers of my school-fellows and likewise myself, did eat our fils of the berries of this tree, and have not only slept under the shadow thereof, but among the branches also, without any hurt at all, and that not one time, but many times." Yet Leo Grindon says, much more recently: "Though the juice and pulp of the sweet and viscid berries are not harmful, still the _seeds_ of the Yew, and the _leaves_ are deadly poison." In the _Herbal_ of 1578, Lyte tells us the Yew is altogether venomous, and against man's nature. "Such as do but only sleep under the shadow thereof become sick, and sometimes they die;" and, "the extract of yew is used by ignorant apothecaries to the great peril and danger of the poor diseased people." The Yew tree (_Taxus baccata_) occurs in mountainous woods and rocky glens about Britain, but is rare as of native growth. Its name, Taxus, is a corruption of toxos, an arrow, since arrows in the old time were poisoned with the juice of yew. The tree was planted frequently by our forefathers in churchyards, because of its value in the manufacture of bows. It is exceedingly long lived, and often attains great magnitude of girth. A ghastly superstition was attached to the Yew when thus growing in a churchyard, that it would prey upon [621] the dead bodies lying beneath its sombre shade. So Tennyson writes (_In Memoriam_):-- "Old Yew! which graspest at the stones That name the underlying dead, Thy fibres net the dreamless head, Thy roots are wrapped about the bones." The juice of the tree and of its leaves is a rapidly fatal poison, the symptoms corresponding in a very remarkable way with those which follow the bites of venomous snakes. No known poison but the Yew produces the lazar-like ulcerations upon the body, on which Marlowe lays such stress--(Jew of Malta):-- "In few, the blood of Hydra--Herne's bane, The juice of _Hebron_, and Cocytus' breath, And all the poisons of the Stygian pool." The witches in _Macbeth_ include it in their accursed brew:-- "Liver of blaspheming Jew, Gall of goat, and _Slips of Yew_." The Yew tree is called "Hebon" by Spencer, and "Jew of Malta" by other writers of Shakespeare's time. The leaves are bitter, nauseous, and acrid. The succulent covering of the fruit is soft and slimy, mawkishly sweet, and mucilaginous. The leaves have a dangerous effect on the circulation of the heart, and when taken with any freedom are as fatal as the Foxglove. Before the new Shakespeare Society, 1882, it was contended and proved to the satisfaction of the Society, that "the cursed Hebena," the "leperous distilment poured into the chambers of mine ears," told of, so pathetically, by the sad ghost of Hamlet's father, was the [622] poison of the Yew, and identical with Marlow[e]'s juice of Hebron. Ray mentions that a gardener employed in clipping a Yew tree at Pisa, could not proceed with his work for more than half-an-hour at a time without being seized with a violent pain in the head. Nevertheless, deer, sheep, and goats can eat the foliage with impunity. The fresh leaves were administered to three children near Manchester for worms. Yawning and listlessness came on, and the eldest vomited a little, but neither of them complained of any pain. They all died within a few hours of each other. Because being then green, on the Sunday next before Easter, the branches of the Yew tree have been used as a substitute for the Palms which symbolise the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The symptoms induced by provings of the leaves and juice in toxic quantities, have been sick headache, with giddiness, feeble, faltering pulse, coldness of the extremities, diarrhoea, and general prostration. So that for this combination of symptoms, as in severe biliousness, or as in the auditory vertigo of Meniere's disease, small doses of the diluted tincture are found to give prompt and effectual relief. The leaves contain a volatile oil, tannin, and a bitter principle "taxina," which is also furnished by the seeds. An extract of Yew has been pronounced a useful narcotic by more than one physician of repute: and in some parts of Germany a decoction of the wood is a well-known remedy against hydrophobia. A jelly prepared from the berries has been given for chronic bronchitis, and the leaves have been used for epilepsy; likewise they have been taken by ignorant persons to induce abortion, but with serious injury to the experimenter. In some rural districts the berries [623] are known as "Snots"; whilst the wood and roots are "Wire thorn." By an old statute of Edward the First, trees were required to be placed in churchyards to defend the church from high winds, the clergy being allowed to cut them down for repairing the chancel when necessary. Perhaps, partly for this reason, the Yew was commonly planted by the side of a newly-built church. That its wood was certainly employed for making bows, we learn from Shakespeare:-- "Thy very beadsmen learn to bend their bows Of double-fatal Yew against thy state." It was "double-fatal," because the leaves and fruit seeds are poisonous, and the bows made from its branches, as well as arrows armed with its deadly juice, were instruments of death. Against the maladies which have been specified as indicating the tincture of Yew for their cure, from five to ten drops of the third decimal tincture should be given, with a spoonful of water, every two, three, or four hours, whilst required. In Switzerland the Yew is known as William's tree, in memory of Tell. Formerly the name was spelt "Eugh," "Yeugh," and "Ewgh." Spenser says:-- "The Eugh--obedient to the bender's will." In olden times the Olitory, or Herb-garden, formed an important annex to all demesnes having any pretensions to completeness, and was under "My Lady's" [624] special charge. In fact, the culture and preparing of Simples formed a part of every lady's education. "My Lord's" retainers and tenants, when out of sorts, were treated with these wholesome remedies, and were directed to find in Simples the cure for all ordinary ailments. Good George Herbert, of Country Parson celebrity, taught, 1620:-- "In the knowledge of Simples, wherein the manifold wisdom of God is wonderfully to be seen, one thing should be carefully observed, which is, to know what herbs may be used instead of drugs of the same nature, and to make the garden the shop; for, home-bred medicines are both more easy for the Parson's purse, and more familiar for all men's bodies. So where the Apothecary useth either for loosing, Rhubarb, or for binding, Bole Armena; the Parson useth Damask, or White Roses for the one, and Plantain, Shepherd's Purse, or Knotgrass for the other: and that with better success. As for Spices, he doth not only prefer home-bred things before them, but condemns them for vanities, and so shuts them out of his family, esteeming that there is no spice comparable of herbs to Rosemary, Thyme, Savory, Mints: and of seeds to Fennel and Carraway. Accordingly for salves his wife seeks not the city, but prefers her garden and fields, before all outlandish gums. And, surely, Hyssop, Valerian, Mercury, Adder's tongue, Yarrow, Melilot, and St. John's Wort, made into a salve, and Elder, Camomile, Mallows, Comphrey, and Smallage, made into a poultice have done great, and rare cures!" [625] INDEX. AGE, Old, to Promote. Agrimony, Hemp . . . 19 Apples . . . 27-31 Chamomile . . . 86 Chervil . . . 101 Cider . . . 81 Elder . . . 168 Fennel . . . 182 Fig . . . 196 Honey . . . 258 Lemon . . . 303 Mountain Ash . . . 350 Oat drink . . . 397 Orchis Salep . . . 405 Sage . . . 490 Sago . . . 155 Sea Holly (Eryngo) . . . 499 Sugar . . . 257 AGUE, and Intermittent Fever. Agrimony, Hemp . . . 19 Chestnut, Horse . . . 102 Cinquefoil, Creeping . . . 515 Cloves oil . . . 396 Feverfew . . . 193 Flag, Sweet . . . 202 Lemon . . . 302 Mercury, Dog's . . . 332 Nettle . . . 385 Parsley seed . . . 409 Parsnip, Wild . . . 414 Plantain, Ribwort . . . 435 Rush, sweet-scented . . . 480 Sage . . . 492 Skullcap, Greater . . . 517 Sunflower . . . 547-549 Verbena-vervain . . . 588 Woodsorrel . . . 611 Yarrow . . . 618 ALBUMINURIA, _see_ URINE. ANEURISM of Heart. Club moss . . . 115 ANTISEPTIC and Germ Destroying. Agrimony . . . 19 Angelica . . . 24 Camphor . . . 338 Carrot . . . 88 Centaury . . . 97 Cinnamon bark . . . 390 Clove . . . 395 Currant, Red, juice . . . 138 Elecampane . . . 173 Garlic . . . 215 Hop . . . 266 Juniper . . . 294 Mountain Ash jelly . . . 350 Mustard flour . . . 377 Onion tribe . . . 211 Orange . . . 403 Peppermint . . . 340 Rosemary . . . 473 Rue . . . 478 Sage . . . 490 Sorrel . . . 161 Tamarind . . . 551 Tansy . . . 554 Tar . . . 582 Thistle, Sow . . . 558 --Carline . . . 558 Thymol . . . 563 Tomato . . . 569 Wormwood . . . 355,612 [626] APPETITE, to Improve. Asafetida (Garlic) . . . 220 Lettuce . . . 309 Orange . . . 403 Parsnip . . . 414 Samphire . . . 497 Sorrel . . . 161 Yarrow . . . 618 ASTHMA. Anise . . . 26 Bee propolis . . . 260 Cabbage, Red . . . 75 Coltsfoot (to smoke) . . . 118 Elder . . . 166 Elecampane candy . . . 173 Garlic . . . 215 Horehound, white . . . 267 Hyssop . . . 278 Mace . . . 395 Mullein . . . 361 Mustard, Hedge . . . 382 Nettle . . . 387 Onion tincture . . . 212 Pine, yellow (pillow) . . . 577 Primrose, Evening (with diarrhoea) . . . 450 Rosemary, wild (gouty) . . . 475 Sow Thistle . . . 559 Speedwell . . . 528 Vernal grass (Hay) . . . 241 ATROPHY and Wasting. Acorn (of children) . . . 16 Daisy (from youthful indiscretions) . . . 144 Dandelion . . . 151 Iceland Moss . . . 501 Truffle . . . 371 Vine (of young women) . . . 588 BACK, Injury to Spine. Saint John's Wort . . . 289 BILIOUS Disorders, and Jaundice. Agrimony . . . 18 Apple (sluggish liver) . . . 27 Asparagus . . . 37 Barberry . . . 42 Carrot . . . 89 Celandine, Greater . . . 99, 603 Chickweed . . . 106 Cinquefoil, Creeping . . . 516 Dandelion . . . 149 Egg . . . 150 Flag, blue (bilious sickness) . . . 199 Gooseberry, red . . . 225 Grape cure . . . 239, 588 Hemp Agrimony . . . 20 Hop . . . 264 Hyssop, Hedge . . . 280 Ivy cup (spleen congested) . . . 282 Knapweed . . . 296 Lemon juice . . . 301 Lime . . . 317 Marigold . . . 327 Mullein (with megrims) . . . 361 Orach . . . 229 Orange . . . 402 Parsnip, wild . . . 414 Radish tincture . . . 487 Samphire (spleen congested) . . . 498 Spindle . . . 531 Spleenwort fern . . . 190 Strawberry . . . 539 Succory (melancholy) . . . 541 Tamarind . . . 551 Thistle, Blessed . . . 558 --Milk . . . 557 Toadflax . . . 567 Tomato . . . 571 Water Pepper (with sore fundament) . . . 606 Woodruff . . . 609 Wormwood (with melancholy) . . . 612 Yew (severe) . . . 622 BLADDER, _see_ Urine. BLEEDING. Acorn . . . 17 Agaric, Oak (amadou) . . . 370 [627] Bistort, great . . . 607 Bramble . . . 54 Burnet Saxifrage . . . 431 Cinnamon (from bowels) . . . 392 Comfrey . . . 120 Fern, Hart's tongue . . . 187 Goosegrass . . . 233 John's Wort, Saint . . . 288 Lavender, Sea (from kidney) . . . 300 Lemon . . . 303 Mistletoe (from womb) . . . 348 Moss, Iceland (from lungs) . . . 500 Nettle, White . . . 386 Periwinkle, Lesser . . . 428 Plantain, Water . . . 436 Puff-ball . . . 366 Quince . . . 454 Saffron (from nose) . . . 489 Sanicle . . . 509 Shepherd's Purse . . . 514 Sloe . . . 518 Strawberry (root and leaf) . . . 537 Tormentil . . . 573 Turpentine (from lungs, or kidneys) . . . 577 Yarrow (from nose) . . . 618 BLOODLESSNESS. Marigold, Marsh . . . 330 BOILS. Daisy . . . 144 Dock . . . 159 Fig . . . 196 Groundsel . . . 245 Honey . . . 259 Parsley, Stone . . . 413 Radish (carbuncle) . . . 457 BOWELS and Stomach. CATARRH-- Grape . . . 239 Quince seed . . . 452 BRAIN. TO STRENGTHEN-- Apple . . . 27 Balm . . . 41 Cress . . . 127 Oat . . . 154 Rosemary . . . 470 Sage . . . 491 CONGESTION OF-- Darnel (active) . . . 243 Lettuce, wild . . . 311 Saffron . . . 488 ANGRY EXCITABILITY-- Cat Mint . . . 345 BREAST. CANCER OF-- Goosegrass . . . 233 Marjoram . . . 332 Parsley . . . 411 SWOLLEN WITH MILK-- Parsley leaves . . . 409 Yarrow (sore nipples) . . . 618 BRONCHITIS. RECENT CATARRH-- Daffodil (children) . . . 143 Eyebright . . . 176 Fig . . . 197 Flax, Linseed . . . 263 Yarrow . . . 617 CHRONIC-- Angelica . . . 24 Anise (of children) . . . 25 Coltsfoot . . . 119 Elecampane . . . 174 Garlic . . . 215 Ginger . . . 392 Horehound, white . . . 267 Hyssop . . . 278 Ivy, Ground . . . 284 Mace . . . 395 Moon Daisy . . . 147 Mustard, white . . . 381 Onion . . . 210 Radish . . . 456 Rue compress . . . 477 [628] Sow Thistle (wheezy) . . . 559 Sundew . . . 544 Tar . . . 581 Turpentine . . . 577 Yew . . . 622 BRUISES. Agrimony . . . 19 Bryony, white (black eye) . . . 66 Caraway poultice . . . 83 Chervil . . . 101 Comfrey . . . 120 Daisy . . . 145 Elder, Dwarf . . . 172 Fern, Royal . . . 186 Hyssop (black eye) . . . 279 Mullein oil . . . 362 Pea . . . 416 Shepherd's Purse . . . 513 Solomon's Seal (broken bones) . . . 525 Verjuice . . . 238 Vinegar poultice . . . 240 Yarrow . . . 618 BUGS, to Expel. Agaric . . . 369 Lavender . . . 297 Tansy . . . 553 BUNION. Vinegar poultice . . . 240 BURRS and SCALDS. Bilberry . . . 53 Blackberry . . . 54 Brooklime . . . 431 Dock, Wayside . . . 158 Elder . . . 168 Fern, Hart's tongue . . . 187 House Leek . . . 275 Lettuce leaf . . . 311 Lime, sweet . . . 317 Linseed Flax . . . 203 Marigold . . . 329 Marsh Mallow . . . 324 Nettle . . . 385 Potato, raw . . . 445 CANCER. Belladonna (external) . . . 389 Clover, red . . . 110 Comfrey root . . . 595 Crowfoot, Ranunculus . . . 73 Egg shells . . . 150, 458 Goosegrass . . . 232 Hemlock juice (external) . . . 251 Hoglouse . . . 565 Lemon juice (of tongue) . . . 301 Livelong Sedum . . . 276 Marjoram (of breast) . . . 332 Marigold . . . 328 Opium . . . 440 Parsley leaves (tumours) . . . 411 Ragwort . . . 458 Shepherd's Purse . . . 513 Stitchwort . . . 536 Stone crop . . . 277 Thistle, Milk . . . 557 Tomato (for, or against) . . . 570 Turpentine Chian (of womb) . . . 579 Wartwort (Celandine, greater) . . . 603 Water Fennel . . . 604 Water Hemlock . . . 251 CARBUNCLE. Radish juice . . . 457 Savin . . . 494 CHAPPED HANDS. Fern, Polypody . . . 190 Groundsel . . . 245 Juniper gum . . . 294 Leek . . . 220 Spearmint . . . 342 CHICKEN POCK. Nettle . . . 885 CHILBLAINS. Agaric, Fly mushroom . . . 870 Bryony, black . . . 68 Butcher's Broom . . . 65 Capsicum friction . . . 80 [629] Leek . . . 220 Onion (to unbroken) . . . 211 Potato (frost bite) . . . 445 Rosemary, wild . . . 474 CHOLERA. Camphor . . . 338 Elecampane . . . 174 Water pepper . . . 607 COLD and CATARRH. FOR FRESH COLD-- Anemone, Wood . . . 21 Balm tea . . . 41 Barley water . . . 48 Borage . . . 61 Camphor . . . 337 Herb Bennet . . . 48 Ivy, ground . . . 285 Lime, sweet tea . . . 317 Linseed Flax . . . 203 Yarrow . . . 617 FOR CONTINUED CATARRH-- Anise (of infants) . . . 25 Borage (feverish) . . . 61 Dog's Mercury . . . 333 Elder . . . 167 Eyebright . . . 176 Fig pulp . . . 197 Hemp Agrimony . . . 20 Honey . . . 260 Lemon . . . 303 Maiden-hair fern . . . 189 Mustard (apply) . . . 377 Onion (tincture and broth) . . . 212 Pellitory, Spanish (of head) . . . 425 Peppermint spray . . . 339 Poppy, red (pleurisy) . . . 438 Quince . . . 452 Saint John's Wort . . . 288 Soapwort (inflamed lungs) . . . 523 Thistle, Milk . . . 557 Turnip (with hoarseness) . . . 575 Viper's Bugloss . . . 595 COLIC of Bowels. Chamomile . . . 85 Fennel (of infants) . . . 181 Ground Ivy (lead colic) . . . 286 Marjoram . . . 332 Peppermint . . . 339 Poppy (foment) . . . 439 Rice . . . 462 Silver-weed . . . 515 Tormentil . . . 573 Turpentine . . . 579 Walnut (inner skin) . . . 599 CONSTIPATION of Bowels. Apple . . . 28 Barberry . . . 42 Brooklime . . . 431 Bryony, white . . . 66 Buckthorn (black alder) . . . 70 Bugloss . . . 594 Clove . . . 396 Dill seed . . . 157 Dock, Herb Patience . . . 159 --Water, great . . . 164 Dodder . . . 112 Dwarf, Elder . . . 171 Elder . . . 167 Fig . . . 197 Flag, Stinking . . . 201 Flax seed . . . 203 Flax, Purging . . . 204 Gingerbread . . . 393 Grape . . . 237 Groundsel . . . 244 Honey . . . 262 Horse Chestnut . . . 102 Hyssop, Hedge . . . 280 Ivy, Gum . . . 282 Lettuce, Wild . . . 308 Liquorice . . . 319 Maidenhair fern . . . 188 Mallow . . . 323 Marigold . . . 328 Mulberry . . . 357 Mustard, white seeds . . . 381 Oatmeal . . . 398 Peach flowers . . . 418 [630] Periwinkle, greater (children) . . . 427 Perry . . . 422 Plantain . . . 436 Plum, electuary . . . 521 Polypody fern . . . 190 Prune . . . 521 Psyllium seeds . . . 430 Sea Cabbage . . . 76 Sea Holly . . . 500 Sloe (gently laxative) . . . 519 Sowbread . . . 451 Spinach (for aged) . . . 530 Spindle . . . 532 Spurge, Wood . . . 533 Strawberry . . . 538 Succory (children) . . . 541 Tamarind . . . 551 Thistle, Carline . . . 558 Toadflax . . . 566 Tomato sauce . . . 569 Turpentine (with colic) . . . 579 Valerian (chronic) . . . 584 Violet, Dog . . . 594 Violet, Sweet . . . 591 Walnut, green . . . 601 CONSUMPTION of Lungs. Acorn, oak bark . . . 17 Agaric, Fly (night sweats) . . . 370 Balm . . . 41 Carraigeen Moss . . . 500 Carrot (children) . . . 89 Cow . . . 126 Cresses . . . 131 Dandelion . . . 151 Date . . . 152 Elecampane . . . 175 Grape cure . . . 239, 588 Ground Ivy . . . 286 Horehound . . . 268 Iceland Moss . . . 500 Marigold, Corn (night sweats) . . . 326 Mugwort . . . 354 Mullein milk . . . 359 Nettle . . . 385 Ox eye Daisy . . . 147 Peppermint oil (inhale) . . . 341 Pimpernel . . . 429 Plantain, Greater (blood spitting) . . . 434 Poppy, Sea . . . 441 Rice . . . 463 Rose, French crimson . . . 465 Saffron . . . 488 Snails . . . 118, 409 Speedwell . . . 528 Strawberry . . . 538 Succory . . . 541 Sundew (of wind pipe) . . . 544 Terebene . . . 578 Thyme . . . 564 Vine . . . 588 Violet sugar . . . 591 Watercress . . . 131 CONVULSIONS. Chickweed (of children) . . . 106 Henbane necklace . . . 253 Mistletoe . . . 345 Mugwort (children) . . . 354 Orange . . . 401 Parsley, Fool's . . . 413 CORDIAL. Allspice . . . 396 Asafetida . . . 219 Balm . . . 39 Blackberry . . . 55 Borage . . . 60, 595 Burnet Saxifrage . . . 431 Calamint . . . 344 Caraway . . . 82 Cat-thyme . . . 565 Chervil . . . 101 Cinnamon . . . 390 Citron (restorative) . . . 301 Coriander . . . 123 Cumin . . . 135 Elecampane . . . 173 Fennel . . . 179 Flag, Sweet . . . 201 Grapes . . . 238 [631] Horse Radish . . . 270 Hyssop . . . 278 Juniper berries . . . 291 Lavender . . . 296 Lime . . . 317 Lupine . . . 306 Marigold broth . . . 327 Marjoram . . . 331 Mead (honey) . . . 259 Mint, Garden . . . 334 Mustard . . . 380 Nutmeg . . . 393 Pansy . . . 589 Parsnip . . . 414 Peach . . . 419 Pear, perry . . . 422 Pennyroyal . . . 335 Peppermint . . . 339 Pink . . . 433 Primrose, Evening . . . 450 Quince . . . 453 Rosemary . . . 470 Saffron (noble) . . . 486 Sage (for indigestion) . . . 490 Sloe . . . 519 Spearmint . . . 343 Strawberry . . . 538 Tansy . . . 553 Tarragon . . . 555 Thistle, Carline . . . 558 Thyme, Wild . . . 562 Verbena . . . 587 Viper's Bugloss . . . 595 Wallflower . . . 596 Woodruff . . . 609 Woodsorrel . . . 612 CORNS. Celandine, greater . . . 94 House leek . . . 275 Ivy leaf . . . 282 Potato, boiled . . . 445 Radish juice . . . 456 COUGH. Bean . . . 416 Bryony, white (bronchial) . . . 67 Cabbage . . . 75 Chamomile (nervous) . . . 85 Cherry, Wild . . . 99 Coltsfoot . . . 117 Dock, yellow curled (bronchial) . . . 163 Elder (croupy) . . . 166 Elecampane . . . 174 Fennel (chronic) . . . 181 Fern, Maidenhair . . . 189 Fig . . . 197 Hedge mustard . . . 381 Hemlock vapour . . . 250 Honey . . . 259 Horehound, Water . . . 269 Horehound, White . . . 267 Lime, Sweet (hard cough) . . . 317 Linseed Flax . . . 203 Liquorice (if hoarse) . . . 319 Marsh Mallow . . . 323 Moon Daisy . . . 147 Mullein (smoke) . . . 361 Mustard, Hedge . . . 382 Nutmeg (chronic) . . . 395 Parietary (old cough) . . . 424 Pear . . . 423 Peppermint . . . 341 Radish (chronic and bilious) . . . 457 Rosemary, wild . . . 474 Speedwell . . . 528 Sundew . . . 544 Turnip syrup . . . 575 Turpentine (bronchial) . . . 578 Violet (spasmodic) . . . 593 Wall Rue (bronchial) . . . 191 Wart-wort (spasmodic) . . . 603 CRAMP. Cork . . . 426 Mullein root . . . 361 Periwinkle, lesser (legs) . . . 426 Silverweed (belly) . . . 515 Yarrow . . . 619 CROUP. Elder . . . 166 [632] DEAFNESS, _see_ EAR. DEBILITY, General. Chestnut, sweet . . . 105 Fig . . . 196 Hop . . . 264 Lentil . . . 305 Lily of the Valley (nervous) . . . 315 Lupine . . . 306 Mushroom, French . . . 374 Nettle-urtication . . . 384 Orange, bitter . . . 403 Potato, sweet . . . 442 Sage . . . 491 Salep . . . 405 Sea Holly . . . 499 Spinach . . . 530 Truffles (children) . . . 371 DELIRIUM TREMENS. Capsicum . . . 79 Chamomile . . . 87 DIABETES. Apple bark . . . 29 Asparagus . . . 36 Fern, Hart's-tongue . . . 188 Iceland Moss . . . 501 Knapweed . . . 296 Stitchwort, greater . . . 536 DIARRHOEA. ACTIVE LOOSENESS-- Barberry (bilious) . . . 42 Camphor (choleraic) . . . 338 Cinnamon . . . 391 Fool's Parsley . . . 413 Radish . . . 457 Spurge, Wood . . . 534 CHRONIC LOOSENESS-- Fruit, fresh . . . 455 Hart's-tongue Fern . . . 187 House Leek . . . 276 Orchis (Salep) . . . 407 Periwinkle, lesser . . . 428 Quince . . . 453 Sloe . . . 519 Strawberry . . . 540 Water Lily, yellow (for morning looseness) . . . 605 SIMPLE LOOSENESS-- Agrimony . . . 19 Bilberry . . . 52 Bistort, great . . . 607 Blackberry . . . 54 Chamomile (children) . . . 85 Cinquefoil . . . 515 Flag, Sweet . . . 200 Flag, Yellow . . . 202 Flax Purging . . . 204 Ginger . . . 392 Lime Blossom . . . 317 Mace . . . 395 Marsh Mallow . . . 323 Mountain Ash . . . 351 Nutmeg . . . 394 Peppermint . . . 339 Pulsatilla (catarrhal) . . . 21 Rice . . . 462 Service tree . . . 352 Silverweed . . . 515 Tormentil . . . 573 DIPHTHERIA. Betony, Stone-crop . . . 276 Peppermint oil . . . 342 Tar . . . 580 Turpentine . . . 580 DISINFECTANTS, _see_ ANTI-SEPTICS. DIZZINESS, _see_ GIDDINESS. DRINK, Alcoholic. EFFECTS TO DISPEL-- Acorn spirit . . . 16 Angelica . . . 24 Cabbage . . . 77 Capsicum . . . 79 Chamomile . . . 87 Darnel . . . 243 Ivy . . . 283 Sorrel . . . 161 Strawberry . . . 539 Watercress . . . 133 Wormwood . . . 613 [633] DROPSY. Artichoke, Globe . . . 549 Asparagus (heart) . . . 36 Bee sting . . . 261 Blackberry . . . 55 Broom (heart) . . . 62 Butcher's broom . . . 65 Cabbage . . . 77 Christmas Rose . . . 108 Currant, Black, leaves . . . 140 Fennel . . . 181 Hyssop, hedge . . . 279 Juniper berries (kidney) . . . 292 Lily of the Valley (heart) . . . 315 Onion . . . 210 Pellitory of Wall (heart) . . . 424 Plantain, Water . . . 436 Rosemary (heart) . . . 472 Shepherd's Purse (kidney) . . . 512 Toadflax . . . 566 DROWSINESS. Nutmeg . . . 894 DYSENTERY. Bilberry . . . 52 Daffodil . . . 143 Fruit, fresh . . . 455 Hart's-tongue Fern . . . 187 House Leek . . . 275 Hyssop, Hedge . . . 280 Iceland Moss . . . 501 Marsh Mallow . . . 323 Mustard, Hedge . . . 382 Quince . . . 454 Rice . . . 463 Sanicle . . . 509 Service Tree . . . 352 Strawberry, wild . . . 537 Violet, sweet (infants) . . . 591 EARS. EAR-ACHE, OR DEAFNESS-- Cabbage . . . 75 Capsicum . . . 80 Caraway poultice . . . 82 Cat's tail . . . 482 Chamomile . . . 86 Christmas Rose . . . 108 Fennel . . . 182 Feverfew (with headache) . . . 194 Garlic . . . 216 Ground Ivy . . . 286 Marigold . . . 328 Mullein (with eczema, or abscess) . . . 362 Onion poultice . . . 211 Plaintain, greater . . . 434 Pulsatilla (catarrhal) . . . 21 Spurge, Wood . . . 534 Yew tincture (giddiness from ear) . . . 622 ECZEMA, _see_ SKIN. EPILEPSY, Falling Sickness. Bryony, white . . . 66 Carrot flower . . . 88 Clover, sweet . . . 113 Club Moss . . . 116 Cuckoo flower . . . 134 Daffodil . . . 143 Elder flower . . . 171 Fool's Parsley . . . 412 Goose Grass . . . 234 Juniper berries . . . 293 Lime, sweet . . . 317 Marsh Marigold . . . 331 Mistletoe . . . 346 Mugwort coals . . . 354 Mullein . . . 360 Orange flower . . . 401 Parsley . . . 408, 412 --Fool's . . . 412 Pimpernel . . . 429 Pink . . . 433 Rose, red . . . 466 Rue . . . 476 Skullcap, greater . . . 517 Sea Holly . . . 499 Sea water (gold) . . . 508 Thyme, wild . . . 562 Turpentine . . . 579 Valerian . . . 584 [634] Violet, sweet . . . 593 Wormwood . . . 614 Yarrow . . . 617 Yew . . . 622 ERYSIPELAS. Bee sting . . . 260 House Leek . . . 275 Primula . . . 449 Strawberry, wild . . . 537 EYES. FOR WEAK OR INFLAMED-- Apple poultice . . . 28 Cabbage (scrofulous) . . . 78 Capsicum . . . 80 Clary . . . 492 Eyebright . . . 177 Fennel . . . 180 Fool's Parsley (scrofulous) . . . 412 House Leek . . . 275 Ivy . . . 282 Marsh Mallow . . . 324 Parsley . . . 409 Rose water . . . 466 Saint John's Wort . . . 288 Saliva . . . 178 Sloe . . . 519 Snail poultice . . . 411 Strawberry . . . 539 Succory (amaurosis) . . . 541 Turpentine (rheumatic) . . . 577 Valerian . . . 585 Verbena . . . 587 TO STRENGTHEN VISION-- Asafetida . . . 219 Blackthorn . . . 519 Bogbean (amaurosis) . . . 59 Caraway . . . 83 Darnel . . . 243 Fennel (for cataract) . . . 180 Fumitory . . . 208 Parsley . . . 409 Puffball . . . 368 Rice . . . 477 Saffron . . . 488 Stitchwort . . . 536 Thyme, wild . . . 563 Vine sap . . . 238 TO REDUCE A BLACK EYE-- Bryony, white . . . 66 Hyssop . . . 273 TO REMOVE SPECKS-- Celandine, greater . . . 94 Meadow sage . . . 492 SIGHT IMPAIRED BY THE USE OF-- Chicory . . . 542 Parsley . . . 409 Rice (in excess) . . . 477 Stye in eye (gold ring) . . . 515 FAINTING, For. Dodder . . . 112 Nutmeg . . . 394 Rosewater, sprinkle . . . 467 FAT, to Reduce. Bladderwrack . . . 504 Fennel seed . . . 181 Goose Grass . . . 233 FATIGUE, to Lessen. Grapes . . . 239 Honey . . . 257 Hop . . . 264 Sorrel soup . . . 160 FERTILITY, to Promote. Leek . . . 220 Potato . . . 446 FEVER, to Allay. Apple tea . . . 30 Barley water . . . 45 Currant, Red, juice . . . 138 Fumitory (malarious) . . . 208 Grapes . . . 236 Lemon (intermittent) . . . 302 Lettuce, garden 310 [635] Marigold (low fever) . . . 328 Quince . . . 454 Raspberry vinegar . . . 460 Rice . . . 463 Rose, French crimson . . . 464 Soapwort (low fever) . . . 523 Sorrel, Wood . . . 162-611 Strawberry (putrid) . . . 540 Tamarind . . . 551 Vernal Grass (hay fever) . . . 241 FLATULENCE. Angelica . . . 23 Aniseed . . . 25 Burnet Saxifrage . . . 430 Capsicum . . . 81 Caraway . . . 82 Cinnamon . . . 391 Clove . . . 396 Club Moss . . . 114 Coriander . . . 123 Cumin . . . 136 Dill (Infants) . . . 156 Fennel seed . . . 181 Flag, Sweet . . . 201 Ginger . . . 392 Juniper berries . . . 293 Lavender . . . 297 Nutmeg . . . 393 Orange, Seville . . . 403 Peppermint . . . 339 Pink . . . 438 Rice (to avoid) . . . 462 Rue . . . 475 Spearmint . . . 343 Tansy . . . 553 Thyme, wild . . . 562 Turnips (to avoid) . . . 575 Valerian . . . 585 Wormwood . . . 613 Yarrow . . . 617 FLEAS, and other Insects, to destroy. Lavender oil . . . 296 Pennyroyal . . . 334 Walnut . . . 600 Water-lily, yellow . . . 605 Water Pepper . . . 606 Wormwood . . . 355 FLIES, to destroy, or prevent. Chamomile . . . 85 Elder . . . 165 Feverfew . . . 193 Horehound . . . 268 Toadflax . . . 566 FRECKLES, to Remove. Anise . . . 26 Cowslip . . . 125 Fumitory . . . 208 Savin . . . 494 Silverweed . . . 515 Solomon's Seal . . . 525 Speedwell . . . 529 Strawberry . . . 540 FROST-BITES, for Potato flour . . . 445 FRUITS which do not turn Acid in Stomach. Apple . . . 29 Mulberry . . . 358 Quince . . . 454 Raspberry . . . 460 Strawberry . . . 538 FUNDAMENT, SORE, _and see_ PILES. Fig . . . 197 Figwort water . . . 198 Hemlock, apply . . . 249 Nettle, (for itching of) . . . 385 Thyme, Cat . . . 565 Water Pepper . . . 606 GIDDINESS. Chestnut, Horse . . . 103 Cowslip . . . 125 Lily of the Valley . . . 314 Mistletoe (epileptiform) . . . 349 Nutmeg . . . 393 [636] Parsley . . . 408 Rue . . . 476 Spearmint . . . 343 Tansy . . . 553 Thistle, Blessed . . . 558 Yew, (connected with ear) . . . 622 GLANDS, Scrofulous, Enlarged to Reduce. Bladderwrack (goitre) . . . 503 Burdock . . . 163 Clover, sweet . . . 113 Cresses . . . 130 Cumin, plaster . . . 136 Dock, yellow curled . . . 163 Dodder . . . 112 Dulse . . . 501 Fennel . . . 182 Foxglove ointment . . . 206 Garlic . . . 215 Goosegrass . . . 232 Hemlock . . . 251 House Leek . . . 275 Linseed oil . . . 203 Marjoram (of breast) . . . 332 Mugwort . . . 356 Parsley (and snails) . . . 409 Peach (goitre) . . . 419 Rose Rock . . . 470 Sea Tang . . . 502 Sea Weeds . . . 497 Valerian . . . 584 Walnut . . . 601 Watercress . . . 131 Water Figwort (of neck) . . . 198 GOLD. In sea water . . . 507 GOUT. Apple . . . 28 Asparagus . . . 36 Blackberry . . . 55 Carrot (with gravel) . . . 88 Currant, black . . . 139 Daisy . . . 144 Ginger . . . 392 Goutweed . . . 236 Grape cure . . . 239 Hemlock, apply . . . 249 Horehound, Black . . . 269 Hungary water . . . 472 Lily of the Valley . . . 316 Meadow Saffron . . . 484 Mugwort . . . 354 Mullein . . . 360 Nettle . . . 385 Nutmeg . . . 394 Pear, wild . . . 423 Rosemary, wild (with eczema) . . . 474 Speedwell . . . 529 Strawberry . . . 538 Succory . . . 541 Tansy . . . 552 FRUIT PROPER FOR GOUTY PERSONS-- Apple . . . 29 Mulberry . . . 358 Quince . . . 454 Raspberry . . . 460 Strawberry . . . 538 FRUITS IMPROPER FOR THE GOUTY-- Grapes, sweet . . . 236 Rhubarb, garden . . . 160 Sorrel . . . 160 Tomato, uncooked . . . 569 Wood Sorrel . . . 160, 611 GRAPE CURE. Grape cure . . . 239 GRAVEL, _see_ URINE. GUM BOIL. Fig, split . . . 196 HAIR. TO PROMOTE THE GROWTH OF-- Artichoke, Jerusalem . . . 549 Daffodil . . . 143 [637] Honey water . . . 260 Lavender oil . . . 297 Lemon juice (to remove dandriff) . . . 304 Maidenhair Fern . . . 188 Mullein . . . 361 Mustard oil . . . 376 Rosemary spirit . . . 472 Saint John's Wort . . . 289 Savin . . . 494 Southernwood . . . 527 Spindle (remove scurf) . . . 531 Verbena . . . 587 Wall Rue . . . 191 Water Lily, yellow . . . 605 Wormwood . . . 356, 614 TO DYE DARK-- Bramble . . . 56 Elder juice . . . 168 Oranges, green . . . 403 Walnut juice . . . 599 TO REMOVE SUPERFLUOUS HAIR-- Fern Oak . . . 190 Fumitory . . . 207 Spurge, Wood . . . 533 FOR FIXING THE HAIR-- Quince Bandoline . . . 452 HEADACHE. FROM ACTIVE FULNESS, WITH HOT SKIN, AND FLUSHED FACE-- Basil . . . 46 Elder . . . 188 Mustard paper . . . 378 Parsley . . . 408 Tansy . . . 553 PASSIVE FULNESS OF HEAD, WITH GENERAL COLDNESS AND PALLOR-- Betony . . . 49 Buttercup . . . 73 Clover, sweet . . . 112 Cowslip . . . 125 Elecampane (costive) . . . 175 Flag, yellow . . . 200 Ginger . . . 392 Groundsel . . . 245 Lettuce, Wild (dull and striped) . . . 311 Mustard . . . 377 Primrose . . . 448 Puffball powder . . . 367 Tansy . . . 553 Yarrow (for making nose bleed) . . . 616 NERVOUS HEADACHE AND HYSTERICAL-- Asafetida . . . 218 Balm . . . 41 Basil . . . 46 Betony . . . 48 Camphor . . . 337 Celery . . . 96 Clover, sweet . . . 113 Flag, blue (bilious) . . . 199 Garlic . . . 218 Ground Ivy (inveterate) . . . 285 Ivy leaves (after hard drinking) . . . 283 Lavender . . . 299 Lily of the Valley . . . 315 Lime, sweet . . . 317 Marjoram . . . 331 Mullein (in the bilious) . . . 361 Pennyroyal . . . 335 Peppermint . . . 339 Primrose . . . 448 Rosemary . . . 473 Rue (giddiness) . . . 476 Saffron . . . 489 Thyme, wild . . . 562 Valerian . . . 585 Verbena (inveterate) . . . 587 Violet, sweet . . . 593 Wallflower . . . 597 Water Hemlock . . . 251 HEART. TO STRENGTHEN A WEAK HEART-- Fly, Agaric Mushroom . . . 370 Lily of the Valley . . . 814 [638] Mistletoe . . . 348 Saffron . . . 486 Sea water, gold in . . . 508 Soapwort (in fever) . . . 523 FOR IRRITABLE HEART, WITH NERVOUS PALPITATIONS-- Asparagus . . . 36 Cherry, wild . . . 99 Hart's-tongue Fern . . . 188 Hemlock plaster . . . 249 Lavender . . . 297 Lemon juice . . . 301 Lily of the Valley . . . 314 Nettle, Stinging . . . 384 HEARTBURN, _see_ INDIGESTION. HICCOUGH. Aniseed . . . 25 Dill . . . 156 Hart's-tongue Fern . . . 188 Mustard . . . 378 Skullcap, lesser . . . 517 Spearmint . . . 343 HYDROPHOBIA. Club Moss . . . 116 Cress, garden . . . 128 Figwort . . . 51 Horehound, black . . . 268 Pimpernel . . . 429 Plantain, Water . . . 436 Rose, Dog root . . . 465 Rush, flowering . . . 481 Thistle, Milk . . . 557 Yew . . . 622 HYSTERIA. Allspice . . . 397 Caraway . . . 83 Cowslip . . . 124 Daffodil . . . 143 Feverfew . . . 193 Garlic . . . 215 Goosefoot, Stinking . . . 229 Horehound, Black . . . 269 Lavender . . . 297 Mistletoe (St. Vitus's dance) . . . 348 Mugwort . . . 353 Orange blossoms . . . 401 Pennyroyal . . . 335 Primrose . . . 448 Rosemary . . . 474 Rue . . . 476 Sage, meadow (colic) . . . 492 Southernwood . . . 527 Tansy . . . 553 Thyme, wild . . . 562 Turnip (injurious) . . . 575 Valerian . . . 584 Yarrow . . . 617 INDIGESTION. Allspice (flatulent) . . . 397 Anemone Pulsatilla . . . 21 Capsicum . . . 81 Centaury (tonic) . . . 97 Cinnamon . . . 391 Clove . . . 396 Club Moss (water brash) . . . 114 Cumin . . . 136 Currant, Red (torpor) . . . 138 Feverfew . . . 193 Flag, sweet . . . 201 Ginger (gouty) . . . 392 Good King Henry . . . 228 Gooseberry (after rich food) . . . 224 Hop . . . 264 Horse Radish . . . 272 Lavender . . . 299 Lemon juice (heartburn) . . . 303 Lettuce . . . 308 Lupine . . . 306 Nutmeg (drowsy) . . . 394 Onion (if cold-blooded) . . . 210 Primrose, Evening . . . 450 Pyrethrum lozenges, (heartburn) . . . 426 Quince . . . 455 Raspberries . . . 461 Sage (after rich meats) . . . 490 [689] Sago . . . 155 Samphire . . . 498 Spearmint (infants after milk) . . . 343 Walnut (after fish, and for colic) . . . 600 Wood Sorrel (prevents) . . . 611 Wormwood . . . 613 INFLUENZA. Agrimony, Hemp . . . 20 Capsicum . . . 80 Cinnamon . . . 392 Orange . . . 403 Rue oil . . . 476 INSANITY. ACTIVE-- Rest Harrow . . . 321 St. John's Wort . . . 287 MELANCHOLY-- Borage . . . 61, 595 Chervil . . . 101 Elecampane . . . 173 Fool's Parsley (imbecility) . . . 413 Hop . . . 264 Horehound, Black . . . 269 Lavender . . . 299 Maidenhair Fern (idiocy) . . . 188 Mercury, Dog's . . . 332 Pimpernel . . . 429 Polypody Fern . . . 189 Radish (with cough) . . . 457 Rose, Christmas (Hellebore) . . . 107 Saffron . . . 486 Saint John's Wort . . . 287 Succory (bilious) . . . 541 Tar water . . . 583 Thistle, Melancholy . . . 560 Thistle, Milk . . . 556 Tutsan . . . 290 Wormwood (bilious) . . . 612 INVISIBILITY, Supposed to Confer. Fern Seed . . . 184 ITCHING, and the Itch. Anise . . . 26 Cat Thyme (fundament) . . . 565 Dock, Yellow Curled . . . 163 Henbane (of fundament) . . . 249 Lemon juice (of genitals) . . . 303 Nettle (of fundament) . . . 385 Puffball . . . 368 Rock Rose . . . 470 Speedwell . . . 528 JAUNDICE, _see_ BILIOUS INDIGESTION. JOINTS, Affections of, _see_ SCROFULA. Vinegar poultice . . . 240 KIDNEYS, _see_ also URINE. ACTIVE CONGESTION-- Marsh Mallow . . . 324 Turpentine . . . 577 PASSIVE CONJESTION TO REMOVE-- Asparagus . . . 36 Capsicum . . . 80 Dandelion . . . 151 Gooseberry (gravel) . . . 225 Honey and Bee Sting . . . 260 Parsley . . . 409 Peach flowers (and Colic) . . . 419 LEPROSY and LEPROUS ERUPTIONS, _see_ SKIN. LIFE, To Prolong, _see_ AGE. LIVER, Disorders of, _see_ BILIOUS INDIGESTION. LOCK JAW. St. John's Wort . . . 289 LUMBAGO, _see_ RHEUMATISM. LUNGS, Diseases of, _see_ COLDS and CONSUMPTION. [640] MEASLES. Marigold tea . . . 327 Pea . . . 416 Saffron tea . . . 486 MELANCHOLY, _see_ INSANITY. MEMORY, To Strengthen. Eyebright . . . 177 MILK, BREAST. TO PROMOTE FLOW-- Borage . . . 61 Caraway . . . 83 Dill . . . 157 Fennel seed . . . 179 Lettuce . . . 312 Periwinkle, lesser . . . 428 Rosemary . . . 472 Thistle, Milk . . . 557 TO STAY FLOW-- Hemlock . . . 249 Sage . . . 492 MILK CRUST of Children, _see_ SKIN. MONTHLY FLOW OF WOMEN. TO PROMOTE-- Anemone Pulsatilla . . . 21 Angelica . . . 24 Balm . . . 41 Basil . . . 96 Burnet Saxifrage . . . 430 Calamint . . . 344 Christmas Rose . . . 107 Cumin . . . 136 Dill . . . 156 Elecampane . . . 174 Fennel . . . 181 Feverfew . . . 193 Goosefoot, Stinking . . . 229 Hyssop . . . 279 Ivy gum . . . 282 Marigold . . . 328 Mugwort . . . 353 Mullein . . . 360 Nettle (urtication) . . . 384 Parsley oil . . . 408 Pennyroyal . . . 336 Ragwort . . . 459 Rosemary . . . 474 Rue . . . 477 Rush, flowering . . . 481 Savin . . . 494 Saxifrage, Burnet . . . 430 Shepherd's Purse . . . 513 Soapwort . . . 524 Tansy . . . 553 Thyme, Wild . . . 561 Valerian (with hysteria) . . . 584 Wormwood . . . 356 TO ARREST WHEN EXCESSIVE-- Cinnamon bark . . . 391 Lemon juice . . . 303 Lentil . . . 305 Mistletoe . . . 348 Orange, Seville . . . 403 Periwinkle, greater . . . 427 Plantain, greater . . . 435 Saffron (with liquidity) . . . 488 Savin . . . 494 Shepherd's Purse . . . 512 Silverweed . . . 515 Yarrow . . . 618 TO EASE PAIN AT PERIODS-- Peppermint (colic) . . . 339 Savin . . . 494 MOTHS, to Drive Away. Camphor . . . 338 Mugwort . . . 353 Sedum Livelong . . . 276 Southernwood . . . 527 Woodruff . . . 610 Wormwood . . . 613 MOUTH, SORE, _see_ THRUSH. MUSHROOMS. Not to take Alcohol with . . . 375 To eat Pears after . . . 373, 423 [641] NERVES, to Strengthen. Citron of Law . . . 304 Hedge Hyssop . . . 279 Oat . . . 397 Saffron . . . 488 Skullcap, greater . . . 517 Valerian . . . 585 Violet, sweet . . . 503 TO STIMULATE REFLEX NERVOUS ACTIVITY-- Cumin . . . 137 TO QUIET REFLEX NERVOUS IRRITABILITY-- Camphor . . . 338 Chamomile . . . 85 Clove . . . 395 Lime flowers . . . 318 Valerian . . . 347 NETTLE RASH, _see_ SKIN. NEURALGIA, to Relieve. Allspice plaster . . . 397 Arum . . . 35 Buttercup (stitch) . . . 73 Celandine, greater (face right side) . . . 93 Chamomile (face and teeth) . . . 85 Coltsfoot (back and loins) . . . 120 Cuckoopint . . . 35 Feverfew . . . 194 Henbane poultice . . . 253 Horse Radish (face) . . . 271 Juniper berries . . . 292 Lemon, cut . . . 303 Pyrethrum (head and face) . . . 425 Pennyroyal . . . 336 Peppermint oil . . . 339 Sloe tincture (right eyeball) . . . 519 Wallflower oil (limbs) . . . 597 Yarn (tic douloureux) . . . 204 NIPPLES, Chapped, or Sore. Carrot . . . 89 Comfrey . . . 121 Yarrow . . . 618 NOSE, Ulceration inside. Elecampane . . . 174 PAIN, Local, for. Buttercup (stitch) . . . 73 Chamomile fomentation . . . 86 Elecampane (in elbow) . . . 175 Hemlock, apply . . . 249 Henbane poultice . . . 253 Lavender . . . 291 Marsh Mallow . . . 324 Mistletoe (stitch) . . . 347 Mugwort . . . 355 Peach (colic from gravel) . . . 419 Poppy, White, fomentation . . . 439 Stitch Wort . . . 535 Wormwood . . . 355 PALPITATION, _see_ HEART. PARALYSIS. Burnet Saxifrage (of tongue) . . . 430 Cowslip . . . 124 Daffodil (limbs) 141 Horse Radish, scraped . . . 271 Hungary water . . . 472 Lavender oil . . . 296 Mustard liniment . . . 378 Nettle, Stinging . . . 384 Nutmeg spirit (of limbs) . . . 394 Pellitory of Spain (tongue and lips) . . . 425 Primrose . . . 448 Rosemary spirit (limbs) . . . 471 Sage . . . 491 Tomato (of back) . . . 571 Valerian oil . . . 585 Wallflower oil . . . 597 Water Dropwort (voice) . . . 604 PERSPIRATION, to Promote. Camphor . . . 338 Ivy . . . 282 Strawberry . . . 539 Turpentine . . . 577 [642] PILES. Blackberry . . . 55 Brook lime . . . 431 Celandine, lesser . . . 91 Chestnut, Horse . . . 102 Elderberry . . . 169 Figwort . . . 51 Mountain Ash (lower bowel relaxed) . . . 351 Mullein . . . 362 Oak Bark (prolapse of bowel) . . . 18 Onion, raw (inflamed) . . . 214 Periwinkle, lesser . . . 428 Pimpernel, blue (descent of bowel) . . . 431 Plantain, Greater . . . 435 Silverweed . . . 515 Toadflax . . . 567 Water Betony . . . 50 Water Pepper (sore fundament) . . . 606 Yarrow . . . 618 PLEURITIC PAIN IN SIDE. Bryony, White (with inflammation) . . . 66 Buttercup (neuralgic) . . . 72 Stitchwort . . . 535 POLYPUS of Nose. Polypody Fern . . . 190 Sage, Wood . . . 498 POULTICES. Carrot . . . 89 Flax-linseed . . . 203 Goosefoot . . . 229 Hemlock . . . 250 Marsh Mallow . . . 328 Mustard . . . 377 Turnip . . . 574 Vinegar . . . 240 Water Pepper . . . 606 Yeast (oat) . . . 398 PREGNANCY, and _see_ WOMB. Gooseberry, green (longings to abate) . . . 226 Quince (wise children to procreate) . . . 454 Turnip (injurious during) . . . 575 PSORIASIS, _see_ SKIN. QUINSY, _see_ also SORE THROAT. Currant, black . . . 139 Prunella . . . 509 Strawberry leaves . . . 537 Woodruff Squinancy . . . 609 Woodsorrel . . . 612 Wormwood . . . 613 RHEUMATISM and LUMBAGO. Allspice Plaster . . . 397 Bee sting . . . 261 Bryony, White 66 Calamint (lumbago) . . . 344 Chickweed (bilious) . . . 106 Fern Royal (lumbago) . . . 87 Meadow Saffron (Colchicum) . . . 483 Nutmeg spirit . . . 394 Yarn, hank of . . . 204 CHRONIC RHEUMATISM-- Angelica . . . 24 Asparagus . . . 36 Bladderwrack, embrocation . . . 505 Bryony, White . . . 66 Buttercup . . . 72 Capsicum . . . 80 Celery . . . 95 Centaury (muscular) . . . 97 Cress, Garden . . . 129 Garlic . . . 217 Henbane liniment . . . 224 Hop . . . 265 Horse Radish . . . 271 Hyssop . . . 278 Ivy berries . . . 282 Juniper berries . . . 292 Lily of the Valley . . . 315 Marjoram . . . 332 Mugwort (moxa) . . . 354 [643] Mustard . . . 376-8 Nettle, Stinging . . . 383 Nutmeg spirit . . . 394 Pellitory (head and face) . . . 425 Peppermint . . . 340 Pimpernel . . . 430 Pine . . . 580 Polypody Fern . . . 189 Potato, raw . . . 444 Primrose . . . 448 Rue (periosteal) . . . 478 Savin (of womb) . . . 494 Sea Tang . . . 503 Spruce beer . . . 580 Tansy . . . 553 Turpentine liniment . . . 578 Violet, sweet (wrists) . . . 593 Wallflower . . . 597 Yarrow . . . 617 RICKETS, _see_ SCROFULA. RINGWORM, _see_ SKIN. RUPTURE of Children. Wall Rue Fern . . . 191 SAINT VITUS'S DANCE (CHOREA). Mistletoe berries . . . 348 SALIVATION, _see_ MOUTH, SORE. SCALDS, _see_ BURNS. SCALD HEAD, _see_ SKIN. SCARLET FEVER. Belladonna (to prevent) . . . 389 Rock Rose (sore throat of) . . . 470 SCIATICA. Bracken (to smoke legs) . . . 185 Elecampane . . . 174 Goutweed . . . 235 Horse Radish . . . 278 Nettle (urtication) . . . 884 Peppermint . . . 842 Ragwort . . . 458 Rue leaves, bruised . . . 478 Thyme, Wild . . . 568 Turpentine . . . 578 Tutsan . . . 290 SCROFULA, _see also_ GLANDULAR SWELLINGS Acorn . . . 10 Agrimony . . . 19 Bladderwrack in rum . . . 503 Brooklime . . . 431 Chickweed . . . 106 Clover, Red . . . 111 Coltsfoot . . . 118 Cresses . . . 130 Dock . . . 163 Dodder (tumours) . . . 112 Dulse . . . 501 Fern, Royal (rickets) . . . 187 Fig . . . 196 Figwort, water . . . 198 Garlic . . . 215 Goosegrass . . . 233 Hoglouse . . . 564 Lavender oil . . . 296 Marigold . . . 328 Mugwort (moxa to joint) . . . 384 Parsley . . . 411 Poor Man's Garlic . . . 223 Rock Rose (joints) . . . 469 Samphire . . . 497 Scurvy Grass. ...496 Seapod Essence . . . 504 Sea Tang . . . 503 Sea Water in Bread . . . 503 Spurge plaster . . . 534 Stitchwort . . . 536 Thyme (for Hoglice) . . . 564 Verbena . . . 587 Walnut, Black . . . 601 Wall Rue Fern (Rickets) . . . 191 Watercress . . . 168 [644] SCURVY. Bogbean . . . 59 Brooklime . . . 431 Cabbage, Red . . . 76 Chickweed . . . 106 Cresses . . . 130 Elder . . . 168 Goosegrass . . . 233 Horse Radish . . . 271 Lamb's Lettuce . . . 312 Laver . . . 506 Lemon juice . . . 301 Mum . . . 581 Mustard, White . . . 380 Nasturtium . . . 133 Orange . . . 408 Parsnip water . . . 415 Potato . . . 443 Raspberry liqueur . . . 460 Saucealone . . . 228 Scurvy Grass . . . 495 Sea Holy (Candy) . . . 498 Sea Spinach . . . 506 Sorrel . . . 161 Spruce beer . . . 580 Stone Crop. Sedum . . . 277 Watercress . . . 130 Woodsorrel . . . 611 SEXUAL DISORDERS. FUNCTIONS, TO STRENGTHEN-- Artichoke, Globe . . . 548 Asafetida . . . 219 Bedstraw, Yellow . . . 234 Camphor . . . 337 Daisy (after excesses) . . . 144 Lily of the Valley . . . 315 Lords and Ladies . . . 84 Nettle (urtication) . . . 684 Orchis . . . 405 Periwinkle, greater . . . 427 Potato . . . 446 Potato, sweet . . . 442 Quince . . . 454 Rosemary (to renew energy) . . . 473 Ragwort . . . 458 Sea Holly (eryngo) . . . 499 Sea Water (gold) . . . 508 Southernwood . . . 526 Sowbread . . . 451 Sundew . . . 544 Sunflower . . . 547 Tarragon . . . 555 Tomato (to stimulate) . . . 568 Water Lily, Yellow . . . 605 EXCITEMENT, TO CONTROL-- Camphor, full doses . . . 337 Coriander . . . 123 Hemlock . . . 251 Hop . . . 264 Lettuce . . . 308 Parsley . . . 409 Rue . . . 476 LOSSES, AND DISCHARGES, TO STAY-- Artichoke, Globe . . . 548 Hop-lupulin . . . 264 Periwinkle, greater . . . 427 Water Pepper . . . 606 Yarrow . . . 618 SHINGLES, _see_ SKIN. SICKNESS, to Relieve. Cinnamon . . . 392 Fool's Parsley (Infants) . . . 413 Marigold (chronic) . . . 328 Marjoram . . . 332 Pansy . . . 589 Peppermint . . . 339 Walnut, spirit (of pregnancy) . . . 600 TO INDUCE-- Mustard . . . 377 Violet . . . 591 SIGHT, _see_ EYES. SKIN, Affections of. FOR GENERAL CURE OF WHEN UNHEALTHY-- Brooklime . . . 432 Docks . . . 160-164 Elder . . . 168 [645] Horehound, Black . . . 269 Lemon . . . 308 Mushroom, Edible (vesicular outbreak) . . . 375 Nettle . . . 385 Parsnip water . . . 415 Primula . . . 449 Quince . . . 452 Shepherd's Purse . . . 511 Tansy . . . 553 Thyme, Wild . . . 562 Toadflax . . . 566 Turnip juice . . . 575 Walnut, Black . . . 601 Water Dropwort (chronic) . . . 604 FOR ECZEMA-- Bilberry . . . 53 Clove . . . 395 Goosegrass . . . 234 Juniper Cade oil . . . 295 Mullein (of ear) . . . 362 Primula Biconica . . . 440 Puffball powder . . . 367 Rosemary, Wild (gouty) . . . 475 Rue . . . 477 Tar (if eruption dry) . . . 581 Thymol . . . 564 Violet (pustular) . . . 590 Walnut . . . 598 FOR LEPROUS ERUPTIONS, SCALY-- Fumitory . . . 208 Garlic . . . 217 Goosegrass . . . 234 Potato . . . 444 Soapwort (venereal) . . . 523 Speedwell . . . 528 Tar gravy and ointment . . . 581 Walnut oil . . . 598 FOR MILK CRUST OF CHILDREN-- Fumitory . . . 208 Periwinkle, lesser . . . 428 Violet, Pansy . . . 590 FOR NETTLE RASH-- Dandelion (bilious) . . . 149 Nettle, stinging . . . 385 Strawberry, wild . . . 537 FOR PIMPLES AND "ACNE"-- Horse Radish . . . 273 Puffball powder . . . 367 FOR BRAN-LIKE PSORIASlS-- Burdock . . . 162 Goosegrass . . . 234 Juniper Cade oil . . . 295 FOR RINGWORM-- Arum . . . 34 Horehound, Black . . . 269 Mullein . . . 362 Thymol . . . 564 FOR SCALD HEAD-- Blackberry . . . 54 Tar . . . 582 Violet, Pansy . . . 590 FOR SHINGLES-- Buttercup . . . 72 House Leek . . . 275 Rock Rose . . . 469 COSMETICS-- Beet juice . . . 507 Cowslip (freckles) . . . 125 Cumin (for pallor) . . . 136 Flag, Blue . . . 200 Fumitory . . . 207 Horse radish in milk . . . 271 Lemon juice (for hands) . . . 304 Pulse . . . 416 Savin . . . 494 Solomon's Seal . . . 525 Speedwell (freckles) . . . 528 Spinach water . . . 530 Thistle, Sow . . . 559 Toadflax . . . 566 Violet, Sweet . . . 591 TO RAISE A BLISTER-- Water Plantain . . . 436 [646] SLEEP FOR SLEEPLESSNESS-- Anise . . . 26 Bean . . . 416 Bulrush . . . 481 Chamomile (nightmare) . . . 87 Clove . . . 396 Cowslip . . . 124 Dill (of infants) . . . 156 Fennel . . . 180 Henbane (foot bath) . . . 253 Hop (tea, and pillow) . . . 265 House leek (with head-ache) . . . 275 Lady's mantle . . . 511 Lemon squash . . . 304 Lettuce, Garden, gum (infants) . . . 307 Lettuce, Wild, gum . . . 307 Mushroom (in consumption) . . . 370 Mustard foot-bath . . . 378 Nutmeg . . . 394 Oat . . . 398 Onion . . . 211 Orange buds . . . 401 Orange flower water . . . 401 Poppy, white . . . 438 Primrose . . . 448 Rue (nightmare) . . . 478 Sea Tang essence . . . 502 Skullcap, lesser (exhausted brain) . . . 517 Water Figwort (nightmare) . . . 50 SORES, _see also_ ULCERS. Agrimony . . . 19 Amadou mushroom (bedsore) . . . 370 Carrot (fetid and indolent) . . . 89 Chickweed (on legs) . . . 107 Cleavers . . . 232 Clover, red . . . 111 Club Moss powder (raw sores) . . . 15 Fig . . . 206 Foxglove ointment . . . 206 Groundsel (sore legs) . . . 245 Hemlock (cancerous) . . . 252 House Leek . . . 275 Marigold . . . 328 Marsh Mallow . . . 328 Peppermint oil . . . 342 Plantain . . . 434 Puff ball powder (weeping sore) . . . 366 Resin ointment (Pine) . . . 578 Saint John's Wort (bedsore) . . . 289 Savin ointment (to keep sore open) . . . 494 Thymol . . . 564 Turnip poultice . . . 574 Viper's Bugloss . . . 594 Walnut, black, the leaves . . . 601 Yeast poultice (oat) . . . 398 SPASMS, _see_ PAIN. SPINE, Irritable or Weak. Agaric, Fly (locomotor ataxy) . . . 369 Chamomile . . . 85 Eryngo (to strengthen) . . . 499 Garlic . . . 215 Rush, Soft . . . 479 Saint John's Wort oil (after injury) . . . 288 Turpentine . . . 579 Valerian . . . 585 Water Hemlock . . . .252 SPLEEN, _see_ BILIOUS DISORDERS. SPRAINS. Agrimony . . . 19 Bladderwrack (old sprain) . . . 504 Lavender Spike . . . 296 Linseed oil . . . 203 Rosemary . . . 472 Sea weeds . . . 497 [647] Verjuice of apple, pear, and vine . . . 29, 288 Vinegar poultice . . . 240 STINGS and BITES. PAIN AND SWELLING FROM-- Dock, Wayside (nettle sting) . . . 158 Feverfew . . . 193 House Leek . . . 275 Marigold . . . 328 Plantain, greater (snake bite) . . . 434 Onion, raw . . . 212 Poppy leaf . . . 441 Rosemary, wild . . . 474 Stitchwort . . . 535 STITCH OF SIDE, _see_ PAIN. STONE IN BLADDER. Apple cider . . . 31 Carrot . . . 89 Currant, White . . . 140 Gorse seed . . . 64 Juniper berries . . . 293 Ladies' Mantle . . . 511 Leek (phosphatic stone) . . . 220 Parsnip water . . . 415 Rest Harrow . . . 321 Stephens', Joanna, remedy . . . 411 Thyme, for Woodlouse . . . 565 Water Fennel . . . 604 STYE, _see_ EYE. SWEATS, NIGHT, to Check, _see_ CONSUMPTION. SYPHILIS, VENEREAL DISEASE. Burdock . . . 162 Gold (in Sea Water) . . . 508 Hemlock . . . 252 Pellitory of Spain . . . 425 Soapwort (inveterate) . . . 523 Southernwood . . . 526 Speedwell . . . 528 Stonecrop, Sedum . . . 277 Tormentil . . . 573 Walnut leaves . . . 598 Water Pepper . . . 606 TEETH. FOR TOOTH-ACHE AND FACE-ACHE-- Burnet Saxifrage . . . 430 Cabbage . . . 75 Capsicum . . . 80 Celandine, greater . . . 92 Chamomile (of children) . . . 86 Clove oil . . . 396 Fennel . . . 182 Groundsel . . . 245 Henbane seeds, smoke . . . 254 Ivy gum . . . 282 Ladybird . . . 425 Pellitory of Spain . . . 424 Peppermint . . . 339 Plantain, greater . . . 434 Tormentil . . . 573 Water Pepper . . . 606 Yarrow . . . 617 LOOSE TEETH, TO TIGHTEN-- Blackberry . . . 54 Dock, Great Water . . . 164 Great Bistort (with spongy gums) . . . 607 Strawberry, wild . . . 537 FOR CHILDREN TO CUT TEETH ON-- Marsh Mallow root . . . 325 TEMPER, Irritable, for. Cat mint . . . 345 Chamomile (of children) . . . 86 Feverfew . . . 194 TESTICLE, Swollen, for. Anemone Pulsatilla . . . 20 [648] THROAT, Sore. Agrimony . . . 18 Arum (Lords and Ladies) . . . 34 Barberry (relaxed) . . . 43 Blackberry . . . 55 Capsicum . . . 81 Chestnut, Horse (with piles) . . . 102 Cinquefoil, Creeping . . . 515 Currant, Black (quinsy) . . . 139 Dock, Great Water . . . 164 Elder . . . 169 Fig . . . 198 Flax, Linseed . . . 203 Groundsel . . . 244 Hart's-tongue Fern . . . 188 Hawthorn flowers . . . 246 Honey . . . 259 Horse Radish (with hoarseness) . . . 271 Leek (loss of voice) . . . 221 Lemon juice . . . 303 Lime, sweet . . . 317 Mountain Ash (relaxed) . . . 351 Mulberry . . . 357 Mustard, Hedge (ulcerated) . . . 381 Mustard, White, seed . . . 381 Pellitory . . . 425 Peppermint, Menthol . . . 339 Periwinkle, lesser . . . 428 Quince . . . 452 Raspberry vinegar . . . 460 Rock Rose (of scarlet fever) . . . 470 Sage . . . 492 Sanicle . . . 509 Sea Lavender . . . 300 Sea Pod Essence (goitre) . . . 504 Selfheal, Brownwort (quinsy) . . . 509 Strawberry leaves (quinsy) . . . 537 Thymol . . . 564 Tormentil . . . 573 Verbena . . . 587 Walnut vinegar . . . 598 Water Dock . . . 164 Woodruff, Squinancy (quinsy) . . . 609 Woodsorrel . . . 612 Wormwood (quinsy) . . . 613 Yarrow . . . 618 THRUSH and SORE MOUTH. Currant, Black . . . 140 Grapes . . . 241 Honey . . . 261 House Leek . . . 275 Mercury, Dog's . . . 333 Mulberry . . . 357 Quince . . . 453 Tomato (salivation) . . . 572 Tormentil . . . 573 Water Pepper . . . 606 TIC DOULOUREUX. Flax Yarn . . . 204 TOOTHACHE, _see_ TEETH. TUMOURS, _see_ GLANDULAR SWELLINGS. ULCERS, to Heal. Blackberry leaves . . . 55 Brooklime . . . 431 Dock, Water . . . 164 Good King Henry . . . 228 Goosegrass . . . 232 Hemlock, apply . . . 251 House Leek . . . 275 Juniper Gum (deep ulcers) . . . 294 Marigold . . . 328 Sage (strong) . . . 492 Saint John's Wort . . . 289 Savin juice . . . 494 Scurvy Grass . . . 496 Sorrel (scrofulous) . . . 161 Tormentil . . . 578 Turpentine Resin . . . 578 Tutsan (sore legs) . . . 290 Verbena (indolent) . . . 587 Walnut leaves . . . 598 Wartwort . . . 603 [649] Watercress leaves . . . 131 Woodsorrel . . . 611 Yew . . . 621 URINE, and KIDNEY DISORDERS. TO PROMOTE FLOW OF URINE-- Bee Tea . . . 261 Broom . . . 62 Butcher's Broom . . . 65 Celery . . . 95 Daffodil . . . 142 Earth Nut . . . 373 Grapes . . . 289 Juniper . . . 291 Lily of the Valley . . . 315 Nettle tea . . . 387 Onion . . . 210 Parsley . . . 409 Pellitory of Wall . . . 424 Potato, watery . . . 446 Radish . . . 456 Speedwell . . . 528 Strawberry . . . 538 Tar . . . 580 Toadflax . . . 567 Violet seeds . . . 591 TO SOOTHE IRRITABLE BLADDER AND URINARY PASSAGES-- Asparagus . . . 36 Barley . . . 45 Camphor . . . 338 Chervil . . . 101 Couch Grass . . . 242 Henbane . . . 253 Horehound . . . 267 Marsh Mallow . . . 324 Parsley tea . . . 412 Pimpernel . . . 429 Plantain, Water . . . 435 Pulsatilla Anemone . . . 21 Rest Harrow . . . 321 Turpentine . . . 577 Viper's Bugloss . . . 594 TO CORRECT DEPOSITS IN URINE-- Barberry (gravel) . . . 43 Carrot (gravel) . . . 88 Couch Grass . . . 242 Flag, Sweet . . . 202 Gooseberry leaves . . . 225 Valerian (urea) . . . 585 Violet, Sweet . . . 593 Water Parsnip . . . 415 OF MILKY PHOSPHATES-- Burdock . . . 162 Leek . . . 220 ALBUMINURIA-- Barberry . . . 43 Clove . . . 395 Hart's tongue Fern . . . 187 Stitchwort, greater . . . 536 BED-WETTING, TO PREVENT-- Daffodil . . . 142 Dandelion . . . 167 Mullein Oil . . . 362 Plantain, greater . . . 435 Saint John's Wort . . . 287 VENEREAL DISEASE, _see_ SYPHILIS. VERMIN, to Destroy. Agaric, Fly, mushroom . . . 36 Aniseed (lice) . . . 24 Cat mint (rats, keep away) . . . 345 Ivy Leaf (lice) . . . . 282 Spindletree . . . 531 Tansy . . . 553 Water Lily, Yellow . . . 605 WARTS, to Remove. Apple juice . . . 29 Cabbage, White . . . 76 Celandine, greater . . . 94 Chickweed . . . 106 Dandelion . . . 151 Elder . . . 170 (Epsom Salts) . . . 80 [650] Fig juice . . . 197 Gooseberry Thorn . . . 226 House Leek . . . 275 Marsh Marigold . . . 331 Peach leaf . . . 419 Savin . . . 494 Spurge Wood . . . 534 Sundew . . . 546 Teasel water . . . 559 Tormentil . . . 573 Watercress juice . . . 131 WATER BRASH, _see_ INDIGESTION. WHITES, _see_ WOMB. WHITLOW. Brooklime . . . 431 Rosemary, Wild . . . 474 Water Dropwort . . . 604 WHOOPING COUGH. Blackberry . . . 54 Bog Bean . . . 59 Celandine, greater . . . 94 Chestnut, sweet . . . 104 Clover, Red . . . 111 Garlic . . . 215 Hemlock vapour . . . 250 Horse Radish . . . 273 Ivy Cup . . . 282 Pennyroyal . . . 336 Radish, Black . . . 457 Rose Canker . . . 469 Sundew . . . 544 Thyme, Wild . . . 561 WOMB, Disorders of, _and see_ MONTHLY FLOW. FOR IRRITABLE WOMB-- Anemone Pulsatilla . . . 21 Groundsel bath . . . 215 Parsley . . . 408 Savin . . . 494 Sowbread (falling womb) . . . 451 Thyme, Wild . . . 561 Valerian . . . 584 MONTHLY ILLNESSES, _see_ MENSTRUATION-- WHITES--LEUCORRHOEA--TO CURE-- Burdock . . . 163 Hyacinth, Wild (Blue Bell) . . . 57 Tomato . . . 571 CANCER OF WOMB-- Turpentine Chian . . . 579 TO PREVENT BARRENNESS-- Leeks . . . 220 Potato . . . 446 Speedwell . . . 528 Tansy (to prevent miscarriage) . . . 554 WORMS, to Expel. Carrot, raw . . . 90 Cat Thyme (thread worms) . . . 565 Chamomile . . . 87 Christmas Rose (round worms) . . . 108 Coraline Sea Weed . . . 507 Fern, Male, oil and root (tape worm) . . . 183 Garlic, Clove . . . 216 Goosefoot (round worms) . . . 223 Groundsel (bot worms) . . . 244 Hedge Hyssop . . . 280 Lemon pips . . . 302 Lettuce, unwashed (to guard against eating) . . . 381 Mulberry root (tape worms) . . . 358 Nettle . . . 385 Peach leaves . . . 418 Rose, Dog, hips (round worms) . . . 464 Salt Worts . . . 506 Sedum . . . 277 Southernwood . . . 527 Stinking Hellebore . . . 109 Tansy seeds . . . 552 [651] Turpentine (round worms) . . . 579 Walnut, unripe fruit . . . 598 Wormwood . . . 612 WOUNDS, to Heal. Adder's-tongue Fern . . . 188 Agrimony . . . 19 Anemone, Wood . . . 21 Balm . . . 40 Bugle . . . 510 Comfrey . . . 120 Cow-dung poultice . . . 126 Daisy . . . 145 Fern, Royal . . . 186 Figwort (gangrenous) . . . 51 Good King Henry . . . 228 Goosegrass . . . 238 Hemlock, Water . . . 252 House Leek . . . 275 Hyssop, green . . . 279 Marigold . . . 328 Marsh Mallow . . . 328 Pea . . . 416 Peppermint, apply . . . 342 Plantain, greater . . . 434 Potato flour . . . 445 Primrose salve . . . 418 Prunella, Selfheal . . . 510 Puff Ball powder (to stay bleeding) . . . 366 Resin (Honey) . . . 260 Rosemary, Wild . . . 474 Saint John's Wort oil (deep wounds) . . . 288 Sanicle . . . 509 Solomon's Seal . . . 525 Thymol . . . 564 Turnip poultice . . . 574 Tutsan . . . 290 Valerian . . . 584 Watercress poultice . . . 131 Woundwort, Hedge . . . 615 " Water . . . 616 Yarrow . . . 618 [652] "Farewell, sweet flowers!--whose time is fitly spent For all delights of colour, and of scent: And after death for cures! 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