A Curious Herbal

Red, Wild, or Corn Poppy Papaver rubrum

[Common Poppy, Papaver rhoeas]

1. This Plant grows to be 2 Foot high, the Leaves are a Willowgreen, & the Flowers Scarlet.

2. It grows in most Corn-fields, and flowers in June and July.

3. The Flowers of this Poppy are cooling, incline to sleep, & much used in inflamatory Fevers. Officinal Preparations

from it are, the simple Water, the Syrup, the Conserve of the Flowers & the Tincture.

4. Greek, Μήκων ροίας. Latin, Papaver, rubrum, erraticum, rhoeas. Spanish, Amapollis, or Papoulla. Italian, Papavero salvaticho. French, Pavot sauvage, or confanons. German, Clapper Rosen, or Corn Rosen. Dutch, Rooden huel.

Mullein or Hig-Taper Verbascum or Tapsus barbatus

[Common Mullein, Verbascum thapsus]

1. It grows to be six Foot high, the Leaves are a light Willowgreen, & the Flowers a pale Yellow.

2. They grow in Highways and Commons, and flower in July.

3. The Leaves are used for Coughs, Pains in the Breast, and Collic-Pains; & outwardly in Fomentations, and are thought

a specific against the Piles. Dioscorides recommends a Decoction of the Root as good for the Tooth-ach.

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4. Greek, Φλόμος. Latin, Verbascum or Tapsus barbatus. Spanish, Gordolobo or Verbasco. Italian, Tasso barbasso. French, Bouillon. German, Beiss Bulltcraut. Dutch, Wolle kruyt.

Fox-Glove Digitalis

[Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea]

1. It grows to be three Foot high; the Leaves have a little Down upon them; the Flowers are red, spotted with white, and grow all on one side of the Stalks.

2. Fox-Glove grows in Hedges and Lanes, and flowers in June and July.

3. This Plant is but rarely used inwardly, being a strong Emetic working with Violence upwards and downwards. Parkinson extolls a Decoction of it in Ale, with Polipody Roots, as

an approved Medicine for the Falling Sickness. The late Doctor Hulse commends the Ointment made of the Flowers and May Butter, for Scrophulous Ulcers which run much, dressing them with the Ointment and purging two or three Times a Week with proper Purges. The officinal Preparation is, the Unguentum digitalis.

4. Greek, —. Latin, Digitalis, or Digitalis purpurea. Spanish, —. Italian, —. French, La Digitale. German, —. Dutch, —.

1. It grows to be three Foot high; the Stalks are hoary, full of a white Pith, the Leaves are a Willow-green above, & a light hoary underneath; the Flowers are yellow.

2. It grows in Lanes and waste Places, and flowers in July and August.

3. The Leaves & Tops are used; they purge Melancholy Humours, provoke Urine, restore an Appetite that is lost by Drinking. They are good against the Disorders of the Stomach, vomiting & Surfeits; they strengthen the Viscera, kill Worms, & are of service in Dropsies, Jaundice, tertian & quartan Agues. In all the above Cases it is infused in Water,

Ale or Wine. A Cataplasm of the green Leaves beat up with Hog’s Lard was commended to Mr. Ray by Dr. Hulse as a good external Remedy against the swelling of the Tonsils & Quinzy. See Rays Cat. Plantarum. Officinal Preparations are, a simple Water; a greater and a lesser compound Water; a simple and a compound Surup; an Oil by infusion, and decoction; and Oil by Distillation; an Extract; a fixt Salt.

4. Greek, Άψίνδιον. Latin, Absinthium vulgare or Ponticum. Spanish, Assentios or Alosna. Italian, Assenzo or Assentia. French, Aluyne or Absince. German, Wermut. Dutch, Alsem.

Primrose Primula Veris

[Common Primrose, Primula vulgaris]

1. The Stalks grow to be eight or ten Inches high; the Leaves are a grass Green, & the Flowers a pale Yellow; and the Roots a reddish Purple.

2. It grows in Thickets, and under Hedges, and flowers in March and April.

3. The Flowers are commended as good against Disorders

arising from phlegmatic Humours. The Juice of the Root is used as an Errhine to purge the Head of tough slimy Phlegm.

4. Greek, —. Latin, Primula Veris. Spanish, —. Italian, Fiore di Primavera. French, Primevere. German, Schlusselblumen. Dutch, Groote Wilde sleutel-blom.

Male Satyrion, or Male Fools-Stones Satyrium mas

[Early Purple Orchid, Orchis mascula]

1. This Orchis, which is the common Satyrion of the Shops, grows to be a Foot high; the Leaves are a bright Green spotted with Black, and the Flowers, which grow on a brownish Stalk, are a Red Purple.

2. It grows in moist Meadows, and flowers in April and May.

3. The Roots are accounted a Stimulus to Venery, strengthening the Genital Parts, and helping Conception; and for these Purposes are a chief Ingredient in the Electuarium Diasatyrum.

Outwardly they are applied in form of a Cataplasm, and are esteemed good to dissolve hard Tumours and Swellings.

The Officinal Preparation is the Electuarium Diasatyrium. Dioscorides says, that the Roots of this Plant boiled and eat by Men, makes them beget Boys; and the Roots of the Female Satyrion eat by Women, makes them Conceive Girls.

4. Greek, Όρχις Theophrastus. Σατύριοντριφυλλον, Dioscorid’s. Latin, Satyrium mas, or Testiuilus morionis. Spanish, Coyon de perro. Italian, Testicolo di Cane. French, Coullon de Prestres. German, Schmal Knabencraut meunle. Dutch, Kulletjeskruyd.

Wild stinking Arrach Atriplex olida

[Stinking Orache, Chenopodium vulvaria]

1. The Stalks of this Plant spread on the Ground, and the Leaves are covered with a mealy Green; the Flowers are small and Green.

The whole Plant has a strong foetid fishy Smell.

2. It grows on Dunghills & Waste Places flowring for some Months in the Summer.

3. This Herb is peculiarly appropriated to the female Sex, being aperative, deobstruent, usefull in uterine Disorders, good to promote the Menses, expell the Afterbirth, help Childbed

Purgations, appease the Strangulations of the Womb, take of histeric Fits. It is useually given in a Decoction. —There is a Syrup kept in the Shops made with the Juice of this Plant & Sugar.

4. Greek, Ατράφαξις αγρία. Latin, Atriplex olida-silvestris. Spanish, Armoles. Italian, Reppice salvatico. French, Arroches sauvages. German, Bild Molten. Dutch, Bild Melde.

The Peach Tree Persica. Malus. [Peach, Prunus persica]

1. This Tree grows to no great Bigness here, the Leaves are a deep Green, and the Flowers a fine Pink Colour.

2. It is planted in Gardens & flowers in March; the Fruit is ripe in August.

3. The Flowers are opening and purging, and are chiefly given to Children to carry off thin serous Humours, and to kill

Worms. The Fruit is cooling and moistning, gratefull to the Palate; but apt to putrefy and cause Surfiets.

4. Greek, ωερσικὰ μηλα, and Ροδακηνα. Latin, Persica Malus. Spanish, Pexegos. Italian, Pesche & Persiche. French, Pesches. German, Pfersich. Dutch, —.

Tarragon Dracunculus hortensis

1. It grows to be two foot high, the Leaves are a shineing dark Green, and the Flowers a Yellowish colour.

2. It is planted in Gardens, and flowers in July and August.

3. The Leaves which are chiefly used are accounted heating and drying, good for those who have cold Stomachs, for which

they are often put into Sallads; —Some say they expell Wind, provoke Urine & the Menses.

4. Greek, —. Latin, Dracunculus hortensis. Spanish, Dragono. Italian, Dragone. French, Targon. German, Draguncell. Dutch, Dragon.

The great Burdock Bardana major. Lappa major [Arctium

1. The stalks grow to be two Foot high, the Leaves are white & hoary underneth, and a deep grass Green above, and the Flowers are Purple.

2. It grows by Way-sides and flowers in June and July.

3. The Roots are sudorific and alexipharmic, good in malignant Fevers, & are therefore used in the Aq. Theriacalis. —They are accounted good against the Gout and Pains in the Limbs. —The Leaves boil’d in Milk, and applied as a Cataplasm are by some used for the same Distemper; as also for Burns

and Inflammations, and are one of the Ingredients of the Unguent Populneum. —The Common People apply them often to the Feet & Wrists in Fevers. —The Seed powder’d and given in white Wine is good to provoke Urine, and help Fits of the Stone.

4. Greek, Αρκειον. Latin, Bardana, Personata or Lappa major. Spanish, Bardana. Italian, Lappola maggiore. French, Gloteron or Bardana. German, Gross Pletten. Dutch, Klitsen.

The Medlar Tree Mespilus [Medlar, Crataegus germanica]

1. It grows as big as an Apple Tree; the Leaves are a grass Green; the Flowers white, and the Fruit when ripe of a brownish Green.

2. It is planted in Gardens; flowers in May, and the Fruit is ripe in November.

3. Medlars are esteem’d cooling, drying and binding, (especially before they are quite ripe) and are useful in all Kinds of

Fluxes. Some commend the Hard Seed as good for the Gravel and Stone. They are an Ingredient in the Syrupus Mirtinus.

4. Greek, Μέϖιλσ, ἣ μεμεκίλη. Latin, Mespilus sativa. Spanish, Nesper. Italian, Nespolo. French, Nesplier. German, Nespel. Dutch, —.

Kneeholm or Butcher’s-broom Bruscus or Ruscus [Butcher’s-broom, Ruscus aculeatus]

1. The Stalks grow to be a Foot high, the Leaves are a deep Green, the Flowers Yellow with a purple Umbel in the Middle, and the Berries red.

2. It grows in Hedges and Thickets, particularly on Epping Forrest, and flowers for several Months in the Summer.

3. The Root is one of the five Opening Roots, and is accounted good for Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, the Jaundice and Dropsy. It is a strong Diuretic, provokes Urine, helps

the Gravel and Stone, and brings down the Catamenia. Tournefort commends a Conserve of the Berries to stop a Gonorrhea.

4. Greek, Μυρσίνη ἀγρὶα & Οξυμυρσίνη. Latin, Oxymirsine. Spanish, Jus barba, and Gil barbera. Italian, Brusco & Pongitopi. French, Brus. German, Brusch Renssdorn. Dutch, —.

Garden Parsly Apium hortense or Petroselinum vulgare [Parsley, Petroselinum crispum]

1. It grows to be two Foot high; the Leaves are a light grass Green and the Flowers white.

2. It is sown in Gardens, and flowers for several Months in the Summer according to the time it is sown.

3. The whole Plant is opening, attenuating, diuretic, usefull for Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, helps the Jaundice,

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provokes Urine, and eases the Stone, Gravel and Strangury. The officinal Preparation is, the Simple Water.

4. Greek, Σελίνον κηϖᾶιον. Latin, Petroselinum vulgare. Spanish, Perescil. Italian, Petrosemolo. French, Persil de Jardin. German, Peterlin. Dutch, —.

The Common Service Tree Sorbus torminalis

1. This Tree grows pretty tall, the Leaves are a light grass Green, the Flowers a very pale Yellow and the Berries red.

2. It grows in Woods and Thickets, flowring in May; but the Fruit is not ripe till October or November.

3. The Fruit is accounted restringent and binding, good for all kinds of Fluxes, either of Blood or Humors; when ripe

it promotes Digestion and prevents the too hasty Passage of the Food into the Bowels; some commend it in Fevers attended with a Diarrhea.

4. Greek, ᾽Οῦα. Latin, Sorbus vulgaris. Spanish, Sorbas. Italian, Sorbo salvatico. French, Sorbes sauvage. German, Eheraschen Bogelbeer. Dutch, Wilde Qualster.

1. The Stalks are tough & limber, seldom growing to any great Height; the Leaves are a light Green, the Flowers are greenish with a purple Umbo in the Middle.

2. It grows in the Mountainous Parts of Italy, and in Hungary.

3. Dioscorides and Galen recommend it to open Obstructions of the Kidneys & the Womb, to provoke Urine & the

Menses; and to help long & hard Labour. Some account it a good vulnerary Plant, & useful to dry up old Ulcers and Sores.

4. Greek, Δάφνη Αλεξανδρε̃ια. Latin, Laurus Alexandrina genuina. Spanish, —. Italian, Lauro Alissandrino. French, Laurier Alexandrin. German, —. Dutch, —.

The Mastich or Lentisk-Tree Lentiscus

1. This Tree grows to a considerable Bigness in its native Soil; the Leaves are a dark grass Green, the Flowers a greenish Yellow and the Berries black.

2. It grows in the Southern Parts of France and in Italy; but it yields the Gum Mastich only in the Island of Scio, or Chios, in the Archipelago.

3. The Gum is esteem’d heating & drying, strengthning the Head & Nervous System, & Stomach; it eases a Cough,

stops spitting of Blood & stays Vomiting. The Ladies in Turky chew it to preserve the Gums & Teeth & procure a Sweet Breath. —Outwardly it is used in Plaisters for the Head-Ach & Tooth-Ach. The Wood is accounted drying & binding, good for all kinds of Fluxes.

4. Greek, Σχι̃νος. Latin, Lentiscus vulgaris. Spanish, Mata or Arveira. Italian, Lentisco. French, Lentisque. German, Mastixbaum. Dutch, Mastix Boom.

The Common Fir, or Pitch Tree Abies rubra or Picea [Norway Spruce, Picea abies]

1. This grows to be a large Tree, the Leaves are small slender & prickly, of a bright grass Green Colour, the Catkins greenish, the Cones a light Brown & the Seed Brown.

2. It grows wild in Germany & Scotland, sending out its Catkins in the Spring.

3. The Leaves and Tops are used in Diet Drinks for the Scurvy, & are an Ingredient in the Brunswick Mum. The Strasburg Turpentine comes from this Tree, which is mollifying

healing & cleansing & a great Diuretic, usefull in Wounds, Ulcers, a Gonorrhea, the Fluor albus, the Stone & Gravel, & Affections of the Breast & Lungs. Tar is also the Product of this Tree, and is accounted a good pectoral Medicine, useful for shortness of Breath and Obstructions of the Lungs.

4. Greek, Πεύκη. Latin, Picea. Spanish, Pino negro. Italian, Pezzo. French, Pesse, Pignet, or Garipolt. German, Rat Zannenbaum. Dutch, Denne Boom.

The Olive Tree Olea or Olea sativa [European Olive, Olea europaea]

1. This Tree grows to a great Bigness in its native Climate, the Leaves are a deep Green above & hoary underneath, the Flowers yellow, & the Fruit black when ripe.

2. It grows in Spain, Italy and Turky.

3. The Oil is moderatly healing & mollifying, rendring the Body lax & soluble; it helps Disorders of the Breast & Lungs, & eases Gripings & the Collic. —It is of great use against all corrosive mineral Poisons, as Arsenic, Sublimate

&c. It opens the Urinary Passages & is good for the Stone & Gravel. The pickled Olives are grateful to the Stomach, and provoke an Appetite. The ripe Olives are a great Part of the Food of the Eastern Countries, among the Greeks; especially in Lent.

4. Greek, Ελάια. Latin, Olea. Spanish, Olivo or Azeytimo. Italian, Olivo. French, Olivier. German, Delbaum. Dutch, Olyf.

Black Maiden Hair Adianthum nigrum

[Irish Spleenwort, Asplenium onopteris]

1. This Maiden Hair grows about a Span high, the Leaves are a bright Green above, and underneath they are covered with small Brown Seed.

2. It grows in Shady Lanes and at the Roots of Trees.

3. This is also one of the five Capillary Herbs; & its Virtues are much the same as the common Maiden Hair, being useful

for Coughs & all affections of the Lungs and Diseases of the Kidneys; Some commend it as good for the Jaundice.

4. Greek, Αδίαντον μέλον. Latin, Adianthum nigrum vulgare, or Onopeteris foemina. Spanish, Culantrillo depozzo negro. Italian, Capel venere. French, Capil venere noir. German, Frawen Har. Dutch, Drouwen Hairkruyd.

The East India Tamarind Tamarindus indica Orientalis [Tamarind, Tamarindus indica]

1. This Tree differs from the West India Tamarind in the Leaves & Fruit; & is better to be used in Medicines than the other because the Fruit contains more Pulp.

2. It grows in the East Indies and flowers in the Spring. This Specimen of the Tree and fruit is taken from the Malabar Garden.

3. Tamarinds are accounted cooling and opening, good to purge choleric Humors, and correct the bilious Heat of the Stomach and Bowels; they also are good to allay Thirst, promote Urine, and help the Jaundice.

4. Greek, Οξυφοίηκες. Latin, Tamarindi. Spanish, —. Italian, —. French, —. German, —. Dutch, —.

1. The Stalks grow about three Foot high, the Leaves are a grass Green, and the Flowers white with purple Veins.

2. It is sown in Gardens, and flowers in April and May.

3. The Leaves are often eat as a Sallad with other Herbs; Some account it a Stimulus to Venery, & a good Diuretic. Matthiolus commends the Syrup of the Leaves as good

for Children’s Coughs. Cammerarius that an equal Part of Rocket and Cummin Seed powdred is a good Preservative against the Apoplexy.

4. Greek, Ἔιζωμον. Latin, Eruca latifolia alba. Spanish, Oruga. Italian, Rucola. French, Roquette. German, Beifs Senff. Dutch, Rakette.

Sweet-Cicely Myrrhis

1. The Stalks grow about four Foot high, the Leaves are a bright grass Green, and the Flowers white.

2. It is sown in Gardens, and flowers in April and May.

3. This Plant is often eat as a Sallad, being much of the same Nature as Chervil, consisting of hot & thin Parts, being good

for cold windy Stomachs, opening Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, & provoking Urine.

4. Greek, Μὔρῥις. Latin, Myrrhis major, & Cicutaria odorata. Spanish, —. Italian, Mirrade. French, —. German, Belscher Gorbel. Dutch, —.

Woad Isatis

[Dyer’s Woad, Isatis tinctoria]

1. The Stalks grow about three or four Foot high, the Leaves are a willow Green, and the Flowers yellow.

2. It grows wild in several Parts of England, but is generally Sown for the Use of the Dyers; and flowers in May.

3. Woad is esteem’d restringent & drying, and is good to stop inward & outward Bleedings. Some commend it much for

Ruptures & Strains, and to strengthen the Joints. —It is an Ingredient in the Emplastrum ad Herniam.

4. Greek, Ἰσάτις. Latin, Glastum, & Isatis sativa, or latifolia. Spanish, Pastel. Italian, Guado. French, Gueda or Pastel. German, Weid. Dutch, —.

The Wallnut Juglans

[English Walnut, Juglans regia]

1. This grows to be a large Tree, the Leaves are a yellow Green, & the Catkins yellowish.

2. It is planted in Walks, Parks & Fields; and the Catkins come out in April.

3. The Bark is accounted a strong Emetic; either Green, or dryed and powdered. The Green Nuts are cordial & alexipharmic being of great Use in all contagious malignant Distempers, & even the Plague; they are one of the Principal Ingredients in the Treacle Water. —The Nuts preserved are

good to be eat in a Morning to prevent Infection in the time of Pestilential Distempers. —Two or three Ounces of the Oil express’d from the ripe Kernels, is a very good Medicine for the Stone and Gravel. —The Shells powdered or burnt are accounted restringent.

4. Greek, Κáρυα βασιλικὰ. Latin, Nux juglans or regia vulgaris. Spanish, Noeses. Italian, Noci. French, Noix. German, Welschnuss. Dutch, Ockernooten.