Chapter XXI: Part 21

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.