Latin Texts & Translations

Wild asparagus is by some persons called "corruda," by others "libycum," and by the people of Attica "orminus." ^[Note] For all the affections above enumerated it is more efficacious even than the cultivated kind, that which is white ^[Note] more particularly. This vegetable has the effect of dispelling the jaundice, and a decoction of it, in doses of one hemina, is recommended as an aphrodisiac; a similar effect is produced also by a mixture of asparagus seed and dill in doses of three

oboli respectively. A decoction of asparagus juice is given also for the stings of serpents; and the root of it, mixed with that of marathrum, ^[Note] is reckoned in the number of the most valuable remedies we are acquainted with.

In cases of hæmaturia, Chrysippus recommends a mixture of asparagus, parsley, and cummin seed, to be given to the patient every five days, in doses of three oboli, mixed with two cyathi of wine. He says, however, that though employed this way, it is a good diuretic, it is bad for dropsy, and acts as an antaphrodisiac; and that it is injurious to the bladder, unless it is boiled first. ^[Note] He states also, that if the water in which it is boiled is given to dogs, it will kill them; ^[Note] and that the juice of the root boiled in wine, kept in the mouth, is an effectual cure for tooth-ache.