Latin Texts & Translations

The helxine ^[Note] is called by some, "perdicium," from the circumstance of its forming the principal food of partridges. ^[Note] Other persons, however, give it the name of "sideritis," and to some it is known as "parthenium." It has leaves, the shape of which is a mixture of those of the plantago and the marrubium; ^[Note] the stalks are slight and closely packed, and are of a light red colour. The seeds, enclosed in heads resembling those of the lappa, ^[Note] adhere to the clothes, a circumstance, it is said, to which it owes its name ^[Note] of "helxine." We have already stated in the preceding Book ^[Note] what are the characteristics of the plant properly so called.

The one of which we are now speaking is used for dyeing ^[Note] wool, and is employed for the cure of erysipelas, tumours, all kinds of abscesses, and burns. The juice of it, taken in doses of one cyathus with white lead, is a cure for inflamed tumours, incipient swellings of the throat, and inveterate coughs. ^[Note] It is good, too, for all maladies of the humid parts of the body, the tonsillary glands, for instance; and, in combination with rose oil, it is useful for varicose veins. It is employed topically for the gout, with goat suet and Cyprian wax.