CHAP. 59.—POLENTA: EIGHT REMEDIES.
Of the various kinds of polenta we have already treated
sufficiently [Note] at length, when speaking of the places where it
is made. It differs from barley meal, in being parched, a process which renders it more wholesome for the stomach. It
arrests looseness of the bowels, and heals inflammatory eruptions; and it is employed as a liniment for the eyes, and for
head-ache, combined with mint or some other refreshing herb.
It is used in a similar manner also for chilblains and wounds
inflicted by serpents; and with wine, for burns. It has the
effect also of checking pustular eruptions.
