CHAP. 16.—BECHION, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ARCION, CHAMÆ
LEUCE OR TUSSILAGO: THREE REMEDIES.
Bechion [Note] is known also as tussilago: there are two kinds
of it. Wherever it is found growing wild, it is generally
thought that there is a spring of water below, and it is looked
upon as a sure sign that such is the case, by persons in search [Note]
of water. The leaves are somewhat larger than those of
ivy, and are some five or seven in number, of a whitish hue
beneath, and a pale green on the upper surface, The plant is
destitute of stem, blossom, and seed, and the root is very
diminutive. Some persons are of opinion that this bechion is
identical with the arcion, known also as the "chamæleuce." [Note]
The smoke [Note] of this plant in a dry state, inhaled by the aid
of a reed and swallowed, is curative, they say, of chronic
cough; it is necessary, however, at each inhalation to take a
draught of raisin wine.
