The helxine2551 is called by some, “perdicium,” from the circumstance of its forming the principal food of partridges.2552 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;2553 the stalks are slight and closely packed, and are of a light red colour. The seeds, enclosed in heads resembling those of the lappa,2554 adhere to the clothes, a circumstance, it is said, to which it owes its name2555 of “helxine.” We have already stated in the preceding Book2556 what are the characteristics of the plant properly so called.
The one of which we are now speaking is used for dyeing2557 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.2558 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.