The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 4 (of 6)

Chapter 529: CHAP. 79.—CAROBS: FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. THE CORNEL; ONE REMEDY. THE FRUIT OF THE ARBUTUS.

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The text compiles practical and encyclopedic guidance on crop cultivation and plant uses, beginning with cereals and farm management — types of grain, sowing and harvesting schedules, ploughing, seed selection, storage, and maladies — plus weather and stellar prognostics for agricultural timing. It proceeds to flax and garden plants, detailing varieties, planting and processing methods, garden layout, and pest and disease remedies. The final section assembles medicinal preparations and numerous remedies derived from vegetables and herbs, listing applications and recipes for treating ailments using garden-grown plants.

CHAP. 79.—CAROBS: FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. THE CORNEL; ONE REMEDY. THE FRUIT OF THE ARBUTUS.

Fresh carobs 3182 are unwholesome to the stomach, and relaxing to the bowels;3183 in a dried state, however, they are astringent, and are much more beneficial to the stomach; they are diuretic also. For pains in the stomach, persons boil three Syrian carobs 3184 with one sextarius of water, down to one-half, and drink the decoction.

The juices which exude from the branches of the cornel 3185 are received on a plate of red-hot iron 3186 without it touching the wood; the rust of which is applied for the cure of incipient lichens. The arbutus or unedo 3187 bears a fruit that is difficult of digestion, and injurious to the stomach.