The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 5 (of 6)

Chapter 148: CHAP. 27.—THE SCORDOTIS OR SCORDION: FOUR REMEDIES.

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This volume catalogs remedies derived from forest trees and wild plants, presenting systematic entries for dozens of species with prescribed treatments and applications. It enumerates specific uses for resins, barks, leaves, berries, and sap, and gives instructions on preparation, dosage, and testing of potency. The text also records variations among species, regional observations on growth and harvesting, and anecdotes on how certain plants were discovered or associated with animals and human practices. Overall it functions as a practical herbal compendium combining botanical description with medicinal recipes and empirical notes.

CHAP. 27.—THE SCORDOTIS OR SCORDION: FOUR REMEDIES.

Lenæus attributes to Mithridates the discovery of another plant, the scordotis 632 or scordion, which has been described, he tells us, by the hand even of that prince. This plant, he says, is a cubit in height, and has a square stem, branchy, covered with downy leaves, and resembling the quercus 633 in appearance: it is found growing in Pontus, in rich, humid soils, and has a bitter taste.

There is another 634 variety also of this plant, with a larger leaf, and resembling wild mint in appearance. They are both of them used for numerous purposes, both individually and in combination with other ingredients, as antidotes.