CHAP. 12. (5.)—SCROFULA.
For the cure of scrofula1061 plantago is employed, chelidonia1062 mixed with honey and axle-grease, cinquefoil, and root of persolata1063—this last being applied topically, and covered with the leaf of the plant—artemisia,1064 also, and an infusion of the root of mandragora1065 in water. The large-leaved sideritis,1066 cleft by the left hand with a nail, is worn attached as an amulet: but after the cure has been effected, due care must be taken to preserve the plant, in order that it may not be set again, to promote the wicked designs of the herbalists and so cause the disease to break out afresh; as sometimes happens in the cases already mentioned,1067 and others which I find stated, in reference to persons cured by the agency of artemisia or plantago.
Damasonion,1068 also known as alcea, is gathered at the summer solstice, and applied with rain-water, the leaves being beaten up, or the root pounded, with axle-grease, so as to admit, when applied, of being covered with a leaf of the plant. The same plan is adopted also for the cure of all pains in the neck, and tumours on all parts of the body.