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

Chapter 248: CHAP. 18. (7.)—AFFECTIONS OF THE SIDE, CHEST, AND STOMACH.

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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. 18. (7.)—AFFECTIONS OF THE SIDE, CHEST, AND STOMACH.

For the cure of pains in the side and chest, verbascum 1088 is used in water, with rue; powdered betony is also taken in warm water. Juice of scordotis 1089 is used as a stomachic, centaury also, gentian taken in water, and plantago, either eaten with the food, or mixed with lentils or a pottage of alica.1090 Betony, which is in general prejudicial to the stomach, is remedial for some stomachic affections, taken in drink or chewed, the leaves being used for the purpose. In a similar manner too, aristolochia 1091 is taken in drink, or dried agaric is chewed, a draught of undiluted wine being taken every now and then. Nymphæa heraclia 1092 is also applied topically in these cases, and juice of peucedanum.1093 For burning pains in the stomach psyllion 1094 is applied, or else cotyledon 1095 beaten up with polenta, or aizoüm.1096