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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.
For the cure of sprains, root of polypodion1423 is used, in the form, of a liniment: the pain and swelling are modified also by using seed of psyllion;1424 leaves of plantago1425 beaten up with a little salt; seed of verbascum,1426 boiled in wine and pounded; or hemlock with axle-grease. Leaves of ephemeron1427 are applied topically to tumours and tuberosities, so long as they are capable of being dispersed.