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

Chapter 374: CHAP. 50.—THE ELATINE: TWO REMEDIES.

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About This Book

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. 50.—THE ELATINE: TWO REMEDIES.

The elatine 1866 has leaves like those of the helxine,1867 diminutive, round, and hairy; its branches are small, half a foot in length, five or six in number, and covered with leaves from the root upwards. It grows in corn-fields, and has a rough flavour: hence it is found very useful for defluxions of the eyes, the leaves being beaten up and applied with polenta 1868 in a linen pledget. A decoction of this plant with linseed, taken in pottage, is good for dysentery.