CULPEPER'S COMPLETE HERBAL

CUBEBS

Cubebs are small berries, somewhat sweet, about th ebigness of pepper-corns, yet not so black nor solid, but more rugged or crested, being either hollow, or having a kernel within it, of a hot taste, but not so fiery as pepper; and having each a short stalk on them like a tail: these grow on trees less than apple-trees, with leaves narrower than those of pepper; the flower is sweet, and the fruit groweth clustering together. The Arabians call them quabebe, and quabebe chini; they grow pfentifully Java: they are used to stir up venery, and to warm and strengthen the stomach, being overcome with phlegm or wind; they cleanse the breast of thick tough humours, help the spleen, and are very profitable for the cold griefs of the womb. Being chewed in the mouth with mastic, they draw rheum from the head, and strengthen the brain and memory.