CULPEPER'S COMPLETE HERBAL

THOROUGH-LEAF

Description. Common Thorough-leaf sends forth a strait round stalk, two feet high, or better, whose lower leaves being of a bluish colour, are smaller and narrower than those up higher, and stand close thereto, not compassing it; but as they grow higher, they do not encompass the stalks, until it wholly pass through them, branching toward the top into many parts, where the leaves grow smaller again, every one standing singly, and never two at a joint. The flowers are small and yellow, standing in tufts at the heads of the branches, where afterwards grow the seed, being blackish, many thick thrust together. The root is small, long, and woody, perihing every year, after seed-time, and rising again plentifully of its own sowing.

Place. It is found in corn-fields and other cultivated places, but not common.

Time. It produces its blossoms in July.

Government and virtues. Saturn has the dominion of this plant. Country-people make use of the leaves externally against wounds and bruises, and give the seeds inwardly to prevent the bad effects of internal hurts. It is of singular good use for all sorts of bruises and wounds either inward or outward: and old ulcers and sores likewise, if the decoction of the herb with water and wine be drank, and the place washed therewith, or the juice of the green herb bruised, or boiled, either by itself, or with other herbs, in oil or hog's grease, to be made into an ointment to serve all the year. The decoction of the herb, or powder of the dried herb, taken inwardly, and the same, or the leaves bruised, and applid outwardly is singularly good for all ruptures and burstings, especially in children before they be too old. Being applied with a little flour and wax to children's navels that stick forth, it helps them.