Home Index of Herbal Remedies Herbal Remedy Title Page
 

CULPEPER'S COMPLETE HERBAL

 

WATER-CALTROPS

Names. They are called also, tribulus aquaticus, tribulus lacustris, tribulus marinus, caltrops, saligot, water-nuts, and water-chesnuts.

Description. As for the greater sort, or water caltrop, it is but rarely found here: two other sorts there are, which I shall here describe. The first hath a long, creeping, and jointed root, sending forth tufts at each joint, from which joints rise long, flat, slender, knotted stalks, even to the top of the water, divided towards the top into many branches, each carrying two leaves on both sides, being about two inches long, and half an inch broad, thin and almost transparent; they look as though they were torn; the flowers are long, thick, and whitish, set together almost like a bunch of grapes, which being gone, there succeed, for the most part, four sharp pointed grains all together, containing a small white kernel in them.

The second differs not much from this, except that it delights in more clean water; its stalks are not flat, but round; its leaves are not so long, but more pointed. As for the place, we need not determine, for their name shews they grow in the water.

Government and virtues. It is under the dominion of the Moon, and, being made into a poultice, is excellent good for hot inflammations and swellings, cankers, sore throats and mouths, being washed with the decoction; it cleanseth and strengtheneth the neck and throat much and helpeth those swellings, which, when people have they say the almonds of the ears are fallen down; it is excellent good for the stone and gravel, especially the nuts, being dried; they also resist poison, and bitings of venomous beasts.

   

Home Index of Herbal Remedies Herbal Remedy Title Page