The Complete Works of Galen, Vol. 12

BOOK 8 [OF THE POWERS OF SIMPLE MEDICINES]

Chartier Edition, Vol. 13. [182.]

Basel Edition, Vol. 2. (87.)

...some apply it as a plaster for sciatica original: "ἰσχιαδικῶν" (ischiadikōn) or "ischiadicis"; pain or ailments affecting the hip and sciatic nerve as a powerful remedy. It draws out what is stuck deep within to the outer surface and warms the entire joint. It clearly burns the skin. When drunk or applied as a suppository, it very effectively brings on menstruation.

It is also a good remedy for those suffering from elephantiasis original: "ἐλεφαντιώντων" (elephantiontōn) or "elephanticorum"; in ancient medicine, a condition where the skin becomes thick and hard, attributed to an excess of thick, "melancholy" humors. This is not only because it powerfully disperses thin humors, but also because it strongly thins and breaks up the thick humors that produce such a disease. In this way, it also restores color to dark scars and disperses bruises original: "ὑπώπια" (hypōpia) or "sugillata"; literally "under the eyes," referring to black-and-blue marks.

For these conditions, it is better to boil it in wine while it is still green and apply it as a plaster, rather than using it dry. Once dried, it becomes stronger and more likely to burn. Because it has such qualities, it is also used for the bites of venomous animals, just like cauteries original: "καυτήρια" (kautēria); tools or substances used to burn or sear the skin to prevent the spread of poison or infection and other medicines that are hot, sharp, and made of fine particles. Such medicines easily draw all surrounding moisture toward themselves from deep within. The bitterness present in it is entirely slight; however, it acts as effectively...