Book 8: On the Powers of Simple Remedies

Page 9

...is not at all free from astringency. For this reason, it provokes much bilious urine and heals obstructions and weaknesses of the liver original: "ἧπαρ" (hēpar) or "jecinoris". Its juice sharpens the eyesight and causes many tears, just like smoke itself original: "καπνός" (kapnos) or "fumus"; this explains the plant's name, Fumitory; indeed, this is why it was given its name. A certain common person used to use it to strengthen the stomach original: "στόμαχον" (stomachon); in ancient medicine, this often referred to the esophagus or the upper opening of the stomach while simultaneously loosening the bowels. He would first dry the herb and store it. Then, when he wished to use it, he would sprinkle it into honey-water original: "μελικράτῳ" (melikratō) or "melicrato" for the sake of purging, but into diluted wine if he intended to strengthen the stomach.

7. About the Caper

The bark of the caper original: "καππάρεως" (kappareōs) or "capparis" root possesses a dominant bitter quality, a secondary pungent quality, and after these, an astringent quality. From this, it is clear that it is composed of different and conflicting powers. It is able to cleanse, purge, and cut through thick humors by its combined bitterness; it can heat, cut, and dissipate by its pungency; and it can contract, thicken, and tighten by its astringency. For this reason, this medicine benefits hardened spleens original: "σπλῆνας σκιῤῥώδεις" (splēnas skirrhōdeis) or "lienes induratos"; referring to a "scirrhous" or firm, chronic swelling of the spleen more than almost any other remedy, whether it is mixed with suitable plasters applied externally, or...