The Complete Works of Galen, Vol. 12

BOOK 8 ON THE POWERS [OF SIMPLE MEDICINES]

Chartier Edition XIII. [188.]

Basel Edition II. (90.)

...this medicine is drying, without any biting sensation mordacitas: a stinging or pungent quality that irritates the skin or membranes. I have mentioned before that all such medicines are extremely useful, and it is a good time to remind you of this now as we go through each of its specific actions.

Large wounds are closed up when they are covered with a plaster made from the fresh herb. Even old ulcers that are difficult to scar over cicatrization: the process of forming a scar to heal a wound are brought to healing by using it in the same manner. When the herb is dried, it is mixed with other binding and drying agents. These are naturally suited to treat deep cavities sinus: an abnormal pocket or channel in the body, often containing pus and fistulas fistula: an abnormal tube-like passage in the body. They also soften old hardened tissues and heal malignant ulcers.

This herb is also included in remedies for rheumatic conditions rheuma: a flow of humors or fluids, often causing inflammation. For these cases, the best medicines are those that dry the area strongly with some astringency stypsis: a contracting or tightening effect but cause no stinging or biting.

Some practitioners administer a decoction of this herb to those suffering from sciatica ischiadicis: pain affecting the back, hip, and outer side of the leg. They do this because it draws out bilious and thick humors, for it has the power to purge such substances. Indeed, when it acts so strongly that it evacuates bloody matter, it is even more beneficial. Furthermore, its juice possesses a similar power, namely a drying and cleansing abstersive: having a cleaning or purging quality ability. It is well suited to perform all the other functions mentioned above...