The Complete Works of Galen, Vol. 12

...and stomachs filled with excess waste. It dries more effectively than the tart varieties and has a certain cutting incisive: the ability to break down and thin out thick or sticky fluids property. The gum of the tree has a general capacity shared by all sticky and non-irritating medicines. This makes it suitable for roughened arteries original: "τετραχυσμένας ἀρτηρίας" (tetrachysmenas arterias); in ancient medicine, this often refers to the windpipe or bronchial tubes. It also has a specific property, if what some authors write is true: when drunk with wine, it helps those suffering from stones This refers to kidney or bladder stones. If this is the case, it must possess a quality consisting of thin parts.

Chartier Edition XIII. [189.]

Basel Edition II. (90.)

20. ON THE CAROB TREE

The carob tree original: "κερατωνία" (keratōnia) has a drying and astringent capacity. Its fruits, which are called carobs, share these properties. They clearly possess some sweetness as well. These fruits behave in a way similar to cherries. When they are moist, they loosen the bowels more effectively. When they are dry, they stop the bowels more. This happens because they lose their moisture as they dry, and only the more earthy part of their substance remains behind.

21. ON CESTRUM OR BETONY

Cestrum, also known as psychotrophon, and called betonica in Latin original: "Ῥωμαϊστὶ δὲ βετονίκη" (Rhōmaisti de betonikē), has a cutting capacity. Its taste makes this clear. The herb is quite bitter and somewhat pungent, as is shown by the...