[De epidemia et peste]

to be avoided because it generates gross humors. Milk also is quickly corrupted. All fruits and herbs, except for a few, are to be avoided, especially those that are born and grow in such times in which the air is putrid. One itself seems to participate in the malice. Whence Rasis: "Fruits and vegetables which are born in such a time in which the air is putrid seem to participate in the malice." And water which is manifest on the surface of the earth is not to be drunk. If, however, some fruits are taken, they should be sour, such as bitter apples, and those fruits should be cooked in fire, because fire in cooking removes their malice and the bad impression left in them by the constellation and the putrid air. Take lettuces and purslane with vinegar. Sorrel is the best of herbs for them, since it is cold and dry and refrigerates the heart and the blood existing in its chambers. Sometimes one can take parsley, marjoram, sage, and fumitory boiled with borage. All other herbs should be dismissed. For vegetables and fruits have watery, putrefiable moisture, by reason of which the humor generated therefrom is prepared for putrefaction. Let the wine be weak or diluted with spring water, white or pale red, clear. Beware of nectar because of the heating and boiling, and of must Unfermented grape juice.. And beware of any confection made with honey, and of a bath of hot water. But with water and vinegar, one can wash the hands, feet, and legs. Use a refrigerating and drying regimen in every way except for exercise and coitus. And this is the opinion of Haly in the Royal Book. Beware also of things that exceed in sweetness, such as raisins, dates, dried figs, honey, sugar, and of the confections that are made from them as has been said, unless they are medicinal.