THISTLES.
Project Gutenberg EPUB3 edition
Culpeper, Nicholas
Of these are many kinds growing here in England which are so well known, that they need no description: Their difference is easily known on the places where they grow, viz.
Place.] Some grow in fields, some in meadows, and some among the corn; others on heaths, greens, and waste grounds in many places.
Time.] They flower in June and August and their seed is ripe quickly after.
Government and virtues.] Surely Mars rules it, it is such a prickly business. All these thistles are good to provoke urine, and to mend the stinking smell thereof; as also the rank smell of the arm-pits, or the whole body; being boiled in wine and drank, and are said to help a stinking breath, and to strengthen the stomach. Pliny saith, That the juice bathed on the place that wants hair, it being fallen off, will cause it to grow speedily.