It is so common a plant, and so well known by almost every inhabitant of this kingdom, that a description of it would be altogether superfluous.
Time. It is sown about the latter end of March or the beginning of April, and is ripe in August and September.
Government and virtues. It is under the dominion of Saturn. The seed consumeth wind, but if used too liberally it drieth up the natural seed for procreation, though, being boiled in milk, and taken a little at a time, is a good remedy for a dry cough. An emulsion made of the seed is given with good success for the jaundice, especially in the beginning of the disease, if there be no ague accompanying it, for it openeth obstructions of the gall, and causeth digestion of choler; it stayeth lasks and continual fluxes, easeth the cholic, allayeth the troublesome humours of the bowels, and stayeth bleeding at the mouth, nose, or any other place; it will destroy the worms either in man or beast, and, by dropping the juice into the ears, it will kill the worms and bring forth earwigs and other insects gotten therein. The decoction of the root allayeth inflammations, easeth the pains of the gout, the hard tumours or knots in the joints, the pains and shrinking of the sinews, and the pains of the hips. The fresh juice, mixed with a little oil and butter, is an exceeding good cure for burns.