Description. Mouse-ear is a low herb, creeping upon the ground by small strings, like the strawberry-plant, whereby it shooteth forth small roots, whereat grow up on the ground many small and somewhat short leaves, set in a round form together, and very hairy, which being broken do give a whitish milk; From among these leaves spring up two or three small hoary stalks about a span high, with a few smaller leaves thereon: at the tops whereof standeth usually bat one flower, consisting of many pale yellow leaves, broad at the point, and a little dented in, set in three or four rows (the greater upper-most) very like a dandelion flower, and a little reddish underneath about the edges, especially if it grow in a dry ground; which, after they have stood long in flower, do turn into down, which, with the seed, is carried away with the wind.
Place. It groweth on ditch-banks, and sometimes in ditches, if they be dry, and in sandy grounds.
Time. It flowereth about June or July, and abideth green all the winter.
Government and virtues. The moon owns this herb also; and though authors cry out upon alchymists, for attempting to fix quicksilver by this herb and moon-wort, a Roman would not have judged a thing by the success; if it be to be fixed at all, it is by Lunar influence. The juice thereof taken in wine, or the decoction thereof drank, doth help the jaundice, although of long continuance, to drink thereof morning and evening, and abstain from other drink two or three hours after. It is a special remedy against the stone, and the tormenting pains thereof; as also other tortures and griping pains of the bowels. The decoction thereof with succory and century is held very effectual to help the dropsy, and them that are inclining thereunto, and the diseases of the spleen. It stayeth the fluxes of blood either at the mouth or nose, and inward bleeding also, for it is a singular wound herb for wounds, both inward and outward: it helpeth the bloody flux, and helpeth the abundance of women's courses. There is a syrup made of the juice hereof, and sugar, by the apothecaries of Italy, and other places, which is of much account with them, to be given to those that are troubled with the cough or phthisic. The same also is singularly good for ruptures or burstings. The green herb bruised and presently bound to any cut or wound, doth quickly solder the lips thereof. And the juice, decoction, or powder of the dried herb is most singular to stay the malignity of spreading and fretting cankers and ulcers whatsoever, yea in the mouth and secret parts. The distilled water of the plant is available in all the diseases aforesaid, and to wash outward wounds and sores, and apply tents of cloths wet therein.