THE Tamarisk is a Tree of a moderate Size, which grows plentifully in Languedoc, having very small Leaves; the Fruit like Grapes, of a blackish Colour, which the Dyers use instead of Galls.
Chuse the Tamarisk Wood, with the Bark white without and within, of almost an insipid Taste, and without any Smell. They use it for Diseases of the Spleen, as well as the Bark, and make little Casks, Cups, and Dishes of it, which are call'd Tamarisk Ware. Those who are troubled with the Spleen, use to fill these little Casks with good Wine, and, after it has stood some Time, drink it for their common Liquor; and likewise they use the Cups and Dishes for the same Purpose, to drink out of. From this Wood is made a white Crystal Salt, call'd Tamarisk Salt, which is appropriated to the Cure of the Spleen.
Tamariscus, Tamarix major, five Arborea Narbonensis, the greater Tamarisk, or Narbone Shrub. It is a Tree of a middle Size, whose Bark is rough, grey without, and reddish within: The Leaves are small, long, round, slender, very like those of Cypress, of a pale green Colour; the Flowers growing at the Top of the Branches, dispos'd in Clusters, little, white, and purplish, each one being compos'd of five Leaves, which is succeeded by a lanuginous Fruit, that contains blackish Seed. The Root is thick, woody, and divided into several Branches. This Tree grows chiefly the hot Countries, as Dauphiny and Languedoc, near Rivers, and other watry Places. It flowers three Times a Year, in Spring, Summer, and Autumn. All the Parts of Tamarisk contain a great deal of Salt and Oil. The Bark, Root, Leaves, and Flowers are all us'd in Physick, to open Obstructions of the Spleen and Mesentery, excite Womens Courses, and to attenuate the tartarous and melancholy Humours.