| ALEHOOF GLECHOMA
HEDERACEA The juice dropped into the ear doth wonderfully help the noise and singing of them, and helpeth the hearing which is decayed. It is also called Cat's-foot, Ground-ivy, Gill-go-by-ground, Gill-creep- by-ground , Turn-hoof and Hay-maids. This well-known herb spreads and creeps along the ground. Roots shoot forth at the corners of tender-jointed stalks, set with two round leaves at every joint. The hollow, long flowers are of a blueish-purple colour with small white spots on the lips that hang down. Where to find it.. It is found under hedges, on the sides of ditches, in shadowy lanes and on waste land. Flowering time: Early to late spring. The leaves stay green until the winter. Astrology: It is a herb of Venus and therefore cures, by sympathy, the diseases she causes; and those of Mars by antipathy. Medicinal virtues: A herb for all inward wounds, exulecrated lungs, or other parts, either by itself, or boiled with other similar herbs. It easeth griping pains, windy and choleric humours in the stomach, spleen or belly; it helps the yellow jaundice by opening the stoppings of the gall and liver, and melancholy by opening the stoppings of the spleen. It expels venom or poison and also the plague. It provokes urine and women's courses. The decoction of it in wine drank for some time eases those that are troubled by sciatica, or hip gout, and also the gout in the hands, knees or feet. If you add to the decoction some honey and a little burnt alum, it is excellent as a gargle for any sore mouth or throat, and to wash the sores and ulcers in the privy parts of man or woman. It speedily helps green wounds, if bruised and bound thereto. The juice of it boiled with a little honey and verdigris doth wonderfully cleanse fistulas, ulcers and stayeth the spreading or eating of cancers and ulcers. It helpeth the itch, scabs, wheals and other breakings out in any part of the body. The juice of Celandine, Field Daisies, and Ground-ivy clarified and a little fine sugar dissolved therein, and dropped into the eyes, is a sovereign remedy for all pains, redness and watering of them; also for the pin and web, skins and films growing over the sight. It helps beasts as well as men. The juice dropped into the ear helpeth the hearing. Modern uses: Generally known as Ground-ivy among modern herbalists, the herb is collected in late spring when the flowers are still fresh. It is used in the treatment of dyspepsia, kidney disease, abscesses, gatherings and tumours, eye problems and freckles. For abscesses, it is combined in equal parts with Chamomile flowers and used as a poultice. For treating coughs, it is combined in equal parts with Horehound and Colt's Foot and made into a syrup. An infusion can be made by adding 1 oz (28 g) of the herb to 1 pt (568 ml) of boiling water. Strain and administer in doses of 2 fl oz (56 ml) three times a day. |
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