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Asparagus
(asparagus officinalis)
The decoction taken fasting several mornings together, it stirs up bodily lust in man or woman, whatever some have written to the contrary. Astrology: under Jupiter. Medicinal virtues: The young buds or branches boiled in ordinary broth, make the belly soluble and open. Boiled in white wine they prevent the urine being stopped. It is good against strangury or difficulty of making water. It expels the gravel and stone out of the kidneys and helps pains in the reins. Boiled in white wine or vinegar it is prevalent for them that have their arteries loosened, or are troubled with the hip-gout or sciatica. The decoction of the roots boiled in wine and taken, is good to clear the sight and being held in the mouth eases the toothache. The back and belly bathed with the decoction, or sitting therein as a bath, has been found effectual against pains of the reins and bladder, pains of the mother and colic, and generally against all pains that happen to the lower parts of the body. It is no less effectual against stiff and benumbed sinews, or those that are shrunk by cramps and convulsions, and sciatica. Modern uses: Used by homeopaths in the treatment of rheumatism and oedema due to heart failure. It is a diuretic and will clear sediment from the bladder. It also has laxative properties |