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DEVIL'S BIT SCABIOSA SUCCISA The root was longer, until the devil (as the friars say) bit away the rest of it for spite, envying its usefulness to mankind:for sure he was not troubled with any disease for which it is proper. It grows about two feet (60 cm) high with narrow, smooth, dark green leaves nipped about the edges. At the end of each branch there is a round head of many flowers of a blueish-purple colour. Where to find it: Dry meadows and heathland. Flowering time: Late summer. Astrology: The herb is not ascribed a planet or astrological sign. Medicinal virtues: The herb or the root (all that the devil hath left of it) being boiled in wine and drank, is very powerful against the plague and all pestilential diseases or fevers and poisons. It also helpeth all that are inwardly bruised by any casualty, or outwardly by falls or blows, dissolving the clotted blood. The herb or root beaten and outwardly applied taketh away the black and blue marks that remain in the skin. The decoction of the herb, with Honey of Roses, helpeth inveterate tumours and swellings of the throat if used as a gargle. It helpeth also to procure women's courses and easeth all pains of the mother and to break wind therein. The powder of the root taken in drink driveth forth worms from the body.The juice or distilled water of the herb is effectual for wounds or old sores and cleanseth the body inwardly. Modern uses: This herb is not currently available from herbalists, but was used until recent times for fevers and inflammatory disease. The infusion is soothing, helps to reduce temperature naturally and to excrete toxic sub- stances through the skin. It is made by adding i oz (28 g) of the dried herb to 1 Pt (568 ml) of boiling water. Doses of 2 fl oz (56 mi) can be taken, frequently to produce perspiration. |