Dodder of Thyme |
DODDER OF THYME CUSCUTA EPITHYMUM He is a physician indeed that hath wit enough to choose his Dodder according to the nature of the disease and humour peccant. We confess Thyme is the hottest herb it usually grows upon and therefore that which grows upon Thyme is hotter than that which grows upon colder herbs; for it draws nourishment from what it grows upon, as well as from the earth where its root is. Dodder is a parasitic plant and a member of the Convolvulus family. Its stems are like threads, and it bears clusters of white or pinkish flowers but has no leaves. There are many Dodders, but Dodder of Thyme, also called Flax Dodder, is best. Where to find it: Heaths and grassy places in most parts of the world. Flowering time: Early summer to early autumn. Astrology: All Dodders are under Saturn who is wise enough to have two strings to his bow. Medicinal virtues: it is most effectual for melancholy diseases and to purge black or burnt choler, which is the cause of many diseases of the head and brain, as well as for the trembling of the heart, Paintings and swoonings. It is helpful in all diseases and griefs of the spleen and the melancholy that arises from the windiness of the hypochondrium. It purgeth also the reins or kidneys by urine. It openeth obstructions of the gall and profiteth them that have jaundice. Dodders found growing upon Nettles bath by experience been found very effectual to procure plenty of urine, where it hath been stopped or hindered. All the diseases that Saturn causes Dodder helps by sympathy, and strengthens the parts that Saturn rules. Modern uses: Dodder is a laxative and a liver tonic. It can he used for jaundice and sciatica. The whole plant is very bitter to the taste and an infusion acts as a purge. It is better to add a little ginger and pimento to the infusion of the stems. This acts as a tonic when the kidneys, spleen or liver are affected by any condition. Half an ounce ( 14 g) of the dried plant is boiled in 1 pt (568 rnl) of water, strained and taken in doses of 1 fl oz (28 rnl). The dose of the fluid extract when available is 3o drops. This remedy should not be taken in pregnancy and, because of its purging properties, should he taken only on the advice of a medical herbalist. |