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HAWKWEED HIERACIUM MURORUM Good for the heat of the stomach, and gnawings therein. There are many kinds of Hawkweeds and some are difficult to disting- uish. This one has many large leaves lying upon the ground, indented like Dandelion. The hollow stalk rises two or three feet (60 to 90 cm) with pale yellow flowers at the top. Commonly known as the Few-leaved Hawkweed. Where to find it: The sides of fields and paths in dry grounds in hilly districts. Flowering time: Late summer. Astrology: Saturn owns it. Medicinal virtues: The Hawkweeds all have much the same medicinal properties. They are somewhat drying and binding and used for inflamma- tions and the hot fits of agues. The juice in wine helps digestion, dispels wind, hinders crudities abiding in the stomach, and helps the difficulty in making water. A scruple of the dry root given in wine and vinegar is profitable for dropsy. The decoction of the herb taken in honey digests phlegm, and with Hyssop helps the cough. The decoction of the herb and Wild Succory with wine eases the colic and hardness of the spleen, procures rest and sleep, hinders venery, cools heat, purges the stomach, increases blood, and helps diseases of the reins and bladder. Outwardly applied, it is good for the defects and diseases of the eyes, used with some women's milk. It is also good for healing spreading ulcers. Modern uses: The Hawkweeds are not much used by modern herbalists, but could be used if need be as pectoral tonics for coughs, asthma and bronchial troubles. The Mouse-cared Hawkweed is still employed by some. |