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CHAP. 30. (8.)—THE BALLOTES, MELAMPRASION, OR BLACK LEEK: THREE REMEDIES.

The Greeks give to the ballotes1 the other name of "melamprasion," meaning "black leek."2 It is a branchy plant, with black angular stems, covered with hairy leaves, larger and darker than those of the leek,3 and possessed of a powerful smell. The leaves, bruised and applied with salt, are highly efficacious for bites inflicted by dogs: cooked upon hot ashes and applied in a cabbage leaf, they are curative of condylomata. Mixed with honey, this plant acts as a detergent upon sordid ulcers.

1 The Ballota nigra of Linnæus, the Fetid ballota, or Stinking black horehound; see B. xx. c. 89.

2 He is in error here, as the word "melamprasion" means "black horehound." "Black leek" would be "melamprason."

3 "Horehound," properly. The Ballota is of a stimulating nature, and contains a considerable quantity of essential oil.

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