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CHAP. 20.—ASCYRON AND ASCYROÏDES: THREE REMEDIES.

Ascyron1 and ascyroïdes are plants similar to one another, and to hypericon2 as well, except that the plant known as

ascyroïdes"3 has larger branches, ferulaceous, red all over, and bearing small yellow heads. The seed, enclosed in small calyces, is diminutive, black, and resinous. The tops of the branches, when bruised, stain like blood; for which reason some persons have given it the name of "androsæmon."4 The seed is used for the cure of sciatica, being taken in doses of two drachmæ, in one sextarius of hydromel. It relaxes the bowels, and carries off bile: it is applied also to burns.

1 Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Hypericum androsæmum of Linnæus, the Common tutsan, or Park leaves. Littré gives as the synonym the Hypericum perforatum of Linnæus, the Perforated St. John's wort; which last is also preferred by Sprengel. Fuchsius and Mathioli think that it is the Hypericum montanum of Linnæus.

2 See B. xxvi. c. 53.

3 It is considered to be identical with the Ascyron.

4 "Man's blood." See c. 10 of this Book.

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