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CHAP. 93.—BLITE: SIX REMEDIES.

Blite1 seems to be a plant of an inert nature, without flavour or any pungency whatever; hence it is that, in Menander, we find husbands giving this name to their wives, by way of2 reproach. It is3 prejudicial to the stomach, and disturbs the bowels to such a degree, as to cause cholera in some. It is stated, however, that, taken in wine, it is good for the stings of scorpions; and that it is sometimes used as a liniment for corns on the feet, and, with oil, for affections of the spleen and pains in the temples. Hippocrates is of opinion, that if taken with the food,4 it will arrest the menstrual discharge.

1 The Blitum capitatum of Linnæus.

2 Hence, too, the Latin word "bliteus," meaning "insipid," "senseless," or "worthless."

3 This is not the case, it being as innocuous as it is insipid. Applied topically, the leaves are emollient.

4 There is no foundation, Fée says, for this opinion.

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