Rupture Wort

It spreads many thready branches upon the ground, about a span long, divided into many smaller parts, full of small joints, very thick together; the stalks lying on the ground form a kind of circular figure. The leaves are very small, nearly oval, of a pale green; they stand two at each joint, and are also of a pale green, tinged yellow. The flowers are very small, and yellow, scarcely discernible from the stalks and leaves. The root is very long and small, and deep in the ground. It grows in dry, sandy, and rocky places, and is cultivated in gardens.

It has not its name in vain; for it is found by experience to cure the rupture, not only in children, but also in adults, if the disease be not too inveterate, by taking a drachm of the powder of the dried herb every day in wine, or a decoction for some days together. The juice or distilled water of the green herb, relieves fluxes, vomiting and gonorrhea. It relieves those who have the strangury, or the stone or gravel in the bladder. It removes stitches in the sides, griping pains, obstructions of the liver. It cures yellow jaundice, and kills worms in children. The bruised herb bound on wounds, heals them. It is a very good remedy for all wounds and sores.