The Bramble

Rubus fruticosus. The buds and leaves while they are green, are of good use in ulcers and putrid sores of the mouth and throat, and in quinsy, and to heal fresh wounds and sores; but the flowers and unripe fruit are very binding, and very useful for the bloody flux, and for spitting of blood.

The decoction of powder of the root being taken, is good to break gravel and the stone. The leaves and brambles, green and dry, make a good lotion for sores in the mouth, or secret parts. It is a powerful astringent, and restrains laxity of the bowels, and the undue flow of the menses. The decoction is good for the piles, fevers, and the distilled water of the branches, leaves, and flowers, or of the fruit, is effectual in fevers, and hot distempers of the body, head, eyes, and other parts. The leaves boiled in ley, and the head washed therewith, heal the itch, and tend to turn the hair black.