CHAP. 38.—THE VITEX: THIRTY-THREE REMEDIES.
Not much unlike the willow, for the use that is made of it
in wicker-work, is the vitex,
1 which also resembles it in the
leaves and general appearance, though the smell of it is more
agreeable. The Greeks call it "lygos," or "agnos,"
2 from
the fact that the matrons of Athens, during the Thesmophoria,
3 a period when the strictest chastity is observed, are
in the habit of strewing their beds with the leaves of this tree.
There are two species of vitex: the larger
4 one, like the
willow, attains the full proportions of a tree; while the other,
5
which is smaller, is branchy, with a paler, downy leaf. The
first kind, generally known as the "white" vitex, bears a
white blossom mixed with purple, whereas the black one has a
flower that is entirely purple. Both of these trees grow on
level spots of a marshy nature.
The seed of these trees, taken in drink, has a sort of vinous
flavour, and has the reputation of being a febrifuge. It is
said also to act as a sudorific, if the body is rubbed with it
mixed with oil, and to have the effect of dispelling extreme
lassitude: it acts too as a diuretic
6 and emmenagogue. The
produce of both trees is trying to the head, like wine, and
indeed the odour of them is very similar. They have the
effect also of removing flatulence in the lower regions of the
body, act astringently upon the bowels, and are remarkably
useful for dropsy and affections of the spleen. They promote
the secretion of the milk, and neutralize the venom of serpents,
when of a cold nature more particularly. The smaller kind,
however, is the more efficacious of the two for injuries inflicted
by serpents, the seed being taken in doses of one drachma, in
wine or oxycrate, or else the more tender leaves in doses of two
drachmæ.
From both trees also a liniment is prepared for the bites of
spiders, but it is quite sufficient to rub the wounds with the
leaves; and if a fumigation is made from them, or if they are
spread beneath the bed, they will repel the attacks of all
venomous creatures. They act also as an antaphrodisiac, and
it is by this tendency in particular that they neutralize the
venom of the phalangium, the bite of which has an exciting
effect upon the generative organs. The blossoms and young
shoots, mixed with oil of roses, allay head-aches arising from
inebriation. A decoction of the seed used as a fomentation
cures head-ache, however intense it may be; and employed as
a fumigation or as a pessary, the seeds acts as a detergent
upon the uterus. Taken in drink with honey and penny-royal,
it has a laxative effect; pounded and used with barley-meal,
it quickly brings abscesses and hard tumours to a head, and
has an emollient effect.
The seed, in combination with saltpetre and vinegar, removes
lichens and freckles; mixed with honey, it heals ulcers and
eruptions of the mouth; applied with butter and vine-leaves,
it reduces swellings of the testes; used with water, as a lini-
ment, it cures chaps of the rectum; and employed with salt,
nitre, and wax, it is good for sprains. The seed and leaves
are used as ingredients also in emollient plasters for diseases
of the sinews, and for gout; and a decoction of the seed in oil is
employed as a fomentation for the head in cases of phrenitis
and lethargy. Persons
7 who carry a sprig of this plant in the
hand, or stuck in the girdle, will be proof, it is said, against
chafing between the thighs.