Fig. 1569. Holy Wormwood

The Description.

            This Wormwood called Sementina, and Semen sanctum, which we have Englished, Holy, is that kind of Wormwood which beareth that seed which we have in use, called wormseed: in shops, Semen santolinum: about which there hath been great controversy amongst writers: some holding that the seed of Santonicum galatium to be the true wormseed: others deeming it to be that of Absinthium romanum: it doth much resemble the first of the sea Wormwoods in shape and proportion: it riseth up with a woody stalk, of the height of a cubit, divided into divers branches and wings; whereupon are set very small leaves: among which are placed clusters of seeds in such abundance, that to the first view it seemeth to be a plant consisting all of seed.

The Place.

            It is a foreign plant: the seeds being sown in the gardens of hot regions do prosper well; in these cold countries it will not grow at all. Nevertheless there is one or two companions about London, who have reported unto me that they had great store of it growing in their gardens yearly, which they sold at a great price unto our London apothecaries, and gained much money thereby; one of the men dwelleth by the Bag and Bottle near London whose name is Cornewall; into whose garden I was brought to see the thing that I would not believe; for being often told that there it did grow, I still persisted it was not true: but when I did behold this great quantity of Wormwood, it was nothing else but common Amneos. How many apothecaries have been deceived, how many they have robbed of their money, and how many children have been nothing the better for taking it, I refer it to the judgement of the simplest, considering their own report, to have sold many hundred pounds weight of it; the more to their shame be it spoken and the idle wit or skill in the apothecaries: therefore have I set down this as a caveat unto those that buy of these seeds, first to taste and try the same before they give it to their children, or commit it to any other use. Certainly our author was either misinformed, or the people of these times were very simple, for I dare boldly say there is not any apothecary, or scarce any other so simple as to be thus deceived now.

The Time.

            It flowereth and bringeth forth his seed in July and August.

The Names.

            The French men call it Barbotin; the Italians, Semen Zena: whereupon also the Latin name Sementina came: the seed is called everywhere Semen sanctum, holy seed; and Semen contra lumbricos: in English, Wormseed; the herb itself is also called Wormseed, or Wormseed-Wort: some name it Semen Zedoariæ, Zedoary seed; because it hath a smell somewhat resembling that of Zedoary.

The Temperature.

            The seed is very bitter, and for that cause of nature hot and dry.

The Virtues.

            A. It is good against worms of the belly and entrails, taken any way, and better also if a little Rhubarb be mixed withal, for so the worms are not only killed, but likewise they are driven down by the siege, which thing must always be regarded.

            B. The seed mixed with a little Aloe succotrina, and brought to the form of a plaster, and applied to the navel of a child doth the like.