Hemlock - The English Physitian

HEMLOCK

Description.  The common great hemlock groweth up with a green stalk, four or five feet high, full of red spots; at the joints are set very large winged leaves, which are divided into many other winged leaves, set one against another, dented on the edges, and of a sad green colour. The stalks are branched towards the top, each bearing umbels of white flowers, which are followed by whitish flat seed. The root is long, white, hollow, and sometimes crooked, of a very strong, heady, and disagreeable smell.

Place.  Its growth is not confined to any particular spot in this kingdom, but it may be found by most old walls, hedge-sides, and uncultivated grounds.

Time.  It generally flowereth and seedeth in July.

Government and Virtues.  Saturn governs this plant. It is exceeding cold, and of a very dangerous quality, consequently must not be applied internally. It is if good effect for inflammations, tumours, and swelling of any part of the body, the privities excepted ; also St. Anthony’s fire, wheals, pushes, and creeping ulcers, proceeding from hot sharp humours, by cooling and repelling the heat. The leaves bruised, and laid to the brow or forehead, are good for those whose eyes are red and swelled, and for cleansing them of web or fiIm growing thereon. If the root is roasted in embers, afterwards wrapt in double wet papers, and then applied to any part afflicted with the gout, it will speedily remove the pain thereof. Should any person unfortunately, through mistake, eat the herbage of this plant instead of paisley, or the root instead of’ parsnip, (both bearing a great resemblance to each other,) it will certainly cause a frenzy or stupefaction of the senses. I will recommend to the patient the strongest and best wine they can procure, and to drink it immediately, before the ill effects of the herb strike to the heart, if wine cannot be instantly had, Pliny adviseth to take a good draught of strong vinegar, which he affirms to be a sovereign remedy.

N.B. - Housenote: Conium maculatum, Herb Bennet. Spotted Corobane. Musquash Root. Beaver Poison. Poison Hemlock. Poison Parsley. Spotted Hemlock. Kex. Kecksies.