De Coriandro.

The power of the herb Coriander is said to be rigid,

and at the same time to have a certain austere virtue.

Galen states this: by which it is accustomed to drive out

worms and tapeworms of the belly if it is drunk ground

with wine, or if it is joined with mixed vinegar.

And Coriander joined with raisin and honey,

ground and applied on top, will soothe various tumors.

This medicine especially helps swollen testicles.

Its seed is reported to bind a loose belly:

and it will have been applied as an ointment, if it is drunk more often.

Grind foam of silver mixed with white lead,

to these ground things you will join juice of coriander [and] vinegar.

By mixing, you will join rose oil to these four;

grinding these together makes a precious ointment,

with which you may drive away holy fires and hot swellings.

If the preparation seems difficult and slow to you,

the juice mixed with vinegar alone is beneficial;

or if the cleanest crumb of wheat bread

is joined to this juice: it soothes any pain.

If only bean flour is joined to this juice,

And placed over scrofula: it will heal them,

And a burning pustule is soothed by such a plaster.

It is read, written by many, that before the trembling of a fever,

If a sick person swallows three grains of coriander seed,

He will escape the fever: to which the third day gives its name.

Coriander gathered in the morning before the sun rises

Provides the same, if it is placed under the sick person's pillow.

Xenocrates said that the menses cease for as many days

As the number of coriander grains a woman swallows.

Some condemn the constant use of it,

For they think it brings about death or any pain whatsoever.