We have already said,[1348] that there is also a wild radish.[1349] The most esteemed is that of Arcadia, though it is also found growing in other countries as well. It is only efficacious as a diuretic, being in other respects of a heating nature. In Italy, it is known also by the name of “armoracia.” CHAP. 13.—THE CULTIVATED RADISH: FORTY-THREE REMEDIES. The cultivated radish, too, in addition to what we have already said[1350] of it, purges the stomach, attenuates the phlegm, acts as a diuretic, and detaches the bilious secretions. A decoction of the rind of radishes in wine, taken in the morning in doses of three cyathi, has the effect of breaking and expelling calculi of the bladder. A decoction, too, of this rind in vinegar and water, is employed as a liniment for the stings of serpents. Taken fasting in the morning with honey, radishes are good[1351] for a cough. Parched radish-seed, as well as radishes themselves, chewed, is useful for pains in the sides.[1352] A decoction of the leaves, taken in drink, or else the juice of the plant taken in doses of two cyathi, is an excellent remedy for phthiriasis. Pounded radishes, too, are employed as a liniment for inflammations[1353] under the skin, and the rind, mixed with honey, for bruises of recent date. Lethargic persons[1354] are recommended to eat them as hot as possible, and the seed, parched and then pounded with honey, will give relief to asthmatic patients. Radishes, too, are useful as a remedy for poisons, and are employed to counteract the effects of the sting of the cerastes[1355] and the scorpion: indeed, after having rubbed the hands with radishes or radish-seed, we may handle[1356] those reptiles with impunity. If a radish is placed upon a scorpion, it will cause its death. Radishes are useful, too, in cases of poisoning by fungi[1357] or henbane; and according to Nicander,[1358] they are salutary against the effects of bullock’s blood,[1359] when drunk. The two physicians of the name of Apollodorus, prescribe radishes to be given in cases of poisoning by mistletoe; but whereas Apollodorus of Citium recommends radish-seed pounded in water, Apollodorus of Tarentum speaks of the juice. Radishes diminish the volume of the spleen, and are beneficial for maladies of the liver and pains in the loins: taken, too, with vinegar or mustard, they are good for dropsy and lethargy, as well as epilepsy[1360] and melancholy.[1361] Praxagoras recommends that radishes should be given for the iliac passion, and Plistonicus for the cœliac[1362] disease.