Piperitis,[1608] which we have already mentioned as being called “siliquastrum,” is taken in drink for epilepsy. Castor[1609] used to give a description of it to the following effect: “The stalk of it is long and red, with the knots lying close together; the leaves are similar to those of the laurel, and the seed is white and slender, like pepper in taste.” He described it also as being beneficial to the gums and teeth, imparting sweetness to the breath, and dispelling flatulency. CHAP. 67.—ORIGANUM, ONITIS, OR PRASION: SIX REMEDIES. Origanum,[1610] which, as we have already stated, rivals cunila in flavour, includes many varieties employed in medicine. Onitis,[1611] or prasion,[1612] is the name given to one of these, which is not unlike hyssop in appearance: it is employed more particularly, with warm water, for gnawing pains at the stomach, and for indigestion. Taken in white wine it is good for the stings of spiders and scorpions; and, applied with vinegar and oil, in wool, it is a cure for sprains and bruises. CHAP. 68.—TRAGORIGANUM: NINE REMEDIES. Tragoriganum[1613] bears a strong resemblance to wild thyme. It is diuretic, disperses tumours, and taken in drink is extremely efficacious in cases of poisoning by mistletoe and stings by serpents. It is very good for acid eructations from the stomach, and for the thoracic organs. It is given also for a cough, with honey, as well as for pleurisy and peripneumony. CHAP. 69.—THREE VARIETIES OF HERACLEOTIC ORIGANUM: THIRTY REMEDIES. Heraclium,[1614] again, comprehends three varieties; the first,[1615] which is the darkest, has broader leaves than the others, and is of a glutinous nature; the second,[1616] which has leaves of a more slender form, and not unlike sampsuchum[1617] in appearance, is by some persons called “prasion,” in preference: the third[1618] is of an intermediate nature between the other two, but is less efficacious for medicinal purposes than either. But the best kind of all is that of Crete, for it has a particularly agreeable smell; the next best being that of Smyrna, which has even a more powerful odour than the last. The Heracleotic origanum, however, known by the name of “onitis,” is the one that is the most esteemed for taking in drink.