Bechion[1081] is known also as tussilago: there are two kinds of it. Wherever it is found growing wild, it is generally thought that there is a spring of water below, and it is looked upon as a sure sign that such is the case, by persons in search[1082] of water. The leaves are somewhat larger than those of ivy, and are some five or seven in number, of a whitish hue beneath, and a pale green on the upper surface. The plant is destitute of stem, blossom, and seed, and the root is very diminutive. Some persons are of opinion that this bechion is identical with the arcion, known also as the “chamæleuce.”[1083] The smoke[1084] of this plant in a dry state, inhaled by the aid of a reed and swallowed, is curative, they say, of chronic cough; it is necessary, however, at each inhalation to take a draught of raisin wine. CHAP. 17.—THE BECHION, KNOWN ALSO AS SALVIA: FOUR REMEDIES. There is another bechion[1085] also, known to some persons as “salvia,”[1086] and bearing a strong resemblance to verbascum. This plant is triturated, and the juice strained off and taken warm for cough and for pains in the side: it is considered very beneficial also for the stings of scorpions and sea-dragons.[1087] It is a good plan, too, to rub the body with this juice, mixed with oil, as a preservative against the stings of serpents. A bunch of hyssop is sometimes boiled down with a quarter of a pound of honey, for the cure of cough. CHAP. 18. (7.)—AFFECTIONS OF THE SIDE, CHEST, AND STOMACH. For the cure of pains in the side and chest, verbascum[1088] is used in water, with rue; powdered betony is also taken in warm water. Juice of scordotis[1089] is used as a stomachic, centaury also, gentian taken in water, and plantago, either eaten with the food, or mixed with lentils or a pottage of alica.[1090] Betony, which is in general prejudicial to the stomach, is remedial for some stomachic affections, taken in drink or chewed, the leaves being used for the purpose. In a similar manner too, aristolochia[1091] is taken in drink, or dried agaric is chewed, a draught of undiluted wine being taken every now and then. Nymphæa heraclia[1092] is also applied topically in these cases, and juice of peucedanum.[1093] For burning pains in the stomach psyllion[1094] is applied, or else cotyledon[1095] beaten up with polenta, or aizoüm.[1096] CHAP. 19.—MOLON OR SYRON. AMOMUM.