The upper part of the root of xiphion[1237] has a diuretic effect upon infants; it is administered also in water for rupture of the groin, and is applied topically for diseases of the bladder. Juice of peucedanum[1238] is employed for hernia in infants, and psyllion[1239] is used as an application in cases of umbilical hernia. The two kinds of anagallis[1240] are diuretic, and a similar effect is produced by a decoction of root of acoron,[1241] or the plant itself bruised and taken in drink; this last is good too for all affections of the bladder. Both the stem and root of cotyledon[1242] are used for the cure of calculi; and for all inflammations of the genitals, myrrh is mixed in equal proportions with the stem and seed. The more tender leaves of ebulum,[1243] beaten up and taken with wine, expel calculi of the bladder, and an application of them is curative of diseases of the testes. Erigeron,[1244] with powdered frankincense and sweet wine, is curative of inflammation of the testes; and root of symphytum,[1245] applied topically, reduces rupture of the groin. The white hypocisthis[1246] is curative of corroding ulcers of the genitals. Artemisia[1247] is prescribed also in sweet wine for the cure of calculi and of strangury; and root of nymphæa heraclia,[1248] taken in wine, allays pains in the bladder. CHAP. 50.—CRETHMOS: ELEVEN REMEDIES. CACHRY. A similar property belongs also to crethmos,[1249] a plant highly praised by Hippocrates.[1250] This is one of the wild plants that are commonly eaten—at all events, we find Callimachus mentioning it as one of the viands set on table by the peasant Hecale.[1251] It is a species of garden batis,[1252] with a stem a palm in height, and a hot seed, odoriferous like that of libanotis,[1253] and round. When dried, the seed bursts asunder, and discloses in the interior a white kernel, known as “cachry” to some. The leaf is unctuous and of a whitish colour, like that of the olive, only thicker and of a saltish taste. The roots are three or four in number, and about a finger in thickness: the plant grows in rocky localities, upon the sea-shore. It is eaten raw or else boiled with cabbage, and has a pleasant, aromatic flavour; it is preserved also in brine. This plant is particularly useful for strangury, the leaves, stem, or root being taken in wine. It improves the complexion of the skin also, but if taken in excess is very apt to produce flatulency. Used in the form of a decoction it relaxes the bowels, has a diuretic effect, and carries off the humours from the kidneys. The same is the case also with alcea:[1254] dried and powdered and taken in wine, it removes strangury, and, with the addition of daucus,[1255] is still more efficacious: it is good too for the spleen, and is taken in drink as an antidote to the venom of serpents. Mixed with their barley it is remarkably beneficial for beasts of burden, when suffering from pituitous defluxions or strangury.