Aparine,[1765] otherwise called “omphalocarpos”[1766] or “philanthropos,”[1767] is a ramose, hairy, plant, with five or six leaves at regular intervals, arranged circularly around the branches. The seed is round, hard, concave, and of a sweetish taste. It grows in cornfields, gardens, and meadows, and, by the aid of its prickly points, adheres to the clothes. The seed is employed to neutralize the venom of serpents, being taken in doses of one drachma, in wine: it is useful also for the bite of the phalangium.[1768] The leaves, applied topically, arrest hæmorrhage from wounds. The juice is used as an injection for the ears. CHAP. 16.—THE ARCTION OR ARCTURUM: FIVE REMEDIES. The arction[1769] is by some called “arcturum” in preference: the leaves of it are like those of verbascum,[1770] except that they are more hairy; the stem is long and soft, and the seed resembles that of cummin. It grows in rocky localities, and has a tender root, white and sweet. A decoction of it is made with wine for tooth-ache, being retained for that purpose in the mouth. The plant is taken in drink for sciatica and strangury, and is applied with wine to burns and chilblains, which are fomented also with the root and seed bruised in wine. CHAP. 17.—THE ASPLENON OR HEMIONION: TWO REMEDIES. Some persons call the asplenon[1771] by the name of “hemionion.”[1772] It has numerous leaves, a third of a foot in length, and a slimy root, pierced with holes like that of fern, white, and hairy. It is destitute of stem, flower, and seed,[1773] and is found growing upon rocks or sheltered damp walls. The most approved kind is that of Crete. A decoction of the leaves in vinegar, taken in drink for a period of thirty days, will consume the spleen, it is said, the leaves being applied simultaneously. The leaves give relief also in hiccup. This plant should never be given to females, being productive of sterility. CHAP. 18.—THE ASCLEPIAS: TWO REMEDIES. The asclepias[1774] has leaves like those of ivy,[1775] long branches, and numerous roots, thin, and odoriferous. The flower has a strong offensive smell, and the seed is like that of securidaca:[1776] it is found growing in mountainous districts. The roots are used for the cure of griping pains in the bowels, and of stings inflicted by serpents, either taken in drink or applied topically. CHAP. 19.—THE ASTER OR BUBONION: THREE REMEDIES. The aster[1777] is called “bubonion” by some, from the circumstance of its being a sovereign remedy for diseases of the groin. It has a diminutive stem with oblong leaves, two or three in number; and at the summit it is surmounted with small radiated heads, like stars. This plant is taken also in drink as an antidote to the venom of serpents: but if required for the cure of inguinal complaints, it is recommended that it should be gathered with the left hand, and attached to the body near the girdle. It is of great service also, worn as an amulet, for sciatica.