Odontitis[1944] is a sort of hay-grass,[1945] which throws out from a single root numerous, small, jointed stems, of a triangular form and of a swarthy hue. At the joints there are small leaves, somewhat longer than those of the polygonos;[1946] and in the axils formed by these leaves is the seed, similar to barley in appearance. It has a purple, diminutive flower, and is found growing in meadows.[1947] A handful of the stems, boiled in astringent wine, is used for the cure of tooth-ache,[1948] the decoction being retained for some time in the mouth. CHAP. 85.—THE OTHONNA: ONE REMEDY. The othonna[1949] is a Syrian plant, resembling rocket in appearance; its leaves are pierced with numerous holes, and its flower resembles that of saffron, for which reason some persons have given it the name of “anemone.” The juice of this plant is employed in ophthalmic preparations; it is slightly pungent, of a warming nature, and astringent as it dries. It acts as a detergent upon cicatrizations, films on the eyes, and all impediments of the sight. Some say that the plant is washed and dried, and then divided into lozenges. CHAP. 86.—THE ONOSMA: ONE PROPERTY. The onosma[1950] has leaves some four fingers in length, lying upon the ground, and indented like those of the anchusa:[1951] it has neither[1952] stem, blossom, nor seed. A pregnant woman, they say, if she eats of this plant, or even walks over it, will be sure to miscarry. CHAP. 87.—THE ONOPORDON: FIVE REMEDIES. The onopordon,[1953] it is said, has strongly carminative effects upon asses, when they eat of it. It acts as a diuretic and as an emmenagogue, arrests diarrhœa, and disperses abscesses and suppurations. CHAP. 88.—THE OSYRIS: FOUR REMEDIES. The osyris[1954] bears small, swarthy, flexible branches, covered with dark leaves like those of flax. The seed, which grows upon the branches, is black at first, but afterwards changes its colour and turns red. Cosmetics[1955] for females are prepared from these branches. A decoction of the roots, taken in drink, is curative of jaundice. The roots, cut in pieces before the seed ripens, and dried in the sun, act astringently upon the bowels: gathered after the seed has ripened, and boiled in pottage, they are curative of defluxions of the abdomen: they are taken also by themselves, bruised in rain water. CHAP. 89.—THE OXYS: TWO REMEDIES. The oxys[1956] is a plant with three leaves; it is given for derangement of the stomach, and patients eat it who are suffering from intestinal hernia.[1957] CHAP. 90.—THE POLYANTHEMUM OR RATRACHION: THREE REMEDIES. The polyanthemum,[1958] by some persons called “batrachion,”[1959] by virtue of its caustic properties has an excoriating effect upon scars, and restores the skin to its proper colour. It heals white morphew[1960] also.