Gentian (Gentiana lutea) (f25v)
The root of the medicinal plant gentian, being boiled with galls, greatly benefits health. Ground, it is profitable for mild pain of the belly, and when the abdomen is distended by gas, it soothes them. The root, applied in rubbing with violets, relieves oppressions; and if the heat of the mouth increases, it mitigates the pulsation of the belly. During the treatment it is fitting to take it together with food. The leaf, laid as a dressing upon swelling, causes it to subside; and prepared with gall, it restrains poison, being dressed in the manner of chard. It is of a softening nature and removes pain; taken in small quantity it aids difficult digestion. The gum mixed with fat softens hardness and swellings. Likewise, used with linen, this leaf serves against diverse ailments, protects and contracts the membrane of the belly. Placed beneath the thigh it brings relief, and taken by the mouth it likewise soothes; against thick obstructions it is beneficial when applied as a compress.
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The plant illustrations in this manuscript do not necessarily represent the exact morphology of the identified species, but rather highlight the parts of medicinal interest and their therapeutic uses. The shapes and arrangements are stylized conventions typical of medieval manuscript tradition.
The translation presented here, with the scope indicated on the homepage, is a derivative work protected by copyright. If you use this material, you must cite the translator (Enrique Menéndez Crespo, 2025) and the original source: https://www.voynichdoc.com