Syrian rue (Peganum harmala) (f5v)
Harmal, whose seed is the part of greatest virtue, must be administered with care, for it is a penetrating and potent remedy. In very small doses it may be used in collyria compounded with other herbs, macerated with galls to temper its strength.
For hemorrhoids, it is prepared with heather in honey in moderate quantity, and so arranged acts as a desiccative and resolving agent. Mixed with gum and reduced to a thick paste, it is applied to softened flesh and ulcers, aiding their consolidation. With lacquer it is softened and made more suitable for external application.
It is also held to be useful for sterility and internal obstructions, taken in small portions with gum or honey. United with clove, it helps to restrain excessive flows and secretions. Boiled with costus and jujube in a thick decoction, it increases its astringent and restorative virtue.
Impurities and froth in the preparation should be removed, keeping the substance pure. The seeds should be stored in tightly sealed vessels, for otherwise they lose their strength and quickly become spoiled.
[Complete Translation]
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.
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