Early purple orchid (Orchis mascula)(f10r)
Applied in the form of an ointment is a medicine for the treatment of obstructions and blemishes. For its cooked preparation, the plant is pounded and ground until well reduced, and is afterward taken as an electuary. It likewise serves for ailments of the mouth, being prepared in small medicinal portions which are applied or taken with the aid of saliva. For medicinal use the root is employed, together with the tuber of the orchid (Orchis mascula), which is worked with heat and by the pressing of the flowers. The whole plant is pounded, and the root is mixed with gum or resin; the leaves in the time of summer grow soft, yet the flowers are held to be the best part. It is useful for the curing of ulcers and burns, being used with its juice and with saliva, this remedy being of a gentle nature. When the flowers are set to soak, they should be crushed there so that their virtue may be drawn out. If there be discharge or affliction of the gums, let the preparation be applied to the affected place. After all has been well crushed, particular care should be given to proper pressing, for from this the greatest benefit is obtained. This remedy removes itching and, when mixed with clove , is also of use for boils, scars of the skin, and the inflammations that arise upon it.
[Complete translate]
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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