Avens.

Botanical name: 

Plate 03. Carryophyllata.

A COMMON wild plant neglected, but worthy of our notice. It grows about hedges, and rises to fourteen inches high; the stalk is firm and slender, and is divided into several branches. The leaves are large and rough, the stalk also is hairy. The leaves that grow from the root are winged; they consist of three pair of small ones, and one much larger at the end. Those on the stalk are smaller, and consist of fewer parts; but otherwise they are like. The flowers are small and yellow; they are succeeded by rough heads, as big as a horse bean, composed of many seeds with hooked filaments. The root is longish and large, of a firm substance, reddish colour, and very fragrant spicy smell; it is better than many drugs kept in the shops.

It is a cordial and sudorific. It is good in nervous complaints, and I have known it alone cure intermittent fevers, where the bark has been unsuccessful.


The Family Herbal, 1812, was written by John Hill.