The Names.
It is called of some Nardus Italica, and Lavendula, the greater is called Farmina, and the lesser Mas. We doe call them generally Lavender, or Lavender Spike, and the less Spike, without any other addition.
The Vertues.
Lavender is little used in inward physicke, but outwardly; the oyle for cold and benammed parts, and is almost wholly spend with us for to perfume linnen, apparrell, gloves, leather, &c. and the dryed flowers to comfort and dry up the moisture of a cold braine.
Chap. CXXVIII.
Staechas. Sticadoue, Caffidony, or French Lavender.
CAffidony that groweth in the Gardens of our Countrey, may peradventure somewhat differ in colour, as well as in strength, from that which groweth in hotter Countries; but as it is with us, it is more tender a great deale then Lavender, and groweth rather like an herbe then a bulb or shrub, not above a foote and a halfe high, or thereabouts, having many narrow long greene leaves like Lavender, but softer and smaller, set at several distances together about the stalkes, which spread abroad into branches: at the tops whereof stand long and round, and sometimes foure square heads, of a darke greenish purple colour, compact of many scales set together; from among which come forth the flowers, of a blewish purple colour, after which follow seede vessels, which are somewhat whitish when they are ripe, containing blackish browne seede within them: the roote is somewhat wooddy, and will hardly abide the injuries of our cold Winters, except in some places onely, or before it have flowered: The whole plant is somewhat sweete, but nothing so much as Lavender.
The Place.
Cuffidany groweth in the Islands Staechades, which are over against Marselles, and in Arabia also: we keep it with great care in our Gardens.
The Time.
It flowereth the next yeare after it is sowne, in the end of May, which is a moneth before any Lavender.
The Names.
It is called of some Lavendula silvestris, but most usually Staechus: in English, of some Stichadove, or French Lavender: and in many parts of England, Cuffidony.
The Vertues.
It is of much more use in physicke than Lavender, and is much used for old paines in the head. It is also held to be good for to open obstructions, to expell melancholy, to cleanse and strengthen the liver, and other inward parts, and to be a Pectorall also.
