"This plant grows in sandy places; it is still found flowering in autumn and has leaves with toothed edges, like those of the oak. For fresh wounds: ground between two stones and then bound to the wound, it will close the wound in 24 hours or two days. This has been tried and tested."
"Excellent for sealing wounds." (f. 45v)
Common ragwort grows in meadows mainly throughout Italy, France, Great Britain, in the northern half of Spain, and in Europe in general. The Senecio genus has some 1,000 species, 47 of them growing in Italy. Besides having the same uses as Senecio vulgaris (f. 57r), soaked in oil it is good for cleansing wounds. Cattle do not eat it in the fields because of its dreadful, almost sickening smell, so this plant often remains untouched in otherwise well-grazed meadows. This plant undoubtedly protects itself from being eaten by herbivores thanks to the chemical compounds it synthesizes - yet further proof that plants are veritable living laboratories.
Ramón Morales Valverde
Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid
(Extract from the commentary volume of Mattioli's Dioscorides illustrated by Cibo)
Goldenrod grows in meadows and forests in high-lying areas throughout Italy, France, Spain, Great Britain, Europe and the northern hemisphere in temperate and cold areas. It contains essential oil, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and mucilages. It is taken as an infusion for its diuretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, and for bladder diseases, flu and eczema. Many of these uses are herbal folk remedies but some properties, such as its diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects, have been pharmacologically tested.
Ramón Morales Valverde
Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid
(Extract from the commentary volume of Mattioli's Dioscorides illustrated by Cibo)
