CHAP. 75.—IRIO, OR ERYSIMUM, BY THE GAULS CALLED VELA: FIFTEEN REMEDIES.
When treating of the cereals, we have already stated1
the irio, which strongly resembles sesame, is also called "erysimon " by the Greeks: the Gauls give it the name of "vela."
It is a branchy plant, with leaves like those of rocket, but a
little narrower, and a seed similar to that of nasturtium. With
honey, it is extremely good for cough and purulent expectorations: it is given, also, for jaundice and affections of the loins,
pleurisy, gripings of the bowels, and cœliac affections, and is
used in liniments for imposthumes of the parotid glands and carcinomatous affections. Employed with water, or with honey,
it is useful for inflammations of the testes, and is extremely
beneficial for the diseases of infants. Mixed with honey and
figs, it is good for affections of the fundament and diseases of
the joints; and taken in dink, it is an excellent antidote to
poisons. It is used, also, for asthma,2
and with stale axle-
grease for fistulas; but it must not be allowed to touch the
interior of them.