CHAP. 89.—THE CLEMATIS ECHITES, OR LAIINE.
The Greeks have other varieties also of the clematis, one of
which is known as "echites"[1] or "lagine," and by some as
the "little scammony." Its stems are about two Feet in height,
and covered with leaves: in general appearance it is not
unlike scammony, were it not that the leaves are darker and
more diminutive; it is found growing invineyards and cultivated
soils. It is eaten as a vegetable, with oil and salt, and acts as
a laxative upon the bowels. It is taken[2] also for dysentery,
with linseed, in astringent wine. The leaves of this plant are
applied with polenta for defluxions of the eyes, the part
affected being first covered with a pledget of wet linen. Applied
to scrofulous sores, they cause them to suppurate, and if some
axle-grease is then applied, a perfect cure will be effected.
They are applied also to piles, with green oil, and are good
for phthisis, in combination with honey. Taken with the
food, they increase the milk in nursing women, and, rubbed
upon the heads of infants, they promote the rapid growth of
the hair. Eaten with vinegar, they act as an aphrodisiac.