DODDER.

Description:

The first from seed gives roots in the ground which shoot forth threads of a purplish colour, grosser or finer according to the property of the plant besides which it grows, creeping and spreading on that plant whereon it fasteneth, be it high or low.

The strings have no leaves at all upon them. but wind and interlace themselves so thick upon a small plant, that it takes away all comfort of the sun from it : and is ready to strangle it. After these strings are risen up to that height, that they may draw nourishment from the plant, they seem to be broken off from the ground, either by the strength of their rising or withered by the heat of the sun. Upon these strings are found small heads or husks, out of which shoot forth whitish flowers, which give small pale coloured seed, somewhat flat, and twice as big as Poppy-seed. It generally participates in the nature of the plant upon which it climbs. The Dodder of Thyme is accounted the best, and is the only true Epithymum.

Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Uses of Dodder:

Thyme is the hottest herb it usually grows upon: and therefore that which grows upon Thyme is hotter than that which grows upon colder herbs; for it draws nourishment from what it grows upon, as well as from the earth where its root is. It is accounted effectual for melancholy diseases, and to purge bad bile, which is the cause of many diseases of the head and brain, as also for trembling of the heart, faintings, swoonings; and all diseases of the spleen, that arise from the windiness of the hypochondria; it purges kidneys by urine; it opens obstructions of the gall, and relieves those who have the jaundice.