Rupture-wort.
Herniaria.
A little low plant, wild in some parts of the kingdom, but not common, and kept in the gardens of the curious. It grows three or tour inches long, but the stalks lie on the ground: many grow from the same root, and they spread into a kind of circular figure. They are slender, round, jointed, and of a pale green. The leaves are very small, and nearly of an oval figure; they stand two at each joint, and are also of a pale green. The leaves are very small; the root is very long, but not thick.
The juice of the fresh gathered herb, externally applied, has been much celebrated against ruptures; perhaps without any great foundation. An infusion of it, taken inwardly, works by urine, and is very good against the gravel, and in the jaundice.
