Medieval Health Handbook

Tacuinum Sanitatis

From the Medieval Health Handbook

Beets

Usefulness: Their juice eliminates dandruff. Dangers: They set the blood on fire. Neutralization of the Dangers: With vinegar and mustard.

From the Medieval Health Handbook

Watermelons and Cucumbers

Usefulness: They cool hot fevers and purify the urine. Dangers: They cause pain in the loins and stomach. Neutralization of the Dangers: With honey and oil.

From the Medieval Health Handbook

Sweet Marjoram

Usefulness: It is good for a cold and humid stomach. Dangers: None. Neutralization of the Dangers: None.

From the Medieval Health Handbook

The Fruit of the Mandragora

Usefulness: Smelling it helps alleviate headaches and insomnia; spreading it on the skin works against elephantiasis and black infections. Dangers: It stupefies the senses. Neutralization of the Dangers: With the fruits of ivy.

From the Medieval Health Handbook

Olive Oil

Usefulness: It fattens and is easily digestible. Dangers: It puts the stomach to sleep and is transformed. Neutralization of the Dangers: Mixed with foods.

From the Medieval Health Handbook

Roses

Usefulness: Good for inflamed brains. Dangers: They can cause headaches in some people. Neutralization of the Dangers: With camphor.

From the Medieval Health Handbook

Sage

Usefulness: It is good for paralysis and for the nerves. Dangers: It removes the dark color from the hair. Neutralization of the Dangers: With a potion in which

there is myrtle and garden crocus.

From the Medieval Health Handbook

Pasta

Usefulness: It is good for the chest and for the throat. Dangers: It is harmful to weak intestines and to the stomach. Neutralization of the Dangers: With sweet barley.

From the Medieval Health Handbook

Sugar

Usefulness: It purifies the body, is good for the chest, the kidneys, and the bladder. Dangers: It causes thirst and moves bilious humors. Neutralization of the Dangers: With sour pomegranates.