Gout-Herb
Name. This herb is also frequently called herb gerrard. Description. It is very low, seldom rising more than half a yard high; it consists of several leaves which stand on brownish green stalks, generally three together, snipped on the edges, and of a strong unpleasant smell. The umbels of flowers are white, and the seed blackish; the root runneth deep into the earth, and soon spreads itself over a great deal of ground. Place. It groweth by hedge and wall-sides, and often in the borders and corners of fields, and sometimes in gardens.
Time. It flowereth in July, seeding about the latter end of the same month. Government and virtues. Saturn is the ruler of this plant. It is probable it took the name of gout-herb from its peculiar virtues in healing the cold gout and sciatica, as it hath been found by experience to be a most admirable remedy for these disorders; as also joint-achs, and other cold disorders. It is even affirmed, that the very carrying of it about in the pocket will defend the bearer from any attack of the aforesaid complaint.