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Of Golden Rod

The Description. 1 GOlden Rod hath long broad leaves somewhat hoary and sharpe pointed; among which rise up browne stalkes two foot high, dividing themselves toward the top into sundry branches, charged or loden with small yellow floures; which when they be ripe turn into downe which is carried away with the winde. The root is threddy and browne of colour.

The Vertues.

It is extolled above all other herbes for the stopping of bloud in bleeding wounds; and hath in times past beene had in great estimation and regard than in these daies: for in my remembrance I have known the dry herbe which came from beyond the sea sold in Buck-lersbury in London for halfe a crowne an ounce. But since it was found in Hampstead wood, even as it were at our townes end, no man will give halfe a crowne for an hundred weight of it: which plainely setteth forth our inconstancie and sudden mutabilitie, esteeming no longer of any thing, how pretious soever it be, than whilest it is strange and rare. This verifieth our English proverbe, Far fetcht and deare bought is best for Ladies. Yet it may be more truely said of phantasticall Physitions, who when they have found an approved medicine and perfect remedy neere home against any disease; yet not content therewith, they will seeke for a new farther off, and by that meanes many times hurt more than they helpe. Thus much I have spoken to bring these new fangled fellowes backe againe to esteeme better of this admirable plant than they have done, which no doubt have the same vertue now that then it had, although it growes so neere our owne homes in never so great quantity.