GINGER.

Ginger hath a broad and flat root, with several divided parts, almost like fingers. It hath many succulent strings, as big as a goose's quill, that run right down from the great root into the ground, to supply it with nourishment; for the great root lies upon the surface of the ground: From it arises a stalk, about two feet high, with several yellowish-green long leaves, growing alternately from each side of the stalk. From amongst the stalks and leaves arises a stalk with its blossom, jointed; and at every joint it hath a membranous roundish yellow leaf, covering the stalk to the next joint, and so all the way to the top, where the joints are shorter and thicker, making the flower of a long spherical head; the leaves of the flower resembling hops, between which is contained a little berry or seed, as in hops. The root, preserved or candied, is an excellent stomachic, warming and comforting; boiled in wine, with a little cummin seed, it eases the pain of the stomach, and causes sweat; outwardly applied, mixed with cocoa-nut oil, draws out poisons in wounds; and rubbed upon the stomach, comforts it, and eases pains from a cold cause.