Table 3.
Compiled list of Top 439 simples
| Materia Medica – Name in Texts | Scientific Name | Source of Scientific Name1 | English Translation | Number of Works Listed in (n=12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abrotano | Artemisia abrotanum | Beck | Southernwood | 12 |
| Acacia | Acacia | Beck | Acacia | 12 |
| Alumbre, alumen | Mineral/Inorganic | Alum | 12 | |
| Asphaltum, betun, bitumen judaico | Mineral/Inorganic | Asphalt | 12 | |
| Balsamo | Commiphora opobalsamum, Commiphora gileadensis | Beck, GRIN | Mecca Balsam | 12 |
| Cardamomo | Elettaria cardamomum, | Beck | Cardamom | 12 |
| Cassia | Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum aromaticum | Beck, GRIN | Cassia | 12 |
| Euphorbium, euforbio | Euphorbia patyphyllos, Euphorbia | Beck, GRIN | Bastard spurge, spurge, broad- leaved spurge | 12 |
| Myrra | Commiphora myrrha | Beck | Myrrh | 12 |
| Piper, pimienta | Piper nigrum, Piper officinarum, Piper album | Beck | Pepper- black, long, white | 12 |
| Pulegium | Mentha pulegium | Beck | Pennyroyal | 12 |
| Ruta, ruda, rhu | Ruta graveolens | Beck | Rue | 12 |
| Styrax, storax, estoraque, liquidambar | Styrax officinalis | Beck | Sweetgum, Storax | 12 |
| Terebinthina, trementina | Pistacia terebinthus | Beck | Turpentine, terebinth | 12 |
| Absinthij, artemisa, ajenjo | Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia campestris, Artemisia abrotonon | Beck | Wormwood, Absinthe | 11 |
| Agni casti, agno casto | Vitex Agnus-castus | Beck | Chaste tree, Chaste berry, Monk’s pepper | 11 |
| Amomo, amomum, grana de paradyso | Amomum subulatum | Beck, Riddle, GRIN | Amomum, Grains of paradise, False cardamom, Nepal cardamom, Indian cardamom | 11 |
| Amygdale, almendra | Prunus amygdalus, Amygdalus communis, Prunus dulcis | Beck, Riddle, GRIN | Almond - bitter and sweet | 11 |
| Centaurea | Centaurium erythraea | Beck, Lardos | Common Centaury | 11 |
| Cinnamomum, canela | Cinnamomum verum | Beck, GRIN | Cinnamon | 11 |
| Helleborus, eleboro | Helleborus cyclophyllus, Helleborus niger | Beck, GRIN | Helleborus, Black hellebore | 11 |
| Lactuca, lechugas | Lactuca, Lactuca graeca, Lactuca sativa | Beck | Lettuce, Iceburg lettuce | 11 |
| Marrubium album | Marrubium vulgare, Marrubium creticum | Beck | Horehound | 11 |
| Peonia, glyciside | Paeonia mascula | Beck, GRIN | Peony | 11 |
| Rosa | Rosa | Beck | Rose | 11 |
| Sulphur, azufre | Mineral/Inorganic | Sulphur | 11 | |
| Agarico | Polyporus | Beck | Mushroom, Agaric | 10 |
| Allium, ajo | Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Allium nigrum | Beck, Lardos | Garlic, Onion | 10 |
| Aloe, azibar, acibar, acibar socotrina | Aloe vera | Beck | Aloe | 10 |
| Anagallis | Anagallis phoenicea, Anagallis arvensis | Beck, GRIN | Scarlet Pimpernel, Red chickweed | 10 |
| Anisum, anis | Pimpinella anisum | Beck | Anis, Anise | 10 |
| Apij, apio, apium | Apium graveolens, Petroselinum crispum | Beck, GRIN | Parsley, Celery | 10 |
| Aristolochia | Aristolochia sempervivens, Aristolochia clematitis, Aristolochia longa, Aristolochia rotunda | Lardos, Beck | Birthwort | 10 |
| Asparagi, aspergula, sparagus | Asparagus acutifolius, Asparagus stipularis, Asparagus officinalis, Asparagus aspartilis | Beck, Lardos | Asparagus, Wild Asparagus | 10 |
| Bdellium, bedellio | Commiphora wightii | Beck, GRIN | Bdellium | 10 |
| Betonica | Stachys officinalis | Beck | Bettany, Betony | 10 |
| Calamos aromaticus, calamo aromatico, indicus | Acorus calamus | Beck | Calamos, Sweet flag | 10 |
| Castoreo | Animal product | Castor | 10 | |
| Colocynthidis | Citrullus colocynthis | Beck | Bitter gourd, Colocynth | 10 |
| Crocus, azafran | Crocus sativus | Beck | Saffron | 10 |
| Cupressus, cipres | Cupressus sempervirens | Lardos | Cypress | 10 |
| Dictamni | Origanum dictamnus, Dictamnus albus | Beck, GRIN | Dittany | 10 |
| Foeniculum, feniculus, feniculo, hinojo | Foeniculum vulgare | Beck | Fennel | 10 |
| Hyocyami, hyocyamus, iusquiamus, insquiamos | Hyoscyamus muticus, Hycoscyamus niger | Beck, GRIN | Henbane | 10 |
| Hyssopum, hyssopus | Satureia graeca, Hyssopus officinalis | Beck, GRIN | Hyssop | 10 |
| Iuniperi, enebro | Juniperus communis | Beck, GRIN | Juniper | 10 |
| Lapathum, lapathi, acetosa, buglossa, alkanna, acederas | Rumex, Rumex aquaticus, Rumex acetosa | Beck | Dock, Water dock, Sorrel, Cow’s tongue | 10 |
| Lilium, lirio | Lilium candidum | Beck | Lily | 10 |
| Lini, lino, linum, linaza | Linum usitatissimum | Beck | Linseed, flax | 10 |
| Maiorana | Origanum majorana, Origanum viride | Beck, GRIN | Marjoram | 10 |
| Mandragora | Mandragora officinarum | Beck, GRIN | Mandrake | 10 |
| Mastiches, almaciga | Pistacia lentiscus | Beck | Mastic, Lentisk | 10 |
| Meliloti, melilotum | Melilotus | Beck | Mellilot, Sweet clover | 10 |
| Menthe | Mentha | Beck | Mint | 10 |
| Nitre salpetra, salitre, nitro, nitri, nitrum, sal nitro | Mineral/Inorganic | Nitre or soda | 10 | |
| Ocimo, ocimum, ocimon, basilicum, albaca | Ocimum basilicum | Beck | Basil | 10 |
| Olibanum, thus | Boswellia sacra | Beck, GRIN | Frankincense, Olibanum tree | 10 |
| Papaveris, amapolas, adormidera | Papaver somniferum | Beck | Poppy | 10 |
| Plumbum, plomo | Mineral/Inorganic | Lead | 10 | |
| Psylio, psyllium | Plantago arenaria, Plantago afra | Beck, GRIN | Fleawort, Psyllium | 10 |
| Sinapi, sinopo, sinapida, mostaza | Sinapis alba | Beck | Mustard | 10 |
| Squilla, scilla | Drimia maritima | Beck, GRIN | Scilla | 10 |
| Viola | Viola odorata, Viola sororia, Viola wiedemannii | Beck, GRIN | Violet | 10 |
| Zingiber, zinziber, gengibre | Zingiber officinale | Beck | Ginger | 10 |
| Acoro, acorum | Ruscus aculeatus | Beck | Butcher’s broom | 9 |
| Aes, cobre | Mineral/Inorganic | Copper | 9 | |
| Ammoniaco, ammoniacum | Ferula marmarica, Dorema ammoniacum | Beck, GRIN | Ammoniacum, Gum ammoniac | 9 |
| Anethum, eneldo | Anethum graveolens | Beck | Dill | 9 |
| Antimonium, antimonio | Mineral/Inorganic | Antimony | 9 | |
| Camomela, manzanilla | Anthemis rosea, Chamaemelum nobile, Matricaria chamomilla | Beck, GRIN | Chamomile | 9 |
| Capillus veneris, adianto, culantrillo | Adiantum capillus- veneris | Beck | Maidenhair | 9 |
| Cappares, alcaparras | Capparis spinosa | Beck | Capers | 9 |
| Cerusa, albayalde | Mineral/Inorganic | White lead | 9 | |
| Chamaepitys, camepitys | Ajuga chamaepytis | Beck | Ground-pine | 9 |
| Cicuta | Conium maculatum | Beck | Hemlock | 9 |
| Cucumeris | Cucumis sativus, Cucumis melo | Beck, Riddle, GRIN | Cucumber, Canteloupe, Melon | 9 |
| Enula, inula, helenio | Inula helenium | Beck | Helenium, Elecampane | 9 |
| Epithymum, epitimo | Cuscuta epithymum | Beck, GRIN | Dodder, Dodder of thyme, Clove dodder | 9 |
| Eupatorium, eupatior | Eupatorium cannabinum | GRIN | Hemp-agrimony | 9 |
| Ferrum, hierro | Mineral/Inorganic | Iron | 9 | |
| Ficus, higos | Ficus carica | Beck | Figs | 9 |
| Foenum graecum, fenugrecum, alolbas | Trigonella foenum graecum | Beck | Fenugreek | 9 |
| Gallia, galla cummunes, agallas, gallis muscata | Animal | Gall, Bile | 9 | |
| Goma arabiga | Acacia Senegal | Lardos | Gum-arabic | 9 |
| Hedera arborea, hiedra arborea | Hedera helix | Beck | Ivy | 9 |
| Helxine, parietaria, hederecea | Parietaria officinalis, Helxine soleirolii, Soleirolia soleirolii | Riddle, GRIN | Helxine, Babytears, Pellitory-of-the-wall | 9 |
| Lignum aloes, agallocum | Aquilaria agallocha, Aquilaria crassna, Aquilaria malaccensis | Beck, GRIN | Aloewood, Lignum aquila, Eagle-wood or Agilawood | 9 |
| Liquidritae, Glycyrrhiza, orozuz, liquiricia | Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza echinata | Beck, GRIN | Licorice | 9 |
| Lithargyrio | Mineral/Inorganic | Litharge, Lead monoxide | 9 | |
| Malvas | Malva sylvestris | Beck | Mallow | 9 |
| Mel, miel | Animal product | Honey | 9 | |
| Meu, meum | Meum athamanticum | Beck | Spignel, Bauldmony | 9 |
| Mora, morus | Morus nigra | Beck | Blueberry, Mulberry | 9 |
| Nasturtium, mastuerso, mastuerco | Nasturtium officinale | Beck | Water cress | 9 |
| Nymphae, nenufar | Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaea alba, Nuphar luteum | Beck | Water lily | 9 |
| Pertroselini, peregil | Petroselinum hortense, Petroselinum crispum | Beck | Parsley | 9 |
| Pino, pinus | Pinus | Beck | Pine | 9 |
| Plantago, plantaginis, platago – llanten | Plantago, Plantago major | Beck | Plantain | 9 |
| Polipodium quercini, polypodium | Polypodium vulgare | Beck | Polypody | 9 |
| Resina communis, resina pini seu communis | Pinus | Beck | Resin, Common resin, Pine resin | 9 |
| Sabina, savina | Juniperus sabina | Beck | Savin | 9 |
| Sal comun | Mineral/Inorganic | Common salt | 9 | |
| Salvia | Salvia officinalis | Beck, GRIN | Sage | 9 |
| Scammonium, escamonea | Convulvus scammonia | Beck | Scammony | 9 |
| Sempervivum | Sempervivum arboretum, Sempervivum tectorum | Beck, GRIN | Houseleek, Live- forever | 9 |
| Tamarisci, tamarix, taray | Tamarix, Tamarix tetrandra | Beck, GRIN | Tamarisk, Salt cedar | 9 |
| Aeris flos, aerugo, verdigris, cardenillo raydo | Mineral/Inorganic | Verdigrease | 8 | |
| Ammeos, ameos, ammi | Ammi | IPNI | Ammi fruit | 8 |
| Calaminta | Calamintha incana, Clinopodium nepeta, Clinopodium menthifolium | Lardos, GRIN | Calamint | 8 |
| Calx | Mineral/Inorganic | Lime | 8 | |
| Camedrys, camedreos | Teucrium micropodioides | Lardos | Germander | 8 |
| Cantharides | Meloe | Riddle | Spanish fly, Blister beetle | 8 |
| Carthami, cartamus, cnicus | Cartharmus tinctorius | Beck | Safflower | 8 |
| Caryophilli, caryophyllata, gariofilus, clavo | Syzygium aromaticum | Lardos | Clove | 8 |
| Chelidonium, celidonia | Chelidonium majus, Aquilegia vularis | Beck, GRIN | Columbine, Celandine | 8 |
| Cicera, garvanco | Cicer arietinum, Astragalus cicer | Beck, GRIN | Garbanzo, Vetch, Chick pea | 8 |
| Ciminum, cymini, siseris, cominos | Cuminum cyminum | Beck | Cumin | 8 |
| Cinnabaris | Mineral/Inorganic | Cinnabar | 8 | |
| Corallium, coralia | Mineral/Animal | Coral | 8 | |
| Costus arabicu, costum, costos | Saussurea lappa | Beck | Costus root | 8 |
| Cucurbite | Cucurbita maxima | Riddle | Gourd, Squash | 8 |
| Daucus, dauci, dauco, staphylinus | Daucus carota | Beck | Carrot | 8 |
| Fabarum, habas | Vicia faba, Phaseolus vulgaris | Riddle | Bean | 8 |
| Galbanum, galvano | Ferula galbaniflua, Ferula gummosa | Beck, GRIN | Galbanum gum | 8 |
| Granata, granatum, granada, malum granatum | Punica granatum | Beck | Pomegranate | 8 |
| Hyperici, ipericon, hipericon | Hypericum perforatum, Hypericum vulgare | Beck, GRIN | St. John’s wort | 8 |
| Hypocistide, ipoquistido | Cytinus hypocistis | Beck | Hypocracy tree, Hypocist | 8 |
| Lapis lazuli, ceruleo, azul, cyano | Mineral/Inorganic | Lapis lazuli | 8 | |
| Macer, macias | Holarrhena antidysenterica, Myristica fragrans | Beck, GRIN | Mace | 8 |
| Myrti, myrtus-arrayan | Myrtus communis, Cyrilla racemiflora | Beck, GRIN | Myrtle | 8 |
| Nux unguentaria, Nues Moscada, Nux Moschata, Moschocaryon, Musicste, Myristica or Aromatica | Myristica fragrans | Lardos | Nutmeg | 8 |
| Origanum, oregano, origanis | Origanum heracleoticum, Origanum vulgare | Beck, GRIN | Oregano | 8 |
| Pix graeca, pez griega, see apochyma, zopissa | Mineral/Inorganic | Pitch | 8 | |
| Populus arbor | Populus nigra, Populus alba | Beck | Poplar – black, white | 8 |
| Rapae, rapum, nabos | Brassica rapa | Beck | Turnip | 8 |
| Rosmarinus, romero | Rosmarinus officinalis | Beck | Rosemary | 8 |
| Rubi, rubus, rubum, frutos de zarca | Rubus idaeus | Beck | Bramble, Raspberry | 8 |
| Rubia, rubea, rubeus | Mineral/Inorganic | Ruby | 8 | |
| Salix, salicis, sauce | Salix | Beck | Willow | 8 |
| Sambuci, sambucus, sauco, sauz | Sambucus ebulus, Sambucus nigra | Beck, GRIN | Elder, Dwarf elder | 8 |
| Sangue, sangre, various | Animal | Blood | 8 | |
| Sarcocola | Astragalus fasciculifolius | Beck | Sarcocola | 8 |
| Saxifraga | Inconclusive | Saxifrage | 8 | |
| Scordium, scordeon, escordio | Teucrium scordium | IPNI, GRIN | Water germander | 8 |
| Serpillum, serpylum | Inconclusive | Wild thyme | 8 | |
| Solanum, yerva mora | Solanum | IPNI | Nightshades, Horsenettles | 8 |
| Spica, spica nardi | Nardostachys jatamansi, Nardostachys grandiflora | Beck, GRIN | Spikenard | 8 |
| Sumach, rhus, zumaque | Rhus coriaria | Beck | Sumach | 8 |
| Symphytum, colsolida major | Symphytum bulbosum, Symphytum officinale | Beck, GRIN | Comfrey | 8 |
| Tragacanthum, alquitira, gum | Astragalus gummifer, Astragalus microcephalus | Beck | Tragacanth | 8 |
| Acetum, vinagre | Mineral/Inorganic | Vinegar | 7 | |
| Achilea, aquilegia, millefolium | Achillea millefolium, Achillea tomentosa | Beck | Yarrow, Milfoil, Achilles’ woundwort | 7 |
| Aranea, arana tela | Animal | Spider web | 7 | |
| Argentums viuum, sublimado | Mineral/Inorganic | Silver | 7 | |
| Arum, aro | Colocasia antiquorum, Colocasia esculenta, Arum maculatum | Beck, GRIN | Cuckooo-pint, Indian turnip, Sakerobin | 7 |
| Asafetida, ferula | Ferula marmarica, Ferula communis | Beck | Giant fennel | 7 |
| Asarum | Asarum | IPNI | European snake root, Wild ginger unguent | 7 |
| Atriplex, atripicis, armuelles | Atriplex hortensis | Beck | Saltbush, Orach | 7 |
| Auropigmenta | Mineral/Inorganic | Orpiment, Arsenic sulfide | 7 | |
| Avena vires | Avena sativa | Beck | Oats | 7 |
| Balaustria, balaustis | Inconclusive | Flower of pomegranate | 7 | |
| Bryonia, brionia | Bryonia dioica | Beck | Bryony | 7 |
| Cardo, cardus benedictus | Carduus benedictus, Centaurea benedicta | IPNI, GRIN | Blessed thistle | 7 |
| Cataputia | Euphorbia | Beck | Spurge | 7 |
| Cera | Mineral/Inorganic | Wax | 7 | |
| Cerasa, cerata, guindas | Prunus avium | Beck | Cherry | 7 |
| Coriandrum, coriandri | Coriandrum sativum | Beck | Coriander | 7 |
| Cubeba | Piper cubeba | Lardos | Cubeb, Tailed pepper, Java pepper | 7 |
| Dactili | Phoenix dactylifera | Beck | Date, Date palm | 7 |
| Ebano, ebenus | Diospyros melanoxylon, Diospyros ebenum | Beck | Ebeny, Ebony plant | 7 |
| Eruca | Eruca sativa, Eruca vesicaria | Beck, GRIN | Arugula, Rocket | 7 |
| Fraxinus, fraxini, fresno | Fraxinus excelsior | IPNI, GRIN | Ash tree | 7 |
| Gentiana | Gentiana lutea, Gentiana purpurea | Beck | Gentian | 7 |
| Grama, gramen, graminis, gramina | Arundo donax | Lardos | Graminis, Giant Reed | 7 |
| Lac, leche | Animal | Milk (various sources) | 7 | |
| Lapis haematites, hematite, amatitis | Mineral/Inorganic | Haematite, Bloodstone | 7 | |
| Lentisco | Pistacia lentiscus | Lardos | Lentisk | 7 |
| Lentium, lente, lenteja | Ervum lens, Lens culinaris | Beck, GRIN | Lentil | 7 |
| Levistici, levisticum, linguisticum, lingustico, lybysticum | Levisticum officinale | Beck | Lovage root | 7 |
| Lupinus, altramuzes | Lupinus | Beck | Lupine | 7 |
| Malabathrum, folium indum | Cinnamomum tamala,, Cinnamomum iners, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Pogostemon patchouli | Beck | Malabar leaf | 7 |
| Manna | Fraxinus ornus, Astragalus brachycalyx | Beck, GRIN | Manna | 7 |
| Melissa, torongil, toronjil | Melissa officinalis | Balm, Lemon balm | 7 | |
| Mercurialium, mercuriales, mercurius | Mercurialis annua, Chenopodium bonus- henricus | Beck, GRIN | Mercury | 7 |
| Mumia, pissasphalto | Mineral/Inorganic | Mummy, or embalming fluid for Egyptian mummies | 7 | |
| Nardo gallico o celtico | Valeriana celtica | Beck | Celtic nard | 7 |
| Nigela, nigella | Nigella hispanica, Nigella sativa | IPNI, GRIN | Gith, Fennel flower | 7 |
| Oleum olivarum | Olea europaea | Beck | Olive oil, Olive tree | 7 |
| Opoponaco, opoponax | Opopanax hispidus | Beck | Opopanax, Sweet myrrh | 7 |
| Pastinaca | Pastinaca sativa | Beck | Parsnip | 7 |
| Portulaca, verdolacas | Portulaca oleracea | Beck | Common purslane | 7 |
| Pruna damascena | Prunus domestica | Beck | Plum | 7 |
| Pulmones | Animal | Lung, various sources | 7 | |
| Quinquefolio, pentaphyllum | Potentilla reptans, Potentilla erecta | Beck, GRIN | Cinquefoil | 7 |
| Rhaphanus, raphani, ravanos | Raphanus sativus | Beck | Radish | 7 |
| Sacchar, saccharinum, zuccara, zucharum | Saccharum officinarum | Lardos | Sugar cane | 7 |
| Sal ammoniacum | Mineral/Inorganic | Sal ammoniac | 7 | |
| Spongia marina | Animal | Sponge | 7 | |
| Testiculi, testiculos, various | Animal | Testicles, various sources | 7 | |
| Thymum, tomillo | Thymus sibthorpii, Thymus vulgaris | Beck, GRIN | Thyme | 7 |
| Tithymalli, titymalos | Euphorbia | Beck, Riddle | Spurge | 7 |
| Tribolus, tribulo | Tribulus terrestris | Beck | Caltrops, Tribulus | 7 |
| Tussilaginis, tusilago | Tussilago farfara | Beck | Coltsfoot | 7 |
| Vinum, vino | See grape | Wine | 7 | |
| Althaea, malvaviscos | Althaea officinalis, Hibiscus moscheutos | Beck, GRIN | Marshmallow | 6 |
| Anacardia, maranon | Anacardium occidentale | GRIN | Cashew | 6 |
| Arsenico, arcinico | Mineral/Inorganic | Arsenic | 6 | |
| Avellana, nux avellana | Corylus avellana | Beck | Hazelnut, Filbert | 6 |
| Bolus armena, bolo armenico Oriental | Mineral/Inorganic | Armenian bol | 6 | |
| Borraginis | Ornithogalum umbellatum, Borago officinalis | Beck, IPNI | Borage, Starflower | 6 |
| Canchr, cancer, cancri | Animal | Crab | 6 | |
| Cedro | Juniperus | Beck | Cedar | 6 |
| Cerebrum | Animal | Brain, various sources | 6 | |
| Cyclaminis | Cyclamen hederifolium | Beck | Sow-bread | 6 |
| Dorcynium, dorycnium, doronici | Convulvus oleaefolius, Ptelea trifoliata | Beck, GRIN | Shrub trefoil, Dorycnion | 6 |
| Ebuli | Sambucus ebulus | GRIN | Dwarf elder | 6 |
| Endiveia, seris | Cichorium endivia | Beck | Endive | 6 |
| Eryngio, eryngium, erugij | Eryngium campestre, Eryngium martinum, Acanthus mollis | Beck, GRIN | Eryngo, Sea holly | 6 |
| Esula, leche de esula | Euphorbia esula | GRIN | Leafy spurge | 6 |
| Filicis, filix | Polystichum filix | Beck | Fern | 6 |
| Galanga mayor y minor | Alpinia officinarum | GRIN | Galangal, Thai ginger | 6 |
| Grana kermes, grana tinctorium, chermes granorum | Animal product | Kermes, Vermillion, Scarlet grain | 6 | |
| Hemionitis, scolopedium, lengua de ciervo, hemionite | Scolopendrium hemionitis | Beck | Moon fern, Mule fern | 6 |
| Hermodactiyli | Colchicum autumnale | GRIN | Hermodactyl, Autumn-crocus, Colchicum, Meadow-Saffron | 6 |
| Hordeum, hordei electi, cebada | Hordeum vulgare | Beck, GRIN | Barley | 6 |
| Hyacinthus, jacinto | Scilla bifolia, Hyacinthus orientalis | Beck, GRIN | Hyacinth | 6 |
| Junco coloroso, juncus quadratus | Juncus (Rush) | Beck | Rush | 6 |
| Ladanum, labdanum, ladano, cistus, cisto | Cistus, Cistus creticus, Cistus ladanifer | Beck, GRIN | Labdanum, Rock rose, Gum labdanum | 6 |
| Lapis magnetes, magnes, piedra iman | Mineral/Inorganic | Magnet | 6 | |
| Lepidio, lepidium | Lepidium, Lepidium sativum, Lepidium latifolium, Lepidium ruderale | Beck, Riddle, GRIN | Pepper grass, Pepperweed, Garden cress | 6 |
| Limones | Citrus limon | GRIN | Lime, Lemon, Citron | 6 |
| Lotus, loti, lotos | Nelumbu nucifera | Beck | Lotus | 6 |
| Mala, poma, manzana | Pyrus malus, Malus domestica, Malus pumila | Beck, GRIN | Apple | 6 |
| Margarita, perlas | Mineral/Inorganic | Pearl | 6 | |
| Misy | Mineral/Inorganic | Copiapite, Yellow copperas | 6 | |
| Myrobalani | Myrobalanus bellirica, Myrobalanus citrina, Terminalia bellirica | IPNI, GRIN | Myrobalan | 6 |
| Narcisso, narcissus | Narcissus poeticus, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, Narcissus tazetta | Beck, GRIN | Daffodil | 6 |
| Opio | Papaver somniferum | Beck | Poppy | 6 |
| Ova, ovum, huevos | Animal | Egg (includes white, yolk, and shell) | 6 | |
| Palma | Palma | IPNI | Palm tree | 6 |
| Panace asclepio, panax asclepq. | Ferula nodosa, Echinophora tenuifolia | Beck | All-heal, Aesculpaius’ allheal | 6 |
| Passula, passas grandes – passum | See grape. | Raisin | 6 | |
| Persisci, persicaria, melocoton | Prunus persica | Beck | Peach | 6 |
| Peucedanum, peucedani | Peucedanum officinale | Riddle | Hog’s fennel | 6 |
| Quercus, encina | Quercus | Beck | Oak | 6 |
| Rana | Animal | Frog | 6 | |
| Rhabarbari | Rheum ribes, Rheum officinale, Rheum rhabarbarum, Rheum rhaponticum | Beck, GRIN | Rhubarb | 6 |
| Rhaponitici, reuponticum | Rhaponticum | IPNI | Rhaponticum | 6 |
| Rubia tinctorum, rubea tinctor | Rubia tinctorum | Beck | Madder | 6 |
| Sagapenum, sagapeno | Ferula persica | Beck | Sagapen, Sagapenon | 6 |
| Sandaraca | Mineral/Inorganic | Sandarach, Red arsenic | 6 | |
| Santalum album, rubrum, cintrimun, sandalo | Santalum | IPNI | Sandalwood | 6 |
| Sapo | Animal | Toad | 6 | |
| Satureia, saturegia, satureja, algedrea | Satureia thymbra, Satureja hortensis, Satureja montana | Beck, GRIN | Savory | 6 |
| Satyrion, satyrium | Unident-Orchidaceae, Orchis papilionacea, Orchis morio | Beck, GRIN | Orchid | 6 |
| Sebesten | Inconclusive | Sebesten | 6 | |
| Senna folia | Cassia acutifolia, Senna alexandrina | Lardos, GRIN | Senna, Alexandrian senna | 6 |
| Seseli | Tordylium officinale, Tordylium maximum, Bupleurum fruticosum, Seseli tortuosum | Beck, GRIN | Hartwort | 6 |
| Sorbus, sorba, servas secas | Sorbus domestica, Sorbus aria | Beck, GRIN | Serviceberry, Sorb apple | 6 |
| Stercus, estiercol | Animal product | Dung | 6 | |
| Terra sigillata | Mineral/Inorganic | Stamped earth | 6 | |
| Trifolium | Psoralea bituminosa, Bituminaria bituminosa | Beck, GRIN | Clover | 6 |
| Uva | Vitis vinifera, Vitis sylvestris | Beck | Grape | 6 |
| Valeriana | Valeriana officinalis | GRIN | Valerian | 6 |
| Verbascum, gordolobo, gnaphalium | Verbascum | Beck | Petty mullein, Cudweed, Candlewick | 6 |
| Verbena | Lycopus europaeus, Verbena officinalis | Beck, GRIN | Vervain | 6 |
| Vitriolum | Mineral/Inorganic | Vitriol | 6 | |
| Acanthus | Acanthus | IPNI | Acanthus, Bear’s breeches | 5 |
| Adeps, adipes, pinguedo | Animal product | Lard, fat, suet | 5 | |
| Agrimonia | Agrimonia eupatoria | Beck | Agrimony | 5 |
| Alsine | Stellaria media | GRIN | Chick-weed | 5 |
| Aurum | Mineral/Inorganic | Gold | 5 | |
| Ben, behen, ben grana | Moringa Arabica | Beck | Ben, Behen | 5 |
| Berberis | Berberis vulgaris | GRIN | Barberries | 5 |
| Bledos, bleta, amaranthus blitum | Amaranthus blitum | Beck | Amaranth, Blite | 5 |
| Bretannica, britanica | Rumex aquaticus, Rumex hydrolapathum | Beck, GRIN | Water dock | 5 |
| Bulbo, bulbus, bulbonae, bolbos | Inconclusive | Corm (of root) | 5 | |
| Bunium, bunio, bunias | Bunius orientalis | GRIN | Warty cabbage, Turkish rocket, Corn rocket | 5 |
| Buprestes | Meloe variegatus | Riddle | Blister beetle | 5 |
| Bursa pastoria | Capsella bursa pastoris | Beck | Shepherd’s purse | 5 |
| Cadmia | Mineral/Inorganic | Calamine, Zinc oxide | 5 | |
| Cameleonta al., ni., chamaileon melas | Cardopatium corymbosum | Beck | Cameleon, Chameleon thistle | 5 |
| Canfora, camphor | Cinnamonum camphora | Lardos | Camphor | 5 |
| Caracoles, cochlearia | Animal/Mineral | Snail | 5 | |
| Caucalide, caucalis | Daucus carota sylvestris, Caucalis grandiflora | Beck | Wild carrot, Caucalis | 5 |
| Cepea | Allium cepa | GRIN | Shallots | 5 |
| Ceterach, doradilla | Asplenium ceterach | GRIN | Rustyback fern | 5 |
| Chrysocolla | Mineral/Inorganic | Metal | 5 | |
| Cichorium | Cichorium intybus | Beck | Chicory, Succory | 5 |
| Coagulum | Animal | Rennet | 5 | |
| Conyza | Inula graveolens, Inula viscose | Beck | Fleabane, Horseweed, Butterweed | 5 |
| Corno, cornu capri, cervi | Plantago coronopus, Astrophytum capricorne | Beck, GRIN | Goatshorn, Hartshorn | 5 |
| Cuscuta | Orobanche crenata, Cuscuta | Beck, GRIN | Dodder | 5 |
| Dragon marino, draconculus, dracontium | Arum dracunculus, Dracunculus vulgaris | Beck, GRIN | Dragon herb, Dragon arrowroot, Dragon arum | 5 |
| Elaterio, elacterium | Ecballium elaterium | Beck | Juice of wild/squirting cucumber, Elaterion | 5 |
| Filipendula, saxifraga rubra | Spiraea filipendula, Filipendula vulgaris, Filipendula ulmaria | Beck, GRIN | Meadowsweet, Dropwort | 5 |
| Fumariae | Fumaria officinalis, Corydalis claviculata | Beck | Fumitory | 5 |
| Fungus, hongos | Fungi | Beck | Mushroom | 5 |
| Hirudines, hirudinaria, sanguijuela | Animal | Leeches | 5 | |
| Iris | Iris, Iris Florentina, Iris foetidissima | Beck, GRIN | Fleur-de-lys, Iris, Gladwyn | 5 |
| Iujubae, jujuba, azufayfas | Ziziphus zizyphus, Ziziphus jujube | IPNI | Jujube or Chinese or Red Date | 5 |
| Lacca | Mineral/Inorganic | Shellac, Lake, Laquer | 5 | |
| Lanas | Animal | Wool | 5 | |
| Lapis armenia, armenus | Mineral/Inorganic | Armenian stone | 5 | |
| Lapis iudaisucs, iudaica, judaica | Mineral/Inorganic | Jews’ stone | 5 | |
| Laserpitium, laserpitio, silphium | Ferula tingitana, Ferula asa foetida | Beck | Laserwort | 5 |
| Laurel | Laurus nobilis | Riddle | Bay tree | 5 |
| Lichen | Animal/Plant | Lichen | 5 | |
| Lycio, licyum, licium, lycion | Rhamnus petiolaris, Rhamnus lycoides, Rhamnus punctata, Lycium barbarum, Lyciuim chinense | Beck, GRIN | Wolfberry, Buckthorn, Lycion | 5 |
| Matricaria | Matricaria chamomilla | Beck | German chamomile, Wild chamomile, Dyer’s chamomile | 5 |
| Melonum, melones | Cucumis melo | GRIJN | Melon | 5 |
| Minium | Mineral/Inorganic | Red lead, Lead oxide | 5 | |
| Musco, muscus | Animal | Musk | 5 | |
| Nepeta, nepitha | Nepeta cataria | GRIN | Catnip, Catmint | 5 |
| Nux indica | Cocos nucifera | GRIN | Coconut | 5 |
| Nux juglans, juglandis, nux gallica, inglandis, nuezes o nogal | Juglans regia | Beck | Walnut | 5 |
| Ochre, ocra | Mineral/Inorganic | Ochre | 5 | |
| Ossa, huesos | Animal | Bones, various sources | 5 | |
| Pistacia, pistacium, alfonfigos | Pistacia vera | Beck | Pistachio tree | 5 |
| Purpurae, purpura | Inconclusive | Purple spots? | 5 | |
| Pyrethra, pelitre, pyrethron | Parietaria officinalis, Anacyclus officinarum | Beck, GRIN | Pellitory | 5 |
| Ricino, ricinus | Ricinus communis | Lardos | Palma christi, Castor oil tree | 5 |
| Sanguis draconis, sangre de drago | Dracaena | Riddle | Dragon’s blood | 5 |
| Serapinum | Inconclusive | Serapinum | 5 | |
| Smilace aspera, smilax | Calystegia sepium, Convulvus arvensis, Smilax aspera | Lardos, Beck | Bindweed, Yew, Rough Bindweed | 5 |
| Spina, spina alba, Arabica | Crataegus monogyna | GRIN | Hawthorn | 5 |
| Spodio, spodium, cinis, cenizes | Mineral/Inorganic | Ashes, various substances | 5 | |
| Spuma matis, salis, artgenti | Mineral/Inorganic | Litharge | 5 | |
| Squinantiam, schoenanthi, esquinanto | Cymbopogon schoenanthus | Beck | Type of aromatic rush, Camel Hay, Camel Grass | 5 |
| Staphidis agria, staphysagria | Delphinium staphisagria | Beck | Delphinium, Stavesacre, Larkspur | 5 |
| Stoecados, sticados, cantuesso | Lavendula stoechas, Lavendula dentata | Beck, GRIN | French lavender, Spike | 5 |
| Succinum, electrum | Mineral/Inorganic | Amber | 5 | |
| Tamarindi | Tamarindus indica | Lardos | Tamarind | 5 |
| Thapsi, thapsia | Thapsia garganica | Beck | Deadly carrot | 5 |
| Thiaspi, thlapi, thlaspi | Thlapsi | IPNI | Thlapsi | 5 |
| Tormentilla | Potentilla erecta | GRIN | Tormentil | 5 |
| Turpeti, turbith | Operculina turpethum | GRIN | Turpeth | 5 |
| Unas | Animal | Hoof, claws, various sources | 5 | |
| Urtica | Urtica dioica | Beck, GRIN | Nettle | 5 |
| Vipera sicca | Animal | Viper | 5 | |
| Virga pastoris | Dipsacus fullonum, Dipsacus sylvestris | Beck | Teasel | 5 |
| Vitis folia | Vitis | IPNI | Vine | 5 |
| Zedoaria | Curcuma zedoaria | GRIN | Zedoary Root, White Turmeric | 5 |
| Aconito, aconitum | Aconitum napellus, Aconitum lycoctonum | Beck | Wolfsbane | 4 |
| Adarce, adarces, adarcion | Mineral/Inorganic | Dried sea salt, Carbonate of lime | 4 | |
| Agerato, ageratum, ageratum | Ageratum | IPNI | Sweet milfoil, Maudin | 4 |
| Alcarabea, carus | Carum carvi | Beck | Caraway | 4 |
| Alkekengi, alquequenjos | Physalis alkekengi | GRI N | Bladder Cherry, Chinese Lantern | 4 |
| Alysso, alysson | Asperugo procumbens, Biscutella | Beck | Madwort | 4 |
| Ambra, ambra grisca | Animal product | Ambergris | 4 | |
| Amidum, amylum | Plant product | Starch | 4 | |
| Anemone | Anemone coronaria | Beck | Poppy anemone | 4 |
| Antirrinon, antirrino | Antirrhinum orontium, Antirrhinum majus | Beck, GRIN | Snapdragon | 4 |
| Artamita, cyclamen, arthamita | Cyclamen graecum, Lonicera periclymenum | Beck | Cyclamen | 4 |
| Aster attico, aster atticus | Aster atticus | IPNI | Starwort | 4 |
| Auricular muris | Gnaphalium uliginosum, Hieracium | GRIN | Mouse-ear, Hawkweed | 4 |
| Ballote, balot, ballota | Ballota acetabulosa, Balota nigra | Beck | Black horehound, false dittany | 4 |
| Bistorta | Bistorta officinalis | GRIN | Bistort, Dracunculus, Guinea Worm | 4 |
| Borax | Mineral/Inorganic | Borax, Sodium borate | 4 | |
| Botrytis, botry, botris, botrys | Botrys | IPNI | Goosefoot, Feathered geranium | 4 |
| Bupthalmum, buphtalmo | Chysanthemum coronarium | Beck | Oxeye | 4 |
| Cacalia | Senecio thapsoides, Mercurialis tomentosa | Beck | Caccalia | 4 |
| Calciteide, chalcitis | Mineral/Inorganic | Chalcitis | 4 | |
| Cannabis, canamon | Cannabis sativa | Beck | Hemp | 4 |
| Caries ligni corrosa | Inconclusive | Carious wood | 4 | |
| Castanas | Castanea vulgaris, Castanea sativa | Beck, GRIN | Chestnut | 4 |
| Chondrile, condrila | Chondrilla juncea | GRIN | Gum succory | 4 |
| Chondrus, condro | Animal/Plant | Irish moss, algae | 4 | |
| Cicada, cigarras | Animal | Cicada | 4 | |
| Colofonia | Inconclusive | Colophony | 4 | |
| Diphryge | Inconclusive | Husk of brass | 4 | |
| Dragontea, dragantum | Artemisia dracunculus | GRIN | Common dragon | 4 |
| Elatine | Elatine, Linaria vulgaris | IPNI, GRIN | Toadflax | 4 |
| Ephemeron, ephemero | Polygonatum multiflorum, Polygonatum verticillatum, Dietes grandiflora | Beck, GRIN | Wild iris, Ephemeron | 4 |
| Epimedium, epimedio | Epimedium alpinum, Epimedium grandiflorum | GRIN | Barren wort, Epimedion | 4 |
| Gallos y gallinas | Animal | Roosters and hens | 4 | |
| Garum, garo | Mineral/Inorganic | Brine of pickled fish | 4 | |
| Genista | Genista, Cytisus scoparius | IPNI, GRIN | Broom | 4 |
| Geranium | Geranium | IPNI | Geranium | 4 |
| Gladiolo, xiphio | Gladiolus | IPNI | Gladiola | 4 |
| Heapr, higados, various | Animal | Liver, various sources | 4 | |
| Hepatica, various | Inconclusive | Liverwort | 4 | |
| Hiel, various | Animal | Fat, grease, various sources | 4 | |
| Isopyrum, isopyro | Isopyrum, Menyanthes trifoliate | IPNI, GRIN | Faseolus, bog bean | 4 |
| Lapis alabastrite, alabastrum | Mineral/Inorganic | Alabaster | 4 | |
| Lapis specularis | Mineral/Inorganic | Translucent gypsum | 4 | |
| Laureola | Daphne laureola | Beck | Laurel daphne | 4 |
| Ligustrum, ligustri | Ligustrum vulgare | GRIN | Privet | 4 |
| Lingua (avis) | Animal | Tongue - bird | 4 | |
| Lithospermum, lithospermo, linospermon | Lithospermum officinale | Beck | Gromwel, Groomwell | 4 |
| Lombrici, vermes terreni, gusano | Animal | Earthworm | 4 | |
| Lonchitis, lonchite | Serapias lingua, Lonchitis tenuifolia, Hypolepis tenuifolia | Beck, GRIN | Rough spleenwort, Lonchitis | 4 |
| Lysimachium | Lysimachia vulgaris | Beck | Loosestrife, Looseleaf strife | 4 |
| Manteca, various | Animal | Fat, grease | 4 | |
| Mesereum | Daphne cnidium, Thymelaea passerina | Beck | Spurge flax, Mezereum | 4 |
| Mespila, mespilum siccata, nisperos secos | Mespilus germanica | GRIN | Medlar | 4 |
| Milla pedae sicca | Animal | Slaters | 4 | |
| Millij, milium, mijo | Panicum miliaceume | GRIN | Panic millet, Broom millet | 4 |
| Omphacium, omphacio | See grape | Juice of unripe grape | 4 | |
| Ononidis, anonis, seu anonidis, unas gatas | Onosma echinoides | Beck | Stone bugloss | 4 |
| Oriza, arroz, oryza | Oryza sativa | Beck | Rice | 4 |
| Oxyacanta, oxyacanthos | Inconclusive | Evergreen thorn | 4 | |
| Peplus, peplo, peplos | Euphorbia peplus, Euphorbia peplis | Riddle | Petty spurge, Peplus spurge, Peplis spurge | 4 |
| Petasite, petasitidis | Petasites officinalis, Petasites hybridus | Beck, GRIN | Butter-burr | 4 |
| Petroleo, petroleum | Mineral/Inorganic | Petroleum | 4 | |
| Picea | Picea | IPNI | Pitch tree | 4 |
| Pityusa, esula minor | Esula | IPNI | Pine spurge | 4 |
| Polygonnum, sanguinaria | Polygonum aviculare | Beck | Bloodroot, knotgrass | 4 |
| Pompholyge, pompholyx | Inconclusive | Type of eczema? | 4 | |
| Porrum, porri, puerros | Allium porrum | Beck | Leeks | 4 |
| Potamogiton, potamogeton | Ottelia alismoides | Beck | Pondweed | 4 |
| Ramno, rhamnus catharticus | Rhamnus cathartica | IPNI | Buckthorn | 4 |
| Sal gemma | Mineral/Inorganic | Halite | 4 | |
| Salamandra | Animal | Salamander | 4 | |
| Scabiosa | Scabiosa columbaria | IPNI | Scabious | 4 |
| Scandice, scandix | Scandix pecten-veneris, Anthriscus sylvestris | Beck | Shepherd’s needle, Wild chervil | 4 |
| Scinci, scincus | Animal | Skink | 4 | |
| Scolopendra | Animal | Centipede | 4 | |
| Scordoprason, scorodopraso | Allium descendens, Allium sphaerocephalon | Beck, GRIN | Garlic-leek | 4 |
| Scorpio | Animal | Scorpion | 4 | |
| Scorpionides, scorpioide, scorpiodes | Coronilla scorpioides | Beck | Scorpionwort | 4 |
| Serpentaria | Inconclusive | Snakeroot | ||
| Smaragdus, smeraldus – Esmeralda | Mineral/Inorganic | Emerald | 4 | |
| Sonco, sonchus | Emilia sonchifolia, Sonchus oleraceus | Beck, GRIN | Sow-thistle, Sonchos | 4 |
| Sory, soricis | Mineral/Inorganic | Green vitriol | 4 | |
| Sparaganium, sparganio, sparagna | Sparganium ramosum, Sparganium eurycarpum | Beck, GRIN | Bur-reed | 4 |
| Spelta | Triticum aestivum | Beck, GRIN | Far, Spelt | 4 |
| Stachy, stachys | Stachys | Beck | Base horehound | 4 |
| Stannum, estano | Mineral/Inorganic | Tin | 4 | |
| Tanaceti, tenceto - tanacetum | Tanacetum vulgare | GRIN | Tansy | 4 |
| Telephium, telephio | Andrachna telephioides, Sedum telephium, Hylotelephium telephium | Beck, Riddle, GRIN | Telephonion, Orpine, Sedamine | 4 |
| Teucrio, teucrium | Teucrium flavum, Teucrium fruticans | Beck, GRIN | Tree germander | 4 |
| Thymbra | Satureia thymbra, Satureja hortensis, Satureja montana | Beck, GRIN | Savory | 4 |
| Thymelea | Daphne gnidium | Riddle | Thymelea | 4 |
| Torpedo | Animal | Cramp-fish | 4 | |
| Urina, orina | Animal | Urine, various sources | 4 | |
| Viscum corylinum | Inconclusive (various sources) | Birdlime | 4 | |
| Xanthium, xanthio | Xanthium strumarium | Beck | Clutburr, Burweed, Broad-leaved burweed | 4 |
1
Sources include: 1)International Plant Names Index (IPNI), URL: www.ipni.org; 2) USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) Online Database. National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. URL: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl; 3) Lily Y. Beck trans. 2005. Pedanius Dioscorides of Anazarbus: De Materia Medica. Hildesheim, Zurich, New York: Olms-Weidmann, 406–489; 4) Andreas Lardos. 2006. The botanical materia medica of the Iastrosophikon – A collection of prescriptions from a monastery in Cyprus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 104(2006), 392–404; and 5) John M. Riddle. 1987. Folk Tradition and Folk Medicine: Recognition of Drugs in Classical Antiquity. Folklore and Folk Medicines, ed. John Scarborough. Madison, WI: American Institute of the History of Pharmacy, 47–61. Identifications were made by first checking Beck’s “Index of Plants and Plant Products” which included scientific names for the majority of botanical simples listed here. For those plants not listed in Beck, Riddle and Lardos were consulted. For those plants not listed in any of these three publications, the name(s) given for the simple in traditional texts (i.e., not the common/translated name) were input into the “genus” category in the IPNI. All scientific names were cross-checked in the USDA/GRIN database by inputting the common English names for plants and/or the scientific name in order to insure that modern standardized spelling and nomenclature were used. GRIN is indicated in the “source” category if any changes were made. Scientific names with only one-word designations indicate the name of the genus; the specific species and/or varieties in these cases are unknown.