Medicinal plants. Historical engraving of medicinal plants. Brunella (Prunella vulgaris) was widely used to heal surface wounds and as a mouthwash. Camphora, or camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is still used in anti-rheumatic herbalist preparations. The root bark of Capparris spinosa, or caper, has diuretic and vaso- constrictive properties. The cocoons of the silk moth (Bombyx mori) were believed by some cultures to have medicinal properties. Dated 1752, the engraving is taken from a dictionary of simple drugs written by the French physician Nicholas Lemery (1645-1715).