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"[Plin. Nat. 20.66.] - PIPERITIS, OR SILIQUASTRUM: FIVE REMEDIES.
Piperitis, which we have already mentioned as being called “siliquastrum,” is taken in drink for epilepsy. Castor used to give a description of it to the following effect: “The stalk of it is long and red, with the knots lying close together; the leaves are similar to those of the laurel, and the seed is white and slender, like pepper in taste.” He described it also as being beneficial to the gums and teeth, imparting sweetness to the breath, and dispelling flatulency.”
(The Natural History. Pliny the Elder. John Bostock, M.D., F.R.S. H.T. Riley, Esq., B.A. London. Taylor and Francis, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street. 1855.)