During medieval times much use was made of herbs to treat medical conditions. There was no such thing as double blind studies and scientific research to prove an herb's effectivness and dosage level. People relied on word of mouth, folklore and old wives tales to guide them in the proper use of herbs. Today we know better and can be amused by the strange rituals and superstitions that surrounded these lowly plants. Don't get me wrong, many of the old uses of herbs were in fact effective such as using mint to help clear the sinuses. Still I would not recommend you trying these out unless you have a firm understanding of herbal properties and their toxicity. This list is merely for fun.
Agrimony: Was prescribed for wounds and mixed with mugwort
and vinegar for back pain,
" If [agrimony] be leyd under mann's heed,
He shal sleepyn as he were deed;
He shal never drede ne wakyn
Till fro under his heed it be takyn."
Aloe: This herb was believed to prevent hair loss and clear
skin blemishes.
Arnica: Mixed with lard it was rubbed on sprains and bruises.
Betony: Cured spitting blood and excessive sweating.
Borage: " The leaf of burrage hath an excellent spirit to
repress the fuliginous vapour of dusky melancholie."
*1
Burdock: " By its leaf or seed you may draw the womb which
way you please, either upward by applying it to the
crown of the head in case it falls out; or downwards
in fits of the mother, by applying it to the soles
of the feet: or if you would stay its place, by
applying it to the navel, and that is one good way
to stay the child in it."*2
Calendula: Was said to strengthen the heart.
Cardamon: Chewing on the seeds reduced flatulence.
Catnip: Cures evils a man has about his throat.
Chamomile: Treated indigestion and menstrual cramps.
Chicory: Was recommended for nurses' breast that are pained
by the abundance of milk.
Clary: Cleared sight and relieved eye irritations.
Cloves: Whole bruised cloves held in the mouth relieved the
toothache.
Costmary: Maketh an excellent salve to cleanse and heal old
ulcers.
Dill: Increased mother's milk.
Dock: Cured nettle stings, but you must also chant;
" Nettle in dock, dock in nettle out, dock rub nettle out."
Elderberry: Was a remedy against all infirmities whatever.
Fennel: All parts are much used in broth or drink to make
people lean that are too fat.
Garlic: Killed worms in children.
Horseradish: Was used to treat kidney conditions.
Hyssop: Cured jaundice and dropsy.
Lemon Balm: Used as a calming tea, to cleanse foul sores,
and to polish wood.
Lovage: Chewing on the roots was supposed to keep one alert.
Marsh Mallow: Was used to treat stomach problems, gonorrhea,
leukorrhea, and mouth infections.
Mint: Cured indigestion.
Mustard: Is a time honored cure for the congested chest.
Mugwort: A crown of mugwort leaves worn on St. John's Eve
protected the wearer from evil possession.
Myrrh: Was used for sore throats, and gums, and for mouth
ulcers. When burned it repels mosquitos.
Onion: To cure baldness, rub onion juice on your head then
lie in the sun.
Oregano: A decoction of the leaves " Easethe such as are
given overmuch to sighing." *3
Parsley: Repels head lice.
Plantain: The crushed leaves soothe bee stings.
Sage: Was used to stop perspiration.
Thyme: Stuffed in pillows was thought to cure epilepsy and
melancholy.
Valerian: Was used as a tranquilizer.
Vervain: Used with lard it helps pain in the secret parts.
Violets: Was used in lozenges against bronchitis.
Willow: Was used for fever, pain, and inflammation.
Witch Hazel: Was made into a tea and used for ulcers and
hemorrhoids.
Yarrow: The leaves were crushed and packed into the nostrils
to stop nosebleeds.
Attributed to:
*1 Sir Francis Bacon
*2 Nicholas Culpeper
*3 John Gerard
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus,Pa.:Rodale
Press, 1987
In the Bibliography of Rodale's Encyclopedia you will find
other books of interest on the subject of herbs.
Copyright 1996 by Beth Sparks-Jacques
Published in the United States of America
by:
Peldyn Press
12579 Sugar St.
Boron Ca. 9351