A Renaissance Herbal II

Aloe (Aloe vera): The benefits of this herb have been known for centuries. Medieval and Renaissance sources talk about aloe's bitter taste, and speak of the aloe juice as good for wounds, the stomach, encouraging sleep and preventing hair from falling out. The Grete Herball talks of aloe as being good "for worms in the belly and ears." Of course, today we use aloe in all sorts of skin preparations; it's particularly effective against burns.

Betony (Stachys officinalis): This was a "wonder" herb in the Middle Ages. It was used for just about everything "for the man's soul or for his body." Betony soaked in sweetened wine and consumed at night would cure fatigue. The herb prevented bad dreams. It was said to be good for head wounds, watery eyes, ear ache, nosebleeds, toothache and coughs. The Grete Herball even cites Betony as something of a tranquilizer-taken as a powder in warm water and wine, the herb calms down a person who is about to confront something fearful.

Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris): Do you not want dogs to bark at you? Then carry the herb Columbine, according to Pseudo-Apuleius. Other historical claims for the herb include its ability to prevent poisoning, or when drunk with ale, to destroy the plague. It was said that sorcerers used the herb in their arts. Columbine was also eaten in potage.

Feverfew (Chrysanthemum Parthenium): An all-purpose herb, Feverfew was said to be good for stomach aches and cramps. Herbalists believed it helped heal a bite from "venomous beasts;" when stamped and applied to broken bones, Feverfew would help the bones set and heal. Other sources say that eating the herb's seeds will drive out worms from the body, and a woman who drinks the herb with wine will become fertile. It's also been used in tea to soothe the nerves or throat.

Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum): This mysterious herb was said to scream when pulled out of the ground. It was a medieval anesthetic, used to relieve pain during cuts or cauterizations of wounds. Consumption of Mandrake would knock out the patient for several hours. It was also used in love medicines, mixtures to cure "devil sickness" or insanity, for sterility in woman and for "heavy mischief in the home"-whatever that means! Mandrake was also said to have the shape of a man or woman, but this was disputed even during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Today, scientists still recognize Mandrake's narcotic effects.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic