Take an Herbal Adventure

Posted by Barbara M. Martin Jun 28, 2006

"A Modern Herbal" is an older book, from 1931, now conveniently published on line in a searchable format. It was originally written as an authoritative herbal reference, an exhaustive source of lore and uses, cultivation tips and informational tidbits, plus selected recipes.

It is absolutely fascinating to browse through, whether or not you have herbalistic (?) tendencies. You will find many garden flowers and ornamental plants listed in the Modern Herbal because, at one time or another, they were considered to be useful herbs.

Where else would you find a recipe for "A Marvelous Precious Water"? Listings for wondrous plants like Dog's Mercury, Dragon's Blood and Dyer's Greenweed? Or notes on common names like this one:

"'Pretty Betsy' and 'Bouncing Bess' are popular names for the Red Valerian. Near Plymouth, we find the names 'Drunken Sailor' and 'Bovisand Soldier,' and in West Devon, the smaller, paler kind is known as 'Delicate Bess." (Red Valerian here refers to Centranthus rubra. Mrs. Grieves also discusses the naming disagreement over this plant between Linneus and De Candolle. For the record, De Candolle won. Such drama.)

When you read the individual plant entries, remember that, as the introduction states: "it was written with the conventional wisdom of the early 1900's. This should be taken into account as some of the information may now be considered inaccurate, or not in accordance with modern medicine." I suppose the lawyers made the publisher add this disclaimer, but I'll second it because some of the herbs listed really can potentially do harm or even kill you.

Also, the introduction points out that the book "was written in England, with a climate similar to the Pacific Northwest in America." This means cultural instructions may not be suitable for your location. So although most herbs are widely adapted, please do additional research about cultural needs before you plant, just to be sure you are not wasting your time.

Having said all that, I still think this is a valuable resource. I love the wonderful compilations of common names and synonyms, as well as the historical notes where her references reach back to earlier writers such as Culpeper and occasionally as far back as the ancient Greeks. It is incredible to me that, as gardeners, we still know and grow and treasure so many of these plants.

With thanks to online host botanical.com, the book of Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic and Economic Properties, Cultivation and Folk-Lore of Herbs:

A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve. Enjoy!