Post by Aviar Montage on May 11, 2011 14:39:52 GMT -6
I would like to thank Jewelclaw from RPG-D for this wonderful little guide to pre-modern 'medicine'. This is here purely in case you don't want to do the research for yourself, and because it just seems to fit. Now, this does not include the supernatural information of the herbs, because those are pretty obvious.
An Introduction to Premodern Herbal Medicine
By Jewelclaw of the RPG-D[/size]
Alecost or Costmary (Chrysanthemum balsamita) - Used as a wound ointment
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) - The seeds were used to treat gas and to induce sweating, as well as in sweets and candies.
Borage (Borago officinalis) - Used to flavour wine and cordials, borage also has antidepressant qualities.
Calamus, aka Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) - The rushes of sweet flag were strewn on the floors of medieval houses; the roots were dried and ground for use in body powders.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) - Muscle relaxant (cramps) diaphoretic (prevents excessive sweating), stimulant.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) - Used in cooking, including soups and meats as well as candies and cookies.
Cloves (Syzyium aromaticum) - Used in cooking and as an antiseptic and painkiller.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale ) - Demulcent, mild astringent, expectorant, anti-inflammatory.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) - The seeds were used for cooking and to deter fevers.
Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile, or Anthemis nobilis; German chamomile Matricaria chamomilla) - Used in hand washing waters and for headaches, anti-inflammatory, calming, helps with sleep. Lawns and garden seats were planted with chamomile, for it 'smells the sweeter for being trodden on'.
Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) - Used to treat urinary tract infections
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) - Used in cooking and to treat flatulence.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) - Helps prevent water retention, antiviral, diuretic, astringent, anti inflammatory, help with cold symptoms
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) - Used as an abortificant, hysteria, dewormer, cure for headaches
Flax (Linum usitatissium) - The plants of flax make linen, and the seeds cooked in water made a laxative and invalid's porridge; a flax seed, placed in the eye, helped remove foreign bodies because of the mucilage it exudes.
Frankincense (Boswellia Thurifera) - Can be ingested to help with digestion and healthy skin, arthritis, healing wounds, strengthening the female hormone system and purifying the air against harmful germs. When burned it repels mosquitoes, and thus prevents mosquito borne illnesses.
Garlic (Allium sativum) - Treats jaundice, as well as treats minor infections and promotes healing of minor scrapes and burns
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - Used in food, including gingerbread, cakes, meats and side dishes. Its warmth was used medicinally to treat stomach problems, and as a remedy for the plague.
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) - Horehound cough syrups and drinks were prescribed for chesty and head-colds and coughs.
Lavender (Lavendula officinalis, Lavendula vera, Lavendula spica, Lavendula stoechas) - The dried flowers were used in food and in refreshing washes for headaches; a cap with lavender flowers quilted in it kept headaches at bay. Used extensively in baths, as a personal scent and as a moth repellent. Also thought to cure epilepsy and all other matters of the head and brain.
Lemon Balm aka Melissa (Melissa officinalis) - A food, a furniture polish, and as a charm for bees and an aid against melancholy.
Marjoram (Origanum maiorana) - Used in cooking, in spiced wine (hypocras) -, in brewing beer, and in medicines to 'comfort' the stomach. Can also be used as a clothing dye, making a reddish brown color.
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria, Spiraea ulmaria) - Used for a variety of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial purposes due to presence of salicylic acid. Effective for fevers and inflammations, pain relief, ulcers and is a bacteriostatic agent (prevents growth of bacteria).
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) - Used in liver tonics, treats jaundice
Mint (Mentha species) - Possibly the most versatile of herbs, mint was heavily used in food and medicine. Mint vinegar was used as a mouthwash; mint sauce restored the appetite. It cured all stomach ailments as well as weakness, squeamishness, loss of appetite, pain, and vomiting, as well as headaches and in treating venomous bites and wounds.
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) - A charm for travelers and used in foot ointments; also used in treating women's ailments.
Mustard (Brassica nigra, and Sinapis alba) - Used to make sauces, the seeds and greens are very nutritious. The oil from the seeds can be used in massages and has anti-inflammatory properties, also helps with asthma.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) - Used as an antiseptic on wounds and as a mouthwash.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) - Improves digestion
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) - Used to treat minor infections.
Roses (Rosa species) - Red roses were made into cordials and conserves (jellies) to restore the strength, while all varieties were used in perfumes as well as eaten.
Rose hips (Rosa species) – The fruit of the rose plant it is used as an anti-inflammatory, nutritive (very high in vitamin C) diuretic, laxative.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - An all-purpose medicine; used as a face wash/astringent, guarded against nightmares, cleaning teeth. Rosemary was burned as an incense to kill or prevent infection, including the plague.
Rue (Ruta graveolens) - Used to treat venomous bites, and poor eyesight, also keeps away insects and 'noxious vapors'.
Saffron (Crocus sativus) - Used to treat infections as well as cooking and as a clothing dye
Sage (Salvia officinalis) - A general all around herb it 'Cleans out' the system, also used as an astringent and disinfectant, as well as helping female troubles. Helps coughs and sore throats, and is said to improve memory and improve the senses.
Spurge, Garden (Euphorbia hirta) – The milk of the plant cures warts as well as a purgative
Spurge, Greater – Oil from the seeds kills lice as well as a purgative
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) - Helps heal bruises and cuts, reduces swelling and promotes healing, also helps with venomous bites.
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) – Helps prevent miscarriage, expectorant, helps with urine and kidney troubles, treats worms.
Thyme (Thymus species) - Used in cooking, and in baths and as an astringent. Burned as to fumigate against infection and venomous creatures as well as scent sacrifices. Used to help 'female complaints' as well as to improve the skin.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) - Regulates a woman's cycle, promotes sleep, cures headaches, prevents gas, expectorant.
Willow bark (Salix alba) - The active ingredient in Aspirin, is used for anti-inflammatory, pain relief, as well as fever reducer.
Yarrow, or Achillea (Achillea millefolium) - Used to treat headaches and wounds, especially battle wounds, and the bite of mad dogs. Antiseptic, antibacterial, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), hypoglycemic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, emmenagogue
-----
Sources Consulted:
Wikipedia
Culpeper's Complete Herbal
Gallowglass
An Introduction to Premodern Herbal Medicine
By Jewelclaw of the RPG-D[/size]
Alecost or Costmary (Chrysanthemum balsamita) - Used as a wound ointment
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) - The seeds were used to treat gas and to induce sweating, as well as in sweets and candies.
Borage (Borago officinalis) - Used to flavour wine and cordials, borage also has antidepressant qualities.
Calamus, aka Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) - The rushes of sweet flag were strewn on the floors of medieval houses; the roots were dried and ground for use in body powders.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) - Muscle relaxant (cramps) diaphoretic (prevents excessive sweating), stimulant.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) - Used in cooking, including soups and meats as well as candies and cookies.
Cloves (Syzyium aromaticum) - Used in cooking and as an antiseptic and painkiller.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale ) - Demulcent, mild astringent, expectorant, anti-inflammatory.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) - The seeds were used for cooking and to deter fevers.
Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile, or Anthemis nobilis; German chamomile Matricaria chamomilla) - Used in hand washing waters and for headaches, anti-inflammatory, calming, helps with sleep. Lawns and garden seats were planted with chamomile, for it 'smells the sweeter for being trodden on'.
Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) - Used to treat urinary tract infections
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) - Used in cooking and to treat flatulence.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) - Helps prevent water retention, antiviral, diuretic, astringent, anti inflammatory, help with cold symptoms
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) - Used as an abortificant, hysteria, dewormer, cure for headaches
Flax (Linum usitatissium) - The plants of flax make linen, and the seeds cooked in water made a laxative and invalid's porridge; a flax seed, placed in the eye, helped remove foreign bodies because of the mucilage it exudes.
Frankincense (Boswellia Thurifera) - Can be ingested to help with digestion and healthy skin, arthritis, healing wounds, strengthening the female hormone system and purifying the air against harmful germs. When burned it repels mosquitoes, and thus prevents mosquito borne illnesses.
Garlic (Allium sativum) - Treats jaundice, as well as treats minor infections and promotes healing of minor scrapes and burns
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - Used in food, including gingerbread, cakes, meats and side dishes. Its warmth was used medicinally to treat stomach problems, and as a remedy for the plague.
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) - Horehound cough syrups and drinks were prescribed for chesty and head-colds and coughs.
Lavender (Lavendula officinalis, Lavendula vera, Lavendula spica, Lavendula stoechas) - The dried flowers were used in food and in refreshing washes for headaches; a cap with lavender flowers quilted in it kept headaches at bay. Used extensively in baths, as a personal scent and as a moth repellent. Also thought to cure epilepsy and all other matters of the head and brain.
Lemon Balm aka Melissa (Melissa officinalis) - A food, a furniture polish, and as a charm for bees and an aid against melancholy.
Marjoram (Origanum maiorana) - Used in cooking, in spiced wine (hypocras) -, in brewing beer, and in medicines to 'comfort' the stomach. Can also be used as a clothing dye, making a reddish brown color.
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria, Spiraea ulmaria) - Used for a variety of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial purposes due to presence of salicylic acid. Effective for fevers and inflammations, pain relief, ulcers and is a bacteriostatic agent (prevents growth of bacteria).
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) - Used in liver tonics, treats jaundice
Mint (Mentha species) - Possibly the most versatile of herbs, mint was heavily used in food and medicine. Mint vinegar was used as a mouthwash; mint sauce restored the appetite. It cured all stomach ailments as well as weakness, squeamishness, loss of appetite, pain, and vomiting, as well as headaches and in treating venomous bites and wounds.
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) - A charm for travelers and used in foot ointments; also used in treating women's ailments.
Mustard (Brassica nigra, and Sinapis alba) - Used to make sauces, the seeds and greens are very nutritious. The oil from the seeds can be used in massages and has anti-inflammatory properties, also helps with asthma.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) - Used as an antiseptic on wounds and as a mouthwash.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) - Improves digestion
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) - Used to treat minor infections.
Roses (Rosa species) - Red roses were made into cordials and conserves (jellies) to restore the strength, while all varieties were used in perfumes as well as eaten.
Rose hips (Rosa species) – The fruit of the rose plant it is used as an anti-inflammatory, nutritive (very high in vitamin C) diuretic, laxative.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - An all-purpose medicine; used as a face wash/astringent, guarded against nightmares, cleaning teeth. Rosemary was burned as an incense to kill or prevent infection, including the plague.
Rue (Ruta graveolens) - Used to treat venomous bites, and poor eyesight, also keeps away insects and 'noxious vapors'.
Saffron (Crocus sativus) - Used to treat infections as well as cooking and as a clothing dye
Sage (Salvia officinalis) - A general all around herb it 'Cleans out' the system, also used as an astringent and disinfectant, as well as helping female troubles. Helps coughs and sore throats, and is said to improve memory and improve the senses.
Spurge, Garden (Euphorbia hirta) – The milk of the plant cures warts as well as a purgative
Spurge, Greater – Oil from the seeds kills lice as well as a purgative
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) - Helps heal bruises and cuts, reduces swelling and promotes healing, also helps with venomous bites.
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) – Helps prevent miscarriage, expectorant, helps with urine and kidney troubles, treats worms.
Thyme (Thymus species) - Used in cooking, and in baths and as an astringent. Burned as to fumigate against infection and venomous creatures as well as scent sacrifices. Used to help 'female complaints' as well as to improve the skin.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) - Regulates a woman's cycle, promotes sleep, cures headaches, prevents gas, expectorant.
Willow bark (Salix alba) - The active ingredient in Aspirin, is used for anti-inflammatory, pain relief, as well as fever reducer.
Yarrow, or Achillea (Achillea millefolium) - Used to treat headaches and wounds, especially battle wounds, and the bite of mad dogs. Antiseptic, antibacterial, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), hypoglycemic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, emmenagogue
-----
Sources Consulted:
Wikipedia
Culpeper's Complete Herbal
Gallowglass
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this guide is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, tread, or cure any diseases. Any information presented is not a substitute for professional medical advice and should not take the place of any prescribed medication. Please do not use this guide to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with your physician.
The information contained in this guide is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, tread, or cure any diseases. Any information presented is not a substitute for professional medical advice and should not take the place of any prescribed medication. Please do not use this guide to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with your physician.