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How Medieval Herbs Were Used

By: Lee Dobbins


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For thousands of years, it has been the practice of cultures all over to grow and harvest herbs. Medieval Europe, however, specialized in it. During the Middle Ages, there was a lack of understanding about medical knowledge and technology, subjects the Greeks knew well and Medieval herbs were used for most ailments as well as superstitious reasons. While some of what was known in the Middle Ages was nonsense, much was valid.

The Medieval herb garden was a helpful and beautiful place, if it was used for medicine, seasoning or even quiet meditation. By visiting New York's Cloisters, you can observe a modern sample of what they were like. Even though it was built in the 1930's, it was made to mirror its Medieval counterpart almost identically. The designers of the Cloisters met their goal excellently.

Even though New York's seasons vary greatly from freezing winters, hot and humid summers, and soggy Spring and Fall, the Cloisters flourish; including the herb garden, an important piece of the Bonnefont cloister.

These historical herb gardens were very original and had raised garden beds, wattle fences and a central wellhead along with the Medieval herbs. These gardens served as a magnificent centerpiece and were often surrounded by lush orchards and other pretty plants.

In the winter, many are placed inside pots that are similar to ones found in the period. This helps the fragile ones survive in the cold, harsh climate.

Medieval herbs were often used to keep evil spirits away or thought to have possessed magic powers, which was the case with dill. Rosemary was believed to prevent the plague, and sage was used to help epileptics.

Herbs were arranged at the Cloisters in nine sections corresponding to classifications used in the period. The first section holds Absinthe and Thistles, the second contains medical herbs, such as St. John's Wort and Liquorice. The third section holds Lavendar, Lemon Balm and other aromatics.

Some types of herbs were used for art and purposes such as encouraging love and marriage. These were thought to be 'magic' plants. The final group contains cooking herbs like Caraway, Fennel, Parsley, and Borage.

Despite the availability of the same plants, modern day herbalists are using medieval herbs less than in past times when their use was wide-spread. The medicinal properties of these herbs is more publicly discussed and correlates with similar uses of those in ancient times.

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Please visit basicherbgardeningtips.com/ to find out more about medieval herbs, culinary herbs, aromatic herbs and medicinal herbs as well as get basic herb gardening tips.



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