Medicine

Some cultures believed that plants have souls. In 4th century BC, Aristotle believed that plants had a psyche.

In medieval Europe, the Doctrine of Signatures stated there was a connection between how a plant looked (God's signature) and how it could be used medicinally, such as the Lungwort (which looks like a lung) which was/is used to treat respiratory illnesses.

Period medicines:

Decongestants

• Ephedra
• Garlic
• Pennyroyal

Carminatives/Laxatives

• Hyssop
• Mint
• Sage
• Angelica
• Feverfew
• Marjoram
• Valerian
• Hemp
• Anise

Diurtetics

• Mugwort
• Clivers
• Hops
• Meadowsweet
• Sorrel
• Borage
• Hemp
• Anise
• Syrian Rue

Respiratory medicines

• Linseed
• Lungwort

For a sore throat

• Lemon
• Sage

For healing wounds

• Hyssop

Healing ulcers

• Marigold

Emmenagogues

• Thistle
• Syrian rue

Stimulants

• Hyssop
• Ephedra
• Mint
• Mugwort
• Thistle
• Yarrow
• Angelica
• Marjoram
• Guarana
• Anise

Relaxant

• Chamomile
• Hemp

Astringents

• Yarrow
• Rosemary

To soothe your mouth/gums

• Pellitory
• Clove

Medieval Narcotics

Interesting texts: Chevallier, A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, DK, London. 1996.

See also Herbs.