In medieval times, whether in Europe, China, or elsewhere, the most common medicine came in the form of herbs. Though what was believed to work back then doesn’t always hold up in modern research. An herbalist is a professional trained in herbalism (the use of herbs). A midwife, a woman who cares for pregnant women from prenatal to birth, often used herbs in her craft. An apothecary is one who prepares and sells drugs and medicines, similar to a modern pharmacist.
Medieval folklore vs current research
Folklore surrounds the herbal tradition. Angelica’s fennel and basil were said to ward off witches, and the garlic, of course, would keep werewolves and vampires away. In some cultures, basil is associated with scorpions; they feared that scorpions would grow under pots of basil and that smelling the aroma would actually cause scorpions to grow in the brain. However, in Italy, suitors signaled their love by courting with a sprig of basil in their hair.
Salvia was considered the cure-all of medieval times and was believed to cure anything from snake bites to mental illness. In truth, it does not help with all problems, but it has many positive properties. Reduces excessive perspiration, helps digestive problems, sore throats, premenstrual cramps and high blood sugar levels. It also helps prevent the depletion of a neurotransmitter in the brain that is crucial for brain function and combined with ginkgo, biloba and rosemary may help prevent or slow Alzheimer’s.
fantasy purposes
In building your own world, you can choose to use existing herbs or create your own. I prefer a mix. I’ll use common herbs in many cases, but then I’ll make one up if I can’t find one that has the properties I need. You can use the unproven folklore for your inspiration, or go with the proven properties. The most important part, at least in a medieval or fantasy world, is that those who treat the sick believe in the treatment, not whether that treatment is medically correct.
Whether you use real or made-up herbs, you’ll want to take note of where the plant grows, what it looks like, and its medical properties. I keep a table listing the herbs I mention in my book along with their descriptive notes. There are many herbal guides both in book form and online. A search for ‘herbs’ will generate a nice long list. If you go for a realistic approach, you’ll want to check out the online pages to make sure it’s not some role player’s or writer’s list of herbs in their own created worlds.
Definitions
When thinking of herbal remedies, the first thing that comes to mind is herbal tea. But there are many different treatments for plants and other medicines. The following definitions were extracted from their Wikipedia entries.
An ointment is a viscous semisolid preparation used topically on a variety of body surfaces. An ointment may or may not be medicated.
A poultice is a soft, moist mass, often heated and medicated, that is spread over a cloth on the skin to treat a sore, swollen, or sore body part. A poultice should not generally be applied to an open wound as it may slow the healing process or cause infection.
An herbal tea, tisane or ptisana is an herbal infusion that is not made from the leaves of the tea bush. (“Real” tea varieties include black, oolong, green, yellow, and white teas.) for a few minutes. The seeds and roots can also be boiled on a stove. The herbal tea is then strained, sweetened if desired, and served.
A potion is a drinkable medicine or poison. Generally related to magic.
A tincture is an alcoholic extract (eg, of an herb) or a solution of a nonvolatile substance.
An infusion is a method of preparing herbs in which 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb or 2 to 4 fresh herbs (flowers and berries are substitutable) are “infused” or placed in boiling oil or water, and then, after ten minutes, you’re tense. Waiting too long before straining results in bitter-tasting herbs. The herb/botany is then removed from the oil and the oil is used in the many formulas that require short-term infused oils.
When looking at descriptions of herbs, the following terms from an herb glossary may help:
Antiseptic: this herb fights and neutralizes pathogenic bacteria and prevents infections
Astringent: This herb has a constricting or binding effect, for example: one that controls bleeding or secretions by coagulating proteins on a soft surface
Hemostatic: this herb stops bleeding
Parasiticide: This herb kills parasites and worms.
Tonic: This herb restores, nourishes and supports the entire body; exerts a mild strengthening effect on the body
To use herbs effectively in your fiction, you’ll want to do your own research to decide which ones fit your purpose. Even with a world where all herbs are of your own making, you would benefit from familiarizing yourself with the terms I’ve mentioned.