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Herbs: The Spice of Life, Magic, Myths and Legends
The almost mystical healing power of herbs and their ability to ease pain can be traced back to the very beginnings of history. Early tribes and groups began instinctively experimenting with plants in their environment. Since they didn’t have the luxury of a pharmaceutical laboratory, they discovered by trial and error which locally grown plants and herbs were effective in treating their ailments. This growing accumulation of knowledge was then passed from each generation to another by word-of-mouth and practical teaching. Artifacts have been discovered from many cultures that include such items as frescoes, bronzes, tomb paintings and cuneiform tablets. These artifacts record the importance of herbs to these early civilizations. Ancient herbals and medical writings that still exist today describe plants and herbs and their healing properties.
Through time this collected knowledge created an herbal lore culture that has evolved with usage. For instance, priests etc. of ancient societies used herbs in the performance of their religious ceremonies for effect and protection. Warriors carried magical herbs for strength, protection and bravery. Later medieval monasteries were the centers of communities and thus became centers of herbal healing. They founded hospitals and had separate psyche gardens where the Monks grew a wide variety of plants to make the potions, oils and ointments they needed to treat the sick. On the other side of the coin, the hedgerows and woodlands provided the plants needed by the country housewife for her herbal healing and magical protections.
Throughout this book you will discover many strands of historical tradition. One such tradition was what is known as the Victorian language of flowers. In the 19th century England the practice was to give different flowers special meanings. And when fresh flowers and dried bouquets were given to someone they indicated a particular feeling. One example of this is when Rosemary was incorporated into a bouquet of red roses. The meaning of this was love and remembrance and it was a gift usually given to women by the men as they went off to war. While not directly magical, the power of symbolism reflects in the use of flowers deep personal feeling and how they are incorporated in remedies and the intentions associated with them.
This book presents you with the historical and mythological story behind many of the herbs in common use today. In this book you will also find recipes for teas, concoctions and tasty treats. Enjoy the book and may the magic of herbs bring health, prosperity, love and a long life to you.
Michael O’Halloron