| A Virtual Weed Walk | ||
| By Lady Mairghread ni Stilbheard uu Coinn Lady Nivah was gracious enough to conduct an impromptu weedwalk through her lovely herb garden just in time for summer cooking, crafts and Pennsic classes (that may get taken or marked off in the Pennsic guide and missed!). Note that many of these herbs are poisonous so DO NOT use them as described in this article. Herbs known to be in use during period were visited during this stroll. Holly of course was used by pagan and Christian religions in symbolism ranging from power to suffering. The name does not come from holy but from the Middle English word holin. |
||
 |
 |
 |
| Beebalm or bergamot is in the mint family as was used as a tea. It is known as a diuretic amongst many other medicinal uses. Lady’s Mantle is also known as Rosaceae. The leaves have pleated folds said to represent the cape that may have protected the Virgin Mary. It was know by other old names such as Lion’s Foot, Bear’s Foot and Nine Hooks. One use was for reduction of swelling. |
||
 |
 |
 |
| Foxglove or digitalis is a beautiful flowering plant long known as a heart medication. Legend tells of fairies living in the blooms. Yarrow or Staunchweed signifies health and war. It was used as a salat green but has fallen out of favor due to the bitter taste. Infusions were told to produce visions of husbands for lovesick girls. |
||
 |
 |
 |
 Columbine also called by the Saxon name Culverwort was used as an astringent but can be poisonous in large amounts.Thyme, also one of the labiatae family, was valued by the Greeks and Romans for flavoring cheese and liquors and for medicinal purposes of healing and cleansing. Campanula has no known medicinal uses although the roots are edible and the leaves and flowers used in salats. Wooly Lamb’s Ear was used medicinally to staunch wounds hence the alternate name “Woundwort”. Violas represent humility, modesty, and devotion. They are a favorite for perfumes, nosegays, candied sweets and use on subtleties. Bibliography http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/columb89.html Esson,Herbal Delights, Reed International Limited, 1991 http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Campanula+rapunculus http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/stalanata.htm Simmons, Adelma Grenier, A Merry Christmas herbal, Morrow and Company, 1968 Tudor, Tasha, A Basket of Herbs, The Stephen Greene Press, 1983 http://www.yourdictionary.com/ahd/h/h0242100.html |
||
Cover | Notables | Baron(ess) | Ravenstongue | Meetings | Pax Courts | Weed Walk | Ravens Roost | Events | Activities | main index