Herbs and Folklore

Popular in medieval gardens, herbs have been around for thousands of years with some of the earliest herb gardens being planted in Egypt. Many are common sights in modern gardens, especially those which combine flowers with fragrance, like lavender. The following herbs were often known for their folklore, in the same way that wild flowers had hidden meanings.

Basil

Originating in South East Asia, basil has been used in Europe for almost two thousand years. Favoured above all other herbs among Greeks, their word, basilikon, means king. It is a traditional gift in France and is sometimes given by farmer’s wives to discourage flies. The herbalist and physician, Nicholas Culpeper (1616-54), said that if basil was applied to a bite, ‚”it readily draws the poison to it.” It was even believed that it had the power to repel serpents, such as the legendary basilisk which could kill with its stare.

Borage

A native of southern Europe, borage was long believed to cure the mind and body. It was thought to make people merry, banishing melancholy and has been given the name ‘herb of gladness’. It is often added to wine and salads.

Comfrey

Once known as ‘knitbone’, comfrey was traditionally used as a poultice to mend fractures. The 16th century herbalist, John Gerard, recommended that it be given as a drink for back pain.

Feverfew

Known as a remedy for headaches and a cure for feminine complaints, feverfew’s species name, parthenium, comes from the Greek parthenos which means ‘maiden’. Some think that the name is a reference to its virginal white flowers. It was sometimes used to repel insects.

Lavender

One of the most loved herbs for its scent, the name comes from the Latin lavare, meaning to wash. At one time, laundry was hung out to dry then packed into linen boxes with dried lavender sprigs. It was also strewn on medieval floors to dispel bad smells and it is still widely used in pot-pourri.

Lemon Balm

A native of the Mediterranean, lemon balm is also found in Britain and Ireland. It is believed that the Romans brought the plant to Britain, although it was originally of Middle Eastern origin. Its botanical name, Melissa offinalis, comes from the Greek for honey bee and the Greeks believed that planting it around the hives would encourage bees to stay. With its lemon scent, it is sometimes used in teas for its calming effect.

Marjoram

The generic name, Origanum, comes from Greek words meaning ‘joy of the mountains’. Marjoram is often used as a preserver. In Greek myth, Armarkos dropped a jar of perfume and was changed into marjoram by the gods. In pity, Venus gave the plant a delicate flavour and scent and it has been known as a symbol of happiness.

Mint

There are several types of mint, many of them used for making tea. Known to be good for the digestive system, mint tea has been used by Arabs to increase virility. Culpeper also mentions its ability to ‚”stir up bodily lusts.” Taken with wine, it is thought to aid child-bearing pain. In Greek mythology, the nymph Menthe was changed into mint by the jealous wife of Pluto.

Parsley

There is a saying that where parsley thrives, the woman is boss. The Romans wore it in garlands at their feasts, as it was believed to prevent drunkenness. Because it is slow to germinate, some people believed the seeds went back and forth to the devil seven times before the leaves appeared. One legend tells that it should be grown from seed planted on Good Friday and should never be transplanted. According to Culpeper, it is under the dominion of mercury and ‚”is very comfortable to the stomach.”

Rosemary

An emblem of fidelity and love, rosemary is also known for remembrance, as it seemingly strengthens the memory and quickens the senses. Often used in weddings, Anne of Cleves is said to have worn some in a wreath when she married Henry VIII in 1540. In less hygienic days, it was burned in homes to purify the air.

Sage

Popular in Britain and Europe, sage is often used as an infusion to treat skin problems. The Greeks and Romans rubbed snake bites and skin sores with the leaves. In Victorian times it was used as a cure for dandruff. Its healing powers were often thought to bestow immortality and it was regarded as a panacea for all ills.

Thyme

Grown in many parts of the world, thyme was used by the Greeks inside the incense cones of their temples, and the Egyptians used it as one of their embalming herbs. In Britain, it was known as the favourite flower of fairies, because of its sweet scent. In the middle ages, it was often carried in posies by dignitaries, who believed it would protect them from the smells and diseases of the poor. Known for attracting bees, ladies in the Middle Ages sometimes embroidered their favours to suitors with a bee alighting on thyme.

Herbs are still fascinating today for the variety of ways in which they can be used. From medicine, to culinary use and beauty, their fragrance continues to enhance modern gardens and window sills.

Sources:

Culpeper’s Complete Herbal (Worsdworth Reference)

Herbs in Pots, Polly Pinder (Search Press)

Growing Herbs, Deni Brown (Dorling Kindersley)

Herbs, David Squire (Tiger Books)