Long Ago and Far Away

Rosemary was entwined into a wreath and worn as part of the bride’s headdress in Medieval times. Rosemary represented love and loyalty, which was something a bride longed for with her new husband.

In Greek Mythology, the Stegian witches [ three sisters who consulted a huge glass oracle to read the future], grew mint all around their cottage. The sisters were blind and used the mint as a “scent guide.” When out walking or gathering firewood, they would venture no further once they could no longer smell the mint.

Rosemary, basil and thyme were used daily in cooking and during the middle ages. The herbs disguised the taste of less than fresh game. Robust or strong smelling herbs were added to wild game dishes, roasting meats and fish to cover up foods that had “gone over.”

In Medieval times, mother’s gave their fussy babies a tablespoon of dill water. It was thought the dill would quiet them to sleep. The word dill comes from the Norse worse “dilla” meaning to “lull.” Lull-a-bye and goodnight.

During ancient Roman times, a pound of lavender was equal to a month’s wage for a farm laborer. Lavender was used lavishly in Roman baths to scent the water. Lavender comes from the Latin verb -lavere- to wash.

Fresh basil leaves, crushed and applied to scorpion stings was standard treatment for Roman soldiers.

Cleopatra bathed daily in several pounds of lemon balm and rose leaves. It kept her skin youthful looking.

~ Meadow Walker

Make your own Four Thieves Vinegar insect repellent! Get the herbs here.