Plants were an essential part of medieval life. Most people lived in
houses made of wood and thatch, which often accidentally burned down
when they cooked their food or huddled over wood fires to keep warm.
People wore linen clothing dyed with plants. They drank ale, cider and
wine as they danced to music played on wooden instruments. Beauty, love
and seduction could all be made easier with a few herbal preparations.
If you became ill, plants provided many of the cures. The unwary may
have mistaken a poisonous plant for one that was good to eat, with fatal
consequence. Others may have used the poisonous plant to remove an
unwanted rival. Some plants had magical properties. The mysterious
mandrake could kill anybody who tried to dig it up without taking the
appropriate precautions. Demons could be summoned or dismissed by the
aid of plants. The church used powerful incense to clean the air and
induce a sense of religious euphoria.
This book is designed to give a broad introduction to the plants that
were used during the medieval period. With many colorful photos, a list
of plants that were available and some original medieval recipes to try,
you can set out on an adventure to explore the wonderful world of
medieval plants.
