Garden Tour

Basil (Ocymum basilicum )

Basil could be applied to the site of stings or poisonous bites to relieve pain and draw out the poison. Several herbals of the period, however, warned against taking basil internally, believing it hard on the digestion and deleterious to the body.

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Teasel (Dispacus fullonum )

The liquid in the leaves of the Teasel plant was used to cleanse the skin, ease inflammations, treat warts, and cool inflammation of the eyes. Dried teasels were also used by fullers and clothworkers to raise a nap on woolen cloth.

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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium )

The leaves of the Yarrow plant had drying and binding properties and could be used boiled in wine, as a tea, or formed into a poultice or ointment. Yarrow was used to close wounds, staunch bleeding, induce sleep, ease pain, and dry ulcers of the skin.

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Lady's Bedstraw (Galium verum )

Lady's Bedstraw, also known as Cheese-rennet, was used to curdle milk in the making of cheese. Medicinally, the herb and flowers were used as a diuretic and a treatment for internal bleeding and wounds. An ointment of Lady's Bedstraw relieved itching, while a bath of the herb soothed tired feet.

10/02