Healing herbs

“Leech Book of Bald” is an Old English book on medicine.
“Bald” was the name of a doctor and Leech was the Old English word for a healer.
Recently at Nottingham University researchers used one of the old treatments in this book to treat MRSA infections successfully.
It seems our ancestors knew a thing or two about herbal treatments.

Healing herbs

“As in that hedge the Honeysuckles grow
So, there beneath the Comfrey stands so grand.
Its flowers blossom forth in wondrous show,
It’s good to have this healing herb at hand.

There’s Mugwort and most healers used this ‘weed’,
Whilst some would hoe it out from in the rye.
The healers here would gather weed and seed
And when used well some wounded need not die.

Now Heartsease too could sooth an aching heart.
This little herb that dwelled shy in the shade
To troubled souls its healing might impart.
There’s numerous plants that aid the healers trade,

But, yet the scent of Honeysuckle sweet
Could aid those who with troubles ill-disposed
Would seek a calm and peaceful dear retreat
To lay at last with aching eyes now closed.”

A pharmacopoeia grows across this land
And healers from old time have gained the lore.
Where ere you go there’s healing herbs at hand,
Their presence helps to keep all souls secure.

From: “Tales of the Gewissae”