Use of herbs in fantasy writing

Use of herbs in fantasy writing

in the Middle Ages, whether in Europe, China or elsewhere, came the most common medicine in the form of herbs. But what was believed at the time does not always withstand modern research. A herbalist is a specialist who is trained in herbal science (the use of herbs). A midwife, a woman who looks after pregnant women from the prenatal phase until birth, often uses herbs in her craft. A pharmacist is a pharmacist who produces and sells medication and medication, similar to a modern pharmacist.

medieval folklore vs. Current research

folklore surrounds herbal science. Angelika fennel and basil are said to protect against witches and garlic would of course keep werewolves and vampires away. In some cultures, basil is associated with scorpions; They feared that scorpions would grow under basil and that the smell of the aroma would actually grow scorpions in the brain. But in Italy, freelancers signaled their love by overturning in the hair with a branch of basil.

sage was considered the panacea of ​​the Middle Ages, which was assumed that he heals everything from snake bites to mental illness. In truth, it doesn't help with all problems, but it has many positive properties. It reduces excessive sweating, helps with digestive problems, sore throat, premenstrual cramps and high blood sugar. It also helps prevent the exhaustion of a neurotransmitter in the brain that is crucial for brain function and can help to prevent or slow down in combination with Ginkgo, Biloba and Rosmarin.

Fantasy purpose

In your own world building, you can choose whether you want to use existing herbs or create your own. I prefer a mix. I will use ordinary herbs in many cases, but then I invent one if I can't find any that has the properties I need. You can be inspired by the unproven folklore or choose the proven properties. The most important part, at least in a fantasy or medieval world, is that those who treat the sick, believe in treatment and not whether this treatment is medically sensible.

No matter whether you have used or invented real herbs, you should note where the plant grows, what it looks like and what medical properties it has. I have a table with the herbs that I mention in my book together with their descriptive comments. There are many herbal guides in book and online form. A search for 'herbs' will result in a good long list. If you follow the realistic approach, you should check the online pages to ensure that it is not the herbal list of a role player or writer in your self-created worlds.

definitions

If you think of vegetable remedies, you first think of herbal tea. But there are many different treatments for plants and other medication. The following definitions were taken from their entries in Wikipedia.

An ointment is a viscose semi -strength preparation that is topically used on a variety of body surfaces. An ointment can be medically or not.

A envelope is a soft, moist mass that is often heated and medically treated and which is applied on a cloth via the skin to treat a painful, inflamed or painful part of the body. In general, an envelope should not be applied via an open wound, since it can slow down the healing process or cause infections.

A herbal tea, Tisan or Ptisan is a herbal tea that is not made from the leaves of the tea shrub. (The varieties of "real" teas include black, oolong, green, yellow and white tea.) Tisanes can be produced with fresh or dried flowers, leaves, seeds or roots by pouring boiling water over the plant parts and leaving it for a few minutes. Seeds and roots can also be cooked on a stove. The Tisan is then strained, sweetened and served on request.

A potion is a drinkable medicine or a poison. Usually connected to magic.

A tincture is an alcoholic extract (e.g. from a herb) or a solution to a non -volatile fabric.

A infusion is a method for preparing herbs, in which 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herbs or 2 to 4 fresh herbs (flowers and berries are replaced) are "poured" or in oil or boiling water and then tensory is tense. Too long waiting with the string leads to bitter -tasting herbs. The herb/botanical is then removed from the oil and the oil is used in the many formulas that require briefly enriched oils.

When considering herbal descriptions, the following terms from a herbal lexicon can be helpful:

Antiseptic: This herb combats and neutralizes pathogenic bacteria and prevents infections before

astringing: This herb has a constricting or binding effect, for example: a that inhibits bleeding or secretion by coagulation of proteins on a soft surface

hemostatic: This herb stops bleeding

parasitizide: This herb kills parasites and worms

tonic: This herb regenerates, nourishes and supports the entire body; It has a gently strongly strong effect on the body from

To use herbs effectively in their fiction, you should make your own research to decide which are suitable for your purpose. Even in a world in which all herbs are of their creation, it would be an advantage if they are familiar with the terms I mentioned.