Sage Page
 

Please note that these articles are compiled together on this page. 
This article references various herbs, foods, and information. I intend to leave the article as it was written, but make links for easier web browsing.

We are still combining the Page of the Sage with Smoke Signals, as a medicine man is the main speaker in this article.  So let us continue with our visit.........

Upon arriving, the gentleman was finishing sewing up a small pillow.  He tossed it into a basket, and a moment later his cat delightfully began pawing at the pillow.

TR!LM> "Let me guess, you put the catnip you picked before in the pillow."

MM> "Yep.  It makes cats get so stimulated, that you might as well say they are drunk. However, did you know infants and small children experience an almost totally opposite effect?  I use about a tablespoon to a pint of water, steeped.  You never boil catnip, just steep it.  I use it for a cough syrup for the children, but I add some honey to help the taste." 

MM> "Pretty soon the kids are going to start coming home with the runny nose syndrome.  Flu season is on the way again."

MM> "The flu is nothing to joke about though.  Sit.  I will show you a tea which will help induce sweating the 'bug' out.  We need about a teaspoon of catnip, fennel seed, mint, sage, and boneset.  Steep this in a cup of hot water, for about ten minutes.  Give that strained to a person every four hours, and they will get over the illness much quicker."

TR!LM> "I was taught about chamomile and Horehound, but I have not learned many other American herbal remedies of the people."

MM> "We made many teas for illness.  Now I hear that because people are using so much penicillin and such drugs that they (The aforementioned medicines) are becoming less effective.  Many now are turning back to what the people used. Our teas for colds consisted of wild mint, strawberry leaves, mullein leaves, thyme, and sage. The People to the south use lemons like we do wintermint. Echinacea (A purple flower ~ Echinacea purpureain / Echinacea angustifolia - ok so I had to look it up so I knew what it was) extract in a half a cup of water helps many things.  It aids with colds, and gum pain."

TR!LM> "Do you use much slippery elm or magnolia?  I had a Cajun who told me to use the elm for coughs and the magnolia for poison oak."

MM> "Then you spoke with a person who has spent a good deal of time in studying.  The exact name is Magnolia grandiflora, and you use the leaves to help alleviate the itch caused by poison oak. As far as the slippery elm, I have a few uses for it. Coughs for one are eased by an infusion of it. I have seen many reenactors being a bit daring on the fields of late, and paying for it.  To get some period healing going, try one cup of olive oil with one cup of calendula flowers (or leaves).  Let that soak for three days, and then strain off the leaves.  Take the oil and rub it over abrasions, cuts, and the multiple bruises. It will tighten the skin, and aid in reducing inflammation and swelling."

We are back at the camp-site again, with another joint page of Page of the Sage and Smoke Signals.
The winter months approach, and so does the time when we spend more time indoors.  Preparations and maintenance are now being made for the upcoming events, and the holidays approach quickly.

TR!LM> I know many Europeans had various ways to store foods, other than drying, but what about the People?

MM> We would have grass and holes that would hold many apples. The temperature settled between freezing and 50 degrees -- a temperature that would keep them for up to six months. Similarly potatoes, carrots, and other "root" crops will be stored like the apples. However, the dirt should be cleaned off, and they should not be laid directly on dirt.  Do not store the apples and potatoes together though, either.  The apples rot the potatoes if they are together.
At this point we started walking into an area of his field.

MM>Some things will be better if the weather gets cold before you pick them.  Underground vegetables like beets, carrots, and brussel sprouts for instance.  Carrots can stay in the ground until December if you mulch with about a foot of hay.  Here you see that I keep the cabbage out yet.  It will stay out until I feel there will be a very hard frost. They are very hardy.  When I pick them, I will wrap them in some newspaper and place in a cool dark place.  It will keep for a few months like that.

TR!LM> In the upcoming months there will be columns on how to prepare your plants for the next growing season, and the Medicine Man has gone to great lengths to make sure I have all his information down correctly.
Until February, keep warm and take care of yourself and your plants.  Remember that live plants in the house provide a wonderful way of keeping your house smelling fresh, while producing fresh air!!

The Rx of the wilderness.
As the winter months have approached, many of the tenderfeet, greenhorns, etc. have forgotten their health care needs.
Yet the Rendezvouers have a good deal of knowledge about how to maintain themselves, and attempting to keep personal hygiene.

The problems that many people suffered dealt with tooth pain, so maintaining their dental health became important.  Using a small stick, the rendezvouer would remove the bark, and make small notches in the wood. This would serve as a toothbrush.

Now toothpaste was a special consideration.  Benjamin Franklin had used a concoction of ground charcoal and honey.  It was reputed to leave the teeth very white.  A simple mixture of salt and / or bicarbonate of soda also works (Either straight salt or a mixture of 1 part salt to 3 parts bicarbonate of soda, with 3tsp of glycerin and enough water to make a soft paste) I use some drops of peppermint oil to add a nice taste.

Many also chew tobacco, or smoke which leaves the brown stain on teeth.  You might consider using lemon rind rubbed directly across the teeth, then rinsing.

If it is summer, one of the easiest tooth cleaners is fresh strawberries.  Simply rub the fruit across the teeth, and then rinsing thoroughly.

Body odor was always a problem, especially in the colder months.  During December, the trapping and hunting required a lot more cleanliness than most imagine. The use of vinegar was sometimes used after bathing, or in washing the clothing.  The vinegar smell dispersed quickly, but it did leave the clothing or person smelling "neutral".  Yet this was only a deodorant, not an antiperspirant.

Many of the Rendezvouers used pine tar soap, or a home made version of shampoo for bathing... especially if they were near hot springs.

A simple mixture of fat, charcoal (which has lye) and water creates a harder shampoo and / or soap.

The most unique way I have seen to clean clothes (and rugs, etc.) involves the use of snow.  The Rendezvouer would wait until it was well below freezing, with about five or so inches of clean, powdered snow about, and then walk and jump on the clothing to remove some of the dirt.  Afterward they would shake it out and then walk on it again.
The process was repeated until clean.

This method can be used on wool also, as it does not remove the wool's natural oils.

When the crocus does come into bloom, plant the peppers in the room.

Daffodils are soon in bloom, and when that happens plant the lettuce, tomatoes, and cabbage in the house.

The lilies of the valley have come to the outdoors, so too should your tomatoes.

Cucumbers and peppers should join irises when they come out to bloom.

If you inhale a breath through your nose, then hold it, and the moisture in your nose momentarily freezes... it is 0 F or less outside.

Herbal Medicines
Ancient cures are Modern man's too!
In the field of reenacting, many people portray "healers".  Be it from the ancient druid to the Civil War doctors, plants have always been an important association to healing.  For example, whenever you look at modern medicines their names have been altered to show only their chemical composition.  Many reenactors have some folklore knowledge and use it quite readily, and share it too.  If you think back, how many people did you know who had the knowledge of the ages? 

Think again of the people who had this knowledge and let it pass on into oblivion, because they did not share it with others?  This is a new column inspired by "Ginseng-Old Myths and Real Truths"(Sept 92). 

This will be a column devoted to teaching the herbal knowledge, along with other fascinating aspects, to the people.  To the reenactors, this will be another way you can show your skill and help keep history alive!

Before I continue, let me say one thing.  Most herbal remedies are safe and can aid in the cure of minor ailments.  However, this information is not designed to make you a pharmacist or doctor! 

Never substitute this advice over a doctor's, and do not attempt self medication without a doctor's approval.

Let me start with some of the older myths of medicinal herbs.  Irish folk legend states that herbs sprang from the buried body of one of its great heros.  The herbs grew from the region of the body for which they were intended to be curative.  However, mankind is quick to pick and slow to learn.  Through carelessness the herbs were mixed up.  Ever since then we have been trying to get them right.  

American Indian legend passed on to me states that the medicine-men were able to ascertain the herbs curative powers from the animals. When a medicine-man would see a sick animal eat a certain plant, he might try it on himself.  If it worked, he would apply it to the sick.  In some cases it was the cure to the simple illnesses that occasionally plagued them.  The Indians knew how to treat scurvy long before the discovery of Vitamin C.  If you read between the lines, you will see that during the Indian wars, they had the ability to heal seriously injured warriors.  Many Indians also served as doctors in earlier frontier settlements.  They knew the American plants and herbs and could use them.  Unlike the settlers, as the European herbs had not yet been introduced.  The settlers had to learn the new world plants, and many were guided by American Indians.

Many people in the worlds history grew their own herb gardens, and with good reason.  Many plants found in the wild must be carefully identified, for many are very poisonous.  (Also if you are going to pick your own herbs, make sure they are not protected or have been sprayed!) If enough interest warrens it, I will write an article on how to prepare an herb garden, growing, and harvesting.  Write in and let me know what you would like to know.

In this opening column, I will give a brief summery of many different herbs.  Let us begin with .....

Ginseng.  It was/is believed to promote long life.  It is also considered an aphrodisiac in the orient. Finally it is used as an appetizer and mild stimulant. Aloe.  Its mythology for the southwestern Indians is that it prevents baldness and removes wrinkles.  Its used to sooth burns and insect bites.

Garlic.  Ancient Egyptians used this plant.  It is now used to combat high blood pressure, earaches, and diarrhea.  It does have antiseptic properties as well as being a stimulant.

Onion.  It has an actual use in removing the swelling from insect bites.

Bee Sting.  Legend has it that the bee sting helps alleviate arthritis. What does this have to do with herbs? Well next we have...
Honey. It is used as a mild sedative and a quick source of energy. Although contradictory, true.  Applied externally it is sticky, soothing, and very nourishing to the skin. Again, what does this have to do with herbs? Think of what bees pollinate when gathering.

Basil.  This is a valued plant by monks in India because of its scent.  It is believed to help in meditation.  It actually does repel insects.  A strong tea made of this relieves a few types of headaches.  It is an annual herb which comes in a variety of flavors and colors.  Best if harvested in the fall.

Camomile.  As a tea, it is relaxing and helps alleviate insomnia.  It is generally believed to aid in recovery of ill individuals.  At one time period, it was once popular to have sweet smelling camomile lawns.

Oatmeal.  Used to relieve itching from rash.

Mint.  Used to aid in the recovery from indigestion.

This list can go on and on, and it will.  However, in the next issue we will delve into particular symptoms and herbal cures.  Remember that by the time of the wagon trains, many people had learned these cures.  Keep them in mind when you are talking around the campfire. 

Now, on the lighter side.  Here are some "old time" remedies.  PLEASE DO NOT TRY THEM.  This is for information purpose only!

Did you know they tried to cure fever by placing cabbage on the forehead!  How about this one; drink buttermilk to cure malaria! Just a few more.  Take bark from a cherry tree, make it into a tea and it will cure measles.  Want rosy cheeks?  Eat the skins from Irish potatoes.  Finally from Buckskinner times; put a buckskin string around a child's throat to cure croup!

Until next time, good journey!

Druids, Buckskinners, Healers  The time honored way oh healing with plants Part II.

The Middle Ages.  Most say it would still be called the dark ages, but not I!  Many of the inventions and ideas of that time, came into true understanding and use in this 20th century.  How close those alchemists, "barbers", etc were to the truth.  Druids had some very in depth knowledge of these plants, but most knowledge has been lost.  The only way we know that the information was gleaned back then, is by what we find at grave sights.  In the middle ages, the use of these plants grew.  Distillation of them for essential oils used in medicines and cosmetics is well recorded.  Fragrant waters made from the oils of Lavender, Rose, Rosemary, and Sage were sprinkled about (remember, these places were not the best smelling)  Rosemary was also distilled, and made into the base of almost all colognes (if you also remember, the people didn't smell that great either) called Hungry Water.  Most would place the perfume/cologne on handkerchiefs, or fans to make the air smell pleasant.

At this simple time, plants were still considered magical.  Those of you who study herbology may recall "The Materia Medica" of 512 A.D.  It is the earliest surviving herbal manuscript, describing six hundred (600) healing plants.  It was the basis of herbal insight and knowledge, until mayhap the seventeenth century.  With the explanations given as they were, one could see why plants were magical.  How else would you call something that takes white wool, and makes its color change?  We may know of dyes and pigments now, but then....

Another source of information was kept in the Christian monasteries.  They were the repositories of medical knowledge during the middle ages.  Just a quick bit of information for you.

Now, you may ask, "How did they put the plants to use?  Also, which plants?"

Good question, I'm glad you asked.

Muslin herb bags (a very fragrant plant) were hung from furniture, and the ceiling.  In some places, lemon balm, and cicely seeds were pulped, and rubbed on the underside of furniture.  Also, they do what a lot of folks do now-a-days, potpourri.  The sweet smell would help to alleviate the rank odor which assaulted their olfactory senses.
Of course in some places, onions and garlic were used as charms.  These charms were used to keep evil spirits and plague away.

Tansy.  It was packed into mattresses to discourage flies, and hung in areas to keep pests away.  It was also used to wrap meat, and in the process a spicy flavor.

Camomile.  This was the period when in was planted in walls, banks and paths were covered, and teas were made.  The reason, was to delight and bring health to the body.

Lavender.  Rosemary.  These two plants were used in conjunction with each other very often.  Linen would be placed over them to dry (Thus absorbing the sweet smells)  The two would also be burned together in rooms, to purify the air. Similar to the perfumes/colognes, they were carried to be sniffed also.
Rosemary.  Hunters used to stuff their prey with it, after taking the entrails out, to keep it from smelling and spoiling.

Roses.  How many ladies out there use it in their baths?  In medieval times, the herb of love was made into a powder.  After the bath, the ladies would sprinkle their bodies with it.

Meadowsweet.  Sweetwoodruff.  These were made into sweet smelling garlands, stuffed into mattresses, or strewn about on the floors.

Myrtle.  This was used in garlands at feasts, etc.  It was also woven into bridal wreaths also.

Marjoram.  It was used in nosegay, sweet washing water, and sweet bags.  In tradition, it was woven into yet another garland, used to crown newlyweds.

One alchemist garden I visited had a very nice array of herbs.  The woman who owned the garden, told me that she used her herbs more for cooking than anything else.  She stated that a good cook's garden in the medieval ages would most likely have the following:
anise, basil, bay, caper, caraway, calmint, celery, chervil, chives, coriander, costmary, cumin, dill, garlic, mints, mustard,tansy, lovage, onion, oregano, marjoram, parsley, rue, rosemary, savory, sage, saffron, and wormwood.  All were useful, and in some cases necessary.  They prepared their meats very similar to the way we do.  The garlic, chives, onions, and shallots flavored their creations.  I have noticed that there were some combinations which remained fairly constant.  

The following plant was served with the meat which follows it in almost 80% of the recipes I've seen: Sage/Roast Goose - Mint/Lamb - Horseradish/Beef - and this plant group, dill with cucumbers.

In addition to wrapping the meat in tansy, there was another combination used. By taking Vinegar, Coriander, and Cumin and rubbing it into the meat, it too preserved.

Juniper berries.  You will see in one of the recipes in this issue, the use of this wonderful berry.  Not only could it be used to flavor gin and ale, it was also used to flavor game, stews, and in marinades.  While I was in Heidelberg, FRG I still saw the people sprinkling the berries between layers of cabbage for their sauerkraut.

Speaking of Germany, in medieval times (and even today) in southern Germany, it was considered a time for rejoicing when the first violet was found.  It would be tied to a stake as a symbol of the coming spring.  Young and old alike would dance around it and sing.

Mustard.  It was believed to be an aphrodisiac.  Its seeds were crushed and blended with fermented grape juice to make a sauce known as mustard.

Anise.  This unique plant (most of you associate it with licorice) was used to make the cakes which ended most feasts.

Dill.  This is one of St. John Eve herbs to be prized as protection against witchcraft.  Magi would use it in their spells, while commoners would infuse it in wine to enhance passion.

The medieval people had a very unique understanding with those who truly knew the plants.  Druids, Magi, Alchemists, Bards, etc. had a very special place in society, as their advice was greatly sought after, as was their herb-lore.  

Now, I pray that this humble Bard be of assistance to you.

Until next time, good journey!