Witch`s Book of Simples, The - The simple arte of domestic folk medicine

A simple is a philtre derived from a single herb and was an important element among the natural resources of the parish-pump witch, wise-women, and cunning-folk. It aims to cure common ailments with simple remedies culled from the soil or got from home resources near at hand. This was the most elementary way to use medicinal plants since no fancy recipes or scientific acumen was needed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

A Simple is a philtre derived from a single herb and was an important element among the natural resources of the parish-pump witch,wise-women and cunning-folk. Simples are common kitchen ‘stuff that have been handed down through generations of country people in the form of family cures for everyday ailments. Or as William Fernie wrote in his Herbal Simples (1897) The art of Simpling is as old with us as our British hills. It aims at curing common ailments with simple remedies culled from the soil,or got from home resources near at hand. These were no fancy recipes with magical formulae,and,often given as a tisane,the woman of the household was able to use the remedies to treat common ailments suffered by her family. And,this elementary form of domestic plant medicine can be as simple as a cup of chamomile tea made from flowers picked fresh from our own garden to aid sleep. This was the most elementary way to use medicinal plants since no fancy recipes or scientific acumen was needed. But this element of traditional witchcraft has long been in the shadows of modern medicine.

The use of Simples as a form of domestic plant medicine dates back centuries,with roots in traditional witchcraft. These remedies were often created using herbs,flowers,and other natural ingredients that were readily available to rural communities. The simplicity of these remedies made them accessible to everyone,including women of the household who were responsible for tending to their families' health.

One of the most common Simples was a cup of chamomile tea made from fresh flowers. Chamomile is known for its calming properties and has been used for centuries to aid sleep and reduce anxiety. The tea was often served as a bedtime ritual,with women of the household sharing it with their children and husbands to promote a restful night's sleep.

Another popular Simple was a mixture of honey and lemon juice. Honey is a natural sweetener that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments,including coughs,colds,and sore throats. Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C,which is known for its immune-boosting properties and ability to fight off infections. The mixture was often used to treat sore throats and coughs,and was believed to help boost the immune system.

Simples were not only used for their medicinal properties but also for their culinary uses. Many herbs and flowers were used to add flavor and aroma to food,and were believed to have health benefits as well. For example,rosemary was used to add flavor to meat dishes,and was believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender was used to add flavor to desserts,and was believed to have calming properties.

Despite the simplicity of Simples,they were effective in treating a wide range of ailments. Many of these remedies were based on traditional knowledge and were passed down through generations of country people. However,as modern medicine advanced,Simples began to be overlooked and marginalized.

In recent years,however,there has been a renewed interest in the use of Simples as a form of natural medicine. Many people are turning to natural remedies to treat a variety of health issues,and Simples are becoming increasingly popular. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can help individuals learn more about the use of Simples and how to create their own remedies.

In conclusion,Simples are a simple but effective form of domestic plant medicine that has been used for centuries by rural communities to treat a wide range of ailments. These remedies are based on traditional knowledge and are easily accessible to anyone. Despite the decline of Simples in modern medicine,there is a growing interest in their use as a form of natural medicine. With the right
rejuvenated interest in natural remedies,Simples may once again play an important role in promoting health and well-being.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789047899