Strewing herb – Disposable Ear Speculum – Disposable Tooth Scaler
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Strewing herbs are certain kinds of plants that are scattered (strewn) over the floors of dwelling places and other buildings. Such plants usually have fragrant or astringent smells, and many also serve as insecticides or disinfectants. Their use was widespread in England during the middle ages through to the 18th century.
Historical Use
In the early middle ages bathing was in decline in England. As people got smellier so the use of fragrant herbs became more popular. They were used in all areas of the house, including kitchens, dining halls and bedrooms. The herbs were laid on the floor along with reeds, rushes or straw, so that pleasant odours would be released when people walked on them. Certain plants would also help keep pests such as fleas at bay.
Rich and poor households used strewing herbs and royal households were no exception. Indeed, Queen Elizabeth I was particularly fond of Meadowsweet:
‘Queene Elizabeth of famous memory, did more desire it than any other herb to strew her chambers withall.’
ohn Gerard , Gerard’s Herbal
The post of Royal Herb Strewer was created in 1660 by King Charles II.
List of Strewing Herbs
Lady’s Bedstraw
Kills fleas. Also used to stuff matresses.
Sweet flag
Sweet smell. Rush-like leaves.
Pennyroyal
Kills fleas (also known as fleabane).
Lavender
Also used in matresses and pillows.
Hyssop
Fragrant. Also has biblical reference to cleanliness
Mint
Various species
Meadowsweet
Chamomile
Southernwood
Also known as lad’s love, this was thought to be an aphrodisiac. Often used in bedrooms.
Sweet woodruff
Thyme
Various species.
Rue
Rosemary
Often strewn in churches.
Rose
Petals only.
Camphor laurel
Also known as Mawdelin
Cotton lavender
Sage
Tansy
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
References
^ ‘Purge me with Hyssop and I shall be clean.’ Psalm 51
Categories: HerbsHidden categories: Articles needing additional references from September 2008 | All articles needing additional references | Incomplete lists
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