Lesson Three | throughthestones

Lesson Three - Claire’s Apothecary

When we first meet Claire Randall, she is a World War II nurse. Later on she travels through time where her medical knowledge is put to the test. Being a gifted physician and an amateur botanist earns her respect amongst the Scots. She becomes a healer during the 1700’s, where knowledge of local plants and herbs is crucial. Some were as deadly as they were beautiful, and only a skilled healer could use them. In this lesson, I am going to introduce you to some of the most common plants Claire uses in her Apothecary. You were considered invaluable to a clan if you could learn the use of each plant and how to apply them to healing.

Ramsons (Allium ursinum)

Ramsons is widely used in the Highlands to treat kidney stones. The leaves can be used to make a tea, which could be drank as a tonic, which cleansed and strengthened the blood. The leaves have a strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial property, which can be used to make poultices for treating wounds and drawing out infection. It could also be included in salads and soups, or cooked as a vegetable. It is most effective when used fresh.

Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)

Is used for colic-like pains in the digestive tract and gallbladder. Belladonna is also used as an anti-spasmodic, which stopped muscle spasms and brought relief to patients. It was also said to reduce perspiration and could alleviate menopausal sweats.

Belladonna is highly poisonous if not used properly. Therefore only qualified medical herbalists could prescribe it. Today, it is more commonly known as Deadly Nightshade, Banewort and Devil's Berry.The name Belladonna comes from the Ladies of ancient Rome, whom used the juice in eye drops to dilate pupils. It was said that dilated pupils increase ones attractiveness.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

When someone had a little too much haggis, fennel could help relieve gas and indigestion that came from overindulgence. A half-teaspoon of fennel seeds could be steeped in a cup of boiling water and left to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drinking one to two cups per day, especially after meals, was said to aid in digestion.

This herb can also be safely consumed by nursing mothers and infants, and was traditionally used to increase milk supply when breast-feeding. It could then be passed through to the baby and could help ease colic. When not breast-feeding, one to two teaspoons of the cooled tea mixture were said to settle colic. Fennel could also be used as a diuretic, to sooth and increase the flow of urine.

Vervain (Verbena officinalis)

When the women in the village were experiencing cramps from their monthly cycle, vervain was used to ease their pain. It was ideal for lifting the spirits, reducing cramps and easing anxiety. It was also used as an anti-depressant, with its bitter action said to encourage liver function, which in turn balanced the hormones.

Vervain could also be used to treat jaundice and inflammations of the gallbladder. It can also increase milk supply in nursing mothers and could ease away depression after the birth of a baby.

Celandine (Chelidonium majus)

A particularly strong herb, celandine was useful in the treatment of gallstones, inflammations of the gallbladder, jaundice, hepatitis and bilious headaches. Fresh celandine juice could be used to rid the bearer of warts and corns when applied topically. Celandine had to be used in caution though, because it could also cause skin irritation.

This plant was also used to improve eyesight. For example, the removal of the whitish opaque spots on the eye called 'kennings'. Celandine is known to be quite acidic, so treatment was considered painful.

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Was used to regulate and strengthen a weak or unstable heart. Those with heart conditions could make good use of Lily of the Valley. Only a trained professional could administer this potentially deadly plant due to its extreme toxicity. Lily of the Valley's effectiveness on heart function comes from its cardiac glycosides, which are extremely toxic.

The flower itself produces an aromatic oil called farnesol. It has a wonderfully sweet scent. It is said that the nightingale is drawn into the woodlands to find a mate due to this luring perfume, and it is also a traditional flower to have at weddings.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

For a patient that has hit the Rhenish and whisky hard for years, turmeric could have had great healing powers. Turmeric is known to have a detoxifying and regenerative effect on the liver. It increases the volume and excretion of bile, which makes it useful in treating liver and gallbladder diseases.

Turmeric originated in South India and was used for thousands of years in Siddha medicine. It was brought to Scotland via members of the British East India Company. It was first published in 1652, in Culpeper’s Complete Herbal.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Used primarily in digestive and colic mixtures due to its relaxant effect on the bowels and its ability to ease cramps and tension. It can also help clear the sinuses via both oral and inhaled preparations. Peppermint is widely used as an anti-nausea preparation. Drinking Peppermint as a hot tea encouraged sweating, which could shorten the length of a cold or flu.

Peppermint has also been used in purification spells. It was said that placing the fresh herb on an altar could attract good spirits, which assist in rituals or magic. You could also place peppermint beneath a pillow and it could offer a glimpse of the future in one's dreams. It is also used as an aphrodisiac and could excite ones love life.

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

A member of the mint family, pennyroyal is similar to peppermint. In small doses it could calm gas and bloating, encourage sweating, and ease the symptoms of colds, colic and indigestion. But as we learned in the Outlander series, it is most common used to bring on menstruation and/or cause a miscarriage.

Pennyroyal oil is an irritant as well as toxic to both the liver and kidneys. It should be avoided at all cost if pregnant. To achieve menstruation or miscarriage, one would have to consume a nearly toxic level of this herb, sadly, many lost their lives to this when not overseen by an experienced herbalist.

On a more cheerful note, Pennyroyal placed in the shoe was said to prevent weariness and strengthen travelers. It was also thought to be an herb of peace that could ward off evil spirits if worn by an individual or added to a room spray.

White Willow Bark (Salix alba)

The many healing powers of white willow bark make it an especially treasured addition to any apothecary. White willow bark can be used as an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory drug. It helps to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, headaches, diarrhea and dysentery. If the patient had a fever, white willow bark could reduce the severity or break the fever.

White willow bark also has magical properties. The leaves were used to attract love, while the leaves, bark and wood were used in healing spells. Many of us even have wands and brooms which are made out of the wood.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale folia)

James Fraser is no dummy to this treatment. After a battle with the Redcoats or a lashing from the whip, comfrey was used to increases cell division, making it a rapid healer of both flesh and bone. In fact, it was also known as "knitbone" for this very reason. Comfrey also heals ulcers and reduce bleeding from the stomach, throat, bowels, bladder, and lungs.

The plant is divided into two parts: root and leaves. The leaves were used to remedy respiratory and urinary tract problems, as well as assisting with inflammation of the sinuses and a dry cough. The root was used more for digestive issues and bone healing. The root could be used in a poultice and applied to the affected area. If the skin was broken, the wound had to be cleaned thoroughly before application, as comfrey's quick healing properties could lock in infection before the body had time to eradicate it. Comfrey was often combined with marigold, an anti-bacterial and anti-microbial herb, to avoid this problem.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Was used in patients whom were under distress. It acts to sedate the central nervous system, and provided great relief in cases of anxiety, panic, distress and insomnia. It was used to relax muscles and blood vessels, making it very useful for treating cases of stress-related irritable bowel syndrome and hypertension.

When valerian is added to a love sachets, it is said to bring calm to an argument. It was also said to ward off evil. The Greeks would traditionally hang a sprig of valerian under a window to keep evil away.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

One of my personal favorites to use. Garlic is a chef and a healer’s best friend. It is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-viral medicine, which made it a valuable remedy for a wide range of infections. It was also said to have cardiovascular properties which helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The only side effect to garlic is bad breath. The sulfurous compounds in garlic are notorious for the smell. People whom consume garlic every day tend to have more strength and better immune systems.

Assignment Three - submit all assignments to holthroughthestones@gmail.com

Name that Herb (worth 30 points)

1. Many of us even have wands and brooms which are made out of the wood.

2. Someone suffering with cardiac (heart) issues could potentially try this, but beware, it can be highly toxic.

3. After a hearty feast, one may overindulge, resulting in gas and indigestion.

4. This was made into an eye drop and used to dilate pupils.

5. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal,anti-parasitic, and anti-viral.

6. Placed in the shoe, it was said to prevent weariness and strengthen travelers.

7. Drinking this as a tea could treat kidney stones.

8. Can be used to treat jaundice (there are multiple answers to this one)

9. Rapid healer of both flesh and bone.

10. Smells great and is used to treat nausea.

11. Someone who drinks too much whiskey could benefit from this.

12. This works best when it is used fresh. Can be tossed in a salad or soup.

13. Anxiety, panic, distress and insomnia... used as a sedative.

14. This flower produces an aromatic oil called farnesol.

15. Used to treat 'kennings'.

Extra Credit - (worth 30 points)

Unscramble these words:

1. yxantei

2. cairtoam

3. anaeus

4. ejcaiudn

5. hfsle

6. lbaacitra

7. fluang

8. cpairtais

9. lvair

10. esevdiat

All assignment are due by January 10th. Please be sure to include your Name, HOL ID and which assignment you are submitting.