Anglo Saxons believed sickness was spread as a result of poisons or toxins blowing in the wind. Songs, salt, water, and herbs were trusted means of protection from the flying venom. The Book of Shadows, a 10th century herbal, names nine sacred plants and a chant in their praise.

The nine sacred herbs shared with us mere mortals by the god Odin are traditional to Anglo Saxon lore and are used in protection against nine poisons.

In this article we look at the traditional use of the nine sacred herbs.

Anglo Saxons believed sickness was spread as a result of poisons or toxins blowing in the wind. Songs, salt, water, and herbs were trusted means of protection from the flying venom. The Book of Shadows, a 10th century herbal, names nine sacred plants and a chant in their praise.

The nine sacred herbs shared with us mere mortals by the god Odin are traditional to Anglo Saxon lore and are used in protection against nine poisons.

Please note, this article is not a medical resource and all claims of clinical results are based on claims made by herbalists from the previous centuries. Before using the herbs for the purpose described in this article please consult a registered medical practitioner

Mugwart (Artemisia vulgaris)

Mugwort was seen as a general cure all. Gathered on Midsummer Eve and placed in a grain bin, it was thought to keep mice away. If made into a girdle, mugwort was thought to protect one from witches, ghosts, and general misfortune.

For medicinal purposes, used as a leaf tea diuretic, it induces sweating, regulates erratic menstruation, brings on delayed periods, expels afterbirth, and helps with menopausal symptoms.

A pillow stuffed with mugwort and slept upon will produce prophetic dreams. Mugwort is burned during scrying rituals, and a mugwort-and-honey infusion is drunk before divination. It also has a clearing effect on the mind.

Plantain (Plantago major)

Plantain fresh leaves are cooling and pain-relieving when they have been crushed (fresh). You can use them to treat wounds and abrasions, to draw out infections, halt bleeding in minor wounds, and ease discomfort from burns, stings and even snake bites. Plantain was also believed to help bring down a fever.

Plantain roots and leaves help maintain the health of the urinary tract, kidneys, and bladder and heals gastrointestinal ulcers. It can be used in an ointment for haemorrhoids and as an external wash for sores, boils, inflammations, and ringworm infestations. As a decoction, it was used for thrush in children. The seeds are edible and can be ground into flour, as their mucilage lowers cholesterol. Plantain is also a confirmed antimicrobial stimulating the healing processes.

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

Watercress is rich in Vitamin C and iron, and is an excellent tonic. The fresh plant is an appetite stimulant, and is also used for catarrh and bronchitis; cough syrup often contains watercress and honey. It aids in eliminating retained fluid in the body, and the bruised leaves of the watercress are to be placed directly on the skin to combat freckles, pimples and other skin ailments. Watercress is an excellent diuretic with edible, mustard flavoured leaves, but large doses of the plant are purgative

Afterloathe

No one knows for sure just exactly this Venom-loather (or Atterloathe as it is usually translated) really is, so it is often substituted with Betony, a cure-all for maladies of the soul.

Some research translates this herb as ‘Attorlode’ or ‘Adder’, the only known venomous snake in the United Kingdom.

As there is only one herb that grows in the United Kingdom with the name ‘viper’ this herb is likely to be the fourth herb of the nine. This herb is Viper’s Burgloss (Echium Vulgare or Boraginaceae).

Viper's Burgloss can be used as a diuretic, an expectorant, it breaks fevers, soothes pain from inflammations, an also used to treat snakebites. The seeds were decocted and mixed in wine "to comfort the heart and drive away melancholy"; i.e. as an antidepressant. It also adds milk to the breasts of lactating women, can ease pain in the loins, back and kidneys, as well. The flowers of this plant can be added to salads, made into a cordial, or crystallized.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Chamomile never fails to lift the spirits with its sweet scent. Maythen, as it was known to the Saxons, is the “plants’ physician,” as it revives ailing plants when set near them. Humans enjoy its benefits as well.

Chamomile can be used as a tea for the upset stomach or as a sedative, and is good at reducing swelling and itching such as that cause by poison ivy when used as an oil or in a poultice. Chamomile is also an antifungal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory. It can relieve windburn, heartburn and colic. Inhalation of steam is good for phlegm and hay fever.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Nettle is the most surprising herb considering its origin.
Nettle has high Vitamin C and iron content; eaten as a spring tonic. It is used to promote circulation in frostbitten skin, and was introduced to the world by the Roman Legions, who would rub their arms with the leaves to keep their blood flowing in the cold, damp weather. Nettle juice is used to treat skin conditions; it is an antidote to the sting of the needles. It is given as a tonic for anaemia and diabetes, and its tea is drunk for urinary problems and haemorrhoids. Nursing mothers can take it to keep their milk flowing. Nettle tea is also used for arthritis and rheumatism, as it clears uric acid from the system. Compresses or poultices of nettle are used on sore joints, and its powdered leaves are inhaled for nosebleeds.

The (whole) Nettle plant yields a greenish-yellow dye, and can be retted and prepared like flax. The astringent young leaves are used in facial steams, bath mixtures, and hair preparations. The silica in nettles helps falling hair and it can even be cooked and eaten as a pot herb, like mustard greens or spinach.

Crab Apple (Pyrus Malus)

Crab apple has long been associated with health and renewal. The original wild apple from which all varieties derive is said to promote deep sleep and increase energy.

Crab apple is used for cleansing of the system, especially in the morning, and as a diuretic for urinary tract problems. It is an Antiseptic, a tonic, and a rich source of various vitamins, trace elements, amino acids and flavonoids. Malic acid is the principal acid of the fruit, hence its Latin name and it is useful in the management of immuno-mediated diseases. It reduces skin inflammation, helps in removing dead skin fragments (exfoliation), and contains an antifungal constituent.

Crab Apple is also used for its pectin, to set jams and jellies.

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)

Chervil is believed to posses a powerful brain stimulant. It was once the sovereign remedy to restore the will to live or cheer melancholy.

Chervil is also used in an infusion for flatulence, coughs, to aid digestion, and stimulate perspiration. Its roots have antiseptic action and were used to cure the bites of mad dogs and snakes. Steeped in wine, Chervil roots were a remedy for consumption (tuberculosis). It can be eaten as a general tonic, and its leaves, when bruised, can be applied as a poultice directly on wounds

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel conveys longevity, gives strength and courage while its pleasant aroma discourages evil spirits.

Fennel soothes digestion, especially flatulence, constipation, and indigestion. It promotes milk production in lactating woman and animals by boiling its seeds or leaves in barley water and then drunk by nursing mothers to increase their milk and its quality for the infant. In an infusion, fennel is used for gum disease, loose teeth, laryngitis, and sore throats. It can be chewed to relieve hunger pangs, and it has a mild stimulant effect. Also, it has recently been found to reduce the toxic effects of alcohol on the system. Fennel seed, bruised and boiled in water, and then added to syrup and soda water will relieve gas in infants. In the diet Fennel promotes good eyesight and fights obesity.