Bana bhioncas Caristiona nic Beathain
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In medieval times a number of herbal preparations were in common use, these ranged from simple decoctions to more complex preparations such as creams and troches (a sort of medieval cough lozenge). Even when looking at one preparation, the variety of ways that each preparation could be made was amazing. For example creams were commonly made of lard, but written evidence of creams made from wax, oil and lion fat, deer fat and butter can also be found. "Also, for to ripen and break an apostume, stamp this herb with hog’s grease and lay it upon the apostume." An Herbal: 72 "...And being pounded with grease, it doth cleanse ye foulness, & malignancies of ulcers,..." Dioscoridies: 465 "Take the leaves of Tabaco two pound, Hog’s grease one pound, stampe the herbe small in a stone morter, putting thereto a cup full of red claret wine, stirre them well together, cover the morter from filth, and so let it rest until morning; then put it to the fire and let it boile the wine; straine it and set it to the fire againe, putting thereto the juyce of the herbe one pound, of Venice turpentine foure ounces; boile them together to the consumption of the juice, then adde thereto of the roots of round Aristolochia or Birthwort in most fine pouder two ounces, sufficient wax to give it body; the which keep for thy wounded poore neighbor." Gerard: 206 The above quotes show numerous examples of lard being used as a base for a cream. So now that we have discovered what was used as a common cream base in the middle ages what sort of herbs do we use? I always make sure that I use herbs that are used by modern day herbalists in much the same way as they were used by the Medieval herbalist. This is to ensure safety and efficacy of the preparation. Calendula "The floures and leaves of Marigolds being distilled, and the water dropped into red and watery eies, ceaseth the inflammation, and taketh away the pain." Gerard "They use it for the bites of snakes, spiders, vipers and other reptiles, administering it in wine or anointing the place with it mixed with olive oil." Theophrastus. Modern actions for Calendula include: astringent, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antifungal, cholagogue and an emmemagogue it also has uses for skin inflammations, wounds, burns, digestive upsets and painful periods. Mills Comfrey "The leaves stamped take away bruises and swellings proceeding of some stroke, if they be stamped and laid thereon; whereupon it was called in old time bruisewort." Gerard "..it helpeth to gather broken bones. It is hot and moist." An Herbal Modern actions for comfrey include: stimulating bone and skin growth, soothing and astringent. It is useful for healing local wounds, strains and bone fractures. DO NOT USE COMFREY ON BROKEN SKIN. DO NOT USE INTERNALLY. Mills St. Johns Wort (Hypericium) "...doth make an oile of the colour of bloud, which is a most pretious remedie for deep wounds..." Gerard Modern actions for St. Johns Wort: gentle calming effect. The oil has a local analgesic effect, and is slightly antiseptic. It is useful for states of anxiety, and depression, also for light burns and any other external wounds. Hoffman.
In making a lard based bruise cream I find these three herbs are very effective. They provide a safe and effective way of reducing both bruising and swelling. 340g Lard (this is the closest modern equivalent to the hogs grease used by Gerard) 46ml Gum Turpentine. (do not use mineral turpentine, it is not good for your skin and being a petroleum by-product it is not period). 56 gm of bees wax Dried or fresh herbs, as above. (A couple of handfuls of each should be enough). Bruise the herbs to be used and place them in the lard. This should be well mixed, covered with cling wrap and placed in the sun for a few days. When this has been done warm the lard and herbs until they can be strained. At the same time warm the Turpentine and the wax. Strain the lard and combine with the wax and Turpentine. Keep stirring this mixture until it is cold. This makes a nice cream that is easy to spread although a bit oily.
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