Herbal Medicine Sources for Fantasy Novel

[toxicyarnglare]

I have in mind an idea to write a fantasy novel, and with it being fantasy, they would know doubt use herbs and other natural ingredients to heal people when they got sick. While the focus of the novel isn't on healing aspects, it would be nice to have some background knowledge on the subject. Can anyone recommend me some decent books on this subject? Books on history of medicine, or reference guides would be welcome. Books dealing with magic or witchcraft are okay, provided that the focal point is on the medicines themselves, and not the magical aspect.

Any help would be appreciated!

[thalassa]

Re: Herbal Medicine Sources for Fantasy Novel

Since you are looking for a historical context, Mrs. Grieve's Herbal is a good start for individual herbs and their uses...its a relatively modern traditional herbal, and most of it can be found free online. There's also Nicholas Culpeper's work from the lat 1700's, The English Physician--its also online.

Also (one you'd have to buy used I think), Green Pharmacy: The History and Evolution of Western Herbal Medicine by Barbara Griggs is supposed to be good, but I've not read it yet.

[toxicyarnglare]

Re: Herbal Medicine Sources for Fantasy Novel

I know this is late in replying, but thank you very much! I checked those out and they look quite helpful. Does anyone else have any other suggestions?

[habbalah]

Re: Herbal Medicine Sources for Fantasy Novel

I had some links, if you don't care about the historicalness of them.

[toxicyarnglare]

Re: Herbal Medicine Sources for Fantasy Novel

I had some links, if you don't care about the historicalness of them.

Sure, I wouldn't mind seeing them.