Vinegars, Vapours, and Virtues: Household Herbal Medicine Workshop

When: Tuesday 07 July, 19.00-21.00
Where: Michael Sadler Building: LG.15
Open to: IMC Delegates
Price: £36.50
How to Book: Advance Booking Required via IMC Registration

Directed by the Historical Herbalists

At its heart, herbal medicine is folk medicine. Remedies would be crafted in the home to treat illness and injury, as well as to maintain the health of the family. People often foraged in their local environment for the plants they needed or cultivated them in their gardens. Folk would build up stores of herbs, plants, and medicines for use, creating their own apothecary, but would also rely upon the skills and knowledge of local healers, who were often women. Acting as midwives and birth attendants, these healers looked after people's physical and mental health, often drawing upon their knowledge of herbal remedies.

In this workshop, participants will learn about the many and diverse sources of herbal medicines and plant remedies in historical records as well as the history of women in medicine. They will also have a chance to make their own remedies to take away, including 'four thieves' vinegar', herbal infusions, and incense.

The Historical Herbalists CIC portray traditional healers and medical herbalists from the Romans to the Renaissance, the medieval to the modern era. Dressed in traditional clothing, we bring life to the role of the historical wise woman and educate about the history of medicine, with a focus on folk medicine. Although we won’t all always be at every event, there are three of us, all trained herbalists. Between us, we have training in the history of medicine, archaeology, social anthropology, botany, plant folklore, and traditional crafts.

The workshop can only accommodate a limited number of participants. Early booking is recommended.